bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A prospective descriptive study on prevalence of catatonia and correlates in an acute mental health unit in Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa
Authors: Zingela Zukiswa , Stroud Louise , Cronje Johan , Fink Max , Van Wyk Stephan
Published: March 2022

Catatonia is a psychomotor abnormality caused by neurological, medical or severe psychiatric disorders and substances. Its prevalence ranges from less than 10% to just above 60%. Diagnosis may be influenced by the screening tools used. Screening of new admissions to a mental health unit for catatonia was undertaken using three instruments to determine prevalence of catatonia. Participants ranged from age 16 years and over. Recruitment took place from September 2020 to August 2021. The setting was a mental health unit within a general hospital in Nelson Mandela Metro, South Africa. Five assessors were trained by the principal investigator to apply the Bush Francis Screening Instrument (BFCSI), the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS), and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 (DSM-5), to assess participants. Clinical and demographic data were collected using a specially designed datasheet. Data analysis was performed to identify significant associations between presence or absence of catatonia and clinical and demographic data. Up to 241 participants were screened and 44 (18.3%) had catatonia. All 44 cases were identified through the BFCSI while the DSM-5 identified only 16 (6.6%%) of the 44 cases even though the remaining 28 (63.6%) participants still required treatment for catatonic symptoms. The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria excluded staring, which was the commonest sign of catatonia identified through the BFCSI [n = 33 (75%)]. Close to half (21; 47.7%) of those with catatonia on the BFCSI had schizophrenia. The rest had bipolar disorder (12; 27.3%), substance-induced psychotic disorder (7; 15.9%) and no specified diagnosis in one (1; 2.6%). The BFCSI was very effective at identifying catatonia while the DSM-5 was inadequate, missing close to 64% (28 of 44) of cases. Predictors of catatonia in this sample were a younger age and being male. A prevalence of 18.3%, indicates that assessment for catatonia should be routinely conducted in this and similar settings.
Impact of screen time during COVID-19 on eating habits, physical activity, sleep, and depression symptoms: A cross-sectional study in Indian adolescents
Authors: Moitra Panchali , Madan Jagmeet
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study attempted to address the limited knowledge regarding the impact of screen time (ST) on lifestyle behaviors in Indian adolescents during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The objectives were to 1) evaluate frequency and duration of using screens, and screen addiction behaviors in 10–15 years old adolescents in Mumbai during the COVID-19 pandemic and 2) examine the association of ST with lifestyle behaviors- eating habits, snacking patterns, physical activity (PA) levels, sleep quality and depression symptoms.

Methods

An online survey was completed between January and March 2021. Eating habits, snacking patterns, time spent in different screen-based activities, and screen addiction behaviors were reported. The PA levels, sleep quality, and depression symptoms were evaluated using the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Children/Adolescents (PAQ C/A), Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2) respectively. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the impact of ST on lifestyle behaviors.

Results

Adolescents (n = 1298, Mage 13.2(1.1), 53.3% boys) reported the mean weekday and weekend ST as 442.3 (201.5) minutes/d and 379.9 (178.2) minutes/d respectively. Overall, 33.4% spent > 6hours/d for studying or doing homework, 65.4% used social networking sites for at least 2–3 hours/d, and 70.7% agreed that ST had taken up the majority of their leisure time. Only 12% engaged in moderate to vigorous PA (PAQ C/A scores <2). More than half (52.5%) reported PSQI >5 indicating poor sleep quality and 8.6% scored ≥ 3 on PHQ-2 to suggest a risk of depression. A higher ST was associated with lower PA and increased sleep problems and a greater screen addiction was inversely associated with the eating habit, PA, and sleep-related variables.

Conclusion

The study draws attention to a high prevalence of excess ST and its impact on eating habits, PA levels, and sleep quality in Indian adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeted health promotion interventions that encourage judicious use of screens for education and entertainment and emphasize the adverse health effects of excess ST are required.
Serological and molecular detection of Babesia caballi and Theileria equi in Mexico: A prospective study
Authors: Salinas-Estrella Elizabeth , Ueti Massaro W. , Lobanov Vladislav A. , Castillo-Payró Evelio , Lizcano-Mata Amelia , Badilla César , Martínez-Ibáñez Francisco , Mosqueda Juan
Published: March 2022

Equine piroplasmosis is a disease of horses, mules and donkeys, caused by the hemoprotozoans Babesia caballi and Theileria equi and transmitted by ticks of tropical and subtropical regions. Because the clinical signs are not specific, the diagnosis of equine piroplasmosis is difficult. In Mexico, where the environmental factors are conducive to the persistence of these pathogens, there is a lack of molecular studies to evaluate the occurrence of both parasites in horses. In the present study, matching serum and whole blood samples were obtained from 269 horses residing in 24 locations with tropical or subtropical climate and the presence of ticks. Testing of serum samples by ELISA demonstrated 55.7% seroprevalence of B. caballi and 68.4% prevalence of antibodies to T. equi. Blood samples analyzed with nPCR test were 7.8% positive to B. caballi and 78.8% positive to T. equi, while a duplex qPCR showed 15.24% positive samples to B. caballi and 59.11% to T. equi. From these results, 27 samples were sequenced for T. equi and 13 for B. caballi, confirming the presence of both horse parasites that cause equine piroplasmosis and suggesting that they are widespread in Mexico. This is the first study confirming the presence of B. caballi and T. equi in Mexico using both serological and molecular diagnostic methods. This study shows a high incidence of exposure to the etiological agents of equine piroplasmosis in horses in the studied areas.
Reproducibility of dynamic contrast enhanced MRI derived transfer coefficient Ktrans in lung cancer
Authors: Weber Jean-Philip Daniel , Spiro Judith Eva , Scheffler Matthias , Wolf Jürgen , Nogova Lucia , Tittgemeyer Marc , Maintz David , Laue Hendrik , Persigehl Thorsten
Published: March 2022

Dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) is a useful method to monitor therapy assessment in malignancies but must be reliable and comparable for successful clinical use. The aim of this study was to evaluate the inter- and intrarater reproducibility of DCE-MRI in lung cancer. At this IRB approved single centre study 40 patients with lung cancer underwent up to 5 sequential DCE-MRI examinations. DCE-MRI were performed using a 3.0T system. The volume transfer constant Ktrans was assessed by three readers using the two-compartment Tofts model. Inter- and intrarater reliability and agreement was calculated by wCV, ICC and their 95% confident intervals. DCE-MRI allowed a quantitative measurement of Ktrans in 107 tumors where 91 were primary carcinomas or intrapulmonary metastases and 16 were extrapulmonary metastases. Ktrans showed moderate to good interrater reliability in overall measurements (ICC 0.716–0.841; wCV 30.3–38.4%). Ktrans in pulmonary lesions ≥ 3 cm showed a good to excellent reliability (ICC 0.773–0.907; wCV 23.0–29.4%) compared to pulmonary lesions < 3 cm showing a moderate to good reliability (ICC 0.710–0.889; wCV 31.6–48.7%). Ktrans in intrapulmonary lesions showed a good reliability (ICC 0.761–0.873; wCV 28.9–37.5%) compared to extrapulmonary lesions with a poor to moderate reliability (ICC 0.018–0.680; wCV 28.1–51.8%). The overall intrarater agreement was moderate to good (ICC 0.607–0.795; wCV 24.6–30.4%). With Ktrans, DCE MRI offers a reliable quantitative biomarker for early non-invasive therapy assessment in lung cancer patients, but with a coefficient of variation of up to 48.7% in smaller lung lesions.
A Fé dos Juízes: Inquisidores e processos por heresia em Portugal (1536-1774)
Authors: Feitler Bruno
Published: March 2022

Quem eram os inquisidores portugueses? Como suas práticas judiciais evoluíram ao longo dos quase trezentos anos de existência do Santo Ofício em Portugal? Que fé, que confiança, os inquisidores tinham em seus próprios julgamentos? A fé dos juízes refaz a história da Inquisição portuguesa a partir de um ponto de vista jurídico, das carreiras e das dissensões existentes entre os inquisidores. Vemos que bastante rapidamente muitos de seus membros, geração após geração, deixaram de acreditar na eficácia dos métodos empregados no julgamento dos casos de heresia, e que essas insatisfações são um importante elemento das reformas dos anos 1770. Conta-se assim a história do Santo Ofício português, antes do seu declínio final, a partir daquilo que era o cerne da sua existência: os processos por heresia.
Evaluation of the anesthetic depth and bispectral index during propofol sequential target-controlled infusion in dogs
Authors: Ubiali Matheus Luis Cunha , Meirelles Guilherme Paes , Vilani Julia Milczewski , da Luz Henrique Erick , Marangoni Sabrine , Rodrigues Raisa Braul , Vilani Ricardo Guilherme D'OCtaviano de Castro
Published: March 2022

Background and Aim: The use of anesthetic infusions based on pharmacokinetic values associated with anesthetic plan and bispectral index in dogs have not been well-documented in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the bispectral index (BIS) change based on pre-propofol and establish clinical anesthetic depth changes during propofol sequential target-controlled infusion (STCI) in dogs with a plasma target of 5 μg/mL.

Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy male dogs aged 1-3 years and weighing 9.8-44 kg were recruited. These dogs were pre-medicated intramuscularly with methadone (0.2 mg/kg) and acepromazine (0.03 mg/kg). After 30 min, propofol anesthetic induction and maintenance were initiated using STCI according to dog pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters. Subsequently, the target plasma concentration of propofol was set at 5 μg/mL for both anesthetic induction and the 120 min maintenance. Then, TivaTrainer v.9.1 software was used to calculate anesthetic infusion rates in a TCI plasmatic concentration mode using the PKs model optimized by covariates for propofol TCI in dogs. The BIS value was recorded every 5 min from the beginning of induction until the end of anesthesia. Finally, analysis of variance was performed on numerical data using the Friedman test, followed by the Bonferroni adjustment (p<0.05).

Results: A statistical difference was observed between the baseline BIS value (T0), with a median value of 84.5 (81-97), and BIS after every 15 min (T15) of inducing anesthesia. Surgical anesthetic depth was also reached in 18 of 20 dogs after 10 min of infusion and in all dogs after 20 min, with a median BIS value of 72 (53-89) at the time of surgical anesthesia depth. Results also showed no BIS variation (p<0.05) between anesthetic moments after anesthetic induction with a substantial amplitude of BIS in the surgical anesthetic depth. Moreover, the maximum depth of anesthesia in all dogs by clinical evaluation was reached after 20 min of anesthesia and then remained stable throughout the anesthetic period.

