bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of gold nanoparticles in improving ACL graft performance in an ovine model
Authors: Bellrichard Mitchell , Snider Colten , Kuroki Keiichi , Brockman John , Grant David A , Grant Sheila A
Published: September 2021

Surgical repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can involve autograft or allograft materials. Allografts are typically chosen to avoid donor site morbidity associated with autografts harvest, but they can also result in a prolonged inflammatory period and delayed graft remodeling when compared to autografts. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) conjugated to allografts to determine if AuNPs can reduce inflammation and enhance graft remodeling in an ovine model. Six sheep had their ACL surgically removed and replaced with a decellularized human gracilis tendon. Three of the sheep received grafts conjugated with 20 nm gold nanoparticles, while three of the sheep received grafts without the gold nanoparticles. The sheep were sacrificed 8 weeks after ACL reconstruction. Immediately following sacrifice, joint fluid was collected for cytology. Semi-quantitative histological scoring of the bone tunnel portion and the intra-articular portion of the grafts were performed independently along with descriptive analysis of histologic changes and quantitative analysis of revascularization. The results demonstrated that AuNP experimental grafts had an overall better histological scores than the non-AuNPs graft. The AuNPs grafts exhibited decreased inflammation in the bone tunnel portion of the graft, the intra-articular portion of the graft, and in the synovial fluid cell count. Overall, the results demonstrated that the grafts conjugated with nanoparticles have the potential to be influence inflammation and overall remodeling response.
Heterogeneity in Longitudinal Healthcare Utilisation by Older Adults: A Latent Transition Analysis of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing
Authors: Doherty Ann S , Miller Ruth , Mallett John , Adamson Gary
Published: September 2021

Background

Older adults likely exhibit considerable differences in healthcare need and usage. Identifying differences in healthcare utilisation both between and within individuals over time may support future service development.

Objectives

To characterise temporal changes in healthcare utilisation among a nationally representative sample of community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

A latent transition analysis of the first three waves of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) ( N = 6128) was conducted.

Results

Three latent classes of healthcare utilisation were identified, ‘primary care only’; ‘primary care and outpatient visits’ and ‘multiple utilisation’. The classes were invariant across all three waves. Transition probabilities indicated dynamic changes over time, particularly for the ‘primary care and outpatient visits’ and ‘multiple utilisation’ statuses.

Discussion

Older adults exhibit temporal changes in healthcare utilisation which may reflect changes in healthcare need and disease progression. Further research is required to identify the factors which influence movement between healthcare utilisation patterns.
Do People Prescribe Optimism, Overoptimism, or Neither?
Authors: Miller Jane E. , Park Inkyung , Smith Andrew R. , Windschitl Paul D.
Published: September 2021

Past work has suggested that people prescribe optimism—believing it is better to be optimistic, instead of accurate or pessimistic, about uncertain future events. Here, we identified and addressed an important ambiguity about whether those findings reflect an endorsement of biased beliefs—that is, whether people prescribe likelihood estimates that reflect overoptimism. In three studies, participants ( N = 663 U.S. university students) read scenarios about protagonists facing uncertain events with a desired outcome. Results replicated prescriptions of optimism when we used the same solicitations as in past work. However, we found quite different prescriptions when using alternative solicitations that asked about potential bias in likelihood estimations and that did not involve vague terms such as “optimistic.” Participants generally prescribed being optimistic, feeling optimistic, and even thinking optimistically about the events, but they did not prescribe overestimating the likelihood of those events.
Disparities in Breast Cancer Survivors in Rural West Texas
Authors: Khan Hafiz , Rasmussen Drew , Gabbidon Kemesha , Palle Komaraiah , Rafiq Aamrin , Faysel Mohammad , Singh Sharda , Reddy P. Hemachandra
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Breast cancer is the second highest female mortality rate in Texas for all races and ethnicities, except for Hispanics. Interestingly, Hale County is a rural underserved county in West Texas which experiences a lower rate of cancer, has higher age-adjusted mortality rates (26.2/100 000), on average, compared to all of Texas (23.1/100 000). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between sociodemographic variables and breast cancer outcomes in underserved Hale County which contributed to the highest mortality rate in Texas.

Methods

Hale County breast cancer data (1995–2014) were obtained from the Texas Cancer Registry. Statistical methods independent samples t-test, Kaplan–Meier curve, and Cox proportional hazard were used to describe the significant relationship between survival time, sociodemographic, and prognostic variables.

Results

Women with breast cancer in Hale County were more likely to be White non-Hispanics (n = 266, 65.5%) and had the highest longevity (2753.6 ± 2073.5 days). White Hispanics experienced the worst survival (2369.6 ± 2060.2 days) and were more likely to develop a serious grade of cancer. Significant relationships were found between the stage of cancer and insurance status with survival time for both White non-Hispanics and White Hispanics ( P < .001). Patients in grades II and III were found to be significantly ( P < .01) associated with breast cancer death, and grades II and III which had around five-fold and eleven-fold increased risk of death, respectively, compared with the referent group, grade I.

