bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating generative artificial intelligence’s limitations in health policy identification and interpretation
Authors: Wilson Rory , Weets Ciara M. , Rosner Amanda , Katz Rebecca
Published: December 2024

Policy epidemiology utilizes human subject-matter experts (SMEs) to systematically surface, analyze, and categorize legally-enforceable policies. The Analysis and Mapping of Policies for Emerging Infectious Diseases project systematically collects and assesses health-related policies from all United Nations Member States. The recent proliferation of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) tools powered by large language models have led to suggestions that such technologies be incorporated into our project and similar research efforts to decrease the human resources required. To test the accuracy and precision of GAI in identifying and interpreting health policies, we designed a study to systematically assess the responses produced by a GAI tool versus those produced by a SME. We used two validated policy datasets, on emergency and childhood vaccination policy and quarantine and isolation policy in each United Nations Member State. We found that the SME and GAI tool were concordant 78.09% and 67.01% of the time respectively. It also significantly hastened the data collection processes. However, our analysis of non-concordant results revealed systematic inaccuracies and imprecision across different World Health Organization regions. Regarding vaccination, over 50% of countries in the African, Southeast Asian, and Eastern Mediterranean regions were inaccurately represented in GAI responses. This trend was similar for quarantine and isolation, with the African and Eastern Mediterranean regions least concordant. Furthermore, GAI responses only provided laws or information missed by the SME 2.14% and 2.48% of the time for the vaccination dataset and for the quarantine and isolation dataset, respectively. Notably, the GAI was least concordant with the SME when tasked with policy interpretation. These results suggest that GAI tools require further development to accurately identify policies across diverse global regions and interpret context-specific information. However, we found that GAI is a useful tool for quality assurance and quality control processes in health policy identification.
Association of iron homeostasis-related gene polymorphisms with pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Chen Xiaoli , Huang Huibin , Li Juan , Zhang Yansheng , Li Chenmeng , Xie Hongbin , Wang Lingye , Wu Qichang , Ye Huiming
Published: December 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess associations between iron homeostasis-related gene polymorphisms and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), adverse pregnancy outcomes, and neonatal outcomes.

Methods

In total, 138 patients with GDM and 74 normal pregnancy controls were recruited. Time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to genotype single-nucleotide polymorphisms (H63D rs1799945, TMPRSS6 rs855791, GDF15 rs1059369, rs4808793, BMP2 rs173107, C282Y rs3811647, rs1800562, rs269853, TF rs8177240, TFR2 rs7385804, FADS2 rs174577, and CUBN rs10904850) in 12 candidate genes related to iron homeostasis. Adverse pregnancy outcomes and neonatal health data were collected. Differences in genotype distributions and allele frequencies between patients and controls as well as their correlations with clinical factors were assessed. Additionally, associations between genotype, haemoglobin levels, and ferritin levels were evaluated.

Results

Pregnant women carrying the GDF15 rs4808793 allele (C) or TMPRSS6 rs855791 homozygous mutation (GG) had a significantly higher risk of GDM than that in the control group (p < 0.05). In patients with GDM, the BMP2 rs173107 heterozygous mutation (AC) was associated with significantly higher haemoglobin levels in late pregnancy compared with those for wild-type (AA) BMP2 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in patients with GDM, the FADS2 rs174577 heterozygous mutation (AC) was associated with a significantly reduced risk of preterm birth (p < 0.05), the H63D rs1799945 heterozygous mutation (CG) was associated with a significantly increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes (p < 0.05), TFR2 rs7385804 was associated a significantly reduced probability of caesarean section (p < 0.05), and the G mutation in TMPRSS6 rs855791 was related to a significantly increased probability of caesarean section (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results suggest that polymorphisms in genes related to iron metabolism could potentially impact pregnancy and neonatal outcomes in patients with GDM. Large-scale studies are needed to further clarify the relationship between these polymorphisms and susceptibility to GDM.
Ethnic disparities of poor households by a multilevel analysis of household and contextual effects: Evidence from a multi-ethnic county of China
Authors: Tian Junfeng , Wang Binyan , Ma Li , Li Yunyan , Wang Shijun
Published: December 2024

Poverty in multi-ethnic regions has always been a concern due to its complex factors and persistent nature. Using a sample of 8,482 ethnic majority-headed households and 2,011 ethnic minority-headed households distributed in 200 villages of Wangqing County, China, this study uses hierarchical linear models to examine the factors of income at the household level, the ethnic disparities of the household-level effect, and the contextual effect on household-level outcomes. The findings suggest that, in comparison to the majority group, there exists a smaller income gap between male-headed and female-headed poor households within the minority group. Moreover, the positive impact of participating in off-farm work and receiving welfare payments on the income of poor households is significantly stronger within the minority group. These results not only highlight ethnic disparities in household-level effects but also underscore potential influences of ethnicity on the income dynamics of poor households. The contextual effect demonstrates that modifying the environment of poor households can either enhance or diminish some of the impacts resulting from factors at the household level, thereby facilitating the formulation of more effective targeting strategies at different levels. This study provides an important reference for understanding the ethnic differences of poor households and the mechanism of their income from a multilevel perspective.
The role of soil surface in a sustainable semiarid ecosystem
Authors: Pal Swadesh , Banerjee Malay , Melnik Roderick
Published: December 2024

