bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HEMŞİRELİK ÖĞRENCİLERİNİN ÖZ-ETKİLİLİK-YETERLİK DÜZEYLERİ İLE AKADEMİK BAŞARILARI ARASINDAKİ İLİŞKİNİN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: ÇITLIK SARITAŞ Seyhan , BÜYÜKBAYRAM Zeliha , ANUŞ TOPDEMİR Esra
Published: November 2020

Bu tanımlayıcı nitelikte araştırmada, hemşirelik öğrencilerinin öz-etkililik-yeterlik düzeyleri ile akademik başarıları arasındaki ilişki incelendi. Araştırmanın evrenini, Siirt Üniversitesi Sağlık Yüksekokulu Hemşirelik Bölümü öğrencileri (N=550) oluşturdu. Araştırma örneklemi, katılmayı kabul eden 342 öğrenci ile tamamlandı. Verilerin toplanmasında, birey tanıtıcı formu ve Öz-etkililik-yeterlik Ölçeği kullanıldı. Verilerin değerlendirilmesinde tanımlayıcı istatistik, t testi, ANOVA ve Pearson korelasyon analizi kullanıldı. Araştırmada, öğrencilerin yaş ortalaması 21.20±2.46 olduğu, %50’si kız olduğu, %36’sı I. sınıfta öğrenim gördüğü, %61.7’si hemşirelik mesleğini isteyerek seçtiği, %36’sı teorik derslerini yeterli bulmadığı, %74.6’sı uygulamalı dersleri yeterli bulmadığı, %45.9’u not ortalamasının 71-80 aralığında olduğu, %40.6’sı kendini kısmen başarılı bulduğu, %34.5’i çevresinin başarılarını etkilediğini, %58.8’i rahat, sakin disiplinli ve sorumluluk almayı sevmeyen kişilik yapısına sahip olduğu tespit edildi. Öz-etkililik-yeterlik toplam puan ortalaması 84.64±11.95 olarak tespit edilirken, Öz-etkililik-yeterlik ölçeği alt boyutlarında puan ortalamaları; davranışa başlamada 30.47±5.55, davranışı sürdürmede 26.07±4.58, davranışı tamamlamada 18.80±3.94, engellerle mücadelede 9.29±2.41 olarak saptandı. 2. sınıf öğrencilerinin Öz-etkililik-yeterlik toplam puan ortalamaları, diğer sınıftaki öğrencilerden daha yüksekti. Araştırmada öğrencilerin öz-etkililik-yeterlik düzeylerinin (Öz-etkililik-yeterlik toplam ve Engellerle Mücadele dışında) puan ortalaması, ortalamanın üzerinde olduğu tespit edildi. Öz-Etkililik-Yeterlik toplamı ve davranışı tamamlama alt boyut puanı ile derslerin not ortalaması arasında pozitif yönde bir ilişki olduğu saptandı.
MATEMÁTICA NA ENGENHARIA: MAPEAMENTO DE PRODUÇÕES EM EDUCAÇÃO MATEMÁTICA DA PUC-SP DE 2010 A 2020
Authors: Gomes Eloiza , Bianchin Barbara Lutaif , Lima Gabriel Loureiro de
Published: November 2020

O objetivo desse artigo é apresentar um mapeamento, e a partir dele um estudo aprofundado, da produção dos últimos dez anos do Programa de Estudos Pós-Graduados em Educação Matemáticada PUC-SP referente ao ensino e à aprendizagem da Matemática em cursos de Engenharia, tomando por base as dissertações e teses defendidas no espectro temporal de 2010 a 2020. A busca foi realizada na biblioteca virtual de dissertações e teses da PUC-SP e constituiu-se um conjunto de nove pesquisas a serem estudadas. Em cada uma delas analisamos: a fundamentação teórica, a metodologia, os sujeitos de pesquisa e mais detalhadamente os objetivos, alguns resultados de cunho mais geral e sugestões para futuras investigações. Os referenciais teóricos mais empregados foram alguns preceitos da Modelagem Matemática e a Teoria das Situações Didáticas. Nenhuma das pesquisas é apenas documental ou bibliográfica e, consequentemente, todas têm sujeitos, que são sempre estudantes da Engenharia. Os resultados de caráter mais geral agrupam-se, majoritariamente, em torno de questõesrelacionadas às potencialidades e dificuldades da utilização da Modelagem Matemática como estratégia de ensino, das potencialidades do emprego das Tecnologias Digitais de Informação e Comunicação no ensino de Matemática na Engenharia. As sugestões para futuras pesquisas indicam diferentes possibilidades e caminhos a serem percorridos na construção do conhecimento acerca dos processos de ensino e de aprendizagem em cursos de Engenharia.
CONCEPÇÕES DE LICENCIANDOS DE MATEMÁTICA SOBRE O CONCEITO DE PROBLEMA EM MATEMÁTICA: REFLEXÕES PARA A FORMAÇÃO DOCENTE
Authors: Oliveira Raquel Gomes de , Rodrigues Erika Aparecida Navarro
Published: November 2020

