bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Preoperative Breathing Exercises in Reducing Postoperative Respiratory Complications in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Comparative Review of On-Pump and Off-Pump Techniques
Authors: Sahar Wajeeha , Elengoe Asita , Batool Syeda Aiman , Bashir Aqsa , Shan Ali , Jalal Anjum
Published: September 2024

Objectives: This review aims to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative breathing exercises in reducing postoperative respiratory complications, particularly respiratory failure, in patients undergoing CABG surgery. The review also compares the outcomes of these interventions in patients undergoing on-pump (ONCAB) versus off-pump (OPCAB) procedures.
Methodology: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library, to identify studies that examined the impact of preoperative breathing exercises on respiratory outcomes in CABG patients. The review focused on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the effectiveness of these exercises in ONCAB and OPCAB settings.
Results: The review identified several studies supporting the role of preoperative breathing exercises in reducing postoperative respiratory complications. These exercises, including diaphragmatic breathing, incentive spirometry, and deep breathing, were associated with improved pulmonary outcomes, such as reduced incidence of respiratory failure, shorter durations of mechanical ventilation, and decreased hospital length of stay. While the overall results were positive for both ONCAB and OPCAB patients, variations were observed based on the surgical technique and patient-specific factors.
Conclusion: Preoperative breathing exercises are an effective intervention for reducing the risk of postoperative respiratory complications in CABG patients. The benefits were observed in both ONCAB and OPCAB procedures, with particular advantages noted in the ONCAB group due to the higher baseline risk. Further research is needed to optimize these interventions, considering the individualized nature of patient responses and the specific characteristics of each surgical technique.
Impact of Basic Life Support Training on Knowledge and Performance Among Rural Intermediate Students: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Jabeen Uzma , Raja Raja , Khan Ameer Ullah
Published: September 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Basic Life Support (BLS) training on the knowledge and performance of intermediate students from a rural area.
Methodology: A quasi-experimental study with pretest, posttest, and follow-up phases was conducted at a private sector high school. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select participants, consisting of 11th and 12th-grade students with low to moderate levels of BLS knowledge, as assessed by a structured questionnaire. The BLS training, lasting three hours, included a PowerPoint presentation and hands-on practice. Data were collected from 80 participants at three stages: pre-test, post-test, and a follow-up test three months after the intervention. Participant performance was evaluated using the American Heart Association checklist. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25, with Friedman’s ANOVA applied for inferential statistics.
Results: Initially, 95% of participants had a low level of BLS knowledge, with a median score of 3. Post-intervention, knowledge significantly improved, with a median score of 6.5 and 37.5% of participants achieving a high level of knowledge, while 30% reached a moderate level (p-value <0.0001). However, knowledge retention declined after three months, with a median score of 4.0 (p-value <0.0001). Previous knowledge of CPR was significantly associated with improved post-intervention knowledge scores (p-value = 0.03).
Conclusion: The BLS training significantly enhanced participants' knowledge and performance. Nonetheless, there was a notable decline in knowledge retention over time.
Predictors and Outcomes of Slow Flow/No Reflow in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients Treated with Pharmacoinvasive Strategies
Authors: Ullah Farman , Khan Muhammad Ilyas , Ullah Ejaz , Ullah Inam , Ahmad Zubair , Fazal Waqas
Published: September 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the incidence, predictors, and clinical outcomes of slow flow and no reflow (SF/NR) in patients undergoing a pharmacoinvasive strategy following full-dose thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI).
Methodology: We conducted a prospective observational study at the Department of Cardiology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, from February 2022 to February 2023. The study cohort comprised 130 patients who received percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after thrombolytic therapy. Comprehensive data on patient demographics, clinical presentations, procedural details, and outcomes were systematically collected. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify independent predictors of SF/NR.
Results: The incidence of SF/NR was 13.8%. Significant predictors included hypertension (Odds Ratio [OR]: 2.31, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.01-5.29, p = 0.047), high thrombus burden (OR: 3.14, 95% CI: 1.38-7.15, p = 0.006), and longer lesion length (OR: 1.29 per mm increase, 95% CI: 1.11-1.50, p < 0.001). Patients with SF/NR experienced significantly higher in-hospital mortality (16.7% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.012), cardiogenic shock (27.8% vs. 5.4%, p < 0.001), heart failure (33.3% vs. 7.1%, p < 0.001), and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (44.4% vs. 11.6%, p < 0.001). At 30 days post-discharge, the mortality rate was 22.2% in the SF/NR group compared to 4.5% in the normal flow group (p = 0.004).
Conclusion: The study highlights a significant incidence of SF/NR in patients undergoing PCI after thrombolytic therapy for AMI. Identified predictors—hypertension, high thrombus burden, and longer lesion length—underscore the need for targeted risk stratification and management strategies to enhance patient outcomes and mitigate adverse effects.
The Relationship between Serum Calcium Levels and Angiographic Severity of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Chronic Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Azam Muhammad Hammad , Danish Naveed , Wahab Muhammad Abdul , Rehman Atta ur , Naeem Shitba , Muhammad Shaheer Khan
Published: September 2024

