bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perfil de esfuerzos de alta velocidad considerando la posición de juego de futbolistas profesionales chile-nos, registrados por un dispositivo GPS: un estudio piloto (Profile of high-speed efforts considering the playing position of Chilean professional soccer players, rec-orded by a GPS device: A Pilot Study)
Authors: Velásquez-González Hugo , Peña-Troncoso Sebastián , Hernández-Mosqueira Claudio , Pavez-Adasme Gustavo , Gómez-Álvarez Nicolás , Sáez de Villarreal Eduardo
Published: March 2023

Este estudio analiza el número de sprints y distancias recorridas a alta velocidad por futbolistas profesionales chilenos considerando la posición de juego con un dispositivo GPS. Método: Se registraron los datos de los esfuerzos de alta velocidad de 10 futbolistas profesionales. La cantidad de esfuerzo en sprints (> 21 km·h−1) y las distancias recorridas en la zona 4 (> 21 km·h−1 y < 25 km·h−1) y en la zona 5 (> 25 km·h−1) 1), diferenciando y agrupando a los jugadores por posición de juego. Se utilizó un dispositivo de Sistema de Posicionamiento Global (GPS) para recopilar los datos y los resultados se registraron en la nube del programa. Resultados: Se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre posiciones de juego en zona 4 (p=0,03), zona 5 (p=0,01) y número de sprints (p=0,01), siendo los delanteros anchos los que presentaron mayor número de sprints y distancia recorrida en altura. velocidad respecto al resto de posiciones, mientras que los centrales muestran una tendencia a desplazarse menos en las zonas 4 y 5 y tienen un menor número de sprints. Conclusión: El número de sprints y distancias recorridas a alta intensidad (zonas 4 y 5) son diferentes y serán específicos según las características de la posición de juego.
Palabras clave: Fútbol; GPS; carreras de velocidad; Distancia recorrida; Esfuerzos de alta velocidad.
Abstract. This study analyze the number of sprints and distances traveled at high speed by Chilean professional soccer players considering the playing position with a GPS device. Methods: The data from high-speed efforts of 10 professional soccer players were recorded. The amount of effort in sprints (> 21 km·h−1) and the distances covered in zone 4 (> 21 km·h−1 and < 25 km·h−1) and in zone 5 (> 25 km·h−1) were analyzed, differentiating and grouping the players by playing position. A Global Positioning System (GPS) device was used to collect the data, and the results were recorded in the program cloud. Results: Statistically significant differences were noted between playing positions in zone 4 (p=0.03), zone 5 (p=0.01), and number of sprints (p=0.01), with the wide forwards presenting the greatest number of sprints and distance traveled at high speed compared to the other positions, whereas the central defenders show a tendency to travel less in zones 4 and 5 and have a lower number of sprints. Conclusion: The number of sprints and distances covered at high intensity (zones 4 and 5) are different and will be specific according to the characteristics of the playing position.
Keywords: Soccer; GPS; Sprints; Distance covered; High-speed efforts.
Age-dependent changes in physical performance in community dwelling elderly women. A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ferragut Carmen , Vila Suarez Helena , Lima Miguel , Rodrigues Luis Paulo , Bezerra Pedro , Cancela José María
Published: March 2023

Aging process is accompanied by a gradual and sustained loss of physical abilities which leads to a progressive muscle weakness with important consequences for daily living especially in women. This study aimed was to analyze the differences by ages in dynamic balance and lower limb strength in community-dwelling women, and secondly to assess the differences in dynamic balance scores and lower limb strength between fallers and non-fallers in community-dwelling women. A total of 1025 community-dwelling women were recruited for the study. The sample were divided into six groups based on age: G1, from 60-65 yrs. (n=282); G2, from 66-70 yrs. (n=178); G3, from 71-75 yrs. (n=108); G4 from 76-80 yrs. (n=397); G5 from 81-85 yrs. (n=51) and G6, from 86-90 yrs. (n=9). The number of falls during the last year were also recorded. Significant differences were found in Sit to stand test (STS) and Timed up and go test (TUG) scores among age groups (p≤0.05). Additionally, poorer scores were found between fallers than non-fallers group (p≤0.05) both in STS and TUG test. Physical fitness performance decline as age group increase, and this decline is more striking after 70 years in community dwelling elderly women. In addition, faller elderly women show poorer scores in TUG and STS than non-fallers, reinforcing the idea that lower limb muscle strength and dynamic balance play an important role in falls in elderly women.
Key words: Aging, Functional mobility, Falls, timed up and go, sit to stand
Diferencias en los niveles de homofobia y transfobia entre estudiantes de educación física y otras pedagogías de Chile (Differences in homophobia and transphobia levels among physical education students and other pedagogies in Chile)
Authors: Maureira Cid Fernando , Flores Ferro Elizabeth , Villalobos Raquel , Hadweh Briceño Marcelo , Serey Araneda Daniel , Prat Lopicich Arturo
Published: March 2023

