bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La fotografia narrativa e la co-costruzione di fiabe durante il lockdown: "C'era una volta una corona magica"
Authors: Belloni Sonzogni Laura , Cascio Gandolfa , Dawson Julia , Faccini Alice , Giommi Fabio , Gorgoni Maurizio , Monticelli Michela , Pisciotta Fabiola , Rezzonico Giorgio
Published: January 2024

"C'era una volta una corona magica" è; un progetto di fotografia narrativa sociale proposto durante l'emergenza sanitaria da Covid-19, prevalentemente rivolto alle famiglie con bambini che durante il lockdown non hanno avuto accesso alle attività abituali e ad aiuti esterni. Agli adulti veniva chiesto di costruire e fotografare insieme ai bambini una corona magica con materiali disponibili in casa, inventare una fiaba su di essa e condividere foto e testo sul gruppo Facebook dedicato. L'obiettivo principale era valorizzare il tempo con i bambini costruendo insieme qualcosa di innovativo, dando voce alle emozioni e narrando le loro esperienze.Sono stati condivisi 202 contributi, tra cui prodotti collettivi realizzati da oltre 300 minori e contributi individuali di 114 persone. L'analisi qualitativa dei testi mostra come il potere magico attribuito alla corona sia quello di risolvere problemi (26%), salvare l'ambiente da disastri/cataclismi (24%), portare gioia, amicizia e pace (19%), far viaggiare (5%), compiere imprese incredibili (15%), far capire cose importanti (10%), produrre cambiamenti di vita (4%). Tra le emozioni citate, si osserva la netta prevalenza della felicità (47%), quasi esclusivamente come formula finale classica della fiaba. All'interno della fiaba troviamo invece prevalenza di paura (35%) e tristezza (34%). In oltre metà dei casi la fiaba era ambientata in luoghi chiusi.Tenuto conto dell'ampia partecipazione, riteniamo che la co-costruzione di fiabe e fotografie possa aver rappresentato un valido strumento d'intervento in ambito psico-sociale favorendo il processo di integrazione dell'esperienza passando dal registro iconico a quelloverbale, facilitando l'espressione emotiva e riducendo la solitudine percepita.
La Terapia cognitivo-comportamentale accessibile ai bambini sordociechi
Authors: Fadda Stefania , Caravello Giusy , Cidronelli Marta , Harripersad Laura
Published: January 2024

L'applicazione della Terapia cognitivo-comportamentale ai pazienti con bisogni speciali è ancora in fase emergente (Taylor, Lindsay & Willner, 2008). Nel caso dei bambini sordociechi, in particolare, la letteratura scientifica è carente, se non assente. Gli autori si propongono di offrire un contributo in materia riportando l'esperienza di un gruppo di 20 bambini sordociechi italiani, supportati dal Centro Assistenza per Bambini Sordi e Sordociechi Onlus(CABSS) durante l'emergenza sanitaria del 2020.Gli autori si focalizzano sulla chiusura totale e sull'immediato post lockdown, momenti durante i quali la vita quotidiana dei bambini sordociechi ha subito una forte battuta di arresto.Non avere la possibilità di stabilire un contatto con il proprio ambiente e con gli altri può rendere i bambini sordociechi più fragili con ricadute negative sul loro percorso di crescita.La connessione con gli altri e il contatto fisico sono importanti per la loro salute mentale, dal momento che anche in condizioni di normalità essi sono esposti al rischio di isolamento sociale (Wittich & Simcock, 2019).Di fronte a una tale situazione, CABSS ha elaborato un metodo di intervento a distanza per aiutare i piccoli sordociechi ad affrontare gli stati di ansia e tristezza che avrebbero potuto esperire. Questo metodo ha attivamente coinvolto i genitori dei bambini e previsto l'applicazione di strategie cognitivo-comportamentali, seguendo i principi propri dell'intervento precoce rivolto alla sordocecità infantile. I risultati conseguiti dimostrano che le strategie cognitivo-comportamentali, rese accessibili e adattate ai loro bisogni peculiari, sono state di aiuto per i bambini sordociechi.
L'allenamento alla noia: un modello di trattamento per i disturbi esternalizzanti
Authors: Bertini Carlotta , Saettoni Marco , Cheli Simone
Published: January 2024

Alla luce del ruolo importante che la tolleranza-propensione alla noia sembra avere in varie forme di psicopatologia negli adulti, gli autori si sono chiesti se lavorare su questa emozione in bambini con disturbi riferibili allo spettro esternalizzante, potesse incidere sulle prestazioni specifiche legate all'attenzione selettiva e sostenuta. Lo scopo di questo studio pilota è di indagare la fattibilità e gli effetti dell'applicazione di un intervento specifico per la gestionedella noia rivolto ai bambini dell'infanzia e della scuola primaria. Tale training è stato pensato come una sequenza di esercizi basati sulla mindfulness e sulla metacognizione il cui obiettivo è di allenare i bambini alla noia, ovvero lo stato in cui la persona percepisce l'ambiente esterno come monotono, ripetitivo, con bassi livelli di stimolazione e al contempo sperimenta una affettività caratterizzata da un vissuto emozionale scarsamente piacevole. I dati raccoltimostrano una buona aderenza al trattamento e un miglioramento significativo dell'attenzione selettiva e sostenuta al termine dello stesso. I risultati ottenuti sono incoraggianti e dimostrano che questo tipo di intervento può essere un valido aiuto da integrare con altri approcci per il trattamento dei disturbi esternalizzanti in età evolutiva.
Da bruco a farfalla: il caso di Roberto
Authors: La Gioia Liana , De Chirico Carlotta , Foschino Barbaro Maria Grazia
Published: January 2024

