bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preventing university dropout: the relation between the student vulnerability features and academic performance in the first year
Authors: Marinela Istrate , Alexandru Bănică , Haralambie Athes
Published: May 2020

Educational services that universities offer to bachelor students are nowadays under the siege of numerous challenges, ranging from financial and institutional issues to fast changing labour market demands. Universities are confronting fast changes and uncertainties, being asked for adaptation, flexibility and higher ability to (re)act and find the best solutions. Within this broad context, university dropout is one particular new challenge that is often overlooked by decision makers and even by the teaching staff. Our study focuses on problems faced by the first year bachelor students of the Faculty of Geography and Geology at the oldest university in Romania, “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University of Iasi, students who have benefitted from support from a program financed by BIRD and World Bank, named Romania Secondary Education Project (ROSE). In order to identify and analyse their academic pathway in the first year of study, we tried to correlate a number of qualitative and quantitative using the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The analysis of the results indicates that the prevention of school drop-out should be approached as a continuous process starting from the early years of education. The adaptability to student life depends on the treatment of these inherited and overlooked disadvantages.
Practice tests improve performance, increase engagement and protect from psychological distress
Authors: Marlin Stuart Graham , English Tori , Morley Lewis , O'Keefe-Quinn Tahlia , Whitfield Paige
Published: May 2020

The increasing prevalence of high levels of distress in university student populations has led academic and support staff to investigate options to help students cope with academic stress. Our research focused on investigating the benefit of early academic interventions for content engagement and feedback. In a 1st year psychology student sample of 547 we collected data on psychological measures (motivation and distress), practice test engagement and performance on assessment tasks. Assessment data from a baseline phase (practice tests were available) were compared to assessment data from an intervention  (reward for undertaking practice tests). Our experiment also allowed an investigation of the type of benefit gained from practice tests engagement (content specific benefit vs general engagement effects). Results show that undertaking practice tests ahead of assessment quizzes is associated with significantly higher assessment performance.  Practice test uptake significantly increased when an incentive was in place resulting in much higher assessment scores for students. Students who showed high levels of distress on the DASS performed significantly lower on assessments. However, highly distressed students who undertook practice testing showed performance at the same level as non-distressed students.
Bridging the gap between academic and policy-oriented activities in higher education institutions
Authors: Márquez-Ramos Laura
Published: May 2020

There are three different types of activities performed in higher education institutions that, taken together, form the components of a trilemma in higher education. These include traditional academic activities (research and teaching), along with those that aim to transfer knowledge beyond academic research (policy-/industry-oriented activities). I argue that there are potential synergies across these three components that can be exploited to resolve this trilemma. This is illustrated in an augmented research value chain that introduces teaching and policy-/industry-oriented activities as phases that complement the research process. The interaction of the different phases in the research process contributes to the generation of new knowledge, increasing the value-added of the organization. This proposal relies on an application in an organizational unit specializing in international trade within an Australian university. Australia provides an interesting case study because research-intensive Australian universities are no longer evaluated purely in terms of their research quality, but also in terms of their transfer of knowledge and contributions beyond academic research. In this context, I conceptualize how to resolve the trilemma, and increase the feasibility of bridging the gap between academic and policy-/industry-oriented activities in higher education institutions.
The Validation of a Quantitative Measure of Self-authorship among Chinese University Students
Authors: Li Dorothy Tao
Published: May 2020

This paper presents the preliminary evidence for validating the Self-authorship Section of the Career Decision Making Survey (SA-CDMS; Creamer, Baxter Magolda, & Yue, 2010) among Chinese university students. Two samples of undergraduate students (Stage One, N= 263; Stage Two, N= 663) from three universities in the People’s Republic of China participated in this study. In the first stage, the SA-CDMS was translated from English to Chinese, with the psychometric properties preliminarily examined by exploratory factor analysis and internal consistency test. The original 18-item SA-CDMS model failed to identify the theoretical structures as expected, however, several modifications could be identified from the results of Stage One. In the second stage, the modified SA-CDMS showed acceptable reliability and validity based on the results of confirmatory factor analysis and Cronbach’s alpha coefficients. In addition, Pearson’s correlation analysis was employed by Stage Two to examine the correlations among the demographic factors, three phases, and three dimensions of self-authorship framework. In general, the current study provided evidence for utilizing SA-CDMS in the Chinese higher education context. This study added to the literature of the research on self-authorship and offered practical implications to educators and policymakers in promoting self-authorship development among Chinese university students.
A Student Workload Estimator Tool: Rethinking Modular Credit
Authors: Lai Liwen , Wadhwa Bimlesh
Published: May 2020

