bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisi Pengaruh Pengelolaan Dana Dan Penyaluran Dana Koperasi Bintang Mandiri Jaya Terhadap Laju Pertumbuhan Umkm Di Kecamatan Terbanggi Besar Lampung Tengah
Authors: Alam Sherlie Setiawati Indah
Published: February 2024

Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan tujuan agar mengetahui pengaruh Pengelolaan Dana dan Penyaluran Dana meningkatkan pertumbuhan UMKM di Koperasi Bintang Mandiri Jaya yg berada di Kecamatan Terbanggi Besar, Lampng Tengah. Sumber data dalam penelitian ini adalah kuisioner pada Koperasi Bintang Mandiri Jaya di Kecamatan Terbanggi Besar Lampung Tengah. populasi pada peneltian ini adalah seluruh anggota Koperasi Bintang Mandiri Jaya, Kecamatan Terbanggi Besar Lampung Tengah sebanyak 110. Dengan rumus slovin sampel yang di tentukan berjumlah 53 responden. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa Pengelolaan dana mempunyai pengaruh positif terhadap Pertumbuhan UMKM di Kopersi Bintang Mandiri Jaya Kecamatan Terbanggi Besar Lampung Tengah. Penyaluran Dana berpengaruh positif terhadap Pertumbuhan UMKM di Koperasi Bintang Mandiri Jaya di Kecamatan Terbanggi Besar Lampung Tengah. Pengelolaan Dana Penyaluran Dana berpengaruh positif terhadap Pertumbuhan UMKM di Koperasi Bintang Mandiri Jaya. Dalam rangka meningkatkan pertumbuhan UMKM di Koperasi Bintang Mandiri Jaya, sebaiknya perlu memperhatikan Pengelolaan dan Penyaluran Dana yang ada sebaik mungkin, dengan meningkatnya Pengelolaan Dana dan Penyaluran Dana makan akan meningkatkan pertumbuhan UMKM di Koperasi Bintang Mandiri Jaya.
Impact Initiated Nuclear Pulse Propulsion and Applications
Authors: Baldock Philip
Published: February 2024

A new iteration of nuclear pulse propulsion (NPP) is investigated in which propulsive nuclear explosions are initiated via hypervelocity impacts. Working entirely without a fission first stage and requiring precise planning of orbits often years in advance, this new iteration, being intrinsically difficult to weaponise, is suited only to peaceful and commercial purposes and so sidesteps the political issues regarding weapons proliferation that have so far prevented use of NPP as originally envisioned (in the form of Project Orion) despite high potential utility and technological maturity demonstrated. Use of Jovian gravity assist/Oberth effect burn to invert a Hohmann transfer orbit into a retrograde ellipse is investigated and suggests that collision velocities with a waiting spacecraft propulsion system could be attained upwards of 70 km/s. Potential schemes for fusion chain reaction initiation are suggested: 1) Inversion of impactor plate by collision with conical annulus into a collapsing cylindrical tamper, 2) Plasma Z-pinch powered by induction of fast moving permanent magnet through a conducting coil, 3) Impact induced x-ray flash powering spherical tamper collapse by ablation as in conventional Teller-Ulam systems, as well as how these may be used in combination. Further avenues for research are suggested. Keywords: Nuclear Pulse Propulsion, Project Orion, Hypervelocity Impact, Spaceflight
JOSSCast #4: Applying ML to Quantum Monte Carlo simulations – Nicolas Renaud on QMCTorch
Authors: Smith Arfon M.
Published: February 2024

 Subscribe Now:  Apple, Spotify, YouTube, RSS Nicolas Renaud joins Arfon and Abby to discuss QMCTorch, a PyTorch implementation of real-space Quantum Monte-Carlo simulations of molecular systems, and work to promote research software as a research output. Nico is the head of the Natural Sciences and Engineering section of the Netherlands eScience Center and Senior Researcher at the Quantum Application Lab.
Las guías docentes de educación musical en el Grado en Educación Primaria
Authors: De Moya Martínez María del Valle , López Núñez Norberto , Syroyid Syroyid Bohdan
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCCIÓN. En las Facultades de Educación españolas los estudiantes reciben una formación musical básica obligatoria heterogénea. METODOLOGÍA. El objetivo principal del estudio es analizar las guías docentes musicales del curso 2021-22 del Grado en Educación Primaria (N=64) comparando universidades públicas (n1=40) y privadas (n2=24). Para analizar las guías docentes se definieron 20 variables y se utilizó la prueba t (para porcentajes y frecuencias) y la prueba z (para medias y desviaciones típicas).  RESULTADOS. Se identificaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en universidades privadas en la temporalización (cuarto curso, primer cuatrimestre, p=0,033), modalidad no presencial y virtual (p=0,004), definición de prerrequisitos (p=0,009), presencia en el temario de pedagogía musical (p=0,037) y ausencia de improvisación (p=0,008), educación auditiva (p=0,026) e investigación musical (p=0,040).  DISCUSIÓN. El análisis por variables permitió conocer el estado actual de la formación musical obligatoria con miras a definir propuestas de mejora en la formación musical inicial de los futuros maestros.
Racionalidades culturales de la profesión docente: un estudio de caso en la formación del profesorado europeo
Authors: Fernández Eduardo , Anguita Martínez Rocío , Pradena García Yasna
Published: February 2024

