bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring Network Properties Across Preclinical Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease Using a Visual Short-Term Memory and Attention Task with High-Density Electroencephalography: A Brain-Connectome Neurophysiological Study
Authors: Lazarou Ioulietta ,   the RADAR-AD Consortium, Georgiadis Kostas , Nikolopoulos Spiros , Oikonomou Vangelis P. , Stavropoulos Thanos G. , Tsolaki Anthoula , Kompatsiaris Ioannis , Tsolaki Magda
Published: April 2022

Background: Visual short-term memory (VSTMT) and visual attention (VAT) exhibit decline in the Alzheimer’s disease (AD) continuum; however, network disruption in preclinical stages is scarcely explored. Objective: To advance our knowledge about brain networks in AD and discover connectivity alterations during VSTMT and VAT. Methods: Twelve participants with AD, 23 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 17 with subjective cognitive decline (SCD), and 21 healthy controls (HC) were examined using a neuropsychological battery at baseline and follow-up (three years). At baseline, the subjects were examined using high density electroencephalography while performing a VSTMT and VAT. For exploring network organization, we constructed weighted undirected networks and examined clustering coefficient, strength, and betweenness centrality from occipito-parietal regions. Results: One-way ANOVA and pair-wise t-test comparisons showed statistically significant differences in HC compared to SCD (t (36) = 2.43, p = 0.026), MCI (t (42) = 2.34, p = 0.024), and AD group (t (31) = 3.58, p = 0.001) in Clustering Coefficient. Also with regards to Strength, higher values for HC compared to SCD (t (36) = 2.45, p = 0.019), MCI (t (42) = 2.41, p = 0.020), and AD group (t (31) = 3.58, p = 0.001) were found. Follow-up neuropsychological assessment revealed converge of 65% of the SCD group to MCI. Moreover, SCD who were converted to MCI showed significant lower values in all network metrics compared to the SCD that remained stable. Conclusion: The present findings reveal that SCD exhibits network disorganization during visual encoding and retrieval with intermediate values between MCI and HC.
Nonlinearity of nonbalanced and nearly bent boolean functions based on Galois ring
Authors: Abughazalah Nabilah , Khan Majid , Batool Syeda Iram
Published: April 2022

Designing of nonlinear confusion component of block cipher is one of the most important and inevitable research problem. Nowadays mostly heuristic search schemes were utilized for the construction of these confusion component. To construct, a cryptographically secure confusion component several algebraic structures were utilized. The thirst for new algebraic structure for the construction of these nonlinear confusion component has always been a point of interest. In this communication, we have utilized a maximal cyclic subgroup of unit of Galois ring. The offered algorithm is more general as compared to Galois field. The class of Boolean functions over Galois ring fall in mixed category which are not completely balanced. Boolean functions having higher nonlinearity and others cryptographic aspects added an inevitable significance in the construction of modern block ciphers. The primary idea of this article is to structure non-balanced Boolean functions on n variables, where n is an even integer, sustaining strict avalanche criterion (SAC) and bit independent criterion (BIC). By comparing SAC with available cryptographic Boolean functions, the constructed multivalued Boolean function acquire highest nonlinearity which does not follow the existing nonlinearity bound of Boolean functions. These newly proposed S-boxes consists of n basic Boolean functions which satisfy the balancedness and non-balancedness criterion. Therefore, these S-box structure lies within a less balanced and more bent Boolean function categories.
A fuzzy membership based comparison of the grey matter (GM) in cognitively normal (CN), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) using brain images
Authors: Hazarika Ruhul Amin , Maji Arnab Kumar , Sur Samarendra Nath , Olariu Iustin , Kandar Debdatta
Published: April 2022

Grey matter (GM) in human brain contains most of the important cells covering the regions involved in neurophysiological operations such as memory, emotions, decision making, etc. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurological disease that kills the brain cells in regions which are mostly involved in the neurophysiological operations. Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is a stage between Cognitively Normal (CN) and AD, where a significant cognitive declination can be observed. The destruction of brain cells causes a reduction in the size of GM. Evaluation of changes in GM, may help in studying the overall brain transformations and accurate classification of different stages of AD. In this work, firstly skull of brain images is stripped for 5 different slices, then segmentation of GM is performed. Finally, the average number of pixels in grey region and the average atrophy in grey pixels per year is calculated and compared amongst CN, MCI, and AD patients of various ages and genders. It is observed that, for some subjects (in some particular ages) from different dementia stages, pattern of GM changes is almost identical. To solve this issue, we have used the concept of fuzzy membership functions to classify the dementia stages more accurately. It is observed from the comparison that average difference in the number of pixels between CN and MCI= 10.01%, CN and AD= 19.63%, MCI and AD= 10.72%. It can be also observed from the comparison that, the average atrophy in grey matter per year in CN= 1.92%, MCI= 3.13%, and AD= 4.33%.
Immunogenetic Determinants of Parkinson’s Disease Etiology
Authors: Kung Pin-Jui , Elsayed Inas , Reyes-Pérez Paula , Bandres-Ciga Sara
Published: April 2022

