bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Global Zone Network, a Safe Pathway to Prosperity in the post-Coronavirus Era?
Authors: Karlsson Lars , Singham Shanker , Gottschald Daniel A.
Published: May 2024

The coronavirus pandemic has underlined the vulnerability of global supply and value chains. Free trade zones can play a crucial role in re-booting the world economy but need to break out of the historical binary paradigm through which they have traditionally been viewed. New multitiered Advanced Special Economic Zones (ASEZs), named Prosperity Zones, need to be created with an inner core built around a modernised compliant free trade zone, and with outer layers offering integrated incentives and benefits for a wide range of businesses and support services. These zones will be the engine room of new and more resilient ‘Trade Superhighways’ that offer increased safety, compliance, predictability and flexibility to international trade.

This paper outlines the development of a new paradigm of transparent and compliant Prosperity Zones that have emerged from traditional freeports and freezones and how these new Prosperity Zones will play an essential role in the development of emerging supply chains and future integrated value chains, especially in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis. This paper will highlight the importance of developing a new and all-embracing global standard for Prosperity Zones and the potential for the emergence of new Trade Superhighways that will bring greater transparency to trade and become a crucial factor in driving value during the coming economic recovery.
How does Coloured Lighting Influence the Affective Processes of Pupils?
Authors: Quiles-Rodríguez José , Mateo-Sanz Josep M. , Palau Ramon
Published: May 2024

Nowadays, the progressive incorporation of technological elements in classrooms adds new possibilities to be explored in the field of colour and environment. In this sense, LED lighting as a source of “coloured light” is a resource that has not yet been analysed. The present quasi-experimental design had a pre-test and was carried out for a single group in a primary school for two months, focusing on the dependent variables “energy level”, “enjoyment level” and “feeling”, whose values were collected by means of a self-perception survey. The results obtained are significant in the post hoc analysis of variance for some scenarios of the variable “feelings”, but less so for the others. The disparity of results according to the colour analysed, with violet sometimes having a greater impact than orange at other times, also leads us to consider the need for dynamism positively.
Lib2Life – Digital Library Services Empowered with Advanced Natural Language Processing Techniques.
Authors: Nitu Melania , Dascalu Mihai , Dascalu Maria Dorinela , Neagu Laurentiu-Marian , Dascalu Maria-Iuliana
Published: May 2024

Educational institutions are struggling to keep up with the accelerated technological advancements; hence, sustainable and supportive tools have become essential to reshape traditional models into intelligent learning systems. This paper introduces Lib2Life, a digital library that uses advanced Natural Language Processing techniques to facilitate the digital transformation of historical documents provided by Central University Libraries in Romania. The platform enables Central University Libraries in Romania to preserve the cultural heritage of historically valuable documents, facilitating open-source access to old, printed materials such as books, manuscripts, newspapers, or literary magazines no longer protected by copyright. Lib2Life offers comprehensive functionalities, allowing librarians to benefit from automated text processing and indexing workflows that facilitate digitization, ensuring a consistent representation of original documents. For readers, the platform presents a user-friendly interface with semantic search capabilities and a recommendation engine. The system employs an ontology to organize and manage documents in a unified and structured way, contributing to the evolution of intelligent education technologies. The innovative contributions of Lib2Lifeinclude identifying new solutions for cultural heritage preservation, promoting patrimony through modern methodologies, increasing access to documentary resources, enhancing library services, and fostering the transfer of knowledge and technology to society.
A practice for specifying user stories in multimedia system design: An approach to reduce ambiguity.
Authors: Peláez Carlos Alberto , Solano Andrés
Published: May 2024

Various agile approaches have guided the development of solutions based on a minimum viable product for the use of user stories (USs). These approaches provide a generic process for specifying USs for a wide variety of solutions. This study presents an original proposal for a practical approach to the specification of USs for multimedia systems, expressed using the Essence graphical notation language. The practice includes a set of activities, techniques, and tools that can be used by professionals to define the USs of a multimedia system, and which can help to mitigate potential ambiguity problems such as vagueness and insufficiency in formulation. To explore its application, a case study was carried out with the participation of two groups of professionals: an experimental group, and a control group. The results for the analysis factors are promising, and show that by carrying out the activities that make up the practice, a work team can achieve the specification of USs at three levels of concreteness, which contribute to the reduction of problems of vagueness and insufficiency in the USs of a multimedia system. Using this approach, the USs can be guaranteed to meet the value proposition of the multimedia system that will be implemented.
Decisions to admit vs. discharge patients with acute heart failure from the emergency department: consistency with a measure of severity of decompensation and the impact on prognosis
Authors: Miró Òscar , Llorens Pere , Gil Víctor , López Díez María Pilar , Jacob Javier , Herrero Pablo , Llauger Lluís , Tost Josep , Aguirre Alfons , Bibiano Carlos , Fuentes Marta , López Grima María Luisa , Romero Rodolfo , Martín Mojarro Enrique , Alquézar Arbé Aitor , Alonso Héctor , Martín-Sánchez Francisco Javier
Published: May 2024

