bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlled Vocabulary System for Knowledge Organization: designing a framework
Authors:   The University of Burdwan, Mandal S
Published: March 2022

The paper, discussed in this article, aims to construct a controlled vocabulary and thesaurus construction in libraries for the users. All the terms have been displayed in graphical visual vocabulary regarding the different types of terms and associated terms. It explores how to add different terms and subordinated terms by using the TemaTres open source tool and techniques, process, and steps for designing and developing the controlled vocabulary. This is practical work in thesaurus construction or in controlled vocabulary. Designing thesaurus construction is made using TemaTres and Visual Vocabulary. It provides easy access to library resources relating to different facets. Apart from these it can also display the adjacent terms which can increase the recall and accuracy value of the Web 2.0 environment in the information retrieval system. The paper provides the designing an integrated controlled vocabulary framework for libraries. This integrated framework is useful for constructing the thesaurus. The controlled vocabulary and thesaurus construction is an important component in the information retrieval system. This research paper has shown the process and steps of thesaurus construction and visual vocabulary against different terms for easy access of digital library resources. Finally this concept is more practical to all the public libraries and other educational libraries for easy access of vocabulary terms in both offline and online environments.
A History of the Exclusion of the Mentally Handicapped
Authors: Zakrzewska-Manterys Elżbieta
Published: March 2022

The article corresponds to the problems of terms describing people as mentally disabled vs. intellectually disabled, compared to those with an intellectual disability. The application of each of those notions is justified by the premises of an axiological and worldview nature. Political correctness encourages us to replace stigmatizing terms with more neutral ones. However, the question arises: from where did the terms of a discriminating character appear in the language? The article presents examples of the application of segregation policy since the 1970s, as a result of which the intellectually disabled remained in residential care centers, separated from the rest of society. Based on the literature of the 1970s, a dramatic picture of the fate of people deprived of human dignity is painted. This situation meant that the terms applied to intellectually disabled people condemned them to the worst position in society. It began to change when the policy of social integration and inclusion was implemented in the West. The second part of the article includes deliberations over the understanding of the words “disability” and “intelligence” (a word present in the term intellectual disability). Two contrasting ways of comprehending the term intelligence are presented: one derived from ancient times and the other introduced by the modern system of psychological measures. I demonstrate what consequences the application of those two understandings of the term intelligence bring for the understanding of the human condition entangled in the modern world. The summary presents the conclusion that mental retardation does not need to be treated as a deficiency or a dysfunction, but it may be – according to the idea of variety – treated as an equal way of being a human, different from the statistical majority of the population, however, still demonstrating a unique specificity and beauty.
The Socialist Project for a New Intelligentsia and Its Limits. Academic Careers in the Polish Post-War University: A Biographical Perspective
Authors: Zysiak Agata
Published: March 2022

The paper examines the post-war period of reconstruction of the Polish academic system from the perspective of young academicians and students of that time. The generation born in the 1920s and early 1930s witnessed a profound change in Polish society, when its intelligentsia and universities had to face the dramatic events of post-WWII. The forthcoming reform of science and the higher education system was an attempt to build a socialist university and an egalitarian society. Those processes are often viewed as the political domination of academia, the captivity of professors, and seduction of students. It is a part of the story. On the contrary, it is argued herein that the academic field and its associated processes shaped the biographical paths of erstwhile scientists/academics as strongly, if not stronger, than the political factors which usually are brought to the forefront by researchers. Three chosen academic biographies present the complexity of those processes, and at the same time they reveal different patterns of the interplay between political changes, the university, the academic habitus and higher education reform.
The Importance of Subjectively Constructed Meaning: Integration Viewed From the Perspective of Immigrants
Authors: Spanò Antonella , Domecka Markieta
Published: March 2022

In political discourse, as much as in social studies, the term integration is commonly viewed in the context of migration. On the basis of ‘objective’ indicators and statistical analysis, the level of integration is measured and assessed as ‘low’ or ‘high’, ‘sufficient’ or ‘insufficient’. This is the perspective of the receiving countries (not migrants), which clearly dominates in this field of study. Seeing this perspective as partial, we decided to ask migrants themselves what integration means to them. The analysis of the narrative interviews conducted with Ukrainian, Srilankese and Senegalese men and women living in the South of Italy has demonstrated that integration for them is more related to the notion of ‘good life’ than to a desire of becoming ‘one of us’.2 Our interviewees’ approach to integration is very pragmatic as pursuing their own life projects, even if they turn out to be relatively modest, is after all their main concern. From their narratives emerges an idea of integration as acceptance and satisfaction, but without aspirations for equality, participation and full social and political rights, which calls for more active integration policies.
Forming environmental competence in future biology teachers through project tasks
Authors: Amantayeva Arailym , Karbayeva Sholpan , Childibayev Zhumadil , Turlybekova Gulzhazira , Issayev Gani , Stankevich Petr
Published: March 2022

The impact of human economic activities on individual natural components or whole geosystems has caused a global environmental crisis and continues to change the surface of the planet beyond recognition. New biospheric thinking is required to overcome the existing threats. For that purpose, the new generation shall possess high ecological culture. The article aimed to examine the problem of formation and development of environmental competence of students based on project technology. The conducted research allowed students to independently identify environmental problems with the help of project technology. Practical development in the form of project tasks contributes to the formation of environmental competence in future biology teachers. The effectiveness of the proposed training technology is confirmed by the results of experimental work.

