bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adoption of New Pedagogies for Curriculum Delivery in the Post Covid-19
Authors: Masenya Malesela Jim , Molefe Phophi , Mokumo Peter 
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this paper to advocate for embracing of new techniques of delivering lessons in institutions of higher learning. The advent of the global covid-19 pandemic has brought new challenges for the higher education space. The pandemic with its ‘new normal’ has challenged higher education institutions beyond just access to resources, however, with aspects of curriculum delivery. The ‘new normal’ has meant that curriculums need to be delivered online. Thus, many higher education institutions have had to involuntarily jump on the online teaching and learning bandwagon. The move to online teaching and learning for higher education institutions has resulted in several challenges as many higher education institutions have curriculums designed for traditional teaching (face-to-face) delivery. The challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic and its “new normal” has shown that changes needs to happen to higher education curriculums to be able to overcome these challenges. Therefore, this paper recommends that post covid-19, face-to-face higher education institutions need to restructure their curriculums and adopt hybrid curriculums that incorporate online teaching and learning.
Bacterias fijadoras de nitrógeno de vida libre provenientes de diferentes rizosferas de mangles
Authors: Fuentes Domínguez I , Ojeda-Morales M. E. , Morales Bautista C. M. 
Published: June 2024

Los microorganismos desempeñan un rol importante en la degradación de petróleo en diversos ecosistemas contaminados; sin embargo, existen organismos resilientes con la capacidad de metabolizarlo. Por lo tanto, se investigan alternativas para remediar estos sitios a través de la biotecnología con el uso de microrganismos. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo obtener bacterias fijadoras de nitrógeno de vida libre capaces de degradar petróleo. Los microorganismos se obtuvieron a partir de las rizósferas de mangle: rojo (Rhizophora mangle), blanco (Laguncularia racemosa) y negro (Avicennia germinans), las cuales estaban libres de petróleo. De las tres rizósferas se obtuvieron 16 cepas bacterianas, las cuales se caracterizaron fenotípicamente, y posteriormente se sometieron a crecimiento en Agar Bushnell Hass y triple 17 con petróleo como única fuente de carbono, y determinar si eran petrofílicas. Los resultados demostraron tres especies de cepas bacterianas petrofílicas identificadas como: B1MR, B3MR perteneciente del mangle rojo y B2MN mangle negro.
Scaffolding as a cognitive load reduction strategy for teaching atomic and nuclear physics
Authors: Appiah-Twumasi Eric 
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the effectiveness of scaffolding as a cognitive load reduction strategy for teaching Atomic and Nuclear Physics. This study was carried out with the participation of university physics students (n = 20) enrolled in the B.Sc. Physics Education Programme. A quasi-experimental one-group pre-test-post-test design was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data on physics students’ conceptual understanding and learning dispositions about Atomic and Nuclear Physics. The intervention consisted of a university academic calendar of one semester (2022-2023) using scaffolding as a cognitive load reduction strategy. The baseline assessment revealed that the respondents had incorrect, partial, and no knowledge of electron transition and radioactivity-related concepts. However, the post-test analysis revealed a mean score of 7.22 (SD = 0.31) that can be considered significant (p < 0.05) and a large effect of 0.79 on the conceptual understanding of the participants in Atomic and Nuclear Physics. The study findings also revealed that the participants' factual, conceptual, procedural, and meta-cognition about Atomic and Nuclear Physics improved after using scaffolding as a cognitive load reduction strategy. The results further revealed an improved learning disposition about Atomic and Nuclear Physics among the participants after the intervention. The participants articulated, among others, that the use of scaffolds as a cognitive load reduction strategy stimulated their interests, made the topic more enjoyable, and reduced their sense of hopelessness. The author accordingly recommends scaffolding as a cognitive load reduction strategy to physics educators for effective teaching and learning in the context of Atomic and Nuclear Physics.
