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In this article, a comprehensive review is presented of recent technological advancements utilizing electromagnetic sensors in the microwave range for detecting human vital signs and lung water levels. With the main objective of improving detection accuracy and system robustness, numerous advancements in front-end architecture, detection techniques, and system-level integration have been reported. The benefits of non-contact vital sign detection have garnered significant interest across a range of applications, including healthcare monitoring and search and rescue operations. Moreover, some integrated circuits and portable systems have lately been shown off. A comparative examination of various system architectures, baseband signal processing methods, system-level integration strategies, and possible applications are included in this article. Going forward, researchers will continue to focus on integrating radar chips to achieve compact form factors and employ advanced signal processing methods to further enhance detection accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a comprehensive review is presented of recent technological advancements utilizing electromagnetic sensors in the microwave range for detecting human vital signs and lung water levels. With the main objective of improving detection accuracy and system robustness, numerous advancements in front-end architecture, detection techniques, and system-level integration have been reported. The benefits of non-contact vital sign detection have garnered significant interest across a range of applications, including healthcare monitoring and search and rescue operations. Moreover, some integrated circuits and portable systems have lately been shown off. A comparative examination of various system architectures, baseband signal processing methods, system-level integration strategies, and possible applications are included in this article. Going forward, researchers will continue to focus on integrating radar chips to achieve compact form factors and employ advanced signal processing methods to further enhance detection accuracy.

The integration of immigrants in a host society must consider aspects related to the labour field, as well as other factors including their differences. The existence of 97 unemployed Venezuelan migrant women living in Cúcuta, Los Patios and La Parada, border cities of Norte de Santander, Colombia with the state of Táchira, places them at a disadvantage in terms of integration; hence, this study set out to propose strategies to guide governance officials and actors in managing their integration. By means of a multidimensional analysis, three profiles of these unemployed migrant women were obtained for their diversity, generating strategies for each profile in structural, social and cultural contexts; through this, it became evident that the characteristics of those who settle as immigrants can be considered in order to establish integration strategies in line with these characteristics. Thus, the methodology of the study could be useful in other areas of migration for the design of integration strategies that consider the heterogeneity of immigrants to facilitate their contribution to the society and economy of the country that has hosted them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Collaboration skills are one of the 21st-century skills that are important to develop for stu-dents because they are life tools needed when continuing their studies in school, engaging in society, and in the world of work. As a result, teachers must facilitate students' collaboration skills and measure them. Valid, reliable, and effective instruments are needed to measure students' collaboration skills. This study aims to develop an instrument to measure students' collaboration skills. This research uses a 4-D development model of defining, designing, developing, and Disseminating. At the define stage, it was found that many teachers still needed instruments to measure collaboration skills and determine indicators of collaboration skills. The design results obtained are collaboration instruments in learning. These consist of 9 indicators: contribution, time management, problem-solving, working with others, investi-gative techniques, quality of work, focus on tasks, readiness, and monitoring group effecti-veness. Next, scoring is determined. The instrument was validated by experts and tested in 2 trials. The first trial was conducted at SMAM 7 and SMAM 3 Surabaya in class XI. Vali-dity results stated that the instrument was very valid. The results of trials using the IBSC learning model show that the instrument is reliable and considerably effective in measuring collaboration skills. The novelty of this study resulted in a collaborative instrument worthy of use both theoretically and empirically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using an exploratory research, this paper aims to gain in depth information on Moldovan migrants in Romania across different generations. It focuses on changes in migrants' aspirations over time and how historical context influences coping strategies. The study compares behavior and experiences of earlier Post-Socialist migrants (pioneer migrants) with recent young migrants in Iasi and Bucharest. Results indicate evolving aspirations and reduced integration barriers, with recent migrants benefiting from technological progress and easier access to Romanian citizenship, facilitating faster integration.

The integration of immigrants in a host society must consider aspects related to the labour field, as well as other factors including their differences. The existence of 97 unemployed Venezuelan migrant women living in Cúcuta, Los Patios and La Parada, border cities of Norte de Santander, Colombia with the state of Táchira, places them at a disadvantage in terms of integration; hence, this study set out to propose strategies to guide governance officials and actors in managing their integration. By means of a multidimensional analysis, three profiles of these unemployed migrant women were obtained for their diversity, generating strategies for each profile in structural, social and cultural contexts; through this, it became evident that the characteristics of those who settle as immigrants can be considered in order to establish integration strategies in line with these characteristics. Thus, the methodology of the study could be useful in other areas of migration for the design of integration strategies that consider the heterogeneity of immigrants to facilitate their contribution to the society and economy of the country that has hosted them.

