bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pollution Assessment of Selected Heavy Metals in Irrigation Water in Rajshahi City of Bangladesh
Authors: Shah Sha Md. Shahan , Munshi Meghla , Islam Md. Jahidul , Mollah Md. Mahtab Ali , Zakir Hossain Mohammad , Salam Sayed M A
Published: March 2023

As Bangladesh is an agricultural country, irrigation water is an important factor in proper crop production. Thus irrigation water plays a vital role in food safety and security. This study, therefore, focuses on the estimation of the concentration of four heavy metals in irrigation water along with their pollution assessments. Twenty water samples were collected from different areas of Rajshahi City in Bangladesh. The concentration of heavy metals found in this study followed the order of Mn (0.0913-0.3701 mg/L) > Pb (0.0211-0.2104 mg/L) > Cd (0.0004-0.0222 mg/L) > Cr (0.00105-0.00937 mg/L). In a few cases, the concentrations of heavy metals exceed the permissible limit for irrigation water recommended by the Food and Agricultural Organization. Pollution assessments were carried out using the enrichment factor, geoaccumulation index, contamination factor, and modified degree of contamination. This study revealed that the enrichment factor for lead and chromium showed no enrichment, whereas cadmium showed minor to moderate enrichment, and manganese was used as a reference element. The geoaccumulation index and contamination factor demonstrate that lead and chromium were uncontaminated, but manganese and cadmium denote moderate contamination. The modified degree of contamination indicated nil to the lower degree of contamination for all samples. Therefore, awareness should be raised among the people about the adverse health effects of these metal contaminations. Proper steps by the government and different organizations should be taken to identify the reasons for their sources, and appropriate techniques should be implemented to reduce their concentrations.
Effect of an eHealth care programme on metabolic control and empowerment among adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Abebe Hirut , Chiwewe Salome , Astermark Cathrine , Sandberg Magnus , Tiberg Irén
Published: March 2023

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is the most common chronic endocrine disease among children and adolescents. Most adolescents have suboptimal glycaemic control and encounter difficulties in achieving and maintaining their target glycaemic control. This study tested the effect of a novel eHealth care programme on metabolic control and empowerment compared with the usual care among adolescents with T1D.
Method: A 1-year quasi-experimental study was carried out. A total of 51 adolescents (13-16 years of age) with T1D and unsatisfactory glycaemic control (HbA1C > 57mmol/mol) were included in the study from two paediatric diabetes clinics in South Sweden. The participants were assigned to the intervention group (n=18) to receive the eHealth care programme and a matched comparison group (n=33) was taken from the National Diabetes Quality Register. Participants' changes in glycaemic control metrics between the two groups and changes in the level of empowerment among the intervention group over time as measured with the Gothenburg Young Persons Empowerment Scale (GYPES) were computed.
Results: The mean age of the study participants was 14.96 years (±1.13SD) and 58.82 % (n=30) were females. During the intervention period, the mean percent time above range (% TAR) was lowered from 70.00 % to 57.43 % among the intervention group. A significant reduction in time spent in hyperglycaemia was observed in the intervention group compared with the comparison group (p < 0.001). Although not statistically significant, the mean value of the percent time in range (%TIR) increased from 26.87 % to 29.31% among the intervention group (p = 0.660). However, no significant change was observed in the remaining glycaemic control metrics between the two study groups. A significant change in the total GYPES score over time was observed among the intervention group (p = 0.002).
Conclusion: Our study shows that the eHealth care programme significantly reduced %TAR and improved empowerment scores among adolescents with T1D, indicating that the intervention could be useful and effective in supporting adolescents with unsatisfactory glycaemic control. However, a randomized study with a large sample size is needed to confirm the observed and long-term effects of our intervention.
Occurrence of Nine Pesticide Residues in Table Grapes and Exposure Assessment in Shandong Province, China
Authors: Nie Hongqian , Han Jian , Lu Yanni , Ye Haimei , Yang Luping , Shao Lijun , Yu Lianlong , Lai Xuancheng , Jiao Yanni
Published: March 2023

Shandong is a significant region for grape production in China, but the presence of pesticide residues in table grapes represents a major concern for consumer health. This study aimed to investigate pesticide residues and exposure in table grapes from Shandong Province. Of the 86 survey samples, pesticides were detected in 80 (93.0%), all above the limit of quantification (LOQ) of residues. The most commonly detected pesticide was Dimethomorph, which was found in 65 (75.6%) of the samples in a concentration range from 0.007 to 4.27 mg/kg. The results were evaluated according to the maximum residue levels (MRLs) set by Chinese regulation. Among the contaminated samples, 6.98% exceeded the MRLs and more than one pesticide contamination was found in 65 (75.6%) of the samples. The short-term and long-term risks associated with consuming these grapes were both below 10%, indicating no significant threat to human health. Nevertheless, strict regulation of pesticide residues in grapes is necessary.
Counternarratives that Illuminate Faculty Agency: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study of Physician Educators in Academic Medicine
Authors: Balmer Dorene , Rosenblatt Samuel , Blalock Emiko
Published: March 2023

