bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Impact of The Covid-19 Pandemic on Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Admissions for Anorexic Eating Disorders Throughout the 2013-2022 Decade
Authors: Tommaso Barato , Alessia Raffagnato , Sara Iannattone , Martina Ferrarese , Eleonora Sale , Benedetta Tascini , Silvia Zanato , Annalisa Traverso , Michela Gatta
Published: October 2024

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact that Covid-19 pandemic and the related restrictive measures have had on minors diagnosed with eating disorders (EDs), in particular Anorexia nervosa (AN) and restrictive unspecified EDs, both on an epidemiological and on a clinical level. Methods: We considered AN and restrictive unspecified EDs cases treated in the years 2013-2022 in Padua Hospital’s Child Neuropsychiatry ward, the 97 patients were then divided into two groups, one dated before the pandemic’s start and one dated after. We then analyzed the differences using data collected from medical records and from the Youth Self Report (YSR) tests performed. Results: Our study confirms a large increase in the number of cases of AN and restrictive EDs during the pandemic/post-pandemic period, the clinical characteristics of these cases instead seem substantially unchanged compared to the pre-pandemic ones. Conclusions: The pandemic has led to a large increase in the number of these EDs, underlining the need for attention to the topic and for new measures aimed at primary and secondary prevention.
Colchicine and COVID-19: A Look Backward and a Look Ahead
Authors: Rabbani Amir , Oshaughnessy Michael , Tabrizi Roxana , Rafique Asim , Parikh Rushi , Ardehali Reza
Published: October 2024

Colchicine, a tricyclic alkaloid derived from Colchicum autumnale, is well known for its anti-inflammatory properties, and has been used to treat conditions such as gout, familial Mediterranean fever, and pericarditis. Colchicine's inhibition of the NLRP-3 inflammasome and reduction of key pro-inflammatory cytokines has been considered potentially beneficial in managing COVID-19. While early anecdotal reports and small-scale studies suggest potential benefits, including reduced hospital stay and oxygen requirements, larger randomized controlled trials (RCT) have largely failed to demonstrate significant improvement in mortality, the need for mechanical ventilation, or ICU admissions. Meta-analyses of RCT data corroborate these findings, showing no substantial benefit of colchicine in treating COVID-19. In non-hospitalized patients, the data also suggests limited efficacy, with some studies indicating potential benefit in specific subgroups, though these findings have not been consistently replicated. Colchicine for the treatment of cardiac injury in individuals infected with COVID-19 has also been an area of interest; despite early work suggesting benefit, subsequent RCTs have not shown clear benefit in this subgroup of patients. Overall, despite its promising mechanism of action, the evidence does not support the use of colchicine as standard treatment for COVID-19, either in hospitalized or community-based settings, or with evidence of cardiac injury. This review highlights the need for further research to better understand the potential role of colchicine – looking back as well as a look ahead – in the management of COVID-19.
PERCEPTION AND COPING OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING RADIOTHERAPY FOR CERVICAL CANCER
Authors: Padilha Cátia , Filho Lucas , Ferreira Rosana , Carvalho Nadja , Martins Larissa , Martins Laura , Souza Sergio
Published: October 2024

This study aims to understand the psychosocial impacts of radiotherapy on patients with cervical cancer, contributing to the planning of actions to improve their quality of life. A descriptive and qualitative field study was conducted with patients who completed the radiotherapy protocol and returned for clinical follow-up at the Hospital do Câncer II – RJ / INCA. Between September 2019 and February 2020, 17 patients were interviewed, aged between 33 and 85 years, excluding 7 for not meeting the criteria. The study revealed that the diagnosis and radiotherapy treatment of cervical cancer have a significant impact on the lives of women and their families, with varied experiences and perceptions among the patients. The research highlighted the importance of psychological and familial support in dealing with the consequences of the disease and treatment. Additionally, faith and spirituality play a crucial role in emotions and coping with the disease. Therefore, it is essential that strategies to improve these women’s quality of life include adequate psychological support and the involvement of qualified professionals.
Bayesian mediation modeling of racial disparity for maternal birth outcomes in United States
Authors: Thompson James
Published: October 2024

Background: In the United States, racial disparities for adverse maternal health outcomes persist, and the causes remain unknown. The disparities for women of Black ethnicity include increased risk of gestational hypertension, hypertension eclampsia, cesarean section, and admission to an Intensive Care Unit, and reduced risk of parturition induction. Without evaluating racial disparity, studies identify one cause of these conditions as the interaction between pre-gestational body mass index and gestational weight gain. What has not been determined is how body mass index and gestational weight gain contribute to racial disparity. The study’s objective was to determine if the interaction between body mass index and gestational weight gain can explain the racial disparity in five maternal outcomes. Methods: The approach involved mediation analysis by performing Bayesian estimation of potential outcomes for each combination of causes. Causes included risk of Black ethnicity, body mass index, and gestational weight gain. Results: Improving both body mass index and gestational weight gain to what is considered optimal would increase the racial disparity for gestational hypertension by 19.2%, have a non-significant effect on racial disparity for hypertension eclampsia, reduce the racial advantage for Black women receiving induction by 16.9%, and reduce the racial disadvantage for delivery by cesarean and admission to an Intensive Care Unit by 49.9% and 36.9%, respectively. Conclusion: Preventive programs can have a wide range of effects on racial disparity, from decreasing to increasing the disparity. Implementing the mediation evaluation approach illustrated here would optimize clinical decisions, guide public health policy, and eventually mitigate racial mistrust.
A based-rule fuzzy expert system to estimate the response to treatments in multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Sanchez Leon
Published: October 2024

