bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Food Additive Potential of the Rosa damascena Mill. (Isparta Rose): Vinegar with Probiotic Addition
Authors: Ertürkmen Pelin , Bulantekin Özcan , Alp Duygu
Published: July 2023

Rosa damascena Mill., named also 'Isparta rose', is grown in the province of Isparta in Turkey. It is an aromatic plant having sharp and intensive scent and rich in bioactive compounds. In the literature, it has been reported that Isparta rose has a potential as natural food additives. However, the application to be natural food additive has not been study detailed. Therefore, rose vinegar was produced by the traditional method in present study and analyzed reported. Moreover, by adding probiotic strains to these vinegars produced, quality characteristics of the vinegars such as physicochemical, microbiological and some bioactive compounds were determined during storage time. The presence of main aroma compound associated with a rose honey-like odor and volatile aroma compounds such as dodecene, tetradecanol, linalool as well as phenyl ethyl alcohol are determined in all the vinegars. The aroma components have increased the pleasant taste and acceptability of vinegars in terms of sensory properties. On the other hand, it is determined that various organic acids (93.43 mg/100 mL oxalic acid, 53.57 mg/100 mL propionic acid, 10.11 mg/100 mL fumaric acid) and aroma components produced by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain are significantly affected the lactic and acetic acid bacteria growth. Additionally, the fact that the strain has completed the storage period with 83.96% viability, it shows that the has including the required number of viable microorganisms for produced vinegar to be called a probiotic during this time. All the results showed that it has potential that vinegar with culture additives will also create an alternative to functional probiotic drinks.
Beautiful Mind: a meta-heuristic algorithm for generating minimal covering array
Authors: Esfandyari Sajad , Rafe Vahid , Pira Einollah , Yousofvand liela
Published: July 2023

Today, the application of meta-heuristic algorithms in solving problems is very important. This importance has led to the development of hundreds of types of meta-heuristic algorithms by researchers. The reason for the high number of such algorithms is that an algorithm may be superior to its competitors in a particular problem. Generating a test set in Combinatorial Testing (CT) is one of the thousands of problems that can be solved by meta-heuristic algorithms and hundreds of algorithms have been proposed in this regard. The main challenge in producing a test set in CT is becoming trapped in local optima that several solutions have been offered to overcome this problem. Since the proposed solutions are very slow in terms of time, it is still possible to produce better results by applying other solutions. Continuing our research in the field of CT, we have tried to present a new meta-heuristic solution called Beautiful Mind (BM), which simulates the human way to reach the answer. In fact, the proposed algorithm considers the human intelligence and emotional coefficient to find the answer. The evaluation results show that the proposed approach is much stronger than the existing solutions.
Emergency Medicine Research in Pakistan: Trends of publication and quality of evidence
Authors: Jawed Rida , Aftab Umaira , Soomar Salman Muhammad , Waheed Shahan
Published: July 2023

Background Emergency medicine has transitioned from developing to developed speciality in Pakistan. There is a need of study to provide insights into areas where most of the research has been done and to understand the areas where research initiatives needs to be directed. Through an in-depth analysis of the current literature, this study aims to identify gaps in emergency medicine research and to suggests area of deficiencies where further studies are required.Methods Emergency medicine related keywords and terms were searched to identify studies published from January 2012 to December 2021 (10 years) in online databases of PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane and EBSCO. These studies were then filtered through our eligibility criteria. Author, year, study design/ article type, area of study / theme and quality of study were reported along with risk of bias and confounders.Results 150 articles were included in the review out of 871 following the eligibility criteria.Majority of the articles were published in the year 2020 (22.7%) followed by 2016 and 2017 (12% collectively) while the least studies were published in the year 2021 (1.3%). In the same time period, the most common study design was cross-sectional (40.7%) and the least common was mix-method/qualitative (1.3%) whereas, on account of risk of bias, 48% are rated moderately biased while 50% of the included articles had a strong (50%) risk of confounder, yet overall, in around 80% the quality of the paper is marked as predominantly moderate. The leading theme in the cross sectional and cohort studies and case reports was Infectious Diseases, whereas one mix-method study pertaining to Violence and trauma was published in 2021 and one qualitative study in 2015 was related to ethics.Conclusion Analyzing the types and themes of publications and assessing their quality will enable future researchers to focus on lesser explored topics or study designs in their respective areas of interest within emergency medicine.
Comparison of robotic single site cholecystectomy and conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy using propensity score matching
Authors: JANG EUN JEONG , KANG SUNG HWA , KIM KWAN WOO
Published: July 2023

PURPOSE
To demonstrate the feasibility and potential of robotic single site cholecystectomy (RSSC), the study aimed to compare RSSC with conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy (CLC).
METHODS
In total, 791 consecutive patients underwent CLC or RSSC in our center, between 2019 and 2022. After 1:1 propensity score matching, 117 patients for each group were selected.
RESULTS
After propensity score matching, the only statistically significant difference between CLC and RSSC was operative time, which was 29.15 ± 11.45 min in the CLC group versus 38.57 ± 12.59 min in the RSSC group (P < .001). Because the difference in surgical time between the two groups was minimal, it has little clinical relevance. Using cumulative sum analysis, the maturation phase of the total operation and docking times occurred after the 53rd case. To reduce bias, comparison of results with CLC and cases of RSSC was performed in the maturation phase, which revealed only total operative time as statistically significant (P < .001).
CONCLUSION
RSSC is a technically feasible and safe method for treating benign gallbladder diseases, with a relatively short learning curve and reasonable operation time.
Pseudogene CIDECP inhibits the migration and invasion of cervical cancer cells through the miR-29a-3p /NFATC4 axis
Authors: Feng Yujie , Jia Yan , Li Hui , Zhang Pengyu
Published: July 2023

