bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of multiple mycetoma pathogens using fungal metabarcoding analysis of soil DNA in an endemic area of Sudan
Authors: Hashizume Hiroki , Taga Suguru , Sakata Masayuki K. , Taha Mahmoud Hussein Mohamed , Siddig Emmanuel Edwar , Minamoto Toshifumi , Fahal Ahmed Hassan , Kaneko Satoshi
Published: March 2022

Mycetoma is a tropical disease caused by several fungi and bacteria present in the soil. Fungal mycetoma and eumycetoma are especially challenging to treat; therefore, prevention, early diagnosis, and early treatment are important, but it is also necessary to understand the geographic distribution of these pathogenic fungi. In this study, we used DNA metabarcoding methodology to identify fungal species from soil samples. Soil sampling was implemented at seven villages in an endemic area of Sennar State in Sudan in 2019, and ten sampling sites were selected in each village according to land-use conditions. In total, 70 soil samples were collected from ground surfaces, and DNA in the soil was extracted with a combined method of alkaline DNA extraction and a commercial soil DNA extraction kit. The region for universal primers was selected to be the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer one region for metabarcoding. After the second PCR for DNA library preparation, the amplicon-based DNA analysis was performed using next-generation sequencing with two sets of universal primers. A total of twelve mycetoma-causative fungal species were identified, including the prime agent, Madurella mycetomatis, and additional pathogens, Falciformispora senegalensis and Falciformispora tompkinsii, in 53 soil samples. This study demonstrated that soil DNA metabarcoding can elucidate the presence of multiple mycetoma-causative fungi, which may contribute to accurate diagnosis for patient treatment and geographical mapping.
Double-antigen sandwich ELISA based on chimeric antigens for detection of antibodies to Trypanosoma cruzi in human sera
Authors: Freitas Natália Erdens Maron , Santos Emily Ferreira , Leony Leonardo Maia , Silva Ângelo Antônio Oliveira , Daltro Ramona Tavares , Vasconcelos Larissa de Carvalho Medrado , Duarte Gabriela Agra , Oliveira da Mota Cristiane , Silva Edimilson Domingos , Celedon Paola Alejandra Fiorani , Zanchin Nilson Ivo Tonin , Santos Fred Luciano Neves
Published: March 2022

Background

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) are generally the chosen test for Chagas disease (CD) diagnosis; however, its performance depends on the antigen preparation adsorbed to the solid phase, which may lead to false-positive results and cross-reactions. The use of chimeric recombinant antigens can overcome this limitation. Four chimeric antigens from Trypanosoma cruzi (IBMP-8.1, IBMP-8.2, IBMP-8.3 and IBMP-8.4) were developed and evaluated in phase I, II and III studies using indirect ELISA as diagnostic platform. However, peroxidase-labeled secondary anti-human IgG antibody, which is employed in indirect ELISAs, limits its use for the detection of species-specific and class-specific antibodies. To overcome this limitation, peroxidase-labeled antigens can be utilized, diagnosing both acute or chronic infection, in a species and immunoglobulin class-independent manner, through the use of a double-antigen sandwich ELISA (DAgS-ELISA). We aimed to evaluate and validate the diagnostic performance of the chimeric antigens IBMP-8.1, IBMP-8.2, IBMP-8.3 and IBMP-8.4 in the DAgS-ELISA platform.

Methodology/Principal findings

DAgS-ELISA was optimized by checkerboard titration. In phase I study, 207 positive and 205 negative samples were evaluated. Cross-reactivity to other infections was also assessed using 68 samples. The selected conditions for the tests utilized 25 ng of antigen per well and the conjugate diluted at 1:2,000 for all molecules. In the phase I study, the areas under the curve of IBMP-8.1, IBMP-8.2, IBMP-8.3 and IBMP-8.4 were 98.7%, 99.5%, 98.6% and 98.8%, respectively. Among the positive samples, IBMP-8.1 antigen classified 53 (25.6%) as false negative, IBMP-8.2, 27 (13%), IBMP-8.3, 24 (11.6%) and IBMP-8.4, 43 (20.8%), giving sensitivities of 74.4%, 87%, 88.4% and 79.2%, respectively. The only antigen that did not reach 100% specificity was IBMP-8.3, with 96.6%. IBMP-8.3 was also the only molecule to show cross-reactivity with HTLV.

Conclusions/Significance

DAgS-ELISA is a promising tool for immunodiagnosis, and despite the high AUC values, the performance of this assay was different from the values obtained by our group when using these antigens in the indirect ELISA, for this reason, improvements are being considered to increase the sensitivity of the DAgS-ELISA.
Impact of internal brand management on sustainable competitive advantage: An explanatory study based on the mediating roles of brand commitment and brand citizenship behavior
Authors: Qureshi Fatima Nawaz , Bashir Shahid , Mahmood Asif , Ahmad Sheraz , Attiq Saman , Zeeshan Muhammad
Published: March 2022

