bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Phantom in Aboriginal Australia
Authors: Humphrey Aaron
Published: October 2024

The costumed adventurer The Phantom has become a locus for Australian national identity. Although created as an American newspaper strip in 1936 by Lee Falk, The Phantom’s popularity in Australia has long surpassed his influence in his home country. Examining how the character has become the subject of a number of authorized and unauthorized comics publications in Australia, the chapter analyses how these comics have mapped ways of constructing postcolonial national identity within the country. Drawing on theories of excorporation and transnational adaptation, the chapter interrogates how localized iterations of The Phantom have served in a range of educational comics campaigns, particularly among Aboriginal Australians, and demonstrated the pedagogical potential of the superhero to navigate a postcolonial Australian identity and enable the greater integration and participation of the nation’s marginalized communities.
Super Problems Require Super Heroes
Authors: Donahue James J.
Published: October 2024

This chapter analyzes superhero comics and graphic novels created by Indigenous artists. In addition to adding to the large (and growing) number of such stories in print, the works selected for analysis all focus explicitly on the importance of community. The heroes depicted in these graphic narratives all serve their Indigenous communities—including fictionalized reservation communities—and are employed to show the variety of ways that Indigenous heroes—real and imaginary—can work against the evils of settler-colonialism.
Conclusion
Authors: Meyers John Paul
Published: October 2024

Musical engagements with history are not themselves consigned to the past; such engagements are likely to remain a substantial part of popular music culture. The past, however, is not singular and uniform. Often, the specific past that is referenced in popular music comes from the years around the end of the 1960s and the beginning of the 1970s: the era of “classic” rock, soul, and funk. However, examples of the work of musicians like Bruno Mars and Rapsody show that we have acquired enough distance from the 1980s and 1990s for music and culture from these decades to be venerated as “historical.” Perhaps this suggests that a knowledge of and interest in the past—variously conceived and with different landmarks, to be sure—is likely to remain a persistent feature of popular music culture in the future.
Alt Publishing for Young People
Authors: Shraya Vivek , Mason Derritt
Published: October 2024

Vivek Shraya’s career began with a formative experience in alt publishing: her illustrated book of short stories, God Loves Hair, was originally self-published. Based on Shraya’s “experience growing up in Edmonton [Canada] as a gender non-conforming child of Hindu immigrants,” God Loves Hair is a fascinating alt-kid lit case study on many levels: from its unique publishing history to the object itself, which is part-picture book, part-coming-of-age story—a text that signifies as CYA while dealing with complex and often controversial topics like masturbation, racism, suicidal ideation, religion, and gender identity. In addition to God Loves Hair, Shraya has published two more formally (if not thematically) “traditional” children’s picture books—The Boy & the Bindi (2016) and Revenge of the Raccoons (2022)—and she speaks about the importance of visual elements to her storytelling, as well as the joys, pleasures, and potential political impact of the picture book form and CYA more broadly.
A Consensual Qualitative Study on the Improvement of the Curriculum in the Area of Life Guidance at Teacher Training Institutions
Authors:   Center For Educational Research, Woo Jeehyang , Han Yoona
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the experiences and perceptions of in-service teachers and pre-service teachers regarding the Life Guidance Curriculum in teacher training institutions, in order to obtain insights for improving the related curriculum at these institutions.
Methods: This study used a consensual qualitative research method targeting a total of thirty people from February to July 2024. Individual interviews were conducted with twenty-one current and prospective teachers, and focus group interviews were conducted with nine educational experts. Relevant research reports and policy documents were also referenced in this study.
Results: As a result of analyzing the collected data, each area, category, and subcategory were derived with a total of four topics. The category of the research participants' experiences and perceptions was first, 'difficulties experienced in teaching life guidance ', second, 'life guidance competency that pre-service teachers need to qualify', and third, 'experience of taking lectures related to life guidance at teacher training institutions', and finally, 'proposal for improvement of lectures related to life guidance at teacher training institutions'.
Conclusion: This study revealed a change in the field where the term of 'life guidance' was being transitioned by the concept of 'life education', and it was possible to examine the necessity of developing teachers' community leadership competencies, and the importance of life guidance linked to the subject. Through this, we propose the necessity of changing the guidance-related courses, currently categorized as elective courses in teacher training institutions, to required courses. We urge academia and teacher training institutions to pay close attention to ensuring that future guidance-related courses in teacher training programs are improved to adequately reflect the relevance and applicability to school settings.
Development and Validation of the Distributed Leadership Scale in Chinese Secondary Schools
Authors:   Center For Educational Research, Pan Shanjun , Lee Sukyeol , Zhang Xiaoqing
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This study was to explore the concept and components of distributed leadership in secondary schools, and to develop and validate a scale that can objectively measure distributed leadership components.
Methods: In this study, a two-step Delphi survey was conducted to develop the distributed leadership concept, components, and questions, and 298 preliminary and 842 main surveys were conducted for secondary school teachers to validate the scale.
Results: In this study, distributed leadership is defined as leadership that is not limited to the capabilities or systems of individual leaders under a common vision, but is distributed in a community of practice formed by the action of three elements: leader, member, and situation. Distributed leadership in secondary schools consists of four elements: school's vision, leader, member, and situation, and the final development questions were found to be five questions for the school's vision, six questions for leader, seven questions for member, and eight questions for situation.
Conclusion: The distributed leadership scale in secondary schools developed in this study was an empirical study that could clarify differences in various individual variations related to distributed leadership and explore structural relationships between range of factors affecting distributed leadership in secondary schools.
A Phenomenological Inquiry on the Difficulties of Male School Counselors in School Settings
Authors:   Center For Educational Research, Shin Sang-Hyup , Shin Seo-Won
Published: October 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the lived experience of male school counselors‘ difficulties in the field of school counseling.
Methods: Eight male school counselors who had level 1 or level 2 school counselor certification with school counseling experiences within 3 years were recruited. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were analyzed using Giorgi’s phenomenological inquiry.
Results: A total of five categories and twelve subcategories were found as results. Five categories were 'Discomfort due to prejudice as a male counselor', 'Embarrassment in counseling with female students', 'Bitterness of encountering misconceptions about counselors', 'Confusion over the multiple roles assigned to male counselors', 'Feeling of shame from the reality of school counseling'.
Conclusion: Based on these findings, the unique difficulties of male professional counselors were identified and ways to deal with these difficulties were discussed.
The Principle of Double Effect to Moral Education Lessons
Authors:   Center For Educational Research, An Seonghyeon , Kwon Suhyeon
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This paper aims to apply the principle of double effect (PDE) to morality and teaching by rethinking the principle as a moral reconceptualization that enables students' moral growth and moral practice by reconciling consequentialist and deontological ethics in the tradition of universal ethics.
Methods: First, the principle of double bottom line was analyzed to recognize the need for it to be addressed in school lessons and to summarize its educational value. Next, we used a jigsaw model to implement the principle of double bottom line. Step-by-step instructions, teaching and learning guides, examples of assessment criteria, and examples of materials were presented to help teachers envision how the principle of double bottom line could be applied in their classrooms. Finally, the significance and deficiencies of the lessons were presented to show how the educational value of the theory is being realized in the lessons, reflective evaluation of the measures, and the need and direction of further research.
Results: This paper presents the principle of double effect (PDE) as a reflection of the consequentialist aspect of ethics, which defines the purpose of morality as serving the human good, while at the same time respecting the consideration of deontological constraints expressed in the moral law, and reconstructs it as a concept for educational application, noting the educational value that characterizes it as an integrated universal ethics.
Conclusion: A moral science course based on the principle of double consequences will contribute to the moral growth of students on a foundation of universal ethics.
Green Diesel Production Through Deoxygenation Reaction with Natural Zeolite-supported Nickel and Copper Catalyst
Authors: Arum Wijaya Gede Herry , Hubertson Simanjuntak Fidelis Stefanus , Dwiatmoko Adid Adep
Published: October 2024

