bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ressignificando a EaD no Ensino Remoto Emergencial: Relato de Experiência da Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais
Authors: Araújo Patrícia Maria Caetano de , Fagundes Alan Cordeiro , Souza Herbert Glauco de , Vieira Susy Darley Aparecida
Published: July 2022

Este trabalho tem como objetivo relatar a experiência da Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais durante o movimento de adaptação dos seus cursos presenciais para o ensino remoto durante a pandemia de Covid-19, fato que forçou as instituições educacionais a se adaptarem e se utilizarem das TDICs para manter a oferta dos seus cursos. No caso da UEMG, a Coordenadoria de Ensino a Distância teve papel de protagonista porque foi a responsável pelo suporte técnico e pedagógico através da gestão das atividades na Plataforma AVA/Moodle , além de dar continuidade à gestão dos cursos de graduação, pós-graduação e extensão ofertados na EaD, optou-se pela diferenciação conceitual entre modalidade a distância e ensino remoto emergencial, apesar de ter pontos em comum como as ferramentas tecnológicas utilizadas e o distanciamento físico no processo ensino e aprendizagem.
Ecologias de Aprendizagem: Reflexões e Entendimentos
Authors: Maieski Alessandra , Alonso Katia Morosov
Published: July 2022

Refletir e discutir sobre as Tecnologias Digitais (TD) no Ensino Superior é tema emergente e necessário. Além disso, as denominadas TD fundam outras e novas Ecologias de Aprendizagem, implicando, portanto, os processos do ensinar e aprender em dinâmicas diferenciadas das puramente presenciais. Esta é uma temática pouco debatida no cenário educacional brasileiro, merecendo maior destaque, tendo em vista a importância de sua inserção nos processos formativos. Nesse sentido, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo a reflexão sobre alguns conceitos que surgiram na realização de revisão de literatura com base na temática antes mencionada e de análise documental de Projetos Pedagógicos de Curso (PPC) de duas instituições de ensino superior federais de Mato Grosso. Trata-se de resultados preliminares de pesquisa mais ampla. A análise inscrita neste trabalho teve como objeto observar, justamente, como o uso das TD está implicado na revisão de literatura e nos PPC como mencionado. Os resultados apontam, a priori, que o uso das TD se assenta na compreensão de que os Ambientes Virtuais de Aprendizagem (AVA) seriam espaços privilegiados para tanto, como também pela possiblidade de flexibilização curricular da carga horária a distância dos cursos presenciais.
Gamificação: uma Proposta de Aplicação da Plataforma Classcraft nas Aulas de Jogos Educativos do IFPI - Campus Teresina Zona Sul
Authors: Silva Claudete de Jesus Ferreira da , Rêgo Erianderson Oliveira , Silva Lucídio Braga da
Published: July 2022

Esse artigo apresenta uma pesquisa de avaliação da eficácia do uso da plataforma Classcraft no contexto de gamificação no processo de aprendizagem em uma disciplina do ensino superior no IFPI Campus Teresina Zona Sul. Como objetivo, e partido da necessidade de ressignificar as aulas e torná-las mais interativas e divertidas, o presente trabalho traçou a configuração e utilização de uma sala de aula virtual num ambiente gamificado, ou seja, com elementos de jogos agregando no processo de ensinoaprendizagem para uma melhor aplicação e concretização dos assuntos propostos em sala de aula. Para metodologia, foi utilizado o método quantitativo, com aplicações de questionários e comparação com a literatura de diversos autores. A partir da análise de dados foi possível captar a importância do uso da gamificação em sala de aula com uma subdivisão em 3 categorias específicas: Incentivo motivacional, usabilidade e conhecimento, a interação que a plataforma Classcraft proporcionou aos alunos e professor mostrou-se satisfatória como uma via de mão dupla. Enfim, por meio da pesquisa, foi possível comprovar a eficácia do uso da plataforma Classcraft em sala de aula, tornando o processo de ensino e aprendizagem mais atrativo, efetivo e dinâmico.
Die Berufsstruktur des Deutschen Bundestages in der 20 . Wahlperiode
Authors: Pyschny Anastasia , Kintz Melanie
Published: July 2022

After the 2021 Bundestag election, the composition of parliament changed considerably . With 736 mandate holders, the Bundestag has more members than ever before, and more than 38 percent of them are newcomers . The article uses Adalbert Hess’ categorization scheme to examine how the personnel changes affect German MPs’ occupational structure . Compared to the previous electoral term, it is noticeable that, significantly more MPs are from occupational areas close to politics, especially staff members of parliamentary groups and parties . MPs who previously worked in those jobs are often younger and their share is higher among East German MPs . Although convergence tendencies between East and West German MPs are still rare, they do exist: While East German MPs are still less likely to be freelancers and more likely to be self-employed than their West German colleagues, the dif- ferences between the groups have narrowed noticeably compared to the previous electoral term .
„Mehr Demokratie wagen?!“ Zur Absenkung der Altersgrenze für das aktive Wahlrecht zum Deutschen Bundestag
Authors: Sairinger Lukas
Published: July 2022