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is increasingly recognised as a systemic disorder in which inflammation might play a causative role rather than being a consequence or an epiphenomenon of the neurodegenerative process. Although growing genetic evidence links the central and peripheral immune system with both monogenic and sporadic PD, our understanding on how the immune system contributes to PD pathogenesis remains a daunting challenge. In this review, we discuss recent literature aimed at exploring the role of known genes and susceptibility loci to PD pathogenesis through immune system related mechanisms. Furthermore, we outline shared genetic etiologies and interrelations between PD and autoimmune diseases and underlining challenges and limitations faced in the translation of relevant allelic and regulatory risk loci to immune-pathological mechanisms. Lastly, with the field of immunogenetics expanding rapidly, we place these insights into a future context highlighting the prospect of immune modulation as a promising disease-modifying strategy.
Post-traumatic headaches and vision: A review
Authors: Quaid Patrick T. , Singman Eric L.
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic headache is the most common sequela of brain injury and can last months or years after the damaging event. Many headache types are associated with visual concerns also known to stem from concussion. OBJECTIVES: To describe the various headache types seen after head injury and demonstrate how they impact or are impacted by the visual system. METHODS: We will mirror the International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) format to demonstrate the variety of headaches following brain injury and relate correlates to the visual pathways. The PubMed database was searched using terms such as headache, head pain, vision, concussion, traumatic brain injury, glare, visuomotor pathways. RESULTS: Every type of headache described in the International Classification of Headache Disorders Edition III can be initiated or worsened after head trauma. Furthermore, there is very often a direct or indirect impact upon the visual system for each of these headaches. CONCLUSION: Headaches of every described type in the ICHD can be caused by brain injury and all are related in some way to the afferent, efferent or association areas of the visual system.
Clinical utility of a new immobilization method in image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy for breast cancer patients after radical mastectomy
Authors: Dong Fangfen , Weng Xing , Deng Xianzhi , Yang Yong , Xu Benhua , Li Xiaobo
Published: April 2022

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate clinical utility of a new immobilization method in image-guided intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for breast cancer patients after radical mastectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Forty patients with breast cancer who underwent radical mastectomy and postoperative IMRT were prospectively enrolled. The patients were randomly and equally divided into two groups using both a carbon-fiber support board and a hollowed-out cervicothoracic thermoplastic mask (Group A) and using only the board (Group B). An iSCOUT image-guided system was used for acquiring and correcting pretreatment setup errors for each treatment fraction. Initial setup errors and residual errors were obtained by aligning iSCOUT images with digitally reconstructed radiograph (DRR) images generated from planning CT. Totally 600 initial and residual errors were compared and analyzed between two groups, and the planning target volume (PTV) margins before and after the image-guided correction were calculated.

RESULTS:

The initial setup errors of Group A and Group B were (3.14±3.07), (2.21±1.92), (2.45±1.92) mm and (3.14±2.97), (2.94±3.35), (2.80±2.47) mm in the left-right (LAT), superior-inferior (LONG), anterior-posterior (VERT) directions, respectively. The initial errors in Group A were smaller than those in Group B in the LONG direction ( P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the distribution of three initial error ranges (≤3 mm, 3–5 mm and > 5 mm) in each of the three translational directions for the two groups ( P > 0.05). The residual errors of Group A and Group B were (1.74±1.03), (1.62±0.92), (1.66±0.91) mm and (1.70±0.97), (1.68±1.18), (1.58±0.98) mm in the three translational directions, respectively. No significant difference was found in the residual errors between two groups ( P > 0.05). With the image-guided correction, PTV margins were reduced from 8.01, 5.44, 5.45 mm to 3.54, 2.99, 2.89 mm in three translational directions of Group A, respectively, and from 8.14, 10.89, 6.29 mm to 2.67, 3.64, 2.74 mm in those of Group B, respectively.

CONCLUSION:

The use of hollowed-out cervicothoracic thermoplastic masks combined with a carbon-fiber support board showed better inter-fraction immobilization than the single use of the board in reducing longitudinal setup errors for breast cancer patients after radical mastectomy during IMRT treatment course, which has potential to reduce setup errors and improve the pretreatment immobilization accuracy for breast cancer IMRT after radical mastectomy.
THE DIFFERENCE IN EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE BETWEEN THE UNDERGRADUATE AND POSTGRADUATE ENGLISH EDUCATION STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BENGKULU
Authors: Suwarno Bambang , Safnil Safnil , Maisarah Ira
Published: April 2022

The study aims to explore whether there is any difference in emotional intelligence (EQ) between the undergraduate and postgraduate students at the English education programs of the University of Bengkulu (Unib). The research design was ex-post facto. The sample included a number of English program students at both programs. The instrument was an emotional intelligence questionnaire. In data analysis, non-parametric tests were used. The result showed there was a significant difference in emotional intelligence between both groups. Futher study and teaching are recommended to improve the EQ of the undergraduate students.
AN ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS� DIFFICULTIES IN FINDING THE CHARACTER VALUES OF NARRATIVE TEXT AT MA MUHAMMADIYAH BENGKULU
Authors: Herlina Herlina , Melati Melati
Published: April 2022

