bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
¿Por qué partir de la investigación acción participativa para transformar la educación?
Authors: Acosta María Noelle , Benavides Emely
Published: June 2021

Este artículo plantea la importancia de la lnvestigación Acción Participativa (IAP) en la esfera educativa y su convergencia con la Educación Popular, en tanto ambas persiguen la transformación social a partir dei desarrollo de una conciencia crítica. Propone una forma de concebir la investigación comprometida con el cambio social y, en consecuencia, quienes asumen el reto de adaptaria están llamados a la acción. Es así como la IAP plantea constantemente el desafío de desmitificar el supuesto de que no es posible alterar la educación formal tal como ha sido concebida. A partir dei proceso emprendido desde el Centro de Formación e lnvestigación Fe y Alegría Ecuador (CFI) buscamos dar luces sobre un posible camino para provocar en las y los educadores el deseo de asumirse como agentes llamados a reinventar creativa y críticamente el proceso educativo.
Presentación
Authors: Vargas Carlos
Published: June 2021

El Centro de Formación e Investigación de Fe y Alegría continúa brindando espacios para compartir saberes, que de alguna manera, nacen de las propias experiencias de los autores, de sus prácticas educativas. Releyéndolos, me dejan camino abierto para seguir pensando que, en este nuevo orden del mundo, la enseñanza deberá siempre pensarse como un proceso de construcción social; ello implica que mirar la realidad en la que nos toca educar es un imperativo, porque solo desde allí podremos agudizar el mejor método de enseñanza aprendizaje.
Herramienta multimedia para la enseñanza del relieve glacial de Venezuela
Authors: Labarca Rincón Ramón
Published: June 2021

Se busca proponer una herramienta multimedia basada en el paisaje de la Laguna de Mucubají para la enseñanza del relieve glacial de Venezuela. La metodología es descriptiva y proyectiva, bajo un diseño de campo. Al indagar los "recursos didácticos", el 100% de los estudiantes encuestados, afirma que las herramientas tecnológicas no son utilizadas en la enseñanza de procesos terrestres de Venezuela. Para la dimensión "nivel de conocimiento", más del 89%, no acertó en los ítems que agrupan los indicadores "formas de erosión y acumulación glacial de la Laguna de Mucubají". Se diseña una herramienta multimedia bajo ambiente de PowerPoint para la enseñanza del relieve glacial de Venezuela, considerando como ejemplo el complejo lagunar de Mucubají, contando con una estructura reticular e informativa para fines educativos.
Hacia una educación humanizadora
Authors: Pérez Esclarín Antonio
Published: June 2021

Transformar la educación es un desafío que tenemos desde hace décadas, pero ¿hacia dónde debemos apuntar los cambios a emprender?, es quizá un tema en el que no siempre hay coincidencias. Vamos a conversar en esta oportunidad con el Dr. Antonio Pérez Esclarín: pedagogo, filósofo y escritor nacido en Berdún, España, quien ha vivido gran parte de su vida en Venezuela formando parte del movimiento internacional de Educación Popular Fe y Alegría y como docente investigador dela Universidad Simón Rodríguez. Pérez Esclarín ha recorrido toda la geografía venezolana y gran parte del continente sembrando en el corazón de educadores y educadoras un nuevo modo de entender el acto de educar. Desde su amplia y fecunda experiencia en educación noscomparte sus apreciaciones en relación a la educación.
Presentación
Authors: García Beatriz
Published: June 2021

Investigar es ante todo una actitud, una forma de estar en el mundo, se trata de una necesidad de preguntarnos por los hechos, las personas, los fenómenos… por todo lo que nos rodea, por aquello que nos produce inquietud; actitud que interroga, pero también que nos coloca en busca de respuestas para crear, construir, innovar o cambiar.
Estrategias activas de aprendizaje en centros educativos de Fe y Alegría Ecuador
Authors: Ordoñez Liliana , Serrano Gabriela
Published: June 2021

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la aplicación de estrategias activas de enseñanza en veintiún centros de educación básica en Fe y Alegría Ecuador cuyos educadores (as) han participado de procesos de formación, acompañamiento y seguimiento desde un enfoque de desarrollo de inteligencias múltiples. El estudio es cualitativo cuya información ha sido recogida a través de entrevistas a grupos focales, observación de clases, análisis de producciones de docentes y estudiantes y reflexiones en grupos base. Se ha podido evidenciar que en su mayoría los educadores vienen aplicando estrategias activas en los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje, entre las que se encuentran el uso de paletas, rutinas del pensamiento, destrezas de pensamiento y proyectos de comprensión, entre otros. Los educadores y educadoras se encuentran en una fase de apropiación de tales estrategias por lo que es natural que evidencian fortalezas y debilidades en la aplicación, lo cual hace necesario mantener una dinámica de reflexión permanente sobre la práctica de tales estrategias en función de la mejora en el uso de las mismas.
Las limitaciones para abordar la violencia entre estudiantes
Authors: Paillacho Carlos
Published: June 2021

