Special Areas Research Articles

Thyroid Screening Techniques via Bioelectromagnetic Sensing: Imaging Models and Analytical and Computational Methods.

The thyroid gland, which is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation, plays a crucial role in the regulation of the hormonal levels of the human body. Biosensors, on the other hand, are essential to access information and derive metrics about the condition of the thyroid by means of of non-invasive techniques. This paper provides a systematic overview of the recent literature on bioelectromagnetic models and methods designed specifically for the study of the thyroid. The survey, which was conducted within the scope of the radiation transmitter-thyroid model-sensor system, is centered around the following three primary axes: the bands of the frequency spectrum taken into account, the design of the model, and the methodology and/or algorithm. Our review highlights the areas of specialization and underscores the limitations of each model, including its time, memory, and resource requirements, as well as its performance. In this manner, this specific work may offer guidance throughout the selection process of a bioelectromagnetic model of the thyroid, as well as a technique for its analysis based on the available resources and the specific parameters of the electromagnetic problem under consideration.

Электронная информационная образовательная среда как экосистема в педагогическом процессе современного вуза

Development of the EIEE (electronic information and educational environment) is one of the most important topics in modern pedagogical research. This process is currently undergoing a lot of changes and requires its detailed understanding within the framework of pedagogical science, as modern educational programmes for specialists’ training require implementation of innovative digital technologies. Therefore, the purpose of the study is to carry out theoretical analysis and case study in order to systematize this concept in the context of implementing educational programs for training highly qualified specialists in various sectors of the digital economy. EIEE plays the key role in terms of implementing educational programs for training highly qualified specialists in various areas of digital economy. This paper provides generalized analysis of existing theoretical approaches to the concept of "ecosystem" and considers various views on EIEE’s development. Particular attention is paid to the authors’ approach, which is based on cooperation with industrial partners. In this context, it is proposed to create EIEE through the development of technical specifications, integration of cross-platform solutions and sharing resources. In the course of the study, the author comes to the conclusion that EIEE’s development is an important step towards evolution of educational programmes that meet the requirements of modern digital economy and contribute to training of a new generation of specialists, who are ready for challenges that future presents.

Case method in the aspect of forming the values of future lawyers

In the context of the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war, the Ukrainian education sector is facing new challenges, including, in particular, the revision of training for specialists in strategic areas, including lawyers. A developed nationally conscious civil society with strong democratic beliefs and rejection of corruption, which puts the interests of the state at the forefront, is the ideal that today's generation of higher education students should embody. With this in mind, educational practices should be revised, primarily in terms of forming a system of values, as well as maximizing the actualization of learning. We consider the case method to be one of the effective tools that meets these important tasks. The purpose of the study is to comprehend the experience of using the case method with a view to forming the values of future lawyers and is realized through such tasks as studying the educational practices of using the case method, considering examples of the use of the case method in teaching future lawyers, and finding out the impact of the case method on the formation of the values of respect for the law and the inadmissibility of corruption in future lawyers. The examples of case studies, discussed in the article, are devoted to a specific topic – exposing cases of corruption in the higher education system of Ukraine. The author formulates the requirements for the content of cases and the sequence of work with them, which provides for a gradual increase in the degree of independence of students. It is proved that the case method contributes to the formation of such important values for future lawyers as respect for the law and the inadmissibility of corruption. The development of a mature civil society in post-war Ukraine, to which today's students will be involved, depends on the formation of these values. Prospects for further research are seen in the study of the use of the case method to analyze situations related to academic dishonesty

Spatially-varied crustal deformation indicating seismicity at faults intersection in the SE margin of the Tibetan Plateau: Evidence of S-wave splitting from microseismic identification

