bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Að sníða verkfærið að veruleikanum eða veruleikann að verkfærinu? Um jafnlaunastaðal og afnám kynbundinna launa
Authors: Haraldsdóttir Ragna Kemp , Rafnsdóttir Guðbjörg Linda , Jónsdóttir Guðbjörg Andrea
Published: December 2022

Til að vinna gegn kynbundnum launamun og stuðla að jafnrétti á vinnumarkaði var jafnlaunavottun lögfest með séríslenskum jafnlaunastaðli og lögum nr. 56/2017 sem tóku gildi 1. janúar 2018. Markmið staðalsins er að skipulagsheildir komi sér upp stjórnkerfi launa sem tryggi að ákvarðanir í launamálum byggist á málefnalegum sjónarmiðum og feli ekki í sér kynbundna mismunun. Meginmarkmið rannsóknarinnar er að skoða hvort jafnlaunastaðallinn hafi skilað árangri. Viðtöl voru tekin við starfandi vottunaraðila til þess greina framkvæmd og gagnsemi vottunarinnar. Jafnframt var þróun launamunar kynjanna í launarannsókn Hagstofu Íslands greind fyrir tímabilið 2012-2020. Skipulagsheildir sem höfðu fengið jafnlaunavottun og tóku þátt í launarannsókninni voru bornar saman við óvottaðar skipulagsheildir. Einnig voru borin saman laun karla og kvenna fyrir og eftir jafnlaunavottun. Vottunaraðilar líta á jafnlaunavottun sem farsælt skref í þágu launajafnréttis þrátt fyrir alvarlegar athugasemdir varðandi regluverk af hálfu stjórnvalda. Munur á reglulegum launum karla og kvenna hefur dregist saman um tæp átta prósentustig á umræddu tímabili en lítill munur er á þróun launa í skipulagsheildum sem hafa fengið vottun og annarra. Því er ekki hægt að sjá að innleiðing jafnlaunastaðals hafi haft bein áhrif á launamun kynjanna. Jafnlaunastaðallinn og umræða um hann gæti hafa haft óbein áhrif í þá veru að draga úr launamun kynja almennt. Þótt jafnlaunastaðallinn hafi aukið gæðastarf við launasetningar þá eru áhyggjur af ónákvæmum vinnubrögðum og því að staðallinn veiti mismunun í launasetningu hefðbundinna kvenna og karlastarfa lögmæti. Skortur á samræmdum aðgerðum skipulagsheilda og vottunaraðila er vandamál sem stjórnvöld þyrftu að bregðast skjótt við með skýrum hætti.
Improved topographic reconstruction of turbid media in the spatial frequency domain including the determination of the reduced scattering and absorption coefficients
Authors: Geiger Simeon , Hank Philipp , Kienle Alwin
Published: December 2022

The separation of scattering and absorption is of great importance for studying the radiative transfer in turbid media. Obtaining the corresponding coefficients for non-flat objects is difficult and needs special consideration. Building on our previous work [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 39, 1823 (2022)JOAOD60740-323210.1364/JOSAA.464007], we present an approach that takes the changing incident and detection angles relative to the surface normal of curved surfaces into account to improve the determination of the reduced scattering and absorption coefficients with measurements in the spatial frequency domain (SFD). The optical coefficients are reconstructed using a pre-calculated lookup table generated with Monte Carlo simulations on graphical processing units. With the obtained values, the error in the captured surface geometry of the object, which is due to the volume scattering, is compensated and reduced by 1 order of magnitude for measurements in the SFD. Considering the approximate surface geometry, the absorption and reduced scattering are accurately resolved for moderate object curvatures, with very low dependence on the tilt angle. In contrast to models that only correct the amplitudes of the SFD signal, our approach, in addition to the optical properties, predicts the phase values correctly, which is the reason why it can be used to correct the surface geometry.
Dynamics of quantum coherence for multiple nitrogen–vacancy centers coupled to a nanocavity under external driving
Authors: Xu Jiakun , Zhong Yu , Zeng Zhongliang , You Jia-Bin
Published: December 2022

We investigate the dynamics of quantum coherence among multiple diamond nitrogen–vacancy centers (NVCs) coupled to a microsphere whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) cavity under external driving, through numerically simulating the Markovian quantum master equation. We show that quantum coherence (both normal quantum coherence and relative entropy) displays a series of damped oscillations under various experimental situations, which reflects the intricate interplay and competition between the dissipative effects and NVC-WGM coupling. Our results also show that normal quantum coherence is an upper bound for relative entropy. The feasibility of our proposal is supported by currently available experimental techniques.
Single and multi-pulse based X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy
Authors: Jo Wonhyuk , Stern Stephan , Westermeier Fabian , Rysov Rustam , Riepp Matthias , Schmehr Julian , Lange Jörn , Becker Julian , Sprung Michael , Laurus Torsten , Graafsma Heinz , Lokteva Irina , Grübel Gerhard , Roseker Wojciech
Published: December 2022

