bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the physical environment situation in primary schools in the Republic of North Macedonia
Authors: Prosheva Sanja , Kjosevska Elena , Velikj Stefanovska Vesna
Published: November 2020

It is important for the health of the children who go to primary school to have clean drinking water, appropriate toilets, healthy food available  for all and a safe place to learn and play within the school. The aim of this paper was to assess the physical environment of the primary schools across the country, taking into account the current situation of the schools and the priorities they have for improving the school physical environment. Material and methods: Home and foreign literature deposited in PubMed, Scopus and other scientific basses was used. A cross-sectional study covering 320 primary schools in RNM was conducted. The data were collected using the Rapid Assessment Tool, and they were statistically analyzed using the SPSS software package, version 22.0 for Windows (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA). Qualitative analysis was performed by determining coefficients of relationships, proportions, and rates. Quantitative series were analyzed using central tendency measures as well as dispersion measures. Results: The current situation was rated as the best (75.31%) by the statement - "All buildings of the school maintain a pleasant temperature, lighting and ventilation". The lowest rated (36.56%) was the current status statement - "School canteen, store and appliances offer healthy food and drink at reasonable prices." Priority (83.44%) was the statement - "School buildings are tailored to students, they are safe, clean and promote hygiene for all students". We can see that better conditions in terms of physical environment are observed among students who attend classes in Macedonian language or are multiethnical, compared to students who attend classes in Albanian language, as well as that the urban schools compared to village schools have better conditions for work. Although the situation in the Southwest region is among the worst at the moment, the schools in this region are still striving to improve. Conclusion: According to the current situation, there is a lack of school canteens, shops and appliances near the schools that would offer healthy food and drinks. The highest priority is for school facilities to be adapted to students, to be safe, clean and to promote hygiene for all students and school staff.
Antibiotic Consumption in Hospitalized Children at the University Clinic for Pediatric Diseases – Skopje
Authors: Pechijareva-Sadikarijo Iskra , Naumovska Zorica , Petrovski Ognen , Stavrikj Katerina , Balkanov Trajan
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: The misuse and overuse of antibiotics contribute to the development of antimicrobial residence. Official data in EU/ EEA in 2017 in the hospital sector suggested that the consumption is lowest in the Netherlands, with 1 DDD per 1,000 inhabitants/day in comparison with Finland, with 2.8 DDD/TID.
AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze data on the scope and structure of the antibiotic prescription in pediatric patients at University Children’s Hospital for period of 3 months in 2018 and 2019.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data for antibiotic consumption were obtained from a hospital pharmacy, which are ordinated to hospitalized patients.
RESULTS: The total amount of utilized antibacterial drugs with ATC code J01 for first quarter in 2018 is 33.65 DDD/100BD in comparison to the first quarter of 2019 when it declined to 32.09 DDD/100BD. The most consummated antibiotics in the first trimester of both years were the group of cephalosporins, especially the 3rd- and 4th-generation parenteral cephalosporins with from 16.96 to 19.25 DDD/100BD in the evaluated period. Decrease of penicillin’s, carbapenems, macrolides and quinolones were confirmed in the analyzed period. The most commonly used drugs remain ceftriaxone – 13.49 DDD/100BD in 2018 and increased to 14.41 DDD/100BD in 2019, followed by amikacin 3.21 DDD/100BD in 2018 and increased to 3.50 DDD/100BD in 2019 but azithromycin consumption significantly declined from 1.97 DDD/100BD to 0.81 DDD/100BD administered orally. The third most commonly utilized antibiotic in first quarter of 2019 become meropenem, antimicrobial drug from the group of carbapenems with 2.71 DDD/100BD.
CONCLUSION: The benefits of monitoring the antibiotic prescribed pattern are critical due to the fact that they provide adequate data on consumption of antibiotics and adherence to guidelines.
Comparison of Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Value in Spondylitis Tuberculous with Degenerative Spine Disease
Authors: Siregar Otman , Augustinus Yohanes , Benny Benny , Rahyussalim Ahmad Jabir
Published: November 2020

AIM: We aimed to evaluate and compare the expression of MMP-9 in TB spondylitis using serum levels in the blood of patients suffering from TB spondylitis and compared to the control group; in this case, the control group in this study was patients with degenerative diseases of the spine.
METHODS: Fourteen subjects were divided into two groups, with seven subjects of spondylitis tuberculous (TB) (ST) and seven subjects of degenerative spine disease (DSD) in the period from December 2017 to November 2018 who were included in the inclusion criteria included in this study and blood sampling was taken for the examination of serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels.
RESULTS: There were significant differences in serum MMP-9 levels between ST and DSDs with a significance value of 0.002 (p < 0.05) with low serum MMP-9 levels in the ST study group 1857.14 ± 377.96 and mean in the control group 857.14 ± 243.97. There were significant differences in serum MMP-9 levels between ST and DSDs with a significance value of 0.002 (p < 0.05) with low serum MMP-9 levels in the ST study group 1857.14 ± 377.96 and mean in the control group 857.14 ± 243.97.
CONCLUSION: Patients suffering from ST have higher serum MMP-9 levels than patients with DSD, although MMP-9 is not a specific marker examination for ST, the results of this study can be suggestive into that can help to evaluate enzyme activity in patients with ST disease.
Development of Family-Based Narcotics Abuse Model Rehabilitation among Adolescents with EVIE Method in DKI Jakarta in 2017-2019
Authors: Rifiana Andi Julia , Afrizal Afrizal , Machmud Rizanda , Edwin Adnil , Mallongi Anwar
Published: November 2020

