bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Applications of Peptides against Zika Virus: A Review
Authors: Karwal Preeti , Vats Ishwar Dutt , Sinha Niharika , Singhal Anchal , Sehgal Teena , Kumari Pratibha
Published: January 2019

Zika Virus (ZIKV) belongs to the class of flavivirus that can be transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The number of Zika virus caused cases of acute infections, neurological disorders and congenital microcephaly are rapidly growing and therefore, in 2016, the World Health Organization declared a global “Public Health Emergency of International Concern”. Anti-ZIKV therapeutic and vaccine development strategies are growing worldwide in recent years, however, no specific and safe treatment is available till date to save the human life. Currently, development of peptide therapeutics against ZIKV has attracted rising attention on account of their high safety concern and low development cost, in comparison to small therapeutic molecules and antibody-based anti-viral drugs. In present review, an overview of ZIKV inhibition by peptide-based inhibitors including E-protein derived peptides, antimicrobial peptides, frog skin peptides and probiotic peptides has been discussed. Peptides inhibitors have also been reported to act against NS5, NS2B-NS3 protease and proteasome in order to inhibit ZIKV infection. Recent advances in peptide-based therapeutics and vaccine have been reviewed and their future promise against ZIKV infections has been explored.
Anticancer Hybrid Combinations: Mechanisms of Action, Implications and Future Perspectives
Authors: Domínguez-Martín Eva M. , Díaz-Lanza Ana M. , Faustino Célia M. C.
Published: January 2019

The exponential growth of cancer cases worldwide together with recent advances concerning the pathophysiological
mechanisms of the disease at the molecular level led to a paradigm shift in chemotherapy, from
monotherapy to targeted drug combination regimens. However, adverse effects and the emergence of multidrug
resistance (MDR) limit the effectiveness of these therapies. In this context, hybrid combinations mixing anticancer
drugs and bioactive phytochemical components from medicinal plants, or even plant extracts, that can act
synergistically on multiple targets and signaling pathways represent a promising approach with the potential to
expand the current therapeutic arsenal.

This review aims to provide a synopsis on anticancer hybrid combinations based on their multi-target mechanisms
and synergistic effects from an extensive literature search focusing mainly on publications from the last ten
years. In most of these combinations, the phytochemical component was shown to enhance the anticancer activity
of the chemotherapeutic agent and to sensitize chemoresistant tumors in several types of cancer. Hybrid combinations,
due to synergistic interactions, are also associated with less severe adverse events since lower doses can be
used to achieve the same therapeutic effect.

Further preclinical and clinical studies are needed, as well as the development of an adequate regulatory framework,
before hybrid combination therapy can be translated into clinical practice.
Advantages of Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide for the Future Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Korkmaz Orhan Tansel , Tunçel Neşe
Published: January 2019

Parkinson’s disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in adults over the age of 65. The characteristic symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as resting tremor, muscular rigidity, bradykinesia, postural instability and gait imbalance, are thought to be a result of the progressive degeneration of the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra compacta, resulting in insufficient dopamine integrated signalling on GABAergic medium spiny neurons in the striatum. Despite tremendous research, the molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease have remained largely unknown. Although a variety of possible pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed over the years, including excessive release of oxygen free radicals, impairment of mitochondrial function, loss of trophic support, abnormal kinase activity, disruption of calcium homeostasis, dysfunction of protein degradation and neuroinflammation, the pathogenesis is still largely uncertain, and there is currently no effective cure for Parkinson’s disease. To develop potential therapies for Parkinson’s disease, inflammatory processes, mitochondrial dynamics, oxidative stress, production of reactive aldehydes, excitotoxicity and synucleinopathies are to be targeted. In this respect, vasoactive intestinal peptide has beneficial effects that provide an advantage for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Vasoactive intestinal peptide is a major neuropeptide-neurotransmitter having antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neurotropic, neuromodulator, and anti-apoptotic properties. In addition to its direct neuroprotective actions regulating the activity of astrocytes, microglia and brain mast cells, it also plays important roles for neuronal adaptation, maintenance and survival.
Ionic Liquids: A Versatile Medium for the Synthesis of Six-membered Two Nitrogen- Containing Heterocycles
Authors: Kaur Navjeet
Published: January 2019

Due to special properties of ILs (ionic liquids) like their wide liquid range, good solvating ability, negligible vapour pressure, non-inflammability, environmentfriendly medium, high thermal stability, easy recycling and rate promoters etc. they are used in organic synthesis. Therefore, ionic liquids have attracted the attention of chemists and act as a catalyst and reaction medium in organic reaction with high activity. There is no doubt that ionic liquids have become a major subject of study for modern chemistry. More publications in the field have been observed each year, although there is some evidence that this is beginning to plateau at approximately 3500 papers each year. They have been the subject of several major reviews and books, dealing with different applications and aspects of their behavior. Highly efficient methods are explored for the preparation of six-membered two nitrogen-containing heterocycles with the application of IL as a catalyst and reaction medium from 1893 to 2018.
A Facile Synthesis of Oxiranes Possessing Three or Four Carbonyl Groups
Authors: Asahara Haruyasu , Kikuchi Shuhei , Unno Yuto , Yokoyama Soichi , Yoshioka Kotaro , Tani Shinki , Umezu Kazuto , Nishiwaki Nagatoshi
Published: January 2019