The ability of pulsed nature of synchrotron radiation opens up the possibility of studying microsecond dynamics in complex materials via speckle-based techniques. Here, we present the study of measuring the dynamics of a colloidal system by combining single and multiple X-ray pulses of a storage ring. In addition, we apply speckle correlation techniques at various pulse patterns to collect correlation functions from nanoseconds to milliseconds. The obtained sample dynamics from all correlation techniques at different pulse patterns are in very good agreement with the expected dynamics of Brownian motions of silica nanoparticles in water. Our study will pave the way for future pulsed X-ray investigations at various synchrotron X-ray sources using individual X-ray pulse patterns.
Realization of CW single-frequency tunable Ti:sapphire laser with immunity to the noise of the pump source
Authors: Song Jiaqi , Qin Jiliang , Jin Pixian , Chen Yanan , Su Jing , Lu Huadong
Published: December 2022

All-solid-state continuous-wave (CW) single-frequency tunable Ti:sapphire (Ti:S) laser is an important source in quantum optics and atomic physics. However, intracavity etalon (IE) locking is easily influenced by the intensity noise of the pump source in the low frequency band. In order to address this issue, a differential detector with dual-photodiodes (PDs) is designed and employed in the experiment. Both PDs are used to detect the lights of the pump source and the built Ti:S laser, respectively. As a result, the influence of the intensity noise of the pump source on the stability of the IE locking is successfully eliminated and the IE is stably locked to the oscillating longitudinal-mode of the laser. On this basis, a stable CW single-frequency tunable Ti:S laser is realized. The presented method is beneficial to attain a stable single-frequency tunable laser with immunity to the intensity noise of the pump source.
Coaxial dual-beam wavefront shaping using nonlocal diffractive metasurfaces in terahertz frequencies
Authors: Xu Haifeng , Cheng Jierong , Ji Yunyun , Fan Fei , Chang Shengjiang
Published: December 2022

Metasurfaces for wavefront shaping rely on local phase modulation in subwavelength unit cells, which show limited degree of freedom in dealing with complex and multiple beam transformation. Here, we assign multiple beams into different diffraction orders coaxially located along the same direction, whose wavefronts are tailored by optimizing the diffraction coefficients in two orders and two polarization states of a supercell. By evenly splitting the energy into two orders and adjusting the zeroth-order diffraction phase, a Bessel beam and a vortex beam are simultaneously generated in the near field and far field along a coaxial direction. The effectiveness of the method is validated by the excellent agreement between the simulation and experimental characterization of the two beams.
Chiral enantiomer recognition of amino acids enhanced by terahertz spin beam separation based on a Pancharatnam–Berry metasurface
Authors: Liu Jiayue , Zhang Tianrui , Tan Zhiyu , Cheng Jierong , Chang Shengjiang , Fan Fei
Published: December 2022

The highly sensitive detection and identification of chiral biochemical substances have attracted extensive attention. Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy and sensing technology have obvious advantages in non-contact and label-free biochemical detection, but the THz chiral spectral response of chiral biochemical substances is too weak to realize highly sensitive chiral enantiomer recognition. Herein, we propose a method of spin beam deflection and separation by using a Pancharatnam–Berry (PB) metasurface to enhance the THz chirality response of chiral amino acids, realizing the identification of chiral enantiomers of the same kind of amino acid. The conjugate spin transmittances and circular dichroism (CD) spectra of d- and l-tyrosine samples on the PB metasurface were measured by an angle-resolved THz time-domain polarization spectroscopy system, and their CD values reached 16.4° and −11.6° at a deflection angle of ±33°, respectively, which were enhanced by about 9.3 and 11.9 times compared with the maximum CD values of the sample without the metasurface. Therefore, this THz chiral sensing method based on a PB metasurface has great potential in highly sensitive chirality identification and enhancement for chiral substances.
Propagation of higher-order spatiotemporal vortices
Authors: Porras Miguel A.
Published: December 2022

Closed-form, analytical expressions for higher-order, multi-charged spatiotemporal optical vortices (STOVs) propagating in free space or non-dispersive media are provided. We consider two relevant and complementary situations where the multi-charged STOV spreads freely, and where it is focused. Previously reported multi-charged STOV breakup upon spreading is merely an effect of diffraction, not an instability effect. The focused STOV reverses the sign of its topological charge upon passage through the focus. While the spreading STOV carries transverse orbital angular momentum, the ideally focused STOV from the far field does not.
Nonequilibrium polariton condensation in biannular optically induced traps
Authors: Bochin A. K. , Nalitov A. V.
Published: December 2022

We report the mean-field model of nonequilibrium polariton condensation in annular effective non-Hermitian potential traps stemming from incoherent optically induced excitonic reservoirs of annular shape. We solve the linearized extended Gross-Pitaevskii equation in the approximation of two delta-function effective shell potentials for complex spectra of trapped polariton modes and calculate corresponding condensation threshold optical pumping powers. The exhaustive map of condensate quantum number transitions in the multi-dimensional space of trap parameters, including a cascade of topological charge increments, is drastically different from the single annular trap case in topology and the range of accessible condensate states.
Nanoscale electric field sensing using a levitated nano-resonator with net charge
Authors: Zhu Shaocong , Fu Zhenhai , Gao Xiaowen , Li Cuihong , Chen Zhiming , Wang Yingying , Chen Xingfan , Hu Huizhu
Published: December 2022

The nanomechanical resonator based on a levitated particle exhibits unique advantages in the development of ultrasensitive electric field detectors. We demonstrate a three-dimensional, high-sensitivity electric field measurement technology using the optically levitated nanoparticle with known net charge. By scanning the relative position between nanoparticle and parallel electrodes, the three-dimensional electric field distribution with microscale resolution is obtained. The measured noise equivalent electric intensity with charges of

