bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O ALGEPLAN REVISITADO
Authors: Rosa Davi da Silva , Silva Patrícia Nunes da
Published: September 2023

Objetivo: O ensino da Álgebra, embora seja um dos pilares fundamentais da Educação Básica, enfrenta desafios consideráveis tanto para estudantes quanto para professores. Nesse contexto, surge a motivação para uma pesquisa que busca compreender melhor as dificuldades enfrentadas no aprendizado da Álgebra e, ao mesmo tempo, desenvolver estratégias para aprimorar o pensamento algébrico dos estudantes. A proposta consiste em explorar e ampliar as potencialidades do Algeplan para resolução de equações do segundo grau. Métodos: Destaque ao desenvolvimento do pensamento algébrico, entendido como uma forma de reflexão e ação cultural, que vai além da simples manipulação de símbolos. Resgate e entrelaçamento da relação histórica entre a Álgebra e a Geometria, a fim de mostrar como essa conexão pode auxiliar na visualização concreta das relações algébricas e na resolução de equações. Resultados: Proposta do Algeplan Modificado: versão modificada do material manipulável Algeplan, com peças que não possuem lados fixos, permitindo que os coeficientes das equações variem livremente. Essa proposta busca superar algumas das limitações do Algeplan tradicional na resolução de equações do segundo grau. Com apenas cinco peças, o novo Algeplan é capaz de representar qualquer equação de segundo grau mônica, tornando-o mais versátil em comparação com o Algeplan tradicional. Conexão Histórica: destaque para a relação histórica do método de completar quadrados com a Álgebra, remontando ao trabalho de al-Khwārizmī. Conclusão: Com uma abordagem dinâmica, o Algeplan pode se tornar um aliado valioso na construção do conhecimento matemático, reforçando a importância do pensamento algébrico como uma habilidade essencial no desenvolvimento acadêmico dos estudantes. Espera-se que professores, educadores e estudantes compreendam melhor as possibilidades oferecidas por esse material concreto e como ele pode contribuir para um ensino mais eficiente e motivador da Álgebra, facilitando assim uma aprendizagem sólida e duradoura dessa importante disciplina matemática.
O TESTE DE EXCESSIVIDADE PUNITIVA EM TORREGGIANNI E OUTROS VS. ITÁLIA:
ANÁLISE DA ILICITUDE DAS PENAS SOB A PERSPECTIVA DOS DIREITOS HUMANOS
Authors: Lorenzi Mariana Ribeiro
Published: September 2023

O artigo analisa as conclusões da Corte Europeia de Direitos Humanos no caso Torreggianni e outros vs. Itália, que teve por objeto a análise da proporcionalidade e excessividade das penas na perspectiva de violação ao art. 3º da Convenção Europeia de Direitos Humanos. Como método adotado, são traçadas considerações sobre as premissas adotadas sobre o teste de intensidade da pena e suas conclusões. Como resultado, identifica que a Corte Europeia de Direitos Humanos considerou como fatores determinantes à definição da intensidade de pena a superlotação e acesso a condições de saneamento, água quente, aeração e luminosidade.
LIBERDADE DE CONSUMO E A HIPOCRISIA SOCIAL
Authors: Braga Thécio Antônio Silveira
Published: September 2023

O artigo propõe uma reconstrução normativa para a liberdade de consumo, fundamentando-a na aplicação do princípio da capacidade contributiva para os impostos sobre o consumo, especialmente o ICMS. Para tanto, utilizar-se-á do reconhecimento da sociedade como consumista para destacar a importância do consumo no processo de integração à sociedade, bem como na busca da felicidade, evidenciando a hipocrisia social quanto ao consumo das classes mais pobres. O objetivo é expor que a tributação do ICMS, sem considerar o caráter subjetivo do consumidor, viola a liberdade de consumo, configurando um mote para os conflitos sociais brasileiros. Considerar somente a igualdade formal para tributação do ICMS é desconsiderar as desigualdades de renda presentes em todo território nacional. Tratar isonomicamente todos os contribuintes é desrespeitar o princípio da capacidade contributiva no seu sentido subjetivo, que deveria ser baseado na igualdade aristotélica que visa a equidade entre os sujeitos, isto é, quem pode mais, paga tributo maior.
MANEJO E GESTÃO DO PROCESSAMENTO DE SÊMEN SUÍNO: UMA REVISÃO
Authors: Rossi Carlos Augusto , Ditadi Cassiane Turchetto , Ceron Marcos Speroni , De Oliveira Vladimir , Müller Geovana , Carneiro Olavo de Souza , Naidon Tiago Moro , Germani Isabela Gularte , Fontana Marcelo Ferreira , Britz Ana Paula Corrêa
Published: September 2023

