Universal Goal Research Articles

The Effects of Personality Traits on Subjective Well-Being among University Students: The Mediating Role of Perceived Employment Stress

Happiness and well-being are the universal goals and common expectations of human life, and the importance and complexity of the issue of happiness drive people to think about it constantly. In the report of the 20th Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), it was reiterated that we should always seek the happiness of the people as the fundamental mission and always put the people in the highest position in our hearts. With the progress of the times, the education and learning environments have changed dramatically, and the well-being of university students has been challenged and pressurised both externally and internally. Therefore, this study takes contemporary university students as the research object, from the perspective of personality traits, to explore the role of university studentspersonality traits on the influence ofsubjective well-being and perceived employment stress plays a mediating role. It provides countermeasures to improve university students' subjective well-being and reduce their stress. The study found that there is a significant correlation between university studentspersonality traits, perceived employment stress and subjective well-being. University studentsperceived employment stress in personality traits and perceived employment stress as a mediator. Employment stress partially mediates the relationship between personality traits and subjective well-being.

Societal engagement - volunteering in landscape architecture

It is characteristic to landscape architecture that is requires an interdisciplinary approach. In addition to science and art, it is closely related to the social domain. In addition to the knowledge on historical and social processes in the landscape, it is therefore necessary to research the needs of the current social milieu, their way of life and their thinking and capacity to act in relation to their environment. Strengthening societal engagement is exactly the field of our dedication and engagement towards protecting the landscape, nature, our garden heritage and the green spaces of our habitat. It was only after the change of regime in the 1990s that it became possible to set up NGOs, foundations and associations, in other words, nonprofit organisations, many of which have addressed the issues of the human habitat, nature conservation and landscape protection, cultural heritage, ecology, community building and education related to it. Many landscape architects have been involved in this process, either by joining an initiative or by setting up a professional NGO on their own initiative. Being a civil means volunteering for universal and local goals, community, and professional ideals without material interest. After the change of regime, the need and the necessity to involve social actors appeared also in planning methodology, laying the foundations for collaborative, i.e. cooperative, planning. Grassroots strategies and resulting processes have replaced the centralised governing system. It became possible to ask what the landscape, the place, and the local individual and community require.Although not exhaustive, we will present initiatives that have been and are being taken with the activity and participation of landscape architects, thus broadening the public awareness and recognition of landscape architecture.Our NGOs and initiatives aim to give landscape architecture its deserved place in public thinking and public life.

Multicultural citizenship education and the community of philosophical inquiry

Modern civic education in multicultural society faces two diametrically opposed challenges: universality and diversity. Those who emphasize universality argue that multicultural civic education should be based on universal values, goals, and concepts. However, those who emphasize diversity say that different concepts and ideals should be allowed and respected across cultures, genders, ethnicities, etc. Multicultural education aims to promote the coexistence of people from different cultural backgrounds within a nation. In this article, I seek a way between these two extremes by arguing that civic education in a multicultural society should have philosophical inquiry and dialogue as its pedagogical basis. Providing a path to objective meaning while honoring different cultural contexts and situations. Educational efforts to achieve objectivity while respecting diversity can offer important contributions to building democratic societies that allow people who share diverse interests to interact freely. I justify this middle way by drawing upon Robert B. Brandom’s (1994, 2001) inferentialism, in which the objectivity of meaning is secured through a process of material inference that takes into account different cultural and social contexts. I conclude that the kind of dialogue Brandom has in mind is best realized through the community of philosophical inquiry, with its emphasis on reasonableness and self-correction. Ultimately, the community of philosophical inquiry is the pedagogy needed by multicultural citizenship education.

EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RAINFALL AND CROP YIELD AND BEST PRACTICES ADOPTION USING PARTICIPATORY APPROACH.