100
e

reaches the order of

1
  
μV
⋅

cm

−
1

⋅

Hz

−
1
/
2

at

1.4
×

10

−
7

  
mbar

. Linearity analysis near resonance frequency shows a measured linear range over 91 dB limited only by the maximum output voltage of the driving equipment. This work may provide an avenue for developing a high-sensitivity electric field sensor based on an optically levitated nano-resonator.
Voluntary vaccination may not stop monkeypox outbreak: A game-theoretic model
Authors: Augsburger Ian B. , Galanthay Grace K. , Tarosky Jacob H. , Rychtář Jan , Taylor Dewey
Published: December 2022

Monkeypox (MPX) is a viral zoonotic disease that was endemic to Central and West Africa. However, during the first half of 2022, MPX spread to almost 60 countries all over the world. Smallpox vaccines are about 85% effective in preventing MPX infections. Our objective is to determine whether the vaccines should be mandated or whether voluntary use of the vaccine could be enough to stop the MPX outbreak. We incorporate a standard SVEIR compartmental model of MPX transmission into a game-theoretical framework. We study a vaccination game in which individuals decide whether or not to vaccinate by assessing their benefits and costs. We solve the game for Nash equilibria, i.e., the vaccination rates the individuals would likely adopt without any outside intervention. We show that, without vaccination, MPX can become endemic in previously non-endemic regions, including the United States. We also show that to “not vaccinate” is often an optimal solution from the individual’s perspective. Moreover, we demonstrate that, for some parameter values, there are multiple equilibria of the vaccination game, and they exhibit a backward bifurcation. Thus, without centrally mandated minimal vaccination rates, the population could easily revert to no vaccination scenario.
Changes in adenosine receptors and neurotrophic factors in the SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Modulation by chronic caffeine
Authors: Rei Nádia , Valente Cláudia A. , Vaz Sandra H. , Farinha-Ferreira Miguel , Ribeiro Joaquim A. , Sebastião Ana M.
Published: December 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by the progressive degeneration of corticospinal tract motor neurons. Previous studies showed that adenosine-mediated neuromodulation is disturbed in ALS and that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has a neuroprotective function in ALS mouse models. We evaluated how adenosine (A1R and A2AR) and VEGF (VEGFA, VEGFB, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2) system markers are altered in the cortex and spinal cord of pre-symptomatic and symptomatic SOD1G93A mice. We then assessed if/how chronic treatment of SOD1G93A mice with a widely consumed adenosine receptor antagonist, caffeine, modulates VEGF system and/or the levels of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), known to be under control of A2AR. We found out decreases in A1R and increases in A2AR levels even before disease onset. Concerning the VEGF system, we detected increases of VEGFB and VEGFR-2 levels in the spinal cord at pre-symptomatic stage, which reverses at the symptomatic stage, and decreases of VEGFA levels in the cortex, in very late disease states. Chronic treatment with caffeine rescued cortical A1R levels in SOD1G93A mice, bringing them to control levels, while rendering VEGF signaling nearly unaffected. In contrast, BDNF levels were significantly affected in SOD1G93A mice treated with caffeine, being decreased in the cortex and increased in spinal the cord. Altogether, these findings suggest an early dysfunction of the adenosinergic system in ALS and highlights the possibility that the negative influence of caffeine previously reported in ALS animal models results from interference with BDNF rather than with the VEGF signaling molecules.
Comparison of measured LDL cholesterol with calculated LDL-cholesterol using the Friedewald and Martin-Hopkins formulae in diabetic adults at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital/NHLS Laboratory
Authors: Dintshi Mogomotsi , Kone Ngalulawa , Khoza Siyabonga
Published: December 2022

Background

The National Cholesterol Education Programme Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) and the European Society of Cardiology recommend using low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) as a treatment target for cholesterol lowering therapy. The Friedewald formula underestimates LDL-C in non-fasted and hypertriglyceridemia patients. This study aimed to compare measured LDL-C to calculated LDL-C in diabetic patients using the Friedewald and Martin-Hopkins formulae.

Methods

The data of 1 247 adult diabetes patients were retrospectively evaluated, and included triglycerides (TG), LDL-C, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol that were measured on the Roche Cobas® c702. Passing-Bablok regression analysis was used to determine the degree of agreement between measured LDL-C and calculated LDL-C using both formulae. The Bland-Altman plots were used to assess the bias at medical decision limits based on the 2021 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice.

Results

Both formulae showed a good linear relationship against measured LDL-C. However, the Martin-Hopkins formula outperformed the Friedewald formula at LDL-C treatment target <1.4mmol/L. The Friedewald formula and the Martin-Hopkins formula had 14.9% and 10.9% mean positive bias, respectively. At TG-C ≥1.7 mmol/L, the Martin-Hopkins formula had a lower mean positive bias of 4.2% (95% CI 3.0–5.5) compared to the Friedewald formula, which had a mean positive bias of 21.8% (95% CI 19.9–23), which was higher than the NCEP ATP III recommended total allowable limit of 12%.

