bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Inter-Agency Expert Panel's Prioritisation of Clinical Quality Improvement Topics in a Paramedic System
Authors: Campeau Anthony , Huiskamp Maud , Sykes Nicole , Kriening Susan , Bourn Scott , VanAarsen Kritine
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Quality improvement (QI) programs have become common in paramedic systems, but they are often limited to individual agencies. Modern paramedicine involves many different agencies and inter-agency QI programs would better reflect their co-operative efforts. Similarly, inter-agency use of clinical outcome measurements can offer system level performance data. This study's intent was to explore the feasibility of planning an inter-agency QI program that uses outcome measures.

Methods

This study used a modified Delphi methodology. A 49-member panel of inter-agency representatives was convened to identify and prioritise clinical outcome-based topics. Over a 3-month period, two online surveys were conducted followed by a 1-day face-to-face meeting.

Results

The study demonstrated very high participation rates. Results progressed from an initial wide range of 38 topics to a final consensus of two: infection/sepsis and patient safety/care pathways, complete with outcome measures.

Conclusion

Inter-agency quality improvement planning is an under investigated area, but this study demonstrates that it is feasible. Additionally, this planning can incorporate clinical outcome measures that inform system level discussions about quality. Other paramedic agencies may draw on the study's processes when planning their own quality improvement programs.
The current problems of the personal level development determination
Authors:   M. V. Ostrogradsky Poltava Regional Institute of In-Service Teacher Training, Ukraine, Dudko Sergiy , Huz Kostiantyn ,   Institute of Pedagogy of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine, Ukraine, Kononets Natalia ,   Cybernetics University of Ukoopspilks «Poltava University of Economics and Trade», Ukraine
Published: June 2021

The article reveals the problems of general secondary education school (GSES) graduate’s personal development. The essence of the term «personality», its place in pedagogy, compared the development of personality from a biological perspective and pedagogical science are analyzed. It is emphasized that the formation of students as a highly developed personality is provided by the conditions of construction of the New Ukrainian School and the state educational standards. Therefore, the process of reforming education assumes that the personality is developed during the acquisition of both subject and general competencies, the state of development in native science of criteria for determining the development of subject and general competencies in students is studied. These studies have revealed the existence of different approaches to the assessment of competencies, but the level of competence does not indicate the development level of the student as a highly developed personality. They focused on the fact that a highly formed personality must have a holistic consciousness and a formed life-affirming image of the world. Analysis of pedagogical research on development of the image of the world of schoolchildren is conducted, attention is paid to the necessity of definition of criteria and levels of formation of the person, the maintenance of formation of a life-affirming image of the world of pupils, and their place in the personal level development determination of GSES graduate. We note that during the construction of NUS the image of the world should be developed in the conditions of education of sustainable development on the basis of mastering subject and general competencies, forming a life-affirming view of the world. The result of students acquired during the educational process a life-affirming view of the world based on the subject and general competencies is the development of a life-affirming image of the pupils’ world, the level of which can determine the level of comprehensively developed and holistic personality
Concepts of ethnodesign in the future designers’ training at the artistic higher education institutions
Authors:   Kyiv state Academy of decorative and applied arts and design named after Mikhail Boychuk, Ukraine, Dyachenko Alla
Published: June 2021

The article highlights the essence of the concept «ethnodesign». Features of using ethnodesign tools in creative socio-cultural projects of artistic institutions by future and leading designers are considered. The following etnotematics are rethinking: national motives of folk culture, fine and decorative arts, architecture, interest in traditional decoration and colors. The author analyzes the concepts of ethnodesign and the specifics of its use in different time periods. Cosmopolitanism of design solutions and internationality of figurative language make design products understandable for the masses, regardless of religious, national, ideological, etc. Therefore, there is a need for national identity in society, the need to promote the product on the international market as a national brand, there is a rethinking of the reference to cultural heritage. In modern artistic institutions, ethnodesign encourages future designers to engage in creative, research, analytical, and cognitive activities.Modern ethnodesign should successfully combine elements of traditional decorative and applied art solutions, as well as a combination of aesthetically related colorful and graphic properties. Understanding the complexity of national traditions and bold experiments of design students shows the polystylistic variety of author's interpretations in the General line of postmodern ethnic romanticism. The ethnodesign inspires by folk art and ethnic motives. It is applied the stylistic and decorative techniques for folk art and crafts development in interior design, graphic works, landscape design, industrial design, and clothing design. Despite the freedom in global design, the national design space remains an insufficiently formed model of national design, so further development is a priority for Ukrainian design theorists and practitioners
The creative component of stem education from understanding the need for successful experience development
Authors:   Kherson institute of the Interregional academy of personnel management, Ukraine, Nazarenko Lyudmyla
Published: June 2021

