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Deep Reinforcement Learning and Multi-Camera Integration for Enhanced 3D Reconstruction and Visual Navigation in Uncharted Territories
No full textThis comprehensive review examines advanced methodologies for optimizing visual navigation and 3D reconstruction in unmapped environments using deep reinforcement learning and multi-camera systems. The focus is on addressing the challenges faced in dynamic and unpredictable contexts, particularly through the integration of deep reinforcement learning techniques and multi-camera systems. As advancements in these technologies proliferate, their potential impact across industries such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, and telepresence is significant. The review summarizes the evolution of 3D reconstruction techniques, the application of deep reinforcement learning in navigation strategies, and the importance of multi-camera systems in creating comprehensive spatial representations, thereby providing a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for achieving efficient autonomous navigation and environmental mapping
Integrated diagnosis at the primary care level in Africa's low- and middle-income countries: What is it, what works, and for whom? A Realist Synthesis
Full text linkAdditional File: The additional file for this article can be found as follows: List of primary studies included in the review. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.7788.s1Introduction
Integrated diagnosis can improve health outcomes and patient experiences through early diagnosis and identification of cases that could otherwise be overlooked. While existing studies showcase the feasibility of integrated diagnosis across diverse conditions, a critical research gap exists regarding the conclusive link between integrated diagnosis at the primary care level and improvements in patient experiences and health outcomes. This review examines the conceptualizations of integrated diagnosis by various actors along the healthcare pathway in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and explores the necessary contexts and mechanisms crucial for its effectiveness.
Methods
This study adopts a realist methodology to comprehensively investigate integrated diagnosis. Employing a systematic approach, the research aims to collect, review, and synthesize existing evidence on integrated diagnosis, leveraging a program theory developed through literature review and expert discussions. Primary studies and reviews on integrated diagnosis, multi-disease testing, or integrated healthcare with a diagnostic component were sourced from key databases and global health organization websites. The collected evidence was used to build, refute, and test the evolving theoretical framework.
Results
This study identifies three models of integrated diagnosis interventions: individual/human resource integration, facility or mobile-based integration, and technology integration. The successful implementation of these models relies on an understanding of the values and perceptions of both healthcare workers and patients. This research emphasizes a holistic approach, considering all elements within the health system. Emphasizing a holistic methodology, the research underscores the interdependence of various elements within the health system. By framing contextual factors using the WHO health systems framework, the study positions diagnosis as an integral component of a broader health ecosystem. A key result of the research is the imperative to comprehensively address issues affecting integrated diagnosis interventions. This encompasses considerations such as policy frameworks, diagnostic tools, funding mechanisms, treatment pathways, and human resource management. To improve patient experiences, there is need to cultivate positive relationships with healthcare workers. This involves ensuring elements like respect, confidentiality, accessibility, and timeliness of services are considered. Despite integrated structures, there are potential challenges like increased waiting times that may impact patient uptake of integrated services.
Discussion and Conclusion
The diverse conceptualisations of integrated diagnosis highlight the necessity for clear definitions of each intervention, which is pivotal for the transfer of lessons, program comparisons, and effective measurement of results across different contexts. The success of integrated diagnosis is not a one-size-fits-all scenario; local contexts must guide decisions regarding the approach, conditions, and timing of integration to ensure sustainable outcomes. The review findings indicate that integrated diagnosis may be suitable at the primary care level in LMICs under specific circumstances. Successful implementation hinges on addressing both HCWs and patient perspectives, necessitating adequate time, resources, and a well-defined intervention model
Advocating for Preprint Sharing in Rwanda
Full text linkThis webinar focused on the benefits of preprints, how they support scientific progress, and the opportunities and challenges for preprint sharing in Rwanda specifically, and Africa at large.
The session was open to everyone interested in open science, research, and preprint sharing, especially researchers, academics, librarians, students, and science enthusiasts in Rwanda, across Africa and the world.Advocating for Preprint Sharing in Rwanda - AfricArXiv Open Science Webinar Series 202
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No full textThis is an international scientific conference research paper presentation on the effects of sex education among private secondary school girls.Sexuality education is a central aspect of being human throughout life and encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy and reproduction. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of sex education among private secondary school girls in Ilekun, Akure South Local Government Area, Ondo State, Nigeria. The study design was descriptive, using simple random technique and 120 structured questionnaires were administered and retrieved for analysis, using SPSS frequency table and simple percentage. The study revealed that 97.5% of the students have heard about sex education, comprising 39% (from home), 28% (from school), 11.6% (from religious houses), 5.8% (from internet), 4% (from friends), 3% (from radio/television), 2.5% (from social media), and 2.5% (from sexual books/magazines). Those introduced to sex education between 10 and 14 years old were 65.8%; 51.6% agreed that sex education is not taught in secondary schools because of the following reasons: shy to talk about it (82.5%), not included in school curriculum (82.5%), no trained sex education counselor (72.5%), and no enough time for it in school (76.6%). Effects of sex education include: reduction of unwanted pregnancy (90.8%), reduced sexually transmitted infections (93%), changes one’s sexual attitude (91.6%), being responsible (87.5%), promotes abstinence (79%), and lacks of it leads to rape (94%). The study concludes that sex education should be integrated into the secondary school curriculum with well trained counselors. Additionally, it emphasizes the role of parents, religious institutions, communities and government in promoting sexuality education.N/
A Research Funder's Open Access Policy
No full textThe Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Open Access Policy
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is committed to information sharing and transparency. We believe that published research resulting from our funding should be promptly and broadly disseminated. We have adopted an Open Access policy that enables the unrestricted access and reuse of all peer-reviewed published research funded, in whole or in part, by the foundation, including any underlying data sets.
Read about the policy here:
openaccess.gatesfoundation.org/open-access-policy/
2025 Policy Refresh
Since 2015, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has led a bold Open Access policy that prioritizes the access, transparency, and equity of funded research. With a decade of experience and lessons learned, the foundation is refreshing its Open Access policies to address ongoing challenges and advance systemic change in scholarly publishing. The policy refresh will take effect on January 1st, 2025.
Read about the Open Access 2025 Policy here:
https://openaccess.gatesfoundation.org/open-access-policy/2025-open-access-policy/A Research Funder's Open Access Policy - AfricArXiv Open Science Webinar Series 2024
Watch the recording here: https://africarxiv.pubpub.org/pub/amicfn6b
