bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost of care for asylum seekers and refugees entering the United States: The case of volunteer medical providers in El Paso, Texas
Authors: Delgado Rigoberto I. , De la Rosa Manuel , Picado Marlon A. , Ayoub-Rodriguez Lisa , Gonzalez Celia E. , Gemoets Leopold
Published: December 2022

Background

Between October 2018, and February 2020, the United States saw an unprecedented increase in the number of asylum seekers and refugees arriving unexpectedly at international crossings along the US-Mexico Border. Many of these migrants needed proper medical attention, and consequently created significant pressure on local health systems. In El Paso, Texas, volunteer clinicians, collaborating closely with religious organizations and non-governmental organizations, provided outpatient medical care for the new arrivals; the county hospital provided in-patient care at local tax payers’ expense. The objective of this study was to estimate costs of healthcare services offered by these volunteers in order to formulate sustainable and appropriate healthcare policies to address the needs of refugees and asylum seekers in the United States.

Methods

A mixed methods approach was used including personal interviews with stakeholders, and follow up surveys with volunteer clinicians. The cost analysis was done from the payer perspective using Medicaid reimbursement rates.

Results

Total costs of care provided to asylum seekers and refugees varied between $1.9MM to $4.4MM during the study period. The number of patient visits was estimated at 15,736 to 19,236, and cost per patient ranged between $99 and $281. Most common conditions treated by volunteer providers were abdominal pain, dermatological conditions, headaches, dehydration and hypertension.

Conclusions

This is the first study looking at the cost of healthcare for refugees and asylum seekers provided by volunteer clinicians, in a binational context. The resources invested by volunteer providers were significant, and essential to meet medical needs of migrant populations. Without appropriate financial support, a strategy relying on volunteer and local community resources will prove unsustainable in the long term. Findings from this study will help formulate federal and local policies to support local health systems along the US-Mexico Border in providing care to future migrations into the United States.
ECPPF (E2F1, CCNA2, POLE, PPP2R1A, FBXW7) stratification: Profiling high-risk subtypes of histomorphologically low-risk and treatment-insensitive endometrioid endometrial cancer
Authors: Gonzalez-Bosquet Jesus , Weroha S. John , Bakkum-Gamez Jamie N. , Weaver Amy L. , McGree Michaela E. , Dowdy Sean C. , Famuyide Abimbola O. , Kipp Benjamin R. , Halling Kevin C. , Yadav Siddhartha , Couch Fergus J. , Podratz Karl C.
Published: December 2022

In endometrial cancer, occult high-risk subtypes (rooted in histomorphologically low-risk disease) with insensitivity to adjuvant therapies impede improvements in therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, we aimed to assess the ability of molecular high-risk (MHR) and low-risk (MLR) ECPPF (E2F1, CCNA2, POLE, PPP2R1A, FBXW7) stratification to profile recurrence in early, low-risk endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC) and insensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy or radiotherapy (or both) in high-risk EEC. Using The Cancer Genome Atlas endometrial cancer database, we identified 192 EEC cases with available DNA sequencing and RNA expression data. Molecular parameters were integrated with clinicopathologic risk factors and adverse surveillance events. MHR was defined as high (-H) CCNA2 or E2F1 log2 expression (≥2.75), PPP2R1A mutations (-mu), or FBXW7mu; MLR was defined as low (-L) CCNA2 and E2F1 log2 expression (<2.75). We assessed 164 cases, plus another 28 with POLEmu for favorable-outcomes comparisons. MHR and MLR had significantly different progression-free survival (PFS) rates (P < .001), independent of traditional risk factors (eg, TP53mu), except for stage IV disease. PFS of CCNA2-L/E2F1-L paralleled that of POLEmu. ECPPF status stratified responses to adjuvant therapy in stage III-IV EEC (P < .01) and profiled stage I, grade 1–2 cases with risk of recurrence (P < .001). MHR was associated with CTNNB1mu-linked treatment failures (P < .001). Expression of homologous recombination repair (HR) and cell cycle genes was significantly elevated in CCNA2-H/E2F1-H compared with CCNA2-L/E2F1-L (P<1.0E-10), suggesting that HR deficiencies may underlie the favorable PFS in MLR. HRmu were detected in 20.7%. No treatment failures were observed in high-grade or advanced EEC with HRmu (P = .02). Favorable PFS in clinically high-risk EEC was associated with HRmu and MLR ECPPF (P < .001). In summary, MLR ECPPF and HRmu were associated with therapeutic efficacy in EEC. MHR ECPPF was associated with low-risk, early-stage recurrences and insensitivity to adjuvant therapies.
Quality and team care response to the pandemic stresses in high performing primary care practices: A qualitative study
Authors: Eder Milton , Jacobsen Rachel , Peterson Kevin A. , Solberg Leif I.
Published: December 2022

Objective

To learn how high performing primary care practices organized care for patients with diabetes during the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants and methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted between August 10 and December 10, 2020 with 16 leaders from 11 practices that had top quartile performance measures for diabetes outcomes pre-COVID. Each clinic had completed a similar interview and a survey about the existence of care management systems associated with quality outcomes before the pandemic. Transcript analysis utilized a theoretical thematic analysis at the semantic level.

