bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mexican & Korean elementary teachers’ past experience with science and science teaching self-efficacy
Authors:   Korean Comparative Education Society, Martha Patricia Zertuche Gehrke Martha Patricia Zertuche Gehrke , Wang Sunghee , Lim Miyoun
Published: November 2024

[Purpose] The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships between past experience with science (PES), science teaching self-efficacy beliefs (SE), and attitude toward science teaching (ATS) among elementary teachers in Mexico and Korea.
[Methods]Using science teaching efficacy beliefs instrument (STEBI-A) and science past experiences instrument, data collection was implemented through an online survey with a sample of 203 elementary teachers, including 106 teachers in Mexico and 97 teachers in Korea.
[Results]Findings demonstrate that elementary teachers’ past experience with science (PES) are positively related to teachers’ science teaching self-efficacy beliefs (SE) and their attitude toward science teaching (ATS). When compared, overall Mexican teachers and Korean teachers show similar levels of science teaching self-efficacy beliefs (SE) and past experience with science (PES), while Mexican teachers reveal more positive attitude toward science teaching (ATS) than Korean teachers. Findings further illustrate contextual differences in past experience with science (PES) between Mexican teachers and Korean teachers in terms of school, out-of-school, and college level experiences with science.
[Conclusion] The study emphasizes the critical role of teachers’ past experience with science (PES), as it affects elementary teachers’ confidence and attitude in science teaching.
Revision of the Lower Cretaceous ovulate cone Pinus belgica Alvin (1960), one of the oldest representatives of Pinus
Authors: DE BRITO Léa , FISCHER Valentin , PRESTIANNI Cyrille
Published: November 2024

Pinaceous ovulate cones have an abundant fossil record since the middle Lower Cretaceous. Pinus belgica Alvin (1960) is considered the second oldest representative of the genus Pinus. This taxon has thus often been included in phylogenetic and molecular dating analyses although its age and stratigraphy are uncertain. We redescribe this important species and discuss its spatiotemporal occurrence (middle Barremian to late Albian of the Mons Basin, Belgium). Several anatomical features are updated (resin canals abaxial to vascular bundles, bract and ovuliferous scale separating medially first, resin canals distributed at the edge between pith and vascular cylinder). We show that the species does possess the diagnostic characters of Pinus (e.g. thick apophysis, dorsal umbo, resin canals abaxial to vascular tissue, bract and scale traces united at origin) and there are currently no arguments to question its inclusion within the genus Pinus. Yet, this species should be considered with caution in molecular dating analyses, as the broad temporal uncertainty is likely to affect the precision of deep nodes within Pinaceae.
Pretensões da comunidade sobre a reativação de um parque público no município de Passos, MG
Authors: Rosa Jean Lucas , Fermino Rogério Cesar , Carvalho Rita de Cássia Ribeiro
Published: November 2024

Objetivo: investigar o interesse da comunidade do entorno do parque municipal Dr. Emílio Piantino, localizado em Passos, Minas Gerais, sobre a reativação do parque e o oferecimento de opções de atividades físicas no local. Metodologia: Foi realizado, em 2022, um estudo piloto de delineamento transversal com adultos moradores do entorno do local. Foram identificados os segmentos de rua, os lotes e a ocupação, para o sorteio de dois lotes residenciais em cada segmento. Em cada residência um morador foi intencionalmente selecionado para as entrevistas telefônicas. Foram coletadas variáveis sociodemográficas, motivos para frequentar o parque e interesse por atividades, infraestrutura, atrativos, espaços, equipamentos e deslocamento até o local. Resultados e discussão: Os dados foram analisados com a estatística descritiva e teste qui-quadrado. Foram entrevistados 112 participantes. Cerca de 96% frequentariam o parque, caso ele fosse reativado. Os principais atrativos de interesse foram os locais para convivência, ambiente arejado, bancos para descanso, academia ao ar livre, ciclovias e playgrounds. Cerca de 75,9% reportaram a prática de atividades físicas como principal motivo para frequentar. Conclusão: Se o parque fosse reativado, os moradores do entorno frequentariam o espaço, inclusive para a prática de atividade física.
Pedagogia de projetos e Educação Física
Authors: Reis Robson Geraldo dos , Filgueiras Isabel Porto
Published: November 2024

Introdução: O presente relato de experiência apresenta uma prática pedagógica de Educação Física na Educação Infantil fundamentada na pedagogia de projetos, em diálogo com a Sociologia da Infância. O relato descreve a experiência de um professor de Educação Física em uma escola particular em São Paulo com crianças de 4 a 5 anos. Objetivo: O projeto, intitulado "As pinturas que a gente brinca", teve como objetivo explorar obras de Candido Portinari e Ivan Cruz, incentivando a interdisciplinaridade e a produção cultural infantil. Metodologia: A pedagogia de projetos proporcionou a mobilização de múltiplas linguagens e a consideração das crianças como produtoras de cultura.  A experiência incluiu a apreciação e experimentação corporal das obras, produção de avião de papel, exploração de brincadeiras populares e tradicionais, ampliando o repertório cultural e a visão de mundo das crianças. Resultados e discussão: O relato ressalta a importância da escuta ativa do professor, o respeito aos interesses das crianças, a sensibilidade na observação e a construção de práticas pedagógicas integradas e integradoras. Conclusão: A prática sistematizada em projetos mostrou-se eficaz para a Educação Física dialogar com os princípios da Educação Infantil, promovendo aprendizagens significativas e respeitando a diversidade cultural e corporal das crianças.
Vitral da educação física escolar
Authors: Gomes-da-Silva Pierre Normando
Published: November 2024

