bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comportamento preventivo contra covid-19 e sua relação com as condições sociais e de saúde de pessoas idosas
Authors: Dias Isabella Risi , Janhaque Vitória Rocha , Vilas-Boas Vanessa Aparecida , Fusco Suzimar de Fatima Benato , Nunes Daniella Pires
Published: February 2024

Resumo Objetivo Descrever o perfil de comportamento preventivo contra covid-19 adotado pelas pessoas idosas e verificar sua relação com as condições sociais e de saúde. Método Estudo transversal e analítico realizado com 72 indivíduos (≥ 60 anos) cadastrados em uma Universidade Aberta para Pessoas Idosas, no município de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil. Os participantes foram contatados por meio de ligações telefônicas, no período de novembro de 2020 a junho de 2021. Um total de 11 medidas preventivas foram analisadas para a identificação dos comportamentos adotados pelas pessoas idosas contra covid-19. Para a análise dos dados, utilizaram-se análise de componentes principais, testes qui-quadrado de Pearson e Exato de Fisher, com 95% de confiança. Resultados A adoção de comportamentos preventivos foi avaliada por meio das atividades de: higienização das mãos com água e sabão, uso do álcool em gel, uso de máscara facial e distanciamento social. A maioria dos indivíduos mencionou a adoção de comportamentos preventivos (79,2%), e verificou-se que aqueles com renda inferior a quatro salários-mínimos apresentaram maiores proporções de comportamento (87,5%) quando comparados aos indivíduos de renda superior a 10 salários-mínimos (46,2%) (p=0,038). Conclusão Houve adoção às medidas preventivas para covid-19 pelos idosos, influenciada pela renda. Os achados ressaltam a importância de estratégias educativas para promoção de comportamentos preventivos em saúde, considerando o contexto social.
Postural balance and associated factors with the fall risk assessed in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Carlos Adriana Guedes , Dias Vanessa da Nóbrega , Perracini Monica Rodrigues , Doná Flávia , Sousa André Gustavo Pires , Gazzola Juliana Maria
Published: February 2024

Abstract Objective Identify clinical-functional factors associated to the risk of falls, assessed by Mini-BESTest in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Method This cross-sectional study. A total of 145 older adults aged ≥60 years were evaluated through sociodemographic variables (sex, age group, married, education level, general health status hearing and vision), Mini-BESTest, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and dual-task Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) Multiple logistic regression model was used. Results The sensory orientation domain presented the highest average score, followed by the gait stability, anticipatory postural adjustments and postural responses domains. Factors associated to the risk of falls in older adults are: poor/very poor visual perception OR 3.40 (1.50-7.72); have respiratory diseases OR 8.00 (1.32-48.46); feeling dizzy OR 2.53 (1.10-5.80); and TUGT (dual task) time equal to or greater than 13.5 seconds OR 3.31 (1.03-10.64). Conclusion Older adults in this study presented impaired postural balance, mainly in the postural responses domain. The knowledge of the factors associated with the risk of falls in older adults with T2DM allows for better guidance in prevention, assessment and intervention, in order to minimize the occurrence of falls and maintain or optimize postural balance. Several factors influenced this outcome, such as overweight, low physical activity and education, several comorbidities, polypharmacy, T2DM diagnosis for more than ten years, negative perception of general health and vision, and depressive symptoms.
Equilíbrio postural e fatores associados ao risco de quedas em idosos com diabetes mellitus tipo 2
Authors: Carlos Adriana Guedes , Dias Vanessa da Nóbrega , Perracini Monica Rodrigues , Doná Flávia , Sousa André Gustavo Pires , Gazzola Juliana Maria
Published: February 2024

Resumo Objetivo Identificar os fatores clínico-funcionais associados ao risco de quedas, avaliado pelo Mini-BESTest, em idosos com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). Método Trata-se de um estudo transversal. Um total de 145 idosos com idade =60 anos foram avaliados por meio das variáveis sociodemográficas (sexo, faixa etária, estado civil, nível de educação e percepção geral da saúde, audição e visão) Mini-BESTest, Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (GDS-15) e o teste Timed Up and Go (TUG) (dupla tarefa). Foi utilizado um modelo de regressão logística múltipla. Resultados O domínio de orientação sensorial apresentou a pontuação média mais elevada, seguido pelos domínios estabilidade na marcha, ajustes posturais antecipatórios e respostas posturais. Os fatores associados ao risco de quedas em idosos foram: percepção visual ruim/muito ruim OR 3.40 (1,50-7,72); presença de doenças respiratórias OR 8.00 (1,32-48,46); sensação de tontura OR 2.53 (1,10-5,80); e tempo do teste Timed Up and Go (TUG) (dupla tarefa) igual ou superior a 13,5 segundos OR 3.31 (1,03-10,64). Conclusão Os idosos deste estudo apresentaram um equilíbrio postural comprometido, principalmente no domínio das respostas posturais. O conhecimento dos fatores associados ao risco de quedas em idosos com DM2 permite uma orientação mais eficaz na avaliação, prevenção e intervenção, visando minimizar a ocorrência de quedas e preservar ou otimizar o equilíbrio postural. Diversos fatores influenciaram esse resultado, tais como sobrepeso, baixa atividade física e nível educacional, várias comorbidades, polifarmácia, diagnóstico de DM2 por mais de dez anos, percepção negativa da saúde geral e da visão, e sintomas depressivos.
Processamento auditivo central e afasia: uma revisão de escopo
Authors: Bezerra Raquel de Oliveira , Santos Ana Cecília de Brito Vidal , Lima Daviany de Oliveira , Lima Ivonaldo Leidson Barbosa , Rosa Marine Raquel Diniz da
Published: February 2024