En un contexto mundial y europeo que ha transformado de un modo profundo las agendas educativas bajo una serie de parámetros y marcos de actuación orientados por lógicas basadas en el gerencialismo económico de los sistemas educativos y la búsqueda de su eficiencia en detrimento en muchas ocasiones de la equidad, el artículo tiene por objetivo identificar cuáles son las racionalidades culturales que sustentan los discursos docentes respecto de la formación inicial del profesorado y también en el ámbito de la educación obligatoria. La investigación parte de un estudio de caso realizado sobre un material empírico cuyas fuentes serían: a) una revisión sistemática de la literatura y el análisis documental, b) la consulta a expertos en innovación educativa en Ed. Secundaria a través de la metodología Delphi; c) una entrevista en profundidad a docentes universitarios en formación inicial de profesorado, y d) un cuestionario semi-estructurado con estudiantes egresados de los grados de Infantil y Primaria. El análisis de datos nos ha permitido considerar tres racionalidades subyacentes que sostendrían parte de las políticas actuales respecto de la profesión docente y la formación del profesorado en el contexto europeo, y que hemos denominado como reproductora, emprendedora e inclusiva, respectivamente. La discusión de resultados parece confirmar que las agendas formativas implementadas a nivel europeo son percibidas o implementadas, para el caso español que utilizamos a modo de caso de estudio, no sin ambigüedades o susceptibles de problematización y cuestionamiento. Los resultados apuntan a cuestiones como la educación para una ciudadanía global y postnacional; la profundidad y alcance real de los cambios que introduce el discurso innovador; las tensiones generadas con la emergencia de la sociedad digital; o el compromiso hacia una pedagogía socialmente relevante, inclusiva y ligada a los bienes comunes del conocimiento.
El papel de las prácticas en la formación del profesorado de educación básica: análisis comparativo entre la BNC-Formação y el modelo francês
Authors: Mariano Carvalheira Eliana , Martins Vieira Almir , Carvalho dos Santos Claro Jose Alberto
Published: February 2024

Este artículo tiene como objetivo analizar el papel de las actividades de pasantía en la formación de profesores de educación básica, a partir de las propuestas actuales en las políticas educativas de Brasil y Francia. El desafío asumido forma parte del análisis de la Resolución CNE/CP N°2/2019, que definió las Directrices Curriculares Nacionales para la Formación Inicial del Profesorado para la Educación Básica y estableció la Base Nacional Común para la Formación Inicial del Profesorado de Educación Básica (BNC-Formação), elaborando una comparación analítica con el modelo francés de formación docente. En Francia, la formación del profesorado, desde 2019, se lleva a cabo en INSPÉ, a nivel de maestría, de acuerdo con lo que defiende la Ley No. 2019-791 ("escuela confiable"). Se adoptó el enfoque cualitativo, con los procedimientos de la investigación documental. Para el análisis de los datos obtenidos y su interpretación, se utilizó la técnica de análisis de contenido. Con base en los resultados obtenidos, se puede ver que Brasil y Francia están influenciados por modelos neoliberales en las políticas de formación docente, con énfasis en la relación entre teoría y práctica en la pasantía y en la formación en las universidades. La escuela también se destaca como un lugar privilegiado de formación; El papel del profesorado-formador en la escuela. Como resultado de estos hallazgos, es posible inferir que la reflexión sobre el modelo francés de formación docente teóricamente amplía el conocimiento sobre los problemas de estructura y organización de la formación docente.
Sustained Release of Diclofenac from Doubly Cross-linked Hydrogels Consisting of Sodium Alginate/Guar Gum/Zinc Oxide
Authors: SATHEESHKUMAR K. V. , MOHANAN PARVATHI JAYASANKAR AND A.
Published: February 2024

Diclofenac sodium is a widely used drug for muscular pain. However, it is having considerable adverse effects due to its sensitivity to the gastrointestinal tract. To overcome this problem, a popular method is the usage of alginate-based hydrogel as a matrix. Still, the method is far from satisfactory results due to the high swelling of the matrix, which is due to the inherent swelling property of alginate gel and causes burst release of the drug. The current study is aimed at a solution for all these problems, targeting sustained release of the active drug with controlled swelling of the hydrogel matrix. Anovel drug release system based on sodium alginate (SA)/guar gum and zinc oxide nanoparticles, which are doubly cross-linked with calcium chloride and citric acid, was developed. ZnO nanoparticles were made through the direct precipitation method. The obtained gels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, etc. Cross-linked alginate/guar gum hydrogels act as a stabilizing agent and a matrix for sustained release. Incorporation of nanoparticles is found to be improving the sustained release with a considerable decrease in the degree of swelling. These findings suggest SA/guar gum/zinc oxide hydrogel beads prepared by double cross-linking can be a novel system for loading drugs which are sensitive to the gastro-intestinal tract.. KEYWORDS :Hydrogels, Sustainable release, Controlled swelling, Cross-linking agents, Nnanoparticles
EVOLUCIÓN DE LA VESTIMENTA PURUHÁ Y SU INFLUENCIA EN LA PARROQUIA CACHA
Authors: Rigcha Sinchi Martha Cecilia , Guerra Orozco Sandra Elizabeth , Benítez Cevallos Luis Eulogio , Chávez Solís Verónica Priscila
Published: February 2024