Objetivo: Estabelecer um comparativo dos métodos de ensino da educação física escolar. Método: Num modo sintético, por meio de quadros sinóticos, apresenta os conhecimentos pedagógicos produzidos na área. Estão apresentados, justapostos, os elementos fundamentais de cinco métodos: Desenvolvimentista, Psicocinética, Corpo Inteiro, Crítico Superadora e Pedagogia da Corporeidade. Resultado: Promove uma visualização da diversidade dos modos de ensinar educação física, explicita a consistência e coerência das proposições metodológicas, possibilita outro olhar para a própria prática educativa. Conclusão: Espera-se que os quadros sinóticos contribuam ao fazer docente para a implementação de aulas com mais clareza argumentativa e didática.
Franchetto, Bruna; Balikova, Kristina (2020). Índio não fala só tupi
Authors: Mori Angel Corbera , Miranda Camille Cardoso
Published: November 2024

Resenha que aborda aspectos essenciais do livro "Índio não fala só tupi: uma viagem pelas línguas dos povos originários no Brasil", organizado pelas pesquisadoras Bruna Franchetto (UFRJ/Museu NacionaL)  e  Kristina Balykova, doutoranda em linguística na Universidade de Texas em Austin, Estados Unidos.
Insegurança alimentar no Brasil e relação com a pobreza e outros condicionantes, 2004 a 2023
Authors: Jesus Josimar Gonçalves de , Hoffmann Rodolfo
Published: November 2024

Introdução: Ressalta-se que a insegurança alimentar medida pela EBIA (Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar) se refere à limitação no acesso aos alimentos e que esse não é um problema decorrente de pouca oferta, mas sim condicionado, essencialmente, pela insuficiência de poder aquisitivo das famílias. Objetivo: Analisar a evolução dos diferentes graus de insegurança alimentar e de pobreza no Brasil e avaliar, com os dados de 2023, os vários fatores associados à insegurança alimentar. Metodologia: São utilizados os microdados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios de 2004, 2009, 2013 e 2023 e da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares de 2017-2018. Modelos de lógite são estimados para avaliar os fatores associados à insegurança alimentar em 2023. Resultados: A insegurança alimentar no Brasil varia em consonância com o nível de pobreza, mas, de 2013 a 2017-2018, o aumento da insegurança alimentar leve é bem mais intenso do que o crescimento da pobreza, e isso é atribuído ao caráter parcialmente subjetivo da medida de insegurança alimentar. Os modelos de lógite estimados permitem quantificar o efeito do nível da renda domiciliar per capita e de outros fatores sobre a probabilidade de haver insegurança alimentar. Entre outros resultados, verifica-se que, controlando o efeito da renda e outros fatores, maior escolaridade da pessoa de referência do domicílio, residir na área rural e a presença de cônjuge no domicílio reduzem a probabilidade de insegurança alimentar. Conclusão: Reafirma-se a importância da renda como condicionante fundamental (mas não exclusivo) da insegurança alimentar no Brasil.
Compte-rendu : Death: Perspectives from the philosophy of biology, Philippe Huneman, éditions Palgrave Macmillan, 2023
Authors: Guillermain Clemence
Published: November 2024

Compte-rendu de Death: Perspectives from the philosophy of biology, de Philippe Huneman, publié chez Palgrave Macmillan en 2023.
Sur le vague de Bertrand Russell
Authors: Michon Marie
Published: November 2024

À l'occassion de ce numéro spécial sur le vague dans les sciences, nous avons traduis l'article fondamental de Bertrand Russell dont le titre est éponyme : Vagueness. Initialement publié dans The Australasian Journal of Psychology and Philosophy en 1923, et faisant suite à une lecture du philosophe devant la Jowett Society à Oxford, ce texte demeurait inaccessible aux lecteur.ices non anglophones.
Relationship Between The Level of Mother's Nutritional Knowledge and The Diversity of Animal Protein Intake in Toddlers at Tertek Village
Authors: Gracela Eveline , Muniroh Lailatul
Published: November 2024

The importance of nutritional intake in the growth of toddlers has become a crucial matter, especially the intake of animal protein. Animal protein contains various essential amino acids with high bioavailability that contribute to supporting the growth and development processes of toddlers. One of the factors that can influence the diversity of animal protein consumption in toddlers is the level of mother’s knowledge. This research was conducted to analyze the relationship between mother’s nutritional knowledge level and the diversity of animal protein intake in toddlers aged 24-59 months at the Integrated Health Service Post (Posyandu) in Tertek Village, Pare District, Kediri Regency. The research design was cross-sectional with a total of 99 subjects selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. The data collection was carried out through interviews using questionnaires and Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ) within the last one month. This research was conducted from January to June 2023 in Tertek Village, Pare District, Kediri Regency. Based on the research results, the majority of the mother’s nutritional knowledge was categorized as low (39.4%). Meanwhile, the diversity of animal protein intake is still relatively low (60.6%). Statistical analysis results showed a significant relationship (p=0.027) with a low-level relationship (+0.260) between mother’s nutritional knowledge and the diversity of animal protein intake in toddlers aged 24-59 months at the Integrated Health Service Post (Posyandu) in Tertek Village, Pare District, Kediri Regency. This indicates that the better the mother’s nutritional knowledge, the higher the diversity of animal protein intake in toddlers.
Protocolo de tratamento da osteoporose pós-menopáusica no Hospital Universitário Walter Cantídio/HUWC - UFC- atualização 2022
Authors: Castro Camila Silva , Bezerra Carla Almeida Lopes , D'Alva Catarina Brasil , Bezerra Mailze Campos , Braga Fernanda Nogueira Holanda Ferreira , Lima Raquel Telles Quixadá
Published: November 2024

