bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INVESTIGATION OF ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY IN HUMAN DERMAL FIBROBLASTS DURING VARIOUS CULTIVATION PERIODS
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University, Kyiv, TERESHCHENKO A.A.
Published: May 2024

Aim. Research into the change in enzymatic indicators of cell activity during the aging of human dermal fibroblasts in culture from 3 to 15 passages to determine the most optimal terms for cell transplantation to patients for further cell therapy. Methods: Dermal fibroblasts of donors A, B, and C aged from 40 to 60 years were cultivated in сulture medium containing FBS, antibiotics, bFGF. To determine the cell cycle, cells were fixed with formalin, stained with propidium iodide/RNase buffer and analyzed on a flow cytometer. To study the enzymatic activity of mitochondria, fibroblasts were seeded in microplate, MTT was added, followed by DMSO and glycine. To determine the activity of lysosomal enzymes, fibroblasts were fixed with formalin, stained with X-Gal and photographed on a microscope. A statistical analysis of the results was carried out. Results: Dermal fibroblasts retain their mitotic activity from early to late passages. The average percentage of mitotic cells was higher than the average value of the cells at the interphase. Optical density did not reveal significant changes with the change in the cultivation term. The increase in formazan level corresponds to a percentage of cells in mitosis. Studying microphotographs of early and late passages to detect cells with enhanced β-galactosidase secretion, no signs of aging of dermal fibroblasts of donors were noticed. Conclusions: Using various cytochemical methods, it has been proven that the culture of human dermal fibroblasts from donors of the age group from 40 to 60 years maintains stability during their cultivation from 3 to 15 passages.
SUB-NANOSECOND SWITCHING OF HIGH-VOLTAGE TRIGATRONS
Authors:   National Technical University “Kharkov Polytechnic institute”, Str. Kirpichova, 2, Kharkiv, 61002, Ukraine, Boiko M.I.
Published: May 2024

The paper studies the mode of sub-nanosecond switching operation of trigatrons with an operating voltage of up to 1 MV. It is shown that the mode of such activation takes place because of the creation of primary volume streamer in the trigatron discharge gap under the action of a strong non-uniform electric field. The streamer occupies the entire gap and has a weak glow brightness. An estimated analytical calculation of the trigatron switching process in 0.3 ns is given. The process of sub-nanosecond breakdown of a trigatron with an operating voltage of up to 1 MV is presented. During the process the impact ionization after the incoming of a control pulse with a front of no more than 4 ns and an amplitude of 70 kV in the trigatron occurs along the entire length of the discharge gap of down to 12 mm: between the control electrode and opposing main one as well as between the control electrode and the main one covering it. The experimental data on the increase in the brightness of the discharge glow in the trigatron already after the end of the switching process are given. References 12, figures 6.
A Scoping Review ofthe Benefits of Integrated Care at Service User Level in UK Health and Social Care System
Authors:   Senior Lecturer, Faculty of health sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, England, CM1 1SQ, Mathew Biju
Published: May 2024

Background: The clinical commissioners were constituted to ensure patient centeredness and to tackle health inequalities for the local population. The health and social care act 2012 was a catalyst in the integration and development of the health and social care strategic partnership working. This was aimed to facilitate a major shift from competition to cooperation. Purpose: What are the end-user benefits of the integrated care system developed through health and social care strategic partnership? Methods: A scoping review is conducted to explore the available sources of information on the service user benefits of an integrated form of working at the grass root level. This review is an end user focussed study, specific to the service user perspectives. Results: The individual organisations are still budget driven and the care planning assessments such as decision support tool are complex for the end user to understand. Even though there are several studies and government documents available focussing on macro- level integration with benefits on cost aspects, there are questions on the end user benefits.There is scant information regarding the benefits of collaboration at the end-user level. Conclusion: The preliminary results conclude that there are strategic gains in strategic-level integration such as financial savings and tackling staff shortages.However, the service user benefit needs to be further explored. The work is conceptual and preliminary and there is scope for further exploration of the issue in discussion empirically.
Impact of Digital Marketing on Business
Authors:   Punjab Technical University, Arora Deepika
Published: May 2024

