bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abordaje metodológico para la construcción de una guía para la enseñanza y aprendizaje virtual en educación superior
Authors: Núñez Manzueta Ana María
Published: July 2024

Este artículo presenta avances de la investigación de la tesis doctoral, en aras de construir una guía metodológica para la enseñanza y aprendizaje virtual en las instituciones de educación superior de República Dominicana. Este estudio se encuentra motivado, pues, a raíz de la pandemia generada por el COVID-19, que obligó, a las instituciones educativas a virtualizar sus procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje para asegurar la continuidad de la educación, replicando en la virtualidad lo que pasa en la modalidad presencial con limitada preparación de los actores principales. Rescata la necesidad de profundizar y buscar nuevas maneras de gestionar el conocimiento desde la modalidad virtual, tomando en cuenta la experiencia vivida por los docentes. Este estudio se sustenta en la perspectiva del construccionismo social, a partir de la cual toma relevancia la acción discursiva y desde sus planteamientos, la realidad social se construye desde la cotidianidad. Para Gergen (2014) permite establecer un nuevo sentido a la relación entre lo que se investiga con quien lo investiga. Desde un enfoque cualitativo y un método etnográfico, busco interpretar los sentidos producidos a través de las prácticas discursivas de los docentes universitarios para, desde sus voces, favorecer los procesos de transformación sobre los procedimientos metodológicos y los manejos de los docentes, sobre los entornos virtuales. Pretendo aportar una ruta metodológica desde la cual, se pueda impartir docencia con la confianza y seguridad de las bondades de la herramienta, y con la certeza de que su proceso de enseñanza impacte en aprendizajes de calidad para sus estudiantes. Aplicaré un cuestionario, estructurado por cinco competencias, a la luz de los planteamientos de García (2014). Dicho cuestionario ha sido validado por un experto y recoge los lineamientos a formar parte de la guía metodológica que contribuya para la mejora de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje desde la modalidad virtual.
Políticas públicas en primera infancia basadas en la evidencia: El caso del Sistema de Medición de Desarrollo Infantil Dominicano
Authors: Sánchez-Vincitore Laura , Alonso Pellerano María Angélica , Valdez María Elena , Jiménez Angie , Cubilla-Bonnetier Daniel
Published: July 2024

El propósito de esta ponencia es presentar el Sistema de Medición de Desarrollo Infantil Dominicano (Simedid) como una posible fuente de generación de datos para la toma de decisiones y creación de políticas públicas en primera infancia. Simedid es una plataforma electrónica que cuenta con un tamizaje del desarrollo infantil creado a partir de los estándares internacionales para la medición del desarrollo, adaptado y validado al contexto sociocultural dominicano. Su aplicación censal, como parte de la actividad cotidiana de animadores comunitarios y agentes educativos dentro del Instituto Nacional de Atención Integral a la Primera Infancia, permitirá un flujo constante de datos de alta precisión que podrán ser usados como insumo para las evaluaciones de impacto de futuras iniciativas, proyectos, o programas de intervención y programas de investigación. El Simedid mitiga las limitaciones de tiempo, recursos y éticas comúnmente asociadas a las evaluaciones de impacto requeridas para las políticas basadas en la evidencia. El Simedid no solamente responde a la necesidad local de co-responsabilidad y rendición de cuentas, sino que también contribuye a dar cumplimiento a un relevante objetivo de la agenda 2030. De igual forma, este esfuerzo puede ser fácilmente adaptado y replicado en otros países de la región de América Latina y el Caribe.
La gamificación aplicada al aprendizaje del idioma inglés, una mirada desde plataformas digitales
Authors: Céspedes Amparo Edward
Published: July 2024

La presente investigación de tesis doctoral aborda como objeto de estudio La Gamificación aplicada al aprendizaje del idioma inglés en la República Dominicana. El propósito de este estudio fue Comprender el uso de la gamificación en el aula y el aprendizaje del idioma inglés desde la motivación de los estudiantes objeto de este estudio.
La población estuvo conformada por 10 profesores del área de inglés y sus estudiantes de 5 escuelas públicas del gran Santo domingo. La población escolar fue de 1700 estudiantes. El tamaño de la muestra fue de 10 profesores de inglés y 150 estudiantes de secundaria del sector público. El muestreo fue no probabilístico. La presente investigación está bajo el paradigma investigativo multi método de enfoque mixto con técnicas de recolección de información netnográficas. Para el momento cuantitativo de este estudio se diseñaron dos cuestionarios uno para profesores de 10 preguntas y otro para estudiantes de 40 preguntas divididas en tres dimensiones, compuestos por preguntas con la escala de Likert. Para el momento cualitativo, se elaboró un guion didáctico para el procesamiento de la encuesta virtual a expertos en Gamificación. A través de estudio, se evidenció que el uso de la Gamificación en el aula incide directamente en los aspectos motivacional, emocional, actitudinal, afectivo, así como también en lo cognoscitivo. Además de esto incide de forma directa en los aspectos sociales tales como el trabajo colaborativo, y el fomento a los valores en los estudiantes. Se evidencia además que a pesar de los profesores conocen los beneficios que brinda la implementación de esta metodología en el aula, la han utilizado con muy baja frecuencia, lo que a su vez se evidencia que ha afectado el rendimiento académico de los estudiantes, esto último evidenciado en la evaluación diagnóstica que se les aplicó a los estudiantes objeto de este estudio.
Banking Service Quality and Its Impact on Commercial Banks' Reputation: An Applied Study at the University of Kerbala
Authors: Rassol Abd Aljalil Mahdi  , Hayder Ali Abdullah  , Mohammed Hussein Ali
Published: July 2024

