bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on Determinants of Contraceptive Use: A Community Based Study in Eligible Couples
Authors: Singh Bhaskar Prasad , Choudhary Amrendra Narayan , Fazal Kamran
Published: March 2022

Background: family planning methods are influenced by a variety of interrelated factors such as age at marriage, education, economic status, religion, number of living children, knowledge about contraceptives, availability, accessibilityand quality of services In spite of many programmes, couples are not aware of contraceptive methods even though they are wish to follow small family norm and still there is a gap between knowledge, attitude and practice. In a developing country like India, despite widely available contraception methods, still there is poor acceptance due to ignorance or fearof complications using them.

Methodology:  The present cross sectional study was conducted at PHC, field practice area of Department of community medicine, Jawahar Lal Nehru medical college and Hospital Bhagalpur. Study duration of two years. According to DLHS-3 prevalence of contraceptive acceptance in Bihar state was 63.2%. Sample size is calculated by taking prevalence rate of contraceptive use (63.2%) at 5% significance level and 10% allowable error. There are 28 anganawadi centers in ourstudy area. A list of eligible couples was obtained from each anganawadi and 10 eligible couples was selected randomly by Stratified Random Sampling.

Results; The total prevalence of contraceptive use in the study area was 58.6%. It was found that practice of family planning methods was high among Hindu (87.2%) compared to Muslims (12.8%). It has been found that 40% of study population was from nuclear family. Forty six percent of the acceptors of contraceptives were held from nuclear family ascompared to 32% from joint family.

Conclusion: The Female literacy rate is exceptionally higher than national average. Early marriage is a prominent featurein the study area. Different factors namely age at marriage, type of family, number of living children, literacy   status   of   female   partner,   and   socioeconomic   status significantly affect contraceptive behaviour of the studypopulation.

Keywords:  Eligible couple, contraception, sterilization.
Nepalese In Denmark
Authors: Timsina Nitya Nanda
Published: March 2022

This paper attempts to reflect on how international education has come to be imagined as a quest for ‘greener pastures’ by many young Nepalese who are on the move in what is increasingly described as a ‘globalized world’. Networking and engaging deeply in social, cultural and sporting rituals with the Nepalese students in Copenhagen, first as an Erasmus Mundus fellow from 2006 to 2008 and then as a doctoral student from 2011 to 2015 accompanied by a fieldwork in Nepal, this paper examines how international education has come to serve this diasporic desire for many young Nepalese.
Traditional Theories for Cross-Cultural Adaptation
Authors: Hernández López Elizabeth Margarita
Published: March 2022

Employing traditional approaches for cross-cultural adjustment, this paper presents findings from a qualitative case study about the early adaptation of Mexican international students pursuing a postgraduate degree at a British university during the 2016-2017 academic calendars. Data was collected from 15 participants using focus groups and interviews during their third and fourth week of stay. In consonance with empirical evidence (Brown 2008; Schartner 2014), findings revealed that the participants’ feelings within the initial stage of their arrival were not associated with those of “the honeymoon”, but were associated with those of “the crisis” stage (Oberg 1960). Nonetheless, evidence suggests the students, particularly those without previous experience abroad, did go through a “honeymoon” period, which took place prior to the sojourners departure. The implications of these findings for a holistic understanding of the international experience are discussed.
Political Ideology And Academic Autonomy In Ethiopia
Authors: Aboye Ashenafi
Published: March 2022

This study explores whether State political ideology in Ethiopia influenced the academic autonomy of that country’s universities. It asks what the historical trends in the development of higher education show about political ideology and its relationship with university autonomy in the Ethiopian context.  After reviewing different university autonomy models (Berdahl, 1990; Choi, 2018; Ordorika, 2003; Reilly, Turcan & Bugaian, 2016), the study delineates the primary stakeholders of academic autonomy, namely, academic staff, students, and the government. It discusses academic autonomy in a comparative light across three regimes in Ethiopia, namely, the Imperial (1916-1974), the Socialist (1974-1991), and the Revolutionary Democratic regimes (1991-2018). Data from various sources show that in all these three regimes, the State negatively influenced academic autonomy, including by imposing a particular political ideology that was favored by the government in power at the time. However, the form and level of State influence have varied across these regimes.
Understanding the Attraction of the Microcampus
Authors: Ghosh Sowmya , Lee Jenny , Haupt John
Published: March 2022

As collaborative transnational education models are increasing in number globally, this study provides a snapshot of motivations for newly enrolled students at microcampuses in China, Cambodia, Jordan, and Indonesia. This research centers on the influence of country choice for students. We apply Nye’s (1990, 2004) concept of soft power on student motivations and conduct quantitative analysis to trace enrollment influences. Mainly, in this case we find that U.S. soft power potentially influences students abroad to enroll in dual-degree programs. Other motivations related to cost and U.S. culture are apparent influences. Furthermore, findings provide greater insights into emerging trends in international student mobility. Our study also identifies strategies to sustain transnational education ventures in the face of challenges. Implications of this research are especially of use to university stakeholders, faculty leaders and policymakers who are working to advance U.S education on an international platform.
COVID-19 and Prospect of Online Learning in Higher Education in Africa
Authors: Bekele Teklu Abate
Published: March 2022

