bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La creciente importancia de la reutilización de las aguas residuales urbanas en un entorno de escasez hídrica
Authors: Torres López M. Asunción
Published: September 2023

Uno de los retos más importantes de la sociedad actual es afrontar la denominada escasez hídrica. Entre otros aspectos, la realidad muestra la ruptura del equilibrio entre demanda y disponibilidad de agua en muchos lugares, junto con un empeoramiento de la calidad del agua. En este estudio se analiza una de las técnicas que, en su justa medida, puede servir a este propósito, esto es, la reutilización de las aguas residuales urbanas, teniendo en cuenta, esencialmente, el respeto y la minimización de los daños ambientales. El análisis de esta técnica de gestión y de planificación hidrológica centrada en el ámbito de la Administración local y las actuaciones locales para su aplicación, no está exento de problemas, a los que se trata de dar respuesta, así como aportar soluciones que permitan la generalización de su uso.
Competencias y obligaciones de los entes locales para hacer frente a la contaminación de las aguas. Especial referencia a la actuación local en materia de vertidos
Authors: Casado Casado Lucía
Published: September 2023

Las Administraciones locales carecen de competencias sustantivas de gestión sobre el dominio público hidráulico, pero tienen un gran protagonismo en este ámbito, como concesionarias y usuarias de las aguas y como prestadoras de los servicios relacionados con el agua (abastecimiento y saneamiento y depuración de aguas residuales). Por ello, juegan un papel decisivo en relación con la adecuada gestión y preservación de la calidad de las aguas y tienen responsabilidades importantes en materia de vertidos. A dichas cuestiones se refiere este trabajo, centrado en el examen de las competencias de las entidades locales para prevenir y evitar la contaminación de las aguas y, en particular, en el análisis de la actuación local en materia de vertidos, con referencia específica a las competencias de los entes locales sobre los vertidos indirectos y a sus obligaciones en relación con los vertidos directos al dominio público hidráulico.
Peticiones, solicitudes y acciones. ¿Oportunidad del derecho de petición ante el antiformalismo necesario?
Authors: González-Varas Ibáñez Santiago
Published: September 2023

En este trabajo se discute la oportunidad del derecho de petición a la luz del arraigo en la praxis de las simples solicitudes que prevé la legislación de procedimiento administrativo; y se proponen soluciones para evitar indefensión en casos en que el particular se equivoca a la hora de presentar peticiones o solicitudes, e incluso acciones procesales. Todo ello, por tanto, respecto de un campo común en que todos estos mecanismos operan, es decir, el ejercicio de derechos que interesan un acto o actuación, o prestación.
Preparación y adjudicación del contrato: algunas novedades destacables de la nueva Ley
Authors: Sanz Rubiales Íñigo
Published: September 2023

La nueva Ley 9/2017 introduce diversas novedades en el procedimiento contractual, entre las que destacan la potenciación de la contratación estratégica y la promoción, con cautelas, del uso de etiquetas voluntarias. Crea las consultas preliminares de mercado y el criterio de adjudicación de costes de ciclo de vida. Son novedosos también los procedimientos abierto simplificado y de asociación para la innovación.
Contratación electrónica y transparencia: fundamentos necesarios de la contratación abierta
Authors: Cerrillo i Martínez Agustí
Published: September 2023

La Ley 9/2017, de 8 de noviembre, de Contratos del Sector Público (en adelante, LCSP) ha dado un paso adelante en la consolidación del uso de los medios electrónicos y la transparencia en la contratación pública. En este artículo se exponen las principales novedades introducidas y se analiza su impacto en la apertura de la contratación pública. El trabajo permite observar que la LCSP sienta unas bases para la apertura de la contratación pública y deja en manos de los órganos de contratación la oportunidad de innovar en la contratación pública.
Inicio y fin de la caducidad en el procedimiento administrativo sancionador
Authors: De Diego Díez L. Alfredo
Published: September 2023

Excederse en el plazo máximo de duración de un procedimiento sancionador da lugar a su caducidad y consiguiente archivo. En tal caso, los recursos materiales y humanos empleados en su tramitación habrían devenido inútiles. De ahí la importancia que tiene manejar adecuadamente las claves temporales que regulan el instituto de la caducidad procedimental. Una de ellas la desarrollamos en este trabajo: determinar lo más certeramente posible cuándo comienza y cuándo finaliza el plazo de caducidad en los procedimientos sancionadores, con sus especialidades sectoriales.
Dos fórmulas de valoración de las ofertas económicas adecuadas a la Ley 9/2017, de Contratos del Sector Público
Authors: Ros Arpa Carles
Published: September 2023

