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This article examines ambulant vendors' labour on a Buenos Aires trainline. It explores how vendors employ a range of verbal and embodied resources to navigate the challenges of sustaining attention from commuters and manage the progressivity of their sales pitch as they achieve individual service encounters and deal with physical obstructions intrinsic to the local ecology of the train and the contingencies of earning a livelihood on the move. An interactional pragmatics analysis of vendors' working practices as video-recorded by them coupled with ethnographic observations, reveals the complex interplay of verbal and embodied cues, spatial arrangements, and temporal constraints in relation to the progressivity of their sales pitch. The findings challenge long-held negative views of vendors' presence in public space by highlighting the methodical approach, dexterity, and civility of their working practices, and how their labour fills a gap in the market. The article provides new insights into the dynamics of urban labour in public spaces and the intrinsicality of multimodality to manoeuvre round the unequal conditions these workers inhabit.

Mental health concerns among K-12 students are prevalent, including students who present with complex conditions such as Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (Moon et al., 2017). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) explains that "characteristic symptoms of OCD are the presence of obsessions and/or compulsions" (American Psychological Association [APA], 2022, p. 263). The DSM defines obsessions as "repetitive and persistent thoughts, images, or urges. Compulsions (or rituals) are repetitive behaviors or mental acts" (APA, 2022, p.267). To examine school mental health, this study uses a multi-disciplinary lens including both education and mental health to investigate teachers' understanding of OCD, their perceived abilities to teach and support students with OCD, and factors that impact their potential abilities. Using a quantitative approach to provide interpretations of teachers' perceptions, results highlight implications for both in-service and pre-service development related to mental illness and potential collaboration between general and special education teachers, school counselors, and school psychologists.

Abstract Objective Atrial cardiomyopathy is closely associated with atrial fibrillation (AF), and some patients exhibit no dysfunction at rest but demonstrate evident changes in left atrial (LA) function and LA volume during exercise. This study aimed to identify distinguishing signs during exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) among patients in sinus rhythm (SR), with and without history of paroxysmal/persistent AF (PAF). Methods A prospective cohort of 1055 patients in SR was enrolled across 12 centers. The main study cohort was divided into two groups: the modeling group (n = 513) and the verification group (n = 542). All patients underwent ESE, which included B-lines, LA volume index (LAVi), and LA strain of the reservoir phase (LASr). Results Age, resting and stress LAVi and LASr, and B-lines were identified as a combination of detectors for PAF in both groups. In the entire cohort, aside from resting and stress LAVi and LASr, additional parameters differentiating PAF and non-PAF patients were the presence of systemic hypertension, exercise E/e’ > 7, worse right ventricle (RV) contraction during exercise (∆ tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion 4 as the best sensitivity (79%) and specificity (65%). Conclusion ESE can complement rest echocardiography in the identification of previous PAF in patients with SR through the evaluation of LA functional reservoir and volume reserve, LV chronotropic, diastolic, and systolic reserve, and RV contractile reserve. Graphical Abstract A scoring system predicting the probability of PAF. The score was computed using the cutoff values as in the illustration. The score >4 demonstrated a sensitivity of 79% and a specificity of 65% of PAF.

The significant aging of the world population increases the demand for professionals with adequate training to care for the elderly. There is shortage and unsatisfactory distribution of health professionals worldwide, and so occurs in relation to professionals trained to care for the elderly. The deficiency of Medical Education in Geriatrics is a global phenomenon, since only about 40% of the countries refer some content of Geriatrics in undergraduate Medical courses. Even though Brazil has advanced legislation in terms of elderly policy, less than half of the medical courses offer Geriatrics disciplines/modules or content related to aging, besides the lack of training activities for teachers, specialists and researchers in the field. This situation is worsened by the fact that in this population group there is prevalence of chronic-degenerative diseases, specificities in the manifestation of diseases and, consequently, their handling, emphasizing the need for a biopsychosocial model with the performance of a multidisciplinary team trained for this purpose. Despite the efforts of several institutions and societies around the world involved in establishing a minimum Geriatrics curriculum in Medicine courses and qualifying professionals to work in the area, the problem is aggravated by the speed of population aging. The challenges are many and there is a lot of work to be done. The creation of feasible and sustainable models of care for the elderly should be the goal of governments and of all of those who work in the field, not only in Brazil, but all over the world.

