bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efectividad de un programa de intervención para la reducción del sexismo hostil y benévolo en adolescentes infractores varones
Authors: Roncero Villarreal David , Fernández-Moreno Álvaro , Benedicto Duque Carlos
Published: January 2025

Las actitudes sexistas son un factor de riesgo tradicionalmente asociado a la violencia contra la mujer, siendo los adolescentes infractores varones un colectivo diana de cara a la prevención. El objetivo principal del presente trabajo fue evaluar la efectividad del “Programa de intervención para promover las relaciones igualitarias”, dirigido a reducir las actitudes sexistas en adolescentes infractores varones. Se llevó a cabo un estudio preexperimental en el que participaron 104 adolescentes varones con edades entre 14 y 21 años (M = 17.35; ± 0.16) que cumplían una medida judicial de internamiento. Se recogieron datos sobre las actitudes sexistas antes y después de participar en el programa de intervención, utilizando la Escala de Detección de Sexismo en Adolescentes (DSA). Los resultados mostraron una reducción significativa de las actitudes sexistas hostiles y benévolas solo en aquellos participantes con altos niveles iniciales de sexismo. Por el contrario, los participantes con un nivel bajo de sexismo antes de la intervención experimentaron un ligero incremento de las actitudes sexistas hostiles. Los resultados mostraron la utilidad de implementar programas dirigidos a reducir las actitudes sexistas en adolescentes infractores, destacando la necesidad de ajustar las intervenciones al nivel de riesgo presentado para maximizar su efectividad.
Projeto CONNECT e a contribuição das tecnologias digitais na formação continuada de professores
Authors: Torres Patrícia Lupion , Kowalski Raquel Pasternak Glitz , Shibuta Regina Liberato
Published: January 2025

Esta pesquisa traz reflexões em torno da implementação do Projeto CONNECT, financiado pela União Europeia, que visa promover a escolarização aberta e a alfabetização científica por meio das tecnologias digitais. Este estudo objetiva de que forma o CONNECT promove a colaboração entre professores por meio de tecnologias digitais, usando MOOC, site e plataforma para a formação continuada. A iniciativa busca integrar a ciência no currículo escolar, incentivando a pesquisa e a inovação. No Paraná, a implementação incluiu um MOOC em sete módulos, abordando todas as etapas para a implementação do projeto. Tanto o site quanto a plataforma do CONNECT ampliaram o compromisso dos professores com a ciência e a escolarização aberta, oferecendo recursos educacionais diversificados e fomentando a cultura da colaboração. Os resultados indicam que a participação ativa dos professores em projetos de ciência-ação enriquece suas práticas pedagógicas e fortalece a integração eficaz de tecnologias digitais no ensino. A abordagem interdisciplinar do CONNECT demonstra que a tecnologia pode ser usada na formação continuada dos educadores, melhorar a colaboração entre os envolvidos e preparar os professores para os desafios educacionais contemporâneos.
Doutrina social da Igreja
Authors: Borges Valdir , Filipak Sirley Terezinha , Coelho Jairo de Sousa
Published: January 2025

Observando o cenário atual acerca das questões sociais, econômicas e políticas, em que se acirram posicionamentos à sombra de um mundo fechado ao diálogo, investigamos a problemática da Doutrina Social da Igreja (DSI) como impulsionadora de um novo paradigma de gestão humanizadora para as Instituições de Educação Superior (IES) no Brasil. Objetivamos demonstrar que a DSI, um corpo doutrinário da Igreja Católica, impregnado de um humanismo solidário, pode servir de inspiração e paradigma à gestão às IES no Brasil.  A metodologia utilizada é a abordagem qualitativa com revisão bibliográfica e documental, cujo referencial teórico está baseado em PARO (2007), SÍVERES (2007), VIEIRA (1997), LÜCK (2006), LIBÂNEO (2002), entre outros. Além disso, o patrimônio do Magistério da Igreja, o projeto educativo de Francisco (SAYAGO, 2019). O principal resultado seria a união de forças de toda a sociedade em renovar a paixão pelo ensino, para repensarmos uma nova agenda para o gerenciamento na educação. Em conclusão, a DSI pode colaborar no processo de humanização da gestão das IES no Brasil, rompendo todas as fronteiras em favor de uma grande aliança educacional que reconstrua o tecido das relações educacionais, impregnando nas IES um humanismo solidário pautado no bem comum.
Inteligência Artificial em Contextos Restritos de Recursos
Authors: Claudino Osmundo Rocha , Dermeval Diego , Rodrigues Luiz
Published: January 2025