La Ley 9/2017, de Contratos del Sector Público, tiene como uno de sus grandes objetivos conseguir una mejor relación calidad-precio en los contratos administrativos. Para lograrlo introduce la obligación de los órganos de contratación de velar para que el diseño de los criterios de adjudicación permita obtener obras, suministros y servicios de gran calidad. Ello supone la necesidad de superar algunas inercias, en concreto aquellas fórmulas de valoración de las ofertas económicas dirigidas a adjudicar el contrato por el precio más bajo posible, aun a costa de la calidad de la prestación o de la insostenibilidad de la oferta. Para que las fórmulas de valoración de las ofertas económicas concuerden con estos nuevos principios de la contratación pública, es preciso que en aquellas exista una proporcionalidad entre la baja ofertada en términos absolutos por cada licitador y la puntuación que se atribuya a las respectivas ofertas. Ello supone que debe evitarse el llamado “efecto céntimo”, es decir, que por una mínima diferencia en la oferta económica, una oferta técnicamente poco valiosa pueda obtener en la valoración total más puntos que una oferta técnicamente muy superior y solo un poco más cara. El artículo propone dos fórmulas adecuadas a los principios de la LCSP, y hace una comparación práctica de su aplicación.
Las smart communities: un instrumento para alcanzar, de forma planificada y concertada, el equilibrio en la distribución espacial de la población
Authors: Almeida Cerreda Marcos , Santiago Iglesias Diana
Published: September 2023

En el presente trabajo se estudia el posible papel de las smart communities en la consecución de una distribución equilibrada de la población. Así, tras una breve introducción a los fenómenos de la urbanización y de la despoblación, se analizan los posibles instrumentos de colaboración interadministrativa y de planifi cación que podrían emplearse, con carácter general, en la lucha contra la despoblación para, a continuación, profundizar en el estudio de las smart communities, en cuanto ejemplo de planificación inteligente útil en la consecución de dicho fin.
Enriquecimiento sin causa. Y causa de los actos
Authors: González-Varas Ibáñez Santiago
Published: September 2023

A efectos de dar un nuevo impulso al enriquecimiento sin causa, se estudia este en relación con situaciones donde prima el planteamiento de la pérdida de la causa del acto y su posible inefi cacia.
El Proyecto de Ley por el Derecho a la Vivienda y la intervención local en la materia
Authors: Vaquer Caballería Marcos
Published: September 2023

Pese a la escasa cobertura competencial con que cuentan en la materia, los municipios suelen desarrollar políticas propias de vivienda, en el marco de la legislación y planificación tanto estatal como autonómica. En este artículo se repasan algunos de los instrumentos típicos de dicha política, analizando el tratamiento que les da el Proyecto de nueva Ley estatal por el Derecho a la Vivienda.
Las costas en la jurisdicción administrativa
Authors: De Diego Díez L. Alfredo
Published: September 2023

Los gastos procesales que genera un proceso no son una cuestión banal. Singularmente, para el demandante ante la jurisdicción administrativa, pueden constituir un freno económico a la hora de litigar; no tanto para la Administración, pues juega la partida del proceso con el dinero de los contribuyentes. Pero también son un elemento resarcitorio de quien, abocado a litigar, demuestra que tenía razón. Bien sea aplicando el criterio objetivo (“el que pierde, paga”) o el subjetivo (“el que litigó con temeridad o mala fe, paga”), se trata de que el ganador del proceso pueda salir indemne –o casi– del mismo. Pues bien, en este trabajo se muestran las claves jurisprudenciales sobre el tratamiento de las costas en las variopintas circunstancias que pueden dar lugar a la conclusión del proceso y las facultades judiciales en la moderación de su importe. Todo ello, expuesto con una buena dosis de pragmatismo.
Intramuscular Hemangioma of the Masseter Muscle Mimicking Parotid Sialolithiasis
Authors: IMANİMOGHADDAM Mahrokh , SOLEİMANİ Farzaneh , GOUDARZİ Fereshteh
Published: September 2023

Intramuscular hemangioma occurs in less than 1% of soft tissue hemangiomas. It is equally prevalent in men and women. In this study, we examined a case of a masseter muscle hemangioma with evidence of a suspected parotid sialolithiasis. A 24-year-old woman with a 3-year history of swelling and mild pain in the cheek and ear area was referred to our Department. Before the sialography, ultrasound imaging (sonography) was performed as an initial examination. Due to the calcification in the anterior region of the masseter muscle observed in earlier CT images, sialography was scheduled for the differential diagnosis of sialolithiasis. Sonograms showed a complex tubular mass of 20 × 35 mm in the anterior region of the masseter muscle. The mass appeared hyper vascular on color Doppler ultrasound, confirming its vascular nature. Due to its proximity to the facial nerve, a diode laser was adopted for treatment. Since intramuscular hemangiomas do not regress spontaneously and can be mistakenly diagnosed as parotid gland tumors or sialolithiasis, correct diagnosis is essential. Sonography can help with this.
Clinical Findings Related to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in a Group of Orthodontists
Authors: GÓMEZ-ARİAS Martha Yojana , RAMÍREZ-SEPÚLVEDA Karina Andrea , RAMÍREZ-OSSA Diana M. , AGUDELO-SUÁREZ Andrés
Published: September 2023

Aim: Orthodontists could be exposed to different occupational risks and be affected by different pathologies such as Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). Prevention strategies are required to identify risk factors at different levels. Through an objective clinical evaluation, this study aimed to identify the factors related to the presence of MSDs in a group of orthodontists from Medellín (Colombia).

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A clinical evaluation, focused on orthodontics-related occupational aspects, was carried out by an occupational health practitioner, that was standardized for research purposes. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were conducted on the prevalence of MSDs according to the study variables and Chi-square tests was carried out to observe statistically significant differences. Ethical approval was obtained.

