bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EGFR of platelet regulates macrophage activation and bacterial phagocytosis function
Authors: Luo Shuhua , Xu Riping , Xie Pengyun , Liu Xiaolei , Ling Chunxiu , Liu Yusha , Zhang Xuedi , Xia Zhengyuan , Chen Zhanghui , Tang Jing
Published: April 2024

Background

Beyond their crucial role in hemostasis, platelets possess the ability to regulate inflammation and combat infections through various mechanisms. Stringent control of macrophage activation is essential during innate immune responses in sepsis. Macrophages are considered crucial phagocytic cells that aid in the elimination of pathogens. Platelet interactions with monocytes-macrophages are known to be significant in the response against bacterial infections, but the primary mediator driving these interactions remains unclear. EGFR plays critical role in the regulation of inflammation and infection through various mechanisms.

Results

The overexpression of platelets by thrombopoietin (TPO) leads to the sequestration of both pro-inflammatory (IL-6/IL-1) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in the organ tissue of septic mice. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is critical for platelet activation in sepsis. EGFR-licensed platelets enhance macrophage immune function, including the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the clearance of bacteria. Platelet EGFR also induces M1 macrophage polarization by increasing the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and CD64.

Conclusion

EGFR can activate platelet immune function. Moreover, activated platelets efficiently regulate bacterial phagocytosis and pro-inflammatory function of macrophages through an EGFR-dependent pathway.
Correlation between sentinel lymph node biopsy and non-sentinel lymph node metastasis in patients with cN0 breast carcinoma: comparison of invasive ductal carcinoma and invasive lobular carcinoma
Authors: Cipolla Calogero , Lupo Simona , Grassi Nello , Tutino Giuseppe , Greco Martina , Eleonora D’Agati , Gebbia Vittorio , Valerio Maria Rosaria
Published: April 2024

Background

Some studies have suggested that axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) can be avoided in women with cN0 breast cancer with 1–2 positive sentinel nodes (SLNs). However, these studies included only a few patients with invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC), so the validity of omitting ALDN in these patients remains controversial. This study compared the frequency of non-sentinel lymph nodes (non-SLNs) metastases in ILC and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Materials Methods: Data relating to a total of 2583 patients with infiltrating breast carcinoma operated at our institution between 2012 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed: 2242 (86.8%) with IDC and 341 (13.2%) with ILC. We compared the incidence of metastasis to SLNs and non-SLNs between the ILC and IDC cohorts and examined factors that influenced non-SLNs metastasis. Results: SLN biopsies were performed in 315 patients with ILC and 2018 patients with IDC. Metastases to the SLNs were found in 78/315 (24.8%) patients with ILC and in 460 (22.8%) patients with IDC (p = 0.31). The incidence of metastases to non-SLNs was significantly higher (p = 0.02) in ILC (52/78–66.7%) compared to IDC (207/460 − 45%). Multivariate analysis showed that ILC was the most influential predictive factor in predicting the presence of metastasis to non-SLNs. Conclusions: ILC cases have more non-SLNs metastases than IDC cases in SLN-positive patients. The ILC is essential for predicting non-SLN positivity in macro-metastases in the SLN. The option of omitting ALND in patients with ILC with 1–2 positive SLNs still requires further investigation.
Schwann cell-derived extracellular vesicles promote memory impairment associated with chronic neuropathic pain
Authors: Tang Yidan , Wu Jiahui , Liu Changliang , Gan Lu , Chen Hai , Sun Ya-Lan , Liu Jin , Tao Yuan-Xiang , Zhu Tao , Chen Chan
Published: April 2024

Background

The pathogenesis of memory impairment, a common complication of chronic neuropathic pain (CNP), has not been fully elucidated. Schwann cell (SC)-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) contribute to remote organ injury. Here, we showed that SC-EVs may mediate pathological communication between SCs and hippocampal neurons in the context of CNP.

Methods

We used an adeno-associated virus harboring the SC-specific promoter Mpz and expressing the CD63-GFP gene to track SC-EVs transport. microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles of EVs and gain-of-function and loss-of-function regulatory experiments revealed that miR-142-5p was the main cargo of SC-EVs. Next, luciferase reporter gene and phenotyping experiments confirmed the direct targets of miR-142-5p.

Results

The contents and granule sizes of plasma EVs were significantly greater in rats with chronic sciatic nerve constriction injury (CCI)than in sham rats. Administration of the EV biogenesis inhibitor GW4869 ameliorated memory impairment in CCI rats and reversed CCI-associated dendritic spine damage. Notably, during CCI stress, SC-EVs could be transferred into the brain through the circulation and accumulate in the hippocampal CA1-CA3 regions. miR-142-5p was the main cargo wrapped in SC-EVs and mediated the development of CCI-associated memory impairment. Furthermore, α-actinin-4 (ACTN4), ELAV-like protein 4 (ELAVL4) and ubiquitin-specific peptidase 9 X-linked (USP9X) were demonstrated to be important downstream target genes for miR-142-5p-mediated regulation of dendritic spine damage in hippocampal neurons from CCI rats.

