bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dispersal Patterns, Mating Strategy and Genetic Diversity in the Short Nosed Fruit BatCynopterus sphinx(Chiroptera: Pteropodidae) in Southern India
Authors: Karuppudurai Thangavel , Christiane Ramesh Steffi
Published: November 2021

The short-nosed fruit bat, Cynopterus sphinx is a common plant-visiting bat that is widely distributed throughout the Indo-Malayan region. In this chapter, we discuss the dispersal patterns, mating strategy and genetic diversity in the short-nosed fruit bat C. sphinx. We used a broad-range of techniques, including mark-recapture, radio-telemetry and molecular biology analyses. Our studies uncovered unique aspects of the dispersal, mating system and genetic diversity of these bats. Both the sexes of C. sphinx were found to disperse completely from the natal harems before subadult stage and young female C. sphinx become members of a harem much earlier than their male counterparts. The nonharem males are reproductively active, gain access to harem females and sire more offspring in July–August breeding season than March–April breeding season and presumably obtain some reproductive success. Our molecular study shows that considerable genetic diversity was observed in this species from different zonal populations, possibly due to complete dispersal of juveniles of both the sexes from their natal groups and gene flow between the zones. All these studies suggest not only a predictive framework for future studies, but also the use of these data in the management and meaningful conservation of this species.
Stresses in Plants: Biotic and Abiotic
Authors: Bolaji Umar Olayinka , Amudalat Ranti Lawal , Shehu Abdulbaki Abdulbaki , Lukman Bola Abdulra’uf , Khadijat Abdulhamid Abdulkareem , Ramat Biola Murtadha , Oluwagbenga Victor Kayode
Published: November 2021

Plants are subjected to a variety of environmental stresses, which reduces and limits agricultural crop productivity. Environmental stresses that affect plants are of two types: biotic and abiotic stresses. Abiotic stress includes temperature, ultraviolet radiation, salinity, floods, drought, heavy metals, etc., which results in the loss of important crop plants globally, while biotic stress refers to damage caused by insects, herbivores, nematodes, fungi, bacteria, or weeds. Plants respond to all these environmental factors because the pants are fixed in a particular place. To cope with these stresses, a number of strategies have been developed by plants. They detect that the environmental stresses become activated and then generate the necessary cellular responses. Several investigations have been carried out to determine and understand plant assimilates partitioning and stress-tolerance plant genotype necessary for the understanding of the complexity of the response of a plant to biotic and abiotic stresses.
Quorum Sensing of Acidophiles: A Communication System in Microorganisms
Authors: Gao Xueyan , Lin Jianqiang , Chen Linxu , Lin Jianqun , Pang Xin
Published: November 2021

Communication is important for organisms living in nature. Quorum sensing system (QS) are intercellular communication systems that promote the sociality of microbes. Microorganisms could promote cell-to-cell cooperation and population density to adapt to the changing environment through QS-mediated regulation that is dependent on the secretion and the detection of signal molecules (or called autoinducers). QS system is also discovered in acidophiles, a microorganism that is widely used in the bioleaching industry and can live in an acidic environment. An example is the LuxI/R-like QS system (AfeI/R) that has been reported in the chemoautotrophic species of the genus Acidithiobacillus. In this chapter, we will introduce the types and distribution of the QS system, and the biological function and regulatory mechanism of QS in acidophiles. We will also discuss the potential ecological function of QS system and the application value of the QS system in the control and regulation of the bioleaching process in the related industries and acid mine damage.
Boltzmann Populations of the Fluxional Be6B11− and Chiral Be4B8 Clusters at Finite Temperatures Computed by DFT and Statistical Thermodynamics
Authors: Emilano Buelna-Garcia Carlos , Castillo-Quevedo Cesar , Paredes-Sotelo Edgar , Martinez-Guajardo Gerardo , Luis Cabellos Jose
Published: November 2021

Total energy computations using density functional theory are typically carried out at a zero temperature; thus, entropic and thermic contributions to the total energy are neglected, even though functional materials work at finite temperatures. This book chapter investigates the Boltzmann populations of the fluxional Be6B11− and chiral Be4B8 isomers at finite temperature estimated within the framework of density functional theory, CCSD(T), and statistical thermodynamics. A couple of steps are taken into account to compute the Boltzmann populations. First, to identify a list of all possible low-energy chiral and achiral structures, an exhaustive and efficient exploration of the potential/free energy surfaces is carried out using a multi-level and multi-step global hybrid genetic algorithm search coupled with Gaussian code. Second, the thermal or so-called Boltzmann populations were computed in the framework of statistical thermodynamics for temperatures ranging from 20 to 1500 K at DFT and CCSD(T) theoretical levels. The results show the effects of temperature on the distribution of isomers define the putative global minimum at finite temperature due to the minimization of the Gibbs free energy and maximization of entropy. Additionally, we found that the fluxional Be6B11− cluster is strongly dominant at hot temperatures, whereas the chiral Be4B8 cluster is dominant at room temperature. The methodology and results show the thermal effects in the relative population hence molecular properties.
Fast Track Arthroplasty Using Local Infiltration Analgesia
Authors: Cordingley Timothy , Chepurin Daniel , Younis Ghada , Nassar Islam , Mitchell David
Published: November 2021