Tri-carbonylated oxiranes were efficiently synthesized by condensing a vicinal
tricarbonyl compound with α-bromoketones in the presence of a base. This protocol was
applicable to α–bromo-β-keto esters to create tetra-carbonylated oxiranes, from which trifunctionalized
bromoalkene was competitively formed. The ratio of these compounds was
influenced by the solvent and reaction temperature.
Reference Values for Glittre Activities of the Daily Living Test in Healthy Subjects Among Indian Population- A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Paul Falguni , Alaparthi Gopala Krishna , Krishnan Shyam , Ramakrishna Anand , Acharya Vishak , Acharya Pretham
Published: January 2019

Background:

The Glittre ADL test was done to assess the functional capacity of patients
with COPD. 6 MWT was used to check for functional capacity, but there was a limitation of upper
limb work or activities other than walking.

Objective:

To develop reference equations for Glittre ADL test on the basis of anthropometric and
demographic variables in healthy individual among Indian population.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted with 423 healthy participants of either gender
between 20-70 years. Participants were divided into 5 groups based on age. Each participant
underwent anthropometric assessment & two glitter ADL tests. Two out of the best performance out
of two was considered and the minimum time spend was taken.

Results:

The mean time spent by males in different age groups was 20-30 years 3.18±0.56, 30-40
years 3.36±0.17, 40-50 years 3.46±0.18, 50-60 years 3.53±0.15, 60-70 years 4.02±0.27.For females
in different age groups the mean time was 20-30 years 3.31±0.14, 30-40 years 3.41±0.13, 40-50
years 3.48±0.13, 50-60 years 3.75±0.28, 60-70 years 4.30±0.19. Equation 1 : Glittre ADL-test
predicted =3.399+(0.018×age years)+(-0.004×height cm), Equation 2 : Glittre ADL-test predicted
=2.805+(-0.002× BMI)+(0.018×age year).

Conclusion:

The reference equations for the time to complete the Glittre ADL-test were based on
age, BMI, height as independent variables and can be useful for predicting the performance of adult
individuals.
Combat Military Personnel and Selective Risk Factors for the Development of Dementias - A Review
Authors: Klimova Blanka , Maresova Petra , Kuca Kamil
Published: January 2019

:

Due to the growth of life expectancies and the increasing number of elderly population all
over the world, there is a risk of growth of aging diseases such as dementia. Recent research studies
also indicate that there will be a growing number of military veterans who will be affected by dementia,
already at the age of 55+ years. In the case of combat military personnel, the most common
dementias are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. These two dementias are very similar
because their main symptoms are the same. The purpose of this review is to explore two main risk
factors influencing the development of the dementias. These include posttraumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Furthermore, the authors of this study focus on the exploration
of the treatment of PTSD and TBI in order to delay the development of dementias among
combat military personnel.

:

For the purpose of this study, a method of literature review of available sources exploring these two
main risk factors of dementia among combat military personnel was used. Based on the evaluation
of these literature sources, possibilities of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches to
the treatment and care of these people were described.
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) Extract Affects Plasma Lipid Metabolism and Hepatic Macrophage Infiltration in Diabetic Rats
Authors: Mukai Yuuka , Kataoka Saori , Sato Shin
Published: January 2019

Background:

Chronic hyperglycemia is known to be a high-risk factor for progressive chronic liver diseases, such as abnormal lipid metabolism. The activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has a beneficial effect on dyslipidemia. Polyphenols derived from various plants are involved in AMPK activation.

Objective:

We investigated the effects of polyphenol-containing sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) extract (SE) on plasma lipid metabolism and macrophage infiltration, and measured the expression and phosphorylation of AMPK and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) in diabetic rat livers.

Methods:

Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats received 0, 50, or 250 mg/kg of SE orally for 4 weeks. Blood chemistry, total and phosphorylated protein levels of AMPK and ACC, sterol regulatory element- binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) mRNA and protein levels, and macrophage infiltration in the livers were examined.

Results:

Plasma glucose and triacylglycerol levels, which were increased in the untreated diabetic rats, were significantly lower in the 250 mg/kg SE-treated diabetic rats. AMPK and ACC phosphorylation levels were significantly increased in the 250 mg/kg SE-treated diabetic rats compared with those in the untreated rats. There was no difference in the hepatic expression of SREBP-1c between the diabetic rat groups. Macrophage infiltration in the liver was suppressed by 250 mg/kg of SEtreatment.