Crop yield is a standard measurement for the amount of agricultural production. Sustainable agriculture demands an increase in crop yield. This study deals with rainfed agriculture; hence, precipitation becomes the driving factor for crop yield. Heat maps are used to examine the rainfall and crop yield correlations. ML is an essential tool in decision-making, and many ML algorithms are available for prediction. This study uses the ML algorithms to predict whether the crop yield will increase with increased rainfall. Logistic regression, Decision tree classifier, Random Forest classifier, and XGBoost classifier are the algorithms chosen for analysis. Altogether this region consists of forty crops but focuses on five predominant annual crops. Implementation-based results are the universal goal of every research which society needs. The chances of implementation are associated with two major components: the reliability of the results and society's willingness. Analysis of these components needs ground truthing and Participatory Rural Appraisal, respectively. Farmers and villagers filled out a questionnaire about the details required for this study. The survey was an active approach to collecting necessary information from the participants. The survey showed positive results among one hundred and fifty samples from six blocks. Finally, cashew nut, sugarcane, and turmeric showed good dependency on the precipitation, and around 88% of villagers are ready to implement the results derived from ML algorithms.

Success in Diverticulitis Management: What Outcomes Really Matter?

AbstractAchieving optimal outcomes is a universal goal among health care providers. However, disagreement often arises when selecting and measuring endpoints as markers of care performance. In diverticulitis, this task is complicated by variability in clinical presentation and existence of multiple evidence-based therapeutic options. The aim of this review is to summarize trends and challenges in outcomes measurement for diverticulitis. We discuss historical origins and compare existing frameworks for classifying outcomes. Next, focus is directed to an exploration of important outcomes through clinical controversies: antibiotics for acute uncomplicated diverticulitis, colectomy with primary anastomosis for acute complicated diverticulitis, and elective colectomy for recurrent diverticulitis. Finally, we review recommendations supporting case-by-case decision-making and implications for clinicians, in addition to ongoing international efforts to standardize outcomes that matter for common diseases.

Medical practitioners’ experiences and considerations when managing sleep medication for adolescents and young adults

Introduction The prevalence of sleep disorders and use of sleep medication, particularly melatonin, are rising among adolescents and young adults (13–24 years). In Denmark, melatonin is approved for use in children with autism and ADHD up to 18 years of age, with other prescriptions being off-label in these age groups. The perspectives of medical practitioners on prescribing sleep medications to this age group remain largely unexplored. Aim This study aims to investigate the considerations of general practitioners (GPs) and child and adolescent psychiatrists (psychiatrists) when prescribing and deprescribing sleep medications for 13–24-year-olds. Methods We conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with 10 GPs and six psychiatrists. Data were analyzed using an inductive approach. Results Psychiatrists typically prescribed melatonin with the expectation that deprescription would occur in general practice. Despite the universal goal of deprescription, it was hindered by various challenges. GPs identified patient motivation and a clear focus on deprescription as facilitative factors and expressed a need for enhanced emphasis on these aspects in general practice. Discussion and implications The findings align with existing prescription trends and literature on factors that promote and inhibit deprescription. The study underscores the complexities of deprescribing sleep medications for adolescents and young adults, suggesting the need for expanded guidelines and enhanced continuing education for GPs. Conclusions The research highlights significant discrepancies among medical practitioners regarding the deprescription process of sleep medications for young individuals, complicated by multiple factors. This underscores the need for better guidelines and further studies.

Healthcare for All: A Comparative Analysis of Medicaid in the United State of America and Ayushman Bharat in India

This paper presents a comparative analysis of two prominent healthcare initiatives: Medicaid in the United States and Ayushman Bharat in India. Both programs aim to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability for vulnerable populations within their respective countries. Medicaid, established in 1965, provides comprehensive health coverage primarily to low-income individuals and families through federal and state cooperation. In contrast, Ayushman Bharat, launched in 2018, seeks to address healthcare disparities by offering health insurance coverage to over 500 million people, focusing on the economically disadvantaged. This comparative study examines the structures, objectives, implementation challenges, and outcomes of Medicaid and Ayushman Bharat, analyzing their effectiveness in achieving universal health-care goals. Key factors explored include funding mechanisms, coverage criteria, administrative efficiency, healthcare delivery models, and socio-economic impact. By highlighting successes, challenges, and lessons learned from these programs, this research aims to contribute valuable insights into the global discourse on healthcare policy and the pursuit of equitable health outcomes.