Results: The prevalence of MSDs was 58.7% (95%CI 44.3- 71.7). The frequency of Upper body MSDs was 45.7% (Females: 51.4%) and in the case of Spine Area MSDs was 23.9% (Males: 45.5%). The prevalence of MSDs was higher in males, those people ≤ 44 years, Single/Separate, from middle socioeconomic status, with other medical previous conditions. Labor conditions were related to the presence of MSDs. The agreement percentage in the case of Upper body MSDs and Clinical Spine Area MSDs considering positive cases was 50% and 29.2% respectively.

Conclusions: The orthodontists participating in the study manifested various MSDs and other pathologies related to their professional practice. Sociodemographic and clinical factors were related to the presence of MSDs. Epidemiological surveillance systems in occupational health and strategies in health and safety at work are requested.
Evaluating the Predictability and Regenerative Capacity of Novel Platelet Concentrate (PC)-Titanium Platelet Rich Fibrin (T-PRF) in the field of Dentistry- A Narrative Review
Authors: GUMMALURI Shiva Shankar , GURUMOORTHY Kaarthikeyan , KANCHARLA Anil Kumar , BOYAPATİ Ramanarayana
Published: September 2023

Periodontal disease treatment is always a challenging task. Various treatment modalities have been applied for treating this painless chronic condition. With advancement in the field of research in dentistry researchers shifted towards the autologous products hence came the usage of platelet concentrates in various branches of dentistry. Initially fibrin glue, platelet rich plasma (PRP) have been tried but because of their drawbacks platelet rich fibrin (PRF) came into play. Due to possible contamination of silica particles in silica tubes or silica coated plastic tubes and shorter resorption time, titanium attracted the researchers. This lead to introduction of titanium platelet rich fibrin (T-PRF) a second generation platelet concentrate. This had a thicker fibrin meshwork, better cellular entrapment, greater resorption rate and titanium tubes are inert, better haemocompatible and non-corrosive. It also eliminates the possible contamination of silica test tubes and silica coated plastic tubes. Present article is a review on T-PRF and its usage in the field of dentistry.
The Effect of Pulp Treatments on the Survival of Zirconia Crowns in Primary Teeth
Authors: TOPÇUOĞLU Gamze
Published: September 2023

Objectives: This study evaluated the effect of pulp treatment on the survival rate of zirconia crowns (ZCs) placed in primary anterior teeth of children under general anesthesia.
Materials and Methods: A total of 80 anterior teeth of 32 children aged 18-60 months who underwent ZCs under general anesthesia were followed for 18 months. Failure cases of were categorized. Statistical analysis included independent sample t-test, chi-square test, and Kaplan-Meier survival method.
Results: There was no difference in survival of ZCs between pulp treated and untreated teeth (p>0.05). Considering the survival time of ZCs according to the presence or absence of pulpal symptoms, it was observed that 4 out of 80 teeth were symptomatic (with or without crown loss) at the end of 18 months, and the success rate was 95%.
Conclusions: Pedodontic ZCs had a high survival rate in anterior primary teeth in children treated under anesthesia.
The Concept of Chance Management in Coopetition Among Cultural Institutions
Authors:   niversity of Economics in Katowice, Juszczyk Patrycja , Wójcik Dagmara
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The aim of the article is to exemplify the chance management concept in coopetition among cultural institutions and determine specific chance attributes. Design/methodology/approach: The empirical research was exploratory, and the research process used a qualitative, interpretative approach. The study used semi-structured, in-depth individual face-to-face interviews. A total of 42 interviews were conducted with public and private museums. Findings: Our research revealed that cultural entities take advantage of opportunities so as to achieve not only a competitive advantage, but also a cooperative, or even – as has been shown – a coopetitive one. Coopetition, in turn, can be analyzed through the lens of the chance management concept, and especially the relational perspective of chance, which views chance as an important element within an organization’s environment. Moreover, the specificity of coopetition in cultural institutions has shown the importance of social factors, emphasizing that coopetition is the effect of social construction, individual actions and the motivations of managers. Therefore, the social embeddedness of coopetition should be emphasized in this approach, determining not only the intentional, but also the emergent, nature of coopetition. At the same time, it reveals that the individual cognitive perspective of managers who are able to notice, use or create chance is significant. Originality/value: In strategic management, coopetition has been considered so far to be a planned, long-term phenomenon and a purposefully, deliberately created relationship. The findings of our research in the cultural sector have revealed that coopetition can also be a temporal, ad hoc relationship that is short-term in nature, as well as being incremental and undertaken spontaneously depending on emerging opportunities.
The Impact of Hybrid Work on the Quality of Interpersonal Relations in the HR Department of the Enterprise – A Case Study
Authors:   Warsaw University of Technology, Wójcik Mirosław , Poroszewska Magdalena ,   Warsaw University of Technology
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to answer the question of whether the implementation of hybrid work organization results in a quality change of interpersonal relations in an HR Department. Methodology: To achieve the stated goal, the authors decided to conduct a case study in a large, dispersed organization. Empirical data were obtained through an online research questionnaire, an individual in-depth interview, and the IT systems of the organization under study. Findings: As a result of the study, it was shown that in the examined HR Department, the implementation of hybrid work organization did not change the quality of employee relations. The results contradict some existing sources, making us assume that the impact of hybrid work on employee relations is not unequivocal. Therefore, there are possible situations where its negative or positive effect does not exist. This opens a wide range of possibilities for applying hybrid work methods without negatively impacting the organization. Originality/value: The literature is scarce when it comes to analyzing the impact of hybrid work organization on employee relations. Most of the available material is based on reports from consulting companies and its scientific value is impossible to examine. Even less literature addresses the issue of interpersonal relations in the post-pandemic era. Keywords: hybrid work, interpersonal relations, relational capital, relational quality, human resources, pandemic, case study.
Trust, Distrust and Control Interplay in Interorganizational Relations
Authors:   Kozminski University, Poland, Padzik-Wołos Agnieszka , Pikos Anna , Latusek Dominika ,   Kozminski University, Poland
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic literature review of research on the interplay between trust, distrust and control in interorganizational relations. The authors aim at diagnosing the current state of research along with gaps in the literature and then outlining opportunities for further research. The paper fulfills the aims by exploring the literature in four fields: (1) the understanding of trust, distrust and control, (2) interplay between trust and control, (3) relation between control and distrust and (4) relation between trust, distrust and control. Design/methodology/approach: The systematic literature review was conducted following the framework in Kraus et al. (2020). The sample consisted of 78 publications which were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Findings: Our systematic literature review revealed the prevalence of debate on trust, with distrust being marginalized. Five research gaps emerged from the analysis. As for the relation between two constructs, the trust – control debate is on top, trust – distrust takes the second position, with distrust – control as a marginal research area. Originality/value: The paper is a comprehensive review of the body of literature integrating three constructs: trust, distrust and control, along with new research directions.
Paraguayan Students’ Adaptation to Emergency Remote Education due to COVID-19
Authors: Canese Caballero Valentina , Mereles Aquino Juan Ignacio
Published: September 2023