Conclusion:

These data suggest that SE treatment may affect plasma lipid metabolism and chronic inflammation by upregulating phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC in diabetic rat livers.
Triple Antithrombotic Therapy vs. Double Antithrombotic Therapy: One Scenario, 8 Questions, Many Conclusions
Authors: Aloia Elio , Orselli Paolo , Sciaccaluga Carlotta
Published: January 2019

In patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with the
placement of stents, a triple antithrombotic therapy is empirically established, which consists of a
combination of dual antithrombotic therapy (aspirin plus a P2Y12 inhibitor) and an oral anticoagulant
agent. This choice is guided by the desirable result of reducing cerebrovascular and coronary
ischemic events. However, there is an unwelcome outcome: an increased incidence of bleeding. On
this matter, in 2018, a North American Perspective Update was published, about a year later it was
followed by the publication of the European focus update on the dual antiplatelet therapy. After
analysing the main differences between these two consensus documents, this review aims at examining
the major studies on which they are based on, as a starting point to define the foundation of
new trials that can help shed light on this prominent topic.
Copeptin in Preeclampsia Development
Authors: Govender Nalini , Moodley Jagidesa , Naicker Thajasvarie
Published: January 2019

Background:

Preeclampsia complicates 2-8% of all pregnancies worldwide and is one of
the leading causes of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. It occurs after the 20th week of
gestation and is characterized by high blood pressure, proteinuria or end-organ disease. The heterogeneous
and multi-systemic nature of this disease has led to the elusive pathophysiology which
delays timely diagnoses and the clinical treatment of those affected.

Objective:

Despite the extensive investigations surrounding the inclusion of various potential markers
for PE prediction, early diagnosis remains unresolved. Quantification of copeptin, a stable component
of the arginine vasopressin (AVP) precursor is shown to be relatively reliable in confirming
the circulating levels of AVP.

Conclusion:

Elevated copeptin levels confirmed in pregnant women have also provided clinical
support for its role in PE development. However, its clinical use in predicting disease severity in
early-onset pre-eclampsia has been debatable. This review thus recapitulates the current literature
surrounding copeptin and its potential as a risk indicator for PE development.
A Novel Approach on Review of Herbal Menstrual Cramps Relievers
Authors: Pal Rashmi Saxena , Pal Yogendra , Wal Pranay , Saraswat Nikita , Wal Ankita
Published: January 2019

Background:

Menstrual cramps is the occurrence of labor-like pain in the lower abdomen,
accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and dizziness. A natural
approach towards the treatment of painful menstruation is the need of the hour to be imparted in
mind/body practices to be considered for long-term relief from the pain of menstrual cramp forever.

Objective:

The current research is aimed at the review of the various aspects of plant alternates
serving in different ways to relieve the cramps occurring in menstruation.

Materials and Methods:

The herbal alternates as relievers were categorized on the basis of the respective
role being played by them as nutritional supplements, analgesics, anti-inflammatory and as
aromatherapy agents.

Results:

There are various plant sources which are mild as well as effective relievers of menstrual
cramps. This review highlights the various plants which have been proven to be useful in dealing
with the various issues of painful menstruation. They deal with all the complications and issues,
arising during this time.

Conclusion:

These herbs are a potent source of active medicaments that strengthens the body to
overcome the cramps and pain occurring in menstruation. The demand of the present hour is to rely
on the beneficial effects of various herbs, which relieve these complications in the most soothing
and efficacious manner.
Evaluation of Ovaries in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome using Shear Wave Elastography
Authors: Altunkeser Aysegul , Inal Zeynep Ozturk , Baran Nahide
Published: January 2019

Background:

Shear wave electrography (SWE) is a novel non-invasive imaging technique
which demonstrate tissue elasticity. Recent research evaluating the elasticity properties of
normal and pathological tissues emphasize the diagnostic importance of this technique.

Aims:

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by menstrual irregularity, hyperandrogenism,
and polycystic overgrowth, may cause infertility. The aim of this study was to
evaluate the elasticity of ovaries in patients with PCOS using SWE.

Methods:

66 patients diagnosed with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria (PCOS = group I)
and 72 patients with non-PCOS (Control = group II), were included in the study. Demographic and
clinical characteristics of the participants were recorded. Ovarian elasticity was assessed in all patients
with SWE, and speed values were obtained from the ovaries. The elasticity of the ovaries
was compared between the two groups.

Results:

While there were statistically significant differences between the groups in body mass index
(BMI), right and left ovarian volumes, luteinizing hormone and testosterone levels (p<0.05),
no significant differences were found between groups I and II in the velocity (for the right ovary
3.89±1.81 vs. 2.93±0.72, p=0.301; for the left ovary 2.88±0.65 vs. 2.95±0.80, p=0.577) and elastography
(for the right ovary 36.62±17.78 vs. 36.79±14.32, p=0.3952; for the left ovary 36.56±14.15
vs. 36.26±15.10, p=0.903) values, respectively.