Conclusion: This study suggested that most dogs (90%) attained a surgical depth of anesthesia within 15 min of STCI onset, with a plasma target of 5 μg/mL and no change in anesthetic depth throughout the period anesthesia lasted. Furthermore, median BIS values remained high even after dogs reached the surgical depth of anesthesia, indicating that the comparison of BIS values of dogs and humans should not be considered for classifying anesthetic and hypnotic depths in dogs.
Electronic word-of-mouth, risco percebido e a sensibilidade dos consumidores aos preços dos Meios de Hospedagem ofertados no ambiente virtual
Authors: Silva Débora Maria Soares , Souza Anderson Gomes de
Published: March 2022

As relações de consumo estão passando por mudanças devido ao surgimento de novas plataformas digitais. Isso afetou vários setores da economia, incluindo hotelaria e turismo. Portanto, este estudo teve como objetivo verificar o quão sensíveis são os consumidores de serviços de hospedagem em relação aos preços praticados por hotéis, pousadas e afins online. Além disso, avaliou-se o electronic word-of-mouth eletrônico (eWOM) e sua relação com os possíveis riscos percebidos pelos consumidores durante a aquisição desses serviços virtualmente. Para tanto, adotou-se uma abordagem de pesquisa quantitativa, de natureza descritiva e corte transversal único. A amostra foi composta por 210 indivíduos, selecionados a partir da técnica de snowball-sampling e entrevistados por meio de survey digital. Estes foram divididos em dois subgrupos: a) dos expostos a comentários positivos e b) dos expostos a comentários negativos. Os resultados mostraram que ambos os grupos demonstram preocupação quanto ao risco de privacidade/segurança ao efetivar uma reserva de hospedagem online, ficando claro que a opinião de outros consumidores tende a ser levada em consideração pelos entrevistados no intuito de reduzir (ou mesmo anular) as possíveis consequências negativas de uma má escolha. Por fim, constatou-se, ainda, que comentários deixados na internet podem impactar no grau de sensibilidade dos consumidores à variação de preços dos meios de hospedagem.
Turismo Responsável: proposta de framework a partir da experiência do serviço social do comércio no Brasil
Authors: D’Aurea Alberto , Meiriño Marcelo Jasmim , Macke Janaina
Published: March 2022

O crescimento do setor de turismo e os impactos para os destinos torna importante o estudo de alternativas para mitigar os impactos negativos e intensificar os positivos com foco na qualidade de vida do residente e na geração de valor para as organizações. Este artigo tem por objetivo desenvolver um framework a partir da identificação e análise das dimensões do Turismo Responsável via estudo do caso das operações de turismo do Serviço Social do Comércio (Sesc). O estudo possui abordagem quantitativa: Por meio da aplicação de questionário junto aos funcionários da organização e análises estatísticas descritivas e fatoriais, os resultados demonstraram que as dimensões que se apresentaram com maior expressividade foram a responsabilidade sociocultural (participação e cooperação local, engajamento dos residentes e empresas locais); a responsabilidade ambiental (uso de acomodações e transporte sustentáveis, monitoramento de impactos ambientais e grupos de turismo reduzidos); a responsabilidade econômica (estímulo a compra em produtores locais e uso de mão de obra local); a imagem e reputação da organização (marketing, reputação e vantagem competitiva) e a incorporação da sustentabilidade à gestão (gestão sustentável e percepção de qualidade). O framework reconhece a complexidade da atividade turística e pode contribuir para a sua gestão responsável.
The ketogenic diet: history, mechanism of action, indications and contraindications
Authors: Ivannikova E. V. , Altashina M. A. , Troshina E. A.
Published: March 2022

Low-carb diets have been successfully used to alleviate a number of severe neurological diseases for about 100 years. The publication of the results of new studies suggesting that this type of diet may play a therapeutic role in other pathologies such as diabetes, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, and oncology is of particular interest for both doctors and the public. However, the long-term safety of using a low-carb or ketogenic diet, as well as its impact, primarily on the risks of developing cardiovascular diseases, remains poorly studied. This article presents the results of observation of patients against the background of a low-carbohydrate diet, both in the short-term perspective as well as provides an assessment of its long-term consequences.
Quality of life in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism after surgery
Authors: Nikitina T. P. , Gladkova I. N. , Rusakov V. F. , Chernikov R. A. , Karelina Yu. V. , Efremov S. M. , Ionova T. I.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: For a comprehensive assessment of the effect of surgery in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), as well as for monitoring the condition of patients after treatment, it sounds reasonable to evaluate quality of life (QoL) and symptoms in PHPT patients before and after surgery.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess changes in the QoL and symptoms in patients with PHPT after surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: During prospective observational study, patients filled out QoL questionnaires and evaluated the presence and severity of their symptoms prior to parathyroidectomy (PTE) and 3, 12 months after surgery. Statistical analysis included the following methods: Student’s t-test or Wilcoxon’s non-parametric test, the generalized estimating equations (GEE), correlation analysis, χ2 and McNemar tests.

