bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value stream analysis of a waste picker cooperative
Authors: Silva Marina Guimarães Moreira da , Bouzon Marina , Silva Jailson dos Santos
Published: August 2023

Purpose: This article aims to propose improvements to a solid waste cooperative’s value stream from social, environmental, and economic aspects of sustainability and within the scope of lean philosophy.
Design/Methodology/Approach: An empirical piece of research was developed to obtain an overview of the productive process of a cooperative located in the city of Florianópolis, in Southern Brazil, starting with the application of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) in a case study.
Results: Some sustainability challenges in waste management were identified in the studied cooperative’s reality, such as: Urban Solid Waste (USW) inefficient management; lack of resources to help with basic expenses, which jeopardizes the individual income earned by pickers; risks to workers when carrying out activities without personal protective equipment and instructions on how to perform tasks properly, in addition to the disorganized environment, which results in high piles of waste and puts the workers’ health at risk.
Research Limitations: As limitations, it is possible to list the focus on a single material flow for better applicability of VSM and non-implementation of the improvements proposed.
Practical Implications: Results contributed to the cooperative analyzed in this study by identifying the main waste that compromise the organization’s operational and sustainable efficiency.
Originality/Value: There is a research gap on the thematic axes of this study in the context of waste picker cooperatives; this article is therefore original for addressing the application of VSM with a sustainable bias in reverse logistics of solid waste.
El derecho a la educación de la infancia inmigrante: Etapas en la política educativa de la Unión Europea
Authors: Neubauer Adrián
Published: August 2023

Este artículo de investigación persigue analizar cómo ha evolucionado el derecho a la educación de la infancia inmigrante en la Unión Europea (UE) desde sus orígenes hasta 2023 y, también, identificar los factores que han propiciado cambios en las políticas educativas europeas con respecto a la infancia inmigrante. Para ello, se ha empleado el Análisis Documental de 822 políticas europeas, de las cuales se analizaron un total de 136 desde un enfoque cualitativo mediante el software MAXQDA Analytics Pro 2022. Los resultados manifiestan la existencia de cinco etapas en la política educativa de la UE sobre el derecho a la educación de este colectivo: (1) Derechos de los trabajadores migrantes y sus familias (1957-1984); (2) Integración en Europa de los grupos vulnerables (1984-2006); (3) Ciudadanía europea como horizonte migratorio (2006-2015); (4) Dilemas socioeducativos en torno a los refugiados (2015-2020); y (5) Hacia una Unión Europea resiliente, pero selectiva (2020 – Actualmente). A modo de conclusión, se puede observar cómo los acontecimientos históricos y el contexto sociopolítico de cada época han marcado notablemente el diseño de las políticas europeas. Asimismo, se observa un doble discurso por parte de la UE con respecto a la inmigración legal y la irregular.
THE MIDNIGHT’S CHILDREN: SALEEM, SHIVA, AND PARVATI’S SIMILARITIES IN HINDU MYTHOLOGY
Authors: SARİ Rojev Ağıt , ADIGÜZEL Leyla
Published: August 2023

Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children, published in 1981, is one of the profound works that sheds light on the history of India and Pakistan. Through the body and narration of the main character Saleem Sinai, the reader witnesses the events that took place in the history of India. Saleem Sinai and other midnight children, born on the night of India’s declaration of independence, correspond to the multicultural nature and polyphony of India. The polyphony which is frequently emphasized in the work, are presented to the reader with various narrative strategies such as magical realism and historical metafiction. In an extraordinary expression of truth, Midnight’s Children also touches upon the mythology of Hindu culture. The most significant names of the Midnight children, Saleem, Shiva, and Parvati are equivalent to the three most peculiar deities of Hindu mythology, Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva. The existence of these deities is interdependent. In the absence of one, the others cannot exist. Just like Saleem’s wisdom, Shiva’s warrior personality and Parvati’s magic talent complement each other. Within this framework, the study aims to examine the similarity of Saleem, Shiva, and Parvati with Hindu gods and goddesses Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and Parvati.
Thyroid: Functional Food (Family Welfare, Family Physician, Nurse, Computational Validation, and Drug Discovery)
Authors: Bhattacharya Deepak
Published: August 2023

Background: Thyroid hormone is related to metabolism, a poly-organ normal function including blood chemistry, hemodynamics and erythropoiesis. Hypertrophic gland causes iodine deficiency and rarely cancer. Hypothalamus signals pituitary gland to produce thyroidstimulating hormone (TSH), which regulates hormone production. Insufficient TSH uptake and/or inefficient conversion is pathophysiology. Current standard medication for pathophysiology is long-period ‘hormone replacement therapy’ (HRT) with no prophylaxis, no cure, no synergic medicaments, and no functional foods (FFs). Purpose: Reporting a few functional foods and examine its theoretical affinity with safety and discussing (ground breaking) role of nurses. Methods: Home - and clinic- based observation of use of FFs (alongside HRT) which are, (a) Star Anise –Illicium verumtree (b) Cinnamon bark - Cinnamon verum/cassia, and (c) Fruit & flower of Myristica fragrans and computational validation of the principal moieties which are, (i) caffeic acid and (ii) Cinnamic acids. Results: Clinical & home-based family member’s observations confirm an apparent better effect of ‘FF’ supplementation along with ‘feel good factor’. Theoretical-computational interaction is observed between TSH with compounds (i) & (ii); binding affinity being -5 kcal/Mol with a minimum of 4 ‘H’ bonds at ~ 2 Å distance and a stable-high ‘inhibition constant’ of >180µm. Conclusion: Goiter is chronic; treated as out-patient; sporadic approach; and expensive. FFs which are, (a), (b), (c) and compounds (i) & (ii) present with likeness; compatibility with TSH as drug discovery candidates at the molecular level and also as ‘synergic’ with TSH. ‘a-b-c’ beholds to the immediate possibility of use as ‘functional foods’ targeting TSH uptake and/or efficient conversion. Goiter needs case specific nursing interventions. Implications for Nursing: Thus far, nursing role is needed for treatment of goiter. Predominantly a female who silently is suffering from Goiter has mood-swings, non-compliant with medication, with work-hour loss. Nurse’s assuring voice; close company guidance; In-Silico validated FF use opens wide a new vestibule between goiter care and drug discovery with nurse as the vital connect. Nurse’s role is indispensable in bottom-up drug discovery models
Pre-Variscan palaeogeographical structures in the Cantabrian Zone, Spain: some critical considerations regarding their origin, location and significance
Authors: Van Loevezijn Gerard B.S.
Published: August 2023