Patterns in a semiarid ecosystem are important because they directly and indirectly affect ecological processes, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience. Understanding the causes and effects of these patterns is critical for long-term land surface management and conservation efforts in semiarid regions, which are especially sensitive to climate change and human-caused disturbances. In addition, developing mathematical models is challenging because of the involvement of several interacting components within an ecosystem. It is known that there is a regular connection between the vegetation and the living species in a habitat since some animals evolved to live in a semiarid ecosystem and rely on plants for food. In this work, we have constructed a coupled mathematical model to connect the water resource, vegetation, and living organisms and have investigated how the soil surface affects the resulting patterns in the long term. This study contributes to a better understanding of ecological patterns and processes in semiarid environments by shedding light on the complex interaction mechanisms that depend on the structure of semiarid ecosystems. For example, the impact of intensive rainfall on ecosystem dynamics can be profound, triggering critical transitions and leading to significant yield loss. The energy lost as it moves from one trophic level to the next, the potential for diversity to exacerbate species extinction rates, and the role of water flow in driving the system towards more robust stripe pattern formations are all significant factors. Despite these complexities, the findings offer critical insights into the influence of efforts to enhance ecosystem resilience and adapt to the challenges of climate change and human activities.
Neuron-associated retroelement-derived protein Arc/Arg3.1 assists in the early stages of alphaherpesvirus infection in human neuronal cells
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroko , Yasukochi Mitsuki , Horie Masayuki , Orba Yasuko , Sawa Hirofumi , Fujino Kan , Taharaguchi Satoshi
Published: December 2024

Alphaherpesviruses, including herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and pseudorabies virus (PRV), are neurotropic double-stranded DNA viruses. Alphaherpesviruses control the expression of various host factors to ensure efficient infection and propagation. Recently, HSV-1 was found to upregulate Arc/Arg3.1 (Arc) expression, which is a retroelement-derived domesticated gene. Arc is associated with learning and neuroplasticity in host neuronal cells, and its abnormal expression leads to neurological disorders. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the upregulation of Arc and its physiological significance in viral infections remain unclear. In this study, we found that PRV infection upregulated Arc expression in vitro and identified ICP0 and EP0, the transcriptional regulatory genes of HSV-1 and PRV, as triggers for enhanced Arc expression. Mass spectrometry and co-immunoprecipitation assays identified VP5, the major capsid protein of PRV and HSV-1, as the viral factor that interacted with Arc. Arc knockdown delayed viral infection during the early stages of the viral life cycle, but did not impact the viral attachment and entry. In conclusion, we provide evidence that alphaherpesvirus ICP0 homologues control Arc expression. Additionally, we demonstrate that Arc interacts with the major capsid protein VP5 and plays an important role in the viral lifecycle after intracellular entry. This study advances our knowledge of herpesvirus and retroelement-derived Arc interactions, providing fundamental insights into the pathogenesis of retroelement-derived domesticated genes and herpesvirus-induced neurological diseases.
SHINE study: Developing an intervention for safe hospital insulin use for older or frail adults with diabetes undergoing surgical hospital admission: Study protocol
Authors: Lange Ferreira Christina , Donetto Sara , Habte-Asres Hellena , Govindan Jyothish , Forbes Angus , Winkley Kirsty
Published: December 2024

Aims

To present a study protocol for the development of an intervention to enhance safe insulin use for older or frail adults undergoing a surgical admission to hospital.

Design

Following the United Kingdom’s Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health and Care Research Frameworks for development and evaluation of complex interventions; this qualitative study will use a co-design approach using design thinking, to develop a theoretical model for the intervention.

Methods

Non-participatory observations, interviews and co-design workshops will be conducted with older or frail individuals with diabetes, their caregivers and healthcare staff responsible for their care during surgical admissions at a single National Health Service hospital in England. We will utilise their experiences and perspectives to establish priorities and generate ideas for the development of a conceptual model aimed at supporting the insulin safety review process in hospitals. Data will be analysed using framework analysis. People with diabetes were involved in the design of this study. The protocol was approved by the East-Midlands-Derby Research Ethics Committee (24/EM/0022). Study registered on Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/4wvu5.

Results

Results of this study will be shared with study participants and disseminated through presentations at conferences/meetings and peer-reviewed publications.