Fast track arthroplasty is a holistic approach to patients who undergo total hip and knee arthroplasty, a journey or care that begins with setting patient’s expectation, optimising medical status, using intraoperative local anaesthetic infiltra-tion, decreasing narcotics usage either in spinal or post-operative medication, discouraging usage of patient controlled analgesia or urinary catheters, encouraging day of operation mobilisation and optimising post-operative physiotherapy protocols. The use of local infiltration analgesia (LIA) is a good alternative compared to other traditional pain management techniques. The purpose of adoption of LIA technique is to provide comfort from the trauma associated with hip and knee arthroplasty particularly for the first 36 h post-operatively, during the time of high post-operative pain, to facilitate increased post-operative mobilisation and function. LIA is safe and effective to achieve good outcomes, early mobilisation and decreasing length of stay without jeopardising clinical outcomes. This chapter discusses LIA and its multimodal approach to analgesia, regional anaesthesia and early mobilisation that improves overall patient experience and satisfaction. The chapter discusses LIA techniques, wound catheter placement, and postoperative protocol to achieve fast track hip and knee arthroplasty.
Review of Prenatal Aneuploidy Screening Uptake Rate and Trends in Iran, and Developed Countries
Authors: Najafi Ali , Akrami Seyed Mohammad
Published: November 2021

: Prenatal screening of different anomalies including chromosomal aneuploidies have become a part of routine pregnancy care in most countries around the world. These tests can help pregnant mothers to have informed decisions. In this study we gathered relevant scientific and governmental/official data about uptake rate of these screenings in different developed countries and Iran. We have tried to use the latest articles and reports, and also consider to the global trend of screening and abortion policies in developed countries. Also, some pitfalls when comparing prenatal screening of different countries will be explained. These data can help to have a better insight about Iran’s prenatal screening status when compared with developed countries to improve public health policies.
The Measurement Problem of Consciousness
Authors: Browning Heather , Veit Walter ,   University of Arkansas Press
Published: November 2021

This paper addresses what we consider to be the most pressing challenge for the emerging science of consciousness: the measurement problem of consciousness. That is, by what methods can we determine the presence of and properties of consciousness? Most methods are currently developed through evaluation of the presence of consciousness in humans and here we argue that there are particular problems in application of these methods to nonhuman cases—what we call the indicator validity problem and the extrapolation problem. The first is a problem with the application of indicators developed using the differences between conscious and unconscious processing in humans to the identification of other conscious vs. nonconscious organisms or systems. The second is a problem in extrapolating any indicators developed in humans or other organisms to artificial systems. However, while pressing ethical concerns add urgency to the attribution of consciousness and its attendant moral status to nonhuman animals and intelligent machines, we cannot wait for certainty and we advocate the use of a precautionary principle to avoid causing unintentional harm. We also intend that the considerations and limitations discussed in this paper can be used to further analyze and refine the methods of consciousness science with the hope that one day we may be able to solve the measurement problem of consciousness.
OPTIMUM WORKHOLDING CONDITIONS FOR PRECISION CYLINDRICAL GRINDING OPERATIONS
Authors: GODINO FERNANDEZ LEIRE , ALVAREZ RUIZ JORGE , CASAS GAYUBO JOSU , SANCHEZ GALINDEZ JOSE ANTONIO
Published: November 2021

Grinding process is a very important process in machining industry being one of the most popular processes when high quality parts must be manufacture. Likewise, workholding is a critical issue on cylindrical grinding. The use of the driving dog is common when the workpiece is held between centers. However, one of the handicaps of this workholding is that the cylindrical workpiece cannot be ground along the complete length. In order to tackle this issue, in the present work the workpiece is held between centers avoiding the use of the driving dog. To this end, a methodology to obtain the grinding limit parameters that ensure that the transmitted torque is higher that the resistance torque is presented, being the aim of these tests is to avoid the sliding between the point and the workpiece. Finally, non-destructive tests are designed, which, using a safety coefficient of about 0.77, the tests allow the correct design of each specific grinding process.

Keywords: cylindrical grinding, workholding, driving dog, sliding
ARTISAN MOBILITY IN PREINDUSTRIAL EUROPE AND MOBILITY WITHIN THE EUROPEAN HIGHER EDUCATION AREA
Authors: MARTIN LLORENTE OSCAR
Published: November 2021

This research work performs a comparative study between the artisan mobility in the preindustrial Europe and the mobility within the European Higher Education Area (EHEA), emphasizing key aspects of the EHEA associated with mobility such as employability, technological transfer, social cohesion and receptiveness to new ideas. It can be concluded that, indeed, artisan mobility in preindustrial Europe was as a precedent for mobility within the EHEA, in the context of engineering education, from the detailed study of (a) movements of skilled artisan institutionally organized by states and political authorities, (b) tramping system, whose institutional backbone shows a clear parallelism with the organizational framework that supports the mobility within the EHEA, and that also contributed to overcome problems of information asymmetry in the labour market between local employers and itinerant workers, and consequently to solve problems of journeyman unemployment, (c) journeyman mobility as a teaching program integrated into the craft guild framework, which could restrain the information asymmetry in the commodity market by giving traceability and additional validation to the artisan instruction, and (d) minority migrations, which acted as a spur for the mobility within the EHEA because they allowed Europe to be aware of the importance of tolerance and receptiveness to new ideas.