The article substantiates the need to use a creative component of content and teaching aids in STEM-education. The author highlights the successful experience of implementing the creative component in modern educational systems of other countries and proves its impact on the level of learning productivity. The regularities of building a model of STEM-lesson based on the creative component are determined, in particular: between the level of divergent thinking about educational process subjects and educational activity productivity in general, between the continuous development of creative abilities and mastering the new professional competences and ways of thinking. The author notes that considering the above patterns during the construction of STEM-lesson helps the teacher form in students a responsible attitude toward innovation as a product of their own development and as a driving force of social development.The stages of productive occupation are characterized as follows: students' comprehension of different ideas and finally the choice of one proposal of changes, the most relevant and which can be embodied in a new educational product; generating and accumulating ideas, the teacher's position should not dominate, which will promote free choice of students from many proposals of one or two of the most progressive; stages of «incubation» and «enlightenment», and especially «verification».Practical advice for teachers is described. The first piece of advice is to create a group of expert students whose task is to assess the «value» of each proposed idea according to such criteria as compliance with the purpose of the educational program, technological efficiency, nonstandard, rationality and integration, duration and scope.The second piece of advice is to «measure» the cost of the practical implementation of the proposed ideas, which helps recalculate the potential of students, the conditions of STEM-classes, and the search for additional resources.The third piece of advice is to develop an action plan for the practical implementation of the idea chosen by the students. Both expert stu-dents and other STEM participants can develop their plan in groups of 3–5 people. When presenting an action plan, only well-grounded practical steps are taken into account, which will form the basis of a single developed plan.Some problems that need to be solved to effectively use the creative component in the STEM education system are outlined: special train-ing of teachers, development of the corresponding educational and didactic material, development of creative and productive thinking at both pupils, and teachers
Social and community learning as one of the directions of the educational process management
Authors:   M.V. Ostrogradsky Poltava Regional Institute of In-Service Teacher Training, Ukraine, Kurmysheva Nina
Published: June 2021

The directions of education development change in the conditions of VUCA world. It will allow educational institutions to be competitive and improve the quality of their educational services. One of these fields of educational process management is social and community learning.The current article studies the issue of social and community learning as one of the fields of educational process management and the possibilities of its further use in the educational process of preschool, general secondary, out-of-school and postgraduate education. The most important life skills today are actively studying and learning strategies, as well as the skill of leadership and social influence as one of the skills important for specialist, not just the leader. The content of the definitions of «social learning» and «community-learning» and their features is determined.The possibilities of using in the educational process such types of educational and cognitive activity organization as coworking, network-ing, foresight, crowdsourcing, benchmarking, event, etc. are indicated in the context of the study. Examples of practical techniques of Singaporean educational structures are given.It is concluded that community learning is an educational process implemented on the basis of partnership pedagogy, and its effective-ness and efficiency are ensured through cooperation between students, parents and teachers through various projects, informal meetings, conversations, study circles, etc. Social learning is implemented using various platforms and online tool
Development of non-philological specialties students’ motivation to study a foreign language
Authors:   Poltava VG Korolenko National Pedagogical University, Ukraine, Khaliavka Lidiia
Published: June 2021

The article presents theoretical and practical aspects of forming motivation to study a foreign language for students of non-philological specialties. The essential characteristics of the concept of «motivation» are substantiated. The leading motives of students to study English are outlined. It is concluded that the structure of motives of future professionals is dominated by internal motivation, meaningfully related to educational activities.The results of the study confirm that the solution of educational problems by students independently activates their educational activities and strengthens the motivational sphere. It is proved that the use of play activities in the learning process simplifies the process of learning and motivates to learn the language. Additionally, precisely selected and regulated content of the discipline with a constant lively pace of learning a foreign language motivates students to succeed. In addition, the personal interest of the teacher in the progress of students adds to the latter’s desire to learn.It is concluded that modern research of scientists and employees of higher education related to the researched problem involves the search for new ideas, motivations, motives that increase the effectiveness of learning motivation as a major component of mastering a foreign language by students of non-language specialties.
The didactic requirements for junior teenagers speech competence development under the conditions of the basic school inclusive educational environment
Authors:   Poltava V.G. Korolenko National Pedagogical University, Ukraine, Grynova Maryna , Hubar Olha ,   Poltava V.G. Korolenko National Pedagogical University, Ukraine
Published: June 2021

