bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the impact of cross-cultural adaptability on the academic and social experiences of international students in bioethics education.
Authors: Jieqiong Duan
Published: February 2023

Abstract: International students face many challenges when studying bioethics in a foreign country. One of these challenges is cross-cultural adaptability, which refers to the ability of international students to adjust to the cultural and academic norms of the host country. This study investigates the impact of cross-cultural adaptability on the academic and social experiences of international students studying bioethics education. The study used a mixed-method research design, including a survey questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. The participants were 100 international students from diverse cultural backgrounds who were studying bioethics in the China. The survey questionnaire measured the level of cross-cultural adaptability of the participants, while the interviews explored the impact of cross-cultural adaptability on their academic and social experiences. The study found that cross-cultural adaptability significantly impacted the academic and social experiences of international students in bioethics education. The participants who had higher levels of cross-cultural adaptability reported better academic performance, higher levels of engagement, and better social integration with Chinese students. The study also found that cultural and linguistic differences, as well as institutional and structural barriers, were major challenges to cross-cultural adaptability. The study concludes that cross-cultural adaptability is a crucial factor in the academic and social experiences of international students in bioethics education and that efforts to promote cross-cultural adaptability should be an integral part of international education programs. Future research could investigate the effectiveness of cross-cultural adaptation programs and explore the factors that influence cross-cultural adaptability in different cultural and educational contexts.
How biotechnology could revolutionize the construction industry and green building project
Authors: Song Jincan
Published: February 2023

The construction industry has been a vital contributor to the economy for many years. However, it is also known for being one of the biggest polluters, emitting a significant amount of carbon dioxide and consuming a vast amount of resources. Biotechnology is emerging as a promising solution to address the environmental impact of the construction industry. This abstract explores how biotechnology could revolutionize the construction industry and green building projects. It highlights the potential of biotechnology to reduce the environmental impact of construction through the use of sustainable materials and techniques. The study reviews the various biotechnology-based approaches that could improve the construction process, such as the use of genetically modified bacteria to produce bio-based materials and the use of biocatalysts to enhance the durability and strength of building materials. The study also examines the potential impact of biotechnology on the green building industry, with a focus on the development of energy-efficient and sustainable buildings. The study concludes that biotechnology has the potential to transform the construction industry by enabling the production of sustainable materials, enhancing the durability and strength of building materials, and improving the energy efficiency of buildings, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly built environment.
Impact Of Iot Adoption And Application For Smart Healthcare
Authors: Wang Hua
Published: February 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a rapidly growing technology that is transforming the healthcare industry. IoT devices and applications are enabling the collection and analysis of patient data, facilitating remote monitoring and diagnosis, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. This abstract explores the impact of IoT adoption and application for smart healthcare. The study highlights the various applications of IoT in healthcare, such as remote patient monitoring, real-time patient tracking, and medication management. The study reviews the benefits of IoT in healthcare, such as improved patient outcomes, reduced costs, and increased efficiency. The study also examines the challenges of implementing IoT in healthcare, such as data privacy and security concerns, interoperability issues, and regulatory compliance. The study concludes that IoT is transforming the healthcare industry, enabling a new era of smart healthcare delivery. The adoption of IoT in healthcare has the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. However, the challenges of implementing IoT in healthcare cannot be ignored, and the industry must work to address these challenges while harnessing the benefits of this emerging technology. Overall, the potential impact of IoT adoption and application for smart healthcare is significant and holds great promise for the future of healthcare delivery.
The Short-term Impact of Sustainable Agriculture Policy on Farmers’ Economic Welfare in China
Authors: Ang Li
Published: February 2023

Half of the Chinese population still consists of farmers. To increase their productivity, sustainable agriculture offers essential approaches while protecting the environment. Unlike the existing literature focusing on the long-term effects of sustainable agriculture on economic welfare, the current research examines how sustainable agriculture impacts the various aspects of farmers’ welfare in the short term. We used data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) and the Chinese National Agricultural Sustainable Development Plan (2015-2030). To investigate the impact of sustainable agriculture policy on economic welfare, we also employed the Difference-in-Differences (DID) model which helped address the endogeneity problem. After the DID regression, we discovered that sustainable agriculture has a negative impact on farmers’ annual household incomes and overall health status. However, it increases the annual working time of farmers and their willingness to participate in agricultural work. To ensure the reproducibility and reliability of the result, we did the robustness test by merely keeping the key independent variables on each regression. We also employed two sets of placebo tests and an alternative DID approach for each key dependent variable. Since all the regressions are robust and all results are significant, the initial hypothesis of this paper was demonstrated. We also propose some policy suggestions based on these results.
Leading the Path for Personalized Medication and Medical Technology: Highlighting the strategies to Overcome Barriers to Adoption, Regulation, and Reimbursement Perspectives
Authors: Zoé Manon
Published: February 2023

