bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
conceptualizing critical thinking pedagogy in teacher education
Authors: Moodley Désireé eva , Chetty Rajendra
Published: July 2024

Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in knowledge creation and distribution. Teacher education is at the forefront of this engagement. The role of teacher educators is significant in engaging teacher knowledge for shaping and informing ways of being and doing in the world. In recent years higher education has undergone considerable transformation. In South Africa there is a call for real-world transformation in pedagogical practices to address academic, socio-economic, and cultural inclusion and emancipation. As a human right for enabling student voices, a key issue for engaging relevant and fair pedagogical practices is critical thinking. Critical thinking is a rich concept and an attribute of consciousness required in all human activity. It is exercised through sound reasoning and dialogue. Critical thinking is also associated with understanding and engaging deep issues of socio–cultural and political domains of power and justice. However, engaging and enabling critical thinking pedagogy in education is complex and contradictory in nature. Conceptualizing critical thinking is expedient as an initial stage. The objective of this article, part of a larger study, is to provide a conceptualisation of critical thinking pedagogy toward addressing: In what ways is critical thinking pedagogy engaged in South African teacher education? Here, this article aims to address the question: what is critical thinking and critical thinking pedagogy? Methodologically, an interdisciplinary psycho–social philosophic educational documentary design is employed based on a selection of key critical thinking proponents. It further presents a conceptualisation of critical thinking pedagogy underpinned in critical theory especially those of Freire and Foucault. This article aims to spotlight the need for engaging critical thinking through a conceptualisation of critical thinking pedagogy in teacher education required for addressing new ways of teaching today.
fazendo nuvens com docentes e estudantes em meio à pandemia
Authors: Da costa Luciano bedin , Mesquita corrêa Tatiele
Published: July 2024

O presente ensaio apresenta os resultados de uma dissertação de mestrado defendida no programa de pós-graduação em Psicologia Social e Institucional da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS). Realizada entre os anos de 2020 e 2022, em meio à eclosão da pandemia de Covid-19, a pesquisa acompanhou a realização do projeto de extensão Carta ao mundo de que vem, que visou a construção de uma carta coletiva, envolvendo estudantes e docentes de escolas de educação infantil e ensino fundamental do Rio Grande do Sul, Bahia e Portugal. A estratégia de aproximação dos estudantes e instituições se deu de forma remota, sendo a nuvem uma figura importante, a nuvem como repositório digital (armazena-se dados na nuvem) e como habitante do céu (disponível a quem se dispuser a olhar para cima). Este ensaio é situado a partir de duas perguntas: 1) “como pesquisar em tempos de pandemia?”; 2) “como produzir em coletivo com pessoas que não se conhecem?”. Na tentativa de responder a estas questões, busca-se mostrar alguns movimentos cartográficos da pesquisa, resultando em seis pistas anuviadas: 1) o que queremos salvar na nuvem?; 2) qual o sabor de uma nuvem?; 3) o que se passa numa nuvem?; 4) o que você está vendo nesta nuvem?; 5) como era o mundo antes da pandemia?; 6) como foi viver na escola durante a pandemia? Para além das respostas, interessa-nos o potencial de cada uma destas pistas, perguntas que, como nuvens, ainda pairam no ar.
Transição para o Ensino Superior: Uma Revisão Sistemática
Authors: Braun Karen Cristina Rech , Marcilio Fabiane Cristina Pereira , Dias Ana Cristina Garcia
Published: July 2024

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar as características de pesquisas empíricas que se centram no processo de transição do Ensino Médio para universidade. Realizou-se uma revisão sistemática da literatura em bases de dados eletrônicas onde foram identificados 2.133 artigos. Após aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, a amostra final foi composta por 23 estudos que foram analisados por meio das categorias: conceito de transição à universidade, delineamento, objetivo do estudo, características dos participantes e principais resultados. Muitos dos artigos apenas descreveram as mudanças ou desafios enfrentados pelos estudantes, sem explicitar um modelo de transição. O delineamento mais utilizado foi o quantitativo e longitudinal, comparando as variáveis alvo ao longo do tempo. Na maioria dos estudos, os participantes foram jovens do primeiro ano da graduação, com idade, em média, entre 17 e 19 anos. De modo geral, identificou-se que há uma série de fatores individuais e contextuais que podem influenciar os estudantes em processo de transição, positivamente (bons hábitos de sono, suporte social e familiar) e negativamente (discriminação racial e baixos níveis de resiliência, entre outros). A escassez de estudos brasileiros denota a necessidade de desenvolver pesquisas com essa população, a fim de se viabilizar intervenções direcionadas a esses estudantes.
Atividade antifúngica de extratos vegetais alcoólicos sobre o desenvolvimento in vitro de fitopatógenos em sementes de Vigna unguiculata L.
Authors: Santos Ana Karoliny Alves , Pinheiro Cássia Cristina Chaves , Louzano Fernanda Sarmento de Oliveira , Da Silva Leidiane Cristina Araújo , Da Silva Íris Lettiere do Socorro Santos
Published: July 2024

