bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflexão a respeito da própria prática avaliativa: um estudo com a prova em fases
Authors: Trevisan André Luis , Corio de Buriasco Regina Luiza
Published: May 2019

Este artigo retrata o processo de compreensão de uma experiência avaliativa própria como prática de investigação. Toma como questão de pesquisa a investigação do modo como a utilização de um instrumento diferenciado de avaliação em aulas de Matemática (denominado prova em fases) possibilitou um repensar da própria prática avaliativa. Constituíram-se como procedimentos metodológicos da pesquisa a descrição detalhada das motivações, da constituição do problema de pesquisa e do contexto e dos participantes da pesquisa, elementos esses que possibilitaram uma análise sistemática empreendida sobre a própria prática. Ao retratar a adoção de uma atividade crítica perante as próprias ações enquanto professor-avaliador, o estudo aponta mecanismos de desenvolvimento de habilidades necessárias à formação de sujeitos avaliadores, por meio da reflexão na, sobre a e sobre a reflexão na ação avaliativa.
Sentido(s) de la gestión autónoma en la escuela secundaria. Un análisis en contexto del Proyecto de Promoción de la Autonomía en la Escuela en Córdoba, Argentina
Authors: Lamfri Nora Zoila , Bocchio María Cecilia
Published: May 2019

Este trabajo presenta una investigación acerca de los efectos de un proyecto orientado a introducir cambios en la gestión directiva de escuelas de nivel medio en la provincia de Córdoba, Argentina: el Proyecto de Promoción de la Autonomía de la Escuela (PPAE). Se reconoce a la “gestión por proyectos” como uno de los principales mecanismos de regulación y de focalización de recursos del sistema educativo, a partir del cual se promueve un tipo de autonomía que traslada responsabilidades a las escuelas sobre la inclusión socio-educativa, legitimando nuevas modalidades de control. En el artículo discutimos el concepto de autonomía, presentamos el caso en estudio y abordamos los sentidos atribuidos a la autonomía escolar por el PPAE y por los actores que participaron del proyecto.
Dificuldades encontradas por estudantes do ensino público do Rio Grande do Sul nas questões de Física do ENEM: um estudo de caso
Authors: Darroz Luiz Marcelo , Werner da Rosa Cleci , Pelegrini Maurício
Published: May 2019

Este artigo discute as dificuldades encontradas pelos alunos do Ensino Médio, da rede pública estadual, do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, ao responder questões de Física do Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (Enem). O artigo faz a análise de uma prova simulada, contendo questões do Enem de anos anteriores, juntamente com um questionário, no qual os alunos de uma escola pública de Paraí responderam às dificuldades encontradas durante o simulado. Verificaremos se as dificuldades respondidas condizem com os acertos e erros do simulado.
Desafíos investigativos en la formación inicial de directivos
Authors: González García Gustavo , Silva-Peña Ilich , Sepúlveda Parra Carmen
Published: May 2019

La investigación educacional, particularmente en lo que concierne a la efectividad escolar y el liderazgo educativo, evidencia desde hace muchos años la influencia del liderazgo directivo sobre los resultados escolares. Estos conocimientos explican más de dos décadas de políticas educacionales en Chile dirigidas a mejorar la dirección escolar. No obstante, estudios recientes sobre los directivos de ese país dan cuenta de los débiles y desestructurados resultados de estas políticas, implicando la necesidad de una investigación dirigida a comprender dimensiones como la gobernanza de las políticas en los actores escolares. Con base en estudios internacionales de iniciación a la carrera directiva, este ensayo busca discutir y relevar la necesidad de que los diseños de formación para directivos se basen no solo en competencias directivas identificadas de los estándares de desempeño, sino también en investigaciones que comprendan fenómenos desde la experiencia de directores y que identifiquen la construcción de la identidad directiva y la consideración de la trayectoria profesional del docente que se convierte en directivo escolar. Principalmente se discute, a partir de la investigación internacional, la importancia de estudiar la etapa inicial de un director y la relevancia de diseñar programas de formación específicos a esta etapa.
Autoridades escolares y TIC: articulaciones y tensiones. Formación de directivos e inspectores en la UNIPE
Authors: Bordignon Fernando Raúl Alfredo , Cicala Rosa Aurora , Cuzzani Karina Patricia , Martinell Silvia Irene , Oviedo María Inés
Published: May 2019

Este artículo pone a consideración el seminario «Las tic, la gestión educativa y la apropiación del espacio virtual», desarrollado en el marco de la Diplomatura en Formación para Directores e Inspectores, que en forma conjunta coordinan la Universidad Pedagógica de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (unipe), la Organización de Estados Iberoamericanos (oei) y el Ministerio de Educación de la República Argentina, a través del programa Nuestra Escuela. Se presenta en forma breve la estructura curricular general de la diplomatura para contextualizar el seminario, y se aborda con mayor profundidad la organización de los contenidos, los encuentros presenciales y la producción de documentos educativos originados para el mismo, así como las actividades y encuentros virtuales planteados. Se exponen también las propuestas de trabajo obligatorias y optativas que se consideraron con la finalidad de interpelar a directores e inspectores acerca del rol que históricamente tuvieron, y cuánto y cómo lo ha modificado la llegada de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (tic). La lectura de los trabajos finales para la promoción es otra fuente documental que aporta al debate iniciado y abre nuevas líneas de trabajo para futuros seminarios y publicaciones.
«Nunca pensé en ser directora». La incidencia de la formación inicial en el liderazgo directivo, desde la perspectiva de los directivos
Authors: Mestizo Erika Ivonne
Published: May 2019