The personalized medication enables tailor-made prevention and treatment strategies that can be provided to individuals or patient groups in the form of specifically designed therapies that can work best for them. Search strategies enable low money wastage and save time as there is no need for trial-and-error treatments. However, the adoption of personalized medication and required technology has been slow across the world, including in the European Union. In the scope of the current study, the researcher has focused on the personalized medication landscape in France. The aim of the researcher was to analyze the general information regarding personalized medication within the country, the regulatory and reimbursement processes within the country, and the various barriers and solutions to them. For this purpose, the researcher contacted industry professionals, researchers, and policymakers in order to conduct export interviews to collect the data. Thematic analysis was applied to this data to find out that there are many barriers faced, especially in terms of knowledge and education for personalized medication. However, several benefits and strategies to overcome the regulatory and reimbursement barriers have also been suggested.
Studying the governmental, industrial, and academic partnerships between incubation centers for furthering innovation: Evidence from biotechnology firms in Singapore
Authors: Mishal Sohail
Published: February 2023

In Singapore, the number of incubation centers is rapidly increasing to fulfill the demands of the associated audience. These centers are vital in providing important facilities and capitals for new start-ups. This study aimed at identifying the governmental, industrial, and academic partnerships between incubation centers for furthering innovation in biotechnology firms in Singapore. For this purpose, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five employers from top management in biotechnology firms in Singapore. After the collection data, qualitative analysis was conducted in two steps (step 1: thematic analysis and step 2: word cloud analysis). The results obtained from this study showed that incubation centers play an important role in establishing early-stage biotech start-ups, promoting bio-entrepreneurship. It has also been observed that different challenges are faced during incubation process which include legal issues, infrastructure issues, strategic alliances issues and others. Moreover, the governmental, industrial, and academic partnerships between incubation centers have proven to be effective in promoting innovation processes in biotechnology firms.
Creación de un entorno de realidad virtual inmersiva para la comunicación e interacción social: estudio piloto en alumnado con trastorno del espectro autista
Authors: Lorenzo Lledó Gonzalo , Lorenzo-Lledó Alejandro , Lledó Carreres Asunción , Pérez-Vázquez Elena
Published: February 2023

Nowadays, technology occupies a preeminent place in different social spheres. In the educational world, technology and, more specifically, virtual reality can respond to the diversity of students present in the classroom. In this line, the aim of this study is to explore the application of immersive virtual reality to promote communication and social interaction in students with ASD. For this purpose, an immersive virtual reality (IVR) environment has been designed in a classroom where participants are presented with different learning situations in the classroom. The sample consisted of three participants, with whom a pilot study was developed with interaction and social communication activities with the virtual teacher and the NAO robot. The IVR glasses were used for data collection and a questionnaire was designed ad hoc. The results show that the students' attention was attracted to the elements that make up the IVR environment. Likewise, a good acceptance of the IVR device and satisfactory interactions have been observed. In conclusion, it can be stated that the RVI environment has provided realism and remarkable possibilities for interaction

En la actualidad, la tecnología ocupa un lugar preminente en los diferentes ámbitos sociales. En el mundo educativo la tecnología y, más concretamente, la realidad virtual puede dar respuesta a la diversidad de alumnado presente en las aulas. En esta línea el objetivo del presente estudio es explorar la aplicación de la realidad virtual inmersiva para favorecer la comunicación e interacción social en alumnado con TEA. Para ello, se ha diseñado un entorno de realidad virtual inmersiva (RVI) de una clase donde a los participantes se les presentan diferentes situaciones de aprendizaje en el aula. La muestra la conformaron tres participantes , con los cuales se desarrolló un estudio piloto con actividades de interacción y comunicación social con la profesora virtual y el robot NAO. Para la recogida de datos se utilizaron las gafas de RVI y se diseñó ad hoc un cuestionario. Los resultados reflejan la captación de la atención del alumnado hacía los elementos que conforman los elementos del entorno de RVI. Asimismo, se ha constatado una buena aceptación del dispositivo de RVI y unas interacciones satisfactorias. A modo de conclusión, cabe afirmar que el entorno de RVI ha proporcionado un realismo y unas posibilidades notables de interacción.
Alfabetización Computacional: Actividades musicales desenchufadas sobre el Desafío Internacional de Bebras
Authors: Sepúlveda Durán Carmen María , García Fernández Cristina María , Arévalo Galán Azahara
Published: February 2023

Computer Literacy is a reality in current educational legislation. Within the STEAM competence approach, music education and the development of Computational Thinking (CT) are located in this discipline. In this work, unplugged musical activities are designed based on the Bebras challenges, and their effectiveness is evaluated in terms of CT development in students. A quasi-experimental study was carried out with pre-post test measures in a group of 220 Primary School students (experimental, N = 170; control, N = 50). The experimental group performed three blocks of unplugged musical activities. Computational Thinking Test using Bebras Problems (Lockwood and Moone, 2018) was used as an instrument. Variables of gender, course, environment and academic ability were taken into account. The results show a significant increase in CT in the experimental group at a general level and in the Bebras activities of medium and advanced levels of difficulty. Schoolchildren from the rural context showed higher scores in CT development compared to the urban one. No significant differences are observed in the rest of the variables. Finally, a higher level of correct answers was observed in "easy" activities, greater completion of "medium" activities and a decrease in both in "advanced" activities.