La vestimenta del pueblo indígena Puruhá de Cacha es sintetizadora de su cultura, de ahí el interés de mantener la vitalidad de estas tradiciones. El presente trabajo tiene como propósito reflexionar sobre la evolución de la vestimenta puruhá y su influencia en la cultura de la parroquia Cacha de la Provincia de Chimborazo. Se realizó una investigación bibliográfica y descriptiva, a partir de la revisión y análisis de la bibliografía consultada relacionada con el objeto de estudio. Los métodos de investigación empleados fueron el analítico-sintético y el histórico-lógico, a partir de la revisión del contenido de documentos como técnica fundamental de investigación. La reflexión realizada muestra que la vestimenta es un elemento cultural fundamental para los pueblos Puruhá, que han mantenido a lo largo de su historia algunos de los símbolos originales de su identidad, aunque en la actualidad se observan algunos cambios. De esta manera, los símbolos iconográficos están presentes en la vestimenta, utensilios y decoración, a pesar de la transculturación que enfrenta este pueblo.
DESARROLLO DE PROCEDIMIENTOS PARA LA APLICACIÓN DE ROBÓTICA EDUCATIVA EN PROYECTOS STEM
Authors: Orozco Cazco Cristina Alejandra , Fiallos Velasco Cristian Guillermo , Sani Domínguez Jenny Edith , Calderón Cruz Adriana Elisabeth
Published: February 2024

El uso de las nuevas tecnologías en la actualidad tiene un mayor crecimiento y aplicación, como la robótica aplicada en la educación que permite que los estudiantes desarrollen su capacidad analítica para resolver problemas. La Robótica Educativa se ha considerado como una estrategia de enseñanza - aprendizaje para las ciencias y las matemáticas, influyendo en el desarrollo de aplicativos como es en la Industria de LEGO. LEGO Education mediante sus kits propone que sus estudiantes y docentes puedan construir modelos con sensores y motores que se conectan a computadoras, además de poder programar de manera sencilla y divertida para fomentar el interés hacia la robótica. El presente artículo analiza la aplicación de la Robótica Educativa a los estudiantes del nivel 1 (niños de 8 -10 años) denominado “Aprende y Juega” del centro de enseñanza “Robótica Educativa: Crea, Aprende y Juega”, de la ciudad de Riobamba – Ecuador, a partir del uso de LEGO Mindstorms Education EV3, lo que permite la implementación de proyectos de ciencia (S), tecnología (T), ingeniería (E) y matemáticas (M) STEM. Para el desarrollo de la investigación se realiza un estudio de tipo cuantitativo pre-experimental que será aplicado a un grupo de 10 personas, midiendo variables como la cantidad de errores y número de aciertos, siendo el objetivo establecer los procedimientos e instrumentos para aplicar esta estrategia de enseñanza –aprendizaje, cuya finalidad corresponde a la aplicación de dichas estrategias didácticas que permita a los estudiantes desarrollar su creatividad a través del juego y el aprendizaje construyendo cualquier modelo de robot y programarlo de acuerdo a su imaginación, es decir, construyendo su propio conocimiento. Como resultados preliminares se comprueba que la robótica tiene gran aceptación en los niños principalmente en las actividades que representan retos.
Economic analysis of hybrids vis-à-vis HYVs of okra and bottle guard in Haryana
Authors: . Sumit , Pawar Neeraj , Malik D. P.
Published: February 2024

The economic analysis of hybrid vis-à-vis high-yielding varieties of vegetables (okra and bottle guard) in Haryana was conducted in Nuh (Mewat) and Panipat districts of Haryana. From each district, 40 farmers and a total 80 vegetable growers interacted to extract relevant information pertaining to inputs used, expenses incurred, and output attained during 2022-23. The results of the present study revealed that overall the cost of cultivation of okra hybrid and HYVs was Rs. 211978 and Rs. 184824 ha-1, respectively. Similarly, overall the cost of cultivation of bottle gourd hybrid and HYVs was Rs. 162541 and Rs. 155520 ha-1, respectively. The overall net return from okra and bottle guard hybrids was higher as compared to HYVs. The BC ratio of okra hybrid and HYVs was 1.45 and 1.24, respectively whereas; it was 1.44 and 1.20, respectively for bottle gourd hybrid and HYVs. Seed and sowing were the main items of saving in both HYVs as compared to the hybrid of both crops. But there was a yield penalty of 18.93 and 20.46% in okra and bottle gourd HYVs, respectively.
Association Between Occurrence of Knee Osteoarthritis and Physical Activity in Older Adults
Authors: Sikander Tanveer , Raza Muhammad Haris , Ullah Ahsaan , Khurshid Azfar , Zafar Aabroo , Haider Muhammad Adnan , Hashim Adnan
Published: February 2024

