bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atopic dermatitis associated with tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis: Epidemiology, clinical phenotypes, and allergological investigations
Authors:   Department of Dermatology, Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, Senegal, 2Department of Ophthalmology, Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, Senegal, Ahy Diatta Boubacar , Ben Amara Chaïma , Ndiaye Joseph Matar Mass , Mendy Patrice , Nibirantije Pie , Fall Ndiague , Ndiaye Coumba , Ndiaye Mame Tené , Diadi Saer , Ndiaye Maodo , Diallo Moussa , Ly Fatimata , Roth Paule Aïda Ndoye , Oumou Niang Suzanne
Published: October 2023

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is on the increase worldwide. In Africa, 40% of cases are associated with tropical endemic limbo-conjunctivitis (TELC). Its predominance in early childhood has a major impact on the quality of life of children and their parents, leading to absenteeism from school and work. The aim of this study was to assess the particularities of AD associated with TELC in Dakar. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, multicenter study with prospective data collection over a six-month period, conducted at dermatology and ophthalmology departments in Dakar. All patients treated for atopic dermatitis with or without TELC were included in the study. Data entry and analysis were performed with SPSS 18. Results: From the study, 97 cases of atopic dermatitis were identified. Among these, 49 had AD associated with TELC. The sex ratio was 1.18 (36 boys and 13 girls). The mean age of patients was ten years. The age range between 5 and 10 years was more represented. There was atopy equivalent to allergic rhinitis in 44 cases, asthma in 16 cases, allergic conjunctivitis in 14 cases, and food allergy in 20 cases. 31 cases of AD were mild, 16 moderate, and 2 severe according to SCORAD. Patients were in stage I in 26 cases and in stage II in 13 cases according to Diallo’s TECL classification. All patients were managed by dermatologists and ophthalmologists. Aeroallergen prick tests were performed in thirty cases. Tests were positive for house dust mites in 23 cases (92%), animal dander in 11 cases (44%), molds in 7 cases (28%), and pollens in 2 cases (8%). Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and farinae were the most common aeroallergens. Patch tests were positive for potassium dichromate in 4 cases, cobalt in 4 cases, nickel in 3 cases, and lanolin in 4 cases. Conclusion: AD associated with TECL remains common in tropical environments. They share common aggravating environmental factors, notably hypersensitivity to aeroallergens and a predominance in early childhood. The major impact on functional prognosis makes therapeutic education and multidisciplinary management of patients essential. Key words: Atopic dermatitis, Tropical limbo-conjunctivitis, Dakar
Parental attitudes to the problem of home-based education of children with disabilities
Authors: Brutskaia Kseniia
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the study: to identify and study parental attitudes to the problem of home-based education of children with disabilities. Research methods: questionnaire "Assessment of coping strategies in various fields" (E. Heim); "Questionnaire for parents whose children are home-schooled". The developed questionnaire includes 13 questions. The questions are aimed at identifying the difficulties and needs of parents in organizing home-based education. The main method of the study was the content analysis of the respondents' free statements, which presupposes the completion of a number of sentences. Meaningful interpretation of the highlighted answers allows you to identify hidden semantic experiences, difficulties, as well as to outline optimal ways to solve problems.   The study involved 60 parents with children with disabilities (school age) who are on home-based education. According to the results of the content analysis of the parents' statements, 85 completed semantic units were identified, which, according to the psychological content, were combined into semantic categories reflecting the difficulties of parents in the home-based form of teaching a child with disabilities: "learning and upbringing difficulties", "psychological and pedagogical difficulties", "medical difficulties". The results of the study showed that parents whose children are home-schooled can be differentiated depending on the duration of the child's education at home.
Epidemiological study of bee stings in the state of Paraiba, Northeastern Brazil, from 2015 to 2019
Authors: Araújo Januse Míllia Dantas de , Araújo Kaliany Adja Medeiros de , Leite Renner de Souza
Published: October 2023