The aim of the research is to determine the impact of banking service quality on the reputation of commercial banks due to the growth and development of banking services, while at the same time, the increase in problems faced by bank customers. The opinions of a group of affiliates at the University of Karbala, consisting of 80 affiliates representing the research sample, were taken. Their opinions were revealed according to the questionnaire model presented to them, which included 20 items distributed across two axes. The results obtained by the researchers through the answers of the research sample indicate the existence of a relationship, impact, and correlation between service quality and the reputation of commercial banks among the affiliates who domicile their salaries and the beneficiaries of the services of these banks.
FAKTOR YANG BERKAITAN DENGAN PENGGUNAAN KONTRASEPSI IUD (INTRAUTERINE DEVICE) PADA WANITA USIA SUBUR
Authors: Nandi Nahdalia , Farida Siti
Published: July 2024

Permasaalahan di Indonesia adalah  pertumbuhan penduduk yang relatif sangat tinggi. Laju pertumbuhan ditentukan oleh kelahiran dan kematian, dengan adanya perbaikan pelayanan kesehatan menyebabkan tingkat kematian rendah, sedangkan tingkat kelahiran tetap tinggi. Hal ini menjadi penyebab utama ledakan jumlah penduduk. Oleh karena itu upaya menekankan jumlah penduduk dengan cara menggalakan program keluarga berencana salah satunya dengan metode kontrasepsi jangka panjang yaitu IUD. Alat kontrasepsi Intra Uterine Device merupakan pilihan alat kontrasepsi yang efektif, aman dan nyaman bagi banyak wanita Dukungan suami dalam KB merupakan bentuk nyata dari kepedulian dan tanggung jawab para pria. Metode : mencari data sumber Pustaka yang relavan terkait dengan KB IUD pada Wanita usia subur dengan menggunakaan google schooler yang memakai kata kunci : KB IUD, Wanita Usia Subur dan pemilihan KB IUD. Dari hasil pencarian terdapat 5 artikel yang terkait dengan ketentuan dan di analisis sesuai metode deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil : kurangnya pengetahuan terkait dengan pemilihan dan penggunaan KB IUD itu sendiri. Kesimpulan : pengetahuan itu penting terkait dengan penggunaan KB IUD dan pemilihan alat kontrasepsi yang sesuai serta perlu adanya dukungan penuh dari suami
Uso de Acanthobothrium spp. (parásitos de batoideos) como posibles bioindicadores de contaminación en México
Authors: Rodríguez-Ibarra Erick , Octavio-Aguilar Pablo , Monks Scott , Violante-González Juan , Pulido-Flores Griselda
Published: July 2024

Los parásitos son un componente de la biodiversidad, que sufren afectaciones por los cambios en el ambiente y/o sus hospederos. Por esto, se considera que Acanthobothrium spp., pueden ser un biondicador de algunas amenazas en las costas de México. Estos céstodos tienen ciclos de vida indirectos, y son parásitos intestinales de elasmobranquios. Se analizaron datos de 21 años de colecta de Acanthobothrium spp., parásitos del agunas especies de batoideos, en diferentes localidades y fechas del litoral de México. Se calculó la prevalencia, y se realizó un análisis de coordenadas principales, considerando una distancia multimétrica no lineal (estacionalidad de las colectas (lluvias y secas), localidades y años de colectas) para evaluar una probable correlación entre la ausencia o presencia de Acanthobothrium. Durante el periodo evaluado, se registró un decremento en la biodiversidad de Acanthobothrium en el Golfo de México, se registraron bajos valores de prevalencia de las poblaciones de estos parásitos. Esto se interpreta como un efecto de la sensibilidad de Acanthobothrium spp. a los cambios ambientales.  Los ciclos de vida de Acanthobothrium spp. pueden afectarse directa o indirectamente por contaminantes, ya sea en las larvas de vida libre, o en larvas parásitas y/o adultos de los hospederos intermediarios o definitivos. Por ello, se concluye que el incremento de contaminación en el Golfo de México afecta los valores de prevalencia de Acanthobothrium spp. Lo que destaca la importancia del uso de los parásitos como bioindicadores de la calidad ambiental.
Evaluation of Glutathione S-transferases Expression as Biomarkers by Heavy Metals in Geloina expansa from Sepang Besar River, Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Ahmad Wakid Sarini , Abd Aziz Nor Azwady , Alias Zazali , Mustafa Muskhazli , Mohd Syazwan Wan , Zahmir Zulkifli Syaizwan
Published: July 2024

