bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with insecticide-treated mosquito nets utilization for malaria prevention in Burkina Faso: finding from cross-sectional household survey
Authors: Badolo Hermann , Hien Hervé , Hien S. Aristide , Somda M.A. Serge , Bazié Herman , Bacyé Yisso Fidèle , Diallo Cheick Omar , Tiono Alfred , Guira Matilibou , Meda Nicolas
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The World Health Organization recommends insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) as one of the main interventions to control malaria spread. The leading driver of this intervention is use of ITN; however, socio-demographic characteristics factors, access and possession of ITN could also influence its usage. Therefore, the present study aimed to document the factors associated with using ITNs to eliminate malaria in Burkina Faso. This study's findings would be useful to the National Malaria Control Programme and other stakeholders engaged in the promotion of ITNs to fight malaria cases. Methods: Data were collected from a quasi-experimental cross-sectional study in Burkina Faso. An analytical approach including a descriptive and an explanatory component was used. For the descriptive aspect of the analysis, possession, access, and use of ITNs were described. The factors associated with ITN use were assessed using univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses, with the level of significance at 5%. The data were analyzed using Stata 16.1 software. Results: The results of the saturated model showed that the type of textile of the IBD (polyester: odds ratio (OR) = 1.23; 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.13, 1.33]) and age of the IBD (6–11 months, OR = 0.91, 95% CI [0.83, 0.997]; ≥ 12 months OR = 0.52, 95% CI [0.401, 0.675]) are influential factors for the use of ITNs. On the other hand, the level of ITN possession (excessive ITNs; OR = 0.66; 95% CI [0.597, 0.74]) and the household poverty quintile showed a positive correlation with the use of ITNs (mean OR = 0.791, 95% CI [0.694, 0.902]; rich OR = 0.656, 95% CI [0.573, 0.751], and very rich OR, = 0.557, 95% CI [0.484,0.641]). Conclusion: There is a strong association between ITN use, type of textile, age of ITNs and number of ITNs in possession. Strengthening health education on the benefits and importance of ITN use will improve the appropriate use of ITNs among the population of Burkina Faso.
The scent of an archaic wreck: minimally invasive characterization of archaeological finds
Authors: Rizzo Emanuela , Morelli Marco , Melchiorre Chiara , Naso Alessandro , Amoresano Angela , Carpentieri Andrea
Published: July 2024

The chemical characterisation of archaeological finds necessitates a continuous focus on the development of nano/micro invasive methodologies. These methodologies yield insights into the historical background, production processes, and conservation state of the items, often revealing astonishing properties of materials that have been unexpectedly preserved over the centuries. This work aims to characterise the molecular composition of a putative historical resin recovered during an archaeological excavation in Campese Bay off the island of Giglio in the 1980s. The resin was sampled from a trade amphora used for wine transport; it was likely employed as a coating to ensure better waterproofing of the containers. The characterisation was performed by detecting specific molecular markers using a GC-MS direct injection approach. Additionally, we investigated the volatile fraction of the same sample through Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) coupled with GC-MS to address the need for a fast, solvent-free, and field-compatible sample preparation method.
Estimation of genetic parameters in hybrid and F2 generations of aromatic fine rice
Authors: Tare Abu Musa Md Main Uddin , Hassan Lutful , Habib Muhammad Ashraful , Nayak Swati , Robin Arif Hasan Khan
Published: July 2024

The present study was designed to analyze genetic parameters, heterosis, and inbreeding depression in F1 and F2 generations obtained from a crossing between fine and aromatic rice genotypes - Kataribhog and BRRI dhan50. A significant amount of variation was found from the analysis of variance among the genotypes of F1, F2, and their parents. Grain yield plant-1 showed a significant positive correlation with the number of tillers hill-1, number of effective tillers hill-1, flagleaf length, panicle length, grains panicle-1, filled grains panicle-1, and grain yield panicle-1. For all the traits of F1 and F2, the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was greater than the corresponding genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), suggesting an influence of environment on the expression of these traits. Furthermore, high heritability along with high genetic advance in the percentage of the mean (GAM) was observed for all the traits studied except days to first flowering and plant height in F1 and for grains panicle-1, filled grains panicle-1, grain yield panicle-1, and grain yield plant-1 in F2 generations which is an indication of additive gene control and selection for improvement could be effective. Both the cross and reciprocal cross had significant positive heterosis with subsequent inbreeding depression predominantly in the number of tillers hill-1, grains panicle‑1, filled grains panicle-1, grain yield panicle-1, and grain yield plant-1, excluding days to first flowering suggested the scope for exploitation of heterosis. Seed materials from F2 generatios can be used to obtain advanced segregating generations for developing a high-yielding aromatic rice variety.
Iridium(III)-catalyzed remote B(9)−H alkylation of o-carboranes with nitrile template
Authors: Lee Phil Ho , Lee Kyungsup , Kim Jiwon , Yang Bora , Kim Dongwook
Published: July 2024