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that affects about 2.9 million people worldwide. Current disease- modifying therapies are focused on delaying the disease progression, treating sensitive attacks, and improving symptoms. However, some patients partially respond or do not respond to MS treatments. So, it is important to determine the degree of response of patients to treatments. Methods: Expert systems are computer programs that attempt to emulate the reasoning process of some skills of a human expert. A fuzzy expert system incorporates fuzzy logic into its reasoning process to manage uncertain and imprecise information that a binary system could not. So, a based-rule fuzzy expert system based on the Takagi–Sugeno–Kang Fuzzy System (TSKFS) model is proposed to estimate the degree of response to different types of drugs such as Gelenia, Tysabri, Avonex, Betaferon, and Rebif in 60 MS patients, using clinical patient information derived from neurological examinations as input variables. Results: The results of the proposed fuzzy expert system to estimate the response to MS treatments in MS patients show a high efficiency (100%) compared with conventional classification
Risk Factors Linked to Delirium in Hospitalized Older Adults: A Cohort Comprehensive Study
Authors: Fedrigo Marina , Tsukada Samara , Mann Nicolle , Percegona Clarissa , Machado Rafael , Zabudowski Fabiana , Marques Gustavo
Published: October 2024

Background: Delirium is often underdiagnosed; it is responsible for longer hospital stays and increased mortality rates. The reason to analyze risk factors that cause delirium is to expose the most common causes of this condition and in which aspects we should intervene to prevent it. Aim: Identify the main risk factors for the development of delirium in the hospitalized elderly, verifying prevalence and time of hospitalization. Methods: This cohort prospective study was conducted in the city of Curitiba, State of Paraná, Brazil during February 2021. All patients above 60 years old who were admitted at a local hospital for a month were analyzed. They had their medical charts analyzed and filled out a questionnaire about previous clinical data. During the hospitalization, daily visits were performed to verify the CAM score (confusion assessment method) used to diagnose Delirium. Results: The study included 99 elderly patients, among them 13 have developed delirium during hospitalization characterizing a prevalence of 13,13%. The incidence of delirium was associated with both use of analgesics (p<0,04) and age (p<0,018). In addition, when in a multivariate analysis considering outcome through time, the use of analgesics (p<0,05) and age (p<0,022) were considered independent markers of delirium. Conclusion: The use of analgesics and age are related to the development of delirium, regardless of time until outcome.
Exploring Development Strategies for Lifelong Education for People with Disabilities through FGIs by Stakeholder Groups
Authors:   The Korea Association of Yeolin Education, Kim Jeongyoun , Heo Yusung , Pyo Yun hui
Published: October 2024

This study was conducted to explore the development strategies for lifelong education for people with disabilities living in City G, in response to the increased importance of such education and the enhanced roles and responsibilities of national and local governments. To investigate these development strategies, focus group interviews were conducted with 20 participants, divided by stakeholder groups. The interviews were carried out separately with individuals with disabilities and their families, practitioners, and lifelong education experts (special education field, general education field). Each interview lasted approximately 120 minutes, and the transcribed data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis. The study resulted in four main themes and 19 sub-themes. To improve and revitalize the quality of lifelong education for individuals with disabilities, several key actions are necessary. First, it is crucial to secure the identity of disability lifelong education and develop a plan to integrate and link it by enhancing community coexistence capabilities. Second, a flexible operational system must be established that considers job-related aspects, types and degrees of disability, and life cycle characteristics, in order to provide customized education that strengthens individual choice. Third, local governments need to clearly define their role in disability lifelong education and implement measures to discover institutions, improve educational conditions, enhance accessibility, and secure professional personnel. Fourth, it is essential to activate the network system among related organizations and establish a support framework that includes publicity, support personnel, budgeting, and performance management systems. The demands derived from the research are closely linked to each participant, and based on this, comprehensive development strategies were discussed.
Qualitative Research on Science and Engineering Major Graduate School Students’Motivation for Pursuing Graduate Degrees, Experiences in Research, and Career Goal
Authors:   The Korea Association of Yeolin Education, Jeon Sue Bin , Bae Sang Hoon
Published: October 2024