The researcher found that the students still had difficulties in finding character value, problem and difficulties with previous knowledge and metacognition in preliminary research. Therefore, objective of this research is to identify the factors that cause students� difficulties in finding character value of narrative text. The method used in this research was descriptive qualitative. The subject of this research was students of XI MA Muhammadiyah Bengkulu, who had the lowest score in preliminary research. The technique of collecting data was by analyzing interview and giving questionnaire to the students. The result showed the factors that causes students� difficulties in finding character value were exception in the decoding process, previous knowledge, motivation or perseverance, high level cognitive skills and metacognition. Based on the result of questionnaire, it can be concluded that most of students were fluent because they often read narrative text, so they can read the text in English easily. Then, most of students had problem in their previous knowledge, so they felt difficult to determine the character value. Although most of students do not have problems in motivation or perseverance because they like to read narrative text, they do not know how to find the character value in narrative text because they do not understand the story, so they felt difficult to determine the character value. Furthermore, most of students have problems in their metacognition, because they must read the narrative text repeatedly to determine the character value. In short, they must summarize the narrative text to determine the character value, because they felt difficult to determine the character value if they do not summarize the text.
Correlation Between Reading and Writing on First Semester Students at Informatics Program University of Bina Insan
Authors: Herlina Herlina , Melati Melati , Rakhmanina Lisa
Published: April 2022

The objective of this study is to find out whether or not there is any significant correlation between reading and writing skills at Informatics Program University of Bina Insan in Academic Year of 2020/2021. The problem is there any significant correlation between students� reading skill and their writing skill at Informatics Program University of Bina Insan in Academic Year of 2020/2021?. There were two hypotheses in this study, null hypothesis (Ho) is stated that there is no significant correlation between the first students� reading skill and writing skill at Informatics Program University of Bina Insan the Academic Year of 2020/2021 (robtained<rtable) and alternative hypothesis (Ha) is states that there�s significant correlation between the first students� reading and writing skills at Informatics Program University of Bina insan Academic Year of 2020/2021 (robtained<rtable). In this study, descriptive correlation method was used. The population of this study was the first students at Informatics Program University of Bina Insan Academic Year of 2020/2021. The sample of this study was all class which consisted of 34 students. The sampling technique used in this study was total sampling. In order to collect the data, the documentation was used. To analyze the data, the Pearson Product Moment formula was applied. The result of this research was 0.473. While, critical value of rtable was 0.349 at the level of significant 0.05 or 95% in two tailed test. It indicated that there was moderate correlation. The null hypothesis (Ho) was rejected and the alternative hypothesis (Ha) was accepted. It means that there was moderate correlation between students� reading and writing skills at Informatics Program University of Bina in Academic Year of 2020/2021.
In silico search of Myrcia tomentosa (Myrtaceae) antineoplastic potential
Authors: Borges Leonardo Luiz , Rodrigues Júlia Alves Nascimento
Published: April 2022

Myrcia tomentosa, popularly known as “guava-brava”, belongs to the Myrtaceae family, widely used in folk medicine to treat various diseases. There already are studies proving the effectiveness of several of its components. However, there are few specific articles on the biological potential of M. tomentosa compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential antineoplastic activity from M. tomentosa. For these, we performed in silico analysis to evaluate pharmacological and toxicological activities, besides the interaction between M. tomentosa molecules with the human targets from redocking analysis. Our results showed that α-cadinol was the highest score molecule between the 11 compounds present in screening analysis. Among its possible actions, antineoplastic activity and interaction with cytochrome P450 19 A1 were found. This cytochrome was related to breast cancer and is the main target of the antineoplastic drugs used in this cancer’s treatment. Therefore, we believe that α-cadinol should be considered in future in vitro and in vivo assays against breast cancer.
Stability of milk from dual purpose cows with different types of feeding
Authors: Salinas Rios Teodulo , Hernández Bautista Jorge , Rodríguez Magadán Héctor Maximino , Pérez León María Isabel , Aquino Cleto Magaly , Mariscal Méndez Araceli
Published: April 2022

Objective: To establish milk stability using the alcohol test in cows with different feeding strategies in the tropical dairy system.
Design/methodology/approach: Ten crossbred Holstein x Zebu cows whose milk frequently tested positive to the alcohol test were housed in individual yards and distributed into two groups. Experiment 1. T1: cows consumed dry Pangola grass (Digitaria eriantha); T2: cows consumed green Maralfalfa grass (Pennisetum violaceum). Forage was provided ad libitum. Experiment 2. T1 cows were supplemented with a concentrate with higher crude protein and metabolizable energy percentage than T2 cows; this percentage was gradually increased up to 4.0 kg. Milk was subjected to alcohol testing. Variance analyzes were performed under categorical data models.
Results: Higher percentages of cases that tested positive for alcohol were observed in cows that consumed dry grass than in cows that consumed green grass (P<0.05). The concentrate addition to diets based on dry or green forage reduced the positive case percentage.
Implications: A balanced diet improves milk stability.
Findings/conclusions: The improvement in the cows’ nutritional value decreases the percentage of milk with positive results in the alcohol test.
Analysis of the factors associated with agricultural GDP in Mexico
Authors: Pérez Andrade Miguel Angel , Romero-Padilla Juan Manuel
Published: April 2022