Conclusion:

We could not obtain different velocity and elastography values from the ovaries of the
patients with PCOS using SWE. Therefore, further large-scale studies are needed to elucidate this
issue.
Recent Advances in Cone-beam CT in Oral Medicine
Authors: Maret Delphine , Vergnes Jean-Noel , Peters Ove A. , Peters Christine , Nasr Karim , Monsarrat Paul
Published: January 2019

Background:

The cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) technology has continuously
evolved since its appearance in oral medicine in the early 2000s.

Objective:

To present recent advances in CBCT in oral medicine: i) selection of recent and consensual
evidence-based sources, ii) structured summary of the information based on an iterative
framework and iii) compliance with ethical, public health and patient-centered concerns.

Main Findings:

We will focus on technological advances, such as sensors and reconstruction algorithms
used to improve the constant quality of the image and dosimetry. CBCT examination is now
performed in almost all disciplines of oral medicine: currently, the main clinical disciplines that use
CBCT acquisitions are endodontics and oral surgery, with clearly defined indications. Periodontology
and ear, nose and throat medicine are more recent fields of application. For a given application
and indication, the smallest possible field of view must be used. One of the major challenges in
contemporary healthcare is ensuring that technological developments do not take precedence over
admitted standards of care. The entire volume should be reviewed in full, with a systematic approach.
All findings are noted in the patient’s record and explained to the patient, including incidental
findings. This presupposes the person reviewing the images is sufficiently trained to interpret
such images, inform the patient and organize the clinical pathway, with referrals to other
medical or oral medicine specialties as needed.

Conclusion:

A close collaboration between dentists, medical physicists, radiologists, radiographers
and engineers is critical for all aspects of CBCT technology.
Anti-Acetylcholinesterase Derivatives: A Privileged Structural Framework in Drug Discovery to Treat Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Bhardwaj Monika , Patil Vaishali M. , Dhiman Rakhi , Gupta Satya P. , Masand Neeraj
Published: January 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a complex neurological disorder characterised by decrease level of ACh and increased AChE expression. Inhibition of AChE is one of the common strategies to treat AD as it leads to increase Ach level quantitatively at the synaptic cleft. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) are used to treat various neurodegenerative disorders, and many are FDA approved for the management and cure of AD. AChEIs produce long term symptomatic effect, that contribute in other pathological mechanisms of the disease (e.g. formation of amyloid–β plaques) and have provided a rationale to the discovery of this class of inhibitors. Currently prescribed AChE inhibitors are Galantamine (natural alkaloid) and Rivastigmine (synthetic alkaloid compound) and have been considered beneficial for the treatment of mild to moderate AD. However, there is a need for the discovery of more effective compounds derived from natural sources as well as form synthetic sources as potential AChEIs. Findings and advances about natural and synthetic derivatives as potential sources of AChEIs will be collectively summarised in this review paper.
Self-microemulsion Technology for Water-insoluble Drug Delivery
Authors: Yan Beibei , Gu Yu , Zhao Juan , Liu Yangyang , Wang Lulu , Wang Yancai
Published: January 2019

:

According to the drug discovery, approximately 40% of the new chemical entities show
poor bioavailability due to their low aqueous solubility. In order to increase the solubility of the
drugs, self-micro emulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) are considered as an ideal technology
for enhancing the permeability of poorly soluble drugs in GI membranes. The SMEDDS are also
generally used to enhance the oral bioavailability of the hydrophobic drugs. At present, most of the
self-microemulsion drugs are liquid dosage forms, which could cause some disadvantages, such as
the low bioavailability of the traditional liquid SMEDDS. Therefore, solid self-micro emulsifying
drug delivery systems (S-SMEDDS) have emerged widely in recent years, which were prepared by
solidifying a semi-solid or liquid self-emulsifying (SE) ingredient into a powder in order to improve
stability, treatment and patient compliance. The article gives a comprehensive introduction of the
study of SMEDDS which could effectively tackle the problem of the water-insoluble drug, especially
the development of solidification technology of SMEDDS. Finally, the present challenges and the
prospects in this field were also discussed.
Recent Patent on a Tree-type Cylindrical-shaped Nanoporous Filtering Membrane
Authors: Zhang Yongbin
Published: January 2019

Background:

Nanoporous filtering membranes can be used for super purification including
a liquid-liquid separation. It is the aim of engineers to design these membranes with good filtration
capabilities, high fluxes and satisfying mechanical strengths. Realistic membranes need to have
a balance among these performances to achieve satisfactory overall performances.

Objective:

The study aims to show a tree-type cylindrical-shaped nanoporous filtering membrane
with good characteristics.

Methods:

According to the principle of the nanotube tree for transportation presented previously,
here the design method of a tree-type cylindrical shaped nanoporous filtering membrane is presented
and the flow resistances of this membrane have been calculated for varying operational parameter
values.