This paper aims to develop a Student Workload Estimator tool for University students. Traditionally, modular credit has been used as a student workload indicator at a purely time-based stage. This needs rethinking keeping in view the changing educational settings. The paper presents a basic student workload model built to assess student workload in a more realistic and detailed manner taking into consideration objective factors as well as subjective factors for personalized model. It presents a mechanism for data collection of course workload as well as of the students’ subjective perceptions for the workload estimator. The outcomes are expected to provide more insights than only estimated weekly working hours indicated by modular credit, thus allowing students to make more informed decisions for a suitable academic path and to help reduce the course dropping rate. Deliverables of the work include a data collection tool and a workload estimator tool.
Critical Thinking and Culturally-Sustaining Teaching: Developing the Historical Literacy of Māori and Pasifika Undergraduates in Aotearoa/New Zealand
Authors: November Nancy , Sturm Sean , Wolfgramm-Foliaki 'Ema
Published: May 2020

In this paper, we explore critical thinking in the context of developing culturally-sustaining historical literacy in Māori and Pasifika students at a large, multicultural university in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Critical thinking and culturally-sustaining historical literacy might seem like an odd couple insofar as critical thinking tends to be associated with liberal Western (academic) culture. Students can resist developing their critical thinking, not least because culturally-sustaining ‘critical being’ is a threshold concept, requiring a flexible, yet clearly structured pedagogical approach. But the development of critical being is vital to culturally-sustaining teaching because of the role the associated skills and dispositions play in supporting cultural autonomy and voice. We talked with nineteen teachers of a range of ethnicities from across the historical disciplines at the University of Auckland to document the pedagogical strategies they used to develop the critical thinking skills of their Māori and Pasifika students in a culturally-sustaining way: fostering peer dialogue that draws on personal experience; practising perspective-taking; drawing on popular culture for its contemporary and cultural relevance; drawing on one’s culture in choosing relevant topics; and creating learning spaces conducive to critical being.
Projects with added value to increase competitiveness and student satisfaction.Case study: The renewal of the BA in Advertising and Public Relations. University of Girona
Authors: Mirabet Sílvia Espinosa , Simón Jordi Serra , Fernández Joaquim Majó
Published: May 2020

This communication is aimed at describing the measures implemented in the new BA of Advertising and Public Relations at the moment of redefining its curricular design to make it more appealing and according to the needs of the era of the Internet.According to Universities’ guidelines there was a need to reformulate the academic curriculum. This need for change was used as an opportunity for boosting the internationalization of the studies, increasing the approach between students and professional profiles through the implementation of compulsory internships and eventually, among others, providing the BA program with added value activities which encompass master classes, circles of conferences given by top professionals, as well as specialized workshops about technologies of the Information.Keywords re-curriculum design, involving professional companies, developing optional activites, networks development, enhancing internationalisation.
CLab Torino: a transdisciplinary environment to provide a challenge-based teaching model
Authors: Remondino Chiara Lorenza , Fiore Eleonora , Tamborrini Paolo Marco
Published: May 2020

Promoting an open dialogue, a constant interdisciplinary collaboration with companies, between universities, about partnership or open innovation perspective, today is a challenge that still faces some resistance. Learning to deal with complexity, with the coexistence of different points of view, in collaboration to combined and re-combined know-how in ever new, original and challenging formulations, brings with its specific needs. In this sense, design takes on a fundamental role to create projects with a view to sustainable innovation, projects that are increasingly responsive to contemporary complexity. So, how does design education need to change? How do working designers and design researchers can update their skills to meet the challenges of the present and future?This contribution, through the experimentation of the Contamination Lab Torino, investigates a new education model intended as an extremely dynamic process from the creation of a multidisciplinary design team to the transition from a product design logic to a Product Service System one, as the most effective way to face the issue of the system management, as a way to guarantee the appropriate flexibility to the contemporary needs of our society.
European Joint Doctorates: myth or reality?
Authors: Coy Fuster Pilar , Canovas Sebastian , Van Soom Ann , Bernabo Nicola , Lonergan Patrick , Schellander Karl
Published: May 2020

Today, there is a lack of consensus for the full implementation of common programmes recognizing the “highest” level of higher education in Europe. Even though cotuttelle agreements are widely used for international joint supervision of PhD theses, these are merely bilateral and individual case-based agreements, far away from a real joint degree under a legal framework that establishes the programme. This article aims to describe the experience of the authors in the management and coordination of a joint doctoral programme between 2015 and 2019 and the results obtained from the interrogation of official websites about the reality in Europe concerning such programmes. Our conclusion is that, still in the 21st century, there is a huge gap to be overcome before the existence of Joint International/European Doctorates can be considered an everyday reality. Although various attempts have been made in the last 20 years, there is still a long way to go for Higher Education institutions to integrate all aspects of such programmes, and to make them something more and different than an additional Diploma Supplement. In the authors´ opinion, major efforts must be made by the administrative bodies, although the drive of the academic staff is crucial for success.
Design and Evaluation of Gamification Experiences in Computer Science Studies
Authors: Rodríguez Inmaculada , Salamó Maria , Puig Anna
Published: May 2020