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability among older adults, significantly affecting their quality of life and mobility. The relationship between physical activity and the severity of knee OA symptoms has been a subject of extensive research, with mixed results on whether physical activity exacerbates or alleviates OA symptoms.
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between physical activity levels and the severity of knee osteoarthritis, as well as to assess the impact of physical activity on the health-related quality of life among individuals with knee OA.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 171 patients diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis at four medical institutions. Data on demographics, physical activity levels, and OA severity were collected through standardized questionnaires, including the SF-36 Health Survey and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS). Physical activity levels were categorized as poor, moderate, and good. The severity of knee OA was classified as no OA, moderate OA, and extreme OA. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics, chi-square tests for categorical variables, and Pearson's correlation to assess the association between physical activity levels and OA severity.
Results: The study population comprised 35.1% males and 64.9% females, with a mean age of 71.1±3.9 years. Regarding physical activity, 30.4% engaged in poor, 46.8% in moderate, and 22.8% in good physical activity. The severity of knee OA was reported as extreme in 25.1% of patients, moderate in 49.1%, and absent in 25.7%. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between physical activity levels and knee OA severity (Pearson Chi-Square = .000), indicating that higher levels of physical activity were associated with lower severity of OA symptoms.
Conclusion: This study supports the notion that engaging in physical activity is associated with a reduced severity of knee osteoarthritis symptoms and suggests that physical activity could be beneficial for managing OA symptoms and improving the quality of life among individuals with knee OA. These findings highlight the importance of promoting physical activity as a key component of knee OA management strategies.
Prevelanace of Non-Specific Low Back Pain with Compromised Endurance and Stability in Young Adult Females
Authors: Asif Marvi , Habib Sheeza , Anwar Samra , Kausar Fareeha , Gul Nimra , Fatima Kanwal , Ammara Ume , Kiran Tayyaba , Rafique Hira , Aslam Intsam
Published: February 2024

Background: Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is a prevalent condition that significantly impacts the quality of life, particularly among young adult females. It leads to decreased physical fitness, compromised balance and endurance, and increased disability, affecting daily activities and overall well-being.
Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the effects of NSLBP on cardiopulmonary endurance and balance in young adult females and to explore the implications for healthcare management and intervention strategies.
Methods: This observational cross-sectional survey involved 60 female participants aged 18-40 years, experiencing NSLBP without underlying pathological conditions. The study employed convenience sampling at the University of Lahore Gujrat Campus over a six-month period. Measures included the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for disability assessment, the Time Up and Go (TUG) test for balance, and the Rockport Fitness Test for evaluating cardiopulmonary endurance. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 25, with T-tests for quantitative data and Chi-square tests for qualitative data. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The majority of participants (66.7%) were in the 18-23 age group. According to the VAS, 43.3% reported severe pain, and 33.3% reported moderate pain. The ODI revealed that 60% of participants had minimal disability. Cardiopulmonary endurance analysis showed that 43.33% of participants had poor endurance, and 31.67% had very poor endurance. The TUG test indicated compromised balance, with a significant relationship between NSLBP and balance (p < 0.05). Statistical analysis further highlighted significant associations between NSLBP with age and cardiopulmonary endurance but not with BMI.
Conclusion: NSLBP significantly affects cardiopulmonary endurance and balance among young adult females, indicating the need for a multidisciplinary approach in management and intervention. This study emphasizes the importance of incorporating physical therapy and lifestyle modifications to improve balance, endurance, and overall quality of life in individuals with NSLBP.
THE BULGARIAN SOCIALIST PARTY ON THE PATH TO DE-EUROPEANIZATION
Authors:   New Bulgarian University, GUEORGUIEVA PETIA
Published: February 2024

The article's main purpose is to shed light on the Euroscepticism of the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and its shifting identity towards European issues, liberal democracy, and in terms of party organization during the last decade. More than twenty years ago, the successor of the former Bulgarian Communist Party managed to achieve a difficult (and, it turns out, superficial) Europeanisation and Social-democratization. BSP supported the country's accession to the EU and the integration in NATO. Now, the party is identifiable as a pro-Russian actor, opposed to the Istanbul convention, spreading conservatism, and hysteria against the so called "gender ideology," fighting against economic neo-liberalism but also liberal ideas. The Russian war against Ukraine significantly impacted domestic politics and the structure of party competition, revitalizing the historic divide between pro-Russian and pro-Western camps. Isolated, the BSP lost its position as a major party of government and embraced anti-establishment and protest-party profile. The main research questions address the essence of the BSP's ethnonationalist and conservative turn, and its hybrid interpretations of "national interest" and "patriotism" in its discourses and documents. Special attention is paid to the BSP's positions towards the war in Ukraine. Our main approach is grounded on the path dependency theory and on the supply and demand sides of the fragmented party system.
Exploring the Enjoyable Elements of Innovation
Authors:   JOI Editorial Board
Published: February 2024

Innovation becoming a torrent in the current world must have something to do with its own features. While previous efforts mostly concentrated on commercial consequences, this writing aims to highlight the enjoyable elements of innovation—what is fun in having an innovation, pursuing an innovation, and presenting an innovation. It argues that if innovation itself creates novelty and wonders, maintaining an innovative environment favors democracy and freewill; conducting an innovation employs varied leverages; spreading and presenting innovation relies on simplicity and attractiveness. Understanding and exploiting those fun factors, conducting innovation, including studying innovation, can be more enjoyable endeavors.
Mothers’ Concerns about Children’s Gadgets: Necessity and Creation
Authors: Little Joana , Estrada Karla
Published: February 2024

