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1
Pilc, Michał. "Cultural, political and economic roots of the labor market institutional framework in the OECD and post-socialist countries." Equilibrium 12, no. 4 (December 31, 2017): 713–31. http://dx.doi.org/10.24136/eq.v12i4.37.
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Research background: The literature indicates that labor market institutions are determined by cultural, political and economic factors, but does not give explicit conclusions which of these vast group of factors dominates.
Purpose of the article: The goal of this study is to empirically assess whether cultural and political factors dominate over economic factors in shaping the labor market institutional framework in the OECD and post-socialist countries.
Methods: This framework can be measured by a vast group of indicators. We use 10 such variables that describe the group of 47 post-socialist and OECD countries (that did not experience economic transition) in the years 2005–2009. These indicators allow to construct one Employment Efficiency Index which explains almost 47% of the employment rate heterogeneity in the years 2010–2015. In the second step, the Employment Efficiency Index is regressed on 7 uncorrelated and standardized components that describe the cultural, political and economic characteristics of the analyzed countries in the years 1995–2004 and the Chow test is conducted in order to determine whether they influence the Index with the same strength in post-socialist and non-transition OECD countries.
Findings & Value added: The obtained results show that cultural and political factors have a stronger influence on labor market institutions. Moreover, the estimates reveal that the countries which experienced weak labor market performance in the period 1995–2004 did not make their institutional framework more pro-employment in the following years and, in consequence, also recorded low values of the employment rate in the period 2010–2015. Such result suggests that economic factors occurred to be on average an insufficient trigger for labor market reforms in the group of analyzed countries. Finally, the Chow test revealed that this conclusion is applicable to both post-socialist and non-transition OECD countries.
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Jänsch, S., M. J. Amorim, and J. Römbke. "Identification of the ecological requirements of important terrestrial ecotoxicological test species." Environmental Reviews 13, no. 2 (June 1, 2005): 51–83. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/a05-007.
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For about 20 years, standardized soil ecotoxicological tests have relied on the use of an artificial soil substrate (e.g., Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development; OECD). For both the extrapolation of data obtained in the laboratory to the field situation, as well as the biological assessment of contaminated sites, this approach alone is not sufficient anymore. For this reason a literature review has been performed to investigate the ecological requirements of important terrestrial ecotoxicological test species. The invertebrate species included were Eisenia fetida, E. andrei (earthworms), Enchytraeus albidus, E. crypticus (potworms), Folsomia candida (springtails), and Hypoaspis aculeifer (predatory mites). The ecological parameters included were pH, moisture content, temperature, soil (i.e., texture, water-holding capacity, organic matter content, etc.), and food. The results indicate that most of these species should be applicable to a wide range of natural soils, while for some "extreme" soils (e.g., very acid forest soils) alternative test species will be required. Thus, further research is required to identify such species as well as to fill the gaps of knowledge concerning the ecological requirements of the species investigated here. Key words: Collembola, Enchytraeidae, Gamasid mites, Lumbricidae, natural soils.
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Gerulová, Kristína, Ondrej Tatarka, Tomáš Štefko, and Tomáš Škulavík. "The Study Of Metalworking Fluids Biodegradability By Indirect Measurement Of Bacterial Inoculum Respiration." Research Papers Faculty of Materials Science and Technology Slovak University of Technology 23, no. 36 (June 1, 2015): 65–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/rput-2015-0008.
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Abstract An apparatus for measuring biodegradability of metalworking fluids (MWFs) was constructed according to (1), based on the Zahn-Wellens test which enables a continuous determination of CO2 production by the change in conductivity of absorption solution. Results obtained from the testing of 8 different MWFs by this modified method were compared to those obtained in standardized OECD 302 B. The comparison showed better description of bacterial inoculum activity in tested solution; lag phase was easy to indicate. Tested emulsion achieved the level of primary degradability 39.7 – 40.8 %, and semi-synthetics 19.1 – 43.5%. The samples of synthetics where the degradation level reached 43.9 - 58.6 % were identified as the most degradable metalworking fluids.
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Stetten, Lucie, Aiga Mackevica, Nathalie Tepe, Thilo Hofmann, and Frank von der Kammer. "Towards Standardization for Determining Dissolution Kinetics of Nanomaterials in Natural Aquatic Environments: Continuous Flow Dissolution of Ag Nanoparticles." Nanomaterials 12, no. 3 (February 2, 2022): 519. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/nano12030519.
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The dissolution of metal-based engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) in aquatic environments is an important mechanism governing the release of toxic dissolved metals. For the registration of ENMs at regulatory bodies such as REACH, their dissolution behavior must therefore be assessed using standardized experimental approaches. To date, there are no standardized procedures for dissolution testing of ENMs in environmentally relevant aquatic media, and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) strongly encourages their development into test guidelines. According to a survey of surface water hydrochemistry, we propose to use media with low concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+ for a better simulation of the ionic background of surface waters, at pH values representing acidic (5 < pH < 6) and near-neutral/alkaline (7 < pH < 8) waters. We evaluated a continuous flow setup adapted to expose small amounts of ENMs to aqueous media, to mimic ENMs in surface waters. For this purpose, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were used as model for soluble metal-bearing ENMs. Ag NPs were deposited onto a 10 kg.mol−1 membrane through the injection of 500 µL of a 5 mg.L−1 or 20 mg.L−1 Ag NP dispersion, in order to expose only a few micrograms of Ag NPs to the aqueous media. The dissolution rate of Ag NPs in 10 mM NaNO3 was more than two times higher for ~2 µg compared with ~8 µg of Ag NPs deposited onto the membrane, emphasizing the importance of evaluating the dissolution of ENMs at low concentrations in order to keep a realistic scenario. Dissolution rates of Ag NPs in artificial waters (2 mM Ca(NO3)2, 0.5 mM MgSO4, 0–5 mM NaHCO3) were also determined, proving the feasibility of the test using environmentally relevant media. In view of the current lack of harmonized methods, this work encourages the standardization of continuous flow dissolution methods toward OECD guidelines focused on natural aquatic environments, for systematic comparisons of nanomaterials and adapted risk assessments.
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Bado-Nilles, Anne, Alpha-Oumar Diallo, Guy Marlair, Pascal Pandard, Laure Chabot, Alain Geffard, Christophe Len, Jean-Marc Porcher, and Wilfried Sanchez. "Coupling of OECD standardized test and immunomarkers to select the most environmentally benign ionic liquids option—Towards an innovative “safety by design” approach." Journal of Hazardous Materials 283 (February 2015): 202–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2014.09.023.
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Feitosa, Natália Martins, Emiliano Nicolas Calderon, Rhennã Nascimento da Silva, Sônia Lopes Rezende de Melo, Jackson Souza-Menezes, Rodrigo Nunes-da-Fonseca, and Márcia Vieira Reynier. "Brazilian silverside, Atherinella brasiliensis (Quoy & Gaimard,1825) embryos as a test-species for marine fish ecotoxicological tests." PeerJ 9 (April 14, 2021): e11214. http://dx.doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11214.
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The fish embryo test (FET) is an alternative to the classic freshwater toxicity test used to assess environmental hazards and risks to fish. This test has been standardized and adopted by the Organization for Economic and Cooperation and Development (OECD). As salinity may affect the substances’ toxicity, we describe the development of an alternative euryhaline test species for embryonic ecotoxicological tests: the Brazilian silverside Atherinella brasiliensis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1825). This species is broadly distributed along the coast of South America and is able to inhabit a broad range of environmental and saline conditions. Ours is the first study on the maintenance of a native South American species for natural reproduction and the generation of embryos for tests. The embryos used are transparent and possess fluorescent cells which have only been seen in a few species and which may be used as markers, making it an alternative assessment tool for the lethal and sublethal substances in marine and estuarine environments. We provide a detailed description and analysis of embryonic development under different salinities and temperatures. The embryos and larvae developed in similar ways at different salinities, however as temperatures increased, mortality also increased. We considered the effects of the reference toxicants Zn2+ and SDS using a protocol similar to the FET that was standardized for zebrafish. Brazilian silverside embryos are as sensitive as freshwater, or euryhaline fish, to the surfactant but are more resistant to metals prior to hatching. We were able to show the advantages of the Brazilian silverside as a model for a marine fish embryo test (FETm) with high levels of reproducibility and little contaminated waste.
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Lučić, Andrea, Marija Uzelac, and Luka Gaćina. "Review of national financial education policies aimed at the young." Ekonomski vjesnik 34, no. 2 (2021): 443–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.51680/ev.34.2.15.
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Purpose: The paper investigates and synthesizes an in-depth overview of national financial education policies and strategies aimed at the young, highlights the best practices, gives recommendations for the most efficient financial education efforts at the national level and the implementation of an efficient financial education policy in Croatia. Methodology: The analysis is conducted as a case study of financial education policies and strategies aimed at the young of the countries that achieved the best results on the OECD PISA test, Australia, the United States of America and the United Kingdom. Results: The examined countries have national financial education policies with similar aims, fields of financial education and strategies of evaluation but, although they are part of the curriculum, the programs are mostly not standardized and financial education efforts towards teachers and parents are not emphasized. Conclusion: To be efficient, a financial education program aimed at the young has to be relevant, customized according to participants’ characteristics, has to relate knowledge to a specific action, has to be longterm, successfully evaluated, standardized on the national level, implemented at a younger age and have a specified aim. Financial education should be considered as an independent subject in formal education.
