bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Machine Learning Approach for Atherosclerosis Detection in Murine Models
Authors: Sabbah Maher
Published: October 2023

The early detection of atherosclerosis has been the interest of researchers in order to prevent diseases progression. And, most of cases diagnosed with atherosclerosis in late stages resulted of subjective ways of diagnosis in the healthcare sector. Consequently, in order to help cardiologists diagnose atherosclerosis in early stages with an objective, fast and accurate way, we are proposing a machine learning model based on autoencoders that enables atherosclerosis detection from MRI images of murine subjects. This novel way of automated system consists of applying various image processing techniques on the input MRI images. Then, after training, testing and validation it will be capable of classifying the images as atherosclerotic or not based on a specific threshold for the reconstruction error calculated from the autoencoders' output. An autoencoder is a feed-forward neural network that has its input neurons equal to the output neuron. The classification works by comparing the reconstructed images to the original input images and evaluating loss between them. Since the autoencoder is trained on healthy images, reconstruction error of the healthy images would be low while that of atherosclerotic subjects would be higher. By setting a threshold for the loss, we can classify the images as healthy or atherosclerotic. The pre-processing of these images was made using a Block Matching 3D (BM3D) filter to remove the noise in the images prior to application of a Contrast Limited Adaptive Histogram Equalization (CLAHE) to enhance the contrast. The next step included introducing the dataset into the autoencoder to start training on the healthy images, after increasing the images number with augmentation. The results showed a reconstruction loss of 0.018 while using the stacked architecture of the autoencoder and 0.0366 when using the convolutional autoencoder architecture.
The impact of public transport on the diffusion of COVID-19 pandemic in Lombardy during 2020
Authors: Ieva Francesca , Galliani Greta , Secchi Piercesare
Published: October 2023

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world, affecting health, economy, education, and social behavior. Much concern was raised about the role of mobility in the diffusion of the disease, with particular attention to public transport. Indeed, understanding the relationship between mobility and the pandemic is key for developing effective public health interventions and policy decisions. In this work, we aim to understand how mobility, and more specifically mobility by public transport, has affected the diffusion of the pandemic at the regional scale. We focus our attention on Lombardy, the most populated Italian region severely hit by the pandemic in 2020. We explore static mobility data provided by Regione Lombardia, the regional service district, and dynamic mobility data provided by Trenord, a railway operator which serves Lombardy and neighboring areas. We develop an inventive pipeline for the dynamic estimation of Origin-Destination matrices obtained from tickets and passenger counts. This allows us to spot potential triggers in pandemic diffusion enhanced by the concept of proximity induced by mobility. We also develop a novel perspective for assessing the relationship between mobility and overall mortality based upon a functional approach combined with a spatial correlation analysis aimed at identifying the diversified effects on mortality in small geographical areas as a result of the restrictions on mobility introduced to contrast the pandemic.
Will Public Health be Able to Meet the New Challenges of a Changing World?
Authors: Chossegros Philippe
Published: October 2023

The organisation of society into social systems led, from the nineteenth century onwards, to the differentiation of medicine. Its object has been diseases, with the sub-systems of healthcare, responsible for diagnosis and treatment, and public health, responsible for communicating the truths of medical science to the population with the aim of preventing and treating diseases. This organisation, which remains effective, is currently facing two problems: Its possible extension of its scope to include health as understood by international organisations, in order to meet the challenges posed by the rapid transformation of the planet: global warming, overpopulation, ageing, poverty, etc. The ability to make this advice effective at a time when there is no longer an entity that can generate the confidence needed to apply its recommendations. To overcome the silos that have prevented the changes we are undergoing today, it will be necessary to organise collaborations that the revolution brought about by Artificial Intelligence may be able to facilitate.
THE PEDIATRIC MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC : A INTEGRATIVE REVIEW
Authors: Sanches Giovana , Lima Juliana , Delatorre Marcella
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION: During the Covid-19 pandemic, a rise in symptoms of anxiety and depression was described in the general population. It’s critical to analyze these symptoms in the pediatric population, considering the influence of mental health across the social and academic domains, and its impact on neurodevelopment, morbidity, and mortality. This study aims to recognize and, compare its risk factors, and suggest evidence-based policies to mitigate the adverse effects of future pandemics on youth. METHODOLOGY: Using a search strategy through PubMed, CINAHL, and Scholar Google platforms, after screening 106 articles, 50 were read in full. After its analysis, 11 met the inclusion criteria of a publication date after March 2020, cross-section or cohort/case-control study with data including general pediatric population mental health or pediatric population infected with Covid-19 mental health. DISCUSSION: The isolation, lack of exercise, and sociodemographic factors of age, sex, residence, economic status, and school class, were significantly associated with the self-reported psychological distress in the general pediatric population. CONCLUSION: It's crucial to measure and discuss the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of vulnerable children and adolescents. Applicable interferences that showed less anxiety in hospitalized kids were contacting the family member through free teleconferencing programs and providing video games for children in isolation. There are still COVID-19 worldwide studies and data to be released, it's a subject to continue its discussion, and formulation of evidence-based policies.
Safeguarding Pediatric Airways: A Closer Look at Cuff Pressure Control
Authors: Henao Alejandra , Villamor Perla , Osorio Steven , Pulido Armando , Bedoya Jaddy
Published: October 2023