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are enzymes involved in phase II of detoxification metabolism and could be used as biomarkers for water pollution. This study aims to determine heavy metal concentrations in the soft tissue of the mangrove clam Geloina expansa, as well as the expression of GSTs in the species. The acid digestion method was used to digest the samples, followed by a standard USEPA 6010B procedure using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) to measure the heavy metal contents in the samples. GST enzyme activity was measured using 1-chloro-2, 4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) as substrate. One-way ANOVA was performed to compare the mean values of heavy metal concentration, protein concentration, enzyme activity, and specific activity. There was a significant difference (p<0.05) for Zn, total protein, and specific activity in G. expansa, but no significant difference in Pb, Cu and enzyme activity. GST enzyme activities were estimated at 0.16 ± 0.01 µmol/min, with a protein content of 1.24 ± 0.04 mg. The specific activity for GST was 0.13 ± 0.01 µmol/min/mg, calculated as the ratio of enzyme activity to the total protein. GST-specific activity positively correlates with Pb concentration in the soft tissue of G. expansa. Detailed studies on the effects of pollution on the expression of GST need to be further investigated for the future use of this species as an efficient biomarker model.
Design and Simulation of Modified Auxiliary Resonant Boost Converter for Solar Energy Based Systems
Authors:   EEE Dept., St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Chennai - 600119, India, Sunil Raj K. R. , Manjunath K. ,   EEE Dept., St. Joseph’s College of Engineering, Chennai - 600119, India
Published: July 2024

Solar Power Generation (SPG) is one of the main pollution free electrical power generation system. The efficiency enhancement in the solar system is a challenging task to Electrical Power Engineers (EPE). The efficiency of PV module is very low and its power output depends on solar insolation level and ambient temperature. So maximization of power output with greater efficiency is need of today’s scenario. Several earlier approaches [1-4] are not providing a control strategy for efficient minimization of losses. Moreover there is great loss of power due to mismatch of source and load. Hence, to extract Maximum Power from Solar Photo-Voltaic (SPV) Panel a Maximum Power Point Tracking MPPT system needs to be developed. This project proposes a novel soft-switching Simple Auxiliary Resonant Boost Converter (SARC) to achieve greater output from the SPV Panels. The control scheme utilizes PWM techniques to regulate the output power of boost converter at its maximum possible value. This converter is able to turn on both the active power switches at zero current and turn off at zero voltage condition to reduce the switching losses. The detailed design analysis of the SARC has been carried out and results are also validated with SIMULINK of MATLAB 2008a software. The results are comparable with earlier approaches [3, 4]. Hence this modified auxiliary boost converter is suitable for maximisation of energy output in solar power systems.
Leadership Development Program for Public Health Nurses: An Evaluation of Workplace Application
Authors: Posadas, MSAHP, RN John Joseph B. , Abad, MSc, RN Peter James B. , Gayeta, RN Jazryl R. , Cacatian, RN Christian Joshua V. , Reveche, RN Kristoffer Dan Patrick B. , Tomanan, MCD, RN Kristine Joy L.
Published: July 2024

Background and Objective. Public health nurses (PHNs) are vital in the local implementation of the provisions of the Universal Healthcare (UHC) Act of 2019. However, they need adequate competencies in health systems approach to successfully implement the provisions of the law. In response to this, a leadership development course for public health nurses (LDC-PHN), anchored on the building blocks of health systems, was developed and implemented. This paper aims to describe the extent to which training participants have applied the competencies acquired from the LDC-PHN as manifested by the workplace application of their capstone projects.
Methods. Following Kirkpatrick’s Model of Evaluation, we used a multi-method study design to evaluate the extent of the participants’ workplace application of acquired competencies. Sources of data included the Workplace Application Plan (WAP) accomplished by each participant, a questionnaire to determine the perceived implementation status of the participants’ capstone project, interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs) conducted with selected participants and their supervisors, and observation visits. Data were collected from May to December 2022. Data from the semi- structured interviews and FGDs were analyzed through content analysis, while the participants’ perceived status of their capstone project implementation was summarized as frequencies.
Results. Majority of the participants (61.9%) reported partial implementation of their capstone project while 16.77% reported full implementation. Capstone project implementation was facilitated by the support received from their supervisors and local chief executives. Barriers identified included the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic and the challenges imposed by the events before and after the 2022 Philippine National elections. Major themes emerged from the interviews conducted among participants and their supervisors. The workplace application of the training program outcomes, based on participants’ perspectives, yielded increased capacity to lead and innovate, improved ability to advocate for capstone project implementation, transferability of acquired skill sets, and improved population outcomes. From supervisors’ perspectives, workplace application of training program outcomes include increased ability of PHNs to deliver health services, andvisible enhancement of leadership and supervision skills among PHNs.
Conclusion. Given ample support and opportunities, and despite the barriers and challenges they faced,LDC-PHN participants, in general, utilized and applied the competencies they gained from the course in theiractual work setting. Course graduates participated in health systems strengthening at various capacities byacting upon their capstone projects that addressed UHC challenges within their particular work settings.
Perceived Competencies and Training Needs of Public Health Nurses in the Philippines: Basis for the Development of NurseLEAD: A Leadership Course on Advanced Practice Nursing in Public Health
Authors: Melendres, RN Julia Czen N. , Bonito, DrPH, RN Sheila R. , Cariaso, MA, RN Josephine E. , Dones, MPH, RN Luz Barbara P. , Sebastian, RN Christiane Jannie B.
Published: July 2024