Objective: To detect factors of production which can explain the total value of agricultural production (agricultural GDP) and to carry out a descriptive analysis.
Methodology: A multiple linear regression adjustment and a descriptive analysis of the variables were carried out, using the available information.
Results: Five variables have a significant association with agricultural GDP. In the last 20 years, the agricultural sector has experienced an exponential economic growth, with a 7.7% annual growth rate (AAGR). About 60% of the total production value is provided only by 7 states. Agricultural exports have increased from 2015, as a result of the USA demands for Mexican fruits and vegetables.
Implications: The information available about the state of agriculture in Mexico makes it possible to understand trends and take actions to increase the agricultural GDP. The analysis is limited by the lack of information about many variables.
Conclusions: Sown areas have decreased and the factors of production analyzed maintain a positive average annual growth rate, which indicates a process of transition from extensive crops (such as grains and cereals) to intensively exploited crops (such as fruits and vegetables). An investment aimed to generate agricultural data is needed
De la visualidad a la tactilidad en las formas del diseño
Authors: Ruiz Ramírez Víctor Alejandro
Published: April 2022

Desde un punto de vista fenomenológico se estudia el intervalo entre lo que Walter Benjamin trató con los términos “aura” y “huella” para explicar el cambio en el régimen de la experiencia sensible mediante la calidad reproductible de la obra de arte en tanto forma de diseño. Partiendo de la consideración de que la presencia del cuerpo determina el involucramiento humano como la condicionante del modo de producción, resulta posible revisar dos formas de diseño, donde en una hay mayor presencia del cuerpo, lo que potencia la acción del aura, mientras que en otra se constata una menor presencia del cuerpo, motivo del aumento en el poder hacer de la huella. Entendiendo que el medio de producción obedece a la forma de diseño en la obra de arte, si ésta se reproduce tecnológicamente o se produce manualmente se desprenderán dos valores opuestos de la experiencia estética, el culto y la exhibición, que instauran la tensión entre lo visual y lo táctil.
Visualización de la imagen gráfica de un envase a través de la realidad aumentada como herramienta de apoyo educativo en un contexto de pandemia global
Authors: Santoyo Mercado Aurea , Casillas Lopez Miguel Angel , Olivares Gallo Juan Ernesto
Published: April 2022

En una unidad de aprendizaje de la licenciatura en Diseño Gráfico de la Universidad José Vasconcelos de Oaxaca, México, (Univas) se incorporó la realidad aumentada (RA) para mostrar la aplicación de las propuestas gráficas en etiquetas montadas sobre un objeto tridimensional, en un envase primario y secundario. Mediante un smartphone los alumnos visualizaron sus propuestas gráficas de imagen con un acercamiento a la realidad. Los objetivos de esta investigación fueron conocer e integrar este modelo tecnológico en el aprendizaje basado en proyectos (ABP), en el contexto de la pandemia actual, donde los materiales y procesos físicos para desarrollar el diseño gráfico de un envase se trasladan a una realidad digital. El proceso metodológico consistió en implementar la tecnología de realidad aumentada en un aprendizaje basado en proyectos como una herramienta emergente en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje. Como hallazgo, los alumnos adquirieron un aprendizaje significativo y la experiencia para considerar la realidad aumentada como un instrumento en su desempeño profesional. En conclusión, utilizar la técnica didáctica del aprendizaje basado en proyectos y la realidad aumentada en el proyecto de diseño innovó el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje y, a su vez, mejoró los tiempos y la calidad de los productos de diseño.
Sulphide oxidation mortar tests for evaluation of the oxidation potential of sulphide-bearing aggregate
Authors: El-Mosallamy Mona , Shehata Medhat
Published: April 2022

This paper proposes two new sulphide mortar bar tests. The two tests involve two exposure conditions: the first one relies on soaking the sample in an oxidizing agent (6% sodium hypochlorite) for three hours at room temperature to promote oxidation while the other test adopts a range of temperatures and relative humidity that promote oxidation and sulphate attack. Both tests were effective in discriminating between aggregates with oxidizable sulphide and those without. Moreover, the use of low-calcium fly ash at 25% and slag at 30% reduced the expansion but not to the level of samples with non-sulphide aggregates. On the contrary, 10% of metakaolin produced more expansion.
The Presence of Ettringite in Concrete Affected by alkali‐silica Reaction and its Potential use as Recycled Aggregate
Authors: Shehata Medhat , Piersanti Matthew
Published: April 2022

The backscattered electron imaging, energy dispersive x-ray analysis, and x-ray mapping are helpful tools to identify the type of aggregate used in concrete and the presence of alkali-silica reaction products. The study shows the presence of crystalline ettringite in the air voids of the concrete. The formed ettringite is believed to have no direct effect on the deterioration as they form in an empty space without causing swelling pressure on the concrete.
Effects of aquatic and terrestrial habitats on the skin microbiome and growth rate of juvenile alpine newts Ichthyosaura alpestris
Authors: Michaels Christopher
Published: April 2022