The depletion of fossil fuels and their environmental impact necessitate sustainable alternatives. Green diesel, a biofuel with a chemical structure similar to conventional diesel, has gained traction as a viable alternative. This study explores the development of a cost-effective catalyst for green diesel production using deoxygenation. Deoxygenation refers to a broad class of chemical reactions where oxygen atoms are stripped from a molecule. This research employed abundant Indonesian natural zeolite (NZ) as a catalyst support, impregnated with non-noble metals, nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu). The investigation revealed that the NiCu/NZ catalyst achieved the highest oleic acid conversion (90.40%) and green diesel yield. The product distribution, ranging from C15 to C18 hydrocarbons, reflects the moderate acidity of the catalyst, promoting diverse cracking patterns compared to highly acidic catalysts. Additionally, the high specific surface area of NZ facilitates the conversion and good product distribution. Furthermore, the optimization process demonstrated that increasing hydrogen pressure during deoxygenation enhances both conversion rate and green diesel production.
Marxist Ecology in China
Authors: Yiwen Chen
Published: October 2024

Since the 1980s, Chinese writers and thinkers have been engaging with Marxist ecology, constructing a theoretical system that starts with interpretation of Marx and Engels themselves. Chen Yiwen takes stock of how this framework progressed toward an overarching theory of ecological civilization, generating new questions to be answered at every stage of development.
The Effect of Family Caregiver Empowerment Model Intervention on Fear of Hypoglycemia in People with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Rondhianto Rondhianto , Kushariyadi Kushariyadi , Rahmatullah M. Nauval
Published: October 2024