Il lavoro espone e sintetizza l'intervento psicoterapeutico di Roberto, un bambino con un Disturbo Specifico dell'Apprendimento con compromissione del calcolo e della scrittura, in comorbidità con Disturbo d'Ansia Generalizzato. A seguito della valutazione si è ritenutoopportuno iniziare una psicoterapia e impostare un intervento sulle difficoltà di apprendimento con lo scopo di far acquisire al bambino un metodo di studio idoneo a compensare le sue problematicità. Data la presenza in comorbidità, di un disturbo d'ansia generalizzato, si inizia un trattamento psicoterapeutico attraverso il protocollo "Cool Kids" per il trattamento dei disturbi d'ansia.L'intervento si è focalizzato sulla riduzione dei sintomi ansiosi e l'accettazione di possibili fallimenti scolastici e relazionali. Nella prima fase di psicoeducazione, è stato spiegato al bambino come funziona l'ansia, come si attiva e il suo circolo vizioso.Il miglioramento dei sintomi è stato osservato in fase di condivisione del profilo interno in seguito, si è intervenuti attraverso la ristrutturazione cognitiva, sulla paura di essere inadeguato e giudicato. Ci si è focalizzati anche sulla scoperta dei propri interessi e valori. Roberto ha imparato, nonostante l'ansia, ad affrontare situazioni che riteneva difficili da vivere.Parallelamente si è svolto un lavoro di parent training finalizzato ad aiutare il loro figlio a gestire meglio la sua ansia, lavorando sul loro senso di competenza e sul modificare il loro comportamento al fine di evitare l'escalation che si produce nei momenti di ansia.Per Roberto è stato anche previsto un ciclo di intervento di potenziamento sulle difficoltà di apprendimento svolto da uno specialista. Nel corso dei trattamenti, si sono osservati dei miglioramenti nelle performance scolastiche, nelle relazioni sociali e con i familiari.
Sensitivity Analysis and Finances
Authors: Gaytán Cortés Juan
Published: January 2024

The financial projections used in decision-making are associated with a degree of uncertainty regarding the correct choice of the hypotheses used or the certainty of the value of the variables, which is why it is necessary to place ourselves in several scenarios in which the hypotheses and the value of the variables over which we have less control and which in turn have the most significant impact on the results must be varied. Expected results. The above process is known as Sensitivity Analysis.
AUDIT CERTIFICATE AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTABILITY INDEX LEVEL OF LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN KEDAH, 2002-2019
Authors: Zuriana Zahrin  , Siti Syuhadah Mohamad
Published: January 2024

Financial Management Accountability Index is a government indicator to empowers the level of financial compliance of public agencies. Previous studies often outlined issues related to leakage and misuse of funds among public officials. Therefore, this article generally examines the financial management performance of Local Authorities or Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan (PBT) in Kedah for the year 2002 to 2019. Several years of data were obtained from the National Audit Report and descriptive analysis in the form of patterns and trends was made to identify the type of audit certificate and accountability index score (IA) of financial management issued by the National Audit Department (JAN) on financial reporting of 11 PBTs in Kedah. The results show that there are no significant differences from the findings by other researchers in the last two decades. It has been found that the majority of 63 per cent (n = 7) PBTs still get a Reprimanded Certificate (UO), often involving record registers such as Vote Book, Capital Assets Register, and Log Book that is not satisfactorily maintained in addition to expenses over approved allocation. However, the overall IA issued by JAN from 2007 to 2019 showed an “Excellent” score of 33.9 per cent (n = 20), a “Good” of 59.3 per cent (n = 35) and a “Satisfactory” of 6.8 per cent (n = 4 ) to 11 PBTs in Kedah. During those 18 years, most of the PBTs in Kedah worked to increase the level of accountability and compliance of their respective financial management shown by better records every year.
Una mirada a la identidad de los docentes de educación primaria
Authors: Fuentes Reza Ricardo , Cano Medrano Irma Mercedes , Alarcón Nakamura Daniel
Published: January 2024

La presente investigación está centrada en profesores de educación primaria, de escuelas públicas, federales y estatales de los dos principales municipios del estado de Chihuahua.  El propósito fue indagar sobre los procesos de construcción de su identidad profesional en el contexto de la última reforma curricular.  El estudio se desarrolló desde una perspectiva etnográfica en la que se trabajó a partir de registros de observación y entrevistas a profundidad. Se identificaron elementos asociados al rol de trabajador asalariado o a la identificación con el llamado vocacional, ambos planos del ser profesional en coexistencia. También se identificaron posiciones y actitudes relacionadas con un reducido compromiso profesional, así como otras actitudes, posiciones y conductas asociables a una identidad de responsabilidad, compromiso y entrega profesional.
Conciencia metalingüística: un acercamiento a la evaluación e identificación de habilidades fonológicas para el aprendizaje de la lengua escrita
Authors: Morales Luis Alfredo , Orozco Jiménez María Iveth Irela , Esquivel Dávila Nancy Jazmín
Published: January 2024