Although its impacts on higher education functions are yet to be studied across regional, national, and institutional contexts, it is generally observed that COVID-19 disrupts teaching and learning, research and travels, and university community service worldwide. To improve our understanding of the strategies higher education institutions (HEI) can use for staying relevant and competitive in times of crisis and beyond, this essay reflects on current developments in HEI in Africa as linked to COVID-19. It subsequently highlights how African HEI respond to the pandemic, the prospect of online instruction, and the conditions that support the successful integration of technologies in teaching and learning. There is ample evidence that supports that African universities are more likely to significantly embrace digital technologies in the future than ever before. To inform successful technology integration, a generic conceptual model that explains success indicators and success factors in technology-supported learning environments in higher education is presented.
Turtle Island (North America) Indigenous Higher Education Institutions and Environmental Sustainability Education
Authors: Leonard Kelsey
Published: March 2022

This article explores the environmental and sustainability programs of Indigenous Higher Education Institutions (IHEIs) in North America. There are 38 Tribal Colleges and Universities in the United States and 26 Indigenous post-secondary institutions in Canada. Deploying a critical discourse analysis, the study examines IHEI websites to document Indigenous environmental sustainability education (ESE) program offerings. The comparative analysis of IHEI programming in each national context finds that 41 out of 62 IHEIs in Canada and the United States have Indigenous ESE programs. Findings also indicate that ESE programs are more prevalent among IHEIs in the United States than in Canada. Moreover, IHEIs in the United States also offered greater diversity of program types, from certificates to graduate studies. The findings highlight the importance of IHEI environmental and sustainability education program design for centering Indigenous Knowledge in higher education through Indigenous-controlled institutions.
Special Issue Introduction
Authors: Mbah Marcellus , Johnson Ane
Published: March 2022

This article serves as the introduction to the Special Issue on “Exploring the Role of Indigenous Knowledge in Postsecondary Policies and Practices Toward Sustainable Development.” We begin by outlining sustainable development and the role of higher education in addressing sustainable development goals. We critique the epistemological assumptions that underlie sustainable development and that have led to its capture by Western development and science. We consider the importance of incorporating an Indigenous knowledge and practices into higher education in order to solve pressing social and environmental challenges. Finally, we discuss the reasoning for this issue and set forth a series of arguments for choosing an open access journal as an appropriate modality for this inquiry.
SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS OF TYPOGRAPHY IN APPLE VIRTUAL ADVERTISEMENT
Authors: Sjaerodji Yuda Suryasa , Indrawati Desi
Published: March 2022

Nowadays, the format of digital technology allows advertisers to include virtual advertisements such as brand names and logos into YouTube channels. Additionally, those parts have become a marketing strategy technique through advertising. This research aims to analyze the semiotic typography components of Apple's virtual advertisement on YouTube and to find out the meanings constructed on Apple's virtual advertisement. This research was conducted qualitatively to analyze the semiotic typography components and the meanings constructed in Apple's virtual advertisement on YouTube Apple Channel, Introducing iPad Air — Apple in 2020. In doing so, this research deals with the semiotic analysis of typography suggested by Van Leeuwen (2006). The results of this research show that there were two elements inside, they were verbal and nonverbal signs. According to the elements, those signs may appear in the form of verbal and nonverbal, such as music, sound effect, typeface, anatomy of letters, font size, shape, color, motion (kinetic typography), model, and situation. In addition, those components were proven to have certain meanings that qualify the insight of Apple virtual advertisement depending on the nature of their elements.
COMPARAÇÃO DA MOTIVAÇÃO PELO ESPORTE EM ADOLESCENTES DA CIDADE DE PETROLINA-PE EM RAZÃO DO SEXO, IDADE E TEMPO DE PRÁTICA
Authors: Morais Freire Gabriel Lucas , Araújo Veras Kauany Maria , Ferreira dos Santos Gustavo , da Silva Santos Jaine , Fiorese Lenamar , Andrade do Nascimento Junior José Roberto
Published: March 2022

Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar a motivação pela prática esportiva entre escolares da cidade de Petrolina-PE em razão do sexo, idade e tempo de prática. Participaram da pesquisa 173 escolares da cidade de Petrolina-PE, sendo 128 meninos e 45 meninas. Os instrumentos utilizados foram um questionário sociodemográfico e a Escala de Motivação para o Esporte II. A análise dos dados foi conduzida por meio dos testes de Kolmogorov-Smirnov e “U” de Mann-Whitney (p < 0,05). Os resultados evidenciaram que os adolescentes apresentaram escores superiores nas regulações identificadas (Md = 4,33), integrada (Md = 4,00) e intrínseca (Md = 4,00). Verificou-se que os meninos apresentaram maior desmotivação (Md = 4,00) e regulação externa (Md = 4,16) quando comparados às meninas (Md = 2,33), enquanto os escolares com maior tempo de prática esportiva apresentaram maior desmotivação (Md = 4,66) e regulação externa (Md = 4,00) quando comparados aos escolares com menor tempo de prática (Md = 3,00 e Md = 3,66, respectivamente). Concluiu-se que o sexo e o tempo de prática são fatores intervenientes na motivação para a prática esportiva em adolescentes escolares. Ressalta-se que os meninos e os adolescentes com maior tempo de prática apresentaram maior desmotivação e regulação externa.
The embroidered book, bit by bit: Unravelling the bookishness of the Penguin Threads editions
Authors: Shahin Fatma
Published: March 2022