A intensificação da produção mundial de suínos exigiu expansão das pesquisas relacionadas à andrologia, visando a análise que vão além das características físico-químicas e morfofuncionais do sêmen, com aprimoramento de análises já realizadas. O êxito dessa prática exige materiais estéreis, água de osmose reversa (evita o desequilíbrio osmótico entre sêmen e diluente), diluição correta, técnicas de avaliação e temperatura adequada. Do ponto de vista prático e econômico são avaliados cor, odor, volume, aspecto, aglutinação, vigor, concentração espermática, morfologia espermática e motilidade espermática, e se necessário são realizados exames complementares. A avaliação morfológica é realizada em média apenas a cada 35-60 dias com o objetivo de avaliar e classificar os reprodutores, em aptos e não-aptos para reprodução. Durante todo o processamento do sêmen o mesmo deve ser mantido a 37°C, na qual somente o sêmen apto e de boa qualidade passa pelo processo de diluição e armazenamento. A diluição do sêmen é realizada com diluentes que visam manter os espermatozoides viáveis até o momento de serem introduzidos no trato genital da fêmea, na qual a maioria das inseminações artificiais (IA) são realizadas com sêmen refrigerado (estado líquido) mantido entre 15 a 18°C por um período de 1 a 5 dias (varia conforme o diluente). Em grandes centrais, com alta tecnificação, são utilizados Tanques de Diluição, Citometria de Fluxo, Avaliação Computadorizada da Motilidade Espermática (C.A.S.A) e sistemas de Softwares e Hardware para o aprimoramento dos resultados do processo de produção de doses inseminantes.
Preparedness of Senior Public Service Pharmacists for Clinical Leadership Roles: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dogbey Justice
Published: September 2023

Background
The Seven-star Pharmacist concept as promulgated by the World Health Organization identifies the pharmacist as a leader, among many other roles. Clinical leadership skills are essential in all healthcare organizations, regardless of position or area of practice, yet many pharmacists remain unaware of how leadership can be integrated into their daily clinical practice. While there is limited literature on pharmacist and clinical leadership preparedness in the sub-Saharan African region, particularly in Ghana, concerns about the hospital working environment and learning opportunities suggest that pharmacists feel unprepared for the responsibilities of clinical leadership. Furthermore, most leadership preparedness literature focuses on physicians, nurses, and public health professionals, with pharmacists being underrepresented. This study aims to address these gaps and provide insights into methods to enhance pharmacist leadership readiness in Ghana.

Methodology
The current study was an anonymous, online based, quantitative, cross-sectional survey conducted between April and June 2022. Participants were public service pharmacists drawn from the Government and Hospital Pharmacist Association (GHOSPA) of Ghana, who worked in government-funded health facilities within the Greater Accra region of Ghana, one of the sixteen administrative regions of the country. The questionnaire consisted of a set of questions that employed a combination of Likert scales, multiple-choice, open-ended, and closed-ended questions. The questionnaire comprised the following sections: biodata of participants and ratings of their level of preparedness for clinical leadership roles using a 5 point Likert scale.

Results
Nearly half of respondents (46%, n=67) reported their level of preparedness for a clinical leadership role was poor (32%) or very poor (14%). Self-reported level of knowledge and understanding of their clinical leadership roles at the time of their appointment was fair for 35% (n=51) of the respondents, whereas 23% (n=34) reported poor or very poor knowledge of the participants in the study, 65% reported receiving some form of training on clinical leadership either at the time of appointment or during their assignment, with only 35% reporting their training to be effective.

Conclusion
The study underscores the importance of addressing the knowledge gaps and training needs of pharmacists to enhance their preparedness for clinical leadership roles. Furthermore, organizational policies, career development opportunities, and support systems need to be established to promote effective clinical leadership roles among pharmacists.

Keywords: Clinical leadership, pharmacist, preparedness, Ghana
Límites de la discusión sobre el Antropoceno
Authors: Urquiza Anahí
Published: September 2023

Una reflexión desde las ciencias sociales sobre el concepto de Antropoceno debería considerar la aproximación del riesgo, es decir, de las consecuencias, los nuevos problemas y las nuevas reflexiones que emergen a partir de las repercusiones de las operaciones de la sociedad sobre el entorno ambiental. En ese contexto, la descripción de la geología tiene que ser considerada por las ciencias sociales como una observación disciplinaria más entre otras que remiten a cuestiones sociológicas, filosóficas e incluso epistemológicas. La categoría Antropoceno deja en evidencia el impacto de la sociedad en la naturaleza, permitiendo una mayor capacidad reflexiva. Sin embargo, esto no alcanza para una discusión sociológica informada —que el Antropoceno tampoco pretende— y no parece fructífero concentrarnos en su cuestionamiento.
Prococaciones y tensiones del Antropoceno
Authors: Tironi Manuel , Undurraga Beltrán
Published: September 2023

La sección Simposio de la revista Estudios Públicos es un espacio de debate académico público en torno a ideas de alcance sustantivo. Se compone de un artículo original, sometido previamente a revisión de pares, que es críticamente analizado en contribuciones cortas por cuatro académicos desde distintos ángulos y disciplinas. El simposio cierra con una respuesta de los autores del ar-tículo original a los comentarios realizados.

El Antropoceno, o la hipótesis según la cual la actividad humana se ha convertido en una fuerza capaz de alterar las dinámicas terrestres inaugurando una nueva era geológica, ha generado una serie de debates más allá de las ciencias de la Tierra. En el presente artículo revisamos tres discusiones que el concepto ha provocado en las ciencias sociales y las humanidades, y que ponen de manifiesto los equívocos que el Antropoceno trae consigo: la tensión entre simetría o irreductiblidad entre naturaleza y sociedad; la condición del agente humano al que se le imputan las transformaciones en curso, y el sentido y alcance ético-político de las acciones que comienzan a movilizarse para responder a la crisis. Sobre la base de los fértiles claroscuros y desacuerdos del Antropoceno, y atendiendo tanto a la crisis planetaria que enfrentamos como al inusual dinamismo geológico de nuestro territorio, especulamos sobre la necesidad de ‘geologizar’ la sociología chilena, incorporando elementos y fuerzas más-que-humanas en sus recuentos de la constitución de lo social. A modo de ejemplos, planteamos la importancia de crear analíticas y métodos para pensar la identidad cultural, la corporalidad y la política desde su composición e interdependencia geológica. Concluimos invitando a la sociología chilena a hacerse parte del problema y a dejarse interpelar por la pregunta con que el Antropoceno nos incomoda: qué haremos.
INNOVATION INVESTMENT AND ITS IMPACT ON PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT
Authors: Osorio Iris Maria Velez
Published: September 2023

