bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Life Skills : Perceptions of Graduates of the Adult, Non-Traditional Business and Management Programs at Indiana Wesleyan University
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Flowers Joseph
Published: May 2023

Problem. Indiana Wesleyan University teaches all of its adult courses using 10 skills as a foundation. This study determined the perceived attitudes of its graduates regarding the importance of and their relative progress in these 10 areas. Method. A survey questionnaire was developed and a stratified random sample of graduates was surveyed. A two-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the differences and interactions among the graduates based on two variables: major and gender. Results. Graduates perceived the following four skills as "very important": Problem Solving, Oral Communication, Writing Effectively, and Ethics. Six skills were perceived as "important": Teamwork, Lifelong Learning, Critical Thinking, Reading Materials, and Christian World View. Graduates further perceived themselves as evidencing "considerable progress" in the following eight skills: Teamwork, Writing Effectively, Oral Communication, Problem Solving, Lifelong Learning, Critical Thinking, Information Literacy, and Ethics, and "some progress" in the remaining two skills: Reading Materials and Christian World View. Conclusions. While considered to be important, the skill of the Christian World View was perceived by graduates as the least important of the skills. Graduates felt that although they evidenced some progress, the Christian World View skill was perceived as evidencing the least amount of development. Problem Solving and Oral Communication skills were perceived as the most important skills, and Teamwork was perceived by graduates as the skill evidencing the most progress.
The Relationship of Academic Workload Typologies and Other Selected Demographic Variables to Burnout Levels Among Full-Time Faculty in Seventh-day Adventist Colleges and Universities in North America
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Gonzalez Sylvia
Published: May 2023

Problem statement. Research has shown that burnout is a widespread phenomenon among teachers, and that workload could be a possible predictor. No study had been done to date in Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities in North America to determine the levels of burnout in full-time faculty. Research was necessary, therefore, to determine the possible impact of academic workload typologies, gender, age, years of service in education, rank of professorship, teacher perception of academic workload intensity, and teacher perception of academic workload on burnout levels in this population. Methodology. A non-experimental, exploratory, correlational, field-based, and cross-sectional study was conducted. Data were collected from a sample of 90 department chairs, and 365 full-time university teachers in11 Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities. A combination of purposive, stratified, and random sampling was used. Cluster analysis was utilized for the development of academic workload typologies; categorical regression with optimal scaling was used to determine the possible relationship of academic workload typologies and other selected demographic variables to levels of burnout. Results. Four typologies of academic workload for Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities emerged from the study of the data. The results of this study also revealed that full-time faculty showed that there was a significant relationship between academic workload and other selected demographic variables in levels of emotional exhaustion. The variables that contributed the most to levels of emotional exhaustion were academic workload typologies, teacher perception of academic workload intensity, and years of service in education. A significant relationship was found between the variables and levels of depersonalization, age being the highest contributor. No relationship was found between the variables studied and levels of personal accomplishment.
Motivational Factors That Influence African American Women to Serve as Michigan State Legislators
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Goza Rogenia
Published: May 2023

Problem. The purpose of this study was to discover factors that influence the political career choice of African American women legislators to serve in the State of Michigan Congress. Therefore, this study focused on motivations that affected three African American women legislators' political experiences. Method. This study used a case-study approach, and the end result is a multi-faceted case study of the political experiences of three State of Michigan African American women legislators. The techniques used in the ethnographic research---interviews, observations, note-taking, and reviews of public and personal documents---were intended to increase understanding of the observed phenomena. Data from these different sources enhanced the analysis and interpretation of the narrative portion of the three case studies. Results. Throughout this study the three informants spoke of influences that affected their political career decisions. Descriptive narrative accounts of various political challenges that each research subject experienced while seeking election and upon becoming an elected official are also provided through the context of this research. Conclusions. According to the research findings, informants were encouraged by family, friends, and other members of their support networks to pursue political aspirations despite the frequent gender and racial discrimination encountered throughout the informants' political experiences. Internal and external motivators such as personal resolve, sheer determination, and reliance on spiritual guidance enabled these informants to achieve political success. Political neophytes may use these findings to analyze and, where suited, re-chart their efforts or energies and political career advancement. Additionally, this study may serve as a motivational resource for professionals in various fields by identifying and describing individuals who demonstrated persistence to achieve their desired career goals.
The Stairway to Heaven: a Critique of the Evangelical Gospel Presentation in North America
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Dybdahl Paul
Published: May 2023