De acordo com atuais referências curriculares, professores de Matemática da Educação Básica organizam suas práticas docentes em um currículo escolar orientado para o desenvolvimento decompetências cognitivas e socioemocionais, no qual a Resolução de Problemas é uma metodologia de ensino mobilizadora dessas competências. Para saber o conceito de problema e de Resolução de Problemas como metodologia de ensino, realizamos uma pesquisa qualitativa e uma análise temática de conteúdos junto a licenciandos de Matemática de uma universidade pública paulista. Os resultados mostraram que, para a maioria dos licenciandos, o conceito de problema em Matemática não é consolidado tal como deve ser na perspectiva de Resolução de Problemas como  metodologia de ensino, implicando saberes insatisfatórios desses licenciandos para a utilização desta metodologia, pois não oportunizariam aos seus futuros alunos a coordenação de diferentes competências cognitivas que necessariamente devem se apresentar em processos de resolução de um problema em Matemática. Concluímos que esses resultados e suas respectivas análises podem ser considerados motivadores da realização de pesquisas sobre a constituição de saberes e competências docentes desde a formação inicial de professores de Matemática no que tange à elaboração do conceito de problema em Matemática e à utilização da Resolução de Problemas como metodologia de ensino.
BASE DE CONHECIMENTOS DOS FORMADORES DE PROFESSORES DE MATEMÁTICA PARA O ENSINO DE METODOLOGIA DA RESOLUÇÃO DE PROBLEMAS: UM ESTUDO DE CASOS MÚLTIPLOS
Authors: Teixeira Odiméia , Brandalise Mary Ângela Teixeira
Published: November 2020

Neste artigo, são apresentados os resultados de uma pesquisa que objetivou analisar como se configura a Base de Conhecimentos para a docência dos formadores de professores para o ensino deMetodologia da Resolução de Problemas nos cursos de Licenciatura em Matemática de Universidades Públicas do Estado do Paraná. Em termos metodológicos, corresponde a uma pesquisa qualitativa, dotipo estudo de casos múltiplos. O aporte teórico deu-se nas definições e nas categorizações dos conhecimentos basilares da prática docente propostas por Lee Shulman e nas adaptações definidas por Pâmela Lyon Grossman, bem como nos pressupostos de Lourdes de La Rosa Onuchic para embasar questões teóricas que permeiam a Metodologia da Resolução de Problemas. Os depoimentos dos formadores de professores, coletados por meio de entrevistas, foram analisados de acordo com a Análise Textual Discursiva, desenvolvida por Moraes e Galiazzi. Os principais achados da pesquisa evidenciaram que o ensino de Metodologia da Resolução de Problemas é mais efetivo em termos formativos se a Base de Conhecimentos dos formadores de professores for bem estruturada em relação aos Conhecimentos: do Tema, Pedagógico Geral, Pedagógico do Conteúdo, do Contexto Universitário e do Contexto Escolar; e que as diferentes formas de conceituar a Metodologia da Resolução de Problemas têm estreita relação com os conhecimentos basilares da docência dos formadores de professores.
QUALIDADES NA EDUCAÇÃO MATEMÁTICA EM CURSOS DE PEDAGOGIA: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA DA LITERATURA
Authors: Macêdo Michela Caroline , Monteiro Carlos Eduardo Ferreira , Carvalho Rafael Nicolau
Published: November 2020

Este artigo tem como objetivo desenvolver uma discussão sobre as concepções de qualidades relacionadas ao ensino de Matemática na formação inicial de licenciandos em Pedagogia. O estudo que gerou este trabalho trata-se de uma Revisão Sistemática da Literatura, que, por sua vez, tencionou identificar as mencionadas concepções a partir da produção científica do período de 2006 a 2016. Elegeram-se três bases de dados para a coleta, a saber: BDTD, SciELO e Portal de Periódicos da CAPES. Delimitou-se um conjunto de descritores e critérios de busca. Selecionou-se 696 publicações, das quais, após leitura seletiva, incluiu-se 20 trabalhos na análise final. Os resultados sugerem que as qualidades na formação em Matemática nos cursos de Pedagogia relacionam-se com as diferentesperspectivas em que o termo é tratado no âmbito da literatura.
ESTUDO DE INTEGRAIS POR MEIO DE TAREFAS NA PERSPECTIVA DO ENSINO HÍBRIDO
Authors: Borssoi Adriana Helena , Silva Rodrigo Tavares da
Published: November 2020

Nesse artigo, temos por objetivo trazer resultados de uma pesquisa que investigou os efeitos no ambiente educacional observados quando tarefas em uma perspectiva de ensino híbrido forampropostas para o estudo de tópicos de Integrais de funções de uma variável real. Para isso, foram analisadas duas tarefas, as quais foram elaboradas e aplicadas, na perspectiva das modalidades doensino híbrido: sala de aula invertida e laboratório rotacional, no contexto de uma disciplina de um curso de Ciências Econômicas de uma universidade pública paranaense. Como ambiente virtual deensino e aprendizagem o estudo se valeu das funcionalidades da plataforma virtual do GeoGebra, explorando folhas de trabalho. Registros dos alunos nesse ambiente, bem como registros de áudio de encontros presenciais e de uma entrevista são considerados dados da pesquisa a partir dos quais uma análise qualitativa de cunho interpretativo se fez. Com isso, foi possível evidenciar que a natureza das tarefas propiciou a participação mais ativa dos alunos no ambiente educacional provocando mudanças na dinâmica da sala de aula. Adicionalmente, a nova dinâmica permitiu maior aproximação do professor com os alunos e permitiu tomar conhecimento das impressões dos alunos quanto as tarefas, oque se mostrou uma oportunidade de refletir sobre o que poderia ser melhorado na proposição de novas tarefas.
UMA EXPERIÊNCIA COM UM INSTRUMENTO DE AVALIAÇÃO DO DESEMPENHO ORAL NO ÂMBITO DA DISCIPLINA DE CÁLCULO
Authors: Alves Roberta Marcelino de Almeida , Trevisan André Luis
Published: November 2020