Keywords: Technology transfer; Employability; Labour mobility; EHEA; Preindustrial Europe
THE ROLEOF NEW MEDIA IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS
Authors: Sančanin Branislav , Sančanin Sofija
Published: November 2021

Personalization and interactivity are the cornerstone of the digital revolution which, within the framework of globalization and the hypermobility of human capital, has become increasingly less focused on spatial and temporal boundaries. In such an environment, organizations that advertise job openings do so intentionally according to a segmented auditorium, on the basis of numerous digital information on potentially interested individuals. Two-way communication during advertising and a wide range of multimedia content represent a significant comparative advantage in attracting candidates who meet the requirements in terms of knowledge, skills and abilities. At the same time, non-linear forms of communication and sharing advertising ontent enables interested individuals to reach a large number of advertising content based on their interests and competences. The emergence of untrue, incomplete and non-transparent ads threatens to undermine the credibility of advertising content in new media and lead to the erosion of trust.
БИБЛИОТЕЧКО – ИНФОРМАЦИОНА ДЈЕЛАТНОСТ У ЕРИ ДИГИТАЛИЗАЦИЈЕ КРОЗ ПРИЗМУ МАРКЕТИНГ МИКСА
Authors: Broćeta Aleksandra
Published: November 2021

Циљ рада је истраживање Маркетинга у библиотекама кроз сагледавање и оцјењивање одговора на анкетна питања, која се односе на потребу анкетираних испитаника за читањем књига, одвајање времена за посвећеност књижевности, књижевне афинитете, чланство у библиотекама, професионално задовољство запослених у библиотекама, промоцију и остале елементе маркетинг микса у библиотечкој дјелатности. Проблематика данашњег друштва манифестује се недостатком слободног времена. Рад се базира на сагледавању посјећености Сајма књиге, задовољству купаца понудом књига и часописа, прихватљивости цијена књига на сајмовима, задовољством понуде књига и часописа, као и оцјеном рада Народне и универзитетске библиотеке Републике Српске (НУБ РС) у свим сегментима маркетинг микса. Резултати истраживања приказаће низ закључака скицирајући читалачки укус и заинтересованост за разне врсте књижевности на подручју града Бањалука. Тематика научног рада сагледава нова технолошка достигнућа кроз призму Маркетинга, велику заинтересованост и амбициозност руководећег кадра и свих запослених у библиотечкој дјелатности за иновацијама и нераскидовом контакту са Медијима, који узрочно – посљедично утичу на јавно мњење.
ТУРИСТИЧКА ДЕСТИНАЦИЈА У ФУНКЦИЈИ НОСИОЦА ТУРИСТИЧКЕ ПОНУДЕ
Authors: Вујовић Славољуб , Премовић Јелена , Мацура Рајко
Published: November 2021

На основу истраживања одабране литературе, код анализе основних чинилаца развоја туризма, гледано са економског и географског аспекта, незаобилазни су туристичко место и туристичка дестинација. Исход, односно, реализација циљева туристичке понуде и тражње увек се одвија у одређеном туристичком месту, односно, дестинацији. У раду се анализирају чиниоци, интегративни елементи и управњачки аспекти туристичке дестинације у функцији носиоца туристичке понуде.
ПОСЛОВИ У НАДЛЕЖНОСТИ ФУНКЦИЈЕ КОРПОРАТИВНЕ БЕЗБЕДНОСТИ
Authors: Симовић Слободан , Манић Михајло
Published: November 2021

Основни задатак менаџера безбедности, као одговорног лица за ниво безбедности у компанији и за дешавања у оквиру своје функције је, да организује службу безбедности као и радне функције запослених. Мора да буде рационалан, што подразумева да не сме да дозволи да корпоративна безбедност као функција постане гломазна и скупа по компанију. Сходно овоме, његов приоритетан задатак је идентификовање кључних вредности компаније којима треба посветити највише пажње. Предмет овакве анализе су материјалне и нематеријалне вредности, облици имовине и личности руководиоца који су од великог значаја, те би се њихов губитак одразио погубно за компанију.
De-contextualisation fuels controversy: the double-edged sword of humour in a hybrid media environment
Authors: Ödmark Sara
Published: November 2021

Humour has a unique way of delineating social boundaries, and comedy can function as a double-edged sword; it can strengthen bonds and bring people together, or divide through provocation and violation of social norms. As a consequence, humour controversies are telling events that contain the possibility of highlighting cultural and political sensibilities – even more in the current political landscape, with increasing media fragmentation. This study analysed four humour functions through the theoretical lens of media framing, via three cases of humorous content that caused controversies in the Swedish news media. These cases were one divisive radio roast of a politician, one TV satire segment that was received as racist, and one audio podcast with young women who challenged a Swedish political consensus climate. Framing is the power of media to select and highlight certain aspects of issues, and by extension, shape public opinion. By subjecting the media coverage of these three controversies to a qualitative content analysis, the framing was examined and discussed in the light of four humour functions: identification, clarification, enforcement, and differentiation (Meyer 2000). Furthermore, the study examined the media context and the role it played in the framing of the controversies. One main finding was that the most uniting humour function of identification could be transformed into the most dividing humour function of differentiation through a shift in media context.
Power and satire in the front-page images of Mariano Rajoy: visual motifs as political humour
Authors: Garin Manuel , Pérez-Pamies Daniel
Published: November 2021

This article explores the use of photography and visual motifs as forms of political humour in contemporary media. By studying the representation of former Prime Minister of Spain Mariano Rajoy in the front pages of three Spanish newspapers (El Mundo, El País and La Vanguardia) between 2011 and 2017, the paper identifies and questions the liaisons between power and satire present in the so-called “serious” press, focusing on how different photographic traits concerning layout, composition and gestures reflect ideological choices. This photographic satire developed by printed media is then framed within a figurative tradition that goes back to Spanish royal portraiture, from Velázquez to Goya, which employs common strategies for the visual depiction of power, including satirical and humorous attributes to push specific political agendas. This examination, based on the quantified study and the visual analysis of more than 7,500 front pages, is part of the national research project Visual Motifs in the Public Sphere: Production and Circulation of Images of Power in Spain, 2011-2017. In order to determine a useful procedural approach to satirical expressions in photographs, defining which front pages invoke a remarkable satirical content, this article also presents a comparative study and a categorisation based on formal (im)balances related to the concepts of visual motif and humour.
Punicalagin, a pomegranate compound, induces apoptosis and autophagy in acute leukemia
Authors: Subkorn Paweena , Norkaew Chosita , Deesrisak Kamolchanok , Tanyong Dalina
Published: November 2021

Background

Punicalagin is the major phenolic compound found in pomegranate peels. It has several reported medical benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. The present study investigated the anti-leukemic effects and the molecular mechanism of punicalagin on NB4 and MOLT-4 leukemic cell lines.

