Minor Issues Research Articles

On the potential of Ukrainian higher educational establishments to satisfy the demand in personnel for renewable energy development

Green energy is a key factor for achieving global sustainable development goals. Energy safety is the basic condition for any state to function and for any economy to grow. Moreover, stable supply of energy resources is a pre-requisite for supporting adequate life quality level for the population, which is the main function of a state. In this context, the problem of training specialists in green energy has become an object of an increasing research interest in many countries, including Ukraine. Ukraine has not been experiencing any specific problems with energy security since gaining independence in 1991, except for minor issues with natural gas supply. However, in autumn and winter of 2022, the necessity to reconstruct the Ukrainian energy safety system became specifically acute. The factor having caused the problem is of a man-made nature and was brought forth by the neighboring state’s military aggression. Russian military forces have been purposefully and methodically devastating the Ukrainian energy infrastructure with missile strikes over the past several months. Thanks to the technical and technological aid offered by partner countries and introducing emergency power outage schedules across the country, Ukrainian energy companies have managed to sustain the energy system in a relatively operational condition for three months by now. Nevertheless, we should envisage the future challenges and build a strategy for the post-war reconstruction of the Ukrainian energy system. Renewable energy sources have a colossal potential and may become a powerful force in the future development of Ukraine’s energy industry. However, in practice, the energy industry must be supplied with a sufficient number of highly professional specialists to realize this opportunity. On the example of Ukrainian HEIs, this article offers an example and a methodology for analysing higher educational establishments’ potential and preparedness to satisfy the predicted demand in personnel and to ensure sustainable development of the renewable energy market. Another finding of this research is the system of markers to measure the success of an educational programme in green energy which can be applied by educational institutions to build the programme enhancement strategy. Also, the authors define directions for perspective development of energy education in Ukraine.

The 2012 Tuareg-Arab Uprising in Northern Mali and Regional Actors: The Impact of Libya and Algeria

Despite the peace agreement signed in Algeria in 2015, the Tuareg-Arab uprising in northern Mali is still one of the main conflicts that threaten security and stability in the Sahel. Regional actors played an undeniable role both in the development of the crisis and in the solution attempts. For this reason, this article aims to examine the development of the crisis that started in Mali in 2012 and continues today through the regional policies of Libya and Algeria. The fact that many Tuareg tribes lived in the southern cities of both countries caused them to be closely involved in the crisis in Mali and to be involved in the process. Muammar Gaddafi, the former leader of Libya, has been the biggest supporter of the Tuareg society within the framework of his pan-Africanist policies. The Tuareg youth who took refuge in Libya in the 1980s not only returned to their country and started the 1990 uprising, but also laid the foundations for the 2012 uprising. As the spiritual father of Tuaregs, Gaddafi's sudden death in 2011 is also cited as one of the main reasons for the 2012 rebellion in northern Mali. On the other hand, Algeria, which has a large Tuareg population in its southern cities, acted as a mediator not only in the 2012 uprising but also in the uprisings in Mali since the 1960s . They hosted the Peace and Reconciliation Agreement in Mali in 2015. This article is important in that it examines Maghreb-Sahel relations from a regional perspective, which cannot find enough space in the literature where existing studies on the crisis mostly focus on international actors. By evaluating transnational identities, minority issues and regional migration from a postcolonial perspective in supplement to political mobilization and regional security issues around the Mali crisis, this paper will provide a comprehensive understanding of the region.

