Support System Research Articles

A New Method to Assess the Possibility of Brittle Failure of Rock Induced by Deep Excavations

ABSTRACTSpalling and rockburst are severe criticalities that can emerge while excavating deep tunnels in rock masses under heavy natural stress states. Here, rock brittle failure can induce massive releases of the energy stored during the excavation and dangerous projections of rock blocks into the opening. The prediction of rock brittle failure is therefore crucial and, for this purpose, different empirical brittleness indexes have been proposed in the past. However, many of them provide predictions that is often not consistent and/or truthful, as they do not consider the stress and energy variations induced in the rock mass by the excavation. This paper presents an innovative method to distinguish between ductile and brittle failure of rock around deep tunnels. The method is based on two mechanical models of rock damage that were formulated to describe brittle and ductile failure mechanisms within the rock mass, as induced by the stress release during the excavation. These models are integrated into the definition of a new brittleness index, named tunnel brittleness index (TBI). TBI quantifies the outcome of the competition between the two failure mechanisms, estimating the susceptibility of the rock mass to brittle failure. The effectiveness and the application of TBI are shown with reference to a real case study. Specifically, TBI appears as a promising and useful tool for engineers dealing with deep tunnel projects that may be employed for predicting brittle collapses in the early stages of the design, which would be crucial in the preliminary choice of excavation techniques and machinery, and the support systems.

Optimization of cyber security through the implementation of AI technologies

Abstract Identification of cyber threats is crucial and significant for determining substantial security techniques and approaches. This research illustrates a brief discussion of cyberspace challenges and threats in a disruptive era alongside comprehensive approaches in mitigating the risk of cyber threats. Additionally, the aim of this research is to provide beneficial approaches on how to handle cyber threats in detail. For example, threats and attacks may be caused in the absence of legislation, ethical standardization, support system, and lack of access control. The governance system, therefore, will put a lot of effort into communicating, identifying, and enforcing the principles of security to moderate risk. The Metaheuristic algorithms are stimulated by the human brain, so implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) that assists the Neural Network to mimic the behaviour of the human brain is important to predict significant outcomes. In this study, the author investigates and analyses the rapid growth of cyber threats to outline the solutions. The aim of this study is to contribute to cyber security optimization through implementing AI methodologies.

Addressing Burnout Among Healthcare Professionals in Emergency Situations: Causes, Impacts, and Advanced Prevention Strategies

Burnout among healthcare professionals (HCPs) during emergencies such as pandemics or wars is a significant concern, driven by excessive workloads, resource limitations, and psychological distress. While staffing shortages make it impossible to increase personnel in these situations, innovative solutions like AI assistants, stress and symptom trackers, mindfulness tools, and volunteer-based support systems can alleviate stress and improve outcomes. This article explores the causes and impacts of burnout, evidence-based prevention strategies, and the role of technology and supportive policies in fostering resilience among HCPs.

Communication with Disabled Fans at Sports Events: Approaches, Challenges, and Opportunities

This study investigates how effectively European football clubs communicate and implement accessibility features for disabled fans, aiming to develop a comprehensive framework for evaluating these practices. Using a multi-phase research design, the study analyzes disability support systems through semi-structured interviews with representatives from eleven European football clubs and a systematic analysis of club documentation. The methodology combined traditional qualitative analysis with large language model (LLM)-assisted content analysis, enabling robust identification of thematic patterns and performance indicators. Our findings reveal significant disparities in disability support practices, with larger clubs demonstrating structured approaches through dedicated Disability Access Officers (DAOs) and comprehensive communication strategies. Analysis identified three distinct performance tiers: Elite Performers, primarily well-resourced clubs with advanced systems; Solid Performers, mid-tier clubs with established frameworks; and Developing Systems, smaller organizations with emerging support structures. We present a validated Fan Communication Model incorporating key weighted criteria, including infrastructure, dedicated personnel, engagement, specific adaptations, ticketing, challenge management, and feedback systems. This model provides a standardized framework for evaluating disability support communication in football organizations. The research demonstrates the importance of integrating technological solutions with human-centered approaches while maintaining universal design principles. Our findings contribute to the sports accessibility literature and provide evidence-based recommendations for football organizations seeking to enhance their communication with disabled fans.