Cervical cancer (CC) is one of the cancers that seriously affects the health and life of women. The dysregulated expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) plays an important role in the progression of various cancers. To explore the functional roles of dysregulated lncRNAs in CC progressionand reveal its underlying molecular mechanisms. The differentially expressed lncRNAs were obtained by deep sequencing. RT‒qPCR assay was used to verify the expression levels of CIDECP, miR-29a-3p and NFATC4 in HeLa cells. The luciferase reporter assays and RT‒qPCR assays were used to verify the targeting relationship between CIDECP and miR-29a-3p as well as miR-29a-3p and NFATC4. Transwell assay, wound healing assay and MTT assay were used to detect the effects of CIDECP on the migration, invasion and cell viability of HeLa cells. The potential prognostic value of CIDECP in CC was predicted by bioinformatics analysis software. We found that pseudogene CIDECP was significantly downregulated in TNF-α-treated HeLa cells. The expression level of CIDECP in CC tissues was lower than that in adjacent tissues and was related to the CC stage. Lower expression of CIDECP was remarkably associated with worse prognosis in patients with CC. Cell function assays confirmed that CIDECP inhibited the migration, invasion and viability of HeLa cells and upregulated the expression level of NFATC4 by as a ceRNA of miR-29a-3p. This study demonstrated that the expression and the role of CIDECP in CC and provided molecular markers for the diagnosis and prognosis of CC.
The relationship between worker-occupation fit and cortisol concentration of hair and plasma among medical workers
Authors: Chen Xiaofang , Sun Ruican , Lv Keyao , Lan Yajia
Published: July 2023

Background With the transformation of job characteristics, Worker-occupation fit (WOF) is a significant protective factor for stress of workers. Cortisol is an essential hormone secreted by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and can fluctuate in the body under stress. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between WOF and cortisol among medical workers. Methods A total of 161 medical workers take part in this cross-sectional study and 156 data were finally included in the analysis. Occupational stress was measured by the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), and WOF was surveyed by the Worker-Occupation Fit Inventory. The detection of hair and plasma cortisol concentration was carried out by automated Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Spearman correlation analysis and linear regression models after log transformation of data were used to analysis association between WOF and cortisol concentration of hair plasma among 156 Chinese medical workers. Results In this study, the hair cortisol concentration of female with high fit level was lower than that of women with low fit level (p = 0.025). The correlation analyses show that WOF was negative related to hair cortisol concentration (r=-0.185,p = 0.021), but not with plasma cortisol concentration (p > 0.05). The linear regression analysis show that WOF was negative associated with hair cortisol concentration in crude model (β=-0.192,p = 0.016) and adjusted model (β=-0.181,p = 0.022), but not with plasma cortisol concentration (p > 0.05). Conclusion WOF is negative correlated with hair cortisol concentration, but not with plasma cortisol concentration. The causal relationship between WOF and cortisol needs further exploration in future prospective study.
Intrarenal Resistive Index and Kidney Volume: Key Indicators of Early Diabetic Kidney Disease in Youth-Onset, Long-Duration Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Yu Karen Mei-Ching , Lo Fu-Sung , Chou Yi-Hsuan
Published: July 2023

Background:
The aim of this study is to explore the potential of non-invasive, ultrasound-based markers—kidney volume (KV) and intrarenal resistive index (RI)—for predicting early onset ofdiabetic kidney disease (DKD). Additionally, we intend to assess the correlation between these ultrasound markers and specific serum inflammatory cytokines in patients with youth-onset and long-duration type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 2020 to October 2021 on adolescents and young adults with T1D (50 males and 59 females) for over 10 years. The cohort was divided into Group 1 (N=96, normoalbuminuria: UACR < 30 mg/g) and Group 2 (N=13, hyperalbuminuria: UACR ≥30 mg/g). Renal and Doppler ultrasound examinations were performed by a senior pediatric nephrologist. We also analyzed eight proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines (e.g., sCD40L, Fractalkine, IL-1β, IL-6, IP-10, TNF-α, VEGF-A and RANTES) in serum. Patient demographic and clinical data were retrospectively collected.
Results:
We enrolled 109 diabetic patients with a median age of 24.4 years, a median T1D duration of 17.0 years, and a median age of onset at 7.7 years. T1D patients with hyperalbuminuria demonstrated significantly higher intrarenal RI and larger KV than those with normoalbuminuria (Mann-Whitney U test, P< 0.05). Serum concentrations of sCD40L and IL-1β showed a positive correlation with left KV. Moreover, increased serum IL-6 and VEGF-A concentrations were associated with a rise in the average RI in both kidneys
Conclusions:
Non-invasive ultrasound biomarkers, specifically intrarenal RI and KV, show their potential for improving early detection of preclinical DKD in the patients living with long-duration T1D.
New estimates of poplar ecosystem carbon pools based on remote sensing and field surveys of forest carbon sinks
Authors: Yan Ru , Liu Shuqin , Li Mingfeng
Published: July 2023