Técnicas de Inteligência Artificial na Educação (IAED) impactam processos de ensino-aprendizagem nos  diversos domínios do conhecimento. Assim, este artigo de revisão focaliza implicações do uso da IA no ensino de Ciências, considerando os problemas da baixa proficiência científica e da baixa conectividade, que marcam o contexto educacional brasileiro. Tais implicações são analisadas a partir das seguintes questões de pesquisa: (QP1) Quais as implicações do uso de Sistemas Tutores Inteligentes (STIs), que utilizam técnicas de IA, no ensino de Ciências da Educação Básica? (QP2) Quais as contribuições do uso de IA na capacitação de professores de ciências?  (QP3) Quais as contribuições do uso de técnicas de IA Desplugada no ensino de Ciências, em nível da Educação Básica?  De uma Revisão Sistemática da Literatura em cinco bases de dados (ACM Library; Science Direct; ISI Web of Science; Scopus; SpringerLink) resultaram sete estudos primários, focalizando o (1) desenvolvimento de habilidades cognitivas e procedimentais; (2) apoio à formação de professores em serviço; e (3) provimento de feedback unplugged a professores e estudantes. Nossa RSL elucidou implicações significativas, não se limitando ao uso da IA Desplugada, dado que nenhum dos estudos reportou contribuições na Educação Básica, reiterando uma lacuna da pesquisa em ensino de Ciências.
Aperfeiçoamento educativo ou gestão comunicacional?
Authors: Duci Juliana Rossi , Lastória Luiz Antônio Calmon Nabuco , Carvalho João Mauro Gomes Vieira de
Published: January 2025

Ao longo dos últimos anos, o uso de plataformas digitais de educação online tem adquirido proeminência no contexto educacional, situação que atingiu seu ápice durante a pandemia de Covid-19. Com o aumento da utilização dessas plataformas, é pertinente colocar a questão sobre qual seu significado pedagógico. O presente artigo pretende contribuir para a resposta a essa questão através da reconstrução de um caso empírico, composto por materiais pubicitários e institucionais da plataforma Moodle, utilizando o método da Hermenêutica Objetiva. A partir dessa análise, foi possível reconstruir os elementos pedagógicos constitutivos da plataforma. Observou-se que, apesar de sua pretensão de aperfeiçoamento educativo, ela na prática se reduz a uma ferramenta comunicacional de aprendizagem técnica e de gestão de dados, operando de acordo com a racionalidade técnica e econômica que caracteriza a sociedade contemporânea e dirimindo o potencial pedagógico da atividade educativa.
Neoliberalismo e a constituição de professores de Matemática na sociedade infocrática da sedução
Authors: Fogaça Fernando , Wanderer Fernanda
Published: January 2025

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar os efeitos do neoliberalismo sobre as práticas pedagógicas nas quais os jogos no ambiente tecnológico estão presentes e a constituição de determinados modos de ser professor de Matemática em uma sociedade infocrática da sedução. Como aportes teóricos, se baseia nas discussões pós-críticas sobre o neoliberalismo e no conceito de infocracia de Byung-Chul Han. Utilizou-se uma abordagem qualitativa de cunho bibliográfico. Os materiais analisados foram 24 artigos científicos ou resumos expandidos completos de domínio público, disponíveis nos anais eletrônicos das reuniões nacionais da ANPEd entre os anos de 2000 e 2021, nas modalidades trabalho ou pôster, no GT 19 – Educação Matemática. A estratégia analítica posta em operação foi inspirada na análise do discurso em Michel Foucault. Por meio da observação das recorrências encontradas, foi possível identificar que o professor da sociedade infocrática da sedução pode ser visto como um gestor de informações, ou seja, responsável por um trabalho de pesquisa detalhada, de captura de todos os pormenores dos alunos, desde seu conhecimento da disciplina até seus desejos. Nesse sentido, compreendeu-se que existe uma correlação entre o fazer docente e as práticas de governamento do Estado, unidos para a produção de sujeitos adequados à sociedade neoliberal contemporânea mediante a exploração de informações, captura da atenção e modulação da memória – contexto no qual os jogos se colocam como possibilidade fortuita para a execução desse propósito.
Colonialismo Digital
Authors: Santiago Elisangela Hahn dos Santos , Candiotto Jaci de Fatima Souza , Santiago Leoncio
Published: January 2025

Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir os impactos do Colonialismo Digital na educação das mulheres. Ao longo do trabalho, aborda-se o reconhecimento do direito das mulheres à educação, e como a falta desse reconhecimento, bem como a forma como ele se apresenta, constituem facetas do processo de colonização e das colonialidades. É imprescindível promover iniciativas de educação em direitos humanos decoloniais, enfrentando e resistindo ao colonialismo. Assumindo uma nova face do mesmo processo histórico, o Colonialismo Digital precisa ser debatido e enfrentado, pois aplica, no ambiente virtual, as mesmas opressões do colonialismo clássico. Conclui-se que o colonialismo digital é uma nova etapa do processo de produção e reprodução do sistema capitalista, afetando diretamente mulheres negras e pobres. Por isso, são urgentes iniciativas de organização de propostas de educação em direitos humanos sob perspectivas feministas decoloniais também no ambiente virtual.
Educação das infâncias no YouTube
Authors: Ripoll Daniela , Guizzo Bianca Salazar , Rocha Joici Oliveira Ferreira
Published: January 2025

Este artigo tem como objetivo problematizar como as infâncias estão sendo produzidas, educadas e representadas em vídeos do canal de Felipe Neto no YouTube. Em tais vídeos, o YouTuber Felipe Neto joga Minecraft, um jogo de propriedade da Microsoft que é sucesso em todo o mundo. O campo teórico que embasa as discussões é o dos Estudos Culturais – e, metodologicamente, utiliza-se a etnografia de tela para a análise dos vídeos. A análise permitiu verificar a construçãode uma infância gamer, orientada pelo hiperconsumo, pela hiperatenção, pelo hiper desempenho e pelo empreendedorismo. Conclui-se que Felipe Neto e Minecraft educam as infâncias, na medida em que promovem mudanças de hábitos, reforçando determinadas representações e moldando as identidades das crianças.
Educational environment as a significant motivational factor
Authors: Kompaneeva Liudmila Gennadievna , Maslova Alesya Dmitrievna , Davydov Denis Aleksandrovich
Published: January 2025

