Exploratory Review Research Articles

Travelling together: exploring the impact of support and service animals on travel experiences

ABSTRACT The phenomenon of multi-species families is increasingly linked to the growing awareness of the benefits of emotional support and service animals. As more people adopt various animals into their homes, it becomes crucial to understand how these family arrangements influence travel experiences. The presence of these animals during travel directly impacts the well-being and safety of travellers, contributing to the emotional and behavioural dynamics of multi-species families in transit. Consequently, the hospitality, tourism, and transportation industries must adapt to accommodate the growing number of tourists travelling with their animals, whether for work or leisure. The United States is the focus of this research due to its significant role in regulating emotional support and service animals, allowing for comparisons with the diverse regulations across European countries. This study aims to: (1) investigate current U.S. legislation regarding emotional support and service animals; (2) explore the challenges faced by owners of these animals during travel; and (3) highlight the practical experiences of owners travelling with emotional support and service animals. The methodology used is an exploratory qualitative review. The research highlights the experiences of Em and Jennifer, Brazilian students who travelled to the USA with their animals, illustrating the variations in travel experiences with emotional support and service animals. In conclusion, while acceptance and accommodation of these animals are evolving, particularly in the US hospitality industry and tourist attractions, challenges and a lack of understanding still exist in some establishments. This underscores the importance of studies like this to raise awareness and educate about the needs of families that rely on their animals. The increasing prevalence of multi-species families positively influences the availability of pet-friendly services, which can significantly impact travellers’ choice of accommodation when accompanied by their pets.

Participant Characteristics for Dysphagia Research: A Proposed Checklist.

Participant characteristics are underreported; however, they impact swallowing impairments and subsequent access to assessment and intervention. Standards for rigorous and transparent reporting of dysphagia research are required. The Framework for RigOr aNd Transparency In REseaRch on Swallowing (FRONTIERS) offers a critical appraisal tool for dysphagia research. This article outlines questions for participant characteristics in dysphagia research as part of the larger FRONTIERS tool. An exploratory literature review was conducted to determine how participant characteristics, eligibility criteria, and definitions of health and dysphagia are reported in the literature. Findings were cross-referenced with other relevant critical appraisal tools. A list of questions was generated and refined iteratively with the entire FRONTIERS collaborative until consensus was met. The participant characteristics portion of the FRONTIERS tool includes eight questions and 16 possible subquestions. Examples for how the tool might be used, as well as rationales for inclusion of all questions, are included. Including detailed characteristics of research participants may support understanding of how best to serve marginalized and underrepresented populations more effectively. Critical appraisal tools, such as FRONTIERS, may help to improve the rigor and transparency in dysphagia research, ultimately improving patient care.

Tutorial action models in universities of Latin America: A systematic review

Introduction: University tutorial action is a process of student intervention framed within educational orientation, and inherent to teaching action, increasingly considered in Latin America, as an effective strategy that reduces student dropout, and increases. the completion of university studies.Objective: Identify the main characteristics of the tutorial action models implemented in universities in Latin America.Methods: A systematic exploratory review of the existing updated literature, published in the last five years in the Web of Science and Google Scholar databases, referring to the Latin American context, was carried out.Results: A total of 21 studies considered relevant to the research were analyzed.Conclusions: It is evident that in the region there are different positions regarding the conception, organization and implementation of the tutorial action. The terms models, project and tutorial action plan are used interchangeably to represent the tutorial action as an object. just as the declared foundations appear imprecisely.

Use of artificial intelligence in the detection of coffee rust: An exploratory systematic review

Coffee rust, caused by the fungus Hemileia vastatrix, is a fungal disease that affects coffee production and quality, so its early detection is crucial to prevent massive outbreaks and protect production. This article analyzes the most effective factors, the algorithms used, the accuracy of the models, and the challenges in the detection of coffee rust, through an exploratory systematic review of 35 empirical articles obtained from Scopus, IEEE Xplore and SciELO. The review identifies that the most determinant factors for detection include humidity, temperature and the presence of shade. The most commonly used algorithms are Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Support Vector Machines (SVM) and Random Forest, highlighting CNN for its ability to process and analyze images with an accuracy of 99.57%, followed by Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) with 98% and SVM with 96%. However, it is concluded that challenges remain such as the need for high quality labeled datasets, variability in environmental conditions and implementation costs. This study provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances and areas for improvement in coffee rust detection, providing information for researchers, practitioners and decision makers in the agricultural sector.