The existing literature on internal branding has often adopted a managerial-based approach and seldom considered employees’ perceptions. Therefore, there is a need to understand the perspective of frontline and non-managerial employees. In this context, the current study investigates the impact of internal brand management on brand commitment, brand citizenship behavior, and sustainable competitive advantage for the hotel industry. A survey-based quantitative data was gathered from 390 non-managerial frontline staff working in 3-, 4-, and 5-star hotels of Pakistan. The results revealed that internal brand management positively impacts brand commitment, brand citizenship behavior, and sustainable competitive advantage. Besides, brand commitment has a positive impact on brand citizenship behavior and sustainable competitive advantage. Moreover, brand citizenship behavior has a positive impact on sustainable competitive advantage. In addition, the mediating roles of brand commitment and brand citizenship behavior exist between internal brand management and sustainable competitive advantage. The research implications, together with research limitations, have also been discussed.
Associations among cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases: Analysis of the nationwide claims-based JROAD-DPC dataset
Authors: Nakai Michikazu , Iwanaga Yoshitaka , Sumita Yoko , Wada Shinichi , Hiramatsu Haruhiko , Iihara Koji , Kohro Takahide , Komuro Issei , Kuroda Tomohiro , Matoba Tetsuya , Nakayama Masaharu , Nishimura Kunihiro , Noguchi Teruo , Takemura Tadamasa , Tominaga Teiji , Toyoda Kazunori , Tsujita Kenichi , Yasuda Satoshi , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Ogawa Hisao
Published: March 2022

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are frequently interconnected due to underlying pathology involving atherosclerosis and thromboembolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of clinical interactions among cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases on patient outcomes using a large-scale nationwide claims-based dataset. Cardiovascular diseases were defined as myocardial infarction, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and aortic dissection. Cerebrovascular diseases were defined as cerebral infarction, intracerebral hemorrhage, and subarachnoid hemorrhage. This retrospective study included 2,736,986 inpatient records (1,800,255 patients) at 911 hospitals from 2015 to 2016 from Japanese registry of all cardiac and vascular disease-diagnostic procedure combination dataset. Interactions among comorbidities and complications, rehospitalization, and clinical outcomes including in-hospital mortality were investigated. Among hospitalization records that involved cardiovascular disease, 5.9% (32,686 records) had cerebrovascular disease as a comorbidity and 2.1% (11,362 records) included an incident cerebrovascular complication after hospitalization. Cerebrovascular disease as a comorbidity or complication was associated with higher in-hospital mortality than no cerebrovascular disease (adjusted odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval]: 1.10 [1.06–1.14], 2.02 [1.91–2.13], respectively). Among 367,904 hospitalization records that involved cerebrovascular disease, 17.7% (63,647 records) had cardiovascular disease listed as comorbidity and 3.3% (11,834 records) as a complication. Only cardiovascular disease as a complication was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR [95% confidence interval]: 1.29 [1.22–1.37]). In addition, in-hospital mortality during rehospitalization due to the other disease was significantly higher than mortality during the hospitalization due to the first disease. In conclusion, substantial associations were observed between cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease in a large-scale nationwide claims-based dataset; these associations had a significant impact on clinical outcomes. More intensive prevention and management of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease might be crucial.
Internalized stigma in patients with schizophrenia: A hospital-based cross-sectional study from Nepal
Authors: Dhungana Saraswati , Tulachan Pratikchya , Chapagai Manisha , Pant Sagun Ballav , Lama Pratik Yonjan , Upadhyaya Shreeram
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The aim of this study was to examine the internalized stigma of mental illness in patients with schizophrenia visiting psychiatry outpatient in a tertiary level hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal, and to explore the associated sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study, where participants were selected by purposive sampling from the outpatient department of psychiatry in Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. One hundred and fourteen patients were selected and given the Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness scale to complete to assess the level of stigma. A semi-structured sociodemographic form was used to get information on sociodemographic and clinical factors. Simple descriptive analysis was done followed by multivariate analysis to explore the sociodemographic and clinical correlates of stigma in these patients.

Results

A total of 114 patients were included in the study. Moderate to high levels of internalized stigma was reported in almost 90% of patients with schizophrenia. The subscale with the highest mean score was stereotype endorsement and that with the lowest mean score was stigma resistance. Duration of illness was the only clinical variable associated with stigma while occupation was the only sociodemographic variable related to stigma.

Conclusion

Moderate to high levels of internalized stigma were reported across all subscales of stigma in patients with schizophrenia and the prevalence was high. Further, duration of illness was associated with stigma. Stigma reduction should therefore be a component of the overall management of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Optimization of tourism routes in Lushunkou District based on ArcGIS
Authors: Pei Qian , Wang Li , Du Peng , Wang Zhaolan
Published: March 2022

With the advancements and developments in China’s tourism industry, various autonomous forms of tourism have been gaining prominence. As such, to facilitate tourists and provide them with maximum experience while economizing on time and cost is essential. One approach toward achieving this is the optimization of tourism routes. However, so far the studies on this approach have focused primarily on inland tourist sites and have lacked a geographic perspective. Therefore, this study undertook the tourism resource data of Lushunkou District of 2020, used the ArcGIS accessibility evaluation model to analyze tourism resources, and finally used the Vehicle Routing Problem of network analysis technology to optimize the tourism route of Lushunkou District and obtain the general overall intellectual framework and technical methods for tourism route optimization. The results showed that the ArcGIS accessibility evaluation model could be used to integrate resources in the tourism area before using the Vehicle Routing Problem to optimize the analysis of tourism routes, thereby enabling the separation of different types of tourism. These divisions were based on the Vehicle Routing Problem to optimize routes for one-day and two-day tours. A new method and model for optimization for tourism routes was constructed to provide a basis and reference for the optimization of tourism routes in similar cities. The observations and results of the present study can facilitate the government in developing the tourism industry and maximizing the benefits obtained from them. Further, travel agencies and tourists will have the provision of designing optimum tourism routes.
Degradation of SARS-CoV-2 specific ribonucleic acid in samples for nucleic acid amplification detection
Authors: Takeuchi Katsuyuki , Yanagisawa Hiroyuki , Kurosawa Yukiko , Iida Yoritsugu , Kawai Kosuke , Fujimaki Shigehiko
Published: March 2022