Although the directing group assisted ortho-B − H activation reactions of o-carboranes have been well established during the past decade, the meta-B − H activation reactions are unexplored so far. Herein, iridium(III)-catalyzed remote B(9) − H alkylation reactions of o-carboranes with nitrile template have been demonstrated for the first time. It was revealed that fine tuning of the template structures is essential for high reaction efficiency and regioselectivity. This alkylation process exhibits a broad substrate scope with good functional group tolerance under simple reaction conditions. The nitrile template, readily accessible from o-carborane acids, can be removed conveniently after completion of the reaction. The present method provides a powerful synthetic route to complex o-carborane derivatives, demonstrating successful larger scale alkylation and further molecular transformations of the B(9)-alkylated products.
AI Governance: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Batool Amna , Zowghi Didar , Bano Muneera
Published: July 2024

As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms a wide range of sectors and drives innova- tion, it also introduces different types of risks that should be identified, assessed, and mitigated. Various AI governance frameworks have been released recently by governments, organizations, and companies to mitigate risks associated with AI. However, it can be challenging for AI stakeholders to have a clear picture of the available AI governance frameworks, tools, or models and analyze the most suitable one for their AI system. To fill the gap, we present the litera- ture to answer key questions: WHO is accountable for AI systems’ governance, WHAT elements are being governed, WHEN governance occurs within the AI development life cycle, and HOW it is implemented through frameworks, tools, policies, or models. Adopting the systematic literature review (SLR) methodol- ogy, this study meticulously searched, selected, and analyzed 28 articles, offering a foundation for understanding different facets of AI governance. The analysis is further enhanced by categorizing artifacts of AI governance under team-level governance, organization-level governance, industry-level governance, national- level governance, and international-level governance. The findings of this study on existing AI governance solutions can assist research communities in proposing comprehensive AI governance practices.
A study of freelancers’ work experiences in the Albanian gig economy – is there any meaning after all?
Authors: Kapisyzi Brikene Dionizi , Drishti Elvisa , Kopliku Bresena , Duhanxhi Idlir , Dergjini Arjola Halluni
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the work experiences of Albanian gig workers in Upwork freelancing platform within the lenses of meaning of work. By offering evidence on more creative and complex remote employment, this study contributes to the growing body of literature on digital freelancing and bridges the scholarship on digital platforms, meaningful work, and entrepreneurship/self-employment to capture the complex nature of experiential work practices on remote digital platforms. In total, 20 semi-structured interviews with gig workers in Tirana, Shkoder and Durres, offered a personalized insight into the lived experiences of the platform gig workers, giving a possibility to comprehend the nuances of their working conditions, challenges faced, opportunities, and benefits. To analyse the data we used the Gioia method. Our findings suggest that the clustering of the concepts shows that for Albanian gig workers, the meaning of work encompasses a complex interplay of flexibility, economic necessity, and personal autonomy, tempered by the challenges of financial insecurity, lack of benefits, and the absence of clear career paths. This study is to offer an exhaustive insight into the world of remote (gig/platform) work in Albania as an under-researched context.
“Brief history of Mongols” Compiled by A. Dorzhiev (1853–1938)
Authors: Ayusheeva Marina V. ,   Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vanchikova Tsymzhit P. ,   Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: July 2024

The article provides a source analysis of the historical work by Agvan Dorzhiev entitled as “A brief history of the Mongols according to the Mongolian chronicle Huhe Debter (Blue Book)”. Two editions of A. Dorzhiev’s work have been analyzed and their comparison with the chronicle “Huhe Debter” (Blue Book) from the collections of the library of St. Petersburg University was carried out. The methods of source studies, historical-descriptive and historical-comparative methods are used in the work. It is revealed that the text of A. Dorzhiev almost completely repeats the logic of the narration, as well as the history and genealogy of the Mongolian khans according to the third part of the handwritten chronicle “Huhe Debter”. In the publication of A. Dorzhiev, minor corrections and additions are observed. Separate insertions relate to the religious merits of the Mongolian Khagans, their activities in spreading the Buddhist religion, as well as the history of the Olets and their genealogies, which are given in two versions. This work has been strongly influenced by Buddhist ideology, for example, for confirming the idea of the incarnation of Bodhisattva Ochirvani in Genghis Khan, a small excursion into Buddhist doctrine is given. In substantiating the heavenly predestination of the birth of Genghis Khan, the formation of the cult of Genghis Khan, and the appointment of the descendants of Boorchu as caretakers of the tomb of Genghis Khan in Ordos are outlined. The dating of some historical events can also be attributed to Buddhist influence. This publication of “A Brief History of the Mongols” by A. Dorzhiev draws attention to the little-known Mongolian chronicle “Huhe Debter”. Both texts are interesting as historical and literary works, as sources on the Mongolian chronicles, the history of Mongolia and Mongolian Buddhism.
Genealogical Myth in Land Grant Charters of Bengal and Bihar of the 8th–13th Centuries as a Variety of Political Myth
Authors: Stolyarov Alexander A. ,   Institute of Oriental Studies, Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: July 2024