The article substantiates the need to develop and test the didactic conditions for the formation of speech competence of young adolescents in an inclusive learning environment of primary school. Based on the analysis of the current state of the education system, the main vectors of its development, the main problems and tasks are identified main vectors of its development, the main problems and tasks are identifiedThe necessity of formation of speech competence of junior teenagers in the conditions of inclusive educational environment is highlighted. The didactic requirements for junior teenagers speech competence development under the conditions of inclusive educational environment of the basic school are defined, substantiated and experimentally checked: creating a favorable speech environment for junior teenagers in an inclusive educational environment of basic school; ensuring didactic adaptability of speech therapy support for junior teenagers; development and implementation of educational and correctional methods for the speech competence development of junior teenagers. The content and main ways and methods of realization of the complex of the offered didactic conditions are characterized. The three main stages of experimental verification of the effectiveness of the application of certain didactic conditions are named and revealed. The first organizational and introductory (aimed at preparing teachers, speech therapists, psychologists for the introduction of didactic conditions).Corrective activity, as the second stage, is aimed at developing components of speech competence of junior teenagers. Functional-communicative, focused on consolidating the speech competence development of junior teenagers, the development of initiative and activity in communication. The dynamics of the level characteristics of the study competence are presented, which demonstrates positive changes in junior teenagers, members of the experimental group.
Resíduos sólidos urbanos e a Agenda 2030: Uma análise das ações realizadas pelo município de São José do Seridó/RN
Authors: Santos Kaio Luís de Azevêdo , Medeiros Josimar Araújo de , Queiroz Luziana Maria Nunes de , Araujo Priscilla Pimentel Diogenes Gois de , Fontes Júnior Deylane Freitas
Published: June 2021

As ações realizadas pelo ente municipal de São José do Seridó/RN, no tocante a gestão de resíduos sólidos na municipalidade e sua correlação com os objetivos traçados na Agenda 2030, elaborada e ratificada pelos países signatários da Organização das Nações Unidas (ONU), compõe o eixo de análise do presente artigo. Para melhor entendimento dessa relação, adotou-se como objetivo geral compreender a contribuição das ações de gestão de resíduos sólidos urbanos realizadas pelo município de São José do Seridó/RN, em atendimento aos objetivos da Agenda 2030 da ONU. Feito isso, partiu-se para o desdobramento da temática por intermédio dos objetivos específicos a seguir: (i) identificar as ações realizadas pelo município para mitigação dos resíduos sólidos urbanos, (ii) entender a relevância das ações efetuadas para suavizar o impacto causado ao meio ambiente e (iii) relacionar as ações desenvolvidas aos objetivos da Agenda 2030. Para consecução dos objetivos traçados, adotou-se uma metodologia de cunho exploratório e descritivo, com realização de um aprofundamento bibliográfico e coleta empírica de dados, por meio de uma pesquisa participante estruturada. A análise dos dados oriundos da pesquisa segue a abordagem qualitativa. O presente estudo se justifica pelo fato do lixo urbano representar um problema ainda com poucas soluções práticas. Por isso, grande parte dos municípios brasileiros não conseguem atender plenamente o que está posto na Política Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos. Por fim, verifica-se que a entidade municipal realiza atividades que alinhem comprometimento e responsabilidade sustentável, de maneira a gerar um menor impacto ambiental conseguindo atender parcialmente alguns ODS.
Co-growth of Stem Cells With Target Tissue Culture as an Easy and Effective Method of Directed Differentiation
Authors: Kovina Marina Valentinovna , Dyuzheva Tatyana Gennadievna , Krasheninnikov Mikhail Evgenievich , Yakovenko Sergey Alexandrovich , Khodarovich Yury Mikhailovich
Published: June 2021

The long-term co-culture of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) with rat endothelial cells (EC) was tested for contact differentiation into the endothelial lineage. Serial passaging of rat ECs mixed with mESC in ratio 10:1 resulted in the emergence of a homogeneous cell population expressing mouse endothelial surface markers CD102, CD29, CD31. Rat endothelial surface marker RECA-1 completely disappeared from the co-cultured population after 2 months of weekly passaging. Co-incubation of mESC with rat ECs without cell-to-cell contact did not result in the conversion of mESC into ECs. After co-cultivation of adult mesenchymal stem cells from human endometrium (eMSC) with pre-hepatocyte-like cells of human hepatocarcinoma Huh7 the resulting co-culture expressed mature liver markers (oval cell antigen and cytokeratin 7), none of which were expressed by any of co-cultivated cultures, thus proving that even an immature (proliferating) pre-hepatocyte-like line can induce hepatic differentiation of stem cells. In conclusion, we have developed conditions where long-term co-proliferation of embryonic or adult SC with fully or partially differentiated cells results in stem cell progeny expressing markers of target tissue. In the case of endothelial differentiation, the template population quickly disappeared from the resulted culture and the pure endothelial population of stem cell progeny emerged. This approach demonstrates the expected fate of stem cells during various in vivo SC-therapies and also might be used as an effective in vitro differentiation method to develop the pure endothelium and, potentially, other tissue types of desirable genetic background.
High-Efficient Production of Adipose-Derived Stem Cell (ADSC) Secretome Through Maturation Process and Its Non-scarring Wound Healing Applications
Authors: An Young-Hyeon , Kim Dae Hyun , Lee Eun Jung , Lee Dabin , Park Mihn Jeong , Ko Junghyeon , Kim Dong Wook , Koh Jiwan , Hong Hyun Sook , Son Youngsook , Cho Je-Yoel , Park Ji-Ung , Kim Sun-Dong , Hwang Nathaniel S.
Published: June 2021