The degradation of SARS-CoV-2 specific ribonucleic acid (RNA) was investigated by a numerical modeling approach based on nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) results utilizing the SmartAmp technique. The precision of the measurement was verified by the relative standard deviation (RSD) of repeated measurements at each calibration point. The precision and detection limits were found to be 6% RSD (seven repeated measurements) and 94 copies/tube, respectively, at the lowest calibration point. RNA degradation curves obtained from NAAT data on four different temperatures were in good agreement with the first-order reaction model. By referring to rate constants derived from the results, the Arrhenius model was applied to predict RNA degradation behavior. If the initial RNA concentration was high enough, such as in samples taken from infected bodies, the NAAT results were expected to be positive during testing. On the other hand, if initial RNA concentrations were relatively low, such as RNA in residual viruses on environmental surfaces, special attention should be paid to avoid false-negative results. The results obtained in this study provide a practical guide for RNA sample management in the NAAT of non-human samples.
Retinal cholesterol metabolism is perturbated in response to experimental glaucoma in the rat
Authors: Léger-Charnay Elise , Gambert Ségolène , Martine Lucy , Dubus Elisabeth , Maire Marie-Annick , Buteau Bénédicte , Morala Tristan , Gigot Vincent , Bron Alain M. , Bretillon Lionel , Masson Elodie A. Y.
Published: March 2022

Alterations of cholesterol metabolism have been described for many neurodegenerative pathologies, such as Alzheimer’s disease in the brain and age-related macular degeneration in the retina. Recent evidence suggests that glaucoma, which is characterized by the progressive death of retinal ganglion cells, could also be associated with disruption of cholesterol homeostasis. In the present study we characterized cholesterol metabolism in a rat model of laser-induced intraocular hypertension, the main risk factor for glaucoma. Sterol levels were measured using gas-chromatography and cholesterol-related gene expression using quantitative RT-PCR at various time-points. As early as 18 hours after the laser procedure, genes implicated in cholesterol biosynthesis and uptake were upregulated (+49% and +100% for HMG-CoA reductase and LDLR genes respectively, vs. naive eyes) while genes involved in efflux were downregulated (-26% and -37% for ApoE and CYP27A1 genes, respectively). Cholesterol and precursor levels were consecutively elevated 3 days post-laser (+14%, +40% and +194% for cholesterol, desmosterol and lathosterol, respectively). Interestingly, counter-regulatory mechanisms were transcriptionally activated following these initial dysregulations, which were associated with the restoration of retinal cholesterol homeostasis, favorable to ganglion cell viability, one month after the laser-induced ocular hypertension. In conclusion, we report here for the first time that ocular hypertension is associated with transient major dynamic changes in retinal cholesterol metabolism.
Impact of catch-up human papillomavirus vaccination on cervical conization rate in a real-life population in France
Authors: Eliès Antoine , Bonneau Claire , Houzard Sophie , Rouzier Roman , Héquet Delphine
Published: March 2022

Objective

To evaluate the impact of catch-up human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination on conization rates in France in a large population-based study.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective real-life cohort study on data collected prospectively by French National Health Insurance. Echantillon généralistes des bénéficiaires (EGB) is a database composed of demographic and health care utilization data for a 1/97th sample of the French population. We extracted data about all women born between 1983 and 1991, corresponding to the catch-up population (vaccination after 14 years old) at the time of implementation of HPV vaccination. The primary outcome was the occurrence of conization (all types of procedures) compared between vaccinated and non-vaccinated women.

Results

The cohort consisted of 42,452 women. Vaccination coverage (at least one dose) was low (9.8%, n = 4,129), but increased with time from vaccine implementation, from 0% in the 1983 cohort to 31% in the 1991 cohort. The conization rate was 1% for the overall population. The risk of conization for women between the ages of 19 and 30 years was reduced in the vaccinated group with a Hazard Ratio (HR) of 0.59 (95% CI[0.39–0.90]; p = 0.043).

Conclusions

With a 10-year follow-up, catch-up HPV vaccination is associated with risk reduction of conization between the ages of 19 and 30.
Close correlation between thiolate basicity and certain NMR parameters in cysteine and cystine microspecies
Authors: Ferreira de Santana Juliana , Mirzahosseini Arash , Mándity Beáta , Bogdán Dóra , Mándity István , Noszál Béla
Published: March 2022

The imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants in biological systems, known as oxidative stress, can lead to a disruption of redox signaling by the reactive oxygen/nitrogen species and is related to severe diseases. The most vulnerable moiety targeted by oxidant species in the redox signaling pathways is the thiol (SH) group in the cysteine residues, especially in its deprotonated (S−) form. Cysteine, along with its oxidized, disulfide-containing form, cystine, constitute one of the most abundant low molecular weight biological redox couples, providing a significant contribution to the redox homeostasis in living systems. In this work, NMR spectra from cysteine, cystine, and cysteine-containing small peptides were thoroughly studied at the submolecular level, and through the chemical shift data set of their certain atoms it is possible to estimate either thiolate basicity or the also related standard redox potential. Regression analysis demonstrated a strong linear relationship for chemical shift vs thiolate logK of the cysteine microspecies data. The αCH 13C chemical shift is the most promising estimator of the acid-base and redox character.
Assessment of mitochondrial respiratory capacity using minimally invasive and noninvasive techniques in persons with spinal cord injury
Authors: Lai Raymond E. , Holman Matthew E. , Chen Qun , Rivers Jeannie , Lesnefsky Edward J. , Gorgey Ashraf S.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Muscle biopsies are the gold standard to assess mitochondrial respiration; however, biopsies are not always a feasible approach in persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) may alternatively be predictive of mitochondrial respiration. The purpose of the study was to evaluate whether mitochondrial respiration of PBMCs and NIRS are predictive of respiration of permeabilized muscle fibers after SCI.