Background: Proper insufflation of the tube cuff is critical in pediatric endotracheal intubation. However, the widespread use of subjective techniques for measuring cuff pressure by healthcare workers has raised concerns due to the potential for airway damage and subsequent impact on laryngotracheal tissue. Objective: This study aims to evaluate tube cuff pressure variations based on operator expertise and clinical context among pediatric patients undergoing endotracheal intubation and compare the measurements obtained through subjective techniques with those obtained using an objective method involving a manometer. Methods: This cross-sectional observational quantitative study obtained Institutional Ethics Committee approval and was conducted between October 2022 and January 2023. Descriptive statistics and frequency distributions were used for variable characterization. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test assessed normality. A bivariate analysis employed chi-square tests and ANOVA, establishing a 95% confidence interval and significance level at p < 0.05. Results: Seventy pediatric patients (mean age: 7.53 years) participated. Anesthesiology residents primarily performed intubation (28.6%), while tube cuff inflation was predominantly executed by nursing staff (38.6%), except within the intensive care unit where respiratory therapists assumed responsibility (20%). Manometric measurements indicated an average tube cuff pressure of 30.8 cm H2O (SD 17.4) across all scenarios. Notably, higher pressures were recorded in emergency contexts, with a statistically significant correlation between cuff pressure and insufflation personnel (P < 0.001), particularly evident when nursing staff was involved, with a mean difference of up to 18 cm H2O (P < 0.001). A statistically significant link existed between pressure levels and clinical context (P = 0.030). Conclusion: This study underscores the discord between cuff pressures when measured by subjective techniques, highlighting the importance of objective manometric measurements. There is a necessity for comprehensive training of healthcare professionals working in surgical, emergency, and pediatric intensive care units, enabling them to proficiently utilize manometers for precise pressure evaluations that limit the risk of injury due to high pressures or aspiration and subsequent ventilator-associated pneumonia due to inadequate inflation.
Occlusal Trauma has a Primary Role in the Etiology of Site-Specific Periodontitis/ Perimplantitis
Authors: Franco Rossi , Marco E Pasqualini , Luca Dal , Enrico Moglioni , Paolo Zampetti
Published: October 2023

An in media preponderant school of thought considers the onset from the very beginning of the periodontal/periimplant disease due to an infection. In other words the disease begins when pathogenic bacteria infect a tissue which is wholly healthy thanks to saprophyte bacteria. We will consider occlusal trauma as well as cause of the disease. The aim of the work is to demonstrate how the long-lasting mechanical stress over gingival-tooth/implant apparatus can induce the change of bacterial flora from saprophyte to opportunistic pathogenic one capable of causing periodontal/perimplant infection. Two cases are presented referring to two different patients, one affected by periodontitis, the other by perimplantitis, in which periodontitis/perimplantitis occurred only on a single tooth/implant, both in evident occlusal trauma, sparing all contiguous elements. Since periodontal/perimplant disease is a multifactorial syndrome with hypothetical causes from infectious to genetic ones, or related to internal medicine and biomechanics,this research proposes to understand the causes of the periodontal/perimplant disease moving away from conventional schemas based on the insufficient hygiene with consequent build-up of dental plaque which is considered “the only “cause of the disease. In fact we must consider both teeth and implants not as static elements but as a dynamic complex which during its function can undergo a very heavy load according to precise biological laws. In addition to all the best-known risk factors the causes that displace mandible and therefore modify occlusion must deserve specific attention. Considerable overloading on teeth and/or implants involved can contribute to the pathogenesis of the tooth/implant and its supporting tissue too. The two clinical cases of the work present site-specific periodontitis and perimplantitis. Both cases show that occlusal trauma with its consequent chronic mechanical stress is the initial cause of the disease. Later the subsequent inflamed tissue becomes an easy road to the periodontal-perimplant infection as final stage. Following the evolution of the two cases it becomes apparent that it is important to know the diseases due to occlusal trauma. Only through that knowledge we can prevent the diseases described above.
Complication Management in Periodontal Ligament-Mediated Implant Placement with Total Extraction of the Root: A Case Report with 4 Years Follow-up
Authors: Zampa Evangelia , Siormpas Konstantinos , Silvestros Spyridon
Published: October 2023

An increasing number of studies report on periodontal ligament-mediated implant placement procedures to mitigate the biological sequel of total tooth extraction in the esthetic zone. Longitudinal results of these techniques show promising results for ridge dimensional stability achieved by partial extraction of the root followed by immediate implant placement. Nonetheless, because of the recency of these techniques, there is a dearth of clinical documentation of related complications and protocols for their management. In this case report, we present the management of a complication in an implant in the aesthetic zone utilizing the “root-membrane” technique with a four-year followup. Total extraction of the root membrane and guided bone regeneration resolved the dental-related complication
Accelerated versus standard Ponseti cast in the management of idiopathic congenital talipes equinovarus at a tertiary care centre in North India: a comparative study
Authors: Sudan Suraydev Aman , Bahl Saransh , Khan Ifzal Ahmed , Khajuria Ankita , Mahajan Neeraj , Gupta Sanjeev
Published: October 2023