Introduction: In Brazil, envenomation by bee sting is a public health problem due to its incidence in all regions of the country, as well as the severity of cases. Despite the medical and sanitary importance, the literature on this topic in Brazil is scarce, in the Northeast region. Objective: To describe the epidemiological characteristics of bee stings in Paraíba, in the Northeast region of Brazil, from 2015 to 2019. Methods: The current study is a descriptive and retrospective epidemiological investigation conducted through the recovery of secondary data made available by the database from the Ministry of Health Notification Information System. Results: A total of 1,151 cases were analyzed, and they were reported during all the months of the period of the study and were more frequent in the regions Agreste and Sertão of the Paraíba. The victims were men aged 20 to 59 years. Most individuals received medical assistance within 3 hours of the incident. The cases were classified as mild and progressed to cure. Conclusion: In Paraíba, bee stings have increased in recent years, especially in regions with a semi-arid climate. In addition, this study provides data that may be used in the development of educational health actions to promote the prevention and control of bee stings in this region.
Identification of novel biomarkers with potential for diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer: a Bioinformatics Approach
Authors: Rossetto Marcos Vinicius , Abreu Fernanda Pessi de , Casa Pedro Lenz , Sartor Ivaine Tais Sauthier , Silva Scheila de Avila e
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most diagnosed neoplasia and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. A substantial number of patients exhibit an advanced GC stage once diagnosed. Therefore, the search for biomarkers contributes to the improvement and development of therapies. Objective: This study aimed to identify potential GC biomarkers making use of in silico tools. Methods: Gastric tissue microarray data available in Gene Expression Omnibus and The Cancer Genome Atlas Program was extracted. We applied statistical tests in the search for differentially expressed genes between tumoral and non-tumoral adjacent tissue samples. The selected genes were submitted to an in-house tool for analyses of functional enrichment, survival rate, histological and molecular classifications, and clinical follow-up data. A decision tree analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive power of the potential biomarkers. Results: In total, 39 differentially expressed genes were found, mostly involved in extracellular structure organization, extracellular matrix organization, and angiogenesis. The genes SLC7A8, LY6E, and SIDT2 showed potential as diagnostic biomarkers considering the differential expression results coupled with the high predictive power of the decision tree models. Moreover, GC samples showed lower SLC7A8 and SIDT2 expression, whereas LY6E was higher. SIDT2 demonstrated a potential prognostic role for the diffuse type of GC, given the higher patient survival rate for lower gene expression. Conclusion: Our study outlines novel biomarkers for GC that may have a key role in tumor progression. Nevertheless, complementary in vitro analyses are still needed to further support their potential.
Treinamento funcional de alta intensidade com dieta adequada e hipocalórica com restrição de carboidratos promove perda de peso e redução do risco cardiometabólico
Authors: Leite Marina de Macêdo Rodrigues , Grigoletto Marzo Edir da Silva , Chagas Bárbara Lúcia Fonseca , Machado Ana Carolina Santos Barbosa , Vasconcelos Alan Bruno Silva , Silva Danielle Goes da , Mendes-Netto Raquel Simões
Published: October 2023

Introdução: O excesso de peso corporal e suas comorbidades representam um grave problema de saúde pública. Intervenções pautadas em dieta associada a prática de exercício físico têm se mostrado úteis para a perda de peso e melhora da saúde global da população, incluindo a saúde cardiovascular. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de 12 semanas de dieta hipocalórica com restrição de carboidrato (CHO) associada ao Treinamento Funcional de Alta Intensidade (HIFT) na saúde cardiometabólica de adultos com sobrepeso. Métodos: Trata-se de um ensaio clínico randomizado. Participaram 31 adultos com sobrepeso, divididos em dois grupos com base na intervenção dietética: CHO reduzido (R-CHO, ≤130g/dia; n=15) e CHO adequado (A-CHO, >130 g/dia; n=16). O risco cardiometabólico foi avaliado utilizando os parâmetros lipêmico, insulinêmico e glicêmico. Para avaliar os efeitos da intervenção foi aplicado ANOVA-two-way com post-hoc de Bonferroni, sendo considerado estatisticamente significativo valores de p<0,05. Resultados: Após 12 semanas de intervenção observou-se redução na concentração de LDL-c, VLDL-c, colesterol total e triacilglicerol, e do número de fatores de risco para doenças metabólicas, independente do grupo, e aumento do HDL-c, porém o resultado da análise intragrupo demonstrou que o aumento significativo do HDL-c foi observado apenas para o grupo A-CHO. Conclusão: As duas intervenções dietéticas se mostraram efetivas em promover a redução do risco cardiometabólico. No entanto, melhoras na concentração do HDL-c e na classificação final do risco cardiometabólico indicaram que a adequação do CHO da dieta parece ser uma melhor estratégia associada a restrição calórica e a prática de HIFT.
Segurança pública, redes e governança
Authors: Costa Arthur Trindade M.
Published: October 2023

Atualmente no Brasil todos parecem concordar que a segurança pública é um problema que afeta diversos aspectos da vida social, política e econômica do país. A despeito dos esforços em aumentar os gastos na área, os presidentes, governadores e prefeitos eleitos nos últimos 30 anos têm fracassado em prover segurança para a população. O livro analisa por que a capacidade de resposta do Estado brasileiro aos problemas de segurança é tão precária. Não há dúvida que a redemocratização teve efeitos significativos sobre as polícias. Além das mudanças políticas, há outras profundas transformações na estrutura da sociedade que também têm afetado as rotinas, estratégias e objetivos do aparato de segurança pública. Se o surgimento dos regimes democráticos, a partir da segunda metade do século XX, transformou as polícias, a emergência da sociedade de risco está afetando profundamente o campo da segurança pública no início do século XXI. O maior desafio da atualidade é formular e implementar políticas públicas de segurança abrangentes que envolvam, além das polícias, atores estatais e não-estatais. O conjunto desses atores compõe redes de políticas públicas que requerem grande capacidade de governança. A configuração do campo da segurança pública brasileiro, tanto no nível estadual quanto no federal, produziu uma estrutura com baixa capacidade de governança, sendo, portanto, incapaz de dar respostas aos problemas que afligem à população. Assim, problemas como o aumento significativo nas taxas de homicídios, o crescente medo do crime e a superlotação das prisões, persistem por décadas sem que o Estado consiga dar alguma resposta efetiva.
Avoiding UV light
Authors: Sachkova Maria , Modepalli Vengamanaidu
Published: October 2023

The larvae of an annelid worm use nitric oxide signalling to activate the neural pathways needed to swim away from the harmful ultraviolet light of the sun.
Contact-independent exposure to Rhodococcus rhodochrous DAP96253 volatiles does not improve the survival rate of Myotis lucifugus (little brown bats) affected by White-nose Syndrome
Authors: Hooper Sarah , Amelon Sybill
Published: October 2023

