bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and mineral composition of Jatropha curcasL.under phosphate fertilization and soil compaction
Authors: Rodrigues Tiago  Mendes , Pacheco Dilermando  Dourado , Silva Tatiane Carla , Castro Jair  Henrique  de , Cruz Gildarley Costa da , Lopes Maurício Ferreira , Montanari Rafael
Published: August 2021

The present work aimed to quantify the growth of young physic nut plants submitted to variations in phosphorus (P) and specific masses of a Red Yellow Latosol soil. Previously, a soil sample was collected in the 20 to 40 cm layer, making sure in the laboratory the low availability of P - 1.4 mg dm-3 - to apply the treatments of interest. Doses of 0, 106 and 318 mg dm-3 of P were applied, using the simple superphosphate source; and the soils were compacted until reaching specific soil masses equal to 1.53; 1.72 and 1.91 kg dm-3, in a complete factorial scheme, totaling nine treatments. The cultivation was carried out in pots and the dry biomass of the aerial part of the physic nut and its parts fractionated in the stem, leaves adhered to the stem and senescent leaves were determined. The contents of P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were determined, and from the dry mass accumulation data, the contents of these minerals in the plants were quantified. The statistical analysis of the data consisted of analysis of variance, Tukey average test and regression analysis. In general, the mineral composition characteristics of the plants showed a more pronounced response to phosphate fertilization compared to the tested physical compression. The maximum estimated mineral content in physic nut plants was 51.78 mg of P; 463.37 mg of K; 201.84 mg of Ca; 124.18 mg of Mg; 76.17 µg of Cu; 4,254.07 µg of Fe; 18,787.15 µg of Mn and 769,97 µg of Zn.
Genome editing: propelling the next generation of crop improvement
Authors: Angelotti-Mendonça Jéssika , Koltun Alessandra , Oliveira Fernanda Freitas de , Volpi e Siva Nathalia
Published: August 2021

Climate change and population size records threaten food security. Therefore, the call for a more sustainable and efficient crop production has never been more urgent. Traditional plant breeding was one of the first successful approaches to expand cultivation areas and crop yield. Later, biotechnological tools and their products, such as genetically modified organisms containing exogenous DNA, further broadened the limits of agricultural results, yet bringing huge financial, bureaucratic, and public rejection hurdles. In the 90s, scientific advances brought the opportunity to drive mutations using engineered nucleases, and since 2013 CRISPR-Cas has emerged as the most practical toolkit to edit genomes. One of the most striking possibilities is to generate edited and non-transgenic plants. In this review, we present the working mechanism behind CRISPR-induced mutations and pinpoint the latest techniques developed, as well as its myriad of applications in agriculture. The enhancing scope of CRISPR ranges from introducing traits of agronomic interest – such as herbicide resistance, resistance/tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and quality and durability of products – to accelerating plant breeding processes, including haploid induction, generating male-sterile lines, fixating hybrid vigor, and overcoming self-incompatibility. We also discuss regulatory issues surrounding edited plants and derived products around the world, challenges that must be overcome, and future prospects to harness all the potential of this amazing tool to guarantee the new crop production revolution.
Politik von Unten
Authors: Weber James Edward
Published: August 2021

What characterises the phenomenon of populism, and how has it developed in recent decades? In this study, Edward Weber addresses these questions using quantitative longitudinal analyses of three areas of investigation: the responsiveness of political elites, populism among citizens and populism in party political discourse. Although the study is based on data from Switzerland, it is also relevant for West European countries in general. Its findings demonstrate that populism constantly accompanies democracy and that today’s nationalist, conservative political parties are not populist because of their nationalist and conservative nature, but because they are relatively new and have not yet integrated themselves into the political establishment.
East Meets West
Authors: Aguinaldo Angela Leonor C.
Published: August 2021

The first and only book of its kind, this book tackles how mutual legal assistance in criminal matters can develop within and between the ASEAN and the EU. Through this book the reader can gain knowledge on international cooperation in criminal matters, especially on mutual legal assistance, in the ASEAN and the EU, including its member states such as the Philippines, Malaysia, the UK, and Germany. This includes discussions on the regional organizations’ historical and socio-political underpinnings, each one’s existing mutual legal assistance mechanisms, and other considerations to further develop mutual legal assistance within and between the ASEAN and the EU.
Augustine and the Problem of Bodily Desire
Authors: Evans Joshua M. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2021

