bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A percepção dos professores do curso de Educação Física sobre os impactos da criação do curso no câmpus da UFT em Miracema do Tocantins
Authors: Fernandes Leandro Costa , Ribeiro Daniele Bueno Godinho
Published: December 2022

RESUMO O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar a percepção dos professores com formação em Educação Física da Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT) acerca do impacto e importância desse curso para a população de Miracema do Tocantins. A amostra da pesquisa foi composta por seis docentes do curso de Licenciatura em Educação Física da UFT. Utilizamos a técnica elaborada por Moreira, Simões & Porto (2005), designada: “Análise de Conteúdo: Técnica de Elaboração e Análise de Unidades de Significado”. Percebemos que, apesar de muito positiva a implantação do curso de Educação Física na referida cidade, ainda existem lacunas que precisam ser preenchidas para que o processo de consolidação do curso contribua também para o processo de desenvolvimento integral do município e regiões circunvizinhas.
Análise temporal da letalidade materna hospitalar no pós-parto segundo risco gestacional e via de parto, nas regiões do Brasil, 2010-2019
Authors: Michels Bruna Depieri , Marin Daniela Ferreira D'Agostini , Iser Betine Pinto Moehlecke
Published: December 2022

Resumo Objetivo: analisar a letalidade materna hospitalar pós-parto segundo risco gestacional e via de parto, no Sistema Único de Saúde, Brasil e macrorregiões, 2010-2019. Métodos: estudo ecológico de série temporal, com dados do Sistema de Informações Hospitalares; a letalidade materna hospitalar pós-parto considerou internações maternas com desfecho "óbito" sobre o total de internações/ano, segundo risco gestacional e via de parto, nas regiões. Resultados: houve 19.158.167 internações para parto e 5.110 óbitos no período analisado; a letalidade materna subiu de 1,1 (2010) para 1,9 óbito/10 mil internações (2019), em gestações de risco habitual após partos vaginais, e reduziu-se de 10,5 (2010) para 7,0 óbitos/10 mil internações (2019) em gestações de alto risco após cesarianas; o Centro-Oeste expressou a maior e o Sul a menor letalidade para gestações de alto risco. Conclusão: a letalidade hospitalar foi maior em gestações de alto risco, com diferenças segundo via de parto e regiões.
Learning to Design Fair and Private Voting Rules
Authors: Mohsin Farhad , Liu Ao , Chen Pin-Yu , Rossi Francesca , Xia Lirong
Published: December 2022

Voting is used widely to identify a collective decision for a group of agents, based on their preferences. In this paper, we focus on evaluating and designing voting rules that support both the privacy of the voting agents and a notion of fairness over such agents. To do this, we introduce a novel notion of group fairness and adopt the existing notion of local differential privacy. We then evaluate the level of group fairness in several existing voting rules, as well as the trade-offs between fairness and privacy, showing that it is not possible to always obtain maximal economic efficiency with high fairness or high privacy levels. Then, we present both a machine learning and a constrained optimization approach to design new voting rules that are fair while maintaining a high level of economic efficiency. Finally, we empirically examine the effect of adding noise to create local differentially private voting rules and discuss the three-way trade-off between economic efficiency, fairness, and privacy.
This paper appears in the special track on AI & Society.
inclusion engineer with STEAM in the educational institution
Authors: Cabrera Medina Jaime Malqui , Sánchez Medina Irlesa Indira , Céspedes Muñoz Boris Alberto
Published: December 2022

Introduction: The article presents a research carried out in an educational institution where video game design is worked through Kodu, for three years in a teaching-learning process of Mathematics and Natural Sciences in primary school with STEAM methodology. Objective: Strengthen skills in mathematical logic, creativity and environment as a basis for future engineering in 5th grade students. Methodology: The research was of a mixed type, using a documentary analysis for performance levels in mathematics and natural sciences in fifth grade. , an observation protocol for the characterization of the population, a verification test in the creation of video games. Results: As part of the statistical analysis, a significant progress is evidenced in the results obtained during the three years, and in conclusion, it is considered that the STEAM methodology is adequate to work with Kodu as the appropriate programming environment for the development of competence through Video game design in the educational process. Conclusion: The young researchers assume the role of inclusion engineer, using the Kodu programming environment with a STEAM learning methodology that integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics through the creation of their own video games, with representative bases to start in the world of engineering.
The Architecture and the City of Aldo Rossi, 1955–69: The Analogical Locus vs Ambientalismo of the Building Fabric
Authors: Lampariello Beatrice
Published: December 2022