RESUMO Objetivo: reportar as evidências científicas do impacto da afasia no Processamento Auditivo Central e mapear a contribuição do Treinamento Auditivo para a população afásica. Métodos: trata-se de uma revisão de escopo realizada nas bases de dados nacionais e internacionais: Scielo, Lilacs, Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane Library e com uma busca adicional à literatura cinzenta no Google Scholar e Open Grey. Os critérios de inclusão abrangeram artigos que abordassem a interface do processamento auditivo central e afasia, excluindo-se as duplicações, artigos de revisão da literatura e resumos científicos. Revisão de Literatura: selecionaram-se 13 artigos que cumpriram os critérios de elegibilidade deste estudo. Dos artigos selecionados, sete apresentaram a avaliação do Processamento Auditivo Central, quatro apresentaram os exames eletrofisiológicos - como os exames de Potencial Evocado Auditivo de Tronco Encefálico (PEATE) e Potencial Evocado Auditivo de Longa Latência (PEALL) - para avaliação da via auditiva e apenas um estudo analisou a intervenção dos indivíduos afásicos por meio do treinamento auditivo. Conclusão: as evidências científicas apontam importante alteração no Processamento Auditivo Central dos afásicos, apresentando prejuízos nas habilidades auditivas de figura-fundo, fechamento auditivo, resolução e ordenação temporal e integração binaural. Ainda, demonstra-se como relevante a avaliação do processamento, devido à contribuição do Treinamento Auditivo nas terapias fonoaudiológicas para um melhor prognóstico na reabilitação das afasias.
Pattern of maximum voluntary contraction in patients with temporomandibular disorder before and after speech therapy with and without use of elastic bandages
Authors: Nunes Maria Eduarda Gomes , Stefani Fabiane Miron
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT Purpose: to verify if there is an electromyographic difference during maximal (maximum) voluntary contraction of the masseter and temporalis muscles in patients with temporomandibular disorders, before and after speech therapy intervention with and without the use of therapeutic elastic bandages. Methods: an analysis of secondary data from a clinical intervention study, carried out with 17 adult volunteers, diagnosed with temporomandibular muscle dysfunction with or without disc displacement with reduction. The Bandage Group received manual therapy associated with elastic bandages and the No Bandage Group received only manual therapy. Surface electromyography was performed to record the Maximum Voluntary Contraction before and after four weeks of speech therapy intervention. For exploratory analysis, the Mann Whitney and Wilcoxon paired tests were used, with P<0.05. Results: in the Bandage Group, there was a statistically significant decrease in electrical activity during Maximum Voluntary Contraction in the masseter and temporalis muscles on the left side at the post-therapeutic moment. Comparing the pre- and post-intervention between Bandage Group and No Bandage Group, a statistical difference was found in the electrical activity values of the Maximum Voluntary Contraction in the left temporal muscle. Conclusion: manual myofunctional speech therapy, associated or not with the use of therapeutic elastic bandages, impacts the muscle activity of the masseter and temporal muscles during Maximum Voluntary Contraction, whether the values demonstrate relaxation and/or equivalence of the electromyographic values of the masticatory muscles.
Os efeitos do Programa de Intervenção RELATo-BRAZIL em leitores iniciantes: resultados de um estudo piloto
Authors: Blasi Helena Ferro , Deschamps Luciane Mari , Veiga Renata Maykot , Fermino Ester Martins
Published: February 2024

RESUMO Objetivo: realizar um estudo piloto, aplicando o programa Reading and Language Together - Brazil (RELATo-Brazil), com vistas a incentivar o desenvolvimento da leitura e da linguagem oral por meio do trabalho com as habilidades de consciência fonológica e o aprimoramento do vocabulário no contexto escolar. Métodos: participaram do estudo nove crianças, de ambos os gêneros, com idade entre 8 e 10 anos, matriculadas no terceiro ano do ensino fundamental de uma escola particular do município de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina. O programa foi aplicado em três fases: Fase 1- pré-intervenção, com provas de avaliação da leitura e vocabulário, Fase 2 - intervenção com sessões de diferentes tipos. Fase 3 - pós-intervenção, que constou da reavaliação dos sujeitos, utilizando a mesmas provas aplicadas na Fase 1. Os dados foram armazenados em planilhas do programa Microsoft Excel e exportados para análise estatística no software IBM SPSS versão 25. O nível de significância considerado foi de p≤0,05. Resultados: após 21 sessões de intervenção, constatou-se melhor desempenho dos participantes ao comparar os resultados das fases pré-intervenção e pós-intervenção. Há diferença estatisticamente significativa nas distribuições percentuais dos campos conceituais do vocabulário para Móveis e utensílios (p=0,028), Locais (p=0,009) e Formas e cores (p=0,047). A taxa de leitura não mostrou diferença estatística, porém melhor desempenho das crianças em tempo e acurácia da leitura após a intervenção. Conclusão: os dados sugerem que treinar a consciência fonêmica, a linguagem oral e a ligação entre as duas no contexto da leitura real de livros pode ser uma intervenção eficaz na leitura, além de promover competências de linguagem oral.
Plano de intervenção em vocabulário, memória de trabalho e consciência sintática para adolescentes e jovens adultos com trissomia do 21: desenvolvimento e validação do conteúdo
Authors: Santos Pâmela Pontes dos , Amarante Eduarda de Lima , Lima Ivonaldo Leidson Barbosa , Alves Giorvan Ânderson dos Santos , Delgado Isabelle Cahino
Published: February 2024