Optimization of Multimodal Paths for Oversize and Heavyweight Cargo under Different Carbon Pricing Policies

With the increasing global concern over climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions has become a universal goal for governments and enterprises. For oversize and heavyweight cargo (OHC) transportation, multimodal transportation has become widely adopted. However, this mode inevitably generates carbon emissions, making research into effective emission reduction strategies essential for achieving low-carbon economic development. This study investigates the optimization of multimodal transportation paths for OHC (OMTP-OHC), considering various direct carbon pricing policies and develops models for these paths under the ordinary scenario—defined as scenarios without any carbon pricing policies—and two carbon pricing policy scenarios, namely the emission trading scheme (ETS) policy and the carbon tax policy, to identify the most cost-effective solutions. An enhanced genetic algorithm incorporating elite strategy and catastrophe theory is employed to solve the models under the three scenarios. Subsequently, we examine the impact of ETS policy price fluctuations, carbon quota factors, and different carbon tax levels on decision-making through a case study, confirming the feasibility of the proposed model and algorithm. The findings indicate that the proposed algorithm effectively addresses this problem. Moreover, the algorithm demonstrates a small impact of ETS policy price fluctuations on outcomes and a slightly low sensitivity to carbon quota factors. This may be attributed to the relatively low ETS policy prices and the characteristics of OHC, where transportation and modification costs are significantly higher than carbon emission costs. Additionally, a comparative analysis of the two carbon pricing policies demonstrates the varying intensities of emission reductions in multimodal transportation, with the ranking of carbon emission reduction intensity as follows: upper-intermediate level of carbon tax > intermediate level of carbon tax > lower-intermediate level of carbon tax = ETS policy > the ordinary scenario. The emission reduction at the lower-intermediate carbon tax level (USD 8.40/t) matches that of the ETS policy at 30%, with a 49.59% greater reduction at the intermediate level (USD 50.48/t) compared to the ordinary scenario, and a 70.07% reduction at the upper-intermediate level (USD 91.14/t). The model and algorithm proposed in this study can provide scientific and technical support to realize the low-carbonization of the multimodal transportation for OHC. The findings of this study also provide scientific evidence for understanding the situation of multimodal transportation for OHC under China’s ETS policy and its performance under different carbon tax levels in China and other regions. This also contributes to achieving the goal of low-carbon economic development.

Systematic Literature Review (SLR) on the Influence of Educational Policies on Learning Outcomes and Pedagogical Practices

This systematic review critically navigates the complex landscapes of educational policies and their pervasive influence on pedagogical practices and learning outcomes. Through a careful examination of global educational courses, the analysis uncovers comprehensive interplays between historical, socio-political, and economic dimensions, reflecting transformative shifts from state-centric paradigms towards neoliberal influences and global networks. The analytical study uncovers a convergence towards universal educational goals, alongside evident divergences marked by regional, contextual, and cultural variances, substantially influencing policy enactments and interpretations. Pedagogical dimensions resonate with the impacts of policy imprints, manifesting in instructional practices, curricular designs, and evaluative frameworks. Meanwhile, policies emerge as potent architects, influencing educational experiences, trajectories, and competencies. At the same time, the complex interplay between educators and policies unveils spheres of negotiations and enactments, positioning educators as critical conduits of policy transmission and enactment. Summarily, this analysis advocates for dynamic, responsive, and collaborative policy environments, enriched by contextual relevance, educator agency, and continuous evaluative reflexivities.

Integrating Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDG’s) in Dental Education: An Overview

In 2015, UN General Assembly launched Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) framework containing 17 universal goals, that were set as shared global targets for a just and equitable world and to be devoid of environmental degradation. Translating the SDG’s and to integrate them in dental education includes: a) Developing dental curricula towards sustainable development; b) Modifying the teaching and learning methods of delivering dental education for sustainable development; c) Guiding the students to shift towards sustainability, so to facilitate the next generation of dentist to think mindfully and act consciously. This paper briefs on inclusions and modification required in the dental education to shift towards SDG’s. Keywords Sustainable Developmental Goals, Dental Curriculum, Sustainable Dental Education

First-aid training for primary Healthcare providers on a remote Island: a mixed-methods study

