bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Outline of Aquinas’s Philosophy of Mind: From Senses to Seeing God
Authors: Kąkol Tomasz
Published: October 2023

In this article, I would like to present a brief overview of Aquinas’s philosophy of mind. I try to express the cognitive processes that this model of the mind describes in more modern terminology (e.g., I interpret ‘an image’ [phantasm] as the binding effect of monomodal representations of a perceived object). Characteristic of this model is the postulation, in the case of the human mind, of intellectual abstraction leading to concepts, which requires assuming the existence of the intellect in its active and passive aspects. In this context, a metaphysical conclusion can be drawn about the immortal nature of this intellect, according to Thomas. On the other hand, this model of the mind is not, to all appearances, a variant of Platonic-Cartesian dualism – Aquinas makes several arguments against dualism understood in this way, at least one of which was still raised by (non-Thomistic) critics of Descartes. In addition, Thomas points to the developmental aspect of the human mind and also attempts to describe the possible functioning of the intellect after death.
Das Wesen der menschlichen Handlung bei Thomas von Aquin
Authors: Franke Christopher Alexander , Carvalho Joelma
Published: October 2023

The distinction between actus humanus and actus hominis is the best-known distinction in Thomas Aquinas’ theory of action. A human action (actus humanus) is a special case of an act of a human being (actus hominis). Several acts of our intellect and will form a human action and thereby put it from the realm of pure natural happenings (genus naturae) into the moral realm (genus moris). The paper at hand shows the character and main parameters of Thomas Aquinas’ action theory, especially in the Summa theologiae I-II, quaestiones 6-17. Moreover, it presents Thomas Aquinas’ central idea of what is the essence of a human action. The analysis especially makes use of the element of command (imperium) It shows that, according to Aquinas, acting consists in the intellectually comprehensible self-disclosure of a person and therefore builds the basis for the moral evaluation of human actions.
L’epistemologia religiosa di Tommaso d’Aquino alla luce del dibattito contemporaneo sulla filosofia cristiana
Authors: Di Ceglie Roberto
Published: October 2023

In this article, I focus on what emerges from Thomas Aquinas’s religious epistemology once taken into consideration in the light of the contemporary debates on Christian philosophy. I argue that Aquinas profitably explores what is specific to Christian faith – its being under the command of the will moved by God’s grace. According to Aquinas, it seems that it is precisely that which is specific to faith and distinguishes it from human reason that puts believers in an ideal condition to develop intellectual activities.
Becoming and Being a Person through Others: African Philosophy’s Ubuntu and Aquinas’ mutual Indwelling in Comparative Discourse
Authors: Scott Callum David
Published: October 2023

African Philosophy and St Thomas Aquinas have both been taught in African universities, but the engagement between the continent’s indigenous philosophical tradition and the Catholic intellectual tradition’s preeminent strand, has not been thorough. Presupposing that plural philosophical traditions contribute to the search to better understand, this research embarks upon a comparative analysis of the perspectives of the African ubuntu philosophy and Thomist philosophical conceptualisations of human becoming and being. Through analysis of dimensions of both traditions, it is contended that human fulness arises through relationality. It is argued that in centring on the interpersonal encounter and the consequent recognition of another’s being through mutual engagement, these philosophical traditions open to each other. Further, both traditions contribute toward the ontology of personhood in ubuntu and the good of mutual indwelling, respectively.
Business Insights of Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humans
Authors: Thaduri Upendar Rao
Published: October 2023

Recent technological advancements and the increasing pace of adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies constitute a need to identify and analyze the issues regarding their implementation in the education sector. This is because the education sector is associated with highly dynamic business environments controlled and maintained by information systems. In addition, the education sector is a sector that is associated with information systems. On the other hand, it was discovered through an analysis of the current research that a moderate amount of investigation has been conducted in this field. We have highlighted the benefits and obstacles of adopting artificial intelligence in the education sector to fill this hole. Before this, a brief discussion was presented on the fundamental ideas of AI and its development over time. In addition, we have evaluated the usefulness of contemporary AI technologies for students and teachers, which are currently on the software market. These technologies are currently available. We have built a strategy implementation model, outlined by a standard five-step method and the corresponding configuration guide. This is the very last thing that we have done. To check and ensure the accuracy of their design, we independently devised three implementation plans for three distinct institutions of higher education. The results acquired will contribute to a more profound knowledge of the particulars of AI systems, services, and tools, which will, in turn, pave the way for implementing these things more efficiently.
Performance Evaluation of the STANDARD F Strep A Ag FIA for the Diagnosis of Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Authors: Seon A Jo  , Sang Hyuk Ma  , Seungjun Lee  , Sunjoo Kim
Published: October 2023

