bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Are International Students Cash Cows? Examining the Relationship Between New International Undergraduate Enrollments and Institutional Revenue at Public Colleges and Universities in the US
Authors: Cantwell Brendan
Published: February 2021

There has been growing interest in the business of international education. It is often assumed that universities seek international students as a means of generating revenue. The broad purpose of this study was to understand the effects of increased international student enrollment on net tuition revenue. Informed by resource dependency and academic capitalism theory, this study used panel regression techniques to estimate the effect of enrolling an international undergraduate student on tuition revenue among public colleges and universities in the United States Findings show some but not all institutions are able to generate additional income by enrolling additional international students.
The Not-So-Easy Road of Overseas Study: Life like an Outsider
Authors: Palmer Yolanda
Published: February 2021

Contemplating my graduate student experience overseas, I constantly viewed myself as an isolate, one who did not belong in the new community of practice. I encountered numerous lingua-cultural, academic and social challenges which led to my lack of community and belonging. This paper is a reflection of my experiences as an international graduate student in a Canadian university. Through this reflection, I explore some of my most potent experiences and how these influenced me as I sojourned through the not-so-easy road of study overseas. This paper also describes the processes I used that enabled me to successfully maneuver and negotiate my journey on the not-so easy-road of studying in a post-secondary institution overseas.
Student to Scholar: Learning Experiences of International Students
Authors: Palmer Yolanda Michelle
Published: February 2021

The author discusses the learning experiences and processes of selected international graduate students within a Canadian university as they progressed from student to scholar. Inspired by social learning theorists Lave and Wenger’s (1991) notion of apprentice to masters in situated learning and communities of practice, the student to scholar framework sheds new light on the phenomenon of being an international graduate student. The arguments within the paper counter traditional views of learning as occurring solely through classroom engagements and offers that international graduate students learn and achieve “scholar” status through situated practice, professor mentoring and triple learning. Data were captured through observations and in-depth phenomenological and semistructured interviews.
Factors that Contribute to the Adjustment of International Students
Authors: Mesidor Jean Kesnold , Sly Kaye F.
Published: February 2021

Leaving home to attend college is an important milestone for college students. However, the transition from home to college can be challenging, especially for students studying abroad. In this article, the authors explore factors that contribute to the academic, cultural, social, and psychological adjustments of international students. Adjustment issues include psychological distress such as homesick, depression, and anxiety. This article seeks to increase the reader’s understanding of some of the issues faced by international students during the process of adjusting to a new collegiate environment. More specifically, the article discusses factors that contribute to adjustment and different phases of cultural adjustment. This article may help the students, educational institutions, and policy makers to provide the resources necessary for a seamless transition for international students to overcome the issues.
International Students’ Perceptions of Race and Socio-Economic Status in an American Higher Education Landscape
Authors: Ritter Zachary S.
Published: February 2021

International students add a great deal of cultural and intellectual diversity to college campuses, but they also bring racial stereotypes and socio-economic status hierarchies that can affect campus climate. Forty-seven interviews with Chinese, Japanese, and South Korean international students were conducted. Results indicated that a majority of students had racial and status hierarchies and harbored prejudices toward African-Americans and Southeast Asians. Perceptions of Asian-Americans were mixed. Negative perceptions of Latinos were learned in the U.S., however positive perceptions of Latinos were held by South Korean students who had lived in the U.S. longer. This status hierarchy correlated closely with a racial hierarchy. A lack of opportunities to interact with diverse students led to stereotype proliferation. More policies and programs must be created that reduce misunderstandings between international and domestic students.
Challenges for Global Learners: A Qualitative Study of the Concerns and Difficulties of International Students
Authors: Gautam Chetanath , Lowery Charles L. , Mays Chance , Durant Dayan
Published: February 2021

The authors in this study seek to inform academia about international students’ experiences and challenges while attending universities in Small Town USA. Despite their eagerness to study in the United States (U.S.), international students are faced with setbacks that many universities fail to recognize or realize. The researchers conducted in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of students using questions based on information from the literature and an initial survey. The themes that emerged from the data analysis were language, jobs/finances, transportation, assimilation, religious interactions, and identity. Findings emphasize the imperative to understand the challenges these students face as they continue their educational journeys in the United States.
Doctoral Dissertations on International Students Published in 2015
Authors: Bista Krishna
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this section is to share recent doctoral dissertations with the Journal of International Students readers. This section includes 100 doctoral dissertations related to the issues and challenges of international students in the United States and Canada. The complete versions of these selected dissertations are available in the ProQuest, Michigan-based electronic publisher.
International Students’ Motivation and Learning Approach: A Comparison with Local Students
Authors: Chue Kah Loong , Nie Youyan
Published: February 2021

