bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness of artificial intelligence monitoring for active tuberculosis treatment: A modeling study
Authors: Salcedo Jonathan , Rosales Monica , Kim Jeniffer S. , Nuno Daisy , Suen Sze-chuan , Chang Alicia H.
Published: July 2021

Background

Tuberculosis (TB) incidence in Los Angeles County, California, USA (5.7 per 100,000) is significantly higher than the U.S. national average (2.9 per 100,000). Directly observed therapy (DOT) is the preferred strategy for active TB treatment but requires substantial resources. We partnered with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of AiCure, an artificial intelligence (AI) platform that allows for automated treatment monitoring.

Methods

We used a Markov model to compare DOT versus AiCure for active TB treatment in LA County. Each cohort transitioned between health states at rates estimated using data from a pilot study for AiCure (N = 43) and comparable historical controls for DOT (N = 71). We estimated total costs (2017, USD) and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) over a 16-month horizon to calculate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and net monetary benefits (NMB) of AiCure. To assess robustness, we conducted deterministic (DSA) and probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA).

Results

For the average patient, AiCure was dominant over DOT. DOT treatment cost $4,894 and generated 1.03 QALYs over 16-months. AiCure treatment cost $2,668 for 1.05 QALYs. At willingness-to-pay threshold of $150K/QALY, incremental NMB per-patient under AiCure was $4,973. In univariate DSA, NMB were most sensitive to monthly doses and vocational nurse wage; however, AiCure remained dominant. In PSA, AiCure was dominant in 93.5% of 10,000 simulations (cost-effective in 96.4%).

Conclusions

AiCure for treatment of active TB is cost-effective for patients in LA County, California. Increased use of AI platforms in other jurisdictions could facilitate the CDC’s vision of TB elimination.
Study of the influencing factors of the liquid CO2 phase change fracturing effect in coal seams
Authors: Jia Jinzhang , Wang Dongming , Li Bin , Tian Xiuyuan
Published: July 2021

To study the influence of different factors on the cracking effect of the liquid CO2 phase transition, the mechanics of coal rock crack extension based on liquid CO2 phase change blast loading were studied. Through the application of simulation software to analyze the influence of coal seam physical parameters (in situ stress, gas pressure, modulus of elasticity and strength of coal) and blasting parameters (fracturing pore size and peak pressure of detonation)on the effect of liquid CO2 phase change cracking, the simulation results showed that the cracking effect of liquid CO2 phase change was positively correlated with the changes in gas pressure, elastic modulus, fracture hole diameter and peak vent pressure, negatively correlated with the variation in situ stress and compressive strength, and nearly independent of the tensile strength. In addition, by using Gray correlation analysis to analyze the influence degree of six main factors on the cracking effect, the calculation results showed that the effect of blasting parameters was greater than that of physical parameters. The main controlling factor that affected the blasting effect was the peak pressure of blasting release. By conducting comparative engineering trials with different blasting parameters, the test results showed that the crack effect of the coal seam was positively correlated with the change in fracture hole diameter and peak venting pressure, which was consistent with the results obtained from the simulation. The experimental results and simulation results for the effective radius of coal seam fracturing were basically consistent, with the error between the two types of results falling below 10%. Therefore, the reliability of the blasting numerical model was verified. In summary, the research results provide theoretical guidance for applying and promoting liquid CO2 fracturing technology in coal mines.
The impact of multimedia journalism on ageism in television news: Commodification and the anxiety of ageing in the newsroom
Authors: Cummings Dean
Published: July 2021

Television news corporations changed their work roles from a tradition of team production to a ‘one-man-band’ method of production. Many veteran reporters are hesitant to accept the new methodology. This study intended to examine how television news reporters adjusted to more work demands and new technologies. A questionnaire was combined with participant observation for analysis. The participants included 289 television journalists, selected from local affiliates throughout the United States. The results indicate that there is preference for younger workers and burnout occurring to all age groups. This study explores the commodification of the profession in terms of labour value.
You can’t beat the feeling: How emotional responses to exemplars in news stories affect perceptions of expert sources and the message of the news story
Authors: Heiselberg Lene , Skovsgaard Morten
Published: July 2021

Journalists include ordinary people as exemplars – also known as case sources – in news stories to illustrate the general issue through their personal accounts. These accounts from exemplars tend to evoke emotions in the audience and carry greater weight than base rate information when people form perceptions or attitudes on the problem at hand. In this study, drawing on a news story in which an expert source and an exemplar provide conflicting information, we explore viewers’ emotional response to the exemplar and their perceptions of the expert source and the main message of the news story. We do this by presenting participants with two versions of a television news story – one with and one without an exemplar. We measure participants’ emotional response through a combination of open-ended and close-ended self-reports and directly through electrodermal activity, and we explore their perception of sources and the message of the story through open-ended questions. We find that viewers experience increased arousal when they watch the personal account of an exemplar, and that they tend to interpret the base rate information in the light of the exemplar’s account. Furthermore, some respondents tend to delegitimize the expert source that contradicts the account of the exemplar. We discuss the implications that these results have for journalists and provide tentative advice on which measures journalists can take to counter such effects.
The effects of using photos in Arabic news websites on the audience’s comprehension and recall: A pilot research
Authors: Gaweesh Khaled , Daher Manar
Published: July 2021