Background and Objective. Public health nurses (PHNs) perform more than the provision of direct care to clients.They are also expected to perform roles as leaders, managers, and collaborators in different settings, especially inareas where there are no physicians. Their continuous professional development must be facilitated to empower them to lead the delivery of health programs and services in pursuit of universal healthcare. This study aims to determine the perceived competencies of public health nurses and describe their training needs.
Methods. A descriptive, cross-sectional study was utilized, where an online survey was administered to PHNs across the Philippines to determine their self-perceived competencies and training needs based on the eight domains of core competencies of public health professionals. Descriptive statistics was used to summarize the data.
Results. A total of 330 PHNs answered the survey. The results showed that at baseline, PHNs perceived themselves to be competent (from most to least) in the following: communication, analytical/assessment, community dimensions of practice, policy development/ program planning, leadership and systems thinking, cultural competency skills, public health science, and financial planning and management. In terms of training needs, the enablers mentioned include a supportive work environment that can provide a work schedule that is inclusive of time for professional development and work-life balance; a learning environment where colleagues and supervisors support the need for training and innovation; strong internet connection; and enough equipment to participate and submit deliverables for courses taken.
Conclusion. Filipino public health nurses perceived themselves to be competent in the areas of communication and community practice, but less competent in public health science, and financial planning and management. Future capacity-building programs must be designed to meet this demand. Furthermore, to make training programs truly responsive to the needs of nurses, steps must be taken to promote capacity-building enablers.
Pandemic Impact, Support Received, and Policies for Health Worker Retention: An Environmental Scan
Authors: Leyva, PhD, RN Erwin William A. , Soberano, MISW, MSN, RN Julienne Ivan D. , Paguio, PhD, RN Jenniffer T. , Siongco, PhD, RN Kathryn Lizbeth L. , Sumile, PhD, RN Earl Francis R. , Bonito, DrPH, RN Sheila R.
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought additional strain to health workers in thePhilippines, leading to a significant proportion of them leaving the workforce. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of the pandemic on health workers, the support that they received and associated challenges; and identify relevant policies for better workplace conditions.
Methods. An environmental scanning method was utilized. Particularly, a literature review and policy scan that were validated through key informant interviews with administrators and frontline health workers from selected urban and rural sites in the three main islands in the Philippines. These were framed into a background note to springboard the discussions during a national policy dialogue participated by representatives from key government organizations, professional organizations of physicians, nurses, and midwives, professional regulatory bodies, hospital administrators, frontline health workers, and donor agencies in the Philippines.
Results. Deaths, burn-out, mental health problems, lack of personal protective equipment and poor allocation of vaccines were reported in the early phases of the pandemic. Support varied across settings but included additional allowance, free meals, accomodation, transportation, training and psychosocial services. Furthermore, pre-pandemic issues such as as low salaries and heavy workload continue to be the main reasons for leaving the workforce or the country. The proposed solutions are as follows: (1) creating policies and strategies for appropriate production, recruitment, and retention of human resources for health; (2) allocating regular permanent positions for both the education and health sector; (3) augmenting and continuation of deployment programs; (3) expanding roles of nurses to push for advanced practice nursing; (4) providing fair compensation along with risk allowances, non-financial incentives, and expanded benefits; (5) supportingmental health wellness by providing an appropriate work-rest balance and safe work environment; (6)providing opportunities for professional development and scholarships with accompanying return-serviceagreement; and (7) strengthening the reintegration programs for returning overseas health workers.
Conclusion. The pandemic has affected the well-being of health workers and disparities in support were reported due to longstanding workplace issues and policy implementation gaps. Stakeholder commitments require sustained monitoring while policies that are in place and yet to be developed demand stronger support from the government, members of Congress, the private sector, and other key decision-makers.
“Lusog-Linang”: Utilizing Community-engaged Research towards Capacity Building in Health of an Underserved Community
Authors: Sumile, PhD, RN Earl Francis R. , Delos Santos, MAEd, RN Jan Vincent  T. , Hernandez, MPH, RN Mary Abigail A. , Tomanan, MCD, RN Kristine Joy L. , Parial, PhD, RN Laurence Lloyd B.
Published: July 2024