Conclusion

Together, these findings suggest that SCs-EVs and/or their cargo miR-142-5p may be potential therapeutic targets for memory impairment associated with CNP.
Traditional lore on the healing effects of therapeutic plants used by the local communities around Simien Mountains National Park, northwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Seraw Endalkachew , Melkamu Yirgalem , Masresha Getinet
Published: April 2024

Background

Simien Mountain National Park is a world heritage site with spectacular landscapes and rich in floral diversity. Exploring the plethora of conventional wisdom regarding therapeutic flora for sustainable use and drug development is a timely endeavor. Thus, the present study was aimed at investigating therapeutic plant uses and conservation practices by the local communities dwelling in the vicinity of the Park.

Methods

Eighty randomly selected general informants and 20 purposefully selected key informants were used to collect the traditional lore from 10 purposefully selected kebeles that border the Park. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews, guided field walks, group discussions and market surveys. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the basic information collected from the informants. An independent sample t test was computed to compare the knowledge variations among different informant groups. Clustering and ranking techniques were employed to validate traditional wisdom of informants.

Results

Significant differences in traditional wisdom (P < 0.05) were observed only between general and key informants. Hundred thirteen therapeutic plant species belonging to 56 families were recorded. Asteraceae was the most species-rich family (10%). The majority of therapeutic species were collected from the wild (77%). Herbs and roots were the most preferred habit (47%) and plant parts (37%) for remedy preparation, respectively. Pounding was the most common preparation method (50.1%). The most frequently practiced route of administration was the oral route (48.1%). The highest Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) value (84%) was recorded for respiratory and febrile illnesses. Rumex nepalensis was the most preferred for the treatment of wounds, and Olea europaea subsp cuspidata was the first-ranked multipurpose plant.

Conclusion

The Park is rich in therapeutic species serving as a refuge for many endemic and endangered species associated with the local community rich medicinal traditional lore. Erosion of therapeutic plants, verbal transfer of the traditional wisdom and young generation negligence in acquiring traditional lore led to the deterioration of the long tradition of using therapeutic plants for health care. Endangered multipurpose therapeutic plants like Echinops kebericho should get conservation priority. Therapeutic plants with the highest ICF and fidelity level could be candidates for drug development.
Robot-assisted anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction based on three-dimensional images
Authors: Yang Gang , Liu Dingge , Zhou Guangjin , Wang Qining , Zhang Xin
Published: April 2024

Background Tunnel placement is a key step in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of bone tunnel drilling in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction assisted by a three-dimensional (3D) image-based robot system.

Methods Robot-assisted ACL reconstruction was performed on twelve freshly frozen knee specimens. During the operation, three-dimensional images were used for ACL bone tunnel planning, and the robotic arm was used for navigation and drilling. Twelve patients who underwent traditional arthroscopic ACL reconstruction were included. 3D computed tomography was used to measure the actual position of the ACL bone tunnel and to evaluate the accuracy of the robotic and traditional ACL bone tunnel.

Results On the femoral side, the positions of robotic and traditional surgery tunnels were 29.3 ± 1.4% and 32.1 ± 3.9% in the deep-to-shallow direction of the lateral femoral condyle (p = 0.032), and 34.6 ± 1.2% and 21.2 ± 9.4% in the high-to-low direction (p < 0.001), respectively. On the tibial side, the positions of the robotic and traditional surgical tunnels were located at 48.4 ± 0.9% and 45.8 ± 2.8% of the medial-to-lateral diameter of the tibial plateau (p = 0.008), 38.1 ± 0.8% and 34.6 ± 6.0% of the anterior-to-posterior diameter (p = 0.071), respectively.

Conclusions In this study, ACL reconstruction was completed with the assistance of a robot arm and 3D images, and the robot was able to drill the bone tunnel more accurately than the traditional arthroscopic ACL reconstruction.
Perceived social competencies as moderators: examining the relationship between psychological distress and aggression, hostility, and anger in Lebanese adults
Authors: Karam Joya-Maria , Bitar Zeinab , Malaeb Diana , Fekih-Romdhane Feten , Hallit Souheil , Obeid Sahar
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The majority of people experience anger at some point in their lives when confronted with unpleasant situations. In social settings, anger can lead to aggressive and hostile in the absence of adequate social competences. Our study aims to examine the moderating role of perceived social competences in the association between psychological distress and anger expression (trait anger, hostility, physical aggression, and verbal aggression) among a sample of Lebanese adults.

Methods

403 participants above 18 years (the mean age was 24.56 ± 8.46) were enrolled in the cross-sectional study with 73% female participants. The candidates were asked to complete a structured questionnaire including the following scales: (1) Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire-Short Form (BPAQ-SF), (2) the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-8), (3) Perceived Social Competencies (PSC), and (4) The De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale.

Results

The interaction psychological distress by perceived social competence was not significantly associated with physical aggression, verbal aggression, or hostility but was significantly associated with anger. After adjusting the results over variables that showed a p <.25 in the bivariate analysis, this association was significant at low (Beta = 0.24; p <.001), moderate (Beta = 0.20; p <.001) and high (Beta = 0.16; p <.001) levels of perceived social competencies, where higher psychological distress was significantly associated with more anger. On another note, with higher perceived social competence, we find a decrease in levels of psychological distress in our sample.