La Paz se ha convertido en un instrumento para evaluar y promocionar el bienestar, el equilibrio y la armonía de las sociedades. (Muñoz, F.; Molina, B., 1997), esta paz se ha visto afectada por expresiones de violencia en diversos niveles y campos, uno de estos campos lo integra la escuela. Ante las manifestaciones de violencia presentes en el escenario escolar los docentes se ven enfrentados al problema de cómo abordarla desde su práctica. En este punto resulta fundamental reflexionar el currículo y la importancia de su contextualización a fin de problematizar la violencia vivida en las escuelas, así también, de manera paralela, la reflexión del currículo debe propiciar un compromiso activo de los sujetos para encaminar a los centros educativos hacia una cultura de paz. Bajo la complejidad que envuelve el tratamiento de la violencia, emerge la necesidad de trabajar de manera conjunta con las familias y actores de la localidad en la implementación de medidas eficaces para contrarrestar la violencia, de este modo, debe enfatizarse en la importancia de unir los esfuerzos de docentes, familias y sociedad para minimizar las manifestaciones de violencia que afectan a niñas, niños y jóvenes.
Liderazgo Educativo en tiempos post pandemia
Authors: Serrano Gabriela
Published: June 2021

La historia de la humanidad ha estado marcada por crisis que han redefinido a la sociedad. Las crisis suelen tener una doble connotación, por un lado, dejan una huella dolorosa, pero por otro pueden ser catalizadoras de una insorteable renovación. Ser líder educativo en tiempos de incertidumbre es todo un desafío, y si algo ha traído la pandemia COVID -19 es precisamente carestía de certezas. No obstante, se pueden encontrar luces oportunas que orienten la praxis docente y dicho liderazgo. Este tiempo ha dejado en evidencia la importancia de ser flexibles, de salir de modelos homogéneos y de animarse a hacer reinvenciones.  En este sentido, este articulo busca ser un espacio de reflexión desde una mirada filosófica que deje un espíritu tanto crítico como esperanzador. Por tal, se propone el objetivo general:  Compartir los aportes claves desde una mirada filosófica educativa para el Liderazgo Educativo en tiempos post pandemia Y los objetivos específicos: 1. Reflexionar sobre la importancia de la priorización de lo que se debe enseñar. 2. Analizar los métodos de enseñanza en tiempos post pandemia 3. Proponer espacios idóneos para el aprendizaje.
La escuela como movimiento social
Authors: Molina Eduardo
Published: June 2021

El espectro de la educación popular contiene escuelas autoconcebidas como movimiento social. Las teorías convencionales de gestión escolar presentan limitaciones para explicar el funcionamiento de ellas. Este trabajo describe y analiza una de estas experiencias escolares de carácter militante, empleando como técnicas de investigación cualitativa la prosopografía y la revisión bibliográfica, conformando una triangulación teórica. A partir del análisis de datos se teorizaron tres principios para la gestión de escuelas militantes: el reconocimiento de lo indisociable de la unidad educador-militante, la disposición de movimientos sociales como entornos educativos, y la decisión de convertir la escuela en movimiento social.
Experiencia de gestión en época de pandemia
Authors: Fuenmayor Luz
Published: June 2021

Gestionar al interior de una organización tan compleja como Fe y Alegría es un gran reto, aún más cuando esta gestión se desarrolla en tiempos de emergencia humanitaria y de crisis educativa. Mantener como elemento prioritario el cumplimiento de la misión y cohesionar los cuatro programas que hacen vida en el movimiento requiere de una organización diferente, para que la respuesta a la realidad sea diferente y adecuada al contexto. El equipo de monitoreo, asume el liderazgo de esa gestión con una organización propia y define su proceso de acompañamiento y seguimiento a las acciones que se desarrollan en el marco de la pandemia.  La reflexión permanente del contexto, la búsqueda de alternativas y respuestas, la formación, la planificación y la evaluación son también elementos permanentes en una gestión que tiene como principio:”Hacer el bien y hacerlo bien”. Para ello favorece la participación, el diálogo y el consenso entre todos los actores. Es una experiencia mucho más rica de lo que puede recogerse en las minutas de las reuniones y en los documentos producidos.
Aportes a la reflexión sobre la articulación entre el modelo de gestión y la planificación estratégica de Fe y Alegría Ecuador
Authors: Sarmiento Jaime
Published: June 2021

Este artículo para la discusión inicia con una reflexión sobre lo que plantea el modelo de gestión de la Asociación Fe y Alegría Ecuador (En adelante Fe y Alegría) y las razones para visualizar colectivamente la necesidad de identificar aquellos elementos que permitan medir los resultados o las evidencias de la transformación social que propone la misión institucional de Fe y Alegría. El Modelo de Gestión Organizacional por Procesos de Fe y Alegría fundamenta, define, caracteriza y representa los componentes de su sistema organizacional y la interrelación que entre los componentes de la organización debe generarse para facilitar el cumplimiento de la misión de transformación social de esta institución educativa. En el documento que recoge el mencionado modelo de gestión organizacional, se describen la cadena de valor, la estructura organizacional, los niveles jerárquicos y la estructura orgánica descriptiva de la oficina nacional y de los procesos desconcentrados gobernantes. La cadena de valor de esta organización se diferencia de un modelo empresarial, pues su funcionamiento sistémico apunta a la consecución de efectos sociales de valor público, mientras en una organización privada el concepto de valor está asociado con el beneficio o lucro que la iniciativa privada busca generar. En este sentido, la cadena de valor para esta organización social sin fines de lucro se complementa con el concepto de marco de resultados de desarrollo. Partiendo del análisis de los elementos del modelo de gestión organizacional de Fe y Alegría Ecuador y de los conceptos de creación de valor público, marco de resultados de desarrollo e indicadores para el monitoreo de iniciativas de desarrollo, se desarrolla una propuesta de que busca contribuir a la gestión de planificación y gestión del conocimiento en esta institución, con una serie de recomendaciones y criterios para abordar el reto que conlleva generar evidencias sobre el avance, resultados e impacto social que se busca a través de la educación y la promoción social.
Cambiar la burocracia y el control por la formación y la confianza
Authors: Calderón Vélez Milton Leonel
Published: June 2021

