bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variations in the nutrient content of the commercial broiler feeds manufactured by different feed companies in Bangladesh
Authors: Dutt Pronesh , Ahamed Sharif , Akter Nasima , Barua Karabi , Bhowmik Priunka , Islam Shilpi , Emran Hossain Md.
Published: September 2023

The study was undertaken to investigate the variations in the chemical composition of different broiler starter and finisher feeds produced by different feed companies in Bangladesh. The test results of two hundred twenty different broiler starter and finisher feeds were collected from the Poultry Research and Training Centre (PRTC) laboratory of Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram, Bangladesh. Samples were analyzed in triplicate for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fiber (CF), ether extracts (EE) and total ash (TA). Results indicated that there were significant (p<0.001) variations in the CP, CF, EE, TA, and P contents of the broiler starter feeds with the recommended standards. The CP varied from 18.7 to 25.5, CF 2.9 to 7.5, EE 5.0 to 8.1, TA 5.2 to 8.1 and P 0.4 to 1.0. Similarly, the CF, EE, TA, Ca, and P contents of the broiler finisher feed differed (p<0.001) with the recommended standards. The CF varied from 3.4 to 8.2, EE 3.8 to 9.8, TA 4.5 to 7.0, Ca 0.6 to 3.1, and P 0.4 to 1.1. Multiple correlation coefficient matrices indicated that there were significant (p<0.05) positive relationships between CF and CP (r=0.25), TA and CP (r=0.39) and P and Ca (r=0.57). However, Ca and CF were significantly (p<0.05) negatively correlated (r= -0.22) in the broiler starter feeds. Accordingly, there were significant (p<0.05) positive relationships of CF with CP (r=0.34), EE with CP (r=0.30) and CF and P (r=0.20), TA with CP (r=0.33) and P with TA (r=0.27) and Ca (0.66) in the broiler finisher feeds. It was concluded that all the commercial broiler feeds should be tested by the reference laboratories before use.
Ketosis of an Early Lactating Crossbred Holstein-Friesian dairy cow: A Case Study
Authors: Zubayer Tanzin Abu , Saifuddin A. K. M. , Sultana Jabin , Azizul Islam SKM
Published: September 2023

Ketosis is considered one of the economically important metabolic diseases in the dairy industry. This is a case study of 3 years old Holstein Friesian cow weighing 550 kg, presented with a primary complaint of inappetence and decreased milk production. The cow had a history of calving 3 weeks ago. Physical examination findings revealed severe dehydration, anorexia, rough hair coat, ruminal stasis. Moreover, the feces of the cow contained undigested materials. Clinical examination findings were temperature 101.5°F, decreased respiration, and decreased pulse rate. Metritis on rectal palpation was also found. Besides, routine examination of blood revealed lymphocytopenia. In biochemical examinations, we found Calcium 9 mg/dl, Magnesium 3.9 mg/dl, Blood urea nitrogen 36.6 mg/dl, Triglycerides 23.5 mg/dl, Total protein 84.2 mg/dl, Chloride 65.9 mmol/L, Sodium 106.3 mmol/L and a pH of ruminal fluid was 8.2. We may conclude that the high yielding crossbred dairy cow with the history of retained plancenta had been suffering from ruminal alkalosis, negative energy balance, and dehydration after parturition. These findings indicate secondary ketosis, which might be preventable by assessment of serum metabolic profiles around parturition and changes in the management practices accordingly.
Physical component libraries for SysPhS modeling and simulation in manufacturing
Authors: Manion Charles A , Bock Conrad , Barbau Raphael
Published: September 2023

Computer-interpretable representations of system structure and behavior are at the center of developing today’s complex systems. Systems engineers create and review these representations using graphical languages and information models that capture requirements, designs, and tests (such as the Systems Modeling Language, SysML). The SysML Extension for Physical Interaction and Signal Flow Simulation (SysPhS) is a standard for augmenting SysML models with one-dimensional (lumped parameter) simulation information and translating them to widely-used simulation platforms for testing, without respecifying the system on those platforms. It includes standard reusable models of system components (libraries) corresponding and translated to those in common between the platforms. This report presents additional physical interaction component libraries, covering areas not currently standardized. It applies the libraries to some manufacturing examples, translates them to
the simulation platforms, and verifies that they give the same results across platforms.
Relatório do direito humano à saúde no Brasil: 2022
Authors: Centro de Educação e Assessoramento Popular (CEAP)
Published: September 2023

O Relatório do Direito Humano à Saúde no Brasil 2022 objetiva refletir a temática do direito humano à saúde a partir do discurso do ódio que abalizou o país naquele ano. Se é amplamente aceito que esse discurso do ódio, anulador da alteridade, é uma das marcas da história brasileira, também é verdade que a partir do governo Bolsonaro ele ressurge e se acentua. Como decorrência direta do bolsonarismo direitos foram violados, as eleições de 2022 se tornaram um campo de Fake News e a democracia brasileira assistiu a uma das suas maiores crises em função de mais um golpe em curso. Nessa esteira, o Relatório irá problematizar algumas questões: “Como se produz o ódio atual no Brasil e quem são seus agentes? Quais são as motivações e que estratégias mobilizam e alimentam o ódio? A quem interessa a produção e a manutenção do ódio? Que possibilidades se apresentam e que perspectivas existem para o seu enfrentamento? A educação tem alguma contribuição a oferecer?” Essas questões são postas como centralidade pelo professor Eldon Muhl, ao refletir sobre o tema em A cultura do ódio e o ódio à racionalidade: os desafios das lutas populares no Brasil.
Implicancia de la fenomenología social y el paradigma socio-crítico en la investigación de la educación universitaria
Authors: Sinche Crispin Fernando Viterbo , Infante Rivera Lipselotte de Jesús , Espinoza Quispe Carlos Enrique , Matos Vila Gilmer Simón , Gilvonio Yaranga Franklin Moisés
Published: September 2023