RESUMO Objetivo: elaborar e validar o conteúdo de um plano de intervenção para adolescentes e jovens adultos com Trissomia do 21 focado em vocabulário, memória de trabalho e consciência sintática. Métodos: estudo metodológico, com etapas de validação de proposta de intervenção. Foi realizada avaliação com um grupo de dez juízes. Para avaliação do conteúdo de forma quantitativa, foi utilizado o Índice de Validade de Conteúdo. Resultados: a maior parte dos juízes apresenta doutorado. Em todas as proposições, o escore mínimo foi atingido. O plano de intervenção em linguagem oral com foco em vocabulário, memória de trabalho e consciência sintática foi elaborado para adolescentes e jovens adultos entre 13 e 25 anos e 11 meses. A proposta contempla 15 sessões de 40 minutos, semanalmente. Conclusão: foi possível apresentar o processo de desenvolvimento e validação do Plano Terapêutico em Linguagem Oral com foco em Vocabulário, Memória de Trabalho e Consciência Sintática para pessoas com Trissomia do 21 com a concordância dos juízes.
Medidas de proteção contra a COVID-19: impactos comunicativos, sociais e emocionais em usuários de aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual
Authors: Fornari Bruna Luísa , Patatt Fernanda Soares Aurélio
Published: February 2024

RESUMO Objetivo investigar os impactos comunicativos, sociais e emocionais gerados pela adoção de medidas protetivas contra a COVID-19 e associá-los ao grau da perda auditiva e ao tempo de uso dos aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual. Métodos estudo transversal e quantitativo, com 72 indivíduos, divididos em adultos e idosos, com perda auditiva bilateral, de grau até moderadamente severo, protetizados antes da pandemia em um programa público de saúde auditiva e que mantiveram uso efetivo dos dispositivos. Os sujeitos foram convidados a participar do estudo enquanto aguardavam consulta. Os prontuários foram acessados, a fim de coletar informações sobre o perfil audiológico e adaptação/uso dos aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual. Em sala silenciosa, foi aplicado, oralmente, protocolo contendo questões objetivas e os dados foram tabulados e submetidos aos testes estatísticos Igualdade de Duas Proporções e Qui-Quadrado. Resultados nos dois grupos, um número significativo de usuários teve a comunicação impactada pelo uso de máscaras e pelo distanciamento físico, predominando, entre os adultos, a dificuldade com as tecnologias digitais (celulares/computadores), enquanto nas videochamadas, os prejuízos comunicativos foram mais experenciados pelos idosos. Os empecilhos comunicativos e sociais existiram, independentemente do perfil audiológico e do tempo de uso dos dispositivos. Quando questionados se deixaram de se comunicar e se as medidas afetaram a sua vida social, as respostas ficaram divididas entre “sim/às vezes” e “não”. Quanto ao impacto emocional das medidas protetivas, constatou-se maior repercussão entre os adultos. Conclusão as medidas protetivas afetaram a comunicação dos usuários de aparelhos de amplificação sonora individual, porém, não desencorajaram as trocas comunicativas e as interações sociais de, aproximadamente, metade da amostra, sendo o impacto emocional mais evidente nos adultos. Tais dificuldades não estiveram relacionadas ao perfil audiológico e uso diário dos dispositivos.
Tecnologia auditiva assistiva em usuários de implante coclear em ambientes reverberantes com múltiplas fontes de ruído
Authors: Echegoyen Agustina , Goffi-Gomez Maria Valeria Schmidt , Tsuji Robinson Koji
Published: February 2024

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar a contribuição da tecnologia de escuta assistida em usuários de implante coclear (IC) em situações de reverberação e ruído. Métodos Estudo transversal prospectivo aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética Institucional (CAAE 8 3031418.4.0000.0068). Foram selecionados adolescentes e adultos usuários de IC com surdez pré ou pós-lingual. Para usuários bilaterais, cada orelha foi avaliada separadamente. O reconhecimento de fala foi avaliado por meio de listas gravadas de palavras dissílabas apresentadas a 65 dBA a 0° azimute com e sem o Mini Microfone2 (Cochlear™) conectado ao processador de fala Nucleus®6. A reverberação da sala foi medida como 550 ms. Para avaliar a contribuição do dispositivo de escuta assistida (DEA) em ambiente reverberante, o reconhecimento de fala foi avaliado no silêncio. Para avaliar a contribuição do DEA em reverberação e ruído, o reconhecimento de fala foi apresentado a 0° azimute com o ruído proveniente de 8 alto-falantes dispostos simetricamente a 2 metros de distância do centro com ruído de múltiplos falantes usando relação sinal-ruído de +10dB. Para evitar viés de aprendizado ou fadiga, a ordem dos testes foi randomizada. A comparação das médias foi analisada pelo teste t para amostras pareadas, adotando-se nível de significância de p<0,005. Resultados Dezessete pacientes com idade média de 40 anos foram convidados e concordaram em participar, sendo 2 participantes bilaterais, totalizando 19 orelhas. Houve contribuição positiva significante do Mini Mic2 na reverberação e ruído+reverberação (p<0,001). Conclusão DEA foi capaz de melhorar o reconhecimento de fala de usuários de IC tanto em situações de reverberação quanto ruidosas.
Daily experience of people with ocular and maxillofacial trauma as a result of violence by State agents in the context of the Chilean social outbreak: approaches from a human rights perspective
Authors: Varas Reyes Joaquín , Grandón Valenzuela Débora , Rojas Alcayaga Gonzalo , Ríos Erazo Matías , Herrera Ronda Andrea
Published: February 2024