This research is devoted to the study of main characteristics of educational environment and the level of its influence on learning motivation of secondary education students. The purpose of the study is to determine how to create a favourable educational environment that meets the needs and interests of students and supports positive motivation. In this research we consider educational environment as a set of conditions in which the educational process takes place, including: goals, objectives, methods and forms of education; pedagogical style; school atmosphere; the equipment of schools. Educational environment is a significant factor that determines the success of learning, contributes to the development of students’ interest in learning, their independence and critical thinking, and increases internal motivation. Within the framework of this study, we rely on a personalized and value-based approach to the organization of learning process, and use such methods as: system analysis, generalization, comparison, theoretical analysis of scientific literature. We conducted an anonymous survey of 178 students from grades 8–11 of 5 Volzhsky schools to analyze the possibilities of practical implementation of theoretical results. The analysis of modern scientific publications on pedagogy and pedagogical psychology, as well as the results of the survey, allowed us to draw the following conclusions. It is possible to increase students’ motivation by: making clear definitions of goals and objectives of education that are achievable by students; using teaching methods that promote activation of students’ cognitive activity and increase their interest in learning; using of a pedagogical style focused on creating a favourable atmosphere in the classroom and on supporting students. Schools, that are provided with modern digital equipment, comfortable classrooms, and that are practising a democratic management style, usually have a significantly higher level of student motivation. Students in such schools participate in educational and entertainment events actively.
An interactive guide as a means of organizing training within the framework of a guided tour lesson (using the example of a guided tour lesson on the topic of "Maslenitsa traditions")
Authors: Karabanova Ekaterina Nikolaevna , Mar'yanovich Daliborka , SHul'dishova Alina Anatol'evna
Published: January 2025

This article is devoted to the use of ICT as a means of organizing learning (using the example of a lesson tour) in groups of foreign students studying Russian at the B1 level. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the creation and introduction into the educational process of an interactive guide on the topic "Maslenitsa traditions", aimed at the formation of communicative, linguistic and socio-cultural competencies of foreign students. The object of the study is the process of introducing ICT in the field of foreign language education. The subject of the study: changing the content of the teaching methodology of RCT by introducing ICT into the learning process. Research objectives: to identify the methodological potential of ICT as a means of organizing training in groups of foreign students, to develop a system of exercises within the framework of an interactive excursion on the topic "Maslenitsa traditions" for foreign students, to create worksheets and introduce an interactive guide on the topic "Maslenitsa traditions" into the process of experiential learning in groups of foreign students of non-philological profile at the B1 level Peoples' Friendship University of Russia named after Patrice Lumumba. The methods and materials correspond to the specified research objectives. The analysis of scientific and methodological literature on topical issues of the use of ICT in the teaching methodology of RCT was carried out. To prove the effectiveness of the created interactive guide, experimental training was conducted at the Department of Russian Language No. 5 of the IRA RUDN, as well as an analysis of the results. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the creation and introduction into the educational process of an interactive guide on the topic "Maslenitsa traditions", aimed at the formation of communicative, linguistic and socio-cultural competencies of foreign students. As a result of the study, the methodological potential of using an interactive guide within the framework of a lesson – excursion was revealed, the conclusions of experimental training were indicated, confirming the effectiveness of introducing the chosen learning tool into the RCT learning process. It is proved that the use of an interactive guide increases the effectiveness of the formation of communicative, linguistic and socio-cultural competencies of foreign students studying the Russian language and culture of Russia. The conclusion of the study is that the active introduction of ICT, namely, developments in the field of creating an interactive guide as a means of organizing learning within the framework of a lesson tour contributes to the successful and comprehensive development of the Russian language by foreign students.
Identifying Genetic Variations in emm89 Streptococcus pyogenes Linked to Severe Invasive Infections
Authors: Ono Masayuki , Yamaguchi Masaya , Motooka Daisuke , Hirose Yujiro , Higashi Kotaro , Sumitomo Tomoko , Miyoshi-Akiyama Tohru , Okuno Rumi , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Kawahara Ryuji , Otsuka Hitoshi , Nakanishi Noriko , Kazawa Yu , Nakagawa Chikara , Yamaguchi Ryo , Sakai Hiroo , Matsumoto Yuko , Ikebe Tadayoshi , Kawabata Shigetada
Published: January 2025

Streptococcus pyogenes
causes mild human infections as well as life-threatening invasive diseases. Since the mutations known to enhance virulence to date account for only half of the severe invasive infections, additional mechanisms/mutations need to be identified. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study of
emm
89
S. pyogenes
strains to comprehensively identify pathology-related bacterial genetic factors (SNPs, indels, genes, or k-mers). Japanese (
n
=311) and global (
n
=666) cohort studies of strains isolated from invasive or non-invasive infections revealed 17 and 1,075 SNPs/indels and 2 and 169 genes, respectively, that displayed associations with invasiveness. We validated one of them, a non-invasiveness-related point mutation,
fhuB
T218C, by structure predictions and introducing it into a severe invasive strain and confirmed that the mutant showed slower growth in human blood. Thus, we report novel mechanisms that convert
emm
89
S. pyogenes
to an invasive phenotype and a platform for establishing novel treatments and prevention strategies.
An increase in reactive oxygen species underlies neonatal cerebellum repair
Authors: Pakula Anna , El Nagar Salsabiel , Bayin N Sumru , Christensen Jens Bager , Stephen Daniel N , Reid Adam James , Koche Richard , Joyner Alexandra L
Published: January 2025

