bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of nintedanib in the treatment of interstitial lung disease associated with systemic scleroderma
Authors: Kiniaikin M. F. , Primak N. V. , Naumova I. V. , Khairzamanova T. A. , Fomina A. V.
Published: June 2021

Systemic scleroderma is a systemic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs, including the bronchopulmonary system. The disease leads to progressive pulmonary fibrosis, which is the most common cause of death. Hence, standard therapy of systemic sclerosis should be supplemented with antifibrotic therapy. The article describes a clinical case of the efficacy of a combination of standard therapy with the tyrosine kinase inhibitor nintedanib in a patient with systemic scleroderma and a progressive phenotype ILD. The patient was taking nintedanib in combination with standard therapy (methylprednisolone, mycophenolate mofetil) for 7 months and showed improvement on CT in the form of a significant decrease in the ground glass lesions. In addition, bodyplethysmography showed a decrease in restrictive changes in the external respiration (an increase in the total lung capacity from 49 to 57%), an improvement in the lung diffusion capacity (an increase in total diffusion from 47 to 53%). This clinical case demonstrates the high efficacy of antifibrotic drug nintedanib in the complex therapy of patients with systemic scleroderma and progressive pulmonary fibrosis. Nintedanib increases the efficacy of basic therapy and improves the prognosis.
A new parametric lifetime model with modified chi-square type test for right censored validation, characterizations and different estimation methods
Authors: Yousof Haitham , Aidi Khaoula , G.G. Hamedani  , Mohamed Ibrahim
Published: June 2021

A new three-parameter extension of the generalized Nadarajah-Haghighi model is introduced and studied. Some of its statistical properties are derived. Characterization results are presented. The failure rate can be "increasing", "decreasing", "bathtub", "upside-down", "upside-down-constant", "increasing-constant" or "constant". Different non-Bayesian estimation methods under uncensored scheme are considered. Numerical simulations are performed for comparing the estimation methods using different sample sizes. The censored Barzilai-Borwein algorithm is employed via a simulation study. Using the approach of the Bagdonavicius-Nikulin chi-square goodness-of-fit test for validation under the right censored data, we propose a modified chi-square goodness-of-fit test for the new model. Based on the maximum likelihood estimators on initial data, the modified Bagdonavicius-Nikulin chi-square goodness-of-fit test recovers the loss in information. The modified Bagdonavicius-Nikulin test for validation under the right censored data is applied to four real and right censored data sets. The new model is compared with many other competitive models by means of a real data set.
The Saudi Vision 2030: Reproduction of Women’s Empowerment in the Saudi Press: A Corpus-based Critical Discourse Analysis
Authors: Afzal Naeem , Omar Abdulfattah
Published: June 2021

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed unprecedented reforms within the framework of the Saudi Vision 2030. However, despite prolific news reports related to economic, social, and political reforms associated with the Saudi Vision 2030, there is a general lack of studies on the ideological constructions of these reforms in the Saudi press. As thus, this study seeks to explore the news representation and ideological construction of the vision 2030 reforms in the Saudi press. It focuses on the reproduction of women’s empowerment in the Saudi press. For this purpose, a corpus of 1578 newspaper articles, reports, stories, and editorials published in Arab News and Saudi Gazette is designed. Analysis of the data is carried out through corpus-based critical discourse analysis (CDA) quantitatively and qualitatively through a concordance, frequency, collocates, and dispersion. Results indicated that the Saudi press, under its ideological orientation, reproduced the vision 2030 as a matter of public interest. Both newspapers exhibited a great inclination towards endorsing women’s empowerment as stipulated in the vision. The Saudi Vision’s representation of women’s empowerment was reflected and reproduced in many ways in newspapers’ articles, reports, stories, and editorials. This study was limited to the newspaper content released after the emergence of the Saudi Vision in 2016. Further research is recommended on the influence of the Saudi press on the representation of women’s rights discourse in the Saudi Vision 2030; it may also include the public opinion about such transformational reforms.Keywords: corpus-based CDA, discourse reproduction, newspaper representations, Saudi Vision 2030, women’s empowerment
EFFECT OF THE INSTRUCTIONAL ENVIRONMENT IN GIRLS’ HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOLS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SUBJECT SPECIALISTS
Authors: Naz Samina , Atta Malik Amir , Saeed Abdul Ahad Roshan , Naz Shagufta
Published: June 2021

Purpose of the study: This study was intended to reveal the effect of the instructional environment on the performance of the subject specialists. The purpose of the was to find out correlation exists between instructional environment and performance of the SS in terms of exam results of students in HSSC Part II and to find out correlation exists between the performance of SS within the classroom and the availability of a conducive instructional environment in schools.

Methodology: Quantitative method with descriptive research was used in this study. Checklist and student's exam results were used to collect the data and analyses were done through SPSS.

Main Findings: There found a significant negative correlation between instructional environment and performance of the SS in terms of exam results of students in HSSC Part II and there found a significant negative correlation between the performance of SS within the classroom and the availability of a conducive instructional environment in schools.

Applications of this study: This study is applicable in the given context of Southern districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as well as the results can be utilized and checked in another context within the province and in the country. This study will surely contribute to bringing the attention of policymakers and government officials to put their efforts into improving the current situation related to the instructional environment and performance of the subject specialists.