Considerando que a avaliação em disciplinas matemáticas no âmbito do Ensino Superior ainda segue moldes ditos tradicionais, este artigo analisa uma experiência envolvendo a utilização deum instrumento de avaliação do desempenho oral, elencando suas potencialidades para a promoção de oportunidades de aprendizagem, bem como algumas de suas limitações. Para tal, realiza-se uma pesquisa qualitativa de cunho interpretativo, considerando a transcrição do diálogo de três grupos deestudantes de Cálculo Diferencial e Integral que analisam resoluções de dois limites de funções reais de uma variável real. Como conclusões, apontam-se as possibilidades oferecidas pelo instrumento para os estudantes produzirem argumentos e transmitirem sua compreensão ao trabalhar de maneiradialógica, diferentemente de trabalhar apenas no contexto escrito. Algumas limitações incluíram a divisão na fala entre os integrantes e o tratamento “mecânico” dos critérios, bem como dificuldadesem expressar oralmente alguns aspectos de notação.
INVESTIGANDO O MODO QUE LICENCIANDOS EM MATEMÁTICA UTILIZAM O GEOPLANO DURANTE ATIVIDADES ENVOLVENDO AS CARACTERÍSTICAS DOS QUADRILÁTEROS
Authors: Vilaça Marcel Muniz
Published: November 2020

O presente trabalho, fruto de uma dissertação, analisou como estudantes de licenciatura em matemática utilizam o Geoplano para a resolução de atividades envolvendo as características dosquadriláteros. Essa observação, de cunho qualitativo, ocorreu durante a vivência de atividades propostas em uma oficina em que os licenciandos, reunidos em trios, deveriam responder questões que mobilizavam o conceito e critérios de classificação dos quadriláteros. Como aporte teórico que viabilizasse tal investigação foi utilizado elementos da Teoria da Instrumentação para possibilitar investigar a ação dos sujeitos (licenciandos) mediada por um artefato (Geoplano). Os resultados observados evidenciam lacunas conceituais apresentadas por alguns licenciandos ao conceituar e classificar os quadriláteros. Sobre a utilização do Geoplano, esse recurso didático mostrou-se inadequado para o tipo de atividade desenvolvida na pesquisa, uma vez que os licenciandos não consideraram suas características durante a realização das atividades propostas.
SITUAÇÕES QUE ENVOLVEM PARALELOGRAMOS E SUAS ÁREAS: UM ESTUDO COM LICENCIANDOS EM MATEMÁTICA
Authors: Araújo Jailson Cavalcante de , Silva Anderson Douglas Pereira Rodrigues da , Bellemain Paula Moreira Baltar
Published: November 2020

Neste artigo analisa-se, sob a ótica da Teoria dos Campos Conceituais de Gérard Vergnaud e seus colaboradores e do modelo de área como uma grandeza autônoma proposto por Régine Douady e Marie-Jeanne Perrin-Glorian, como licenciandos em matemática lidam com as situações que dão sentido à área de paralelogramos. Os procedimentos metodológicos consistiram na aplicação de um teste diagnóstico contendo questões de identificação de paralelogramos, comparação e medida de áreae produção de superfícies bem como três questões didáticas sobre a atividade realizada. Os participantes da pesquisa foram estudantes do 4º período de um curso de Licenciatura em Matemática de uma universidade pública federal. Como resultados, os licenciandos apresentaram um bom padrão de acertos em todas as questões, mas também alguns aspectos não plenamente dominados por eles. Na questão de identificação, observamos alguns equívocos como considerar que “todo losango também équadrado”. Verificamos a mobilização de teoremas em ação verdadeiros como a invariância da área por decomposição e recomposição sem perda nem sobreposição. Nas questões complementares, apesar de não haver consenso entre os grupos em algumas respostas, notamos elementos importantes daformação docente, cuja identificação permite ao professor intervir de maneira a contribuir para a superação de concepções errôneas. Podemos concluir que a realização de pesquisas com licenciandoscontribui para a identificação de pontos a serem melhorados tanto no ensino quanto na escolha dos conteúdos a serem vivenciados, contribuindo para o aprofundamento das discussões em educaçãomatemática e para uma melhor formação dos participantes.
Heparin-Modified Amniotic Membrane Combined With Growth Factors for Promoting Corneal Wound Healing After Alkali Burn
Authors: Zhao Xuan , Zuo Xin , Zhong Jing , Wang Bowen , Li Saiqun , Xiao Yichen , Yuan Jin
Published: November 2020