En este estudio se analiza la implicancia de la fenomenología social y el paradigma socio-crítico en la investigación de la educación universitaria, desde una perspectiva cualitativa y documental. Se utiliza el método hermenéutico-dialéctico para interpretar los textos desde su contexto histórico-cultural y desde su relación con otros textos. Se muestra que la fenomenología social y el paradigma socio-crítico comparten una visión constructivista e interpretativa de la realidad social y educativa, que reconoce la diversidad, complejidad y dinamismo de los fenómenos que se investigan; ambas corrientes rechazan el positivismo y el empirismo como formas de conocimiento válidas para abordar la realidad social y educativa, y proponen una aproximación comprensiva y crítica que tenga en cuenta los contextos, las situaciones y las experiencias de los sujetos. Asimismo, la fenomenología social y el paradigma socio-crítico coinciden en el uso de métodos cualitativos para recoger, analizar e interpretar los datos de la investigación, empleando técnicas como la observación participante, las entrevistas en profundidad, los grupos de discusión, los relatos de vida, los análisis documentales, entre otras. Estas técnicas permiten acceder a las percepciones, opiniones, actitudes, valores, creencias y emociones de los sujetos que intervienen en la educación universitaria, así como a las estructuras, procesos y prácticas que configuran dicha realidad. Finalmente, la fenomenología social y el paradigma socio-crítico tienen una finalidad transformadora y emancipadora del conocimiento, que busca no solo describir y comprender la realidad educativa, sino también transformarla y emanciparla. El estudio aporta al conocimiento teórico, metodológico y práctico.
Propuesta metodológica para identificar tipos de conocimientos utilizados por docentes de Matemática
Authors: Rodríguez Mabel , Jader Daniel , Umbricht Guillermo Federico
Published: September 2023

En este artículo se presenta una propuesta metodológica  que permite describir el conocimiento especializado del  profesor de matemática que puso en juego para planificar  la enseñanza bajo requerimientos didáctico-matemáticos  dados. Se enmarca teóricamente el trabajo realizado, se  presenta la propuesta metodológica y se incluye parte del  análisis de un caso particular, a modo de ejemplo. Se  encuentran, para ese caso, decisiones que toma un  docente, y acciones que realiza, para responder al  requerimiento de favorecer el desarrollo, en los  estudiantes, de herramientas de trabajo intelectual. La  identificación de las decisiones y acciones permite  reconocer tipos de conocimientos y articularlos con  cuestiones vinculadas a las creencias, que en este trabajo  se consideraron parte de la epistemología personal del  profesor. Se plantean, como cierre, algunas líneas de  trabajo futuras que permitirán profundizar el estudio.
El diseño de buenos problemas para la clase de Matemática
Authors: Pochulu Marcel
Published: September 2023

Presentamos y fundamentamos algunos criterios que deberían tenerse en cuenta en el diseño de buenos problemas para la clase de Matemática, como así también, para la gestión de la misma por parte del profesor. Estos criterios surgen del análisis de documentos oficiales para la enseñanza de la Matemática y de las investigaciones que se realizaron en torno al diseño de tareas para la clase. Los criterios propuestos implican iniciar un proceso de cuestionamiento respecto del saber matemático y el saber matemático escolar, que se sintetiza al preguntarnos, ¿por qué debería enseñar este con- tenido?, ¿existen otras maneras de enseñar en este contexto y para esta carrera de ingeniería?, ¿qué problemas son más apropiados para esta carrera? y evitar la reproducción de modelos que, seguramen- te, estuvieron presentes en nuestra formación previa. Finalmente, ofrecemos 5 ejemplos de problemas que cumplen con estos criterios, las intencionalidades didácticas y el modo en que el profesor podría gestionar la clase.
Sobre la naturaleza y la estructura de la atención en la Educación Matemática
Authors: Mason John
Published: September 2023

Se propone que no solo a lo que las personas prestan atención cuando hablan o piensan, sino también a cómo lo prestan, son de importancia clave cuando las personas piensan matemáticamen- te, aprenden matemáticas, leen literatura acerca de educación matemática o realizan investigaciones en educación matemática. Basándose en la disciplina de notar (Mason 2002) y un marco de formas de prestar atención a las cosas (Mason 1986, 2008), se ofrecen al lector experiencias en tratar de atrapar cómo cambia su atención tanto en el enfoque como en la forma.
A Census of the Atlantic Puffins Fratercula arctica breeding on Orkney in 2016
Authors: Hughes Robert , Le Bouard Fabrice , Bradbury Gareth , Owen Ellie
Published: September 2023