Background: Pharyngitis is one of the most common conditions encountered in primary health care facilities. Accurate differentiation of group A streptococcus (GAS) infection from viral infection is difficult. The STANDARD F Strep A Ag FIA (SD BIOSENSOR, Korea) is a rapid antigen detection test (RADT) that has been recently developed for diagnosing GAS pharyngitis. In this study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of the STANDARD F Strep A Ag FIA and compared the results between the RADT and conventional throat culture. Methods: Throat swab samples were obtained from a total of 372 children presenting pharyngitis symptoms in five pediatric clinics in Changwon, Korea from July 2018 to October 2019. A comparative study between STANDARD F Strep A Ag FIA and Sofia Strep A FIA (Quidel, USA) was performed. Two throat swabs were taken simultaneously from each patient for RADT. The third throat swab was stored in a transport tube containing Stuart’s transport medium for culture. Performance and kappa index of STANDARD F Strep A Ag FIA were evaluated. Results: GAS infection was detected in 29.3% (109/372) patients, using the STANDARD F Strep A Ag FIA. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 95.0%, 95.2%, 88.1%, and 98.1%, respectively. The STANDARD F Strep A Ag FIA showed an excellent concordance rate of 96.5% and a kappa value of 0.89 compared to Sofia Strep A FIA. Conclusion: The STANDARD F Strep A Ag FIA demonstrated an excellent performance along with Sofia Strep A FIA for the diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis.
Evaluation of the Use of Distilled Water as a Sodium Hydroxide Wash in Antimicrobial Cultures
Authors: Hae-Gyeong Baek  , Hyun-Mi Ko  , Myung-Hee Lee
Published: October 2023

Background: Respiratory specimens subjected to mycobacterial detection were initially pretreated with N-acetyl-L-cysteine-sodium hydroxide (NALC-NaOH) to remove the mucus and normal flora.Next, they were washed and neutralized with a phosphate-buffered solution (PBS). The effectiveness of distilled water (DW) compared to PBS as a washing neutralizer during the identification of mycobacteria was evaluated in this study. Methods: We analyzed the results of the mycobacterial test conducted at a general hospital in Gwangju from October 2016 to September 2018. PBS and DW were used as a respiratory sample-washing agent for one year each. Results:The positive culture rate for the culture of mycobacteria was 12.7% (1,843/14,532) and 14.7% (2,095/14,291), when PBS and DW were used, respectively. The recovery rate of the mycobacteria growth indicator tubes (MGIT) and the separation rates of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) showed no significant change. However, in the 2% Ogawa medium, as the NTM culture increased from 47.4% (399/841) to 56.1% (630/1,122),the recovery rate increased from 45.6% (841/1,843) to 53.6% (1,122/2,095). The MGIT contamination rate decreased from 6.5% to 4.1%. Conclusion: DW as a washing agent for NALC-NaOH increased the recovery rate of Ogawa medium and reduced the contamination rate of MGIT. Therefore, the use of DW instead of PBS as a washing neutralizer during the identification of mycobacteria might be useful.
Clinical Utility of SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Testing
Authors: Hyun Soo Kim
Published: October 2023

SARS-CoV-2 antibody assay is a test that checks whether an antibody against the SARS-CoV-2 virus has been formed in the blood after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. SARS-CoV-2 antibody is detected 1–2 weeks after infection, and antibodies are produced in more than 90% of infected patients. The duration for the formation of antibodies differs by individual and by type of antibody. In the case of IgG, it is at least several months or longer, and the relationship between antibodies and immunity is being studied. As test methods,enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), chemiluminescence immunoassay (CIA), immunochromatographic assay, and neutralizing antibody assay have been developed and used. The target antibody to be detected differs depending on the type of recombinant antigen and the type of secondary antibody in reagents. Many kinds of commercialized SARS-CoV-2 antibody assays are currently being developed, and the S (spike) protein, N (nucleocapsid) protein, S1 or RBD (receptor binding domain) part of the S protein, and a mixture of these antigens are used as recombinant antigens of reagents. IgG, IgM, IgA, or total immunoglobulin antibodies in patients’ blood that react with these reagent antigens are detected. In this review, the types and performance of SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests and the guidelines for COVID-19 antibody tests published domestically and abroad were investigated.
Development and Validation of a Survey Instrument on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices (KAP) Regarding the Educational Use of ChatGPT among Preservice Teachers in the Philippines
Authors:   the Graduate School of Science and Engineering and the Center for Marine and Environmental Studies of Ehime University, Matsuyama City, Japan, Robledo Dave Arthur R. , Zara Celso G. , Montalbo Sherryl M. , Gayeta Norrie E. , Gonzales Abegail L. , Escarez Mary Grace A. , Maalihan Erma D.
Published: October 2023

ChatGPT has gained popularity among Philippine educational institutions due to its versatility and usefulness in academic activities. However, educators have raised concerns about the ethical issues, academic dishonesty, and technology dependence associated with its use. This study aimed to develop and validate an instrument called KAP-CQ39 that assesses the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of preservice teachers regarding the use of ChatGPT. The study involved 4 experts, 12 independent evaluators, and 206 preservice teachers. The instrument underwent a series of assessments to establish quality, validity, and reliability, resulting in the final version of KAP-CQ39. Results showed that KAP-CQ39 has acceptable content validity (CVR and CVI values>0.78), face validity (IS>1.5), construct validity (chi-squared value of 897.564, df=577, p<0.001), and internal consistency (overall Cronbach coefficient=0.91). This proved that KAP-CQ39 can be a valuable tool for assessing the impact of ChatGPT on the Philippine educational system and can provide insights for educational policy makers regarding the use of artificial intelligence in education.
A Systematic Literature Review on Humour Advertising: The ADO Model Approach
Authors: Thannikkottu Drusya , Dua Gautam , Desai Ashish K.
Published: October 2023