Methods

Twenty-two individuals with chronic complete and incomplete motor SCI between 18–65 years old were recruited to participate in the current trial. Using high-resolution respirometry, mitochondrial respiratory capacity was measured for PBMCs and muscle fibers of the vastus lateralis oxidizing complex I, II, and IV substrates. NIRS was used to assess mitochondrial capacity of the vastus lateralis with serial cuff occlusions and electrical stimulation.

Results

Positive relationships were observed between PBMC and permeabilized muscle fibers for mitochondrial complex IV (r = 0.86, P < 0.0001). Bland-Altman displayed agreement for complex IV (MD = 0.18, LOA = -0.86 to 1.21), between PBMCs and permeabilized muscles fibers. No significant relationships were observed between NIRS mitochondrial capacity and respiration in permeabilized muscle fibers.

Conclusions

This is the first study to explore and support the agreement of less invasive clinical techniques for assessing mitochondrial respiratory capacity in individuals with SCI. The findings will assist in the application of PBMCs as a viable alternative for assessing mitochondrial health in persons with SCI in future clinical studies.
Godllywood: A digital pedagogy for the evangelical woman
Authors: Barbosa Jadna Rodrigues
Published: March 2022

The internet has allowed the expansion of media presence in the most varied sectors of society. Institutions and religious groups from the most diverse backgrounds take ownership and use the available technological communication resources to optimize their activities and objectives. Considering the approach to gender studies and media ecology from the perspective of tetradic theory, I intend to analyse the Godllywood programme, created by the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (IURD), which is defined as a movement that raises the banner of ‘Holiness to the Lord’ through the formation of a ‘virtuous woman’. Based on the continuous broadcasting of videos and other files through social networks such as Instagram, Facebook and YouTube, in addition to a blog hosted on the church’s website, we seek to understand how such religious groups, based on apparently outdated ideological discourses, propose the renewal of female minds and a change in behavior based on the precepts of the word of God. The women who make up the audience for the Godllywood channel are mentored by a principal mentor and the Big Sisters, all wives of church bishops. In addition to Brazil, the programme is now present in several countries in the Americas – including the United States – and other continents such as Europe, Africa, Asia and Oceania. Based on the presentation of the programme and the challenges presented on the ‘Godllywood’ social networks, I intend to describe and analyse the discursive strategies used in these communication pieces.
Teaching media ecology in-person and online: Lessons from a COVID-19 semester
Authors: Anwer Arshia
Published: March 2022

This article examines how a public relations writing class read and discussed a media ecology text, Orality and Literacy, during the spring 2020 semester as higher education classrooms shifted from a face-to-face to a remote or online instructional model due to the onset of COVID-19. The findings show that students in the class understood the effect of medium on learning in their own case through application of the text they were studying, and were able to distinguish between oral and written modes of learning, as well as their benefits and drawbacks. The article evaluates how technological change can impact communication and learning, and concludes that reading and discussing a media ecology text online can be incorporated deliberately into instructional design in order to teach the effect of a medium on ease of use and understanding.
La Ciudad de México en 1921: arte popular, escaparate de la nación
Authors: Azuela de la Cueva Alicia
Published: March 2022

En 1921, México organizó una celebración emblemática del primer centenario de la consumación de la Independencia. Esta conmemoración fue paradigmática y jugó un papel fundamental político y cultural, construyendo y promoviendo una imagen positiva de México y del régimen posrevolucionario liderado por Álvaro Obregón. Este trabajo describe los proyectos artísticos del centenario y el imaginario sobre México mostrado a través de eventos artísticos y culturales del programa oficial, tales como exposiciones de arte y representaciones populares. Además, este trabajo observa el caso del Teatro Nacional, un protagonista polémico y un proyecto fallido dentro del programa cultural del centenario. Mi objetivo es explicar cómo los artistas produjeron y mostraron imágenes del México posrevolucionario moderno y artístico, revalorizando las artes populares a través de influencias vanguardistas. Este trabajo busca demostrar que el arte y el artista fueron actores principales dentro de la celebración, pero también, que la conmemoración fue el punto de partida de una política cultural promovida hasta la década de 1960.
Bellezas centenarias
Authors: Rodriguez Miguel
Published: March 2022