Abstract Introduction The violent repression that occurred in Chile during the social outbreak (2019-2020) left an unprecedented number of people injured as a result of ocular and maxillofacial trauma as a result of the action by state agents, unleashing a socio-sanitary crisis that required the approach of health problems with an emphasis on structural and functional damage. Objective To analyze the daily experience of people affected by ocular and/or maxillofacial trauma from a human rights perspective, with emphasis on providing background information that contributes to functional and psychosocial support processes. Method Study with a qualitative approach, considering the analysis of three in-depth interviews focused on the daily experience produced as a result of police violence. These were analyzed based on the content analysis technique, with subsequent triangulation. Results A series of interferences and daily repercussions as a result of the trauma were observed, generating the phenomenon of an interfered daily life in addition to self-estrangement. The contrast between the experiences and expectations of health care and reparation processes was discussed, which are still insufficient and tend towards re-victimization. Conclusion Access to functional and psychosocial rehabilitation is a fundamental part of the processes of integral and psychosocial repair for the people who lived through these traumatic experiences during the social outbreak. It is essential that health and judicial mechanisms deepen approaches from a human rights perspective, incorporating the gender approach to comply with the principles of truth, justice, reparation, and guarantees of non-repetition.
Experiencia cotidiana de personas con trauma ocular y maxilo facial producto de violencia por agentes del Estado en el contexto del estallido social chileno: aproximaciones desde una perspectiva de derechos humanos
Authors: Varas Reyes Joaquín , Grandón Valenzuela Débora , Rojas Alcayaga Gonzalo , Ríos Erazo Matías , Herrera Ronda Andrea
Published: February 2024

Resumen Introducción La violenta represión ocurrida en Chile durante el estallido social (2019-2020) dejó un número sin precedentes de personas lesionadas con resultado de trauma ocular y maxilofacial producto de la acción de agentes del Estado, desatando una crisis socio-sanitaria que requirió del abordaje las problemáticas de salud con énfasis en el daño estructural y funcional. Objetivo Analizar la experiencia cotidiana de personas afectadas por trauma ocular y/o maxilofacial desde una perspectiva de derechos humanos, con énfasis en aportar antecedentes que contribuyan a los procesos de apoyo funcional y psicosocial. Método Estudio de enfoque cualitativo, considerando el análisis de 3 entrevistas en profundidad centradas en la experiencia cotidiana producida a raíz de la violencia policial. Éstas se analizaron en base a la técnica de análisis de contenido, con una posterior triangulación. Resultados Se apreciaron una serie de interferencias y repercusiones cotidianas producto del trauma, generando el fenómeno de una cotidianidad interferida, además del extrañamiento de sí misma/o. Se discutió sobre el contraste entre las experiencias y expectativas de la atención en salud y procesos de reparación, que resultan aún insuficientes y tienden hacia la revictimización. Conclusión El acceso a rehabilitación funcional y psicosocial es parte fundamental de los procesos de reparación integral de las personas que vivieron estas experiencias traumáticas durante el estallido social. Es fundamental que los dispositivos sanitarios y judiciales profundicen abordajes desde una perspectiva de derechos humanos incorporando el enfoque de género para cumplir los principios de verdad, justicia, reparación y garantías de no repetición.
Expansion of Investments by Chinese Companies in the Brazilian Amazon – the Case of Agribusiness
Authors: Wegner Rubia Cristina , Fernandes Marcelo Pereira
Published: February 2024

Abstract This paper aims to systematize and analyse the expansion of Chinese agribusiness business towards the Brazilian Amazon. A scenario of possible natural resources to be exploited in the South American Amazon is presented, followed by a discussion of the changes in the conduct of economic exploitation in the Brazilian Amazon since the Bolsonaro government came into power. We opted for this cut due to the increase in the soy trade flow from Brazil to China, in addition to the direct foreign investments of Chinese companies in this sector to be concentrated in Brazil, as well as investments in infrastructure for transporting soy grain from the Amazon.
Self-compacting microconcretes containing ornamental stone waste and expanded polystyrene residue: influence of the ratios filler/cement and lightweight /conventional aggregates
Authors: Souza Ariel Miranda de , Carvalho José Maria Franco de , Santos Carol Ferreira Rezende , Ferreira Flávio Antônio , Pedroti Leonardo Gonçalves , Peixoto Ricardo André Fiorotti
Published: February 2024