Objetivos: Uniformizar o diagnóstico e tratamento da osteoporose no HUWC, reforçando a estratificação de risco de fratura para melhor abordagem terapêutica, contribuindo para prevenção de fraturas e manutenção da qualidade de vida das pessoas com osteoporose. Metodologia: Revisão de literatura científica. Resultados: Todas as mulheres pós‐menopáusicas acima de 50 anos devem ser avaliadas para risco de osteoporose. O diagnóstico pode ser feito por densitometria óssea; pela identificação de fratura osteoporótica; ou pela associação de osteopenia densitométrica com alto risco de fratura estimado pela ferramenta de avaliação do risco de fratura (FRAX). Após o diagnóstico, deve-se avaliar causas secundárias e estratificar o risco de fratura para definição do melhor tratamento medicamentoso. Tratamento não medicamentoso com ingesta adequada de cálcio, prática de atividade física e prevenção de quedas deve ser indicado sempre. Conclusões: Osteoporose é uma doença esquelética sistêmica que leva à fragilidade óssea e ao aumento do risco de fratura com consequências clínicas representadas por deformidades, dor crônica, invalidez e óbito. O diagnóstico precoce através da caracterização de alto risco de fratura, associado ao tratamento adequado estão relacionados com menor incidência de fraturas, menor prejuízo funcional, melhor qualidade de vida e menor mortalidade.
Ethical issues of artificial intelligence in plastic surgery: a narrative review
Authors: Singh Abhinav , Seth Ishith , Lim Bryan , Cuomo Roberto , Rozen Warren M.
Published: November 2024

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into plastic surgery is transforming the field by enhancing precision in preoperative planning, diagnostic accuracy, intraoperative assistance, and postoperative care. AI encompasses machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and artificial neural networks, each offering unique advancements to surgical practice. This narrative review explores the ethical challenges of AI in plastic surgery, addressing concerns such as data protection, algorithmic bias, transparency, accountability, and informed consent. A comprehensive search adhering to PRISMA guidelines identified 63 studies, with 15 selected for in-depth analysis. Findings indicate significant ethical issues: data privacy needs stringent cybersecurity, biases in AI models must be mitigated, and transparency in AI decision making is essential. The review emphasizes the necessity for updated Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations, robust validation mechanisms, and the development of explainable AI models. It also highlights the need for an independent regulatory body to oversee AI integration, ensuring ethical standards and protecting patient welfare. Although AI presents promising benefits, its successful application in plastic surgery hinges on addressing these ethical challenges comprehensively.
The landscape of current and future therapeutic opportunities for Fabry disease
Authors: Giliberti Marica , Robles Sara , Campilongo Giorgia , Serena Russo Maria , Di Leo Vincenzo , Gesualdo Loreto
Published: November 2024

Fabry disease is a rare genetic disorder classified as a lysosomal storage disease. It is an X-linked disease, caused by the mutation of the GLA gene, leading to the deficit or absence of function of the enzyme α-galactosidase A. It is a multi-organ and progressive disease characterized by systemic involvement primarily affecting the cardiac, renal and neurological systems. Current treatment options include established therapies such as two enzyme replacement therapies (agalsidase α, agalsidase β), one chaperone treatment (migalastat), and a recently approved enzyme replacement therapy targeting pegunigalsidase α. New drugs are being developed, including substrate reduction therapy, mRNA therapy, and genetic therapy. These emerging treatments have the potential to address the limitations of current therapies and ensure more effective and personalized treatment. This review explores and analyzes the diverse therapeutic strategies available for treating this complex and intriguing disease.
Assessment of the Work Posture Risk Level of the Canting Process Batik Maker Based on the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) Method (Case Study: Batik Tulis Tengah Sawah Pacitan)
Authors: Valencia Bella Renata , Astuti Rahmaniyah Dwi , Pujiyanto Eko
Published: November 2024

Batik Tulis Tengah Sawah is one of the UKM in Pacitan and is engaged in hand-written batik. In the production process, the batik maker makes the canting process while sitting on a short chair (dingklik) made of wood without a backrest. The stove used to melt malam is small and there is no table to put the stove on and it is used by 2 batik makers, so it requires the batik makers to sit obliquely facing the gawangan, causing the batik maker to sit with a slight bow. Therefore, it is necessary to assess the risk level of the work posture of the batik when doing the canting process. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the work posture of the batik maker during doing the canting process so that corrective action can be taken to reduce musculoskeletal complaints and bending posture. The result of this research is that the assessment of the risk level of the work posture of batik in all stages of the canting process activity has a REBA score of 5, which is included in the moderate or medium risk level with actions that need to be corrected.
#Metoo Movement: Backlash or Rhetoric
Authors: Bhattacharyya Rituparna
Published: November 2024