Psychological factors contribute to motivation and learning for international students as much as teaching strategies. 254 international students and 144 local students enrolled in a private education institute were surveyed regarding their perception of psychological needs support, their motivation and learning approach. The results from this study indicated that international students had a higher level of self-determined motivation and used a deep and surface learning approach more extensively than local students. Perceived psychological needs support positively predicted intrinsic motivation, identified regulation and a deep learning approach for both groups. There were also differences in the effects of motivation on learning approach between the two groups. Further possibilities for exploration are discussed in this study.
Developing Skills and Disposition for Lifelong Learning: Acculturative Issues Surrounding Supervising International Doctoral Students in New Zealand Universities
Authors: Li Mingsheng
Published: February 2021

This study examines the acculturative challenges facing non-English speaking background (NESB) international doctoral students in the process of discipline enculturation. Twenty NESB doctoral students at three New Zealand universities from eleven countries participated in the semistructured interviews. The study has found that their transformative learning was the result of happiness, joy, success, and transformative disposition for lifelong learning as well as various challenges, plights and hardships. The dynamic interplay of the dichotomy fosters their intercultural competence, critical thinking, research skills, independence, and academic scholarships, and prepares them for new challenges and multiple academic demands. It is argued that developing capacities and disposition for lifelong learning should be facilitated through disciplinary enculturation, skills development, familiarity with academic conventions, and effective mentoring and healthy supervisor-supervisee relationships.
Japanese Language as an Organizational Barrier for International Students to Access to University Services: A Case of Aoyama Gakuin University
Authors: Hiratsuka Hiroyoshi
Published: February 2021

In 2011, Aoyama Gakuin University (AGU) started a government-funded degree program (taught in English) to accept international students with limited or no Japanese language proficiency. However, the students faced obstacles in accessing all of the university resources provided. In this article, I investigated Japanese language as an organizational barrier for students accessing to campus resources. I utilized the case study methodology through participatory observation on campus and face-to-face interviews.
Critical Teacher Talk: Successful English for Academic Purposes Classroom Practices in a Global Campus
Authors: Kim Namsook
Published: February 2021

Drawn on the sociocultural paradigm, I examined teacher-student communication with emphasis on teacher’s talk and its role on international students’ learning English as a Second Language in an English for Academic Purposes classroom in a global campus in the U.S. Developmental data analyses of class observations, teacher and student interviews, and documents led to finding multidimensional characteristics of Critical Teacher Talk (CTT). I also found evidence of the role of CTT on production-process-affective aspects of learning English as an International Language. The findings further shed insights on the need to train and practice Critical International Language Pedagogy with the triadic principles—transnational culture building, critical caring, and authentic learning—among international higher education educators and teachereducators.
Support Services at Spanish and U.S. Institutions: A Driver for International Student Satisfaction
Authors: Perez- Encinas Adriana , Ammigan Ravichandran
Published: February 2021

Many institutions of higher education are promoting campus internationalization as a core principle through international student mobility and, as a result, have expanded rapidly in enrollment. To effectively serve this growing population, many campuses have had to strengthen their student support services. However, while many have welldeveloped programs for students in general, not all services are designed to specifically cover the needs of international students. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview on research conducted on the topic of international student satisfaction with university support services as a means to ensure a positive student experience. It also provides a new research approach for comparing how support services for international students are structured at Spanish and U.S. institutions.
Do Chinese International Students’ Personalities Change During Cross-National Transitions?
Authors: Wang Kenneth T. , Tian Lu , Fujiki Mayo , Bordon Jennifer J.
Published: February 2021

Perfectionism is a multidimensional personality construct salient for international students; they are known to be likely high achievers in their home country and face several acculturative challenges after crossing national borders. This study examined whether perfectionist types changed during cross-national transitions in a sample of 227 Chinese international students studying in the U.S. Individuals were classified into different types of perfectionists—adaptive, maladaptive, and non- perfectionists. Results indicated that 40% of the participants’ perfectionist types changed during their cross-national transition. After studying in the United States, more non-perfectionists became perfectionists than perfectionists that turned into non-perfectionist. Acculturative stress predicted the direction of shift; nonperfectionists who perceived higher levels of acculturative stress were more likely to change into maladaptive perfectionists than adaptive perfectionists.
International Students and “The Presentation of Self” Across Cultures
Authors: Kamara Abu
Published: February 2021

Findings from this qualitative research study suggest that some international students view social and academic interactions not simply as mediums for absorbing requisite sociocultural and academic norms, and discipline knowledge, but also as stages for expressing their varied identities. As a result, whenever students’ ability to present their preferred identity is threatened, whether due to language competency issues or discrimination, some attempt to regain their equilibrium by withdrawing from social and academic interactions. However, the findings also suggest that, in some instances, students who find their ideas marooned in the space between silence and language rediscover the ability for expression in the language of space and time, and comparison and contrast.
Internationalizing Campus Partners
Authors: Koseva Plamena
Published: February 2021

