bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frávik og skýringar á tilboðum
Authors: Magnússon Magnús
Published: June 2024

Í grein þessari er sjónum beint að þeim reglum laga nr. 120/2016 um opinber innkaup sem gilda og mótast hafa í réttarframkvæmd um frávik frá útboðsgögnum í tilboðum í opinberum útboðum. Fjallað er um það hvað felist í frávikstilboði, sem og hvenær tilboð telst hafa vikið frá útboðsgögnum. Þá eru raktar þær reglur sem gilda um mat opinberra kaupenda á tilboðum þegar tilboð sem víkur frá útboðsgögnum berst. Í greininni er jafnframt fjallað um þær reglur sem gilda um óskir kaupanda um skýringar á tilboðum bjóðenda, en þegar tilboð sem virðist í fyrsta kasti í ósamræmi við útboðsgögn berst kann kaupandi að vilja óska skýringa á því sem virðist óljóst í tilboði. Eru mörk heimilla og óheimilla skýringa á tilboðum þá rakin, auk framangreinds.

Útboðsréttur. Opinber innkaup. Frávikstilboð. Frávik í tilboðum. Skýringarviðræður.
Empowering Reflection and Reflective Writing in Medical Education
Authors: Dharmasaroja Permphan
Published: June 2024

Reflection and reflective writing serve as integral components in medical education. They enable students to delve deeper into their experiences, fostering a profound understanding of clinical scenarios and patient interactions, nurturing self-awareness, critical thinking, and empathy. The term “reflection” carries multiple interpretations, all encapsulating the concept of understanding oneself and the surrounding environment to inform future behavior. In the realm of medical education, both students and medical teachers encounter challenges in navigating reflective practices, necessitating guidance and support throughout the process. Effective reflection between students and medical teachers in clinical settings requires adept navigation through potential difficulties in open discussions and managing the emotional impact. To address these challenges, medical teachers must possess heightened self-awareness and adaptability to cater to the diverse needs of individual students. Various models have offered frameworks to organize the reflective process, categorizing them into ‘iterative’ and ‘vertical’ approaches. Successful application involves a selective combination of elements from different models to customize reflective practices. Comprehending reflection and reflective writing is paramount for medical teachers as it empowers them to mentor students effectively, nurturing a culture of reflective practitioners. This fosters continual learning, ethical practice, and professional development among future healthcare professionals.
Odun Çeliklerinin Mikroskobik İnceleme ve Görüntülenmesinde Farklı Boyama Tekniklerinin Kullanımı Üzerine Araştırmalar
Authors: Engin Hakan , Kuzucu Fatih Cem , Gökbayrak Zeliha
Published: June 2024

Öz
Bu çalışmada, asma çeliklerinden kök oluşumunun mikroskobik incelenme ve görüntülenmesinde oldukça etkili olan ve tarafımızdan geliştirilen boyama ve görüntüleme yöntemleri sunulmaktadır. Farklı boya maddeleri farklı hücre tipleri ve bileşenleriyle tepkimeye girerek kendilerine özğü renk özelliklerini ortaya çıkarırlar. Asma kesitlerinde doğal renk farklılıkları birbirine çok yakındır. Bundan dolayı asma kök oluşumunun ve dal dokularının yüzey ve iç özellikleri göstermek için konsantrasyonunu arttırmanın en iyi yolu boyamadır. Bu amaçla araştırmamızda asma çeliklerinden kök oluşumunda hücre ve doku düzeyleri üzerine ayırt edici bilgiler sağlayarak net bir tanımlama ortaya koyabilmek için farklı boyama maddeleri ve bunların farklı karışımları üzerinde çalışılmıştır. Asma kesitlerine yapılan boyama uygulamaları Toluidine blue O, Aniline blue, Safranin O, Bromophenol blue, Methyl green, Basic fuchsin, Giemsa stain, Fast green FCF ve Carmin’dir. Bu uygulamalardan Toluidine blue O, Safranin O, Bromophenol blue, Fast green FCF ve Aniline blue boyamaları hücre ve doku düzeyleri üzerine etkili sonuçlar ortaya koymuştur. Ayrıca araştırmamızda kullanılan iki çift boyama yönteminden (Safranin O+ Bromophenol blue ve Bromophenol blue+Fast green FCF) başarılı sonuçlar alınmıştır. Her iki çift boyama yöntemi de asma gövde ve kök kesitlerinin mikroskop altında incelenmesinde kullanılması tavsiye edilir. Boyanan kesitlerin yüzeyindeki renklenmelerin ve keskinliğin mikroskop altında görüntüleme ve fotoğraflamasının iyileştirilmesi için tarafımızdan ‘halka ışık’ geliştirilmiştir. Halka ışık, numunenin tamamı üzerine beyaz ışık, sarı ışık ve her iki ışık yoğunluğunu farklı oranlarda kullanarak aydınlatma olanağı sunmaktadır.
MODELING THE FACTORS INFLUENCING SECONDARY STUDENTS’ PERFORMANCE IN STEM SUBJECTS
Authors: Mansour Nasser , Çevik Mustafa , Yağci Ali , Alotaibi Sarah Bader Mohsen , EL-Deghaidy Heba
Published: June 2024