El presente artículo presenta resultados del estudio desarrollado en el municipio de San Salvador, El Salvador, sobre factores que inciden sobre el liderazgo directivo, donde la formación inicial fue una de las categorías de análisis. Dichos resultados tienen puntos de coincidencia con los antecedentes teóricos, en cuanto a la necesidad de mejorar la formación docente e inducción para los puestos directivos, y al mismo tiempo difieren respecto de su incidencia en el desempeño del liderazgo en la gestión escolar. Estos datos concuerdan con la política de desarrollo profesional docente de El Salvador, que reconoce la necesidad de mejorar la formación de los directivos. Para el estudio, fueron establecidos participantes de nueve centros escolares identificados como ambientes difíciles, a partir del contexto económico, social y político del país.A manera de conclusión, se observa que los participantes circunscriben la formación inicial a la práctica docente, y no como mecanismo de aprendizaje para el liderazgo en la dirección escolar. Por otro lado, además de los aspectos administrativos, los directivos asignan especial relevancia a las competencias de habilidades sociales, aprendidas en su historia profesional y dentro de un contexto desfavorable.
Enseñar y aprender convivencia. Análisis de un programa socioeducativo práctico de mejora de la participación democrática en 2.º ciclo de Educación Infantil
Authors: Grau Vidal Roser , García-Raga Laura , López-Martín Ramón
Published: May 2019

Hoy en día continúan siendo muchos los centros educativos que perciben la necesidad de trabajar en aras de mejorar la convivencia escolar. Se trata de una preocupación de la totalidad de los profesionales de la educación, si bien, en este trabajo, nos centraremos en el 2.º ciclo de Educación Infantil, etapa clave para el inicio de un proceso formativo de calidad. Nuestro objetivo va dirigido a valorar los efectos y resultados del diseño y aplicación de un programa socioeducativo de convivencia, integrado por diversas estrategias de intervención, implantado en un Centro de Acción Educativa Singular (CAES) de la ciudad de Valencia. Se ha utilizado un diseño cuasiexperimental pretest-postest con grupo control, recogiendo información de 93 miembros de la comunidad escolar de la etapa de educación infantil, de los cuales 50 son estudiantes, 7 docentes y 18 padres y madres. Los resultados obtenidos (cuantitativos y cualitativos) demuestran el adecuado funcionamiento del programa: profesorado, alumnado y familias del grupo experimental afirman la necesidad de seguir trabajando en proyectos de este calibre con la finalidad de continuar apostando por una escuela democrática. Como propuestas de mejora, más allá de la apuesta por una formación integral en convivencia para toda la comunidad educativa, las audiencias implicadas subrayan la necesidad de incorporar acciones que potencien la participación de las familias en la vida cotidiana de los centros educativos de educación infantil.
Competencias en Trabajos Fin de Grado: Desarrollo y evaluación
Authors: Ángel Manuel Félix , Romero García Alberto , Guerrero Conejo Antonio
Published: May 2019

Desde la entrada de los nuevos títulos de Grado, se requiere la realización de Trabajos Fin de Grado (TFG) cuyo foco, según la especialización, puede tener un carácter teórico o práctico. En la experiencia presentada, los requisitos de la titulación exigen un trabajo eminentemente práctico por lo que los alumnos se encuentran una oportunidad inmejorable, no sólo de desarrollar las competencias propias de esta asignatura sino que también de poner en prácticas distintas competencias adquiridas a lo largo de su titulación. Este trabajo desarrolla una nueva metodología de trabajo, basada en la autonomía del estudiante y que, mediante un sistema de retroalimentación, permite la mejora continua.
Un paso más hacia las tareas docentes en el posgrado
Authors: Bernaza Rodríguez Guillermo J. , Douglas de la Peña Carolina
Published: May 2019

La tarea docente constituye la célula del proceso pedagógico de posgrado, el estudiante se desarrolla de tarea en tarea hasta lograr los fines declarados en el programa. Las tareas pueden ser clasificadas de acuerdo con sus funciones en el proceso pedagógico de posgrado, por ejemplo, tareas que contribuyen a que el estudiante aprenda a sistematizar el conocimiento y gestionarlo con las tecnologías de la información y las comunicaciones, perfeccionar y especializar su desempeño profesional, innovar e investigar y desarrollar su comunicación profesional. Las tareas se relacionan de forma sistémica entre sí de acuerdo con el fin de lograr los objetivos del programa jugando un papel fundamental durante este proceso pedagógico en el crecimiento personal del profesional que accede a las diferentes formas organizativas del posgrado, desde el curso o el entrenamiento hasta la maestría, la especialidad de posgrado o el doctorado. Entre los componentes a tener en cuenta en la tarea y que aquí se explican están: el clima del proceso pedagógico, el objetivo, la motivación, la orientación, el contenido, el método, el escenario de aprendizaje, el medio, la evaluación, el profesor o tutor y el estudiante de posgrado. En este artículo se presentan algunos ejemplos de tareas y recomendaciones sobre cómo pueden ser utilizadas.
Acercar la ciencia a la etapa de infantil: experiencias educativas en torno a talleres desde el Grado de Maestro en Educación Infantil
Authors: Aragón Núñez Lourdes , Jiménez Tenorio Natalia , Gozalbo Marcia Eugenio , Vicente Martorel Juan José
Published: May 2019