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between serum calcium levels and the angiographic severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS).
Methodology: We conducted an observational study at the Department of Cardiology, Hayatabad Medical Complex, from January 2022 to December 2022, including 150 patients diagnosed with CCS. Serum calcium levels were measured using a colorimetric method, and the severity of CAD was assessed using the SYNTAX score derived from coronary angiography. Statistical analyses were performed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multivariate logistic regression to account for potential confounding factors such as age, gender, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.
Results: The analysis revealed a low negative correlation between serum calcium levels and SYNTAX scores (correlation coefficient: -0.13). Age emerged as a significant predictor of CAD severity (p<0.001), whereas serum calcium levels did not demonstrate an independent effect on CAD severity (p=0.24). After adjusting for confounding variables, no substantial correlation between serum calcium levels and SYNTAX scores was observed.
Conclusion: While serum calcium levels were not independent predictors of CAD severity after adjusting for other risk factors, a weak negative correlation was observed. Age remained a crucial factor influencing CAD severity. These findings suggest that serum calcium levels alone are insufficient for CAD risk classification but may provide additional value when used in conjunction with other diagnostic methods.
Social orphanhood and deprived parenthood in a migrant family as a threat to demographic security: is there light at the end of the tunnel?
Authors: Osadchaya G. I. , Volkova O. A. , Yudina T. N.
Published: September 2024

The relevance of the research is the spread of the phenomena of social orphanhood and deprived parenthood due to the labor migration of family members.

The problem of the research is the expansion of labor migration, the spread of social orphanhood, the development of deprived parenthood, on the one hand, and the lack of conceptual justiﬁcation for the relationships between these phenomena, on the other.

The goal of the research is to consider social orphanhood and deprived parenthood in a migrant family as a threat to demographic security.

The research methods. The work used data from: 1) a questionnaire survey of returned Kyrgyz labor migrants who worked in Russia and then returned to Kyrgyzstan; 2) semi-structured interviews of labor migrants in Russia; 3) quantitative and qualitative content analysis of cases presented in the essays of migrant children.

The Results. Thus, social orphanhood and deprived parenthood in migrant families, due its large scale, are considered as a threat to demographic security at several levels: a parent or a child, family as a whole, as well as countries of origin and reception. It has been determined that when children of migrants stay with elderly grandparents, a difﬁcult situation arises, since grandparents sometimes have difficulty with self-care, and it is twice as difficult for them to cope with grandchildren. Children begin to miss classes at school, academic performance decreases, a culture of communication is not formed, and problems with the law appear. In cases where children of migrants remain to live with people who are not relatives to them, the level of safety of minors is signiﬁcantly reduced, accompanied by beatings and murders. An analysis of the opinions of migrants, their children and experts shows that social orphanhood and deprived parenthood are a threat to demographic security.

The Key Findings. Social orphanhood is interconnected with the phenomenon of deprived parenthood, since labor migrants feel responsible both for their own sons and daughters and for their elderly parents. The key social negative of the situation is natural and repeated reproduction of social orphanhood and deprived parenthood in migrant families.
Expanding the concept of ‘threshold concepts’: threshold concepts for life
Authors: Mehta Kosha
Published: September 2024

News and media reports indicate that the perceived value of university education is declining amongst students – one of the indicators being an increase in apprenticeships. As educators, we need to identify the reasons for this and ask ourselves whether we provide holistic education to students. Based on this rationale, this forward-looking and solution-focussed opinion article invites the educators to think beyond the subject-specific threshold concepts and teach students the ‘threshold concepts for life’. This proposed term implies, includes, and collates teaching-learning of multiple concepts that are often outside the discipline/subject-specific boundaries of several curricula, but can help develop life-skills and thought-processes that promote mental, physical, and societal well-being. To enable such teachings, six domains of education can be embedded within the curricula of ALL disciplines. These domains include education on sustainability, equality, diversity and inclusion, arts, resilience, moral science/personal integrity, and physical activity. To support the inclusion of these domains, this article discusses the significance of each domain and provides evidence of the positive impact of its application on students. Logistics of embedding these within the curricula of ALL students have been suggested and the core benefits of including these domains in university education are mentioned.
Effect of Fertilization on the Severity of Attack by the Defoliator Caterpillar (Noorda blitealis Walker, 1859) and on the Yield of Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam, Lam. moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam, 1785)
Authors: Outani Bibata , Adamou Haougui , Adamou Basso , Mahamane Ali
Published: September 2024