This interdisciplinary research aims to examine the effects of photos used in Arabic news websites on both comprehension and recall among readers. The dual-coding theory was used as a theoretical framework. The research used an experimental design of two groups to test the effects of photos on comprehension and recall of the news content included in two news websites created specifically for the experiment. Two groups of 80 university students have participated voluntarily in the experiment. The results indicated that the use of photos in the news website has increased significantly the levels of both comprehension and recall among respondents.
Attitudes to fake news verification: Youth orientations to ‘right click’ authenticate
Authors: Ibrahim Yasmin , Safieddine Fadi , Pourghomi Pardis
Published: July 2021

This article examines the phenomenon of fake news through a survey of university students in the United Kingdom. The survey, composed through a selection of factual and non-factual content/news and complemented through a validation tool, sought to assess the attitudes of these respondents to items of factual misinformation before and after these were verified with the tool. The findings from the survey present online misinformation as a very complex and unfolding phenomenon in terms of user behaviour, particularly when presented with an authentication tool. The majority of respondents failed in identifying factual from fake news posts. While respondents indicated mistrust in using third-party validation tools, the majority indicated a critical need for a verification tool that would support their quest and increase their trust in what they read online.
The cultural production of Cabaret Voltaire: Marxism, the politics of modernism and post-punk
Authors: Stevenson Nick
Published: July 2021

This article explores the contribution of Cabaret Voltaire to the history of industrial and electronic music in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Heavily influenced by the music of Kraftwerk, the Cabs drew upon the dystopian landscapes of William Burroughs to create a paranoid soundscape. Like Kraftwerk, Cabaret Voltaire’s music was influenced by the artistic movements of the twentieth century (most prominently Dada) and drew upon modernist techniques. Especially significant in this regard was their location within post-industrial Sheffield and the ideologies of post-punk more generally. This discussion offers a critical assessment of Cabaret Voltaire as a form of avant-garde music that sought to carefully position itself in the context of the cultural politics of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Primarily through the work of Marxist aesthetic theory, I seek to offer a critical appreciation of the relationship between Cabaret Voltaire and the influence of Dada and modernism. The aim of the discussion is to reclaim a more critical understanding of Marxism while exploring its arguments in relation to artistic forms of modernism and popular culture. Especially important at this juncture is the rejection of the cultural populism of postmodernism and the reclaiming of a more critical language of evaluation and critique. Here the argument is that whatever Cabaret Voltaire’s limitations they continue to remind us of modernism’s ongoing capacity to offer arresting forms of art and critique.
Educación y ciudadanía: el compromiso cívico de los jóvenes españoles
Authors: Jover Gonzalo
Published: July 2021

Este artículo analiza los resultados de una investigación empírica acerca del compromiso cívico de los jóvenes españoles. Los resultados permiten extraer la conclusión de que los jóvenes valoran positivamente la democracia como sistema de gobierno, pero tienen muchas más dificultades para identificarse como ciudadanos activos dentro de la misma. En consecuencia, ya no basta con promover a través de la educación la adhesión a los principios democráticos, sino que se requiere, sobre todo, desarrollar un sentido de ciudadanía activa que lleve a sentirse parte en la permanente construcción de la sociedad democrática.
Qualidade da informação nas publicações científicas electrônicas na Internet: desafios e propostas
Authors: Sabbatini Marcelo
Published: July 2021

Este texto analisa algumas das principais questões e obstáculos envolvidos na adoção de um sistema de publicação científica eletrônico, relacionados com as normas e práticas estabelecidas na comunidade científica. Entre as questões analisadas destacamos a certificação da qualidade através da revisão por pares, a manutenção da integridade e legitmidade das revistas científicas e a preservação da privacidade no meio digital. Além disso, analisamos a percepção que a própria comunidade acadêmica possui das revistas eletrônicas disponibilizadas na Internet e seus impactos dentro dos processos de avaliação e promoção acadêmica.
Políticas comunitarias de juventud: el factor territorial en la sociedad global
Authors: Conde Valdivieso Henar , Muñoz Rodríguez José Manuel
Published: July 2021

Cuando nos situamos ante el estudio de las políticas educativas de juventud, requerimos de un marco contextual que permita interpretar por qué, cómo y cuándo se genera una nueva política educativa en materia de juventud en Europa, en busca de conseguir políticas educativas más consistentes y eficaces. El mandato específico que sobre juventud tiene la Comunidad Europea se centra en aspectos educativos; sin embargo, al analizar las distintas políticas comunitarias, nos encontramos en numerosas ocasiones con la necesidad de afrontar el hecho social que representa la juventud, en sus aspectos contextuales, sociales, culturales, etc. Una de las variables más marginadas en la implementación de las actuaciones socio-educativas es la dimensión espacial, contextual, territorial... y esto a pesar de su importancia manifiesta cuando se trata de luchar contra la desigualdad y la exclusión social de los jóvenes. La dispersión de iniciativas, fruto de un olvido sistemático -por parte de los responsables de las políticas- de la dimensión contextual (entre otras), hace que se hayan planteado acciones en muchos casos homogéneas y homogeneizantes. En este sentido, al objeto de cubrir algunas de las necesidades surgidas como consecuencia del proceso de globalización, abogamos por un nuevo fundamento teórico -sobre el que debe sustentarse la política de juventud- que recupere la valía del espacio, contexto o territorio, como agente socioeducativo de primer orden en la Unión Europea. Estos principios, creemos, deberán formar parte de los cimientos sobre los que se construye el proyecto comunitario para la juventud de Europa.
La formación del profesorado basada en redes de aprendizaje virtual: aplicación de la técnica dafo
Authors: Colás Bravo Pilar , De Pablos Pons Juan
Published: July 2021

