Diverse Elements Research Articles

Syncretic management of innovative projects in the age of ai explosion

As the technological landscape rapidly evolves, the convergence of innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges for project management. This paper introduces a comprehensive mathematical model for the syncretic management of innovative projects in the age of the AI explosion. Syncretism in this context refers to the seamless integration of diverse elements, including interdisciplinary collaboration, AI technologies, and adaptive methodologies, to optimize project outcomes. The proposed model encompasses various facets of project management, innovation, and AI integration. It delineates stages of project lifecycle management, emphasizing resource allocation, risk assessment, and adaptive strategies. In the innovation management domain, the model incorporates methodologies for idea generation, technology scouting, and open innovation, recognizing AI's role in shaping the innovative landscape. A crucial aspect of the model lies in the integration of AI technologies throughout the project. This includes identifying relevant use cases, managing data effectively, selecting appropriate AI models, and establishing decision support systems. The syncretic approach emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, fostering an environment where different disciplines seamlessly contribute to project success. Resource optimization is a key focus, leveraging AI to allocate resources efficiently, predict maintenance needs, and enhance overall project performance. Ethical and legal considerations are embedded within the model to ensure responsible AI usage, and the paper outlines mechanisms for ongoing training and development to equip teams with the necessary skills. The model's effectiveness is evaluated through the lens of monitoring and evaluation, with defined key performance indicators, continuous monitoring, and feedback loops for iterative improvements. Communication and collaboration are underscored, utilizing modern tools to facilitate stakeholder engagement and effective teamwork. This paper contributes to the evolving discourse on project management by providing a robust framework that adapts to the dynamic nature of AI and innovation. It serves as a guide for project managers, interdisciplinary teams, and decision-makers navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the syncretic management of innovative projects in the era of the AI explosion.

Urban Aquatic Scene Expansion for Semantic Segmentation in Cityscapes

In urban environments, semantic segmentation using computer vision plays a pivotal role in understanding and interpreting the diverse elements within urban imagery. The Cityscapes dataset, widely used for semantic segmentation in urban scenes, predominantly features urban elements like buildings and vehicles but lacks aquatic elements. Recognizing this limitation, our study introduces a method to enhance the Cityscapes dataset by incorporating aquatic classes, crucial for a comprehensive understanding of coastal urban environments. To achieve this, we employ a dual-model approach using two advanced neural networks. The first network is trained on the standard Cityscapes dataset, while the second focuses on aquatic scenes. We adeptly integrate aquatic features from the marine-focused model into the Cityscapes imagery. This integration is carefully executed to ensure a seamless blend of urban and aquatic elements, thereby creating an enriched dataset that reflects the realities of coastal cities more accurately. Our method is evaluated by comparing the enhanced Cityscapes model with the original on a set of diverse urban images, including aquatic views. The results demonstrate that our approach effectively maintains the high segmentation accuracy of the original Cityscapes dataset for urban elements while successfully integrating marine features. Importantly, this is achieved without necessitating additional training, which is a significant advantage in terms of resource efficiency.

Assessment of Colistin Heteroresistance among Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Intensive Care Patients in Europe.

Heteroresistance (HR) to colistin is especially concerning in settings where multi-drug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae are prevalent and empiric use of colistin might lead to treatment failures. This study aimed to assess the frequency of occurrence of colistin HR (CHR) among (MDR) K. pneumoniae (n = 676) isolated from patients hospitalized in 13 intensive care units (ICUs) in six European countries in a clinical trial assessing the impact of decolonization strategies. All isolates were whole-genome-sequenced and studied for in vitro colistin susceptibility. The majority were colistin-susceptible (CS) (n = 597, MIC ≤ 2 µg/mL), and 79 were fully colistin-resistant (CR) (MIC > 2 µg/mL). A total of 288 CS isolates were randomly selected for population analysis profiling (PAP) to assess CHR prevalence. CHR was detected in 108/288 CS K. pneumoniae. No significant association was found between the occurrence of CHR and country, MIC-value, K-antigen type, and O-antigen type. Overall, 92% (617/671) of the K. pneumoniae were MDR with high prevalence among CS (91%, 539/592) and CR (98.7%, 78/79) isolates. In contrast, the proportion of carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae (CP-Kpn) was higher among CR (72.2%, 57/79) than CS isolates (29.3%, 174/594). The proportions of MDR and CP-Kpn were similar among CHR (MDR: 85%, 91/107; CP-Kpn: 29.9%, 32/107) and selected CS isolates (MDR: 84.7%, 244/288; CP-Kpn: 28.1%, 80/285). WGS analysis of PAP isolates showed diverse insertion elements in mgrB or even among technical replicates underscoring the stochasticity of the CHR phenotype. CHR isolates showed high sequence type (ST) diversity (Simpson's diversity index, SDI: 0.97, in 52 of the 85 STs tested). CR (SDI: 0.85) isolates were highly associated with specific STs (ST101, ST147, ST258/ST512, p ≤ 0.003). The widespread nature of CHR among MDR K. pneumoniae in our study urge the development of rapid HR detection methods to inform on the need for combination regimens.