Entre las múltiples manifestaciones festivas y culturales con las que se conmemoró en 1921 la Consumación de la Independencia en la Ciudad de México, tiene un particular relieve un concurso organizado por el influyente diario El Universal para elegir y coronar una reina de belleza que fuera “auténticamente” indígena. Espectacular aunque controvertido modo de insistir en el componente autóctono de la nación, este Centenario promovía una política subrayadamente populista. El trabajo enfoca cómo, para adecuarse al modelo de feminidad deseado, se van debatiendo a lo largo del año, tanto desde la prensa como en el discurso antropológico dominante, las modalidades del certamen que culmina en el mes de septiembre a través de  espectáculos, veladas y desfiles callejeros. El análisis se basa tanto en los preparativos, en los diversos festejos en torno a “la India Bonita” tratados por la prensa, mostrando también cómo la historiografía en los últimos tiempos ha enfocado diversas facetas de este ejemplo de invención de una tradición. Este nueva forma de culto de la belleza femenina, asociada en los veinte a la incorporación de las masas indígenas a la unidad nacional, se ha transformado y sobrevive, como en otros países, con diversos nombres.
Nyíltság, szellemi szabadság - A Közgáz, mint Alma Mater : Interjú Surányi Györggyel
Authors: Sipos Júlia
Published: March 2022

Surányi Györggyel 2021.június 14-én készült beszélgetés a BCE Digitális Audiovizuális Történeti Archívumszámára. Ennek szerkesztett változatát adjuk közre
How research contributes to higher liquidity?
Authors: Balog Ádám
Published: March 2022

Market efficiency has been in the spotlight for more than 50 years, since Fama introduced the Efficient Market Hypothesis. This is especially important from the point of view of information asymmetry, as stock market investors have information disadvantage compared to insiders which may result in higher financing costs for companies and lower IPO prices. However, a wide analyst base, the presence of local analysts and transparency decreases funding costs for the companies, which also leads to higher interest from investors in companies’ financial assets. Companies which have low research coverage face excess funding costs compared to companies with wider analyst coverage.
Developing emotionally intelligent teaching approaches in online learning
Authors: Merry Kevin Luke
Published: March 2022

This ‘on the horizon’ paper discusses the evaluation outcomes of a pilot Emotional Intelligence Skills Training (EIST) workshop, intended as a resource to support teachers’ enhancement of student engagement in online learning settings. Sixteen HE teachers participated in a pilot of a new EIST workshop which explored topics including; 1) recognising and managing emotions in oneself; 2) recognising and managing emotions in others’, and 3) using emotion. Evaluation was conducted using focus groups. Feedback revealed that, in addition to raising awareness of the need to better recognise and manage students’ emotions in online environments, participants felt that EIST supported the development of more positive relationships with students and enhanced engagement. EIST could play an important role in supporting academic staff to better engage students in online settings.
Early adoption in an agile online teaching environment
Authors: Hunter Paul , Mullen Helen , Offord Matt , Quinn Nick , Thompson Karen
Published: March 2022

The Covid-19 pandemic has blown through the Higher Education sector like a Schumpterian ‘gale of creative destruction’ (Schumpeter, 1934), accelerating the pace of change, disrupting entrenched pedagogical approaches, and revealing glimpses of the future of teaching. This study identifies how university-based early adopters responded to this ‘gale,’ successfully implementing the rapid change required to pivot to online teaching while addressing institutional requests to support the reluctant majority. Adopting an innovative interdisciplinary framework, this study advances understanding about the criticality of early-adopter behaviour in implementing change. The triggers, dynamics and impact of early-adopter behaviours are identified, as are the resultant implications for institutions for resourcing, recognising, and rewarding early adopters. The research design is underpinned by polyphony (Belova, 2010). Theoretical aspects from entrepreneurship (Stevenson, Roberts & Grousebeck, 1989) and networked learning (Dohn, Cranmer, Sime, De Laat & Ryberg, 2018) are also incorporated, relating early adopter behaviour to the entrepreneurial process in the context of virtual learning communities. This study uses vignettes from early adopters who have pivoted to online teaching in a university, identifying their experiences of instigating and supporting change. The findings highlight the facilitators of, and constraints on, early adopter behaviour, identifying the contextual characteristics necessary to challenge preconceived institutional notions and develop intrapreneurial mindsets that more readily support and implement early-adopter behaviours.
Critical reflections on academic leadership during Covid-19: Using Complexity Leadership Theory to understand the transition to remote and blended learning
Authors: Howden Stella
Published: March 2022

This analysis provides a reflective account of leadership by two Associate Deans in a Higher Education Institution during the first wave of Covid-19. It could be argued that adaptable academic leadership has never been more critical than during the global pandemic when major transformations were needed, not just in how higher education (HE) is delivered, but in how staff work and interact. Literature associated with change identifies the significance of context and leadership.  Understanding supportive leadership practices that enabled successful change during this time has the potential to influence future leadership. It will also inform ambitions to innovate and enhance remote and blended learning. 

The transition to remote and blended learning through the pandemic continues to be important and complex work, aiming to support positive student experiences and learning. Using Complexity Leadership Theory (CLT) (Uhl-Bien & Arena, 2017) as a reflective tool, this analysis considers this transition. CLT allows for exploration within a richly interconnected system that requires continual and flexible changes and adaptations, such as an HE institution. CLT proposes that innovative responses emerge from the tensions between entrepreneurial thinking and operational practice within an enabling environment. 

