bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transfer Student Success on Professional Licensure Assessments for Future Educators
Authors: Grunzke Rebecca Z. , Young Caroline L. , Russell Carlene S.
Published: October 2023

This study examines transfer students in our teacher education programs and their comparative success on the Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA®), a content pedagogy assessment currently required by many states for professional educator licensure and program completion.​ A two-sample t-test using edTPA scores from 2015 to 2019 revealed no statistically significant difference between the mean total scores of transfer students and non-transfer students on the assessments completed by candidates seeking certification in middle and secondary grade subjects. However, the difference between the mean total scores on the elementary education assessment was significant. A chi-square test of independence also revealed a statistically significant relationship between transfer student status and achieving a passing score on edTPA. Transfer students face unique challenges when attempting licensure exams, including differential preparation in their pre-transfer coursework, as well as non-academic factors, such as employment and family obligations, that may contribute to their differential success. A more thorough identification of the academic and nonacademic challenges experienced by transfer students may reveal the need for and form of additional assistance with the skills required to successfully complete licensure exams in any field.
Creating A Faculty-Centric Approach as a Catalyst for Improvement in Teaching and Learning
Authors: Landau Valerie , Broz Christine
Published: October 2023

We created a faculty-centric model to serve as a catalyst for faculty engagement that resulted in improved teaching and learning. We aligned the goals and objectives to improve teaching with faculty-centric guiding principles, creating policies and practices that are in the best interest of the faculty. Simple but effective philosophical guiding principles were defined and implemented to openly support and defend faculty. We facilitated dialog among faculty, leveraged technology, and opened new opportunities for faculty scholarship, resulting in documented improvement in student learning. We witnessed innovation in pedagogy become pervasive across the university. This strategy sparked meaningful improvements in teaching and learning. The model is so effective that accreditors noted that a culture of assessment was created “at mach speed.”
Bettering Assessment Practices through Reflection and Collaboration
Authors: Allen Carrie R.
Published: October 2023

Although the COVID-19 situation was stressful for all faculty, staff, and students at Mercyhurst University, it provided a much-needed opportunity to improve assessment practices across the institution. Changing assessment reporting procedures for the 2019-2020 academic year to a more reflective, collaborative model is helping to shift faculty perceptions of assessment to collective rather than isolated, student-centered rather than administratively mandated, and intentional rather than incidental.
Considerations for Meaningful Assessment During COVID-19
Authors: Harrison Laura , Scott Marc
Published: October 2023

COVID-19 presents assessment professionals with an opportunity to reexamine preexisting inequities for vulnerable student groups that may be more susceptible to the pandemic’s economic impacts. We propose that assessment professionals incorporate student interviews more intentionally in their work so they and their stakeholders can develop more meaningful understandings of these inequities, provide a higher degree of contact with students, and appreciate better how policies enacted during the pandemic may impact students.
Silver Linings from a Challenging Situation
Authors: Demeter Elise , Singer-Freeman Karen , Hobbs Harriet , Cottenoir Mitchel L. , Robinson Christine
Published: October 2023

The University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNC Charlotte) is an urban, four-year, public institution serving over 30,000 students. Like other institutions, we were caught off-guard by the COVID-19 pandemic and scrambled to move our instruction online to comply with our state’s stay-at-home order in mid-March 2020. The shift to remote instruction resulted in widespread changes to our assessment of student learning plans at the course, program, and institutional levels. We discuss these changes and the challenges they posed. We also discuss silver linings that have emerged since March, including new relationships with faculty and renewed faculty interest in best practices for teaching and assessing learning remotely.
Innovative Approaches to Programmatic Assessment in an Era of Flux
Authors: Androzzi Jared , Schramm-Possinger Megan
Published: October 2023

Leaders of higher education need practical solutions to engaging in program improvement, providing student supports, and fortifying partnerships with collaborators. Compounding these needs are the heightened demands thrust upon faculty to advise students online, reconfigure in-person courses to hybrid and online models, and attend to their students’ emergent psychological, academic and social needs – as they themselves navigate through a new set of personal stressors associated with COVID-19. Making matters worse is that many of these changes have been and will be unpredictable; a shift from in-person to hybrid instruction can occur in less than a week. Members of the academy are faced with one paradoxical certainty: we are in an era of flux that is unlikely to change anytime soon.
Connecting high impact practices (HIPs) and student self-efficacy: Social Cognitive Theory as a window into student growth
Authors: Carbonaro Suzanne , Suchland Colin E.
Published: October 2023

High Impact Practices (HIPs) encompass a variety of educational opportunities proven to increase student engagement and persistence in their collegiate studies, but do they also lead to increased self-efficacy? By combining the literature of HIPs with Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) the authors present a combined assessment methodology - tested in an undergraduate sociology class during the COVID-19 Pandemic - that includes high impact assignments, reflective practices, and a pre/post-self-efficacy survey, giving students a more comprehensive practice which provides tools to empower learners to connect collegiate and personal experiences to their professional goals.
Welcome to the Summer 2021 Issue of Intersection: A Journal at the Intersection of Assessment and Learning
Authors: Gibbons Rebecca
Published: October 2023