Through investment in scientific, technological, and innovation activities and investment in computer equipment and communication, organizations try to create a strategy that helps them establish a better innovation performance. Mainly when these organizations are from the manufacturing industry, but the real challenge is how to connect these investments with a political of permanent employment that allows creating a good environment to create and innovate with employees willing to give their experience and knowledge to develop the best products and services. In this analysis, the relationship between investment in scientific, technological, and innovation activities, computer equipment and communications, and hiring permanent human resources are tested, with a sample of 6284 companies in 33 subsectors, a multivariate analysis using regression method and SPSS software was carried out. This paper contributes to the resources and dynamic capability view, describing how investment in innovation can help create permanent human resources that improve the innovation cycle and develop capabilities in human resources to improve innovation performance. Implications for industries and management policy are described, and possible future studies on this subject.
A Comparison of the Composition of Planets in Single-planet and Multiplanet Systems Orbiting M dwarfs
Authors: Rodríguez Martínez Romy , Martin David V. , Gaudi B. Scott , Schulze Joseph G. , Asnodkar Anusha Pai , Boley Kiersten M. , Ballard Sarah
Published: September 2023

We investigate and compare the composition of M-dwarf planets in systems with only one known planet (“singles”) to those residing in multiplanet systems (“multis”) and the fundamental properties of their host stars. We restrict our analysis to planets with directly measured masses and radii, which comprise a total of 70 planets: 30 singles and 40 multis in 19 systems. We compare the bulk densities for the full sample, which includes planets ranging in size from 0.52 R
⊕ to 12.8 R
⊕, and find that single planets have significantly lower densities on average than multis, which we cannot attribute to selection biases. We compare the bulk densities normalized by an Earth model for planets with R

p
< 6 R
⊕ and find that multis are also denser with 99% confidence. We calculate and compare the core/water mass fractions (CMF/WMF) of low-mass planets (M

p
< 10 M
⊕) and find that the likely rocky multis (with R

p
< 1.6 R
⊕) have lower CMFs than singles. We also compare the [Fe/H] metallicity and rotation period of all single-planet versus multiplanet host stars with such measurements in the literature and find that multiplanet hosts are significantly more metal-poor than those hosting a single planet. Moreover, we find that the host star metallicity decreases with increasing planet multiplicity. In contrast, we find only a modest difference in the rotation period. The significant differences in planetary composition and metallicity of the host stars point to different physical processes governing the formation of single-planet and multiplanet systems in M dwarfs.
Revisiting Orbital Evolution in HAT-P-2 b and Confirmation of HAT-P-2 c
Authors: de Beurs Zoë L. , de Wit Julien , Venner Alexander , Berardo David , Bryan Jared , Winn Joshua N. , Fulton Benjamin J. , Howard Andrew W.
Published: September 2023

One possible formation mechanism for Hot Jupiters is that high-eccentricity gas giants experience tidal interactions with their host star that cause them to lose orbital energy and migrate inwards. We study these types of tidal interactions in an eccentric Hot Jupiter called HAT-P-2 b, which is a system where a long-period companion has been suggested and hints of orbital evolution were detected. Using 5 additional years of radial velocity (RV) measurements, we further investigate these phenomena. We investigated the long-period companion by jointly fitting RVs and Hipparcos-Gaia astrometry and confirmed this long-period companion, significantly narrowed down the range of possible periods (

P

2

=

8500

−
1500

+
2600

days), and determined that it must be a substellar object (

10.7

−
2.2

+
5.2

M
j). We also developed a modular pipeline to simultaneously model rapid orbital evolution and the long-period companion. We find that the rate and significance of evolution are highly dependent on the long-period companion modeling choices. In some cases the orbital rates of change reached

de

/

dt

=

3.28

−
1.72

+
1.75

×

10

−
3

yr−1, d
ω/dt = 1.12° ± 0.22° yr−1, which corresponds to a ∼321 yr apsidal precession period. In other cases, the data is consistent with de/dt = 7.67 ± 18.6 × 10−4 yr−1, d
ω/dt = 0.76° ± 0.24° yr−1. The most rapid changes found are significantly larger than the expected relativistic precession rate and could be caused by transient tidal planet–star interactions. To definitively determine the magnitude and significance of potential orbital evolution in HAT-P-2 b, we recommend further monitoring with RVs and precise transit and eclipse timings.
Mixed-mode Ensemble Asteroseismology of Low-luminosity Kepler Red Giants
Authors: Kuszlewicz James S. , Hon Marc , Huber Daniel
Published: September 2023