Conclusion

Determining the impact of sociodemographic variables on breast cancer outcome is essential to addressing issues of geographic disparities and integrating such variables may guide relevant policy interventions to reduce breast cancer’s incidence in rural underserved communities in West Texans.
VAVASC study: Clinical trial protocol
Authors: Katerina Lawrie , Stephen O’Neill , Petr Waldauf , Peter Balaz
Published: September 2021

Background:

VAVASC study (Validation of Arterio Venous Access Stage Classification) is a multicentre, international, prospective study. The study aims to validate the AVAS classification, which is a classification system describing vascular status of patients indicated for creation of arteriovenous access on the upper limb.

Methods:

Observational, prospective, multicentre, international study starting in March 2021. Participant recruitment has commenced. Basic demographic data, risk factors and vascular mapping parameters are collected via an online platform. The outcome measures are class of AVAS, predicted arteriovenous access, final arteriovenous access that has been created and a functionality of the arteriovenous access. Predictive models will be used for statistical analysis.

Current status:

A total of 140 patients from 4 centres in Great Britain, Czech Republic, Brazil and Slovakia are already included and undergoing evaluation.

Conclusions:

The study is registered in the Clinical trials registry (NCT04796558), https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/ . Study is still open for collaboration with other centres that can register via www.vavasc.com .
A network of photographs: The visual public memory of the Dutch Provo movement, 1967–2016
Authors: Smits Thomas
Published: September 2021

This article builds on efforts to connect visual culture, social movements, and memory studies. It introduces the concept of visual public memory through a study of the circulation of photographs of the Dutch anarchist movement Provo between 1967 and 2016. It demonstrates that the visual public memory of a movement can be captured in a network composed of carriers of memory (newspapers, magazines, exhibitions, books), memorata (the remembered events), and mnemonic actors (actors that circulate the carriers of memory). Based on a qualitative interpretation of this network, the article follows four routes through it, uncovering the role of seemingly a-political mnemonic actors, such as municipal governments and museums, in the visual public memory of Provo. Showing how photographs are uniquely able to carry political possibility into memory, this article argues that visual representation plays a crucial role in how social movements are remembered.
Development of a Capillary Electrophoretic Method for the Determination of Huperzine A Concentration in Vietnamese Huperzia serrata
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc Chuong , Vinh Dinh , Nguyen Duc Tuan , Nguyen Huynh Van Thi , Tran Cong Luan , Tran Manh Hung
Published: September 2021

Huperzine A, isolated from Huperzia serrata, is a potent, specific, and reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase with high efficiency and low toxicity. To evaluate the presence of huperzine A in Vietnamese H serrata, a reliable capillary zone electrophoresis method was developed. The analytical conditions were established using 80 mM ammonium acetate buffer, pH 6.0, hydrodynamic injection at 50 mbar for 5 s, applied voltage of 20 kV, temperature at 25 °C, uncoated fused-silica capillary, 56 cm (50 cm effective length) × 70 µm inner diameter, and ultraviolet detection at 310 nm. The recovery rates ranged from 98.05% to 100.64%, with a relative standard deviation <2%. Good linear regression was observed in the concentration range of 1 to 500 µg/mL, with a correlation coefficient of 0.9994. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 0.33 and 1.0 µg/mL, respectively. These results demonstrate that this method is simple, selective, and suitable for performing quality control for huperzine A derived from Vietnamese H serrata.
A narrative review of research on healthcare staff’s burnout during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Khosravi Mohsen , Ghiasi Zahra , Ganjali Alireza
Published: September 2021

Background

During the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, burnout emerges as a critical health problem that might involve workers in many occupations, particularly healthcare personnel. Although burnout syndrome is not necessarily proved to be nosologic, it yields serious physical, mental, and social outcomes. However, it is essential to provide practical strategies and effective instruments for people so that they can adapt to such highly stressful conditions.

Objectives

The present review was conducted to explore preliminary evidence for nature, treatment, and prevention of burnout among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Related English literatures published from the beginning of January 2020 to the end of September 2020 were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google scholar databases. “Burnout,” “COVID-19,” “healthcare workers,” “medical staff,” and “pandemic” constituted the search terms. A narrative technique was implemented for material synthesis and creating a compelling and cohesive story.

Results

Final results provided the burnout history and its major effects, causes, and prevalence among healthcare workers. Also, some strategies were listed to be employed by hospital medical staff and organizations to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusions

Recent evidence demonstrated that healthcare staff could gain significant benefits from interventions to modify burnout syndrome, especially from organization-directed interventions. So, health policymakers and practitioners should adopt such interventions and develop context-specific approaches promoting a healthy workplace and averting burnout during the COVID-19 crisis.
A case of Libman–sacks endocarditis and the challenges of differentiating it from infective endocarditis
Authors: Gan Yi L , Sani Huzairi B
Published: September 2021

Libman–Sacks endocarditis is a form of cardiac complication affecting patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, especially those with secondary antiphospholipid syndrome. In this case report, we present a case of Libman–Sacks endocarditis and discuss key features that differentiate it from infective endocarditis.
Bacterial vaginosis: drivers of recurrence and challenges and opportunities in partner treatment
Authors: Vodstrcil Lenka A. , Muzny Christina A. , Plummer Erica L. , Sobel Jack D. , Bradshaw Catriona S.
Published: September 2021

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal dysbiosis to affect women globally, yet an unacceptably high proportion of women experience BV recurrence within 6 months of recommended antibiotic therapy. The low rate of sustained cure highlights our limited understanding of the pathogenesis of BV recurrence, which has been attributed to possible persistence and re-emergence of BV-associated bacteria (BVAB) or a BV-associated biofilm following antimicrobials and/or reinfection occurring from sexual partners.

