Application Of Instrument Research Articles

NEIVAv1.0: Next-generation Emissions InVentory expansion of Akagi et al. (2011) version 1.0

Abstract. Accurate representation of fire emissions is critical for modeling the in-plume, near-source, and remote effects of biomass burning (BB) on atmospheric composition, air quality, and climate. In recent years application of advanced instrumentation has significantly improved knowledge of the compounds emitted from fires, which, coupled with a large number of recent laboratory and field campaigns, has facilitated the emergence of new emission factor (EF) compilations. The Next-generation Emissions InVentory expansion of Akagi (NEIVA) version 1.0 is one such compilation in which the EFs for 14 globally relevant fuel and fire types have been updated to include data from recent studies, with a focus on gaseous non-methane organic compounds (NMOC_g). The data are stored in a series of connected tables that facilitate flexible querying from the individual study level to recommended averages of all laboratory and field data by fire type. The querying features are enabled by assignment of unique identifiers to all compounds and constituents, including thousands of NMOC_g. NEIVA also includes chemical and physical property data and model surrogate assignments for three widely used chemical mechanisms for each NMOC_g. NEIVA EF datasets are compared with recent publications and other EF compilations at the individual compound level and in the context of overall volatility distributions and hydroxyl (OH) reactivity (OHR) estimates. The NMOC_g in NEIVA include ∼4–8 times more compounds with improved representation of intermediate volatility organic compounds, resulting in much lower overall volatility (lowest-volatility bin shifted by as much as 3 orders of magnitude) and significantly higher OHR (up to 90 %) than other compilations. These updates can strongly impact model predictions of the effects of BB on atmospheric composition and chemistry.

Accelerating data acquisition with FPGA-based Edge Machine Learning: a case study with LCLS-II

Abstract New scientific experiments and instruments generate vast amounts of data that need to be transferred for storage or further processing, often overwhelming traditional systems. Edge Machine Learning (EdgeML) addresses this challenge by integrating
Machine Learning (ML) algorithms with edge computing, enabling real-time data processing directly at the point of data generation. EdgeML is particularly beneficial for environments where immediate decisions are required, or where bandwidth and
storage are limited. In this paper, we demonstrate a high-speed configurable ML model in a fully customizable EdgeML system using a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Our demonstration focuses on an angular array of electron spectrometers,
referred to as the ’CookieBox,’ developed for the Linac Coherent Light Source II (LCLS-II) project. The EdgeML system captures 51.2 Gbps from a 6.4 GS/s analog to digital converter and is designed to integrate data pre-processing and ML inside an
FPGA. Our implementation achieves an inference latency of 0.2 μs for the ML model, and a total latency of 0.4 μs for the complete EdgeML system, which includes preprocessing, data transmission, digitization, and ML inference. The modular design of
the system allows it to be adapted for other instrumentation applications requiring low-latency data processing.

Criteria and Sustainability Practices in Public Procurement: An Analysis From the Perspective of UNB'S Procurement Agentes

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the adoption of sustainability criteria and practices in public contracting processes at University of Brasília (UnB) based on the perception of purchasing agents. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework consists in relevant research on the topic and recent studies applied to Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), highlighting main findings, identified barriers and proposed solutions. Method: Adopted documentary research and questionnaires. The data obtained through the application of the aforementioned instruments were transferred to an electronic spreadsheet and analyzed using descriptive methods. Results and Discussion: Show a complex scenario, where the majority of UnB's purchasing agents have advanced training and seek information about sustainability, but there are still significant gaps in the knowledge and application of the institution's environmental policies. The perception about sustainability at UnB is divided, reflecting the need for greater communication, training and strategic alignment to promote more sustainable organizational culture. Research Implications: This research deals with a relevant and current topic in the context of public administration, by demonstrating the practices adopted and potential for improvements. Originality/Value: This study contributes to literature by delving deeper into a new topic, which consequently requires further studies and analyzes for advances in the technical and scientific field, since the results identified through evidence and findings can add gains for Public Administration.