Novelty/Originality of this study: The novelty of this study lies in the results that contradict usual and normal results that show that the instructional environment has a positive association with the performance of the teachers. This study brings into light the opposite side of the worldwide results. This will open grounds for future researchers to work in this area in different contexts to explore that whether a negative correlation exists in other contexts and if so, what factors are contributing to developing such a negative relationship.
Zayed University Students’ Teaching and Learning Beliefs and Preferences: An analysis based on the surface versus deep learning approach
Authors: Russell Alan
Published: June 2021

Analyses of teaching and learning in higher education are increasingly being based on a distinction between surface and deep learning. This distinction is helpful for investigating approaches used by teachers as well as student preferences for teaching and learning. Surface learning places an emphasis on memorizing facts and information as well as the relatively passive reproduction of content. In contrast, deep learning involves an intention to understand, the critical assessment of content and relating new information to past knowledge in meaningful ways. There has been an assumption that in the U.A.E. there is an orientation to surface learning in schools and higher education. To examine this assumption, an adaptation of questionnaires used with Western students (the Approaches to Study Skills Inventory for Students) was used with a small sample of ZU students. There are limitations in the use of this procedure and difficulties in interpreting the results. However, the results suggest that ZU students show strong beliefs and preference for deep learning approaches in addition to surface learning approaches. This finding is consistent with evidence obtained from student responses to assessment tasks, where there was evidence of deep learning. It was concluded that learning outcomes for ZU students could be enhanced by employing deep learning approaches to teaching and learning.
A study of attitudes toward Western culture among Saudi university students
Authors: Hagler Anderson
Published: June 2021

This paper analyzes the attitudes Saudi university students hold toward Western culture. Saudi participants completed an open-ended questionnaire about attitudes toward Western culture, consisting of five open-ended questions. This paper presents questionnaire responses from 210 university students in Saudi Arabia (male and female). This paper finds that most of these students are integratively motivated and therefore show a positive disposition toward Western culture. It also shows a correlation between instrumental motivation and students who study on science and engineering tracks. The study shows that a clear majority of students like some aspect of the West or Western culture. The study concludes that these Saudi students are predisposed to interact favorably with the West.
iPads in the classroom: trials in a technical college in Qatar
Authors: MacLeod Cheri
Published: June 2021

This paper describes a small research project undertaken in a technical college in Qatar on the use of iPads in the classroom. iPads were trialed for a semester each in mathematics and physics classes; students completed pre- and post-surveys. Classroom observations were carried out and interviews were conducted with both faculty (N=3) and students (N=19). Over 80% of students reported positively on the iPad as being “helpful” to “very helpful” for learning new things and course materials, for increasing their interaction with online course materials and getting course information and for exploring additional material related to course topics. Faculty perceptions of iPad use in class were also positive.
The role of metacognitive strategy training in fostering vocabulary acquisition
Authors: Ghasemi Ali Asghar , Yazdani Hooshang , Mozaheb Mohammad Amin
Published: June 2021

This study explores whether metacognitive strategy training can influence the lexical knowledge of L2 learners of the present study, and what they think about the use of metacognitive strategies in language learning classes. To do so, a 50-item multiple-choice vocabulary test, developed by the researchers based upon Nation’s (1990) levels of language proficiency, was employed to measure the learners’ vocabulary knowledge progress during the period of instruction. The instruction received by the experimental group was based on the Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach (CALLA) Model, developed and validated by Chamot and O’Malley (1994). The findings revealed that the experimental group outperformed the control group in their endeavors for comprehending and producing vocabulary. This may be attributed to the fact that after this intervention, participants have developed their metacognitive awareness and their thinking skills. The study concludes with pedagogical implications and highlights avenues for future research.

