bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prematurity and low birth weight: geospatial analysis and recent trends
Authors: Peterman Nicholas , Kaptur Bradley , Lewis Morgan , Ades Lindsey , Carpenter Kristine
Published: April 2022

Prematurity and low birth weight are of concern in neonatal health. In this work, geospatial analysis was performed to identify the existence of statistically significant clusters of prematurity and low birth weight using Moran’s I. Data was obtained from March of Dimes and the National Center for Health Statistics for the years 2015 to 2019. Analysis demonstrated the presence of hotspot (High-High) and coldspot (Low-Low) geographic clusters of these variables in regions across the United States. Additionally, factorial ANOVA was performed, and revealed the significance of demographic variables of interest. Given the strong relationship between these two variables, regions that are hotspots for one variable, but not the other, are of particular interest for further study.
Roadmap to Ventral Craniocervical Junction Through the Endonasal Corridor: Anatomic Evaluation of Inverted U-Shaped Nasopharyngeal Flap Exposure in a Cadaveric Study
Authors: Forbes Jonathan A. , Nebor Ivanna , Hussein Ahmad , Woodhouse Cody , Ceja David Gallardo , Avendano-Pradel Rafael , Andaluz Norberto , Sedaghat Ahmad R. , Phillips Katie , Prestigiacomo Charles , Virojanapa Justin , Cheng Joseph , Rosito Diego Mendez , Zuccarello Mario
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND:

There is a paucity of data in the literature describing quantitative exposure of the ventral craniocervical junction through the endonasal corridor in a safe manner mindful of locoregional anatomy.

OBJECTIVE:

To quantify ventromedial exposure of O-C1 and C1-2 articular structures after turning an inverted U-shaped nasopharyngeal flap (IUNF) and to obtain measurements assessing the distance of flap margins to adjacent neurovascular structures.

METHODS:

In 8 cadaveric specimens, an IUNF was fashioned using a superior incision below the level of the pharyngeal tubercule of the clivus and lateral incisions in the approximate region of Rosenmuller fossae bilaterally. Measurements with calipers and/or neuronavigation software included flap dimensions, exposure of O-C1 and C1-2 articular structures, inferior reach of IUNF, and proximity of the internal carotid artery (ICA) and hypoglossal nerve to IUNF margins.

RESULTS:

The IUNF facilitated exposure of an average of 9 mm of the medial surfaces of the right/left O-C1 joints without transgression of the carotid arteries or hypoglossal nerves. The C1-2 articulation could not be routinely accessed. The margins of the IUNF were not in close (<5 mm) proximity to the ICA in any of the 8 specimens. In 6 of 8 specimens, the dimensions of the IUNF were in close (<5 mm) horizontal or vertical proximity to the hypoglossal foramina.

CONCLUSION:

The IUNF provided safe and reliable access to the medial O-C1 articulation. Given the close proximity of the exocranial hypoglossal foramen, neuronavigation assistance and neuromonitoring with attention to the superolateral IUNF margin are recommended.
Laser-mediated osteoblast ablation triggers a pro-osteogenic inflammatory response regulated by reactive oxygen species and glucocorticoid signaling in zebrafish
Authors: Geurtzen Karina , López-Delgado Alejandra Cristina , Duseja Ankita , Kurzyukova Anastasia , Knopf Franziska
Published: April 2022

In zebrafish, transgenic labeling approaches, robust regenerative responses and excellent in vivo imaging conditions enable precise characterization of immune cell behavior in response to injury. Here, we monitored osteoblast-immune cell interactions in bone, a tissue which is particularly difficult to in vivo image in tetrapod species. Ablation of individual osteoblasts leads to recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages in varying numbers, depending on the extent of the initial insult, and initiates generation of cathepsin K+ osteoclasts from macrophages. Osteoblast ablation triggers the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species, which are needed for successful macrophage recruitment. Excess glucocorticoid signaling as it occurs during the stress response inhibits macrophage recruitment, maximum speed and changes the macrophage phenotype. Although osteoblast loss is compensated for within a day by contribution of committed osteoblasts, macrophages continue to populate the region. Their presence is required for osteoblasts to fill the lesion site. Our model enables visualization of bone repair after microlesions at single-cell resolution and demonstrates a pro-osteogenic function of tissue-resident macrophages in non-mammalian vertebrates.
Autophagy promotes organelle clearance and organized cell separation of living root cap cells in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Goh Tatsuaki , Sakamoto Kaoru , Wang Pengfei , Kozono Saki , Ueno Koki , Miyashima Shunsuke , Toyokura Koichi , Fukaki Hidehiro , Kang Byung-Ho , Nakajima Keiji
Published: April 2022

The root cap is a multilayered tissue covering the tip of a plant root that directs root growth through its unique functions, such as gravity sensing and rhizosphere interaction. To maintain the structure and function of the root cap, its constituent cells are constantly turned over through balanced cell division and cell detachment in the inner and outer cell layers, respectively. Upon displacement toward the outermost layer, columella cells at the central root cap domain functionally transition from gravity-sensing cells to secretory cells, but the mechanisms underlying this drastic cell fate transition are largely unknown. Here, using live-cell tracking microscopy, we show that organelles in the outermost cell layer undergo dramatic rearrangements. This rearrangement depends, at least partially, on spatiotemporally regulated activation of autophagy. Notably, this root cap autophagy does not lead to immediate cell death, but is instead necessary for organized separation of living root cap cells, highlighting a previously undescribed role of developmentally regulated autophagy in plants.