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Adigwe, Obi Peter, Lucy Binda John-Africa, Bulus Adzu, Gloria Ahunna Ajoku, Abubakar Mustapha Danraka, and Jemilat Aliyu Ibrahim. "Evaluation of the toxic effects of the aqueous extract of Niprineem tea in mice and rats." International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences 15, no. 5 (January 23, 2022): 1979–90. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ijbcs.v15i5.23.
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Azadirachta indica is an important plant in traditional complementary and alternative medicine with decoctions (tea) being a common mode of administration. Herbal teas are frequently self-administered thus the need to prepare a standardized dosage form for the administration of such decoctions. The leaf of Azadirachta indica was formulated for administration as tea; thus, this study was designed to determine the safety profile of Niprineem tea. Oral acute and sub-chronic toxicity studies of the aqueous extract of Niprineem tea (NTE) were evaluated. The OECD (No 423) limit test was followed to determine the LD50 in Swiss albino mice, while OECD 407 guideline was used for the sub-chronic toxicity studies in Wistar rats. Acute administration of NTE did not cause detectable signs of toxicity in treated animals and no mortality was recorded. In the 28-day toxicity tests, there were no significant (p<0.05) changes in food and water intake, or urine and faecal output. Haematological analysis did not show deleterious effects in treated rats. Biochemical evaluation of indicators for renal and hepatic functions did not show significant changes after treatment with NTE. Likewise, histological tests did not result in structural changes in cells of the tissues of major organs. The results obtained suggest that Niprineem tea is relatively non-toxic and safe at the tested dose.
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Suci Noviyanah, Triana Hertiani, Retno Murwanti, Siswadi, and Erna Prawita Setyowati. "Acute Toxicity Study of Standardized Faloak Bark ( Sterculia quadrifida R. Br.) Extract on Wistar Rats." International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences 12, no. 1 (January 13, 2021): 656–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.26452/ijrps.v12i1.4154.
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The bark of Faloak (Sterculia quadrifida R. Br., Malvaceae) is used for traditional medicine in Indonesia. This study aims to examine the level of toxicity of the Faloak bark standardized ethanolic extract. The barks were collected from East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. TLC profile was determined by TLC-densitometry, total phenolic and flavonoid content were determined in ethanolic extract from bark of faloak (S.quadrifida) by UV-V is method. The acute toxicity was performed according to the TD420 method by OECD (2001) on Wistar rats. The animals were grouped into control and treatment groups (2000 mg/kg body weight). All animals were evaluated for possible toxicity signs by measuring body weight, food and water consumption, and histopathological observation. The result of mean concentration of total phenolic content was found to be 17,69±2,01 (%GAE) and concentration of total flavonoid content was found to be 8,56 ± 0,02 (%NE). The results showed that no mortality occurs after 14 days of treatment. In general, no significant changes in animal behavior, body weight, food and water consumption compared to the control group. Histological observation found no sign of toxicity on vital organs. LD50 values obtained from the acute toxicity test results for Faloak ethanol extract (Sterculia quadrifida R. Bark) are higher than 2,000 mg/kg BW and categorized as having a low level of toxicity.
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Schlich, Karsten, Cecilia Díaz, Benjamin Gomez Pizarro, Burkhard Knopf, Ruben Schlinkert, Franziska Frederike Wege, Anne Jurack, and Kerstin Hund-Rinke. "Microbial Population Dynamics in Model Sewage Treatment Plants and the Fate and Effect of Gold Nanoparticles." Toxics 9, no. 3 (March 10, 2021): 54. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/toxics9030054.
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Adequate functioning of a sewage treatment plant (STP) is essential to protect the downstream aquatic environment (ECHA 2017), and information on the degradability of chemicals and their toxicity to activated sludge microorganisms is required. An environmental realistic higher tier test is a STP simulation test as described in OECD 303A (2001) which for nanoparticles can also be used to study their sorption behavior to activated sludge. However, information is limited on the influence of synthetic sewage on the microbial community of the activated sludge. A modified community can result in modifications of the sludge floccules affecting the sorption behavior. The main objective of our study was to show whether a representative microbial diversity remains under standardized test conditions as described in OECD 303A (2001) using synthetic sewage as influent. Furthermore, we investigated whether just considering the functional properties of a STP (elimination of dissolved organic carbon; nitrification), is sufficient for an assessment of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) or whether the influence on microbial diversity also needs to be considered. AuNPs were used as a case study due to their rising medical applications and therefore increasing probability to reach the sewer and STP. The results can provide significant input for the interpretation of results from the regulatory point of view. To deliver these objectives, the general changes of the microbial population in activated sludge and its influence on the degradation activity (dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and inorganic nitrogen) using freshly collected sludge from the municipal STP in an artificial test system as a model STP in accordance with OECD 303A (2001) were assessed. Additionally, we evaluated the potential impact of AuNPs and its dispersant on the microbial composition and the overall impact on the function of the STP in terms of DOC degradation and nitrogen removal to observe if an assessment based on functional properties is sufficient. The bacteria composition in our study, evaluated at a class level, revealed commonly described environmental bacteria. Proteobacteria (β, α, δ) accounted for more than 50% but also nitrifying bacteria as Nitrospira were present. Our results show that mainly within the first 7 days of an acclimatization phase by addition of synthetic sewage, the bacterial community changed. Even though AuNPs can have antibacterial properties, no adverse effects on the function and structure of the microorganisms in the STP could be detected at concentrations of increased modeled PEC values by a factor of about 10,000. Complementary to other metallic nanomaterials, gold nanomaterials also sorb to a large extent to the activated sludge. If activated sludge is used as fertilizer on agricultural land, gold nanoparticles can be introduced into soils. In this case, the effect on soil (micro)organisms must be investigated more closely, also taking into account the structural diversity.
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Purešević, Dragana. "The rise and/or fall of Baby PISA testing." Nastava i vaspitanje 69, no. 2 (2020): 117–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.5937/nasvas2002117p.
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In the paper, we take the neoliberal approach to education as our starting point and proceed to look at how the test-based approach to assessment affects the shaping of global education policy and practice. The focus of the paper is on the latest global neoliberal trend to come from the OECD network of standardized testing - the IELS study, often referred to as Baby PISA. In view of the fact that the launching of this study has met with a range of reactions by early education experts, we provide an overview of the history of this study, its implementation, and the key critiques of Baby PISA testing. Finally, we examine the question of what neoliberalism has achieved with the standardization of education, and propose a discussion about alternative approaches to education, as well as to assessment. The approaches we highlight are based on an understanding of the complexity of the world we live in, in which we must find a way to live together and participate with purpose. We conclude that education does not need uniformity, but rather diversity, whose educational value lies in the "ethics of meetings".
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Sicilia, Miguel-Angel, and Anna Visvizi. "Blockchain and OECD data repositories: opportunities and policymaking implications." Library Hi Tech 37, no. 1 (March 18, 2019): 30–42. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/lht-12-2017-0276.