Lowering the voting age for federal elections in Germany from 18 to 16 years has been discussed for several years . Numerous political forces endeavor to give minors the opportu- nity to participate in democratic decision-making by lowering the voting age . The coalition agreement between SPD, Greens, and FDP also contains plans for lowering the voting age to 16 . In addition to sociological aspects, there are, however, notable questions from the point of view of the constitutional law that must be considered . Various comparison bases for age limits within the whole legal system must be carefully examined, especially regard- ing the suitability for justifying a lowering of the voting age . It should be noted that this ought to be justified independently of any basis for comparison; it should be exclusively based on the democratic ability of citizens to participate in the communication process between citizens and parliament . This assessment is the sole responsibility of the constitu- tion-amending legislature .
Die Bildung von Mehrmandats-Regionalwahlkreisen nach dem Muster von Regierungsbezirken
Authors: Hartmann Oskar , Lindner Michael
Published: July 2022

On the backdrop of the numerous proposals for the reform of the electoral law in recent years here variations of multi-member regional constituencies are inspected, each of which elect several representatives to the German parliament (Bundestag) . This way, a stable size of parliament and proportional distribution of seats among parties can be guaranteed . Moreover, participation of electors on selecting personnel for the parliament can be intensi- fied . The authors prefer simple and efficient casting of four votes for individual candidates or one general vote for a party’s list in a regional constituency . Their specific proposal is to establish 43 regional multi-member constituencies that simultaneously are present or former administrative districts (“Regierungsbezirke”) and in case of Länder of small populations, congruent to the Land . Such a structure of constituencies aligns with people’s psychological identification with their home districts, which in many cases have existed f or centuries within the same or similar borders .
Drei Stufen der Gleichheit?
Authors: Wihl Tim
Published: July 2022

The text develops three theses: First, equality has three juridical aspects, namely universal equality, particular equality and social equality. Second, liberal freedom must always appear in these three aspects simultaneously in order to become concrete and real. Third, equal freedom is not exhausted in this liberal juridical form but strives beyond it by itself for quasi-revolutionary change.
Wege zum Sportstudium
Authors: Meyer Jörn , Schöttler Nils
Published: July 2022

Das Buch richtet sich an sportbegeisterte Schülerinnen und Schüler, die überlegen, nach dem Abitur ein Sportstudium zu beginnen und sich vorab folgende Fragen stellen:

1. Was muss ich mitbringen für ein Sportstudium?

2. Wie kann ich mich auf die Eignungsprüfung sowie auf Praxiskurse des Studiums vorbereiten?

3. Welche Sportstudiengänge gibt es? Welche Berufe kann ich ergreifen?

Die Autoren beantworten alles ausführlich und lassen dabei Befragungen aktueller Sportstudierender einfließen.
Michael Boder
Authors: Stenzl Jürg
Published: July 2022

Seine Karriere begann Michael Boder (*1958) in den 1980er Jahren als Assistent von Michael Gielen an der Oper Frankfurt. Heute gilt er als einer der international hervorragenden Dirigenten, für den bereits vor Beginn seiner Laufbahn die Musik der Gegenwart so selbstverständlich war wie das klassische Repertoire in Oper und Konzert.

"Für mich persönlich ist Alban Berg der Komponist, durch den ich am meisten über das Hören, Spielen, ja über das Denken gelernt habe. Damit fühle ich mich zwar manchmal recht einsam, aber das macht mir nichts aus." Da ein wesentlicher künstlerischer Schwerpunkt des Musikers Michael Boder im Bereich der Oper, ganz besonders des 20. und 21. Jahrhunderts liegt, ist er es gewohnt, die Werke mit Künstlern unterschiedlicher Herkunft und mit teils sehr verschiedenen Arbeitsweisen gemeinsam zu erarbeiten: mit Sängerinnen und Sängern, Regisseuren und Bühnenbildnern, vor allem aber mit den so unterschiedlich besetzten Orchestern.

Ob im Theater oder im Konzertsaal: Michael Boder ist mit Sicherheit kein "Musikdarsteller", was sich genauso auch angesichts der Werke seiner Konzertprogramme zeigt.

Die Reihe "SOLO - Porträts und Profile" lädt dazu ein, die Künstlerinnen und Künstler der "klassischen" Musik kennenzulernen. Erstmals auf dem deutschsprachigen Buchmarkt stehen hier internationale Interpretinnen und Interpreten des 20. und 21. Jahrhunderts im Mittelpunkt. Jedes Buch porträtiert in gut zugänglicher und kompakter Form eine Musiker-Persönlichkeit: Dirigentinnen und Dirigenten, Solistinnen und Solisten, Sängerinnen und Sänger. Biografie und Karriere werden ebenso vorgestellt wie wesentliche Merkmale des individuellen Musizierens. Eine Einordnung des künstlerischen Profils rundet die fundierten Darstellungen ab.