There is a robust body of evidence to support the exchange of bacteria between partners during sexual activity, and while the hypothesis that women treated for BV are subsequently reinfected with BVAB following sex with an untreated sexual partner is not new, failure of past partner treatment trials has eroded confidence in this concept. If reinfection is a key driver of recurrence, current antimicrobial regimens directed to women alone are unlikely to achieve a high level of sustained cure, and the approach of partner treatment to reduce reinfection is justified. In this manuscript, we present the molecular and epidemiological evidence that underlies the hypothesis that BV is sexually transmitted, and summarise why research that continues to consider sexual partnerships is necessary. We also outline the significant barriers and challenges that we have identified while undertaking partner treatment studies, and we discuss the factors that impact on our ability to determine their effectiveness.

Ultimately, the pathogenesis of BV recurrence is likely to be multifaceted and not attributable to a single mechanism in all women. If we are to achieve sustained cure for women, it is likely that combined and individualised approaches to eradicate BVAB, support an optimal vaginal microbiome, and prevent reinfection from partners will be required.
Omni-directional wind-driven triboelectric nanogenerator with cross-shaped dielectric film
Authors: Shin Yoseop , Cho Sungjun , Han Sejin , Jung Gun Young
Published: September 2021

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are actively being researched and developed to become a new external power unit for various electronics and applications. Wind is proposed as a mechanical energy source to flutter the dielectric film in wind-driven TENGs as it is clean, abundant, ubiquitous, and sustainable. Herein, we propose a TENG structure with dielectric films bent in four directions to collect the wind energy supply from all directions, unlike the conventional wind-driven TENGs which can only harvest the wind energy from one direction. Aluminum (Al) layer was intercalated within the dielectric film to improve electrostatic induction, resulting in improved triboelectric performances. Maximum open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 233 V, short-circuit current (Isc) of 348 µA, and output power density of 46.1 W m− 2 at an external load of 1 MΩ under a wind speed of 9 m s− 1 were revealed, and it faithfully lit “LED” characters composed of 25 LEDs.
Cerebral cysticercosis mimicking subarachnoid hemorrhage: a case report
Authors: Liu Tao , Wang Tingzhong , Bao Yijun , Du Jinghua , Guan Yongchang
Published: September 2021

Background

Dense exudate during the calcification of cerebral cysticercosis in basal subarachnoid space was easy to be misdiagnosed as subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH); clinical evaluation and MRI can help differentiate SAH from pseudo-SAH.

Case presentation

A case of ventricular expansion accompanied by high-density shadows in cisterna circinata cerebri was taken to the hospital for treatment due to sudden faint. This patient was diagnosed as subarachnoid hemorrhage according to computed tomography (CT) in another hospital. We believe that the high density in cisterna circinata cerebri was misdiagnosed as subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) 1 year ago. The main etiology of SAH is aneurysm; non-aneurysmal SAH associated with cerebral cysticercosis is extremely rare. Only 5 patients have been reported.

Conclusion

This case indicated that although the specificity of CT for SAH is very high, the physicians should be aware of rare false positive findings, called pseudo-SAH.
3D models improve understanding of congenital heart disease
Authors: Awori Jonathan , Friedman Seth D. , Chan Titus , Howard Christopher , Seslar Steve , Soriano Brian D , Buddhe Sujatha
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Understanding congenital heart disease (CHD) is vital for medical personnel and parents of affected children. While traditional 2D schematics serve as the typical approach used, several studies have shown these models to be limiting in understanding complex structures. Recent world-emphasis has shifted to 3D printed models as a complement to 2D imaging to bridge knowledge and create new opportunities for experiential learning. We sought to systematically compare 3D digital and physical models for medical personnel and parent education compared to traditional methods.

Methods

3D printed and digital models were made out of MRI and CT data for 20 common CHD. Fellows and nurse practitioners used these models to explore intra-cardiac pathologies following traditional teaching. The models were also used for parent education in outpatient settings after traditional education. The participants were then asked to fill out a Likert scale questionnaire to assess their understanding and satisfaction with different teaching techniques. These ratings were compared using paired t-tests and Pearson’s correlation.