Background: Congenital talipes equinovarus varus (CTEV) is one of the most common congenital anomalies of foot and ankle. With a male dominance pattern, this deformity is bilateral in around 50% cases. It is characterized across varying degrees and severity of components manifesting with: forefoot adductus, midfoot cavus, hindfoot varus and hindfoot equinus. Severity is accessed using Pirani score (0 to 6). Insights into the basic patho-anatomy of this complex 3-dimensional deformity has helped to correct it using the method given by Ignacio Ponseti, a Spanish orthopedician, in which serial manipulations of foot are done and weekly casts are applied, followed by a tendoachilles tenotomy in selected cases to correct the equinus component which is then followed by splintage of the feet in foot-ankle orthosis initially for 23 hours day for 3 months and then 12 hours a day for 3 years. Parental counselling regarding the importance of compliance with maintenance braces remains the most important component of treatment.
Methods: This was a double blinded randomized prospective study including 40 patients with 61 feet of only idiopathic clubfoot, conducted in the department of orthopaedics, government medical college, Jammu over a period of 01 year.
Results: The mean days of plaster duration in accelerated casting group was 18.45 days as compared to 47.25 days in standard casting group (statistically significant, p<0.05). Also, Pirani score at the end of last follow up was comparable in both the groups. Tenotomy rate was slightly higher in accelerated casting group (89.5%) as compared to standard group (85.7%) which may be attributed to higher initial Pirani score in former (5.5) as compared to later (5.0).
Conclusions: The clubfoot in developing countries has social stigma, the early and the promising result of the accelerated method of Ponseti casting has a dramatic impact on both parents and the treating orthopaedician. The accelerated Ponseti casting has remarkably reduced the overall duration of the treatment of Ponseti casting without any complication.
Noticias del BID: Vol. 11, No. 7, julio 1984
Authors:   Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
Published: October 2023

Noticias del BID, publicación mensual que tiene por objetivo informar acerca de las actividades del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo.
Noticias del BID: Vol. 11, No. 6, junio 1984
Authors:   Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
Published: October 2023

Noticias del BID, publicación mensual que tiene por objetivo informar acerca de las actividades del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo.
Noticias del BID: Vol. 11, No. 5, mayo 1984
Authors:   Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo
Published: October 2023

Noticias del BID, publicación mensual que tiene por objetivo informar acerca de las actividades del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo.
Aprendamos todos a leer: fascículo 35: toda la familia lee y escribe conmigo
Authors: De Varela Ana Lorena , Martínez Álvarez Silvia
Published: October 2023

Aprendamos Todos a Leer es la iniciativa para la enseñanza de lectura y escritura inicial del BID, donde a través de materiales para el alumno, el maestro y el aula de clase, pretende brindar herramientas para apoyar el proceso de alfabetización inicial. El programa se organiza a partir de una cartelera fonológica presentando para cada fonema (sonido de letra) un personaje caracterizado por un animal. En respuesta al COVID-19, se desarrollaron fascículos para apoyar el trabajo en casa. Este fascículo los niños podrán realizar diferentes actividades para conocer el sonido /S-s/ de la letra C cuando se escribe con las vocales e, i: Ce-ce y Ci-ci. Les ayudaremos a combinarlas con las vocales a, o, u y las consonantes y las consonantes M-m, P-p, N-n, L-l, S-s, F-f, T-t, B-b, D-d, C-c, QU-qu, Y-y, Ll-ll, H-h, Ch-ch, R-r, G-g, J-j.
Aprendamos todos a leer: fascículo 38: toda la familia lee y escribe conmigo
Authors: De Varela Ana Lorena , Martínez Álvarez Silvia
Published: October 2023

Aprendamos Todos a Leer es la iniciativa para la enseñanza de lectura y escritura inicial del BID, donde a través de materiales para el alumno, el maestro y el aula de clase, pretende brindar herramientas para apoyar el proceso de alfabetización inicial. El programa se organiza a partir de una cartelera fonológica presentando para cada fonema (sonido de letra) un personaje caracterizado por un animal. En respuesta al COVID-19, se desarrollaron fascículos para apoyar el trabajo en casa. Este fascículo los niños podrán realizar diferentes actividades para conocer el sonido y la escritura de la letra K-k. Les ayudaremos a combinarlas con las vocales y las consonantes y las consonantes M-m, P-p, N-n, L-l, S-s, F-f, T-t, B-b, D-d, C-c, QU-qu, Y-y, Ll-ll, H-h, Ch-ch, R-r, G-g, J-j, Z-z, -ñ.
Aprendamos todos a leer: Fascículo 40: Toda la familia lee y escribe conmigo
Authors: De Varela Ana Lorena , Martínez Álvarez Silvia
Published: October 2023

Aprendamos Todos a Leer es la iniciativa para la enseñanza de lectura y escritura inicial del BID, donde a través de materiales para el alumno, el maestro y el aula de clase, pretende brindar herramientas para apoyar el proceso de alfabetización inicial. El programa se organiza a partir de una cartelera fonológica presentando para cada fonema (sonido de letra) un personaje caracterizado por un animal. En respuesta al COVID-19, se desarrollaron fascículos para apoyar el trabajo en casa. Este fascículo los niños podrán realizar diferentes actividades para conocer el sonido u cuando se escribe con la letra W-w. Les ayudaremos a combinarlas con las vocales y las consonantes y las consonantes M-m, P-p, N-n, L-l, S-s, F-f, T-t, B-b, D-d, C-c, QU-qu, Y-y, Ll-ll, H-h, Ch-ch, R-r, G-g, J-j, Z-z, -ñ, K-k, X-x.
Aprendamos todos a leer: Fascículo 43: Toda la familia lee y escribe conmigo
Authors: De Varela Ana Lorena , Martínez Álvarez Silvia
Published: October 2023