Methods

Leukemic cells were treated with punicalagin and cell viability was determined using MTS assay. Apoptosis and autophagy were analyzed by flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC/PI and anti-LC3/FITC antibodies staining, respectively. Apoptotic and autophagic mRNA expression were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. STITCH bioinformatics tools were used to predict the interaction between punicalagin and its proposed target proteins.

Results

Results indicated that punicalagin decreased NB4 and MOLT-4 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Punicalagin, in combination with daunorubicin, exhibited synergistic cytotoxic effects. Punicalagin induced apoptosis through the upregulation of caspase-3/-8/-9, Bax and the downregulation of Bcl-2 expression. Punicalagin also promoted autophagy via the downregulation of mTOR and the upregulation of ULK1 expression. Cyclooxygenase-2 and toll-like receptor 4 were found to be involved in punicalagin-induced cell death in punicalagin-targeted protein interactions.

Conclusions

These results suggest that punicalagin exerts cytotoxic activities by suppressing proliferation and promoting apoptosis and autophagy by activating the caspase cascade, altering Bax and Bcl-2, and regulating autophagy via mTOR/ULK1 signaling.
Parallel power posterior analyses for fast computation of marginal likelihoods in phylogenetics
Authors: Höhna Sebastian , Landis Michael J. , Huelsenbeck John P.
Published: November 2021

In Bayesian phylogenetic inference, marginal likelihoods can be estimated using several different methods, including the path-sampling or stepping-stone-sampling algorithms. Both algorithms are computationally demanding because they require a series of power posterior Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations. Here we introduce a general parallelization strategy that distributes the power posterior MCMC simulations and the likelihood computations over available CPUs. Our parallelization strategy can easily be applied to any statistical model despite our primary focus on molecular substitution models in this study. Using two phylogenetic example datasets, we demonstrate that the runtime of the marginal likelihood estimation can be reduced significantly even if only two CPUs are available (an average performance increase of 1.96x). The performance increase is nearly linear with the number of available CPUs. We record a performance increase of 13.3x for cluster nodes with 16 CPUs, representing a substantial reduction to the runtime of marginal likelihood estimations. Hence, our parallelization strategy enables the estimation of marginal likelihoods to complete in a feasible amount of time which previously needed days, weeks or even months. The methods described here are implemented in our open-source software RevBayes which is available fromhttp://www.RevBayes.com.
The Mediating Role of Emotional Labor Behaviors in the Effects of Emotional Management Skills on Emotional Climate
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Efraim , ÖZAN Mukadder BOYDAK
Published: November 2021

İnsanoğlu hem günlük yaşamında hem de iş hayatında birçok duygu yaşamaktadır. Duygularımız davranışlarımızın kaynağı ve diğer insanlarla kurduğumuz iletişimin yönlendiricisidir. Çalışma yaşamında duyguların önemli bir yeri vardır.
Özellikle gelecek nesillerin yetiştirildiği okullarda duyguların olumlu bir şekilde yönetilerek, olumlu hislerin dışa yansıtılması ve bu sayede olumlu bir atmosferin oluşturulması önem arz etmektedir. Bu bakımdan araştırmanın amacı,
duyguları yönetme becerilerinin, duygusal iklim üzerindeki etkisinde, duygusal emek davranışlarının aracılık etkisini sınamaktır. Araştırmanın örneklemini 2018-2019 eğitim-öğretim yılında Elazığ’da göre yapan 768 öğretmen oluşturmuştur.
Örneklemi belirlemede tabakalı örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Örneklem belirlenirken, Elazığ’da bulunan ve sosyal, ekonomik ve kültürel özelliklerine göre farklılık gösteren beş eğitim bölgesi, tabaka olarak kabul edilmiştir.
Araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak, “Duyguları Yönetme Becerileri Ölçeği”, “Okullardaki Duygusal Emek Ölçeği” ve “Okulların Duygusal İklim Ölçeği” kullanılmıştır. Araştırma için ilgili kurumdan gerekli etik kurul izni ve uygulama
izni alınmıştır. Verileri analiz ederken ise SPSS 22 analiz programı kullanılmıştır. Araştırmadan elde edilen sonuçlara göre, duygu yönetim becerilerinin duygusal emek üzerinde, duygusal emek davranışlarının ise duygusal iklim
üzerinde etkisinin bulunduğu görülmüştür. Duygu yönetim becerilerinin duygusal iklim üzerindeki etkisinde ise duygusal emek davranışlarının anlamlı bir aracılık etkisinin bulunduğu tespit edilmiştir. Buna göre eğitim-öğretim gibi
önemli bir vazifeyi yerine getiren öğretmenlerin, diğer okul paydaşları ile iletişimlerinde duygularını yönetmelerinin, okulun amacına uygun olarak gösterecekleri duyguların, olumlu bir duygusal iklimin gelişebilmesi için önem
oluşturduğu söylenebilir.
The Investigation of Secondary School Students’ Attitudes towards Physical Education and Sports Lesson in Terms of Some Variables (Elazığ Sample)
Authors: POLAT Serhat , SAVUCU Yüksel , ESKİYECEK Canan Gülbin
Published: November 2021