En el presente artículo se desarrolla y analiza una experiencia educativa en torno a una serie de talleres de ciencias realizados por los estudiantes del Grado de Maestro/a en Educación Infantil, con el objetivo de acercar y despertar el interés hacia la ciencia a niños y niñas de 3, 4 y 5 años de un centro escolar. Los talleres se conciben como el producto final de un proceso de formación dirigido a futuros maestros/as de infantil con el principal objetivo de contribuir a su alfabetización científica-tecnológica todo ello en el marco de un proyecto de innovación y mejora docente puesto en marcha en el actual curso académico 2015-2016. Los estudiantes diseñaron, desarrollaron y evaluaron un total de 10 talleres en torno a grandes temas como los seres vivos, el cuerpo humano y las propiedades del agua. Dichos talleres resultaron ser muy atractivos para los niños y niñas hacia los que iba dirigida la actuación, se utilizaron una gran variedad de recursos y materiales fabricados por los propios estudiantes y los contenidos eran apropiados para la etapa de infantil. Los talleres contribuyeron en gran medida a desarrollar contenidos procedimentales propios de la ciencia, la manipulación, observación o establecer relaciones simple causa-efecto, y sobre todo potenciar la curiosidad y el deseo innato de descubrir e indagar de los niños en estas etapas. Finalmente, tras el desarrollo de los talleres, los futuros maestros/as, valoran sus actuaciones favoreciendo la reflexión y análisis de su práctica educativa
Concepciones de las maestras sobre la enseñanza de la composición escrita en educación infantil
Authors: Ríos García Isabel , Fernández Martínez Pilar
Published: May 2019

En este artículo mostramos algunos resultados obtenidos en el marco de dos investigaciones sobre la enseñanza-aprendizaje de la lengua escrita en educación infantil, realizadas en 1999 y 2015 respectivamente. A partir de la comparación de entrevistas a las docentes llevadas a cabo en dichos estudios y del análisis cualitativo de las mismas, se deducen informaciones que se agrupan alrededor de dos ejes fundamentales: las concepciones sobre cómo se enseña y aprende a escribir; y las condiciones idóneas para ello. Los resultados obtenidos a través del estudio muestran cómo el análisis del pensamiento de las maestras da lugar a un modelo de actuación didáctica que consideramos adecuado según los referentes que sirven de marco a este trabajo para llevar a cabo la alfabetización inicial en la educación Infantil
Panorama das produções acadêmicas em altas habilidades/superdotação
Authors: Pedro Ketilin Mayra , Martins Bárbara Amaral , Da Silva Rosilaine Cristina , Ogeda Clarissa Maria Marques
Published: May 2019

A Educação Especial contempla deficiências, transtornos globais do desenvolvimento e altas habilidades/superdotação (AH/SD). Tendo as AH/SD como foco de investigação, objetivamos elaborar um panorama das teses e dissertações da área, verificando quais são os temas pouco investigados, bem como aqueles que já estão suficientemente explorados. Para isso, consultamos o banco de teses e dissertações da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, a Biblioteca Digital Brasileira de Teses e Dissertações e os principais Programas de Pós-Graduação na área da Educação Especial. Foram localizadas um total de 126 produções, produzidas no período de 1987 a 2014. Com base na análise do título, resumo e palavras-chave elencamos 17 categorias temáticas. A partir de 2000 houve um aumento significativo na produção, porém, muitas questões relevantes continuam carecendo de investigações.
Éxito educativo del programa de cualificación profesional inicial
Authors: Amores Fernández Francisco Javier , Ritacco Real Maximiliano
Published: May 2019

Los Programas de Cualificación Profesional Inicial (en la actualidad Formación Profesional Básica) se diseñaron para ofrecer una segunda oportunidad al alumnado fracasado o en riesgo de exclusión educativa en la ESO. Este estudio, para el que se ha utilizado un método mixto o híbrido de investigación, ha proporcionado una serie de resultados que arrojan una visión más completa sobre el funcionamiento de este tipo de programas de “reenganche educativo” en los centros de la provincia de Granada. Aquí se presentan los resultados sobre la percepción del profesorado implicado sobre el éxito educativo del programa. A pesar de todos los fallos inherentes a cualquier medida destinada a tal fin, hay que valorar positivamente el programa como una última oportunidad ofrecida a aquellos alumnos que por razones diversas se han visto excluidos, del sistema educativo ordinario, y abocados al fracaso. Alumnos que fracasan no sólo por dificultades de aprendizaje, o por problemas personales relacionados con su entorno familiar, sino que también se estrellan contra un Sistema Educativo que no ha sido capaz de proporcionar las respuestas adecuadas a sus necesidades.
Inserción laboral en espacios académicos de intelectuales indígenas en México. Ex becarios del International Fellowships Program
Authors: Molina Fuentes Norma
Published: May 2019