STEM education plays a key role in influencing and orienting students' interests towards STEM fields and careers. This influence is multifaceted, involving not only STEM content and experiences but also teachers, schools, and personal factors. The purpose of this study is to explore the factors impacting the academic performance of 951 tenth grade students in STEM subjects (physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, and information technologies) who are attending public and private schools in two provinces of Turkey. Using a correlational research model, the study assessed how students' personal characteristics, teacher effectiveness and school characteristics affect achievement in STEM courses. Data were collected using the ‘Factors Affecting STEM Achievement Questionnaire (FA-STEM-A)’, a 20-item questionnaire divided into three sub-dimensions. Analyses focused on the relationships between student characteristics, teaching quality, school infrastructure and STEM performance. Structural equation modelling revealed that positive student characteristics, especially fondness for STEM subjects and confidence in STEM abilities, moderately increase achievement. In contrast, negative factors attributed to teachers and schools, such as inadequate classroom activities, lack of educator expertise, inadequate technological resources, and large class sizes, hindered student performance. These findings emphasize the important influence of both inherent student qualities and external educational conditions in determining STEM education.
Keywords: STEM achievement, secondary students, STEM subjects, structural equation modeling
The Data Economy and the Digital Economy
Authors:   CEMI RAS, Kozyrev A.N.
Published: June 2024

Whether we are talking about the digital economy, the data economy, or big data, it is always meant to rep-resent information (be it signals, commands, or data) in digital format or, more precisely, in binary code. Under-standing this is the key to understanding many events and facts. In particular, this concerns the rapid develop-ment of network services based on digital technologies and many other realities of the modern economy. This is shown in the article using specific examples from the past of leading companies and specific individuals who have become symbols of the new economy.
Nest site selection of cavity-nesting birds at Jahangirnagar University campus, Bangladesh
Authors: Shoma Shamia Farhana , Sultana Sadia , Shetu Nusrat Jahan
Published: June 2024

Understanding nest site selection by cavity-nesting birds is important for their conservation implications. We examined the preferences and characteristics of nesting trees and cavities used by cavity-nesting birds at Jahangirnagar University (JU) campus from January 2020 to October 2021. A total of 30 tree- cavity nests of 11 species of birds belonging to 4 orders and 7 families were recorded where 36% were primary excavators and 64% were secondary cavity-nesters. Out of 14 species of trees used in cavity-nesting, the most of the nests were built in Mahogany Swietenia mahagoni (n=8) followed by White siris Albizia procera (n=6) and Rain tree Samania saman (n=3). Diameter at breast height (DBH) of the nesting trees varied from 27 cm to 112 cm (52±23.2 cm). The highest mean DBH was recorded in Samania saman (85 cm) followed by Swietenia mahagoni (67 cm). Common Myna showed the widest selection of nesting tree species (n=9) followed by Black-rumped Flameback (n=4) and Lineated Barbet (n=4). Majority of the nesting trees (87%) were found in roadside (within 1-5 m) vegetation while 60% nesting trees located within 30 m from the nearby water bodies. The cavity-nesting species preferred to nest between 2 m to 12 m (5.2±2.6 m) height from the ground level. The entrance width and the depth of tree holes (n=30) used by cavity-nesters varied from 5 cm to 22 cm (7.5±3.5 cm) and 13 cm to 45 cm (23.2±6.5 cm), respectively. Suitable cavities are critical for reproductive success of cavity-nesting birds and our results highlight the conservation value of cavity-bearing large trees to maintain a healthy population of cavity-nesting birds at JU campus.
Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 12(1 & 2): 1-10, 2023 (June & December)
Peningkatan Minat Baca Siswa Sekolah Dasar Melalui Pojok Baca
Authors: Rahayu Arum , Wahib Ahmad , Besari Anam
Published: June 2024

Kegiatan Pengabdian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pemanfaatan pojok baca dalam meningkatkan kemampuan literasi membaca dan menulis pada siswa sekolah dasar melalui kegiatan pengabdian masyarakat. Pengabdian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dengan menggabungkan observasi partisipatif, dokumentasi, serta wawancara dengan siswa dan guru yang terlibat dalam kegiatan. Hasil kegiatan pengabdian ini menunjukkan peningkatan yang signifikan dalam kemampuan membaca dan menulis siswa, terlihat dari hasil kegiatan Asesmen Kompetensi Minimum (AKM) yang sangat memuaskan. Penggunaan pojok baca juga berkontribusi pada perkembangan kemampuan literasi para peserta didik. Selain itu, partisipan kegiatan ini menunjukkan tingkat antusiasme dan dedikasi yang tinggi dalam menjalankan kegiatan. Mereka terlibat aktif dalam aktivitas di pojok baca dan termotivasi untuk meningkatkan semangat dan motivasi belajar. Hasil ini mengindikasikan bahwa pendekatan pengabdian masyarakat yang memanfaatkan pojok baca sebagai alat pembelajaran efektif mampu memberikan dampak yang positif dan signifikan terhadap perkembangan literasi siswa. Temuan dari penelitian ini memiliki implikasi penting bagi praktisi pendidikan dan pengembangan kurikulum. Penggunaan pojok baca dapat dianggap sebagai strategi yang efektif dalam meningkatkan keterampilan literasi membaca dan menulis, sambil juga mendorong motivasi serta partisipasi aktif siswa dalam proses pembelajaran. Diharapkan temuan ini akan menginspirasi upaya lebih lanjut dalam mengintegrasikan konsep pojok baca dalam konteks pendidikan dan pengembangan kurikulum di sekolah-sekolah dasar.
Jenis-jenis Makrozoobentos yang Ditemukan di Batang Kuantan Kawasan Wisata Geopark Silokek Kabupaten Sijunjung
Authors: Ramadhani Annisa , Widiana Rina , Abizar Abizar
Published: June 2024