Since the emergence of White-nose Syndrome, a fungal disease in bats, caused by Pseudogymnoascus destructans, hibernating populations of little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus) have declined by 70–90% within P. destructans positive hibernacula. To reduce the impact of White-nose Syndrome to North American little brown bat populations we evaluated if exposure to volatile organic compounds produced by induced cells from Rhodococcus rhodochrous strain DAP96253 could improve the overwinter survival of bats infected by P. destructans. Two simultaneous field treatment trials were conducted at natural hibernacula located in Rockcastle and Breckinridge counties, Kentucky, USA. A combined total of 120 little brown bats were randomly divided into control groups (n = 60) which were not exposed to volatile organic compounds and treatment groups (n = 60) which were exposed to volatile organic compounds produced by non-growth, fermented cell paste composed of R. rhodochrous strain DAP96253 cells. Cox proportional hazard models revealed a significant decreased survival at the Rockcastle field trial site but not the Breckinridge field site. At the Breckinridge hibernacula, overwinter survival for both treatment and control groups were 60%. At the Rockcastle hibernacula, Kaplan-Meier survival curves indicated significantly increased overwinter survival of bats in the control group (43% survived) compared to the treatment group (20% survived). Although complete inhibition of P. destructans by volatile organic compounds produced by induced R. rhodochrous strain DAP96253 cells was observed in vitro studies, our results suggest that these volatile organic compounds do not inhibit P. destructans in situ and may promote P. destructans growth.
Predicting protein and pathway associations for understudied dark kinases using pattern-constrained knowledge graph embedding
Authors: Salcedo Mariah V. , Gravel Nathan , Keshavarzi Abbas , Huang Liang-Chin , Kochut Krzysztof J. , Kannan Natarajan
Published: October 2023

The 534 protein kinases encoded in the human genome constitute a large druggable class of proteins that include both well-studied and understudied “dark” members. Accurate prediction of dark kinase functions is a major bioinformatics challenge. Here, we employ a graph mining approach that uses the evolutionary and functional context encoded in knowledge graphs (KGs) to predict protein and pathway associations for understudied kinases. We propose a new scalable graph embedding approach, RegPattern2Vec, which employs regular pattern constrained random walks to sample diverse aspects of node context within a KG flexibly. RegPattern2Vec learns functional representations of kinases, interacting partners, post-translational modifications, pathways, cellular localization, and chemical interactions from a kinase-centric KG that integrates and conceptualizes data from curated heterogeneous data resources. By contextualizing information relevant to prediction, RegPattern2Vec improves accuracy and efficiency in comparison to other random walk-based graph embedding approaches. We show that the predictions produced by our model overlap with pathway enrichment data produced using experimentally validated Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) data from both publicly available databases and experimental datasets not used in training. Our model also has the advantage of using the collected random walks as biological context to interpret the predicted protein-pathway associations. We provide high-confidence pathway predictions for 34 dark kinases and present three case studies in which analysis of meta-paths associated with the prediction enables biological interpretation. Overall, RegPattern2Vec efficiently samples multiple node types for link prediction on biological knowledge graphs and the predicted associations between understudied kinases, pseudokinases, and known pathways serve as a conceptual starting point for hypothesis generation and testing.
Estrategia de comunicaciones para Enel X Way: plan de acción de anticipación y gestión de riesgos competitivos
Authors:   , Lüttecke Morgan Christel
Published: October 2023

Enel X Way Chile, es una nueva filial del grupo Enel, propiedad de Enel X Way SpA (51%) y Enel Chile (49%) dedicada íntegramente a la movilidad eléctrica sostenible con foco en el desarrollo de tecnologías y soluciones de movilidad flexible y carga eléctrica. Enel X Way es una empresa nueva y una marca con un alto potencial de posicionamiento en la incipiente industria de la electromovilidad en Chile. Este Proyecto de Grado aborda los potenciales riesgos competitivos que podría enfrentar Enel X Way de cara a la expansión de la industria de la electromovilidad en un mediano plazo.
Behind the mist of corruption : a case for reconsidering smog checks.
Authors:   , Von Dessauer Wilckens Cristine Beatriz
Published: October 2023

Private vehicle emissions are an important source of local air pollution and indirect influencers on the health and welfare of citizens around the world. In this paper, I evaluate two policies that impose limits on car use, in terms of efficiency and associated welfare gains under different setting characteristics. In particular, I compare driving regulations that classify cars by their emissions through smog checks with their vintage-specific counterpart. Specifically, I analyze the degree to which the finer classification of cars obtained from a rule that differentiates them according to their pollution rate is compromised in presence of corruption. I use a model of the car market and Chilean vehicle fleet data to quantify the extent of manipulation in smog check stations and analyze its effects on both the efficiency and effectiveness of this regulation. I conclude that there is no unique rule that labels one of the two policies as the dominant strategy for every context. That is to say, an emission-specific policy seems highly adequate in places either where corruption is unusual or where the car fleet is composed of vehicles with sufficiently heterogeneous emissions. In any other case, a vintage-specific regulation might be the convenient alternative.
Efectos macroeconómicos de las huelgas en la minería del cobre en Chile
Authors:   , Vega Olivares Pablo Andrés
Published: October 2023