Os fungos de armazenamento são agentes de deterioração de sementes. Neste sentido, o tratamento de sementes através de extratos vegetais tem sido utilizado como alternativa ao uso de insumos químicos, visando o controle de doenças. Diante disso, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito in vitro de extratos alcoólicos sobre a micoflora de sementes de feijão-caupi. O estudo foi conduzido no laboratório de Fitopatologia da Universidade federal Rural da Amazônia- UFRA. As sementes utilizadas no experimento passaram pelo processo de assepsia, em seguida foram colocadas em placas de Petri contendo meio de cultura BDA e o extrato vegetal de cravo-as-índia, canela, alecrim, alho e capim-santo na concentração de 10%. As placas foram mantidas em bancada com temperatura de 28 ± 2ºC e fotoperíodo de 12 h (claro/ escuro). Foram feitas avaliações diárias durante sete dias para verificar a incidência de fungos nas sementes. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos à Análise de Variância e as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Scott- Knott (p-valor≤0.05). Os extratos de cravo-da-índia, canela, alho e capim-santo foram os que obtiveram melhores resultados, quando comparado ao tratamento controle. Com isso conclui-se que os extratos de cravo-da-índia, canela, alho e capim-santo na concentração de 10%, são eficientes na inibição do crescimento micelial de fungos provenientes de sementes de feijão-caupi.
Qualidade de vida dos estudantes de 10 a 14 anos de Picada Café, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil
Authors: Schaab Diego Matheus , Berlese Denise Bolzan , Renner Jacinta Sidegum , Sanfelice Gustavo Roese
Published: July 2024

Resumo: A qualidade de vida pode ser considerada como um fruto de ampla discussão interdisciplinar e multidimensional, está relacionada diretamente com a satisfação do sujeito, influenciada por todos os acontecimentos que permeiam o mesmo. Nesse sentido, buscou-se realizar um estudo descritivo, quantitativo e de corte transversal, com o objetivo de avaliar a qualidade de vida relacionada a saúde de crianças e adolescentes de 10 a 14 anos, aplicando o questionário KIDSCREEN-52 que é caracterizado como de autorrelato aplicável a crianças e adolescentes saudáveis e com doenças crônicas entre os 8 e os 18 anos de idade. De maneira geral nas dimensões de sentimentos, autopercepção, autonomia e tempo livre, família e ambiente familiar, amigos e apoio social, provocação e bullying, apresentaram escores acima de 80, as dimensões de estado emocional, aspectos financeiros, ambiente escolar e escore total ficaram abaixo do escore de 80, chamando a atenção para a dimensão de saúde e atividade física que apontou a menor média dentre as variáveis estudadas. Nota-se que o maior desvio padrão foi encontrado na dimensão de aspectos financeiros, apontando a maior diferença entre os investigados. Em conclusão, a média de escore total representa que a população estudada possui uma boa percepção de qualidade de vida, isso porque quando comparados com a literatura os escores foram elevados.
Práticas e percepções sobre o Letramento Funcional em Saúde em pacientes: revisão sistemática e metassumarização
Authors: Uchida Tânia Harumi , Umeda Josely Emiko , Terada Raquel Sano Suga , Grosseman Suely , Rocha Najara Barbosa da , Fujimaki Mitsue
Published: July 2024

O Letramento Funcional em Saúde (LFS) tem sido destaque na agenda da Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) por quase duas décadas e consequentemente a OMS estabeleceu para a agenda de 2030 um forte mandato global sobre letramento em saúde. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar práticas e percepções de profissionais de saúde sobre o LFS de pacientes. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática nas bases de dados: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Lilacs e literatura cinzenta, sob o registro PROSPERO CRD42021248690. Dois revisores avaliaram de forma independente títulos e resumos, e em seguida, os textos completos para identificar práticas e percepções dos profissionais de saúde. As discordâncias foram resolvidas por consenso com um terceiro revisor. Foi realizada análise qualitativa descritiva e criados códigos e agrupamentos. Foram calculadas frequência do tamanho de efeito dos temas e intensidade do tamanho de efeito dos estudos. Das 13.008 referências, foram incluídos 5 estudos qualitativos, 13 surveys e 1 misto. Emergiram 11 códigos, organizados em 2 grupos: Pacientes e Profissionais de Saúde. Em relação à qualidade dos estudos, a maioria apresentou baixo risco de viés. O estudo evidenciou que a comunicação eficaz com o paciente e condutas diferenciadas para pacientes com graus diferentes de letramento tiveram destaque para elevar o nível de LFS. Essas práticas deveriam ser mais utilizadas para o planejamento e a tomada de decisões para qualificar os serviços de saúde e melhorar os cuidados prestados à população.
Shedding light on pancreatic metastasis of clear cell sarcoma: An exceptional journey
Authors: Chaudhary Preeti Kumari , Kim Soochong
Published: July 2024