The paper deals with the genealogical parts of the land grant charters of Eastern India dating back to the reign of the Pāla dynasty (mid-VIII – early XIII centuries. The characteristic of these parts of land grant charters was given: they were panegyrics by their shape, and starting from the second half of the early medieval period (7th–13th centuries), were composed of rhythmic stanzas. A subset was also ascertained for further consideration, consisting of 26 charters. For studying the genealogical parts, the method of comparative formal analysis was applied. Based on the content of the text, the stanzas of each genealogical part were divided into the following groups: directly genealogical, indirectly genealogical, historical descriptive and mythological descriptive. Historical information in one form or another is contained in the first three of these groups. A detailed examination of this information shows that the degree of its reliability is relatively low because, being a panegyric, it has an exclusively positive color, in addition, there are intentional omissions in the genealogical lists. To testify the reliability of this information, it is necessary to involve new independent sources (inscriptions) related to the reign of other dynasties, contemporaneous with the dynasty under study. We draw a conclusion that genealogical parts of letters of commendation of the rulers of East India in the 8th–13th centuries should be considered as a genealogical myth.
Antiquities of the Vidivarii
Authors: Kulakov Vladimir I. ,   Institute of Archeology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
Published: July 2024

No attempts have been previously made to discover the antiquities of the Vidivarii. Their discovery is the purpose of this article. The relevance of this work is that the discovery of these antiquities will be the key to understanding the history of the southeastern Baltic on the threshold of the Middle Ages. The methodology for searching for correspondence between historical and archeological data has been developed in European archeology in identifying the regions of the Germanic tribes of the era of Roman influence. The research method was search for correspondence between the features of the archaeological material and the data of a written source that tells about the Vidivarii. First of all, it is necessary to consider the funerary monuments of the “island” of Gepedoyos and its environs in the first half of the 5th century AD. They are represented mainly by urnless cremations (fragments of calcined bones are scattered in the remains of a funeral pyre) under stonework. Artifacts that can be associated with the activity of the Vidivarii are massive hryvnias mainly with receding, expanding ends, coin and clothing hoards of the first half of the 5th century AD, three-beam brooches and plate clasps, biconical bowls and circular ceramics, knife-daggers. We draw a conclusion that the zone of settlement of German soldiers was initially located on the “island of Gepedoyos”, which is evidenced by the location of a large number of coin and clothing treasures on this hill. Archaeological material shows the connections of the Vidivarii both with the west of the Baltic and with the Middle Danube. There is an evidence of the origin of the Vidivarii from the array of Germanic tribes on the western coast of the Baltic and the way in which groups of Germanic warriors in the era of Attila fell to the ground in the delta of the river Vistula. Traces of activity of the Vidivarii in the archaeological material of the coast of the Vistula/Kaliningrad Bay are represented by finds of Late Roman multiplis, solidi, and gold hryvnias of the R300 type. The process of participation of the Vidivarii (in the form of a kind of catalyst) in the formation of Prussian archaeological culture at its early stage is represented by animalheaded brooches, clasps with a star-shaped stem, and other items characteristic of the late 5th-6th centuries only for the Witland region. Thus, discrete archaeological materials have been identified that are confidently associated with the Vidivarii.
Socio-Cultural Personality Types of the Cross-Border Region
Authors: Zimina Nadezhda S. ,   Transbaikal State University
Published: July 2024

The surrounding space of a modern person is especially dynamic in terms of the complication of the sign-symbol environment, the change in the language of culture, the emergence of new meanings and interpretations. Understanding and predicting social processes is impossible without analyzing the identity of a person within a certain space. The purpose of the article is the identification and socio-philosophical analysis of socio-cultural types of personality in the conditions of a transboundary region. The article makes an attempt to systematize and streamline the features and properties of a person in a socio-cultural transboundary environment. The identification and study of personality types in a transboundary region contributes to an objective prediction of human behavior, its relationship with the external space, and the development of territories. The analysis of socio-cultural personality types of a cross-border region is built on the study of the interaction and mutual influence of culture, society and a person. The article uses the theory of R. Park about a marginal person in the context of global migrations, the field theory of K. Levin and his interpretation of the living space of a person, the works by A. I. Neklessa about a transboundary person and the landscape of transboundary. The synthesis of different methods made it possible to approach comprehensively the socio-cultural typology of personality. In the study, the transboundary region is conceptualized as an internally structured space within the subject of the country, formed as a result of social and cultural processes under the influence of internal and external factors, and is defined as the regional localization of the national socio-cultural space. Presence within a transboundary region requires a person to choose his belonging to a particular culture, value, symbolic and semantic system. The selected types (transboundary, marginal, transit) reflect the degree of acceptance (or non-acceptance) by a person of certain values, traditions, rules, conditions of transboundary. The proposed typology allows us to formulate an adequate strategy for the development of the region, taking into account the behavior and response of the regional personality itself within the transboundary space. Personality types that arise as a reaction to a cross-border socio-cultural reality are the result of a person’s identification within such a space.
Methodological Approaches to the Study of the Phenomenon of Motherhood
Authors: Subbotina Nadezhda D. ,   Transbaikal State University, Lushina Evgeniya A. ,   Transbaikal State University
Published: July 2024