As the Summer Issue Editorial Board, we are excited to share the Summer 2021 issue of Intersection: A Journal at the Intersection of Assessment and Learning, with you. Intersection is The Association for the Assessment of Learning in Higher Education (AALHE’s) quarterly publication. The topics covered in this issue span the scope of Intersection, with topics including the involvement of faculty, different assessment methods, and the impact of the pandemic on the assessment of student learning.
Welcome to the Grand Challenges in Assessment: Measurement Special Issue (Summer 2022) of Intersection: A Journal at the Intersection of Assessment and Learning
Authors: Taylor Jessica , Hoshaw Justin
Published: October 2023

Welcome to the Summer 2022 special edition ofIntersection: A Journal at the Intersection of Assessment and Learning, the journal for the Association for the Assessment of Learning in Higher Education (AALHE). This edition focuses on one of the Grand Challenges in Assessment, improving the measurement of student learning, so articles included here discuss student learning assessment in various contexts.
Adjusting the Future of Adaptive Learning Technologies via a SWOT Analysis
Authors: Daugherty Kimberly , Morse Robert , Schmauder A. Rene' , Hoshaw Justin , Taylor Jessica
Published: October 2023

Adaptive learning has become more popular over the last several years, especially with the increasing need to adapt to students with different needs, interests, and learning preferences. The aim of adaptive learning is to provide students with the means to acquire information according to their training needs and cognitive differences, thus facilitating the learning process of each individual. Adaptive learning can be defined as an individualized adaptation of content and pedagogy implementation according to the needs of participants to increase the effectiveness and quality of learning. In this paper, we evaluate the available literature on adaptive learning technology using a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) approach. While there is promise in adaptive learning, much work still exists in helping to define best practices for utilizing adaptive learning technology to improve student learning and the student experience.
DIGITAL MEDIA IMPLEMENTATION IN 21st CENTURY IPS LEARNING AT SD NEGERI 2 TANJUNG KUKUH OGAN KOMERING ULU TIMUR
Authors: Putri Gasa Nopa  , Endie Riyoko  , Kabib Sholeh
Published: October 2023

Digital-based learning media is a medium used to create audio-visual media. Digital media is very suitable for use in social studies learning in the 21st century. In the 21st century students are expected to be able to master 21st century skills with the 4C concept of communication, collaboration, critical thinking and problem solving, creative and innovative. The objectives of this study are 1) Knowing the steps for implementing digital media in 21st century social studies learning, 2) implementing digital media in 21st century social studies learning, and 3) evaluating the implementation of digital media using SWOT analysis in 21st century social studies learning. The research method used is qualitative by using the results of data analysis in the form of qualitative descriptive. Data collection techniques using observation, interviews, questionnaires, and documentation. The results of the research can be seen in the SWOT analysis which shows that the advantages of implementing digital media in social studies learning really need to be applied in the 21st century. Weaknesses in this study can be seen when observing students' attitudes in social studies learning on local history material regarding the role of local figures in fighting for Indonesian independence. Most of the students are still a lot preoccupied with themselves so that the center of attention is not fully paying attention to the future. In addition, it is a challenge for students to be able to express opinions and be more active. Opportunities in this study indicate that digital media is effectively used in the 21st century as a learning medium.
Keywords: Digital Media, IPS, 21st Century.
The quality of life among children with epilepsy in resource-limited settings: A pilot study in a paediatric neurology clinic at a quaternary care teaching hospital
Authors: Hblous H , Mubaiwa L , Govender R
Published: October 2023

Background. An important part of holistic care management of children with epilepsy (CWE) is measuring their health-related quality of life (HRQOL). However, little is known about the HRQOL of CWE who live in resource-limited settings, particularly in South Africa.
Objectives. To assess the HRQOL of CWE and to identify the possible factors that correlate with HRQOL including demographic variables and epilepsy health-related factors.
Methods. A cross-sectional prospective quantitative study was undertaken at the paediatric neurology outpatient clinic at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital (IALCH), a quaternary care teaching hospital in Durban, South Africa. Participants were recruited during the period between December 2019 and February 2020. CWE between 2 and 12 years old with no comorbid syndromic disorder or other chronic diseases accompanied by English-speaking caregivers were included in the study. We used the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0) generic core parent-proxy questionnaire modified with separate sociodemographic and epilepsy data collection sheets.
Results. One hundred and twenty participants were recruited. The majority of patients (54.2%) had generalised epilepsy. The aetiology of epilepsy was unknown in 40.8% of patients. The most commonly used anti-seizure medication was sodium valproate (39.2%). The mean of the total score of HRQOL (SD) (coefficient of variation %) was 66.7 (24.1 (36.1). School attendance p-value<0.001, financial aid for indigent families p 0.047, monotherapy p<0.001, absence of disability p<0.001 and absence of comorbidity p <0.001were strongly associated with good HRQOL total scores.
Conclusion. CWE attending IALCH in Durban, South Africa, have compromised HRQOL scores. The variables that significantly correlate with better HRQOL scores are school attendance, receiving financial aid for indigent families, monotherapy, and absence of disabilities and comorbidities. We recommend a multicentre study that involves a larger number of epileptic children with the employment of the epilepsy-specific PedsQL 4.0 module translated into local languages.
Prevalence of malnutrition and its impact on outcomes in children with cancer in a South African setting
Authors: Geddara N , Mubaiwa L , Thejpal R , Hendricks C
Published: October 2023