Automated or Digital Marketing is the evolution of products, services and brands online. As the name suggests, Digital marketing can be defined as an outlook, a marketing strategy and branding, carried out through digital platforms like Instagram, YouTube etc. This form of merchandising is generally conductedon websites, social media and mobile devices platforms. Digital marketing is a comprehensive field, including attracting customers via email,, social media, search platforms, content marketing, and more. Online marketing, is also knownas the promotion of brands and targeting customers using various forms of digital broadcasting channels such as: Search engines, websites, social media, email, mobile apps, text messaging, and web-based advertising . In-brief, if a publicity campaign commences by using any of the above online media channels, instead of physical campaigns, it is automated or digital marketing. The research in this paper is based on the secondary data and it focuses on the effectiveness of digital marketing on business brands.
A new vector emerges? Aedes vittatus mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae): habitat and current and future potential global geographic invasion
Authors: Aguirre Obando Oscar Alexander
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The Aedes vittatus mosquito is an important vector of yellow fever in Africa, with vectorial competence for dengue, chikungunya and Zika. Its presence has been reported in some places in Africa, Asia, Europe and – recently – America. However, such information is scattered and with little description of the characteristics of the areas where it inhabits. Objective: Therefore, the aim was to compile records of its occurrence, describe the ecological characteristics of its habitat and estimate its current and future potential global invasion. Methods: A dataset was formed with the first records and global records of the mosquito, which were the basis for describing the habitat of the areas where it is found and together with layers of bioclimatic variables were implemented to estimate, through an ecological niche model (ENM), the areas of potential invasion using the MaxEnt algorithm. Since the native range of A. vittatus is unknown, two hypotheses were proposed for the calibration of accessible áreas, Africa and Asia, based on the genetic information available so far. Results: It is suggested that, regardless of its native area, A. vittatus is currently distributed in all continents in both tropical and subtropical zones, where at higher emissions and high time periods, it could expand into subtropical climates colonizing colder climates. Conclusions: It is estimated that the mosquito can be found on all continents at altitudes between 0 – 2500 m and at temperatures between 15 – 30 °C, being found mainly in tropical coverages and in urban areas being favored probably by transcontinental and terrestrial passive transport networks allowing the invasion of new locations.
A Hawaiian Place of Learning Under U.S. Occupation
Authors: Kauai Willy , Balutski Brandi Jean Nālani
Published: May 2024

Prior to the United States’ (U.S.) illegal occupation of the Hawaiian Kingdom government in 1893 and illegal annexation in 1898, literacy rates and educational attainment in the Hawaiian Kingdom were amongst the highest in the world. In contrast to the educational history of the 19th century, the usurpation of the Hawaiian educational system following the occupation of the U.S. gave way to a century of miseducation and marginalization. Today, more than 130 years after the illegal overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom government, the consequences of this event are omnipresent across all sectors of education, including higher education. The downward educational trend correlates with the evolution of the University of Hawaiʻi. This article examines the paradox and the dilemma of the University of Hawaiʻi to become a “Hawaiian Place of Learning” while also fortifying the U.S. occupation of the Hawaiian Islands. This article also highlights possibilities, programming, and philosophies from Native Hawaiian Student Services (NHSS), a co-curricular unit at the University of Hawaiʻi that both responds to the University’s refusals and limitations by contextualizing Hawaiian student success in the 21stcentury and by looking back to the Hawaiian educational system of the 19th century as a blueprint for educational interventions today.
“Ako ʻĒ Ka Hale A Paʻa”: Mentoring for Kānaka Futures through Hilinehu Educational Leadership Advancement
Authors: Wright Erin Kahunawaikaʻala , Reyes Nicole Alia Salis , Kaomea Julie , Kukahiko Eōmailani K. , Prellberg Stacy Kealanahele , Quirk Jennifer Māhealani Ah Sing , Serna A. Kuʻulei
Published: May 2024

In this article, we explore our experiences as Kānaka faculty mentors in Hilinehu Educational Leadership Advancement (HELA), a federally-funded grant through the Native Hawaiian Education Program (NHEP) supporting Kānaka graduate students in the field of education. Through the exploration of our experiences, we consider how mentoring can matter for Kānaka graduate students and furthermore how graduate education can matter for our lāhui Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian nation). Although graduate education historically has not been a priority for the Native Hawaiian Education Act (NHEA), we argue that it is vitally important to preparing Kānaka for educational leadership and nation-building. Finally, we offer reflections on our experiences as mentors through HELA and close with experience-based recommendations for policymakers and administrators, faculty mentors, and Kānaka graduate students.
The Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture (INPEACE): An Unapologetically Hawaiian Organization
Authors: Keliipio-Acoba Maile , Marfil Sanoe , Saelua Natasha Autasi
Published: May 2024

The Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture (INPEACE) has provided educational programs to Native Hawaiian communities since 1994, nurturing the growth and development of keiki through ‘ohana-focused models and empowering community members to become educators and active leaders in their own communities because they understand, live, and are invested in the community’s future. INPEACE Chief Executive Officer Maile Keliipio-Acoba and Chief Program Officer Sanoe Marfil, offer a personal glimpse into their work and reflect on how their organization is supporting the Native Hawaiian community through culture-based education and professional development.
Hypocorisms Meet Sound Symbolism: A Socio-Onomastic Study of Spanish Hypocoristic Forms of Personal Names in -i
Authors:   University of La Rioja, Pérez-Hernández Lorena
Published: May 2024