In what sense did Augustine attribute desires to the human body itself? Scholars disagree substantially about how to answer this question, yet it has rarely been treated as anything approaching a scholarly quaestio disputata. Some hold that bodily desire is in principle impossible according to Augustine’s anthropology. Others hold that bodily desire is of marginal significance in Augustine’s system. Still others hold that bodily desire is a central problem in human life according to Augustine. This essay is an intervention intended to prompt further exchange about the interpretation of Augustine’s thought on the issue of bodily desire. To achieve that goal, the essay closely examines two texts from Augustine’s writings against Julian of Eclanum in the early 420s. In book I of De nuptiis et concupiscentia, Augustine argues that the body does have its own desires and they are an extensive problem in human life. Furthermore, in Contra Iulianum we find that Augustine himself responds to three crucial objections that might be raised against my interpretation. In short, late in his life Augustine treated bodily desire as a grave and pervasive problem. The essay does not address his views in his earlier works. As an intervention, the essay inevitably prompts important questions it cannot fully address, especially around Augustine’s philosophy of mind, the development of Augustine’s thought, and the implications of Augustine’s claims about the body for other elements of his theological project. Future investigations will hopefully take up these topics in the scholarly exchange this intervention intends to foster.
Clinical Impact of Different Reconstruction Methods on Remnant Gastric Cancer at the Anastomotic Site after Distal Gastrectomy
Authors: Matsumoto Kei , Tanaka Shinwa , Toyonaga Takashi , Ikezawa Nobuaki , Nishio Mari , Uraoka Masanao , Yoshihara Tomoatsu , Sakaguchi Hiroya , Abe Hirofumi , Yoshizaki Tetsuya , Takao Madoka , Takao Toshitatsu , Morita Yoshinori , Yokozaki Hiroshi , Kodama Yuzo
Published: August 2021

Background/Aims: The anastomotic site after distal gastrectomy is the area most affected by duodenogastric reflux. Different reconstruction methods may affect the lesion characteristics and treatment outcomes of remnant gastric cancers at the anastomotic site. We retrospectively investigated the clinicopathologic and endoscopic submucosal dissection outcomes of remnant gastric cancers at the anastomotic site.Methods: We recruited 34 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection for remnant gastric cancer at the anastomotic site after distal gastrectomy. Clinicopathology and treatment outcomes were compared between the Billroth II and non-Billroth II groups.Results: The tumor size in the Billroth II group was significantly larger than that in the non-Billroth II group (22 vs. 19 mm; p=0.048). More severe gastritis was detected endoscopically in the Billroth II group (2 vs. 1.33; p=0.0075). Moreover, operation time was longer (238 vs. 121 min; p=0.004) and the frequency of bleeding episodes was higher (7.5 vs. 3.1; p=0.014) in the Billroth II group.Conclusions: Compared to remnant gastric cancers in non-Billroth II patients, those in the Billroth II group had larger lesions with a background of severe remnant gastritis. Endoscopic submucosal dissection for remnant gastric cancers in Billroth II patients involved longer operative times and more frequent bleeding episodes than that in patients without Billroth II.
Maternidad, justicia y robo de niños y niñas: demandas de mujeres que buscan a sus hijas e hijos robados en Argentina
Authors: Gesteira Soledad
Published: August 2021

En Argentina, a partir del 2000, inspirados por la lucha de Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, comienzan a surgir organizaciones de personas que buscan sus orígenes. Desde sus inicios estas organizaciones recibieron a mujeres que buscaban a sus hijos/as robados/as, manifestando que fueron dados por muertos, que "nunca les mostraron el cuerpo" ni les dieron certificado de defunción. Rosa, es una de esas mujeres, nació en 1954 y a los catorce años tuvo un hijo/a en un consultorio clandestino de una partera en la provincia de Buenos Aires. Denuncia que ella se “lo robo” y fue una testigo clave en el juicio en donde tres mujeres lograron condenar a esa partera a doce años de prisión por haberlas vendido al nacer. Este artículo, tomando las entrevistas en profundidad a Rosa y a otras mujeres en su situación y los registros etnográficos del juicio a la partera, apunta a comprender, por un lado, los sentidos de justicia, maternidad y abandono presentes en los relatos de estas mujeres, y por otro, la configuración de estas demandas por robo de niños en el terreno judicial.  De este modo, a partir de conocer los discursos que se construían entorno a estas mujeres y sus embarazos que, en su mayoría, atentaban contra las formas legítimas de concebir la familia y el parentesco, intento dar cuenta de la experiencia histórica de estas mujeres a luz de la intersección entre clase, género y edad y de los modos en que estas experiencias son resignificadas en la actualidad.
Palabras clave: Maternidad; Robo de niños; Mujeres; Justicia; Argentina.
Factores para potenciar el desarrollo de comunidades universitarias inclusivas: Ideas, creencias y actitudes del profesorado universitario hacia la discapacidad
Authors: Polo Sánchez M. Tamara , Fernández Cabezas María , Fernández  Jiménez Carolina
Published: August 2021

El éxito de los procesos de inclusión depende de varios factores, entre ellos del nivel de empoderamiento de la comunidad educativa frente al proceso. En este sentido, el rol del docente es un elemento clave, ya que la actitud y las expectativas que muestren ante los alumnos que presentan necesidades educativas especiales, influirán positiva o negativamente en su autoestima, motivación y aprendizaje. En el presente artículo se indagan en las ideas, creencias y actitudes hacia estudiantes con necesidades educativas especiales, de docentes, y se analiza la influencia que las variables género, edad, años de experiencia docente, contacto e información sobre la discapacidad tienen sobre dichas actitudes. En general, se pudo apreciar que las actitudes que presentaban los docentes eran bastante positivas, no obstante mostraban un gran desconocimiento de las experiencias de inclusión de los estudiantes con discapacidad que se llevan a cabo en su universidad, demandando mayor formación e información. Se discuten los resultados, se presentan las limitaciones del estudio, y se ofrecen futuras líneas de investigación.