Bu çalışmanın amacı, ortaöğretim öğrencilerinin beden eğitimi ve spor dersine ilişkin tutumlarını bazı değişkenler açısından incelemektir. Araştırma grubunu, Elazığ ili Mustafa Kemal Ortaokulu’nda 2018-2019 eğitim-öğretim yılında 5.,
6., 7. ve 8. sınıflarda öğrenim gören 242’si erkek, 207’si kız olmak üzere toplam 449 gönüllü öğrenci oluşturmuştur. Araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak kişisel bilgi formu ile birlikte 2008 yılında Güllü ve Güçlü tarafından
geliştirilen “Beden Eğitimi Dersi Tutum Ölçeği” kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen verilerin istatistiksel olarak çözümlenmesinde SPSS paket programından faydalanılmıştır. Verilerin homojen dağılıp dağılmadığının tespiti için yapılan
normallik analizleri sonucunda normal dağıldığı kabul dilmiş ve bu verilere parametrik testler uygulanmıştır. İki bağımlı grubun karşılaştırılması için Paired Samples t testi uygulanırken, üç ve daha fazla grubun karşılaştırılmasında
tek yönlü varyans analizi (ANOVA) testi ve istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılıkların olduğu analizlerde farklılaşmanın hangi gruptan kaynaklandığının anlaşılması için Post-Hoc testlerinden (Tukey HSD) testi uygulanmıştır. Normal
dağılım göstermeyen verilerin çözümlenmesinde ise üç ve daha fazla gruplar için Kruskal-Wallis testi uygulanmıştır. Anlamlılık düzeyi p < 0.05 olarak kabul edilmiştir. Araştırmada öğrencilerin derse ilişkin tutum ve davranışlarının
şekillenmesinde ebeveynlerinin eğitim durumları, meslekleri ve spor alışkanlıkları ile birlikte kardeş sayısı gibi değişkenler arasında anlamlı farklılıklar olmadığı tespit edilmiştir (p > 0.05). Buna karşın öğrencilerin, yaş,
cinsiyet ve ailenin gelir düzeyi gibi değişkenler arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılıklar bulunduğu gözlemlenmiştir (p < 0.05). Bu bulgular neticesinde, öğrencilerin derse yönelik tutumlarının incelenmesi ve bunlara
uygun politikaların saptanabilmesi için yaş, cinsiyet ve ailenin gelir düzeyi gibi birtakım demografik unsurların birincil derecede önem arz ettiğini söylemek mümkündür.
Problems Encountered in Strategic Planning and Implementation in Primary Schools
Authors: Ali YARIM Mehmet , ADA Şükrü
Published: November 2021

Bu araştırmanın amacı, ilkokullarda görev yapan yönetici ve öğretmenlerin stratejik planlamaya ilişkin algılarını belirlemek, stratejik yönetim uygulamalarında karşılaştıkları sorunları ortaya koymak ve bu ikisi arasındaki ilişkiyi
incelemektir. Betimsel bir çalışma ürünü olan bu araştırmada ilişkisel tarama modeli kullanılmıştır. Araştırma, Erzurum merkez ilçelerinde 2017-2018 eğitim öğretim yılında görev yapan 420 katılımcı üzerinde gerçekleştirilmiştir.
İlkokul yönetici ve öğretmenlerinin stratejik planlama algılarını belirlemek ve stratejik yönetimde karşılaşılan sorunları ortaya koymak için Çetin (2012)’in “Stratejik Planlama Algısı” ve “Stratejik Yönetimde Karşılaşılan Sorunlar”
adlı ölçekleri kullanılmıştır. Toplanan veriler SPSS 22 programı kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Verilerin Analizinde Tek Yönlü Varyans Analizi (ANOVA), Tukey HSD çoklu karşılaştırma testi ve bağımsız örneklem T-testi uygulanmıştır.
Araştırmanın bulgularına göre; stratejik planlama algısı açısından yöneticiler olumlu öğretmenler ise olumsuz bir algıya sahiptir.Kıdem değişkeni açısından yöneticilerin hizmet sürelerinin arttıkça stratejik planlama bilgilerinin
de artmakta olduğu tespit edilmiştir.Stratejik planlama algısında öğretmenlerin kıdem ve cinsiyet değişkenine göre çok anlamlı bir ilişki olmadığı görülmüştür.İlkokul yönetici ve öğretmenleri stratejik planlamanın eğitim kurumlarında
gerekliliğine inanmaktadırlar ancak stratejik yönetim uygulanmalarında bazı sorunlarla karşılaştıkları ve uzman ekip desteğine ihtiyaçları olduğu belirlenmiştir.Tespit edilen sorunlar genellikle sorunlar inanç eksikliği,bilgi eksikliği
ve iletişim eksikliği gibi kurum içi sorunlardır.Yönetici ve öğretmenlere göre stratejik yönetimde karşılaşılan sorunlar cinsiyet ve kıdem değişkenlerine göre anlamlı bir farklılık göstermemektedir.
Occupational Stress among Lecturers: The Case of Female Lecturers in University Education, Winneba
Authors: Eggley Veronica Esinam , Upoalkpajor Joshua-Luther Ndoye , Anovunga Alfred Alunga
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study was to explore occupational stress among female lecturers in University of Education, Winneba. Two research questions were framed to guide the study. A triangulatory mixed method approach of quantitative and qualitative methods were used in order to obtain a fuller picture on female lecturers’ stress with future recommendations grounded in the research. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyse the quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Seventy-five respondents were selected using purposive sampling method using structured questionnaires and six were interviewed using semi-structured interview guide. The results revealed that the causes of stress among the female lecturers are abundant and wide-ranging extending from heavy workload, pressure from meeting deadlines, overlapping responsibilities, demands from career expectations, to working home at the expense of rest among others. Stress experienced by female lecturers affected their work as well as their home life. The study recommended amongst others that the university should reduce the workload of female lecturers by employing the services of more lecturers or Teaching Assistants and also female lecturers should be supported to manage stress through counselling and assertive training.
Comparative Study of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Three Medicinal Plants against Dermatophytic Pathogens
Authors: Folorunso Temitayo Veronica , Onifade Anthony Kayode , Oladunmoye Kolawole , Akinyele Bamidele Juliet
Published: November 2021

