bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using Peer-to-Peer Knowledge Transfer to Build Marine Oil Spill Preparedness Capacity and Foster Resilience Among Indigenous Communities
Authors: DeCola Elise G. , Dumbrille Andrew , Diggon Steve
Published: December 2021

Indigenous communities often bear disproportionate risks from marine oil spills because of their close connections to and reliance on marine ecosystems. The impacts of an oil spill on Indigenous people and communities can be far-reaching, even for incidents that might be considered “small” from the perspective of the response community. Building community capacity for oil spill preparedness and response is a critical component to creating resilience within Indigenous communities. While the fundamental elements of capacity are the same for Indigenous communities as for any other coastal community, the approach requires an understanding and respect for Traditional Knowledge, Indigenous governance structures, and existing stewardship networks. Oil spill preparedness and response traditionally follows a top-down approach within both government and industry, because marine oil spills are low frequency, high consequence, highly complex incidents where multiple organizations and jurisdictions must work together. While this reality applies regardless of whether an oil spill impacts Indigenous communities, a top-down approach can be experienced as a threat to self-governance and compromise the effectiveness of capacity-building efforts.

There is a significant body of research in support of the concept that resilience to emergencies and disasters among Indigenous people must build upon existing social, cultural, and familial structures in order to be effective. This requires a fundamentally different approach that builds from the ground up with the goal of ultimately meshing with the existing preparedness and response framework. Peer-to-peer learning and knowledge transfer is an approach that has been used in support of a range of initiatives among Indigenous communities, such as human health initiatives. The same approach may provide a mechanism to empower Indigenous communities to enhance both capacity and resilience. This paper presents a case study from ongoing work to connect Indigenous communities from Canada's High Arctic and Pacific Coast in support of marine oil spill preparedness and response.
Update to U.S. National Response Team's Abandoned Vessels Authorities and Best Practices Guidance
Authors: Brooks Rebecca J.
Published: December 2021

The U.S. National Response Team promulgated an interagency guidance document entitled “Abandoned Vessel Authorities and Best Practices Guidance” (AVG) in 2014 to address a myriad of questions that the Federal On-Scene Coordinators and broader response community tend to face when mitigating threats caused by abandoned or derelict vessels. This document compiles information surrounding existing laws, policies, and best practices to inform and advise responders without bogging them down in “legalese” or forcing them to search from document to document to find all the relevant information. In the aftermath of the 2017 Atlantic Hurricane Season and associated responses, the National Response Team tasked its Preparedness Committee to reopen the 2014 AVG to ensure the document addressed the challenges that were brought to light amid the responses. The Committee chartered a working group to systematically review and update this document and incorporate the latest pertinent policy changes, including those from Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure that it most thoroughly addressed the gamut of issues a responder may come up against in the arena of abandoned (or derelict, or displaced) vessel management. The updated AVG was completed and approved by the NRT in 2020 and is posted to the NRT website. Major updates include: Considerations for long-term storage and disposal;Clarification on foreign-flagged vessel nuances;Information for responders to consider regarding contaminants other than those covered under NCP/ESF constructs (e.g. if typical response authorities do not cover a scenario, what options might the responder still leverage);An additional section addressing nuances of managing multiple vessel casualties at once, either due to a natural disaster or an act or omission from a third party; andImportant differences between National Contingency Plan and Stafford Act funded/organized responses.

This paper dives into the rationale for making changes, the benefits of additions made, the processes and methodologies for undertaking updates, and major elements of the AVG to provide a snapshot of the guidance it affords the reader.
NSF Response Case Study: Hazardous Materials Release at Intercontinental Terminal Company, Deer Park, Texas
Authors: Edwards CDR Shaun , Thornton LCDR Jessica , Pounds Kenneth “KP”
Published: December 2021

On March 17th, 2019 the Intercontinental Terminal Company (ITC) Deer Park, Texas river terminal and storage facility, comprised of 242 above ground storage tanks with a site capacity of 13.1 million barrels of hazardous products, experienced a tank fire. This incident would also become known as the “2nd 80s Fire” based on the identification of tanks impacted. The fire was contained to a single grouping of 15 tanks, with stored products including Naphtha, Toluene, Xylene, Benzene, Pyrolysis Gasoline, and Gasoline Blend stocks. Extended firefighting efforts resulted in volumes of water and firefighting foam that exceeded the capacity of the containment systems, resulting in the subsequent containment failure on March 22nd, which enabled the hazardous chemicals and mixture of various products to eventually reach the Houston Ship Channel. The surrounding industrial and residential communities experienced shelter-in-place orders due to the air quality concerns, and the vital waterway was shut down to commercial traffic.