Die Autorinnen und Autoren der Reihe sind auf ihrem jeweiligen Gebiet ausgewiesene Fachleute und kommen aus Forschung und Praxis.
Nanomaterials as Novel Biomarkers for Cancer Nanotheranostics: State of the Art
Authors: Yu Hao , Han Zhihai , Chen Cunrong , Zhang Leisheng
Published: July 2022

Cancers including hematological malignancies and metastatic solid tumors are one of the life-threatening diseases to the general population, which have become a heavy burden for patients and their caregivers physically and mentally. Despite the great progression in preclinical and clinical studies, effective implementation strategies are urgently needed to optimize the advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment. State-of-the-art updates have indicated the application of multifunctional nanotheranostics as an emerging diagnostic and therapeutic tool for cancer management. Herein, this chapter displayed the literature and description of various nanomaterial-based noninvasive diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for cancer administration from the view of nanomaterial classification and nanomaterial-based application in nanotheranostics as well as the promising perspectives and grand challenges in nanomedicine. Collectively, this review will provide overwhelming new references for cancer supervision and benefit the medical and pharmaceutical practice in the field of nanotheranostics.
Evaluation of Laboratory Variables Related to Diffuse Axonal Injury: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Hatefi Masoud , Komlakh Khalil
Published: July 2022

Background: Diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is an injury that occurs after the onset of traumatic brain injury (TBI), leading to many problems for patients and imposing high costs on the treatment system. Objectives: This study was conducted to investigate the status of laboratory variables in patients with DAI. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 140 patients. Data collection tools were a demographic profile form and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Laboratory tests, including glucose, LDL-C, HDL-C, total cholesterol, triglycerides, Hb, HCT, PT, PTT, INR, BUN, creatinine, and CRP were evaluated. Also, specialized devices were used to study the laboratory and radiology variables. Results: Most (61.5%) of the patients were male, 47.1% had a non-governmental occupation, and 55.7% were less than 30 years old. Also, in 87.9% of cases, traffic accidents were the cause of DAI and in 65% of patients, the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) was less than 7. In all the laboratory variables differences were observed between the experimental and the control groups. Conclusions: The laboratory variables in patients with DAI had a statistically significant difference compared to the case group, which indicates the negative effect of DAI on laboratory variables. Further studies are required to confirm our results.
Evaluating the Level of Lighting Satisfaction and Determining Degrees of Visual Fatigue, Mental Task Load, Sleepiness, and Sleep Quality in Students
Authors: Hoseinzadeh Edris , Ramezani Atefeh , Mohammadi Farshid , Safari Mahdi , Sokan-Adeaga Adewale Allen , Hossini Hooshyar
Published: July 2022

: Lighting affects humans in many ways, including intelligence, body temperature, and sleep patterns. This study aimed to evaluate lighting satisfaction, mental task load, visual fatigue, and sleep quality in students. The present cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 students of Saveh Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran, in 2020. The data of their levels of lighting satisfaction, mental task level, visual fatigue, and sleep quality were collected using standard questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS Software version 21. The quantitative variables were reported in mean and standard deviation and qualitative variables in frequency and percentage. A chi-square test was used to compare qualitative variables. In addition, the independent t-test was applied to compare the sleepiness score according to the relevant variables and the Pearson correlation test was utilized to investigate the relationship between sleepiness and sleep quality scores. The significance level was less than 0.05 for all statistical tests. The results indicated that the students’ satisfaction scores with current lighting were indifference. Visual fatigue was low, and sleepiness was mild. The students' subjective task load and sleep quality were moderate and low. There was a significant inverse relationship between visual fatigue and lighting satisfaction (P < 0.001). In addition, visual fatigue and task load had a significant direct relationship (P < 0.001). The average number of hours of sleep per night was 6.72 hours for students, which was less than the normal recommended amount. The average sleep quality was 11.06, which was low in the population. According to the results, the students’ mental task load and sleep quality were medium and low. It seems necessary to pause and rest between training, increase the variety of educational activities, appropriate training, and lighting intervention.
Extraction of aromatic compounds from silver banana peel (Musa sapientum): qualitative and sensory approach
Authors: Silveira Nicole Ferreira , Morcelli Allan Valcareggi
Published: July 2022

Silver banana (Musa sapientum) is one of the most consumed fruits in Brazil, and the country is its fourth largest producer in the world. The use of banana peel as a raw material in the industry can help in the production of natural aromas containing substances that resemble the fruit itself, and is therefore a valuable destination to be given to an organic waste that is generated in abundance. To make this application feasible, the extraction of aromatic substances from the peel of silver banana by isopropanol was tested in this work. Analyzes were performed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, aiming to characterize both the peel extract obtained experimentally and a commercial banana aroma available on the market. The analysis of the extracts showed that several substances associated with the banana aroma were extracted, at variable proportions, indicating that the extraction technique with isopropanol was effective in obtaining aromatic compounds relevant to the banana aroma from its peel. In turn, the comparison between the composition of the extract obtained from the banana peel and the commercial aroma of this fruit indicated the presence of an important aromatic compound in common: isoamyl acetate, which has a sweet and fruity sensory descriptor, with banana and pear characteristics. The recovery of this compound, which is already widely used in the flavor industry, confirmed the potential of the application of simple solvent extraction technology in this industrial sector, enabling the reuse of banana waste.
3D Printing of Progesterone-Loaded Intrauterine System Using Vat Photopolymerisation
Authors: Vélez Muga Ariadna , Robles Martinez Pamela , Buanz Asma
Published: July 2022