The neonatal mouse cerebellum shows remarkable regenerative potential upon injury at birth, wherein a subset of Nestin-expressing progenitors (NEPs) undergoes adaptive reprogramming to replenish granule cell progenitors that die. Here, we investigate how the microenvironment of the injured cerebellum changes upon injury and contributes to the regenerative potential of normally gliogenic-NEPs and their adaptive reprogramming. Single cell transcriptomic and bulk chromatin accessibility analyses of the NEPs from injured neonatal cerebella compared to controls show a temporary increase in cellular processes involved in responding to reactive oxygen species (ROS), a known damage-associated molecular pattern. Analysis of ROS levels in cerebellar tissue confirm a transient increased one day after injury at postanal day 1, overlapping with the peak cell death in the cerebellum. In a transgenic mouse line that ubiquitously overexpresses human mitochondrial catalase (mCAT), ROS is reduced 1 day after injury to the granule cell progenitors, and we demonstrate that several steps in the regenerative process of NEPs are curtailed leading to reduced cerebellar growth. We also provide evidence that microglia are involved in one step of adaptive reprogramming by regulating NEP replenishment of the granule cell precursors. Collectively, our results highlight that changes in the tissue microenvironment regulate multiple steps in adaptative reprogramming of NEPs upon death of cerebellar granule cell progenitors at birth, highlighting the instructive roles of microenvironmental signals during regeneration of the neonatal brain.
The first complete 3D reconstruction and morphofunctional mapping of an insect eye
Authors: Makarova Anastasia A , Chua Nicholas J , Diakova Anna V , Desyatirkina Inna A , Gunn Pat , Pang Song , Xu C Shan , Hess Harald , Chklovskii Dmitri B , Polilov Alexey A
Published: January 2025

The structure of compound eyes in arthropods has been the subject of many studies revealing important biological principles. However, until recently, these studies were constrained by the two-dimensional nature of available ultrastructural data. Here, by taking advantage of the novel three-dimensional ultrastructural dataset obtained using volume electron microscopy (vEM), we present the first cellular-level reconstruction of the whole compound eye of an insect, the extremely miniaturized parasitoid wasp
Megaphragma viggianii
. The compound eye of the female
M. viggianii
consists of 29 ommatidia and contains 478 cells. Despite the almost anucleate brain, all cells of the compound eye possess nuclei. Like in larger insects, the dorsal rim area (DRA) of the
M. viggianii
eye contains ommatidia that putatively specialize in the polarized light detection as reflected in their corneal and retinal morphology. We report the presence of three ‘ectopic’ photoreceptors. Our results offer new insights into the miniaturization of compound eyes and scaling of sensory organs in general.
NR2F2 is required in the embryonic testis for Fetal Leydig Cell development
Authors: Perea-Gomez Aitana , Bellido-Carreras Natividad , Dhellemmes Magali , Tang Furong , Le Gallo Coralie , Chaboissier Marie-Christine
Published: January 2025

Male genital development in XY mammalian fetuses is triggered by the action of hormones, including testosterone, secreted by the developing testes. Defects in this process are a cause for Differences in Sex Development (DSD), one of the most common congenital abnormalities in humans. Fetal Leydig Cells (FLC) play a central role for the synthesis of masculinizing hormones in the developing testes. Yet, the genetic cascade controlling their differentiation is poorly understood. Here we investigate the role of the orphan nuclear receptor NR2F2 (COUP-TFII) in FLC development. We report that NR2F2 is expressed in interstitial progenitor cells of the mouse embryonic testes and is downregulated upon their differentiation into FLC. By using two mouse models for conditional mutation of
Nr2f2
in the developing testes, we demonstrate that NR2F2 is required for testis morphogenesis and FLC development. NR2F2 acts in interstitial progenitors to regulate the initiation and progression of FLC differentiation. These results establish NR2F2 as an essential regulator of FLC development and steroid hormone synthesis in the mouse fetal testis and provide an entry point to understand the etiology of 46, XY DSD associated with pathogenic NR2F2 variants.
Ecogames: Playful Perspectives on the Climate Crisis, edited by Laura op de Beke, Joost Raessens, Stefan Werning and Gerald Farca (Amsterdam University Press, 2024)
Authors: Guanio-Uluru Lykke
Published: January 2025

A review of the voluminous anthology Laura op de Beke, Joost Raessens, Stefan Werning and Gerald Farca (eds.): Ecogames: Playful Perspectives on the Climate Crisis. Published by Amsterdam University Press in their Green Media series, 2024. ISBN: 978-9-463-72119-6, 612 pages.
Everything to Play For: How Videogames are Changing the World by Marijam Did (Verso, 2024)
Authors: Hammar Emil L.
Published: January 2025