An update of the main Devonian pre-Variscan palaeogeographical features of the southern Cantabrian Zone is presented. The approximal locations of these features are recorded in sections studied, with thin, incomplete developments for the highs and thick successions for the troughs. Generally, pre-Variscan palaeogeographical features were affected by Variscan and Alpine orogenic deformations, but with a different impact. Oroclinal bending, tectonic shortening by thrusts, movements along strike-slip faults and bending by folds all affected the Devonian palaeogeographical features, and only an approximation of their location and shape can be given. Nevertheless, the palaeogeography recorded in pre-Variscan sedimentary successions and their relative positions, provide specific, clear and objective evidence of the pre-Variscan elements.
Analysis of proposed geosites in the Betong District, Yala Province, Southern Thailand
Authors: Nazaruddin Dony Adryansyah , Singtuen Vimoltip , Baharim Nor Bakhiah , Rahman Muhd Nur Ismail Abdul
Published: August 2023

This study aims to analyse the geosite candidates of the Betong District (Yala Province) in Southern Thailand by means of several methods including inventory, characterisation, classification, assessment and SWOT analysis. Results of the present study are illustrated through seven proposed geosites that become resources for the development of the Betong District, namely Betong Hot Spring, Inthasorn Waterfall, Chaloem Phra Kiat Waterfall, Mount Silipat and Nakor Hot Spring, as well as Piyamit Tunnel and Aiyerweng Skywalk, two human-modified sites which can be used to observe geological and geomorphological features. The present study is expected to promote the conservation and development of these resources as geological heritage of the district.
The role of oxygen in the functioning of the Earth system: past, present and future
Authors: Stankowski Wojciech
Published: August 2023

In the Solar System, the coming into existence of a peculiar, fully developed atmosphere on Earth was determined by the ‘Great Oxidation Event’ at the turn of the Proterozoic and Palaeozoic. Within about 600 million years, there were large changes in oxygen concentrations in this atmosphere, ranging from 15 to 35 per cent, having been determined by a combination of cosmic-climatic, tectonic-volcanic and biological phenomena. A particular environmental change occurred at the beginning of the 19th century, as a result of the overlap of the end of the natural Little Ice Age and the beginning of anthropogenic warming of the ‘industrial revolution’. According to the author, the rate of human impact on environmental changes is estimated at about 15 per cent. The appearance of mankind brought new changes in the natural environment, including the oxygen content of the air. The current scale of anthropogenic impact justifies the introduction of a new time slice in the planet’s history - the Anthropocene. The functioning of civilisation is conditioned by meeting energy needs, to be implemented by creating a system of energy generators, among which the heat of the Earth should be an important component. The energy generated from this inexhaustible and cost-free geo-resource should be seen as the most ecological among all currently used energy carriers.
Relacja mistrz – uczeń. Czy współcześnie jest możliwa?
Authors: Brągiel Józefa
Published: August 2023

Artykuł koncentruje się na przedstawieniu specyficznych cech mistrza, ucznia oraz relacji mistrz – uczeń. Pokazuje, że tradycyjna relacja mistrz – uczeń jest nieobecna w dzisiejszych szkołach i uczelniach. Główną przyczyną tej sytuacji są zmiany w tych instytucjach spowodowane ideami postmodernizmu. Autorka widzi w pedagogice personalistycznej szansę na rozwój relacji mistrz – uczeń w obecnej rzeczywistości.
O estetyzującej władzy edukacji, czyli o panowaniu nad obrazem świata
Authors: Futyma Sławomir
Published: August 2023

Edukacja rozumiana jako ogół wpływów na jednostki i grupy ludzkie staje się zawsze pytaniem o władzę nad człowiekiem. Władza zaś to system zorganizowanego panowania nad obrazem świata. Zatem „widzenie” lub też jego ograniczanie kształtuje mechanizmy działania instytucji będących narzędziami do realizacji jakiejś przyszłości świata i człowieka. To przez odsłanianie lub zakrywanie określonych elementów obserwowanego świata realizowany jest proces nauczania/uczenia się. Mechanizm ten wpisuje się w obowiązujący system edukacyjny, a zawsze jest formą zawłaszczania jednostek wraz z ich „światem”. Pytanie, czy to dobre czy złe, nie ma tutaj najmniejszego znaczenia. Taki obraz ma życie wtłoczone w sieć instytucji realizujących potrzeby człowieka, wraz z tą pierwotną potrzebą ciekawości. Jednak nadużywanie tych działań może przypominać prace „kosmetyczne” prowadzące do powstawania karykaturalnych obrazów, zwyczajów, modeli postępowania związanych z posiadaniem lub raczej brakiem istotnej wiedzy.
Kierunki i uwarunkowania rozwoju współczesnych polskich uniwersytetów ludowych
Authors: Rosalska Małgorzata
Published: August 2023