This paper sheds light on the concerns of mothers regarding children's gadgets. It grapples with the quandary of assessing the necessity and costeffectiveness of various baby gadgets, weighing their benefits against their expenses. Simultaneously, it engages in experimental endeavors aimed at enhancing the safety of children through the development of improved childoriented gadgets. The research methodology encompasses literature review, personal observations, conversations with fellow parents, and innovative new product development. The study uncovers a fiercely competitive landscape in the baby product market. As soon as a new product gains traction, prominent companies swiftly replicate it, investing heavily in promotional activities, particularly online, where articles advocating "must-have baby products" proliferate. This phenomenon often leads first-time parents to acquire a surplus of gadgets, of which they ultimately utilize only two-thirds. Conversely, seasoned second-time parents exhibit a greater understanding of their needs and make more informed choices. Furthermore, the research identifies a category of valuable products born out of necessity, crafted by parents who could not find suitable solutions for their specific requirements. These innovative products can alleviate the challenges faced by parents, saving time, and reducing stress. However, compatibility across diverse platforms, such as the ability to use a product seamlessly across iOS and Windows devices, poses a critical consideration. The study also introduces a novel child tracking gadget based on experimenting. It suggests that established companies like Apple, Samsung, Tile, and Jiobit could leverage these research findings to refine their tracker placement and accessories, ultimately enhancing child safety and parental peace of mind.
Enhancing Doctor-Patient Communication: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Alphin Marcus
Published: February 2024

Effective communication is crucial in healthcare, yet patients often experience confusion and dissatisfaction due to the complexity and inaccessibility of medical information. This research addresses the critical need for clear and continuous communication between patients and healthcare providers, both within and beyond the clinical setting. Recognizing that the doctor-patient relationship is foundational to successful healthcare outcomes, this research works on DocTalk, a proposed digital platform designed to enhance this interaction. DocTalk can offer a secure, integrated communication system that not only facilitates patient understanding and involvement in their own care but also enables seamless coordination among multiple healthcare providers. This becomes particularly vital when patients are dealing with multiple medical professionals, where miscommunication can lead to inadequate or erroneous treatment. By leveraging the advancements in wireless technology and messaging, DocTalk aims to streamline the traditional methods like texting and phone calls, thus the communication process in healthcare can be simpler and securer. This paper analyses DocTalk’s potential to improve healthcare procedures and outcomes, focusing on its role in enhancing patient-doctor communication and its impact on various health outcomes using mobile databases. The research underscores the importance of accessible and effective communication in healthcare.
Portrait des professionnels, des professions et de l’industrie du langage du droit au Canada
Authors: Girard Marie-Hélène
Published: February 2024

Outre les méthodes d’expression du langage du droit, notamment la corédaction dont les tenants et aboutissants dans le contexte canadien ont été largement documentés, on ne sait pas grand-chose des professionnels, des professions et de l’industrie du langage du droit au Canada. Afin de remédier à cette situation, nous avons mené une enquête, dont nous dévoilons les résultats dans le présent article. Plus spécifiquement, il sera question des caractéristiques : 1) des professionnels qui jonglent au quotidien avec le langage du droit au Canada ; 2) de leurs activités professionnelles ; et 3) de l’industrie dans laquelle ils oeuvrent. Cette analyse qualitative et empirique fournit un portrait des multiples réalités du langage du droit au Canada, ainsi que de ses enjeux actuels et à venir.
The Neural Correlates of Novelty and Variability in Human Decision-Making under an Active Inference Framework
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Tian Yan , Liu Quanying , Wu Haiyan
Published: February 2024

Active inference integrates perception, decision-making, and learning into a united theoretical frame-work, providing an efficient way to trade off exploration and exploitation by minimizing (expected) free energy. In this study, we asked how the brain represents values and uncertainties (novelty and variability), and resolves these uncertainties under the active inference framework in the exploration-exploitation trade-off. 25 participants performed a contextual two-armed bandit task, with electroen-cephalogram (EEG) recordings. By comparing the model evidence for active inference and rein-forcement learning models of choice behavior, we show that active inference better explains human decision-making under novelty and variability, which entails exploration or information seeking. The EEG sensor-level results show that the activity in the frontal, central, and parietal regions is associated with novelty, while activity in the frontal and central brain regions is associated with variability. The EEG source-level results indicate that the expected free energy is encoded in the frontal pole and middle frontal gyrus and uncertainties are encoded in different brain regions but with overlap. Our study dissociates the expected free energy and uncertainties in active inference theory and their neural correlates, speaking to the construct validity of active inference in characterizing cognitive processes of human decisions. It provides behavioral and neural evidence of active inference in decision processes and insights into the neural mechanism of human decisions under uncertainties.
The Effect of Supervisors Feedback in Extended Teaching on Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers Practice
Authors: Boadi Augustine , Amoah Esther , Ameyaw Evelyn Serwaa , Atteh Evans
Published: February 2024