The success of the processes of inclusion depends on several factors, including the level of empowerment of the educational community in the process where the role of teachers is a key element, because their attitude and expectations of students with special educational needs will influence their self-esteem, motivation and learning. This article investigates the ideas, beliefs and attitudes towards SEN students demonstrated by teachers, and analyses the variables of gender, age, years of teaching experience, contacts and information about disability on these attitudes. Overall, it was observed that teachers’ attitudes were positive; however they showed a lack of knowledge of the experiences of inclusion of students with disabilities at the university and required more training and information. The results are discussed, the limitations of the study are presented, and suggestions for future research are offered
A multilevel analysis of the effects of indoor activities on psychological wellbeing during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Çetin Mehmet , Kökalan Özgür
Published: August 2021

El estudio tiene como objetivo analizar los efectos de las actividades en interiores tales como el ejercicio físico, la socialización digital y los juegos digitales, en los niveles de bienestar subjetivo de las personas. Dada la naturaleza dinámica de la pandemia para capturar el nivel diario dentro de la varianza individual, el estudio adapta un enfoque multinivel donde los días se anidan en personas. Se recopilan 1950 datos diarios a partir de 390 encuestados durante 5 días consecutivos durante la primera fase de la pandemia (cuando había políticas estrictas de aislamiento social) en Turquía. Los resultados de la partición de los componentes de la varianza respaldaron la necesidad de utilizar un enfoque multinivel. Los resultados del análisis realizado a través de modelos lineales jerárquicos demostraron que la actividad física a nivel diurno en el hogar y la socialización digital alivian significativamente el afecto negativo diario y se asocia positivamente con el nivel diario de afecto positivo y los niveles de felicidad de los encuestados. Estos resultados fueron controlados por variables demográficas, extraversión y resiliencia psicológica. La extraversión fue negativa y la resiliencia psicológica se relacionó positivamente con el nivel diario de afecto negativo.

Study aims to analyze the effects of indoor activities such as physical exercise, digital socializing and digital gaming on subjective wellbeing levels of individuals. Given the dynamic nature of the pandemic in order to catch the day level within individual variance (along with between individuals variance) study adapts a multilevel approach where days are nested in people. 1950 day level data are collected from 390 respondent for 5 consecutive days during the first phase of pandemic (when there were strict social isolation policies) in Turkey. Results for partitioning variance components supported the necessity for using a multilevel approach. Findings of analysis conducted though hierarchical linear modeling demonstrated that day level physical activity at home and digital socializing significantly alleviate daily negative affect and positively associates with day level positive affect and happiness levels of respondents. These results were controlled for demographic variables, extraversion and psychological resiliency. Extraversion was negatively and psychological resiliency was positively related to day level negative affect.
Evolución de la colaboración científica en la Psicología española entre 1970 y 1989
Authors: González Sala Francisco , Osca-Lluch Julia , Peñaranda-Ortega María
Published: August 2021

El objetivo de la presente investigación es analizar la evolución de la colaboración científica en la psicología española a través de trabajos firmados por un autor o autora perteneciente a una institución española de psicología entre 1970 y 1989. Se analizaron un total de 2891 trabajos publicados en 29 revistas de psicología entre los años 1970 y 1989, analizando la colaboración científica a través del estudio de redes mediante el programa UCINET y el software Netdraw. Los resultados indican que a lo largo de los años se produce un aumento del número de trabajos, autores y firmas, así como de la colaboración científica, siendo en el periodo entre 1985 y 1989 cuando los trabajos en coautoría superan al número de trabajos firmados por un solo autor. Se muestra que el número de autores, así como de los grupos de colaboracion aumentan a lo largo de los años estudiados. Se puede concluir que es en la segunda mitad de la década de los años 80 cuando se produce un aumento considerable de la colaboración científica en la psicología española.