Comparative analysis of Prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and parental quality of life Amongst Students of Government and Private Schools

ABSTRACT Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children worldwide. This study focuses on understanding the prevalence of ADHD in elementary school classrooms in India and examines how having a child with ADHD impacts the quality of life of their parents. Aim: To determine the prevalence of ADHD in Indian elementary classrooms and assess the quality of life of parents. Materials and Methods: The study, conducted during the 2022–2023 academic year, involved 300 primary school children aged 6–12 years from government and private schools in Jaipur, with 150 students from each type of institution. Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethical Committee, and consent was secured from both teachers and parents. The process adhered to strict inclusion and exclusion criteria to ensure the study’s rigor and validity. Data collection involved interviews with children from classes 1 through 6, selected using the fishbowl method from a list of nearby schools that responded to the researchers’ outreach. The study identified children with ADHD using the Vanderbilt assessment scale and assessed parents’ quality of life through the WHOQOL-BREF. Results: The prevalence of ADHD in Indian elementary classrooms was 5.67%. Additionally, parents of children with ADHD scored significantly lower across all domains of the WHOQOL assessment, suggesting that having a child with ADHD profoundly affects the parents’ physical health, psychological well-being, social relationships, and overall environment. Conclusion: The study underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support systems for families dealing with ADHD. Given the significant impact on parents’ quality of life, it is crucial to provide resources and interventions that can help these families manage the challenges associated with ADHD.

School‐Based Mental Health Practices Within a Multi‐Tiered System of Support: A Mixed Methods Investigation of Targeted and Intensive Services

ABSTRACTResearch supports the use of multi‐tiered systems of support (MTSS) for meeting student academic, behavioral, and socioemotional needs. MTSS is viewed as an ideal model to deliver school‐based mental health (SBMH) services to students. However, limited research has examined what this framework for service delivery looks like in practice. Utilizing a national participant sample and a mixed‐methods convergent (quan + QUAL) design, the purpose of this study is to examine participant use of MTSS for SBMH and to examine practitioners' perspectives on the implementation of Tier 2 and 3 services. Respondents in our current sample indicated a level of uncertainty regarding the identification of students for SBMH services and the delivery of Tier 2 and Tier 3 services, particularly as this relates to special education. Additionally, respondents indicated “insufficient” supports for the provision of Tier 3 services. Limitations, implications for practice, and future directions are discussed.

Journalistic role performance in Southern European media systems: Resilience in times of disruption

This work is grounded and inspired by studies on journalism's vulnerabilities in times of crisis, role performance, support systems and calls for collective resilience in the face of emerging/new threats to journalism practice. The study adopts a comparative approach and goes beyond what has already been examined by critically assessing resilience strategies that journalists develop to cope with professional threats that have emerged with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The study focuses on journalism practice in Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus and Malta. Its findings indicate that in the face of this crisis, journalists showed remarkable resilience despite the lack of professional support systems as they turned to their profession's highest values to draw strength and support. The hardships they faced, both personally and professionally, did not deter them from fulfilling their roles, but fuelled them with persistence and rekindled their faith in journalism as a vocation.

Technologies to support nursing students in learning Standardized Nursing Languages: A systematic literature review.

This review identifies technologies used to teach Standardized Nursing Languages and their impact on nursing students' educational outcomes. A literature review, updated to June 14, 2024, was conducted by consulting the PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Cochrane databases. The main inclusion criterion was primary studies in which technology was used to educate students on Standardized Nursing Languages. Three types of technology were addressed: Computerized Aids and Electronic Devices, Decision Support Systems, and Diagnostic Reasoning Software. Most of these technologies were found to positively impact knowledge, performance, application of the nursing process, diagnostic accuracy, and clinical reasoning. Integrating technology into nursing education enhances nursing students' skills and equips them to handle the digital aspects of modern health care. Technologies must support all stages of the nursing process, reinforce clinical reasoning, and offer timely feedback. Additionally, the presence of teachers during technology training is crucial to ensure proper functioning, provide technical support, manage the learning environment, and verify students' skills. Nursing students with technological skills will become nurses capable of producing complete and quality clinical documentation and supporting their professional achievements.