La Alfabetización Computacional es una realidad en las legislaciones educativas actuales. Dentro del enfoque competencial STEAM, se ubica la educación musical y el desarrollo del Pensamiento Computacional (PC) en esta disciplina. En este trabajo se diseñan actividades musicales desenchufadas desde los desafíos de Bebras y se evalúa su eficacia en cuanto al desarrollo del PC en estudiantes. Se realizó un estudio cuasi-experimental con medidas pre-post test en un grupo de 220 escolares de Educación Primaria (experimental, N = 170; control, N = 50). El grupo experimental realizó tres bloques de actividades musicales desenchufadas. Como instrumento se utilizó Computational Thinking Test using Bebras Problems (Lockwood y Moone, 2018). Se tuvieron en cuenta variables de género, curso, entorno y capacidad académica. Los resultados muestran aumento significativo del PC en el grupo experimental a nivel general y en las actividades de Bebras de niveles medio y avanzado de dificultad. Los escolares de contexto rural mostraron puntuaciones mayores en el desarrollo del PC en comparación con el urbano. No se observan diferencias significativas en el resto de variables. Por último, se observó mayor nivel de respuestas correctas en actividades “fáciles”, mayor cumplimentación de actividades “medias” y descenso de ambas en actividades “avanzadas”.
Data sharing attitudes and practices of researchers in Korean government research institutes: a survey-based descriptive study
Authors: Kim Jihyun , Hwang Hyekyong , Jung Youngim , Cho Sung-Nam , Seo Tae-Sul
Published: February 2023

Purpose: This study explored to what extent and how researchers in five Korean government research institutes that implement research data management practices share their research data and investigated the challenges they perceive regarding data sharing.Methods: The study collected survey data from 224 respondents by posting a link to a SurveyMonkey questionnaire on the homepage of each of the five research institutes from June 15 to 29, 2022. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted.Results: Among 148 respondents with data sharing experience, the majority had shared some or most of their data. Restricted data sharing within a project was more common than sharing data with outside researchers on request or making data publicly available. Sharing data directly with researchers who asked was the most common method of data sharing, while sharing data via institutional repositories was the second most common method. The most frequently cited factors impeding data sharing included the time and effort required to organize data, concerns about copyright or ownership of data, lack of recognition and reward, and concerns about data containing sensitive information.Conclusion: Researchers need ongoing training and support on making decisions about access to data, which are nuanced rather than binary. Research institutes’ commitment to developing and maintaining institutional data repositories is also important to facilitate data sharing. To address barriers to data sharing, it is necessary to implement research data management services that help reduce effort and mitigate concerns about legal issues. Possible incentives for researchers who share data should also continue to be explored.
Comparison of the prevalence and histology between primary benign bladder tumors and recurrent benign lesions after transurethral resection of malignant bladder tumors
Authors: Baek Jae Jin , Seo Yong Deuk , Kim Dong Ha , Seo Won Tae , Kang Su Hwan , Kim Taek Sang , Chun Bong Kwon
Published: February 2023

Background: Benign bladder tumors are rare disease entities, and insufficient studies have assessed their epidemiological characteristics. The authors investigated the prevalence of benign bladder tumors by retrospectively investigating pathology reports of transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) procedures over the past 20 years.Methods: We analyzed 1,674 pathology reports of TURBT conducted in 1,160 patients from January 1, 2000, to April 30, 2022. The prevalence of benign tumors and histological classification according to the presence of primary (group 1) and recurrent (group 2) bladder lesions were retrospectively investigated. Results: The mean age of patients was 65.2±11.5 years, and 1,284 cases (79.1%) were in men. Benign bladder tumors comprised 278 cases (248 patients) accounting for about 17.1% of the total TURBT cases (278/1,624). Furthermore, 184 patients (16.0%, 184/1,147) belonged to group 1 and 78 patients (27.4%, 78/285) belonged to group 2. Among all benign lesions that underwent TURBT, cystitis was the most common (41.0%, 114/278), and this rate was higher in group 2 (64/184 [34.8%] vs. 50/94 [53.2%], p<0.001). The prevalence of non-neoplastic lesions was higher in group 1 (44/184 [23.9] vs. 11/94 [11.7%], p<0.001). There was no difference in the prevalence of noninvasive urothelial neoplasms between the two groups (22/184 [12.0%] vs. 8/94 [8.5%], p=0.86).Conclusions: The probability of benign lesions in TURBT was 17.1%, among which cystitis was the most common. When TURBT was performed for recurrent lesions, the frequency of benign tumors was higher than that of primary benign bladder tumors.
Optional Narratives and Supplemental Storytelling in Behaviour Interactive’s Dead By Daylight Steven Greenwood
Authors: Greenwood Steven
Published: February 2023

This written analysis and the videographic essay it accompanies explore the relationship between narrative and gameplay in Dead by Daylight (DBD). The term “ludonarrative dissonance” has become very popular in video game discourse, referring to situations where the gameplay and narrative of a game seem to be at odds: the story tells you one thing, while the actual gameplay mechanics ask you to do something that doesn’t logically fit with that story. I want to explore how Dead by Daylight creates the opposite phenomenon of ludonarrative harmony, where every gameplay input or choice not only fits within the narrative but actually serves a crucial role in telling it.