RESULTS: The study included 72 patients (mean age 52 years, 97.2% female) with symptomatic (68.1%) and asymptomatic (31.9%) PHPT. Before surgery patients with PHPT exhibited significantly decreased role functioning, physical and social well-being, and vitality. Half of PHPT patients experienced moderate-to-severe symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, loss of concentration, mood changes, as well as joint and bone pain; the association between symptoms experienced and the extent of QoL impairment before surgery was shown. Three months after PTE improvement in both physical and psychological components of QoL was shown. Positive QoL changes were demonstrated in patients with both symptomatic and asymptomatic PHPT and they preserved for 12 months after surgery. Also within 12 months after PTE significant decrease in PHPT-associated symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, loss of concentration and mood changes was found.

CONCLUSION: The results obtained demonstrate efficacy of PTE from the patient’s perspective and confirm the value of QoL assessment in PHPT patients in management of this patients’ population both for decision making and for evaluation of benefits of surgery and the degree of recovery of patients at long term follow-up.
Features of the use of synthetic analogues of thyroid hormones: а 2020 THESIS* questionnaire survey of members of the Belarusian Public Medical Association of Endocrinology and Metabolism
Authors: Shepelkevich A. P. , Dydyshka Yu. V. , Yurenya E. V. , Lоbashova V. L. , Attanasio R. , Hegedüs L. , Nagy E , Negro R , Papini E. , Perros P.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND. The standard treatment for hypothyroidism is levothyroxine (LT4), which in the Republic of Belarus is available in tablet form whereas liothyronine (LT3) is not registered, but patients can purchase them on their own abroad.

AIM. This study aimed to investigate Belarusian endocrinologists’ attitude of thyroid hormones in hypothyroid and euthyroid patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. An online survey was conducted, for which members of the Belarusian Medical Association of Endocrinology and Metabolism were invited by posting information in the group chat and by e-mail. The research period was from October 1 to December 26, 2020. 210 questionnaires were received, 146 of which were used.

RESULTS. The majority of participants, 145 (99.3%), indicated that they were using LT4 as the first-choice drug for the treatment hypothyroidism. Sixty-one (41.8%) doctors answered that LT3 + LT4 combination likely can be used in patients with long-term untreated hypothyroidism and 15 (10.3%) — in patients with persistent symptoms of hypothyroidism, despite biochemical euthyroidism on therapy LT4. Over half of the respondents 84 (57.5%) answered that thyroid hormone therapy was never indicated for euthyroid patients, but 50 (34.2%) would consider it for female infertility with high level of thyroid antibodies and 36 (24.7%) for simple goiter growing over time. In various conditions that could interfere with absorption of LT4, most responding Belarusian endocrinologists do not expect a significant difference with different formulations (tablets

+“I do not expect major changes in different forms” vs. “soft gel capsules”+“liquid solution”; p <0.001). Persistent symptoms of hypothyroidism on the background of LT4 replacement therapy with the achievement of the target TSH can mainly be caused by psychosocial factors, concomitant diseases, unrealistic patient expectations, chronic fatigue syndrome, and the burden of chronic disease.

CONCLUSION. The method of choice of Belarusian endocrinologists in the treatment of hypothyroidism is LT4 replacement therapy, but the appointment of LT4 + LT3 combination therapy can be considered in certain clinical situations. As a rule, endocrinologists do not prescribe LT4 in patients with euthyroidism and do not expect a significant difference when using other forms of levothyroxine.
Melatonin status in obese patients with ovarian dysfunction at reproductive age
Authors: Andreeva E. N. , Grigoryan O. R. , Absatarova Yu. S. , Sheremetyeva E. V. , Mikheev R. K.
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND: Melatonin is the main hormone of the pineal gland. By regulating circadian rhythms and being an immune regulator and antioxidant, this hormone takes part in the work of the ovaries: its high concentrations block apoptosis and neutralize reactive oxygen species involved in folliculogenesis, ovulation, egg maturation and corpus luteum formation.

AIM: To study melatonin status and its relationship with menstrual dysfunction and sleep disorders in obese women of reproductive age.

MATERIALS AND METHODS. In a one-stage comparative study, women 18-35 years old took part: 30 patients with obesity and menstrual disorders of an inorganic nature and 30 healthy women in the comparison group with normal weight and regular menstrual cycle. All participants underwent a questionnaire to identify somnological disorders, and the level of melatonin in saliva and 6-sulfatoxymelatonin in urine was also investigated.

RESULTS: In the group of patients with obesity (n=30), various sleep disorders were encountered in 47% of cases (p=0.003), including more often obstructive sleep apnea syndrome was recorded (30% of cases), and a correlation was found between the indicators of the questionnaire survey of subjective sleep characteristics and body mass index of patients (r=0.450, p=0.030) compared with a group of healthy women with normal weight (n=30). In the main group, the level of melatonin in saliva was statistically significantly lower than in the control: median 12.6 pg / ml and 25.5 pg / ml, respectively (p=0.008), the same pattern was recorded for 6-sulfatoxymelatonin: 14, 72 pg / ml and 31.12 pg / ml, respectively.

