bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review on the effect of systemic melatonin in periodontal disease
Authors:   Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai - 600077, India, Malaiappan Sankari
Published: September 2023

It is of interest to determine the efficacy of adjunctive systemically administered (via oral route) melatonin compared to a placebo, on changes in clinical parameters in patients with periodontitis undergoing periodontal therapy. Literature search was performed systematically after searching with 4 electronic databases until December 2022. Primary outcome measures were changes in Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) and bleeding on probing (BOP%). Secondary outcome measures taken were Clinical attachment Level (CAL) gain and level of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α). Risk of bias analysis was done for all the studies. With the adjunctive use of melatonin, improved probing depth reduction and gain in clinical attachment levels was observed in all four studies and was found to be statistically significant compared to the placebo group, suggesting that melatonin administered systemically was able to exert a positive effect at diseased sites. Melatonin drug administered at 10 mg dosage for 2 months showed a significant decrease in TNF-α levels; but showed no significant difference between TNF-α levels in the test and control group at 6 mg administration for 2 months. Systemically administered melatonin as an adjunct in treating periodontal disease could potentially be used due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and bone remodelling properties from increasing evidence. However, a lack of proper guidelines, side effects, standardization of dosage for treating periodontitis and its long-term effect on various other systems in the body, patient related outcome factors and the effect of increased dietary melatonin efficacy have yet to be taken into consideration. Due to the lack of homogeneity, differences in dosage uniformity, and varying follow up intervals, more randomized controlled trial protocols are required to fill the lacunae and better improve our understanding.
Incidence neurosensory deficit in mandibular fractures
Authors:   Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences,  Saveetha University, Chennai, India, Sneha Alladi
Published: September 2023

Sensory disturbances in the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) prior to treatment can be attributed to various factors, including the site, type of fracture, and fracture displacement. Therefore, it is of interest to assess the incidence of inferior alveolar nerve injuries associated with mandibular fractures before and after surgical treatment. Group A consisted of patients with inferior alveolar nerve paresthesia before treatment, while Group B consisted of patients with inferior alveolar nerve paresthesia after treatment. A significant difference was observed between the two groups, with a p-value of 0.031 (p < 0.05) with the overall incidence of IAN deficit was 57.33% before treatment and 61.33% after treatment. These findings highlight the importance of promptly identifying and managing IAN injuries to minimize long-term consequences.
Anti oxidative/neuro-inflammation properties of Withania somnifera root extract on rotenone induced stress in rat brain
Authors:   Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam- 603103, Tamilnadu, India, Krishnan Madhan
Published: September 2023

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurological condition that worsens with age (i.e., 1% of people over 65) with no permanent cure. Hence, finding a disease-modifying agent with fewer undesirable side effects is urgently needed. Parkinson's disease (PD) pathology results in the degeneration of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons by accumulating lewy bodies, alpha-synuclein (-syn), lowering anti-oxidants, increasing neuronal inflammation, and altering neuron shape. A well-researched natural substance called withania somnifera (WS) has a potent anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-neurodegenerative impact. WS, sometimes called as Indian Ginseng, is a subtropical undershrub of the Solanaceae family together with Ashwagandha. In the current work, EWSR's anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective efficacy was assessed in relation to rotenone-induced oxidative stress (i.e., LPO, CAT, and SOD & GSH), microglial activation, and neurodegeneration in the rotenone rat PD model. In ROT-induced brains, EWSR therapy resulted in a considerable decrease in LPO and increased levels of the antioxidants SOD, CAT, and GSH. Furthermore, our research showed that the intraperitoneal treatment of EWSR (40 mg/kg) in rotenone-induced rats reduced microglial activation and neuron loss in the substantia nigra (SN) and hippocampus caused by rotenone-induced neurotoxicity. Based on the observations, EWSR can be considered as an excellent source for neuroprotection, due to its significant anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-neurodegenerative and anti-microglial properties when administered individually and in combination with known anti-inflammatory compounds (Doxycycline and Ellagic acids). But, further research is required before replacing the known neuroprotective treatments with phytochemical treatments.
The 2050 zero-net agenda and fashion: The level of circularity in the fashion industry
Authors: Bronowska Marcjanna , Dobkowski Arkadiusz , Janaszek Marcin , Pełka Hubert , Siwek Łukasz
Published: September 2023

This article presents the results of the benchmarking exercise carried out between Sustainability and meeting the 2050 zero-net commitment of the Paris Agreement resonate across industries. The aim of this paper is to try to predict how the circularity trend can affect the fashion industry in the near future. The research and consumer attitudes survey give a data-based foundation for understanding how fashion brands can approach incorporating the principles of circular fashion into their daily operations. Examples of fashion companies are examined to show the possible discrepancy between declarations and actions. Currently, less than a third of consumers indicate circularity as a sufficient reason for making a fashion purchase. Recognition of sustainable terms and certificates is not common among consumers - only a few respondents claim that they could name a  fashion-related certificate. Simultaneously, the majority believe that it is the unions of countries that should issue trusted circularity certificates. Most respondents believe that IT and technology could boost sustainability in the fashion industry. There is no single universal guideline in order to be certified and perceived as a circular brand. The paper provides insight into the need for awareness-raising activities and new legislation. The collected results show that the circular approach in the fashion industry is still in its early stages.
Youth Participation and Inclusivity in Mine Water Sustainability in Kitui County, Kenya
Authors: Nyile Erastus Kiswili , Kibet Joash Kirwah
Published: September 2023