Background: Fear of hypoglycemia is a common psychological issue in people with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Families play a crucial role in diabetes self-management, but many need a better understanding of their responsibilities. This gap can lead to increased disease management burdens, contributing to psychological problems like fear of hypoglycemia, which worsens blood glucose control. The Family Caregiver Empowerment Model (FCEM) is an intervention that can empower families in their caregiving roles for T2DM management.Purpose: The study aimed to analyze the effect of the FCEM intervention on the fear of hypoglycemia in people with T2DM.Methods: The study used a randomized control group pretest-posttest design. The sample consisted of family members serving as family caregivers. A total of 85 respondents were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (41 respondents) or the control group (44 respondents). FCEM was conducted once per week for ten weeks. Fear of hypoglycemia was measured using the Indonesian version of the Fear of Hypoglycemia Scale questionnaire. The data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test and independent t-test.Results: The results showed significant differences in fear of hypoglycemia between the pre-test and post-test in the intervention group (p=0.001) and the control group (p=0.001). However, there was a significant difference in the decrease in fear of hypoglycemia between the treatment and control groups (t=-7.087; p=0.001 < α = 0.05). It suggests that FCEM intervention can significantly reduce the fear of hypoglycemia in patients with T2DM.Conclusion: FCEM intervention can reduce the fear of hypoglycemia in people with T2DM by increasing family support and caregivers' ability to manage T2DM. Nurses can use FCEM intervention in the management of T2DM so that it can improve diabetes self-management outcomes.
First-line Nurse Managerial Competence and Its Influencing Factors in Public Jordanian Hospitals
Authors: Iblasi Abdulkareem S. , Makahleh Samer , Aungsuroch Yupin , Gunawan Joko , Juanamasta I Gede
Published: October 2024

Background: First-line Nurse Managers (FLNMs) occupy pivotal positions within healthcare systems, responsible for various administrative and caregiving functions. While FLNMs are integral to efficient healthcare services, their competencies and the factors influencing them still need to be explored in this region. In light of the need for more research on FLNM competencies in Jordan, this study is paramount for advancing healthcare in the country.Purpose: This study aimed to analyze FLNM competencies and its influencing factors within the unique context of Jordan's healthcare system.Methods: As a cross-sectional study, the research leveraged online platforms to disseminate the 130 FLNM to three Jordan's central region public hospitals with random sampling method. FLNM questionnaire was used to collect the data. Univariate analysis comprised numerical data (M, median, mode, SD) and categorical data (percentage and proportion). Pearson, independent t test and multiple linear regression were used to analyzed the data.Results: Based on responses from 130 FLNMs, the study's results demonstrated their average age to be approximately 37.8 years, with a significant proportion holding master's degrees, indicating a highly educated cohort. Notably, many FLNMs were charge nurses, reflecting their extensive experience and commitment to enhancing their leadership competencies. The study found no significant correlation between age and FLNM competencies, suggesting that competence is not solely contingent upon years of experience or age (p>0.05). The research revealed the highest to the lowest significance in FLNM performance were leadership training (b=21.15, 95%CI=7.70-34.60, p=0.002), gender-based disparities (b=16.50, 95%CI=4.41-28.58, p=0.008) and social status (b=7.86, 95%CI=1.13-14.60, p=0.02), respectively.  Conclusion: This gender difference may be influenced by cultural or contextual factors unique to the Jordanian healthcare landscape, warranting further exploration. The research highlights the need for tailored training and support programs to improve the competencies of FLNMs in Jordan's healthcare system, highlighting gender-based differences and the need for personalized healthcare management strategies to improve healthcare quality.
Work-Related Experiences and Challenges of Perioperative Nurses in Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Oyediran Olufemi Oyebanji , Ayandiran Emmanuel Olufemi , Ishola Kofoworola Ebunoluwa , Fajemilehin Boluwaji Reuben
Published: October 2024

Background: Perioperative nursing is highly demanding due to the long hours of complex procedures, limited support, inadequate facilities, and staffing issues. These factors contribute to fatigue, frustration, and burnout. However, there is a paucity of data on challenges and experiences of perioperative nurses in Southwestern Nigeria.Purpose: This study explored work-related experiences and challenges of perioperative nurses in selected hospitals in in a south western state, Nigeria.Methods: This study adopted a qualitative phenomenological design. Twenty perioperative nurses that have spent minimum of six months in the operating theatres of the three public hospitals selected hospitals were purposively selected for the study. Data collection was done with through semi-structured interview using key informant interview guide. The qualitative data collected were transcribed verbatim, coded and analysed using content and thematic analysis.Results: The study identified two major themes: the experiences of perioperative nursing practitioners and the challenges faced in perioperative nursing practice. The findings highlighted perioperative nurses’ personal experiences, their motivational factors, and their professional aspirations. Additionally, the study uncovered several challenges, including inadequate infrastructure and equipment, obsolete theatre buildings, faulty and insufficient surgical instruments, a severe shortage of perioperative nurses, and underfunding of perioperative nursing services.Conclusion:The study concluded that perioperative nurses’ experiences were both educative and fulfilling, yet also challenging and frustrating due to the numerous obstacles they face in their professional roles. Therefore, there is a need for stakeholders to address these challenges to enable perioperative nurses to function optimally and improve outcomes for surgical patients.
Letter from the Editors
Authors: Berger Edward , Martin Henry , Morgenstern Dan , Spring Evan
Published: October 2024