La temática de esta investigación fue analizar el desarrollo de las habilidades fonológicas en alumnos de primer grado de educación primaria, para interpretar el proceso por el cual llegan a apropiarse de la lengua escrita, dando énfasis en la lectura. Comprender y precisar el tipo de habilidades fonológicas que van desarrollando los niños permite entender cuáles son las estrategias a seguir para el desarrollo de la alfabetización desde la conciencia fonológica. El aspecto central de la investigación fue identificar las habilidades fonológicas que ponen en juego los niños cuando se enfrenta a tareas de lectura y escritura. Las preguntas de indagación fueron estructuradas de la siguiente manera: ¿Cuáles son las habilidades fonológicas que desarrollan los niños de primer grado en su proceso de apropiación de la lengua escrita? ¿Qué tipo de habilidades fonológicas diferencian a los niños de primer grado con distintos niveles de conceptualización de la lengua escrita? El objetivo general del estudio fue: identificar las habilidades fonológicas que desarrollan los niños de primer grado en su proceso de apropiación de la lengua escrita. El enfoque de la investigación fue cualitativo, el método que se utilizó es el estudio de caso. Se realizó el seguimiento de 5 alumnos de primer grado durante un ciclo escolar. La técnica fue la entrevista semiestructurada y la evaluación de habilidades fonológicas mediante cuestionarios. El tipo de habilidades que muestran los niños se diferencian según su nivel evolutivo y son de tipo léxico, silábico y fonémico.
Infestation induced biochemical reactions on papaya by mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
Authors: Jimcymariya T. , Chellappan Mani , Ranjith M.T.
Published: January 2024

Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink, (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an invasive alien sucking pest that attacks several genera of economically important tropical and subtropical plants. Biochemical study revealed that total protein content was very low (1.88mg/g) in plants inoculated with third instar nymphs of papaya mealybug, whereas the plants inoculated with adult mealybugs recorded a higher protein concentration of 4.60 mg/g. Similarly, plants inoculated with third instar nymph of papaya mealybug had a decreased mean concentration (0.019 mg/g) of Indole Acetic Acid (IAA) whereas plant inoculated with adult mealybugs recorded the highest mean IAA concentration was 0.070 mg/g. The papaya seedlings uninfested with papaya mealybug recorded the highest protein (5.34 mg/g) and IAA (0.185Â mg/g) content. However, the gibberellic acid content of 5mcg/g was estimated from the leaves of plants showing crinkling symptom infested with third instar nymphs and the uninfested papaya seedlings recorded lower levels of gibberellic acid content of 1 mcg/g.
Rediscovery of Cylindrepomus filiformis Breuning, 1938 (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae: Dorcaschematini) from the Andaman Islands, India
Authors: Ghate H.V. , Bharathimeena T.
Published: January 2024

Cylindrepomus filiformis Breuning, 1938 (Cerambycidae:Lamiinae:Dorcaschematini) has been rediscovered from south Andamans, India, after nearly eight decades. Redescription and digital illustrations of the species, along with notes on natural history, are provided. Ficus hederacea Roxb. (Moraceae), which was found with large numbers of these beetles, is a probable host plant of C. filiformis.
The medicinal annual legume Senna (= Cassia) tora (L.) Roxb. and its insect associations in Kerala, India
Authors: Nasreem A. , Sinu Palatty Allesh , Nasser M.
Published: January 2024

Plant-animal interaction is an important biotic interaction of evolutionary significance in the tropics. Although we have a rich biodiversity, our knowledge of the natural history of species and their biotic interaction is poor. In this study, we highlight the insect community that interacts with an important medicinal herb, Senna tora in Kerala. We have studied the herbivorous insects of the plant and their parasitoids. Thirty four species of insects are identified as major herbivores of S. tora. The parasitoid community recorded comprises of 19 species. The caterpillar of Eurema hecabe was the most dominant herbivore of S. tora and it completes its entire life cycle on the plant. The results of the study indicate that S. tora is a potential plant to be used in habitat management for conservation biological control.
Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) from Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Hayat Mohammad , Zeya Shahid Bin , Veenakumari Kamalanathan
Published: January 2024

Forty-one species of Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea)Â are recorded and one new genus and six new species are described from theÂ Indian State of Arunachal Pradesh. Of the 41 species, 38 species are newlyÂ recorded from Arunachal Pradesh. Also 18 genera are newly recorded fromÂ Arunachal Pradesh. These are: Adelencyrtus Ashmead, Aenasius Walker,Â Apoleptomastix Kerrich, Blepyrus Howard, Callipteroma Motschulsky,Â Cheiloneuromyia Girault, Cheiloneurus Westwood, Gentakola Noyes & Hayat,Â Haligra Noyes & Hayat, Homalotylus Mayr, Leptomastix Foerster, MetaphycusÂ Mercet, Neodusmetia Kerrich, Ooencyrtus Ashmead, Proleurocerus FerriÃ¨re,Â Psyllaephagus Ashmead, Rhopus Foerster, Trechnites Thomson. The new taxaÂ described are: Chalaruna indica Hayat, gen. et sp. nov.,CheiloneuromyiaÂ Â idniaÂ Hayat, sp. nov., Metaphycus zabica Zeya, sp. nov., Ooencyrtus bidentatus Hayat,Â sp. nov., Psyllaephagus pauropsylla Hayat, sp. nov., Trechnites albicrus Hayat,Â sp. nov. A list of the 16 species of Encyrtidae known from Arunachal PradeshÂ prior to this publication is also given.
Flört Şiddetini Önleme Psiko-Eğitim Programının Flört Şiddetine Yönelik Tutumlar Üzerindeki Etkisi
Authors: Candemir Mehmet Latif , Ulusoy Doymuş Yağmur
Published: January 2024