Using an exploratory research, this paper aims to gain in depth information on Moldovan migrants in Romania across different generations. It focuses on changes in migrants' aspirations over time and how historical context influences coping strategies. The study compares behavior and experiences of earlier Post-Socialist migrants (pioneer migrants) with recent young migrants in Iasi and Bucharest. Results indicate evolving aspirations and reduced integration barriers, with recent migrants benefiting from technological progress and easier access to Romanian citizenship, facilitating faster integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This comparative study focuses on the barriers to social and economic inclusion, as well as the integration and coping strategies of Arab and Moldovan migrants in Romania. We explored the integration barriers they face, the main individual and societal aspects that lead to their resilience, and their self-perception of vulnerability, by carrying out 35 psychosocial interviews and four focus groups with young migrants (aged 18 to 29), belonging to the two different subgroups (of Arab and Moldovan origins, respectively). The comparative analysis revealed that migrants from Arab countries face harsher integration barriers compared to Moldovan migrants, they have a more severe self-perceived vulnerability, and their integration may be a longer and more complex process. Results showed that mastery of the language and the network of acquaintances play an indispensable role in inclusion. Moldovans integrate more easily than Arabs, thanks to their fluency in Romanian, the native language shared with the majority local population, the geographical and cultural proximity to the country of destination, and the larger personal network. We highlight the need for improving integration policies for young migrants, tailoring them to the specific problems and barriers that migrants are facing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the use of assistive technologies in libraries to enhance access to resources for individuals with visual impairments. Various types of assistive technologies including screen readers and text-to-speech software are discussed in terms of their features and applications. Implementation challenges and strategies are examined along with the positive impact of assistive technologies on accessing library resources. The importance of promoting awareness and providing training for library staff and users is emphasized. This paper highlights the significance of assistive technologies in creating inclusive library environments and provide framework of implementing assistive technologies in libraries and also future research suggestions. The impact of assistive technologies on access to library resources is examined showcasing research findings. The importance of promoting awareness and training programs for both library staff and users is emphasized. The paper concludes by summarizing the key findings and suggesting future research directions. By understanding the significance of assistive technologies in facilitating access to library resources, libraries can create inclusive environments that cater to the needs of visually impaired individuals promoting equal opportunities for information access and exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Mundo de Antes is the property of Revista Mundo de Antes and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This comparative study focuses on the barriers to social and economic inclusion, as well as the integration and coping strategies of Arab and Moldovan migrants in Romania. We explored the integration barriers they face, the main individual and societal aspects that lead to their resilience, and their self-perception of vulnerability, by carrying out 35 psychosocial interviews and four focus groups with young migrants (aged 18 to 29), belonging to the two different subgroups (of Arab and Moldovan origins, respectively). The comparative analysis revealed that migrants from Arab countries face harsher integration barriers compared to Moldovan migrants, they have a more severe self-perceived vulnerability, and their integration may be a longer and more complex process. Results showed that mastery of the language and the network of acquaintances play an indispensable role in inclusion. Moldovans integrate more easily than Arabs, thanks to their fluency in Romanian, the native language shared with the majority local population, the geographical and cultural proximity to the country of destination, and the larger personal network. We highlight the need for improving integration policies for young migrants, tailoring them to the specific problems and barriers that migrants are facing.

Recent research into construction supply chain, has identified need to pursue the drivers for effective collaborative working in construction project delivery. Identification and implementation of the drivers for effective collaboration is deemed to be the precursor for optimising the benefits of collaborative working in construction project delivery. However, there has been little research that focus on key drivers of collaborative working in the construction sector compared to the manufacturing, production and service delivery sectors.The aim of this study is to identify the key drivers for effective collaborative working in construction project delivery. The study primarily adopted an exploratory qualitative design using interviews on three case study projectsthatadopted collaborative working in South Africa. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. The results revealed, efficient operational governance practices in team work, effective Integration strategies in team management and people andenvironmental management strategies as the three main factor drivers for effective collaboration in construction business and project delivery. It further established effective communication, building trust, managerial and employee support & motivation and effective leadership as the under bedding tenets of these driving themes. The findings thus affirmed that the human behavioural and environmental factors cannot be overlooked if effective collaborative working in construction project delivery can be achieved. The drivers for effective collaborative working could be diverse with limited understanding of the key factors in the construction industry. The study has given an understanding of the key drivers of effective collaboration thatcan help stakeholders and practitioners to operationalise the factors in order to optimise the benefits of collaborative working in construction supply chain.