 

Keywords: environmental awareness; environmental competence; environmental education; didactic conditions; project tasks.
Developing women's business skills and entrepreneurial sustainability through informal entrepreneurship education
Authors: Essien Adeola Adesola , Adelekan Adedeji
Published: March 2022

The role of women in business and how they contribute to national development cannot be overemphasised. There is a need to understand the role of informal education in enhancing the capacity of female managers and sustaining national growth. Hence, this study aims to establish the effect of informal entrepreneurial education on businesswomen management skills and entrepreneurial sustainability. The survey research design was employed in the study. 385 small and medium enterprises owners who are women were sampled. The regression analysis was employed in the study. The findings reveal that informal entrepreneurial education is a positive and significant driver of businesswomen’s management skills and entrepreneurial sustainability. it is recommended that SMEs owners, especially women, should aggressively increase their daily lives' learning capabilities. These will increase their capacity to improve their operations and discover new ways of doing things that will better enterprises' performance in the long run.
 
Keywords: Entrepreneurship; informal education; Skills; sustainability; women.
The Effect of Web-Supported Learning Environments on the Performance of Teacher Candidates within the Mathematics Course
Authors: TEZER Murat , YILDIZ EZGİ PELİN , Bozkurt Şeyma , Tangül Hasan
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study is; web supported learning environments to the success of teacher candidates within the scope of mathematics lesson. An experimental design model with pre-test and post-test control group was used in the study. The working group constitutes a total of 60 teacher candidates in the first and second years of education in the department of Elementary Teaching and Preschool Teaching of a private university in 2016-2017 academic year in Northern Cyprus. As a means of data collection, mathematics achievement test consisting of 30 questions was administered as pre-test, and after the study the same success test was administered as a final test. As a result of the findings, it has been determined that the teacher candidates have a significant increase in their successes due to the teaching practices in web based learning environments. At the same time, it has been shown that the mathematical success of the prospective teachers in web based learning environments differ statistically significantly compared to the teacher candidates who take lessons in face learning environments and this difference is in favour of web based learning environments.
Congenital Nephrotic Syndrome of the Finnish Type in a Dominican Newborn: An Overview and Case Report
Authors: Anderson Sharon
Published: March 2022

Congenital nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type (CNS-FT) is a rare genetic condition that causes massive proteinuria, hypoproteinemia, hypercholesterolemia, and edema that progresses to end-stage renal disease. Symptoms may manifest in utero as fetal hydrops or during the first few days to months of life. This article shares the case of a Dominican infant who presented with CNS-FT. It provides a comprehensive overview of CNS-FT including the underlying genetic cause, prenatal and postnatal diagnostic testing options, and treatment recommendations. It walks the reader through the diagnostic and initial and longer-term management of this infant and provides patient outcome at 10 months of age.
Efectos de la certificación de comercio justo en el departamento de Piura con respecto a las exportaciones de banano orgánico con partida arancelaria 0803.90.11.00 a los Países Bajos durante el periodo de 2013-2018
Authors:   , Ccaccya Díaz Karina Iris , Huamán Tirado Mayra Alexsandra
Published: March 2022

La certificación de Comercio Justo ha transformado el comercio convencional e impactado en la forma de trabajar de agricultores, exportadores y trabajadores dedicados al sector agroalimentario. La creciente demanda de productos sostenibles ha impulsado una mayor cantidad de productos certificados, entre ellos el banano. A pesar de que, este movimiento enfocado en los seres humanos y la sostenibilidad social, económica y medio ambiental de las sociedades no es un modelo comercial nuevo, aún existen personas que no tienen conocimiento de la existencia de los productos certificados por el Comercio Justo ni la labor que cumple mediante sus reglas establecidas. El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar el efecto del Comercio Justo en las exportaciones de bananos orgánicos producidos en Piura hacia Países Bajos durante el periodo 2013-2018, haciendo énfasis principalmente en 3 principios que deben cumplir las empresas exportadoras y asociaciones si desean comercializar sus productos con el sello de certificación, los cuales son creación de oportunidades para productores desfavorecidos, precio justo y respeto por el medio ambiente. La metodología de la investigación es de enfoque mixto. La información cuantitativa se analizó a través del modelo, en tanto que, para el desarrollo cualitativo se realizó entrevistas semi estructuradas a exportadores del sector. A partir, de la discusión de resultados del desarrollo cuantitativo y cualitativo se concluyó que la creación de oportunidades y el respeto por el medio ambiente tuvieron un efecto positivo en las exportaciones de banano orgánico de Piura hacia Países Bajos durante el periodo 2013-2018.
Efectos de la implementación de medidas sanitarias y fitosanitarias en la exportación del grano de cacao a Países Bajos en el marco del Tratado de Libre Comercio entre Perú y la Unión Europea, durante el periodo 2009 y 2019
Authors:   , Lizarbe López Mayra Sofia , Sandoval Jimenez Karina Gabriela
Published: March 2022