Uno de los principales programas en México que tuvo como objetivo propiciar al acceso educativo de la población indígena a nivel de posgrado fue el International Fellowships Program (IFP) implementado en México por la Fundación Ford del 2001 al 2013. A tres años de su cierre y con nueve convocatorias efectuadas, el artículo busca explorar —por medio de entrevistas y análisis de currículo— cómo fue la inserción laboral en espacios académicos de un grupo de siete ex becarios que realizaron estudios de maestría y doctorado en el extranjero. Un punto de partida es la comparación entre los espacios laborales en los que se desempeñaban los ex becarios antes y al retorno del posgrado. Nuestro principal interés es discutir en qué medida el objetivo del IFP de preparar a investigadores y cuadros profesionales que ejerzan liderazgos comprometidos con el desarrollo de los pueblos indígenas se ve reflejado en un grupo de intelectuales indígenas que desde la academia colaboran con las causas de los pueblos originarios
Uma abordagem histórico-cultural para o ensino de física: análise e proposta de uma sequência didática
Authors: Galbiatti Douglas Augusto , Pires de Camargo Eder
Published: May 2019

Analisa-se nesse artigo uma sequência didática desenvolvida durante uma pesquisa de mestrado. A sequência em questão, em conjunto com cinco montagens experimentais compôs uma abordagem de ensino elaborada e aplicada com alunos de um curso de licenciatura em física de uma universidade pública brasileira. As atividades da pesquisa mencionada foram efetuadas segundo os passos ordenados na sequência didática, de forma que, cada passo serviu como agente direcional das ações realizadas pelo pesquisador. Os métodos dessa pesquisa qualitativa efetivaram-se através da gravação, em áudio e vídeo, dos encontros realizados com os sujeitos, que permitiram a posterior transcrição e análise das atividades. Os resultados obtidos apontaram no sentido da evolução conceitual do pensamento dos indivíduos, no tocante aos conceitos estudados, indicando, assim, as potencialidades e os limites das atividades executadas. Almejamos por meio da exposição da mesma, apresentar e analisar os resultados gerados pela aplicação, bem como suscitar a possível utilização dessa sequência por docentes dos distintos níveis de ensino.
Narrativas del profesorado que trabaja en zonas de violencia armada
Authors: Cuervo Montoya Edisson , San Martín Alonso Ángel
Published: May 2019

En el texto presentamos un ejercicio de investigación cualitativa que indaga sobre algunas creencias y concepciones de maestros y maestras de tres instituciones educativas de la ciudad de Medellín. Básicamente cuestionando la forma de planificación de sus clases y específicamente el material utilizado para la planeación curricular o para la clase misma, en cuanto a los conocimientos teóricos y conceptuales que tiene dicho profesorado sobre la violencia social, directa y armada. La idea es tratar de comprender algunos aspectos de índole curricular, sobre las formas en que maestros y maestras que trabajan en zonas de violencia armada planifican y abordan contenidos escolares sobre el fenómeno violento mismo.
Participação da comunidade local na adequação das metas e estratégias do plano decenal municipal de educação de Brumadinho/MG
Authors: Silva Dutra Gislene , Romualdo Silva Vanessa
Published: May 2019

O Plano Nacional de Educação para o decênio 2014-2024, Lei no. 13.005/2014, determina que os municípios deverão elaborar ou adequar seus planos municipais de educação, em consonância com as diretrizes, metas e estratégias nacionais, no prazo de um ano contado a partir da sua publicação. O município de Brumadinho, Minas Gerais, já possuía Plano Decenal Municipal de Educação (PDME) e por isso deu-se início ao processo de adequação das metas e estratégias do plano vigente, em consonância com as diretrizes, metas e estratégias do PNE. O estudo teve como objetivo analisar o processo participativo da comunidade local na experiência de adequação do PDME de Brumadinho/MG (2015). Para tanto, foi realizada uma investigação qualitativa de cunho exploratório, que se efetivou por meio de uma pesquisa documental a partir da análise do memorial do Plano Decenal Municipal de Educação de Brumadinho (2015) e da Lei Municipal Nº 2145 de 17 de abril de 2015, que dispõe sobre o Plano Decenal Municipal de Educação de Brumadinho, ancorada na pesquisa bibliográfica sobre os conceitos que fundamentam a pesquisa: gestão social, participação e desenvolvimento local.
Investigation of a Vorticity-preserving Scheme for the Euler Equations
Authors: Seligman Darryl , Shariff Karim
Published: May 2019

We investigate the vorticity-preserving properties of the compressible, second-order residual-based scheme, “RBV2.” The scheme has been extensively tested on hydrodynamical problems, and has been shown to exhibit remarkably accurate results on the propagation of inviscid compressible vortices, airfoil-vortex interactions on a curvilinear mesh, vortex mergers in an astrophysical accretion disk, and the establishment of a two-dimensional inverse cascade in high-resolution turbulent simulations. Here, we demonstrate that RBV2 sustains the analytic solution for a one-dimensional shear flow. We assess the fidelity by which the algorithm maintains a skewed shear flow, and present convergence tests to quantify the magnitude of the expected numerical dispersion. We propose an adjustment to the dissipation in the algorithm that retains the vorticity-preserving qualities, and accurately incorporates external body forces, and demonstrate that it indefinitely maintains a steady-state hydrostatic equilibrium between a generic acceleration and a density gradient. We present a novel numerical assessment of vorticity preservation for discrete wavenumber, vortical modes of discrete wavenumber up to the Nyquist wavenumber. We apply this assessment to RBV2 in order to quantify the extent to which the scheme preserves vorticity for the full Euler equations. We find that RBV2 perfectly preserves vorticity for modes with symmetric wavenumbers, i.e., k

x
 = k

y
, and that the error increases with asymmetry. We simulate the dynamical interaction of vortices in a protoplanetary disk to demonstrate the utility of the updated scheme for rendering astrophysical flows replete with vortices and turbulence. We conclude that RBV2 is a competitive treatment for evolving vorticity-dominated astrophysical flows, with minimal dissipation.
Flatness without CMB: The Entanglement of Spatial Curvature and Dark Energy Equation of State
Authors: Xu Haoting , Huang Zhiqi , Liu Zhenjie , Miao Haitao
Published: May 2019