Recently, the stem cell-derived secretome, which is the set of proteins expressed by stem cells and secreted into the extracellular space, has been demonstrated as a critical contributor for tissue repair. In this study, we have produced two sets of high concentration secretomes from adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) that contain bovine serum or free of exogenous molecules. Through proteomic analysis, we elucidated that proteins related to extracellular matrix organization and growth factor-related proteins are highly secreted by ADSCs. Additionally, the application of ADSC secretome to full skin defect showed accelerated wound closure, enhanced angiogenic response, and complete regeneration of epithelial gaps. Furthermore, the ADSC secretome was capable of reducing scar formation. Finally, we show high-dose injection of ADSC secretome via intraperitoneal or transdermal delivery demonstrated no detectable pathological conditions in various tissues/organs, which supports the notion that ADSC secretome can be safely utilized for tissue repair and regeneration.
Generation of a Mouse Model to Study the Noonan Syndrome Gene Lztr1 in the Telencephalon
Authors: Talley Mary Jo , Nardini Diana , Shabbir Nisha , Ehrman Lisa A. , Prada Carlos E. , Waclaw Ronald R.
Published: June 2021

The leucine zipper-like transcriptional regulator 1 (Lztr1) is a BTB-Kelch domain protein involved in RAS/MAPK pathway regulation. Mutations in LZTR1 are associated with cancers and Noonan syndrome, the most common RASopathy. The expression and function of Lztr1 in the developing brain remains poorly understood. Here we show that Lztr1 is expressed in distinct regions of the telencephalon, the most anterior region of the forebrain. Lztr1 expression was robust in the cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, and oligodendrocytes in the white matter. To gain insight into the impact of Lztr1 deficiency, we generated a conditional knockout (cKO) restricted to the telencephalon using Foxg1IREScre/+. Lztr1 cKOs are viable to postnatal stages and show reduced Lztr1 expression in the telencephalon. Interestingly, Lztr1 cKOs exhibit an increase in MAPK pathway activation in white matter regions and subsequently show an altered expression of stage-specific markers in the oligodendrocyte lineage with increased oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and decreased markers of oligodendrocyte differentiation. Moreover, Lztr1 cKOs also exhibit an increased expression of the astrocyte marker GFAP. These results highlight the generation of a new mouse model to study Lztr1 deficiency in the brain and reveal a novel role for Lztr1 in normal oligodendrocyte and astrocyte development in the telencephalon.
Solubility Parameters of Amino Acids on Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation and Aggregation of Proteins
Authors: Nomoto Akira , Nishinami Suguru , Shiraki Kentaro
Published: June 2021

The solution properties of amino acids determine the folding, aggregation, and liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) behaviors of proteins. Various indices of amino acids, such as solubility, hydropathy, and conformational parameter, describe the behaviors of protein folding and solubility both in vitro and in vivo. However, understanding the propensity of LLPS and aggregation is difficult due to the multiple interactions among different amino acids. Here, the solubilities of aromatic amino acids (SAs) were investigated in solution containing 20 types of amino acids as amino acid solvents. The parameters of SAs in amino acid solvents (PSASs) were varied and dependent on the type of the solvent. Specifically, Tyr and Trp had the highest positive values while Glu and Asp had the lowest. The PSAS values represent soluble and insoluble interactions, which collectively are the driving force underlying the formation of droplets and aggregates. Interestingly, the PSAS of a soluble solvent reflected the affinity between amino acids and aromatic rings, while that of an insoluble solvent reflected the affinity between amino acids and water. These findings suggest that the PSAS can distinguish amino acids that contribute to droplet and aggregate formation, and provide a deeper understanding of LLPS and aggregation of proteins.
Prognostic Value of Coronary Artery Calcification Identified by the Semi-quantitative Weston Method in the Emergency Room or Other Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Chen Lu , Vavrenyuk Andrey , Ren Jun Hong , Desai Pankil , Bahgat Joseph , Bernstein Michael A. , Ebright Michael I. , Gowda Mamatha , Rose Suzanne , Fallahi Arzhang , Stainken Brian , Hsi David H.
Published: June 2021

Background: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) may provide insight to the patients' coronary artery disease (CAD) risks and influence early intervention. With increasing use of non-gated CT scans in clinical practice, the visual coronary artery scoring system (Weston Method) could quickly provide clinicians with important information of CAC for patient triage and management.

Methods: We retrospectively studied the available CT imaging data and estimated CAC burden using the Weston method in 493 emergency room or other hospitalized patients. The Weston scores were calculated by the sum of the score for each vessel including the left main, left anterior descending, left circumflex artery and right coronary artery (range 0–12). The primary endpoint was a composite of the major adverse cardiac events (MACEs), including cardiac death, myocardial infarction, stroke, and coronary revascularization.