Purpose: Moringa, which is increasingly grown pure in semi-intensive and intensive systems, requires adequate fertilization to produce well. In some cases, this operation can inhibit the development of its bioaggressors. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different types of fertilization on the defoliator caterpillar (Noorda blitealis) and moringa production.
Methodology: The trial was conducted on the Kalapaté experimental station belonging to the Institut ational de la recherche agronomique du Niger over two seasons. The experimental design was a split-plot with 4 replications in which the main plots were represented by fertilizer types (NPK, cattle, poultry and compost). The elementary plots were made up of fertilizer doses (0, 0, 5, 1 and 1.5 kg/ha for organic fertilizers, and 0, 3, 6 and 9 g/package for NPK). The severity of the caterpillar attack and moringa yield were recorded.
Findings: The results showed that NPK acted faster than other fertilizers in reducing the severity of attack by N. blitealis.  The reduction rate was 28.40% in the first season compared with cattle manure, which is the most attacked. In the second season, compost had a similar effect to NPK. Both reduced this parameter by over 45% each compare to cattle and poultry manure. Their action consequently increased moringa yield compared with cattle manure and poultry droppings. Also, a negative linear relationship was noted between manure dose and severity of attack, while the dose-yield relationship was of the second-degree polynomial type.
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: Compost can therefore be used to minimize attacks by Noorda blitealis and can enable sustainable production without any risk of toxicity from synthetic pesticides. In view of these results, moringa growers must compost cattle and poultry manure, and all other organic sources of fertilization, before any application.
Empowering Dyslexic Learners: A Design Approach to Tangible Educational Products
Authors: Ali Norarifah , Hashim Azhari Md , Nidzam Yaakob Muhammad , Alias Roslinda
Published: September 2024

This study addresses the challenge of developing effective educational tools for dyslexic learners, who often struggle with traditional learning methods due to their unique cognitive processing needs. The aim of the study is to design and evaluate a tangible educational product that integrates multisensory learning, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, and Cognitive Load Theory to enhance literacy skills in dyslexic children. The methodology involves a mixed-methods approach, including usability testing with at-risk children, followed by a structured intervention study with 20-30 children from an elementary school and the Dyslexia Association of Malaysia. The findings indicate that the designed product significantly improves literacy outcomes by providing a multisensory and accessible learning experience that reduces cognitive load. The study’s implications suggest that such products, when designed with these principles, can be powerful tools in supporting the education of dyslexic learners, offering a model that could be adapted for broader educational contexts.
Overlap of Ethics and Sustainability for Responsibility Mindset: Insights for an Educational Approach Change in Ethics of Engineering
Authors: Habash Riadh
Published: September 2024

The mandate of universities and higher education institutes is to shape students' ethical wisdom and catalyze sustainable development. However, everyone does not have equal access to higher education which drives the above mindsets, leading to unequal quality of education. Today, most ethics teaching in engineering schools is narrowly micro-ethics and does not attempt to define macro-ethics’ special challenges. Micro-ethics concentrates on concerns related to the individual and the innermost workings of the profession. However, macro-ethics encompasses sustainable development with a focus on the collective social responsibility of the profession and public concerns about technology. This study examined undergraduate engineering programs in 25 major Canadian universities to see if they are adequately prepared to navigate both the micro and macro aspects of ethics education. The curricula of the programs show many courses focusing on micro-ethical concepts. The lack of explicit macro-ethical agendas for advancing society invites further work on curricula to enhance the efficacy of the content and delivery modes. This inadequate commitment to socially responsible engineering is conceptualized as a “culture of disengagement”. The study introduces important moments of change to strengthen ethics education. These include twinning engineering and computing ethics; embedding overlapped ethics, sustainability, and responsibility mindsets; and promoting the scholarship of integration through research, synthesis, practice, and teaching. By adopting these approaches to curriculum and pedagogy, the students will effectively cultivate a critical understanding of and obligation to the profession’s collective responsibility and the well-being of the greater society. These changes provide crucial insights into broadening sociotechnical-minded prospects of engineering ethics education.
 
 
 
Received: 8 July 2024 | Revised: 22 August 2024 | Accepted: 25 September 2024 
 
Conflicts of Interest
The author declares that he has no conflicts of interest to this work.
 
Data Availability Statement
Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data was created or analyzed in this study.
 
Author Contribution Statement
Riadh Habash: Conceptualization, Methodology, Software, Validation, Formal analysis, Investigation, Resources, Data Curation, Writing - original draft, Writing - review & editing, Visualization, Supervision, Project administration.
Eficacia de probióticos en el manejo de sobrecrecimiento bacteriano del intestino delgado. Revisión sistemática y metaanálisis
Authors: Niño Sebastian Fernando , Santiesteban Marco , Muñoz Valencia Gloria
Published: September 2024