Cutaneous bacterial communities can be crucial in modulating amphibian-pathogen interactions, but are highly sensitive to
environmental conditions. Many amphibians, in particular salamandrid newts, may inhabit aquatic or terrestrial habitats after
metamorphosis. These different conditions can alter the cutaneous bacterial communities of animals and so affect both the
susceptibility of individuals to disease and their potential to transmit pathogens to others. Furthermore, different environments
may influence the fitness of individuals through impacts on growth rates. I investigated the impact of aquatic and terrestrial
environments on the cutaneous bacterial communities and growth rates in the alpine newt (Icthyosaura alpestris). This species
is invasive in the UK and has been reported as carrier of amphibian pathogenic chytrid fungus. I show that aquatic animals,
although growing faster, present less diverse communities, lacking in species that inhibit Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd)
in vitro. My data suggest that aquatic and terrestrial phases in amphibians may influence their susceptibility to disease and I
suggest that this likely impacts the way in which pathogens, especially Bd, spread in the environment.
Reproductive ecology of the Amaral's Blind Snake Trilepida koppesi in an area of Cerrado in south-eastern Brazil
Authors: Khouri Rebeca
Published: April 2022

Studies on reproductive biology have largely contributed to the understanding of snake ecology. However, detailed reproductive data are scarce for many groups, particularly blind snakes. Here, we describe the reproductive biology of Trilepida koppesi (Leptotyphlopidae), a widely distributed species in the savannas of south-central Brazil. We describe its macro- and microscopic reproductive anatomy, female reproductive cycle, potential clutch size, seasonal activity, and sexual dimorphism of a population from south-eastern Brazil. Males have plurilobulated testes. Spermiogenesis occurs in early spring (October), when gonads and kidneys show a textured surface, the sexual segment of the kidney is hypertrophied, and the ductus deferentia are opaque and packed with sperm. Females have only the right oviduct, which shows developed
epithelium and uterine glands in spring. Mating likely occurs in spring (October–December), and females store sperm in infundibular receptacles until ovulation between late spring and early summer. Potential clutch size ranges from three to five eggs. Females grow larger than males. The synchrony between spermiogenesis and mating defines the male cycle as prenuptial, which is considered the ancestral state of Squamata. These results agree with the hypothesis of conservative parameters for the group.
Securing a mobile ad hoc NETwork against the man in the middle attack
Authors: Abass Ryma , Habyarimana Aimable , Tamine Karim
Published: April 2022

Mobile Ad hoc NETworks (MANET) are a special kind of wireless net- works where there is neither centralized authority nor pre-existing infrastructure. Hence, in such situation, authenticating nodes becomes a challenging task. This is even more true that some nodes may be tempted by spoofing other nodes identity in order to gain some rights and privileges. In such context, a protocol based on keys exchange such as Diffie-Hellman can be used. However, even such protocol is vulnerable to impersonation attack e.g. the Man in the Middle (MIM) attack. The main objective of this work is then, to evaluate the impact of a MIM attack on the context of MANET and to propose a security solution to such situation. This is done by (1) estimating the needed ratio of attackers to achieve a MIM attack in a given MANET and (2) proposing a security process based on the well known Diffie-Helman protocol.
WORSHIP OF LORD MURUGAN IN THIRUMURUGATRUPADAI [TIRUMURUKĀṞṞUPPAṬAI KŪṞUM MURUKA VAḺIPĀṬU]
Authors: K.R.KAMALA MURUGAN
Published: April 2022

The Universal admiration of Lord Murugan is as an extremely popular, Wondering, Cheerful and Youthful God. The Name Murugan means to Sovereignty, Godhood, Leadership, Beauty, Literature in Tamil Language. Tamil legacy is proud to precise Lord Murugan as Six face God who belongs to lot of Diversities. Thirumurugatrupadai is an ancient devotional Tamil Poem in Sangam Literature which is entirely dedicated to God Shiva’s son Lord Murugan. This paper is about to explains about the different manifestations and shrines of Lord Murugan, and his beauty and has a Warrior and how he is related with nature. This study follows the explanatory method and the study is about library research.
Comparison of Sleep Quality and Sleepiness in University Students with Different Levels of Nomophobia
Authors: Torpil Berkan , Bahadır Zeynep , Güney Yılmaz Güleser , Pekçetin Serkan
Published: April 2022