Visual resource extraction and artistic communication model design based on improved CycleGAN algorithm.

Through the application of computer vision and deep learning methodologies, real-time style transfer of images becomes achievable. This process involves the fusion of diverse artistic elements into a single image, resulting in the creation of innovative pieces of art. This article centers its focus on image style transfer within the realm of art education and introduces an ATT-CycleGAN model enriched with an attention mechanism to enhance the quality and precision of style conversion. The framework enhances the generators within CycleGAN. At first, images undergo encoder downsampling before entering the intermediate transformation model. In this intermediate transformation model, feature maps are acquired through four encoding residual blocks, which are subsequently input into an attention module. Channel attention is incorporated through multi-weight optimization achieved via global max-pooling and global average-pooling techniques. During the model's training process, transfer learning techniques are employed to improve model parameter initialization, enhancing training efficiency. Experimental results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed model in image style transfer across various categories. In comparison to the traditional CycleGAN model, it exhibits a notable increase in structural similarity index measure (SSIM) and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) metrics. Specifically, on the Places365 and selfi2anime datasets, compared with the traditional CycleGAN model, SSIM is increased by 3.19% and 1.31% respectively, and PSNR is increased by 10.16% and 5.02% respectively. These findings provide valuable algorithmic support and crucial references for future research in the fields of art education, image segmentation, and style transfer.

A Study on the Factors Influencing High Backfill Slope Reinforced with Anti-Slide Piles under Static Load Based on Numerical Simulation

Based on a real engineering case, this study employs the MIDAS finite element software to model the reinforced high embankment slope using anti-sliding piles. The accuracy of the finite element method is verified by comparing calculated outcomes with field monitoring data. Expanding on this foundation, an analysis of factors influencing the reinforced high embankment slope is undertaken to scrutinize the impact of diverse elements on the slope and ascertain the optimal reinforcement strategy. The results reveal the following: The principal displacement observed in the high embankment slope is a vertical settlement, which escalates with the backfill height. Notably, the highest settlement does not manifest at the summit of the initial slope; instead, it emerges close to the summits of the subsequent two slopes. However, the maximum horizontal displacement at the slope’s zenith diminishes as the fill height increases—a trend that aligns with both field observations and finite element computations. The examination of the influence of anti-sliding pile reinforcement on the high embankment slope unveils that factors like the length, diameter, spacing, and positioning of the anti-sliding piles exert minor impacts on vertical settlement, while variations in the parameters of the anti-sliding piles significantly affect the slope’s horizontal displacement. When using anti-sliding piles to reinforce multi-level high embankment slopes, factoring in the extent of horizontal displacement variation and potential cost savings, the optimal parameters for the anti-sliding piles are a length of 15 m, a diameter of 1.5 m, and a spacing of 2.5 m, presenting the most effective combination to ensure superior slope stability and support.