Within the context of global climate change, carbon sequestration by poplar is receiving increasing attention, both in China and globally. However, factors including limited sample sizes, multiple data sources, and inconsistent methodologies have limited accurate estimates of carbon sequestration by poplar to only that of aboveground biomass (AGB) and belowground biomass (BLB) carbon pools; whereas the estimations of forest understory (LGB) and dead wood (KSB) remain uncertain. This study conducted a field campaign involving 123,385 monitoring plots and 163 carbon sink-specific standard plots. The results showed that the total carbon pool of the poplar ecosystem was 413.64 Tg C, of which 98.39% and 1.61% were stored in biomass and dead organic matter, respectively. The carbon densities of different carbon pools exhibited strong correlations with climate, with the carbon sequestration capacities of AGB and BLB first decreasing sharply and then increasing gradually with increasing mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP), following which they gradually stabilized after exceeding a certain threshold value. The rank of climate variables in terms of their influence on the remaining carbon pools was mean relative humidity (MRH) > MAT > MAP. The results also showed strong correlations between different carbon pools and altitude, slope degree, slope aspect, and slope position. This study provided updated estimates of the carbon pools of poplar ecosystems based on direct field measurements and can provide a valuable reference for the validation and parameterization of carbon models in China and globally.
Endoscopic Ultrasound Guided Gastric Botulinum Toxin Injections versus Glucagon like peptide 1 Receptor Agonist in weight loss. A Prospective randomized study
Authors: Gameel Asmaa , Altonbary Ahmed , Kyrillos Fady , Elbialy Aya
Published: July 2023

Purpose In this study, we compared safety, feasibility, and efficacy of Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) guided Botulinum toxin A (BTA) injection versus Glucagon like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists in treatment of obesity. The two intervention techniques were paired with a number of lifestyle changes, such as a diet of 2000 calories per day for males and 1800 calories per day for women, and moderate daily cardiovascular exercise (at least 30 minutes, five days a week) for four months. Over the course of a 16-week follow-up period, body weight was measured.
Methods 40 patients were included in this study, 20 in each group. The 1st group underwent BTA injections via EUS, while the 2nd group received GLP 1 receptor agonist.
Results In the 1st group, there was a significant weight loss from (107.30±11.41 kg) at baseline to (94.75±12.65 kg) after 4 months of treatment (p value <0.001). In the 2nd there was significant weight loss from (123.28±17.17 kg) at baseline to (109.75±14.37 kg) after 4 months (p value <0.001). Significant reduction of BMI was reported in both groups after 4 months of treatment; 1st group, from (40.53±4.41 kg/m2) at baseline to (35.78±4.82 kg/m2) (p. value <0.001), 2nd group from (44.15±5.94 kg/m2) to (39.40±5.68 kg/m2) (p value <0.001).
Conclusion EUS guided BTA injections and GLP-1 RA receptor agonist injections both could be effective and safe procedures for treatment of obesity.
Trial registration: NCT05268627, initial release 27/1/2022
Motivational Strategies -informed workshop and Iranian EFL Teachers’ Cognition and Practices of Motivational Strategies
Authors: Exir Mina , Mostafazadeh Niloofar Sadat , Alibakhshi Goudarz
Published: July 2023

It is believed that motivation has a significant impact on English as a foreign language learners’ language achievement. It is also believed that it is mostly the teacher who can determine the level of success or failure in achieving the determined sets of goals in the educational process. Studies of motivation in language learning have mainly focused on different types of intrinsic and extrinsic motivations. However, only a few studies addressed the impact of teacher training workshops on teachers’ perceptions of the importance and practices of motivational strategies in Iranian EFL classes. To do so, 200 high school English language teachers were selected through convenience sampling. A quasi-experimental research design consisting of pretest, treatment, and posttest was used. The teachers received the Teachers' Motivational Strategies Scale (TMSS). The questionnaire consisted of 37 micro-strategies and 6 macro-strategies. Then, 100 teachers were invited to take part in an in-service training workshop on the importance and types of macro and micro-motivational strategies, but 100 were not included in the treatment. The control and experimental groups’ scores on all micro and macro motivational strategies were submitted to different independent samples-t-tests. Results revealed that the experimental group’s scores on all micro and macro strategies exceeded the control group’s mean scores, verifying the effectiveness of teacher training workshops on teachers’ cognitions and practices of motivational strategies in EFL classrooms.
Effect of Booroola fecundity (FeCB) gene on litter size and scope for exploitation of Nilagiri synthetic sheep
Authors: Chaudhari Arth Bhaljibhai , Ramanujam Rajendran , Ragothaman Venkataramanan
Published: July 2023

Background
The Nilagiri Synthetic was evolved at the Sheep Breeding Research Station, Sandynallah, The Nilgiris, by crossing Nilagiri with Merino and Rambouillet sheep in the year 1986 and performances evaluated by Iyue in the year 1993. Nilagiri Synthetic sheep are maintained for mutton and fine wool production. The presence of FecB mutation, which increases fecundity, has been confirmed recently in Nilagiri Synthetic breed.
Methods
To find out the scope for utilizing this mutation in the breeding programme to exploit the population, evaluation of effect of this mutation on litter traits was carried out. Litter sizes were compared between non-carrier wild type (++) and carrier (B+) ewes.
Result
The litter size at birth was 1.09 ± 0.10 and 1.60 ± 0.10, respectively. The litter size at weaning was 1.09 ± 0.11 and 1.56 ± 0.12, respectively. The litter size at birth, litter size at weaning and lifetime traits of litter size were higher among carrier animals. These results indicate scope for utilising the FecB mutation to improve prolificacy in the Nilagiri Synthetic breed.
The epidemiology of notifiable diseases in Australia and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, 2012-2022
Authors: Sohail Asma , Cheng Allen C , McGuinness Sarah L , Leder Karin
Published: July 2023