Results

The pandemic disrupted the primary care practices’ operations and processes considered important for quality prior to the pandemic, particularly clinic reliance on proactive patient care. Safety concerns resulted from the shift to virtual visits, which produced documentation gaps and led practices to reorder their use of proactive patient care processes. Informal interactions with patients also declined. These practices’ challenges were mitigated by technical, informational and operational help from the larger organizations of which they were a part. Care management processes had to accommodate both in-person and virtual visits.

Conclusion

These high performing practices demonstrated an ability to adapt their use of proactive patient care processes in pursuing quality outcomes for patients with diabetes during the pandemic. Continued clinic transformation and improvements in quality within primary care depend on the ability to restructure the responsibilities of care team members and their interactions with patients.
Serum proteomic profiling reveals MTA2 and AGO2 as potential prognostic biomarkers associated with disease activity and adverse outcomes in multiple myeloma
Authors: Apipongrat Dollapak , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Prayongratana Kannadit , Charoenpitakchai Mongkon , Intharanut Kamphon , Laoruangroj Chonlada , Silpsamrit Panachai , Nathalang Oytip
Published: December 2022

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy accounting for approximately 10% of hematological malignancies. Identification of reliable biomarkers for better diagnosis and prognosis remains a major challenge. This study aimed to identify potential serum prognostic biomarkers corresponding to MM disease activity and evaluate their impact on patient outcomes. Serum proteomic profiles of patients with MM and age-matched controls were performed using LC–MS/MS. In the verification and validation phases, the concentration of the candidate biomarkers was measured using an ELISA technique. In addition, the association of the proposed biomarkers with clinical outcomes was assessed. We identified 23 upregulated and 15 downregulated proteins differentially expressed in newly diagnosed and relapsed/refractory MM patients compared with MM patients who achieved at least a very good partial response to treatment (≥VGPR). The top two candidate proteins, metastasis-associated protein-2 (MTA2) and argonaute-2 (AGO2), were selected for further verification and validation studies. Both MTA2 and AGO2 showed significantly higher levels in the disease-active states than in the remission states (p < 0.001). Regardless of the patient treatment profile, high MTA2 levels were associated with shorter progression-free survival (p = 0.044; HR = 2.48; 95% CI, 1.02 to 6.02). Conversely, high AGO2 levels were associated with IgG and kappa light-chains isotypes and an occurrence of bone involvement features (p < 0.05) and were associated with prolonged time to response (p = 0.045; HR = 3.00; 95% CI, 1.03 to 8.76). Moreover, the analytic results using a publicly available NCBI GEO dataset revealed that AGO2 overexpression was associated with shorter overall survival among patients with MM (p = 0.032, HR = 1.60, 95% CI, 1.04 to 2.46). In conclusion, MTA2 and AGO2 proteins were first identified as potential biomarkers that reflect disease activity, provide prognostic values and could serve as non-invasive indicators for disease monitoring and outcome predicting among patients with MM.
Association between screen time and obesity in US adolescents: A cross-sectional analysis using National Survey of Children’s Health 2016–2017
Authors: Bakour Chighaf , Mansuri Fahad , Johns-Rejano Courtney , Crozier Michelle , Wilson Ronee , Sappenfield William
Published: December 2022

Objective

This study examines the association between time spent watching TV, playing video games, using a computer or handheld device (screen time), and BMI among U.S. adolescents, and potential effect modification of these associations by sex, sleep duration, and physical activity.

Methods

A secondary analysis of 10–17-year-old participants in the 2016–2017 National Survey of Children’s Health was conducted. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the association between parent-reported screen time and BMI categories and effect modification by sex, sleep duration and physical activity.

Results

The analysis included 29,480 adolescents (49.4% female). Those with ≥1 hour (vs <1 hour) of TV/video games per day were more likely to be overweight/obese (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 1–3 hours = 1.4; 95% Confidence Interval (CI)1.19, 1.65; aOR ≥4 hours = 2.19; 95% CI 1.73, 2.77). This association was stronger in adolescents who did not meet the guidelines for physical activity (aOR ≥ 4 hours = 3.04; 95% CI: 2.1, 4.4) compared with those who did (aOR ≥ 4 hours = 1.64; 95% CI: 0.72, 3.72). Using computers/handheld devices was associated with a smaller increase in odds of overweight/obesity (aOR ≥4 hours = 1.53; 95% CI:1.19, 1.97).

Conclusion

Watching TV or playing video games for ≥1 hour per day is associated with obesity in adolescents who did not meet the guidelines for physical activity. Using computers or handheld devices seems to have a weaker association with BMI compared with TV/video games.
Clinical and economic value of sofosbuvir-based regimens in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in Spain
Authors: Esteban Rafael , Domínguez-Hernández Raquel , Martín-Escudero Victoria , Casado Miguel Ángel
Published: December 2022

Background

The treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) with direct-acting antivirals has undergone a spectacular revolution and added significant value to healthcare systems and patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency and value of Sofosbuvir (SOF)-based regimens for a target population of 85,959 chronic HCV patients treated in Spain during 2015–2019, compared to previous therapeutic strategies (peginterferon/ and ribavirin in double/triple therapy with telaprevir or boceprevir).