In 2020, education underwent significant changes due to COVID-19, requiring all educational stakeholders to adapt to virtual learning to salvage the academic year. This paper examines the experiences of high school and university students during this period. The study was conducted in two phases: the initial weeks of the transition to virtual learning and the final two months of the year. The findings revealed notable transformations in technological access, particularly outside the capital. The use of computers increased, and internet usage grew across all sectors and regions. Communication platforms also experienced widespread adoption. However, students faced various challenges during ICT-mediated learning. Common difficulties included task comprehension, time constraints, and internet connectivity issues. Despite these obstacles, students' satisfaction with ICT for learning purposes increased by the end of 2020. This indicates their resilience and adaptability in embracing technology to continue their education amidst adversity. The study emphasizes the need for ongoing support and resources to address these challenges, including improving task understanding, allowing sufficient time for completion, and addressing connectivity issues. Moreover, the growing satisfaction observed toward the end of the year suggests the potential for lasting changes in educational practices. It is crucial to capitalize on this transformation and effectively integrate technology into future teaching and learning approaches. By acknowledging the hurdles faced and leveraging the lessons learned, education can be adapted to better meet students' needs, fostering an inclusive and dynamic learning environment in an uncertain future.
¿En qué clase de persona me quiero convertir? Leer la realidad y compartir comunes con Sociología en contextos escolares
Authors: Beltrán Llavador José , García Calavia Miguel Ángel , Hernàndez-Coscollà Carles
Published: September 2023

La ausencia de sociología en la enseñanza no universitaria en España es un grave déficit de nuestro sistema educativo que es necesario revertir. ¿Cómo se explica una educación sin sociedad? La reciente nueva ley educativa –LOMLOE– abre oportunidades para reintroducir la sociología como parte del currículum escolar. Esta contribución tiene como objetivo presentar una propuesta de sociología en acción, innovadora y aplicable, para la elaboración de “situaciones de aprendizaje” sociológicas (unidades didácticas) en el currículum de educación primaria (alfabetización cívica y memoria democrática), secundaria (optativa de proyectos interdisciplinarios), Bachillerato (optativa: proyectos de investigación) y de personas adultas (programa formativo de la Ley Valenciana de Formación de Personas Adultas). Una sociología que aspira a conseguir y compartir bienes comunes para un mundo común.
El profesorado, protagonista en la definición de sus competencias profesionales
Authors: Alonso Briales Mariana
Published: September 2023

Para afrontar los importantes retos del contexto actual, el profesorado debe estar en un proceso permanente de formación continua, lo que conlleva nuevas competencias profesionales. Los informes internacionales que se presentan tratan de definir el perfil competencial del profesorado. La mayor parte de ellos enfatiza la necesidad de que sea el profesorado el que tome protagonismo en la definición de su propio desarrollo profesional. El objetivo fundamental de este trabajo es comprender qué competencias son las que el profesorado considera especialmente relevantes en su desarrollo profesional. Sus voces deben ser escuchadas en los procesos de toma de decisiones a nivel educativo, político y social, como verdaderos agentes sociales de cambio y transformación educativa. La muestra seleccionada en esta investigación cualitativa está formada por cinco estudios de casos procedentes de cuatro centros educativos públicos de Infantil y Primaria de diferentes zonas de la provincia de Málaga y el Servicio de Atención Educativa Hospitalaria y Domiciliaria de Málaga. Como resultados, el profesorado considera que son esenciales las siguientes competencias para alcanzar un adecuado desarrollo personal y profesional: competencia digital, competencia emocional, competencia en educación inclusiva y competencias metodológicas. Se concluye que la formación continua del profesorado no puede basarse exclusivamente en conocimientos técnicos o disciplinares. El enfoque por competencias de esta investigación se aleja de una visión instrumental y utilitarista de la educación y hace referencia a la importancia de la dimensión ética de la profesión docente.
El acceso al Grado en Sociología en la Universitat de València: indagando razones prácticas
Authors: Ruiz Sancho Ainara
Published: September 2023

