bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personas salvadoreñas refugiadas y solicitantes en Costa Rica: satisfacción residencial e intención de permanencia
Authors: Moya González José David
Published: August 2024

Objetivo. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar la relación entre la satisfacción residencial y la intención de permanencia en Costa Rica de la población salvadoreña refugiada y solicitante de refugio en el cantón de San José. Método. La muestra se basó en una población de 41 personas, con un promedio de edad de 38 años. A 33 personas se les administró un cuestionario de satisfacción residencial e intención de permanencia, basado en García y Arends (2012) y en Aragonés y Corraliza (1992). Finalmente, 8 personas participaron en un grupo focal. Resultados. La intención de permanencia tiene relación con la búsqueda constante de seguridad en el vecindario. Mientras más seguridad se experimenta, mayor es la intención de permanecer. Las personas buscan además mejorar sus barrios, en términos de seguridad, organización y protección comunitarias.
Aplicación de un protocolo de imaginería mental para la promoción del aprendizaje implícito en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Mora-Benambourg José Manuel , Marín-Picado Bradly
Published: August 2024

Objetivo. La mejora de las habilidades cognitivas es un tema de especial interés en la actualidad. Todavía se está determinando si técnicas como la imaginería mental (IM) podrían generar una mejora cognitiva a través de la modulación de la actividad cerebral. El propósito de este estudio fue aportar información sobre el impacto de la imaginería mental en el aprendizaje motor implícito. Método. Se aplicó un protocolo de IM a un grupo experimental antes de realizar una tarea de aprendizaje motor implícito, mientras que un grupo de control recibió realimentación simulada. Además, para tener evidencia empírica de la activación cortical durante la IM, se registró, mediante electroencefalografía, la actividad de la corteza motora durante el inicio y durante la tarea de aprendizaje motor implícito. Resultados. Los modelos ANCOVA muestran cómo el protocolo de IM impacta el proceso de aprendizaje motor implícito, pero no tan claramente como se esperaba.
Los vínculos entre el espacio público, la identidad y la ciudadanía. Estudio de caso en una plaza pública de Chile
Authors: Rojas Mora Paloma , Henrriquez Fernández Daniel , Palavecinos Tapia Mireya
Published: August 2024

Objetivo. Explorar los significados asociados a los usos de una plaza pública en la ciudad de Temuco, Chile. Método. Es un estudio cualitativo, con un diseño de estudio de caso. Para la recolección de datos, se aplicaron, en tres etapas sucesivas, entrevistas situadas, observación participante, encuesta online y entrevistas en profundidad a usuarios de la plaza. Participaron del estudio 211 personas con rangos de edad entre los 18 y los 65 años. Resultados. Los principales resultados evidencian que existen diferencias vinculadas a los usos y significados asociados al lugar según género, edad, tiempo de residencia y la tendencia política.
Representaciones sociales de la COVID-19 en adultos mayores mexicanos al inicio y dos años después de la pandemia
Authors: Torres-López Teresa M. , Reyes-Velázquez Karen Guadalupe , Lozano-Valenzuela Clarisse Abigail , Sandoval-Díaz Manuel
Published: August 2024

Objetivo. Analizar las representaciones sociales (RS) de la COVID-19 en personas mayores mexicanas de Guadalajara, San Luis Potosí y Morelia, al inicio y dos años después de la pandemia. Método. Se realizó un estudio exploratorio cualitativo de dos fases: identificación del contenido y del núcleo central, e identificación de elementos periféricos de las RS. Participaron 49 personas adultas mayores habitantes de las ciudades mencionadas. Resultados. Las RS, al inicio y dos años después de la pandemia, muestran similitudes en el núcleo central con los términos enfermedad, muerte, miedo y confinamiento. Entre las diferencias, destacan el peligro y las emociones negativas en la primera fase y la vacuna y el afrontamiento en la segunda. Ello permite identificar en la segunda fase mayores elementos para el manejo y prevención de la COVID-19.
HISTOLOGICAL CHANGES IN SPONTANEOUS RUPTURE OF THE CRANIAL CRUCIATE LIGAMENT IN THE DOG
Authors: R. Roydev  , R. Simeonov
Published: August 2024

Introduction and aim of the work: The rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) is among the most common causes of pelvic limb lameness in dogs. The objective of this study was to investigate the histological changes in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture and to compare the result using three different score systems
Materials and Methods: The study cohort comprised of 30 dogs of various breeds, ages, genders and body weights with spontaneous cranial cruciate ligament rupture divided into 3 groups (1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks’ post-rupture). All tissue samples from CrCL were collected after open medial or lateral arthrotomy and histology slides were prepared and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Three different score systems were used for grading the histological changes-synovitis score modified Bonar and modified Vasseur score.
Results: Our results showed that no inflammatory cells were observed in groups II and III and a very limited number in group I. We also found the highest erythrocytes deposition and larger lumen of blood vessels, uneven arrangement of the collagen fibers as well as fibrocytes transformation into chondrocytes in group I. In group II multiple blood vessel were also filled with erythrocytes and the number of chondrocytes is increased in comparison to group I. In group III blood vessels size and number were reduced in comparison to group I and II and many sections of the collagen fibers showed hyalinization.
Conclusion: In summary, degenerative changes were seen in all samples examined of cranial cruciate ligaments with different grades of chondroid metaplasia, increased cellularity and vascularity. Inflammatory changes were rarely detected by lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates with or without lymphoid aggregate deposition. No correlation was noted between age and all histological scores.
A TECHNICAL NOTE ON SAFE DEFINITIVE EXTERNALIZED LOCKED PLATING FOR BIOLOGICAL FRACTURE HEALING IN COMPLEX TIBIAL FRACTURES
Authors: B. Makelov
Published: August 2024