En este artículo se formula un modelo de formación del profesorado sustentado en el  potencial de las TICs como "Entorno Virtual de Aprendizaje" que posibilita a la vez la comunicación interactiva y  la formación en centros. Esta aportación se concreta en una aplicación pedagógica de las TICs para la formación del profesorado, basada en propuestas vinculadas al modelo de formación en centros, aprendizaje colaborativo y aprendizaje virtual  desde una perspectiva sociocultural.Este modelo de formación parte de  la creación on-line de comunidades docentes de aprendizaje colaborativo como base para la formación permanente del profesorado. Se  expone y desarrolla la técnica DAFO como metodología para la gestación, creación y  dinamización on line de redes de profesorado. Estas redes tienen como objetivo  constituir comunidades colaborativas de aprendizaje para la formación continua del profesorado y la innovación educativa en centros.
¿El uso de las TIC reduce realmente la vulnerabilidad social en los jóvenes?
Authors: Lombarte Bel Silvia
Published: July 2021

En este artículo se cuestiona si el hecho de que los jóvenes utilicen las TIC hace que sean automáticamente menos vulnerables que los que no tienen acceso. Para esto se define el concepto de vulnerabilidad social vigente en la actualidad y se relaciona con el acceso a las TIC. Posteriormente se resaltan algunas de las características de los jóvenes de hoy y, a partir de investigaciones que relacionan la juventud con el acceso a las TIC, se realiza una aproximación a posibles indicadores de vulnerabilidad. Finalmente se debaten los elementos necesarios para reducir la vulnerabilidad de los jóvenes frente a las TIC y se mencionan algunas capacidades que pueden desarrollar para ello.
Mitos de la educación on-line
Authors: García Manzano Andrés
Published: July 2021

En los últimos años han surgido numerosas propuestas educativas centradas en la aplicación de las TIC a casi todos los aspectos de la actividad docente, siendo las plataformas de teleformación las que más expectativas están levantando entre las diferentes administraciones y no pocos profesionales de la educación. En el imaginario de Internet, aparecen numerosos conceptos como ubicuidad, telepresencia, autoaprendizaje, simulación, gestión individualizada del conocimiento e interactividad, que la formación on-line ha ido haciendo suyos hasta conformar un falso paradigma educativo en el que los roles de docentes y discentes se flexibilizan y diluyen, acabando por ser intercambiables y, en algunas situaciones, carentes de significado. Como veremos en este artículo, se trata de extrapolaciones infundadas que, en no pocas ocasiones, conducen a una serie de “mitos” erróneos sobre el deber ser de la educación.
Unidades de aprendizaje, una propuesta de complemento a los objetos de aprendizaje
Authors: Hernández Eduardo
Published: July 2021

En la actualidad, el diseño, creación y utilización de objetos de aprendizaje o learning objects (LO), ocupa un importante lugar en la práctica del eLearning. Las actuales especificaciones (SCORM – Sharable Content Object Reference Model, Empaquetamiento de Contenidos de IMS) están orientadas a recomendar el diseño, creación y descripción de estos LO con tal de lograr y asegurar su interoperabilidad. Sin embargo, luego un análisis se concluye que las actuales prácticas pedagógicas, como por ejemplo las basadas en trabajos colaborativos de ambientes multiusuario no pueden ser descritas con el uso de las actuales especificaciones y Learning Objects. Así, se presenta en este escrito, una iniciativa, conocida como Learning Design, que ofrece un mecanismo que permite, a partir de elementos genéricos y con un lenguaje estándar, describir procesos completos de enseñanza-aprendizaje de manera que éstos puedan ser reproducidos, ejecutados e intercambiados por sistemas capaces de comprender esta especificación.
Evaluación de actitudes hacia la integración de calculadoras gráficas en el currículum de matemáticas de educación secundaria
Authors: Bedoya Evelio , Gutierrez José , Rico Luis
Published: July 2021

Este trabajo analiza el efecto que provoca un plan de formación inicial de profesores en el desarrollo de actitudes favorables a la integración de las calculadoras gráficas en el currículum de matemáticas de Educación Secundaria. A partir de una escala de actitudes aplicada antes y después del programa formativo se establecen diferentes tipologías de profesores, que ejemplifican niveles de resistencia diferenciados a la hora de integrar en sus aulas nuevas tecnologías informáticas dotadas de sistemas de representación múltiple, conocidas como calculadoras gráficas. A lo largo del documento se muestran los resultados de varias técnicas de análisis multivariante empleados como instrumentos metodológicos de análisis del cambio actitudinal individual y grupal, y que contribuyen a clarificar las actitudes y resistencias de estudiantes de último año de la Licenciatura de Matemáticas acerca de la utilidad didáctica en el estudio de la función cuadrática de las nuevas tecnologías en general, y de las calculadoras gráficas TI-83 y TI-92, en particular.
Aportaciones educativas de los modelos informatizados de diagnóstico cognitivo en el algoritmo de la sustracción
Authors: Sánchez García Ana Belén
Published: July 2021