The Kuantan River in the Silokek Geopark Tourism Area, Sijunjung Regency, shows that the condition of the Kuantan River in the Silokek Geopark Tourism Area is a natural and potential tourism area, because the Kuantan River in the Silokek Geopark Tourism Area has become a tourist attraction due to its abundant natural wealth. However, gold mining has caused the Kuantan River water to be categorized as polluted, indicated by its turbidity. This study aims to determine the types of macrozoobenthos found in the Kuantan River within the Silokek Geopark Tourism Area, Sijunjung Regency. This research was conducted from August to December 2023. The research used a descriptive survey method, which included direct observation and sampling at the research site. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling, selecting three research stations. Sample identification was conducted at the Biology Education Laboratory, Universitas PGRI Sumatera Barat. Physicochemical water measurements were carried out at the Laboratory of Standardization and Industrial Services in Gadut, Padang, West Sumatra. The results of the research on the types of macrozoobenthos found in the Kuantan River within the Silokek Geopark Tourism Area, Sijunjung Regency, identified 10 species belonging to 2 classes: Gastropoda and Pelecypoda. Eight species of Gastropoda were found: Tarebia granifera, Thiara scabra, Brotia costula, Tryonia clathrata, Pleurocera acuta, Thiara scabra, Goniobasis livescens, Brotia sp., and 2 species of Pelecypoda: Corbicula manilensis and Pilsbryoconcha exilis.
Farklı İndüktif Etkilere Sahip Yan Gruplar İçeren Naftalimit Türevlerinin DNA Bağlanma Aktivitelerinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: Yıldız Ufuk , Özlemiş Fatma , Ünal Melek , Aydın Güldan
Published: June 2024

Naftalimit türevleri, son yıllarda yapılan çalışmalarda yüksek biyolojik aktiviteye sahip bileşikler olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Bu doğrultuda yeni türevlerin DNA etkileşim yollarının belirlenmesi ve literatüre kazandırılması büyük önem taşımaktadır. Bu çalışmada farklı yan gruplar içeren naftalimit türevlerinin DNA etkileşimleri incelenmiştir. UV titrasyonu ile bağlanma türünün interkalasyon olduğu anlaşılmıştır. Etidyumbromür ile yarışmalı floresans deneyleri gerçekleştirilerek bağlanma türü hakkında daha kesin bilgiler elde edilmiştir. Bileşiklerin plazmid DNA üzerinde gerçekleştirdikleri form değişiklikleri agaroz jel elektroforez yöntemiyle incelenmiş ve aktif konsantrasyona karar verilmiştir.
Çoklu Doğrusal Bağlantılı Nadir Olayların Modellenmesinde Lasso ve Ridge Regresyon ile Boosting Algoritmalarının Performans Karşılaştırması
Authors: Alpay Olcay
Published: June 2024

Bu çalışma, iki durumlu olayları modellemek için kullanılan makine öğrenmesi tekniklerinde karşılaşılan nadirlik ve “çoklu doğrusal bağlantı” ya da sadece “çoklu bağlantı” olarak tanımlanan sorunu ele alınmaktadır. Çoklu doğrusal bağlantı (ÇDB), bağımsız değişkenler arasında bir ya da birden fazla kuvvetli doğrusal bağımlılık olma durumudur ve bir sorun olarak ortaya çıkar. Üzerinde çalışılan veri içerisinde çoklu doğrusal bağlantı probleminin var olması regresyon katsayılarının varyanslarının büyümesi gibi olumsuz bir sonuca sebebiyet verir. Bu çalışmada, Lasso ve Ridge Regresyon ile GradientBoost, XGBoost, LightGBM ve AdaBoost gibi artırma algoritmaları içeren düzenleme ve ölçeklendirme tekniklerinin, çoklu doğrusal bağlantılı nadir olayların modellenmesinde, algoritmaların performanslarını karşılaştırmak için detaylı bir simülasyon çalışması sunulmaktadır. Simülasyon çalışmasında, verideki dengesizliği ortadan kaldırmak amacıyla yeniden örnekleme yöntemleri kullanılarak sonuçlara etkisi Hata Kareler Ortalaması (HKO), R^2, Hassasiyet (Precision-Prec), Duyarlılık (Recall-Rec) ve Eğri Altında Kalan Alan (Area Under the Curve-AUC) gibi performans metrikleri ve İşlem Karakteristik Eğrisi (Receiver Operating Characteristic- ROC) grafikleri ile araştırılmaktadır. Sonuçlar Lasso, Ridge ve Boosting algoritmalarının ÇDB’ya sahip nadir olayların modellenmesinde hangi yöntemin uygun olduğunu belirlemek açısından katkı sunmaktadır.
Two New Records of Polychaetes (Annelida) from Makran Coast of Balochistan, Pakistan (Northern Arabian Sea)
Authors: Ali Qadeer Mohammad , Ahmed Quratulan , Baloch Ateeqa , Mubarak Shumaila , Qazi Hafsa , Shaikh Iqra , Kurt Güley , Bat Levent
Published: June 2024