We present measurements of the dipole mode asymptotic period spacing (ΔΠ1), the coupling factor between the p- and g-modes (q), the g-mode phase offset (ϵ

g
), and the mixed-mode frequency rotational splitting (δ
ν
rot) for 1074 low-luminosity red giants from the Kepler mission. Using oscillation mode frequencies extracted from each star, we apply Bayesian optimization to estimate ΔΠ1 from the power spectrum of the stretched-period spectrum and to perform the subsequent forward modeling of the mixed-mode frequencies. With our measurements, we show that the mode coupling factor q shows significant anticorrelation with both the stellar mass and metallicity, and can reveal highly metal-poor stars. We present the evolution of ϵ

g
up the lower giant branch up to before the luminosity bump, and find no significant trends in ϵ

g
or δ
ν
rot with the stellar mass and metallicity in our sample. Additionally, we identify six new red giants showing anomalous distortions in their g-mode pattern. Our data products, code, and results are provided in a public repository.
Cluster Analysis To Explore Clinical Subphenotypes Of Eosinophilic Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Churg–Strauss)
Authors: Rubenstein Emma , Maldini Carla , Vaglio Augusto , Bello Federica , Bremer Jan Phillip , Moosig Frank , Bottero Paolo , Pesci Alberto , Sinico Renato Alberto , Grosskreutz Julian , Feder Claudia , Saadoun David , Trivioli Giorgio , Maritati Federica , Rewerska Barbara , Szczeklik Wojciech , Fraticelli Paolo , Guida Giuseppe , Gregorini Gina , Moroncini Gianluca , Hellmich Bernhard , Zwerina Jochen , Resche-Rigon Matthieu , Emmi Giacomo , Neumann Thomas , Mahr Alfred
Published: September 2023

Objective

Previous studies suggested that distinct phenotypes of eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) could be determined by presence or absence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), reflecting predominant vasculitic or eosinophilic processes, respectively. This study explored whether ANCA-based clusters or other clusters can be identified in EGPA.

Methods

This study used standardized data of 15 European centers for patients with EGPA fulfilling widely accepted classification criteria. We used multiple correspondence analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis, and a decision tree model. The main model included 10 clinical variables (musculoskeletal, mucocutaneous, ophthalmological, ENT, cardiovascular, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, renal, central or peripheral neurological involvement); a second model also included ANCA results.

Results

The analyses included 489 patients diagnosed in 1984–2015. ANCA were detected in 37.2% of patients, mostly P-ANCA (85.4%) and/or anti-myeloperoxidase (87.0%). Compared with ANCA-negative patients, those with ANCA had more renal (P<0.001) and peripheral neurological involvement (P=0.04), fewer cardiovascular signs (P<0.001) and fewer biopsies with eosinophilic tissue infiltrates (P=0.001). The cluster analyses generated four (model without ANCA) and five clusters (model with ANCA). Both models identified three identical clusters of 34, 39 and 40 patients according to the presence or absence of ENT, CNS and ophthalmological involvement. Peripheral neurological and cardiovascular involvement were not predictive characteristics.

Conclusion

Although reinforcing the known association of ANCA status with clinical manifestations, cluster analysis does not support a complete separation of EGPA in ANCA-positive and –negative subsets. Collectively, these data indicate that EGPA should be regarded as a phenotypic spectrum rather than a dichotomous disease.
La langue française, une histoire politique oubliée
Authors: Dutour Thierry
Published: September 2023

Avant le xix e  siècle la langue est un élément constitutif d’une réalité politique mais n’est pas un sujet politique. On peut être sujet du roi de France sans parler français et parler français en étant sujet du roi d’Angleterre, de l’Empereur, du roi de Jérusalem. Il y a lieu de distinguer dans le cas de la France identité culturelle et identité politique, à rebours de la tentation de projeter dans le passé ce qui nous est familier aujourd’hui. Ainsi se révèle une histoire de la langue qui fait apparaître l’ampleur géographique de son usage, sa pérenne fragmentation en dialectes, la naissance hors de France de sa conception comme langue.
Langue des élites et langue populaire
Authors: Rispail Marielle
Published: September 2023

Ce texte bouscule à coups d’exemples la dichotomie langue des élites / langue populaire, en dépliant le feuilleté de questionnements que l’auteure y décèle. Par une mise en scène vivante pour mieux comprendre les concepts sociolinguistiques convoqués, il révèle les enjeux politiques qui se déploient sous les phénomènes linguistiques et sociaux.
Unité nationale ou diversité républicaine
Authors: Gicquel Jean-Éric
Published: September 2023

La France, fondée sur l’indivisibilité de la République, refuse d’instituer un État plurilingue. Elle organise une coexistence subtile entre le français, langue de la République selon l’article 2 de la Constitution de 1958, et les langues régionales, dont l’appartenance au patrimoine national a été reconnue en 2008.
Langue française et créolisation
Authors: Véronique Georges Daniel
Published: September 2023

L’expansion coloniale du royaume de France, qui débute au xvi e  siècle, assure la diffusion des parlers d’oïl du Nord-Ouest et de l’Ouest de l’Hexagone, des dialectes de l’Île-de-France et de la langue française en Nouvelle-France, dans la Caraïbe et dans l’océan Indien. Dans les colonies d’exploitation tropicales, l’exposition des populations d’esclaves plurilingues aux variétés linguistiques en usage chez les colons a favorisé l’émergence des langues créoles. Des rapports de domination et de minoration se sont instaurés entre le français et les créoles dans les territoires créolophones. Au xxi e  siècle, les quinze millions de locuteurs de créoles français de par le monde constituent un atout pour la francophonie.
Langue française, Francophonie politique et diplomatie
Authors: Hourquebie Fabrice
Published: September 2023