En este artículo examinamos los sistemas de diagnóstico informatizado más interesantes  en el ámbito de los errores que se producen en el algoritmo de la sustracción. Del mismo modo, también analizamos las aportaciones pedagógicas de estos modelos de conocimiento procesal al campo de la educación matemática. Para ello, hacemos hincapié en las contribuciones de la Psicología Cognitiva y la Informática que junto a la Ciencias de la  Educación proporcionan información necesaria para poder analizar las causas subyacentes a los errores en los procesos matemáticos, y contribuyen a representar los procesos como complemento didáctico al diagnóstico.
Foro Experimental sobre Recursos de Matemática Aplicada a las Telecomunicaciones. Utilización de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicacion en la docencia
Authors: Merino Córdoba Salvador , Mora Bonilla Ángel , Muñoz Ruiz María Luz , González Vida José Manuel , Martínez Del Castillo Javier , Merida Casemiro Enrique , Cordero Ortega Pablo , Rodríguez Sánchez Francisco J. , Galán García José Luis , Rodríguez Cielos Pedro , Padilla Domínguez Yolanda , Gutiérrez Barrancos Gloria
Published: July 2021

En este artículo presentamos FERMAT (Foro Experimental sobre Recursos de Matemática Aplicada a las Telecomunicaciones), portal de Internet alojado en http://www.campusvirtual.uma.es/fermat. Este trabajo ha sido realizado por un grupo de profesores del Departamento de Matemática Aplicada de la Universidad de Málaga y ha consistido, básicamente, en el desarrollo de herramientas científicas y pedagógicas que nos permiten transmitir a los alumnos de nuestra Universidad el interés por esta ciencia y sus aplicaciones. Describiremos los objetivos que nos planteamos, la metodología empleada, el portal que hemos elaborado así como el modo en que los alumnos lo utilizan. Terminaremos con un análisis de los resultados obtenidos, de las conclusiones finales y del trabajo futuro.
Excel como una herramienta asequible en la enseñanza de la Estadística
Authors: López Noriega Myrna , Lagunes Huerta Cristina , Herrera Sánchez Santa
Published: July 2021

El uso de la hoja de cálculo en el aprendizaje de la estadística, resulta ser una herramienta de fácil acceso,  ya que la mayoría de los paquetes computacionales tienen alguna versión de ella. En el presente artículo se analizaron los beneficios del uso de Excel en el proceso de aprendizaje  de la estadística, además de hacer el comparativo con software especializados de difícil acceso a los estudiantes universitarios. Ventajas adicionales en los procedimientos estadísticos son la sintaxis común de acuerdo con su nombre, las funciones de aplicación inmediata y la capacidad gráfica por mencionar algunas.
Técnicas de reconocimiento automático de emociones
Authors: Martín De Diego Isaac , Serrano Ángel , Conde Cristina , Cabello Enrique
Published: July 2021

En este artículo presentamos un resumen de las principales técnicas para el reconocimiento automático de emociones. Repasaremos brevemente los principales tipos de emociones, haciendo hincapié en la necesidad de usar emociones específicas. Consideraremos los dos principales canales para el estudio de las emociones: las expresiones faciales obtenidas a partir de un video y las expresiones léxico-fonéticas obtenidas de un discurso de audio. A pesar de que las emociones recogidas en uno u otro medio pueden ser diferentes, las técnicas de investigación más novedosas se centran en la combinación de ambas fuentes de información. Presentamos un resumen de las técnicas de análisis estadístico utilizadas en la detección de emociones. El desarrollo de una base de datos apropiada para el estudio de las emociones es una tarea fundamental. El material de dicha base de datos debería de ser audiovisual y recogido en un entorno real, sin el uso de personas predispuestas a reflejar una emoción.
Sobre chat, máscaras y otros asuntos sobre el amor en internet
Authors: Levis Diego
Published: July 2021

Este artículo aborda distintos aspectos de las relaciones afectivas que se establecen y desarrollan a través de Internet. Para ello recorre distintos elementos que aparecen en este tipo de relaciones. La propia Internet vista como plaza, la oralidad escrita que caracteriza las comunicaciones a través del chat, el uso de máscaras, el papel de la pantalla, a veces biombo en otras espejo o aparente ventana preámbulo del encuentro físico que tantas veces se produce.
Mantle Cell Lymphoma Presenting as Diarrhea in a Liver Transplant Recipient
Authors: Ahmed Abdelwahab , Naji Abdullah , Zhang Jinyu , Raoufi Mohammad , Alhamar Mohamed , Salgia Reena , Mullins Keith
Published: July 2021