Introduction: In the Netherlands multiple single, cross sector and cross governance level policy reforms were introduced to improve health and social care and decrease fragmentation. In addition to legislative and funding measures, the governmental strategy was to set up long-lasting improvement programs and supported by applied research. Description: Five national improvement programs on chronic disease management, maternity care, youth care, care for older people and dementia care were analysed. The Laws of integration of Leutz were used as an analytical framework. The programs demonstrated a mixture of employing policy, quality and financial measures to stimulate coherence and integration. Discussion: The Laws that Leutz formulated are to a large extent applicable in the Dutch context. However, the characteristics of the system of governance being corporatist in its structure and its culture imply that it is hard to distinguish single actors being in the lead. Integration is a more complex process and requires more dynamics, than the law 'keep it simple, stupid' suggests. Conclusions: In the Dutch context integration implies a permanent pursuit of aligning mechanisms for integration. Sustainable integration requires long-standing efforts of all relevant stakeholders and cannot be achieved quickly. It may take a decade of consistently applying a mix of policy instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the Netherlands multiple single, cross sector and cross governance level policy reforms were introduced to improve health and social care and decrease fragmentation. In addition to legislative and funding measures, the governmental strategy was to set up long-lasting improvement programs and supported by applied research. Description: Five national improvement programs on chronic disease management, maternity care, youth care, care for older people and dementia care were analysed. The Laws of integration of Leutz were used as an analytical framework. The programs demonstrated a mixture of employing policy, quality and financial measures to stimulate coherence and integration. Discussion: The Laws that Leutz formulated are to a large extent applicable in the Dutch context. However, the characteristics of the system of governance being corporatist in its structure and its culture imply that it is hard to distinguish single actors being in the lead. Integration is a more complex process and requires more dynamics, than the law ‘keep it simple, stupid’ suggests. Conclusions: In the Dutch context integration implies a permanent pursuit of aligning mechanisms for integration. Sustainable integration requires long-standing efforts of all relevant stakeholders and cannot be achieved quickly. It may take a decade of consistently applying a mix of policy instruments.

Copyright of Signos is the property of Universidad Santo Tomas and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In recent years, an increasing influx of migrants to Europe has led to a heated public discourse about integration capacities within receiving countries such as Germany. During this period, German society, with its changeful immigration history, is again challenged to provide policy responses and foster migrant integration, especially in urban areas. The efforts of cities along that path, however, vary greatly. Complementing locality approaches on immigration and integration policies, which are focused on metropolises and the U.S.-American context, this article is an empirical application for understanding institutional and structural conditions for local variations in integration strategies in Germany by presenting a comparative analysis of four mid-sized cities. The particular research interest lies on discourses from interviews with local authorities and civil society actors. Our analysis reveals city-specific streamlines: For instance, discourses at a center of the ‘knowledge society’ focused on a strong municipal power structure that allowed communally-financed, sustainable projects to evolve from a historically-grounded commitment to welcome migrants and from high financial capacities at its disposal. In another case, discourses revolved around a city’s financially constraints, which were equalized by compensatory civil society networks. In other cities, progress was associated with spontaneous local happenings or individual innovative leadership. These street-level patterns create a degree of locality within the global migration discourse, since they emerge from the interplay of financial, economic, and demographic features; historical concepts; or local events. We therefore contend that urban planning initiatives would profit from considering place-specific institutions that influence integration stakeholders, which are regime-makers and foster institutional, migration-led changes.

At present, the integration in the supply chain facilitates the achievement of the competitiveness of its actors. It is an important factor when trying to reach common goals and high degree of interaction within each link of the chain. In this study, a diagnosis of the shirt supply chain in the northern area of Ecuador was developed and a set of strategies and joint objectives were proposed to improve the competitiveness of the actors involved. For this purpose, a verification instrument was designed, consisting of the dimensions of Strategy, Information, Planning, Purchases, Collaborative Inventory, Transport and Collaborative Performance, to evaluate the integration of 96 actors. The construct validity of the instrument was carried out and the information was processed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results of this research reflect the low level of integration of the supply chain under study. Where the weakest variables focus on: strategy, information, purchases and collaborative inventory. The contributions of this research are evidenced in its practical value, since the results obtained are used for the diagnosis, analysis and proposal of strategies or actions to improve the performance of the textile industry in Ecuador. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, considering the evolution of consciousness about firms’ and their partners’ environmental and social responsibility, briefly sustainability, has become an important theme for enterprises. Henceforth, while evaluating the suppliers, not only economic performance, but also environmental and social dimensions of suppliers should be taken into account by the firms. On the other hand, firms often establish closer relationship with their suppliers in order to improve their competitiveness and to take advantage of complementary skills. In this paper, it is observed that too many integration strategies have been developed in the literature. However, to our knowledge, in almost all of these integration strategies, sustainability and association of strategy with supplier selection criteria have not been taken to the agenda. Therefore, the aim of this paper is twofold. First, we propose a classification for buyer-supplier integration strategies from buyers’ perspectives; second, we put effort to associate integration strategies with supplier selection criteria. An existing fuzzy weightened method is shown for determining whether criterion is important or not for a specific integration level. An actual evaluation is performed in Turkish Electrical and Electronics Industry to guide firms about how they decide selection criteria according to integration level.