The cosmic spatial curvature parameter Ω
k
is constrained, primarily by cosmic microwave background data, to be very small. Observations of the cosmic distance ladder and the large-scale structure can provide independent checks of the cosmic flatness. Such late-universe constraints on Ω
k
, however, are sensitive to the assumptions of the nature of dark energy. For minimally coupled scalar-field models of dark energy, the equation of state w has nontrivial dependence on the cosmic spatial curvature Ω
k
. Such dependence has not been taken into account in previous studies of future observational projects. In this paper we use the w parameterization proposed by Miao & Huang, where the dependence of w on Ω
k
is encoded, and perform a Fisher forecast on mock data of three benchmark projects: a Wide Field InfraRed Survey Telescope–like SNe Ia survey, a Euclid-like spectroscopic redshift survey, and a Large Synoptic Survey Telescope–like photometric redshift survey. We find that the correlation between Ω
k
and w is primarily determined by the data rather than by the theoretical prior. We thus validate the standard approaches of treating Ω
k
and w as independent quantities.
A Hard Look at NGC 5347: Revealing a Nearby Compton-thick AGN
Authors: Kammoun E. S. , Miller J. M. , Zoghbi A. , Oh K. , Koss M. , Mushotzky R. F. , Brenneman L. W. , Brandt W. N. , Proga D. , Lohfink A. M. , Kaastra J. S. , Barret D. , Behar E. , Stern D.
Published: May 2019

Current measurements show that the observed fraction of Compton-thick (CT) active galactic nuclei (AGN) is smaller than the expected values needed to explain the cosmic X-ray background. Prior fits to the X-ray spectrum of the nearby Seyfert-2 galaxy NGC 5347 (z = 0.00792, D = 35.5 Mpc ) have alternately suggested a CT and Compton-thin source. Combining archival data from Suzaku, Chandra, and—most importantly—new data from NuSTAR, and using three distinct families of models, we show that NGC 5347 is an obscured CTAGN (N
H > 2.23 × 1024 cm−2). Its 2–30 keV spectrum is dominated by reprocessed emission from distant material, characterized by a strong Fe Kα line and a Compton hump. We found a large equivalent width of the Fe Kα line (EW = 2.3 ± 0.3 keV) and a high intrinsic-to-observed flux ratio (∼100). All of these observations are typical for bona fide CTAGN. We estimate a bolometric luminosity of L
bol ≃ 0.014 ± 0.005 L
Edd.. The Chandra image of NGC 5347 reveals the presence of extended emission dominating the soft X-ray spectrum (E < 2 keV), which coincides with the [O iii] emission detected in Hubble Space Telescope images. Comparison to other CTAGN suggests that NGC 5347 is broadly consistent with the average properties of this source class. We simulated XRISM and Athena/X-IFU spectra of the source, showing the potential of these future missions in identifying CTAGN in the soft X-rays.
Molybdenum Isotopes in Presolar Silicon Carbide Grains: Details of s-process Nucleosynthesis in Parent Stars and Implications for r- and p-processes
Authors: Stephan Thomas , Trappitsch Reto , Hoppe Peter , Davis Andrew M. , Pellin Michael J. , Pardo Olivia S.
Published: May 2019

We have analyzed molybdenum isotopes, together with strontium and barium isotopes, in 18 presolar silicon carbide grains using the Chicago Instrument for Laser Ionization (CHILI), a resonance ionization mass spectrometer. All observed isotope ratios can be explained by mixtures of pure s-process matter with isotopically solar material. Grain residues were subsequently analyzed for carbon, nitrogen, silicon, and sulfur isotopes, as well as a subset for 26Al–26Mg systematics using the NanoSIMS. These analyses showed that all but one grain are mainstream grains, most probably coming from low-mass asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars. One grain is of the AB type, for which the origin is still a matter of debate. The high precision of molybdenum isotope measurements with CHILI provides the best estimate to date for s-process molybdenum made in low-mass AGB stars. The average molybdenum isotopic abundances produced by the s-process found in the analyzed mainstream SiC grains are 0% 92Mo, 0.73% 94Mo, 13.30% 95Mo, 36.34% 96Mo, 9.78% 97Mo, 39.42% 98Mo, and 0.43% 100Mo. Solar molybdenum can be explained as a combination of 45.9% s-process, 30.6% r-process, and 23.5% p-process contributions. Furthermore, the observed variability in the individual grain data provides insights into the variability of conditions (neutron density, temperature, and timescale) during s-process nucleosynthesis in the grains’ parent stars, as they have subtle effects on specific molybdenum isotope ratios. Finally, the results suggest that the ratio between p- and r-process molybdenum in presolar SiC from many different types of parent stars is Mo
p
/Mo
r
 = 0.767, the value inferred for the solar system and consistent with what has been found in bulk samples and leachates of primitive meteorites.
Multipulse Fermi Gamma-Ray Bursts. I. Evidence of the Transition from Fireball to Poynting-flux-dominated Outflow
Authors: Li Liang
Published: May 2019