Ocular chemical burns are potentially blinding ocular injuries and require urgent management. Amniotic membrane (AM) transplantation is an effective surgical treatment, one of the reasons is because AM is a rich source of growth factors that can promote epithelialization and wound healing. However, growth factors will be gradually lost and insufficient after preparation process and long-time storage, leading to unsatisfactory therapeutic effects. Herein, we present a modified AM (AM-HEP) for the supplement and sustained release of growth factor by surface grafting heparin for treatment of ocular chemical burns. Heparin grafting rate and stability, microstructure, physical property, and sustained release of epithelial growth factor (EGF) of AM-HEP were characterized. Biocompatibility and ability to promote corneal epithelial cell growth and migration were evaluated and compared with a biological amnion, which is available on the market in vitro. The therapeutic effects of AM-HEP combined with EGF (AM-HEP@EGF) in vivo had been evaluated in a model of mouse corneal alkali burn. The results indicated that heparin was introduced into AM and maintain stability over 3 weeks at 37°C. The modification process of AM-HEP did not affect microstructure and physical property after comparing with non-modified AM. EGF could be combined quickly and effectively with AM-HEP; the sustained release could last for more than 14 days. AM-HEP@EGF could significantly promote corneal epithelial cell growth and migration, compared with non-modified AM and control group. Faster corneal epithelialization was observed with the transplantation of AM-HEP@EGF in vivo, compared with the untreated control group. The corneas in the AM-HEP@EGF group have less inflammation and were more transparent than those in the control group. The results from in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that AM-HEP@EGF could significantly enhance the therapeutic effects. Taken together, AM-HEP@EGF is exhibited to be a potent clinical application in corneal alkali burns through accelerating corneal epithelial wound healing.
Tm7sf2 Disruption Alters Radial Gene Positioning in Mouse Liver Leading to Metabolic Defects and Diabetes Characteristics
Authors: Gatticchi Leonardo , de las Heras Jose I. , Sivakumar Aishwarya , Zuleger Nikolaj , Roberti Rita , Schirmer Eric C.
Published: November 2020

Tissue-specific patterns of radial genome organization contribute to genome regulation and can be established by nuclear envelope proteins. Studies in this area often use cancer cell lines, and it is unclear how well such systems recapitulate genome organization of primary cells or animal tissues; so, we sought to investigate radial genome organization in primary liver tissue hepatocytes. Here, we have used a NET47/Tm7sf2–/– liver model to show that manipulating one of these nuclear membrane proteins is sufficient to alter tissue-specific gene positioning and expression. Dam-LaminB1 global profiling in primary liver cells shows that nearly all the genes under such positional regulation are related to/important for liver function. Interestingly, Tm7sf2 is a paralog of the HP1-binding nuclear membrane protein LBR that, like Tm7sf2, also has an enzymatic function in sterol reduction. Fmo3 gene/locus radial mislocalization could be rescued with human wild-type, but not TM7SF2 mutants lacking the sterol reductase function. One central pathway affected is the cholesterol synthesis pathway. Within this pathway, both Cyp51 and Msmo1 are under Tm7sf2 positional and expression regulation. Other consequences of the loss of Tm7sf2 included weight gain, insulin sensitivity, and reduced levels of active Akt kinase indicating additional pathways under its regulation, several of which are highlighted by mispositioning genes. This study emphasizes the importance for tissue-specific radial genome organization in tissue function and the value of studying genome organization in animal tissues and primary cells over cell lines.
The Paradox of Interactive Media: The Potential for Video Games and Virtual Reality as Tools for Violence Prevention
Authors: Bowman Nicholas David , Ahn Sun Joo , Mercer Kollar Laura M.
Published: November 2020

Interactive media such as video games and virtual reality (VR) provide users with lived experiences that may be dangerous or even impossible in daily life. By providing interactive experiences in highly authentic, detail-rich contexts, these technologies have demonstrated measurable success in impacting how people think, feel, and behave in the physical world. At the same time, violent interactive media content has been historically connected with a range of antisocial effects in both popular press and academic research. Extant literature has established a small-but-statistically significant effect of interactive media violence on aggressive thoughts and behaviors, which could serve as a risk factor for interpersonal violence. However, left unexplored is the seemingly paradoxical claim that under some conditions, interactive media experiences might protect against interpersonal violence. Drawing on advances in media theory and research and the evolution of interactive media content and production practices, the current manuscript suggests ways in which interactive media violence may be leveraged to lower the likelihood of real-world violence experiences. For example, research on both violent and non-violent games has found that players can (a) express guilt after committing violent acts, (b) report reflective and introspective emotional reactions during gameplay, and (c) debate the morality of their actions with others. Regarding VR, studies have demonstrated that (a) witnessing physical violence in immersive spaces led participants to take the perspective of victims and better understand their emotional state and (b) controlled exposure to traumatic or violent events can be used for treatment. Broadly, studies into video games and VR demonstrate that the impact of actions in virtual worlds transfer into the physical worlds to influence (later) attitudes and behaviors. Thus, how these experiences may be potentially harnessed for social change is a compelling and open consideration, as are side-effects of such interventions on vulnerable groups. The current manuscript summarizes emerging research perspectives (as well as their limitations) to offer insight into the potential for interactive media violence to protect against real-world violence victimization and perpetration.
Developing Health Communication Materials During a Pandemic
Authors: Benski Caroline , Goto Aya ,   Creative Health Teams, Reich Michael R.
Published: November 2020