Atlantic Puffins Fratercula arctica were counted at all known colonies in Orkney (excluding Sule Skerry) during the 2016 breeding season. Counts of individuals (IND) were made during pre-laying and incubation at all 20 sites and at six sites where burrows where physically accessible. In 2016 the Atlantic Puffin population of Orkney was estimated to be 6,675 breeding pairs (based on the counts of apparently occupied burrows [AOB] where available, and assuming that one individual represented one breeding pair for the other sites). AOB counts were higher than the IND counts at all six colonies where both methods were used. Previous Orkney Atlantic Puffin population estimates of breeding pairs were mostly based on counts of individuals on land (INDL) made during late incubation and chick rearing. While caution must be used when comparing INDL counts between years the results suggest a decline in line with studies of other Northern Isles colonies.
Common Terns Sterna hirundo incubating Common Garden Snail shells Helix aspersa on Rockabill Island
Authors: Power Andrew , Newton Stephen , O’Connor Ian
Published: September 2023

Many ground-nesting bird species have been observed incubating foreign objects in their nests (Mellink 2002). Pine cones, golf balls, guano, hermit crabs, mammalian bones and many more objects have all been recorded in bird nests (Knight & Erickson 1977; Mellink 2002; Langlois et al. 2012). A study by Conover (1985) showed that 10% of Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis and 6% of California Gull L. californicus nests contained a foreign object. These foreign objects were more similar in size and shape to the gull eggs than to randomly selected pebbles. Little Terns Sterna albifrons have been observed incubating egg-like pebbles for several weeks on two separate occasions at a breeding colony in Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow, Ireland (Farrelly 1990). Several hypotheses have been put forward to explain this behaviour. Coulter (1980) suggested that foreign objects may act as an incubation stimulus. Many tern and gull species, unlike other birds, have three brood patches not one (Gochfeld 1976; Reid 1987). Coulter (1980) conducted incubation studies of several species of gulls suggesting that birds incubating three eggs sat for longer periods of time, resettled less frequently, have a shorter incubation period and a higher hatching success than birds on either fewer eggs or more. He speculated that gulls are highly adapted for three-egg clutches whereby the foreign objects provide an important stimulus for incubation behaviour when there are less than three eggs (Beer 1961; Beer 1965; Baerends et al. 1970; Coulter 1980). Alternatively, the mistaken-food hypothesis suggests that a predatory bird brings a foreign object back to the nest, regurgitates the object and then proceeds to incubate it, mistaking it for one of its own eggs (Sugden 1947; Twomey 1948). A third hypothesis is that the foreign object is mistaken by the bird for one of its own eggs and rolled into the nest, in this scenario the foreign object is likely to have originated from close to the nest (Conover 1985).
Civilization of the 21st Century: Genome of Security
Authors: Maltsev Oleg
Published: September 2023

The periodic nature of societal development, as viewed through the lens of technological progress in civilization, points to a distinct trend: the issues that arose from the environment in the sphere of security thirty years ago do not align with the formula that has emerged in the 21st century. In this article the author delves into an analysis of the safety genome of contemporary civilization, along with the repercussions of society's transformation under the influence of the digital world. Several phenomena are highlighted, stemming from a reluctance and/or inefficient handling of information, the challenge of discerning truth from falsehood, thus resulting in a diminished inclination towards rational thinking. Particular attention is dedicated to the way in which individuals independently (often unknowingly) expose themselves to risk through their interaction with devices. Drawing upon 25 years of practical experience and ongoing scientific research in the field of integrated security, the author has developed and tested numerous methods and technologies aimed at addressing issues in the sphere of business safety. Nonetheless, present realities define new directions for applied research. Primarily due to rapid technological advancement, the physical environment is increasingly merging with the digital landscape. Consequently, this pattern necessitates fresh approaches to system security that align with the requisites and parameters of the 21st century. The objective of this article is to elucidate, using concrete examples, the origins and nature of intellectual, psychological, and technological impediments that hinder effective operation within an information-driven environment and the accurate discernment of truth from falsehood.
Efficacy of Adding Midazolam to Bupivacaine (0.5%) on the Duration of Spinal Anesthesia in Unilateral Inguinal Hernia Surgery
Authors:   Associate Professor of Anesthesiology, Associate Professor of Pain and Faculty Member OF Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences Iran, Kayalha Hamid , Movahed Mohammad ,   Anesthesia Assistant, Anesthesia Resident, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences Iran, Karbord Asghar ,   Epidemiologist and Faculty Member of Department of Surgical Technologist, School of Paramedical Sciences, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences Iran, Alizadeh Ali ,   Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology and Faculty Member, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences Iran
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Inguinal hernia is the most common type of abdominal hernia which is 7 times more common in men than women. Surgical treatment is performed under general or local anesthesia (spinal or epidural). Neuraxial anesthesia has a greater advantage than general anesthesia. Today, spinal block anesthetics with local drug anesthetics along with adjuvant drugs is widely used for surgery. Midazolam is one of these adjuvants whose spinal injection, in addition to its appropriate analgesic effect, enhances the effect of local anesthetics. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of intrathecal midazolam (1 mg) to bupivacaine (0.5%) on the quality and timing of sensory block, motor block and hemodynamic changes during of inguinal herniation surgery. Materials and Methods: 64 patients with ASAI / II criteria (30-70 years old) were randomly divided into two groups of 32 patients under spinal anesthesia for inguinal herniation surgery. The anesthesiologist and the patient did not know the status of the studied drugs. Group 1 received 0.5 ml of bupivacaine 0.5% + 0.2 ml of normal saline and group 2 received 3 ml of bupivacaine 0.5% + 0.2 ml of midazolam (1 mg). The return time of sensory block and the return time of motor block, the time of the first request for analgesics, the degree of satisfaction and the hemodynamic status were compared between these group. Results: The return time of sensory block in group 1 was 124.81 ± 16.15 minutes and in group 2 was 193.18± 34.53 minutes, which was statistically significant and in group 2 the return time of sensory block was longer (001 ≤. ˂P). reaction block return time: in group 2: (140.43 ± 27.46) minutes, group: 1 (107.78 ± 13.82) minutes were shorter and statistically significant (P≤ .001). The time of the first analgesic request by patients in group 1 was 157.87 ±16.32 minutes and in group 2, 264.59 ± 50.17 minutes, which was statistically significant (P ≤ .001). Satisfaction index and hemodynamic changes were not significant between groups (P ˃ 0.05). Conclusion: Addition of 1 mg of midazolam in spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine 0.5% increased of the duration of analgesia and the time of first request for analgesia without changing the hemodynamic status in patients with inguinal herniation surgery.
Long-Term Analyis of Efficacy and Toxicidad of Zoledroinic Acid in Patients with Multiple Myeloma
Authors:   Oncology Research Unit and Department of Hematology, National Medical Center, IMSS, Mexico City, MEXICO, Aviles Agustin , Cleto Sergio
Published: September 2023