The editors of the Journal of Jazz Studies explain their rationale for converting their print journal, the Annual Review of Jazz Studies, into a free, open-access, online publication. Open access makes the journal universally accessible, and offers other technological advantages. Unpaid scholarly work belongs in the public realm, and the open-access movement has made steady progress in the world of academia.
Promoting a sense of belonging in university online learning: How and why initial teacher education students experience an increased sense of belonging
Authors: Adlington Rachael , O'Neill Kristy , Volpe Catherine Rita , Harrington Ingrid
Published: October 2024

Despite evidence of practices that support online students in university learning, promoting engagement and building a student sense of belonging continue to be a challenge. To enhance student engagement, a suite of evidence-based learning design strategies was incorporated across online units of study in initial teacher education programmes at a regional Australian university. To determine the impact of these strategies or elements, students were surveyed regarding their perspectives on how the elements had positively impacted their sense of belonging within the online university community. The systemic functional linguistics Appraisal framework was used to analyse qualitative survey data, which reported students experienced an increased sense of belonging expressed as positive judgements of their own mental capacities. Students also expressed feeling cared for, valued and supported by academics and experienced enjoyment in their learning and reduced levels of stress. All elements were positively evaluated; however, unit coordinator behaviour, especially social capacity, was unexpectedly important in increasing student sense of belonging. Whilst ongoing incorporation of design elements to enhance engagement is important, the behaviours of unit coordinators actioned through these elements were paramount in promoting student belonging.
 
Implications for practice or policy:

Increasing levels of student belonging may be improved by including learning experiences that promote feelings of success and relationships with others.
Unit coordinators can enhance online student belonging by using online learning design elements to demonstrate approachability, understanding, supportiveness, availability, presence, care and patience.
Universities should consider adopting organisation-wide initiatives that promote consistent and visible learning design features and staff presence, with the aim of addressing attrition and retention challenges.
Mitigating product placement effects induced by repeated exposure: Testing the effects of existing textual disclosures in children’s movies on disclosure awareness
Authors: Spielvogel Ines , Binder Alice , Matthes Jörg
Published: October 2024

In certain cases, children can react strongly in favor of product placements inserted in movies. Scholars therefore argue that existing disclosures might be one strategy in protecting children from any negative effects. However, disclosure research indicates that viewers should both notice disclosures and, in cases of textual cues, read them. We conducted an experiment with 139 children (Mage = 8.46; SD = 1.12; girls = 53.2 %) and tested the influence of textual disclosure format on disclosure awareness as well as brand-related effects. When comparing with no disclosure, results showed that exposure to an existing textual disclosure positively affects disclosure awareness while exposure to an expanded version of it (i.e., by using more textual elements) did not. Further analyses revealed that prior movie exposure positively affected brand evaluation. However, disclosure awareness reversed this effect. We conclude that children appear to be socialized with the existing textual disclosure and that disclosure awareness might be of importance in shielding children against persuasive influence.
Race, Market Size, Segregation and Subsequent Opportunities for Former NFL Head Coaches
Authors: Foreman Jeremy J. , Turick Robert M. , Williams Dylan P. , Skinner Tyler L.
Published: October 2024

This study examines subsequent head coach opportunities for former National Football League (NFL) head coaches. Under a subsequent CEO career framework, survival analysis is used to examine the effects of race and market characteristics on subsequent NFL head coach opportunities for former head coaches. Observations of former head coaches who neither ended their coaching careers nor possess head coach positions in the observed seasons are used (n = 1,132). Black former NFL head coaches are less likely to secure subsequent NFL head coaching opportunities if their most recent coaching position was in a large media market. However, both Black and non-Black former head coaches who most recently coached in highly segregated metropolitan areas experienced higher likelihoods of securing subsequent head coaching opportunities. This segregated market effect is even stronger for Black former head coaches. The NFL can utilize this information in policy formation decisions regarding hiring policies and practices. Teams and their lead executives can also use this information to identify any personal biases that may arise within the head coach labor market. Coaches may use the information to best position themselves for subsequent career opportunities.
FTX promotes esophageal cancer progression and desensitizes esophageal cancer cells to ionizing radiation by microRNA-99a/b-3p/WEE1/ERCC1 axis
Authors: Xu Yangjie , Huang Chaoming , Mao Zijuan , Fu Yuanyuan , Hao Qiongyu , Fei Zhenghua
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This study was conducted to uncover the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of five prime to Xist (FTX) dysregulation in esophageal cancer (EC).

Methods

The gene expression in tumor tissues was detected using western blot, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The dual-luciferase reporter and RNA FISH assays confirmed the interaction between miRNA and target genes. Mouse models for Xenograft and lung metastasis were used to assess EC cell tumorigenesis and metastasis.

Results

This study finds that up-regulated FTX in patients with esophageal cancer correlates with poor clinical outcomes. Silencing FTX inhibits esophageal cancer cell growth and migration in vitro and tumor metastasis in vivo. miR-99a/b-3p sensitizes esophageal cancer cells to ionizing radiation by WEE1 (Wee1-like protein kinase) and ERCC1 (excision repair cross-complementation group 1) in vitro.