Abstract Understanding the role of aberrant salience (AS) in psychosis is crucial for comprehending schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs). Researchers emphasize the importance of salience attribution in schizophrenia, acknowledging its interaction with environmental stressors and multiple neurotransmitter systems. Childhood trauma and adversities (CTA) play a significant role in SSDs, potentially contributing to prodromal symptoms characterized by AS. While empirical evidence supports the relationship between AS and SSD, the interplay between different AS patterns, CTA, and psychotic symptoms remains unclear. Clinical diagnosis followed DSM-5 criteria, and participants completed assessments including the Aberrant Salience Inventory (ASI), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire – Short form (CTQ-SF), and Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS). Latent profile analysis (LPA) was employed to identify distinct AS profiles within the sample, with subsequent analyses examining differences in psychopathological variables among these profiles. Among 262 participants, four distinct AS profiles emerged from LPA: low AS, high AS with severe symptoms and CTA, intermediate AS with sexual abuse correlation, and chronic AS with specific childhood trauma associations. Profile distinctions included differences in age, hospitalizations, psychotic symptoms, and CTA. Logistic regression analyses showed significant associations between the four profiles and emotional and sexual abuse, physical neglect and clinical variables. Subtyping individuals with SSD based on AS revealed four distinct profiles, each with unique clinical characteristics and associations with CTA. Future studies should investigate whether these profiles correspond to diverse treatment outcomes. These findings highlight the complexity of schizophrenia presentation and underscore the importance of considering individualized diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Introduction: Under the label of 'Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI)', increasing efforts have been made over the past decade to make research and innovation (R&I) more open and inclusive to improve the way we solve today's complex challenges. However, no commonly accepted norms or standards on the practical implementation of RRI currently exist. One of today's challenges is how to facilitate its implementation within science education. This article aims to contribute to the necessary conceptual and practical grounding of RRI in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics) education by developing a framework of RRI competencies and by gaining insight into secondary school STEAM educators' practices and perspectives on teaching RRI competencies. It adds to an emerging research field in which science education contributes to solving real-world problems by focusing on competencies needed to participate in RRI processes. Methodology: After developing a Comprehensive Framework of RRI Competencies in STEAM education, we engaged secondary school teachers (n=40) involved in innovation within the education project Xplore Health (XH). Participants were recruited through purposive and homogenous sampling from three cities in Spain (Barcelona, Granada and A Coruña). Through one focus group in each city, we analysed teachers' perspectives on how well RRI competencies in the Framework were covered using the XH's educational resources and on how that coverage could be improved. Results: The results show that teachers encounter important limitations in addressing competencies within all the RRI process requirements: reflexivity, anticipation, inclusion and responsiveness. They suggested learning methods and actions for improving that coverage in secondary STEAM education. Discussion and conclusions: We conclude that the Comprehensive Framework of RRI Competencies helps teachers reflect on how to innovate in STEAM education and that Community-Based Participatory Research facilitates the development of most of the competencies teachers considered difficult to apply with the other approaches.

Adolescent girls are more likely to experience early sexual debut than boys. However, the developmental context of their sexual behaviors is under-investigated. Using the socio-ecological model and Malawi Schooling and Adolescent Survey, we investigated factors crucial in determining the development of sexual behaviors of 416, 14-year-old girls in rural southern Malawi. We applied Bivariate Logistic Regression analysis to determine associations. Results showed that 353 (84.9%) experienced sexual intercourse, 60 (18.4%) had multiple sexual partners, and 32 (9.1%) used condoms or hormonal contraceptives. Participants' educational background, desire for higher education, reproductive health knowledge, and being monitored by teachers in school were positively associated with healthy sexual behaviors. Having a boyfriend, lack of schooling support, and being invited to teachers' homes were positively associated with risky sexual behaviors. Therefore, promoting adolescents' formal education, sexual health literacy, and safety in schools should be essential components of research and biobehavioral interventions targeting young adolescents in Malawi.