Issues of national minorities in the policy of the Eastern Partnership

The peculiarities of implementing the policy of the EU’s Eastern Partnership Initiative in regards to protecting the rights of national minorities have been studied. The issue of national minorities in the EU is considered from the perspectives of security, democracy, and regional integration. Despite contemporary criticism of the EU’s Eastern Partnership Initiative, many initiatives aimed at protecting the rights of national minorities in the region have been implemented, thereby fostering intergovernmental cooperation. It is evident that Ukraine and Moldova are the most proactive in protecting the rights of national minorities amongst the Eastern Partnership countries. These countries have been granted the status of candidate for EU accession. Despite the Russian-Ukrainian war, Ukraine actively works on improving legislation in the field of ethno-policy. Particular emphasis is placed on analysis of the institutional structure of national minorities, communication pathways, and non-discriminatory policies in Eastern Partnership countries. Member states of the Eastern Partnership actively utilize “soft power” techniques through a network of minority organizations. It has been suggested that European integration of Ukraine and Moldova has generated considerable opportunities for the development of national minorities. Loosening of state borders has enabled national minorities to connect more deeply with their ethnic homelands, thereby transforming them into engaged participants of transborder cooperation and significant figures of regional policy. The Eastern Partnership furnishes a platform for minorities to assert themselves in decisions which pertain to their lives, execute grant initiatives, and take part in regional associations of minorities. Nevertheless, certain risks are highlighted, such as particular nations exploiting EU enlargement to tackle minority matters or manipulate minority rights. The EU has analyzed programs supporting national minorities, especially those implemented in the Eastern Partnership countries. While Eastern Partnership countries have developed their policies regarding national minorities, there are common problems faced by minorities in the region. Ukraine, Georgia, Moldova, Azerbaijan, and Armenia are involved in conflicts, being former Soviet Union countries, and face numerous challenges concerning the functioning of the Russian minority, which is numerically significant in this region. It is stated that the EU cooperates with the Eastern Partnership countries on matters regarding national minorities, and it is crucial to develop innovative models for managing ethnic diversity, promoting the involvement of national minorities in making socio-political decisions and integrating them into society.

CHINA'S POLICY TOWARDS ETHNIC MINORITIES IN XINJIANG: HISTORICAL TRADITIONS AND PECULIARITIES OF TODAY

This article examines the historical and traditional knowledge of China's policy towards ethnic minorities, the main features and main aspects of the CCP's policy today, as well as the Xinjiang issue. The strategic status of Xinjiang and the potential for ethnic unrest lead to a higher level of concern for the Chinese authorities than other provincial regions. Today, official Beijing is faced with the question of whether it protects the rights of minorities from the world community and how it should honor its commitment to minority rights. According to the Chinese historical-traditional understanding, the conflict between ethnic minorities and the Han creates a contrast between civilization and degradation. According to the historical-traditional understanding, this difference concerns obvious «differences» in physical characteristics or language. This is mainly manifested in «cultural differences» with behavioral values and norms. What are the features of the «historical-traditional» approach to minority issues? What are the main factors influencing the ethnic policy of China, forcing the transition from cultural assimilation to the politicization of the ethnic problem? According to the concept and position of the Chinese authorities, the historical-traditional approach considers the unification of political unity, ethnic equality and cultural diversity in order to effectively solve the problem of minorities.

Crowd counting algorithm based on face detection and skin color recognition

This paper introduces an innovative crowd counting algorithm using skin color information. Through stages of color space transformation, threshold segmentation, morphological processing, and region filtering, the algorithm successfully conducts crowd counting in images. The study encompasses analyses of images with diverse crowd densities, skin colors, backgrounds, and lighting intensities, revealing the algorithm's robustness to various factors. It remains unaffected by skin color and crowd size and exhibits minimal sensitivity to background and lighting intensity. Furthermore, the paper explores image feature analysis and uses MATLAB programming for simulation and initial crowd counting, considering images with different actual crowd sizes. Despite minor issues such as the insufficient separation of faces from clothing and the influence of lighting intensity, the algorithm performs reliably in most scenarios, demonstrating high crowd counting accuracies. To bolster the accuracy and robustness of the algorithm, optimization of the separation step and control of the lighting effect on images is suggested. The key focus of this study is the application of the Gaussian model in the YCbCr color space for face detection and examining its impact on the efficiency and accuracy of crowd counting algorithm. The research not only provides a novel approach for crowd counting in images but also offers insightful perspectives for future studies and potential improvements. Thus, the study proves to be a significant contribution to face detection and recognition technology, enhancing its application in fields like public safety, crowd management, and surveillance systems.