This paper presents two gamification experiences developed in the Computer Science (CS) degree at the University of Barcelona. Usually, the CS degree suffers from low class attendance, which impacts the participation of students in in-class programming activities. Additionally, this degree includes a basic course related to human computer interaction that, despite of being valuable for the formation of students, they feel as boring and useless, far from their - heavily computer focused - interests. Then we decided to gamify a basic course of programming skills and the mentioned HCI course. We decided to use two different formats, online and physical. First, one experience was performed in “Human Factors in Computing” course of third year of studies, with 70 enrolled students. First, students attended to a 3D online theoretical class related to emotional design in “The education district” (TED) platform, which is a 3D Virtual World (VW) for educational purposes, developed by Virtway corporation. Afterwards, they participated in the ‘Game of thrones’ gamified activity where they evaluated the usability of TED. Second, we designed ‘physical’ gamified classes to increase attendance to Data Structures course, and in consequence, augment the number of programming exercises that students perform and the assistance they receive from the teacher. During the gamified sessions, the 120 enrolled students enhanced their skills in solving programming problems. The experience consisted of three kinds of challenges (with easy, medium, and hard difficulty level) solved in large, medium, and low-sized groups of students, respectively. The results of both experiences were satisfactory as evidenced by the percentage of students (>=66,7%) that rated the activities between 6 and 10 (in a 0 to 10 scale).
Dont feedback in anger: enhancing student experience of feedback
Authors: Bramley Gareth , Campbell-Pilling Kate , Simmons Carl
Published: May 2020

This research explores three iterations of the delivery of audio feedback in relation to formative assessments at the School of Law, University of Sheffield. The evidence base includes similar practice at Edge Hill University and collaboration on good practice between the two institutions. This paper will set out the context for the implementation of audio feedback, namely to help address the difficult issues experienced with feedback from non-engagement by the student in the whole feedback process, to a lack of utilization of formative feedback for 'feedforward' purposes. Qualitative comments from both students and staff experiencing this model of feedback will be drawn upon, which include references to the perceived benefits and challenges of this mode of feedback by both sets of stakeholders. This paper will then take participants through the methods addressed to engage student with feedback on formative assessments, in order to create and encourage proper 'feedforward' to summative  assessments, and to provide effective, focused, consistent and constructive feedback. This paper in particular aims to show how the provision of audio feedback has the potential to greatly enhance the student learning experience, and can provide a more positive attitude generally to the giving, and receiving of feedback from both staff and students alike.
Motivations and concerns of outgoing Erasmus students
Authors: Caviezel Valeria , Falzoni Anna Maria , Galizzi Linda
Published: May 2020

Internationalization of higher education is a priority in the European education policy. Since it began in 1987/1988, the world’s most successful student mobility programme, the Erasmus programme, has provided over three million European students with the opportunity to go abroad and study at a higher education institution. Aiming to speed up this trend, for the next long-term EU budget 2021-2027, the European Commission has proposed to double funding for Erasmus to EUR 30 billion. In this way, it will make it possible to support up to 12 million people between 2021-2027. However, learning mobility barriers still exist and the shares of study abroad participants vary widely across Member States. Within this context, the aim of this contribution is to investigate the motivations and concerns about the experience abroad of 1272 students of a medium size Italian university – the University of Bergamo – that apply for an Erasmus+ or Extra-EU Program. To analyse the data collected by an on-line survey we used the Principal Component Technique.
Socrative in the Language Classroom: Tackling Classroom Anxiety and Encouraging Participation
Authors: Wood Jennifer Irene
Published: May 2020

In second language teaching and learning the building of trust relationships and the creation of a mutually supportive atmosphere can be fundamental: It is well recognized that affective concerns, such as anxiety and communication apprehension, are more salient in the language classroom (Hernández & Rankin, 2015). Practitioners have long been aware of the importance of reducing learner anxiety and one way that has been shown to be effective is motivation (Gardner, 1985). This paper will consider how the use of the smart personal response system Socrative can help address learner anxiety, foster motivation and encourage participation. It will examine theoretical approaches to foreign language anxiety, as well as reviewing motivational factors in language learning. It will also present qualitative evaluations of using Socrative in the third-level language classroom in both small and larger group settings. The introduction of Socrative has thus far yielded encouraging results, increasing student engagement, promoting interaction, L2 production and more effective learning, alongside a more comprehensive evaluation of student understanding and knowledge retention. As regards its effectiveness in addressing FLA, initial qualitative results suggest that it can be an effective tool in helping to foster a mutually supportive identity and a low-anxiety atmosphere in the classroom.
Gamification in Online Educational Systems
Authors: Ibrahim Hazem , Ibrahim Walid
Published: May 2020