Background. Malnutrition in children with cancer is a common problem, especially in developing countries. Determination of nutritional status on admission and during treatment is crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Objectives. This study reports the prevalence of malnutrition in children with cancer and its impact on outcomes.
Methods. A retrospective study identified newly diagnosed children with cancer between January 2017 and June 2018 at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH), an academic hospital in South Africa (SA). The cohort comprised 139 patients. Demographic, anthropometric and outcome data were collected from the hospital electronic database. World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were applied to classify nutritional status. The impact of nutritional status on mortality, length of hospital stay and infection status in the first year was assessed.
Results. The prevalence of malnutrition in our cohort of 139 patients was 31.7% (17.3% wasted, 7.2% stunted and 7.2% wasted and stunted). There was a higher incidence of wasting in children with solid tumours than those with haematological malignancies although this was not statistically significant (21.2% v. 7.7% respectively, p-value 0.242). No significant difference in early mortality, length of hospital stay or rate of infection was noted in malnourished patients compared with well-nourished patients.
Conclusion. The prevalence of malnutrition in our cohort with cancer was high but not associated with an increased risk of mortality, hospital stay or infection. A larger sample size using a combination of arm- and weight/height-based anthropometry is recommended to confirm these findings.
Prevalence and outcome of acute kidney injury in burn victims at a tertiary centre in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Vazi L , Kleintjes W , Chothia Y
Published: October 2023

Background. Burn victims commonly experience acute kidney injury (AKI), which can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Objective. To investigate the prevalence of AKI in burn patients, the causes of AKI and the rate of in-hospital mortality.
Methods. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients admitted to the Tygerberg Hospital Burn Unit between 1 April 2018, and 31 March 2019. The study included all burn patients >18 years old, except for those with end-stage kidney disease or cold burn wounds, skin donors or readmissions. AKI was defined using the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria, and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictors of AKI and death, along with Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.
Results. The prevalence of AKI was 27% (58/215). The most common causes of burns were open fires (37%) and shack fires (17%). Patients with AKI had higher scores on the abbreviated burn severity index (ABSI) (7 v. 5, p<0.01), required more mechanical ventilation (69% v. 33%, p<0.01) and experienced more sepsis (35% v. 12%, p<0.01). Predictors of AKI included ABSI score (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.21 - 1.80, p<0.01), mechanical ventilation (aOR 7.75, 95% CI 1.23 - 48.65, p=0.03) and high admission lactate (aOR 1.57, 95% CI 1.04 - 2.39, p=0.03). Mortality was higher in patients with AKI (34% v. 6%, p<0.01). ABSI score (aOR 2.16, 95% CI 1.56 - 2.99, p<0.01) and vasopressor use (aOR 7.71, 95% CI 2.15 - 27.60, p<0.01) were identified as predictors of death. The survival analysis revealed that AKI was associated with higher mortality (log rank, p<0.01).
Conclusion. The study highlights the high prevalence of AKI among burn victims requiring tertiary care and its association with high mortality rates. Improving living conditions in informal settlements could help prevent burns and their complications.
Democracia, tecnología y control: una relación compleja
Authors: Suárez-Gonzalo Sara
Published: October 2023

En nuestro reciente artículo «¿Ciudadanía vigilada o monitorización ciudadana?» (Suárez-Gonzalo y Feenstra, 2023), analizamos dos aproximaciones a la relación entre tecnología y democracia que beben de tradiciones democráticas distintas y persiguen objetivos diferentes: la vigilancia y la monitorización.
The network of rural settlements on the territory of the modern Tyumen region in the 1930s: population, economic and socio-cultural development
Authors: Tatarnikova Anna Ivanovna
Published: October 2023