La langue française, plus que toute autre langue, a toujours joué un rôle dans la diplomatie et les relations internationales. Elle a progressivement servi de fondement à la construction d’un espace linguistique tout à fait particulier et identifié, l’espace francophone. L’Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, où se sont retrouvés, depuis les années 1970, quatre-vingt-huit États et gouvernements ayant en commun l’usage du français, fait de cette langue un levier d’influence politique et diplomatique, pour la promouvoir, au même titre que la diversité culturelle et linguistique, au service de la solidarité, du développement et de l’État de droit.
Haro sur le langage non sexiste : entre antiféminisme discret et anti-intellectualisme ouvert
Authors: Perrier Gwenaëlle
Published: September 2023

La récurrence et l’ampleur des polémiques françaises autour du langage non sexiste s’expliquent-elles par le rapport qu’entretient la population française à sa langue ? Si en France certaines idéologies linguistiques sont particulièrement marquées, la comparaison avec d’autres débats nationaux sur le langage inclusif montre que la virulence de ces polémiques tient surtout aux fonctions politiques que leur assignent différents acteurs et actrices du champ politique : alimenter une rhétorique antiféministe, plutôt feutrée, et un discours anti-intellectualiste.
Raymonde Desbois, directrice de l’Éducation surveillée à Fresnes
Authors: Salomé Karine
Published: September 2023

En mai 1947, une mutinerie de jeunes filles confiées à l’Éducation surveillée éclate à Fresnes. Signe alarmant de l’échec de la rééducation, elle suscite l’intérêt de la presse et donne lieu à une enquête d’envergure de la part de l’institution qui s’attache à en déceler les causes et définir les responsabilités. La directrice, Raymonde Desbois, nommée en octobre 1946, est au cœur de l’attention. À partir des différentes sources disponibles, administratives et journalistiques, auxquelles s’ajoutent des cahiers, parfois personnels, que la directrice a tenus, il s’agit de suivre Raymonde Desbois dans l’exercice de sa fonction, de cerner la manière dont elle envisage sa mission, d’entrevoir les relations qu’elle entretient avec les mineures et les éducatrices. En regard de leur nature et leurs intentions, les propos s’entrelacent, se complètent et se contredisent. Ils permettent toutefois la construction d’un portrait, empreint de nuances et de discordances.
Synthesis of ZnO-Al:TiO2 Materials and their Characterization as Photocatalyst Compounds
Authors: Islami Inovasari , Ramadhika Lutfi Naufal , Aprilia Annisa
Published: September 2023

Photocatalyst activity relates to the active surface area between pollutants and catalyst compounds. The insertion of Al atoms as a substantial defect in ZnO structures can reduce the particle size thus the active surface area increases. Another way to raise the photocatalytic activity of ZnO is by combination with other oxide materials such as TiO2 (Titanium dioxide). In this study, the ZnO-Al:TiO2 powder was successfully prepared via the sol-gel method using zinc acetate dihydrate as a precursor, 0.5wt% of aluminum nitrate nonahydrate as a dopant precursor, and TiO2 anatase. In order to understand the role of the combination of these two metal oxides, the concentration ratio of ZnO-Al and TiO2 was varied by 1:1 (ZAT) and 4:1 (ZA4T) under low (150°C) and high (450°C) temperature calcination. Photocatalytic testing was carried out using a 3.2 ppm methylene blue (MB) solution under UV-A lamp irradiation for 120 minutes. The high calcination temperature facilitates the growth of ZnO-Al. Besides that, the different ratio concentrations and calcination temperatures produce different defect states in each sample. The most optimum results in the photocatalytic activity performed by ZnO-Al:TiO2 150°C (ZAT 15) with degradation rate constant (k) of 0.033/min and efficiency of 97% for MB removal. The unexpected zinc vacancies defect is estimated produce at the samples in high-temperature calcination. This defect type can accelerate electron-hole pair recombination. In Addition, samples with high-temperature calcination were considered to have lower hydroxyl/oxygen bonds on the surface thus affecting the photocatalytic performance.
Catalytic derivatization of 2-Aminobenzo[d]thiazole for observing antibacterial activity and in silico analysis
Authors: Bepary S. , Biswas B. K. , Nazia F. M. , Islam S. , Juthy T.  S.
Published: September 2023