ﺗ مّ د ﻣ ﺞ ا ﺳ ﺗ ر ا ﺗ ﯾ ﺟ ﯾ ﺎ ت ﻣ ﺎ و ر ا ء ا ﻟ ﻣ ﻌ ر ﻓ ﯾ ﺔ (MS) ، ا ﻟ ﺗ ﻲ ﺗ ﻌ ﺗ ﺑ ر ا ﻟ ﻔ ﺋ ﺔ ا ﻟ ﻔ ر ﻋ ﯾ ﺔ ا ﻟ ر ﺋ ﯾ ﺳ ﯾ ﺔ ﻻ ﺳ ﺗ ر ا ﺗ ﯾ ﺟ ﯾ ﺎ ت ﺗ ﻌ ﻠّ م ا ﻟ ﻠّ ﻐ ﺔ ﻓ ﻲ ﻣ ﻧ ﺎ ھ ﺞ ﺗ ﻌ ﻠّ م ا ﻟ ﻠّ ﻐ ﺔ ا ﻷ ﺟ ﻧ ﺑ ﯾ ﺔ ﻟ ﺗ ﺳ ﮭ ﯾ ل ا ﻟ ﺗ ﻔ ﻛ ﯾ ر ا ﻟ ﻌ ﺎ ﻟ ﻲ و ا ﻟ ﺗ ﺧ ط ﯾ ط ا ﻟ ذ ا ﺗ ﻲ و ا ﻟ ﺗ ﻌ ﻠّ م ا ﻟ ﻣ ﺳ ﺗ ﻘِّل و ا ﻟ ﺗ ﻌ ﻠ م ا ﻷ ﻓ ﺿ ل ﻓ ﻲ ﻧ ﮭ ﺎ ﯾ ﺔ ا ﻟ ﻣ ط ﺎ ف . و ﻓ ﻘًﺎ ﻟ ذ ﻟ ك ، ﺗ ﻌ دّ ھ ذ ه ا ﻟ دّر ا ﺳ ﺔ ﻣ ﺣ ﺎ و ﻟ ﺔً ﻟ ﻺ ﺟ ﺎ ﺑ ﺔ ﻋ ﻣ ﺎ إ ذ ا ﻛ ﺎ ن ا ﻟ ﺗ د ر ﯾ ب ﻋ ﻠ ﻰ ا ﺳ ﺗ ر ا ﺗ ﯾ ﺟ ﯾ ﺔ ﻣ ﺎ و ر ا ء ا ﻟ ﻣ ﻌ ر ﻓ ﻲ ﯾ ﻣ ﻛ ن أ ن ﯾ ؤ ﺛّ ر ﻋ ﻠ ﻰ ا ﻟ ﻣ ﻌ ر ﻓ ﺔ ا ﻟ ﻣُﻌ ﺟ ﻣ ﯾ ﺔ ﻟ ﻠ ﻣ ﺗ ﻌ ﻠ ﻣ ﯾ ن و ﻣ ﺎ ذ ا ﯾ ﻔ ﻛّر ﻓ ﯾ ﮫ ا ﻟ ﻣ ﺗ ﻌ ﻠّ ﻣ و ن ﺣ ول ﺗ د ر ﯾ س ا ﺳ ﺗ ر ا ﺗ ﯾ ﺟ ﯾ ﺎ ت ﻣ ﺎ و ر ا ء ا ﻟ ﻣ ﻌ ر ﻓ ﯾ ﺔ . و ﻟ ﻠ ﻘ ﯾ ﺎ م ﺑ ذ ﻟ ك ، ﺗ مّ ا ﺳ ﺗ ﺧ د ا م ا ﺧ ﺗ ﺑ ﺎ ر ﻣ ﻛ و ن ﻣ ن 50 ﻋ ﻧ ﺻ ر اً ﻣ ﺗ ﻌ د د ا ﻻ ﺧ ﺗ ﯾ ﺎ ر ا ت ا ﻟّ ذ ي ﺗ مّ ﺗ ط و ﯾ ر ه ﺑ و ا ﺳ ط ﺔ ا ﻟ ﺑ ﺎ ﺣ ﺛ ﯾ ن ا ﺳ ﺗ ﻧ ﺎ دًا إ ﻟ ﻰ ﻣ ﺳ ﺗ و ﯾ ﺎ ت ا ﻟ ﻛ ﻔ ﺎ ء ة ا ﻟ ﻠ ﻐ و ﯾ ﺔ ﻟ د ى ا ﻟ ﺷ ﻌ ب (Nation) (1990 م ( ، ﻟ ﻘ ﯾ ﺎ س ﺗ ط وّ ر ﻣ ﻌ ر ﻓ ﺔ ا ﻟ ﻣ ﻔ ر د ا ت أ ﺛ ﻧ ﺎ ء ﻓ ﺗ ر ة اﻟ ﺗد ر ﯾ س . ا ﺳ ﺗ ﻧ د ت ا ﻟ ﺗ ﻌ ﻠ ﯾ ﻣ ﺎ ت ا ﻟ ﺗ ﻲ ﺗ ﻠ ﻘّﺗ ﮭ ﺎ ا ﻟ ﻣ ﺟ ﻣ و ﻋ ﺔ ا ﻟ ﺗ ﺟ ر ﯾ ﺑ ﯾ ﺔ إ ﻟ ﻰ ﻧ ﻣ و ذ ج ﻣ ﻧ ﮭ ﺞ ا ﻟ ﺗ ﻌ ﻠ م ا ﻟ ﻣ ﻌ ر ﻓ ﻲ ا ﻷ ﻛ ﺎ د ﯾ ﻣ ﻲ ) CALLA ( ا ﻟ ذّي أ ﻋ دّه و و ا ﻓ ق ﻋﻠ ﯾ ﮫ ﺷﺎ ﻣو ت وأ وﻣﺎﻟ ﻲ ) 1994 ( . ﻛ ﺷ ﻔ ت ا ﻟ ﻧ ﺗ ﺎ ﺋ ﺞ أ نّ ا ﻟ ﻣ ﺟ ﻣ و ﻋ ﺔ ا ﻟ ﺗ ﺟ ر ﯾ ﺑ ﯾ ﺔ ﺗ ﻔ و ﻗ ت ﻋ ﻠ ﻰ ا ﻟ ﻣ ﺟ ﻣ و ﻋ ﺔ ا ﻟ ﺗ ﺣ ﻛ ﻣ ﯾ ﺔ ﺑ ﺎ ﻟ ﻧّﺳ ﺑ ﺔ ﻟ ﻔ ﮭ م و إ ﻧ ﺗ ﺎ ج ا ﻟ ﻣ ﻔ ر د ا ت . ﻣن اﻟ ﻣﻣﮑن أ ن ﯾﻌود ذ ﻟ ك إ ﻟ ﻰ ﺣ ﻘ ﯾ ﻘ ﺔ أ نّ ا ﻟ ﻣ ﺗ ﻌ ﻠ ﻣ ﯾ ن ﺑ ﻌ د ھ ذ ا ا ﻟ ﻌ ﻼ ج ﯾ ﻣ ﻛ ﻧ ﮭ م ا ﻟ ﺗ ﻔ ﻛ ﯾ ر أ ﻛ ﺛ ر و ر ا ء ا ﻟ ﻣ ﻌ ر ﻓ ﯾ ﺔ و ﺗ ط و ﯾ ر ﺗ ﻘ دّم ﺗ ﻔ ﻛ ﯾ ر ھ م . ﺗ ﺧ ﺗ ﺗ م ا ﻟ دّر ا ﺳ ﺔ ﺑ ذ ﮐ ر ﺑ ﻌ ض ا ﻵ ﻓ ﺎ ق ا ﻟ ﺗ ر ﺑ و ﯾّﺔ و ﺗ ﺳ ﻠ ﯾ ط ا ﻟ ﺿّو ء ﻋ ﻠ ﻰ ﺑ ﻌ ض ا ﻟ ﺳّﺑ ل ﻟ ﻠ ﺑ ﺣ ث ﻓ ﻲ ا ﻟ ﻣ ﺳ ﺗ ﻘ ﺑ ل .
A Model to Guide Practitioners Through the Process of Collaborative Projects
Authors: Raven John
Published: June 2021