Abstract Eco-efficient self-compacting micro concretes with partial replacement of Portland cement by ornamental stone waste (OSW) and replacement of conventional aggregates by expanded polystyrene waste were addressed in this study. A base mixture was obtained using a particle packing method, and replacement fractions followed a second-order composite experimental design. The mixtures’ rheological, physical, mechanical and eco-efficiency parameters were evaluated and discussed. As expected, the incorporation of residues reduced the mechanical strength, and mixtures with high incorporation of lightweight aggregates tended to segregate. However, OSW has been shown to increase workability and decrease viscosity, contributing to control segregation due to the reduced amount of water required without impairing the fluidity of the mix. At the same time, the lightweight aggregate decreased both the density of the mixtures and the viscosity. The interaction of the residue with the lightweight aggregate proved promising in obtaining more eco-efficient lightweight microconcretes.
Experimental results and limit load analysis by the strut-and-tie method (STM) in deep beams with notches and openings
Authors: Abreu Neta Izabel Castro de , Miranda Antonio Carlos de Oliveira , Lameiras Rodrigo de Melo , Leite Carlos Henrique de Oliveira
Published: February 2024

Abstract This article presents experimental results of eight non-aligned, non-geometrically symmetrical deep beams with notches and openings. The variables considered in the study were the presence of web reinforcement, and the geometry of the deep beams. Along with the experimental investigation, a study of strut-and-tie models (STM) representing the behavior (failure mode and maximum load) of reinforced concrete deep beams with complex geometries was performed. The experimental results showed that the ultimate load capacity of deep beams is significantly affected by the presence of reinforcement in the web. Furthermore, the study showed that the STM is conservative and tends to underestimate the results, reducing its ability to predict failure load.
DYNAMIC SPECTRAL ANALYSIS OF HUMAN BREATHING AND HEARTBEAT BY RESCUER RADARS
Authors: Sytnik Oleg
Published: February 2024

Specialized rescuer radars, employed for detecting living individuals during rescue operations amid natural or man-made disasters, operate by estimating the nonstationary spectral characteristics of reflected signals induced by breathing and heartbeats. The nonstationary spectra resulting from Doppler phase shifts in reflected radar signals are attributed to the breathing and heartbeat processes of living humans. These phase fluctuations occur at ultra-low frequencies and can be effectively detected using extended pseudo-noise probing signals, such as those based on Mersenne codes. The method for tracking the power spectrum of a process, where the rates of change in the correlation function at various lags differ over time, is presented. The method is discussed in terms of its application with finite-length correlation processes. It allocates a short memory for rapidly varying terms in the correlation while concurrently employing longer-term averaging for the more stationary terms. Time-varying spectral estimates of rescuer radar signals are derived through the processing of resulting correlation estimates of signals reflected from a living human body. Examples of real spectrum estimates are provided to illustrate that improved tracking can be achieved compared to employing a constant lag-invariant averaging method.
Utilization of waste cooking oil as a substitute for plasticizers in the production of carrageenan/cornstarch bioplastic
Authors: Mangala Dharrma , Saputra Eka , Sedayu Bakti Berlyanto , Pujiastuti Dwi Yuli , Syamani Firda Aulya , Novianto Toni Dwi , Pamungkas Amin , Irianto Hari Eko
Published: February 2024

In the current investigation, to develop a carrageenan/cornstarch bioplastic production technique suitable for commercial-scale production, an alternative method to the commonly used solvent-casting technique was implemented through a hot-melt extrusion process. Moreover, to enhance the water resistance of the bioplastic and reduce production costs, waste cooking oil (WCO) was used as a substitute for glycerol plasticizer. Various weight ratios of WCO to glycerol (w/w) were used in formulations. All the material ingredients were compounded using a double-screw extruder at 115°C. Subsequently, the resulting extrudate was then cut into resin pellets, followed by hot compression to produce bioplastic film samples. The film samples underwent testing for mechanical properties, water resistance, biodegradability, chemical structure and morphology. The overall results showed that the addition of WCO improved the tensile properties and water resistance and accelerated biodegradation. These findings were attributed to the presence of ester groups in the polymer structure, the intrinsic hydrophobic nature of WCO and the formation of voids within the film structure, as revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses. Based on the findings, the utilization of WCO in carrageenan/cornstarch-based bioplastic production offers potential advantages for commercial applications.
Exhibiting the MacGregor collections
Authors: Knowles Chantal , Curtis Neil
Published: February 2024

Two extensive groups of indigenous material culture assembled by Sir William MacGregor in British New Guinea (1888–1898), the Official and Personal collections, are largely held in three museums – Queensland Museum, University of Aberdeen Museums and the Papua New Guinea National Museum and Art Gallery – each of which has a distinct history. This paper explores the public lives of the collections through their inclusion in galleries and exhibitions. This comparative history of how objects have been used and interpreted is revealing as it monitors the changing roles of ethnographic collections in museums in different socio-civic contexts over the last 120 years and how that influences the perception of museums amongst their publics.
The close connection between liquidity and profitability: analysis of the retail market
Authors: Maxim Lucian Gabriel
Published: February 2024