This study examined the influence of supervisor feedback on the teaching practices of pre-service mathematics teachers during Extended Teaching (off-campus teaching practice). The research design adopted for the study was action research. The target population was level 400 students of a College of Education and the population size was three hundred and ninety-two (392) whilst the sample size was sixty-three (63), comprising of pre-service mathematics teachers, which was selected based on purposive sampling. The instruments used for the study were Intern Teaching Assessment Form (ITAF) and Teaching Evaluation Comment Form (TECF). In the pre-intervention stage, a first supervision was conducted to identify the strength and weaknesses of the students before the feedback from the observation was discussed and reflections were held with the pre-service teachers to serve as the intervention. A second supervision was conducted to evaluate the intervention strategies. The results of the study showed a significant improvement in students’ second supervision scores (M=71.0000) compared to the first supervision scores (M=64.8033). A third supervision was conducted 7 weeks after the second supervision using ITAF and TECF to check students’ retention of teaching skills and knowledge, which the result showed no significant improvement in pre-service mathematics teachers’ second supervision scores (M=71.0000) compared to the third supervision scores (M=71.1475), indicating pre-service mathematics teachers’ retention of the teaching skills and knowledge had been exceptionally good. Supervisors' post-observation feedback enhances pre-service mathematics teachers' interpersonal communication, classroom management, student support strategies, leadership, and practical knowledge of standard-based curriculum implementation, thereby improving their instructional style. The study recommends the extension of the Extended Teaching duration to encompass an entire academic year in order to enhance the practical component of the preservice teacher training program and potentially impact the quality teaching and learning policy agenda.
The Impact of Socio-Economic Status on Domestic Violence against Women in Eastern India
Authors: Roy Arnab , Lakshmipriya Patibandla , Bedhapudi Likhila , Mukherjee Sambuddha , Kumari Kalpana
Published: February 2024

Background: In the era of women’s empowerment, domestic violence against women really becomes an issue having significant impacts on the well-being of Indian communities. The linkage between domestic violence and income of the family has an important significance in family planning. The present study investigated the relationship between the socio-economic status of the family and domestic violence in West Bengal, India.

Methods: The study also finds the patten of domestic violence change during the period of 2005-06 to 2020-21. A cross-sectional survey consisted of 160 women from both rural and urban area based on non-probability purposive sampling. was used to collect data from (How many respondents) and (how many) completed the survey instrument.  Data were analysed for the survey using and for the qualitative interviews using…For reliability and validity …

Results: Results of the logit model show a statistically significant negative association between the family’s income and both domestic physical and psychological violence experienced. The intensity of physical domestic violence increases by 3.028 when the income decreases by one thousand rupees. Similarly, the intensity of psychological violence increases by 1.386 when the income decreases by one thousand rupees. Results also indicated that the pattern of domestic violence change during the period of 2005-06 to 2020-21.

Conclusion: These findings bear important implications for how to reduce the violence against women through promoting income-generating activities and socio-economic status in the study area. Policies that enhance family income and reduce income inequality would help in reducing the intensity of violence against women.
Development Status, Challenges, and Strategies of Customs Special Supervision Areas in China: A Case Study of Jiangsu Comprehensive Bonded Zone
Authors: Yang You
Published: February 2024

Customs special supervision areas are special zones in China established since the reform and opening-up policy to implement bonded policies for enterprises within designated areas with a focus on processing and trading. Over the past 30 years of constructing customs special supervision areas in China, foreign trade has developed rapidly. However, along with this growth, a series of issues have emerged, including uneven regional distribution, incomplete institutional systems, and unclear tax incentives policies. This paper takes Jiangsu Comprehensive Bonded Zone as an example to provide a detailed analysis and summary of the development status of customs special supervision areas in China and the reasons that hinder their healthy and efficient development. It also presents reasonable suggestions from the perspectives of management mechanisms, development directions, and explores the future path for the high-quality, efficient, and advanced development of customs special supervision areas in China.
Key populations for human immunodeficiency virus in nursing studies: an integrative review / Populações-chave ao vírus da imunodeficiência humana nos estudos da enfermagem: revisão integrativa
Authors: Petry Dal Vesco Stéfany Nayara , Padilha Maria Itayra , Mazera Maiara Suelen , Silva Amina Regina
Published: February 2024

Objetivo: evidenciar as populações-chave ao vírus da imunodeficiência humana abordadas em estudos científicos de enfermagem. Método: revisão integrativa da literatura realizada nas bibliotecas National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, Scientific Electronic Library Online e Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde; nas bases de dados Embase, Cummulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, Web of Science e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde. Resultados: identificados 1.059 artigos, dos quais 18 foram incluídos. Os achados foram agrupados conforme as dimensões da vulnerabilidade (individual, social e programática). Conclusão: o papel da enfermagem diante das dimensões individuais, sociais e programáticas da vulnerabilidade, foi importante para identificar as especificidades dessas populações e para a compreensão dos aspectos que tornam estes indivíduos vulnerabilizados ao HIV/aids. Verifica-se a intervenção direta da enfermagem por meio de ações de promoção e prevenção de modo a contribuir para as boas práticas de cuidado.
Autoantibodies that bind glomeruli: Cross‐reactivity with bacterial antigen
Authors: Chowdhry Iftikhar A. , Kowal Czeslawa , Hardin John , Zhou Zhijie , Diamond Betty
Published: July 2005

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by the production of multiple autoantibodies. Anti‐DNA antibodies are associated with glomerulonephritis in SLE. It has been shown that anti‐DNA antibodies cross‐react with bacterial polysaccharide and, thus, might be elicited by microbial exposure. Non–DNA‐binding antibodies also contribute significantly to the pathogenesis of lupus nephritis. The goal of this study was to characterize non–DNA‐binding, kidney‐binding antibodies.