Match-based, short-form games like DBD often struggle with ludonarrative dissonance. It’s really hard to tell a cohesive, consistent story in a game with short, standalone, multiplayer matches where each match begins and ends in the same place. DBD is a compelling example of a game that manages to find a strong narrative function for its cyclical matchmaking structure. The last section of this analysis makes a case for why this phenomenon is particularly relevant to the horror genre. DBD takes a style of game where narrative is often seen as secondary or optional to the main experience of gameplay and makes a case for the centrality of narrative to the game. I tie this into a similar discussion of horror, exploring how people often see the plots of horror movies as thin excuses for the “real” entertainment, and how these assumptions miss out on the importance of narrative to even horror films whose narrative seems supplementary.
Optimising UAV Data Acquisition and Processing for Photogrammetry: A Review
Authors: Pargieła Karolina
Published: February 2023

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are used to acquire measurement data for an increasing number of applications. Photogrammetric studies based on UAV data, thanks to the significant development of computer vision techniques, photogrammetry, and equipment miniaturization, allow sufficient accuracy for many engineering and non-engineering applications to be achieved. In addition to accuracy, development time and cost of data acquisition and processing are also important issues. The aim of this paper is to present potential limitations in the use of UAVs to acquire measurement data and to present measurement and processing techniques affecting the optimisation of work both in terms of accuracy and economy. Issues related to the type of drones used (multi-rotor, fixed-wing), type of shutter in the camera (rolling shutter, global shutter ), camera calibration method (pre-calibration, self-calibration), georeferencing method (direct, indirect), technique of measuring the external images orientation parameters (RTK, PPK, PPP), flight design methods and the type of software used were analysed.
The tetraspanin TSPAN5 regulates AMPAR exocytosis by interacting with the AP4 complex
Authors: Moretto Edoardo , Miozzo Federico , Longatti Anna , Bonnet Caroline , Coussen Francoise , Jaudon Fanny , Cingolani Lorenzo A , Passafaro Maria
Published: February 2023

Intracellular trafficking of AMPA receptors is a tightly regulated process which involves several adaptor proteins, and is crucial for the activity of excitatory synapses both in basal conditions and during synaptic plasticity. We found that, in rat hippocampal neurons, an intracellular pool of the tetraspanin TSPAN5 promotes exocytosis of AMPA receptors without affecting their internalisation. TSPAN5 mediates this function by interacting with the adaptor protein complex AP4 and Stargazin and possibly using recycling endosomes as a delivery route. This work highlights TSPAN5 as a new adaptor regulating AMPA receptor trafficking.
Renal interstitial cells to the rescue
Authors: Wesselman Hannah M , Wingert Rebecca A
Published: February 2023

The ability of the adult zebrafish to replace damaged nephrons in the kidney depends on renal progenitor cells and renal interstitial cells working closely together.
COVID-19 spread algorithm in the international airport network-DetArpds
Authors: Guevara Cesar , Coronel Dennys , Salazar Maldonado Byron Eduardo , Salazar Flores Jorge Eduardo
Published: February 2023

Due to COVID-19, the spread of diseases through air transport has become an important issue for public health in countries globally. Moreover, mass transportation (such as air travel) was a fundamental reason why infections spread to all countries within weeks. In the last 2 years in this research area, many studies have applied machine learning methods to predict the spread of COVID-19 in different environments with optimal results. These studies have implemented algorithms, methods, techniques, and other statistical models to analyze the information in accuracy form. Accordingly, this study focuses on analyzing the spread of COVID-19 in the international airport network. Initially, we conducted a review of the technical literature on algorithms, techniques, and theorems for generating routes between two points, comprising an analysis of 80 scientific papers that were published in indexed journals between 2017 and 2021. Subsequently, we analyzed the international airport database and information on the spread of COVID-19 from 2020 to 2022 to develop an algorithm for determining airport routes and the prevention of disease spread (DetARPDS). The main objective of this computational algorithm is to generate the routes taken by people infected with COVID-19 who transited the international airport network. The DetARPDS algorithm uses graph theory to map the international airport network using geographic allocations to position each terminal (vertex), while the distance between terminals was calculated with the Euclidian distance. Additionally, the proposed algorithm employs the Dijkstra algorithm to generate route simulations from a starting point to a destination air terminal. The generated routes are then compared with chronological contagion information to determine whether they meet the temporality in the spread of the virus. Finally, the obtained results are presented achieving a high probability of 93.46% accuracy for determining the entire route of how the disease spreads. Above all, the results of the algorithm proposed improved different computational aspects, such as time processing and detection of airports with a high rate of infection concentration, in comparison with other similar studies shown in the literature review.
Ubiquitin specific peptidases and prostate cancer
Authors: Guo Yunfei , Cui Shuaishuai , Chen Yuanyuan , Guo Song , Chen Dahu
Published: February 2023