Background and Objectives. Nurses have a pivotal role in nurturing the capabilities of individuals, families, and population groups for better health. However, underserved communities in the Philippines, such as those with socioeconomic inadequacies, geographic isolation, and service access problems, have significant limitations in attaining the highest possible level of health. Hence, a community extension service (Project “Lusog-Linang”), employing community-engaged research, was launched with the residents of an underserved locality in Central Luzon. The current paper aimed to describe the engagement of the community residents in describing their current health situation and related priority problems, as well as explore appropriate initiatives to manage the identified problems.
Methods. Community-engaged research was utilized to enable the residents of Barangay San Vicente, Bamban, Tarlac to participate in health capacity building. Particularly, records review and focus group discussions were conducted to assess the community’s health needs and to identify the residents’ perceived problems. The findings were presented in a community assembly, where residents further discussed their priority health concerns and potential interventions to address them. Quantitative data were summarized through descriptive statistics, while qualitative information was synthesized via content analysis.
Results. The priority community health problems included healthcare inaccessibility (trained staff, health equipment, and facility access), food insecurity, water supply limitations, and environmental sanitation. Moreover, there was inadequate knowledge and skills among the residents in health promotion, disease prevention, and illness management. While Barangay San Vicente had limited socioeconomic resources to optimize their health capacities, the sense of community among the residents is a vital resource towards empowering them to improve their health.
Conclusion. The results could be utilized as a launching pad for developing appropriate health programs for theresidents of Barangay San Vicente. Hence, the next steps in Project “Lusog-Linang” should include the identification and training of core group members toward community mobilization, and further exploring collaborative and sustainable partnerships across organizations to ensure that the community will have long-term solutions to their problems. Consequently, this project could guide public health workers in ensuring the active involvement and participation of the community members in managing their own health.
Flexible Learning in Nursing in the Philippines as a Response to the Restrictions of the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Educational Case Report
Authors: Peralta, MHPEd, MAN, RN Arnold B. , Banayat, MAN, RN Aprille C. , Baccay, MAN, RN Kenny-lynn B. , Mabale, MAN, RN Maria Angela A.
Published: July 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with societal and technological changes around the globe, demanded adaptations to nursing education. This educational case report is an idiographic narrative of an institution’s experience of shifting to flexible learning in nursing education in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Various subjects, involving foundation, intervention, and intensive nursing courses, were implemented in flexible learning modes during the Academic Year 2020 to 2021. This case report identified how curricular integration and curricular redesign were carried out to ensure the achievement of BSN Program Outcomes. Faculty development on flexible learning was implemented with training outcomes to include the application of key concepts and instructional design principles toward flexible learning. Training outcomes were evaluated through embedded activities on course package development by the faculty participants. This case report also identified various teaching-learning strategies, and how they addressed emerging issues, including differences in technological competence and accessibility.
The report highlighted how the college transitioned to flexible learning through curriculum integration and course redesign which has been effective and efficient in the achievement of educational outcomes. Appropriate training and guidance of the faculty to enable them to integrate and redesign courses, and address emerging issues and challenges, could help in the transition to flexible learning.
Flexible learning is an effective pedagogical approach to implementing nursing education. Timely implementation of measures must be taken to ensure relevant and appropriate curricular integration and redesign of courses, and consequently, the nursing program.
Social construction of geographicity: A vision from humanistic geography
Authors: Botello-Mares Adrian
Published: July 2024

Society is a human construct in a continuous historical process, hence, also geographical. The Social is always composed of a temporal and spatial dimension and, therefore, necessarily endowed with historicity and geographicity. According to Dardel (2022), geographicity is the existential connection of the human being with the earth, that is, the spatial experience obtained by the subjective apprehension of the objective world. This article aims to establish a revaluation of the concept of geographicity in the social sciences debate, discerning it as a social construct by considering theoretical foundations from humanistic geography, phenomenology, and the sociology of knowledge, linked as a proposal for an epistemological alternative in the field of theoretical geography itself. The concepts of space, landscape, place, perception of space, material space, conceived space, and lived space are the key concepts that interlace the dialectical relationship between the objective and subjective manifestations of reality, as a way of socially constructing geography. The result is, therefore, the evident epistemic fertility of humanistic geography, presented in this work through the theoretical review regarding a social construction of geographicity.
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Aloe Vera and Amla Fruit Powder on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chicken
Authors: Gujar Naushali , Arora Rajni , Bais Basant , Jhirwal A K
Published: July 2024

The study was conducted to observe the  effect of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) and Amla  fruit (Emblica officinalis) powder supplementation  alone and in combination on growth performance of  broiler chicken. Un-sexed, apparently healthy, day old broiler chicks (240 in number) were randomly  allocated to four groups with four replicates having  15 birds in each. Broilers were fed ration as per BIS  (2007) standards. The supplementation of Aloe  vera and Amla fruit powder alone and in  combination showed highly significant (P<0.01)  effect on feed consumption, body weight gain and  feed conversion ratio. The study revealed that the  inclusion of Aloe vera at 1 per cent and Amla fruit  powder at 1 per cent alone and in combination  enhanced the overall growth performance of  broilers.
Behavioural Pattern as Indicator of Different Stages of Estrus in Sahiwal Cows
Authors: Tiwari Saurabh , Singh Y , Sirohi Rajneesh , Mamta  , Singh D N , Kumar A , Kumar M
Published: July 2024

The reproductive efficiency of dairy animals  is having a direct impact on productivity and  profitability of dairy farms. Therefore, reproduction  management is a major concern in dairy industry.  Communication of the timing of physiological event  of ovulation and coordination of sexual behavior are  important for successful fertilization. The success  rate of artificial insemination in cattle mainly  depends on the time of estrus it is inseminated.  Inefficient and inaccurate heat detection results in  failure of conception during that attempt, which in  turn leads to significant economic losses. The  efficient and accurate detection of estrus and the  timing of AI has remained major challenge to  improve reproductive and economic efficiencies of  dairy farms. To have a simple and accurate  technique for optimizing the time of insemination,  present investigation was performed on healthy,  cyclic Sahiwal cows which had calved recently and  were maintained at DDD farm of LFC, DUVASU,  Mathura with an aim to investigate the behaviour of  the cows in order to discriminate the various stages  of estrus. The behavioral attributes of teaser bull  and experimental cows were observed during three  different stages i.e. onset of estrus, standing heat  and non-estrus stages of same cows. It was  observed that frequency of mounting by teaser  bulls, frequency of Flehmen reaction by teaser  bulls, restlessness of Sahiwal cows, bellowing and  frequency of urination were all significantly affected  by different stages of estrus i.e onset of estrus,  standing heat and non-estrus.
Colostrum Yield and Colostrum Suckled by Neonatal Buffalo Calves
Authors: Awate Suresh , S C Biradar , Waghmare Prashant G , Patil Vivek M , Rathod Prakashkumar , Desai Anant Rao
Published: July 2024

