bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experiential Learning in the Energy Based Classroom
Authors: Maynard Cole , Garcia Jose , Lucietto Anne , Hutzel William , Newell Brittany A
Published: December 2021

Engineering technology students revel in enhanced learning experiences that include the use of hands-on methods to teach the real-world usage of the tech-nical material. These learning experiences increase applied knowledge and retention in these students and others in related STEM fields. Using research-based learning theory in a project-based and team-based learning environment, the course developers transformed the learning experience from sterile lecture type courses to interactive experiences that enhance and build on the course concepts. Surveys were used to further delve into student perception of the learning experience providing faculty with an assurance that students have ful-ly developed a level of competency in the desired topic used in the interven-tion. The goal of this research is to further delve into the use of personalized learning to engage and encourage student growth.

Course developers incorporated known practices of team and project-based learning theory when making changes to the course foundation. The application of project-based learning theory is based on literature reviews, and the results seen within similar technology and engineering based STEM disciplines. Course surveys were used to collect information from the students to further understand how changes to the course delivery impacted them and affected the learning environment.

Initial results suggest improved student engagement, and engagement with course materials as a result of the transformation of class delivery. Evidence shows that the classroom experience is enhanced by this type of activity. Sup-porting findings by researchers in other areas show that experiential or active learning improves students’ understanding and engagement with concepts taught through project-based learning methods.
Using Learning Analytics to Explore Responses from Student Conversations with Chatbot for Education
Authors: Wan Hamzah Wan Mohd Amir Fazamin , Ismail Ismahafezi , Yusof Mohd Kamir , Mohd Saany Syarilla Iryani , Yacob Azliza
Published: December 2021

Chatbot simulates humans' conversations through computer programs using natural language. They are developed for various reasons and purposes, such as virtual characters and entertainers or as an interactive game component. Nowadays, Chatbots for education are using widely to enable students to engage with learning content constantly. In this study, students use Chatbot to query the Web Programming learning contents such as code description, coding and problem-solving. However, the successful responses of Chatbot to student queries is unknown. The lecturers also do not know the desired learning content of students who use the Chatbot. Thus, the purposes of this study are to explore the probability of a student getting successful responses in each conversation and to identify the students desired learning content. The learning analytics method is used to analyse the learning data of Chat-bot. The data analysis performed is descriptive analysis and binomial probability testing. The finding of the studies showed that the value of successful responses of Chatbot is high. The most desired learning content by the students is related to three categories of Web Programming contents, which is the hypertext Preprocessor (PHP), database & structured query language (SQL) and hypertext markup language (HTML). The Chatbot is updated based on proposed actions to provide more successful responses.
Students’ Perception About the Use of Mobile Learning in Solving Engineering Problems Collaboratively
Authors: Omirzak Islam , Ralin Andrey , Kasatkin Boris , Vorona-Slivinskaya Lubov , Dubinina Natalia
Published: December 2021

The study is devoted to the possibility of using mobile learning for the joint solution of engineering problems by students. The research aims to determine the feasibility and perceived effectiveness of the collaborative method. The survey involved 218 students from five universities located in Russia and Kazakhstan. The results of the study show that 99% of young people have a smartphone or other mobile devices enabling Internet access, as confirmed by the study. The majority of students (85%) believe that mobile devices can be used for learning; 65% of the young people surveyed had already used a mobile phone or tablet to study disciplines. 44% of students determine the effectiveness of this type of learning and 56% were against it. In the context of the possibility of joint solution of engineering problems through these devices, opinions were almost equally divided: 52% of students agreed and 48% of participants disagreed. The practical significance can be based on the opportunities of the use of mobile learning for the joint solution of engineering problems. The research results may be of interest to a wide range of specialists working in the field of education, as well as to developers of training programs and applications.
Ethnobotanical and Pharmacological Importance of the Herbal Plants With Anti-Hair Fall and Hair Growth Activities
Authors: Mustafa Kiran , Kanwal Javaria , Musaddiq Sara , Khakwani Samia
Published: December 2021

The primary aim of this study is to access the salient herbal plants with the active constituent of potentially anti-hair fall activities. It also presents the various reasons behind hair loss ailments. As part of this study, a focus is placed on active phytochemicals within these medicinal plants or natural products in terms of various hair fall disease treatments. As natural products have a beneficial effect to minimize hair loss and have promoted the potential for new hair growth, it presents the medicinal values of natural plants in reference to safety and effectiveness for health.
Phytochemicals
Authors: Ramalingam Karthikeyan , Amaechi Bennett T.
Published: December 2021

The chapter gives a picture of the current data on the available anticariogenic natural products and their mechanism of action. Different phytochemicals such as phenols, flavanoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, tannins, lectins, etc. and their anticariogenic efficacy have been discussed in detail. All the data emphasise the fact that the use of natural products is emerging as an effective strategy in the prevention and treatment of dental caries. Consequently, these natural products could be incorporated in toothpastes and other oral hygiene products to promote oral health.
Ethnobotanical Wealth of Home Gardens
Authors: Chetri Bimal K. , Rinchen Namgay , Wangchuck Karma
Published: December 2021