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PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to employ the case of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) data repositories to examine the potential of blockchain technology in the context of addressing basic contemporary societal concerns, such as transparency, accountability and trust in the policymaking process. Current approaches to sharing data employ standardized metadata, in which the provider of the service is assumed to be a trusted party. However, derived data, analytic processes or links from policies, are in many cases not shared in the same form, thus breaking the provenance trace and making the repetition of analysis conducted in the past difficult. Similarly, it becomes tricky to test whether certain conditions justifying policies implemented still apply. A higher level of reuse would require a decentralized approach to sharing both data and analytic scripts and software. This could be supported by a combination of blockchain and decentralized file system technology.Design/methodology/approachThe findings presented in this paper have been derived from an analysis of a case study, i.e., analytics using data made available by the OECD. The set of data the OECD provides is vast and is used broadly. The argument is structured as follows. First, current issues and topics shaping the debate on blockchain are outlined. Then, a redefinition of the main artifacts on which some simple or convoluted analytic results are based is revised for some concrete purposes. The requirements on provenance, trust and repeatability are discussed with regards to the architecture proposed, and a proof of concept using smart contracts is used for reasoning on relevant scenarios.FindingsA combination of decentralized file systems and an open blockchain such as Ethereum supporting smart contracts can ascertain that the set of artifacts used for the analytics is shared. This enables the sequence underlying the successive stages of research and/or policymaking to be preserved. This suggests that, in turn, andex post, it becomes possible to test whether evidence supporting certain findings and/or policy decisions still hold. Moreover, unlike traditional databases, blockchain technology makes it possible that immutable records can be stored. This means that the artifacts can be used for further exploitation or repetition of results. In practical terms, the use of blockchain technology creates the opportunity to enhance the evidence-based approach to policy design and policy recommendations that the OECD fosters. That is, it might enable the stakeholders not only to use the data available in the OECD repositories but also to assess corrections to a given policy strategy or modify its scope.Research limitations/implicationsBlockchains and related technologies are still maturing, and several questions related to their use and potential remain underexplored. Several issues require particular consideration in future research, including anonymity, scalability and stability of the data repository. This research took as example OECD data repositories, precisely to make the point that more research and more dialogue between the research and policymaking community is needed to embrace the challenges and opportunities blockchain technology generates. Several questions that this research prompts have not been addressed. For instance, the question of how the sharing economy concept for the specifics of the case could be employed in the context of blockchain has not been dealt with.Practical implicationsThe practical implications of the research presented here can be summarized in two ways. On the one hand, by suggesting how a combination of decentralized file systems and an open blockchain, such as Ethereum supporting smart contracts, can ascertain that artifacts are shared, this paper paves the way toward a discussion on how to make this approach and solution reality. The approach and architecture proposed in this paper would provide a way to increase the scope of the reuse of statistical data and results and thus would improve the effectiveness of decision making as well as the transparency of the evidence supporting policy.Social implicationsDecentralizing analytic artifacts will add to existing open data practices an additional layer of benefits for different actors, including but not limited to policymakers, journalists, analysts and/or researchers without the need to establish centrally managed institutions. Moreover, due to the degree of decentralization and absence of a single-entry point, the vulnerability of data repositories to cyberthreats might be reduced. Simultaneously, by ensuring that artifacts derived from data based in those distributed depositories are made immutable therein, full reproducibility of conclusions concerning the data is possible. In the field of data-driven policymaking processes, it might allow policymakers to devise more accurate ways of addressing pressing issues and challenges.Originality/valueThis paper offers the first blueprint of a form of sharing that complements open data practices with the decentralized approach of blockchain and decentralized file systems. The case of OECD data repositories is used to highlight that while data storing is important, the real added value of blockchain technology rests in the possible change on how we use the data and data sets in the repositories. It would eventually enable a more transparent and actionable approach to linking policy up with the supporting evidence. From a different angle, throughout the paper the case is made that rather than simply data, artifacts from conducted analyses should be made persistent in a blockchain. What is at stake is the full reproducibility of conclusions based on a given set of data, coupled with the possibility ofex posttesting the validity of the assumptions and evidence underlying those conclusions.
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Sari, Ika Puspita, and Arief Nurrochmad. "SUB-ACUTE TOXICITY STUDY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PACING (COSTUS SPECIOSUS) IN MALE MICE." International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences 8, no. 12 (December 1, 2016): 97. http://dx.doi.org/10.22159/ijpps.2016v8i12.14765.
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<p><strong>Objective</strong>:<strong> </strong>The aim of this research was to evaluate the safety of <em>Costus speciosus</em> extract (CSE) after a 90-day administration in male mice.</p><p><strong>Methods</strong>:<strong> </strong>Sub-acute toxicity test was performed using the OECD 408 method. CSE at 275-1100 mg/kg/day was administered to male mice for 90 d. The appearance of toxic symptoms was observed every day, followed by measurement of food and drink intakes. Change in body weight, the result of a routine blood check and blood biochemistry were observed and statistical analysis was performed on them. Test animals were killed at the end of the study and the weights of vital organs were examined before organ histology was examined.</p><p><strong>Results</strong>:<strong> </strong>The research result showed that the administration of CSE at 275-1100 mg/kg/day for 90 d did not show any significant disturbance in all parameters, except for reductions of cholesterol and blood glucose levels of test animals (p<0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion</strong>:<strong> </strong>The results obtained in this research indicated the safety of CSE as a candidate of standardized herbal medicine for male contraception.</p>
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Madireddy, Ravi Kumar, Krishnaraju Venkata Alluri, Venkateswarlu Somepalli, Trimurtulu Golakoti, and Krishanu Sengupta. "Toxicological Assessments of a Proprietary Blend of Punica granatum Fruit Rind and Theobroma cacao Seed Extracts: Acute, Subchronic, and Genetic Toxicity Studies." Journal of Toxicology 2022 (May 6, 2022): 1–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2022/3903943.
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LN18178 (Tesnor®) is a standardized, proprietary composition of aqueous ethanol extracts of Punica granatum fruit rind and Theobroma cacao seeds. The present study demonstrates a broad-spectrum toxicological evaluation of LN18178 utilizing in vitro and in vivo preclinical models following the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines for testing chemicals. Wistar rats did not show any clinical signs of toxicity and morbidity in acute oral and dermal toxicity tests with the median lethal dose (LD50) values of at least 5000 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg body weight, respectively. LN18178 was nonirritating to the skin and eyes of the treated rabbits. In a ninety-day subchronic repeated oral dose toxicity study, the LN18178-treated Wistar rats did not show dose-related signs of toxicity on their body weight, food consumption, organ weights, hematology, and clinical chemistry parameters. The estimated no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of LN18178 in male and female rats was 2500 mg/kg body weight. The observations from the bacterial reverse mutation test, in vitro chromosomal aberration assay, micronucleus assay in mouse bone marrow erythrocytes, and in vitro mouse lymphoma TK+/− gene mutation assay suggest that LN18178 is neither mutagenic nor clastogenic. In summary, the present study demonstrates that oral consumption of the herbal blend LN18178 does not show signs of toxicity; also it does not elicit genetic toxicity in the standard preclinical models.
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Wijaya, Henry. "Redefining the Success of Education: Where Indonesia Has Excelled and Where It Has Not." Jurnal Humaniora 31, no. 2 (December 2, 2019): 118. http://dx.doi.org/10.22146/jh.36532.
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How do we define the state of Indonesia’s national education? On one hand, Indonesian students have always performed lamentably in international standardized tests. In the latest 2015 PISA test, their performance in Science, Mathematics, and Reading was among the lowest, with the average ranking of 62 out of the 70 participating countries (OECD, 2016). On the other hand, Indonesia’s enrollment rates for primary education have always been higher than 97% for the past decade (Statistics Indonesia, 2018), with the Gross Enrollment Ratio even reaching 103.45% in 2016 (World Bank, 2016). With such polarizing results, it is not easy to give a clear-cut answer to above question. However, in retrospect, should the success of Indonesia’s education be measured merely by numbers, in isolation from how it could socioculturally and politically impacted its citizens? Multiple societal tensions, as well as the looming 2019 election, should actually inform us how education should and could play a larger role in countering currently growing conservatism. This paper will first lay out multiple facets of Indonesia’s national education—examining whether one area has fared better than the others—before making a case for the other role that Indonesia’s education policy has not yet pondered, let alone incorporated. Ultimately, this paper expects to contribute to the wider discussion of the overarching question: how the success of national education should be (re-)defined.
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Wijaya, Henry. "Redefining the Success of Education: Where Indonesia Has Excelled and Where It Has Not." Jurnal Humaniora 31, no. 2 (May 28, 2019): 118. http://dx.doi.org/10.22146/jh.v31i2.36532.
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How do we define the state of Indonesia’s national education? On one hand, Indonesian students have always performed lamentably in international standardized tests. In the latest 2015 PISA test, their performance in Science, Mathematics, and Reading was among the lowest, with the average ranking of 62 out of the 70 participating countries (OECD, 2016). On the other hand, Indonesia’s enrollment rates for primary education have always been higher than 97% for the past decade (Statistics Indonesia, 2018), with the Gross Enrollment Ratio even reaching 103.45% in 2016 (World Bank, 2016). With such polarizing results, it is not easy to give a clear-cut answer to above question. However, in retrospect, should the success of Indonesia’s education be measured merely by numbers, in isolation from how it could socioculturally and politically impacted its citizens? Multiple societal tensions, as well as the looming 2019 election, should actually inform us how education should and could play a larger role in countering currently growing conservatism. This paper will first lay out multiple facets of Indonesia’s national education—examining whether one area has fared better than the others—before making a case for the other role that Indonesia’s education policy has not yet pondered, let alone incorporated. Ultimately, this paper expects to contribute to the wider discussion of the overarching question: how the success of national education should be (re-)defined.
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Sauqina, Sauqina, and Maya Istyadji. "Analisis Literasi Sains Siswa SMP Berakreditasi A di Banjarmasin." Journal of Mathematics Science and Computer Education 2, no. 1 (July 31, 2022): 12. http://dx.doi.org/10.20527/jmscedu.v2i1.5220.