We present a 63-year-old man with a medical history of hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent orthotopic liver transplant 10 years prior on long-term immunosuppressive therapy. The patient presented to the clinic with diarrhea, and the workup revealed mantle cell lymphoma. Mantle cell lymphoma is an extremely rare finding in transplanted livers. It is essential to include mantle cell lymphoma, along with a broad differential, during the workup of diarrhea in post-transplant patients.
Los testimonios de Aristóteles sobre el «noûs» de Anaxágoras
Authors: Torrijos-Castrillejo David
Published: July 2021

Uno de los aspectos de la filosofía de Anaxágoras que más interesan a Aristóteles es su teoría del noûs. Sin embargo, al respecto mantiene una postura algo bivalente, pues, por una parte, alaba al presocrático por haber puesto el noûs como principio, mientras que, por otra, se muestra decepcionado. El noûs de Anaxágoras intervendría de modo insuficiente en el universo pero también causaría el bien, es más, sería el Bien con mayúscula. Nuestro objetivo es explicar cómo Aristóteles es capaz de desarrollar ambos tipos de discurso sobre el presocrático, siendo entre ellos aparentemente contradictorios. Se ofrecen dos soluciones a esta disyuntiva: aun existiendo cierta teleología en la filosofía de Anaxágoras, ésta resulta insuficiente a los ojos de Platón y Aristóteles; la recepción del pensamiento de Anaxágoras en otros autores posteriores, pero anteriores a Aristóteles, asocia subrepticiamente la bondad con el noûs.
Lo humano, lo divino y lo mundano en Jenófanes de Colofón
Authors: Castelao Pedro
Published: July 2021

Los fragmentos de un autor anterior a Sócrates, como Jenófanes de Colofón, han dado lugar a las más diversas interpretaciones. Muchas de ellas son incompatibles entre sí porque alcanzan resultados contradictorios. Gracias a la imagen de las teselas de un mosaico y la ayuda de un dibujo previo en forma de «triángulo primordial», el autor de este ensayo quiere ofrecer una nueva interpretación de los fragmentos de este filósofo, alrededor de los tres ejes fundamentales de la metafísica occidental: el ser humano, Dios y el cosmos. Su interpretación explora no sólo los tres vértices del triángulo, sino también sus recíprocas interacciones, de modo que finaliza poniendo de relieve una reconstrucción global de este poeta exiliado que aúna antropología, teología y cosmología.
«Ousía»: su significado y traducción
Authors: García Marqués Alfonso
Published: July 2021

Este artículo busca determinar el contenido semántico del término ousía —no sus múltiples usos filosóficos ni sus denotaciones contextuales—, y discutir la validez de sus diversas traducciones (essentia, substantia, entidad), con especial referencia a Aristóteles.
A Study on the Prevalence and Source of Staphylococci and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Causing Superficial Incisional Surgical Site Infection
Authors: Ali Kameran M. , Al-Jaff Bahrouz M. A.
Published: July 2021

Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are common causatives of superficial incisional surgical site infection (SSI). The source of the pathogens is still not fully diagnosed whether it is endogenous or exogenous particularly with regard to the extent of its resistance to antibiotics. Therefore, this study is designed to determine the rate of infection, the source of pathogens, and the extent of their resistance to antibiotics. For this purpose, pre-, intra- and post-operative swabs from the nasal and skin of patients undergoing surgeries and samples from the hospital environment have been collected and processed for isolation and identification of staphylococci. Bacterial analysis and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of the isolates are assessed by unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) analysis based on random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) and disc diffusion test for antibiotics susceptibility profile. The microbiological and PCR results indicate that SSIs are found in 113/512 (22.07%), Staphylococcus spp. rated 67/512 (13.09%) of infections. Further analysis indicates that S. aureus, CoNS, and both of them were causes SSI with different rates 41/67 (61.2%), 23/67 (34.3%), and 3/67 (4.5%), respectively. Results of RAPD-PCR for 70 isolates reveal that 52/70 (74.28%) of SSIs are from endogenous source, followed by 10/70 (14.29%) and 8/70 (11.43%) from hospitals acquired and undetermined sources, respectively. Moreover, results of antibiotic susceptibility test reveal that 24/44 (54.5%) of isolates belong to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; from both endogenous and exogenous sources with 13/24 (54.17%) and 11/24 (45.83%), respectively.
Institutional Support of Euroregions “Carpathian” and “Bug”: A Case Study for Ukrainian-Polish Cross-Border Cooperation
Authors: Shuliak Antonina , Shuliak Nazarii
Published: July 2021

This paper presents cooperation across boundaries as co-operative measures, being goal-oriented to the economic, social, scientific, technical, environmental, cultural, and other relations, initiating and deepening among territorial communities, local authorities both in Ukraine and in Poland. The methodological basis of the study consists of the following approaches to the study of Euroregions: geographical, political, administrative, functional. Definitions of the Euroregion as the main form of cross-border cooperation have been determined, and institutions promoting cross-border cooperation between Ukraine and Poland have been studied. The institutional support for cross-border cooperation within the framework of the “Carpathian” and “Bug” Euroregions has been examined. Features of the Ukrainian-Polish Euroregions – “Carpathian” and “Bug” have been characterized. Problematic issues concerning the Euroregion cross-border cooperation support have been identified. Moreover, recommendations on improving the institutional component of the Ukrainian-Polish CBC within the “Carpathian” and the “Bug” Euroregions are given herein.
Effects of Sex and Estrous Cycle on the Time Course of Incubation of Cue-Induced Craving following Extended-Access Cocaine Self-Administration
Authors: Corbett Claire M. , Dunn Emily , Loweth Jessica A.
Published: July 2021