The relevance and problem of the study lies in the fact that the ideas about proper motherhood and the requirements for a mother are largely contradictory, and there is no consensus in scientific approaches, what is motherhood ‒ a natural phenomenon, or a social one? Therefore, the purpose of the article was to analyze the existing approaches to motherhood in different natural and social sciences and to choose an approach that would sciences contribute to the formation of a holistic view of this phenomenon. The study used interdisciplinary, comparative, dialectical approaches, as well as the author’s methodology of the relationship between the natural and the social in society and man. The features of the study of motherhood in different sciences were identified, and then the possibility of distinguishing three main approaches to the study of this phenomenon was substantiated by the criterion of the ratio of the natural and social aspects of motherhood, regardless of the specialty of the researcher: 1) researchers consider the natural side of motherhood to be the main one; 2) researchers bring to the fore the social component of motherhood; and 3) researchers not only recognize the existence of natural and social aspects of motherhood, but study the connections and contradictions of these aspects. Also, the novelty of the study can also be the allocation of the main natural and social aspects of motherhood and the conclusion that motherhood is an organic, psychological and social state of a woman mother, where the organic and psychological are the basis, and the social is the leading side, allowing the mother to enter the system of social relations. The prospect of this study is a more detailed analysis of the natural and social in motherhood, the identification of contradictions between its natural and social aspects, as well as contradictions within its natural and within its social aspects.
The Game as an Ontological Practice
Authors: Fortunatov Anton N. ,   Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Voskresenskaya Natalia G. ,   Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod
Published: July 2024

The ontological status of the game, according to the authors, today needs a particularly thorough analysis, and traditional approaches to game research require a deeper methodological justification. The growing importance of game culture in modern social dynamics sharply raises questions about the essence of games, to which the previous paradigm, based on an activity approach, did not give clear answers. The hypothesis of the study is that the game is one of the oldest ontological practices and serves to identify the ethical, semantic, existential boundaries of certain everyday situations in which a person develops acceptable or possible behavioral strategies for himself. In this status, game is comparable to ritual and performs similar functions in social dynamics. The study used phenomenological and systemic methods with elements of the structural-functional approach and the method of logical reconstruction, as an auxiliary toolkit of sociological research was used, in particular, the focus group method. As a result of the study, the authors came to the conclusion that modern computer, virtual games act as tools for self-knowledge for users, and also serve to mark socially acceptable and unacceptable behavior patterns. Social reality plays a double role here. On the one hand, it forms a dichotomous relationship with virtual reality, which allows the player to form their own ethical principles related to behavior in various environments. On the other hand, social reality is a source for game plots, implicitly offering the player to treat it contemplatively and detachedly. Thus, the study revealed a new socio-cultural significance of the game in social and personal development. The proposed methodology for the interpretation of games is a universal method, with the help of which previously difficult to resolve issues, in particular, the phenomenon of ludomania, can be clearly verified.
Conceptualization of Theoretical Ideas on Religious Security in the Context of Western Studies of Interaction Between Society and Religion
Authors: Zhukov Artem V. ,   Transbaikal State University, Liga Marina B. , Zakharova Elena Yu. ,   Transbaikal State University,   Transbaikal State University
Published: July 2024

The article analyzes the problems of religious security presented in modern research concepts. The article is aimed at proving the idea that in Western science the problems of religious security are conceptualized within the framework of discussing the contradiction between concepts asserting the spiritual essence of religious extremism and concepts proving the social nature of threats emanating from religious associations. The theoretical basis of the presented work is the theory of structural realism. The methodological basis of the research is a systematic approach that reveals the structure of religious security as a state of protection of religious systems and values of society. The scientific novelty of the study is the fact which reveals that in Western security studies, the contradiction between the concept asserting the spiritual essence of religious threats and the concept proving the social nature of threats emanating from religious associations is essential. In conclusion, the authors state that in Western social philosophy, despite the fact that the concept of “religious threat” was practically not used, the phenomenon associated with it was discussed from various points of view. As a result of this discussion, it was attributed to a number of concepts related to the theories of religious conflict, within which it began to be evaluated as a label that was used in the process of combating confessional opponents by those who presented themselves as representatives of a “genuine” tradition and defenders of social foundations and values. The scientific and theoretical significance of the work lies in enriching the concept of structural realism with the idea of the need to distinguish between extremism as a violent act and religious doctrines as the value content of religion. The practical significance of the work lies in the fact that its results can be used in the implementation of policies aimed at preventing interaction between secular and confessional institutions and the state.
Editorial congrès SFT Strasbourg 2024
Authors: Siroux Monica
Published: July 2024