Results

Twenty-five medical personnel (18 fellows; 2 nurses; 4 nurse practitioners and one attending) and twenty parents participated in the study. The diagnosis varied from simple mitral valve pathology to complex single ventricle palliation. Parent and medical personnel perceived understanding with digital models was significantly higher than traditional (p= 0.01). Subjects also felt that physical models were overall more useful than digital ones (p = 0.001). Physicians using models for parent education also perceived the models to be useful, not significantly impacting their clinical workflow.

Conclusions

3D models, both digital and printed, enhance medical personnel and parental perceived understanding of CHD.
Effectiveness of geropsychiatric home treatment concerning parameters of physical health: matched-pair study
Authors: Peinhaupt Christa , Fassolder Gernot , Habacher Wolfgang , Singer Monika , Hermann Gerhard , Klug Günter
Published: September 2021

Background

There is evidence of the effectiveness of multi-professional home treatment models with regards to improving mental health for elderly patients with mental illness. However, there is a lack of studies examining the efficacy with regard to physical health.

Aims

To explore the effectiveness of geropsychiatric home treatment for elderly patients with mental illness with regards to improving physical health by assessing the need of physical treatment.

Method

A 1-year retrospective matched-pair cohort study was conducted in four regions of Austria. We compared 91 patients with a broad spectrum of mental disorders in geropsychiatric home treatment by 1:2 matching to 182 patients in treatment as usual regarding number of contacts with health services, prescriptions, hospital discharges and length of hospital stay.

Results

Patients in geropsychiatric home treatment showed significantly lower numbers of consultations with general practitioners (P< 0.001) and specialists (internal medicine,P= 0.022; psychiatry,P< 0.001), and lower numbers of prescriptions (medical drugs except psychotropic drugs,P< 0.001; psychotropic drugs,P< 0.004) compared with patients in treatment as usual. However, there was no significant difference in the number of hospital discharges and length of hospital stays.

Conclusions

Geropsychiatric home treatment has a positive effect on mental and physical parameters, which is discussed in the context of stress reduction.
National Cancer Information System Within the Framework of Health Insurance in Colombia: A Real-World Data Approach to Evaluate Access to Cancer Care
Authors: Hernández Vargas Juliana Alexandra , Ramírez Barbosa Paula Ximena , Valbuena-Garcia Ana Maria , Acuña-Merchán Lizbeth Alexandra , González-Diaz Jaime A. , Lopes Gilberto
Published: September 2021

PURPOSE

The National Cancer Information System (NCIS) has been operating since 2014, including information reported by health care insurers and providers on people with cancer diagnosed and treated within the Colombian health system. Its main purpose is to identify barriers to an effective access to cancer diagnosis and treatment across the country. We aimed to describe the methodology, scope and results in terms of access to health services with real-world data provided by the NCIS.

METHODS

Reporting of all cases of cancer by insurers and providers is mandatory by law. Data gathered include demographic and clinical information about new and old cases of cancer who receive health services. Over the years, the reporting process has been automated and it is currently performed in real time. Data quality is ensured through a standardized data-monitoring process. Access to health services is monitored by quality measures defined by consensus.

RESULTS

Since 2015, prevalent cases of invasive cancer have increased from 163,776 to 331,021 in 2020 (increment of 102.12%). Regarding quality measures, the proportion of people staged at diagnosis has increased over the years, especially in breast cancer. Meanwhile, early diagnosis is still concerning for breast and prostate cancer. Time to diagnosis and treatment have not consistently reached the expected goals in breast, cervical, and prostate cancer, whereas they have shown a better level of compliance for stomach and colon and rectum tumors, still not reaching the highest performance.

CONCLUSION

The real-world information approach provided by the NCIS may be complementary for cancer control planning in Colombia, emphasizing better management processes of health insurers and providers by identifying barriers for timely access to health care.
Provoking Performance: Printed Dialogue and Early Modern Publics in Christopher St. German's Salem and Bizance
Authors: Waller Simone
Published: September 2021

This essay argues that Christopher St. German made tactical use of the dialogue form to cultivate a public in his print controversy with Thomas More on the subject of reform. Publishing in the early 1530s, More accused St. German of disseminating disgruntled speech in print absent a real constituency of speakers voicing such complaints. St. German countered More's critique by incorporating a dialogue between the characters Salem and Bizance that conflated the reading of his printed works with the speaking and sharing of their political concerns. Although the role of performance in early modern politics has long been recognized in connection to the theater and theatricality, St. German's work demonstrates that early print also invoked the bodily interactivity and iterability characteristic of performance in order to script readers’ use of the relatively new medium. St. German's Salem and Bizance dialogue thus prompted print readers to understand themselves as, and indeed to become, partisan members of a public speaking in and about the debate.
Festive Friars: Embodied Performance and Audience Affect
Authors: Lin Erika T.
Published: September 2021