The suffix -i has been regarded as a gender-neutral morpheme that communicates affection in Spanish. Previous studies have shown this diminutive morpheme to be more productive in relation to female hypocorisms. There are, however, many Spanish proper names for which there exist pairs of alternative hypocorisms (e.g. Antonia > Toña/Toñi; Antonio > Toño/Toni). This paper compares the potentiality of the suffix -i to build hypocorisms for both genders with its actual use by Spanish speakers over a four-generation time spam from Baby Boomers to Generation Z. It explores the connections between its sound symbolism and its pragmatics in order to assess its alleged gender neutrality over time. The paper is organized as follows. First, the author considers previous literature on sound symbolism and gender, together with a description of the theoretical tools used in the present investigation. Second, the paper describes the methodological decisions adopted for the present research, which include the design of a survey to assess the gender neutrality of the actual use of the hypocorisms by Spanish speakers. The cohort of informants includes 30 men and 30 women from different generations (50% Baby Boomers / Generation X and 50% Millennials / Generation Z). Finally, the author reports and discusses the results of the survey. These point to a preference for hypocorisms in -i for female names. Differences also arise in the use of hypocorisms in -i in relation to the gender and age of the speakers, signalling an incipient diversion from the traditional use of hypocorisms in -i for female names in previous generations.
On the Computational Complexity of Stackelberg Planning and Meta-Operator Verification
Authors: Behnke Gregor , Steinmetz Marcel
Published: May 2024

Stackelberg planning is a recently introduced single-turn two-player adversarial planning model, where two players are acting in a joint classical planning task, the objective of the first player being hampering the second player from achieving its goal. This places the Stackelberg planning problem somewhere between classical planning and general combinatorial two-player games. But, where exactly? All investigations of Stackelberg planning so far focused on practical aspects. We close this gap by conducting the first theoretical complexity analysis of Stackelberg planning. We show that in general Stackelberg planning is actually no harder than classical planning. Under a polynomial plan-length restriction, however, Stackelberg planning is a level higher up in the polynomial complexity hierarchy, suggesting that compilations into classical planning come with a worst-case exponential plan-length increase. In attempts to identify tractable fragments, we further study its complexity under various planning task restrictions, showing that Stackelberg planning remains intractable where classical planning is not. We finally inspect the complexity of meta-operator verification, a problem that has been recently connected to Stackelberg planning.
Action Model Learning from Noisy Traces: a Probabilistic Approach
Authors: Lamanna Leonardo , Serafini Luciano
Published: May 2024

We address the problem of learning planning domains from plan traces that are obtained by observing the environment states through noisy sensors. In such situations, approaches that assume correct traces are not applicable. We tackle the problem by designing a probabilistic graphical model where preconditions and effects of every planning domain operators, and traces’ observations are modeled by random variables. Probabilistic inference conditioned by the observed traces allows our approach to derive a posterior probability of an atom being a precondition and/or an effect of an operator. Planning domains are obtained either by sampling or by applying the maximum a posteriori criterion. We compare our approach with a frequentist baseline and the currently available state-of-the-art approaches. We measure the performance of each method according to two criteria: reconstruction of the original planning domain and effectiveness in solving new planning problems of the same domain. Our experimental analysis shows that our approach learns action models that are more accurate w.r.t. state-of-the-art approaches, and strongly outperforms other approaches in generating models that are effective for solving new problems.
Investigating Large Neighbourhood Search for Bus Driver Scheduling
Authors: Mazzoli Tommaso Mannelli , Kletzander Lucas , Hentenryck Pascal Van , Musliu Nysret
Published: May 2024

The Bus Driver Scheduling Problem (BDSP) is a combinatorial optimisation problem with high practical relevance. The aim is to assign bus drivers to predetermined routes while minimising a specified objective function that considers operating costs as well as employee satisfaction. Since we must satisfy several rules from a collective agreement and European regulations, the BDSP is highly constrained. Hence, using exact methods to solve large real-life-based instances is computationally too expensive, while heuristic methods still have a considerable gap to the optimum.
Our paper presents a Large Neighbourhood Search (LNS) approach to solve the BDSP. We propose several novel destroy operators and an approach using column generation to repair the sub-problem.
We analyse the impact of the destroy and repair operators and investigate various possibilities to select them, including adaptivity.
The proposed approach improves all the upper bounds for larger instances that exact methods cannot solve, as well as for some mid-sized instances, and outperforms existing heuristic approaches for this problem on all benchmark instances.
Decentralized, Decomposition-Based Observation Scheduling for a Large-Scale Satellite Constellation
Authors: Zilberstein Itai , Rao Ananya , Salis Matthew , Chien Steve
Published: May 2024

Deploying multi-satellite constellations for Earth observation requires coordinating potentially hundreds of spacecraft. With increasing on-board capability for autonomy, we can view the constellation as a multi-agent system (MAS) and employ decentralized scheduling solutions. We formulate the problem as a distributed constraint optimization problem (DCOP) and desire scalable inter-agent communication. The problem consists of millions of variables which, coupled with the structure, make existing DCOP algorithms inadequate for this application. We develop a scheduling approach that employs a well-coordinated heuristic, referred to as the Geometric Neighborhood Decomposition (GND) heuristic, to decompose the global DCOP into sub-problems as to enable the application of DCOP algorithms. We present the Neighborhood Stochastic Search (NSS) algorithm, a decentralized algorithm to effectively solve the multi-satellite constellation observation scheduling problem using decomposition. In full, we identify the roadblocks of deploying DCOP solvers to a large-scale, real-world problem, propose a decomposition-based scheduling approach that is effective at tackling large scale DCOPs, empirically evaluate the approach against other baseline algorithms to demonstrate the effectiveness, and discuss the generality of the approach.
PROBABILISTIC UNCERTAINTY PROPAGATION USING GAUSSIAN PROCESS SURROGATES
Authors: Manfredi Paolo
Published: May 2024