Physician educators are often expected to direct educational programs to advance their careers in academic medicine; however, what happens when physician educators’ internal sense of being an educator does not fit with expectations? Using longitudinal qualitative data, we composed three counternarratives that illuminate agentic perspectives and actions of physician education. Our narrative analysis of longitudinal data occurred in 3 phases: organizing data from interview transcripts into time-ordered displays; weaving data into counternarratives that were edited by participants; applying O’Meara’s conceptualization of faculty agency as both strategic perspective and strategic action. For one participant, faculty agency meant grappling with misaligned values and then leaving academic medicine for a job in private practice. For another, faculty agency meant striving to return to his baseline self as an educator and then reducing clinical work so time (albeit unpaid) could be spent on educational projects. For yet another, faculty agency meant recognizing that that a program leadership role was a poor fit and opting out of that role. In sum, participants deliberated their sense of being a physician educator (strategic perspectives) and when expectations became untenable, they did what they needed to do to advance their own career (strategic action). Our findings provide counternarratives that communicate insight and possibility for how physician educators might advance alternate careers in medical education and offer dynamic ways to understand agency in academic medicine.
Abscopal effect with unknown fever during radiotherapy: Two case reports
Authors: Oshiro Yoshiko , Mizumoto Masashi , Hisanaga Takayuki , Tanaka Ken , Komine Manabu , Kikuchi Koji , Sakurai Hideyuki
Published: March 2023

The abscopal effect is a rare phenomenon that is defined as regression of tumor lesions distant from irradiation targets. We have experienced two cases with an abscopal effect with unknown fever and an inflammatory response during radiotherapy. Radiotherapy is a local treatment, therefore, it rarely causes systemic side effects during radiotherapy, and if a patient develops a fever during radiotherapy, it is often considered tumor fever. We experienced 2 cases of unknown fever during irradiation followed by abscopal effect. The obvious relationship between the abscopal effect and the unknown fever is not clear. However, Unknown fever during radiotherapy may be a hint to the abscopal effectconsidering that immune response and cytokines closely related to the abscopal effect.
In-situ composite NiCoO 2 sphere of nanosheets on wood chip for supercapacitor
Authors: Zhang Hao , Li Yudong , Han Enshan , Chen Gaojun , Zhang Ziqiang , Yan Caihong , He Yanzhen
Published: March 2023

The low electrical conductivity of nickel-cobalt layered oxides and single Ni, Co metal oxides led to the low rate capability and poor cycling stability thus limits the commercial application in practical supercapacitor. Here, NiCoO2/WCC composite electrode materials were prepared by employing wood chips carbon (WCC) with the high specific surface area and low cost as the conductive layer, where hierarchical spherical structure of laminar NiCoO2 interspersed as homogeneous and was oriented and constructed on the surface of carbon by hydrothermal and calcination. The strategy provided abundant frameworks and active sites for the in-situ growth of NiCoO2, which prevented the aggregation of spherical structures to a certain extent, further the layered spherical structure exposed more active sites, thus enhanced the electrochemical performance of the capacitor. The NiCoO2/WCC electrode (RNi:Co=1) possessed a high specific capacitance of 1053.6 F g− 1 at 0.5 A g− 1 due to the synergistic effect between the bimetallic oxide and WCC, and the specific capacitance of the electrode remained 906 F g− 1 even at a high current density of 10 A g− 1 by the lamellar structure with more electrochemical sites. In addition, the asymmetric supercapacitor based on the NiCoO2/WCC cathode and the WCC anode delivers a high specific capacitance of 134.4 F g− 1 at 1 A g− 1, a high specific energy of 36.6 Wh kg− 1 at 1 A g− 1, and good cycling performance (~ 94.3% retention after 5000 cycles), where the above properties was superior to existing and similar electrode materials.
Recurrent Extramedullary Relapse of Immunophenotypically Aberrant B Lymphoblastic Leukemia to Unusual Sites After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Case Report.
Authors: Gera Kriti , Rodriguez Diana , Rodriguez Gregor A , Elliott Leighton A , Seifert Robert P , Hsu Jack W
Published: March 2023

Background

B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia can rarely present with extramedullary involvement to non-CNS/testicular sites. Extramedullary relapse of B-ALL after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant is not well described in the literature and has shown to demonstrate different clinical course than medullary relapse.

Case presentation

A 35-year-old female with a history of BCR-ABL negative B-ALL presented with recurrent extramedullary relapse of B-ALL with unusual leukemic infiltration to bone, female genital tract, gastrointestinal tract and peritoneum after having achieved remission with consolidative alloHSCT. She received multiple treatments but ultimately died of disease progression. The case also demonstrates aberrant pathologic and immunophenotypic findings.

