bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Health: Procurement Guide
Authors: Witzel Blair , Payen Patricia Yamilee , Benedettelli Veronica , Escala Mendez Victor Hugo , Tejerina Luis , Nelson Jennifer
Published: May 2024

The Digital Health Procurement Guide is a comprehensive resource developed by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to assist its clients in procuring digital health tools. It provides an overview of the procurement process, including key stages and responsibilities, and offers practical tools and templates to facilitate a successful procurement. The guide emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, understanding needs, executing a structured procurement process, and negotiating effective contracts. Collaboration among stakeholders is also highlighted as crucial for successful digital health procurement. The guide does not replace the IDB's procurement policies but serves as a valuable reference for clients seeking support in this area. This guide will: Help Purchasers understand the process for procuring digital health tools from defining its need to contract negotiation; Discuss the difference between defining what a Purchaser needs (i.e., its requirements) and how it asks (i.e., goes to market) for solutions to meet those needs; Provide an overview of a procurement process following a multi-stage bidding process; Provide tools and templates that can help a Purchaser execute a digital health procurement based on good practice.
Factores que inciden en el desempeño de la competitividad en el departamento del Meta - Colombia
Authors: Torres Flórez Dagoberto , Vidal Sanpedro María Alejandra , Méndez Baquero Luis Gabriel
Published: May 2024

El objetivo de este artículo es diagnosticar el desempeño registrado por el departamento del Meta en el Índice Departamental de Competitividad (IDC), a través de la observación de los factores de competitividad y sus pilares. Su propósito es proponer una prospectiva en temas de competitividad regional que sirva como herramienta para las autoridades regionales en los procesos de toma de decisiones y formulación e implementación de planes y programas más acertados basados en la evidencia. El método de recolección de información fue una revisión y análisis documental de los pilares que fundamentan el Índice Departamental de Competitividad del Meta en el periodo comprendido entre 2013 y 2020. El resultado expuso que el departamento del Meta ha tenido un comportamiento aceptable en el ranking, no obstante, se hace necesario ejecutar e implementar mecanismos territoriales para  aprovechar sus recursos económicos, sociales, políticos y ambientales.
Shifting perceptions and channelling commitment in higher education communities: How to grow a Quality Culture outside the lab
Authors: Greere Anca , Riley Catherine
Published: May 2024

Drawing on the data collected via a European funded project with eleven higher education partners, the article proposes a five-stage working model which can be adopted in and adapted to different institutional contexts so as to shift perceptions, strengthen engagement and channel commitment with a view to developing the desired quality culture. The project explored ways in which quality in higher education was viewed and practised by three main stakeholder groups: students, academics and quality managers, referred to as three ‘quality circles’. It adopted a reflective approach to issues of quality based on grassroots discussion and cooperation between key, but in some cases disengaged, stakeholders in the quality process. The project designed, tried and tested a series of activities which demonstrated lasting impact. The analysis of the project data revealed a patterning, which, if organised sequentially, carries the potential to crystalise into an action model which may be replicated by individual higher education institutions in support of advancing towards the quality culture they might be striving for. This article highlights the building blocks of the model and explains practices which can underpin their successful implementation.
Received: 3 August 2023Accepted: 9 April 2024
Serendipity and surprise: A diachronic analysis of International Baccalaureate in the global press 1977-2019
Authors: Fitzgerald Saira
Published: May 2024

This study examines perceptions of the International Baccalaureate (IB) over five decades to better understand its growing influence on education systems around the world. As part of the global education industry, the IB plays an important role in shaping national public education discourse. Building on previous synchronic analyses that used a corpus-assisted discourse studies (CADS) approach, the present study conducts a diachronic exploration of the same 28 million word corpus of global press articles to see how perceptions of the IB may have changed over its 55-year history. Trends over time revealed five main shifts in IB discourse: (i) from education to brand; (ii) from concrete curriculum-related lexis to recurring value-laden terms; (iii) from comparison to competition with other national curricula; (iv) from academic qualification to institutional regulation; and (v) from students to IB coordinator. Findings also showed a stable group of collocates that occurred consistently across all time periods, pointing to an “invariant core” (Morley & Partington, 2009) meaning of the IB that provides fresh insight into how the dominant view of the IB as a singular standardized brand may be entrenched and taken for granted.
Leveraging culturally-relevant urban social housing to address Indigenous youth homelessness and transitions out of government care
Authors: Morton Darrien , Conlon Quinn , Delorme Quinton , Pierce Alex , Rieu Jacqueline , Terrain Rafael , Fearless R2W  , Hatala Andrew
Published: May 2024

Indigenous children and youth are overrepresented in settler-colonial child protection systems globally. They experience higher rates of homelessness and housing precarity when leaving care and searching for family and a place to call home. Missing from Canadian policy and research discussions is the role social housing can play to address these realities by providing a social safety net for permanent low-barrier housing. In this article, we highlight a community-based Solutions Lab that analyzed discursive policy constructions of ‘youth transition’ and explored the implications of austerity-driven social housing reform in a mid-sized metropolitan Canadian city. We illustrate potential challenges and opportunities for leveraging social housing by state governments and private markets which mediate housing precarity, belonging, and cultural conceptions of home.
Giiwe:
Authors: Sanchez-Pimienta Carlos Ernesto , Giroux Diane , Masuda Jeff , M'Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre
Published: May 2024