Este artículo propone una forma de identificar un shock de oferta en la industria del cobre utilizando una serie de huelgas que han afectado a las minas de cobre en Chile en el período comprendido entre 1999-2019. Usando datos en alta frecuencia, se instrumentalizó la serie de las huelgas computando el retorno anormal acumulado del precio del contrato de futuro de cobre más próximo a vencer en una ventana de tiempo en torno al día del evento, con lo cual se creó una serie de shocks exógenos de oferta en la industria del cobre. Dado que Chile es el mayor productor de este commodity en el mundo, shocks a la industria del cobre en Chile causan un efecto económica y estadísticamente significativo sobre el precio internacional del cobre. Así mismo, una segunda lectura que propone el artículo es la instrumentalización del precio del cobre a través de las huelgas, con lo cual se obtiene que el efecto de un shock sobre dicha serie tiene efectos que son estadística y económicamente significativos en la economía chilena, provocando un aumento en el producto, consumo e inversión, un deterioro de la balanza comercial relativa al producto y una caída en el EMBI spread, todo esto explicado en gran parte por un aumento contemporáneo en el precio del cobre y una caída en el EMBI. Este último enfoque permite contrastar las diferencias entre los efectos económicos que causa en Chile lo propuesto tradicionalmente por la literatura (precio de commodity exógeno a economías emergentes) con lo que propone este estudio.
Chile y la trampa del ingreso medio: ¿estamos condenados al subdesarrollo?
Authors:   , Fernández Valdés Pedro Pablo
Published: October 2023

La denominada trampa del ingreso medio (TIM) es un concepto relativamente nuevo, que ha permitido abordar una nueva literatura que analiza el crecimiento de los países una vez alcanzado un ingreso medio. Tal como supone el modelo de crecimiento neoclásico, una vez alcanzado cierto nivel de desarrollo se hace más difícil seguir creciendo. Chile, después de décadas con un crecimiento promedio sobre 4 %, ha crecido apenas a un 1.1 % desde 2014, lo que supone una estagnación en el crecimiento del PIB per cápita y un problema a la hora de querer consolidarse como economía avanzada. Este estudio analiza y redefine el concepto de la TIM junto con estudiar la historia económica de Chile y comparaciones internacionales para argumentar la existencia de un quiebre estructural en el crecimiento del producto per cápita, tanto absoluto como relativo a Estados Unidos y por lo tanto, una caída en la trampa del ingreso medio desde el 2014. Esta se debe, principalmente a la caída en la inversión y por ende en la acumulación de capital productivo. Finalmente, se buscan las principales determinantes de la inversión en Chile, encontrando que esta caída en inversión y finalmente en la estagnación del producto y caída en la TIM, está motivada por el aumento en la incertidumbre económica, las mayores dificultades existentes para financiarse- en parte por un aumento en la deuda- y la caída en la inversión extranjera directa producto de la eliminación de ciertas garantías frente a inversores extranjeros.
Construcción y validación del instrumento de medición de intenciones conductuales del profesorado hacia la evaluación de aprendizajes : una aplicación de la teoría de conducta planificada
Authors:   , Rodríguez Morales Gabriela Francisca
Published: October 2023

El objetivo de este estudio es construir y validar un instrumento que mida las intenciones conductuales del profesorado hacia la evaluación de aprendizajes. Inicialmente se construyeron 684 ítems, basados en literatura especializada en evaluación de aprendizajes y en la Teoría de Conducta Planificada. A partir del juicio de expertos y de la realización de un pretest cognitivo, se seleccionaron 80 ítems para una aplicación masiva del cuestionario a una muestra de 509 docentes de Enseñanza Básica y Media del sistema escolar chileno. Se realizaron análisis sobre la capacidad discriminativa de los ítems y de diferencia entre grupos, además de estudiar la consistencia interna y la estructura factorial del instrumento. Considerando dicha información, se propuso una versión final del cuestionario conformada por 30 ítems y tres escalas: Componentes de la intención conductual (Actitud, Norma subjetiva y Control percibido), Intención conductual y Conducta. El instrumento completo presentó un índice de consistencia interna óptimo (alfa de Cronbach de 0,868). En más de un 75% de los reactivos se obtuvo un índice de capacidad discriminativa sobre 0,30; además, ninguno de los ítems seleccionados presentó diferencias significativas entre grupos de acuerdo al género y a la región. En consecuencia, se obtuvieron indicadores psicométricos aceptables para el cuestionario completo y para sus dimensiones, logrando con ello evidencia a favor de su validez. De este modo, el cuestionario construido y validado en este estudio, demuestra ser un instrumento robusto para la medición de intenciones conductuales del profesorado hacia la evaluación de aprendizajes.
Revisión de literatura latinoamericana de los últimos quince años sobre la percepción de estudiantes secundarios hacia los instrumentos evaluativos
Authors:   , Arias Márquez Alejandro
Published: October 2023