Sleep is an important need for the maintenance of activities of daily living. With the development of technology, different types of technology addiction have emerged and it has been seen that these addictions affect sleep negatively. Nomophobia, which can negatively affect sleep, is one of these types of technology addiction and is often observed in university students. The study was planned to compare sleepiness and sleep quality in university students with different types of nomophobia. A total of 215 participants aged 18-25 enrolled to the study. Participants divided into three-groups mild nomophobia (n=67), moderate nomophobia (n=105) and severe nomophobia (n=43) according to Nomophobia Questionnaire results. Nomophobia Questionnaire, Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used the study. A significant difference was determined between the severe nomophobic participants and the moderate and mild nomophobic participants in terms of sleepiness level and sleep duration (p<0.05). While sleep quality scores indicate possible sleep problems for all university students, no statistically significant difference was found in terms of different level of nomophobia groups (p˃0.05). This study has shown nomophobia is quite common among university students, and sleepiness and sleep quality are negatively influenced by different levels of university students with nomophobia. Sleepiness is affected more negatively in university students with severely nomophobia compared to other groups. The health care providers should consider nomophobia level of university students as a confounding factor for sleepiness of university students.
Estimativa de dose em tomografia computadorizada pediátrica utilizando o software Virtual Dose®
Authors: Sutil Maria Rita , Souza Evandro de , Souza Daiane Cristini Barbosa de , Sá Lidia Vasconcellos de , Vicente Roberto
Published: April 2022

Objetivos: avaliar as doses efetivas e doses em órgãos provenientes da exposição de pacientes pediátricos submetidos a exames de tomografia computadorizada utilizando o software Virtual Dose®. Métodos: estudo quantitativo, retrospectivo, constituído por uma amostra aleatória de exames tomográficos realizados em pacientes pediátricos de ambos os sexos, na faixa etária de 0 a 18 anos, de setembro a dezembro de 2020, obtidos por meio do Sistema Catarinense de Telemedicina e Telessaúde (STT). Os seguintes dados secundários foram coletados por meio do cabeçalho DICOM: kVp, mAs, pitch, espessura de corte, comprimento da varredura, sexo e faixa etária. Após coletados os dados foram inseridos no software Virtual Dose® versão 1.0, para cálculo da dose absorvida e dose efetiva. Resultados: das 100 amostras de exames coletadas, 35 exames atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. Os protocolos mais frequentemente realizados no período em questão foram os de abdome total/abdome e pelve 88,6%, e abdome superior 8,6%. O valor médio das doses efetivas para os exames de tomografia computadorizada abdominal foi de 4,35 mSv. O grupo etário entre 7-10 anos recebeu maior dose efetiva, 5,09 mSv em média, seguido pelo grupo de 11-14 anos com 4,58 mSv em média. A faixa etária entre 0-6 anos correspondeu aos exames com menor dose efetiva 3,14 (± 0,7) mSv em média. Conclusões: Observou-se que a dose de radiação recebida pelos pacientes nos exames de TC abdominal estão dentro dos valores reportados na literatura, mas que estudos complementares precisam ser feitos para estabelecer a cultura de registro e otimização das doses dos pacientes expostos.
A importância da segurança dos trabalhadores de enfermagem no ambiente de trabalho na prevenção dos riscos ocupacionais
Authors: Alves Winícius de Carvalho , Silveira Rosemary Silva da
Published: April 2022

O trabalho deve ser exercido em condições de segurança imediata e livre de doenças, a médio e longo prazo. O enfermeiro caracteriza-se por ser um profissional que está frequentemente propenso a riscos à sua saúde e segurança no seu ambiente de trabalho. O estudo teve por objetivos analisar as evidências científicas sobre a importância da segurança dos trabalhadores de Enfermagem no ambiente de trabalho e descrever os principais riscos ocupacionais que os trabalhadores de enfermagem enfrentam na prevenção de acidentes e no cuidado a doenças no ambiente organizacional. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa de literatura, em que a busca pelos estudos ocorreu na base de dados da Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Saúde (LILACS), na Base de dados em Enfermagem (BDENF) acessados através da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, bem como, na Biblioteca eletrônica do Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) entre os meses de agosto a outubro de 2021. Assim, foram incluídos estudos primários, qualitativos e que abordavam a temática em questão. Os resultados apontaram que a maior barreira seja o fato de o profissional de enfermagem em saúde ocupacional estar num plano de mediação entre duas categorias que podem ser antagônicas, a empresa e os trabalhadores. Dessa maneira, conclui-se que o profissional que atua no ambiente hospitalar está exposto a acidente de trabalho, desgaste mental e emocional, sobrecarga de trabalho, quantidade insuficiente de profissionais, condições físicas inadequadas, uso incorreto dos EPIs, afetando o desempenho profissional do trabalhador e colocando em risco as pessoas envolvidas no processo do cuidado.
Effectiveness of a behavior change program on cardiometabolic risk factors in adult women
Authors: Bezerra Juciléia Barbosa , Tomicki Camila , Mendes Beatriz Garcia , Gerage Aline Mendes , Borgatto Adriano , Benedetti Tânia R. Bertoldo
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a behavior change program, called Vida Ativa Melhorando a Saúde (Active Life Improving Health - VAMOS), on cardiometabolic risk factors in adult women. Study participants (> 18 years) were divided into two groups: intervention group (IG) and control group (CG). The GI participated in VAMOS, in 2016 and 2018, for three months, with 12 face-to-face meetings, once a week, for approximately 2 hours. The GC received general guidance on the importance of maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle before data collection. Both groups were evaluated at baseline and three months after the intervention. The evaluation consisted of a sociodemographic questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and blood collection to determine the biochemical profile. There was a reduction in uric acid (AU) (p <0.001) and waist circumference (WC) (p = 0.001) in the GI from pre- to post-intervention. For the other variables evaluated, no statistically significant difference was observed within and between the groups. It is concluded that the VAMOS program was effective in reducing UA and WC, important indicators of cardiovascular diseases, in adult women.
Stanozolol induces ventricular dysfunction by decreasing phospholamban phosphorylation in heart tissue of LDLr-/- mice
Authors: Andrade Tadeu Uggere de , Dubois Fillho Dionisio , Silva Cristiane Lyrio da , Silva Mirian de Almeida , Almeida Simone Alves de , Nascimento Andrews Marques do , Bissoli Nazaré Souza , Brasil Girlandia Alexandre , Lima Ewelyne Miranda de
Published: April 2022