The objective of this research is to analyse the evolution of scientific collaboration within Spanish psychology through papers signed by an author who belonged to a Spanish institution of psychology between 1970 and 1989. We analysed a total of 2891 papers published in 29 journals of psychology between 1970 and 1989, examining the scientific collaboration through network analysis, using the UCINET program and Netdraw software. The results indicated that there has been an increased number of papers, authors and signatures over the years, as well as an increased scientific collaboration. Between 1985 and 1989, co-authored papers overcame single-author papers. It is shown that the number of authors, as well as of collaboration groups, increased over the years under study. It can be concluded that it was in the second half of the 1980s when scientific collaboration within Spanish psychology increased considerably.
Ablative Therapies versus Partial Nephrectomy for Small Renal Masses – A systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Chan Vinson Wai-Shun , Abul Ahmad , Osman Filzah , Ng Helen , Wang Kaiwen , Yuan Yuhong , Cartledge Jon , Wah Tze Min
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The ideal treatment of small renal masses is unclear. Ablative therapies (AT) have been considered as a potential alternative to partial nephrectomy (PN) due to their lower complication rates and similar oncological durability. We conducted a systematic review to compare oncological outcomes in T1a or T1b patients undergoing AT vs PN. Methods: This review is registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020199099). Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched to identify studies comparing AT and PN. The Cochrane RoB 2.0, ROBINS-I tool and the GRADE approach were used to assess any risk of biases. Results: From 1,748 identified records, 32 observational studies and 1 RCT involving 74,946 patients were included. AT patients were found to be significant older than PN patients (MD 5.70, 95% CI 3.83- 7.58), which highlights the serious confounding bias found in the included studies. Patients who received AT for T1a tumours were found to have significantly worse overall survival (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.39-1.95), but similar cancer-specific survival (CSS), metastatic-free survival, and disease-free survival to PN. There were significantly fewer post-operative complications (RR 0.72, 95%CI 0.55- 0.94) and smaller decline in renal function post-operatively in AT (MD: -7.42, 95%CI -13.1- -1.70). In T1b patients, while CSS was similar between AT and PN, there is contradicting evidence for other oncological outcomes. Conclusion: AT is potentially non-inferior to PN in the treatment of T1a small renal masses due to similar long-term oncological durability, lower complication rates and better renal function preservation. In T1b patients, long-term high-quality studies are needed to confirm potential benefits of AT.
Validating a novel visual field assessment app: A pilot study
Authors: Ho Jen , Keenlyside Andrew , Sieradzki Jake , Sim Su Hua , Hughes Mark
Published: August 2021

Introduction The paper Cullen chart has been a validated adjunct to perimeters in detecting scotomas for various neuro-ophthalmological pathologies for decades. It was digitized into a prototype-app to empower future users to conduct remote monitoring of visual fields. This project aimed to refine the apps' usability for future users to self-assess and monitor their visual fields by exploring the difficulties faced using the app, to gather feedback, and subsequently to improve its usability for future iterations to objectively compare iterations using the MAUQ scores. Methods Participants (n = 15; age: 24-58) recruited through convenience sampling underwent mixed (quantitative and qualitative) methods to measure 1. Participants' adherence to the app instruction through observation, 2. objective experiences of using the app through self-reporting using the mHealth App Usability Questionnaire (MAUQ), and 3. Subjective experience of app using through semi-structured interviews. Descriptive analysis was computed for observation and MAUQ data. Thematic analysis was adopted to analyse the semi-structured interview data. Results 1/15 adhered to 3 written instructions and 8/15 participants had awkward hand movements. The MAUQ median score was 123/147, the MAUQ domain mean scores - ease of use and satisfaction, system information arrangement and usefulness were 81.6%(45.7/56), 80.6%(33.9/42) and 80.2%(39.3/49), respectively. Questions 4, 5, 9, 11 and 19 were the 5 lowest-scoring questions. Qualitative data were categorised into instructions, test, and feedback which had codes and subcodes. Conclusion Feedback for improvements were surrounding central fixation, remembering peripheral stimuli, uncover eye when interacting with peripheral stimuli, video examples, an introduction to the app and audio instructions.
Salvage versus primary robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a propensity-matched comparative effectiveness study from a high-volume tertiary centre
Authors: Nathan Arjun , Fricker Monty , De Groote Ruben , Arora Amandeep , Phuah Yuzhi , Flora Kiran , Patel Sonam , Kasivisvanathan Veeru , Sridhar Ashwin , Shaw Greg , Kelly John , Briggs Tim , Rajan Prabhakar , Sooriakumaran Prasanna , Nathan Senthil
Published: August 2021

Introduction Salvage Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (sRARP) is a potential treatment option for locally recurrent Prostate Cancer after non-surgical primary treatment. There are minimal data comparing outcomes between similar-risk, propensity-matched salvage and primary Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (RARP). We compare perioperative, oncological and functional outcomes of sRARP with primary RARP and between sRARP post-whole and focal gland therapy. Methods 1:1 propensity-matched comparison of 146 sRARP with primary RARP from a cohort of 3,852 consecutive patients from a high-volume tertiary centre. Results There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the salvage and primary RARP groups. Grade III-V Clavien-Dindo complication rates were 1.3% and 0% in the salvage and primary groups (p=0.310). Median (IQR) follow-up was 16 (10, 30) and 21 (13, 33) months in the salvage and primary groups. BCR rates were 30.8% and 13.7% in the salvage and primary groups (p<0.001). Pad-free continence rates were 79.1% and 85.4% at two years in the salvage and primary groups (p=0.160). Erectile dysfunction was 95.2% and 77.4% in the salvage and primary groups (p<0.001). On comparison of whole and focal gland groups, biochemical recurrence was 33.3% and 29.1% (p=0.687), pad-free continence rates were 66% and 89.3% (p=0.001), and ED rates were 98.3% and 93% (p=0.145). Conclusions SRARP has similar perioperative but inferior oncological outcomes to primary RARP. Continence rates are similar to primary RARP, but potency is worse. Perioperative and oncological outcomes of sRARP after focal gland therapy are similar compared to after whole gland therapy but continence outcomes are superior.
Virtual interactive surgical skills classroom (VIRTUAL): a parallel-designed, non-inferiority, adjudicator-blinded, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nathan Arjun , Fricker Monty , Asif Aqua , Georgi Maria , Patel Sonam , Hang Man Kien , Sinha Amil , Mullins William , Shea Jessie , Hanna Nancy , Monks Massimo , Peprah David , Sharma Akash , Ninkovic-Hall George , Lamb Benjamin , Kelly John , Sridhar Ashwin , Collins Justin
Published: August 2021