Objetivos. Analizar cómo se ajusta la decisión de ingreso o alta del paciente con insuficiencia cardiaca aguda (ICA) atendido en urgencias a su riesgo de evento adverso, así como su impacto en el pronóstico en aquellos dados de alta desde urgencias. Método. Se recogieron datos basales y clínicos de pacientes diagnosticados de ICA en 16 servicios de urgencias españoles. Los pacientes se estratificaron según la gravedad de la descompensación mediante la escala MEESSI y se analizó la distribución de dicha gravedad en hospitalizados (en conjunto, e individualmente para los servicios con mayor número de hospitalizaciones) y dados de alta desde urgencias. En este último grupo, se analizó el cumplimiento de los siguientes indicadores de calidad: mortalidad por cualquier causa a 30 días (< 2%), reconsulta a urgencias por ICA a 7 días posalta (< 10%), y reconsulta a urgencias u hospitalización por ICA a 30 días posalta (< 20%). Resultados. Se incluyeron 2.855 pacientes (edad mediana = 84 años, RIC = 76-88; mujeres = 54%): 1.042 pacientes (36,5%) de riesgo bajo, 1.239 (43,4%) intermedio, 301 (10,5%) alto y 273 (9,6%) muy alto. La mortalidad a 30 días por categorías de riesgo fue 1,9%, 9,3%, 15,3% y 38,4%, respectivamente; la mortalidad al año 15,4%, 35,6%, 52,0% y 74,2%; y la hospitalización 62,2%, 77,4%, 87,0% y 88,3%. El 47,1% de pacientes dados de alta de urgencias tenía un riesgo incrementado (intermedio, alto o muy alto) y el 30,7% de hospitalizados eran de bajo riesgo. La gravedad de la descompensación según el servicio de hospitalización se incrementaba en el siguiente orden: medicina interna, corta estancia, cardiología, intensivos y geriatría. El 4,3% de pacientes dados de alta de urgencias (IC 95%: 3,0-6,1) falleció a los 30 días, el 11,4% (9,2-14,0) reconsultó en urgencias a los 7 días, y el 31,5% (28,0-35,1) reconsultó en urgencias o se hospitalizó a los 30 días. Si sólo se consideran los pacientes dados de alta de bajo riesgo, estos porcentajes descienden al 0,5% (0,1-1,8), 10,5% (7,6-14,0) y 29,5% (26,6-32,6), respectivamente. Conclusión. Existe disparidad entre la gravedad de la descompensación y la decisión en urgencias de hospitalizar o dar de alta a los pacientes con ICA. Los resultados que se obtienen en los pacientes dados de alta desde urgencias no alcanzan los estándares de calidad recomendados. Disminuir las incongruencias entre gravedad de la descompensación y toma de decisión podría contribuir a cumplir con estos estándares.
Q-SIM (Quizizz Powered SIM): Strategic Intervention Material in Teaching Biology
Authors: Serrano Arman
Published: May 2024

This study embarks on an empirical journey to evaluate the efficacy of Q-SIM as a teaching material in biology education. The study also determined the students’ attitudes toward using developed Q-SIM. Moreover, a one-group pre-test–post-test design was used to assess the impact of Q-SIM intervention on DNA, RNA, and Protein Synthesis. The study provided the student’s academic performance results before and after the intervention using their mean scores. Furthermore, the mean difference between the student’s pre-test and post-test was also calculated using a t-test to find out the significant impact of Q-SIM. The researchers also used a validated survey questionnaire as the primary tool of the study to determine students’ attitudes and perceptions. The findings showed that implementing Q-SIM is promising for enhancing students’ academic performance. The significant differences observed between pre-test and post-test results underscore the positive impact of Q-SIM on students’ understanding and mastery of subject matter. Moreover, students’ highly positive attitudes towards Q-SIM indicate a favorable perception of this innovative educational tool. As technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape, Q-SIM stands out as a valuable asset, offering improved academic outcomes and fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. Future utilization of this Q-SIM as a strategic instructional material would raise students’ academic performance and attitude in teaching specific science concepts and applying this Q-SIM in another discipline.
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY IN NARRA DISTRICT, PALAWAN, PHILIPPINES
Authors: Alda Abraham , Bucad Jr. Manuel , Perez David
Published: May 2024

The study assessed the implementation of child protection policy in Narra Del Sur District, focusing on the level of implementation, awareness, preventive measures, and challenges encountered. It utilized a survey questionnaire, descriptive statistical tools, and inferential statistics to analyze and interpret the data. The study reveals that secondary schools in Narra Del Sur District are implementing the Child Protection Policy. The Child Protection Committee, teachers, and students are aware of how issues like child abuse, discrimination, exploitation, violence, corporal punishment, and bullying are being handled. They are also aware of preventive measures, such as providing immediate response, reporting incidents, fact-finding, documentation, intervention, referral, and disciplinary measures. Implementing the Child Protection Policy in secondary schools of Narra Del Sur District faces challenges due to lack of support, coordination, understanding of CPP, proper training, lack of qualified professionals, and having too many cases handled. The level of awareness among CPC, teachers, and student respondents regarding handling prohibited acts against children significantly influences the implementation of the Child Protection Policy, suggesting that understanding how to handle child protection incidents influences the policy's success. Moreover, the study found no significant difference in implementing the Child Protection Policy and preventive measures to handle prohibited acts against children among respondents from the CPC, PNP, DSWD, and teacher respondents. However, a significant difference was observed among student respondents.
Absence of transsynaptic transport in cerebello-thalamo-cortical path of the rat
Authors: Petrovic-Minic Bosiljka , Mojsilovic-Petrovic Jelena , Holm Soren , Mogensen Jesper , Divac Ivan
Published: May 2024