The use of ethnomedicinal plants of home gardens has played an important role in treating minor illnesses related to physical and psychological wellbeing among rural folks. Local healers often use plants from their home garden or nearby forest. In this chapter, the traditional uses of medicinal plants using various tools with sample data have been used to facilitate ethnobotanical research on home gardens. Samples measuring the relative importance of species through quantitative analysis are tabulated. These tools, if applied during in-situ data collection, would help generate reliable information on characteristics of home gardens and medicinal plants. Conservation of medicinal plants from the perspective of home gardening is important. To document how medicinal plants are used to treat different diseases, their use value and ethical considerations would be significant for bioprospecting of medicinal plants and protecting intellectual right of the associated traditional knowledge.
New Perspective of Networking in the DMO Model
Authors: Asero Vincenzo , Billi Sandro
Published: December 2021

Destination management organizations are functional structures that manage and market the tourist destinations operating to facilitate the cooperation among different stakeholders. A successful DMO supports tourism development, especially when tourism is an important economic driver for a destination. The idea of building different forms of DMOs and the concept of networking have guided tourism governance choices in different initiatives conducted in many countries. This chapter analyses the model of DMO adopted in Italy by Regione Toscana comparing it with the variable geometry approach by Beritelli et al. The study offers a critical reflection on the model of DMO, relevant from the perspectives of governance and management.
Complexity of Tourism Destination Governance
Authors: Gajdošík Tomáš , Valeri Marco
Published: December 2021

Tourism destinations can be considered as complex systems of interrelated and interdependent stakeholders. The complexity and limited power of influencing the number of stakeholders resulted in network approach to tourism destination governance. This approach is considered both theoretically and practically as a tool for strengthening its sustainable competitiveness, fostering innovation and knowledge sharing. Although the network analysis of tourism destinations has gained a significant attention in recent years, the complex understanding of its contribution to smart development is still missing. The aim of this chapter is to create a framework for smart approach in destination governance using the network science perspective. The chapter provides insights in using network analysis for strengthening the tourism destination governance. The chapter uses a case study methodology on two mature tourism destinations, providing an example of the use of network analysis for destination governance strengthening.
Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture Title for Sustainable Cooperation
Authors: Kővári Edit , Lőrincz Katalin , Valeri Marco
Published: December 2021

The European Capital of Culture (ECoC) title enables European citizens to learn about one another's culture, to admire the relics of their common past, and to experience the wealth of European values and the sense of belonging together. Winner cities and regions wish to sustain the effect of the title in order to maintain economic, social and cultural prosperity. Veszprém and Balaton region in Hungary won the title for 2023, which influences local and regional destination management. The aim of the research is to introduce the key role, factors, and pitfalls of local and regional stakeholders' network system and to highlight the challenges of sustainable cooperation.
Challenges and Opportunities With Deaf Multilingual Learners
Authors: Alfano Alliete Rodriguez , Radlinski Sarah , García del Corro-Helbig Mariana
Published: December 2021

There are an estimated 34 million children worldwide with hearing loss greater than 40dB. As around 90% of children who are Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing (DHH) are born to parents with typical hearing there are often questions of what language the child who is DHH could and should learn. For the 90% of typically hearing parents who had no prior knowledge of sign language, the idea of having to learn another language to use with their children can be very daunting. Additionally, as the world becomes more bi/multilingual, many children who are DHH may live in a culturally and linguistically diverse community where the home language is not the same language as the community at large; these children are known as DHH Multilingual Learners (DMLs). This can cause additional potential language and cultural learning constraints on immigrant parents who are not yet familiar with their new community's spoken language(s) and culture(s). This results in an increased need for culturally competent professionals to work with DMLs to provide effective interventions.
Deaf Culture in Inclusive Schools
Authors: Woods Carrie Ann
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this chapter is to examine the culture of students who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing within the broader context of inclusive schools, specifically as demonstrated though their learning experiences, socialization, and identity issues in such an environment. The chapter will include qualitative data in the form of observations and in-depth student interviews to allow the reader insight into the shared cultural model of students who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing. The goal is to provide a holistic picture of cultural phenomena through the points of view of d/Deaf and hard of hearing students themselves. The description of the culture of this group of students may prove useful in shaping effective inclusive environments for students who are d/Deaf and hard of hearing.
Virtual Reality in Healthcare
Authors: Kamińska Dorota , Zwolińsksi Grzegorz , Laska-Leśniewicz Anna , Coelho Luis Pinto
Published: December 2021

Over the past few years, the rapid development of virtual reality has led to the technology finding its way into the professional sector in addition to the gaming market. It plays a particularly important role in medical applications by providing a virtual environment to enable therapy, rehabilitation, and serving as an educational platform. The chapter provides an overview of the applications of virtual reality in medicine about some of the most important areas. Both scenario development and application validation methods are presented, as well as their impact on the end user. Finally, the technological potential and future development of VR applications used for improving medical service delivery are summarized and briefly discussed.
A Pedagogical Paradigm Shift
Authors: Hayes Catherine
Published: December 2021