In a democracy, political parties play significant roles in candidate recruitment and selection. While several activities of political parties focusing on boosting women's representation in Ghana's Fourth Republic have been examined in the literature, this study expands that discussion. It notes that political parties have pursued various strategies to increase women's political representation; however, after three decades of Ghana's Fourth Republic, parliamentary seats occupied by women fall short of the minimum 30 percent level suggested by the UN Economic and Social Council resolution 1990/15. This suggests that perhaps Ghana is not doing enough. Using a qualitative research approach, this study argues that political parties must pursue women's recruitment with greater proactiveness from the basic unit of their political structure, the polling station or branch executives' level. This could encourage more female participation and influence the outcome of primary elections., Introduction Historically, women have suffered from marginalization and discrimination in governance. Globally, women made up about 26.5 percent of legislators at the beginning of 2023: although about a 1 percent [...]

Abstract Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are membrane-enclosed bio-nanoparticles secreted by cells and naturally evolved to transport various bioactive molecules between cells and even organisms. These cellular objects are considered one of the most promising bio-nanovehicles for the delivery of native and exogenous molecular cargo. However, many challenges with state-of-the-art EV-based candidates as drug carriers still exist, including issues with scalability, batch-to-batch reproducibility, and cost-sustainability of the final therapeutic formulation. Microalgal extracellular vesicles, which we named nanoalgosomes, are naturally released by various microalgal species. Here, we evaluate the innate biological properties of nanoalgosomes derived from cultures of the marine microalgae Tetraselmis chuii, using an optimized manufacturing protocol. Our investigation of nanoalgosome biocompatibility in preclinical models includes toxicological analyses, using the invertebrate model organism Caenorhabditis elegans, hematological and immunological evaluations ex vivo and in mice. We evaluate nanoalgosome cellular uptake mechanisms in C. elegans at cellular and subcellular levels, and study their biodistribution in mice with accurate space-time resolution. Further examination highlights the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities of nanoalgosomes. This holistic approach to nanoalgosome functional characterization demonstrates that they are biocompatible and innate bioactive effectors with unique bone tropism. These findings suggest that nanoalgosomes have significant potential for future therapeutic applications.

Abstract Background The spatiotemporal progression and patterns of tissue deformation in ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) remain understudied. Our aim was to identify lung clusters based on their regional mechanical behavior over space and time in lungs subjected to VILI using machine-learning techniques. Results Ten anesthetized pigs (27 ± 2 kg) were studied. Eight subjects were analyzed. End-inspiratory and end-expiratory lung computed tomography scans were performed at the beginning and after 12 h of one-hit VILI model. Regional image-based biomechanical analysis was used to determine end-expiratory aeration, tidal recruitment, and volumetric strain for both early and late stages. Clustering analysis was performed using principal component analysis and K-Means algorithms. We identified three different clusters of lung tissue: Stable, Recruitable Unstable, and Non-Recruitable Unstable. End-expiratory aeration, tidal recruitment, and volumetric strain were significantly different between clusters at early stage. At late stage, we found a step loss of end-expiratory aeration among clusters, lowest in Stable, followed by Unstable Recruitable, and highest in the Unstable Non-Recruitable cluster. Volumetric strain remaining unchanged in the Stable cluster, with slight increases in the Recruitable cluster, and strong reduction in the Unstable Non-Recruitable cluster. Conclusions VILI is a regional and dynamic phenomenon. Using unbiased machine-learning techniques we can identify the coexistence of three functional lung tissue compartments with different spatiotemporal regional biomechanical behavior.