The usage of gamification in online educational systems has grown considerably over the last several decades. This has been in response to reports of low completion and retention rates in online educational systems such as MOOCs. The usage of gamification and the application of social and educational networking to online education systems has been found to increase student satisfaction with the system. However, it has been shown that as students become more familiar with the gamified educational system, the initial boost in motivation diminishes. Efforts made in order to increase the personalization of gamified educational system, however, indicated an increase in student motivation over the duration of the course. Suggestions for further work include the usage of smarter leaderboard systems, as well as the potential for personalization in peer to peer online tutoring platforms.
Exploring the use of Plickers for conducting assessments in higher education
Authors: Tlale-Mkhize Moretlo
Published: May 2020

The emergence of new technologies has necessitated the need to explore new and innovative tools to conduct assessments in Higher education. One of these newest technologies is plickers which represent a student centered and student engagement during the delivery of course content. The focus of this paper is to explore the use of plickers for conducting assessments in higher education. Issues to be examined are, usability of plickers, tools that create student-centred and student engagement environment. The issues to be explored include the following, first, the selection of appropriate technological assessment tool that does not hinder student learning. Second, the technology that provides immediate feedback to students and to guarantee effective teaching. Third, the cost effectiveness of the tool and its availability to facilitators. The paper is theoretical in nature and use and is mainly interpretive (qualitative inquiry). It is argued that plickers is one of the innovative and yet unexplored tools that can be embraced to conduct assessments in the current technological changes. Furthermore, the paper argues that plickers enhances student engagement during class and provide immediate feedback to the formative assessment.
A transversal methodology for the implementation of virtual reality in Architecture learning
Authors: Rosa-Jimenez Carlos , Ventura-Blanch Ferrán
Published: May 2020

Virtual reality (VR) has achieved an adequate level of development in education and research in higher education The training in Architecture requires a reflection on the incorporation of new design technologies at the Degree and Master’s level, due, in part, to the dissatisfaction of the students with the poor implementation of these technologies. The pedagogical possibilities of VR are very high. The aim of this paper is to propose a transversal methodology for several subjects in the same semester. It consists of the virtual recreation of a work of relevant architecture in the history of contemporary Architecture. The possibilities of implementing VR in the architectonic subjects are analyzed. This methodology takes advantage of the potential of this technology to create a transversal educational activity, for different subjects and areas of knowledge in the same academic year. Subsequently, the different phases for its implementation are described in terms of activities and scenarios. The paper concludes that transversal methodology offers the opportunity to analyze the same building from different disciplines, checking the interrelation between them, and saves time for the student in completing teaching assignments.
Impact of GUI personalization of a word processor on a learning activity course
Authors: Zeller Arnaud , Marquet Pascal
Published: May 2020

This research investigates the impact of an activity of personalization of a graphical user interface by the learners, on their behavior of using the ILE. The analysis conducted is based on an exploitation of the interaction traces between the learner and the interface of a word processor software with advanced personalization and auto-writing features including training of spelling and a learning analytics management module. The results show that, several variables related to the facilitation conditions recognized by the ILE partly explain the writing activity. Navigation variable can be correlated with the knowledge of customization possibilities. If the automatic sentence generator has no significant effect on the number of misspellings found in the documents submitted, the intention to personalize the interface seems to have a greater effect than the act of personalization itself. But the impact of the personalization process on learning outcomes is still to be established.
How to Motivate Students in Large-enrollment Courses for Active-learning
Authors: High Radka , Duschinska Karolina
Published: May 2020

Large-enrollment courses are often necessary platforms for teaching in universities all over the world. This article will begin with a theoretical approach in which we introduce proofs from cognitive psychology that demonstrate the effectiveness of active learning methods over the more traditional structured, lecture based, lessons. Second part consists of analysis of our lectures and described 5 possibilities how to motivate students to be active learners. The qualitative analysis of students’feedback is in the end of article. Students appreciated most using ICT tools for instant feedback during lectures and the fact that they had an option to be active.
AVALIAÇÃO DOS IMPACTOS AMBIENTAIS EM PARQUES EÓLICOS OFFSHORE E ONSHORE UTILIZANDO A MATRIZ DE LEOPOLD
Authors: Da Luz Clayton Diego , Vasconcelos Eliane Carvalho de , Bilotta Patrícia , Carvalho Filho Marco Aurélio Da Silva
Published: May 2020