En el siguiente ensayo se explora la tensión, visible en el sistema educativo ecuatoriano, entre un tipo de gestión basado en la burocracia y el control y otro basado en la formación y la confianza, este último cada vez más demandado por las y los educadores. El ensayo busca comprender las lógicas de trabajo imperantes en el marco de la pandemia de la COVID-19, toda vez que la misma ha visibilizado una serie de problemáticas educativas persistentes a lo largo de los años pero que aparecen con más fuerza en momentos de incertidumbre. La primera parte explica el contexto desde el cual se hace la lectura de las respuestas educativas en tiempos de pandemia, y la segunda presenta, a breves rasgos, los dos sistemas de gestión que dan cuenta de la tensión entre las miradas estandarizadas, promovidas por el Estado, y las demandas de confianza de los educadores. Al final, se enlistan algunas alternativas para hacer cada vez más presente este segundo tipo de gestión, y caminar hacia una educación que se libere de las lógicas que la han aprisionado a lo largo de los años.
Educación y Conflictos sociales
Authors: Calderón Gustavo
Published: June 2021

Formar para la ciudadanía global es el punto central de la reconstrucción del pacto educativo global planteado por el Papa Francisco. Esta invitación nos mueve a las obras educativas de la Compañía de Jesús en Ecuador a reflexionar sobre nuestro rol en estos tiempos de conflictos sociales vividos en el país y en el mundo. Necesitamos repensar la educación para una nueva ciudadanía comprometida con la transformación de las problemáticas del mundo de hoy. Este constituye un eje articulador desde donde debemos seguir fortaleciendo nuestras obras y programas educativos.
Escuelas que valgan la pena
Authors: Cedeño Gehiomara
Published: June 2021

En esta ocación Gehiomara Cedeño nos presenta la reseña del libro:Menéndez, Pepe (2020). Escuelas que valgan la pena. Historias para entender la educación del futuro. Paidós. Educación, España.
Editorial
Authors: García Beatriz
Published: June 2021

Comenzamos el año 2020 sin advertir que las noticias que leíamos o escuchábamos sobre esos extraños brotes de enfermedad y muertes que estaban ocurriendo en Wuhan, China desde diciembre de 2019 y enero 2020, se expandirían tan rápidamente en todo el mundo, que en apenas dos meses, pasarían a convertirse en una terrible pandemia, declarada por la OMS el 11 de marzo de 2020.
Deporte, globalización, neoliberalismo, política pública y poder. Papel del deporte en el retorno del proyecto neoliberal
Authors: Reyes Alixon
Published: June 2021

No poca literatura viene tratando al deporte como un fenómeno neutral y aséptico relacionándolo más con el ocio y el divertimento, e ignorando de forma predispuesta su imbricación y su inevitable transversalidad en el ethos social. Si bien es cierto que, temas como la política, le economía y la religión, son tratados también en el ámbito del deporte, la característica principal de dicho tratamiento se hace particular habida cuenta su ocupación cutánea. Hay espacios geográficos, pero más aún zonas de demarcación epistémica que, tal y como sostiene Riquelme (2018), intentan generar procesos para la legitimación de un apotegma: deporte y política no están juntos…
Problems and Prospects of SME Financing in Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Khan Md. Shahin , Hasan Aminul , Paul Jitesh , Chowdhury Salmana
Published: June 2021

To conduct a comprehensive study on the SME sector of Bangladesh of its present state, prospects, issues and emerging challenges this “problems & Prospects of SME Financing in Bangladesh” research is carried out. The main objective of the study is to find out the SME financing’s different types of strategies & policies in Bangladesh. The SMEs are playing gradually more significant role as a mainstream of economic escalation in Bangladesh as well as all over the world. The SME usually creates the opportunities of employment at lower costs and render flexibility to the economy. The SMEs are playing an indispensable role for overall economic development. Since this sector is a manual labor intensivewith the short period of time, usually it is capable of increasing the national income as well as hasty employmentcreation by achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as well as the abolition of extremepoverty and starvation, gender equality and women empowerment. This SME sector has played a vital role intheeconomic progress of some prosperous countries of Asia. In national economy of Bangladesh SMEs play mainly vital role by making manufacturing enterprises by providing the employment of industrial workers and contributing to the over one-third of industrial value-added to gross domestic product (GDP) and become accustomed quickly to change the market condition, create employment, help diversify economic activities, and also make a significantcontribution to the exports and trade. The economic competence and the overall performance of the SMEs are considerably depended upon the policy of environmental and specific promotional policies pursued for their benefits. Consequently, the policies and initiatives to develop the condition of SMEs and toincrease their competitiveness are a main concern of Bangladesh.
Family Firms Can Perform Better by Overcoming Strategic Unwillingness: Implications of “Familiness” for Coopetition Strategy
Authors: Lee Steve Kyungjae
Published: June 2021