This chapter provides an insight into the theoretical perspectives which form the foundation of extended reality (XR) and its emergence in practice as a fundamental part of medical and healthcare curricula. Issues such as the authenticity of learning, the validity and reliability of XR within processes of assessment, and the theoretical underpinnings of pedagogical approaches in health professions pedagogy are illuminated. Also considered are the implications of XR within the context of non-patient-based learning and the delineation of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains of learning in relation to patient outcomes at the front line of care in applied practice. The COVID-19 pandemic, which has impacted all global higher education institutional (HEI) learning since March 2020, is also considered in the context of moves to ensure that medical and healthcare education can continue, albeit via hybrid models of learning as opposed to traditional pedagogical approaches, which have remained little altered over the last century.
The Future of Virtual Reality and Deep Learning in Visual Field Testing
Authors: Lee Scott E. , Chen Deborah , Chigullapally Nikita , Chung Suzy , Lee Allan Lu , Ramos Angelbert , Shravah Varun , Rico Trinity , Youn Michael , Nguyen Diane
Published: December 2021

The visual field (VF) examination is a useful clinical tool for monitoring a variety of ocular diseases. Despite its wide utility in eye clinics, the test as currently conducted is subject to an array of issues that interfere in obtaining accurate results. Visual field exams of patients suffering from additional ocular conditions are often unreliable due to interference between the comorbid diseases. To improve upon these shortcomings, virtual reality (VR) and deep learning are being explored as potential solutions. Virtual reality has been incorporated into novel visual field exams to provide a portable, 3D exam experience. Deep learning, a specialization of machine learning, has been used in conjunction with VR, such as in the iGlaucoma application, to limit subjective bias occurring from patients' eye movements. This chapter seeks to analyze and critique how VR and deep learning can augment the visual field experience by improving accuracy, reducing subjective bias, and ultimately, providing clinicians with a greater capacity to enhance patient outcomes.
Nurturing Student Writing Knowledge, Self-Regulation, and Attitudes in Higher Education
Authors: Meletiadou Eleni
Published: December 2021

Self-assessment (SA) is regarded as a prestigious method of formative assessment in higher education. The present study explored the use of SA as an inclusive practice aiming to help students improve their writing performance, self-regulation, and attitudes. Forty-four undergraduate students attended an academic writing module for one semester. Students had all used peer assessment (PA) during the previous semester and were then asked to use SA. The lecturer provided training, mentoring, and coaching throughout the implementation taking into consideration students' individual learning needs. Students' pre-test and post-test scores showed that SA improved undergraduate students' writing performance more than PA. The findings from students' pre- and post-implementation survey revealed that SA had a strong impact on students' self-regulation. Considering the findings from the students' focus group discussions final essays and self-reflective journals, SA was challenging but developed students' autonomy, critical thinking, and sense of personal accountability significantly.
Equitable and Inclusive (Classroom-Based) Foreign Language Assessment Using Universal Design for Learning
Authors: Vogt Karin
Published: December 2021

In increasingly diverse learner groups, it must be ensured that foreign language learners can reach their full potential, so diverse learner needs have to be catered to in teaching and in assessment contexts. Providing accessibility of learning, teaching, and assessment is a matter of equity and has increasingly been embraced as a principle of foreign language assessment. However, accessibility of language assessment has often been seen as a retrospective accommodation rather than a flexible planning of language assessment from the start. The purpose of the chapter is to discuss the potential of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for (planning) classroom-based language assessment (CBLA) procedures in order to foster equitable and inclusive language assessment. After clarifying relevant terms, the notion of accessibility will be applied to foreign language assessment. UDL as a flexible framework for individualized language learning will be presented and illustrated for a foreign language context before its potential for classroom-based learning assessment (CBLA) is discussed and exemplified.
Challenging Education's Inflexible Model
Authors: Art Emily , Chatman Tasia A. , LeBental Lauren
Published: December 2021

Structural conditions in schools limit diverse exceptional learners' academic and social-emotional development and inhibit the professional growth of their teachers. Teachers and students are restricted by the current instructional model, which suggests that effective teachers lead all students through a uniform set of instructional experiences in service of objective mastery. This model assumes that diverse exceptional learners' success depends on access to the teacher-designed, one-right-way approach to the learning objective. This inflexible model prevents both the teacher and the student from co-constructing learning experiences that leverage their mutual strengths and support their mutual development. In this chapter, the authors argue that the Universal Design for Learning framework challenges the one-right-way approach, empowering teachers and students to leverage their strengths in the learning process. The authors recommend training teachers to use the Universal Design for Learning framework to design flexible instruction for diverse exceptional learners.
What's Training Got to Do With It?
Authors: Webb Jennifer , Green Jennifer
Published: December 2021

With the current, pervasive mindset in schools of deficit thinking, which affects students of all ages and abilities, educator preparation programs have an opportunity to make a change. This chapter will explore educator preparation programs and what is being taught in introductory courses on special education, as well as mindset leading to deficit thinking. An exploratory survey of university instructors was conducted to discover what could lead to deficit thinking in preschool to Grade 12 (P-12) schools. Findings show that instructors are using supplemental materials to cover models of disability, and further study of how instructor mindset influences course content is warranted. Discussion will include adding growth mindset, self-efficacy strategies, and unconscious bias training in educator preparation programs to further challenge deficit thinking. Additional areas for future research will also be discussed.
Confluence of Workplace Spirituality and Leadership
Authors: Gani Abdul , Shabir Sana
Published: December 2021