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Laporan dari PISA menunjukkan bahwa literasi sains Indonesia masih berada di 10 besar terendah di seluruh negara peserta PISA sejak tahun 2006 hingga 2018. Namun kurangnya informasi sehubungan dengan ruang sampling penelitian PISA yang digunakan dalam tes PISA yang dilakukan oleh OECD dan belum tersedianya alat tes standar yang dapat diakses dengan mudah untuk menilai literasi sains membuat sebagian besar praktisi pendidikan di Indonesia tidak memiliki gambaran yang jelas tentang kondisi literasi sains siswanya. Dengan menggunakan instrumen yang telah dikembangkan oleh peneliti sebelumnya, penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis kondisi literasi sains siswa di salah satu SMP Negeri Terakreditasi A di Banjarmasin. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif yang pengumpulan datanya menggunakan alat tes literasi sains kontekstual lahan basah Kalimantan Selatan. Peserta tes terdiri dari 106 siswa kelas 8 dan kelas 9 di SMP Negeri Banjarmasin. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa secara umum nilai literasi sains siswa secara keseluruhan masih rendah dengan ketuntasan 40,56%. Menjelaskan fenomena secara ilmiah menempati urutan kedua dengan ketuntasan 42%. Mengevaluasi dan merancang investigasi ilmiah menempati urutan ketiga dengan penyelesaian 32%, sedangkan untuk menginterpretasikan data dan bukti ilmiah menempati urutan pertama dengan penyelesaian 48%. Uji Mann Whitney menunjukkan bahwa hanya sejumlah kecil korelasi antar kompetensi. Penulis mempertimbangkan kemungkinan bahwa penguasaan kompetensi literasi sains tidak harus dikembangkan secara bertahap seperti yang disarankan oleh taksonomi kognitif Bloom. Pendidik harus mempertimbangkan pendekatan alternatif dalam mengajar literasi sains tanpa hanya mengandalkan pengajaran yang didasarkan pada struktur hierarki kognitif Taksonomi Bloom. The report from PISA shows that Indonesia's science literacy is still in the top 10 lowest in all PISA participating countries from 2006 to 2018. However, the lack of information in connection with the PISA research sampling room used in the PISA test conducted by the OECD and the unavailability of accessible, standardized test kits for assessing scientific literacy resulted in most education practitioners in Indonesia not having a clear picture of the condition of their students' science literacy. Using instruments that previous researchers have developed, this study was conducted to find out and analyze students' condition of science literacy in one of the A Accredited State Junior High Schools in Banjarmasin. This study is a quantitative study whose data collection uses the South Kalimantan Wetlands-Contextual Science Literacy test tool. The test participants comprised 106 students from grades 8 and 9 at an SMP Negeri in Banjarmasin. The analysis showed that, in general, the overall science literacy score of students was still low, with completion of 40.56%. Explaining phenomena scientifically is at the second rank with a 42% completion. Evaluating and designing scientific investigations is at the third rank with a completion of 32%, while interpreting data and scientific evidence is of the first rank with a completion of 48%. Mann Whitney's test showed only a very small correlation between competencies. Authors considered that mastery of science literacy competence was not developed gradually as suggested by Bloom's cognitive taxonomy. Educators should consider an alternative approach to teaching scientific literacy without relying solely on teaching tactics based on Bloom's Taxonomy's cognitive hierarchy structure.
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Owens, William, Errol Zeiger, Michael Walker, John Ashby, Lesley Onyon, and L. Earl Gray. "The OECD Program to Validate the Rat Hershberger Bioassay to Screen Compoundsfor in Vivo Androgen and Antiandrogen Responses. Phase 1: Use of a Potent Agonistand a Potent Antagonist to Test the Standardized Protocol." Environmental Health Perspectives 114, no. 8 (August 2006): 1259–65. http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.8751.
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Yudhani, Ratih D., Riza N. Pesik, Sarah Azzahro, Adliah F. Anisa, and Rizka Hendriyani. "Acute Toxicity Test of Amomum cardamomum (Kapulaga) Seed Extract on Hepatic Trasaminase Enzyme in Winstar Rats." Indonesian Journal of Clinical Pharmacy 9, no. 4 (December 10, 2020): 288. http://dx.doi.org/10.15416/ijcp.2020.9.4.288.
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The herb frequently used as spices or remedies in the Indonesian community, with the seed as the most common part is kapulaga (Amomum cardamomum). According to earlier evidence, this possessed antibacterial, antifungal and several biological properties, reduced blood glucose and atherogenic parameter, and is developed as standardized herbal cures. However, the application of herbal medicine requires validating evidence of safety and effectiveness, including toxicity tests, particularly in clinical settings. The target organs in this comprised hepar, due to the role in several drug metabolism. This study aimed at discovering the safety profile of kapulaga seed extract based on the hepatic transaminase enzyme (SGOT and SGPT) level, by conducting an acute toxicity test in Winstar rats. Also, this was implemented with the OECD 420 Fixed-Dose Procedure, and the preliminary test employed 300 mg/kg BW dose followed by a maximum single quantity (2000 mg/kg BW) of kapulaga. The main test was executed by a separation into control and treatment groups of 5 rats each. Therefore, a single dose of 2000 mg/kg BW kapulaga seed extract was administered to the treatment group, while the control group received standard pellets and water ad libitum. The blood from orbital vein was acquired on day 14, and SGOT and SGPT were subsequently assessed by an enzymatic-photometric method. Also, this data was analyzed using an independent sample t-test, and the mean of SGOT in both groups were 116.92±22.35 and 98.02±16.38 (p=0.17), with 58.72±8.79 and 47.64±7.30 (p=0.06) as SGPT respectively. Therefore, there was no statistical difference, and no acute toxicity signs were discovered. The maximum dose was not toxic and did not result in poisonous symptoms or alter hepatic transaminase enzyme (SGOT and SGPT) in rats.Keywords: Amomum cardamomum, kapulaga, acute toxicity, SGOT, SGPT Uji Toksisitas Akut Ekstrak Biji Kapulaga (Amomum cardamomum) Berdasarkan Kadar Enzim Transaminase Hepar Tikus WinstarAbstrakKapulaga (Amomum cardamomum), merupakan salah satu herbal Indonesia yang secara umum dimanfaatkan sebagai rempah-rempah maupun obat, terutama bagian biji. Beberapa bukti sebelumnya menunjukkan bahwa kapulaga memiliki berbagai aktivitas biologis seperti antibakteri, antijamur, dan sudah dibuktikan mampu menurunkan glukosa darah dan parameter arterogenik. Bukti tersebut mendukung pengembangan kapulaga sebagai obat herbal terstandar. Penggunaan obat herbal terutama di klinik harus didukung dengan adanya bukti keamanan maupun efektivitasnya termasuk uji toksisitas. Hepar merupakan salah satu target organ dari uji toksisitas karena perannya yang penting pada metabolisme sebagian besar obat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menilai profil keamanan ekstrak biji kapulaga melalui uji toksisitas akut menggunakan tikus Winstar berdasarkan kadar enzim transaminase hepar (SGOT dan SGPT). Uji toksisitas akut berpedoman pada OECD 420 Fixed Dose Procedure. Uji pendahuluan menggunakan ekstrak biji kapulaga dosis 300 mg/kg BB dan diikuti dengan dosis tinggi 2000 mg/kg BB yang diberikan secara tunggal. Uji utama dilakukan dengan membagi tikus ke dalam kelompok kontrol dan perlakuan, masing-masing kelompok terdiri atas 5 tikus. Berdasarkan hasil uji pendahuluan, uji utama menggunakan dosis tunggal 2000 mg/kg BB untuk kelompok perlakuan, sedangkan kelompok kontrol hanya mendapatkan pelet dan air secukupnya. Pada hari ke-14, darah dari vena orbital diambil, lalu kadar SGOT dan SGPT diukur menggunakan metode enzymatic-photometric. Independent sample t-test digunakan untuk menilai data rata-rata kadar SGOT dan SGPT dari kedua kelompok. Rata-rata kadar SGOT pada kelompok kontrol dan perlakuan sebesar 116,92±22,35 dan 98,02±16,38 (p=0,17), sedangkan rata-rata SGPT sebesar 58,72±8,79 dan 47,64±7,30 (p=0,06). Perbedaan rata-rata SGOT dan SGPT pada kedua kelompok tersebut secara statistik tidak bermakna dan tidak ditemukan tanda toksisitas pada semua hewan coba. Ekstrak biji kapulaga dosis maksimal 2000 mg/kg BB tidak toksik pada hepar tikus karena tidak menimbulkan tanda toksisitas maupun mengubah enzim transaminase hati (SGOT dan SGPT). Kata kunci: Amomum cardamomum, kapulaga, toksisitas akut, SGOT, SGPT
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Sharma, Ashwani, Talever Singh, Devender Pathak, Tarun Virmani, Girish Kumar, and Abdulsalam Alhalmi. "Antidepressive-Like Effect of Aegle marmelos Leaf Extract in Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress-Induced Depression-Like Behaviour in Rats." BioMed Research International 2022 (December 24, 2022): 1–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2022/6479953.
