bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Topological Data Analysis of m-Polar Spherical Fuzzy Information with LAM and SIR Models
Authors: Kausar Rukhsana , Tanveer Shaista , Riaz Muhammad , Pamucar Dragan , Goran Cirovic
Published: October 2022

The concept of m-polar spherical fuzzy sets (mPSFS) is a combination of m-polar fuzzy sets (mPFS) and spherical fuzzy sets (SFS). An mPSFS is an optimal strategy for addressing multipolarity and fuzziness in terms of ordered triples of positive membership grades (PMGs), negative membership grades (NMGs), and neutral grades (NGs). In this study, the innovative concept of m-polar spherical fuzzy topology (mPSF-topology) is proposed for data analysis and information aggregation. We look into the characteristics and results of mPSF-topology with the help of several examples. Topological structures on mPSFSs help with both the development of new artificial intelligence (AI) tools for different domain strategies and the study of different kinds of uncertainty in everyday life problems. These strategies make it possible to recognise and look into a situation early on, which helps professionals to reduce certain risks. In order to address various group decision-making issues in the m-polar spherical fuzzy domain, one suggestion has been to apply an extended linear assignment model (LAM) along with the SIR method known as superiority and inferiority ranking methodology in order to analyze road accident issues and dispute resolution. In addition, we examine the symmetry of optimal decision and perform a comparative study between the research carried out using the suggested methodology and several existing methods.
Thermodynamic Assessment and Solubility of Ni in LBE Coolants
Authors: Samui Pradeep , Agarwal Renu
Published: October 2022

Lead–Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) is a heavy metal liquid alloy used as a coolant for compact high temperature reactors (CHTRs), fast breeder reactor (FBRs) and as a spallation target for ADS. In spite of many advantages due to its thermophysical properties, corrosion towards structural materials remains one of the major issues of LBE. In absence of any oxygen impurity, corrosion in LBE is driven by dissolution processes and the solubility of the main elements of the structural material alloys. Using the CALPHAD method, Thermo-Calc software, a thermodynamic database was developed to assess the interaction between Ni and LBE coolant. The solubilities of Ni in LBE, Bi and Pb liquids have been calculated at different temperatures.
Two Years of Genomic Surveillance in Belgium during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic to Attain Country-Wide Coverage and Monitor the Introduction and Spread of Emerging Variants
Authors: Cuypers Lize , Dellicour Simon , Hong Samuel L. , Potter Barney I. , Verhasselt Bruno , Vereecke Nick , Lambrechts Laurens , Durkin Keith , Bours Vincent , Klamer Sofieke , Bayon-Vicente Guillaume , Vael Carl , Ariën Kevin K. , De Mendonca Ricardo , Soetens Oriane , Michel Charlotte , Bearzatto Bertrand , Naesens Reinout , Gras Jeremie , Vankeerberghen Anne , Matheeussen Veerle , Martens Geert , Obbels Dagmar , Lemmens Ann , Van den Poel Bea , Van Even Ellen , De Rauw Klara , Waumans Luc , Reynders Marijke , Degosserie Jonathan , Maes Piet , André Emmanuel , Baele Guy
Published: October 2022

An adequate SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance strategy has proven to be essential for countries to obtain a thorough understanding of the variants and lineages being imported and successfully established within their borders. During 2020, genomic surveillance in Belgium was not structurally implemented but performed by individual research laboratories that had to acquire the necessary funds themselves to perform this important task. At the start of 2021, a nationwide genomic surveillance consortium was established in Belgium to markedly increase the country’s genomic sequencing efforts (both in terms of intensity and representativeness), to perform quality control among participating laboratories, and to enable coordination and collaboration of research projects and publications. We here discuss the genomic surveillance efforts in Belgium before and after the establishment of its genomic sequencing consortium, provide an overview of the specifics of the consortium, and explore more details regarding the scientific studies that have been published as a result of the increased number of Belgian SARS-CoV-2 genomes that have become available.
Diversity and Ecology of Caudoviricetes Phages with Genome Terminal Repeats in Fecal Metagenomes from Four Dutch Cohorts
Authors: Gulyaeva Anastasia , Garmaeva Sanzhima , Kurilshikov Alexander , Vich Vila Arnau , Riksen Niels P. , Netea Mihai G. , Weersma Rinse K. , Fu Jingyuan , Zhernakova Alexandra
Published: October 2022

The human gut harbors numerous viruses infecting the human host, microbes, and other inhabitants of the gastrointestinal tract. Most of these viruses remain undiscovered, and their influence on human health is unknown. Here, we characterize viral genomes in gut metagenomic data from 1950 individuals from four population and patient cohorts. We focus on a subset of viruses that is highly abundant in the gut, remains largely uncharacterized, and allows confident complete genome identification—phages that belong to the class Caudoviricetes and possess genome terminal repeats. We detect 1899 species-level units belonging to this subset, 19% of which do not have complete representative genomes in major public gut virome databases. These units display diverse genomic features, are predicted to infect a wide range of microbial hosts, and on average account for <1% of metagenomic reads. Analysis of longitudinal data from 338 individuals shows that the composition of this fraction of the virome remained relatively stable over a period of 4 years. We also demonstrate that 54 species-level units are highly prevalent (detected in >5% of individuals in a cohort). Finally, we find 34 associations between highly prevalent phages and human phenotypes, 24 of which can be explained by the relative abundance of potential hosts.
High Prevalence of HPV 51 in an Unvaccinated Population and Implications for HPV Vaccines
Authors: Bowden Sarah J. , Ellis Laura Burney , Kyrgiou Maria , Fiander Alison N. , Hibbitts Samantha
Published: October 2022