Conclusion

This study provided evidence that perceived social competencies such as communication skills, empathy and prosocial behaviors act as moderators in the association between psychological distress and anger. In future works, investigating and building advanced program in order to develop social competences of individuals might prove important. It is crucial to implement such strategies and projects in schools: this educational setting could be fruitful in a way that social skills could be instilled during childhood and anger-aggressive behaviors could be managed throughout adulthood.
Tackle Risk Factors for Head Injury Assessments (HIAs) in Sub-Elite Rugby League and Recommendations for Prevention: Head Contacts from Upright Tackles Increase the HIA Risk to Both Ball Carrier and Tackler
Authors: Lang Martin A. , Tucker Ross , Edwards Suzi , Iverson Grant L. , Gardner Andrew J.
Published: April 2024

Background

The rugby league tackle has been identified as the game event with the greatest propensity for a clinically diagnosed concussion. This study aims to replicate the work conducted in professional rugby league and rugby union by examining Head Injury Assessment (HIA) events to determine the associated tackle characteristics that increase concussion risk in sub-elite rugby league players. This comparison between competition levels is important due to the less developed physiological and tackle proficiency characteristics of sub-elite rugby league players and the fewer resources available for an on-field diagnosis, compared to the elite level of the sport.

Results

Tackles resulting in Head Injury Assessments (HIAs, n = 131) and 2,088 tackles that did not result in a head injury were identified and coded from one season of the 2019 Queensland Cup. The body position of both ball carrier and tackler, tackle height, and body contact areas were evaluated. The propensity for tacklers to undergo a head injury assessment was 1.49 HIAs per 1,000 tackles, equating to a 2.5-fold higher risk than that of the ball carrier (0.59 HIAs per 1,000 tackles). The risk for an HIA was 2.75-fold greater when the tackler was upright (2.89 HIAs per 1,000 tackles) compared to a bent-at-the-waist tackler (1.05 HIAs per 1,000 tackles). The greatest risk for the tackler and ball carrier sustaining an HIA occurred when the tackle height was high, with head-to-head contact having the greatest propensity for an HIA (44.37 HIAs per 1,000 tackles). HIA risk was also greater for both players when the ball carrier did not employ an evasion strategy (3.73 HIAs per 1,000 tackles).

Conclusions

The study replicates results from research in elite rugby league and rugby union. A combination of higher head contact/proximity and upright body position significantly increase an HIA risk. Tackler head position and ball carrier evasion behaviours also affect risk, suggesting that injury prevention strategies designed to reduce tackle height and improve tackle technique by focusing on head position, body position, and in a novel finding, ball carrier evasion, may reduce head injury risk in sub-elite rugby league players.
Two-photon lithography for customized microstructured surfaces and their influence on wettability and bacterial load
Authors: Zagiczek Sophie Nilsson , Weiss-Tessbach Matthias , Kussmann Manuel , Moser Doris , Stoiber Martin , Moscato Francesco , Schima Heinrich , Grasl Christian
Published: April 2024

Background

Device-related bacterial infections account for a large proportion of hospital-acquired infections. The ability of bacteria to form a biofilm as a protective shield usually makes treatment impossible without removal of the implant. Topographic surfaces have attracted considerable attention in studies seeking antibacterial properties without the need for additional antimicrobial substances. As there are still no valid rules for the design of antibacterial microstructured surfaces, a fast, reproducible production technique with good resolution is required to produce test surfaces and to examine their effectiveness with regard to their antibacterial properties.

Methods

In this work various surfaces, flat and with microcylinders in different dimensions (flat, 1, 3 and 9 μm) with a surface area of 7 × 7 mm were fabricated with a nanoprinter using two-photon lithography and evaluated for their antibiofilm effect. The microstructured surfaces were cultured for 24 h with different strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus to study bacterial attachment to the patterned surfaces. In addition, surface wettability was measured by a static contact angle measurement.

Results

Contact angles increased with cylinder size and thus hydrophobicity. Despite the difference in wettability, Staphylococcus aureus was not affected by the microstructures, while for Pseudomonas aeruginosa the bacterial load increased with the size of the cylinders, and compared to a flat surface, a reduction in bacteria was observed for one strain on the smallest cylinders.

Conclusions

Two-photon lithography allowed rapid and flexible production of microcylinders of different sizes, which affected surface wettability and bacterial load, however, depending on bacterial type and strain.
Characterization of physics and astronomy assistant professors’ reflections on their teaching: can they promote engagement in instructional change?
Authors: Machost Haleigh , Kable Emily A. , Mitchell-Jones Jherian K. , Yik Brandon J. , Stains Marilyne
Published: April 2024

The development of reflective practitioners is one of four dominant change strategies in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) higher education literature. However, little research concerns the characterization of faculty’s reflections. Before professional development programs can effectively incorporate reflective writings as a tool for pedagogical improvement, it is necessary to first understand the current state of faculty’s reflections. To accomplish this goal, 98 physics and astronomy instructors were recruited from a teaching-focused professional development workshop and were asked to write a reflection on a self-identified challenging teaching experience.