On-water benzene levels exceeded 20 parts per million (ppm) during the initial phases of the response near the facility while many areas within five miles exceeded the Occupational Safety Health Agency (OSHA) Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for benzene exposures. Benzene remained the primary chemical hazard to response crews seeking to contain, remove, and reopen the waterways for more than two weeks past the initial chemical release events. An interagency agreement was developed between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to assist in response activities, which included containing, collecting, recovering and disposing of the released materials from the shoreline and the surface water. The National Strike Force (NSF) deployed 52 personnel from each of the three Strike Teams, Public Information Assist Team (PIAT) and CG-Incident Management and Assistance Team (CG-IMAT). Due to the elevated presence of benzene, the NSF was the only USCG trained, experienced and qualified organic response resource prepared to respond to environmental threats with elevated concentrations of products that represented an inhalation hazard requiring respiratory protection devices. This paper demonstrates the significance of NSF's respiratory protection program, and how their capabilities can be used for both technical operations support, and also for site safety management, especially during complex spills or releases.
Crude oil and particulate fluxes including marine oil snow sedimentation and flocculant accumulation: Deepwater Horizon oil spill study
Authors: Quigg Antonietta , Xu Chen , Chin Wei-Chun , Kamalanathan Manoj , Sylvan Jason , Finkel Zoe V. , Irwin Andrew J. , Ziervogel Kai , Wade Terry L. , Knap Tony , Hatcher Patrick G. , Santschi Peter
Published: December 2021

The Deepwater Horizon oil spill is the largest in US history in terms of oil released and the amount of dispersants applied. It is also the first spill in which the incorporation of oil and/or dispersant into marine snow was directly observable. Marine snow formation, incorporation of oil (MOS – marine oil snow) and subsequent settling to the seafloor, has been termed MOSSFA: Marine Oil Snow Sedimentation and Flocculent Accumulation. This pathway accounts for a significant fraction of the total oil returning back to the sea floor. GOMRI funded studies have determined that important drivers of MOSSFA include, but are not limited to, an elevated and extended Mississippi River discharge, which enhanced phytoplankton production and suspended particle concentrations, zooplankton grazing, and enhanced mucus formation (operationally defined as EPS, TEP, marine snow). Efforts thus far to understand the mechanisms driving these processes are being used to aid in the development of response strategies. These include modeling efforts towards predicting plume dynamics. Although much has been learned during the GOMRI program (reviewed herein and elsewhere), there are still important unknowns that need to be addressed. Understanding of the conditions under which significant MOSSFA events occur, the consequences to the biology, the sinking velocity and distribution of the MOSSFA as well as its ultimate fate are amongst the most important consideration for future studies. Also important is the modification of the oil and dispersant within the MOS and its transport as part of MOSSFA. Ongoing studies are needed to further develop our understanding of these complex and interrelated phenomena.
Current and Proposed Efforts to Resolve HSPD-5 and NCP Authorities (NIC and PFO)
Authors: LaMorte LCDR John , Brooks LT Rebecca
Published: December 2021

During the evening of 20 April, 2010 U.S. Coast Guard District Eight Command Center watch standers received a report of an explosion aboard the Deepwater Horizon (DWH), an oil rig working on the Macondo oil well approximately 42 miles Southeast of Venice, LA (OSC Report, 2011). The explosion on board the DWH and resulting fires eventually destroyed the oil rig and caused it to sink into the Gulf of Mexico. Eleven crewmembers lost their lives in the tragic events that unfolded that night, and one of the nation's largest environmental disasters would soon follow. Estimates of the oil discharged from the Macondo oil well were between 12,000 and 25,000 barrels per day, and the response involved approximately 47,000 oil spill response personnel, 6,870 vessels, approximately 4.12 million feet of boom, and 17,500 National Guard personnel, five states (OSC Report, 2011). The massive oil spill lasted 87 days and estimates suggest that more than 200 million gallons of oil was discharged into the Gulf of Mexico, which stands as the largest oil spill event in U.S. history. From these massive response operations came important lessons learned for SONS event planning, preparedness, and response, as it became apparent during DWH response operations that oil spill response governance and doctrine was not well understood across the whole-of-government. This issue was well documented in the National Incident Commander's report and several recommendations were identified to address this issue. This paper will explore the steps taken within the U.S. Coast Guard's (USCG) SONS Exercise and Training Program to promote a better understanding of oil spill response governance and doctrine among Cabinet-level senior leadership and the interagency representatives that will ultimately be involved when the next SONS event happens.
Response Strategies for High VOCs
Authors: Walker Mike , Dulisse Carmine
Published: December 2021

