Mechanical Support Research Articles

Failure Mechanism and Control Technology of the Primary Support for Asymmetric Deformation Disaster of Deep Tunnel

Asymmetric large deformation disasters inevitably occur when highway tunnels cross active fault zones. Relying on the Nanlangshan No.1 Tunnel Project, the mechanism of asymmetric deformation is analyzed based on the in-situ engineering geology and tunnel monitoring data, and numerical calculations are used for verification. Based on the results of asymmetric large deformation disaster analysis, the control scheme of double-layer primary support is proposed, and the design is optimized with numerical calculation before engineering practice. The conclusions are as follows: 1. The original primary support program cannot withstand the asymmetric surrounding rock pressure, and the slip of the weak interlayer in the engineering geology is the main reason for the asymmetric deformation disaster in the tunnel. 2. According to the results of the numerical calculations, the tilted weak interlayer greatly reduces the stability of the surrounding rock, which leads to the local bending damage in the left shoulder of the tunnel, and the local shear deformation damage in the right arch girdle. 3. When using the double-layer primary support program, the appropriate delay of support timing for the second layer of primary support can effectively decrease the tunnel asymmetric deformation. However, if the second layer of primary support lag distance is too large, it will also lead to tunnel deformation convergence larger, or support failure and other issues. So, it is recommended that the second layer of primary support lags behind the first layer of primary support by 2 m to be applied.

Association of COVID-19 with acute and post-acute risk of multiple different complications and mortality in patients infected with omicron variant stratified by initial disease severity: a cohort study in Hong Kong

BackgroundFew studies have attempted to use clinical and laboratory parameters to stratify COVID-19 patients with severe versus non-severe initial disease and evaluate age-specific differences in developing multiple different COVID-19-associated disease outcomes.MethodsA retrospective cohort included patients from the electronic health database of Hong Kong Hospital Authority between 1 January 2022 and 15 August 2022 until 15 November 2022. The cohort was divided into three cohorts by age (≤ 40, 41–64, and ≥ 65 years old). Each age cohort was stratified into four groups: (1) COVID-19 critically exposed group (ICU admission, mechanical ventilation support, CRP > 80 mg/L, or D-dimer > 2 g/mL), (2) severely exposed group (CRP 30–80 mg/L, D-dimer 0.5–2 g/mL, or CT value < 20), (3) mildly–moderately exposed group (COVID-19 positive-tested but not fulfilling the criteria for the aforementioned critically and severely exposed groups), and (4) unexposed group (without COVID-19). The characteristics between groups were adjusted with propensity score-based marginal mean weighting through stratification. Cox regression was conducted to determine the association of COVID-19 disease severity with disease outcomes and mortality in the acute and post-acute phase (< 30 and ≥ 30 days from COVID-19 infection) in each age group.ResultsA total of 286,114, 320,304 and 194,227 patients with mild–moderate COVID-19 infection; 18,419, 23,678 and 31,505 patients with severe COVID-19 infection; 1,168, 2,261 and 10,178 patients with critical COVID-19 infection, and 1,143,510, 1,369,365 and 1,012,177 uninfected people were identified in aged ≤ 40, 40–64, and ≥ 65 groups, respectively. Compared to the unexposed group, a general trend tending towards an increase in risks of multiple different disease outcomes as COVID-19 disease severity increases, with advancing age, was identified in both the acute and post-acute phases. Notably, the mildly–moderately exposed group were associated with either insignificant risks (aged ≤ 40) or the lowest risks (aged > 40) for the disease outcomes in the acute phase of infection (e.g., mortality risk HR (aged ≤ 40): 1.0 (95%CI: 0.5,2.0), HR (aged 41–64): 2.1 (95%CI: 1.8, 2.6), HR (aged > 65): 4.8 (95%CI: 4.6, 5.1)); while in the post-acute phase, these risks were largely insignificant in those aged < 65, remaining significant only in the elderly (age ≥ 65) (e.g., mortality risk HR (aged ≤ 40): 0.8 (95%CI: (0.5, 1.0)), HR (aged 41–64): 1.1 (95%CI: 1.0,1.2), HR (aged > 65): 1.5 (95%CI: 1.5,1.6)). Fully vaccinated patients were associated with lower risks of disease outcomes than those receiving less than two doses of vaccination.ConclusionsThe risk of multiple different disease outcomes in both acute and post-acute phases increased significantly with the increasing severity of acute COVID-19 illness, specifically among the elderly. Moreover, future studies could improve by risk-stratifying patients based on universally accepted thresholds for clinical parameters, particularly biomarkers, using biological evidence from immunological studies.