The results of a national survey conducted by the National Narcotics Agency (BNN) in collaboration with the Center for Research on Pranata, University of Indonesia, showed the prevalence of drug-psychotropic abuse among junior, high school and tertiary students in 30 provincial capitals in 2013 by 3.4%. Trends in the number of abusers among adolescents show an increase every year. Until 2013 the number of drug abusers among adolescents increased 3x from 2009.. This study was conducted to determine the direct and indirect factors affecting drug abuse in teen age. The study used mix methode qualitative and quantitative study method through univariate analysis. The study population consisted of family and teenâ€™s drug abuser, and a sample of 40 of them was taken. The measurement results of univariate analysis Statistics on the influence of variables in the structural model and overall variables showed a positive and significant effect. The T-statistic value of all variables was above the critical value (1.96). The results of the test indicated that the empowerment and social support variables, directly and indirectly, influenced factors abilities. Knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and parenting had impacts directly on the factors abilities. Knowledge, family support, perceptions, attitudes and parenting variables had an influence on drug abuse abilities of teen. A controlled trial study should be done to see the impact of this model on reducing the risks during rehabilitation.
The Effect of Moringa oleifera on Pregnant Women and Breastfeeding Mothers toward Social-personal Development of Children Aged 18–23 Months in Jeneponto, South Sulawesi
Authors: Hastuti Hastuti , Hadju Veni , Citrakesumasari Citrakesumasari , Maddeppungeng Martira , Tanziha Ikeu , Saleh Aryanti , Sari Karmila
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Insufficient nutrition intake at the age of <2 years has an impact on decreasing physical growth and development.
AIM: Analyzing the effect of giving Moringa leaves on pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers toward the social development of children aged 18–23 months in Jeneponto, South Sulawesi.
METHODS: This study was a longitudinal study after supplementation for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers with Moringa oleifera or folic acid, and iron. Research subjects were children whose was monitored from the age of 18–23 months in Jeneponto District. The number of samples that met the inclusion criteria at the age of 23 months was 344 children. The sample was divided into three groups: A group of children of mothers who got Moringa leaf powder supplements, iron-folic acid supplements, and Moringa leaf extract. Child development was measured using the denver development screening test. Data were analyzed statistically with Chi-square.
RESULTS: There were 107 children (91.5%) with normal social-personal development in the Moringa leaves powder (MLP) group. This number was more than the children in the iron folic acid (IFA) group of 103 children (86.6%) and the Moringa leaves extract (MLE) group of 95 children (88.0%). Differences were also found in the social-personal development of children who were suspect in the IFA group more than children who were suspect in the MLP group or the MLE group.
CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in children’s social-personal development between the three study groups.
Moringa oleifera Intake during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding toward Docosahexaenoic Acid and Arachidonic Acid Levels in Breast Milk
Authors: Sari Karmila , Sirajuddin Saifuddin , Maddepungeng Martira , Hadju Veni , Saleh Ariyanti , Tanziha Ikeu , Hastuti Hastuti
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Moringa oleifera is a nutritional food supplement that can save lives, particularly in countries with malnourished community. Such supplement can also be provided to breastfeeding mothers so that they can produce more breast milk.
AIM: This study investigated the effect of M. oleifera on pregnant and breastfeeding mothers on their breast milk’s docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) concentration.
METHODS: This was a longitudinal study which was the continuity from the previous experimental study. The research sample was 64 breastfeeding mothers given Moringa leaves powder (MLP), Moringa leaves extract (MLE), or iron-folic acid (IFA). The data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis test with the significance level of 95% aiming to assess the difference between the breast milk’s DHA and AA level on MLP, MLE, and IFA groups.
RESULTS: This research indicated that most mothers had low education level (71.9 %) and did not work (89.1%). There was no significant difference between the DHA level (p = 0.215) and AA (p = 0.914) of the breast milk among the MLP, MLE, and IFA groups.
CONCLUSION: The intervention might contribute a little effect on DHA and AA level in the breast milk.
Role of Vitamin D in Premature Atherosclerosis in Adolescents Type 1 Diabetes through Transforming Growth Factor-β1, Interferon-γ, Interleukin-10, and Interleukin-17
Authors: Cahyono Haryudi Aji , Barlianto Wisnu , Handayani Dian , Kalim Handono
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one the cause of mortality in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The development of CVD is mainly triggered by atherosclerosis, which is associated with the inflammatory process.
AIM: The current study was aimed to investigate the association of Vitamin D level and premature atherosclerosis in adolescents with T1D, mainly through the regulation of various cytokines (interferon-γ [IFN-γ], IL-17, interleukin-10 [IL-10], and transforming growth factor-β1 [TGF-β1]).
METHODS: This study was designed as a cross-sectional study involving 40 T1D and 40 healthy control who came to the outpatient clinic, Saiful Anwar Hospital, Malang, Indonesia, within the study period (January 2019-July 2019).
RESULTS: Our data demonstrated that the IFN-γ and IL-17 levels were significantly higher (p < 0.001), whereas the TGF-β1 and IL-10 levels were significantly lower (p < 0.001) in T1D group compared with control. Furthermore, T1D also has higher carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) value and lower flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) value compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Level of 25(OH)D3 was strongly associated with reduced cIMT and elevated FMD (p < 0.005). The direct effect of 25(OH)D3 on cIMT and FMD was higher than the indirect effect of Vitamin D through TGF-β1, IL-10, IL-17, and IFN-γ. The cutoff value of 25(OH)D3 levels for the risk of atherosclerosis was 12.8 ng/dL (sensitivity 85.7% and specificity 86.7%).
CONCLUSION: The level of Vitamin D in the T1D group was significantly lower than those in healthy children and Vitamin D deficiency substantially influences the formation of premature atherosclerosis.
Nutritional Support for Patients with Diseases of Hepatopancreotoduodenal Zone in the Early After the Operational Period
Authors: Kurbanalievich Sherzad Davanov , Vladimirovich Dmitry Vasiliev , Kabildina Nailya Amirbekovna
Published: November 2020