Bixa orellana, Jatropha curcas and Cassia alata are three of the prominent plants used for traditional medicine in Nigeria. Dermatophytosis also known as tinea or ringworm is the most frequent superficial fungal infections in Nigeria.  

Objective: In this Present Study, We Aimed at Comparing The Phytochemical Components and the Antifungal Efficacy of these Medicinal against Selected Dermatophytes. 

Study Design:  Cross Sectional Study among a Particular Population.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State. Between March 2019 and September 2019.

Methods: The phytochemical contents of the plants were determined and the in-vitro antifungal activities of Bixa orellana, Jatropha curcas and Cassia alata were screened against seven species of Trichophyton (T. ajelloi, T. mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, M.gypseum T. soudenensis, T. tonsurans and T. verrucosum) using agar dilution method.  

Results: The phytochemical screening revealed the  presence  of  flavonoid, saponin, phenol, steroids, glycoside,  phytosteroids, alkaloids, terpenoid, tannin, and  cardiac glycoside in various quantities. The findings from our study showed that the ethanol extracts of these medicinal plants have more antifungal activities than other solvents. However, the hexane and ethanol extracts of Jatropha curcas was observed to be significantly higher than other extracts. The zone of inhibition recorded ranges from 22 mm-32 mm and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5 mg/ml was recorded. 

Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Jatropha curcas showed broad effectiveness against the tested pathogens when compared to other plants and we conclude that the plants antifungal property is concentration dependent. However, we recommend further studies on these plants extracts using a large number of different isolates and solvents.
A standalone approach to utilize telomere length measurement as a surveillance tool in oral leukoplakia
Authors: Pal Jagannath , Rajput Yogita , Shrivastava Shruti , Gahine Renuka , Mungutwar Varsha , Barardiya Tripti , Chandrakar Ankur , Ramakrishna Pinaka Pani , Mishra Sovna Shivani , Banjara Hansa , Choudhary Vivek , Patra Pradeep K. , Shammas Masood A.
Published: November 2021

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is often preceded by a white patch on a surface of the mouth, called oral leukoplakia (OL). As accelerated telomere length (TL) shortening in dividing epithelial cells may lead to oncogenic transformation, telomere length measurement could serve as a predictive biomarker in OL. However, due to high variability and lack of a universal reference, there has been a limited translational application. Here, we describe an approach of evaluating TL using paired peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as an internal reference and demonstrate its translational relevance. Oral brush biopsy and paired venous blood were collected from 50 male OL patients and 44 male healthy controls (HC). Relative TL was measured by quantitative PCR. TL of each OL or healthy sample was normalized to the paired PBMC sample (TL ratio). In OL patients, the mean TL ratio was significantly smaller not only in the patch but also in distal normal oral tissue, relative to healthy controls without a high‐risk oral habit. Dysplasia was frequently associated with a subgroup that showed a normal TL ratio at the patch but significantly smaller TL ratio at a paired normal distal site. Our data suggest that evaluation of TL attrition using a paired PBMC sample eliminates the requirement of external reference DNA, makes data universally comparable and provides a useful marker to define high‐risk OL groups for follow‐up programs. Larger studies will further validate the approach and its broader application in other premalignant conditions.
Atomically Dispersed Zinc(I) Active Sites to Accelerate Nitrogen Reduction Kinetics for Ammonia Electrosynthesis
Authors: Kong Yan , Li Yan , Sang Xiahan , Yang Bin , Li Zhongjian , Zheng Sixing , Zhang Qinghua , Yao Siyu , Yang Xiaoxuan , Lei Lecheng , Zhou Shaodong , Wu Gang , Hou Yang
Published: November 2021