El propósito de esta investigación fue determinar el efecto de la implementación de medidas sanitarias en las exportaciones del grano de cacao hacia Países bajos, según el acuerdo comercial vigente entre Perú – Unión Europea, durante el periodo 2009 - 2019. Se resaltan aspectos como, la importancia del cumplimiento de los estándares establecidos por las instituciones autorizadas para la exportación de cacao. Dentro de los aspectos metodológicos el enfoque usado fue mixto, es decir cualitativo y cuantitativo. De acuerdo con el enfoque cualitativo, se seleccionaron para la muestra seis actores claves y para el enfoque cuantitativo, se trabajó con datos de exportación en toneladas, precio FOB, centrados en la Dummy variable; se elaboró un instrumento con cinco preguntas por variable; para el análisis de datos cualitativos se utilizó el programa Atlas Ti y para datos cuantitativos el Programa SPSS versión 25. Los resultados indican que el control de contaminantes y residuos tiene un efecto positivo en la calidad de los productos y el modelo es viable; asimismo se comprobó que la legislación internacional no afecta drásticamente la exportación del grano de cacao peruano; la protección a la salud humana de los contaminantes y residuos en la exportación del grano de cacao muestra la prevención en las constantes actualizaciones de los contenidos permitidos en los alimentos. Se concluye que, el efecto de la implementación de medidas sanitarias en las exportaciones del grano de cacao hacia Países bajos puede considerarse positivo, debido a los cambios positivos generados en el país productor.
O funkcjach urojenia okoliczności wyłączających bezprawność. Wybrane zagadnienia teoretycznoprawne
Authors: Tarapata Szymon , Zakrzewski Piotr
Published: March 2022

On the functions of delusion as to the circumstances excluding unlawfulness. Selected theoretical aspectsIt has been established in this paper that delusion as to the circumstances excluding unlawfulness has three different functions in the structure of criminal liability premises. Firstly, it may exclude unlawfulness, which takes place in a situation where a perpetrator had no chance to realise that in reality the objective elements of unlawfulness exclusion had become real. Secondly, if the perpetrator erroneously stated that he was acting under the exclusion of unlawfulness while it was only objectively but not subjectively recognisable that it was not so, the perpetrator’s criminal liability would be excluded due to lack of fault. Thirdly and finally, if the perpetrator deluded that he was acting under the exclusion of unlawfulness while it was objectively and subjectively recognisable that it was not so, then all the requirements of the criminality of the act are met and the act of the perpetrator is to be found unlawful and culpable.
Housewives’ lifestyle and behavior of debt dependency on bank thitil
Authors: Khotimah Suciawati Khusnul , Prasetyo Ketut , Prasetya Sukma Perdana , Nasution Nasution
Published: March 2022

The fulfillment of household needs can implement various strategies, including debt strategy. A money lending service becomes an attraction to fulfilling the needs of life. The money lending service on credit is known as bank thitil by Javanese. This study presents the factors that make housewives have a dependency behavior on bank thitil loans. This dependency behavior is examined from the perspective of the planned behavior theory by Ajzen. This study used a qualitative approach and the subjects of this study were housewives who have debt in bank thitil. Some factors encourage the dependency behavior of housewives on bank thitil loans. This research finds that the implementation of Ajzen’s planned behavior theory in analyzing the factors of indebted housewives is integrated with some factors, including (1) the influence of attitudes that assume the bank thitil provides benefits, (2) subjective norms in the form of lifestyle and environmental vicinity, and (3) social control that supports the housewives in borrowing money from the bank thitil.
The Effect of Hydrolysis Time Using Microwave on Bioethanol Production from Sorghum Waste (Sorghum Bicolor L.)
Authors: Kolo Sefrinus Maria Dolfi
Published: March 2022

In this study, the production of bioethanol from sorghum bagasse was carried out to understand the surface morphology of sorghum bagasse before and after hydrolysis, the effect of hydrolysis time using a microwave, and the concentration of inoculum on the ethanol content produced. A total of 10 grams of sorghum bagasse was suspended with 250 mL of 2% H2SO4 solution and then heated using a microwave at a temperature of 150ºC with variations in heating time of 20, 30,40, and 50 minutes. The heated hydrolyzate was analyzed for reducing sugar content using UV-Vis. The morphology of sorghum bagasse before and after hydrolysis was analyzed using SEM and quantitative analysis of fermented ethanol using a pycnometer and GC. The results showed that there were differences in the surface of sorghum bagasse before and after hydrolysis, the highest reducing sugar content was obtained at 30 minutes of hydrolysis, which was 30.4 g/L, and the highest concentration of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was 8% which resulted in 5.325% ethanol content using a pycnometer and 9.05% using GC. Keywords: Sorghum bagasse, Hydrolysis, Microwave, Bioethanol
DVGfinder: A Metasearch Engine for Identifying Defective Viral Genomes in RNA-Seq Data
Authors: Olmo-Uceda María J. , Muñoz-Sánchez Juan C. , Lasso-Giraldo Wilberth , Arnau Vicente , Díaz-Villanueva Wladimiro , Elena Santiago F.
Published: March 2022