Background
Infectious disease surveillance tracks disease epidemiology and informs prevention and control. Public health measures implemented in Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020 to 2022) affected infectious disease epidemiology. We examined notifiable disease epidemiology in Australia from 2012 to 2022, evaluating disease trends and pandemic impacts.
Methods
We analysed case notifications supplied to the Australian National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS) from 1 January 2012 to 30 June 2022.
Results
Over the study period, there were 10,918,095 notifications of 68 diseases. Average notification incidence increased by 10% per year. Respiratory diseases were the most commonly notified disease group (79% of all notifications) and vector-borne diseases (VBD) the least (< 1%). The ten highest-incidence diseases comprised 97% of all notifications over the study period, with COVID-19 alone accounting for 66%. Notifications were most common among the 20-39-year age group (38%). From 2012–2019, notification incidence of gastrointestinal, respiratory and sexually transmissible infections (STI) increased, whereas for bloodborne viral hepatitis (BBVH), VBDs and imported diseases it decreased. From 2020–2021, average notification incidence of most non-COVID-19 respiratory diseases decreased compared to the 2012–2019 period; STI notification incidence remained fairly stable; notification incidence of some gastrointestinal diseases increased while others decreased; and notification of imported diseases markedly decreased. A rebound in notification incidence was seen for some diseases in the first six months of 2022.
Conclusion
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, most notifiable diseases had increasing notification incidence, except for BBVH, VBDs and imported diseases. COVID-19-related public health measures had variable impacts on notifiable diseases.
Endogenous Horizontal and Vertical Differentiation: Measuring Value Added in Intra-industry Trade
Authors: Dutta Sourish
Published: July 2023

Studying intra-industry trade involves theoretical explanations and empirical methods to measure the phenomenon. Indicators have been developed to measure the intensity of intra-industry trade, leading to theoretical models explaining its determinants. It is essential to distinguish between horizontal and vertical differentiation in empirical analyses. The determinants and consequences of intra-industry trade depend on whether the traded products differ in quality. A method for distinguishing between vertical and horizontal differentiation involves comparing exports' unit value to imports for each industry's intra-industry trade. This approach has limitations, leading to the need for an alternative method.
Predictors of Initial CPAP Prescription and Subsequent Course with CPAP in Patients with Central Sleep Apneas
Authors: Locke Brian W. , Sellman Jeffrey , McFarland Jonathan , Uribe Francisco , Workman Kimberly , Sundar Krishna M.
Published: July 2023

Purpose: Guidelines recommend considering an initial trial of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to treat central sleep apnea (CSA). However, practice patterns vary widely. This study investigated predictors for an initial trial of CPAP in patients with central apneas
and whether those factors predict adequate treatment response in patients receiving an initial CPAP trial.
Methods: Charts of patients receiving a diagnostic code for CSA following a sleep study during 2016-2018 at a single center were reviewed. Patient factors, initial treatment prescriptions, and subsequent changes to therapy were extracted from electronic health records. Regression models were used to estimate factors associated with an initial CPAP prescription and the likelihood of an adequate CPAP response (no subsequent therapy change or nonadherence) among patients prescribed CPAP.
Results: 429/588 (73%) patients with central apneas received an initial trial of CPAP. Younger age, diagnosis by home sleep testing, non-opiate etiology of central apneas, and a lower proportion of central apneas at diagnosis were independently associated with a higher likelihood of an initial CPAP trial. A lower proportion of central apneas was associated with a higher probability of adequate response, while current smoking and opiate-related central apneas predicted an unsuccessful CPAP trial. A new finding was that older age predicted a lower likelihood of an initial CPAP prescription but did not predict a suboptimal response to CPAP.
Conclusion: Clinicians may incorrectly weigh certain clinical and sleep study characteristics when deciding whether to trial CPAP for patients with central apneas.
Simultaneously Ultrafast and Super-Robust Two-dimensional Flash Memory Enabled by Phase Engineered Edge Contact
Authors: Zhai Tianyou , Yu Jun , Wang Han , Zhuge Fuwei , Chen Zirui , Hu Man , He Yuhui , Ma Ying , Miao Xiang Shui , Xu Xiang
Published: July 2023

As the prevailing non-volatile memory (NVM), flash memory offers mass data storage at high integration density and low cost. However, due to the dilemma of ‘speed-retention-endurance’, their typical operation speed is limited ~microseconds to milliseconds for program and erase, restricting their application in scenarios with high-speed data throughput. Here, by adopting metallic 1T-LixMoS2 as edge contact, we show that ultrafast (10-100 ns) and super-robust (endurance>106 cycles, retention>10 years) memory operation can be simultaneously guaranteed in two-dimensional van der Waals heterostructure flash memory with 2H-MoS2 as semiconductor channel. The superior performance stems from the highly gate tunable Schottky barrier at the edge contact, which facilitates hot carrier injection to semiconductor channel and subsequent tunneling if compared to conventional top contact that has rich defects under metal. Our results show the promise of inventing 2D flash memory via contact engineering to further advance the prevailing flash memory technology to meet for the increasing demand of high speed and reliable data storage.
Why Do Adolescents Relapse After Addiction Treatment? A Multicenter, Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kardaş Ömer , Şimşek Melike , Ögel Kültegin
Published: July 2023