As the COVID-19 virus spread rapidly around the world, information related to the pandemic also spread quickly and in massive amounts. Uncertainty and unknowns about the pandemic together with the explosion of information created confusion and fear among many populations. A major challenge for public health practitioners is to provide clear and consistent messages that can be understood by different types of audiences, including vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and children who are often forgotten in this process. We compared and analyzed the development processes of health communication products for pregnant women in Madagascar and for elementary school children in Japan during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study compared these two field experiences in different socioeconomic settings to identify common strategies for the development of communication materials in a health crisis. The two cases both developed communication materials developed in collaboration with key local communicators and the target audiences. Both products used a simple and clear structure and included do's and don'ts. Messages were tailored toward the lifestyles of the target audience and phrased to fit with cultural and linguistic contexts. Both developer teams paid attention to easy-to-understand words and culturally accepted design and colors. The final products were distributed swiftly and widely through multiple channels with the local community. These two field experiences demonstrate common strategies for developing health communication materials that are culturally-tailored and visually-appealing in a timely manner and can be disseminated through existing channels in a health crisis. Our experiences emphasize that collaborative and iterative efforts based on an existing trust relationship with the target community can provide the foundation for a rapid communication response in a health crisis.
Case Report: A Case Report of Stereotactic Ventricular Arrhythmia Radioablation (STAR) on Large Cardiac Target Volume by Highly Personalized Inter- and Intra-fractional Image Guidance
Authors: Narducci Maria Lucia , Cellini Francesco , Placidi Lorenzo , Boldrini Luca , Perna Francesco , Bencardino Gianluigi , Pinnacchio Gaetano , Bertolini Roberta , Cannelli Giorgio , Frascino Vincenzo , Tagliaferri Luca , Chiesa Silvia , Mattiucci Gian Carlo , Balducci Mario , Gambacorta Maria Antonietta , Rossi Marco , Indovina Luca , Pelargonio Gemma , Valentini Vincenzo , Crea Filippo
Published: November 2020

Introduction: Although catheter ablation is the current gold standard treatment for refractory ventricular arrhythmias, sometimes its efficacy is not optimal and it's associated with high risks of procedural complication and death. Stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) is increasingly being adopted for such clinical presentation, considering its efficacy and safety.

Case Presentation: We do report our experience managing a case of high volume of left ventricle for refractory ventricular tachycardia in advanced heart failure patient, by delivering a single fraction of STAR through an highly personalization of dose delivery applying repeated inter- and continuous intra-fraction image guidance.

Conclusion: According to the literature reports, we recommend considering increasing as much as possible the personalization features and safety technical procedure as long as that is not significantly affecting the STAR duration. Moreover, the duration in itself shouldn't be the main parameter, but balanced into the frame of possibly obtainable outcome improvement. At best of our knowledge, this is the first report applying such specific technology onto this clinical setting. Future studies will clarify these issues.
Intravascular Molecular Imaging: Near-Infrared Fluorescence as a New Frontier
Authors: Khraishah Haitham , Jaffer Farouc A.
Published: November 2020

Despite exciting advances in structural intravascular imaging [intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and optical coherence tomography (OCT)] that have enabled partial assessment of atheroma burden and high-risk features associated with acute coronary syndromes, structural-based imaging modalities alone do not comprehensively phenotype the complex pathobiology of atherosclerosis. Near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) is an emerging molecular intravascular imaging modality that allows forin vivovisualization of pathobiological and cellular processes at atheroma plaque level, including inflammation, oxidative stress, and abnormal endothelial permeability. Established intravascular NIRF imaging targets include macrophages, cathepsin protease activity, oxidized low-density lipoprotein and abnormal endothelial permeability. Structural and molecular intravascular imaging provide complementary information about plaque microstructure and biology. For this reason, integrated hybrid catheters that combine NIRF-IVUS or NIRF-OCT have been developed to allow co-registration of morphological and molecular processes with a single pullback, as performed for standalone IVUS or OCT. NIRF imaging is approaching application in clinical practice. This will be accelerated by the use of FDA-approved indocyanine green (ICG), which illuminates lipid- and macrophage-rich zones of permeable atheroma. The ability to comprehensively phenotype coronary pathobiology in patients will enable a deeper understanding of plaque pathobiology, improve local and patient-based risk prediction, and usher in a new era of personalized therapy.
Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics and Incidence of Ischemic Stroke Among Hypertensive Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ying Yuchen , Lin Shaoyi , Kong Fanqian , Li Yuying , Xu Shujun , Liang Xiaofeng , Wang Changyi , Han Liyuan
Published: November 2020

Background: This study aimed to assess the relationship between ideal cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics and incident ischemic stroke (IS) in hypertensive patients, especially those with hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy).

Methods: A prospective cohort study enrolled 5,488 hypertensive patients in Nanshan District of Shenzhen City in southern China from September 2011 to December 2017. CVH metrics were defined according to the American Heart Association. Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine the associations between the number of ideal CVH metrics and the incidence of IS by calculating multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CI.

Results: During an average follow-up of 5.7 years, 340 IS patients were identified. Compared with those having 0 ideal CVH metrics, the HRs (95% CIs) for IS among those with 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5–6 ideal CVH metrics were 0.62 (0.31–1.25), 0.37 (0.19–0.74), 0.37 (0.18–0.74), 0.34 (0.16–0.71), and 0.28 (0.12–0.63), respectively (P < 0.001). An ideal healthy diet score and ideal fasting blood glucose level were independently associated with IS among participants, with HRs (95% CIs) of 0.53 (0.33–0.86) and 0.32 (0.17–0.66), respectively. Additionally, compared with those with normal total homocysteine (tHcy) levels (<15 μmol/L), the HR (95% CI) for IS among participants with HHcy and who had 5–6 ideal CVH metrics was 0.50 (0.27–0.92).