This paper introduces a simple and computationally tractable probabilistic framework for forward uncertainty quantification based on Gaussian process regression, also known as Kriging. The aim is to equip uncertainty measures in the propagation of input uncertainty to simulator outputs with predictive uncertainty and confidence bounds accounting for the limited accuracy of the surrogate model, which is mainly due to using a finite amount of training data. The additional uncertainty related to the estimation of some of the prior model parameters (namely, trend coefficients and kernel variance) is further accounted for. Two different scenarios are considered. In the first one, the Gaussian process surrogate is used to emulate the actual simulator and propagate input uncertainty in the framework of a Monte Carlo analysis, i.e., as computationally cheap replacement of the original code. In the second one, semianalytical estimates for the statistical moments of the output quantity are obtained directly based on their integral definition. The estimates for the first scenario are more general, more tractable, and they naturally extend to inputs of higher dimensions. The impact of noise on the target function is also discussed. Our findings are demonstrated based on a simple illustrative function and validated by means of several benchmark functions and a high-dimensional test case with more than one hundred uncertain variables.
ANALYSIS OF SPATIAL CORRELATION PROPERTIES AND RECEIVED SIGNAL CHARACTERISTICS OF LARGE DIMENSIONAL RIS-ASSISTED COMMUNICATION IN NEXT GENERATION RADIO NETWORKS
Authors: Aouthu Srilakshmi , Venkatramana P. , Chandra M. L. Ravi , Swaraja Kuraparthi , Dilli Ravilla
Published: May 2024

The reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) is envisioned to be a key serving technology in 6G wireless
systems and it is also known as smart repeater or holographic radio. RIS is fully capable of controlling
the EM waves in terms of reflections, refractions, scattering, amplitudes, phases, and polarization. Its
response is adaptive over time as well as network conditions. It enhances the performance of a radio
system in terms of capacity, energy efficiency, security, power consumption, and coverage. In this paper,
a physically realizable RIS-assisted channel model is presented which uses the spatial correlation
properties of the channel. The main objective of this work is to derive the fading distribution for RIS-assisted
channels, characterize their spatial channel correlation, and minimize the channel training
overhead. The proposed channel estimation model minimizes the number of required pilot signals for channel estimation. The channel properties are analyzed in terms of spatial correlation matrices rank, RIS physical geometry, and channel hardening. Monte Carlo simulations have verified the analytical results. The results proved that eigenvalue distribution and rank of spatial correlated matrix are favorable for lower dimensions of RIS reflecting elements.
Multi-objective optimisation of the level of prefabrication in construction projects
Authors: de Moura Jorge Lucas Goncalves , Hammad Ahmed W A , Haddad Assed N , Tam Vivian W Y , Illankoon Chethana
Published: May 2024

Off-site manufacturing (OSM) in construction projects is associated with significant advantages, including increased construction quality, productivity and efficiency. Even though off-site construction has been gaining increased attention from researchers and stakeholders in the construction industry, its adoption rate is still low. Unfortunately, such an approach has not been effectively examined to optimise the level of prefabrication adopted on projects. This research study aims to develop a framework for a multi-objective binary particle swarm optimisation (MOBPSO) tool to optimise the level of OSM adopted in a project. The construction systems and elements involved in a project are optimised for OSM to meet three objectives – namely, time, cost and embodied carbon dioxide. The proposed MOBPSO model is then applied to a case study in Brazil. The case study building is a social housing project that has the potential to utilise prefabricated concrete elements. The results indicate that a 20% improvement in time, a 30% improvement in cost and a 25% improvement in embodied carbon dioxide assessments can be realised when an optimisation approach is implemented.
Saudi physiotherapists' attitudes, knowledge, behaviors, and barriers towards evidence-based practice: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Abdel-aziem Amr , Ragaa Osama , Hamed Nashwa , Alqurashi Khaled , Alsufiany Muhsen , Mahdi Maher , Aly Sobhy
Published: May 2024

Background and objective: At present, there is limited knowledge about the determinants of evidence-based practice (EBP) among Saudi physiotherapists. So, this study investigated the attitudes, knowledge, behaviors and perceived barriers of Saudi physiotherapists regarding EBP.
Methods: A sample of 323 physiotherapists completed an EBP questionnaire, which was designed to cover six domains of EBP; Attitudes and beliefs, interest, attention to literature, information availability, educational background, and its barriers.
Results: The participants concurred that EBP is essential (91%), literature helps practice (75%). EBP enhances patient care (80%), reimbursement rates (82%), and aids in decision-making (75%). They discovered that EBP does not consider patient preferences (37%) or the constraints of the clinical practice (71%). They were interested in enhancing their abilities (80%). They needed to use evidence more frequently in daily work (74%). Seventy-six percent having access to professional publications, and 80% have online access to EBP guidelines. Seventy-one percent disagree that their workplace encouraged the EBP usage. Fifty-one percent had not learned the EBP's fundamentals. Sixty percent had not attended training sessions on finding research, 75% were not confident in their capacity to evaluate professional literature, and locate pertinent research to address clinical concerns (62%).
Conclusion: The Saudi physiotherapists have a generally positive attitude toward EBP and are interested in increasing its usage in their practices. However, their attention to literature was relatively low. They need for training sessions for using data base. The lack of time was the most important barrier to EBP.
Esclerosis lateral amiotrófica. ¿Está justificada la eutanasia?
Authors:   UTE, Simancas-Racines Daniel
Published: May 2024