This paper examines how the 2011 Penguin Threads editions, a series of books whose covers were hand-embroidered, intertwine the materiality of the book with digital technologies, thereby evincing Jessica Pressman's concept of "bookishness." By analyzing the historical foundations of the early English embroidered book, particularly its emphasis on the bespoke nature of embroidery, along with an analysis of early-2000s understandings of the digital, the paper argues that even as the Penguin Threads editions privilege the materiality of their handcrafted nature, they are also inevitably, and inextricably, digital products. This is, as the paper demonstrates, borne out by their conception, production, and reception.
Seni dan Sains: Mengenal Sistem Jaringan dan Organ Tubuh Manusia Melalui Batik Histologi
Authors: Wati Fatma
Published: March 2022

Batik modern dan kontemporer lebih bebas dalam menata atau mengkomposisikan motif atau ornament, berinovasi secara lebih bebas menjadi pilihan dalam berkreasi. Kebebasan berekspresi tidak hanya terletak pada motif atau ornament saja, konsep yang diangkat juga menjadi sebuah kebebasan berekpresi. Batik Histologi merupakan batik dengan ide dasar dari jaringan organ tubuh manusia. Histologi adalah studi tentang jaringan tubuh manusia. Penelitian ini akan mengkaji batik Histologi dari segi estetika visual Monroe Curtis Beardsley dimana dia membagi tiga bagian dalam melihat sebuah keindahan pada karya seni. Ketiga bagian tersebut adalah unity,  complexity  dan  intensity. Metodologi penelitian yang digunakan kualitatif deskriptif. Penelitian ini akan menjabarkan bagaimana transformasi jaringan organ tubuh manusia distilasi menjadi motif batik.
Syndromes predisposing to leukemia are a major cause of inherited cytopenias in children
Authors: Gilad Oded , Dgany Orly , Noy-Lotan Sharon , Krasnov Tanya , Yacobovich Joanne , Rabinowicz Ron , Goldberg Tracie , Kuperman Amir A. , Abu-Quider Abed , Miskin Hagit , Kapelushnik Noa , Mandel-Shorer Noa , Shimony Shai , Harlev Dan , Ben-Ami Tal , Adam Etai , Levin Carina , Aviner Shraga , Elhasid Ronit , Berger-Achituv Sivan , Chaitman-Yerushalmi Lilach , Kodman Yona , Oniashvilli Nino , Hameiri-Grosman Michal , Izraeli Shai , Tamary Hannah , Steinberg-Shemer Orna
Published: March 2022

Prolonged cytopenias are a non-specific sign with a wide differential diagnosis. Among inherited disorders, cytopenias predisposing to leukemia require a timely and accurate diagnosis to ensure appropriate medical management, including adequate monitoring and stem cell transplantation prior to the development of leukemia. We aimed to define the types and prevalences of the genetic causes leading to persistent cytopenias in children. The study comprises children with persistent cytopenias, myelodysplastic syndrome, aplastic anemia, or suspected inherited bone marrow failure syndromes, who were referred for genetic evaluation from all pediatric hematology centers in Israel during 2016-2019. For variant detection, we used Sanger sequencing of commonly mutated genes and a custom-made targeted next-generation sequencing panel covering 226 genes known to be mutated in inherited cytopenias; the minority subsequently underwent whole exome sequencing. In total, 189 children with persistent cytopenias underwent a genetic evaluation. Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants were identified in 59 patients (31.2%), including 47 with leukemia predisposing syndromes. Most of the latter (32, 68.1%) had inherited bone marrow failure syndromes, nine (19.1%) had inherited thrombocytopenia predisposing to leukemia, and three each (6.4%) had predisposition to myelodysplastic syndrome or congenital neutropenia. Twelve patients had cytopenias with no known leukemia predisposition, including nine children with inherited thrombocytopenia and three with congenital neutropenia. In summary, almost one third of 189 children referred with persistent cytopenias had an underlying inherited disorder; 79.7% of whom had a germline predisposition to leukemia. Precise diagnosis of children with cytopenias should direct follow-up and management programs and may positively impact disease outcome.
Community Perception of Banda Aceh City of Zakat as a Reduction of Income Tax Payments
Authors: Fitria  , Yani Prihatina Eka Furda
Published: March 2022