Analysis of perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with the resolution of placenta previa in the second trimester

Objective: To investigate perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with the resolution of placenta previa in the second trimester. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study, which included singleton pregnant women who received prenatal care and delivered at Peking University Third Hospital from January 1st 2019 to December 31st 2020. A total of 403 pregnant women diagnosed with placenta previa by ultrasound at 20-24 weeks of gestation and the placental position returned to normal before delivery were included in the study group, and 403 pregnant women with normal placental position matched 1∶1 were the control group. The primary outcome was postpartum hemorrhage rate, and secondary outcomes included postpartum bleeding volume, severe hemorrhage complications, blood transfusion, drug application, the application of instrument or surgical hemostasis measures, gestational week of delivery, and neonatal outcomes. The perinatal outcomes were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression methods. Results: (1) Compared with the control group, the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage [10.4% (42/403) vs 17.6% (71/403)], postpartum hemorrhage volume (median: 375 vs 400 ml), the proportion of postpartum hemorrhage≥500 ml [18.6% (75/403) vs 30.5% (123/403)], and the proportion of application of instrument or surgical hemostasis measures [1.7% (7/403) vs 4.5% (18/403)] in the study group were increased, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Neonatal outcomes, including birth weight, small for gestational age, hospitalization in neonatal intensive care unit and incidence of neonatal asphyxia, were compared between the two groups, and there were no statistically significant differences (all P>0.05). (2) In pregnant women with vaginal delivery, the postpartum hemorrhage rate [31.7% (66/208) vs 17.5% (39/223)], postpartum hemorrhage volume (median: 390 vs 380 ml), the proportion of instrument or surgical hemostasis measures [3.8% (8/208) vs 0.4% (1/223)] of the study group were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the rate of postpartum hemorrhage between the study group and the control group who gave birth by cesarean setion (P=0.545), but the proportion of postpartum hemorrhage≥500 ml in the study group and the control group were 29.2% (57/195) and 20.0% (36/180), and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.039). (3) The results of multivariate analysis showed that compared with the control group, the risk of postpartum hemorrhage (aOR=2.042, 95%CI: 1.313-3.175), the application of drugs (aOR=1.684, 95%CI: 1.142-2.484) and the application of instruments or surgical hemostasis measures (aOR=2.696, 95%CI: 1.089-6.675) were significantly increased in the study group (all P<0.05). Among women who delivered vaginally, the risk of postpartum hemorrhage in the study group was 2.021 times greater than that in the control group (95%CI: 1.269-3.220; P=0.003). Conclusion: In women with placental previa in the second trimester of pregnancy, even if the placental position returns to normal before delivery, it is still a high risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage, especially in vaginal delivery.

Advancements on the use of Filtered Rayleigh Scattering (FRS) with Machine learning methods for flow distortion in Aero-Engine intakes

In-flight measurements of aerodynamic quantities are a requirement to ensure the correct scaling of Reynolds and Mach number and for the airworthiness certification of an aircraft. The ability to obtain such measurement is subject to several challenges such as instrument installation, environment, type of measurand, and spatial and temporal resolution. Given expected, more frequent use of embedded propulsion systems in the near future, the measurement technology needs to adapt for the characterization of multi-type flow distortion in complex flow, to assess the operability of air-breathing propulsion systems. To meet this increasing demand for high-fidelity experimental data, the Filtered Rayleigh Scattering (FRS) method is identified as a promising technology, as it can provide measurements of pressure, temperature and 3D velocities simultaneously, across a full Aerodynamic Interface Plane (AIP). Τhis work demonstrates the application of a novel FRS instrument, to assess the flow distortion in an S-duct diffuser, in a ground testing facility. A comparison of FRS results with Stereo-Particle Image Velocimetry (S-PIV) measurements reveals good agreement of the out of plane velocities, within 3.3% at the AIP. Furthermore, the introduction of machine learning methods significantly accelerates the processing of the FRS data by up to 200 times, offering a substantial prospect towards real time data analysis. This study demonstrates the further development of the FRS technique, with the ultimate goal of inlet flow distortion measurements for in-flight environments.