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is detected in 99.7% of cervical cancers. Current vaccines target types 16 and 18. Prior to vaccination implementation, a prospective cohort study was conducted to determine baseline HPV prevalence in unvaccinated women in Wales; after HPV16 and HPV18, HPV 51 was found to be most prevalent. This study aimed to re-assess the unexpected high prevalence of HPV 51 and consider its potential for type-replacement. Two hundred HPV 51 positive samples underwent re-analysis by repeating the original methodology using HPV 51 GP5+/6+ PCR-enzyme immunoassay, and additionally a novel assay of HPV 51 E7 PCR. Data were correlated with age, social deprivation and cytology. Direct repeat of HPV 51 PCR-EIA identified 146/195 (75.0%) samples as HPV 51 positive; E7 PCR identified 166/195 (85.1%) samples as HPV 51 positive. HPV 51 prevalence increased with cytological grade. The prevalence of HPV 51 in the pre-vaccinated population was truly high. E7 DNA assays may offer increased specificity for HPV genotyping. Cross-protection of current vaccines against less-prevalent HPV types warrants further study. This study highlights the need for longitudinal investigation into the prevalence of non-vaccine HPV types, especially those phylogenetically different to vaccine types for potential type-replacement. Ongoing surveillance will inform future vaccines.
COVID-19 Vaccine-Associated Optic Neuropathy: A Systematic Review of 45 Patients
Authors: Elnahry Ayman G. , Al-Nawaflh Mutaz Y. , Gamal Eldin Aisha A. , Solyman Omar , Sallam Ahmed B. , Phillips Paul H. , Elhusseiny Abdelrahman M.
Published: October 2022

We provide a systematic review of published cases of optic neuropathy following COVID-19 vaccination. We used Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, and Google Scholar. Search terms included: “COVID-19 vaccination”, “optic neuropathy”, “optic neuritis”, and “ischemic optic neuropathy”. The titles and abstracts were screened, then the full texts were reviewed. Sixty eyes from forty-five patients (28 females) were included. Eighteen eyes from fourteen patients (31.1%) were diagnosed with anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION), while 34 eyes from 26 patients (57.8%) were diagnosed with optic neuritis (ON). Other conditions included autoimmune optic neuropathy and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy. Fifteen patients (33.3%) had bilateral involvement. The mean age of all patients was 47.4 ± 17.1 years. The mean age of AION patients was 62.9 ± 12.2 years and of ON patients was 39.7 ± 12.8 years (p < 0.001). The mean time from vaccination to ophthalmic symptoms was 9.6 ± 8.7 days. The mean presenting visual acuity (VA) was logMAR 0.990 ± 0.924. For 41 eyes with available follow-up, the mean presenting VA was logMAR 0.842 ± 0.885, which improved to logMAR 0.523 ± 0.860 at final follow-up (p < 0.001). COVID-19 vaccination may be associated with different forms of optic neuropathy. Patients diagnosed with ON were more likely to be younger and to experience visual improvement. More studies are needed to further characterize optic neuropathies associated with COVID-19 vaccination.
Delineating the SARS-CoV-2 Induced Interplay between the Host Immune System and the DNA Damage Response Network
Authors: Papanikolaou Christina , Rapti Vasiliki , Stellas Dimitris , Stefanou Dimitra , Syrigos Konstantinos , Pavlakis George , Souliotis Vassilis
Published: October 2022

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and characterized by an extremely variable disease course, ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe illness. Although all individuals may be infected by SARS-CoV-2, some people, including those of older age and/or with certain health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and chronic respiratory disease, are at higher risk of getting seriously ill. For cancer patients, there are both direct consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, including that they are more likely to be infected by SARS-CoV-2 and more prone to develop severe complications, as well as indirect effects, such as delayed cancer diagnosis or treatment and deferred tests. Accumulating data suggest that aberrant SARS-CoV-2 immune response can be attributed to impaired interferon signaling, hyper-inflammation, and delayed adaptive immune responses. Interestingly, the SARS-CoV-2-induced immunological abnormalities, DNA damage induction, generation of micronuclei, and the virus-induced telomere shortening can abnormally activate the DNA damage response (DDR) network that plays a critical role in genome diversity and stability. We present a review of the current literature regarding the molecular mechanisms that are implicated in the abnormal interplay of the immune system and the DDR network, possibly contributing to some of the COVID-19 complications.
Influence of Hydrological Factors on the Distribution of Methane Fields in the Water Column of the Bransfield Strait: Cruise 87 of the R/V “Academik Mstislav Keldysh”, 7 December 2021–5 April 2022
Authors: Kholmogorov Andrei , Syrbu Nadezhda , Shakirov Renat
Published: October 2022