This editorial comments on the study by Liu et al investigating pancreatic metastasis of clear cell sarcoma (CCS) published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases . CCS is a rare and aggressive melanocytic tumor, that typically arises from tendons and aponeuroses of the limbs, and metastasizes to the lungs, bones, and brain. However, pancreatic metastasis has rarely been reported, presenting unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Elucidating the clinical characteristics, imaging features, prognostic factors, and treatment outcomes of patients with pancreatic CCS metastasis is crucial. Surgery remains an effective management strategy for CCS. However, the high recurrence rate and low effectiveness of traditional adjuvant treatments necessitate a shift towards more personalized and targeted treatment plans. Research is needed to investigate and validate novel therapeutic approaches specifically tailored to the distinct genetic and molecular characteristics of rare malignancies like CCS. Additionally, the development of late metastases after a long disease-free interval is common in CCS patients. Therefore, routine postoperative surveillance for metastasis using computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scans, and positron emission tomography scans is crucial. Moving forward, enhanced collaboration, investigation, and creative thinking among scientists, medical professionals, and legislators are essential to gain a deeper understanding of these rare presentations.
Analysis of long-term outcome of modified gastric bypass for type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese patients
Authors: Xing Ying , Bai Ri-Xing , Li You-Guo , Xu Jun , Zhong Zhi-Qiang , Yan Ming , Yan Wen-Mao
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Bariatric and metabolic surgery have been routinely performed following the rapid increase in obesity and metabolic diseases worldwide. Of all evolving procedures, Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is considered the gold standard for surgical treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. RYGB was introduced in China nearly 20 years ago, but the number of RYGB surgeries only accounts for 3.1% of the total number of weight loss and metabolic surgeries in China, it’s effect on Chinese people still needs further study.

AIM

To investigate the effect and safety of a modified gastric bypass performed in Chinese patients with T2DM.

METHODS

Patients with obesity and T2DM who underwent modified gastric bypass, with > 5-year follow-up data, were analyzed.

RESULTS

All 37 patients underwent uneventful laparoscopic surgery, no patient was switched to laparotomy during the surgery, and no severe complications were reported. Average weight and body mass index of the patients reduced from 84.6 ± 17.3 (60.0–140.0) kg and 30.9 ± 5.0 (24.7–46.2) kg/m2 to 67.1 ± 12.2 (24.7–46.2) kg and 24.6 ± 3.9 (17.7–36.5) kg/m2, respectively, and fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin decreased from 7.4 ± 3.4 mmol/L and 8.2% ± 1.7% preoperatively to 6.5 ± 1.3 mmol/L and 6.5% ± 0.9% 5-years postoperatively, respectively. Only 29.7% (11/37) of the patients used hypoglycemic drugs 5-years postoperatively, and the complete remission rate of T2DM was 29.7% (11/37). Triglyceride level reduced significantly but high-density lipoprotein increased significantly (both P < 0.05) compared with those during the preoperative period. Liver and renal function improved significantly postoperatively, and binary logistic regression analysis revealed that the patients’ preoperative history of T2DM and fasting C-peptide were significant prognostic factors influencing complete T2DM remission after RYGB (P = 0.006 and 0.012, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The modified gastric bypass is a safe and feasible procedure for Chinese patients with obesity and T2DM, exhibiting satisfactory amelioration of weight problems, hyperglycemia, and combination disease.
Prognostic significance of oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 expression in glioma patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Peng-Cheng , Yun De-Bo , Huang Ya-Xin , Huang Qian-Yi
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Gliomas are the most common primary central nervous system neoplasm. Despite recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of gliomas, patient prognosis remains dismal. Therefore, it is imperative to identify novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets of glioma to effectively improve treatment outcomes.

AIM

To investigate the association between oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2 (Olig2) expression and the outcomes of glioma patients.

METHODS

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched for studies (published up to October 2023) that investigated the relationship between Olig2 expression and prognosis of glioma patients. The quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Data analyses were performed using Stata Version 12.0 software.

RESULTS

A total of 1205 glioma patients from six studies were included in the meta-analysis. High Olig2 expression was associated with better outcomes in glioma patients [hazard ratio (HR): 0.81; 95% (confidence interval) CI: 0.51-1.27; P = 0.000]. Furthermore, the results of subgroup meta-analysis showed that high expression of Olig2 was associated with poor overall survival in European patients (HR: 1.34; 95%CI: 0.79-2.27) and better prognosis in Asian patients (HR: 0.43; 95%CI: 0.22-0.84). The sensitivity analysis showed that no single study had a significant effect on pooled HR, and there was also no indication of publication bias according to the Egger’s and Begger’s P value test or funnel plot test.

CONCLUSION

High Olig2 expression may have a positive impact on the prognosis of glioma patients, and should be investigated further as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for glioma.
Returning from the afterlife? Sotorasib treatment for advanced KRAS mutant lung cancer: A case report
Authors: Wang Ming-Xing , Zhu Pei , Shi Yue , Sun Qing-Ming , Dong Wan-Hui
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is increasing in incidence worldwide, and targeted therapies are developing at a rapid pace. Furthermore, the KRAS specific gene is strongly associated with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC who have tested positive for the KRAS G12C mutation and have progressed after at least one systemic treatment are treated with sotorasib.

CASE SUMMARY

In this study, we report on an advanced NSCLC with a KRAS G12C mutation. The histological diagnosis indicates stage IVB left lung adenocarcinoma with pelvic and bone metastases, identified as cT4N2bM1c. Using circulating tumor DNA analysis, it was possible to determine the mutation abundance of the KRAS gene exon 2, c.34G > Tp.G12C, which was 32.3%. The patient was advised to take sotorasib as part of their treatment. The imaging data were compared before and after treatment. Furthermore, clinical reassessments and regular serial blood testing were conducted. We found that the patient’s clinical symptoms significantly improved after receiving sotorasib medication, and there were no notable side effects, such as liver toxicity, during the treatment.