Introduction Virtual classroom training (VCT) is a novel educational method that permits accessible, distanced interactive expert instruction. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of VCT in comparison to face-to-face training (FFT) and non-interactive computer-based learning (CBL) for basic surgical skills training. Methods 72 participants recruited from five London medical schools underwent stratified block randomisation into three equal intervention groups based on subjective and objective suturing experience. VCT was delivered via the BARCO weConnect platform and FFT was provided by expert instructors. Optimal student-to-teacher ratio was used, 12:1 for VCT and 4:1 for FFT. The assessed task was interrupted suturing with hand-tied knots. The primary outcome was post-intervention Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills (OSATS) score, adjudicated by two blinded experts and adjusted for baseline proficiency. Results VCT was non-inferior to FFT (adjusted difference 0.44, 95% CI: -0.54 to 1.75, delta 0.675), VCT was superior to CBL (adjusted difference 1.69, 95% CI 0.41 to 2.96) and FFT was superior to CBL (adjusted difference 1.25, 95% CI 0.20 to 2.29). FFT alone was associated with student travel expenses (mean £4.88, SD 3.70). Instructor hours used per student for VCT and FFT were 0.25 and 0.75, respectively. Conclusion VCT has a similar educational benefit to FFT and is a suitable modality of high-quality surgical skills education. VCT provides greater accessibility and resource efficiency compared to FFT. VCT satisfies the requirement for social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic and is better than non- interactive CBL. VCT has the potential to improve global availability and accessibility of surgical skills training.
COVID-19 AND LIVER TRANSPLANTS ARE MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE – FACT OR FICTION?
Authors: Ng Alexander
Published: August 2021

COVID-19 has fundamentally altered clinical practices and guidelines. This also applies to liver transplantation. In the UK, liver transplant activity has dramatically decreased during the early months of the pandemic. The traditional logic dictates that transplantation-related immunosuppression increases the risk of COVID-19 infection and entails sub-par clinical outcomes. However, theories remain theories without clinical evidence. This article examines whether such concerns justify reducing liver transplant activity. It first gives a global picture of liver transplantation during the pandemic. It then discusses whether COVID-19 in patients having received liver transplantation contributes to sub-par clinical outcomes in four aspects: (a) mortality rates, (b) likelihood of contracting more severe disease, (c) graft efficacy and need for re-transplantation, and (d) change in immunosuppression regimen. The article argues that preliminary data positively support up-regulating liver transplant activity to pre-pandemic levels, subjected to issues in healthcare resource allocation. It also proffers future research directions, including validation of results in non-white cohorts and correlations between COVID-19 and acute complications of liver transplantation.
Single-cell RNA analysis identifies pre-migratory neural crest cells expressing markers of differentiated derivatives
Authors: Lencer Ezra , Prekeris Rytis , Artinger Kristin Bruk
Published: August 2021

The neural crest is a migratory population of stem-like cells that contribute to multiple traits including the bones of the skull, peripheral nervous system, and pigment. How neural crest cells differentiate into diverse cell types is a fundamental question in the study of vertebrate biology. Here, we use single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize transcriptional changes associated with neural crest cell development in the zebrafish trunk during the early stages of migration. We show that neural crest cells are transcriptionally diverse and identify pre-migratory populations already expressing genes associated with differentiated derivatives, specifically in the xanthophore lineage. Further, we identify a population of Rohon–Beard neurons in the data. The data presented identify novel genetic markers for multiple trunk neural crest cell populations and Rohon–Beard neurons providing insight into previously uncharacterized genes critical for vertebrate development.
From Tale to Reality to True: Creative Expression Technique (Yantek)
Authors: Şener Nurcan , Batur Zekerya , Başar Murat
Published: August 2021

The purpose of the present study is to determine the effectiveness of creative narrative technique on students’ listening comprehension skills. The current study employed action research. The study group consists of 21 second grade students, six of whom were refugee students, at second grades in the school chosen through convenience sampling. In the study, the activities were conducted through 4 tales from Aesop Tales. It has been observed that creative narrative technique fosters students’ listening comprehension skills. Through the technique, students were able to adapt the place, plot, time, characters and topic of the tales they listened into daily life. The technique helps students make interdisciplinary correlations in consistency with the philosophy of constructivist learning and to improve their creative writing skills. It has been concluded that creative narrative technique enhances students’ listening and creative writing skills.
Social Studies Teacher Candidates’ Self-Efficacy Beliefs for Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK)
Authors: Adalar Hayati
Published: August 2021