Results: During a median follow-up of 85 months, a total of 25 (5.1%) MACE were recorded and 57 (11.2%) patients died from any causes. Detectable CAC was most common (96%) in the left anterior descending coronary arteries. Multivariable analysis showed that CAC total scores were independent predictors for MACE and all-cause mortality. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that CAC total score ≥5 was the optimal cutoff value for predicting MACEs.

Conclusions: In the emergency room and hospitalized patients, the semi-quantitation of CAC burden using the Weston score system was related to the long-term cardiovascular outcomes including mortality. Clinicians and radiologists should maximize the value of non-contrast chest CT images by reporting CAC details.
Quantifying the Importance of Firms by Means of Reputation and Network Control
Authors: Zhang Yan , Schweitzer Frank
Published: June 2021

As recently argued in the literature, the reputation of firms can be channeled through their ownership structure. We use this relation to model reputation spillovers between transnational companies and their participated companies in an ownership network core of 1,318 firms. We then apply concepts of network controllability to identify minimum sets of driver nodes (MDSs) of 314 firms in this network. The importance of these driver nodes is classified according to their control contribution, their operating revenue, and their reputation. The latter two are also taken as proxies for the access costs when utilizing firms as driver nodes. Using an enrichment analysis, we find that firms with high reputation maintain the controllability of the network but rarely become top drivers, whereas firms with medium reputation most likely become top driver nodes. We further show that MDSs with lower access costs can be used to control the reputation dynamics in the whole network.
Success Factors of Artificial Intelligence Implementation in Healthcare
Authors: Wolff Justus , Pauling Josch , Keck Andreas , Baumbach Jan
Published: June 2021

Background: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare has demonstrated high efficiency in academic research, while only few, and predominantly small, real-world AI applications exist in the preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic contexts. Our identification and analysis of success factors for the implementation of AI aims to close the gap between recent years' significant academic AI advancements and the comparably low level of practical application in healthcare.

Methods: A literature and real life cases analysis was conducted in Scopus and OpacPlus as well as the Google advanced search database. The according search queries have been defined based on success factor categories for AI implementation derived from a prior World Health Organization survey about barriers of adoption of Big Data within 125 countries. The eligible publications and real life cases were identified through a catalog of in- and exclusion criteria focused on concrete AI application cases. These were then analyzed to deduct and discuss success factors that facilitate or inhibit a broad-scale implementation of AI in healthcare.

Results: The analysis revealed three categories of success factors, namely (1) policy setting, (2) technological implementation, and (3) medical and economic impact measurement. For each of them a set of recommendations has been deducted: First, a risk adjusted policy frame is required that distinguishes between precautionary and permissionless principles, and differentiates among accountability, liability, and culpability. Second, a “privacy by design” centered technology infrastructure shall be applied that enables practical and legally compliant data access. Third, the medical and economic impact need to be quantified, e.g., through the measurement of quality-adjusted life years while applying the CHEERS and PRISMA reporting criteria.

Conclusions: Private and public institutions can already today leverage AI implementation based on the identified results and thus drive the translation from scientific development to real world application. Additional success factors could include trust-building measures, data categorization guidelines, and risk level assessments and as the success factors are interlinked, future research should elaborate on their optimal interaction to utilize the full potential of AI in real world application.
Evaluating the Response of Global Column Resistance to a Large Volcanic Eruption by an Aerosol-Coupled Chemistry Climate Model
Authors: Xie Yushan , Zhang Ruyi , Zhu Zhipeng , Zhou Limin
Published: June 2021

Global electric circuits could be the key link between space weather and lower atmosphere climate. It has been suggested that the ultrafine erosol layer in the middle to upper stratosphere could greatly contribute to local column resistance and return current density. In previous work by Tinsley, Zhou, and Plemmons (Atmos. Res., 2006, 79 (3–4), 266–295), the artificial ultrafine layer was addressed and caused a significant symmetric effect on column resistance at high latitudes. In this work, we use an updated erosol coupled chemistry-climate model to establish a new global electric circuit model. The results show that the ultrafine aerosol layer exits the middle stratosphere, but due to the Brewer-Dobson circulation, there are significant seasonal variations in the ion loss due to variations in the ultrafine aerosol layer. In the winter hemisphere in the high latitude region, the column resistance will consequently be higher than that in the summer hemisphere. With an ultrafine aerosol layer in the decreasing phase of solar activity, the column resistance would be more sensitive to fluctuations in the low-energy electron precipitation (LEE) and middle-energy electron precipitation (MEE) particle fluxes.
Zines as Reflective Evaluation Within Interdisciplinary Learning Programmes
Authors: Brown Autumn , Hurley Mairéad , Perry Sophie , Roche Joseph
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a unique method for documenting and reflecting learning in interdisciplinary science learning settings, which prioritises the perspectives of marginalised learners and which may be used across cultural contexts. Short for “magazine” or “fanzine,” zines are small DIY booklets which can contain poetry, narrative, drawings, comics, collage and more. Often associated with radical or alternative cultures, they can become a kind of self-made soapbox for the creator, a material artifact that, by its very deconstructed and deconstructing nature, encourages a personalised remixing of ideas. Within this paper, we examine the practical and pedagogical positioning of zines within a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) context. As both a visual and text-based artifact, a zine is uniquely capable of capturing broad responses to diverse learning experiences which blur disciplinary boundaries and offers an inclusive and firmly emancipatory approach to reflective practice.
Kaupapa Māori Assessment: Reclaiming, Reframing and Realising Māori Ways of Knowing and Being Within Early Childhood Education Assessment Theory and Practice
Authors: Rameka Lesley K.
Published: June 2021