CONCLUSION

Sotorasib has shown promising clinical efficacy in patients with the KRAS G12c mutation and has no apparent toxic side effects.
Omadacycline in the treatment of scrub typhus: Three case reports
Authors: Lang Xue-Mei , Qiu Yun , Jia Ya-Juan , Sun Hong , Gao Su-Min , Zhao Hong-Mei
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Scrub typhus is a naturally occurring acute infectious disease that is primarily transmitted through the bites of chiggers or larval mites infected by Orientia tsutsugamushi (O. tsutsugamushi) . Omadacycline, a novel tetracycline, exhibits potent antibacterial efficacy against both typical bacteria and atypical pathogens. However, omadacycline application in the treatment of scrub typhus remains limited.

CASE SUMMARY

In the present work, we report several cases of scrub typhus, with the main clinical symptoms being fever, the formation of eschars or ulcers, local or systemic lymphadenopathy, headache, myalgia and rash. Blood samples were collected before omadacycline was administered, and O. tsutsugamushi infection was confirmed through targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS). After two days of treatment, the patients’ symptoms, including fever, were alleviated, with no adverse drug reactions.

CONCLUSION

tNGS is an effective method for diagnosing scrub typhus. Omadacycline can be considered an alternative option for antiinfective therapy in patients with O. tsutsugamushi infections.
A Review on Skin Cancer and New Treatment Approach
Authors: Jha Deepak Kumar , Hassan Amani Abdalbagi Eshag , Shree R Raveena
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT: Skin cancer is a most common disease classified into "melanomas,” which predominantly generates from melanocytes (the cells responsible for producing melanin), and "non-melanomas,” which is comprised of “basal cell carcinoma," which arises from the basal cell located in the deepest layer of the epidermis, and “squamous cell carcinoma,” which originates from the squamous cell found within the epidermal layer. It is influenced by both non-biological (UV rays and environmental exposure) and biological factors, such as genetics and types of skin. For better treatment, initial detection of cancer plays a vital role. Prevention and management of skin cancer requires changes in lifestyle, routine screenings, and modern medical treatments. Some of which are our hope include advancements in imaging techniques, immunotherapy, genetic markers, and plant-based management. As skin cancer cases are increasing worldwide, it is essential to explore various treatment and prevention strategies. Prevention and treatment of skin cancer and patient outcomes could improve by developing medical devices and novel therapeutic approaches. Initial detection, routine screening, and a blend of conventional and innovative treatments are crucial for fighting this widespread disease.
Understanding Diagnosis and Management of Psoriasis from Pages of History to Modern Era
Authors: Khan Nawalur Rehman , Mohsin Mohammad , Jameel Sana , Khan Diwan Israr
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT: Objective To provide a current and informative description of psoriasis diagnosis and treatment from historical accounts to the present day. Methodology From the study's commencement until March 1, 2022, data were gathered from Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library. The primary focus was on searching for pertinent meta-analyses, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and observational studies regarding the diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis. Results and Conclusion Psoriasis is a long-term inflammatory disease affecting multiple systems, mostly affecting the skin and joints. The disease is recognized from ancient times. It may affect social functioning and interpersonal relationships of patients. Psoriasis is a systemic inflammatory disease that has several co-morbidities. The diagnosis is primarily clinical and a skin biopsy is seldom required. Depending on the severity of disease, appropriate treatment can be initiated including topical treatments like corticosteroids, topical retinoids, salicylic acid; phototherapy including UVB, PUVA along with systemic medications like oral retinoids, methotrexate, cyclosporine. Biologic Therapies are required for treatment for some patients who do not respond to above treatment. Systemic immunomodulatory drugs like Apremilast and JAK Inhibitors are also used. For most of the cases combined therapy along with life style modifications give promising results.
Insilico Drug Design, Synthesis and Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory Activity Pyrimidine Analogue
Authors: Aher Sanket N. , Sonawane Sanjana N. , Sonawane Pawan R. , Surana Khemchand R. , Mahajan Sunil K. , M. Patil Dhananjay , Katkade Pramod N.
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT: A class of pyrimidine-based molecules was designed for their in silico study, synthesis, and testing for their in vitro anti-inflammatory evaluation. The compounds were tested in an in silico study against anti-inflammatory proteins like FAAH (PDB ID: 4DO3) by using two different software programmes, Ace-dock and Arguslab, and showed promising signs of being a possible drug candidate. In silico toxicity prediction was also done on these compounds. The drug-likeness screening was done to satisfy the Lipinsky rule of five. In our recent investigation, we focused on environment-friendly approaches to synthesising pyrimidine derivatives in the presence of an ethanolic potassium hydroxide solution. The Claisen-Schmidt condensation of acetophenone and various substituted benzaldehydes produces pyrimidine. The pyrimidine derivatives 2a-p and 3a-c were synthesized. The synthesised molecules were screened on the basis of an in silico study, and the molecules were selected and subjected to a check for their in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. A test called the albumin denaturation assay was used to see how much heat-induced protein denaturation could be stopped. The compounds that were synthesised and the standard drug, diclofenac sodium, both stopped protein denaturation at levels ranging from 100 to 500 ppm. Maximum inhibition of 68.59% was observed at the concentration of 100 ppm of compound 2d. Diclofenac sodium showed the maximum inhibition, which was 80.58% at a concentration of 100 ppm. It is concluded that 2d has the potential for further investigation for anti-inflammatory activity.
Comparative Study of Thermotolerant Hexavalent Cr Bioremediating Bacteria from Dharavi in India
Authors: Manoranjitham Victoriya , Chunduri Jayaprada Rao
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT: The Indian leather industry, crucial for the economy, relies on chrome tanning, using 69,000 tons of chromium annually, with 39% ending up as hazardous waste. The non-biodegradable and toxic nature of released chromium poses health risks and contributes to soil contamination. Exploring extremophiles, especially thermophiles, for metal reduction shows promise for efficient bioremediation. The study aims to isolate and identify microorganisms efficient in hexavalent Cr (Cr6+) bioremediation, encountering two Cr6+ resistant thermotolerant isolates, MW50 and TJ100. The isolates MW50 and TJ100 could tolerate up to 700ppm and 600ppm of Cr6+ respectively. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) revealed MW50 to reduce 97.58% of 200ppm Cr6+, and TJ100 to reduce 90.26% 200ppm Cr6+. Also, the isolates were resistant to multiple heavy metals and antibiotics. The 16Sr RNA studies identified MW50 as Ochrobactrum anthropi and TJ100 as Bacillus aerius. MW50 showed extracellular chromate reductase activity. Crude form of the enzyme was extracted and studied for bioremediation. The enzyme was partially purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation, dialysis and, ion exchange chromatography, and its molecular weight was found to be 72 kDa by SDS PAGE. The DNA samples isolated from both the isolates showed the presence of chrA gene responsible for Cr bioremediation.
CMS Proposes Increased Reimbursement for Hospitals but a Decrease for Physicians in 2025
Authors: Robbins Richard ,   Phoenix Pulmonary and Research Education Foundation, Gilbert, AZ USA
Published: July 2024