Methodology for Homogenous Market Area Determination HAD2 - Mission Accomplished

Abstract Property market delineation or determination of areas signifying property market consistency has been a subject of scientific investigation by a variety of researchers from different perspectives. Some explored it for the purposes of decision-making support systems, others for, for example, zoning or housing policy. The theory of property valuation also did not remain indifferent for spatial extraction of homogenous market areas. The following paper constitutes a several-year study within that area. Following the trace of thought formulated by John Maxwell that “every step back is a chance to look at your goals from a different perspective”, the study being based on, amongst others, the method of historic research and critical analysis, ultimately organizes and complements the author’s contribution to the scientific discussion, and in that scope is one of the substantial issues included in the concept of spatial management. It contributes to the current state of the art discussion by introducing the definition of property market tessellation, utilizing it for the purposes of original HAD2 methodology implementation.

THE SOCIO-TECHNICAL SYSTEM FRAMEWORK FOR MAINTAINING THE SMART HERITAGE OF CHENGDU’S HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL VILLAGES

As the development of smart cities continues to advance, Smart Heritage has become an essential component of cultural preservation and inheritance. The cultural Heritage of Chengdu's historical and cultural villages possess significant cultural and social value and currently faces complex challenges in terms of conservation. Based on the actual situation of Chengdu's historical and cultural villages, employs qualitative research methodology, including semi-structured interviews with experts, to construct a socio-technical system framework supporting the implementation of smart Heritage in Chengdu's historical and cultural villages, aiming at effective management and conservation of Smart Heritage. The study first identifies the expertise areas and the number of experts involved. It is divided into three main parts: the socio-technical system's social, technological, and environmental dimensions. Based on the findings of this study, it is evident that the Smart Heritage of Chengdu's historical and cultural villages require interdisciplinary cooperation and coordination across various sectors. Additionally, there is a need for continually updated and improved technological support systems to adapt to changes in the era and demands. This framework is believed to provide valuable references and guidance for managing and conserving Smart Heritage in Chengdu's historical and cultural villages.

“More Than a Workshop”: Perspectives from First-Generation and Low-Income Men of Color Participating in a Community College Men of Color Initiative

ABSTRACT This study examined the experiences of first-generation and low-income men of color involved with a community college men of color initiative, focusing on the students’ perspective. The research was guided by two main questions: (a) What factors contribute to the participation of first-generation and low-income men of color with a community college men of color initiative? (b) How do community college men of color initiatives activate the assets of first-generation and low-income men of color to support their vertical transfer aspirations? A qualitative case study approach was employed, involving interviews with 10 Black and Latino men participating in the initiative. After the interviews were transcribed, they were analyzed using an in-vivo and higher-level coding process, using the participants’ words to identify themes. Students described how programming, active coaching and mentorship, and the relationships formed within the initiative significantly enriched their community college experiences and aspirations for vertical transfer. The initiative’s opportunities established a multilevel support system for students, which activated aspects of their community cultural wealth. The findings uncovered valuable insights into effectively engaging first-generation and low-income men of color in community college. They also shed light on the programmatic and individual practices that validate students’ experiences. These findings underscore the necessity for more community colleges to embrace similar practices to enhance the support provided to first-generation and low-income men of color on campus and strengthen their community college to four-year university vertical transfer pathways.