The composition of a jet is still an unsolved problem in gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). Several previous studies have suggested that the prompt emission spectrum of GRBs is likely to consist of a few components that may arise from different jet compositions. Here we present a systematic analysis to search for the GRBs that seem to show the transition from a fireball to the Poynting-flux-dominated outflow between well-separated pulses within a single burst, like GRB 160626B, using the Gamma-ray Burst Monitor data of the Fermi satellite. We obtain 43 GRBs with clear multiple pulses and find that 9/43 (21%) bursts may exhibit such a transition based on the time-integrated spectral analysis. We then select a further four bursts with data of adequate quality to perform a detailed time-resolved spectral analysis, and we find that in three bursts the thermal-like pulse is a precursor. Furthermore, based on the time-resolved spectra, we constrain the outflow properties for those thermal pulses and find them consistent with the typical properties of the photosphere emission. Also, the later pulses with the softer low-energy spectral index are compatible with the optically thin synchrotron emission model. Our analysis indicates that a good fraction of the multipulse Fermi bursts may obtain the transition from fireball to the Poynting-flux-dominated outflow.
Spontaneous Clearance of Chronic HCV: The Key Ending Left in the Dark
Authors: Mumdzhiev Nikola Hristov , Radicheva Daniela Valerieva , Radicheva Mariana Penkova , Tenev Rumen Valchev , Vasileva Zlatina Dimitrova
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C is the second leading cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although the discovery of direct-acting agents made the disease curable, HCV elimination can be achieved solely by the host’s immunologic arsenal.
CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 29-year-old woman with chronic hepatitis C infection - elevated transaminases, positive serology. HCV was detectable on two occasions, and histology showed mild disease - A1F1. Upon follow up and without any treatment, the patient achieved spontaneous clearance confirmed by two consecutive undetectable HCV RNA tests. Spontaneous HCV clearance rarely occurs – 0.5% per person-year. This is sometimes accompanied by special circumstances like additional disease or medical interventions. Host factors like gender and interleukin-28B polymorphisms have been known to contribute to clearance. Viral factors like HCV RNA levels are also a factor. The characteristics of host-viral interplay – age of acquisition and fibrosis stage – cannot be overlooked.
CONCLUSION: All of the abovementioned factors contribute to the complex immunological interaction between virus and host and the result, although rarely can be spontaneous clearance.
Systemic Inflammatory Response in Predicting Prostate Cancer: The Diagnostic Value of Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte Ratio
Authors: Adhyatma Kharisma Prasetya , Prapiska Fauriski F. , Siregar Ginanda Putra , Warli Syah Mirsya
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: Over the past decades, the study of the microenvironment of cancer has supported the hypothesis between inflammation and cancer. Previous studies have demonstrated a promising value of platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as a systemic inflammatory response in prostate cancer.
AIM: To evaluate their pre-biopsy values of PLR and NLR in predicting prostate cancer.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a diagnostic study with retrospective design. We included all benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa) patients who underwent prostate biopsy in Adam Malik Hospital between August 2011 and August 2015. We used PSA value above 4 ng/dL as the threshold for the biopsy candidates. The relationship between pre-biopsy variables affecting the percentage of prostate cancer risk was evaluated, including age, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level, and estimated prostate volume (EPV). The PLR and NLR were calculated from the ratio of related platelets or absolute neutrophil counts with their absolute lymphocyte counts. The values then analysed to evaluate their associations with the diagnosis of BPH and PCa.
RESULTS: Out of 298 patients included in this study, we defined two groups consist of 126 (42.3%) BPH and 172 PCa (57.7%) patients. Mean age for both groups are 66.36 ± 7.53 and 67.99 ± 7.48 years old (p = 0.64), respectively. There are statistically significant differences noted from both BPH and PCa groups in terms of PSA (19.28 ± 27.11 ng/dL vs 40.19 ± 49.39 ng/dL), EPV  (49.39 ± 23.51 cc vs 58.10 ± 30.54 cc), PLR (160.27 ± 98.96 vs 169.55 ± 78.07), and NLR (3.57 ± 3.23 vs 4.22 ± 2.59) features of both BPH and PCa groups respectively (p < 0.05). A Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed for PLR and NLR in analysing their value in predicting prostate cancer. The Area Under the Curve (AUC) of PLR is 57.9% with a sensitivity of 56.4% and specificity of 55.6% in the cut-off point of 143 (p = 0.02). The NLR cut-off point of 3.08 gives 62.8% AUC with 64.5% sensitivity and 63.5% specificity. These AUCs were comparable with the AUC of PSA alone (68.5%). We performed logistic regression between PSA, PLR, and NLR with result in the exclusion of PLR if calculated conjunctively. Therefore, NLR has a promising performance in predicting PCa in patients with PSA above 4 ng/dL (OR = 3.2; 95% CI: 1.96-5.11). We found as many as 80 (63.5%) patients with benign biopsy results with negative NLR value in this study.
CONCLUSION: NLR has promising value in predicting prostate cancer. A further prospective study in validating its diagnostic value was needed.
Knowledge and Attitudes about Breast Cancer among Women: A Wake-Up Call in Nigeria
Authors: George Tayo O. , Allo Tolulope Abiola , Amoo Emmanuel O. , Olonade Olawale
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: Preventable deaths resulting from the scourge of breast cancer has become alarming and worrisome in many societies in developing countries, including Nigeria. Of much concern is the fact that breast cancer has continued to claim the precious lives of young, middle-aged, old, educated and non-educated women irrespective of their religion, socio-economic background and socio-demographic characteristics.
