Interconnect Dimensions Research Articles

Psychiatric Home Hospitalization: The Role of Mental Health Nurses—A Scoping Review

The lack of evidence synthesis studies on the role of psychiatric mental health nursing in the context of psychiatric home hospitalization underscores the limited research on nurses providing care in these teams, particularly concerning their experiences and responsibilities and the actual role of nurses in this context. This knowledge has the potential to improve the quality of mental healthcare by guiding nursing practices. Objective: To map the concepts related to the role of mental health nurses in psychiatric home hospitalization. Methods: A scoping review was conducted using the methodology proposed by the JBI, involving five methodological stages. No search limits were applied except for language. Results: The review identified five key dimensions of nursing in psychiatric home hospitalization: satisfaction; care models; the therapeutic relationship; the care environment; the organization of care. These interconnected dimensions influence quality care. Satisfaction among nurses, patients, and families is associated with improved outcomes and reduced stigma. The therapeutic relationship is characterized by a humanistic approach, emphasizing dialogue, empathy, and shared decision making. Additionally, the importance of care organization is highlighted, including individualized care plans, medication management, and intersectoral collaboration. Discussion: The five nursing dimensions align with the Quality Standards of the Portuguese Nursing Council and are consistent with the scientific literature. Conclusions: Although there is a shortage of studies on this topic, this review allows for the synthesis of nursing interventions and reflection on the paradigm shift in care within the scope of psychiatric mental health nursing interventions. Future studies highlighting the value of mental health nursing interventions, with a particular focus on nursing-sensitive indicators and employing quantitative or mixed methods, will be crucial to furthering the analysis conducted thus far.

After Returning to the Rural: The (Un)Sustainable Reintegration of Internal Migrant Workers in China

ABSTRACTThe return of internal migrant workers to rural regions following prolonged periods of employment in cities is an increasingly prominent phenomenon in China. Researchers have examined return migration patterns, but investigating the intricacies of the reintegration process demands more highly sophisticated measurement approaches and warrants deeper empirical investigation. In this study, a comprehensive evaluation framework is designed for assessing reintegration outcomes on three interconnected dimensions: economic re‐engagement, social‐rebonding, and psychological re‐affiliation. By applying this framework to the analysis of data from the 2014 China Labour Force Dynamic Survey, we find that approximately half of returnees meet the defined thresholds for successful reintegration into rural society. There are considerable difficulties associated with economic reintegration, which underscores the need to provide enhanced economic support mechanisms for returning internal migrants. The main socio‐geographical factors contributing to successful reintegration include being in the middle‐to‐late stages of the working age, male gender, living with a spouse, returning with family, having interprovincial migration experience, and extended duration of return. This study enhances the comprehension of the challenges faced by returning migrant workers and provides analytical instruments and perspectives that can be used to deepen the understanding of internal migration issues in China and beyond.

The Internationalization of Deterrence: The Case Study of Iran's Biaxial Deterrence in the Middle East

ABSTRACTThe concept of deterrence is central to both international relations and strategic studies, as it endeavors to establish peace through the “threat to reciprocal retaliation.” The Cold War era as the golden age of nuclear deterrence revealed that even the most powerful states are enthusiastic to transfer part of their strategic and military capabilities, such as nuclear weapons, to other states to countering potential threats. By presenting the concept of “internationalization of deterrence,” this article addresses the implementation of Iran's biaxial deterrence in the Middle East. Internationalizing deterrence entails the transfer of military and security capabilities from a deterrent power to allied and cooperative nations, thereby enhancing both the effectiveness and credibility of deterrence measures. The internationalization of deterrence encompasses a variety of strategies, including nuclear sharing, the creation of military bases in foreign countries, the backing of allied groups, and the overseas deployment of missiles. Biaxial deterrence is also an element of Iran's internationalized deterrence strategy, focusing on two interconnected dimensions: aligned groups—protégés—and advancing of their conventional weapons capabilities in the Middle East. Through internationalization of its conventional deterrence, Iran has sought to enhance its deterrent capabilities and credibility while minimizing costs and maximizing effectiveness.