This article has an associated ‘The people behind the papers’ interview.
Honey bees can store and retrieve independent memory traces after complex experiences that combine appetitive and aversive associations
Authors: Klappenbach Martín , Lara Agustín E. , Locatelli Fernando F.
Published: April 2022

Real-world experiences often mix appetitive and aversive events. Understanding the ability of animals to extract, store and use this information is an important issue in neurobiology. We used honey bees as model organism to study learning and memory after a differential conditioning paradigm that combines appetitive and aversive training trials. First, we used an aversive conditioning paradigm that constitutes a clear opposite of the well-known appetitive olfactory conditioning of the proboscis extension response. A neutral odour is presented paired with the bitter substance quinine. Aversive memory is evidenced later as an odour-specific impairment in appetitive conditioning. Then, we tested the effect of mixing appetitive and aversive conditioning trials distributed along the same training session. Differential conditioning protocols like this were used previously to study the ability to discriminate odours; however, they were not focused on whether appetitive and aversive memories are formed. We found that after differential conditioning, honey bees establish independent appetitive and aversive memories that do not interfere with each other during acquisition or storage. Finally, we moved the question forward to retrieval and memory expression to evaluate what happens when appetitive and the aversive learned odours are mixed during a test. Interestingly, opposite memories compete in such a way that they do not cancel each other out. Honey bees showed the ability to switch from expressing appetitive to aversive memory depending on their satiation level.
The Demand for Insurance and Rationale for a Mandate: Evidence from Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Authors: Cabral Marika , Cui Can , Dworsky Michael
Published: April 2022

Workers’ compensation insurance, which provides no-fault coverage for work-related injuries, is mandatory in nearly all states. We use administrative data from a unique market without a coverage mandate to estimate the demand for workers’ compensation insurance, leveraging regulatory premium updates for identification. We find that a 1 percent increase in premiums leads to approximately a 0.3 percent decline in coverage. Drawing upon these estimates and data on costs, we examine potential justifications for government intervention to increase coverage. This analysis suggests that several forms of market failure—such as adverse selection, market power, and externalities—may not justify a mandate in this setting. (JEL G22, G52, J28, K13, K31)
Drug Diffusion through Peer Networks: The Influence of Industry Payments
Authors: Agha Leila , Zeltzer Dan
Published: April 2022

Pharmaceutical companies market to physicians through individual detailing accompanied by monetary or in-kind transfers. Large compensation payments to a small number of physicians account for most of this promotional spending. Studying US promotional payments and prescriptions for anticoagulant drugs, we investigate how peer influence broadens the payments’ reach. Following a compensation payment, prescriptions for the marketed drug increase from both the paid physician and the paid physician’s peers. Payments increase prescriptions to both recommended and contraindicated patients. Over three years, marketed anticoagulant prescriptions rose 23 percent due to payments, with peer spillovers contributing a quarter of the increase. (JEL I11, L65, M31, M37, O33)
Homeownership, Labor Supply, and Neighborhood Quality
Authors: Hausman Naomi , Ramot-Nyska Tamar , Zussman Noam
Published: April 2022

This paper provides evidence on the external benefits of homeownership among low-income populations. A natural experiment in Israel generated large changes in neighborhood homeownership rates while holding fixed the residents and housing stock, two primary sources of bias in traditional estimates. When public housing tenants are given the opportunity to buy their units, buyers increase labor supply. Effects are felt in the neighborhood: when homeownership rises by 10 pp, neighborhood home prices rise 1.5–2 percent. Instrumenting for purchases using government discounts generates similar results. Results are relevant for policies using financial incentives to increase homeownership among low-income populations. (JEL H24, I38, J22, R21, R23, R31, R38)
Moral injury and psychological resilience among healthcare professionals amid COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Akhtar Mubeen , Faize Fayyaz Ahmad , Malik Ramla Zaid , Tabusam Asifa
Published: April 2022

Objectives: The present research studied moral injury and psychological resilience in healthcare professionals amid COVID-19 pandemic. Relationship between moral injury and resilience was explored in addition to finding the difference in study variables based on socio-demographics factors.

Methods: This cross-sectional research was carried out from August 2020 to January 2021. A sample of 108 healthcare professionals including doctors, nurses, and paramedical staff was collected through purposive sampling technique. Data was gathered through face-to-face survey method and online forum using psychometrically sound tools.

Results: Findings revealed that more than two third of the sample (69.44%) has high level of moral injury which is clinically significant while only 30.56% fall within normal range. Moral injury has significant positive correlation with number of work hours (p < .05) whereas negative correlation with resilience (p < .01) and years of experience (p < .05). Women and health care professionals belonging to psychiatry department have reported to experience significantly high level of moral injury (p < .01).

Conclusion: The findings of the study are helpful for stakeholders of health care system to better understand and prepare for the situations that brings moral injury and challenge psychological resilience particularly in times of pandemic, humanitarian crisis, or natural disasters.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.5122

How to cite this:Akhtar M, Faize FA, Malik RZ, Tabusam A. Moral injury and psychological resilience among healthcare professionals amid COVID-19 pandemic. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.5.5122

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Προσεγγίσεις των εναλλακτικών εκπαιδευτικών σχεδίων στην εκπαίδευση των παιδιών των προσφύγων
Authors: Νομικού Χριστίνα
Published: April 2022