Aprendamos Todos a Leer es la iniciativa para la enseñanza de lectura y escritura inicial del BID, donde a través de materiales para el alumno, el maestro y el aula de clase, pretende brindar herramientas para apoyar el proceso de alfabetización inicial. El programa se organiza a partir de una cartelera fonológica presentando para cada fonema (sonido de letra) un personaje caracterizado por un animal. En respuesta al COVID-19, se desarrollaron fascículos para apoyar el trabajo en casa. Este fascículo los niños podrán realizar diferentes actividades para tomar el lápiz de forma segura, fortalecer el trazo, seguir la dirección del trazo, colocar el papel de forma correcta y sentarse de manera adecuada.
Sustainable Financial Instruments: Their Current State and Prospects
Authors:   Anatoliy Sobchak International Banking Institute, Klyuchnikov Igor K. , Klyuchnikov Oleg I. , Sigova Maria V.
Published: October 2023

Instruments aimed at sustainable economic development have become widespread in financial markets and are firmly embedded in economic transactions and the system of credit and financial regulation. Incorporating ESG principles into economic activity enables companies to be involved in solving environmental, social and managerial challenges as well as to promote these principles by means of instruments designed to attract and allocate resources that advance sustainable development. As stable financial instruments for these purposes are developed and absorbed into both micro and macro management of the economy, the practices that govern their registration, accounting and listing on exchanges are changing in turn. A parallel process of conceptualizing and reaching theoretical understanding of these new instruments for encouraging sustainable economic development is also underway. Systematic concepts applicable to sustainable financial instruments have been developed, and the role of these instruments in financing ESG transition and development of the financial market has been clarified. The article examines the evolution of sustainable financial instruments, identifies their essential features and role in investment decisions, analyzes the most significant ways they impact the economy and financial markets, and assesses how prepared the financial sector is for their development. Three research hypotheses are put forward. First, economic entities are successfully adapting to the new concept of sustainable financing. Second, the increased inherent complexity of the new instruments and effort needed to prepare them is partially offset by their standardization, as well as by a simplified scheme for their circulation, maintenance and supervision. And third, sustainable development instruments such as green bonds, social bonds, sustainable development bonds, sustainability-related bonds and transitional period bonds contribute to a reassessment of market efficiency and the rationality of market participants
Inversión pública y crecimiento económico en México. Un enfoque de contabilidad del crecimiento
Authors: Núñez Rodríguez Gaspar
Published: October 2023

Se analiza la evolución de la inversión pública en México durante los últimos cincuenta años, así como la evolución de la Productividad Total de los Factores (PTF). En el marco de la teoría del crecimiento y de la teoría de la contabilidad del crecimiento, se especifica un modelo econométrico para la PTF, incluyendo entre las variables independientes la desagregación de la inversión en inversión privada e inversión pública. Los resultados econométricos sugieren que, el drástico descenso experimentado por la inversión pública durante los últimos treinta años, ha influido significativamente en la disminución de la PTF. Un resultado adicional es que las estimaciones indican una tasa de rendimiento alta para la educación formal.
La discriminación y su relación con la diferencia de ingresos en el mercado laboral guatemalteco
Authors: Fuentes García Alberto
Published: October 2023

Este artículo es un estudio sobre la diferencia de ingresos entre cuatro grupos demográficos guatemaltecos: mujeres indígenas, hombres indígenas, mujeres no indígenas y hombres no indígenas. En específico, se analiza el componente no observable de la diferencia de ingresos de acuerdo al modelo de Oaxaca–Blinder, tal componente ha sido identificado como discriminación. Se concluye que la mayor diferencia de ingresos causada por discriminación se da contra las mujeres en general y, en especial, contra las mujeres no indígenas quienes, a pesar de tener niveles de educación y experiencias similares o mayores a los de los hombres indígenas y no indígenas, cuentan con menores ingresos promedio.
El culturalismo: atrofia o devastación de lo social
Authors: Sánchez Parga José
Published: October 2023

El culturalismo, ya presente en la ideología dominante de los estudios culturales, es un fenómeno complejo, que hace de la cultura una encrucijada de intereses ideológicos, sociales, económicos y políticos, asociándola tanto a las actuales obsesiones etnicistas e identitarias, como a un relativismo que pretende interpretar y justificar todos los hechos sociales en razón de las diferencias culturales. El artículo busca explicar esta moderna fenomenología culturalista, precisando de qué manera responde a una idea y experiencia —muy neoliberales— de cultura sin sociedad, e incluso a una reducción de lo social a lo cultural, lo que contribuye a encubrir y neutralizar las lógicas sociales que atraviesan el mundo moderno. Aunque la culturología, discurso paranoico sobre la cultura, ha hecho de la interculturalidad su principal ideario, incapacita para entender que esta interculturalidad sólo es posible cuando la “otra” cultura tiene sentido y valor para la propia cultura.
La CIA y el exilio de Jacobo Árbenz
Authors: García Ferreira Roberto
Published: October 2023