The history of schooling for Māori has been one of cultural dislocation, deprivation and subjugation. Māori children were viewed as outside the norms of development suffering from “intellectual retardation” which was attributed to disabilities related to acculturation. Traditional western assessment served to further these Eurocentric power ideologies that marginalise non-European peoples and cultures, such as Māori, as backward, inferior and deviant. Kaupapa (philosophical) Māori assessment can be viewed as an assessment approach that is derived from the Māori world, from a Māori epistemological perspective that assumes the normalcy of Māori values, understandings and behaviours. The validity and legitimacy of Māori language, cultural capital, values and knowledge are a given. Kaupapa Māori assessment works to challenge, critique and transform dominant educational perceptions of the Māori child, the nature of learning, pedagogy, and culturally valued learning. This article explores ways that kaupapa Māori assessment builds upon Māori philosophical and epistemological understandings to express Māori understandings of knowledge, knowers and knowings, in order to reclaim, reframe and realise Māori ways of knowing and being within early childhood and assessment theory and practice.
When Governments and International Organizations Shut Down: The Impact of COVID-19 on Refugees’ and Host Community’s Use of Educational Services in Cox’s Bazar
Authors: Gjerløw Haakon , Karim Sabrina , Østby Gudrun
Published: June 2021

At the global level, COVID-19 not only shut down many services that national governments provide to public, but it also severely limited the ability of international organizations to deliver services during humanitarian crisis. We suggest that the absence of governments and INGOs creates a vacuum for informal institutions to increase their reach. In this research note, we present novel phone survey data on education services in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh with host communities and refugees. We show that the number of households without access to education decreased during lockdown, but that the impact was different for the refugee population and the host population. This is because the refugee community relied on their prior ties to informal education, whereas the host community did not have the same ties to multiple informal options. Overall, we show that informal institutions provide a substitute for governments and international organizations when they shut down.
Association Between Pre-Pregnancy Body Mass Index and Miscarriage in an Assisted Reproductive Technology Population: A 10-Year Cohort Study
Authors: Qu Pengfei , Yan Mingxin , Zhao Doudou , Wang Dongyang , Dang Shaonong , Shi Wenhao , Shi Juanzi , Zhang Chunli
Published: June 2021

Objective

To investigate the association between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and miscarriages in women who required assisted reproductive technology (ART) for conception.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a 10-year (2006–2015) sample of 14,994 pregnancy cycles with ART treatment in Northwest Women’s and Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, China. The effects of women’s BMI before pregnancy on early miscarriage and miscarriage were assessed using generalized estimating equation models.

Results

The risks of early miscarriage and miscarriage were higher in the obese group than in the normal weight group [early miscarriage: relative risk (RR) = 1.36, confidence interval (CI): 1.12–1.65; miscarriage: RR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.17–1.68]. Pre-pregnancy underweight was not associated with an increased risk of early miscarriage or miscarriage. We observed interactions between pre-pregnancy BMI and singleton or twin pregnancy in early miscarriage and miscarriage (P = 0.017 and P = 0.003, respectively). Twin pregnancy increased the effects of pre-pregnancy BMI on early miscarriage and miscarriage (early miscarriage: a. singleton pregnancy: RR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.04; b. twin pregnancy: RR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03–1.13; miscarriage: a. singleton pregnancy: RR = 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.04; b. twin pregnancy: RR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.05–1.13).