Conclusion

The Martin-Hopkins formula performed better than the Friedewald formula at LDL-C of 1.4 mmol/L and showed the least positive bias in patients with hypertriglyceridemia.
Fluctuations of psychological states on Twitter before and during COVID-19
Authors: Massell Johannes , Lieb Roselind , Meyer Andrea , Mayor Eric
Published: December 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has been repeatedly associated with poor mental health. Previous studies have mostly focused on short time frames such as around the first lockdown periods, and the majority of research is based on self-report questionnaires. Less is known about the fluctuations of psychological states over longer time frames across the pandemic. Twitter timelines of 4,735 users from London and New York were investigated to shed light on potential fluctuations of several psychological states and constructs related to the pandemic. Moving averages are presented for the years 2020 and 2019. Further, mixed negative binomial regression models were fitted to estimate monthly word counts for the time before and during the pandemic. Several psychological states and constructs fluctuated heavily on Twitter during 2020 but not during 2019. Substantial increases in levels of sadness, anxiety, anger, and concerns about home and health were observed around the first lockdown periods in both cities. The levels of most constructs decreased after the initial spike, but negative emotions such as sadness, anxiety, and anger remained elevated throughout 2020 compared to the year prior to the pandemic. Tweets from both cities showed remarkably similar temporal patterns, and there are similarities to reactions found on Twitter following other previous traumatic events.
Near-peer teaching in problem-based learning: Perspectives from tutors and tutees
Authors: Zheng Binbin , Wang Zilu
Published: December 2022

Introduction

This study explores how tutors and tutees perceived their teaching and learning experience in a near-peer teaching programme within a formal undergraduate medical-education curriculum.

Methods

This mixed-methods study was conducted in an Asian medical school. First, a survey was administered to two groups of students, one that had been tutored by near-peers, and another with faculty tutors. Then, the near-peer tutors were interviewed and wrote reflection essays that the researchers collected. Quantitative analysis was used to analyse the survey responses, and qualitative analysis to analyse the interview and reflection data.

Results

Our study found no difference between near-peer tutees’ and faculty tutees’ perceptions of either tutor facilitation or tutor behaviours. Also, when near-peer tutors explained how their experience of delivering tutoring had influenced their professional-identity formation, they highlighted that they had gained skills important to their future careers as medical educators.

Conclusion

Integrating near-peer teaching into undergraduate medical curricula could be beneficial to both tutors and tutees because of the social, cognitive, and professional congruence between these two groups, and due to its likely positive influence on their professional-identity formation.
Evaluating the effectiveness of a mobile application to improve the quality, collection, and usability of forensic documentation of sexual violence
Authors: Kidenda Suzanne , Muchai Roseline , Green Lindsey , McHale Thomas , Mishori Ranit , Nelson Brett D.
Published: December 2022

Background

Survivors of sexual violence deserve timely and high-quality forensic examination, evidence collection, and documentation as part of comprehensive care. However, in many countries, the quality of medical-legal documentation is severely limited. MediCapt is an innovative digital application that enables clinicians to document forensic medical evidence as well as capture and securely store forensic photographs of injuries. This study evaluated the effectiveness and usability of MediCapt to document forensic medical evidence of sexual violence.

Methods

This mixed-methods evaluation involved key-informant interviews, usability questionnaires, and forensic record reviews. Participants included clinicians, medical records personnel, information technology personnel, and health facility administrators, as well as law enforcement and legal professionals in Kenya.

Results

The Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) data quality checklist found that using MediCapt led to significantly higher data-quality scores compared to paper-based forms. MediCapt forms scored higher on 23 of 26 checklist items. While a wide difference in quality was seen among paper-based forms, MediCapt appeared to both standardize and improve quality of documentation across sites. MediCapt strengths included data security and confidentiality, accuracy and efficiency, and supplemental documentation with photography. Weaknesses included infrastructure challenges, required technological proficiencies, and time to learn the new system. Although it is early to assess the impact of MediCapt on prosecutions, providers and law and justice sector professionals were optimistic about its usefulness. They identified MediCapt as appropriate for use with survivors of sexual violence and reported MediCapt’s legibility and photography features had already been commended by the court.

Conclusion

MediCapt was well-received across all sectors, its use was perceived as feasible and sustainable, and it significantly improved the quality of collected forensic data. It is anticipated this improvement in forensic documentation will increase successful prosecutions, strengthen accountability for perpetrators, and improve justice for survivors.
Evaluation of breeding practices and morphological characterization of donkeys in Blouberg Local Municipality, Limpopo province: Implication for the design of community-based breeding programme
Authors: Maswana Masixole , Mugwabana Thinawanga Joseph , Tyasi Thobela Louis
Published: December 2022