Within the framework of the expedition research “Complex studies of the Antarctic marine ecosystem in the areas of the transport and interaction of water masses in the Atlantic sector of Antarctica, the Scotia Sea and the Drake Strait” (cruise 87 of the R/V “Academik Mstislav Keldysh”, 7 December 2021–5 April 2022), the distribution of gas-geochemical fields of methane in the Bransfield Strait was studied in detail for the first time. The connection of the methane distribution in water with the complex hydrological regime of the strait has been revealed. Elevated values of methane concentrations brought to the Bransfield Strait in the warm current flow from the Bellingshausen Sea have been established. Low concentrations of methane also mark the cold waters of the Weddell Sea, which carry out the transit of water masses into the Atlantic Ocean. The research was carried out within the framework of the theme FWMM-2022-033 “Integrated environmental studies of the Southern Ocean” AAAA17-117030110035-4 and international obligations of the Russian Federation as a party to the Antarctic Treaty and the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.
Adsorptive Removal of Methylene Blue Dye Using Biodegradable Superabsorbent Hydrogel Polymer Composite Incorporated with Activated Charcoal
Authors: Shah Syed Sikandar , Ramos Bruno , Teixeira Antonio Carlos Silva Costa
Published: October 2022

Hydrogels have attracted great attention as good adsorbents due to their extraordinary water retention capacity, unique hydrophilic nature, biocompatibility, and abundance in availability. In this work, a superabsorbent polymer (SAP) hydrogel and its composite were synthesized, with the introduction of activated charcoal (SAP-AC) for deep removal of the ecotoxic organic dye methylene blue (MB). The formation of the hydrogel was confirmed by FTIR analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the appearance of a porous microstructure due to the incorporation of AC. A continuous upflow column was set up, and the adsorption parameters were optimized using an experimental Doehlert uniform array design. The residual concentration of MB was analyzed by UV-Vis spectrophotometry at 665 nm (λmax). The experimental data were also discussed in terms of adsorption kinetics and adsorption isotherm models. Accordingly, MB adsorption followed pseudo second-order kinetics and better fits the Freundlich isotherm, suggesting a chemisorption mechanism and a multilayer MB adsorption system. The maximum adsorption capacity was 202.84 mg g−1 (96.96%) using the SAP and 213.2 mg g−1 (99.48%) using the SAP-AC. The present study proved that the synthesized composite hydrogel has good activity and selectivity for deep removal of the MB dye and can be effectively used in wastewater treatment.
Developing a Combined Drought Index to Monitor Agricultural Drought in Sri Lanka
Authors: Bayissa Yared , Srinivasan Raghavan , Joseph George , Bahuguna Aroha , Shrestha Anne , Ayling Sophie , Punyawardena Ranjith , Nandalal K. D. W.
Published: October 2022

Developing an agricultural drought monitoring index through integrating multiple input variables into a single index is vital to facilitate the decision-making process. This study aims to develop an agricultural drought index (agCDI) to monitor and characterize the spatial and temporal patterns of drought in Sri Lanka. Long-term (1982 to 2020) remote sensing and model-based agroclimatic input parameters—normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), land surface temperature (LST), 3-month precipitation z-score (stdPCP), and evaporative demand drought index (EDDI)—were used to develop agCDI. The principal component analysis (PCA) approach was employed to qualitatively determine the grid-based percentage contribution of each input parameter. The agCDI was apparently evaluated using an independent dataset, including the crop yield for the major crop growing districts and observed streamflow-based surface runoff index (SRI) for the two main crop growing seasons locally, called Yala (April to September) and Maha (October to March), using 20-years of data (from 2000 to 2020). The results illustrate the good performance of agCDI, in terms of predominantly capturing and characterizing the historic drought conditions in the main agricultural producing districts both during the Yala and Maha seasons. There is a relatively higher chance of the occurrence of moderate to extreme droughts in the Yala season, compared to the Maha season. The result further depicts that relatively good correlation coefficient values (> 0.6) were obtained when agCDI was evaluated using a rice crop yield in the selected districts. Although the agCDI correlated well with SRI in some of the stations (>0.6), its performance was somehow underestimated in some of the stations, perhaps due to the time lag of the streamflow response to drought. In general, agCDI showed its good performance in capturing the spatial and temporal patterns of the historic drought and, hence, the model can be used to develop agricultural drought monitoring and an early warning system to mitigate the adverse impacts of drought in Sri Lanka.
Removal of Heavy Metals from Acid Mine Drainage with Lab-Scale Constructed Wetlands Filled with Oyster Shells
Authors: Nguyen Thuong Thi , Soda Satoshi , Horiuchi Kengo
Published: October 2022