The generation of different types of defective viral genomes (DVG) is an unavoidable consequence of the error-prone replication of RNA viruses. In recent years, a particular class of DVGs, those containing long deletions or genome rearrangements, has gain interest due to their potential therapeutic and biotechnological applications. Identifying such DVGs in high-throughput sequencing data has become an interesting computational problem. Up to nowadays, several algorithms have been proposed, though all incur in false positives, a problem of practical interest if such DVGs have to be synthetized and tested in the laboratory. Here we develop a novel software, DVGfinder, that wraps the two most commonly used algorithms into a pipeline that predicts DVGs. Using a gradient boosting classifier machine learning algorithm, we evaluate the performance of DVGfinder compared to previous algorithms and found that it outcompetes their precision and sensitivity in simulated datasets. DVGfinder generates user-friendly output files in HTML format that can assist users to identify DVGs based on their associated probability of being true positives.
Loneliness and Emancipation: A Multilevel Analysis of the Connection Between Gender Inequality, Loneliness, and Social Isolation in the ISSP 2017
Authors: Schobin Janosch
Published: March 2022

The present article analyzes the connection between, on the one hand, gender equality and, on the other hand, loneliness and social isolation. It hypothesizes that modern relational institutions, that support gender equality, such as no-fault divorce laws, reduce loneliness in close relationships. This hypothesis is put to the test through a multilevel analysis of the ISSP 2017. The analysis reveals that the data agrees, to a large extent, with the theoretical arguments. The prevalence of loneliness is higher in countries with higher levels of gender inequality (as measured by the Gender Inequality Index [GII]). This can be attributed to a moderation effect: at lower levels of gender inequality, partnerships provide better protection from loneliness. These results are robust to controls for demographic composition, level of health, educational attainment, income poverty, and interview mode. Last, the analyses show that the threat of emotional isolation is more widespread in countries with low gender inequality. This finding, however, is only significant before controlling for demographic composition, level of health, educational attainment, income poverty, and interview mode, and it requires further analysis. The concluding section relates these findings to the popular tendency to argue that modern society has created a “loneliness epidemic.”
Redução do déficit de estatura e a compra de alimentos da agricultura familiar para alimentação escolar no Brasil
Authors: Oliveira Genykléa silva de , Lyra Clelia de Oliveira , Oliveira Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli da Costa , Ferreira Maria Angela Fernandes
Published: March 2022

O objetivo do artigo é analisar o efeito da compra direta de alimentos da agricultura familiar para alimentação escolar sobre o déficit de estatura em crianças menores de cinco anos, entre 2013 e 2017, no Brasil. O método utilizado é o estudo ecológico e longitudinal, em que a coleta de dados ocorreu em diferentes bancos de dados. A análise foi realizada por meio do teste t para amostras independentes, a fim de comparar as médias entre as variáveis déficit de estatura e compras da agricultura familiar. Além disso, uma análise multivariável foi feita por meio da regressão linear múltipla. Verificou-se uma diferença de médias na prevalência do déficit de estatura significativa entre os municípios que compraram menos de 30% e aqueles que adquiriram 30% ou mais de alimentos da agricultura familiar para alimentação escolar, com 1,47 pontos de diferença. O modelo de regressão linear mostrou que a cada ponto percentual de aumento na compra de alimentos da agricultura familiar para a alimentação escolar pelo município, haverá, em média, uma diminuição 0,55 pontos na prevalência do déficit de estatura, independentemente das demais variáveis. Assim, conclui-se que a compra de alimentos da agricultura familiar para alimentação escolar no Brasil pode contribuir para a redução da prevalência do déficit de estatura em crianças menores de cinco anos.
Students’ Rhetorical Structure Mastery Of The Finding And Discussion Section In English Thesis
Authors: Syafryadin Syafryadin , Harahap Alamsyah , Astrid Annisa
Published: March 2022

This study aimed to determine the rhetorical structure of the finding and discussion chapters on the thesis and their problems. This study applied a mixed method. The sample of this research was 30 parts of the finding and discussion of the theses of Bengkulu University English Education postgraduate students who graduated from 2019 to 2020. This study used a checklist as a research instrument. The data obtained were analyzed qualitatively by applying several stages such as data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions, while quantitative data were obtained through SPSS. The results indicated that students' mastery of rhetorical structures, especially in the finding and discussion section, is categorized as high and medium, where in the finding section, the average value of students was 41 which is categorized as high, while the average value in the discussion section is 37 which is included in the medium category. The next finding was that some students had difficulty in writing the finding and discussion chapters. These problems included analyzing data, interpreting data, writing discussion sections, incomplete rhetorical structures in writing, mastery of English including vocabulary and grammar, writing the evaluation section in the discussion, coherence and cohesiveness in writing and personal problems.
Evaluating the Transport Performance of Novel-Shaped Proppant in Slickwater Fracturing with the Multiscale Modeling Framework
Authors: Zeng Junsheng , Li Heng , Li Sanbai , Zhang Dongxiao
Published: March 2022