The Makran coast of Balochistan (Pakistan) is rich in terms of biodiversity particularly marine invertebrates. The study based on comprehensive assessment of the morphological and taxonomical description of two polychaete species (Eunice petersi Fauchald, 1992 and Hesione intertexta Grube, 1878). The newly recorded polychaete species for the coast of Pakistan belong to the Eunicidae and Hesionidae families and were identified in benthic samples collected from the intertidal zone on Garyan and Bandari beaches at Jiwani of the Makran coast (Northern Arabian Sea). The descriptions, photographs, and drawings of the taxonomic characters of species and their distribution are provided. The specimens are deposited in the repository of the Marine Reference Collection and Resource Centre, University of Karachi.
High Frequency of Cystic Fibrosis-Related Endocrinopathies in a Population of Colombian Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rojas Susana Gómez , Pereira Gómez María del Pilar Pereira Gómez , Espinosa Nora Alejandra Zuluaga , Torres Adriana Carolina Forero , Múnera Olga Lucia Morales , Petri Silvia Palacio , Serna Laura Fernanda Niño , Rodriguez-Martinez Carlos E.
Published: June 2024

Objective: The median length of survival for cystic fibrosis (CF) has significantly increased in recent years; however, this means that endocrine complications are more frequently observed in affected patients. This research was aimed at evaluating the frequency, clinical and paraclinical features, and the treatment of linear growth and pubertal disturbances, vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency, CF-related bone disease, and adrenal and thyroid function disturbances in patients with CF, as well as to explore their association with lung function and colonization.

Method: A cross-sectional study with a retrospective collection of information from patients under 18 years of age with a confirmed diagnosis of CF, evaluated on an outpatient or in-hospital basis by a pediatric pulmonologist or endocrinologist, or in a multidisciplinary CF consultation, between January 2011–December 2020.

Results: A total of 87 patients were included. A high frequency of endocrinopathies was found. Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency was persistent despite cholecalciferol supplementation in 72%, short stature in 38%, pubertal delay in 26%, and thyroid axis disorders in 8% of cases. Bone disease involving densitometry and adrenal insufficiency secondary to chronic corticosteroid use were also frequent among the screened subjects (44% [n=16] and 12% [n=51], respectively). No significant differences were found for pulmonary function or bacterial lung colonization in the context of any endocrinopathies.

Conclusion: Endocrine comorbidities are frequent in patients with CF, and early recognition improves the prognosis and quality of life in these patients. The findings for this cohort ratify the importance of multidisciplinary management of patients with CF.
A Preliminary Study on the Effects of 4-Week Training Program with Interactive Floor Support on Plantar Pressure Distribution in Sedentary Individuals
Authors: Aydoğdu Onur , Erdoğan Rafet Umut , Sarı Zübeyir , Polat Mine Gülden
Published: June 2024

Objective: Our purpose was to investigate on the effects of foot exercises by using interactive floor support as a modality of rehabilitation technology on plantar pressure distribution in sedentary individuals.
Methods: Participants who were aged between 18-35, who agreed to participate voluntarily and had no pathology developed in the lower extremities in the past 6 months were included in this study. In order to determine the plantar pressure distribution change of all participants, the first and last evaluation was measured with Emed® Pedobarography. Balance and proprioception exercises on both lower extremities for 12 sessions (for four weeks, three sessions per week, lasts 15 minutes each) were performed with an interactive floor device.
Results: A total of 15 healthy and sedentary subjects (12 female, 3 male, with a mean of 20,27±0,961 years and 21,31 ± 3,027 kg/m2 BMI) completed the four-week training protocol. Maximum force of total and hindfoot in both feet significantly decreased after 4-week training (p.05).
Conclusion: Based on our results, the present study revealed that the 4-week training programme with interactive floor support for ankle joint could decrease maximum force of total and hindfoot on the bottom of the dominant and non-dominant side feet in healthy and sedentary individuals. Future investigation should be conducted to clarify the effects of long-term training programs with interactive floor support on plantar pressure distribution in patients with foot deformities.
¿Cómo planean y se autoperciben en la escritura los estudiantes universitarios?
Authors: Utria Machado Leyla Esther , Andrade Gonzalez Lina Isabel
Published: June 2024

La escritura es un acto complejo que impone demandas simultáneas al escritor. Investigaciones recientes muestran que los estudiantes evidencian grandes dificultades en este proceso, especialmente cuando se trata de producir textos académicos, lo que puede tener un impacto negativo en sus aprendizajes. La presente investigación, correlacional-transversal, tuvo como objetivo relacionar el conocimiento del proceso de planeación y la manera en la que los estudiantes universitarios se autoperciben en la escritura. Se emplearon 2 instrumentos: una encuesta sobre planificación de la escritura y un cuestionario de autopercepción de los alumnos universitarios como lectores/escritores, a una muestra probabilística de 348 estudiantes de 11 programas académicos de una institución de educación superior en Colombia. Se aplicó la prueba Chi cuadrada χ², con una confianza del 95%, a partir de lo cual se hallaron relaciones significativas entre las variables. Los resultados muestran que los estudiantes, al planificar la escritura, tienen en cuenta a su audiencia, al igual que el propósito al escribir, encontrándose una relación significativa entre estas (valor p - 0,0185). De la misma forma, se encontró una asociación entre quienes se plantean objetivos para escribir y la motivación (valor p 0,0004). Se observa correlación entre los estudiantes universitarios que estructuran frases completas al escribir y la habilidad para presentar sus ideas de manera clara y precisa (valor p 0,0021); así como, para organizar adecuadamente los elementos de un texto explicativo – expositivo, con el conocimiento de las estructuras textuales (valor p 0,0248). Se destaca la importancia de sensibilizar a los universitarios sobre la planeación textual para producir escritos de calidad. Las Instituciones de Educación Superior deben diseñar e implementar programas educativos que promuevan la escritura académica en el currículo como parte de la formación integral de los estudiantes, ya que es un factor indispensable en el mundo del trabajo.
El juego, mecanismo de construcción de competencias ciudadanas en el aula universitaria
Authors: Gómez Roldan Andres
Published: June 2024