Netrin-1 stimulated axon growth requires the polyglutamylase TTLL1.

In the developing brain, neurons extend an axonal process through a complex and changing environment to form synaptic connections with the correct targets in response to extracellular cues. Microtubule and actin filaments provide mechanical support and drive axon growth in the correct direction. The axonal cytoskeleton responds to extracellular guidance cues. Netrin-1 is a multifunctional guidance cue that can induce alternate responses based on the bound receptor. The mechanism by which actin responds to Netrin-1 is well described. However, how Netrin-1 influences the microtubule cytoskeleton is less understood. Appropriate microtubule function is required for axon pathfinding, as mutations in tubulin phenocopy axon crossing defects of Netrin-1 and DCC mutants. Microtubule stabilization is required for attractive guidance cue response. The C-terminal tails of microtubules can be post-translationally modified. Post-translational modifications (PTMs) help control the microtubule cytoskeleton. We measured polyglutamylation in cultured primary mouse cortical neurons before and after Netrin-1 stimulation. We used immunohistochemistry to measure how Netrin-1 stimulation alters microtubule-associated protein localization. Next, we manipulated TTLL1 to determine if Netrin-1-induced axon growth and MAP localization depend on polyglutamylation levels. In this study, we investigated if Netrin-1 signaling alters microtubule PTMs in the axon. We found that microtubule polyglutamylation increases after Netrin-1 stimulation. This change in polyglutamylation is necessary for Netrin-1-induced axonal growth rate increases. We next determined that MAP1B and DCX localization changes in response to Netrin-1. These proteins can both stabilize the microtubule cytoskeleton and may be responsible for Netrin-1-induced growth response in neurons. The changes in DCX and MAP1B depend on TTLL1, a protein responsible for microtubule polyglutamylation.

Competency of Public School Teachers in Using the Learning Resources Management and Development System

The Learning Resource Management and Development System (LRMDS), implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines, is a critical element within the educational framework aimed at improving teaching and learning outcomes. In this context, this study focuses on assessing the competence of public-school teachers in a specific district within a medium-sized division in Western Visayas during the 2019-2020 school year, regarding their utilization of LRMDS, and identifying factors influencing their competence. To gather quantitative data, 170 teacher respondents participated in the study, completing a carefully designed questionnaire that underwent thorough validity and reliability assessments. The results indicate that most teachers demonstrate a moderate level of proficiency in utilizing LRMDS. The study also highlights a significant difference in LRMDS utilization among teachers based on age. These findings underscore the importance of targeted training programs and ongoing support mechanisms to effectively enhance teachers’ proficiency in utilizing LRMS. Improving teachers’ competency with LRMS can facilitate greater integration of technology in education, thereby contributing to enhanced student learning outcomes. Keywords: Public-school teachers, empirical-based approach, competence in using learning resource management and development system, Western Visayas, Philippines

Evolution of social standards and guarantees in the legal system of Ukraine: current challenges and development prospects