In the new global economy, employee productivity has become a central issue of study. The financial services sector in Ghana has garnered significant attention in recent years. Given the growing inefficiencies in the Ghanaian banking industry, which has resulted in the revocation of operational licenses for some banks, this study aims to examine the impact of compensation, informal organization, and commitment on employee retention and productivity. Additionally, the study seeks to explore the moderating role of job satisfaction in selected private and public banks in the Ashanti region. The study utilized a quantitative research approach, sampling 270 respondents from the selected public and private banks in the Ashanti Region using a simple random sampling technique. For data analysis, the study employed multiple linear regression and utilized the PROCESS MACRO for SPSS version 25. The findings indicate that compensation, commitment, and informal organization exert a positive influence on employee retention, thereby affecting productivity. Furthermore, the study revealed that job satisfaction significantly moderates the relationship between compensation and employee retention, but it does not significantly moderate the relationship between informal organization and employee retention. Similarly, job satisfaction does not significantly moderate the relationship between commitment and employee retention.

Highlights: • A multi-approach methodology was used for a thorough examination of a prehistoric cup decorated with engravings, found at the Bronze Age settlement of Filo Braccio in Filicudi Island (Messina). • Photogrammetry and near-infrared (NIR) imaging were combined to create a metrically correct digital replica (with switchable texture); 3D and 2D views were exported to study the vessel’s morphology and decorations. • To enrich the visiting experience, the 3D model was integrated into a web-based viewer, and enriched with informative annotation, making it easily accessible through mobile devices and computers. Abstract: This paper presents a multidisciplinary study combining photogrammetry, near-infrared (NIR) imaging and archaeological analysis to analyse a 1900-1800 BC engraved cup, found at the Bronze Age site of Filo Braccio in Filicudi, Aeolian Islands, Italy. The artefact is unique within the contemporary ‘Capo Graziano’ culture, featuring a rare complex figural scene engraved along the exterior walls; the “scene” provides insights into the prehistoric culture of Filicudi and the Aeolian Islands. The study focused on generating an accurate three-dimensional (3D) model to i) support archaeological research on the artefact's engravings and ii) create engaging digital media for remote and on-site visitors. Photogrammetry used high-resolution photographs taken around the object and control points for metric accuracy assessment. This study also utilises NIR and visible light imaging to examine the engraved cup. The photogrammetric workflow provided a realistic 3D model textured with both visible and NIR data: the 3D model enabled to improve the reading of the engraved scene, revealing horizontal registers of figures, while NIR imaging highlighted material inhomogeneity. The resulting 3D model achieved a high level of detail, with 4381407 faces and a root mean square (RMS) reprojection error of approximately 3.9 μm. The NIR imaging revealed additional surface details not visible in the standard photographs. For dissemination, the optimised 3D model was uploaded to Sketchfab with informative annotations, enabling remote study and cultural promotion of the artefact. This multi-approach methodology offers a valuable tool for comprehensive artefact documentation and analysis, providing new insights into the artefact's complex figural scene.

The study investigates the relationship between acculturation depression and refugee attitudes toward the temporal continuum. Methodologies include the use of the Beck Depression Scale to assess severity and the Zimbardo Time Perspectives Inventory, which consists of five scales: positive and negative past, future, and fatalistic or hedonistic present. A total of 40 respondents participated in the research, divided into two subgroups: socially active (22 individuals) and socially passive (18 individuals). The findings indicate that socially active individuals exhibited the lowest presence of depressive syndromes at 77.3%, whereas socially passive individuals displayed indicators within sub-depression categories. Regarding temporal orientation, the first group leaned towards a future-oriented perspective (50%), while the second group showed a tendency towards a negative past orientation (38.89%). The study highlights the intricate relationship between subjects’ levels of social activity and their propensity for depression based on their orientation towards time.