Conclusion

This article outlines the methodology for the planned study which will employ a novel methodology to tackle the problem of hospital insulin safety. Its findings will contribute to a better understanding of the multiple interacting components implicated in hospital insulin use (patient, staff, context) and support further work around system-based strategies to enhance insulin safety resilience in hospital.
Physiological consequences of Aldolase C deficiency during lactation
Authors: Votava James A. , Fan Jing , Parks Brian W.
Published: December 2024

The lactating mammary gland strongly induces de novo lipogenesis (DNL) to support the synthesis of fatty acids, triglycerides, and cholesterol found within milk. In monogastric species, glucose is a major substrate utilized for DNL within the lactating mammary gland and must be efficiently taken up and processed to supply cytosolic acetyl-CoA for DNL. Along with the enzymes of the DNL pathway, the glycolytic enzyme, Aldolase C (Aldoc), is transcriptionally upregulated and is highly expressed during lactation in the mammary gland, suggesting a role for Aldoc in lactation. Aldoc is also a transcriptional target of the sterol regulatory element binding proteins 1 and 2 (Srebp1 and Srebp2), which transcriptionally regulate enzymes within the DNL pathway and has recently been shown to regulate plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. Here, we investigate the role of Aldoc in lactation, by utilizing a whole-body Aldoc knockout mouse. Our results demonstrate that Aldoc has a significant impact on lactation, whereby pups nursing from Aldoc-/- dams have reduced body weight. Biochemical analysis of milk identified that milk from Aldoc-/- dams have significantly higher galactose, lower lactose, and cholesterol content. Mass spectrometry analysis of milk lipids from Aldoc-/- dams revealed significantly lower quantities of medium and long chain fatty acid containing triglycerides, which has direct implications on lactation as these are the predominant triglycerides synthesized from glucose in human mammary gland. Overall, our results provide functional evidence for the contribution of Aldoc in mammary gland lactose and lipid synthesis during lactation.
SARS-CoV-2 infection of salivary glands compromises the production of a secreted antifungal peptide with potential implications for development of oral candidiasis
Authors: Alfaifi Areej A. , Wang Tristan W. , Perez Paola , Sultan Ahmed S. , Meiller Timothy F. , Rock Peter , Kleiner David E. , Chertow Daniel S. , Hewitt Stephen M. , Gasmi Billel , Stein Sydney , Ramelli Sabrina , Martin Daniel , Warner Blake M. , Jabra-Rizk Mary Ann
Published: December 2024

Saliva contains antimicrobial peptides considered integral components of host innate immunity, and crucial for protection against colonizing microbial species. Most notable is histatin-5 which is exclusively produced in salivary glands with uniquely potent antifungal activity against the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans. Recently, SARS-CoV-2 was shown to replicate in salivary gland acinar cells eliciting local immune cell activation. In this study, we performed studies to investigate the implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection on salivary histatin-5 production and Candida colonization. Bulk RNA-sequencing of parotid salivary glands from COVID-19 autopsies demonstrated statistically significant decreased expression of histatin and amylase genes. In situ hybridization, coupled with immunofluorescence for co-localization of SARS-CoV-2 spike and histatin in salivary gland cells, showed that histatin was absent or minimally present in acinar cells with replicating viruses. To investigate the clinical implications of these findings, salivary histatin-5 levels and oral Candida burden in saliva samples from three independent cohorts of mild and severe COVID-19 patients and matched healthy controls were evaluated. Results revealed significantly reduced histatin-5 in SARS-CoV-2 infected subjects, concomitant with enhanced prevalence of C. albicans. Analysis of prospectively recovered samples indicated that the decrease in histatin-5 is likely reversible in mild-moderate disease as concentrations tended to increase during the post-acute phase. Importantly, salivary cytokine profiling demonstrated correlations between activation of the Th17 inflammatory pathway, changes in histatin-5 concentrations, and subsequent clearance of C. albicans in a heavily colonized subject. The importance of salivary histatin-5 in controlling the proliferation of C. albicans was demonstrated using an ex vivo assay where C. albicans was able to proliferate in COVID-19 saliva with low histatin-5, but not with high histatin-5. Taken together, the findings from this study potentially implicate SARS-CoV-2 infection of salivary glands with compromised oral innate immunity, and potential predisposition to oral candidiasis.
Seasonal influenza a virus lineages exhibit divergent abilities to antagonize interferon induction and signaling
Authors: Rivera-Cardona Joel , Kakuturu Neeha , Rowland Elizabeth F. , Teo Qi Wen , Thayer Elizabeth A. , Tan Timothy J. C. , Sun Jiayi , Kieffer Collin , Wu Nicholas C. , Brooke Christopher B.
Published: December 2024

The circulation of seasonal influenza A viruses (IAVs) in humans relies on effective evasion and subversion of the host immune response. While the evolution of seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 viruses to avoid humoral immunity is well characterized, relatively little is known about the evolution of innate immune antagonism phenotypes in these viruses. Numerous studies have established that only a small subset of infected cells is responsible for initiating the type I and type III interferon (IFN) response during IAV infection, emphasizing the importance of single cell studies to accurately characterize the IFN response during infection. We developed a flow cytometry-based method to examine transcriptional changes in IFN and interferon stimulated gene (ISG) expression at the single cell level. We observed that NS segments derived from seasonal H3N2 viruses are more efficient at antagonizing IFN signaling but less effective at suppressing IFN induction, compared to the pdm2009 H1N1 lineage. We compared a collection of NS segments spanning the natural history of the current seasonal IAV lineages and demonstrate long periods of stability in IFN antagonism potential, punctuated by occasional phenotypic shifts. Altogether, our data reveal significant differences in how seasonal and pandemic H1N1 and H3N2 viruses antagonize the human IFN response at the single cell level.
The Genetic Odyssey of Axolotl Regeneration: Insights and Innovations
Authors: Faisal Muhammad , Mehreen Afshan , Hays Deli , Yaseen Faiza , Liang Yujun
Published: December 2024