Introducción: El manejo de sobrecrecimiento bacteriano del intestino delgado incluye antibióticos de acción intraluminal. Diferentes estudios han explorado el papel de los probióticos en el manejo del sobrecrecimiento bacteriano del intestino delgado, sin embargo, no se ha establecido con certeza la utilidad de esta terapia. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia de probióticos en el manejo del sobrecrecimiento bacteriano del intestino delgado. Materiales y métodos: Realizamos búsquedas sistemáticas utilizando términos relevantes (MESH y no MESH) en las bases de datos CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, actas de congresos, Plataforma de registros internacionales de ensayos clínicos (ICTRP) y ClinicalTrials.gov. en inglés o español hasta enero de 2023 que evaluaran la efectividad de probióticos en el manejo de sobrecrecimiento bacteriano del intestino delgado. Incluimos ensayos controlados de probióticos vs. placebo y probióticos vs. antibióticos, para el control de síntomas y normalización de prueba de hidrogeno expirado en pacientes adultos con sobrecrecimiento bacteriano del intestino delgado. Dos autores evaluaron y extrajeron los datos de forma independiente. Se recopiló información sobre métodos, participantes, intervenciones y resolución de SIBO por test de hidrogeno expirado, o control de síntomas. Cuando fue apropiado se calcularon las razones de riesgos (OR) con intervalos de confianza (IC) del 95%. La calidad de los estudios se evaluó mediante la herramienta Cochrane de evaluación del riesgo de sesgo. Resultados: Se encontraron un total de 18 ensayos clínicos; uno de casos y controles, dos ensayos cruzados, y un ensayo clínico de un solo brazo. En total de 14 ensayos clínicos con grupo control de los cuales 9 fueron  aleatorizados los cuales recopilan información de 496 pacientes tratados con probióticos y 480 controles. De estos, 6 ensayos clínicos compararon probióticos (n=122) contra placebo (n=104), debido a la falta de uniformidad en los reportes del desenlace, solo fue posible incluir en el metaanálisis tres estudios encontrando efecto a favor de probióticos en cuanto a la resolución de SIBO por test de hidrogeno expirado (OR=0,3, IC95%, 0,3-1,0). Los estudios presentaron elevada heterogeneidad y riesgo alto de sesgos. Conclusiones: Empleando la metodología GRADE, encontramos evidencia clínica baja a favor del empleo de probióticos en comparación con placebo para la resolución de SIBO.
Presentación inusual de Diphyllobothrium pacificum: un caso de ileítis simulando linfoma
Authors: Chávez-Sánchez Siomara Aransuzú , Guevara-Lazo David Rafael , Bellido-Caparó Álvaro , Pinto-Valdivia José Luis
Published: September 2024

El Diphyllobothrium spp. es un parásito con distribución global. La difilobotriosis es la infestación humana por este parásito. Los síntomas por lo general ocurren unas semanas después de la infección e incluyen náuseas, diarrea y dolor abdominal; con menos frecuencia, las infecciones prolongadas o graves pueden provocar anemia. El hallazgo endoscópico de la tenia se considera un hallazgo incidental. La inflamación asociada a la difilobotriosis puede considerarse dentro del diagnóstico diferencial de úlceras ileales. Presentamos el caso de una mujer en quien se halló una tenia y una úlcera a nivel del íleon, la histología sugería proliferación linfoide; sin embargo, el estudio de clonalidad demostró que se trataba de cambios inflamatorios secundarios por difilobotriosis.
Expression of TWEAK/Fn14 axis in the context of metabolic dysfunction associated-fatty liver disease: an approach in liver regeneration
Authors: Romero-Suárez Daniel , Solana Tinoco José Belisario , García-Espiñeira María Cecilia , Lambis-Anaya Lina , Suarez-Causado Amileth
Published: September 2024

Background: One of the pathways involved in liver regeneration processes is TWEAK/Fn14 (tumor necrosis factor-related weak inducer of apoptosis/fibroblast growth factor-inducible 14), which has been proposed to act directly and selectively  on hepatic progenitor cells; however, its role in the regeneration of steatotic liver metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease has not been fully elucidated. Objective: To evaluate the behavior of Fn14 and its ligand TWEAK, as well as cellular stress signals as biochemical cues for possible liver regeneration in MAFLD. Materials and methods: A prospective study was carried out where the behavior of Fn14 and its ligand TWEAK, as well as cellular stress signals were observed as biochemical indications of a possible liver regeneration in a condition of tissue damage caused by excessive lipid accumulation. The expression of TWEAK, Fn14 and heat shock proteins in hepatic steatosis of non-alcoholic origin was assessed using immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Results: The histological classification of the tissues under study corresponded to microvesicular steatosis. We report a high level of expression of heat shock proteins in the cytoplasm. The expression of TWEAK and Fn14 in liver tissue affected by lipid accumulation was localized in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes, showing a higher intensity of reactivity for Fn14 compared to its ligand TWEAK. Conclusion: The expression of TWEAK/Fn14 axis was positive suggesting reactivity of the signaling pathway in metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease.
Publication of Different Journals and their Significance in Categorical Indices
Authors: Thippanna G.
Published: September 2024

In this comprehensive review the aim of the author is the proliferation of academic journals across various databases has transformed scholarly communication, offering researchers diverse platforms for disseminating their findings. This review explores the significance of journals publishing in different databases, elucidating their impact on knowledge dissemination, accessibility, and scholarly evaluation. Firstly, the review delves into the role of databases in indexing and archiving scholarly articles, facilitating efficient retrieval, and enhancing visibility. It discusses prominent academic databases such as PubMed, IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, SCI, Scopus, and Google Scholar etc., highlighting their distinct features and coverage areas. Furthermore, the review examines the implications of journal indexing on citation metrics, academic recognition, and research impact assessment. It elucidates how inclusion in reputable databases can amplify a journal's reach and influence, fostering collaboration and interdisciplinary research. Moreover, the review analyzes the challenges associated with database indexing, including bias, inclusivity, and the proliferation of predatory journals. It underscores the need for robust quality control mechanisms to uphold the integrity and reliability of indexed journals. Additionally, the review explores the evolving landscape of open-access databases and their role in democratizing scholarly communication. It discusses initiatives such as DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals) and PMC (PubMed Central), elucidating their contributions to open science and global knowledge dissemination. Finally, the review outlines future directions for journal publishing in databases, emphasizing the integration of advanced technologies, metadata standards, and collaborative platforms to enhance discoverability and promote scholarly exchange. Overall, this review underscores the pivotal role of databases in shaping the scholarly landscape, facilitating knowledge dissemination, and fostering academic collaboration in an increasingly interconnected world.
EFFECT OF POULTRY MANURE ON SPRING RAPE PRODUCTIVITY
Authors: Титова В.И. , Володина Е.Н.
Published: September 2024