Conclusion: An increased number of ideal CVH metrics was inversely associated with the incidence of IS in hypertensive patients. The participants with HHcy who had 5–6 ideal CVH metrics exhibited a lower IS risk than those with normal tHcy levels.
Skeletal Stem Cells—A Paradigm Shift in the Field of Craniofacial Bone Tissue Engineering
Authors: Tevlin Ruth , Longaker Michael T. , Wan Derrick C.
Published: November 2020

Defects of the craniofacial skeleton arise as a direct result of trauma, diseases, oncological resection, or congenital anomalies. Current treatment options are limited, highlighting the importance for developing new strategies to restore form, function, and aesthetics of missing or damaged bone in the face and the cranium. For optimal reconstruction, the goal is to replace “like with like.” With the inherent challenges of existing options, there is a clear need to develop alternative strategies to reconstruct the craniofacial skeleton. The success of mesenchymal stem cell-based approaches has been hampered by high heterogeneity of transplanted cell populations with inconsistent preclinical and clinical trial outcomes. Here, we discuss the novel characterization and isolation of mouse skeletal stem cell (SSC) populations and their response to injury, systemic disease, and how their re-activation in vivo can contribute to tissue regeneration. These studies led to the characterization of human SSCs which are able to self-renew, give rise to increasingly fate restricted progenitors, and differentiate into bone, cartilage, and bone marrow stroma, all on the clonal level in vivo without prior in vitro culture. SSCs hold great potential for implementation in craniofacial bone tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. As we begin to better understand the diversity and the nature of skeletal stem and progenitor cells, there is a tangible future whereby a subset of human adult SSCs can be readily purified from bone or activated in situ with broad potential applications in craniofacial tissue engineering.
Magnetic Mineral Diagenesis in a Newly Discovered Active Cold Seep Site in the Bay of Bengal
Authors: Badesab F. , Dewangan P. , Gaikwad V.
Published: November 2020

Diagenetically formed magnetic minerals at marine methane seep sites are potential archive of past fluid flow and could provide important constraints on the evolution of past methane seepage dynamics and gas hydrate formation over geologic time. In this study, we carried out integrated rock magnetic, and mineralogical analyses, supported by electron microscope observations, on a seep impacted sediment core to unravel the linkage between greigite magnetism, methane seepage dynamics, and evolution of shallow gas hydrate system in the K-G basin. Three sediment magnetic zones (MZ-1, MZ-2, and MZ-3) have been identified based on the down-core variations in rock magnetic properties. Two events of intense methane seepage are identified. Repeated occurences of authigenic carbonates throughout the core indicate the episodic intensification of anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) at the studied site. Marked depletion in magnetic susceptibility manifested by the presence of chemosynthetic shells (Calyptogena Sp.), methane-derived authigenic carbonates, and abundant pyrite grains provide evidences on intense methane seepage events at this site. Fracture-controlled fluid transport supported the formation of gas hydrates (distributed and massive) at this site. Three greigite bearing sediment intervals (G1, G2, G3) within the magnetically depleted zone (MZ-2) are probably the paleo-gas hydrate (distributed-type vein filling) intervals. A strong linkage among clay content, formation of veined hydrate deposits, precipitation of authigenic carbonates and greigite preservation is evident. Hydrate crystallizes within faults/fractures formed as the methane gas migrates through the gas hydrate stability zone (GHSZ). Formation of authigenic carbonate layers coupled with clay deposits restricted the upward migrating methane, which led to the formation of distributed-type vein filling hydrate deposits. A closed system created by veined hydrates trapped the sulfide and limited its availability thereby, causing arrestation of pyritization and favored the formation and preservation of greigite in G1, G2, G3.
Assessment of the Effects of Digital Educational Material on Executive Function Performance
Authors: Lara Nieto-Márquez Natalia , Cardeña Martínez Alejandro , Baldominos Alejandro , González Petronila Almudena , Pérez Nieto Miguel Ángel
Published: November 2020

The use of digital educational material in classrooms has increased in recent years, now constituting a major market for publishers and companies. The present research addresses a digital material assessment in two different areas. First, the study through an evaluation of internal data collected on the platform shows an analysis of the use and implementation of digital material into the school. Secondly, it exposes an external examination of the effect of using digital material at school on students’ executive functions. The sample consisted of 168 children aged 8–11 from a state school in the Community of Madrid (Spain). The instrument selected for the external assessment of academic progress was the Evaluación Neuropsicológica de las Funciones Ejecutivas en Niños (ENFEN) [Neuropsychological Assessment of Executive Functions in Children]. The Learning Analytics system of the Smile and Learn platform recorded the students’ use during class. According to the usage analysis, the results obtained show preference of using activities from Logic and Spatial worlds. In the external analysis of the effect of the learning material, the results record a significant effect using activities in Logic and Spatial worlds with the Gray Trails task, which involves spatial perception, processing speed, and working memory, among others. A second analysis to contrast the results with a post hoc design approaches relationships among executive functions as involved in tasks like Gray Trails, Interference, and Ring Tasks within the usage of Spatial and Logic activities. The need for further research to improve these materials for enhanced learning and the extrapolation of training from executive functions to other tasks is discussed. Likewise, limitations of the implementation and design of these materials are pointed out.
Metabolic Profiling in Human Fibroblasts Enables Subtype Clustering in Glycogen Storage Disease
Authors: Hannibal Luciana , Theimer Jule , Wingert Victoria , Klotz Katharina , Bierschenk Iris , Nitschke Roland , Spiekerkoetter Ute , Grünert Sarah C.
Published: November 2020