Any form of sexual assault stems from the intersection of power, patriarchal structure and gender. While different countries take different measures to tackle cases of sexual assault, cases continue to rise like a pandemic. This study is a revisit to the # Metoo Movement that took the catbird seat in 2017 after Tarana Burke founded it in 2006. Although the #Metoo movement started with women calling out names of abusers, the movement was not confined to female voices alone. It helped expose the cases of sexual abuse across all genders. Taking examples of various instances of sexual assaults against gender across societies, committed under the bulwarks of power, domination and (or) patriarchy, and the newly emergent ways of exploitation of gender, such as Catfishing and Love Jihad, this communication aims to probe whether the #Metoo movement has faced backlash or is simply a rhetoric or both.
Social Celebration and Financial Anxiety: Empirical Evidence from Rural India
Authors: B S Sachin , B Ramesh
Published: November 2024

The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of expenditure practices during festivities and various social ceremonies on the financial anxiety of the rural poor. Based on the study’s findings, a social work intervention was proposed to combat the financial anxiety arising due to the unregulated spending patterns of rural households. For the present study, we have deliberately adopted a descriptive research design; 640 structurally poor respondents were interviewed from rural Karnataka. The Households Financial Anxiety Assessment Scale developed by Archuleta, Dale, and Spann (2013) (FAS) was used to assess respondents’ financial anxiety. The study found that the spending patterns of poor rural households on festivities and social ceremonies lead them towards financial anxiety, financial vulnerability and continued poverty. We have attempted to draw the attention of professional social work educators to adopt the Financial Social Work model in the curriculum. We have proposed interventional strategies for Practitioners in Government and Non-Governmental organisations to practice in the field. The present study’s findings highlight the significant relationship between festivities and spending on social ceremonies and the consequent financial anxiety.
Modus Ethical Categories as a Condition for the Emergence of Phraseological Semantics, their Application in Political Discourse
Authors: Abisheva Klara , Akosheva Marzhan , Ayupova Gulbagira , Nurgazina Aiman , Ayapbergenov Bulat , Baikadamova Assel
Published: November 2024

This article presents the results of a study of the formation processes of phraseological meanings considering cognitive-discursive conditions. Traditional and new (cognitive) approaches to the formation of phraseological semantics are analysed, and a method for the formation of phraseological meaning is proposed, namely the use of cognitive-discursive categories of state-mode. Modal categories contribute to a new moral and evaluative aspect of meaning. The research focuses on the representation of phraseological meanings in the formats of knowledge, concepts and ethical categories. The study aims to examine a new way of forming phraseological meanings based on the study of modus categories as a cognitive-discursive condition, as well as evaluative categorisation and the presentation of phraseological ethical knowledge in cognitive knowledge formats. An integrative methodological paradigm and a cognitive-semantic approach were applied in the study.   Cognitive semantics offers new principles for analysing phraseological units: equality of cognitive and communicative functions of language, interdisciplinarity, multifactoriality, anthropocentricity and multilevelness. When using them, phraseological units can be studied integratively, involving knowledge and methods from various sciences. Methods of modelling, contextual inference, evaluative categorisation, interpretation, cognitive-discursive analysis and associative experiment were also used. The study analyses various points of view on the nature of phraseological semantics, the cognitive-discursive and anthropological essence of phraseological meaning, and the possibility of phraseological units acting as knowledge formats.  The novelty of the work lies in the application of an integrative methodological paradigm based on cognitive-semantic and cognitive-discursive approaches, with an emphasis on the role of modus categories and evaluative categorisation in the formation of phraseological evaluative meaning in identifying the formats of phraseological knowledge, in applying a modus approach to the analysis of phraseological meanings.
Unveiling the Rhetoric of Victim Blaming: Perpetuating Language Patterns in Select Bollywood Films Depicting Sexual Assault
Authors: Pathak Shubham , Narayan Akansha
Published: November 2024

This research investigates the rhetoric of victim blaming of women in select Bollywood films portraying instances of sexual assaults. By examining the language patterns employed in these films, this study aims to unveil the underlying narrative constructs that perpetuate victim blaming and contribute to the cultural discourse surrounding sexual violence against women. Using an integrated Discourse and Thematic analysis, two Bollywood films, Damini (1993) and Pink (2016), have been critically analysed to identify recurring themes, dialogues, and character portrayals that potentially reinforce victim blaming. The findings of this study shed light on the perpetuating complex interplay between popular media representations, gender dynamics, and the interrogation and introspection culture (in a particular space— courtroom) post-sexual assault, even after a gap of more than two decades. Ultimately, this research aims to sensitise and encourage dialogue around the importance of responsible storytelling in the entertainment industry and its potential role in fostering empathy, understanding, and support for survivors of sexual assault.
Understanding Sustainable Development Goals and the Challenges of Northeast India: A Review Essay
Authors: Pulla Venkat Rao , Sharma Subhash
Published: November 2024