Recent interest in the subject of workplace spirituality and leadership emphasizes the integrative potential of spirituality in the workplace as a means of increasing cohesiveness and leadership effectiveness. Relatively little attention has, so far, been devoted to how spirituality could act as a force of developing leadership effectiveness within organizations. Since workplace spirituality and leadership together are in a developing phase of postmodern discourse, the bridge between the two needs to be narrowed down by identifying the reasons for the evident disconnection between workplace outcomes and leadership spirituality and probing possible moderators and mediators of this relationship. The chapter encapsulates the existing research evidence on spirituality and leadership effectiveness to identify the future research agenda in the area. The review reveals that workplace spirituality and leadership share a significant positive relationship and that improving the core areas of spirituality can improve various dimensions of leadership.
A mobilização dos intelectuais paranaenses no campo do poder em torno dos processos de criação, restauração e federalização da Universidade do Paraná (1912-1971).
Authors: Souza Eliezer Felix , Campos Névio de
Published: December 2021

A criação da Universidade do Paraná se deu em 1912, por um grupo de intelectuais que saíram do campo político. Apesar do êxito inicial essa primeira universidade logo se desfez retornando à condição de Faculdades. A partir da descaracterização do projeto original, os intelectuais se mobilizaram em busca do apoio de políticos para debater o fortalecimento do ensino superior do Estado. Nesse sentido, o objetivo principal desse texto é analisar a atuação de figuras distintas que atuaram na consolidação da Universidade do Paraná. Para análise utilizamos conceitos de Pierre Bourdieu que permite entender o campo do poder nas relações acadêmicas.
A trajetória da ipecacuanha na Europa: os usos de uma raiz colonial contra a disenteria na época Moderna.
Authors: Silva Filho Wellington Bernardelli
Published: December 2021

A historiografia da ciência entende que as espécies naturais intercambiadas no processo de colonização do Novo Mundo não foram transportadas incólumes; antes, carregaram consigo as práticas e saberes tradicionais empregados historicamente em seus usos. A partir dessa ideia, o presente estudo tem como objetivo compreender como a ipecacuanha, planta usada pelos povos originais em seus processos de cura, foi assimilada e adaptada pela medicina europeia no tratamento da disenteria. Para tanto, foram utilizadas fontes documentais que se estendem das crônicas produzidas pelos viajantes do primeiro século de colonização das Américas aos estudos médicos e botânicos europeus do século XVIII.
Immunotherapy using PD‑1/PDL-1 inhibitors in triple‑negative breast cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Tavares Dione , Chaves Ribeiro Victoria , Moreira Cardoso-Júnior Laércio , Rhangel Gomes Teixeira Thiago , Ramos Varrone Gabriela , Lopes Britto Renata
Published: December 2021

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and is one of the leading causes of death from cancer in women worldwide. Despite the significant benefits of using conventional chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer, one of its subtypes, the triple negative breast cancer, is still a challenge in clinical practice. Recent studies have been investigating the role of the immune system in breast cancer and the development of immunotherapy. Although recently the use of atezolizumab, an anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody, combined with chemotherapy was approved, an important step in the treatment of patients with triple negative metastatic breast cancer, the use of immunotherapy to treat breast tumors remains a major challenge. In this systematic literature review, following PRISMA guidelines, we searched for clinical trials using immunotherapy in the treatment of triple negative breast cancer published until June 2019 in the databases EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), with no language restrictions. We did not contact the authors of the clinical trials to obtain additional information.Two researchers independently collected the data and assessed the quality of this study. The literature shows that immunotherapy with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents is emerging as a new treatment option in breast cancer. On the other hand, when compared to other types of cancer in which several agents have already been approved, the research is still in its infancy. The use of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents monotherapy revealed encouraging results in the metastatic setting, especially when administered in the early course of the disease, although combination strategies with chemotherapy appear to increase its efficacy.
Comparison of efficacy, safety & satisfaction of intermittent versus continuous phototherapy in hyperbilirubinaemic newborns ≥35 week gestation
Authors: Gottimukkala Sasi Bhushan , Sethuraman Giridhar , Kitchanan Srinivasan , Pathak Surajit
Published: December 2021

Background & objectives:

Phototherapy (PT) has become the standard of care for treating neonatal jaundice. This study was aimed to find out if intermittent PT (IPT) results in comparable rate of fall of bilirubin level to continuous PT (CPT) and results in lesser side effects and better acceptance.

Methods:

In this non-inferiority trial, 174 neonates ≥35 wk gestation and >2000 g with jaundice requiring PT were randomized to receive either IPT (one hour on and two hours off) or CPT (with minimum interruptions for feeding) after device stratification [light-emitting diode (LED) or compact fluorescent light (CFL)]. Bilirubin was checked 12th hourly, and calcium, vitamin D and nitric oxide (NO) levels were analyzed along with the clinical side effects and nursing and maternal satisfaction scores (CTRI Registration No. CTRI/2018/01/011072).