The objective of this paper is to discuss the adaptations to response strategies that must be considered in spill scenarios with persistent Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). By comparing two scenarios, one where VOCs evaporated before presenting prolonged risk to responder safety and one where they did not, this paper will show how Marine Spill Response Corporation had to adjust traditional approaches to Personal Protective Equipment, shift length, and response resources to account for prolonged presence of VOCs. Further, this paper also seeks to describe additional techniques not used in these responses that could further increase responder safety in a persistent VOC condition. Each of these strategies has a set of unique challenges that must be addressed so they can become a viable tool in the response toolbox.
Characterization of the Microbial Community Structure and Function During the Natural Attenuation of Oil in Marine Environments Using In Situ Microcosms
Authors: Greer Charles W. , Fortin Nathalie , de Jourdan Benjamin , Boloori Tahereh , Tremblay Julien , Bakker Alexa , Wasserscheid Jessica , Cobanli Susan , Robinson Brian , King Tom , Whyte Lyle G. , Lee Kenneth
Published: December 2021

Climate change, the opening of the northwest passage, the production and transportation of oil reserves in addition to the large size and number of ocean-going vessels, are putting all Canada's oceans at an elevated risk for an oil spill. Responses to marine oil spills include physical (skimming and recovery), chemical (dispersants, herders) and biological processes (biodegradation). Natural attenuation, a weathering process that includes physical, chemical and biological action on spilled oil, is a potential remediation strategy that needs to be explored and exploited. In the Canadian context, we are using genomics approaches to better understand the natural populations of oil degrading microorganisms in our oceans, their diversity, spatial and temporal dynamics, and locations that may be more vulnerable to oil spills.

The purpose of this study was to perform an evaluation of the effectiveness of an in situ microcosm experimental system to study indigenous microbial communities that have oil degrading potential and to determine whether this experimental system could have an impact on acute toxicity to various marine organisms. In situ microcosms are slitted columns that contain support matrices such as clay beads or river rocks, with or without an oil coating. Columns can be incubated in different locations, at different depths and different time periods, during which microbial biofilm develops on the support materials. By using oil coated and uncoated matrices, comparative microbial community data that demonstrates the response of the microbial community to the presence of oil can be obtained. Long-term incubations (1 year) conducted at CFS-Alert showed that known oil-degrading bacteria (Colwellia, Oleibacter, Thalassolituus, Cycloclasticus, Oceanobacter and Alcanivorax) became dominant only on the oil coated matrices, confirming their presence in the local seawater.

Acute toxicity tests were performed in aquaria on a variety of test organisms to evaluate the possible effects of oil components leaching into the water from the in situ microcosms. Limited and transient toxicity to only two tested organisms (green sea urchin fertilization and green algal growth). Considering the analyses were conducted in a closed circulation system, it is highly likely that in an open ocean environment, toxicity would be negligible. Data from these studies will be valuable to support guidelines for the exploitation of natural attenuation as an alternative response measure (ARM) to address oil spills in Canadian waters.
Analysis of Competitiveness Fisheries Processing Industry in Indonesia
Authors: Suryana Asep Agus Handaka , Amalia Dien Hasna
Published: December 2021

The fisheries sector is an important sector for the people of Indonesia and can be used as a prime mover for the national economy. Indonesia is a country that has a fairly high level of fish production every year, that Indonesia provides a large supply of fish for foreign countries. This study aims to analyze the competitiveness of the provincial fisheries processing industry in Indonesia. The study was conducted in February – June 2021. The method used was a literature survey to determine the competitiveness of the fisheries processing industry in 34 provinces in Indonesia. After all the data is processed, the data will be analyzed descriptively. Primary data are expert judgments consisting of 11 people regarding the proportion of competitiveness of the fishery processing industry. Secondary data in the form of statistical data on the Indonesian Fisheries Processing Industry in 2010-2017 Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. The results showed that the competitiveness profile of the fishery processing industry in 2017 in Indonesia with the first rank of very high competitiveness was occupied by the Province of East Java because it excels in production, infrastructure, and Science and Technology the second rank is very high competitiveness. occupied by DKI Jakarta Province because it excels in production and science and technology, the third rank of very high competitiveness is occupied by Central Java Province because it excels in production and infrastructure.
Poplar Allene Oxide Synthase 1 Gene Promoter Drives Rapid and Localized Expression by Wounding
Authors: Lei Bin , J. Frost Christopher , Xu Tao , Herr Joshua R. , Carlson John E. , Liang Haiying
Published: December 2021