Cocaine addiction is a devastating public health epidemic that continues to grow. Studies focused on identifying biological factors influencing cocaine craving and relapse vulnerability are necessary to promote abstinence in recovering drug users. Sex and ovarian hormones are known to influence cocaine addiction liability and relapse vulnerability in both humans and rodents. Previous studies have investigated sex differences in the time-dependent intensification or “incubation” of cue-induced cocaine craving that occurs during withdrawal from extended-access cocaine self-administration and have identified changes across the rat reproductive cycle (estrous cycle). Female rats in the estrus stage of the cycle (Estrus Females), the phase during which ovulation occurs, show an increase in the magnitude of incubated cue-induced cocaine craving compared with females in all other phases of the estrous cycle (Non-Estrus Females). Here we extend these findings by assessing incubated craving across the estrous cycle during earlier withdrawal periods (withdrawal day 1 and 15) and later withdrawal periods (withdrawal day 48). We found that this increase in the magnitude of incubated craving during estrus (Estrus Females) is present on withdrawal day 15, but not on withdrawal day 1, and further increases by withdrawal day 48. No difference in the magnitude of incubated craving was observed between Males and Non-Estrus Females. Our data indicate that the effects of hormonal fluctuations on cue-induced cocaine craving intensify during the first month and a half of withdrawal, showing an interaction among abstinence length, estrous cycle fluctuations, and cocaine craving.
Nauczyciel wobec współczesnej rzeczywistości społecznej
Authors:   Akademia Marynarki Wojennej w Gdyni, Gaweł-Luty Elżbieta
Published: July 2021

Social structures include specific entities marked by both institutionalized social norms and by their own individual reflections on their role in society. Social structures are not a permanent phenomenon, because society is constantly restructuring itself. The basis of a social order is the standardization of the actions of individuals, when these activities are subject to typification, institutionalism is created. Thus, institutions define requirements for the way people function in the social space. Individuals also undertake professional roles with existing social structures, the performance of which is likewise determined by social norms.For the proper functioning of society, therefore, social and professional identities of individuals and of groups are both needed.
Nauczyciel w warunkach zmian społecznych – misja, służba czy zawód na rynku pracy?
Authors:   Państwowa Wyższa Szkoła Zawodowa im. Edwarda F. Szczepanika w Suwałkach, Pogorzelska Anna
Published: July 2021

The text is a reflection on the ongoing social changes and the role of the teacher in these processes. Contemporary social theories and their references to the pragmatics of social life have been described. A catalogue of teacher roles, which are expected from teacher by the changing social environment, was also formulated.
Autonomia nauczyciela w reformowanej szkole
Authors:   Uniwersytet Pedagogiczny im. Komisji Edukacji Narodowej w Krakowie, Popławska Agata
Published: July 2021

The text presents the issue of autonomy. The centre of considerations is the conceptualization of the concept of ”teacher autonomy” and the exemplification of the various dimensions of teacher autonomy during constant education reforms in Poland. The work consists of three parts. The first characterizes subsequent school reforms carried out in democratic Poland. Particular attention was paid to regulations contained in educational law related to teacher autonomy. The second part discusses the concept of „autonomy” and „teacher autonomy”. An attempt was made to identify the stimulators and inhibitors of teacher autonomy. The third part presents selected results of periodically conducted research on the professional work of teachers, in particular their autonomy.
Kompetencje emocjonalne kadry dydaktycznej uczelni wojskowej jako istotny element funkcjonowania zawodowego
Authors:   Akademia Sztuki Wojennej w Warszawie, Laskowski Mirosław
Published: July 2021

In order to meet the requirements of Polish education today, we need to look again at the issue of teacher’s competences. Previous research indicates a significant advantage of competence over formal qualifications, not only in this profession. In addition to the social dimension of this issue, the emotional competencies that form the basis for building social competences and, as a result, professional ones, deserve special attention. The special role of the teachers in the education system requires some personal qualities that allow them to take on the responsibility and fulfil their mission. By examining emotional competences among academic teachers at a military academy, was able to show a new dimension of needs not only for military education but for broadly understood higher education. Using a proven measurement tool, I presented my conclusions based on the results of research carried out at the The War Studies University in Warsaw.
Kompetencje terapeutyczne nauczyciela w zmieniającej się przestrzeni edukacyjnej
Authors:   Uniwersytet w Białymstoku, Zińczuk Monika
Published: July 2021