Metabolomics deals with multiple and complex chemical reactions within living organisms and how these are influenced by external or internal perturbations. It lies at the heart of omics profiling technologies not only as the underlying biochemical layer that reflects information expressed by the genome, the transcriptome and the proteome, but also as the closest layer to the phenome. The combination of metabolomics data with the information available from genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics offers unprecedented possibilities to enhance current understanding of biological functions, elucidate their underlying mechanisms and uncover hidden associations between omics variables. As a result, a vast array of computational tools have been developed to assist with integrative analysis of metabolomics data with different omics. Here, we review and propose five criteria—hypothesis, data types, strategies, study design and study focus— to classify statistical multi-omics data integration approaches into state-of-the-art classes under which all existing statistical methods fall. The purpose of this review is to look at various aspects that lead the choice of the statistical integrative analysis pipeline in terms of the different classes. We will draw particular attention to metabolomics and genomics data to assist those new to this field in the choice of the integrative analysis pipeline.

Background: Mixed methods (MM) are common in community-based primary health care (CBPHC) research studies. Several strategies have been proposed to integrate qualitative and quantitative components in MM, but they are seldom well conceptualized and described. The purpose of the present review was to identify and describe practical MM strategies and combinations of strategies used to integrate qualitative and quantitative methods in CBPHC research.Methods: A methodological review with qualitative synthesis (grouping) was performed. Records published in English in 2015 were retrieved from the Scopus bibliographic database. Eligibility criteria were: CBPHC empirical study, MM research with detailed description of qualitative and quantitative methods and their integration. Data were extracted from included studies and grouped using a conceptual framework comprised of three theoretical types of MM integration, the seven combinations of these types and nine practical strategies (three per type of integration) and multiple combinations of strategies.Results: Among the 151 articles reporting CBPHC and MM studies retrieved, 54 (35.7%) met the inclusion criteria for this review. The included studies provided examples of the three theoretical types of MM integration, the seven combinations of these types as well as the nine practical strategies. Overall, 15 combinations of these strategies were observed. No emerging strategy was observed that was not predicted by the conceptual framework.Conclusions: This review can provide guidance to CBPHC researchers for planning, conducting and reporting practical strategies and combinations of strategies used for integrating qualitative and quantitative methods in MM research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is the first to investigate intercultural behavioural patterns of long-stay tourists in a culturally unfamiliar leisure holiday destination. Information was collected on-site from forty-four tourists from Europe, the U.S and Australia visiting an internationally popular beach destination in Thailand. A novel approach to data collection involved one-to-one interviews triangulated with a set of dyadic interviews to better understand shared travel experiences. Onsite travel behaviour reflected neighbourhood activities rather than tourist behaviour. Four distinct levels of intercultural adaptation strategies were categorised, ranging from staying in a home comfort zone to adopting the destination as a second home. Classic transaction based marketing strategies for long-stay tourists are inadequate and more attention is needed on destination hospitableness and relationship building. • The first to investigate intercultural behavioural patterns of long stay tourists in culturally unfamiliar destination. • Data collection involving one-to-one interviews triangulated with a set of dyadic interviews. • Suggesting on-site travel behaviour reflected neighbourhood activities rather than tourist behaviour. • Identifying four distinct levels of intercultural adaptation strategies. • Requiring a shift from transaction based marketing to destination hospitableness and relationship building. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there have been abundant studies on the acculturation of immigrants in developed countries, such as Russia and the United States, research on acculturation in China has been relatively rare and mainly focuses on migrant workers in metropolitan cities. This study conducted a six-month investigation of the acculturation of 133 international students in Wuhan, a non–first-tier city and the largest city in central China, using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Moreover, this study explored six major factors in the acculturation process, including ethnic identity, perceived attitude, social support, social interaction, daily communication, and future plans. It was found that most of the international students in Wuhan could acculturate well, tended to adopt an integration strategy in their acculturation process, and all the factors under investigation, except social interaction, exerted significant influence in the process. Different measures have been proposed to facilitate the acculturation process of international students in China. This study aimed to provide a reference for future research on international students' acculturation strategies and results and to formulate relevant policies in facilitating the acculturation process in some universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, considering the evolution of consciousness about firms' and their partners' environmental and social responsibility, briefly sustainability, has become an important theme for enterprises. Henceforth, while evaluating the suppliers, not only economic performance, but also environmental and social dimensions of suppliers should be taken into account by the firms. On the other hand, firms often establish closer relationship with their suppliers in order to improve their competitiveness and to take advantage of complementary skills. In this paper, it is observed that too many integration strategies have been developed in the literature. However, to our knowledge, in almost all of these integration strategies, sustainability and association of strategy with supplier selection criteria have not been taken to the agenda. Therefore, the aim of this paper is twofold. First, we propose a classification for buyer-supplier integration strategies from buyers' perspectives; second, we put effort to associate integration strategies with supplier selection criteria. An existing fuzzy weightened method is shown for determining whether criterion is important or not for a specific integration level. An actual evaluation is performed in Turkish Electrical and Electronics Industry to guide firms about how they decide selection criteria according to integration level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the past decade, Iranian students made up a major immigration wave to European countries. A systematic study of their immigration situation, however, seems absent in the academic literature. In this paper, we are examining Iranian students' emigration decisions and their chosen integration strategies into their new host societies (Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden) through the concepts of 'colonial mentality' and 'Anglo-conformity'. Based on fieldwork and qualitative interviews with Iranian students, our findings suggest that religio-cultural performances and language skills are the main strategies that Iranian students employ to associate themselves with Westerners before and after emigration. We conclude that the processes of immigration and integration begin long before emigration actually takes place and that the specific historico-political background of Iranian students plays an important role in these processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study evaluates implementation of the Quebec Mental Health Reform (2005–2015), which promoted the development of integrated service networks, in 11 local service networks organized into four territorial groups according to socio-demographic characteristics and mental health services offered. Methods: Data were collected from documents concerning networks; structured questionnaires completed by 90 managers and by 16 respondent-psychiatrists; and semi-structured interviews with 102 network stakeholders. Factors associated with implementation and integration were organized according to: 1) reform characteristics; 2) implementation context; 3) organizational characteristics; and 4) integration strategies. Results: While local networks were in a process of development and expansion, none were fully integrated at the time of the study. Facilitators and barriers to implementation and integration were primarily associated with organizational characteristics. Integration was best achieved in larger networks including a general hospital with a psychiatric department, followed by networks with a psychiatric hospital. Formalized integration strategies such as service agreements, liaison officers, and joint training reduced some barriers to implementation in networks experiencing less favourable conditions. Conclusion: Strategies for the implementation of healthcare reform and integrated service networks should include sustained support and training in best-practices, adequate performance indicators and resources, formalized integration strategies to improve network coordination and suitable initiatives to promote staff retention.