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Background. Depression is a psychiatric disorder leading to anhedonia and lack of interest and motivation. Depressive symptoms are triggered by stressful life events, and patients with major depression are at significantly increased risk of attempting suicide. The crucial concern in depression treatment with antidepressant medications is that few weeks are required to show the therapeutic effect along with moderate side effects. The use of herbal medications is a new strategy for the treatment of depression which is often based on medicinal plants.Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. (family: Rutaceae) is reported to have several actions on the central nervous system producing beneficial effects in anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and convulsion. Thus, the current investigation designed to assess the antidepressant activity of the standardized hydroethanolic extract of Aegle marmelos (EAM) leaves in male rats exposed to the chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) paradigm. Methods. Rats were divided in 5 groups. The control group was not subjected to experimental CUMS paradigm, while 4 other groups were subjected to CUMS paradigm to induce depression-like behaviour from day 1 to day 28. Following the CUMS paradigm, 4 groups were divided as CUMS disease control, CUMS+EAM (150 mg/kg, p.o.), CUMS+EAM (300 mg/kg, p.o.), and CUMS+imipramine (15 mg/kg, p.o.), and treatment was given for seven consecutive days to the respective groups (day 29 to day 35). Behavioural parameters such as open field test, forced swim test, sucrose feeding test, and tail suspension test on day 1, day 28, and day 35 were measured, and biochemical parameters such as plasma corticosterone level, serotonergic system (5-HT, 5-HIAA, and 5-HT/5-HIAA), mitochondrial function, and proinflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were estimated in hippocampus (HIP) and prefrontal cortex (PFC) regions of the brain on day 35, after the behavioural observations. On the other hand, phytochemical profile of Aegle marmelos was done. Results. On day 35, EAM (300 mg/kg) significantly reduced the immobility time during the tail suspension test from 208.66 ± 4.72 s to 108.83 ± 4.81 s and forced swim test from 200.16 ± 4.12 s to 148.5 ± 4.58 s . It also enhanced the behavioural parameters in the open field test such as ambulation from 26.5 ± 2.14 to 56.5 ± 1.80 , rearing from 8.33 ± 0.71 to 19 ± 0.57 , time spent in centre from 9.16 ± 0.9 to 17.16 ± 0.79 s , total distance travelled from 2.36 ± 0.12 to 4.68 ± 0.10 m , and anhedonia in the sucrose feeding test from 109.33 ± 1.08 to 135.83 ± 3.91 mL . The stimulation of the HPA axis resulting elevated corticosterone level caused by CUMS was reduced by EAM (300 mg/kg) from 80.12 ± 2.020 to 48.25 ± 2.407 μ g / dL . Furthermore, EAM (300 mg/kg) increase CUMS-induced changes in serotonin (5-HT) level in HIP and PFC from 3.132 ± 0.09586 to 4.518 ± 0.1812 and 4.308 ± 0.1593 to 5.262 ± 0.1014 ng / mg protein, respectively. EAM (300 mg/kg) significantly attenuated the CUMS-induced changes in proinflammatory cytokine production and mitochondrial function in HIP and PFC. One group used to determine the acute toxicity as per OECD-23 standard protocol which resulted that 300 mg/kg EAM has no significant acute toxicity. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content of standardized hydroalcoholic extract of AM was found 95.024 ± 2.431 and 36.820 ± 3.41 , respectively, and additional identification tests showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Conclusion. On the basis of findings, EAM can be inferred as a potential antidepressant-like effect of this plan in preclinical research.
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Szekeres, Gabriella, Alina Căldăraru, and Mihai Păunică. "The effects of funding on student performance: Findings from PISA 2018." Journal of Accounting and Management Information Systems 20, no. 4 (December 1, 2021): 670–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.24818/jamis.2021.04005.
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Research Question: Is there a link between the investment in human capital, measured by the average gross salary in the pre-university education system and the student-teacher ratio together with the results obtained by students in tests? Motivation: In any society, the work done by man to obtain results is always present. Human capital in the economic and accounting context cannot be dissociated from its cost, and in the public system, it acquires an even greater influence. The role of human capital and implicitly its cost in the public expenditure system represents the largest part, and its significance is accentuated in education. Idea: The authors of this paper tried to see if investing in human capital has positive consequences on the outcome of the pre-university education system. Data: Research data were collected from the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) website Tools: The research was performed by quantitative methods using the least squares regression equation. The hypotheses tested by the authors were the existence of a relevant positive or negative correlation between the indicators presented. Findings: Following the analysis, found that there was a positive correlation between the salary level indicators and the average score obtained in tests, and a negative correlation between the number of students per teacher and test results. Contribution: This paper contributes to research in the field on the effects of decisions regarding funding and pay policy for pre-university education using the results obtained by students in standardized tests. Therefore, this research is part of a larger research project that shows that the level of funding is correlated with the results of students measured by tests in pre-university education.
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Moroke, Ntebogang Dinah. "Household Debts-and Macroeconomic factors Nexus in the United States: A Cointegration and Vector Error Correction Approach." Journal of Economics and Behavioral Studies 6, no. 6 (June 30, 2014): 452–65. http://dx.doi.org/10.22610/jebs.v6i6.507.
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This study applies cointegration and error correction approaches to determine the effect of macroeconomic determinants on household debt in the United States of America. Cointegration analysis provides an effective framework used for estimating and modelling relationships from time series data. Short-run and long-run cointegration models explaining the relationships between the US household debt and related macroeconomic factors are estimated. The data used covers a period of 1990 Q1 to 2013 Q1 and is sourced from the electronic data delivery system of the OECD, USA Federal Housing Finance Agency and the USA Department of the Treasury among others. SAS 9.3 version was used to obtain the results. The sample and variables were meritorious according to KMO and Cronbach’s alpha. Unit root test results provided enough evidence to conclude that the series were stationary after first differencing. Further data analysis was carried out with the first lag chosen by the AIC and SBC. Three cointegrating vectors were identified and were later standardised to correctly provide parameter estimates of the vector error correction model of household debts. The model revealed some short and long-run relationships. Revealed by the model is that 1.5 % of long-run equilibrium was corrected per quarter. The results of the current study are crucial to households and policy makers. Researchers may also refer to these results.
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Rosenquist, Natalie A., Daniel M. Cook, Amy Ehntholt, Anthony Omaye, Peter Muennig, and Roman Pabayo. "Differential relationship between state-level minimum wage and infant mortality risk among US infants born to white and black mothers." Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health 74, no. 1 (October 19, 2019): 14–19. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/jech-2019-212987.
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BackgroundCompared to other Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations, US infant mortality rates (IMRs) are particularly high. These differences are partially driven by racial disparities, with non-Hispanic black having IMRs that are twice those of non-Hispanic white. Income inequality (the gap between rich and poor) is associated with infant mortality. One proposed way to decrease income inequality (and possibly to improve birth outcomes) is to increase the minimum wage. We aimed to elucidate the relationship between state-level minimum wage and infant mortality risk using individual-level and state-level data. We also determined whether observed associations were heterogeneous across racial groups.MethodsData were from US Vital Statistics 2010 Cohort Linked Birth and Infant Death records and the 2010 US Bureau of Labor Statistics. We fit multilevel logistic models to test whether state minimum wage was associated with infant mortality. Minimum wage was standardised using the z-transformation and was dichotomised (high vs low) at the 75th percentile. Analyses were stratified by mother's race (non-Hispanic black vs non-Hispanic white).ResultsHigh minimum wage (adjusted OR (AOR)=0.93, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.03) was associated with decreased odds of infant mortality but was not statistically significant. High minimum wage was significantly associated with reduced infant mortality among non-Hispanic black infants (AOR=0.80, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.94) but not among non-Hispanic white infants (AOR=1.04, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.17).ConclusionsIncreasing the minimum wage might be beneficial to infant health, especially among non-Hispanic black infants, and thus might decrease the racial disparity in infant mortality.
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Bhide, Ranjit M., Bharathi Bethapudi, Nehru Sai Suresh Chalichem, Muruganantham Nithyanantham, Sasi Kumar Murugan, and Deepak Mundkinajeddu. "Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Study of Flavonoid Rich Extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra (GutGard®) in Sprague Dawley Rats." Journal of Toxicology 2022 (March 31, 2022): 1–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2022/8517603.
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Glycyrrhiza glabra (G. glabra) is well known for its health benefits based on the traditional and current scientific evidence. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the safety of GutGard, a standardised-flavonoid rich extract of G. glabra. The study was designed to evaluate the acute and subchronic oral toxicity of GutGard in Sprague Dawley rats according to the procedures and methods of Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) test guidelines for acute and subchronic toxicity. A single dose of GutGard at 5000 mg/kg body weight did not produce treatment related clinical signs of toxicity or mortality in any of the animals tested during the 14-day observation period. Therefore, the median lethal dose was estimated to be more than 5000 mg/kg. A subchronic oral toxicity study for 90 days in rats at the dose levels of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg did not show any treatment related adverse clinical signs. The treated animals exhibited normal weight gain and comparable feed intake. Ophthalmoscope examination did not reveal any abnormalities. Further, GutGard administration in rats did not show any clinical evidence of toxicity with respect to urinalysis, haematology, and blood chemistry parameters. The relative organ weight of vital organs did not differ significantly as compared to control. Gross and histopathological findings did not show any remarkable and treatment related changes. Based on the current experimental study findings, the median lethal dose (LD50) of GutGard was found to be >5000 mg/kg b.wt and the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was found to be 1000 mg/kg rat b.wt.