Three-dimensionalprinting (3DP) provides the opportunity to personalise different dosage formsand therapeutic regimen where conventional manufacturing processes might not beapplicable. Limited work has been done to investigate using 3DP forpersonalising hormonal intrauterine systems (IUSs). The aim of this work was toprepare 3DP IUS containing progesterone using vat photopolymerisation (VPP)technique. The device was successfully printed and showed a slow release inphosphate buffer (pH 7.4). VPP has the advantages of better printing resolutionproducing smoother surfaces, and the elimination of the pre-printing process ofhot melt extrusion (HME) needed for fused deposition modelling (FDM) method. Tothe author’s knowledge, this is the first report of using VPP for printinghormone-loaded IUSs.@font-face{font-family:"Cambria Math";panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;mso-font-charset:0;mso-generic-font-family:roman;mso-font-pitch:variable;mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}@font-face{font-family:Calibri;panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;mso-font-charset:0;mso-generic-font-family:swiss;mso-font-pitch:variable;mso-font-signature:-469750017 -1073732485 9 0 511 0;}p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal{mso-style-unhide:no;mso-style-qformat:yes;mso-style-parent:"";margin-top:0cm;margin-right:0cm;margin-bottom:10.0pt;margin-left:0cm;line-height:115%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;}.MsoChpDefault{mso-style-type:export-only;mso-default-props:yes;font-size:10.0pt;mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;mso-ascii-font-family:Arial;mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-font-family:Arial;mso-bidi-font-family:Arial;}div.WordSection1{page:WordSection1;}
Histopathological impact of Redox-responsive methacrylamide based micellar nanoparticles on Orthotopic Models of Triple Negative Breast Cancers
Authors: Mehradnia Fatemeh , Moloney Cara , Cavanagh Robert , Pearce Amanda K , Ritchie Alison , Clarke Philip , Rahman Ruman , Ibrahim Asmaa , Grabowskab Anna M. , Alexander Cameron
Published: July 2022

The therapeutic efficacy of anticancer nanocarriers ishighly dependent on their size, shape, targeting ability, andstimuli-responsiveness. Herein, we studied the in vivo therapeutic efficacy ofDoxorubicin (Dox) loaded redox responsive micellar-like nanoparticles (MNPs)based on linear 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylamide (HPMA) via histopathologicalevaluations. The therapeutic efficacy of DOX-loaded micellar-like Nanoparticlessignificantly improved while the side effects reduced as confirmed byhistopathological examinations. H&E and tunnel staining of tumor tissuesindicated the higher population of apoptotic tumor cells in both treatmentgroups containing DOX. These redox responsive crosslinked HPMA-basedmicellar-like nanoparticles with acceptable therapeutic efficacy and apoptosisinduction in cancerous cells proved to be promising nanomedicine for breast cancer chemotherapy.
Non-Hermitian linear response theory and its applications
Authors: Pan Lei ,   Institute for Advanced Study, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Published: July 2022

Linear response theory is the theoretical foundation of modern experiments. In particular, it plays a vital role in measuring quantum matters. Its main idea is to take the external probe signal of the physical system as a perturbation and use the correlation function in the unperturbed equilibrium state to depict the response to the observable in system. In recent half century, the linear response theory for the closed quantum system has achieved great success in experiments on quantum matters. In recent years, with the tremendous progress of the precise manipulation of the light-matter interaction, the ultracold atom experiments can precisely control dissipative quantum many-body systems. With the discovery of many novel phenomena, dissipative quantum systems and non-Hermitian physics have attracted extensive attention in theory and experiment. We developed a linear response theory, named non-Hermitian linear response theory, to deal with open quantum systems. This theory takes the non-Hermitian term and quantum noise, which are induced by dissipation, as an external perturbative input, to detect the properties of the quantum system, and relates the time evolution of the observable with the correlation function in the unperturbed state of the system. The non-Hermitian linear response theory provides a new method for distinguishing the exotic quantum phase from the normal phase. The theoretical predictions are highly consistent with the recent experimental results of cold atom systems. This paper will review the non-Hermitian linear response theory and discuss its applications in quantum many-body and time-reversal symmetric quantum systems.
Resistive properties of CuInS2 quantum dots regulated by niobium-doped lead zirconate titanate ferroelectric films
Authors: Zhu Mao-Cong , Shao Ya-Jie , Zhou Jing , Chen Wen , Wang Zhi-Qing , Tian Jing ,   State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
Published: July 2022