Results:

The rate of fall of bilirubin was similar in both the CPT and IPT groups [0.16 (0.10, 0.22) vs. 0.13 (0.09, 0.20) mg/dl/h, P=0.22]. The median difference with 95 per cent confidence interval of 0.03 (0.03, 0.03) mg/dl was also within the pre-defined inferiority limits. There was no significant change in the duration of PT and side effects such as fall in calcium levels, rise in vitamin D and NO levels or the clinical side effects. Maternal satisfaction favoured the IPT group, but the nurses opined that IPT was difficult to implement. Subgroup analysis for PT devices used showed that efficacy of both CFL and LED devices was equivalent.

Interpretation & conclusions:

IPT was non-inferior to CPT in reducing bilirubin levels in ≥35 wk neonates, irrespective of device used, and also mothers reported better satisfaction with IPT. Although IPT appears promising, CPT does not increase clinical and biochemical side effects compared to IPT.
Safety of hydroxychloroquine in healthcare workers for COVID-19 prophylaxis
Authors: Faruqui Atiya R. , Xavier Denis , Kamat Sandhya K. , Chandy Sujith J. , Medhi Bikash , Tripathi Raakhi K. , Shetty Yashashri C. , Raj John Michael , Kaushal Sandeep , Balakrishnan S. , Atal Shubham , Tripathi Santanu K. , Badyal Dinesh K. , Dikshit Harihar , Roy Sukalyan Saha , Trivedi Niyati , Chatterjee Suparna , Desai Chetna , Tripathi C.D. , Rege Nirmala N. , Gupta Pooja , Raveendran R. , Kaul Rajni , Kshirsagar Nilima A.
Published: December 2021

Background & objectives:

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), reported to inhibit severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) replication in in vitro studies, has been recommended for prophylaxis of COVID-19 in healthcare workers (HCWs). The objective of this study was to assess short-term adverse events (AEs) of HCQ in HCWs.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study among consenting HCWs taking prophylaxis and working in hospitals with COVID-19 patients used online forms to collect details of HCWs, comorbidities, prophylactic drugs used and AEs after the first dose of HCQ. Verification of dose and AEs was done by personal contact. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to determine the effect of age, gender and dose of HCQ on AE.

Results:

Of the 1303 HCWs included, 98.4 per cent (n=1282) took HCQ and 66 per cent (n=861) took 800 mg as first day's dose. Among the 19.9 per cent (n=259) reporting AEs, 1.5 per cent (n=20) took treatment for AE, none were hospitalized and three discontinued HCQ. Gastrointestinal AEs were the most common (172, 13.2%), with less in older [odds ratio (OR) 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35-0.89], with more in females (OR 2.46, 95% CI 1.78-3.38) and in those taking a total dose of 800 mg on day one compared to a lower dose. Hypoglycaemia (1.1%, n=14), cardiovascular events (0.7%, n=9) and other AEs were minimal.

Interpretation & conclusions:

HCQ prophylaxis first dose was well tolerated among HCWs as evidenced by a low discontinuation. For adverse effects, a small number required treatment, and none required hospitalization. The study had limitations of convenience sampling and lack of laboratory and electrocardiography confirmation of AEs.
Vaginal & gut microbiota diversity in pregnant women with bacterial vaginosis & effect of oral probiotics
Authors: Vasundhara Donugama , Raju Vankudavath Naik , Hemalatha Rajkumar , Nagpal Ravinder , Kumar Manoj
Published: December 2021

Background & objectives:

The vaginal microbiota undergoes subtle changes during pregnancy and may affect several aspects of pregnancy outcomes. There has been no comprehensive study characterizing the gestational vaginal and gut microbiota and the dynamics of the microbiota with oral probiotics among Indian women. Hence, the study was aimed to explore the microbiota of pregnant women with normal microbiota and bacterial vaginosis (BV) environments and the effect of oral probiotics on the microbiota and the BV status in these women.

Methods:

Using high-throughput Illumina-MiSeq sequencing approach, the 16S rRNA gene amplicons were analyzed and the vaginal and gut microbiota of pregnant women with and without BV and pre- and post-probiotics (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus reuteri RC-14) intervention for a month was characterized.

Results:

The study revealed a compositional difference in the vaginal and gut microbiota between BV and healthy pregnant women. The vaginal microbiota of healthy women was characteristically predominated by Lactobacillus helveticus, followed by L. iners and L. gasseri; in contrast, women positive for BV harboured higher α-diversity and had lower abundance of L. helveticus. Similarly, Prevotella copri, a gut microbe, associated with normal environment was detected in the vaginal samples of all pregnant women without BV, it remained undetected in women with the infection, while all women with BV had Gardnerella vaginalis, which decreased significantly with probiotic treatment. Gut microbiota also revealed dominant abundance of P. copri in healthy women, whereas it was significantly lower in women with BV. The bacterial clade, P. copri abundance increased from 9.17 to 16.49 per cent in the probiotic group and reduced from 7.75 to 4.84 per cent in the placebo group.