El objetivo principal de esta aportación es conocer cuáles son las motivaciones del acceso al Grado en Sociología en la Universitat de València. Para ello se realiza un análisis comparativo entre los datos de la Universitat de València con el promedio de las universidades públicas presenciales acerca del porcentaje de plazas ocupadas y el porcentaje de matrículas en primera opción sobre el total de plazas ocupadas cuya información se obtiene con datos del Ministerio de Universidades. También se ha llevado a cabo un cuestionario entre personas graduadas en Sociología, así como dos grupos de discusión con estudiantes de 1º y 4º de grado. En ambos casos, se pretendía conocer, entre otras cuestiones, cuáles son los motivos por los que decidieron acceder al Grado en Sociología, así como las vías de acceso al mismo. Los principales resultados obtenidos apuntan a un cierto paralelismo en los porcentajes de ocupación y de primeras opciones en las matrículas para la Universitat de València y el conjunto de universidades españolas. Por otra parte, se observa que la mayoría de las personas que acceden al Grado en Sociología lo hace a través de las pruebas de acceso a la universidad y las motivaciones varían desde aquellas personas que indican que acceden a la titulación por el interés que les generan los temas sociales y políticos, hasta aquellas personas que lo hacen porque no han podido acceder a las titulaciones que querían.
Association Between Improved Serum Fatty Acid Profiles and Cognitive Function During a Dietary Intervention Trial in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Saxby Solange M. , Haas Carlyn , Shemirani Farnoosh , Titcomb Tyler J. , Eyck Patrick Ten , Rubenstein Linda M. , Hoth Karin F. , Snetselaar Linda G. , Wahls Terry L.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Cognitive impairment is a common multiple sclerosis (MS)-related symptom that impacts quality of life (QOL). Diet interventions are shown to be beneficial in managing QOL, and the intake of essential fatty acids is linked with improved cognitive function. However, the effect of diets on serum fatty acid profiles and cognitive function is unknown.

METHODS:

A previous randomized, parallel-arm trial recruited participants with relapsing-remitting MS (N = 77). Study visits included 4 time points: run-in, baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks. During the run-in phase, participants followed their usual diet and were then randomly assigned to either a modified paleolithic (Wahls) or a low saturated fat (Swank) diet at baseline. Assessments at study visits included cognitive function assessed by Symbol Digit Modalities Test-Oral (SDMT-O) and Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ), and serum fatty acids, including eicosapentaenoic (EPA), docosahexaenoic (DHA), and arachidonic (ARA) acids

RESULTS:

Both groups had significant improvements in all serum fatty acids (P < .01), except for ARA, as well as SDMT-O at 24-weeks (P < .05), total PDQ at 12 and 24 weeks (P < .01) compared with baseline values. The 12-week changes in ω-3 (EPA + DHA) index and EPA serum fatty acids were associated with SDMT-O changes (P ≤ .05); however, the changes in fatty acid levels did not mediate the effect of the diets on SDMT-O or PDQ (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Both diets led to improvements in serum fatty acid profiles and cognitive function, with associations between the 12-week ω-3 (EPA + DHA) index and EPA changes with SDMT-O.
Selective transduction and photoinhibition of pre-Bötzinger complex neurons that project to the facial nucleus in rats affects nasofacial activity
Authors: Melo Mariana R , Wykes Alexander D , Connelly Angela A , Bassi Jaspreet K , Cheung Shane D , McDougall Stuart J , Menuet Clément , Bathgate Ross AD , Allen Andrew M
Published: September 2023

The pre-Bötzinger complex (preBötC), a key primary generator of the inspiratory breathing rhythm, contains neurons that project directly to facial nucleus (7n) motoneurons to coordinate orofacial and nasofacial activity. To further understand the identity of 7n-projecting preBötC neurons, we used a combination of optogenetic viral transgenic approaches to demonstrate that selective photoinhibition of these neurons affects mystacial pad activity, with minimal effects on breathing. These effects are altered by the type of anesthetic employed and also between anesthetized and conscious states. The population of 7n-projecting preBötC neurons we transduced consisted of both excitatory and inhibitory neurons that also send collaterals to multiple brainstem nuclei involved with the regulation of autonomic activity. We show that modulation of subgroups of preBötC neurons, based on their axonal projections, is a useful strategy to improve our understanding of the mechanisms that coordinate and integrate breathing with different motor and physiological behaviors. This is of fundamental importance, given that abnormal respiratory modulation of autonomic activity and orofacial behaviors have been associated with the development and progression of diseases.
Large-scale deorphanization of Nematostella vectensis neuropeptide G protein-coupled receptors supports the independent expansion of bilaterian and cnidarian peptidergic systems
Authors: Thiel Daniel , Yañez Guerra Luis Alfonso , Kieswetter Amanda , Cole Alison G , Temmerman Liesbet , Technau Ulrich , Jékely Gáspár
Published: September 2023