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Rumaseuw, Ellen Stephanie, Yoppi Iskandar, Eli Halimah, and Ade Zuhrotun. "Characterization And Acute Toxicity Test Of Black Garlic Ethanol Exctract Based On OECD." Interest : Jurnal Ilmu Kesehatan, January 6, 2022, 215–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.37341/interest.v0i0.379.
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Background: Garlic (Allium sativum, L) was used empirically by the ancestors as a useful plant for hypercholesterolemia. The processed garlic product, namely black garlic, has gone through an optimal heating process at a temperature of 70oC for 21 days. Black garlic can become a standardized herb if it has been through characterization and toxicity tests.
Methods: The characterization test is known by measuring several general standard parameters of Indonesian extracts. Acute toxicity test was carried out by dividing 5 treatment groups namely negative control, group I (5 mg/kg BW), group II (50 mg/kg BW), group III (300 mg/kg BW), group IV (2000 mg/kg BW).
Results: The results showed that the standardization of black garlic extract has a drying shrinkage content of 7.24%, a water content of 8.8%, a total ash content of 4.79%, an acid insoluble ash content of 1.52%, a water soluble extract content of 7.47% and an ethanol soluble extract content of 9.3% which is still into the Indonesian herbal pharmacopoeia standard and the administration of black garlic ethanol extract caused mild toxic symptoms during the acute toxicity test and obtained LD50 values > 2000 mg/kg BW.
Conclusion: Characterization of black garlic extract according to standardization parameters of Indonesian plant extracts and administration of ethanolic extract of black garlic has an LD50 value > 2000 mg/kg BW which is included in category 5 in the OECD.
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Sjøberg, Svein. "PISA as a Challenge for Science Education: Inherent Problems and Problematic Results from a Global Assessment Regime." Revista Brasileira de Pesquisa em Educação em Ciências, April 30, 2017, 327–63. http://dx.doi.org/10.28976/1984-2686rbpec2017171327.
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We experience the emergence of a global educational reform movement, where the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) through its project PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) has become the key driver. PISA and its focus on league tables and rankings influence educational debates and educational policy world-wide. The OECD is, with PISA as the main instrument, emerging as a kind of global ministry of education, promoting theirown standardized curriculum and system of quality assessment. PISA is designed to be used by the 30+ modern, highly developed countries in the OECD, but is also used by some 40 less developed non-OECD countries as a benchmark for their education system. This influence of OECD will be further widened by a version of PISA that will target developing countries, “PISA for development”. This instrument has the same underlying assumptions and ideals as PISA: the main concern is the national economy, not the personal development of the learner. There is also the underlying assumption that competition is always good, and that a free-market economy always promotes quality. The increasing role taken by the OECD is pushing aside the influence of international organization with different agendas and ideals, like UNESCO and UNICEF. Since studies like PISA by design cannot identify causal relationships behind neither success nor failure, the educational consequences of the studies are not clear. In many countries, PISA results are used to legitimize market-driven reforms, control of the teachers, payment by test results for teachers and principals, erosion of the public school system, privatization and the introduction of more testing regimes.In this development, the OECD now operates in close contact with the world’s largest commercial company in the education sector, Pearson Inc. The success of PISA as an instrument of governance is currently expanded also to target schools and their teaching in a more direct way: a PISA-like instrument, “PISA for Schools” is developed for local use, for schools and school districts, enabling them to compare their own schools to “PISA winners”. This development may also create anxiety and concern not only at the national or federal level, but also at the local level. This test is also a commercial product, opening up a large and untapped market.
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Teltemann, Janna, and Reinhard Schunck. "Standardized Testing, Use of Assessment Data, and Low Reading Performance of Immigrant and Non-immigrant Students in OECD Countries." Frontiers in Sociology 5 (November 26, 2020). http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fsoc.2020.544628.
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This paper investigates the effects of standardized testing and publication of achievement data on low reading performance for immigrant and non-immigrant students in 30 OECD countries. The paper aims to test hypotheses derived from a principal-agent framework. According to this theoretical perspective, standardized assessments alone should not be associated with reading performance. Instead, the model proposes that the provision of the results to the principle (parents and education authorities) is associated with higher student performance, as this reduces the information asymmetry between principal (parents and educational authorities) and agent (teachers and schools). The results of our analyses of PISA 2009 and 2015 reading data from 422.172 students show that first, the use of standardized achievement tests alone was not associated with the risk of low performance. Second, making the results of standardized tests available to the public was associated with a decreased risk of low reading performance among all students, and, third, particularly among first generation immigrant students. These results were robust across various modeling approaches. In accordance with the predictions from the principal-agent framework, our findings suggest that the mere implementation of standardized assessments has no effects on low performance. Testing along with the public provision of the testing results, which decreases the information asymmetry between schools and teachers on the one hand and parents and education authorities on the other, was associated with a decreased risk of low performance, with the effect being stronger for immigrant students.
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Strotmann, Uwe, Gerald Thouand, Udo Pagga, Stefan Gartiser, and Hermann J. Heipieper. "Toward the future of OECD/ISO biodegradability testing-new approaches and developments." Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology, March 3, 2023. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00253-023-12406-6.
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Abstract In the past decades, industrial and scientific communities have developed a complex standardized system (e.g., OECD, ISO, CEN) to evaluate the biodegradability of chemical substances. This system includes for OECD three levels of testing (ready and inherent biodegradability tests, simulation tests). It was adopted by many countries and is completely integrated into European legislation (registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals, REACH). Nevertheless, the different tests have certain deficiencies, and the question arises of how accurately these tests display the situation in the real environment and how the results can be used for predictions. This review will focus on the technical advantages and weaknesses of current tests concerning the technical setup, the inoculum characterization, and its biodegradation potential as well as the use of adequate reference compounds. A special focus of the article will be on combined test systems offering enhanced possibilities to predict biodegradation. The properties of microbial inocula are critically discussed, and a new concept concerning the biodegradation adaptation potential (BAP) of inocula is proposed. Furthermore, a probability model and different in silico QSAR (quantitative structure-activity relationships) models to predict biodegradation from chemical structures are reviewed. Another focus lies on the biodegradation of difficult single compounds and mixtures of chemicals like UVCBs (unknown or variable composition, complex reaction products, or biological materials) which will be an important challenge for the forthcoming decades. Key points • There are many technical points to be improved in OECD/ISO biodegradation tests • The proper characterization of inocula is a crucial point in biodegradation tests • Combined biodegradation test systems offer extended possibilities for biodegradation tests
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"Research of the possibility of using Ceriodaphnia affinis Lilljeborg (Crustacea) in a short-term test while setting eological quality standards in Ukraine." Visnyk of V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, series Geology. Geography. Ecology, no. 51 (2019). http://dx.doi.org/10.26565/2410-7360-2019-51-14.
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Formulation of the problem. Regulation of hazardous chemicals admission to surface water is carried out by means of appropriate water quality standards. Researching the systems of surface water quality regulation in different countries, it has been determined that there is a tendency to use standards for the protection of the aquatic ecosystem and for meeting the needs of society and industries - environmental quality standards. Such standards are based on obtaining ecotoxicological information of a dangerous chemical substance on the representatives of the aquatic ecosystem. Among them, some of the most sensitive test organisms are crustaceans from the Daphniidae family. They are used to establish water quality standards for chemicals, to assess the quality of wastewater and surface water using a toxicological indicator. It is recommended to use a standardized international methodology to assess effects of chemicals on Daphnia magna Straus (OECD No. 202) to establish environmental water quality standards in EU countries. However, in Ukraine, in water protection practice, the most popular test organism is Ceriodaphnia affinis Lilljeborg (Daphnia sp.). The purpose of the article. In order to set ecological standards for water quality of chemicals in Ukraine, the authors proposed to test the OECD No. 202 methodology using Ceriodaphnia affinis test organisms and to establish metrological characteristics for it. Presentation of the main research material. The authors tested the OECD methodology No. 202 [21] on the crustacean culture Ceriodaphnia affinis from the culture collection of the Laboratory of Ecological and Toxicological Research, the V. N. Karazin KhNU. The coefficient of variation of EC50-24 and EC50-48 K2Cr2O7 was 16,8 % and 15,9 % respectively. Based on the data obtained, the metrological characteristics of the tested method were established: the response range of the test organisms Ceriodaphnia affinis is the following – 1,45<EC50-24 <2,91 (mg/dm3); reproducibility of the results of determining the toxicity of a chemical substance – 0,18 mg/dm3 (16,1%); the error in the results of determining the toxicity of a chemical substance – 0,34 mg/dm3 (31.6 %); standard of operational control – 0,49 mg/dm3. Scientific novelty and practical significance. The findings confirm the possibility of using Ceriodaphnia affinis in a short-term test in setting environmental water quality standards in Ukraine.