Collaborative projects are often touted as an effective pedagogical practice particularly when authentic tasks and a studentcentred approach are involved. By default such practices often include many other aspects that need to be taken intoconsideration such as interdisciplinary tasks, technology or second language learning (ESL). Approaches to teaching/learning like these are necessarily complex and a theoretical framework that unravels the numerous issues embedded isneeded to understand what exactly is going on. In this paper a model developed originally by Webb and Palincsar (1996)is used to illustrate the multitude of influencing factors involved in a large scale integrated collaborative project at SharjahWomen’s College. From the students’ perspectives, issues related to tension with using technology and lack of transferbetween disciplines was uncovered implicating the need for changes to aspects of the project.
Adapting Problem-Based Learning to Meet the Life-long Learning Needs of Developmental Students
Authors: Bielenberg Brian , Gillway Maxine
Published: June 2021

The United Arab Emirates University has implemented a unique adaptation of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to meet the short, medium and long-term interdisciplinary developmental needs of its first-year university students (Learner Training, Thinking Skills, Application of Knowledge, Information Literacy, and Communication). This paper highlights the process of adapting PBL to the foundation year context and presents initial findings demonstrating its positive impact. These findings provide evidence that this adaptation of PBL supports the development of important life-long learning skills, can motivate and engage students, and enables them to make a variety of connections to other subjects, to other students (a community of learners), and to the broader community.
Online Quizzes: A Self-Conscious Exploration of Strategic Trade-offs in the Middle East
Authors: Wright Norman S. , Redding Rodney , Eltom Marwah
Published: June 2021

This study examines the transition in an Arabian Peninsula university context from traditional, in-class pen-and-paper quizzes to online quizzes. While research shows that quizzes can play an important role in student learning, the outcomes from online quizzes are not clear. Our research shows that the learning contribution of online quizzes depends on the form of online quizzing employed; yet the decision to use online quizzes is often influenced by other administrative objectives such as cost efficiencies, convenience, and public relations benefits. Given these findings, the paper highlights the importance of matching administrative priorities with one’s approach to learning and teaching when moving toward greater use of computer technology in coursework.
Reflective Practice in a Cross-Cultural University Setting: A Theoretical Model
Authors: Khelifa Maher
Published: June 2021

The trend in education is shifting toward a greater concern with learning. In this new model, teachers are required to constantly reflect on their pedagogy to sustain student interest and engagement. This reflective inquiry is particularly important when the teacher and students are of different language and culture as in the case of Zayed University, UAE. Such cross-cultural context often complicates the learning environment resulting in confusion, stress, and frustration for faculty and students. It also results in a reduced teaching effectiveness and a need to regularly adapt tried methods of teaching in Western universities with the educational background of students. This process requires deep reflection and cultural adjustment. This study therefore investigated the challenges, critical inquiry, and adjustments of Western faculty in the delivery of an American curriculum taught in English to Emirati female students. The study also sought to derive a theoretical model explaining faculty reflective processes in cross-cultural classrooms.
Assessing Learning Styles of Students at Zayed University
Authors: Rahal Tofi , Palfreyman David
Published: June 2021

Learning styles based education is becoming influential at higher education institutions around the world. Learning styles are characteristics of how students prefer to learn; they draw their origin from both biological and experiential conditions that make each student unique in the way he/she learns. An important first step in improving learning is to identify or assess students’ learning styles, and there are several instruments that can be used for this purpose. This is necessary for teachers and students who wish to improve learning and study strategies. Students who perform poorly in a conventional educational setting may suffer from a mismatch of learning and teaching styles; for example kinesthetic learners may not adapt to learning by listening or by reading. When we teach tactual and/or kinesthetic students by talking, they focus for only a brief amount of time and then wander off into their own thoughts and quickly forget (Burke & Dunn, 2002). We can improve students’ academic performance by providing them with alternative strategies and activities that respond to their learning style needs (Dunn & Dunn, 1993). In spring 2008, the learning styles of over 700 Zayed University students were assessed using the BE (Building Excellence) survey developed by Rundle & Dunn. The data collected is being analyzed with a view to making recommendations for teachers, students and parents to improve students’ learning. This paper represents the first in a series of publications on this subject; it reviews the survey process, and focuses on the nature and learning preferences of ZU students in perceptual elements (e.g. visual, auditory) and cognitive elements (e.g. Analytic-sequential (left-brain) vs. Global-simultaneous (right-brain) preferences).
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and How Temperature Modifies Nucleotide Pairings
Authors: García Falgueras Alicia
Published: June 2021

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) is a molecular technique more suitable for accurate diagnoses because of its specificity in targeting and identifying specific pathogens. PCR technique is reliable to detect the genetic presence of the virus in the host since the very beginning of the infection, no matter how the immune system of the person might react. Moreover, the samples for the test contains the DNA information during quite a long time since the extraction. Programmable thermal operation cycler for controlling heating and cooling is the procedure to denaturation into two single strands, annealing and extension reactions of the DNA. The PCR is certainly having a clinical approach, because do not emphasized on how the immune system of the patient might reacts to the infection, only on whether the specific virus is present or not for the accurate diagnoses and subsequently proceed with an appropriated medical treatment to restore health.
Inappropriate Use of Risk Assessment in Addressing Health Hazards Posed by Civil Aircraft Cabin Air
Authors: C V Howard
Published: June 2021