La homofobia y transfobia son sentimientos de rechazo y hostilidad hacia personas homosexuales y transgéneros, que surgen de prejuicios y miedos hacia la diversidad sexual. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue comparar los niveles de homofobia y transfobia de estudiantes de educación física y otras pedagogías de Chile. Para ello se aplicó la escala de homofobia EHF-10 y la escala de actitudes negativas hacia personas trans a 384 estudiantes de 15 Pedagogías de una universidad de Chile. Los resultados muestran que los puntajes de homofobia y transfobia tienden a ser bajos en los/as estudiantes de todas las carreras. Sin embargo, los/as estudiantes de educación física poseen los puntajes más altos entre todos los/as futuras docentes, en tanto, los/as estudiantes de biología, castellano, inglés, historia y geografía, educación básica y educación diferencial poseen los puntajes más bajos en una o ambas escalas. Se concluye que existen diferencias en los niveles de homofobia y transfobia según carrera cursada, con los índices más altos en educación física, aunque los puntajes de ambas escalas son bajos.
Palabras claves: homofobia, transfobia, pedagogías, estudiantes universitarios.
Abstract. Homophobia and transphobia are feelings of rejection and hostility towards homosexual and transgender people, which arise from prejudices and fears towards sexual diversity. The objective of the present research was to compare the homophobia and transphobia levels of physical education students and other pedagogies in Chile. To this end, the homophobia scale EHF-10 and the negative attitudes to trans people scale were applied to 384 students of 15 pedagogies from a university in Chile. The results show that homophobia and transphobia scores tend to be low in students of all careers. However, physical education students have the highest scores among all/future teachers, while biology, Spanish, English, history and geography students/students, Basic education and differential education have the lowest scores on one or both scales. It is concluded that there are differences in the levels of homophobia and transphobia according to the course, with the highest rates in physical education, although the scores of both scales are low.
Keywords: homophobia, transphobia, pedagogies, university students.
Relationship between anxiety levels and the performance of early adolescent athletic athletes in trirace numbers
Authors: Dennis Dennis Dwi Kurniawan , Nopembri Soni , Purnomo Eddy
Published: March 2023

This study aims to examine the relationship between athlete anxiety and triathlete performance in early adolescent athletes. The subjects consisted of 95 athletes who participated in the junior high school O2SN championship. This research was conducted in one day, the anxiety instrument was administered after the championship and the athlete's performance was calculated based on the overall athlete's achievement, which was obtained from the competition committee's official results. The Sport Anxiety Scale 2 (SAS-2) is used in the anxiety instrument, which consists of 15 questions, plus 9 questions about the difficulties of athletes in carrying out competitions for each race number, which are taken from the World Athletics Federation (WAF) manual on the rules or race flow of each race number. The relationship between anxiety and triathlete performance in early adolescent athletics is investigated using Pearson correlation analysis. There is a very strong negative correlation between anxiety and tri-race performance of early adolescent athletes with r = -0.834, and the long jump number is a race number with a high level of anxiety and difficulty based on early adolescent athletes’ perception results.
Key words: Anxiety Level, Early Adolescent Athlete Performance, Tri-race Athletics
La danza folklórica una estrategia pedagógica para mejorar relaciones interpersonales en niños de básica primaria
Authors: Álvarez Ossa María Elisa , Méndez Díaz Carlos Hernán , Castillo Ana Milena
Published: March 2023

El objetivo de esta investigación fue explorar la incidencia de una estrategia pedagógica en danza folclórica en el favorecimiento de las relaciones interpersonales de los niños de grado 4° de una institución educativa del municipio de Tuluá– Valle del Cauca, Colombia. La metodología se abordó desde el enfoque cualitativo, que utiliza categorías que permiten el análisis de los datos obtenidos a través de la teoría fundamentada. El método fue la investigación acción educativa, que permitió construir y reconstruir el saber pedagógico incluyendo la autocrítica y las falencias pedagógicas del proceso. La población estuvo conformada por niños de grado cuarto de la institución educativa y en la muestra por conveniencia, que elude aspectos probabilísticos o aleatorios, se incluyeron 10 niños y 10 niñas, con edades entre 8 y 10 años. Se trianguló información con los siguientes instrumentos: registro de observación, entrevista y diario de campo. La sistematización y el análisis de la información se realizó mediante el análisis de contenido. Se aplicó una propuesta de intervención en danza folclórica, denominada Rondangos con los métodos didácticos de resolución de problemas y descubrimiento guiado, para favorecer las relaciones interpersonales. Los resultados evidenciaron el favorecimiento del trabajo en grupo, el respeto, la participación, el liderazgo, la colaboración en el salón de clase, la creatividad, la imaginación, la formación en valores y desarrollo motriz. Se concluye que la danza folclórica como estrategia pedagógica aporta a la formación de aspectos personales, mediante cambios de actitud y principalmente con el desarrollo de habilidades sociales esenciales para que se generen experiencias de interacción asertivas. En síntesis, los hallazgos guiaron hacia la consideración de la danza folclórica como estrategia pedagógica en el enriquecimiento de las relaciones interpersonales.
Delayed Diagnosis of Uterine Septum at Late Pregnancy
Authors:   Department of Obstetrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China, Zhu Hao , Fu Zhongpeng ,   Department of Ultrasonography, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
Published: March 2023