Este trabalho propõe comprovar a veracidade da afirmação de que amodalidade eólica offshore causa menor impacto ambiental que a onshore.Após a avaliação e a valoração dos impactos ambientais nas duas modalidades,por meio da Matriz de Leopold, foi determinado para a modalidadeeólica offshore o valor total de magnitude de 970. Para a classificação deImportância, em 22% a classificação foi alta, em 50% moderada e em 28%baixa. Para a classificação de significância em 50% a classificação foi grande,em 22% média e em 28% pequena. Para a modalidade eólica onshore, ovalor total da magnitude foi de 1.477. Para a classificação de Importância,em 27% a classificação foi alta, em 54% moderada e em 19% baixa. Para aclassificação de significância, em 58% a classificação foi grande, em 23%média e em 19% pequena. Com base nesses parâmetros, confirmou-se que,a modalidade eólica offshore é menos impactante ao meio ambiente que amodalidade eólica onshore.
Optimizing screening and management of cardiovascular health in prostate cancer
Authors: Kenk Miran , Grégoire Jean , Coté Marc-Andre , Connelly Kim A. , Davis Margot K. , Dresser George , Ghosh Nina , Goodman Shaun , Johnson Christopher , Fleshner Neil
Published: May 2020

In clinical practice, cancer management does not consistently encompass screening and identification of cardiovascular (CV) risk. The use of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in prostate cancer has been associated with increased CV risk and development of metabolic syndrome, necessitating identification of patients at risk in this population (e.g., those with pre-existing CV disease). A multi-disciplinary team of Canadian physicians was assembled to develop a series of recommendations intended to identify patients who may benefit from optimal management of their cardiovascular disease and/or modification of cardiac risk factors. A key goal was the development of a simple screening tool for identification of patients with pre-existing CV disease. This simple and inclusive set of recommendations are intended for use within urology clinics to facilitate holistic approaches and simplify the management of patients.
Could sublingual vaccination be a viable option for the prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection in Canada? A systematic review of the current literature and plans for the future
Authors: Nickel J. Curtis
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT (word count: 248)

Introduction:  We conducted a systematic review to examine the role of a novel sublingual vaccine – Uromune – for prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection (rUTI) to understand its potential role for Canadian women suffering from rUTI.

Methods: Databases were searched for studies published from 2010-2020 that investigated use of Uromune in management of rUTI.  Only original clinical studies which included use of Uromune as prophylaxis for uncomplicated rUTI in women that included UTI-free rate following initiation of vaccine as an outcome were included.

Results:  Of 73 publications related to Uromune and UTIs, 19 unique clinical studies were identified evaluating Uromune for prevention of rUTI.  Five studies met our inclusion criteria for primary review.  These included 1,408 women treated with Uromune. In 2 retrospective comparative studies, subjects treated with Uromune daily for 3 months had significantly higher UTI-free rates (35 to 90%) than subjects treated with 6 months of antibiotic prophylaxis (0% in 499 women in total) over 15 months (p<0.001 for both studies).  In 3 prospective uncontrolled studies, UTI-free rates for subjects treated with Uromune ranged from 33 to 78% over 9-24 months.  No major safety issues were identified in these trials.  Additional unique studies evaluating Uromune for rUTI that did not meet our criteria added consistent confirmation of the potential efficacy and safety of Uromune to prevent rUTI.

Conclusions:  Although these findings require confirmation in currently active prospective clinical studies, including a randomized placebo-controlled trial, Uromune may be an alternative to antibiotics to prevent rUTI in Canadian women.
Regulatory Challenges of Nanofood Labelling
Authors: Hasmin Nor Akhmal , Zainol Zinatul Ashiqin , Ismail Rahmah , Mahmood Anida
Published: May 2020

This article examines four regulatory challenges of nanofood labelling from the domestic context namely, scientific uncertainties shrouded the tiny particles, absence of a harmonised legal definition, detection issue of nanomaterials in a final product, and complexity in implementation and enforcement. This article also offers discussion on the possible ways to overcome these challenges. It establishes that mandatory labelling can be implemented within Malaysia food regulatory framework. It can be done by narrowing the labelling requirement to food with engineered nanomaterials (ENMs), adopting the precautionary principle, clarify the legal definition of ENMs for food law, robust techniques to detect, measure, and characterize diverse ENMs in food matrices, and strengthen the enforcement institutions. Importantly, this study hopes to significantly contribute to improving the legal provisions on food information system for a product of emerging technology such as nanofood by pushing forward the legal requirement for nanofood labelling.
Climate Change and the Surge for Pandemics
Authors: Shehvaar Durr e , Idris Wardah , Ahmed Mubashira
Published: May 2020

The pandemic of the century has caused great concern about the global environmental crisis. The article outlines the various aspects of the surge of pandemic its link to climate change along with the prospects for the nation-states and how they have seen it as a challenge as it is being seen as taking thousands of lives. In the literature review, the research problem that has been tailored is if the pandemic can create a common awareness about the global climate crisis that has destructive projections for the globe itself. A causal link between the surge of pandemics and climate change that helps spread the viruses has been created. In addition to this, we further argue that the nation-states and their exploitative corporate goals that are manipulating the environment should be curbed through decisive steps.
Infecção marinha
Authors: Repsold Taynah Alves Rocha , Dalla Marcello Dala Bernardina , Mariano Juliana da Silva
Published: May 2020