Exploring Value Creation in the Context of Social Enterprises in Malaysia

This concept paper explores value creation in Malaysian social enterprises by examining their contributions across three interconnected dimensions: economic, social, and environmental. It highlights the critical enabling factors, including leadership, stakeholder engagement, and innovation, which drive sustainable impact within the Malaysian context. Governance and accountability are emphasized as overarching mechanisms that ensure alignment with organizational missions while fostering transparency and trust. Drawing on existing literature and global frameworks, this paper proposes a conceptual framework that integrates these dimensions and enabling factors. The study addresses key challenges faced by Malaysian social enterprises, such as limited standardized reporting, access to funding, and effective governance practices. It also outlines avenues for future research, including impact measurement, technology adoption, and cross-cultural comparative studies. The proposed framework provides a foundation for strengthening Malaysia’s social enterprise ecosystem and aligning it with broader sustainable development goals.

The Impact of Teachers' Professional Development on The Internet Self-Efficacy and ICT Competencies

Introduction: In the dynamic realm of education, the incorporation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has ushered in transformative shifts in the methods of teaching and learning. This study explores the impact of teacher professional development on the interconnected dimensions of internet self-efficacy and ICT competencies within the context of vocational high schools.Methods: The research employs a carefully designed survey instrument featuring 56 items, adapted from previous studies. Targeting vocational high school teachers across six Regencies in Central Java Province, Indonesia, the study utilized a clustered random sampling technique to select a sample size of 150 teachers in vocational high schools. The study employed Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the relationships among teacher professional development, internet self-efficacy, and ICT competencies.Results: This study yields four notable results. First, teachers' professional development positively impacts their internet self-efficacy. Second, teachers' professional development positively impacts their ICT competencies. Third, Teachers' internet self-efficacy influences their ICT competencies. Fourth, there is a mediated link between teacher professional development and ICT competencies through internet self-efficacy.Conclusions: This study underscores the importance of teacher personal professional development for improving internet self-efficacy and ICT competencies in vocational high schools. Policymakers should consider tailored training programs to enhance teacher skills, promoting better technology integration for improved vocational education.

Developing Drug Formularies and Advocating for Biotechnology Growth: Pioneering Healthcare Innovation in Emerging Economies

This paper explores the dual focus of developing effective drug formularies and fostering biotechnology growth to revolutionize healthcare systems in emerging economies. When strategically designed, drug formularies can enhance affordability, accessibility, and quality of essential medicines, while integrating traditional medicine where relevant. Concurrently, biotechnology serves as a transformative force, offering innovative solutions in diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccine production. The paper emphasizes the importance of building robust regulatory frameworks, strengthening research ecosystems, and fostering public-private collaborations to drive progress. It also highlights the role of education, workforce development, and supportive intellectual property policies in creating a sustainable healthcare infrastructure. By addressing these interconnected dimensions, the paper proposes actionable strategies for governments, industry players, and academia to collaboratively advance healthcare innovation, improve public health outcomes, and contribute to the economic growth of emerging economies.

Digital Access, Resources, and Literacy: Mapping the Digital Divide and ICT Learning Challenges among Undergraduate Students in Bangladesh

Abstract Although Bangladesh has adopted many digital initiatives, it continues to grapple with widespread digital disparity and social inequality. Through semi-structured interviews, this study explores the dynamics of the digital divide and the perceptions and experiences of undergraduate students in Bangladesh in ICT education and learning. The findings indicate that, despite the significant impact of the digital divide, caused by multifaceted socioeconomic inequality, ICT education has largely failed to provide students with essential digital skills. This article emphasizes the need for an effective learning environment that prioritizes three interconnected dimensions: equal access, resources, and digital literacy. By examining the interplay between digital divides and the imperative of integrating e-learning into pedagogical strategies, this study contributes to the field of educational policy and technology. Ultimately, this article advocates a digitally inclusive and student-centred digital learning environment in the technology-poor setting of higher education in Bangladesh.