Estas líneas presentan una línea de trabajo cuyo eje es el estudio del exilio del depuesto presidente de Guatemala, Jacobo Árbenz, entre 1954 y 1971. Despojado de su cargo tras un golpe militar provocado por una persistente intervención encubierta de la Agencia Central de Inteligencia (CIA), el ex mandatario vivió un tormentoso periplo que casualmente, comenzó y terminó en México. Este episodio de la vida de aquel guatemalteco ha sido escasamente abordado por los investigadores, quienes han dedicado sus mayores esfuerzos a tratar de esclarecer las circunstancias que motivaron el fin de su gobierno. Sinembargo, documentos recientemente desclasificados por la cia revelan cómo esta agencia lo siguió tenazmente; estas fuentes nos permiten asomarnos a una persistente estrategia de deslegitimación cuyas consecuencias aún se palpan en Guatemala.
Biodiesel Production Optimization from Waste Cooking Oil Using Animal Bone Catalyst
Authors: Urete Joy Iruoghene , Sule Michael Owoicho , Gordon Juliet , Kolade Olawale Samson , Nze Roi , Tsebam Samuel Ayegu , Oyeleye Oyedele Babatunde , Robinson David Udo , Fetuga Ibrahim Ademola
Published: October 2023

The goal of the current study is to use a heterogeneous catalyst made from biological-waste (animal bone) to optimize the process parameters needed to transform used cooking oil (WCO) into methyl- esters. The methyl esters and synthetic calcium oxide (CaO) from animal dumps were both analyzed. At temperatures between 900 and 950oC, calcined catalyst was obtained. Utilizing central composite architecture, reaction effects from temperature (40–80oC), time for the reaction (30–180min), as well as CL (1–0.15×102 w/w%) were examined in a 3-level, 3-factor array. To identify the most important parameter, ANOVA testing as well as R.S.M optimization are utilized for the studies. The linear terms of CL (p-value of 0.0146), reaction time (p-value 0.0339), as well as temperature of the reaction combination (p-value of 0.0344) had greatest impact on the biodiesel yield. The quadratic terms of CL (p-value = 0.0271) and temperature of the combining reaction (p-value = 0.0508) had the greatest impact on the oil yield. Therefore, it is practical to apply C.C.D design, R.S.M, as well as ANOVA to optimize the generation of biodiesel from used cooking oil.
Explorando o papel das cidades inteligentes na mitigação da pobreza
Authors: Baum Kamila da Silva , Sott Michele Kremer
Published: October 2023

O conceito de cidades inteligentes se destaca na literatura ao discutir o desenvolvimento urbano, a transformação digital e a qualidade de vida dos cidadãos urbanos. Apesar do número de pesquisas no campo de estudo aumentar exponencialmente, pouco ainda foi explorado sobre o papel dos diferentes atores do ecossistema urbano para lidar com um dos maiores desafios da atualidade: a pobreza. Neste sentido, este estudo explora o potencial das cidades inteligentes e dos atores da quadrupla-hélice de criar projetos e planos de ação para resolver os desafios urbanos, principalmente no que tange à mitigação da pobreza global. Para tanto, realizou-se uma revisão sistemática da literatura, de cunho crítico-reflexivo, apoiada pelo protocolo PRISMA-P, a fim de identificar e discutir o papel e as ações de cada elemento da quadrupla-hélice (governo, organizações, universidades e sociedade civil organizada) para transformar as cidades em espaços inteligentes capazes de mitigar a pobreza por meio de caminhos sustentáveis e resilientes. Os resultados mostram que outras dimensões urbanas, como a dimensão econômica e o ecossistema empresarial, estão sendo privilegiadas, enquanto poucas ações estão sendo realizadas para mitigar a pobreza, principalmente em países do sul global.
The role of 5-α-reductase inhibition in supressing progression of male androgenetic alopecia − a postulate for further studies on possible application of saw palmetto extracts
Authors: Piwecki Marcin , Urban Aleksandra , Pełszyńska Jolanta
Published: October 2023

W pracy przedstawiono mechanizm łysienia androgenowego u mężczyzn (male androgenetic alopecia – MAGA) z uwzględnieniem roli enzymu 5-α-reduktazy, która odpowiada za konwersję testosteronu, najważniejszego hormonu męskiego, do jego aktywnej formy – dihydrotestosteronu (DHT). Opisane zostały konsekwencje pobudzenia przez DHT receptorów androgenowych (androgen receptors – ARs), zlokalizowanych w chromosomie X komórek linii brodawkowej (dermal papilla cells – DPCs). Powoduje to transkrypcję genów uruchamianą przez androgeny, zostaje zaburzone odżywianie mieszka włosowego, ale przede wszystkim przyspieszeniu ulega moment zakończenia anagenu i przejścia do fazy katagenu. Przedstawiono również, w jaki sposób enzym ten może być poddawany działaniu molekuł pełniących funkcję jego inhibitorów.
Ponadto zaprezentowano uzasadnienie dla prowadzenia bardziej dogłębnych badań poświęconych mechanizmom działania, w których ekstrakty palmy sabałowej (Serenoa repens) wywołują efekt inhibicji 5-α-reduktazy. Dodatkowo w pracy został zawarty postulat na rzecz rozpoznawania i pomiaru substancji aktywnych znajdujących się w ekstraktach palmy sabałowej, w tym dwóch najbardziej obiecujących związków fitosterolowych – stigmasterolu i β-sitosterolu – ze względu na udowodnioną już aktywność inhibitorową w stosunku do 5-α-reduktazy w ekstraktach z surowców pochodzących z innych gatunków roślin.
W ramach postulatu na rzecz pogłębienia badań zwrócono uwagę na konieczność oceny wpływu stosowania ekstraktów z palmy sabałowej na cykl życia włosów, cykl życia mieszka włosowego, różne czynniki wzrostu i angiogenezę, a także aktywność układu immunologicznego czy stres oksydacyjny. Inne obszary obserwacji działania ekstraktów z palmy sabałowej mogłyby obejmować ich zastosowanie w terapiach w połączeniu z innymi ekstraktami roślinnymi lub środkami terapii, np. z osoczem bogatopłytkowym czy osoczem bogatym w fibrynę.
Utilization of Agricultural Waste Through Conventional Technologies for the Treatment of Industrial Effluents: A Review
Authors: Monica M. , Jayasree R. , Hepzibha J. Irine Briny
Published: October 2023