Zakat and taxes as an important subsystem in supporting the economy. In the view of Islam, zakat is part of an important and mandatory element because it is contained in the fourth pillar of Islam. Tax is an obligation imposed on taxpayers, which must be deposited to the State in accordance with applicable provisions and regulations. Taxes as one of the state revenues have not been able to alleviate poverty and provide prosperity for its people, while zakat is an Islamic teaching with a spiritual dimension that emphasizes the importance of economic welfare (social dimension). The existence of a law regarding the payment of zakat which can be deducted from the tax burden has not been properly socialized. The purpose of this study was to determine the perception of the people of Banda Aceh City towards zakat as a deduction from income tax payments. Research with descriptive qualitative research methods tends to use analysis with a Normative Approach and a Sociological Approach. The researcher uses a normative approach because the content of the research is related to the texts of the Qur'an, and a sociological approach because the researcher interacts with the environment according to social units, individuals, groups and institutions. The research was conducted in Banda Aceh City with the determination of informants carried out purposively. The results of the research on the Banda Aceh City Community's Perception of Zakat as a Reduction in Income Tax Payments that there is a perception of the Banda Aceh City community that there are those who understand and know about forgiveness of Law Number 38 of 1999 concerning zakat management, namely zakat payments can reduce tax payments. Article 180 paragraph (1) of Law Number 11 of 2006 concerning the Government of Aceh states that zakat is used as a source of Regional Original Income (Aceh) and districts/cities whose management is carried out by Baitul Mal Aceh in order to improve the welfare of the people of Banda Aceh City.
Perancangan Sistem Informasi Reservasi Hotel Berbasis Android dengan Menerapkan Geographic Information System
Authors: Fitriani Leni , Margaretha Sherine Valentin
Published: March 2022

Sistem dalam reservasi hotel berguna agar dapat memudahkan staf hotel dalam hal ini tugas dari front office untuk dapat mencatat data reservasi kamar. Reservasi hotel ini, tidak hanya memberikan informasi kepada para wisatawan maupun masyarakat saja, akan tetapi dapat membantu sebagai media promosi untuk perusahaan penginapan mereka. Gheographic Information System (GIS) ditujukan sebagai alat untuk memperoleh lokasi. Dengan menambahkan rute menuju lokasi hotel yang menerapkan konsep Geographic Information System dapat memberikan informasi lebih akurat. Dengan berbasis android, aplikasi ini dapat digunakan dengan mudah oleh pengguna. Tujuan dalam melakukan penelitian ini adalah untuk merancang bangun sebuah sistem informasi berbasis sistem informasi geografis reservasi hotel dengan menggunakan android. Metodologi yang digunakan yaitu Rational Unified Process, sebagai salah satu tahap pengembangan GIS dengan empat tahapan yang digunakan yaitu inception, elaboration, contruction, dan transition serta memanfaatkan pemodelan Unified Modelling Language, dalam pengujiannya menggunakan metode pengujian black box testing. Hasil penelitian adalah terbentuknya sistem informasi geografis reservasi hotel berbasis android.
Media Pembelajaran Pengenalan Suku Cadang Sepeda Motor Berbasis Multimedia
Authors: Rahayu Sri , Fahlevi M. Heidar
Published: March 2022

Suku cadang atau yang disebut dengan sparepart biasanya tidak selalu tersedia secara siap ada di pasaran melainkan sangat terbatas keberadaannya. Suku cadang ini merupakan alat penunjang mesin-mesin yang digunakan untuk untuk memproduksi suatu produk sehingga suku cadang mempunyai peranan yang sangat vital bagi kelangsungan proses produksi disetiap perusahaan manufaktur. Pada saat ini berkembang sangat pesat banyak informasi yang di olah dan di kemas dengan media sedemikian rupa yang kemudian dikemas dengan media contohnya seperti penggunaan media pembelajaran untuk menunjang proses belajar sehingga lebih efektif dengan menggabungkan Antara gambar, audio dan video yang disebut dengan multimedia. Maka dari itu dirancanglah aplikasi berbasis multimedia yang berisi materi-materi mengenai suku cadang kendaraan bermotor dengan metodologi yang digunakan yaitu Multimedia Development Life Cycle atau biasa disebut (MDLC) yang memiliki 6 tahapan diantaranya yaitu konsep, perancangan, pengumpulan bahan, pembuatan, pengujian dan distribusi. penelitian ini menghasilkan sebuah Aplikasi Suku Cadang Sepeda Motor Berbasis Multimedia sebagai media pembelajaran yang menampilkan materi mengenai pengertian Suku Cadang, jenis-jenis suku cadang, fungsi suku cadang, serta video yang menjelaskan cara pemasangan suku cadang kendaraan bermotor.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Intervertebral Fusion Process After Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: A Finite Element Study
Authors: Shen Yi-Wei , Yang Yi , Liu Hao , Qiu Yue , Li Ming , Ma Li-Tai , Gan Fang-Ji
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is a widely accepted surgical procedure in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy and myelopathy. A solid interbody fusion is of critical significance in achieving satisfactory outcomes after ACDF. However, the current radiographic techniques to determine the degree of fusion are inaccurate and radiative. Several animal experiments suggested that the mechanical load on the spinal instrumentation could reflect the fusion process and evaluated the stability of implant. This study aims to investigate the biomechanical changes during the fusion process and explore the feasibility of reflecting the fusion status after ACDF through the load changes borne by the interbody fusion cage.