A review of Marijam Did: Everything to Play For: How Videogames are Changing the World. Published by Verso, 2024. ISBN: 978-1-804-29324-9, 288 pages
Transgender emergence in video games
Authors: Longobardi Zingarelli Robin
Published: January 2025

Over the past two decades, trans theory has conceptualised gender identity and bodily autonomy, advocating for self-exploration and political affirmation (Nagoshi & Brzuzy, 2010; Stryker, 2017; Stryker & Whittle, 2006). This focus has resonated with game studies, which have examined video games as a medium for trans representation (Ruberg, 2020; Ruberg, 2022; Thach, 2021). This commentary explores the emergence of transgender identities in video games, outlining the state of the art of transgender representations and the experiences of trans players and designers. It highlights the significance of procedural elements such as character customisation, embodiment, and player-avatar relationship for transgender players. In doing so, it also suggests potential tensions and contradictions inherent in transgender emergence, arguing that while video games can provide positive and beneficial spaces for exploring gender identity, they may simultaneously perpetuate transphobia and exploit transgender experiences.
Creation of a New Archaic through Ethnographic and Journalistic Strategies. A Case Study from the Romanian Shepherds’ Tradition
Authors:   Institute of Ethnography and Folklore “Constantin Brailoiu”, Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Iliescu Laura Jiga
Published: January 2025

As eclectic as they are, our times express a multilevel predisposition to re-actuate ‘archaic tradition’ (whatever it means, but for certain, in connection with another contemporary obsession, which is ‘authenticity’) as a return-to-nature movement. This process comes from the urban environment and is often formalised through new rituals, which do not absorb original, genuine old rituals, perhaps already vanished, but which are based on their descriptions and interpretations. The case discussed in this article is from Romanian tradition and is represented by the wedding in a vegetal sanctuary (Rom. biserica de brazi). I analysed an article published in Formula As, a new-age magazine with a large audience, in order to disclose strategies of a turning a ritual in a legend, that occurs at the intersection between ethnographic and fictional texts.
A tradition of Invention
Authors:   Associate Researcher, Centre de recherche bretonne et celtique, Brest, Griffin-Kremer Cozette
Published: January 2025

The nineteenth and twentieth centuries were a heyday for founding festivals, some of which were to die on the vine, while some continued until meeting an especially rough obstacle (like a world war), and yet others have carried on to become centenarians. There are ample records of particular people as “inventors”, whose ambition is to see a festival take hold and survive their own influence for the greater benefit of the community. This can provide an opportunity to examine the dynamics of continuity and the eventuality of rupture. A town outside Paris, France, has two invented festivals, one in spring, begun in 1906, the other in autumn, begun in 1990, both attributed principally to the mayor at the time of inception. Examination of these “inventions” entails adding considerable nuances and attempting to see into a multi-stranded weave of custom, agency, feedback loops and shifts in context over time. In both cases, there is an archive record, as well as oral testimony, on efforts to mobilize the energies of the town folk and create a festival with multiple benefits, from providing an event embracing the symbols of their identity in a forest and rural region, make everyone pleased with a lasting impact on tourism, underwrite a congenial interest in making money, as well as in development of the town as residentially desirable, and, most recently, insert these festivals into an emerging pattern of national policy on social integration and strategies of territorialization. Everything comes from somewhere, so this examination will attempt to trace out the landscape of social context, precedents and often impressive personal networking that enabled inventors to carry town festivals over into broad acceptance and make of them, as they explicitly intended, a tradition – twice.
The effect of the Wnt pathway on the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells in different environments
Authors: Su Qi , Huang Fengqiong , Fang XiuLei , Lin Qiang
Published: January 2025

Alveolar bone defects have always been an urgent problem in the oral cavity. For some patients with periodontal disease or undergoing orthodontic treatment or implant restoration, alveolar bone defects can greatly inconvenience clinical diagnosis and treatment. Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) are considered a promising source for stem cell therapy due to their high osteogenic differentiation capability. The osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs is influenced by various cytokines mediating signaling pathways, as well as a range of biochemical, physical, and chemical factors. Different environments typically impact the Wnt signaling pathway and consequently affect the osteogenic differentiation of PDLSCs. Understanding the effects of the Wnt signaling pathway on the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells in various environments contributes to addressing the diverse clinical scenarios encountered in the oral environment. This knowledge aids in influencing the pathway through bioengineering or the development of novel materials, thereby enhancing the osteogenic potential of stem cells and providing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for clinical practice.
Identification of Breastfeeding Problems using LATCH Score and the Impact of Lactation Counselling: A Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Lingala Sandhya Devi , Vasavi Nerella Jwala , Addanki Amara Jyothi , Chintha Lakshmi Prasanna , Reddy Nagireddy Anusha
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Breastfeeding has important positive long-term health consequences for infants and their mothers. Assessing breastfeeding in the early postnatal period, prior to discharge, is crucial for successful breastfeeding. LATCH (Latch, Audible swallowing, Type of nipple, Comfort and Hold) score can be used to categorise mothers with poor breastfeeding scores and counsel them to prevent early breastfeeding cessation.

Aim: To identify breastfeeding problems using the LATCH score and to assess the impact of lactation counselling among postnatal mothers.

Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, ACSR Government Medical College and Hospital, Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, India, from June 2023 to December 2023. The study included 400 healthy term and singleton babies. LATCH scores were assessed at 6-12 hours after delivery. Mothers with breastfeeding problems were identified, corrected and counselled. The LATCH scores were reassessed again after 24-48 hours. Data were statistically analysed using Chi-square test. The p-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results: The average age of the participants was 24.5 years, and most of them were illiterate. Out of 400 mothers, 344 (86%) mother-infant dyads had a LATCH score of <8 at 6-12 hours after delivery; this reduced significantly to 66 (16.5%). at 24-48 hours after breastfeeding support and training (p-value <0.001). Analysis of the association between demographic characteristics and LATCH scores showed that infants of certain subgroups, such as primi, caesarean, young, and less educated mothers, continued to experience lower LATCH scores.

Conclusion: The incidence of breastfeeding problems was high during the initial days after childbirth and was particularly prevalent among certain subgroups, such as caesarean mothers, primi-parous mothers, younger mothers and less educated mothers. However, systematic assessment using the LATCH score and timely supportive interventions can significantly improve breastfeeding outcomes.
An Investigation on 3d Printing Board Lattice Structure Material
Authors: Chen Qi
Published: January 2025

Structural lightweight design is the process of reducing the amount of material in a component to reduce its overall weight without sacrificing reliability or function. It is the most common application in aerospace, automotive manufacturing and Marine ships, and has received extensive attention from the industry and academia. TPMS combined with 3D printing technology can realize the integrated production of porous structures, solve the problem of processing micro-size material components, and is an important technical support in the process of structural lightweight. In this paper, by designing different TPMS porous structures and optimizing the 3D printing parameters process, polylactic acid (PLA) was successfully printed by material fusion deposition molding (FDM) method, and the tensile and compression characteristics of different structures were analyzed through mechanical properties testing. The experimental results show：

The print specimen is divided into three stages in the whole tensile process, which are elastic stage, yield stage and fracture stage, and the failure form is brittle failure. Among them, the tensile properties of D structure are the best, while the tensile properties of F-RD structure and N structure are relatively poor.
The printed specimen has two forms in the whole compression stage process, FRD structure and D structure have three stages, that is, the rising stage, the gentle stage, the second rising stage, and the N structure has only two stages, that is, the rising stage and the second rising stage. Among them, F-RD structure and D structure have relatively good compression performance, The shape variables are all about 55% under 13MPa, while N structure has poor compression performance, At 13MPa, the shape variable is only 15%.
The type D sample has horizontal pore type, the more uniform the stress is, and the lower the number of stress concentration sites in the same position interface, the better tensile and compressive properties. FRD sample has large pores, but the number is small, the force is more uniform, and the overall tensile and compressive properties are slightly lower than D sample. N-type samples have the largest number of pores, small pores and large distribution area. In the same section, there are many stress concentration locations, which seriously affect the tensile and compressive properties, so the N-type tensile and compressive properties are the worst.
Exploring the Dynamic Interrelationships of Major Cereal Prices in Northern Ghana: An Empirical Analysis Using VAR Modeling
Authors: Yakubu Amadu
Published: January 2025

Cereals are the most types of crops produced worldwide. They have received particular deliberation because of their large shares in the diets of most developing countries. Hence, cereal prices have a considerable impact on food security. Understanding therefore the dynamics of cereal prices and examining the feasibility of econometric models to forecast their dynamics is essential to improve economic decisions. This study employed a Vector Autoregressive (VAR) model to investigate the dynamic relationship between the returns of the cereals. VAR (2) and VAR (3) models were fitted to the data. Based on the Likelihood Ratio Test, VAR (3) model was the best for modeling the dynamic relationship between the returns of the cereals. The diagnostic checks revealed that VAR (3) model was adequate. The VAR (3) model was then used to make inference about the relationship between the returns of these cereals. The Granger causality test revealed a bilateral relationship between the returns of rice and that of millet whiles the returns of maize was independent of the returns of rice and millet. The Impulse Response Function (IRF) and Forecast Error Variance Decomposition (FEVD) analysis both affirm that there exists a dynamic relationship between the returns of the three cereals. Future research could be carried out to understand the sources of price volatility of cereal markets in the Northern Region.
Analysis of Growth and Physiological Characteristics of Soybean Genotypes in Kharif Season of Telangana, India
Authors: Varsha V. M. , K K Ajmal , Reddy S. N.
Published: January 2025

The present investigation was conducted at the Students’ Farm, College of Agriculture, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, during kharif 2017-2018. Results of analysis of growth and physiological characteristics of soybean genotypes showed that highest and lowest plant heights were recorded in Basara and ASB-16, respectively. More number of days to 50% flowering, was recorded for the genotype JS-335 and less in JS-93-05, MACS- 1460 and ASB-15 whereas days to reach maturity was highest in the genotypes JS-335, Basara, NRC-37, ASB-15 and lowest for the genotype JS-93-05. The maximum LAR was recorded for the genotype MACS-1460 while the maximum NAR was in the genotype ASB-15 and minimum was for MACS-1460 at 30- 45 DAS. The highest SLA was recorded in genotype JS-93-05 and the minimum was recorded in ASB-15, whereas the highest SLW was recorded in ASB-15 and the lowest was recorded in the genotype JS-93-05. Hence genotypes MACS-1460, NRC-37 and Basara were morphologically, physiologically more efficient among the soybean genotypes during kharif season.
Literature review to integrate information to assist workers to select masks even at workplaces without occupational health personnel
Authors: Kitamura Hiroko , Kawanami Shoko , Saito Mitsumasa , Horie Seichi
Published: December 2021

Background

With the COVID-19 pandemic, the idea of universal mask wearing to prevent infecting others when one becomes infected has prevailed among people. In general, any workplace is not exempt and workers are required to wear a mask while working at the sites.