Conclusions

Extramedullary relapse of ALL responds poorly to current standard treatments and is associated with dismal outcomes. This case stresses on the need for further studies to understand the risk factors and pathogenesis of extramedullary relapse to develop preventative and curative strategies.
Synovial fluid S100A8, S100A9, and HNP 1-3 in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection: a prospective, double-blind trial
Authors: Xu Ying , Ma Xueting , Guo Haoran , Tang Hairong , Liu Jiayu , Wang Chi , Wang Chengbin
Published: March 2023

Background
Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a common and serious complication after total joint arthroplasty. Early and accurate diagnosis of PJI can improve its therapeutic effect. However, there is no single method that can independently diagnose all PJI. Finding appropriate biomarkers is essential for the diagnosis of PJI. In this study, we prospectively investigated the clinical diagnostic value of synovial fluid S100 calcium-binding protein A8 (S100A8) and S100 calcium-binding protein A9 (S100A9) in PJI, and investigated the types of α-defensins that have diagnostic value for PJI.
Methods
Synovial fluid samples were collected from 82 patients with suspected PJI after hip and knee arthroplasty. Patients were divided into PJI group (n = 39) and non-PJI group (n = 43) according to the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) guideline. The matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) was used to determine S100A8, S100A9, α-defensins and internal reference standards (IRS) in synovial fluid. The “peak of target protein/peak of IRS” was recorded for further analysis. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was used to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of S100A8, S100A9, α-defensins for PJI.
Results
We detected elevated S100A8, three S100A9 variants, as well as three types of α-defensins in the synovial fluid of PJI patients by MALDI-TOF-MS. The sensitivity, specificity and the area under ROC curve (AUC) for synovial fluid S100A8 were 97.4%, 86.0% and 0.964 (95% CI: 0.929–0.998), and were 87.2%, 88.4% and 0.902 (95% CI: 0.823–0.980), respectively, for S100A9. Synovial fluid α-defensins 1–3, also known as human neutrophil peptides 1–3 (HNP 1–3), with the sensitivity, specificity and AUC of 89.7%, 83.7% and 0.933 (95% CI: 0.884–0.982), respectively. When synovial fluid S100A8, S100A9 and HNP 1–3 are combined with synovial fluid white blood cell count (SF-WBC) and polymorphonuclear neutrophil percentage (SF-PMN), the diagnostic efficiency could be improved.
Conclusion
Synovial fluid S100A8, S100A9 and HNP 1–3 have satisfactory diagnostic efficiency for the diagnosis of PJI.
Impacts of obesity and metabolic health on global subclinical left cardiac function: TyG index may be a predictor of subclinical left cardiac dysfunction
Authors: Mei Jiajie , Li Yanhua , Dong Jianli , Bai MiaoMiao , Jiang Yinong , Qu Xiaofeng , Yin Lili
Published: March 2023

Background: Obesity is a recognized risk factor for heart failure. People with similar weights may have different metabolic health. Notably, insulin resistance is a hallmark of obesity and a feature of heart failure. We aimed to evaluate the effects of obesity and metabolic health status on subclinical left cardiac function. We also investigated whether insulin resistance (TyG index) plays a role in BMI-linked subclinical left cardiac dysfunction.
Methods: The study involved 403 volunteers. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess associations between obesity, metabolic health, and overall subclinical left cardiac function .Mediating analysis was used to explore the role of the TyG index in the association between BMI and left cardiac function. Finally, ROC analysis was performed to explore the predictive value of the TyG index in subclinical left cardiac dysfunction.
Results: The correlation analysis showed that metabolic unhealth increased the risk of subclinical left ventricular (LV) dysfunction; obesity was associated with an increased risk of global left cardiac dysfunction regardless of metabolic health status. The TyG index mediated 25% of the associations between BMI and Left atrial (LA) function. ROC analysis exhibited that the TyG index can be used as a predictor of LA dysfunction (AUC = 0.63), and the optimal cut-off point for the TyG index is 9.33.
Conclusions: Even a "non-obese metabolically unhealthy" is a detrimental state of early LV function; obesity remains a major risk factor for global subclinical left cardiac dysfunction. Using the TyG index could allow early identification of individuals at high risk of subclinical left cardiac dysfunction.
Registration number：ChiCTR2200057991；Date of registration: 2022-03-25
URL:http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=162316
PHONETIC SKILLS OF THE MODERN FRENCH LANGUAGE AS A COMPONENT OF STUDENTS’ COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE
Authors: Bigun Olga , Voronko Halyna , Feniuk Lesia
Published: March 2023