Methods: The computed tomography (CT) scans preoperatively, immediately after surgery, at 3 months, and 6 months follow-up of patients who underwent ACDF at C5/6 were used to construct the C2–C7 finite element (FE) models representing different courses of fusion stages. A 75-N follower load with 1.0-Nm moments was applied to the top of C2 vertebra in the models to simulate flexion, extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation with the C7 vertebra fixed. The Von Mises stress at the surfaces of instrumentation and the adjacent intervertebral disc and force at the facet joints were analyzed.

Results: The facet contact force at C5/6 suggested a significantly stepwise reduction as the fusion proceeded while the intradiscal pressure and facet contact force of adjacent levels changed slightly. The stress on the surfaces of titanium plate and screws significantly decreased at 3 and 6 months follow-up. A markedly changed stress distribution in extension among three models was noted in different fusion stages. After solid fusion is achieved, the stress was more uniformly distributed interbody fusion in all loading conditions.

Conclusions: Through a follow-up study of 6 months, the stress on the surfaces of cervical instrumentation remarkably decreased in all loading conditions. After solid intervertebral fusion formed, the stress distributions on the surfaces of interbody cage and screws were more uniform. The stress distribution in extension altered significantly in different fusion status. Future studies are needed to develop the interbody fusion device with wireless sensors to achieve longitudinal real-time monitoring of the stress distribution during the course of fusion.
Extracellular Vesicles Linking Inflammation, Cancer and Thrombotic Risks
Authors: Beck Sarah , Hochreiter Bernhard , Schmid Johannes A.
Published: March 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) being defined as lipid-bilayer encircled particles are released by almost all known mammalian cell types and represent a heterogenous set of cell fragments that are found in the blood circulation and all other known body fluids. The current nomenclature distinguishes mainly three forms: microvesicles, which are formed by budding from the plasma membrane; exosomes, which are released, when endosomes with intraluminal vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane; and apoptotic bodies representing fragments of apoptotic cells. Their importance for a great variety of biological processes became increasingly evident in the last decade when it was discovered that they contribute to intercellular communication by transferring nucleotides and proteins to recipient cells. In this review, we delineate several aspects of their isolation, purification, and analysis; and discuss some pitfalls that have to be considered therein. Further on, we describe various cellular sources of EVs and explain with different examples, how they link cancer and inflammatory conditions with thrombotic processes. In particular, we elaborate on the roles of EVs in cancer-associated thrombosis and COVID-19, representing two important paradigms, where local pathological processes have systemic effects in the whole organism at least in part via EVs. Finally, we also discuss possible developments of the field in the future and how EVs might be used as biomarkers for diagnosis, and as vehicles for therapeutics.
Room Temperature Phosphorescence of Chlorine Doped Carbon Nitride Dots
Authors: Patir Khemnath , Gogoi Sonit Kumar
Published: March 2022

Metal free room temperature phosphorescent materials have been the subject of considerable attention due to their potential applications in optoelectronic devices sensing, and security and safety signage. This study discusses how efficient fluorescent and phosphorescent chlorine doped carbon nitride dots (Cl-CNDs) were prepared by thermal treatment of guanidine hydrochloride. The Cl-CNDs prepared were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope, dynamic light scattering, PXRD, EDX, Thermo gravimetric analysis, FT-IR, and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The Cl-CNDs exhibit a long phosphorescence lifetime of 657 ms and the phosphorescence quantum yield was found to be 2.32% upon being excited at 360 nm in ambient conditions. Formation of compact coreparticles via condensation along with hydrogen bonding of Cl-CNDs by its functional groups facilitate intersystem crossing and stabilizes the triplet states, favoring room temperature phosphorescence. The cost effective preparation and tunable optical properties of Cl-CNDs may find applications in security encryption and optoelectronic devices.
Influence of Pathogen Carbon Metabolism on Interactions With Host Immunity
Authors: Berguson Hannah P. , Caulfield Lauren W. , Price Michael S.
Published: March 2022