This study discusses the primary characteristics of family firms in implementing strategic decisions and the fundamental nature of coopetition. In this context, we provide a rather ironic perspective that has not been discussed in prior studies. Family firms prioritize the preservation of socioemotional wealth rather than seeking economic benefits when making strategic choices, explaining their unwillingness to engage in coopetition strategies. However, these strategic features enable family firms to implement coopetition strategies more successfully than other types of firms. This is because they demonstrate a lower risk of opportunistic behavior, driven by the pursuit of self-interest rather than collective benefits. This study provides valuable insights and implications by associating the unique characteristics of family firms in implementing strategic decisions with the likelihood and stability of coopetition.
An Investigation of Hypertension Risk Factors among Adults in Oshikoto Region in Namibia
Authors: Ashipala Emilia Shiwa , Lukolo Linda Ndeshipandula
Published: June 2021

INTRODUCTION: Hypertension complications are responsible for 9.4 million deaths worldwide and among these deaths, 51 % are due to stroke and 45% are due to heart disease like heart failure. This study aims to investigate the hypertension risk factors among adult in Oshikoto region, Namibia.

METHODS: A community population-based, cross- sectional survey was conducted using WHO STEPwise approach among 375 adults in Oshikoto region. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was done to determine the association between risk factors and Hypertension, based on p-value <0.05.

RESULTS: Overall prevalence for risk factors was: physical inactivity (25.3%), unhealthy diet (75.7%), tobacco use (9.1%), harmful use of alcohol (40.8%). 20.5% overweight with majority (85.7%) of them were females. Obesity was 9.1% in which 91.2% were females. Hypertension prevalence was 24.3%. Four percent of individuals were having two multiple risk factors for hypertension, 2.4% with four risk factors and 1.1% with more than four risk factors. Age group (OR=2.48, 95%CI=1.44-4.26, P=0.001), Obesity (OR=3.48, 95%CI=1.55-7.79, P=0.003), and overweight (OR=2.34, 95%CI=1.31-4.19, P =0.004) were significant risk factors for hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a high prevalence and burden of hypertension risk factors such as obesity and overweight among adults in Oshikoto region, thus, these results highlight the need for interventions to reduce and prevent those risk factors of hypertension in Oshikoto region, Namibia.
Ambulatory Treatment for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis in Rural Haiti: A Mixed-Methods Study of Social and Economic Factors Affecting Timely Diagnosis and Treatment Success
Authors: Beauchamp Jude , Mitnick Carole D. , Gilbert Hannah , Leandre Fernet , Jean Noel Yoldine Talina , Desir Walkens , Lively Christina , Mukherjee Joia
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Patients with MDR-TB in remote areas of Haiti face barriers that delay their ability to initiate and complete treatment. These barriers must be addressed to ensure successful decentralization of MDR-TB treatment. We conducted a mixed-methods study at two MDR-TB facilities in rural Haiti to identify factors that impact MDR-TB treatment initiation and documented treatment response after discharge from hospital.

METHODS: We enrolled patients who started MDR-TB treatment at two Zanmi Lasante MDR-TB facilities in Haiti between October 2015 and March 2016. We conducted interviews with patients at discharge to assess factors creating delay in treatment initiation; performed a longitudinal quantitative assessment of patient wellbeing at discharge and for four months after; and conducted a second interview with the same patients and family caregivers to identify obstacles to transition from hospital-based care to ambulatory treatment. Qualitative data were coded into six final conceptual categories representing patient experiences with TB treatment and care. We then explored how the patient experience during transition might affect the score obtained in the quantitative assessment.

RESULTS: We enrolled 17 MDR-TB patients and 16 family members. Four patients were identified as having poor clinical response after discharge, characterized by low BMI, low hemoglobin, compromised activities of daily life, food insecurity, depression and other treatment side effects. Patients with poor response also experienced limited social support and difficult living conditions.

Factors contributing to delayed treatment initiation were present at discharge and may compromise response. These include financial (lost wages, costly transportation) and logistical barriers to reaching highly centralized treatment facilities. The results highlight the barriers that MDR-TB patients in rural Haiti face to find and successfully complete lifesaving treatment.

CONCLUSION: Properly implemented decentralized care will help overcome geographical barriers. Strong nutritional, social and financial support are essential to support appropriate treatment for the disease.
A Comparative Evaluation of Space Closure Rate Between Newer Generation Ceramic Brackets and Conventional Straight Wire Appliances
Authors: Jr John , Reddy Goutham , Kalha Anmol , Muddaiah Sunil , Somaiah Sanju , Shetty BK
Published: June 2021