Στόχος της παρούσας διατριβής είναι η ποιοτική διερεύνηση των εμπειριών και των απόψεων των αναπληρωτών εκπαιδευτικών ΠΕ70 οι οποίοι εργάστηκαν σε Δομές Υποδοχής και Εκπαίδευσης Προσφύγων (ΔΥΕΠ) κατά το σχολικό έτος 2018-2019. Συγκεκριμένα, επιχειρήθηκε η σάρωση του πεδίου μέσω της έρευνας απογραφής. Οι 58 ημιδομημένες συνεντεύξεις οι οποίες λήφθηκαν από τις 14/2/2019 έως τις 19/6/2019 ανέδειξαν τις πολλαπλές όψεις του κρατικού εγχειρήματος. Σε πρώτο επίπεδο μελετώνται οι δυσκολίες και τα προβλήματα που συνάντησαν οι εκπαιδευτικοί κατά την άσκηση του παιδαγωγικού τους έργου καθώς και το πρίσμα μέσα από το οποίο δομήθηκε η διδακτική τους προσέγγιση. Η έρευνα εστιάζει επίσης στην κριτική αποτίμηση της εφαρμοζόμενης εκπαιδευτικής πολιτικής για την εκπαίδευση των προσφύγων μαθητών που φοιτούν στις ΔΥΕΠ. Σε δεύτερο επίπεδο μελετήθηκαν οι απόψεις των εκπαιδευτικών σε σχέση με την ένταξη κοινωνικών και πολιτικών ζητημάτων στη διδασκαλία τους με έμφαση στο προσφυγικό συγκείμενο. Η συνεξέταση αυτή πραγματοποιείται υπό το φως των ριζοσπαστικών παιδαγωγικών θεωριών με έμφαση στην συμβολή της παιδαγωγικής του Paulo Freire σε μία προσπάθεια να αναδειχθούν εκείνα τα σημεία τομής τα οποία είναι ικανά να συγκροτήσουν μία εναλλακτική-αντίπαλη παιδαγωγική παρέμβαση. Τα βασικότερα συμπεράσματα που προέκυψαν κατατείνουν στο ότι α) οι εφαρμοζόμενες νεοφιλελεύθερες πολιτικές για την εκπαίδευση δεν αφήνουν ανεπηρέαστο το πεδίο εκπαίδευσης των προσφύγων, β) η απουσία ουσιαστικής στήριξης και καθοδήγησης των εκπαιδευτικών των ΔΥΕΠ από την Πολιτεία επηρεάζει αρνητικά το έργο τους, γ) βασική προϋπόθεση για τη δίχως προβλήματα λειτουργία των ΔΥΕΠ υπήρξε σε σημαντικό βαθμό η μη ορατότητα των προσφύγων μαθητών στη σχολική και ευρύτερη κοινότητα δ) οι εκπαιδευτικοί παρά τις δυσκολίες και τα προβλήματα που συναντούν εργάζονται επιδεικνύοντας υψηλό βαθμό ενσυναίσθησης απέναντι στις τραυματικές εμπειρίες των μαθητών τους προσπαθώντας παράλληλα να συμπεριλάβουν το γλωσσικό και πολιτισμικό τους κεφάλαιο στη διδασκαλία ε) το ιδεολόγημα περί ουδετερότητας της εκπαίδευσης παραμένει ανθεκτικό, ενώ το τραύμα σε συνάρτηση με την ηλικία, τη δυσκολία στη γλωσσική επικοινωνία και την ετοιμότητα των μαθητών οριοθετεί τις παρεμβάσεις τους και στ) η τομή με την παιδαγωγική του Freire και τις ριζοσπαστικές προσεγγίσεις μπορεί να επιχειρηθεί σε ένα πρώτο επίπεδο στο πεδίο του κριτικού αλφαβητισμού υπό την προϋπόθεση της διερεύνησης του θεματικού σύμπαντος των προσφύγων μαθητών, της διερεύνησης των αντίστοιχων παραγωγικών λέξεων με τη σύστοιχη συγκρότηση ενός παιδαγωγικού υλικού το οποίο θα είναι ικανό να καθοδηγήσει εκείνους τους εκπαιδευτικούς που επιθυμούν να υιοθετήσουν αντίπαλες στην κυρίαρχη παιδαγωγική προσεγγίσεις στη διδασκαλία τους.
Public health, national health system in Greece during the economic crisis and satisfaction of citizens from the services provided
Authors: Μπεμπεκίδης Εμμανουήλ
Published: April 2022

Ένας από τους πιο σημαντικούς και απαιτητικούς τομείς λειτουργίας κάθε σύγχρονου και κοινωνικά ευαισθητοποιημένου κρατικού φορέα είναι ο τομέας της υγείας, ένας τομέας που διεθνώς αντιμετωπίζει μια τριπλή πρόκληση: α) η απαίτηση της παγκόσμιας κοινότητας (κοινωνία, οργανισμοί) να παρέχει ίση υγειονομική περίθαλψη σε όλους τους πολίτες· β) το διαρκώς αυξανόμενο κόστος παροχής υπηρεσιών υγειονομικής περίθαλψης· γ) την ανάγκη εισαγωγής και εφαρμογής νέων τεχνολογιών που βασίζονται σχετικά με την αποδοτικότητα και τη σχέση κόστους-αποτελεσματικότητάς τους (Souliotis et a a l., 2016). Πρόσφατα, μελέτες σχετικά με τις επιπτώσεις της οικονομικής κρίσης στο σύστημα υγείας και ειδικότερα για την υγεία των Ελλήνων πολιτών έχουν αυξηθεί σημαντικά. Την ίδια ώρα εντείνονται οι φωνές πολιτικών και επιστημόνων, που πιστεύουν ότι η πηγή όλων των κακών κειμένων στον χώρο της υγείας είναι η ψηφοφορία και εφαρμογή των μνημονιακών νόμων. Ωστόσο, όλοι θα μπορούσαν να συμφωνήσουν ότι το ελληνικό σύστημα υγείας είχε σημαντικά δημοσιονομικά και διαρθρωτικά προβλήματα πολύ πριν από την οικονομική κρίση και την επιβολή μνημονίων, που έγινε ακόμη πιο εμφανής κατά την τρέχουσα περίοδο της πανδημίας COVID-19 (Γιαννοπούλου & Τσομπάνογλου, 2020).
In vitro and in vivo study: Ethanolic extract leaves of Azadirachta indica Juss. variant of Indonesia and Philippines suppresses tumor growth of hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting IL-6/STAT3 signaling
Authors: Raissa Ricadonna , Riawan Wibi , Safitri Anna , Masruri Masruri , Beltran Ma Asuncion Guiang , Aulanniam Aulanniam
Published: April 2022