Humour as an appeal is one of the earlier appeals that attracted marketers and has attracted researchers’ interest in recent years. In lieu, the current paper systematically reviews various types of humour. The objective of the current study is to trace the research gaps and furnish directions for future research. The current paper considered articles from 2002–2022 on humour advertising. Multiple research gaps were outlined employing ADO (Antecedents, Decision, and Outcomes) model. The study finds that humour advertising has been effective if the sources are credible. The likability of the brand increases, and that finally affects the buying intention. The potential avenues of research in a similar domain are discussed at the end of the paper. It facilitates practitioners about the various types of humour appeal and methodical thinking to further advancement in the area of humour appealed advertising.
EFFECT OF METAL INERT GAS ARC WELDING ON CORROSION PROPERTIES OF A UNS S41003 STAINLESS STEEL
Authors: Lacerda José Carlos de , Perez Teixeira Ricardo Luiz , Gomes Rocha André , Rodrigues da Silva Diego Fellipe , Reis Sousa Vinicius Sayeg
Published: October 2023

In this work, the effects of metal inert gas (MIG) welding on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a UNS S41003 steel were studied. UNS S41003 steel sheets were welded with AISI 309LSi wire using two different welding energies: high energy (HE) and low energy (LE). Samples extracted from the base metal (BM), heat affected zone (HAZ), and fused zone (FZ) were subjected to microhardness and Charpy impact tests. Tensile tests were performed on samples extracted from the BM. Micrographic analyses of the structures obtained in the welds were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Microfractographic images of tensile and impact fractures were obtained by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As a result, the predominance of austenitic microstructure with the presence of delta ferrite islands was observed in the FZ. In HAZ there was a pronounced increase in the grain size of the ferrite phase with the existence of laths martensite predominantly in its grain boundary. The BM showed greater hardness than the metal from the FZ and HAZ. The impact toughness was higher in the FZ compared to BM and HAZ.
Promoting sustainability through national transport planning
Authors: Barfod Michael Bruhn , Leleur Steen , Gudmundsson Henrik , Hedegaard Sørensen Claus , Greve Carsten
Published: October 2023

This following special issue of the European Journal of Transport Infrastructure Research (EJTIR) containing 4 scientific papers is the result of the work conducted under the research project ‘National Transport Planning – Sustainability, Institutions and Tools’ (SUSTAIN) (2012- 2017) financed by the Danish Innovation Fund. SUSTAIN was coordinated by first the Department of Transport of the Technical University of Denmark (DTU Transport) and later as the result of a reorganisation of the transport research at DTU by the Department of Management Engineering (DTU Management Engineering). The project was carried out in cooperation with several Danish and international partners. In SUSTAIN the following definition of national sustainable transport planning (NSTP) was adopted: deliberate, knowledge-based, and strategic endeavours to integrate sustainability principles, criteria and goals in the development, management, regulation and assessment of nationally significant transport systems and services. This paper presents the research outcome by reviewing some of the major findings and seeing these collectively as a basis for promoting sustainability through the formulated research topic of NSTP. This basis includes defining criteria and indicators for use in NSTP combining evidence-based and performance oriented planning approaches. Furthermore, it contains a flexible evaluation framework that includes a decision support model that when informed by criteria and indicators can structure and assist an NSTP practice. This practice can support a planning process aiming at realising a sustainable transport development. Finally, the basis comprises a review of the complex political and administrative fabric in which NSTP is embedded, and thereby it can condition the ability to promote sustainability in practice.
Bike-sharing: the good, the bad, and the future
Authors: Duran-Rodas David , Villeneuve Dominic , Wulfhorst Gebhard
Published: October 2023

Due to the dilemma of bike-sharing concerning its benefits and drawbacks, and its unclear future, we focused on a mixed-methods approach to analyze this public discussion through posts or “tweets” from the social media channel Twitter. We collected around 12,000 tweets in English around the world related to bike-sharing for a period of about six months. We considered two approaches, including topic clustering and sentiment analysis in tweets including: a) bike-sharing related terms and b) “future” and bike-sharing related terms. Strongly positive tweets promote bike-sharing and its benefits such as being convenient, well-performing, and sustainable. Additionally, there is a tendency to write that public, electric, and dockless are better, together with scooters. In contrast, the complaints on bike-sharing focused on inequity, rentals and safety issues, critique on authorities and laws, and poor performance especially of dockless Asian bike-sharing start-ups with low-quality bikes. Around 50% of the tweets that included the terms “future” and “bike–sharing” stated that bike-sharing is going to be part of the future of mobility as an electric dockless version together with other shared modes. The hesitant statements towards bike-sharing being part of the future referred mainly to the systems with poor bikes’ quality. Politicians and stakeholders can use this information to enhance bike-sharing or consider the implementation of certain types of bike-sharing in their cities. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study would be one of the first that analysis the public discussion on social media about a transportation system and its future using a mixed-methods approach. Future studies should aim at identifying and comparing the public opinion of different emerging transportation technologies.
A vulnerability analysis of rail network disruptions during winter weather in the Netherlands
Authors: Neves Deborah , Geurs Karst , La Paix Lissy , Lindhout Erik , Zanen Maarten
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a rail network vulnerability analysis to identify which links within the Dutch rail network are most vulnerable to winter weather. A vulnerability index was developed to measure rail vulnerability during winter weather based on switch-related disruptions, integrating both node and link components into a probabilistic measure of vulnerability. The analysis looked at disruption data for 379 Dutch stations during the years 2007-2017. Links in dense population areas, which operate a high number of switches, are most susceptible to winter disturbances. Particularly, three main railway stations (Utrecht, Amersfoort and Zwolle) are the most critical locations within the network in terms of extreme winter conditions and disruptions. In addition, we developed two scenarios to analyse implications of different railway switch reduction strategies on rail vulnerability. The proposed rail vulnerability index can be a useful tool to define operational strategies to reduce the vulnerability of the Dutch railway network. Decreasing the number of switches at station areas appears to be more effective for reducing railway vulnerability than decreasing the number of switches throughout the entire network.
A Viability Study of Waterborne Platooning on the Lower Rhine
Authors: Colling Alina , Hekkenberg Robert , Van Hassel Edwin
Published: October 2023