Literature Review on Collaborative Project Delivery for Sustainable Construction: Bibliometric Analysis

This paper aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis and traditional literature review concerning collaborative project delivery (CPD) methods, with an emphasis on design-build (DB), construction management at risk (CMAR), and integrated project delivery (IPD) Methods. This article seeks to identify the most influential publications, reveal the advantages and disadvantages of CPD, and determine the most suitable CPD methods for sustainable construction. This research involves the application of bibliometric instruments in R, which is a powerful statistical computing language that can be used to perform complex data analyses and visualizations on bibliographic data to scrutinize academic journals retrieved from the Scopus database. Google Scholar is also utilized for an in-depth analysis as part of this study. Relevant articles are identified and screened for review. Our analysis is grounded on an extensive dataset of 927 journal articles collected from the year 2000 up to September 2023, providing a robust foundation for a comprehensive examination. Citation analysis identified highly cited publications that have significantly influenced the discourse on CPD. The analysis further established the advantages and disadvantages of CPD methods to suggest the most suitable CPD technique for sustainable construction. The results of this analysis offer insights into future directions and opportunities for further research through a comprehensive overview of the existing discourse on the subject. The paper classifies CPD through collaborative contracting, particularly through early contractor involvement (ECI), groups the design-build and construction manager at risk methods under CPD, and aligns their advantages with the critical success factors for sustainable construction in order to select the most suitable CPD technique. This research can serve as a guide for industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers, providing a structured path for collaborative endeavors and facilitating coordinated efforts toward collaborative project delivery methods and sustainable construction.

The Effect of Implementing 3S (SIND, SINO, SINI)-based Orthopedic Nursing Care Instrument in Improving Nursing Service Quality and Patient Safety in Indonesia Hospital

Along with the increasing of orthopedic disorders incidence, the provision of orthopedic nursing care in Indonesia is also increasing. The Indonesian National Nurses Association (INNA) has published nursing care standards as a reference for nurses in providing nursing care and standardizing nursing care terminologies. Standard-based orthopedic nursing care instruments have been developed, but their effectiveness has not been investigated in improving the quality of nursing services and patient safety. This study aimed to identify the effect of the application of 3S-based Orthopedic Nursing Care (3S-ONC) on the quality of nursing services and patient safety. Descriptive quantitative analysis using a quasi-experimental method with a pretest and posttest with control group design, involving 106 respondents (53 control, 53 intervention), recruited by purposive sampling technique. In the intervention group, nurses provided nursing care by applying the 3S-based Orthopedic Nursing Care (3S-ONC) instrument. The study showed that in both groups, most of the nurses were in the early adult category, dominated by female sex and most of them had professional education level. There were significant differences in the quality of nursing services (p 0.046; α 0.05) and patient safety (p 0.000; α 0.05) between the intervention group and the control group after the application of the 3S-ONC instrument. The 3S-ONC instrument can improve the quality of nursing services and the safety of patients with orthopedic disorders in hospitals.The 3S-ONC instrument can be considered for the development of a paper-based or computer-based nursing care documentation system to further improve the quality of nursing services and patient safety in healthcare facilities, especially in hospital.

Comparison of polymeric clip and endoloop in laparoscopic appendectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundAppendicitis is a common surgical emergency with diverse clinical presentations, making its diagnosis challenging. Laparoscopic appendectomy has become the standard treatment, with various methods for appendiceal stump closure, including polymeric clips and endoloops. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of polymeric clips compared with endoloops in laparoscopic appendectomy. MethodsA systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted followingPreferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, Medline, Scopus, and Embase were searched for studies up to March 25, 2024. ResultsIn total, 13 studies, including 6 randomized controlled trials, were analyzed. Polymeric clipping demonstrated significantly shorter surgical time compared with the endoloop (standardized mean difference 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.22–0.53, P < .00001), with no difference in hospital stay or overall complications. However, the endoloop was associated with a greater incidence of intra-abdominal abscess (risk ratio 3.53, 95% confidence interval 1.56–8.00, P = .003). Other outcomes, including time from instrument application to appendiceal cutting, ileus, and surgical-site infection, showed no significant differences between the 2 techniques. ConclusionPolymeric clipping appears to be superior to endoloop in terms of shorter surgical time and lower risk of intra-abdominal abscess formation in laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis. However, both techniques have similar outcomes regarding hospital stay and overall complications. Further research addressing study limitations and exploring patient-centered outcomes is warranted to guide clinical practice.