A combination of a priori coding to analyze the content and depth of the reflections, as well as in vivo coding to better capture instructors’ thinking were utilized. The majority of instructors wrote low-level reflections, wherein connections were not made between an instructors’ actions and the observed outcomes or the described experience was not centered on students’ outcomes or educational research literature. Approximately half of the instructors contemplated their own growth and the relationships with their students. However, only a small minority of instructors considered larger societal, cultural, or ethical factors. Plans created by instructors to address future, similar situations heavily relied on the instructors themselves, regardless of the depth of their reflections, and few planned to seek out knowledge from other resources such as peers or the education literature.

This study indicates that instructors may not engage in the types of reflection that are considered to promote meaningful instructional change. Trends in the instructors’ plans show that ongoing support is necessary for them to effectively reflect and grow as practitioners. Overall, this work provides valuable insight into the poorly understood nature of faculty’s reflections and showcases the need for more research to fully characterize reflections across STEM disciplines and to better inform professional development.
Spontaneous Adrenal Hemorrhage in a Pregnant Woman With Glucocorticoid Resistance Syndrome
Authors: Jagtap Varsha , Lila Anurag , Karlekar Manjiri , Sarathi Vijaya , Bandgar Tushar
Published: April 2024

Glucocorticoid resistance syndrome is a rare disorder with no genetically proven cases reported from India; in addition, there are no descriptions available regarding its management during pregnancy. A 27-year-old woman, hypertensive since the age of 17 years, presented with hypokalemic paresis. She reported regular menses and acne. On investigation, she had elevated serum cortisol that remained unsuppressed after a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. Genetic analysis revealed a novel, homozygous missense variant in exon 5 of the NR3C1 gene confirming glucocorticoid resistance syndrome. She was managed with oral dexamethasone followed by tapering of antihypertensive drugs. A year later, she conceived with assisted reproductive techniques when dexamethasone was replaced with prednisolone, necessitating the reintroduction of antihypertensive drugs to maintain normotension and potassium supplements to manage hypokalemia. She presented with acute abdomen at 36 weeks of gestation; evaluation revealed right adrenal hemorrhage, which was managed conservatively. Postpartum, the right adrenal lesion reduced in size and an underlying right adrenal myelolipoma was unveiled.
Communication partner training for student health and social care professionals engaging with people with stroke acquired communication difficulties: A protocol for a realist review.
Authors: Fitzmaurice Yvonne , Beeke Suzanne , Isaksen Jytte , Cunningham Una , Jagoe Caroline , Shé Éidín Ní , McMenamin Ruth
Published: April 2024

Background Stroke acquired communication impairments impede effective communication. Consequently, in stroke care, communicative interactions can be challenging for both patients and staff and can predispose patients to increased risk of preventable adverse events. Communication partner training (CPT) can mitigate such negative outcomes by optimising communicative interactions. Providing CPT to student health and social care professionals (SH&SCPs) has the potential to enhance their clinical expertise and experiences and enhance the future clinical care of patients with stroke acquired communication impairments. This research aims to expand our understanding of how CPT is operationalised for SH&SCPs in higher education institutions and determine: what works; for whom; in what contexts; how and why? Methods This review is Phase 1 of a research project employing a realist approach with public and patient involvement (PPI). It incorporates five iterative steps: 1.) Clarifying the scope; 2.) Searching for evidence; 3.) Selecting and appraising evidence; 4.) Data extraction; 5.) Synthesising data and developing a middle range theory explaining how CPT is expected to work for SH&SCPs. An advisory panel, including PPI advisors, content advisors, student advisors, realist advisors and educationalist advisor has been set up to consult throughout the review and collaboratively agree the middle range theory. Discussion While there is an evolving evidence base for CPT, including stroke specific CPT for SH&SCPs, it is acknowledged that there are challenges to its implementation in complex real-world settings. In combining empirical evidence with theoretical understanding, realist review permits synthesis of data from diverse sources and goes beyond determining efficacy to explore generative causation and solutions for real world practice. A middle range realist programme theory that coherently explains how CPT is expected to work when teaching SH&SCPs to communicate with people with stroke acquired communication impairments will provide educators with new insights into CPT development and implementation in their higher education institutions.
12 Tips for Centering Patient Voices through “Lived Experience Panels” in Preclinical Undergraduate Medical Education
Authors: Patel Premal , Ahmed Nadia
Published: April 2024

Background: Integrating patient narratives into medical education enhances understanding of person-centered care, empathy, and the human experience of illness. This paper explores the implementation of lived experience panels (LEPs) in preclinical medical education.

Aims & Description: Twelve strategies for effective LEP integration are presented, emphasizing thoughtful curation of panelists, timing considerations, vulnerability cultivation, and empowerment of marginalized voices. The paper outlines leveraging virtual platforms, skillful facilitation, student and patient preparation, post-session support, and debriefing mechanisms. Experiences from the University of Texas Branch at Galveston are showcased.