Bu araştırmanın amacı, flört şiddetini önleme psiko-eğitim programının üniversite öğrencilerinin flört şiddetine yönelik tutumları üzerindeki etkililiğini sınamaktır. Bu araştırma; ön test-son test deney ve kontrol gruplu yarı deneysel bir çalışmadır. Çalışmaya 13’ü deney ve 13’ü kontrol grubunda olmak üzere toplam 26 üniversite öğrencisi katılmıştır. Deney ve kontrol grubu üyeleri, yaşları 18 ile 25 arasında değişen; flört ilişkisi olan ya da daha önce flört deneyimi geçiren kadın öğrencilerden oluşturulmuştur. Araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak Flört Şiddetine Yönelik Tutum Ölçeğinin Erkeğin Flörtte Uyguladığı Fiziksel Şiddete Yönelik Tutum ve Erkeğin Flörtte Uyguladığı Psikolojik Şiddete Yönelik Tutum alt ölçekleri kullanılmıştır. Deney grubuna, haftada bir gün, 60 ile 90 dk. arasında değişen sekiz oturumluk Bilişsel Davranışçı Terapi temelli flört şiddetini önleme psiko-eğitim programı uygulanmıştır. Kontrol grubuna hiçbir işlem yapılmamıştır. Deney ve kontrol grupları arasındaki farkı belirlemek için karışık ölçümler için çift yönlü ANOVA kullanılmıştır. Deney ve kontrol grubu üyelerinin, Erkeğin Flörtte Uyguladığı Fiziksel ve psikolojik Şiddete Yönelik Tutum alt ölçeklerinden aldıkları puan ortalamaları arasında anlamlı bir farklılık olduğu görülmüştür. Elde edilen bulgular psiko-eğitim programına katılan kadınların, erkeğin flörtte uyguladığı fiziksel ve psikolojik şiddete yönelik tutumlarını azaltmada etkili olduğunu göstermektedir. Bu nedenle bilişsel davranışçı temelli flört şiddetini önleme psiko-eğitim programının kadınların, Erkeğin Flörtte Uyguladığı fiziksel ve psikolojik Şiddete Yönelik Tutumlarını azaltmada kullanılabileceği düşünülmektedir.
Biyoloji Eğitiminde Gerçekleştirilen Ölçek Geliştirme Araştırmalarına Bir Bakış
Authors: Konu Kadirhanoğulları Meryem
Published: January 2024

Bu araştırmada, YÖK tez ve Google akademik veri tabanı kullanılarak gerçekleştirilen tarama sonucunda ulaşılan Biyoloji eğitimi alanında yapılan ölçek geliştirme ile alakalı makale ve tezlerin farklı açılardan incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma, Google akademik ve YÖK tez merkezi veri tabanları kullanılarak yapılmıştır. İlgili makale ve tezlere ulaşmak için YÖK tez tarama veri tabanında “ölçek geliştirme” anahtar kelimesi ile konu kısmı “biyoloji” seçeneği ile 2 tez “eğitim” seçeneği ile 6 olmak üzere toplam 8 tez, Google akademik veri tabanında “biyoloji ölçek geliştirme” anahtar kelimesi ile 25 makale taranmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında makale ve tez olmak üzere toplam 33 çalışma incelenmiştir. Araştırmadan elde edilen bulgulara göre; araştırma sonucunda biyoloji alanında yapılan ölçek geliştirme ile alakalı makalelerin en çok 2013 yılında tezlerin ise 2018 yılında yapıldığı, makalelerin yayınlandıkları dergiler incelendiğinde Hacettepe Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi’nin birinci sırada olduğu, tezlere bakıldığında ise Necmettin Erbakan Üniversitesinin birinci sırada olduğu, makalelerde ve tezlerde ağırlıklı olarak tutum ölçeği geliştirildiği, biyoloji konusu olarak en fazla çevre ile alakalı ölçeklerin geliştirildiği, örneklem gruplarına bakıldığında en fazla öğrenciler ile çalışıldığı, tezlerde ve makalelerde örneklem büyüklüğünün en çok 101-500 aralığında olduğu, madde havuzu oluşturma sürecinde en fazla literatür taramasından faydalanıldığı, en çok biyoloji uzmanı görüşü alındığı, çoğunlukla sadece madde-test korelasyonu yapıldığı, yoğunlukla iç tutarlılık yönteminin kul­lanıldığı, makalelerinin çoğunda ilk sırada Faktör analizi sonrasında Açıklayıcı Faktör Analizi (AFA) yapıldığı, tezlerde ise en fazla Açıklayıcı Faktör Analizi (AFA) ve Doğrulayıcı Faktör Analizinin (DFA) birlikte kullanıldığı, makalelerde 2 ve 3 faktörlü ölçeklerin geliştirildiği, tezlerde ise 3 faktörlü ölçeklerin geliştirildiği, en fazla yapı geçerliği ve kapsam geçerliğinin tercih edildiği tespit edilmiştir. Araştırmadan elde edilen sonuçlara yönelik önerilere yer verilmiştir.
Digital Game Applications on Mathematics Achievement of Students at Risk of Mathematics Learning Difficulty
Authors: Özkaya Ali , Sardohan Yıldırım Adile Emel , Altındağ Kumaş Özlem , Oral Hatice , Can Erkam
Published: January 2024