This study aims at examining social studies teacher candidates’ self-efficacy beliefs for technological pedagogical content knowledge through multiple variables and presenting new perspectives for researchers and practitioners. A causal-comparative research design was adopted for this study. Among non-random sampling methods, convenience sampling was used to select participants. The sample of the study consists of 349 3rd and 4th year college students (teacher candidates) studying at three state universities in Turkey’s Central Anatolia Region in the 2018–2019 academic year. The Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) scale was used for collecting data in this study. T-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to analyze data. According to the obtained results, the social studies teacher candidates’ self-efficacy beliefs for technological pedagogical content knowledge can be considered above average. No significant differences were found between participants’ self-efficacy beliefs for TPACK and some independent variables such as gender, year in college, GPA score, personal computer ownership, and Instructional Technology and Material Development course score. On the other hand, it was determined that perceived technology competency and the use of content sharing platforms for professional purposes were important predictors for social studies teacher candidates’ self-efficacy beliefs about TPACK.
Academic Listening Skills of the International University Students in Turkey
Authors: Elli̇alti Mevlüt , Batur Zekerya
Published: August 2021

The number of international university students in Turkey is growing, thus more research is needed on teaching Turkish as an academic language and on academic literacy. This study aims to investigate (i) the international students’ views of the difficulties of the academic language skills, (ii) the efficacy level of the skills for their academic success, (iii) the academic listening and academic literacy status of the students, and (iv) the relationship between academic listening levels with some variables. In order to analyse the self-efficacy perceptions of the students, the data were collected by using the Turkish adaptation (Cronbach’s alpha value =0.943) of the Academic Listening Self-rating Questionnaire (ALSAQ), developed by Aryadoust and Goh (2017) and adopted by Ellialtı and Batur (2021). The questionnaire consists of 39 items that embody six factors. These factors are lecture structure, cognitive processing skills, linguistic components and prosody, relating input to other materials, memory and concentration, and note-taking. In the study, the participants were 221 international students studying at various academic programs in 33 state universities in Turkey. The data were analysed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) program. The results of the study showed that (i) listening is an easy skill for students to develop, (ii) listening is important for the students’ academic success, (iii) out of 39 items, 13 aspects were not at a good level in academic listening, and (iv) academic listening levels of the international students were not significantly different in terms of their gender, study area, and the number of the known languages.
E-mail Literacy in Higher Education Academic Settings
Authors: Konuk Sümeyye
Published: August 2021

The research purpose was to identify (1) the problems encountered by academic and administrative staff in emails received from students, (2) positive and negative qualities of the authentic emails of higher education students, (3) functional explanations of the academic email, (4) the problems encountered by students in emails received from academic and administrative staff, and (5) higher education students’ email writing awareness. An exploratory sequential mixed design was used. The study group consisted of 15 staff and 1064 higher education students. The qualitative data were collected from staff interviews and 80 authentic emails of students. And a survey was prepared based on qualitative data and then quantitative data were collected. The problems encountered by staff are style, carelessness, articulacy problem, spelling and punctuation problem, email incivility. The negative qualities of authentic emails are as follows: not using institutional username, formal language, paragraph structure in the email body, salutation, closing statement, contact information; username without name and surname, blank subject line, spelling and punctuation problems, sloppy wording, lack of self-introduction. Non-descriptive, late, and short answers, not getting answers, sloppy answers, emails with negative feelings disturbed students. Students’ awareness of writing academic emails displayed a more positive picture than the emails they wrote. Items in which students’ awareness is weak are as follows: trying to reflect their feelings to email, using punctuation marks to convey the feeling, writing email for long and complex matter, using paragraph structure, adding contact details, CC - BCC. Research results were discussed with relevant literature.
Children’s Meeting with Classics in the “Eternity Library”: An Example of Intertextual Reading
Authors: Oryaşın Melda
Published: August 2021

In this study, children’s meeting with the classics through Mavisel Yener’s work named “Eternity Library” will be exemplified by discussing intertextual relations. The study is qualitative and descriptive. By using intensive sampling, which is one of the purposeful sampling types, the aforementioned children’s book was chosen because it refers to the classics in a diverse, rich and intense manner in the context of intertextuality. The data were collected through document analysis and analyzed with descriptive analysis. In order to ensure its validity and reliability, the features of the determined classification were clearly drawn, the appropriateness of the classifications and quotations was paid attention to, the determined quotations were analyzed and revised at different times, and the final form was given. In the analyzed book, inter-author, inter-work, inter-genre, explicit and implicit references were found in the context of intertextuality, and it was determined that these references were mostly structured through the classics. It was concluded that the work examined in the study directed children to the classics with its rich intertextual references. It can be said that the work examined is a good example in terms of both breaking the negative view of the classics and effectively adding these works to the reading process of children.
Service humanoid robotics: a novel interactive system based on bionic-companionship framework
Authors: Yang Jiaji , Chew Esyin , Liu Pengcheng
Published: August 2021