La percepción de los estudiantes sobre los instrumentos de evaluación que desarrollan durante su etapa escolar deviene en un insumo significativo para que los y las docentes reflexionen sobre las prácticas evaluativas que implementan en el aula con el objetivo de movilizar el logro de aprendizajes conceptuales y procedimentales significativos en los educandos. Según lo anterior, se indaga en la literatura educativa latinoamericana para establecer un estado del arte en la temática percepción de estudiantes secundarios sobre los instrumentos de evaluación con los objetivos de describir dichas percepciones, identificar los instrumentos evaluativos y describir sus fortalezas y debilidades. En la referente a la metodología usada, la pesquisa de artículos de investigación se realizó en los buscadores virtuales Scielo y Google académico desarrollando una fase heurística y otra hermenéutica. Se realizó un análisis crítico de trece estudios que cumplieron con los criterios de selección. Dentro de los resultados obtenidos, es posible concluir que mayoritariamente los estudiantes tienen percepciones negativas sobre los instrumentos de evaluación estandarizados de preguntas cerradas, y que valoran positivamente aquellas evaluaciones que les permiten desarrollar habilidades cognitivas de mayor complejidad. Además, se constata que durante su trayectoria escolar los estudiantes desarrollan, mayoritariamente, evaluaciones tipo prueba en formato individual.
Dificultades, desafíos y oportunidades que implica la evaluación auténtica en aula para el desarrollo de la habilidad de empatía histórica en segundo ciclo básico
Authors:   , Álvarez Canales Manuel
Published: October 2023

La empatía histórica es una habilidad del pensamiento histórico poco conocida a la cual se refiere el currículo como la capacidad de interrogar fuentes históricas para situarse en la forma de ver y sentir de los sujetos del pasado en su contexto. Un medio para promover el desarrollo de esta habilidad es la evaluación auténtica que, bajo la concepción de una evaluación formativa y para el aprendizaje, promueve la ejecución de tareas contextualizadas basadas en habilidades y competencias que se orientan al logro de uno o más objetivos. Este proyecto de investigación, enmarcado en el paradigma interpretativo y basado en la teoría fundamentada, busca dilucidar en voz del profesorado de aula de Historia, Geografía y Ciencias Sociales de segundo ciclo, cuáles son los desafíos, dificultades y oportunidades que ofrece el empleo de la evaluación auténtica en el desarrollo de esta habilidad y qué conlleva trabajar con ella. Quedará en evidencia que las dificultades asociadas a factores como ambiente y relaciones interpersonales a nivel de aula e institución, así como el conocimiento y percepciones docentes acerca de este enfoque evaluativo, tienen un gran impacto, el que se traduce en prácticas evaluativas auténticas y abordaje de la habilidad de empatía histórica con escasa frecuencia.
Trayectorias de aprendizaje adaptativo de estudiantes de cuarto básico a través de una plataforma educativa para aprender ciencias
Authors:   , Molina Bustos María Constanza
Published: October 2023

Si bien el aprendizaje a través de plataformas digitales no es un tema nuevo, producto de la pandemia COVID-19, se ha potenciado el aprendizaje a través de plataformas educativas, pues ofrecen una diversidad de tareas para que los estudiantes puedan desarrollarlas en línea; sin embargo, pocas plataformas ofrecen oportunidades adaptativas de aprendizaje para que cada estudiante a partir de sus conocimientos y habilidades construya una trayectoria aprendizaje personalizada. Este estudio de casos caracteriza las trayectorias de aprendizaje de dos estudiantes con distintos niveles de aprendizaje en Ciencias en una plataforma adaptativa y describe sus experiencias a partir de lo declarado por ellos después de la realización de las actividades. Se observaron y videograbaron las interacciones de cada niño con la plataforma para el aprendizaje de un indicador del área de Ciencias sobre el sistema músculo esquelético y se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas una vez realizadas las actividades. A través de un análisis cualitativo multimodal, se evidenció que cada trayectoria de aprendizaje desarrollada por los participantes es única, pues las tareas son específicas para cada usuario y se van ordenando en función de la respuesta entregada por cada alumno. Asimismo, las entrevistas demostraron que la experiencia reportada por los participantes fue positiva e innovadora en su quehacer estudiantil, lo que permitió obtener datos relevantes con respecto a la evaluación y la enseñanza de las ciencias.
Impact of Integrated Management Practices of Fruit Fly in Bitter gourd
Authors: Vijayashanthi V. A. , Yogameenakshi P. , Senthilkumar M. , Sivagamy K. , Tamilselvi C. , Prasad S. Arul
Published: October 2023

Bitter gourd is cultivated in 125 hectares out of 310 ha occupied by gourds in. Tiruvallur district in Tamil Nadu, India. Fruit fly is the most destructive insect pests attacking bittergourd.The present study was conducted to demonstrate the Integrated Pest Management practices in bitter gourd against major insect pests in 10 farmers’ fields located in four blocks viz., Tiruvalangadu, R.K.Pet, Thiruthani, Ekadu of Tiruvallur district during 2020-2021. Technological gap between recommended practices and actual farmers’ practice was assessed.The front-line demonstration included IPM practices (field sanitation, Installation of fruit fly traps and spraying of neem oil 3%) and Non –IPM practices. Results indicated average fruit yield of 92.50 q/ha, an increase of 10.77% increase in yield over farmers practice as well as a net income of Rs.1,06,450/-. Reduction in cost of cultivation due to less investment for plant protection aspects has been recorded.
AI‐Driven Wearable Mask‐Inspired Self‐Healing Sensor Array for Detection and Identification of Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Chen Mingrui , Zhang Min , Yang Ziyang , Zhou Cheng , Cui Daxiang , Haick Hossam , Tang Ning
Published: October 2023