Water is a crucial and scarce resource in Kitui County posturing a sense of responsibility amongst the youth in the county to managing the available water resources towards sustainability.  Notwithstanding, youths remain marginalized and excluded from participation in mine water sustainability decisions. The findings of this study indicated that youth participation and inclusivity in mine water sustainability was wanting in the county. This research recommends that youth should be on the forefront to spearhead mine water sustainability efforts and be given an opportunity to have their opinions and voices heard, and to take active part in mine water decision-making.
Legal Protection for Customer Funds Against False Accounting by the President Director of PT. BPR Kuda Mas Sentosa (Case Study Decision Number: 457/PID/2019/PT SBY)
Authors: Waldo Risky
Published: September 2023

Banks, as financial institutions, function as both aggregators and distributors of funds from the public. In the interest of security, people often opt to deposit their money in banks. Various banking products are offered, including current accounts, fixed deposits, certificates of deposit, and savings accounts. However, banks sometimes commit violations that result in losses for their customers. The relationship between banks and customers is based on contractual agreements. This research is conducted due to cases involving the disappearance of customer savings within PT. BPR KUDA MAS SENTOSA in Porong, Sidoarjo, involving internal bank actors. Banking laws do not explicitly address the bank's responsibility when it acts beyond its authority. It is essential for banks, as parties with a relationship between them and customers, to provide legal protection for customers. This study falls under normative legal research, using primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials collected through literature review. Qualitative analysis is employed, focusing on legal regulations and case studies, examining how these norms are applied in banking practices. The findings reveal that banks, being institutions trusted by the public, must be held accountable for the loss of customer savings, as failing to do so erodes the trust placed in them by the public. Customers are entitled to legal protection, which banks must provide as part of their responsibilities.
The Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus in England: how to resolve a conservation conundrum
Authors: Ross-Smith Viola , Robinson Robert , Banks Alex , Frayling Tim , Gibson Chris , Clark Jacquie
Published: September 2023

Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus numbers in England have fluctuated in recent decades. Both breeding and wintering populations rose sharply in the latter half of the twentieth century, mostly due to increases at a small number of colonies and changes in migratory behaviour. However, there was a decline in breeding birds between 2000 and 2013 (largely because of losses at the same key colonies) and this species is on the Birds of Conservation Concern Amber List. Although protected at various sites in the breeding season, the Lesser Black-backed Gull can be taken under three General Licences issued under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, allowing population control in certain circumstances without specific permission or reporting. There are no sites where the Lesser Black-backed Gull is a protected feature outside the breeding season, although numbers surpass the relevant thresholds at certain roosts. This review paper synthesises available information on the Lesser Black-backed Gull in England to help policy makers resolve this apparent legislative contra- diction and formulate a clearer conservation policy to guide future practice.
Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica chick growth in relation to food load composition
Authors: Barrett Robert
Published: September 2023

Despite a long-term (1989-2013) reduction in size of fish brought to Atlantic Puffin Fratercula arctica chicks and a parallel increase in numbers of fish in the food loads, there was no evidence of changes in chick growth rates at Hornøya, NE Norway. Recent declines in chick survival and cessation in population growth suggest, however, that environmental conditions have changed to an extent that breeding success is now compromised.
A resident Northern Gannet Morus bassanus on Christiansø in the central Baltic Sea
Authors: Lyngs Peter
Published: September 2023

In March 2012, a Northern Gannet Morus bassanus (hereafter 'Gannet') in full adult plumage arrived on the small Danish island of Christiansø (55°19'N 15°11'E) in the Baltic Sea. As it only constituted the second record on the island (the first was of a bird migrating by in April 1988), it caused quite a lot of excitement, especially as it remained there, sitting on rooftops and in the small harbour.

In spring 2013, the Gannet began building a nest in the harbour, firstly on some large sacks of gravel. But as the gravel was being used daily, the sacks were removed and the Gannet then chose to build a nest close to a power-socket pole in the busiest part of the harbour where the daily ferries with tourists and goods moor. Since then it has maintained its nest there, remaining on the island year round...
Desarrollo Creativo del Juego Morlapolys para Promover el Patrimonio Cultural de Cuenca, Ecuador
Authors: Gómez López María Fernanda
Published: September 2023

Cuenca, la capital de Azuay, fue declarada Patrimonio Cultural de la Humanidad el 1 de diciembre de 1999. Sin embargo, las generaciones más jóvenes suelen desconocer la rica cultura de esta bella ciudad. Por lo tanto, nuestro objetivo principal fue diseñar un juego de mesa que difunda este patrimonio cultural, utilizando técnicas modernas y teoría del diseño gráfico. El diseño y la estructura del juego se basan en un estilo retro-moderno inspirado en las décadas de 1970 y 1980 hasta la actualidad. El proceso de investigación se realizó siguiendo los pasos de la metodología de Design Thinking. Como resultado, se creó el diseño innovador del juego Morlapolys, que muestra las tradiciones de la ciudad a través de ilustraciones digitales. En el juego, se incluyen jergas locales, billetes, fichas que representan la gastronomía local e informativas tarjetas, contribuyendo así a la difusión del patrimonio cultural de Cuenca
Análisis Crítico Jurídico de la Igualdad Ante la Ley: Casos de Excombatientes de la Campaña Militar de 1995
Authors: Sánchez Rodríguez Gabriela
Published: September 2023