As a new type of non-volatile memory, quantum dot resistive random access memory (RRAM) has attracted much attention for its easy preparation, fast responding time, high storage density, and smaller device size. CuInS2 quantum dot (CuInS2 QD) is a kind of excellent resistive functional material with abundant electron capture sites, high optical absorption coefficient, and high carrier mobility. In this work, CuInS2 QDs/Nb:Pb (Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PNZT) films are prepared by spin-coating CuInS2 QDs on PNZT films. The results show that the resistive properties of CuInS2 QDs RRAMs can be effectively improved by introducing PNZT films and can be controlled by changing the polarization direction. The CuInS2 QDs/PNZT film in the negative polarization state promotes the interfacial electrons to enter into the PNZT film, which will reduce the height of the interfacial barrier and the thickness of the interfacial depletion region. And it will reduce the resistance of the composite film at the low resistance state (LRS). Compared with the switching voltage and resistive switching ratio of the pure CuInS2 QDs film (103), the switching voltage of the device decreases to –4.1/3.4 V and the resistive switching ratio increases to 106. Furthermore, it maintains good stability in the 103 cycle durability test. In contrast, the CuInS2 QDs/PNZT film interface has a larger barrier height and depletion-layer thickness when the PNZT is in the positive polarization state, which increases the resistance of the composite film in the LRS state. As a result, the switching voltage of the device increases to –6.4/5.7 V with a resistive switching ratio of 104. The resistive properties of the CuInS2 QDs/PNZT film can be tuned by changing the polarization direction, as the polarization direction of the PNZT changes the interfacial energy band structure and affects the conduction mechanism. This work reveals the feasibility of using ferroelectric thin films to improve the resistive properties of quantum dots RRAMs and thus providing an approach to further developing RRAMs.
Response characteristics of radio frequency pulse of Rydberg atoms
Authors: Wu Feng-Chuan , Lin Yi , Wu Bo , Fu Yun-Qi ,   College of Electronic Science and Engineering, National University of Defense Technology, Changsha 410073, China
Published: July 2022

Rydberg atom is an atom with a high principal quantum number. Its quantum coherence effect enables the measuring of radio frequency electric fields in space. In this work, the radio frequency pulse response characteristics of the radio frequency receiving system based on the Rydberg atom under different pulse widths and intensities are studied. In the experiment, lasers with wavelengths of 852 nm and 510 nm are used to excite cesium atoms. Moreover, a radio frequency source emits pulse signals with different parameters to irradiate Rydberg atoms. The probe signal transmitted from the atomic vapor cell is directed at the photodetector. Moreover, the oscilloscope records the electrical signal obtained by photoelectric conversion. In addition, the simulation ranging is performed by setting different pulse delay times through the fiber delay instrument. It preliminarily proves that the radio frequency receiving system based on Rydberg atoms has a function of pulse ranging.
Energy harvesting and thermoelectric conversion characteristics based on thermal metamaterials
Authors: Li Yi-Ming , Wang Xin , Li Hao , Du Xian , Sun Peng ,   College of Electronic Information and Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China,   Transportation Institute, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010070, China
Published: July 2022

Considering the limitations of thermoelectric generators, the integration of thermoelectric generator with two-dimensional fan-shaped thermal metamaterial energy harvesting device is proposed to improve the thermal-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency of thermoelectric generator (TEG) by regulating the thermal field. Based on the COMSOL Multiphysics software simulation, the influences of different materials on the performances of energy harvesting devices in thermal field regulation are investigated. The performances of the selected materials are simulated , indicating that the energy harvesting device can effectively regulate heat flow, the temperature gradient in the center of it is increased by eight times compared with the natural material under the same simulation conditions. The generated electrical energy of thermoelectric generators of different sizes is studied, then three-dimensional modeling and processing of the energy harvesting device are completed by carefully considering the processing accuracy and testing difficulty. The experimental test system is set up to observe the temperature distribution of the energy harvesting device equipped with an infrared thermal imager, The test results demonstrate that the energy harvesting device can effectively regulate the thermal field. In comparison with the natural material, the working efficiency of the thermoelectric generators can be increased by 3.2 times under the same experimental condition, which has specific practical significance for promoting the rapid development of thermoelectric power generation technology.
Therapeutic deep brain stimulation disrupts movement-related subthalamic nucleus activity in parkinsonian mice
Authors: Schor Jonathan S , Gonzalez Montalvo Isabelle , Spratt Perry WE , Brakaj Rea J , Stansil Jasmine A , Twedell Emily L , Bender Kevin J , Nelson Alexandra B
Published: July 2022

Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN DBS) relieves many motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD), but its underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. Since its advent, three major theories have been proposed: (1) DBS inhibits the STN and basal ganglia output; (2) DBS antidromically activates motor cortex; and (3) DBS disrupts firing dynamics within the STN. Previously, stimulation-related electrical artifacts limited mechanistic investigations using electrophysiology. We used electrical artifact-free GCaMP fiber photometry to investigate activity in basal ganglia nuclei during STN DBS in parkinsonian mice. To test whether the observed changes in activity were sufficient to relieve motor symptoms, we then combined electrophysiological recording with targeted optical DBS protocols. Our findings suggest that STN DBS exerts its therapeutic effect through the disruption of movement-related STN activity, rather than inhibition or antidromic activation. These results provide insight into optimizing PD treatments and establish an approach for investigating DBS in other neuropsychiatric conditions.
Quality of Pre-School Teacher Education in Ethiopia and its Implication for Quality Learning Outcomes
Authors: Abraha Asfaw , Sisay Binyam
Published: July 2022