Efficacy of Fine-Tuned Large Language Model in CT Protocol Assignment as Clinical Decision-Supporting System

Abstract Accurate CT protocol assignment is crucial for optimizing medical imaging procedures. The integration of large language models (LLMs) may be helpful, but its efficacy as a clinical decision support system for protocoling tasks remains unknown. This study aimed to develop and evaluate fine-tuned LLM specifically designed for CT protocoling, as well as assess its performance, both standalone and in concurrent use, in terms of effectiveness and efficiency within radiological workflows. This retrospective study included radiology tests for contrast-enhanced chest and abdominal CT examinations (2829/498/941 for training/validation/testing). Inputs involve the clinical indication section, age, and anatomic coverage. The LLM was fine-tuned for 15 epochs, selecting the best model by macro sensitivity in validation. Performance was then evaluated on 800 randomly selected cases from the test dataset. Two radiology residents and two radiologists assigned CT protocols with and without referencing the output of LLM to evaluate its efficacy as a clinical decision support system. The LLM exhibited high accuracy metrics, with top-1 and top-2 accuracies of 0.923 and 0.963, respectively, and a macro sensitivity of 0.907. It processed each case in an average of 0.39 s. The LLM, as a clinical decision support tool, improved accuracy both for residents (0.913 vs. 0.936) and radiologists (0.920 vs. 0.926 without and with LLM, respectively), with the improvement for residents being statistically significant (p = 0.02). Additionally, it reduced reading times by 14% for residents and 12% for radiologists. These results indicate the potential of LLMs to improve CT protocoling efficiency and diagnostic accuracy in radiological practice.

Navigating Aging: Battling Illness, Overcoming Disabilities, Embracing Dependency, and Confronting Discrimination

This paper investigates the challenges faced by aging people, focusing on the critical issues, like illness, disability, dependency, poverty and social discrimination. As elderly population continues to grow due to improved healthcare and life expectancy, the complexities of their daily lives become more pronounced. There are numerous factors that result in illness, disability, dependency, poverty, and discrimination. We need a holistic approach to address intersecting factors that shape and reshape each other in aging. This study explores how cultural norms, economic factors, healthcare accessibility, family dynamics influence the experience of aging individuals. It examines the ways in which traditional respect for the elderly is being reshaped by modern pressures, such as urbanization, modernization and migration. The article also delves into the socio-economic conditions that exacerbate health problems and disabilities, emphasizing the role of inadequate pension systems and social security. Additionally, it focuses on how social discrimination and isolation impacts on physical and mental well-being in the elderly. Through the combination of qualitative and quantitative data and narratives, this paper provides a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by aging individuals. It also calls for more inclusive and aging friendly policies and support systems to improve the quality of life for the aging individuals.

Digital Health Technology Interventions for Improving Medication Safety: Systematic Review of Economic Evaluations

Background Medication-related harm, including adverse drug events (ADEs) and medication errors, represents a significant iatrogenic burden in clinical care. Digital health technology (DHT) interventions can significantly enhance medication safety outcomes. Although the clinical effectiveness of DHT for medication safety has been relatively well studied, much less is known about the cost-effectiveness of these interventions. Objective This study aimed to systematically review the economic impact of DHT interventions on medication safety and examine methodological challenges to inform future research directions. Methods A systematic search was conducted across 3 major electronic databases (ie, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCOhost). The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines were followed for this systematic review. Two independent investigators conducted a full-text review after screening preliminary titles and abstracts. We adopted recommendations from the Panel on Cost-Effectiveness in Health and Medicine for data extraction. A narrative analysis was conducted to synthesize clinical and economic outcomes. The quality of reporting for the included studies was assessed using the CHEERS (Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards) guidelines. Results We included 13 studies that assessed the cost-effectiveness (n=9, 69.2%), cost-benefit (n=3, 23.1%), and cost-utility (n=1, 7.7%) of DHT for medication safety. Of the included studies, more than half (n=7, 53.9%) evaluated a clinical decision support system (CDSS)/computerized provider order entry (CPOE), 4 (30.8%) examined automated medication-dispensing systems, and 2 (15.4%) focused on pharmacist-led outreach programs targeting health care professionals. In 12 (92.3% ) studies, DHT was either cost-effective or cost beneficial compared to standard care. On average, DHT interventions reduced ADEs by 37.12% (range 8.2%-66.5%) and medication errors by 54.38% (range 24%-83%). The key drivers of cost-effectiveness included reductions in outcomes, the proportion of errors resulting in ADEs, and implementation costs. Despite a significant upfront cost, DHT showed a return on investment within 3-4.25 years due to lower cost related with ADE treatment and improved workflow efficiency. In terms of reporting quality, the studies were classified as good (n=10, 76.9%) and moderate (n=3, 23.1%). Key methodological challenges included short follow-up periods, the absence of alert compliance tracking, the lack of ADE and error severity categorization, and omission of indirect costs. Conclusions DHT interventions are economically viable to improve medication safety, with a substantial reduction in ADEs and medication errors. Future studies should prioritize incorporating alert compliance tracking, ADE and error severity classification, and evaluation of indirect costs, thereby increasing clinical benefits and economic viability.