The paper characterizes the state of a set of functionally interconnected settlements that developed by the mid-1930s on the territory of the modern Tyumen region. The subject of the study is the network of settlements in the region, the object is its number, economic and socio-cultural development. The density of the settlement network, the ratio of collective, individual and other farms in each district is determined. Attention is focused on the creation of collective farms in the course of collectivization that unfolded during this period. Statistical data on the number of industrial enterprises and points of trade in villages, as well as data on the development of communication institutions (post office, telephone), schools and hospitals, club institutions are presented. The scientific novelty of the publication consists in determining not only quantitative, but also qualitative indicators of the development of the settlement network of the region. The district specifics were revealed, which consisted in the economic specialization of the majority of administrative-territorial units in the production of oil, the dominance of timber processing enterprises in the northern regions and flax processing plants in the southern ones. The conclusion is made about the predominance of the cooperative form of trade in the villages over the state one. Positive changes in the state of socio-cultural infrastructure were noted, expressed in an increase in the number of school and medical institutions. At the same time, the school network consisted of 86% of primary schools. There was still a shortage of hospitals and outpatient clinics, medical personnel in rural areas.
Northern Crimea in the late XIX – early XX centuries
Authors: Erdokesko Ekaterina Aleksandrovna
Published: October 2023

This article examines the territory of the Northern Crimea, which was part of the Perekopsky district of the Tauride province, in the late XIX – early XX centuries, the time when the province turned into one of the rapidly developing regions of the Russian Empire. The subject of this study is the economic development of the territory of the Northern Crimea, the northern border of which was the Perekop Isthmus, and the northeastern outskirts were washed by the waters of the Gulf of Sivash. At the same time, special attention is paid by the author to the development of the agricultural sector of the economy, first of all, the development of crop production and animal husbandry, as well as individual industries that have become widespread in the specified territory. The scientific novelty of the study is an attempt to give a more complete picture of the economic development of the northernmost Crimean district of the Tauride province, Perekopsky district, since this topic has not been widely studied in Russian historiography. To achieve this goal, the author has attracted a wide array of sources, represented by various statistical data and reference materials. As a result of this work, the author comes to the conclusion that in the late XIX – early XX centuries, the development of the agricultural sector of the economy prevailed on the territory of the Northern Crimea, represented primarily in the form of growing grain crops, which pushed the development of sheep breeding in this region into the background. At the same time, the industry was represented mainly only in the form of enterprises engaged in brick-tile and pottery production, flour milling and salt fishing.
Innovations of "great power diplomacy with chinese characteristics" by Xi Jinping "in the new era"
Authors: Han Xuemei , Liu Xuyang
Published: October 2023

The article is devoted to the peculiarities of Chinese diplomacy at the present stage of China's development. The purpose of the proposed study is to determine the features of "great power diplomacy with Chinese specifics in the new era." The purpose of this work - to examine the peculiarities of Xi Jinping-era diplomacy, to clarify the degree of their continuity with respect to previous diplomatic strategies of China, as well as to interpret the modern diplomatic strategy of "great power diplomacy with Chinese specifics" as a consequence of the growing power of China challenging the hegemony of the United States. The theoretical and methodological basis of the research is based on the theory of structural realism and the theory of the transit of power, which allow us to study the influence of Chinese diplomacy as a derivative of China's increasing role in global governance on the process of structuring both the regional subsystem and the global system of international relations. The relevance of this study is associated with a change in the tactics of Chinese diplomacy towards a more focused and tougher rhetoric, emphasizing intransigence with baseless attacks by Western countries and manipulations with the vulnerability of indigenous Chinese interests. In the study, the authors note that throughout the period under review, pragmatism and an orientation towards modernization and strengthening of the country remained the invariable principle of Chinese diplomacy. Xi Jinping proclaimed a course for the "revival of the Chinese nation," which met with resistance from the countries of the "Collective West." The authors' scientifically significant contribution to the study of the peculiarities of the diplomatic practice of the People's Republic of China in the context of the implementation of the "diplomacy of a great power with Chinese specifics in a new era" is to assess the degree of compliance of this course with the need to defend China's fundamental national interests in a complicated international situation. The article emphasizes that "the diplomacy of a great power with Chinese specifics" allows China to demonstrate the behavior of a great power and at the same time change the balance of forces in the "international struggle for public opinion."
Il rinvio abnorme del processo: due casi nelle «Noctes Atticae» di Gellio
Authors: Arnese Aurelio
Published: October 2023

Abstract - Using fallacious argumentative means, such as the antistréphon, causes dilemmas and leads the judge to not decide and therefore to postpone the trial, thus avoiding an injustice verdict. Noctes Atticae by Gellius contains an example (5.10.1-16). In another passage (12.7.1-7) the dilemma and the deferment of the trial are determined by the same facts advanced in the judgment. By both Gellian passages, postponing the judgement is a substantial non liquet but with the function of preventing an injustice.
Un’iscrizione di Alba Fucens: organi municipali e rapporti con Roma nel I secolo d.C.
Authors: Liva Stefano
Published: October 2023