Experience to date with elective transfemoral amputations incorporating agonist-antagonist myoneural interface (AMI) design

IntroductionThe agonist-antagonist myoneural interface (AMI) is a surgical construct that, when incorporated into limb amputation, offers to potential to preserve or restore proprioception, augment functionality, reduce neuropathic pain and enhance overall limb stability. We here present our experience to date with AMI construction in the context of transfemoral amputation (TFA). MethodsPatients were recruited for TFA with AMI construction at Brigham & Women’s and Brigham & Women’s Faulkner Hospital between June 2018 and June 2023. Data collection included demographic information, intraoperative parameters, clinical recovery metrics and complications. All data was then collated and analyzed. ResultsSeven TFA procedures were performed on seven patients during the study period. The operative technique employed evolved significantly over time, and included the development of both native and regenerative AMI models. Four patients were biological males (57%), and mean patient age was 42.0 ± 14.6 years. The etiology of conditions necessitating amputation included traumatic (43%), oncologic (29%), iatrogenic (14%) and congenital (14%). Mean operative time was 566 ± 97 min and average length of stay was 11.7 ± 8.4 days. Average postoperative follow-up was 2.19 ± 1.57 years (range 0.81–4.30 years). Postoperative imaging of AMI constructs demonstrated average muscle excursions of 6±3 mm, and total average limb volume preservation over time was 102 ± 14%. All patients demonstrated a complete wean from narcotic pain medications, with a mean time to wean of 86 ± 79 days. Minimal neuropathic pain was reported after the acute postoperative period. All seven (100%) of the subjects reported functional phantom limb sensation over the same time. Complications included significant soft tissue necrosis in two (29%) patients and minor wound healing issues in one (14%) patient. ConclusionsTFA incorporating AMI construction appears to offer promising benefits similar to those previously reported in patients undergoing similar interventions at the transtibial level.

Implementing AI Models for Prognostic Predictions in High-Risk Burn Patients.

Burn injuries range from minor medical issues to severe, life-threatening conditions. The severity and location of the burn dictate its treatment; while minor burns might be treatable at home, severe burns necessitate medical intervention, sometimes in specialized burn centers with extended follow-up care. This study aims to leverage artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML) to forecast potential adverse effects in burn patients. This retrospective analysis considered burn patients admitted to Chi Mei Medical Center from 2010 to 2019. The study employed 14 features, comprising supplementary information like prior comorbidities and laboratory results, for building models for predicting graft surgery, a prolonged hospital stay, and overall adverse effects. Overall, 70% of the data set trained the AI models, with the remaining 30% reserved for testing. Three ML algorithms of random forest, LightGBM, and logistic regression were employed with evaluation metrics of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). In this research, out of 224 patients assessed, the random forest model yielded the highest AUC for predictions related to prolonged hospital stays (>14 days) at 81.1%, followed by the XGBoost (79.9%) and LightGBM (79.5%) models. Besides, the random forest model of the need for a skin graft showed the highest AUC (78.8%), while the random forest model and XGBoost model of the occurrence of adverse complications both demonstrated the highest AUC (87.2%) as well. Based on the best models with the highest AUC values, an AI prediction system is designed and integrated into hospital information systems to assist physicians in the decision-making process. AI techniques showcased exceptional capabilities for predicting a prolonged hospital stay, the need for a skin graft, and the occurrence of overall adverse complications for burn patients. The insights from our study fuel optimism for the inception of a novel predictive model that can seamlessly meld with hospital information systems, enhancing clinical decisions and bolstering physician-patient dialogues.