Myeloma bone disease MBD) is the most common and dangerous effects in patients with multiple myeloma. Bisphosphonates (BP), are the treatment of choice. But, efficacy and adverse events has not been evaluated at longer follow-up. Thus, we review our experience in a tertiary cancer center, whose received zoledronic acid (ZO): in a large number of cases (1041) and longer follow-up: 4.2 to 21.6 years (median 13.8).Skeletal event (SE) were statistically better in patients who received ZA: 52 events: 8.96%,compared to 207 (42.6) p < 0.001 in patients whose did not received ZA, independently if the patients received autologous stem cell transplant or not. But, progression free survival and overall survival did not show any benefit. Adverse events were minimal, and jaw necrosis were not observed. Thus, we considered that ZA, remain to be the best treatment of MBD, but, we confirm that ZA did not show at longer follow-up any antitumor effect.
Case Report of High Dose Factor rVIIa in a Child
Authors:   1 Pediatric Hematology & Oncology consultant at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Almadani Housam , Zein Mohammed ,   Pediatric Hematology & Oncology registrar at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Alzahrani Saleh ,   Pharmacist at King Fahad Armed Forces Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Almelibari Mohammad ,   Pediatric hematology oncology fellow at king Abdulaziz medical city national guard Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Elhefnawy Mohammed , Hasan Soltan
Published: September 2023

The maximum tolerated dose of recombinant factor VIIa without significant toxicity is not studied in a clinical trial. Separate case reports of accidental intake of high dose recombinant factor VIIa were reported. This case report describes an exposure of an infant with congenital factor VII deficiency to a high dose of recombinant factor VIIa (300 μg. /kg).
Fasting Plasma Glucose May Behave as a Positive in Mild But as a Negative Acute Phase Reactant in Moderate and Severe İnflammatory Disorders
Authors:   Specialist of Internal Medicine, MD, Turkey, Helvaci Mehmet Rami , Tuncsezen Ummuhan Kodal ,   Ministry of Health of Turkey, MD, Turkey, Piral Kubra ,   Manager of Writing and Statistics, Turkey, Camlibel Mehpare ,   Specialist of Emergency Medicine, MD, Turkey, Abyad Abdulrazak ,   Middle-East Academy for Medicine of Aging, MD, Lebanon, Pocock Lesley ,   Medi-WORLD International, Australia
Published: September 2023