The study is devoted to the evolution of social standards and guarantees in the legal system of Ukraine, the analysis of modern challenges in the field of social protection and the determination of prospects for their further development. In the conditions of economic and political transformations, ensuring the appropriate level of social standards is an urgent task. The article examines the historical development of social standards from the Soviet period to the modern stage of Ukraine’s integration into the European legal space. The impact of international law, in particular the European Social Charter and ILO conventions, on the formation of social standards is analyzed. The importance of adapting national legislation to international standards for increasing the level of social protection and bringing Ukrainian policy closer to European standards is emphasized. The influence of economic and social factors, such as crises, demographic changes, social inequality and migration processes, which create serious challenges for the state, is considered. Special attention is paid to social guarantees for vulnerable population groups, such as pensioners, people with disabilities, internally displaced persons and combatants. The main problems of these groups in the realization of the rights to social protection were identified and recommendations were given for improving the mechanisms of social support. The author emphasizes the need to reform social policy to create a more effective and fair system of social protection. Contemporary challenges in the implementation of social standards are explored, including economic instability, demographic changes, military conflict, inefficiency of public administration, and corruption. Emphasis is placed on a comprehensive approach to overcoming them, increasing the financial stability of the social system, improving legal regulation and cooperation with international organizations. Prospects for the development of social standards depend on the state’s ability to ensure the sustainability of social policy, adapt legislation to international standards, and increase the availability of social services. The successful implementation of these measures will contribute to Ukraine’s integration into the European legal space, which is strategically important for the country’s development. The article offers a comprehensive analysis of the evolution of social standards in the legal system of Ukraine, identifies the main challenges and provides recommendations for the further development of social policy.

Regulatory and legal component of administrative regulation of probation

The article examines the normative-legal component of the administrative regulation of probation.Itwasdeterminedthattheadministrative and legal regulation of probation is a set of legal norms and mechanisms that determine the order of organization and implementation of probation measures in the state, the competence of state bodies, their duties and rights regarding control over the implementation of probation measures and interaction in this area with the courts , law enforcement agencies and social services. It is noted that probation is a system of supervision, control and social-educational measures applied by court decision to offenders instead of imprisonment or as a substitute for punishment, includes individual supervision, assistance in resocialization and measures aimed at preventing repeated crimes and ensuring safety society, while integrating the offender into social life without isolation. It is emphasized that the NPA system of administrative and legal regulation of probation includes international legal standards, national NPAs, including Acts of central executive bodies, local normative acts, agreements, methodological recommendations, etc., the norms of which are aimed at the development of alternative punishments, provision of rehabilitation and social support of offenders, regulation of the organization and implementation of probation in Ukraine, determine the legal basis for the activity of probation authorities, and also establish the procedure for providing probation services for persons who have committed a criminal offense. It was determined that the shortcomings of the administrative and legal regulation of probation are: the imperfection of the legislative framework, violation of the probation procedure, clear criteria for assessing the convicted person and the system for assessing the risks of recidivism, the mismatch of resources and the burden on the system, the low level of coordination between subjects of probation, the prevalence of ineffective methods of psychological works; society is not aware of the purpose and mechanism of probation, etc. It has been stated that the prospects for improving the normative-legal basis of the administrative-legal regulation of probation in Ukraine are: harmonization of legislation with international standards, institutional strengthening of the probation system, expansion of various approaches to probation, improvement of mechanisms for rehabilitation and support of offenders, involvement of public organizations, development of electronic monitoring systems , expanding educational programs for probation officers, increasing funding, research and analysis of probation effectiveness, etc.