Protein ubiquitination is an important post-translational modification mechanism, which regulates protein stability and activity. The ubiquitination of proteins can be reversed by deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs). Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs), the largest DUB subfamily, can regulate cellular functions by removing ubiquitin(s) from the target proteins. Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading type of cancer and the most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men worldwide. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the development of PCa is highly correlated with USPs. The expression of USPs is either high or low in PCa cells, thereby regulating the downstream signaling pathways and causing the development or suppression of PCa. This review summarized the functional roles of USPs in the development PCa and explored their potential applications as therapeutic targets for PCa.
Splice site m6A methylation prevents binding of DGCR8 to suppress KRT4 pre-mRNA splicing in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Xiaoxu , Fang Juan , Tao Xiaoan , Xia Juan , Cheng Bin , Wang Yun
Published: February 2023

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the 11th most prevalent tumor worldwide. Despite advantages of therapeutic approaches, the 5-year survival rate of patients with OSCC is less than 50%. It is urgent to elucidate mechanisms underlying OSCC progression for developing novel treatment strategies. Our recent study has revealed that Keratin 4 (KRT4) suppresses OSCC development, which is downregulated in OSCC. Nevertheless, the mechanism downregulating KRT4 in OSCC remains unknown. In this study, touchdown PCR was utilized to detect KRT4 pre-mRNA splicing, while m6A RNA methylation was identified by methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP). Besides, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) was used to determine RNA-protein interaction. Herein, this study indicated that intron splicing of KRT4 pre-mRNA was suppressed in OSCC. Mechanistically, m6A methylation of exon-intron boundaries prevented intron splicing of KRT4 pre-mRNA in OSCC. Besides, m6A methylation suppressed the binding of splice factor DGCR8 microprocessor complex subunit (DGCR8) to exon-intron boundaries in KRT4 pre-mRNA to prohibit intron splicing of KRT4 pre-mRNA in OSCC. These findings revealed the mechanism downregulating KRT4 in OSCC and provided potential therapeutic targets for OSCC.
The titans sustainability and industry 4.0 working for the planet earth
Authors: Reis José Salvador da Motta , Cardoso Ronald Palandi , Silva Dayana Elizabeth Werderits , De Almeida Maria da Glória Diniz , De Barros José Glenio Medeiros , Sampaio Nilo Antonio de Souza , Barbosa Luís César Ferreira Motta
Published: February 2023

The history of industry is marked by revolutions, the Fourth Industrial Revolution provides opportunities for sustainability, and means to reduce environmental degradation and social inclusion. This article aims to identify which factors impact the sustainability of an organization. The exploratory research was carried out by means of literature review and bibliographic research to achieve the objective of conducting a bibliometric study, identifying the evolution of publications, and the authors that make up this field of knowledge. It is necessary for companies and industries to be introduced to the global changes that Industry 4.0 has introduced in the manufacturing environment, making it possible to develop sustainable processes and products.
Relações de competição e cooperação no âmbito do arranjo produtivo local de Ubá – MG
Authors: Boava Fernanda Maria Felício Macedo , Boava Diego Luiz Teixeira , Silva Amanda Fontes , Magalhães Iaísa Helena
Published: February 2023

O ambiente de negócios contemporâneo se caracteriza pela competitividade e constantes mudanças econômicas, tecnológicas e políticas. Diante de tal fato, surge à necessidade das organizações se unirem na busca por redução de seus custos, aumento de qualidade e ganho de mais força em um mercado globalizado e competitivo. Desta forma, observa-se que as relações interorganizacionais sofreram alterações no tocante ao desenvolvimento de cooperações entre empresas, além da clássica prática isolada de competição. Neste cenário, o presente trabalho apresenta como objetivo o estudo das relações interorganizacionais processadas no arranjo produtivo local de Ubá – MG, focando a questão dual da competição e cooperação. O estudo apresenta caráter qualitativo. Para coleta de dados trabalha-se como entrevista semiestruturada realizada junto a gestores, sendo a interpretação destes dados pautada na técnica de análise de conteúdo. A relevância desta pesquisa encontra-se em termos práticos e teóricos. Em termos práticos, o trabalho pode contribuir para o aprofundamento do conhecimento dos gestores local sobre as relações interorganizacionais processadas no APL que, por vezes, pode estar encoberto. Em termos teóricos, o trabalho gera aportes para o desenvolvimento do arcabouço de conhecimento acerca das relações interorganizacionais permeadas pela competição e cooperação, podendo servir de subsídio para realização de outros estudos deste cunho. A partir do desenvolvimento do estudo, verificou-se que existem relações de cooperação processadas no âmbito do APL, todavia, são focadas na esfera técnico-produtiva. O aumento do escopo destas relações para cooperação em nível tecnológico-estratégica ainda não é uma realidade, enfrentado barreiras de estrutura de coordenação e culturais para sua vigência. Conclui-se, assim, que o APL moveleiro de Ubá deve investir no fortalecimento de sua estrutura de coordenação, pois a partir da mesma será possível trabalhar iniciativas para redução das demais barreiras visando o avanço das relações de cooperação no ambiente em questão.
Post COVID MucormycosisA Narrative Review
Authors: Firke Sakshi Dinesh , Deshmukh Prasad
Published: February 2023