The topic . This study focuses on the so-called "plan of salvation" or "gospel presentation" that evangelical Christians in the United States present to seekers who want to know how to be saved. There are currently three dominant presentations that are widely employed and emulated. The authors of each are well-known: D. James Kennedy, Bill Bright, and Billy Graham. The major portion of my study involves a two-stage critique of these dominant evangelical gospel presentations: first, from the perspective provided by communication theory, and second, by comparing the presentations of Kennedy, Bright, and Graham with conversion accounts from Luke-Acts. Essentially, I ask if the evangelical presentation is understood by Americans and if it is supported by conversion pericopes in Luke-Acts. The conclusions . My research indicates that the dominant evangelical gospel presentation, developed in the 1960s, largely ignores the insights provided by communication theory in that it fails to adequately understand the contemporary American audience it attempts to reach. In short, it does not communicate with maximum effectiveness. I also demonstrate that the conversion accounts in Luke-Acts present a way of salvation that is quite different from, and in some cases, contradictory to the evangelical plan of salvation in America. I then use these Lukan conversion accounts as a basis for suggesting how evangelicals might better present the way of salvation to North Americans today.
A Study of the Relationship Between Followership Modalities and Leadership Styles Among Educators at Selected High Schools in Jackson, Mississippi
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Johnson Joyce
Published: May 2023

Problem. The purpose of this study was to explore the nature of the relationship between followership modalities and leadership styles. High-school teachers and principals in the Jackson Public School District in Jackson, Mississippi, participated in the study. Method. Methodological triangulation that combined quantitative and qualitative methods served as the study's research design. A 45-item Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ Form 5x-Short), developed by Bass and Avolio (1995), and a well-established measure of leadership style, was administered to the principals. A 20-item, self-diagnostic questionnaire, developed by Robert Kelley, designed to measure followership modalities, was administered to the high school teachers who participated in the study. Semi-formal interviews were also conducted with principals and teachers. One-way ANOVA and transcriptions of themes compiled from interviews were used to analyze the data. Findings. The findings of the study revealed there is limited variation in followership modalities in educational institutions. There is extensive variation in follower performance within identified followership modalities. Followership modalities correspond with leadership styles among teachers and principals. There is no difference in followers' active engagement skills based on gender, age, teaching experience and time with the leader. There is no difference in followers' independent critical-thinking skills based on gender, age, teaching experience, and time with the leader. Conclusions. This study's examination of followership modality variation among teachers revealed that followers generally reflect modality that corresponds with the leaders' style and behavior. Competent, visionary, inspiring, and stimulating leaders will predictably have followers who demonstrate similar traits. The majority of followers in this study seemed to emulate their leader's general style, greatly limiting the amount of variation in followership modality. However, the relational aspect of the leader-follower bond allows the leader to determine the extent to which followers demonstrate a certain followership modality.
Demographic Characteristics and Academic Measures as Predictors of Success on the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Medical Technologist Certification Examination
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Kilsby Marcia
Published: May 2023

Purpose. This study was undertaken to address the utility of demographic characteristics and academic measures as predictors of success for the American Society for Clinical Pathology Board of Registry Medical Technologist Certification Examination (Certification Examination) Total Score and six Subscores and to find predictive models with relevance to an ethnically and racially-diverse student population. Method. The research population was the graduates of the Andrews University Program for Clinical Laboratory Sciences. The 233 subjects were from 53 different birth countries. The relationships between Certification Examination scores and both demographic characteristics and academic measures were analyzed by chi square, analysis o f variance, Pearson product-moment correlation, and multiple regression with post hoc tests where appropriate. Results. Four of the five demographic characteristics — ethnicity, geographic region of birth, English as a first or second language, and completion of the first degree or as a post-baccalaureate while attending the Program — were found to have significant relationships with Certification Examination success. Gender was significant only with the Imunology Subscore. All of the 31 academic measures variables were significantly correlated with the Total Score. The measures with the highest correlations, all above .60, with Total Score in descending order were Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine GPA, Clinical-year Didactic GPA, Clinical Year GPA, Clinical Chemistry GPA, Cumulative Graduating GPA , and Hematology and Hemostasis GPA. Most of the academic measures variables also showed significant relationships with the six Certification Examination Subscores and with passing and failing. Correlations between the Certification Examination and academic measures variables were lower for some of the demographic subgroups, particularly Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, those born outside the United States, and those who speak English as a second language. The predictive model for the Certification Examination Total Score included two predictors: Admission science GPA and Clinical-year didactic GPA. Conclusion. Relationships were found between Certification Examination success and both demographic characteristics and academic measures. Because lower correlations were found in many analyses for demographic subgroups, educators must use caution when using models as tools to identify students at risk of failing the Certification Examination since the models do not apply equally to all groups.
Psychological Sense of Community in On-Line Learning Environments
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Laughner Thomas
Published: May 2023