Glycogen storage disease subtypes I and III (GSD I and GSD III) are monogenic inherited disorders of metabolism that disrupt glycogen metabolism. Unavailability of glucose in GSD I and induction of gluconeogenesis in GSD III modify energy sources and possibly, mitochondrial function. Abnormal mitochondrial structure and function were described in mice with GSD Ia, yet significantly less research is available in human cells and ketotic forms of the disease. We hypothesized that impaired glycogen storage results in distinct metabolic phenotypes in the extra- and intracellular compartments that may contribute to pathogenesis. Herein, we examined mitochondrial organization in live cells by spinning-disk confocal microscopy and profiled extra- and intracellular metabolites by targeted LC-MS/MS in cultured fibroblasts from healthy controls and from patients with GSD Ia, GSD Ib, and GSD III. Results from live imaging revealed that mitochondrial content and network morphology of GSD cells are comparable to that of healthy controls. Likewise, healthy controls and GSD cells exhibited comparable basal oxygen consumption rates. Targeted metabolomics followed by principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical clustering (HC) uncovered metabolically distinct poises of healthy controls and GSD subtypes. Assessment of individual metabolites recapitulated dysfunctional energy production (glycolysis, Krebs cycle, succinate), reduced creatinine export in GSD Ia and GSD III, and reduced antioxidant defense of the cysteine and glutathione systems. Our study serves as proof-of-concept that extra- and intracellular metabolite profiles distinguish glycogen storage disease subtypes from healthy controls. We posit that metabolite profiles provide hints to disease mechanisms as well as to nutritional and pharmacological elements that may optimize current treatment strategies.
Hydraulic Optimization of Two-Way Counter-rotating Axial Flow Pump Turbine
Authors: Xiuli Wang , Bin Lin , Yang Li , Yan Zhang , Rongsheng Zhu , Yun Long , Qiang Fu
Published: November 2020

The two-way counter-rotation technology is mainly applied to the tidal power station. In this paper, the hydrodynamic optimization of the two-way counter-rotating axial-flow pump turbine is carried out. Under the premise of realizing the forward and reverse power generation and the forward and negative pumping basic function, it has important engineering significance and academic value for improving the pump turbine performance of various working conditions. The main contents are as follows: hydraulic design of “S”-shaped blade for the two-way counter-rotating axial-flow pump turbine is conducted, and the influence of the gap between different impeller stages on the performance is calculated and analyzed, and the variation law of head and efficiency of the pump turbine under different inter-stage clearances is obtained. And the influence of the inter-stage gap on the unit is summarized from the vorticity distribution and the axial section pressure cloud diagram analysis, and the range of the best inter-stage gap of the unit performance is determined.
Exploring Grapevine Phenology and High Temperatures Response Under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Merrill N. K. , García de Cortázar-Atauri I. , Parker A. K. , Walker M. A. , Wolkovich E. M.
Published: November 2020

Climate change has challenged growers and researchers alike to better understand how warm temperatures may impact winegrape plant development across varieties. Yet multi-variety studies present challenges. Here we review studies of controlled warming on winegrape varieties alongside a new study of the budburst and flowering phenology of 50 varieties ofVitis viniferasubsp.viniferain the lab, with a small set of plants exposed to higher temperatures (20, 26, 30, 34, and 37°C mean temperatures in growth chambers) during flowering. We found few studies have examined more than one variety, which may be due to the challenge of growing diverse varieties together. Indeed, we found high variability in flowering success across varieties in the lab (28 out of 50 varieties had no flowering), which made it impossible to study variety-specific response to temperature. Across varieties, however, we found results in line with a literature review (which we also present): higher temperatures did not have a significant effect on the rate at which vines progressed through the flowering stage, but higher temperatures did correlate with flower abortion. These results suggest a potential decrease in winegrape yields in a warmer climate due to flower abortion, but also highlight the challenges of understanding heat responses across many varieties.
Examining the Impact of Winter and Spring Soil Temperatures on the Growth of Hypholoma fasciculare, a Potential Biocontrol Agent Against Armillaria ostoyae, in Pine Plantations
Authors: Stevens Ryan , Reyes Gerardo , Kanavillil Nandakumar
Published: November 2020

Hypholoma fasciculareis regarded as a potentially effective biocontrol agent againstArmillariaroot disease. However, trials examining its effectiveness are currently limited to controlled lab conditions and field studies conducted mostly during the summer season. We examined the ability ofH. fasciculareto survive and grow underground during the winter and spring seasons to offer insight on its ability to provide year-round protection. Pine blocks inoculated withH. fascicularewere buried in three thinned pine plantations at 30 and 100 cm depths from February 1, 2018 to May 13, 2018 (101 days) to examine how winter and spring soil temperatures at two different soil depths impacted growth. A significant interactive effect of soil depth and month on soil temperature (F3,40= 15.94,p< 0.001) was observed. Mean growth rates did not vary significantly between the two soil depths (F1,23= 0.91,p= 0.393) as growth rates were 0.25 ± 0.11 and 0.31 ± 0.10 mm/day at 30 and 100 cm depths, respectively. Our study supports developingH. fasciculareas a biocontrol agent againstArmillariaroot disease given its ability to grow underground during the winter and early spring seasons, a period during whichArmillariahas a reduced growing capacity.
Assessments of 16 Exploited Fish Stocks in Chinese Waters Using the CMSY and BSM Methods
Authors: Zhai Lu , Liang Cui , Pauly Daniel
Published: November 2020