El estudio busca realizar un análisis crítico jurídico de la aplicación de la igualdad ante la ley en el derecho, un derecho que es reconocido y protegido tanto por las normativas nacionales como internacionales, tal como lo establece el Artículo 2, Inciso 2 de la Constitución, así como el Artículo 7 de la Declaración Universal de Derechos Humanos
Condiciones técnicas del proceso de Electrocoagulación para una remoción eficiente de Cromo y DQO en aguas residuales industriales de curtiembre.
Authors: Mendoza Hernández Ricardo
Published: September 2023

Se estudiaron las condiciones técnicas del proceso de Electrocoagulación (EC) para una remoción eficiente de Cromo y DQO en aguas residuales industriales de curtiembre. Para ello se llevó a cabo una búsqueda literaria y se registraron los datos de las condiciones técnicas del proceso de EC de diferentes autores, describiendo sus eficiencias, en una matriz de normalización, estandarizando la información a unidades del SI, para comparar estadísticamente las condiciones técnicas de operación que lograron mayores eficiencias de remoción. El análisis de datos se llevó a cabo en los softwares megastat y minitab 19, utilizando datos de las 14 investigaciones seleccionadas; asimismo se aplicó la prueba de correlación de Rho de Spearman para demostrar la relación entre el porcentaje de remoción de Cromo y DQO, estando relacionadas, pero con baja intensidad (r=0.2); además, las regresiones lineales y pruebas estadísticas descriptivas muestran que las variables de pH inicial, amperaje, densidad de corriente, así como el material de electrodo, tipo de reactor y uso de agitador magnético influyen en la eficiencia de remoción de estos contaminantes. Finalmente, la tecnología de electrocoagulación pura fue la más usada por los investigadores.
IMPACTOS DAS MUDANÇAS CLIMÁTICAS NOS RECURSOS HÍDRICOS: DESAFIOS E IMPLICAÇÕES PARA A HUMANIDADE
Authors: Dias Reinaldo , Matos Fernanda
Published: September 2023

Este artigo aprofunda as repercussões multifacetadas das mudanças climáticas sobre os recursos hídricos, enfatizando os desafios críticos que a humanidade enfrenta. Iniciando com uma visão do cenário predominante das mudanças climáticas, o estudo estabelece o pano de fundo para uma exploração mais detalhada do papel crucial e da importância dos recursos hídricos nos ecossistemas globais e nas civilizações humanas. Como evidência, o artigo lança luz sobre a evolução dos padrões de precipitação, o rápido derretimento das geleiras e as taxas crescentes de evaporação – todos os quais são indicadores potentes das alterações na disponibilidade e pureza da água em diversas zonas geográficas. Para oferecer uma perspectiva mais tangível, o artigo introduz estudos de caso regionais, ressaltando o amplo espectro de ramificações socioeconômicas. Estes vão desde os crescentes desafios na garantia da segurança alimentar até as perspectivas inquietantes de migrações populacionais maciças e o espectro iminente de conflitos sobre a diminuição das reservas de água. Como ponto alto dessa extensa pesquisa, o artigo fornece um conjunto de recomendações estratégicas voltadas para mitigação e adaptação. Acentua a necessidade premente de uma resposta global unificada, para enfrentar os desafios relacionados com os recursos hídricos diante da intensificação das mudanças climáticas.
DINAMIKA PERILAKU KEPEMIMPINAN DALAM TIM MULTIKULTURAL DI DESA LUBAKAN KECAMATAN SEMBAKUNG KABUPATEN NUNUKAN
Authors: Sudarto  , Helmilia Tupat Duran  , Jainet
Published: September 2023

Tujuan dari penelitian untuk mengetahui pengaruh dinamika perilaku kepemimpinan dalam tim multikultural di desa lubakan kecamatan Sembakung kabupaten Nunukan. Sampel dari penelitian ini kepala desa dan semua warga desa lubakan dengan menggunakan Mixed Methods Research.  dengan melakukan wawancara untuk mendapatkan wawasan mendalam dari warga desa lubakan , dan penyuluhan untuk memberikan informasi tambahan dan membantu responden memahami konteks atau tujuan penelitian dengan lebih baik. Pendekatan campuran ini sangat berguna dalam penelitian sosial dan perilaku (Tashakkori dan Teddlie) Hasil dari informasi dan data yang didapatkan menunjukan bahwa dinamika perilaku kepemimpinan dalam tim multikultural memang berpengaruh dengan cara dan sistem kepemimpinan di desa lubakan.
The Relationship Between Perceived Workload and Perceived Organizational Support and Work Life Balance Among Electronic Service Employees in Bojonegoro
Authors: Muhammad Erick Aldiansyah  , Pratama Rio Chandra , Maghfiroh Amalia Ma'rifatul
Published: September 2023