Identification of livestock farmers’ breeding practices and morphological characterization of livestock are the important first steps to the successful implementation of any breeding programme. Community-based breeding programme (CBBP) has gained attention as a promising method for the genetic improvement of livestock but lacks information on donkey breeding. The study was conducted to identify donkey farmers’ breeding practices and donkey morphological characterization in three purposely selected villages (Thorne, Archibalt and Genau) located in Blouberg Local Municipality, Limpopo province of South Africa. Questionnaire survey method was used to collect the data from twenty-one donkey farmers while body weight and seventeen morphological traits were measured for the morphological characterization from seventy-four donkeys. Descriptive statistics and index values were computed to describe donkey breeding practices. Chi-square statistics were used to compare categorical variables among villages. General Linear Model procedure was used to compare morphological characteristics of donkeys among villages. The results revealed that there was no statistical different (P>0.05) observed on socio-economic characteristics of donkey farmers except on education level (P<0.05) among villages. Purpose of keeping donkeys, type of donkey breed kept, donkey coat colours, mating systems, reasons for culling, mating seasons and selection criterions were not significantly different (P>0.05) among villages. The most common trait preferences of donkey farmers among the surveyed villages were body size and growth rate in breeding males while in breeding females were body size, twining ability and mothering ability. The results indicated that in all the eighteen measured traits only four showed a significant difference (P<0.05) among the villages and some were significantly correlated with body weight (P<0.05). The results of this study will serves as basis for the development and implementation of CBBPs for donkey farmers at Blouberg Local Municipality of South Africa.
Evaluation of the Kaira COVID-19/Flu/RSV Detection Kit for detection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, and respiratory syncytial virus: A comparative study with the PowerChek SARS-CoV-2, influenza A&B, RSV Multiplex Real-time PCR Kit
Authors: Kim Tae Yeul , Bae Go Eun , Kim Ji-Youn , Kang Minhee , Jang Ja-Hyun , Huh Hee Jae , Chung Doo Ryeon , Lee Nam Yong
Published: December 2022

Background

Co-circulation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other respiratory viruses, such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), can be a severe threat to public health. The accurate detection and differentiation of these viruses are essential for clinical laboratories. Herein, we comparatively evaluated the performance of the Kaira COVID-19/Flu/RSV Detection Kit (Kaira; Optolane, Seongnam, Korea) for detection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B, and RSV in nasopharyngeal swab (NPS) specimens with that of the PowerChek SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A&B, RSV Multiplex Real-time PCR Kit (PowerChek; Kogene Biotech, Seoul, Korea).

Methods

A total of 250 archived NPS specimens collected for routine clinical testing were tested in parallel by the Kaira and PowerChek assays. RNA standards were serially diluted and tested by the Kaira assay to calculate the limit of detection (LOD).

Results

The positive and negative percent agreements between the Kaira and PowerChek assays were as follows: 100% (49/49) and 100% (201/201) for SARS-CoV-2; 100% (50/50) and 99.0% (198/200) for influenza A; 100% (50/50) and 100% (200/200) for influenza B; and 100% (51/51) and 100% (199/199) for RSV, respectively. The LODs of the Kaira assay for SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B, and RSV were 106.1, 717.1, 287.3, and 442.9 copies/mL, respectively.

Conclusions

The Kaira assay showed comparable performance to the PowerChek assay for detection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B, and RSV in NPS specimens, indicating that the Kaira assay could be a useful diagnostic tool when these viruses are co-circulating.
Age-dependent sex difference of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in TSOD and db/db mice
Authors: Dungubat Erdenetsogt , Kusano Hiroyuki , Mori Ichiro , Tawara Hirosuke , Sutoh Mitsuko , Ohkura Naoki , Takanashi Masakatsu , Kuroda Masahiko , Harada Naoki , Udo Emiko , Souda Masakazu , Furusato Bungo , Fukusato Toshio , Takahashi Yoshihisa
Published: December 2022

According to previous clinical studies, the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is higher in men than women only during the reproductive age. Animal models of NAFLD that reflect sex differences in humans have not been established. In this study, we examined sex differences in the hepatic lesions of Tsumura Suzuki obese diabetes (TSOD) and db/db mice, which are representative genetic models of NAFLD. Male and female TSOD and db/db mice were fed with a normal diet and tap water ad libitum. Six male and female mice of each strain were sacrificed at the ages of 3 and 9 months, respectively, and serum biochemical, pathological, and molecular analyses were performed. Serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were significantly higher in male than female mice of both strains at the age of 3 months; however, at 9 months, significant sex differences were not observed. Similarly, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were significantly higher in male mice than in female TSOD mice at the age of 3 months; however, at 9 months, significant sex differences were not observed. Image analysis of histological slides revealed that the frequency of the steatotic area was significantly higher in male than female db/db mice at the age of 3 months; however, significant sex differences were not observed at 9 months. The frequency of Sirius red-positive fibrotic area was significantly higher in male than female mice in both strains at the age of 3 months; however, significant sex differences were not observed at 9 months. Serum AST and ALT levels and hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in TSOD and db/db mice showed age-dependent sex differences consistent with those observed in human NAFLD. These mice may be suitable for studying sex differences of the disease.
Quality of nutrition services in primary health care facilities of Dhaka city: State of nutrition mainstreaming in urban Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Anne Faugia , Akter Syeda Mahsina , Sheikh Sifat Parveen , Ireen Santhia , Escobar-DeMarco Jessica , Kappos Kristen , Ash Deborah , Rasheed Sabrina
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Despite high prevalence of malnutrition little is known about the quality of nutrition services provided through urban health systems. This study aimed to fill in knowledge gaps on quality of nutrition service provision at public primary health care facilities in urban Dhaka.

