bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in Teleconsultation During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Avouac Jérôme , Molto Anna , Frantz Camélia , Wanono Sarah , Descamps Elise , Fogel Olivier , Combier Alice , Poiroux Lucile , Miceli-Richard Corinne , Allanore Yannick
Published: June 2022

Objective

To describe which variables were collected by rheumatologists to monitor patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during teleconsultation and identify which ones have more impact on clinician intervention.

Methods

Retrospective monocentric, routine care cross-sectional study including patients with RA seen in teleconsultation between March and September 2020. Available variables assessing disease status were collected in teleconsultation files. Clinician intervention was defined by treatment escalation and/or the need for a rapid face-to-face consultation or day hospitalization.

Results

One hundred forty-three patients with RA were included (116 females, mean age of 58 [SD 16] yrs, mean disease duration of 14 [SD 11] yrs). The presence or absence of patient self-reported RA flares was mentioned in all medical files, followed by the presence and/or the number of tender joints (76%), the duration of morning stiffness (66%), the number of pain-related nocturnal awakenings (66%) and the C-reactive protein (CRP) value (54%). Teleconsultation led to a clinician intervention in 22/143 patients (15%), representing 51% of patients with self-reported flares (22/43 patients). Therapeutic escalation was necessary in 13 patients and/or face-to-face consultation or day hospitalization were organized for 10 patients. Multivariate analysis identified RA flares (odds ratio [OR] 15.6, 95% CI 3.37-68.28) and CRP values > 10 mg/L (OR 3.32, 95% CI % 1.12-13.27) as the variables independently associated with clinician intervention.

Conclusion

Our study identified patient-reported RA flares and increased CRP values as 2 red flags in teleconsultation, independently associated with therapeutic modification and/or the need for a rapid face-to-face consultation. These indicators may help clinicians' decision making in teleconsultation.
Coexistence of Anti-Ro52 Antibodies in Anti-MDA5 Antibody–Positive Dermatomyositis Is Highly Associated With Rapidly Progressive Interstitial Lung Disease and Mortality Risk
Authors: Lv Chengyin , You Hanxiao , Xu Lingxiao , Wang Lei , Yuan Fenghong , Li Ju , Wu Min , Zhou Shiliang , Da Zhanyun , Qian Jie , Wei Hua , Yan Wei , Zhou Lei , Wang Yan , Yin Songlou , Zhou Dongmei , Wu Jian , Lu Yan , Su Dinglei , Liu Zhichun , Liu Lin , Ma Longxin , Xu Xiaoyan , Zang Yinshan , Liu Huijie , Ren Tianli , Wang Fang , Zhang Miaojia , Tan Wenfeng
Published: June 2022

Objective

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a common extramuscular complication contributing to significant morbidity and mortality in patients with dermatomyositis (DM) who are positive for antimelanoma differentiation–associated gene 5 antibody (anti-MDA5+). We conducted this study to investigate the association of anti-Ro52 antibodies with clinical characteristics and prognosis in patients with anti-MDA5+ DM.

Methods

We assessed a cohort of 246 patients with anti-MDA5+ DM. To calculate hazard ratios and 95% CIs for rapidly progressive ILD (RP-ILD) and death while controlling for potential confounders, variables selected by univariate Cox regression analysis were included in a multivariate Cox regression model with the stepwise forward-selection method. A 2-tailed analysis withP< 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

A total of 246 patients with anti-MDA5+ DM were enrolled; 70 patients were male, and the patient group had an average age of 53.1 (12.4) years. Anti-Ro52 was present in 64.2% (158/246) patients. Patients with anti-MDA5+ DM who were positive for anti-Ro52 had a higher rate of RP-ILD (log-rankP< 0.001) and a higher mortality rate (log-rankP= 0.01). For patients with anti-MDA5+ DM who were positive for anti-Ro52, those with a short disease course and high inflammation were at increased risk of RP-ILD and death. The appearance of active rash was an independent protective factor of death.

Conclusion

Anti-Ro52 antibodies were highly prevalent in patients with anti-MDA5+ DM, and their coexistence correlated with a higher rate of RP-ILD and mortality. Patients with a short disease course, with increased inflammation, and without rash were more likely to have a poor prognosis.
Novel Biomarker of Collagen Degradation Can Identify Patients Affected With Both Axial Spondyloarthritis and Crohn Disease
Authors: Nielsen Signe Holm , Stahly Andrew , Regner Emilie H. , Bay-Jensen Anne-Christine , Karsdal Morten A. , Kuhn Kristine A.
Published: June 2022

Objective

Chronic inflammatory arthritis is a hallmark of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), where coexistence of Crohn disease (CD) is prominent. We investigated the association between biomarkers of collagen degradation in healthy controls (HCs) and in patients with axSpA, CD, and CD and axSpA overlap (CD-axSpA), with the aim to investigate the ability of the biomarkers to identify patients with CD-axSpA.

Methods

Patients with axSpA who fulfilled Assessment of Spondyloarthritis international Society criteria (n = 13), had biopsy-proven CD (n = 14), had CD-axSpA (n = 10), and HCs (n = 11) undergoing standard-of-care colonoscopies were included in the study. The collagen biomarkers measuring type III, IV, VI and X collagen (C3M, C4M, C6M, and C10C, respectively) were measured in plasma samples from all subject groups. Statistical analysis was performed using an ANCOVA adjusted for age, an area under the receiver-operating characteristic (AUROC) curve analysis, and Spearman correlation.