The present study investigated the applicability of constructed wetlands (CWs) filled with oyster shells (OSs) for removing heavy metals from acid mine drainage (AMD). Lab-scale CWs consisted of columns (ID 12.5 cm, H 50 cm) packed with OSs or limestone, which were left unplanted or planted with cattails. Synthetic and real AMD containing 7.3 mg/L of Zn, 38.0 mg/L of Fe, and other minerals (pH = 4.0) were fed to the CWs (1 L/column) under a hydraulic retention time of 7 days in a sequencing batch mode. The effluent pH values of the CWs reached 6.9–8.3. Results show that OSs with high CaCO3 contents had higher neutralizing capability for AMD than limestone had. During 7 months of operation, all CWs were highly effective for removing Zn (88.6–99.2%); Fe (98.7–99.7%); and Cd, Cu, Pb, As, and Mn (48.2–98.9%) from both real and synthetic AMD. The mass balance in the CWs indicated accumulation in OSs or limestone as a main pathway for removing heavy metals, representing 44.8–99.3% of all metals, followed by biomass (8.8–29.9%) in the planted CWs. Other processes examined for this study only played a minor role in removing heavy metals. The higher metal treatment performance of OS CWs demonstrated the value of this aquaculture byproduct as a CW substrate.
Features of rehabilitation treatment of patients after the novel coronavirus infection
Authors:   FSBEI HE «Samara State Medical University» of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia,, Zharkova A. V.
Published: October 2022

Every day, more and more patients who have had a new coronaviral infection are being discharged from medical institutions. All patients require medical rehabilitation in order to fully recover and return to normal life. Rehabilitation of patients diagnosed with a novel coronavirus infection — COVID-19 at the Clinics of Samara State Medical University began in the intensive care unit in the first days of treatment, which made it possible to quickly cope with the infection and reduce the time of rehabilitation therapy.
Nurse’s station in the outpatient polyclinic department
Authors:   SBHI SR «Syzran City Hospital No. 2», Dorofeeva L. V. , Syromyatnikova O. M. ,   SBHI SR «Syzran City Hospital No. 2»
Published: October 2022

The article presents the experience of the formation and functioning of a nursing post within the framework of the project «Balancing between doctors and paramedical personnel».
Differential diagnosis in vertebral destruction
Authors:   City Hospital No. 5, Krasnoyarsk, Petrishcheva O. A.
Published: October 2022

Tuberculous spondylitis is the most common form of osteoarticular tuberculosis. In recent years, there has been an increase in cases of tuberculosis infection and a rise in its extrapulmonary manifestations, which are associated with the AIDS epidemic and the problem of multidrug resistance of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In this connection, over the past decades the clinical picture of the disease has become more diverse, the duration of the disease has increased, and the prognosis has changed.
November 14 — World Diabetes Day
Authors:   SBHI RR Kerch City Children's Hospital, Rybachok O. A.
Published: October 2022

Today, there are about half a billion diabetic patients worldwide, and almost a third of them do not even know about their diagnosis. Expressing serious concern about this state of affairs, in 1991 the International Diabetes Federation proposed November 14 to be designated as World Diabetes Day. It was on this day that the Canadian doctor, scientist and a Nobel laureate Frederick Banting was born. Together with his colleagues, he discovered insulin and gave millions of patients hope for salvation. This initiative was supported by the World Health Organization, and for almost thirty years now, doctors around the world have been calling not to remain indifferent on this day to patients with this terrible disease. Since 2007, World Diabetes Day has been held under the auspices of the United Nations (UN); this day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in a special resolution in 2006.
Issues of ensuring medical care continuity at the stages of medical rehabilitation in patients with the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19
Authors:   FSBI Clinical Hospital of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia, Amosova N. A. , Petrova M. S. ,   FSBI CPE Central State Medical Academy of the Administration of the President of the Russian Federation, Moscow
Published: October 2022

The pandemic of the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19 has led to a public health emergency. The feature of the course of the novel coronavirus infection is the fact that even patients who have had the disease in mild or moderate to severe forms develop various functional disorders, the symptoms of which significantly worsen their functional state in the short and long term, indicating the need for rehabilitation treatment. To ensure the continuity of medical care for patients with COVID-19 at different stages of medical rehabilitation, a standardized assessment of the functional state with the development of a rehabilitation protocol is necessary.
Experience of using gait adaptability training in medical rehabilitation of patients after cerebrovascular accident in the late recovery period
Authors:   FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, Moscow, Medsi Group of Companies, Moscow, Mikhailova A. A. , Korchazhkina N. B. ,   FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, Moscow, Koneva E. S. ,   Medsi Group of Companies, Moscow,  FSAEI HE I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University) of the Ministry of Health, Moscow, Kotenko K. V. ,   FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, Moscow
Published: October 2022

The article presents the treatment data of 80 patients who had an ischemic stroke with movement disorders in the form of hemiparesis with increased muscle tone in the lower limb due to spasticity. The patients were divided into 2 groups comparable in terms of clinical and functional characteristics: group 1 included patients who, in addition to standard treatment, had gait adaptability training with video reconstruction on the C–Mill biofeedback system (BFB), and group 2 consisted of 40 people who underwent a course of standard drug therapy and medical rehabilitation (exercise therapy and medical massage). The characteristics of the main static and locomotor parameters were assessed according to the C–Mill data and the Tinetti assessment tool, and the range of motion in the lower extremities was assessed according to goniometry data at all control points (before and after treatment, 3 and 6 months after treatment). The obtained data indicate the benefit of including gait adaptability training in the standard complex of medical rehabilitation of patients who have undergone acute cerebrovascular accident with motor disorders in the form of hemiparesis with post-stroke spasticity of the lower extremity. This was confirmed by the normalization of the parameters of the gait adaptability, namely, a decrease in the duration of free gait (step cycle) by an average of 32 %, an increase in the frequency of a free gait step by an average of 30 % and in the length of a free gait step by 16 % immediately after treatment, with the results maintained at all control points.
Induced Spawning of Two Western Tropical Pacific Groupers, Plectropomus areolatus and Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, in Palau
Authors: TUCKER, JR. JOHN W. , FITZGERALD WILLIAM J.
Published: October 2022