Detection of diabetic retinopathy using artificial intelligence: an exploratory systematic review

Diabetic retinopathy is a disease that can lead to vision loss and blindness in people with diabetes, so its early detection is important to prevent ocular complications. The aim of this study was to analyze the usefulness of artificial intelligence in the detection of diabetic retinopathy. For this purpose, an exploratory systematic review was performed, collecting 77 empirical articles from the Scopus, IEEE, ACM, SciELO and NIH databases. The results indicate that the most commonly used factors for the detection of diabetic retinopathy include changes in retinal vascularization, macular edema and microaneurysms. Among the most commonly applied algorithms for early detection are ResNet 101, CNN and IDx-DR. In addition, some artificial intelligence models are reported to have an accuracy ranging from 90% to 95%, although models with accuracies below 80% have also been identified. It is concluded that artificial intelligence, and in particular deep learning, has been shown to be effective in the early detection of diabetic retinopathy, facilitating timely treatment and improving clinical outcomes. However, ethical and legal concerns arise, such as privacy and security of patient data, liability in case of diagnostic errors, algorithmic bias, informed consent, and transparency in the use of artificial intelligence.

Reducing refusals of care through improved personal care interactions between caregivers and people with dementia: protocol for a realist synthesis

IntroductionPeople with dementia develop progressive difficulties conducting basic activities of daily living, often requiring considerable assistance from caregivers. Many people with dementia, particularly in the advanced stages, can refuse assistance...

Myocarditis Induced by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: An Exploratory Review

Myocarditis Induced by Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: An Exploratory Review

Exploratory Literature Review on Shared Leadership to Aid Collaboration and Function Allocation in Human-Autonomy Teams

Exploratory Literature Review on Shared Leadership to Aid Collaboration and Function Allocation in Human-Autonomy Teams

A LIBERDADE DE CÁTEDRA NA JURISPRUDÊNCIA DO SUPREMO

The theme freedom of chair is not new. It has long been discussed in combination with wider themes such as the right to information, the autonomy of universities and even the free expression of thought, a genre of which it is a species. And there were many clashes, including the censorship imposed by the civil-military dictatorship initiated in 1964 and surrounding legislative initiatives by political agents of a conservative hue in an attempt to promote themes permeated with ideological biases such as the “agenda of customs”. Contextualizing these two time frames and the discussions arising from the results brought by jurisprudential research, we provide an overview of what is being debated regarding the academic freedom before the Supreme Court, which may indicate which points still remain in dispute. The exploratory bibliographic review made it possible to establish concepts about public freedoms in general and, above all, the specificity of academic freedom. From then on, empirical research was carried out on the jurisprudential collection of the Federal Supreme Court, analyzing quantitatively and qualitatively the results obtained, consisting of rulings and monocratic decisions, identifying correlated subjects and making it possible to observe that the field of Education, of which the Freedom of professorship is a specific aspect, it remains a field of ideological and legal dispute.