Abstract - A precious epigraphic document, a latin inscription from Alba Fucens from the first half of the first century AD, which can be reconstructed in its content also thanks to the sixteenth-century transcription by the humanist Mariangelo Accursio, offers the opportunity to take a look at certain aspects relating to the administrative organization of the Italic municipia of the early imperial age. The epigraph provides interesting informations about the judicial structure of municipium and certifies the presence in Alba Fucens of a praefectus Caesaris, a key figure in defining the relationship between local communities and central power in the changed context following the bellum sociale; last issue worth noting is that relating to the mentioned public building intervention which fits well into the activity, typical of this period, aimed at adapting the city facilities to the new political needs arising from the urbanization process following the end of the social war.
Appunti delle lezioni berlinesi di Karl Georg Bruns
Authors: Lo Iacono Sabrina
Published: October 2023

Abstract - The transcription of Eugen Huber’s notes on Karl Georg Bruns’ ‘Pandekten’ course held in 1870 in Berlin constitutes a meritorious work that makes a previously unpublished source available: it is an important testimony not only of the romanistic training of Huber, the father of the Swiss Civil Code, but also of the teaching role of Bruns, from whose lectures emerges the awareness of Roman law as a common basis for European legal culture.
I «fragmenta Augustodunensia» e l’insegnamento del diritto nelle Galliae alla fine del IV secolo
Authors: Marotta Valerio
Published: October 2023

Abstract - The interpretatio Gai Institutionum Augustodunensis is – despite the large lacunae in the manuscript that made it known in 1897 – an exceptionally important document. This scholastic commentary – written at the end of the 4th or on the threshold of the 5th century A.D. – allows us to perceive how the law of the age of the principate still represented the centre of gravity of scholastic education in Late Antiquity. What we hear again, in the Interpretatio of Autun, is precisely the vox magistra celebrated by Justinian in the constitutio Omnem 1. This writing was probably composed in the Galliae, perhaps within the Menianae scholae of Autun.
Identification of key genes and validation of key gene aquaporin 1 on Wilms’ tumor metastasis
Authors: Liu Hong , Jin Chen , Yang Xia , Xia Nan , Guo Chunzhi , Dong Qian
Published: October 2023

Background

Wilms’ tumor (WT) is one of the most common solid tumors in children with unsatisfactory prognosis, but few molecular prognostic markers have been discovered for it. Many genes are associated with the occurrence and prognosis of WT. This study aimed to explore the key genes and potential molecular mechanisms through bioinformatics and to verify the effects of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) on WT metastasis.

Methods

Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were generated from WT gene expression data sets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Gene functional enrichment analysis was carried out with the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). A protein–protein interaction network (PPI) was constructed and visualized by the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins (STRING) database and Cytoscape software. Minimal Common Oncology Data Elements (MCODE) was used to detect the important modules in the PPI network, and the important nodes (genes) in the PPI module were sorted by CytoHubba. RT-qPCR was performed to validate the expression of the key genes in WT. Wound healing and Transwell assays were used to detect the cell migration and invasion abilities of AQP1-overexpressing cells. Phalloidin-iFlour 488 was used to stain the cytoskeleton to observe how AQP1 overexpression affects cytoskeletal microfilament structure.

Results

A total of 73 co-expressed DEGs were chosen for further investigation. The importance of homeostasis and transmembrane transport of ions and water were highlighted by functional analysis. Gene regulatory network and PPI network were predicted. MCODE plug identified two important modules. Finally, top five key genes were identified using CytoHubba, including Renin (REN), nephrosis 2 (NPHS2), Solute Carrier Family 12 Member 3 (SLC12A3), Solute Carrier Family 12 Member 1 (SLC12A1) and AQP1. The five key genes were mainly enriched in cell volume and ion homeostasis. RT-qPCR confirmed the expression of the five key genes in WT. AQP1 was validated to be expressed at significantly lower levels in WT than in normal tissue. AQP1 overexpression significantly reduced the migratory and invasive capacity of Wit-49 cells, as evidenced by reducing the scratch healing rate and the number of perforated control cells by Wit-49 cells. AQP1 overexpression also reduced the expression of biomarkers of epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, decreased levels of vimentin and N-cadherin and increased expression of E-cadherin, resulting in decreased formation of conspicuous lamellipodial protrusions, characteristic of diminished WT cell invasion and migration.

Conclusion

Our study reveals the key genes of WT. These key genes may provide novel insight for the mechanism and diagnosis of WT. AQP1 overexpression inhibited invasion, migration, EMT, and cytoskeletal rearrangement of WT cells, indicating that AQP1 plays a role in the pathogenesis of WT.
Comparative transcriptome analysis on candidate genes associated with fruiting body growth and development in Lyophyllum decastes
Authors: Ke Shanwen , Ding LingQiang , Niu Xin , Shan Huajia , Song Liru , Xi Yali , Feng Jiuhai , Wei Shenglong , Liang Qianqian
Published: October 2023