In May and June 1991, 10 squaretail coral trout (Plectropomus areolatus) females ovulated 34-36 hours after the first of two intramuscular injections of hwnan chorionic gonadotrow pin (HCG), producing 4,001,000 eggs; four fish later released an additional 1,792,000 eggs, and another 1,630,000 eggs were found in the holding tank. Five females ovulated naturally several hours after capture (about 12 hours before the new moon in June), producing 856,000 eggs. In June, three brown-marbled grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) females ovulated 37w39 hours after the first of one or two HCG injections, producing 5,035,000 eggs, with another 42,000 found in the tank. Coral trout egg diameter range was 687w8l4 µm (mean 754 µm) and oil globule diameter range 170-257 µm (mean 213 µm). Brown-marbled grouper egg diameter range was 743-826 µm (mean 789 µm) and oil globule diameter range 187-251 µm (mean 215 µm). In most cases, fertilization and hatching rates were high. Induced spawns produced 1,755,000 coral trout and 3,791,000 brown-marbled grouper hatchlings.
Reproduction and Growth of the Commercial Sand Crab, Portunus pelagicus (L.) in Moreton Bay, Queensland
Authors: SUMPTON WAYNE D.
Published: October 2022

The biology of the commercial sand crab Portunus pelagicus is described in subtropical Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia. The population samples were characterized by more males than females. Recruitment of O+ yr individuals occurred throughout the year, although it was greatest during spring. Crabs attained sexual maturity in their first year of life. After rapid growth of juveniles in shallow inshore habitats during summer and autumn, molting and growth slowed during winter. Von Bertalanffy 613 growth 19 functions were derived as follows 1 1 = 175 (1-e·l.597(t-0,203)) for males, and 1 1 = 170 (1-e-l.C-0.1a)) for females. Crabs moved further offshore as they in­creased in size. Ovigerous females were present throughout the year, although their proportion peaked during August-October. Maximum gonad development or male P. pelagicus was during May, whereas the peak period or female gonad activity occurred in July. The presence or many postmolt mature females with spermatophores in their spermathecae during May-June, confirmed those months as the major mating period.
Reef Fish Yield and Reef Condition for San Salvador Island, Luzon, Philippines
Authors: CHRISTIE PATRICK , WHITE ALAN T.
Published: October 2022

The annual reef fish yield has been estimated for San Salvador Island, Philippines, for 2 consecutive years. From April 1988 to March 1989, reef fish yields were approximately 7.0 t·km·2 .year1• Reef fish yield increased 100.0% to 14.0 t·km-2·year1 for the following year, primarily as a result of increased catches of juvenile fusiliers (Caesionidae). Catch per unit effort, however, did not significantly increase over the period of the study and has been estimated at 3.148 kg·work hour1 for the 2 years. This information forms a baseline for the future from which to analyze the impact of the establishment of a marine sanctuary and traditional fishing reserve on San Salvador Island. In order to assess the relative condition of San Salvador's fishery, these findings are compared to other coral reefs in the Philippines. San Salvador's reef has a low percent coral cover and low richness and density of fish, possibly as a result of the historic use of destructive fishing methods. However, findings indicate that a community-based resource management plan may have the potential to positively affect the island's fishery.
The Effect of Mixed Feeding Schedules of Varying Dietary Protein Content on the Growth Performance of Channa striata Fry
Authors: HASHIM ROSHADA
Published: October 2022

A feeding trial was carried out over 7 weeks to determine the effect of mixed feeding schedules on the growth performance of Channa striata fry (initial weight 0.58-0.95 g). The fry were fed three control diets of low (30%; A), intermediate (35%; B) and high (40%; C) protein levels and three mixed feeding schedules of 1 day of low followed by 1 day of high protein diet (1A/lC), 1 day of low and 2 days of high protein diet (IN2C) and 2 days of low followed by 2 days of high protein diet (2A/2C). The highest specific growth rate was obtained for fry maintained on Diet B with the mixed feeding schedule of 1N1C ranking third after Diet A. The feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio and protein retention values were better for fry fed control diets only, but among the mixed feeding schedules, schedule IA/2C performed best. The overall ranking was highest for Diet B with the mixed feeding schedule of 1A/2C ranking third. A 13.9% protein saving relative to Diet B was obtained for feeding schedule IA/2C.
Induced Spawning and Hatching of Tawes, Puntius javanicus (Bleeker)
Authors: DAS S.K.
Published: October 2022