Background: Azadirachta indica Juss. has been shown to suppress cancer progression through a variety of mechanisms. In order to treat cancer progression, cancer immunotherapy is used to stimulate the immune system where immunosuppression is present in tumor microenvironments. Many cancer cells produce a lot of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and signal transducer activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). STAT3 plays a key role in suppressing the expression of critical immune activation regulators. IL‐6‐mediated STAT3 activation is common in the tumor microenvironment. Inhibiting the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway has become a therapeutic option for cancer progression. As vimentin is also expressed in hepatic stellate cells boosting cancer survival. We focused on the precise effect of extract from leaves of Azadirachta indica Juss, on inhibiting the IL-6/STAT3 signaling cascade on hepatocellular carcinoma by in vitro and in vivo study.

Methods: In the in vitro study, the effect of Azadirachta indica Juss. variant Indonesia and Philippines against the expression of IL-6 and STAT3 was examined in liver cancer cell line. In the in vivo study, 24 male rats (Rattus norvegicus) strain Wistar were induced by diethylnitrosamine and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Based on the therapy given, the groups were divided into negative control, positive control, Indonesia extract, and Philippine extract. Expression of IL-6, STAT3, and vimentin were tested using immunohistochemistry staining. The data were analyzed using analysis of variance, which was then followed by the Tukey test.

Results: Statistically significant difference in IL-6 and STAT3 was observed between the treatment groups and positive control group by in vitro study and in vivo study. Generally, there is no significant difference between treatment using Indonesian and Philippine leaves.

Conclusion: Both therapy doses of Azadirachta indica variant in Indonesia and Philippines were able to reduce IL-6, STAT3 and vimentin expression of hepatocellular carcinoma cell by in vitro and in vivo experiment.
Critical delay factors for construction projects in Central Aceh District, Indonesia
Authors: Rauzana Anita , Zahrah Aghnia , Dharma Wira
Published: April 2022

Background: Construction development in Indonesia is growing rapidly, especially in Central Aceh District. Construction projects have distinctive characteristics and are very complex, so that risk events can have a serious impact on the viability of the project. A lack of attention to the risks faced will affect project implementation by creating delays, resulting in losses. The purpose of this study was to (1) identify the risk factors that cause delays in construction projects and (2) determine those particular risk factors that have a greater influence on construction projects. The location of this research was Central Aceh District, Indonesia.

Methods: The data in this study were primary data in the form of a questionnaire and secondary data obtained from the literature related to this particular type of research. Questionnaires were distributed to respondents, namely contractor companies located in the Central Aceh District. The questionnaires were distributed to determine respondents' opinions about the level of influence of risk factors causing project delays. We used a validity test, reliability test, and descriptive analysis for data processing.

Results: Based on the results of the study from 47 respondents, the “very high influence” category (Mode=5) for the tool malfunction factor was chosen by 21 respondents (44.68%), cost estimation inaccuracy by 20 respondents (42.55%), increased work costs by 22 respondents (46.81%), implementation of new technologies by 25 respondents (53.19%), details, accuracy and conformity to specifications that are not appropriate by 20 respondents (42.55%), worker quarrels by 20 respondents (42.55%), poor project planning and management by 22 respondents (46.81%), poor condition at locations and accessibility difficulty by 20 respondents (42.55%).

Conclusions: Of the 80 risk factors that caused project delays, eight risk factors were found to have a very high influence on the implementation of construction projects in Central Aceh District.
Characterization of sulfated polysaccharide activity against virulent Plasmodium falciparum PHISTb/RLP1 protein
Authors: Mutisya Jennifer M. , Mobegi Victor A. , Kinyua Johnson K. , Kivecu Martha N. , Okoth Raphael O. , Chemwor Gladys C. , Mwakio Edwin W. , Cheruiyot Agnes C. , Yeda Redempta A. , Okello Charles O. , Juma Jackline A. , Opot Benjamin H. , Juma Dennis W. , Roth Amanda L. , Akala Hosea M. , Andagalu Ben M.
Published: April 2022

Background: The emergence of artemisinin resistance in South East Asia calls for urgent discovery of new drug compounds that have antiplasmodial activity. Unlike the classical compound screening drug discovery methods, the rational approach involving targeted drug discovery is less cumbersome and therefore key for innovation of new antiplasmodial compounds.  Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) utilizes the process of host erythrocyte remodeling using Plasmodium-helical interspersed sub-telomeric domain (PHIST) containing proteins, which are amenable drug targets. The aim of this study is to identify inhibitors of PHIST from sulfated polysaccharides as new antimalarials.