Preventing people from experiencing homelessness is a complex task requiring the coordination of multiple actors. There are various frameworks for homelessness prevention; however, there is no published example of an Indigenous-led model. We present the Giiwe model for systems homelessness prevention led by M’Wikwedong Indigenous Friendship Centre in Owen Sound, Canada. Giiwe hosts regular in-person meetings that use ceremony, Indigenous Knowledges, discussion, and follow-up actions to increase service access among a network of over 20 organizations. Building on Giiwe’s experience, we discuss how Western and Indigenous worldviews impact inter-organizational collaboration. Giiwe’s success suggests funding and policy contexts mandating partnerships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous organizations could benefit from ceding space for initiatives affirming Indigenous collaboration approaches.
Mindfulness Based Emotional Intelligence Training to Reduce Emotional Vulnerability for Medical Students
Authors: Calinici Mirela Simona , Calinici Tudor , Crisan Horatiu Traian
Published: May 2024

Healthcare professional and students are one of the professional categories vulnerable to stress, anxiety, depression and burnout, and mindfulness-based interventions are used to reduce distress and vulnerability (Lomas et al., 2018; Parcover et al., 2018). A psychological construct also relevant for the well-being is emotional intelligence (Uchino et al., 2015). This article presents the results of an existing intervention, combining mindfulness techniques and emotional intelligence exercises (Mindfulness based emotional intelligence intervention - MBEIT, Ciarrochi & Godsell, 2006), used in small medical student’s sample, in order to advocate the use of this brief intervention for medical students in educational settings. The structure of the intervention follows the dimensions of psychological flexibility construct, with a time frame of two hours for each dimension: ‘Effective emotional orientation’, ’Mindfulness and Emotional Awareness’, ‘Defusing from unhelpful rules or evaluations‘, ‘Effective values orientation’ . The results of intervention show moderate effect size for the increase of emotional intelligence and of the psychological flexibility (emotional awareness, mindfulness and committed action).
O pożytkach badań poetyckich w naukach społecznych
Authors: Bielecka-Prus Joanna
Published: May 2024

Poezja nie jest wciąż traktowana jako uprawomocniona naukowo metoda badania i reprezentowania zebranych danych w jakościowych badaniach empirycznych. Jednakże założenie o istnieniu sprzeczności między myśleniem naukowym i twórczością poetycką jest jedynie pozorne. Badania poetyczne to podejście badawcze, które wykorzystuje poezję jako metodę eksploracji, analizy i reprezentacji wyników badania. W artykule autorka wyjaśnia, dlaczego warto sięgać po formy poetyckie na różnych etapach procesu badawczego. Pokazuje, w jaki sposób można tworzyć poezję z uzyskanych danych, a także omawia cechy wyróżniające ars poetica, które mogą posłużyć za punkty odniesienia dla badań poetyckich w badaniach jakościowych, tak aby przekazać bogactwo ludzkich doświadczeń, które może nie być w pełni uchwycone przez tradycyjne teksty akademickie.
Production agricole vivrière à l’ouest Cameroun et vulnérabilités économiques des producteurs : le cas de la filière maïs et haricot dans le bassin de production des Bamboutos
Authors: Gaétan Mawoh , Karim Nana Claudin
Published: May 2024

Le présent article analyse les dynamiques socioéconomiques qui ont cours aujourd’hui autour des filières agricoles maïs et haricot, qui sont plus que par le passé, des spéculations agricoles de choix dans le vivrier marchand à l’ouest Cameroun et plus particulièrement dans le bassin de production des Bamboutos à la suite de la déprise caféière. Cette recherche est basée sur une méthodologie essentiellement qualitative, fondée sur les entretiens semi directifs avec les producteurs agricoles et les commerçants, auxquelles sont combinées des observations directes dans les marchés et les espaces commerciaux (ruraux et urbains) où s’échangent ces produits agricoles. Il en ressort que l’agriculture vivrière est aujourd’hui au sein de ce bassin de production, une pratique généralisée dont les implications socioéconomiques les plus immédiates ne se limitent plus seulement au monde rural, mais on observe aussi une forte implication des citadins dans les pratiques agricoles notamment dans les filières maïs et haricot. Cependant, les producteurs de Haricot et Maïs, acteurs à la base de cette économie vivrière restent pourtant économiquement les plus vulnérables de la chaine de valeur, cela au profit des acteurs à l’instar des transporteurs, des commerçants et activités connexes autour de la circulation commerciale des produits agricoles.
 