Results

C4M was significantly higher in patients with CD-axSpA overlap compared to axSpA, CD, and HCs (allP< 0.001). In an AUROC analysis, C4M showed a complete separation between the patients with CD-axSpA overlap compared to HC, axSpA and CD with an area under the curve (AUC) = 1.00 (P< 0.001). No differences were found between the patient groups for C3M, C6M, and C10C. No correlations were found between the collagen biomarkers and C-reactive protein, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index, Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index, or Harvey-Bradshaw Index scores.

Conclusion

Degradation of type IV collagen quantified by C4M showed a complete separation of patients with CD-axSpA overlap, compared to axSpA, CD, and HCs, and indicates excessive collagen degradation and epithelial turnover. This biomarker could potentially be used to identify patients affected by both manifestations and to guide treatment decisions.
Carbon tax as the most appropriate carbon pricing mechanism for developing countries and strategies to design an effective policy
Authors: Muhammad Izlawanie
Published: June 2022

The global consensus on the threat of climate change risk leads to an agreement to mitigate higher greenhouse gas emissions and limit global mean temperature rise to below 2 ℃ and, ideally, below 1.5 ℃ by 2050. In achieving the mean temperature target, international organisations like the World Bank, Organisation of Economic Co-operation Development and United Nations strongly suggest that policymakers implement a carbon pricing policy. A carbon tax is a market-based policy that has gained attention from many policymakers to reduce carbon emissions and increase the government's revenue. Designing a feasible carbon tax framework is crucial to ensure effectiveness and public acceptability. However, policy design in developing countries may be more complicated than in developed countries due to insufficient income and resources, social inequity, and poverty. This paper discusses the features of a carbon tax and the dimensions of designing an effective carbon tax policy for developing nations. A simplified framework for carbon tax implementation in developing countries is provided. The framework should be a foundation for developing countries to implement and develop a feasible and acceptable carbon tax policy.
Interval valued Hadamard-Fejér and Pachpatte Type inequalities pertaining to a new fractional integral operator with exponential kernel
Authors: Srivastava Hari Mohan , Sahoo Soubhagya Kumar , Mohammed Pshtiwan Othman , Kodamasingh Bibhakar , Nonlaopon Kamsing , Abualnaja Khadijah M.
Published: June 2022

The aim of this research is to combine the concept of inequalities with fractional integral operators, which are the focus of attention due to their properties and frequency of usage. By using a novel fractional integral operator that has an exponential function in its kernel, we establish a new Hermite-Hadamard type integral inequality for an LR-convex interval-valued function. We also prove new fractional-order variants of the Fejér type inequalities and the Pachpatte type inequalities in the setting of pseudo-order relations. By showing several numerical examples, we further validate the accuracy of the results that we have derived in this study. We believe that the results, presented in this article are novel and that they will be beneficial in encouraging future research in this field.
Inserción de metadatos de las bibliotecas españolas en Wikidata: un modelo de datos abiertos enlazados
Authors: Obregón Sierra Ángel
Published: June 2022

El término datos abiertos enlazados se ha hecho muy habitual en el ámbito de la biblioteconomía en los últimos años. Esto es debido al uso que se puede hacer de los metadatos con los que cuentan las bibliotecas. Normalmente se habla de liberar esta información que poseen, pero no sobre dónde se encuentran físicamente estas instituciones u otros datos de la propia institución, para que también puedan utilizarse por cualquier usuario. Esta información podría ser útil para realizar búsquedas de las bibliotecas más cercanas, acceder a los medios de comunicación con los que cuentan o consultar los identificadores que tienen en otras bases de datos. El objetivo de este artículo es el de mostrar el procedimiento utilizado para inserción de todas las bibliotecas de España en una base de datos libre, con la intención de que sean accesibles por todo el mundo. Utilizando diversas herramientas libres se limpiaron los datos y se insertaron 7861 bibliotecas nuevas en Wikidata, para después corregir duplicaciones existentes e insertar nuevos campos. Por último, se presentan diferentes posibilidades de reutilización de los datos en Wikipedia, demostrando que esos datos pueden ser útiles para los usuarios que quieran utilizarlos en el futuro.
Predicting the breeding hotspots of the southern right whale, Eubalaena australis (Cetartiodactyla: Mysticeti), along the southern Brazilian coastline
Authors: Pires Renault-Braga Eduardo , Groch Karina R. , Simões-Lopes Paulo C.
Published: June 2022

To predict the potential breeding hotspots of southern right whales in southern Brazil, we used a Maxent model with a “presence-only” dataset. The dataset was obtained from a systematic aerial survey and public records of the Programa de Monitoramento de Cetáceos da Bacia de Santos and Sistema de Apoio ao Monitoramento de Mamíferos Marinhos. Because of spatial autocorrelation, 528 records out of 3028 were used in the modelling process. The explanatory variables used in the models were coastal distance, linearity, slope and substrate type. The models were created separately for unaccompanied adults (Ad) and mother-calf pairs (Fe). Both models showed good accuracy according to their area under the curve values (Ad=0.974; Fe=0.958). Coastal distance was the most relevant explanatory variable for the unaccompanied adult model (54%), whereas coastal linearity was more relevant for the mother-calf pair model (82%). The estimated area for mother-calf pairs was more restricted to coastal areas than that for unaccompanied adults, possibly owing to the high number of shelter areas for calves near the coast. This is the first study to predict the potential breeding hotspots of southern right whales in Brazil and its results will allow for a more directed management of these whales and provide further research opportunities.
Biological parameters, ecology and population trends of the Mediterranean endemic skate, Raja polystigma, in the Balearic Islands
Authors: Ferragut-Perello Francesca , Valls Maria , Cortes-Pujol Miquel A. , Ramirez-Amaro Sergio , Guijarro Beatriz , Ordines Francesc
Published: June 2022