2145 Physical and mental health needs of older transgender adults in the U.K.: a scoping review

Abstract Introduction The number of adults in the UK who identify as transgender is increasing, through greater recognition of trans identity and growing numbers of individuals transitioning in later life. The term ‘Transgender’ encompasses a diverse range of experiences and identities, including those who identify as non-binary, gender-fluid, and gender-queer. However, within this review, we use the shortened term ‘trans’ and the following broad definition: ‘people whose gender is different from the gender assigned to them at birth.’ We conducted this exploratory review to examine the literature regarding the specific health and social care needs of older trans adults. Methods We utilised scoping review methodology and thematic qualitative analysis to systematically search and map the literature related to the physical and mental health challenges related to the ageing experience among trans adults in the UK. Results We identified 22 relevant papers through combined systematic search and additional manual reference review. We recognised five key themes within the literature: Systems and Structural Factors, Health and Mental Health, Social Care, Diversity and The Future. The former three themes relate to limitations presented by current models of care, barriers within services and potential areas for development. Key areas identified include challenges related to the application of a binary gender model within healthcare systems as well as advanced care planning and ensuring gender-affirming care where capacity is lost including living with dementia. The latter two themes identify gaps in the current literature and provide examples of trans-inclusive positive practice. Conclusions There is an ongoing need for researchers, clinicians and policymakers to ensure that the needs of older trans adults are studied, understood and accommodated within policy and practice. Service providers delivering care to older adults must understand trans-specific needs, particularly around advanced care planning, to ensure that trans people are supported to age well.

Intervenciones familiares y su impacto en el rendimiento académico de estudiantes en América Latina

The academic performance of students is influenced by a variety of factors, among which family functionality plays a crucial role. Families that maintain good communication, cohesion, and emotional support tend to provide a more conducive environment for the academic success of students. The purpose of this study was to explore how family interventions designed to improve household dynamics can positively impact students' academic performance. To address this topic, an exploratory review of recent studies in Latin America was conducted. The methodology used was a systematic literature review with a qualitative focus. The results showed that family interventions, such as parenting skills workshops and psychological support, significantly improved communication and cohesion within the household, which in turn positively influenced students' grades and academic engagement. Additionally, it was observed that dysfunctional families participating in these programs also experienced improvements, although the results were more limited compared to functional families. The study reaffirms the importance of strengthening family dynamics to enhance academic performance and suggests that educational policies should integrate family programs to ensure a more stable and supportive environment for students.

The Functionality of Financial Control Activities in a Decentralised Basic Education Program in Uganda

Financial control activities are critical in enhancing financial accountability. This article aimed at determining the functionality of financial control activities in decentralised basic education programmes. It sought to investigate how control activities in the Universal Primary Education programme (UPE) affect the internal controls and subsequently financial accountability of the grant. The researchers conducted an exploratory review of the literature and used semi-structured interviews to collect primary data. The findings focused on physical controls in the UPE capitation grant. Under physical controls, emphasis was placed on mechanisms for securing cash and inventory. The findings revealed that physical control of the custody of cash in UPE schools is weak. This puts other school assets at risk of burglary by individuals who may get to know that there is cash in the office. The weak physical controls create an urge for the head teachers to divert resources. A scrutiny of the inventory management process exposed some gaps affecting the entire physical control system. The inventory management system is heavily compromised. Given the foregoing findings, we can argue that the financial control activities in this UPE programme are dysfunctional. The functionality of financial control activities will be enhanced if the physical control activities are strengthened and all the receipts and inventories are properly recorded. Keywords: Functionality, Financial Control, Decentralised Basic Education System and Financial Accountability

Recent Advances in the Identification and Characterization of Fermentative Microorganisms: An Exploratory Review

Fermentative microorganisms bring about transformative processes in food, thereby enhancing flavor and appearance indices, inhibiting undesirable components, improving shelf and storage life, as well as improving health and nutritional quality parameters. Traditional methods for identification of fermentative microorganisms involve cultivating and analyzing phenotypic characteristics, which are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Advanced molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction, whole gene sequencing, next generation sequencing, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH), Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and hyper-spectral imaging offer rapid, cost-effective, and reliable identification of bacteria and fungi cultured on agar plates or in liquid media. Techniques, such as genotyping, examine the DNA sequence to determine the genetic makeup of microorganisms, alongside the grouping of isolates via application of phylogenetic tree similarity indices. Overall, modern molecular techniques have revolutionized the identification of fermentative microorganisms, providing efficient and more elaborate alternatives to traditional methods. In this review work, an attempt is made to examine the historical and analytical trends from the conventional methods to the most recent modern tools for effective identification of industrially-important fermentative microorganisms.