Purpose- Analyzing profitability and liquidity indicators are essential for healthy financial management. Liquidity refers to the extent to which a company can convert its assets into cash quickly and without significant loss of value while profitability refers to the extent to which a company generates profits and returns investments for its owners. An important dimension in the relationship between liquidity and profitability is time. A company may be liquid and profitable at one point in time, but this may not hold true over time. In addition to these things, the Romanian retail industry is an industry that contributes massively to the achievement of the GDP and is also an important employer, offering employment opportunities to a significant part of the population. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between liquidity indicators and the profitability of retail companies.
Methodology- STATA software was used to model the data and estimate the results, using multiple linear regressions.
Findings- The analysis reveals that shows that liquidity rates have a low impact on the profitability of Romanian companies in the retail trade industry.
Conclusion- Based upon the analysis, it may be concluded that managers must establish more favorable policies regarding the credit granted by suppliers, which can lead to a decrease in the cash conversion cycle and implicitly to an increase in the profitability of retail companies. At the same time, the simple conclusion is to pay more attention to the company's liquidity, observing the direct relationships between liquidity rates and profitability in the sense of increasing the last one.

Keywords: business economics, financial management, liquidity, market, profitability, retail
JEL Codes: L21, L81, M21
Trading behavior by foreign and domestic investors
Authors: Sahin Baki Cem
Published: February 2024

Purpose- Momentum, a well-known anomaly in financial markets, has garnered considerable attention from both academicians and market participants due to its implications for the market efficiency hypothesis and investment plans of investors. While momentum trading can yield excess returns, it is not a possible strategy for all investors because if one segment of investors employs a momentum trading strategy to profit from their trades, it requires another type of investor to take the opposite position to clear the market.
Methodology- I investigate the momentum trading behavior of investors in different segments of Borsa İstanbul. Specifically, I focus on the momentum trading behavior among local and foreign investors and private and institutional investors.
Findings- The results show that foreign investors’ stock holdings are positively associated with past returns inferring momentum trading while domestic investors are contrarians. Further analysis of domestic investors’ investing strategies reveals that the contrarian trading of domestic investors is mainly driven by individual investors.
Conclusion- The results show that foreign investors’ stock holdings are positively associated with past returns inferring momentum trading while domestic investors are contrarians. Also, the contrarian trading of domestic investors is mainly driven by indvidual investors.

Keywords: Momentum trading, investor behavior, foreign investor, domestic investor, panel data
JEL Codes: G40, G11, G14
New educational approach for the sustainability of natural forest capital: review, analysis and conceptual contributions on the natural capital of the Romerillo forest
Authors: Bonilla De Gracia Jesús A. , Alarcón- Novoa Jorge , Gallegos-Romero Erick , Villegas-Rugel Jorge
Published: February 2024

The concept of Natural Capital of the Romerillo forests (NCR) has been little studied in relation to the Education of this important type of natural capital. However, currently, many researchers have argued that Education can contribute significantly to the teaching and learning of this natural capital. By investigating how the concept has been studied, this article has attempted to establish the direction, understanding and use of Education that the NCR may take in the future, within the context of research into an Intangible Creative Ecological Economy (ICEE). This study used an exploratory research methodology with secondary information, in combination with chronological, conceptual and thematic literature review techniques. The literature review indicates that Education on NCR has been used in three areas of research to explain or address a particular construct: (1) promotion of formal and informal programs for use of the intangible environmental services, (2) development of an ICEE that promotes biotrade of intangible services from the Romerillos forests, and (3) short- and long-term conservation of the Romerillos forests. For future studies, it is recommended to address the concept of Education in “Intangible Forest Natural Capital” as a strategy for the sustainable use of the intangible environmental services of the NCR, aiming to mitigate deforestation and preserve the forests of the Romerillos Andean.
Identification of Aspergillus westerdijkiae and its potential risk of Ochratoxin A synthesis in Cannabis inflorescences
Authors: Aguirre-Ortega Emily , Henao-López Mónica , Vargas-Alzate Jolián A. , Castro Rios Katherin , Montoya-Estrada Claudia N.
Published: February 2024

Nowadays, fungal contamination of medical Cannabis inflorescences during postharvest has become an increasingly frequent and worrisome problem for consumers and the industry in general. This is because some of these microorganisms can produce secondary metabolites, such as mycotoxins, which can be toxic to humans. To assess the risk posed by fungal contamination and evaluate the potential for fungal isolates to produce mycotoxins, samples of medicinal Cannabis were tested for the presence of mycotoxin-forming fungi. Inflorescences were isolated on PDA agar at 23 ± 2 °C for ten days, and the microorganisms were identified. The strain with morphological characteristics compatible with the genus Aspergillus spp. was selected as the fungus with the highest risk of forming hazardous mycotoxins. This isolate was characterized conventionally and by molecular identification using primers for the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) of ribosomal DNA and different coding genes and was identified as Aspergillus westerdijkiae. To determine mycotoxin formation, the genome of A. westerdijkiae was sequenced using the Illumina Novaseq platform in South Korea. The antiSMASH tool was used to search for gene clusters associated with producing secondary metabolites, and genes related to toxins were manually curated. Regions where the cluster of genes directly involved in OTA biosynthesis (otaA, otaB, otaC, otaR and otaD) were found, suggesting a potential risk of synthesis of this toxin.
Emerging non-thermal technologies in the food industry: Advances and potential applications in food processing
Authors: Paucar-Menacho Luz María , Moreno-Rojo Cesar , Chuqui-Diestra Saúl Ricardo
Published: February 2024