High SNR eSWIR Image Sensor Applied in Advanced Hyperspectral Imager Aboard China’s GaoFen-5 Satellite and ZY-1 Satellite

This paper presents an extended short-wave infrared (eSWIR) image sensor, a large format infrared focal plane array (IRFPA), applied in advanced hyperspectral imager (AHSI) aboard China’s three GaoFen-5 satellites and two more followed ZY-1 satellites. Hyperspectral imaging has been emerged as a very important application in Earth observation instruments, for the spectral detection provides the spectrum information of ground objects except for the spatial imaging of the objects. AHSI has a 60-km swath width and a 30-m spatial resolution, and has high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) in spectrum of interest. Large format infrared focal plane arrays which are ordinarily used in staring infrared imaging have some special performance requirements when applied in hyperspectral imaging, such as higher quantum efficiency, lower dark current, lower noise and selectable current conversion gain to match the different radiation flux of different subdivided spectral bands. We developed a format of 2048×512 HgCdTe/Si IRFPA sensor (equivalent 2012×256 after pixel overlapping and binning) in which 2012 pixels meet the demands of 60km swath width and 256 pixels line meet the 200 spectral bands. The sensor has 8-level gains selectable by spectral bands, and array dark current densities on an order of 10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">-10</sup> A/cm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> , quantum efficiency exceeding 80%, and the operability of 99.5% at operating temperature of around 110K. The SNR of this FPA achieved 150 when illuminated under 5×10 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">4</sup> photons/pixel.

25 YEARS OF THE NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION POLICY (PNEA): A CASE STUDY ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF FORMAL ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN THE DAILY SCHOOL LIFE OF 120 PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF CABO FRIO, RJ

Objective: The objective of this study is to carry out a critical analysis of the National Environmental Education Policy based on a Case Study with 120 Teachers who are in the classroom, in Public Schools of the Education Network in the Municipality of Cabo Frio, RJ, Brazil. Theoretical Reference: There are several theories and authors who research and write about EA. Historically, it can be said that the first person studied to describe and teach about AE was Raquel Carson, in her book “Silecious Spring” where she described the problems caused by pesticides. Subsequently, there were several international meetings that gave rise to treaties and guidelines on the predatory way in which man deals with the environment in his capitalist model of production. Among the multilateral documents signed by Brazil is the EA Treaty. Currently, we have in practice the EAF resulting from philosophical understandings arising from Federal Law No. 9,795/99 “the EA law”. In contrast to the traditional EA model, our main source of analysis is the theories of “Critical EA”, aimed at building knowledge, awareness, critical cognitions and autonomy of people in relation to their interaction with environmental goods in a sustainable and sustainable way. perennial. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises exploratory field research. The technique used in the research was the “Case Study”. The quantitative method was used in the analysis of data obtained from the application of the field research instrument, namely: the questionnaire. Being applied to this statistical analysis. Each proposed question generated a table and a graph where the statistical percentages of the responses of the Teachers who answered the questionnaire are presented. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of the results was then carried out. Results and Discussion: The results obtained confirm the hypotheses raised, as they demonstrate a lack in the training of undergraduates in undergraduate courses in relation to the EA theme, as well as an incipient and ineffective practice of formal EA in the daily lives of the Teachers surveyed. Implications of the Research: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are visible given the demonstration of a reality of the researched that is replicated throughout the education network of the researched municipality and possibly of Public School Teachers throughout the State of RJ. Originality/Value: This study significantly contributes to enriching the theory and practice of EAF, as it portrays the current scenario of teaching practice in relation to EAF in municipal schools with actuality and truth, demonstrating the obstacles, flaws and ways to be taken to make a constitutional right effective, namely the right to EA.

Cohesion Policy in the European Union and Its Impact on the Regulatory Framework in Bulgaria

The cohesion policy in the European Union aims to reduce regional disparities and stimulate economic development through the application of various financial instruments. The synchronization of national legal regulations with the European regulatory framework necessitates the amendment and supplementation of applicable and existing legal acts specifically related to the management of funds from European funds under shared management. This article presents the cohesion policy of the European Union and the impact of its implementation on regional policy in Bulgaria. The study pays special attention to the application of the regulatory framework regarding the “cohesion policy” in the context of implementing local self-government and local administration. Following Bulgaria‘s accession to the European Union in 2007, the country has utilized the European Union‘s structural funds to reduce regional disparities, enhance economic growth, and promote sustainable development. This research evaluates the effectiveness of these policies, their role in the regional transformation of Bulgaria, and the latest challenges and future prospects.