The available discourse on how international students’ needs and expectations are accommodated in U.S. higher education institutions is extensive while the corresponding research on how International Services’ Staff (ISS) are prepared for the challenge is limited. The purpose of this essay was to research the personal, academic, and professional background of individuals working in International Services Offices (ISOs) nationwide and identify issues that are not sufficiently addressed. The survey allowed for the collection of data on the training and experience of International Services Staff as well as the methods and strategies used to effectively communicate with international students. Upon discussion of the findings and their significance, the author proposes future recommendations through the implementation of a practical training module.
Scholastics, Pabulum, Clans, Transformation: A Journey into Otherness
Authors: Lausch David , Teman Eric , Perry Cody
Published: February 2021

International students’ identities are complex and so are their needs. Semistructured interviews with 13 of the lead researcher’s former students from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, who are multi-national, multi-lingual and pursuing degrees in law, business, economics, medicine, education, art and media, in the United States, United Kingdom and Australia elucidated this reality. Their experiences demonstrated scholastic and pabulum frustrations that were offset in part by constant communication with their clans in person and through various technologies. Though the current model of higher education often seeks to identify and categorize international students as a group, this study shows that international students are unique individuals. Recognizing their individuality, higher education institutions and policymakers can more appropriately respond to international students’ needs.
“Home Away from Home”? How International Students Handle Difficult and Negative Experiences in American Higher Education
Authors: Yan Lu (Wendy) , Pei Shaohua (Linda)
Published: February 2021

International students attending American universities often receive confusing messages: on one hand, for their contribution to the U.S. economy and fostering of domestic students’ multicultural awareness; on the other, they are often targets of hostility and bias on and off campus. This qualitative phenomenological study examined 12 international students’ perceptions of difficult and negative experiences in the context of American culture and a reputedly friendly Midwestern university. Four major themes emerged: (a) their on-campus experiences; (b) the off-campus experiences; (c) their reasons for unpleasant experiences, and (d) their suggestions for professors and peers to be more inclusive. Besides these students’ struggles with administrators, faculty, and domestic students, their off-campus challenges sometimes dimmed their hopes for truly having a “home away from home.”
Creating Meaningful Grades
Authors: Kunnath Joshua Kunnath
Published: February 2021

Grades matter and the future lives of students are in many ways dependent on teacher grading practices. After all, so many decisions that affect students’ lives, including student ranking, matriculation, retention, college admission, and scholarships, depend on grades (Guskey, 2015; Marzano, 2000). This is troubling because the grading practices used in high schools across the country are generally considered to be highly variable and invalid measures of learning, often consisting of a hodgepodge of factors including achievement, behavior, and effort (Brimi, 2011; Brookhart, 1991; Randall & Engelhard, 2009, 2010). In other words, the data that many parties use to make important decisions regarding the lives of students is invalid. In fact, Marzano (2000), a leading grading researcher, declared, “Grades are so imprecise that they are almost meaningless” (p. 1). While most parties assume that grades represent student learning (Brookhart, 2004), this is rarely the case. As a result, the misinterpretation of grade data often leads to poor decisions regarding students. To add insult to injury, over 100 years of research has documented these problems (Brookhart et al., 2016), but educators’ seem- ing indifference to the research has resulted in no significant changes (Dueck, 2014; Reeves, 2011).
Teacher Absences in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Authors: Eagle Donna L. , Glenn William J.
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to analyze selected variables for public schools and districts in Virginia to determine the relationship of school and policy characteristics to teacher absences. This study included two research questions: What is the relationship between certain school district policy provisions and teacher absenteeism? What is the relationship between certain school characteristics and teacher absenteeism? The analysis for this study involved computing descriptive statistics, correlating continuous variables, and running multiple regressions for each dataset (school and district for each year) to determine the predictors of the dependent variable, chronically absent teachers. Although the school models were significant, neither was a particularly strong predictor of chronically absent teachers, only accounting for 15.2% of the variation (2011-2012 model with R2 = .152) and 9.6% of the variation (2013-2014 model with R2 = .096) that is predicted by the independent variables. Nevertheless, there were independent policy and school variables that were significant predictors in both school years. The most prominent variables included total leave, personal leave maximums, income protection provisions (sick leave banks, short-term disability), free and reduced lunch population percentage of a school, pupil/teacher ratio of the school, and the grade level of the school (elementary, middle, and high).
Systems Thinking for Principals of Learning- Focused Schools
Authors: Shaked Haim , Schechter Chen
Published: February 2021