This study introduces a novel methodology to explore the network dynamics of Physarum polycephalum, an organism celebrated for its remarkable adaptive capabilities. We used two innovative techniques to analyse its growth behaviour and network modifications under stress conditions, including starvation and differential epinephrine exposures. The first method provided a quantitative assessment of growth and exploration over time. The second method provided a detailed examination of vein diameter and contraction patterns, illuminating the physiological adjustments P. polycephalum undergoes in response to environmental challenges. By integrating these approaches, we were able to estimate the total network volume of the organism, with a focus on the normalized estimated volume, unveiling insightful aspects of its structural adaptations. While starvation reduced the volume, indicating a significant structural compromise, low and high epinephrine concentrations maintained a volume-to-area ratio comparable with the control. Determining the fractal dimension of the networks over time revealed a fine-tuning of the network complexity in response to environmental conditions, with significant reductions under stress indicating a constrained network adaptation strategy. These methods, novel in their application to P. polycephalum, provide a framework for future studies and a basis for exploring complex network behaviours with potential applications in bioengineering and adaptive network design.

The study examined the perceptions of youth and the factors influencing their participation in farm production, using the case of pineapple production in the Eastern region of Ghana. One hundred and eight youths were selected using a multistage sampling procedure. Percentage and a logit regression model were used for the analysis. Generally, participants (81%) perceived that pineapple production is labour-intensive and therefore they need support and incentives to motivate youth participation. Age (0.034), sex - being a male (0.206) and access to farm inputs – fertiliser (0.176) had positive and significant (1% level) influences on youth participation in pineapple production. The presence of an alternative source of employment (-0.154) and tertiary education level relative to no education (-0.249) discouraged participation in pineapple (primary) production by the youth. Investing in mechanised services and promoting farm inputs (fertiliser) accessibility are important to encourage the youth to participate in farm production.

Objetivos: Os objetivos deste trabalho foram estabelecer um estoque de segurança de concentrado de hemácias, ajustado com base no histórico de demanda para três agências transfusionais atendidas pelo Hemonúcleo de Apucarana: Honpar, Hospital da Providência e Labora e também obter a redução de descarte por vencimento de hemácias nestas agências. Material e métodos: Para estabelecer o estoque de segurança, foram coletados dados de 36 meses de cada agência, abrangendo: distribuição, descarte e estoque de hemácias. Os registros de distribuição foram obtidos do sistema informatizado SBSWeb, sendo os dados categorizados por tipo sangupineo e fator Rh. As informações sobre descarte foram consultadas por no sistema novo SHTweb. Já os dados de estoque no primeiro dia do mês, foram fornecidos pela agência ao hemonúcleo. Os dados foram organizados em uma planilha elaborada na suíte de escritórios de código aberto LibreOffice, versão 24.2.1, para análise estatística. Dessa forma, foram obtidos os quantitativos de distribuição, o percentual de descarte e o percentual de atendimento. A partir da planilha, foram calculadas as médias de distribuição por ABO/RH, além da média percentual de descarte por vencimento e do percentual de não atendimento à demanda solicitada. Esses cálculos foram realizados separadamente para cada agência. Resultados: Conseguiu-se chegar em um estoque de segurança de concentrado de hemácias para cada agência, considerando ABO/RH, facilitando a programação semanal de distribuição de hemácias para estas agências, bem como para facilitar o quantitativo a ser pedido pelas agências ao hemonúcleo. O descarte geral por vencimento das hemácias, sem considerar ABO/RH, apresentou uma considerável redução, principalmente na agência Honpar, responsável por cerca de 66 % da distribuição de hemácias do Hemonúcleo de Apucarana. Antes da implantação destes indicadores, o índice mensal de descarte chegava até 6%, ou seja, até 33 bolsas de hemácias, correspondendo a média de um dia de coleta do Hemonúcleo de Apucarana. Atualmente esta mesma agência, já houve meses com 0 % de descarte por vencimento, com a média anual atual de 1%. A agência do Hospital da Providência, responsável por cerca de 29 % da distribuição de hemácias, no início apresentava média anual de descarte por vencimento de 0,8% e atualmente sua média é 0,41%. Já a agência do Labora, responsável por cerca de 5% da distribuição de hemácias no início apresentava média anual de descarte por vencimento de 2% e atualmente sua média é 1,24 %. Discussão: Considerando que 33% das hemácias distribuídas pelo hemonúcleo citado são de origem da hemorrede, não sendo portanto a unidade autossuficiente e considerando que duas destas agências transfusionais não ficam localizadas no mesmo município do hemonúcleo, o estoque de segurança propicia uma melhor logística tanto para o hemonúcleo quanto para as agências. Também pode-se observar a considerável diminuição do descarte de hemácias, em todas as agências transfusionais atendidas. Estes resultados satisfatórios, com real possibilidade de implantação em outras unidades, por ser um método simples, foram possíveis pois houve parceria, colaboração, treinamento e comprometimento dos responsáveis pelas agências transfusionais, que se empenharam e entenderam a importância da gestão eficaz de estoque. Conclusão: Com a implantação do estoque de segurança e a redução de descarte de hemácias, conclui-se que os objetivos do trabalho foram atingidos, aprimorando assim o gerenciamento de estoque tanto do hemonúcleo de Apucarana quanto das agências transfusionais. Este bom gerenciamento de ambas as partes, reflete em economias no ciclo do sangue, promovendo a cada dia o uso racional de hemocomponentes.