Equipping Teachers for Success in Rural Communities: Unveiling the Key Characteristics and Attributes of Thriving Rural Teachers

Australian education faces persistent challenges in preparing and retaining teachers within rural contexts. This qualitative study examines the attributes of thriving rural teachers through focus group discussions with 103 rural educational leaders. Utilising a theoretical framework combining attribution theory and ecological systems perspectives, the study synthesised leaders’ perceptions of key dispositions and behaviours contributing to rural teachers’ success. Four interconnected dimensions emerged: being community, classroom, professionally and personally equipped. This study revealed that while individual teacher attributes are crucial, school support and community context significantly influence teacher success. The application of attribute theory further revealed that findings attributed teacher’s success to internal, stable, and controllable factors, suggesting that key traits could be developed through targeted professional development and experience. This study provides nuanced insights into ’rural readiness’, informing education policy decisions and practices, initial teacher education institutions, schools, and communities. The study emphasises the need for a holistic approach to teacher preparation and support that considers both individual and systemic factors.

The validity and reliability of the Slovenian version of the health literacy questionnaire short-form (HLS-EU-Q16) among adults and older adults.

Health literacy is an important predictor of health behavior and self-rated health, playing a crucial role in shaping public health outcomes. Valid and reliable health literacy assessments are essential for effectively tailoring health interventions, particularly in different cultural contexts. Several questionnaires have been developed to measure health literacy, including the widely used 47-item Health Literacy Questionnaire and its shorter versions. However, the validity of these shorter and more time efficient HLS-EU versions, such as the 16-item HLS-EU-Q16, has been less extensively researched in different age subgroups. Given Slovenia's aging population and the differences in health literacy between adults and older adults, it is important to assess whether the HLS-EU-Q16 performs reliably across these groups. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the validity and reliability of the 16-item health literacy questionnaire (HLS-EU-Q16) in Slovenia across two age groups: adults and older adults. We analyzed representative Slovenian sample data from the Health Literacy of Adults study. The sample included 2,327 adults aged 23-64 years (53.7% women) and 876 older adults aged 65-99 years (55.7% women). Construct validity revealed a modified three-factor structure of the HLS-EU-Q16 among adults, reflecting a broader conceptualization of health literacy that encompasses overlapping domains of health promotion, disease prevention, and health care. In contrast, a two-factor structure emerged among older adults, indicating a more consolidated approach where these domains are perceived as part of an integrated health management strategy. This suggests that adults may conceptualize health literacy across multiple, yet interconnected dimensions, while older adults approach it more holistically. Convergent validity, reliability, concurrent-predictive, concurrent, and discriminant validity results were satisfactory for both age groups. Predictive validity, however, provided somewhat inadequate results, as the tool poorly predicted certain health behaviors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and physical activity, in both age groups. Overall, the HLS-EU-Q16 demonstrated adequate validity and reliability among both adults and older adults, indicating that it is an appropriate instrument for assessing health literacy in Slovenia.

Addressing Grand Challenges in Sustainable Food Transitions: Opportunities Through the Triple Change Strategy

AbstractDespite emerging consumer trends and policies promoting sustainable food consumption, the transition towards societal tipping points for sustainable food systems remains protracted due to multifaceted challenges such as consumer misconceptions, value chain inequalities, and policy fragmentation. Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that considers all actors within the food system. The present paper follows the paradigm set by the Consumers’ Understanding of Eating Sustainably (CUES) Horizon Europe project and introduces CUES’ Triple Change strategy. This strategy highlights Consumer and Cultural Change, Industrial Change, and Policy Change as interconnected dimensions essential for driving behavioral change and ensuring a successful transition to sustainable food systems. By leveraging persuasive communication and interventions for transparency, fostering value chain reform, and advocating for policy transformations, the Triple Change aims to overcome existing barriers and create opportunities to accelerate the shift towards a resilient food system. This paper explores the grand challenges and opportunities within each of these dimensions and offers a holistic framework for academics, stakeholders, and policymakers to contribute to sustainable food transitions.