Uterine septum is one kind of Müllerian duct anomaly with a prevalence ranging from 2.3% [1, 2]. Some cases are asymptomatic which are incidentally detected on the ultrasound and obstetric surveillance is recommended; others are associated with infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss or preterm labor [3- 5]. Expectant management and serial sonographic scanning are required. Salpingography and three-dimensional ultrasound helps to detect uterine anomalies [6, 7]. Hysteroscopic examination is valuable on the condition of either diagnosis or treatment before pregnancy [8]. However, ultrasonographic diagnosis turn to be difficult due to the septa shielded by the fetus and placenta. Here we present a case of delayed diagnosis of uterine septum developed from 14-33 gestational weeks (GW). The initial impression of the sonographic image interfered our judgment.
Os Sentidos do Trabalho para Trabalhadores Jovens
Authors: Dias Mendes Costa Silas , Dantas Barbosa Jane Kelly , Rezende Ana Flávia , César Martins de Paiva Kely
Published: March 2023

Compreender os sentidos do trabalho é um desafio para gestores e profissionais dadas as relações de trabalho e os vínculos indivíduo-organização cada vez mais transitórios. Assim, o objetivo deste artigo é compreender os sentidos atribuídos ao trabalho por jovens que atuam na condição de aprendizes em organizações da região metropolitana de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais. Os dados foram coletados a partir de entrevistas e submetidos à análise de conteúdo. Os resultados indicam que o trabalho ocupa uma posição de centralidade na vida dos jovens entrevistados, sobretudo, por assegurar-lhes o sustento e suprir algumas necessidades. A atribuição de sentidos ao trabalho envolveu: as representações sobre o trabalho realizado; apoio/legitimação social; compensação financeira; algum grau de autonomia para realizar as atividades; e expectativas profissionais. Conclui-se que a pouca experiência profissional em atividades formais associada à realidade socioeconômica dos indivíduos pode repercutir na concepção sobre os sentidos do trabalho.
Hemodilusi Hipervolemik (HHD) sebagai Tatalaksana Perioperatif pada Pasien Plasenta Previa dengan Suspek Plasenta Akreta
Authors: Darmojo Bagas Dyakso , Hartono Ruddi
Published: March 2023

Perdarahan baik sebelum persalinan (antepartum) maupun setelah persalinan (postpartum) masih memegang predikat utama kematian perinatal dan morbiditas maternal di seluruh dunia. Plasenta previa merupakan salah satu jenis dari pendarahan antepartum. Pada beberapa kasus, plasenta previa dapat disertai dengan plasenta akreta yang dapat memperberat kondisi pendarahan yang terjadi. Manajemen multidisiplin dan holistik hingga memperhatikan kehilangan cairan pasien penting dalam tatalaksana perioperatif pada kasus ini. Pendekatan alternatif yang dapat dilakukan untuk mengantisipasi pendarahan ialah hemodilusi, baik secara normovolemik (ANH) maupun hipervolemik (HHD). Laporan kasus ini melaporkan seorang pasien wanita berusia 31 tahun dengan diagnosis Plasenta previa totalis dengan suspek plasenta akreta dan direncanakan seksio sesarea dan histerektomi. Prosedur HHD dilakukan sebagai strategi konservasi darah dengan jumlah cairan sebanyak 2500 ml. Pemeriksaan fisik menunjukkan tekanan darah 116/83 mmHg, nadi 90 kali/menit, dan SpO2 97% room air. Pada pemeriksaan pre-operatif, kadar hemoglobin dari pasien sebesar 10,2 g/dL dengan hematokrit sebesar 30,9%. Setelah dilusi, kadar hemoglobin dari pasien 8 g/dL dengan hematokrit 24,9%. Durante operasi, kadar hemoglobin 3,1 g/dL dan hematokrit 10%. Pasien diberikan transfusi packed red cell (PRC) sebanyak 960 cc. Pasca operasi, hemoglobin naik menjadi 9,9 g/dL dan hematokrit 29,1%. Jumlah pendarahan total sebanyak 7000 cc. Pada kasus ini, strategi konservasi darah dengan hemodilusi hipervolemik efektif dalam menurunkan risiko diperlukannya transfusi darah berlebih serta tidak memengaruhi kondisi hemodinamik secara signifikan sehingga dapat menjadi pilihan alternatif manajemen pendarahan perioperatif. Namun, dengan tetap mewaspadai efek samping yang berpotensi timbul mulai dari anemia akut hingga hypervolemia
Efek Anestesi Infiltrasi terhadap Intensitas Nyeri dan Kadar Interleukin-6 pada Pasca Seksio Sesarea
Authors: Isbul Isbul , Ahmad Muh. Ramli , Gaus Syafruddin , Ratnawati Ratnawati , Musba A.M. Takdir , Wijaya Tan Charles
Published: March 2023