El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la necesidad de asistencia sanitaria que pudiese requerir un enfermo terminal para alcanzar una muerte digna que alivie sus dolencias. Cuando un paciente ha desarrollado una enfermedad crónica grave, incurable y que, en etapa avanzada se describe como discapacitante e imposibilitante porque provoca dependencia total para realizar actividades cotidianas y un sufrimiento físico y/o psíquico intolerable, es fundamental cuestionarnos el rol de la sociedad y del sistema sanitario para garantizar vida digna incluso al final de los días. Describimos como ejemplo a la esclerosis lateral amiotrófica, una enfermedad que compromete las neuronas del cerebro y de la médula espinal. Se considera una de las enfermedades motoneuronales más catastróficas que afecta a dos de cada 100 mil personas en el planeta, según datos de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Por otro lado, analizamos a la eutanasia como una alternativa al cumplimiento de los derechos del paciente. La palabra eutanasia proviene de las voces griegas eu = bueno y thanatos = muerte, "Buena muerte". Este término a evolucionado y actualmente hace referencia al acto de acabar con la vida de otra persona a petición suya, con el fin de minimizar el sufrimiento. Se comenta el caso mediático de Paola Roldan, una mujer valiente de 42 años con esclerosis lateral amiotrófica. Su condición ha sido catalogada como; crónica grave, incurable, discapacitante e imposibilitante porque provoca dependencia total para realizar actividades cotidianas. Según las normativas aprobadas en otros países donde se ha legalizado la eutanasia, Paola podría solicitar ayuda sanitaria para una muerte digna y estaría totalmente justificado dada su condición clínica incurable y con un pronóstico desfavorable. Es indispensable para la salud pública motivar la creación de políticas que permitan respetar el derecho individual de las personas para decidir sobre su muerte.
Políticas y políticos de la investigación científica
Authors:   Universidad Técnica de Ambato, Tufiño Aguilar Andrea Alexandra
Published: May 2024

El presente texto es una reflexión sobre el tibio camino de la investigación en la realidad de los países en vías de desarrollo y su incidencia en las nuevas generaciones.
Aislamiento y caracterización de bacteriófagos y su impacto en la reducción de colonias de Listeria spp. resistentes a los antibióticos
Authors:   Universidad Politécnica Salesiana, Granda Galo-Javier
Published: May 2024

Introducción: La listeriosis es una enfermedad de transmisión alimentaria causada por bacterias del género Listeria. La adquieren los seres humanos, principalmente a través del consumo de alimentos contaminados, como leche, queso y otros productos lácteos. Para tratar esta enfermedad se han utilizado antibióticos como la penicilina, la eritromicina y el meropenem, entre otros. Sin embargo, debido a su uso indiscriminado, entre otros factores, las bacterias han generado una alta resistencia a los antibióticos. Por ello, es necesario implementar nuevas alternativas para controlar las poblaciones bacterianas. Una opción es el uso de la terapia fágica, que se basa en la aplicación de bacteriófagos específicos para infectar y destruir bacterias de forma selectiva. Metodología: En este estudio, aislamos bacteriófagos específicos de Listeria y los caracterizamos molecular y morfológicamente. Para ello, se evaluaron parámetros como su espectro lítico y su cinética lítica, lo que demostró que los bacteriófagos eran capaces de inhibir el crecimiento de Listeria spp. y otras bacterias enteropatógenas. Resultados: los cebadores específicos de los bacteriófagos P40, P35 y P100 determinaron que los fagos eran específicos de Listeria. La microscopía electrónica de transmisión mostró que este fago tenía características de la familia Siphoviridae. Conclusión: Los fagos aislados presentaban características para su uso en fagoterapia.
Factores asociados al embarazo adolescente en Ecuador y el rol del primer nivel de atención en salud: Un análisis a partir del instrumento ENSANUT 2018
Authors:   Universidad UTE, López Mavel
Published: May 2024

