bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gestão financeira de unidades de conservação: perspectiva teórica sobre turismo e uso público em Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Bertolin Camila Magri
Published: May 2020

A gestão das unidades de conservação muitas vezes pode ser considerada ineficiente devido, dentre outros fatores, à necessidade de recursos financeiros. Em Minas Gerais, essas unidades proporcionam benefícios diretos e indiretos à população, a qual deve possuir condições de acesso equitativo a tais serviços. Este estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver estudo teórico sobre a gestão financeira das unidades de conservação de Minas Gerais, ressaltando aspectos de turismo e uso público. Neste trabalho, de caráter exploratório e descritivo, foram utilizadas como método pesquisa bibliográfica, pesquisa documental e análise de conteúdo. Chegou-se ao entendimento que, diante do cenário de dificuldades relativas a disponibilização de recursos, as unidades devem ser analisadas também sob aspectos gerenciais e alternativas financeiras devem ser criadas. A taxa de visitação é considerada importante fonte de arrecadação, além das parcerias e cobrança pela exploração da prática de esportes dentro das unidades. Os artigos pesquisados reforçam a ideia de uso público nas unidades de conservação e demonstram a importância e pertinência do turismo sustentável. Foram observadas experiências positivas, tanto em Minas Gerais como no Brasil.
Aprendizagem organizacional e práticas ambientalmente sustentáveis em instituições de ensino superior: um estudo sobre o Canadá e o Brasil
Authors: Rohrich Sandra Simm , Takahashi Adriana Roseli Wünsch
Published: May 2020

Este artigo teve por objetivo descrever a sustentabilidade ambiental em instituições de ensino superior canadenses e brasileiras a partir da aprendizagem baseada em práticas, oriunda da intersecção entre a aprendizagem formal e informal. A metodologia que norteou o estudo foi de natureza descritiva qualitativa, relatando experiências de instituições de ensino superior com a sustentabilidade, no Canadá e no Brasil. O estudo foi permeado pelo modelo teórico dos processos formais e informais de aprendizagem interligados. A sustentabilidade nas IES tem sido um tema de importância crescente. Assim como nos demais setores organizacionais, as instituições de ensino superior também são responsáveis pela sustentabilidade em suas perspectivas econômica, social e ambiental. Como principais resultados foi destacada a importância dos modelos de indicadores formais para padronizar as ações de sustentabilidade nas instituições de ensino superior. Contudo, são as práticas das instituições de ensino superior que traduzem as suas ações reais para a sustentabilidade, resultantes da intersecção entre a aprendizagem formal e a aprendizagem informal. Foi possível perceber que as instituições de ensino superior que adotam um mesmo modelo de indicadores teriam pontos comuns no processo de aprendizagem, pois a aprendizagem formal, obtida por treinamentos e padronização, tornaria as práticas mais homogêneas. A partir destes estudos sobre a sustentabilidade ambiental em instituições de ensino superior no Canadá e no Brasil, considera-se que estas instituições estão evoluindo em relação à adoção de práticas sustentáveis.
Práticas (in)sustentáveis? Avaliação ambiental nos campi da Universidade Federal do Tocantins
Authors: Neves Savana Maiara Sanches Pires , Costa Júnior Geraldo , Almeida Lia de Azevedo
Published: May 2020

Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar as diretrizes de gestão ambiental e sustentabilidade presentes no Plano de Desenvolvimento Institucional da Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT) e verificar como seus diferentes campi efetivamente conduzem suas práticas de gestão ambiental e de sustentabilidade. Para atingir esse objetivo foi desenvolvida uma análise documental do Plano de Desenvolvimento Institucional (PDI) da UFT associada a um estudo quantitativo por meio de questionário aplicado aos diretores dos sete campi da UFT (Araguaína, Tocantinópolis, Arraias, Miracema, Porto Nacional, Gurupi e Palmas). Concluiu-se que apesar de o PDI trazer várias diretrizes sobre práticas de sustentabilidade a serem implementadas, a gestão ambiental na UFT ainda é aplicada de maneira muito tímida. Os questionários respondidos pelos diretores de campus demonstram que muitas dessas ainda não foram colocadas em prática. O Índice de Avaliação Ambiental dos campi da UFT variou de fraco a médio, sendo que para seis campi obteve-se a classificação "fraco" e para apenas um campus foi obtido índice "médio" de sustentabilidade. Este trabalho traz informações relevantes para a Universidade sugerindo quais as vantagens de recorrer a práticas de gestão ambiental, de forma a aumentar o desempenho ambiental nas instituições de ensino, pesquisa e extensão.
Market Selling Conditions and Storage Methods Influences Î²-carotene Stability and Retention in Biofortified Gari
Authors: Onyiba Cosmos Ifeanyi , Egba Simeon Ikechukwu
Published: May 2020