Conclusions

FTX promotes the malignant biological phenotype of esophageal cancer cells. Mechanistically, FTX acts as a ceRNA to regulate the transcription of WEE1 and ERCC1 by sponging hsa-miR-99a/b-3p.
Įmonių socialinės atsakomybės atskleidimo vertinimas didžiausiuose Lietuvos bankuose
Authors: Račaitė Sabina , Bachtijeva Diana
Published: October 2024

The article examines the importance and regulation of corporate social responsibility disclosure. Based on the GRI standards and the recommendations of the Bank of Lithuania, the paper develops a methodology for calculating the corporate social responsibility index and a model for assessing its quality. The paper presents the results of an empirical study conducted to assess the disclosure of corporate social responsibility in the financial statements of the largest Lithuanian banks in the period 2018-2022. The results show that Lithuanian banks tend to disclose more than 91% of the recommended socially responsible information, while the quality of the reports, according to the selected criteria, reaches 64-82%. Nevertheless, it was noted that some banks do not produce CSR reports and publish group reports in languages other than Lithuanian. Some reports show signs of poor quality: the objectives are not specific and measurable and the textual information is repetitive throughout the study period.
Prof. Ludwik Piechnik, SJ (1920-2006)
Authors: Pšibilskis Vygintas Bronius
Published: October 2024

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Application software development process using an enhanced Agile project management method
Authors:   , Noreika Karolis
Published: October 2024

Taikomųjų programų kūrimo procesas naudojant modifikuotą Agile projektų valdymo metodą
Biodiversity indicators for climate change: a crucial tool for understanding our planet’s future
Authors: B Soni Hiren
Published: October 2024

"Biodiversity" refers to the diversity of all living forms on Earth, encompassing various species, ecosystems, and genetic variants. It affects everything from ecosystem productivity to the control of temperature and weather patterns, and it is crucial to preserving the resilience and health of our world. It is more important than ever to keep an eye on and comprehend how climate change is affecting biodiversity. Using biodiversity indicators is one of the best ways to monitor this impact. These indicators provide important insights into how climate change affects ecosystems and the animals that inhabit them, making them useful tools for academics, policymakers, and conservationists.
In vitro assessment of antimicrobial activity of citrus lemon against selected clinical isolates from Shendi city, Sudan
Authors: Mahjaf Ghanem Mohammed , Mohammed Mosab Ahmed Alzain , Ahmed Hadia Abass Eltaib , Abdelgader Leila Mohamed A.
Published: October 2024

Background: The high prevalence of microorganisms resistant to antimicrobials commonly used in clinical practice has impacted healthcare services due to reduced patient treatment options. Medicinal plants are thought to provide new sources of compounds that potentially replace antibiotics in the treatment of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Objective: This work aimed at determining the antibacterial activity of Citrus lemon juice against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Aims: This is a cross-sectional study in Shendi City, Sudan, from March to December 2023, at the microbiology laboratory, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Shendi University. A total of 50 samples were collected from different clinical specimens. Seven pathogenic gram-negative and two gram-positive bacteria strains were isolated and identified using gram stain and biochemical tests. We tested the Citrus Lemon extract at concentrations of (100%, 50%, 25, and 12.5% v/v) of lemon juice by the agar diffusion method with measurement of the diameter of the zone of inhibition around the extracts. Result: Out of a total of 50 clinical specimens, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Citrobacter, Salmonella Paratyphi B, Salmonella paratyphi A, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Klebsiella oxytoca were identified. These results showed the activity of antimicrobial Citrus Lemon pronounced dose-dependent on standard strains and clinical isolates. The data from this work highlight the potential of these Essential Oils (Eos) against pathogens important to human health, suggest new studies against other emerging pathogens for public health, and better understand their applicability as a natural and safe alternative for controlling infections. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that citrus lemon juice might have antimicrobial activity against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens and could be used to prevent various diseases caused by these organisms of multiple diseases caused by these organisms.
Antibiotic Resistance: Retrospective, Concurrent, and Prospective Data
Authors:   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab (140401), India, Dharmani Bhavesh , Jangra Sarita ,   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab (140401), India, Kaur Bisman ,   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab (140401), India, Singh Thakur Gurjeet ,   Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab (140401), India
Published: October 2024

Background: Over decades, antimicrobial medicines have been extensively used in industries such as agriculture and cattle husbandry, not only for the treatment of illnesses but also as preventative measures. Because of this extensive usage, bacteria have unintentionally developed antibiotic resistance (ABR), sometimes without the host's knowledge. It has made treating infectious infections more unclear and difficult. Purpose: This review examines the patterns of antibiotic use and the types of bacteria that have developed resistance. It also explores their therapeutic mechanisms of action and the mechanisms behind resistance development. Additionally, the review discusses retrospective and concurrent data on ABR and proposes a prospective approach for the surveillance and monitoring of ABR globally. Method: The review analyses both historical and current data on the global use of antimicrobial agents and their impact on antibiotic resistance. It assesses various strategies for the rational use of antibiotics, considering past patterns and current trends in ABR. The study also evaluates ongoing efforts to monitor and prevent the spread of ABR. Result: Here, findings highlight the widespread and growing issue of antibiotic resistance, driven by both human and agricultural use of antibiotics. The review underscores the significance of continuous surveillance, monitoring, and the rational use of antimicrobial agents to combat the global threat of ABR, ensuring more effective management of infectious diseases. Conclusion: Urgent global action is needed against antibiotic resistance because of both human and agricultural use. Improved surveillance and rational use of antibiotics are a prerequisite for preserving the efficacy of treatments available today and for maintaining public health. Strategic planning ahead will be the best management of infectious diseases.
Comparative study of the vulnerability to groundwater pollution by the DRASTIC and SINTACS methods on the Amizour plain (Béjaia, North Algeria)
Authors: Saadali Riad , Dadach Mohammed
Published: October 2024