Methods

A previously developed lifetime Markov model was adapted to simulate the disease HCV evolution. In SOF-based regimens, all patients (100%) were treated regardless with sustained virological response (SVR) of 93–98%, obtained from real-world data. In previous therapeutic, only ≥F2 patients were treated according to clinical practice (38%) with an average SVR of 61% taken from published literature. The value was measured as clinical and economic impact in terms of avoided HCV-related mortality and liver complications; total costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) applying an annual 3% discount rate.

Results

Compared to previous therapeutic, during lifetime, SOF-based regimens reduced decompensated cirrhosis by 89%, hepatocellular carcinoma by 77% and liver transplant by 84%, decreasing the cost associated to liver complications management in €770 million. SOF-based regimens also decreased liver-related mortality by 82%. Besides, SOF-based regimens gained 310,765/QALYs, saving €274 million (considering drugs, monitoring, and HCV management).

Conclusion

For Spain, SOF-based regimens offer value for HCV patients in terms of lowering HCV-related liver disease burden and generating significant cost savings for the health system, contributing to the WHO goal.
Effects of simulation-based education for neonatal resuscitation on medical students’ technical and non-technical skills
Authors: Lee Jiwon , Lee Jang Hoon
Published: December 2022

Simulation is a learner-centered practice that helps develop and maintain knowledge, skills, and competencies. This study evaluated the effect of neonatal resuscitation simulation-based education for medical students in the fifth year (part of the regular clinical clerkship program) on the perceived performance of their technical and non-technical skills. In addition, we analyzed the difference between instructor’s and learners’ evaluations of technical skills after the simulation. A one-group pretest-posttest design was adopted. The simulation-based education of the neonatal resuscitation program (NRP) was conducted for 40 medical students from July to November 2020 at a medical school in South Korea. The simulation-based education comprised 5 minutes of pre-briefing, 10 minutes of running the simulation, and 30 minutes of debriefing (using a recorded video). The perceived performance of students’ technical and non-technical skills before and after the simulation was compared by collecting and analyzing the pre- and post-questionnaires. The perceived performance of technical (p = .001) and non-technical skills (p < .001) was found to have significantly increased after the simulation. Particularly, the performance of technical skills, such as diagnostic (p = .007) and therapeutic actions (p < .001) and non-technical skills, such as leadership (p < .001), teamwork (p = .001), and task management (p = .020) improved significantly. There was no significant difference in the evaluations of the technical performance of the instructor and learners after the simulation (p = .953). Simulation-based education can improve technical skills, such as diagnostic and therapeutic actions for neonatal resuscitation. It is also effective in enhancing non-technical skills, such as leadership, teamwork, and task management. Further, after the simulation-based education, students can fully self-evaluate through objective reflection and improve their clinical competency.
Attitudes towards Monkeypox vaccination and predictors of vaccination intentions among the US general public
Authors: Winters Maike , Malik Amyn A. , Omer Saad B.
Published: December 2022

Amidst an unprecedented Monkeypox outbreak, we aimed to measure knowledge, attitudes, practices and Monkeypox vaccination intentions among the U.S. adult population. We conducted an online cross-sectional survey, representative of the U.S. adult general public in June 2022. We asked participants whether they would receive a Monkeypox vaccine, if they were recommended to do so. Participants also answered questions on their self-assessed level of Monkeypox knowledge, risk perception, perceived exaggeration of the threat, and self-efficacy around Monkeypox. Furthermore, we asked about their trusted sources of information, COVID-19 vaccination status and administered the 6-item Vaccine Trust Indicator (VTI). Survey weights were created based on age, gender and race. We analyzed predictors of Monkeypox vaccination intentions using logistic regression, adjusted for education, age, race and ethnicity. A total of 856 respondents completed the survey, of which 51% (n = 436) were female and 41% (n = 348) had a college degree or higher. If recommended, 46% of respondents intended to get vaccinated against Monkeypox, 29% would not get vaccinated and 25% did not know. Almost half the respondents (47%) found their own knowledge level about Monkeypox poor or very poor. The most trusted sources of information about the outbreak were healthcare professionals and officials, but also known doctors and researchers with a large online following. Only 24% indicated that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention should be in charge of the outbreak response. Being vaccinated against COVID-19 was a strong predictor of intention to receive a Monkeypox if recommended (adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 29.2, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 13.1–65.3). Increased risk perception was positively associated with vaccination intentions (aOR 2.6, 95% CI 1.8–3.6), scoring high on the VTI as well (5.4, 95% CI (3.2–9.1). The low levels of self-assessed knowledge, vaccination intentions and influence of COVID-19 vaccination status point to a lack of clear communication.
Educational significance and challenges of conducting the objective structured clinical examination twice for midwifery students before and after clinical training: A longitudinal single university study during 2014–2019 in Japan
Authors: Morikawa Yuki , Watanabe Yukari , Yamauchi Mayumi , Yamamoto Mayumi , Morikawa Mamoru , Ishibiki Kazumi , Ohtomo Mai , Miyazaki Michiko , Nakamura Keiko
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to clarify the educational significance and issues associated with administering the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) twice to midwifery students, i.e., before and after clinical training. In Sapporo City University in Japan, 37 assessment items of the OSCE were configured as “Overall,” with 17 items as midwifery’s normal delivery preparation (Part 1) and 20 items as midwifery’s normal delivery assistance (Part 2). All students had attended lectures with textbooks. The first and second OSCEs were conducted before and after the clinical training, respectively. The scores of 54 students were retrospectively analyzed over 6 years (2014–2019). The results of the first and second OSCEs were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using Mann–Whitney U test, Wilcoxon signed rank-sum test, Fisher’s exact test, and analysis of variance. The mean scores for “Overall” [0–37], “Part 1” [0–17], and “Part 2” [0–20] in the second OSCEs were significantly higher than those in the first OSCE (Overall: 22.7 vs 19.3, Part 1: 9.50 vs 7.71, Part 2: 13.2 vs 11.6, p<0.05, respectively). Regarding “Overall” and “Part 1,” a positive correlation was observed between the first and second OSCEs, wherein the full scores of “Part 1,” converted from 17 to 20 points to match the full scores of “Part 2,” were significantly lower than those of Part 2 (p<0.05, respectively). There was a positive correlation between the scores of the first and second OSCEs in “Part 1” and “Part 2” (p<0.05). The scores increased between the two OSCEs, and participants could objectively grasp the knowledge and skills. The OSCEs conducted twice were useful in skilling-up the normal delivery preparation and assistance skills of midwifery students. However, developing an advanced educational method might be necessary for the midwifery students’ preparation of normal delivery, because the scores in the OSCEs were lower.
The E46K mutation modulates α-synuclein prion replication in transgenic mice
Authors: Holec Sara A. M. , Lee Jisoo , Oehler Abby , Batia Lyn , Wiggins-Gamble Aryanna , Lau Jeffrey , Ooi Felicia K. , Merz Gregory E. , Wang Man , Mordes Daniel A. , Olson Steven H. , Woerman Amanda L.
Published: December 2022