The influence of regular market selling conditions and storage methods on β-carotene stability and retention were investigated in two different biofortified gari types. Freshly processed gari samples obtained from TMS 01/1412 and TMS 01/1371 respectively were exposed to 35-450C sunlight (ESL) and 60 watts electric bulb light (EEB); stored in black polyethylene bag (SPB) and air-tight aluminum container (SAC) respectively. The stability (using area under curve analysis) and retention (%) of β-carotene in all the experiments were monitored and compared over a period of 4 weeks. Results revealed that ESL had a huge negative influence on the stability and retention of β-carotene in the two biofortified gari types. Although EEB showed minimal but progressive negative influence, SAC followed by SPB showed the least negative influence on the nutrient stability. The overall retention of β-carotene in gari processed from TMS 01/1412 and TMS 01/1371 respectively were as follows: ESL (12.1%, 12.8%), EEB (58.5%, 47.5%), SPB (61.9%, 50.8%) and SAC (60.2%, 82.6%). SAC retained the most appreciable amount of the nutrient thus suggesting it as a better form of storage while ESL lost the largest amount of the nutrient thus portraying it as a detrimental market selling condition for the biofortified gari.
UM GRUPO DE PESQUISA NA EDUCAÇÃO BÁSICA: DISTANCIAMENTOS E APROXIMAÇÕES COM PRINCÍPIOS DA INICIAÇÃO CIENTÍFICA
Authors: Dos Santos Sandra Aparecida , Maciel Ribeiro Marcus Eduardo , Câmara Pizzato Michelle
Published: May 2020

O estudo de um grupo de pesquisa, formado por estudantes do Ensino Fundamental e Ensino Médio, em uma escola da rede privada no município de Rio do Sul – SC, pode subsidiar a reflexão sobre a institucionalização da Iniciação Científica (IC) no Brasil e suas contribuições para o desenvolvimento de conceitos e atitudes científicas nos estudantes participantes. As metodologias utilizadas foram a pesquisa bibliográfica e a observação participante, sendo os dados coletados, tratados por análise de conteúdo, da qual emergiram duas unidades de análise: distanciamentos e aproximações entre o grupo de pesquisa e princípios da Iniciação Científica institucionalizada no Brasil. Os dados mostraram que há distanciamentos e aproximações do grupo em relação a IC, tanto na ênfase quanto nas concepções de ambos, sendo o distanciamento maior em relação as concepções. Em sua especificidade, a ênfase e as concepções do grupo contribuem positivamente para a realização das pesquisas planejadas.
APROXIMAÇÕES ENTRE EDUCAÇÃO INFANTIL E NEUROCIÊNCIA: FORMAÇÃO ACADÊMICO-PROFISSIONAL DE COORDENADORAS PEDAGÓGICAS
Authors: Mello Elena Maria Billig , Grazziotin Clotilde Panciera
Published: May 2020

Esta pesquisa descritiva, com abordagem qualitativa, objetivou investigar concepções e estratégias metodológicas das coordenadoras pedagógicas da Educação Infantil de uma rede pública municipal de ensino, para o assessoramento à práxis pedagógica, na perspectiva da Neurociência. Os procedimentos metodológicos envolveram entrevista semiestruturada, com questões relacionadas à prática pedagógica, ao processo ensino-aprendizagem e à Neurociência; e encontros de formação e acompanhamento da prática educativa. Apresenta referencial teórico em Vasconcellos, Freire, Cosenza e Guerra, Lima, Craidy e Kaercher, Oliveira, entre outros autores. Como resultados da pesquisa, temos: maior comprometimento das coordenadoras pedagógicas na formação docente junto aos professores; melhoria no processo ensino-aprendizagem; compreensão da importância da Neurociência aplicada à educação; valorização da formação acadêmico-profissional como possibilidade de crescimento profissional e pessoal; implementação de metodologias inovadoras nas instituições de Educação infantil.
JEAN PIAGET E O ENSINO DA GEOGRAFIA ESCOLAR: UM OLHAR SOBRE O MAPA
Authors: Santos Leonardo Pinto dos , Cardoso Eduardo Schiavone
Published: May 2020

Esse artigo é parte de uma pesquisa de doutorado desenvolvida no Programa de Pós-graduação em Geografia da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM) e que se desenha como uma aproximação do ensino da Geografia com a Epistemologia Genética de Jean Piaget. Para isto se trabalhou com um grupo de crianças de uma escola pública do Rio Grande do Sul, localizada no município de Canoas, região metropolitana de Porto Alegre. O grupo é formado por estudantes do oitavo ano do Ensino Fundamental em que se buscou trabalhar a reversibilidade e a descentração do pensamento a partir do uso do mapa como ferramenta para se compreender as potencialidades de pensamento destes sujeitos.
Investigation of Computational Thinking in the Context of ICT and Mobile Technologies
Authors: Sirakaya Didem Alsancak
Published: May 2020

This research aimed to determine the change in students’ computational thinking skills according to their ICT and mobile technology experience and frequency of use. The sample of the study, designed with the survey model, consisted of 269 students attending a vocational school of higher education. Data were collected using the Computational Thinking Scale and the Personal Information Form. Descriptive statistics, unrelated samples t-test and one-way ANOVA were used in data analysis. According to results, it was determined that students’ computational thinking skills differed according to their internet experience, mobile device experience, mobile internet experience and period of daily mobile internet use, while no differences were found based on computer experience, the number of times they checked their mobile devices a day and purpose of mobile device usage.
Ultrafiltration membranes in managed aquifer recharge systems
Authors: Hägg K. , Persson T. , Söderman O. , Persson K. M.
Published: May 2020