In this study, the effect of four operations-based digital game applications on the basic mathematics skills of students at risk of math learning difficulties was examined. In this context, the study was designed as a mixed research method. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used in two separate interactive phases following an exploratory design scheme. The study was conducted with seven 5th grade students from two primary schools in two provinces in the Mediterranean region. A pre-test was administered to the students and a 10-session intervention was conducted. Finally, a post-test was administered after the intervention. Participants' responses to the pre-test and post-test were analysed. Shapiro-Wilk test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to analyse quantitative data, and descriptive analysis technique was used to analyse qualitative data. At the end of the study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with the parents of the students. The results of the study showed that the intervention positively affected the academic achievement of the students and the interviews with the parents supported this result. At the end of the study, it can be said that mathematics education with students at risk of mathematics learning difficulties gave positive feedback in the learning domain of numbers and operations, and it may be useful to carry out applications in other learning domains.
Heeding the Voices of Pre-Service Early Childhood Education Teachers: Their Beliefs about Early Childhood Science Education and Self-Efficacy for Teaching Science
Authors: Ata Aktürk Aysun , Çetin Mustafa
Published: January 2024

This cross-sectional survey study aimed to explore pre-service early childhood education teachers’ (PTs) beliefs about (a) the aims and scope of early childhood science education and (b) their self-efficacy beliefs in teaching science to preschool children. A survey consisting of open-ended questions was applied to PTs (N = 130). According to the results, PTs were aware of the importance of science education in early childhood. They mainly focused on the roles of early childhood science education in satisfying curiosity, developing questioning skills, and facilitating understanding of the environment and life. However, most PTs associated science education in early childhood with only natural sciences-related activities and concepts. Moreover, PTs reported low self-efficacy beliefs in teaching science to preschool children due to their lack of experience and theoretical knowledge. This study has some implications for PTs to view science education in early childhood from a comprehensive perspective and improve their self-efficacy.
CHANGES IN MOTOR PERFORMANCE IN EARLY SCHOOL-AGED ROMA CHILDREN
Authors: MERICA MARIÁN , BELEŠOVÁ MÁRIA , OSAĎAN RÓBERT , PETRIKÁN PETER , HORVÁTH RUDOLF
Published: January 2024

In their contribution, the authors approach the issue of the movement performance of Roma children of younger school age by following the trends in the development of somatic and movement characteristics over a 20-year period. Our research was attended by (668 children) from elementary schools from five cities in the East Slovak region. The aim of the contribution is to identify the current state and level of somatic and motor characteristics of Roma children in primary education in primary schools of the East Slovak region in relation to age and gender. To determine the level of movement skills, we used selected tests from the EUROFIT battery. We compared the achieved research results of all children in our research (File: R 2019) with the research results of twenty years ago (Horváth: R 2001). By analyzing and comparing the results, we point out development trends after a 20-year period and at the same time provide an analysis of the causes of possible changes.
SPEECH ACTS USED BY JO MARCH IN MOVIE “LITTLE WOMEN 2019”
Authors: Buansari Istihayyu , Fitri Apriyanti  , Diniarti Indri
Published: January 2024

This research studies the speech acts of Jo March the main character in the movie Little Women 2019 and aims to find out the type and form of speech acts in Jo's utterances and which one is the most dominant. The speech act is a theory that examines the meaning of language based on the relationship between utterances and actions performed by speakers and hearers to communicate something. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method to obtain data. The writer collected data by watching the movie of Little Women 2019. In investigating Jo's speech acts, this study applied Searle's (1979) theory of speech acts in analyzing the utterances produced by Jo in the movie Little Women. There are five types of speech acts used by Jo, including assertive with 5 utterances, directive with 10 utterances, commissive with 6 expressive utterances with 9 utterances, and declarative with 2 utterances. So, the amount of data is 32 data and the most dominant speech act used by Jo is the directive speech act.
Histopathological assessment of Atlantic salmon exposed to calcium oxide particles: a controlled clinical study
Authors: Ciani Elia , Lie Kai-Inge , Stormoen Marit , Antonsen Stein Ivar , Jørgensen Even Hjalmar
Published: January 2024

Particulate calcium oxide (CaO) has been successfully used for the control of sea urchin and starfish populations. Recent studies have proven its efficacy in killing planktonic copepods, making it a promising and cheap option for salmon louse control in the Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) farming industry. Additionally, preliminary laboratory tests demonstrated that exposure to 0.2 g/L–0.6 g/L of fine CaO particles induced significant mortality of salmon louse (Lepeophtheirus salmonis) in the planktonic stages. The present study investigated the effects of water treatment with fine CaO particles [0.2 g/L or 127.4 g/m2; 0.1 mm–0.3 mm], conducted twice a week for three consecutive weeks at 5°C and 12°C on Atlantic salmon post-smolt in a flow-through system. The study compared mortality rates and histopathology of skin, eyes, gills, and intestines between treated and untreated control salmon. The results indicated that CaO exposure did not induce fish mortality or histopathological damages in the skin, eyes, or intestines. Although there were no significant effects of CaO exposure on gill inflammation or hyperplasia, the exposure did increase the occurrence of gill vascular injuries and necrosis in small portions of the tissue (< 10% of the respiratory gill tissue in most of the samples) by 60% and 35%, respectively. The effect was not modulated by temperature or time. The results indicate that the CaO treatment protocol used in this study is not lethal to Atlantic salmon and is safe for most analyzed tissues. Nonetheless, the induction of vascular damage and necrosis in the gill, albeit in small tissue portions, emphasizes the need for further research. It is crucial to develop a protocol that avoids such lesions, ensuring the secure application of CaO as an antiparasitic treatment in salmon aquaculture.
Tracing the pathways and mechanisms involved in medicinal uses of flaxseed with computational methods and bioinformatics tools
Authors: Joshi Sravani , Srivastava Ruby
Published: January 2024