This essay models a method for unearthing performance traces in texts that seem on the surface to be strictly literary. Centering on Thomas Dekker's The Raven's Almanac, a compilation of stories akin to those in early modern jest books, it analyzes a bawdy tale about a friar and an abbess that reveals deep connections to May games. Festivity constituted a mode of embodied knowledge, a somatic and kinesthetic process that conditioned playgoer responses. This essay demonstrates how examining nondramatic performance, including quotidian, ceremonial, and ritual practices, allows the recovery of ephemeral audience affect. Studying spectators’ emotions is notoriously challenging but can productively complicate concepts such as character and narrative. Moreover, it was through amorphous feelings and sensations that theater actively produced cultural understandings. Expanding the methodological toolkit for investigating performance offers a useful blueprint for researching other ineffable but consequential historical experiences that exceed, by definition, the documentary evidence.
Links between autophagy and tissue mechanics
Authors: Claude-Taupin Aurore , Codogno Patrice , Dupont Nicolas
Published: September 2021

Physical constraints, such as compression, shear stress, stretching and tension, play major roles during development, tissue homeostasis, immune responses and pathologies. Cells and organelles also face mechanical forces during migration and extravasation, and investigations into how mechanical forces are translated into a wide panel of biological responses, including changes in cell morphology, membrane transport, metabolism, energy production and gene expression, is a flourishing field. Recent studies demonstrate the role of macroautophagy in the integration of physical constraints. The aim of this Review is to summarize and discuss our knowledge of the role of macroautophagy in controlling a large panel of cell responses, from morphological and metabolic changes, to inflammation and senescence, for the integration of mechanical forces. Moreover, wherever possible, we also discuss the cell surface molecules and structures that sense mechanical forces upstream of macroautophagy.
Using citation tracking for systematic literature searching - study protocol for a scoping review of methodological studies and a Delphi study
Authors: Hirt Julian , Nordhausen Thomas , Appenzeller-Herzog Christian , Ewald Hannah
Published: September 2021

Background: Up-to-date guidance on comprehensive study identification for systematic reviews is crucial. According to current recommendations, systematic searching should combine electronic database searching with supplementary search methods. One such supplementary search method is citation tracking. It aims at collecting directly and/or indirectly cited and citing references from "seed references". Tailored and evidence-guided recommendations concerning the use of citation tracking are strongly needed.

Objective: We intend to develop recommendations for the use of citation tracking in systematic literature searching for health-related topics. Our study will be guided by the following research questions: What is the benefit of citation tracking for systematic literature searching for health-related topics? Which methods, citation indexes, and other tools are used for citation tracking? What terminology is used for citation tracking methods?

Methods: Our study will have two parts: a scoping review and a Delphi study. The scoping review aims at identifying methodological studies on the benefit and use of citation tracking in systematic literature searching for health-related topics with no restrictions on study design, language, and publication date. We will perform database searching in MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Web of Science Core Collection, two information science databases, web searching, and contact experts in the field. Two reviewers will independently perform study selection. We will conduct direct backward and forward citation tracking on included articles. Data from included studies will be extracted using a prespecified extraction sheet and presented in both tabular and narrative form. The results of the scoping review will inform the subsequent Delphi study through which we aim to derive consensus recommendations for the future practice and research of citation tracking.
Gamificación superficial en e-learning: evidencias sobre motivación y autorregulación
Authors: Juan-Lázaro Olga , Area-Moreira Manuel
Published: September 2021

En este trabajo se presenta una investigación basada en un entorno de aprendizaje virtual gamificado para la formación de formadores, en el que se investiga el impacto que la implementación de dos tipos de insignias producen en la autorregulación, una competencia que mejora la experiencia de aprendizaje, guía el aprendizaje mediado por la metacognición e incrementa la capacidad estratégica de los estudiantes en términos de motivación, planificación y evaluación del propio proceso de aprendizaje. La metodología sigue el paradigma “Investigación Basada en Diseño”, que analiza los resultados de la transformación producida por la introducción de un nuevo elemento en contextos educativos auténticos. La evaluación que se propone es multifacética, donde las evidencias se han recabado a partir de la triangulación de métodos cuantitativos y cualitativos. En los primeros resultados se observa la alta consideración otorgada a la función de “reflexionar sobre las tareas” realizadas, reconociendo que influyen “en marcar como reto seguir el ritmo del curso” y en la “motivación”. El reto que se abre es comprobar si esta inmersión en pedagogías digitales contribuye a un desarrollo de la competencia digital docente que acelere la transferencia de estas experiencias al aula.
Evaluación de la competencia oral con rúbricas digitales para el Espacio Iberoamericano del Conocimiento
Authors: Fernández Medina Carlos Rafael , Luque Guerrero Cristina Raquel , Ruiz Rey Francisco José , Rivera Rogel Diana Elizabeth , Andrade Vargas Lucy Deyanira , Cebrián de la Serna Manuel
Published: September 2021