Results:

It is shown that the invented membrane possesses nanoscale filtration pores and larger
flow-resistance-reducing pores. These pores are densely evenly distributed on the membrane surface.
The membrane practically has a low flow resistance and thus a high flux if its thickness is as
small as possible. It can also be used for a liquid-liquid separation if the mixed liquids have largely
different interactions with the pore walls of the membrane.

Conclusion:

By an appropriate design, the invented membrane has a good overall performance including
the capabilities of super purification or a liquid-liquid separation, the high flux and a satisfactory
mechanical strength.
A Contemporary Overview of PPARα/γ Dual Agonists for the Management of Diabetic Dyslipidemia
Authors: Balakumar Pitchai , Mahadevan Nanjaian , Sambathkumar Ramanathan
Published: January 2019

Background: Diabetes mellitus and concomitant dyslipidemia, being referred to as ‘diabetic
dyslipidemia’, are the foremost detrimental factors documented to play a pivotal role in cardiovascular
illness. Diabetic dyslipidemia is associated with insulin resistance, high plasma triglyceride levels, low
HDL-cholesterol concentration and elevated small dense LDL-cholesterol particles. Maintaining an
optimal glucose and lipid levels in patients afflicted with diabetic dyslipidemia could be a major task
that might require a well-planned diet-management system and regular physical activity, or otherwise
an intake of combined antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic medications. Synchronized treatment which
efficiently controls insulin resistance-associated diabetes mellitus and co-existing dyslipidemia could
indeed be a fascinating therapeutic option in the management of diabetic dyslipidemia. Peroxisome
proliferator-activated receptors α/γ (PPARα/γ) dual agonists are such kind of drugs which possess
therapeutic potentials to treat diabetic dyslipidemia. Nevertheless, PPARα/γ dual agonists like muraglitazar,
naveglitazar, tesaglitazar, ragaglitazar and aleglitazar have been reported to have undesirable
adverse effects, and their developments have been halted at various stages. On the other hand, a recently
introduced PPARα/γ dual agonist, saroglitazar is an emerging therapeutic agent of glitazar class approved
in India for the management of diabetic dyslipidemia, and its treatment has been reported to be
generally safe and well tolerated.

Conclusion: Some additional and new compounds, at initial and preclinical stages, have been recently
reported to possess PPARα/γ dual agonistic potentials with considerable therapeutic efficacy and reduced
adverse profile. This review sheds light on the current status of various PPARα/γ dual agonists
for the management of diabetic dyslipidemia.
Oxidative and Inflammatory Events in Prion Diseases: Can They Be Therapeutic Targets?
Authors: Prasad Kedar N. , Bondy Stephen C.
Published: January 2019

Prion diseases are a group of incurable infectious terminal neurodegenerative diseases caused by the aggregated misfolded PrPsc in selected mammals including humans. The complex physical interaction between normal prion protein PrPc and infectious PrPsc causes conformational change from the α- helix structure of PrPc to the β-sheet structure of PrPsc, and this process is repeated. Increased oxidative stress is one of the factors that facilitate the conversion of PrPc to PrPsc. This overview presents evidence to show that increased oxidative stress and inflammation are involved in the progression of this disease. Evidence is given for the participation of redoxsensitive metals Cu and Fe with PrPsc inducing oxidative stress by disturbing the homeostasis of these metals. The fact that some antioxidants block the toxicity of misfolded PrPc peptide supports the role of oxidative stress in prion disease. After exogenous infection in mice, PrPsc enters the follicular dendritic cells where PrPsc replicates before neuroinvasion where they continue to replicate and cause inflammation leading to neurodegeneration. Therefore, reducing levels of oxidative stress and inflammation may decrease the rate of the progression of this disease. It may be an important order to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation at the same time. This may be achieved by increasing the levels of antioxidant enzymes by activating the Nrf2 pathway together with simultaneous administration of dietary and endogenous antioxidants. It is proposed that a mixture of micronutrients could enable these concurrent events thereby reducing the progression of human prion disease.
An Intelligent Resource Manager Over Terrorism Knowledge Base
Authors: Patel Archana , Sharma Abhisek , Jain Sarika
Published: January 2019

:

The complex and chaotic crisis created by terrorism demands for situation awareness which is possible with the proposed Indian Terrorism Knowledge Treasure (ITKT).

Objective:

This work is an effort at creating the largest comprehensive knowledge base of terrorism and related activities, people and agencies involved, and extremist movements; and providing a platform to the society, the government and the military personnel in order to combat the evolving threat of the global menace terrorism.

Methods:

For representing knowledge of the domain semantically, an ontology has been used in order to better integrate data and information from multiple heterogeneous sources. An Indian Terrorism Knowledge Base is created consisting of information about past terrorist attacks, actions taken at time of those attacks, available resources and more. An Indian Terrorism Resource Manager is conceived comprising of various use cases catering to searching a specified keyword for its description, navigating the complete knowledge base of Indian Terrorism and finding any answers to any type of queries pertaining to terrorism.