Pharmacological drugs targeting specific pathways involved in various diseases have seen recent advancement with newer and more efficient emerging drug targets, but these drugs are limited in terms of their side effects and patient adherence. The potential of plant-based diets in the form of functional foods is increasingly being realized as an option to treat and/or prevent several diseases. In this work, we have selected flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum), also known as linseed, to study its pharmacological efficacy and proposed mechanisms of action for medicinal purposes. The target genes of linseed with Disease Specificity Index (DSI >0.6) are compared to the associated genes of diabetes mellitus, decrease in appetite, addictive behavior, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and the selected genes are further evaluated using in silico methods. The binding affinity of flaxseed to three common target proteins (CCDC28b, PDCD6IP, and USP34) is assessed by docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results show that linseed is safe to use for mutagenic toxicity and other cardiotoxicity measures, but linseed is unsafe for embryotoxicity, hERG toxicity, and cardiac failure. The analysis of the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene Ontology (GO), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways indicates that flaxseed can be used as a medicinal herb for treatment of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, IBDs, and PCOS.
Comparative genomic analysis of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from patients and retail meat
Authors: Alkuraythi Dalal M. , Alkhulaifi Manal M. , Binjomah Abdulwahab Z. , Alarwi Mohammed , Mujallad Mohammed I. , Alharbi Saleh Ali , Alshomrani Mohammad , Gojobori Takashi , Alajel Sulaiman M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Staphylococcus aureus is a significant human pathogen that poses a threat to public health due to its association with foodborne contamination and a variety of infections. The factors contributing to the pathogenicity of S. aureus include virulence, drug resistance, and toxin production, making it essential to monitor their prevalence and genetic profiles. This study investigated and compared the genomic characteristics of S. aureus isolates from retail meat and patients in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A total of 136 S. aureus isolates were obtained between October 2021 and June 2022:84 from patients and 53 from meat samples in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. S. aureus isolates were identified using conventional methods and MALDI-TOF MS, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was identified using VITEK2 and BD Phoenix systems. MRSA was confirmed phenotypically using chromogenic agar, and genotypically by detecting mecA. Genomic data were analyzed using BactopiaV2 pipeline, local BLAST, and MLST databases.

Results

Antibiotic resistance genes were prevalent in both meat and patient S. aureus isolates, with high prevalence of tet38, blaZ, and fosB. Notably, all S. aureus isolates from patients carried multidrug-resistant (MDR) genes, and a high percentage of S. aureus isolates from meat also harbored MDR genes. Phenotypically, 43% of the S. aureus isolates from meat and 100% of the patients’ isolates were MDR. Enterotoxin genes, including selX, sem, and sei, exhibited high compatibility between meat and patient S. aureus isolates. Virulence genes such as cap, hly/hla, sbi, and isd were found in all S. aureus isolates from both sources.

Conclusion

Our study established a genetic connection between S. aureus isolates from meat and patients, showing shared antibiotic resistance and virulence genes. The presence of these genes in meat derived isolates underscores its role as a reservoir. Genomic relatedness also suggests potential transmission of resistance between different settings. These findings emphasize the necessity for a comprehensive approach to monitor and control S. aureus infections in both animals and humans.
Case Report: Acute cerebral infarction caused by left atrial and right ventricular myxoma received emergency operation
Authors: Tang Chengbin , Gao Xianglong , Chen Tao , Shao Jun , Zhu Tao , Zheng Xucai , Ren Chuanli
Published: January 2024

Cardiac myxoma is a rare etiology of ischemic stroke, especially in young people. We report a case of multiple myxomas in left atrium and right ventricle inducing acute cerebral infarction. No significant abnormalities were detected in the patient's preoperative laboratory examination. Following emergency surgery, the patient's prognosis was satisfactory, providing valuable empirical insight for the surgical management of acute cerebral infarction in individuals diagnosed with cardiac myxoma. Our objective is to heighten awareness regarding the evaluation and treatment of patients with acute cerebral infarction subsequent to early diagnosis of cardiac myxoma.
Explanatory deep learning to predict elevated pulmonary artery pressure in children with ventricular septal defects using standard chest x-rays: a novel approach
Authors: Li Zhixin , Luo Gang , Ji Zhixian , Wang Sibao , Pan Silin
Published: January 2024

Objective

Early risk assessment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) is crucial to ensure timely treatment. We hypothesize that applying artificial intelligence (AI) to chest x-rays (CXRs) could identify the future risk of PAH in patients with ventricular septal defect (VSD).