Mucormycosis is an Acute Invasive Fungal Rhinosinusitis (AIFR). Omnipresent fungi and their interaction with humans are both boon and a bane. Fungal rhinosinusitis is now becoming an alarming situation in today’s world, especially in India. It can be classified further into invasive or non invasive and acute or chronic. Categorisation helps us with its diagnosis and management. The invasion of the hyphae portrays mucormycosis into sinus tissue within less than four weeks. It comes with various predisposing factors such as underlying systemic disease, drug therapy, transplantation, and local lesion. Clinical manifestations such as headache, sinonasal congestion, black lesions on the nasal bridge, and facial inflammation associated with pain are prevalent in immunocompromised patients. Crucial steps such as early identification, definite treatment with a multidisciplinary integrated approach of various departments such as ENT, medicine, and radiology should be made. Intraorbital and intracranial complications can be prevented by treating disease process in the early stage.
The Chemistry and Toxicity of Chromium Pollution: An Overview
Authors: Khatua Sudeshna , Kumar Dey Surjendu
Published: February 2023

As a heavy metal, chromium (Cr) has significant importance in the current industrial scenario, however, it poses an environmental threat as well. Generally, there are two stable forms of Cr available in environmental matrices, the relatively less toxic trivalent Cr(III) and the highly toxic hexavalent Cr(VI). Industrial sites release hazardous Cr(VI) with effluents during the post-production stage, causing water and soil pollution worldwide. Cr(VI) is one of the priority pollutants as per USEPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) classification and it is one of the well-known carcinogens. In most cases, it is released from anthropogenic activities like mining, steel making, welding, tanning, textile dyeing, wood polishing, etc. Whenever Cr(VI) contamination exceeds the threshold limits, it has a deleterious impact on public health and the vegetation of the site contaminated. In the present investigation, the major focus is on the anthropogenic sources of Cr(VI) release into water bodies and soil, its adverse effects, as well as remediation of these emerging environmental problems. The present review focuses on the removal of Cr from environmental media by conventional biological methods. Many advanced technologies have been developed and applied recently to remove Cr from contaminated soils and water, including membrane technology, electrocoagulation, ion exchange, and electrodialysis. In addition, alternative techniques like phytoremediation processes were established which offer an environmentally sustainable, eco-friendly, and cost-effective approach to removing Cr. With an emphasis on the cleanup of soils and water systems contaminated by Cr, this review summarizes the bioavailability of Cr, the uptake pathways, the accumulation process, and the current status of phytoremediation research. A recent finding about Cr localization in hyperaccumulator plant species is also described in this paper. This review describes the process of plant metabolism changes in response to Cr stress and the mechanisms that allow plants to remove Cr through the phytoremediation process.
Impact of COVID 19 on Digital Marketing: A Systematic Study on Sub Saharan African
Authors: Dadzie Isaac
Published: February 2023

The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has had massive impacts on digital marketing, notably in Sub-Saharan Africa, which had been the preferred method of marketing in recent years. The term "Sub-Saharan Africa" is used to describe the African countries south of the Sahara Desert. This includes the eco-region of the Sahel, which lies between the Sahara and the African tropical and forest savannah zones, and the island states off Africa's western and eastern borders. South Africa, Sudan, Nigeria, Kenya, and Angola are just a few of the 48 countries that make up Sub-Saharan Africa. This study seeks to determine the impact of COVID 19 on digital marketing in Sub-Saharan Africa. Utilizing systematic review and, especially, the quick review approach, this objective was accomplished. The study concluded that COVID 19 had both positive and negative impacts on digital marketing in Sub-Saharan Africa. Sales, advertising, and promotion via digital channels have increased, which is a positive development. As a result of the lockdown and the corona virus epidemic, people are more likely to conduct business on the internet. Enhanced internet marketing has helped firms in Sub-Saharan Africa expand their clientele, revenue, and profits.

Unfortunately, many digital marketing firms' reputations were damaged because some users abused their access to various online services by engaging in fraudulent activities during the epidemic. Ad, marketing, promotional, and media spending have all been adjusted as a result of the global COVID-19 epidemic. The study concluded and suggested that Sub-Saharan businesses and government institutions must be courteous, employ digital marketing, and respond to consumers during cultural events like the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep consumers, brands must fix the problem while being positive. Adjusting marketing campaign and content timings, advertising language and visuals, and being aware of customers' growing concern may do this. Under the global pandemic, Sub-Saharan African (SSA) firms must rely more on digital sales or e-commerce to flourish.
Infantile Masturbation-Treated with Anti-Epileptic Drugs: Experience of a Tertiary Care Pediatric Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Khadija , Afroze Sharmin , Khaled M. S. , Khanam Morsheda , Parvin Ruma , Amena Ferdoucy Sultana , Farjana Sonia Sheikh
Published: February 2023

Aim: This study was aimed to find out the mismanagement of infantile masturbation and the outcome of the cases who were treated with anti-epileptic drugs.