Agricultural waste products are commonly distributed and they are inexpensive and biodegradable. This review focuses on various agro wastes used in the treatment of industrial wastewater. As heavy metals are considered as a global threat affecting biological lives, ways to remove them from waste water are challenging. Various conventional methods are used in recent times for the removal of heavy metals from industrial waste water. Agricultural waste is a good resource for the adsorption of the dyes generated during industrial processing. The adsorption process serves as an alternative method to treat wastewater. The study provides the steps followed in various industries and explains the steps in which the toxic heavy metals find their way to the environment. This review focuses on the comprehensive ways of utilization agro wastes as good treatment material which are also eco-friendly. The review suggests how agro wastes form a potential, effective, affordable and sustainable sorbent biomaterial for minimizing environmental pollution. Agricultural waste products are commonly distributed and they are inexpensive and biodegradable. This review focuses on various agro wastes used in the treatment of industrial wastewater. As heavy metals are considered as a global threat affecting biological lives, ways to remove them from waste water are challenging. Various conventional methods are used in recent times for the removal of heavy metals from industrial waste water. Agricultural waste is a good resource for the adsorption of the dyes generated during industrial processing. The adsorption process serves as an alternative method to treat wastewater. The study provides the steps followed in various industries and explains the steps in which the toxic heavy metals find their way to the environment. This review focuses on the comprehensive ways of utilization agro wastes as good treatment material which are also eco-friendly. The review suggests how agro wastes form a potential, effective, affordable and sustainable sorbent biomaterial for minimizing environmental pollution.
Is symmetric dimethylarginine superior to creatinine for assessing glomerular filtration rate for cats with kidney disease?
Authors: Hardy Lorna
Published: October 2023

PICO Question
Is symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) superior to creatinine for assessing glomerular filtration rate (GFR) for cats with chronic kidney disease?
 
Clinical bottom line
Category
Diagnosis.
 
Number and type of studies reviewed:
The literature searches returned four relevant papers that answered this PICO. Three of the studies were retrospective diagnostic test studies, and one was a randomised, controlled, unblinded study.
 
Strength of evidence
Moderate.
 
Outcomes reported
Three out of the four studies analysed found that there was no significant difference between the correlation between symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and creatinine (sCr) and GFR, whilst the other identified a stronger correlation between SDMA and GFR. Two papers also evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of SDMA compared to creatinine. One paper found a similar sensitivity for both biomarkers and a significantly higher specificity for creatinine using the upper reference interval of 18 µg/dL for SDMA and 155.6 µmol/L (1.76 mg/dL) sCr, whilst the other found SDMA to have a superior sensitivity and both biomarkers to have a similar specificity using the upper reference interval of 14 µg/dL for SDMA and 185.64 µmol/L (2.1 mg/dL) for sCr.
 
Conclusions
In view of the strength of evidence we conclude that the majority of the studies analysed do not demonstrate that SDMA is superior to creatinine for the assessment of GFR in cats with chronic kidney disease. More research is needed with larger sample sizes to investigate this further. Standardisation of the upper reference intervals across studies for creatinine and SDMA would be advantageous for comparison of sensitivity and specificity in future studies.
 
How to apply this evidence in practice
The application of evidence into practice should take into account multiple factors, not limited to: individual clinical expertise, patient’s circumstances and owners’ values, country, location or clinic where you work, the individual case in front of you, the availability of therapies and resources.
Knowledge Summaries are a resource to help reinforce or inform decision making. They do not override the responsibility or judgement of the practitioner to do what is best for the animal in their care.
Teaching English in the Colombian Rural: Normalistas Superiores Challenges and Experiences
Authors: Ortiz García William Ricardo , Contreras Pinilla Adriana Marcela
Published: October 2023