Conclusion: The incorporation of LEPs into medical education holds immense potential for benefiting both learners and patients. Ensuring intentional and sensitive inclusion of these panels is paramount for the development of impactful curricula. By incorporating patient voices into medical education, we can nurture empathy, reinforce person-centered care principles, and cultivate authentic connections among learners, ultimately facilitating a transformative shift in the dynamics of the physician-patient relationship.
Influence of dietary components on the risk of gallstone formation
Authors: Sawczuk Marcelina , Ptak Jakub , Miśkiewicz Marek , Marcinkowska Jagoda , Perłowski Jakub , Teska Victoria , Koczkodon Karolina , Noga Rafał , Krompiewski Mariusz , Herc Adrian
Published: April 2024

Gallbladder disease is a common condition in the population that has a negative impact on quality of life. The development of gallstones is influenced by both non-modifiable factors such as genetics, age, gender and modifiable risk factors including physical activity, body weight, diet. Dietary factors affecting the occurrence of the disease are difficult to capture in clinical studies, but the effect of certain substances on the development of gallstones has been proven. Positive risk factors include a high-calorie diet, obesity, increased intake of carbohydrates, saturated fatty acids, small amounts of fiber ingested. Moderate alcohol consumption reduces the risk of gallstones. Coffee may reduce the risk of the disease, but results are inconclusive. Inverse risk factors include consumption of monounsaturated fatty acids, consumption of nuts, olive oil, n-3 PUFA found in fish oil, vitamin C supplementation. No clear effect of consuming large amounts of dietary cholesterol can be established. The type of protein consumed also matters - vegetable protein reduces the risk of gallstones, animal protein has no such effect. Better understanding of dietary risks of cholelithiasis may help in future disease prevention.
LA ANSIEDAD HACIA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LAS MATEMÁTICAS EN MAESTROS EN FORMACIÓN INICIAL
Authors: Antón-Sancho Álvaro
Published: April 2024

En este trabajo se estudian los niveles de ansiedad hacia la enseñanza de las matemáticas en un grupo de estudiantes españoles de magisterio de Educación Primaria a través de la encuesta MATAS. Los datos recopilados con la escuesta se analizan para determinar si hay diferencias significativas entre los niveles de ansiedad cuando se clasifica la muestra según tres criterios: si han cursado alguna asignatura previa de matemáticas, si poseen alguna titulación anterior en educación y si tienen experiencia como docentes de matemáticas. Como resultado se obtiene que la mayoría del grupo de estudiantes presentan niveles medios o altos de ansiedad hacia la enseñanza de las matemáticas y que quienes no tienen experiencia docente o no tienen ninguna titulación anterior presentan niveles medios de ansiedad significativamente superiores.
Género, memoria y cultura: el caso de una estatua de la libertad en la Costa Caribe
Authors: Pardo G. Marcela
Published: April 2024

Con este interés, este capítulo centra su análisis en algunos aspectos de una investigación de mayor alcance que aborda la estatua la Muñeca de la Libertad, ubicada en el corregimiento de Libertad del municipio de San Onofre (Sucre). Las reflexiones que se llevaron a cabo mostraron disputas de la memoria sobre lo sucedido desde el punto de vista de la violencia sexual durante el asentamiento paramilitar en este corregimiento entre 2001 y 2004. Además, en este trabajo se mostró la transformación del sistema de género impuesto por el orden social del paramilitarismo, que modificó la producción del espacio público donde se ubica la estatua. El estudio que se desarrolla a continuación hace énfasis en la relación memoria, género y cultura, así como en las interacciones sociales y las reivindicaciones de un grupo de mujeres que permitieron que la estatua que llegó a sus manos se constituyera en un lugar de memoria.
Incidencia de la fertilidad en el acceso a empleo formal en Colombia entre 2009 y 2019
Authors: Correa Ochoa Dora Elisa , Torres Gómez Edwin Esteban , Argüello Ricardo
Published: April 2024

Este trabajo analiza la discriminación laboral de la mujer en Colombia desde la incidencia de la fertilidad en el acceso al empleo formal. Para tal fin, desde el estudio de las teorías clásicas se explica la discriminación laboral y, a partir de allí, se examina la relación entre fertilidad y participación de las mujeres en el mercado laboral formal y se procede con la estimación de un modelo logit multinomial para determinar si la fertilidad afecta negativamente la ocupación formal de las mujeres. Para ello se utilizan datos de la Gran Encuesta Integrada de Hogares, del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística, entre 2009 y 2019. Los resultados indican que las mujeres con hijos tienen menor probabilidad de emplearse formalmente en comparación con las que no tienen hijos, pero también se observa que dicha brecha se redujo en el periodo analizado. Asimismo, los resultados muestran que las mujeres con hijos tienen mayor probabilidad de ser activas en la búsqueda de empleo, pero con poco éxito, lo que las lleva a ser trabajadoras informales o desempleadas.
Dependencia del comercio, estructura industrial e informalidad. Un estudio de caso
Authors: Argüello Ricardo , Sánchez López Juan Camilo , Bolívar Bernal María Fernanda
Published: April 2024