Dielectric, electric, and magnetic response of modified bismuth ferrite-based double perovskites for NTC-thermistor application

Owing to the variation of the characteristics due to the cationic substitution of diverse elements at both A and B sites, the new polycrystalline double perovskite BaBiFeMnO6, synthesized via a cost-efficient solid-state reaction route. Initial structural refinement by Rietveld analysis reveals material crystallised in dual phases i.e. monoclinic and orthorhombic. The respective cell parameters for monoclinic as well as orthorhombic phases are a = 5.5881 Å, b = 5.6541 Å, c = 7.9186 Å with cell angles α = γ = 900 and β = 89.90810 and a = 5.4807Å, b = 5.3583Å, c = 7.4045Å and refined angles are α = β = γ = 900 respectively. The microstructural interpretation of the present sample reflects a non-uniform distribution of the grains with an average grain size of 2.97 μm with a mean crystalline size of 342.65 nm. The Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) graph indicated that the sample belongs to the perovskite family. The impedance measurement was carried out in a selected frequency and an assigned temperature range to investigate the electrical features of the material which suggested the non-Debye type relaxation and negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTCR). Furthermore, the thermistor constant (β) and temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) contributed to investigating the NTCR characteristic of the sample under NTC-type thermistor applications. The room temperature dielectric constant is 1707.67 with a minimal tangent loss of 0.7069 at 100Hz frequency has been estimated by fitting the dielectric data by utilizing the Havrilliak-Negami function. The polarization (P) induced due to the maximum applied electric field of 1.287 kV is studied from the hysteresis loop plotted between them. The hysteresis loop indicates the ferroelectric property of the material with a lossy nature. The room temperature remnant magnetization (2Mr) of 0.4424 emu/g and coercivity (2Hc) of 6.2 kOe have been estimated from the M ∼ H loop. The potentiality of the material to be used as a viable candidate in various energy storage devices and supercapacitors is suggested by all of the characterisations in conjunction with the high value of εr i.e. ∼80000 at 300 °C for the lower frequency.

Independent Multiple-Atom-Site Functionality in Composition Adjustable Immiscible Ru-Rh-Pd-Pt Solid-Solution High-Entropy Alloys for NOx Reduction Outperforming Rh.

The high-entropy-alloy (HEA) nanoparticles with four, five or more metals significantly can yield the developments of functional materials with excellent performances in various reactions. However, the underlying reaction mechanisms of heterogeneous catalysis for HEA have been rarely investigated, due to their diverse elements and complex compositions. In this study, we successfully synthesized the homogeneously dispersed Ru-Rh-Pd-Pt HEA with adjustable compositions, as the multiple-atom-site catalysts (MASC). In the NOx reduction performance tests, Ru0.4 (Rh0.33Pd0.33Pt0.33)0.6 MASC showed the highest activity, which was significantly improved compared to that of the best monometal Rh, with the light-off temperature decreasing by ca. 50 °C. The Fourier transform infrared measurements revealed that the outstanding activity of Ru-Rh-Pd-Pt MASC was attributable to the well-coupled elementary steps of the CO adsorption, NO adsorption, NO dissociation and O spillover on the Ru, Rh, Rh-Pd and Pt sites, respectively, which explained the first clear reaction mechanism in heterogeneous catalysis for HEA.

Independent Multiple‐Atom‐Site Functionality in Composition Adjustable Immiscible Ru‐Rh‐Pd‐Pt Solid‐Solution High‐Entropy Alloys for NOx Reduction Outperforming Rh

AbstractThe high‐entropy‐alloy (HEA) nanoparticles with four, five or more metals significantly can yield the developments of functional materials with excellent performances in various reactions. However, the underlying reaction mechanisms of heterogeneous catalysis for HEA have been rarely investigated, due to their diverse elements and complex compositions. In this study, we successfully synthesized the homogeneously dispersed Ru−Rh−Pd−Pt HEA with adjustable compositions, as the multiple‐atom‐site catalysts (MASC). In the NOx reduction performance tests, Ru0.4 (Rh0.33Pd0.33Pt0.33)0.6 MASC showed the highest activity, which was significantly improved compared to that of the best monometal Rh, with the light‐off temperature decreasing by ca. 50 °C. The Fourier transform infrared measurements revealed that the outstanding activity of Ru−Rh−Pd−Pt MASC was attributable to the well‐coupled elementary steps of the CO adsorption, NO adsorption, NO dissociation and O spillover on the Ru, Rh, Rh−Pd and Pt sites, respectively, which explained the first clear reaction mechanism in heterogeneous catalysis for HEA.

An Analysis of Syncretism's Historical and Sociological Aspects in Goan Culture, Focusing on Its Evolution and Impact

Goa, an Indian state, possesses a diverse cultural legacy that the interplay of many ethnic, religious, and linguistic communities has influenced. Syncretism is a prominent feature of Goan culture, involving the fusion of diverse cultural elements such as religious beliefs, behaviours, and traditions. The historical development of syncretism in Goa is an intricate and varied phenomenon influenced by colonisation, migration, and trade.

Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of Autophagy-Related Genes in eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)

Autophagy, a highly conserved cellular process in plants, plays a vital role in regulating abiotic stress responses and senescence. Eggplant is a widely cultivated vegetable crop, its fruit is susceptible to cold damage, and its molecular mechanisms underlying stress tolerance, fruit ripening, and senescence remain largely uncharacterized. In this study, we systematically identified 41 Autophagy-Related Genes (ATGs) in eggplant and through bioinformatics methods, we analyzed their gene structures, evolutionary features, chromosomal locations, and promoter elements. Additionally, we conducted RNA-seq transcriptome analysis of various eggplant organs as well as under different stress conditions, and assessed the expression patterns of the SmATG8 under cold stress in eggplant fruit. Our analysis results show that the SmATGs promoters have diverse cis-regulatory elements, with most SmATGs exhibiting low and stable expression levels in different tissues. Some genes displayed tissue-specific expression patterns. Under 4 °C low-temperature stress, the expression of the SmATG8 family was continuously upregulated, indicating that autophagy plays a crucial role in defending against cold damage in eggplant. Furthermore, we found that ATGs in dicots and monocots exhibit distinct homology patterns. Within the dicots, eggplant and pepper, both being Solanaceae plants, their ATGs exhibit high homology, suggesting that SmATGs in Solanaceae plants have unique homologous relationships. The analysis of SmATGs unveiled their potential contributions to plant stress responses, fruit ripening, and senescence, thus offering a theoretical foundation for further exploration of stress resistance and senescence mechanisms in eggplant.

QUALITY ASSESSMENT FOR MULTI-RESOLUTION SEGMENTATION AND SEGMENT-ANYTHING MODEL USING WORLDVIEW-3 IMAGERY

Abstract. Image segmentation, is of utmost importance in the disciplines of digital image processing, particularly remote sensing and computer vision, has seen an increasing demand for precise and efficient algorithms. This study focuses to conduct a comparative exploration of the segmentation capabilities of two sophisticated techniques namely, Multiresolution Segmentation (MRS) and Segment Anything Model (SAM), leveraging the high-resolution WorldView-3 (WV-3) satellite image. MRS adopts a hierarchical methodology, segmenting an image into various scales while retaining a profound understanding of its structure. Conversely, SAM employs a deep learning algorithm, prioritizing segment creation based on conceptual pixel similarity, irrespective of spatial adjacency. The WV-3 image, featuring diverse land cover elements like agricultural parcels, industrial structures, roads, red roofs, single trees, and water bodies, serves as the basis for assessing segmentation quality. Both methods are applied to the image, and their outcomes are individually evaluated against manually generated polygonal land use/cover objects. Segmentation quality metrics are employed for assessment. Results reveal MRS effectively preserves fine details and entity delineation, while SAM excels in capturing contextually similar regions. MRS outperforms SAM with a negligible discrepancy, yet SAM demonstrates superiority in the red roof object, achieving an Intersection over Union (IoU) value of 0.70 compared to MRS’s 0.49. MRS tends to generate numerous segments for an item, while SAM produces only one segment. Nevertheless, it is important to recognise that both algorithms have specific constraints in particular scenarios, such as excessive segmentation in areas with abundant texture or inadequate segmentation in areas with slight changes.

Genetic Diversification and Resistome of Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci from Nostrils of Healthy Dogs and Dog-Owners in La Rioja, Spain.