In multiple system atrophy (MSA), the α-synuclein protein misfolds into a self-templating prion conformation that spreads throughout the brain, leading to progressive neurodegeneration. While the E46K mutation in α-synuclein causes familial Parkinson’s disease (PD), we previously discovered that this mutation blocks in vitro propagation of MSA prions. Recent studies by others indicate that α-synuclein adopts a misfolded conformation in MSA in which a Greek key motif is stabilized by an intramolecular salt bridge between residues E46 and K80. Hypothesizing that the E46K mutation impedes salt bridge formation and, therefore, exerts a selective pressure that can modulate α-synuclein strain propagation, we asked whether three distinct α-synuclein prion strains could propagate in TgM47+/- mice, which express human α-synuclein with the E46K mutation. Following intracranial injection of these strains, TgM47+/- mice were resistant to MSA prion transmission, whereas recombinant E46K preformed fibrils (PFFs) transmitted neurological disease to mice and induced the formation of phosphorylated α-synuclein neuropathology. In contrast, heterotypic seeding following wild-type (WT) PFF–inoculation resulted in preclinical α-synuclein prion propagation. Moreover, when we inoculated TgM20+/- mice, which express WT human α-synuclein, with E46K PFFs, we observed delayed transmission kinetics with an incomplete attack rate. These findings suggest that the E46K mutation constrains the number of α-synuclein prion conformations that can propagate in TgM47+/- mice, expanding our understanding of the selective pressures that impact α-synuclein prion replication.
Class, culture and the politics of inequality
Authors: O’Neill Deirdre
Published: December 2022

This introduction to the second issue situates the journal within a diverse and multidisciplinary environment insisting on the necessity of returning to the concept and application of ‘grand narratives’. It argues for research strategies that are politically engaged and committed to collaboration with other disciplines both within and outside of academia. Referring to the eclectic nature of the articles, this editorial insists on the crucial importance of theoretical knowledge in developing the possibility of building counter hegemonic modes of enquiry and knowledge. Within this frame it considers how through the exchange of intellectual ideas it becomes possible to develop the skills and competencies that make possible both the interpretation and comprehension of the complexities and contradictions of working-class life within a globalized neo-liberal labour market. Utilizing Gramsci’s conception of hegemony it anchors the articles in this issue within a framework that challenges hegemonic ways of thinking and uncritical modes of thought.
Plotlands of Shepperton, Stefan Szczelkun (2020)
Silence!, Stefan Szczelkun (2020)
Authors: Baker Stephen
Published: December 2022

Review of: Plotlands of Shepperton, Stefan Szczelkun (2020)

London: Working Press, 54 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-87073-624-4, p/bk, £12.95

 

Silence!, Stefan Szczelkun (2020)

London: Working Press, 84 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-87073-622-0, p/bk, £9.95
La comunicación científica en Instagram destinada al público infantil: los casos de @muyinteresantejunior y @revistacucu
Authors: Carballeda Camacho Mireya , Ruiz del Olmo Francisco Javier
Published: December 2022