This study looks at the quality of preschool teacher education in Ethiopia in view of three basic components: curriculum relevance, profiles of teacher educators, and the selection and recruitment of candidates. The study adopted a case study design guided by competency-based teacher development theory and collected data through documentary analysis (the curriculum and recruitment guideline), and interviews of five professionals. The findings showed that the preschool teacher education curriculum has alignment gaps in four major aspects: (a) the preschool teacher education curriculum focused on subject area contents rather than on holistic child development, (b) the preschool teacher education curriculum overlooked motor skills as well as socio-emotional development categories, and (c) languages of instructions at preschool teacher education and preschool level are different (English and mother tongue respectively). Besides, invited professionals from other departments offer 36 of the 42 courses but lacked appropriate professional orientation and experiences to prepare the less capable candidates admitted to the program. Accordingly, policy intervention to make appropriate amendments in the curriculum, staff profiles and practicum components, and further research on views of graduates and relevant stakeholders were identified as areas of further endeavors.
The influence of penguin activity on soil diatom assemblages on King George Island, Antarctica with the description of a new Luticola species
Authors: Kochman-Kędziora Natalia , Noga Teresa , Olech Maria , Van de Vijver Bart
Published: July 2022

Background

Ice-free areas in the Antarctic region are strongly limited. The presence of marine mammals and birds in those areas influence soil properties and vegetation composition. Studies on the terrestrial diatom flora in soils influenced by sea birds in the Maritime Antarctic region are scarce.

Methods

Samples were collected from two transects on the western shore of the Admiralty Bay region. Light and scanning electron microscopic observations and statistical analyses were conducted to consider the impact of penguin rookeries on soil diatom assemblages.

Results

The disturbance associated with the presence of penguin rookeries clearly influences the soil diatom diversity. Assemblages from areas with the highest nutrient input were characterized by a much lower diversity with only few species dominating the flora. One of recorded taxa could not be assigned to any of the known species. Therefore, based on the combination of morphological features analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopes and comparison with similar taxa in the Antarctic region and worldwide, the species is described hereby as new to science–Luticola kaweckae sp.nov. The new species is characteristic for soil habitats with strong penguin influence.
Association of Abo Blood Groups and Rh Factor with Sagittal and Vertical Skeletal Malocclusion- An Observational Study
Authors: Aravind Sampath , Sangeetha Duraisamy , Krishnaraj Rajaram , Ravi K , Srinivas S , Priya K Ashok
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Various studies have proved the association between several disease including dental crowding, malocclusion and craniofacial deformities with blood group. Certain skeletal problems in sagittal plane are heritable and the skeletal muscle volume and strength, a heritable trait varies with different facial patterns. Aim: To evaluate the association between ABO blood groups and Rhesus (Rh) factor with skeletal malocclusions in sagittal and vertical plane. Materials and Methods: An observational study was conducted with a sample of 240 participants who reported to Department of Orthodontics in SRM dental college and hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India seeking orthodontic treatment over a period of two years from September 2018 to December 2020. Participants were assessed for skeletal malocclusion in sagittal and vertical plane and for their ABO and Rh blood grouping. Chi square test was used for determining the association between sagittal and vertical skeletal malocclusion with ABO and Rh blood grouping. The association of the gender and the malocclusion was determined as a secondary outcome of the study. Results: A total of 240 participants (mean age: 19.81±5.95 years; 95 males and 145 females) were observed and data was analysed. A significant association was found between Rh positive blood group and skeletal class II malocclusion with high angle (p-value 0.025) Skeletal class I malocclusion with high angle was found to be associated significantly with O+ group (p-value<0.001). The female gender was found to be associated significantly with sagittal skeletal class II malocclusion with high angle (p-value 0.049). Conclusion: There is an association between the ABO blood groups and skeletal sagittal malocclusion and vertical skeletal pattern. Skeletal class II malocclusion with high angle pattern was associated significantly with Rh+ blood group and Class I Skeletal malocclusion with high angle pattern was significantly associated with O+ blood group.
Utility of Serum Markers in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome: A Case-control Study
Authors: Kumar R Phani , Kumari S Laxmi , Talatam Aruna , Ramaswamy T , Chakradhar B , Kiranmayi A
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS) consists of cessation of breathing for at least 10 seconds during sleep in spite of inspiratory efforts. The OSAS is an independent risk factor for a number of cardiovascular diseases and cerebrovascular events. The OSAS is diagnosed and assessed by polysomnography which is time consuming and expensive. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK) are markers of systemic inflammation. Inflammatory component is present in OSA. Biomarkers like CRP and CPK may serve as diagnostic tools which are simpler, cheaper and quicker alternatives. Aim: To study the role of serum markers CRP and CPK in the diagnosis of sleep disordered breathing. Materials and Methods: This was a case-control study, conducted from May 2021 to October 2021, in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, NRI Medical College, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India. Total 50 patients were studied for their various symptoms suggestive of OSAS and confirmed by polysomnography were selected for the study. Total 40 age and weight matched controls were included in the study. The association of serum CRP and CPK with OSA was assessed. The Z-test of difference between two proportions was used to compare gender and smoking status of study participants of the two groups. The p-value <0.05 was reported as statistically significant. Results: The mean CRP in those suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea was 12.075±7 mg/dL with 13.89 in moderate to severe OSAS group and 10.26 in mild cases. The CRP showed statistically significant association (p-value=0.00344) with OSA whereas CPK levels in OSA subjects showed no statistically significant association with OSAS. Sensitivity of CRP and CPK compared to the Apnoea Hypopnea Index (AHI) in the diagnosis of OSAS was 66% and 34%, respectively. Specificity of CRP and CPK was 87.5% for both. Positive predictive value for CRP and CPK was 86.8% and 77.2%, respectively. Conclusion: C-reactive protein, a systemic inflammatory marker has a potential role in the diagnosis of OSAS.
A CASE REPORT ON KATIGAT VATA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS
Authors:   1*, 2, Nalawade Sadhana , Padavi Dnyaneshwar
Published: July 2022