Data Model Implementation of Weapon Live Test Support Asset based on DoDAF Meta Model

In order to safely and effectively conduct weapon live tests in an environment with limited human resources, it is essential to utilize a decision support system to enable quick and accurate decision-making at key stages. The role of the decision support system is to provide situational awareness information and key decision-making elements based on data acquired from test support assets, and an architecture design methodology for system implementation was proposed through prior research. In order to share heterogeneous data between multiple support assets and decision support system, research on the application of standardized data models was required. This paper proposes a method of applying the DM2(DoDAF 2.0 Meta Model) developed in the U.S. DoD considering easy connectivity between models and compatibility with future weapon system model. A case study is illustrated the feasibility of the proposed method through data modeling in ATLAS(Ammunition Transport and Loading Autonomy System), one of the support assets operated during ammunition firing test.

Anchoring autonomy: understanding seafarers’ interaction with energy efficiency decision support systems for route planning and the role of basic psychological needs

Abstract Onboard Decision Support Systems (DSS) for energy-efficient maritime route planning are key for global carbon reduction and sustainable transportation goals. Research indicates seafarers’ fuel reduction behaviors are hindered by goal conflicts and workload, affecting motivation and efficient use of automated systems. We studied seafarers’ (N = 22) interactions with a DSS in a high-fidelity bridge simulator, assessing Usability, User Experience, Workload, Basic Psychological Need (BPN) fulfillment, and conducted interviews. Positive system evaluations, particularly hedonic User Experience, contrasted with perceived reduced autonomy using the DSS. Seafarers often requested autonomy-enhancing features (e.g., route editing). Our findings underline the importance of BPNs, especially autonomy, in human-centered technology for maritime transportation, contributing to environmental and efficiency goals.

Comparative Study of Common Core Curriculum Implementation in Urban and Rural Basic Schools in Ghana: Unveiling the Integration of Global Citizenship Education

AbstractThis study examined stakeholders' perspectives on the integration of Global Citizenship Education (GCE) into the Common Core Curriculum (CCC) in urban and rural basic schools in Ghana. A quantitative research approach was adopted and data was collected from 460 participants through a structured questionnaire. The analysis employed t-tests, ANOVA and Fisher’s F-tests to interpret the findings. The t-tests revealed significant differences in collaborative learning (t (458) = 3.008, p = 0.003), competency-based assessment opportunities (t (458) = -2.461, p = 0.014), and stakeholder engagement (t (458) = -2.087, p = 0.037), all favouring urban contexts. To test for variance differences, Fisher’s F-tests indicated significant disparities, such as in critical thinking and problem-solving skills (F (212, 246) = 2.215, p < 0.0001) and interpersonal skills (F (212, 246) = 0.029, p < 0.0001), reflecting urban schools' advantage due to greater resource availability and support systems. The study concludes that, although the CCC aims to standardize educational quality, rural settings face significant limitations in its effective implementation. It was recommended that adequate resources, enhanced teacher training, and context-sensitive policies should be provided to rural schools to promote equitable educational outcomes and ensure that the curriculum meets diverse educational needs across Ghana.