To achieve a modal shift towards waterborne transport and to deal with the shortage of crewmembers, a platooning concept called the “Vessel Train” is explored for the inland navigation sector. A Vessel Train consists of a lead and various follower vessels. The lead vessel is fully manned and takes over the navigational and situational awareness responsibilities for the follower vessels. This leading action benefits the followers through increasing the vessels’ productivity and enabling crew cost savings. This article investigates the viability of the concept for the lower Rhine region, by presenting a cost model that compares the Vessel Train conditions to the current sailing conditions. This model is used to assess a case study where lead vessels operate on a liner service between Antwerp and Duisburg. Economically viable cases for the concepts’ early-stage application and fully matured implementation are identified, and boundary conditions are presented. The viable conditions vary depending on the vessel type and the operating regime of the reference vessel. A fully matured VT implementation requires a minimum of 26 participants, whereas an early-stage implementation requires 40 participants. The early-stage implementation additionally includes a minimum distance of 200 km to be spent sailing in the VT and the distance sailed in the VT has to amount to a minimum of 50% of the entire trip.
Airport classification in Chinese multi-airport regions
Authors: Chen Yuting , Fuellhart Kurt , Zhang Shengrun , Witlox Frank
Published: October 2023

The agglomeration of airports into multi-airport regions (MARs) has become one of the salient features of the worldwide air transport system in the last decades. Meanwhile, in China, the development of HSR is growing quickly, and is both competitive to and cooperative with the aviation network. To date some research has focused on the airport classification with aviation network properties within the specific MARs. However, little research comprehensively integrates complementary transport systems (such as civil aviation versus high-speed rail (HSR)) into the analytical framework for airport classification. The purpose of this paper is to identify the unique nature of component airports and their distribution in MARs in China from multiple perspectives by accounting for the influence of the HSR system. Airports are classified along multiple dimensions including competitive concentrations, the interaction between air transport and HSR, and airport community structure, among others. The results produce distinct partitions of the component airports in Chinese MARs, and provide insights into Chinese airport functionality and impacts of the HSR network on the distribution of different types of airports. The conclusions provide a more comprehensive assessment of airports’ spatial arrangement in the unique Chinese MAR context.  Although this paper did not derive the market share allocation and co-opetition relationship between a specific airport and HSR, it proposed a basic framework for future research.
Travel time, delay and CO2 impacts of SAE L3 driving automation of passenger cars on the European motorway network
Authors: Aittoniemi Elina , Itkonen Teemu , Innamaa Satu
Published: October 2023

Impacts of driving automation on traffic flow and emissions are usually studied with traffic simulations using only few speed limits and traffic volumes. Without considering the real-world prevalence of simulated scenarios, it is unknown how the results translate to real-world conditions, such as a regional motorway network. The present study assessed the potential impacts of conditionally automated driving, described by stable vehicle motion control and longer time gaps, on the European motorway network assuming no changes in other influential factors, such as travel demand or vehicle fleet. Traffic simulations provided estimates of the effect magnitude per vehicle kilometre travelled (VKT) in representative conditions, and results were scaled up using map-, traffic- and weather-related data, accounting for the VKT per condition. Overall, the impacts of automated vehicles (AVs) on the European motorway network are likely small. Travel times and delay are estimated to increase by 0.8% and 1.3% respectively at a 100% AV penetration rate among passenger cars, and CO2 emissions to drop by 0.5%. While large reductions of average travel time (up to 8.0–10.4%), delay (up to 17.5–34.8%) and emissions (up to 13.5–15.0%) were found at high traffic volumes, most (86%) of the VKT accumulate at low traffic volumes, with small estimated effects. Thus, although beneficial in some conditions, the AVs considered in this study are not likely to support Europe’s sustainability goals. Findings advocate a comprehensive approach:  Whereas impacts are likely greatest in heavy traffic, the prevalence of conditions must be considered in network level assessment.
Estimating post-pandemic effects of working from home and teleconferencing on travel behaviour
Authors: Faber Roel , Hamersma Marije , De Haas Mathijs , Krabbenborg Lizet , 't Hoen Arjen
Published: October 2023

Like in many other countries, the Dutch government instructed people to work from home where possible during the COVID-19 pandemic to halt the transmission of the virus. This policy seems to have resulted in a structural increase in working from home and teleconferencing that will outlast the pandemic. However, the longer-term effects on travel behaviour are still unclear. Making use of panel data collected using the Netherlands Mobility Panel, this paper has two main aims. First, it analyses developments in working from home and teleconferencing since COVID-19. Second, it estimates the expected post-pandemic effects on travel behaviour. The results show that compared to before the pandemic, the average number of hours that people work from home has doubled and roughly two-thirds of respondents indicate that they teleconference more often. We estimate that structural, post-pandemic increases in working from home and teleconferencing will result in a negative effect on distances travelled by train (-3% to -9%), by bus, tram, and metro (-1% to -5%) and car (-1 to -5%). The estimated effect on the distance travelled by bicycle (-2% to 0%), and walking (0% to +1%) is smaller or even positive, due to people making more complementary trips for other purposes when working from home. When interpreting these results, we should keep in mind that due to various other factors, such as population growth, total travel demand will still grow in the near future.
Evaluation of Melatonin Concentrations on Germination and Seedling Traits of Rice against Drought Stress
Authors: Kumar K. Arun , Kalarani M.K. , Vijayalakshmi D. , Geethalakshmi V. , Raveendran M. , Anandhi V.
Published: October 2023