Recently, novel-shaped proppant, such as rod-shaped and x-shaped proppant, has been gradually used in hydraulic fracturing systems, which challenges the validity of previous transport laws for conventional spherical proppant. In this work, a multiscale modeling framework is proposed to solve this issue. We start from constructing particle-scale laws, including proppant settling, phase-slip, and effective slurry viscosity, based on a refined particle-resolved direct numerical simulation method, that is, the immersed boundary-computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method (IB-CFD-DEM). With this refined simulation method, particle-scale flow details are fully resolved, and accurate particle-scale laws can be reconstructed for novel-shaped proppant. These sub-scale laws are then applied to a field-scale simulation method, that is, the multiphase particle-in-cell (MP-PIC) method. Based on the proposed framework, transport performance of various types of proppant are investigated. Several numerical experiments demonstrate that proppant transport performance can be enhanced by 19 and 15% with x-shaped and rod-shaped proppant, respectively, compared to conventional spherical proppant under 5% inlet proppant concentration and enhanced by 16 and 10%, respectively, under 20% inlet proppant concentration. Moreover, related complicated flow mechanisms at different scales, such as the hindered effect and viscous gravity current effect, are fully discussed, which deepens our understanding of proppant transport and proppant placement.
Preparation of bilirubin standard solutions for assay calibration
Authors: Sist Paola , Tramer Federica , Urbani Ranieri , Bandiera Antonella , Passamonti Sabina
Published: March 2022

Bilirubin (BR) is the product of cellular heme catabolism and the major bile pigment in animal blood. It is an established biomarker of hemolysis and liver function. In the last decade, mild hyperbilirubinemia has been shown to be a biomarker of lower cardiovascular disease risk, attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. To use bilirubin as a predictive biomarker, new powerful methods are currently being developed for its direct analysis in human blood. To harmonize the different methods, it is essential to use high-quality BR standard solutions for assay calibration. We present here a protocol for the preparation of stable standard solutions in the range of 10-9- 10-5 M BR at pH 7.4 that can facilitate a universal approach to assay calibration.
A Prospective Trial to Evaluate the Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy with Arsenic Trioxide and Carboplatin in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: A Study Protocol for Randomized Controlled Clinical
Authors: He ZeYang , Li HaiYing , Wan Xing , Li SiJin , Li DaoCheng , Liang ZhongZhe
Published: March 2022

Background：Cervical cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in women, which is threatening female reproductive tract health. Chemotherapy can be used for neoadjuvant therapy of locally advanced cervical cancer and postoperative adjuvant therapy for patients with high risk factors, so as to reduce the focus, sensitize radiotherapy and reduce recurrence. The current first-line treatment is paclitaxel combined with platinum. Many literature studies have found that As2O3 alone or in combination with platinum drugs have good efficacy in a variety of tumors both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, our research group has verified that the efficacy of As2O3 combined with platinum drugs in the treatment of cervical cancer is not inferior to the traditional first-line regimen at the cellular and animal levels, and paclitaxel is more expensive than As2O3. Hence, we aim to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with As2O3 and carboplatin in locally advanced cervical cancer.Methods: Sixty participants in the IB2、IIA2 and IIB stages of cervical cancer will be recruited in this study. After excluding patients who didn't meet the criteria, they were randomly assigned to two groups in a 1:1 ratio. All patients underwent colposcopic biopsies to confirm the diagnosis and detailed clinical examinations. Eligible patients will receive either 2 cycles of paclitaxel (135-175 mg/m2) and carboplatin (dose 5 to 6 zones below the curve) or As2O3 (8 mg/m2) and carboplatin (5 to 6 zones below the curve) every 3 weeks.Patients were assessed for clinical efficacy after the second cycle of chemotherapy. Patients who had disease stable or disease progression at these time points will receive concurrent chemotherapy and radiation directly, while responders will receive PiverRutledge grade III radical hysterectomy, bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. Both groups of patients undergoing radical hysterectomy were given adjuvant therapy as per protocol-defined criteria. The efficacy and toxicity of two groups were evaluated according to WHO acute and subacute toxicity classification standards.Discussion: This is the first Single-centre, prospective, two-arm design, open-label randomized control trial that will evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with As2O3 and carboplatin in locally advanced cervical cancer.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ChiCTR1900023822. Registered on 13 June 2019
“Limbr, A Novel Personalized Mobile Application For Discogenic Chronic Low Back Pain: A Prospective Pilot Study”
Authors: Vad Vijay B. , Madrazo-Ibarra Antonio , Estrin Deborah , Carroll Kaitlin M , Vojta Deneen , Vad Amoli , Trapness Camilla , Pollack John P.
Published: March 2022