Le Congrès de la Société Française de Thermique a lieu pour la première fois à Strasbourg. A la fois capitale européenne et capitale alsacienne, Strasbourg est une grande ville universitaire s’appuyant sur le dynamisme de son université et de ses nombreux laboratoires de recherche pour asseoir sa réputation d’excellence. La 32ème Congrès Français de Thermique s’est déroulé du 4 au 7 juin 2024 à l’INSA Strasbourg. Le thème scientifique choisi pour cette édition est "Thermique et Architecture".
Safety management in the construction industry: Bibliometric analysis
Authors: Ganiyev Khanlar , Alizada Shahla , Asgarov Anar , Gasimli Murad , Gasimzade Nail
Published: July 2024

Despite the continuous improvement of safety standards in the construction industry, this sphere remains one of the most hazardous sectors, and safety management is becoming a crucial determinant of effective operation at construction sites. The aim of this study is to identify the essential contextual, evolutionary-chronological, and geographical-industrial scientific landscape of the development of safety management in the construction industry through comprehensive bibliometric analysis. More than 15,000 articles indexed by Scopus from around the world from 2000 to 2023 were analyzed using the VOSviewer tool, filtered by keywords such as “construction,” “safety,” and “management.” The research revealed the intensification of publishing activity since 2012 (with peak growth in 2012, 2020, and 2022). The leading scientists are from China, the United States, and the United Kingdom (e.g., Chinese scientists make up 26.1% of all scholars). The majority of papers are in the field of engineering. Priority areas of research include safety climate, safety behavior, and building information modeling. The closest connections of construction safety management are with the study of professional risks, safety techniques, and quality control. The evolution of research focuses on “human health and safety-risks-digital security systems.” In general, the findings of this study provide a foundation for future research aimed at enhancing safety management in the construction field, potentially increasing worker protection and technical operational efficiency.
Hubungan Oral Bad Habit terhadap Terjadinya Maloklusi pada Anak (Tinjauan Literatur)
Authors: Damar Jati Kintan , Rachmawati Dini
Published: July 2024

Latar Belakang: Maloklusi menjadi salah satu kelainan umum yang sering terjadi dalam masyarakat. Hal ini dapat dibuktikan dengan hasil Riset Kesehatan Dasar (Riskesdas) Nasional tahun 2018, yang menyebutkan bahwa maloklusi menempati urutan ketiga kelainan pada masalah kesehatan gigi dan mulut di Indonesia yang memiliki prevalensi sangat tinggi yaitu sekitar 80%. Tujuan: Menganalisis hubungan oral bad habit dengan maloklusi pada anak. Metode: Menggunakan metode systematic literature review, pencarian jurnal menggunakan metode Boolean Search melalui database Gogle Scholar dan PubMed dalam periode 2011-2021, penyaringan dan pemilihan jurnal dengan metode PRISMA. Hasil dan Pembahasan: Oral bad habit pada anak, terutama usia lebih dari 3 (tiga) tahun, dapat memicu terjadinya maloklusi. Namun, di antara anak-anak yang memiliki oral bad habit, tidak semuanya mengalami maloklusi, karena hal tersebut juga dipengaruhi oleh durasi, frekuensi, dan intensitas dari oral bad habit yang dilakukan. Kesimpulan: Oral bad habit yang paling sering dilakukan dan memengaruhi kondisi oklusi anak adalah kebiasaan mengisap jari dengan maloklusi berupa anterior open bite. Sehingga dari hasil penelitian ini didapatkan bahwa terdapat hubungan oral bad habit terhadap terjadinya maloklusi pada anak.
A platform alapú, kereslet elv vezérelt vállalkozások ismertségének vizsgálata Magyarországon és Romániában
Authors: Kovács Tünde Zita , Bittner Beáta , Huzsvai László , Nábrádi András
Published: July 2024

Platform-based, demand-driven business models, known as the sharing economy, emerged in the United States in 2008. Their emergence has been made possible by digital development, and their impact can be seen in both economic and social life, in the globalised nature of cooperation models. Since 2016, the European Commission has conducted three surveys on using the sharing economy in the EU Member States. Based on the 2018 survey, this study analyses Hungary's and Romania's relationship with the sharing economy. The survey results show that awareness of the SE is increasing, especially on the consumer side. However, a decreasing trend is observed on the service side. Demographic factors (age, gender, employment status) significantly influence the willingness to provide and use services. Respondents in the two countries are not homogeneous and have different perceptions of the opportunities and threats of the sharing economy.
Self-Care Program as a Tool for Alleviating Anxiety and Loneliness and Promoting Satisfaction With Life in High School Students and Staff: Randomized Survey Study
Authors: Iyer Priya , Iyer Lina , Carter Nicole , Iyer Ranjani , Stirling Amy , Priya Lakshmi , Sriraman Ushma
Published: July 2024

Background

The COVID-19 global pandemic has led to a marked increase in anxiety levels, significantly affecting the well-being of individuals worldwide. In response to this growing concern, interventions aimed at enhancing social-emotional skills and promoting mental health are more crucial than ever.

Objective

This global study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a self-care program on anxiety, loneliness, and satisfaction with life in high school students and staff in a randomized, waitlist control trial with baseline and postintervention assessments.