Purpose. This technical note describes a minimally invasive surgical technique for early appropriate care in patients with high-energy, multifragmentary tibial fractures by means of safe one-stage external stabilization with angle-stabled plates. The purpose of the presented prospective case series study was, to explore the clinical feasibility and research the biomechanical parameters and of externalized locked plating and, to test the functional result and clinical outcomes following the novel technique for definitive surgical treatment for complex - meta-diaphyseal multifragmentary, proximal (with simple intra-articular) and distal (multifragmentary metaphyseal), fractures of the shin bone.
Methods: Thirty-three patients participated in the prospective feasibility study, carried out from August 2012 to September 2023. The precise inclusion criteria were: sustained high-energy tibial trauma and severe soft tissue injury, with complex proximal and distal meta-diaphyseal tibial fractures, stabilized with externalized locked plating. Results: Eighteen of the patients from the prospective cohort included in the study were followed up for an average of 21.4 ± 12.3 months, union rate of 94,7%. All fractures healed by means of secondary bone union and with minor complications. We reached a significantly shorter mean union time was 21.1 ± 4.6 weeks, for patients with proximal extra- versus intra-articular meta-diaphyseal tibial fractures, p = 0.04. According to HSS and AOFAS scores, good and excellent functional results in knee and ankle joints’ range of motion were accomplished among 90 percents of the patients. However, there were no registered implant de-bricolage, non-union or severe deep infection. We had two patients with re-fracture between the fourth and sixth week after external plate removal, who underwent secondary surgical procedure for successful bone healing. Several screws were loosened in nine patients from the cohort, with no negative effect on the bone union process.
Conclusions. The currently reported technique for one–stage supercutaneous fracture stabilization by means of externalized locked plating is a novel surgical procedure for a safe external fracture fixation with LISS-DF plate. The definitive externalized fracture plating is a viable surgical solution for natural bone union in complex – multifragmentary meta-diaphyseal tibial fractures with injured soft tissue envelope.
ALTERNATIVE APPROACHES TO MEDICAL ABORTION
Authors: K. Telbiyska  , M. Angelova
Published: August 2024

Medical abortion involving various pharmacological agents has demonstrated high levels of complete uterine evacuation. Alternative approaches involving letrozole, mifepristone, methotrexate used synergically with misoprostol are non-invasive elective methods of achieving complete abortion. Abortion induced by mifepristone, letrozole and misoprostol results in complete evacuation in 98% of the cases.The synergic effect of mifepristone and misoprostol achieves 98.2% effectiveness. Medical management of abortion with letrozole and misoprostol has 97.8% complete expulsion. Current reports of surgical termination of pregnancy reveal 97% effectiveness.
Letrozole destabilizes the dominant position of mifepristone but the reports of its non-significant prevalence regarding complete abortion should be verified by a larger number of studies. Medical abortion is non-inferior in its effectiveness to surgical abortion and is unambiguously likely to become in the future the principal recommendation for termination of early pregnancy.
A COMPREHENSIVE CASE STUDY AND LITERATURE ANALYSIS ON THE EFFICACY OF ANTI-VEGF MEDICATION IN TREATING BRANCH RETINAL VEIN OCCLUSION
Authors: V. Draganova  , P. Draganov
Published: August 2024

Purpose: The goal of this case study and literature review is to assess whether anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medication is effective in coping with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). We present an in-depth examination of the patient’s medical records, diagnostic accomplishments and therapy results utilizing data from a 61-year-old male patient.
Methods: A case report with a brief literature review, which gives readers a better understanding of the current state of BRVO therapeutic choices, using data gathered from the Google Scholar and PubMed databases.
Results: A 61-year-old male with blurred vision in the upper half of the visual field in his left eye, BCVA OD: 20/20; OS: 20/70, presented to an outpatient clinic in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. The symptoms started three weeks ago. The patient reported a history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia. He denied any ocular diseases in his family. After an ophthalmology exam, he was recommended anti-VEGF therapy and antihypertensive and lipid lowering medications intake.
Conclusion: Coping with BRVO as ophthalmologists is very important for us, because RVO is one of the most common eye diseases. Intravitreal therapy has revolutionized the treatment of retinal vascular diseases, including BRVO. Although these intravitreal agents are effective, our understanding of their specific indications and long -term roles is still evolving. Furthermore, until the underlying occlusive pathophysiology of RVO, our treatments will be limited to temporizing therapies against a chronic disease.
GASTRODUODENAL ARTERY ANEURYSM - A CLINICAL CASE REPORT, BRIEF LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Iv. Tenev  , Hr. Atanasov  , N. Kovachev  , J. Yordanov  , D. Petkov
Published: August 2024

The aneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery (AGDA) is a rare, but potentially fatal vascular disease. Chronic pancreatitis is considered to be the leading etiological cause. The most common complication is rupture, which is accompanied by extremely high mortality, due to the rapidly occurring massive blood loss.
In such situations, a high index of clinical suspicion, followed by urgent imaging diagnosis and active treatment strategy in case of emergency can prevent a potentially fatal outcome.
In the following paper, we present a case of a successfully treated ruptured aneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery(AGDA), that started with minor gastrointestinal bleeding. Endoscopic hemostasis was attempted, followed by an episode of massive recurrent bleeding, requiring emergency operation.
A brief literature review, related to the diagnosis and treatment of this rare, but fatal complication of AGDA, is also presented.
21st CENTURY SKILLS IN THE FOREIGN LANGUAGE CLASSROOM: UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ PERCEPTIONS
Authors: P. Valcheva
Published: August 2024

In recent years, the so-called „new literacies”, or 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and communication, have been increasingly developed in the foreign language classroom through the integration of language knowledge, cross-cultural skills and digital competences. These complex perspectives put greater demands on foreign language teachers and learners and raise their awareness of the fundamental changes in the educational setting.
PURPOSE: This study seeks to identify university students’ perceptions of the challenges faced by 21st century foreign language teaching and learning. METHODS: A survey among 31 first- and third-year students in Primary School Pedagogy and Foreign Language at St. Cyril and St. Methodius University of Veliko Turnovo was conducted through anonymous pen-to-paper questionnaire in 2022. RESULTS: The results shed light on students’ beliefs, opinions and awareness of the high-order skills that have reshaped the English language classroom in the 21st century. Though students have scarce knowledge on 21st century skills, they are positive about the implementation of these skills in foreign language teaching and learning. CONCLUSION: The paper concludes that there is a pronounced need to raise the students’ awareness as to the potential of the „new literacies” in the foreign language classroom.
VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF A METHODOLOGICAL INSTRUMENT FOR MEASURING VERBAL-VISUAL COGNITIVE STYLES IN ADVERTISING
Authors: L. Spasova
Published: August 2024

This study has the following objective: to validate, adapt and modify a scale from Kirby, Moore and Schofield – VVQ, based on Richardson’s scale, to be applied in measurements of advertising influence. The statistical methods applied in the study were factor analysis using principal component analysis (PCA) and Varimax orthogonal rotation with Kaiser normalization, as well as correlation analyses to establish the linear relationship between the VVQ subscales (N=425). The results of a factor analysis (PCA) indicated that a 3-factor solution was acceptable for the present data, forming 3 subscales in the following order: for dreamers, for visualizers, and for verbalizers. Visualization was found to be more pronounced than verbalization in the individuals studied, and the vividness of sleep was more important in building individuals' verbal abilities than visual abilities. The results may be useful for researchers of cognitive styles of individuals as well as their segmentation in marketing, advertising and media.
An Integer Programming Model to Assign Train Drivers to Good Positions in Basic Turni
Authors: Liebchen Christian , Türk Christoph , Vornhusen Benedikt
Published: August 2024

We are reporting on a project on duty rostering of a train operating company in Germany. There, in the past, rostering took place on a purely individual basis. As the goal of the project, the train drivers should work according to a set of 20 essentially fixed basic turni. These plans took into effect from January 2024 on. In this extended abstract, we are focusing on a specific task that had to be resolved within the transition process. In particular, the fixed turni are intended to repeat periodically, most of them after 17 weeks. In particular, for that one turnus is equipped with train drivers in a balanced way, 17 employees have to be assigned to this turnus, each of them to one of the 17 different weeks of the turnus to start. To cover each day of the week, the weeks of the turnus typically differ in their number of working days. Since the holidays of the train drivers had been already planned in advance, depending on the starting week, during the entire year, a smaller or larger number of working days of the turnus could be erased by the individual holidays. In order to preserve as many working days as necessary, a straightforward mixed-integer linear optimization problem has been designed and solved, to decide which train driver should start to work in which week of the turnus. The solution of this optimization run has been finally applied in practice.
DESENHO E VALIDAÇÃO DE UMA ESCALA PARA MEDIR A COMPETÊNCIA DIGITAL SOB O ENFOQUE SÓCIO CULTURAL
Authors: Santana Flavia Barbosa Ferreira de , Jiménez Jesús Conde
Published: August 2024

O artigo apresenta o processo de desenho e validação do conteúdo de uma escala para medir a competência digital sob o enfoque sócio cultural: Domínio, Preferência, Reintegração e Apropriação. Especialistas definidos a partir do coeficiente de competência, avaliaram o instrumento por meio da escala de Likert. O conteúdo dos itens foi aprovado a partir do Índice de Validade de Conteúdo e o método Delphi foi utilizado para a comunicação com os especialistas. Os resultados demonstraram que a escala validada traz itens que buscam identificar a competência digital dos estudantes a partir dos seus interesses pessoais e a partir de diferentes usos que fazem das tecnologias digitais, focando em habilidades e atitudes dos construtos do enfoque sócio cultural da competência digital. Concluímos que a escala é adequada para obter dados junto aos estudantes por possuir boa representatividade de conteúdo do construto, podendo ser utilizado na prática e em pesquisas científicas, sendo necessária a validação confirmatória do conteúdo da mesma.
Minimal Protective Antibody Titers Elicited in Sheep by RVFV MP-12 and arMP-12ΔNSm21/384 Vaccine Candidates
Authors: Douglas M Watts , Jonna B Westover , Pedro M Palermo , Thomas P Monath , Kevin W Bailey , George E Bettinger , Darci R Smith , John C Morrill , Phillip R Pittman , Jeanette Orbegozo , Brian B Gowen
Published: August 2024