La comunicación de la ciencia al público infantil es una cuestión esencial en un contexto de sociedades tecnológicas avanzadas, no solo para entender la naturaleza de los avances científicos sino también para incrementar el interés sobre la ciencia desde edades muy tempranas y en definitiva elevar la cultura científica de los ciudadanos. El objetivo principal de esta investigación es analizar y describir las diferentes estrategias de comunicación de la ciencia a los públicos infantiles o de primera juventud y que realizan en redes sociales las publicaciones dirigidas a estos públicos. Singularmente se proponen como estudio de caso dos revistas infantiles destinadas a públicos de diferentes edades («Muy Interesante Junior» y «Revista Cucú») y se analizan y describen cómo construyen su mensaje en la red social Instagram, la plataforma más seguida por estos públicos. Utilizando una metodología mixta, cuantitativa y cualitativa de análisis de contenido, la investigación analiza las estrategias, tanto visuales como textuales, que utilizan las citadas publicaciones para dirigirse al público infantil, matizando, cuantificando y categorizando las narrativas de las publicaciones en la red social dirigidas a esos públicos. El estudio concluye mostrando una tipología de estrategias comunicativas y diferentes formas de interacción texto e imagen, que varía de forma evidente en función del rango de edad del público.
Spanish Political Parties on Facebook: New Sources of Content for Political Journalism
Authors: Beriain Bañares Ana , Crisóstomo Gálvez Raquel , Xiva i Molina Ismael
Published: December 2022

Political parties take advantage of the internet to disseminate their messages, particularly during election campaigns. In addition to the public, these messages reach journalists, who have turned these platforms into another tool for their professional work. The aim of this study is to reflect on how the nature of publications can affect the work of journalists who use this content as raw material to work with. In order to explore this more deeply, a quantitative approach is proposed, consisting of a metric analysis of 1,280 Facebook posts by 10 political forces and a survey of 1,004 people, representing the universe of the Spanish population. The results show that the parties disseminate unidirectional and propagandistic content on Facebook during campaigns, marginalising dialogue and interaction. This restricts journalists’ ability to converse with political parties through the social network, which at the same time is impacted by messages whose veracity is secondary to their objective of reaching as many internet users as possible.
DNA barcodes of the vascular flora of the Altai Mountain Country: type material of the Herbarium ALTB
Authors: Vaganov Alexsey V. , Sinitsyna Tatyana A. , Kutsev Maxim G. , Skaptsov Michail V. , Zholnerova Yelizaveta A. , Kosachev Petr A. , Kechaykin Alexey A. , Smirnov Sergey V. , Shmakov Alexandr I.
Published: December 2022

The article presents first data of the work on DNA barcoding of type specimens of ALTB Herbarium (Barnaul, Russia). Obtained sequences of ITS and trnL-trnF, trnH-psbA markers of DNA were deposited in NCBI GenBank, and corresponding dataset was published in the GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility).
Development of a Computational Tool to Evaluate the Energy Diversification of TransportationSystems in Colombia
Authors: Blandón Andrade Juan Carlos , Castaño Gil Kenpo Erickson , Tibaquirá Giraldo Juan Esteban
Published: December 2022

There is a growing demand for energy consumption in Colombia. For this rea-son, the country wants to promote poli-cies for the diversification of energy in its the transport systems. Thus, it is relevant to evaluate the energy and environmental impacts of promoting the increase of zero and low emission vehicles. The objective of this study is to show the development of a computational tool that implements seve-ral models and allows for the configuration of different technology scenarios to deter-mine the impact of the implementation of zero and low emission vehicle fleets. To develop the tool, an agile software deve-lopment methodology is used, which faci-litates following a systematic process for its construction. Using the computational tool, the user can obtain results for short-, medium-, and long-term projections.
The Problem of Water Resources Pollution with Active Pharmaceutical Substances and the Possibility of Its Solving
Authors: BEISENOVA Raikhan , TULEGENOVA Symbat , TAZITDINOVA Rumiya , ORKEYEVA Ainur , BEISENBEKOVA Zhazira
Published: December 2022

Environmental pollution by pharmaceutical products has become one of the most significant problems in the modern world. It also touched upon the countries of Central Asia, including Kazakhstan. Pharmaceutical production in the country is growing rapidly, with drugs widely available to the population. This inevitably leads to the fact that a significant part of medicinal compounds gets into the environment and, in particular, into water bodies. It is obvious that pollution of the aquatic environment with various active pharmaceutical compounds harms the aquatic ecosystem, worsens the quality of water, and, subsequently, human health. That is why the need for the inactivation of pharmaceutical products polluting the aquatic environment is so urgent. The objectives of this study were to identify pharmaceutical compounds in the aquatic environment of Kazakhstan and to test the effectiveness of activated carbon as a means for wastewater treatment by adsorption.
Environmental Concerns Associated with the Development of the Agro-Industrial Complex and Analysis of Its Financing
Authors: LUKPANOVA Zhanar , JUMABEKOVA Almagul , MUKUSHEV Abzal , MATAIBAYEVA Gulnar , KADRINOV Maulet , BAIMAGAMBETOVA Zamzagul
Published: December 2022

The world's agriculture is transforming from a traditional to a high-tech industry that is able to create new markets for innovative and investment decisions and developments, striving to increase labor productivity and yields. Only advanced mechanized solutions can sometimes help to achieve significant results in this area, given the current problems, as well as the economic, environmental and social challenges facing the countryside.