The subject of the article are the therapeutic competence of the teacher. The subject of the article is the therapeutic competence of the teacher. It is based on the therapeutic orientation in humanistic psychology. These competences allow the teacher to see in time the difficulties and abilities of a child, recognize their individual psychophysical possibilities as well as development and educational needs. The concept of therapeutic approach in teaching is aimed at taking actions favouring the development of students’ potential in order to increase the effectiveness of learning and improve their functioning. The article emphasizes the teacher’s skills particularly valuable in the area of assistance and support for student development.
Postawy nauczycieli wobec kształcenia dzieci imigrantów w polskich szkołach. Problemy związane z ich edukacją
Authors:   Akademia Marynarki Wojennej w Gdyni, Bartkowiak Grażyna
Published: July 2021

According to data from 2018, Poland is a relatively homogeneous country in the European Union in terms of nationality. Around 345 000 representatives of other nations live in our country, of which about 46% are immigrants from Ukraine. Despite the fact that these people, in comparison with other countries in the European Union, face more difficulties both in terms of formal requirements related to permanent residence, access to medical care, institutions dealing with education, and opportunities to find their place in the labour market, this trend is growing and their children constitute about 0,7% of the Polish children’s population (Portal: prawy.pl). In Poland, the system of free, obligatory education covers children and youth up to 18 years in primary, and since 2010 also secondary, schools. In this situation, one can expect that a significant problem that will appear before the Polish education system in the near future will be the education of refugee children in Polish schools. The subject of the article is the attitudes of teachers towards the education of immigrant children in Poland and problems related to the education of these children. The article aims to answer the following questions: 1. What are the attitudes towards the education of immigrant children presented by Polish teachers? 2. What kind of didactic and educational problems can occur in connection with the appearance of immigrant children in Polish schools? 3. What actions should teachers take to improve the teaching process to integrate the school environment? In order to get an answer to a research problem formulated thusly, surveys using a specially prepared questionnaire were planned and carried out in a group of 42 primary and middle school teachers in two Polish cities (with over 600 000 inhabitants) and subsequently interviews with them were conducted. The data obtained generally showed an understanding of the problems of education of immigrant children and the teachers’ professional approach to their education.
C-reactive protein and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels as risk factors for hypothyroidism in patients with subacute thyroiditis
Authors: Tang Chenjia , Dong Yanting , Lu Lusi , Zhang Nan
Published: July 2021

Objective

This study was designed to explore the relationships between the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with subacute thyroiditis (SAT).

Design

This is a single-center retrospective study.

Patients

Eighty-nine patients with SAT who were hospitalized in the Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital in Zhejiang, China, from October 2014 to September 2020 were included.

Methods

The Mann–Whitney U-test, chi-square test, and Cox regression analysis were conducted to identify the relationships between clinical characteristics and outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine the optimal cutoff levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).

Results

The hypothyroidism and recurrence rates were 15.7 and 16.9%, respectively. CRP (≥72.0 mg/L), TSH (<0.02 mIU/L), and free triiodothyronine (fT3) (≥4.10 pg/mL) were associated with hypothyroidism. The cutoff level was 97.80 mg/L for CRP (area under the curve (AUC), 0.717, P = 0.014; sensitivity, 57.1%; specificity, 84.0%) and 0.10 mIU/L for TSH (AUC, 0.752, P = 0.004; sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 46.0%) by ROC curve analysis for hypothyroidism. The factors under study were not associated with recurrence.

Conclusion

CRP and TSH were risk factors for hypothyroidism in SAT. Thyroid functions should be monitored closely for the early detection of hypothyroidism, especially in patients with CRP levels of more than 97.80 mg/L and TSH levels of less than 0.10 mIU/L.
The association between expression of lncRNAs in patients with GDM
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Li Dongmei , Cheng Xingbo
Published: July 2021

Objective

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is common worldwide and seriously threatens maternal and infant health. The expression of non-coding (ncRNA) is tissue-specific and highly stable in eukaryotic cells and the circulatory system, which can act as an early molecular marker of GDM.

Methods

The differential expression of lncRNA and mRNA in the peripheral blood of patients with GDM (experimental group) and healthy pregnant women (control group) was analysed via lncRNA gene chip. Employing biological function clustering and KEGG signalling pathway analysis, we selected the mRNAs and lncRNAs closely related to the insulin signalling pathway of GDM to analyse the possible regulatory mechanism in the pathogenesis of GDM. The sequencing results were further verified via quantitative PCR (Q-PCR).

Results

LncRNA microarray analysis revealed 7498 genes (3592 upregulated, 3906 downregulated) differentially expressed in the GDM group and healthy pregnant women control group, including 1098 differentially expressed lncRNAs (609 upregulated, 489 downregulated). According to the regulatory pathway of the lncRNA mRNA network, 6 lncRNAs and 4 mRNAs were found to play a significant role in insulin resistance.