The importance of securing top talent in the science and engineering fields, particularly those with master's and doctoral degrees, is growing nationwide. However, there has been relatively little academic research on why these individuals choose to pursue graduate education and what they expect from their experience in general graduate schools, compared to other higher education topics. This study aims to explore the motivations for entering graduate school, the research experiences of science and engineering students in general graduate schools, and the various challenges and positive experiences they encounter during their research participation. It also examines the career paths they are considering after obtaining their degrees. To achieve these objectives, focus group interviews were conducted with 14 master's and doctoral students in the science and engineering fields, selected based on university location and school type. These interviews provided insights into the motivations and expectations of these graduate students, their concerns about entering graduate school, their research experiences, and their career plans post-graduation. The findings were organized using qualitative research methods. Finally, based on the study's results, we propose measures to encourage more students to pursue graduate education in science and engineering and to support them in focusing on their research during their studies.
Analysis of Trends in Teacher Competency Models Changes
Authors:   The Korea Association of Yeolin Education, Baek Yooha , Han Ahreum , Bailashivili Salome Bailashivili Salome , Chung Jaeyoung
Published: October 2024

This study collected and analyzed teacher competency models, focusing on research reports and academic journals from major countries, including Korea, to comprehensively examine both the core competencies of teachers that remain constant over time and those newly required by current trends. The research results are as follows: First, as technology advances, teachers' digital competencies are becoming more specialized. Second, future-oriented teacher competencies are emerging as significant factors. Third, social and emotional competencies of teachers are being emphasized. Fourth, ‘instructional design competency’, and ‘basic literacy competency' are consistently highlighted as core competencies for teachers. The implications of these findings are as follows: First, it is necessary to periodically review and evolve the teacher competency model at the national level. Second, the curriculum of teacher training institutions should be reorganized to foster teachers' future competencies. Third, training programs should be enhanced to strengthen teachers' digital competencies. Fourth, it is essential to internalize a professional learning community to boost teachers' educational community competencies and teaching expertise. This study, which examined changes in the teacher competency models, is expected to provide valuable insights for improving and developing teacher training and re-education programs in the future.
The Indomitable Adventurer: Gustave de Damas and the Partisans of Southeastern France in 1814
Authors: Gladyshev Andrey
Published: October 2024

Napoleon, who hoped in 1814 to rouse the people of France to war against the troops of the Sixth Anti-French Coalition, wanted a partisan movement to be organized in all border regions. Gustave de Damas, a 26-year-old officer from the province of Forez, was sent on this mission to the South-East of France. The departments of Rhone, Loire, Aisne and Saone-et-Loire became his area of responsibility. Both the military and civilian authorities of the region have informed the population of their support for Damas' efforts. It was planned to recruit from 500 to 600 volunteers. Compared to National guardsmen, the members of this detachment should have had an advantage: joining it promised double benefits — both a soldier's salary and a share of the loot from the looted wagons of the Allies. The history of the Damas detachment is very mythologized: some authors believed that it existed only on paper, others that it numbered several thousand fighters. In fact, despite all Damas' fervent proclamations, on February 11 he joined the campaign with only 112 people under his command. Moreover, it was the only partisan detachment under Marshal Augereau's army. The military component of the actions of the Damas' partisans is vague and looks frankly insignificant. A hundred combatants posed no real danger to the coalition army. The Allies, indeed, feared a general peasant uprising, and they were much more impressed not by the attacks of a handful of partisans, but by spontaneous actions of peasants or townspeople, whose leaders' surnames no one knew, but for which responsibility was assigned to the “commander of all partisans of the 19th military district” — Damas'. Nevertheless, even these enough scattered acts of “resistance” did not remotely resemble the truly massive popular movement against the French occupation that had previously taken place in several European countries.
The Wars in the Ottoman Frontiers in the Early Seventeenth Century through the Eyes of John Smith, Adventurer, Mercenary, and Romancer
Authors: Khrapunov Nikita
Published: October 2024

This paper discusses the image of war on the east of Europe as created by the memoirs of English John Smuth, who later became one of the most prominent persons in North American colonization. In 1600—1602, Smith joined the Holy Roman imperial army waging war with the Ottomans, Crimean Tatars, and Wallachians in the Balkans, then was taken captive and spent a few months as a slave to the north of the Azov Sea.  The True Travels, Adventures, and Observations of Smith were written decades after the above-mentioned events; the author “refreshed” his memory by taking some information from accounts of other travellers and writers; moreover, he tried to present himself as a brave soldier, who skilfully applied stratagems and became famous after his valour presented in single combats. In result, Smith successfully created a narrative resembling a romance or adventure story, which did not cover horrific violence of battlefield, heavy consequences of incorrect political decisions, and simultaneously praised the frightening beauty of battles and single combats, as well as the valour of Smith and his brothers in arms.  The image of enemy was ambivalent: the Turks generally had no pronounced individual features, though the Crimean Ta(r)tars were represented as archetypical nomadic barbarians.
Peninsular War of 1808—1814 in the Assessments of “The Edinburgh Review”
Authors: Eremin Vladimir
Published: October 2024