The Sanjiang Lateral Collision Zone (SLCZ) in the SE margin of the Tibetan Plateau is a special area where several strike-slip faults intersect, resulting in strong deformation and frequent earthquakes. We employ seismic waveforms recorded by a dense temporary broadband array (SJ array) and regional permanent stations to construct more complete microseismic catalogs by the microseismic identification in the SLCZ. New microseismic catalogs effectively increase the number of small earthquakes, revealing the details of the fault structures and providing many more records for S-wave splitting (SWS) analysis. It provides with an uncommon opportunity to detect the detailed upper crustal anisotropy in the fault intersection zone of SLCZ and to dissect the influence of faults, such as the Lijiang-Xiaojinhe fault and Red river fault, on crustal deformation. The spatial distribution of SWS parameters suggests multiple disturbance mechanisms to the upper crustal anisotropy in the study zone. Spatial distribution of dual dominant polarization directions of fast S waves near the block boundary faults uncovers the stress-focus range. Strong deformation from SWS data indicates frequent local seismicity. It reveals the spatial upper crustal deformation indicated by SWS parameters is closely related to not only stress, fault and local structure, but also local seismicity.

Clinical and socio-demographic profile of children receiving pediatric palliative care in a tertiary hospital of a metropolitan city in India.

Pediatric palliative care is a holistic care of children suffering from life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses and encompasses care of a child's body, mind, and spirit and involves giving support to the family. According to the Global Atlas of Palliative Care, 6% of the global need for palliative care is in children. In order to provide palliative care, one needs to identify and diagnose the conditions requiring palliative care. There has always been a confusion in identifying pediatric conditions requiring palliative care. There is a lot of inconsistency in the diagnosis of such conditions particularly in pre-verbal patients. This study attempts to generate more data about the common palliative care conditions and complaints with which the children present to tertiary care hospitals. To study the socio-demographic details, clinical profile, CCC (complex chronic conditions) designation, and the ACT/ RCPCH (Association for Children with Life-threatening or Terminal Conditions and the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health) classification of children suffering from chronic conditions requiring palliative care. The study was conducted as a single-center retrospective observational study of pediatric patients enrolled for palliative care at a tertiary care hospital in a metropolitan city in India from 01.06.2021 to 31.06.2022. The total sample size was 400. The socio-demographic data and the clinical profile were recorded from the case records of all the 400 patients. Classification of the conditions was done as per the CCC as well as the ACT/ RCPCH classification system. The mean age in our study was 5.15years and there was a slighter male (59.5%) preponderance. They presented in OPDs with acute symptoms such as fatigue and fever, and they had other symptoms like tightness of the body, constipation, seizures, and difficulty in swallowing. Majority of the children (55%) were suffering from neurologic and neuromuscular conditions as per CCC followed by hematologic and immunologic conditions (10%). Category 4 (irreversible but non-progressive conditions causing severe disability, leading to susceptibility to health) was reported as the most common category according to the ACT/RCPCH. Conclusion: Children suffering from chronic disease conditions requiring palliative care usually suffer from multiple symptoms which affect their daily life. As most of the patients belong to category 4 according to ACT/RCPCH which is an irreversible but non-progressive life-limiting condition, the course of the disease is prolonged, therefore requiring comprehensive care and services for a long time. It is necessary to establish more pediatric palliative care units to address the needs of such children. What is known: • Pediatric palliative care is a specialized area within palliative care, which focusses on the needs of children with life-limiting illnesses. • Data on pediatric palliative care has largely been limited to oncological conditions. There is a paucity of literature documenting the needs among children suffering from non-cancerous chronic conditions. What is new: • This study provides vital information with respect to palliative care burden among children mainly suffering from non-oncological conditions. • It also provides clinical and socio-demographic profile of the children suffering from chronic life-limiting conditions requiring palliative care in a tertiary hospital setting in a LMIC (low- or middle-income country).