Background: Exercise has showed to reduce pain and improve function in patients with chronic lower back pain (CLBP), however, outcomes have been inconsistent. Limbr is a mobile application (app) developed to increase patient adherence to the exercise program, and enhance exercise’s technique for better results. Methods: Patients 18 to 65 years of age, with CLBP (more than 3 months) and evidence of lumbar disc pathology by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were enrolled. Patients’ symptomatology was prospectively evaluated at baseline and during 3 months of using the Limbr app with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) including: the Visual Analog Scale for pian (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the Your Activities of Daily Living (YADL) score. Patients’ compliance and satisfaction were evaluated at the end of the follow-up. Results: Seventy-five patients with CLBP were enrolled in the study. All patients had a significant improvement from baseline to final follow-up in all PROMs. Average VAS scores decreased from 5.17± 2.1 at baseline to 3.8±2.6 at final follow-up (P= 0.016), and ODI scores from 25.7±13.8 to 18.2±13.6 (P= 0.001). Patients showed a significant decrease in the number of pain medications taken during a week (P=0.001). Overall compliance with the app was greater than 52%, with almost 65% of the patients rating the overall experience as good or excellent. Conclusion: Limbr showed to be an effective tool in reducing low back pain symptomatology, as well as generating great compliance to an exercise program for patients with CLBP. Trial registration number: 2/2/2017 NCT03040310 (ClinicalTrials.gov)
Cell Density Detection Based on a Microfluidic Chip with Two Electrode Pairs
Authors: Wang Yongliang , Chen Danni , Guo Xiaoliang
Published: March 2022

Cell density detection is usually the counting of cells in certain volume of liquid, which is an important process in the field of biomedicine. The Coulter counting method has been an important method for biological cell detection and counting for decades. In this paper, a microfluidic chip based on two electrode pairs is designed, which uses the Coulter principle to detect the flow rate of uncertain volume liquid and count the cells, and then calculate the cell density by statistics. When the cell passes through the sensor channel formed by the electrode pair on the chip, the impedance will change between the electrodes. This phenomenon has been proved by experiments. The designed chip has the advantages of simple structure, small size and low manufacturing cost. The cell density detection method proposed in this article is of great significance to the research in the field of biological cell detection and development of related medical devices.
A Green Approach for Modification and Functionalization of Wool Fabric Using Bio- and Nano-Technologies
Authors: Ibrahim Nabil A. , Amin Hala A. , Abdel-Aziz Mohamed S. , Eid Basma
Published: March 2022

In the present work, we propose a green and sustainable strategy for eco-friendly surface modification of wool structure using biosynthesized kerationlytic proteases, from C4-ITA-EGY, Streptomyces harbinensis S11-ITA-EGY and Streptomyces carpaticus S33-ITA-EGY, followed by subsequent environmentally sound functionalization of the bio-treated substrates using ZnONPs, ZrO2NPs, ascorbic acid and vanillin, individually, to impart durable antibacterial and UV-protection properties. The changes in surface modification, and the extent of functionalization of the final products were characterized by SEM, EDX, antibacterial efficacy, UV-blocking ability, loss in weight, nitrogen content and durability to wash analysis. The obtained data reveals that, the developed green wool fabrics exhibit outstanding durable antibacterial activity and UV-blocking ability for fabricating multi-functional textile products can be utilized in a wide range of sustainable protective textiles, irrespective of the used post-finishing formulation ingredients. The results also show that both modification and functionalization processes are governed by type of enzyme and kind of active material respectively. Moreover, the biosynthesized kerationlytic proteases could be accessible used to remove protein-based stains like blood and egg.
Intra-Amniotic Transplantation of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor - Modified Mesenchymal Stem Cells Treatment for Rat Fetuses with Spina Bifida Aperta
Authors: Ma Wei , Wei Xiaowei , Gu Hui , Liu Dan , Luo Wenting , Cao Songying , Jia Shanshan , He Yiwen , Chen Lizhu , Bai Yuzuo , Yuan Zhengwei
Published: March 2022