The purpose of the study is to identify the environmental concerns associated with the development of the agro-industrial complex and the analysis of its financing in the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as the creation of an environmentally oriented system for the utilization of agricultural waste.
Improving the Efficiency of the National Healthcare as Oriented Sustainable System. The Socio-Economic Aspects and Environmental Issues
Authors: SMAILOV Bakhytzhan , ANDAROVA Roza , AKYBAYEVA Gulvira , GORDEYEVA Yelena , MAMBETOVA Sagynysh , GELASHVILI Nikolay
Published: December 2022

Based on a review of existing approaches, the article substantiates the nature of medical services as a mixed public good in relation with the sustainability of our society. In this regard, the typology of the modern healthcare sector is investigated on the basis of detailing the theoretical constructs underlying the applied models in response to their organizational mechanism.

It is established that the target of all applied models of organization of the healthcare system is to search for optimal productivity. Medical efficiency of healthcare generates organizational effectiveness of therapeutic measures, social efficiency – the accessibility to medical services, economic efficiency – resource efficiency, environmental efficiency – overall sustainability of the healthcare system.

The findings of this research outline that the ideal model of the healthcare system, besides the fact that should have a high medical, social and economic efficiency, should also be an environmentally oriented sustainable system which will allow healthy life also for the next generations.
Mangrove Conservation, Ecotourism, and Development Strategy in Bandar Bakau Dumai, Indonesia
Authors: EFFENDI Irwan , YOSWATY Dessy , HARAHAP Irawan , JUPENDRI Jupendri , ANDRIZAL Andrizal
Published: December 2022

Mangrove ecosystems have components of landscapes, flora, fauna, and local communities to form a unified ecosystem. Bandar Bakau Dumai (BBD) is a mangrove conservation and ecotourism area located on the outskirts of Dumai City, Indonesia. This study aimed to analyze the current and past conditions of the area and develop strategies for developing it in the future. The research was carried out by observing, interviewing, non-structured in-depth interviewing, and studying literature. The condition and potential of the mangrove ecotourism area were analyzed from the attractiveness, infrastructure, facilities and services, market potential, institutional elements, and socio-economic conditions of the community. The development strategy is formulated using a SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat) analysis by systematically identifying various factors to determine the priority of the development strategy. The BBD conservation area is still relatively good and has not changed from previous years. However, the role of mangrove ecotourism is far removed. The supporting facilities and infrastructure are generally not maintained. The following recovery and development strategies are recommended: increasing human resource capacity; strengthening the role of the government, industry, and sponsors in the development of facilities and infrastructure; proper promotion and marketing; and varying ecotourism services and products; and construction coastal abrasion protectors.
Factors Affecting the Adoption of High-Tech Innovations in Farming Shutchi Catfish. The Case Study of Can Tho City, Vietnam
Authors: NGUYEN Thi Nghia , NGUYEN The Kien
Published: December 2022

Vietnam’s catfish farm is an important agricultural sector that generates over 1 million tons of food every year. The application of high-tech innovations is essential for the quick and sustainable development of catfish farm in Vietnam. However, there are both enablers and constraints that effects the decision of Vietnamese catfish farmers in applying new technology. This study aims to analyze the current situation and factors impacting farmers’ adoption of new high-tech innovations in farming Shutchi catfish at Can Tho city, Vietnam. Analyzing data from 120 Shutchi catfish farming households with the logistic regression, our results show that farming area, educational background of farmers, local government support, and local authority’s training have positive influence in the decision of farmers in accepting high-tech innovations, while number of farming years is a constraint of this process. The outcome would serve as the basis for proposals and recommendations to local authorities in order to enhance the effectiveness of promoting high-tech application in the farming of Shutchi catfish in Can Tho City, Vietnam.
Criminalization of the Transmission of the Coronavirus COVID-19 and Its Impact on the Right to a Healthy Environment
Authors: AL-KHAWAJAH Noor , ALKHSEILAT Abdullah , AL-BILLEH Tareq , MANASRA Majd , ALWERIKAT Naji
Published: December 2022

Murder usually causes death. Unconventional kinds of attacks on human life include the propagation of Coronavirus illness (COVID-19). According to the World Health Organization and medical specialists, COVID-19 is a lethal virus and a poisonous chemical, making its transmission a murderous act. Therefore, it is possible to have several criminal forms related to the transmission of COVID-19 to others. These forms vary according to the consequences resulting from the transmission of COVID-19, so the consequences may be death, which is expected due to this virus; if the victim cannot resist it, the consequences may most often cause harm to others. In addition, these criminal forms vary based on whether the mental element is purposeful or involuntary.
Sustainable Development Prediction of Start-ups in Ukraine
Authors: SOKIL Oleh , PODOLCHAK Nazar , KNIAZ Sviatoslav , SOKIL Yana , KUCHER Lesia
Published: December 2022