The article deals with the formation of philology students’ phonetic skills of the modern French language. The purpose of the research is to analyze the processes of mastering the basics of the French language which are closely related to mastering of its phonetic and phonemic levels, because the correct articulation of sounds and the prosodic arrangement of speech, as well as the full perception of foreign speech in phonetic terms, ensure the implementation of one of the main functions of the language, the communicative one. Applying the theoretical and methodological bases of analysis and synthesis, informational, historical, structural approaches, deductive and inductive methods, the analysis of the formation of the student’s communicative competence is proposed, taking into account the modern phonetic features of the French language which necessarily includes information about the features of various types of language communication. The components of phonetic skills are considered. The practical experience of teaching phonetics is analyzed. It proves the need for a combined approach to the study of French sounds, their articulation, pronunciation, accentuation and listening. It was found that mastering phonetic and phonemic level of French language at the initial stage of learning is a priority. It is proven that the success of students’ formation of phonetic competence depends on the level of phonetic skills, the acquired knowledge about the phonetics of the language and the dynamic interaction of these components based on common linguistic and phonetic consciousness.
Structure and titanium distribution of feiite characterized using synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques
Authors: Zurkowski Claire , Lavina Barbara , Prissel Kelsey , Chariton Stella , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Fei Yingwei
Published: March 2023

A solid solution of the mineral feiite (Fe3TiO5) was recently discovered in a shock-induced melt pocket of the Shergotty martian shergottite. It is particularly interesting for its potential as an indicator of pressure-temperature (P-T) and oxygen fugacity in martian crustal and mantle material. To date, complete crystallographic analysis of feiite has not been conducted, as the mineral was previously analyzed by electron backscatter diffraction on micrometer-size grains (Ma et al. 2021). Here we report a convergent crystal-structure model for feiite based on synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction data collected on three grains of feiite synthesized at 12 GPa and 1200 °C. Feiite adopts the CaFe3O5 structure type (Cmcm, Z = 4), which is composed of two octahedral M1 and M2 sites and one trigonal prismatic M3 site (M = metal) in a ratio of 1:2:1. The three feiite grains with composition Ti0.46–0.60Fe3.54–3.40O5 were best modeled by substituting Ti4+ into only the octahedral M2 site, accounting for 30% of this site. Comparisons of the measured average bond lengths in the coordination polyhedra with the optimized Ti4+–O, Fe2+–O, and Fe3+–O bond lengths suggest that ferrous iron occupies the trigonal M3 site, while iron is mixed valence in the octahedral M1 and M2 sites. The Ti4+ and Fe3+ content constrained by our crystal-chemical analyses suggests that at least ~30% of the available iron must be ferric (i.e., Fe3+/Fetotal = 0.3) for the sample synthesized at 12 GPa and 1200 °C and higher P-T conditions may be needed to form the end-member feiite (Fe32+TiO5).
The 450 nm (2.8 eV) cathodoluminescence emission in quartz and its relation to structural defects and Ti contents
Authors: Götze Jens , MacRae Colin M. , Pan Yuanming , Wilson Nicholas C. , Torpy Aaron , Audédat Andreas
Published: March 2023

The origin of the common blue 450 nm (2.8 eV) cathodoluminescence (CL) emission in natural and synthetic quartz has been investigated using a combination of CL microscopy and spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and trace-element analysis by electron micro-probe analysis as well as inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The study shows that the appearance of the ~450 nm emission band can be attributed to two different defects in quartz. First, a transient luminescence can be explained by structural defects in oxygen deficient quartz. The luminescence model implies self-trapped exciton (STE) emission related to oxygen vacancies. This type of CL emission is frequent in high-purity synthetic quartz and natural quartz of hydrothermal origin. Second, in Ti-rich quartz from natural samples (e.g., quartz phenocrysts in rhyolites) and synthetic quartz of Ti-diffusion experiments, an additional 450 nm (2.8 eV) emission was detected, which is stable under the electron beam. The intensity of this ~450 nm emission band correlates with the concentration of trace Ti in quartz, and substitutional Ti4+ at the Si4+ position was proved by EPR spectroscopy. In quartz crystals with elevated Ti concentrations both intrinsic and extrinsic blue CL emissions at ~450 nm can coexist, hindering a thorough characterization and quantification of the CL signal. A reliable distinction of the two different CL emission bands is possible by fitting the peaks of the CL spectra, and the peak width of the 450 nm emission can be used to differentiate the STE from the Ti4+ emission. However, the definitive technique is through the observation of CL peak shape change over time at a point by collecting a time series of CL spectra in conjunction with EPR spectroscopy and trace-element analysis of the Ti concentration.
Educational Leadership: Where are the Women?
Authors: Stufft Dr. Derry , Coyne Kelly
Published: March 2023

Throughout time, stereotypes regarding women and men have permeated society, creating manyobstacles for women, especially in the professional world. Where words like nurturing,compassionate, emotional, expressive, communal, passive, uncertain, subjective and supportivehave historically been used to describe women; words like intelligent, powerful, competent,objective, independent, methodical and driven have typically been reserved to describe men(Porat, 1991). These adjectives have long supported the social perception that men are superiorand women are inferior. Obviously times are changing. Women are emerging as powerfulleaders in business and government and are disproving many long-standing skewed perceptionsof females. Despite these advances, however, certain labels for women continue to impede theirefforts to be strong leaders in other areas.
The Role of Balance in Women's Leadership Self-Identity
Authors: Hertneky Dr. Robbie Palmer
Published: March 2023