Over decades, the airline industry has published considerable documentation on the potential for inhalation exposure to organophosphates and other toxins sourced to engine oil fumes supplied by “bleed air” systems, which are used on most commercial and military aircraft. Case studies on the subsequent development of neurological and other symptoms reported by crewmembers have also been widely documented. However, airline industry reviews tend to define toxicity of engine oil fumes according to a single toxicological endpoint - Organo Phosphate Induced Delayed Neuropathy (OPIDN) – which is acknowledged to be the result of a very high dose of exposure to a specific chemical, Tri-Ortho Cresyl Phosphate (TOCP). Industry reviews typically argue that the low levels of TOCP in aviation engine oils justifies the safety of continuing to use unfiltered engine bleed air to ventilate civil and military aircraft cabins. In fact, this approach ignores the routine presence and toxicity of a complex mixture of OPs in oil fumes supplied by engine bleed air systems and ignores the type of neurological symptoms that crews report (i.e., not OPIDN). The industry approach also ignores the scientific literature on repeated low-dose exposure to OPs over extended periods (particularly relevant for airline crewmembers) and the variable susceptibility of individuals to toxicological damage. This paper reviews the above-mentioned studies and presents the scientific literature that should be considered to make a realistic risk assessment of the hazards of aircraft engine bleed air.
Remembering Professional Commitments: Trusting in Teachers
Authors: Bulman Jeannie , Burnett Cathy , Merchant Guy , Rogers Emma
Published: June 2021

In England statutory expectations for literacy education place little emphasis on contemporary modes and media of communication and, as such, are out of step with contemporary life. We explore how open-ended, collaborative pedagogies can provide rich contexts for authentic everyday communication even in the context of such reductionist curriculum and assessment frameworks. This leads us to claim that the success of such approaches depends on the enthusiasm, experience and creativity of teachers and that remembering longstanding professional commitments in language and literacy teaching is at least as important as rethinking the curriculum when advocating for literacy provision more suited to current times.
Análisis psicométrico de la Escala de Depresión Geriátrica de Yesavage en adultos mayores de la Macroregión Sur del Perú
Authors: Arias Gallegos Walter L. , Muñoz del Carpio Toia Agueda , Rivera Renzo
Published: June 2021

Objetivo: El presente estudio de corte psicométrico analiza la validez y confiabilidad la Escala Geriátrica de Depresión de Yesavage en una muestra 270 adultos mayores provenientes de los Centros del Adulto Mayor que funcionan en los municipios de Arequipa, Puno y Cusco. Material y métodos: Se contrastaron dos métodos de análisis factorial exploratorio uno hecho con el software SPSS 23 y otro con FACTOR 9,2 dentro del marco del proceso de validación. Resultados: Nuestros datos indican que según SPSS la escala tiene un solo factor válido y confiable con 9 ítems; mientras que FACTOR indica que la escala tiene un solo factor con 7 ítems el cual es válido; pero no confiable. Conclusiones: La Escala Geriátrica de Depresión de Yesavage presenta inconsistencias en sus propiedades psicométricas por lo que se deben hacer más estudios para determinar si debe seguir siendo utilizada en nuestro medio.
Nivel de satisfacción laboral y Síndrome de Burnout en el profesional de enfermería en el Sistema de Atención Móvil de Urgencias.
Authors: Gabriel Aranda Verónica
Published: June 2021

Objetivo: Determinar la asociación entre satisfacción laboral y Síndrome de Burnout en el profesional de Enfermería que labora en el Sistema de Atención Móvil de Urgencias (SAMU). Material y métodos: estudio cuantitativo, correlacional, descriptivo y transversal. Se incluyó a la población de 70 profesionales de Enfermería, a quienes se les aplicó mediante la técnica de encuesta, el cuestionario de Satisfacción Laboral, el cual fue validado obteniendo alfa de Crombach=0,76 y el cuestionario Inventario de Burnout de Maslach (MBI) sin modificaciones. Resultados: Para la satisfacción laboral, se identificó que la dimensión de factores extrínsecos muestra el 40% de enfermeros con insatisfacción y el mismo porcentaje de enfermeros en la dimensión de factores intrínsecos se encuentran medianamente satisfechos. En el Síndrome de Burnout se encuentra que el 42,9% de enfermeros presentan nivel alto en cuanto al agotamiento emocional y el 38,6% nivel medio por ausencia de realización personal. Conclusiones: La mayoría de enfermeros se encuentran medianamente satisfechos en la dimensión de factores intrínsecos e insatisfechos en factores extrínsecos.  Asimismo, enfermeros del presente estudio se encuentran con nivel alto de agotamiento emocional seguido de nivel bajo de despersonalización de Síndrome de Burnout. Sin embargo, no existe relación entre las variables.
Influencia de pausa activa en factores de riesgo ergonómicos en trabajadores de limpieza de una universidad privada.
Authors: López Sarmiento Marilyn Aurora , Toribio Mestanza María Elena , Giraldo Giraldo Aurora Marlene
Published: June 2021

Objetivo: Determinar la influencia de la intervención de pausa activa en factores de riesgo ergonómicos en trabajadores de limpieza. Material y métodos: enfoque cuantitativo, pre experimental que involucró a 75 trabajadores del área de limpieza. Se empleó el instrumento de Ovako Working Analysis System (OWAS) en su versión español para identificar prevalencia de riesgo ergonómico mediante registros fotográficos y un cuestionario para evaluar la intervención de pausa activa antes y después, siendo analizado mediante la prueba Chi cuadrado. Resultados: En el factor individual predominó sexo masculino (54,7%); el grupo etario de 31 a 45 años (46,7%); tiempo de permanencia laboral inferior de 5 años desarrollando actividades de limpieza (78,6%). Los trabajadores presentaron al menos una categoría de riesgo ergonómico inicial. Según el instrumento de OWAS, se encontró un 38,6% en la categoría de riesgo 3 (efecto de postura dañina sobre el sistema músculo-esquelético).  Se identificó que el 73,3% presentó factores de riesgo ergonómico como molestias músculo esqueléticas en espalda, brazos, piernas antes de la intervención y disminuyeron las molestias a 20% post intervención. Antes de la intervención el factor de riesgo según postura forzada y movimiento repetitivo en espalda fue de 42,7% y disminuyó a 12% post intervención. Se identificó que la influencia de la intervención de pausa activa en los factores de riesgo ergonómicos antes y después fue significancia (p <0,01). Conclusiones: existe influencia de pausa activa en los factores de riesgo ergonómicos en los resultados antes y después de la intervención.
MANEJO DE RESIDUOS DE FÁRMACOS: UNA BREVE REVISIÓN
Authors: García-Morales Marco Antonio , Contreras-Rodríguez Araceli , Aguilera Arreola Ma. Guadalupe , Ruiz Enrico Alejandro , Morales García María Rosario
Published: June 2021