The effectiveness of telehealth in improving the knowledge, attitude, and practice of eclampsia prevention among preeclampsia mothers

Despite numerous media efforts to inform the public, the understanding, attitudes, and practices for preventing eclampsia have not significantly improved, and maternal deaths due to eclampsia remain alarmingly high. This study aims to identify the socio-demographic factors related to this issue and to evaluate the effectiveness of telehealth in enhancing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding eclampsia prevention among mothers experiencing preeclampsia. A quasi-experimental design with a control group was implemented to study the effects of telehealth tools on mothers with preeclampsia. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, resulting in a sample size of 104 mothers, which was calculated using the G*Power tool. The key variables in this study included telehealth tools, socio-demographics, knowledge and attitudes, and practices for preventing preeclampsia. Data were collected before and after the intervention. The analysis used univariate and bivariate analysis: the independent t-test used Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests, the paired t-test (dependent t-test) used the Wilcoxon test, and the multivariate analysis used logistic regression. Our study results indicate that a mother's history of preeclampsia and her number of pregnancies (parity) significantly influenced eclampsia prevention practices. Additionally, knowledge, attitudes, and methods of prevention showed notable changes before and after the telehealth intervention, with all p-values being less than 0.05. The effects of parity on eclampsia prevention practices, as well as the role of telehealth in shaping knowledge and attitudes toward eclampsia prevention and management, were examined in relation to parity and education level. The support systems and advocacy efforts used by health officers can be integrated to improve telehealth services and encourage collaborative research involving multiple health experts.

Community Services and Their Role in Enhancing Urban Resilience

Purpose: The research aims to comprehensively understand how community services—such as disaster preparedness programs, public health initiatives, and social support systems—fortify urban resilience by addressing diverse urban challenges. Research Design and Methodology: Employing a qualitative research approach, this study conducts an extensive literature review to identify and analyze how community services contribute to urban resilience. The methodology involves thematic analysis and cross-case comparisons to synthesize findings from relevant literature. Findings and Discussion: The findings highlight that community services are pivotal in fostering social cohesion, enabling collective action, and providing essential resources, enhancing communities' capacity to withstand and recover from crises. Disaster preparedness programs improve emergency response and recovery times, while public health initiatives address health-related vulnerabilities and support overall well-being. Social support systems, including welfare programs and housing assistance, mitigate economic hardships and promote social inclusion. Implications: Implications of this study suggest that policymakers and practitioners should focus on enhancing community engagement, investing in community services, and developing innovative models for their integration and sustainability. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of community services on resilience and identify best practices for their implementation across diverse urban contexts.

Examining the perspective of community general support centers and promoting the use of early stage dementia-intensive support teams: Comparing institutions with and without support teams

Objectives Although numerous studies have explored early stage dementia-intensive support teams, focusing on their effectiveness and associated challenges, there is insufficient research on community comprehensive support centers that use support teams. Thus, we focused on community comprehensive support centers from the perspectives of their operators and users, examined the actualities and challenges of support team use, and considered ways to encourage such use.Methods A questionnaire survey was mailed to 2,000 community general support centers selected through evenly-spaced sampling from 5,625 centers in Japan. The survey was conducted from November to December 2022. The survey included basic attributes (institution and presence of a support team), number of times a support team was used, actual number of users, and issues with support team use. For the analysis, we defined centers with and without support teams as "operators" and "users," respectively, and analyzed each group. The participants' demographic details and data related to the frequency of use of support teams were tabulated. Text mining was used to analyze free-field responses.Results A total of 773 responses were received (response rate; 38.8%). Among the respondents, 313 (41.5%) had support teams and 441 (58.4%) did not. The support team use rate was 86.6% for the former and 79.4% for the latter. In 2021, most respondents noted that approximately "1-5 individuals" used support teams, regardless of whether the support center had one.Challenges with support team use identified by centers without support teams were as follows; requirements of support recipients and rules for use under "mechanisms of use," involvement of team doctors and expertise of team members under "support functions," and collaborative support relationship and dissemination of project information under "system for use." Support centers with support teams identified the following challenges; requirements of support recipients and management rules under "management mechanisms," involvement of team doctors and healthcare collaboration under "support functions," and team members role awareness and staff shortage under "management system."Conclusion Many comprehensive centers infrequently used support teams. To promote support team use, the system must be reviewed from the operator and user perspectives to simplify the support team system's rules and ease the requirements for support recipients. Moreover, all dementia supporters must engage in regular and ongoing discussions about the dementia support system, focusing on the municipal responsibility for system operation.