This study explores the role balance plays in the leadership self-identity of women college presidents. Their understanding of themselves as leaders reveals the complexity of leadership. Balance goes beyond juggling personal and professional lives and time commitments. It encompasses embracing weaknesses as well as strengths without losing competence or credibility, understanding that self-confidence and missteps are compatible, knowing that language can divide as well as unite, and recognizing that leadership includes loneliness and distance along with connection and praise. Using narrative inquiry, the research examines the following: how these women describe and define themselves as leaders, what personal attributes contribute to their leadership, their past and future career intentions, how their relationships influence their leadership self-identity, and the stories they tell about themselves and their experiences. A clear picture of leadership self-identity as a holistic concept emerges, integrating five critical components""balance, authenticity, leading through relationships, composing a life, and learning. The complexity and nuance of balance as a facet of leadership, and the resulting implications for identifying and selecting leaders, is the focus of this article.
Female Bodies: Gender Inequalities, Vulnerability, HIV and AIDS in Kenya
Authors: Sesay Dr. Waithera
Published: March 2023

This paper emerged from a lack of literature on women's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS in AIDS discourses. Women have been vulnerable to HIV/AIDS since the epidemic emerged but not much research has been done specifically on Kenyan women. The ways in which women are vulnerable to HIV infection were explored by examining social, economic, and cultural identities that affect women's sexual relations using a feminist lens. In this research, it is postulated that HIV vulnerability has to be studied in the context of patriarchy and cultural constraints.To address women's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS, secondary analysis of data from the 2003 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey was utilized. Hence, demographic variables of age, education, religion, ethnicity, region of residence, marital status, and employment were the independent variables that were used to discern the factors associated with HIV vulnerability among women. A dependent variable, HIV vulnerability which I constructed from the 2003 Health and Demographic Survey was conceived of as a larger concept comprised of powerlessness in basic decision-making processes within the household, AIDS-related knowledge on transmission and prevention, cultural practices which encompassed polygamy, wife inheritance, and sexual behavior, and perceived risk of contracting the HIV/AIDS disease. In this study, the data strongly suggested that women in Kenya are more vulnerable to HIV/AIDS when they are younger, have low levels of education, are from different ethnicities and from certain regions, are unmarried, and not employed. The findings supported the literature that women's vulnerability is strongly influenced and tied by broader forces present in the society. Women's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS is real and needs to be tackled for any progress to occur in the fight against AIDS. HIV/AIDS is a very expensive disease that totally drains economies of households, communities, and countries. Until HIV vulnerability is acknowledged and fought, women will continue to succumb to the disease overwhelmingly and Kenya will eventually disintegrate as it will be full of sick people intensifying underdevelopment. Women's vulnerability to HIV/AIDS is an urgent issue that needs dire attention for Kenya to prosper. A healthy population fosters development and stability. However HIV/AIDS produces instability, suffering, extreme poverty, and underdevelopment.
What Women Know: Perceptions of Seven Female Superintendents
Authors: Allred Polly , Maxwell Gerri , Skrla Linda
Published: March 2023

An anomalous concentration of female superintendents in mostly rural South Texas prompted this inquiry. South Texas faces critical shortages in personnel due to impending retirement and turnover of existing school administrators and superintendents (Wesson & Marshall, 2012). It is difficult to recruit and retain the best talent necessary to solve tough school improvement challenges""high dropout rates, high poverty, low student achievement, and complex multi-cultural issues""in high needs, Hispanic majority, primarily rural school districts (Trevino Jr., Braley, Brown, & Slate, 2008; Wesson & Marshall, 2012). Krüger (2008) stated women are stronger educational leaders than men. Females seek and obtain leadership credentials for the express purpose of impacting education for students (Young & McLeod, 2001). Schools of all sizes and levels with female administrators achieved higher student success than schools with male administrators, according to a 7000 campus Texas study, in the 2006-2007 academic year (Roser, Brown, & Kelsey, 2009). In every ethnic group, women earn more doctoral degrees in education than men; women earn bachelors and masters degrees in education in proportion to their representation in the field; and women have more years of teaching experience than men (Shakeshaft, Brown, Irby, Grogan, & Ballenger, 2007). Women also outnumber men in education administration preparation programs (Petrie & Lindauer, 2001). Yet women are not ascending to the superintendency in proportion to their representation in the education profession (Shakeshaft et al., 2007). This naturalistic study of seven female superintendents in South Texas, including leaders in large and small rural districts, illuminated perceptions and experiences of female school leadership through portraiture and lent insight into common themes of aspiration and motivation.
Literature Review of The University Teaching Trap of Academic Women
Authors: Cummins Helene
Published: March 2023