AIM: Analysis of the effectiveness of nutritive nutrition in cancer patients in the early post-operative period.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The examination included 80 patients with an average age of more than 20 years (men – 35, and women – 4 5). All patients for analysis were divided into two groups: The first, the main-receiving strictly enteral and/or probe nutrition (n = 41), the second, control-isolated parenteral nutrition (n = 39). The dynamics of laboratory examination results was assessed – the level of total blood protein, including albumin, the number of lymphocytes, the values of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total blood bilirubin, and serum ferritin. In addition, the duration of the use of enteral and parenteral nutrition, the number of patient days in the intensive care unit, the nutritional status of patients on the subjective global assessment (SGA), and nutritional risk index (NRI) scales were evaluated.
RESULTS: Most patients in the control group (n = 31) on the 10–12th days of the post-operative period, according to the SGA and NRI estimates, were in a state of normal nutritional status (n = 8) – in a state of moderate malnutrition. Since the introduction of parenteral nutrition with enteral nutrition (13–15 days), patients with signs of malnutrition have not been identified in this group. The assessment of the dynamics of total blood protein values in patients showed a significant difference between the average values of indicators in the clinical groups throughout the study period (p < 0.05). In the main group, the average content of total blood protein was 62.5 ± 10.0 g/l, in the control group – 57.5 ± 10.1 g/l by 8 days of the post-operative period. The dynamics of specific indicators of the biochemical composition of blood is determined by the methods of surgical intervention, the volume, duration, and nature of the operation.
CONCLUSIONS: When carrying out nutritional support in cancer patients operated on for tumors, hepatopancreatoduodenal region, in the early post-operative period, the enteral route to the action of nutrient mixtures may be preferable, provided there is a pronounced intestinal paresis and congestive discharge from the stomach.
Toxicological and Biological Assessment of the Effect of Sapropel of the Prybych Lake during Cutaneous Application in Rats
Authors: Strus Oksana , Babov Konstantin , Gushcha Sergey , Polovko Nataliia , Nasibullin Boris , Polshchakova Tetiana
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: The use of sapropel in balneology, cosmetology, and also products of its processing as an active pharmaceutical ingredient for the creation of medicines requires a mandatory assessment of the degree of toxicity. The toxicological and biological characteristics of sapropel (silt deposits) from the Prybych lake of the Shatsky Lakes group of the Volyn region of Ukraine were based on the results of studies of the functional state of the central nervous system (CNS), autonomic reactions, and structural and functional changes in the internal organs (heart, stomach, liver, and kidneys) of white rats with external use of sapropel. An analysis of acute toxicity, locally irritating, and sensitizing action of sapropaste (a product from sapropel) was also carried out.
AIM: This study aimed to conduct of toxicological and biological assessment of the effect of sapropel from the Prybych Lake during cutaneous application in rats to justify the prospects for its further use in balneology, medicine, and for the development of new drugs.
METHODS: This study was an in vivo experimental study. As many as, 50 rats were grouped into three treatment groups and two groups of controls.
RESULTS: In essence, indicators of locomotor activity and orientation-research behavior of animals do not change (p > 0.5). A stimulating effect on the emotional state of animals, characterized by an increase of grooming duration (p < 0.001), was found. Animals feel calm. A moderate stimulating effect on vegetative reactions manifests itself in a slight increase in urination acts (p < 0.05). Microscopic studies confirmed the absence of the damaging effect of sapropels on the structural and functional state of the organs studied, and signs of increased secretory activity of the gastric mucosa were also noted.
CONCLUSIONS: It was experimentally established that the sapropel of the Prybych Lake does not have a harmful or toxic effect on the CNSs functional state and the liver, kidneys, heart, and stomach of rats. Sapropaste does not exhibit sensitizing and locally irritating properties and belongs to the class of practically non-toxic substances (toxicity Class V).
The Comparison of Interleukin-17 and Interleukin-10 with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity
Authors: Elvira Dwitya , Rengganis Iris , Hidayat Rudy , Shatri Hamzah
Published: November 2020