Objectives

This study aims to integrate information to assist workers to select effective protectors for the prevention of droplet infection even at workplaces without occupational health personnel.

Methods

A total of 94 studies were included in this study: 91 studies were identified in MEDLINE, which was used for the literature search, and an additional three studies were identified from other information sources. The studies were checked to eliminate duplication and narrowed down to 31 based on the titles and abstracts. The contents of the 31 studies were read through and then 19 studies were extracted for careful reading.

Results and Conclusions

Regarding the protectors used at workplaces, it was suggested that (1) workers continue to use respiratory protectors as needed at sites where respiratory protectors such as an N95 respirator had to be used even before the spread of COVID-19 and (2) wear surgical masks, multi-layer cloth masks, or hybrid fabric masks made of several types of fabrics that are recommended in terms of preventing dissemination of droplets and protecting against inhalation of droplets, selected according to the working conditions, taking account of air permeability, breathability, and durability.
Processing of Continuous Non‐Crosslinked Collagen Fibers for Microtissue Formation at the Muscle‐Tendon Interface
Authors: Koeck Kim Sarah , Salehi Sahar , Humenik Martin , Scheibel Thomas
Published: December 2021

One of the main components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in natural tissues is collagen. Therefore, there has been a strong focus on processing of collagen for biomaterials application in tissue engineering such as in anisotropic tissues like muscles and tendons. To achieve native‐like mechanical properties of the in vitro processed collagen, various crosslinking methods have been tested, but the used crosslinkers often do not yield sufficient mechanical properties or induce considerable inflammatory reactions. Here, good mechanical stability of collagen fibers is achieved by self‐assembly during wet‐spinning without the need of additional crosslinkers. The produced endless collagen fibers show fibril alignment within the fiber with a typical D‐band pattern and a periodicity of approximately 67 nm, which is unique for fibril‐forming collagens. Furthermore, the collagen fibers are processed into hierarchical assemblies using textile‐engineering techniques. The woven assemblies are shown to be excellent substrates for the formation of muscle microtissue with long, aligned, and contractile myofibers. Such constructs are highly important at the muscle‐tendon‐junction (MTJ) and therefore myoblasts and fibroblasts are co‐cultured to develop an MTJ‐model.
Extracellular Biomarkers of Inner Ear Disease and Their Potential for Point‐of‐Care Diagnostics
Authors: Mahshid Sahar Sadat , Higazi Aliaa Monir , Ogier Jacqueline Michelle , Dabdoub Alain
Published: December 2021

Rapid diagnostic testing has become a mainstay of patient care, using easily obtained samples such as blood or urine to facilitate sample analysis at the point‐of‐care. These tests rely on the detection of disease or organ‐specific biomarkers that have been well characterized for a particular disorder. Currently, there is no rapid diagnostic test for hearing loss, which is one of the most prevalent sensory disorders in the world. In this review, potential biomarkers for inner ear‐related disorders, their detection, and quantification in bodily fluids are described. The authors discuss lesion‐specific changes in cell‐free deoxyribonucleic acids (DNAs), micro‐ribonucleic acids (microRNAs), proteins, and metabolites, in addition to recent biosensor advances that may facilitate rapid and precise detection of these molecules. Ultimately, these biomarkers may be used to provide accurate diagnostics regarding the site of damage in the inner ear, providing practical information for individualized therapy and assessment of treatment efficacy in the future.
Highly Emissive Blue Quantum Dots with Superior Thermal Stability via In Situ Surface Reconstruction of Mixed CsPbBr3–Cs4PbBr6 Nanocrystals
Authors: Kim Hyeonjung , Park Jong Hyun , Kim Kangyong , Lee Dongryeol , Song Myoung Hoon , Park Jongnam
Published: December 2021

Although metal halide perovskites are candidate high‐performance light‐emitting diode (LED) materials, blue perovskite LEDs are problematic: mixed‐halide materials are susceptible to phase segregation and bromide‐based perovskite quantum dots (QDs) have low stability. Herein, a novel strategy for highly efficient, stable cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) QDs via in situ surface reconstruction of CsPbBr3–Cs4PbBr6 nanocrystals (NCs) is reported. By controlling precursor reactivity, the ratio of CsPbBr3 to Cs4PbBr6 NCs is successfully modulated. A high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of >90% at 470 nm is obtained because octahedron CsPbBr3 QD surface defects are removed by the Cs4PbBr6 NCs. The defect‐engineered QDs exhibit high colloidal stability, retaining >90% of their initial PLQY after >120 days of ambient storage. Furthermore, thermal stability is demonstrated by a lack of heat‐induced aggregation at 120 °C. Blue LEDs fabricated from CsPbBr3 QDs with reconstructed surfaces exhibit a maximum external quantum efficiency of 4.65% at 480 nm and excellent spectral stability.
Elucidating the Synergistic Behavior of Orientation‐Controlled SnS Nanoplates and Carbon Layers for High‐Performance Lithium‐ and Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lee Jeongyoub , Choi Changhoon , Lee Hyungsoo , Ma Sunihl , Tan Jeiwan , Jang Gyumin , Shim Sang Gi , Park Young Sun , Yun Juwon , Kim Dong‐Wan , Moon Jooho
Published: December 2021