Lyophyllum decastes is a mushroom that is highly regarded for its culinary and medicinal properties. Its delectable taste and texture make it a popular choice for consumption. To gain a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of the fruiting body of L. decastes, we used RNA sequencing to conduct a comparative transcriptome analysis. The analysis encompassed various developmental stages, including the vegetative mycelium, primordial initiation, young fruiting body, medium-size fruiting body, and mature fruiting body stages. A range of 40.1 to 60.6 million clean reads were obtained, and de novo assembly generated 15,451 unigenes with an average length of 1,462.68 bp. Functional annotation of transcriptomes matched 76.84% of the unigenes to known proteins available in at least one database. The gene expression analysis revealed a significant number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between each stage. These genes were annotated and subjected to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. Highly differentially expressed unigenes were also identified, including those that encode extracellular enzymes, transcription factors, and signaling pathways. The accuracy of the RNA-Seq and DEG analyses was validated using quantitative PCR. Enzyme activity analysis experiments demonstrated that the extracellular enzymes exhibited significant differences across different developmental stages. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms that underlie the development of the fruiting body in L. decastes.
Effect of Body Fat and BMI on Muscle Strength and Endurance in Young Adults: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Dhar Dipak Kumar , Purwar Brijesh
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Muscle strength and endurance are key determinants of physical fitness, cardiometabolic profile, and overall health. Clinically, they are tested by estimating Handgrip Strength (HGS) and Handgrip Endurance (HGE) through an isometric contraction of the flexors of the forearm and hand. Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat content can both influence muscle performance, but there are wide variations regarding their effects. BMI and body fat also do not show unequivocal similarity to each other. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine and compare the effects of BMI and body fat on muscle strength and endurance. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Physiology, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Swami Rama Himalayan University, Jolly Grant, Dehradun from April 2019 to March 2020. A total of 100 subjects who fulfilled the selection criteria were included. BMI and body fat were measured, and HGS and HGE were recorded using a handgrip dynamometer. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 17.0. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test, and one-way ANOVA were used for comparison. Pearson’s correlation coefficient and linear regression were used to determine and quantify the nature of the effect, with a p-value of ≤0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The participants had a mean BMI of 23.809±3.798 kg/ m2 and a mean body fat percentage of 25.309±7.162%. The mean HGS and HGE of the participants were 36.08±9.956 kg and 18.46±14.2 seconds, respectively. Body fat percentage showed a negative and moderately significant correlation (p-value≤0.001) with both muscle strength and endurance. Approximately one-fifth of the variations in muscle strength and one-third of the variations in muscle endurance were determined by body fat content. HGS and HGE were higher in males, while body fat percentage was higher in females. Gender variation in body fat contributed to more than 40% of the variance. Conclusion: The study revealed a negative correlation between total body fat and muscle strength and performance. Keeping body fat under control can improve muscle performance, which, in turn, enhances cardiometabolic health.
To Refer or Not to Refer Periodontally Compromised Patients- What Does Literature Suggest?
Authors: Ghorai Laboni
Published: October 2023

Periodontal disease is one of the most common diseases worldwide. Hence, regular and thorough periodontal screening and care is imperative and should be a basis of all oral examinations. General dental practitioners often being the first to diagnose periodontal disease, might play a significant role in the management of periodontally affected patients. It is also necessary to focus on management of the risk factors and modifying factors which might affect periodontal disease and its treatment plan. Irrespective of the treatment being administered by a specialist or general practitioner, it should be ensured that the patients receive the same and best quality treatment. The level of speciality education being limited in the curriculum for undergraduates, general dentists need to be well acquainted with the criteria of timely and appropriate referrals to periodontists. The speciality of periodontology is growing in diverse aspects and various advancements in this field of dentistry have given success predictability level to previously considered unsalvageable periodontal issues. The present article provides useful guidelines for periodontal referral. It elaborates the levels of complexity associated with periodontal treatment and care of periodontally compromised patients in a secondary care setting.
Giant Cell Fibroma of the Tongue: A Rare Entity
Authors: Wable Darshan Shriprasad , Byakodi Sanjay Satappa , More Neha Prakash , Basannavar Amit Ashok
Published: October 2023