Conclusions

The lncRNAs ERMP1, TSPAN32 and MRPL38 form a co-expression network with TPH1, which is mainly involved in the tryptophan metabolism pathway and in the development of GDM. Moreover, lncRNA RPL13P5 forms a co-expression network with the TSC2 gene via the PI3K-AKT and insulin signalling pathways, which are involved in the process of insulin resistance in GDM.
Targeting β-cell dedifferentiation and transdifferentiation: opportunities and challenges
Authors: Wang Wenrui , Zhang Chuan
Published: July 2021

The most distinctive pathological characteristics of diabetes mellitus induced by various stressors or immune-mediated injuries are reductions of pancreatic islet β-cell populations and activity. Existing treatment strategies cannot slow disease progression; consequently, research to genetically engineer β-cell mimetics through bi-directional plasticity is ongoing. The current consensus implicates β-cell dedifferentiation as the primary etiology of reduced β-cell mass and activity. This review aims to summarize the etiology and proposed mechanisms of β-cell dedifferentiation and to explore the possibility that there might be a time interval from the onset of β-cell dysfunction caused by dedifferentiation to the development of diabetes, which may offer a therapeutic window to reduce β-cell injury and to stabilize functionality. In addition, to investigate β-cell plasticity, we review strategies for β-cell regeneration utilizing genetic programming, small molecules, cytokines, and bioengineering to transdifferentiate other cell types into β-cells; the development of biomimetic acellular constructs to generate fully functional β-cell-mimetics. However, the maturation of regenerated β-cells is currently limited. Further studies are needed to develop simple and efficient reprogramming methods for assembling perfectly functional β-cells. Future investigations are necessary to transform diabetes into a potentially curable disease.
Genetic factors of idiopathic central precocious puberty and their polygenic risk in early puberty
Authors: Lin Wei-De , Cheng Chi-Fung , Wang Chung-Hsing , Liang Wen-Miin , Chen Chien-Hsiun , Hsieh Ai-Ru , Chiu Mu-Lin , Lin Ting-Hsu , Liao Chiu-Chu , Huang Shao-Mei , Tsai Chang-Hai , Chang Cherry Yin-Yi , Lin Ying-Ju , Tsai Fuu-Jen
Published: July 2021

Objective,

To investigate the genetic characteristics of idiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) and validate its polygenic risk for early puberty.

Design and methods

A bootstrap subsampling and genome-wide association study were performed on Taiwanese Han Chinese girls comprising 321 ICPP patients and 148 controls. Using previous GWAS data on pubertal timing, a replication study was performed. A validation group was also investigated for the weighted polygenic risk score (wPRS) of the risk of early puberty.

Results

A total of 105 SNPs for the risk of ICPP were identified, of which 22 yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.713 for the risk of early puberty in the validation group. A replication study showed that 33 SNPs from previous GWAS data of pubertal timing were associated with the risk of ICPP (training group: P-value < 0.05). In the validation group, a cumulative effect was observed between the wPRS and the risk of early puberty in a dose-dependent manner (validation group: Cochran–Armitage trend test: P-value < 1.00E−04; wPRS quartile 2 (Q2) (odds ratio (OR) = 5.00, 95% CI: 1.55–16.16), and wPRS Q3 (OR = 11.67, 95% CI: 2.44–55.83)).

Conclusions

This study reveals the ICPP genetic characteristics with 22 independent and 33 reported SNPs in the Han Chinese population from Taiwan. This study may contribute to understand the genetic features and underlying biological pathways that control pubertal timing and pathogenesis of ICPP and also to the identification of individuals with a potential genetic risk of early puberty.
Characterization of thermophilic aerobic granular sludge for the treatment of bleached kraft pulp mill effluent
Authors: da Mata Rafles Anselmo , Morais Ismarley Lage Horta , Silva Claudio Mudadu
Published: July 2021

The objective of this work was to evaluate the physical characteristics of the thermophilic granular aerobic sludge used in the treatment of bleached kraft pulp mill effluents. Four sequential batch reactors (SBRs) were operated with cycles of 12 hours. Reactor (R1-FSR) with flocculent sludge was used as control. The other three reactors (R2-GSR, R3-GSR+100, and R4-GSR+200) were operated with granular aerobic sludge. Concentrations 100 and 200 mg. L-1 of calcium were applied in the R3-GSR+100 and R4-GSR+200, respectively. The pH was maintained in the neutral range in all reactors. The experimental plan was carried out for 490-day period, in 5 phases at different temperatures of 35 °C to 55 ºC. All SBRs showed COD removal efficiency above 60% in all temperature ranges. The granule average diameter in the R2-GSR, R3-GSR+100, and R4-GSR+200 ranged from 5 to 8 mm. The reactor R3-GS+100 showed better stability due to the addition of 100 mg. L-1 of calcium. The granular sludge sedimentation velocity was 40 m.h-¹, which was eight times higher than the flocculent sludge. Thermophilic treatment (55 °C) using aerobic granular sludge proved to be a promising way for treating bleached kraft pulp mill effluent without a prior cooling process.
Review: Effects of wood quality and refining process on TMP pulp and paper quality
Authors: Li Bin , Li Haiming , Zha Quanqing , Bandekar Rohan , Alsaggaf Ahmed , Ni Yonghao
Published: July 2021

For the thermomechanical pulping (TMP) process both wood chip quality and the refining process have important effects on the resulting pulp and paper quality. Properties of wood raw material give a framework for final pulp properties. During TMP refining the specific energy consumption and refining intensity strongly impact fibre and pulp qualities. Increasing specific energy consumption benefits the development of fibres and improves their properties. However, high intensity refining tends to shorten the fibres and produces more fines content when compared with low intensity refining. This review focuses on the influence of key variables of chip qualities and the refining process on TMP pulp and paper qualities.