Purpose:Adolescents use substance once and use regularly then they start and quitconsecutively. In addiction treatment, relapse is a major barrier to recovery. Relapse is more common among adolescents and is a major problem. Thus, this study aimed to identify the factors impacting the duration of relapse in adolescents.Methods:This is a multicenter, cross-sectional study. A total of 157 adolescents who applied to 4 different child and adolescent addiction treatment centers between January 2020 and March 2020 were included in the study. The "Addiction Profile Survey Adolescent Form" was administered to the participants face-to-face. According to the duration of relapse determined with this form, the cases were analyzed separately as before and after one month.Results:The sample consisted of 122 (71.3%) males and 45 (28.7%) females, with a mean age of 17.1±0.8 years. Cannabis use (p=0.005), late treatment initiation (p=0.001), less psychosocial (p=0.006), outpatient (p=0.003), and inpatient (p=0.001) treatment history were significantly associated with relapse before one month. Cannabis users were approximately 5 times more likely to relapse in less than a month, while ecstasy users were approximately 5 times more likely to relapse over a month (OR=0.26, CI=0.1-0.69), (OR=4.16, CI=1.26-13.78). In the logistic regression analysis performed to determine the factors predicting the duration of relapse, it was found that not attending school (p=0,018) and receiving less inpatient treatment (p=0,019) predicted relapse occurred within one month.Conclusion:This study is considered remarkable in terms of demonstrating the necessity of early interventions and post-treatment care services. Currently, there are very few studies in the literature that investigate the factors that contribute to relapse in addicted adolescents. According to our literature review, no study examined factors affecting relapse duration in adolescents.
Organization mindfulness: A systematic literature review and research agenda
Authors: Motwani Jyoti , Kataria Aakanksha , Garg Ruchi , Singh Dighreandr
Published: July 2023

The concept of mindfulness is centuries-old, but organization mindfulness (OM) has only recently garnered academic interest. Using a robust hybrid methodology that combines bibliometric analysis with a framework-based review, this study provides an in-depth review of the academic literature on organizational mindfulness. The primary objective is to comprehensively comprehend the evolution of the field, emerging themes, prominent theories, methodologies, and research contexts. The bibliometric analysis reveals a significant increase in global publication output, which indicates the growing importance of organization mindfulness. A structured bibliometric and content analysis identifies distinct clusters of emerging themes, including the role of organizational mindfulness in IT innovations, bottom-line outcomes, employee wellbeing, and sustainable organizational performance, among others. In addition, applying the TCCM framework facilitates an organized review of the field's theoretical underpinnings, methodological approaches, and contextual variations. Not only does the study provide insights into the current state of organization mindfulness research, but it also provides valuable directions for future research to advance the field. This is the first exhaustive literature review in the field of organizational mindfulness research to use a hybrid approach (bibliometric review with TCCM framework).
On the Continuum Hypothesis and Diagonal Method
Authors: KUNT İBRAHİM
Published: July 2023

Cantor used a hypothetical list to prove that real numbers in the range (0,1) are uncountable. The indexes of the numbers in this list are natural numbers, and I agree that Cantor's proof is true for a list where the indexes are natural numbers. However, Cantor proved that the cardinality of real numbers in the in the range (0,1) is greater than ω in this proof. He also defined the number ω1 as greater than all natural numbers. Therefore, I add a real number to this list that I assume is in the range (0,1) and has an index of ω1. Then, I use a similar method to what Cantor did with his hypothetical list; I mean I try to find a real number that is not in the range (0,1) in my new hypothetical list. However, this new method differs from the Cantor diagonal method because in this new list, it is assumed that there is a real number whose index is not a natural number. I call this new method DM2 and using this method, I study the cardinality of digits of real numbers that exist in a defined range. I present some new results regarding the Continuum Hypothesis via this method.
Dye and Industrial Effluent Degradation to Reduce Phytotoxicity Employing Microplasma Technique
Authors: Rahman Fatima , Rafique M Shahid , Muneeb Abdul , Arsalan Muhammad , Rafique Maryam , Rehman Suriya , Amir Mubashra
Published: July 2023

This research focuses on the application of non-thermal plasma for treating industrial wastewater containing organic dyes. The study aims to investigate the degradation efficiency of methylene blue and textile effluent using a Microplasma setup. The experimental setup comprises of a reactor head with capillary needles, argon gas flow, and a high voltage DC power supply. The degradation of methylene blue and textile effluent is carried out at different voltages and time intervals. UV-visible analysis is conducted to measure the absorbance spectra of untreated and plasma-treated samples. The results show a decrease in absorbance with increasing plasma exposure time, indicating a reduction in methylene blue concentration. Higher applied voltages lead to more effective degradation and shorter treatment times. Textile effluent was treated at a high voltage of 20kV, which generated energetic electrons and free radicals. After a treatment period of 75 minutes, the color of the effluent intensified. UV-visible analysis of the textile effluent showed an increase in absorbance spectra with irradiation time, confirming the intensified color. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of the C = C stretching bond with a carbonyl group (C = O) or a carboxylic acid (COOH). The phytotoxicity of untreated and Microplasma-treated textile effluent was examined by germinating tomato seeds. The results illustrated that the effluent treated for 75 minutes exhibited a higher germination rate compared to the 60-minute treatment. The untreated tomato seedlings remained the same, indicating a reduction in the toxicity of the textile effluent. Overall, non-thermal plasma treatment shows promise for efficiently removing organic dyes from industrial wastewater.
Barrierefreiheit lehren oder barrierefrei lehren? Qualifikationen und Qualifizierung für eine inklusive digitale Hochschullehre
Authors: Fisseler Björn , Grimminger Sanja
Published: July 2023