Background: Rice is the world’s third most important food crop, particularly in Asia. Drought stress has varying degrees of impact on its production. New plant growth regulators have been studied in recent years as a way to overcome physiological limitations and increase productivity. Melatonin has been investigated for its potential advantages in boosting plant resistance to environmental stresses. In this study, the precise processes and functions of melatonin with respect to germination and early seedling establishment during drought were investigated. Methods: Rice seeds were subjected to different pretreatment of melatonin (0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 µM) prior to experiencing drought stress characterized by a water potential of -0.4 MPa. Germination and physiological traits, including germination speed, shoot length, root length, promptness index, vigor index, stress index, fresh and dry weight were assessed. Result: These findings demonstrated that pretreatment of melatonin effectively mitigated the detrimental impacts of drought stress by enhancing germination percentage, seedling growth and physiological traits. Among the various concentration, 200 µM of melatonin proved to be the ideal concentration that has the ability to improve rice seed germination, early seedling growth and minimize the negative consequences of drought stress.
Women’s Experiences of Perinatal Anxiety: A Critical Feminist Approach
Authors: Powell Zalia , Harris Nonie , Francis Abraham
Published: October 2023

OBJECTIVE:Perinatal anxiety is a prevalent mental health issue with implications for the well-being of women and their children. There is a scarcity of research that considers perinatal anxiety as a standalone mental health issue or explores the lived experiences of women with perinatal anxiety.

METHODS:In-depth interviews were carried out with nine mothers who had a lived experience of perinatal anxiety. The women were recruited from South East Queensland, Australia, and were either pregnant and/or parenting a child under the age of five. Data from the interviews were analyzed through a process of thematic analysis to identify key themes in the lived experiences of anxious mothers. Critical feminist theory informed all the aspects of the study.

RESULTS:Analysis of the data revealed four key themes: Good Motherhood, Warning Signs, Mental Health Literacy, and Strengths and Support, and seven subthemes: The Birthing Experience, Irritable Infants, Sleep, Breastfeeding, Social Isolation, Barriers to Help Seeking, and Social Roles. Anxiety was found to complicate the experience of motherhood, with the pressure to present as a “good mother” resulting in a reluctance to seek help. Experiences such as birthing, feeding, and sleeping were risk factors for triggering or exacerbating anxiety. Experiences of perinatal anxiety were further complicated by poor mental health literacy and inconsistencies in the care provided by health professionals. Anxious mothers expressed a need for holistic, multidisciplinary mental healthcare, with residential options during times of struggle or crisis.

CONCLUSION:Findings reveal the complex context of motherhood and mental illness and identify barriers and opportunities for the multidisciplinary mental healthcare of anxious mothers. A holistic, multidisciplinary response to perinatal anxiety is recommended.
Evaluación del efecto antibacteriano y citotoxicidad de los extractos metanólicos de Phyllanthus niruri (Chancapiedra) y Caesalpinia spinosa (Tara) frente a cepas de Enterococcus faecalis. (ATCC 29212)
Authors:   , Mancilla Oscorima Flora Judith , Moreno O’Brien Mikaela
Published: October 2023

Objetivo: Evaluar in vitro el efecto antibacteriano y citotóxico de los extractos metanólicos de Phyllanthus niruri (Chancapiedra) y Caesalpinia spinosa (Tara) frente a cepas de Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212). Materiales y métodos: Estudio experimental in vitro. Para la preparación del extracto de Phyllanthus niruri se utilizó el tallo, hojas y frutos de la planta y para el extracto de Caesalpinia spinosa se utilizó las vainas. El efecto antibacteriano de los extractos frente a Enterococcus faecalis se evaluó mediante la técnica de Kirby-Bauer. La concentración mínima inhibitoria (CMI) se determinó mediante el método de microdilución y la citotoxicidad mediante la línea celular MDCK. Se describieron medias, desviación estándar y medianas de los efectos antibacterianos. Se realizó la prueba no paramétrica Kruskal Wallis. Resultados:  El extracto metanólico que obtuvo mayor efecto antibacteriano frente a Enterococcus faecalis fue Phyllanthus niruri obteniendo un halo de de 40.88mm ± 0.9 a comparación del extracto de Caesalpinia spinosa que obtuvo un halo de 28.04mm ± 0.9. La CMI para el extracto de P. niruri fue de 0.156 mg/mL y la CMB de 3.313 mg/mL. Para la C. spinosa la CMI y CMB fue de 3.1 mg/mL. Finalmente, la CC50 de P. niruri fue a una concentración de 44 mg/mL y para C. spinosa a una concentración de 76 mg/mL. Conclusiones: Se evidenció que los extractos metanólicos de Phyllanthus niruri y Caesalpinia spinosa presentan efecto antibacteriano frente a cepas de Enterococcus faecalis a las 24 horas. Sin embargo, el extracto de P. niruri presenta una menor viabilidad celular a diferencia de C. spinosa.
Sinergia entre el aceite esencial del orégano mediterráneo y el metasilicato de sodio en la prevención de la proliferación bacteriana usando Escherichia coli como organismo modelo
Authors:   , Otero Gallo Luciana Andrea , Vivanco Vidal Melissa Alejandra
Published: October 2023