During the Napoleonic Wars, various regions of Europe, including the Pyrenees, were involved in hostilities. The military events on the Iberian Peninsula between 1808 and 1814 were marked by widespread resistance from the local population against French troops. The struggle of the Spaniards against foreign invaders, supported by British troops provided an opportunity for political discussion in the United Kingdom. This discussion has also been featured in periodicals. Publications on Spanish subjects were also featured on the pages of The Edinburgh Review, a Scottish literary and critical journal. During the armed conflict on the Iberian Peninsula, the magazine’s reviewers turned to various works that were related to Spain. They could discuss the nature of government, the population of the country, and its future in critical articles analyzing pamphlets, journalistic writings, military memoirs, travelogues, works on the history of the empire and its colonies in the New World, and the local literary tradition. All this reflects a complex set of ideas about the country and its people. At the same time, some of the reviewers who visited the peninsula in the early 19th century felt a genuine interest in the events taking place, and also had a desire to thoroughly understand the current social and political processes. It seems that a focus on a wide range of diverse publications from The Edinburgh Review would significantly enhance the image of Spain and Spaniards that was presented on the pages of the magazine between 1808 and 1814.
“Noble” and “Noblesse” in the Teachings of Anne de France
Authors: Krylova Yulia
Published: October 2024

On the example of the concepts “noble — noblesse” in the teachings of Anne de Beaujeu, Duchess of Bourbon to her daughter (1503—1505) the article examines the ideas of the author — the king’s daughter, regent, the last direct descendant of the Valois dynasty — about the court and court circle. Analysis of these concepts allows us to see how courtiers, especially ladies, appear in her eyes, and how they should be from her point of view. The author’s status and impeccable reputation allowed her to create a special text — a kind of educational manual that recorded the norms and rules that noble youth learned at her court, which was called by a contemporary “escolle de vertu et de perfection”. It became the quintessence of her educational programme for the court aristocracy. The concepts of “noble — noblesse” show that the Duchess de Bourbon forms the behavioral code of court society, which she demonstrated by her own example and which will later form the basis of court etiquette.
The Daily Life of Soviet Athletes in Cinema: Representations and Discussions (1940s — 1950s)
Authors: Kupriianov Aleksandr
Published: October 2024

Successes on the fronts of the Great Patriotic War made it possible in 1943—1944 to resume national championships in a number of sports. Sports competitions returned both as a phenomenon of urban everyday life and as preparation for international competitions, including the Olympic Games. In the spring of 1944, the head of Soviet cinematography, Ivan Bolshakov, set the task of making a comedy film based on sports material. In the representation of sports in Russian cinema of the post-war years, there is a turn from attention to amateur practices, characteristic of films of the 1930s, to professional sports. This turn was accompanied by meaningful discussions about the ways of development of Soviet sports among the creative intelligentsia and the sports community.
Einhard, the Holy Dead and the Concern of Salvation
Authors: Sidorov Aleksnder
Published: October 2024

Einhard is widely known as the author of The Life of Charlemagne. Even experts know little about his other work. The “Translation and Miracles of Saints Marcellinus and Peter” was created c. 830. This is a very original, complexly constructed work that has no direct analogues in the entire previous early medieval literary tradition, which, in turn, gave birth to a new genre. It is based on the story of how Einhard’s men in Rome found the relics of two revered saints, how these relics made a long journey to their new homeland — the city of Seligenstadt, and what miracles occurred in Francia with their appearance. The superbly written text solved several problems at once: it helped to form the cult of Saints Marcellinus and Peter and connected it with Einhard; gave the monastic community of Seligenstadt a high-quality memorial basis for maintaining the cult; discredited the claims of the monastery of St. Medard to possess the authentic relics of Marcellinus and Peter; exhorted the sovereign and his entourage to immediately turn to correcting morals. All this, ultimately, worked to achieve the author’s main goal — the organization of personal salvation, which seemed to him possible only through collective salvation.
The View of COMECON Experts on the Prospects for Developing Cooperation with Algeria in Oil and Gas Sector, Mid-1970s
Authors: Glazov Alexandr
Published: October 2024

The author of the article for the first time publishes and introduces into scientific circulation an analytical document prepared in late 1975 by experts for COMECON Oil Bureau — “Generalized material for preparation of a set of practical measures related to cooperation of COMECON member countries [among themselves and with Algeria — A. G.] and aimed at guaranteeing in advance long-term oil supplies from Algeria”. Today this document is held by the Russian State Archive of Economics (as part of the large collection of COMECON materials: RGAE. Fond 561). By analyzing the document, it is possible to reveal the view of foreign trade specialists of COMECON member countries on the prospects for developing cooperation with the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria (PDRA) in oil and gas sector in the mid-1970s. The published document confirms COMECON good awareness of what was happening to the oil and gas industry of PDRA in the seventies.
Video Game Review: Elsinore
Authors: Darr Andrew
Published: October 2024