Promoters play critical roles in controlling the transcription of genes and are important as tools to drive heterologous expression for biotechnological applications. In addition to core transcription factor-binding motifs that assist in the binding of RNA polymerases, there are specific nucleotide sequences in a promoter region to allow regulation of gene expression. The allene oxide synthase (AOS) gene family are cytochrome P450s that are responsive to a variety of environmental stress, making them good candidates for the discovery of inducible promoters. Populus AOS homologs separate phylogenetically into two clades. Based on the 19 promoter motifs with significant abundance differences between the two clades, Clade I AOS genes are likely more responsive to hormones, salt, and pathogen, whereas clade II homologs are likely inducible by water stress. In this study, an upstream promoter from a Clade I poplar AOS encoding gene (AOS1) was cloned and used to drive the expression of a ß-glucuronidase (GUS) gene in Arabidopsis. AOS is an essential enzyme in the lipoxygenase pathway that is responsible for the production of many non-volatile oxylipins in plants, including the jasmonates, which are regulatory phytohormones coordinating a variety of biological and stress response functions. Consistent with AOS transcript expression patterns, we found that the poplar AOS1 promoter drives rapid and localized expression by wounding. The study provides insight on the responsive elements in the poplar AOS promoters, but more importantly identifies a strong wound-inducible and localized promoter for future applications.
Effects of Salinity on the Feeding Efficiencies, Growth Performances and Survival Rate of 11th Strain of Tilapia (GIFU) in Laboratory Condition
Authors: Chakraborty Smriti , Rahman A. F. M. Arifur , Sarker Bhakta Supratim , Minar Maruf Hossain , Hossain Md. Belal
Published: December 2021

Feeding experiment was conducted for 45 days to evaluate the effects of salinity on the feeding efficiencies, growth performances and survival rate of 11th strain of tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (GIFU) in laboratory condition. Three rectangular glass tanks were used for the experiment with different level of salinity (0 as control; 8ppt and 10ppt (ppt means parts per thousand, g/l) as treatment 1 and treatment 2 respectively) using two replicates for each level of salinity. Seventy-five fingerlings were stocked in the tanks. The investigation was conducted at one feeding rate (3% of body weight) which has given twice a day in a 1 X 2 factorial experiment. Average food conversion ratios (FCR) were 2.66 ± 0.04, 1.76 ± 0.04 and 1.69 ± 0.07 in controls, T1, and T2 respectively. Average protein efficiency ratios (PER) were 0.63 ± 0.04, 1.31 ± 0.01 and 1.68 ± 0.02 in control, T1, and T2 respectively. The feed efficiency (FE) were 35.22 ± 1.54, 32.45 ± 1.22, and 31.54 ± 1.85 in control, T1 and T2 and specific growth rate (SGR) were 0.42 ± 0.03 %/d in control, 0.99 ± 0.03 %/d in T1 and 1.34 ± 0.09 %/d in T2 respectively. The net weight gain of fish in T2 (39.12 ± 0.17 g) and T1 (31.1 ± 0.02 g) were significantly higher than that of control (30.00 ± 0.21 g). The net length gain of fish in T2 (12.12 ± 0.03 cm) and T1 (10.5 ± 0.02 cm) were significantly higher than that of control (9.5 ± 0.04 cm). The survival rates were 85%, 100% and 100% in C, T1 and T2 respectively. The proximate composition of fishes, water quality parameter, feeding efficiencies and growth performances were better in T2 than that of T1 and C. The best growth was found from T2 (salinity 10 ppt) and lower growth was found from control (salinity 0 ppt) in case of GIFU. The present study revealed that GIFU can tolerate a wide range of salinity and shown better growth and survival rate.
Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soil of Lagos State University, Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Salami L. , Akinbomi J. G. , Patinvoh R. J.
Published: December 2021

Soil contaminated with heavy metals poses an ecological risk especially to public health. The aim of this work is to assess the ecological risk of heavy metals in soil of Lagos State University (LASU), Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria. Soil samples were collected from 8 different points in LASU which were stored in various polythene bags labeled SS1 – SS8. A control sample was taken 1 km away from LASU and was labeled SC9. All the sampling locations were identified using handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) for the purpose of universal identification. The soil samples were analysed for nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) and Iron (Fe) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Enrichment factor (EF), potential ecological risk (Ei) and ecological risk index (RI) were carried out using the data from the analysis. The results revealed that all the EF values were less than 2 except that of lead in SS1. The Ei values were less than 40 except that of lead in SS1. Moreover RI values of all the soil samples investigated were less than 150. It was obvious from this work that the soil of LASU, Epe, Lagos State, were not enriched with heavy metals and have a low potential ecological risk.
Assessment of Lingual Nerve Paresthesia after Removal of Mandibular Third Molar
Authors: Usha V. , Rajabackiyam G. , Sankar K. Prabhu , Muthuraman Varun , Christo Aravind , Rajapandian .
Published: December 2021

Surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars are the most commonly performed minor surgical procedures by maxillofacial surgeon. If not treated can lead to few complications like pericoronitis, root resorption of second molar, caries of second molar, cyst and tumours can arise from them. The common complications include swelling, hematoma, trismus and lingual nerve injuries. In this article 1000 cases of various types impactions were surgically operated and assessment of lingual nerve injury was done.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices towards COVID-19 Pandemic among Residents of the Jharkhand State, India: An Online Survey
Authors: Rai Arpita , Nishant . , Kumar Anshul , Singh D. K. , Kulkarni Nitin Madan , Chaurasia Shailesh Kumar , Pathak L. R.
Published: December 2021

Background: People's adherence to control measures is imperative in the fight against COVID-19. The present study was done to evaluate knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards COVID-19 among residents of Jharkhand and to assist the government in deciding further course of action during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods: This study was an online cross-sectional survey. The link to the questionnaire was displayed on the official website of Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, National Health Mission, Jharkhand, official website of all districts under Jharkhand state administration, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme and Information & Public Relations department. Participation of residents in the survey was extensively propagated using mass media mainly local television networks, radio channels and newspapers.

Results: A total of 4683 responses were received from all districts of Jharkhand. The majority of the participants were young adults (47.5%) and the number of male participants was more than the females (81.4%). The mean correct knowledge score for participants of this study was 10.73+2.2 (maximum attainable score was 14) while the mean practice score for the participants was 4.5+0.69 (maximum attainable score was 5). The knowledge score of the participants was significantly associated with their age, education status and economic class (p<0.0001). The participants largely held an optimistic attitude and healthy practices towards COVID-19. Conclusion: Participants had a positive attitude but were also logically worried and uncertain about the near future. Adequate knowledge of participants was visible in their practices. There was however a gap across age groups, gender, literacy and income levels which should be addressed in future campaigns.
Unintended Inhalational Organophosphate Poisoning Presenting as Angioedema: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Hepat Sanyukta , Wadekar Abhijit , Jagtap Gaurav , Kota Vijay , Wanjari Anil
Published: December 2021

Organophosphorus compounds are chemical agents in widespread use throughout the world, mainly in agriculture. In developing countries organophosphorus (OP) poisoning is a commonly encountered problem. Here we present a rare case of OP poisoning with angioedema as the presenting feature. Prompt treatment of these cases will help in reducing the morbidity and mortality.
Gender-Related Differences of Cardiac Troponin-I Levels in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction at Time of Acute Chest Pain
Authors: Alzughaibi Mahir Abdulkadhum Khudhair , Obeiad Ammar Waheeb , Abdalhadi Mera Nassar Abdalaema , Hamzah Al-Ruwaiee Mohammed Sadeq
Published: December 2021

Background: Cardiac Troponins-I (CTNI) are myoregulatory polypeptides that control the actin-myosin interface, considered specific to cardiomyocytes. Age and sex variances in the extent of CTNI levels have arisen a recent debatable emphasis. Existing revisions do not display a reliable clinical power of sex-specific CTNI 99th centiles, which actually might mirror procedural aspects. Nevertheless, from a biochemical viewpoint, the trends of sex-specific CTNI 99th centiles seem sensible for the ruling-in of acute myocardial infarction AMI. Vulnerable females may be missed when applying the male sex-specific threshold.
This study aimed to determine whether gender differences in CTNI exist in patients with AMI presented with chest pain.
Methodology: The study was a cross-sectional, single-center, included 236-patients with AMI diagnosis by cardiologists at Merjan teaching hospital during the period from April to July 2020 from patients attending the hospital for cardiac consultation complaining of acute chest pain suggestive of AMI. Blood analysis had initiated at the time of admission included serum creatinine, blood urea, R/FBS, WBCs, PCV, and serum CTNI. A p-value below 0.05 specifies statistical significance. All statistical bioanalyses had performed by IBM-SPSS, version-25 for Windows.
Results: The mean age of participants was 67.5 years, the men were dominant 76.2%. The incidence of DM and hypertension were significantly high and 24.5% of the patients were current smokers. Biochemical serum analysis revealed mean creatinine, urea, sugar, and STI values were 79.8±4.2 mmol/l, 15.9±1.7 mmol/l, 10.9±0.9 mmol/l, and 7.9±0.6 ng/ml separately. Both hypertension and smoking were significantly (p-0.001) more among males compared to the females, which is not the case for the prevalence of DM. The males were heavier significantly than females (p-0.001). Almost, there was no impact of gender on most of the other study variables other than serum TNI levels, which were significantly higher among the males (p-0.001).
Conclusion: In patients with AMI presented with acute chest pain, the routine of CTNI in the diagnosis of AMI is based on the patient's gender. The application of gender-dependent cutoff levels for CTNI analyses appears to be highly suggested.
Adverse Effect of Social Media Addiction on Life Effectiveness of Adolescents: An Approach towards Mental Health and Mood Modifications
Authors: Rashi Ahuja , Rita Kumar , Poonam Phogat
Published: December 2021

Objective: The prime intent of this study was to determine the adverse effect of social media addiction on adolescent’s life effectiveness, studying in grade 8th to 12th in Delhi NCR, India.