BackgroundEnsuring ongoing first-aid training for primary healthcare providers (PHPs) is one of the critical strategies for providing quality health services and contributing to achieving universal health coverage. However, PHPs have received insufficient attention in terms of training and capacity building, especially in the remote areas of low-to-middle-income countries. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a first-aid training program for PHPs on a Vietnamese island and explored their perspectives and experiences regarding first-aid implementation.MethodsA mixed-methods study was conducted among 39 PHPs working in community healthcare centers. The quantitative method utilized a quasi-experimental design to evaluate participants’ first-aid knowledge at three time points: pre-training, immediately post-training, and three months post-training. Sixteen of the PHPs participated in subsequent semi-structured focus group interviews using the qualitative method. Quantitative data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), while qualitative data were subjected to thematic analysis.ResultsThe quantitative results showed a significant improvement in both the overall mean first-aid knowledge scores and the subdimensions of the first-aid knowledge scores among healthcare providers post-training. There was a statistically significant difference between the baseline and immediate posttest and follow-up knowledge scores (p < 0.001). However, the difference in knowledge scores between the immediate posttest and three-month follow-up was not significant (p > 0.05). Three main themes emerged from the focus group discussions: perception of first-aid in remote areas, facilitators and barriers. Participants identified barriers, including infrastructure limitations, shortage of the primary healthcare workforce, inadequate competencies, and insufficient resources. Conversely, receiving considerable support from colleagues and the benefits of communication technologies in implementing first aid were mentioned as facilitators. The training bolstered the participants’ confidence in their first-aid responses, and there was a desire for continued education.ConclusionsImplementing periodic first-aid refresher training for PHPs in a nationwide resource-limited setting can contribute significantly to achieving universal health coverage goals. This approach potentially enhances the preparedness of healthcare providers in these areas to deliver timely and effective first aid during emergencies, which may lead to more consistent primary healthcare services despite various challenges.

From universal goals to local results: notes for a history of regional human rights protection

From universal goals to local results: notes for a history of regional human rights protection

Current surgical approach: Extracranial malignant germ cell tumors.

Germ cell tumors (GCT) are a complex, heterogeneous collection of tumors that may present in either gonadal or extragonadal sites. They consist of a variety of benign and malignant histologies that can occur at several locations throughout the body. An important component of treatment is surgical resection, and while the key components of resection are site specific, the universal goals of GCT resection include the complete resection of tumor without violating the tumor capsule, while preserving function of surrounding organs, minimizing morbidity, and assessing for regional spread.

An Assessment of Provider Payment Mechanisms (PPMs) in Ethiopia: Implications for Redesign of PPMs and Progress Toward Universal Health Coverage

ABSTRACT Ethiopia has made great strides in improving population health but sustaining health system and population health improvements in the current fiscal environment is challenging. Provider payment, as a function of purchasing, is a tool to use limited health resources better. This study describes the design and implementation of Ethiopia’s provider payment mechanisms (PPMs) and how they influence health system objectives and contribute to universal health coverage goals. The research team adapted the framework and analytical tools of the Joint Learning Network for Universal Health Coverage guide for assessing PPMs. Data were collected through literature review and key informant interviews with 11 purchasers and 17 health care providers. Content analysis was used to describe PPM design and implementation arrangements, and thematic analysis was used to distill effects on equity in resource distribution and access to care, efficiency, quality of care, and financial sustainability. The study revealed the PPMs had positive and negative consequences. Line-item budgets were perceived to be predictable and sustainable but had little effect on efficiency and provider performance. Fee-for-service was perceived to have negative effects on efficiency and financial sustainability but viewed positively on its ability to incentivize quality health services. Capitation and performance-based financing effects were viewed positively on equity in distribution of resources and quality respectively, but both were perceived negatively on their high administrative burden to providers. Ethiopia may consider a more nuanced approach to design blended provider payment to mitigate negative consequences while providing incentives for better quality of care and efficiency.