Elsinore, produced by the independent studio Golden Glitch, is a 2019 commercial video game adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet where the player navigates a simulated version of Elsinore castle while playing as Ophelia. It stands as the single most ambitious commercial video game adaptation of a Shakespearian property made in the medium.
Teaching Macbeth in “Other” Places
Authors: Basu Durba
Published: October 2024

My paper arises out of my pedagogic experiences of teaching Shakespeare plays to first-generation un-dergraduate students in classrooms where the teaching of English literature must necessarily proceed in a bilingual mode, with the help of Bangla/Bengali. What does it involve to navigate between Shake-speare’s English and Bangla as it is spoken in the present times? What does it involve to bring alive a Renaissance play to the imagination of those whose only experience of theatre (if at all) is witnessing seasonal yātrā performances of touring city-based troupes on makeshift stages erected for the show? In other words, how does the site of pedagogy—in this case, the periphery of the periphery—inform the study of a Shakespeare play? Pedagogy in such a situation must obviously involve a good deal of linguistic translation. But what other kinds of translation are called for? I invoke ‘translation’ in sev-eral senses in my paper, starting from the broad problematic of translation that informs postcolonial studies—a translation from objecthood to subjecthood—to linguistic translation, to a translation of context. I explore possibilities of comparatisim, of juxtaposing the Shakespeare text with culturally proximate material, like the Mahābhārata, in making Shakespeare more accessible. What might be the pedagogic implications of such a multimodal approach for Shakespeare pedagogy in particular, and literary pedagogy in general? How ‘local’ is such pedagogy, and what does it imply about the portabili-ty of Shakespeare pedagogy? If the object of pedagogy in Paulo Freire’s classic formulation in Pedagogy of the Oppressed, is to translate the student from object to subject, what is at stake in teaching Shake-speare, and more generally, literature in English(es), at the periphery of the periphery?
Experiences from the Design and Development of an Institutional Linked Open Data Portal
Authors: Alami Daniel , Lera Isaac , Guerrero Carlos , Juiz Carlos
Published: October 2024

Linked Open Data initiative, based on the open publication of datasets, provides new mechanisms for the development of novel services, and through rigorous data analysis new indicators for government strategies. We contribute with a linked open portal to integrate curriculum data of our academic staff. We analyse our experience in the creation of the semantic model and we include some cases of data exploitation. The main contributions are a better management of curricular data, the quality and efficiency of exploitation tasks, and the transparency, dissemination and collaboration with other researchers and with the citizenship
The Impact of Quality Management Systems on the Effectiveness of Food Supply Chains
Authors: Zimon Dominik
Published: October 2024

The main objective of this publication was to examine the impact of the implementation of the requirements of standardized quality management system on the functioning of the food supply chains. Empirical studies were carried out in November and December 2015 on a group of 38 polish companies, being a part of integrated food chain having implemented and certified quality management systems. On the basis of studies and analyses it can be stated that: quality management systems have a positive impact on improving food supply chains, especially in areas such as: improving logistics of customer servicing and simplifying quality control.
A Cognitive System to Teach Software Maintenance Project Staffing
Authors: Chentouf Zohair
Published: October 2024

This paper describes a cognitive tool for teaching maintenance software project staffing decision making, which is based on a computational model of the human staffing decision process. The learning activity requires students to solve the given maintenance staffing problem before running the tool and comparing their decision with the tool’s one.
Frequency of Internet, Social Network and Mobile Devices use in Prospective Teachers from Faculty of Education
Authors: Tezer Murat , Yıldız Ezgi Pelin
Published: October 2024

The basic aim of this study was to determine the relationship between university students’ frequency of internet use, duration of internet connection, environments that they connect to the internet, duration use of mobile devices, frequency of social networking leisure activities and internet addiction levels. The participants included a total of 363 university students of whom 255 were female and 108 were male. Quantitative research methods were used in this study. A survey was developed by the researchers and administered to the students. Based on statistical analysis; it was revealed that the frequency of internet use was every day throughout the week, students frequently stayed connected to the internet at home with their computers and the frequency of mobile devices and social network use was found as “Always”. In addition, university students stated that they connected to the internet in their leisure time.
MLED_BI: a new BI Design Approach to Support Multilingualism in Business Intelligence
Authors: Dedić Nedim , Stanier Clare
Published: October 2024

Existing approaches to support Multilingualism (ML) in Business Intelligence (BI) create problems for business users, present a number of challenges from the technical perspective, and lead to issues with logical dependence in the star schema. In this paper, we propose MLED_BI (Multilingual Enabled Design for Business Intelligence), a novel BI design approach to support the application of ML in BI Environment, which overcomes the issues and problems found with existing approaches. The approach is based on a revision of the data warehouse dimensional modelling approach and treats the Star Schema as a higher level entity. This paper describes MLED_BI and the validation and evaluation approach used.
Methodologies of Applying the Business Model of Technological Entrepreneurship in Bulgaria
Authors: Dicheva Vesela , Vasileva Vyara , Lesidrenska Svetlana
Published: October 2024