This research aims to determine whether there is a relationship between perceptions of organizational support and perceptions of workload and work-life balance among electronic service employees in Bojonegoro. A quantitative approach was used in this research. The sampling technique used was saturated sampling using electronic service employees in Bojonegoro who were tasked with handling electronic service in workshops and on call, totaling 30 employees. The instruments used in collecting data were a scale of perceptions of organizational support, a workload scale, and a work-life balance scale, which were presented in the form of a Likert scale. Hypothesis testing the data analysis method used is the multiple correlation test using SPSS 22 software. Based on the results of the analysis, it can be seen that the significance value (p value) is 0.002 with a significance level of 0.05. So, it can be concluded that p < 0.05. From the calculation results, the calculated F is obtained at 5,881. The F table value with three variables and N=30 respondents obtained a value of 3.316. So that F count > F table. Thus, it can be concluded that one research hypothesis can be accepted, namely that there is a relationship between perceptions of organizational support and perceptions of workload and work-life balance. At the correlation coefficient level, it is known that this research has a correlation coefficient value that is included in the moderate relationship level, namely 0.551. This means that there is a relationship between perceived organizational support, perceived workload, and work-life balance.
Analysis Of Enhancement Of Employee's Performance Strategy Through Mapping Of Organizational Culture In KPKNL Sidoarjo
Authors: Hidayat Gagah Maulidin Amirul Mukminin
Published: September 2023

This study aims to analyze strategies to improve the performance of employees through mapping the organizational culture in the Office of State Assets and Auction (KPKNL) Sidoarjo. The method used in this research is descriptive method with quantitative approach. In this study the primary data were obtained from the questionnaire Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) developed by Cameron and Quinn. In OCAI, the cultural type of an organization will be mapped into 4 (four) quadrants: clan culture, ad- hocracy culture, market culture and hierarchy culture measured through 6 main dimensions. The results show the organizational culture in KPKNL Sidoarjo today and organizational culture is expected to require changes but not significant. The strategy needed to improve employee performance is to improve clan culture and ad- hocacy culture by doing more emphasis on intimacy and emotional bonding for sharing and teamwork as well as fostering enthusiasm for innovation.
The Influence Of Return On Equity (Roe), Return On Assets (Roa) And Net Profit Margin (Npm) On PT Minimal Tiga Kata, 2019 – 2023
Authors: J. Hartanto Andy
Published: September 2023

This study aims to determine the effect of Return On Equity (X1), Return On Assets (X2), and Net Profit Margin (X3) on Stock Prices (Y) at Minimum Three Word PT in 2019-2023. The population in this study is the financial statements of PT Minimum Three Words and a sample of 17 samples in quarterly form from 2019 – 2023. Based on the results of the multiple linear regression test, the regression equation is Y=2250.470+4.349X_1-68.117X_2+208.031X_3+e. Based on the results of the partial test, it was found that the variable Return On Equity did not have a significant effect on stock prices, Return On Assets had a significant effect on stock prices, while Net Profit Margin had a significant effect on stock prices. The results of simultaneous testing show that Return On Equity, Return On Assets, and Net Profit Margin have a significant effect on stock prices. The R Square value in this study is 0.384 or 38.4%, namely the contribution of the variables ROA, ROE and NPM to stock prices while the remaining 61.6% is influenced by factors other than ROA, ROE and NPM.

Keywords: Return On Equity, Return On Assets, Net Profit Margin, Stock Prices
The Influence of Work Discipline, and Leadership on Employee Performance Through Oversight at the Customs and Excise Service Office for Middle Type Customs Juanda
Authors: Ardiansyah
Published: September 2023

This study aims to analyze the influence of work discipline and leadership on employee performance through supervision at the Customs and Excise Service Office of the Juanda Customs Type. Using quantitative methods and measuring instruments SPSS version 26. Respondents used were 134 respondents. The results of this study are the influence of Work Discipline and Leadership on Employee Performance through Supervision at the Customs and Excise Supervision and Service Office of the Juanda Customs Middle Type.
PENGUATAN KUALITAS PRODUKSI DAN PENGEMASAN TEMPE DI BATU TUMBUH JATIWARINGIN BEKASI
Authors: Santoso Sugeng , Cori Catarina
Published: September 2023

The activity was carried out in the Jaticempaka Village, Pondok Gede District, Bekasi City, West Java Province. This activity aims to find out the process of making tempeh and then provide reinforcement regarding the quality of production and packaging of tempe through outreach to craftsmen and employees of tempe making. The material provided is to provide information about cleanliness that must always be considered and attractive packaging of tempe so that tempe is liked by all groups and tempe remains the pride of Indonesia's global food.
Simple questions for complex matters?
Authors: Ekström Björn , Tattersall Wallin Elisa
Published: September 2023