Las instituciones del Espacio Iberoamericano del Conocimiento (EIC) colaboran en proyectos educativos. Siendo la competencia comunicativa imprescindible para el desarrollo profesional y la colaboración del propio EIC. Este trabajo analiza los resultados de un proyecto educativo de colaboración entre ocho universidades y cinco países Iberoamericanos sobre la construcción de una rúbrica común validada con Delphi para evaluar las competencias orales en la exposición de proyectos por los estudiantes. La rúbrica se aplicó en tres grupos de estudiantes de tres instituciones y países distintos (Cuba, Ecuador y España), con modalidades de evaluación formativa (docente, autoevaluación y pares), analizando 788 evaluaciones totales (90 docentes, 61 autoevaluaciones y 637 pares). Los resultados confirman un “alfa de Cronbach” (.934) para las 22 variables analizadas. Con la prueba de Post-Hoc de Tukey en todos los ítems las evaluaciones de pares obtienen peores resultados que evaluación docente, mientras que las autoevaluaciones son mejores. La opinión de los estudiantes con un instrumento validado de satisfacción obteniendo una propuesta significativa de reedición de la rúbrica. El artículo ofrece como producto una rúbrica base validada y experimentada exitosamente en contextos geográficamente diferenciados del EIC.
Evaluating Eye Tracking Technology for Assessment of Students with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties
Authors: Gill Rajvir , Younie Sarah
Published: September 2021

Eye-Gaze Tracking Technology (EGTT) is used most commonly as a communication tool for learners with profound and multiple learning difficulties (PMLD). This research investigates the use of EGTT as an assessment tool to provide additional evidence to confirm teacher assessment. The paper contributes to how teachers can address the barriers faced upon assessing students with PMLD through the use EGTT. Data was obtained from a sample of four students with PMLD and physical disabilities located within a special needs school. The qualitative methodology ensured a triangulation of data collection, which included analysis of learners’ heat maps, parent questionnaires and observations of teaching via video capture. It was found that the eye-tracking data provided information on individual learner’s engagement with the learning objectives, which otherwise could not have been communicated. The innovative technology provided an independent data source to inform the teacher’s assessment of the learner’s cognitive abilities. Overall EGTT enabled a more accurate method of teacher assessment of PMLD students’ abilities, giving teachers more confidence with their judgements by providing robust evidence to underpin their professional practice. Where schools want to invest in tools which deliver, this research can guide SEN leaders/schools in deciding potential investment in EGTT equipment and how to use it as an assessment tool.
Splitting Algorithms for Rare Events of Semimartingale Reflecting Brownian Motions
Authors: Leder Kevin , Liu Xin , Wang Zicheng
Published: September 2021

We study rare event simulations of semimartingale reflecting Brownian motions (SRBMs) in an orthant. The rare event of interest is that a d-dimensional positive recurrent SRBM enters the set [Formula: see text] before hitting a small neighborhood of the origin [Formula: see text] as [Formula: see text] with a starting point outside the two sets and of order o(n). We show that, under two regularity conditions (the Dupuis–Williams stability condition of the SRBM and the Lipschitz continuity assumption of the associated Skorokhod problem), the probability of the rare event satisfies a large deviation principle. To study the variational problem (VP) for the rare event in two dimensions, we adapt its exact solution from developed by Avram, Dai, and Hasenbein in 2001. In three and higher dimensions, we construct a novel subsolution to the VP under a further assumption that the reflection matrix of the SRBM is a nonsingular [Formula: see text]-matrix. Based on the solution/subsolution, particle-based simulation algorithms are constructed to estimate the probability of the rare event. Our estimator is asymptotically optimal for the discretized problem in two dimensions and has exponentially superior performance over standard Monte Carlo in three and higher dimensions. In addition, we establish that the growth rate of the relative bias term arising from discretization is subexponential in all dimensions. Therefore, we can estimate the probability of interest with subexponential complexity growth in two dimensions. In three and higher dimensions, the computational complexity of our estimators has a strictly smaller exponential growth rate than the standard Monte Carlo estimators.
Equine lymphoma: a review
Authors: Sheard Lucy , McGovern Kate
Published: September 2021

Lymphoma is the most commonly occurring equine haemopoietic neoplasm, accounting for 1.3–2.8% of all neoplasia identified in horses. The disease broadly takes one of five forms: multicentric, alimentary, cutaneous, mediastinal and solitary extranodal tumours. Lymphoma can be classified by immunophenotype, allowing more accurate prognostication and individualised chemotherapeutic protocols. Clinical signs are usually insidious in onset and clinicopathological changes tend to be broad and non-specific, impeding early antemortem diagnosis. It is not uncommon with internal tumours that a diagnosis is not made until post-mortem examination. Treatment options are limited and often cost-prohibitive, and advanced disease progression at time of diagnosis means that euthanasia is usually opted for, as treatment is very rarely curative. Earlier diagnosis may improve prognosis if therapeutic options are viable to owners, so lymphoma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in many cases.
Nursing a horse with strangles
Authors: Whitelegg Helen , Saunders Tom
Published: September 2021