Currently, the food industry prioritizes the safety and quality of products, facing the challenge of maintaining sensory and nutritional integrity. To address this challenge, emerging non-thermal technologies are being explored that offer significant advantages in improving food quality over conventional technologies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these innovative technologies can transform the traditional food processing landscape as we know it. Non-thermal technologies have the potential to reduce energy consumption for food production, processing and packaging, compared to conventional thermal treatments. Furthermore, these technologies are particularly suitable for efficiently preserving bioactive compounds present in foods. This review describes the fundamental principles, applications, advantages and limitations of emerging technologies in food processing. These technologies include pulsed electric field, ultrasound, cold plasma, high pressure, irradiation, light-emitting diodes, pulsed light and oscillating magnetic fields. Despite the large number of studies on the subject, more research is required to optimize and improve the efficiency of the application of these technologies, alone or in combination, in food processing. The bioaccessibility and bioactivity of the compounds, nutritional value, shelf life and sensory aspects may be variables of interest.
Basic Operant Behavioral Training v1
Authors: Nelson Alexandra , Zhuang Xiaowen
Published: February 2024

This protocol includes information about the operant chamber, mouse preparation, initial shaping (training), and instrumental learning. This can be followed by other behavioral tasks, such as probabilistic reversal learning or delay discounting, which are described in other protocols. To promote consistent results, each mouse should be trained in the same operant chamber at the same time of day, five days per week, throughout the study. Male and female mice should be trained in separate operant chambers.
Extraction and analysis of primary metabolites during Xanthomonas-Barley interaction v1
Authors: Roman-Reyna Veronica
Published: February 2024

Intercellular host-associated bacteria shape the chemistry of the living eukaryotic environment. Pathogenic microorganisms like barley-and wheat-associated Xanthomonas translucens, swiftly overtake the inner leaf tissue becoming the dominant community member during disease development. To define the metabolic signals associated with inner leaf colonization, we used untargeted metabolomics to characterize Xanthomonas translucens pathovars translucens (Xtt) and undulosa (Xtu)primary metabolism signatures associated with mesophyll growth. This protocol indicates how to perform the infections, extract apoplastic fluids, perform GCMS, and conduct the subsequent data analysis.
Procedure to analyze cannabinoids in bovine plasma using solid phase extraction & UPLC MS/MS v1
Authors: Magnin Geraldine
Published: February 2024

This procedure described the quantification of 21 phytocannabinoids in 100uL bovine plasma. 200uL of acetonitrile is added to 100uL plasma extract, cleaned up by centrifugation and a 96-well plate solid phase extraction and analyzed by UPLC-MS/MS.Matrix-matched (not in solvent) calibration curve is used to quantify 21 cannabinoids at concentrations ranging 1-100 ng/mL (ppb). Internal Standards were applied for quantification some of the analytes. Method validation/evaluation/verification: The earlier version of the method (including in-house validation data) was published: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35939416/ Then the method was extended (by Geraldine Magnin - lead) regarding the list of analytes (to include 21 cannabinoids in its 2nd version) and evaluated through Blinded Method Test (BMT) by Vet-LIRN. The BMT report summarizing method performance evaluation data is available upon request.
Control laws for individual traction electric drive of a front loader
Authors: Gartfelder Victor A. , Stadukhin Anton A. , Mokretsov Nikolay A.
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND: The operation of technological machinery is associated with regular slipping of driving wheels, which can lead to increased tire wear and soil damage. This determines the relevance of works aimed at study and reduction of slip.
AIM: Analysis of the considered control strategies of individual traction electric drive of a front loader with regard to driving wheels slipping.
METHODS: The paper considers three control strategies of individual traction electric drive of a front loader — initial, with equal utilization rates of electric motor-wheels (strategy 1), simulation of locked drive (strategy 2), and the proposed option of building traction control system (strategy 3). Using a simulation computer model of dynamics, the working process of the front loader was studied during earthmoving operations and when accelerating.
RESULTS: It was obtained that the application of the strategy 2 during earthmoving helps to ensure almost the equal slip coefficient of the driving wheels, which potentially helps to reduce tire wear and fuel consumption (in comparison to the strategy 1). The application of the strategy 3 in such conditions turned out to be unsuitable, as the slip limitation in this case reduces the operation speed as well. The simulation of the front loader acceleration process showed some advantage of strategy 3 over the others in terms of energy consumed.
CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the study, it is reasonable to use the control strategy 2, which simulates a locked transmission, in case of performing heavy technological operations by a front loader such as earthmoving. In the case of the acceleration process, typical for transportation operations and driving on public roads, it is effective to use the strategy 3.
Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Technique for Optimal Material Selection of AA7075/SiC Composite Foam using COPRAS Technique
Authors: Singh Nitish Kumar , Balaguru S. , Rathore Ram Krishna , Namdeo Avinash Kumar , Kaimkuriya Amit
Published: February 2024

Aluminium foams have been manufactured and discovered to have a variety of uses in automotive and structural applications. However, due to their varied characteristics, it is difficult to choose an appropriate material. In this context, the selection of material for good properties is a challenging task. This study attempted to identify materials from various combinations employing the Multiple Attribute Decision Making (MADM) technique based on their mechanical and physical properties. Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS) is a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) technique employed for evaluating the ranking order of the aluminium composite foam’s formulations based on performance measures. The composite foam with 2.5 wt.% of Calcium carbonate as foaming agent demonstrated the best combination of mechanical properties.
Metallurgical Behaviour and Characterization on Polymer Metal with HCHCr Tool by using Friction Stir Welding Adopting L27 Taguchi Technique
Authors: Gangaraju  , Srivastava Ashish , C. S. Ramesh  , S. Ramesh
Published: February 2024