Decentralized science (DeSci): definition, shared values, and guiding principles

Rapid advancements in Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT), including blockchain, are foundational to a new era of digital innovation. This innovation has catalyzed the emergence of “Decentralized Science (DeSci),” a new concept and movement that aims to address the challenges of modern science. Given the novelty of the field of DeSci, this study aims to provide a comprehensive definition of the term and explore and conceptualize the shared values and guiding principles inherent to DeSci. To achieve these objectives, an exploratory literature review was conducted to identify and synthesize the scholarly and secondary literature. The search and selection process included six databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, IEEE Xplore, arXiv, and Social Science Research Network), focusing on the last 15 years (2008 to 2023). Owing to the novelty of DeSci, the literature review was supplemented by an anonymous online-based expert survey using a combination of single-choice and open-ended questions. The experts were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria related to their activities in the DeSci field. Seven studies were selected for evaluation from the scholarly literature, and additional 24 sources of information were included in the analysis. In the expert survey, 39 valid datasets were collected and analyzed. The synthesis of the exploratory literature review and expert survey results led to a comprehensive definition of “Decentralized Science” (DeSci) reflecting recurring themes. As no publications explicitly discussed or addressed the values or principles of DeSci in the literature review, a set of shared values and guiding principles was defined based on the expert survey results. This study proposes a comprehensive definition of DeSci and a set of shared values and guiding principles, highlighting the importance of future research in this area.

Beyond Belief and Practice: An Exploratory Literature Review and Discussion of the Differential Impact of Spirituality and Religiosity on Mental Health Disorders.

The relationship between spirituality and religiosity and their impact on mental health is intricate and underexplored. This exploratory review aims to elucidate the distinct effects of these constructs, highlighting their contributions to psychological well-being and clinical practices. By dissecting the impacts of spirituality and religiosity on mental health, the study focuses on their individual and combined roles in shaping therapeutic approaches and theoretical understandings in the field. A literature review was conducted using PubMed, focusing on articles discussing spirituality, religiosity, and their intersection with mental health and psychopathology. Out of 312 identified articles, 69 peer-reviewed articles were included after screening for relevance. The results indicate that spirituality and religiosity significantly influence mental health yet are often conflated, leading to research inconsistencies and clinical challenges. Spirituality, as a broad and individualistic pathway, enhances personal well-being and resilience, often transcending organized religious practices. In contrast, religiosity, with its structured community support, sometimes imposes constraints that exacerbate stress under specific doctrinal pressures. Neurobiological evidence suggests that both constructs interact with cognitive processes and brain function, influencing emotional regulation and stress response. The study concludes that distinguishing between spirituality and religiosity is essential for precise academic discourse and effective clinical practice. This differentiation allows for more personalized therapeutic approaches, accommodating an individual's spiritual and religious contexts. The authors propose a refined framework for future research and therapeutic applications to be sensitive to the nuanced experiences of individuals and to better tailor interventions in clinical settings.

Blockchain for local communities: an exploratory review of token economy aspects

Blockchain for local communities: an exploratory review of token economy aspects

Alternatives for the Detection and Diagnosis of Osteoarticular Infections: An Exploratory Review.