At present, industrial robotics focuses more on motion control and vision, whereas humanoid service robotics (HSRs) are increasingly being investigated and researched in the field of speech interaction. The problem and quality of human-robot interaction (HRI) has become a widely debated topic in academia. Especially when HSRs are applied in the hospitality industry, some researchers believe that the current HRI model is not well adapted to the complex social environment. HSRs generally lack the ability to accurately recognize human intentions and understand social scenarios. This study proposes a novel interactive framework suitable for HSRs. The proposed framework is grounded on the novel integration of Trevarthen’s (2001) companionship theory and neural image captioning (NIC) generation algorithm. By integrating image-to-natural interactivity generation and communicating with the environment to better interact with the stakeholder, thereby changing from interaction to a bionic-companionship. Compared to previous research a novel interactive system is developed based on the bionic-companionship framework. The humanoid service robot was integrated with the system to conduct preliminary tests. The results show that the interactive system based on the bionic-companionship framework can help the service humanoid robot to effectively respond to changes in the interactive environment, for example give different responses to the same character in different scenes.
Prevalence, Associated Factors and Outcome of Newborns with Anaemia as Seen in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria
Authors: West Boma Awoala , Arthur Adaku , Aitafo Josephine Enekole , Omunakwe Hannah
Published: August 2021

Aim: There is paucity of literature on the prevalence of neonatal anaemia globally thus aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence, determine the associations and the clinical outcome of neonates with anaemia.

Study Design: This was a descriptive prospective cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was carried out among neonates admitted in the Special Care Baby Unit of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital over one year.

Methodology: A convenient sampling size of 402 neonates who met the inclusion criteria were consecutively recruited. Data was analysed using SPSS version 23.

Results: Of 402 neonates assessed, 106(26.4%) had anaemia with PCV less than 42%.   Anaemia was observed more in males 56(52.8%), neonates delivered via Caesarean section 74(69.8%) and at gestational age less than 37 weeks 53(50%). Mild anaemia was observed mostly, 66(62.3%). Common pregnancy complications of mothers with anaemic babies were prolonged rupture of membranes 17(35.4%) and hypertension in pregnancy 14(29.2%) while the commonest morbidities in these neonates were probable sepsis 65(63.8%), neonatal jaundice 53(52%) and prematurity 53(52%). There was significant difference in anaemic and non-anaemic neonates with regards to mothers with gestational diabetes (P value < 0.0001). The factors associated with severe anaemia were probable sepsis and the duration of stay. Blood transfusion was carried out in 27(25.5%) neonates. An overall mortality of 7.5% was documented, severe anaemia being highest (21.4%).

Conclusion: The prevalence of anaemia was high being 26.4% and was observed more in males, preterms and babies delivered via Caesarean section. There was significant difference in anaemic and non-anaemic neonates with regards to mothers with gestational diabetes. Probable sepsis and duration of stay were significantly associated with severe anaemia. The mortality rate in neonates with anaemia was 7.5% thus there is need to assess newborns for anaemia with prompt intervention to prevent morbidity, mortality and long term sequelae.
Evaluation of Proximate and Mineral Composition of Mutant Dolichos Lablab (Lablab purpureus L.) Accessions in Kenya
Authors: Kimno S. K. , Kinyua M. G. , Pkania K. C. , Chepkoech E.
Published: August 2021

Plant breeding through induced mutation technology is a potent method   to creating new variants of food crops with of desirable phenotypic, genetic and biochemical functions. It is a catalyst in developing improved crop varieties where classical hybridization or selection have limitations. It has been used to improve nutrition quality and higher yield in a number of legumes. Dolichos Lablab (Lablab purpureus L) is multipurpose legume that has not been exploited extensively for food nutritional properties through breeding. The purpose of the study was, therefore, to generate awareness that nutritional status of D. Lablab could be improved through mutation induction and be a good source of food components essential for good health. Twenty-four dolichos Lablab germplasms including 20 mutant accessions and 4 commercial genotypes were evaluated for proximate values and mineral contents in Kenya in 2021 based on Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). Data analysis  was  based on least significant difference (P = .05).The   revealed  percent moisture,  ash crude fat,   crude fibre, crude proteins and total starch content ranged :  7.35% -11.84%, 1.09 -2.90%, 3.35% - 8.05% , 8.86 - 12.70% , 20.03% - 28.87% and 25.50% - 39.00% .The  mineral content of phosphorous (P), potassium(K) and calcium (Ca) ranged from  27mg - 57mg,  132mg -297mg  and  7mg - 19mg. A significant positive correlation between ash levels to P and K concentration and on P to K concentration. The result of analysis  ranked  9  (WT026, WT018 ,MT110 , BT188 , BT032, BT114, MT076 BT137,GT09) different  accessions  that positively  contributed to the nutritional content of the investigated  dolichos lablab accessions. Further research on the superior accessions can be done on yield potential, resistance to biotic and abiotic constrains, sensory preferences or used in bio fortification of existing genotypes.
Assessment of dermal exposure to N,N-dimethylacetamide in spray workers by combining personal exposure monitoring, biological monitoring, and glove permeation monitoring: A pilot study
Authors: Yamamoto Shinobu , Takeuchi Akito , Yoshida Yuichiro , Nishinoiri Osamu , Ichiba Masayoshi , Miyauchi Hiroyuki
Published: August 2021

Objectives

We assessed dermal exposure to N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC) in a spray worker by utilizing a combination of personal exposure monitoring, biological monitoring, and glove permeation monitoring. We also determined the protective effects of chemical protective gloves (CPGs).