BackgroundSpina bifida aperta (SBA) is a relatively common clinical type of neural tube defect. Although prenatal fetal surgery has been proven to be an effective treatment for SBA, the recovery of neurological function remains unsatisfactory due to neuron deficiencies. Our previous results demonstrated that intra-amniotic transplanted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) could preserve neural function through lesion-specific engraftment and regeneration. To further optimize the role of BMSCs and improve the environment of defective spinal cords so as to make it more conducive to nerve repair, the intra-amniotic transplanted BMSCs were modified with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF-BMSCs), and the therapeutic potential of BDNF-BMSCs were verified in this study.MethodsBMSCs were modified by Ad-GFP-BDNF in vitro, then transplanted into the amniotic cavity of rat fetuses with spina bifida aperta which were induced by all-trans-retinoic acid on embryonic day 15. Immunofluorescence, western blot and real-time quantitative PCR were used to detect the expression of different neuron markers and apoptosis related genes in the defective spinal cords. Lesion areas of the rat fetuses with spina bifida aperta were measured on embryonic day 20. The microenvironment changes after intra-amniotic BDNF-BMSCs transplantation were investigate by a protein array with 90 cytokines. ResultsWe found that BDNF-BMSCs sustained the characteristic of directional migration, engrafted at the SBA lesion area, increased the expression of BDNF in the defective spinal cords, alleviated the apoptosis of spinal cord cells, differentiated into neurons and skin-like cells, reduced the area of skin lesions, and improved the amniotic fluid microenvironment. Moreover, the BDNF-modified BMSCs showed a better effect than pure BMSCs on the inhibition of apoptosis and promotion of neural differentiation. ConclusionThese findings collectively indicate that intra-amniotic transplanted BDNF-BMSCs have an advantage in prompting the recovery of injured neural tissue of SBA fetuses.
Serum Potassium Trajectory During AKI and Mortality Risk
Authors: Chávez-Iñiguez Jonathan , Maggiani-Aguilera Pablo , de Quevedo Andrés Aranda-García , Granado Rolando Claure-Del , Vega-Vega Olynka , López-Giacoman Salvador R. , Chávez-Alonso Gael , Oliva-Martínez Ana E. , Díaz-Villavicencio Bladimir , Calderón-García Clementina E. , González-Barajas David , Arizaga-Nápoles Manuel , Vega-Méndez Frida M. De la , Navarro-Blackaller Guillermo , Medina-González Ramón , Ibarra-Hernández Margarita , Garcia-Garcia Guillermo
Published: March 2022

Background: Kidneys play a primary role in potassium homeostasis. The association between potassium (sK+) level and mortality or the need for kidney replacement therapy (KRT) during acute kidney injury (AKI) has not been adequately explored.Methods: In this prospective cohort study, AKI patients admitted to the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara were enrolled from August 2017 to June 2021 with AKI. We divided patients into 8 groups based on the serum potassium level trajectories up to ten days following hospitalization, (1) normokalemia (normoK), defined as sK+ values between 3.5 and 5.5 mEq/L; (2) corrected hyperkalemia (hyperK), sK+ > 5.5 mEq/L on hospital admission and decreased to normoK; (3) corrected hypokalemia (hypoK), sK+ < 3.5 mEq/L on hospital admission and increased to normoK; (4) fluctuating potassium, sK+ increased / decreased in and out of normoK parameters; (5) uncorrected hypoK, sK+ < 3.5 mEq/L; (6) normoK to hypoK, sK+ that were normal on hospital admission and decreased to hypoK and never went back to normal; (7) normoK to hyperK, sK+ that were normal on hospital admission and increased to hyperK and never went back to normal; (8) uncorrected hyperK, sK+ > 5.5 mEq/L. We assessed the association of serum potassium trajectories with mortality and the need for KRT (secondary objective). Results: A total of 311 AKI patients were included. The mean age was 52.6 years, and 182 (58.6%) were male. AKI stage 3 was present in 199 (63.9%). KRT started in 112 (36%) patients, and 66 (21.2%) died. After adjusting for confounders, 10-day hospital mortality was significantly higher in group 7 and 8 (OR, 1.37 and 1.63, p = <0.05, for both, respectevely), and KRT initiation was higher only in group 8 (OR 1.40, p = < 0.05) compared with group 1. Mortality in different subgroups of patients in group 8 did not change the primary results.Conclusion: In our prospective cohort, most patients with AKI had alterations in sK+. NormoK to hyperK and Uncorrected hyperK were associated with death, while only uncorrected hyperK was correlated with the need for KRT.
Expanded endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach to determine morphological characteristics and clinical considerations of the cavernous sinus venous spaces
Authors: zhan guowen , Guo Shanshan , Hu Honglei , Liao Jianchun , Dang Ruishan , Yang Youxiong
Published: March 2022

The study aimed at investigating the morphological characteristics and interconnected regularities of the cavernous sinus (CS) venous spaces using an expanded endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach.Surgical dissections were performed for 15- colored silicon–injected human head specimens. The CS venous spaces were examined for their morphological and clinical characteristics using an expanded endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach. The intracavernous course of the internal carotid artery (ICA) divided the CS venous spaces into four interconnected virtual compartments: medial, anteroinferior, posterosuperior, and lateral. The CS venous spaces had peculiar morphological characteristics; the medial compartment was C-shaped while the anteroinferior compartment resembled a boat's bow. The mean distances from the medial border of the inferior horizontal segment of cavernous ICA to the mid-line of the pituitary gland (PG) were 6.07±1.61 mm (left) and 5.97±1.89 mm (right); the mean distances from the medial border of the subarachnoid segment of cavernous ICA to the mid-line of the PG were 5.77±1.16 mm (left) and 5.63±1.17 mm (right); the mean distances from the medial border of the anterior vertical segment of cavernous ICA to the mid-line of the PG were 10.27±1.74 mm (left) and 10.47±1.90 mm (right). Morphological characteristics and the knowledge of the interconnected regularities of the CS venous spaces may help surgeons accurately locate the neurovascular structure, and thus may contribute to the effective prediction of tumor invasion and extension during endoscopic CS surgery.
At equilibrium, a fixed-length bidimensional closed string, in tension, built with uniform unit mass along its perimeter, situated in a gravitational field, and separating fluids of different densities, will have a circular shape.
Authors: Cocos Mihail , Chelaru Silviu Dorian
Published: March 2022