The live attenuated Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) vaccine candidates, RVFV MP-12, and the recombinant derivative, RVFV arMP-12ΔNSm21/384 (MP-12NSm-del), are among the most promising next-generation domestic ruminant vaccine candidates. While both vaccines consistently elicit protective neutralizing Antibodies (nAb) in domestic ruminants, the minimal protective antibody titer is unknown. Therefore, we conducted studies to determine the minimal protective nAb titers elicited in sheep by these vaccines using a mouse model. The approach involved the transfer of sera obtained from sheep vaccinated with the MP-12 and MP-12NSm-del vaccines to 6- to 8-week-old BALB/c mice. The sheep nAb titers ranged from 20 to 640 at the time of transfer. A blood sample was obtained from each mouse 24 hours post-transfer to determine the nAb titer 2 hours before challenging each animal with a lethal dose of virulent RVFV (strain ZH501). All challenged mice were observed daily for 21 days for morbidity and mortality. The lowest nAb titer that protected the animals was interpreted as an estimate of the minimal protective efficacy of the vaccine. The results indicated that nAb titers as low as 10 to 20 elicited by the MP-12 and MP-12NSm-del vaccine candidates in sheep 10 days post-vaccination afforded protection to the mice. However, the nAbs elicited in one sheep by MP-12 before day 10 post-vaccination and ranging in titer from < 5 to 40 only afforded protection to 3 out of 18 mice, and therefore suggested that innate and/or the cellular immune response were also needed for protection during early RVFV infection. The findings further support these RVFV candidate vaccines as potential veterinary vaccines for domestic ruminants and offer a promising BALB/c mouse RVFV challenge model as a surrogate for evaluating the protective nAb response elicited by RVFV vaccines.
Beam traversal v1
Authors: Hecke Morais Livia
Published: August 2024

This test measures the time for mice to cross a 1-meter plexiglass beam with segments decreasingin width (3.5 cm, 2.5 cm, 1.5 cm, 0.5 cm). Mice were trained for two daysbefore testing. On testing day, mice were placed at the start of the 3.5 cmsegment for three trials and time to cross the beam was recorded. Time wasrecorded when hindlimbs reached the home cage, with a maximum time of 60seconds. Protocol has been approved by the California Institute of Technology’s Institutional Animal Careand Use Committee (IACUC).
An improved whole-mount immunofluorescence protocol for juvenile Amphimedon queenslandica v1
Authors: Yang Bin , M. Degnan Bernard , M Degnan Sandie
Published: August 2024

Sponges offer a unique perspective on animal evolution because of their simple body plan and phylogenetic position in the animal kingdom (Renard et al. 2018). However, established methods to investigate molecular and cellular processes in animal models are often underdeveloped in sponges. One such method is immunofluorescence, which has been successfully applied in multiple sponges but often restricted to specific commercial or tailored antibodies, sponge species and developmental contexts (e.g., Nakanishi et al. 2014; Schippers and Nichols 2018; Musser et al. 2021). Here we present an approach that improves on existing immunofluorescence protocols for Amphimedon queenslandica (Nakanishi et al. 2014; Sogabe et al. 2016) to detect subcellular localisation of the low abundance transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 2 (IRF2) in juvenile sponges; this detection could not be achieved using previously published methods nor using a range of other approaches that we trialled (Fig. 1). Specifically, we describe how sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) is introduced to reverse antigen masking that often appears after aldehyde-based fixation and to improve signal-to-noise ratios of immunostaining patterns (Shi et al. 2001; Salameh et al. 2018). A buffer containing PIPES, HEPES, EGTA and MgCl2 (PHEM) is also introduced in rehydration and immunostaining steps to enhance morphological preservation and subcellular detection of IRF2. These modifications yielded significantly improved results (Fig. 1), and are likely to assist in detecting low abundance proteins in other sponges.
Muslim Identity Fluidities and Ambiguities: A Focus on Mohsin Hamid's The Reluctant Fundamentalist and Elif Shafak's The Forty Rules of Love
Authors: Mgamis Majid , Mohammad Nadia
Published: August 2024

Identity as the definitive factor of one’s individuality has been extensively explored from the sociological, psychological, and political perspectives. Of particular importance is the prevailing realization of the pervasiveness of the concept of identity and its fluidity, especially concerning the transcendence of cultural binaries and spaces. According to T.S. Elliot, the discourse of aesthetics is defined by constitutive dialects and is doubly-encoded in the specific and concrete. Thus, aesthetics in literature provides a theory of senses in which production, presentation, and reception of identities, cultures, and other social phenomena can be understood and defined. Within Islamic contexts, therefore, the pursuance of a true identity definition becomes an intricate issue that necessitates the incorporation of both historical and contextual perspectives, as well as the pursuance of aesthetic expressions and experiences at the individual level. With these insights in mind, the current analysis utilized a comprehensive analytical framework that applies Eliot’s assumptions within the interactionist framework with the aim of mapping identity fluidities and ambiguities in Mohsin Hamid's The Reluctant Fundamentalist and Elif Shafak's The Forty Rules of Love. The findings indicate that Muslim cultural contexts bear apparent aesthetic experiences and ideological multiplicities at the individual level that cut across a variety of spiritual, political, social, and geographic domains. The fluidity and multiplicity of the resulting identities, thus, necessitates the application of suitable identity signifiers to ensure the rational and practical reportage of Muslim identities.
Language Education Policy of Distance Learning Classes of Teaching English as a Foreign Language
Authors: Alomaim Thamir Issa
Published: August 2024