Step-cut osteotomy for cubitus varus deformity with application of patient-specific instrument in children: a preliminary report.

The step-cut osteotomy has been recognized as a valuable approach for addressing cubitus varus deformity, albeit one that necessitates technical proficiency. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the modified step-cut osteotomy technique in conjunction with patient-specific instruments by clinical and radiological assessment. We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent modified step-cut osteotomy with the use of patient-specific instruments in conjunction with Kirschner wires fixation for the correction of cubitus varus deformity between April 2016 and April 2022. Follow-up was performed for a minimum of two years, during which pre-operative and post-operative clinical and radiological parameters were compared. Fifteen patients were enrolled in this study. The mean pre-operative humeral-elbow-wrist (HEW) of the affected side was -21.7° (ranging from -14° to -34°), while the normal side was 9.4° (ranging from 5° to 15°). The post-operation HEW of affected side was 9° (ranging from 4° to 16°). There was no significant difference between the normal side and affected side after operation (p = 0.74). Pre-operative range of motion in the affected side was 130°, while the post-operative range of motion was 132°. Fourteen patients (93.3%) were pleased with the overall appearance of their elbow. None lazy-S deformity was observed in these cases. There were no major complications. The modified step-cut osteotomy technique, utilizing patient-specific instrument in conjunction with Kirschner wires fixation was found to be a safe, reliable, and technically easy procedure for correcting cubitus varus deformity.

Adaptation and psychometric investigation of the Gameful Experience Questionnaire (GAMEFULQUEST) in Brazilian Portuguese

Over the years, the use of questionnaires has become one of the most used methods for analyzing individuals’ experiences. Especially in the area of gameful environments (e.g., games, gamification, and simulators), the Gameful Experience Questionnaire, a self-report instrument to measure gameful experience, became one of the most popular. Despite the instrument’s popularity, there is no Brazilian Portuguese version, preventing studies from being carried out in Brazil (i.e., a country with more than 200 million inhabitants), where only 5.1% of the population have adequate English comprehension skills. To face this challenge, we conducted a cross-cultural adaptation of the Gameful Experience Questionnaire, providing a version of the questionnaire in the Brazilian Portuguese language. For this process, we conducted a mixed-methods (i.e., qualitative and quantitative) psychometric study (N = 384) organized in six steps (i.e., (i) translation, (ii) synthesis, (iii) experts evaluation, (iv) target audience evaluation, (v) adapted instrument application, and (vi) validation (i.e., confirmatory factor analysis)). The results indicate that the cross-cultural adaptation took place efficiently, where the resulting instrument maintained the psychometric properties of the original, measuring the construct of interest with similar effectiveness (i.e., χ2/df\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\chi ^2/df$$\\end{document} = 2.4, RMSEA = 0.061, CFI = 0.991, TLI = 0.989, GFI = 0.986 and SRMR = 0.061), enabling its application with Brazilian Portuguese speakers. With this study, we contribute to researchers and practitioners in the field of gameful environments by providing an instrument to measure gameful experience in the Brazilian Portuguese language.

The "Double Victim Phenomenon"-Results From a National Pilot Survey on Second Victims in German Family Caregivers (SeViD-VI Study).

Second-victim phenomena may lead to severe reactions like depression or posttraumatic disorder, as well as dysfunction and absenteeism. Medical error as a cause for second victims is not limited to professionals, as family caregivers care for millions of patients at home. It remains unclear whether these are first, second, or double victims in case of error. This explorative study investigated whether second victim effects and signs of moral injury are detectable in family caregivers and whether existing instruments are applicable in lay persons. In an open convenience sampling online survey, we recruited 66 German family caregivers. Propensity score matching was conducted to obtain a balanced sample of family caregivers and qualified nurses who took part in the previous study by adjusting for age and sex. The groups were compared regarding the German Version of the Second Victim Experience and Support Tool-Revised and the German version of the Moral Injury Symptom and Support Scale for Health Professionals. Sixty-six caregivers participated, of whom 31 completed the survey. Of all, 58% experienced a second victim-like effect, 35% experienced a prolonged effect, and 45% reported to still suffer from it. In a matched sample (22 family caregivers and 22 nurses), no significant differences were observed between the groups. Regarding the limitations of this pilot study, demanding for resampling in larger populations, we could show that second victim effects and moral injury are detectable in family caregivers by validated instruments and are not inferior to professionals' experiences. Concerning the demand for further studies, we confirmed the applicability of the testing instruments but with need for item reduction to lower response burden.