Las enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos (ETAS) son un conjunto de afecciones originadas por el consumo de alimentos y agua previamente contaminados por microorganismos patógenos, siendo Escherichia coli el desencadenante más frecuente. Por ello, la industria alimentaria emplea biocidas antimicrobianos como el metasilicato de sodio (MS) para el procesamiento de ingredientes en determinadas aplicaciones de carne, evitando así la proliferación de E. coli en alimentos. No obstante, dada la alta demanda por el uso de conservantes naturales, los aceites esenciales de las plantas se han propuesto como alternativas válidas para servir como biopreservantes. Dichos aceites reaccionan con los lípidos en las membranas celulares de diversas bacterias, aumentando su permeabilidad y alterando su estructura original. Por esta razón, el objetivo de este estudio es determinar el efecto sinérgico entre aceite esencial de orégano (AEO) y el MS en la prevención de la proliferación bacteriana de Escherichia coli. Para lograr esto, se realizaron ensayos de control, individuales y de interacción entre el metasilicato de sodio y aceite esencial de orégano. Nuestro ensayo de control indicó que el medio fue óptimo, ausencia de contaminación y el solvente empleado no alteró los ensayos posteriores. Los ensayos individuales determinaron que la concentración mínima inhibitoria (MIC) del MS y del AEO fue de 0.096% y 0.09% respectivamente. Asimismo, se determinó el MIC del AEO en combinación con MS y el MIC del MS en combinación con el AEO, resultando en valores de 0.008% y 0.01%, respectivamente. Finalmente, al calcular el índice de concentración inhibitoria fraccionada (FIC), se determinó que este era menor a 0.5, lo cual indica que la combinación de ambos compuestos tiene un efecto sinérgico en la inhibición del crecimiento de E. coli.
Propuesta de implementación del sistema de biorreactor de membrana para el tratamiento de las aguas grises y la reutilización en la descarga de inodoros para la optimización del consumo de agua potable en los distritos de Lima Metropolitana
Authors:   , Meza Rojas Gabriel Antonio , Sulca Vega Antony Pacovich
Published: October 2023

El presente estudio, tiene como principal objetivo implementar el sistema de biorreactor de membrana en edificios multifamiliares en diferentes puntos de Lima Metropolitana. Con la finalidad de optimizar el agua potable tras la reutilización de aguas grises en las descargas de inodoros. Para el desarrollo, se seleccionaron 7 edificios multifamiliares distribuidos en los distritos de Chorrillos, Miraflores, Barranco y Pueblo Libre. Siendo estos los principales distritos con mayor participación en el sector construcción. Para el cálculo de aguas grises se obtuvo, los recibos de agua por cada edificio multifamiliar en un periodo de 4 meses y se identificó el número de unidades de gasto respectivamente por cada accesorio sanitario como las duchas, lavamanos y lavaderos. Por otro lado, para la implementación del biorreactor de membrana, se contactó con las empresas Bioazul y Agua Sigma, empresas internacionales, especializados en la reutilización de aguas grises con diversos sistemas de tratamiento. Para ello, se determinó e identifico los parámetros del agua y características de cada edificio para la cotización de diversos modelos que ofrecen cada empresa. Con respecto a la reducción del consumo de agua potable, se realizó los cálculos del ahorro de agua con la implementación del sistema biorreactor de membrana en cada edificio multifamiliar y una comparación del consumo de agua potable de un edificio convencional con un edificio sostenible. Por otro lado, para determinar el costo de inversión de incorporación del biorreactor de membrana en los edificios multifamiliares, se calculó el precio por metro cuadrado de un departamento sostenible con el sistema de reutilización de aguas grises. Como conclusión tras la implementación del sistema biorreactor de membrana en los edificios multifamiliares, se ahorró hasta un 37.5 % de agua potable. No obstante, el distrito de Miraflores es unos de los cuatro distritos de estudio con mayor rentabilidad en la implementación del sistema MBR para la reutilización de aguas gris.
La cultura organizacional y su relación con la transformación digital de la sede central del Ministerio de Salud en Lima Metropolitana, 2021
Authors:   , Yarasca Jara Deysi Luisa , Ulloa Luna Maria de los Angeles
Published: October 2023