Methods: 251 samples from an ongoing study of epidemiology of malaria and drug resistance sensitivity patterns in Kenya were sequenced for PHISTb/RLP1 gene using Sanger sequencing. The sequenced reads were mapped to the reference Pf3D7 protein sequence of PHISTb/RLP1 using CLC Main Workbench. Homology modeling of both reference and mutant protein structures was achieved using the LOMETs tool. The models were refined using ModRefiner for energy minimization. Ramachandran plot was generated by ProCheck to assess the conformation of amino acids in the protein model. Protein binding sites predictions were assessed using FT SITE software. We searched for prospective antimalarials from PubChem. Docking experiments were achieved using AutoDock Vina and analysis results visualized in PyMOL.

Results: Sanger sequencing generated 86 complete sequences. Upon mapping of the sequences to the reference, 12 non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms were considered for mutant protein structure analysis. Eleven drug compounds with antiplasmodial activity were identified. Both modeled PHISTb/RLP1 reference and mutant structures had a Ramachandran score of >90% of the amino acids in the favored region. Ten of the drug compounds interacted with amino acid residues in PHISTb and RESA domains, showing potential activity against these proteins.

Conclusion: This research identifies inhibitors of exported proteins that can be used in in vitro tests against the Plasmodium parasite.
Non-pharmaceutical interventions during COVID-19 in the UK and Spain: a rapid realist review
Authors: Serrano-Gallardo Pilar , Manzano Ana , Pawson Ray
Published: April 2022

The paper is located at the crossroads of two modern intellectual movements. The first, evidence-based policy, seeks to locate vital information that will inform and improve key policy decisions on such matters as population health, social welfare, and human wellbeing. The second, complexity theory, describes the nature of the social world and perceives human action as persistently adaptive and social institutions as incessantly self-transformative. The first assumes that policies and programmes can achieve sufficient control to meet specific and measurable objectives. The second assumes that social actions are sufficiently capricious so that the society never conforms to anyone’s plans – even those of the most powerful. The unparalleled resources committed to control the unprecedented attack of the COVID-19 pandemic are the epitome of complexity. The long struggle to contain the virus thus constitutes an ideal test bed to investigate this paradigmatic split. The paper undertakes this mission - focusing specifically on the effectiveness non-pharmaceutical interventions and examining evidence from the UK and Spain.
New Opportunities for Organizing Collective Investments
Authors: Smirnov E.
Published: April 2022

According to fi nancial analysts, Federal Law No. 325-FZ “On Amendments to Article 51.2 of the Federal Law “On the Securities Market” and Certain Legislative Acts of the Russian Federation” adopted on July 2, 2021 signifi cantly increased the opportunities for Russian market representatives to organize collective investments from participation of the state and private business.
Concepciones de la ética en docentes universitarios y su influencia en la educación superior
Authors: Bazurto Barragán David , Higuera-Ramírez Diana Yuneiry
Published: April 2022

La presente investigación tuvo como objetivo identificar la concepción de ética predominante en los docentes de la Facultad de Psicología de la Fundación Universitaria Konrad Lorenz, y comprender el significado que esta tiene para la vida personal de los estudiantes. Para ello, se empleó un método de investigación mixto, en concreto, un diseño transformativo secuencial (Ditras). Dentro de los principales hallazgos se encontró que la concepción ética predominante en los docentes fue la de la virtud, aun cuando los hallazgos estadísticos no marcaron una diferencia significativa. Por otra parte, se logró establecer que la coherencia comportamental del profesor (discurso y actos) en materia y el reconocimiento del respeto bilateral (docente estudiante y viceversa) pueden operar como elementos facilitadores del aprendizaje de la ética.
Gut Oxidative Modulation of Polyphenol, Prebiotic, Probiotic, and Postbiotic in Vitro
Authors: Tan Rachael , Loke Wai Mun
Published: April 2022

The study evaluated the individual and combined influence of polyphenol (quercetin), prebiotic (galactooligosaccharide), probiotic ( Lactobacillus acidophilus), and/ or postbiotic (inanimate Lactobacillus acidophilus) on the cellular oxidative status of CACO-2 intestinal epithelial cells. The CACO-2 cells were treated with quercetin (1 µmol L-1), galactooligosaccharide (4 mg mL-1), Lactobacillus acidophilus (2 x 106 CFU mL-1), and/or inanimate Lactobacillus acidophilus (2 x 106 CFU mL-1) individually and in all combinations over twenty four hours. Cellular antioxidant capacities (DPPH radical scavenging activity, Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, Total Peroxyl Trapping Potential, and Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity), antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase and peroxidase), and oxidative damages (F2-isoprostanes and lipid hydroperoxides) were measured. Intracellular quercetin and total short-chain fatty acids (acetic, propionic, and butyric acids) were determined. Treatments with quercetin or inanimate Lactobacillus acidophilus exhibited significant greater cellular antioxidant effects compared to those without quercetin or inanimate Lactobacillus acidophilus. Antioxidant capacities of treatments with quercetin and inanimate Lactobacillus acidophilus were significantly stronger than those with either one. Quercetin and short-chain fatty acids accumulated into the CACO-2 cells incubated with quercetin and inanimate Lactobacillus acidophilus, respectively. Polyphenol, probiotic, and postbiotic, individually or interdependently, influenced the oxidative status of intestinal epithelial CACO-2 cells and protected them from oxidative damage.
Responsive Prediction Model of Stunting in Toddlers in Indonesia
Authors: Lukman Try Nur Ekawati , Anwar Faisal , Riyadi Hadi , Harjomidjojo Hartrisari , Martianto Drajat
Published: April 2022