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) species in healthy dogs and their owners could be transferred between these hosts and carry diverse antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes of public health concern. This study determined the frequency, diversity, and AMR genes of nasal CoNS from healthy dogs and in-contact people as well as the rate of intra-household (between healthy dogs and dog-owners) transmission of CoNS. Nasal samples were collected and processed from 34 dogs and 41 humans from 27 households, and CoNS identification was done by MALDI-TOF-MS. The AMR determinants and genetic lineages were determined by PCR/sequencing. A total of 216 CoNS isolates were initially obtained and identified, and the AMR phenotypes were determined. From these, 130 non-repetitive CoNS were selected (one isolate of each species per sample or more than one if they presented different AMR phenotypes) and further characterized. The predominant species from dog carriers were S. epidermidis (26.5%), S. hominis (8.8%), and S. cohnii (8.8%), whereas in the human carriers, the predominant ones were S. epidermidis (80.4%), S. lugdunensis (9.8%), and S. hominis (9.8%). Intra-host species diversity (>one CoNS species) was detected in 37.5% of dogs and 21.6% of dog-owners. Conversely, 50% of dogs and 70.3% of dog-owners had intra-species AMR diversity (2-4 AMR-CoNS profiles). About 20% were susceptible to all antimicrobial agents tested, 31.5% displayed a multidrug resistance phenotype, and 17.4% were mecA-positive, located in SCCmec type V (24.2%), III (18.1%), IVc (12.1%), and II (6.1%). The other mec-A positive CoNS isolates (39.5%) had non-typeable SCCmec. The highest AMR rates were found against erythromycin (32.3%/mph(C), msr(A)) and mupirocin (20.8%/mupA), but the resistance rates for other antimicrobial agents were <10% each. Remarkably, one linezolid-resistant S. epidermidis-ST35 isolate was identified and mediated by four amino acid substitutions in L3 and one in L4 ribosomal proteins. Dogs and dog-owners as carriers of S. epidermidis with similar AMR patterns and genetic lineages (ST59, ST61, ST166 and ST278) were detected in four households (14.8%). Diverse CoNS carriage and moderate level of AMR were obtained from this study. The detection of CoNS carrying diverse SCCmec elements and intra-species AMR diversity highlights the roles of dog ownership in the potential transmission of antimicrobial-resistant CoNS in either direction.

Promoter screening and identification for metabolic regulation in Acremonium chrysogenum.

Acremonium chrysogenum is the major industrial producer of cephalosporin C (CPC), which is used as raw material for the production of significant cephalosporin antibiotics. Due to the lack of diverse promoter elements, the development of metabolic engineering transformation is relatively slow, resulting in a limited improvement on CPC production. In this study, based on the analysis of the transcriptome profile, 27 candidate promoters were selected to drive the expression of the reporter genes. The promoter activities of this library ranged from 0.0075 to 101 times of the control promoter PAngpdA . Simultaneously, a rapid screening method for potential bidirectional promoters was developed and 4 strong bidirectional promoters from 27 candidate options were identified and validated. Finally, the Golden Gate method was employed to combine promoter modules from the library with various target genes. Through a mixed transformation and screening process, high-yielding strains AG-6, AG-18, and AG-41 were identified, exhibiting an increase in CPC production of 30%, 35%, and 29%, respectively, compared to the control strain Ac-∆axl2:: eGFP. Therefore, the utilization of this promoter library offers a broader range of synthetic biology toolkits for the genetic engineering transformation of A. chrysogenum, thus establishing a solid foundation for the precise regulation of gene expression.

The Contemporary Status of Pingxian Folk Songs and Their Educational Significance in Qinghai Province Through Anthropological Analysis

Background and Aims: This anthropological study delves into the contemporary status and educational significance of Pingxian folk songs in Qinghai Province, China. Pingxian folk songs are known for their delicate melodies. This research aims to analyze the contemporary status of Pingxian folk songs in Qinghai Province and their educational significance through anthropological analysis. Materials and Methods: The research is situated primarily in Qinghai Province, specifically focusing on Xining City, a central hub of Pingxian folk songs. Data collection involves in-depth interviews and systematic observation of performances, facilitated by structured interviews and observation forms. Four key informants, including local musicians, community elders, and music educators. Results: These songs have transitioned from local folk art to distinct local folk music, embracing diverse musical elements and the emergence of professional troupes. They continue to thrive through regular performances, preserving local dialects, and enchanting melodies, and serving as living repositories of history and culture. Furthermore, Pingxian folk songs play a pivotal role in fostering cultural identity, nurturing creativity, and enhancing social cohesion among learners, contributing to cultural heritage protection and the rejuvenation of Chinese traditions. Conclusion: Pingxian folk songs in Qinghai Province epitomize a dynamic cultural heritage that resonates with audiences today. Their enduring legacy, enriched by historical evolution and contemporary vitality, underscores their significance in education and cultural preservation. As valuable tools for instilling cultural identity and fostering creativity.