En la actualidad, la cultura organizacional ha tomado una posición de mayor relevancia en los últimos años; pero este concepto no ha sido el único en sobresalir. Los avances tecnológicos y la implementación de las tecnologías de información han dado paso al concepto de transformación digital. Asimismo, el servicio de salud público también ha sido uno de los focos de importancia a raíz de los problemas de salud ocasionados por la pandemia por Covid-19; sobre todo por el ente principal de nuestro país en temas de salud como el Ministerio de Salud. Por lo tanto, la presente investigación trata de ahondar sobre la cultura organizacional y su relación con la transformación digital de la sede central del Ministerio de Salud en Lima Metropolitana, 2021. En ese sentido, el presente estudio propone una metodología con un enfoque cuantitativo, diseño no experimental de alcance correlacional. Los resultados obtenidos después de los análisis cuantitativos respecto de la cultura organizacional y su relación sobre la transformación digital del sector público muestran una relación positiva, con una asociación de resultado de tipo fuerte. Se concluye que todos los objetivos específicos guardan relación de significancia; sin embargo, solo un objetivo específico relacionado a la Consistencia presenta una relación positiva media vinculada a la cultura organizacional y su relación con la transformación digital de la sede central del Ministerio de Salud.
Utilidad de la relación de triglicéridos y colesterol unido a lipoproteínas de alta densidad (TG/ HDL-c) como marcador para el diagnóstico de prediabetes en una clínica en Lima Metropolitana
Authors:   , Munaylla Cuadros Carolina Ivonne , Acuña Aguilar Maria Belen
Published: October 2023

Objetivo: Evaluar el rendimiento diagnóstico del índice TG/ HDL-C para prediabetes, así como también la determinación de los puntos de corte (según la sensibilidad y especificidad establecidos) de acuerdo al género e IMC en una clínica en Lima Metropolitana. Métodos: El presente estudio es de tipo transversal retrospectivo analítico, desarrollado en el periodo de enero 2013 a diciembre 2019 en el Instituto Médico Metabólico en Lima, Perú. Los participantes fueron todo paciente mayor de 18 años que acudió por primera vez a los servicios de consulta externa. Se tomó como variable dependiente la prediabetes y variable independiente al Índice TG/HDL-C. Se realizó el área bajo la curva a través del receiver operating characteristic (ROC) con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC 95%) y, gracias al índice de Youden, se calculó el punto de corte para el índice TG/HDL-C con mejor sensibilidad y especificidad, categorizado por género e IMC. Finalmente, se calculó la razón de verosimilitud positiva (IEP +) y negativa (IEP -) para determinar la utilidad de la prueba. Resultados: Los participantes totales fueron 797, de los cuales el 32,35% y 43,92 % de las mujeres y hombres tenían prediabetes. Para la población general y las mujeres, se demostró que es una prueba de moderada utilidad (AUC ROC = 0,64 y 0,65), a diferencia de los hombres cuyo resultado fue un test inadecuado (AUC ROC = 0,57). Los puntos de corte empíricos óptimos para la población general, mujeres y hombres fueron de 2,53; 2,47 y 2,74 respectivamente. No obstante, al evaluar la sensibilidad y especificidad, se evidenció una mayor sensibilidad en los varones. De acuerdo al IMC, en personas con IMC normal y sobrepeso, se observó que podría ser un test con un regular rango de utilidad (AUC ROC = 0,63). Los puntos de corte empíricos para un IMC normal, sobrepeso y obesidad fueron de 1,04; 2,82 y 2,30. Sin embargo, en el caso del IMC normal, este valor reveló que la prueba no tiene utilidad (p = 0,171). Conclusión: A pesar de ser más sensible en los hombres, el índice TG/HDL-C califica como un test de moderada utilidad en la población general y mujeres como método de screening. De haber un valor más elevado que los puntos de corte mencionados, podría darnos una sospecha de prediabetes, la cual se confirma con otras pruebas adicionales.
Las sepulturas de Palenque desde la óptica de sus descubridores: de Waldeck a Ruz (1832-1959)
Authors: Núñez Enríquez Luis Fernando
Published: October 2023

A partir de las descripciones que hicieron los exploradores y arqueólogos de Palenque desde mediados del siglo XIX se esboza la idea de que los espacios para los muertos mantuvieron una presencia y relevancia poco reportada para otras ciudades mayas. La imagen que la ciudad mostraba a sus habitantes y a sus visitantes era de una omnipresencia de los espacios de culto a los muertos. Esto es evidente en las cámaras mortuorias con sarcófagos al interior, construidas sobre las fachadas de un importante número de estructuras del área monumental y de los conjuntos periféricos. La intención del presente artículo es rescatar esa imagen de Palenque en donde los espacios para rendir culto a los muertos formaban parte de su identidad.
Hepatocellular carcinoma cell-derived small extracellular vesicle-associated CD147 serves as a diagnostic marker and promotes endothelial cell angiogenesis via the PI3K/Akt pathway
Authors: Huang De-Fa , Zhang Wen-Juan , Chen Jie , Jiao Zhi-Gang , Wang Xiao-Ling , Rao Ding-Yu , Li Wei-Song , Hu Die , Xie Fang-Fang , Wang Xiao-Xing , Li Zheng-Zhe , Yi Xiao-Mei , Wu Ji-Yang , Jiang Yu , Wang Qi , Zhong Tian-Yu
Published: October 2023

Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. The process of HCC development is closely related to angiogenesis. Plasma exosomes have diagnostic value in many diseases and have become a current research hotspot. We aimed to identify a key molecule in small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) involved in angiogenesis as a diagnostic marker for HCC and uncover the mechanism underlying its regulation in the angiogenesis process.

Methods: Nano‐flow cytometer (nFCM) was used to detect CD147 expression in plasma-derived sEVs in 155 HCC patients, 59 liver cirrhosis (LC), and 82 healthy donors (HD). The mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma cell-derived sEVs CD147 promoting angiogenesis was elucidated by cell proliferation assay, scratch wound healing assay, transwell assay, tube formation assay, and in vivo Matrigel plug angiogenesis assay.