With its rich cultural diversity, Northeast India presents a unique and complex challenge for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While the region has made notable progress in areas such as poverty alleviation, education, and health, the concept of diversity—intended to foster unity—has instead become a source of division. Ethnic groups in Northeast India often define their identity in opposition to perceived rivals, fuelling identity politics and deepening social divisions. This construction of “the other” has historical roots in colonial exploitation, and the legacy of ethnic violence has intensified these tensions in recent years. As ethnic identity becomes a powerful political tool, cultural symbols once tied to community pride are now weaponised for elitist power-mongering (Dutta, 2015).
This essay largely reviews the book Sustainable Development Goals in Northeast India: Challenges and Achievements, which was co-edited by Subhash Anand, MadhushreeDas, Rituparna Bhattacharyya, and RB Singh and published by Springer Nature in 2023, which can accessed at the link https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-6478-7. Additional articles and books on issues linked to Northeast India's development, belonging, identity, difficulties, and responses have been undertaken to strengthen and support the central arguments critically.  
The several papers included in the current review address the region’s diversity, where challenges seem to surface for implementing inclusive strategies. Evidently, more profound socio-economic inequalities and governance challenges exist.  While progress has been made, key SDG indicators—such as infrastructure development, gender equality, and economic equity—remain far below the national average, limiting the region’s ability to achieve sustainable development (Bhattacharyya et al., 2023). The current review essay addresses how the manipulation of ethnic identity in Northeast India has shaped both the region’s development trajectory and its social fabric.
The critical research questions are: How has the politicisation of ethnic identity influenced the implementation of SDGs in the region? What role does governance play in overcoming the socio-economic and political divides? Can SDGs be realistically implemented in the context of “troubled diversity” (Dutta, 2015)? This review also highlights the recommendations for more inclusive, community-driven strategies to achieve sustainable development by 2030—that is not too far off.
Additively Manufactured Flexible EGaIn Sensor for Dynamic Detection and Sensing on Ultracurved Surfaces
Authors: Nan Yan Jiang , Ning Ding Jia , Yang Cao , Yu Yi Hong , Meng Zhan Li , Fan Gao Yi , Yu Ge Kong , Jun Ji Hong , Yu Li Ming , Feng Huan Huan
Published: November 2024

Electronic skin is widely employed in multiple applications such as health monitoring, robot tactile perception, and bionic prosthetics. In this study, we fabricated millimeter-scale electronic skin featuring compact sensing units using Boston Micro Fabrication S130 (a high-precision additive manufacturing device) and the template removal method. We used a gallium-based liquid metal and achieved an inner channel diameter of 0.1 mm. The size of the sensing unit was 3 × 3 mm². This unit exhibited a wide linear sensing range (10–22000 Pa) and high pressure resolution (10 Pa) even on an ultracurved surface (radius of curvature was 6 mm). Sliding was successfully detected at speeds of 8–54 mm/s. An artificial nose with nine sensing units was fabricated, and it exhibited excellent multitouch and sliding trajectory recognition capabilities. This confirmed that the electronic skin functioned normally even on an ultracurved surface.
Quantum Measurement Problems, Decoherence, and Spontaneous Symmetry Breaking
Authors: Li Yuanxin
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we propose a mechanism analogous to the spontaneous symmetry breaking combined with the quantum decoherence theory to explain the collapse of the wave function after the quantum measurement. We show that a wave function in a superposition of several eigenstates reduces to a single eigenstate due to the spontaneous-symmetry-breaking-like kinetic effect.
A Critical Appraisal of Systematic Review Methodologies in Health Policy
Authors: Foster Tammie
Published: November 2024

Objectives: This review evaluates the methodologies and search strategies in NHMRC systematic reviews on the effects of water fluoridation on dental and broader health outcomes, comparing them with Cochrane’s internationally recognised standards. Study Design: A critical review of the search strategies, inclusion criteria, and methodologies used to assess water fluoridation’s health impacts. Methods: The review analyses the search strategies for dental caries and broader health effects, comparing search dates, syntax, and comprehensiveness. It also evaluates methodological standards, including protocols, reporting transparency, and the inclusion of certain health outcomes. Results: Significant inconsistencies were found, including outdated search dates, varying search syntax, and a lack of differentiation between fluoridation agents. Exclusion of health outcomes like dental fluorosis raises concerns about objectivity and completeness. Conclusions: The review highlights the need for standardised protocols, transparent reporting, and updated search strategies to ensure comprehensive, unbiased findings. Addressing these gaps will improve the quality of future reviews and inform more equitable public health decisions.
Gait Analysis of the Trunk and Lower Extremity After Posterior Fixation for Thoracolumbar Fracture
Authors: Borkhuu Battugs , Danaa Ganbat , Sonomjamts Munkhbayarlah , Khuyagbaatar Batbayar
Published: November 2024

Posterior fixation is usually performed to restore spinal stability and decompress the spinal canal for unstable thoracolumbar burst fractures. This study compared the trunk and lower extremity joint kinematics of patients who underwent posterior fixation surgery after thoracolumbar fractures with healthy subjects. The optical motion capture was used to record the joint kinematics during walking. The trunk, hip, knee, and ankle joint angles and excursions in sagittal, frontal, and transverse planes were calculated, averaged, and compared between patients and control groups. The patients' group had significantly reduced hip extension and increased total excursion in the frontal plane, where the mean differences were 7.0º in hip extension and 4.2º in total excursion. In the ankle joint, dorsiflexion was significantly reduced with increased plantarflexion, and internal rotation was also increased in the patients’ group. However, there were no differences in knee joint kinematics. The patient exhibited more upright trunk position during the walking than the control group, where both peak trunk flexion and extension were significantly different, possibly indicating a stiffer trunk movement. This study provides fundamentals of the joint kinematics of the trunk and lower extremities after posterior surgical operation for thoracolumbar fracture, which may help to evaluate the surgical outcomes.
Mitochondrial DNA Common Deletion in Cancer: Emerging Evidence and Methodological Challenges
Authors: Ho Mun Kay , Ho Joshua W.K.
Published: November 2024