The authors draw from a series of reflective artefacts to deepen understanding of how their academic leadership practices had adapted during the time of a major system shock. These artefacts informed the analysis and included recorded conversations between the authors (March – November 2020), focusing on the experiences and sense-making of leadership and changes in learning and teaching in one HEI.   More specifically, the contribution of CLT is explored, proposing the value of this lens in illuminating not just what happened but also how leaders enacted change. The findings offer new perspectives on enabling innovation, leadership, and the implications beyond this crisis.
Academic Development during Pandemic: A Staged Approach
Authors: Boyd Vic , Cunningham Tom , Cunningham Catriona
Published: March 2022

In considering the impact on Learning and Teaching of the move to Technology Enabled Education (TEE) in response to the pandemic, the University of Stirling commissioned a report to establish priorities for future learning spaces and practices. Reporting in December 2020, the Sustainable Learning and Teaching @ Stirling project reflected on the progress made since March and provided recommendations for future developments. The project made use of a forward-looking approach influenced by Appreciative Inquiry (Cooperrider & Srivastva, 1987) as a method of evaluation based on success, enhancement and progress. 

The report highlighted the early adopters at Stirling: an expert core of staff within Academic Development and Learning Technology who designed, created and delivered a coherent programme of staff development activities and resources (Supporting Online Learning and Teaching at Stirling - SOLT) to support colleagues in developing or re-developing learning and teaching materials for Autumn 2020. This core also created and cultivated new communities of practice: Faculty Champions (academic staff) to share best practice, and Students as Partners in Learning to provide meaningful feedback to staff on online modules prior to the semester starting. 

This paper looks forward from the report: exploring the impact, challenges and opportunities for academic developers and considering in particular what a possible narrative of ‘Stirlingness’ might look like. We are often there – on the sidelines (Green & Little, 2013) - working with others to shape a community of practice in supporting learning and teaching but what is our narrative in all of this? As two academic developers who shaped and developed the institutional approach described here, we will draw on the method of ‘dialogic play script form’ (Wyatt & Gale, 2018) to explore our own perspectives on the sudden and transformative enhancement process we have experienced this year. We aim to show future opportunities for academic development, with potential value in and for the changing role of the academic developer (Bamber, 2020).
Developing Belief in Online Teaching
Authors: Specht Doug , Chatterton Peter , Hartley Peter , Saunders Gunter
Published: March 2022

Digital pedagogies, blended, hybrid, and online learning are not new, indeed discussions about their role in higher education are well documented. With some notable exceptions however, many of these discussions, and many more attempts at implementation, have been small in scale, operating at the level of a single course, or even single members of staff. Barriers at national, institutional and personal levels all contributed to slow uptake of digital learning. The summer of 2020 though saw institutions across the UK, and indeed the world, forced into rapid transition to online learning in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper examines our work supporting a school - which achieved high student satisfaction rates - within a large post-92 university in this transition. With specific attention to academic identity and efficacy, we examine the approaches that were taken in helping academics to climb over the digital hurdle towards good online teaching. We suggest that a three-pronged approach is needed to overcome these barriers and create the belief in digital that is needed for a successful online transition, and for continued growth. These are a collective ‘all in it together’ approach, placing curriculum, rather than technology at the heart of the work, and also ensuring solid institutional support that does not rely on early adopters.
Togetherness: The central tenet of an effective institutional online pivot
Authors: Singer Jeremy , Bellamy Gwyn , Brown Roderick , Woods Heather Cleland , Labrosse Nicolas , Senn Hans , Vezza Marco
Published: March 2022

This case study explores a collective response to the challenges of learning and teaching within the College of Science and Engineering at the University of Glasgow, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The College comprises seven diverse schools, each of which has a rich and heterogeneous pedagogical culture. As soon as national lockdown commenced, we identified an immediate priority to devise and implement a flexible approach to learning and teaching for the incoming academic year, largely a ‘move to online’ as characterized by Crawford et al. (2020). Flexibility was an inherent requirement of our approach because of the uncertainties we faced: would students be able to attend any events on campus? would students be in a common time zone? would learners and teachers have high-quality internet connectivity? This narrative report describes our institutional strategy over nine months, from the formation of an interdisciplinary flexible learning committee, through the various stages of planning, to the successful delivery of a semester of remote teaching. We explore various factors that contributed to this positive outcome. Activities to support our institutional pivot include: (1) identifying local champions for remote learning and teaching; (2) developing exemplar specifications for model courses; (3) trialling early adoption of new technology platforms; (4) mediating central messaging to each teaching unit; (5) sharing good practice within and between teaching units; (6) developing remote labs; (7) incorporating student experience in a dynamic feedback loop; and (8) supporting student wellbeing. The common theme running through these activities is the sense of a “campus collective” (Fernandez & Shaw, 2020). While none of the individual aspects is novel, their synthesis has resulted in a successful online pivot for a broad academic community of more than 5000 learners and teachers.
Los archivos personales de artistas como contra relatos
Authors: Basile Maria Verónica
Published: March 2022

En las últimas décadas puede observarse un mayor interés por los denominados fondos personales en ámbitos y usos que exceden la especificidad de lo archivístico. En estas líneas, se propone una reflexión sobre sus particularidades y potencialidades para la producción de conocimiento en las ciencias sociales y humanas. En particular, se explora el carácter memorial que portan y la posibilidad que ofrecen para la construcción de contra-relatos. Primero, se plantea una breve revisión de los debates y conceptualizaciones en torno a la problemática. En una segunda parte, se expone el trabajo con dos tipos de acervos personales: uno privado y otro en vías de conformación a partir de la confección de fuentes orales con registro audiovisual y la cesión de documentos para su digitalización en un archivo universitario. Las reflexiones se inscriben en el marco de una Historia Cultural Transdisciplinar y recuperan aportes de los subcampos de Historia Oral y Reciente.
Imagen, historia y montaje:
Authors: Fabricio Emilce
Published: March 2022