The authors are proposed to do impact of sustainability through separate business model elements focusing on managing human resources in the enterprise. The great significance of human recourses in the enterprise is determined by the need for continuous changes that directly affect people - a source of ideas and a core resource. Here are offered two methodologies- to increase the level of creativity and to increase adaptivity for changes which are two elements from technology entrepreneurship business model proposed for Bulgarian technology-based entrepreneurial firms.
ESTAR GESTANTE EM TEMPOS DE PANDEMIA DA COVID-19
Authors: SILVA Mayara DOS SANTOS FARIAS FERREIRA , De Sousa Raine Danyelle Vieira , De Araujo Maria Rafaela Amorim
Published: October 2024

Objetivo: Analisar a percepção de mulheres sobre o processo de gestar durante a pandemia da Covid-19, no município de Vertentes – PE. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva e exploratória, com abordagem qualitativa. Desenvolvida entre fevereiro e abril de 2021, na Unidade de Saúde da Família Cruzeiro I em Vertentes/PE, com 18 gestantes. Realizou-se entrevistas semiestruturadas, por ligação telefônica, submetidas a análise de conteúdo. Resultados: Observou-se uma compreensão falha sobre a Covid-19, que leva ao cumprimento inadequado das medidas de segurança. O isolamento social provocou adversidades sociais e financeiras, com consequências na saúde física e mental das gestantes. Soma-se a esse cenário, o receio quanto ao momento do parto. Conclusão: Destaca-se a importância de um cuidado especializado por meio de orientações e encaminhamentos necessários.
Effect of herbal soup on immunological parameters of people living with HIV, Kenya - a parallel single blind randomized control trial
Authors:   Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Kivelenge A , Sagam C ,   Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Mutuli L ,   Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Situma J ,   Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
Published: October 2024

Approximately 39 million people living with HIV (PLWH) are at risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID 19). COVID 19 can lead to serious negative health outcomes for PLWH with a low CD4+ count and increased viral load (VL). The objective of this study was to determine the effect of herbal soup (formulated by mixing; dried ginger powder, dried garlic powder, roasted butternut squash powder, ground chia seeds, ground sunflower seeds, dried turmeric powder and chili pepper powder) on the immunological parameters of PLWH. This was a parallel single blind randomized control trial (RCT) conducted in Kakamega County Teaching and Referral Hospital (KCTRH) Comprehensive Care Centre (CCC). Block randomization and sequentially numbered opaque envelopes were used to assign respondents to either control group (received standard care including Nutrition counselling and anti-HIV drugs) or treatment group (received herbal soup in addition to the standard care). Participants in the treatment group prepared and consumed 1 serving (16.35g) of the soup daily for 3 months. A total of 60 respondents were selected for the control group (n=30) and treatment group (n=30), of whom, a small sample size of 41 completed the study limiting the study findings from drawing policy conclusions. Statistical Packages for Social Sciences was used for data organization and management. Paired t-test was used to determine the effect of herbal soup on CD4+ cell count and Viral Load (VL). The study findings indicated no significant effect on the mean CD4+ cell count (p=0.838), (±277) and mean VL (p=0.051), (±42) in the control group. There was a significant effect on mean CD4+ cell count (p=0.012), (±199), however, no significant effect on the mean VL (p=0.102), (±74) in the treatment group. The study concluded that the herbal soup had an effect on the CD4+ cell count and can be adopted for use at household and facility level to improve the immune defence of PLWH during emerging virus-related epidemics such as COVID 19. Key words: HIV/AIDS, SARS-CoV-2, COVID 19, CD4+ cell count, viral load, herbal soup
Effects of shade and trichoderma on vegetative growth response of upland rice to acid soil
Authors:   Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo, Sutarman Sutarman , Prihatiningrum AE ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo, Miftahurrohmat A ,   Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo
Published: October 2024