AIM: This study was conducted to compare means of interleukin-17 (IL-17) (Th17 cytokines) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) (T-regulatory cytokines) as pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine with disease activity of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to investigate correlation between IL-17 cytokine serums with IL-10 in SLE patients.
METHODS: This study recruited total of 68 SLE patients which included 34 active and 34 inactive patients based on MEX-SLEDAI as disease activity tool measurement and subjects were selected using consecutive sampling method. Blood samples were taken from subjects and IL-17 and IL-10 were measured using ELISA method. Data were analyzed with SPSS 26 software.
RESULTS: Mean IL-17 was 19.67 ± 1.299 pg/ml in active SLE group and 19.78 ± 1.187 pg/ml in inactive group. Median of IL-10 in active group was 3.63 pg/ml and in inactive group was 2.52 pg/ml, respectively. No significant mean differences were found of IL-17 and IL-10 between active and inactive SLE patients (p > 0.005). We found significant positive correlation between IL-17 and IL-10 (p < 0.005; r = 0.529).
CONCLUSION: There were no significant mean differences of IL-17 and IL-10 between active and inactive SLE patients. However, we found elevated result of IL-10 in active SLE than inactive. There was positive correlation between IL-17 and IL-10.
The Safety and Efficacy of Cervical Laminectomy and Fusion versus Cervical Laminoplasty Surgery in Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Prospective Randomized Trial
Authors: Elmallawany Mohamed , Kandel Haitham , Soliman Mohamed A. R. , Tareef Tarek Ahmed , Atallah Ahmed , Elsaid Ahmed , Elmahdy Wael
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of evidence of whether degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) is best treated through cervical laminoplasty (CLP) or cervical laminectomy with lateral mass fusion due to the lack of prospective randomized studies that are well designed. We conducted the largest prospective randomized trial to date to determine the comparative effectiveness and safety of both approaches.
METHODS: In this prospective, randomized trial, we randomly assigned patients who had symptoms or signs of DCM to undergo either cervical laminectomy and lateral mass fixation (CLF) or CLP. The primary outcome measures were the change in the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), neck disability index, modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score, and Nurick’s myelopathy grading 1 year after surgery. The secondary outcome measures were the intraoperative, post-operative complications, hospital stay, C2-7 Cobb’s angle, and Odom’s criteria. The follow-up period was at least 1 year.
RESULTS: A total of 30 patients (mean age, 54.5 ± 5.5 years, 70% of men) underwent prospective randomization. There was a significantly greater improvement in neck pain (VAS) in the CLF group at 1 year (p < 0.05). The improvement in the mJOA and Nurick’s myelopathy grading showed insignificant improvement between both groups. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the patient’s post-operative satisfaction (Odom’s criteria). The mean operative time was significantly longer in the CLF group (p < 0.001), with no significant difference in the post-operative complications, however, there was a higher rate of C5 palsy, dural tear and infection in the CLF, and a higher rate of instrumentation failure in the CLP. The mean hospital stay was significantly longer in the posterior group (p < 0.05). Finally, there was a significant better improvement in the C2-7 Cobb’s angle at 1 year in the CLF group (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Among patients with multilevel DCM, the CLF approach was significantly better regarding the post-operative pain and Cobb’s angle while the CLP was significantly better in terms of shorter hospital stay and operative time.
The Role of CD 34 Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells, Macrophages, and Smooth Muscle Cells in Human Coronary Artery Atherogenesis
Authors: Kamel Sally Said , Abdel-Aziz Ahmed Mahmoud , Salem Mostafa Mohamed , Amin Hebat Allah A.
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Atherosclerosis is a widespread and devastating disease and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. So much is there to understand about atherosclerosis. And although a lot is already discovered, yet most of the studies are performed in cell cultures and animal models. Recent technologies for genetic engineering and imaging are mainly performed on animal models, with few studies in human tissues. A better understanding of their role is required.
AIM: We aim to study the expression of CD 34 hematopoietic progenitor stem cell, CD 68 macrophages, and smooth muscle actin (SMA)-positive smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in the human coronary arteries and correlate their differential expression with the atherosclerosis progression.
RESULTS: CD 68 and CD 34 expression increase as the atherosclerotic process proceeds from early atheroma to advanced atheroma and start to decrease as the process proceeds to fibroatheroma with a significant p < 0.001. Conversely, SMA expression decreases as the atherosclerotic process progresses with a significant p < 0.001.
CONCLUSION: CD34 progenitor cells in conjunction with CD 68 macrophages have a major role in the development of atherosclerosis, whereas the SMCs are minimal in the early stages and reach their maximal levels during the stage of fibroatheroma.
Role of Inflammatory Cytokines in Obese and Nonobese Diabetic Children
Authors: Abdelhamid Enas R. , Kamhawy Alyaa H. , Ahmed Hanaa H. , Abu Shady Mones M. , Eladawy Rasha , Megawer Amr S. , Amrousy Yasmine M.
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND: Obesity is an expanded health problem worldwide and it is blamed for a startling rise in type 1 diabetes (T1DM), the interaction between obesity, autoimmune processes, and glucose homeostasis is a growing field of study.
AIM: This study was undertaken to predict the role of the inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-17 and IL-10) as biomarkers in early screening for obesity and T1DM and to determine the relation of inflammatory cytokines with diabetic complications especially nephropathy.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The target group consisted of 92 children with type 1 diabetes children who were diagnosed according to the criteria provided by American Diabetes Association Diabetic; cases were divided into two groups, Group 1 (overweight and obese diabetics) and Group 2 (normal weight diabetic children). The levels of serum IL-17 and IL-10 were assayed in these children by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum triglycerides (TG) and cholesterol levels were measured as well as urinary microalbumin level was estimated for detection of nephropathy.
RESULTS: Diabetic overweight and obese children exhibited significantly 3.8 folds more at risk to be bad glycemic control than diabetic children with normal body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, overweight and obese diabetic children displayed significantly 15 times more at risk of having nephropathy than diabetic children with normal BMI. Low serum level of IL 10 and high level of IL 17 showed a significant association with high BMI in diabetic children. High HBA1c, low IL 10, and long disease duration were significantly considered as predominant risk factors for diabetic nephropathy in diabetic children.
CONCLUSION: The obtained data from these investigations proved that overweight and obese children have a low serum level of IL-10 and high serum IL-17 levels. The relationship between IL-10/IL-17 can be applied as a good marker for the inflammatory state and these inflammatory interleukins can be employed as biomarkers in early screening for obesity and T1DM. Furthermore, these interleukins can be utilized as a predictor for early diabetic complications, particularly nephropathy.
Occurrence of bacteria with technological and probiotic potential in Argentinian human breast-milk
Authors: Oddi S. , Binetti A. , Burns P. , Cuatrin A. , Reinheimer J. , Salminen S. , Vinderola G.
Published: November 2020