In this paper we calculate the exact shape of a membrane containing a liquid and in dynamic equilibrium. The membrane can be imagined as being the crossection of a cylindrical container immersed in salt water and containing fresh water.
Exploring the Impact of Indication on Differences in Rates of Emergency Caesarean Section in Six Palestinian Hospitals: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zimmo Mohammed Walid , Laine Katariina , Hassan Sahar , Bottcher Bettina , Fosse Erik , Ali-Masri Hadil , Zimmo Kaled , Falk Ragnhild Sørum , Lieng Marit , Vikanes Ase
Published: March 2022

BackgroundCaesarean section rates are rising globally. No specific caesarian section rate at either country-level or hospital-level was recommended. In Palestinian government hospitals, nearly one-fourth of all births were caesarean sections, ranging from 14.5% to 35.6%. Our aim was to assess whether differences in odds for emergency caesarean section in six Palestinian government hospitals can be explained by differences in indications.MethodsData on maternal and fetal health was collected prospectively for all women scheduled for vaginal delivery during the period from 1st March 2015 to 30th November 2016 in six government hospitals in Palestine. Comparisons of proportions in sociodemographic, antenatal obstetric characteristics and indications by hospital were tested by χ2 test and differences in means by one-way ANOVA analysis. The odds for emergency caesarean section were estimated by logistic regression. The amount of explained variance was estimated by Nagelkerke R square.ResultsOut of 51,041 women, 4724 (9.3%) underwent emergency caesarean section. The prevalence of emergency caesarean section varied across hospitals; from 7.6% to 22.1% in primiparous, and from 5.8% to 14.1% among parous women. The most common indications were fetal distress and failure to progress in primiparous, and previous caesarean section in parous women. Adjusted ORs for emergency caesarean section among primiparous women ranged from 0.42 (95% CI 0.31 to 0.57) to 2.41 (95% CI 1.70 to 3.40) compared to the reference hospital, and from 0.50 (95% CI 0.40-0.63) to 2.07 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.67) among parous women. Indications explained 58% and 66% of the variation in emergency caesarean section among primiparous and parous women, respectively. ConclusionThe differences in odds for emergency caesarean section among hospitals could not be fully explained by differences in indications. Further investigations on provider related factors as well as maternal and fetal outcomes in different hospitals are necessary.
Post Traumatic Development Five Years After Cancer: Identification Of Associated Actionable Factors
Authors: Evans Catherine Karine , Saliba-Serre Bérengère , Préau Marie , Bendiane Marc-Karim , Goncalves Anthony , Signoli Michel , Bouhnik Anne Déborah
Published: March 2022

Background: The number of cancer survivors is growing increasingly worldwide and a growing need exists for greater knowledge into cancer survivorship. The long-term negative consequences of the disease are now better known. Cancer may also foster positive outcomes such as post-traumatic growth. Some survivors consider life after cancer as the start of a new life and put in place a coping process called post-traumatic development (PTD) measured by a scale developed by Tedeschi and Calhoun. Objective: The purpose of this article is to determine modifiable factors affecting PTD, particularly those that could integrate clinical interventions, and those that reflects patient behaviors, willing to improve their health.Methods: This study focuses on the 1,982 participants in the VICAN cohort who responded to the survey at two and five years from diagnosis. Our search for characteristics associated with moderate to high PTD was conducted using logistic regressions.Results: Factors positively associated with moderate or high PTD are, a positive perception of time spent on information, increased physical activity and healthier diet, have benefited from psychological support at the beginning of the disease.Conclusion: High PTD is strongly associated with health behavior and information. Our findings suggest that appropriate clinical and educational interventions can help foster growth after the experience of cancer. Even if we do not know what causes what, it is admitted that the interventions leading to the Adapted Physical Activities, for example, are good from all points of view.
Adaptation of the Quality-caring Model to Hospitalized School Aged Children and Their Parents
Authors: Loureiro Fernanda , Antunes Vanessa , Charepe Zaida
Published: March 2022

Background: the development of nursing theory improves nursing practice and consequently the health of those who receive nursing care. The aim of this article is to describe the adaptation of the quality-caring model to hospitalized school aged children and their parent.Methods: a mixed methods study in 4 phases was outlined. Study integrated a literature review (phase 1); application of surveys to hospitalized children and their parents (phase 2); delphi panel with nurses as experts (phase 3); and the the adaptation of quality-caring model (phase 4). Participants included hospitalized children (n=252), their parents (n=251) and nurses (round 1 n=47; round 2 n=42). National Data Protection Commission provided authorization for the study as well as the ethics committee from 6 health institutions where the study was applied. Results: Findings highlight the identifications of key aspects valued by children, parents, and nurses, such as: information, family involvement, play, distraction, and communication. Conclusions: The adapted model includes fundamental aspects of children hospitalization and is focused on satisfaction with care as an outcome of nursing care. Its integration in daily clinical practice if fundamental to improve quality of care and accomplish parents and children satisfaction with nursing care.