Introducción: Ecuador es el décimo país con la tasa de embarazo adolescente más alta en Latinoamérica, este es un problema que tiene consecuencias sociales y económicas. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es describir los factores asociados al embarazo adolescente en Ecuador utilizando los datos del ENSANUT 2018, y analizar el rol del primer nivel de salud en la atención a este grupo vulnerable. Metodología: Se utilizó los datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (ENSANUT) 2018. El diseño del estudio es descriptivo analítico para el análisis de variables como: edad, nivel educativo, región y área de residencia, conocimiento y uso de métodos anticonceptivos. Resultados: Los hallazgos revelan que la edad, el nivel educativo y la región de residencia son condiciones significativas en la prevalencia del embarazo adolescente. Se observa una correlación entre el nivel educativo y la posibilidad de embarazo en adolescentes. Conclusión: El estudio describe los factores asociados al embarazo adolescente en Ecuador, identifica algunas barreras de acceso al sistema de salud, y concluye enfatizando la necesidad de políticas públicas eficientes y estrategias orientadas a mejorar el acceso a la educación y servicios de salud sexual, y reproductiva para adolescentes, con el objetivo de reducir las tasas de embarazo adolescente y mejorar su calidad de vida en Ecuador.
Distribución de enfermedades bucodentales en la población ecuatoriana durante los años prepandémicos. Un estudio ecológico
Authors:   Universidad UTE, Parise-Vasco Juan Marcos
Published: May 2024

Introducción: En Ecuador, la falta de estudios sobre patrones de enfermedades bucodentales ha limitado la comprensión de su impacto en la población. El objetivo de este estudio fue proporcionar un análisis descriptivo de ingresos hospitalarios relacionados con la salud bucodental durante los cincos años pre-pandémicos en el Ecuador. Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio ecológico basado en los registros de egresados hospitalarios recopilados por el Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos. Se procedió a unir las bases anuales para mantener la continuidad de la información y así analizar la evolución temporal de la distribución por género, edad y provincia de las principales condiciones bucodentales según la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades, versión 10 (K00–K14). Resultados: Los ingresos registrados anualmente oscilan alrededor de 2000, con el máximo de ingresos en 2016 y el mínimo en 2019. Cinco categorías principales de enfermedades bucodentales constituyeron el 58,5% de los casos, la condición de mayor frecuencia fue la de dientes incluidos e impactados. Conclusiones: Este análisis exploró el perfil epidemiológico de las enfermedades bucodentales en el Ecuador en base a los ingresos hospitalarios relacionados con la salud bucodental.
Delight at the New: A Review of Comics and Modernism: History, Form, and Culture
Authors: Connerty Michael
Published: May 2024

This article is a review of the comics studies collection Comics and Modernism: History, Form, and Culture (2024), edited by Jonathan Najaran. The collection features a range of articles by comics scholars on the social, cultural and aesthetic relationships between comics and avant-garde art practice- specifically modernist art practice.
Bio-priming Treatment with PGPB Strains in Cowpea Production Increases Grain Yield and Net Income
Authors: Ceritoğlu Mustafa , Erman Murat , Çığ Fatih , Uçar Özge , Soysal Sipan , Erden Zeki , Toprak Çağdaş Can
Published: May 2024

In the 21st century, the use of beneficial microorganisms as biological fertilizers has become a notable phenomenon, driven by the ongoing search for sustainable solutions due to environmental issues associated with synthetic fertilizer use. This study aimed to investigate the effect of bio-priming with plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) strains comparing them with synthetic fertilizer and rhizobium inoculation in Siirt ecological conditions. The field experiment was laid out according to a completely randomized design with four replications in the arable land of Siirt University (Siirt, Türkiye) during the 2019 summer season. Three synthetic fertilizer doses as diammonium phosphate (SF1: 100 kg ha-1, SF2: 200 kg ha-1, SF3: 300 kg ha-1) and seven biological fertilizer treatments (B1: TV61C, B2: TV62C, B3: TV126C, B4: TV24C, B5: TV53D, BMIX: TV119E+TV126C, RZB: Bradyrhizobium sp.) were compared with control (no fertilization+hydro-priming) in the study. The research results indicated that 300 kg ha-1 DAP and PGPB consortia showed the best results on agronomic characteristics. However, particularly when applied in the form of a consortium, PGPB strains exhibited performance very close to synthetic fertilization. Moreover, it was determined that 300 kg ha-1 DAP and PGPB consortia increased grain yield over hydro-primed plants by 54.6% and 42.4%, while they provided a net income of $654 and $721.6, respectively. Thus, bio-priming with PGPB increased higher net income compared with synthetic fertilizer due to lower treatment costs. In conclusion, bio-priming with PGPB strains has the potential of useful, sustainable and cost-effective strategy in cowpea production.
Les nouvelles modalités d’un continuum entre réel et virtuel sur la scène anglophone
Authors: GARSON Cyrielle
Published: May 2024