The natural organic matter (NOM) and color content of surface waters are increasingly becoming an issue for artificial groundwater recharge plants. Water from Lake Bolmen, in southern Sweden, had in 2017 an annual average NOM and color content of 8.6 mg/L total organic carbon (TOC) and 57 mg Pt/L respectively, and values ranging from 7.8 to 9.6 mg/L TOC and 50–70 mg Pt/L. Since water from Lake Bolmen will be used at Vomb Water Works, an artificial groundwater recharge plant, the high NOM-content of Lake Bolmen must be reduced prior to aquifer recharge. From experiences of full-scale operations of chemical flocculation, lamella sedimentation and rapid sand filtration using ferric chloride, three different pre-treatment methods were proposed; conventional precipitation, stand-alone direct precipitation before ultrafiltration (UF), and conventional precipitation with ultrafiltration after lamella sedimentation. In this study, a hollow fiber membrane (MWCO of 150 kDa) was used in different configurations during a 15 months pilot trial. The results showed the possibility to reduce NOM equal to conventional precipitation when a stable net-flux of 40 and 70 L/(m2· h) was used for direct precipitation before UF and conventional precipitation with UF, respectively. This paper presents these treatment methods and evaluates their viability as full-scale treatment steps.
Selenate and selenite uptake, accumulation and toxicity in Lemna minuta
Authors: Li Jun , Loi Giovanni , Otero-Gonzalez Lila , Laing Gijs Du , Ferrer Ivet , Lens Piet N. L.
Published: May 2020

The kinetics of Se uptake and toxicity to Lemna were studied over a period of 14 days of exposure to Se(IV) or Se(VI). The growth of Lemna stopped immediately after exposure to 5.0 mg/L of Se(IV) or Se(VI). The content of chlorophyll and phaeopigments of Lemna exposed to 5.0 mg/L of Se(IV) was two to three times less than in the control after 3 d exposure. Lemna took up Se rapidly within the first 3 d. The Se content in Lemna along with the exposure time fitted well the two-compartment and the hyperbolic model, which demonstrates that the mechanism of Se(IV) and Se(VI) uptake in Lemna is not only through passive diffusion, but also through other processes such as ion channel proteins or transporters. The kinetic bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were 231 and 42 for 0.5 mg/L Se(IV) and Se(VI) exposure, respectively. The uptake rate of Lemna reached 263 mg/kg/d and 28 mg/kg/d in the Se(IV) and Se(VI) treatments, respectively. This study showed that Se(IV) has a faster accumulation rate than Se(VI), but a higher toxicity, indicating Lemna could be a good candidate to remove Se(IV) from water, producing Se-enriched biomass which may eventually also be considered for use as Se-enriched feed supplement or fertilizer.
Appraisal of water quality indices for service reservoirs in water distribution networks
Authors: Nyirenda M. S. , Tanyimboh T. T.
Published: May 2020

The use of water quality indices to aggregate pollution loads in rivers has been widely studied, with researchers using various sub-indices and aggregation methods. These have been used to combine various quality variables at a sampling point in a river into an overall water quality index to compare the state of water quality in different river reaches. Service reservoirs in a water distribution network, like rivers, have complex mixing mechanisms, are subjected to various water quality variables and are variably sized and sited. Water quality indices and the relevant sub-indices are formulated here and applied to service reservoirs within a water distribution network. This is in an attempt to compare holistically the performance of service reservoirs in solutions of optimisation algorithms with regards to water quality.
Survey of studies on degenerate boundary conditions and finite spectrum
Authors: Akhtyamov A.M.
Published: May 2020

It is shown that for the asymmetric diffusion operator the case when the characteristic determinant is identically equal to zero is impossible and the only possible degenerate boundary conditions are the Cauchy conditions. In the case of a symmetric diffusion operator, the characteristic determinant is identically equal to zero if and only if the boundary conditions are false–periodic boundary conditions and is identically equal to a constant other than zero if and only if its boundary conditions are generalized Cauchy conditions. All degenerate boundary conditions for a spectral problem with a third–order differential equation y'''(x) = λy(x) are described. The general form of degenerate boundary conditions for the fourth–order differentiation operator D4 is found. 12 classes of boundary value eigenvalue problems are described for the operator D4, the spectrum of which fills the entire complex plane. It is known that spectral problems whose spectrum fills the entire complex plane exist for differential equations of any even order. John Locker posed the following problem (eleventh problem): are there similar problems for odd–order differential equations? A positive answer is given to this question. It is proved that spectral problems, the spectrum of which fills the entire complex plane, exist for differential equations of any odd order. Thus, the problem of John Locker is resolved. John Locker posed a problem (tenth problem): can a spectral boundary–value problem have a finite spectrum? Boundary value problems with a polynomial occurrence of a spectral parameter in a differential equation are considered. It is shown that the corresponding boundary–value problem can have a predetermined finite spectrum in the case when the roots of the characteristic equation are multiple. If the roots of the characteristic equation are not multiple, then there can be no finite spectrum. Thus, John Locker’s tenth problem is resolved.
Transfer by a Manipulator with a Three-finger Grasp of a Brittle Cylinder
Authors: Golubev Yu.F. , Melkumova E.V.
Published: May 2020