EMPOWERMENT THROUGH UNDERSTANDING: A DEEP DIVE INTO LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

&lt;p&gt;This qualitative study focuses on a detailed investigation into the complexities of learning difficulties, aiming to uncover the underlying causes, identify prevalent symptoms, discern societal attitudes, and evaluate the efficacy of various intervention strategies. By engaging a substantial participant base of 863 individuals, the study leverages qualitative methodologies to shed light on the nuanced experiences of those with learning disabilities, including challenges related to perception, skill acquisition, and social integration. The research outcomes emphasize the critical need for a holistic understanding of learning difficulties, taking into account the intricate interplay between psychological, genetic, environmental, and educational influences. Such comprehensive insights are pivotal for the development of tailored support and intervention programs, with the potential to significantly impact educational policies and practices. This study not only enriches the academic and clinical discourse surrounding learning disabilities but also advocates for enhanced societal support mechanisms, thereby aiming to improve the educational journey and quality of life for individuals facing these challenges.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0746/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Morphological identification and distribution comparison of telocytes in pituitary gland between normal and cryptorchid yaks

BackgroundTelocytes (TCs) is a novel type of interstitial cells in many mammals organs, which participate in the organizational metabolism, mechanical support, immunomodulation and other aspects. The aim of this study was to explore the organizational chemical characteristics of TCs in pituitary gland and their changes in cryptorchid yaks.MethodsTransmission electron microscopy (TEM), toluidine blue staining, immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting may enable us to understand TCs distribution characteristics and biological functions.ResultTEM confirmed the presence of TCs in the pituitary gland with small bodies and moniliform telopodes (Tps). The Tps extending out from the cell body to the peri-sinusoidal vessels spaces, the number of Tps is closely related to the morphology of the nucleus. The most obvious changes of TCs in the pituitary gland of cryptorchid yaks is the Tps are relatively shorter and decreased secretory vesicles. H.E. and toluidine blue staining revealed that TCs not only distributed between the sinusoidal blood vessels and the glandular cell clusters, but also present on the surface of vascular endothelial cells. The co-expression of TCs biomarkers, such as Vimentin/CD34, CD117/CD34 and α-SMA/CD34, were evaluated by immunofluorescence to further determine the phenotypic characteristics of TCs. Besides, we analyzed the mRNA and protein expression of these biomarkers to determine the characteristics of TCs changes and possible biological roles. Both the mRNA and protein expression of CD117 were significantly higher in the pituitary gland of cryptorchid yaks than in the normal (p < 0.01), the protein expression of CD34 in the cryptorchid yaks was significantly higher than the normal (p < 0.01). There were no significant difference in mRNA expression of Vimentin and α-SMA (p>0.05), while the protein expression were significantly increased in the normal yaks (p < 0.05).ConclusionsIn summary, this study reports for the first time that the biological characteristics of TCs in yak pituitary gland. Although there is no significant change in the distribution characteristics, the changes in biological features of TCs in cryptorchid yaks are clear, suggesting that TCs participated in alteration in the local microenvironment of the pituitary gland. Therefore, our study provides clues for further investigating the role of TCs in the pituitary gland during the occurrence of cryptorchidism in yaks.

Assessing Entrepreneurial Readiness in Teacher Education Graduates for Future Success

Entrepreneurship education is increasingly recognized as essential for cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset among students. The College of Teacher Education (CTE) at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) has integrated the "Entrepreneurial Mind" subject into its curriculum to equip future educators with vital entrepreneurial skills. This study assesses the entrepreneurial competencies, attitudes, and intentions of MMSU-CTE graduates who completed this subject. This study evaluates key competencies such as opportunity recognition, innovation, risk management, and leadership, alongside graduates' perceptions of the subject's effectiveness. Data were collected from 150 graduates via a structured questionnaire online and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results indicate high proficiency in opportunity recognition, resource management, and innovation, but moderate levels in risk management and financial planning, suggesting areas for curricular enhancement. While 65% of graduates exhibit positive entrepreneurial attitudes, only 50% have strong intentions to start a business, highlighting the need for additional support mechanisms like mentorship and funding. Graduates reported significant improvements in entrepreneurial skills and confidence, validating the subject's integration. The study underscores the importance of entrepreneurship education in non-business disciplines and recommends curriculum enhancements, support mechanisms, broader implementation, and longitudinal research to optimize entrepreneurial readiness and drive innovation.