Background: There may be significant relationships between fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and severity of inflammations. Method: All cases with the digital clubbing were included. Results: The study included 104 cases with clubbing detected among 2.428 cases (1.044 males). So clubbing was higher in males (8.1% versus 1.3%,p<0.001). Mean age of clubbing cases was 49.2 years, and there was a male predominance (81.7%), again. Parallel to the male predominance, there were higher prevalences of smoking (69.2% versus 41.6%, p<0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (27.8% versus 10.8%, p<0.001), and coronary heart disease (CHD) and/or peripheric artery disease (PAD) (7.6% versus 0.0%, p<0.01) in the clubbing cases. Whereas the body weight, body mass index (BMI), and FPG were lower in the clubbing cases but the differences were nonsignificant probably due to the small sample size. But diabetes mellitus (DM) (12.5% versus 21.6%, p<0.05) and systolic blood pressure (BP) (127.6 versus 136.9 mmHg, p= 0.011) were lower in the clubbing cases, significantly. Conclusion: There are significant relationships between smoking, digital clubbing, COPD, CHD, and PAD probably due to strong atherosclerotic effects of smoking. Similarly, the body weight, BMI, FPG, systolic BP, and DM are inversely related with the clubbing probably due to the severe inflammatory effects of smoking on the vascular endothelium, again. FPG may behave as a positive acute phase reactant (APR) in mild inflammatory disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome but as a negative APR in moderate and severe inflammatory disorders such as smoking, digital clubbing, and sickle cell diseases.
A Rare but Sinister Case of Hodgkin Lymphoma Transforming into Large B-cell Lymphoma in HIV Infected Patient
Authors:   Department of Dermatology, Venerology, Leprosy, Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, Telangana, India, Jagaragallu Amrutha , Madapathi Sampath Kumar ,   Department of Internal medicine, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate medical education and research, Puducherry, Tamilnadu, India, Priyanka Kaluvakolanu ,   Department of Radiodiagnosis, Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, Telangana, India, Theja Vaddera Pavan ,   Department of Internal medicine, Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, Telangana, India
Published: September 2023

A dual diagnosis of cancer and HIV places a greater psychosocial burden on the patient. From a medical perspective, it complicates treatment for both diseases. Potential drug interactions, compounded side effects, and chemotherapy’s tendency to negatively impact CD4 count or HIV viral load, can all complicate treatment. It is imperative to advocate a keen and subtle vigilance while managing such patients to enhance the overall care for the patients. Here, we report such a case in a 36-year-old man who presented with HL as first manifestation of HIV infection that later transformed into DLBCL despite successful virologic suppression with ART
Evaluation of the Effect of Rosa Damascena and Jasminum Sambac on Dental Plaque Regrowth Inhibition
Authors:   Professor & Head in Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Group Leader, Special research group-Dental Cariology, JSS Dental College and Hospital,Mysore, India, Nandlal Bhojraj
Published: September 2023

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Rosa damascena and Jasminum Sambac on dental plaque regrowth by the Plaque Glycolysis and Regrowth Method (PGRM). Methods: Ethanolic extracts of fresh flowers of Rosa damascena and Jasminum Sambac were prepared and subject to evaluation of antimicrobial property against Streptococcus mutans and also evaluated for their antioxidant property, anti-inflammatory property and their effect on dental plaque regrowth by the PGRM. Results: Both Rosa damascena and Jasminum Sambac showed inhibition of Growth of S. mutans, and MIC for both was found to be 30mg/ml. The antioxidant activity of both showed a dose-dependent increase, with the highest activity of 90.70% at 100 μg/mL concentration for Rosa damascena and 82.93 % at 100 μg/mL concentration for Jasminum Sambac. Both showed some inhibition of RBC haemolysis in the Membrane Protection assay, indicating anti-inflammatory activity, at the concentration of 300 μg/ml. The Percentage RBC Protection for Rosa damascena and Jasminum Sambac was 11.92% and 9.27%. The PGRM assay established that at concentration of 30mg/ml, Extracts of Rosa damascena and Jasminum Sambac showed inhibition of biofilm formation, with highest inhibition observed between 4 hours and 6 hours of incubation, and all were statistically significant. Conclusion: Study concludes that Rosa damascena and Jasminum Sambac have an inhibitory effect on regrowth of dental plaque and has antioxidant, antibacterial and inflammatory properties.
Teaching children design as part of extracurricular art education in China
Authors: Cao Xinan
Published: September 2023

Following the rapid technological progress, economic development and improvement of living conditions in China, attention has been paid not only to the practical suitability of everyday goods, furniture and household appliances, food and cosmetics, but also to the design, ergonomics and uniqueness of each thing. As a result, the upbringing and development of design thinking among the younger generation has become of great importance. Nevertheless, design-oriented educational programs appeared relatively late in the country, and children's education in the field of design has remained a rather rare phenomenon. The article examines the importance of art education for the development of design thinking in children using a number of practical examples. The scientific novelty of the study is a comparative analysis of methods of teaching design to children in the framework of extracurricular art education in China and other countries of the world – the USA and Japan. As a result of the research, a number of problems existing in children's art education are identified, ways of solving them are proposed that may be of practical value for teachers and educators of other countries. The role of the family, the state and society in the formation and development of design thinking in children is revealed. The importance of socio-cultural resources in attracting children to creative activities in the field of design has been established.
Navigation guided small craniectomy and direct cannulation of pure isolated sigmoid sinus for treatment of dural arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Shim Jun Ho , Yun Gi Yong , Ann Jae-Min , Park Jong-Hyun , Oh Hyuk-Jin , Shim Jai-Joon , Yoon Seok Mann
Published: September 2023

Dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) is a rare condition affecting approximately 1.5% of 1,000,000 individuals annually. It frequently occurs in the transsigmoid and cavernous sinuses. An isolated sigmoid sinus is extremely rare and is treated by performing transfemoral transvenous embolization along the opposite transverse sinus.A 69-year-old woman presented with asymptomatic Borden type III/Cognard type III DAVF involving an isolated sigmoid sinus. She underwent a staged operation in which a navigation system was used to expose the sigmoid sinus in the operating room before transferring the patient to the angio suite for transvenous embolization.Various modalities have been used to treat DAVF, including surgical disconnection, transarterial embolization, transvenous embolization, and stereotactic radiosurgery. However, treating DAVF cases where the affected sinus is isolated can be challenging because an easily accessible surgical route may not be available. In this case, direct sinus cannulation and transvenous embolization were the most effective treatments.
Discovery of robust superconductivity against volume shrinkage
Authors: Guo Jing , Wu Qi , Sun Li-Ling ,   Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China,   Center for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research, Beijing 100094, China,   University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Published: September 2023

The superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of superconductor is related intimately to multiple degree of freedom of charge, spin, orbital and lattice. Many studies have indicated that pressure is an effective way to tune Tc though changing crystal structure and electronic structure. Here, we report a new progress made in the high-pressure studies – discovery of a new type of superconductors whose Tc is robust against large volume shrinkage under extremely high pressure, named RSAVS (robust superconductivity against volume shrinkage) superconductor. Such RSAVS behavior was observed initially in the high entropy alloys of (TaNb)0.67(HfZrTi)0.33 and (ScZrNbTa)0.6(RhPd)0.4, then in the widely-used NbTi alloy, Nb and Ta elements. Analysis shows that this type of superconductor possesses a body-centered cubic crystal structure and is composed of transition metal elements. The observed results not only present new research topics but also raise the question of what determines Tc of conventional or unconventional superconductors.
Measures of genetic diversification in somatic tissues at bulk and single-cell resolution
Authors: Moeller Marius E , Mon Père Nathaniel V , Werner Benjamin , Huang Weini
Published: September 2023

Intra-tissue genetic heterogeneity is universal to both healthy and cancerous tissues. It emerges from the stochastic accumulation of somatic mutations throughout development and homeostasis. By combining population genetics theory and genomic information, genetic heterogeneity can be exploited to infer tissue organization and dynamics in vivo. However, many basic quantities, for example the dynamics of tissue-specific stem cells remain difficult to quantify precisely. Here, we show that single-cell and bulk sequencing data inform on different aspects of the underlying stochastic processes. Bulk-derived variant allele frequency spectra (VAF) show transitions from growing to constant stem cell populations with age in samples of healthy esophagus epithelium. Single-cell mutational burden distributions allow a sample size independent measure of mutation and proliferation rates. Mutation rates in adult hematopietic stem cells are higher compared to inferences during development, suggesting additional proliferation-independent effects. Furthermore, single-cell derived VAF spectra contain information on the number of tissue-specific stem cells. In hematopiesis, we find approximately 2 × 105 HSCs, if all stem cells divide symmetrically. However, the single-cell mutational burden distribution is over-dispersed compared to a model of Poisson distributed random mutations. A time-associated model of mutation accumulation with a constant rate alone cannot generate such a pattern. At least one additional source of stochasticity would be needed. Possible candidates for these processes may be occasional bursts of stem cell divisions, potentially in response to injury, or non-constant mutation rates either through environmental exposures or cell-intrinsic variation.
Evaluación de la formación de biopelículas en aislamientos bacterianos y fúngicos por el método semicuantitativo de microtitulación con cristal violeta y el cualitativo de agar con rojo Congo
Authors: Moreno Xiomara , Ventura Melanie , Panizo María Mercedes , Garcés María Fátima
Published: September 2023

Introducción. El 65 % de las infecciones humanas son producidas por bacterias o levaduras, cuya capacidad de formar biopelículas las hace más resistentes a los antimicrobianos y antifúngicos.Objetivo. Determinar la capacidad de formación de biopelículas en aislamientos bacterianos y fúngicos por medio de los métodos cuantitativo de microtitulación con cristal violeta y cualitativo de cultivo en agar con rojo Congo.Materiales y métodos. Con el método cuantitativo, se utilizaron los medios de cultivo infusión cerebro-corazón, tripticasa de soya y Müeller-Hinton para aislamientos bacterianos; para levaduras, se usaron caldo infusión cerebro-corazón y Sabouraud dextrosa. Para el método cualitativo de cultivo en agar, se utilizaron los mismos medios de cultivo más una solución con 3 % de rojo Congo y 10 % de dextrosa. Cómo método de referencia, se utilizó la propuesta de Stepanovic et al.Resultados. Se evaluaron 103 aislamientos bacterianos y 108 de levaduras. No es recomendable sustituir el caldo infusión cerebro-corazón por los caldos tripticasa de soya y Müeller-Hinton en el método cuantitativo, para evaluar la formación de biopelículas en los aislamientos bacterianos. El medio Sabouraud dextrosa, en caldo y agar, puede sustituir al de infusión de cerebro-corazón para evaluar la formación de biopelículas en levaduras, tanto por el método cuantitativo como por el cualitativo.Conclusión. El estudio de las biopelículas en el laboratorio de microbiología, a partir del método cualitativo de cultivo en agar con rojo Congo, es un procedimiento sencillo, rápido y de bajo costo, que proporciona información útil para el diagnóstico y la terapéutica de infecciones persistentes causadas por bacterias y levaduras.
Expression of ERG11, ERG3, MDR1 and CDR1 genes in Candida tropicalis
Authors: Rojas Ana Elisa , Cárdenas Leidy Yurany , García María Camila , Pérez Jorge Enrique
Published: September 2023