No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its proposed changes to the fee schedule for 2025 on July 10. Hospital compensation will increase by 2.6% from 2024 for hospital outpatient services and 2.8% for inpatient services (1). In contrast, physician payment will DECREASE 2.8% (2). This continues the trend in CMS reimbursement. Over the past 20 years, physician pay has plummeted by 26% when adjusted for inflation while hospital reimbursement has surged by 70% (3). The proposal drew quick criticism from the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) (3). "With CMS estimating a fifth consecutive year of Medicare payment reductions — this time by 2.8 percent — it's evident that Congress must solve this problem," AMA President Bruce Scott, MD, said. "In addition to the cut, CMS predicts that the Medicare Economic Index — the measure of practice cost inflation — will increase by 3.6 percent. Facing …
"Seguro que mi espíritu alma ya empezó a caminar": Poética del sufrimiento y errancia del alma en el testimonio andino contemporáneo = We, the Poor, Heal God's Wounds: Suffering and the Wandering of the Soul in Contemporary Andean testimonio
Authors: Agnoli Rocío Quispe
Published: July 2024

Abstract in English: In the early 1970s, Asunta Quispe Huamán and Gregorio Condori Mamami told their life stories to anthropologists from the perspective of poor Indians who lived in one of Cuzco's shanty towns. They spoke about orphanhood, abandonment, physical and emotional sufferings, and their path toward death. In this article, I approach their testimonial accounts to gain insight into late twentieth-century Indigenous perspective about life and death where Andean expectations about social standing and beliefs intersect. Gregorio's sufferings are explained from the very first statement of his life story where he identified himself as an orphan: "I left my hometown behind because I had no mother or father. (I am) A dirt poor orphan (waqcha)" (1996, 21). The Quechua waqcha refers to a person who has no community ties. Being an orphan determined Gregorio's fate as a life of poverty, sufferings, and violence. Asunta, on the other hand, spoke at length of her pain through moments of a woman's life in the rural Andes (from young girl to adulthood, physical abuse, rape, abortion, the loss of children, illness). In her account, she referred to her ailments and the imminence of her death as the wandering of her soul, which stops in each place where she experienced pain and was careless, "even the places where we let a sewing needle drop to the floor" (136). As Catherine Allen explains, in the Andes, a person afflicted by illness or extreme fatigue may look toward death and recognize that their soul (alma) is wandering, and their spirit (ánimo) is fading. In this way, a person's soul begins to leave the body long before they expire. This article pays special attention to the intersection of narrating traumatic events and elements of mythical discourse where native and Christian beliefs about life and death in the Andes converge.
La novela latinoamericana de la violencia del siglo XXI: Vásquez, Trelles Paz y Ávila Pérez, un desafío para un nuevo paradigma de los estudios literarios del trauma = Trauma as a social experience in the Latin American narconovel of the XXI century: Vásquez, Trelles Paz and Ávila Pérez
Authors: López Danilo Santos , Campana Silvana D'ottone
Published: July 2024