A geographic information system and analytic hierarchy process drought risk analysis approach in arid south-western Zimbabwe: Prospects for informed resilience building

Climate change is increasing the vulnerability of communities to drought, with rural communities in developing countries being affected the most. The study assessed drought vulnerability in south western Zimbabwe based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) supported by Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing techniques. An empirical research design based on verifiable evidence of drought vulnerability was adopted. GIS and remote sensing data were used to execute the multi-criteria AHP for the determination of drought vulnerability. ArcMap 10.8 software was used for the analysis of drought influencing factors and carrying out the weighted overlay. Results indicate that almost the whole of south western Zimbabwe is prone to droughts with only 0.6 % of the area being comparatively better. It was also noted that the majority of the population are exposed to high and extreme risk of droughts as they are settled in extreme and high drought risk zones. The study recommends implementation of resilience building interventions from an informed dimension where specific resilience building initiatives are implemented in appropriate environments for high returns. This can sustain the communities in the face of increasing drought risk due to climate change in line with the aspirations of the universal sustainable development goals and the country's vision of attaining an upper middle-income society by 2030. A framework for creating drought resilience was developed to ensure that development stakeholders cooperate to build drought resilient communities in tropical regions with drought challenges like Zimbabwe and the rest of Southern Africa.

Targeting of 3D oral cancer spheroids by αVβ6 integrin using near-infrared peptide-conjugated IRDye 680

BackgroundIn the treatment of oral cavity cancer, margin status is one of the most critical prognostic factors. Positive margins are associated with higher local recurrence and lower survival rates. Therefore, the universal goal of oral surgical oncology is to achieve microscopically clear margins. Near-infrared fluorescence guided surgery (FGS) could improve surgical resection using fluorescent probes. αVβ6 integrin has shown great potential for cancer targeting due to its overexpression in oral cancers. Red fluorescent contrast agent IRDye 680 coupled with anti-αVβ6 peptide (IRDye-A20) represents an asset to improve FGS of oral cancer. This study investigates the potential of IRDye-A20 as a selective imaging agent in 3D three-dimensional tongue cancer cells.MethodsαVβ6 integrin expression was evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western Blotting in 2D HSC-3 human tongue cancer cells and MRC-5 human fibroblasts. Targeting ability of IRDye-A20 was studied in both cell lines by flow cytometry technique. 3D tumor spheroid models, homotypic (HSC-3) and stroma-enriched heterotypic (HSC-3/MRC-5) spheroids were produced by liquid overlay procedure and further characterized using (immuno)histological and fluorescence-based techniques. IRDye-A20 selectivity was evaluated in each type of spheroids and each cell population.ResultsαVβ6 integrin was overexpressed in 2D HSC-3 cancer cells but not in MRC-5 fibroblasts and consistently, only HSC-3 were labelled with IRDye-A20. Round shaped spheroids with an average diameter of 400 μm were produced with a final ratio of 55%/45% between HSC-3 and MRC-5 cells, respectively. Immunofluorescence experiments demonstrated an uniform expression of αVβ6 integrin in homotypic spheroid, while its expression was restricted to cancer cells only in heterotypic spheroid. In stroma-enriched 3D model, Cytokeratin 19 and E-cadherin were expressed only by cancer cells while vimentin and fibronectin were expressed by fibroblasts. Using flow cytometry, we demonstrated that IRDye-A20 labeled the whole homotypic spheroid, while in the heterotypic model all cancer cells were highly fluorescent, with a negligible fluorescence in fibroblasts.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated an efficient selective targeting of A20FMDV2-conjugated IRDye 680 in 3D tongue cancer cells stroma-enriched spheroids. Thus, IRDye-A20 could be a promising candidate for the future development of the fluorescence-guided surgery of oral cancers.Graphical

Data-Driven Weather Forecasting and Climate Modeling from the Perspective of Development

Accurate and rapid weather forecasting and climate modeling are universal goals in human development. While Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) remains the gold standard, it faces challenges like inherent atmospheric uncertainties and computational costs, especially in the post-Moore era. With the advent of deep learning, the field has been revolutionized through data-driven models. This paper reviews the key models and significant developments in data-driven weather forecasting and climate modeling. It provides an overview of these models, covering aspects such as dataset selection, model design, training process, computational acceleration, and prediction effectiveness. Data-driven models trained on reanalysis data can provide effective forecasts with an accuracy (ACC) greater than 0.6 for up to 15 days at a spatial resolution of 0.25°. These models outperform or match the most advanced NWP methods for 90% of variables, reducing forecast generation time from hours to seconds. Data-driven climate models can reliably simulate climate patterns for decades to 100 years, offering a magnitude of computational savings and competitive performance. Despite their advantages, data-driven methods have limitations, including poor interpretability, challenges in evaluating model uncertainty, and conservative predictions in extreme cases. Future research should focus on larger models, integrating more physical constraints, and enhancing evaluation methods.