Latar Belakang: Nyeri menjadi permasalahan yang sering dihadapi oleh wanita pascabedah seksio caesarea yang ditandai dengan meningkatnya kadar interluekin-6. Anestesi infiltrasi intraoperatif direkomendasikan pada seksio caesarea elektif sebagai manajemen nyeri.Tujuan: Menilai efek anestesi infiltrasi bupivakain isobarik 0,25% 50 mg pada luka insisi terhadap intensitas nyeri dan kadar IL-6 pada pascabedah seksio sesarea. Subjek dan Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan uji klinis acak tersamar ganda. Sampel terdiri atas 3 kelompok yaitu kontrol (B0), diberi anestesi infiltrasi bupivakain sebelum insisi (B1), dan diberi anestesi infiltrasi bupivakain setelah insisi dan sebelum luka ditutup (B2) dengan jumlah sampel masing-masing 8 orang. Data dianalisis menggunakan uji Anova, Kruskal Wallis dan paired t-test dengan tingkat kemaknaan α=0,05. Hasil: Skor nyeri berbeda signifikan antara kelompok anestesi infiltrasi dengan kontrol pada 8 jam pascabedah (p<0,05). Kadar interleukin-6 berbeda signifikan antara kelompok anestesi infiltrasi dengan kontrol dan antara anestesi infiltrasi sebelum dengan setelah insisi pada 4 jam pasca bedah (p<0,05). Anestesi infiltrasi sebelum insisi menurunkan kadar interleukin-6 lebih besar dibandingkan setelah insisi mulai dari 4 jam pascabedah seksio sesarea.Simpulan: Pemberian anestesi infiltrasi sebelum insisi dapat menurunkan kadar interleukin-6 lebih cepat dan lebih besar daripada setelah insisi dan juga mengurangi intensitas nyeri
APROXIMACIÓN TEÓRICA DE LA DIABETES
Authors: Pérez Manzano Santiago Javier , Piguave Quimis Pablo Fernando , Briones Zambrano Jean Pierre , Cabadiana Galarza Brayan Humberto
Published: March 2023

Introducción: La Diabetes Mellitus, como la mayoría de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, constituye un importante problema de Salud Pública a nivel mundial, donde las tasas de incidencia superan el 1,2 % de la población adulta anualmente, Objetivo: Describir la aproximación teórica de la diabetes. Materiales y Métodos: Es un estudio monográfico de tipo descriptivo. Donde se analizan diferentes artículos en las bases de datos como Scielo, Pubmed y Scopus con palabras claves como Diabetes Mellitus, diabetes tipo 1 y tipo 2. Resultados: La diabetes no permite que el cuerpo produzca una cantidad suficiente de insulina o las células dejan de responder a la insulina, por lo que los niveles de glucosa en sangre se elevan, esto puede desencadenar con el tiempo en graves situaciones de salud, tales como enfermedades del corazón, pérdida de la visión, enfermedades renales entre otras. Conclusiones: La Diabetes Mellitus es una enfermedad crónica, producto de un desorden en el metabolismo de los carbohidratos, grasas y proteínas, es caracterizada por el aumento en los niveles de glucosa sanguínea, o también denominada hiperglucemia en ayunas, deficiencia relativa de insulina, glucosuria y con tendencia a desarrollar Ateroesclerosis, Microangiospatías, Nefropatías y Neuropatías
STUDYING THE OBSEMINATION OF WINGED INSECTS OF LIVESTOCK OBJECTS WITH MICROORGONISMS AND THEIR ROLE IN THE ETIOLOGY OF MASTITIS
Authors: Kamenskaya T. N. , Krivenok L. L. , Lukyanchik S. A.
Published: March 2023

The article deals with the study of insects caught in dairy farms, cultures of microorganisms (staphylococcus, streptococcus, enterobacteria) were isolated and described, which were identified both on the surface and inside the body of these flies. Under the conditions of in vitro an experiment was carried out, on feeding the flies with nutritious food seeded with cultures of microorganisms from mastitis cows, the initial cultures of staphylococcus were isolated. The above experience gives us grounds to draw a preliminary conclusion about the possibility of transfer by flying in-sects of cultures of microorganisms that cause mastitis in cows.
A Review of Challenges of Block Chain with COVID-19: A Review Paper
Authors: Alarjani Maitha , Alhaider Malak , Ahmad Hafiz Farooq
Published: March 2023

COV-19 has a negative impact on human life and several sectors, particularly the health, financial, and tourism sectors. Such circumstances led to the concept of new forms of life that people have had to adapt to lessen the spread of disease by taking preventive precautions as recommended by governments and international organizations such as the WHO. As a result, authorities and technical associations must take advantage of the current technological advancements to overcome the challenges posed by these circumstances. Blockchain (BC) technology has been identified as a platform for cryptocurrency globally. However, BC technology has the wonderful ability to facilitate the transition from a centralized, low-trust transaction ledger to a decentralized, high-trust ledger held by multiple verifying nodes. Due to its distributed nature and protection, BC can be used in various fields other than cryptocurrency. BC plays an important role in improving and maintaining the privacy, security, and integrity of data. This paper aims to discuss the background of the BC technology and its applications in combating the COV-19 crisis. Also investigated existing BC methods in specific applications and analyze the effectiveness of their outcomes. Furthermore, the most recent BC-based research proposals for combating the COV-19 pandemic are reviewed.
Doing Less, with Less: Capital Misallocation, Investment and the Productivity Slowdown in Australia
Authors:   Reserve Bank of Australia, Hambur Jonathan , Andrews Dan ,   e61 Institute
Published: March 2023

Productivity growth has slowed in Australia in recent decades. Previous research highlighted the roles of persistently weak non-mining investment and a pervasive decline in economic dynamism, including slower reallocation of labour from low- to high-productivity firms. While these facts have so far been considered separately, this paper attempts to connect them by documenting investment patterns for firms with different levels of productivity. We find that more productive firms are more likely to invest and expand their capital stock than less productive firms, but the extent to which this is true has declined over time. This has weighed on productivity, output and incomes through lower aggregate investment, and also through a less efficient allocation of that investment. We find evidence that capital reallocation slowed more in sectors that were more dependent on external finance, pointing to financing frictions as potentially playing a role. Declines have also been more pronounced in sectors with increasing mark-ups, suggesting that weaker competition may have blunted incentives for firms to expand and improve or exit.
Flip the Coin: Heads, Tails or Cryptocurrencies?
Authors: Portugal Duarte António , Sol Murta Fátima , Baetas da Silva Nuno , Rodrigues Vieira Beatriz
Published: March 2023