Aldo Rossi's work has received a great deal of attention since the mid-1960s. Books, exhibitions, conferences, and articles have established that for Rossi the city was a crucial reference both in the production of his architecture and for overcoming the crisis of rationalism that explored after World War II. Yet one question has remained open, with critics, historians, and architects offering discordant and inconclusive answers: what relationship did Rossi weave between his architectures and their cities? This article provides an answer to that question, identifying for the first time the origin of that relationship in Italian postwar ambientalismo, which proposed rebuilding the historic city centers with architectures generated by edilizia, the anonymous building fabric that surround the project sites. The article discusses the evolution of that relationship, demonstrating how Rossi came to develop, from the beginning of the 1960s, a poetics capable of overcoming ambientalismo, cannibalizing it to operate on the edges of cities, where he replaced the edilizia, with the monument, the project site with the territory, and the mechanical transposition of the characteristics of places with the analogy. This novel analysis of Rossi's work through a comparison to ambientalismo is not limited to explaining the relationship between his architecture and cities. it also questions the classic interpretation of Rossi's research by demonstrating how Rossi destroyed the traditional image of the historic city to build a 'new urban landscape' that was free of edilizia and consisted solely of lawn and monuments.
What’s new for the clinician– summaries of recently published papers
Authors: Yengopal V
Published: December 2022

Particles, particularly aerosols, and splatter generated during routine dental procedures have been shown to have the potential to transmit the SARS-CoV-2 virus to patients. Thus, controlling the spread of aerosolized particles has become one of the core strategies for reducing occupationally acquired infections with the SARS-CoV-2 virus1 . The World Health Organization (WHO) defines splatter as particles greater than 100 μm in size, droplets as particles between 5 and 100 μm in size, and aerosols as particles smaller than 5 μm. 1 Dental procedures generate particles that are a mixture of saliva, blood, water coolant, plaque, gingival crevicular fluid, tooth hard tissue debris, calculus, and dental restorative materials that generate potential hazards to dental professionals.1 The extent and spread pattern of common dental AGPs need to be identified before applying mitigating strategies.
NHS-ester-protein-labeling v1
Authors: Jensen Liv
Published: December 2022

Protocol for labeling a purified protein with an NHS ester fluorescent dye.
User Mode Choice Behavior in Public Transportation: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors:   Department of Computing and Information Systems, School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Malaysia, Qian Sua Abigail Jee , Chua Hui Na ,   Department of Computing and Information Systems, School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Malaysia, Ling Khoo Hooi ,   Department of Civil Engineering, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia, Ching Low Yeh ,   Department of Computing and Information Systems, School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Malaysia, Hoong Lee Angela Siew ,   Department of Computing and Information Systems, School of Engineering and Technology, Sunway University, Malaysia, Ismail Maizatul Akmar ,   Faculty of Computer Science and Information Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Published: December 2022

With the staggering concerns in environmental pollution caused by the transportation industry, researchers have ventured their studies to identify the primary factors that may affect an individuals’ propensity to choose public transportation as more sustainable transportation. Numerous research studies are surrounding this subject; however, no effort has been made to systematically review them for a synthesized analysis. There is also a lack of study in identifying contributing factors that may potentially affect each other to determine the propensity to take public transportation and identify their relationships to each other to provide a guide for future researchers to analyse and consider for future work. With the motivation to tackle the existing research inadequacies, we conducted a study that focuses on using a systematic literature review methodology with validated analyses on existing studies. This study found that demographic factors are the most analysed aspect, followed by transportation, trip-related and environmental. Secondly, our study provides new insight into several contributing factors affecting each other in predicting public transportation ridership. Thirdly, our findings also demonstrate the trends and gaps that occur in different geographical areas. The outcomes of our research present a consolidated view for relevant authorities to cater their strategies tactically according to each geographical area and identify potential opportunities for future research.
A Systematic Planning Scheme for Deployment of Technology Combined Lean Implementation Framework
Authors:   Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Lahore, Lahore – Pakistan, Rafique M.Z. , Rahman M.N.A. ,   Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Raheem A. ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Lahore, Lahore – Pakistan, Leuveano R.A.C. ,   Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Saibani N. ,   Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Arsad N. ,   Department of Electrical, Electronic and System Engineering, Faculty of Engineering & Built Environment, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia, Mahmood W.H.W. ,   Faculty of Engineering Technology, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka, Hang Tuah Jaya, 76100 Durian Tunggal, Melaka, Malaysia., Amjad M.S. ,   Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Lahore, Lahore – Pakistan
Published: December 2022

In this modern age, use of technology combined lean implementation framework seems beneficial which not only helps in lean implementation but also contributes to speed up the process with the availability of proper planning scheme. However, based on previous literature available, a gap has been observed regarding the availability of “Systematic Planning Scheme” which is essential for the deployment of technology combined lean implementation frameworks. Based on this, the aim of this study is to propose “Systematic Planning Scheme” for such frameworks and since, lean has its stakes in a wide range of sectors but carries the maximum stake in the automotive industry (based on literature review utilized) so it is feasible to develop planning scheme for automotive sectors. With the help of data collection methods that have been utilized were field observations, on-site plant visits, and organizational documents in case study, a Systematic Planning Scheme has been developed. The designed systematic planning scheme critically required three steps which were team selection, phase wise distributions of work, and access to lean tools for lean implementation (by the team to implement framework. The contribution and significance of this study is the provisions of new planning strategy which carried originality in its structure by following three goal steps and visions to implement modern frameworks in a systemized way.
Effects of Additives on Sonolytic Degradation of Azo Dye Molecules Found in Industrial Wastewater
Authors:   Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, Islamic University, Kushtia-7003, Bangladesh, Monira Shirajum , Ashifuzzaman Md. ,   Department of Physics, Government M. M. College, Jessore, National University, Dhaka-Mymensingh Hwy, Bangladesh, Islam Md. Monjurul ,   Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, Islamic University, Kushtia-7003,  Bangladesh, Hossain Md. Jahangir ,   Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Jessore University of Science and Technology, Jessore-7408, Bangladesh, Okitsu Kenji ,   Department of Materials Science, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Prefecture University, 1-1 Gakuen-cho, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan, Rahman Md. Hafizur ,   Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, Islamic University, Kushtia-7003, Bangladesh, Islam Md. Shaharul ,   Department of Chemistry, Bangladesh Army University of Engineering & Technology (BAUET), Qadirabad Cantonment, Natore, Bangladesh, Uddin Md. Helal ,   Department of Applied Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering, Islamic University, Kushtia-7003,  Bangladesh
Published: December 2022