This paper provides an analysis of the socioeconomic dynamics that exist today around the maize and beans agricultural sectors, which are more than in the past, prime agricultural speculation of food intended for sales in West Cameroon, particularly in the Bamboutos production area as a result of coffee plant depravity. This presentation is based on an essentially qualitative methodology, focused on semi-direct interviews with agricultural producers and traders, which are combined with direct observations in markets and commercial spaces (rural and urban) where these agricultural products are traded. It is clear from this that, food farming is now in this production area, a generalized practice whose, most immediate socio-economic implications are no longer limited to the rural world as tended until then to consider several scientific discourses on agrarian activities; but there is also a strong involvement of city dwellers in agricultural practices, particularly in the corn and beans sectors. However, bean and maize producers, who are the basic stakeholders in this food economy, remain the most economically vulnerable in the value chain, in favor of other actors such as transporters, traders, and related activities involved in the commercial movement of agricultural products.
Popular Food Products Among Farmers in the Piedmont Triad Region of North Carolina
Authors: Okefi Uchenna , Ejimakor Godfrey
Published: May 2024

This study evaluated the products produced by farmers in the 12-county Piedmont Triad Region of North Carolina. The study aimed to identify the most popular food products among farmers in order to enhance the local food economy. This was done by identifying food items that may be more suitable for production in the region. Survey respondents were asked to list all food items that they produced. The listed items were categorized as either crops or livestock products. The percentages of farmers that produced the different food items were calculated and compared. Beef was the number one livestock product produced by farmers in the region.  Tomatoes, then lettuce, were the most predominant plant products produced by the region’s farmers. One of every six farmers in the region produced tomatoes. Beef was produced by one of every eight farmers in the region. New and beginning farmers in the region will do well by considering these products because their production by many existing farmers may imply that there is a ready market for them.
Infection Medullaire A Schistosoma Mansoni Mimant Une Tumeur
Authors: Sylla Assata , Karidioula Hiénéya Armel , Gnazégbo Any , Koné Bah Abdoul Kader , Koffi Yannick Thibaut , Kouakou Akissi Sandrine Josette , Karidioula Yéné Léa Constante , Touré Aïcha , Doumbia Mohamed Lamine , Koné Djakaridja , Bony Elisée Kotchi , Kouamé-Assouan Ange-Eric
Published: May 2024

Introduction : La bilharziose médullaire est la manifestation neurologique de l'infection intramédullaire par le Schistosoma. L’objectif est d’attirer l’attention du clinicien sur ce mode présentation de la bilharziose dans les zones endémiques. Observation : Nous rapportons le cas d’enfant de 12 ans, admis pour un déficit moteur des deux membres inférieurs d’installation progressive en deux semaines associé à une rétention aiguë des urines, de constipation et une dorsalgie hyperalgique. Les explorations paracliniques nous ont conduits à une infestation médullaire à shistososma mansoni.  Conclusion : Ce cas clinique nous interroge sur l’espèce du schistosoma. Est-ce une hybridation ? Est-ce une coinfection à schistosoma mansoni et haematobium ? Enfin est-ce un passage accidentel du schistosoma mansoni dans les voies urinaires à travers les plexus veineux ? D’où l’intérêt de pousser les explorations avec la polymerase chain reaction ou le génotypage de schistosoma. Mais cette technique est d’accessibilité difficile dans notre contexte de travail.
 
Introduction: Bone marrow bilharzia is the neurological manifestation of intramedullary infection by Schistosoma. The objective is to draw the attention of the clinician to this mode of presentation of bilharzia in endemic areas. Observation: We report the case of a 12-year-old child, admitted for a motor deficit in both lower limbs that gradually developed over two weeks and was associated with acute retention of urine, constipation, and hyperalgesic back pain. Paraclinical explorations led us to a bone marrow infestation with shhistososma mansoni. Conclusion: This clinical case raises questions about the species of schistosoma. Is this a hybridization? Is it a coinfection with Schistosoma Mansoni and haematobium? Finally, is it an accidental passage of Schistosoma Mansoni into the urinary tract through the venous plexus? Hence the interest in further explorations with polymerase chain reaction or Schistosoma genotyping. But this technique is difficult to access in our work context.
Comparison of Urine Creatinine Levels between Agricultural Workers and Non-Agricultural Workers in Wuluhan District Jember Regency
Authors: Winanda Leony Agnes Savira , Muhammad Ihwan Narwanto  , Inke Kusumastuti  , Septa Surya  Wahyudi  , Jauhar Firdaus
Published: May 2024

Agricultural workers are inseparable from the use of pesticides. Inappropriate use of pesticides causes nephrotoxic effects. Impaired kidney function can be known by measuring creatinine levels excreted through urine. This study aims to determine the difference in urinary creatinine levels between agricultural workers and non- gricultural workers. This study was conducted in October 2022 - April 2023 in Wuluhan District. The data used were primary data obtained from interviews using a questionnaire, while urine creatinine levels were obtained by collecting the middle portion of urine and examined by the Jaffe-Reaction method. The results of the study were 60 male subjects consisting of agricultural workers and non-agricultural workers. Urinary creatinine levels in agricultural and non-agricultural workers were normal. Bivariate analysis showed there was no significant difference in urinary creatinine levels between agricultural workers and non-agricultural workers. The conclusion of this study is that there is no significant difference in urinary creatinine levels between agricultural workers and non-agricultural workers.
Pengobatan Fraktur Femur Pada Bayi Baru Lahir Menggunakan Metode Bryant Traction
Authors: Muhammad Hasan
Published: May 2024