Problem. Current literature discusses differences among populations as they relate to face-to-face learning communities. However, no literature exists to determine if these same differences exist in an on-line learning environment. Since community has been closely linked to social and academic integration and success, additional research on whether populations with certain demographics feel the same absence of a sense of community in an on-line environment must be addressed. This study examines differences in psychological sense of community among students based on ethnicity, age, and sex. Method. A revised Sense of Community Index was administered to students enrolled in at least one on-line course at three large universities. Demographic information, including ethnicity, age, and sex, was also collected. Matched-pair t-tests were used to determine differences in psychological sense of community (PSOC) between students’ face-to-face and on-line courses. Logistic and multiple regressions were used to analyze differences in PSOC based on ethnicity, age, and sex. One thousand five hundred and nine students completed the survey. Results. Nine of the 12 individual items on the Sense of Community Index (SCI) revealed a significant difference between on-line and face-to-face classes, with students indicating more agreement for face-to-face classes than on-line classes. There was significant difference in three of the four components (membership, influence, and shared emotional connection), again with students indicating more agreement with issues related to community in face-to-face classes. There were no significant differences between the two modes of taking classes in regard to integration and fulfillment of needs. Finally, overall psychological sense of community in face-to-face classes was significantly higher than PSOC for on-line classes. The differences among student populations were mixed. Older students appear to have the strongest sense o f community in on-line classes. Although their total PSOC was lower than their younger classmates in face-to-face classes, it was higher in on-line classes. There was no difference in overall PSOC between Whites and minorities. Finally, females tended to report a higher PSOC than males in both face-to-face and on­ line classes. Conclusions. While there appear to be some differences among populations with regard to psychological sense of community in their on-line courses, it is not evident why these differences occur. Overall, students enrolled in on-line courses have a much lower sense of community than students in face-to-face courses.
Perceptions and Attitudes of Selected Adventist and non-Adventist Parents of School-Age Children Toward Adventist Schools in Canada
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Lekic Mike
Published: May 2023

Purpose of the Study. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions and attitudes toward Adventist schools in Canada of Adventist parents with children in Adventist schools, of Adventist parents without children in Adventist schools, and of non-Adventist parents who at the time of this study had children in Adventist schools, and to look for reasons why these parents send or do not send their children to Adventist schools in Canada. Method. The Adventist Education in Canada Parents' Attitude Survey was developed and used to gather information about spiritual focus, academic excellence, school accessibility, administrators and teachers, interpersonal relationships and student personal development, and safe learning environment, and to discover why certain parents send or do not send their children to Adventist schools. The population surveyed provided 1,389 usable responses, which were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t -test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and test of correlation coefficient. Each of the 12 hypotheses was tested at an alpha level of .05, except for school accessibility (.008). Results. Non-Adventist parents, especially mothers, had more positive attitudes toward Adventist schools than did both Adventist parents with or without children in Adventist schools. Furthermore, younger, single parents, earning less than CAD $30,000 a year and unemployed, were more positive than older, married parents, earning more and employed. Spiritual focus was perceived as the most positive aspect of Adventist schools, followed closely by interpersonal relationships and student personal development. For Adventist parents, three main reasons for sending children to Adventist schools were: spiritual focus, safe and caring environment, and dedicated school personnel; for non-Adventist parents, safe and caring environment, high-quality academics, and spiritual focus. Adventist parents not sending children to Adventist schools gave the following reasons: distance from home, high tuition cost, and lack of high-quality academics. Conclusions. Parents perceived Adventist schools in Canada as places where spiritual focus, interpersonal relationships and student personal development are strong; where safe learning environments exist; and where school administrators and teachers are fair and committed to the principles of Adventist education. Areas of concern were: affordability, bullying, extracurricular activities, facilities, variety of resources, and provisions for special education students.
Factors Related to Adult Degree Program Completion at Atlantic Union College
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Parris Corina
Published: May 2023

Problem The Adult Degree Program at Atlantic Union College has for the past 34 years instituted innovations and practices, following new trends in adult education, to make it more accessible and viable in helping students grow intellectually and professionally and to complete their educational goals. This study was done to examine the extent to which institutional, personal, and family factors are related to adult degree program completion at Atlantic Union College. Methodology A survey research method was used in this study. A questionnaire was designed and administered to 365 adults: 160 alumni, 45 withdrawals, and 160 current students. Useable responses from 134 participants were included for analysis. Descriptive statistics, Chi-Square test of association, and analysis of variance were used to analyze the data. Results Generally, there were no significant differences among alumni, current students, and dropouts with regard to ‘triggers’ for enrolling in the Adult Degree Program (ADP). Completing a degree and fulfilling an educational dream were two factors that ultimately influenced participants to enroll in the ADP at Atlantic Union College. Compared to those who withdrew from the program, alumni and current students had significantly higher levels of intrinsic motivation, hut lower levels o f a-motivation. In addition, they were more satisfied with administrative services and supervision, and found mentoring to be more beneficial. Resolution to complete the program was stronger for alumni and current students than for those who withdrew from the program. Suggestions for strengthening the program included expanded marketing, addition of faculty, and improved communication. Conclusion Most adults felt the need to reinitiate the pursuit of formal studies and obtain a degree. Significant differences between completers and dropouts, however, do exist, particularly with respect to motivation and satisfaction with the program. Adult programs should strengthen services to aid students in persisting and completing their studies.
An Examination of Cross-Cultural Understanding in a Global Automotive Company
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Philips A. Dale
Published: May 2023