We consider the problem of the brittle cylinder grasping by the n fingers of the robot-manipulator. Each finger contacts the cylinder in a single supporting point with Amontons-Coulomb or for two footholds spinning friction. Using numerical simulations and analytically, possible locations of contact points on the cylinder, for which there is a kinetostatics problem solution when the cylinder is moved by three fingers, are received. By the analogy of the equilibrium of a three-legged robot on a cylinder for the problems of transfer by a manipulator with a three-finger grasp of a cylinder or for a robot on a surface which legs suspension points are on a cylinder surface. Two supporting points can be on one diameter in the cylinder base. Or because of friction on the opposite sides of the robot center of mass or giving in the dynamics, it is point C. The analogy of the problem is oscillations in the vicinity of the stable equilibrium one cylinder on another. The cylinder lies on one finger rectangular to it, of the hand of a hu-manoid robot, adheres to the end of the other finger. Similarly holds the glass. Robot can hold the horizontal cylinder by three fingers. Let one of the points is in vertical plane containing cylinder axis and another are in the plane orthogonal to the axis. The supporting points are on the external surface of the lower semi-cylinder and the cylinder center mass is in the footholds triangle. The supporting set is divided into two subsets.
Covid-19 enfeksiyonu olan hastalarda göz bulguları ve bulaş riski
Authors: SAVRAN ELİBOL Emine , ELBAY Ahmet
Published: May 2020

SARS-CoV-2 adı verilen yeni koronavirüs ilk defa 29 Aralık 2019’da, Çin’in Wuhan şehrindeki deniz ürünleri ve canlı hayvan satan bir markette çalışan ve bu marketi ziyaret eden çok sayıda kişide pnömoni bulgularının tespit edilmesiyle gündeme gelmiştir. Bulaşıcılığının çok yüksek olduğu bilinen bu virüs ağız, burun ya da göz gibi mukozal yüzeylerden vücuda girebilmektedir. Aynı şekilde virüsün yayılımının da damlacık yoluyla ve sekresyonlarla olduğu bilinmektedir. Virüse karşı henüz geliştirilmiş bir aşı ya da kanıtlanmış antiviral bir tedavi mevcut değildir. Koronavirüslerin de dahil olduğu bir grup viral enfeksiyon ajanının hem sistemik hem oküler enfeksiyona sebep olduğu bilinmektedir. Oftalmoloji muayeneleri sırasında hastanın gözyaşı ile konjonktivasına temas olabildiği ve çok yakın çalışıldığından bulaş açısından hem hasta hem göz hekimi için risk taşır.
Bu derlemede SARS-CoV-2 ile konjonktivit ilişkisi ve covid – 19 testi pozitif olan hastaların göz muayenesi sırasındaki bulaş riski literatür eşliğinde irdelenecektir.
Evaluación de concentraciones de ácido indolbutírico y tipo de estacas para la propagación asexual de ceiba
Authors: Escobar-Fernández Eddy S. , Vaides-López Edwin E. , López-Bautista Ezequiel A.
Published: May 2020

El presente estudio se realizó en el departamento de Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. El objetivo principal fue evaluar cuatro concentraciones (0, 1000, 2000 y 3000 ppm) de ácido indolbutírico (AIB) en dos tipos de estacas (adventicias y epicórmicas) para la reproducción asexual de ceiba. Se usó un diseño completamente al azar, con ocho tratamientos y cuatro repeticiones; cada unidad experimental estuvo compuesta por 10 estacas. Las estacas epicórmicas presentaron los mejores resultados en todas las variables medidas, con 79 % de estacas enraizadas; las concentraciones de AIB evaluadas tuvieron efecto significativo en las variables medidas cuando se evaluaron de manera individual como factor, hubo una interacción significativa de la concentración de AIB con el tipo de estaca, en todas las variables medidas. En las estacas epicórmicas la mejor concentración fue 2000 ppm con 95,0 % de estacas enraizadas y en las estacas adventicias fue 3000 ppm con 40,0 % de estacas enraizadas. En términos económicos, el mejor tratamiento fue el uso de rebrotes epicórmicos con 2000 ppm de AIB, que presentó 73,4 % de rentabilidad y una relación beneficio- costo de 1,73.
Una línea de referencia histórica acerca de la distribución espacial del machuelo (Opisthonema oglinum) en el área de afloramiento del mar Caribe de Colombia
Authors: Manjarrés-Martínez Luis M. , Cuello Félix
Published: May 2020

A partir de las densidades de biomasa de peces pelágicos pequeños y los valores de temperatura y salinidad registrados en tres campañas acústicas efectuadas en el área norte del mar Caribe de Colombia durante el periodo 1997-1998, se llevó a cabo un análisis geoestadístico para describir y modelar la estructura espacial de la densidad de biomasa de machuelo (Opisthonema oglinum), con miras a usarla para evaluar la distribución en toda el área de interés. La comparación de la distribución espacial de O. oglinum con la cobertura geográfica de las pesquerías artesanales que explotan esta especie, bien como recurso objetivo o como pesca incidental, muestra que existe una amplia zona de distribución de estos peces a la que no accede ninguna pesquería orientada específicamente a su explotación. De esta manera, se proporciona a la comunidad científica, a las entidades encargadas de la administración pesquera y a los potenciales usuarios de estas especies información orientadora para la explotación y el manejo racional de los peces pelágicos pequeños, en función de la distribución de estos recursos, de las pesquerías existentes y de las variables abióticas relacionadas.
Cytotoxicity and Anti-cancer Activity of the Genus Achillea L.
Authors: Papakosta Konstantina , Grafakou Maria-Eleni , Barda Christina , Kostopoulos Ioannis V. , Tsitsilonis Ourania , Skaltsa Helen
Published: May 2020

Background:

The genus Achillea L. is rich in bioactive sesquiterpenes and flavonoids; most of the studied species exhibit several biological activities and are used as emmenagogue, wound healing and analgesic agents. Some species are also used in local folklore medicine.