Introduction. Drug resistance to azoles is a growing problem in the Candida genus.Objective. To analyze molecularly the genes responsible for fluconazole resistance in Candida tropicalis strains.Materials and methods. Nineteen strains, with and without exposure to fluconazole, were selected for this study. The expression of MDR1, CDR1, ERG11, and ERG3 genes was analyzed in sensitive, dose-dependent sensitive, and resistant strains exposed to different concentrations of the antifungal drug.Results. MDR1, ERG11 and ERG3 genes were significantly overexpressed in the different sensitivity groups. CDR1 gene expression was not statistically significant among the studied groups. Seven of the eight fluconazole-resistant strains showed overexpression of one or more of the analyzed genes. In some dose-dependent sensitive strains, we found overexpression of CDR1, ERG11, and ERG3.Conclusion. The frequency of overexpression of ERG11 and ERG3 genes indicates that they are related to resistance. However, the finding of dose-dependent resistant/sensitive strains without overexpression of these genes suggests that they are not exclusive to this phenomenon. More basic research is needed to study other potentially involved genes in the resistance mechanism to fluconazole.
Esporotricosis en Argentina: análisis clínico y epidemiológico
Authors: Santiso Gabriela , Messina Fernando , Arechavala Alicia , Marín Emmanuel , Romero María de las Mercedes , Sosa María de los Ángeles , Rojas Florencia , Mussin Javier , Contreras Sonia , Galache Viviana , Guerrero María , Sosa Vanesa , Chacón Yone , Álvarez Christian , Maldonado Ivana , Romero Mercedes , Echazarreta Sofía , Fernández Norma , Relloso Silvia , Serrano Julián , Giusiano Gustavo
Published: September 2023

Introducción. La esporotricosis es una micosis de implantación causada por Sporothrix spp. Este se encuentra distribuido mundialmente y se puede encontrar en la vegetación y en el suelo. La ruta más frecuente de adquisición de la infección es por traumatismos con elementos contaminados con propágulos del hongo. Los gatos domésticos son los animales más afectados y pueden transmitirla a los humanos, por lo que es considerada una zoonosis. Las formas clínicas incluyen: la linfangítica nodular, la cutánea fija, la pulmonar (poco habitual) y la diseminada (excepcional).Objetivo. Analizar la epidemiología de la esporotricosis en Argentina entre los años 2010 y 2022. Describir la presentación clínica, los métodos de diagnóstico y el tratamiento de los casos diagnosticados en este período. Conocer los genotipos circulantes y observar su relación con el lugar geográfico de adquisición de la infección.Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio analítico, retrospectivo y observacional, en el que se analizaron las historias clínicas de los pacientes con esporotricosis de 12 instituciones de salud de Argentina, entre los años 2010 y 2022.Resultados. Se presentan 54 casos en los que la forma clínica más frecuente fue la linfangítica nodular y el tratamiento de elección fue el itraconazol. En todos los casos se realizó diagnóstico convencional. El cultivo de las muestras clínicas resultó más sensible que el examen directo, ya que permitió el desarrollo de Sporothrix spp. en los 54 casos. En 22 casos se hizo identificación molecular y Sporothrix schenkii sensu stricto fue la especie más frecuentemente aislada.Conclusiones. Este estudio permitió conocer la epidemiología de esta micosis en Argentina, así como la disponibilidad de métodos diagnósticos y el tratamiento de elección.
Evidence for the utility of cfDNA plasma concentrations to predict disease severity in COVID-19: a retrospective pilot study
Authors: Hoeter Katharina , Neuberger Elmo , Fischer Susanne , Herbst Manuel , Juškevičiūtė Ema , Enders Kira , Rossmann Heidi , Sprinzl Martin F. , Simon Perikles , Bodenstein Marc , Schaefer Michael
Published: September 2023

Background

COVID-19 is a worldwide pandemic caused by the highly infective SARS-CoV-2. There is a need for biomarkers not only for overall prognosis but also for predicting the response to treatments and thus for improvements in the clinical management of patients with COVID-19. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has emerged as a promising biomarker in the assessment of various pathological conditions. The aim of this retrospective and observational pilot study was to investigate the range of cfDNA plasma concentrations in hospitalized COVID-19 patients during the first wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection, to relate them to established inflammatory parameters as a correlative biomarker for disease severity, and to compare them with plasma levels in a healthy control group.

Methods

Lithium-Heparin plasma samples were obtained from COVID-19 patients (n = 21) during hospitalization in the University Medical Centre of Mainz, Germany between March and June 2020, and the cfDNA concentrations were determined by quantitative PCR yielding amplicons of long interspersed nuclear elements (LINE-1). The cfDNA levels were compared with those of an uninfected control group (n = 19).

Results

Plasma cfDNA levels in COVID-19 patients ranged from 247.5 to 6,346.25 ng/ml and the mean concentration was 1,831 ± 1,388 ng/ml (± standard deviation), which was significantly different from the levels of the uninfected control group (p < 0.001). Regarding clinical complications, the highest correlation was found between cfDNA levels and the myositis (p = 0.049). In addition, cfDNA levels correlated with the “WHO clinical progression scale”. D-Dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP) were the clinical laboratory parameters with the highest correlations with cfDNA levels.