(Invited) Epitaxial Electrodeposition of Metals for Interconnects Beyond Cu

Cu has been the metal of choice for interconnects in silicon microprocessors since the mid-1990s. The continuous scaling of these interconnects in CMOS technology has not only produced a challenge with respect to power consumption and computing performance, but also with respect to reliability. As the critical dimensions of interconnects are scaled towards, and then below the electron mean free path (EMFP) of Cu (39 nm at room temperature), the resistivity is found to increase. This increase, termed the resistivity size-effect, results in resistance scaling beyond Ohm’s law dimensional scaling and leads to even larger power consumption and further limits improvements in computing performance. The resistivity rise with decreasing dimension is a result of electron scattering at grain boundaries and surfaces (vs. phonons). Given that electron scattering from grain boundaries is the major contributor to the resistivity rise in nanoscale interconnects, there has been increasing interest in producing and evaluating epitaxial, single-crystal conductors absent of grain boundaries. In this presentation, epitaxial electrodeposition of Co, Ru and Cu at room-temperature is reviewed. The choice of seed layer for electrodeposition, the role of symmetry of the seed layer and the epitaxial orientation relationship of the electrodeposited film and the seed layer are discussed. In addition, the impact of underpotential deposition on film nucleation and growth morphology is examined. The effects of electrolyte, ion concentration and pH are also addressed. Potential pathways for implementation of epitaxial electrodeposition in back-end-of-line processing will be discussed.

Community action, counter-professionals and radical planning in the UK

This paper reconsiders the roles of ‘counter-professionals’ (Goodman 1972) in urban social movements, focusing on the generation of students, activists and planners involved in the UK’s community action movement from the late-1960s. The paper therefore provides the first historical account of the ways community action stimulated the development of a distinctive counter-tradition of radical planning in the UK, inspiring experimentation with new, activist roles amongst a generation of young professionals who sought to support community-based movements seeking to challenge the post-war state, develop new models of participatory planning and lay the foundations for a more democratic society. Drawing on oral history interviews with key figures and archival materials from their personal records coupled with analysis of Community Action magazine (1972–1990), we track how many of those involved developed careers ‘working the spaces of power’ in and against various state projects (Newman 2012). The paper explores three key, interconnected dimensions of our participants’ experiences that we argue are central to counter-professional practice and the politics of radical planning: their relations with the state; their relations with community-based movements and organisations; and thirdly, the ways these relations shaped the political horizons of community action. Our empirical work concludes by accounting for the relative decline of community action in the 1980s. Through reconsideration of the UK context, the paper contributes to debates about the politics of radical planning and the roles of activist-professionals within urban social movements. It concludes with reflection on the seemingly constrained conditions of possibility for counter-professional practices today and the wider lessons of the community action moment for attempts to build collective alternatives, in, against and beyond the neoliberal state. By reconsidering the role of radical planners in community action in the UK we hope the paper can inspire further debate about the contributions future generations of counter-professionals might make to ongoing movements for urban justice, both in the UK and internationally.

Selecting alternative metals for advanced interconnects

Interconnect resistance and reliability have emerged as critical factors limiting the performance of advanced CMOS circuits. With the slowdown of transistor scaling, interconnect scaling has become the primary driver of continued circuit miniaturization. The associated scaling challenges for interconnects are expected to further intensify in future CMOS technology nodes. As interconnect dimensions approach the 10 nm scale, the limitations of conventional Cu dual-damascene metallization are becoming increasingly difficult to overcome, spurring over a decade of focused research into alternative metallization schemes. The selection of alternative metals is a highly complex process, requiring consideration of multiple criteria, including resistivity at reduced dimensions, reliability, thermal performance, process technology readiness, and sustainability. This Tutorial introduces the fundamental criteria for benchmarking and selecting alternative metals and reviews the current state of the art in this field. It covers materials nearing adoption in high-volume manufacturing, materials currently under active research, and potential future directions for fundamental study. While early alternatives to Cu metallization have recently been introduced in commercial CMOS devices, the search for the optimal interconnect metal remains ongoing.