El agua es el vehículo por el cual se transportan diversos tipos de desechos provenientes de diferentes actividades productivas, de tal forma que ríos, canales, lagunas y mares se contaminan con éstos. Esta situación se ha presentado en México desde hace más de 200 años, y en la actualidad se están generando nuevos contaminantes no reglamentados en las aguas de reúso o tratadas. En el caso de residuos de fármacos, su persistencia y entrada continua a mantos acuíferos originan efectos negativos sobre la vida y el ambiente acuático, debido a que no se eliminan totalmente en los procesos de tratamiento de aguas residuales a causa de su estabilidad química. Este tipo de agua se reutiliza para la producción de agua potable o el riego de zonas agrícolas, de manera que la salud humana y animal se encuentran expuestas a los efectos toxicológicos de este tipo de sustancias químicas. Se realizó la búsqueda de reportes acerca de la contaminación de residuos farmacológicos en diferentes tipos de agua —residual o no— y suelos agrícolas, tanto internacionales como nacionales, de 1984 a 2018. Se concluyó que no hay hasta hoy una normatividad nacional ni internacional idónea sobre la forma en que debe realizarse la eliminación de este tipo de desechos para al medio ambiente en la menor medida posible.
Disrupting Mitochondrial Electron Transfer Chain Complex I Decreases Immune Checkpoints in Murine and Human Acute Myeloid Leukemic Cells
Authors: Luna-Yolba Raquel , Marmoiton Justine , Gigo Véronique , Marechal Xavier , Boet Emeline , Sahal Ambrine , Alet Nathalie , Abramovich Ifat , Gottlieb Eyal , Visentin Virgile , Paillasse Michael R. , Sarry Jean-Emmanuel
Published: June 2021

Abstract: Oxidative metabolism is crucial for leukemic stem cell (LSC) function and drug resistance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Mitochondrial metabolism also affects the immune system and therefore the antitumor response. Modulation of oxidative phosphorylation (OxPHOS) has emerged as a promising approach to improve therapy outcome for AML patients. However, the effect of mitochondrial inhibitors on the immune compartment in the context of AML is yet to be explored. Immune checkpoints such as the ecto-nucleotidase CD39 and programmed dead ligand 1 (PD-L1) have been reported to be expressed in AML and linked to chemoresistance and poor prognosis. In the present study, we first demonstrated that a novel selective electron transfer chain complex (ETC) I inhibitor, EVT-701, decreased OxPHOS metabolism of murine and human cytarabine (AraC)-resistant leukemic cell lines. Furthermore, we showed that, while AraC induced immune response regulation by increasing CD39 expression and by reinforcing interferon-γ/PD-L1 axis, EVT-701 reduced CD39 and PD-L1 expression in vitro in a panel of both murine and human AML cell lines, especially upon AraC treatment. Altogether, this work uncovers a non-canonical function of ETCI in controlling CD39 and PD-L1 immune checkpoints, thereby improving the anti-tumor response in AML.
Over the Heads? Agricultural Expansion, Production and Marketing Experiences among Rural Farmers in Zambia
Authors: Ndhlovu Hlupekile , Manda Simon
Published: June 2021

The post-2007 crisis-induced an agricultural expansion across Africa, but local level production and marketing experiences remain understudied. This study assesses the dynamics of agricultural expansion and small-scale farmers’ experiences in rural Zambia. Using a mixed research design, data were drawn from surveys, multi-level interviews, group discussions policy reviews and observations. Results show an agriculture expansion among small-scale farmers is underway due to favourable climatic conditions, land, and water availability, enabled by state subsidies, and an emerging market in commercial and supermarket outlets. However, farmers encounter production and marketing challenges related to poor tenure security, late delivery of inputs, and low financing. They face low and fluctuating prices, poor infrastructure, including low levels of mechanisation necessary to expand the production. Overall, despite an agricultural and land-use expansion taking shape, actual benefits for real transformation are largely missing – and currently over their heads. An argument is made that whilst policy actors continue to impress farmers to organise themselves to maximise benefits of an agricultural expansion, actual processes on how farmers can achieve this are missing in policy and practice. This necessitates a focus on multi-level processes aimed at addressing production, storage and marketing dynamics within a progressive coordination arrangement that centralizes small producers. Until that is addressed, the prospects for local development and poverty reduction for small-scale farmers under an agricultural expansion will be slender but continue to centrally reside in the state efforts to create enabling local and community environment that addresses real challenges. Overall, this study helps to extend the debate on diverse processes shaping rural transformation in Zambia and across sub-Saharan Africa, including the role and importance of agricultural expansion.
Sniff Species - SURMOF Based Sensor Array Discriminate Aromatic Plants Beyond the Genus Level
Authors: Okur Salih , Li Chun , Zhang Zejun , Vaidurya Pratap Sahi , Sarheed Mohammed , Kanbar Adnan , Franke Leonard , Geislhöringer Felix , Heinke Lars , Lemmer Uli , Nick Peter , Wöll Christof
Published: June 2021