Investigation of structural parameters of acoustic panels produced from post-industrial textile wastes containing different raw materials

Although noise pollution appears to be a minor issue, it worsens as a result of urbanization and population growth. Unwanted noises have a wide range of negative effects, including anxiety, hostility, high blood pressure, tinnitus, hearing loss, and sleep difficulties. The researchers are compelled to conduct a creative search in order to uncover future environmental solutions due to the noise problem, which is becoming each day worse. Moreover, the textile sector, which is growing day by day, generates huge amounts of waste with the effect of fast fashion trend. The objective of this study is to develop ecofriendly acoustic panels utilizing recycled textile waste and thermoplastic polypropylene (PP) fibers. Within the scope of the study, waste fabrics made of viscose, lyocell, flax, cotton, and polyester are shredded into fibers, and sandwich panels including waste fibers bonded together with PP fibers are generated using the hot press technique. In addition to the use of natural and synthetic fibers, the effects of surface shape (perforated-imperforated) and layer thickness (5 mm and 10 mm) on acoustic performance are examined. The results of the sound absorption and sound transmission loss tests reveal that the acoustic properties of the samples improve as the sample thickness increases, but the perforation process does not have the desired favorable impact on samples of the same thickness. Additionally, the outcomes demonstrate that around 2000 Hz, natural and regenerated fibers with high cellulose content had the best sound absorption coefficients around 0.60. The findings indicate that these eco-friendly panels can be used to reduce unwanted noise in open offices, co-working spaces, and meeting rooms.

AI in Gravitational Wave Analysis, an Overview

Gravitational wave research presents a range of intriguing challenges, each of which has driven significant progress in the field. Key research problems include glitch classification, glitch cancellation, gravitational wave denoising, binary black hole signal detection, gravitational wave bursts, and minor issues that contribute to the overall understanding of gravitational wave phenomena. This paper explores the applications of artificial intelligence, deep learning, and machine learning techniques in addressing these challenges. The main goal of the paper is to provide an effective view of AI and deep learning usage for gravitational wave analysis. Thanks to the advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques, aided by GPUs and specialized software frameworks, these techniques have played a key role over the last decade in the identification, classification, and cancellation of gravitational wave signals, as presented in our results. This paper provides a comprehensive exploration of the adoption rate of these techniques, with reference to the software and hardware involved, their effectiveness, and potential limitations, offering insights into the advancements in the analysis of gravitational wave data.

Liberal Educational Implications of Korean Women’s Science Fiction in the 2010s : Focusing on Cheon Seonran’s <I>A Thousand Blue</I>

The emergence of women's science fiction in the 2010s is notable for its narrative achievements in imagining various possibilities of the ‘posthuman’ in the new reality brought about by the development of science and technology. Research on women’s science fiction has also been conducted in the context of the posthuman, with two main research trends: technofeminism, which affirms the union between women and science, and critical posthumanist research on ableism. However, these studies lack a perspective on animality that encompasses humans and nonhumans. The discussion of science fiction inevitably confronts the disregard for life and instrumentalist exploitation, which can be seen as increasing with the development of science and technology. Therefore, the issues of human and non-human minorities, vulnerability, and animality are the ultimate challenges of a posthuman society and are central to the discussion of science fiction. If posthumanism dreams of a ‘better’ post-human world, it should focus on ‘animals, including humans’. Therefore, in order to generate categories of thought for discussion topics that can be utilized in liberal arts education, this paper adds the animal axis to the existing discussion and discusses the correlation between the three concepts of minorities, vulnerability, and animality in Cheon Seonran’s science fiction novel <i>A Thousand Blue</i>. As we have seen, the educational implications of the novel are that it connects humans and animals through disability and points out the problems of the technological society that will come in the near future as an extension of today, pointing out that the posthuman society should be designed from the lowest position. In addition, the novel’s significance lies in the fact that it creates a point of debate, rather than simply sealing the issue by establishing a desirable human-animal relationship. The novel shows that by adding a species axis to the posthumanist discussion, we can start to think about how to redesign society.