Eine inklusive digitale Hochschullehre gelingt nur, wenn Lehrende und andere Hochschulangehörige über die notwendigen Kompetenzen verfügen. Aber welche Fertigkeiten, Fähigkeiten und Einstellungen benötigen Beteiligte an Hochschulen für eine inklusive (digitale) Hochschullehre? Der Diskurs im deutschsprachigen Raum ignoriert einerseits die Notwendigkeit von spezifischen Maßnahmen, andererseits beschränken sich Empfehlungen für die Lehrpraxis oft auf die barrierefreie Gestaltung von Textmaterialien und Präsentationen. Daten und Informationen zu Weiterbildungsangeboten rund um das Thema „digitale Barrierefreiheit“ sind zudem rar. Bislang wurde weder systematisch untersucht, für wen in welchem Umfang entsprechende Weiterbildungen angeboten werden, noch wie das Thema „digitale Barrierefreiheit“ kommuniziert und welche Inhalte konkret vermittelt werden. Die wenigen vorliegenden Studien zeigen deutlich, dass die Inhalte häufig auf technische Aspekte reduziert werden. So wird aber ein falscher Eindruck von den Herausforderungen vermittelt. Wenn lediglich die technische Umsetzung gezeigt wird, bleibt der Eindruck, dass diese Maßnahmen nur für unmittelbar Betroffene ergriffen werden. Deshalb schließt der Beitrag mit dem Vorschlag, digitale Barrierefreiheit als sozio-technische Herausforderung zu begreifen. Die Entwicklung einer pädagogischen Kultur der Vermittlung von Barrierefreiheit kann dazu beitragen, die Qualifizierung von Lehrenden und anderen Beteiligte an Hochschulen in den Fokus der Diskussion um eine inklusive digitale Hochschullehre zu rücken.
Digitale Barrierefreiheit und die Hochschule: STUDYasU – ein proaktiver Ansatz für barriere-sensible digitale Hochschullehre
Authors: Rüscher Frederike Anna , Buchminskaia Ekaterina , Chilla Solveig , Filk Christian
Published: July 2023

Digitale Barrierefreiheit ist selbstverständlich und muss proaktiv in Lern-/ Bildungsangebote integriert werden, wenn Hochschulbildung für eine inklusive Gesellschaft die Diversität von Studierenden als gegeben anerkennt. Im Gegensatz dazu ist es jedoch hochschulische Realität, dass heterogene Lernausgangslagen erst dann von Lehrenden in der Planung und Umsetzung von Bildungsangeboten berücksichtigt werden, sofern Studierende selbst ihre individuellen Bedürfnisse artikulieren und Unterstützung (etwa in Form eines Nachteilsausgleichs) einfordern. Das Flensburger Projekt „Study as you are - Anforderungsdesign und Umsetzungsstrategie barriere-sensibler Hochschullehre am Beispiel inklusiv-digitaler Sprachenpädagogik“ (STUDYasU) setzt die Heterogenität aller Studierenden als Prämisse voraus. Das Vorhaben zielt darauf ab, durch die Implementation eines Servicebüros an der Europa-Universität Flensburg (EUF), das als zentrale Anlaufstelle und Lernlabor zu allen Fragen der barriere-sensiblen Lehre etabliert wird, sowohl Lehrende als auch (Lehramts-) Studierende für digitale Barrierefreiheit zu sensibilisieren. Hier werden sich Lehrende und Lernende zukünftig Rat holen und ihr bereits bestehendes Lehr-/ Lernmaterial diklusiv (digital-inklusiv) aufbereiten (lassen können). In diesem Beitrag steht die Konzeptentwicklung im Vordergrund. Grundlegend ist die Zugänglichkeit digitaler hochschuldidaktisch fundierter Lehr-/ Lernarrangements von zwei Seiten: Erstens werden die Bedürfnisse der Lehrenden unter Einbezug der hochschulseitig etablierten digitalen Instrumente wie Moodle, Panopto oder Webex als Voraussetzung für Blended-Learning-Szenarien, betrachtet. So sollen Barrieren für Lehrende in Bezug auf ‘neuartige’ Werkzeuge gar nicht erst entstehen. Zweitens werden die Bedürfnisse der Lernenden in das Zentrum gerückt, indem diese digitalen Tools – eingebunden in spezifische Bildungspraxen – analysiert und für die intersubjektive Anwendbarkeit präzise modifiziert werden. Mit STUDYasU sollen adaptierbare Lehr-/ Lernarrangements theoretisch und empirisch exploriert werden, um letztendlich zu verallgemeinerbaren Aussagen oder gar Modelllösungen für eine barriere-sensible digitale Hochschullehre zu gelangen.
Barrierefreie Online-Lehre an US-amerikanischen Hochschulen. Ergebnisse einer Webseitenanalyse und Implikationen für das deutsche Hochschulsystem
Authors: Oberschelp Axel
Published: July 2023

Bildungsangebote müssen inklusiv gestaltet werden, um allen Interessierten gleiche Möglichkeiten der Teilhabe zu bieten. Der Digitalisierung der Lehre kommt dabei eine wichtige Rolle zu. Trotz eines beträchtlichen Entwicklungsschubs in den vergangenen Jahren, vor allem aufgrund der Corona-Pandemie, stehen die Hochschulen in Deutschland jedoch vor zahlreichen Herausforderungen. Die Untersuchung hat zum Ziel, für Deutschland beispielgebende Lösungen in anderen Hochschulsystemen zu identifizieren. Hierfür wurden Webseiten U S-amerikanischer Hochschulen unter der Fragestellung analysiert, wie Informationsportale an U S-Hochschulen gestaltet sind und wo ein Transfer vorbildhafter Lösungen in den deutschen Hochschulraum sinnvoll und möglich ist. Der Autor untersucht mittels einer quantitativen Inhaltsanalyse die Webseiten zwanzig ausgewählter U S-amerikanischer Hochschulen. Neben konkreten Einzelbeispielen von Good Practice bei der Gestaltung webbasierter Informationsportale lassen sich Erfolg versprechende Strategien zum einen bei den sogenannten Ivy-League-Hochschulen erkennen, die ihre Informationsangebote stark an den Bedarfen der Studierenden ausrichten. Zum anderen zeigen die Webseiten von Hochschulen, die unter dem Aspekt Barrierefreiheit sehr gute Rankingresultate erzielen, dass ein vom Umfang her reduziertes, dafür aber inhaltlich kohärentes Angebot positiv bewertet wird. Schließlich gibt die Untersuchung Anregungen für eine Etablierung zentraler Informationsstrukturen im Bereich barrierefreier digitaler Lehre.
(Wie) Komme ich da rein? – der digitale Lageplan zur Barrierefreiheit der Universität Göttingen
Authors: Malzer Claudia , Lux Katrin , Pinnecke Nico , Voß-Nakkour Sarah , Rustemeier Linda , Möhring Monika Maria , Deitmer Andreas , Grimminger Sanja
Published: July 2023