Materials and Methods: The psychometric properties of the Bergen social media Addiction Scale and Life Effectiveness Questionnaire by James Neill were evaluated, additionally examining the factor structure utilizing the Partial least squares-based Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) amongst n = 968 adolescents. The hypothesized inverse relationship between the two scales is tested using the person correlation examination.

Results: Adolescence’s life effectiveness, dimensions of time management, self-confidence, emotional control, and achievement motivation were significantly adversely (negatively) related to Facebook Addiction.

Implications: The over-use of social media will trigger failure in education and social relationships, health and well-being concerns, provoking life disruption. The reasonable usage of online media requires ethos, attention, and awareness on how to utilize them effectively. We can propel students by bringing issues to light.
Human Patellar Bone Dust has Osteogenic Potential: An in vitro Study
Authors: Roghay Mariam Adeel , Hassan Nuzhat , Usman Shumaila , Shah Syed Nudrat Nawaid , Borges Kevin Joseph Jerome , Haneef Kanwal
Published: December 2021

Aims: To substantiate the osteogenic differentiation of human Umbilical cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells (hUMSCs) under the influence of Bone Dust (BD) by detecting expression of genes RUNX2 and IBSP in the differentiated cells.

Study Design: In vitro study.

Place and Duration of Study: MDRL Cell Culture Lab Ziauddin University and Dr.Zafar H.Zaidi Institute of Proteomics, University of Karachi, between July 2020 and July 2021.

Methodology: We designed an innovative experiment to differentiate hUMSCs into osteoblasts under the influence of BD, without using any conventional differentiating medium. The hUMSCs were isolated from umbilical cord and cultured in a 6-well plate with 3μm inserts, in which BD was lodged, preventing direct contact of BD with hUMSCs. The plates with hUMSCs and BD-filled inserts were incubated at 37°C for 14 days after which RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis and qPCR for two genes was performed. Expression of Runt-related transcription factor-2(RUNX2) and Integrin-binding Sialoprotein (IBSP) were quantified.

Results: Results revealed an increased expression of the late osteogenic marker IBSP(p=0.01) signifying that the hUMSCs had undergone differentiation into mature osteoblasts.

Conclusion: This novel experiment identifies BD as a new source for osteogenic differentiation of hUMSCs in in vitro experiments.
Utility and Professional Attitudes toward Assistive Technology in UAE Special Needs Centers
Authors: Mohammad Fteiha , Deena Elsori , Ashraf Khalil , Ghanem Al Bustami
Published: December 2021

The attitude of teachers about the use of technology is critical. As a result, when teachers have a constructive outlook toward a new type of assistive technology, they are more likely to make meaningful efforts to successfully integrate it into the teaching-learning process. The way assistive technology is used in the teaching and learning environment is heavily influenced by a special education teacher’s attitude. Therefore, the study explored the availability of assistive technology and explored the attitudes of professional of special education towards the use of assistive technologies in special needs centers of United Arab Emirates (UAE). Questionnaires were distributed and 100 responses were received from special education professionals. No statistically significant differences were observed in the attitudes of special education teachers and therapists with respect to their experiences, profession, gender, academic qualification, or locality. Assistive technologies were mostly used in different areas of special education including computer access, spelling, learning, recreation, environmental control, vision and hearing, writing, communication, mathematics, mobility, and positioning and seating. There is a constructive impact on the learning process of the children with special needs considering the expertise of specialist teachers and therapists on assistive technology linked to positive educational outcomes of students with special needs.
The Influence of Interactive Classroom Management Strategies on Iraqi EFL Students’ Academic Performance at Secondary School
Authors: Al-Khazaali Husam Mohammed Kareem
Published: December 2021

This study aims at identifying the strategies that increase interactive classroom management (henceforth ICL), including the students talking time instead of teacher talking time by reducing teacher centrality in the class and setting up students in organized place to share ideas and participate in class tasks. Also using technology strategy that provides diversity on the part of both the teacher and the student in accomplishing syllabus goals. The Teachers Classroom Management Proficiency Questionnaire (TCMPQ) was used to the sample that was randomly chosen in certian private schools in Misan, Iraq. Findings have shown that the main two hinders that mark fruitful classroom management are the students’ needs and characteristics and the students’ seating organization. For the popular class strategies, teachers claim they have to offer awareness for educational and teaching settings. Teachers believe that interactive classroom management is the process of creating and upholding a positive leaning atmosphere which can direct learners to flourish in classroom and their characters in class touches student’s educational achievement.
Social Work and Facing Child Poverty in Iraq: A Comparative Study between Governmental Social Work Institutions and Non-Governmental Institutions
Authors: Obaid Maysam Yaseen
Published: December 2021