Elasmobranchs are a vulnerable group that has been overexploited for almost half a century in the Mediterranean. However, few elasmobranch species have been assessed because information on their basic biological parameters is lacking for most species. Raja polystigma is a poorly studied endemic skate in the Mediterranean. The aim of this work is to determine some basic life history parameters of this skate in the Balearic Islands. Data were collected from commercial catches and during MEDITS surveys. Total length varied from 17 to 59 cm for both sexes, with a higher proportion of females than males. Allometric and morphometric relationships differed between sexes, females being heavier for a given size. Females matured at a larger size than males (L50 47.7 cm and 38.4 cm, respectively). Potential fecundity ranged between 11 and 45 yolked oocytes per female, and spawning was observed mainly during winter and spring. Persistent hotspots of adults and juveniles were detected on the shallow shelf off the northwest of Mallorca and east of Menorca, with adults being found mainly in the shallow and juveniles in deeper areas. Time series of abundance and frequency of appearance showed stable trends throughout the study period (2003-2018).
Effects on faunistic composition and population characteristics of decapod crustaceans after the implementation of a fisheries no-take area in the NW Mediterranean
Authors: Padilla Andrea , Recasens Laura , Balcells Marc , Fernández de Arcaya Ulla , Abelló Pere
Published: June 2022

The establishment of fisheries no-take areas is considered an effective method for the recovery of populations of exploited species and their habitats. Here we study the faunistic composition of decapod crustaceans after the implementation of a no-take area in the Gulf of Roses (NW Mediterranean) in 2014. We studied the occurrence (presence/absence) and density of all decapod crustaceans sampled by trawling inside and outside a no-take area from March 2015 to July 2018. Sizes were assessed for all common species. A total of 33 species of decapod crustaceans were recorded. Four species showed significantly higher occurrences in the no-take area and three in the open area, while significantly higher densities were found for four species in the no-take area and three in the open area. Multivariate analysis showed marked differences between the no-take area and the open area, while also showing that the two areas were undergoing a divergence. The comparison of sizes between the two zones showed species-specific patterns that in many cases showed that both the smallest and the largest individuals were present in the no-take area, suggesting that the closing of this area would be important for recruitment and juvenile development, as well as for protection of large-sized individuals. All evidence indicates that the establishment of the no-take area has led to an improvement in biodiversity and species population descriptors.
A mixed methods study of faculty experiences in a course design institute
Authors: Cardamone Carie N , Dwyer Heather
Published: June 2022

Remote teaching created a unique opportunity to study the experiences of faculty participating in a course design institute. Hundreds enrolled in our online institute, where technologies (e.g., Zoom, Canvas, Google Docs) facilitated interactions among participants and preserved their ideas and perspectives throughout the program. Using a grounded theory analysis approach attentive to the participants’ words, the authors uncovered participants’ experiences and their perspectives on the structures that shaped those experiences. The data ultimately revealed five themes (pedagogical knowledge, student perspective, community and connection, technology, and emotion) that relate to changes in participant attitudes, perceptions, and/or pedagogical approaches. Drawing on these themes, we identify implications for future professional development programming design that align with other results from the literature, including the importance of modeling the student experience, deliberately addressing community and connection, building in time for synthesis and commitment, and prompting faculty to identify and reflect on their emotions. Though some of the identified themes may have been more visible because data were captured in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, these themes are aligned with prior research and existing learning theories and will apply to the design of course design institutes beyond the context of crisis situations.
Avant-propos
Authors: Delille Damien , Hare Isabelle
Published: June 2022

Cet avant-propos présente le contexte de préparation de ce numéro spécial Mode & Morale au sein de l’université Lumière Lyon 2. Le thème retenu, mode & morale, permet d’engager une réflexion pluridisciplinaire qui allie les sciences historiques à celles de l’information et de la communication consacrées à la mode et aux apparences. Les enjeux moraux et éthiques sont analysés à travers six articles qui couvrent les périodes de la fin du XVIIe siècle à nos jours, avec une introduction élargie à l’ensemble des questions issues des périodes anciennes.
Les bogolans bio-équitables
Authors: Rubino Roberta
Published: June 2022

Cet article retrace le parcours des tissus bogolans bio-équitables de Ballakissa Art, exposés pour la première fois à l’Ethical Fashion Show de Paris, en 2006. Du Tapis Rouge de Paris, il nous conduira sur la colline de Lassa, à Bamako, où se trouve l’atelier de l’artiste malien. Il ne s’agira pas seulement d’un voyage entre la France et le Mali. Le déplacement est beaucoup plus complexe puisqu’il s’articule autour des plusieurs univers idéologiques qui ne coïncident pas forcément avec les frontières géographiques. Pour ce faire, il faudra interroger la notion de valeur que les acteurs reconnaissent à ces créations de mode, la manière avec laquelle ils la construisent et les finalités instrumentales qui lui sont réservées. L’espace sociopolitique que les protagonistes de cette manifestation occupent dans le monde globalisé sera aussi interrogé, en partant de l’idée que le problème de la valeur est intrinsèquement politique.
Transnational Rule of Law, coercion, and human action
Authors: Rabanos Julieta
Published: June 2022