Objective:

Following a literature survey, we discuss the anti-cancer properties of Achillea species, taking into consideration ethnopharmacological data on their use in traditional medicine for the treatment of cancer. In addition, we screened extracts and isolated secondary metabolites from A. coarctata for cytotoxicity, upon information based on local traditional medicine. The plant was collected in Kozani (Northern Greece), where it is locally used for treating gastrointestinal disorders, including stomach cancer.

Methods:

A selection of the relevant data was performed through a search in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Science Direct databases. In addition, extracts and isolated compounds from A. coarctata were tested for their in vitro activity against the human cancer cell lines MCF-7 and HeLa.

Conclusion:

The genus Achillea L. is a valuable source of bioactive secondary metabolites. The most significant outcome of the investigation of medicinal plants is the documentation and the assessment of the traditional information and its use and perspectives in the light of modern pharmacology.
Substituted 3-R-2,8-Dioxo-7,8-dihydro-2H-pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,2,4] triazino [2,3-c]quinazoline-5a(6H)carboxylic Acids and their Salts – a Promising Class of Anti-inflammatory Agents
Authors: Stavytskyi Viktor , Antypenko Oleksii , Nosulenko Inna , Berest Galyna , Voskoboinik Oleksii , Kovalenko Sergiy
Published: May 2020

Background:

Computer-aided drug design is among the most effective methods of medicinal chemistry. The above mentioned approach is used for the purposeful search of antiinflammatory agents among quinazoline condensed derivatives.

Objective:

The study aimed to conduct a purposeful synthesis of novel 3-R-2,8-dioxo-7,8-dihydro- 2H-pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,2,4]triazino[2,3-c]quinazoline-5a(6H)carboxylic acids and their salts as promising anti-inflammatory agents, evaluate their structure by physicochemical methods and establish their anti-inflammatory activity.

Methods:

The structures of target compounds were proposed due to their structure similarity to existing drugs and experimental agents with anti-inflammatory activities. The features of the synthesized compounds structures were evaluated by IR-, NMR spectroscopy and chromatography-mass spectrometry and discussed in detail. Probable molecular mechanisms of activity were predicted by molecular docking. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined by their ability to reduce the formalin- and carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats.

Results:

It was found that the condensation of 3-(2-aminophenyl)-6-R-1,2,4-triazin-5(2H)ones with 2-oxoglutaric acid yielded 3-R-2,8-dioxo-7,8-dihydro-2H-pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,2,4]triazino[2,3-c]quinazoline- 5a(6H)carboxylic acids which may be considered as a promising anti-inflammatory agent. An in silico study showed that the obtained compounds revealed affinity to the molecular targets and corresponded to the drug-like criteria. Additionally docking study allowed to estimate the nature of interactions between synthesized compounds and molecular targets. The in vivo experiments showed that the obtained compounds demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity comparable or higher than the activity of the reference drug Diclofenac.

Conclusion:

The developed and implemented search strategy of the anti-inflammatory agents was justified. 3-R-2,8-dioxo-7,8-dihydro-2H-pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,2,4]triazino[2,3-c]quinazoline5a(6H)carboxylic acids possessed the anti-inflammatory activity and additional introduction of fluorine atoms in position 11 or 12 of the heterocyclic system led to amplification of this activity.
Melatonin Ameliorates BPA Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Red Blood Cells: An In vitro Study
Authors: Abdullah Saleh M. , Rashid Hina
Published: May 2020

Background:

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a xenobiotic that causes oxidative stress in various
organs in living organisms. Blood cells are also an endpoint where BPA is known to cause oxidative
stress. Blood cells, especially red blood cells (RBCs), are crucial for maintaining homeostasis and
overall wellbeing of the organism. They are highly susceptible to oxidative stress induced by xenobiotics.
However, there is limited data about the oxidative stress induced by BPA in blood, especially in
red blood cells. This study was carried out to evaluate BPA induced oxidative stress in human RBCs in
vitro and its amelioration by melatonin.

Objective:

To find if melatonin exerts a protective effect on the oxidative stress induced by the BPA in
human red blood cells in vitro.

Methods:

The erythrocyte suspensions (2 ml) were divided into six groups and treated with 0, 50,
100, 150, 200, and 250 μg/ml of BPA. Another set of erythrocyte suspension with similar BPA treatment
and 50 μM Melatonin per group was also set. Incubations lasted for 12 hrs in the dark. Lipid
peroxidation, glutathione, glutathione reductase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were measured as
indicators of oxidative stress.

Results:

BPA caused a significant increase in lipid peroxidation. A decrease in GSH levels was also
observed. The activities of all the studied antioxidants also decreased with BPA treatment. Melatonin
was seen to mitigate the oxidative stress induced by BPA.