The 4,977 bp common deletion of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA-CD) is a large-scale deletion that has been frequently observed in various cancers in humans. The common deletion mutation affects 7 key genes encoding for several complex subunits essential to the oxidative phosphorylation system. In the last 20 years, the evidence for the presence of mtDNA-CD in cancer has been elusive. This review aims to examine the evidence of the molecular mechanism and prevalence of mtDNA-CD in different cancers, and to discuss methodological challenges in detecting the presence of mtDNA-CD from clinical samples, and the estimation of prevalence in cancers. In particular, we found various methodological challenges that impacts mtDNA-CD quantification. These include challenges posed by low PCR sensitivity, sample tissue degradation and sampling limitations. Emerging evidence indicates the presence of mtDNA-CD may be cell-type- and cancer-specific. With advances in experimental and analytical techniques, such as single cell genomic and transcriptomic sequencing, spatial omics profiling, and long-read sequencing, we expect to see more comprehensive research that can better clarify the role and prevalence of mtDNA-CD in cancer.
Identification of the Synoptic Causes of Torrential Rainfall Events in the Canary Islands (1950–2020)
Authors: Mayer Suárez Pablo Lucas , De Luque Söllheim Ángel Luis
Published: November 2024

This work identifies and analyses from a synoptic point of view, episodes of torrential rainfall (equal to or greater than 200 mm in a single day) that occurred in the Canary Islands between 1950 and 2020. For this purpose, all daily rainfall series available in different databases were used, with a final selection, after applying various filters for the detection of errors, of 88 days on which 200 mm were exceeded. Subsequently, the isobaric configurations at the surface and at 500 hPa were analysed by applying two classification methods: the automatic one of Jenkinson and Collinson (1977) and the subjective one of Jorge Olcina (1994). Most of the selected days (63.4%) correspond to high-altitude isolated depressions (known by their initials in Spanish as DANAs), as well as troughs showing the advection of polar air of different origins (36.5%). According to the Jenkinson and Collinson classification, half of the days were classified as cyclonic or hybrid cyclonic and 37.5% as pure advective or directional (37.5%), with five days classified as undetermined. On only one day, 23 November 1954, was a tropical disturbance with cloud fronts moving from the south of the Canary Islands along the west coast of Africa observed.
A Model H5N2 Vaccine Strain for Dual Protection Against H5N1 and H9N2 Avian Influenza Viruses
Authors: Song Jin-Ha , Son Seung-Eun , Kim Ho-Won , An Se-Hee , Lee Chung-Young , Kwon Hyuk-Joon , Choi Kang-Seuk
Published: November 2024

Highly pathogenic (HP) H5Nx and low pathogenicity (LP) H9N2 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) pose threats to the poultry industry and public health. HP clade 2.3.2.1c AIVs and clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 AIVs, along with various lineages of H9N2 AIVs, are problematic worldwide, and vaccines that provide dual protection against both H5N1 AIVs and H9N2 AIVs need to be developed. In this study, we generated a model PR8-derived recombinant H5N2 vaccine strain with hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) genes from clade 2.3.2.1c H5N1 and Y439-like H9N2 viruses, respectively. To increase the immunogenicity of the common epitopes located in the HA2 subunit, the 154N-glycan, which eventually masks the common epitope, was removed. Additionally, we selected an NA that has no N-glycans in the stalk and removed N-glycan in the M2e of the PR8 strain to increase the accessibility of epitopes that are masked by the N-glycans. We also replaced PR8 PB2 with 01310 PB2 to eliminate pathogenicity in mammals and replaced the M2e with avian M2e to increase antigenic homogeneity to AIVs for better protection. The efficacy of the model vaccine strain (rvH5N2-aM2e-vPB2) was compared with that of rH5N2-vPB2, which contains unmodified HA2 and M2e region, and a recombinant clade 2.3.2.1c H5N1 strain in which only the PB2 segment was replace with 01310 PB2. The rvH5N2-aM2e-vPB2 strain was highly productive in embryonated chicken eggs (ECEs), and inactivation with binary ethyleneimine (BEI) significantly enhanced the immune response against NA compared to formaldehyde (F/A) inactivation, resulting in an increased virus neutralization titer for dual protection. We also demonstrated that while the immune response against M2e is challenging to induce with an inactivated vaccine, it can be effectively elicited via a live vaccine. Thus, the successful generation of a model vaccine strain for dual protection described herein may promote the development of various combinations of recombinant H5N2 vaccine strains for use in countries where H5Nx and H9N2 AIVs are endemic.
Chemistry Teachers’ Perception on Implementing Dynamic Simulations in Teaching and Learning Chemical Kinetics: Kigali City Case Study
Authors: Ntalindwa Theoneste , Utetiwabo Wellars , Karegeya Jean Claude , Gakuba Emmanuel , Nkurunziza Jean Baptiste , Habiyaremye Jean de Dieu , Ntihabose Ruth
Published: November 2024