A Research on Gaziantep Chukar production station

Chukar (Alectoris chukar), is one of the most popular game birds in Turkey. The generation of this species has been greatly reduced in the last century. It is possible to reproduce this bird species, to bring it to nature, to develop hunting tourism in our country, to make special hunting areas and to earn income from hunting tourism. Chukar (Alectoris chukar) is found over a large areas in Turkey as well as over the world. Unfortunately, their population has been decreasing due to human pressure in the country. Breeding stations have been established for the production of this species in Turkey in order to increase their population and make them available for hunting. The breeding stations are the areas where the extinct species are artificially produced and the facilities required for production are established. Their main purpose is to produce extensively species in artificially established facilities, and to place these animals in suitable habitats or new production stations and to benefit from animals placed in production stations as new breeding stations. Chukar breeding, some people in Turkey just as a hobby, is made by some government agencies and research purposes Faculties of Agriculture and Veterinary some universities with the aim to ensure the continuation of his generation in recent years. In this study, located in Gaziantep province, studies were carried out on the production and release of wild animals to the nature at the production stations. General information about the establishment of production stations, production techniques, working order, encountered problems, applications to be made to solve problems and precautions to be taken are given. A detailed investigation and research has been carried out on Chukar Production Station established in Gaziantep province. In this context, Gaziantep Chukar Production Station is located at the provincial borders. After the production of hunting and wild animals produced in this station, they are placed in nature in the docking sites. In this study, deficiencies and problems of the production station mentioned above have been revealed.

Differences in the Use and Perception of Telehealth Across Four Mental Health Professions: Insights From a Secondary Analysis of Qualitative Data.

There is growing evidence that the uptake and use of telehealth is influenced by the distinct specialty area or type of healthcare service provided, with mental health services presenting particular challenges. However, little is known about how telehealth use differs between different mental health professions, and no qualitative research has explored variations in telehealth use and perspectives at the profession level within Australian mental health services. To address this gap, we analyzed transcripts from 19 semi-structured interviews conducted with mental healthcare professionals in a local health district within New South Wales, Australia. A secondary analysis of the data revealed the distinct ways in which different mental health professions perceive and engage with telehealth depending on their specific role and approach to practice. Application of a systems theory lens highlighted the challenges each profession faces at different levels of telehealth engagement, and the macro-systemic power dynamics and hierarchies that shape profession-specific differences in telehealth use.

Identification and quantitative estimates of groundwater transfers to formerly charophyte dominated marl lakes with radon-222

Interaction with groundwater determines many processes in marl lakes. Net transfer of inorganic carbon helps define their chemical characteristics and determines their unique benthic flora. Nutrient enrichment weakens the biogeochemical buffering mechanisms which help maintain a clear-water state and many small, shallow marl lakes are prone to siltation. Despite hydrological processes being recognised as important for the complex interactions between plants, nutrient availability and physical sediment properties which shape marl lake ecology, groundwater discharge to many of these lakes has never been quantified. The aim of this study was to locate and quantify groundwater transfers to degraded marl lakes in a Special Area of Conservation on the island of Ireland. A RAD7 radon detector identified and measured elevated concentrations of 222Rn in three lakes for quantifying their groundwater influx with a 222Rn mass-balance equation. Conservative estimates of mean daily groundwater discharge to Kilroosky Lough, Drumacrittin Lough, and Dummy's Lough were 143 m3, 502 m3, and 269 m3 respectively. With extrapolation to the entire hydrological year, annual groundwater recharge contributed approximately 47 %, 155 %, and 50 % of the respective lake volumes. The areas within the lakes which were found to have the highest groundwater influence also closely matched the locations where substantial charophyte communities persist suggesting that the two are linked. These findings underline the importance of groundwater transfers for the water budget in small marl lakes and will inform management efforts to mitigate their eutrophication.

Hypnosis support in anaesthesia is rarely used in German anaesthesia departments - a nationwide survey among leading physicians of anaesthesia departments

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate whether and to what extent perioperative hypnosis and relaxation techniques are used in German anaesthesia departments, what they are, where any difficulties in their application lie and how great the interest in this type of therapy is. Another research question was to find out whether there are specialist areas in which these methods are used more frequently than in other specialist areas.MethodsA descriptive survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire in all hospitals with anaesthesia departments in Germany. 1124 questionnaires were sent out by post. The survey period was five months from 27/02/2023 to 31/07/2023. The clinic directors of all anaesthesiology departments in German hospitals were surveyed.Results476 departments (42%) responded by pre-paid envelope. Of these, only 39 (8%) use hypnosis and relaxation techniques perioperatively. These are mostly progressive muscle relaxation, hypnotic trance according to Erickson, calming words and suggestions or the use of virtual reality (e.g. using VR-glasses).ConclusionsHypnosis techniques have been shown in many studies to be effective in increasing patient comfort (less anxiety and stress) and reducing both the need for medication and perioperative pain. The therapy is rarely used in Germany, although once established it can be easily integrated into perioperative procedures. Many departments have shown great interest in the topic. In the interests of patients, a structural change should be considered to promote the use of hypnotic procedures.