Celem artykułu jest wskazanie na aktualność oferty polskich współczesnych uniwersytetów ludowych oraz na czynniki dynamizujące ich rozwój. Analizie poddane zostaną kierunki zmian w zakresie treści i form pracy oraz cechy charakterystyczne dla sposobu organizacji funkcjonowania tych pozaformalnych ofert dla uczących się dorosłych. Zaakcentowane zostaną społeczne aspekty działalności uniwersytetów ludowych. Punktem odniesienia do zaproponowanych analiz będzie perspektywa recentywistyczna.
Aprendizagem de conhecimentos químicos mediada pelo uso de experimentos e jogo didático
Authors: Sagica Marília , Pereira da Silva Lucicléia
Published: August 2023

O ensino de química nos anos iniciais do fundamental é de extrema importância, pois é nesse nível que se constroem as primeiras noções da ciência, bem como se estabelece a base para conceitos que serão trabalhados posteriormente. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo investigar se adoção da experimentação associada ao uso de jogo didático investigativo auxiliou na aprendizagem dos conceitos estruturantes substância e transformação química por discentes de Pedagogia, futuros professores dos anos iniciais. A pesquisa foi realizada durante a disciplina Química e Metodologia para o Ensino de Ciências, ministrada para duas turmas da Universidade do Estado do Pará. Para avaliar a ocorrência de aprendizagens os participantes responderam um formulário likert e uma pergunta dissertativa. O corpus textual obtido foi processado no Software Iramuteq usando os métodos Classificação Hierárquica Descendente (CHD) e Análise de Similitude (AS). Os dados foram interpretados à luz do referencial teórico. As repartições da CHD foram categorizadas como “Aprendizagens sobre os conceitos químicos” e “Compreensões sobre transformação química da matéria”, das quais, emergiu a compreensão sobre os aspectos macro e microscópicos acerca dos fenômenos estudados. O grafo de similitude apontou que os recursos facilitaram a construção de conhecimentos pelos pedagogos em formação inicial. Com a avaliação integrada, considerando o grau de concordância e discordância sobre as assertivas analisadas, foi evidenciado que a diversificação de estratégias, materiais adequados, mediação do professor e linguagem acessível, despertaram o interesse, curiosidade e predisposição para uma aprendizagem com significado sobre os conhecimentos químicos explorados.
A Botânica no ensino médio: análise da percepção ambiental e cegueira botânica em alunos de uma escola pública da Amazônia paraense
Authors: Santos Mayanna Igreja dos , Martins Junior Alcindo da Silva
Published: August 2023

A Botânica é uma das áreas das ciências que manifesta ampla dificuldade na assimilação dos conceitos, o que justifica a importância de dispor uma atenção maior a essa área do conhecimento. Em vista disso, este trabalho buscou investigar a percepção ambiental e ocorrência da cegueira Botânica entre os alunos a fim de identificar os principais entraves no estudo sobre botânica no ensino médio. Participaram da pesquisa 35 estudantes do 2º ano do ensino médio de uma escola pública localizada no município de Moju, no Pará. A pesquisa fundamenta-se na abordagem qualitativa, do tipo exploratória com procedimentos técnicos característicos da pesquisa-ação. Utilizou-se observação participante, aplicação de mapas mentais e questionário para coleta de dados. Foi realizada uma análise descritiva dos dados e os resultados possibilitam constatar que os alunos possuem dificuldades na aprendizagem sobre botânica, pois 46% dos estudantes afirmram que já havia estudado sobre os grupos vegetais (Briófitas, Pteridófitas, Gimnospermas e Angiospermas) mas não lembrava da diferença existente entre eles. Sobre a percepção ambiental, percebeu-se que a maioria utilizou elementos do seu cotidiano para simbolizar o meio ambiente, como as casas, árvores e animais que compõem o ambiente de sua residência. Ao investigar a ocorrência da cegueira botânica identificou-se que em 96% das respostas os estudantes não perceberam a presença das plantas em seu dia a dia. Tais resultados elucidam a urgência em se discutir diversas formas de abordagens para o ensino e aprendizagem de botânica na rede pública de ensino básico.
Contribuições de uma sequência didática sobre reprodução humana para processo de aprendizagem de alunos marajoaras
Authors: Santos Paloma Barboza dos , Martins Junior Alcindo da Silva
Published: August 2023