Lagepläne enthalten in der Regel raumbezogene Informationen, die für viele, aber nicht für alle Menschen nutzbar sind. Der barrierefreie Lageplan stellt zusätzliche Informationen zur Verfügung. Denn die chancengleiche Teilhabe an Studium und Lehre setzt für viele die barrierefreie Zugänglichkeit und Nutzbarkeit der Universität und ihrer Räumlichkeiten voraus. Angestoßen durch den jährlich stattfindenden Ideenwettbewerb für Studierende wurde 2012 unter dem Thema „Diversität? – Vielfalt fördern!“ der Vorschlag „Broschüre zu Barrieren und Barrierefreiheit auf dem Campus“ prämiert. In Kooperation der Beauftragten für Studierende mit Behinderungen und chronischen Erkrankungen mit dem Geographischen Institut konnte das Studienprojekt „Gebäude- und Raumauskunftssystem für die Georg-August-Universität Göttingen“ (GRAS_Geo) um Daten zur Barrierefreiheit der universitären Gebäude und Räume erweitert werden. Seit 2015 werden diese in einem interaktiven Online-Lageplan dargestellt und stetig um weitere Points of Interest ergänzt. Mittlerweile finden sich auf der digitalen Karte auch Standorte von Bushaltestellen und eine Vielzahl an Angeboten aus den Bereichen: Gleichstellung, Diversität und Familie sowie Studium, Campussicherheit, Kultur, Freizeit und Gastronomie. Für die Realisierung des Projekts wurden weitreichende Kartierungsmaßnahmen durchgeführt, um Datenlücken hinsichtlich der Kriterien zur Barrierefreiheit zu schließen und mit bereits verfügbaren Informationen aus den Gebäudedaten der Universitätsverwaltung zusammenzuführen. So bietet die Anwendung neben den reinen Daten zur Barrierefreiheit der Gebäude in Schriftform auch Fotos zur Orientierung und integriert Veranstaltungen aus dem Vorlesungsverzeichnis und Abfahrtszeiten von Bussen direkt in den Lageplan. Studierenden, Universitätsangehörigen und Gästen wird so die Orientierung auf dem Campus erleichtert.
Leitfaden – Modus für Farbenblindheit/Sehschwäche
Authors: Wegener Felix
Published: July 2023

Der vorliegende Beitrag befasst sich mit der Wahrnehmbarkeit von Webanwendungen bei Farbenblindheit und der Erstellung eines barrierearmen Anforderungskatalogs für Prototypen, der einen Modus für Farbenblindheit/ Sehschwäche bieten soll. Zur Analyse wurden Kriterienkataloge wie die W C A G 2.1 herangezogen und mithilfe eines Tools Bedienelemente der Oberflächen bestehender Webapplikationen analysiert. Auf Basis der Ergebnisse und den Anforderungen der W C A G 2.1 konnte schließlich ein Anforderungskatalog erarbeitet werden, auf dessen Basis ein Prototyp implementiert wurde. Anschließend konnte durch einen durchgeführten User*innen-Test eine Qualitätssicherung durchgeführt werden. Mithilfe der Arbeit konnte festgestellt werden, welche Gesichtspunkte von besonderer Relevanz sind und inwiefern Entwickler*innen dies bei der Konzeption und Weiterentwicklung ihrer Software berücksichtigen sollten. Dafür können dem Paper Informationen zu Farbenblindheit bzw. Sehschwächen und ein Leitfaden entnommen werden, der interessierten Entwickelnden Best Practices zur Verfügung stellt, um die Webanwendung hinsichtlich ihrer Barrierefreiheit zu optimieren und sich an diesem zu orientieren. Teil des Leitfadens ist eine Checkliste, die auf Basis der W C A G und den Erkenntnissen aus Analysen verschiedener Webplattformen erstellt worden ist. Es werden ebenfalls externe Hilfswerkzeuge wie Leonardo und der Color Contrast Analyser vorgestellt. Abschließend werden ein paar Vorher-nachher-Beispiele gezeigt.
Umsetzung und Einsatz von barrierefreien Videos in der Hochschullehre
Authors: Wilkens Leevke , Lüttmann Finnja , Bühler Christian
Published: July 2023