Renewable energy sources have emerged as a current subject matter in Sweden amidst discussions regarding energy costs, climate change and development of energy production. This study explores how Google Search is used for seeking information about wind power and how utilised search queries contribute to the understanding of this energy source. Adopting a practice theoretical perspective, the study explores search queries as doings and sayings, and understands search engines as an established part of everyday routinised information seeking-activities. Data collection was carried out in a trace ethnographic vein through the automatic retrieval of search queries enacted between November 2021 and October 2022. Through a digital methods approach, the search queries were analysed and visualised according to their prevalence and character string composition. A qualitative, multiple coding approach was moreover used for the identification and interpretation of themes and subthemes. The results show that geographical locations, wind power functions and small wind turbines comprise the most prominent subthemes of the search queries. This is replicated also in the search term frequencies, providing further insights to queries related to wind turbine’s efficiency as well as subthemes of advantages and disadvantages. Moreover, the study shows the tendency to phrase search queries as simple questions for complex matters, with nuances being lost in the pursuit of austere, uncomplicated answers. Altogether, the results contribute to a wider understanding of how environmental information seeking is conducted today.
Percepção de profissionais da Educação sobre um curso online de acolhimento em saúde mental
Authors: Watanabe Tiago Makoto , Stelko-Pereira Ana Carina , Cit Delari Leo , Pereira Soboll Lis Andrea , Bittencourt Ana Cristina , Trombini Frick Loriane
Published: September 2023

O processo de avaliação de curso por parte dos participantes é importante. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar as percepções de profissionais da educação acerca do curso “Acolhimento em saúde mental”, que faz parte do Programa Formativo online "Mycelium: (re)construindo conexões na educação”. Houve 55 concluintes que responderam ao formulário de avaliação com 16 perguntas objetivas em escala Likert e duas questões abertas. Os participantes eram profissionais da Educação e/ou estudantes de licenciatura e/ou de Pedagogia, cuja média de idade foi 35 anos (DP 10.8); 46 eram do gênero feminino, 8 masculino e um não binário; residiam principalmente no Paraná (71%). Cerca de 98% dos participantes afirmaram ter alterado práticas profissionais e/ou refletido sobre o tema e/ou obtido novas informações. Três a cada quatro participantes responderam que recomendariam o curso para outros docentes. Dentre os comentários sobre o curso, a categoria ‘Parabenizações e elogios vagos’ foi a mais prevalente (13). Assim, o curso obteve uma boa aceitação social, sendo importante estudos futuros quanto a sua eficácia e possibilidade de disseminação.
Programa de orientação profissional para atletas em processo de aposentadoria: estudo de caso
Authors: Araujo Casari Camila , Hikari Fukami Luana , Becker da Silva Andressa Melina
Published: September 2023

Sabe-se que o trabalho desempenha funções importantes na vida do indivíduo e, no caso dos atletas, na identidade profissional, a qual sofre consequências importantes diante da aposentadoria. Sendo assim, o presente estudo objetivou desenvolver um programa de Orientação Profissional voltado para as necessidades dos atletas que se encontram em processo de aposentadoria. Participaram da pesquisa dois sujeitos, um do gênero masculino em atividade e uma do gênero feminino aposentada, com os quais foram realizados 8 encontros transcritos e analisados através do software IRaMuTeQ. Os resultados indicam que, através da fala, os participantes puderam refletir a respeito do contexto esportivo, de suas relações interpessoais, saúde mental, esporte como trabalho e o planejamento de sua carreira após o esporte. Tais aspectos envolvem preocupações, gostos pessoais, medos e incertezas. Conclui-se que o estudo possibilitou reflexões sobre gostos e preferências pessoais e profissionais, auxiliando-os na construção de um plano de ação profissional e pessoal.
Captura de selfies, uso de filtros no instagram e a relação com a aparência feminina
Authors: Freire Melo Evelyn , Mufarrej Hage Zakiee Castro
Published: September 2023

As redes sociais estão muito presentes nas formas de interação humana e exercem influência sobre padrões de comportamento e sobre tendências que surgem na sociedade. Sobretudo aquelas como o Instagram, que tem imagens, dentre elas as selfies, como meio pelo qual se dão essas interações. Este estudo investigou a associação dos hábitos de captura e edição de selfies e a relação com preocupações com a forma do corpo de 170 mulheres que usam o Instagram (23,6 ± 3,9 anos). Foram utilizados dois instrumentos: Questionário de Atividades de Captura e Edição de Selfies no Instagram, instrumento desenvolvido pelas pesquisadoras, e o Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) - Questionário de Preocupação com a Forma do Corpo. Os dados foram analisados por meio do Teste G, no Programa Bioestat 5.3 e o nível de significância adotado foi de 5% (p<0,05). Com os resultados verificou-se a associação entre hábitos de captura e edição de selfies com preocupações relacionadas à forma do corpo, e que a maioria dos participantes não apresenta níveis altos de preocupação. Conclui-se que existe uma associação entre o hábito de captura e edição de selfies de usuárias do Instagram, com preocupações com o corpo e que são necessários estudos com maiores amostras no território nacional.