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) sensor arrays have garnered considerable attention due to their potential to provide real‐time information for monitoring pollution levels and personal health associated concerning VOCs in the ambient environment. Here, an AI‐driven wearable mask‐inspired self‐healing sensor array (MISSA), created using a simplified single‐step stacking technique for detecting and identifying VOCs is presented. This wearable MISSA comprises three vertically placed breathable self‐healing gas sensors (BSGS) with linear response behavior, consistent repeatability, and reliable self‐healing abilities. For wearable and portable monitoring, the MISSA is combined with a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) to produce a mobile‐compatible wireless system. Due to the distinct layers of MISSA, it creates exclusive code bars for four distinct VOCs over three concentration levels. This grants precise gas identification and concentration prognoses with excellent accuracy of 99.77% and 98.3%, respectively. The combination of MISSA with artificial intelligence (AI) suggests its potential as a successful wearable device for long‐term daily VOC monitoring and assessment for personal health monitoring scenarios.
Selective Immunosuppression Targeting the NLRP3 Inflammasome Mitigates the Foreign Body Response to Implanted Biomaterials While Preserving Angiogenesis
Authors: Chan Alex H.P. , Moore Matthew J. , Grant Angus J. , Lam Yuen Ting Monica , Darnell Matthew V. , Michael Praveesuda L. , Wise Steven G. , Tan Richard P.
Published: October 2023

Medical devices are a mainstay of the healthcare industry, providing clinicians with innovative tools to diagnose, monitor, and treat a range of medical conditions. For implantable devices, it is widely regarded that chronic inflammation during the foreign body response (FBR) is detrimental to device performance, but also required for tissue regeneration and host integration. Current strategies to mitigate the FBR rely on broad acting anti‐inflammatory drugs, most commonly, dexamethasone (DEX), which can inhibit angiogenesis and compromise long‐term device function. This study challenges prevailing assumptions by suggesting that FBR inflammation is multifaceted, and selectively targeting its individual pathways can stop implant fibrosis while preserving beneficial repair pathways linked to improved device performance. MCC950, an anti‐inflammatory drug that selectively inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome, targets pathological inflammation without compromising global immune function. The effects of MCC950 and DEX on the FBR are compared using implanted polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds. The results demonstrate that both DEX and MCC950 halt immune cell recruitment and cytokine release, leading to reduced FBR. However, MCC950 achieves this while supporting capillary growth and enhancing tissue angiogenesis. These findings support selective immunosuppression approaches as a potential future direction for treating the FBR and enhancing the longevity and safety of implantable devices.
PLD Epitaxial Thin‐Film BaTiO3 on MgO − Dielectric and Electro‐Optic Properties
Authors: Winiger Joel , Keller Killian , Moor David , Baumann Michael , Kim Donghoon , Chelladurai Daniel , Kohli Manuel , Blatter Tobias , Dénervaud Eric , Fedoryshyn Yuriy , Koch Ueli , Pané Salvador , Grange Rachel , Leuthold Juerg
Published: October 2023

The study demonstrates high‐quality pulsed‐laser‐deposited (PLD) barium titanate (BTO) thin‐films on a magnesium oxide substrate. The frequency response of the relative permittivity (dielectric constant) and the linear electro‐optical coefficient (Pockels coefficient) are measured. At 0.2 GHz, the Pockels coefficient is fitted to be r42 ≈ 1030 pm V−1. It decreases to ≈390 pm V−1 at 10 GHz after which it remains constant up to 70 GHz. The unbiased BTO permittivity is measured to be εa ≈ 7600 at 0.2 GHz, dropping to ≈1100 at 67 GHz, while the biased BTO  had a permittivity εa ≈ 2000 at 0.2 GHz, dropping to ≈500 at 67 GHz. These results fill an important experimental characterization gap for high‐speed BTO applications and show the high quality of PLD‐grown BTO films. Lastly, the material's crystalline quality is characterized and the domain distribution is imaged. The findings enable the design and fabrication of a new generation of BTO‐based components for sensing and communications.
Wirelessly Powered Sensing Fertilizer for Precision and Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Kasuga Takaaki , Mizui Ami , Koga Hirotaka , Nogi Masaya
Published: October 2023

Sensor networks comprising small wireless sensor devices facilitate the collection of environmental information and increase the efficiency of outdoor practices, including agriculture. However, the sensor‐device installation density of a network is limited because conventional sensor devices must be removed after use. In this study, a sustainable dense sensing system that combines simplified degradable sensor devices, wireless power supply, and thermal‐camera image‐based information recognition is proposed. The proposed wireless‐power‐driven sensor device comprises a biodegradable nanopaper substrate, natural wax, and an eco‐friendly tin conductive line. The sensor device emits a thermal signal based on the soil moisture content. The thermal camera simultaneously acquires the soil moisture‐content data and sensor‐device location. The majority of the sensor‐device components are biodegradable, and the residual components have a minimal adverse impact on the environment. Additionally, the fertilizer component in the substrate promotes plant growth. The proposed sensing concept introduces a novel direction for realizing hyperdense sensor networks and contributes to the development of social systems that combine sustainability with meticulous environmental management.
Multifunctional Oxidized Dextran–Metformin as a Tissue‐Adhesive Hydrogel to Prevent Postoperative Peritoneal Adhesions in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Liu Xi , Song Xianwen , Zhang Zequn , Yang Shutong , Li Liang , Lin Changwei , Chen Miao , Liu Chuntai , Li Xiaorong , Zhang Yi , Hu Gui
Published: October 2023

Patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) undergoing surgery are at high risk of developing peritoneal adhesions and other severe postoperative complications. However, the single shielding function and absence of physiological activity render conventional methods less useful in preventing adhesions in patients with MetS. To address this challenge, a convenient method is introduced for developing a novel tissue‐adhesive hydrogel called oxidized dextran–metformin (ODE–ME) via Schiff base linkages. This injectable ODE–ME hydrogel exhibits excellent tissue‐adhesive properties and various physiological functions, particularly enhanced antibacterial effects. Furthermore, in vivo experiments demonstrate that the hydrogel can effectively alleviate hyperglycemia, reduce excessive inflammation, and improve fibrinolytic activity in MetS mice, thereby preventing adhesions and promoting incisional healing. The hydrogel concurrently isolates injured tissues and lowers the blood glucose levels immediately after surgery in mice. Therefore, the ODE–ME hydrogel functions as a multifunctional barrier material and has potential for preventing postoperative peritoneal adhesions in patients with MetS in clinical settings.
Low Operating Voltage and Immediate Read‐After‐Write of HZO‐Based Si Ferroelectric Field‐Effect Transistors with High Endurance and Retention Characteristics
Authors: Kim Bong Ho , Kuk Song‐Hyeon , Kim Seong Kwang , Kim Joon Pyo , Suh Yoon‐Je , Jeong Jaeyong , Lee Chan Jik , Geum Dae‐Myeong , Yoon Young Joon , Kim Sang Hyeon
Published: October 2023

The study demonstrates HfZrOx (HZO)‐based Si ferroelectric field‐effect transistors (FeFETs) with a low operating voltage (1.5 V) and immediate read‐after‐write operation (100 ns) via HZO thickness scaling, electron‐beam‐irradiation (EBI) treatment, and interfacial layer (IL) scavenging. With these three strategies, reduced operating voltage, immediate read‐after‐write capability, and improved endurance (>108 cycles) and retention (extrapolated 10‐year) characteristics are achieved in FeFETs. The improved characteristics of FeFETs are attributed to the reduced operating voltage by HZO thickness scaling, the ferroelectric orthorhombic phase‐oriented crystallization by EBI treatment, and the reduced gate voltage drop across the IL and reduced depolarization field by the IL scavenging. It is believed that this work contributes to the development of low‐power and fast‐read FeFETs.
A mesomelic skeletal dysplasia, Kantaputra‐like, not related to HOXD cluster region, and with phenotypic gender differences
Authors: Lacarrubba‐Flores Maria Dora Jazmin , da Costa Silveira Karina , Silveira Cynthia , Carvalho Benilton S. , Cavalcanti Denise Pontes
Published: October 2023

Mesomelic skeletal dysplasia is a heterogeneous group of skeletal disorders that has grown since the molecular basis of these conditions is in the process of research and discovery. Here, we report a Brazilian family with eight affected members over three generations with a phenotype similar to mesomelic Kantaputra dysplasia. This family presents marked shortening of the upper limbs with hypotrophy of the lower limbs and clubfeet without synostosis. Array‐based CNV analysis and exome sequencing of four family members failed to show any region or gene candidate. Interestingly, males were more severely affected than females in this family, suggesting that gender differences could play a role in the phenotypic expressivity of this condition.
Organocatalytic Dynamic Kinetic Resolution Enabled Asymmetric Synthesis of Phosphorus‐Containing Chiral Helicenes
Authors: Wu Jia‐Hong , Fang Siqiang , Zheng Xingtao , He Jiajia , Ma Yi , Su Zhishan , Wang Tianli
Published: October 2023

The catalytic asymmetric synthesis of phosphorus‐containing helicenes remains a formidable challenge, presumably due to the lack of rational design of substrates, right choice of reactions together with highly effective catalysis systems. Herein, we disclosed an efficient and practical DKR‐involving (dynamic kinetic resolution) cascade strategy toward synthesizing a novel family of phosphorus‐installing helicenes by peptide‐mimic phosphonium salt (PPS) catalysis. The sequential process of PPS‐catalyzed phospha‐Michael attack and copper salt‐facilitated aromatization led to the formation of unprecedented phosphorus‐containing oxa[5]helicene scaffolds. A wide variety of substrates bearing an assortment of functional groups were compatible with this protocol, furnishing the expected helical compounds in high yields and excellent stereoselectivities. Additionally, the helical products could be conveniently elaborated to promising phosphine ligands with perfectly retained helical chirality, which turned out to be highly efficient chiral ligands in transition metal‐catalyzed reactions. These findings not only expand the current library of phosphorus‐containing helicenes but also offer insights to explore other challenging scaffolds with molecular chirality.
Synthetic High‐Density Lipoprotein‐Based Nanomedicine to Silence SOCS1 in Tumor Microenvironment and Trigger Antitumor Immunity against Glioma
Authors: Yang Chunrong , Li Yujie , Yang Yuchen , Ni Qiankun , Zhang Zeyu , Chai Yi , Li Jinghong
Published: October 2023