Conclusion:

Treatment of red blood cells with BPA caused an increase in oxidative stress, while melatonin
decreased the induced oxidative stress.
The Sequela of Smartphone Usage in the Learning Environment
Authors: Md Sabron Mohd Zdikri , Hashim Rugayah , Abdullah Aida , Shamsudin Nurshamshida
Published: May 2020

This paper is to determine the sequela of smartphone usage in the learning environment among school students in Malaysia. The sample size of the study was 150 (n=150). The result demonstrated that smartphone usage increases sympathetic education, understudy commitment, and the upgrade of the student's intellectual limit as well as an inspired concentration in both formal and casual settings. Also, self-governance and certainty assisted with the advancement of customized learning in helping low-accomplishing students to achieve academic excellence. The suggestions confirmed that smartphone usage in the classroom brings about a compelling and legitimate procedure in the learning environment.
Wellbeing in an Urban University: Sensory perception for salutogenic landscape design
Authors: Mengjia Fan , Jamaludin Adi Ainurzaman , Hussein Hazreena
Published: May 2020

Enhancing the affiliation with campus green spaces is an intervention of wellbeing promotion in an urban university campus, and beneficial outdoor experience may result from the concept of salutogenic landscape design where the sensory perception plays a vital role. Therefore, this paper aims to propose operative approaches for assessing sensory perception towards the implementation of salutogenic projects in campus green space. Two identified sites at two different faculties were selected as exploratory studies by focusing on the physical environment for defining influential variables to develop comprehensive research methods.
Detección de anticuerpos anti-Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) en venados silvestres en Colombia
Authors: Largo Quintero María de los Ángeles , Tuberquia Londoño Jhon Jairo , Sánchez Vallejo Mauricio , Machado Arango Mariana , Rodríguez Santiago , Monsalve B Santiago , Correa-Valencia Nathalia María del Pilar , Fernández Silva Jorge Arturo
Published: May 2020

Objetivo. Determinar la presencia de anticuerpos anti-Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) en venados de cola blanca (Odocoileus virginianus) y venados de páramo (Mazama rufina), capturados en las regiones de la Orinoquía y el Caribe de Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Un total de 44 muestras de suero sanguíneo de venados de las especies M. rufina y O. virginianus fueron colectadas en condiciones de campo entre 2014 y 2016. Se utilizó un kit comercial de ELISA para la detección de anticuerpos anti-MAP. Un animal se consideró positivo a ELISA cuando la relación muestra-positivo (S/P%) fue ≥0.4, según lo recomendado por el fabricante. Resultados. El 50% (22/44) de los animales muestreados resultaron positivos, lo que corresponde a 10 hembras y 12 machos. Un 81.8% (18/22) y 77.3% (17/22) de estos animales seropositivos fueron capturados en la región de la Orinoquía y fueron reportados como adultos, respectivamente. Conclusiones. No se sabe cómo o cuándo se introdujo MAP en la población de ciervos colombianos en las regiones de estudio. La hipótesis más plausible para explicar la presencia de anticuerpos anti-MAP en estas poblaciones silvestres es la transmisión por contacto con el ganado bovino infectado, ya que en ambas regiones estas especies comparten pasturas. Este es el primer estudio en explorar la infección por MAP en animales silvestres en Colombia. Estos hallazgos respaldan la necesidad de realizar más estudios utilizando técnicas de diagnóstico directo, y aproximaciones investigativas que permitan la definición de vínculos en la dinámica de la infección entre mamíferos silvestres y domésticos en Colombia.
Factores ambientales relacionados con la presentación de virus influenza A en aves silvestres
Authors: Ruiz-Philipps Soledad A , Baumberger Cecilia , Jimenez-Bluhm Pedro , Marambio Víctor , Salazar Carla , Hamilton-West Christopher
Published: May 2020

La investigación y el interés por el virus influenza aviar han aumentado considerablemente en las últimas décadas en respuesta a los brotes de influenza aviar de alta patogenicidad en aves de corral y a su potencial zoonótico. Las aves silvestres acuáticas son el principal reservorio del virus en la naturaleza, por lo tanto, la comprensión de la dinámica de infección del virus influenza A (VIA) en estas poblaciones es fundamental para entender su potencial de persistencia en el ambiente y sus posibilidades de transmisión hacia aves domésticas y humanos. Se ha identificado que factores ambientales (como temperatura, precipitaciones, vegetación y características del paisaje, entre otros) pueden tener un importante rol en el mantenimiento y diseminación del virus en las zonas de concentración de aves silvestres. Sin embargo, los estudios que incluyen aspectos ecológicos del virus y que exploran la interacción entre la prevalencia del VIA en aves silvestres y el ambiente, continúan siendo escasos. En esta revisión se resumen los esfuerzos de investigación que se han realizado para identificar a los factores ambientales involucrados en la persistencia y transmisión del VIA en lugares de concentración de aves silvestres y cómo estos factores pueden incidir en la prevalencia del virus en estas poblaciones, generando diferencias en la presentación de la infección entre distintas zonas geográficas.
How's Crops, Dean? (1932)
Authors: Campbell Virginia , Yoakum Ryan
Published: May 2020

Vol. 1, No. 4 (2019)

With contributions by McKenzie Boes-Waddell. 

This issue of SourceLab presents How’s Crops, Dean?, a film produced by Paramount News Corporation in 1932 to advertise a crops-for-tuition program created by Illinois Wesleyan University.

This publication is part of the digital documentary edition series SourceLab, based at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Our Editorial Board conducts rigorous peer-review of every edition.
Stamping It Out (1880): Imagining the Second Anglo-Afghan War
Authors: Justice Austin R. , Stasiek Artur , Upadhyay Archana
Published: May 2020

Vol. 1, No. 2 (2019)

This issue of SourceLab presents a famous editorial cartoon, published in the weekly journal Fun during the Second Anglo-Afghan War (1878-1880).