Background: With the emerging concept of aesthetics in orthodontics, ceramic brackets play a major role especially in the anterior region of the dental arch. However, the duration of the orthodontic treatment is one of the most important issues in treating patients with ceramic brackets. Objectives: This study is conducted to compare space closing rate between conventional MBT and Symetri ClearTM bracket systems. Methods: This study is comprised of 18 subjects who were equally separated into two groups. The first group was treated with conventional MBT pre-adjusted bracket and the second group with Symetri ClearTM brackets. Space closure was performed via 0.019 × 0.025 inch stainless steel wires using 9-mm nickel-titanium Sentalloy coil springs with a constant force of 150 g. The distance between the distal of the first molar buccal tube and the mesial of the canine bracket was measured by a digital caliper. The difference of the first and last values was determined to assess the sheer quantity of space closure. The value was then divided by the number of months during which the space closure was carried out to examine the ratio of space closure in mm per month. For the statistical analysis we used paired t test as well as independent t test and the P-value > 0.05 was deemed significant. Results: The MBT group showed a 0.85 mm/appointment retraction rate while the Symetri ClearTM bracket group had a 0.83 mm/appointment retraction rate. The difference in space closing between MBT and Symetri ClearTM groups was not statistically and clinically significant (P-value > 0.05). Conclusions: As the rate of space closure was almost similar in the two types of brackets, we can use Symetri ClearTM brackets instead of MBT brackets without any concern about the duration of treatment and use the esthetic benefits of these brackets simultaneously.
Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis Presented with Acute Psychotic Symptoms: A Case Report
Authors: Asadi Shabnam , Hajiakhundi Fahimeh , Mirfazeli Fatemeh Sadat , Mohammadsadeghi Homa
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) autoimmune encephalitis is one of the most challenging disorders with both psychiatric and neurologic presentations. Approximately three-fourth of patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis (anti-NMDARE) first referred to psychiatrists. Case Presentation: A 15-year-old female adolescent was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. She presented a history of behavior changes, including aggression, the symptoms mimicking depression, and suicidal ideation, for one year. Then she showed more severe disinhibited behaviors, stupor, and generalized tonic-colonic seizure, so she was hospitalized in a general hospital. After neurological assessments, she was referred to a psychiatric hospital due to her uncontrollable aggressive behaviors in addition to sleep disturbance, rapid mood swings, restlessness, stereotypic behaviors, fluctuating attention and concentration, misidentification delusion, and perceptual changes. All lab tests and brain images were normal. Electroencephalograms showed generalized sharp and slow waves. The autoimmune panel tests were requested. When anti-glutamate receptor antibody was finally reported in her CSF, anti-NMDARE was finally diagnosed. Her symptoms improved by receiving five corticosteroid pulses. Conclusions: In patients with first and acute psychotic symptoms, especially in young individuals with seizures, the possibility of autoimmune disorders should be kept in mind, and complementary tests must be done for autoantibody detection.
A Review of COVID-19: Data Obtained from Chest CT Imaging and RT-PCR
Authors: Akbari-Lalimi Hossein , Seyedi Somayyeh , Akbari-Zadeh Hadi , Najafzadeh Milad , Montazerabadi Alireza , Aminzadeh Behzad , Ghorbani Farzaneh
Published: June 2021

Context: This review aimed to investigate the computed tomography (CT) imaging features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Evidence Acquisition: Bilateral lung involvement (70%), peripheral distribution (67.5%), multifocal involvement (67.3%) and ground glass opacity (66.1%) were observed in most infected patients. Results: Evaluation of the number of lobes involved in infected patients showed no abnormalities in 7.2% (85/1177) of the patients. Regarding the performance of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and chest CT scan, the sensitivity of RT-PCR and chest CT imaging was estimated at 70% (925/1311) and 89% (6605/7396) upon admission, respectively; nevertheless, the sensitivity of CT imaging increased as the time from the symptom onset increased. The CT image acquisition parameters affecting image quality and patient dose were also discussed. Studies suggested that these factors should be adjusted according to the disease stage. Based on our findings, sensitivity was adequately high eight days after the onset of symptoms. Conclusion: Therefore, there is no need for high-resolution chest CT scan after this interval. Using ImpactDose software, the mean effective doses were 4.38 and 5.71 mSv in male and female groups, respectively. The risk of cancer was 36% higher in females than males, as shown by PCXMC program.
Somatic BRAF V600E Mutation in Familial Colorectal Cancer Type X: A New Study in Central Iran
Authors: Zeinalian Mehrdad , Emami Mohammad Hassan , Pourreza Mohammad Reza , Tabatabaiefar Mohammad Amin , Hashemzadeh-Chaleshtori Morteza
Published: June 2021

Background: BRAF-V600E is a known prognostic/predictive marker in colorectal cancer (CRC), detected in 4 - 12% of all patients with this cancer. Familial-CRC-type-X (FCCX) is a subtype of mismatch-repair (MMR) proficient CRC with an unknown genetic cause. Objectives: Given the lack of enough information on the molecular aspects of FCCX among Iranians, this study was conducted to evaluate the BRAF-V600E hot-spot mutation in tumor DNA in FCCX probands in Central Iran. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study in which 48 FCCX probands were recruited according to Amsterdam-II criteria, and MMR proficiency was confirmed by MSI testing and IHC-MMRs. Tumors’ DNA samples were assessed for the BRAF-V600E mutation by Sanger-sequencing. Results: None of the 48 assessed FCCX probands presented the BRAF-V600E mutation. Conclusions: It can be suggested that FCCX tumors have a good prognosis compared to other CRCs.
In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-parasitic Activity of Artemisinin Combined With Glucantime and Shark Cartilage Extract on Iranian Strain of Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER)
Authors: Ghaffarifar Fatemeh , Molaei Soheila , Mohammad Hassan Zuhair , Dayer Mohammad Saaid , Dalimi Abdolhossein , Nasiri Vahid , Foroutan Masooud , Hajjaran Homa
Published: June 2021