The growing number of industries is a threat to our environment, as they expose the polluted water directly into the natural water sources. Various processes have been expanded to evacuate these hazardous organic pollutants from water. Among them, advance oxidation process (AOP) is very popular, as the method is cost efficient and highly effective in the similar field. In this process ultrasound is exercised for the deterioration of these pollutants and occasionally some additives are also added to enhance the degradation. In this article, the author has reported the degradation of two azo dyes, named methyl orange (MO) and congo red (CR), in presence of some additives like, inorganic salts, charcoal, H2O2, CCl4, tert-butyl alcohol (TBA), glucose and sucrose. The total experiment was conducted at room temperature and the power of the sonication machine was fixed to 40 kHz-120W. For both of the dyes, it was found that charcoal was most effective additive, which highly enhanced the degradation rate, which was mainly due to its high adsorption capability. TBA found to be the least enhancer for MO, on the contrary, pure CR showed the lowest degradation rate. The effectiveness of additives for MO can be shown as 0.01g charcoal > 20 ml glucose > 20 ml NaCl > 100 μL CCl4 > 10 ml Na2SO4 > 400 μL H2O2 > 10 ml sucrose > pure MO > TBA, while for CR is 0.01g charcoal > combined additives > TBA > 100 μL CCl4 > pure CR, after sonication for 15 minutes in a sonicator.
Detecting the Influence of Additives on Asphalt Concrete Durability
Authors:   Professor, Sarsam and Associates Consult Bureau (SACB), Baghdad-IRAQ. Formerly at College of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Baghdad, Iraq, Sarsam Saad Issa , Mashaan Nuha ,   Department of Civil Engineering, School of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
Published: December 2022

Modification of asphalt cement with additives is a sustainable issue. An attempt was made in the present assessment to detect the influence of modification of the asphalt binder by 2 % silica fumes and 4 % fly ash additives on the durability in terms of fatigue life of asphalt concrete mixture under short-term and long-term ageing processes and moisture damage. Asphalt concrete slab samples of wearing course was prepared and compacted by roller. The beam specimens of 400 mm length and 50 mm height and 63 mm width were extracted from the slab samples. The beam specimens had practiced the four-point repeated flexural bending beam test. The fatigue life was monitored as the number of load repetitions to reach the failure under three constant micro strain levels of (250, 400, and 750). The reduction in fatigue life after long-term ageing for control, silica fumes modified, and fly ash modified mixtures was (74.7, 38.4, and 60) %, (66.2, 52.4, and 64.3) %, (63.9, 63.1, and 57.5) % under 250, 400, and 750 microstrain levels respectively. However, the reduction in fatigue life after practicing moisture damage for control, silica fumes modified, and fly ash modified mixtures was (71.2, 59.6, and 37.2) %, (37.1, 64.9, and 11.2) %, (71, 84.8, and 32.2) % under (250, 400, and 750) microstrain levels respectively. It was concluded that Fly ash exhibit lower susceptibility to long-term ageing process as compared to other mixtures, while silica fumes exhibit lower susceptibility to moisture damage as compared to other mixtures.
Monosaccharide Profile and Antioxidant Activities of Sulphated Polysaccharide Extracted from Indonesian Brown Seaweed (Sargassum sp.)
Authors: Lim Seng Joe , Syed Khalafu Sharifah Habibah , Böhmdorfer Stefan , Rosenau Thomas , Maskat Mohamad Yusof , Sofian Seng Noor Soffalina , Mohd Razali Noorul Syuhada , Wan Mustapha Wan Aida
Published: December 2022