Youth-led Mental Health Promotion in South Africa

Globally, youth have high rates of unmet mental health needs, especially in Majority World contexts. Youth themselves are well positioned to engage their peer group in mental health provision. The aim of this study was to explore how peer educators could co-produce and deliver mental health promotion in resource-constrained South Africa communities. Six peer educators aged 18 to 24 initially co-facilitated consultation with 209 youth, before designing and delivering three mental health promotion workshops to 179 youth. Peer educators and 21 workshop beneficiaries participated in focus groups on their experiences. Key findings related to involving youth by integrating mental health to community activities, using participatory approaches, applying and transferring knowledge, signposting for further help, and putting support mechanisms in place. In conclusion, youth hold unique expertise in mobilizing their peer group and promoting mental health. Peer educators should be incorporated in service systems, with allocated budgets, training, supervision.

Automatic maxillary sinus segmentation and pathology classification on cone-beam computed tomographic images using deep learning

BackgroundMaxillofacial complex automated segmentation could alternative traditional segmentation methods to increase the effectiveness of virtual workloads. The use of DL systems in the detection of maxillary sinus and pathologies will both facilitate the work of physicians and be a support mechanism before the planned surgeries.ObjectiveThe aim was to use a modified You Only Look Oncev5x (YOLOv5x) architecture with transfer learning capabilities to segment both maxillary sinuses and maxillary sinus diseases on Cone-Beam Computed Tomographic (CBCT) images.MethodsData set consists of 307 anonymised CBCT images of patients (173 women and 134 males) obtained from the radiology archive of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. Bilateral maxillary sinuses CBCT scans were used to identify mucous retention cysts (MRC), mucosal thickenings (MT), total and partial opacifications, and healthy maxillary sinuses without any radiological features.ResultsRecall, precision and F1 score values for total maxillary sinus segmentation were 1, 0.985 and 0.992, respectively; 1, 0.931 and 0.964 for healthy maxillary sinus segmentation; 0.858, 0.923 and 0.889 for MT segmentation; 0.977, 0.877 and 0.924 for MRC segmentation; 1, 0.942 and 0.970 for sinusitis segmentation.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that maxillary sinuses can be segmented, and maxillary sinus diseases can be accurately detected using the AI model.

Quercetin-enriched animal-free scaffolds for promoted cell proliferation and differentiation in cultured meat production

To solve the challenges posed by increasing meat consumption, it is imperative to develop polysaccharide composite edible scaffolds for cell-cultured meat production using novel food production technologies. This study developed some non-animal-origin polysaccharide composite scaffolds for cell-cultured meat production, based on chitin‑sodium alginate and crosslinked with quercetin. The results indicated that the chitin‑sodium alginate-quercetin (CH-SA-QR) scaffolds exhibited a porous and loose structure, and excellent mechanical support capability and cell adhesion sites. Meanwhile, QR1 and QR1.5 scaffolds were screened by immunofluorescence staining, RT-qPCR, and SEM imaging results to facilitate the proliferation and differentiation of cells and enhance the generation of myotube fusion and extracellular matrix protein. Importantly, the texture of the fried cultured meat was similar to traditional beef or even more tender, while the color appearance of the cultured meat was different from beef, but more similar to fried meat cutlets. These results suggest that cultured meat produced based on CH-SA-QR scaffolds could provide consumers with more choices.