2-Aminobenzo[d]thiazoles have been converted to corresponding acetanilides and 2-hydroxy compounds for observing antibacterial activities. The acetylation was done by direct use of acetic acid, whereas the corresponding 2-hydroxy derivative was synthesized following various reaction conditions with or without a catalyst for observing the associated yield and ease of the reaction. In this study, the reaction yield was found to be between 20% and 86%. The synthesized acetanilides and the 2-hydroxy compounds were screened for antibacterial activity against various common pathogenic gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. Encouraging antimicrobial potential was noted from these small molecules. Finally, the compounds were taken for in silico analysis to observe the possible orientations in the binding site of the alanine racemase enzyme of Enterococcus faecalis.
The quantum of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in Pyxicephalus edulis and sediments in Oluwa river, Igbekebo area, Ondo state, Nigeria
Authors: Ediagbonya Thompson F. , Ikuesan Felix A. , Oyeyemi Akinsanmi M. , Ogunjobi Johnson A. , Omoyugbo Opeyemi E.
Published: September 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds composed of two or more fused aromatic rings. PAHs can be found in a variety of foods and beverages, including drinking water, vegetables, fruits, cereals, oils, seafood, and meats. The current study investigated the pollution levels of the quantum of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in Pyxicephalus edulis and river sediments. Twenty-five sediment samples and male and female specimens of Pyxicephalus edulis were collected from Oluwa River near Igbekebo, Ondo State Nigeria. The sediment samples were then dried in the open air for three days while the identified frog species were dried separately for 6 hours at 105°C before being powdered. The physicochemical parameters of sediment samples examined using standard physical and chemical analytical techniques and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in frog and sediment samples were examined using gas chromatographyflame ionization analysis (GC-FID). The toxicity equivalent(TEQ) values of PAHs in sediment samples were determined by comparing the findings of this study to the Sediment Quality Guideline (SQG) with effects range from viz., low (ERL), median(ERM) and threshold-effects level (TEL)/probable-effects level (PEL) to assess the toxicity of PAHs to aquatic organisms living in sediments. Male frogs had significantly higher concentrations of Acenaphthylene, Phenanthrene, Anthracene, Pyrene, and total PAHs than females, and lower concentrations of Naphthalene, Acenaphthylene, Fluorene, and Fluoranthene. BaAnt, Benzo(b) fluoranthene, Benzo(k)fluoranthrene, Benzo(a)pyrene, Indeno(1,2,3-cd) pyrene, Dibenz(a,h)anthracene, Benzo(g,h,i)perylene were reported only among males. The cause of this variation is unknown, but it could be due to differences in the genetic make-up of male and female frogs.
Developmental expression of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in the mouse cochlea
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Ming Shanshan , Zhao Xiaobing , Zhu Xin , Gong Yuxiang
Published: September 2023

The expression changes of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in the mouse cochlea have recently been implicated in noise-induced hearing loss, suggesting that HMGB1 participates in regulating cochlear function. However, the precise role of HMGB1 in the auditory system remains largely unclear. This study aimed to investigate its function in the developing mouse cochlea by examining the expression pattern of HMGB1 in the mouse cochlea from embryonic day (E) 18.5 to postnatal day (P) 28 using double immunofluorescence on frozen sections. Our findings revealed that HMGB1 was extensively expressed in the cell nucleus across various regions of the mouse cochlea, including the organ of Corti. Furthermore, its expression underwent developmental regulation during mouse cochlear development. Specifically, HMGB1 was found to be localized in the tympanic border cells at each developmental stage, coinciding with the gradual anatomical in this region during development. In addition, HMGB1 was expressed in the greater epithelial ridge (GER) and supporting cells of the organ of Corti, as validated by the supporting cell marker Sox2 at P1 and P8. However, at P14, the expression of HMGB1 disappeared from the GER, coinciding with the degeneration of the GER into the inner sulcus cells. Moreover, we observed that HMGB1 co-localized with Ki-67-positive proliferating cells in several cochlear regions during late embryonic and early postnatal stages, including the GER, the tympanic border cells, cochlear lateral wall, and cochlear nerves. Furthermore, by dual-staining Ki-67 with neuronal marker TUJ1 and glial marker Sox10, we determined the expression of Ki-67 in the neonatal glial cells. Our spatial-temporal analysis demonstrated that HMGB1 exhibited distinct expression patterns during mouse cochlear development. The co-localization of HMGB1 with Ki-67-positive proliferating cells suggested that HMGB1 may play a role in cochlear development.
Charlie Leary's Global Wineology: A Guide to Wine Education, Mentorships, & Scholarships: a review
Authors: Matz Tim
Published: September 2023

Charlie Leary's Global Wineology: A Guide to Wine Education, Mentorships, & Scholarships (Hibiscus Panama, S.A. 2022) presents an organized and comprehensive resource that will be of interest to wine economists involved in wine education at all levels. The book covers programs across various budgets and purposes, encompassing both academic and non-academic institutions in multiple countries. It is a valuable reference that librarians, as well, should consider acquiring. [...]
Motivation and Behaviors Related to Sport Specialization in Collegiate Baseball Players
Authors: Wilkins Samuel J. , Martin Malissa , Kahanov Leamor , Bell David R. , Post Eric G.
Published: September 2023

Context

Early sport specialization is a growing concern among youth sport athletes, particularly in baseball. Motivation to participate in sports is an important factor in determining which sports youth athletes participate in and why.

Objective

To qualitatively investigate the youth sport participation behaviors and motivations of collegiate baseball players.

Design

Qualitative study.

Setting

Online teleconference.

Patients or Other Participants

We conducted 25 semistructured interviews with collegiate baseball athletes who were classified as high-level (n = 8), moderate-level (n = 9), or low-level (n = 8) specialists before college.

Data Collection and Analysis

Participants completed individual semistructured interviews to allow us to develop an understanding of their youth and high school sports experiences and associated motivations to engage in those experiences. A framework analysis approach was used to analyze the transcript data and identify themes among the 3 specialization groups.

Results

From our interview analysis, 6 overall themes emerged: (1) motivation, (2) stress, (3) quitting, (4) barriers, (5) facilitators of success, and (6) future directions. Moderate- and high-level specialists described greater levels of passion, participating in deliberate practice, greater levels of performance-related stress, and more desire to quit sports than low-level specialists. None of the groups cited parents as an overbearing external motivator to participate in sport at an early age.