CONCLUSION: Patients with obesity and menstrual dysfunction are more likely to suffer from various sleep disorders and have lower levels of melatonin in saliva and 6-sulfatoxymelatonin in urine.
Severe bone complications of primary hyperparathyroidism in a young patient with the rare verified mutation of MEN1
Authors: Eremkina A. K. , Sazonova D. V. , Bibik E. E. , Sheikhova A. Z. , Khairieva A. V. , Buklemishev Yu. V. , Mokrysheva N. G.
Published: March 2022

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome (MEN1) is a rare inherited disorder that can include combinations of more than 20 endocrine and non-endocrine tumors. Unfortunately, none of the described MEN1 mutations has been associated with a peculiar clinical phenotype, even within members of the same family, thus a genotype-to-phenotype correlation does not exist. MEN1 syndrome is the most common cause of hereditary primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT), the disease penetrance of which exceeds 50% by the age of 20 and reaches 95% by the age of 40. At the same time, PHPT with hyperplasia or adenomas of the parathyroid glands (PTG) is the most distinctive manifestation of the MEN1 syndrome. One of the main symptoms of PHPT, both in sporadic and hereditary forms of the disease, is bone damage. At the time of diagnosis in PHPT/MEN1, the bone mineral density is generally lower in comparison with the sporadic form of PHPT. This may be due to excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone during the period of peak bone mass, concomitant components of the syndrome, extended surgical treatment, and the direct effect of a mutation in the menin gene on bone remodeling. This clinical case describes a young patient with severe bone complications of PHPT and uncertain rare MEN1 mutation. PHPT was diagnosed five years later from the first onset of bone complications and repeated orthopedic operations. There was the «hungry bones» syndrome after successful surgery of PHPT, which was managed with vitamin D and calcium carbonate supplementation and there is a positive dynamic in increased bone mineral density in the main skeleton after 6 months.
Afrontar el final de la vida cuando la vida empieza: cuidados paliativos perinatales
Authors: Martín-Ancel Ana , Mazarico Edurne
Published: March 2022

Los cuidados paliativos perinatales tienen el objetivo de prevenir y tratar el sufrimiento físico, psicológico, social y espiritual de fetos y recién nacidos con enfermedades limitantes o amenazantes de la vida, y de sus familias, buscando promover la mejor calidad de vida posible. Se trata de una atención interdisciplinaria que comienza en el momento del diagnóstico (muchas veces durante el embarazo), y se prolonga hasta el fallecimiento y el duelo. Aunque las vivencias de estas familias son dolorosas, la mayoría de los padres valoran positivamente la posibilidad de haber querido, conocido y cuidado de sus hijos.
Aspectos bioéticos de los métodos «in vivo» e «in vitro» en animales para el estudio de la epilepsia
Authors: González Periañez Santiago , Linares-Márquez Pascual , Ramos-Morales Fernando Rafael
Published: March 2022

La bioética nació como un instrumento primordial que ampara los derechos de los seres vivos y cobija la protección del bienestar animal no solo en el ámbito de investigación, sino como parte del accionar del ser humano. En la actualidad, los modelos animales representan lo más aproximado para estudiar respuestas fisiológicas y patológicas en el humano, además, de probar nuevos compuestos biológicos. En el presente trabajo se comparan los principales modelos animales para la evaluación e investigación de la epilepsia y se reflexionan sus aspectos éticos en estudios realizados por diferentes equipos de investigación en el mundo.
Investigating Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers’ Self-Assessment Process
Authors: SAĞLAM ARSLAN Ayşegül , ASLAN Ayşegül , ARSLAN Selahattin
Published: March 2022

Teaching practice requires a variety of thinking skills, the most important of which is reflective thinking, which is defined as a self-assessment ability that enables an individual to overcome the uncertainties he encounters by questioning his experiences through critical and conscious research. This study aims to examine pre-service mathematics teachers' self-assessment processes related to their classroom practices and professional development. For this purpose, a self-assessment form composed of open-ended questions was prepared, in order to allow pre-service teachers reflect on their teaching practices. The form was filled by eight pre-service teachers immediately after their in-class practice sessions through an eight–week training program. Items included in the self-assessment forms were analyzed under three categories, based on the classification proposed by Schön (1987): i) Reflection-on-action, ii) Reflection-in-action, iii) Reflection-for-action. The analysis revealed that the pre-service teachers often engaged in self-assessments in the reflection-on-action and reflection-in-action categories, but mostly steered clear of the reflection-for-action category.
Email Usage: Much More Than a Habit!
Authors: ALAKURT Turgay
Published: March 2022