Introdução: Cidades litorâneas possuem atividades econômicas como a pesca e o turismo que promovem o contato com a água do mar e, consequentemente, a exposição a microrganismos raramente encontrados em outros contextos e muitas vezes de diagnóstico tardio, podendo resultar em morbidade ou morte significativa. Objetivo: Essa revisão da literatura objetiva mostrar a importância da suspeição da infecção marinha na Atenção Primária, sua etiologia, manifestações clínicas, tratamento, complicações e prevenção. Métodos: Foi realizada pesquisa em bases de dados eletrônicos (SciELO, Google Acadêmico, MEDLINE e PubMed). Resultados: Foram encontrados 135 artigos e vinte foram selecionados, referentes aos anos de 2003 a 2018. Observou-se escassez de estudos que avaliam a efetividade de esquemas de antibioticoterapia e sua duração necessária. Além disso, verificou-se a ausência de classificação no Código Internacional de Doenças (CID-10) e Descritores em Ciências da Saúde (DeCS), fato que prejudica a notificação e estudos epidemiológicos sobre o assunto. Conclusão: É preciso incluir a infecção marinha no diagnóstico diferencial de casos de ferimentos crônicos de difícil diagnóstico, principalmente se houver histórico de exposição a ambiente marinho. Novos estudos se fazem necessários para avaliação da terapêutica adequada. Outrossim, é fundamental conscientizar a população quanto ao risco de infecção marinha e seus métodos de prevenção.
Cuidado compartilhado de pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS na Atenção Primária
Authors: Alves de Carvalho Vanessa Karoline , Godoi Dannielle Fernandes , Perini Filipe de Barros , Vidor Ana Cristina
Published: May 2020

Introdução: Buscando instituir ações para prevenir e reduzir a transmissão, melhorar o acesso ao tratamento e a qualidade de vida das pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS (PVHIV), a rede municipal de saúde de Florianópolis implantou entre 2015 e 2016 uma nova forma de suporte em Infectologia para a Atenção Primária a Saúde (APS). Objetivo: Descrever os resultados encontrados no município no processo de descentralização e cuidado compartilhado de pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS (PVHIV) com a APS de Florianópolis. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional, transversal e descritivo. Os dados foram obtidos de relatórios do prontuário eletrônico local e a partir de questionário estruturado aplicado junto aos médicos da APS de Florianópolis. Resultados: Entre 2014 e 2018, o número de atendimentos na APS relacionados ao cuidado de PVHIV teve um aumento expressivo, sobretudo após 2016, acompanhado de uma redução de 45,7% na proporção de encaminhamentos para infectologia após a implantação do apoio matricial em infectologia. Aliada à redução da taxa de encaminhamento evidenciou-se a habilidade na prescrição de Terapia Antirretroviral (TARV) por 100% dos médicos da APS entrevistados. Em relação à situação de acompanhamento de PVHIV, exclusivamente sob cuidados da APS, foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significante entre os médicos que fazem preceptoria em ensino na graduação e residência e os que são residentes ou tem formação específica em medicina de família e comunidade (MFC) em relação aos médicos sem formação específica. A proporção de médicos que se sentem seguros e confiantes em realizar esse tipo de atendimento na APS também foi significativamente maior entre os médicos que fazem preceptoria e são médicos de família e comunidade. Conclusões: A implantação do Apoio Matricial da Infectologia para a APS trouxe grande avanço para o município de Florianópolis, no que tange ao acesso e qualificação do cuidado das pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS. Os resultados foram mais significativos para os profissionais envolvidos com atividades de preceptoria e formação específica em MFC, o que reforça o papel da educação permanente na qualificação da coordenação do cuidado pela APS.
Diminuição no uso de bebidas alcoólicas e a violência pelo parceiro íntimo
Authors: Yoshizawa Juliano Kazuo , Nascimento Lucas , Iora Pedro , Pelloso Sandra Marisa , Carvalho Maria Dalva de Barros
Published: May 2020