Stunting is a global incident. The Report Global Nutrition Targets 2025 estimates that around 171 million to 314 million children under five year are stunted and 90% of them are in Asian countries including Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to develop responsive prediction index models ofstunting in toddler in Indonesia. Development of the index model used mathematical formulations using the TPB / SDGs indicator and food environment indicators. Time series-aggregate data were selected 14 variables based on data availability from 34 provinces in Indonesia in the span of 4 years (2015 - 2018). Furthermore, the index validation used the backward regression method with IBM SPSS Statistics version 22. The results showed that households with malaria incidence per 1000 people (X3), the population literacy rate is ≥15 years(X10), households have access to proper sanitation services (X13), and all methods of CPR for married couple aged 15-49 years (X14) was a responsive predictor of stunting in toddler in Indonesia. The index model was stated by the equation Ŷ=67,464-0,318X_9-0,571X_14-0,186X_12 with a R2 value of 49.9% and Radj value of 44.9%. Regarding the results of this study, it is suggested to consider the fulfillment of access to household sanitation facilities, specifically in resident area and vulnerable groups such as malaria endemic areas, increasing literacy, especially maternal literacy, and increasing use of all CPR way for EFA aged 15-49 years.
SEPIC Converter for Lead Acid Battery Charger Using Fuzzy Logic type-2 Controller
Authors: Akbar Moh. Ifaldi , Efendi Moh. Zaenal , Nugraha Syechu Dwitya
Published: April 2022

Over time, the earth where we live is getting warmer every year, this is due to the excessive use of fossil energy which is not environmentally friendly and also the greenhouse effect. Of course, this is not very good for the sustainability of our environment, with the depletion of the ozone layer on our earth, especially since Indonesia is known as a country with a tropical climate, of course, with the resulting impact, our country will be increasingly affected by the impact. In this battery charging using vrla battery and the system has a working system by utilizing a source of lighting from the sun which will be processed into a source of electricity with a solar panel, the system is designed with an output voltage of 14 vdc with an input voltage of 36 vdc from the solar panel, the voltage will be lowered through the SEPIC converter according to the value The duty cycle is set on the mosfet to charge the battery according to the calculation of load requirements. This system focuses on how to maximize battery charging using the CC-CV (constant current-constant voltage) method with a type-2 fuzzy logic algorithm and how the battery lifetime can last a relatively long time and condition switch on cc to cv on soc 99.60%.
Job Autonomy, Workload and Home-work Conflict as Predictors of Job Satisfaction among Employed Women in Academia
Authors: Uwannah Ngozi Caroline , Egwuonwu Clara Ogbogo Kalu , James Nma Clarion
Published: April 2022

Women’s work has been acknowledged as an important tool towards effective leadership and economic development in Nigeria and Africa in general. It is important therefore, to accept their presence and encourage the active role they play in the labour force which at the long run impacts the economy positively knowing full well that they make up noticeable portion of the world’s population. This study evaluated the contribution of job autonomy, workload and home-work conflict to the job satisfaction of employed women in universities in Ogun State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey design was used to draw 200 women through multi-stage sampling technique. Standardized questionnaires were used to obtain responses from respondents. Four hypotheses postulated were analyzed using correlation matrices and multiple regression analysis and the level of significance was at 0.05 level. Findings show that job autonomy, workload, and home-work conflict jointly contributed to job satisfaction with 10.1% variance (Adj. R2 = .101) while workload predicted female employees job satisfaction the most. It was concluded that university management should introduce flexibility in work schedules and restructure job descriptions to allow female employees have more autonomy so as to reduce the effect of home-work conflict and pressure associated with workload.
Teacher Leader Model Standards in Context: Analyzing a Program of Teacher Leadership Development to Contextual Behaviours of Teacher Leaders
Authors: Doraiswamy Nithya , Wilson Grant , Czerniak Charlene M. , Tuttle Nicole , Porter Kristin , Czajkowski Kevin
Published: April 2022

A National Science Foundation-funded Mathematics and Science Partnership program, Leadership for Educators: Academy for Driving Economic Revitalization in Science (LEADERS), aimed to develop science teacher leaders who would influence the quality of science teaching in their respective schools. To fulfill a need to evaluate leadership abilities of teachers within LEADERS, a Teacher Leadership Instrument was developed based on our previous work. This paper examines the performance of teachers as outlined in the Teacher Leader Model (TLM) Standards following their enrollment in three teacher leadership courses aligned with these Standards. The study employed a qualitative approach to analyze peer professional development sessions provided by teacher leaders, and to rate leadership behaviours and practices. Results indicate that 31 of the 37 functions were exhibited by the teacher leaders, with most observations occurring at a developing level. Behaviours related to effective presentation and facilitation were observed most frequently, but the teacher leaders also incorporated research-based practices, information about assessments, and links to the community in their sessions. Further, these behaviours linked back to the intended outcomes of the three leadership courses. The results demonstrate one manner in which teacher leaders perform the functions of the TLM Standards in the context of professional development sessions.
Uso de plantas medicinais para tratar úlceras e gastrites pela comunidade do povoado Vila Capim, município de Arapiraca-AL, Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Lisboa Maria do Socorro , Ferreira Sônia Maria , Silva Maria Silene da
Published: April 2022