In “What Makes a Transnational Rule of Law? Understanding the Logos and Values of Human Action in Transnational Law”, Veronica Rodriguez-Blanco explores the possibility—and opportunity—of the existence of a Rule of Law (from now on, RoL) on a transnational level. The aim of this paper is to briefly discuss some points related to various facets of Rodriguez-Blanco’s proposal: the correct question about the RoL and her particular view of human action (section 2); the type of explanation about rules, standards, regulations and principles (section 3); the definitions of RoL, coercion, and freedom (section 4); the parties of the relevant relationship and the notion of transnational law (section 5); and the structure of relevant relationships in national and transnational contexts (section 6). I will try, on the one hand, to show how these points could appear quite problematic and thus seem to undermine the integrity of Rodriguez-Blanco’s proposal, and on the other hand, to offer some suggestions as to how these problems could be solved to strengthen her proposal. With these comments, I will also try to indicate what I think are the most important points that should be considered in any sound discourse or proposal on these subjects. I will then conclude with some final remarks (section 7).
Physical activity promotion in persons with spinal cord injuries: Barriers and facilitators in low-resource communities
Authors: Vermaak Candace , Ferreira Suzanne , Terblanche Elmarie , Derman Wayne
Published: June 2022

Background: A spinal cord injury is a devastating and life-changing event that presents the affected individual with multiple challenges throughout life. Physical activity can help mitigate some of these challenges; however, in low-resource communities where opportunities for physical activity are scarce, these challenges are often exacerbated and multiple.Objective: This study aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators to physical activity, specifically in individuals with spinal cord injuries, in low-resourced communities.Methods: A total of 57 adults ( 20 years) with a spinal cord injury living in the Western Cape, South Africa completed the self-developed research questionnaire.Results: A total of 289 barriers and 290 facilitators were reported. The most frequently reported barriers were lack of transport (n = 35), impairment type (n = 32), lack of trained volunteers and appropriate programmes (n = 19 each) and lack of information received from therapists following discharge (n = 10). The most frequently reported facilitators were support from family (n = 38), the ‘enjoyment’ of physical activity and the fact that ‘it made me feel good’ (n = 37); safe and accessible facilities were reported by 25 participants and 12 participants reported that higher-quality programmes and better-trained staff would help them to be more physically active.Conclusion: Individuals with a spinal cord injury face many barriers in being physically active. Yet it is evident that people with spinal cord injuries in low-resourced communities are eager to participate and improve their health and physical function. However, this will only realise if practitioners reduce the barriers to access, provide relevant training to staff and volunteers, educate their patients about the importance of physical activity post discharge, and create tailored programmes in safe and accessible community facilities.
Erratum: Religious views on the origin and meaning of COVID-19
Authors: Pieterse Tanya , Landman Christina
Published: June 2022

No abstract available.
Study of Installation Effects on Automotive Cooling Fan Noise
Authors: Lai Yidan , Weng Chenyang , Lu Yu-Yu , Karlsson Mikael , Abom Mats , Knutsson Magnus
Published: June 2022

Vehicle electrification is one of the biggest trends in the automotive industry. Without the presence of combustion engine, which is the main noise source on conventional vehicles, noise from other components becomes more perceivable; among these components, the cooling fan is one of the major noise sources, especially during battery charging. The design of cooling fan modules is usually carried out in the early stage before building prototype vehicles. Therefore, understanding the installation effects of the cooling fan on the radiated sound is essential to secure good customer satisfaction. In this study, three different measurement setups of cooling fans are carried out: free field, wall mounted, and in-vehicle measurement. Four cooling fan prototypes with different fan blade designs are used in each measurement. Correlations of these measurements are investigated through comparisons of the measurement results. The installation effects are identified through spectrum difference between free field and in-vehicle measurement. A spectral decomposition method is implemented to enable the separation of source strength and propagation effect in the results. One variable is introduced to represent the installation effects of vehicles tested in the present study.
Assessing Low Frequency Flow Noise Based on an Experimentally Validated Modal Substructuring Strategy Featuring Non-Conforming Grids
Authors: Engelmann Rafael , Gabriel Christoph , Toth Florian , Kaltenbacher Manfred
Published: June 2022