This study explores the perceptions of chemistry teachers in Kigali City regarding the use of dynamic simulations in teaching chemical kinetics. The research employs a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews with chemistry educators from secondary schools in Kigali City. The interviews focus on teachers' experiences, attitudes, and perceptions regarding the integration of dynamic simulations into their teaching practices for chemical kinetics. Preliminary findings indicate that chemistry teachers recognize the potential benefits of dynamic simulations in enhancing student engagement, understanding of abstract concepts, and retention of knowledge in chemical kinetics. This is why 95.4% of teachers in Kigali city are interested in incorporating dynamic simulations in their lesson preparation and delivery. Teachers appreciate the visual representation and interactive nature of simulations, which enable students to observe and manipulate kinetic parameters in real-time and 88.9% consider simulations as a very important tool to use in teaching while 77.8% take simulations as very helpful for both teachers and students. Furthermore, simulations facilitate the exploration of complex reaction mechanisms and the application of theoretical concepts to practical scenarios. The teachers agreed at the extent of 83.3% that they handle abstract topics like the rate of chemical reaction while using simulations. However, challenges such as access to appropriate technology, time constraints in curriculum delivery, and varying levels of technological proficiency among students and teachers are identified as barriers to the widespread adoption of dynamic simulations in teaching chemical kinetics. The study concludes with recommendations for enhancing the integration of dynamic simulations into chemistry education in Kigali City, emphasizing the importance of professional development for teachers, increased access to technological resources, and ongoing research to evaluate the effectiveness of simulations in improving student learning outcomes in chemical kinetics.
COVID-19 and Parasitic Coinfection: A Hypothetical Link to Pulmonary Vascular Disease
Authors: Nyasulu Peter S , Tamuzi Jacques L , Oliveira Rudolf KF , Oliveira Suellen Dos Santos , Petrosillo Nicola , De Jesús-Pérez Vinicio , Dhillon Navneet Kaur , Butrous Ghazwan
Published: November 2024

Before the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era, the global prevalence of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was between 0.4 and 1.4 per 100,000 people. The long-term effects of protracted COVID associated with pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) risk factors such as obesity, cardiovascular disease, and some infectious diseases are expected to increase this prevalence. According to preliminary data, the exact prevalence of early estimates put the prevalence of PVD in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection at 22%, although its predictive value is unknown. PVD caused by COVID-19 co-infections is understudied and underreported during COVID-19, and its impact on the future is unknown. However, due to COVID-19/co-infection pathophysiological effects on pulmonary vascularization, PVD mortality and morbidity may be a genuine worry now and in the future. Based on reported studies, this literature looks at the potential link between COVID-19, parasitic coinfection, and PVD. This review also highlights hypothetical pathophysiological mechanisms between COVID-19 and parasitic coinfection that could trigger PVD. This review hypothesized that multiple pathways associated with schistosomiasis, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB), pulmonary aspergillosis, Wuchereria bancrofti, Clonorchis sinensis, paracoccidioidomycosis, Human Herpesvirus 8, and Scrub typhus coupled with acute or long COVID-19 may increase the burden of PVD and worsen its mortality in the future. This is due to acute and/or chronic inflammation, which contributes to endothelial dysfunctions and coagulation abnormalities in pulmonary vascularization. This review advises that PVD with a history of COVID-19/co-infections be screened systematically to enhance the epidemiology, clinical profiles, and prognostics. Further experimental studies are also needed to determine pathophysiological pathways between PVD and with history of COVID-19/co-infections.
Radiographic Morphometric Measurements of the Donkey’s Distal Hind Limb
Authors: Schaus Kyra , Wacker Juliana , Jandowsky Anabell , Büttner Kathrin , Röcken Michael , Bartmann Claus Peter
Published: November 2024

Morphometric measurements of the toe serve as a reference for the objective assessment of the presence of a pathological condition and as a guide for the correct trimming of the hooves. Therefore, the anatomical differences between horses and donkeys oblige an autonomous database with reference values for the donkey. This study is the first to provide readings of the distal hind limb on radiographs of donkeys. Radiographs of the distal hind limb in two projections of 41 generally sound donkeys without lameness in walk were taken after previous hoof trimming and preparation according to a standardized radiographic procedure. A total of 16 lengths and 9 angles were measured and statistically analyzed in each hoof. The dorsal hoof wall is on average 70 to 80 mm long and angled at 55°; the coffin bone runs parallel to the hoof wall. The average founder distance is 17 mm, the mean sole thickness is 14 mm. The heel angle averages 52°, which is slightly flatter than the hoof wall angle. In conclusion, the morphometric measurements confirm the difference in normal anatomy between horses and donkeys and correlations with weight and height are observed.
Enhancing Geomagnetic Disturbance Predictions with Neural Networks: A Case Study on K-index Classification
Authors: Altaibek Aizhan , Zhumabayev Beibit , Nurtas Marat , Zakir Diana , Kapytin Vitaliy
Published: November 2024