The Lamiaceae belong to the species-richest families of flowering plants and harbor many species used as herbs or for medicinal applications, such as Basils or Mints. Evolution of this group has been driven by chemical speciation, mainly of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). The commercial use of these plants is characterized by a large extent of adulteration and surrogation. To authenticate and discern the species, is, thus, relevant for consumer safety, but usually requires cumbersome analytics, such as Gas Chromatography, often to be coupled with Mass Spectroscopy. We demon-strate here that quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM)-based electronic noses provide a very cost-efficient alternative, allowing for a fast, automated discrimination of scents emitted from leaves of different plants. To explore the range of this strategy, we used leaf material from four genera of Lamiaceae along with Lemongrass as similarly scented, but non-related outgroup. In order to unambiguously differentiate the scents from the different plants, the output of the 6 different SURMOF/QCM sensors was analyzed using machine learning (ML) methods, together with a thorough statistical analysis. The exposure and purging datasets (4 cycles) obtained from a QCM-based, low-cost homemade portable e-Nose were analyzed with Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) classification model. Prediction accuracies with repeating test measurements reached values of up to 90%. We show that it is not only possible to discern and identify plants on the genus level, but even to discriminate closely related sister clades within a genus (Basil), demonstrating that e-Noses are a powerful technology to safeguard consumer safety against the challenges of globalized trade.
In silico tool for predicting and designing Blood-Brain Barrier Penetrating Peptides
Authors: Kumar Vinod , Patiyal Sumeet , Dhall Anjali , Sharma Neelam , Raghava Gajendra Pal Singh
Published: June 2021

Blood-brain-barrier is a major obstacle in treating brain-related disorders as it does not allow to deliver drugs in the brain. In order to facilitate delivery of drugs in brain, we developed a method for predicting blood-brain-barrier penetrating peptides. These blood-brain barriers penetrating peptides (B3PPs) can act as therapeutic as well as drug delivery agents. We trained, tested, and evaluated our models on blood-brain-barrier peptides obtained from the B3Pdb database. First, we compute a wide range of peptide features then we select relevant peptide features. Finally, we developed numerous machine learning-based models for predicting blood-brain-barrier peptides using selected features. Our model based on random forest performed best on the top 80 selected features and achieved a maximum 85.08% accuracy with 0.93 AUROC. We also developed a web server, B3pred that implements our best models. It has three major modules that allow users to; i) predict B3PPs, ii) scanning B3PPs in a protein sequence, and iii) designing B3PPs using analogs. Our web server and standalone software is freely available at https://webs.iiitd.edu.in/raghava/b3pred/.
Does Multiculturalism Inhibit Intercultural Dialogue? Evidence from the Antipodes
Authors: Levey Geoffrey Brahm
Published: June 2021

In recent years, an international debate has erupted over whether and how interculturalism differs from multiculturalism as a response to cultural diversity. An influential argument in this debate is that multiculturalism itself militates against intercultural dialogue. This article scrutinises this argument and challenge its applicability in the Australian context. I examine two case studies of fraught intercultural dialogue: the 2006 clash between the Howard government and the Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria over the proposed introduction of a citizenship test; and the Abbott government’s proposed reform of the anti-vilification provisions of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 (Cth) during 2013–14. The cases suggest that far from undermining intercultural dialogue, respecting the terms of Australian multiculturalism would help to make it possible. Moreover, the cases suggest that if pursued genuinely, intercultural dialogue could contribute improved policy outcomes.1

1This article is a revised version of Geoffrey Brahm Levey (2017) ‘Intercultural dialogue under a multiculturalism regime: pitfalls and possibilities in Australia’ in Fethi Mansouri (ed) Interculturalism at the crossroads: comparative perspectives on concepts, policies and practice, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, France, pp. 103-25
Profiling the binding sites of RNA-binding protein by LACE-seq
Authors: Su Ruibao , Wang Di , Cao Changchang , Xue Yuanchao
Published: June 2021

RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) directly interact with various RNAs in living cells to regulate their processing, translation, and stability. Identifying the precise binding sites of RBPs is critical for appreciating their physiological or pathological roles in germline and early embryo development. Current methods typically need millions of cells to map RBP binding positions, which prevents us from appreciating the crucial role of RBPs in early development. Here, we present the LACE-seq method for unbiased mapping of RBP-binding sites at single-nucleotide resolution in fewer cells or even single oocytes. LACE-seq depends on RBP-mediated reverse transcription termination, and linear amplification of the cDNA ends for deep sequencing. To further promote its application, we describe a step-by-step protocol about how to construct a successful LACE-seq library.
Change in mammography screening attendance after removing the out-of-pocket fee: A population-based study in Sweden (2014-2018)
Authors: Lagerlund Magdalena , Åkesson Anna , Zackrisson Sophia
Published: June 2021

Purpose
To assess the change in mammography screening attendance in Sweden – overall and in sociodemographic groups at risk of low attendance – after removal of the out-of-pocket fee in 2016.
Methods
Individual-level data on all screening invitations and attendance between 2014 and 2018 were linked to sociodemographic data from Statistics Sweden. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for attendance by time-period and sociodemographic factor were computed using mixed logistic regression to account for repeated measures within women. The study sample included 1.4 million women, aged 40–75, who had a mammography screening appointment in 2014-15 and/or 2017-18 in 14 of Sweden’s 21 health care regions.
Results
Overall screening attendance was 83.8% in 2014-15 and 84.1% in 2017-18 (+ 0.3 percentage points, 95% CI: 0.2–0.4). The greatest increase in attendance was observed in non-Nordic women with the lowest income, where attendance rose from 62.9–65.8% (+ 2.9 points, 95% CI: 2.3–3.6), and among women with four or more risk factors for low attendance, where attendance rose from 59.2–62.0% (+ 2.8 points, 95% CI: 2.2–3.4).
Conclusion
Screening attendance did not undergo any important increase after implementing free screening appeared to have little effect on overall mammography screening rates, although attendance among some sociodemographic groups increased by almost three percentage points after the policy change.
Comparison Study on Characteristics of Hepatitis B Virus Whole Genomes for Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Authors: ZHANG Shuang , Wang Feng , Liu He , Su Qiudong , Qiu Feng , Zhang Guomin , Wang Fuzhen , Zheng Hui , Shen Liping , Bi Shenli
Published: June 2021