Breast milk can be a source of potential probiotic bacteria, but the technological capacity of isolates obtained from this source is not always guaranteed. We aimed at isolating lactobacilli from breast milk samples collected in Argentina, focusing on isolates with functional and technological potential as probiotics. Fourteen Lactobacillus and one Bifidobacterium isolates were obtained from 164 samples donated by 104 mothers. The isolates preliminarily identified by MALDI-TOF, and then the identity was confirmed by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Hydrophobicity was determined (hexadecane and xylene partition). The strains were also co-cultured with murine RAW 264.7 macrophages for screening the capacity to induce the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10. Hydrophobicity ranged from 7.4 and 95.9%. The strains Lactobacillus gasseri (70a and 70c) and Lactobacillus plantarum (73a and 73b) were the strains with a higher capacity to induce IL-10 production by macrophages. The technological application was evaluated by freezing dried in 10% lactose or 10% polydextrose. The survival was assessed after accelerated (37 °C, 4 weeks) or long-term (5 and 25 °C, 12 months) storage. Except for Lactobacillus gallinarum 94d, strains lost less than 1 Log10 order cfu/g after long-term (12 months) storage at 5 °C in lactose and polydextrose as protectants. A low correlation between survival to accelerated and long-term storage tests was observed. L. gasseri (70a and 70c) and L. plantarum (73a and 73b) deserve further studies as potential probiotics due to their capacity to induce IL-10 from murine macrophages and their hydrophobicity. In special, L. plantarum 73a was able to confer enhanced protection against Salmonella infection by promoting the immunity of the small intestine.
In vitro immunomodulatory effects of thymol and cinnamaldehyde in a pig intestinal epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2)
Authors: Shen C. , Christensen L.G. , Rasmussen P.B. , Kragh K.M.
Published: November 2020

Thymol and cinnamaldehyde are phytogenic feed additives developed to improve gut health and growth performance in poultry and swine. This study evaluated the in vitro immune modulating effects of thymol and cinnamaldehyde blend (TCB) in a porcine gut epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2), with or without cellular damage caused by challenge with lipopolysaccharides. Cytotoxicity, permeability, wound-healing and bacteria adhesion assays were recorded. The expression of cytokines, tight junctions and polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) were measured by RT-PCR. The IPEC-J2 cells were cultured in the presence of TCB at concentrations ranging from 1 ng/ml to 1 μg/ml and displayed high viability (>90%). TCB increased barrier integrity (13.8% less in lipopolysaccharide challenge which induced gut epithelial leakage, P<0.05) and accelerated the initial speed of wound recovery (day 1, 26% wound recovery in TCB treated vs 7% in control, P<0.05; day 2, 54 vs 39%, P<0.001). The RT-PCR analysis of cell culture showed that TCB upregulated anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 (73.3%, P<0.05) in non-stimulated IPEC-J2 cells, while, when stimulated, pIgR (9.7%, P<0.05) and tight junctions claudin-4 (9.4%, P<0.05) were upregulated by TCB. Furthermore, TCB significantly increased Lactobacillus acidophilus adherence to gut epithelial cells (285.0%, P<0.05). Overall, the current in vitro study showed that TCB can induce various immune responses, which may explain its in vivo benefits as feed additive.
Usoda maja ‘68 in (post)socializem: literatura med revolucijo in tranzicijo
Authors: Juvan Marko
Published: November 2020