Results:

The managerial implications of this work are two-fold. All the involved parties, i.e., the government officials, military, police, emergency personnel, fire department, NGOs, media, public etc will be better informed in case of emergency and will be able to communicate with each other; hence improving situation awareness and providing decision support.
Searching for the Learning Space
Authors: Whiteman Carol
Published: January 2019

Inspired by a personal learning experience in the EdD program in Transformational Change, this poem expresses the author's disorienting dilemma (Mezirow, 1991) as she navigated towards a more generative learning stance within the cohort.
Is This Business or Education? When Education Becomes a Commodity
Authors: Murad Faatimah M.
Published: January 2019

Using the Tylerian objectives-based approach as a reference point, this research paper aims to unravel the links between the ethical evaluations in business compared to that in education. This is made possible through the use of the internationally recognized and listed Canadian standards. For education: the Canadian Evaluation Society, BC Ministry of Education, and Teachers Regulation Branch are referenced. For business, the International Ethics Standards is used when referencing the ethical framework. The convergence between the two fields of business and education is depicted through the international students who are being drawn into the system and placed in English Language Learner (ELL) programs. The use of business schemas and the references to economical benefits in the recruitment process, along with other factors are mentioned to support this as an example of convergence.
Conformity in a 'Canned Course': The Suppression of Authentic Dialogue in Graded Online Discussion Forums
Authors: MacFarlane Emma
Published: January 2019

The recent shift to online learning environments in higher education has elicited complex issues pertaining to student demographics, course structure and content, and the instructor’s role. In this paper, I explore tensions that I have experienced as an online teaching assistant of an upper-level undergraduate arts course in a mid-size North American university. I am required to adhere to a predetermined course rubric in marking students’ assignments, and all instances of students’ engagement in the course are assessed according to this rubric. I therefore uncomfortably embody a primarily evaluative role. I argue that the assessment of students’ online discussion forum, especially, impacts their ability to engage in authentic dialogue, forcing them to adhere to hegemonic academic standards of structure and content in their responses.
Toohey Research Program
Authors: Toohey Kelleen
Published: January 2019

Kelleen Toohey earned her PhD in Curriculum and Applied Linguistics at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (University of Toronto) in 1982. Her masters and doctoral studies were conducted with Cree-speaking school students learning English in Alberta and Ontario, for which she used anthropological research methods like participant observation and video analysis. Her more recent work has concerned the learning of English by immigrant children, and has employed a sociocultural theoretical frame, and insights and concepts from new materialism. With colleagues, she developed a free app called Scribjab that permits users to write, read, illustrate, narrate and comment on multilingual stories. Working with English language learners using the app and with others using iPads to construct videos, she is interested in how children learn languages and literacies and how digital technologies might support such learning.
The Materiality of the Pedagogical Encounter
Authors: Barreiro Jacky , Driussi Lori
Published: January 2019

Pedagogical analyses have traditionally centered on teachers and students. Some approaches, like Reggio Emilia have moved beyond the binary to include the environment as a third entity. While including the environment is, no doubt, important in recognizing the composition of pedagogical encounters, we propose to expand our understanding of pedagogical encounters further to include the actors whose agency might be playing a role in their conceptualization.  Drawing on Bruno Latour’s Actor-Network Theory and related educational scholarship, we examine the materiality of a pedagogical encounter and consider all those varied and diverse entities, their associations, and accorded agency, that bring them into being and have implications in the becoming of students.  The point of understanding pedagogical encounters from an ANT perspective is that it allows us to challenge taken-for-granted notions about what pedagogical encounters entail and the becoming of students within them.
A Tribute to Kwìkwèxwelhp
Authors: Glover Sandeep Kaur
Published: January 2019

In 2016, as part of the SFU President Dream Colloquium: On Returning to the Teachings- Justice, Identity and Belonging, an interdisciplinary graduate cohort was invited to visit Kwìkwèxwelhp Healing Village to further PDC participant understanding of intergenerational trauma and KHV’s model of healing in the context of Education for Reconciliation (sfu.ca, 2016). This article, written reflectively from the point of view of a PDC participant, explores KHV’s processes of healing rooted in Indigenous epistemologies of wholeness. In relation, the etymology and philosophical framework of one Indigenous model of healing, the medicine wheel, is examined.
Diaspora through Identity Texts
Authors: Ahmed Tazin , Lighbourn Sophia , Anderson Amanda
Published: January 2019

This tri-autoethnography explores the complexity of teacher identity of three educators and how they negotiate language and identity within various diasporas within Canada. Each writer presents a brief narrative to illustrate how their identities do not remain constant but shift and are in conflict as they take up new positions in their various imagined communities. Given our positionalities, we decided that a tri-autoethnography would be the most useful genre to represent our lived experiences.
The Engrammetron: Establishing an Educational Neuroscience Laboratory
Authors: Campbell Stephen R. , Bigdeli Shoaleh , Handscomb Kerry , Kanehara Stan , MacAllister Ken , Patten Kathryn E. , Robb Arlene , Shipulina Olga , Siddo Radcliffe A. , Stone Jacob
Published: January 2019