Cryptococcus neoformans is a ubiquitous opportunistic fungal pathogen typically causing disease in immunocompromised individuals and is globally responsible for about 15% of AIDS-related deaths annually. C. neoformans first causes pulmonary infection in the host and then disseminates to the brain, causing meningoencephalitis. The yeast must obtain and metabolize carbon within the host in order to survive in the central nervous system and cause disease. Communication between pathogen and host involves recognition of multiple carbon-containing compounds on the yeast surface: polysaccharide capsule, fungal cell wall, and glycosylated proteins comprising the major immune modulators. The structure and function of polysaccharide capsule has been studied for the past 70 years, emphasizing its role in virulence. While protected by the capsule, fungal cell wall has likewise been a focus of study for several decades for its role in cell integrity and host recognition. Associated with both of these major structures are glycosylated proteins, which exhibit known immunomodulatory effects. While many studies have investigated the role of carbon metabolism on virulence and survival within the host, the precise mechanism(s) affecting host-pathogen communication remain ill-defined. This review summarizes the current knowledge on mutants in carbon metabolism and their effect on the host immune response that leads to changes in pathogen recognition and virulence. Understanding these critical interactions will provide fresh perspectives on potential treatments and the natural history of cryptococcal disease.
Raaz: A Transdisciplinary Exploration at the Intersection of Bioart, HCI, and Community Engagement
Authors: Stamato Lydia , Higgins Erin , Prottoy Hasan Mahmud , Asgarali-Hoffman S. Nisa , Scheifele Lisa , Dusman Linda , deCarvalho Tagide , Ascencao Teresa , Hamidi Foad
Published: March 2022

Living organisms and their biological properties, including the capacity for transformation and representation of information, offer exciting and inspiring opportunities for transdisciplinary art and design explorations. While an emerging body of work is increasingly investigating the possibilities at the intersection of interactive computing, biology, and art, more work is needed to investigate the potential of these approaches for supporting community and public engagement and participation in art, science, and technology. In this project, we describe a multimedia transdisciplinary bioart installation and hands-on agar art activity that we presented to members of the public in a community biology lab setting. Using short interviews, observations, and questionaries, we investigated attendees' reactions and impressions of the experience and found that the event generated transdisciplinary reflections, invited participants to bring their previous knowledge and experience to bear in engaging with different aspects of the work, and that the audience benefited from contextualization by artists.
Cardio-Oncology: A Myriad of Relationships Between Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer
Authors: Wang Yinghui , Wang Yonggang , Han Xiaorong , Sun Jian , Li Cheng , Adhikari Binay Kumar , Zhang Jin , Miao Xiao , Chen Zhaoyang
Published: March 2022

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer are the leading causes of death worldwide. With an increasing number of the elderly population, and early cancer screening and treatment, the number of cancers cases are rising, while the mortality rate is decreasing. However, the number of cancer survivors is increasing yearly. With the prolonged life span of cancer patients, the adverse effects of anti-tumor therapy, especially CVD, have gained enormous attention. The incidence of cardiovascular events such as cardiac injury or cardiovascular toxicity is higher than malignant tumors' recurrence rate. Numerous clinical studies have also shifted their focus from the study of a single disease to the interdisciplinary study of oncology and cardiology. Previous studies have confirmed that anti-tumor therapy can cause CVD. Additionally, the treatment of CVD is also related to the tumors incidence. It is well established that the increased incidence of CVD in cancer patients is probably due to an unmodified unhealthy lifestyle among cancer survivors or cardiotoxicity caused by anti-cancer therapy. Nevertheless, some patients with CVD have a relatively increased cancer risk because CVD and malignant tumors are highly overlapping risk factors, including gender, age, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and obesity. With advancements in the diagnosis and treatment, many patients simultaneously suffer from CVD and cancer, and most of them have a poor prognosis. Therefore, clinicians should understand the relationship between CVD and tumors, effectively identify the primary and secondary prevention for these diseases, and follow proper treatment methods.
Identifying the Efficacy of Extracellular Vesicles in Osteogenic Differentiation: An EV-Lution in Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Brown Sarah V. , Dewitt Sharon , Clayton Aled , Waddington Rachel J.
Published: March 2022

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have long been the focus for regenerative medicine and the restoration of damaged or aging cells throughout the body. However, the efficacy of MSCs in cell-based therapy still remains unpredictable and carries with it enumerable risks. It is estimated that only 3-10% of MSCs survive transplantation, and there remains undefined and highly variable heterogeneous biological potency within these administered cell populations. The mode of action points to secreted factors produced by MSCs rather than the reliance on engraftment. Hence harnessing such secreted elements as a replacement for live-cell therapies is attractive. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are heterogenous lipid bounded structures, secreted by cells. They comprise a complex repertoire of molecules including RNA, proteins and other factors that facilitate cell-to-cell communication. Described as protected signaling centers, EVs can modify the cellular activity of recipient cells and are emerging as a credible alternative to cell-based therapies. EV therapeutics demonstrate beneficial roles for wound healing by preventing apoptosis, moderating immune responses, and stimulating angiogenesis, in addition to promoting cell proliferation and differentiation required for tissue matrix synthesis. Significantly, EVs maintain their signaling function following transplantation, circumventing the issues related to cell-based therapies. However, EV research is still in its infancy in terms of their utility as medicinal agents, with many questions still surrounding mechanistic understanding, optimal sourcing, and isolation of EVs for regenerative medicine. This review will consider the efficacy of using cell-derived EVs compared to traditional cell-based therapies for bone repair and regeneration. We discuss the factors to consider in developing productive lines of inquiry and establishment of standardized protocols so that EVs can be harnessed from optimal secretome production, to deliver reproducible and effective therapies.
Modelling S-Wave Velocity Structure Beneath the Central Main Ethiopian Rift Using Receiver Functions
Authors: Kibret Birhanu A. , Ayele Atalay , Keir Derek
Published: March 2022