Interpretation & conclusions:

This study showed gestational vaginal and gut microbiota differences in normal and BV environments. With probiotic treatment, the dynamics of L. helveticus and P. copri hint towards a possible role of probiotics in modulating the vaginal microbiota.
Food safety in fisheries
Authors: Vergis Jess , Rawool Deepak B. , Singh Malik Satya Veer , Barbuddhe Sukhadeo B.
Published: December 2021

Fisheries comprise the fastest growing sector meeting the global protein requirements. Being an affordable enterprise, it is considered a safe source of food and the muscles of healthy fishes are almost sterile. However, a multitude of hazards (biological, chemical, and environmental) can be introduced into aquaculture throughout the production and supply chain. Also, it can originate from unsuitable farming practices, environmental pollution, and socio-cultural habits prevailing in various regions. Hence, with an increasing global population and demands for aquacultural products, assessment and regulation of food safety concerns are becoming significantly evident. Ensuring safe, secure, affordable, and quality food for all in a global context is pragmatically difficult. In this context, it is quite imperative to understand the ecology and dynamics of these hazards throughout the entire production chain in a One Health approach. Here, we discuss the issues and challenges faced in the fisheries sector as a whole and the need for a One Health approach to overcome such hurdles.
Hitchhiking microbes
Authors: Nulkar Gurudas , Bedarkar Madhura , Ghate Ketaki , Nulkar Sakshi
Published: December 2021

The connection between nature conservation and human wellbeing is well known, however, the role of declining biodiversity and emerging diseases is relatively less studied. The presence of a thriving biological diversity is known to have therapeutic effects on human health. On the other hand, human economic activities have contributed to a sharp decline in species, resulting in poor ecosystem health. Several studies have shown how microorganisms have switched from animals to humans, leading to novel diseases. This review describes studies on zoonotic diseases and biodiversity, with examples from India. It is argued that conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems and changes in economic activities must be made to ward off new diseases, and why cooperation between ministries is critical to restrict the decline of biological diversity in a megadiverse country like India.
A Modified Rat Model of Cecal Ligation and Puncture for Adjusting the Severity of Septic Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Zhao Ning , Chen Jiaquan , Peng Wei , Jiang Rong , Peng Zhiyong , Liu Fen
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background:

We aimed to establish a modified cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) rat model with omentectomy for simulating moderate-to-severe septic kidney injury (AKI).

Subjects and Methods:

Rats were randomly divided into four groups subjected to: Traditional CLP (n = 40); the modified CLP procedure (n = 40); sham surgery (abdominal incision only) (n = 6); and abdominal incision and omentectomy only (n = 6). We evaluated the severity of renal injury according to serum creatinine levels at 0, 24, and 48 h postoperatively and cystatin C and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels at 12 h postoperatively, graded the severity of sepsis, monitored the degree of peritonitis, and examined animal survival.

Results:

Compared with the traditional CLP group, the modified CLP group developed more severe sepsis at postoperative 48 h, had more severe renal pathology, and developed more severe AKI with high homogeneity. Most rats in the traditional CLP group exhibited complete wrapping of the puncture site by omentum with limited peritonitis, while partial wrapping with pus spreading was observed in some. All rats in the modified CLP group developed puncture site necrosis, with pus spreading without formation of an encapsulated abscess, and a consistent degree of peritonitis. The 7-day survival rates in the traditional and modified CLP groups were 65.0% and 50.0%, respectively.

Conclusion:

The traditional CLP approach was associated with an even distribution of different AKI severities among treated animals, whereas the modified CLP approach established a consistently more severe rat model of septic AKI, constituting an important advance for optimizing septic AKI animal models.
On a family of unitary representations of mapping class groups
Authors: Ma Biao
Published: December 2021

For a compact surface

S = S_{g,n}

with

3g + n \geq 4

, we introduce a family of unitary representations of the mapping class group

\operatorname{Mod}(S)

based on the space of measured foliations. or this family of representations, we show that none of them has almost invariant vectors. As one application, we obtain an inequality concerning the action of

\operatorname{Mod}(S)

on the Teichmüller space of

S

. Moreover, using the same method plus recent results about weak equivalence, we also give a classification, up to weak equivalence, for the unitary quasi-representations with respect to geometrical subgroups.
Ultrasensitive qPCR-Based Detection of Plasmodium falciparum in Pregnant Women Using Dried Blood or Whole Blood Pellet Samples Processed through Different DNA Extraction Methods
Authors: Saidi Queen , Minja Daniel , Njau Judith , Hansson Helle , Kavishe Reginald , Alifrangis Michael
Published: December 2021