O objetivo deste trabalho foi fazer o levantamento etnobotânico das plantas medicinais utilizadas no tratamento da gastrite e úlcera pelos moradores do povoado de Vila Capim, município de Arapiraca, Alagoas, Nordeste do Brasil, buscando-se entender a relação comunidade/plantas. Os dados foram obtidos através de trabalho de campo realizado no período novembro de 2004 a fevereiro de 2005. Foram utilizadas observação não-participante e entrevistas semi-estruturadas com sete mulheres. Foram registradas 26 plantas, pertencentes a 16 famílias. As entrevistadas cultivam a maioria das plantas em seus próprios quintais. Para tratar úlcera e gastrite, foram indicadas 21 espécies, destacando- se Solanum cf. paniculatum (Solanaceae) e Brassica oleraceae (Brassicaceae). Foi realizada a comparação entre o conhecimento popular e o científico. Constatou-se que a medicina popular está fortemente relacionada à cultura local, com grande importância na área da saúde, tornando-se de fundamental importância a tomada de políticas públicas que valorizem este saber, contribuindo com a melhoria da qualidade de vida na comunidade.
Evidência de hibridação e introgressão em Hybanthus arenarius Ule e H. calceolaria (L.) Oken (Violaceae) a partir de marcadores aloenzimáticos e análise multivariada morfométrica
Authors: Nunes Teonildes S. , Costa Jorge A. S. , Souza Élvia R. , Machado Marlon C. , Giulietti Ana M. , Giulietti Ana M. , Borba Eduardo L.
Published: April 2022

Foram realizadas análise morfométrica multivariada baseada em 46 caracteres morfológicos e análise de aloenzimas em 41 indivíduos de Hybanthus arenarius, 25 indivíduos de H. calceolaria e 33 indivíduos morfologicamente intermediários ocorrentes no campus da Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana para determinar a variabilidade nestas populações e investigar hipóteses de hibridação e introgressão. Na análise morfométrica, H. arenarius pode ser bem diferenciada dos indivíduos intermediários e H. calceolaria, enquanto estes dois últimos não podem ser bem separados. Estas mesmas relações foram aparentes também na análise de aloenzimas. A ausência de loci diagnósticos não permite a confirmação de hibridação entre as espécies, mas vários resultados encontrados nas análises morfométrica e genética fortalecem a hipótese de que os indivíduos considerados primariamente como intermediários sejam indivíduos de H. calceolaria com introgressão de genes de H. arenarius.
Acidentes com animais peçonhentos: um estudo etnozoológico com agricultores de Tacaratu, sertão de Pernambuco
Authors: Lima Kênio Erithon Cavalcante , Vasconcelos Simão Dias
Published: April 2022

A atividade agrícola em regiões de baixa tecnologia expõe o homem a acidentes com diversos animais peçonhentos, como serpentes, escorpiões e centopéias. Este estudo foi conduzido para investigar, a partir de uma perspectiva etnozoológica, a ocorrência de acidentes causados por animais peçonhentos em Tacaratu, sertão de Pernambuco. Em dezembro de 2004, realizamos entrevistas com 37 agricultores para caracterizar o perfil dos casos e documentar as medidas adotadas pelos acidentados. Observamos que os acidentes mais freqüentes foram causados por abelhas e escorpiões, e que os agricultores fazem uso de diversos produtos da medicina popular, principalmente a fitoterapia. Acidentados recorrem a rituais religiosos e solicitam a ajuda de curandeiros da comunidade, especialmente para curar as mordidas de serpentes. O uso da medicina popular é estimulado por familiares e representa uma combinação de elementos das culturas e religiões européias, indígenas e africanas.
Descolonizar la mente, sacralizar la existencia
Authors: Obregón Diana , Herrera Eduardo
Published: April 2022

This article examines some of the central Buddhist teachings as a contribution to a postcolonial reading. It understands Buddhism not as a religion but as a cognitive theory. From that standpoint, its non-theistic outlook, its emphasis on introspection, and the practice of mindfulness make this discipline a powerful tool for individual transformation. Thus, Buddhism can redefine any social or political praxis from the most intimate and personal to the most external reality. A key to this is to take full responsibility for the actions, words, and thoughts that give rise to the world we all share.
Value Production, Measurement, and Distribution under Digital Capitalism
Authors: Wei Xu
Published: April 2022

Western Marxist scholars take “immaterial labor,” “audience labor” and “prosumer labor” as the core categories to explain the problem of the value creation and profit sources of digital capital in online production and consumption activities in the Web 2.0 era. By analyzing the production process of digital capitalism, they have come to the conclusion that contemporary capitalist production has taken on an overall “novel” character. On the basis of the special cost structure of digital capitalist production, the increasing “fuzziness” of production time and living time, and the disappearance of the boundary between paid labor and unpaid labor under digital capitalism, they draw the conclusion that the law of value has become invalid in the era of “digital production and consumption.” However, once digital labor and its results are placed within Marx’s analytical framework, and are interpreted in terms of such categories as “direct production process of capitalism,” “fixed capital accumulation pattern” and “classification of productive labor and non-productive labor,” it becomes clear that the brilliant achievements of digital capital are best understood as the results of innovative modes of surplus-value possession or distribution, rather than of new methods of surplus-value creation, and that the conclusion that the law of value has failed represents a misreading or misinterpretation of Marx’s labor theory of value. Although the digital capitalist mode of production is serving partially to dissipate the role of the law of value, this law as the general principle regulating global capitalist production remains effective in the contemporary world.
Non-invasive and rapid diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus based on the analysis of hair by front-face fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Cherni Imen , Nouir Rihem , Ghalila Hassen , Somaï Mehdi , Daoued Fatma , Aydi Zohra , Hamzaoui Sami , Boussema Fatma , Jaïdane Nejmeddine
Published: April 2022