Os resultados apresentados e discutidos neste estudo são provenientes da sequência didática (SD) desenvolvida na pesquisa “O Uso de Metodologias Ativas no Ensino-Aprendizagem de Ciências: uma proposta de Sequência Didática sobre Reprodução Humana em contexto amazônico marajoara”. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as contribuições de uma sequência didática para a aprendizagem de reprodução humana para alunos do 8º ano do ensino fundamental de uma escola pública na Ilha do Marajó. Este estudo é uma pesquisa-ação realizada em uma escola pública do município de Soure/PA, cujos dados foram coletados por meio da observação participante e dos testes pré e pós SD aplicados em sala de aula no início e fim da SD desenvolvida. Os resultados apontam que a SD, demonstrou ser uma estratégia facilitadora do desenvolvimento cognitivo dos alunos em relação aos conceitos de Reprodução Humana.
Produção de porta-enxertos de limoeiro ‘Cravo’ em função de substratos alternativos e concentrações de chorume de vermicompostagem
Authors: Fernandes Silva Taciella , Pontes Samuel Ferreira , Martins Costa Romário , Ferreira dos Santos Janaiane , Salustriano da Silva-Matos Raissa Rachel , Ferreira Moraes Lídia
Published: August 2023

Os substratos alternativos e adubação orgânica podem ser utilizados para a produção de mudas de diversas culturas, inclusive de espécies frutíferas. No entanto, seu uso combinado para a produção de porta-enxertos de limão ‘Cravo’ não foi testado até o momento. Portanto, o presente estudo avaliou diferentes substratos alternativos e concentrações de chorume de vermicompostagem aplicados via substrato na produção de porta-enxertos de limoeiro ‘Cravo’. Os tratamentos incluíram três substratos alternativos, palha de arroz carbonizada (PAC), bagana de carnaúba (BC) e sua combinação (PAC+BC), e três concentrações de chorume de vermicompostagem: 0, 100 e 200 mL L-1. O índice de velocidade de emergência (IVE) foi avaliado até 25 dias após a semeadura (DAS) e, aos 95 DAS, foram avaliadas as seguintes variáveis morfológicas: altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, comprimento da raiz, área radicular, área foliar, massa seca da parte aérea e massa seca da raiz. Os substratos alternativos e as concentrações de chorume de vermicompostagem afetaram significativamente (p<0,05) o IVE e todas as variáveis morfológicas avaliadas. Dentre os substratos testados, a BC apresentou os melhores resultados. A BC como substrato alternativo, combinada com 100 e 200 mL L-1 de chorume de vermicompostagem, afetou positivamente o comprimento da raiz, a área radicular, área foliar e a massa seca da parte aérea. Portanto, a BC associada a aplicação de chorume de vermicompostagem, maximiza a qualidade de porta-enxertos de limoeiro ‘Cravo’.
Effect of butanol, ethanol and acetone feed composition through activated carbon-containing polydimethylsiloxane pervaporation membrane
Authors: Brasil Felizardo Thaynara , Arcanjo Gonçalves Bruno José , De Souza Figueiredo Katia Cecilia
Published: August 2023

The ABE route, whose products are acetone, butanol and ethanol, is an industrial process that has been investigated by the possibility of incorporating renewable resources as inputs of chemical compounds and fuels. In view of the toxicity of 1-butanol to the cells of the fermentation broth, pervaporation by means of a polydimethylsiloxane mixed matrix membrane containing 1 wt% activated carbon was used as an alternative to recover this alcohol simultaneously to its production. Synthetic aqueous solution of acetone, 1-butanol and ethanol was investigated with total organic content varied from 1.5 to 2.7 wt%. Permeate flux and selectivity (separation and enrichment factors) were reported. Regarding the organics transport through the membrane, there was not a linear relation of their content in feed stream and flux. Besides, the permeation sequence did not follow a single transport mechanism. High separation and enrichment factors for acetone and butanol were observed.
Irradiated peripheral blood mononuclear cells for assessing individual radiosensitivity in laryngeal cancer radiotherapy
Authors: Amaral Ademir , Ferreira Heberton , Feliciano de Souza Thaisa , Melo Jonathan , Iumatti Santos Firmo Xavier Amanda , Borges da Silva Edvane , Rodolfo Ferreira de Lucena Luciano , Maciel Netto André
Published: August 2023

In laryngeal cancer radiotherapy (LCRT), dermatitis, dysphagia, and odynophagia are common acute side effects, varying in intensity depending mainly on the patient's radiosensitivity. This study investigated the survival rate of in vitro irradiated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as a pre-therapeutic test to assess individual radiosensitivity and predict the degree of these acute side effects in LCRT. 16 patients diagnosed with early-stage laryngeal cancer undergoing radiotherapy without adjuvant chemotherapy participated as volunteers in this study. Before the beginning of treatment, a sample of PBMC was collected and irradiated with 2.5 Gy using a 6 MV linear accelerator. After 72-h cell incubation, the trypan blue exclusion test was performed to score viable cells through optical microscopy. The percentages of cell viability were compared to the intensity of acute side effects experienced by LCRT patients. Even though no correlation was found regarding the observed degrees of radiation dermatitis, our results indicate that patients with survival rates of in vitro irradiated PBMC higher than 70% are more likely to experience moderate to severe acute odynophagia and dysphagia after LCRT. The proposed and discussed methodology points to a practical and affordable pre-therapeutic test to evaluate individual radiosensitivity in order to prevent or reduce acute side effects in laryngeal cancer radiotherapy.
Balance Training Under Fatigue: A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effect of Fatigue on Adaptations to Balance Training
Authors: Keller Martin , Lichtenstein Eric , Roth Ralf , Faude Oliver
Published: August 2023