Purpose of the Study Global Motors o f the United States and Baumgart AG of Germany came together to produce an automobile that was marketable in both countries. Since this project involved people from two cultures, the purpose of this study was to examine perceived cultural markers at work during this joint vehicle development project by identifying these markers and investigating their effects on the overall success of the joint-venture project. Methodology I chose to use a qualitative methodology, specifically focus groups. All engineers who worked on the project team received an email inviting them to participate and assuring them of anonymity. Twenty-seven percent of the project team chose to participate (a total of 30 participants). Results I found only 4 cultural markers that had both a major presence on this first joint venture project team and affected the success of the project. They were Social Exchange (motivated by facts vs. emotion), Formality (preference for structured work or unstructured work), Risk Response (aversion to risk vs. comfort with risk), and Operating Authority (deference to position authority or expertise authority). Two other cultural markers were found to have minor impact, Results Orientation (whether a person was more concerned with the results or the process used to obtain the results) and Adaptability (Those comments related to whether or not the person seemed to strive for consensus among parties). There was no evidence found relating to the cultural markers of Individualism or Use of Time as seen in the literature. Conclusion Cultural Markers were present on this joint-venture project team and affected the success of this project in the following ways: “Success was impeded early-on. ” “Faulty assumptions were made. ” “Timing and performance targets were missed. ” “There were inappropriate responses to directions. ” “We assumed we had agreement, when there was no agreement. ” “Teamwork was non-existent at first. ”
The Concept of Salvation in 19-34-Year-old Seventh-day Adventists Who Live in the State of Indiana
Authors:   ,   Andrews University, Regal Neva
Published: May 2023

Purpose of the Study. The purpose of this study was (a) to describe how the concept of salvation develops among Adventist young adults and (b) to examine the perceived influence of mentors and (c) life experiences, especially traumatic experiences, on the development of the concept of salvation and intrinsic religious motivation. Method. This cross-sectional developmental study utilized three instruments: (a) the Salvation Concept Interview, (b) the Life Experience Interview, and (c) the Intrinsic/Extrinsic Religious Motivation Scale. Interviews were conducted with 132 individuals, and the data were analyzed descriptively and quantitatively using Spearman rho correlations and Chisquares. Results and Conclusions. Limited correlations existed between the maturity of salvation concepts and age. The major concepts of salvation were most frequently orthodox. Two-thirds of the subjects expressed assurance of salvation. Salvation concept maturity and intrinsic motivation were positively correlated. Subjects at the low intrinsic level were more egocentric and more unsure of their salvation. Subjects at the medium intrinsic level tended to be more orthodox and to view God as a father-type. Most perceived their fathers as good. Compared with other levels, fewer individuals reported traumatic events. Individuals at the high intrinsic level were more aware of their sinful nature, more dependent on God, and better able to integrate grace and works. Subjects at the very high intrinsic level were the most mature in salvation concepts. They seemed more empowered and were active in their pursuit of God. More individuals at the high and very high intrinsic levels understood salvation within the larger context of the universe and they tended to be relationship-oriented. However, those with childhood trauma did not understand how a relationship with God was connected with salvation. More individuals at these intrinsic levels (69%) had experienced considerable trauma. Interviewees who reported good fathering were more orthodox and understood the gospel better, while those with good mothers understood grace better, and those with good teachers had more understanding of God’s personal interest in them. Individuals who reported trauma between ages 14 and 34 tended to be more alienated from the church, whereas those who reported good parenting were the least alienated.
Epidemiology of Suicide in the Relief Missions in the Pre-Hospital Emergency System of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences During 2019-2021
Authors:   Emergency Medical Services, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran., Talebi Ghadicolaei Hassan , Hashemi Amrei Masumeh ,   Emergency Medical Services, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran., Salehtabari Yahya ,   Disaster Management and Medical Emergencies Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran., Sharifzadeh Ali ,   Emergency Medical Services, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran., Hadinejad Zoya ,   Health in Emergency and Disaster Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Published: May 2023