The axolotl, a legendary creature with the potential to regenerate complex body parts, is positioned as a powerful model organism due to its extraordinary regenerative capabilities. Axolotl can undergo successful regeneration of multiple structures, providing us with the opportunity to understand the factors that exhibit altered activity between regenerative and non-regenerative animals. This comprehensive review will explore the mysteries of axolotl regeneration, from the initial cellular triggers to the intricate signaling cascades that guide this complex process. We will delve deeply into the multifaceted interplay of genes and factors, highlighting the key role of signaling pathways and the influence of epigenetic modifications (such as DNA methylation, histone modification, and miRNA regulation) during regeneration. Furthermore, we will discuss how axolotls defy the odds by showing remarkable resistance to cancer, offering insights into potential therapeutic strategies. However, that is not the end; we will also highlight how age might affect the regenerative power of this creature. We hope this review will help navigate the awe-inspiring realm of axolotl regeneration, advance our understanding of regenerative biology, and chart pathways for future investigations aimed at uncovering new therapeutic approaches.
Potencialidades e desafios no uso de obras literárias na pesquisa em história da educação: reflexões a partir de uma trajetória de investigação
Authors: De Oliveira Galvão Ana Maria
Published: December 2024

O artigo discute as potencialidades e os desafios implicados na mobilização de obras literárias como fontes na pesquisa em História da Educação. Baseia-se na experiência de realizar uma investigação e de revisitá-la, 30 anos depois, sobre o cotidiano da escola na Paraíba, Brasil, entre 1890 e 1920, tendo como principal fonte a obra do escritor José Lins do Rego. O estudo indica que as mudanças ocorridas no campo da historiografia da educação, com a produção de pesquisas sobre o tema e sobre o período, a incorporação de novos procedimentos metodológicos e categorias de análise permitiriam outros modos de analisar a obra literária. Indica, ainda, que elementos como as condições de produção da pesquisa científica, com a digitalização e disponibilização de bibliografia e fontes na rede mundial de computadores, assim como a tradução de obras de outras línguas, têm efeitos decisivos sobre os modos de dar inteligibilidade à documentação analisada.
Economic Voting And Brazilian Soy
Authors: Armstrong Rodrigo
Published: December 2024

This article investigates the effects of economic voting in Brazilian soy-producing municipalities since the turn of the 21st century. It does so by adopting an expanded approach toward economic voting, incorporating not only valence economic voting - voters’ perception of the economy as either good or bad - but also position and patrimony economic voting, that is, analyzing how public policy preferences and asset ownership affect voters’ evaluations of incumbents. In this sense, the article examines how environmental and land policies, two issues that have been especially contentious in Brazilian agribusiness, have impacted behavior at the ballot box. To accomplish its goals, the study relies on a novel dataset that contains information on all 2387 Brazilian soy-producing municipalities, which comprise nearly half of the total of Brazilian cities, and it uses a fixed-effect panel data model. Results confirm the significance of all three kinds of economic voting. Higher soy prices do favor incumbents, while agrarian reform policies harm incumbents’ chances of reelection. Interestingly, soy-producing municipalities have rewarded pro-environment policies since the mid-2000s, contrary to the expectations of the traditional narrative regarding agribusiness.
Analytically exact solution of the Schrödinger equation for neutral helium in the ground state
Authors: Kowol Frank
Published: December 2024

This report presents the analytical solution of the Schrödinger equation and its corresponding wave function for the neutral helium, or helium-like atoms and the review of its energy levels based on literature values of the three congruent S states 1𝑆0,2𝑆0 and 3𝑆0. The entangled state function of the electrons for S,L=0 as well as their boundary conditions are examined in detail.

The basic idea is – though we treat the electron as a point like particle - not to understand its field as caused by a point charge with the rigid Coulomb field as in common approaches, but to solve the Schrödinger equation with an electric potential taking eisenberg’s uncertainty principle into account as a fundamental requirement.

Hence, a method for describing a generic electron potential is derived, and the result is integrated into the Schrödinger equation. As a direct consequence the electromagnetic coupling of the electrons was investigated by introducing an effective interaction distance 𝑑e to implement quantum electrodynamical effects.

In the next step the Schrödinger equation is solved using Laplace transformations. After determining 𝑑e iteratively from the literature ground state energy, the energies for three states 1𝑆0, 2𝑆0 and 3𝑆0 were calculated in reverse and compared again with literature values. It could be shown that with a given value 𝑑e the backward calculation gives plausible results of all three energy states within a relative error between 7.5 ∗ 10e-16 and 7.6 ∗ 10e-6, thus providing us with a convincing method to describe the helium atom analytically.