The present study deals with the vulnerability and the risks of pollution on the Amizour plain aquifer (north Algeria), already threatened by several sources of pollution (e.g., industries, agriculture, illegal dumping, etc.) that collapsed this region, without any planned environmental protection measures. In the aim to study the sensitivity of the Amizour plain against pollution two methods (DRASTIC and SINTACS models) were used and the results were compared and evaluated. The maps showed a similarity in the degrees of vulnerability ranged from high to medium. Most of the plain is affected by a high degree of vulnerability of 76% and 67% as estimated by DRASTIC and SINTACS, respectively. In fact, such remarkable degree is justified by the shallow position of the groundwater and the type of aquifer. The degree of groundwater vulnerability was 18% and 33% in the northern and southern part of the studied zone as estimated by DRASTIC and SINTACS methods, respectively. According to the DRASTIC approach, an area with a very high vulnerability (6%) was observed amidst the Amizour plain. Superimposing both maps of vulnerability and the pollution source sites allowed us through the risk map to frame the areas at high risk of groundwater contamination. This investigation will facilitate to make decisions in implementing of an accurate and urgent management project for safeguarding the studied zone. The applicability of these findings has been discussed and suggestions for attenuating the risk of contamination have been given.
Integrated Geophysical Investigation using Aero-radiometric and Electrical Methods for Potential Gold mineralization within Yauri/Zuru Schist Belts, Kebbi State NW Nigeria
Authors: Idris Augie Abdulrahaman , Adeyinka Salako Kazeem , Anderson Bery Andy , Abdulwaheed Rafiu Adewuyi , Owolabi Jimoh Mufutau
Published: October 2024

This study used aero-radiometric, 2D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), and induced polarization (IP) methods to delineate gold mineralization potential. The study also confirmed and followed-up on regions with major structural features identified in previous aeromagnetic studies in the area. A half-degree airborne radiometric data of sheet 118_Yelwa from the NGSA, which contains three radioelements (%K, eTh, and eU) were used in this study. These datasets were processed and analyzed with Oasis Montaj Grid Math expression builder to obtain the %K_ratio_eTh and Ternary grid anomalies. The results identified zones E and F as hydrothermally altered regions that may harbour gold mineralization. These findings were consistent with the regions of major structural features identified in previous aeromagnetic studies in the area. The zones were located in the eastern parts of Ngaski, Yauri (Yelwa), Shanga, and Agwara, as well as Magama's northwest region. However, zone F1 (the eastern portion of Ngaski/Yauri) has been further investigated using 2ERT and IP detailed geophysical methods in a dipole-dipole configuration. The results of geoelectric techniques along profiles 1, 2, and 3 identified the major gold mineralization potential zones, which were labeled A1, A, and C. These regions have low/high resistivity and chargeability signatures, and could thus be interpreted as potential target zones for metallic mineral exploration, particularly gold mineralization. The regions are located in the northern part of Mararraba and southwest of the Jinsani areas of Kebbi State.
Sulfuric acid as a germination stimulator in forage soybean seeds (Neonotonia wightii)
Authors: Reina García Jhusua David , Almaguer Vargas Gustavo , Cruz Castillo Juan Guillermo , Guerra Ramírez Diana , Castañeda Vildozola Álvaro
Published: October 2024

Forage soybean (Neonotonia wightii) is a legume frequently used as a cover crop in field crops. However, as a species of the Phaseoloideae subfamily, it is characterized by the physical latency of the seed, which makes it difficult to obtain a high, homogeneous, and rapid germination. The aim of the present study was to determine which method of scarification stimulates the germination process to a greater extent. The following immersion times were evaluated: 5 to 20 minutes in 98% sulfuric acid, 24 hours in 5.4% sodium hypochlorite, water, and gibberellic acid [100 ppm], 15 minutes of treatment with sandpaper and the combination of these last two. They were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, where eight treatments and a control were evaluated, with three replicates each and 200 seeds as experimental units, subjected to controlled conditions (germination chambers at constant temperatures and a relative humidity of 27 °C and 70%, respectively) during the spring of 2022. The results were favorable, a high germination percentage was obtained from seeds subjected to a 20-minute immersion time in sulfuric acid (90% germination and an average of six germinated seeds per day) and this was significantly higher than the rest, making it an effective method to break the physical latency of the seeds, as it removes the impermeable cover allowing inhibition and consequently the activation of the seed’s metabolism.
Eficacia del índice mandibular canino en la determinación del sexo de una población peruana: un estudio transversal
Authors: Alvarado Vicuña Miguel , Plasencia Castillo Jaime , Herrera Paul Martin , Jiménez Carreño Gustavo
Published: October 2024