As the demand for higher energy density in portable electronics and electric vehicles has increased, novel electrode materials with high reversible capacity have received significant research attention for breakthrough into next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). Tin monosulfide is a particularly promising anode material for both LIBs and SIBs due to its exceptional electrochemical properties, thus several strategies based on nanoengineered SnS/carbon composites (NSCs) have been introduced to improve the electrical and ionic conductivity and to reduce the volume change that occurs during cycling. However, to fully exploit the outstanding properties of NSCs, the crystallographic orientation of anisotropic SnS should be optimized. Herein, vertically aligned SnS nanoplate arrays (VA‐SnS@C) with preferred (111) and (101) orientations covered by carbon layers are fabricated using a facile spin‐coating method followed by a simple glucose solution bath. The as‐fabricated (111)‐oriented VA‐SnS@C anode demonstrates better electrochemical performance than does the (040)‐oriented planar SnS (PL‐SnS@C) anode, illustrating the critical role of the crystallographic orientation in NSCs. The superior electrochemical performance of the VA‐SnS@C anode demonstrates that this facile approach harnesses the synergistic effects of orientation‐controlled SnS and versatile carbon layers, which is crucial to design high‐performance anodes for next‐generation LIBs and SIBs.
Real‐time Observation of Structural Dynamics Triggering Excimer Formation in a Perylene Bisimide Folda‐dimer by Ultrafast Time‐Domain Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Hong Yongseok , Kim Woojae , Kim Taeyeon , Kaufmann Christina , Kim Hyungjun , Würthner Frank , Kim Dongho
Published: December 2021

In π‐conjugated organic photovoltaic materials, an excimer state has been generally regarded as a trap state which hinders efficient excitation energy transport. But despite wide investigations of the excimer for overcoming the undesirable energy loss, the understanding of the relationship between the structure of the excimer in stacked organic compounds and its properties remains elusive. Here, we present the landscape of structural dynamics from the excimer formation to its relaxation in a co‐facially stacked archetypical perylene bisimide folda‐dimer using ultrafast time‐domain Raman spectroscopy. We directly captured vibrational snapshots illustrating the ultrafast structural evolution triggering the excimer formation along the interchromophore coordinate on the complex excited‐state potential surfaces and following evolution into a relaxed excimer state. Not only does this work showcase the ultrafast structural dynamics necessary for the excimer formation and control of excimer characteristics but also provides important criteria for designing the π‐conjugated organic molecules.
Clusters Induced Electron Redistribution to Tune Oxygen Reduction Activity of Transition Metal Single‐Atom for Metal–Air Batteries
Authors: Huang Hongjiao , Yu Deshuang , Hu Feng , Huang Shao‐Chu , Song Junnan , Chen Han‐Yi , Li Lin Lin , Peng Shengjie
Published: December 2021

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity can be effectively tuned by modulating the electron configuration and optimizing the chemical bonds. Herein, a general strategy to optimize the activity of metal single‐atoms is achieved by the decoration of metal clusters via a coating–pyrolysis–etching route. In this unique structure, the metal clusters are able to induce electron redistribution and modulate M−N species bond lengths. As a result, M‐ACSA@NC exhibits superior ORR activity compared with the nanoparticle‐decorated counterparts. The performance enhancement is attributed to the optimized intermediates desorption benefiting from the unique electronic configuration. Theoretical analysis reinforces the significant roles of metal clusters by correlating the ORR activity with cluster‐induced charge transfer. As a proof‐of‐concept, various metal–air batteries assembled with Fe‐ACSA@NC deliver remarkable power densities and capacities. This strategy is an effective and universal technique for electron modulation of M−N−C, which shows great potential in application of energy storage devices.
Effect of silane modifiednano‐SiO2on the mechanical properties and compatibility ofPBAT/lignin composite films
Authors: Gu Xinhui , Hou Juying , Ai Shiyun
Published: December 2021

In recent years, the development of environment‐friendly biodegradable and high‐performing polymer composite for production has attracted much attention, motivated by the need to reduce the amount of microplastics accumulating in the environment. In this study, the poly (butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) and sodium lignosulphonate (SL) composite films with different loading of SL are synthesized. The PBAT/SL composite films show great UV‐blocking capability and photostability. When the addition of SL reaches 10 wt%, the UV‐B blocking of the composite films (P/L10) can reach about 100%. However, the tensile strength of P/L10 is about 32% less than that of neat PBAT. The silane modified nano‐SiO2(m‐SiO2),as a nano‐filler, is well distributed into PBAT/SL composites, leading to improved tensile properties and the compatibility of PBAT with SL. The tensile strength of the P/L10/S2 (S2 denotes 2 wt% m‐SiO2) is about 55% more than that of P/L10 and 5% more than that of neat PABT. It can be observed from SEM that a suitable content of m‐SiO2can improve the interfacial compatibility between PBAT and SL. This work provides innovative strategy for biodegradable PBAT/SL composites with remarkable UV‐blocking ability and tensile strength.