Giant cell fibroma is a rare entity classified as a benign tumour of the oral cavity, accounting for 2% to 5% of all oral benign fibrous growths. It can occur at various sites in the oral cavity, such as the tongue, palate, lip, and buccal mucosa, with the gingiva being the most common site. As the growth is self-limiting, it has been concluded that its recurrence is negligible. The aetiology of the growth has not been clearly known, but the fibrous proliferation suggests that chronic irritation or trauma to the tissue can give rise to such lesions. The growth is generally described as a dome-shaped nodule, either sessile or pedunculated, with an average diameter of 1cm. Usually, the lesion is asymptomatic unless it becomes secondarily infected. The present article presents the diagnosis and surgical management of a giant cell fibroma localised to the lateral border of the left-side of the tongue, corresponding to the occlusal surface of the molar teeth. Hereby, the author presents a case of a 58-year-old-male patient reported to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) with a chief complaint of a growth on the left lateral border of the anterior region of the tongue for 2 to 3 years. On intraoral clinical examination, a dome-shaped, pedunculated mass measuring 1cm in diameter was observed. The lesion was asymptomatic and self-limiting. A provisional diagnosis of irritational fibroma was made. After a thorough history taking and clinical examination, surgical excision through an intraoral approach under local anaesthesia was performed to remove the lesion. The histopathological reports confirmed the diagnosis as giant cell fibroma. Rigorous clinical and histopathological examination has proven to be significant in making a precise diagnosis and planning accurate treatment for the uneventful elimination of lesions like giant cell fibroma. It is also essential to differentiate it from other pathologies to prevent complications.
Robotic-assisted Surgery and its Impact on Patient Outcomes: A Narrative Review
Authors: Chauhan Simran , Shinde Raju K , Jain Yashraj
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The Radial Forearm Free Flap (RFFF) is a commonly used flap for soft tissue reconstruction, offering several advantages despite sacrificing the radial artery in the forearm. Understanding the anatomy of radial artery perforators, including their distribution, territory, and flow is crucial for reliable and safe flap harvest and design. Aim: To describe the versatility and applications of RFFF in reconstructing defects in various body parts. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, between January 2019 and January 2021, on 39 cases (age group: 20-70 years) who underwent RFFF. RFFF was utilised for reconstruction of the lip, palate, buccal mucosa, tongue, foot, nose, and phallus. Preoperative evaluation included assessing the vascular status of the non dominant hand using the Allen’s test. Results: RFFF was used for postcancer resection reconstruction in 11 cases of buccal mucosa (28.2%), 7 cases of the lip (17.9%), 6 cases of the tongue (15.3%), 2 cases of the palate (5.1%), 2 cases of phallus reconstruction (5.1%), 1 case of post-traumatic nose defect, and 1 case of 1st web space of the hand (2.5%). In 26 cases of postcarcinoma resection reconstruction, RFFF was used for buccal mucosa, lip, tongue, and palate. The patients were followed up for 2-8 months. Conclusion: RFFF fulfills most of the anatomical prerequisites for an ideal flap, providing a microvascular reconstructive option for patients with large defects in the head and neck, foot and ankle, and phallus. It exhibits a high success rate, good aesthetic and functional outcomes, allowing for the reconstruction of various defects. This study confirms the reliability of the radial free flap as a method for reconstructive surgery.
Материалы к генеалогии населения Оймяконья
Authors: Слепцов, Спиридон Спиридонович
Published: October 2023

В книге на основе материалов Национального архива Республики Саха (Якутия) воссоздана история Оймяконской Вознесенской и Сеймчанской Николаевской церквей. Приведена краткая биография представителей духовенства, несших службу в этих храмах. Представлена генеалогическая база населения Оймяконья, созданная с использованием метрических книг, исповедных росписей, ревизских сказок и посемейных списков жителей Оймяконского улуса (1927–1928), а также данных приполярной переписи населения и документов, составленных в ходе выборных кампаний 1930-х гг. Автором введены в научный оборот архивные документы, освещающие деятельность Русской православной церкви на территории Оймяконья, опубликованы заметки представителей духовенства, связанные с жизнью края. Издание рассчитано как на специалистов (историков, демографов, социологов, генетиков), так и на широкий круг читателей.
Application of Response Surface Methodology for Optimizing the Extraction Conditions of Total Saponins from Polyscias fruticosa (L.) Harms Planted in Southern Vietnam
Authors: Son Hoang Le , Phuong Vo Ngoc Lam , Minh Tran Van
Published: October 2023

Aims: This study aimed to optimizing the extraction conditions for total saponins from Polyscias fruticosa using response surface methodology coupled with Box-Behnken design (RSM-BBD).

Methodology: The optimization process for extraction of saponins from the roots of Polyscias fruticosa was involved in three parameters including extraction temperature, time, and solvent-to-sample ratio. The three levels of independent variables were identified by screening test. The response surface methodology conjugated with Box-Behnken design was then applied to investigate the affinities between the extraction variables and experimental response (extraction yield) which was expressed in terms of mg oleanolic acid equivalents (OAE) per gram of plant extract.

Results: Based on the analysis of all integrated data, the optimal extraction conditions were predicted to be temperature of 60.91°C, extraction time of 4.57 hours and solvent/sample ratio of 10.3:1 (mL/g). The highest total saponins content value predicted by response surface methodology was 37.18 mg OAE/g of plant extract which was in close agreement with the corresponding experimental value of total saponins content (37.42 ± 0.26 mg OAE per g of plant extract) (n = 3, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The strong correlation between the real and the predicted data indicated that the response model was adequate to reflect the expected optimization.
Understanding and Overcoming the Limitations to Strategy Execution in Hotels within the Small and Medium Enterprises Sector
Authors: Abalaka Anthony Idoko , Olaniyi Oluwaseun Oladeji , Adebiyi Olubukola Omolara
Published: October 2023