The colostrum production by buffaloes during  12 h after post birth was measured in three intervals  within 2 h after birth, 2 to 6 h after birth, and 12 h  after birth, by weigh-suckle-weigh method and hand  milked colostrum measured in measuring cylinder.  Average colostrum suckled by neonatal calf of  having average body weight 27.93 kg in first feeding  at 2 h, 2nd feeding at 6 h and 3rd feeding at 12 h  after birth were 275.63 mL, 413.13 mL and  656.31mL respectively and average total colostrum  suckled by neonatal calves at 6 hours after birth  calving and total colostrums suckled in 12 h after  birth were 688.76 mL and 1345 mL respectively,  with a total yield of 4112 mL of colostrum (suckled  plus hand milked) equal to 14.72 % of body weight  of the calf. It was found that the total colostrums  yield at 6 h and 12 h of after birth (including hand  milked and colostrums suckled) were 2252.40 mL  and 1867.63 mL, respectively. It was recorded that,  average colostrums suckled (per cent of body  weight of calf) at 2 hours in first feeding, at 6 hours  in 2nd feeding and at12 hours in 3rd feeding of after  birth were 1.26, 1.47, and 2.46, respectively and  average total colostrums suckled (per cent of body  weight of calf) at 6 h after birth (including 1st feeding  and 2nd feeding) and at 12 h after birth (includes all  three feedings up to 12 h after birth) were, 2.34 and  6.68, respectively.
Study of Adoption Level of Improved Buffalo Husbandry Practices in Peri-Urban Areas of Surat City of Gujarat, India
Authors: Sabapara G P
Published: July 2024

The present study was conducted in the peri urban areas of Surat city of Gujarat. Total fifty  buffalo farm owners were randomly selected and  interviewed for the questionnaire prepared about  improved buffalo husbandry practices adopted by  them. The findings indicated that majority of buffalo  farm owners had medium adoption level on different  component of improved buffalo husbandry  practices viz. 72% for housing, 74% for feeding,  64% for breeding, 68% for healthcare, 74% for  milking management and 74% for calf rearing. The  overall adoption levels of the respondents in  improved buffalo husbandry practices fall under  low, medium and high categories are 18%, 66% and  16%, respectively. The adoption index of different  aspect of improved buffalo husbandry practices of  housing, feeding, breeding, health care, milking and  calf rearing were 49.4, 34.3, 67, 52.5, 55.9 and  63.7%, respectively and overall adoption index of  improved buffalo husbandry practices was 53.8%  which indicated moderate adoption level of buffalo  farm owners in the study area.
Breeding Management Practices of Jaffarabadi Buffalo in Junagadh District of Gujarat, India
Authors: Dodiya V A , Sabapara G P , Garg D D , Odedra M  D , Ahlawat A R , Kasondra S M
Published: July 2024

A field study was conducted in Junagadh  district of Gujarat to ascertain the breeding  management practices followed by Jaffarabadi  buffalo owners and data were collected from  randomly selected 320 respondents through  personal interview with the help of structured  interview schedule. The present study revealed that  all the respondents detected heat in their buffaloes  by behavioral signs. Majority (55.62%) of the buffalo  owners observed mucus discharge as the  symptoms of oestrus and bred their buffaloes by  artificial insemination (65.62%) between 12-18  hours after heat detection (77.19%). Majority  (73.12%) of respondents bred their buffaloes after  3 to 5 months of calving and only 20.93 percent  respondents followed the pregnancy diagnosis  during the three months of pregnancy. About 97.50  and 96.88 percent of the respondents treated their  buffaloes for anestrous/repeaters and  ROP/Prolapse, respectively. About 32.81 percent of  the respondents kept the breeding records of the  buffaloes. Majority (75.62%) of respondents  preferred pure breeding of their Jaffarabadi  buffaloes.
Green Solutions: The Role of Traditional Medicinal Plants in Insect Control Strategies
Authors: Syam Prasad Sura
Published: July 2024

Ethnomedicinal plants have been utilized for centuries to repel or kill insects globally. The transmission of this knowledge, primarily through village healers, has been hierarchical, resulting in limited ethnobotanical documentation of many herbal plant species. This study aims to document the insecticidal, repellent, and larvicidal properties of traditional medicinal plants. Over the past two decades, various studies and publications were reviewed, cataloging 25 traditional medicinal plants across 12 families. Different parts of these plants were prepared and applied in multiple forms to assess their effectiveness.
Hombres que sufren por su trabajo: un estudio cualitativo con trabajadores mineros del cobre y portuarios chilenos
Authors: Matamala Pizarro Jose , Barrera Lagos Alba
Published: July 2024

El sufrimiento es un articulador de la subjetividad y la salud mental en el trabajo. Su investigación permite comprender las experiencias afectivas y los diferentes recursos que construyen los trabajadores para mantenerse operando en ambientes laborales exigentes e inclementes. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar y comprender las vivencias de sufrimiento de trabajadores mineros del cobre y portuarios chilenos, centrándose en los recursos defensivos y sus implicancias en la subjetividad y salud mental ocupacional. Se llevaron a cabo 26 entrevistas semiestructuradas y se utilizó el análisis temático para analizar los datos construidos, como resultado se identificó tres temas vinculados con las experiencias subjetivas de sufrimiento laboral: reafirmación de la virilidad, degradación de la subjetividad, y el derrame del tiempo y la extrañeza casa/trabajo; además, se observaron las fallas en las defensas y deterioro de la salud mental. Como proyección, este estudio destaca la importancia de continuar investigando dicha experiencia afectiva en industrias exigentes y masculinizadas en Chile, lo cual permitiría contar con mayor evidencia para el desarrollo de estrategias de intervención y prevención en el ámbito de trabajo, considerando el papel del género en dicha articulación.
Salud mental masculina y psicoterapia con hombres: Editorial
Authors: González-Barrientos Marcela , Rivera-Aguilera Guillermo , Urbina Hurtado Carolina , Aguayo Francisco , Beiras Adriano
Published: July 2024