Rapid and early detection of pathologies for screening purposes is not always easy with traditional methods. New low-cost optical techniques that are suitable for preventive detection and, more specifically, for developing countries must be developed. The objective of this work is to propose UV-VIS fluorescence of hair as a promising technique for a simple and rapid preliminary diagnosis of type II diabetes. In this work, we analyzed 130 hair samples taken from volunteers of different ages at the Habib Thameur Hospital in Tunis, Tunisia. These samples were analyzed clinically beforehand, and 50 were classified as healthy acting as a control, 24 were classified as low-level diabetics with a glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c)

<

7

%

, and the other 56 were classified as high-level diabetics having an HbA1c

>

7

%

. The fluorescence of the patients’ hair led to several interesting results. Indeed, a clear discrimination was obtained not only between the healthy and patients with a disease, but also a discrimination between diabetics with low levels and high levels or diabetics with and without complication. Also, a strong correlation between fluorescence spectra and glycated HbA1c for the diabetic population was clearly established. A linear discriminant analysis shows that it is possible to predict the status of test patients after having trained a fraction of the population. All these results show the ability of the front-face fluorescence (FFF) technique to detect disease and predict advanced states simply by capturing the fluorescence of the hair illuminated by a single LED. This work shows for the first time, to our knowledge, the capability of the FFF technique on hair samples for the diagnosis of diabetes.
Fast volumetric imaging with line-scan confocal microscopy by electrically tunable lens at resonant frequency
Authors: Mac Khuong Duy , Qureshi Muhammad Mohsin , Na Myeongsu , Chang Sunghoe , Eom Tae Joong , Je Hyunsoo Shawn , Kim Young Ro , Kwon Hyuk-Sang , Chung Euiheon
Published: April 2022

In microscopic imaging of biological tissues, particularly real-time visualization of neuronal activities, rapid acquisition of volumetric images poses a prominent challenge. Typically, two-dimensional (2D) microscopy can be devised into an imaging system with 3D capability using any varifocal lens. Despite the conceptual simplicity, such an upgrade yet requires additional, complicated device components and usually suffers from a reduced acquisition rate, which is critical to properly document rapid neurophysiological dynamics. In this study, we implemented an electrically tunable lens (ETL) in the line-scan confocal microscopy (LSCM), enabling the volumetric acquisition at the rate of 20 frames per second with a maximum volume of interest of 315 × 315 × 80 µm3. The axial extent of point-spread-function (PSF) was 17.6 ± 1.6 µm and 90.4 ± 2.1 µm with the ETL operating in either stationary or resonant mode, respectively, revealing significant depth axial penetration by the resonant mode ETL microscopy. We further demonstrated the utilities of the ETL system by volume imaging of both cleared mouse brain ex vivo samples and in vivo brains. The current study showed a successful application of resonant ETL for constructing a high-performance 3D axially scanning LSCM (asLSCM) system. Such advances in rapid volumetric imaging would significantly enhance our understanding of various dynamic biological processes.
Thermally resettable laser transmission induced transparency in polymer waveguides at 635 nm
Authors: Liu Jinyuan , Wang Chaoyang , Dang Zhangqi , Chu Yuhui , Zhang Ziyang
Published: April 2022

Laser transmission induced transparency (LTIT) has been observed in a polymer waveguide using commercial perfluorinated acrylate-based materials when a continuous-wave laser at 635 nm is injected. The transmitted optical power increases continuously and follows a non-linear curve with respect to the laser injection time. Loss reduction over 13 dB is observed within 60 min at a moderate laser power of 5 mW. While higher injection power leads to a quicker change of the waveguide transparency, this loss reduction tends to saturate at a level irrelevant to the injection power. Further experiments demonstrate that a laser injection at 635 nm can also slightly improve the transparency at near-infrared wavelengths from 1500 nm to 1600 nm which is also the target wavelength range for this material. The state after a certain laser injection dose of 635 nm proves to be stable and the transmission characteristics of the polymer waveguide can be maintained and will continue after being stored at room temperature over a long period of time. By baking the waveguide at 200 °C for 20 min, the transparency property can be reset and the waveguide will return to the original high-loss state of 635 nm. These unique properties can be attributed to the photo-induced generation and thermally induced recombination of free radicals in the organic material. Our discovery may trigger interesting applications of polymer waveguides in the development of optical memory, clock, and encryption devices, beyond their target applications in optical communication.
High-Q filtering and dynamic modulation in all-dielectric metasurfaces induced by quasi-BIC
Authors: Hu Taozheng , Qin Zhaofu , Chen Hao , Chen Zhuo , Xu Fei , Wang Zhenlin
Published: April 2022

The all-dielectric metasurfaces can significantly reduce the volume of optical components while having low loss and high performance, which has become a research hotspot in recent years. However, due to the complexity of metasurface geometric design, it is challenging to realize dynamic modulation on all-dielectric metasurface optical elements. Here, we propose a high quality factor (high-Q) pass-band filter designed by introducing the quasi-bound states in the continuum (quasi-BIC) into the silicon array phase-gradient metasurfaces. Our simulations show that due to the quasi-BIC effect only a high-Q resonance with the linewidth less than 1 nm and the corresponding Q value of ∼37000 could transmit along the zeroth order direction, which could be used for ultra-narrow linewidth filtering. Furthermore, our simulations present that the near-fields of the waveguide modes supported by the silicon arrays are partially distributed inside the indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate, which makes it possible to dynamically tune the central wavelength of our proposed filter by varying the ITO refractive index.