A preliminary study on induced spawning and hatching of Puntius javanicus (Bleeker), revealed the possibility of simplifying spawning and hatching techniques. A single dose of Ovaprim, an ovulating agent, resulted in complete spawning within 4-5 hours. Larvae hatched in 10-12 hours at 27-31 °C. When carried out in low cost, laboratory-designed plastic tubs, percent­age hatching ranged between 38.8 and 64.8% with an average of 53%.
Genetics of Body Color Inheritance in Thai and Egyptian Red Tilapia Strains
Authors: HUSSAIN M.G.
Published: October 2022

The Mendelian mode of red bcx:ly color inheritance in Thai and Egyptian strains of red tilapia was studied. Breeding between red x red and red x wild parents resulted in mostly all red progenies; and in some red x wild crosses, progenies were also segregated into red and wild types. The FI red hybrids mated inter se and back-crossed to wild type, the progeny phenotype segre­gated closely into approximating the expected 3 red: 1 wild type and 1 red: I wild type ratios, re­spectively. These results demonstrate that red body color in the two mutant strains of tilapia is controlled by a single autosomaJ dominant "R" gene. But the red strains contain different propor­tions of heterozygotes (Rr). In order to produce pure breeding strains, it is important to identify heterozygotes so the "r" aJlele can be selected out. In light of the present study, the progeny test­ing technique has been proposed as a probable solution.
Economics of the Integrated Fish-Chicken Farming System (Longyam) in Tasikmalaya, Indonesia
Authors: KUSUMAWARDHANI AMIE
Published: October 2022

One or the ways to increase income among fish farmers in Tasikmalaya District in the southern part or Java Island in Indonesia is the adoption of an integrated fish-chicken farming system known locally as longyam. The management of longyam is generally based on tradition, past experience and comparison with neighbors. The study examines the efficiency or the present management system and compares it with an optimal system generated by linear programming. The optimal solutions can substantially increase total net revenue. To achieve this, extension efforts should be intensified to introduce new technology, and managerial practices improved to increase productivity. Although increased income can also be achieved by expanding the land area, this alternative is not possible due to serious limitations of land availability.
Direitos humanos e leitura pública: humanização e cidadania pela prática da leitura
Authors: Morais Grinaura Medeiros de , Carvalho Maria Elizete Guimarães
Published: October 2022

Este artigo é permeado pela interdisciplinaridade – leitura social, literatura, Direitos Humanos e Educação -, resultado de um projeto de pesquisa realizado com estudantes do ensino médio e com graduandos do Curso de Pedagogia/UFRN, cujo objetivo era a fomentação do ato de ler, instigando a leitura formativa como transformadora das realidades sociais. Orienta-se pelo propósito de refletir sobre a leitura pública atrelada aos Direitos Humanos, constituindo campos de conhecimento e de explicação que elucidam elos para uma transformação, um itinerário em construção de saberes para o aperfeiçoamento humano. A construção de redes de sociabilidades em leitura suscita processos históricos em que circulam ideias, sensibilidades e construção de si.
Podcasts: A generator of non-formal learning
Authors: Andersen René , Dau Susanne
Published: October 2022

The present study examines the relationship between the use of podcasts (mp3 files) as a non-formal learning tool. The study´s epistemological origins lie in Dewey's pragmatism and learning and reflection theory, including the learning approach at University College of Northern Denmark’s (UCN) “Reflective Practice-based Learning” (RPL). This paper focuses on how podcasts can increase students’ learning and reflection skills by using podcasts as a generator for non-formal learning. The study is based on two different classes that attend an extended course in digital technologies and project management at the Danish University of Applied Science (UCN). The study applies integrated mixed-method data collection: observations, a quantitative survey, and semi-structured interviews. The observations were carried out during four (project management) and seven (digital technologies) full-day lectures in two different classes. These offered an insight into the extent to which the students acquired knowledge by listening to podcasts between classes. The quantitative data consisted of a survey of 65 students, all of whom participated in the courses. The survey was performed as a part of the evaluation at the final course lectures. The semi-structured interviews (ten in all) were used to investigate how the use of podcasts affects students' reflective skills. Ten semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data in this study finds that podcasts/podcasting can have a positive effect on students’ non-formal learning in higher education. Established on the findings, there is evidence indicating podcasts as a supplement in higher education can increase students´ motivation toward non-formal learning. The study reveals that podcasts hold the potential to stimulate the student's non-formal learning and increase the students’ reflective skills. Based on this evidence, further research is suggested e.g. studies that include an extended investigation on the benefits of students’ non-formal learning by using podcasts.
Motivational Challenges of Engineers Participating in an Online Upskilling Program
Authors: Braun Greta , Järvinen Miitta , Stahre Johan , Hämäläinen Raija
Published: October 2022