Objetivos Determinar la eficacia del índice mandibular del canino (IMC) en una población universitaria del norte del Perú.
Material y Métodos El estudio es descriptivo, observacional, transversal, prospectivo. La muestra estuvo constituida por 168 personas: 84 hombres y 84 mujeres, estudiantes de ciencias de la salud de una universidad privada de Piura (Perú), cuyas edades estuvieron comprendidas entre los 18 y los 35 años. Se elaboraron modelos de yeso y mediante el uso de un vernier digital calibrado se realizó la medición del ancho mesio-distal máximo del canino mandibular y la distancia intercanina. De la fracción de ambas magnitudes se obtuvo el IMC, el cual fue ajustado para la población estudiada. La eficacia para la estimación de sexo de este nuevo punto de corte fue estimada sobre la base del área bajo la curva ROC y el estadístico Hanley y McNei.
Resultados El nuevo IMC encontrado en nuestra población fue de 0,258. Tanto el ancho mesiodistal de canino mandibular como la distancia intercanina demostraron ser discriminantes de sexo (p<0,05); no hubo diferencias significativas (p>0,05) en el diámetro mesiodistal de los caninos derecho e izquierdo; es posible utilizar cualquiera de los dos.
Conclusiones La efectividad del IMC para la estimación del sexo con el punto de corte estimado para la población del norte del Perú es del 71,7 %, porcentaje que sirve para la toma de decisiones. Sin embargo, se recomienda complementar con otros medios odontológicos basados en odontometría y osteometría, puesto que la certeza no es absoluta.
Situación actual de las enfermedades huérfanas en Bogotá: notificación al Sivigila entre el año 2019 y 2022
Authors: Serrano Giraldo Julián , Becerra Muñoz Martha P. , Tijaro Santos Jennifer A. , Zarante Ignacio
Published: October 2024

Objetivo Analizar los reportes de enfermedades huérfanas en Bogotá, con el fin de describir el perfil epidemiológico, a partir de los casos notificados al Sistema de Salud Pública (Sivigila), de enero de 2019 hasta marzo de 2022.
Métodos Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal en el que se analizaron los casos notificados al Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública (Sivigila) en Bogot´á en el periodo comprendido de enero de 2019 y marzo de 2022. Se calcularon frecuencias absolutas y relativas, distribución de frecuencia y prevalencias y promedios de distintas variables notificadas en las fichas de notificación.
Resultados Desde enero de 2019 hasta marzo de 2022 se han notificado al Sivigila en Bogotá 10 399 pacientes con enfermedades huérfanas, de los cuales el 56,25% (5 849) corresponde al sexo femenino y el 43,75% (4 550) al sexo masculino. El 87,10% (9 060) de los casos pertenece al régimen contributivo. La localidad con mayor cantidad de reportes fue Suba con el 15,85% (1 294). Las enfermedades huérfanas más notificadas fueron: la esclerosis múltiple con el 13,1% (1 363), la esclerosis lateral amiotrófica con el 4,04% (421) y el síndrome de Guillain-Barre con el 3,6% (374). Un paciente con una enfermedad huérfana en Bogotá tarda desde que inician sus síntomas hasta obtener un diagnóstico 61,3 meses en promedio (DE 101,9).
Conclusiones A partir de la notificación al Sivigila en Bogotá, en comparación con la prevalencia mundial, hay un subregistro de los pacientes con enfermedades huérfanas y el retraso en el diagnóstico de estas enfermedades es evidente.
Relación entre trastornos alimentarios y familia e ideación suicida en adolescentes escolarizadas de Bogotá
Authors: González Quiñones Juan Carlos , Morales Méndez Sandra Patricia , Calderon Gutiérrez Sandra Patricia , Espinosa Tafur Yudy Milena , Arias Torres Santiago José , Cely Ortegón Diana Fernanda , Pinilla Fonseca Vanessa Elena , Pinzón Ramírez Jenny Alexandra
Published: October 2024