Email
is one of the most widely used communication tools today. Many users have
multiple email accounts for different usage purposes such as internet banking
and social media profile. That makes email an indispensable part of Internet
experience. The aims of this study are twofold. First, because email
communication is influenced by cultural context, it examines the preferred
communication ways and email usage habits of preservice teachers. Email usage
contributes to communication and teaching processes in many areas. In the scope
of the research, secondly, preservice teachers’ e-mail usage habits were
examined in terms of three dependent variables based on active/passive
self-reporting: online privacy concern, online information searching strategies
and satisfaction with life. The results showed that face-to-face conversations
are the most preferred method of communication of students to communicate with
both other students and academic staff. Despite that academic staffs prefer
primarily the email to communicate with students. Active
email users began to use email at an earlier age and smartphones are the most
commonly used device for checking emails for both active and passive email
users. The research results indicate a significant difference in favor of active
email users concerning their scores in online search strategies.
How much are Academics at Faculties of Education Ready for Multicultural Education
Authors: ACAR ÇİFTÇİ Yasemin
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this
study is to identify perceptions of academics who work in education faculties
on Critical Multicultural Education –Teacher Competences. The study group of
the descriptive study consisted of academics who work in education faculties
of 93 universities in the academic year of 2016-2017. The research study
included 328 academics. The research data were collected through the
“Critical Multicultural Education Teacher Competences Scale” (CMETCS). The
Critical Multicultural Education Teacher Competences Scale consists of 4
sub-dimensions as awareness, knowledge, skill and attitude. The scale had a
.85 reliability coefficient. The scale development study was carried out in
the province of İstanbul with 421 teachers who worked at different levels and
branches. The reliability analysis which was performed to determine the
appropriateness of the scale for this study demonstrated that reliability
coefficients of the sub-dimensions ranged between (α) 0,724 and 0,896, and
the reliability coefficient for the scale was 0,815 in general. The findings
of the study revealed that the academics perceive themselves as competent in
terms of the general scale, and partially competent in terms of knowledge and
awareness dimensions. The study demonstrated that the variables of gender,
age, ethnic origin, and mother language variables cause significant
differences in perceptions of the academics.
Visual Literacy, Cognitive Learning Approach and Instructional Technology
Authors: GÜNEY Zafer
Published: March 2022

The development of technology
has affected the contribution of perception management on learning in instructional
technology with its acceleration as well as leading the interaction between
people in social life. The development of technology makes it important to
integrate the perceptual design language into the culture of the society.

The concepts of "Visual Intelligence" and
"Visual Memory" have a positive relationship with the concept of  "visual literacy“. Visual learning,
visual thinking and visual communication, which form visual literacy, should be
remembered in the learning process and should not be forgotten as a whole
(Dwyer, 1994; İpek, 2003). Visual learning is to provide learning through
visuals in the learning process, visual thinking is the interaction of vision,
imagination, illustration-drawing (McKim, 1980), and visual communication is the
ability to maintain a continuous connection between these sources of
information. The use of visuals in education and training is a factor that
increases the effectiveness, efficiency and attractiveness of the
learning-teaching process and positively affects motivation. The role of a
material prepared in accordance with the instructional design models in the
teaching-learning process must be effective to support the visual perception
that can lead the instructional purpose. The teacher, who will realize the
learning process and direct the perception of the student, should be able to
master the characteristics of the student population while designing the
learning process and materials. and plan with new technologies.
Three Generations, Three Curriculum: Teachers' Opinions on Turkish Language Curriculum in 1981, 2006 and 2017
Authors: BAL Mazhar
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study is to determine the opinions
of teachers about Turkish Language Arts Curriculum. The study was limited to
1981 Basic Education Schools Turkish Language Arts Curriculum (6-8), 2006
Primary Turkish Language Arts Curriculum (6-8) and 2017 Turkish Language Arts
Curriculum (1-8). Semi-structured interopinion form was used as data collection
tool in the study, which was designed with case study, one of the qualitative
research methods. The participants of the study are Turkish language arts
teachers. The study was conducted with a total of 90 teachers. Content analysis
technique was used to analyze the data. In the research, Turkish language arts
teachers presented their opinions about the programs. They presented their opinions and made comparisons
between previous and subsequent programs. In addition, important findings have
been reached regarding the competence of teachers towards the purpose of the
programs. As a result of the study, it was determined that there are differences
between the three generations of Turkish language arts teachers in terms of
being effective in the teaching process. On the other hand, the common point
for all three generations was that they have not aware of the innovations
introduced by the programs. For this reason, it can be said that unless the
competencies of Turkish language arts teachers are increased, the innovations
brought with the programs cannot reach their goals.
A Survey Study for The Comparison of Meta-Analysis Softwares
Authors: ESER Mehmet Taha
Published: March 2022