Attempts to visualize the cerebello-thalamo-cortical path in the rat were made with different approaches. We tried (1) double labelling with somatopetal tracing from the motor cortex and somatofugal from the cerebellar nuclei, (2) transmembrane labelling by depositing biocytin or wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)into the motor cortex or cerebellum. WGA was either iodinated with 125I or conjugated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The double labelling technique showed an overlap of the tracers in the same thalamic region but no evidence of transsynaptic transport in either direction was obtained. Our results indicate a difference in the organization of this system in primates and rodents, since transsynaptic labelling in the cerebellar nuclei after injections of WGA-HRP conjugate in the monkey motor cortex has been found.
Seizures-evoked activation of transcription factors
Authors: Kamińska Bożena , Łukasiuk Katarzyna , Kaczmarek Leszek
Published: May 2024

Chemically provoked seizures have proved to serve as useful model to investigate long term neuronal responses collectively termed as neuronal plasticity. In particular, rapid, transient activation of immediate early gene expression induced by such chemoconvulsants like pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) and kainic acid (KA) drew a great attention. These genes code for transcription factors, known to influence gene expression, and therefore able to orchestrate genomic responses to extracellular stimuli. In our studies reviewed herein and reported in detail elsewhere, we have investigated PTZ- and KA-dependent activation of a functional feature of transcription factors i.e. their DNA-binding activity. We have found that only AP-1 DNA-binding activity was elevated in the rat hippocampus, entorhinal and sensory cortices 2-6 h after the PTZ administration, and only in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex at similar times following KA injection. The AP-1 response to PTZ was strikingly enhanced in aged (18-24 months old) animals when compared to young (3 months old) ones. KA, apart from this early phase of AP-1 DNA-binding activity increase, evoked also the late one (reaching a peak value at 72 h). The protein composition of the latter differed from the former mostly by substitution of Jun B with Jun D protein and lack of c-Fos. Because the KA treatment leads not only to the seizures but to apoptosis (programmed cell death) as well, our results indicate that various AP-l complexes may be involved in both of these phenomenona.
Short term changes of cortical body maps following partial vibrissectomy in adult mice
Authors: Siucińska Ewa , Kossut Małgorzata
Published: May 2024

Vibrissae-to-barrels pathway is often used as a model for investigating CNS plasticity. We examined early changes in the cortical representation of row e of vibrissae in adult mice, following vibrissectomy removing all whiskers except row C. The changes of cortical representation of the spared row of vibrissae were mapped with 2-deoxyglucose autoradiography. We found that one day after lesion of vibrissal follicles the areal extent of cortical representation of row C is smaller than normally, but 7 days post lesion it increases significantly, by 60 to 90%, in all cortical layers. Additionally, seven days post-lesion the intensity of labelling was increased in cortical layer V. The result suggest that plasticity that can be observed with 2-deoxyglucose mapping in the barrel cortex is not due to unmasking of existing connection, but to reorganization of connectivity at many levels.
The contralateral impairment of the orienting ocular-following reflex after lesions of the lateral suprasylvian cortex in cats
Authors: Żernicki Bogusław , Stasiak Maciej
Published: May 2024

The cortex of the middle suprasylvian sulcus was removed unilaterally in cats with brain stem transected at the pretrigeminal level. The vertical following reflex was evoked by a slit of light (l degrees × 4 degrees) moving along the vertical meridian or parallel to it up to 40 degrees in the left or right hemifield. The reflexes from the contralateral hemifield were greatly reduced. This contrasts with previous reports with perimetry test where authors made smaller lesions.
Spontaneous seizure electrocortical activity in rats: relation to arousal level
Authors: Gralewicz Sławomir , Łuczak Cezary , Tomas Tadeusz , Wiaderna Dorota
Published: May 2024

The relationship between neocortical high voltage spindle activity (HVS) and the level of arousal (state of vigilance) was investigated in imp-DAK rats. Two groups of single records (6 hand 24 h) and one group of repeated ones (6 h daily for three consecutive days) were analysed. Five levels of arousal (states) were distinguished on the basis of hippocampal and neocortical EEG: high arousal (HA), moderate arousal (MA), low arousal (LA), slow wave sleep (SWS) and paradoxical sleep (PS). The number of HVS episodes and the cumulative amount (i.e. summed duration) of each state was calculated for each successive hour of recording. It was found that the number of HVS episodes correlated positively with the amount of the MA state, but not with the amount of the remaining states. The rate of HVS occurrence during the MA state, however, was not stable. It decreased along with the decrease in amount of MA in successive recording hours of the same recording session. However, at the beginning of each successive session, the HVS episodes became more numerous, whereas the MA amount decreased. The accompanying changes in the cumulative amount of the remaining states confirm indirectly the supposition that HVS occurrence is related to transitions from one state to another rather than to a given state itself.
Optimization of parameters affecting the recovery in the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in natural waters by HPLC-fluorescence
Authors: Amaro Rosa , Herrera Norielys , Reategui Katya
Published: May 2024