In silico analysis and expression profiling reveal the presence of abiotic stress and developmental stage specific Aconitase genes in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

The growth and yield of crops have been significantly affected by abiotic stresses. Although respiratory metabolism is integral to plants, its understanding within the context of stress adaptation remains limited . While the rice genome contains three Aconitase genes, their specific roles in abiotic stress tolerance and plant development remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to characterize the Aconitase gene family in rice, shedding light on the evolution of Aconitase and its involvement in diverse developmental processes, as well as its response under various abiotic stress conditions. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the evolutionary relationship between rice Aconitase genes and those of other plant species. The prediction of promoter cis-elements revealed the presence of diverse cis-acting elements associated with the response to abiotic stress within the Aconitase gene family. In addition, an analysis of public RNA-seq data indicated the potential involvement of Aconitase genes in various developmental processes and mechanisms related to stress tolerance. Further, qRT-PCR confirmed the expression patterns of Aconitase genes. Expression analysis revealed differential expression of Aconitase genes under cold, drought, ABA, and salt stresses. Elevated levels of the OsAco1 transcript resulted in a phenotype that exhibited increased tolerance to salt stress. Biochemical analysis revealed higher Aconitase activity in the overexpressed line compared to the control plant. Furthermore, the overexpressed line exhibited improved growth and lower H2O2 levels than the control plant following a 2-hour exposure to 200 mM salt stress. These findings suggest a potential role of Aconitase in enhancing salt stress tolerance. Moreover, they lay the foundation for further exploration into the precise involvement of Aconitase in plant developmental processes under various stress conditions, with the ultimate aim of developing salt-tolerant rice cultivars.

Folk Elements Compilation in Chinese Textbooks for Thai Elementary Schools

Background and Aim: Folk customs are an important part of culture, studying Chinese folk culture not only enhances Chinese learners’ language proficiency but also promotes their cultural exchange and fosters cross-cultural understanding. This research focuses on the folk elements in Chinese textbooks for Thai elementary schools, aiming to analyze the compilation of folk elements in terms of quantity, proportion, content, and difficulty level. Materials and Methods: A combination of literature review, comparative analysis, and interview methods is employed in this article to analyze the folk elements in six representative sets of Chinese teaching materials used in Thai elementary schools. Results: It was found that 1) The six representative sets of Chinese textbooks for Thai primary schools have rich and diverse folk elements, totaling over 4500. 2) Material folk elements are the most prominent, accounting for about 40.1%. They are followed by linguistic folk elements, comprising about 33.1%. Social folk elements comprise approximately 20.8%, while spiritual folk elements are the least represented, making up about 6.0%. 3) The folk elements are related to various social life topics and the associated Chinese vocabularies and expressions. 4) The difficulty levels of folk elements can be divided into elementary, intermediate, and advanced. Among them, elementary-level elements constitute the majority, comprising about 82.8%. Conclusion: Most of the representative Chinese textbooks in Thai primary schools have various types of folk elements. These folk elements may help Thai children grasp elementary Chinese vocabulary, social rules, and customs, and cultivate their awareness and ability for cross-cultural communication.

What factors are associated with the research productivity of primary care researchers in Canada? A qualitative study

BackgroundResearch evidence to inform primary care policy and practice is essential for building high-performing primary care systems. Nevertheless, research output relating to primary care remains low worldwide. This study describes the factors associated with the research productivity of primary care researchers.MethodsA qualitative, descriptive key informant study approach was used to conduct semi-structured interviews with twenty-three primary care researchers across Canada. Qualitative data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsTwenty-three primary care researchers participated in the study. An interplay of personal (psychological characteristics, gender, race, parenthood, education, spousal occupation, and support), professional (mentorship before appointment, national collaborations, type of research, career length), institutional (leadership, culture, resources, protected time, mentorship, type), and system (funding, systematic bias, environment, international collaborations, research data infrastructure) factors were perceived to be associated with research productivity. Research institutes and mentors facilitated collaborations, and mentors and type of research enabled funding success. Jurisdictions with fewer primary care researchers had more national collaborations but fewer funding opportunities. The combination of institutional, professional, and system factors were barriers to the research productivity of female and/or racialized researchers.ConclusionsThis study illuminates the intersecting and multifaceted influences on the research productivity of primary care researchers. By exploring individual, professional, institutional, and systemic factors, we underscore the pivotal role of diverse elements in shaping RP. Understanding these intricate influencers is imperative for tailored, evidence-based interventions and policies at the level of academic institutions and funding agencies to optimize resources, promote fair evaluation metrics, and cultivate inclusive environments conducive to diverse research pursuits within the PC discipline in Canada.