To explore the application of neural networks to estimate geomagnetic field disturbances, this study pays particular attention to K-index classification. The primary goal remains to provide a robust and efficient method for classifying the different levels of geomagnetic activity via neural networks. Data preprocessing, model architecture optimization, and classification performance evaluation are involved in this study at large. It proposes a new neural network method that attends to specific complexities of geomagnetic data and compares its merits against conventional methods. Neural networks, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models in particular, revealed much better performance than traditional techniques with attained classification accuracy reaching 98%. The findings suggest that there is a promise for the applications of neural networks within geomagnetic studies and this will pave the way towards Artificial Intelligence models for forecasting or for the further inclusion of this approach to its articulation in discussions surrounding space weather research.
Carvacrol@Activated Carbon Bioactive Nanohybrids for Poly-Lactide Acid/Triethyl Citrate Based Self-Healable Active Packaging Films Applied in Minced Meat Shelf-Life Extension
Authors: Karabagias Vassilios K. , Giannakas Aris E. , Leontiou Areti A. , Karydis-Messinis Andreas , Moschovas Dimitrios , Andritsos Nikolaos D. , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Zafeiropoulos Nikolaos E. , Proestos Charalampos , Salmas Constantinos E.
Published: November 2024

Herein by following the spirit of sustainability and bioeconomy the development of self-healable active packaging films using biodegradable poly-L-lactic acid (PLA) as biopolymer, carvacrol (CV) essential oil as an antioxidant/antibacterial agent and activated carbon (AC) as CV’s nanocarrier is presented. CV was absorbed onto AC via a new vacuum adsorption method. The novel nanohybrid CV@AC with a high CV content contained 71.3%wt. CV. Pure AC and the CV@AC nanohybrid were successfully dispersed in a PLA/triethyl citrate (TEC) matrix via a melt extrusion process to obtain PLA/TEC/xCV@AC and PLA/TEC/xAC nanocomposite films with 5, 10, and 15%wt CV@AC or pure AC content. The optimum resulting film PLA/TEC/10CV@AC contains 10%wt. CV@AC is self-healable, it has 277% higher ultimate strength than PLA/TEC and remains ductile and it has 72% higher water barrier than PLA/TEC film. Additionally, it has low CV release rate (k2 value), the highest antioxidant activity and it shows significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica serovar Typhimurium. This film extends the shelf life of fresh minced pork by four days, according to the total viable count measurements and preserves minced pork from the lipid oxidation while it preserves its nutritional value by keeping higher heme iron content and shows a higher level of sensory characteristics compared to the commercial packaging paper.
Oral Frailty and Its Relationship with Physical Frailty in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Study Using the Oral Frailty Five-Item Checklist
Authors: Kusunoki Hiroshi , Hasegawa Yoko , Nagasawa Yasuyuki , Shojima Kensaku , Yamazaki Hiromitsu , Mori Takara , Tsuji Shotaro , Wada Yosuke , Tamaki Kayoko , Nagai Koutatsu , Matsuzawa Ryota , Kishimoto Hiromitsu , Shimizu Hideo , Shinmura Ken
Published: November 2024

Oral frailty, first identified in Japan in 2013, refers to a state between healthy oral function and severe decline, marked by minor issues, such as tooth loss and chewing difficulties. The oral frailty five-item checklist (OF-5) enables non-dental professionals to evaluate oral frailty using five key indicators: remaining teeth count, chewing difficulties, swallowing difficulties, dry mouth, and articulatory oral motor skills, and limited studies exist.
This study examined the relationship between oral and physical frailties in older adults and assessed the prognosis of physical frailty using the OF-5.
Participants aged ≥65 years were recruited from the frail elderly in the Sasayama-Tamba Area study in Sasayama/Tamba area, Hyogo, Japan, and their physical function was assessed in terms of grip strength, walking speed, and skeletal muscle mass. Blood markers, such as cystatin C, an indicator of renal function, were also analyzed.
A cross-sectional analysis indicated that oral frailty was correlated with reduced muscle mass, walking speed, and physical function. Women had lower hemoglobin and albumin levels and a greater prevalence of frailty than men. Longitudinal analysis revealed that initial OF-5 scores predicted increased physical frailty after 2–3 years, especially in those with higher baseline scores. The OF-5 was a significant factor for frailty progression in both sexes.
These results suggest that early detection of oral frailty via the OF-5 may be useful in preventing the progression of overall frailty in older adults.
TCCM: A Chaff-Based Mix-Zone Strategy for Enhancing Location Privacy in VANET
Authors: Wu Yunheng
Published: November 2024

Location privacy is a crucial factor to consider in the vehicular ad hoc networks. The plaintext broadcast of information such as location and speed during vehicle communication is vulnerable to eavesdroppers, leading to risks of user privacy breaches. While current pseudonym-changing strategies can provide some level of privacy protection, their effectiveness is limited against attackers with machine learning capabilities. Moreover, some strategies, such as encryption and silence mechanisms, may introduce additional delay and communication overhead, making it difficult to ensure both road safety and location privacy simultaneously.This paper proposes a Trajectory Converged Chaff-Based Mix-zone strategy (TCCM). This strategy generates chaff messages within a mix-zone that resembles the real vehicle trajectory, confusing eavesdroppers, reducing traceability, increasing entropy within the mix-zone, and minimizing the overhead of chaff. Additionally, the strategy does not rely on encryption or silence mechanisms, ensuring the safety of vehicle operations. Furthermore, TCCM utilizes a genetic algorithm to optimize the deployment locations of the mix-zones to maximize privacy protection for vehicles.