This paper underscores the challenges and significance of strategy formulation and execution, especially in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) hospitality sector. Despite decades of research and professional scrutiny, strategy implementation remains daunting in strategic management. The research is paramount to small hotels, especially in a rapidly changing and pandemic-stricken environment and the broader tourism sector. It equips managers in the hospitality and tourism sectors with insights to navigate implementation challenges and adopt innovative methods to bridge the gap between strategy formulation and its successful execution. The research findings, aimed at enhancing decision-making, productivity, and competitive edge, will benefit various stakeholders, including organizational managers, academic scholars, policymakers, regulators, and the general public. These findings will be disseminated through academic and professional channels to serve the public interest and contribute substantially to existing knowledge. Notably, while this study provides valuable insights, it does present limitations, mainly its focus on top management and its restricted observational scope due to the pandemic. Future research might consider broadening the participant pool and studying larger hotels across different regions to enhance generalizability.
Tuberculosis: Masquerade in Otorhinolaryngology
Authors: Sreelatha Arunima Viswakaran , Marfatia Hetal , Bhagat Pranita , Chatterjee Chandrani , Ramprasath V.
Published: October 2023

Tuberculosis is a completely curable disease which can affect any part of the body. But rare site TB can lead to diagnostic dilemma as it mimics other conditions. This study aims at identifying cases at an early stage preventing morbidity and mortality associated with the same.
Influence of Different Portions of Vine and Plant Growth Regulators on Growth Parameters of Sweet Potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.]
Authors: Lingamurthy, K. R.  , Ganiger Vasant M. , Ramachandra Naik, K.  , Allolli T. B. , Venkateshalu  , Bhuvaneshwari G. , Prasanna S. M.
Published: October 2023

A field experiment was conducted to study the potentiality of different portions of vine and plant growth regulators on growth performance of sweet potato during 2019 and 2020 at vegetable block, College of Horticulture, Munirabad (Koppal), located in the northern dry zone of Karnataka. The experiment was laid out in a Factorial Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with thirteen treatments. Among the two factors, the first factor was different portions of vine for planting consisting basal portion (P1), middle portion (P2) and top portion (P3) and the second factor was plant growth regulators consisting CCC @ 500 ppm (G1), CCC @1000 ppm (G2), Ethrel @ 150 ppm (G3) and Ethrel @ 300 ppm (G4). The control treatments were basal portion of vine (C1), middle portion of vine (C2) and top portion of vine(C3) all without application of growth regulator. Among the different portions of vine used for planting, the top portion of vine recorded significantly higher vine length, Vine inter nodal length, Number of branches per plant and Leaf area. Application of CCC @ 500 ppm was recorded significantly higher growth attributes. The interaction effect of top portion of vine with CCC @ 500 ppm (P3G1) was found to be significantly superior with respect to growth parameters of sweet potato.
Breeding for Late Blight Disease Resistance Varieties in Potato: A Strategic Approach for Food Security and Sustainability
Authors: Jimoh Falade Moses , Oluwayomi Agbowuro Gbenga
Published: October 2023

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one the most important stable foods that helps to resolve the global food crisis. However, its production has been limited due to various biotic and abiotic factors. Late blight disease caused by Phytophthora infestans is one of the destructive pathogenic diseases that not only results in potato yield losses but also increase the cost of production due to huge monetary expenses the growers inquire for disease control and preventive measures. The pathogen could result in a 20-100% yield reduction depending on the susceptibility of the variety, prevailing climatic variables, preventive and control measures taken, and the pathogen load in the area. The losses in the yield resulted in hunger and starvation. Annually, the losses due to Phytophthora infestans have been estimated to be $ 12 billion globally. The use of chemicals to control the disease seems to be the most effective measure, the method is no more economically and environmentally sustainable. The development and deployment of resistant varieties remain the most sustainable approach to managing and controlling diseases to ensure food security. This review examines the significance of the late blight disease of potatoes, its control measure, and the need for disease-resistant varieties.
Overview of Hydroponics towards High Quality Production of Vegetable Crops
Authors: Priyanshu  , Sagwal Aaditya , Kaushal Shilpa , Shubham
Published: October 2023

Now a days, people are becoming more concerned about their diet, health and lifestyle. Clean eating and nutrition rich food is the key towards healthy life. In order to avoid or minimize the effect of leftover residues of fertilizer on crops, adoption of hydroponic systems could be an excellent approach, which is to be practiced in controlled conditions. Numerous crops with no pest infestation and without any pathogenic disease can be grown with an efficient utilization of resources under hydroponics-based systems. Labor cost can be minimized as no intercultural operations like weeding, ploughing, tillage etc. need to be practiced. Hydroponic system is a high-grade access towards physically and economically safe and nutritious food. For the healthy production of green leafy and other vegetables hydroponics system is being adopted in many countries like Netherlands, Australia, France, England, Canada and USA clinching around 70-90 % savings on water.