Mobile Health Hearing Aid Acclimatization and Support Program in Low-Income Communities: Feasibility Study.

The most common management option for hearing loss is hearing aids. In addition to devices, patients require information and support, including maintenance and troubleshooting. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies can support hearing aid management, acclimatization, and use. This study developed an mHealth acclimatization and support program for first-time hearing aid users and subsequently implemented and pilot-tested the feasibility of the program. The program was facilitated by community health workers (CHWs) in low-income communities in South Africa. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an mHealth acclimatization and support program supported by CHWs in low-income communities. An application-based acclimatization and support was adapted and translated for use in low- and middle-income countries. This program was delivered in the form of 20 different voice notes accompanied by graphical illustrations via WhatsApp or 20 different SMS text messages. The program was provided to first-time hearing aid users immediately after a community-based hearing aid fitting in March 2021 in 2 low-income communities in the Western Cape, South Africa. The 20 messages were sent over a period of 45 days. Participants were contacted telephonically on days 8, 20, and 43 of the program and via open-ended paper-based questionnaires translated to isiXhosa 45 days and 6 months after the program started to obtain information on their experiences, perceptions, and accessibility of the program. Their responses were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. A total of 19 participants fitted with hearing aids received the mHealth acclimatization and support program. Most participants (15/19, 79%) received the program via WhatsApp, with 21% (4/19) of them receiving it via SMS text message. Participants described the program as helpful, supportive, informative, sufficient, and clear at both follow-ups. A total of 14 participants reported that they were still using their hearing aids at the 6-month follow-up. Three participants indicated that not all their questions about hearing aids were answered, and 5 others had minor hearing aid issues. This included feedback (n=1), battery performance (n=1), physical fit (n=2), and issues with hearing aid accessories (n=1). However, CHWs successfully addressed all these issues. There were no notable differences in responses between the participants who received the program via WhatsApp compared with those who received it through SMS text message. Most participants receiving WhatsApp messages reported that the voice notes were easier to understand, but the graphical illustrations supplemented the voice notes well. An mHealth acclimatization and support program is feasible and potentially assists hearing aid acclimatization and use for first-time users in low-income communities. Scalable mHealth support options can facilitate increased access and improve outcomes of hearing care.

An Analysis of Constraints Faced by Organic Farmers in the Cauvery Delta Zone of Tamil Nadu, India

Aim: This study examines the multifaceted challenges encountered by organic farmers operating within the Cauvery Delta Region of Tamil Nadu.
 Study Design: Ex-post facto research design was used to investigate and reveal the challenges that organic farmers have encountered over the preceding years.
 Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Cauvery Delta Zone of Tamil Nadu. Five districts were selected for the study namely, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Mayiladuthurai and Tiruchirapalli. Respondents were interviewed during the period of June 2023 – July 2023.
 Methodology: The study aimed to include 40 organic farmers from each district, resulting in a collective sample size of 200 respondents across these districts, facilitated through snowball sampling technique. A well – structured interview schedule which included the major constraints faced by organic farmers of the CDZ was developed based on review of past literatures and discussion with experts in the area of organic farming. Based on the ranks given by the respondents to the constraints, the data was analyzed and conclusive results were obtained using the Rank Based Quotient (RBQ) technique. Constraints were studied in 7 different dimensions namely, labour, technical, service and supply, credit and economic, environmental, cropping and marketing constraints. 
 Results: The prime constraints with a higher RBQ values identified in these dimensions were, Labour scarcity due to MGNREGA (93.13), Cumbersome (Slow and complicated) certification process (79.90), Lack of supportive institutions for organic farming (91.80), Inadequate subsidies for organic agriculture (92.75), Use of polluted river water for irrigation (93.90), Lack of inputs specifically for weed management (96.63), Challenge in finding proper marketing channel (90.38). In addition to this, some minor issues were also identified as constraints in the study area.
 Conclusion: Through an in-depth exploration of these challenges, the study aims to provide insights that can guide policy makers, practitioners, and stakeholders in devising strategies to overcome the obstacles faced by organic farmers in the Cauvery Delta Zone which could have a threshold effect in boosting up the organic productivity of the state.