This is a quantitative study that focuses on the language education policy of distance learning classes with particular attention to the policies regarding the use of the first language in teaching the second language. Previous studies show that the viewpoint of teachers and students, who are involved in distance learning, towards policies of the English language departments of Saudi universities has not been explored before. The main objective of this paper is investigating teachers’ and students’ awareness of the English department’s policy regarding L1 in distance learning classes and the participants’ attitudes towards using L1 in the distance learning classes of L2. Teachers of English as a foreign language with various academic ranks and undergraduate students from different colleges took part in this study. The main research tool of this study is an online questionnaire. The same questionnaire was given to the two types of participants. Data analysis shows that the majority of the participants were not familiar with the policy of the English language department regarding the use of L1 in distance learning classes. Data analysis indicates that both teachers and students acknowledged that they use L1 in the distance learning classes. On the other hand, half of the teachers contended that L1 enhances students’ comprehension in the distance learning classes whereas the vast majority of the students supported this argument. Policy-makers in the English language department are invited to implement an “English-mainly” policy that perceives students as bilinguals.
The Role of Target Readership Feedback in Improving Students’ Self-Revised Translations: An Empirical Study
Authors: Abbadi Renad , Kreishan Lana J. , Al-Saidat Emad M.
Published: August 2024

In translation training, translation revision to produce a high quality translation is an integral part of the translation process. Improvement on the translations produced by students during training are typically carried out by students themselves in the form of self-revision. The present empirical study aims to assess the improvement of student translations’ quality in light of target readership assessment and feedback. It further sets out to measure student’s attitudes towards target readership feedback in terms of effectiveness in assisting them to improve their translations. The findings reveal that target readership feedback had a considerable effect on improving the quality of student translations which made them more vigilant to analyzing target text context. Moreover, student translators perceived target readership feedback as valuable in improving their self-revised translations to enhance the quality of their translations. The study recommends employing target readership feedback as part of student translation training.
Shadows of Language: Revealing the Multifaceted Nature of Euphemistic Expressions in Biden’s Speeches
Authors: Humood Ali S. , Faisal Wafaa M.
Published: August 2024

In the field of political discourse, euphemistic expressions arise as a linguistic strategy. They are utilized by politicians to cleverly navigate the challenges of achieving their intended goals, such as promoting themselves or criticizing others. The present study delves into the neglected dimensions of euphemisms used by
President Biden when he speaks about the local and global affairs. To do so, six carefully selected extracts from Biden’s speeches are examined drawing upon Burridge’s classification of linguistic features and functions of euphemistic expressions, van Dijk’s ideological square, Brown and Levinson’s negative politeness strategies, Grice’s conversational maxims, and French and Raven’s bases of power. The study unfolds significant emphasis on the positive ideological shifts under the current American leadership, contrasting them with the negative underpinnings of others. Accordingly, the function to talk up and inflate serves euphemistic expressions to function as a vehicle for projecting positive representations. Moreover, it is found that to reveal and inspire function is utilized for revealing truths and inspiring profound shifts in perception. Power bases lend legitimacy and authorize Biden to employ such linguistic choices, further amplifying the impact of his intended message.
Investigating the Impact of Social Media Applications on Promoting EFL Learners' Oral Communication Skills: A Case Study of Saudi Universities
Authors: Idries Somia Ali Mohammed , AbdAlgane Mohammed , Balla Asjad Ahmed Saeed , Ahmed Awwad Othman Abdelaziz
Published: August 2024

Social media platforms exert a substantial influence on the improvement of learners' spoken communication abilities. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of incorporating social media platforms on enhancing the development of oral communication abilities among English as Foreign Language (EFL) learners enrolled in the English Department at Qassim University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This study aims to examine the correlation between the utilization of social media applications and the enhancement of oral communication abilities among EFL learners, to determine the impact of social media on oral communication skills. The present study employed a descriptive-analytical methodology to explore the effects of utilizing social media applications on enhancing students' proficiency in oral communication abilities. To get adequate data for this study, a survey was conducted among a sample of 40 participants. The purpose of the questionnaire is to gather data regarding the learners' perspectives on their attitudes toward utilizing social media as a means of enhancing their oral communication abilities. The questionnaire comprises a total of ten items. The survey instrument employed in this study utilizes a close-ended question format, wherein participants are instructed to select the most suitable response option by marking it. The Likert Scale questionnaire was utilized to gather statistical data. The results of the study indicated that the utilization of social media platforms among EFL learners majoring in English at universities in Saudi Arabia yielded favorable results, leading to improvements in their spoken communication abilities.
Genotipificación de la región 3´UTR del gen Nramp1, en ganado Holstein y en criollo Hartón del Valle
Authors: Trujillo Bravo Esperanza , Valderrama Llanos Yasbleydy
Published: August 2024