Conclusions

Participants who were classified as low-, moderate-, or high-level specialists noted different experiences related to their motivation, stress level, desire to quit, barriers to participating in baseball, facilitators of success, and their overall future career goals after completing baseball. This information may be useful for parents, coaches, and health care professionals to better communicate the benefits and risks associated with sport specialization to youth athletes. Future research is needed to determine if differences in motivation levels exist in younger populations.
Collegiate Athletes With Diabetes: Baseline Medical Comorbidities and Preseason Concussion Testing Performance
Authors: Anderson Melissa N. , Gallo Caitlin A. , Passalugo Scott W. , Nimeh Jake M. , Edgar Richard , Yengo-Kahn Aaron M. , Neitz Kristen , Terry Douglas P. , Zuckerman Scott L. , Broglio Steven P. , McCrea Michael , McAllister Thomas , Pasquina Paul , Buckley Thomas A. ,   CARE Consortium Investigators
Published: September 2023

Context

People with diabetes mellitus (DM) are at increased risk for adverse health events and complications throughout their lifetime. Whether DM significantly affects collegiate athletes’ concussion baseline testing performance remains unclear.

Objectives

To (1) describe the prevalence of DM and associated comorbidities and (2) compare concussion baseline testing performance between student-athletes with DM and student-athletes without DM (NoDM).

Design

Retrospective, cross-sectional study.

Setting

University.

Patients or Other Participants

Using the Concussion, Assessment, Research and Education (CARE) Consortium research database, we matched athletes with self-reported DM (N = 229) by institution, sex, age, sport, position, testing year, and concussion history to athletes with NoDM (N = 229; total sample mean age = 19.6 ± 1.4 years, women = 42%).

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Descriptive statistics and χ2 tests of independence with subsequent odds ratios were calculated. Independent-samples t tests compared baseline symptoms, neurocognitive testing, and balance performance between athletes with DM and athletes with NoDM. Effect sizes were determined for significant group differences.

Results

At baseline, athletes with DM had higher rates of self-reported pre-existing balance disorders, sleep disorders, seizure disorders, motion sickness, learning disorders, vision and hearing problems, psychiatric disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, nonmigraine headaches, and meningitis than athletes with NoDM (P values < .05). We found balance differences between groups (P = .032, Cohen d = 0.17) such that, on average, athletes with DM had 1 additional error on the Balance Error Scoring System (DM = 13.4 ± 6.5; NoDM = 12.1 ± 5.9). No other comparisons yielded significant results.

Conclusions

Although athletes with DM had high rates of self-reported balance disorders, sleep disorders, seizures, and meningitis, their baseline neurocognitive testing results were largely identical to those of athletes with NoDM. Our findings suggested that nonclinically meaningful differences were present in concussion baseline balance testing but no significant differences were noted in cognitive testing; however, the effect of DM on concussion recovery remains unknown.
A randomized controlled trial on the effect of smartphone-based mental health application among outpatients with depressive and anxiety symptoms: A pilot study in Malaysia
Authors: Tan Sharon , Ismail Mohammad Ayob Bin , Daud Tuti Iryani Mohd , Hod Rozita , Ahmad Norfazilah
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Despite the increasing number of mental health professionals in Malaysia, many have yet to receive adequate treatment for common mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety. Coupled with the increasing number of mobile phone users globally, smartphone-based intervention can be a promising mental health intervention. Thus, this study aims to investigate the efficacy of using a smartphone-based mental health application in addition to treatment-as-usual (TAU) in outpatients with depressive and/or anxiety symptoms.

Methods:

Psychiatric outpatients that fulfill the selection criteria were recruited and randomized into two groups, the intervention group (n = 24) and the control group (n = 24). Those in the intervention group received MoodMission in addition to TAU, while those in the control group received TAU. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores were assessed at baseline and after four weeks.

Results:

A total of 48 participants were recruited, randomized, and completed the study. Baseline characteristics for both groups were comparable. There is no significant mean difference between-group comparison of PHQ-9 (1.31, 95% CI -1.35, 3.98) and GAD-7 (0.02, 95% CI -2.01, 2.05) scores at four weeks. However, for the intervention group, there was a significant improvement in the PHQ-9 score at four weeks [mean difference 2.58 (95% CI 1.16, 4.01), P = 0.001)].

Conclusion:

This study showed no significant improvement in anxiety symptoms after four weeks. Use of smartphone-based mental health applications led to significant reduction of depressive symptoms.
A study of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor level in individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder and their first-degree relatives as compared to the healthy population
Authors: Mina Shaily , Dhiman Rupam , Singal Prakamya , Gangopadhyay Sukanya , Verma Pankaj , Kathuria Shivani
Published: September 2023

Background:

The nosological tradition in psychiatry defines diagnostic criteria for disorders based on expert consensus than objective biological markers reflecting underlying neurobiological correlates. Endophenotypes have been researched as heritable biological markers that can be quantified and defined to represent intermediate measures of a psychiatric illness. In obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), various putative biomarkers such as neuropsychological, neurophysiological, neuroradiological, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), etc., have been explored.

Aim:

The study aimed to compare levels of serum BDNF in individuals with OCD and their unaffected first-degree relatives (FDR) with healthy controls (HC).