The present powerful surge of available online learning platforms will provide employees with enhanced opportunities to rapidly develop their skills, regardless of time and place. Despite the potential, there are challenges for participants on online learning platforms to finalise the courses they engage in. The reasons for the high number of students dropping out before completion of the course are motivational, social, and technological. Studies show that large skill gaps exist among industry employees worldwide. It is often caused by the implementation of new technologies, digitalization, as well as increasing requirements on sustainability and resilience. E-learning provides a major opportunity to bridge such skill gaps. Thus, the flexibility offered by online learning platforms can be of high value for upskilling of industrial employees. This paper describes a study on the skills and learning processes of engineers in industry, participating in a national Swedish upskilling programme. The programme offers online learning modules, provided by 13 collaborating Swedish universities. The paper proposes a method for understanding underlying challenges in the participants’ motivation and their module completion rates. The questionnaire “HowULearn”, developed by Helsinki University, has been previously validated at several universities, consistently delivering a valuable understanding of student learning and motivation. To accommodate the methodological needs of this study, the questionnaire was adapted for an industrial context, investigating motivational challenges of learners on the Ingenjör4.0 platform. The primary outcome of the study is a framework for analysing learner challenges related to motivation within e-learning contexts. Further, this paper suggests a way of utilising the HowULearn questionnaire for participants on the Ingenjör4.0 online learning platform, to understand their challenges. The adapted questionnaire was tested with participants of the platform (22 respondents) and the results were analysed by identifying participant challenges. The outcome and conclusions of this study will improve the Ingenjör4.0 online learning platform but can also be used generically, to improve other e-learning environments.
Social Interaction in Virtual Teams – An Exploratory Study of Students Undertaking Business Simulation
Authors: O'Brien Michael , Costin Yvonne
Published: October 2022

In recent times, the usage of virtual teams has been accelerated, and virtual teams are being used exponentially in higher education and industry - driven by, and in response to, the Covid-19 pandemic - aided by developments in innovative technologies and globalisation. Teams have suddenly become an essential and necessary approach for collaborative learning as well as task completion. In examining the components of social interaction and its respective distinguished components, this paper positively points to virtual teams being an appropriate means for social interaction and team performance, albeit with some challenges. This qualitative study brings to the fore constructive and affirmative themes, along with various challenges that virtual teams present and also highlights areas for further research.
Exploring Augmented Reality Affordances for Media Literacy in the EFL Context
Authors: Lazou Chrysoula , Tsinakos Avgoustos
Published: October 2022

The ever-evolving information and communication technologies (ICTs) have affected the learners’ preferences for on-demand and on-the-spot access to information that challenge the traditional classroom practices and call for a reconstruction of curricula. New educational approaches are to be encompassed so as to align with the tech-savvy Generation Z needs and the contemporary digitized world that demands competences and skills for successful and well-informed personal and professional choices. Nevertheless, consumption and creation of new knowledge in the plethora of the new crowdsourced information ecosystem have to be critically accessed, analyzed, evaluated, and leveraged so as to lead to creativity and innovation. This paper is a report of the design of an educational intervention with the intent to enhance students’ media literacy skills in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) secondary education context leveraging immersive technologies. In the first part there is a review of related work leveraging AR affordances in the EFL context. The second part explores the instructional design and pedagogical framework that AR assets can enrich a course material on media literacy for inclusive education practices taking into consideration students’ preferences on their learning process.
A Conceptual Framework for Integrating TPB With Context-Relevant Variables to Predict e-Learning Success During the Covid -19 Pandemic
Authors: Plata Lerma Diego Fernando , Afful-Dadzie Eric , Kwarteng Michael Adu , Nwaiwu Fortune , Ntsiful Alex
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the digitalization of some aspects of our lives including education. However, as we witness a phenomenal rise in the demand for online learning, the decision to migrate to online learning platforms is dependent on the learner’s preparedness to embrace it. The objective of this study is to conceptualize a framework that measures the tendency of learners to adopt online learning in an era characterised by so many disruptions. To do this, we adopt document analysis on databases such as SCOPUS, Web of Science, EBSCO and Google Scholar using Boolean search engines; AND, OR, NOT, *, (), ‘’’’, +, -, <,>.  mainly on current scientific manuscripts through the use of the keywords “e-learning”, “theory of planned behaviour”, “Covid 19”, “distance learning”, “environmental factors” and “academic technology adoption”. Subsequently, we integrate the theory of planned behaviour with other context-relevant variables as the bases of the study, and conceptualise a framework to predict e-learning success in the covid-19 era. This study contributes to the scientific body of knowledge on e-learning, particularly from the perspective of a forced mass adoption of e-learning occasioned by a global pandemic.
An Educational Cultural Game for an Industrial Urban Landscape
Authors: Kassi Dimitra , Sarlis Ioannis , Kotsifakos Dimitrios , Douligeris Christos
Published: October 2022

This paper presents an educational game that aims to enhance students' logical, mathematical, linguistic, and other skills by introducing them to the landscape of Drapetsona, an area in the southern part of Piraeus, Greece, with rich labor history and many industrial monuments, highlighting its industrial heritage and its remains. This educational game is a point-and-click puzzle game with multiple character control. It is aimed at students between the ages of 8-18 years, with graded difficulty depending on the player's age, making it interesting and attractive for any child with moderate access to technology. Our educational structure incorporates inventory, map, and game. A modern platform has been selected for its development that does not require programming and can be easily used by anyone who wants to improve the design of the game. With those digital tools, designing the game is a creative, enabling experience that is accessible to all. The game is currently under construction and a way of evaluating it is proposed.
Supporting Learning Mobility with Student Data Harmonisation - A European Perspective
Authors: Karunaratne Thashmee , Kontopoulos Efstratios
Published: October 2022