Au XXIe siècle, l’aire culturelle anglophone nord-américaine pré et post COVID-19 se caractérise par une hyper-numérisation formelle qui vise à briser les frontières entre réel et virtuel à travers des expérimentations de plus en plus immersives (spectacles numériques synchrones et asynchrones, créations documentaires, verbatim, in-situ, “AR”, “VR” et “MR”). Plus précisément, depuis plus d’une décennie, la scène nord-américaine anglophone s’est emparée des technologies et procédés numériques émergeants, cherchant ainsi à créer des expériences immersives et sensorielles de plus en plus accrues.
Aujourd’hui, les plus grandes institutions artistiques nord-américaines (Broadway, Mirvish, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Stratford Festival, MoMa, etc.) utilisent ces technologies et la crise actuelle de COVID-19 semble avoir accéléré encore cette tendance, en particulier dans le domaine foisonnant de la “réalité étendue” ou “XR”, et plus précisément au sein de la “RV” (réalité virtuelle) qui fera l’objet de cette étude par le biais d’un corpus récent de créations performatives issues du Canada et des États-Unis. En outre, ce dernier semble indiquer que la “RV” nécessiterait de ré-inventer les notions mêmes de “performance”, “performativité”, “présence”, “acteurs” et “spectateurs”, tout en proposant un renouvellement des formes performatives par le truchement de logiques d’écriture propres à ce médium. Il devient par conséquent nécessaire d’élaborer un cadre théorique pour son analyse, l’étude approfondie du corpus spectatoriel de ce projet ayant pour ambition d’en poser les premiers jalons. Cependant, malgré l’essor de ces expérimentations, force est de constater qu’elles ont été jusqu’à présent relativement ignorées par la critique. En effet, la réalité virtuelle dans le domaine artistique est pleine de promesses, mais se heurte encore à de nombreux défis (coût, poids des fichiers, manque de portabilité des dispositifs, amoindrissement perçu de l’aspect “vivant” de la performance, impossibilité de vivre une véritable expérience communale etc.). Au moment du bilan et des perspectives, dans un contexte mondial actuel marqué par le développement des applications de technologies de réalité étendue dans différents champs sociaux, les promesses de nouvelles expériences spectatorielles et performatives accompagnent l’émergence de projets de théâtre en RV et la scène nord-américaine anglophone, en tant que pionnière dans le domaine, constitue un point de référence pour les développements ultérieurs de la XR et du “métavers” sur la scène américaine hispanophone et en Europe. Les conclusions de cet article porteront ainsi sur les questions d’accessibilité et d’éthique de la RV pour le champ culturel post COVID-19.
DNA Extraction from 0.22µm Sterivex Filters - Phenol-Chloroform v1
Authors: Kellogg Colleen
Published: May 2024

This protocol is used to extract genomic DNA from 0.22μl sterivex filters using Phenol-Chlorophorm. As part of the Hakai Institute Ocean Observing Program, biomolecular samples have been collected weekly, from 0 m to near bottom (260 m), to genetically characterize plankton communities in the Northern Salish Sea since 2015. This protocol is developed to work across all domains of life, from viruses to prokaryotes to eukaryotes, allowing for both amplicon sequencing and shotgun sequencing.
Genome Assembly, Scaffolding, and Annotation in Sugar Beet v1
Authors: Todd Olivia , not provided kevin.dorn
Published: May 2024

This protocol was designed for use in Beta vulgaris and Beta crop wild relatives. It uses several types of software and the online platform, GenSAS for assembly and annotation. Data input sequencing types are HiFi, Iso-Seq and Omni-C with HiRise scaffolding. The tissue collection protocol is available by searching the author profiles for "Sugar Beet Tissue Collection for Genome Assembly and Annotation with Long Read Sequencing". This protocol is split into three pre-processing sections, as each input sequencing type requires some pre-processing. The fourth section uses generated input files from the preprocessing steps and explains where the file will be used and in which step.
Seawater Filtration for Microbial or Environmental DNA v1
Authors: Kellogg Colleen
Published: May 2024

This protocol describes water filtrations onto 0.22μl sterivex filters using a peristaltic pump. As part of the Hakai Institute Ocean Observing Program, biomolecular samples have been collected weekly, from 0 m to near bottom (260 m), to genetically characterize plankton communities in the Northern Salish Sea since 2015. This protocol is developed to work across all domains of life, from viruses to prokaryotes to eukaryotes, allowing for both amplicon sequencing and shotgun sequencing.
ULOGA LABORATORIJSKE DIJAGNOSTIKE U PROCJENI PROFESIONALNE IZLOŽENOSTI OLOVU
Authors: Ibišević Amela , Papić Emsel , Čano Dedić Lejla , Šegalo Sabina
Published: May 2024