Methods

We generated a combinatorial library derived from spleen cells of a patient with SLE who had just previously received pneumococcal vaccine. The phage library was used in an in vivo biopanning technique to identify non–DNA‐binding, kidney‐binding antibodies. Antibodies were then analyzed for binding to bacterial polysaccharide and to renal antigens.

Results

Eight antibodies were characterized that bound glomeruli, but not DNA. All antibodies isolated by this protocol were IgG class, suggesting that there is affinity maturation for glomerular binding. Four of the antibodies cross‐reacted with pneumococcal polysaccharide. Six of the antibodies bound to renal antigens that have previously been reported to be cross‐reactive with DNA; the other 2 bound to histone.

Conclusion

This study suggests that both DNA‐binding and non–DNA‐binding antibodies in SLE may be elicited by the same bacterial antigens.
Longitudinal patterns in the prevention of osteoporosis in glucocorticoid‐treated patients
Authors: Curtis Jeffrey R. , Westfall Andrew O. , Allison Jeroan J. , Becker Angela , Casebeer Linda , Freeman Allison , Spettell Claire M. , Weissman Norman W. , Wilke Scott , Saag Kenneth G.
Published: July 2005

Objective

To evaluate patient and physician factors associated with prevention of glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis and to describe temporal trends in screening and prevention of glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis.

Methods

Using databases from a national managed care organization, enrollees who had been prescribed glucocorticoids (taken for at least 60 days) during an 18‐month period were identified. Administrative data from January 2001 through June 2003 and linked survey data from October 2003 were examined for measurement of bone mass, prescription of antiresorptive medication, and use of over‐the‐counter calcium and/or vitamin D treatment. Factors associated with screening and bone‐protective therapies were identified using multivariable logistic regression, focusing on physician specialty and survey respondent ethnicity. Trends in glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis prevention were assessed using administrative data from 2001–2003 versus 1995–1998.

Results

We identified 6,281 patients who were prescribed glucocorticoids in 2001–2003 (mean ± SD prescribed prednisone‐equivalent dosage 16 ± 14 mg/day). Forty‐two percent underwent bone mass measurement and/or were prescribed bone‐protective medication; rates were lowest for men (25%). Compared with patients of internists, the odds of bone mass measurement were lowest among patients prescribed glucocorticoids by family physicians (odds ratio [OR] 0.56 [95% confidence interval] [95% CI] 0.30–1.04) and highest among patients prescribed glucocorticoids by rheumatologists (OR 1.48 [95% CI 1.06–2.08]). Patients prescribed glucocorticoids by gastroenterologists were less likely to be treated with antiresorptive agents (OR 0.49 [95% CI 0.28–0.86]). African American patients were less likely than white patients to be screened (OR 0.55 [95% CI 0.40–0.75]) or treated (OR 0.71 [95% CI 0.51–0.98]). The frequency of bone mass measurement among glucocorticoid‐treated patients in 2001–2003 increased 3‐fold compared with 1995–1998, and the use of prescription antiresorptive medication increased ∼2‐fold.

Conclusion

Despite significant temporal increases in the frequency of screening for and treatment of glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis, absolute rates remain low, especially among men, African Americans, and patients of certain physician specialties.
Decreased incidence of anterior uveitis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis treated with the anti–tumor necrosis factor agents infliximab and etanercept
Authors: Braun J. , Baraliakos X. , Listing J. , Sieper J.
Published: July 2005

Objective

To estimate the incidence of anterior uveitis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) who underwent anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) therapy, using data from recently performed trials.

Methods

Data from 4 placebo‐controlled studies with anti‐TNF agents in AS (2 with etanercept and 2 with infliximab) and 3 open‐label studies were analyzed for the prestudy prevalence and the incidence of reported flares of anterior uveitis.

Results

A total of 717 patients who received treatment for anterior uveitis during the course of published clinical studies were identified by a systematic literature search using Medline. Followup information on the course of anterior uveitis was available for 397 patients. Of these, 297 were exposed to etanercept and 90 were exposed to infliximab for a total of 430 and 146.4 years, respectively. Among 190 patients who received placebo, the overall exposure was 70.5 years. The frequency of flares of anterior uveitis in the placebo group was 15.6 per 100 patient‐years (95% confidence interval 7.8–27.9), while the patients treated with anti‐TNF agents had a mean of only 6.8 anterior uveitis flares per 100 patient‐years (P = 0.01). Flares of anterior uveitis occurred less frequently (although not significantly) in patients treated with infliximab than in patients treated with etanercept (3.4 per 100 patient‐years and 7.9 per 100 patient‐years, respectively).