Resumen
En investigaciones sobre respuesta a infecciones por diferentes patógenos intracelulares en humanos y en ratones, el gen Nramp1 se ha descrito como un gen controlador de la resistencia y de la susceptibilidad a algunas enfermedades. En el presente trabajo se genotipificaron 151 bovinos criollos Hartón del Valle, y 128 Holstein, para un  microsatélite de la región 3' UTR(que no transcribe), en la posición 1745-1955 del gen Nramp1. Se determinaron variaciones de tamaño para éste microsatélite en ambos grupos y se encontró que los más frecuentes son el de 209 y el de207 pares de bases. Los resultados de secuenciación mostraron modificaciones en el número de GTs y se encontraron los polimorfismos (GT)12, (GT)11, previamente reportados por Feng et al, y Horín et al;  además se encontraron (GT)14 y (GT)10.
Summary
In studies of natural resistance or susceptibility to different intracellular pathogens the Nramp1 gene has been described as controlling this characteristic in mouse and in the humans. In this project we genotyped 151 Harton of the Valle bovine individuals and 128 Holstein, for a microsatellite of the 3' untranslated region of Nramp1 gene, in position 1745-1955 and found that the most frequency size of microsatellite were 207 and 211 bp. The sequencing results indicate that there is polymorphim in the number of GT repetitions and (GT)12 and  (GT)11 were present as reported previously, as well as  (GT)14 y (GT)10.
Efecto de la combinación de una leguminosa tanífera (Lotus uliginosus cv Maku) con Pennisetum clandestinum, sobre la degradación in vitro de proteína y materia seca
Authors: Chipatecua Martha R. , Pabón Martha L. , Cárdenas Edgar A. , Carulla Juan E.
Published: August 2024

Resumen
En dos experimentos in vitro, se determinó el efecto de mezclar Lotus uliginosus cv Maku (anteriormente llamado L. pedunculatus) con Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyo) sobre la degradación de la proteína en licor ruminal y de la materia seca en licor ruminal y licor ruminal con pepsina, en presencia o ausencia de polietilenglicol (PEG). Los tratamientos fueron: kikuyo, 70% de kikuyo y 30% de L. uliginosus con y sin PEG; 50% de kikuyo y 50% de L. uliginosus con y sin PEG y; L. uliginosus. La adición del L. uliginosus al kikuyo, al igual que la adición de PEG (inhibidor de la actividad de los taninos) aumentó la concentración y las tasas de acumulación de amonio en el sistema (p < 0.01). Se encontró una estrecha relación entre los niveles de proteína soluble (r2 = 0.86) y los niveles de amonio en las primeras horas de incubación. La digestibilidad de la materia seca en licor ruminal sin y con pepsina (DIVMSr y DIVMSp) del L. uliginosus fue menor que la del kikuyo (p < 0.01). En las mezclas hubo diferencias en la DIVMp pero no en la DIVMSr. La digestibilidad fue superior (p = 0.0061) para la mezcla 70:30 que para la mezcla 50:50. La adición de PEG mejoró la DIVMSr y la DIVMSp en las mezclas. Se concluye que el L. uliginosus se podría incluir en la dieta de los rumiantes que pastorean kikuyo en bajas proporciones (30%) sin efectos negativos, pero mayores inclusiones reducirían la digestibilidad de la dieta debido al efecto de los taninos.
Summary
Two in vitro experiments were performed to determine the effect of mixing Lotus uliginosus var. Maku (formerly named L. pedunculatus) and Pennisetum clandestinum (kikuyo) on protein degradation in ruminal liquor and of dry matter degradation in ruminal liquor and ruminal liquor plus pepsin, with or without polyethylene glycol (PEG). Treatments were: kikuyo, kikuyo 70% and L. uliginosus 30% with or without PEG, kikuyo 50% and L. uliginosus 50% with or without PEG and L. uliginosus. Addition of L. uliginosus to kikuyo or PEG addition (to inhibit tannin activity) increased both ammonia concentration and ammonia accumulation rates in the system (p < 0.01). Ammonia levels were highly correlated with soluble protein (r = 0.86) during the first hours of incubation. Dry matter digestibility in ruminal liquor without and with pepsin (IVDMDr and IVDMDp) for L. uliginosus was lower than for kikuyo (p < 0.01). In the mixtures there was a difference in IVDMDp but not in IVDMDr being higher for the 70:30 than for the 50:50 mixtures (p = 0.061). PEG addition improved IVDMDr and IVDMDp in the mixtures. We conclude that L. uliginosus could be included in low proportion (30%) in ruminant diets of animals pasturing kikuyo without negative effects but higher inclusions may reduce diet digestibility due to the effects of tannins.
Aplicación del análisis de factor de correspondencia múltiple en un estudio de válvulas cardíacas en porcinos
Authors: Aranzazu Diego , Rodríguez Berardo J. , Zapata R. Margarita M. , Bustamante O. John , Restrepo Luis F.
Published: August 2024