Systems thinking involves attempts to understand and improve complex systems, examines systems holistically, and focuses on the way that a system's constituent parts interrelate. This essay provides examples of how systems thinking can enable principals to demonstrate instructional leadership and nurture learning-focused schools in the current era of complexity, diversity, and accountability. These examples illustrate how systems thinking contributes to developing school curriculum, empowering professional learning communities, and fostering performance data interpretation. Overall, systems thinking offers a comprehensive way of both conceptualizing and practicing leadership for learning within the entire school setting, which leads directly to enhancing the quality of instruction and raising students' achievement.
An Exploration of New Superintendent Mentoring and Goal Setting
Authors: Liang Jia “Grace” , Augustine-Shaw Donna , Sottile James
Published: February 2021

Using surveys and focus group interviews, this study explored the perspectives of new school superintendents and their mentors on goal setting in relation to national leadership standards in a formal mentoring and induction program. While the two groups shared certain views, statistically significant differences were found. The mentees displayed a contextualized understanding of advocacy--more related to local community values and beliefs than those of national or international views. The issue of goal setting, or lack thereof, and the engagement of national leadership standards to mentoring are most prominent and novel in this study.
Reexamining "Perfect" Attendance in Schools
Authors: Conrad David
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 emergency has created new challenges for schools regarding student attendance. The predominant practice of “perfect” attendance incentives in schools conflicts with new government policies regarding student self-quarantine due to the COVID-19 virus. School leaders must change their procedures and communication regarding student attendance to reflect these new conditions.
Teacher Professional Learning during the Global Pandemic
Authors: Muhayimana Theophile
Published: February 2021

The pandemic disrupted teacher professional learning (TPL). This essay discusses key areas to be addressed in the TPL organization in the fall. They include health and safety; accelerated learning; technology; socio-emotional health; and equity.
The Reality of Home-Based Learning
Authors: Cook Misty
Published: February 2021

Home-based Learning (HBL) can promote self-directed learning. However, teachers and parents must nurture and equip children with the necessary skills to be independent, self-directed learners. This article explores the challenges that students, parents, and teachers face in HBL, and examines the types of support children, parents, and teachers need to enhance the effectiveness of HBL.
Research on Hmong American College Students
Authors: Xiong Soua
Published: February 2021

The current study sought to review the existing literature that has contributed to our understanding of Hmong Americans in higher education. A literature search identified 32 articles that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria for the current review. The results of this scoping review demonstrate that research on Hmong American college students has received increased scholarly attention within the past six years and is primarily limited to academic communities that focused on Hmong studies. In addition, this body of research have mainly been examined qualitatively through a psychosociocultural lens with Hmong male and female university students. Based on these findings, recommendations for synthesizing the current research, shifting the focus of future research, and including theoretical perspectives in future research are provided.
Demographic and Metacognitive Variations among Female University Students in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Al-Hilawani Yasser A
Published: February 2021

This study examined the presence of significant associations among demographics (i.e., monthly income and the number of family members) and metacognition (i.e., understanding pictures representing real-life situations and objects) between two groups (N = 112) of female university students with and without niqab (i.e., only the eyes were visible). It also explored if there were significant differences between the two groups in metacognition. Participants responded to a computerized metacognitive instrument. Correlation results revealed that the females who wore niqab were significantly and more likely to have more family members and less income when compared with the females without niqab.  ANOVA analysis showed no significant differences between the students with and without niqab on the metacognitive test, in reaction time (i.e.,duration in seconds), and on the metacognitive test scores divided by the mean of the reaction times. Implications and limitations are discussed.
Review of Teaching Educational Leadership in Muslim Countries: Theoretical, Historical and Cultural Foundations
Authors: Schutte Megan X.
Published: February 2021

Samier and ElKaleh’s (2019) book titled Teaching Educational Leadership in Muslim Countries: Theoretical, Historical and Cultural Foundations is part of the series of Educational Leadership Theory books, which address trends in educational leadership scholarship and aim to “deliver an innovative and provocative dialogue whose coherence comes not from the adoption of a single paradigmatic lens but rather in an engagement with the theoretical and methodological preliminaries of scholarship” (Eacott & Niesche, 2019, p. v). Samier and ElKaleh (2019) present “what it means to teach educational administration and leadership in a Muslim context” (p. ix) through theory, current controversies, and case studies.
A Call to Action: Lessons Learned from a Book Club about Supporting and Mentoring Underrepresented STEM Students
Authors: Ramsay-Jordan Natasha N. , Jett Christopher C.
Published: February 2021

The participation rates of historically underserved students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) remains an important concern, as inequitable access in the form of treatment and opportunities within the education system is a constant struggle. To unpack this issue, a book club was organized as an intervention at a university in the southeastern part of the United States. Findings from the book club intervention suggest that university faculty should (a) understand the importance of continuous early exposure to STEM, (b) nurture underrepresented students’ STEM identities, (c) form collaborations and partnerships with STEM professionals from underrepresented groups, and (d) commit to mentoring STEM underrepresented students. In this article, we argue that these objectives can be accomplished through the exposure to STEM professionals from underrepresented groups and the integration of STEM research in undergraduate coursework. Finally, we share the lessons we learned with respect to how the book served as our call to action in our professorial duties.
Production and quality of habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) with chemical and organic fertilization
Authors: Tucuch Haas Cesar Jacier , Angulo Castro Azareel , Tucuch Haas Jorge Ismanel
Published: February 2021