Abstract Aims To describe a reflexive account of a mental health nurse as researcher undertaking a mixed methods study as part of a doctoral degree, with women in a secure forensic hospital. Design A discursive paper that draws upon the primary author's experience of dual roles as a mental health nurse and a novice researcher, and relevant literature pertaining to positionality and reflexivity in the context of conducting mixed methods research. Methods A mixed methods study was conducted within a secure forensic hospital in Australia, to identify factors associated with the frequency and duration of seclusion for women and, to explore their experiences of seclusion. Notes and a reflective diary were used to demonstrate the reflexive approach and strategies used throughout the study design and data collection stages of the research. Results Women in the secure forensic hospital setting often have complex histories and experiences and are considered a vulnerable group, which can add additional challenges when undertaking research with this population. As a doctoral student with clinical experience in mental health undertaking research in the forensic hospital setting with women, positionality and the connection with reflexivity requires exploration to understand self and the influence on research. This understanding along with identified strategies to enhance reflexivity, supports the management of the dual nurse as researcher roles to enhance all stages of the research process. Conclusion Doctoral nursing candidates undertaking clinical research in their area of clinical practice and at the location of previous employment, may experience challenges in relation to identity and the dichotomy of roles. Further challenges can be posed when research involves complex populations and/or controversial practices. Support to balance role conflict and maintain reflexivity is critical to understanding the role of self in research and to enhance credibility. Implications for the Profession and/or Clinical Practice Women are a complex, yet minority population in forensic mental health settings, however the numbers of women being admitted to services is increasing. Future research may consider the use of the strategies explored here to enhance the reflexive process, and support future researchers in this field to conduct research that aims to support an often‐misheard population to better support health outcomes. Patient or Public Involvement There was no patient or public contribution to this paper, however the study in which this paper is based on, is grounded in the experience of patients (women).

Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) is Canada’s national certifying body and professional society for medical laboratory professionals. Their research revealed increasing levels of workplace stress among their membership and concerns regarding burnout. The implications of ignoring this trend could have led to significant workplace issues and concerns with medical laboratory testing and analysis. Consequently, CSMLS developed the Mental Health Toolkit, a dynamic website featuring mental health concepts, self-assessment tools, coping skills, and strategies to better manage stress. The Mental Health Toolkit is available free to CSMLS members. It was used as a resource for mental health by medical laboratory professionals during the height of the COVID pandemic. CSMLS continues to embrace education and awareness regarding mental health to help address stigma among medical laboratory professionals.