Revolutionizing Crystal Guava Production through Six Sigma and Kaizen Insights
Authors: Mauli Fajar Dwi , Cahyana Atikha Sidhi , Sukmono Tedjo , Jakaria Ribangun Bamban 
Published: June 2024

This study addresses the quality issues in crystal guava production at UD Bumiaji Sejahtera using the Six Sigma and Kaizen methodologies. By analyzing factors like non-uniform maturity, black spots, fruit rot, shape defects, and seed defects, this research aims to identify key areas for improvement. Results indicate that non-uniform maturity contributes significantly to defects, highlighting the need for improved pest control, efficient application methods, regular maintenance, material inspection, and enhanced standards for farmers and agricultural workers. These findings offer practical insights for enhancing crystal guava production quality and reducing defects at UD Bumiaji Sejahtera.

Highlight:
Six Sigma and Kaizen for Crystal Guava Quality Enhancement.
Non-uniform Maturity Identified as Key Defect Contributor.
Recommendations: Improved Pest Control, Application Methods, and Standards for Farmers.

Keyword: Crystal Guava Production, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Quality Improvement, Defect Reduction
Overcoming Boredom with a Better Work Environment in Indonesia
Authors: Afiyanto Muhammad Alfin , Putra Boy Isma 
Published: June 2024

CV. Lima Cahaya, a printing services company, faced a significant increase in employee-related complaints from 2021 to 2022, primarily due to lack of thoroughness linked to boredom. This study aimed to analyze the impact of physical and non-physical work environments and psychological conditions on employee boredom. Using a questionnaire completed by 20 employees and analyzed through multiple linear regression and Importance Performance Analysis (IPA), results showed that improvements in the work environment significantly reduce boredom (Y=0.721+0.547X1+0.339X2+0.088X3). The high satisfaction levels (above 80%) indicate that the current environment meets employee expectations, providing insights for management to enhance employee performance and reduce complaints. Highlight: Complaint Rise: 37% increase in employee complaints due to boredom. Influential Factors: Work environment and psychological conditions affect employee boredom. High Satisfaction: IPA shows over 80% satisfaction with current work conditions. Keyword: printing services, employee boredom, work environment, multiple linear regression, Importance Performance Analysis
Porcine placenta extract promotes keratinocyte and fibroblast activities via ERK AKT and JNK growth signaling pathways
Authors: Nensat Chatchai , Songjang Worawat , Jantra Jeranan , Kijchalao Nutthamon , Tohtong Rutaiwan , Suthiphongchai Tuangporn , Phimsen Suchada , Rattanasinganchan Panthip , Metheenukul Pornphimon , Janvilisri Tavan , Moolthiya Penpak , Sopitthummakhun Kittipat , Jiraviriyakul Arunya 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Porcine Placenta Extract (PPE) has been disclosed as a biological protein-enriched compound, whereas it has been declared the stimulatory effects on cell proliferation, cell migration, angiogenesis, and various cellular mechanisms. The fibroblast and keratinocyte are epidermal cells involve in granulation tissue formation and re-epithelialization. The homeostasis of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition/degradation also attributes wound completion by regulation of ECM protein constitution and matrix metalloprotease (MMP) activities. This study aims to investigate the stimulatory effect of PPE on keratinocyte/fibroblast proliferation and migration including MMPs and ECM protein expression.
Methods: The human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT) and human fibroblast cell line (Hs 895.Sk) were cultured with various PPE concentration and investigated cell proliferation, cell migration, MMP gene expression and ECM proteins’ gene expression by MTT assay, scratching wound assay, and qRT-PCR, respectively. ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, Akt, p-Akt, JNK, p-JNK, and cyclin-D1 were also investigated by Western blot analysis. LY294002, PD98059, and SP600125, in which inhibitors were utilized to confirm the underlying signaling pathway of PPE stimulation. Jcl:SD rat were generated a wound and applied topical PPE with various concentration. The wound biopsy and histological staining with Masson’s trichrome were performed to investigate granulation tissue appearance. All In Vivo procedures were approved by the Ethics Committee for the Use of Animals of the Naresuan University (NU-AE630609).