This paper analysis and compares the volatility of seven cryptocurrencies – Bitcoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum, BitcoinCash, Ripple, Stellar and Litecoin – to the volatility of seven centralized currencies – Yuan, Yen, Canadian Dollar, Brazilian Real, Swiss Franc, Euro and British Pound. We estimate GARCH models to analyze their volatility. The results point to a considerably high volatility of cryptocurrencies when compared to that of centralized currencies. Therefore, we conclude that cryptocurrencies still fall far short of fulfilling all the requirements to be considered as a currency, specifically regarding the functions of store of value and unit of account.
The Empirical Study of the Impact of Firm- and Country-level Factors on Debt Financing Decisions of ICT Firms
Authors: Alexeeva-Alexeev Inna
Published: March 2023

The capital structure has been extensively analysed in the empirical literature. Despite of the great contribution of the technological industry to the global economy, little research has been conducted regarding corporate finance of ICT firms. Moreover, the previous literature barely considers the effect of macroeconomic variables on financial decisions, focusing much more on internal determinants, such as cash flow, firm’s size or growth opportunities. The objective of this work is to reduce this gap by disentangling the reasons behind the financial decisions of technological firms. The sample included 1,510 public ICT firms from 23 countries over the period 2004 – 2019 (17,342 observations). The variables used in this study are obtained from S&P Capital IQ, World Development Indicators, Main Science and Technology Indicators from OECD, and FMI dataset. The two-step system generalized method of moments (GMM) was used as methodology. Consistent with the extant literature, more profitable and liquid ICT firms and those with an increased non-debt tax shields are less leveraged. However, the companies which present higher risk, measured as volatility of EBIT, increase their use of debt financing. Contrary to the findings of many other studies, the analysis of a firm’s size and tangible assets shows non-conclusive results. Regarding macroeconomic determinants, only economic growth and foreign direct investment inflows were found to generate a positive effect on financial decisions of ICT firms. The findings of this work can be used to design and develop policies, measures, and facilitate mechanisms for optimal management of the financing decisions of ICT firms.
Prevalence of Thyroglobulin Antibody (TgAb) Positivity in Patients Post Treatment for Differentiated Thyroid Carcinoma and Verification of Serum Thyroglobulin Measurements by Thyroglobulin Recovery Test and TgAb assay
Authors: Kathiravelu Kaameny , Samsudin Intan Nureslyna , Mat Salleh Mohd Jamsani , C. Thambiah Subashini
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Thyroglobulin (Tg) measurement is important for detection of disease recurrence in patients with differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). However, its measurement is affected by Tg autoantibodies (TgAb). Calculation of Tg recovery may complement quantitative TgAb measurement in detection of interference. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of TgAb positivity in Tg samples received from post-thyroidectomy DTC patients in Hospital Pulau Pinang (HPP). Additionally, we assessed the use of the Tg II Confirmatory Test (Roche Diagnostics) assay to calculate Tg recovery in detecting Tg assay interference. Method: Samples received for Tg measurements from post-thyroidectomy DTC patients with TgAb positivity were tested with Tg II Confirmatory Test. The Tg levels [categorised as biochemically detectable (≥1.0 μg/l) vs biochemically undetectable (<1.0 μg/l)], TgAb and Tg recovery [categorised as correct (70%-130%) vs compromised (<70% and >130%) recovery] were interpreted with the diagnostic radioiodine uptake (RAI) results. Results: In this study, 58/73 (79.5%) samples with TgAb positivity had undetectable Tg. A compromised Tg recovery was observed in three (4.1%) samples. Only 51 out of 73 subjects had an RAI performed, out of which 27 (52.9%) had increased RAI uptake (radiological evidence of persistent/recurrent disease). Of those with increased RAI uptake, 17 (63%) had biochemically undetectable Tg, out of which none had compromised Tg recovery. Conclusion: The presence of TgAb prevents reliable measurement of Tg. The Tg II Confirmatory assay for calculation of Tg recovery did not provide additional complementary value to quantitative TgAb measurement in the detection of interference in Tg measurements.
Antioxidative Recovery Responses of Germinated Rough Rice (GRR) and Germinated Brown Rice (GBR) from Various Solvents and Their Potential towards Reactive Oxygen Species Quenching Capacity
Authors: Ahmad Zalinah , Thuraisingam Shamini
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Health promoting properties which generated worldwide interest in germinated rough rice (GRR) and germinated brown rice (GBR) are attributed largely by the bioactive compounds in the rice bran. Therefore, in the present study, antioxidant activities from gradient methanol and ethanol solvents followed by fractionations were evaluated. Methods: GRR and GBR crude extracts were successively obtained from two concentrations of methanol (80% and 100%) and ethanol (50% and 70%). They were further analyzed for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. From the potent crude extract dissolved in water, they were sequentially subjected to fractionation using solvents with increasing polarity pattern, namely hexane fraction (HF), ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) and water fractions (WF ). Results: WF belonging to both GRR and GBR generally possessed better antioxidant characteristics, demonstrated high TPC with GBR; 101.9 ± 0.2 mg GAE/g and GRR; 63.7 ± 1.2 mg GAE/g. GRR-WF exhibited high DPPH and TEAC with 63.68 mg TEA/g and 80.30 mg TEA/g respectively. GBR exhibited high DPPH in WF with 46.17 mg TEA/g but demonstrated high in ABTS in EAF fraction with 71.60 mg TEA/g. Both GRR and GBR showed high FRAP values in WF with 45.31 and 19.68 mg GAE/g respectively. Conclusion: Hence, it is proven that GBR and GRR owing to their antioxidant activities possess potential benefits which in turn has increased their competence as an emerging natural and valuable health food.
Visualising Digital Pathology Research : A Bibliometric Analysis from 1991-2021
Authors: Hod Rafidah , Adam Siti Khadijah , Idris Faridah
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Digital pathology encompasses the acquisition, management, sharing and interpretation of pathology information in a digital environment. Bibliometric analysis is a quantitative method to examine scholarly publications including the number of publications, citations, co-authorships, and collaboration network. Aim of this study is to provide a bibliometric analysis of academic documents on digital pathology (DP) from 1991-2021. Methods: The literature on digital pathology were obtained from the Scopus database. Frequency, percentage, data visualisation and citation metric were analysed using Microsoft Excel 365 and VOSviewer. Results: A total of 1848 documents from the Scopus database were analysed. There is a continuous growth of publications on DP with a total of 28330 citations. The United States was the most productive contributor to the publications followed by the United Kingdom and European countries, whilst University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, US produced the most publications. Progress in Biomedical Optics and Imaging Proceedings of SPIE was the largest source title while the Medical Image Analysis was the most prestigious journal. The keyword analysis suggests that DP research is mainly a medical imaging and engineering research domain with application in the histopathology subject. Conclusion: Digital Pathology research and publications continue to grow and concentrated in the Western countries. The publications focused on the image analysis, machine learning and engineering research domain in histopathology subject. Potential research areas include the implementation, validation of use and impact of DP to the pathology services and health care with exploration in other pathology subjects such as haematology.
Constrained Agency: Language, Race, and the Paradox of Multiculturalism in English Education in Japan
Authors: Glasgow Gregory Paul
Published: March 2023