Stanozolol is a steroid that causes lipid deposition in LDLr-/- mice, although the mechanism by which this dyslipidemia results in cardiac dysfunction is little understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of stanozolol on cardiac contractility and the participation of myocardial phospholamban (pPLB) phosphorylation in an atherosclerosis mouse model. LDL receptor knockout mice (LDLr-/-) were fed a standard chow diet and received weekly subcutaneous injections of either saline (control, C group) or 20 mg/kg stanozolol (S group). After 8 weeks, hemodynamic parameters were assessed in the left ventricle. The heart was collected, weighted for hypertrophy evaluation, and kept in formalin buffer for morphometric analysis (H&E) and collagen quantification (Picrossirius). Protein expression of PLB and its phosphorylated form (p-PLB) in the left ventricle was determined by western blot. We observed that stanozolol treatment favored cardiac hypertrophy and collagen deposition in heart tissue. Also, stanozolol induced left ventricle dysfunction, increasing PBL expression and decreasing the p-PLB/PLB ratio. Altogether, our data showed that stanozolol causes cardiac remodeling and ventricular dysfunction by decreasing PLB phosphorylation in the left ventricle of LDLr-/- mice.
Resolução de Problemas e Experimentação implementadas nas aulas de Ciências Naturais em turma de Nono Ano da Educação Básica
Authors: Borba Fabiane Inês Menezes de Oliveira , Goi Mara Elisângela Jappe
Published: April 2022

O presente estudo traz um recorte de um trabalho implementado na Educação Básica sobre Resolução e Problemas e Experimentação que foi desenvolvido com uma turma de Nono Ano do Ensino Fundamental de uma escola municipal de educação, localizada na zona urbana de Caçapava do Sul, RS. Como objetivo geral espera-se verificar se a aprendizagem pode ser favorecida por meio da articulação das metodologias de Resolução de Problemas e Experimentação, buscando, assim, o aprimoramento dos processos de ensino e de aprendizagem e melhor compreensão dos conteúdos desenvolvidos da área de Ciências Naturais. Utilizou-se da pesquisa qualitativa e os dados foram produzidos por meio de gravações de áudio das aulas, dos seminários e análise de relatórios. Como instrumento metodológico para análise de resultados foi utilizada a Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin. Como resultado aponta-se que os alunos concordam em ter uma melhor aprendizagem utilizando-se das metodologias apresentadas. Percebe-se que a partir desse trabalho, os alunos sentiram-se mais curiosos no sentido de aprofundar os conhecimentos e até mesmo de compreender conceitos que antes não haviam entendido.
Revisão Integrativa sobre a importância da inserção do enfermeiro nas escolas
Authors: Frazão Janice de Matos , Arruda Flávia Janaina Lima de , Alves Francisca de Sousa
Published: April 2022

Este estudo tem como objetivo realizar uma revisão integrativa sobre a importância da inserção do enfermeiro nas escolas públicas. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa com abordagem exploratória descritiva de natureza qualitativa entre o período de 2013 a 2017, as informações foram coletadas na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) onde selecionamos as bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde. Saúde (LILACS) e Sistema de Análise e Recuperação de Literatura Médica Online (MEDLINE). O estudo conseguiu destacar a importância da inserção do enfermeiro nas escolas públicas. A atuação desse profissional visa promover o autocuidado dos alunos, nesse campo o enfermeiro é visto como educador e a escola é o cenário ideal para a realização de atividades de educação em saúde. O enfermeiro atua diretamente na prevenção e promoção da saúde escolar de crianças e adolescentes por meio da educação em saúde, entretanto, fortalecer o vínculo entre escola e saúde é essencial para a manutenção da qualidade de vida.
Prevalence of depressive symptoms in Medicine students: the challenge of different methodologies
Authors: Zem Franciely , Barbosa Rafaella Monteiro , Rohden Monica Oenning Schmoeller , Saber Nathália Syrth , Garcia Tairine , Ribeiro Elaine Rossi
Published: April 2022