Study Design: Retrospective.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at outpatient department of Rehabilitation and Neurology unit of Dr. M R Khan Shishu Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Dhaka Bangladesh, between 2013-2022.

Methods: Data were collected from records which included socio-demographic data and clinical features of masturbation in children. Data related to treatment was also collected and their outcome was observed.

Results: Among 50 patients, majority (74%) had age of onset between 12-36 months of age.   Mean age was 43±26 months, the range was between 4 months to 84 months. Female were predominant (60%). Most of the children came from urban area (86%) and belong to nuclear family (78%). They presented with stereotype movement of variable duration and there was no alteration of consciousness. Prone positioning was more frequent than prone to supine position (78% Vs 18%). There was no laboratory and EEG abnormalities among the cases. Thirty two percent patients were treated with anti-epileptic drugs from outside and among them 2 (12%) was given sodium valproate and rest 14 (88%) were treated with phenobarbitone. But there was no clinical improvement in these cases.

Conclusion: Use of anti-epileptic drugs was not associated with any clinical improvement in children with infantile masturbation.
Evaluation of Foetal Cardiothoracic Ratio in Normal Pregnancy: Correlation with Gestational Age, Foetal Weight and Established Nomogram
Authors: Chibuzor Oriji Peter , Kelvin Kiridi Enefia , Christopher Briggs Datonye , Chibundu Obiora , Uchenna Ugwoegbu Johnpatrick , Okechukwu Chioma , Yao Bosrotsi Panebi , Eseme Ubom Akaninyene , Joel Abasi Isaac , Daniel Adesina Adedotun
Published: February 2023

Background: An important sign of congenital heart disease (CHD), myocardial dysfunction and foetal congestive cardiac failure is cardiomegaly, which is detected using the assessment of the cardiothoracic (CT) ratio.

Objective: To evaluate the foetal CT ratio and its relationship with gestational age in the second half of pregnancy, and produce nomograms for the foetal CT ratio.

Subjects and Methods: This descriptive, cross‐sectional study enrolled women with a normal pregnancy in their second and third trimesters at the two tertiary health facilities, one secondary facility and one radiodiagnostic facility in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. The study was conducted from April–December 2022. Pearson's correlation and logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationship and correlation between the CT ratio, gestational age, and estimated foetal weight. The p<0.05 at 95%CI level of significance was set.

Results: The mean bi-parietal diameter estimated foetal weight and CT diameter ratio was 66.5 ± 18.3 mm, 1.24 ± 0.87 kg and 0.46 ± 0.02 cm respectively. The foetal CT ratio correlates very strongly with estimated gestational age (ɼ = 0.98; p – 0.001), bi-parietal diameter (ɼ = 0.96; p – 0.001), estimated foetal weight (ɼ = 0.92; p – 0.001), Maternal age (ɼ = 0.36; p – 0.001), maternal weight (ɼ = 0.19; p – 0.001) and maternal height (ɼ = 0.20; p – 0.001).

Conclusion: We have demonstrated that there does exist a very strong correlation between the foetal cardiothoracic ratio and the foetal gestational age, biparietal diameter and foetal weight, which slightly, but steadily increased throughout pregnancy.
Determinants of Uptake of Mass Drug Administration for Schistosomiasis Control in Butiaba Sub-county, Uganda
Authors: Gloria Kakoba Ayebazibwe , Omara Denis , Wananda Yusuf , Nambatya Juliet , Charles Okiria John , Edielu Andrew
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Schistosomiasis is one of the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) targeted for elimination in Uganda by 2025 through Mass Drug Administration (MDA) using praziquantel.  To achieve this, WHO estimates indicate that MDA coverage and uptake of 75% is required. However, coverage remains suboptimal with insufficient knowledge and inadequate drug supply often cited as key reasons. There is a need to add to the body of knowledge in various settings to enable more robust mitigation measures. This study aimed to assess the uptake of praziquantel for MDA and associated factors in Butiaba sub-county along the shores of Lake Albert in Uganda.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five randomly selected villages within Butiaba sub-county between July and September 2021 using quantitative and qualitative approaches. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 450 adults, with additional two Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant interviews held with implementation structures from the village to district level.

Results: Self-reported uptake of praziquantel within twelve months of the most recent MDA exercise was 71.56% (95% CI: 67.14 – 75.68). Of all the participants, 5.78% reported have never swallowed praziquantel in their lifetime, and 75% (96/128) of participants who didn’t swallow praziquantel in the last twelve months reported having at least swallowed the drug in the last ten years. Respondents were less likely to have swallowed praziquantel if they had no knowledge about schistosomiasis signs (AOR= 0.18, 95% CI: 0.08–0.39) and more likely if they were between the ages 30-39years (AOR= 2.31, 95% CI: 1.35–3.95) or 40 years and above (AOR= 2.86, 95% CI: 1.45 – 4.95). Operational  challenges such as the inadequate supply of praziquantel and financial constraints also influence the uptake of praziquantel during MDA in Butiaba sub-county.