Abstract in English: In the novels we call narcoliterarias (see Santos, Urgelles, and Vásquez, 2016, 2021), El ruido de las cosas al caer (2011) by the Colombian Juan Gabriel Vásquez; Bioy (2012) by the Peruvian Diego Trelles Paz; and Persistencia de la memoria (2021) by the Chilean Iván Ávila Pérez, scenes of violence are updated in the characters through traumatic sequences. The narco-literary novel presents elements of the three types of violence (see Johan Galtung's Triangle of Violence). Within the framework of direct aggressions (one of the features that defines the narco-literary narrative), the causes and future effects of these forms of violence are identified. For that exemplary sequence of trauma, a prototypical novel is El ruido , in which the characters suffer physical-psychological effects of the violence linked to the Colombian armed conflict. In all three novels the trauma is connected from an individual experience of the characters to a social experience. In fact, this shared social experience can be linked to the historical conflicts of each nation, especially the phenomenon of drug trafficking and the violent response of state institutions such as the army and the police. The individual experience represents the collective experiences, as with Vásquez's protagonist, the lawyer Antonio Yamnara. In this way, our theoretical approach is linked to trauma studies both at the level of tropology, and at the narrative forms with which trauma and its effects are described. We delve into the line of both the establishment of the forms of production of trauma, the connections with the elements of the social-literary code of the narco; and as Latin American stories, implicitly, the traumatic extension of the transcultural linked to the experiences of Latin American historical violence. To do this, although we will use some initial delimitations from Cathy Caruth, we will advance in the connection with the social studies and poetics of trauma linked to the works of M. Rothberg, Nicole Sütterlin, and Joshua Pederson.
Back-up Mom
Authors: Furlong Janice
Published: July 2024

Abstract: The Summer 2024 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares “the Triton among minnows.” The Summer 2024 Issue, guest-edited by Rebecca Makkai, features prose by Dur e Aziz Amna, Ramona Ausubel, Peter Mountford, Khaddafina Mbabazi, DK Nnuro, and more.
Gaps and Silences
Authors: Roberts Suzanne
Published: July 2024

Abstract: The Summer 2024 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares “the Triton among minnows.” The Summer 2024 Issue, guest-edited by Rebecca Makkai, features prose by Dur e Aziz Amna, Ramona Ausubel, Peter Mountford, Khaddafina Mbabazi, DK Nnuro, and more.
Havaldar of Rangoon
Authors: Amna Dur e Aziz
Published: July 2024

Abstract: The Summer 2024 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares “the Triton among minnows.” The Summer 2024 Issue, guest-edited by Rebecca Makkai, features prose by Dur e Aziz Amna, Ramona Ausubel, Peter Mountford, Khaddafina Mbabazi, DK Nnuro, and more.
The Impact of Educational Migration in the Transition to a Modern City: Focusing on Bukchon as the Locus of Educational Migration to Gyeongseong
Authors: Yang Seongwon , Jung Hyunjoo
Published: July 2024

Abstract: About 100 years ago, Bukchon occupied a much larger part of Seoul than today, encompassing neighborhoods north of Cheonggyecheon. It was an area where middle-and upper-class residents lived continuously from the Joseon dynasty and major elite educational institutions were concentrated. This study first looks into the educational institutions of Bukchon from the late 19th to the early 20th century, following the Gabo Reform which abolished the status system. It argues that the middle class and students from the provinces migrated to Gyeongseong to take advantage of the educational institutions located in Bukchon. Next, with data on the location of schools and the students’ residency situation around the 1930s, this study examines the trend of educational migration to Bukchon during the colonial period. The analysis reveals that the educational institutions established in the late 19th century persisted and expanded during the colonial period, which led to the continuous movement to the capital of the middle class and students who desired to reproduce their class and achieve economic stability.
Non-invasive glucose extraction by a single polarization rotator system in patients with diabetes
Authors: Lo Yu-Lung , Chen Yi-Sheng , Wang Po-Yu , Chang Ching-Min , Wei Guan-Ting , Hung Wei-Chun
Published: July 2024

This study utilizes a Mueller matrix-based system to extract accurate glucose levels from human fingertips, addressing challenges in skin complexity. Integration of domain knowledge and data science aims to enhance prediction accuracy using a Random Forest model. The primary goal is to improve glucose level predictions by selecting effective features based on the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (PPMCC). The interpolation compensates for delayed glucose concentration. This study integrates domain knowledge and data science, combining a Mueller matrix-based system and a random forest model. It is noted that 16 effective features were identified from 27 test points collected from a healthy volunteer in the laboratory. These features were divided into training and prediction sets in a ratio of 8:2. As a result, the regression coefficient, R2, was 0.8907 and the mean absolute relative difference (MARD) was 6.8%, respectively. This significantly improves prediction accuracy, demonstrating the model's robustness and reliability in accurately forecasting outcomes based on the identified features. In addition, in the Institutional Review Board (IRB) tests at NCKU's hospital, all data passed the same preprocessing and model. The measurement results from an individual diabetic patient demonstrate high accuracy for blood glucose concentrations below 150 mg/dL, with acceptable deviation at higher levels and no severe error zones. Over a three-month period, data from the participating diabetic patient showed a MARD of 4.44% with the R2 of 0.836, and the other patient recorded a MARD of 7.79% with the R2 of 0.855. The study shows the proposed approach accurately extracts glucose levels. Integrating domain knowledge, data science, and effective strategies significantly improves prediction accuracy.
Introduction to the JOCN Special Issue on the Impact of Photonic Technologies on Future Optical Networks
Authors: Svaluto Moreolo Michela , Ferreira Martins-Filho Joaquim
Published: July 2024