La obra de Aby Warburg presenta elementos aún hoy disruptivos para los abordajes de la historia cultural. Mi intención es explorar posibles contribuciones del pensamiento warburguiano al análisis de la imagen audiovisual. Para esto abrevaré en su matriz teórico-metodológica con la guía de dos autores que se nutren de ella: por un lado, Philippe-Alain Michaud, con su original estudio del movimiento en Warburg y en el cine; por otro lado, Georges Didi-Huberman, de quién me interesan sobre todo sus reflexiones en torno a los anacronismos y a un pensamiento por el montaje.
Addition of Beetroot Extract to Neoadjuvant Adriamycin Cyclophosphamide Regimen Increased Tumor Cell Apoptosis in Mammary Adenocarcinoma Rats
Authors: Susilowati Sri , Susilaningsih Neni , Suharti Catharina
Published: March 2022

Apoptosis is one of the anticancer targets. Currently, the concomitant use of phytotherapy products and chemotherapy regimens is common in breast cancer patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the apoptotic effect of adding beetroot extract to the neoadjuvant Adriamycin Cyclophosphamide (AC) regimen by observing the expression levels of p53 and caspase 3 in tumor tissue from mammary adenocarcinoma rats. Twenty-four rats that succeeded in growing tumor nodules were randomly divided into 4 treatment groups: without treatment, AC only treatment, AC plus beetroot extract at dose of 25 and 100 mg/kg BW, respectively. AC was given 4 cycles in doses of 5 and 50 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally every week. Tumor tissue was dissected at 4th week for examination of p53 and caspase 3 expression levels using the qRT-PCR method. The addition of beetroot extract at doses of 25 and 100 mg/kg BW in the neoadjuvant AC regimen showed significantly higher levels of p53 and caspase 3 expression than those with AC treatment alone. These results proved that beetroot extract has a synergistic effect with neoadjuvant AC regimen by increasing tumor cells apoptosis.Keywords: Beetroot extract, Adriamycin, Cyclophosphamide, apoptosis, p53.
Schwarzbuch Vergabe
Authors: Eicker-Wolf Kai , Axnick Christian , Dizinger Liv
Published: March 2022

In öffentlichen Vergabeverfahren werden über Tariftreuregelung die Auftragnehmer zur Einhaltung der tariflich festgelegten Entlohnung angehalten. Die ordnungspolitische Bedeutung dieser Regelung für sozial- und wirtschaftspolitische Zwecke ignoriert die öffentliche Hand in Hessen unter CDU/FDP seit Jahren systematisch. Das Schwarzbuch beschreibt die Folgen, sei es an öffentlichen Baustellen, in der Forstwirtschaft, oder im öffentlichen Personennahverkehr. Das Ergebnis: In Hessen fördert die öffentliche Hand Lohndumping, Armutslöhne und schlimmste Formen der Ausbeutung, die an frühkapitalistische Verhältnisse erinnern.
Der Vorspann als Bedeutungsträger
Authors: Buhse Eric
Published: March 2022

Stirbt der Serienvorspann aus? Noch Mitte der 2000er Jahre legten vielbeachtete Serien wie Lost und Heroes mit ihren extrem kurzen Vorspannsequenzen diesen Schluss nahe. Doch inzwischen scheint der Vorspann mehr denn je als televisuelle Kunstform verstanden zu werden. Experimentelle Vorspänne wie die der Serien True Blood, Game of Thrones oder Mad Men stellen einen integralen Bestandteil heutiger Popkultur dar.Im Zuge des »transmedia storytelling« erlangt der Vorspann eine gänzlich neue Bedeutung. Seine Rezeption ist nicht mehr nur an das Fernsehprogramm gekoppelt, sondern auch eng mit der DVD-Verwertung und dem Internet verknüpft. Es lässt sich beobachten, dass zahlreiche zeitgenössische Vorspannsequenzen hochgradig variabel sind und einen geradezu enigmatischen Charakter aufweisen. Sind sie Ausdruck charakteristischer Formen aktueller Fernsehpraxis?
Strukturwandel in Hessen gestalten
Authors: Eicker-Wolf Kai , Dizinger Liv
Published: March 2022

Der tiefgreifende Wandel von Industrie- und Dienstleistungssektor setzt die Beschäftigten in Deutschland zusehends unter Druck. Dabei stellt sich immer wieder die Frage, wie eine zukunftsfähige Dienstleistungs- und Industriepolitik aussehen sollte, die notwendige Innovationen mit Nachhaltigkeit, fairen Löhnen, sozialen Beschäftigungsbedingungen und Mitbestimmung in Einklang bringt. Dieses Buch widmet sich diesen schon jetzt ganz akuten Herausforderungen in Hessen. In Beiträgen über Industrie 4.0, die Energie- und Verkehrswende, die Veränderungen der personenbezogenen Dienstleistungen in Pflege, Gesundheit und Bildung sowie die Schaffung von sozialem Wohnraum werden darüber hinaus konkrete Handlungsempfehlungen für die Landespolitik entwickelt.
Die gescheiterte Bahnreform
Authors: Meyer Maximilian
Published: March 2022