Trichoderma fungus isolates have begun to be recognized as biofertilizers, which are expected to not only play a role in breaking down organic material that produces nutrients for plants, but also help plants to live normally in acidic soil conditions and dry land with low light intensity. The initial growth period is a critical phase for upland rice in facing environmental stress including low light intensity and soil acidity. The aim of this research was to determine the effects of providing 60% paranet shading and Trichoderma biological fertilizer on the vegetative growth response of upland rice leaves on acid soil. The experimental treatments were arranged in a split plot design. The primary plot is comprised of two categories: "without shade" and "shade of 60%". The subplots are Trichoderma biological pupils consisting of: without Trichoderma or control, Trichoderma isolate Tc-Jjr-02 and Trichoderma isolate Tc-Jro-02. The treatment was repeated 4 times to obtain a total of 24 experimental units. Weekly observations were made of plant height growth and number of tillers, as well as, the total amount of chlorophyll and the total amount of carotenoids at the end of the vegetative phase. Observational data were analysed using analysis of variance at the 5% level to determine the effect of treatment on the growth response of upland rice. To determine the differences between treatments, an Honest Significant Difference (HSD) test was performed at the 5% level. The results showed that shade, biofertilizer and interaction had no significant effect on plant height, but a very significant effect on number of tillers. Application of Trichoderma biofertilizer without shade showed most tillers and was able to help upland rice plants overcome acid soil stress in the vegetative phase. The shade of 60% can increase 29.8% total chlorophyll and 40% total carotenoids of upland rice leaves. The interaction between shade and Trichoderma biological fertilizer has made a significant impact on the number of tillers in treatments 21 and 56 days after planting. Key words: Carotenoid, chlorophyll, shade, Trichoderma biological fertilizer, upland rice
Efficacy of Zerofly® hermetic and polypropylene storage bags for conservation of maize in layer poultry farms in Ghana
Authors:   Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Opoku B , Osekre EA ,   Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Opit GP ,   Oklahoma State University, Bosomtwe A ,   Oklahoma State University, Adomako K ,   Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
Published: October 2024

Maize forms a key component in poultry feed formulation in Ghana. Nonetheless, there is an existing challenge of low-quality maize due to insect infestation and mycotoxin contamination resulting in poor chicken growth and performance including diminished egg laying. This study compared the effectiveness of ZeroFly® Hermetic (ZFH) storage bags to polypropylene (PP) bags to mitigate insect pest and mycotoxin levels over a 6-month storage period. The study was conducted in three-layer poultry farms in Dormaa Ahenkro, Bono Region, Ghana. One storehouse was used in each poultry farm. In each storehouse, there were thirty-two 100-kg-capacity ZFH and same number of 100-kg PP bags, each containing 100 kg of maize, that is, altogether sixty-four 100-kg-capacity bags in each storehouse. The experiment was set up in a Randomized Complete Block Design with two treatments (ZFH and PP bags), three replications (storehouses), and two sub-replications. In each storehouse, two bags in each treatment were destructively sampled monthly. After 6 months of storage, the predominant insects found were Sitophilus spp. and Sitotroga cerealella, and a larger mean number of insects (live and dead) per 500-g sample was found in the PP bags (149.67 ± 8.67), compared to ZFH bags; 4.67 ± 0.73. The percentage of insect damaged kernels after 6 months was significantly higher in PP bags (67.67 ± 2.62) than ZFH bags (5.00 ± 0.50). Weight loss in the PP bags was > 30%, compared to < 0.3% in ZFH bags. Aflatoxin and fumonisin levels of maize in both types of bags were below the recommended safe threshold of 15 ppb and 4 ppm, respectively. The moisture content of maize in ZFH bags was maintained over the 6-month period whereas that of maize in PP bags increased. Also, crude protein, crude fat, and carbohydrate levels in maize were higher in ZFH bags than PP bags. Data showed ZFH bags conserved maize quality better than the PP bags thereby making maize wholesome for food and feed. Further research to compare the growth and performance of layer poultry in terms of egg laying related to diets of feed from maize stored in ZHF and PP bags is recommended. Key words: Post-harvest loss, stored product insect pest, mycotoxin, poultry, white maize
Determinants and acceptance of climate smart agriculture practices in South Africa
Authors:   University of Mpumalanga, Msweli NS , Agholor IA ,   University of Mpumalanga, Sithole MZ ,   University of Mpumalanga, Morepje MT ,   University of Mpumalanga, Thabane VN ,   University of Mpumalanga, Mgwenya LI ,   University of Mpumalanga
Published: October 2024