Commonplace division of labor practices in Canadian academia favor a forty percent focus on each of teaching and research, with a twenty percent focus on service. The social climate, workplace culture, and social structure of academe often burdens women faculty with excessive teaching responsibilities. This may inhibit both their career success, and personal work-life balance. The absence of workplace policies, career and institutional support often encumbers women faculty and produces inequities in the workplace triggering what is defined as the "teaching trap". Smaller universities, financial cutbacks in the university system, and the general neglect of the needs of women academics serves to maintain both unfair, and unequal treatment of women scholars in the academy. The implications of these issues are discussed.Keywords: Women faculty, university teaching trap, workplace culture, structural barriers, Canada
Leadership Self-Efficacy: A Study of Male and Female MBA Students in Mexico
Authors: D­az Eduardo
Published: March 2023

A disproportionate share of men holds leadership positions in Mexico. Relatively new studies on gender and leadership self- efficacy conducted under transformational leadership models have started to challenge the idea that gender moderates leader effectiveness. This study was developed to analyze differences in leadership self-efficacy between 80 female and 73 male MBA students in the city of Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. The results contributed to the growing number of studies on leadership self-efficacy conducted under transformational leadership models that support the claim that gender does not moderate leader effectiveness.
Journey of Women Entrepreneurs for Two decades: A Meta-analytical review
Authors: Aggarwal Ansita
Published: March 2023

This study meta-analytically consolidates results from two decades of women entrepreneurship research. The objective of this study is to make an index of challenges, factors affecting challenges and moderators from the past studies. Tables are also drawn which would briefly disclose all of them in a meticulous manner. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) test is run on all those tables to determine the factors which are the consequential or principal one of all. Findings are relevant for practitioners (educators, policy makers) and for future research. The findings of this research would be of utmost use for the researchers who would like to carry their research forward on the same line. It will support them in recognizing a concise number of challenges and factors affecting those challenges which needs to be taken as the foundation for any future research. This research also helps in identifying all the significant moderating variables from past studies.
WOMEN IN THE WORK PLACE – AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF THE CHALLENGE OF WORK LOAD
Authors: Wani Ambreen , Ahmad Mufeed
Published: March 2023

Female employment has witnessed a drastic paradigm shift. Several factors like improving literacy, change is the socio-economic scenario, zest for financial independence and ambition; are responsible for this changing trend. Being the largest employer of women in India, education sector is witnessing drastic changes. The present study examines Work-Life Balance of women working in various universities of J&K with emphasis on work pressure the females face in the course of trying to balance their professional life with their personal life.

Investigation shows that most working women are upset with the amount of work-load in the universities. Women who work for longer hours tend to be more dissatisfied with their Work-Life Balance. The study strongly suggests that academic expectations must be attuned with the demands of a woman’s personal life or else a woman can never give her best.
The Effects of Teacher Collective Responsibility on the Mathematics Achievement of Students Who Repeat Algebra
Authors: Morales-Chicas Jessica , Agger Charlotte
Published: March 2023

In this article, the authors use the national High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09) dataset to explore (a) if repeating algebra in the eighth grade was associated with overall mathematics grades and course-taking patterns by twelfth grade, (b) if repeating algebra in the eighth grade was associated with students' final grade in algebra, (c) if the level of teacher collective responsibility of mathematics teachers in school predicted students' who repeated algebra final grade in algebra, and (d) if this association differed by students' gender. The authors' analysis suggests that repeating algebra may bolster mathematics success for certain students; however, in schools with low perceptions of collective responsibility among teachers, final grades in algebra were lower for male students repeating algebra. Implications for achievement and long-term course-taking patterns when students repeat algebra are discussed
Math is More Than Numbers: Examining Beginning Bilingual Teachers' Mathematics Teaching Practices and Their Opportunities to Learn
Authors: Yeh Cathery
Published: March 2023

In this article, the author provides results from a 3-year, longitudinal study that examined two novice bilingual teachers' mathematics teaching practices and their professional opportunities to learn to teach. Primary data sources included videotaped mathematics lessons, teacher interviews, and field notes of their teacher preparation methods courses. Findings revealed that the teachers were oriented toward differing views of learning that shaped how they organized students' learning of language and mathematics during classroom instruction. While both teachers used similar teaching strategies to support students' development of mathematics specific literacies, there were variances in how the learners were positioned within the classroom community and how and which repertoires of language practices were available and used during mathematics instruction. The teachers' differing orientations toward learning are traced to their own professional opportunities to learn to teach. The significance of recognizing both the acquisition and participation metaphors of learning and the development of linguistically and culturally relevant teacher education are discussed.
"We Made Math!"
Authors: Cunningham Jahneille
Published: March 2023