Methods

A total of 831 VSD patients (161 PAH-VSD, 670 nonPAH-VSD) was retrospectively included. A residual neural networks (ResNet) was trained for classify VSD patients with different outcomes based on chest radiographs. The endpoint of this study was the occurrence of PAH in VSD children before or after surgery.

Results

In the validation set, the AI algorithm achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82. In an independent test set, the AI algorithm significantly outperformed human observers in terms of AUC (0.81 vs. 0.65). Class Activation Mapping (CAM) images demonstrated the model's attention focused on the pulmonary artery segment.

Conclusion

The preliminary findings of this study suggest that the application of artificial intelligence to chest x-rays in VSD patients can effectively identify the risk of PAH.
Intra-cardiac motion detection catheter for the early identification of acute pericardial tamponade during invasive cardiac procedures
Authors: Selvakumar Dinesh , Barry Michael A. , Pouliopoulos Jim , Lu Juntang , Tran Vu , Kovoor Pramesh
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To develop and test an intra-cardiac catheter fitted with accelerometers to detect acute pericardial effusion prior to the onset of hemodynamic compromise.

Background

Early detection of an evolving pericardial effusion is critical in ensuring timely treatment. We hypothesized that the reduction in movement of the lateral heart border present in developing pericardial effusions could be quantified by positioning an accelerometer in a lateral cardiac structure.

Methods

A “motion detection” catheter was created by implanting a 3-axis accelerometer at the distal tip of a cardiac catheter. The pericardial space of 5 adult sheep was percutaneously accessed, and pericardial tamponade was created by infusion of normal saline. The motion detection catheter was positioned in the coronary sinus. Intracardiac echocardiography was used to confirm successful creation of pericardial effusion and hemodynamic parameters were collected.

Results

Statistically significant reduction in acceleration from baseline was detected after infusion of only 40 ml of normal saline (p < 0.05, ANOVA). In comparison, clinically significant change in systolic blood pressure (defined as >10% drop in baseline systolic blood pressure) occurred after infusion of 80 ml of normal saline (107 ± 22 mmHg vs. 90 ± 12 mmHg p = 0.97, ANOVA), and statistically significant change was recorded only after infusion of 200 ml (107 ± 22 mmHg vs. 64 ± 5 mmHg, p < 0.05, ANOVA).

Conclusions

An intra-cardiac motion detection catheter is highly sensitive in identifying acute cardiac tamponade prior to clinically and statistically significant changes in systolic blood pressure, allowing for early detection and treatment of this potentially life-threatening complication of all modern percutaneous cardiac interventions.
Unveiling interdisciplinary horizons: students’ experiences in a first-year calculus course
Authors: Armenta Itzel H. , Dominguez Angeles
Published: January 2024

In the realm of higher education, the pursuit of interdisciplinarity aims to foster the exchange and integration of fragmented knowledge, yielding transformative outcomes. Employing a phenomenological method, this study delves into the interdisciplinary experience of twelve students from a first-year undergraduate calculus class. Through the analysis of written questionnaires, focus group sessions, and supplementary qualitative data, a comprehensive understanding of students’ interdisciplinary encounters is unveiled and organized into three main categories: what students think about interdisciplinarity, how they act when being involved in integrations and what external factors are involved in shaping their experience. This paper presents emergent experiential themes, shedding light on both individual and collective experiences, as students navigate and enrich their calculus learning through interdisciplinary connections.
Evaluation of an online interprofessional course on ethics and professionalism: experience of medical, dental, and pharmacy students
Authors: Atwa Hani , Farghaly Amira , Badawi Jude Tareq , Malik Louay Fadi , Abdelnasser Asmaa
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Ethics and professionalism in the health professions reflect how health professionals behave during practice, based on their professional values and attitudes. Health professions education institutions have implemented various strategies for teaching ethics and professionalism, including interprofessional education. The aim of the study was to evaluate the perception of undergraduate health professions students about the outcomes of an online interprofessional course in ethics and professionalism as well as their perception of interprofessional education and the importance of ethics and professionalism after taking the course.

Methods

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that targeted medical, dentistry, and pharmacy students. A researcher-made 31-item questionnaire was used. The questionnaire was tested for face, content, and construct validity. Reliability of the questionnaire was estimated by Cronbach alpha test. Descriptive statistics were used. T-test was performed to compare the results of male and female students and ANOVA was performed to compare the results of medical, dentistry, and pharmacy students. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results

Factor analysis of the questionnaire yielded three factors, namely course evaluation, perception of interprofessional education, and importance of ethics and professionalism in health professions education. The study participants expressed positive perceptions of all aspects of the course. They reported positive perceptions of interprofessional education, highlighting its benefits in enhancing understanding, teamwork skills, and respect for other healthcare professionals. The findings reveal some program-related differences in participants’ responses, where medical students showed higher ratings of all aspects of the course, interprofessional education and importance of ethics and professionalism.