The continuous encouragement of lightweight design in modern vehicles demands a reliable and efficient method to predict and ameliorate the interior acoustic comfort for passengers. Due to considerable psychological effects on stress and concentration, the low frequency contribution plays a vital rule regarding interior noise perception. Apart other contributors, low frequency noise can be induced by transient aerodynamic excitation and the related structural vibrations. Assessing this disturbance requires the reliable simulation of the complex multi-physical mechanisms involved, such as transient aerodynamics, structural dynamics and acoustics. The domain of structural dynamics is particularly sensitive regarding the modelling of attachments restraining the vibrational behaviour of incorporated membrane-like structures. In a later development stage, when prototypes are available, it is therefore desirable to replace or update purely numerical models with experimental data. To this end, an original strategy has therefore been developed to estimate the vibro-acoustic response due to aerodynamic excitation based on a modal coupling approach. The incorporated acoustic and structural modes can be obtained either from numerical models or through experimental modal analysis. The presented work begins with the principles of modal vibro-acoustic substructuring and the practical workflow employed. Its applicability is demonstrated by an experimentally validated automotive structure subject to transient aerodynamic load.
Synergic Product and Process Design for Additive Fabrication of Lightweight Vehicles
Authors: Dalpadulo Enrico , Petruccioli Andrea , Pini Fabio , LEALI Francesco
Published: June 2022

Additive manufacturing is even more capturing the interest of vehicle manufactures. Its adoption enables design potentials such as parts customization, lightweighting or functional integration. Deep adoption of additive manufacturing and integration of topology optimization design techniques enable the calculation of light components, while additive manufacturing makes it feasible by adding subsequent layers of material. Design for additive manufacturing guidelines address these challenges by enabling the build of such complex shapes thanks to parts consolidation and features integration. Several prototypes of such lightweight design concerning chassis, body, and structures have been provided, but the lack of structured and objective approaches limits the application in normal production. This work integrates Key Performance Indexes (KPIs) into the Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) approach for an effective adoption of selection of trade-off studies for the selection of best product variant and process setup. The trade-off involves KPIs related to structural product requirements and laser Powder Bed Fusion process cost estimation, to return functional components that address the best ratio between weight reduction and expected manufacturing cost. Proof of the method effectiveness and its application to lighten real components is demonstrated by applying the approach to reduce the weight of a steering support system for a Formula SAE race car. The objectivity of the trade-off promotes the extensive adoption to other vehicle components for substantial fuel efficiency improvement and emissions reduction perspectives.
Effects of substituting melon seed peel meal for yellow maize meal on haematological and serum biochemical indices in Clarias gariepinus fingerlings
Authors: Adesina S.A. , Ajibare A O. , Ebimowei G.O.
Published: June 2022

A feeding trial was conducted to assess the effects of substituting melon (Citrullus lanatus) seed peel meal (MSPM) for yellow maize meal on the haematological and serum biochemical indices of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings for 56 days. Fifteen fish each were stocked in eighteen plastic bowls (50-litre capacity) and fed six iso-nitrogenous diets at graded MSPM levels of 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% twice daily at 5% of their body weight. Selected haematological and serum biochemical parameters were determined by standard procedures and data analyzed using analysis of variance at p = 0.05. The results showed that the fish fed with diet 6 had the highest PCV (45.00%), Hb (15.03 gm/100mL), RBC (4.81 x 1012/mL), Platelets (34.73 x 109/mL), MCH (31.32 μg/mL), total protein (74.00%) and albumin (40.00%). The fish fed with diet 4 had the highest WBC (12.68×109/mL) and globulin (35.00%) while those fed diet 3 had the least WBC (9.36×109/mL) and globulin (33.00%). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased and varied (p < 0.05) between 10.00 - 30.67 mg/dL and 11.00 –17.05 mg/dL respectively. Blood glucose significantly (p < 0.05) increased in fish fed with diets 3 to 6. This study revealed that melon seed peel meal can replace yellow maize meal in the diet of C. gariepinus without adverse effects on its haematological and serum biochemical indices.
Dominated Myths Are Almost Broken: Evaluating Assembly Members’ Lived Experiences in Ghanaian Local Politics
Authors: Boateng Janet Serwah
Published: June 2022

Ghanaian cultural norms, verbal and non-verbal expressions, gender stereotypes, and male dominance are real propaganda that discourages women from engaging in local politics. This paper draws from the dominant ideology, development approach and gender power relations to reveal efforts to motivate aspiring women politicians to engage local government administration. In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used in collating the data. The study findings showed that male and female assembly members resisted derogatory pronouncements. The actions were to encourage more women to contest district assembly elections and win. The male assembly members suggested ways to encourage women in their electoral areas to participate in local politics influenced the near deconstruction of the myths. These myths included male dominance surrounding discriminatory predispositions against aspiring women politicians in Ghana.
Caractérisation phytochimique et étude de l’activité antimicrobienne d’extraits de feuilles de trois plantes de la flore sénégalaise : Detarium senegalense, Detarium microcarpum et Piliostigma reticulatum
Authors: Faye Elhadji Ousmane , Gueye Rokhaya , Diop Abdoulaye , Faye Idrissa Wagane , Dieye Pape Issakha , Tirera Harouna , Wane Thierno Mouhamed , Badji Kady Diatta , Dieng Mbaye , Dieng Assane , Diop Amadou , Thiam Khadidiatou , Sarr Serigne Omar , Diop Amadou , Ndiaye Bara , Boye Cheikh Saad Bouh , Diop Yérim Mbagnick
Published: June 2022