Friction stir welding is a technique of combining harmless for the environment because it doesn’t use flux or any other shield gas and doesn’t produce hazardous gas. To study the FSW process on composite material this work offers an experimental enquiry and optimisation technique. In this investigated how input process operating factors like tool rotational speed, feed rate and depth of cut affect an output parameter like hardness of welded connections and Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS), Microstructure and metallurgical on the metal. To achieve this L27 Taguchi approach orthogonal array used to optimise design tests on friction stir welding parameters and also HCHCr tool used to improve the good weld ability and to increase the heat input. The experimental setup is run with several combinations of process parameters such as 900, 1000, and 1200 rpm of Tool rotational speed 20 mm, 25 and 30 mm as feed rate by adjusting the depth of cut values of 5.4 mm, 5.6 mm and 5.8 mm respectively. Additionally, utilising the regression analysis equations (ANOVA) used to identify the significant input parameters how it effects for the output metal structure. Finally, by achieved effective evaluation of the metallurgical and microstructure on the nylon 6A metal by various analysis and Testing.
Influence of Thermal Slip and Ohmic Dissipation Effects on Particulate Suspension Flow through a Channel with Non-Parallel Walls
Authors: S. Ram Prasad  , S. H. C. V. Subba Bhatta  , Chakravarthy Y. S. Kalyan
Published: February 2024

The main theme of this paper is a numerical investigation of fluid-particle flow in a channel with aslant walls (divergent channel) by taking thermal slip and Ohmic heating into account. The shooting technique with the RK-4 method is exploited to solve the system of dimensionless equations. Graphical discussions of the effects of emerging factors have been conducted for both fluid and particle aspects of temperature and velocity profiles. A perfect match is found when the current results are compared to the previous ones. The results reveal that the fluid phase temperature diminishes but particle phase temperature improves with an augmentation of the thermal slip parameter. These types of flows are used by a variety of industries, including the processing of waste water, mines, petrochemical sectors.
Linear Stability Analysis in Ethylene Glycol-Copper Nanoliquid Saturated Porous Medium in the Presence of Different Shaped Nanoparticles
Authors: B. N. Veena  , N. Srikantha  , S. Sushma  , M. Uma
Published: February 2024

In the present paper we carried out linear stability analysis for ethylene glycol-copper nanoliquid-saturated porous medium. The thermal properties of baseliquid, nanoparticles and porous medium are used in the calculation of properties of nanoliquid and nanoliquid saturated porous medium using phenomenological laws and mixture theory. The rigid-free isothermal boundaries are considered in the study. Analytical expression for critical Rayleigh number is presented in the paper. Dissimilar shapes of nanoparticles are examined and their effect on the onset of convection is studied in great detail. In addition the effect of various parameters namely porous parameter, aspect ratio, volume fraction are also studied and analysed graphically. It is observed that the onset of convection is advanced when nanoparticles are added to baseliquid whereas delayed in the addition of the porous medium to the nanoliquid. Unicellular convection is possible only when the aspect ratio lies in the range 0.8 < A < 2 .
Investigation of the Relationship between HIWI3 rs11703684 (C>T) Polymorphism and Idiopathic Azoospermia/Oligozoospermia in the Kurdish Population of Kermanshah
Authors: Sara Salami , Saeid Ghorbian , Reza Alibakhshi , Farahnaz Keshavarzi
Published: February 2024

Background & Objective: Genetic factors play a major role in the development of male idiopathic infertility. Because of the multi-genetic base of this disease, not all genetic factors have been investigated. PIWI genes have been reported to be involved in the regulation of piRNAs in spermatogenesis. Our study assessed the association between HIWI3 rs11703684 (C>T) gene polymorphism with the risk of male idiopathic azoospermia/oligozoospermia in the Kurdish population of Kermanshah.
Materials & Methods: In this case-control investigation, we included two hundred individuals consisting of 100 men with idiopathic azoospermia/oligozoospermia and 100 fertile men as the control group. To determine genotypes of HIWI3 C>T polymorphism, we used the Tetra Arms-PCR technique and significant values were considered as p<0.05.
Results: Our findings did not show a statistically significant difference in the genotype frequency of the recessive model (P = 0.118; OR = 0.158; CI, 0.019–1.339), dominant (P = 0.169; OR = 0.625; CI, 0.341–1.144) and co-dominant (P = 0.527; OR = 0.778; CI, 0.417–1.450). In addition, the results described a negative difference in allelic frequency of HIWI3 (rs11703684 C>T) in men with idiopathic azoospermia/oligozoospermia and control group (P = 0.288; OR = 0.749; CI, 0.463–1.212).
Conclusion: The current study does not indicate the probability effect of HIWI3 rs11703684 (C>T) gene polymorphism on the male idiopathic azoospermia/oligozoospermia in the Kurdish population of Kermanshah. The critical role of PIWI genes in spermatogenesis and as a candidate risk factor for male infertility remained unknown.