This article chronicles the background, conception, design, and development

of the ENGRAMMETRON, a new Educational Neuroscience Laboratory in the

Faculty of Education at Simon Fraser University, established for new

opportunities and directions in educational research.
A Journey of Writing the Self
Authors: Chen Rosa Hong
Published: January 2019

In this paper I present a narrative trajectory into self-formation and academic inquiry. Through a series of poems, as both mode of process and inquiry itself, the paper renders a complex of yearning, hopes, predicaments, confusions, fears of failure, and struggles of my innermost being upon the journey of research inquiry. Employing poetic narrative as a method of inquiry, I demonstrate that the process to bring relevant query to bear on poetic narrative suggests a practice of understanding and transforming experience and knowledge, through calling out and responding to the self and the other.
The Role of Local Communities and the Shift of L2 Learners’ Frame of Reference in Second Language Acquisition
Authors: Huang Yi , Zhu Yidan
Published: January 2019

This article explores the role of local communities and the shift of L2 learners’ “frame of reference” in students’ language learning and identity construction, both of which rarely receive sufficient attention in second language acquisition (SLA) research. Using interview data from studies of two language learners and sociocultural theories, the authors argue that local communities both help L2 learners to access to and develop their English but also hinder learners in constructing their social identities that in return affects language learning. Moreover, the shift of L2 learners’ frames of reference from native speakers to bilingual users influences students’ learning strategies and their view of themselves as second language learners. Thus, while researchers and educators focus on classroom activities, they need to pay equal attention to help learners access social practices and recognize the importance of L2 learners’ identity development.
‘Placing’ Pedagogy and Curriculum Within an Ecological Worldview
Authors: MacQuarrie Jodi , Smith Gillian Diane
Published: January 2019

Surveying the last two centuries, one might easily deduce the purpose of education has been to induct, or rather indoctrinate, students into a culture’s dominant ontology and epistemology. In modern Western culture’s prevailing education systems, this usually means atomistic, dualistic, and competitive ways of being and disembodied, decontextualized and dispassionate ways of knowing that focus on passively acquiring abstracted and fragmented knowledge. Given our current predicament of human alienation and ecological crisis, we suggest a new worldview is needed to reconceptualize human ways of living and being in, indeed valuing, our place within the ecosphere. In contrast to the modernist, mechanistic world view, which deems the natural world detached, valueless, and available for human exploitation, an ecological worldview advocates a human sense of self as interconnected and unified with the natural world. Moved by the work of philosophers, eco-theorists and eco-educators, this paper explores the role of the more-than-human world in pedagogical and curricular processes and practices that align more closely with an ecological worldview. Our proposed praxis of ecological education was introduced and put into action with a group of educators at the Education With/Out Borders (EWOB) symposium at Sasamat, British Columbia, in October, 2008. An overview of the exercise and highlights from the group’s concluding discussion of the experience are also presented.
Learning Disabilities as a Non-negative Ontology: Mental Hygiene, Medicalization and Education
Authors: Sai Tzy Horng
Published: January 2019

The field of learning disabilities (LD) is divided between mainstream and contextualist perspectives of LD. Both perspectives view LD as a negative ontology (Baker, 2002). A negative ontology refers to disabilities as inherently problematic; individuals labelled as disabled will inevitably have poorer outcomes (Campbell, 2000). This paper argues that a unified view of LD begins with viewing LD as a non-negative ontology. To understand LD as a non-negative ontology requires first a critical consciousness of the historical formations of LD as a negative ontology. In particular, this paper provides an overview of various historical arguments on how medicalization and the mental hygiene movement framed LD as a negative ontology.
The absence of ESL students’ voices in education
Authors: Lee Yeonjung (Judy)
Published: January 2019

Canada’s classrooms are becoming increasingly diverse with a fast-growing school population of students whose first language is not English. They are English as Second Language (ESL) students; each pupil is an English Language Learner (ELL). Since 1990, the number of students identified as needing ESL services in British Columbia has more than tripled. These students face challenges in keeping pace academically and learning a new language. The challenge is especially great when students are placed in mainstream English-language classrooms before they develop their language proficiency. With its focus on the development of academic skills, the ESL curriculum may not be providing enough support to help ELLs fully participate in mainstream English classes. The lack of support will result in unequal access to high-quality learning opportunities and cultural gaps within schools. English language learners (often referred to as ESL students) may become marginalized and may prematurely reach a plateau in their English acquisition.
Informal and Participatory Cultures in Music Education
Authors: Peluso Deanna C. C.
Published: January 2019