El tema de estudio, denominado «El juego, mecanismo de construcción de competencias ciudadanas en el aula universitaria», permite realizar una reflexión sobre situaciones reales y tensiones sociales desde el ámbito universitario, en el aula de clase, con un dispositivo disponible en plataforma que cuenta un juego denominado: “Caminos”. La mecánica permite escoger un personaje: “Pili o Nico”; seguidamente se lanzan los dados, y se inicia el recorrido, con preguntas en temas relacionados con las competencias ciudadanas, la cívica y la democracia, resolviendo situaciones o dilemas y escogiendo la opción correcta. En el dispositivo, se permite avanzar hasta llegar al meta, finalizando con un taller de reflexión. Además del juego se articulan materiales de apoyo que facilitan la labor docente. En este sentido, el objetivo general es el diseño de una estrategia lúdica-didáctica en un juego en línea para el desarrollo de competencias ciudadanas con estudiantes de carreras cuyo prerrequisito es la materia de Constitución Política. El método planteado es el paradigma positivista a través del método deductivo, con un enfoque mixto, de carácter proyectivo. La validación del instrumento se sometió a un universo de 77 sujetos de estudio, en un centro universitario en la ciudad de Bogotá – Colombia. El resultado, es el diseño del instrumento didáctico que articula materiales que facilitan la labor docente. La herramienta lúdica, comprende el lenguaje de señas con ánimo de ser inclusivo. Como conclusión, la contribución permite fortalecer las competencias ciudadanas, reflexionar desde el taller, con casos reales favoreciendo el proceso de enseñanza - aprendizaje.
Efectividad de un programa de ejercicio físico en adultos mayores institucionalizados en el asilo San José de Pamplona
Authors: Cáceres Bermón Zoraya Trinidad
Published: June 2024

Objetivo: Determinar la efectividad de un programade ejercicio físico sobre la resistencia aeróbica enadultos mayores del Asilo San José de Pamplona,Colombia. Métodos: Estudio cuasi experimental noprobabilístico, por conveniencia con criterios deselección de la muestra y aplicación de pretest –postest con grupo control. Población conformadapor 94 adultos mayores institucionalizados en el AsiloSan José de Pamplona, Colombia. Se utilizó EscalaBarthel para valorar funcionalidad física en términosde dependencia o independencia a las actividadesbásicas de la vida diaria (ABVD); la muestra estuvoconformada por 12 adultos mayores; divididos en dosgrupos: A (grupo experimental) y B (grupo control),que cumplieron criterios de inclusión. Se evaluóresistencia aeróbica de los sujetos que conformaronla muestra mediante el test de caminata de 6 minutosy la percepción de esfuerzo con la aplicación dela Escala de Borg. Se realizó análisis descriptivode variables y prueba estadística “t” student paramuestras independientes con nivel de confianza del95%. Resultados: Predomina el género masculinoen el 62,76% de los valorados; el 43,6% mostró levedependencia, en relación con sus actividades de lavida diaria (ABVD). Posterior a la intervención con elprograma de ejercicio físico aumentó la media de ladistancia recorrida en el grupo experimental pasandode 233,6 metros a 316,6 metros. El programa deejercicio físico es efectivo sobre la resistencia aeróbicaen los adultos mayores p= 0,009. Conclusiones: Sedemostró efectividad estadísticamente significativacon la aplicación del programa de ejercicio físicosobre la resistencia aeróbica.
Plasmon-enhanced fluorescence for biophotonics and bio-analytical applications
Authors: Dasgupta Souradip , Ray Krishanu
Published: June 2024

Fluorescence spectroscopy serves as an ultrasensitive sophisticated tool where background noises which serve as a major impediment to the detection of the desired signals can be safely avoided for detections down to the single-molecule levels. One such way of bypassing background noise is plasmon-enhanced fluorescence (PEF), where the interactions of fluorophores at the surface of metals or plasmonic nanoparticles are probed. The underlying condition is a significant spectral overlap between the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of the nanoparticle and the absorption or emission spectra of the fluorophore. The rationale being the coupling of the excited state of the fluorophore with the localized surface plasmon leads to an augmented emission, owing to local field enhancement. It is manifested in enhanced quantum yields concurrent with a decrease in fluorescence lifetimes, owing to an increase in radiative rate constants. This improvement in detection provided by PEF allows a significant scope of expansion in the domain of weakly emitting fluorophores which otherwise would have remained unperceivable. The concept of coupling of weak emitters with plasmons can bypass the problems of photobleaching, opening up avenues of imaging with significantly higher sensitivity and improved resolution. Furthermore, amplification of the emission signal by the coupling of free electrons of the metal nanoparticles with the electrons of the fluorophore provides ample opportunities for achieving lower detection limits that are involved in biological imaging and molecular sensing. One avenue that has attracted significant attraction in the last few years is the fast, label-free detection of bio-analytes under physiological conditions using plasmonic nanoparticles for point-of-care analysis. This review focusses on the applications of plasmonic nanomaterials in the field of biosensing, imaging with a brief introduction on the different aspects of LSPR and fabrication techniques.
Design, synthesis, and evaluation of 1,4-benzothiazine-3-one containing bisamide derivatives as dual inhibitors of Staphylococcus aureus with plausible application in a urinary catheter
Authors: Naithani Kaushal , Das Arka , Ushare Mamta , Nath Subham , Biswas Rashmita , Kundu Anirban , Ahmed Kazi Tawsif , Mohan Utpal , Bhowmik Subhendu
Published: June 2024