Članek na podlagi pojmovanja, da je za modernizem odločilna »predstavna bližina družbene revolucije« (Anderson) v perspektivi teorije svetovnih-sistemov obravnava neoavantgardistično radikalizacijo modernizma v šestdesetih in sedemdesetih letih 20. stoletja. Pri tem se osredotoča na literarno in teoretsko polje kapitalistične Francije v primerjavi s pospešenim razvojem obeh področij v socialistični periferiji svetovnega modernizma – v neuvrščeni in samoupravni Jugoslaviji. Interpretira povezovanje eksperimentalne literature in (post)strukturalistične teorije v Sloveniji »dolgega leta 1968« od prvotnega zavezništva neoavantgardnega tipa do razkola sredi sedemdesetih let. V sklepu nakaže divergentne interpretacije zgodovinskega procesa med poskusom študentske revolucije 1968 in letom 1989, ko globalizirani kapitalizem prevlada socializem, modernizem pa preide v postmodernizem.
A NEW IRIS LOCATION METHOD
Authors: Mei-Sen Pan , Qi Xiong
Published: November 2020

A new iris location method is presented in this paper. When locating the iris inner boundary, a method for locating the iris inner boundary based on the variation coefficient and multiple disk-structural elements is proposed. The variation coefficient of the iris image is first calculated to be used for the image gray stretch, then the mathematical morphology operations with multiple disk-structural elements are applied to tackle the binary iris image, finally the connected region in line with geometric features of the circle is picked up and its center and radius are calculated, namely for obtaining the iris inner boundary. When positioning the iris outer boundary, a method for locating the iris outer boundary based on the variation coefficient and the gradient amplitude is presented. First, the Gaussian function is employed to filter the iris image using the variation coefficient as its standard deviation, then for each pixel on a circle which is centered at each neighborhood pixel near the circle enter of the iris inner boundary and has a radius with greater than that of the inner boundary, the radial gradient amplitude and tangential gradient amplitude of are computed, finally the iris outer boundary is determined on the maximum of the tangential gradient amplitude. The experiments reveal that this proposed method is effective, and has a fairly simple implementation, a low computational load, a fast location and good accuracy.
Thinking Critically About the Fourth Industrial Revolution as a Wicked Problem
Authors: Ruysenaar Shaun
Published: November 2020

This chapter examines the Fourth Industrial Revolution as a wicked problem. By doing so, it promotes critical thinking as a key component required to manage the juggernaut that, in current discourses, has evaded such discussion and possible clarity on plans forward. Not only do the existing frameworks of managing wicked problems provide useful tools to engage with the disruptive technologies and other impacts of the so-called revolution, specific tools relating to critical thinking are explored as fundamental to a beneficial approach though such an approach is one of multiple avenues, possible short-cuts and potential dead ends. In addition, the very context of 4IR suggests a need for ensuring critical thinking as a key transferable skill required to thrive in the changing world, providing a potential catalyst to transform or reignite thinking critically about critical thinking.
Serving Adult Learners From International Backgrounds at Two Canadian Universities
Authors: Carter Lorraine , Carter Alanna
Published: November 2020

McMaster University Continuing Education (Hamilton, Ontario) and the Real Institute in the Chang School, Ryerson University (Toronto, Ontario) are two university continuing education units that respond to the needs of adult learners from newcomer and international backgrounds. McMaster Continuing Education is known for its expertise in online education and support of adult learners as they seek professionally focused education. The Real Institute provides dedicated in-class programming and support strategies for younger adult learners. In this chapter, the experiences of older and younger adults from diverse cultural backgrounds studying at the two units are presented. The authors suggest that the needs of this learner group may be better met within the continuing education unit than within the mainstream academy. Innovative learning strategies and flexibility are key elements in this position. Finally, it is suggested that the two profiled units take their duty of care and commitment to student success seriously.
Making and Modalities
Authors: Vallera Farah L. , Harvey Chris
Published: November 2020

The World Economic Forum's 2018 report indicated that students will need to be prepared for a rapidly changing, technology-filled world in which their future jobs likely do not yet exist. Recent education reform initiatives have focused on preparing the workforce for 21st century jobs by improving STEM literacy and acknowledging the importance of teacher preparation. Unfortunately, many teachers, designers, and technologists have not been trained in the same ways as they are expected to prepare students, and training opportunities are often delivered in traditional, business-as-usual formats. To better prepare individuals to prepare students, reimagining traditional educational delivery and modalities, while integrating STEM, making, and play to encourage the development and practice of 21st century skills may prepare those adult learners build toward the future. This chapter will discuss administrative and curricular changes we made geared toward meeting our adult audiences' needs in a teacher education program following their learning preferences.
Flipping the Classroom in STEM Education
Authors: Ding Qunxing , Zhu Haiyan
Published: November 2020