Highly sensitive molecular techniques for the detection of low-level Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia are highly useful for various clinical and epidemiological studies. However, differences in how blood samples are preserved, the quantity of blood stored, as well as genomic DNA extraction methods used may compromise the potential usefulness of these methodologies. This study compared diagnostic sensitivity based on microscopy and malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs), with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) P. falciparum positivity of dried blood spots (DBS) or whole blood pellets (WBP) from pregnant women using different DNA extraction protocols (Chelex-saponin or a commercial kit). Samples from 129 pregnant women were analyzed, of which 13 were P. falciparum positive by mRDT and 5 by microscopy. By using extraction kit on WBP and on DBS, qPCR positivity was 27 (20.9%) and 16 (12.4%), respectively, whereas Chelex extraction on DBS only resulted in 4 (3.1%) P. falciparum positive samples. Thus, extraction using commercial kits greatly improve the likelihood of detecting P. falciparum infections.
British Right-Wing Anti-semitism, 1918-1930.
Authors:   , Brown Oliver
Published: December 2021

This thesis investigates the prevalence of anti-Semitism in the British right-wing between the years of 1918 and 1930. It aims to redress the imbalance of studies on interwar British right-wing anti-Semitism that are skewed towards the 1930s, Oswald Mosley and the British Union of Fascists. This thesis is the first to focus exclusively on the immediate aftermath of the First World War and the rest of the 1920s, to demonstrate how interwar British right-wing anti-Semitism was not an isolated product of the 1930s. This work shows that anti-Semitism was endemic throughout much of the right-wing in early interwar Britain but became pushed further away from the mainstream as the decade progressed. This thesis adopts a comparative approach of comparing the actions and ideology of different sections of the British right-wing. The three sections that it is investigating are the “mainstream”, the “anti-alien/anti-Bolshevik” right and the “Jewish-obsessive” fringe. This comparative approach illustrates the types of anti-Semitism that were widespread throughout the British right-wing. Furthermore, it demonstrates which variants of anti-Semitism remained on the fringes. This thesis will steer away from only focusing on the virulently anti-Semitic, fringe organisations. The overemphasis on peripheral figures and openly fascistic groups when historians have glanced back at the 1920s helped lead to an exaggerated view that Britain was a tolerant haven in historiographical pieces, at least up until the 1980s. This thesis is using a wide range of primary sources, that are representative of the different sections of the British right-wing.
Türkiye’de Ampirik Anlamda Gerçekleştirilen Sekülerleşme Çalışmalarına Dini Sosyolojik Bir Bakış
Authors: ŞENGÜL Fatma Nur
Published: December 2021

Sekülerleşme en temel anlamda dinin bireysel ve toplumsal hayatta önemini kaybettiği, bilimin ve aklın egemen olmaya başladığı süreci ifade etmektedir. Sekülerleşmeyi Batı toplumunda kökleştiren hareketler ise Rönesans, Reform, Protestanlık ve Sanayi Devrimidir. Bu hareketlerin, Batı toplumlarının Hıristiyan inancından uzaklaşmasında etkili olduğu düşünülmektedir. Her toplumun kendi modernlik ve sekülerleşme sürecini kendisinin oluşturması gerektiği düşüncesinden hareketle Türk toplumunda yaşanan sekülerleşmeyi de kendi içerisinde okumak önemlidir. Bu minvalde çalışmanın konusu Türkiye’de ampirik anlamda gerçekleştirilen sekülerleşme çalışmalarının dini sosyolojik açıdan değerlendirilmesidir. Bu doğrultuda 2009-2020 yılları arasında yapılmış, dört yüksek lisans tezi, beş doktora tezi ve iki kitap ele alınmıştır. Nitel araştırma yönteminin dokümantasyon tekniği kullanılarak, bu saha çalışmaları içerik, yöntem, örneklem grubu açısından incelenmiştir. Çalışmanın sonucunda; Türkiye’de yapılan saha çalışmalarının, lise ve üniversite gençliği, sağlık çalışanları, kadınlar, iş adamları, dini tarikatlar gibi farklı örneklem grupları üzerinden ele alındığı ve sekülerlik belirtisi olarak sadece dini tutum ya da dindarlık derecelerinin betimlenmediği, aynı zamanda sekülerlik belirtisi olan davranış, tutum ya da düşünce biçimlerinden oluşan ölçek ve anket formlarına da yer verildiği görülmüştür.
DNA AND BSA INTERACTIONS OF COPPER(II) AND ZINC(II) COMPLEXES WITH ANTIFUNGAL AGENT FLUCONAZOLE
Authors: Stevanović Nevena Lj. , Stanković Mia , Andrejević Tina P. , Ašanin Darko P. , Stanojević Ivana M. , Glišić Biljana Đ.
Published: December 2021

Aromatic nitrogen-containing heterocycles (N-heterocycles) have attracted a considerable attention as scaffolds for compounds, which have an application in different pharmacological areas, ranging from vitamins to different antimicrobial and antitumor agents. In this respect, azoles are of special importance as potent and broad-spectrum agents used for the treatment of many invasive fungal infections. In the present study, the interaction of the clinically used antifungal drug fluconazole (fcz) and its copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes, {[CuCl2(fcz)2].5H2O}n (1) and {[ZnCl2(fcz)2]·2C2H5OH}n (2), with calf thymus DNA (ct- DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been investigated. Fluorescence emission spectroscopy was applied for the binding study of complexes 1 and 2 and fcz with ct-DNA and BSA, while cyclic voltammetry was additionally used for investigation of their interactions with ct-DNA. The values of calculated binding constants (KA) of the investigated compounds towards ct-DNA and BSA follow the order fcz < 1 < 2 and 2 < fcz < 1, respectively.
1918 and the Habsburg Monarchy as Reflected in Slovak Historiography
Authors: Čížová Júlia , Holec Roman
Published: December 2021