This Special Issue contains a collection of twelve papers on the impact of photonic technologies on future optical networks, including extensions of selected works presented at the SBMO/IEEE MTT-S International Microwave and Optoelectronics Conference (IMOC) held on 5–9 November 2023 in Castelldefels, Spain. We present a brief introduction followed by an overview of the papers.
Spatiotemporal vectorial structured light that dynamically varies on higher-order Poincaré sphere
Authors: Liang Yize , Xi Teli , Cao Shuai , Liu Lixian , Liu Fei , Wan Zhenyu , Wang Jian , Shao Xiaopeng
Published: July 2024

Higher-order structured light beams, including optical vortex (OV) beams and vector beams, which can be geometrically represented as points on higher-order Poincaré spheres (HOPSs), have been widely exploited in applications such as optical trapping, optical communications, optical metrology, quantum optics, to name a few. To date, traditional approaches to producing such higher-order structured light beams deal with controllable generation of different static points on HOPS. In this paper, we propose and demonstrate the generation of spatiotemporal structured light beams that dynamically vary on HOPS. By superposing OV beams with different frequencies, spatiotemporal vectorial structured light beams that dynamically vary along latitude lines, meridians, and other trajectories on the first order Poincaré sphere are generated in simulation. Our work may give new insight into arbitrarily and ultrafast tailoring higher-order structured light beams.
Design of near-infrared solid-state tunable Fabry-Perot filters based on VO2/P4VP films
Authors: Liu Yu , Liu Anqi , Li Bolin , Yang Yi , Feng Junzhe , Wu Yizhang , Lu Min , Zhang Yu , Bai Xue , Chen Yongyi
Published: July 2024

The significant refractive index change of VO2 during phase transition makes it attractive for the design of optical switches and filters, but high absorption of VO2 limits its development in the field of filter. In this paper, we firstly design near-infrared solid-state tunable/switchable single-/dual-band bandpass Fabry-Perot (F-P) filters based on VO2/P4VP composite films using COMSOL software. The simulation results show that the single-passband tunable filter can achieve a continuous thermal tuning range of 19 nm at 1064 nm, the full width at half maxima (FWHM) is 28.8 nm, and the peak transmittance is >30%. On this basis, we simulated a tunable dual-band bandpass filter, the left peak can be heated to achieve a tuning range of 15 nm (945 nm), the right peak is 24 nm (1168 nm), the peak transmittances of both the two peaks are >35%. When boosting the VO2 fraction, the continuous tunability of the above-mentioned single-/dual-band filters will be switchable due to the high absorption of VO2, and then switchable single-/dual-band bandpass filters are designed. This work has guiding significance for the design of novel filter structures and optical tunable devices based on phase change materials such as VO2 in the future.
Highly sensitive CH4,C2H2and CO simultaneous measurement LITES sensor based on multi-pass cell with overlapped spots pattern and QTFs with low resonant frequency
Authors: Sun Haiyue , Qiao Shunda , He Ying , Liu Yahui , Ma Yufei
Published: July 2024

This paper presents a simultaneous measurement light-induced thermoelectric spectroscopy (LITES) sensor with high sensitivity for detecting methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO) and acetylene (C2H2). It employs a multi-pass cell (MPC) with an overlapped spots pattern and low resonant frequency circle-head quartz tuning forks (QTFs) for the first time. The fiber-coupled MPC with an optical length (OPL) of 40 m was combined with a thin-film filter (TFF) to improve the laser absorption and enable light spots multiplexing on mirrors. Three self-designed circle-head QTFs with low resonant frequencies of less than 10 kHz and a quality factor of ∼ 11500 were adopted to improve the detection ability. The LITES sensor detected multi-gas signals based on their unique absorption spectrum, enabling real-simultaneous measurement of CH4, CO, and C2H2. After optimization, the minimum detection limits (MDLs) of 0.5 ppm, 126.9 ppm and 0.4 ppm for these gases were obtained, respectively. With integration times of 300 s for CH4and 200 s each for CO and C2H2, the MDLs could be further reduced to 0.09 ppm, 57.1 ppm, and 0.07 ppm, correspondingly. The paper concludes with a discussion of potential strategies for further improving the performance of such LITES sensors.
Demonstration of an 8-Gbit/s quadrature-phase-shift-keying coherent underwater wireless optical communication link using coherent heterodyne detection under scattering conditions
Authors: Duan Yuxiang , Zhou Huibin , Jiang Zile , Ramakrishnan Muralekrishnan , Su Xinzhou , Ko Wing , Zuo Yue , Lian Hongkun , Zeng Ruoyu , Wang Yingning , Zhao Zixun , Tur Moshe , Willner Alan E.
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we experimentally demonstrate an 8-Gbit/s quadrature-phase-shift-keying (QPSK) coherent underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC) link under scattering conditions at 532 nm. At the transmitter, we generate the 532-nm QPSK signal using second-harmonic generation (SHG), where the 1064-nm signal modulated with four phase levels of an 8-phase-shift-keying (8-PSK) format is phase doubled to produce the 532-nm QPSK signal. To enhance the receiver sensitivity, we utilize a local oscillator (LO) at the receiver from an independent laser source. The received QPSK data beam is mixed with the independent LO for coherent heterodyne detection. Results show that the bit error rates (BERs) of the received QPSK signal can reach below the 7% forward error correction (FEC) limit under turbid water with attenuation lengths (γL) up to 7.4 and 6.1 for 2- and 8-Gbit/s QPSK, respectively. The corresponding receiver sensitivities are −34.0 and −28.4 dBm for 2- and 8-Gbit/s QPSK, respectively.
Dominant activities of fear engram cells in the dorsal dentate gyrus underlie fear generalization in mice
Authors: Cui Kun , Qi Xuetao , Liu Zilong , Sun Weiqi , Jiao Peijie , Liu Chang , Tong Jifu , Sun Xiaoyan , Sun Haojie , Fu Su , Wang Jiaxin , Zheng Yawen , Liu Tianyu , Cui Shuang , Liu Fengyu , Mao Jian , Zheng Jie , Wan You , Yi Ming
Published: July 2024