Terapi non operatif merupakan metode pilihan untuk menangani patah tulang femur pada bayi baru lahir. Bryant Traction merupakan pilihan yang efektif dan efisien pada fraktur femur neonatus, pemasangannya mudah dan sederhana tanpa anestesi general. Penelitian ini adalah case report, data primer diambil langsung dengan anamnesis, pemeriksaan fisik dan pemeriksaan radiologi. Pasien adalah seorang bayi berusia 2 hari, menderita patah tulang sepertiga tengah akibat trauma. Diterapi dengan menggunakan metode konservatif Bryant traction. Pasien dievaluasi dengan pemeriksaan fifik setiap hari dan diperiksa rontgen pada minggu ke 1 untuk memeriksa koreksi angulasi dan pada minggu ke 2 untuk memeriksa perkembangan kalus. di ikuti tumbuh kembangnya sampai berumur 1 tahun, dengan hasil yang didapat yaitu normal.
Jungenbilder in Erziehungsratgebern : eine diskursanalytische Studie zu Formen der Mutter-Sohn-Beziehung und Geschlechtervorstellungen
Authors: Dörr Sabine
Published: May 2024

In dieser empirischen Forschungsarbeit werden Thematisierungsphänomene in der genderspezifischer Ratgeberliteratur untersucht. Wie werden Jungen im Kontext der Mutter-Sohn-Beziehung dargestellt und was wird den Lesenden dabei implizit an Geschlechterrollenstereotypen und Erziehungsvorstellungen vermittelt? Zur Analyse dieser ratgeberspezifischen Thematisierungsphänomene wird ein qualitativdiskursanalytischer und damit hypothesengenerierender Zugang gewählt. Das Sample umfasst 22 Ratgeber zur Jungenerziehung, die zwischen 1990 und 2016 auf dem deutschen Buchmarkt erschienen sind. Dabei liegt der Fokus auf Textstellen, in denen die Mutter-Sohn-Beziehung thematisiert wird. Als erstes zentrales Ergebnis wird das empirische Material zu vier Typen verschiedener Formen der Mutter-Sohn-Beziehung verdichtet. Diese unterscheiden sich hinsichtlich der Erziehungsverständnisse und Verhaltensweisen von Mu¨ttern und deren entwicklungshemmenden sowie förderlichen Effekten auf den Entwicklungsprozess von Söhnen. Das zweite zentrale Ergebnis umfasst Jungenbilder, die diesen Beziehungstypen zugrunde liegen. In diesen Bildern spiegeln sich einerseits jungenspezifische Identitätsentwicklungen in Abgrenzung zu Mädchen und andererseits Handlungsanweisungen an Erziehende zur Herstellung einer jungenspezifischen Identitätsstabilität wider. Mit diesen Ergebnissen wird der bisherige Diskurs dahingehend angereichert, als hier explizit Ratgeber untersucht werden, die Erziehungsprozesse eines Geschlechts thematisieren. Die Bedeutung des Geschlechts fu¨r die Herstellung von Erziehung sowie ratgeberspezifische Subjekt-, Wissens- und Machtstrukturen und deren mögliche Wirkung auf Lesende dieses Genres werden reflektiert. Diese Studie lässt sich sowohl in der Diskursforschung, Genderforschung, Jungenforschung sowie der Forschung zur Ratgeberliteratur verorten.
A comprehensive risk prediction method for defense mission planning based on probabilistic reasoning and hierarchical analysis
Authors: Du WeiWei , Chen XiaoWei
Published: May 2024

Most existing risk prediction methods focus on constructing risk element sets and analyzing their uncertainties but do not deeply explore the correlation types and intensities of factors, resulting in large errors in the comprehensive risk prediction results. In this paper, a new integrated risk prediction method is proposed based on the correlation types of tasks in defense task planning and execution. The approach mainly includes the following steps: First, based on the difference of the sequence and mode of action of link tasks, three correlation types (hierarchical, synergistic, and independent) are defined among them, and various correlation measurement techniques are proposed to model these abstract correlation relations and provide data basis for constructing risk decision graphs. Secondly, the rotation extraction strategy is introduced to excavate the internal correlation law between link tasks and generate their hierarchical topology to ensure the rational distribution of their hierarchy positions in defense missions. Then, the intra-layer risk weight is determined based on the centrality of each node in the topology structure, and then the comprehensive risk prediction weighting graph is constructed. Finally, the path analysis is used to assess the rationality of the hierarchical topology structure of the link tasks, and the validity of the proposed method is verified using the test sample set. The results show that compared with other approaches, the predicted results of the proposed method more closely approximate the actual outcomes.
Advancements and applications of three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Wang Rui , Zhao Jie , Fang Qianrong , Qiu Shilun
Published: May 2024

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) represent an emerging class of crystalline porous polymers characterized by their pre-designed interconnected structures formed via dynamic covalent bonds. These materials have garnered widespread attention in recent years. While applications of two-dimensional (2D) COFs have been extensively investigated since 2005, their practicality has been impeded by their limited specific surface area and the robust π-π stacking interaction. In contrast, three-dimensional (3D) COFs boast enhanced porosity, larger specific surface area, well-exposed functional groups, and an abundance of reaction sites, positioning them at the forefront of porous material research. They find extensive applications in diverse fields, including adsorption, separation, catalysis, and so on. This featured article provides a comprehensive exploration of the latest advancements in 3D COFs across their respective application domains. Additionally, we outline the current challenges that must be addressed and shed light on the promising prospects for the utilization of 3D COFs.
Viral sequencing to inform the global elimination of dog-mediated rabies - a systematic review
Authors: Jaswant Gurdeep , Bautista Criselda T. , Ogoti Brian , Changalucha Joel , Oyugi Julius O. , Campbell Kathryn , Mutunga Mumbua , Thumbi S.M. , Hampson Katie , Brunker Kirstyn
Published: May 2024

Background: Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease, present in almost 150 countries. The “Zero by 30” initiative aims to eliminate human deaths from dog-mediated rabies globally by 2030. This systematic review investigates how viral sequencing can contribute to achieving the “Zero by 30” goal by improving understanding of viral circulation and the impact of rabies control measures.