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Römbke, J., A. van der Veen, P. Ebke, and P. Stegger. "Effects of calcium cyanamide on Collembola in a standardized field study. Part 2: lessons learned for chemical risk assessment in field studies with soil invertebrates." Environmental Sciences Europe 34, no. 1 (September 10, 2022). http://dx.doi.org/10.1186/s12302-022-00648-6.
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Abstract Background Data from a one-year field study on the effect of a fertilizer (calcium cyanamide, trade name: Perlka®) on Collembola served as the basis for a broader discussion on performance and evaluation of these data for terrestrial risk assessment according to the REACH regulations) of the European Union. Performance Details of the technical performance of this study have been described in Part 1 of this article. In this part, the experiences made in this very large field study with a non-pesticide (i.e., a fertilizer) is discussed in a wider context, in particular by asking: Is the existing information suitable for preparing a field test guideline for Collembola – and, secondly, would such a guideline be suitable for improving current REACH and/or EFSA guidelines for testing very different chemicals in the soil compartment? Results By discussing individually the most important properties of such studies we could show that by combining experiences from earthworm field studies, literature, and our field study higher-tier testing with Collembola is not only technically possible, but also suitable for the evaluation of chemicals in soil (i.e., similar to existing OECD approaches for earthworms). Conclusion Due to our experience as well as information from literature, we could show that such Collembola field studies are suitable for improving risk assessment procedures in the soil compartment. This is in particular true, when realizing that the long-term protection of soil biodiversity is of high value both from an ecological as well as an ecotoxicological point of view. Thus, a specific Collembolan field test guideline is urgently needed.
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Messer, Katherine, and Ann C. Wilkie. "Earthworm Depuration: Analysis of Coprophagy and Light Impacts." UF Journal of Undergraduate Research 23 (October 13, 2021). http://dx.doi.org/10.32473/ufjur.v23i.128440.
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Earthworms are used as biomarkers to determine the bioavailability of contaminants. As such, their uptake of contaminants has been studied extensively. Protocols have been established to ensure that laboratory-obtained data are valid and comparable. However, the method of removing the organism’s gut content (depuration) before assessing the contaminant in the tissue is not standardized. The aim of this research project is to investigate some parameters for earthworm depuration: light conditions and coprophagy prevention. Eisenia fetida were depurated for 48 hours in two separate studies according to guidelines ASTM-E1676 and OECD Test No. 317. In one study, 2 frequencies of egesta removal were employed during depuration to prevent coprophagy and compared to the control (egesta and worms removed after 48 hours). In another study, the subjects and material egested were assessed under conditions of continuous darkness and the control (continuous light). The depuration methods that included egesta removal every 12 and 24 hours resulted in 62% and 10% more egested material per mg of earthworm than the control (filter paper disc change after 48 hours), respectively. The earthworms depurated in continuous darkness egested 94% more material per mg of earthworm than the control. The results indicate that depuration would be more total under continuous darkness and employing a coprophagy prevention method. These findings could lead to more efficient depuration methods.
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Krug, Harald F. "A Systematic Review on the Hazard Assessment of Amorphous Silica Based on the Literature From 2013 to 2018." Frontiers in Public Health 10 (June 15, 2022). http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2022.902893.
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BackgroundNanomaterials are suspected of causing health problems, as published studies on nanotoxicology indicate. On the other hand, some of these materials, such as nanostructured pyrogenic and precipitated synthetic amorphous silica (SAS) and silica gel, have been used for decades without safety concerns in industrial, commercial, and consumer applications. However, in addition to many in vivo and in vitro studies that have failed to demonstrate the intrinsic toxicity of SAS, articles periodically emerge, in which biological effects of concern have been described. Even though most of these studies do not meet high-quality standards and do not always use equivalent test materials or standardized test systems, the results often trigger substance re-evaluation. To put the results into perspective, an extensive literature study was carried out and an example of amorphous silica will be used to try to unravel the reliability from the unreliable results.MethodsA systematic search of studies on nanotoxicological effects has been performed covering the years 2013 to 2018. The identified studies have been evaluated for their quality regarding material and method details, and the data have been curated and put into a data collection. This review deals only with investigations on amorphous silica.ResultsOf 18,162 publications 1,217 have been selected with direct reference to experiments with synthetically produced amorphous silica materials. The assessment of these studies based on defined criteria leads to a further reduction to 316 studies, which have been included in this systematic review. Screening for quality with well-defined quantitative criteria following the GUIDE nano concept reveals only 27.3% has acceptable quality. Overall, the in vitro and in vivo data showed low or no toxicity of amorphous silica. The data shown do not support the hypothesis of dependency of biological effects on the primary particle size of the tested materials.ConclusionThis review demonstrates the relatively low quality of most studies published on nanotoxicological issues in the case of amorphous silica. Moreover, mechanistic studies are often passed off or considered toxicological studies. In general, standardized methods or the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) guidelines are rarely used for toxicological experiments. As a result, the significance of the published data is usually weak and must be reevaluated carefully before using them for regulatory purposes.
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Eberlin, Samara, Gustavo Facchini, Gustavo Henrique da Silva, Samir Eberlin, Aline Rodrigues Bragatto, Ana Lúcia Tabarini Alves Pinheiro, and Adriano da Silva Pinheiro. "Ex Vivo Human Skin: An Alternative Test System for Skin Irritation and Corrosion Assays." Alternatives to Laboratory Animals, August 17, 2021, 026119292110386. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/02611929211038652.
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Native human skin has been reported in the literature as being an important experimental model for studying skin biology. Studies performed by our group have shown that ex vivo skin, from elective plastic surgery, maintains the biological characteristics of native skin under specific culture conditions. As such, it might be a feasible model for the safety and efficacy testing of topical substances. While Brazil is at the forefront of global regulation implementation, Brazilian researchers are not always able to transfer certain widely used protocols to their laboratories, particularly protocols that involve the use of reconstructed tissues with limited viability, such as those for skin corrosion (OECD TG 431) and irritation testing (OECD TG 439). In this study, we investigated the applicability of the ex vivo skin model to the evaluation of irritation and corrosion potential of a number of proficiency substances described in TG 431 and TG 439. The skin fragments were standardised in size and diameter, and placed into cell culture inserts. The experimental protocol was conducted according to TG 431 and TG 439. The results obtained show that ex vivo skin could represent a promising tool for the evaluation of irritation and corrosion potential of substances (subject to inclusion and exclusion criteria), as recommended by OECD guidelines. While this is a proof-of-concept study, the use of ex vivo skin should be considered for such testing.
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Shanmugasundaram, Devanand. "Subchronic toxicological evaluation of EnXtra™ (standardised extract of Alpinia galanga rhizome) in rats." Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, February 3, 2022. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2021-0526.
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Abstract Objectives Alpinia galanga is a commonly used ingredient in Asian food and traditional medicine. But an extract of the rhizome had never been used commercially in food supplements and functional foods. There is some evidence of safety and tolerability in humans for a proprietary A. galanga rhizome extract (EnXtra™) and it is Generally Recognised as Safe (GRAS) in the US already. However, this botanical ingredient has not been evaluated for its subchronic toxicity in rats to confirm its safety in wider food applications. Methods Sprague Dawley rats were orally administered the test item for 90 days by following OECD (Test Guideline: 408), with a recovery period of 28 days. Cumulative effects and No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) were estimated. EnXtra™ was administered orally at 0, 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 mg kg−1 body weight (b. wt.) with additional vehicle and high dose recovery groups. Observations included clinical signs, haematology, clinical chemistry, gross pathology and histopathology. Results On terminal sacrifice, no treatment-related adverse effects were observed viz., clinical signs, mortality, body weight changes and feed consumption parameters. Haematology, clinical biochemistry and thyroid hormone levels were within the normal range. Further, no treatment-related gross and microscopic pathological lesions were observed across the treatment groups. Conclusions Based on the results of the toxicological evaluation, NOAEL of A. galanga rhizome extract (AGRE) was fixed at 3,000 mg kg−1 b. wt. per day and ADI of 1800 mg day−1 in the case of humans.
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Lebedev, A., S. Lebedev, and A. Korobko. "A SYSTEM APPROACH FOR ASSESSING PERFORMANCE IN AGRICULTURAL TRACTORS." Technical and technological aspects of development and testing of new machinery and technologies for agriculture of Ukraine, no. 30(44) (July 2022). http://dx.doi.org/10.31473/2305-5987-2022-1-30(44)-1.