To improve the recovery percentages in the analysis of PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in natural waters, parameters such as standard stability, filtration, storage time and matrix effect were optimized for five PAH by HPLC-FD. For aqueous standards, with the addition of 10% acetonitrile, good linearity was found for naphthalene, acenaphthene, anthracene, pyrene, and chrysene curves up to the second day of standards preparation. In filtration, the best results were obtained using the AP10 and Nylon filters with 10% acetonitrile, with recovery ranges of 98-72% and 93-56%, respectively. In contrast, lower values were obtained with cellulose filters in a polyethylene holder without the addition of 10% acetonitrile with recoveries of 52-0%. A 23 factorial design established, for natural water, that the most important factors were: storage time for naphthalene and acenaphthene, with area losses at 48 hours and the use of organic solvent for anthracene, pyrene and chrysene, with area gain for 20 % acetonitrile. For liquid-liquid extraction in standards, recoveries of 62-45% were found in aqueous matrix without acetonitrile and 98-35% with 20% acetonitrile + 2.5% NaCl, at 24 hours of preparation.
How monoterpene hydrocarbons could be an alternative insecticide for effective control of Lepidoptera defoliators?
Authors: Yangui Islem , Toumi Khaoula , Hammami Sonia , Dhahri Samir , Ben Jamaa Mohamed Lahbib , Ezzine Olfa
Published: May 2024

In Tunisia, Orgyia trigotephras (Lepidoptera, Erebidae) is considered among the most harmful pests for forests that cause significant damage to kermes oak and its maquis. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal effect of essential oils of Eucalyptus camaldulensis, E. kirtoniana, Thymus algerienis and T. capitatus toward the 3rd instar larvae of O. trigotephras. The chemical composition of essential oils was studied using GC-MS. Different concentrations of essential oils were used for contact action and compared to synthetic insecticide deltamethrin as a reference product. The insecticidal effects of the essential oils were evaluated by measuring the lethal time of 50% of larvae (LT50) and the lethal time of 100% of larvae (LT100). Eucalyptus essential oils were found effective when compared with the essential oil of Thymus spp. and deltamethrin. Their high toxicity may be attributed to their richness in monoterpenes hydrocarbons. Compounds belonging to monoterpenes hydrocarbons may constitute an alternative insecticide for controlling Lepidoptera defoliators outbreaks.
EFFECT OF DEPOSITS AND NON-PERFORMING LOANS ON BANK PROFITABILITY – A CASE STUDY ON CONVENTIONAL COOPERATIVE BANK OF BARODA REGION
Authors: Kothadiya Bhagya , Virparia Vimla
Published: May 2024

The banking sector plays a vital role in providing essential financial services, facilitating the allocation of funds to productive ventures, and aiding in the implementation of government fiscal and monetary policies. Historically, Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) have posed significant challenges for banks, but reducing NPAs has now become a top priority. The strength of a nation's economy relies heavily on the health of its cooperative banking sector. This study analyzes the non-performing assets (NPAs) of The Pragati Co-operative Bank Ltd. over a six-year period from 2017-18 to 2022-23. The research examines various aspects related to NPAs, including gross NPAs, net NPAs, provisions made towards NPAs, loans and advances, deposits, and relevant ratios such as net NPA ratio, provision coverage ratio, and credit-to-deposit ratio. The data analysis reveals that the bank maintained a zero net NPA throughout the period, indicating effective provisioning strategies. While gross NPAs fluctuated, the provision coverage ratio remained strong, suggesting the bank's ability to withstand asset quality pressures. The study also investigates the relationship between gross NPAs and net profits using correlation and regression analysis, finding a positive correlation but minimal significant impact of gross NPAs on profitability. Overall, the research highlights The Pragati Co-operative Bank Ltd.'s proactive approach to NPA management, financial stability, and adaptability to changing market conditions.
Twitter as a catalyst for transforming geography teacher education
Authors: Tarisayi Kudzayi Savious
Published: May 2024

This study explored the potential of Twitter to transform and enrich geography teacher education in South Africa for the digital age. This mixed methods study utilized content analysis of tweets from selected geography education Twitter handles and focus group discussions with South African student teachers using Twitter. The research design involved training student teachers on using Twitter for curriculum purposes over eight weeks, followed by focus groups to capture their experiences and perspectives. Findings suggest Twitter offers valuable opportunities for networking, accessing resources, and fostering global connections among geography educators. However, realizing Twitter's full potential requires thoughtful implementation strategies, including usage policies, educator training, and support for community building. As an exploratory study, it provides initial evidence that integrating Twitter into teacher training could strengthen geography education in South Africa by equipping educators with expanded networks and professional development avenues. Nevertheless, structured implementation and ongoing collaboration are crucial for leveraging Twitter to bridge divides and align training with 21st-century contexts. Further comparative and longitudinal studies can build on these preliminary insights to optimize the use of Twitter in transforming geography education for the digital age in South Africa and beyond.
O diálogo entre stakeholders voltado para a análise dos objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável
Authors: Corrêa Nidian Souza Ribeiro , Azevedo Denise Barros de , Santos José Alexandre dos , Oliveira Vinícius Soares de , Malafaia Guilherme Cunha , Vilalba Ana Carolina de Castro , Santos Luciana Martins Coelho dos , Anastácio Thaís de Oliveira
Published: May 2024