Los estudios críticos de masculinidades tienen cerca de 30 años de historia en América Latina y se encuentran consolidados en la psicología social, así como y en otras áreas interdisciplinares afines, con importantes diálogos con el movimiento y teorías feministas. La masculinidad cultural es el conjunto de representaciones, valores, ideales y prácticas sociales instituidas a partir de las cuales los hombres enfrentan el desamparo y la adversidad. Se puede observar que el campo de la salud mental de los hombres y las intervenciones clínicas con esta población no ha recibido suficiente atención por parte de la investigación y la academia. Esta Sección Temática de Psicoperspectivas se desarrolla desde la necesidad de investigar y promover el campo de la salud mental masculina. Investigar y reflexionar sobre estos procesos subjetivos de género en aquellos que se identifican como hombres, estén en la heteronorma o en la diversidad de construcciones de masculinidad ofrece insumos para diseñar intervenciones clínicas más implicadas con la igualdad de género y la diversidad. Del mismo modo, es preciso avanzar hacia una clínica comprometida con la crítica y la transformación de género buscando como beneficio secundario que los hombres tengan comportamientos más saludables en sus relaciones y con su entorno, no sólo consigo mismos.
The utility of virtual monochromatic dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) in meniscal imaging: a technical evaluation
Authors: Adams Scott , van Heerden Jacques , Reis Jodie , Mondal Prosanta , Shepel Michael , Obaid Haron
Published: July 2024

Purpose

To determine the feasibility of meniscal imaging using virtual monochromatic images obtained through dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) technique, and to determine which keV levels optimise contrast resolution.

Material and methods

All DECT exams were performed on a Discovery CT750 HD system from GE Healthcare. Virtual monochromatic images were reconstructed at 40 keV, 73 keV, 106 keV, and 139 keV. Contrast resolution of the medial and lateral menisci using a 5-point Likert scale at each keV level was determined through a consensus agreement by 2 fellowship-trained musculoskeletal radiologists. Friedman’s and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare visualisation scores across different keV levels.

Results

Seventeen knee exams from 10 patients met criteria for inclusion in the study. All patients included in the study cohort were male. The median age of patients was 46 years (interquartile range, 35-53 years). Virtual monochromatic images at 40 keV demonstrated highest contrast resolution of the menisci, with a statistically significant difference between contrast resolution scores at 40 keV and 76 keV, Friedman test: p < 0.0001.

Conclusions

Meniscal imaging is feasible using DECT virtual monochromatic images at low keV levels. Improved contrast resolution at these specified KeV values could pave the way for further research in this field to determine its role in the future as an alternative option for assessment of the menisci in patients with contraindications to MRI or in the setting of a periarticular ferromagnetic foreign body obscuring the field of view.
Morphological evaluation of maxillary arch in unilateral buccally and palatally impacted canines: a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-based study in Northern Iran
Authors: Dadgar Sepideh , Aryana Mehdi , Khorankeh Mehdi , Mollaei Melika , Alizadeh-Navaei Reza , Sobouti Farhad
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study investigated the association between the maxillary impacted canines’ position and the maxilla’s morphological features in an Iranian population based on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

Material and methods

In this cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study, 47 CBCT images of unilateral buccally impacted maxillary canines and 47 CBCT images of unilateral palatally impacted maxillary canines were examined. Several morphological variables were compared between the impacted and non-impacted sides, and between the buccal and palatal impaction types.

Results

Gender and age were not significantly associated with the canine impaction type. The alveolar bone height at the impacted side was significantly greater in the buccally impacted group than in the palatally impacted group (p = 0.016). In a comparison of the impacted and non-impacted sides, all variables of alveolar bone thickness at depth of 2 mm, maxillary arch width, and palatal volume had significantly smaller values in the impacted side in both buccally and palatally impacted groups (p < 0.05). The alveolar bone was significantly thicker at the depth of 10 mm in the impacted side of the buccal group (p = 0.024). The maxillary arch perimeter was significantly smaller in the impacted side of the buccal group (p = 0.008). The palatal depth did not significantly differ between the groups.

Conclusions

Among the studied variables, the alveolar bone thickness showed contrary results at different depths. The palatal volume and maxillary arch width were significantly smaller on the impacted side in both buccal and palatal groups, and the arch perimeter showed the same results only in the buccal group.
Brain neuroplasticity in multiple sclerosis patients in functional magnetic resonance imaging studies. Part 2: Effect of aerobic training
Authors: Wachowski Mariusz Rafał , Majos Marcin , Milewska-Jędrzejczak Marta , Głąbiński Andrzej , Majos Agata
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of aerobic training on motor cortical areas in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, based on task-based functional magnetic resonance imaging (t-fMRI) as well as on brain activity at rest, according to resting state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) studies.