El estudio sobre la relación entre empleo informal y la exposición al comercio internacional se ha enfocado en los procesos de apertura comercial en países emergentes. Sin embargo, se ha prestado poca atención a los efectos de los choques comerciales una vez que los procesos de apertura se han consolidado. Con el propósito de colmar esta carencia, este capítulo busca analizar la relación entre el carácter formal o informal del empleo y la exposición de las industrias al comercio internacional, específicamente en el caso de la industria manufacturera en Colombia. Con este objetivo se emplea un enfoque dual que integra métodos cuantitativos y cualitativos, para contrastar los resultados obtenidos a través de un modelo logit con un estudio de caso en la ciudad de Ibagué. Los resultados muestran que en las industrias con mayor dependencia a los insumos importados, es mayor la probabilidad de que un trabajador sea informal que en las industrias con dependencia a las importaciones de bienes finales, lo que indica que la informalidad en estas industrias está relacionada con los esquemas de producción y con la forma en que operan las firmas del sector, más que con su nivel de vinculación con el comercio internacional.
Experiencia y problemas. La educación ciudadana como fuente de sentido de la enseñanza de la filosofía
Authors: Vargas Guillén Germán , Meléndez Raúl , Herrera Romero Wilson
Published: April 2024

El presente trabajo asume como punto de partida la formulación de dos grandes interrogantes que, a juicio de los autores, permitirán situar la discusión del lugar de la educación ciudadana en el marco global de la enseñanza de la filosofía. En ese orden de ideas, a fin de evitar hacer conexiones o relaciones arbitrarias en torno a los fines de la educación, resulta necesario preguntarse ¿cómo enseñar filosofía? y ¿para qué enseñar filosofía? El objetivo de este capítulo será problematizar los alcances de ambos interrogantes con relación a los fines de la educación, específicamente, de la educación para la democracia. Así las cosas, la educación filosófica, para los autores, deberá ser interpretada como la base de la educación ciudadana, toda vez que pone a los estudiantes, a través de su formación, en condiciones de reflexionar sobre sí mismos, sobre su entorno y sobre su relación con los otros.
Evaluación estandarizada y lectura crítica: de la homogenización al “abandono” de la filosofía
Authors: Rico Orozco Luis Eduardo
Published: April 2024

Este capítulo explora las relaciones entre calidad educativa y estandarización evaluativa. El texto pretende realizar un acercamiento a la génesis de los principales elementos constitutivos de las pruebas estandarizadas de evaluación del aprendizaje (en el contexto internacional y colombiano). Este análisis, afirma el autor, resulta fundamental para entender en qué sentido la evaluación de lectura crítica (encargada de sustituir el componente de filosofía de la prueba Saber 11) representa una instancia en la que se cristaliza la implementación, en el campo educativo mundial, de los direccionamientos ideológicos, económicos y políticos de una sociedad globalizada.
Filosofía y lectura crítica
Authors: Cabanzo Alfonso , Wills Santiago
Published: April 2024

Una forma en la que se manifiesta la llamada “crisis de las humanidades” se da a través de la escisión entre la educación humanística y la educación tutelada por el Estado. Así, tal y como aparece señalado en otros capítulos de este volumen, el papel que ha desempeñado el ICFES en toda esta coyuntura ha sido fundamental. En ese orden de ideas, este capítulo aborda el problema de la enseñanza de la filosofía y su relación con la evaluación de la lectura crítica. Según los autores, a partir de la definición adoptada por el ICFES para la implementación de su módulo de lectura crítica en los exámenes de Estado, Saber 11 y Saber Pro, se puede apreciar la relaciónmentre ambos aspectos. Sin embargo, lo que no resulta tan claro, según los autores, es la relación del desarrollo de habilidades requeridas para la vida diaria y el mercado laboral, y aquellas habilidades alcanzadas mediante la práctica de la filosofía.
La incidencia de la filosofía en la lectura crítica y otras competencias genéricas en los programas de formación de docentes en Colombia
Authors: Farieta Alejandro
Published: April 2024

A partir de un estudio empírico se pretende comprobar que, en contraposición a lo que usualmente se considera, la filosofía tiene un enorme potencial de impacto económico. En ese orden de ideas, el capítulo muestra un estudio llevado a cabo con 104 212 estudiantes de programas de licenciatura que presentaron el examen Saber Pro entre 2016-2019 (de los cuales, 2034 pertenecían a una Licenciatura en Filosofía), a fin de establecer si el componente filosófico incide en el desempeño de las pruebas Saber Pro. El estudio utiliza una metodología cuantitativa de carácter cuasiexperimental en la cual se ejecutan análisis de regresión multinivel anidados en taxonomías de modelos. El trabajo concluye mostrando la necesidad de abrir más programas de Licenciatura en Filosofía —especialmente en las regiones que carecen de estos— e indican cómo estos resultados hacen evidente que resolver las brechas educativas de las regiones no puede solucionarse mediante estrategias de mercado educativo.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental state of Polish students
Authors: Florek Szymon , Meca Kamila , Czogalik Łukasz , Piegza Magdalena , Dębski Paweł , Pudlo Robert
Published: April 2024

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has undoubtedly affected the mental health of the population. This issue has become the focus of interest of various research groups in recent years, resulting in a number of publications on the subject. Among other things, increases in anxiety, aggression, depression and other variables have been observed in different populations.
Material and method: The authors of the present project conducted a web-based survey among university students in Poland. They used scales to assess the intensity of anxiety (GAD-7), aggressive behaviour (Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire -ABPQ), alcohol consumption (AUDIT test), and mental toughness (ER-89). The entire survey was conducted in two stages, with the second stage taking place by sending survey forms to email addresses previously provided by respondents.
Results: In the first term of the study, higher levels of anxiety and anger and lower levels of alcohol consumption were observed among women compared to men. Medical students reported lower levels of verbal, physical and generalised aggression compared to non-medical students. A follow-up study conducted after three months showed a reduction in anxiety among students.
Discussion: Adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic among students did not differ from changes in other communities. Women are characterized by higher levels of anxiety and anger and less alcohol consumption compared to men. A significant decrease in anxiety intensity was observed in the follow-up study. Medical students were characterized by lower levels of verbal, physical and generalized aggression.