GAP JUNCTION FUNCTION IS ESSENTIAL FOR SURVIVAL OF ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA CELLS.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia has an intimate physical relationship with nonmalignant bone marrow stromal cells. We have recently demonstrated that stromal cells contribute to the survival of leukemia cells and that there is a bidirectional transfer of intracellular material between them. Understanding the mechanisms of stromal support of leukemia may provide insights into new therapies. To test the hypothesis that gap junctions are formed between acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells and nonmalignant stromal cells, and that gap junction function is essential for the survival of leukemia cells. We employed a well-characterized in vitro model of human bone marrow stromal cells and primary human B lymphoblastic leukemia cells and measured leukemia cell survival in coculture using flow cytometry. We measured the effects of gap junction antagonist peptides, carbenoxolone (a drug known to interfere with the gap junction function), and several leukemia chemotherapy drugs including methotrexate upon leukemia cell survival. We demonstrated that stromal cells need to be alive and metabolically active to keep leukemia cells alive. Physical contact between stromal and leukemia cells leads to an increase in gap junction proteins in leukemia cells. Gap junction inhibitory peptides impaired leukemia cell survival as did carbenoxolone, a nonpeptide inhibitor of the gap junction function. Stromal cell survival was not affected. We observed a very modest enhancement of methotrexate antileukemia activity by low-dose carbenoxolone but no significant interactions with dexamethasone, vincristine, mercaptopurine, or doxorubicin. These studies demonstrate that acute lymphoblastic cell survival is impaired by interference with the gap junction function. The development of drugs targeting gap junctions may provide a novel approach to the therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Monetized Interactions in the Sexual Minorities Network at Daneshjoo Park (Tehran, Iran)

AbstractDaneshjoo Park is located in the center of Tehran and is the first hang-out for modern life in the city, gathering different communities such as students, artists, and various lifestyles. Over the years, it has become the most famous hang-out for LGBTQ communities. Despite its significance and hundreds of visitors per day from different parts of the country, Daneshjoo Park has faced years of neglect. This study, employing grounded theory as a research method and in-depth interview as a gathering data method, investigates the emergence of sex work in the park. Participants, aged 18–40, active or retired sex workers, were selected using theoretical and snowball sampling. The findings highlight that underlying individual circumstances, such as poverty, act as catalysts for creating conditions conducive to engaging in sex work, referred to as “Individual Background Conditions.” These conditions facilitate entry into the social network of sex workers, thereby enabling the manifestation of the phenomenon of sex work within Daneshjoo Park, where individuals are gravitated to engage in sex work. The study identifies “Actualizing Interaction Conditions” as the supportive and reproductive causal mechanism through which the network operates, bringing individuals with these background conditions into the fold. This mechanism has enabled the manifestation of the phenomenon of sex work within Daneshjoo Park. The research also identifies a significant historical shift, termed the “Historical Factor,” indicating a transition in the logic of interaction from traditional forms of interaction to monetary exchanges, which has fundamentally altered the landscape of sex work in the park. Ultimately, the study suggests social empowerment strategies as a response to these findings.

Small Molecule Hydrogels Loading Small Molecule Drugs from Chinese Medicine for the Enhanced Treatment of Traumatic Brain Injury.

Self-assembly of hydrogels for mechanical support and drug delivery has been extensively researched in traumatic brain injury (TBI), where treatment options are limited. The chief challenge is that most self-assembled hydrogels rely on high molecular carriers or the incorporation of exogenous inactive substances as mediators. It is difficult for these drug delivery systems to achieve clinical translation due to concerns regarding biological safety. Here we report a small molecule hydrogel (GBR-gel) loading small molecule drugs (glycyrrhizic acid, berberine, and rhein) that originated from popular Chinese medicines without additional drug loading or inactive components under physiological conditions. In the long run, GBR-gel possesses several advantages, including ease of preparation, cost-effectiveness, and high biocompatibility. As a proof-of-concept, GBR-gel allows for prompt administration at the site of brain injury to exert potent pharmacodynamic effects. Further single-cell RNA sequencing and experimental validation indicated that GBR-gel can effectively rescue the suppressed glutamatergic synapse pathway after TBI, thereby attenuating inflammatory responses and neural impairments. Our work provides an alternative strategy for timely intervention of TBI.