Использование птичьего помета в агропромышленном комплексе с соблюдением позиций, регулирующих его обращение в окружающей среде в качестве побочного продукта животноводства, невозможно без детального изучения его влияния на конкретные сельскохозяйственные культуры в разных природно-климатических условиях. В связи с этим целью исследования являлось изучение влияния разных доз сыпучего птичьего помета (4, 6 и 8 т/га) на продуктивность ярового рапса сорта Лунеди. Исследования проведены в 2022 и 2023 гг. на светло-серой лесной легкосуглинистой почве на территории вегетационной площадки ФГБОУ ВО Нижегородский ГАТУ. Фенологические наблюдения за фазами развития ярового рапса показали, что его рост и развитие в значительной степени зависят от обеспеченности растений элементами питания, что подтверждается различиями по вариантам опыта в высоте растений и формировании розетки листьев, окраске листьев, сроках наступления и продолжительности фаз развития. Установлено, что в среднем за 2 года на удобренных вариантах отмечается достоверное увеличение высоты растений – на 19,4–21,0 % и массы единичного растения – на 39,5–85,6 %. Прибавка общей биомассы растений на удобренных вариантах варьировала от 6,03 до 8,7 т/га, урожайности семян – от 0,94 до 1,26 т/га. Агрономически эффективной является минимальная доза птичьего помета – 4 т/га, обеспечивая окупаемость 1 кг NРК, внесенных с пометом, в 4,6 кг прибавки урожая семян рапса.

The use of poultry manure in the agro-industrial complex, taking into account the regulations of its treatment in the environment as animal husbandry by-products, is impossible without detailed study of its effect on specific crops in different climatic conditions. Therefore, the research purpose was to study the influence of different doses of bulk poultry manure (4, 6 and 8 t/ha) on the productivity of spring rape variety Lunedi. The research was carried out on the light gray forest loamy soil on the garden plot of the Nizhny Novgorod State Agrotechnological University in 2022 and 2023. Phenological observations of the growth phases of spring rape showed that its growth and development depended on the supply of plant nutrients. This was confirmed by differences in plant height and the formation of a leaf rosette, leaf color, timing and duration of development phases. It was established that on average for 2 years there was a significant increase in plant height – by 19.4–21.0 % and in the mass of a single plant – by 39.5–85.6 % in the fertilized plots. The increase in total plant biomass on the fertilized plots varied from 6.03 to 8.7 t/ha, and seed yield - from 0.94 to 1.26 t/ha. The minimum dose of poultry manure of 4 t/ha insures agronomic effectiveness, providing a payback of 1 kg of NPK introduced with manure, in 4.6 kg of yield increase of rape seeds.
Terceirização no setor público: a padronização dos cargos secretariais em um processo licitatório centralizado
Authors: Da Silva Lima Elaine Thais , Landolfi Maia Fernanda , Aparecida Rodriges Luci Mari
Published: September 2024

A terceirização é um fenômeno global, cujos reflexos são vivenciados em diferentes campos de atuação. Este estudo tem por objetivo caracterizar o secretariado no processo licitatório executado pela Central de Compras do Distrito Federal, sob a perspectiva da terceirização de serviços públicos. A abordagem qualitativa deu suporte à estratégia de estudo do caso do Secretariado inserido naquele processo. Para a coleta de dados, foram utilizadas fontes documentais e aplicação de questionário a uma entidade de classe secretarial. O tratamento de evidências do estudo ocorreu por categorização teórico-analítica de conteúdo, que contemplou as vagas disponíveis para contratação indireta de serviços de secretariado, suas principais características, o perfil requerido e o escopo das atividades desenvolvidas nos cargos secretariais. Entre os achados da pesquisa, destaca-se o percurso para a contratação terceirizada dos profissionais do campo secretarial realizada pelo órgão analisado, a expressiva quantidade de postos para o cargo, a participação de entidades representativas neste processo e o construto do perfil das vagas das chamadas atividades acessórias. Os elementos identificados no estudo evidenciam um contexto de prestação indireta de serviços que tende à instrumentalização, à desvinculação, à fragmentação e ao desmonte do trabalho dos profissionais de secretariado no âmbito do certame em questão.
Eye Based Interactive Communication System
Authors: Ashwini Sonawane  , Nikita Deore  , Rohan Sonawane  , Prof. A. S. Nalge
Published: September 2024