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) holds a special position in higher education, and data indicated that online teaching may increase the rate of dropout in STEM courses. Meanwhile, much higher percentage of STEM courses require hands-on experience that cannot be satisfied by online teaching and the virtual reality (VR) techniques. Flipping classroom provides a unique approach to utilize the components of online teaching and the advantage of traditional face-to-face classroom teaching. This chapter summarizes the development of flipping classroom and practical examples to explain the general principles to improve the design and conduction of flipping classroom, especially in STEM education.
Assessment Types and Methods in Distance Learning
Authors: Adanır Gulgun Afacan
Published: November 2020

Learning in distance education is a continuous process and highly supported by assessment opportunities. Assessment in distance learning is divided into various types together with their corresponding purposes. While formative assessment covers the whole learning process, the summative assessment considers learners' performance at the end of the course. The other categorization is done according to the individual that performed the assessment hence involves the types as self-assessment, peer-assessment, and instructor-led assessment. The recently proposed methods of assessment are named as authentic methods that allow learners to transfer their knowledge to real-world practices. In this chapter, two major purposes have been formed. Initially, existing assessment approaches will be investigated. Then, guides for the implementation of these approaches will be provided in the context of a Distance Education Center at a state university of Turkey.
The Effectiveness of Mobile-Assisted Language Learning (MALL)
Authors: Kamasak Rifat , Özbilgin Mustafa , Atay Derin , Kar Altan
Published: November 2020

This chapter examines the effectiveness of mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) through investigating the evidence from the extant literature. MALL is widely used by teachers and institutions to support different models of language teaching such as content and language integrated learning (CLIL) and English as a medium instruction (EMI). In particular, the chapter focuses on the determinants of MALL through reviewing a number studies which show that the evidence points to a complex relationship rather than unidimensional one in terms of MALL's place in language learning and its effectiveness in reality. The study once more emphasises the complex nature of language learning and cautions about the promise and risks of adoption of MALL.
Reflections on Post-Disaster University Research in the Aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria
Authors: Francis Kula A. , Hendrickson Kenny A.
Published: November 2020

This chapter offered a reflection on a research study conducted at the University of the Virgin Islands, a historically black college and university (HBCU), in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The research study examined student perceptions of authentic university academic care (AUAC) in a post-disaster setting. AUAC can be viewed as genuine humanistic concern and disciplined nurturing in higher education. AUAC is also an important element of examining the quality of academic services. Thus, this chapter shares the experiences of the researchers, their investigative processes, the challenges faced, solutions used, and recommendations.
Toward a Critical Unschooling Praxis
Authors: Romero Noah
Published: November 2020

This chapter outlines a process for queering and decolonising self-directed education (SDE). A critical unschooling praxis, or reflection followed by principled action, involves self-reflection, queering family structures, and working toward non-metaphorical decolonization. This chapter provides a theoretical outline for a lived commitment to decolonized SDE along with examples for doing so. It argues that unschooling is not decolonizing by default and that truly liberatory learning must be underpinned by a commitment to radical change.
Practising “Istruzione Parentale”
Authors: Giovanelli Giorgio , Piromalli Leonardo
Published: November 2020

The field of education is replete with tensions that challenge established visions of knowledge, teaching, and learning. Beyond the neoliberal drives that have had decades-long influence, bottom-up micro-practices emerge that outline an interesting empirical field. In this chapter, the phenomenon of homeschooling in Italy (istruzione parentale, IP) is observed as an everyday practice for untangling its pluralities and tensions. A focus is posed on the situated learning paths that lead homeschooling parents from the margins to the heart of the practice. Sixteen homeschooling parents have thus interviewed and the policy on IP has been analysed. On the one hand, IP moves around constantly: it is an open-ended practice taking multiple arrangements. On the other hand, it holds its shape– as a network where diverse actors converge, and as a social space laying out situated learning paths and cultural orientations. IP is held together by an antagonistic tension toward the forme scolaire, responsible for the standardisation of education. Hyper-personalisation and care are activated as solutions.
Home Education in the United Kingdom
Authors: Shohel M. Mahruf C. , Akter Naznin , Rahman Md Shajedur , Mahmud Arif , Ahsan Muhammad Shajjad
Published: November 2020

Home education is the fastest growing educational movement in the world and the research remains limited on why and how it has become so popular. This chapter highlights the historical development of home education and its legal base in the context of the United Kingdom. It also explores many of the current issues facing the home educators, the government of the UK, and the wider community. Based on the existing literature, it briefly explores the history of the home education movement in the UK and how policy and practice come to this point at this time. It investigates the different perspectives on how and why home education is the fastest growing educational movement in the 21st century's UK.
Shape-Based Features for Optimized Hand Gesture Recognition
Authors: Priyanka R.  , Sriram Prahanya , Jayasree L. N.  , Gladston Angelin
Published: November 2020