Effective Pedagogical Strategies and Support Mechanisms for Enhancing the Learning Outcomes of Students with Special Educational Needs: A Systematic Approach

The educational landscape for students with special educational needs (SEN) has seen significant evolution over the years, but challenges persist in creating effective, inclusive learning environments. This paper systematically explores the pedagogical strategies and support mechanisms that have been identified as instrumental in improving learning outcomes for SEN students. Central to this study is the examination of differentiated instruction, individualized education plans (IEPs), and assistive technologies, all of which cater to the varied needs of students who require specialized support. Through a comprehensive literature review, case studies, and empirical data, the research highlights how educators can tailor teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning abilities, thereby fostering better engagement and academic success. Differentiated instruction, a key pedagogical strategy, allows educators to adapt content, process, and products to meet the specific needs of each student. This flexibility ensures that students with cognitive, physical, or sensory disabilities can fully participate in classroom activities, while still maintaining a sense of inclusion and equality. Additionally, support mechanisms such as assistive technologies—ranging from adaptive keyboards and screen readers to speech-to-text software—are proven to be invaluable in helping SEN students overcome traditional learning barriers. These technologies empower students to access educational content in ways that align with their individual capabilities, promoting independence and self-confidence in their learning journeys. Moreover, individualized education plans (IEPs) serve as personalized roadmaps that guide teachers, parents, and specialists in delivering tailored interventions and monitoring each student's progress over time. However, while these strategies and mechanisms offer immense potential for improving learning outcomes, there are significant challenges in their implementation. Many educators face difficulties in adapting their teaching methods due to limited training or insufficient resources, which can hinder the consistent application of these practices. Additionally, schools often struggle with policy constraints and funding limitations, which restrict their ability to provide necessary support, especially in under-resourced regions. The findings of this research underscore the importance of continuous professional development for educators, institutional support for inclusive practices, and strong parental involvement in the educational process. Ultimately, the study advocates for a systematic, multi-faceted approach that integrates pedagogical innovation with adequate support mechanisms. By doing so, the educational system can more effectively cater to the unique needs of SEN students, ensuring that they achieve both academic success and emotional well-being. This paper concludes with practical recommendations for educators and policymakers, offering a roadmap for fostering inclusive, supportive, and effective educational environments for SEN students. Through the combined efforts of educators, parents, and institutions, it is possible to create a more equitable educational landscape where every student, regardless of their learning challenges, is provided the opportunity to thrive.

Exploring the socioeconomic factors affecting green cities development

PurposeThis paper explored the socioeconomic factors affecting green cities development. Extant literature have highlighted green cities as a major path towards sustainability in the construction industry but very little is known on the socioeconomic aspect of green cities and its bid in promoting sustainability in the construction industry; hence, the premise of this study which highlights the socioeconomic factors affecting green cities development in Ghana.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive literature review was conducted to identify the socioeconomic factors affecting green cities. A quantitative research strategy was adopted to collect primary data from respondents who have the requisite understanding and knowledge in green cities using questionnaires. The data gathered was then analysed using descriptive statistics and exploratory factor analysis viz principal component analysis.FindingsThe socioeconomic factors affecting green city development comprised: Green support mechanisms (i.e. innovation and technology, green city planning (urban planning), stakeholder engagement, awareness, city planning (transportation) and environmental regulations); green inhibitors (i.e. population, culture, housing and policy implementation); green market and finance (i.e. digital finance, green market mechanism, green investment finance, risks and uncertainties, income levels of clients). It was evident that socioeconomic factors are significant to the development of green cities in Ghana and hence policy makers and various stakeholders should prioritize socioeconomic factors in the bid to achieve sustainability through green cities in the construction industry.Originality/valueThis paper presents a foremost and comprehensive study on the socioeconomic factors affecting green cities in Ghana. The study results showed that even though the path to sustainability in green cities has pivoted mainly on environmental factors, socioeconomic factors are also significant to green city development, hence, policy makers and the construction industry should keenly consider the socioeconomic factors affecting green city development in the bid towards sustainability for cities.