This research was conducted to determine the monosaccharide profile and antioxidant activities of the sulphated polysaccharide fucoidan, extracted from Sargassum sp. harvested in Batam, Indonesia. Crude fucoidan (Fsar) was extracted using low pH (pH 2) acid method, obtaining a yield of 5.5% (w/w), and the chemical properties of Fsar were subsequently compared to commercial fucoidan (Fcomm), obtained from Japan. Sulphate contents were determined using spectrophotometric analysis, where Fsar (5.21±0.35%) and Fcomm (8.80±0.19%) differed significantly (p<0.05). Monosaccharide profiling was performed using methanolysis and gas chromatography-flame ionisation detector (GC-FID). Fsar contained fucose (138.34 µg/g), 4-O-methyl-glucuronic acid (105.39 µg/g), galactose (70.49 µg/g) and glucuronic acid (30.60 µg/g) while Fcomm contained fucose (520 µg/g) and glucuronic acid (62.93 µg/g) as its main composition. Antioxidant activities were analysed through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide anion (SOA) and hydroxyl radical (·OH) scavenging activities. DPPH scavenging activity of Fsar (40.67±4.0%) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than Fcomm(10.11±1.0%), while SOA and ·OH scavenging activities showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between Fsar and Fcomm. Fsar showed significant differences (p<0.05) in chemical properties and DPPH scavenging activities compared to that of Fcomm. Fucoidan from Southeast Asia waters has the potential for application as functional ingredients.
Substituted 3-styryl-2-pyrazoline Derivatives as an Antimalaria: Synthesis, in vitro Assay, Molecular Docking, Druglikeness Analysis and Admet Prediction
Authors: Linda Ekawati Linda Ekawati , Beta Achromi Nurohmah Beta Achromi Nurohmah , Jufrizal Syahri Jufrizal Syahri , Bambang Purwono Bambang Purwono
Published: December 2022

The synthesis, in vitro antimalarial assay, molecular docking, drug-likeness analysis, and ADMET prediction of substituted 3-styryl-2-pyrazoline derivatives as antimalaria have been conducted. The synthesis of N-phenyl (1a‒3a) and N-acetyl-substituted (1b‒3b) 3-styryl-2-pyrazolines was carried out using dibenzalacetone derivatives and hydrazine hydrate or phenylhydrazine. An in vitro antimalarial assay was conducted against the chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium falciparum 3D7 strain, while molecular docking was performed toward the crystal protein of Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (PfDHFR-TS) (PDB ID: 1J3I). Furthermore, the prediction of drug-like properties was determined by assessing Lipinski’s rules, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were also studied in-silico, including absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET). The in vitro assay showed that 3a (IC50 0.101 µM) has excellent antimalarial activity, followed by 2a (0.177 µM), and 1b (0.258 µM). Molecular docking has supported the in vitro assay by showing the lowest CDOCKER energy for 3a (‒56.316 kcal/mol), then 2a (‒51.2603 kcal/mol), and 1b (‒48.8774 kcal/mol). The drug-like properties showed that all of the prepared compounds were acceptable based on Lipinski’s rules and predicted to be potentially orally bioavailable. The ADMET analysis provided information that 3a and 2a could be proposed as the best lead antimalarial drugs with further modification to reduce the lipophilicity and toxicity properties.
Optimization, Kinetics Isotherm, and Reusability Studies of Methylene Blue Dye Adsorption using Acrylic Acid Grafted Rubber Hydrogel
Authors: M. Yusoff Siti Fairus , Firdaus Fazira , Ahmad Zahidi Nur Adly , Abdul Halim Nurul Huda
Published: December 2022

Hydrogel based on liquid natural rubber (LNR) crosslinked with acrylic acid (AAc) was synthesised and applied for the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solutions. The LNR/AAc hydrogel was prepared by free-radical polymerisation using potassium persulfate (KPS) and N,N-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as the initiator and the crosslinking agent, respectively. The effect of three variables (i.e., AAc:LNR weight ratio, KPS concentration and MBA concentration) on the hydrogel preparation for MBA removal was further investigated using response surface methodology (RSM). A quadratic polynomial model with the analysis of variance (ANOVA) results yielding R2 value of 0.9833 was consequently obtained. The optimum conditions for the hydrogel preparation were identified as AAc:LNR weight ratio of 2.59 g/g, KPS concentration of 0.08 M and MBA concentrations of 0.08 M and resulting a high percentage of MB removal about 92.57% was obtained. Therefore, the kinetic and isotherm models of MB removal were represented by the pseudo-second order and Freundlich model, respectively, and reusability studies were also investigated resulting in the hydrogel can be used up to four cycles.
Risk Assessment of Subcritical Water Hydrolysis (SWH) System for Sugar Recovery using Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) Methods
Authors: Mohd Thani Nurfatimah , Mustapa Kamal Siti Mazlina , Taip Farah Saleena , Sulaiman Alifdalino , Omar Rozita , Wondi Mohd Hafizz
Published: December 2022

The subcritical water hydrolysis (SWH) process has proven to be an effective method for sugar recovery from bakery waste. However, the natural principle of the process involving high pressure and temperature has made it a hazardous operation. Hence, failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) has been applied to identify the potential failure modes in subcritical water hydrolysis (SWH) systems. The Risk Priority Number (RPN) approach was used to rate each potential problem during the SWH process. The reactor unit was found to have the highest potential for failure by RPN value of 800 with the 'failure effect analysis' on the potential reactor cap to explode due to the very high pressure inside the reactor that developed during SWH. The failure consequences may lead to injury or even death. As a result of the FMEA assessment approach and several corrective action plans, the failure risks of SWH can be reduced and managed effectively.
Orthodontic Induced Inflammatory Root Resorption: The Process Involved and its Management - A Review of Literature
Authors: Steven Tan Jun Hong , Yazid Farinawati , Abu Kasim Nurfathiha , Zainal Ariffin Shahrul Hisham , Megat Abdul Wahab Rohaya
Published: December 2022

Orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption (OIIRR) is inevitable as the force applied during orthodontic treatment to initiate tooth movement induces inflammation, causing iatrogenic root resorption. Even with the use of new technologies in orthodontic appliances, the traumatic effects on the periodontium are still present. Therefore, a proper understanding of the biological aspect of OIIRR such as its pathophysiology and the repair process is crucial to aid in its prevention or minimizing the damage to the apical region. Reported studies related to root resorption in orthodontics and its management until 2022 were searched electronically via PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using keywords such as ‘root resorption’, ‘orthodontic treatment’, ‘root resorption repair’, and ‘management’. Other sources were taken from the references of the selected papers. The management of OIIRR has not changed much from the past, which is to temporarily stop the active orthodontic treatment for two to three months and a passive archwire can be used instead. However, interventions such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), and mechanical vibrational force were introduced to reduce the risk or enhance the healing process of OIIRR. Nevertheless, further studies are warranted to develop a proper usage protocol and the long-term effects of these methods.
Isolation of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Cocoa Bean Fermentation as Potential Antibacterial Agent against ESKAPE Pathogens
Authors: Mohamad Zin Noraziah , Abd Rashid Auni Nadzirah , Zulkhairi Nur Asyikin , Ridzman Nur Aqilah , Sulaiman Khairul Bariah , Abu Bakar Nur Faizah , Sukri Asif
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of microorganisms isolated before and during cocoa fermentation against ESKAPE pathogens. Microorganisms from cocoa fermentation process were isolated on the selective media and were tested against ESKAPE pathogens. Total titratable acidity, minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of cell-free supernatant from lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were determined. The presence of bacteriocin and antibacterial activity were determined. LAB was identified through molecular and biochemical tests. Ninety-five and 134 isolates were obtained from the fermentation of Sungai Balung 25 (BR25) clone and mixed clones, respectively. Screening of antibacterial activity showed that 26 isolates of LAB from the cocoa fermentation process had antibacterial activity against ESKAPE pathogens (zone of inhibition ≥11 mm). Cell-free supernatant from some LAB demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against some ESKAPE pathogens through MIC and MBC and evaluation. Furthermore, one isolate (mix48M01) exhibited antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus raffinousus. An increase in the diameter of inhibition zone was observed as the lactic acid production increased. Gram-positive bacteria isolates were more resistant to LAB than Gram-negative bacteria. Bacteriocin with good antibacterial activity was also detected from the LAB examined. Molecular analysis showed that 13 LAB shared >99% sequence similarity to Lactobacillus fermentum CECT 562 while one isolate shared sequence similarity <98%, indicating that it might be a novel Lactobacillus species. Isolated LAB from this study exhibited high antibacterial activity against ESKAPE pathogens and could be investigated further as potential probiotics and antibacterial agents in the future.
Niger Delta Environmental Degradation: Reciprocal Process between Micro-Regional Environmental Governance and Macro-Regional Security Governance
Authors: Altiparmak Suleyman Orhun
Published: December 2022

Niger Delta environmental degradation is known for oil spills and their environmental outcomes. However, the issue is not isolated from the region’s other dynamics as part of governance. The complex context of the Niger Delta should be analysed in two spheres. At the micro-regional level, there are environmental degradation and oil crimes in the Niger Delta. At the macro-regional level, there are transnational crimes and relatively stable relations among the states in West Africa. The picture requires governance investigation, which would classify actors, institutions, regulations, and interactions. This paper argues that poor environmental governance in the Niger Delta is highly connected with transnational crimes in West Africa. The main reason is that there is a centralised state function but not a centralised power in two different regional levels (i.e., Niger Delta and West Africa). This work aims to clear out the contexts of two separate levels via a conceptual framework based on the connection between environmental governance and transnational crimes.
Baltık Ülkelerinin Batı Yöneliminin Tehdit Dengesi Kuramı Bağlamında Analizi
Authors: Kaya Sezgin
Published: December 2022

Baltık ülkeleri bağımsızlıklarını yeniden kazandıkları 1991 yılından itibaren Batı ittifak sisteminin bir parçası olmak için yoğun bir çaba içerisine girmişlerdir. Makale, bu yönelimin temel nedeninin salt kimlik ya da kültür gibi normatif unsurlarla izah edilemeyeceği fikrine dayanmaktadır. Şüphesiz Batı söz konusu ülkeler için hep ait olmadıkları bir dünya olmuştur. Bununla birlikte küçük devletler kategorisinde değerlendirilen Baltık ülkelerin asıl önceliklerinin, bağımsızlıklarını korumak olduğunu unutmamak gerekir. Tarihsel tecrübelerinin bir sonucu olarak Baltık ülkelerinin bu hedeflerinin önünde gördükleri en büyük engel ise Rusya’dır. Yeniden ve yoğun bir şekilde hissedilen Rus tehdidi dengelemek için Batı, bölge ülkeleri açısından tek gerçekçi stratejik tercih olarak görülmüştür. Makalede bölge ülkelerinin NATO ve AB’ye üyelikle sonuçlanan bu süreçte alternatif bir başka seçeneklerinin olmadığı savunulmaktadır. Zira tarihsel tecrübeleri göstermiştir ki bu ülkelerinin bağımsızlıklarını korumak için tehdidin kaynağıyla uyum sağlamak anlamına gelecek şekilde peşine takılma ya da tarafsız kalarak tehdidin ilgi odağı olmaktan kaçınma gibi stratejik tercihlerde bulunmaları sonuç vermemiştir. Dolayısıyla makalenin amacı tehdit dengesi kuramından hareketle Baltık devletlerinin stratejik tercihlerinin mantığını anlamaya çalışmaktır. Zira bölge ülkeleri Batı’ya yönelerek Rus gücünü değil ama bu ülkeden algıladıkları tehdidi dengelemek istemişlerdir.
Ekonomide Dış Denge Haberlerinin Üretiminde İktidarın Sunumuna Yönelik Ekonomi Politik Bir Analiz
Authors: ŞİMŞEK Işıl
Published: December 2022