Uvod: Povećanje koncentracije olova u okolišu posljedica je intenzivne industrijalizacije i urbanizacije. Toksična djelovanja olova zasnivaju se na inhibiciji aktivnosti velikog broja enzima, indukciji oksidativnog stresa i disregulaciji biosinteze proteina. Najčešći put unosa u općoj populaciji je ingestija kontaminirane hrane i vode, dok je inhalatorni put najčešće povezan sa profesionalnom izloženošću u različitim zanimanjima. Cilj istraživanja je evaluirati laboratorijske metode i biomarkere u procjeni izloženosti olovu.
Materijal i metode: Za potrebe neeksperimentalnog kvalitativnog istraživanja korišteni su dostupni naučni članci publicirani na engleskom jeziku u relevantnim bazama podataka (MEDLINE i ScienceDirect). Pretraga baza provedena je upotrebom ključnih riječi: „laboratory diagnostics“, „occupational exposure“, „lead“.
Rezultati: Najširu primjenu u laboratorijskoj dijagnostici kod procjene profesionalne izloženosti olovu imaju atomska apsorpciona spektrometrija (AAS) kao zlatni standard i induktivno spregnuta plazma sa masenom spektrometrijom, koja se zbog niske granice detekcije opisuje kao senzitivnija metoda u poređenju sa AAS. Koncentracija olova može se odrediti u brojnim biološkim uzorcima, ali se u laboratorijskoj praksi najčešće upotrebljavaju krv i urin. Kao najznačajniji biomarker u praćenju izloženosti koristi se enzim dehidrataza δ-aminolevulinske kiseline (ALAD) u krvi, kojeg karakterizira progresivna inaktivacija olovom i negativna korelacija sa koncentracijom olova. Također, koncentracija delta-aminolevulinske kiseline u urinu (δ-ALA-U) odražava stanje narušene funkcije enzima u biosintezi hema, te se smatra da dodatno određivanje cink protoporfirina u krvi i koproporfirina u urinu značajno doprinose u procjeni poremećaja izazvanih profesionalnom izloženošću olovu.
Zaključak: Adekvatno praćenje izloženosti olovu ovisi o dostupnosti i karakteristikama primijenjenih laboratorijskih metoda, te specifičnosti i osjetljivosti biomarkera. Zbog toga, precizno određivanje koncentracije ALAD i δ-ALA-U, uz dodatne biomarkere, postaje imperativ za poboljšanu evaluaciju profesionalne izloženosti i omogućava pravovremeno poduzimanje preventivnih mjera.
ROCHEFORT, «IRON BARON»: VICTORY, BLOOD, CAST IRON AND CLIMATE. ON THE ISSUE OF IDENTIFICATION OF NOBLE FAMILIES OF FRANCE
Authors:   Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, Batenko Taras
Published: May 2024

The article about the family of Rofshore and René de Rochefort, in particular, is an attempt to research and analyze the history of France in the period from the end of the 15th to the early 17th century, through the prism of the life and activities of one of the brightest representatives of the nobility during the reign of the Valois dynasty and the Wars of Religion in France between Catholic majority and Protestant minority. This article is the first attempt in Ukrainian historiography to research and describe the biography of René de Rochefort, paying attention to the key events that unfolded in France – one of the leading states of Europe at that time, and figures who were contemporaries of René de Rochefort. Emphasis is placed on the contribution of the Rochefort family to the formation of cultural, economic and political processes in the country, as well as on their relationships with other influential families and political structures. A large part of the article is devoted to the search for interrelationships between climatic changes in Europe at that time and socio-political processes in France. This is what determines the relevance and purpose of researching the problem. One of the evidences of this era are fireplace stoves – firebacks, which were intended for heating homes and were widely used in France and Europe, in particular by people of noble origin. They were cast from cast iron, a material that was a kind of symbol of this era and was widely used in everyday life and military affairs. Most of the firebacks of this era were able to reach our time and are an invaluable source for the study of history, in particular, a fireback with the image of the coat of arms of René de Rochefort – one of the most prominent political figures of France in the 16th century. The research methodology is based on the principles of historicism, objectivism and systematicity, as well as periodization methods, historical-systemic and historical-comparative approaches are used, the research reveals new facets in understanding the interaction of climate and history. The biographical description of the life and activities of the Rochefort family sheds light on many blind spots in the history of France and helps to understand the social and political processes of that time.
EUROPEAN VALUES AS A FACTOR OF UKRAINIAN SOCIETY’S CONSOLIDATION UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF THE RUSSIAN-UKRAINIAN WAR
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, Ukraine, Kalinicheva Halyna
Published: May 2024

The article analyzes the value dimension of the consolidation of Ukrainian society under the conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The author’s attention is focused on the attitude of Ukrainians toward the value foundations of a united Europe. The paper is based on sociological research from 2014–2024 years. The author traces the dynamics of the attitude of Ukrainians toward the European Union, the possibility of joining Ukraine the EU, basic and political European values (freedom, equality, security, democracy, political system, political regime). The article emphasizes the transformation that has taken place in Ukrainian society: from misunderstanding, reticence or denial to mass support for the European perspective of Ukraine and awareness of the civilizational choice. Consolidation is seen as the unity of society based on common values and a common goal. The Russian-Ukrainian war became one of the means of consolidating Ukrainian society around European values to protect Ukraine’s right to exist as an independent democratic state. Any country striving to be a subject of history must rely on a certain level of internal and external consolidation. The article argues that only by relying on the community of its consolidated citizens, the country can realize its own civilizational project, remaining a historical and geopolitical subject. At the same time, to ensure a dignified life and the self-realization of these citizens, the country must economically and politically consolidate with other countries. It has been proven that the consolidation of Ukrainians on the axiological basis of a united Europe in the conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian war is the basis of its stability, the driving force of social development, and the unifying factor in the formation of a political nation and civil society in Ukraine. Summarizing, the author notes that during the post-war reconstruction of the country on the basis of European democratic values, the development of a scientifically based strategy of social consolidation and the involvement of professionals in its implementation acquires practical significance.