Compact Spatial Heterodyne Spectrographs for Future Space-Based Observations: Instrument Modeling and Applications.

High-resolution spectroscopy employing spatial heterodyne spectrographs (SHS) holds significant promise for forthcoming space missions, building upon its established track record in science applications. Notably, it offers exceptional performance and cost- effectiveness in the ultraviolet-visual (UV-Vis) region compared to contemporary instruments. SHS instruments provide high-resolution capabilities and substantially larger etendues than similar resolving power instruments. This study introduces a comprehensive Python-based SHS model integrated with a user-friendly web scraping interface for target star selection, parameter generation, and 2D interferogram creation. Our SHS model demonstrates double the resolving power of a grating spectrometer and a throughput comparable to a Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) but without moving parts, enhancing robustness for deployment in space. The interferogram processing algorithm includes flat-fielding, bias removal, apodization, and an inverse Fourier transform (IFT) for accurate spectrum retrieval. Despite bandwidth limitations due to resolving power constraints, SHS models excel in applications requiring high spectral resolution over narrow wavelength ranges, such as studying isotopic emission lines. The model provides optimization results and trade-offs for system parameters, ensuring precise spectral recovery with realistic signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) values. SHS is versatile and effective for various scientific applications, including investigating atomic and molecular emissions from comets, planetary atmospheres, the Earth's atmosphere, the Sun, and the interstellar medium (ISM). This research significantly contributes to expediting the development and deployment of SHS instruments, demonstrating their potential across numerous scientific domains.

Alternative Materials As an Opportunity to Reduce Environmental Impacts in the Construction Sector

Construction has become a serious environmental problem due to its high demand on natural resources and the massive production of large volumes of waste that require special handling. Because of this, it is necessary to rethink the materials used in the sector, together with the methods of extraction and production, as well as the application of instruments that facilitate the reduction of the impacts associated with construction works, from the design stage or obtaining raw materials. In this way, a bibliographic search of various electronic documents was used, mainly from the databases of the National University, among other academic search engines. The methodological process was based on a qualitative research, where theory and bibliographic review were the frame of reference. The purpose is to identify alternative materials such as adobe, wood, hemp, straw, bamboo, and eco-bricks made from household waste, which can replace the use of traditional materials. In this sense, the present bibliographic research allowed demonstrating that alternative materials are capable of providing the same structural support to a construction work, compared to other conventional materials. It also highlights the added value that these options provide to the construction sector, reducing the associated ecological footprints and improving the environmental balance, since the high environmental costs of resource extraction are reduced and other negative environmental impacts are minimized.

Utilization of Islamic Financial Instruments for Poverty Reduction and Sustainable Households in Nigeria

Predominant poverty has affected many households in Nigeria and little focus of attention is given to the utilization of Islamic financial instruments in addressing the challenges of poverty and sustainable household in the country. The study attempts to fill the gap in the existing literature concerning the utilization of Islamic financial instruments for poverty reduction and sustainable households in the country. Qualitative research method with an emphasis on critical content analysis was utilized. Materials or different sources were used whereby journals, online peer review, and library sources were considered for in-depth analysis of Islamic financial instruments for poverty reduction and sustainable households in attaining vision 2030 in the country. Adequate implementations of various Islamic financial instruments that would create room for inclusion through which low-income families or families in poverty would experience sustainable standard of living through an efficient Islamic financial instrument for their empowerment. Hence, it will expand the scope and understanding of Islamic financial instruments in the context of Nigeria. In so doing, there would be basis for restructuring the economic conditions of households experiencing an abject poverty by ensuring that their living conditions are improved for better. An emphasis on the judicious utilization of Islamic financial instruments especially towards sustainable households in the country is an integral part of expanding the understanding about the efficiency of Islamic financial instruments in the society. Central bank of Nigeria has issued a drafted framework for application of Islamic financial instruments and operation of Islamic banking system and less attention is given to the application of Islamic financial instruments in the country. This paper therefore has tried to provide explanation for the application of utilizing Islamic financial instruments for poverty reduction and sustainable households in the country.