Background: The adverse effects and increased resistance of drugs necessities the discovery of novel combination therapy. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the effects of Artemisinin plus glucantime or shark cartilage extract on the Iranian strain of Leishmania major (MRHO/IR/75/ER) in vitro and in vivo. Methods: In in vitro experiments, the effects of drugs and their combination in different concentrations (3.12 - 400 µg/mL) on the promastigotes, amastigotes, and un-infected macrophage cells were evaluated. In in vivo experiments, infected BALB/c mice were used as a cutaneous leishmaniasis model to evaluate the effects of the drugs and their combinations with different routes of administrations (namely Artemisinin: oral, ointment, and intraperitoneal; glucantime: intraperitoneal, intramuscular, intralesional, and subcutaneous; shark cartilage extract: oral) on parasite burden, lesion size, and immune system modulation. Results: The results revealed that Artemisinin and glucantime in combination with shark cartilage extract had greater effects on promastigotes than either Artemisinin or glucantime (P < 0.05), and that the combinations also had high cytotoxic effects on promastigotes and uninfected macrophages (P = 0.001). These combinations had more inhibitory effects on amastigotes and infected macrophages than promastigotes. The lesion sizes and parasite burden in the spleen decreased against the combinations of the drugs in different administrations. It was also noticed that the best combination administration route of Artemisinin and glucantime, as strong inducers of INF-γ and Th1 immune response, were ointment and intramuscular, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The findings indicate that Artemisinin- glucantime or Artemisinin- Shark cartilage combinations are effective inhibitors of L. major. However, further clinical trials are recommended to evaluate the effects of these combinations in human subjects.
On the Parity between Secular and Religious Reasons
Authors: Laborde Cécile ,   Department of Philosophy, Florida State University
Published: June 2021

The contributors to this Special Issue all suggest that Christianity is compatible with political liberalism. In this paper, I first illuminate the grounds of this compatibility. I then focus on one distinctive—yet unexplored—premise of the compatibility argument. This is the thought that religious and secular reasons are essentially on a par, in terms of their contribution to public reasoning. I critically examine Christopher Eberle’s claim that, as their epistemological status is equivalent, both secular and religious reasons may play a decisive role in justifying coercion-related state policies, including in contexts of war.
Nanoclay and Its Importance
Authors: Nagaraju K. , Prasad T. N. V. K. V. , Munaswamy V. , Ramu Y. Reddi
Published: June 2021

Clays are the one of the most important minerals and have numerous applications in nanotechnology, helps in improvise the product quality, cost effective and protect the environment from pollution. This review explained about the key characters of nanoclay particles and classification of nanoclay based on the sheets arrangements in their structural unit called layer. Nano clay major groups are kaoline-serpentine, smectite, mica, vermiculite, pyrophyllite talc and chlorite. The physicho-chemical and morphological properties of halloystite and mantmorillonite clay represents the 1:1 and 2:1 layer groups respectively. Nano clays are the group which is naturally present in the soil fraction of clay and most important nano clay material present in the soil are montmorillonite and allophone. Montmorillonite is a characteristically crystalline, phyllosilicate and hydrous silicate layer. Organo clays are the organically modified forms of the montmorillonite and formed from quaternary ammonium ions intercalation process and which have been used in inks, rheomodifiers, cosmetics, greases, as a additives in paints and also used in controlled release of drugs in delivery systems. Largest usage of nanoclaysis being practiced in polymer-clay nanocomposites. Organo clays are most importantly using in water treatment and pollution control. Allophane is formed by weathering of volcanic ash; it is non crystalline alluminium silicate derivative. Agricultural lands in Chile mostly formed by the allophane clay fraction. It is most suitable for enzyme mobilization. It also very useful in abortion of phenolic compounds, mill effluent colours and phosphates from waste water.
Yield and Quality of Isabgol (Plantago ovata Forsk) as Influenced by Planting Geometry and Nutrient Levels under Eastern Dry Zone of Karnataka
Authors: Eragegowda M. , Gowda A. P. Mallikarjuna , Maruthiprasad B. N. , Pushpa T. N. , Thimmegowda M. N. , Smitha G. R.
Published: June 2021

The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Block Design with sixteen treatments and replicated three times. The result indicated that the spacing of 22.5cm recorded significantly maximum number of spikes (36.50), seed yield (1221 kg /ha), husk yield (305 kg/ha), swelling factor (13.70 cc /g) and protein content (11.91%) in the seeds. Among the different nutrient levels, maximum number of spikes (35.79), seed yield (904 kg /ha), husk yield (225 kg/ha), swelling factor (13.93 cc /g) and protein content (12.24 %) of seeds were obtained with the application of 75 % RDF (37.5:18.75:22.50 + 7.5 t FYM.) and the interaction of row spacing of 22.5 cm and 75% RDF recorded maximum yiled and quality parameters found non significant.
Characterising Rice (Oryza indica) Ecology in East and Southern Eastern Plateau of Odisha using Multi Source Remote Sensing
Authors: Rani M. Satya Swarupa , Biswal Anima , Rath B. S.
Published: June 2021

Rice is the most important crop of Odisha occupying 41.24% of net sown area in Kharif season and contributing 65.85 % of total food grain production of Odisha state and this is being cultivated in various types environmental and ecological condition. Assessment of rice phenology is prime for management and yield prediction. In view of characterizing rice ecology in East and South Eastern Plateau from 2008 – 2018 to know the time series analysis , remote sensing tools were used . MODIS can0 acquire data over a wide area with high spatial and temporal resolutions easily providing regional scale information .In order to study the seasonal /annual as well as spatial variability of kharif rice vigour and wetness spectral vegetation indices like NDVI(Normalised Difference Vegetation Index),LSWI(Land surface water index) derived from 15 day composite 250 m data were analysed at block level for Odisha state. For studying the start of season variability, SASI index was used. The season maximum NDVI, LSWI were computed for the year 2008-2018 for kharif rice in East and Southern eastern coastal plain zone of Odisha and graphs were generated which shows the variability of the kharif rice vigour and wetness.
Composting: A Low-cost Biotechnological Approach to Ameliorating Macrophyte Nuisance in Fresh Waters
Authors: Udume Ogochukwu Ann , Abu Gideon O. , Stanley Herbert Okechukwu
Published: June 2021

Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes), an aquatic macrophyte, is a resource that has attracted a lot of interest in recent times. The physicochemical constituents of Eichhornia crassipes have been reported in some literature to constitute high carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium including other important micro and macronutrient like potassium and zinc. These findings by scientists informed its utilization in the assemblage of animal feed, bio-energy generation, pharmaceutical industries, and biofilters. The bioconversions of this problematic plant to various products (compost, biochar, and digestate) are green inexpensive options to be considered for use in the restoration of hydrocarbon polluted sites is reviewed in the paper. In addition to crude oil pollution clean-ups, compost improves soil fertility and also increases its organic matter content. This article also shall review composting, Water Hyacinth compost applications in remediation, remediation monitoring parameters, limitations of remediation by composting technology, and the way forward.
Study of Diebond Machine Platform on Theta Rotation Performance
Authors: Jr. Edwin M. Graycochea , Rodriguez Rennier S. , Gomez Frederick Ray I.
Published: June 2021

Theta rotation on die during diebond process is one of the critical machine responses especially for land grid array (LGA) device with tight tolerances requirement. The paper focuses on the die theta rotation tolerance capability with critical design for LGA device evaluated on two different diebond machine platforms. The evaluation was narrowed down into two main diebond machines with the objective of attaining the best performance in terms of die theta rotation tolerance capability. The study used a side-by-side comparison analysis in terms of theta rotation on the two machines and presented the effect of machine selection on the theta rotation response. Theta rotation was monitored and both machines satisfied the specification of 1 degree of maximum rotation, though diebond Machine 1 was able to produce a more stable diebonding with only around less than 0.15 degree of theta rotation variation. For future works, the selected diebond machine could be used for devices with critical requirement.
Silicon Die with Integrated Epoxy for Improved Interface Adhesion
Authors: Gomez F. R. , Rodriguez R.
Published: June 2021

Breakthroughs and innovations are constantly being developed in electronic packaging industry to address the manufacturing challenges and overcome existing assembly limitations. An augmented design of thin Silicon die is introduced to establish a robust and improved interface adhesion between the die and the die attach material during the die attach process. The wafer preparation flow is also presented. The realization of the augmented die design with integrated epoxy material would ultimately provide a robust connection and would mitigate the die attach related issues such delamination, die cracks and voids.
The Severity of Malaria and Toxoplasmosis Co-Infections among Pregnant Women in Yaounde, Cameroon
Authors: Ndamukong-Nyanga Judith Lum , Linda Kitio Falone , Lucile Signi Todjom Chysine , Dolly-Misper Demanou Teubow
Published: June 2021

Malaria and toxoplasmosis are two diseases caused by parasites of the same phylum (Apicomplexa). They have severe consequences on the health of pregnant women and their unborn babies. As such, they are of importance for the public health, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa and Cameroon. The aim of this study was to evaluate the severity of toxoplasmosis among malaria-positive pregnant women attending the Biyam-Assi District Hospital. It was a cross-sectional study that took place from May to November 2019 involving 232 pregnant women who voluntarily accepted to take part in the study. Demographic data was collected using structured questionnaires and blood was collectd by finger prick. Thick blood films were prepared for the detection of malaria and the Giemsa-stained slides were read microscopically. A drop of blood was used for the detection of toxoplasmosis using the  chromatographic cassette (Rapid Diagnostic Test) and the results were read after 15 minutes. The data obtained was analysed using SPSS version 24. The results showed that the prevalence of toxoplasmosis was 22.84 %. This prevalence didn’t depend on the trimester of pregnancy (P = 0. 08). The prevalence of malaria was 38.9%. No significant difference was observed for either the prevalence or severity of malaria over the three trimesters of pregnancy (p = 0.60 and p = 0.9 respectively). The prevalence of co-infection with malaria and toxoplasmosis was 9.05%. Women without toxoplasmosis were more prone to severe malaria (20.29 %) than their counterparts who had toxoplasmosis (4.78 %) and the difference between these two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.02). The severity of toxoplasmosis was not influenced by the presence of Plasmodium (p = 0. 20). It was concluded that the occurrence and severity of toxoplasmosis in pregnant women does not depend on their malaria serological status. However, the presence of severe malaria in pregnant women depends on their toxoplasmosis status. Indeed, women already infected with T. gondii are less susceptible to malaria than their counterparts who are negative for toxoplasmosis. These findings suggest that T. gondii in a person confers some form of reistance to infections with Plasmodium. It was recommended that the Public Health Ministry in Cameroon could include screening for toxoplasmosis among the routine test for pregnant women in order to improve on the health of mother and baby.
Don't use ‘dropout,’ ‘compliance’ and other stigmatizing words: Researchers
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: June 2021

What's in a word? Lots, researchers find in a commentary looking at “dropout” and other stigmatizing words.
Flexible and Biocompatible Physical Unclonable Function Anti‐Counterfeiting Label
Authors: Hu Yan‐Wei , Zhang Tai‐Ping , Wang Chun‐Feng , Liu Kai‐Kai , Sun Yuan , Li Lei , Lv Chao‐Fan , Liang Ya‐Chuan , Jiao Fu‐Hang , Zhao Wen‐Bo , Dong Lin , Shan Chong‐Xin
Published: June 2021