The purpose of the article is to confirm the success of start-ups in Ukraine, which will be achieved through a trend analysis of the integral indicator of the success of start-ups in Ukraine using polynomial forecasting of the 4th degree. The research methodology is based on the analysis and collection of data on indicators of the effective existence of the macro and microenvironment in Ukraine, an index analysis of the most significant indicators characterizing the prospects and efficiency of start-ups, trend analysis. Empirical data allowed to formulate a hypothesis: that there is a theoretical and methodological ability of the integral indicator of the success of start-ups in Ukraine to ensure the relevant trends in their sustainable development. The specific features and stages of development of start-ups were analyzed in the article. The study notes recommendations for creating an effective start-up and its financing. The procedures for collecting, analyzing, and processing information made it possible to build a trend line and forecast an integrated indicator of sustainable development of start-up success in Ukraine.
Studentsʼ Willingness to Communicate in English: Czech Adaptation of Willingness to Communicate Inside the Classroom Scale
Authors: Jelínková Jaroslava , Chytrý Vlastimil , Gregor Petr , Laue Anthony
Published: December 2022

Quality communication between a teacher and a student or students contributes to the process of learning a foreign language. Communication in foreign language teaching is both a means of communication and the content of teaching. The model of willingness to communicate in a foreign language describes individual characteristics and situational variables that affect a pupil’s readiness to enter dialogue with another person at some point. The present study provides information on the process and results of scale adaptation Willingness to Communicate Inside the Classroom scale. The process of adaptation to Czech conditions includes the verification of content validity, construct validity, and the identification of a factor structure of the instrument. Using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) procedures in the JASP program 0.14.1. the suitability of the use of the originally designed scale was verified and a reduction from twenty-seven to eighteen items was proposed. The internal consistency of the Czech version of the Willingness to Communicate Inside the Classroom scale showed a sufficient Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of .82, thus we can assume that the tested scales show sufficient reliability.
Observing Winter Carbonate Chemistry Dynamics Throughout the Mid-Atlantic Bight Shelf Using Novel Glider Technology
Authors: Guzik Marissa , Saba Grace , Wright-Fairbanks Elizabeth
Published: December 2022

Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) has led to global climate change and ocean acidification (OA) via the absorption of atmospheric CO2 by the ocean. Coastal shelves are also affected by various processes that influence the acidity of seawater, causing acidity to vary over time and space. These variations in ocean acidity can negatively impact marine species, especially calcifying organisms such as surfclams and sea scallops. In the Mid-Atlantic Bight (MAB), a subsection of the U.S. Northeast Shelf (NES), this variation in acidity generates ecological and economic concerns as the MAB is home to some of the nation’s most productive and profitable estuaries and fisheries. In this study, Rutgers University (southern MAB) and Stony Brook University (northern MAB, Hudson Canyon) deployed two gliders equipped with sensors measur-ing depth, temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll to monitor winter 2021 carbonate chemistry conditions on the shelf as well as in slope waters of the MAB. For both deployments, measured pH and calculated aragonite saturation state (Ωarag) showed opposing patterns, with high pH and low Ωarag in shelf/nearshore and low pH and high Ωarag in slope waters. These trends were attributed to different driving factors whereas pH was more influenced by biological processes (i.e. photo-synthesis) and Ωarag was influenced mostly by thermodynamics and chemical factors (i.e. temperature, total alkalinity). The results of this study underscore the importance of monitoring coastal acidity to understand potential impacts on important species.
Prólogo
Authors: Uribe-Moreno Miguel Eduardo
Published: December 2022

El conjunto de trabajos que se presentan en el presente libro coincide con estos intereses actuales, pues centran su atención en tópicos centrales de las vivencias socioemocionales dentro del proceso educativo en la actualidad. En su gran mayoría, estos trabajos corresponden al desarrollo de ejercicios de investigación realizados por estudiantes de la Especialización en Psicología Educativa de la Universidad Católica de Colombia
Caracterización de estrés laboral en docentes
Authors: CHANTRÉ JENNY , GALVIS VIVIANA , MONTAÑEZ MENA LAURA , CUÉLLAR SÁNCHEZ DIANA CAROLINA
Published: December 2022

En este capítulo se presentan los resultados de la investigación acerca del estrés laboral en docentes que tuvo lugar en el Gimnasio los Robles, el Gimnasio las Palmas y en instituciones de educación superior como la Universidad Católica de Colombia y la Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios en Bogotá. Para este trabajo, se evaluó el síndrome de burnout a partir del cuestionario Maslach Burnout Inventory (Maslach, 1986), constituido por 22 ítems agrupados en tres dimensiones: cansancio o agotamiento emocional, despersonalización y realización personal. Se contó con una muestra de 40 docentes (16 hombres y 24 mujeres) con edades entre los 25 y los 58 años, y se utilizó el programa SPSS para identificar, según los datos sociodemográficos en relación con las dimensiones (agotamiento emocional, despersonalización y realización personal), quién presentaba burnout. Dentro de los resultados, se logró identificar que 30 de los docentes evaluados presentaron ausencia de burnout, puesto que en las dimensiones la mayor frecuencia fue de un nivel “medio”. Esto de alguna manera resulta contradictorio por las características sociodemográficas de los participantes, quienes en su mayoría estaban vinculados a mínimo dos trabajos, con horas de clase en educación media y educación superior. De este grupo, los que trabajaban en colegio presentaron mayores índices en las variables de agotamiento emocional y despersonalización, y una característica común es que trabajaban entre 9 y 13 horas diarias. Todas estas variables son propias del síndrome de burnout.
Representaciones sociales sobre la violencia de género en educación superior
Authors: ZAPATA GARZÓN PAOLA , MUÑOZ URUEÑA MAGDA , LAYTÓN OSORIO CHRISTIAN
Published: December 2022