Keywords: anxiety, students, alcohol consumption, COVID-19, ego-resilience
¡Prefiero no verte, perro!
Authors: Guerrero Bernal Hanz Miguel , Vázquez Pérez Jorge , Aguilera-Miller Eduardo Felipe
Published: April 2024

El mejor amigo del hombre no suele ser tan amistoso con otros grupos de animales. Cuando los dueños pierden control de sus perros como mascotas, éstos se convierten en una seria amenaza para la fauna silvestre, alterando los ecosistemas y poniendo en riesgo la biodiversidad.
Los mamíferos carnívoros del Estado de México
Authors: Balbuena-Serrano Ángel , Ávila-Pérez Pedro , Zarco-González Zuleyma
Published: April 2024

Cuando hablamos del Estado de México pensamos en una ciudad grande y poblada, no obstante, esta zona del país aún cuenta con una gran diversidad de especies de mamíferos carnívoros que vale la pena conocer y proteger.
Breve recuento histórico de las nutrias de río
Authors: Ortega Borchardt José Ángel , Gallo Reynoso Juan Pablo , Llamas-Romo Alexandra
Published: April 2024

A pesar de ser poco comunes de avistar en sus hábitats naturales, la identidad de las nutrias de río ha sido objeto de diversos significados y valores a lo largo de nuestra historia. Comprender cómo la imagen pública de estas especies ha evolucionado debido a su historia cultural nos brinda una nueva perspectiva para entender a estos fascinantes animales.
Osos, casas y cosas
Authors: Zarco González Zuleyma , Monroy-Vilchis Octavio , García-Rivas José Luis
Published: April 2024

La ecología estudia a los seres vivos y las relaciones de éstos con su ambiente. Uno de los conceptos más populares en ecología es el ámbito hogareño, ya que conocer su tamaño tiene aplicaciones no solamente para identificar los recursos que utiliza un individuo, también puede ayudarnos a diseñar estrategias de conservación a largo plazo o de mitigación de conflictos entre humanos y fauna silvestre.
POLÍTICA CULTURAL BRASILEIRA, ÉTICA E DIREITOS HUMANOS:
Authors: Nascimento y Mansour Renata , Reis Maria Amélia
Published: April 2024

Este trabalho examina os aspectos educativos observados no Museu das Memórias de Chatila, campo de refugiados palestinos localizado em Beirute, no Líbano, após o massacre de Sabra e Chatila, em 1982. Focalizamos o modo pelo qual o museu, por meio do conjunto de sentimentos e emoções traduzidos em relação aos objetos de memória recolhidos e expostos pelos refugiados, realiza seus processos educativos de dinamização e agenciamento, tornando estes objetos, patrimônios capazes de garantir a permanência no tempo de referências de memória de povos destituídos, espoliados de seus direitos fundamentais. Trata-se de fazer emergir, por intermédio de problemáticas de ordem global, sob o prisma universal da justiça e da ética nos direitos humanos, em diálogo com as políticas culturais e conjunturais mundiais, metodologias educativas em museus, capazes de construir consciências identitárias em processos de patrimonialização democráticos, participativos e emancipatórios. Buscamos, assim, ampliar os vínculos entre Patrimônio, Museu e Educação presentificados em projetos civilizatórios voltados à formação e promoção da cidadania, dos direitos sociais, humanos e culturais e de substanciar o desenvolvimento de museologias comprometidas com a ética e a transformação social.
The role of settings as civic spaces
Authors: Archer Nathan , Demissie Fufy , Pearse Sally
Published: April 2024

Dr Nathan Archer from Leeds Beckett University, Dr Fufy Demissie and Professor Sally Pearse from Sheffield Hallam University, discuss the social impact of the early years sector and the role of nurseries and settings as civic spaces in the community.
Exploring the Factors of Firm-Provided Continuing Education and Training: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Neycheva Mariya
Published: April 2024

Given the insufficient involvement of business investments in adult education, this study focused on the factors that motivate managers and entrepreneurs to invest in continuing education. For this purpose, we conducted a systematic literature review of studies referenced in Scopus and Web of Science since 2015. The factors for training were classified into four levels: personal, organizational, industry-related, and national. The results indicated that the inside firm-related determinants are the most studied and essential. A consensus emerged in the relevant literature on the positive impact of a supportive workplace culture, a learning orientation, formalized human resource development practices, and employee voice. The long-term orientation of managers and the perception of employees’ flexibility and adaptability to change also play a role. The study highlights the increasing pressure from regulations and market competition, as well as the (in)capability of universities to provide training tailored to the specific needs of companies. Although institutional factors appeared to predominate, economic considerations also influence training decisions; the latter means that the two underlying theories – institutional theory and human capital theory – complement each other when explaining employers' incentives to invest in training.
Design of Wilkinson Power Dividers with SITL Compensated Microstrip Bandpass Filters
Authors: Phomloungsri Ravee , Srisawat Somkuan , Sonasang Somchat , Chongcheawchamnan Mitchai
Published: April 2024