Gesture recognition is the most intuitive form of human-computer interface. Hand gestures provide a natural way for humans to interact with computers to perform a variety of different applications. However, factors such as complexity of hand gesture structures, differences in hand size, hand posture, and environmental illumination can influence the performance of hand gesture recognition algorithms. Considering the above factors, this paper aims to present a real time system for hand gesture recognition on the basis of detection of some meaningful shape-based features like orientation, center of mass, status of fingers, thumb in terms of raised or folded fingers of hand and their respective location in image. The internet is growing at a very fast pace. The use of web browser is also growing. Everyone has at least two or three most frequently visited website. Thus, in this paper, effectiveness of the gesture recognition and its ability to control the browser via the recognized hand gestures are experimented and the results are analyzed.
The Effects of R&D Expenditure and Technological Spillover on Industry Revenues in Japan
Authors: Yamada Hirokazu
Published: November 2020

This research analyzes the effects of research and development (R&D) activities on industries' sales based on accounting information for the Japanese manufacturing sector from 2001–2017, with the aim of accurately grasping the current situation. The analytical model is based on the traditional extended Cobb-Douglas production function. By avoiding the statistical problem of endogeneity and serial correlation, a multiple regression analysis was used to understand the statistical superiority of the effects of R&D expenditure and technological spillovers on sales figures. This study also analyzes the relationship between acceptance and supply of technological spillovers in Japanese industries to understand the current state of the impact of technological spillovers. In conclusion, the effects of recent R&D activities in the Japanese manufacturing sector are low. After the 1997 Asian Currency Crisis, Japan's economic growth has declined; this study could help improve R&D activities that support economic growth in this poor growth climate.
Analysis of the Role of IT Governance on ERP Systems Implementation
Authors: Elhasnaoui Soukaina
Published: November 2020

An ERP (enterprise resource planning) is an information system that makes it possible to manage and monitor on a daily basis all the information and operational services of a company. It is able to effectively reduce the cost of products, improve customer service experience, and increase business competitiveness. However, the implementation rate of the ERP system is much lower than originally planned, and many companies have not achieved the intended objectives. This situation is due to many factors (high implementation costs, technical complexity, lack of well-trained employees, lack of incentive mechanisms, etc.), but the key element is the separation of relations between the ERP system and enterprise strategy, organizational structure, and business processes. The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of IT governance in achieving ERP performance with a focus on the implementation phase.
Learning Management System Adoption
Authors: Ngafeeson Madison N. , Gautam Yuba
Published: November 2020

The growing popularity of online learning has put learning management systems (LMS) at the forefront of learning technologies. The adoption of LMS by students has therefore been a major driving force for online education. However, true adoption must transcend initial use for significant success. This study utilizes the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to gain new insights on students' short-term versus long-term adoption of LMS. Specifically, it examines the determinants of initial use and continuance use through the lens of the TPB. Results obtained from a sample of 248 undergraduate students suggest that difference in continuing use and initial use decision depends on differences in the influences of personal control perceptions about technology and subjective norms. Protagonists of online education will find these results interesting in that it provides insights for developing intervention strategies that can help in increasing online education adoption regardless of whether the focus is long-term or short-term.
In Vitro Characterization of Polyurethane-Carbon Nanotube Drug Eluting Composite Scaffold for Dental Tissue Engineering Application
Authors: Tondnevis Farbod , Ketabi Mohammad Ali , Fekrazad Reza , Sadeghi Ali , Keshvari Hamid , Abolhasani Mohammad Mahdi
Published: November 2020

Tooth loss due to periodontal disease, dental caries, trauma or a variety of genetic disorders causes an adverse inability in adult’s lives. It is proved that biodegradable composite scaffolds in dental tissue engineering could play crucial role. To inhibit bacterial colonization in dental structure noticeable research concerning the drug delivery approach has been administrated. Nanostructures retain and release drug molecules more efficiently and continuously than other microstructure. In the present research, composite electrospun nanofibers of polyurethane-Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) by the different mass ratios of metronidazole benzoate were prepared. Physico-chemical characterization of scaffolds including Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), uniaxial tensile testing and Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy analysis was operated. Culture of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) to evaluate cells behavior was carried out. The role of nanofiber diameters and drug content on releasing profile of the scaffolds was investigated. The median diameter of the nanofibrous scaffold was reduced from 330 ± 4 to 120 ± 4 nm. Ultimate stress and Young modulus of the scaffolds by enhancement of drug content increased from 0.28 ± 0.05 up to the 1.8 ± 0.05 MPa and 0.87 ± 0.05 up to the 4.4 ± 0.05 Mpa respectively. According to the result, prolonged and continuous releasing profile of the drug molecules was achieved. As the content of the drug increased, the drug was released continuously. It means that two parameters of fiber's diameter and drug ratio affected the releasing behavior of composite structures. Polyurethane-SWNT scaffolds contained metronidazole benzoate presented appropriate support of DPSCs adhesion and proliferation and biomimetic architecture like the structure of dental ECM.