Comparative analysis of surgical management approaches for hydatid liver cysts: conventional vs. minimally invasive techniques

IntroductionHydatid liver disease is a prevalent condition in endemic areas, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa. The use of laparoscopy as a treatment option has gained popularity. However, there is still ongoing debate regarding the optimal approach for surgical management. In this study, we present our experience with the surgical treatment of hydatid liver disease comparing conventional and minimally invasive approaches, including laparoscopic and robotic options.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent surgery for hydatid liver disease at our institution. Data was collected on the patients’ clinical presentations, cyst characteristics, surgical procedures performed, intraoperative findings, and postoperative complications.ResultsA total of 98 hydatid liver cysts were surgically managed in 57 patients. The mean age of the patients was 37.2 ± 10.2 years, with 38 (66.7%) being male. Among the patients, 14 (24.6%) underwent conventional surgery (6 partial pericystectomy, 4 total pericystectomy, and 4 liver resection), 37 (64.9%) underwent laparoscopic surgery (31 partial pericystectomy, 4 total pericystectomy, and 2 liver resection), and 6 (10.5%) underwent robotic surgery (6 partial pericystectomy). There were no significant differences between the conventional surgery and minimally invasive groups in terms of patient age, gender, cyst size, or number. However, laparotomy was associated with a higher number of total pericystectomy and liver resection procedures compared to the minimally invasive approach (P = 0.010). Nonetheless, the operation time and blood loss were comparable between both groups. Perioperative complications occurred in 19 (33.3%) patients, with 16 (84%) experiencing minor issues. Bile leak occurred in 8 (14%) patients, resolving spontaneously in 5 patients. There was no significant difference (P = 0.314) in the incidence of complications between the two groups. Conventional surgery, however, was associated with a significantly longer hospital stay (P = 0.034). During follow-up, there were no cases of mortality or cyst recurrence in our cohort.ConclusionMinimally invasive approaches for hydatid liver cysts offer advantages such as shorter hospitalization and potentially quicker recovery, making them valuable treatment options when accompanied by careful patient selection and adherence to proper surgical techniques.

Acceptance of Telemedicine Compared to In-Person Consultation From the Providers' and Users' Perspectives: Multicenter, Cross-Sectional Study in Dermatology.

Teledermatology is currently finding its place in modern health care worldwide as a rapidly evolving field. The aim of this study was to investigate the acceptance of teledermatology compared to in-person consultation from the perspective of patients and professionals. This multicenter, cross-sectional pilot study was performed at secondary and tertiary referral centers of dermatology in Switzerland from August 2019 to January 2020. A customized questionnaire addressing demographics and educational data, experience with telemedicine, and presumed willingness to replace in-patient consultations with teledermatology was completed by dermatological patients, dermatologists, and health care workers in dermatology. Among a total of 664 participants, the ones with previous telemedicine experience (171/664, 25.8%) indicated a high level of overall experience with it (patients: 73/106, 68.9%, dermatologists: 6/8, 75.0%, and health care workers: 27/34, 79.4%). Patients, dermatologists, and health care workers were most likely willing to replace in-person consultations with teledermatology for minor health issues (353/512, 68.9%; 37/45, 82.2%; and 89/107, 83.2%, respectively). We observed a higher preference for telemedicine among individuals who have already used telemedicine (patients: P<.001, dermatologists: P=.03, and health care workers, P=.005), as well as among patients with higher educational levels (P=.003). This study indicates that the preference for teledermatology has a high potential to increase over time since previous experience with telemedicine and a higher level of education were associated with a higher willingness to replace in-patient consultations with telemedicine. We assume that minor skin problems are the most promising issue in teledermatology. Our findings emphasize the need for dermatologists to be actively involved in the transition to teledermatology. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04495036; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04495036.