The factor structure of the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD-R-20) among South African antiretroviral therapy users

Depression is a significant concern for people living with HIV and AIDS as it is associated with negative health outcomes and suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). To this extent, screening for depression is essential for early detection. The CESD-R-20 is a revised four-factor questionnaire developed to assess depressive symptoms in adults. This study explored the factor structure and psychometric properties of the CESD-R-20 among 685 individuals receiving ART. Data were collected at the Infectious Diseases Clinic of a large public hospital outside Cape Town from participants who had been receiving ART for at least six months. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) of the CESD-R-20 was performed to identify its underlying factor structure. The EFA revealed a one-factor solution termed “depressive affect,” comprising 19 items that encompassed the original factors. This finding suggests that depression is a cohesive construct rather than a collection of interconnected dimensions. The scale exhibited high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.95) among the sample of persons living with HIV and AIDS. Our findings indicate that the CESD-R-20 can effectively measure depressive affect as a one-factor scale in South Africans receiving ART. The scale demonstrated strong internal consistency and is suitable for screening for depressive symptoms among persons living with HIV and AIDS.

The Role of Relevance in Shaping Perceptions of Sleep Hygiene Games Among University Students: Mixed Methods Study.

Sleep games are an emerging topic in the realm of serious health game research. However, designing features that are both enjoyable and effective at engaging users, particularly university students, to develop healthy sleep habits remains a challenge. This study aims to investigate user preferences for 3 sleep game prototypes, that is, Hero's Sleep Journey, Sleep Tamagotchi, and Sleepland, and to explore their popularity and perceived utility in promoting sleep health. A mixed methods approach was used in this study. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected through a co-design workshop involving 47 university students. Participants were presented with storyboard cards of game features and were asked to provide an overall rating on each game, as well as ratings for individual features. They were also encouraged to provide free-form comments on the features and suggest improvements. In addition, participants were asked to express their preferences among the 3 games regarding which game they would most like to play and which one they found most useful for promoting sleep health. Surprisingly, while Hero's Sleep Journey was the most popular choice among participants, Sleep Tamagotchi was perceived as the most beneficial for improving sleep health. Relevance emerged as an overarching theme in the qualitative data analysis, with 3 interconnected dimensions: psychological relevance to users' personal lives, logical relevance to sleep health, and situational relevance to users' circumstantial context. We discussed how the 3 dimensions of relevance address the autonomy and relatedness constructs outlined in the self-determination theory and proposed 3 design recommendations. Our serious sleep game prototypes demonstrated the potential to engage university students to develop healthy sleep hygiene. Future sleep game designs should aim to create a sense of relevance to users' personal lives, sleep health goals, and situational contexts. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, it is essential to develop a wide range of game genres and features to cater to diverse users. Aligning game features with sleep health goals and educating users on the design rationale through sleep knowledge are also important aspects. Furthermore, allowing users to customize their game experience and manage technology boundaries is necessary to nurture a sense of control and autonomy in the process of forming good sleep hygiene.

Interprofessional Management of (Risk of) Malnutrition and Sarcopenia: A Grounded Theory Study from the Perspective of Professionals.

As our global population ages, malnutrition and sarcopenia are increasingly prevalent. Given the multifactorial nature of these conditions, effective management of (risk of) malnutrition and sarcopenia necessitates interprofessional collaboration (IPC). This study aimed to understand primary and social care professionals' barriers, facilitators, preferences, and needs regarding interprofessional management of (risk of) malnutrition and sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. We conducted a qualitative, Straussian, grounded theory study. We collected data using online semi-structured focus group interviews. A grounded theory data analysis was performed using open, axial, and selective coding, followed by developing a conceptual model. We conducted five online focus groups with 28 professionals from the primary and social care setting. We identified five selective codes: 1) Information exchange between professionals must be smooth, 2) Regular consultation on the tasks, responsibilities, and extent of IPC is needed; 3) Thorough involvement of older adults in IPC is preferred; 4) Coordination of interprofessional care around the older adult is needed; and 5) IPC must move beyond healthcare systems. Our conceptual model illustrates three interconnected dimensions in interprofessional collaboration: professionals, infrastructure, and older adults. Based on insights from professionals, interprofessional collaboration requires synergy between professionals, infrastructure, and older adults. Professionals need both infrastructure elements and the engagement of older adults for successful interprofessional collaboration.