Social work is a profession to help individuals, families, and communities to promote the well-being of the human and society, and this goal is achieved through social and economic justice while enhancing the quality of life of human and community. The study illustrates the importance of promoting integration with governmental and civil social work institutions to achieve the reduction of multidimensional child poverty. The descriptive and comparative approach as well as the social survey was used in this study. Collected data from 50 governmental and non-governmental institutions, where the study reached several conclusions, the most important of which is that social work institutions have an important and effective role in confronting the poverty of children in Iraq despite the existence of economic and social obstacles to their work. It also showed the contribution of non-governmental institutions to alleviating the burden on the government by providing assistance that enables poor families to cope with the poor standard of living and to enable them to get out of poverty.
Opportunities and Challenges of the Role of Decentralization to Develop Local Community: Al-Anbari Community as a Model
Authors: Abdulla Dr. Noori Saadoon
Published: December 2021

The present study aims to clarify the role of decentralization in the development of local community. It is one of the first studies of this kind that examines the relationship between levels of decentralization and community development in Al-Anbar and Iraq. In addition, it sheds light on multiple meanings such as: public participation, especially in local councils. In Al-Anbar in terms of importance, role, influence, preparations, needs, and social problems. The present study examines official community development programs in Al-Anbar in light of sufficient information about Residential Neighborhood Committee and development of community members ’awareness of the importance of decentralization in community development. To achieve these objectives, the researcher uses both the descriptive approach in the analysis based on primary and secondary information sources, conducting a study on a sample of members of the local council, interviewing members of the local committees in Al-Anbar, and holding meetings with those responsible for the local development program. The present study reached a number of results, the most important of which was that there is a strong desire among the members of the local council to implement decentralization in order to develop The local community and increase the awareness of the council members or its committees about decentralization for its influential role in popular participation and the development of the local community. The present study also concluded that members of the Al-Anbari community have a good understanding of the activities carried out by the various council committees and they fully participate in them.
Research on Students' Consideration of Learning in the Period of Pandemic and Methods of Supporting Online Learning at FPT University
Authors: Hoi Huynh Tan
Published: December 2021

Due to the complicated development of the Covid-19 epidemic over time, the Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training quickly changed the traditional teaching and learning to the online teaching and learning method to deal with the regulations on social distancing andpeople’s gatherings. FPT University in Ho Chi Minh City has also quickly adopted online teaching and learning policies so that students can still study and complete their study programs at home. This article deals with students' thoughts and sense of learning during the pandemic and methods to support online learning at home. The research data in this article was completed with the support of survey results conducted at FPT University in Ho Chi Minh City. The article uses quantitative and qualitative analysis methods as well as references to some previous studies to clarify the effectiveness of current online learning methods. The results recorded the effectiveness of online teaching and learning software at a fairly good level or higher. Research results are an important source of information to help schools choose appropriate teaching methods in the following school years.
Character-based Lesson Plan in Constructing Tolerance for Student
Authors: Shodiq Sadam Fajar , Budimansyah Dasim , Suresman Edi , Hidayat Mupid
Published: December 2021

One of the factors leading to success in learning is the teacher’s lesson plan. The more well-developed the lesson plan is, the better the result. Recent findings suggest some teachers in Indonesia neglect the development of their lesson plans. Their planning may be superficial, and their documents may be prepared merely to satisfy educational administrators. The research reported on in this paper analyses how far the development model of character-based lesson planning reflects the internalization of local cultural values. Technically, this research utilizes a descriptive-qualitative approach, specifically collecting data from teachers who span the Senior High School and are dispersed in all regions of Indonesia. Data collection in this study was made by interview, observation, and documentation. The data analysis then includes four phases, such as data reduction, display, analysis, and concluding and verification. This study concludes that (1) Junior teachers were more cautious and idealistic or rigid in their formulation of lesson plans than experienced teachers, and (2) the development of character-based lesson plans could be carried out through internalization of local cultural values.
Application of Cooperative Learning Models and Interaction Patterns in an Effort to Improve Student Learning Outcomes
Authors: Susanto Ahmad , Qurrotaini Lativa , wan Is , hen Fari
Published: December 2021