Detarium senegalense, Detarium microcarpum et Piliostigma reticulatum sont trois plantes de la flore sénégalaise, utilisées en médecine traditionnelle pour la prise en charge de maladies infectieuses. Cette étude visait à déterminer in vitro l’activité antimicrobienne d’extraits et de fractions de feuilles de ces plantes sur différentes souches (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus et Candida albicans). Les méthodes de diffusion en milieu solide et de dilution en milieu liquide ont été utilisées pour la détermination des Diamètres d’Inhibition (DI) et des Concentrations Minimales Inhibitrices (CMI). Le screening phytochimique a été réalisé par des tests de caractérisation reposant sur des réactions physico-chimiques et par chromatographie sur couche mince. Sur l’ensemble des échantillons testés, seule la fraction dichlorométhanique de P. reticulatum était inactive sur les souches bactériennes étudiées. Les DI variaient entre 10 et 23 mm pour les échantillons actifs. Les CMI étaient comprises entre 0,0293 et 2,50 mg/mL. Les fractions d’acétate d’éthyle étaient les plus actives. Les familles de molécules suivantes ont été identifiées : tanins, flavonoïdes et saponosides. Les teneurs en polyphénols totaux variaient de 0,66 à 19 mg équivalent acide tannique/g. Cette étude a montré que les extraits des trois plantes sont dotés d’un fort pouvoir antimicrobien et contiennent plusieurs familles de composés chimiques.
Molecular diagnosis of COVID-19 in Burkina Faso: successful challenge
Authors: Zoure Abdou Azaque , Ouedraogo Henri Gautier , Sagna Tani , Compaore T. Rebecca , Soubeiga Serge Théophile , Cisse Kadari , Kambire Dinanibé , Ouedraogo Oumarou , Zida Sylvie , Dabire Charlemagne , Zongo Dramane , Savadogo Boubacar , Yonli Albert Théophane , Kouanda Seni , Simpore Jacques
Published: June 2022

COVID-19 has worsened the health situation in Burkina Faso. In fact, the country has known a peak of the second wave, which began in November, and ended around January 2021. Biological diagnosis has played a key role in the management of COVID-19. The aim of this review paper is to address the practical aspects that laboratories have faced in order to meet the challenge of SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis in Burkina Faso. According to international requirements, Burkina Faso has used real-time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (rRT-PCR) as the “gold standard” for the diagnosis of COVID-19. From March 9, 2020 to July 31, 2021, in Burkina Faso, laboratories involved in COVID-19 diagnosis analyzed 226,189 samples by molecular tests and 2, 352 samples by rapid antigenic tests, whose peak was in January 2021 with 35,984 samples analyzed. The daily average rate of samples analysis was 456.02 tests. The majority of the individuals requesting COVID-19 tests were travelers (62.00%), followed by contact cases (18.42%), suspected cases (7.95%), voluntary screening (7.57%), and 4.06% of other applicants consisting of health care personnel and at-risk patients. In terms of prevention, vaccines are being administered to the general population. However, some efforts must be made to provide automated sample analysis equipment and complete sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 remains among the challenges.
Influence de la cuisson à l’eau et du séchage sur la valeur nutritionnelle de trois légumes feuilles (Hibiscus sabdarifa, Solanum nigrum et Corchorus olitorius) consommés en Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Soro Lêniféré Chantal , Kone Mohamed Ba , Kouadio Armand Kouassi Kouakou , Ocho-Anin Atchibri Anin Louise
Published: June 2022

La présente étude a eu donc pour objectif de déterminer l’impact de la cuisson à l’eau et du séchage sur la teneur en nutriments des légumes-feuilles (Hibiscus sabdarifa, Solanum nigrum et Corchorus olitorius). Les teneurs en vitamine C, fibres, protéine et minéraux ont été analysées dans les feuilles fraîches, cuites et séchées conformément aux méthodes standards. Les résultats ont montré que la cuisson à l’eau bouillante et le séchage ont favorisé des pertes en nutriments. La perte en vitamine C était de plus de 50% dès 10 min et a atteint 98% en 1heure de cuisson. Quant aux minéraux, pour le cas du potassium par exemple les valeurs ont varié de 128,61± 0,12 mg/100 g à 15,21±0,06 mg/100 g pour l’H. sabdariffa ; 92,62±0, 04 mg/100 g à 18,62±0,09 mg/100 g pour S. nigrum et pour le C. olitorius de 51,15±0,7 mg/100 g à 11,3±0,03 mg/100 g pour la cuisson à l’eau. Le séchage a également favorisé la perte en vitamine C de 50% dès 4 heure des trois légumes feuilles étudiés, toutefois il a affecté très peu la teneur en minéraux, protéine et fibres. Une limitation appropriée du temps de cuisson à l’eau et du séchage devrait donc être définis afin de réduire les pertes élevées en micronutriments.
Application of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in improving service delivery and revenue capacity in university of Nigeria teaching hospital, Ituku Ozalla, Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Aduma Aloysius Tochukwu , Onah Celestine Chijioke , Njoku Angelina Chigozie
Published: June 2022

The state of public hospitals in Nigeria has been abysmal ranging from very poor service delivery to financial leakages and wastages. In a bid to seek solution and turn things positively, the management of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku Ozalla decided to overhaul the decaying system by deploying Information Communication Technology (ICT) facilities to the hospital. The aim was to automate every segment of the hospital’s operation with a view to improving services and abating corruption, thereby shoring up revenue. This paper investigated the outcome of this policy implementation. In doing so, two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated. Primary and secondary data were used. Our respondents included one hundred patients of the hospital and twenty I.T. consultants. Information infrastructure theory was used as the theoretical foundation of the study. Findings were made through primary data by testing our hypotheses using regression analysis and supported by secondary data of hospital financial records. The research found out that deployment of ICT in UNTH Ituku Ozalla brought about availability of high level of service delivery and helped the hospital experience net increase in revenue as a result of increased operational efficiency and transparency. A recommendation of the paper was that automation of every department in the hospital should be sustained.
Climate change and climate justice: procedural gender analysis in redd+ piloted site, South-South, Nigeria
Authors: Basiru A.O. , Oladoye A.O. , Adekoya O.O. , Fedrick C , Oeba V.O. , Awodutire O.O.
Published: June 2022