Palavras-chave: Redes Sociais, Mulheres, Insatisfação Corporal, Fotografia
[A hole in the water]
Authors: Argentieri Alessio
Published: September 2023

[In Italian]
Degrowth and Pedagogy. Training Future Teachers in a Context of Ecological Crisis
Authors: Díez-Gutiérrez Enrique-Javier , Palomo Eva
Published: September 2023

The initial training received in Spanish faculties of education by future teachers is influenced by the principles and approaches passed on by their lecturers and professors over the course of their programmes. This in turn will have repercussions on the schooling they provide to their future pupils. An examination was undertaken of the discourse relating to degrowth of academic staff and students at the Faculty of Education of the University of León, as a case study. This discourse was analysed through the triangulation of three research tools of a qualitative nature: interviews, discussion groups, and a documentary review of teaching guides for subjects taught in that faculty. The results show that university teaching staff tends to reproduce models linked to the predominant neoliberal discourse. Although the study has limitations due to the small sample size used in a case study, it is believed that its outcomes may be transferable to other university contexts. The conclusion is that there is an urgent need to provide training in degrowth to the teaching staff of faculties of education if there is to by education in a model of degrowth allowing future generations to inherit a sustainable planet.
Veganism’s Anti-Anthropocentric Capacity. A Critical Analysis of the Advocacy Discourse of Three Prominent Vegan Organisations
Authors: Gough Louis
Published: September 2023

Anthropocentrism has been identified as a root cause of nonhuman animal and intrahuman oppressions and the environmental crisis. Veganism has been celebrated as a philosophy and practice capable of undermining anthropocentrism, yet the anti-anthropocentric capacity of vegan advocacy is understudied. The current research provides a critical analysis of the online advocacy discourse of three prominent vegan organisations – The Vegan Society, PETA, and Viva! – elucidating areas of anthropocentric reinforcement and subversion in correspondence to the conceptual characteristics of anthropocentrism: human-centred narcissism and exceptionalism, the perceived human/animal dichotomy, and a corresponding moral hierarchy that exalts particular understandings of the “human” to the detriment of all considered other-than (Calarco 2014). Given the interconnectedness of nonhuman and human oppressions and importance of decentring the anthropocentric conception of the “human”, the intersectional strengths and shortcomings of the organisations’ vegan advocacy is additionally considered, with many areas of needed improvement being highlighted. The article contributes to research on vegan/nonhuman animal rights advocacy and social movement communication, and facilitates the future production of anti-anthropocentric, intersectional, vegan advocacy campaigns.
Language as Gesture and Giggling Rats
Authors: Rodriguez Randall
Published: September 2023

The use of language is frequently cited as a metric for moral consideration. This metric is typically a tool to exclude animal being from the realm of ethics or to promote human exceptionalism. Maurice Merleau-Ponty claims language is a gesture with varying degrees of complexity. Many animal beings use gesture to convey meaning complex and abstract enough to qualify as language according to Merleau-Ponty’s parameters. Rats, despite being thought of as vermin and of a lower order, are some of the beings that convey abstract and complex meaning through gesture. Rats play, work, socialize, communicate meaning, and even laugh. Rats, along with human and many other animal beings use language and should be usured into the realm of moral consideration with any and all language using beings. If not, some other metric for exclusion would have to be adopted.
A logic-incorporated gene regulatory network deciphers principles in cell fate decisions
Authors: Xue Gang , Zhang Xiaoyi , Li Wanqi , Zhang Lu , Zhang Zongxu , Zhou Xiaolin , Zhang Di , Zhang Lei , Li Zhiyuan
Published: September 2023

Organisms utilize gene regulatory networks (GRN) to make fate decisions, but the regulatory mechanisms of transcription factors (TF) in GRNs are exceedingly intricate. A longstanding question in this field is how these tangled interactions synergistically contribute to decision-making procedures. To comprehensively understand the role of regulatory logic in cell fate decisions, we constructed a logic-incorporated GRN model and examined its behavior under two distinct driving forces (noise-driven and signal-driven). Under the noise-driven mode, we distilled the relationship among fate bias, regulatory logic, and noise profile. Under the signal-driven mode, we bridged regulatory logic and progression-accuracy trade-off, and uncovered distinctive trajectories of reprogramming influenced by logic motifs. In differentiation, we characterized a special logic-dependent priming stage by the solution landscape. Finally, we applied our findings to decipher three biological instances: hematopoiesis, embryogenesis, and trans-differentiation. Orthogonal to the classical analysis of expression profile, we harnessed noise patterns to construct the GRN corresponding to fate transition. Our work presents a generalizable framework for top-down fate-decision studies and a practical approach to the taxonomy of cell fate decisions.
A stochastic world model on gravity for stability inference
Authors: Huang Taicheng , Liu Jia
Published: September 2023

The fact that objects without proper support will fall to the ground is not only a natural phenomenon, but also common sense in mind. Previous studies suggest that humans may infer objects’ stability through a world model that performs mental simulations with a priori knowledge of gravity acting upon the objects. Here we measured participants’ sensitivity to gravity to investigate how the world model works. We found that the world model on gravity was not a faithful replica of the physical laws, but instead encoded gravity’s vertical direction as a Gaussian distribution. The world model with this stochastic feature fit nicely with participants’ subjective sense of objects’ stability and explained the illusion that taller objects are perceived as more likely to fall. Furthermore, a computational model with reinforcement learning revealed that the stochastic characteristic likely originated from experience-dependent comparisons between predictions formed by internal simulations and the realities observed in the external world, which illustrated the ecological advantage of stochastic representation in balancing accuracy and speed for efficient stability inference. The stochastic world model on gravity provides an example of how a priori knowledge of the physical world is implemented in mind that helps humans operate flexibly in open-ended environments.
Dynamic simulations of feeding and respiration of the early Cambrian periderm-bearing cnidarian polyps
Authors: Zhang Yiheng , Wang Xing , Han Jian , Xiao Juyue , Yong Yuanyuan , Yu Chiyang , Yue Ning , Sun Jie , He Kaiyue , Hao Wenjing , Zhang Tao , Wang Bin , Wang Deng , Yang Xiaoguang
Published: September 2023