Conclusion: The uptake of praziquantel during MDA in Butiaba sub-county was high but still below the WHO target of 75%. People with limited knowledge of schistosomiasis symptoms and those aged 18 – 29 years were less likely to take Praziquantel. Irregular drug supply was also a key challenge.

Recommendation: Rigorous health education and ensuring a continuous supply of Praziquantel are key to improving MDA uptake.
Relationship between Abnormal Cervical Findings and Abnormal Results at Hysterosalpingography in Infertile Women
Authors: Kiridi Enefia Kelvin , Oriji Peter Chibuzor , Makinde Olakunle Ifeoluwa , Chibundu Obiora , Ugwoegbu Johnpatrick Uchenna , Bosrotsi Panebi Yao , Amadi Simeon Chijioke , Addah Abednigo Ojanerohan , Adesina Adedotun Daniel
Published: February 2023

Background: Hysterosalpingography is an investigative modality used in the evaluation of the uterine cavity, fallopian tubes, and adjacent peritoneal cavity following the injection of contrast material through the cervical canal.

Objective: To determine the relationship between abnormal cervical findings and abnormal results at hysterosalpingography in infertile women.

Materials and Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Radiology Departments of four health institutions in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, between June and December, 2022. Hysterosalpingography was done for 332 infertile women, after obtaining written informed consent. Data were entered into a pre-designed proforma, and analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25.0. Results were presented in frequencies and percentages for categorical variables, and mean and standard deviation for continuous variables.

Results: Cervical finding was normal in only 49.7% (n=165) of the participants undergoing HSG. The abnormal cervical findings include deformed (27.7%), hyperaemic (5.7%), dull (5.7%), hard (5.7%) and short (5.4%) cervix. There was a statistically significant relationship between abnormal cervical findings during HSG and tubal blockade (ꭓ2 = 196.7; p – 0.001), presence of salpingitis (ꭓ2 = 41.1; p – 0.001), peritubal adhesion (ꭓ2 = 19.9; p – 0.001) and intrauterine adhesion (ꭓ2 = 35.62; p – 0.001).

Conclusion: Intrauterine adhesion, salpingitis, tubal blockade and peritubal adhesion on HSG are associated with some abnormal cervical findings in about half of infertile women in this study. The same pathological processes responsible for injury to the upper genital tract and tubal infertility may have caused injury to the cervix in the group of women.
Effects of an Immersive Virtual Reality Intervention on Pain and Anxiety Among Pediatric Patients Undergoing Venipuncture
Authors: Wong Cho Lee , Choi Kai Chow
Published: February 2023

Importance

Venipuncture is one of the most painful and distressing procedures experienced by pediatric patients. Emerging evidence suggests that providing procedural information and distraction using immersive virtual reality (IVR) may reduce pain and anxiety among children undergoing needle-related procedures.

Objectives

To examine the effects of IVR on reducing the pain, anxiety, and stress experienced by pediatric patients undergoing venipuncture.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This 2-group randomized clinical trial recruited pediatric patients aged 4 to 12 years undergoing venipuncture from a public hospital in Hong Kong between January 2019 and January 2020. Data were analyzed from March to May 2022.

Interventions

Participants were randomly allocated to an intervention (an age-appropriate IVR intervention offering distraction and procedural information) or a control (standard care only) group.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was child-reported pain. Secondary outcomes included child-reported anxiety, heart rate, salivary cortisol, length of procedure, and satisfaction of health care professionals with the procedure (rated on a 40 point scale, with higher scores indicating greater satisfaction). Outcomes were assessed 10 minutes before, during, immediately after, and 30 minutes after the procedure.

Results

A total of 149 pediatric patients were recruited, with 86 female patients (57.7%) and 66 patients (44.3%) diagnosed with fever. Compared with the 74 participants in the control group (mean [SD] age, 7.21 [2.49] years), the 75 participants in the IVR group (mean [SD] age, 7.21 [2.43] years) reported significantly less pain (β = −0.78; 95% CI, −1.21 to −0.35; P < .001) and anxiety (β = −0.41; 95% CI, −0.76 to −0.05; P = .03) immediately after the intervention. Health care professional satisfaction in the IVR group (mean [SD] score, 34.5 [4.5]) was significantly higher than that in the control group (mean [SD] score, 32.9 [4.0]; P = .03). Moreover, the length of venipuncture procedure in the IVR group (mean [SD] duration, 4.43 [3.47] minutes) was significantly shorter than that in the control group (mean [SD] duration, 6.56 [7.39] minutes; P = .03).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial, integrating procedural information and distraction in an IVR intervention for pediatric patients undergoing venipuncture significantly improved pain and anxiety in the IVR group compared with the control group. The results shed light on the global trends of research on IVR and its clinical development as an intervention for other painful and stressful medical procedures.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry identifier: ChiCTR1800018817