Digitalisation promotes online education, internationalisation and student mobility. Based on the Bologna process and the European higher education area, learning mobility has been successful under Erasmus and other similar initiatives. However, a key issue for students and universities is that a significant amount of time is spent on the manual labour involved in the process of applying to degree programs overseas. It is therefore essential for higher education institutions to better exploit the potential of technology and Web 2.0 to enable a secure exchange of evidence during application for degree programs and academic courses in foreign Higher Education Institutions, as well as applying for study grants and obtaining recognition for academic and other types of studies. Harmonisation of the student data is a key initial step for enabling such exchange. In this study, an approach to a secured exchange of education evidence is instrumented under the H2020 project Digital Europe for All (DE4A). Existing semantic standards for Web 2.0 applications, core vocabularies for public service data and semantic assets from existing best practices such as W3C, ISA2 core vocabularies, and Europass data model are used to curate data models that allow the exchange of a higher education diploma, secondary education diploma and information of special needs (disability, large family), which is required by students when requesting study grants (waive of tuition fees). The semantic interoperability agreements are established cross-border through these data models called canonical evidences. The canonical evidences are tested with the national data services of three countries, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain. The final data models are implemented in XML Schema format that could be used by any educational organisation intending to use trusted public service databases within Europe to automatically retrieve information on students’ degrees. The validity of the canonical evidences is tested on two pilot occasions within the DE4A project. The outcome of this study summarises the procedural requirements for evidences when applying for a higher degree program and seeking grants. Furthermore, it resulted in verified canonical evidence data models that fulfil the procedural requirements for applying for studying abroad.
Educación Artística en el segundo ciclo de Educación General Básica
Authors: Ramírez Hernández Miguel
Published: October 2022

El estudio es una primera aproximación para conocer cómo se está desarrollando la Educación Artística en Chile, a través de los talleres de la Jornada Escolar Completa en el segundo ciclo de Educación Básica, con el objeto de determinar lineamientos futuros de política relacionada con el fortalecimiento del área señalada. Entre otros, los resultados obtenidos de los talleres artísticos señalan que las escuelas: no tienen tan absolutamente claro los objetivos educativos que buscan; centran el contenido de enseñanza principalmente en los lenguajes musicales y visuales, en desmedro de la danza, el teatro y la literatura; hacen prevalece una oferta de formación centrada en el desarrollo de destrezas y técnicas, más que en la dimensión de una apreciación estética o una reflexión crítica del arte; implementan talleres que son atendidos mayoritariamente por los docentes generalistas, siendo escasa la presencia de especialistas o artistas.
Educación Ambiental para el nivel medio superior: propuesta y evaluación
Authors: Espejel Rodríguez Adelina , Castillo Ramos María Isabel
Published: October 2022

El trabajo tiene como objetivo mostrar una propuesta de Educación Ambiental que se aplicó en el nivel medio superior en el estado de Tlaxcala, México, en el 2004, asimismo dar a conocer los resultados de su evaluación. La propuesta tiene un carácter multidimensional, que se encuadra en una reflexión teórica que considera a la educación ambiental como elemento fundamental para fomentar conciencia, valores y hábitos comprometidos con un medio ambiente en equilibrio. La propuesta busca incidir en el proceso de aprendizaje mediante conferencias de sensibilización, elaboración de cuentos, formación de comités ecológicos, discusiones en el aula, la confección de bitácoras ambientales y otras estrategias más, todas ellas con el objetivo de que los estudiantes comprendan y conozcan la problemática ambiental y adquieran conocimientos, valores y habilidades prácticas para participar e incidir en forma responsable y eficaz en la prevención y solución de los problemas ambientales, con acento especial en los relacionados con los residuos sólidos y la contaminación del agua. El artículo muestra también la evaluación que los estudiantes realizaron de la propuesta. La mayor parte de ellos la calificaron entre muy buena y excelente, puesto que —afirman—.les ayudó a mejorar su actitud hacía el medio ambiente, los hizo reflexionar sobre la necesidad de cuidar su entorno y hacer acciones para preservarlo y así asegurar el futuro de las generaciones venideras.
Creación de preguntas de preparación para promover las lecturas asignadas en cursos de contenido en lenguas extranjeras
Authors: Rodríguez Juan Pablo
Published: October 2022

El objetivo del presente artículo es proponer una manera de motivar y, en cierta medida, forzar al estudiante a realizar las lecturas asignadas en cursos de contenido en lenguas extranjeras: literatura, geografía, historia, lingüística, etc. Con dos grupos de estudiantes en semestres diferentes cuya principal fuente de variación fue la presencia o ausencia de preguntas de preparación para cada lectura asignada, se pudo observar un ligero aumento de las notas medias en cada examen parcial. Se sugerirá que ha de crearse un objetivo claro y simple a cumplir por cada lectura con una recompensa razonable para que el estudiante tenga mayor motivación a realizar las lecturas asignadas. No se trata de la imposición de trabajo adicional sino de que la realización de la lectura asignada tenga un objetivo claro y una recompensa para los estudiantes.