Although fossil evidence suggests the existence of an early muscular system in the ancient cnidarian jellyfish from the early Cambrian Kuanchuanpu biota (ca. 535 Ma), south China, the mechanisms underlying the feeding and respiration of the early jellyfish are conjectural. Recently, the polyp inside the periderm of olivooids was demonstrated to be a calyx-like structure, most likely bearing short tentacles and bundles of coronal muscles at the edge of the calyx, thus presumably contributing to feeding and respiration. Here, we simulate the contraction and expansion of the microscopic periderm-bearing olivooid Quadrapyrgites via the fluid-structure interaction computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method to investigate their feeding and respiratory activities. The simulations show that the rate of water inhalation by the polyp subumbrella is positively correlated with the rate of contraction and expansion of the coronal muscles, consistent with the previous feeding and respiration hypothesis. The dynamic simulations also show that the frequent inhalation/exhalation of water through the periderm polyp expansion/contraction conducted by the muscular system of Quadrapyrgites most likely represents the ancestral feeding and respiration patterns of Cambrian sedentary medusozoans that predated the rhythmic jet-propelled swimming of the modern jellyfish. Most importantly for these Cambrian microscopic sedentary medusozoans, the increase of body size and stronger capacity of muscle contraction may have been indispensable in the stepwise evolution of active feeding and subsequent swimming in a higher flow (or higher Reynolds number) environment.
Activity of MukBEF for chromosome management in E. coli and its inhibition by MatP
Authors: Seba Mohammed , Boccard Frederic , Duigou Stéphane
Published: September 2023

Structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) complexes share conserved structures and serve a common role in maintaining chromosome architecture. In the bacterium Escherichia coli, the SMC complex MukBEF is necessary for rapid growth and the accurate segregation and positioning of the chromosome, although the specific molecular mechanisms involved are still unknown. Here, we used a number of in vivo assays to reveal how MukBEF controls chromosome conformation and how the MatP/matS system prevents MukBEF activity. Our results indicate that the loading of MukBEF occurs preferentially on newly replicated DNA, at multiple loci on the chromosome where it can promote long-range contacts in cis even though MukBEF can promote long-range contacts in the absence of replication. Using Hi-C and ChIP-seq analyses in strains with rearranged chromosomes, the prevention of MukBEF activity increases with the number of matS sites and this effect likely results from the unloading of MukBEF by MatP. Altogether, our results reveal how MukBEF operates to control chromosome folding and segregation in E. coli.
Gut content metabarcoding of specialized feeders is not a replacement for environmental DNA assays of seawater in reef environments
Authors: DiBattista Joseph D. , Liu Shang Yin Vanson , De Brauwer Maarten , Wilkinson Shaun P. , West Katrina , Koziol Adam , Bunce Michael
Published: September 2023

In tropical marine ecosystems, the coral-based diet of benthic-feeding reef fishes provides a window into the composition and health of coral reefs. In this study, for the first time, we compare multi-assay metabarcoding sequences of environmental DNA (eDNA) isolated from seawater and partially digested gut items from an obligate corallivore butterflyfish (Chaetodon lunulatus) resident to coral reef sites in the South China Sea. We specifically tested the proportional and statistical overlap of the different approaches (seawater vs gut content metabarcoding) in characterizing eukaryotic community composition on coral reefs. Based on 18S and ITS2 sequence data, which differed in their taxonomic sensitivity, we found that gut content detections were only partially representative of the eukaryotic communities detected in the seawater based on low levels of taxonomic overlap (3 to 21%) and significant differences between the sampling approaches. Overall, our results indicate that dietary metabarcoding of specialized feeders can be complimentary to, but is no replacement for, more comprehensive environmental DNA assays of reef environments that might include the processing of different substrates (seawater, sediment, plankton) or traditional observational surveys. These molecular assays, in tandem, might be best suited to highly productive but cryptic oceanic environments (kelp forests, seagrass meadows) that contain an abundance of organisms that are often small, epiphytic, symbiotic, or cryptic.
Comparison of ultrasonic shear wave elastography, AngioPLUS planewave ultrasensitive imaging, and optimized high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging in evaluating carotid plaque stability
Authors: Zhang Shaoqin , Jiang Shuyan , Wang Chunye , Han Chao
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aimed to compare the efficiency of evaluating carotid plaque stability using ultrasonic shear wave elastography (SWE), AngioPLUS planewave ultrasensitive imaging (AP), and optimized high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

A total of 100 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy at our hospital from October 2019 to August 2022 were enrolled. Based on the final clinical diagnosis, these patients were divided into vulnerable (n = 62) and stable (n = 38) plaque groups. All patients were examined using ultrasound SWE, AP, and optimized high-resolution MRI before surgery. The clinical data and ultrasound characteristics of patients of the two groups were compared. Considering the final clinical diagnosis as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of SWE, AP, high-resolution MRI, and the final clinical diagnosis of vulnerable plaque were calculated. Pearson’s correlation test was used to analyze the correlations of AP, SWE, and MRI results with the grading results of carotid artery stenosis.