Background: Mazandaran Province is one of the provinces with a high suicide rate. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the epidemiology of relief missions following suicide in the pre-hospital emergency system of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted from September 2019 to 2021 in the pre-hospital emergency department of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. Statistical information related to the missions carried out after suicide was extracted using the data contained in the emergency national mission form recorded in Asayar software. According to the questionnaire, demographic information including age, gender, accident location, time, method of suicide, as well as mission outcome were extracted. To examine the results, frequency percentage, Mean±SD were used, and to examine the qualitative variables, the Chi-square test, and Fisher’s exact test were used. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 26 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). A significance level of 0.05 was considered. Results: In this study, 712(53.7%) were men and 615(46.3%) were women. The mean age of patients was 32.12±2.03 years. Fisher›s exact test revealed a statistically significant relationship between age groups and suicide methods (P=0.02). The Chi-square test was used to investigate the relationship between the suicide method and gender. According to the results of this test, a statistically significant relationship was observed between gender and suicide methods (P=0.00). The most common methods of suicide among clients were drug poisoning (32.1%), other cases (30.06%), and self-harm (20.6%), respectively. The highest frequency of suicide attempts occurred between evening and night among 497 people (37.5%) in terms of accident time. Conclusion: Young and productive age groups are among the most vulnerable groups among suicides. Men died about five times more than women after committing suicide in a pre-hospital emergency room. According to the results, more planning is required regarding mental health self-care education in families and schools, implementation of psychological counseling, diagnosis, and prompt treatment in vulnerable groups.
Characterization of the C6D7-RBD Human Monoclonal Antibody Specific to the SARS-CoV-2 S Protein Receptor-Binding Domain
Authors: Romanenko Yana O. , Silkina Marina V. , Kartseva Alena S. , Marin Maksim A. , Shkuratova Maria A. , Makarova Maria A. , Ryabko Alena K. , Konyshkova Daria A. , Zeninskaya Natalia A. , Khlyntseva Anna E. , Shemyakin Igor G. , Firstova Victoria V.
Published: May 2023

The new coronavirus infection COVID-19 is an acute viral disease that affects primarily the upper respiratory tract. The etiological agent of COVID-19 is the SARS-CoV-2 RNA virus (Coronaviridae family, Betacoronavirus genus, Sarbecovirus subgenus). We have developed a high-affinity human monoclonal antibody, called C6D7-RBD, which is specific to the S protein receptor-binding domain (RBD) from the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan-Hu-1 strain and exhibits virus-neutralizing activity in a test with recombinant antigens: angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and RBD.
Creation of Recombinant Biocontrol Agents by Genetic Programming of Yeast
Authors: Pipiya Sofiya O. , Mirzoeva Nisso Z. , Baranova Margarita N. , Eliseev Igor E. , Mokrushina Yuliana A. , Shamova Olga V. , Gabibov Alexander G. , Smirnov Ivan V. , Terekhov Stanislav S.
Published: May 2023

Bacterial infections caused by antibiotic-resistant pathogens pose an extremely serious and elusive problem in healthcare. The discovery and targeted creation of new antibiotics are today among the most important public health issues. Antibiotics based on antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are of particular interest due to their genetically encoded nature. A distinct advantage of most AMPs is their direct mechanism of action that is mediated by their membranolytic properties. The low rate of emergence of antibiotic resistance associated with the killing mechanism of action of AMPs attracts heightened attention to this field. Recombinant technologies enable the creation of genetically programmable AMP producers for large-scale generation of recombinant AMPs (rAMPs) or the creation of rAMP-producing biocontrol agents. The methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris was genetically modified for the secreted production of rAMP. Constitutive expression of the sequence encoding the mature AMP protegrin-1 provided the yeast strain that effectively inhibits the growth of target gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. An antimicrobial effect was also observed in the microculture when a yeast rAMP producer and a reporter bacterium were co-encapsulated in droplets of microfluidic double emulsion. The heterologous production of rAMPs opens up new avenues for creating effective biocontrol agents and screening antimicrobial activity using ultrahigh-throughput technologies.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Various Autophagy Inhibitors in A549 Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Aleksandrova Kseniia V. , Suvorova Irina I.
Published: May 2023