Introdução: A violência praticada por parceiro íntimo refere-se ao comportamento de parceiros ou ex-parceiros íntimos que resulta em dano físico, sexual ou psicológico, incluindo agressão física, coerção sexual, abuso psicológico e comportamento controlador. Sabe-se que o etilismo está associado ao aumento de tal violência. Objetivo: Analisar se a acompanhante do paciente em abstinência alcoólica referia menor índice de violência nesse período em relação ao tempo em que o mesmo fazia abuso de álcool. Métodos: Estudo observacional transversal no qual foram selecionados homens ex-etilistas atendidos no CAPSad de Maringá e suas parceiras. Foi utilizado um questionário para violência contra parceiro (HITS) composto de 4 perguntas objetivas, cuja pontuação varia de 4 até 20. Valores iguais ou superiores a 10 indicam violência. Resultados: Foram entrevistadas 53 mulheres de diversas faixas etárias e escolaridades. Desse total, 84,9% das participantes apresentaram pontuações menores no teste com o parceiro em abstinência em relação ao período em que o mesmo estava em uso/abuso de álcool. Das mulheres 15,1% não notaram diferença no nível de violência do acompanhante, estivesse ele em uso ou em abstinência alcoólica. Conclusões: Demonstrou-se claramente que o fato de cessar o consumo de bebidas alcoólicas reduziu o índice de violência infligida pelo parceiro.
Assessment of an Insecticidal Paint for Malaria Control
Authors: Ajayi Olufunmilola Omolade , Idowu Olufunmilayo Ajoke , Sam-Wobo Sammy Olufemi , Eromosele Ighodalo Clement , Eniola Kehinde Imisiagbaraolorun
Published: May 2020

Background: Plasmodium is efficiently transmitted majorly by female Anopheline mosquitoes: Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae sensus lato. A gap exists with respect to primary vector control strategies; indoor residual spray requires expertise while long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) cover early night sleepers. Objectives: To cover the time between dinner and bedtime, there are commercial insecticidal paints for control of the malaria vector. It is important to monitor the efficacy of such paints. Therefore, this study was geared toward assessing the efficacy of insecticidal paint and monitoring the potency of insecticide in the paint over time. Methods: Four rooms were painted with an insecticidal paint, and another four rooms were painted with a non-insecticidal paint. Pyrethroid Spray Catch (PSC) was performed before the rooms were painted. Anopheles mosquito larvae collected from a breeding site were reared to adults in an insectary. Twenty-five-day-old non-blood fed female mosquitoes were exposed to the painted walls using a polyvinyl chloride cone. The knock-down of mosquitoes was monitored for 30 minutes. Mortality was decided by the inability of mosquitoes to move their legs or wings after 24 hours in the holding cup. A total of 11,520 mosquitoes were used for the study. Results: Five mosquitoes were collected from PSC prior to painting, and none were caught post painting. A 100% knock-down rate was observed for wild mosquitoes in the first two months of exposure. The efficacy of the paint decreased in the third month, with a knock-down rate of 92.5% in 10 minutes. Moreover, the knock-down rate was not significantly different (P > 0.05) between the Kisumu and wild strains. Although the knock-down duration increased over time, none of the exposed mosquitoes survived. Hence, the paint is considered effective in malaria control.
Effects of Chronic Use of Methylphenidate on Spermatogenesis and Sexual Hormones in Adult Male Rats
Authors: Akhavan Rezayat Alireza , Asadpour Amir Abbas , Boroumand Noughabi Samaneh , Ahmadnia Hassan , Mohseni Hamid , Broomand Iman , Dadgar Moghadam Maliheh
Published: May 2020

Background: The growing prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the non-medical use of Methylphenidate (MPH) among the youth have lead male infertility to be a major health problem. Objectives: The present study was conducted to investigate the impacts of MPH administration on different aspects of productivity, including total body weight, testis weight, spermatogenesis, sperm motility, histopathology changes, and sex hormone serum levels in male rats. Methods: This study was performed with 54 eight-week-old male rats divided into one control and two experimental groups. The experimental groups were gavaged with 2 and 10 mg/kg methylphenidate daily while the control group was gavaged with normal saline (at the same dosage). After 60 days, rats were subjected to blood sampling and bilateral orchidoepididymectomy under anesthesia. Spermogram, histological, and hormonal evaluations were performed on the samples. Testes weight and total body weight were also recorded. Results: The results revealed significant differences between the MPH and experimental groups in terms of hormonal, spermographic, and histopathologic features, as well as weight. Luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels, sperm count and motility, Leydig cell hyperplasia, spermatogenesis, congestion and necrosis levels, total body weight, and testis weight were significantly different between the experimental and control groups. However, no difference was observed between the experimental and control groups concerning follicle-stimulating hormone, maturation arrest, and edema levels. Conclusions: Based on the findings, MPH exposure exerts a significant effect on the testis and total body weight, as well as hormonal, spermatographic, and histopathologic characteristics. Accordingly, the present study provided an insight into the negative impression of MPH on sexual parameters.
Human-to-human touch in institutional settings: A commentary
Authors: Cekaite Asta
Published: May 2020

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Touch and the Fluctuation of Agency and Motor Control in Pediatric Dentistry
Authors: Guo Enhua , Katila Julia , Streeck Jürgen
Published: May 2020