Objetivo Estimar la relación entre el riesgo de trastornos alimentarios, la familia y la ideación suicida en una población adolescente femenina.
Métodos Estudio descriptivo, transversal. A lo largo de 12 años se aplicaron cuestionarios a 14 193 adolescentes femeninas escolarizadas de los colegios públicos de la localidad de Suba en Bogotá, seleccionadas voluntariamente. Como variables explicativas se indagaron el género, la edad, el estrato, la funcionalidad (usando el Apgar familiar), la estructura familiar (miembros con los que se convive), la ideación suicida, el estado de ánimo, la relación con los pares y la autoestima. Como variable dependiente se realizó el cuestionario Scoff. Se obtuvieron los OR de esta relación.
Resultados La edad media de la población fue de 13,9 años. Se encontró una prevalencia de riesgo de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria de 28,4% y de disfunción familiar de 33%. La disfunción familiar severa aumentó la prevalencia de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (OR 2,6, IC 95% 2,2-3,0) y de ideación suicida (OR 3,5, IC 95% 3,0-4,0).
Conclusiones Esta investigación confirma la importancia de la funcionalidad familiar en relación con el riesgo de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria, la ideación suicida y la distorsión de la imagen corporal. Con base en los hallazgos se propone implementar talleres que disminuyan los factores de riesgo causantes de los trastornos alimentarios y afiancen los factores protectores.
Space-time patterns and associated factors of leishmaniasis in Colombia, 2008–2016
Authors: Hurtado Elena Maria , Fonseca de Oliveira Camila Stefanie , Teixeira Pava Marcelo , Köhler Marra Morato Mariana Olímpia , Soeiro Barbosa David , Ferreira de Magalhães Soares Danielle
Published: October 2024

Objective To analyze the space-time aspects and epidemiological characteristics of leishmaniasis in Colombia from 2008 to 2016.
Methodology This was an cross-sectional and ecological study of the morbidity and mortality from leishmaniasis and its spatial, temporal, and socio-demographic associated factors based on reported cases of ACL and VL obtained from the National Public Health Surveillance System (Sivigila) of the Ministry of Health of Colombia.
Results In all, 99,503 cases of leishmaniasis were reported in Colombia in the 9-year period (2008–2016), where ACL accounted for 99.78% of the cases, with 14 deaths, and VL accounted for 0.21% of the cases, with four deaths. People living in the rural areas were the most affected by both forms of leishmaniasis. In the spatial analysis, ACL was widely distributed in Colombian territory, but the patterns of occurrence were not consistent throughout the study period. Further, the majority of the population affected by VL resided in the Caribbean and Central regions, during the second three-year study period, indicating dispersion of the disease.
Conclusions The recent epidemiological patterns of leishmaniasis show variations in morbidity and mortality, with a higher incidence of ACL than of VL and high concentration of cases in certain regions of Colombia. This study contributes to a better understanding of this important public health problem so that measures to control the spread of this disease in Colombia can be intensified.
Trayectoria tecnológica y productiva de la industria de vacunas humanas en México: perspectivas post Covid-19
Authors: Perez Hernandez Maria del Pilar Monserrat , Castillo Chávez Luis Manuel
Published: October 2024

Las vacunas han transformado la salud a escala global. La perturbación causada por la pandemia de covid-19 reveló la fragilidad de los sistemas de salud en todo el mundo. Aquellos países con capacidades en el desarrollo y la fabricación de vacunas impulsaron el incremento del financiamiento para el desarrollo de posibles vacunas. México, otrora líder en producción de vacunas a escala mundial, pasó décadas de abandono y escasa capacidad de respuesta para atender a las necesidades que trajo consigo la pandemia. Este trabajo analiza la evolución de las capacidades de la industria productora de vacunas en México. La metodología hace una revisión crítica de la literatura con respecto a la evolución de la trayectoria productiva y tecnológica de la industria de las vacunas. Los hallazgos apuntan a que la industria de vacunas en México, derivado del deterioro de la inversión en el sector, la falta de flexibilidad organizacional de la empresa pública productora de vacunas y la ausencia de políticas públicas experimentó la pérdida de su capacidad para generar autonomía en la fabricación de vacunas, por lo que es imperioso revisar la necesidad de disponer de capacidades locales para la fabricación de vacunas como un área estratégica del desarrollo de la nación.
ASSESSEMENT OF BONE AGE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE SAUVEGRAIN AND GREULICH AND PYLE METHODS
Authors: Leite Beatriz Nogueira , Rubez João Vitor Nogueira , Soufen Carlos Alberto Arruda , Pereira Bruna Zanetti , Santana Marcos Vinicius Felix , Dobashi Eiffel Tsuyoshi
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the intra and inter observer agreement of the Sauvegrain, Greulich and Pyle methods. Material and methods: This is an observational, retrospective and cross-sectional study ethically approved by opinion 6,192,391. 100 radiographic images of the elbow and 100 of the left wrist and hand were collected from children whose images were selected by a researcher who did not carry out the evaluations. The Sauvegrain, Greulich and Pyle methods were used to determine bone age. We provided a detailed explanation of each method and the evaluators received a file with the study images. After three weeks, the exams were randomized and the radiograms were reevaluated. Of the 100 patients in group A, 61 (61%) were boys and 39 (39%) were girls. In group B, 67 (67%) were boys and 33 (33%) were girls. Four statistical analyzes were used: correlation; intraclass correlation; analysis using the Bland-Altman graph; differences between groups. Results: Intra and interobserver agreement between groups was considered excellent. Conclusions: Despite the excellent agreement, group A presented a significantly better value than B. Biological ages show a greater difference compared to chronological ages in group A. In group B, skeletal and chronological ages do not show statistical difference according to the accuracy test. Level of Evidence III, Cross-Sectional Observational Study.