Climate justice from the lens of sustainable development

AbstractThis paper provides a systematic review of the concept of climate justice by revealing it's main linkages to sustainable development. The United Nations established the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, instituting a set of universal goals in essential areas of action related to sustainable development. The SDGs confront especially pertinent socioeconomic problems and pressing environmental challenges like climate change. Including a specific climate target, SDG 13, climate change is a global and acute issue that jeopardizes the achievement of all SDGs. This study aims to analyze the concept of climate justice in the context of sustainable development. The systematic literature review integrates the Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis (SALSA) framework, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews, and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement under the PSALSAR (Protocol, Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, Analysis, and Report) framework. The performed analysis provides future research guidelines based on identified gaps.

Community engagement and utility collaboration for enhanced electricity access: A multi-strategy framework

Electricity shortage remains a critical challenge in developing countries striving to achieve the United Nations' universal electricity access goal by 2030. Limited fuel availability and limited funds for renewable energy investments, while demand flexibility is implemented to regulate electricity access, it faces limitations due to voluntary participation, rotating load-shedding schedules, and lack of electrification in certain communities. This research paper proposes a multi-strategy approach as an alternative solution by scheduling essential appliances and optimizing power flow in distribution grids. The article aims at community engagement and utility collaboration to improve electricity access. This paper proposes a multi-strategy framework for regulating social organization and utility operations, and attaining energy conservation, efficiency, and incentives. Optimization tool is developed to extend benefits of optimal scheduling of end user devices under power supply shortage, uncertainty of demand and grid operational codes, using multiple strategies regarding to consumers’ fairness of electricity access in a community, and maximum electricity access per customer and region. Such strategies are also compared with the case of customized appliance priority of preference. The results demonstrate that energy efficiency and economic sustainability indices can achieve 94 % and 29.5 % improvement, respectively, compared to conventional methods.

#2499 Multicenter observational study on the impact of continuous monitoring of vascular access on the survival and quality of life of patients on dialysis

Abstract Background and Aims AVE is a multicenter observational study aimed at evaluating the improvements in dialysis efficiency, AVF longevity and mortality that can be achieved by implementing both monitoring by a multidisciplinary team. The universal goal of AV monitoring is to identify early events such as stenosis and intervene before thrombosis, thus maximizing the longevity of access and minimizing morbidity. Method This study takes advantage of the opportunity to use data from 19 hemodialysis centers and approximately 1000 patients and to correlate and examine variables that are commonly reported with each treatment, trends in AV use, trends in patient characteristics, and the practice associated with VA. The data were collected by nurses in a specific section of the management database at each treatment for 5 years. Results Trends at the beginning and at the end of the study were evaluated, and Kaplan Maier curves were performed regarding the survival of the VA and the survival of the patients. The average age of 1000 patients enrolled was 73.5 years. Native AVF was used by 79%, AVG by 2% and CVC by 19%. With increasing age, the use of CVC goes from 6% (15-39 years) to 50.5% in patients over 85 years old. The most frequent complications were: Thrombosis 16.5%, Infections 5.5%. VA-related hospitalization days are 28.7% of total days. The average dialysis goals achieved were: QB 290 ml/Min; purified blood 69.7 L; KT/V:1.35. The AVE study, the survival curves evaluated in aggregate were not different between men and women during the observation period (year 2018: p = 0.327; year 2019: p = 0.174; year 2020: p = 0.343). This finding was also confirmed when the survival data were analyzed according to gender and chronological age. No difference was observed between genders while the significant difference (p = 0.000) between chronological age levels was confirmed as shown in the Figure Conclusion By interpreting data collection for specific performance measures using accurate reports, healthcare professionals can highlight AV performance/inefficiencies and provide correct information to clinical staff to support them in their daily clinical practice and decision making.