Methods

Surveys with and without CPG usage were performed on different days. In the survey with CPG usage, the worker had worn leather gloves over the CPG. Personal exposure monitoring and glove permeation monitoring were performed using 3M Organic Vapor Monitor 3500 and PERMEA-TEC Pads respectively. Urinary concentration of DMAC and its metabolites (N-methylacetamide [NMAC], N-hydroxymethyl-N-methylacetamide [DMAC-OH], S-(acetamidomethyl) mercapturic acid [AMMA]) were measured in the before-shift and end-of-shift samples collected from the worker.

Results

Personal exposure DMAC concentration in the survey with CPG usage (0.32 ppm) was twice that in the survey without CPG usage (0.15 ppm). However, urinary concentrations of DMAC-OH and AMMA in the end-of-shift samples in the survey with CPG usage (DMAC-OH, 0.74 mg/g creatinine; AMMA, 0.10 mg/g creatinine) were lower than those in the survey without CPG usage (DMAC-OH, 1.27 mg/g creatinine; AMMA, 0.24 mg/g creatinine). Urinary concentrations of DMAC and NMAC were below the limit of detection in all samples. DMAC concentrations in PERMEA-TEC Pads that were used in the surveys with and without CPG usage were in the range of 0.3-2.1 µg/sample and 16.4-1985.2 µg/sample respectively.

Conclusions

The combination of CPG usage and leather gloves was effective in preventing dermal exposure to DMAC.
K+ regulates relocation of Pellino‐2 to the site of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages
Authors: Cristea Ileana , Bruland Ove , Rødahl Eyvind , Bredrup Cecilie
Published: August 2021

Pellino proteins are E3 ubiquitin ligases involved in the innate immune system. Recently, Pellino‐2 was reported to modulate the activation of the mouse Nlrp3 inflammasome. We examined the intracellular localization of human Pellino‐2 in THP1‐derived macrophages during activation with LPS and ATP. We observed that Pellino‐2 changed intracellular localization and colocalized with the inflammasome proteins NLRP3 and ASC late in the assembly of the inflammasome. Colocalization with NLRP3 and ASC was also seen in cells maintained in potassium‐free medium. The colocalization and inflammasome activation were abrogated by several potassium channel inhibitors, supporting a role for potassium efflux in modulating intracellular localization of Pellino‐2. The data suggest that Pellino‐2 is essential for mediating the effect of potassium efflux on inflammasome activation.
The SAC1 phosphatase domain of synaptojanin‐1 is activated by interacting with polyunsaturated fatty acid‐containing phosphatidic acids
Authors: Hoshino Fumi , Sakane Fumio
Published: August 2021

Although there are many phosphatidic acid (PA) molecular species based on its fatty acyl compositions, their interacting partners have been poorly investigated. Here, we identified synaptojanin‐1 (SYNJ1), Parkinson’s disease‐related protein that is essential for regulating clathrin‐mediated synaptic vesicle endocytosis via dually dephosphorylating D5 and D4 position phosphates from phosphatidylinositol (PI) (4,5)‐bisphosphate, as a 1‐stearoyl‐2‐docosahexaenoyl (18:0/22:6)‐PA‐binding protein. SYNJ1 failed to substantially associate with other acidic phospholipids. Although SYNJ1 interacted with 18:0/20:4‐PA in addition to 18:0/22:6‐PA, the association of the enzyme with 16:0/16:0‐, 16:0/18:1‐, 18:0/18:0‐, or 18:1/18:1‐PA was not considerable. 18:0/20:4‐ and 18:0/22:6‐PAs bound to SYNJ1 via its SAC1 domain, which preferentially hydrolyses D4 position phosphate. Moreover, 18:0/20:4‐ and 18:0/22:6‐PA selectively enhanced the D4‐phosphatase activity, but not the D5‐phosphatase activity, of SYNJ1.
Analysis of nucleoid‐associated protein‐binding regions reveals DNA structural features influencing genome organization in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Sarkar Sharmilee , Dey Upalabdha , Khohliwe Trust Boitumelo , Yella Venkata Rajesh , Kumar Aditya
Published: August 2021

Nucleoid‐associated proteins (NAPs) maintain bacterial nucleoid configuration through their architectural properties of DNA bending, wrapping, and bridging. However, the contribution of DNA structural alterations to DNA‐NAP recognition at the genomic scale remains unresolved. Present work dissects the DNA sequence, shape and altered structural preferences at a genomic scale for six NAPs in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Results suggest narrower minor groove width (MGW) and higher DNA rigidity are marked for the binding sites of EspR and Lsr2, while mIHF, MtHU and NapM have heterogeneous DNA structural predilections. In contrast, WhiB4–DNA‐binding sites were characterized by wider MGW, highly deformable and less curved DNA. This work provides systematic insight into NAP‐mediated genome organization as a function of DNA structural features.