El objetivo de la presente investigación fue identificar las representaciones sociales sobre la violencia de género en estudiantes pertenecientes a contextos de educación superior en el nivel de pregrado. Se utilizó un enfoque mixto con diseño anidado concurrente, en el que se desarrolló de manera simultánea la toma de datos cuantitativos y cualitativos, siendo estos últimos la referencia principal para el análisis de resultados, que se complementan con la información obtenida en el método cuantitativo. En consecuencia, partiendo del muestreo no probabilístico, se aplicaron dos instrumentos: una entrevista semiestructurada a tres expertos en la materia, y una réplica del Instrumento de recogida de datos de creencias del alumnado a estudiantes de programas de pregrado, quienes conformaron una muestra por cuotas. Como resultado, se encontró un nivel de aceptación de los estudiantes sobre afirmaciones estereotipadas de violencia de género correspondientes a las seis dimensiones del instrumento, y se logró establecer y relacionar las categorías sobre las representaciones sociales de la violencia de género. Con ello, se concluye que el conjunto de construcciones sociales que los estudiantes asimilan se determina bajo tres vertientes: los lineamientos curriculares, el acceso a la educación y la deconstrucción de los estereotipos presentes en esta problemática.
Percepción y tendencias de inclinación sobre la masculinidad hegemónica y masculinidad alternativa en un grupo de hombres y mujeres de tres generaciones diferentes
Authors: VARGAS MEJÍA ADRIANA CAROLINA , REYES PARRA MÓNICA DAYANA
Published: December 2022

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo conocer la percepción y las tendencias de inclinación que tienen los hombres y mujeres de tres generaciones diferentes frente a la masculinidad hegemónica y la masculinidad alternativa. Para esto, se planteó una metodología mixta (cualitativa y cuantitativa), transversal, con alcance descriptivo, secuencial, y con diseño fenomenológico. La muestra estuvo compuesta por nueve hombres y tres mujeres de diferentes edades, tres hombres y una mujer de entre 18 y 39 años, tres hombres y una mujer de entre 40 y 59 años, y tres hombres y una mujer de más de 60 años. La selección de la muestra fue no probabilística por conveniencia, y la información fue recolectada a través de una encuesta y una entrevista semiestructurada. El análisis de los datos cuantitativos se realizó a través del programa SPSS, y el análisis de los datos cualitativos se efectuó en el programa Atlas.ti. Como resultado, se logró evidenciar que los participantes más jóvenes muestran una tendencia de inclinación por la masculinidad alternativa, mientras que los de mayor edad se inclinan por la masculinidad emergente, un concepto que surgió como una nueva categoría de análisis que se caracteriza por adoptar posturas de la Masculinidad alternativa y hegemónica. Para futuras investigaciones se recomienda investigar sobre la denominada masculinidad emergente, y establecer el impacto y tránsito que esta categoría presenta en la interpretación de los roles.
Power hardware-in-the-loop testbeds for advances laboratory testing of smart grid applications
Authors: Spina Alfio , Rehtanz Christian
Published: December 2022

This paper assesses practical aspects related to advanced laboratory testing of smart grid applications with Power-Hardware-in-the-Loop (PHIL) approach. Particularly, the general features together with a set of extended use-cases for PHIL testing are introduced. An existing laboratory at TU Dortmund University is presented and considered as a reference for describing the architecture and the principal components of typical advanced laboratory testing infrastructures based on PHIL approach. A number of exemplary testbeds are provided to show the potentially applications of advanced PHIL testing for low-voltage distribution grids.
Shear strength and meso-pore characteristic of saturated compacted loess
Authors: Ma Jinlian , Zhong Xiumei , Wang Ping , Ye Shuaihua , Liu Fuqiang , Xu Xiaowei
Published: December 2022

With the increasing demand for filling engineering construction in the Loess Plateau, the engineering problems related to saturated loess caused by rainfall and irrigation are also increasingly prominent. This work studied the shear characteristics of saturated compacted loess by experiments, and qualitatively and quantitatively explained the meso-mechanism of the effect of compaction degree on the shear characteristics combined with the meso-pore characteristic parameters. The study shows that the stress–strain curve of saturated loess under 80 and 85% compaction degree is strain softening, it is strain weak softening under 90% compaction degree, and strain hardening under 95% compaction degree. The failure strength and pore water pressure have a good fitting linear relationship with compaction degree, and the fitting correlation coefficients are more than 0.97. Under 95% compaction degree, the pore water pressure increases with the development of axial strain, then decreases after the peak, and may appear negative. With the increase in compaction degree, the micro and small pore content of the saturated loess soil increases, the medium, large and super large pore content decreases, the proportion of pore area decreases, the pore shape becomes uniform and smooth, the complexity of pore shape decreases, the pore arrangement tends to be regular and neat, and the directionality increases. The research results can provide references for engineering design, construction, and numerical calculation of filling engineering in loess area.