Results

Statistically significant differences were noticed in terms of the history of smoking and coronary heart disease, plaque thickness, surface rules, calcified nodules, low echo area, and the degree of carotid artery stenosis between the two groups (P < 0.05). Considering the final clinical diagnosis as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of SWE-based detection of carotid artery vulnerability were 87.10% (54/62), 76.32% (29/38), 85.71% (54/63) and 78.38% (29/37), respectively, showing a general consistency with the final clinical results (Kappa = 0.637, P < 0.05). Considering the final clinical diagnosis as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of AP-based detection of carotid artery vulnerability were 93.55% (58/62), 84.21% (32/38), 90.63% (58/64), and 88.89% (32/36), respectively, which agreed with the final clinical detection results (Kappa = 0.786, P < 0.05). Considering the final clinical diagnosis as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of high-resolution MRI-based detection of carotid artery vulnerability were 88.71% (55/62), 78.95% (30/38), 87.30% (55/63), and 81.08% (30/37), respectively, showing consistency with the final clinical results (Kappa = 0.680, P < 0.05). AP, SWE, and MRI results were positively correlated with the results of carotid artery stenosis grading (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

AP technology is a non-invasive, inexpensive, and highly sensitive method to evaluate the stability of carotid artery plaques. This method can dynamically display the flow of blood in new vessels of plaque in real time and provide a reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
An Economic Analysis of Cost of Production and Marketing Channels of Watermelon in Banaskantha District, Gujarat, India
Authors: Vaghela P. M. , Jadeja R. M. , Sadadiya C. S. , Solanki K. L. , Balas B. J.
Published: September 2023

The objective of the study is to analyse the production costs and marketing channels of watermelon in Banaskantha District, Gujarat, India. Owing to maximum area under cultivation in the district, Deesa, Dantiwada, and Lakhani were purposefully chosen for the study. A multistage sampling method was applied and a total of 120 watermelon farmers, 20 intermediaries, and 20 consumers were selected for data collection. The basic tabular approach and the percentage method were the statistical tools used for data analysis. To estimate the cost of cultivation of the watermelon crop, the cost concept was applied. The marketing effectiveness of the channel was examined using Shepherd's and Acharya's approaches. The watermelon cultivation required a total of 78 man days of labour, including 58 family labours and 20 hired labours. Cost A was ₹19671.95, Cost B was ₹17172.05, and Cost C1 was ₹186087.15, for a total cultivation cost (cost C2) per hectare of ₹204695.87. This resulted in the overall cost of production per quintal of ₹537.82. According to the findings, the majority of farmers (61.67%) sell to contractors, followed by retailers (22.50%) and direct customers (15.83%). It was found that channel I had the highest marketing efficiency (Shepherd's method) i.e., 33.67, followed by channel II with 9.87 and channel III with 5.97. The most effective channel in terms of marketing efficiency (Acharya's method) was channel I, with an efficiency of 33.67, followed by channels II and III with an efficiency of 1.33 and 0.76 respectively. This demonstrated that watermelon farming was profitable in the research area.
Impact Analysis of ICT on Women in Agriculture: A Study Conducted in Jorhat District of Assam, India
Authors: Deka Manoshi B. , Talukdar Pallavi , Bora Mayuri
Published: September 2023

ICT led extension system is capable of changing farmers’ lives by improving access to information and sharing knowledge through click of a button. Such approaches are far more important and essential for women farmers who are overburdened and hard pressed for time. Realizing the ever increasing role of women in agriculture and the need for empowering them in technological domain, the present study was conducted to study the level of knowledge of Farm Women Knowledge Group (FWKG) members on different aspects of selected ICT tool, to find out the level of use of ICT tool by the FWKG members and to study the impact of intervention programmes on knowledge and use of selected ICT tool among the FWKG members. Rural women having farming as an occupation were selected purposively. Six Farm Women Knowledge Group (FWKG) comprising ten members each were formed for the study. Intervention programmes were conducted for the members of FWKG including awareness programme, training and workshop which were home based, farm based and community based Programmes. The study reveals that post intervention levels of knowledge and use of selected ICT were better than pre intervention level among the FWKG members. High level of knowledge increased from 20.00 per cent to 48.33 per cent whereas low level of knowledge decreased from 45.00 per cent to 6.66 per cent. Similarly in case of high level of use increased from 6.66 per cent to 48.33 per cent. Knowledge and use of selected ICT tool was positively related in both pre and post-intervention phase. Paired ‘t’ test implies that there was gain in knowledge after the intervention programmes. Similarly significant difference in use of selected ICT tool between the pre and post intervention was also found. It may be concluded that such interventions may increase the level of knowledge and use of selected ICT tool and such model may be replicated in other areas at micro level.