Resumen El análisis factorial de correspondencia múltiple es una extensión del análisis de correspondencia simple al análisis de dos conjunto de características. Permite estudiar las relaciones de interdependencia entre variables categóricas o cualitativas; es decir, no métricas. Esta técnica va más allá de analizar la relación existente entre las variables, porque permite conocer como está estructurada esta relación. Este análisis ha tenido amplia difusión en diferentes campos de investigación principalmente en ciencias humanas. El objetivo de este trabajo, fue entonces, aplicar esta técnica a una investigación relacionada con aspectos de la Medicina veterinaria, específicamente, sobre el estudio "Estudio anatomopatológico de válvulas aórticas porcinas a seleccionar para la elaboración de bioprótesis cardiacas". El trabajo permitió establecer correlaciones entre los hallazgos de lesiones macroscópicas y microscópicas para los dos grupos de válvulas aórticas estudiados, con lesión y sin lesión valvular. Se destacan las relaciones entre lesiones degenerativas tipo endocardiosis y alteraciones vasculares como las hemorragias y las congestiones. Summary The multiple correspondence factorial analyses is an extension of simple correspondence analysis for two set of characteristics. It permits the study of interdependence relationship between categorical or qualitative variables, that is, not metric. This model goes beyond the analysis of existing relationship between variables, because it allows knowing how this relationship is structured. This analysis has had a wide diffusion in different fields of research mainly in life sciences. The aim of this study was to apply this model to a previously reported study focused on the analysis of pig aortic valves entitled "Estudio anatomopatológico de válvulas aórticas porcinas a seleccionar para la elaboración de bioprótesis cardiacas". By this model, it was possible to establish interrelationships between findings of macroscopic and microscopic lesions for two groups of aortic valves studied, with or without valve lesions. Of key relevance were the relationship found between endocardiosis-like degenerative lesions and vascular alterations like hemorrhage and congestion.
De Pearson a Spearman
Authors: Restrepo Luis F. , González L. Julián
Published: August 2024

Resumen
Este artículo trata acerca de los coeficientes de correlación de Pearson y Spearman los cuales son ampliamente utilizados en las ciencias agropecuarias con el fin de establecer relaciones  entre variables generalmente de índole cuantitativo. Además contiene los supuestos fundamentales en los que se basa el método de Pearson: normalidad bivariada, linealidad en la interacción de las variables y la forma de programación en el paquete estadístico SAS; adicionalmente, la manera de  interpretar las salidas derivadas del paquete estadístico las cuales oscilan entre -1 ≤ ρ ≤ 1.
Summary
This article is about the Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients which are widely used in agricultural sciences in order to establish the relationships between generally quantitative variables. It also contains the fundamental assumptions in which the Pearson method is based: bivariated normality, variable interaction linearity, as well as the programming Schedule in SAS software; in addition, the way in which SAS exits must be interpreted which oscillate between -1 ≤ ρ ≤ 1.
Diagramas de estructura en el análisis de varianza
Authors: Restrepo Luis F.
Published: August 2024

Resumen
Los diagramas de estructura fueron definidos por Warren H Taylor Jr y H. Gill Milton para diseños experimentales balanceados estándar. El método requiere reconocer las características del conjunto de factores que son usados en interacción o anidamiento. El cuadrado medio esperado, el F Ratio y los componentes estimados de varianza pueden derivarse empleando la simbología de los diagramas de estructura. El diagrama de estructura facilita entender el diseño de clasificación experimental y las hipótesis asociadas con dicho modelo, es una representación visual que permite entender las relaciones o interacciones existentes entre los factores seleccionados por el investigador
Summary
Diagrams of structure were defined by Taylor Jr and Milton for standard experimental balanced designs. The method requires recognizing the characteristics of the set of factors used in the interaction or nested. The expected main square, the F Ratio and the estimated variance components can be driven by using diagrams of structure symbols. Diagram of structure facilitates understanding the design of experimental classification and hypotheses associated with the above mentioned model, it is a visual representation that allows understanding the relationship or existing interactions between the factors selected by the researcher.
Cuantificación de células endoteliales que expresan VEGF, iNOS y eNOS en el endometrio ovino a los 20, 28 y 35 días de la gestación
Authors: Rivas Piedad C. , Rodríguez José M. , Hernández Aureliano
Published: August 2024

Resumen
El número de células que expresaron el Factor de Crecimiento del Endotelio Vascular (VEGF) y dos isoformas de la Óxido Nítrico Sintasa, endotelial (eNOS) e inducida (iNOS), se calculó en los vasos sanguíneos del endometrio ovino a los 20, 28 y 35 días de gestación, en las áreas uterinas correspondientes a la ubicación del embrión, muy cerca, cerca y alejadas de él, usando inmunohistoquímica. El número de células endoteliales que expresaron VEGF, iNOS y eNOS disminuyó concomitantemente con el avance de la gestación y los valores correspondientes fueron cada vez menores, a medida que la zona en la que se hizo la cuantificación, estaba más alejada del embrión. La cantidad de células que expresaron VEGF fue mayor que aquella estimada para las NOS, siendo superior la observada para eNOS que para iNOS. Como un hallazgo complementario, se reporta expresión de VEGF en el trofoblasto. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos, las tres moléculas expresadas en el endotelio de los vasos endometriales, actúan independientemente o en sinergia para el desarrollo vascular uterino durante el lapso de la implantación que abarcó este estudio. Posiblemente hay otras moléculas que participan en el desarrollo vascular endometrial, después del día 35 de la gestación.
Summary
Using immunohistochemistry, the number of endothelial cells of the ovine endometrium, expressing vascular endotelial growth factor (VEGF) and two isoforms of nitric oxide synthase, endotelial (eNOS) and induced (iNOS) was calculated, at 20, 28 and 35 d of gestation. Four uterine zones corresponding to embryo localization, very near, near and far from it, were established. The number of immunoreactive cells expressing all studied molecules was highest at the embryo location zone, intermediate values were obtained in the correspondent uterine zones and lowest in the more distant one. The number of cells expressing VEGF was higher than the correspondent value for eNOS and the latter was higher than the value for iNOS. The expression of VEGF in the trophoblast is reported as an incidental finding. Based on present results, it appears that VEGF, iNOS and eNOS act sinergically or in an independent manner to promote vascular development. It is feasible that another molecules act in the same way, after the 35d of gestation.
Comparación de dos técnicas in vitro e in situ para estimar la digestibilidad verdadera en varios forrajes tropicales
Authors: Giraldo Luis , Gutiérrez Lina A. , Rúa Claudia
Published: August 2024