DNA methylation controls stemness of astrocytes in health and ischaemia

Astrocytes are the most abundant cell type in the mammalian brain and provide structural and metabolic support to neurons, regulate synapses and become reactive after injury and disease. However, a small subset of astrocytes settles in specialized areas of the adult brain where these astrocytes instead actively generate differentiated neuronal and glial progeny and are therefore referred to as neural stem cells1–3. Common parenchymal astrocytes and quiescent neural stem cells share similar transcriptomes despite their very distinct functions4–6. Thus, how stem cell activity is molecularly encoded remains unknown. Here we examine the transcriptome, chromatin accessibility and methylome of neural stem cells and their progeny, and of astrocytes from the striatum and cortex in the healthy and ischaemic adult mouse brain. We identify distinct methylation profiles associated with either astrocyte or stem cell function. Stem cell function is mediated by methylation of astrocyte genes and demethylation of stem cell genes that are expressed later. Ischaemic injury to the brain induces gain of stemness in striatal astrocytes7. We show that this response involves reprogramming the astrocyte methylome to a stem cell methylome and is absent if the de novo methyltransferase DNMT3A is missing. Overall, we unveil DNA methylation as a promising target for regenerative medicine.

Copolymerization of novel self-promoted curing phthalonitrile with epoxy resin and its thermal property

The disadvantage of poor thermal performance of epoxy resin limits its application in special fields, therefore we improve the thermal performance of epoxy resin by copolymerizing it with phthalonitrile resin. A novel self-promoted curing phthalonitrile monomer containing pyridine rings and amino groups (APNH) was successfully synthesized using 2-amino-4-hydroxypyridine and 4-nitrophthalonitril, and characterized by FTIR and NMR spectra. DSC confirmed that the APNH monomer exhibits curing behavior that is self-promoting. Copolymerizing the APNH monomer with epoxy resin enhances the thermal performance of the epoxy resin. The curing behavior of the EPNH copolymer was studied using DSC, which revealed two distinct curing peaks. FTIR analysis showed that the EPNH copolymer has formed structures such as triazine, phthalocyanine, and isoindoline. The presence of cyano groups significantly enhances the thermal properties of the copolymer, surpassing those of traditional epoxy resins. This enhancement in thermal performance amplifies with an increase in the content of the APNH monomer. The research indicates that the EPNH copolymer exhibits superior thermal stability and elevated glass transition temperatures, facilitating the application of epoxy resin in specialized areas.

Misconceptions Among Mental Health Treatment Providers About OCD and PTSD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) share overlapping features for which similar cognitive behavioral treatment (CBT) strategies can be employed. However, the comorbid presence of these conditions poses unique clinical considerations, and a nuanced approach to assessment, conceptualization, and treatment is needed when working with individuals with co-occurring OCD and PTSD. Treatment providers may not be aware of these nuances and may hold misconceptions about co-occurring OCD and PTSD, impacting their approach to assessment, conceptualization, and treatment. The current study sought to examine possible misconceptions among mental health treatment providers of differing specializations. Among 146 primarily CBT-oriented treatment providers (20.3% generalist, 13.0% PTSD specialist, 32.6% OCD specialist, and 34.1% OCD/PTSD specialist), exploratory factor analysis categorized misconceptions relating to Trepidation, Differential Diagnosis, Flexibility, OCD is Trauma, Trauma Misconceptions, and Compartmentalization. Overall, OCD specialists endorsed misconceptions most frequently, including those of Trepidation and underestimating the prevalence of trauma and PTSD in individuals with OCD. In contrast, PTSD specialists were more likely to endorse providing patients reassurance for their OCD-related fears, and OCD/PTSD providers were more likely to apply rigid Differential Diagnosis criteria not supported by research or diagnostic criteria to intrusive thoughts and safety behaviors. Misconceptions are explained through the lens of differing conceptualization and treatment approaches between areas of specialization.