A presente pesquisa aborda a temática “O diálogo entre stakeholders voltado para a análise dos Objetivos de Desenvolvimento Sustentável”, tendo por objetivo demonstrar a importância do diálogo entre os stakeholders para a concretização das ODS, oriundo de um projeto de pesquisa de Mestrado e apresentado no XXV ENGEMA 2023 (Encontro Internacional sobre Gestão Empresarial e Meio Ambiente da FEA/USP). Para tanto, nesta primeira etapa, foi realizada pesquisa bibliográfica e qualitativa em abril de 2023 nas bases de dados: Scopus, Science Direct e Web of Science, com as palavras-chaves: diálogo entre stakeholders e ODS referente às publicações do período de 2015 a 2023. Conclui-se a necessidade de se analisar a rede dos stakeholders das organizações a fim de considerar os interesses envolvidos que favoreçam as trocas sociais por meio do diálogo entre os stakeholders, para que se possam alinhar as metas organizacionais com as estratégias governamentais para a promoção dos objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável.
Procalcitonina como biomarcador y morbimortalidad en pacientes geriátricos diagnosticados con SARS-CoV-2 en cuidados intensivos
Authors: Guamán-Guamán Zoila de las Mercedes , Durán-Cañarte Augusto Leonel
Published: May 2024

La identificación temprana de complicaciones infecciosas y el pronóstico adecuado son aspectos cruciales para mejorar los resultados de salud. La procalcitonina cuantitativa ha sido propuesta como un biomarcador potencialmente útil en las enfermedades infecciosas en diferentes poblaciones. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue analizar la procalcitonina como biomarcador y morbimortalidad en pacientes geriátricos con SARS-CoV-2 en cuidados intensivos. Este estudio contó con un enfoque de investigación transversal retrospectiva, se seleccionó una muestra de 150 pacientes geriátricos diagnosticados con SARSCoV-2 que recibieron atención en la unidad de cuidados intensivos del Hospital de Especialidades de las Fuerzas Armadas N°1, entre enero 2022 a diciembre 2022. Los resultaron nos indicaron un mayor porcentaje del 54 % que corresponde a bajo riesgo de sepsis severa, mientras el 28% y el 7.30% de los pacientes presentaron alto y moderado riesgo respectivamente. El porcentaje de mortalidad fue de 77,3%, las principales enfermedades identificadas fueron insuficiencia renal crónica, neoplasia de próstata, hipertensión arterial e hipotiroidismo. No se encontró una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la concentración de la procalcitonina y la morbimortalidad (P-,001; p 0,988, p>0,05).
Enseñanza basada en el aprendizaje cooperativo mediado por tecnologías educativas en el bachillerato técnico módulo emprendimiento-gestión
Authors: Oñate-San Andrés Jennifer Andrea , Orta-Franco Verónica Viviana , Cacoango-Yucta Washington Iván , Mesa-Villavicencio Paulina
Published: May 2024

El estudio se centra en el aprendizaje cooperativo mediado por tecnologías educativas en el módulo de Emprendimiento y Gestión del Bachillerato, con el objetivo de mejorar la calidad del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje mediante la exploración de estrategias pedagógicas innovadoras. Se basa en la importancia del trabajo cooperativo en todas las áreas curriculares, así como en la necesidad de garantizar la coherencia interna de la propuesta didáctica. Se fundamenta en la teoría del constructivismo y del socioconstructivismo, que apoyan la idea de que los estudiantes aprenden mejor cuando interactúan activamente con su entorno y construyen conocimiento de manera conjunta.
La implementación de esta metodología se realizó a través de encuestas cuidadosamente diseñadas y administradas a un grupo de estudiantes seleccionados intencionalmente, se siguieron prácticas éticas fundamentales en todo el proceso de investigación. Se empleó software estadístico para el análisis de datos, que incluyó pruebas específicas para determinar la asociación entre variables categóricas y técnicas de análisis descriptivo.
Estos hallazgos respaldan la efectividad del aprendizaje cooperativo mediado por tecnologías educativas en el Bachillerato Técnico del módulo de Emprendimiento y Gestión como una estrategia pedagógica innovadora que promueve la colaboración, la igualdad de oportunidades, el desarrollo de habilidades sociales y la autonomía del estudiante. Además, esta metodología se alinea con las bases legales de la educación en Ecuador y se sustenta en diversas bases teóricas que respaldan su eficacia.
Desarrollo de Competencias Matemáticas: impacto de la gamificación en el Proceso Enseñanza-Aprendizaje
Authors: Cruz-Gurumendi Rosa Lorena , Palma-Calderón Francisco Arturo , Cacoango-Yucta Washington Iván , Zúñiga-Delgad Mireya Stefanía
Published: May 2024

La introducción resalta la relevancia de la gamificación en la educación matemática como una herramienta innovadora para mejorar las habilidades de los estudiantes. Se destaca cómo la gamificación combina elementos de juegos con objetivos educativos para estimular el desempeño en matemáticas, respaldado por estudios previos que muestran su impacto positivo en la motivación, el compromiso y la comprensión de los conceptos matemáticos. Se mencionan investigaciones específicas que muestran cómo la gamificación puede mejorar el rendimiento académico y la motivación de los estudiantes. Además, se establece el marco teórico del constructivismo y la teoría de juegos. Se presenta información sobre el bajo rendimiento académico en matemáticas a nivel mundial y en Ecuador, subrayando la importancia de mejorar la enseñanza de las matemáticas para abordar futuros desafíos. Por último, se plantea la pregunta de investigación y se formula la hipótesis de que la integración de estrategias gamificadas tendrá un impacto positivo en las competencias matemáticas de los estudiantes. La investigación adopta un enfoque cuali-cuantitativo, combinando elementos cualitativos y cuantitativos para abordar el impacto de la gamificación en la enseñanza de las matemáticas. Se utiliza un diseño descriptivo-exploratorio, que se enfoca en describir las características de la población estudiada y explorar nuevas perspectivas.
La gamificación como estrategia para desarrollar la comprensión lectora en los estudiantes de primero año de bachillerato técnico
Authors: Montero-Santi Alexandra Mercedes , Cacoango-Yucta Washington Iván , Rumbaut-Rangel Dayron
Published: May 2024