Resumen
Los estimados de digestibilidad in vitro verdadera de la materia seca se compararon en cuatro forrajes de origen tropical usando el incubador ANKOM DaisyII y la técnica in situ o de la bolsa de nylon. Hubo diferencia significativa (p < 0.05) en la digestibilidad verdadera in vitro de la materia seca (DVIVMS) entre los forrajes angleton, kikuyo y San Joaquín. No hubo diferencias significativas entre repeticiones (p > 0.05) para los distintos forrajes. La correlación entre la DVIVMS y la degradabilidad verdadera in situ de la materia seca (DVISMS), fue significativa y alta (p < 0.01, R² = 0.95) para los cuatro forrajes evaluados. Fue posible predecir la degradabilidad verdadera in situ de la materia seca con base en la digestibilidad verdadera in vitro de la materia seca mediante la ecuación: DVISMS = 6.16 + 0.87 * DVIVMS (p < 0.01, R2 = 0.95). Los resultados obtenidos, permiten confirmar que la técnica in vitro para estimar la digestibilidad verdadera utilizando el incubador DaisyII es confiable, rápida, precisa y sencilla, en comparación con el método in vivo utilizando la degradabilidad ruminal in situ o de la bolsa de nylon.
Summary
This study was conducted to evaluate the new in vitro system, DaisyII® and to compare its feasibility to determinate dry matter (DM) true digestibility in ruminant tropical forages as compared with the in situ (nylon bag) technique. Results from the DaisyII® incubator were compared to those obtained by traditional in situ (nylon bag technique) method. Four different forages were tested. Samples from each forage were (nylon bag technique) method. Four different forages were tested. Samples from each forage were Four different forages were tested. Samples from each forage were incubated (in situ) in the rumen of two bovines (incubation time: 48 h) or inserted (in vitro) into four different digestion jars that were placed into a DaisyII® incubator for 48h. The variability (coefficient of variation, CV) of the in vitro measurements (among jar repeatability) was low. The Daisy II® values were significantly higher than the degradability values as measured by the in situ method. When in vitro true dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD) obtained from in situ true dry matter digestibility (ISTDMD) was plotted against the Daisy II® data, the following linear equation was achieved. The degradability of dry matter obtained in situ (Y, true) and in vitro by DaisyII® (X, true after 48 h of incubation) were highly correlated (p < 0.01) and the regression equation was: Y = 6.16 + 0.87X, (R² = 0.95, p < 0.01). The DaisyII® incubator produces repeatable in vitro the dry matter degradability data which are highly related to those obtainable with the reference in situ procedure.
Embolismo fibrocartilaginoso (EFC), una causa poco común de infarto de la medula espinal: reporte de dos casos sospechosos
Authors: Echeverri Echeverri Diego M. , Buriticá G. Edwin F. , Martínez A. José R.
Published: August 2024

Resumen
En el presente informe se expone el caso clínico de dos caninos de raza Schnauzer, que presentaron un cuadro agudo de monoparesis de miembro torácico, seguido de hemiparesis, sin reporte de trauma físico o ejercicio vigoroso previo. El diagnóstico tentativo de infarto fibrocartilaginoso (IFC) obedeció a evidencias clínicas como: aparición aguda y no progresiva del cuadro, compromiso hemilateral, ausencia de dolor a la palpación de la columna vertebral, raza y edad de los pacientes.
Summary
In this report the clinical cases and the medical evolution of two canine of Schnauzer breed are examined. The dogs presented an acute clinical picture of monoparesis of the thoracic limbs, followed by hemiparesis without evidence of physical trauma or previous vigorous exercise. The tentative diagnose of fibrocartilaginous embolism (EFC) is supported by clinical evidence such as: acute and non progressive appearance of the clinical sings, hemilateral commitment, absence of pain to spine palpation, as well as breed and age of the patients.
Respuestas de anticuerpos pasivos y efecto de la edad de los lechones en la vacunación contra el virus de la peste porcina clásica
Authors: Carranza Alicia , Ambrogi Arnaldo , Pelliza Bibiana , Romanini Silvia
Published: August 2024

Summary
The vaccination with the Chinese strain is used to prevent the Classical Swine Fever. But the presence of passive antibodies and age of piglets at the time of vaccination can originate an unsatisfactory active humoral response. In this study 7, 21 and 56 days animals with and without passive immunity, were vaccinated. Blood samples were taken at the time of vaccination and then at 15 and 45 days later. The animals responded in different ways to vaccination, according to the presence or not of passive antibodies. It was observed that as greater the age of vaccination, greater was the percentage of animals that responded to the vaccine in the last sampling. The ELISA technique did not allow detecting antibodies 15 days after vaccination.