Numerous studies have already established that autophagy plays a central role in the survival of all cells, including malignant ones. Autophagy is a central cog in the general mechanism that provides the intracellular proteostasis determining cellular physiological and phenotypic characteristics. The accumulated data show that autophagy largely contributes to cancer cell stemness. Thus, autophagy modulation is considered one of the promising pharmacological targets in therapy aimed at cancer stem cell elimination. However, autophagy is a multi-stage intracellular process that involves numerous protein participants. In addition, the process can be activated simultaneously by various signaling modules. Therefore, it is no small feat to select an effective pharmacological drug against autophagy. Whats more, the search for potential chemotherapeutic agents that could eliminate cancer stem cells through pharmacological inhibition of autophagy is still under way. In the present work, we selected a panel of autophagy inhibitors (Autophinib, SBI-0206965, Siramesine, MRT68921, and IITZ-01), some of whom have been recently identified as effective autophagy inhibitors in cancer cells. Using A549 cancer cells, which express the core stem factors Oct4 and Sox2, we evaluated the effect of these drugs on the survival and preservation of the original properties of cancer stem cells. Among the agents selected, only Autophinib demonstrated a significant toxic effect on cancer stem cells. The obtained results demonstrate that autophagy inhibition by Autophinib downregulates the expression of the Sox2 protein in A549 cells, and that this downregulation correlates with a pronounced induction of apoptosis. Moreover, Autophinib-treated A549 cells are unable to form spheroids, which indicates a reduction in stemness. Thus, among the drugs studied, only Autophinib can be considered a potential agent against cancer stem cells.
Distortion of Population Statistics due to the Use of Different Methodological Approaches to the Construction of Genomic DNA Libraries
Authors: Sharko Fedor S. , Zhur Kristina V. , Trifonov V. A. , Prokhortchouk Egor B.
Published: May 2023

Several different methods of DNA library preparation for paleogenetic studies are now available. However, the chemical reactions underlying each of them can affect the primary sequence of ancient DNA (aDNA) in the libraries and taint the results of a statistical analysis. In this paper, we compare the results of a sequencing of the aDNA libraries of a Bronze Age sample from burials of the Caucasian burial ground Klady, prepared using three different approaches: (1) shotgun sequencing, (2) strategies for selecting target genomic regions, and (3) strategies for selecting target genomic regions, including DNA pre-treatment with a mixture of uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG) and endonuclease VIII. The impact of the studied approaches to genomic library preparation on the results of a secondary analysis of the statistical data, namely F4 statistics, ADMIXTURE, and principal component analysis (PCA), was analyzed. It was shown that preparation of genomic libraries without the use of UDG can result in distorted statistical data due to postmortem chemical modifications of the aDNA. This distortion can be alleviated by analyzing only the single nucleotide polymorphisms caused by transversions in the genome.
Recommendation System using Data Mining a Review
Authors: Pankaj S. Desai
Published: May 2023

Recommendation systems are widely used for suggesting products, social media content, and web content to users. These systems utilize information filtering techniques to predict the preferences or ratings that a user would give to a particular item. This paper presents an overview of various data filtering techniques, algorithms, and application areas utilized in recommendation systems. It also includes a comparison between different algorithms used for recommendation systems.
Web App for Tracking Real-Time Performance of Cryptocurrencies
Authors: Ms. Archana Nikose  , Anjali Vaidya  , Srushti Lokhande  , Aman Punekar  , Rashmi Jadhav
Published: May 2023

Cryptocurrency is money that exists in digital or virtual form. Cryptocurrencies do not have a central issuance or regulatory authority, but instead use a decentralized system to record transactions and issue new units. Cryptocurrencies are a secure and popular standardized way to transact anywhere on earth with relatively low fees. This article provides an overview of what cryptocurrency is and begins to answer some of the most common questions asked by newcomers. Nowadays, everyone wants to explore and invest in the crypto market due to its high volatility and higher returns. Cryptocurrencies are inherently volatile because their prices change rapidly. Therefore, we thought of creating a platform to track the performance of cryptocurrencies. The platform will track the performance of cryptocurrencies and provide information on changes in the value of cryptocurrencies Our results will provide users with the necessary information, including the real-time data of cryptocurrencies in visual form like Graphs or Charts, so that they can decide whether to invest in them. We also provide various tools to facilitate the decision-making process of investing in the crypto market.
Sign Language Recognition Based on Hands Symbol's Classification
Authors: Bhavani R  , Giritharan B  , Jitendar Patel B
Published: May 2023

One of the most natural and ancient types of conversational language is sign language. The technology that converts sign language into writing for people who have difficulty communicating, such as those who have speech issues, hearing disabilities, or are deaf, is the subject of this study. This paper is based on a real-time method based on finger writing and neural networks for American sign language. An interesting field of vision study is the automatic recognition of human gestures from video images. The Research recommend employing a convolution neural network (CNN) method to recognize human hand motions from a photograph. The objective is to identify hand movements used in human work activities from a camera image. Hand placement and orientation are employed to collect the training and assessment data for CNN. The hand is first put through a filter, and once that has been done, it is put through a classification, which determines what class the hand movements belong to. Then, CNN is trained using the measured pictures.
Determination of Immune-Boosting Trace Elements In Selected Fruit Seeds
Authors: Kithure Joyce G.N.  , Odero C. V.
Published: May 2023