Neuropeptides are ancient signaling molecules in animals but only few peptide receptors are known outside bilaterians. Cnidarians possess a large number of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) – the most common receptors of bilaterian neuropeptides – but most of these remain orphan with no known ligands. We searched for neuropeptides in the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis and created a library of 64 peptides derived from 33 precursors. In a large-scale pharmacological screen with these peptides and 161 N. vectensis GPCRs, we identified 31 receptors specifically activated by 1 to 3 of 14 peptides. Mapping GPCR and neuropeptide expression to single-cell sequencing data revealed how cnidarian tissues are extensively connected by multilayer peptidergic networks. Phylogenetic analysis identified no direct orthology to bilaterian peptidergic systems and supports the independent expansion of neuropeptide signaling in cnidarians from a few ancestral peptide-receptor pairs.
Overcoming the nutritional immunity by engineering iron-scavenging bacteria for cancer therapy
Authors: Huang Sin-Wei , Lim See-Khai , Yu Yao-An , Pan Yi-Chung , Lien Wan-Ju , Mou Chung-Yuan , Hu Che-Ming Jack , Mou Kurt Yun
Published: September 2023

Certain bacteria demonstrate the ability to target and colonize the tumor microenvironment, a characteristic that positions them as innovative carriers for delivering various therapeutic agents in cancer therapy. Nevertheless, our understanding of how bacteria adapt their physiological condition to the tumor microenvironment remains elusive. In this work, we employed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to examine the proteome of E. coli colonized in murine tumors. Compared to E. coli cultivated in the rich medium, we found that E. coli colonized in tumors notably upregulated the processes related to ferric ions, including the enterobactin biosynthesis and iron homeostasis. This finding indicated that the tumor is an iron-deficient environment to E. coli. We also found that the colonization of E. coli in the tumor led to an increased expression of lipocalin 2 (LCN2), a host protein that can sequester the enterobactin. We therefore engineered E. coli in order to evade the nutritional immunity provided by LCN2. By introducing the IroA cluster, the E. coli synthesizes the glycosylated enterobactin, which creates steric hindrance to avoid the LCN2 sequestration. The IroA-E. coli showed enhanced resistance to LCN2 and significantly improved the anti-tumor activity in mice. Moreover, the mice cured by the IroA-E. coli treatment became resistant to the tumor re-challenge, indicating the establishment of immunological memory. Overall, our study underscores the crucial role of bacteria’s ability to acquire ferric ions within the tumor microenvironment for effective cancer therapy.
Nifuroxazide suppresses PD-L1 expression and enhances the efficacy of radiotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Tiesuo , Wei Pengkun , Zhang Congli , Zhou Shijie , Liang Lirui , Guo Shuoshuo , Yin Zhinan , Cheng Sichang , Gan Zerui , Xia Yuanling , Zhang Yongxi , Guo Sheng , Zhong Jiateng , Yang Zishan , Tu Fei , Wang Qianqing , Bai Jin , Ren Feng , Feng Zhiwei , Jia Huijie
Published: September 2023

Radiation therapy is a primary treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but its effectiveness can be diminished by various factors. The over-expression of PD-L1 has been identified as a critical reason for radiotherapy resistance. Previous studies have demonstrated that nifuroxazide exerts antitumor activity by damaging the Stat3 pathway, but its efficacy against PD-L1 has remained unclear. In this study, we investigated whether nifuroxazide could enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy in HCC by reducing PD-L1 expression. Our results showed that nifuroxazide significantly increased the sensitivity of tumor cells to radiation therapy by inhibiting cell proliferation and migration while increasing apoptosis in vitro. Additionally, nifuroxazide attenuated the up-regulation of PD-L1 expression induced by irradiation, which may be associated with increased degradation of PD-L1 through the ubiquitination-proteasome pathway. Furthermore, nifuroxazide greatly enhanced the efficacy of radiation therapy in H22-bearing mice by inhibiting tumor growth, improving survival, boosting the activation of T lymphocytes, and decelerating the ratios of Treg cells in spleens. Importantly, nifuroxazide limited the increased expression of PD-L1 in tumor tissues induced by radiation therapy. This study confirms, for the first time, that nifuroxazide can augment PD-L1 degradation to improve the efficacy of radiation therapy in HCC-bearing mice.
Visual styles, hidden discourses
Authors: Bravo Úrsula , Marini Guillermo
Published: September 2023

This article reports the findings of a study aimed at exploring the visual discourses at a Chilean education university. First, building on the classic ‘hidden curriculum’ and ‘school art style’ literature, it justifies the need to discuss how higher education institutions model the ways through which teachers-to-be comprehend and use visual resources. Second, the article presents the results of a critical visual methodology performed in the oldest education university in Chile. Through a visual discourse analysis of the experience of walking around the campus, it elaborates on the university’s visual styles comprising the themes, technologies and locations of artefacts. Third, it discusses the relationships between courtyard and hallway images loaded with critical motivations and classroom images portraying stereotyped and anachronistic views of childhood. The article concludes by urging to incorporate quality visual pedagogy orientations in teacher education.
Genome-wide identification and analysis of Lateral Organ Boundaries Domain (LBD) transcription factor gene family in melon (Cucumis melo L.)
Authors: Derelli Tufekci Ebru
Published: September 2023

Background

Lateral Organ Boundaries Domain (LBD) transcription factor (TF) gene family members play very critical roles in several biological processes like plant-spesific development and growth process, tissue regeneration, different biotic and abiotic stress responses in plant tissues and organs. The LBD genes have been analyzed in various species. Melon (Cucumis melo L.), a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, is economically important and contains important molecules for nutrition and human health such as vitamins A and C, β-carotenes, phenolic acids, phenolic acids, minerals and folic acid. However, no studies have been reported so far about LBD genes in melon hence this is the first study for LBD genes in this plant.