Keller, M, Lichtenstein, E, Roth, R, and Faude, O. Balance training under fatigue: a randomized controlled trial on the effect of fatigue on adaptations to balance training. J Strength Cond Res 38(2): 297–305, 2024—Balance training is an effective means for injury prevention in sports. However, one can question the existing practice of putting the balance programs at the start of a training session (i.e., train in an unfatigued state) because the occurrence of injuries has been associated with fatigue. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the influence of balance training in a fatigued or an unfatigued state on motor performance tested in fatigued and unfatigued conditions. Fifty-two, healthy, active volunteers (28.0 years; 19 women) were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 different training groups. The BALANCE group completed 6 weeks of balance training. The other 2 groups completed the identical balance tasks either before (BALANCE-high-intensity interval training [HIIT]) or after (HIIT-BALANCE) a HIIT session. Thus, these groups trained the balance tasks either in a fatigued or in an unfatigued state. In PRE and POST tests, balance (solid ground, soft mat, wobble board) and jump performance was obtained in fatigued and unfatigued states. Balance training resulted in reduced sway paths in all groups. However, the linear models revealed larger adaptations in BALANCE-HIIT and BALANCE when compared with HIIT-BALANCE (d = 0.22–0.71). These small to moderate effects were—despite some uncertainties—consistent for the “unfatigued” and “fatigued” test conditions. The results of this study revealed for the first time that balance training under fatigue results in diminished adaptations, even when tested in a fatigued state. Therefore, the data indicate that balance training should be implemented at the start of a training session or in an unfatigued state.
A comparability study of handwritten versus typed responses in high-stakes English language writing tests
Authors: Stoukou Irene , Papargyris Yiannis , Coniam David
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates fairness in writing test scores in terms of candidates who completed a writing test either by hand or typed, on a computer. The data for this large-scale comparability study comprise candidates taking English language writing tests at four CEFR levels – B1 to C2 in the period 2019–2022. The data were analysed via effect size differences and equivalence tests. Measured by effect size, a small amount of difference was apparent in scores obtained between the two production modes at B1, B2 and C1 levels. At C2 level, there was a medium effect size, indicative of a difference in favour of computer-produced scripts. Differences observed on equivalence tests – an adaptation of the standard t-test – were not found to be statistically significant. The contribution of the research to knowledge lies in the fact that (with the exception of C2 level) – whether writing tests are written by hand or on computer, while there is a slight skew towards higher scores with computer-processed texts, candidates generally receive similar scores in both modes. Practically, candidates may elect to write either on paper or on computer without fear of bias.
The implementation of gamification to teach grammar in higher education
Authors: Jannah Rahmatul , Nor Hidayah , Asfihana Raida
Published: August 2023

Teachers today must create strategies or techniques that meet both the demands of students and the times since we are today grow and develop alongside technology. A gaming technique called gamification can be used in non-game environments, like education. In addition, many students continue to believe that grammar is uninteresting and contains a lot of content. The purpose of this study is to better understand how the lecturers utilize gamification in the classroom and how students react to it when it is used to teach grammar in higher education settings. A qualitative case study methodology is used in this research approach. Data were gathered through observation, interviews, and documentation; they were then condensed, displayed, and used to make inferences and conduct verification. Twenty-three students and a lecturer took part in this investigation. The findings are broken down into two points based on the research objectives. The implementation of gamification in grammar instruction can be done in ten phases and is supported by current theory. The second discovery is that there are five possible student reactions to gamified learning, each of which relates to the positives and negatives of utilizing gamification. The results of this study should help provide further light on how gamification might be used to teach English, particularly grammar.
Online teaching strategies for conversational English by university lecturers
Authors: Nephawe Farisani Thomas
Published: August 2023

Numerous strategies for teaching conversational English online are utilised although some have less value for money due to constraints including poor connectivity, constant ‘load shedding’, and lack of computing device systems. The paper investigated a suitable strategy for teaching conversational English online to English Communication Skills students registered for Module 1141 in the 2022 academic year at the University of Venda, South Africa. A qualitative research approach was adopted as in-depth knowledge and a wide range of speech exchange systems could be obtained. Three lecturers were purposively selected from a pool of seven lecturers to participate in the paper because they were easily approachable and had been teaching the module for over five years. Data were collected using observations and semi-structured face-to-face interviews. Atlas ti version 22 software was used to analyse the data as it locates codes and interprets the findings in primary data material, weighs and evaluates their importance, and visualises the often-complex relationships between them. The pilot study results indicated that the lecturers were not comfortable with using the videoconferencing strategy for teaching conversational English online. But after showing them steps for using the identified strategy, the lecturers revealed extreme indebtedness towards the process. Using the identified strategy for teaching conversational English online is highly recommended.
SFA-based learning material design to improve English medical terminology acquisition among South East Asian nursing students
Authors: Putri Diannike , Kristanto Barlian , Sumarni Tri , Glomjai Thanee , Garay Gary , Hoang Dung Le
Published: August 2023

The study explicates the utility of Semantic Feature Analysis (SFA) in developing educational resources with the intent to facilitate the acquisition of medical English terminology among nursing students. This study employs a Research and Development (R&D) methodology to devise and evaluate the efficacy of pedagogical resources centered on the Systematic Functional Approach (SFA). The purpose of the present study is to conduct a comprehensive literature review to examine the importance of medical English terminology for nursing students, as well as the role of Speech Familiarity Aid (SFA) in designing educational materials. Furthermore, this review seeks to investigate contemporary research findings concerning the effectiveness of SFA in facilitating language acquisition. The research findings reveal that learning materials based on SFA substantially enhance the acquisition of medical English terminology among nursing students, underscoring the prospect of SFA as an efficient means for the development of language learning resources.
Vemurafenib activates the sonic hedgehog pathway and promotes thyroid cancer stem cell self-renewal
Authors: Lu Yurong , Zhao Yuqing , Liu Penggang , Xu Xiulong
Published: August 2023