According to Ayurveda Katigat vata is one of the types of Vata vyadhi explained in our ancient Ayurvedic text. It arises due to Prakop of Aata dosha and Asthi dhatu kshaya. Similarly Lumbar Spondylosis is a degenerative disorder affecting the discs and the vertebral bodies of the lumbar spine. Patients with lumbar spondylosis have pain in their axial spine which affects most of the people in the later stage of their lives. A 75 years old female having a history of katigat vata for the last 6 years so she approached Dr. DY Patil Ayurvedic Hospital for Ayurvedic management. Patient was having a progressive pain in her lower back with restricted movements. She was treated for 75 days including Panchakarma therapies. The response to the treatment was recorded and therapeutic effects were evaluated with a reduction of clinical symptoms of the patient. This case study evaluates that Ayurvedic management, in this case, was very effective treating Katigata vata successfully without any side effects.
Characteristics of Coagulants from Moringa Seed Extract (Moringa oleifera) with Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) Method
Authors: Putri Gisma Mutiara , Manab Abdul , Awwaly Khothibul Umam Al
Published: July 2022

Moringa seed is an alternative coagulant in various industrial fields, generally used for water purification and cheese making. In addition, to obtain the required chemical compounds, Moringa seed can be extracted by conventional or modern methods. This research was conducted to obtain the coagulant characteristics of Moringa oleifera extracts using the Microwave-Assisted Extraction (MAE) method with different extraction times. This research was conducted at the Animal Products Laboratory, Faculty of Animal Science, and Biochemical Laboratory, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Brawijaya University, Malang, between September 2021 and November 2022. The research material used was Moringa seed powder with different extraction times, designed by 4 treatments and 4 replications consisting of P0: maceration for 48 hours (control), P1: extraction for 6 minutes, P2: extraction for 9 minutes, and P3 extractions for 12 minutes with the MAE method. The variables tested were protein content, protein profile (SDS PAGE), milk clotting activity (MCA), and caseinolytic activity (CA), also the ratio of MCA to CA. The research method was a laboratory experiment analyzed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) to determine if there were differences. The result showed a highly significant difference (P<0.01) in protein content, milk clotting activity (MCA), and caseinolytic activity (CA). However, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the ratio of MCA to CA. The characteristics of Moringa seed extract in this study were protein content ranging from 0.979-1.022 mg/ml, milk clotting activity (MCA) 3.837-3.999 SU/ml, caseinolytic activity (CA) 2.308-2.455 U/ml, and the ratio of MCA to CA 1.627-1.663. In conclusion, the best treatment for Moringa extraction time is 6 minutes with the MAE method, which can be used as a coagulant in the manufacture of mozzarella cheese.
Strategies to Enhance the Adoption of Recommended Tea Cultivation Practices by the Trained and Untrained Small Tea Growers in the State of Assam
Authors: Saikia Purnima , Bhattacharyya A. K.
Published: July 2022

Tea industry has significant contribution towards the state’s economy as well as India’s economy and also plays vital role in employment generation and poverty alleviation of the country. The study was conducted in Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam by selecting the highest concentrated districts of small tea growers (STGs) i.e., Tinsukia, Dibrugarh and Golaghat. Multistage purposive cum random sampling design was used for selection of respondents. A total of 400 (200 trained and 200 untrained) respondents constituted the sample of the study. Strategies drawn for the problems faced by the small tea growers through the primary data were collected through personal interview and questionnaires. Also the secondary data were being obtained through journals, research papers, books and by visiting various websites. Ranking of the strategies for the problems faced by the small tea growers were done based on the data obtained. The various strategies drawn for the problems were extension agencies or extension personnel interference in creating awareness about the recommended practices among the tea growers, concerned institutions should take care on adoption and proper management of tea cultivation so that farmers may be able to minimize their problems at farmer’s level, use of ICT based technology also helps the farmers to minimize pest and insect related problems at farmers field.
Determinants of Adapted Improved Sanitation in Rural and Urban of Bangladesh and Pakistan
Authors: Akter Mahmuda , Khan Maruf , Beg Tahrima Haque , Sarker M. Mizanur Rahman
Published: July 2022