New Model of Inclusive Higher Education Practices in Megacities’ Universities

This study analyzes the problem of higher professional education for people with disabilities in multinational megacities from different countries. The aim of this paper is to investigate the emerging changes and perspectives of educational inclusion in the universities of Moscow, Jakarta, Barcelona, and Cairo and to develop a new model of inclusive educational practice for universities based on an inclusive ideology of understanding the position of people with disabilities in the education system and society overall. To perform this study and verify the new model proposed by the authors, participants were selected from ten universities that indicated parameters such as accessibility, participation, quality, students’ education results, and government funding. The survey aimed to collect participants’ perspectives and experiences from diverse elements of the higher education community in the aforementioned locations. 751 participants were selected for the survey with a balanced gender distribution: 48.6% men and 51.4% women. Age distribution was rather diverse: the age group of 18–24 years was 25,7%, the age group of 25–34 years was 27,3%, the age group of 35–44 years was 25,6%, and the age group of 45 years 21,4%. Another distribution was people without disabilities (N=250) and with disabilities (N=551). The reliability of the research was achieved using several methods, including ANOVA. The results of this research show similarities and differences in implementing inclusive education practices across selected locations, providing a detailed picture of the current state and future perspectives of higher inclusive education. The scientific novelty of this research lies in the theoretical-methodological rationale of the new model of inclusive higher education practices in universities of major megacities and in forming the propositions on this model’s implementation in higher education institutions. Doi: 10.28991/ESJ-2024-SIED1-03 Full Text: PDF

Indoor environmental quality (IEQ) in healthcare facilities: A systematic literature review and gap analysis

Numerous studies have examined the connection between indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and health in various healthcare settings. However, it remains uncertain whether these findings are consistent across a wide array of healthcare environments and for the diverse IEQ elements such as daylighting, thermal comfort, acoustics, and indoor air quality. As a result, this study aims to holistically assess the impact of IEQ elements on healthcare facilities with a focus on patient and staff outcomes and identify the gaps in knowledge within the domain. The study applied a qualitative research approach, including a systematic literature review from the last three decades, covering four major databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science). The collective body of research consistently demonstrates that favourable IEQ positively impacts patient recovery, reduces stress levels, shortens hospital stays, and enhances staff effectiveness in care delivery. Nevertheless, a notable research gap exists concerning the combined effects of IEQ on healing outcomes, particularly between purpose-built and non-purpose-built healthcare facilities. To bridge this gap, we propose adopting an evidence-based design approach to understand the relationship between a hospital's indoor environment and the well-being of both patients and staff, with a specific focus on architectural considerations. The study also proposes a conceptual framework that helps understand the dynamics of IEQ elements in healthcare facilities. The outcomes of this review offer valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and building and healthcare professionals, facilitating the enhancement of IEQ design guidelines and standards tailored to healthcare facilities.

Deciphering the features and functions of serine/arginine protein kinases in bread wheat

Serine/arginine protein kinases (SRPKs) are members of the serine-threonine kinase family that phosphorylate the Serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins involved in alternate splicing. They are reported in various eukaryotes including mammals, and in a few plants, but seldom explored in important crop species. Herein, we identified a total of nine TaSRPK genes from all three subgenomes (A, B, and D) of a staple crop Triticum aestivum, and phylogenetically classified them into two groups. The TaSRPKs have conserved gene architecture with four exons. Each TaSRPK protein consists of a characteristic protein kinase domain having an active site and ATP binding region. The occurrence of diverse cis-regulatory elements in the promoter region, and interaction with assorted groups of transcription factors and miRNAs exhibited their divergent functions. Differential expression of certain TaSRPKs in vegetative and reproductive tissues and in the presence of fungal pathogens and various abiotic stress conditions further assured their association during development processes and stress response. Our study highlighted the importance of TaSRPKs, which might be useful for their detailed characterization in future research.