Objective: To compare the effect of earthworm humus (vermicompost) withrespect to that of a standard fertilization treatment with conventional chemicals onthe yield and fruit quality in the cultivation of habanero pepper (Capsicumchinense).Design / methodology / approach: The experimental design was of randomizedblocks with seven replicates. The treatments consisted of 100% worm humus, 50%worm humus + 50% soil combination, as well as soil with chemical fertilizers as acontrol. The number of fruits, the quality of the fruits (length, diameter, and weight)of three cuts (harvests), in addition to the yield per plant, were evaluated. The datawere analyzed with an analysis of variance and when statistical differences weredetected, a means comparison was performed with the Tukey test (P>0.05). 2Results: The 100% vermicompost treatment did not significantly reduce the heightand diameter of the plant stem. Regard yield, a 15% increase was observed,although it was not significant compared to the control. Likewise, the quality of thefruits did not decrease.Study limitations / implications: The combination of 50% vermicompost and soilor less could affect the development and yield of habanero pepper crops.Findings / conclusions: Supplying earthworm humus does not affect the yield orquality of habanero pepper fruits, which is an alternative for nutrients supply at lowcost which is also an environmentally friendly practice.
Study of Portioning of Corrosion Inhibitors between Water and Oil Phases
Authors:   Innovative Eurasian University, Kassenova Zh. S.
Published: February 2021

Partitioning behaviours of commercial inhibitors like ethoxylated amine and phosphate ester were studied by carrying out partitioning tests and determining the concentration of the inhibitors by conventional colorimetry method and Inductively Coupled Plasma spectroscopy. The tests were performed using various water cuts, hydrocarbon phases, and concentrations in order to find out the effects of these factors. Ethoxylated amine distributed itself mostly into aqueous phase regardless of the conditions. Comparison of partitioning behaviour of phosphate ester in low and high water cut mixtures resulted in some loss of the inhibitor from bulk water phase as water cut decreased. Phosphate ester inhibitor showed significant synergistic effect with other nitrogenous compounds during the partitioning experiments.
KEBIASAAN CUCI TANGAN, BERJEMUR, DAN MEDIA INFORMASI PADA MASYARAKAT SUMATRA SELATAN SELAMA MASA PANDEMI COVID-19
Authors: Yunianto Andi Eka , Elya Elya , Fajar Ningsih Windi Indah , Yuliantini Emy , Haya Miratul , Faridi Ahmad , Eliza Eliza
Published: February 2021

COVID-19 merupakan penyakit yang mudah menular yang diakibatkan oleh virus korona. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat kebiasaan cuci tangan, berjemur dan media informasi yang diperoleh masyarakat sumatera selatan selama masa pandemic COVID-19. Penelitian ini menggunakan desain cross-sectional dengan jumlah responden sebayak 419 dengan kriteria umur diatas 16 tahun yang tinggal di Provinsi Sumatera Selatan. Kuesioner dalam penelitian ini berbentuk e-survey dengan menggunakan media google form dan disebarkan melalui media sosial (Whatsapp, Facebook, dan Instragram). Chi-square test digunakan untuk melihat hubungan kebiasaan cuci tangan, berjemur dan media informasi terhadap pria dan wanita. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa cuci tangan (OR = 1,127; 95% CI: 1,089 – 1,167) tidak terdapat hubungan yang signifikan para pria dan wanita, sedangkan terdapat hubungan yang signifikan berjemur (OR = 1,884; 95% CI: 0,992 – 3,581) dan media informasi (OR = 0,473; 95% CI: 0,246 – 0,911). Masyarakat diharapkan dapat menerapkan kebiasaan cuci tangan, berjemur dan menggali informasi pada berbagai media dalam mengatasi pencegahan dan dampak dari COVID-19.
EVALUASI PENATALAKSANAAN PROGRAM PENGELOLAAN PENYAKIT KRONIS (PROLANIS) DI PUSKESMAS KOTA BENGKULU
Authors: Susilo Avrilya Iqoranny , Satibi Satibi , Andayani Tri Murti
Published: February 2021