Material and methods

Multiple sclerosis patients were divided into 2 groups consisting of 14 participants each: the MS study group and the MS control group. All MS patients underwent clinical assessment and MRI examination, twice:
in the MS study group at the time of inclusion in the study and after a 4-week period of aerobic training, whereas in the MS control group it happened at the time of inclusion and after a period of one month without exercise rehabilitation. The MRI study protocol included rs-fMRI and t-fMRI sequences, which were the grounds for an analysis of resting state networks (RSN) as well as peak level and cluster level parameters within motor cortex areas – the primary motor cortex, premotor area, and supplementary motor area, respectively.

Results

In the MS study group, aerobic training improved the clinical condition and decreased the functional correlation between the sensorimotor network and the salience network. Also, significant decreases of the mean cluster level (72.42 vs. 38.35) and peak level values (10.89 vs. 7.64) were observed in the contralateral primary motor cortex in this group of patients between examinations.

Conclusions

Aerobic training not only improves physical performance but also contributes to changes in brain activity – both within RSN and motor cortex areas in MS patients.
Kohlenstoff-Nanofaservliese als Elektrodenmaterialien für die Energiewende
Authors: Gutmann Jochen S. , Mayer-Gall Thomas , Shin Eui-Young , Preußner Alexander , Maqsood Muhammad Saif , Wego Andreas , Hirt Sebastian Daniel , Sous Pascal , Wennig Sebastian , Heinzel Angelika
Published: July 2024

Lithium-Schwefel-Batterien (LSB) sind aufgrund ihrer hohen theoretischen Energiedichte eine aussichtsreiche Alternative für Lithium-Ionen-Batterien (LIB).1 Allerdings wurde aufgrund der geringen elektrischen und ionischen Leitfähigkeit von Schwefel bzw. Li2S bisher die theoretische Energiedichte praktisch noch nicht erreicht.2–4 Üblicherweise dienen Metallfolien als Stromabnehmer für LSB. Dabei machen diese ca. 15–20 % des Gewichts und 10–15 % der Kosten einer Batterie aus.5 Eine höhere Aktiv­materialbeladung, höhere Kapazität, bessere Hochstromfähigkeit sowie bessere Strukturintegrität durch das Abfangen der mechanischen Beanspruchung durch das Porennetzwerk und somit eine bessere Langzeitstabilität werden erreicht, wenn 3-dimensional strukturierte Stromabnehmer eingesetzt werden.5–18 In diesem Zusammenhang stellen Carbon-Nanofasern (CNF) eine viel­versprechende und leichte Alternative zu metallischen Stromabnehmern dar. Dabei dürfen CNF nicht mit Carbon Nanotubes verwechselt werden.
Testmethode und Parameter zur Charakterisierung der Plissierfähigkeit synthetischer Filtermedien
Authors: Bauer Florian , Müller Günter , Weidt David
Published: July 2024

Die Nachfrage nach plissierfähigen Medien für Automobil- und HVAC-Anwendungen (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) wächst stetig. Für den globalen Filtermarkt wird für plissierfähige Medien eine CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) von 5,5 % bis 2025 prognostiziert.1 Der Bereich der plissierten Filtermedien wird durch Glasfaserpapiere dominiert. Allerdings sind diese anfällig gegenüber Feuchtigkeit sowie der Entstehung von gesundheitsgefährdendem Glasstaub durch sog. Shedding. Synthetische Materialien weisen diese Nachteile nicht auf, jedoch besitzen sie schlechtere Falteigenschaften auf rotativen Faltanlagen als bindemittelverfestigtes Glasfaserpapier.
EU hält am Zeitplan zur Entwaldungs-VO fest
Authors: Falker Gerrit-Milena
Published: July 2024

Brüssel diktiert Regeln zum Schutz vor Waldrodung, die bislang unerfüllbar sind, verweigert einen Aufschub und sorgt für teils absurde Detailfragen.
Digitaler Pass wirft Fragen auf
Authors: Falker Gerrit-Milena
Published: July 2024

Nächste Woche tritt die Ökodesign-Verordnung in Kraft und bereitet den Weg für den „Digitalen Produktpass“. Bereits jetzt zeichnen sich zahlreiche Fragen ab – aber auch Hoffnungen.
Thai Union verlässt China
Authors: Bender Ralf
Published: July 2024

In allen Regionen und Produktsegmenten hat der Fischverarbeiter Thai Union im vergangenen Jahr weniger umgesetzt. Das Büro in China ist unrentabel geworden.
Aroy-D setzt auf Bio
Authors: Bender Ralf
Published: July 2024

Kokosnussmilch ist ein Kernprodukt im Asien-Sortiment mit weiterhin hohen Wachstumsraten. Die Marke Aroy-D will sich über nachhaltige Bio-Qualität differenzieren.
Real Thai wieder auf Wachstumskurs
Authors: Bender Ralf
Published: July 2024

Stabile Lieferbeziehungen sind auch im Asien-Geschäft keine Selbstverständlichkeit. Mit Thaitan Foods hat Reichold Feinkost einen verlässlichen Partner gefunden.
Bürger automatisiert in der Logistik
Authors: Bökamp Lena
Published: July 2024

Teigwarenspezialist Bürger modernisiert und automatisiert in der Logistik. Am Standort Crailsheim sorgen zwei neue Hochregallager und ein vollautomatisierter Kommissionierbereich für einen effizienteren Umschlag der Fertigprodukte.