Over-generalized fear is a maladaptive response to harmless stimuli or situations characteristic of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other anxiety disorders. The dorsal dentate gyrus (dDG) contains engram cells that play a crucial role in accurate memory retrieval. However, the coordination mechanism of neuronal subpopulations within the dDG network during fear generalization is not well understood. Here, with the Tet-off system combined with immunostaining and two-photon calcium imaging, we report that dDG fear engram cells labeled in the conditioned context constitutes a significantly higher proportion of dDG neurons activated in a similar context where mice show generalized fear. The activation of these dDG fear engram cells encoding the conditioned context is both sufficient and necessary for inducing fear generalization in the similar context. Activities of mossy cells in the ventral dentate gyrus (vMCs) are significantly suppressed in mice showing fear generalization in a similar context, and activating the vMCs-dDG pathway suppresses generalized but not conditioned fear. Finally, modifying fear memory engrams in the dDG with “safety” signals effectively rescues fear generalization. These findings reveal that the competitive advantage of dDG engram cells underlies fear generalization, which can be rescued by activating the vMCs-dDG pathway or modifying fear memory engrams, and provide novel insights into the dDG network as the neuronal basis of fear generalization.
Dopamine and acetylcholine have distinct roles in delay- and effort-based decision-making in humans
Authors: Erfanian Abdoust Mani , Froböse Monja Isabel , Schnitzler Alfons , Schreivogel Elisabeth , Jocham Gerhard
Published: July 2024

In everyday life, we encounter situations that require tradeoffs between potential rewards and associated costs, such as time and (physical) effort. The literature indicates a prominent role for dopamine in discounting of both delay and effort, with mixed findings for delay discounting in humans. Moreover, the reciprocal antagonistic interaction between dopaminergic and cholinergic transmission in the striatum suggests a potential opponent role of acetylcholine in these processes. We found opposing effects of dopamine D2 (haloperidol) and acetylcholine M1 receptor (biperiden) antagonism on specific components of effort-based decision-making in healthy humans: haloperidol decreased, whereas biperiden increased the willingness to exert physical effort. In contrast, delay discounting was reduced under haloperidol, but not affected by biperiden. Together, our data suggest that dopamine, acting at D2 receptors, modulates both effort and delay discounting, while acetylcholine, acting at M1 receptors, appears to exert a more specific influence on effort discounting only.
Variable importance analysis with interpretable machine learning for fair risk prediction
Authors: Ning Yilin , Li Siqi , Ng Yih Yng , Chia Michael Yih Chong , Gan Han Nee , Tiah Ling , Mao Desmond Renhao , Ng Wei Ming , Leong Benjamin Sieu-Hon , Doctor Nausheen , Ong Marcus Eng Hock , Liu Nan
Published: July 2024

Machine learning (ML) methods are increasingly used to assess variable importance, but such black box models lack stability when limited in sample sizes, and do not formally indicate non-important factors. The Shapley variable importance cloud (ShapleyVIC) addresses these limitations by assessing variable importance from an ensemble of regression models, which enhances robustness while maintaining interpretability, and estimates uncertainty of overall importance to formally test its significance. In a clinical study, ShapleyVIC reasonably identified important variables when the random forest and XGBoost failed to, and generally reproduced the findings from smaller subsamples (n = 2500 and 500) when statistical power of the logistic regression became attenuated. Moreover, ShapleyVIC reasonably estimated non-significant importance of race to justify its exclusion from the final prediction model, as opposed to the race-dependent model from the conventional stepwise model building. Hence, ShapleyVIC is robust and interpretable for variable importance assessment, with potential contribution to fairer clinical risk prediction.