Optical physical unclonable functions (PUFs) have been proven to be one of the most effective anti‐counterfeiting strategies. However, optical PUFs endowed with flexibility and biocompatibility have not been developed, limiting their application scenarios. Herein, biocompatible and flexible optical PUF labels are developed by randomly embedding microdiamonds in silk fibroin films. The PUF labels can be conformally attached onto the surface of complex shaped objects, providing the desired protection against fake and interior products. In this system, silk fibroin films serve as a flexible and biocompatible substrate, while the Raman signal of the microdiamonds serves as response of the excitation. The extremely high stability and random distribution of the microdiamonds ensure the performance of PUFs, and the maximum encoding capability of 210000 is finally realized. The cytotoxicity analysis results also verify the biosafety of the PUF system. In addition, the as‐prepared PUF labels are attached onto the surface of polyethylene material, and human skin, and even have been implanted under chicken skin tissue, promising their practical applications.
Pressurized Alloying Assisted Synthesis of High Quality Antimonene for Capacitive Deionization
Authors: Gao Yujie , Lin Cheng , Zhang Kan , Zhou Wenhan , Guo Shiying , Liu Wenqiang , Jiang Lianfu , Zhang Shengli , Zeng Haibo
Published: June 2021

Mono‐elemental antimonene as a new member of the 2D material family has recently attracted huge attention, whereas the higher chemical activity and narrower interlayer gallery have impinged the quality of product upon exfoliation from the bulk counterpart. To overcome the intrinsic drawbacks, along with the line of the liquid‐phase exfoliation (LPE) method, here, a pressurized alloying approach introduces a Li3Sb alloy intermediate at the edge region of bulk β‐phase antimony by pre‐lithiation in the presence of n‐butyllithium and internal pressure is put forward. A protonation process converts the Li3Sb to gaseous stibine (SbH3) in a liquid solution, enabling an upward buoyancy together with the endothermic opening of the galleries that facilitate the subsequent LPE. As a result, the β‐phase antimony is efficiently exfoliated into antimonene nanosheets with perfect retention of basal plane texture (lateral size of ≈3 µm and thickness of less than 2 nm). Finally, the high‐quality antimonene being simply treated with HCl enables great Na+ diffusion along the basal plane to deliver excellent capacitive deionization performance with a salt adsorption capacity of 31.4 mg g–1 at an ultra‐low NaCl concentration (135 mg L–1).
Electrostatics of Single Monolayer Graphene Coated Metal Electrode in Electrolyte
Authors: Saraf Akshat R. , Keramatnejad Kamran , Arcila Jennifer A. , Saraf Ravi F.
Published: June 2021

Unlike metals, graphene forms a hydration layer at the electrode/electrolyte interface, which is unusual for a conducting material. Here, the electrostatic properties of the hydration layer are studied by measuring the oscillation of ions at the interface due to an applied AC potential by differential reflectivity during cyclic voltammetry (CV). The amplitude of ion oscillation at picometer range sensitivity on a partially coated Au electrode by a graphene monolayer reveals a remarkable difference between the coated and uncoated part of the electrode. The uncoated Au electrode exhibits the expected behavior, but the oscillation of ions is completely screened over the graphene coated electrode up to 0.2 M of NaCl. The “insulating” behavior is consistent with CV and DPV. The behavior attributed to the hydration layer could be reversibly disrupted to de‐screen the electric field to study the electrostatics of graphene/Au interface. The shift in Fermi level of hydration‐layer‐free graphene/Au relative to Au is quantitatively consistent with work function transparency of graphene. The cut‐off of the emanating field from the underlying electrode in an electrolyte is another example of graphene's unique passivation property that will have profound effect on applications such as, supercapacitors where the charge state of interface is critical.
Stable Cobalt Porphyirn Ometed Type Small Molecule Sensor for the Sensitive and Selective Detection of Ammonia Gas at Room Temperature
Authors: Shah Muhammad Naeem , Pathipati Srinivasa Rao , Mehmood Shahid , Kahn Faheem Ullah , Sohail Muhammad , Ullah Bakhtar , Yang Yatao , Pan Xiaofang
Published: June 2021

The ammonia (NH3) gas device sensors at room temperature rapid‐response (RTRR) selective discovery is a challenging and massive task that is restricted due to reduced room‐temperature (RT) detecting materials and their unsatisfactory gas detecting performance features. In this work, an organic small molecule 5, 10, 15, 20‐tetrakis {4‐[N,N‐di(4‐methoxyphenyl) amino‐phenyl]‐porphyrin (PO) and its cobalt complex cobalt‐porphyrin (PCo) based twisted type structure sensor is established for the detection of NH3 gas at RT. Interestingly, the introduction of Co atom into porphyin ring center increases overall performance, including high stability maximum response of 85% to 20 ppm NH3, and high selectivity towards ammonia compared to PO molecule. In terms of selectivity, the PCo sensor has a great affinity for NH3 due to the unpaired electron in dx2‐y2 with the porphyrin‐system, which boosts NH3 selectivity even in a mixture of gases. The detection range is 1 ppm, which is an 11% response with outstanding fast response (180 s) and recovery (10 s) containing excellent reproducibility to 20 ppm NH3. The superior gas‐detecting characteristics of PCo are ascribed to the interface between NH3 and cobalt Co‐group of PCo. The results from sequential studies deliver a novel approach and procedure for exploring RT ammonia gas device sensors.