Climate change adaptation plan has been marred with assertion that genders are not treated equally both in designing and implementation which have been eventually the cog in the wheel of progress of many developmental programmes in forest-based communities such as REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation). This assertion has however not been “perceptionally” proven aside from the general vulnerability-gender relationships. This study used both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. Primary data was collected with the aid of questionnaire from 200 respondents (male and female category) randomly selected within six purposive UN-REDD+ piloted villages according to Cochran formula in South-South, Nigeria. Sixteen perceptional statements were developed with Likert scale rating along categorical variables such as participation, decision making, recognition and inclusion, forest resources management as well as village institution composition to assess and explain different factors militating against procedural component of climate justice (participation, decision making and level of engagement) at an individual level. The result of the research showed that the participation and decision making rate of women/female in the REDD+ in South-south Nigeria is weak, mostly only at the level of Tokenism, where over 97% were not aware of such project in the community, but the remaining 3% were privy to the information via their husbands where either their views or opinions have influenced policy. The female participation level about REDD + projects is low. This is due to cultural and socio-political societies that still retain traditional gender roles which only locate and position women/female for domestic affairs thus undermining their position and responsibilities in public places as attested to by Focus Group Discussion(FGD). Besides, discrimination by male leaders and their lack of self-esteem, and low levels of education weaken them from playing a role in their village community even in the implementation of the REDD+ project. This underscores the importance of proactive gender mainstreaming with all encompassing inclusiveness intervention rather than “ male versus female” or “men versus women” in order to address gender bias both in designing and implementation of adaptation action plan such as REDD+. This study has extended the “individual perceptional statements” of climate justice to create the most flexible approach in analysing the level of engagement of disaggregated “gender level” in REDD+ piloted site in South-south, Nigeria.
Evaluation of a pilot consultation for maternity protection at work in Switzerland
Authors: Krief Peggy , Mediouni Zakia , Abderhalden-Zellweger Alessia , Kerr Dominique , Seraj Nesi , Renteria Saira-Christine , Vonlanthen Julien , Danuser Brigitta
Published: June 2022

STUDY AIMS: Switzerland’s Labour Law and its Ordonnance on Maternity Protection aim to protect the health of pregnant employees and their unborn children while enabling them to continue to pursue their professional activities. Some companies encounter difficulties implementing the law’s provisions. The Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, part of the Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), has provided specialist occupational medicine consultations for pregnant employees since 2015. This study aimed to evaluate how well Swiss’ maternity protection legislation is implemented by examining a list of relevant indicators measured during the occupational health consultation. The study also sought to investigate the consultation support provided to the relevant stakeholders and the adjustments made to pregnant employees’ working conditions. METHODS: Descriptive variables and indicators relative to the application of the Swiss maternity protection legislation for 83 pregnant employees were collected during the consultation’s pilot phase (between 2015 and 2016). Descriptive statistics and cross-analyses of these indicators were made. RESULTS: Most pregnant employees faced multiple exposures to occupational risks. Preventive risk analyses were rare. Few adjustments to workstations were proposed. We found a tendency for employees to leave their workstations early on in their pregnancies due to sick leave certificate prescriptions. Specialist consultation and collaboration with occupational health physicians to recommend interventions for pregnant employees can provide significant benefits and help some pregnant women to continue at their workstations with appropriate adjustments. DISCUSSION: A specialised occupational health consultation is a useful instrument for identifying occupational hazards for both the pregnant woman and her unborn child. It is also an opportunity to explain employers’ legal responsibilities and obligations to safeguard the health of their pregnant employees and to give specific advice for their company’s situation. This consultation also enables employers to maintain their employees’ valuable professional competencies in the workplace for as long as possible. Finally, occupational health consultation helps and supports healthcare providers who must, according to the law, make decisions about whether pregnant employees can continue working safely or not.
Formación de las emociones y su incidencia en la inestabilidad motriz en los niños de 4-5 años en la escuela José De Vasconcellos
Authors: Vélez Ávila Eunice Berenice , Vega Intriago Jisson Oswaldo , Zambrano Acosta Jimmy Manuel
Published: June 2022

Este artículo sintetiza el trabajo de investigación desarrollado en la Escuela “José de Vasconcellos”, el cual tuvo como objetivo establecer la incidencia de la formación de emociones en la inestabilidad motriz en 19 niños de 4 a 5. A tal efecto, se diseñó una investigación con método mixto con la aplicación del test TEPSI (Haeusler y Marchant), una encuesta dirigida a 25 padres y madres y entrevistas abiertas a la docente y a la autoridad escolar. Los resultados del test y de la encuesta revelan la existencia de considerables disfunciones en las áreas de desarrollo denominadas Coordinación, Motricidad y Lenguaje, siendo esta última la de niveles disfuncionales más altos, resultados éstos que llevan a concluir sobre la existencia de inestabilidad motriz entre los niños. Por otra parte, se corroboró la aplicación de estrategias didácticas en el aula para la formación de emociones que se consideraron eficientes por su incidencia en la regulación emocional de los niños.
La proyección social de las instituciones de educación superior y el fortalecimiento del liderazgo comunitario
Authors: Pico Macías Malena Elizabeth , Lorenzo Jaramillo Gustavo Alberto , Bello Sabado Borisse Javier , Chaves Franco Jorge Alberto
Published: June 2022