Research with the title Application of Cooperative Learning Models and Interaction Patterns in an effort to improve student learning outcomes in the Junior High School XVIII, South Tangerang Indonesia, in social studies subjects. This research was conducted on seventh grade students of Junior Hight School XVIII, South Tangerang. Indonesia. This research method uses a descriptive quantitative approach, while the research instrument used in this study is a questionnaire. The data analysis technique in this research is descriptive statistical test. The results of the study are the results of the application of cooperative learning models and interaction patterns in an effort to improve student learning outcomes, in social studies subjects, as evidenced by the results of statistical tests obtained based on the level of satisfaction, the average value obtained is strongly agree at 31%, agree at 50%, disagree by 18%, answers that strongly disagree obtained a value of 1%. Meanwhile, based on the answers according to the percentage of peer group interaction pattern variables, the average value obtained was 31% strongly agree, 41% agree, 24% disagree and 3% strongly disagree. The results of the answer test based on student achievement in social studies obtained the average value of those who answered strongly agree amounted to 29%, san who answered agreed 47%, and disagreed 22%, and strongly disagreed by 2%.
Implementation of Blended Learning based Leseverstehen Teaching Materials in Germany Students of KKNI
Authors: Evianty Rina , Sari Risnovita
Published: December 2021

The research background began with Indonesian students learning German who were less motivated in learning. This study aims to apply the effectiveness of Corel Video Studio learning media in Leseverstehen learning. The Leseverstehen course is one of the reading skills-oriented courses that must be mastered in German. In this course, students are required to make KKNI assignments. The purpose of further research is to develop the abilities of students in a learning process. The method used is quantitative descriptive, namely by using the Corel Studio video application in which there are various interesting themes from various activities. The results show that there is a significant increase in learning outcomes using Corel Video Studio in Leseverstehen learning. This study limits the study of skills to interest in learning and reading for foreign language learners. This research is urgent and important to carry out during the Covid 19 pandemic.
School Financial Management based on Accountability and Transparency
Authors: ardi Gusn , Riadi RM , pides Hendri
Published: December 2021

This study was conducted with the aim of analyzing school financial management based on accountability and transparency in educational organizations, especially State Vocational Schools in Pekanbaru City. Data collection was carried out on 9 State Vocational Schools in Pekanbaru City, with the number of respondents consisting of principals, treasurers, teachers and members of school committees. The approach used in this study is an exploratory research approach. For the analysis of data and information obtained in research activities used quantitative descriptive techniques. Based on the level of technology readiness as an indicator that shows how ready or mature a technology can be applied and adopted by users/prospective users, it can be on a scale of 3. So that the results of this study can explore financial management in education units with an in-depth analysis of the principles of accountability and transparency in management. finance at the State Vocational School of Pekanbaru City, Riau Province, Indonesia. In general, the results of this study found that financial management at SMK Negeri in Pekanbaru City from the analysis of accountability and transparency has been carried out well, but has not been maximized so that it needs to be improved. This is because some schools are still based on rules and technical guidelines and do not yet have their own innovation/creativity that can support transparency and accountability in financial management. The main contribution of this research is recommendations to improve accountability and transparency of school financial management. The recommendation is the need for innovation and creativity in school financial management so that school financial management becomes flexible. In addition, there is a need for regulations governing the management of school finances, especially funds sourced from school committees.
The Effect of Movement Speed Exercises in Learning the Skills of Rolling and Controlling Soccer for Players Aged 15 Years
Authors: Obed Dr. Nahla Sabeeh , Abdul-Nabi Worod Raheam
Published: December 2021

The aim of the research is to prepare skill with restrictive rubber bands for football players of 15 years of age. As well as learning about the effect of these exercises on improving the skills of rolling and controlling football for players aged 5 years. The research sample was conducted by the players of the National Center for the Care of Sports Talent in Football. They were divided into two equal experimental groups, one of which is subject to special training and the other is left for regular training. (8) Weeks, two training units per week, and after that the post-tests were conducted, and the researchers reached skill training with tied ligaments that positively affected the development of the ball control skill and the ball rolling skill. Also, the use of exercises developed by the researcher and developed in a manner consistent with the capabilities of the players and their ages.
Esthetic Sense Level among Governmental and Private Kindergarten in Al - Karak Governorate, Jordon: a Comparative Study
Authors: Al-Mohtadi Reham Mohammad , Allymoon Mosab Hamdan
Published: December 2021

This study aims at comparing esthetic sense among governmental kindergartens and private kindergartens in Karak governorate, located in southern areas of Jordan. To achieve study aims, the descriptive analytical approach is used. The sample consists of 200 male and female pupils, divided equally. One hundred children study at governmental kindergartens, and the same number is taken from private kindergartens. Besides, the esthetic sense scale is used as a study tool. The results show that there are not any statistical differences between students in governmental and private kindergartens in terms of house dimension on the aesthetic sense of the photographer scale. In contrast, there are statistically significant differences in kindergarten, external environment dimensions, and the scale as a whole in favour of the private kindergartens. The study recommends that esthetic education should be included in kindergartens'' programs. Sessions and dialogues between lady teachers and students' parents regarding the esthetic sense and its importance to the child are held.