Embracing complexities in agricultural water management through nexus planning

AbstractA major challenge for agricultural water management (AWM) in the 21st century is to feed a growing population in the face of increasing intersectoral resource competition, evolving diets, degradation, pandemics, geopolitical conflicts and climate change. This has to be achieved within the planetary boundaries and without compromising the livelihood and environmental (ecosystem) objectives linked to water, including provisioning, supporting and regulating services. This paper uses a systems and nexus lens to unravel the centrality and complexities in AWM, with particular emphasis on the interconnected dimensions and objectives of AWM, as well as its practices and technologies. AWM exists beyond water and food with linkages to human and environmental well‐being. AWM needs to catalyse transformation and integrate approaches across systems, users and scales to meet its objectives in a changing climate. It must provide perspectives beyond productivity, managing water risks and safeguarding food security – as important as these are – and integrate our understanding of the interconnected climate, land, water, food and ecosystems to address planetary health outcomes. By doing so, AWM could catalyse contextualised, equitable, innovative solutions that acknowledge local socio‐economic and institutional structures and limitations while catalysing sustainable development and climate resilience.

Participatory clientelism: A socio-spatial approach to popular politics in Buenos Aires

Abstract What is the relationship between clientelism and political participation in popular urban neighborhoods? This article addresses the question based on qualitative research in two popular neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, drawing on participant observation and interviews with residents, activists, and party brokers. Adding to a growing literature on “participatory clientelism,” we argue for greater attention to the urban context through which this unfolds. To date, research into participatory clientelism has predominantly considered specific practices—participatory innovations or contentious politics—and been limited to the survival of the urban poor and the demand for political support by party brokers. While these are crucial practices, they are not exhaustive of the relations that sustain participatory clientelism, particularly in contexts of territorialized politics. Based on the socio-spatial approach of Henri Lefebvre, influential in urban studies, we define three interconnected dimensions of participatory clientelism and identify them in the cases under study.

G20 ülkeleri içinde 18 ülkenin okyanus ve deniz sağlığı performanslarının analizi: CEBM tabanlı TOPSIS yöntemi ile bir uygulama

This study investigates the critical role of G20 nations in maintaining ocean health, given the significant influence their economic activities have on global maritime ecosystems. Employing the most recent Ocean Health Index (OHI) data (2023) and the CEBM-TOPSIS Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) method, the research assesses the ocean health performance of 18 countries G20 countries. The CEBM analysis identifies biodiversity, carbon sequestration capacity, fisheries sustainability, water quality, and coastal protection as the most important OHI criteria, respectively. According to the CEBM-TOPSIS method, Russia, Brazil, and France are the top three countries with the highest ocean health performance, while China, India, and South Africa are ranked lowest among the first three countries. Notably, the average performance score indicates that Russia, Brazil, France, the United Kingdom, Australia, Mexico, South Korea, the United States, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Canada all exceed the average. This suggests a need for improvement among G20 countries with below-average performance to ensure a more substantial contribution to the global economy and interconnected dimensions. Finally, sensitivity, comparison, and simulation analysis validate the CEBM-TOPSIS MCDM method as a reliable tool for evaluating national ocean health performance.

Unconventional magnetoresistance and resistivity scaling in amorphous CoSi thin films

The resistivity scaling of Cu electrical interconnects represents a critical challenge in Si CMOS technology. As interconnect dimensions reach below 10 nm, Cu resistivity increases significantly due to surface scattering. Topological materials have been considered for application in ultra-scaled interconnects (below 5 nm), due to their topologically protected surface states that have reduced electron scattering. Recent theoretical work on the topological chiral semimetal CoSi suggests that this material could offer lower resistivity than Cu at dimensions smaller than 10 nm. Here we investigate the scaling trend of textured and amorphous CoSi thin films, deposited by molecular beam epitaxy in a thickness range between 2 and 82.5 nm. Contrary to predictions of standard resistivity models, we report here a reduction in resistivity for thin amorphous CoSi films, which is instead consistent with surface-dominated transport. Moreover, magnetotransport measurements reveal significant enhancement of the magnetoresistance in scaled films, highlighting the complex transport mechanisms present in these highly disordered films at thicknesses of a few nanometers.