Impact of mechanical power on ICU mortality in ventilated critically ill patients: a retrospective study with continuous real-life data

BackgroundOver the past decade, numerous studies on potential factors contributing to ventilation-induced lung injury have been carried out. Mechanical power has been pointed out as the parameter that encloses all ventilation-induced lung injury-contributing factors. However, studies conducted to date provide data regarding mechanical power during the early hours of mechanical ventilation that may not accurately reflect the impact of power throughout the period of mechanical ventilatory support on intensive care unit mortality.MethodsRetrospective observational study conducted at a single center in Spain. Patients admitted to the intensive care unit, > o = 18 years of age, and ventilated for over 24 h were included. We extracted the mechanical power values throughout the entire mechanical ventilation in controlled modes period from the clinical information system every 2 min. First, we calculate the cutoff-point for mechanical power beyond which there was a greater change in the probability of death. After, the sum of time values above the safe cut-off point was calculated to obtain the value in hours. We analyzed if the number of hours the patient was under ventilation with a mechanical power above the safe threshold was associated with intensive care unit mortality, invasive mechanical ventilation days, and intensive care unit length of stay. We repeated the analysis in different subgroups based on the degree of hypoxemia and in patients with SARS CoV-2 pneumonia.ResultsThe cut-off point of mechanical power at with there is a higher increase in intensive care unit mortality was 18 J/min. The greater the number of hours patients were under mechanical power > 18 J/min the higher the intensive care unit mortality in all the study population, in patients with SARS CoV-2 pneumonia and in mild to moderate hypoxemic respiratory failure. The risk of death in the intensive care unit increases 0.1% for each hour with mechanical power exceeding 18 J/min. The number of hours with mechanical power > 18 J/min also affected the days of invasive mechanical ventilation and intensive care unit length of stay.ConclusionsThe number of hours with mechanical power > 18 J/min is associated with mortality in the intensive care unit in critically ill patients. Continuous monitoring of mechanical power in controlled modes using an automated clinical information system could alert the clinician to this risk.

Management of Chronic Neuromuscular Respiratory Failure in the Intensive Care Unit.

In this seminar we describe the critical care management of patients with chronic neuromuscular diseases (cNMD). Determination of the acuity of the critical illness and trajectory of illness in the setting of cNMD is necessary to guide decision making. Systemic complications of critical illness, cardiac support needs, and peri-intubation considerations may be affected by underlying diagnosis. Mechanical ventilatory support, whether noninvasive or invasive, requires redefinition of the goals of ventilation on a patient-by-patient basis. Mode and approach to invasive ventilation and liberation to noninvasive ventilation versus tracheostomy have limited evidence, but potential clinical approaches are reviewed.

The Impact of Language and Social Communication on the Sense of Belonging among International Students Using ScLINGO Application

The UK's Higher Education landscape embraces global diversity, with the country ranking second as a destination for international students. However, limited research attention has been given to understanding the challenges faced by these students, particularly regarding language proficiency and cultural adaptation, which affect their sense of belonging. This study aims to address these challenges by investigating the impact of ScLINGO, a web-based gaming platform, on enhancing language skills and fostering social integration among international students, including those studying to become health professionals. Drawing on existing literature, the study seeks to fill this gap and promote sociocultural adaptation through a digital gamified language-learning tool. ScLINGO offers personalized bingo cards and interactive language exercises to familiarize players with everyday phrases and enhance language proficiency, encouraging both independent learning and collaborative interaction. The study navigates through three phases of game development, informed by insights and feedback from practitioners, students, and technology developers. By promoting cross-cultural competence and communication, the study aims to create a more inclusive higher education environment. ScLINGO's pilot phase addresses the rationale behind the game, building-up phases, and stakeholder feedback, anticipating its role in addressing cross-cultural maladjustment and facilitating effective support mechanisms for international students. Ultimately, the findings aim to contribute to the development