La Proyección Social como función sustantiva de las Instituciones de Educación Superior (IES) es la vía para desarrollar y fortalecer el trabajo en las comunidades, para formar a sus líderes comunitarios y establecer un adecuado y efectivo vínculo de la institución con su entorno.  En la relación de las IES con la comunidad cobra especial atención el papel de los líderes comunitarios, los cuales tiene un rol de gran relevancia en sus comunidades, este recurso humano puede ser abordado por estas instituciones a través de programas de formación, asesorías, capacitación en la formulación de proyectos sociales, de emprendimiento y técnicos que solvente problemáticas sociales. Por lo expuesto, la Proyección Social se constituye en la función que permite la interacción de las IES con las comunidades y sus líderes comunitarios, esto constituye la motivación del presente trabajo que tiene como objetivo hacer un abordaje teórico y formular una serie de recomendaciones para la formación de líderes comunitarios y la ejecución de proyectos mancomunados para de esta manera lograr las grandes transformaciones en la sociedad.
Alternativa metodológica para el desarrollo de competencias emocionales
Authors: Vega Intriago Jisson Oswaldo , Bello Dávila Zoe , Medina García Jeniffer
Published: June 2022

La alternativa metodológica para el desarrollo de competencias emocionales en el currículo de las Carreras de Medicina y Enfermería de la Universidad Técnica de Manabí que se presenta en el siguiente trabajo se lleva a acabo como parte de la propuesta del proyecto Tuning sobre la formación por competencias en el currículo docente de la Educación Superior. Las dificultades presentadas por los estudiantes de Enfermería y Medicina en el desarrollo de sus competencias emocionales y la alta demanda de las mismas en el mercado laboral justifican la propuesta de la alternativa metodológica, dirigida al desarrollo de competencias emocionales de los estudiantes de Enfermería y Medicina de la UTM. La puesta en práctica de dicha alternativa resulta viable y efectiva, y las actividades realizadas en el marco de la misma contaron con la valoración positiva de docentes y estudiantes que las califican de gran provecho para el crecimiento personal y profesional en función de satisfacer las exigencias o demandas planteadas al buen desempeño.
Las imágenes como recurso visual para potenciar la comprensión lectora en los niños de 4-5 años
Authors: Moreira Ortiz Wilter Wilfrido , Castro Bermúdez Idelisa Esther
Published: June 2022

El presente artículo es producto de una investigación de corte cuantitativo con un pensamiento paradigmático positivista el cual tuvo como objetivo analizar la importancia que tiene el uso de las imágenes, como privilegio pedagógico para potenciar el proceso de comprensión lectora en los estudiantes de 4 y 5 años del subnivel 2 prescolar de la escuela de Educación Básica 15 de Febrero. El diseño asumido es el pre-experimental, este, consistió en aplicar una prueba de pre test y post test a 25 niños de la institución mencionada; dicha prueba se llevó a cabo haciendo uso de instrumento tipo ficha de observación la cual fue aplicada en el aula de clase al grupo de niño seleccionado. La estrategia utilizada fue la lectura de varias narraciones tomadas de cuentos infantiles. Los resultados en el pre-test son indicios claros que el niño necesita de la mediación del docente para alcanzar y potenciar su aprendizaje de la lectura, lo que conduce a concluir de acuerdo al resultado del post-test que existe una correlación bastante significativa de que la imagen es un recurso visual que tiene incidencia positiva en la comprensión lectora.
Katılım Bankacılığı ve Ekonomik Büyümede Nedensellik İlişkisi
Authors: VURAL Muhammet Fatih , KÖK Dündar
Published: June 2022

Çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye’deki katılım bankacılığı kredi hacimlerinin geleneksel bankacılık kredi hacimlerindeki payı ile ekonomik büyüme arasındaki nedensellik ilişkisini ortaya koymaktır.Bu amaçla, 2005Q1-2020Q1 dönemini içeren çeyrek periyotluk katılım ve geleneksel bankacılık kredi hacimleri ile Gayri Safi Yurt İçi Hâsıla verileri kapsamında oluşturulan veri setinin tanımsal istatistikleri araştırma döneminde yapısal kırılmaların varlığını gösterdiğinden, ilk olarak serilere Bai-Perron Yapısal Kırılma testi uygulanmış, ardından test aracılığıyla belirlenen iki anlamlı kırılmaya bağlı olarak, ikili kırılmaları dikkate alan Lee-Strazicich Birim Kök Testi gerçekleştirilmiş, son olarak uygulanan Toda-Yamamoto nedensellik testi sonuçlarına göre katılım bankacılığı kredi hacimlerinin geleneksel bankacılık kredi hacimleri içindeki payından ekonomik büyümeye doğru tek yönlü nedensellik ilişkisi tespit edilmiştir.