The central goal of this chapter is to present a conceptual frame for the edited volume Multiculturalism, Language, and Race in English Education in Japan. Drawing on concepts from critical realism and raciolinguistics, I explore whether English education in Japan truly represents the language as a tool for multiculturalism and genuine intercultural communication by examining inequities in the state education system and the private language teaching industry. The English language in Japan is still perceived to be the property of White, Inner Circle first-language users, perpetuated by the raciolinguistic ideology of native-speakerism, which subjects educators who do not fit those categories to differential treatment throughout the system, affecting their agency and empowerment. Furthermore, social structures and cultural attitudes towards ownership of English may privilege some educators over others, leading to further stratification and inequity in pedagogical practices. These problems signify more broadly conflicting motivations in Japan’s efforts to “globalize” or “internationalize” through increased engagement with the West and adherence to cultural nationalism, rather than promoting genuine multiculturalism in education at the national level.
Nurturing and Developing “Global Human Resources” for Internationalization in Japanese Higher Education: A University Lecturer’s Reflections
Authors: Rakhshandehroo Mahboubeh
Published: March 2023

Promoting globally-minded Japanese university students has been one of the main objectives of recent internationalization initiatives at Japanese universities. Even though this objective has appeared in numerous university policy statements, it has been mostly associated with enhancing the English proficiency skills of students. Thus, systematized support to internationalize the curriculum seems to be mostly neglected. In the context where formal support is not yet in place, individual practices of teachers would have great value in nurturing students’ global mindedness. Applying an autoethnographic approach, Rakhshandehroo shares her pedagogical practices and examples of lesson activities in two classroom settings – an EFL classroom and a CLIL classroom The author contributes to the literature by creating discussions on promoting global awareness beyond Inner Circle notions of English, nurturing transformative learning of students by collaborative online international learning (COIL), and making bottom-up change through exercising teacher agency.
Rising from the Margin: Exercising Agency as a ‘Nonnative’ English-speaking Teacher
Authors: Oo May Kyaw
Published: March 2023

ESL/EFL teachers who do not speak English as a mother tongue often suffer from injustices due to the ‘native-nonnative’ dichotomy that is pervasive in the industry. One example of these inequities are discriminatory practices in hiring, where some teachers of English may receive more preferential treatment than others merely because of their race, ethnicity, or nationality. Another example of discriminatory treatment are the casual microaggressions, or everyday slights or indignities teachers of color may experience in their everyday workplace interactions. Drawing on her experience as a Myanmar national and ELT professional who has worked in Thailand and Japan, this autoethnographic essay is a contribution to the ever-growing list of narratives written by teachers who have experienced similar issues. This chapter includes practical tips and strategies for recognizing and exercising one’s agency and potential for empowerment, even in restrictive work environments where there may be very little support.
Being a Filipino English Teacher in Japan: A Study of Identity and Agency
Authors: Caripo Marife , Stewart Alison
Published: March 2023