Eye-based communication systems, like the Blink-To-Speak language, are essential tools for individuals with motor neuron disorders, enabling them to articulate their needs and emotions. These systems leverage eye movements as a means of interaction, providing a vital communication channel for those with severe speech impairments. By interpreting specific eye gestures, users can effectively convey their thoughts, fostering a sense of independence and improving their quality of life. Many of the existing eye-tracking technologies tend to be complex and costly, limiting their accessibility in low-income regions. Using a mobile phone camera, the system captures real-time video frames to detect and track the user’s eyes, leveraging advanced facial landmark detection. Four primary eye movements—Left, Right, Up, and Blink—form the basis of the Blink-To-Live communication model, allowing users to communicate a range of more than 60 daily commands. By translating sequences of three eye gestures, the system generates readable sentences that are displayed on a screen and can be vocalized through synthesized speech. Unlike other sensor-dependent systems, Blink-To-Live is designed for affordability, flexibility, and ease of use, making it accessible without the need for specialized software or hardware. A prototype has been tested on a range of participants, showing positive results in terms of ease of use, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness
Evaluación psicopedagógica del manejo del estrés académico en alumnos de un centro educativo de educación superior en la provincia de Veraguas, Panamá
Authors: Valdés Agrazal Judith Eneida , Marín Carmen
Published: September 2024

El estrés académico es la reacción normal de activación fisiológica, emocional, cognitiva y conductual, que manifiestan los estudiantes al enfrentar las distintas exigencias y demandas que dan en el plano académico. Este estudio orientado en el enfoque cuantitativo, de tipo descriptivo, tiene como objetivo hacer un análisis psicopedagógico de cómo afectan los factores estresantes las actividades académicas, de manera de que se dé pie al fortalecimiento de estrategias de afrontamiento. Se aplicó un muestreo aleatorio simple con la participación de 86 estudiantes que cursan estudios de educación superior. Para la recolección de datos se adaptó el cuestionario “escala de afrontamiento del estrés académico” del estudio de González Moreno (2018). Los resultados proyectan porcentajes superiores al 70% a un bajo nivel de positivismo al enfrentar factores estresantes, sin embargo, existen iniciativas para enfrentar las situaciones por decisión propia y apoyo del contexto social próximo (por encima del 50%), en beneficio de las actividades académicas, al mismo tiempo que existe preparación e instrucción (rango superior al 60%) por parte del estudiante percibiendo los factores de estrés como aspectos comunes, de modo que existe una baja interferencia con el proceso educativo. Se concluye con base en los hallazgos que es necesario implementar programas de estrategias de afrontamiento al estrés para mantener el bajo impacto actual en beneficio del alumnado.
Exploratory Study of gendered-linked differences in word choice in a popular Panamanian talk show
Authors: González Edith , Pineda Otero Iliana
Published: September 2024

Differences between men's and women's word choices have always motivated sociolinguistic studies that correlate these variations to the gender roles or stereotypes that generate social judgments about people's expressions. This exploratory study examined gendered-linked differences in word choices when discussing daily life issues. The data was collected using a descriptive statistics table that compiled all the euphemisms, diminutives, descriptive adjectives, and politeness markers used by four conductors (two men and two women) of a popular Panamanian TV show in six discussion forums. The information was later analyzed for response patterns, similarities, and differences within and across the two groups. Our findings indicate remarkable gendered-linked differences in the use of these words, evidence of word choice variation across genders. We conclude that these variations are part of daily life communication and illustrate the effect of social behaviors and ideologies on the use of language.
Future[past]: poéticas artificiales especulativas a través de modelos generativos IA
Authors: Rangil Gallardo Miguel
Published: September 2024

La situación que actualmente atravesamos es continuamente excepcional. Conflictos armados transmitidos vía streaming, extracción de recursos acelerada, regímenes sustituidos por organizaciones terroristas, eventos climáticos extremos con nefastas consecuencias para el planeta. La frecuencia con la que ocurren estos eventos catastróficos se acorta cada vez más. Nos estamos acostumbrando al desastre, a un estado continuo de excepción.
Ante este horizonte crítico, esta comunicación propone una estrategia específica a través del trabajo con modelo visuales algorítmicos: generar poéticas artificiales especulativas que nos lleven a pensar no solo en otros futuros posibles más allá del presente, sino disolver la inalterable, rígida y estoica concepción histórica de los eventos que nos han convertido en lo que somos.  Esta comunicación pretende mostrar la relación potencial entre la visualidad artificial, los espacios latentes y la especulación como metodología artística a través de la producción artística audiovisual: Future[past].
Este proyecto nace como un dispositivo de simulación capaz de desmantelar ese rígido pasado, esa Historia con mayúsculas, a través de un sistema de predicción visual de futuros especulativos. Mediante el uso del modelo generativo de video NextFrame Prediction Pix2Pix, Future[past] disuelve el acontecimiento y propone un evento alternativo, a partir del material visual capturado precedente al acontecimiento dado. La I.A, en un ejercicio de predicción algorítmica, imagina múltiples nuevos futuros-pasados, acontecimientos que sólo ocurren en la simulación visual que se nos presenta, pero que se convierten en imágenes que amenazan con devenir realidad.
Esta producción artística se presentó en Ars Electronica Festival 2023 - Who owns the truth? y PAM! 2022 y forma parte de la investigación predoctoral “Contra la visual[ia]dad. Ensayos algoritmos en la era de la inteligencia artificial”.
Preslaughter feed withdrawal and sex influences on rabbit physiological response and meat quality
Authors: Larivière-Lajoie Anne-Sophie , Lemieux Joanie , Cinq-Mars Dany , Guay Frédéric , Dalmau Antoni , Saucier Linda
Published: September 2024