This publication is part of the digital documentary edition series SourceLab, based at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Our Editorial Board conducts rigorous peer-review of every edition.
A Physical Activity and Diet Program Delivered by Artificially Intelligent Virtual Health Coach: Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Maher Carol Ann , Davis Courtney Rose , Curtis Rachel Grace , Short Camille Elizabeth , Murphy Karen Joy
Published: May 2020

Background

Poor diet and physical inactivity are leading modifiable causes of death and disease. Advances in artificial intelligence technology present tantalizing opportunities for creating virtual health coaches capable of providing personalized support at scale.

Objective

This proof of concept study aimed to test the feasibility (recruitment and retention) and preliminary efficacy of physical activity and Mediterranean-style dietary intervention (MedLiPal) delivered via artificially intelligent virtual health coach.

Methods

This 12-week single-arm pre-post study took place in Adelaide, Australia, from March to August 2019. Participants were inactive community-dwelling adults aged 45 to 75 years, recruited through news stories, social media posts, and flyers. The program included access to an artificially intelligent chatbot, Paola, who guided participants through a computer-based individualized introductory session, weekly check-ins, and goal setting, and was available 24/7 to answer questions. Participants used a Garmin Vivofit4 tracker to monitor daily steps, a website with educational materials and recipes, and a printed diet and activity log sheet. Primary outcomes included feasibility (based on recruitment and retention) and preliminary efficacy for changing physical activity and diet. Secondary outcomes were body composition (based on height, weight, and waist circumference) and blood pressure.

Results

Over 4 weeks, 99 potential participants registered expressions of interest, with 81 of those screened meeting eligibility criteria. Participants completed a mean of 109.8 (95% CI 1.9-217.7) more minutes of physical activity at week 12 compared with baseline. Mediterranean diet scores increased from a mean of 3.8 out of 14 at baseline, to 9.6 at 12 weeks (mean improvement 5.7 points, 95% CI 4.2-7.3). After 12 weeks, participants lost an average 1.3 kg (95% CI –0.1 to –2.5 kg) and 2.1 cm from their waist circumference (95% CI –3.5 to –0.7 cm). There were no significant changes in blood pressure. Feasibility was excellent in terms of recruitment, retention (90% at 12 weeks), and safety (no adverse events).

Conclusions

An artificially intelligent virtual assistant-led lifestyle-modification intervention was feasible and achieved measurable improvements in physical activity, diet, and body composition at 12 weeks. Future research examining artificially intelligent interventions at scale, and for other health purposes, is warranted.
Early Detection of Mild Cognitive Impairment With In-Home Sensors to Monitor Behavior Patterns in Community-Dwelling Senior Citizens in Singapore: Cross-Sectional Feasibility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Rawtaer Iris , Mahendran Rathi , Kua Ee Heok , Tan Hwee Pink , Tan Hwee Xian , Lee Tih-Shih , Ng Tze Pin
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Dementia is a global epidemic and incurs substantial burden on the affected families and the health care system. A window of opportunity for intervention is the predementia stage known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Individuals often present to services late in the course of their disease and more needs to be done for early detection; sensor technology is a potential method for detection.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this cross-sectional study was to establish the feasibility and acceptability of utilizing sensors in the homes of senior citizens to detect changes in behaviors unobtrusively.

METHODS

We recruited 59 community-dwelling seniors (aged >65 years who live alone) with and without MCI and observed them over the course of 2 months. The frequency of forgetfulness was monitored by tagging personal items and tracking missed doses of medication. Activities such as step count, time spent away from home, television use, sleep duration, and quality were tracked with passive infrared motion sensors, smart plugs, bed sensors, and a wearable activity band. Measures of cognition, depression, sleep, and social connectedness were also administered.

RESULTS

Of the 49 participants who completed the study, 28 had MCI and 21 had healthy cognition (HC). Frequencies of various sensor-derived behavior metrics were computed and compared between MCI and HC groups. MCI participants were less active than their HC counterparts and had more sleep interruptions per night. MCI participants had forgotten their medications more times per month compared with HC participants. The sensor system was acceptable to over 80% (40/49) of study participants, with many requesting for permanent installation of the system.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that it was both feasible and acceptable to set up these sensors in the community and unobtrusively collect data. Further studies evaluating such digital biomarkers in the homes in the community are needed to improve the ecological validity of sensor technology. We need to refine the system to yield more clinically impactful information.
Measuring Public Reaction to Violence Against Doctors in China: Interrupted Time Series Analysis of Media Reports (Preprint)
Authors: Yang Qian , Tai-Seale Ming , Liu Stephanie , Shen Yi , Zhang Xiaobin , Xiao Xiaohua , Zhang Kejun
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Violence against doctors in China is a serious problem that has attracted attention from both domestic and international media.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigates readers’ responses to media reports on violence against doctors to identify attitudes toward perpetrators and physicians and examine if such trends are influenced by national policies.

METHODS

We searched 17 Chinese violence against doctors reports in international media sources from 2011 to 2020. We then tracked back the original reports and web crawled the 19,220 comments in China. To ascertain the possible turning point of public opinion, we searched violence against doctors–related policies from Tsinghua University ipolicy database from 2011 to 2020, and found 19 policies enacted by the Chinese central government aimed at alleviating the intense patient–physician relationship. We then conducted a series of interrupted time series analyses to examine the influence of these policies on public sentiment toward violence against doctors over time.

RESULTS

The interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) showed that the change in public sentiment toward violence against doctors reports was temporally associated with government interventions. The declarations of 10 of the public policies were followed by increases in the proportion of online public opinion in support of doctors (average slope changes of 0.010, P<.05). A decline in the proportion of online public opinion that blamed doctors (average level change of –0.784, P<.05) followed the declaration of 3 policies.