In this study, 1,4-benzothiazine-based bisamide derivatives, a new class of antibacterial agents targeting bacterial peptide deformylase (PDF), were designed and synthesized to combat Staphylococcus aureus infection. Molecular modeling of the designed molecules showed better docking scores compared to the natural product actinonin. Bioactivity assessment identified two derivatives with promising antibacterial activity in vitro. The stability of the most active molecule, 8bE, was assessed using molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. Significantly, compound 8bE could also inhibit the S. aureus biofilm at low concentrations. Furthermore, the capability of the synthesized molecule to inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation on medical devices like urinary catheters is also demonstrated.
Pinnipeds and avian influenza: a global timeline and review of research on the impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza on pinniped populations with particular reference to the endangered Caspian seal (Pusa caspica)
Authors: Gadzhiev Alimurad , Petherbridge Guy , Sharshov Kirill , Sobolev Ivan , Alekseev Alexander , Gulyaeva Marina , Litvinov Kirill , Boltunov Ivan , Teymurov Abdulgamid , Zhigalin Alexander , Daudova Madina , Shestopalov Alexander
Published: June 2024

This study reviews chronologically the international scientific and health management literature and resources relating to impacts of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses on pinnipeds in order to reinforce strategies for the conservation of the endangered Caspian seal (Pusa caspica), currently under threat from the HPAI H5N1 subtype transmitted from infected avifauna which share its haul-out habitats. Many cases of mass pinniped deaths globally have occurred from HPAI spill-overs, and are attributed to infected sympatric aquatic avifauna. As the seasonal migrations of Caspian seals provide occasions for contact with viruses from infected migratory aquatic birds in many locations around the Caspian Sea, this poses a great challenge to seal conservation. These are thus critical locations for the surveillance of highly pathogenic influenza A viruses, whose future reassortments may present a pandemic threat to humans.
Epidemiological, virological and clinical characterization of a Dengue/Zika outbreak in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica 2017–2018
Authors: Soto-Garita Claudio , Murillo Tatiana , Chávez-Peraza Ileana , Campos-Ávila Josué , Prado-Hidalgo Grace , Drexler Jan Felix , Moreira-Soto Andres , Corrales-Aguilar Eugenia
Published: June 2024

The increase in incidence and geographical expansion of viruses transmitted by the Aedes mosquitoes, such as dengue (DENV) and zika (ZIKV) in the Americas, represents a burden for healthcare systems in tropical and subtropical regions. These and other under-detected arboviruses co-circulate in Costa Rica, adding additional complexity to their management due to their shared epidemiological behavior and similarity of symptoms in early stages. Since diagnostics of febrile illness is mostly based on clinical symptoms alone, we gathered acute-phase serum and urine from 399 samples of acute dengue-like cases from two healthcare facilities of Costa Rica, during an outbreak of arboviruses from July 2017 to May 2018, and tested them using molecular and serological methods. The analyses showed that of the clinically presumptive arbovirus cases that were reported, only 39.4% (n=153) of the samples were confirmed positive by RT-PCR to be DENV (DENV (10.3%), CHIKV (0.2%), ZIKV (27.3%), or mixed infections (1.5%). RT-PCR for other alphaviruses and flaviviruses, and PCR for Leptospira sp were negative. Furthermore, to assess flavivirus positivity in post-acute patients, the negative sera were tested against Dengue-IgM. 20% of sera were found positive, confounding even more the definitive number of cases, and emphasizing the need of several distinct diagnostic tools for accurate diagnostics. Molecular characterization of the prM and E genes from isolated viruses revealed that the American/Asian genotype of DENV-2 and the Asian lineage of ZIKV were circulating during this outbreak. Two different clades of DENV-2 American/Asian genotype were identified to co-circulate in the same region and a difference in the platelet and leukocyte count was noted between people infected with each clade, suggesting a putative distinct virulence. Our study sheds light on the necessity for healthcare strategies in managing arbovirus outbreaks, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive molecular and serological diagnostic approaches, as well as molecular characterization. This approach aids in enhancing our understanding of the clinical and epidemiological aspects of arboviral diseases during outbreaks. Our research highlights the need to strengthen training programs for health professionals and the need to increase research-based on laboratory evidence for diagnostic accuracy, guidance, development and implementation of public health interventions and epidemiological surveillance.
Exploring teacher understanding of curriculum and assessment policy statement document implementation in South African schools
Authors: Sepadi Medwin , Molapo Karabo
Published: June 2024

Preparing subject teachers for understanding and implementation of curriculum and Assessment policy statement in schools has become a concern in nations as a way to strive for excellence. Yet, there is a little known about the understanding of curriculum policy than its effectiveness in the school. This study explored teacher understanding of Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) document implementation. The study employed a qualitative approach, utilizing a case study research design. The interpretivism paradigm was applied to gain an in-depth understanding secondary of teachers’ perspectives on the implementation of the CAPS. The population of the research study consisted of 100 teachers in Capricorn District, and the sample of this study consisted of ten (10) teachers who were selected using a convenient sampling technique. Data was collected using individual, semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews, and was analyzed using thematic data analysis method. The study concluded that internal and external workshops could serve the purpose of implementing the CAPS document in the classroom. In addition, movable resources, for better implementation of the CAPS document in the classroom. Lastly, for researchers, these findings may help with further research on strategies to be implemented in schools to encourage constant use of the CAPS document. The unique contribution of this article to existing research on the classroom implementation of CAPS guidelines is to address the gap identified by ineffectiveness of the subject policy to the secondary teaching.
Young children’s at-home digital experiences and interactions: an ethnographic study
Authors: Lewis K. L. , Kervin L. K. , Verenikina I. , Howard S. J.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Young children are increasingly provided with opportunities to interact with digital technologies in their homes. Despite an accumulating body of research on children’s digital interactions, little is known about how these are situated within the social and cultural context in which they take place. In this exploratory study, we aim to extend existing knowledge by offering a contextualised understanding of children’s digital experiences. To do this, we draw on Activity Theory as a conceptual framework to explore how various social and cultural factors influence and interact to shape children’s opportunities and interactions with digital technologies.