Makalede Propaganda Modeli’nin “medya diğer işlevlerinin yanında kendini finanse eden ve denetleyen güçlü toplumsal grupların çıkarına hizmet etmekte ve onlar lehine propaganda yapmaktadır” temel önermesi literatürde henüz ele alınmayan ve ekonomide olumsuz göstergelerden kabul edilen cari açık ve dış ticaret açığı haberleri üzerinden sınanmaktadır. Bu kapsamda Propaganda Modeli’nin filtreleri kullanılarak ekonomide dış denge haberlerinde iktidarın üretilme biçiminin ortaya konulması amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma 50.000’in üzerinde günlük satışı olan Sabah, Cumhuriyet ve Hürriyet gazetelerinin 2003-2012 yılları arasında yayınlanan sayıları üzerinde gerçekleştirilmiştir. Modele uygun olarak gazeteler ilk dört filtre yapısına göre ele alınmış, hâkim ideoloji neoliberalizm olarak kabul edilmiştir. Üçüncü filtre olan kaynak yapısı literatürdeki tartışmalar ve haberlerin yapısal özellikleri de düşünülerek söylem yapısı, dış ve iç retorik boyutlarında genişletilmiştir. Tam sayım yöntemiyle araştırma evrenine alınan üç yaygın gazetenin ulaşılan sayılarında toplam çalışma evreni büyüklüğü 400 haber olarak tespit edilmiş, veri kaynakları İçerik analizi kullanılarak incelenmiştir. İktidara ve ekonomi politikalarına yönelik üretilen 36 haberdeki söylem yapıları ise Thompson’un İdeolojik İşleyiş Modeli kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Araştırmada gelir ve mülkiyet yapıları bakımından benzer özellik gösteren Sabah ve Hürriyet gazetelerinin iktidarın ekonomi politikalarına ve iktidara yönelik ağırlıklı olarak pozitif söylem ürettikleri, bu durumun iç ve dış retorik özellikleriyle de tutarlı olduğu saptanmıştır. Buna karşın, reklama bağımlılık oranı düşük olan ve mülkiyet yoğunlaşması olmayan Cumhuriyet gazetesinin ise ağırlıklı olarak negatif ve eleştirel haber üretimi yaptığı tespit edilmiştir.
Along-Strike Variation of Seismicity Near the Extinct Mid-Ocean Ridge Subducted Beneath the Manila Trench
Authors: Zhu Gaohua , Yang Hongfeng , Yang Ting , Zhang Guangxu
Published: December 2022

The change in seismic activity is explored using data recorded by ocean-bottom seismometers (OBSs) and permanent seismic stations near the extinct Mid-Ocean ridge of the South China Sea (SCS) and the Manila trench. We apply the machine learning–based algorithm EQTransformer to the OBS dataset for seismic event detection and phase picking and then evaluate the precision and compare the time residuals between automatic and manual picks. We derive a catalog of earthquakes in the region and find bending-fault earthquakes in the outer rise at the northern of the Huangyan (Scarborough) Seamount chain, where no historical seismicity was reported in the routine catalog. Abundant outer-rise earthquakes occurred on both sides of the Huangyan (Scarborough) Seamounts chain, but the focal depths vary along the trench. The Wadati–Benioff zone of the eastward subducted SCS oceanic lithosphere can be clearly identified. The focal depths are down to ∼100 km near Luzon island at ∼16° N but deepen southward to a depth of ∼180 km at ∼14° N. Dips of the slab also steepen from north to south, indicating along-strike changes in the geometry of the Manila megathrust.
Assembly & Public Sphere
Authors: Wittig Steffen
Published: December 2022

This article aims to grasp the social mode of Arendt's pedagogically relevant metaphor of an 'assembly around a table' as a specific way of thematizing the ambiguity of the public sphere from two different perspectives. From one perspective, I want to examine how 'assembly' can be grasped as a mode of being together. To do this, I will sketch 'assembly' with Juliane Rebentisch as a 'plurality event'. Here I encounter the problem that alteritarian, mutually elusive, and unfathomable approaches to self and world have to be permanently translated into each other. This in turn gives rise to the question of how to maintain plurality. From a second perspective, I will try to grasp this 'maintenance of plurality' performatively with Butler. Bodies assemble and claim their presence in a public space of appearance. But it is precisely through the indexicality resting in these bodily acts that a reference is made from a particular position to a universal – to making precarity, homosexuality, transgender, racism, etc. disappear.
Populism, Public Education, and a Short Look at the War
Authors: Oelkers Jürgen
Published: December 2022