The deluge of processed food in the world has led to an incalculable number of health problems and increased mortality. Consequently, a healthy and long life has become a gem that every human being is chasing in this modern society. Due to the lacuna of information about a healthy lifestyle, scientists have shifted their focal point to carry out painstaking research in the field of nutrition such as trace elements. Reviewing prior literature, it is evident that controlled intake of trace elements leads to healthy skin and hair, aids in blood sugar control, prevents osteoporosis, and is involved in protein synthesis, treatment of hypertension, and inflammatory conditions. Intake of large amounts of the elements brings about health problems lowering the body's immunity. This study analyzed trace elements of selected fruit seeds (watermelon seeds, orange seeds, pawpaw seeds, avocado seeds) commonly consumed in Kendu Bay, Homa Bay County, and club 36, Nairobi County to determine the moisture content and levels of trace elements in the seeds then compare the concentrations of the trace elements (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn) in the various selected fruit seeds with the limits recommended by WHO and FAO. The wet digestion method was used to digest them after which they were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The average moisture content in orange, pawpaw, watermelon, and avocado seeds was 50.26%, 87.38, 72.19%, and 63.75 respectively. The levels of the trace elements were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results indicated that all the trace elements positively correlated with copper, giving a strong correlation coefficient (r=0.9997) with a regression equation of y=0.0238x-0.0002, while manganese had the lowest correlation (r= 0.9617). Pawpaw seeds from Kendu Bay had the highest levels of zinc (0.6020±0.5794mg/kg), magnesium (4.2270±0.1479mg/kg), and manganese (0.2743±0.0564mg/kg). Avocado seed from club 36 had the lowest levels of zinc (0.2102±0.0076mg/kg) and magnesium (1.6063±0.0594mg/kg). Orange seeds from club 36 recorded the highest levels of copper (0.1597±0.0005mg/kg), while pawpaw seeds from club 36 recorded the lowest levels of copper (0.1177±0.0004mg/kg). It is evident from the results that magnesium was the abundant trace mineral in all the fruit seed samples, with a concentration of 4.2270±0.1479mg/kg in pawpaw seeds from Kendu Bay. Manganese and copper recorded the lowest levels across all samples. Comparing the results with WHO/FAO permissible limits for trace minerals in food, all elements in the fruit seed samples were below and within the permissible levels. Iron contents were below the detection limit in all samples. The findings of this study will provide additional information on the immune-boosting trace elements present in the selected fruit seeds from Kendu Bay and Club 36, Nairobi. The study will be of great importance to nutritionists, consumers worldwide, and health agencies in creating awareness of the health benefits of fruit seed consumption
МІЖНАРОДНИЙ ТА ВІТЧИЗНЯНИЙ РІВЕНЬ ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ПУБЛІЧНОЇ СОЦІАЛЬНОЇ ПОЛІТИКИ: НОРМАТИВНА БАЗА
Authors: МАЦОЛА Ігор
Published: May 2023

У статті детально проаналізовано міжнародну нормативно-правову базу, яка регламентує забезпечення публічної соціальної політики: міжнародні та міжурядові угоди, міжурядові конвенції, загальна декларація прав людини, європейська соціальна хартія, європейський кодекс соціального страхування. Кожна правова асамблея, яка містить ще низку нормативно-правових актів, які посилюють рівень забезпечення публічної соціальної політики через правові норми. Також проаналізовано українські нормативно-правові акти в регламентації публічної соціальної політики: Конституція України, міжнародні та міжурядові угоди, документи про основні принципи публічної політики у сфері соціального захисту населення, законодавство, що встановлює забезпечення та гарантії спеціальних прав, документи, що стосуються певних верств населення чи певної проблеми, нормативна база, яка регламентує механізм дій соціальній сфері на місцевому рівні, угоди між окремими юрисдикціями. Кожен нормативний документ має ваговий внесок для стабілізації публічної соціальної політики та рівня її забезпечення.
As consequências do estigma da hanseníase na adesão ao tratamento em pacientes acometidos pela doença em uma UBS do município de Imperatriz-MA
Authors: Lima Sarah Santana Gaspar , Silva Laís Xerez da , Nogueira Marcos Renon Vogado , Holanda Vitória Régia Leitão de , Vieira Larissa Lima , Oliveira Breno Souza Boechat de , Vieira Tamyres da Costa , Moreira Marcelo Hubner
Published: May 2023