Developing highly active and stable nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) catalysts for NH3 electrosynthesis remains challenging. Herein, an unusual NRR electrocatalyst is reported with a single Zn(I) site supported on hollow porous N‐doped carbon nanofibers (Zn1N–C). The Zn1N–C nanofibers exhibit an outstanding NRR activity with a high NH3 yield rate of ≈16.1 µg NH3 h−1 mgcat−1 at −0.3 V and Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 11.8% in alkaline media, surpassing other previously reported carbon‐based NRR electrocatalysts with transition metals atomically dispersed and nitrogen coordinated (TM‐Nx) sites. 15N2 isotope labeling experiments confirm that the feeding nitrogen gas is the only nitrogen source in the production of NH3. Structural characterization reveals that atomically dispersed Zn(I) sites with Zn–N4 moieties are likely the active sites, and the nearby graphitic N site synergistically facilitates the NRR process. In situ attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared measurement and theoretical calculation elucidate that the formation of initial *NNH intermediate is the rate‐limiting step during the NH3 production. The graphitic N atoms adjacent to the tetracoordinate Zn–N4 moieties could significantly lower the energy barrier for this step to accelerate hydrogenation kinetics duing the NRR.
Antiangiogenic Nanomicelles for the Topical Delivery of Aflibercept to Treat Retinal Neovascular Disease
Authors: Zhao Xinxin , Seah Ivan , Xue Kun , Wong Wendy , Tan Queenie Shu Woon , Ma Xiaoxiao , Lin Qianyu , Lim Jason Y. C. , Liu Zengping , Parikh Bhav Harshad , Mehta Karishma N. , Lai Joel Weijia , Yang Binxia , Tran Kim Chi , Barathi Veluchamy Amutha , Cheong Kang Hao , Hunziker Walter , Su Xinyi , Loh Xian Jun
Published: November 2021

The traditional intravitreal injection delivery of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) to the posterior segment of the eye for treatment of retinal diseases is invasive and associated with sight‐threatening complications. To avoid such complications, there has been significant interest in developing polymers for topical drug delivery to the retina. This study reports a nanomicelle drug delivery system made of a copolymer EPC (nEPCs), which is capable of delivering aflibercept to the posterior segment topically through corneal–scleral routes. EPC is composed of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(propylene glycol) (PPG), and polycaprolactone (PCL) segments. In this study, aflibercept‐loaded nEPCs (nEPCs + A) are capable of penetrating the cornea in ex vivo porcine eye models and deliver a clinically significant amount of aflibercept to the retina in laser‐induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV) murine models, causing CNV regression. nEPCs + A also demonstrate biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo. Interestingly, this study also suggests that nEPCs have intrinsic antiangiogenic properties. The ability to deliver anti‐VEGF drugs and the intrinsic antiangiogenic properties of nEPCs may result in synergistic effects, which can be harnessed for effective therapeutics. nEPCs may be a promising topical anti‐VEGF delivery platform for the treatment of retinal diseases.
Detection of Sub‐Terahertz Raman Response and Nonlinear Optical Effects for Luminescent Yb(III) Complexes
Authors: Kumar Kunal , Stefanczyk Olaf , Nakabayashi Koji , Imoto Kenta , Oki Yurie , Ohkoshi Shin‐ichi
Published: November 2021

The development of multifunctional oriented polar crystals combining diverse optical, nonlinear optical, and magnetic phenomena are desirable. Two enantiomorphic assemblies [YbIII(TPPO)3(NCE)3] (E = S (“YbS”), Se (“YbSe”); TPPO = triphenylphosphine oxide) are prepared. Both crystallites show ultralow‐frequency (ULF) Raman scattering for molecular materials with a value of 16 cm−1 (0.48 THz), originating from collective vibrations of the TPPO ligand and pseudohalides, which is supported by ab initio calculations. Moreover, YbS and YbSe crystals exhibit high‐intense second harmonic generation (SHG) phenomena along the threefold rotation c‐axis. The polarization‐variation of the pumping laser electric field experiment performed on single crystals gives a unique insight into the tensor elements constituting the R3 space group. Replacement of thiocyanide with selenocyanide in YbSe compound increases the second harmonic signal attributed to increased polarization. Besides, they also exhibit 4f‐metal centered high‐performance near‐infrared luminescence thermometric properties and weak single‐molecule magnet behaviors. They can also serve as a platform to study the magnetic and linear/nonlinear optical cross effects.
Body composition of children with different gestation time
Authors: Kryst Łukasz , Żegleń Magdalena , Woronkowicz Agnieszka , Kowal Małgorzata
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To examine the differences in body composition between prepubescent children, depending on the time of gestation.

Methods

The study was conducted among children aged 3–10 years. The thickness of 5 (triceps, subscapular, suprailiac, abdominal, calf) skinfolds, mid‐upper arm circumference, body height, weight and femur breadth was measured. Sum of 3 skinfolds, Body Mass Index (BMI) and muscle mass were calculated. Gestation time was obtained using a questionnaire.

Results

Children in the short gestation time category were generally characterized by the greatest values of the analyzed characteristics, particularly above the ages of 6–8 years. Femur breadth and muscle mass were similar up to the mentioned age in all of the gestation time categories. BMI and all of the adiposity characteristics, below the age of 6 years, were the greatest in the long gestation time category.

Conclusions

Results of the present study are important, as excess body mass and adiposity are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic abnormalities later in life. Special emphasis should be placed on the prevention of overweight and obesity among premature babies and the education of their parents.
The Aryne Phosphate Reaction**
Authors: Haas Thomas M. , Wiesler Stefan , Dürr‐Mayer Tobias , Ripp Alexander , Fouka Paraskevi , Qiu Danye , Jessen Henning J.
Published: November 2021