Music provides a forum to explore knowledge, creativity, collaboration and expression as a part of the human condition, in which we relate self-identity, self-knowledge and a socio-cultural context for our experiences (Hodges, 2005). Many youth are able to be involved in participatory cultures, where musical learning occurs easily and without formal intervention, through the development of complex technologies that allow interaction and sharing across the world without the limitations of geographical boundaries. Musical activities are a significant part of many young people’s everyday lives, as they are musically encultured from a young age, yet the majority of their musical participation occurs outside of formalized music education (O’Neill, 2005), through informal learning within popular music (Green, 2007). Contemporary music educators are faced with finding ways for youth to strengthen the connections between music education at school and their musical experiences outside the school walls; and I posit that an understanding of participatory and informal music learning practices might help this challenging endeavour.
A Brief Historical Ontology of Creativity Research in the United States: Tracing the Zeitgeist
Authors: Cummins Jennifer
Published: January 2019

In 2006, Sir Ken Robinson gave a speech entitled “Schools Kill Creativity” addressing critical concerns about the way children were being educated. He stated that academic success and the concept of intelligence were viewed too narrowly. Citing the growing complexity of problems facing society, he called for a drastic restructuring of educational beliefs and practices. To Robinson, fostering creativity was the answer. A video of the speech was posted on the website www.ted.com in June of 2006. To this date, there have been 17 million views. Robinson’s online biography mentions that the most popular comment regarding this talk is that “everyone should watch this” (“Speakers”, 2006). Clearly, this speech embodies a major social criticism of the current education system.

Robinson has been credited with launching “a massive inquiry into the significance of creativity in the educational system and the economy” (“Speakers”, 2006) and is seen as a worldwide leader in creative education. However, his sentiments and efforts are neither new nor original. Almost sixty years earlier, in 1950, a speech entitled “Creativity” was given by the president of the American Psychological Association Joy Paul Guilford. He too criticized the public education system for stifling creativity in children, and believed the definition of intelligence was too narrow. Citing the growing complexity of problems facing 1950s America, Guilford saw creativity as the answer and demanded drastic educational restructuring (Runco, 2004).

Guildford’s address sparked the initial movement of psychological research in the field of creativity and the massive undertaking of defining, testing and fostering it in the decades following his speech (Barron & Harrington, 1981). However, Robinson echoes much of the same concern sixty years later: schools are still not nurturing the creativity needed to solve the myriad of problems facing society. Separated by over six decades of research in the field, questions are raised about why Robinson is again advocating for inquiry into education and creativity. Taking into account the underlying social attitudes and opinions in both periods of history, it seems there may be a distinct set of cultural, political and social events leading to the call for educational research in creativity. This paper extends the sociocultural theory of Zeitgeist to examine trends in creativity research and proposes that more inquiry into creative education might not be necessary.
Learning Together 2013 Keynote: Randall Martin
Authors: Martin Randall
Published: January 2019

Randall Martin gave the 2013 Learning Together Conference Keynote. The video of the keynote speech is located on Vimeo via the following link: http://vimweo.com/80399270
The End of Asperger’s: An Analysis of the Decision to Remove Asperger’s Disorder from the DSM-5
Authors: Vroom Carlye
Published: January 2019

Since first formally classified in 1994, Asperger’s disorder (AD) has been a highly controversial diagnosis. Some researchers have argued that it is indistinguishable from high-functioning autism; some have maintained that AD warrants its own diagnosis; and a final group of scholars have claimed that AD should not be considered a disorder but rather should be thought of as a normal human difference. The upshot of this controversy was the decision to eliminate the AD diagnosis from the fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-5). This paper explores the question of whether or not this removal of the AD diagnosis is warranted first by reviewing the research that has addressed the legitimacy of the AD diagnosis. The second part of the paper explores the idea that creating the AD label may have been—metaphorically speaking—equivalent to opening Pandora’s box, which implies that an enduring imprint has been left behind. Some scholars have provided evidence of such a long-term impact by arguing that the creation of the AD label has given rise to a new way to be a person. This paper ultimately contends that the position taken by the DSM-5 in eliminating the AD diagnosis is sound because AD should never have been considered a disorder in the first place. However, due consideration needs to be given to the enduring impact of the AD label. Without the AD label, individuals will need another way to define themselves. This paper advocates for the invention of a new term (e.g., Aspergian) that can be used to denote non-pathological instances of AD.
Morphing Categories: When normativity is being contested
Authors: Green Larry
Published: January 2019

Why can the idea of gay marriage disturb some so deeply? Many people assume that opposition to gay marriage, is just another one of the symptoms of homophobia, but I think the reasons are more profound. With the issue of gay marriage, normativity is being contested rather than assumed. I suggest that if we look at this controversy as a sign of a deeper struggle regarding norms, then we might find our way into a more compassionate appreciation of what is at stake for all parties. I think that the reader who is willing to explore this analytical framework will be rewarded if they apply it to other cultural controversies.