Methods

The 4-week web-based self-care program, offered by the Heartfulness Institute, is designed to develop social-emotional skills through stress management and self-observation. The web-based program was a positive intervention that offered support to the students and staff to build specific skills, such as reflection, observation, positivity, time management, and goal setting. In this study, the sample consisted of a total of 203 high school students and staff randomized into a control waitlisted group (students: n=57 and staff: n=45) and a Heartfulness group (students: n=57 and staff: n=44) from 3 schools. Both the groups completed web-based surveys at weeks 0, 4, and 8, assessing their anxiety, loneliness, and satisfaction with life scores using Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale (GAD-7 and Severity Measure for Generalized Anxiety Disorder—Child Age 11-17), Satisfaction With Life scale (SWLS) and Satisfaction With Life Scale-Child (SWLS-C), and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Loneliness Scale. Survey responses were each individually analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.

Results

The study received institutional review board approval on February 3, 2022. Participant recruitment lasted from the approval date until March 30, 2022. The 4-week program for the Heartfulness group started on April 4, 2024. There was a significant 3-way interaction among time, group, and school showing a decrease in anxiety and loneliness scores and an increase in satisfaction-with-life scores (P<.05). In students in the Heartfulness group, there was strong evidence to suggest a significant mean difference in GAD-7, SWLS, and UCLA scores between week 0 and week 4 at all schools (P<.001). In staff in the Heartfulness group, there was strong evidence to suggest a significant mean difference in GAD-7, SWLS, and UCLA scores between week 0 and week 4 at all schools (P<.001).

Conclusions

The pandemic brought severe educational and social changes that triggered a decline in mental health in schools. This study showed the effectiveness of noninvasive self-care tools used digitally to significantly decrease anxiety and loneliness scores and increase satisfaction of life scores in the participants.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05874232; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05874232
High Potassium Diet Rich in Spices and Herbs-Salt Substitution (HPSH-SS) for Blood Pressure Reduction in Older Adults: Protocol for Diet Concept and Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Farapti Farapti , Putri Sheila Amara , Furqonia Annisaa Wulida , Rejeki Purwo Sri , Miftahussurur Muhammad
Published: July 2024

Background

Hypertension increases with age, often due to high sodium (Na) and low potassium (K) intake. Reducing salt and increasing K intake is challenging, especially for older adults due to taste preferences. Culinary herbs and spices, rich in K, offer a potential solution. The High Potassium Diet Rich in Spices and Herbs-Salt Substitution (HPSH-SS) diet has not yet been studied for its effectiveness in lowering blood pressure.

Objective

This study aims to create an HPSH-SS diet, analyze its effects on blood pressure in older adults, and study the molecular mechanism occurring in the kidneys and blood vessels influenced by this diet.

Methods

This study consists of 2 phases. The first phase involved formulating and assessing the HPSH-SS diet tailored for older adults. The intervention group (IG) received a diet of 1800 kcal/day, with 3500 mg K and 1500 mg Na, while the control group (CG) received 1500 mg K and 2000 mg Na. The diet was administered for 14 days and standardized using the NutriSurvey program and biochemistry analysis by atomic absorbance spectrophotometry (AAS). The second phase was a 14-day parallel randomized controlled trial (RCT) with the older adult participants divided into IG and CG. Primary outcomes included blood pressure; serum potassium; aldosterone; F2 isoprostane; nitric oxide plasma levels; and urine analysis of Na, K, and the Na/K ratio. Confounding variables were controlled through randomization and stratified analysis.

Results

The menu formulation and organoleptic assessment of the HPSH-SS diet began in mid-2022 and was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Public Health at Universitas Airlangga (78/EA/KEPK/2022) on May 11, 2022. The diet was standardized to achieve daily nutritional values of 1800 kcal energy, 3500 mg K, and 1500 mg Na. K and Na contents were analyzed using AAS from several participants’ spice diet menus. Recruitment for the RCT started in March 2023, with approval from the Health Research Ethics Committee Universitas Airlangga School of Medicine, Surabaya (35/EC/KEPK/FKUA/2023). The study was registered from February 9, 2023, to February 9, 2024. Between March and June 2023, 64 participants were recruited, with 32 participants in the IG and CG. The intervention and data collection will take place over 1 year. Data management is in progress, and data analysis is yet to be performed.

Conclusions

This RCT protocol hypothesizes that the diet will increase serum K, plasma aldosterone, and nitric oxide levels; decrease plasma F2 isoprostane; increase urinary Na and K levels; lower the urinary Na/K ratio; and reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressure. If effective, it will offer valuable insights into dietary strategies for blood pressure regulation in older adults.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/56869
Public Awareness and Use of Price Transparency: Report From a National Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Pathak Yuvraj , Muhlestein David
Published: July 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

There is low public awareness of and use of price transparency laws, which undermines the utility of the price transparency initiatives of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid.
Potential Antagonists Trichoderma viride as Biofungicide, Plant Spacing, and Agricultural Lime Application to Suppress Anthracnose on Chili
Authors: Tasrif Arifin , Yuliar Yuliar , Sulistyowati Dwiwanti , Krisnawati Endang , Adirianto Bayu , Sugiharti Dwi
Published: July 2024