This paper presents a simple technique for improving performances of a conventional Wilkinson power divider. The technique is achieved by replacing bulky quarter-wave transmission lines with stepped impedance transmission lines (SITL) compensated coupled lines. With the internal function of bandpass filter integrated with the proposed coupled lines, the spurious response at 2nd harmonics frequencies that normally exists in the conventional divider is considerably reduced. Simulated and measured results at 2.1 GHz operating frequency of the proposed and conventional Wilkinson power divider were compared. The proposed divider achieves -3.8 dB insertion loss (S21,S31) and more than 25 dB return loss (S11,S22,S33) across 10% fractional bandwidth. Based on this measurement, the proposed circuit achieves more than 34.5 dB suppression at the 2nd harmonic frequency.
Resonant Frequency Modelling of Microstrip Antennas by Consensus Network and Student’s-T Process
Authors: Ren Xuefeng , Tian Yubo , Li Qing , Fu Hao
Published: April 2024

When modelling and optimizing antennas by machine learning (ML) methods, it is the most time-consuming to obtain the training samples with labels from full-wave electromagnetic simulation software. To address the problem, this paper proposes an optimization method based on the consensus results of multiple independently trained Student’s-T Process (STP) with excellent generalization ability. First, the STP is introduced as a surrogate model to replace the traditional Gaussian Process (GP), and the hyperparameters of the STP model are optimized. Afterwards, a consistency algorithm is used to process the results of multiple independently trained STPs to improve the reliability of the results. Furthermore, an aggregation algorithm is adopted to reduce the error obtained in the consistency results if it is greater than the consistency flag. The effectiveness of the proposed model is demonstrated through experiments with rectangular microstrip antennas (RMSA) and circular microstrip antennas (CMSA). The experimental results show that the use of multiple independently trained STPs can accelerate the antenna design optimization process, and improve modelling accuracy while maintaining modelling efficiency, which has high generalization ability.
Wahrnehmungs- und variationslinguistische Arbeiten zur Regionalsprache
Authors: Langhanke Robert , Limper Juliane , Vorberger Lars , Kwekkeboom Sarah
Published: April 2024

The combination of perceptual dialectological and variationist linguistic work determines the structure of the collected volume, which is based on a conference held at the University of Vechta. Through seven articles, the volume delves into various linguistic regions of German, employing diverse methodologies in regional language research.
The variation and perception of regional language features in Luxembourg are examined using a perceptual-dialectological approach, while a study focusing on perception and mental maps explores the transition area between East Franconian and North Bavarian, alongside a frame-semantic study on the recent thematisation of the opening of the inner-German border. Furthermore, a diachronic study evaluates spoken language in Hanover, rounding off the perceptual-dialectological approaches.
The volume concludes with three variationist linguistic studies, which scrutinize regional and intergenerational differences in lenis plosives before sonorant, the pseudo-coordination of two verb forms in the Low German dialects of Schleswig-Holstein in comparison to other languages and the use of phraseologisms by different generations in the Rhineland and the Ruhr area.
By showcasing the variety of methods and employing diverse corpora, the volume illustrates the potential and the thematic breadth of contemporary regional language research, fostering numerous interdisciplinary connections.
Representaciones en torno a las mariposas Monarca en La montaña de las mariposas de Homero Aridjis
Authors: Grover Pimienta Lilia María
Published: April 2024

Este artículo explora las diversas representaciones en torno a las mariposas Monarca que aparecen en la novela La montaña de las mariposas, escrita por el autor mexicano Homero Aridjis, desde la perspectiva del giro animal. Asimismo, se analiza la conexión que se establece entre los personajes humanos y las mariposas, y el papel que tienen dichos insectos como elemento de crítica social y política dentro de la novela. Finalmente, se señala la relación que tienen las mariposas Monarca de la novela con el movimiento ecologista encabezado por el autor.
Depressed-cladding thulium-doped fiber for applications below 1800 nm
Authors: Pokorný Jan , Aubrecht Jan , Kamrádek Michal , Švejkarová Bára , Vařák Petr , Grábner Martin , Peterka Pavel
Published: April 2024

We present a thulium-doped silica fiber, featuring a depressed cladding, for applications at wavelengths below 1800 nm. The depressed cladding is used as a distributed filter suppressing amplified spontaneous emission at longer wavelengths, which helps promote emission at shorter wavelengths. We describe the fiber design process that was carried out by using a combination of numerical methods. The fiber was prepared in-house by a combination of the standard modified chemical vapor deposition method and nanoparticle doping. We demonstrate the effectiveness and tunability of ASE filtering, which is influenced by fiber bend radius and its variation.