Method

This cross-sectional study was conducted from April-July 2019 in Dhaka City. Fifty-three health facilities were sampled following NetCode protocol. Quality of nutrition services was assessed in terms of structural readiness, process, and client satisfaction. Structural readiness included equipment, guidelines, and registers, and knowledge of health professionals (n = 130). For process, client provider interaction was observed (ANC: n = 159, Pediatric: n = 150). For outcome assessment, client’s satisfaction with nutrition service provision was measured through interviews with pregnant women (n = 165) and caregivers of 0–24 month-old children (n = 162). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using SPSS.

Results

There were gaps in availability of equipment and guidelines in health facilities. Only 30% of healthcare providers received basic nutrition training. The mean knowledge score was 5.8 (range 0–10) among ANC providers and 7.8 for pediatric service providers. Process: Only 17.6% health facilities had dedicated space for counselling, 48.4% of pregnant women received four key nutrition services; 22.6% of children had adequate growth monitoring; and 38.7% of caregivers received counselling on exclusive breastfeeding. Outcome: The mean satisfaction with services was 4.3 for ANC and 4.0 for paediatric visits (range 1–5). Participants attending public facilities had significantly lower satisfaction compared to those attending private and NGO health facilities.

Conclusion

There were gaps in facility readiness, and implementation of nutrition services. The clients were more satisfied with services at private facilities compared to public. The gaps in nutrition service delivery need to be adequately addressed to ensure promotion of good nutrition and early detection and management of malnutrition among pregnant women and children in urban Bangladesh.
The prevalence and correlates of depression among patients with chronic diseases in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Alkaabi A. J. , Alkous A. , Mahmoud K. , AlMansoori A. , Elbarazi Iffat , Suliman Abubaker , Alam Zufishan , AlAwadi Fatheya , Al-Maskari Fatima
Published: December 2022

Background

Chronic diseases constitute a major public health problem in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Chronic diseases have been found to be associated with an increased prevalence of depression and depressive symptoms. Depression can have detrimental effect on the prognosis of the disease and quality of life in patients.

Aims and objectives

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of depression in a sample of patients suffering from chronic disease in Al-Ain city, UAE.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional survey based study was conducted with 417 participants recruited from seven primary health care centers of Al-Ain city. Men and women aged 18 years and above suffering from chronic disease filled the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed on the collected data to investigate correlates of different factors with depression. Data was analyzed using SPSS (version 26). The study was approved by Ambulatory Healthcare Services (AHS) Human Ethics Research Committee.

Results

The majority 62.41% (n = 254) of the sample were females, 57.97% (n = 240) aged above 55 years and with a median (Q25, Q75) duration of chronic disease of 8 (4, 15) years. The prevalence of depression was 21.1% (95% CI: 17.5%–25.3%). With severe depression was in 1.7% and mild-moderate in 34.7% of the participants. Depression severity was statistically significantly associated with increasing age (p = 0.006), low level of education (p<0.001), presence of asthma (p = 0.007) and heart disease (p = 0.013). Unadjusted logistic regression reported that presence of depression was significantly associated with female gender (cOR = 1.8, [95% CI; 1.1–3.1], p = 0.025), and presence of chronic kidney disease (cOR = 4.9, [95% CI; 1.3–20.2], p = 0.020) and heart disease (cOR = 2.9, [95% CI; 1.6–5.4], p = 0.001) longer duration of disease in years (cOR = 1.04, [95% CI; 1.01–1.07], p = 0.003). However, in the adjusted logistic regression analysis, participants with heart disease (aOR = 2.8, [95% CI; 1.4–5.5], p = 0.004), and with longer duration of disease (aOR = 1.04, [1.01–1.07], p = 0.014) remained significantly associated statistically with higher chance of having depression.

Conclusion

The prevalence of depression was quite high and the study highlights for health care professionals and policy makers, the importance of mental health support as part of a comprehensive management plan for patients with chronic diseases. A multidisciplinary comprehensive program will improve the long-term outcomes of these patients. Patients with chronic diseases may need more support and counseling at primary health care levels.
Antibiotic treatment failure in children aged 1 to 59 months with World Health Organization-defined severe pneumonia in Malawi: A CPAP IMPACT trial secondary analysis
Authors: Mvalo Tisungane , Smith Andrew G. , Eckerle Michelle , Hosseinipour Mina C. , Kondowe Davie , Vaidya Dhananjay , Liu Yisi , Corbett Kelly , Nansongole Dan , Mtimaukanena Takondwa A. , Lufesi Norman , McCollum Eric D.
Published: December 2022

Background

Pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality in children <5 years globally. Early identification of hospitalized children with pneumonia who may fail antibiotics could improve outcomes. We conducted a secondary analysis from the Malawi CPAP IMPACT trial evaluating risk factors for antibiotic failure among children hospitalized with pneumonia.

Methods

Participants were 1–59 months old with World Health Organization-defined severe pneumonia and hypoxemia, severe malnutrition, and/or HIV exposure/infection. All participants received intravenous antibiotics per standard care. First-line antibiotics were benzylpenicillin and gentamicin for five days. Study staff assessed patients for first-line antibiotic failure daily between days 3–6. When identified, patients failing antibiotics were switched to second-line ceftriaxone. Analyses excluded children receiving ceftriaxone and/or deceased by hospital day two. We compared characteristics between patients with and without treatment failure and fit multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate associations between treatment failure and admission characteristics.