Survey indicates addressing workplace environment, work-life balance, and flexibility are key to attracting and retaining veterinarians in academia.

Referencing growing concerns over the recruitment and retention of faculty in academic veterinary medicine, the authors hypothesized that among surveyed veterinary residents and early-career faculty, work-life balance and workplace climate and culture are stronger motivators than financial considerations, regardless of demographic factors such as gender, race/ethnicity, and area of specialization. 541 participants were included in data analysis. A mixed methods approach was utilized, incorporating both quantitative data and qualitative, free-text responses to better understand veterinary career choices by contextualizing factors associated with academic medicine. Factors underpinning career-related decision-making were ranked by level of importance as (1) workplace environment/culture, (2) personal well-being/work-life balance, (3) salary and bonuses, (4) geographic location, (5) facilities and resources, (6) benefits, and (7) schedule flexibility. Desires for workload balance, schedule flexibility, support from leadership, and mentorship and collaboration were among the top themes of qualitative responses for both residents and early career faculty respondents. Factors influencing career decision-making for resident and early-career faculty are varied. Workplace environment, work-life balance, and schedule flexibility are areas that academic institutions can address and continue to improve and that are likely to positively impact entry into academia and the desire to stay. This study sought to understand factors related to career decision-making and interest in academic veterinary medicine among residents and early-career faculty. Understanding these factors can support efforts to recruit and retain faculty in academic veterinary medicine.

Call to Action: Leveraging American Nurses Credentialing Center Nursing Continuing Professional Development Credit for Prior Learning-Part 2.

In "The Future of Workforce Development in Professional Nursing Practice," Graebe et al. (2022) propose addressing nursing workforce shortages through Recognition of Prior Learning and related frameworks. They argue for a new health care learning model that leverages stackable certificates and accredited professional development to award academic credit, bridging the gap between current qualifications and advanced education. This approach could enhance enrollment and retention in advanced nursing programs, addressing shortages in specialty areas such as academia and leadership. By recognizing experiential learning, these methods create accessible, sustainable career pathways, fostering a more diverse and adaptable nursing workforce. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(9):416-420.].

Assessing the quality of AI information from ChatGPT regarding oral surgery, preventive dentistry, and oral cancer: An exploration study

AimEvaluation of the quality of dental information produced by the ChatGPT artificial intelligence language model within the context of oral surgery, preventive dentistry, and oral cancer. MethodologyThis study adopted quantitative methods approach. The experts prepared 50 questions (including dimensions of, risk factors, preventive measures, diagnostic methods, and treatment options) that would be presented to ChatGPT, and its responses were rated for their accuracy, completeness, relevance, clarity or comprehensibility, and possible risks using a standardized rubric. To carry out the assessment of the responses by ChatGPT, a standardized scoring rubric was used. Evaluation process included feedback concerning the strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas of improvement in the responses provided by ChatGPT. ResultsWhile achieving the highest score for preventive dentistry at 4.3/5 and being able to communicate the complex information coherently, the tool showed lower accuracy for oral surgery and oral cancer, scoring 3.9/5 and 3.6/5, respectively, with several gaps for post-operative instructions, personalized risk assessments, and specialized diagnostic methods. Potential risks, such as a lack of individualized advice, were shown in 53% of the oral cancer and in 40% of the oral surgery. While showing promise in some domains, ChatGPT had important limitations in specialized areas that require nuanced expertise. ConclusionThe findings point to the need for professional supervision while using AI-generated information and ongoing evaluation as capabilities evolve, for the assurance of responsible implementation in the best interest of patient care.

52244 Early Improvement in Nail and Scalp Psoriasis from a Prospective Observational Study of Patients with Psoriasis in Special Areas (PSoSA) Initiating Ixekizumab: Results from the First Interim Analysis

52244 Early Improvement in Nail and Scalp Psoriasis from a Prospective Observational Study of Patients with Psoriasis in Special Areas (PSoSA) Initiating Ixekizumab: Results from the First Interim Analysis

51362 Overall effectiveness of Risankizumab in special areas and the impact on quality of life; 1-year real world data from the German cohort of the VALUE study

51362 Overall effectiveness of Risankizumab in special areas and the impact on quality of life; 1-year real world data from the German cohort of the VALUE study