Results

In this study, 40 melon CmLBD TF genes were identified, which were separated into seven groups through phylogenetic analysis. Cis-acting elements showed that these genes were associated with plant growth and development, phytohormone and abiotic stress responses. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis revealed that of CmLBD genes especially function in regulation and developmental processes. The in silico and qRT-PCR expression patterns demonstrated that CmLBD01 and CmLBD18 are highly expressed in root and leaf tissues, CmLBD03 and CmLBD14 displayed a high expression in male-female flower and ovary tissues.

Conclusions

These results may provide important contributions for future research on the functional characterization of the melon LBD gene family and the outputs of this study can provide information about the evolution and characteristics of melon LBD gene family for next studies.
Poor sleep quality and suicidal ideation among pregnant women during COVID-19 in Ethiopia: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hasen Aragaw Asfaw , Seid Abubeker Alebachew , Mohammed Ahmed Adem
Published: September 2023

Introduction

COVID-19 has profoundly impacted the mental health and well-being of pregnant women worldwide. In Ethiopia, the poor sleep quality and suicidal ideation among pregnant women has increased due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to provide comprehensive evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of poor sleep quality and suicidal ideation among pregnant women during COVID-19 in Ethiopia.

Materials and Methods

This study is based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendation. Data were searched from PubMed, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online from the occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic to February 2023. Two researchers extracted the data and performed the methodological quality assessment independently. Random-effect model was used to estimate the pooled effect size and I2was used to check heterogeneity. Stata 14.0 (StataCorp, Collage Station, Texas, USA) was used for statistical analysis.

Results

From six studies the pooled prevalence of poor sleep quality was 55% (95% CI [0.42–0.69], I2 = 98.1%, p < 0.001). Age ≥ 30 years pooled AOR = 1.95, 95% CI (0.85, 3.06), 3rd trimester pooled AOR = 3.20, 95% CI (1.82, 4.58), substance use pooled AOR = 2.51, 95% CI (0.99, 4.04), depression pooled AOR = 2.97, 95% CI (0.92, 5.02) and stress pooled AOR 2.14, 95% CI (0.24, 4.03) were associated factors of poor sleep quality. Three studies reported about suicidal ideation and pooled prevalence was 11% (95% CI: 0.09, 0.13, I2 = 48.2%, p = 0.145). Depression pooled AOR = 3.19, 95% CI (1.68, 4.71) was the only associated factor of suicidal ideation.

Conclusion

Due to COVID-19 pregnant women in Ethiopia were affected by poor sleep quality and suicidal ideation. Thus, suitable and well designed programs proposing awareness of COVID-19, mental health counseling and involvement should be designed to improve the general mental health of pregnant women.

Trial registration

PROSPERO registration number CRD42023389896.
Does Entrepreneurial Orientation Affect the Performance of Women-owned SMEs in the Banditry Zone? The Empirical Evidence from Kebbi State, Nigeria
Authors: Galadanchi Hamza Aliyu , Alkali Zainab
Published: September 2023

This study was carried out to investigate how women-owned small and medium-sized businesses in Kebbi State, Nigeria, have fared in the face of banditry by using entrepreneurial orientations. In order to gather information from women-owned SMEs, a cross-sectional survey methodology was adopted. A cluster sampling approach was used to select 234 participants at random for the study and questionnaires used as a research instrument for data collection. The study's hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The result found that taking risks, being aggressive in the marketplace, and being independent are crucial entrepreneurial orientations for the success of SMEs in Kebbi State, Nigeria. It is assumed that innovation will boost business performance, but the results of this study show that innovation has the opposite effect on women-owned businesses, contradicting this expectation. The study concluded that taking risks, being aggressive in a competitive environment, and having autonomy benefit SMEs’ performance. The study recommended that Owner-managers, decision-makers, and researchers can benefit greatly from the findings of this study in order to better understand how entrepreneurial orientations affect business performance. Owner-managers of SMEs should be encouraged and emphasize on risk-taking, independence, and competitive aggression to enhance their performance and economic effect. It is significant to highlight that placing too much emphasis on innovation should be minimized.
Influence of Charcoal, Manure and Fertilizer Soil Amendment on Growth of Grevillea robusta Nursery Seedlings
Authors: Inoti Shadrack Kinyua , Onyango Alice Adongo , Angaine Peter Murithi , Owino Jesse Omondi
Published: September 2023