We applied the receiver function (RF) technique on high-quality teleseismic earthquake data recorded by the RiftVolc broadband network from February 2016 to October 2017. We calculate RFs at 17 stations, which are inverted to estimate Vs, and Vp/Vs structure beneath the Central Main Ethiopian Rift and the Eastern plateau. The observed slow S-wave velocity (Vs) in the uppermost crust (<6 km depth) is interpreted as sedimentary and/or volcanic layers. Beneath the rift valley, crustal Vs is heterogeneous both laterally and with depth. In particular, slow Vs (∼2–3 km/s) is localised beneath volcanic centres in the upper-mid crust but ubiquitously slow in the lower crust with Vs as low as ∼3.5 km/s common. The slow lower crust is associated with high Vp/Vs ratios of ∼1.9–2.0. The Vs and Vp are consistent with the observed seismic velocities, and interpreted the presence of the small fraction (<5%) of partial melt from previous seismic imaging studies of the lower crust. In addition, the velocity contrast is small between the lower crust and upper mantle. The results suggest that partial melt in the lower crust beneath magmatically active rifts might be more widespread than previously thought and an important component of the magma plumbing system. In contrast, Vs is far more homogeneous and faster beneath the Eastern Plateau, with a distinct velocity contrast between the crust and upper mantle suggesting less crustal deformation than what is observed beneath the central rift zone.
A Metallogenic Model for Bauxite Deposits and Geophysical Prospecting Methods: Using the Sedimentary Type in Northern China as an Example
Authors: Guoqiang Xue , Nannan Zhou , Wenbo Guo , Shun Zhang
Published: March 2022

An ideal metallogenic and prospecting model has important guiding significance for aluminum ore development and geophysical exploration. Previous research in this field only focused on ore body evaluations and metallogenic belts. Selection of reasonable geophysical methods for exploration of bauxite deposits is still challenging. To solve these problems, a new metallogenic model based on the new geological information is established firstly. The ore-bearing rock and ore bodies of sedimentary bauxite deposits are strictly controlled by the paleo-topographic conditions. The undulating shapes of the paleo-topography control the scales and shapes of ore-bearing rock series and bauxite ore bodies. Then, different geophysical methods applied for exploration of bauxite deposit are analyzed based on the petrophysical measurement. For the areas with thick overburden and large buried depths, it was found that fixed-loop transient electromagnetic (TEM), high-precision gravity, and seismic exploration methods were most effective. In regard to the areas with thin overburden and small buried depths, direct current (DC) sounding, high-precision gravity, seismic exploration, and TEM methods were considered to be effective. However, for the areas with very shallow buried depths, DC sounding and seismic exploration methods were deemed to be more suitable. This study selected the actual exploration processes of the Wanggudong bauxite mining area in western Henan as an example, and the application of a DC sounding method for sedimentary-type bauxite was successfully introduced.
Do Gender Conformity Pressure and Occupational Knowledge Influence Stereotypical Occupation Preferences in Middle Childhood?
Authors: Masters Stephanie , Barth Joan
Published: March 2022

This study investigates how perceived occupational knowledge, gender stereotypes, and pressure to conform to gender norms influence children’s career interests in a sample of fourth and fifth grade children (n = 178, Mage = 9.78 years, 46.6% girls). Children were interested in and perceived that they knew more about own gender dominated occupations, compared to other gender dominated occupations. Gender moderated the effect of gender conformity pressure and gender stereotypes on interest in female-dominated but not male-dominated occupations. Boys were less interested in female-dominated occupations when they felt pressure to conform to gender norms and held more stereotypical beliefs about those occupations. These results suggest that perceived occupational knowledge is an important, yet overlooked, factor in understanding gender differences in children’s occupational interests.
Inside Teacher Assessment Decision-Making: From Judgement Gestalts to Assessment Pathways
Authors: Phung De Van , Michell Michael
Published: March 2022

Assessment decision-making is an integral part of teacher practice. Issues related to its trustworthiness have always been a major area of concern, particularly variability and consistency of teacher judgment. While there has been extensive research on factors affecting variability, little is understood about the cognitive processes that work to improve the trustworthiness of assessment. Even in an educational system like Australia, where teacher-based assessment in mainstream classrooms is widespread, it has only been relatively recently that there have been initiatives to enhance the trustworthiness of teacher assessment of English as a second or additional language (EAL). To date, how teachers make their decisions in assessing student oral language development has not been well studied. This paper reports on the nature and dynamics of teacher decision-making as part of a larger study aimed at exploring variability of teacher-based assessment when using the oral assessment tasks and protocols developed as part of the Victorian project, Tools to Enhance Assessment Literacy for Teachers of English as an Additional Language (TEAL). Employing a mixed-method research approach, this study investigated the assessment judgements of 12 experienced NSW primary and secondary EAL teachers through survey, assessment activity, think-aloud protocols and individual follow-up interviews. The paper highlights the key role of teachers’ first impressions, or judgement Gestalts, in forming holistic appraisals shaping subsequent assessment decision-making pathways. Based on the data, a model identifying three assessment decision-making pathways is proposed which provides a new lens for understanding differences in teachers’ final assessment judgements of student oral language performances and their relative trustworthiness. Implications of the model for assessment theory and practice, teacher education, and future research are discussed.
The Role of L2 Motivational Self System and Grit in EFL Learners’ Willingness to Communicate: A Study of Public School vs. Private English Language Institute Learners
Authors: Ebn-Abbasi Faramarz , Nushi Musa , Fattahi Nazila
Published: March 2022