In recent years, meta-analysis studies have become a popular field of study in order to quantitatively analyze the results obtained from more than one study carried out independently from the same subject and to interpret the results from a holistic perspective. Because of this, different licensed and open source software has been developed in the last 20 years. With this study, it is aimed to compare the existing programs and software in terms of meta-analysis in terms of quantitative and qualitative aspects. For this purpose, the results obtained from Jamovi, CMA, RStudio and Meta-Essentials programs were compared within the determined criterias. As a result of filtering the 1906 studies obtained from databases in accordance with the flow diagram, the number of studies to be included in the meta-analysis was determined to be 32. As a result of the study, forest plots obtained from different programs do not differ according to the program used. In addition, the open source and free of R, Jamovi and Meta-Essentials programs have been determined as the superiority of the programs compared to CMA. According to the findings, Jamovi has much more test for heterogeneity compaired to the other softwares. At the same time, the number of model prediction options is much higher for Jamovi compared to Meta-Essentials and CMA. While other software does not provide any information regarding model fit index and information criterion, Jamovi offers a rich output in this regard. It can be said that these features make Jamovi advantageous over other software.
The Effect of Activities Designed According to the Incremental Self-theory on 7th Grade Students’ Self-confidence and Their Views about Their Growth Mindset in Science Lesson
Authors: ORHAN Sema , AYDIN Abdullah
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of activities in the 7th graders science course cell and divisions unit, which were designed in accordance with the incremental self-theory on students’ self-confidence and views on their growth mindset. This Research was conducted with 54 seventh grade students studying in two branches in a public secondary school in Kastamonu Province, Turkey randomly assigned to the experimental group (N=27) and control group (N=27). While the cell and divisions unit was taught to the students in the control group in accordance with the 2018 Science Course Curriculum, it was taught to the students in the experimental group with additional supportive activities, which were designed in accordance with incremental self-theory. The research, which had been conducted with a mixed research approach, a semi-experimental design with pre-test post-test control group design. The quantitative data was collected using the self-confidence scale, and the qualitative data was collected using feedback forms. In the light of the findings, obtained via the analysis of all the data collected, while there was no significant difference between the control and experimental group with regard to self-confidence of the students in science course before the implementation, a significant difference was found in favor of the experimental group, after the implementation. The qualitative findings obtained from the feedback forms, which had been administered every week, supported the aforementioned results. According to the findings reached in line with the data obtained with the feedback forms, it was determined that students improved in subjects such as the developability of intelligence (92.59%), instructional of mistakes (95.83%), getting help in case of failure (100%) and fighting failure (100%), which are related to growth mindset. It has been determined that the education designed to develop the incremental self-theory has a positive effect not only on the students’ views about growth mindset but also their self-confidence levels.
Review Theories of E-Learning
Authors: Alharbi Omran , Alshammari Yousef , AlMutairi Awatif
Published: March 2022

There are several theories, which can be adopted and integrated to investigate the adoption of technology from learners and instructors’ perceptions in education environment. However, little of research were conducted to provide a comprehensive review of these theories. This study will present a comprehensive review of the essential theories such as Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA), Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), Diffusion of Innovations Theory (DIT), Motivational Model (MM) ,Model of Personal Computing Utilization (MPCU) ,Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) Model Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Also, this paper attempt to provide some justifications about why the TAM model has used in research more than others theories.
Establishment of a Surgery-Induced Osteoarthritis Rat Model
Authors: Lin Yu-Hsing , Chen Chia-Chi , Chen Hsiao-Yun
Published: March 2022

The degenerative arthritis has been a common knee joint disease in Taiwan. In mild cases of degenerative arthritis, it may just be a little uncomfortable to walk, but severe degenerative arthritis will cause difficulty in walking and even loss of basic mobility. The loss of articular cartilage in degenerative arthritis is irrecoverable. Currently, the degeneration of the knee joint can be easily divided into three levels based on its severity: primary, intermediate, and severe. The choice of treatments for degenerative arthritis will vary in according to different levels that is mainly divided into the non-surgical treatment and surgical treatment. Therefore, how to prevent knee joint degeneration is an important issue. In this study, anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) plus medial meniscectomy (MMx) surgery were used to established a rat model with degenerative arthritis. According to all data, we have successfully established a rat model with degenerative arthritis via ACLT-MMx surgery. We wish this model will applied on the research of degenerative arthritis drugs and the design of therapeutic strategies for degenerative arthritis in the future.
The role of the C domain in the thermostability of GH70 enzymes investigated by domain swapping
Authors: Molina Manon , Prévitali Thomas , Moulis Claire , Cioci Gianluca , Remaud-Siméon Magali
Published: March 2022

Sucrose-active enzymes belonging to the glycoside hydrolase (GH) family 70 are attractive tools for the synthesis of oligosaccharides, polysaccharides or glycoconjugates. However, their thermostability is an important issue for the development of robust and cost-effective enzyme-based processes. Indeed, GH70 enzymes are mesophilic and no thermophilic representatives have been described so far. Furthermore, structurally guided engineering is a challenge given the size of these proteins (120 to 250 kDa) and their organization in five domains. Herein, we have investigated the possible role of the domain C in the stability of GH70 enzymes. The alternansucrase (ASR) is the most stable enzyme of the GH70 family. Structural comparison of ASR to other GH70 enzymes highlighted the compactness of its domain C. We assumed that this atypical structure might be involved in the stability of this enzyme and decided to introduce this domain in another much less stable GH70 enzyme of known three-dimensional structure, the branching sucrase GBD-CD2. The chimeric GBD-CD2 exhibited a lower specific activity on sucrose substrate but its specificity was unchanged with the enzyme remaining specific for the branching of dextran via α-1,2 linkage formation. Interestingly, the chimera showed a higher melting temperature and residual activity than the wild-type enzyme after 10 min incubation at 30 °C showing that the domain C can affect GH70 enzyme stability and could be a potential target of both random or rational mutagenesis to further improve their stability.
Large solutions of a class of degenerate equations associated with infinity Laplacian
Authors: Li Cuicui , Liu Fang
Published: March 2022

In this article, we investigate the boundary blow-up problem

Δ

∞

h

u
=
f

(

x
,
u

)

,

in

Ω
,

u
=
∞
,

on

∂
Ω
,

\left\{\begin{array}{ll}{\Delta }_{\infty }^{h}u=f\left(x,u),& {\rm{in}}\hspace{0.33em}\Omega ,\\ u=\infty ,& {\rm{on}}\hspace{0.33em}\partial \Omega ,\end{array}\right.