Las estrategias pedagógicas convencionales como las tecnológicas, desempeñan un papel crucial a nivel educativo. De manera que la introducción de la gamificación en particular para la enseñanza de la lengua y la literatura se percibe de forma positiva, ya que aumenta la motivación y la participación de los estudiantes, alineándose con las demandas de la sociedad contemporánea. Así que, la gamificación se destaca como una estrategia significativa para involucrar a los estudiantes de manera activa en su proceso de aprendizaje. Por ello, el presente trabajo aplicó un enfoque mixto para comprender la relación entre variables de estudio, utilizando un diseño experimental. Se seleccionó una muestra de 68 estudiantes divididos en un grupo control de 34 estudiantes y un grupo experimental de 34 estudiantes, además de 4 docentes. Las actividades se desarrollaron utilizando la plataforma Educaplay y se enfocaron en aspectos como prelectura, lectura y poslectura, aplicando estrategias cognitivas. La hipótesis de esta investigación se centró en el impacto de la gamificación en el aprendizaje y contó con una metodología que incluyó un análisis estadístico descriptivo e inferencial. Como resultado se estableció que las pruebas de hipótesis paramétricas han respaldado estas observaciones, mostrando diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos. Además, las entrevistas con los docentes destacaron beneficios como el aumento del interés y la motivación de los estudiantes, así como desafíos como el diseño de juegos educativos equilibrados entre el entretenimiento y el aprendizaje.
Niveles de insulina y obesidad en niños atendidos en el Hospital de niños Roberto Gilbert Elizalde, Guayaquil, 2023
Authors: Macias-Calderón Sergio Alfredo , Piguave-Reyes José Manuel , Chila-Garcia Karen Carolina
Published: May 2024

La insulina es una hormona producida por el páncreas, esta permite que las células absorban y utilicen la glucosa como energía para el organismo. Las alteraciones de esta generalmente están asociadas con la obesidad, siendo esta una de los principales factores de riesgo de muchas enfermedades crónicas, entre esas se incluye a la diabetes, las enfermedades cardiovasculares, la hipertensión y los accidentes cerebrovasculares, haciendo que las células de los músculos, grasa o hígado no responden de forma adecuada a la insulina, haciendo que la glucosa de la sangre no sea absorbida fácilmente. El objetivo de la investigación fue analizar niveles de insulina y obesidad en niños atendidos en el Hospital de niños Roberto Gilbert Elizalde, Guayaquil, 2023. Como metodología, se llevó un estudio cuantitativo, no experimental, descriptiva, además de ser un estudio sin riesgo, retrospectivo y transversal, en el que se estudiaron a 60 niños entre los 7 y 12 años. El 53.3% eran del género femenino. Un 25% tenían 9 años, además, el 58.33% (IC95%: 45.6% - 71%) presentó niveles altos de insulina, el 91.7% (IC95%: 81.6% - 97.2%) presenta una obesidad moderada. Por último, los niveles de insulina se relacionaron con la obesidad. Se concluyó lo siguiente, en los niños con obesidad, los niveles de insulina se presentaron en altas concentraciones, por otro lado, los niños presentaron más obesidad moderada que severa.
TRANSTORNO DO DÉFICIT DE ATENÇÃO E HIPERATIVIDADE (TDAH): TERAPIAS FARMACOLÓGICAS E NÃO FARMACOLÓGICAS
Authors: Cardoso Jean Matheus Guedes , Lopes Yan Chagas , Ribeiro Santiago Vanderlei , Dias Tirsa Melo Gomes da Silva , Moraes Leonardo Graça de , Araújo Ana Theresa Costa Pereira de , Pegoraro Paulo Henrique Fracaro , Arruda Sobrinho Otávio Lima de , Paulucio Delânea Souto Sá , Moraes Ana Karoline Vieira , Barbosa Layssa Ellen Marinho , Sousa Kennedy Stênio da Paz , Santos Lucas Fontoura , Penso João Henrique Durieux , Ghazzaoui Hassan Nagib
Published: May 2024