Conclusion

Students of the three programs showed positive perceptions of the online IPE course on ethics and professionalism as well as the benefits of IPE and the importance of ethics and professionalism. This highlights the effectiveness of the course in addressing such important aspects of health professions education.
The mediating role of academic motivation in the relationship between self-efficacy and learning strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Alesi Marianna , Giordano Giulia , Gentile Ambra , Roccella Michele , Costanza Carola , Caci Barbara
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions imposed the use of Online Learning (OL) as the preferred tool for delivering school and academic lectures. Despite the flexibility of the OL tool, some features (such as the use of technology, lack of sense of belonging, and Internet connection) could have impacted the academic motivation of university students and their learning strategies. Therefore, the aim of the study is to clarify the role of academic motivation in the relationship between self-efficacy and learning strategies. A sample of 1069 university students (mean age: 21.72 years, SD: 4.05; 78.5% female, 20.9% male) completed self-report questionnaires about self-efficacy, learning strategies, and academic motivation. A mediation model with general SE directly predicting learning strategies considering the type of academic motivation (autonomous or controlling motivation) was run. The results showed that students’ level of academic motivation, as autonomous regulation, mediated the relationship between self-efficacy and learning strategies. Findings highlighted that in a stressful condition like the OL during the COVID-19 pandemic, low levels of self-efficacy could negatively impact strategic learning, especially with a controlled and low-regulated motivational style. Therefore, psychologists should cooperate with educators to implement clinical and psychoeducational programs aimed at fostering students’ self-efficacy.
The role of exosomes and exosomal microRNA in diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Gao Shiyu , Dong Yue , Yan Chentao , Yu Tianhao , Cao Hongbo
Published: January 2024

Diabetic cardiomyopathy, a formidable cardiovascular complication linked to diabetes, is witnessing a relentless surge in its incidence. Despite extensive research efforts, the primary pathogenic mechanisms underlying this condition remain elusive. Consequently, a critical research imperative lies in identifying a sensitive and dependable marker for early diagnosis and treatment, thereby mitigating the onset and progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). Exosomes (EXOs), minute vesicles enclosed within bilayer lipid membranes, have emerged as a fascinating frontier in this quest, capable of transporting a diverse cargo that mirrors the physiological and pathological states of their parent cells. These exosomes play an active role in the intercellular communication network of the cardiovascular system. Within the realm of exosomes, MicroRNA (miRNA) stands as a pivotal molecular player, revealing its profound influence on the progression of DCM. This comprehensive review aims to offer an introductory exploration of exosome structure and function, followed by a detailed examination of the intricate role played by exosome-associated miRNA in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Our ultimate objective is to bolster our comprehension of DCM diagnosis and treatment strategies, thereby facilitating timely intervention and improved outcomes.
Research on the collaborative management of internal and external fluctuations and optimization of power trading in multi-virtual power plants
Authors: Chu Tianfeng , Wang Tong , Li Ming , Feng Junbo , Sun Yufei , Liu Xinrui
Published: January 2024

Virtual power plants (VPPs), serving as an integration and coordination platform for energy sources, have been rapidly developed in recent years. With the rapid expansion of distributed energy sources, disturbance problems within the VPP and cluster are becoming increasingly prominent. In this study, we commence by addressing the internal fluctuations within the VPP through the construction of a source–load uncertainty model. Then, we integrate the Nash bargaining game theory, treating different VPPs as participants in the game. This approach significantly mitigates disturbances within both VPPs and the cluster through the negotiation of power trading strategies. In addition, the coordination between VPPs and their coordination with the distribution network in the network-wide interaction is considered, and an optimization algorithm for distributed electricity trading based on the alternating direction method of multipliers is proposed to solve the model. The results show that the proposed model effectively copes with the internal and external disturbances of the VPP, improves the system’s ability to cope with the uncertainty risk, and reduces the operation cost.
Bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis investigating the genetic association between primary breast cancer and colorectal cancer
Authors: Liu Yi , Si Mingxuan , Qian Yawei , Liu Yang , Wang Zichen , Zhang Tongyu , Wang Zhenhuan , Ye Kun , Xiang Cuijuan , Xu Linlin , Zhang Yanping , Xiao Zhihan
Published: January 2024

Purpose

With the advancement in early diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer (BC) has improved significantly. The prognosis of primary breast cancer (PBC) survivors can be significantly influenced by the occurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) as a secondary primary cancer (SPC). The objective of this study is to explore the possible genetic association between PBC and CRC, aiming to lay a groundwork for the development of preventive strategies against SPC-CRC following BC surgery.

Methods

We employed a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach to thoroughly examine genetic instrumental variables (IVs) derived from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) conducted on PBC and CRC. And applied inverse variance weighted (IVW) and multiple other MR methods (weighted median, simple median, MR-PRESSO and MR-RAPS) to evaluate the association between the two cancers (PBC and CRC) at genetic level. Furthermore, the robustness of the findings was further confirmed through the utilization of the genetic risk score (GRS) method in a secondary analysis.

Results

Forward MR analysis, a total of 179 BC genetic IVs, 25 estrogen receptor-negative (ER-) genetic IVs and 135 ER-positive (ER+) genetic IVs were screened. Reverse MR analysis, 179 genetic IVs of CRC, 25 genetic IVs of colon cancer, 135 genetic IVs of rectal cancer, 25 genetic IVs of left colon cancer and 135 genetic IVs of right colon cancer were screened. IVW and other MR methods found no significant genetic association between PBC and CRC (P > 0.05). Subgroup analysis also showed that ER- BC and ER+ BC were not correlated with the occurrence of CRC (P > 0.05). The findings of the secondary analysis using GRS were consistent with those obtained from the primary analysis, thereby confirming the robustness and reliability of this study.

Conclusions

Our findings do not provide any evidence supporting the association between PBC and CRC at the genetic level. Further large-scale prospective studies are warranted to replicate our findings.