Conclusion

Treatment of AS patients with biologic agents directed against TNFα is associated with a significant decrease in the number of anterior uveitis flares. This reduction was slightly more marked among patients treated with infliximab, but the difference was not significant.
Articular chondrocytes express the receptor for advanced glycation end products: Potential role in osteoarthritis
Authors: Loeser Richard F. , Yammani Raghunatha R. , Carlson Cathy S. , Chen Hong , Cole Ada , Im Hee‐Jeong , Bursch Laura S. , Yan Shi Du
Published: July 2005

Objective

The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) binds multiple ligands, including S100 proteins, high mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB‐1), and AGEs, all of which are present in articular cartilage. Stimulation of RAGE signaling can lead to MAP kinase activation and increased NF‐κB activity. The objective of the present study was to determine if chondrocytes express functional RAGE.

Methods

The presence of chondrocyte RAGE was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using normal and osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage from young and old monkeys and humans, immunoblotting of chondrocyte lysates and human cartilage extracts, and reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis of RNA from chondrocytes treated with interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) and fibronectin fragments. RAGE signaling was evaluated by stimulating chondrocytes with S100B and HMGB‐1 and analyzing for activation of the ERK MAP kinase and NF‐κB. The ability of S100B and HMGB‐1 to stimulate matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP‐13) production was also assessed. A pull‐down assay using biotin‐labeled S100B was used to demonstrate binding to RAGE.

Results

RAGE was detected in sections of monkey knee cartilage and human knee and ankle cartilage. Increased immunostaining for RAGE was noted in cartilage from older adult monkeys and humans and was further increased in OA tissue. RAGE was also detected by immunoblotting and by RT‐PCR, where IL‐1β and fibronectin fragments were found to stimulate RAGE expression. Stimulation of chondrocytes with S100B or HMGB‐1 increased phosphorylation of the ERK MAP kinase and the p65 subunit of NF‐κB and increased the production of MMP‐13. This signaling was inhibited in cells pretreated with soluble RAGE, and S100B was shown to bind to chondrocyte RAGE.

Conclusion

Articular chondrocytes express functional RAGE. The increase in RAGE noted in OA cartilage and the ability of RAGE ligands to stimulate chondrocyte MAP kinase and NF‐κB activity and to stimulate MMP‐13 production suggests that chondrocyte RAGE signaling could play a role in OA.
The comparative effectiveness of tumor necrosis factor–blocking agents in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and patients with ankylosing spondylitis: A six‐month, longitudinal, observational, multicenter study
Authors: Heiberg Marte S. , Nordvåg Bjørn‐Yngvar , Mikkelsen Knut , Rødevand Erik , Kaufmann Cecilie , Mowinckel Petter , Kvien Tore K.
Published: July 2005

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–blocking agents (etanercept and infliximab) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods

Data from an ongoing longitudinal, observational study in Norway were used to assess changes in health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with RA (n = 291) and AS (n = 62). Patients received anti‐TNF therapy, and changes in scores on the Short Form 36 (SF‐36), SF‐6D, modified Health Assessment Questionnaire, and visual analog scales for patients' assessments of pain, fatigue, and global status from baseline to followup examinations at 3 and 6 months were compared. Data were adjusted for age, sex, and baseline values and are presented as crude estimates as well as standardized response means.

Results

Both groups had improvements in all measures at 3 and 6 months. At 3 months, the changes were significantly better in the AS group compared with the RA group for all measures except the SF‐36 social functioning scores. At 6 months, all changes were numerically greater in the AS group. Differences were significant for the SF‐36 role emotional scores and were borderline significant for the SF‐36 physical functioning, role physical, and vitality scores and for the SF‐6D scores.

Conclusion

In this real‐life setting, patients with AS experienced improvement in HRQOL that was comparable to, and sometimes greater than, that observed in RA patients. These results support the idea that patients with AS should have the same access to TNF‐blocking agents as patients with RA.
High‐resolution magnetic resonance imaging for the assessment of hand osteoarthritis
Authors: Tan Ai Lyn , Grainger Andrew J. , Tanner Steven F. , Shelley David M. , Pease Colin , Emery Paul , McGonagle Dennis
Published: July 2005

Objective

To investigate the use of a novel surface coil for clinically utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners, in order to describe the microanatomic basis for hand osteoarthritis (OA) at all stages of disease.

Methods

MRI of proximal or distal interphalangeal joints was performed in 58 subjects: 16 patients with early OA (symptom duration ≤12 months), 14 patients with chronic OA, 10 patients with clinically normal asymptomatic joints adjacent to arthritic joints, and 18 normal controls. High‐resolution images were obtained with displayed pixel dimensions of 80–100 μm using a 1.5T scanner and a 23‐mm–diameter surface coil. All joint structures were evaluated.

Results

The high‐resolution images of every joint structure showed comparable abnormalities in both early and chronic OA, including cartilage loss, bone edema, synovial enhancement, osteophytosis, and erosions. Heberden's and Bouchard's node formation occurred at regions where soft tissue bulged through the capsule between the dorsal tendons and collateral ligaments (CLs). Prominent CL thickening or disruption (100% of OA patients) was evident even in joints where cartilage was partially preserved. Clinically normal joints adjacent to OA hand joints showed thickening and enhancement of CLs which was the most common abnormality seen (80% of OA patients). Older normal subjects showed subtle changes within the CLs.

Conclusion

Obtaining high‐resolution MR images from clinically utilized scanners represents a novel way for exploring the microanatomic basis of hand arthritis and may have considerable potential in the clinical setting. In the present evaluation in nodal OA, previously unappreciated CL abnormalities were especially common.