This study focuses on the socioeconomic and demographic determinants of improved sanitation adaptation in South Asia, mainly in Bangladesh and Pakistan. For the purpose of mass population study, cross-sectional datasets were obtained for both Bangladesh and Pakistan. The survey is based on a two-stage stratified sample of households. This study hypothesized the status of sanitation into three categorically distributed dependent variables which are “improved sanitation facility”, “unimproved sanitation facility” and “no sanitation facility”. According to the World Health Organization, these variables are supported to categorize the situation of sanitation by the Joint Monitoring Program categorization of toilet facilities. The “improved sanitation facilities” includes Flush or pour flushed toilets connected to sewers, Flush or pour flushed toilets or latrines connected to pits or septic tanks, and ventilated improved pit (VIP) latrines, Pit latrines with slab, Composting toilets including twin-pit latrines and container-based systems. The “unimproved sanitation facilities” includes Pit latrines without slab, Bucket latrines and Hanging latrines. And the “no facility” category includes open defecation (bush/field/desert/road/beach etc.). Wealth Index of the household, Gender of head of the household, marital status of the respondent, Education of household head, Locality of the household, and Province/ division are the categorical explanatory variables used in this study; family size of the household and age of the head of the household are two numerical explanatory variables that are taken as important demographic factors. Two candidate models were constructed for predicting no facility, unimproved sanitation, and improved sanitation respectively. In the sample, only 1.26% of households of Bangladesh do not have any toilet facility while Pakistan has 10.1% households without any toilet facility.  The indicators, all three component models, and two data sets demonstrate agreement in the analysis. There is no discernible upward trend in model performance year after year. All of the comparison results show that the ordinal logistic model outperforms the multinomial regression model. According to the AIC, BIC, and log probability statistics, the highest education of family members is a more relevant element in a household's avoiding status in Pakistan. The indicators, all three component models, and two data sets demonstrate agreement in the analysis. There is no discernible upward trend in model performance year after year. All of the comparison results show that the ordinal logistic model outperforms the multinomial regression model.
Socio-Economic Profile of Sugarcane Growers in District Lakhimpur Kheri, India
Authors: Verma Ambrish Kumar , Sachan B. S. , Kumar Birendra , Yadav Bhartendu , Choudri H. P. Singh
Published: July 2022

A Multistage stratified random sampling technique was adopted for the study of 150 farmers selected through proportionate randomly sampling. Through descriptive statistical methodology data was analysed and it was found that maximum 84.06 per cent of marginal farmers were belonging to nuclear family system and 62.32 per cent of them were backward in caste. 21.74 per cent marginal farmers were having education up to high school and 81.16 per cent of marginal farmers were of agriculture practising category. Maximum 37.68 per cent marginal farmers belonged to higher income group followed by 33.33 and 28.99 per cent marginal farmers belonging to lower and higher income groups, respectively. It is suggested that sugarcane is a profitable practice and should be continued for further growth.
Growth Analysis and Instability in Fruits Area, Production, Productivity and Exports in India
Authors: Sathiya R. , Naveenkumar M. , Senthilnathan S. , Grunathan S. , Nirmaladevi M. , Banumathy V.
Published: July 2022

The study focused on growth rate and instability in area, production productivity and export of fruits in India and Tamil Nadu. The present study used the secondary data collected from secondary sources. The area under fruits in Tamil Nadu and India both are increased (2.08 and 1.94 per cent) in the current year, over the base year. The compound growth rate also significantly increased (0.10 and 0.23 per cent). The production and productivity of fruits decreased in Tamil Nadu and increased in India while the compound growth rate was also negative in Tamil Nadu and positive in India. The area and its interaction effect with area were found to be responsible for decrease in the production of fruits in Tamil Nadu. The similar finding was also found in case of India the yield effect (91.84 %) followed by area effect and interaction effect of area (6.38 and 1.78 %) were found to be major contributor for increase in production of fruits. Among the three measures of instability, two measures varying confirmed that the change in production of fruits is high rather than area and productivity. The growth rate of fruits export was revealed that the compound growth rate was 0.290 in volume of export and 7.87 in value of export respectively. The increasing growth rate in value of export might be to the high instability in value of fruits exported and the instability in volume might be due to the high instability index (32.77) in production of total fruits in India.
Teacher Establishment: A Predicament in Academic Achievement in Balambala Sub-County, Kenya
Authors: Elmi Ibrahim Omar , Rotich Stephen Kipkorir , Hussein Adan Maalim
Published: July 2022

The drive of the research was to examine the relationship between teacher establishment and student academic performance in Balambala Sub-County in Garissa County, Kenya. The target population was 6 principals and 55 teachers. The study was based on both Hertzberg's expectancy and motivational models. The research employed both quantitative and qualitative approaches that adopt a descriptive research design. The Census method was used to sample the population. The study utilized questionnaires to collect data from teachers and interviews with principals. Quantitative data from the questionnaires were analyzed using the spearman correlation test while data from interviews were analyzed verbatim. Research findings showed a significant relationship between teacher establishment and student academic performance. Interview responses obtained from the principals and teachers revealed that the main reason for poor academic performance was inadequate teacher recruitment and deployment of TSC teachers coupled with transfers due to insecurity.