This qualitative study focuses on the challenges and experiences faced by normalistas in-service educators who teach English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in rural contexts in Colombia without the training to do so. Data were analyzed using grounded theory, through instruments such as interviews, real-life episodes, and a focus group. The participants were two normalistas educators who have taught English in rural areas for years, and the study was conducted in remote rural communities in Colombia with limited resources and connectivity. The results evidenced the teaching English practices outlook in rural communities, the adaption to an experimental learning and teaching method as part of the normalistas’ limitations in terms of English knowledge and instruments to teach the foreign language and, finally, the impact on rural learners as a result of normalistas’ performances in English classes.
Good practice in minimising the development of fungicide resistance in crop pathogens
Authors:   ADAS High Mowthorpe, UK, Paveley Neil , van den Bosch Frank ,   ADAS High Mowthorpe, UK
Published: October 2023

Good practice requires consistent resistance management messages, based on sound evidence, communicated to farmers and advisers by key stakeholders. Understanding of resistance has been revolutionised by a combination of new techniques for genotyping, phenotyping, experimentation and modelling. Yet resistance management guidance has changed little in the past 35 years. To a large extent this reflects the prescience of early workers who translated sparse evidence into sound guidance which has stood the test of time. It also reflects the limitations of research, and barriers to translation of research into practice. In this chapter, we describe examples of such limitations and barriers, to identify areas for future translational research. Areas where current guidance is out of step with current evidence are highlighted.
Understanding resistance to succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor fungicides
Authors:   Centre for Crop and Disease Management, Curtin University, Australia, Mair Wesley
Published: October 2023

The Succinate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor (SDHI, Carboxamide, Group 7) compounds represent the fastest growing fungicide class. The spectrum of activity of SDHIs encompasses Ascomycete, Basidiomycete, and Deuteromycete pathogens on a wide variety of hosts. SDHIs are a structurally diverse class, currently comprised of 24 compounds. They inhibit the activity of the succinate dehydrogenase enzyme complex (Sdh, respiratory Complex II), which couples the oxidation of succinate to fumarate in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA, Krebs) cycle with the reduction of ubiquinone to ubiquinol in the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Resistance emerged rapidly following the introduction of SDHIs and has been reported in at least 30 species, mainly associated with target site mutations in Sdh subunits B, C, and D. As SDHI resistance may be associated with fitness penalties, evaluating the fitness of resistant isolates is a key part in the assessment of the risk of fungicide resistance developing in the field.
La soberanía monetaria en Colombia. Análisis político-económico, 1991-2021
Authors: Pardo Montenegro Liliana
Published: October 2023

Presentamos un análisis político económico del periodo de 1991 a 2021 de la historia colombiana, al caracterizar la dinámica de la política monetaria, a fin de comprender el funcionamiento de la estructura socioeconómica a partir de los  lineamientos de la superestructura política, lo cual brinda posibles respuestas sobre cómo avanzó la maniobra de la “política económica de confianza inversionista” frente al control de la inflación en el auge de los capitales externos. Al final se presentan unas breves conclusiones orientadas a sostener la permanencia del criterio de la soberanía monetaria.
El efecto de duplicar el salario mínimo en la brecha de género en empleo y salarios en México
Authors: Alvarado Pérez René , Orraca Romano Pedro Paulo , Cabrera-Hernández Francisco
Published: October 2023

Este estudio analiza el incremento de 100% en el salario mínimo en la zona fronteriza norte de México en 2019 y sus efectos totales, por género y por sector sobre el empleo y los salarios. Con base en datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Ocupación y Empleo, se estiman modelos de diferencias en diferencias y de diseño de estudio de eventos para calcular los efectos promedio y dinámicos de dicha política. Los resultados muestran que el incremento del salario mínimo no afectó de manera estadísticamente significativa la probabilidad de pertenecer a la fuerza de trabajo o de estar ocupado; sin embargo, entre los asalariados incrementó en 1.38 puntos porcentuales la probabilidad de laborar en el sector formal, cuyo efecto asciende a 2.34 puntos porcentuales en las mujeres y no es significativo entre los hombres. También se observa un aumento de 3.27% en el salario por hora medio de los asalariados formales y de 3.56% entre las mujeres, mientras que en los asalariados informales y los hombres no se encuentran efectos significativos. A lo largo de la distribución salarial se observan efectos promedio positivos para los formales hasta el cuantil 50 y entre los informales hasta el cuantil 25. El incremento del salario mínimo afectó en mayor medida y de manera positiva a las mujeres y a los trabajadores de bajos ingresos. Asimismo, puesto que el aumento salarial estuvo acompañado por otras políticas económicas que parecen haber reducido la inflación, los resultados pueden ser interpretados como un límite superior de los efectos positivos del incremento del salario mínimo, y en ausencia de las otras políticas o contextos donde sólo se hubiera presentado el aumento salarial, sus efectos sobre el salario podrían haber sido menores.
La falsa promesa y el amargo fruto del neoliberalismo: desarraigo político y económico, transformación cultural y el auge de la política protofascista
Authors: Palley Thomas
Published: October 2023