Immunotherapies have shed light on the treatment of many cancers, but have not improved the outcomes of glioma (GBM). Here, we demonstrated that suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) was associated with the GBM‐associated immunosuppression and developed a multifunctional nanomedicine, which silenced SOCS1 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of GBM and triggered strong antitumor immunity against GBM. Synthetic high‐density lipoprotein (sHDL) was selected as the nanocarrier and a peptide was used to facilitate the blood‐brain‐barrier (BBB) penetration. The nanocarrier was loaded with a small interfering RNA (siRNA), a peptide, and an adjuvant to trigger antitumor immunity. The nanomedicine concentrated on the TME in vivo, further promoting dendritic cell maturation and T cell proliferation, triggering strong cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses, and inhibiting tumor growth. Our work provides an alternative strategy to simultaneously target and modulate the TME in GBM patients and points to an avenue for enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapeutics.
Intermolecular Carbophosphination of Alkynes with Phosphole Oxides via Ni−Al Bimetal‐Catalyzed C−P Bond Activation
Authors: Zhang Feng‐Ping , Wang Rong‐Hua , Li Jiang‐Fei , Chen Hao , Hari Babu Madala , Ye Mengchun
Published: October 2023

Intermolecular carbophosphination reaction of alkynes or alkenes with unreactive C−P bonds remains an elusive challenge. Herein, we used a Ni−Al bimetallic catalyst to realize an intermolecular carbophosphination reaction of alkynes with 5‐membered phosphole oxides, providing a series of 7‐membered phosphepines in up to 94 % yield.
Development of a continuous fermentation process for the production of recombinant uricase enzyme by Pichia pastoris
Authors: Mahboudi Sanaz , Abbas Shojaosadati Seyed , Maghsoudi Amir , Mahmoudi Behrouz
Published: October 2023

Recent studies in the biopharmaceutical industry have shown an increase in the productivity and production efficiency of recombinant proteins by continuous culture. In this research, a new upstream fermentation process was developed for the production of recombinant uricase in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. Expression of recombinant protein in this system is under the control of the AOX1 promoter and therefore requires methanol as an inducing agent and carbon/energy source. Considering the biphasic growth characteristics of conventional fed‐batch fermentation, physical separation of the growth and induction stages for better control of the continuous fermentation process resulted in higher dry‐cell weight (DCW) and enhanced recombinant urate oxidase activity. The DCW and recombinant uricase activity enzyme for fed‐batch fermentation were 79 g/L and 6.8 u/mL. During the continuous process, in the growth fermenter at a constant dilution rate of 0.025 h−1, DCW increased to 88.39 g/L. In the induction fermenter, at methanol feeding rates of 30, 60, and 80 mL/h, a recombinant uricase activity was 4.13, 7.2, and 0 u/mL, respectively. The optimum methanol feeding regime in continuous fermentation resulted in a 4.5‐fold improvement in productivity compared with fed‐batch fermentation from 0.04 u/mL/h (0.0017 mg/mL/h) to 0.18 u/mL/h (0.0078 mg/mL/h).
Neuromodulation as an anticancer strategy
Authors: Kumaria Ashwin , Ashkan Keyoumars
Published: October 2023

There may be a role for vagus nerve stimulation as an anticancer strategy. This may include the modulation of signalling between nerves and tumour cells and epigenetic influences, in addition to reduction of oxidative stress, anti‐inflammatory and endocrine mechanisms.
Applying means‐end chains theory to understanding psychological cognitive structure of online video sharing platforms: A study of user behavior in TikTok
Authors: Lin Hong‐Wen
Published: October 2023

The means‐end chains theory was used in this study to explore the attributes most valued by TikTok users and to examine the resulting psychological values generated. Laddering interviews were used for content analysis and “online video sharing platform attributes—user consequences—personal values” psychological cognitive structures, from a perspective of the user were constructed using the structural implication matrix and hierarchical value map. A total of 34 elements were identified from the results of the study. The categorization of attribute elements was also expanded to include motivation for social media communication and interaction, which have not been previously explored. The results showed that diverse video genre, interesting video content, easy‐to‐use interface, visual effects application, and community sharing and recommendation are key platform attributes valued by users. The facilitating observational learning, promoting the joy of life, raising convenience, having fun with friends, relieving emotional stress, and other user consequences were generated by platform attributes. And lastly, personal values such as a sense of accomplishment, fun and enjoyment of life, warm relationships with others, and sense of belonging were gained. In addition, the study also finds that there are differences in the psychological cognitive structures between genders and that the correlations and influences among the elements have different degrees of significance. These findings can give marketers and policymakers a better understanding of the behavior of TikTok users and help them develop better strategies for marketing and promotion of the platform.
Take a break! Leisure participation moderates the workaholism–work stress relationship
Authors: Aziz Shahnaz , Meier Brittany , Wuensch Karl , Dolbier Christyn
Published: October 2023

Our primary aim was to gain a better understanding of how leisure activities (i.e., physical activity, mindfulness, and vacation) may beneficially relate to workaholism and work stress. Secondary aims included exploring motivations for participating in the three types of leisure activities. The job demands‐resources theory; conservation of resources theory; and detachment‐recovery, autonomy, mastery, meaning, and affiliation model provided context for hypothesized relationships among the variables. Full‐time employees in the United States (N = 367) were recruited via Amazon's Mechanical Turk community, and they completed an online survey. Leisure participation significantly moderated the relationship between workaholism and work stress (weakening it). The majority of motivations for mindfulness and vacation were related to mental/emotional health, with a more even split between mental/emotional health and physical health/appearance motivations for physical activities. Several policy and practice‐based recommendations for prioritizing leisure engagement are provided.