B-Raf kinase inhibitors such as vemurafenib (PLX4032) and dabrafenib have limited therapeutic efficacy on BRAF-mutated thyroid cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) play important roles in tumor recurrence, drug resistance, and metastasis. Whether CSCs play a role in dampening the antitumor activity of B-Raf kinase inhibitors remains unknown. Here, we report that vemurafenib (PLX4032) induced the expression of several stemness-related genes including Gli1, Snail, BMI1, and SOX2 in two anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines, SW1736 and 8505C, but decreased the expression of these genes in A375 cells, a human melanoma cell line. PLX4032 promoted thyroid cancer stem cell self-renewal, as evidenced by increased numbers of aldehyde dehydrogenase-positive cells and thyrospheres. Mechanistically, PLX4032 activates the PI-3 and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways through HER3 to cross-activate Gli1, a transcription factor of the sonic hedgehog (Shh) pathway. GANT61, a specific inhibitor of Gli1, blocked the expression of the stemness-related genes in PLX4032-treated thyroid cancer cells in vitro and in vivo in two thyroid cancer xenograft models. GANT61 treatment alone weakly inhibited SW1736 tumor growth but enhanced the antitumor activity of PLX4032 when used in combination. Our study provides mechanistic insights into how thyroid cancer poorly responds to B-Raf kinase inhibitors and suggests that targeting B-Raf and the Shh pathway in combination may overcome thyroid cancer drug resistance.
A perfekcionista énbemutatás jellemzői magyar tanulók körében
Authors: Nagy-Szabó Zoltán , D. Molnár Éva
Published: August 2023

Háttér és célkitűzések

A perfekcionista énbemutatás viszonylag kevésbé kutatott területnek számít a perfekcionizmus szakirodalmában. Azokat a személyközi megnyilvánulásokat foglalja magában, melyekkel a perfekcionisták a saját megítélésüket próbálják javítani (pl. környezetük előtt elrejtik tökéletlenségeiket, egy idealizált képet mutatnak magukról). Kutatásunk célja az volt, hogy megvizsgáljuk a perfekcionista énbemutatás összefüggéseit a társas önértékeléssel, az önhátráltatással, valamint a tanulmányi elégedettséggel és néhány családi háttértényezővel, hogy ezáltal komplexebb képet kapjunk a perfekcionista viselkedés jellemzőiről.

Módszer

Az adatgyűjtés 2019 szeptemberétől decemberig tartott, és 192 középiskolás diák vett benne részt online (N = 124) és papír (N = 68) alapon. Kérdőívcsomagunk a perfekcionista énbemutatás (PSPS-JR, 2011), a társas önértékelés (SSES, 2011) és az iskolai önhátráltatás (ASHS, 2001) magyarra fordított változatait, valamint 11 iskolai elégedettséggel és továbbtanulással kapcsolatos kérdést tartalmazott.

Eredmények

A kutatáshoz használt kérdőívek jóságmutatói mind megfelelőek voltak. A perfekcionista énbemutatás mindhárom dimenziója direkt hatással van a tanulók társas önértékelésére, amit az önhátráltatás mediáló hatása nem befolyásol. A perfekcionista énbemutatás a 14–15 évesek körében volt a legjellemzőbb, és a lányok mutatták a legmagasabb értékeket a hibák elrejtése alskálán. Az önhátráltatás magasabb énreklámozással, hibák elrejtésével és alacsonyabb iskolai elégedettséggel járt együtt. A pozitív tanulmányi attitűd (iskolába járás szeretete, jó jegy fontossága, iskolai teljesítménnyel való elégedettség, továbbtanulási szándék) az énreklámozásnak pozitív, az önhátráltatásnak negatív előrejelzője.

Következtetések

Eredményeink alapján a perfekcionista énbemutatás társas önértékelésre gyakorolt direkt hatása miatt érdemes a jövőben nagyobb hangsúlyt fektetni a perfekcionista énbemutatás társas aspektusainak feltárására.
Use of egg white protein powder based films fortified with sage and lemon balm essential oils in the storage of lor cheese
Authors:   Department of Dairy Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Ege University, 35100 İzmir, Turkey, Kavas Gökhan
Published: August 2023