Evidence-Based Practices in an Early Intervention service in Spain: the voice of families

This study was carried out at the Centro de Atención Temprana y Escuela Infantil L'Alqueria, Universidad Catolica de Valencia, as part of the Observatorio Internacional de Atención Temprana y Desarrollo Infantil (International Observatory of Early Childhood Intervention and Development), and its aim was to identify the families' perceptions and role in the intervention process, the child's development, the quality of family life and their own empowerment. It involved the participation of a final sample of five families accompanied by four professionals for 11 months. The source of data used was audio recordings of the families, transcribed by the researcher, and the application of instruments before and after six months of intervention, which were analysed qualitatively. The analysis focused on the families' perceptions of the intervention process, child development, family quality of life and empowerment. The results indicate that families perceive the intervention as support, feel empowered to act in the contexts, learn strategies for child development and identify learning opportunities in their routines. Communication is valued, showing that families have a voice in the intervention process. The responses to the instruments indicate that families have a positive view of their children's development and perceive an improvement in the quality of family life. These findings point to the importance of evidence-based practices in Early Intervention.

A Review of Recent Advancements and Perspectives of Nanotechnology in the Application of Biomedical Imaging and Instrumentation

AbstractThe development of imaging, diagnosis, prognosis and early detection of diseases has been greatly impacted by nanotechnology by enhancing already existing clinically applicable technologies. With the help of their capacity to alter nanoparticles for molecular‐level specificity, tissue‐specific diagnosis is made possible gratitude to the unique biophysical features of the nanoparticles that enable contrast augmentation will boost biomedical imaging. The unique prospect of multiplexing is possible by the fact that minute changes in the nanoparticles’ size or composition can have significant effects on their optical, magnetic, or electrical capabilities. This article examines nanotechnology's function in biomedical imaging. In this article, the fundamentals and applications of biomedical imaging, pharmaceutical application of microbial surfactants, intelligent drug delivery systems, and green metallic nanoparticle manufacturing are all examined. The biomedical applications comprising organic (carbon nanotubes, metal oxide and liposomes) and inorganic (metal oxide, metal) nanoparticles, and materials with nanopatterns in diagnostics, biosensing, and bioimaging devices, along with drug delivery systems, are the main topics of discussion. studies conducted in vitro and in vivo have demonstrated that different nanoparticles can be utilized to detect seizures early and precisely along with to treat them successfully. To decrease the possible toxicity and enable improved target specificity, respectively, more development in the synthesis and functionalization of adaptable nanotechnologies is required.

Psychometric properties of the Short-Form Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire among nursing students in China: A confirmatory factor analysis.

To analyse the factorial structure and psychometric properties of the Chinese Short-Form Five Facets of Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-SF) among nursing students in the Chinese mainland. A cross-sectional study. A total of 240 undergraduate nursing students were recruited from a school of nursing in Beijing, China from 25 to 30 April 2021. FFMQ-SF and Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale were used to collect information on the mindfulness level and mental health status of the study participants. Descriptive analyses were performed to examine the demographic characteristics. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were used to test the structural, convergent and discriminant validity of the scale model. Pearson correlation analysis was used to test the correlation between the variables and the criterion validity. The overall fit of the scale model is good (Bollen-Stine χ2 = 177.206, df = 142, GFI = 0.923, AGFI = 0.883, TLI = 0.980, CFI = 0.983, RMSEA = 0.032, SRMR = 0.090). One-factor models using CFA demonstrated the overall best fit for four out of five subscales of the FFMQ-SF. In the five-factor CFA of the FFMQ-SF, the composite reliability values of the five factors were from 0.685 to 0.870 and the values of average variance extracted were from 0.426 to 0.627. The students who participated in this study contributed to the advancement of knowledge on mindfulness and mental health among nursing students in China. They voluntarily completed the online questionnaires and provided their honest and valid responses. Their data was used to evaluate the psychometric properties of the FFMQ-SF and to examine the relationship between mindfulness and psychological problems. Their feedback also helped to improve the quality and applicability of the FFMQ-SF instrument for future research and practice.