For the use as an analytical concept, 'populism' means strategic simplification in discourse and decision-making. In this article, populism is treated as a threat to democracy. Autocratic political systems are using populist rhetoric and/or propaganda for their aim of repression as is shown with a look at the Ukrainian war. Finally, the article is concerned with the future need for qualitative education in democratic societies. This cannot be done with populist concepts in education itself.
Rethinking Education and Democratization of the Public Sphere in India
Authors: Babu Suresh
Published: December 2022

Democratization has brought about a tremendous impact on the rigid social structure in post-colonial India. Modern education has been a key factor in transforming society, especially the deep-seated traditions of social inequality and harsh realities of discriminatory practices. Given the deepening and widening of inequality in the post-reform era, this paper seeks to explore the significance of rethinking the critical realm of education in transforming India's public sphere as a vital tool for the democratization of society and a proposal for an inclusive knowledge system.
Global Public Sphere or Fragmentary, Ever-Diminishing Publics?
Authors: Peters Michael A.
Published: December 2022

This article peruses the discourse concerning the European public sphere initiated by Habermas in the early 1960s and assessments of the arguments by a variety of commentators who have drawn attention to the globalisation of the public and its multiplicity. In this context I suggest that the notion of the public must be understood in relation to the concept of 'viral modernity' including viral and open media on the one hand, and technologies of post-truth on the other which systematically distort the messaging of the 'public' marring its future possibilities.
Redefining School Education and the Public Sphere in the Age of Globalization
Authors: Ueno Masamichi
Published: December 2022

Globalization and the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the 21st century have contributed to transforming education and the public sphere defined by the nation state into a transnational dimension of the public sphere that transcends national boundaries. The public sphere of education does not refer to a fixed and pre-determined sphere, but rather to what is generated through the interactive and dialogical relationships among students, teachers, parents, and citizens. It is important to revitalize schools as democratic communities based on the idea of democracy as a way of life as opposed to school policies dominated by the neoliberalism of competition and choice and education standardization. In this essay, I offer seven perspectives on reclaiming teaching and learning and reimagining school education and the public sphere in local, national, and global dimensions.
Exploring the copper mediated regulation of casein kinase 2 in D. melanogaster
Authors:   , Nicolson Sarah Stewart , Strochlic Todd
Published: December 2022

Casein kinase 2 (CK2) is a an evolutionarily conserved, heterotetrameric serine/threonine kinase involved in a wide range of diverse cellular functions from transcription to regulation of the cell cycle to control of circadian rhythms. Not surprisingly, dysregulation of this kinase has been observed in multiple disease states, particularly cancer. Compared to most other kinases, CK2 exhibits several unusual properties including dual co-substrate specificity and a high degree of promiscuity with hundreds of substrates identified to date. However, most peculiar is the apparent constitutive activity of this enzyme: no definitive mode of regulation has thus far been identified. Toward this end, we have recently discovered that the transition metal copper binds directly to CK2 and enhances the catalytic activity of the kinase both in vitro and in mammalian cell-based assays. Here, using genetic approaches in D. melanogaster, we extend these findings and demonstrate that copper also functions as a key modulator of CK2 kinase activity in the fly. Taken together, our data suggest that copper is a critical regulator of CK2 and CK2-mediated signaling pathways both in vitro and in vivo.
lncRNA H19/Let7b/EZH2 axis regulates somatic cell senescence
Authors:   , Potnis Manali , Sell Christian
Published: December 2022

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate diverse cellular processes and are associated with many age-associated diseases. However, the function of lncRNAs in cellular senescence remains largely unexplored. H19 is a highly conserved maternally imprinted gene that is critical in controlling embryonic growth. Loss of H19 results in fetal overgrowth, while elevated H19 occurs in human cancers. In this study, we characterize the role of lncRNA H19 in senescence. We show that H19 levels decline as cells undergo senescence and depletion of H19 results in premature senescence via the H19/let7b/EZH2 axis. Specifically, we show that during exposure to overwhelming cellular stress, repression of H19 is triggered by the loss of CTCF and prolonged activation of p53 as part of the senescence pathway. Mechanistically, the loss of H19 drives senescence due to its negative regulation of let7b. Loss of H19 allows let-7 targeting of EZH2. Enzymatically, EZH2 (Enhancer of zeste homolog 2) is responsible for methylation of H3L4, a repressive histone modification, and the reduction in EZH2 establishes the senescence phenotype through the loss of H3K27me3 repressive marks at key senescence gene loci. We further show that H19 is regulated by prolonged treatment with rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, maintains lncRNA H19 levels, and prevents the decline in EZH2 to delay the onset of cellular senescence. Overall, the results reveal a novel role for lncRNA H19 in maintaining the balance between sustained cell growth and the onset of senescence.
Transcutaneous Spinal Cord Stimulation Augments Motor Excitability and Restores Spinal Inhibition and Chloride Homeostasis after Spinal Cord Injury
Authors:   , Malloy Dillon C. , Côté Marie-Pascale , España Rodrigo A
Published: December 2022