Edible film was produced by adding 3 % sorbitol (w/v) to egg white protein powder (EWPP). The first group of lor cheese samples was coated with a film fortified by sage essential oil (SEO) and the second group of samples was coated with films enriched by adding lemon balm essential oil (BEO) at various concentrations [0.5 %, 1 %, 2 % (v/v)]. The films were labeled as EWPPSEO(0.5), EWPPSEO(1), EWPPSEO(2), EWPPBEO(0.5), EWPPBEO(1), EWPPBEO(2) to indicate the type and the concentration of the additive. The third batch of the lor cheese samples was coated exclusively with non-fortified EWPP and the fourth batch was uncoated. All of the cheese samples were artificially contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7), Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Viable cell counts of these species, yeasts and moulds were determined after the cheese production. All the samples were stored at +4 °C. Their physicochemical and microbiological properties were examined on the 1st, 7th, 15th and 30th day of the storage. Thereat significant (P<0.05) relationships between the increase in the essential oil concentrations and the increase in film thickness, water vapor permeability, inner and outer hardness, decrease in the weight loss, improvement in fat barrier property, and microbial counts during storage were found. These properties were found to be significantly affected in the 2 % (v/v) SEO and BEO samples, while the effects of other additive concentrations were insignificant (P>0.05). Physicochemical and antibacterial properties were more significant in SEO at all concentrations compared to BEO. However, the antifungal effect of BEO was higher than that of SEO. The antifungal effect of BEO was the same at 1 % (v/v) and 2 % (v/v) concentrations. E. coli O157:H7 was the most resistant microorganism to the essential oils while L. monocytogenes was the most sensitive. EWPP showed a bacteriostatic effect on the microorganisms and bactericidal effects were determined on the 30th day of the storage against L. monocytogenes and yeast-moulds.
Control of levamisole residues in milk using a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method
Authors:   Laboratory for Residue Control, Department for Veterinary Public Health, Croatian Veterinary Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, Bilandžić Nina
Published: August 2023

Concentrations of the anthelmintic agent levamisole were measured in a total of 85 raw cow milk samples collected during 2014 from dairy farms across Croatia. The liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method used for levamisole quantification was validated according to the criteria set by Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. The following validation parameters were determined: limit of decision (CCα) 0.55 μg kg-1, detection of capability (CCβ) 0.59 μg kg-1, limit of detection (LOD) 0.06 μg kg-1, limit of quantification (LOQ) 0.22 μg kg-1, precision and accuracy (expressed as recovery) 97.3-100 %, intra-laboratory reproducibility (RSD) 4.2-5.6 %. Levamisole levels for 45 of the total of 85 samples were below the LOD value (0.06 µg kg-1). In the remaining 40 milk samples, levamisole was measured in the range from 0.061 to 0.142 µg kg-1 and the mean value was 0.092 µg kg-1. Accordingly, all concentrations analysed were below the LOQ value (0.22 µg kg-1) and limit of decision (CCα) of the method used.
Influence of Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus infection on milk production of French Alpine goats in Croatia
Authors:   University of Zagreb, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science I, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, Tariba Bruna
Published: August 2023

We have investigated the influence of infection with Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV), developed clinical arthritis and recorded subclinical mastitis on the length of lactation, milk yield and its composition per lactation. The study was carried out on the sample of 808 goats of French Alpine breed from production farms in Croatia. Samples of blood were taken for serological tests and milk samples for subclinical mastitis detection. Presence of clinical arthritis was noted by inspection and palpation of the joints. Lactation and production data were collected by Croatian Agricultural Agency. The influence of infection status for CAEV and clinical arthritis, separately, were tested on milk yield, length of lactation and milk composition (fat, protein and lactose) using GLM procedure for models including the year of measurement, lactation number of the animal and subclinical mastitis record. CAEV was serologically confirmed in 53.72 % of the total number of goats. From the total sample 23.08 % were infected with CAEV with confirmed subclinical mastitis of bacteriological etiology. In addition, 22.47 % of the total sample had clinical arthritis. Of the total sample 16.95 % were CAEV infected and with diagnosed clinical arthritis. Influence of virus infection was confirmed on all of the analyzed traits, with lower production results. Clinical arthritis had significant influence on decrease in most of analyzed traits, exceptions being total milk, fat amount (%) and lactose content (%) and amount (kg). Diagnosed subclinical mastitis was not found to be significant influence in models of duration of lactation, or fat, protein and lactose content (%).
The effect of using pro and prebiotics on the aromatic compounds, textural and sensorial properties of symbiotic goat cheese
Authors:   Ege University Faculty of Agriculture Department of Dairy Technology, Izmir-Turkey, Kınık Özer
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of probiotics as an adjunct culture, and the use of inulin and oligofructose as a prebiotic product, on symbiotic goat cheeses during their ripening period. The control group had the lowest value in terms of aromatic compounds, and the probiotics used in the production of cheese increased the aromatic substances. The control group was found to have the highest hardness values and that the use of prebiotics and probiotic cultures in cheese production significantly changed the textural profile depending on the probiotic and prebiotic type. The most favoured cheeses were found to contain E. faecium and oligofructose.
Genetic characterization of Istrian goat: the key-point for a long-term conservation
Authors:   University of Zagreb Faculty of Agriculture, Svetošimunska cesta 25, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia, Ivanković Ante
Published: August 2023

Istrian goat is an autochthonous Croatian breed which inhabited Istrian peninsula and was important in milk production and human nutrition, especially for poor people. For centuries Istrian goat was a recognizable heraldic symbol of Istria, but in her real form almost disappeared from the breeding area. The revitalization and reaffirmation of Istrian goat began with several dozen remaining breeding animals, after a decade-long breeding ban. Genetic characterization of the Istrian goat population is necessary for providing insight into the state of genetically preserved structure within population as well as positioning Istrian goats within phylogenetically related breeds. Microsatellite and mtDNA analysis of reproductive individuals of Istrian goat and related breeds, Croatian White goat and Saanen goat was carried out. In the population of Istrian goat, higher allelic variability (nA = 9.7; AR = 7.4) were found as well as significant genetic distance (FST = 0.068 - 0.086) in relation to other two breeds. Such results indicated that Istrian goat constitutes a separate genetic identity. The observed ten haplotype sequences of the D-loop mtDNA also confirm the significant genetic richness of the maternal hereditary component. The observed haplotypes in the population of Istrian goat belong to lineage A. A smaller number of haplotypes shows similarity to the group of “white” goats, indicating traces of earlier limited but targeted crossing of Istrian goats. The genetic profile analysis of Istrian goats indicates a high level of genetic variability and provides guidelines for a long-term conservation program. The preserved genetic and promising potential of milk production of Istrian goat makes a significant basis for her economic reaffirmation. Orientation of the breed towards milk production could be an efficient strategy for its effective preservation.
Joint effects of breed, parity, month of lactation, and cow individuality on the milk fatty acids composition
Authors:   University of South Bohemia, Faculty of Agriculture, Studentská 809, 370 05 České Budějovice, Czech Republic, Samková Eva
Published: August 2023