In the context of these investigations, a calculation for the spatial dimension of the interaction distance 𝑑e can be given as well as the existence of a minimal distance of a stable quasi-bonding state between two electrons in the nucleonic field. As a result, the inertness of helium regarding chemical reactions, i.e., the principle of the "closed" electron shell can be made plausible. The wave function found for the helium atom is compared with the known solutions for the hydrogen atom and Hylleraas function as well, and essential differences between those are worked out.
A importância do embasamento científico na prática odontológica
Authors: Alcalde Murilo , Duarte Marco
Published: December 2024

As pesquisas desenvolvidas na área odontológica possuem um papel crucial no avanço da prática clínica, preenchendo a lacuna entre o conhecimento teórico e a aplicação prática. A natureza dinâmica da saúde bucal exige que os profissionais de Odontologia atualizem continuamente suas habilidades e conhecimentos, para fornecer o melhor atendimento aos seus pacientes. Assim, o presente editorial irá explorar a importância dos estudos de pesquisa na prática odontológica e como eles contribuem para melhores resultados para os pacientes, tratamentos inovadores e desenvolvimento profissional aprimorado.
Terapia endodôntica regenerativa ao alcance do clínico geral: relato de caso
Authors: de Oliveira Neto Raimundo , Anizi Marina , Santos Karina , Kumazawa Carolina , Duarte Marco , Tartari Talita
Published: December 2024

﻿Introdução: Procedimentos de terapia endodôntica regenerativa (TER) são vantajosos para dentes com rizogênese incompleta e necrose pulpar, porque permitem o fechamento apical e o desenvolvimento radicular. Objetivo: Relatar o tratamento de um incisivo central superior por meio de TER realizada por estudantes de graduação em Odontologia. Descrição: Paciente do sexo feminino, 22 anos de idade, queixava-se de escurecimento no incisivo central superior direito. Foram realizados exames clínicos e imagiológicos e plano de tratamento. Na primeira sessão, foram feitos acesso ao canal...
Domestic Wastewater Treatment to Control River Pollution in Sungai Pinang, Samarinda, East Kalimantan
Authors: Suhartono Eko , Erlena Erlena , Sekartaji Hapsari Lintang , Putera Gusti Muhammad Perdana , Thalib Iskandar , Syauqiah Isna , Hafifah Ifa , Trang Ha Thi Thu
Published: December 2024

Filtration is a method for controlling water pollution. This study aimed to engineer a filtration system using a combination of Melaleuca cajuputi (galam) wood charcoal and zeolite to process domestic wastewater. The research focused on domestic wastewater from Sungai Pinang Village, Samarinda, East Kalimantan, an area with significant water pollution issues. The samples were divided into three groups, each containing zeolite and galam wood charcoal in different ratios: Group 1 (1:1), Group 2 (1:2), and Group 3 (2:1). Each sample was exposed to contact times of 30, 60, and 90 minutes. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Ammonia (NH3), and pH were measured for each treatment group at each contact time. Results showed that prolonged contact with the filtration method significantly reduced all parameters except pH (P<0.05). Each treatment combination did not significantly reduce all parameters except pH (P>0.05). Group 2 was found to be the most effective in improving water quality. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the filtration method can reduce pollutant levels, with the combination of galam wood charcoal and zeolite in a 2:1 ratio being the most effective.
Delineation of Irrigation Network Performance in Subak in South Denpasar District, Bali Province
Authors: Ardana Putu Doddy Heka , Pamungkas Tri Hayatining , Agustin Elin Alviana , Syamsunur Defrizon
Published: December 2024

Massive conversion of agricultural land into built-up land occurred in South Denpasar District. These changes impacted the decline in rice production by 5.5% in 2023 and a decrease in the performance of the irrigation network. This study employs GIS to assess the efficacy of irrigation networks to enhance sustainable agriculture, community food security, and irrigation and subak network systems in South Denpasar. This study used spatial analysis to create an irrigation network performance map. Data analysis interprets primary data based on field observation to assess the irrigation network's physical condition. The irrigation network is divided into four levels: good, slightly damaged, medium damaged, and badly damaged. The study indicated that Subak Sesetan disintegrated since it was thought to have turned into a village. The land conversion reduced the 292.593 Ha of subak (Kerdung, Cuculan, Kepaon, and Sesetan) to 186.314 Ha, or 36.32%. The length of irrigation canals was 16.901 Km, with good conditions along 16.67 Km or 98.61%, slightly damaged conditions along 0.051 Km or 0.3%, and moderately damaged conditions along 0.1842 Km or 1.09%. This research should help South Denpasar District stakeholders decide on land-use change strategies and rehabilitation or irrigation network development priorities.
Role učitele v rozvoji digitálních kompetencí
Authors: Jeřábek Tomáš , Kadrnožková Monika , Kucharská Anna
Published: December 2024

První číslo osmého ročníku časopisu Gramotnost, pregramotnost a vzdělávání přináší inspirativní pohledy na aktuální výzvy v oblasti vzdělávání, digitálních technologií a gramotností. Tematické příspěvky reflektují problematiku rozvoje digitální gramotnosti, kyberbezpečnosti, inovativních přístupů ve výuce a přípravy budoucích učitelů.
Improved functionality of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) calyx extract blended Kombucha, a fermented beverage
Authors: G Gayathry , T Uma Maheswari , K Jothilakshmi , S Amutha
Published: December 2024