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum capsici and C. gloesporium on chili is a disease that can reduce chili yields up to 80%. Control with fungicide has not been able to provide maximum results, because Colletotrichum can spread due to splashing of water, especially in the rainy season. The use of antagonistic fungi against Colletotrichum spp. has been widely published but is still limited to the laboratory and greenhouse scale, while field conditions are unpredictable. This study aims to identify the potency of Trichoderma viride that can be used as a biofungicide to control anthracnose in chili and to determine aspects of agronomic that can reduce the risk of anthracnose in chili. Samples of infected plants of stems, leaves, and fruits were collected from experimental farm of Bogor Agricultural Development Polytechnic. The experiment was conducted using Randomized Complete Design and Randomized Complete Block Design. The percentage of disease intensity of the fungus C capsici and the intensity of anthracnose in chili both under screen house and open fields. While testing the effect of cultivation aspects using different types of fertilizer on plant height, fruit weight, number of fruits, and the percentage of disease intensity of Colletotrichum spp. were analyzed. The results of this study shown that four isolates of fungi have been identified such as Penicillium sp., Aspergillus flavus, T. viride, and C. capsici. In vitro analysis shown the ability of T. viride to suppress the growth of the C. capsici  up to 71%. The fungus T. viride with a density of 7×106 CFU/mL can suppress the development of anthracnose by 59 to 87% under screen house conditions. However, under field conditions, the fungus T. viride was not able to suppress the development of anthracnose. Agronomic aspects such as plant height, number of fruits and production, and productivity of chili were not significantly effect on anthracnose.
A Comparative Analysis of Chinese and American News Discourse Based on Appraisal Theory
Authors: Chen Yu , Huang Yinyin
Published: July 2024

This paper takes news reports about Fukushima nuclear wastewater discharge from China Daily and Washington Post as the research corpus, conducts a comparative analysis on the corpus from three subsystems of appraisal theory including attitude, engagement and graduation, then statistically analyzes the use of appraisal resources in the discourses and their distributional characteristics to explore attitudes and stances of the Chinese and American media towards Japanese wastewater nuclear discharge. The results show that the overall distribution of appraisal resources in China Daily and Washington Post is comparable and the difference in the frequency of using attitude resource is not significant, but the uses of engagement resources and graduation resources in China Daily are higher than those in Washington Post.
Método Delphi en la Validez de Contenido de un Instrumento de Interacción Madre-Niño
Authors: Muñoz Ledo Rábago Patricia , Domínguez Ramírez Liza Guadalupe , Sánchez Pérez Carmen , Figueroa Olea Miriam , Magallanes Muñoz Ledo Patricia Alejandra
Published: July 2024

Los programas de intervención temprana que integran estrategias para mejorar las interacciones madre-niño han mostrado mejores resultados en favorecer el desarrollo infantil. Contar con un instrumento validado que permita caracterizar la facilidad o dificultad que las madres o los niños presentan para establecer interacción resulta relevante. El objetivo del presente es reportar la validez de contenido del Inventario de Competencias de Interacción Social. Registro Observacional Madre-Niño (ICIS-ROMANI). Mediante el método Delphi se sometió a juicio de 10 expertas, la claridad, congruencia y pertinencia de 49 indicadores que conforman 6 subescalas del inventario. El grado de acuerdo entre jueces se obtuvo a través de los criterios establecidos por Lawshe, la Razón de Validez de Contenido (RVC) para cada indicador y el Índice de Validez de Contenido (IVC) para las subescalas y el total del inventario.  En claridad, congruencia y pertinencia se obtuvieron RVC en todos los indicadores entre 0.80 y 1.00. Los IVC en las 6 subescalas entre 0.95 y 1.00, el IVC global del instrumento en claridad 0.98, en congruencia y pertinencia 0.99. Se concluye que el ICIS-ROMANI es un instrumento útil para evaluar las competencias de interacción social madre-niño durante el primer año de vida.
Prevalence of Neuromyths in the Mexican Academic Environment
Authors: Morandín Ahuerma Fabio , Villanueva Méndez Laura , Romero Fernández Abelardo , Doskicz Hannah
Published: July 2024

Neuromyths are understood as false concepts and beliefs about the brain and that have an application or impact, generally negative, in the educational field and, specifically, in the teaching and learning processes. We start from previous studies in which it has been analyzed how neuromyths persist in society and in educational personnel, both at the level of basic education, upper secondary education, university education and even in postgraduate studies, and from there we arrive at our own results. In this work, a survey was conducted among 290 participants (N = 290) to determine to what extent neuromyths prevail among the university student community (M = 42.8%), the general public (M = 27.5%) and teachers in Mexico (M = 29.7%). It was possible to integrate students and teachers from 20 states of the Mexican Republic, between 18 and 70 years of age. We found that there is basically a group of four neuromyths that capture the attention and belief of the participants (M = 91.05%) and that are related to the so-called “learning styles” (visual, auditory and kinesthetic) (M = 96.6%), as per the speculative anatomy of the brain: “the rational hemisphere and the creative hemisphere” (M = 90.7%) or the “triune brain” (M = 89%). Other neuromyths analyzed in this work were, for example, the belief in the effect of certain elements on neural performance: “the Mozart effect” (M = 74.5%); “sugar and hyperactivity” (M = 80.7%); “video games and violence” (M = 63.8%). Neuromyths prevail in Mexico not only among students, but also among the teaching community, regardless of educational level. Some neuromyths, such as that of differentiated learning pathways, or three brains in one, have already been “naturalized”, that is, “normal” is to consider them true by repetition, but without having been adequately analyzed.
La comprensión de estudiantes de primer año de universidad sobre el concepto de densidad. Análisis de entrevistas
Authors: Raviolo Andrés , Ekkert Tatiana , Carballo Chantal
Published: July 2024