EarWell Infant Ear Molding Device: Experience and Parent Survey.

EarWell infant ear molding device is a noninvasive, nonsurgical option to treat ear deformities in early infancy. There are no studies involving the parents' perspective to the use of the EarWell. To investigate our experience with EarWell infant ear molding device and to assess the parents' satisfaction. A retrospective case series study of infants with congenital ear deformities who were treated with EarWell device from October 2021 to November 2022. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Clinical photographs were obtained before, during, and after treatment. Parents' satisfaction level was assessed through telephone encounters and surveys, and issues associated with device application were identified. Clinical improvement of ear deformity was graded into poor, fair, good, and excellent. A total of 9 patients with congenital ear deformities were identified and included in this study (7 bilateral deformities and 2 unilateral deformities). The mean adjusted age of the initial treatment is 17 weeks (4-23 weeks), and the mean treatment duration is 5.7 weeks. The authors received full 8 responses from the parents' survey, and all parents were satisfied with post-treatment results (4 satisfied, 1 fully satisfied, and 2 very satisfied). Issues associated with device application were 3 superficial skin ulcers and 4 skin irritation. Clinical Improvement grades were: 5 excellent improvement, 2 good improvement, and 2 fair improvement. On the basis of our experience, the EarWell device has shown a high success rate and a low complication rate. It is well accepted by parents, but it needs close follow-up to detect minor device-related issues. The device is safe for multiple skin types.

Sexual Minorities - Men who have Sex with Men1, Transgender2 and Lesbian3 Women in Côte d'Ivoire: Between Life Paths and Hesitations in the Process of Constructing Gender Identity

The construction and acceptance of the identity or sexual orientation of sexual minorities by society and the individual are realities that are constantly in crisis. This reality is all the more perceptible in societies where minorities are strongly discriminated against as a result of certain social considerations. In Côte d'Ivoire, the legal vacuum on the issue of sexual minorities leaves them prey to practices that are sometimes demeaning to certain members of the community. This article provides an insight into the lives of some of Côte d'Ivoire's sexual minorities (MSM, TG and Lesbian) and the hesitations that mark the construction of their gender identity. Based on a qualitative approach with four (04) leaders of the LGBTQ+ community on the one hand, and referring to social identity theory on the other, it emerges that the construction process is discontinuous or disjointed due to hesitations created by internal and external factors. Internally, the individual's decisions or choices help to create hesitations or set up these situations. From an external point of view, the family or social context and certain discriminatory behaviours with regard to the sexual orientation of individuals have a strong influence on the acceptance and definition of a gender identity within this category of the population.

Knowledge, attitude and practice of self-medication in general population of central India

Self-medication is widely used in both urban and rural people around the world, even in developing nations like India. Inappropriate self-medication can squander resources, increase microbial resistance, and pose serious health hazards regardless of whether it can help in the prevention and treatment of illnesses that do not require medical attention. To determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of 200 participants on self-medication, a cross-sectional study using questionnaires was conducted. On the recommendation of pharmacists, 45.5% of respondents used self-medication in the previous six months. About 83% of respondents thought self-medication was harmful if it was used without proper knowledge of drugs and diseases, 69% thought pharmacists were good resources for advice and information about minor medical issues, 59% thought self-medication was acceptable in some situations, and 34% thought a drug's effectiveness was unrelated to its price. Self-medication was favoured by the majority of respondents (38%) for minor illnesses like coughs, colds, and fevers. Due to time savings, participants' confidence in their own medical expertise, the expensive cost of visiting a doctor, and the clinic's distance from their homes, self-medication was chosen. Even though self-medication has negative effects, many nevertheless do it since it's more convenient. The general public should therefore be made aware of the potential risks associated with self-medication.