This study investigates a variety of ways in which dental clinicians and adult guardians touch child patients to get them to participate in dental procedures in China’s mainland. Children at the dentist’s office often experience pain and show fear, and dental care practitioners as well as adult guardians (in our case, parents and grandparents) perform tactile and haptic actions of comfort and control in response. Our analysis shows the dual roles that the children’s bodies play when touching and being touched in the dentist’s office: At times, they are agents or animators in control of their own movements; at other times, they are objects of manipulation by others. Moreover, sometimes their movements are collaboratively controlled by multiple participants, including the patient him/herself. During intercorporeal engagements in Chinese pediatric dentistry, as in many other contexts of interpersonal touch, the center of control and the source of animation of movements and actions are often distributed among multiple bodies. What is more, tactile and haptic actions in this context shift back and forth between direct forms, where the act of one body causes a change in the other, and actions that can be properly called semiotic or communicative in Grice’s (1968) sense, which aim to make the other person recognize the actor’s intent and act on it of his or her own volition.
Insecticidal Efficacy of Essential Oils from Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Thymus vulgaris, Ferula assafoetida L on Callosobruchus maculatus F
Authors: Estekhdami P. , Dehsorkhi A. Nasiri , Kalvandi R.
Published: May 2020

Introduction: The plants have well-developed defense mechanisms against pests and are excellent sources of new insecticidal substances.

Materials and methods: An experiment was conducted on Hamedan Agricultural Research Center, as factorial based on completely randomized blocks in 3 replications during 2009. Experimental treatments included 10 levels concentration with Cinnamomum zeylanicum (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 75, 100, 200, 300) µl, 7 levels concentration with Thymus vulgaris (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 10, 20, 30) µl, 6 levels concentration with Ferula assafoetida L (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150) µl as the time at 3 levels (8, 24, 48) hours as the second factor. 1 ml of solutiones were applied on filter papers with Whatman No. 1. Then each dried paper was placed and 10 C. maculatus adults was placed. Each set of treatment was repeated 3 times and number of dead insects in was counted at an interval of 8, 24, 48 hours respectively.

Conclusion: Percentage mortality was calculated. It has been results that the C. zeylanicum, T. vulgaris, F. assafoetida L essential oils showed 13%, 56%, 10% mortality adult of C. maculatus at dose of 5 µl of C. zeylanicum, 0.25 µl of T. vulgaris, 30 µl of F. assafoetida L respectively. Further concentration increase to 300 µl of C. zeylanicum oil, 30 µl of T. vulgaris, 150 µl F. assafoetida L yielded mortality of 100% against adult C. maculatus respectively.
Review on Dynamics of Soil Erosion and Conservation Efforts in Ethiopia
Authors: Yihunie Yibeltal
Published: May 2020

This paper was aimed to review the spatial and temporal dynamics of soil erosion and conservation efforts being practiced in Ethiopia. In the country, there is highly fluctuating dynamics of soil erosion and its loss rate is large as per the stated international standards. Even if the efforts to conserve soil and water in the country are affected by different factors like agro ecology and the choice of conservation measures, it was practiced since 1970s. Apart from the government’s effort as well as the contribution of different non-governmental organizations in increasing the awareness and understanding towards the impacts of soil erosion, the land tenure system, the existence of poor technology, lack of finance, limited technical support and limited participation of the local community are some of the challenges in Ethiopia restricting the effectiveness of conservation efforts. In addition, the research activities done regarding soil and water conservation in the country are not following integrated and participatory approach. Thus, this makes the efforts regarding research and finding out the best approach for sustainable soil and water conservation practices inefficient. Therefore, promoting integrated and participatory approach as well as linking with income generating business like carbon trading through climate change mitigation is the best options for the expansion and sustainability of soil and water conservation measures in Ethiopia.
Impact of NICRA Projecton Farm Income and Farm Productivity of Participant Farmers in Lakhimpur District of Assam
Authors: Sultana Sobnam , Das Pabitra K. , Saikia Dipankar , Barman Indrajit
Published: May 2020

The present study was conducted in Lakhimpur district of Assam to measure the impact of the interventions of the National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) Project on farm income and farm productivity of the participant farmers. A total of 160 farmers (80 NICRA participant farmers and 80 non-participant farmers) were selected randomly for the purpose. The data were collected by a personal interview with the help of a structured schedule. The data collected were classified, tabulated and statistically analyzed. The findings of the study revealed that majority of the participant farmers (68.75%) were in the medium farm income category, while non-participant farmers (81.25%) were in the low farm income category. Majority of both participant farmers and non-participant farmers (63.75%) had a medium level of rice productivity. Majority of the participant farmers (62.50%) had a medium level of productivity of potato crop while most of the non-participant farmers (56.25%) had a medium level of productivity of potato crop Majority of the participant farmers (56.25%) had a medium level of productivity of rapeseed crop while the majority of the non-participant's farmers (67.50%) had a low level of productivity of rapeseed crop.