Conclusions

Pre-pregnancy obesity was associated with higher risks of early miscarriage and miscarriage in the ART population, and twin pregnancy increased the effects of pre-pregnancy BMI on early miscarriage and miscarriage. Women should maintain a normal BMI before ART initiation to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Letrozole for Female Infertility
Authors: Yang Ai-Min , Cui Na , Sun Yi-Fei , Hao Gui-Min
Published: June 2021

Letrozole, an aromatase inhibitor that blocks estrogen synthesis by inhibiting the final step of the estrogen biosynthetic pathway, has been used in the applications of a wide range of infertility settings. It has been more than 20 years since the initial clinical trial of letrozole for ovulation induction. In light of the accumulating clinical and basic evidence, the efficacy and safety of letrozole have been identified. This mini review focuses on our current knowledge of the applications and mechanisms of letrozole for female infertility and various questions are put forward about how letrozole could be more effectively used.
Endocannabinoid System in Pregnancy Maintenance and Labor: A Mini-Review
Authors: Kozakiewicz Melissa L. , Grotegut Chad A. , Howlett Allyn C.
Published: June 2021

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cell-signaling system present in multiple organ systems and is an integral part of sustaining the microenvironment necessary for early pregnancy success and maintenance. It plays a significant role in embryo development, transport and implantation as well as placentation. The current theory behind the initiation of term labor is that it is a complex, multifactorial process involving sex steroid hormones, prostaglandin production and interplay at the maternal-fetal interface resulting in increased expression of receptors and gap junctions that promote uterine activation. There is increasing evidence that, in addition to early pregnancy events, the ECS plays a regulatory role in pregnancy maintenance and the timing of labor. This review presents an overview of the ECS in pregnancy that focuses on late gestation and parturition.
Tomography Imaging of Lithium Electrodeposits Using Neutron, Synchrotron X-Ray, and Laboratory X-Ray Sources: A Comparison
Authors: Magnier Lucile , Lecarme Lauréline , Alloin Fannie , Maire Eric , King Andrew , Bouchet Renaud , Tengattini Alessandro , Devaux Didier
Published: June 2021

X-ray and neutron imaging are widely employed for battery materials, thanks to the possibility to perform noninvasive in situ and in operando analyses. X-ray tomography can be performed either in synchrotron or in laboratory facilities and is particularly well-suited to analyze bulk materials and electrode/electrolyte interfaces. Several post-lithium-ion (Li-ion) devices, such as Li–sulfur, Li–O2, or all-solid-state Li batteries, have an anode made of metallic Li in common. The main failure mode of Li batteries is the inhomogeneity of the Li electrodeposits onto the Li anode during charge steps, leading to dendrite growth and low Coulombic efficiency. X-ray tomography is a powerful tool for studying dendrites as it provides useful information about their locations, dynamics, and microstructures. So far, the use of neutron tomography is scarcely reported for Li deposit analysis due to the difficulty in reaching sufficient image resolution to capture the deposit microstructure, that is, typically below 10–20 µm. The very different interactions of X-rays and neutrons with Li, which has significantly different opacity in the two cases, make the two techniques highly complementary. Notably, the capacity of neutrons to discern different Li isotopes is pivotal to getting an insight into the composition of Li deposits by distinguishing between Li originating from an electrode (6Li in this study) and Li originating from the Li salt electrolyte (mainly in 7Li here). Indeed, the theoretical linear neutron attenuation coefficient of 6Li is about 15 and 2,000 times larger than that of natural Li and 7Li, respectively. Therefore, a high imaging contrast difference is obtained between 6Li (high attenuation) and natural Li and 7Li (lower attenuations), which could allow a better understanding of the origin of the Li comprising the electrodeposits. In this work, we report, as a proof of concept, an in situ neutron tomography imaging of Li electrodeposits in a cycled Li symmetric cell. The electrochemical cell comprises a natural Li electrode, a 6Li electrode, and a deuterated liquid electrolyte. The neutron tomographies are compared with X-ray tomography images of the same electrochemical cell acquired both at an X-ray synchrotron beamline and at a laboratory X-ray tomograph. Neutron tomography is shown to be compatible with in situ analysis and capable of capturing the overall morphology of the Li deposits in good accordance with X-ray tomography analyses.
Ecology as a Tool to Assist Conservation of a Rare and Endemic Mediterranean Plantago Species
Authors: Serrano Helena Cristina , Pinto Manuel João , Branquinho Cristina , Martins-Loução Maria Amélia
Published: June 2021

Reviewing the ecological studies on the endangered endemic Plantago almogravensis Franco, an Al-hyperaccumulator plant, and combining these with morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular data, significant knowledge on the limiting factors that cause its narrow geographical distribution and rarity status is achieved, which can contribute to suited conservation guidelines. Emphasis was given on (i) the major factors limiting P. almogravensis’ ecological niche (biotic and abiotic); (ii) phases of the life cycle and population dynamics; and (iii) and the phylogenetically close taxa (Plantago subulata aggregate) in order to fill the knowledge gaps in the uniqueness of P. almogravensis ecology, its phylogeny, and conservation status. The identification of relevant ecological data and using plant functional (morphological and physiological) traits, as well as genetic attributes, substantiate into a powerful tool to guide protection and conservation measures, usable toward this and other endangered hyperaccumulator plant species. Knowledge of the limitations of this strongly narrowly distributed plant allows for better design of conservation measures and to guide value and investment strategies in order to secure the species’ current area (habitat conservation and reclamation), direct the expansion of the existing population (assisting in populational densification and colonization), and/or grant ex situ conservation (genetic resources conservation).
Gene Variants Determine Placental Transfer of Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), Mercury (Hg) and Lead (Pb), and Birth Outcome: Findings From the UmMuKi Bratislava-Vienna Study
Authors: Gundacker Claudia , Graf-Rohrmeister Klaudia , Gencik Martin , Hengstschläger Markus , Holoman Karol , Rosa Petra , Kroismayr Renate , Offenthaler Ivo , Plichta Veronika , Reischer Theresa , Teufl Isabella , Raffesberg Wolfgang , Scharf Sigrid , Köhler-Vallant Birgit , Delissen Zoja , Weiß Stefan , Uhl Maria
Published: June 2021