This paper demonstrates the potential of Saudi schools for technology leadership provided by Learning Resource Centres (LRCs) to enhance the formation of a technology-motivated educational environment. Using the grounded theory methodology and the CBAM stages of concern and levels of use this study sheds light on Saudi LRCs and their leadership role within the framework of the ongoing ICT-related education reform. From the interviews of the participants in the training programme at Northern Borders University, Saudi Arabia, it is found that Saudi schools require standardized technology leadership to implement standardized uses of technology via networked LRCs. The Saudi teachers with little knowledge of technology can use LRCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study evaluates implementation of the Quebec Mental Health Reform (2005-2015), which promoted the development of integrated service networks, in 11 local service networks organized into four territorial groups according to socio-demographic characteristics and mental health services offered. Methods: Data were collected from documents concerning networks; structured questionnaires completed by 90 managers and by 16 respondent-psychiatrists; and semi-structured interviews with 102 network stakeholders. Factors associated with implementation and integration were organized according to: 1) reform characteristics; 2) implementation context; 3) organizational characteristics; and 4) integration strategies. Results: While local networks were in a process of development and expansion, none were fully integrated at the time of the study. Facilitators and barriers to implementation and integration were primarily associated with organizational characteristics. Integration was best achieved in larger networks including a general hospital with a psychiatric department, followed by networks with a psychiatric hospital. Formalized integration strategies such as service agreements, liaison officers, and joint training reduced some barriers to implementation in networks experiencing less favourable conditions. Conclusion: Strategies for the implementation of healthcare reform and integrated service networks should include sustained support and training in best-practices, adequate performance indicators and resources, formalized integration strategies to improve network coordination and suitable initiatives to promote staff retention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]