Kombucha is a fermented drink with a range of medicinal benefits prepared from sweetened tea infusion (Camellia sinensis), which is cultured symbiotically with yeast and acetic acid bacteria. In the present investigation, kombucha was prepared from sugared black tea extract blended with aqueous calyx extract of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa) @15% and fermented with cultures viz., Komagataeibacter rhaeticus (NAIMCCTB-3976) and Brettanomyces bruxellensis (CAP9) at 35°C. The floating water insoluble mat of kombucha was observed under a scanning electron microscope, which revealed the cellulosic nanofibrils secreted by K. rhaeticus. The total phenolic and flavanoid content, DPPH, and ABTS activity of roselle calyx blended kombucha were significantly higher than black tea kombucha. Further, the compounds present in kombucha, when analyzed by fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, denoted the presence of carbonyl compounds, aromatic olefinic compounds, ketones, aldehydes, and esters. The different bioactive metabolites formed during fermentation were elucidated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and the major compounds excited within the retention time of 45 min with maximum peak area were 13-hexyloxacyclotridec-10-en-2-one (37.64%), palmitins such as 1,3 dipalmitin (6.42%), glycidyl palmitate (3.30%), organic acids such as undecanedioic acid, linoleic acid, acetic acid (3.88%), etc. The results proved that blending black tea extract with 15% roselle calyx extract as a substrate for kombucha fermentation was highly accepted with an organoleptic score of 95% and improved functional properties compared to black tea extract kombucha alone.
Muscle contractile properties and perceived fatigue in the general and diseased population
Authors: Mast Isa H. , Allard Neeltje A. E. , ten Haaf Dominique , Stoffels Anouk A. F. , Janssen Lando , van Hees Hieronymus W. H. , Timmers Silvie , Hijmans‐Kersten Bregina T. P. , Hopman Maria T. E. , Buffart Laurien M.
Published: December 2024

Knowledge of muscle contractile properties, physical fitness, and their associations with perceived fatigue may provide insights into mechanisms inducing fatigue and treatment targets. We aimed to identify differences in contractile properties and physical fitness between populations, and examine associations with perceived fatigue. We pooled data on perceived fatigue, physical fitness, and contractile properties from six studies, including a control group (n = 90), cancer survivors (n = 27), patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; n = 16), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML; n = 20), and statin users (n = 64). We evaluated differences between populations, and associations of contractile properties and physical fitness with perceived fatigue. Compared with the control group, we found differences in contractile properties of patients with COPD (larger muscle force decline: β = −10.5%, 95% CI = −16.7; −4.2, increase in early relaxation time (Rt): β = 84.4%, 95% CI = 51.7; 117.0, increase in half Rt: β = 83.1%, 95% CI = 45.5; 120.7, muscle force rise (MFR): β = 0.2%/ms, 95% CI = 0.1; 0.3, and decrease in MFR: β = −24.3%, 95% CI = −35.7; −13.0) and statin users (early Rt: β = −5.4 ms, 95% CI = −10.0; −0.8, increase in early Rt: β = 19.8%, 95% CI = 2.5; 37.1). Associations between contractile properties and perceived fatigue varied across populations. Longer relaxation times were associated with higher perceived fatigue in hemato‐oncological populations. To conclude, contractile properties were impaired in patients with COPD and statin users. Associations between contractile properties and perceived fatigue varied across populations. In hemato‐oncological populations, impaired muscle relaxation was associated with higher perceived fatigue.
CYP2C19 genotype-phenotype correlation: current insights and unanswered questions
Authors: Torso Nadine de Godoy , Rodrigues-Soares Fernanda , Altamirano Catalina , Ramírez-Roa Ronald , Sosa-Macías Martha , Galavíz-Hernández Carlos , Terán Enrique , Peñas-LLedó Eva , Dorado Pedro , LLerena Adrián
Published: December 2024

The CYP2C19 enzyme is implicated in the metabolism of several clinically used drugs. Its phenotype is usually predicted by genotyping and indicates the expected enzymatic activity for each patient. However, with a few exceptions, CYP2C19 genotyping has not resulted in a reliable prediction of the metabolizer status, since most of the evidence currently available for this prediction comes from research into populations of predominantly European ancestry. Therefore, this review discusses the main factors that may alter the expected phenotype, as well as the urgent need to include ethnically diverse populations in further studies, so that, in the long term, it is possible to establish guidelines appropriate to these groups.
Designing Hydrogen Permeation Barriers in Titanium Aluminium Nitride through First Principles Density Functional Theory Calculations
Authors: Örnek C. , Fechte-Heinen R.
Published: December 2024