CONCLUSIONS

The government’s administrative interventions effectively shaped public opinion but only temporarily. Continued public policy interventions are needed to sustain the reduction of hostility toward medical doctors.
The Development of an Escape Room–Based Serious Game to Trigger Social Interaction and Communication Between High-Functioning Children With Autism and Their Peers: Iterative Design Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Terlouw Gijs , Kuipers Derek , van 't Veer Job , Prins Jelle T , Pierie Jean Pierre E N
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have social deficits that affect social interactions, communication, and relationships with peers. Many existing interventions focus mainly on improving social skills in clinical settings. In addition to the direct instruction–based programs, activity-based programs could be of added value, especially to bridge the relational gap between children with ASD and their peers.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to describe an iterative design process for the development of an escape room–based serious game as a boundary object. The purpose of the serious game is to facilitate direct communication between high-functioning children with ASD and their peers, for the development of social skills on the one hand and strengthening relationships with peers through a fun and engaging activity on the other hand.

METHODS

This study is structured around the Design Research Framework to develop an escape room through an iterative-incremental process. With a pool of 37 children, including 23 children diagnosed with ASD (5 girls) and 14 children (7 girls) attending special primary education for other additional needs, 4 testing sessions around different prototypes were conducted. The beta prototype was subsequently reviewed by experts (n=12). During the design research process, we examined in small steps whether the developed prototypes are feasible and whether they have the potential to achieve the formulated goals of different stakeholders.

RESULTS

By testing various prototypes, several insights were found and used to improve the design. Insights were gained in finding a fitting and appealing theme for the children, composing the content, and addressing different constraints in applying the goals from the children’s and therapeutic perspectives. Eventually, a multiplayer virtual escape room, AScapeD, was developed. Three children can play the serious game in the same room on tablets. The first test shows that the game enacts equal cooperation and communication among the children.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper presents an iterative design process for AScapeD. AScapeD enacts equal cooperation and communication in a playful way between children with ASD and their peers. The conceptual structure of an escape room contributes to the natural emergence of communication and cooperation. The iterative design process has been beneficial for finding a constructive game structure to address all formulated goals, and it contributed to the design of a serious game as a boundary object that mediates the various objectives of different stakeholders. We present 5 lessons learned from the design process. The developed prototype is feasible and has the potential to achieve the goals of the serious game.
COVID-19 Contact Tracing & Privacy Protection, We Are on the Way (Preprint)
Authors: Fan Jing
Published: May 2020

UNSTRUCTURED

Smartphone-based contact tracing is proven to be effective in epidemic containment. To maintain its utilization meanwhile ensure the protection of personal privacy, different countries came up with different practices, new exploratory solutions may come into real-world practice soon as well.
No Place Like Home: Cross-National Data Analysis of the Efficacy of Social Distancing During the COVID-19 Pandemic (Preprint)
Authors: Delen Dursun , Eryarsoy Enes , Davazdahemami Behrooz
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

In the absence of a cure in the time of a pandemic, social distancing measures seem to be the most effective intervention to slow the spread of disease. Various simulation-based studies have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of these measures. While those studies unanimously confirm the mitigating effect of social distancing on disease spread, the reported effectiveness varies from 10% to more than 90% reduction in the number of infections. This level of uncertainty is mostly due to the complex dynamics of epidemics and their time-variant parameters. However, real transactional data can reduce uncertainty and provide a less noisy picture of the effectiveness of social distancing.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper was to integrate multiple transactional data sets (GPS mobility data from Google and Apple as well as disease statistics from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control) to study the role of social distancing policies in 26 countries and analyze the transmission rate of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic over the course of 5 weeks.

METHODS

Relying on the susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) model and official COVID-19 reports, we first calculated the weekly transmission rate (β) of COVID-19 in 26 countries for 5 consecutive weeks. Then, we integrated these data with the Google and Apple mobility data sets for the same time frame and used a machine learning approach to investigate the relationship between the mobility factors and β values.

RESULTS

Gradient boosted trees regression analysis showed that changes in mobility patterns resulting from social distancing policies explain approximately 47% of the variation in the disease transmission rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Consistent with simulation-based studies, real cross-national transactional data confirms the effectiveness of social distancing interventions in slowing the spread of COVID-19. In addition to providing less noisy and more generalizable support for the idea of social distancing, we provide specific insights for public health policy makers regarding locations that should be given higher priority for enforcing social distancing measures.
Órden(es) y disonancias de la reconciliación postdictatorial. Una comparación entre Chile y España
Authors: Vera Gajardo Sandra
Published: May 2020

Este artículo compara los discursos de reconciliación nacional que han predominado en Chile y España después de dictaduras políticas de largo alcance. La polisemia de estos discursos se analizó observando una selección de hechos históricos claves en ambos países, desde las respectivas transiciones políticas hasta la actualidad. Los resultados permitieron distinguir distintas disposiciones para la reconciliación que coexisten y se modifican en los dos casos. Estas clasificaciones se agrupan en disposiciones “abiertas” y “cerradas” hacia la reconciliación, que existen de manera combinada a través del tiempo. Se demostrará, por ejemplo, que en España han prevalecido las disposiciones cerradas en casi todo momento desde el inicio mismo de su transición política, lo que aquí se problematizará como una de las explicaciones de la persistencia de un “modelo de impunidad”.