Method

This study draws upon ethnographic and ‘day in the life’ methodologies to gain rich insight into children’s situated digital experiences. Along with other traditional ethnographic methodologies, children aged between 3 and 6 years from 5 families were provided with wearable chest-mounted video cameras to capture their usual daily play activities at home – which included, but was not limited to, digital activities.

Results

Data on digital interactions is presented for the five participating families, and through the presentation of two purposively selected in-depth illustrative examples, we demonstrate how children’s digital interactions are part of a larger activity system situated within the social and cultural contexts of their homes. We also elaborate on children’s natural inclination to interact playfully with digital technologies.

Discussion

This study extends on current knowledges about the contextual influences of children’s digital experiences and has important implications for parents and families trying to navigate the complexities of their children’s digital lives.
Identification of ibuprofen targeting CXCR family members to alleviate metabolic disturbance in lipodystrophy based on bioinformatics and in vivo experimental verification
Authors: Cao Zhiwen , Zhao Yuxiao , Liu Ruixin , Yan Xialin , Wang Jiqiu , Chen Na
Published: June 2024

Background

Lipodystrophy is a rare disease that is poorly diagnosed due to its low prevalence and frequent phenotypic heterogeneity. The main therapeutic measures for patients with clinical lipodystrophy are aimed at improving general metabolic complications such as diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, and hypertriglyceridemia. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find new biomarkers to aid in the diagnosis and targeted treatment of patients with congenital generalized lipodystrophy (CGL).

Methods

Dataset GSE159337 was obtained via the Gene Expression Omnibus database. First, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CGL and control samples were yielded via differential expression analysis and were analyzed for Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment to explore the functional pathways. Next, protein–protein interaction analysis and the MCC algorithm were implemented to yield candidate genes, which were then subjected to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to identify biomarkers with an area under the curve value exceeding 0.8. Moreover, random forest (RF), logistic regression, and support vector machine (SVM) analyses were carried out to assess the diagnostic ability of biomarkers for CGL. Finally, the small-molecule drugs targeting biomarkers were predicted, and ibuprofen was further validated in lipodystrophy mice.

Results

A total of 71 DEGs in GSE159337 were sifted out and were involved in immune receptor activity, immune response-regulating signaling pathway, and secretory granule membrane. Moreover, CXCR2, TNFSF10, NLRC4, CCR2, CEACAM3, TLR10, TNFAIP3, and JUN were considered as biomarkers by performing ROC analysis on 10 candidate genes. Meanwhile, RF, logistic regression, and SVM analyses further described that those biomarkers had an excellent diagnosis capability for CGL. Eventually, the drug–gene network included ibuprofen–CXCR1, ibuprofen–CXCR1, cenicriviroc–CCR2, fenofibrate–JUN, and other relationship pairs. Ibuprofen treatment was also validated to downregulate CXCR1 and CXCR2 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and improve glucose tolerance, hypertriglyceridemia, hepatic steatosis, and liver inflammation in lipodystrophy mice.

Conclusion

Eight biomarkers, namely, CXCR2, TNFSF10, NLRC4, CCR2, CEACAM3, TLR10, TNFAIP3, and JUN, were identified through bioinformatic analyses, and ibuprofen targeting CXCR1 and CXCR2 in PBMCs was shown to improve metabolic disturbance in lipodystrophy, contributing to studies related to the diagnosis and treatment of lipodystrophy.
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis identifies downregulated phosphodiesterase 8B as a novel oncogene in IDH-mutant glioma
Authors: He Zongze , Peng Yu , Wang Duo , Yang Chen , Zhou Chengzhi , Gong Bo , Song Siyuan , Wang Yi
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Glioma, a prevalent and deadly brain tumor, is marked by significant cellular heterogeneity and metabolic alterations. However, the comprehensive cell-of-origin and metabolic landscape in high-grade (Glioblastoma Multiforme, WHO grade IV) and low-grade (Oligoastrocytoma, WHO grade II) gliomas remains elusive.

Methods

In this study, we undertook single-cell transcriptome sequencing of these glioma grades to elucidate their cellular and metabolic distinctions. Following the identification of cell types, we compared metabolic pathway activities and gene expressions between high-grade and low-grade gliomas.

Results

Notably, astrocytes and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) exhibited the most substantial differences in both metabolic pathways and gene expression, indicative of their distinct origins. The comprehensive analysis identified the most altered metabolic pathways (MCPs) and genes across all cell types, which were further validated against TCGA and CGGA datasets for clinical relevance.