Objective: Determine the prevalence of depressive symptoms among medical students in the state of Paraná, Brazil, and compare the prevalence of these symptoms among students that use traditional and active methodologies of teaching. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted, with a quantitative approach, through data collection between August and September 2020. An online form was sent, through the Google Forms platform, containing 23 questions. Students from the first to the eighth period of medical school participated, with a minimum age, from all medical schools in Paraná. Results: 250 were included. From the total, 62% uses the PBL methodology, 32% the traditional methodology and 6% uses another method. When asked if the methodology could generate depressive symptoms, 70% of the participants believe that there is a relation between the methodology and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Although depressive symptoms can be triggered by the teaching methodology and are prevalent among medical students, the results shows that there is no statistical difference between the methodologies.
Lignocellulosic biomass fractionation with the use of deep natural eutectic solvents
Authors: Romão Luciene Teixeira Gonçalves , Marcionílio Suzana Maria Loures Oliveira , Romão Tiago Carnevalle , Oliveira Marilene Silva , Castro Carlos Frederico de Souza
Published: April 2022

Brazil has a privileged position as a leader in the integral use of vegetable biomass because it has the largest biodiversity on the planet. Adding value to a refinery is associated with the treatment and disaggregation of the biomass components. There are processes applied to biomass fractionation to remove or break the layers of lignin and hemicellulose, which allows enzymes to access cellulose more easily. In view of this a great diversity of technological routes can be used, and alternative techniques that have been developed such as the use of the natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES). Thus, the objective of the present work was to perform the fractionation of the bark biomass from E. urograndis species into two fractions: cellulose rich fraction (CRF) and lignin rich fraction (LRF) using NADES. In this process three conditions were applied for biomass fractionation: conventional heating at 100ºC, microwave radiation with power of 600W and 1000 W, and room temperature at 25ºC. The percentages obtained through conventional heating were 72,25% of CRF, 27,75% of LRF; 72,54% of CRF with microwave radiation at a power of 1000W, 27,46% of LRF. The techniques used for characterization of CRF were: Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) for crystallinity analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). For characterization of LRF the techniques were used: UV-vis and FTIR spectroscopy. The use of NADES a low cost, sustainable organic solvent combined with microwave radiation proved to be efficient for biomass fractionation.
Are Positive Urine Cultures Directly Correlated with Elevated Levels of Novel Biomarkers for Childhood Urinary Tract Infection?
Authors: Uwaezuoke Samuel N. , Odimegwu Chioma L. , Chikani Ugo N. , Eze Ikenna C.
Published: April 2022

Urinary tract infection (UTI) in children is one of the most common bacterial infections that propels inappropriate antibiotic use. Long-term, potentially fatal complications can occur if not properly treated. Prompt investigation and appropriate treatment would prevent these complications. Although urine culture remains the gold standard investigation for UTI, its process is cumbersome and requires time (24–72 hours). Hence, there has been growing interest in the use of urinary biomarkers. However, some conventional urinary biomarkers detected on urinalysis have poor sensitivity values when used singly as a screening tool. Thus, the searchlight has shifted to the role of novel biomarkers in UTI diagnosis. This narrative review aimed to determine if elevated levels of these biomarkers directly correlate with positive urine cultures. A positive correlation may imply that these biomarkers could serve as novel UTI diagnostics and thus augment urine culture requests. Established and recent serum and urinary biomarkers show disparate predictive abilities for UTI and its related complications. Some have elevated differential levels in upper and lower UTI or febrile and non-febrile UTI. All studies that investigated these biomarkers established culture-positive UTI, highlighting a direct correlation between positive urine cultures and increased concentrations of the biomarkers in body fluids. Because certain uropathogens were less likely to be associated with pyuria, the sensitivities of some neutrophil-related novel biomarkers (such as urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and human neutrophil peptides 1–3) were reduced in cases of UTI caused by these bacteria. While levels of these novel biomarkers directly correlate with positive urine cultures, it appears that there is yet no standalone biomarker with the optimal sensitivity and specificity for UTI. Although these novel biomarkers are promising, translating their measurements into clinical practice with specific clinical utilities will take time. Novel methods interrogating high-throughput serum (and urine) metabolome data with positive urine cultures in a platform-agnostic manner (metabolome-wide approach) will help confirm and identify novel biomarkers that might capture specific aetiologic agents or shared pathways of related agents. The authors recommend that future research on UTI diagnostics should specifically focus on identifying highly sensitive and specific standalone novel biomarkers that can be easily applied as a point-of-care investigation.
Vocational Education in China: Its History, Roles, Challenges and the Way Forward
Authors: Jing Tian , Chung Ellen , Gregory Margaret Lucy
Published: April 2022

Vocational education plays an essential role in developing diverse human talents, passing on technical skills, and promoting employment, innovation, and entrepreneurship. As a critical part of the national education system and the development of human resources, vocational education in China plays a crucial role in the development of diverse talents, the transfer of technical skills, and the promotion of employment and entrepreneurship. This paper aims to explore the history, roles, challenges, and the way forward for vocational education in China. It is found that vocational education in China has gone through a series of name changes before settling on its current nomenclature. Although vocational education is essential to complement general academic education to build a nation, it faces an uphill battle to gain the same status and recognition bestowed on general education. These challenges include curriculum design, poor linkages with industries, public perception, and other structural issues. This paper also discusses how to overcome these challenges to improve vocational education in China.