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists’ Attitudes Toward Interprofessional Health Care Teams: A Cross-Sectional Survey

BackgroundRegistered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are important members of interprofessional health care teams; yet, there is limited research of RDN perspectives of interprofessional teams. ObjectiveTo examine associations between the characteristics of RDNs and their attitudes of team-based care (TBC). DesignA cross-sectional electronic Qualtrics survey encompassing demographic questions, the Attitudes Toward Interdisciplinary Health Care Teams (ATIHCT) scale, and additional interprofessional-related items was distributed to RDNs during January 2020. Participants/settingA total of 5018 RDNs from various regions/specialties in the United States were recruited primarily via direct email from a random list of RDNs obtained through the Commission on Dietetic Registration. The final sample was N = 616; 12.3% of RDNs and 88.1% of RDNs who initiated the survey. Main outcome measuresATIHCT subscale scores, which measure attitudes regarding efficiency of TBC and service quality of TBC. Statistical analyses performedMultiple linear regression modeled area of specialty, time with RDN credential, location, sex, frequency of TBC, and how valued the RDN perceived him or herself to be as independent variables, with ATIHCT subscales as outcome variables. Data were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis to determine appropriate use of the ATIHCT scale in the sample. ResultsFoodservice (β = –1.48; P = .004) and sports nutrition RDNs (β = –2.58; P = .014) had lower scores for attitudes regarding efficiency of TBC (subscale 1) than clinical RDNs. Greater perceived value of the RDN was associated with higher scores for attitudes regarding efficiency (β = .66; P < .001). Greater perceived value of the RDN (β = .13; P = .03) was associated with higher scores for attitudes regarding service quality of TBC (subscale 2). ConclusionsSpecialty and perceived RDN value are associated with more favorable interprofessional attitudes among RDNs. To support positive attitudes regarding interprofessional collaboration, efforts should be honed to foster appreciation and clarity of the RDN’s role in TBC.

Preliminary design of a viaduct on new Highspeed line RS2 VRT Jižní Morava

AbstractThe newly proposed high‐speed rail in Czech Republic creates a set of new challenges for engineers in design overall. In this case, the most significant challenge was to design a viaduct over several obstacles due to the crossing of Special Area of Conservation (SAC), part of Natura 2000. This aims to limit impacts in short‐term, during construction and more importantly in the long term. Construction of the viaduct will mitigate an impact to the natural surrounding area, whilst allowing immigration of its natural habitats. Nevertheless, the viaduct design and operational speeds will reach 320 km/h with possible raising to 350 km/h limit, with minimal impact within the area.Initial length of the viaduct was over 1 300 m and the main requirement given by an infrastructure manager was to design a viaduct without railway expansion joints. Due to such a long distance, the viaduct had to be separated into several dilatation segments in order to avoid the use of rail expansion joint. The most susceptible parts of SAC were in proximity of the river Šatava and surrounding wetlands. This area created an obstacle, which had to be crossed by a long span avoiding the implementation of bridge piers. Poor geological conditions close to the watercourse had to be taken into consideration for design of pier foundation, therefore the span had to be shortened to a compromised length.The final design of the viaduct consists of 16 segments, of which 14 are continuous segments and 4 are single spans. Overall, there are 29 spans over the length of the viaduct. Construction method of incremental launching had been chosen to reduce the short‐term impact in the SAC.

The History and the Structure of Hospices in Uzbekistan

In the modern world, there is a constant increase in the number of patients suffering from incurable forms of diseases in the terminal stage of development. This trend actualizes the study of palliative care, which is a special area of social and medical care for terminally ill people. Palliative care is an integrated part of cancer patient care. However, the situation in palliative care in Uzbekistan is very critical. Implementing palliative care and hospice into medicine began in 2017 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The first Children’s Hospice -Taskin was opened in 2022 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Despite the fact that 2 years have passed since the opening of the hospice in the Republic of Uzbekistan, the concept of hospice has not yet formed in the minds of the population, there is still an idea that people perceive the concept of “hospice” as a house of death. This article is intended to study the history and structure of palliative care in Uzbekistan and study the perception of hospice among the population.