Health Chronic Disease Management Program (Prolanis) BPJS Health as a system of health services and proactive approach implemented in an integrated manner involving participants, health facilities and BPJS Health becomes an important factor because it becomes one of the indicators of the fulfillment of the commitment of service at puskesmas. This study aims to determine the management of Prolanis which includes membership, activities, availability of drugs and availability of funds Prolanis, knowing the barriers to the implementation of Prolanis and know the ratio of visits and quality of life of participants Prolanis. The research was conducted by descriptive method through interview technique, check list and WHOQoL questionnaire for quality of life measurement. Data retrieval used primary data by interviewing 40 informants and filling questionnaire on 262 participants of Prolanis. The secondary data was obtained from P-Care Puskesmas application. Analysis of the results of research was using descriptive analysis with narrative exposure accompanied by data tables. The results showed that from 20 Puskesmas 1 Puskesmas had not fulfilled the minimum requirement of Prolanis formation, 4 Puskesmas had not conducted gymnastic and educational activities, 2 Puskesmas did not implement pharmacy service standard for drug distribution Prolanis and 4 Puskesmas had not utilized Prolanis fund provided by BPJS Kesehatan. 50% in some puskesmas cause puskesmas to be in unsafe zone for assessment of capitation indicator. For measurement of quality of life of participants Prolanis obtained 95, 04% of respondents have good quality of life.
Subdiagnóstico da Hipertensão Arterial em adultos quilombolas de região baiana, Brasil
Authors: Matos Felipe Barreto de , Vasconcelos Lélia Renata Carneiro , Rocha Saulo Vasconcelos , Mussi Ricardo Franklin de Freitas
Published: February 2021

A hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) é uma doença crônica atrelada a fatores hereditários, econômicos e sociais, com alta prevalência na população negra brasileira. A negligência nas políticas públicas de saúde direcionadas a população quilombola gera importante exposição ao acometimento de HAS e seu subdiagnóstico. Neste sentido, a presente investigação objetiva analisar a prevalência e fatores associados ao subdiagnóstico da hipertensão arterial em adultos quilombolas de uma região baiana, Brasil. O estudo caracteriza-se como transversal, de base populacional, com amostra de 850 quilombolas da região baiana. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário aplicado em forma de entrevista individual e avaliação da pressão arterial. Também foram incluídas as variáveis sociodemográficas, hábitos de vida e presença de hipertensão arterial. Na análise dos dados foram utilizados procedimentos da estatística descritiva e regressão de Poisson para determinação das razões de prevalência (RP) e intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%). A prevalência geral de HAS subdiagnosticada (HASsub) foi de 24,8% e 29,2% autorreferiram presença de HAS diagnosticada. Foi encontrada associação estatisticamente significante entre HASsub com sexo, escolaridade, tempo da pressão arterial (PA) mensurada, tabagismo e etilismo (p<0.05). Então, a HASsub está presente em 1 em cada 4 adultos quilombolas e está associada a fatores sociodemográficos (mulheres e idades avançadas), comportamento preventivo (PA mensurada em <1 ano) e relacionadas à situação de saúde (não ter excesso de peso). Esses achados demonstram a necessidade de práticas de atenção e promoção da saúde, além de mecanismos adotados para prevenção da doença.
Analysis of the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of oregano (Origanum vulgare): a review study on the main effects on pathogens
Authors: Araújo Daniel Lopes , Machado Bruno Abilio da Silva , Mascarenhas José Marcos Fernandes , Alves Suzana Pereira , Sousa Samilly Lorâna Farias de , Moura Layanne Cavalcante de , Melo Beatriz Cardoso , Luz Thiago Evencio Mendes , Loures Leandro Luiz da Silva , Apolinário Joelma Maria dos Santos da Silva , Sousa Thaysla de Oliveira , Siqueira Lucas de Carvalho , Moura Maria Aparecida de Sousa , Rocha Laísa Ribeiro , Souza Mariana Silva
Published: February 2021

Western medicine has been trying to use natural means for the treatment of infections caused by bacteria, in this context, it is very noticeable the great interest of therapeutic agents coming from natural products, more specifically those derived from plants. In this sense, a review of the integrative literature on the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of oregano has been carried out. For this review of integrative literature 24 scientific articles were used. The studies showed that the essential oil of Origanum vulgare L. (Lamiaceae) has been used as an element of scientific research in laboratories as an antimicrobial strategy against innumerable types of bacteria, where its high therapeutic and antimicrobial content has been proven. The essential oil of O. vulgare exposes a variable range of active compounds, being the monoterpenes carvacrol and thymol the majority compounds of this essential oil, which corresponds between 80,2 and 98% of the total composition of this essential oil. In view of this, the results that were described in this review could suggest that the compounds cited have antimicrobial activity, damaging the lipidic plasma membranes, compromising the pH homeostasis and the balance of organic ions, preventing cell division and causing dehydration in bacterial cells.
Logística reversa de embalagens vazias de agrotóxicos e as dificuldades para efetiva implantação
Authors: Aragos Karine Pires Cremasco , Gabriel Filho Luís Roberto Almeida , Braga Junior Sérgio Silva
Published: February 2021