Methods: A comprehensive search of bibliographic databases was conducted focusing on research on rabies from regions with endemic dog-mediated rabies published between 2000 and 2023, adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Data were extracted and synthesised to provide recommendations for further research and application to support rabies control.

Results: 220 studies were identified to have documented rabies virus (RABV) sequences from 94 countries, primarily using first-generation technology to produce partial genomes and with sequencing predominantly conducted overseas rather than in-country. Dogs were identified to be the primary RABV reservoir in these regions, although some studies identified more localised wildlife reservoirs. Clade classifications were commonly based on host association or geographical location, however, lack of standardised methods and nomenclature for classifying lineages limited comparison at higher resolution. Cross-species transmission, and both local and long-distance transmission were identified, although quantitative inference was limited. Sequence data was particularly useful for identifying transboundary spread and incursions, investigating host shifts, and tracing sources of human rabies, with endemicity typically characterised by the identification of multiple co-circulating viral lineages.

Conclusion: There is an urgent need for standardised classification methods and phylogeny-based nomenclature for RABVs, and for improved sequencing capacity in regions with endemic dog-mediated rabies, including proficiency in bioinformatics and phylogenetics. Our findings emphasise the critical need to foster international cooperation and coordinate rabies control efforts to reduce transboundary spread, limit reintroductions and maintain progress towards the 2030 target.
Duality Principles and Numerical Procedures for a Large Class of Non-convex Models in the Calculus of Variations
Authors: Botelho Fabio Silva
Published: May 2024

This article develops duality principles and numerical results for a large class of non-convex variational models. The main results are based on fundamental tools of convex analysis, duality theory and calculus of variations. More specifically the approach is established for a class of non-convex functionals similar as those found in some models in phase transition. Finally, in some sections we present concerning numerical examples and the respective softwares.
Directing Compliance Realities: The Determinants of Compliance Officer Effectiveness in Cypriot Organizations
Authors: Ado Mulko Asaad , Ali Ahmad Mustafa , Mousa Kawar Mohammed , Pooyanmehr Mahrokh
Published: May 2024

This empirical study examines the complex dynamics influencing the effectiveness and performance of Compliance Officers (COs) within Cypriot organizations. With a focus on exploring the relationships between jurisdictional complexities, industry-specific regulations, organizational size, professional experience, Artificial intelligence-based tools, and readiness to technology adoption, this research employs a comprehensive approach to shed light on the multifaceted factors shaping CO roles. Leveraging a structural equation modelling framework, data was collected through a questionnaire survey administered to COs across diverse sectors. The results indicate that industry-specific regulations, organizational size, and professional experience significantly impact CO effectiveness, while the mediating role of AI-based tools and the moderating influence of technology adoption further enhance these relationships. The findings contribute to both theoretical knowledge and practical implications, offering insights for organizations and policymakers to optimize compliance efforts. While acknowledging limitations, this study lays the foundation for a deeper understanding of CO roles in the contemporary regulatory landscape.
A Four-Wave Cross-Lagged Study of Exposure to Violent Contexts, Cognitive Distortions, and School Bullying during Adolescence
Authors: Dragone Mirella , Bacchini Dario , Esposito Concetta , Affuso Gaetana , De Angelis Grazia , Stasolla Fabrizio , De Luca Picione Raffaele
Published: May 2024

School bullying represents a widespread expression of violence in the peer context. Guided by the social-ecological model, this study investigated the longitudinal and transactional pathways linking domestic and neighborhood/community violence exposure (through direct victimization and witnessing), self-serving cognitive distortions (CDS), and school bullying perpetration. Furthermore, the cognitive desensitization hypothesis that the literature has supposed to develop in response to chronically violent contexts was examined. Two four‐wave cross-lagged panel mediation models were tested in a sample of 778 high school students (28.1% males; Mage [Time 1; T1] = 14.20, SD = 0.58). The results showed that both domestic and neighborhood/community violence exposure, as a victim and as a witness, respectively, were associated to self-serving CDs and bullying perpetration over time. Moreover, significant associations between CDs and bullying perpetration over time were found, with bidirectional effects for each of these longitudinal patterns. Finally, self-serving CDs were found to significantly mediate the relationships between both domestic violence victimization and community violence witnessing and school bullying perpetration. These findings highlight the need to consider school bullying as a social phenomenon stemming from a complex and bidirectional interplay between the individuals and the environments they inhabit confirming a basic postulate that “violence breeds violence”.
Development of Carvacrol@natural Zeolite Nanohybrid and Poly-Lactide Acid / Triethyl Citrate / Carvacrol@natural Zeolite Self-Healable Active Packaging Films for Minced Pork Shelf-Life Extension
Authors: Karabagias Vassilios K. , Giannakas Aris E. , Andritsos Nikolaos D. , Leontiou Areti Α. , Moschovas Dimitrios , Karydis-Messinis Andreas , Avgeropoulos Apostolos , Zafeiropoulos Nikolaos E. , Proestos Charalampos , Salmas Constatninos E.
Published: May 2024