O Transtorno do Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH) é uma condição psiquiátrica caracterizada por alterações no neurodesenvolvimento e sintomas comportamentais. A prevalência do TDAH é superior a 5%, com maior incidência em crianças e adolescentes. O Manual Diagnóstico e Estatístico de Transtornos Mentais, 5ª edição (DSM-5) define dois conjuntos de sintomas para o transtorno: hiperatividade e desatenção.
Outros sintomas incluem dificuldade de concentração, impulsividade, inquietação e agitação. A prevalência varia globalmente, com maior incidência nos Estados Unidos e em indivíduos do sexo masculino. O TDAH muitas vezes ocorre em conjunto com outras condições psiquiátricas, como distúrbios de aprendizagem e transtorno do espectro autista. O seu diagnóstico diferencial é essencial na prática clínica, exigindo a exclusão de outras condições médicas e psiquiátricas com sintomas sobrepostos. O tratamento envolve abordagens não farmacológicas e farmacológicas, com base na gravidade dos sintomas e prejuízos funcionais. O manejo farmacológico inclui psicoestimulantes e não estimulantes, com monitoramento cuidadoso da resposta do paciente e dos efeitos colaterais. Além disso, várias abordagens não farmacológicas, como terapia cognitivo-comportamental, neurofeedback, música e suplementação probiótica, foram estudadas. Os resultados dessas intervenções variam, mas sugerem benefícios potenciais na redução dos sintomas e na melhoria do funcionamento cognitivo. O estudo revisado inclui uma análise de diferentes terapias farmacológicas e não farmacológicas para o TDAH, com a análise de 11 estudos destacando a importância de uma abordagem personalizada e multifacetada no tratamento dessa condição. Embora existam opções de tratamento eficazes, são necessárias mais pesquisas para validar completamente a eficácia e segurança de várias intervenções, especialmente aquelas relacionadas à terapia digital. A integração de terapias farmacológicas e não farmacológicas é essencial para otimizar os resultados e melhorar a qualidade de vida dos pacientes com TDAH. No entanto, são necessárias mais pesquisas para entender completamente o papel das diferentes intervenções e seu impacto a longo prazo.
TERAPIA PERIODONTAL CIRÚRGICA EM PACIENTE COM PERIODONTITE CRÔNICA: RELATO DE CASO
Authors: Oliveira Marlene Ribeiro de , Correia Yago de Menezes , Fernandes Sara Silva , Tavares Amujacy Vilhena , Soares Tainah Layane Cavalcante , Galvão Cleiton de Sousa
Published: May 2024

O objetivo deste estudo é relatar um caso clínico de paciente diagnosticado com periodontite crônica, atendido na Clínica Escola Gamaliel submetido a uma abordagem de terapia periodontal cirúrgica e não cirúrgica. Foi realizada revisão da literatura referente ao tema nas plataformas de dados Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo) e Google acadêmico. Após realizar a terapia periodontal não cirúrgica, o paciente retornou a clínica sem apresentar melhora no quadro clínico, assim sendo, para resolução do quadro clínico do paciente, optou-se pela terapia periodontal cirúrgica em campo aberto. Após sete dias decorridos desta segunda abordagem, o paciente retornou apresentando regressão da inflamação e boa cicatrização da área submetida ao procedimento cirúrgico. Conclui-se que a terapia periodontal cirúrgica constitui-se na melhor opção de tratamento para os casos periodontite crônica que não responde ao tratamento não cirúrgico, pois permite melhor acesso a bolsas periodontais profundas, facilitando a manutenção da saúde periodontal em pacientes com doença periodontal crônica.
The effect on hemodynamic parameters and incidence of systemic side-effects following intracameral injection of a mixture of tropicamide 0,02%, phenylephrine 0,31% and lidocaine 1% in children: a pilot study
Authors: Aerts W , Herbots H , Van Os L , Tassignon MJ , Saldien V
Published: May 2024

Background: intracameral injection with a mixture of tropicamide 0,02%, phenylephrine 0,31% and lidocaine 1% (ICM), has been proven a safe and efficacious alternative to eye drops in adult patients undergoing cataract surgery. It provides a reliable and long-lasting mydriasis and could therefore be used as an alternative in pediatric patients undergoing cataract surgery. A safety profile has been established in adult, but not yet in pediatric populations.

Objective: to evaluate whether ICM is a safe alternative to preoperative eye drops in pediatric populations, with minimal effects on hemodynamic parameters and a low incidence of adverse events.

Materials & Methods: patients aged 8 weeks to 17 years scheduled for cataract surgery under general anesthesia, either unilaterally or bilaterally, were included from November 2020 until October 2021. All subjects received ICM. Perioperative blood pressure, heart rate and any adverse events (e.g. bradycardia, hypertension, etc.) were recorded.

Results: 40 patients were included in this study. A mixed effects model analysis showed that, after a first dose of ICM, the Z-score for systolic blood pressure (zSBP) would increase by a 0,036 (sig=0,617), the Z-score for diastolic blood pressure (zDBP) would decrease by 0,042 (sig=0,151) and the Z-score for heart rate (zHR) would increase by 0,034 (sig=0,250). A second dose of ICM would increase zSBP by 0,021 (sig=0,694), decrease zDBP by 0,006 (sig=0,907 and would decrease HR by 0,038 (sig=0,273). No event of hemodynamic instability requiring stabilization was reported. Five events of inadequate depth of anesthesia were reported.

Conclusion: based on these preliminary findings, ICM has a negligible effect on hemodynamic parameters and can be safely used in a pediatric population. Further research is warranted to confirm the efficacy and safety profile of ICM.
The effect of perioperative use of dexmedetomidine on time to extubation and ICU stay after coronary artery bypass graft surgery: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ysenbaardt B , Nauwynck M , Mulier J
Published: May 2024

Background: Dexmedetomidine plays an important role in postoperative respiratory weaning after cardiac surgery due to its sedative and analgesic properties without causing respiratory depression.

Objectives: To evaluate if dexmedetomidine could shorten postoperative ventilation time, ICU stay (primary outcomes) and total hospital stay (secondary outcome).

Methods: All patients who underwent elective CABG surgery between January 1st 2019 and March 3rd 2021 in AZ Sint-Jan, Bruges, Belgium were included in this retrospective single-center study. 175 of them received dexmedetomidine perioperative, opposed to 248 patients who did not.