Der Nutzung von Videos im Hochschulkontext werden verschiedene Potenziale zugesprochen (Dinmore, 2019). Damit aber alle Lernenden Videos nutzen und von diesen profitieren können, müssen diese barrierefrei umgesetzt werden. Ausgehend von dem Projekt „Degree 4.0“ an der Technischen Universität Dortmund, wird in diesem Beitrag die Umsetzung der Barrierefreiheit von (didaktischen) Videos – mit besonderem Schwerpunkt auf Audiodeskription – und weitergehende Herausforderungen für die Arbeit mit (barrierefreien) Videos thematisiert. Besonders bei der Gestaltung von Audiodeskription müssen fachdidaktische Spezifika der Videos im Umsetzungsprozess berücksichtigt werden. Für die barrierefreie Gestaltung der Videos aus verschiedenen, im Projekt beteiligten Fachdidaktiken wurde ein Workflow entwickelt, der in diesem Beitrag vorgestellt wird.
Game Accessibility: Konzeption eines barrierearmen Serious Games
Authors: Mateen Saba , Rustemeier Linda , Voß-Nakkour Sarah , Grimminger Sanja
Published: July 2023

Serious Games schaffen positive spielerische Erfahrungen, wodurch sie Lernvorgänge unterstützen und so ein großes Potenzial für die zielführende Weiterentwicklung der Lehre bergen. Aufgrund von Barrieren, wie beispielsweise unzureichenden Farbkontrasten, hat jedoch nicht jede*r Lernende Zugang zu den Spielinhalten. Folglich können die spielerischen Lernaktivitäten nicht absolviert werden und der Mehrwert des spielerischen Lernens bleibt verwehrt. Um einen inklusiven Hochschulalltag zu erreichen, müssen Lernmaterialien jeder Form, spielerisch oder nicht, für alle gleichermaßen zugänglich sein. Zum Erreichen dieses Ziels stellt dieser Beitrag anleitende Maßnahmen und einen Workflow der Game Accessibility Guidelines (G A G) vor, welche die Anforderungen und Schritte des Entwicklungsprozesses eines barrierearmen Spiels definieren. Weiterführend wird der vorgestellte Prozess anhand eines an der Goethe-Universität entwickelten ernsthaften Lernspiels, „Lolas erstes Semester“, angewandt. Es wird dargelegt, dass die barrierearme Aufbereitung eines Spiels nicht nur Spielenden mit einer kognitiven oder physischen Beeinträchtigung zugutekommt, sondern vielmehr allen Spielenden.
Zugang zu Comics und Graphic Novels für blinde und sehbehinderte Menschen – eine Studie des Deutschen Zentrums für barrierefreies Lesen (dzb lesen) und Studierenden der Kommunikationswissenschaften der Universität Leipzig
Authors: Weber Jana
Published: July 2023

Im Rahmen einer Lehrveranstaltung zu barrierefreier Mediengestaltung befassten sich Studierende der Universität Leipzig mit dem Thema, wie Comics und Graphic Novels für Menschen mit Seheinschränkungen erfahrbar gemacht werden können. Beide Narrationsformen sind für diese bis zum heutigen Tag weitestgehend unzugänglich. Eine handlungswissenschaftliche Auseinandersetzung und Umsetzung in der Praxis sind erforderlich, um Teilhabe auch in Bezug auf dieses Literatursegment zu verwirklichen. An konkreten Beispielen setzten sich die Studierenden mit möglichen Formen der Adaption von Comics und Graphic Novels, im Besonderen der Erstellung einer Audiodeskription (AD) auseinander. Ausgehend von bestehenden Konzepten und Leitfäden zur Erstellung von Hörfilmen oder der AD von Live-Veranstaltungen arbeiteten sie heraus, welche spezifischen Herausforderungen bei einer Comic-AD zu berücksichtigen sind. Zentral für die Adaption war eine Betrachtung verschiedener Dimensionen wie sprachlicher Umsetzung, atmosphärischer Gestaltung, Umsetzung von Geräuschen oder Dialogtext sowie Detailreichtum der Deskription. Die Konzepterstellung wurde begleitet durch theoretische Auseinandersetzungen mit Besonderheiten audiovisuellen Übersetzens sowie der Parallelität von Sprache und Bild und deren gegenseitige Bezogenheit im Comic. Auf Grundlage der von den Studierenden für spezifische Comics/Graphic Novels erstellten individuellen Konzepte werden die Audiodeskriptionen für jeweils einzelne Kapitel praktisch umgesetzt. Die Evaluation der Ergebnisse erfolgte über qualitative Leitfadeninterviews mit betroffenen Personen. Eine finale Auswertung dieser mittels Kategorienbildung sowie Reintegration der Ergebnisse in die Konzepte steht noch aus und soll in weiteren Untersuchungen geleistet werden. Gleichzeitig dienen die Konzepte als Anregung für neue Medienangebote, die im dzb lesen erarbeitet und zur Ausleihe an blinde und sehbehinderte Menschen gebracht werden können.
O AUTISMO NO ENSINO DE QUÍMICA BRASILEIRO: UMA REFLEXÃO
Authors: Sabóia Layane , Lima Maria
Published: July 2023

AUTISM IN BRAZILIAN CHEMICAL EDUCATION: A REFLECTION. With clear and objective language, this article invites the reader to reflect on the relationship between autism and Brazilian Chemical Education. Here, we begin with approaches to autism in legal terms, which allow the reader to understand how autistic people and their families have their rights guaranteed by law, especially in the school. We also present the point of view of the teacher who trains the graduate and the one who receives an autistic student in the classroom, with reflections about their training curricula that are imperfect in terms of inclusion, which generates situations of discomfort and frustration in their work. We continue to discuss how inclusive education strategies adopted by professors in the area of chemistry aimed at autistic students have stood out, even in the midst of a scarce bibliographic reference. Finally, we turn our attention to one of the main places where inclusion takes place: the school, with valuable discussions about the role that it has played in the inclusion of the autistic student.