Results: We found that CD147 expression was significantly higher in HCC tissue samples than in normal tissues. We also found a significantly larger number of CD147-positive small extracellular vesicles (CD147+ sEVs) in the plasma of HCC patients than LC patients and HD. Furthermore, we showed that hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HepG2)-derived CD147+ sEVs promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. The CD147+ sEVs upregulated vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway, thereby promoting angiogenesis.

Conclusion: HCC-derived sEVs-associated CD147 serves as a diagnostic marker and promotes endothelial cell angiogenesis via the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Effect of Nylon Membrane Thickness on the Value of Sound Transmission Loss as an Alternative Insulation Material
Authors: Maulina Wenny , Wicaksono Totok , Nugroho Agung Tjahjo
Published: October 2023

Measurements of sound transmission loss have been successfully carried out on various thicknesses of nylon membrane as an absorbing material. Nylon membrane were prepared using hydrogen chloride (HCl) and acetyl aceton in the casting solution by phase inversion methods. Nylon membrane with different thickness used in this reseach were 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, and 5 mm. Measurement of sound transmission loss was carried out using a reverberation chamber with sound frequencies of 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz. The results show that, with the increase of thickness of nylon membrane, sound transmission loss of nylon membran was improved. The sound transmission loss of nylon membrane with thickness of 4 mm is the best, whose sound trasnmission loss was up to 46.39 dB at 4000 Hz. This nylon membrane is suitable for lightweight sound barriers and is promising and worthy of further study.
ANALISIS SPASIAL INDEKS EROSI DAS BULOK, LAMPUNG, INDONESIA
Authors: Maghribie Abdul Fattah , Yuwono Slamet Budi , Kusumastuti Dyah Indriana , Amin Muhammad , Banuwa Irwan Sukri , Wahono Endro Prasetyo
Published: October 2023

DAS Bulok merupakan bagian dari DAS Sekampung yang berada di wilayah administratif Kabupaten Tanggamus, Kabupaten Pringsewu dan Kabupaten Pesawaran. DAS Bulok saat ini mengalami degradasi tutupan lahan, Sub DAS Bulok mengalami penurunan tutupan lahan sebesar 7,97% atau seluas 6.987,29 Ha dari tahun 2009 hingga tahun 2018. Penutupan lahan salah satu faktor yang berpengaruh terhadap kondisi biofisik suatu DAS (erosi DAS). Penelitian ini menentukan besarnya potensi erosi dan indeks erosi di DAS Bulok. Penelitian menggunakan metode USLE (Universal Soil Loss Equation) yang dikombinasikan dengan SIG sehingga sangat efisien untuk menghitung estimasi erosi pada wilayah yang luas. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan erosi aktual yang terjadi pada DAS Bulok sebesar 65,49% ≥ TSL dan 34,51% <TSL. Tindakan KTA yang diterapkan pada penelitian ini menggunakan 3 skenario yaitu skenario 1 dengan penerapan KTA secara vegetatif dengan pola tanam agroforestri, skenario 2 dengan penerapan KTA secara mekanik yaitu pembuatan teras tradisional pada wilayah DAS luar Kawasan hutan dan skenario 3 dengan penerapan KTA kombinasi metode vegetatif dan mekanis yaitu dengan penerapan agroforestri pada wilayah di dalam Kawasan hutan dan pembuatan teras tradisional pada wilayah di luar Kawasan hutan. Hasil penurunan erosi sebesar 50% dengan skenario 1, penurunan erosi sebesar 13% dengan skenario 2 dan penurunan erosi sebesar 63% dengan penerapan skenario 3. Tindakan KTA Skenario 3 pada penelitian ini merupakan upaya perbaikan DAS Bulok yang paling efektif dalam meminimalisir erosi pada DAS Bulok
ANALISIS KEBIJAKAN PENGELOLAAN HUTAN FRAGMENTASI DI KAWASAN PASCA TAMBANG BATUBARA DI KABUPATEN KAPUAS PROVINSI KALIMANTAN TENGAH
Authors: Saining Agustan , Udiansyah Udiansyah , Istikowati Wiwin Tyas , Sukarna Raden Mas
Published: October 2023

Kegiatan pertambangan batubara diduga memberikan dampak positif dan negatif terhadap ekonomi, lingkungan dan sosial bagi masyarakat lokal. Selain itu usaha pertambangan juga dapat menyebabkan terjadinya fragmentasi hutan yang dapat menganggu kehidupan satwa liar. Tujuan penelitian adalah merumuskan strategi kebijakan pengelolaan pada kawasan pasca tambang batubara di Kabupaten Kapuas Provinsi Kalimantan Tengah. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan deskriptif yaitu penelitian yang dilakukan dengan tujuan untuk menggambarkan suatu keadaan, kejadian atau fenomena dalam situasi tertentu. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa usaha pertambangan ditinjau dari segi ekonomi dapat memberikan dampak positif bagi daerah dan masyarakat lokal sekitar usaha pertambangan. Namun disisi lain dampak negative juga dapat ditimbulkan akibat dari aktivitas tersebut yang dapat menganggu fungsi kawasan hutan yang dapat mengakibatkan hutan terfragmentasi sehingga menganggu satwa-satwa liar. Upaya pengelolaan usaha pertambangan yang memperhatikan aspek sosial, ekonomi dan lingkungan mutlak diperlukan dalam mewujudkan pengelolaan usaha pertambangan yang berkelanjutan.