Learning a second language (L2) is analogous to a journey replete with setbacks and discouragements. Given the pivotal role of communication in L2 learning, researchers have set out to identify factors that may influence L2 learners’ willingness to communicate (L2 WTC). To this end, the present comparative study attempts to investigate the role of the L2 motivational self-system and grit in learners’ L2 WTC in two different educational settings: public schools and private language institutes. L2 motivational self-system includes ideal L2 self (ILS) and ought-to L2self (OLS). Grit also comprises two lower-order constructs: perseverance of effort (POE) and consistency of interest (COI), which are examined separately in this study. The data collected through an online survey from 308 participants were analyzed using the Mann Whitney u-test, Spearman’s rho, and multiple regression analysis. The results revealed a stronger ILS, POE, and a higher level of WTC among language institute learners. In contrast, public school students showed stronger OLS and lower levels of WTC. Moreover, unlike its counterpart, COI did not display a significant correlation or predictive power with/over L2 WTC in either context. The findings suggest that low levels of ILS and lack of POE can lead to lower levels of L2 WTC.
An Examination of the Techno-Economic Viability of Hybrid Grid-Integrated and Stand-Alone Generation Systems for an Indian Tea Plant
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu M. , Sawle Yashwant
Published: March 2022

All tea plants in India rely on the national grid for their electrical needs and diesel for their thermal energy and transportation, which are encountering high costs, high emissions, and issues of accessibility. In this paper, hybrid renewable systems based on both standalone and grid-connected technologies have been modeled using HOMER Pro software for supplying power to a tea manufacturing plant in a typical rural area in India, namely, Gudalur village (Nilgiris), geographically located at 11°30.2′N and 76°29.5′E, which is presently run by the state grid to meet their energy requirements. The different configurations comprised of Solar PV, biomass, hydro, electrolyzer, boiler, thermal load controller to utilize excess electricity, and waste heat recovery options, and lead-acid batteries were designed to meet 650 kWh/day of electricity for processing units, 101 kWh/day of electricity for general applications, 4,450 kWh/day of thermal energy, and 86.35 kg/day of hydrogen energy. To determine the most feasible system design among various scenarios, several criteria such as NPC, COE, LCOH, and CO2 emission of the system have been investigated. In the case of off-grid hybrid systems, results show the highest NPC of $7.01 M with an LCOE of $1.06/kWh is obtained for the diesel generator/boiler/reformer/TLC system. It is reduced to $1.75 M with an LCOE of −$.420/kWh for the PV/biomass-CHP/hydro/TLC scenario. In a grid-connected system, the maximum NPC of $6.20 M with an LCOE of $0.835/kWh is obtained for a diesel generator/boiler system, and it is reduced to −$10.5 M with an LCOE of −$.240/kWh for the PV/biomass-CHP/hydro/TLC scenario. Additionally, in the off-grid systems, the PV/biomass-CHP/hydro/TLC system has LCOH of $4.27/kg, which is economical with the highest renewable fraction of 93%. The PV/biomass-CHP/hydro/TLC hybrid system has the lowest LCOH of −$64.5/kg with a maximum renewable fraction of 96% in on-grid systems. The findings show that recovering excess electricity and waste heat would increase renewable fraction, decrease the energy cost and emissions from the system, and emphasize the importance of TLC and CHP in HRES. According to the simulation results, the grid-connected system is more cost-effective than a stand-alone system due to the revenue obtained from selling renewable power to the grid.
Capturing Spatial Influence in Wind Prediction With a Graph Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Liu Zeyi , Ware Tony
Published: March 2022

Nowadays, wind power is playing a significant role in power systems; it is necessary to improve the prediction accuracy, which will help make better use of wind sources. The existing neural network methods, such as recurrent neural network (RNN), have been widely used in wind prediction; however, RNN models only consider the dynamic change of temporal conditions and ignore the spatial correlation. In this work, we combine the graph convolutional neural (GCN) with the gated recurrent unit (GRU) to do prediction on simulated and real wind speed and wind power data sets. The improvements of prediction results by GCN in all wind speed experiments show its ability to capture spatial dependence and improve prediction accuracy. Although the GCN does not perform well in short-term wind power prediction as the change of wind power data is not so smooth due to the limitation of turbine operation, the results of long-term prediction still prove the performance of GCN.