Results: PPE statistically significantly increased keratinocyte/fibroblast proliferation and migration with dose dependent manner. PPE 10 µg/mL statistically significantly enhanced MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-10, and MMP-14 gene expression in keratinocyte. PPE 50 µg/mL also increased MMP-2, MMP-20, and MMP-14 including α-SMA, fibronectin, collagen I, and collagen III gene expression with statistically significant difference. PPE can activate phosphorylation of ERK1/2, Akt, and JNK including cyclin-D1 expression. Interestingly, PPE also stimulate granulation tissue appearance.
Conclusion: PPE stimulated fibroblast/keratinocyte proliferation and migration through JNK, ERK1/2, and Akt pathway. PPE also activated MMP gene expression either keratinocyte or fibroblast and stimulated ECM protein gene expression in fibroblast. Consequently, PPE provides the potential as a complementary treatment to improve delayed wound healing and prevent scar/keloid formation.
Perioperative Anesthesia management for Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome in resource limited area. A case report
Authors: Abebe Minda , Yinges Mengistu , Besha Aschalew , Wale Endeshaw 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome is a clinical illness characterized by tachycardia and ECG manifestations of a short PR interval and normal QRS duration. Although the incidence is thought to be less than one in a million, it is very fatal if it does occur. Interdepartmental communication is very important for that symptomatically as well high risk for LGL patients. Malignant hyperthermia is one feared anesthesia related complication in patent with LGL syndrome, so that any triggering factor like sux and halogenated inhalational anesthetic agent must be avoided. Therefore, every clinician should consider this complication in patients with abnormal electrocardiographic findings; especially normal QRS complex is accompanied with short PR interval and tachycardia. Case presentation: 45 years old para 3 gravida 4 mother’s present with the diagnosis of APM secondary to huge 20cm x 21cm subserous myoma. She also had mild mitral regurgitation and LGL syndrome schedule for the procedure of total abdominal hysterectomy. Previously she had one cesarean section 10 years back for indication of failed induction under spinal anesthesia. She had shortness of breathing when she lies on supine position and also had palpitation, shortness of breathing and syncope during exercise. Otherwise she had no history of other chronic medical illness like diabetic mellitus and asthma and hypertension. Conclusion: Patients with LGL syndrome can be successfully managed with adequate preoperative planning, appropriate selection of safe anesthetic agent and anesthesia plan, cautious intraoperative monitoring, minimizing of factors that can trigger perioperative tachyarrhythmia, malignant hyperthermia, and cardiac arrest as well as effective management of postoperative pain.
Chondroblastoma of the femoral head: Curettage without dislocation
Authors: Yang Di , Ouyang Haiping , Zhou Ziyu , Wang Zhongliang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Chondroblastoma (CBL)of femoral head is a rare disease, and its treatment is still controversial. The purpose of this research is to share our experience in curettage without dislocation for femoral head chondroblastoma.
Methods: A total of 7 children diagnosed with chondroblastoma of the femoral head underwent a surgical procedure involving curettage, the application of anhydrous alcohol as an adjuvant therapy, and subsequent bone grafting. The epiphyseal plate status of the femoral head was categorized as open, closing, or closed. To assess the children's postoperative functional outcome, the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) scoring system was employed. Additionally, the Lodwick classification served to evaluate the extent of bone destruction. Furthermore, the kappa coefficient was utilized to quantify the level of agreement among observers in assessing the status of the epiphyseal plate.
Results: The epiphyseal plate status was closing in two patients and closed in five patients. According to the Lodwick classification, three patients were classified as IA, one as IB, and three as IC. The mean MSTS score was 27.86. Notably, one patient sustained a femoral neck fracture three months post-curettage.
Conclusions: Curettage without surgical dislocation, combined with the use of anhydrous alcohol as an adjuvant therapy, followed by bone grafting, constitutes an effective treatment technique for femoral head chondroblastoma (CBL).