We investigated hydrogen permeation in titanium aluminium nitride (TiAlN) using ab initio density functional theory (DFT) for cubic and hexagonal crystal structures. Despite the significance of hydrogen barriers, the potential of TiAlN has not been fully explored. We analyzed site specificity, temperature-dependent insertion, and atomic hydrogen migration path energies. Our research highlights the decisive role of crystallographic structure over chemical composition in designing materials resistant to hydrogen absorption. However, once absorbed, hydrogen diffusion is governed by the local chemical environment. Specifically, hydrogen migration through an Al-N plane requires more energy than through Ti-N, which affects the overall diffusion process. We found hydrogen absorption is highly endothermic, with insertion energies from 50 to 320 kJ/mol of hydrogen atoms, indicating low uptake probability at ambient conditions. Higher temperatures further increase the energy required, making absorption less favourable. We also identified substantial energy barriers in the hexagonal structure, with peaks up to 276 kJ/mol, indicating a very low probability of migration for hydrogen. These findings underscore TiAlN’s exceptional resistance to hydrogen permeation, making it suitable for hydrogen storage applications.
Revisiting linearly extended discrete functions
Authors: Gravel Claude , Panario Daniel
Published: December 2024

The authors introduced a new family of cryptographic schemes in a previous research article, which includes many practical encryption schemes, such as the Feistel family. Given a finite field of order

q

q

, any

n
>
m
≥
0

n\gt m\ge 0

, the authors described a new way to extend discrete functions with domain size

q

m

{q}^{m}

and range size

q

n
−
m

{q}^{n-m}

to a permutation over

q

n

{q}^{n}

elements using theory from linear error correcting codes. The authors previously showed that the knowledge about the differentials and correlations of the resulting permutation reduces solely to those of the extended discrete function. We show how the perfect secrecy of extended nonlinear functions transfers to the family of bijective linear extensions. We investigate how the concrete security of the family of nonlinear functions relates to the family of permutations obtained by such a type of linear extension. We also explore how the interplay between the entropy and the total variation distance (near-perfect secrecy with unbounded adversary) affects the mixing rate (number of iterations of the feedback linear extensions) with respect to the uniform distribution of the permutations over

q

n

{q}^{n}

elements. We give a new proof that a distribution close to the uniform distribution has a large entropy.
Trade in the Face of Terror: Examining Turkey’s Export Dynamics
Authors: Ünlü Evrim Zeynep
Published: December 2024

In the preceding 11 years, Turkey has witnessed 925 terrorist incidents, resulting in the unexpected passing of 1,439 people. Concurrently, the neighbouring nations, Syria, and Iraq, have also experienced a multitude of terrorist activities. This study’s main objective is to explore how these events have affected Turkey’s exports and intra-industry trade. The investigation is centred on Turkey’s trade relationships with 71 countries, representing its primary trading partners, employing a one-way trade model. Utilizing the Poisson pseudo maximum likelihood (PPML) estimator, the study spans 2012 to 2022. The findings underscore the adverse impact of domestic terrorist incidents, casualties in other countries, and the global terrorism index on Turkey’s exports. Surprisingly, the investigation finds a positive connection between Turkey’s exports and terrorist incidents in both neighbouring and non-bordering countries. Furthermore, the empirical analysis sheds light on Turkey’s engagement in intra-industry trade concerning manufacturing industry and GDP similarities. However, the scenario changes for information and communication technology (ICT) exports, revealing an inter-type of industry trade.
Quadratic-exponential growth backward stochastic Volterra integral equations with jumps and associated dynamic risk measure
Authors: Kim Kon-Gun , Pak Ji-Gwon , Kim Mun-Chol
Published: December 2024

Risk management is one of the fundamental concepts in the mathematical finance.
We study quadratic-exponential growth Backward Stochastic Volterra Integral Equations with Jumps (QBSVIEJs, for short).
We prove the existence and uniqueness of solutions to QBSVIEJ in two steps.
First, we use the fact that a QBSVIEJ with the generator independent of 𝑦 can be represented by a (infinite) family of QBSDEJs to get the first simple well-posedness result.
And secondly, we use fixed point argument and induction to deal with the general case.
We prove a comparison theorem and, as an application, define a convex dynamic risk measure by means of the QBSVIEJs.
“MÁGICO DE OZ”
Authors: Ferreira Marques Leandro , De Sousa Araújo Flavia
Published: December 2024

Este artigo aborda a narrativa de medo, insegurança e estigmatização negativa associada aos bairros negros devido à violência letal urbana. É fruto de reflexões de um Trabalho Final de Graduação em Arquitetura e Urbanismo em Maceió, Alagoas. É importante ressaltar que as cidades brasileiras são permeadas por fortes desigualdades e opressões sociais, como o racismo estrutural. Objetiva-se construir contranarrativas que tensionam as imagens hegemônicas associadas à população negra no espaço público urbano. Utiliza se a metodologia de montagem urbana e inspirações da filosofia africana do Ubuntu para criar colagens através de fragmentos de atividades cotidianas de três bairros negros de Maceió. Concluímos que imagens da cidade não são fixas ou imutáveis, mas influenciadas pela perspectiva de quem as vivencia. Portanto, é fundamental proporcionar interpretações desses lugares que não são de violência. Assim, propomos criar imagens que representem a vida da população negra, sua potência e (re)existência que desafiam a necropolítica.
A CIDADE E O DIREITO DE OCUPAR
Authors: Jaques Ribeiro Cristine , De Mesquita Duarte Aline , Ribeiro Wruc Bruna , Macedo Meireles Marlon Antônio
Published: December 2024