With the expansion of English teaching in compulsory education in Japan, as well as changes to the labour law and shifts in public opinion on who should teach English, there has been a sharp increase over the past decade in the number of Filipinos working as English teachers and Assistant English Teachers (ALTs). There has been little research on this group of teachers, but the studies that have been conducted raise questions about the continued prevalence of racialized native-speakerism affecting Filipinos who teach English in Japan. This chapter addresses this issue by shedding light on the salience of Filipino identity and the constraints it may or may not place on these teachers’ agency. The authors conducted a diary study with eight (8) Filipino teachers at the start of the school year and follow-up interviews with four of these participants. Findings suggest that although there were no instances of outright racism in the classroom, the participants all felt under pressure to outperform ‘native speakers’ and “prove” their worth as English teachers in a competitive and precarious employment market.
After ELF-Informed Instruction: Case Studies of Two Japanese University Students’ Development of Their Attitudes and Language Use through their Subsequent ELF Experiences
Authors: Konakahara Mayu
Published: March 2023

The author investigates post-instructional effect of a specialized course in English as a lingua franca (ELF) on two Japanese informants’ attitudes toward English, an aspect of which has been scarcely explored in the field of ELF. Utilizing a diary method, supplemented with the audio-recordings of ELF conversation, the author examines the degree to which participants’ ELF awareness increased through the instruction, and the extent to which they developed their mindset and language use as legitimate English users through their subsequent ELF experiences. The qualitative analysis of the data revealed that the informants not only viewed ‘nonnative’ varieties of English favorably, but they also became more convinced, as made evident by their communicative behavior, of the importance of message conveyance through pragmatic strategies. Although they still subconsciously contrasted their own English with what is believed to be “the standard” in society, they began to problematize native-speakerist views of those who they perceived to harbor discriminatory attitudes to language.
In the Eye of the Beholder: Perceptions of Ideal English Teachers
Authors: Hashimoto Natasha
Published: March 2023

In this study, the author examines cultural values incorporated into sales messages in private English language school (eikaiwa) adverts and how they appeal to adult English language learners in Japan. The participants in the study were university students (n=290) who responded to a questionnaire that included various visual prompts, some of which were selected from online advertisements. The participants were invited to reflect on the adverts they found particularly attractive and their choice of ideal teachers based on photographs. The participants shared reasons for their choices and described what characteristics they imagined their chosen teachers possessed. The author drew on theoretical concepts of capital and raciolinguistics to discuss the results of the survey. The findings indicate that perceptions of desirable teachers and perpetuated "authentic and legitimate" English variants remain problematic.
Effect of Cannabis Sativa on Spermatogenesis of Male Albino Rats
Authors:   Department of Zoology, D.B.S. (P.G.) College, Dehradun, (UK.), India, Singh S.P. , Purohit M.K. ,   Department of Zoology, S.G.R.R. (P.G.) College, Dehradun, (UK.), India, Saxena Shruti ,   Department of Zoology, S.G.R.R. University, Dehradun,(UK.), India
Published: March 2023

Abstract-Herbaceous plants have been used as food and medicine since time unknown. Excess of everything is harmful. Many plants may also be harmful if taken for long time and may impair function of reproductive organs i.e. testis and ovary. Cannabis sativa Linn. (Hemp plant), commonly known as "Bhang" or "Marijuana", now cultivated all over India, found wild in Himalayan region. Its preparations mainly 'cannabinoids' used as narcotic and psychotropic (medicinal) drugs. In the present communication, the effect of C. sativa (leaf powder) on spermatogenesis is reported. The leaf powder as aqueous suspension at doses of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg/day were fed to three groups (dose wise) with a control group (vehicle treated) of male albino rats for 60 days. On day 61st, all the rats were sacrificed. The reproductive organs were taken out from body and processed for histological examination. Both initial and final body weight were recorded. The weight of organs were also taken before autopsy. The weight of reproductive organs were significantly reduced at higher doses. The spermatogenesis was arrested in testes. The seminiferous tubules were disfigured and reduced in size. Their lumen filled with cellular debris. The Leydig's cells were atrophied. The epididymes and vasa deferentia were devoid of spermatozoa. It is concluded that Cannabis sativa is harmful to male reproductive status of animal and human beings.
Validation of non-radiographic APECS software in comparison with standard radiographic measurement of full-length lower limb hip-knee-ankle angle in elderly obese women
Authors: Welling Aarti , Gurudut Peeyoosha , Shirodkar Grisha , Shetye Nehal , Khan Shifa
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Evidence suggests that obesity and ageing in women are linked to angular knee abnormalities. The hip-knee-ankle (HKA) angle on a full-limb radiograph is the gold standard measure of lower limb alignment. The AI Posture Evaluation and Correction System (APECS) software is a non-radiographic mobile application designed for whole-body posture assessment. Since exposure to X-ray is associated with harmful effects, there is a need to find a safe and valid alternative for measuring HKA angle. The objective of this research was to determine the validity of the non-radiographic APECS software in comparison with standard radiographic measurement of HKA angle.

Methods

The present cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital of Belagavi, Karnataka, India. Overall, 45 elderly obese females aged 60–80 years with a body mass index of 25 were included. HKA angle was marked bilaterally. Full-limb radiographs were taken and angles were marked with 2.0 version software, DXM model. For the APECS software, full-limb photographs were taken with landmarks indicated with radiant markers and angles were autogenerated by the software.