Although preslaughter feed withdrawal is commonly used in the livestock industry to reduce the risk of viscera puncture during evisceration, the optimal feed withdrawal time (FWT) appears to be species dependent and is not yet well defined in rabbits. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of three preslaughter FWTs while considering the effect of sex on physiological response and meat quality of rabbits. Three FWTs (4, 11 and 18 h) were tested using 144 recently weaned Grimaud rabbits fed until they reached an average commercial slaughter live body weight of 2.5±0.2 kg. Rabbits were allocated into 24 cages, with six animals in each cage. Eight cages (four cages for females and four cages for males) were assigned to each of the three FWTs. Blood lactate concentrations measured at exsanguination did not raise concerns related to stress. Female rabbits subjected to 4 h FWT had a higher gastrointestinal tract weight compared to male rabbits and to other females subjected to 11 and 18 h FWT (P=0.04). Stomach content weights were lower after 18 h FWT compared to 4 and 11 h (P=0.002) for both sexes, while caecum weights were not affected by FWT. Caecum pH was higher after 11 and 18 h FWT compared to 4 h (P=0.02). Technological meat quality was not particularly affected by FWT, except for Longissimus lumborum drip loss which was lower for rabbits after 18 h FWT compared to 4 h FWT (P=0.005). With respect to microbiological meat quality, the end of shelf life was reached after 10 days for vacuum-packed hind legs from rabbits after 11 h FWT, as Escherichia coli cell counts for four out of the eight hind legs analysed were higher than 3 Log10 colony-forming units (CFU)/10 g. For the other two FWT groups, the end of shelf life was reached after 15 d, at which point the cell counts for all hind legs were ≥3 Log10 CFU/10 g for E. coli and ≥7 Log10 CFU/g for total aerobic mesophilic and presumptive lactic acid bacteria (the maximum threshold concentrations according to current regulations). Our results demonstrate that when transport (30 min) and lairage (30 min) times are short (1 h in total), an 18-h preslaughter feed withdrawal for both male and female rabbits can allow the gut to empty properly with limited effect on meat quality.
Percepções docente e discente sobre o uso de filmes e séries em aulas de inglês
Authors: Zandoná Bollis Andrei , Rossetto Gallego Campos Fernando , Piovezana Leonel
Published: September 2024

Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a percepção de docente e discente do uso de filmes e séries em aulas de Língua Inglesa de nível pré-intermediário. A pesquisa se estruturou em três etapas: levantamento bibliográfico, pesquisa de campo e análise dos dados, tendo como referências Napolitano (2009a; 2009b), Duarte (2002), Gomes (2006) e Sousa (2016; 2017). Participaram 30 estudantes de nível pré-intermediário e três professoras de inglês. Pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, semiestruturada e com aplicação de questionários online, que resultou no entendimento de que, em relação à percepção discente, a maioria dos estudantes gosta e demonstrou adquirir novos conhecimentos com filmes e séries; sente-se motivado e mais confortável para se expressar. Quanto à percepção docente em relação à sua prática pedagógica, as professoras utilizam-se dos filmes e séries como uma forma de diversificar as aulas, tornando-as mais dinâmicas e mantendo o objetivo de aprendizagem. Tanto docentes quanto discentes demonstraram que apreciam o uso de filmes e séries em sala de aula, percebendo que a seleção desses desperta a atenção, auxilia nas habilidades do inglês e ajuda a aprender mais sobre as gírias e novos conhecimentos. Consideram importante o tempo utilizado com filmes e séries, como forma de entender melhor a pronúncia das palavras e ficarem mais familiarizados com a língua inglesa. O conhecimento adquirido por meio de filmes e séries em inglês, assistidos em sala de aula, contribui de forma significativa e crítica para o processo ensino-aprendizagem, como contributo à teoria pedagógica.
Corpo regulado: competências socioemocionais e sexualidades (in)visíveis na Base Nacional Comum Curricular
Authors: Campolina Andrade Aline , Francisco Tondin Celso , Cristina Silveira Lemos Flávia
Published: September 2024