O Brasil possui uma farta produtividade agrícola e com isso, há um crescente uso de defensivos agrícolas, Todavia, muitas vezes, não há o adequado descarte das embalagens vazias deste defensivo, acarretando assim, uma interferência negativa direta no meio ambiente. Em razão de tais fatos, foi implementado a logística reversa, a fim de solucionar o problema de degradação ambiental acarretado pelos descartes indevidos das referidas embalagens. Apesar de todo aparatos legislativo, verifica-se que a logística reversa não funciona em sua integralidade. Assim, no presente trabalho, são feitas algumas análises sobre os principais problemas para implantação efetiva de uma logística reversa de embalagens vazias de agrotóxicos. Para tanto, parte-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica que busca montar o substrato teórico usado na análise do problema a partir da análise e algumas pesquisas empíricas realizadas em algumas regiões do Brasil e da análise da legislação pertinente. Foi possível constatar que os principais empecilhos para logística reversa está na omissão da lei, na burocratização, falta de estrutura tanto dos produtores rurais, quanto dos demais agentes da cadeia do agronegócio e, por fim, na falta de uma fiscalização rigorosa por parte do poder público. A solução demonstrada pelos autores das pesquisas empíricas foi de uma reanalise da legislação, bem como das estruturas impostas a conscientização ambiental a partir de uma educação pertinente a esse ponto é fundamental para facilitar a implantação efetiva de logística reversa de embalagens vazias de agrotóxicos no Brasil.
Effect of Ultrasonic Cleaning of Titanium Turning Scraps Immersed in Alkaline Solution and Subsequent Preparation of Ferrotitanium Ingots
Authors: Yoo Suhwan , Chae Jikwang , Oh Jung-Min , Lim Jae-Won
Published: February 2021

Ti has excellent properties but is more expensive than other materials due to its high melting point, high reactivity and difficult processability. One way to lower the production cost of Ti products is to recycle Ti scraps. Before recycling Ti scraps, pretreatment to remove contamination is essential. Ti scraps can be pretreated in an alkaline solution, thus eliminating the use of acidic solutions. However, a pretreatment only involving immersion in alkaline solution requires a high concentration solution, and has low efficiency. Therefore, in this study, an optimized ultrasonic cleaning process is introduced to pretreat Ti scraps in a lowconcentration alkaline solution. The carbon content of Ti scraps before pretreatment was 6,800 ppm, and showed a sharp decrease with pretreatment. Using this pretreatment process, C, O, and N impurities were removed by 97.6%, 58.8%, and 29.2%, respectively. Ferrotitanium ingots were then produced by vacuum arc melting (VAM) and plasma arc melting (PAM) using the pretreated Ti scraps and electrolytic iron. Differences in ingots melted by VAM and PAM were investigated. As the time was increased, the content of impurities decreased. Subsequently, a ferrotitanium ingot prepared using the pretreated Ti scraps showed that the carbon concentration in the ingot was less than 200 ppm.
Nucleation and Growth-Controlled Morphology Evolution of Cu Nanostructures During High-Pressure Thermal Evaporation
Authors: Lee Eunji , Gwon Woomi , Ryu Sangwoo
Published: February 2021

The formation of porous material structures has been widely investigated for the development of high-performance energy materials, catalysts, and chemical sensing devices. Various nanoporous structure fabrication methods are based on wet-chemical processes, which require precise control of the process parameters. Physical vapor deposition such as thermal evaporation utilizes high vacuum so that the deposition process is relatively simple, free of contamination, and easily reproduced. However, because of the long mean-free-path of the evaporated atoms in high vacuum, heterogeneous nucleation and the growth of adatoms occurs on the substrate surface, which results in the formation of dense and compact thin films. But by changing the working pressure, various morphologies of porous nanostructures can be obtained. As applied to copper, with increasing pressure the thin film evolves from a dense structure to a coral-like nanoporous structure through a porous columnar structure. All of the porous structures consist of nanoparticle aggregates, where copper nanoparticles are connected to each other, and many nano-gaps are found inside the aggregates. A surface plasmonic effect is expected. The porous copper nanostructured films demonstrated high surfaceenhanced Raman spectroscopy activity.
Effect of Post-Weld Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Hardness Evolution of Functionally Graded Materials Produced by Direct Energy Deposition
Authors: Shin Giseung , Park Yongho , Kim Dae Whan , Yoon Ji hyun , Kim Jeoung Han
Published: February 2021