Black parents are often presumed to be uninvolved in their children’s education, especially in mathematics. These stereotypes are arguably sustained by White, middle-class expectations for parent engagement. This qualitative study challenges the dominant narrative by exploring the ways eight Black parents support their elementary-aged children’s mathematical identities. Although many scholars have examined the relationship between mathematics identity and academic outcomes, few have explored the role parents play in this identity development. Drawing on Martin’s (2000) mathematics identity framework and McCarthy Foubert’s (2019) Racial Realist Parent Engagement framework, the author argues that Black parents’ experiential knowledge of race and racism in mathematical spaces positions them to teach their children about the everyday importance and usefulness of mathematics. Using parent interviews and family observations, the author’s findings suggest the parents supported their children’s mathematics identities using four approaches: 1) pragmatic (emphasizing financial literacy and basic life skills), 2) aspirational (promoting math-intensive careers), 3) affirmational (sharing words of encouragement), and 4) race-conscious (applying mathematical concepts to lessons in Black history, culture, and anti-Blackness). Implications for educators are discussed, as parent identity support strategies may be useful for reform-oriented teachers seeking to foster positive mathematical identities in Black children.
Transforming Mathematical Discourse: A Daunting Task for South Africa’s Townships
Authors: Pourdavood Roland G. , Carignan Nicole , King Lonnie C.
Published: March 2023

In this study, the authors describe the voices and practices of four mathematics teachers in a K–7 “Coloured” township school in the context of the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The authors begin with an explanation of the context of the township in terms of its history, languages, diversity, educational system, and mathematics education. Through observing and describing four mathematics classroom discourses, two from the Foundation Phase and two from the Intermediate Phase, the authors illustrate the relationship between the participating teachers’ voices and practices within their socio-cultural and socio-historical context. Additionally, the authors describe the complexity of transforming mathematics education and suggest that implementing the Revised National Curriculum Statement requires an epistemological shift in perspective regarding teaching and learning that promotes mathematical understanding. The authors’ analyses show the importance of transforming mathematics education and the responsibility of higher education institutions in the preparation of future teachers compatible with the new societal demand.
Social Identities and Opportunities to Learn: Student Perspectives on Group Work in an Urban Mathematics Classroom
Authors: Esmonde Indigo , Brodie Kanjana , Dookie Lesley , Takeuchi Miwa
Published: March 2023

In this article, the authors investigate group work in a heterogeneous urban high school mathematics classroom. Two questions are explored: How do students describe cooperative group work in their mathematics class? How do students describe the way their socially constructed identities influence the nature of their group interactions in mathematics classrooms? The authors present a case study of the ways in which race, gender, and other social identities might influence the nature of group work in reform-oriented high school mathematics classrooms. The analysis, based on 14 interviews with high school students, focused on students’ perceptions of group work and their theories about when cooperative groups work well and when they do not. Students named interactional style, mathematical understanding, and friendships and relationships as the most influential factors. Using an analytic lens informed, in part, by critical race theory, the authors highlight the racialized and gendered nature of these factors.
The Mathematics Learning Discourse Project: Fostering Higher Order Thinking and Academic Language in Urban Mathematics Classrooms
Authors: Staples Megan E. , Truxaw Mary P.
Published: March 2023

In this article, the authors report results from a small-scale study of the Mathematics Learning Discourse (MLD) project that aimed to affect change in urban mathematics classrooms. The project focused on enhancing students’ understanding of mathematics through an emphasis on classroom discourse and higher order thinking. Four teachers participated in a 3-day summer course and yearlong collaboration that was organized around three principles for supporting a learning discourse in their respective classrooms: appropriate and effective development of students’ academic language, student engagement in mathematical practices of justification and collective argumentation, and access for all students to rigorous mathematics. The authors discuss the research base for the MLD program, its implementation, and its effect—as well as promise—by analyzing student scores on pre- and post-assessments both for mathematical performance and for the development of students’ proficiency with academic language and justification.
Mathematics as (Multi)cultural Practice: Irish Lessons From the Polish Weekend School
Authors: O'Brien Stephen , Long Fiachra
Published: March 2023

In this article, the authors challenge the erroneous assumption that mathematics is universal, and thus culturally neutral, by critically investigating diverse cultural meanings and “ways of knowing” that influence individual/social (affective) forms of identity. The authors begin by briefly detailing the structural features of a Polish weekend school and providing an overview profile of the Polish community living in Ireland. The rationale for the “weekend” school is then discussed from both Polish and Irish perspectives. Empirical data suggest a greater need for “parallel integration,” whereby two divergent education systems attempt to culturally coalesce at some level of school policy and/or mathematics classroom practice.
Regarding the Mathematics Education of English Learners: Clustering the Conceptions of Preservice Teachers
Authors: McLeman Laura , Fernandes Anthony , McNulty Michelle
Published: March 2023

In this article, using survey data, the authors examined conceptions about the mathematics education of English learners (ELs) from 292 preservice teachers (PSTs) in urban universities through cluster analysis to determine if certain background characteristics influenced the formation of homogeneous clusters. An analysis of the findings shows a two-cluster solution, where respondents in cluster 2 (n = 187) were more aligned with research on the mathematics teaching and learning of ELs than respondents in cluster 1 (n = 105). Further, a chi-square test revealed that PSTs with three characteristics—exposure to issues related to ELs, field experience, and being female—were significantly higher in cluster 2 than cluster 1. The findings provide compelling evidence that exposure to EL issues impact the conceptions that PSTs regarding the mathematics education of ELs.
Teaching Mathematics as Agape: Responding to Oppression with Unconditional Love
Authors: Amidon Joel
Published: March 2023