Strangles can be an extremely debilitating and unpleasant experience for an infected horse. Diligent nursing care is important as the disease runs its course, to maximise the chances of a full and straightforward recovery. Veterinary nurses can play a critical role in strangles outbreaks by ensuring horses are in a comfortable environment within quarantine, are encouraged to eat and drink, benefit from careful abscess management and are monitored closely. Nurses also provide essential support for vets during procedures such as guttural pouch endoscopy, as well as helping to maintain strict biosecurity protocols to prevent further spread of disease.
Synthesis, Spectral Characterization and Anticonvulsant Studies of the Novel Triazolothiadiazoles Bearing Benzoxazole Moiety
Authors: Sarafroz Mohammad , Khatoon Yasmin , Amir Mohd , Salahuddin Salahuddin , Taleuzzaman Mohamad , Yadav Chandan
Published: September 2021

In this study, new fused triazolo-thiadiazoles (4a-o) were synthesized viamethyl 2-[bromo(phenyl)methyl]-1,3-benzoxazole-5-carboxylate. The structure of novel derivatives was recognized on the basis of spectral data results and screened their anticonvulsant action by means of maximal electroshock seizure (MES) and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol (scPTZ) procedures. Minimal motor studies were completed by a rotarod method. Compounds 4e, 4g, 4j, 4l, 4m and 4n showing better anticonvulsant action corresponding to hydrophobicity. Other molecules remained fewer lipophilic and have less effectiveness. Most of the compounds positively tolerable the rotarod test deprived of motor deficiency. In conclusion, the prepared derivatives with distal aryl moiety exhibited higher lipophilic character and lead to improved pharmacological achievement, which can be a forthcoming promise.
Spectroscopic Elucidation of Some Complexes of Vanillin Semicarbazone
Authors: Sinha Navneet , Kumar Rajnish , Singh Vijay Pratap , KUMAR Deepak , Sharma Shivadhar
Published: September 2021

3-Phenyl-4-methoxybenzaldehyde undergoes condensation with semicarbazide hydrochloride to form a Schiff-base i.e. 3-phenyl-4-methoxybenzaldehyde semicarbazone (abbreviated as MBS). It undergoes complexation with Vanadium(II), Manganese(II), and Copper(II). The comparison of FTIR-spectra of complexes with that of free ligand helps ascertain the coordination points of ligand through the nitrogen of –CH=N– group and oxygen of group. The axial ligands have been varied by chloride, acetate and nitrate ions. The UV/Visible and ESR spectra of complexes predicts their tetragonally distorted octahedral (D4h) symmetry. The tetragonal distortion parameter (Dt) is observed maximum for chloride while it is minimum for nitrate along z-axis. Both vanillin and semicarbazide are established biologically active compounds and hence their biological activities may be enhanced by their complexation and than a versatile field may be developed for further exploration.
Multi Metal Ion Recognizing Unsymmetrical tetra Dentate Schiff bases associated with Antifungal Activity
Authors: Shunmugaperumal Selvaraj , Dhasarathan Saranya , P Kamatchi Selvaraj. , Kaliappan Ilango
Published: September 2021

New unsymmetrical Schiff bases containing azomethine moiety with simple aromatic section in one side and ferrocene fragment attached imine on the other side have beensynthesized. Advent of metal-to-ligand charge transfer band for the coordination of Cu2+ ions with receptors and appropriate changes in UV-Visible spectra for other metal ion combination with the sensor is reported. Observed extravagant ΔEpvalues suggest quasi-reversible process. The ΔIpa amount calculated from the anodic current Ipa value noticed for receptor solution and different metal ion added sensor solution discloses the concentration of metal ions required for effective sensing. The synthesized ligands were subjected to antimicrobial activity against four bacterial and two fungal stains and the zone of inhibition (in mm) was calculated. Further molecular docking study was carried out and the binding energy (Kcal.mol-1) for the synthesized ligand (R1 and R2) with the selected protein was intended.
Rheological study of orange honey with influence on concentration
Authors: Stanciu Ioana
Published: September 2021

The rheological behavior of orange honey was studied in the temperature range 25-45 degrees Celsius with Haake VT 550 viscometer when the HV1 viscosity sensor at high shear rates 3.3 and 1312s-1. The assortment of orange honey has a dilating behavior being influenced by concentration and humidity. Honey was studied with a humidity of 16%, 17%, 19% and 21%. The rheological behavior is influenced by both humidity and its composition.
Removal of COD from Groundwater in and Around Industrial Areas - Using Activated Carbon Powder Prepared by Groundnut Foliage and Groundnut Husk
Authors: Kistan A. , Kanchana V. , Geetha N. K. , Sujitha G. Infant
Published: September 2021