AIM: This study attempts to ascertain the knowledge and attitudes of women to breast cancer in Ogun State, Nigeria.
METHODS: The study adopts both primary and secondary data sources to examine the level of knowledge and attitude of women towards breast cancer with the view of suggesting probable solutions and recommendations for policy.
RESULTS: The result indicates that the awareness about breast cancer is overwhelming but only few women know about mammography; women in older age are 0.193 times less likely to attend breast cancer screening (p=0.000). Older women with secondary education that are either self-employed outside the home or full-time housewives are unfavourably disposed to breast cancer screening.
CONCLUSION: The authors recommend that concerned stakeholders in the health sector and policy decision makers should intensify action on cancer programmes and campaigns that could target older women especially housewives and women in middle level education.
Comparison of Honey versus Polylactide Anti-Adhesion Barrier on Peritoneal Adhesion and Healing of Colon Anastomosis in Rabbits
Authors: Negahi Ali Reza , Hosseinpour Parisa , Vaziri Mohammad , Vaseghi Hamed , Darvish Pedram , Bouzari Behnaz , Mousavie Seyed Hamzeh
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: Postoperative adhesion is still a consequence of intra-abdominal surgeries, which results in bowel obstruction and abdominopelvic pain. Bowel anastomosis as a common abdominal surgery has the incidence of leakage in up to 30% of patients that increase morbidity and mortality. Due to similar pathways of adhesion formation and wound healing, it is important to find a way to reduce adhesions and anastomosis leakage.
AIM: This study was designed to compare antiadhesive as well as anastomosis healing improvement effect of honey and polylactide anti-adhesive barrier film.
METHODS: Forty-five rabbits divided into three groups of honey, adhesion barrier film, and control group in an animal study. Under a similar condition, rabbits underwent resection and anastomosis of cecum under general anaesthesia. In the first group, honey was used at the anastomosis site, in the second one polylactide adhesion barrier film utilised, and the third one was the control group. Adhesion, as well as anastomosis leakage, was assessed after 21 days. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) for Windows version 25.
RESULTS: Three groups of 15 rabbits were studied. The results showed that mean peritoneal adhesion score (PAS) was lower in the honey group (1.67) in comparison to the adhesion barrier film group (3.40) and the control group (6.33).
CONCLUSION: Bio-absorbable polylactide barrier has an anti-adhesion effect but is not suitable for intestinal anastomosis in rabbits. Further studies needed to evaluate these effects on human beings.
Fracture Localisation of Porcelain Veneers with Different Preparation Designs
Authors: Zlatanovska Katerina A. , Dimova Cena , Gigovski Nikola , Korunoska-Stevkovska Vesna , Longurova Natasa
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: Porcelain veneers are permanent restorations that combine good aesthetic with functionality by minimal destructive techniques.
AIM: This study aimed to investigate the influence of the preparation designs on the fracture localisation.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Three preparation designs of porcelain veneers fabricated by a method of laying on a fireproof abutment on maxillary central incisor were examined in this in vitro study-feather preparation, bevel preparation and incisal overlap – palatal chamfer. The samples from all three groups were loaded into a universal test machine-TRITECH WF 10056 until damage occurred on the porcelain veneer. Fracture localisation was classified as an incisal, gingival or combination. Data were analysed with statistical programs: STATISTICA 7.1; SPSS 17.0.
RESULTS: In feather preparation, as a consequence of the mechanical force, the most common is the incisal localisation (66.7%), followed by the combined (33.3%), while the gingival fracture localisation is not registered. In bevel preparation, the most common fracture localisation is combined (53.6%), followed by incisal (35.7%) and subsequent gingival localisation (10.7%). In incisal overlap (palatal chamfer), combined and gingival localisation of the fracture is equally recorded in 14.3% of the samples, while the incisal is the most common localisation and is registered in 72.4%.
CONCLUSION: During the study, a statistically significant dependence was found between the localisation of the occurred changes (incisal, gingival and combination) and the three different types of preparation.
Nutrition Status Related to Clinical Improvement in AFB-Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients in Primary Health Centres in Medan, Indonesia
Authors: Sari Dina Keumala , Mega Juli Yosa , Harahap Juliandi
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public issue in Indonesia, including in North Sumatra province. Despite reported good efficacy of TB treatment in the region, the success of treatment depends on many factors, including nutritional status.
AIM: To determine the relationship between Body Mass Index and Albumin level with sputum conversion in AFB-positive pulmonary TB patients.
METHODS: The study was done in two primary health centres in Medan between October and November 2018. A total of 39 newly diagnosed TB patients with confirmed AFB-positive were included in the study. Participants received TB treatment according to the national guidelines.
RESULTS: The proportion of participants with below normal, normal and above normal BMI status were 13 (33.3%), 21 (53.9%) and 5 (12.8%), respectively. Level of albumin was determined as normal in 25 participants (64.1%), and the remaining as low. Normal BMI status was significantly associated with increased albumin level (p < 0.05). At 2 months follow-up, the sputum conversion was observed in 24 individuals (61.5%), and the conversion was significantly associated with normal BMI and/or normal albumin level (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: We concluded that nutritional status is an important factor in the success of TB treatment.
Evaluation and Comparison of Efficacy of Gluma® and D/Sense® Desensitizer in the Treatment of Root Sensitivity Induced by Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy
Authors: Al-Qahtani Saad Mohammed
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: Dentinal hypersensitivity is one of the most common sequels of non-surgical periodontal therapy. Resulted discomfort may restrain patients from oral hygiene maintenance, thus affects the long-term success of periodontal therapy. So, it becomes a prime concern of the clinician to manage the post-operative hypersensitivity.
AIM: This clinical investigation aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of D/Sense® and Gluma® in preventing post-operative sensitivity after non-surgical periodontal therapy.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present randomised, double-blind, split-mouth study was conducted on forty-five (22 male, 23 female) systemically healthy patients, with the mean age of 40 ± 17.5 years. Visual Analogue scale was used to evaluate root sensitivity after application of tactile and cold stimuli at baseline, 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after scaling and root planing. After scaling and root planning, the sites were randomly divided into different groups for the application of desensitising agents. Collected data were analysed by using, analysis of variance (ANOVA) for inter-group and paired t-test for intra-group comparisons.
RESULTS: No adverse or side effects were reported by any of the patients throughout the study period. Gluma® showed a statistically significant reduction in the VAS score for root sensitivity as compared to D/Sense®, at 1, 2- and 4-weeks follow-up period (p < 0.05). Whereas, at 6th-week follow-up, both the solution showed almost similar score for root hypersensitivity. Intragroup comparison for D/Sense® revealed a significant difference in scores from baseline to all intervals (p < 0.05), except baseline to 6 weeks (p > 0.05). Whereas Gluma® showed a significant difference in scores from baseline to 2nd-week follow-up (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: The result of the present investigation revealed that application of Gluma® resulted in better control on iatrogenic root hypersensitivity as compared to the D/Sense® during the initial follow-up period.
Transplantation of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Preserve the Salivary Glands Structure after Head and Neck Radiation in Rats
Authors: Elsaadany Basma Abdelaleem , Zakaria Mai , Mousa Mohamed
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: The salivary glands are one of the radiation sensitive tissues during radiotherapy in the treatment of head and neck cancer. Within the first weeks of radiotherapy, the radiation causes progressive loss of gland function, then continue throughout the later of the patient’s life.
AIM: The present work was designed to discover the potential effect of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) injected locally and in decreasing the unwanted effects of radiation on rats salivary gland.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: 6 rats used as the control group (N) and 12 rats had a single radiation dose of 13Gy in the head and neck then, they were equally allocated into two groups: Irradiated only as a group (C), Irradiated then treated with MSCs as a group (S). The animals were euthanised 7 days post radiation. Then, submandibular salivary glands were cut up; the histological examination was done.
RESULTS: Histological examination of the treated group(S) shown an apparent improvement in the SG structure and function compared to the irradiated group (C), this improvement represented mainly as preserving acini diameter ( mean diameter in µm group ( C ) 183.1 ± 4.5, in group (S) 356.3 ± 33.5 while, in (N) group 408.9 ± 5.9) and decrease in fibrotic areas in the gland ( mean fibrosis parentage in group ( C ) 26.5 ± 5.9 in (C ) group , in group (S) 11.7 ± 4.13 while in (N) group 0.2 ± 0.31).
CONCLUSION: BM-MSCs has revealed to be promising in mitigating the side effects of radiotherapy on salivary glands structure.
Upregulation of SCUBE1 in Dengue Virus Infection
Authors: Ali Hirowati , Prana Coyza , Nasrul Ellyza
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: Dengue is a major communicable disease in tropical areas, with an increasing prevalence every year. Thrombocytopenia is one of the commonly used laboratory parameters for predicting the severity of the disease. It is detected on day 6 or day 7 after the febrile stage, and its presence indicates that the disease has become potentially fatal. Therefore, it is necessary to identify a marker for the early recognition of dengue virus infection during the febrile stage before the detection of thrombocytopenia on day 6 to prevent severe disease outcomes. Signal peptide-CUB- (complement C1r/C1s)-EGF (epidermal growth factor)-like domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) is secreted in activated platelets under inflammatory conditions and enhances platelet-platelet adhesion and agglutination. This gene was first identified in human vascular endothelium, but its biological role in platelets remains unknown.
AIM: This study aims to identify SCUBE1 expression during the febrile stage of dengue virus infection and examine the correlation of its expression with thrombocytopenia occurrence on day 6.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 17 patients infected with dengue virus on day-3 fever and from 16 healthy controls who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for dengue virus infection according to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification for dengue virus infection. All samples were subjected to SCUBE1 gene analysis using real-time reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-PCR).
RESULTS: The results showed that upregulation of SCUBE1 gene in infected patients (8.9 ± 3.1-fold) compared to that in healthy controls, indicating SCUBE1 involvement in dengue virus infection. Furthermore, we analysed the laboratory parameters of infected patients on day 3 and day 6, when thrombocytopenia is usually detected. Platelet count was found to be significantly decreased from day 3 until day 6 in the infected patients. Unfortunately, our results showed no correlation between SCUBE1 expression in the febrile stage and the occurrence of thrombocytopenia on day 6.
CONCLUSION: The conclusion of this study is SCUBE1 might play a role in dengue virus infection but does not correlate with thrombocytopenia on day-6 fever.