La densidad es un concepto inicial y básico en las ciencias experimentales. En este artículo se analizan y discuten los resultados obtenidos de entrevistas con protocolo pensando en voz alta sobre la comprensión del concepto de densidad. Se entrevistaron 12 estudiantes de un curso de química de primer año de universidad, a los que se les solicitó explicar las respuestas elegidas al resolver el cuestionario Razonando con Densidad. Este cuestionario indaga las relaciones lógico-matemáticas entre las variables m, V y d. Se presentan los resultados clasificados en categorías y la discusión de sus implicaciones.
Experimental approach to a remote engineering project and overcoming educational challenges.
Authors: Fuentes-Helguera Ingrid , Arroyo-Maya Izlia Jazheel , Hernández-Guerrero Maribel
Published: July 2024

For some degrees, practicum projects are essential to the curricula. Owing to the mild conditions and safety of its manufacturing, bioplastics represent an interesting opportunity to implement a hands-on approach for students to develop at home in an extended laboratory scheme. This work developed an experimental approach as a home-based project to address an environmental problem in developing avocado seed-based bioplastics reinforced with essential oils and showing antifungal properties and improved water barrier properties. All the experiments and characterizations could be adapted to a house setting. This contribution shows that it is possible to complete an experimental practicum project totally based at home and with significant good results. This approach to conducting projects remotely could be adopted in universities facing constraints such as limited laboratory facilities or equipment availability. It can also be applied to remote education initiatives and to overcome educational barriers for individuals facing gender-based inequalities.
Análisis de la interrelación de los contenidos temáticos de las asignaturas Procesos de Alimentos y Laboratorio de Tecnología de Alimentos de la licenciatura en Química de Alimentos
Authors: Bermúdez García Eva , García Arrazola Roeb , Pompa Mansilla Maura
Published: July 2024

En los modelos educativos actuales se prioriza la interrelación entre distintas áreas y dimensiones del conocimiento para propiciar una mayor efectividad en el proceso de enseñanza- aprendizaje. En este trabajo se realizó un análisis del contenido de dos asignaturas de los últimos semestres del plan de estudios que tienen una seriación vertical: Procesos de Alimentos (1716) y Laboratorio de Tecnología de Alimentos (1809) utilizando herramientas de análisis de datos y bibliometría para identificar aquellos temas, que además de tener relevancia en la investigación actual, permiten una mejor aplicación de los conceptos teóricos en el desarrollo experimental, utilizando un caso práctico como ejemplo. El análisis permitió identificar las fortalezas de los planes de estudio y las oportunidades que existen para la mejora, al proponer la inclusión de contenidos en concordancia con las tendencias actuales de investigación en ciencia y tecnología de alimentos.
El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo realizar un análisis del contenido y la estructura del programa de estudios de las asignaturas Procesos de Alimentos (1716) y Laboratorio de Tecnología de Alimentos (1809) de la carrera de Química de Alimentos. La meta es identificar los elementos comunes entre ambas asignaturas, dando prioridad a aquellos conocimientos fundamentales que posibilitan, a través de una comprensión teórica sólida, la ejecución experimental de diversos procesos tecnológicos de modificación de alimentos. De esta forma será posible identificar cómo se relacionan ambas asignaturas y evaluar cómo esta conexión influye en la construcción del conocimiento de los estudiantes.
Las medidas de equilibrio de los derechos de propiedad intelectual permitidas por el T-MEC
Authors: Nuñez Rocha Hernán
Published: July 2024

Este trabajo se enfoca en las flexibilidades sobre propiedad intelectual permitidas por el Tratado entre los Estados Unidos Mexicanos, los Estados Unidos de América y Canadá, para lo cual, se toma como principal referencia el Acuerdo sobre los Aspectos de los Derechos de Propiedad Intelectual relacionados con el Comercio: Una vez delimitado el margen de acción que tienen las Partes del T-MEC, se plantean medidas de equilibrio en el ámbito de la propiedad intelectual, con el fin de compatibilizar los derechos exclusivos, la libre competencia y el respeto a los derechos fundamentales. Las medidas propuestas pretenden ejemplificar el espacio de acción que podrían tener países como México, a pesar de los altos estándares de protección de la propiedad intelectual que se derivan de los acuerdos comerciales suscritos.