Results: When looking at the postoperative length of ICU stay, no significant difference could be detected between the dexmedetomidine and non-dexmedetomidine group (median of 2 days, CI95% [2 - 3] vs 2 days CI95% [2-3] respectively; p= 0,5462). No difference in postoperative hospital stay could be detected between the dexmedetomidine and non-dexmedetomidine group either (median of 7 days, CI95% [7 - 8] vs 7 days, CI95% [7 - 7] respectively; p=0,4731). Time to extubation was significantly lower in the group with perioperative dexmedetomidine administration in comparison to those who did not receive dexmedetomidine during surgery (mean of 375 minutes; CI95% [332 - 418] vs 487 minutes; CI95% [420 - 555] respectively; p=0,0059).

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine can play an important role in postoperative respiratory weaning after elective CABG surgery by reducing the postoperative mechanical ventilation time. No effect on ICU stay and total length of hospital stay could be detected.
Introduction of an enhanced recovery program for young adults undergoing posterior spinal fusion surgery for idiopathic scoliosis: a single-centre pilot study evaluating short term outcomes
Authors: Van Hoorick L , Spaas C , Breebaart M , Saldien V , Michielsen J , Hans G , Wildemeersch D
Published: May 2024

Background: The large surgical incision and extensive tissue trauma in posterior spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis causes severe acute postoperative pain. Furthermore, posterior spinal fusion is associated with a risk of persistent postsurgical pain. Six months after posterior spinal fusion, the incidence of persistent postsurgical pain is as high as 22% of the patients. Optimizing pain management therefore remains crucial, but challenging.

Objective: The study objective is to design and implement an enhanced recovery pathway for patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior spinal fusion integrating all aspects of biopsychosocial care. Its outcomes are assessed, including its effect on postoperative pain and early mobilization.

Design and settings: A prospective cohort study was performed at the Antwerp University Hospital.

Methods: In December 2019, a prospective cohort study was set up in which an enhanced recovery pathway substitutes more than the patient controlled intravenous analgesia containing morphine postoperatively. This pathway consists of m/eHealth based psychological screening questionnaires, patient education, early mobilization, and a multimodal analgesia protocol consisting of preemptive gabapentin, an intraoperatively given single dose of methadone (0.2 mg kg-1), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and acetaminophen.

Results: We treated 25 adolescents (10 males and 15 females) with the developed enhanced recovery pathway with a mean age of 16.5 years (range 12-22). The mean number of spinal levels fused was 10 (range 6-13). Mean numerical rating scale scores were 4.17 at postoperative day 1, 4.46 at postoperative day 2, and 3.74 at postoperative day 3 in enhanced recovery pathway treated patients. Mean bladder catheterization duration was 3.04 days and enhanced recovery pathway patients stayed in the hospital for an average of 7.4 days.

Conclusions: Using an enhanced recovery pathway for patients undergoing posterior spinal fusion could not only reduce the acute and chronic opioid consumption and its side effects, but could also result in less postoperative pain, shorter hospital stay and higher patient satisfaction. Further reevaluation and improvement focused on these variables will likely further improve the effectiveness of enhanced recovery pathways.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04038229.
Can nociception monitors be used to titrate remifentanil with a stable low noxious stimulation response index (NSRI)?
Authors: Van Heck N , Carette R , Hendrickx J.F.A. , De Wolf A
Published: May 2024

Purpose: Opioids blunt autonomic nervous system (ANS) responses to noxious stimuli. Nociception monitors analyze the same ANS responses and thus might prove useful to guide opioid dosing. However, concomitantly administered hypnotics also blunt ANS responses and may thus jeopardize the usefulness of nociception monitors to guide intra-operative opioid dosing. We therefore studied the PK (prediction probability) of 3 nociception monitors (NOL index, qNOX and SPI) for the prevailing opioid concentration while maintaining the NSRI (noxious stimulus response index) at a low constant value with a range of opioids and inhaled agent combinations.

Methods: In 24 consenting ASA I-II patients undergoing robotic assisted radical prostatectomy, anesthesia was maintained with desflurane in O2/air and remifentanil (target controlled infusion). During the dissection phase, the remifentanil effect site concentration (Ce) in each patient was maintained at 1, 3, or 5 ng/mL for 20 min while the end-expired desflurane concentration (FET) was adjusted to keep the noxious stimulus response index (NSRI) at 5; the sequence in which each patient received each of the three remifentanil Ce was randomized. After stabilization, during each 20 min study period, the following data were collected: NSRI, NOL Index, SPI, qNOX, and FETdes. For each parameter, the prediction probability (PK) for Ce remifentanil was calculated.

Results: All patients remained hemodynamically stable. Surgery was finished before the last data collection period in 5 patients with a remifentanil Ce = 5 ng/mL, and in 1 patient with a remifentanil Ce = 1 ng/mL. All other data have been included in the data analysis. The prediction probability (PK) calculated for NOL Index, qNOX and SPI for Ce remifentanil was 0.519, 0.470, and 0.477, respectively.

Conclusion: Nociception monitoring becomes useless to titrate opioids when the concomitantly administered hypnotic is adjusted to maintain a low NSRI, presumably because suppression of movement to laryngoscopy also ensures suppression of the sympathetic nervous system response to the noxious stimulus present during intra-abdominal resection of the prostate. Both the hypnotic/opioid ratio and stimulus intensity of the stimulus/response pair need to be considered when attempting to use nociception to guide opioid administration.