Conclusion

The results of this observational pilot study show a wide range in cfDNA plasma concentrations in patients with COVID-19 during the first wave of infection and confirm that cfDNA plasma concentrations serve as a predictive biomarker of disease severity in COVID-19.
Employment and Promotion Policies in Media Organisations in Tanzania: Evidence from the IPP Media, the TSN and Mwananchi Corporation
Authors: Temu Hoyce , Mwila Prospery M.
Published: September 2023

This study explores the persisting gender equity challenges in Tanzania, despite the country's 62 years of independence. The underrepresentation of women in senior positions within media organisations, exemplified by the 2016 report by The Union of Tanzania Press Club (UTPC), serves as a focal point. While gender equity policies have been implemented by Press Clubs to elevate female journalists to leadership roles, the dearth of women in upper-tier management persists across media entities. The research investigates employment and advancement protocols using qualitative methods, particularly an explanatory case study approach. Data collection involves interviews and document analysis, with a focus on media house employees, totalling 12 participants. The findings highlight the potential for women's career growth under equitable promotion policies endorsed by international and grassroots initiatives. Cultural influences exacerbate gender imbalance, notably within print media corporations. The study identifies various entities offering resources to enhance diversity and equity, emphasising media portrayal and representation of women to address gender inequity. Advocating for media organisations such as the Tanzania Media Women Association (TAMWA), the Media Council of Tanzania (MCT), and the Tanzania Editors Forum (TEF) to champion gender equity, the study underscores the necessity of a robust journalist union to accelerate progress.
Working Capital Management and Working Capital Policies on Firm’s Value: A Special Reference to the Listed Companies in Sri Lanka
Authors: Delima Vianny Jeniston
Published: September 2023

The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence between working capital management and firm value in the Sri Lankan context. This research has used pooled panel data of 475 observations from 95 listed firms across 18 sectors. Secondary data which are gathered from the annual report published by the CSE for the five years period from 2018/2019 to 2022/2023. The findings states that this model in the study explains a rise in the number of days in the cash conversion period decreased the firm's valuation by 43%. Further, working capital investment policy increases, or in other terms, the degree of WCIP’s aggressiveness rises, the firm value decreases, and increases in financing policy leads to decreases in firm value. This study includes both working capital investment policy and working capital financing policy with control variables in Sri Lanka. This research provides limited literature on working capital management, working capital policies, and firm value in Sri Lanka.
The Reality of Digital Transformation at Jordanian Universities from the Perspective of Administrators
Authors: Alsayed Kholoud Waleed , Alassaf Hamzeh Abdelfattah
Published: September 2023

The study aimed to identify the Reality of Digital Transformation at Jordanian Universities from Administrators Perspectives. To meet the study objectives, the stratified random method was chosen due to its suitability for the study. The primary tool was the questionnaire, which distributed 410 administrators, 255 of them responded.

The study used the descriptive survey method, where the four-axis study tool was developed as following: digital culture, institutional support, infrastructure, insight and vision.

The study’s results indicated that the administrators’ estimations for the digital transformation at Jordanian Universities had intermediate rating; moreover, the institutional support ranked first.

Furthermore, The results  indicated that there are statistically significant differences in the administrators’ estimations for the digital transformation at Jordanian Universities according to the experience’s variable,  for the benefit  of the administrators whom have  experience (less than 5 years), administrative  department variable, administrative staff members who are working in (the presidency), university’s variable (governmental, private), and for the benefit of private universities.   

As a result, the study recommended focusing and paying attention to the institutional support for digital transformation at universities through continuous development and innovation.
Impact of Sowing Pattern and Seed Rate on Quality of Wheat Seed
Authors: Kumari Pariniti , Kataria R. K. , Sharma Anu
Published: September 2023

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is the world's most essential staple food. It is the most important crop in Himachal Pradesh during the winter season in the state's low and mid hills. Manipulation of agronomic practices such as planting pattern/geometry and seed rate is regarded as the first stage in achieving optimum plant distribution over cultivated area, resulting in greater utilization of above and below ground natural resources. A field and laboratory investigation was undertaken to study the effect of different planting patterns and seed rates on its quality in wheat by evaluating the quality parameters. The experiment with twelve treatment combinations comprising of four planting patterns (P1-15 cm, P2 -23 cm, P3 -15 x 15 cm and P4 -23 x 23 cm) and three seed rates (S1 -100, S2 - 120 and S3 -140 kg/ha) was conducted in Randomized Block Design with four replications during Rabi season of 2015-16 at experimental farm of CSKHPKV, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India. Observations showed that 23 × 23 cm planting patterns produced significantly (2.96%) higher 1000 seed weight, (8.08%) seedling length, (6.01%) seedling dry weight, (8.34%) vigour index –I and (6.58%) vigour index- II over normal planting patterns (23 cm), whereas other planting techniques had no appreciable impact on germination percentage. Different seed rates had no appreciable impact on 1000 seed weight, germination rate, seedling length, seedling dry weight, and vigour index. Criss cross sowing (23 x 23 cm) with 140 kg per hectare is the best combination for quality seed production of wheat.