The precise diagnosis of osteomyelitis, a bone infection, remains a significant challenge for healthcare professionals. This difficulty stems from the highly variable nature of its clinical presentation and disease course. Patients can exhibit a wide range of symptoms, making it easy to misdiagnose the condition. In turn, inaccurate diagnoses lead to inappropriate treatment regimens, potentially hindering a patient's recovery and causing unnecessary complications. Nuclear medicine offers a ray of hope in this fight against diagnostic ambiguity. It provides valuable tools, such as radiopharmaceutical imaging, that can significantly improve the accuracy of osteomyelitis diagnosis. However, limitations exist. This article explores the need for alternative diagnostic approaches within the specific context of Costa Rica. This exploration is particularly relevant due to the current regional shortage of gallium-67 (⁶⁷Ga), a radiopharmaceutical commonly used in osteomyelitis diagnosis. The article delves into the nature, function, and limitations of various nuclear medicine techniques, encompassing both independent radiopharmaceuticals like ⁶⁷Ga and those conjugated with specific targeting molecules to pinpoint areas of infection within the body. Given the scarcity of ⁶⁷Ga in Costa Rica, it becomes crucial to explore and implement viable alternative diagnostic techniques within the healthcare system. This article emphasizes the need for further investigation into these alternatives, with the goal of improving diagnostic accuracy and ensuring optimal patient care. By implementing these alternatives, healthcare professionals in Costa Rica can effectively combat the challenges posed by osteomyelitis and pave the way for better patient outcomes.

Providers' experiences with abortion care: A scoping review.

Induced abortion is one of the most common gynecological procedures in the world, with as many as three in every ten pregnancies ending in abortion. It, however, remains controversial. The objective of this scoping review was to explore and map existing literature on the experiences of those who provide abortion care. This exploratory review followed the Levac et al. guidelines and was reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR checklist. CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, PsycInfo, PubMed, and Web of Science were used to identify peer-reviewed, original research articles published on providers' experience of abortion. We identified 106 relevant studies, which include a total sample of 4,250 providers from 28 countries and six continents. Most of the studies were qualitative (n = 83), though quantitative (n = 15) and mixed methods (n = 8) studies were also included. We identified two overarching themes: (1) Providers' experiences with abortion stigma and (2) Providers' reflections on their abortion work. Our findings suggest that providers from around the world experience challenges within society and their communities and workplaces which reinforce the stigmatization and marginalization of abortion and pose questions about the morality of this work. Most, however, are proud of their work, believe abortion care to be socially important and necessary, and remain committed to the provision of care. The findings of this review provide a comprehensive overview on the known experiences of providing abortion care. It is a key point of reference for international providers, researchers, and advocates to further this area of research or discussion in their own territories. The findings of this review will inform future work on how to support providers against stigmatization and will offer providers the chance to reflect on their own experiences.

Exploratory Review of Factors that Influence Village Financial Management

Exploratory Review of Factors that Influence Village Financial Management

EFFECTS OF CARDIAC REHABILITATION IN PATIENTS WITH VENTRICULAR ASSIST DEVICES: A SCOPING REVIEW

Introduction Ventricular assist devices represent a treatment option for patients with advanced heart failure, offering control over various haemodynamic variables. Similarly, the prescription of exercise within a cardiac rehabilitation programme for heart failure patients is recommended to reduce symptoms, hospitalisations, improve cardiorespiratory fitness, and increase exercise tolerance. Therefore, exercise prescription can impact those with ventricular assist devices. Given the limited evidence on exercise-based cardiac rehabilitation programmes for this population, this review aims to describe the most commonly used strategies and their health benefits when physical exercise is included in a cardiac rehabilitation programme for patients with ventricular assist devices. Materials and Methods An exploratory review was conducted through searches in the databases: PubMed, SCOPUS, PeDro, and ScienceDirect. The search was limited to studies published between 2013 and 2023. Filters were applied independently by title, abstract, and full text. The included articles were analysed based on the description of the types of cardiac rehabilitation strategies used in patients with ventricular assist devices. Results Seven articles were included. Each programme employed a cardiopulmonary exercise test before prescribing physical exercise. The most commonly used strategy was aerobic exercise, predominantly high-intensity interval training (HIIT) with intensities close to 90% of peak VO2, followed by continuous moderate-intensity exercise. Limb strength exercises were included in three programmes. Conclusions The analysed literature suggests that cardiac rehabilitation in patients with ventricular assist devices is safe and can provide benefits in cardiorespiratory fitness and exercise tolerance. High-intensity interval training is identified as an appropriate strategy for achieving results, offering short-term improvements.