Prenatal exposure to perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), bisphenol A (BPA), lead (Pb), total mercury (THg), and methylmercury (MeHg) can affect fetal development. Factors influencing placental transfer rate of these toxins are poorly investigated. Whether prenatal exposure to pollutants has an effect on birth weight is incompletely understood. We therefore aimed (1) to determine placental transfer rates of PFAS, BPA, Pb, THg, and MeHg, (2) to analyze relationships between fetal exposure and birth outcome and (3) to analyze gene variants as mediators of placental transfer rates and birth outcome. Two hundred healthy pregnant women and their newborns participated in the study. BPA, 16 PFAS, THg, MeHg, and Pb were determined using HPLCMS/MS (BPA, PFAS), HPLC-CV-ICPMS (MeHg), CV-AFS (THg), and GF-AAS (Pb). Questionnaires and medical records were used to survey exposure sources and birth outcome. 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms and two deletion polymorphisms were determined by real-time PCR from both maternal and newborn blood. Genotype-phenotype associations were analyzed by categorical regression and logistic regression analysis. Specific gene variants were associated with altered placental transfer of PFAS (ALAD Lys59Asn, ABCG2 Gln141Lys), THg (UGT Tyr85Asp, GSTT1del, ABCC1 rs246221) and Pb (GSTP1 Ala114Val). A certain combination of three gene polymorphisms (ABCC1 rs246221, GCLM rs41303970, HFE His63Asp) was over-represented in newborns small for gestational age. 36% of Austrian and 75% of Slovakian mothers had levels exceeding the HBM guidance value I (2 μg/L) of the German HBM Commission for PFOA. 13% of newborns and 39% of women had Ery-Pb levels above 24 μg/kg, an approximation for the BMDL01 of 12 μg/L set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Our findings point to the need to minimize perinatal exposures to protect fetal health, especially those genetically predisposed to increased transplacental exposure.
Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Candidate Genes for Flowering Time in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.)
Authors: Paudel Dev , Dareus Rocheteau , Rosenwald Julia , Muñoz-Amatriaín María , Rios Esteban F.
Published: June 2021

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp., diploid, 2n = 22) is a major crop used as a protein source for human consumption as well as a quality feed for livestock. It is drought and heat tolerant and has been bred to develop varieties that are resilient to changing climates. Plant adaptation to new climates and their yield are strongly affected by flowering time. Therefore, understanding the genetic basis of flowering time is critical to advance cowpea breeding. The aim of this study was to perform genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify marker trait associations for flowering time in cowpea using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A total of 368 accessions from a cowpea mini-core collection were evaluated in Ft. Collins, CO in 2019 and 2020, and 292 accessions were evaluated in Citra, FL in 2018. These accessions were genotyped using the Cowpea iSelect Consortium Array that contained 51,128 SNPs. GWAS revealed seven reliable SNPs for flowering time that explained 8–12% of the phenotypic variance. Candidate genes including FT, GI, CRY2, LSH3, UGT87A2, LIF2, and HTA9 that are associated with flowering time were identified for the significant SNP markers. Further efforts to validate these loci will help to understand their role in flowering time in cowpea, and it could facilitate the transfer of some of this knowledge to other closely related legume species.
Lysine Demethylases: Promising Drug Targets in Melanoma and Other Cancers
Authors: Punnia-Moorthy Gaya , Hersey Peter , Emran Abdullah Al , Tiffen Jessamy
Published: June 2021

Epigenetic dysregulation has been implicated in a variety of pathological processes including carcinogenesis. A major group of enzymes that influence epigenetic modifications are lysine demethylases (KDMs) also known as “erasers” which remove methyl groups on lysine (K) amino acids of histones. Numerous studies have implicated aberrant lysine demethylase activity in a variety of cancers, including melanoma. This review will focus on the structure, classification and functions of KDMs in normal biology and the current knowledge of how KDMs are deregulated in cancer pathogenesis, emphasizing our interest in melanoma. We highlight the current knowledge gaps of KDMs in melanoma pathobiology and describe opportunities to increases our understanding of their importance in this disease. We summarize the progress of several pre-clinical compounds that inhibit KDMs and represent promising candidates for further investigation in oncology.