Este ensaio discute a Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC) como dispositivo tanto de aproximação entre a educação e o mercado, evidenciada pela exaltação da noção de competências socioemocionais, quanto de regulação da diferença, demonstrada no apagamento das temáticas de gênero e orientação sexual em seu texto. O processo de escrita/experimentação do ensaio como operação de pensamento é aqui assumido como caminho metodológico, que partiu da investigação da BNCC e bibliografias, criação de espaços de (re)leituras e problematizações, tendo a interseccionalidade como metodologia que interroga conceitos, situando-os na produção de marcadores sociais da diferença. Transversalizamos aportes da psicologia escolar e educacional de perspectiva crítica e dos estudos decoloniais como epistemologias que convergem para contribuir com a (re)construção da educação como direito humano. Dimensionamos a Base como coalizão de forças conservadoras (do mercado e da moral) que engendra um mecanismo representativo de uma política educacional. Tal política sintetiza e expressa as imbricações entre competências socioemocionais e diversidade sexual e de gênero, de modo que, no jogo de falar/calar, mostrar/apagar, as possibilidades de existência são capturadas por lógicas sexistas, machistas, heterocentradas, racistas, capacitistas, homofóbicas, transfóbicas e xenofóbicas. A psicologia em interface com a educação é desafiada a lidar com as disputas e as contradições existentes no contexto das atuais investidas neoliberais e ultrarreacionárias sobre a escola e dos movimentos de resistência e criação de modos de existência mais plurais, igualitários e justos, na tarefa de formar sujeitos democráticos e contribuir para a democratização do conhecimento científico, tornando-o potência para as populações marginalizadas.
Tracing magmatic footprints: Influence of a CO2-rich melt on the mineral assemblage of the San José del Guaviare Syenite, SE Colombia
Authors: Altenberger Uwe , Concha-Perdomo Ana-Elena , Larrota-Rincón Daniel Humberto , Günter Christina , Lorenz Melanie
Published: September 2024

A combined optical and electron microscopy (SEM, EDS, and EPMA) study was conducted on ten rock samples from the Proterozoic San José del Guaviare Syenite (SJGS), southeastern Colombia, to utilize minor and trace minerals in interpreting the magmatic evolution of these silica undersaturated rocks. The major minerals of the sampled syenites are nepheline, Fe-rich clinopyroxene, amphibole, alkali feldspar, and biotite. The minor minerals are titanite, calcite, cancrinite, and sodalite. Trace minerals are the niobium- or rare earth element-rich minerals pyrochlore, columbite, euxenite, britholite, ancylite-Ce and wöhlerite. Apatite, rhodochrosite, strontianite, fluorite, zircon, magnetite, ilmenite, and pyrite occur as traces as well.
Crystallization started with primary (magmatic) calcite and Nb-rich minerals pyrochlore, columbite, euxenite, and a first generation of apatite, which occur as inclusions in foids, feldspars, and Fe-rich clinopyroxenes. Calcite is enriched in light rare earth elements and Sr, with low Mg concentrations, while primary apatite has high Sr concentrations. Both minerals have a composition typical for minerals crystallized in carbonatites. The presence of calcite and high Fe and low Ti clinopyroxene point to CO2-saturated conditions.
During cooling, fluorbritholite-Ce formed as individual grains or by a fluid-enhanced apatite-britholite transformation. The formation of Fe-rich amphibole, often at the expense of Fe-rich clinopyroxene, reveals a decreasing influence of CO2 and temperature. Presumably, the transformation of orthoclase into microcline occurred simultaneously. Perthitic microcline as a second K-feldspar generation indicates slow cooling from high temperatures. A late stage of CO2-rich hydrothermal-metasomatic processes is suggested by the growth of secondary cancrinite, Sr-Mn carbonates and ancylite-Ce.
The composition of primary and early crystallized calcite and apatite makes their origin as residues of an early segregated or independently formed mantle-derived carbonatitic melt more likely than crystallization from a CO2-rich syenitic melt. An origin from melted crustal carbonates is unlikely as well. Therefore, the presence of a carbonatitic melt at an early magmatic evolutive stage, as opposed to a non-carbonatitic melt at a late stage, seems possible for the SJGS rocks.
Ezra
Authors: Eskenazi Tamara Cohn
Published: September 2024

A new translation and commentary on the biblical book of Ezra by the renowned author of two award-winning biblical commentaries
Joshua 13–24
Authors: Dozeman Thomas B.
Published: September 2024

The second installment of Thomas B. Dozeman’s authoritative commentary on the book of Joshua

Following the Pentateuch in the traditional canon, the book of Joshua chronicles the conquest of the Canaanite nations, the distribution of the newly acquired land to the twelve tribes of Israel, and Joshua’s death at the conclusion of the covenant ceremony at Shechem. The second half of the book traces the development of a burgeoning pan-Israelite identity as the tribes receive territorial assignments, form a political league, and unite in the worship of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

In the second volume of his two-volume commentary on the book of Joshua, Thomas B. Dozeman provides an overview of critical debates surrounding the composition of the book, its function in relationship to the Pentateuch and the Former Prophets, and the role of geography in ancient literature. He shows how the book of Joshua originated as an independent Samarian myth of tribal conquest and land distribution, and outlines how it evolved into its role as an Israelite origin story. Complete with a thorough introduction and a new translation of these twelve chapters, this volume explores how the book of Joshua employs the twin themes of genealogy and geography to underscore both unity and difference among the tribes, conveying ancient Israelite beliefs about ownership, identity, and power.