El neoliberalismo es una filosofía económica política que parte de dos afirmaciones: una económica y otra política. La económica es que el libre mercado del laissez faire es la mejor manera de organizar la actividad económica, pues genera resultados eficientes que maximizan el bienestar. La política es que las disposiciones económicas de libre mercado promueven la libertad individual. Este artículo argumenta que ambas afirmaciones son problemáticas. La evidencia del experimento de 40 años que comenzó en 1980 muestra que el neoliberalismo ha socavado la prosperidad compartida y ha desatado fuerzas no liberales que amenazan la libertad. El artículo marca la diferencia entre el primer giro político, en el que se estableció la hegemonía política neoliberal, y el segundo, hacia el protofascismo que ahora experimentamos. Este último está siendo impulsado por una serie de factores que crean una demanda por dicho protofascismo y debilitan las defensas contra las ideas de ultraderecha. Esos factores incluyen el desarraigo socioeconómico, la destrucción institucional y el desarraigo político, el aumento de la desigualdad económica que inclina el poder político, el cambio de las actitudes hacia el gobierno y la gobernanza, la transformación de la identidad económica y la mutación cultural que celebra el egoísmo sociópata. La captura de la política de centro-izquierda por parte de la “Tercera Vía” significa que las élites liberales ocupan el lugar político que deberían tener los verdaderos opositores al neoliberalismo. Tales élites obstruyen la política necesaria para revertir las causas profundas de la desviación hacia el protofascismo. Irónicamente, eso las convierte en un verdadero peligro.
Reducing Turnover Intention through Organizational Trust and Self-Efficacy
Authors: Tosun Burcu , Güner Kibaroğlu Gamze
Published: October 2023

Purpose–The aim of this study is to investigate whether there is a decrease in employees' intention to leave their jobs due to organizational trust, and whether employees' self-efficacy plays a role in enhancing or mediating the impact of organizational trust on turnover intention.Design/methodology/approach–This research was carried out with the convenience sampling method model, which is one of the quantitative research methods. To investigate how organizational trust impacts turnover intention and assess the mediating role of self-efficacy in this relationship, a total of 299 completed surveys were gathered from employees in the service sector. These surveys were then subjected to validity and reliability analyses, as well as bootstrapping procedures, using Smart PLS 4 and IBM SPSS 26.Findings–The findings verify the adverse impact of organizational trust on turnover intention. It unveils a noteworthy direct negative correlation between employees' organizational trust and their turnover intention. Furthermore, the results identify self-efficacy as a statistically significant and partially observed mediator between organizational trust and turnover intention.Discussion–By revealing that organizational trust plays a pivotal role in curbing employee turnover intention—an imperative concern for organizations—this study contributes to the existing literature. Furthermore, it sheds light on how employees' self-efficacy enhances this dynamic. Consequently, this research not only enriches scholarly understanding but also offers a valuable perspective for managerial consideration.
The Effect of Uncertainty Intolerance on Career Anxiety and Career Change Intention: A Case Study of the Hospitality Industry
Authors: Özçelik Bozkurt Handan
Published: October 2023

Purpose –A sudden development can quickly have an impact on the tourism sector because of its fragile structure. There are likely to be employment concerns in such an industry. In this study, it is aimed to determine the effect of intolerance of uncertainty on career anxiety and career change intention, as well as the direction and strength of this effect in accommodation business employees.Design/Methodology/Approach –The questionnaire technique, one of the quantitative research methodologies, was used in the research. The questionnaire form was administered to 402 Antalya-based employees of accommodation businesses. On the obtained data, confirmatorys factor analysis, correlation analysis, and path analysis were performed.Results –As a result of the statistical data obtained, the relations between the variables were determined, and all four research hypotheses developed in order to test the research model created based on these relations were accepted. According to the results, prospective anxiety (PA), which is a sub-dimension of intolerance of uncertainty (IU), positively affects career anxiety, as does inhibitory anxiety (IA), which is also a sub-dimension of intolerance of uncertainty. In addition, the sub-dimensions (PA) and (IA) of intolerance touncertainty negatively affect career change intention.Discussion –It can be said that employees' intolerance to uncertainty, career anxiety, and career change intentions are generally at a moderate level. It has been revealed that employees with a high level of intolerance to uncertainty do not turn to career changes dueto their fear of uncertainty as well as their increased career anxiety. This result may indicate the existence of unhappy employees in the sector.
Reflections of The Strategies Applied in the Boeing 737-Max Crisis Management on Passenger Perception
Authors: Güngör Habibe
Published: October 2023

Purpose ⎯Following the two crashes in Indonesia in 2018 and Ethiopia in 2019, resulting in 346 casualties, Boeing 737-Maxs became a global safety crisis. Boeing has pursued crisis strategies to restore brand trust. This study aims to ascertain whether Turkish passengers are concerned about the safety of Boeing 737-Maxs following two deadly plane crashes and whether they favor airlines that continue to use 737-Maxs. Methodology ⎯In this study, the structured interview research method is adopted to reveal the participants' perceptions of Boeing 737-Maxs. The research sample comprised "Turkish passengers who had no fear of flying" and "who had heard about Boeing 737-Max accidents". A total of 14 interview questions were extracted by reviewing the literature. In this study, interviews were conducted with 32 people. The data collected were subjected to content analysis. Findings ⎯The Boeing 737-Max is considered unsafe by 10 out of 20 men and 11 out of 12 women (or 50% and 92%, respectively). 66% of the participants believe that the Boeing 737-Max is an unsafe airplane. The participants, who had not previously heeded the type of aircraft they flew or heard about Boeing, started to pay attention to the type of aircraft type or identified Boeing with these accidents. Discussions⎯Even though Boeing fixed the issue and resumed flying its aircraft, it is concluded that unfavorable opinions of passengers, who are one of its key stakeholders, persisted.