Results

From June 2015–March 2018, 644 children were enrolled and 538 analyzed. Antibiotic failure was identified in 251 (46.7%) participants, and 19/251 (7.6%) died. Treatment failure occurred more frequently with severe malnutrition (50.2% (126/251) vs 28.2% (81/287), p<0.001) and amongst those dwelling ≥10km from a health facility (22.3% (56/251) vs 15.3% (44/287), p = 0.026). Severe malnutrition occurred more frequently among children living ≥10km from a health facility than those living <10km (49.0% (49/100) vs 35.7% (275/428), p = 0.014). Children with severe malnutrition (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.2 (95% CI 1.52, 3.24), p<0.001) and pre-hospital antibiotics ((aOR 1.47, 95% CI 1.01, 2.14), p = 0.043) had an elevated aOR for antibiotic treatment failure.

Conclusion

Severe malnutrition and pre-hospital antibiotic use predicted antibiotic treatment failure in this high-risk severe pneumonia pediatric population in Malawi. Our findings suggest addressing complex sociomedical conditions like severe malnutrition and improving pneumonia etiology diagnostics will be key for better targeting interventions to improve childhood pneumonia outcomes.
Tumores parotídeos: correlación entre estudios de imagen, punción aspiración con aguja fina y los hallazgos histopatológicos
Authors: Caceres-Puerto Maria , Porras-Alonso Eulalia , Salom-Coveñas Carmen
Published: December 2022

Introducción y objetivo: Nuestro objetivo es establecer la rentabilidad del diagnóstico citológico mediante punción aspiración con aguja fina (PAAF) y la utilidad del estudio de imagen preoperatoria en el manejo de masas parotídeas. Método: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de una muestra de 142 pacientes con tumoración parotídea intervenidos por el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología del HUPR en los últimos 10 años, con diagnóstico preoperatorio radiológico (ecografía, TC, RNM) y citológico, mediante PAAF. Los resultados de ambas pruebas se han clasificado como positivos o negativos para malignidad y se compararon con el diagnóstico anatomopatológico. Resultados: La edad media fue de 56 años, el 61,3% eran hombres. La PAAF presentó una sensibilidad para detectar malignidad del 75% y una especificidad del 100%; con valores predictivos positivo y negativo (VPN) de 100 y 97%, respectivamente. La sensibilidad del estudio radiológico fue de 25%, y la especificidad del 99%. El valor predictivo positivo para malignidad fue de 80%, y el valor predictivo negativo, de 89%. Conclusiones: La PAAF es una prueba sencilla, pero de utilidad limitada para la orientación diagnóstica debido a su baja sensibilidad y elevados falsos negativos; sin embargo, su alta especificidad y elevado VPN hacen de la misma una prueba con mayor precisión frente a un resultado benigno o negativo. El estudio radiológico previo es útil en el diagnóstico de extensión y características tumorales, aunque se ve limitado por sí solo en el diagnóstico diferencial de malignidad. La RM se ha convertido en la modalidad de imagen de elección.
REFORMAS CURRICULARES PARA O ENSINO MÉDIO: CONTEXTOS DE PRODUÇÃO DE TEXTO E DA PRÁTICA
Authors: Martins Eliezer Alves , Ferreira Maira
Published: December 2022

O artigo trata sobre as reformas curriculares para o Ensino Médio, desde a promulgação da LDBEN (Lei nº 9.394/1996) até a homologação da BNCC – EM, sendo o objetivo do trabalho analisar a produção das reformas e a percepção de professores em exercício sobre os princípios e objetivos e os processos para sua execução na escola. Os pressupostos teórico-metodológicos se baseiam na Abordagem do Ciclo de Políticas, tendo como materiais de análise, os documentos legais e as respostas dos professores a um questionário acerca do modo como conhecem/operam com tais políticas na escola. Os resultados apontam que os professores reconhecem a escola como espaço de acesso e divulgação, mas com oportunidades limitadas de discussão e interpretação dos textos legais, sendo estudos e discussões promovidas na universidade importantes para que, não só conheçam os documentos, mas compreendam seus efeitos e o papel do contexto da prática como espaço de produção da reforma.
CONFIGURACIÓN DE LAS PRÁCTICAS PEDAGÓGICAS DE DOCENTES RURALES DEL NIVEL DE BÁSICA PRIMARIA
Authors: Acevedo Albeiro Rodríguez , Felicetti Vera Lucia
Published: December 2022

La Educación rural es considerada una forma de brindar educación a personas alejadas de las zonas urbanas, para lo cual el gobierno ha diseñado e implementado diversas estrategias que posibiliten esta dinámica educativa, aunque esta hoy por hoy se considere precaria y falta de calidad debido a las condiciones y características de cómo se brinda. El articulo presenta algunas situaciones vividas por tres docentes noveles en sus tres primeros años de trabajo en el sector rural y cómo han sido los procesos de adaptación a estos contextos y comunidades, evidenciando las falencias y las significativas brechas que se están fomentando en la práctica educativa. De igual manera mediante la metodología de análisis textual discursivo se plantea una discusión acerca de cómo la experiencia docente en zonas rurales, configura las practicas docentes de aquellos maestros que se enfrentan a diferentes condiciones, ofreciendo una perspectiva de la labor docente de la educación rural.
FORMAÇÃO ÉTICO-ESTÉTICA NO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL: COMPREENSÕES E IMPLICAÇÕES AO FAZER DOCENTE
Authors: Oliveira da Silva Ana Paula , Casagrande Cledes Antonio , Trezzi Clóvis
Published: December 2022