Die Schlagzeilen des Jahres 2010 machten den Zustand der Deutschen Bahn AG drastisch sichtbar: Zusammenbruch des S-Bahnverkehrs in Berlin, Konstruktionsmängel in mehreren Fahrzeugbaureihen, hunderte Zugausfälle in Sommer und Winter. Einen Hinweis auf die politischen Entscheidungen, die zu diesem Zustand der Bahn geführt haben, sucht man in der Berichterstattung aber meist vergebens. Mit der 1994 eingeleiteten Bahnreform waren große Hoffnungen für die Zukunft des Verkehrsträgers Bahn verknüpft. Die zentralen Reforminhalte, Marktöffnung und formelle Privatisierung der DB sind jedoch nicht dazu geeignet, die Wettbewerbsposition der Bahn zu verbessern. Maximilian Meyer zeigt anschaulich, warum die Bahnreform scheitern musste, welche Alternativen es gibt und warum die Bahnprivatisierung die falsche Antwort auf die Misere des Schienenverkehrs ist.
Schriftstellerische Autopoiesis
Authors: Rzeszotnik Jacek
Published: March 2022

Der von den chilenischen Physiologen und Neurobiologen H. R. Maturana und F. J. Varela eingeführte Begriff Autopoiesis metaphorisiert die Eigenschaft aller Organismen, »aus sich selbst heraus zu schaffen«. Die schriftstellerische Autopoiesis richtet ihr Augenmerk auf die autokreativen Bestrebungen der Literaten. Dabei können – im literarisch-autopoietischen Kontext – autologische, metamediale, kybernetische, fiktionale und virtuelle Aspekte untersucht werden. Jacek Rzeszotnik versammelt im vorliegenden Band Beiträge zum internationalen Projekt »Schriftstellerische Autopoiesis« von Germanistinnen und Germanisten aus Deutschland, Polen, der Schweiz und Slowenien. In ihren Aufsätzen erörtern sie Teilbereiche des autopoietischen Impetus im selbstreferenziellen Schreiben ausgewählter deutschsprachiger Autoren und Philosophen des ausgehenden 19. und des 20. Jahrhunderts.
Heterogenesis
Authors: Glawion Sven
Published: March 2022

Die Studentenbewegung und die sexuelle Revolution, der Staatssozialismus sowie die Kontroversen um die Postmoderne haben mit ihren unterschiedlichen Vorstellungen von Emanzipation die Diskurse um Geschlecht und Sexualität in Deutschland nachhaltig verändert. Welche Rolle spielten dabei heterosexuelle Männer? Wie gestaltete sich ihre Emanzipation? Was stabilisierte normative Vorstellungen von Männlichkeit? Sven Glawion geht diesen Fragen nach, indem er Erzähltexte von Peter Schneider, Ulrich Plenzdorf, Bernward Vesper, Thomas Brussig und Benjamin Lebert, aber auch wissenschaftliche und bewegungspolitische Texte der Zeit analysiert. Unter dem Begriff »Heterogenesis« arbeitet er dabei narrative Verbindungen von Sexualität und Sinnproduktion heraus, welche Emanzipation ermöglichten, gleichzeitig aber auch Heteronormativität stabilisierten. Sowohl für die Germanistik als auch für die Gender Studies eröffnen sich damit neue Perspektiven auf die Zeit zwischen 1968 und 2000.
Hessen vorne?
Authors: Eicker-Wolf Kai , Körzell Stefan
Published: March 2022

Die Parole »Hessen vorn!« beschreibt in den 1960er Jahren die eindrucksvolle Entwicklung des Bundeslandes seit dem Zweiten Weltkrieg. Doch welchen Bestand hat der stolze Slogan aus dem vergangenen Jahrhundert heute – nach fast 14 Jahren CDU-Regierung? Anlässlich der im Herbst 2013 anstehenden Landtagswahl nimmt sich der vorliegende Sammelband der zahlreichen Herausforderungen und akuten Probleme Hessens an. In Beiträgen zur Finanz-, Wirtschafts- und Sozialpolitik werden die politischen Maßnahmen der Landesregierung kritisch hinterfragt und alternative Konzepte diskutiert.
KEKABURAN BATASAN MAKNA PEMASARAN DALAM TRANSAKSI JUAL BELI APARTEMEN DENGAN SISTEM PRE PROJECT SELLING
Authors: Rahmat Panca Basuki , Widhiyanti Hanif Nur , Anggraini Erna
Published: March 2022

Pemasaran apartemen dengan sistem pre project selling diperbolehkan sepanjang pengembang harus memenuhi persyaratan pada Pasal 42 ayat (2) UU Rumah Susun, ketentuan tersebut bersifat imperatif artinya wajib dipatuhi oleh pengembang. Pengembang telah melakukan promosi untuk memasarkan produknya tetapi disisi lain pengembang belum memiliki izin-izin pembangunan. Tujuan penelitian untuk menganalisis dan menemukan batasan pemasaran dalam transaksi jual beli apartemen dengan sistem pre project selling. Penelitian hukum normatif ini menggunakan pendekatan peraturan perundang-undangan dan pendekatan konseptual. Hasil penelitian adalah praktik pre project selling yang dilakukan pengembang seringkali tidak memenuhi persyaratan-persyaratan dalam pembangunan apartemen. Masyarakat dapat dirugikan dari praktik tersebut, sehingga Pemerintah perlu melakukan pengawasan yang ketat terhadap praktik pre project selling agar dapat memberikan perlindungan hukum bagi masyarakat sebagai konsumen apartemen.