The following study explains that the adsorption efficiency of activated carbon used by Groundnut foliage and groundnut husk for the deportation of COD (Chemical Oxygen demand) from groundwater collected from in and around industrial areas of Vellore district was investigated with different activating conditions (Activating agent- KOH, ZnCl2 and H3PO4; Impregnation ratio-1:1,1:2,1:2; and activation temeperture-500-700°C. The activated carbon prepared based on optimized condition has well-developed pore structure and functional groups which is confirmed from SEM image and FTIR analysis respectively. The adsorption equilibrium was reached in 240 min with the isotherm data fitted well in both the model such as Langmuir model and Freundlich’s model indicating chemisorption’s adsorption for the activated carbon. Moreover, the adsorption process was exothermic accompanied by a decrease in irregularity. Furthermore, the adsorption kinetic study indicated that the adsorption process of the prepared sample follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model compare to the pseudo-first -order kinetic model
Reverse Phase Chromatographic Method of Analysis for Assay and Content Uniformity Estimation of Drug Substance Sitagliptin, Metformin and Empagliflozin from Available Marketed Formulation
Authors: Kadam Gopal Mohanrao , Puyad Avinash Laxmanrao , Kalyankar Tukaram Mohanrao , Kshirsagar Rajeshwar Vishwanath
Published: September 2021

A new method of analysis with reverse phase chemistry was designed and developed. Validation for method of analysis was performed for its intended use to calculate assay and content uniformity of drug substance sitagliptin, metformin and empagliflozin in the drug products. The method has a run time of 10 minutes on X-bridge C18 column having 250 mm length, 4.6 mm internal diameter and Particle Size of 5µm, by the use of 0.1% Trifluoroacetic acid Buffer 40%: Methanol 40%: Acetonitrile 20% ratio as constituent composition in the proposed mobile phase and chromatography run at wavelength of 224 nm. The retention time of Metformin, Empagliflozin and Sitagliptin, were 3.383, 5.571 and 6.429 minutes, respectively. International Conference on Harmonization guideline was referred for validation. The method showed adequate sensitivity for precision, linearity and accuracy parameter (between the range 25-75μg/mL, 250-750μg/mL and 2.5-7.5μg/mL for sitagliptin, metformin and empagliflozin respectively). The percentage recoveries obtained for sitagliptin, metformin and empagliflozin are in the range of 98.0 – 102.0 %. As results are within the acceptance [1], hence the new developed and proposed method is suitable for quantification of one, two or three component drugs, separately or in combination.
A Study on the Development and Application of Korean Medical Critical Pathway of Lumbar Disc Herniation in Four Different Medical Associations
Authors: Kim Jung-Hyun , Chae Sang Yeup , Ko Min-Jung , Jo Min-Gi , Jang Jun-Yeong , Kim Jun Yeon , Kim Ha-Na , Park Kyeong Ju , Hwang Ji-Min , Goo Bonhyuk , Park Yeon-Cheol , Baek Yong-Hyeon , Nam Sang-Soo , Seo Byung-Kwan
Published: September 2021

Objectives: A critical pathway defines the optimal care process, sequencing and timing of intervention by multi-disciplinary health care teams for a particular diagnosis and procedure. It plays an important role as a cost-effective health care delivery system and a tool for quality control of medical and dental services by means of standardizing medical practices. The aim of this study is to investigate the satisfaction of patients and medical staff after implementation of a critical pathway for Korean medical treatment of lumbar disc herniation in integrative medical. Methods and Results: The pre-critical pathway group included 3 patients who underwent the implementation procedure from October 2020. All three patients have successfully been applied critical pathways during inpatient and outpatient treatment. Additionally, medical staff members were satisfied with the usefulness of the critical pathway. Conclusions: The implementation of critical pathway for the Korean medical treatment with lumbar disc herniation in integrative medical hospital can appraise possible applicability in actual clinical field.
A Research on Methods of Acupuncture Therapies(鍼法) Based on New Classification Models : Focused on Currently Practiced Methods of Acupuncture Therapies(鍼法) in Korean Medicine(韓醫學)
Authors: Kye Kangyoon , Kim Byoungsoo
Published: September 2021

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to analyze Methods of Acupuncture Therapies(鍼法) that are currently practiced in Korean medicine(韓醫學) and to consider the directions in further research and development. Methods: Methods of Acupuncture Therapies(鍼法) were selected based on Acupuncture Medicine textbook of College of Korean Medicine and published researches. Then, selected Methods of Acupuncture Therapies(鍼法) were categorized by characteristics. Also, the selected Methods of Acupuncture Therapies(鍼法) were comprehensively classified according to new models, Heaven-Earth-Human(天地人) model and Dimensional model. The directions of further research and development in Methods of Acupuncture Therapies(鍼法) were considered based on this. Results ＆ Conclusions : In the categorization by characteristics, sufficient basic references were unavailable to consider the directions in further research and development. However, comprehensive classification using Heaven-Earth-Human(天地人) model and Dimensional model was able to be used as references for estimating the relative positions of each Method of Acupuncture Therapies(鍼法) and also, establishing the directions in further research and development.
Regarding the results from comprehensive classification, the studies on Physiology of Four Seasons and Day and night(晝夜) are required. Besides, the acceptance of Western medical contents which include anatomical structures is unavoidable to achieve the development in Methods of Acupuncture Therapies(鍼法). In addition, it is necessary to propose researches founded on an integrated theory of Viscera and Bowels(藏府) and Meridian and Collateral(經絡) which enables to embrace the physiological function of human body. Upon this, the creation of a Four-dimensional Methods of Acupuncture Therapy(鍼法) is also required.