Este artigo é o recorte da pesquisa vinculada ao GEP questão agrária, urbana e ambiental pertencente ao PPG em Política Social e Direitos Humanos da UCPel. Objetivo é de apresentar a luta pela permanência de famílias ocupantes da Estrada do Engenho no município de Pelotas em seu território de existência. Luta que iniciou em 2016 e permanece até os dias atuais. Para tanto, se faz antes uma breve problematização da relação conflitual entre os conceitos de ocupação e invasão. Através da análise da influência da racionalidade colonial sobre o direito de existir das famílias se conduz para apresentar a narrativa que contextualiza a luta da comunidade frente a mercantilização do espaço urbano. Para tanto, se utiliza análise cartográfica, enquanto método, que sugere a imersão no campo da pesquisa qualitativa. A articulação com o campo empírico, com a pesquisa documental e bibliográfica potencializou a construção textual.
Biorazgradive mješavine na bazi polihidroksialkanoata
Authors: Đurić Nika , Kučić Grgić Dajana , Ocelić Bulatović Vesna
Published: December 2024

U ovom radu provedena je analiza svojstava polimernih mješavina na bazi polihidroksialkanoata (PHA), polilaktida (PLA), polikaprolaktona (PCL) i termoplastičnog škroba (TPS) s ciljem boljeg razumijevanja njihove potencijalne primjene kao biorazgradivih materijala. Rezultati istraživanja pokazuju da su površine čistih polimernih materijala PCL i PLA hidrofilne, dok su površine PHA i TPS hidrofobne. Uvidom u parametar adhezije najbolje interakcije očekuju se na međupovršini polimerne mješavine TPS/PHA. Infracrvena spektroskopija s Fourierovom transformacijom i prigušenom totalnom refleksijom otkriva da umješavanjem čistih polimernih materijala dolazi do fizičkih promjena unutar polimernih mješavina. Diferencijalna pretražna kalorimetrija pokazuje da PHA, PLA i PCL imaju semikristalnu strukturu, dok je TPS potpuno amorfan materijal. Studija također ukazuje na djelomičnu mješljivost komponenti unutar polimernih mješavina. Analiza mehaničkih svojstava sugerira poboljšanje svojstava umješavanjem PLA i PCL s PHA u polimerne mješavine.
Microteaching to Develop Prospective Biology Teachers' Basic Teaching Skills Following Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Authors: Parmin Parmin , Mohtar Lilia Ellany , Muhlisin Ahmad , Trisnowati Eli , Sukmawati Ika
Published: December 2024

Prospective biology teachers have good mastery of the material but are still weak in several indicators of basic teaching skills. Preparing prospective professional biology teachers in Indonesia expects graduates to be able to teach not only in domestic schools but also in schools abroad by integrating Next Generation Science Standards. This study aims to develop prospective teachers' basic teaching skills that integrate Indonesian standards and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) through best practices of microteaching innovation. The research used the Research and Development method. Microteaching lecture tools for prospective biology teachers were developed. The research targets were 82 prospective biology teachers in microteaching courses who were given the same learning environment. The six biology teachers involved came from three partner schools with different statuses: public, nationalist private, and religious private. A t-statistic model comparison test strengthens this finding, where the score of the second microteaching practice differs from the first practice. This research is a form of curriculum implementation for prospective science teachers who integrate NGSS. This research finds that the practice scores in the second microteaching increase after analyzing the first teaching practice video. The impact of these findings provides solutions to create skillful prospective biology teachers.
Un lugar de memoria histórico-militar argentino en torno al monumento del general San Martín
Authors: Mugione Méndez Macarena Gisela
Published: December 2024

In 1862, the inauguration of the commemorative monument in honor of General José de San Martín determined the creation and definition of one of the oldest squares in the city of Buenos Aires located in the current neighborhood of La Recoleta. The arrival of the monument consecrated this place as a site to commemorate and remember the armies of independence and all the military heroes of the nation, since, in 1990, the government decided that it was also pertinent to erect a Cenotaph to those who fell in the Malvinas. This article raises the idea that, with the installation of the statue of the liberator, the Plaza San Martín was configured over the centuries as a place of historical-military memory consolidated, from the officers, by the military events, the buildings that surround the square and the monuments located there.
Preserving cultural heritage through radiation-curing resin consolidation: a case study of an indigenous ceramic vessel
Authors: Delgado Vieira Ana Carolina , Vasquez Salvador Pablo Antonio , Oliveira Maria José Alves de , Silva Fabiola Andrea da
Published: December 2024

This article presents a case study on a ceramic vessel belonging to the Amazonian indigenous people, Asurini do Xingu, to investigate the use of gamma radiation for consolidating cultural heritage. Traditionally, gamma radiation is used to impregnate cultural artifacts with a radiocurable resin. In this study, the consolidating resin was applied only to the external surface of the vessel by brushing. The object was weighed before and after consolidation, and a colorimeter was used to evaluate possible color changes. The results indicated that the method was effective, with no negative effects on the appearance of the cultural item.