Results

The Pearson correlation coefficient between the APECS application and the gold standard (X-ray) was 0.9874 (98.74% of matching). The agreement between standard radiograph and the average of all examiners’ APECS Pro measurements (including right and left sides) equalled 94.64% (kappa = 0.8323; p = 0.001), which suggests very good agreement.

Conclusions

The APECS application demonstrated a high percentage of matching (98.74%) and agreement (94.64%), indicating its excellent validity in measuring HKA angle.
Higher prevalence of trunk rotation among Egyptian students in urban than in countryside areas
Authors: Abdelkader Nasr , Younes Omnia , Abdelmajeed Salwa , Kamel Emad , Hassan Karima
Published: March 2023

Introduction

This study was conducted to compare the prevalence of trunk rotation in selected urban and countryside areas in Egypt.

Methods

Overall, 840 male students aged 10–15 years were divided into 2 equal groups: group A, representing urban schools, and group B, representing countryside schools. Both groups were first screened with the Adams forward bend test; then, the Scoliometer HD application was used to determine the angle of trunk rotation. Children with a reading of 7° or more (≥ 20° Cobb angle) were referred to a medical facility and their parents were informed about the findings.

Results

In group A, the Adams forward bend test showed a higher prevalence of trunk rotation (41.43%) than in group B (17.14%). The Scoliometer HD application readings (≥ 7°) indicated a significant difference between the 2 groups: group A result was 12.61% and group B result was 5%.

Conclusions

Male students of urban schools exhibit a higher prevalence of trunk rotation than those of countryside schools.
Comparison of gluteus medius and hamstring activation
during seven plyometric exercises on three training surfaces
Authors: Pourmahmoudian Pedram , Minoonejad Hooman , Jamshidi Ali A.
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Plyometric exercise is known as one of the key components of neuromuscular training programs. It is also possible to obtain higher muscular activity by exercising on tatami and mats. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the activity of hamstring and gluteus medius in 7 typical plyometric exercises on 3 different surfaces and identify the best exercises and surfaces that would further increase hamstring and gluteus medius activity.

Methods

The study involved 20 male athletes. The participants performed 7 plyometric exercises on 3 surfaces: ground, tatami, and mat. The electromyographic activity of muscles was recorded with a ME6000 device in 2 phases: feedforward and feedback. To analyse the data, 2-way ANOVA with repeated measures and a Bonferroni post-hoc test were used.

Results

Gluteus medius was most active in the feedforward phase in single-leg frontal plane hop (SLFPH), and in the feedback phase in SLFPH and single-leg sagittal plane hop (SLSPH) (p = 0.001). The medial hamstring and lateral hamstring showed the highest values of activity in the feedforward phase in SLSPH, SLFPH, and double-leg sagittal plane hop (DLSPH) (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference between the surfaces (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

SLSPH, DLSPH, and SLFPH improve the recruitment and the strength of gluteus medius and hamstrings and should be given considerable attention in training programs. Exercise on the ground, tatami, and mattress is allowed and in terms of the purpose of the research, there is no difference between them.
Comparison of the effects of a physiotherapy protocol and platelet-rich plasma treatment on pain, functionality, and kinesiophobia in women with medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee
Authors: Alcin Fatma Nur , Turhan Begumhan
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Although the popularity of platelet-rich plasma treatments has recently increased, physiotherapy is still one of the recommended methods of gonarthrosis treatment. The aim of the study was to examine the preferability of lower-cost physiotherapy compared with high-cost platelet-rich plasma treatment for gonarthrosis and the effects of both treatments on pain, functionality, and kinesiophobia.

Methods

Overall, 61 women participated in this randomized controlled study. The first group (physiotherapy) received conservative physiotherapy treatment (hot pack, ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, manual therapy) and home exercises. The second group (platelet-rich plasma) underwent only a home exercise program. An isometric knee exercise, an isotonic knee exercise, and dynamic step exercises for the quadriceps femoris muscle were planned for the home exercises. Exercise program compliance was monitored by exercise diary and telephone calls every day. The patients were evaluated in terms of pain levels, physical limitations (WOMAC and Lysholm scales), and kinesiophobia (Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia). Data were collected 4 times (before treatment and in the 4th, 8th, and 12th week).

Results

The patients’ average age was 60.92 ± 10.67 years. In both groups, there was a decrease in pain and WOMAC and Tampa scores, and an increase in Lysholm scores compared with the pre-treatment outcomes (p < 0.05). No between-group difference in these parameters was observed (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The scarce difference in the indirect comparisons of the groups in terms of pain, functionality, and kinesiophobia scores may indicate that the two treatment methods may be equally recommended.
Disrupting the Dysfunction: Workplace Spirituality, Dispositional Influences, and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Houghton Jeffery D. , Oxarart Richard A. , Langlinais Luke A.
Published: March 2023

This paper investigates the influence of workplace spirituality on the effects of dispositional factors, specifically exploring the connection between dysfunctional thought processes on subjective well-being and job satisfaction. Multigroup comparison analysis is used to compare a secular
work sample and a sample from an overtly spiritual workplace. The findings suggest that workplace spirituality attenuates the negative effect that dispositional qualities have on job satisfaction. This research has theoretical and practical implications suggesting that the dispositional model
of job satisfaction has a boundary condition such that workplace spirituality may be a contextual influence which can be fostered by organizational leadership to disrupt dysfunctional thought processes, thus improving key individual and organizational outcomes.