Enhancing Vascularized Composite Allograft Supercooling Preservation: A Multifaceted Approach with CPA Optimization, Thermal Tracking, and Stepwise Loading Techniques
Authors: von Reiterdank Irina Filz , Dinicu Antonia T. , Cetrulo Curtis L. , Coert J.H. , Molen Aebele B. Mink van der , Uygun Korkut 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Vascularized composite allografts (VCAs) present unique challenges in transplant medicine, owing to their complex structure and vulnerability to ischemic injury. Innovative preservation techniques are crucial for extending the viability of these grafts, from procurement to transplantation. This study addresses these challenges by integrating cryoprotectant agent (CPA) optimization, advanced thermal tracking, and stepwise CPA loading strategies within an ex vivo rodent model. CPA optimization focused on various combinations, identifying those that effectively suppress ice nucleation while mitigating cytotoxicity. Thermal dynamics were monitored using invasive thermocouples and non-invasive FLIR imaging, yielding detailed temperature profiles crucial for managing warm ischemia time and optimizing cooling rates. The efficacy of stepwise CPA loading versus conventional flush protocols demonstrated that stepwise (un)loading significantly improved arterial resistance and weight change outcomes. In summary, this study presents comprehensive advancements in VCA preservation strategies, combining CPA optimization, precise thermal monitoring, and stepwise loading techniques. These findings hold potential implications for refining transplantation protocols and improving graft viability in VCA transplantation.
Clinical analysis of epidemiological characteristics and risk factors related to severe cases of 876 children with pulmonary tuberculosis in a children hospital of Chongqing, China.
Authors: Zheng Gaihuan , Tang Longjie , Long Xiaoru , Peng Xiaoshan , Xu Hongmei , Zhao Ruiqiu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective：By analyzing the epidemiological data of 876 children with Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) and the risk factors of severe case.
Methods: Retrospective analyzed the epidemiological related clinical data of 876 hospitalized children who were first diagnosed or clinically diagnosed with PTB at a Children's Hospital of Chongqing China from January 2016 to December 2020.
Results: There were a total of 454 (51.83% ) cases with combined extrapulmonary tuberculosis. Hospitalization time ranged from 1 to 124 days, with a median length of 12 days and a inter-quartile range of 8 to 18 days. Gender distribution was that 479 (54.68%)cases were males and 397(45.32%)cases were females , with a male to female ratio of 1.21:1. The urban and rural distribution was that 431 (49.20%) cases were from city and 445(50.80%) cases were from countryside. The characteristic of age composition was that children over 3 years old had the most cases, with the main age range of 7-12 years old being 262 cases, followed by 12-15 years old with 206 cases(P<0.05). There were 285 (32.53%) cases with clear histories of tuberculosis exposure, and a higher proportion of children under 7 years old having a history of tuberculosis exposure, especially in the 0-1 year old age group (P<0.05). Among the 876 children with PTB, 768 (87.67%) cases had history of BCG vaccination, 59 (6.74%) cases had no vaccination history, and 49 (5.59%) cases had unknown vaccination history. The BCG vaccination rate difference was statistically significant in various years (c2=16.689, P=0.034). Through multiple factor binary logistic regression analysis, age<3 years old, residing in rural areas, not receiving BCG vaccine or unknown vaccination history were independent risk factors for the occurrence of severe PTB (P<0.05).
Conclusions:This study showed that Children with PTB combined with extrapulmonary tuberculosis were common. In the 876 cases of tuberculosis in children, female cases more than male, rural cases more than urban. The younger children with tuberculosis, the more clear open tuberculosis contact history could be found. Age<3 years old, residing in rural areas, and not receiving BCG vaccination were independent risk factors for the occurrence of severe tuberculosis.
Blood Vessel Wall Shear Stress Determines Regions of Liposome Accumulation in Angiogenic Vasculature
Authors: Gomez-Garcia M. Juliana , Abdelkarim Mahmoud , Cramb David T. , Childs Sarah J. , Rinker Kristina D. , Labouta Hagar I. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Nanoparticles used for drug delivery often require intravenous administration exposing them to fluid forces within the vasculature, yet the impact of blood flow on nanoparticle delivery remains incompletely understood. Here, we utilized transgenic zebrafish embryos to investigate the relationship between the accumulation of fluorescently labeled PEGylated liposomes and various hemodynamic factors (such as flow velocity, wall shear stress (WSS), and flow pattern) across a wide range of angiogenic blood vessels. We reconstructed 3D models of vascular structures from confocal images and used computational fluid dynamics to calculate local WSS, velocities, and define flow patterns. The spatial distribution of fluorescently labeled liposomes was subsequently mapped within the same 3D space and correlated with local hemodynamic parameters. Through the integration of computational fluid dynamics and in vivo experimentation, we show that liposomes accumulated in vessel regions with WSS between 0.1–0.8 Pa, displaying an inverse linear correlation (R2 > 0.85) between time-average wall shear stress and liposome localization in vivo. Interestingly, flow pattern did not appear to impact liposome accumulation. Collectively, our findings suggest the potential of stealth liposomes for passive targeting of low-flow vasculature, including capillaries and intricate angiogenic vasculature resembling that of tumor vessel networks.