Methods:

This cross-sectional study compared serum BDNF levels in medication-free/naive individuals with OCD (n = 30) to their FDR (n = 30) and age-sex matched HC (n = 30). Intergroup comparison was done using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Tukey’s test. Correlation analysis was conducted to find the relationship of sociodemographic and clinical correlates to serum BDNF as well as dimensional subtypes of OCD.

Results:

No significant difference in BDNF levels was observed between OCD and HC (P = 0.13) but a significantly higher level was found in the FDR group compared to age-sex matched HC (P = 0.02).

Conclusion:

BDNF levels may have a complex interplay influencing the genetic inheritance and clinical manifestations of OCD. Further research is required before considering it a viable biomarker.
Relation of Vitamin D levels with positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia – A hospital based cross-sectional comparative study
Authors: Ghosh Soumitra , Deka Bikashita
Published: September 2023

Background:

The association between altered serum Vitamin D levels and schizophrenia has been an area that has evoked a recent fervor. The neurohumoral and neuro immunomodulatory functions of Vitamin D might have a role to play in understanding the causation of the disease and thus appear promising in the diagnostic and therapeutic frontiers of the disease.

Aims and Objectives:

We aimed to estimate and compare serum Vitamin D levels in drug-free cases of schizophrenia and in healthy control groups. The comparison was also made among the subgroups of positive and negative schizophrenia.

Materials and Methods:

The study, a hospital-based cross-sectional comparative study was carried out in the Department of Psychiatry, in a hospital in Assam over a period of 1 year. Fifty drug-free subjects of schizophrenia (Group A) diagnosed and confirmed according to International Classification of Diseases 10 were selected by consecutive sampling and 50 age and sex frequency-matched subjects (Group B) were selected from the healthy population. The cases (Group A) were divided into positive and negative groups (Group A1 and A2) based on the composite scoring of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. After approval from the institutional ethics committee and obtaining written informed consent, Vitamin D levels were assessed in both groups of cases and controls and comparison was made.

Results:

After statistical analysis, it was seen that males were more in proportion and mostly in the age group of 20-39 years. The median Vitamin D level among the cases was 12.45 ng/mL and that among controls was 20.03 ng/mL which was statistically significant (P value .00932). Among the positive and negative schizophrenia subgroup, there was no statistically significant difference in Vitamin D levels at means of 16.54 ng/mL and 16.25 ng/Ml, respectively. The variation in Vitamin D levels in schizophrenics and the healthy population is thus discernible.

Conclusion:

It can be said that serum Vitamin D levels were significantly low in people with schizophrenia compared to the general population. Furthermore, it is seen that mean Vitamin D status is similar in both the groups of positive and negative schizophrenia negating the possibility of alteration of Vitamin D levels depending on the differences in symptomatology or in pathophysiology of the two groups.
Substance use and misuse among college students: Results of an online survey from three neighboring cities of North India
Authors: Jaswal Neha , Naskar Chandrima , Ghosh Abhishek , Prashar Savita , Kumar Manoj
Published: September 2023

We estimated prevalence and severity of substance use in college students from three cities in North India and explored demographic correlates of substance use. This was a cross-sectional online survey. We used Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). We contacted respondents through social groups. We performed analyses from the original sample, bootstrapped samples, and random subsamples. A total of 229 (58.3%) respondents reported any lifetime substance use. A third of substance-using respondents were female. Alcohol (54.7%), tobacco (40.2%), and cannabis (15%) use were most commonly reported. Prevalence estimates did not differ between original and subsample analyses. A significant proportion of respondents (alcohol 29.7% and amphetamines 66.7%) were at moderate risk level. Male gender, family history of substance use, and commerce stream correlated with substance use. There were positive correlations between tobacco and alcohol and licit and illicit substance use. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive college substance misuse prevention policy.
Exploring the determinants of workplace mental health in a medical institution in central India: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Sutar Roshan , Majumdar Anindo , Singh Gyanendra , Maheshwari Mukul , Verma Mamta , Raj Aswathy
Published: September 2023

Introduction:

Mental health at the workplace (WMH) is an important indicator for the optimum functioning of a medical institute. To establish an effective WMH, it is essential to understand the level of awareness, perceptions, and felt needs of students and staff of a medical institute regarding mental health services within the campus.

Material and Methods:

A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted in an institution of national importance in Central India using a semistructured questionnaire based on Kobo Toolbox. Felt need for periodic mental health screening within the institutional campus (FN-S) and felt need of having a separate cell for mental healthcare of students and employees (FN-C) were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Results:

A total of 526 out of 2190 eligible students and staff completed the survey (response rate 24.1%). About half of the participants were not aware, of whom to contact on campus in case of mental health concerns (MHCs), more than three-fourths were not aware of the rights for seeking treatment, and three-fourths thought that getting diagnosed with an MHC would negatively impact their academic course or work. There was a high felt need for mental health screening services (91.1%), and almost two-thirds felt the need for a separate mental health cell. The FN-S was higher among those from rural areas, those not using social media, those without a preexisting MHC, and those without FN-C. FN-C was higher in those not using social media, those having sleep disturbances, those with unawareness of the rights of a mentally ill person, those without any MHC, and those not having FN-S.

Conclusion:

Active efforts are needed to roll out a mental health screening policy and separate mental health cells within the medical institute. Future research should focus on a qualitative inquiry into the details of the above findings.