Condensed phosphates are a critically important class of molecules in biochemistry. Non‐natural analogues are important for various applications, such as single‐molecule real‐time DNA sequencing. Often, such analogues contain more than three phosphate units in their oligophosphate chain. Consequently, investigations into phosphate reactivity enabling new ways of phosphate functionalization and oligophosphorylation are essential. Here, we scrutinize the potential of phosphates to act as arynophiles, paving the way for follow‐up oligophosphorylation reactions. The aryne phosphate reaction is a powerful tool to—depending on the perspective—(oligo)phosphorylate arenes or arylate (oligo‐cyclo)phosphates. Based on Kobayashi‐type o‐silylaryltriflates, the aryne phosphate reaction enables rapid entry into a broad spectrum of arylated products, like monophosphates, diphosphates, phosphodiesters and polyphosphates. The synthetic potential of these new transformations is demonstrated by efficient syntheses of nucleotide analogues and an unprecedented one‐flask octaphosphorylation.
Palladium anchored on a covalent organic framework as a heterogeneous catalyst for phosphorylation of aryl bromides
Authors: Chen Yu‐Xuan , Zhang Shuo , Xue Yu‐Jie , Mo Li‐Ping , Zhang Zhan‐Hui
Published: November 2021

A simple azine‐linked covalent organic framework (COF) with high thermal and chemical stabilities has been prepared by using deep eutectic solvent (DES) as green media. The as‐synthesized COF was employed as heterogeneous ligand for immobilization of PdII. The obtained Pd‐supported COF nanoparticles catalyst (defined as Pd/TFPT‐Azine‐COF) was found to be an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the Hirao reaction of aryl halides and dialkyl phosphites or diphenylphosphine oxide with excellent recyclability, reusability, and retention of crystallinity.
Finding evidence of an ancient platform through magnetometry in Huexotla, Central Mexico
Authors: Argote‐Espino Denisse L. , Juárez‐Osnaya Alberto , García‐Serrano Alejandro
Published: November 2021

The archaeological zone of Huexotla, east of Mexico Basin, was part of the Acolhuacan lordship, associated to the Mexica domain in the Postclassical period. In this site, several structures have been partially explored, some of which are open to the public. Recent explorations led to the hypothesis that the structures of La Estancia, the Wall and the Community were part of a more complex space that formed the Sacred Precinct of the city. In order to test this postulate, magnetometry was conducted in three areas of the site. By processing Total Field and Vertical Gradient magnetic data, we were able to identify and understand the distribution of underground features like walls, floors and platforms, aiding in the determination of potential excavation areas. Processing the magnetic data with the application of the analytic signal operator allowed more information to be acquired for the recognition of structures of interest. The geophysical results were correlated with the outcomes of archaeological excavations in three structures, confirming the existence of architectural patterns that were not previously detected and supporting the thesis proposed for the ceremonial enclosure.
Effect of Impaired T Cell Receptor Signaling on the Gut Microbiota in a Mouse Model of Systemic Autoimmunity
Authors: Shirakashi Mirei , Maruya Mikako , Hirota Keiji , Tsuruyama Tatsuaki , Matsuo Takashi , Watanabe Ryu , Murata Koichi , Tanaka Masao , Ito Hiromu , Yoshifuji Hajime , Ohmura Koichiro , Elewaut Dirk , Sakaguchi Shimon , Fagarasan Sidonia , Mimori Tsuneyo , Hashimoto Motomu
Published: November 2021

Objective

T cell receptor (TCR) signaling abnormalities and gut dysbiosis are thought to be involved in the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, it is not known whether these mechanisms are interrelated. This study was undertaken to explore the impact of defective TCR signaling on microbiota‐driven immune responses and the consequent triggering of systemic autoimmunity.

Methods

The responses of B6SKG mice harboring a mutation in ZAP‐70 leading to spontaneous development of SLE were evaluated under specific pathogen–free (SPF) and germ‐free (GF) conditions. The gut microbiome was analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing. Secretory IgA production in the gut and follicular helper T (Tfh) cell development in the spleen and Peyer's patches were analyzed. Interleukin‐17 (IL‐17)–deficient mice and segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB)–specific TCR‐transgenic mice were used to examine the role of IL‐17 and thymic selection.

Results

SLE development in B6SKG mice was significantly more attenuated under GF conditions than under SPF conditions. The gut microbiota in B6SKG mice was altered, which was associated with the expansion of SFB and consequent development of SLE by driving Th17 cell differentiation, which was in turn blunted by IL‐17 deficiency. Notably, although systemic Tfh development and autoantibody IgG response were enhanced, local gut Tfh and IgA responses were impaired. Moreover, experiments in SFB‐specific TCR‐transgenic mice revealed that this differential response was caused by altered thymic selection of self‐ and microbiota‐reactive TCR because of defective TCR signaling.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that defective TCR signaling alters the gut microbiota and promotes systemic autoimmunity by driving Th17 cell differentiation.
Improved representation of atmospheric dynamics in CMIP6 models removes climate sensitivity dependence on Hadley cell climatological extent
Authors: De Bithi , Tselioudis George , Polvani Lorenzo M.
Published: November 2021

The persistent inter‐model spread in the response of global‐mean surface temperature to increased CO2 (known as the “Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity,” or “ECS”) is a crucial problem across model generations. This work examines the influence of the models' present‐day atmospheric circulation climatologies, and the accompanying climatological cloud radiative effects, in explaining that spread. We analyze the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models and find that they simulate a more poleward, and thus more realistic, edge of the Hadley cell (HC) in the Southern Hemisphere than the CMIP5 models, although the climatological shortwave cloud radiative effects are similar in the two generations of models. A few CMIP5 models with extreme equatorward biases in the HC edge exhibited high ECS due to strong Southern midlatitude shortwave cloud radiative warming in response to climate change, suggesting an ECS dependence on HC position. We find that such constraint no longer holds for the CMIP6 models, due to the absence of models with extreme HC climatologies. In spite of this, however, the CMIP6 models show an increased spread in ECS, with more models in the high ECS range. In addition, an improved representation of the climatological jet dynamics does not lead to a new emergent constraint in the CMIP6 models either.