Sixteen marine fish species (populations) exploited by Chinese fisheries were assessed, using published time series of catch and the CMSY and BSM methods. Given the catch times series as inputs, some ancillary information and reasonable constraints, carrying capacity, maximum sustainable yield, and likely time series of biomass and exploitation rate were estimated. The results show that one (7%) of the assessed species was severely depleted, four species (27%) were fully/overfished, six (40%) were outside of safe biological limits, one species (7%) was recovering and three species (20%) were in a healthy state at the end year of their assessment. However, one species, Pacific sardine (Sardinops sagax), could not be assessed using CMSY, as the exceedingly large fluctuations of its biomass were mainly environmentally driven. These results correspond with previous knowledge on the status of fish populations along the coast of China, where overfishing is rampant. Based on these assessments, some of the benefits that would result from a reduction of the excessive fishing effort are outlined.
The Eutrophication of the Baltic Sea has been Boosted and Perpetuated by a Major Internal Phosphorus Source
Authors: Stigebrandt Anders , Andersson Ambjörn
Published: November 2020

The phosphorus (P) concentration c1 in the surface layer of the Baltic proper in winter depends on the land-based P source LPS, and the ocean P source OPS, which are known. It also depends on the internal P source IPS from anoxic bottoms and the sum of internal and external P sinks TPsink, which are estimated in this paper. IPS is parameterized as fs·Aanox, where fs is the specific annual mass flux of P from anoxic sediments and Aanox is the area of anoxic bottoms, and TPsink is parameterized as c1·TRVF, where TRVF is the total removal volume flux. We use a time-dependent P budget model, and 47 years of observational data, and the method of least squares to determine the best estimates of the unknown parameters fs and TRVF. The result is TRVF = 3,000 km3 year−1 and fs = 1.22 tons P km−2 year−1. With these parameter values, the model gives a quite good description of the observed evolution of c1. The observed runaway evolution of c1, with increasing c1 since the 1980s although the land-based supply LPS has been halved, is well-described by the model. It is concluded that the internal P source IPS provides a positive feedback mechanism that has boosted and perpetuated the eutrophication of the Baltic proper and that IPS is the major driver of the Baltic Sea eutrophication since the late 1990s. It is suggested that measures to eliminate IPS should be included in the management strategy to reduce the eutrophication of the Baltic proper.
Promising Shadow Masking Technique for the Deposition of High-Efficiency Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells Using Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Alaoui Kawtar Belrhiti , Laalioui Saida , Ikken Badr , Outzourhit Abdelkader
Published: November 2020

In this work, a detailed description of the various steps involved in the fabrication of high-efficiency hydrogenated amorphous-silicon cells using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition, and a novel shadow masking technique is presented. The influence of the different masking methods on the cell parameters was experimentally investigated. Particularly, the short-circuit current density (Jsc), the fill factor, the open circuit voltage (Voc), and the resistive losses indicated by the shunt (Rsh) and series (Rs) resistances were measured in order to assess the performance of the cells as a function of the masks used during the cell fabrication process. The results indicate that the use of a masking technique where the p-i-n structure was first deposited over the whole surface of a 20 cm2 × 20 cm2 substrate, followed by the deposition, deposits the back contact through a metal mask, and by the ultrasonic soldering of indium to access the front contact is a good alternative to laser scribing in the laboratory scale. Indeed, a record efficiency of 8.8%, with a short-circuit current density (Jsc) of 15.6 mA/cm2, an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.8 V, and a fill factor of 66.07% and low resistive losses were obtained by this technique. Furthermore, a spectroscopic ellipsometry investigation of the uniformity of the film properties (thickness, band gap, and refractive index) on large-area substrates, which is crucial to mini-module fabrication on a single substrate and for heterojunction development, was performed using the optimal cell deposition recipes. It was found that the relative variations of the band gap, thickness, and refractive index n are less than 1% suggesting that the samples are uniform over the 20 cm2 × 20 cm2 substrate area used in this work.
Diagnosis of Deep Infiltrating Endometriosis Using Transvaginal Ultrasonography
Authors: Yin Shaoli , Lin Qi , Xu Fanhua , Xu Jinfeng , Zhang Yujuan
Published: November 2020

Objective: To evaluate the performance of transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) in diagnosis of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 198 patients with pathological diagnosis of DIE in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2019 and assessed the performances of pre-operative TVS diagnosis of DIE with regarding to sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV), using the pathological diagnosis as the ground truth. We also characterized the ultrasonographic features of the DIE lesions.

Results: Among all the 198 cases, 170 cases were uterosacral ligament (USL) involvement, SE: 96.47% and SP: 85.71%; 79 cases were intestinal involvement, SE: 94.94% and SP: 94.96%; 57 cases were vaginal rectal septum (VRS) involvement, SE: 73.68% and SP: 94.33%; 20 cases were vaginal involvement, SE: 50% and SP: 97.21%; three cases were bladder involvement, SE: 66.7% and SP: 100%; nine cases were ureter involvement, SE: 55.56% and SP: 100%; and 10 cases were broad ligament involvement, SE: 10% and SP: 100%.

Conclusion: TVS showed high accuracy in diagnosing DIE.