Today, enhancing food preservation and safety in the spirit of the bioeconomy suggests the use of biodegradable polymers such as poly-L-lactic acid (PLA) in food packaging and the replacement of chemical additives with natural antioxidant/antibacterial agents such as essential oils and their derivatives. Herein a novel carvacrol (CV) @ natural zeolite (NZ) nanohybrid was developed by employing a new vacuum adsorption desorption method which results in the adsorption of a high CV amount on NZ equal to 61.7 %wt. This CV@NZ nanohybrid was successfully dispersed in a PLA/triethyl citrate (TEC) matrix via a melt-extrusion process to obtain PLA/TEC/xCV@NZ nanocomposite films with 5, 10 and 15 CV@NZ %wt. content. PLA/TEC/xNZ films were also de-veloped for comparison. The overall study resulted in a biodegradable active film with the fol-lowing properties: 10%wt. CV@NZ content (PLA/TEC/10CV@NZ), self-healable properties, 22% higher tensile strength and 40% higher elongation at break, 45% higher water barrier and 40% higher oxygen barrier than pure PLA/TEC matrix. This film also provides high CV release content, high CV control release rate as well as significant antioxidant activity and antibacterial activity against the food pathogens Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica spp. enterica serovar Typhimurium. This film not only succeeds in extending the shelf-life of fresh pork minced, as shown by total variable count measurements in four days, but also prevents lipid oxidation of fresh minced pork and maintains the minced meat in higher nutritional conditions, as revealed by the heme iron content determination, and in a much better and acceptable sensory condition than the commercial packaging paper.
Magnetoelectric Nanoparticles for Wireless Peripheral Nerve Stimulation: A Computational Study
Authors: Galletta Valentina , Chiaramello Emma , Fiocchi Serena , Parazzini Marta , Ravazzani Paolo
Published: May 2024

This study aims to precisely characterize the use of magnetoelectric nanoparticles (MENPs) for stimulating peripheral nerves. Numerical methods were employed to quantify the interaction between MENPs and nervous tissue. The influence of MENPs orientation, concentration and distance was assessed in terms of the external potential distribution exerted by the MENPs, the amplification of the exerted MENPs stimulation required to excite the neural fibers and the current injected into the intracellular space. The results highlight the significance of MENPs concentration for stimulation accuracy and efficiency, the impact of MENPs orientation on the electric potential distribution sensed by the nervous tissue, as well as the importance of the MENPs distance over the fibers’ recruitment. Given the considerable variability in the interaction between MENPs and nerves, our research provides a crucial step towards understanding this interaction, offering quantitative support for the application of MENPs in nervous tissue stimulation.
Relationship between Semantic Memory and Social Cognition in Schizophrenia
Authors: Pérez-Flores Javier , Nieto Antonieta , Delgado Ofelia
Published: May 2024

This study examines the relationship between semantic memory and social cognition in schizophrenia, addressing how these cognitive domains intersect. Semantic memory, which includes general world knowledge and word meanings, was evaluated using verbal fluency tasks and the Camels and Cactus Test. Social cognition, essential for social interaction, was assessed through emotion recognition (Faces Test) and Theory of Mind (Hinting Task). Participants included 50 individuals with schizophrenia and 30 controls. The schizophrenia group showed significantly lower performance on both semantic memory and social cognition tasks. Notably, strong correlations were found between the Camels and Cactus Test and social cognition measures, suggesting that social cognition deficits in schizophrenia may be linked to semantic memory impairments. Regression analyses highlighted that the Camels and Cactus Test significantly predicted social cognition performance, independent of symptomatology. These findings underscore the interconnectedness of semantic memory and social cognition in schizophrenia, suggesting that semantic memory deficits, particularly in non-categorical associations, play a important role in social cognitive impairments. This study provides new insights into the cognitive underpinnings of schizophrenia, emphasizing the need for further research to explore these relationships and their implications for cognitive models and therapeutic interventions.
Characterization of Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 Single Crystals by X-ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Optical Absorption, Electric and Thermoelectric Properties Studies
Authors: J.Suchanicz Jan , Kluczewska-Chmielarz Kamila , Jagło Grzegorz , Kruk Andrzej , Kania Antoni , Sitko Dorota , Nowakowska-Malczyk Michalina , Łapiński Marcin , Stachowski Grzegorz , Kruzina Tatiana
Published: May 2024