Objective This study was to characterize the whole gene sequences of hepatitis B virus (HBV) derived from patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as well as those with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infections. Methods Patients in the HCC group and the CHB group were matched by age, gender, and region. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify the HBV complete genome sequences. Results Serum samples were collected from 51 patients with HBV-related HCC and 76 patients with CHB. A total of 148 substitution sites deemed statistically significant were identified between the HCC and CHB groups. In addition, three mutational sites associated with HCC, (F22I/L/P in the pre-S2 region, P33S/T and S144A/T/V in the X region) were identified. Deletions to the pre-S and X regions were found in both HCC and CHB patients. However, deletions to the X region were more common in the HCC group than the CHB group. In this study the mutations associated with high risk of HCC mostly occurred in the sequences and some substitutions (C1470A/T, T1803A/G, and C1804T) that have not been previously reported. Conclusion It was implicated that aa33 and aa144 substitution in X region may be new predictive markers for HCC. The results of our study would provide important basic information for HCC prevention.
Comparative MCDM Analysis for AMD Treatment Method Selection
Authors: Štirbanović Zoran , Gardić Vojka , Stanujkić Dragiša , Marković Radmila , Sokolović Jovica , Stevanović Zoran
Published: June 2021

Robule Lake is located in Eastern Serbia, near city of Bor, known for copper production, and it is being influenced by waste materials from mining activities. For the purification of water from Robule Lake, contaminated with various metal ions (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cd, Ni, etc.), acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment methods such as: passive treatment method, sequential neutralization, ion exchange, adsorption process based on low cost adsorbents, adsorption process based on natural zeolits, electrodialysis, filtration with nanofiltration membranes, and reverse osmosis, were evaluated by following MCDM methods: TOPSIS, VIKOR, MOOSRA; WASPAS, and CoCoSo. Criteria used for the evaluation were: efficiency in the metal ions removal and the quality of the purified water, necessity of pre-treatment and / or post-treatment of treated water, possibility of using the generated waste, capital costs, operating and maintenance costs, needed area, and sensitivity of the method. The results of the MCDM analysis showed that sequential neutralization was the most appropriate for this wastewater, while passive treatment system and ion exchange were ranked as second and third, respectively.After the selection of AMD treatment method, neutralization tests with lime were carried out on the water sample from Robule Lake. The results of sequential neutralization testing showed that concentration of Fe ions could be lowered below the maximal allowable concentration prescribed by Serbian legislation at pH value 4. The other metal ions: Cu, Zn, and Ni needed pH value 7, and Mn and Cd needed pH 10 for effective removal.
Improvement in Detecting the Fate of Covid-19 Patients and Rule-based Analysis to Discover the Most Important Rules Governing their Fate
Authors: Ilbeigipour Sadegh , Albadvi Amir , Noughabi Elham Akhondzadeh
Published: June 2021

The world today faces a new challenge that is unprecedented in the last 100 years. The emergence of a new coronavirus has led to a human catastrophe. The new coronavirus is the cause of the Covid-19 disease, which kills many people in the world every day. Scientists in various sciences have been looking for solutions to this problem so far. In addition to general vaccination, maintaining social distance and hygienic principles are the most well-known strategies to prevent Covid-19 infection. In this research, we have tried to examine the symptoms of Covid-19 cases through different supervised machine learning methods. We solved the class imbalance problem using the SMOTE up-sampling method and then developed some classification models to predict the recovery or death of patients. Besides, we implemented a rule-based technique to identify important symptoms that affect patients' fate and calculate the range of values in these features that lead to recovery or death of patients. Our results showed that the random forest model with 94% accuracy, 95.2% sensitivity, 92.7% specification, 93.2% precision, and 94.2% F-score outperforms state-of-the-art classification models. Finally, we identified the ten most significant rules in the data set. The rules state that different combinations of 6 features in certain ranges of their values lead to patients' recovery with 90% confidence. In conclusion, the classification results in this study show better performance than recent researches. Besides, help physicians consider other important factors in improving health services to different groups of Covid-19 patients.
Prevalence and Determinants of Activity of Daily Living and Instrumental Activity of Daily Living Among Elderly in India
Authors: Chauhan Shekhar , Kumar Shubham , Bharti Rupam , Patel Ratna
Published: June 2021

Background: The increase in life expectancy has proliferated the number of elderly and subsequently increased the prevalence of disability among the elderly. This study assesses the prevalence of Activity of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activity of Daily Living (IADL) and analyzed determinants of ADL and IADL among elderly aged 60 and over living in India.Methods: The study utilized the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI, 2017-18) data, and information was sought from 31,464 elderly aged 60 years and above. An index of ADL and IADL was created on a scale of three levels, exhibiting no, moderate, or severe levels of ADL/IADL disability. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the effect of sociodemographic parameters on ADL and IADL disability among the elderly.Results: Around 3 percent of the elderly reported severe ADL disability, and 6 percent elderly reported severe IADL disability. Elderly who were not involved in any physical activity than their counterparts were more likely to report severe ADL (RRR=2.68, C.I.=1.66-4.32) and severe IADL (RRR=2.70, C.I.=1.98-3.67) than no ADL and no IADL, respectively. Conclusion: Amidst the study finding, the study emphasizes the importance of setting-up of geriatric care centres in rural and urban areas. It would be feasible to provide geriatric care under the umbrella of already functioning government health facilities in different parts of the country. Community interventions earmarking the elderly with a focus on physical activity, specifically when they are based in group physical exercise and implemented through existing networks, are rewarding for the elderly.