Introdução: a hanseníase é uma doença infectocontagiosa de alta incidência no Brasil causada pelo Mycobacterium leprae, que se manifesta, principalmente, por meio de sinais e sintomas dermatoneurológicos. Seu tratamento é de longa duração e, um fator determinante para o sucesso terapêutico, é a boa adesão a ele, que pode ser prejudicada pelo estigma social que a doença carrega. Objetivo: avaliar o impacto da doença na qualidade de vida do indivíduo com hanseníase, definir como o estigma interfere na adesão ao tratamento desses pacientes e explorar as necessidades educacionais a respeito da hanseníase. Metodologia: trata-se de uma pesquisa de campo exploratória, descritiva com abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. O recrutamento do sujeito da pesquisa foi por meio do convite como voluntário a pesquisa na UBS Ayrton Senna, no município de Imperatriz – MA, na qual foi aplicado um questionário com perguntas objetivas e subjetivas. A análise dos dados se deu através de média e porcentagem, com análise qualitativa das questões subjetivas. Participaram do estudo 5 indivíduos, sendo 4 mulheres e 1 homem, com idades entre 40 e 63 anos. Resultados: 100% dos participantes foram informados sobre o que é a doença e quais os efeitos colaterais dos medicamentos, o que demonstra maior cuidado por parte da equipe de saúde. Nenhum participante abandonou o tratamento, no entanto, 1 paciente não aderiu bem ao mesmo. 60% da amostra percebeu mudança na vida social, chegando a evitar participação em eventos sociais, e 40% sentem vergonha da doença, o que aponta para o preconceito vivenciado. Conclusões: os pacientes estão sendo mais informados sobre a doença, o que leva a melhor adesão ao tratamento, ainda que não seja de todos. Contudo, o estigma ainda se faz presente na vida da maioria deles, pois o medo de terem seus sintomas percebidos, a vergonha da doença e a exclusão social, seja autoprovocada ou não, ainda se fazem presentes.
ПРАВОВА ОСНОВА ТА ОСОБЛИВОСТІ ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ СУБ’ЄКТІВ ВЛАДИ, ЩО БЕРУТЬ УЧАСТЬ В АДМІНІСТРАТИВНОМУ СУДОЧИНСТВІ
Authors: МАРЧЕНКО Олеся
Published: May 2023

Наукова стаття присвячена дослідженню правове регулювання та характеристиці суб’єктів, що беруть участь в адміністративному судочинстві. У статті розглянуто наукові і нормативно-правові підходи до визначення поняття «суб’єкт адміністративного судочинства», вивчено класифікацію суб’єктів в адміністративному судочинстві. Правовий статус суб’єктів, що беруть участь в адміністративному судочинстві залежить безпосередньо від його законодавчого визначення, але його реалізація пов’язана із активною чи пасивною формами виконання функцій сторін, та інших процесуальних учасників судового розгляду справ. Наголошено, що учасники адміністративного процесу за приписами КАС України залежно від їхньої заінтересованості поділяються на осіб, які беруть участь у справі (сторони, треті особи, представники сторін і третіх осіб) та інших учасників (свідок, експерт, спеціаліст та ін.). Отже, найприйнятнішою, на нашу думку, є класифікація всіх суб’єктів адміністративних процесуальних правовідносин на три групи: суди, котрі відправляють правосуддя; особи, які беруть участь у справі; особи, які надають сприяння здійсненню правосуддя. Всередині другої групи (особи, які беруть участь у справі) виділяє три підгрупи суб’єктів, що реалізують свої права та обов’язки залежно від цілей участі в справі. Це – особи, метою участі в процесі яких є захист своїх суб’єктивних матеріально-правових інтересів (сторони, треті особи, заявники та зацікавлені особи); особи, які беруть участь у справі з метою захисту інтересів інших осіб, державних інтересів (прокурор, державні органи, органи місцевого самоврядування, інші органи); представники – особи, метою участі в справі яких є захист інтересів інших осіб. Зроблено висновок, що у кожному з перерахованих випадків адміністративно-правовий статус індивідуального суб’єкта як учасника адміністративного процесу має свою специфіку, обумовлену тією роллю, яку виконує суб’єкт у процесі.
Human Action Recognition Using Convolutional Neural Network and Depth Sensor Data
Authors: Khan Naimul , Ahmad Zeeshan , Illanko Kandasamy , Androutsos Dimitri
Published: May 2023

The paper proposes a technique for Human Action Recognition (HAR) that uses a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Depth data sequences from the motion sensing devices are converted into images and fed into a CNN rather than using any conventional or statistical method. The initial data was obtained from 10 actions performed by six subjects captured by the Kinect v2 sensor as well as 20 actions performed by 7 subjects from the MSR 3D Action data set. A custom CNN architecture consisting of three convolutional and three max pooling layers followed by a fully connected layer was used. Training, validation, and testing was carried out on a total of 39715 images. An accuracy of 97.23% was achieved on the Kinect data set. On the MSR data set the accuracy was 87.1%.

 