High-quality and large-size single crystals of lead-free Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 were grown using the Czo-chralski technique. The crystals had pure perovskite structure with rhombohedral symmetry and were translucent in the visible and near infrared spectral ranges recorded in the interval 350-1050 nm. The energy gaps determined from the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and optical measurements were approximately 2.92 eV. The current-voltage characteristics, depolarization current, dc (σdc) and ac (σac) electrical conductivity, and Seebeck coefficient of the crystals were investigated. The frequency/temperature-dependent electrical properties were also measured and analyzed through complex impedance spectroscopy. An overlapping reversible insulator-metal transition (resistive switching) on nanoscales, caused by the electric field, was detected. This was the first time that most of these investigations were performed for this material. The following conductivity mechanisms of NBT single crystals were identified: (i) quasi-free electron and hole conduction and hopping-charges mechanism at low temperatures, (ii) small polaron conductivity in the middle temperature range, and (iii) a significant contribution of the oxygen vacancies to conductivity in the high temperature range. The activation energy values determined from the conductivity data, the imaginary part of the electric impedance and the modulus indicate that the relaxation process in the high-temperature range is attributable to both single and double ionized oxygen vacancies, in combination with the hopping of electrons between Ti4+ and Ti3+. P-type electrical conductivity was also found. These discoveries create new possibilities of reducing the electrical conductivity of NBT and improving the process of effectively poling this material. The density of the electronic states was investigated using an ab initio method. The energy gap cal-culated for NBT (R3c) was 2.8 eV, and is well comparable to those determined from XPS and optical measurements. Our results indicate the possibility of tuning material properties by inten-tionally creating non-stoichiometry/structural defects (oxygen vacancies, cation excess and cation deficiency).
Tolerance Mechanisms of Olive Tree (Olea europaea) Under Saline Conditions
Authors: El Yamani Mohamed , Cordovilla María del Pilar
Published: May 2024

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) is an evergreen tree that occupies 19% of the woody crop area and is cultivated in 67 countries on five continents. The largest olive production is concentrated in the Mediterranean basin, where the olive tree has had an enormous economic, cultural and environmental impact since the 7th century BC. In the Mediterranean region, salinity stands out as one of the main abiotic stress factors significantly affecting agricultural production. Moreover, climate change is expected to lead to increased salinisation in this region, threatening olive productivity. Salt stress causes combined damage by osmotic stress and ionic toxicity, restricting olive growth and interfering with multiple metabolic processes. A large variability in salinity tolerance among olive cultivars has been described. This paper aims to synthesize information from the published literature on olive adaptations to salt stress and its importance in salinity tolerance. The morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of olive tolerance to salt stress are reviewed.
Metabarcoding of the bacterial assemblages associated with Toxopneustes roseus in the Mexican Central Pacific
Authors: Rubio-Bueno Sharix , Hernández-Zulueta Joicye , Zamora-Tavares María del Pilar , Vargas-Ponce Ofelia , Rodríguez-Troncoso Alma Paola , Rodríguez-Zaragoza Fabián A.
Published: May 2024

The Mexican Central Pacific (MCP) has discontinuous coral ecosystems with different protection and anthropogenic disturbance. Characterizing the bacterial assemblage associated with the sea urchin Toxopneustes roseus and its relationship with environmental variables will contribute to understanding the species’ physiology and ecology. We collected sea urchins from coral ecosystems at six sites in the MCP during the summer and winter for two consecutive years. The spatial scale represented the most important variation in the T. roseus bacteriome, particularly because of Isla Isabel National Park (PNII). Likewise, spatial differences correlated with habitat structure variables, mainly the sponge and live coral cover. The PNII exhibited a highly diverse bacterial assemblages compared to other sites, characterized by families associated with diseases and environmental stress (Saprospiraceae, Flammeovirgaceae, and Xanthobacteraceae). The remaining five sites presented a constant spatio-temporal pattern, where the predominance of Campylobacteraceae and Helicobacteraceae families were key to T. roseus’ holobiont. However, the dominance of certain bacterial families in the second analyzed year, such as Enterobacteriaceae, suggests that Punto B, and Islas e islotes de Bahía Chamela Sanctuary, were exposed to sewage contamination. Overall, our results improve the understanding of host-associated bacterial assemblage in specific time and space and its relationship with the environmental condition.
Physical Chemical, Immunological and Biological Characterization of Arapaima 2 gigas Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (ag-FSH) synthesized in HEK293 Cells
Authors: Lima Eliana Rosa , Sevilhano Thaís , Caramori Thais , Oliveira João Ezequiel , Suzuki Miriam Fussae , Torati Lucas Simon , Bartolini Paolo , Peroni Cibele Nunes
Published: May 2024