Effect of infill passes on the microstructure evolution of Inconel 718 thin walls produced using laser-directed energy deposition
Authors: Khodamoradi Zahra , Jones Alistair , Wall Andrew , Benoit Michael 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Laser-Directed Energy Deposition (L-DED) is an additive manufacturing technique that, in addition to fabricating new parts, is especially adept at creating and repairing thin-wall structures. This study explores the effects of the number of infill passes on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Inconel 718 thin walls fabricated by L-DED. The effects of spatially varying cooling rates across both height above the substrate and through the thickness of the thin-wall samples, quantified through a combination of dendrite arm spacing measurements and finite element simulations, revealed that the most rapid cooling occurred at the walls' base under all conditions. The number of infill passes had a significant effect on this behavior, with no infill pass condition showing the most uniform cooling rate through its height. Moreover, the microstructure variation resulted in spatially varying hardness ranging from 170 HV in the stainless steel substrate to ~ 220 HV towards the skin and top of the samples and finally up to ~ 270 HV in the center of the samples where the cooling rate was high. It is concluded that the infill pass strategy is a critical parameter in the L-DED process that directly influences the thermal history and, thus, the resultant microstructure of Inconel 718 thin walls.
Behaviour of Laterally Loaded CFA Single File Pile Groups in Sandy Soil
Authors: Cavalcanti Demostenes de A. , Guimarães Leonardo José Nascimento , Gusmão Alexandre Duarte 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This paper presents the results of full-scale, field lateral load tests of a single CFA (continuous flight auger) pile and groups of two and three CFA piles arranged in single line. The tests were conduced in a sandy soil at an experimental site located in the Federal University of Sergipe, in São Cristóvão city, northwest Brazil. The piles in the groups of two and three single line were instrumented to allow the results to be compared with those from other piles in the groups and from the test of the isolated single pile. The soil conditions at the test site as well the loading arrangement and the test programme are described. The load bearing behaviour of the test piles is discussed, emphasizing the load distribution and group efficiency.
Validation of a Genome-Wide Polygenic Score for Obesity in South Asians
Authors: Menon Ramesh , Khan Nikhat , Charugulla Sandeep , Bassi Akshi , Dangre Pooja , Dedaniya Akshay , Pant Aakanksha , Anjanappa Rammurthy , Samson Praveena L , Satagopan Uthra , Murugan Sakthivel , Naikawadi Amol , Ramprasad Vedam L , Gupta Ravi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Obesity is a complex disorder, manifested by the interaction of inherited and environmental factors and modulated by a person’s lifestyle habits. India has witnessed more than two-fold increase in the number of overweight adults in the last 30 years. Polygenic risk score (PRS) quantitatively measures an individual’s risk for common diseases. PRS has been studied in obesity in Caucasian population and has not been validated in South Asian (SAS) population. In this study we validate the existing genome-wide PRS model of obesity with 2.1 million variants in SAS population. We analysed a total of 14,263 individuals from 3 different South Asian cohorts. We compare the risk score with the BMI categories (under-weight, normal weight, over-weight and obese) in all 3 cohorts. High BMI-PRS was associated with increased BMI in all the 3 cohorts. Top 10% high polygenic risk individuals constituted nearly twice the number of overweight and obese individuals as compared to normal BMI individuals in all the 3 cohorts. We conclude that high polygenic risk score is associated with high BMI in South Asians. Our study suggests that PRS score can perhaps be an early predictor of unhealthy weight gain in the South Asian population.