Weather variations have posed enormous barriers to water resources, availability of food, human health, infrastructure, and natural environment. These phenomena underscore the need for climate smart practices in South Africa. The study examined in context, the socio-economic determinants, and acceptance of climate smart agriculture practices in Mzinti, Nkomazi Local Municipality South Africa. From a known population of 455 farmers, 212 samples were selected for the survey and considered realistic for the study. This survey comprised questions that were clear, unbiased, and relevant to the research questions. Enumerators were further briefed on the study objectives and the importance of consistent and ethical data collection. The team comprised of four primary data enumerators. A pilot survey with 20 randomly selected smallholder farmers was undertaken to identify and address any questionnaire that may be ambiguous. Based on this pilot, minor revisions were made to improve the questionnaire and ensure accurate reflection of intended variables, thus enhancing the reliability of the data collection instrument. A randomized sampling method was employed to select respondents who participated in the study. This allowed every participant to have a fair chance of being chosen. The study used the structured questionnaire, and the field survey was done between the month of April 2023 and July 2023. Descriptive statistics: frequency count, tables, and percentages, were used to explain the socio-economic determinants for acceptance of climate smart agriculture practices. The hypothesized variables were assessed using the binary logistic regression to determine the correlation between the socio-demographic characteristics and dependent variables. The result revealed that age (p< 0.007), crop yield (p<0.001), farm income (p<0.047) farm size (p<0.020, and food shortages (p<0.001) were correlated and statistically significant in determining the acceptance of climate smart agriculture practices. The study concluded that climate smart agriculture practices enhance farmer productivity, and it is influenced by factors such as age, farm size, and scarcity of food, crop yield, and farm income. The adoption of climate smart agriculture enables farmers to have increased crop yields, have access to food, increased income of the farm. Thus, it can be concluded that CSA practices effectively enhance the productivity of vegetable farming and food security. Key words: Climate, acceptance, smart practices, determinants, environment, farmers, agriculture, education
Nutritional status of preschool children (aged 24 to 59 months) and chickpea production and consumption in Ethiopia
Authors:   Hawassa University, Asrat RT , Girma M ,   Ethiopian Public Health Institute, Tafesse E ,   Hawassa University, Whiting SJ ,   University of Saskatchewan, Henry CJ ,   University of Saskatchewan
Published: October 2024

Child under-nutrition is a major public health concern in developing countries including Ethiopia. Poor quality diet is the major determinant factor contributing to child undernutrition. Pulse crop production and consumption can improve children’s nutrient quality and dietary diversity. This study aimed to compare the nutritional status and child health, dietary intake, and wealth index of preschool children among pulse crop producer and non-producer families in Ethiopia. The study hypothesized that children living in families who grew pulses and consumed pulses (rather than selling their crop) would have better nutritional status due to availability of this protein-rich food source. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine demographic background, child feeding and caring practice and varieties and amount of pulse crop produced at the household level. A simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample of 432 children aged 24-59 months from central Ethiopia the Data was entered to SPSS v 20, WHO Anthro-plus software used to calculate the anthropometry indices, child dietary intake, level of chickpea production and consumption and wealth index, were computed using logistic regression. Chickpea (cicer arietinum L) was produced by 55.3% of the participants. Most (60.7%) of the children from chickpea producer families were high pulse consumers whereas only 15.5% of children from non-producers were high chickpea consumers (the difference in proportion is significant at p-value<0.001). Close to 60 % of the children of the non-producer families had a low dietary diversity score (that is <3) compared with 18.8 % from the producer families (p-value <0.001). The study revealed that nutritional status of children in both producer and non-producer families were 41.0 % stunted, 16.1 % underweight and 6.1 % wasted. Stunting and underweight were significantly inversely associated with chickpea production at p-value <0.001whereas for chickpea consumption, both stunting and underweight was significant at P < 0.05. However, wasting was not significantly associated with either production or consumption of chickpeas. In conclusion, chickpea production and consumption by families had a positive relationship with nutritional status of children. The authors recommend that engaging smallholder farmers in both chickpea production and consumption has potential in improving the dietary diversity and in turn benefit nutritional status of preschool children at the household level and therefore supporting smallholder farmer in chickpea production and consumption will help to contribute to decreasing the prevalence of under nutrition in the country. Key words: chickpea, preschool children, chickpea consumption, chickpea production, nutritional status
A bifid mandibular condyle from a cremation grave from Paprotki Kolonia cemetery, Poland
Authors: Budziszewski Adam , Karczewski Maciej
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the etiology of a bifid mandibular condyle found in a Bogaczewo culture cremation burial from the Paprotki Kolonia site 1. Using macroscopic analysis and CT imaging, we identified a sagittal separation of the mandibular condyle, suggesting a developmental origin. This represents the first known case of a bifid mandibular condyle from an Iron Age cremation context. Analytical potential is limited due to the preservation of only one condyle and the absence of teeth and temporobandibular surface, which do not allow us to assess the impact of this condition to the life quality of the individual.
Fellows Brief: Epidemic/Pandemic Preparedness in Brazil Amongst Transnational Migrants
Authors: Branco-Pereira Alexandre , Carvalho Teixeira Gabriela
Published: October 2024

This brief aims to provide an analysis of the Brazilian response to the COVID-19 pandemic regarding transnational migrants and to look forward on how to build epi/pandemic preparedness in a way that is considerate of migrants’ rights, cultures and political demands. Building on Leach et al., the objective of this brief is ‘to rethink preparedness more fundamentally as a dynamic social, cultural and political process’ and to shed light on how the country’s response to the pandemic failed to be inclusive. This brief details key policy and operational considerations for the Brazilian Unified Healthcare System (Sistema Único de Saúde, SUS) policymakers, health managers and public health authorities. It draws on ethnographic research from the main author’s doctoral research on the impact of the COVID-19 on racialised migrant and refugee communities in Brazil, on other academic and grey literature on the topic, and on guidelines and proposals for SUS produced in consultation processes organised by civil society.