The cDNA sequences of the common gonadotrophic hormone α-subunit (ag-GTHα) and 13 of the specific follicle-stimulating hormone β-subunit (ag-FSHβ) of the giant Amazonian fish Ara-14 paima gigas, have been previously isolated by our research group. A synthesis of ag-FSH in HEK293 15 cells and its purification and preliminary characterization were also carried out. In the present work, 16 ag-FSH was obtained and purified from the same host cells and an extensive physical chemical 17 characterization was performed via RP-HPLC, HPSEC and MALDI-TOF-MS. Ag-FSH, when com-18 pared to human FSH (hFSH), showed a higher hydrophobicity by RP-HPLC and a higher molecular 19 mass (MM) via HPSEC. The same higher MM was also confirmed via MALDI-TOF-MS: 35,353 Da 20 for ag-FSH against 31,969 Da for hFSH. Its immunological activity was also confirmed via an hFSH 21 ELISA, in comparison with the highly purified pituitary preparation of hFSH-AFP7298A, from the 22 National Hormone and Pituitary Program (NHPP-USA). Finally, an in-vitro bioassay, based on the 23 stimulated release of 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) from immature A. gigas testis, quantified its bio-24 logical activity in comparison with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and with the WHO Inter-25 national Standard of recombinant hFSH (NIBSC-08/282) This suggests that injections of ag-FSH in 26 A. gigas and ag-FSH cDNA Gene Therapy applications should improve the reproductive functions 27 of this threatened species.
Blended Learning and Flipped Classroom in Higher Engineering Education: Students' Perception in the Post-COVID-19 Period
Authors: Ożadowicz Andrzej
Published: May 2024

The period of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a rapid development of innovative education methods, in particular using e-learning and remote work tools. The effects of this development are also post-pandemic changes in formal teaching regulations, in particular in higher education, allowing classes and lectures to be carried out with Blended Learning or Flipped Classroom methods. This paper provides information about a case study of implementing ICT technologies with elements of the mentioned methods in one of the subjects at a technical university. The implemented tools and solutions in the field of e-learning and interactivity are presented, along with information regarding their perception by students during two academic years in the post-COVID-19 period. The analysis of results of these information and student evaluations indicates their generally positive approach to such innovations in the educational path, and at the same time shows significant challenges for teachers to increase the attractiveness and effectiveness of the teaching process and the development of practical, technical skills of students.
Crystal Plasticity Parameter Optimization in Cyclically Deformed Electrodeposited Copper – A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Frydrych Karol , Tomczak Maciej , Papanikolaou Stefanos
Published: May 2024

The paper describes an application of machine learning approach for parameter optimization. The method is demonstrated for the elasto-viscoplastic model with both isotropic and kinematic hardening. It is shown that the proposed method based on long-short term memory networks enabled to obtain reasonable agreement of stress-strain curves for cyclic deformation in low-cycle fatigue regime. The main advantage of the proposed approach over traditional optimization schemes lies in the possibility to get parameters for a new material without the necessity to conduct any further optimizations. As the power and robustness of the developed method was demonstrated on the very challenging problem (cyclic deformation, crystal plasticity, self-consistent model, isotropic and kinematic hardening), it is directly applicable to other experiments and models.
Linking the Expansion of the Universe to the Dimension of Time
Authors: Jarvis Gary
Published: May 2024

We present a new theory to explain the expansion of the universe that augments general relativity to create a container within which quantum effects can be explained by treating time as an artefact of a fourth spatial dimension. The theory is tested by accurately modelling against stellar luminosity data that is available for redshifts, z
Design for an Orientation Algorithm of Ahrs Based on Gain Scheduling
Authors: Jin Renhao , Wang Yu
Published: May 2024

In recent years, the AHRS has become an important research area. In order to improve the orientation measurement accuracy of AHRS, this paper first expounds the algorithm principle of the AHRS. Then, aiming at the problem of poor stability of the traditional gradient descent method under high dynamics or large magnetic field interference, a gain-scheduled anti-interference AHRS orientation algorithm is designed. By using the switching architecture designed with this algorithm for gain scheduling, it can ensure stable performance while being subjected to apparent acceleration and ferromagnetic interference. Finally, experimental verification is conducted, and the experimental results show that: in the presence of interference, the roll angle error is 0.0350°, the pitch angle error is 0.0277°, and the yaw angle error is 0.9611°, thereby verifying the strong anti-interference performance of the gain-scheduled AHRS orientation algorithm proposed in this paper.
Presepsin in Critical Illness: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives
Authors: Formenti Paolo , Gotti Miriam , Palmieri Francesca , Pastori Stefano , Roccaforte Vincenzo , Menozzi Alessandro , Galimberti Andrea , Umbrello Michele , Sabbatini Giovanni , Pezzi Angelo
Published: May 2024

The accurate identification of bacterial infections is critical for effective treatment in intensive care units (ICUs), yet current diagnostic methods face limitations in sensitivity and specificity, along-side cost and accessibility issues. Consequently, there's a pressing need for a marker that is economically feasible, rapid, and reliable. Presepsin (PSP), also known as soluble CD14 subtype (sCD14-ST), has emerged as a promising biomarker for early sepsis diagnosis. PSP, derived from soluble CD14, reflects the activation of monocytes/macrophages in response to bacterial infec-tions. It has shown potential as a marker of cellular immune response activation against patho-gens, with plasma concentrations increasing during bacterial infections and decreasing post-antibiotic treatment. Unlike traditional markers such as procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP), PSP specifically indicates monocyte/macrophage activation in bacterial infections. While limited studies in critical illness have explored PSP's role in sepsis, its diagnostic accuracy varies with threshold values, impacting sensitivity and specificity. Recent meta-analyses suggest PSP's diagnostic potential for sepsis, yet its standalone effectiveness in ICU infection management remains uncertain. This review provides a comprehensive overview of PSP's utility in ICU set-tings, including its diagnostic accuracy, prognostic value, therapeutic implications, challenges, and future directions.