With regard to the “long” nineteenth-century history of the Habsburg monarchy, the new generation of post-1989 historians have strengthened research into social history, the history of previously unstudied social classes, the church, nobility, bourgeoisie, and environmental history, as well as the politics of memory.The Czechoslovak centenary increased historians’ interest in the year 1918 and the constitutional changes in the Central European region. It involved the culmination of previous revisitations of the World War I years, which also benefited from gaining a 100-year perspective. The Habsburg monarchy, whose agony and downfall accompanied the entire period of war (1914–1918), was not left behind because the year 1918 marked a significant milestone in Slovak history. Exceptional media attention and the completion of numerous research projects have recently helped make the final years of the monarchy and the related topics essential ones.Remarkably, with regard to the demise of the monarchy, Slovak historiography has focused not on “great” and international history, but primarily on regional history and its elites; on the fates of “ordinary” people living on the periphery, on life stories, and socio-historical aspects. The recognition of regional events that occurred in the final months of the monarchy and the first months of the republic is the greatest contribution of recent historical research. Another contribution of the extensive research related to the year 1918 is a number of editions of sources compiled primarily from the resources of regional archives. The result of such partial approaches is the knowledge that the year 1918 did not represent the discontinuity that was formerly assumed. On the contrary, there is evidence of surprising continuity in the positions of professionals such as generals, officers, professors, judges, and even senior old regime officers within the new establishment. In recent years, Slovak historiography has also managed to produce several pieces of work concerned with historical memory in relation to the final years of the monarchy.
BABA BEBEK BAĞLANMASININ DESTEKLENMESİNDE HEMŞİRENİN ROLÜ
Authors: KIRAÇ Ahmet , ALTUNTAŞ Doğuhan , HANÇAR Dilara , AKMAN Gulay
Published: December 2021

Bağlanma, iletişim ve ilişki kurma arayışının duygusal anlam düzeyine ulaşması durumudur. Bebek ile babası arasında güvenli bağlanmanın oluşması, bebeğin kendini güvende hissetmesini sağlamakta, ortama uyumunu kolaylaştırmakta ve bebeğin gelişimini olumlu etkilemektedir. Ebeveyn-bebek bağlanması, gebelik döneminde başlayan, doğum ve doğum sonu dönemde devam eden ve aşamalı olarak ilerleyen bir süreçtir. Gebelik döneminde anne ve babanın doğmamış çocuklarıyla ilişkisi ve etkileşimini temsil eden davranışlarda bulunma dereceleri özellikle gebeliğin fizyolojik olarak kadın bedeninde gerçekleşmesi nedeniyle farklılık göstermekle birlikte doğumla birlikte bebekler bakım veren kişiyle bağ kurmak için gülümseme, ağlama, emme gibi bağlanma davranışları sergilemekte ve ebeveyn bebek bağlanması artmaktadır. Baba bebek bağlanması, bebeğin sosyal gelişimini başlatmakla beraber babanın babalık rolünü benimsemesini de etkilemektedir. Gebelik süreci, travay süresi, doğum ve doğum sonrası bebek on iki aylık olana kadar geçen zaman baba bebek bağlanmasını etkileyen süreçlerdir. Baba adayı eşiyle beraber gebelik sürecini izlemekte ve gebe eşinin bakımına katılmakta, doğumdan sonra bebeğin ihtiyaçlarını karşılamaya başlamakta, sevme duygusunu kazanmaktadır. Babanın bebek bakımına katılımının artması, annenin bebek bakım yükünü ve çalışma yükünü hafifletmekte, anneye etkinliklere katılma fırsatı vermekte ve doğum sonu dönemde annenin psikolojik iyiliğini desteklemektedir. Babanın yaşı, eğitim durumu, annenin eğitim durumu, gelir düzeyi ve çalışma durumu babanın bebek bakımına katılımındaki aktif rolünü etkileyen faktörlerdendir. Baba bebek bağlanmasının evlilik yaşı ve bebeğin yaşı ile pozitif ilişkili, babanın yaşı ve evlilik süresi ile negatif ilişkili olduğu belirtilmektedir. Gebelik, doğum ve doğum sonu dönemde verilen hemşirelik bakımı, eşlerin bu süreçte deneyimlere sahip olmalarını, aile ilişkilerinin güçlenmesini ve ebeveyn bebek bağlanmasını desteklemelidir. Hemşirelerin baba bebek bağlanmasını geliştirmek amacıyla gebelik, doğum ve doğum sonu dönem boyunca babayı bakım süreçlerine dahil etmeleri, prenatal dönemde gebeyi ve baba adayını bebekleriyle konuşmaları için desteklemeleri, tüm süreçlerde babayı duygularını ifade etmesi için cesaretlendirmeleri, prenatal ve postnatal dönemlerde çeşitli ölçeklerle baba bebek bağlanmasını değerlendirmeleri önerilmektedir.