Spasticity is a complex and multidimensional disorder that impacts nearly 70% of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) and currently lacks adequate treatment options. This sensorimotor condition is burdensome as hyperexcitability of sensorimotor reflex pathways results in exacerbated reflex responses, co-contractions of antagonistic muscles, and involuntary muscle movements. Noninvasive transcutaneous spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) has become a popular tool in the human SCI research field, and recent applications have reported improvements in spasticity, suggesting the potential for this intervention to be used as an anti-spastic therapy after SCI. Yet, despite its popularity, the mechanisms of action and neuroplasticity induced by tSCS remain widely unexplored, particularly due to lacking animal model investigations with this intervention. Thus, the basis of this thesis is to use tSCS to target spasticity after SCI and elucidate the physiological improvements and neuroplasticity that can be achieved. In summary, we (1) successfully developed a clinically relevant rat model for tSCS, (2) showed that repeated treatment with tSCS in animals with an incomplete SCI decreased hyperreflexia while increasing H-reflex modulation, augmented motor output, and restored potassium-chloride co-transporter isoform 2 (KCC2) membrane expression in lumbar motoneurons, and (3) found that a stimulation protocol that alternates intensities between above and below motor threshold preferentially improved muscle co-contractions, restored spinal inhibition, and returned KCC2 membrane expression. Together, this thesis displays that an ideal paradigm of repeated tSCS can target and diminish spasticity after SCI and begins to highlight the underlying neuroplasticity contributing to the success of this intervention.
Exploring the feasibility of incorporating nutrition-related lifestyle guidance into fertility counseling and treatment for female cancer survivors
Authors:   , Klobodu Cynthia Nana Yaa Konadu , Milliron Brandy-Joe
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Young women diagnosed with cancer have a 30% increased relative risk for infertility compared to women without a cancer diagnosis. Unhealthy weight gain and suboptimal dietary intake have been linked to both infertility and poor cancer survivorship. However, dietary interventions tailored to female cancer survivors with fertility challenges seem to be absent from practice. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore nutrition-related perspectives and practices among female cancer survivors with fertility-related challenges and later integrate these findings into the development of dietary interventions for this population. Methods: Using a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 female cancer survivors of reproductive age. Participant-check focus group discussions were conducted to validate findings. All interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. Results: The average age of respondents was 31.47 ± 3.5years and the average BMI was 24.78 ± 4.1 kg/m2. All participants were college educated, 45% identified as White, 50% as Black and 10% as Hispanic or Latinx. Cancer diagnoses included breast, thyroid, ovarian, leukemia and gastrointestinal cancers. Themes identified included: (1) Inadequate fertility-related nutrition knowledge - looking for more information (2) Lack of nutrition-related resources and detailed guidance (3) Work-life balance (4) Rigid diets (5) Treatment-related fatigue (6) Motivation for a nutrition-related lifestyle guidance program - the need to take an active part in the fertility process and the need to be educated about nutrition for health in general (7) Expectations for nutrition programming - the need for detailed guidance, approachable healthcare providers/facilitators, flexibility of diet plans and the need to hear other women's experiences. Women had various preferences for nutrition programming pertaining to the format, timing and the number of nutrition guidance sessions. Conclusion: These findings indicate a sought after yet unmet need for dietary guidance for female cancer survivors as they navigate to improve their fertility and nutrition post-cancer treatment. Interventions should be tailored to women's need and should focus on improving their self-efficacy to make healthful dietary choices.
Use of Formative Research Methods to Explore and Understand Food Handling Practices, Attitudes and Behaviors Among Older Adults in the United States
Authors:   , Kavanaugh Melissa , Quinlan Jennifer J
Published: December 2022

Every year it is estimated that just three foodborne pathogens, Salmonella, Campylobacter and Listeria sicken 221,290 U.S. adults, 65 years of age and older. Moreover, when compared to other age groups, older adults are more likely to be hospitalized and subsequently die because of their illness. Unfortunately, many older adults do not follow food safety guidelines that would reduce their risk of infection. Targeted food safety education is needed in order to reduce food safety risks among older adults; however, there has been little formative research conducted that could be used to guide the development of targeted food safety education for older consumers. The goal of the research proposed here was to use a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods to inform recommendations for food safety messaging directed at older adults. First, focus groups were conducted with older adults in order to determine their current food handling and consumption practices as well as their attitudes and beliefs about food safety. The Health Belief Model (HBM) theory of behavior change supported development of the focus group questioning route as well as thematic analysis of the focus group responses. Next a survey, informed by the focus group responses and also guided by the HBM, was developed and validated. Exploratory factor analysis identified four HBM factors and three food handling factors. Finally, the validated survey was administered to a nationwide sample of 1552 older adults in order to confirm or modify the focus group results. Based upon the survey responses, recommendations were made for several food safety messages that could serve as the basis for future food safety educational interventions targeting older adults.