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Purpose of the study. Formation of a methodology for systematic evaluation of performance in agricultural tractors. Research methods. The methodological basis for evaluating the performance of agricultural tractors is the OECD Code 2. Code 2 of the OECD standardizes test methods. Determination of traction indicators for tractors is carried out by the method regulated by the SOU L. Pogorslyy UkrNDIPVT 71.2-37-046043090-017:2015. A measuring and registration complex is used. When evaluating the functional accuracy of the tractor, according to DSTU 7463:2013, indicators are analyzed that determine the traction class of the tractor, energy capabilities and aggregation. An analytical method and a comparative analysis with the results of experimental studies are used to form a scientific problem, determine the purpose and set the objectives of the study. The results of the study. The research results develop a methodology for a systematic approach to assessing the operational quality of agricultural tractors. Direction of research to improve the technical, economic and agro technical properties. New dependencies are proposed (they use the method of partial accelerations) for estimating the traction and energy performance of the tractor, handling and driving stability, and braking properties. A technique for estimating the dynamic properties of a tractor as part of a tillage unit in an unsteady mode of its movement on the rut is substantiated. Code 2 of the OECD standardizes the testing methodology for agricultural tractors regarding the evaluation of their performance under nominal technical condition. The results of the studies that are given in the article prove that the deviations of real functional parameters from the nominal ones significantly affect the performance of the tractor. Conclusions. According to the results of the research carried out, the classification of the performance of agricultural tractors was carried out according to their traction and agro technical properties. The research results made it possible to formulate the main theoretical and scientific-practical conclusions. A methodology for a systematic approach to assessing the performance of agricultural tractors has been formulated, based on the substantiated method of partial accelerations. Using the method of partial accelerations, the dependences of the effective power of the engine, the efficiency of the tractor, the mass and resistance of the agricultural machine aggregated with the tractor, the braking properties of the tractor, its controllability and driving stability on the rut are substantiated. Analytically proved and experimentally confirmed the instability of the traction force of the tractor, the resistance of the agricultural machine of the tillage unit, the dynamic performance of which exceeds the average values by 2.5-3.0 times. Keywords: tractor, system approach, operational properties, traction properties, controllability, braking properties.
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Palmieri, Luigi, Chiara Donfrancesco, Cinzia Lo Noce, Francesco Dima, Lidia Gargiulo, Diego Vanuzzo, and Simona Giampaoli. "Abstract P306: Italian National Health Examination Surveys 2008-2012: Differences in Measured and Self-reported Anthropometric Data." Circulation 127, suppl_12 (March 26, 2013). http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/circ.127.suppl_12.ap306.
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Background: Health Interview Survey (HIS) collects only self-reported height and weight to estimate obesity prevalence. Because of self-reporting, estimated obesity prevalence could be too low. From 2008 to 2012 an Health Examination Survey/Osservatorio Epidemiologico Cardiovascolare (HES/OEC) has been implemented in Italy with the aim of assessing cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, prevalence of risk conditions and CV diseases for the Italian adult population. Differences in measured and self-reported main anthropometric measures are described. Methods: Random samples of general population stratified by age and sex were examined in all Italian regions (participation rate 56%). Self-reported height and weight were requested to participants just after the welcome at the screening center. Height and weight were then measured using standardized procedures and methods. BMI was categorized in 3 groups: normal (BMI<25 kg/m2), overweight (25<=BMI<30 kg/m2), obesity (BMI>=30 kg/m2). Comparisons between measured and reported height, weight, and calculated BMI in men and women were assessed using t-test for means and chi-squared test for prevalence for paired samples. Results: Data from 2,583 men and 2,575 women aged 35-79 years were analysed. In men, measured height was lower than self-reported (-2.1 cm.), measured weight resulted higher than self-reported (+0.3 kg.); as a consequence BMI calculated on measured data resulted higher than that based on self-reported data (+0.8 kg/m2). Prevalence of obesity was higher for measured data than for self-reported (+7.1%). In men, difference between measured and self-reported height resulted higher in obese category than in the overweight or normal groups (-2.6 cm.), as well as for weight (+1.6 kg.). Similar results were registered in women: measured height was lower than self-reported (-3.6 cm.), measured weight resulted higher than self-reported (+0.8 kg.); as a consequence BMI calculated on measured data resulted higher than that based on self-reported data (+1.6 kg/m2). Prevalence of obesity was higher for measured data than for self-reported (+9.2%). Difference between measured and self-reported height resulted higher in obese category than in the overweight or normal groups (-5.0 cm.), as well as for weight (1.8 kg.). Both in men and women differences increased by age-group. Conclusions: Our results confirm how important is to produce standardised measures, also to adjust and correct self-reported height and weight, in order to have a reliable picture of obesity in the population. At present obesity is still a priority in public health and is one of the main indicator to plan community actions for cardiovascular disease prevention in the population.
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Thirugnanasambantham, P., V. Sharmila Devi, N. Jayshree, M. Sumithra, and R. Ilavarasan. "Pharmacological Evaluation of Polyherbal Formulation for Nephroprotective Activity." Journal of Natural Remedies, July 30, 2022, 393–411. http://dx.doi.org/10.18311/jnr/2022/29789.
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The kidney plays an essential role in removing waste products and drugs from the body and maintaining balanced body fluids. It gets affected due to many factors, notably, diabetes and high blood pressure. Nowadays, naturally, derived products are essential in curing various ailments and are safe and cost-effective. The purpose of this study is to assess the toxicity profile and nephroprotective effect of a proprietary polyherbal formulation in Wistar albino rats for gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. The Polyherbal formulation was procured from Rumi Herbals Private Limited. Acute toxicity experiments were conducted in Wistar rats using the Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity model as per OECD standards 423, and the efficacy was assessed using the Gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity model. The formulation was proven safe up to 2000mg/kg orally in an acute toxicity study, with no behavioral abnormalities and no fatality. The gentamicin 80 mg/kg i.p for 7 days induced nephrotoxicity in rats showed a significant (P<0.05) increase in the renal parameters and reduction in antioxidant levels compared with day 0. Whereas test drug-treated groups at a low dose (200 mg/kg) and high dose (400 mg/kg) showed significant (P<0.05) reduction in elevated renal parameters and improvement in antioxidant levels compared with the disease control group. According to the histopathological interpretation of isolated kidneys, this formulation protects from kidney damage and restores typical kidney architecture. From the results, the proprietary polyherbal formulation has shown effective nephroprotective activity may be due to the presence of secondary metabolites/phytoconstituents. Further investigation is essential to focus on the mechanism involved and standardize the active phytoconstituents responsible for the nephroprotective activity.
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Donfrancesco, Chiara, Luigi Palmieri, Cinzia Lo Noce, Francesco Dima, Amalia De Curtis, Patrizia De Sanctis Caiola, Diego Vanuzzo, and Simona Giampaoli. "Abstract P359: Cardiovascular Risk Factor and Diseases in the Italian Adult Population: The National Health Examination Surveys 2008-2012." Circulation 127, suppl_12 (March 26, 2013). http://dx.doi.org/10.1161/circ.127.suppl_12.ap359.
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Background: From 2008 to 2012 an Health Examination Survey (HES)-Osservatorio Epidemiologico Cardiovascolare (OEC) has been implemented in Italy with the aim of assessing cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, prevalence of risk conditions and CV diseases for the Italian adult population. Methods: Random samples of general population stratified by age and sex were examined in all Italian regions (participation rate 56%). Risk factor were collected using standardized procedures and methods; biochemical tests were assayed in a central laboratory; a questionnaire investigates behaviours and CVD history; a ECG read in Minnesota code was used to define previous myocardial infarction. Comparisons between men and women were assessed using t-test for means and chi-squared test for prevalence. Results: Data of 4371 men and 4339 women ages 35-79 years were analysed. Majority of risk factors mean levels resulted higher in men than in women: systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 134 mmHg and 129 mmHg (p<0.0001), diastolic (DBP) was 84 mmHg and 79 mmHg (p<0.0001), fasting plasma glucose was 103 mg/dl and 95 mg/dl (p<0.0001), triglycerides was 135 mg/dl and 108 mg/dl (p<0.0001), respectively; as well as many CV risk conditions: smoking habit was 21% in men and 18% in women (p<0.0001), diabetes was 14% in men and 9% in women (p<0.0001) (28% of diabetic unaware both in men and women), 56% of men and 43% of women have SBP>=140 mmHg or DBP>=90 mmHg or in treatment (p<0.0001), 65% of men and 70% of women have total cholesterol (TC) >=200 mg/dl or in treatment for (p<0.0001), 48% of men and 33% of women are in overweight (BMI 25-29 kg/m 2 ) (p<0.0001). TC, LDL and HDL cholesterol resulted lower in men than in women: 209 mg/dl and 218 (44) (p<0.0001), 131 (38) mg/dl and 134 mg/dl (p<0.0001), 51 mg/dl and 62 mg/dl (p<0.0001), respectively. As well as prevalence of physical inactivity during leisure time: 31% in men and 43% in women (p<0.0001). Prevalence of obesity (BMI>=30 kg/m 2 ) resulted similar in men and women: 25% and 27% respectively (p=0.0818). Prevalence of myocardial infarction was 2.1% in men and 0.7% in women (p<0.0001), prevalence of by-pass or angioplasty surgery was 5.1% and 1.0% (p<0.0001), prevalence of angina pectoris was 3.2% and in 4.8% (p<0.0001), respectively. Conclusions: At present obesity and smoking are still a priority in public health. In combination with other information sources, the OEC can contribute greatly to plan community actions and health services at national and regional level.