where

Δ

∞

h

u
=
∣
D
u

∣

h
−
3

⟨

D

2

u
D
u
,
D
u

⟩

{\Delta }_{\infty }^{h}u=| Du\hspace{-0.25em}{| }^{h-3}\langle {D}^{2}uDu,Du\rangle

is the highly degenerate operator related to infinity Laplacian which comes from the absolutely minimizing Lipschitz extension and has a close relationship with the random game named tug-of-war. When the function

f

f

satisfies the Keller-Osserman-type condition, we establish the existence of the boundary blow-up viscosity solution. Moreover, for the separable case

f

(

x
,
u

)

=
b

(

x

)

g

(

u

)

f\left(x,u)=b\left(x)g\left(u)

, we establish the asymptotic estimate of the blow-up solution near the boundary under some regular conditions of the domain. Based on the asymptotic estimate and comparison principle, we obtain the uniqueness of the large viscosity solution. During this procedure, we also study the non-existence of the large solution. For the separable case, we show that the Keller-Osserman-type condition is sufficient and necessary for the existence of the boundary blow-up viscosity solution.
Identification of contagious SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals by Roche’s Rapid Antigen Test
Authors: Kessler Harald H. , Prüller Florian , Hardt Melina , Stelzl Evelyn , Föderl-Höbenreich Esther , Pailer Sabine , Lueger Andreas , Kreuzer Philipp , Zatloukal Kurt , Herrmann Markus
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Rapid antigen tests (RAT) can provide valuable information on the presence or absence SARS-CoV-2 within 15 min without the need of a laboratory. The analytical and diagnostic characteristics of available RATs has led to the question whether they can safely distinguish between infectious and non-infectious patients in an acute care setting.

Methods

Three nasopharyngeal swabs for the analysis by RAT, reverse transcriptase real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and a cell culture based infection assay were collected from 67 patients that presented to the emergency department of the University Hospital of Graz (Austria). The first swab was used for on-site RAT testing in the emergency department using the Roche SARS-CoV-2 RAT. The second swab was sent to the central laboratory of the hospital for RT-qPCR with two independent methods (Cepheid Xpert® Xpress SARS-CoV-2 assay and Roche Cobas SARS-CoV-2 Test) and repeat RAT testing using the same commercial test. With the third swab a cell culture-based infection assay was performed.

Results

The RATs performed from independent samples showed substantial agreement (Cohen’s-kappa: 0.73, p<0.001). All patients with a positive RAT had positive RT-qPCR with cycle threshold (ct) values <25. Fifteen out of 55 RAT-negative samples were RT-qPCR positive with ct values between 25 and 40. The inoculation of cell cultures with RT-qPCR negative swabs and RT-qPCR positive swabs with ct values >25 did not induce cytopathic effects that were related to SARS-CoV-2. The infection assays from four RAT-negative patients showed cytopathic effects that were induced by other pathogens.

Conclusions

The SARS-CoV-2 RAT from Roche Diagnostics is a valuable tool for managing symptomatic patients. RAT-negative patients may be regarded as non-contagious.
Hardness of surface-densified wood. Part 1: material or product property?
Authors: Scharf Alexander , Neyses Benedikt , Sandberg Dick
Published: March 2022

The established methods for testing the hardness of wood are of questionable value for assessing the performance of surface-densified wood, since the density profile beneath the densified surface is an important property that needs to be considered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of the density profile of surface-densified wood and the hardness test parameters, such as indenter geometry and applied load on the measured hardness. The influence of the density profile varied considerably depending on the hardness test parameters. This can make a comparison of hardness values of surface-densified wood prone to misinterpretation. The selection of hardness test parameters should either be product-specific, or the density profile itself should be used to evaluate the hardness of surface-densified wood. A strong influence of the density profile on the indentation depth development during the hardness tests indicates the possibility of predicting the density profile based on the hardness test methods.
Microstructural, functional groups and textural analysis of expanded polyethylene reinforced polystyrene composites with recycled aluminium as ternary component
Authors: Abdulkareem Sulyman A. , Abdulkareem Maryam T. , Ighalo Joshua O. , Adeniyi Adewale G. , Amosa Mutiu K.
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study is to utilise recycled aluminium, expanded polyethylene (EPE) and expanded polystyrene (EPS) to develop a ternary composite. The study was a preliminary investigation into the microstructural, functional groups and textural properties of the novel material. The material was characterised by Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) and Branueur-Emmet-Teller analysis (BET). The shifts in the FTIR peaks for each of the polymer feedstock in comparison with the binary composite indicated chemical interactions between them. For the ternary composites, there were shifting of peaks as the proportion of the aluminium increased in the composites, suggesting the influence of aluminium on the curing process. Beyond 20% Al filler, there were no significant functional group changes in the composite. SEM revealed that an increase in aluminium filler percentage led to better interfacial adhesion and dispersion. BET revealed that the blend of polystyrene and powdered EPE reduces the surface area, while the introduction of the aluminium particles within the range observed increases the surface area of the hybrid composites formed. As the dispersion of aluminium increased, pore volume increased while pore size decreased.