Discussion

Crucially, the metabolic enzyme phosphodiesterase 8B (PDE8B) was found to be exclusively expressed and progressively downregulated in astrocytes and OPCs in higher-grade gliomas. This decreased expression identifies PDE8B as a metabolism-related oncogene in IDH-mutant glioma, marking its dual role as both a protective marker for glioma grading and prognosis and as a facilitator in glioma progression.
Mitochondrial genome analysis reveals phylogenetic insights and gene rearrangements in Parupeneus (Syngnathiformes: Mullidae)
Authors: Luo Zhisen , Yi Murong , Yang Xiaodong , Wen Hui , Jiang Changping , He Xiongbo , Lin Hung-Du , Yan Yunrong
Published: June 2024

Despite the critical role of mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) in species identification and evolutionary studies in the genus Parupeneus, current resources are inadequate, given the species richness. Although previous studies have suggested a complex evolutionary history, the detailed mitogenomic variations and their implications remain largely unexplored. Therefore, we sequenced and assembled the mitogenomes of P. barberinoides, P. barberinus, P. biaculeatus, P. crassilabris, P. cyclostomus, P. heptacanthus, P. multifasciatus, and P. chrysopleuron, to enrich the molecular data and provide novel insights into the genetic diversity, evolutionary dynamics and phylogenetics of the family Mullidae. Our analysis revealed a novel gene rearrangement in P. chrysopleuron, Cytb-T-P-CR-Q-I-F-12S-V-16S-ND1-M-ND2, which differed from the conventional sequence of Cytb-T-P-CR-F-12S-V-16S-ND1-I-Q-M-ND2 observed in other species. In the novel rearrangement, four non-coding regions are inserted between ND1 and M, Q and I, I and ψM (tRNA-Met pseudogene), ψM and F. We assume that two tandem duplication/random loss events occur in the CR and IQM, making the entire sequence longer than that in other Parupeneus species. The phylogenetic results indicated that Mullidae formed a sister group relationship with the family Dactylopteridae, contradicting previous studies that identified a sister group relationship between Mullidae and Callionymoidei. The genera Parupeneus and Mullus formed a sister group, and discrepancies were found in the topological structure of the interspecies relationships within the genus Parupeneus compared with those reported by previous studies. Through combined phylogenetic and mitochondrial structural analysis, we found that phylogenetic topology is closely related to mitochondrial structural abnormalities. This study not only expands the mitogenomic dataset available for Mullidae but also underscores the importance of mitochondrial DNA studies in resolving taxonomic ambiguities and understanding the evolutionary history of marine fishes. Our study contributes to the ongoing research on marine fish taxonomy, mitogenomics, and evolutionary biology by providing new insights into the genetic diversity of marine ecosystems.
The use of extended-release tacrolimus twice a day might be beneficial for selected kidney transplant recipients: a case report
Authors: Füessl Louise , Kreuzer Lena , Nierychlewski Kajetan , Seibt Tobias , Stangl Manfred Johannes , Koliogiannis Dionysios , Meiser Bruno , Schwarz Markus , Fischereder Michael , Kemmner Stephan
Published: June 2024

The calcineurin inhibitor tacrolimus, which is available as an immediate- or extended-release formulation, is the standard-of-care immunosuppression after kidney transplantation with low rejection rates, especially in the first year after transplantation. However, its highly variable metabolism rate, narrow therapeutic window, and nephrotoxic side effects require close drug monitoring and individual dosing. Here, we describe first the application of extended-release tacrolimus (ER-Tac) twice daily with beneficial effects in a kidney transplant recipient under extensive therapeutic drug monitoring. A 47-year-old female kidney transplant recipient, who was identified as a fast metabolizer for tacrolimus, presented with declining allograft function and low tacrolimus through levels over time and 8 years after a second kidney transplantation despite the administration of high doses of ER-Tac once daily. Therefore, the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) showed exceedingly high blood levels of ER-Tac. The latest biopsy of the kidney transplant showed arteriolar hyalinosis with pole vessel stenosis as a sign of chronic transplant vasculopathy and transplant glomerulopathy as a sign of chronic humoral rejection. After the exclusion of other options for immunosuppressive therapy due to the patient’s high immunological risk, the patient was switched from ER-Tac once daily to ER-Tac twice daily. After switching to ER-Tac twice daily, the AUC for oral tacrolimus decreased and the transplant function improved despite higher tacrolimus trough levels and a lower total dose administered. This case highlights the importance of careful therapeutic drug monitoring with the performance of an AUC in the follow-up management of kidney transplant recipients.
Residency training programs in anesthesiology, intensive care and emergency medicine: from curriculum to practice
Authors: Barsac Claudiu , Petrica Alina , Lungeanu Diana , Marza Adina Maria , Bedreag Ovidiu , Papurica Marius , Trebuian Cosmin Iosif , Botea Mihai O. , Mederle Ovidiu Alexandru , Sandesc Dorel
Published: June 2024

Residency programs in anesthesiology and intensive care (AIC), and emergency medicine (EM) continually evolve to ensure well-prepared trainees for these critical fields of healthcare. The objective of this study was to collect comprehensive feed-back from AIC and EM residents, comprising opinions and attitudes on: curriculum and structure of the residency program; scope of training environment, opportunities and complexity; training guidance and mentorship; teaching approach. An anonymous online cross-sectional survey was conducted among AIC and EM trainees during December 2023–January 2024 and June 2023–July 2023, respectively. Two hundred and thirty-five answers were collected: 137 (73/64 female/male) and 98 (55/43 female/male) respondents from the AIC and EM programs, respectively. Overall feed-back was equivalent for both residency programs, with differences related to the distinct characteristics of each medical specialty. The main issues identified across the programs were the need to improve and diversify the teaching approaches, with trainees' strong desire for more professional guidance, mentoring, and constant feed-back. The findings would inform decision-making beyond current residency programs in these critical care specialties, highlighting the need to design solutions for interactive and highly immersive educational experiences, such as simulation, augmented reality or virtual reality.