Soil amendment is vital especially in tree nurseries that are located away from the forest areas. Grevillea robusta seedlings are high nutrient demanders. An experiment was set up for a period of 8 months in 2021 at Egerton University, Njoro, Kenya to determine the effect of soil amendment on the early growth of Grevillea nursery seedlings. The experimental design was a CRD with 12 treatments replicated 3 times. The soil amendments included; manure, charcoal and artificial fertilizer combined with agricultural soil as well as their other combinations while forest soil was used as a check. The pot size was 9 by 12 cm in width and length respectively. Routine weeding and watering was done during the experimental period. The data was analyzed using SAS statistical package and the significance differences between means were separated using LSD at P<0.05. The results showed that forest soil and agricultural soil gave significantly (P < 0.05) the highest survival (84 and 81%) respectively compared with charcoal + manure + fertilizer combination (37%) which was the least. On the other hand, Forest soil had significantly (P < 0.05) the highest height (14.6cm) compared to all the other variables. Similarly, forest soil showed the highest root collar diameter (4.5 mm) which was significantly different from all the other variables measured except agricultural soil alone, agricultural soil + manure + fertilizer and agricultural soil + charcoal + manure which were similar. On the other hand, charcoal alone showed the highest root: shoot ratio (3.2), as well as root biomass which were significantly (P < 0.05) higher compared with agricultural soil + manure and charcoal + fertilizer. In conclusion, forest soil was superior in supporting the growth of both shoot, foliage and root collar diameter of grevillea seedlings. On the other hand, charcoal showed higher root to shoot ratio as well as root biomass. Forest soil is therefore recommended to be used in raising Grevillea nursery seedlings in areas nearby the forest. However, for areas located far away from the forest, a mixture of agricultural soil + manure + fertilizer or charcoal is recommended. Further research is recommended on using the same soil mixtures on other tree species which are less demanding in nutrient uptake.
Desiccant Beads: A Novel Tool for Managing Pulse Beetle in Stored Chickpea
Authors: Khandaitaray Trinath , Mishra P. R. , Satapathy Satya Narayan , Pattanaik Biswa Ranjan , Baral Samarendra , Prusti Pramod Kumar
Published: September 2023

Chickpea is the most dominant pulse having a major share under area shown 65 per cent and production 72 per cent followed by lentil and field pea. Pulse beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis L. is a primary pest of stored chickpea which causes 50-60 per cent loss in seed weight and 45.5-66.3 per cent loss in protein content of the seeds (Rustamani et al., 1985) and injudicious and indiscriminate use of hazardous synthetic chemicals for preventing storage losses in chickpea may lead to human and animal health issues due to residual hazards. Therefore, the biorational management of the pulse beetle in stored chickpea has been undertaken keeping biology in mind will prevent the loss as well as protect human health hazard.The experiments on non-chemical biorational approaches like effect of desiccant beadswhich control the pulse beetle efficiently but have lesser toxicity hazards to non-target organisms and the environment was studied in the Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture, OUAT, BBSR, Odisha during 2018-2021.The results showed that desiccant beads viz., zeolite and sodium aluminium silicate impregnated with chickpea seeds in the ratio of 1:1 proved effective in suppression of the pulse beetle in chickpeaduring six months of storage.
Deceitful Catchment Area for the Development of Agriculture and Horticulture Aspects in the Himalayan Region
Authors: Jaiswal Shatruhan , Yadav Avanish , Rawat Deepak Kumar
Published: September 2023

The glaciers and annual snowfalls in the Himalayan region feed rivers serving 47% of the world’s population. No other region in the world has the comparable number of people, scarcity of rainfall, dependence on agriculture, tempting sites for mega-projects and vulnerability to climate change. Being a part of north-western Himalayan region, the catchment development (CD) block of Banjar in the district Kullu of Himachal Pradesh has 49 Micro Watersheds (MWs) out of which 4 are snow bound and are inaccessible to carry out any developmental activity. In order to do socio-economic study and assess the extent of Horticultural, Agricultural, Vegetable Production and Animal Husbandry development, NERIL conducted field survey in all these Community Development Blocks in 2012. For the purpose of this survey, the random sampling size comprised of minimum 10% of the revenue villages and 5 nos. of households up to a total of 250 households. In case of households exceeding 250 nos. an additional household was surveyed for an increase of every 50 households thereafter. As per these criterion 177 households in CD Block Kullu. The block has 10858 ha area owned by the farmers in which various agricultural activities including vegetable cultivation and animal husbandry are carried out. Additionally, 7254 ha area is available for the cultivation of different fruit crops viz. apple, plum, pomegranate, peanut, persimmon and walnut. The Block has 6935 ha area on which various cereal and vegetable crops are grown. Among the cereal crops, Maize dominates during Kharif season whereas Wheat and Barley are the main crops during Rabi season. Themaize accounts for 84.2% of the cropped area during Kharif season whereas wheat accounts for 82.2 % of the cropped area during Rabi season. The vegetables are grown on 1360 ha (cropped) area in the block. The most preferred vegetable crops are peas, garlic, cauliflower and cabbage. They are grown by 60.7, 45.6, 24.4 and 11.2 % farmers respectively. The farmer’s feed good amount (3.5 kg) of concentrate per cattle per day.The average milk yield of improved breeds is 5.6 liter per day whereas that of local cows is about 2.7 liter perday. The most discouraging feature of the animal husbandry activity has been negligible availability of green fodder. On the above survey data were concluded that, a total sum of Rs. 592.52 lacs will be required to bring the desired improvement in the economy of farmers at least partially and conserve the soil and water to reduce the silt load of the river water system in near future.