In this work, the effects of post weld heat treatment (PWHT) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of functionally gradient materials (FGM) was investigated. The FGM consisted of five different layers which were mixtures of austenitic stainless steel (type 316L) and ferritic steel (LAS). The ratio of type 316L and LAS powder in each deposition layer was 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100. FGM samples were successfully fabricated without cracks or delamination by a direct energy deposition process. The sensitization phenomenon of the FGM samples was investigated after PWHT. The PWHTs were conducted at 700oC, 900oC, and 1100oC for 4 hours and the samples were then air-cooled. After PWHT, the annealed specimens were observed by optical and scanning electron microscopy to analyze their microstructure. The occurrence of sensitization was found in the specimen annealed at 700oC. The contents of Cr and C increased substantially along grain boundaries. However, the sensitization did not occur in other samples annealed at 900oC and 1100oC. In the C and D layers of the 1100oC annealed sample, micro-hardness was measured to be very high due to the formation of bainitic ferrite and a lath martensite structure. In addition, a reduction of the austenite fraction was confirmed by Electron Back Scatter Diffraction.
Middle cerebral artery infarction associated with sildenaﬁl citrate (Viagra) use.
Authors: Sipahioğlu Hilal , Bulut Kadir , Esmaoğlu Aliye
Published: February 2021

İntroduction: Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase 5 enzyme inhibitor used in the treatment of erectile dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. The use of sildenafil with nitrates is well known to cause myocardial ischemia. However, patients with a history of hypotension, arrhythmia, previous myocardial infarction, or stroke should be given sildenafil carefully. A few cases have been reported in the literature related to ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack due to sildenafil use.
Case report: We report a case of middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction after two tablets sildenafil in a 57-year-old male patient with no underlying disease. In the diffusion MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) imaging of the patient, acute diffusion limitation was observed in the left frontal lobe and parietal lobe starting from the centrum semiovale level and also in the MCA supply area affecting the medial section of the temporal lobe. We believe that this infarction is caused by the development of severe hypotension due to alcohol use with sildenafil.
Conclusion: Not only availability of hypotension, history of MI and stroke, health care providers should also give attention prescribing sildenafil in the case of cigarette and alcohol use.
Challenges and Perspectives of Polyhydroxyalkanoate Production From Microalgae/Cyanobacteria and Bacteria as Microbial Factories: An Assessment of Hybrid Biological System
Authors: Afreen Rukhsar , Tyagi Shivani , Singh Gajendra Pratap , Singh Mamtesh
Published: February 2021

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are the biopolymer of choice if we look for a substitute of petroleum-based non-biodegradable plastics. Microbial production of PHAs as carbon reserves has been studied for decades and PHAs are gaining attention for a wide range of applications in various fields. Still, their uneconomical production is the major concern largely attributed to high cost of organic substrates for PHA producing heterotrophic bacteria. Therefore, microalgae/cyanobacteria, being photoautotrophic, prove to have an edge over heterotrophic bacteria. They have minimal metabolic requirements, such as inorganic nutrients (CO2, N, P, etc.) and light, and they can survive under adverse environmental conditions. PHA production under photoautotrophic conditions has been reported from cyanobacteria, the only candidate among prokaryotes, and few of the eukaryotic microalgae. However, an efficient cultivation system is still required for photoautotrophic PHA production to overcome the limitations associated with (1) stringent management of closed photobioreactors and (2) optimization of monoculture in open pond culture. Thus, a hybrid system is a necessity, involving the participation of microalgae/cyanobacteria and bacteria, i.e., both photoautotrophic and heterotrophic components having mutual interactive benefits for each other under different cultivation regime, e.g., mixotrophic, successive two modules, consortium based, etc. Along with this, further strategies like optimization of culture conditions (N, P, light exposure, CO2 dynamics, etc.), bioengineering, efficient downstream processes, and the application of mathematical/network modeling of metabolic pathways to improve PHA production are the key areas discussed here. Conclusively, this review aims to critically analyze cyanobacteria as PHA producers and proposes economically sustainable production of PHA from microbial autotrophs and heterotrophs in “hybrid biological system.”
Actually Seeing What Is Going on – Intravital Microscopy in Tissue Engineering
Authors: Vaghela Ravikumar , Arkudas Andreas , Horch Raymund E. , Hessenauer Maximilian
Published: February 2021

Intravital microscopy (IVM) study approach offers several advantages over in vitro, ex vivo, and 3D models. IVM provides real-time imaging of cellular events, which provides us a comprehensive picture of dynamic processes. Rapid improvement in microscopy techniques has permitted deep tissue imaging at a higher resolution. Advances in fluorescence tagging methods enable tracking of specific cell types. Moreover, IVM can serve as an important tool to study different stages of tissue regeneration processes. Furthermore, the compatibility of different tissue engineered constructs can be analyzed. IVM is also a promising approach to investigate host reactions on implanted biomaterials. IVM can provide instant feedback for improvising tissue engineering strategies. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the requirements and applications of different IVM approaches. First, we will discuss the history of IVM development, and then we will provide an overview of available optical modalities including the pros and cons. Later, we will summarize different fluorescence labeling methods. In the final section, we will discuss well-established chronic and acute IVM models for different organs.