In this essay, encouraged by the critical examination of mathematics education and mathematics teacher education at the Privilege and Oppression in the Mathematics Preparation of Teacher Educators Conference, the author asks the question: What do I do from a position of power and privilege to interrupt oppression and enable everyone the opportunity and expectation of success in mathematics and life? The author proposes a response with agape (pronounced ägäp?), or unconditional love. Starting with the question What would it mean to teach mathematics as an act of unconditional love? the author theorizes an ideal relationship between students and mathematics that is functional, communal, critical, and inspirational, generated from wanting to teach mathematics as agape.
Recruiting Secondary Mathematics Teachers: Characteristics That Add Up for African American Students
Authors: Ragland Tamra C. , Sheats Harkness Shelley
Published: March 2023

In this article, the authors provide portraits of three mathematics teachers: one European American man, one African American man, and one Middle Eastern woman. All three taught in secondary schools with predominantly African American student populations. Semi-structured interviews and observations were conducted to create a comparative case study that analyzed the teachers' "star" background experiences and skills (Haberman, 1995). The analysis also focused on whether or not there was a connection between their star background experiences and skills and their use of relational and field-dependent methods of teaching. Data suggest that there was a connection between Haberman's star framework and teachers who taught relationally and used field-dependent methods. Based on these results, the authors argue that alternative certification programs should broaden their criteria and recruit preservice teachers with star back-ground experiences and skills.
PATHOLOGICAL PROFILE AND RECOVERY RATE IN PATIENTS WITH DRUG-INDUCED ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY FROM NORTH-EAST INDIA
Authors:   DM Senior Resident, Nephrology Department., Tamut Oyik , Sharma Manjuri ,   MD, DM, FASN, FISN, ISPD Scholar, Professor and Head of Department, Nephrolology, Gauhati Medical College, Assam., K. Doley Prodip ,   MD, DM, Associate Professor, Nephrology Department., Pegu Gayatri ,   MD, DM, Assistant Professor, Nephrology Department.
Published: March 2023

Introduction : Drug-induced acute kidney injury (DI-AKI) is a common renal event with long-term sequelae. However, pathological profile and recovery rate are scarcely reported from north-east India. Thus, we evaluated the commonly implicated nephrotoxic drugs, pathological findings on renal biopsy, and recovery following treatment in patients with DI-AKI. Materials and MethodsThis retrospective, observational study involved the review of Nephrology AKI registry of a tertiary care institute. The review involved data of the adult patients diagnosed with DI-AKI over a period of 24 months (August 2020 to July 2022). Results : During the study period, a total of 182 patients developed DI-AKI. AKI was predominantly caused by antimicrobials (33.52%), alternative medicine (15.38%), and NSAIDs (11.54%).The younger and elderly patients were involved in significantly higher consumption of NSAIDs and alternative medicine, respectively (p-values<0.05). Biopsy was performed in 79 (43.41%) patients, and findings included mainly acute interstitial nephritis (AIN, 37.97%), allergic interstitial nephritis (ALIN, 18.99%), and acute tubular nephropathy (ATN, 12.66%). Steroid therapy and hemodialysis were required in 66 (36.26%) and 105 (57.69%) patients, respectively. At a mean follow-up of 124.78 Ã‚Â± 30.15 days, complete and partial recovery was observed in 136 (74.73%) and 12 (6.59%) patients, respectively. Recovery rate did not differ significant according to class of drugs (p-value=0.194). Conclusion : Antimicrobials, alternative medicine, and NSAIDs were predominantly implicated in DI-AKI. AIN, ALIN, and ATN were the most common biopsy findings with absence of any correlation with the offending agents. Around three quarters of the patients recovered completely.
BIOMIMETIC MATERIALS IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY FROM PAST TOFUTURE
Authors: Singh Kopal , Mathur Shivani , Jhingan Pulkit , Kashyap Ketki
Published: March 2023

With the arrival of technology, during the last two decades, numerous changes have been made in the field of restorative dentistry. Biomimetic materials, with their biocompatible nature and excellent physico-chemical properties are widely used nowadays. They can function as long lasting esthetic and restorative materials, cements, root repair materials, root canal sealers and filling materials, which have the advantages of enhanced biocompatibility, high strength, sealing ability and antibacterial properties. New biomimetic materials have demonstrated the ability to overcome some of the significant limitations of earlier generation materials. Although in vitro studies, the uses of biomimetic materials in restorative dentistry endodontic have given encouraging results, randomized and double-blind clinical studies of sufficient length with these materials are needed to confirm long-term success following their use.