The aim of the study was to explain the effects of four animal factors - breed, parity, cow individuality (within breed phenotypic variation) and month of lactation on the composition of bovine milk fatty acids (FA) in a local dual-purpose Czech Fleckvieh breed as compared to the worldwide dairy Holstein breed. In total, 357 milk samples were analysed from 25 dairy cows of each breed during year-round testing. The variation in the individual FA was affected mainly by cows´ individuality (16-48) and month of lactation (3-18 %). The effects of breed and parity were limited (each about 2%). The animal related factors appeared significant also for FA groups. Greater differences in the explained variation of all factors were observed in the groups classified by the number of FA carbons (35.8, 54.4 and 44.8 % for C4 to C14, C16 and C18 to C24, respectively) and by the number of double bounds (45.4 % and 39.2 % for monounsaturated and polyunsaturated FA, respectively) as well. No differences in the explained variation were observed between the groups of saturated and unsaturated FA (46.8% and 45.9 %, respectively). In conclusion, from the viewpoint of nutrition it would be more convenient to classify FA by the number of carbons than by the usual grouping to saturated/unsaturated FA.
The use of acid whey for the production of yogurt-type fermented beverages
Authors:   West Pomeranian University of Technology, Faculty of Food Sciences and Fisheries, Department of Dairy Technology and Food Storage, Papieża Pawła VI 3, 71-459 Szczecin, Poland, Skryplonek Katarzyna
Published: August 2023

Acid whey is a by-product of cheese-making industry, which, in comparison to rennet whey, has less favourable processing properties and thus it is more difficult to utilize. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of yogurt-type fermented beverages based on acid whey. In the beverages production yogurt bacteria cultures Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbruecki ssp. bulgaricus (YO-MIX, Danisco, Denmark) were used. The production process included combining of pasteurized acid whey with UHT milk, unsweetened condensed milk or skimmed milk powder. Milk was incorporated to beverages in order to enrich casein content and obtain product with quality characteristics similar to fermented milk drinks. Moreover, the beverages were supplemented with oligofructose and whey protein concentrate WPC 35. The products were stored under refrigerated conditions (5±1°C) for 21 days. During the storage, an assessment of physicochemical properties and sensory characteristics was carried out. In addition, the beverages were evaluated in consumer preference test. The study showed, that by combining of acid whey with milk it is possible to obtain a products similar to yogurt, although their characteristics were influenced by the composition and storage time. During storage period, the acidity increased and acetaldehyde content decreased. Moreover the deterioration of sensory properties was observed. Consumer preference test indicated, that the best sensory properties had beverages from whey and condensed milk.
United States Life Tables, 2021
Authors: Arias Elizabeth , Xu Jiaquan , Kochanek Kenneth
Published: August 2023

This report provides health data from the National Center for Health Statistics.
Sighting of Orange-Headed Thrush Geokichla citrina at Shekha Wetland: An Important Bird Area, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Iqbal Shahzada , Mehta Amee , Beig Mirza Altaf
Published: August 2023

Thi note reports the sighting on the 8 February 2020 of Orange-Headed Thrush Geokichla citrina at Shekha Wetland (27°51'21" N and 78°13'05" E), Aligarh District,  Uttar Pradesh, India.
Not a Student, Not an Athlete, a Person
Authors: Paule-Koba Amanda L. , Gilson Todd
Published: August 2023

College athletics can place immense demands on athletes in terms of time commitment, physical conditioning, and pressure to perform. However, one important but less visible dimension affected by participation is one’s identity. College athletes hold multiple identities (Sturm et al., 2011) and these identities are further refined through their experiences (Chang et al., 2018). However, much less is known about athletes’ cognitive awareness of others’ perceptions and how those opinions influence athletes’ sense of self. In the present work, 52 Division I collegiate basketball players took part in a qualitative survey focused on understanding their athletic experience based on interactions with others. Responses revealed that athletes had dichotomous beliefs when addressing their perceptions of self and how they believed others viewed them, primarily based on the influence of sport. Conversely, athletes had more differing thoughts when discussing their aspirations and wishes for their future and often discussed professional goals, personality traits, and connections to others. Taken together, these results corroborate the desire (and need) for athletes to foster identities beyond their sport world (Stokowski et al., 2019) and for those who shape the sport experience to proactively work on behalf of athletes in this domain.
Geneza legendy świętokrzyskiej – uwagi do prac profesora Marka Derwicha
Authors:   Uniwersytet Jagielloński, Nowacki Łukasz
Published: August 2023

The article presents the critical analysis of Marek Derwich’s concept thanks to which the genesis of the legend of the Holy Cross was explained. As a result, weak points of construction of the mentioned historian were identified.