Este artigo, aborda a compreensão de um grupo de educadores sobre a formação ético-estética na escola. Seu objetivo consiste em analisar como os professores da Educação Infantil e dos Anos Iniciais do Ensino Fundamental, de um Colégio de Porto Alegre, RS, compreendem a formação ético-estética dos seus estudantes e quais as possíveis implicações dessa compreensão para o próprio fazer docente. O referencial teórico orienta-se na discussão dos conceitos de educação, ética e estética. A interpretação dos dados seguiu a técnica da análise de conteúdo e os resultados da pesquisa foram categorizados em quatro eixos temáticos: educação como formação integral para o bem viver; formação ética e bem comum; percepção estética e imaginação criadora; práticas pedagógicas e formação ético-estética. A pesquisa evidencia que a formação ético-estética é objeto de reflexão e ação dos educadores, porém existe um hiato entre a concepção teórica, o planejamento e a prática pedagógica.
Equality and diversity in secondary schools: teachers’ agentic and constrained enactments of the curriculum
Authors: Lebbakhar Asma , Hoskins Kate , Chappell Anne
Published: December 2022

In England educators have been concerned about ensuring equality and diversity in education due to ever-diversifying school populations, who find themselves positioned as outsiders to England’s National Curriculum. This article explores the accessibility and limitations of the curriculum from the perspective of ten secondary school teachers in nine different subjects in inner city state schools. We begin by examining the participants’ goals and aims when enacting the curriculum to make it accessible to all students. However, the prescriptive nature of the curriculum in most subjects makes this task challenging. We then examine how participants perceived that they enabled students’ access to the curriculum and the challenges encountered. We focus on art and English to highlight the different spaces to enact equality and diversity within the curriculum. In the nonprescriptive art curriculum, teachers choose their own resources and themes, allowing for greater creativity and cultural inclusivity. In contrast, in the English curriculum, teachers find the process of equalising and diversifying the curriculum difficult, particularly at Key Stage 4, due to the high status of the subject. To conclude, we argue that the more prescriptive a curriculum subject is, the more difficult it is to make it equal, diverse and inclusive of everyone.
Interpelaciones sinodales al derecho matrimonial
Authors: Peña García Carmen
Published: December 2022

El pontificado de Francisco presta una especial atención a los retos pastorales —y jurídicos— del matrimonio y la familia, haciéndolo además desde una perspectiva peculiar: la sinodal. A partir de la celebración del gran Sínodo sobre la Familia de los años 2014 y 2015, se ha sucedido una notable actividad magisterial y legislativa que interpela al derecho matrimonial canónico. En este artículo se reflexiona sobre algunas de las cuestiones más directamente interpeladas por el proceso sinodal, como son la propuesta pontificia de renovación de la formación para el matrimonio, el papel del discernimiento en la génesis del consentimiento y sus implicaciones en la interpretación del grave defecto de discreción de juicio, la necesaria profundización doctrinal y jurisprudencial de la ordenación del matrimonio al bonum coniugum, y el reto abierto de integrar mejor la dimensión pastoral y familiar (el bonum familiae) en el sistema matrimonial canónico, sustantivo y procesal.
Il processo canonico di nullità del matrimonio dalla codificazione post-conciliare alla riforma scaturita dalla riflessione sinodale sulla famiglia
Authors: Izzi Claudia
Published: December 2022

L’evoluzione normativa che negli ultimi quaranta anni ha riguardato le cause per la dichiarazione della nullità matrimoniale si pone in stretta correlazione con la dottrina del Concilio Vaticano II e con le istanze emerse nell’ambito della riflessione sinodale sulla famiglia promossa da Papa Francesco. Si evidenzia la costante e progressiva assimilazione dei principi informatori del processo canonico, alla luce dei quali vengono prospettati alcuni perfezionamenti e sviluppi possibili.
Los abusos de menores en la Iglesia y la necesidad ineludible de un nuevo derecho procesal penal canónico
Authors: Moran Bustos Carlos M.
Published: December 2022

No es posible una acción pastoral en el tema de los abusos que no tenga en cuenta la dimensión jurídica del problema, o que postergue los mecanismos jurídicos que plurisecularmente el ser humano ha usado para la resolución de los conflictos y controversias; uno de estos mecanismos ha sido el proceso, que siempre tiene un carácter instrumental respecto de los bienes jurídicos a los que sirve. Consciente de que la devaluación de lo jurídico, en general, y de los mecanismos sancionadores ha sido una de las causas de la crisis de los abusos en la Iglesia, el autor sostiene que no es posible afrontar la cuestión de los abusos en la Iglesia sin el derecho, en general, y sin los mecanismos sancionadores, en particular (sin el derecho penal y el procesal). Es necesario un cuerpo normativo penal sustantivo y procesal más armónico, simplificado y con más rigor técnico. Este nuevo cuerpo normativo procesal canónico permitiría un tratamiento específico de los delitos de abusos de menores. Como miembro de la Comisión creada a tal efecto en la CEE, el autor expone los aspectos principales del «proyecto de normativa sobre abusos sexuales de menores y quienes habitualmente tienen un uso imperfecto de razón».