The Building Healthy Eating and Self-Esteem Together for University Students Mobile App to Treat Eating Disorders: User-Centered Research Design and Feasibility Study.

University students are an at-risk group for the development of eating disorders (EDs); however, many college campuses lack sufficient resources to provide ED specialty care. Students report unique reasons for not seeking ED treatment, including the desire to solve the problem on their own (eg, seeking help from friends, self-medicating, or waiting to see if their problems improve), inability to afford treatment, lack of time to participate in the treatment, fear of seeing their primary care physician, and lack of recognition of their issues as an ED. Mobile health (mHealth) apps may be a cost-effective, helpful adjunctive tool to overcome personal and systemic barriers and encourage help seeking. This paper describes the development, usability, and acceptability of the Building Healthy Eating and Self-Esteem Together for University Students (BEST-U) mHealth smartphone app, which is designed to fill critical gaps in access to ED treatment on college campuses. We undertook a 4-phase iterative development process that focused on user-centered design. The 4 phases included needs assessment based on literature reviews, prototype development and initial evaluation in a pilot trial, redesign, and further pilot-testing to assess the usability and acceptability of the final version of the mHealth app. Acceptability and user satisfaction were assessed using an ad hoc survey that ranged from 1 (strongly disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). Our needs assessment identified a lack of accessible and affordable treatments for university students. To help meet this need, the BEST-U prototype was designed as an 11-week program that provided interactive, weekly modules that focused on second- and third-wave cognitive behavioral skills. The modules focused on topics such as psychoeducation, reducing thought distortions and body checking, improving body image, interpersonal effectiveness, and behavior chain analysis. The content included interactive quizzes, short answer questions, daily and weekly logs, and surveys completed in the app. BEST-U was paired with brief 25-30 minutes of weekly telehealth coaching sessions provided by a licensed provider or supervised trainee. Pilot-testing revealed minor issues with one module of the app content, which some participants viewed as having low relevance to their experience and therapist concerns about the organization of the app content. These issues were addressed through the removal, addition, and reorganization of BEST-U modules, with the help of therapists-in-training across 2 workshops. The revised version of the BEST-U app had a grand mean acceptability rating of 5.73 out of 7. The participants completed 90.1% (694/770) of the BEST-U modules, indicating high compliance. BEST-U is a new, acceptable, and user-friendly mHealth app to help therapists deliver brief, evidence-based cognitive behavioral interventions. Owing to its acceptability and user-friendly nature, BEST-U has high user compliance and holds promise for future implementation and dissemination in university mental health settings.

Ferdinand Taylor Jones (1932-2022).

Memorializes Ferdinand Taylor Jones (1932-2022). Jones' career as a clinical psychologist was characterized by an unwavering commitment to social justice, multicultural training, and college mental health. He was professor of psychology emeritus and lecturer emeritus in the School of Medicine at Brown University. Jones was the first director of Brown's Department of Psychological Services when it was created in 1980. In the Warren Alpert School of Medicine, he established seminars on minority issues for psychology interns and postdoctoral fellows and was a leader of support groups for medical students. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

The development and validation of a C-test and a pseudo-character test for online CFL assessment

Abstract Taking inspiration from a popular online English test, this study first documents the development of an achievement test containing a newly developed C-test and pseudo-character test for beginner-level Chinese learners. Then, based on the test results collected from 53 university learners and using statistical tools, analyses were conducted on its content validity, construct validity, criterion-related validity, difficulty, discrimination power, and reliability. Results indicate that this new achievement test has relatively satisfactory reliability and validity, with only minor issues that need to be addressed in future studies. Situated in the context of language assessment, the study sheds light on the application of the C-test and a pseudo-character section in both face-to-face and at-distance Chinese as a foreign language (CFL) classrooms. Furthermore, the study also provides practical and applicable methods for CFL teachers to develop their own assessments.