bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Emergent Apprehensional Epistemic Adverbial in Spanish
Authors: Persohn Bastian
Published: September 2022

The topic of this paper is an emergent Spanish adverbial,a lo peor, formed by analogy witha lo mejorʻmaybeʼ. This novel adverbial constitutes an instance of an apprehensional epistemic (Lichtenberk, Frantisek. 1995. Apprehensional epistemics. In Joan Bybee & Suzanne Fleischman (eds.),Modality in grammar and discourse, 293–327. Amsterdam: John Benjamins); that is, it expresses epistemic possibility together with a negative attitude towards the hypothetical state-of-affairs. We discuss its status as an emergent construction and develop a corpus-based descriptive approximation that extends previous notes on the adverbial by considering patterns of usage and aspects of syntax, as well as observations about diatopic and diaphasic variation. We further discuss the motivation for the coinage ofa lo peoras well as the exact process of analogy formation, applying both a language-internal perspective and a cross-linguistic one. Lastly, we compare our findings ona lopeor to typological observations on the functions and evolution of apprehensional epistemics.
Extracellular vesicles and particles impact the systemic landscape of cancer
Authors: Lucotti Serena , Kenific Candia M , Zhang Haiying , Lyden David
Published: September 2022

Intercellular cross talk between cancer cells and stromal and immune cells is essential for tumor progression and metastasis. Extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) are a heterogeneous class of secreted messengers that carry bioactive molecules and that have been shown to be crucial for this cell–cell communication. Here, we highlight the multifaceted roles of EVPs in cancer. Functionally, transfer of EVP cargo between cells influences tumor cell growth and invasion, alters immune cell composition and function, and contributes to stromal cell activation. These EVP‐mediated changes impact local tumor progression, foster cultivation of pre‐metastatic niches at distant organ‐specific sites, and mediate systemic effects of cancer. Furthermore, we discuss how exploiting the highly selective enrichment of molecules within EVPs has profound implications for advancing diagnostic and prognostic biomarker development and for improving therapy delivery in cancer patients. Altogether, these investigations into the role of EVPs in cancer have led to discoveries that hold great promise for improving cancer patient care and outcome.
Congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia in a Saudi infant
Authors: Subki Siham Hussein , Wadea Mohammed Hussain Raghad , Al-Agha Abdulmoein Eid
Published: September 2022

Congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (CLAH) is characterized by a defect in the STAR protein-encoding gene that attenuates all steroidogenesis pathways. Herein, we present the first reported case in Saudi Arabia of a 46 XY, phenotypically female infant with an unfamiliar, darkened complexion compared to the family’s skin color. Based on the clinical and biochemical findings, CLAH was diagnosed and glucocorticoid replacement therapy was initiated. As a result, we suggest that pediatricians should always investigate the possibility of adrenal insufficiency when encountering unusual dark skin.

Learning points

Pediatricians should be prompted to rule out adrenal insufficiency in unexpectedly dark skin neonates.

In such patients, pediatricians should not wait until the neonate develops an adrenal crisis.

A low level of 17-hydroxyprogesterone does not always rule out the possibility of inherited adrenal gland disorders, and additional tests should be performed for early detection.
Lignin in place of carbon black for ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer based automotive sealing profiles
Authors: Poyraz Bayram , Güner Yusuf , Tozluoğlu Ayhan , Yamanoğlu Rıdvan , Candan Zeki , Şen Murat
Published: September 2022

This study examined the effects of lignin used in EPDM elastomer composites in place of carbon black. For that purpose, lignin was added in amounts of 3.5, 7, and 10.5 phr to investigate the chemical, thermal, rheological, mechanical, and morphological properties of the EPDM elastomers. At the end of the study, tear strength and elongation were enhanced, whereas thermal stability was lowered due to the lignin. The lignin facilitated the vulcanization process and improved the torque values. In the morphology, the lignin was dispersed homogeneously in the matrix, and no voids or cracks were observed except with 10.5 phr. In conclusion, when incorporated at a specified ratio, lignin is economical and provides ecological benefits. Its use as a natural filler can be recommended to automotive industries to provide enhanced properties and ecological properties as a substitute for carbon black.
Developmental surveillance, screening and evaluation: an analysis of Brazil's public policies for child care
Authors: Solís Cordero Katherine , Teixira Palombo Claudia Nery , Ramos de Oliveira Clariana Vitória , Fujimori Elizabeth
Published: September 2022

This essay analyzes Brazilian laws, public policies and programs for the promotion of child development, focusing on initiatives aimed at identifying developmental delays. Since 1984, early childhood legislation has included child development as part of the Brazilian child care agenda. However, screening and developmental assessment were not placed in a high position as one of the most important actions aimed at childcare. It is necessary to formulate official instruments or scales, and implement interventions for the detection of developmental disorders, delays and risk conditions that will enable to reach more children, and the early identification of developmental delays.
Association between sleep disorders on children, sociodemographic factors and the sleep of caregivers
Authors: Rabelo Susy Maria Feitosa de Melo , Albuquerque Brandão Maria Girlane Sousa , Araújo Márcio Flávio Moura de , Freitas Roberto Wagner Júnior Freire de , Vasconcelos Hérica Cristina Alves de , Veras Vivian Saraiva
Published: September 2022

Aim: To analyze the association between children's sleep disorders, sociodemographic factors, and caregivers' sleep.
Method: An Epidemiological, cross-sectional, analytical study, with a quantitative approach, was carried out in two public schools in the Northeast of Brazil. The participants were 222 students, aged between 6 and 11 years old, and 123 caregivers. The Sleep Disturbance Scale in Children was used for the children’s evaluations. The caregivers' sleep was analyzed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale.
Results: Regarding the sleep disorders in children, 60.8% had good sleep quality. Most of them had an adequate number of sleep hours, studied in the afternoon, spent less than two hours in front of screens, and had no reports of illnesses. There was a significant relationship between those caregivers outside the home and the children with an adequate number of hours of sleep. Children with poor sleep quality had a predominance of enuresis. There was an association between good quality of sleep and physical activity during free time and the acceptance of school meals. Children with good sleep quality predominated seemed to be the ones in the care of caregivers who did not present excessive daytime sleepiness and reports of illnesses.
Conclusion: The data found suggest the need to conduct new strategies that can promote more quality to children's sleep, with caregivers and the pre-school educational community.
Sex differences in neural substrates of risk taking: Implications for sex-specific vulnerabilities to internet gaming disorder
Authors: Wang Lingxiao , Zheng Hui , Wang Min , Chen Shuaiyu , Du Xiaoxia , Dong Guang-Heng
Published: September 2022

Background and aims

Sex differences in internet gaming disorder (IGD) remain unknown. Investigating sex-specific neural features that underlie the core risk factor (i.e., risk-taking) of IGD would help in understanding sex-specific vulnerabilities to IGD and advance sex-specific treatments and prevention for IGD.

Methods

111 participants (28 IGD males, 27 IGD females, 26 recreational game user (RGU) males, 30 RGU females) completed a probability discounting task during fMRI scanning.

Results

First, among RGUs, males showed a higher risk-taking tendency and greater neural activation associated with risk/value evaluation for reward (the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), left putamen) and smaller activation associated with cognitive control (the inferior frontal gyrus) than females during the contrast of risky-safe choices. Moreover, males showed a greater modulatory effect of risky choices on the connection from the vmPFC/ACC to the left putamen than females. Second, IGD males showed decreased activation in the vmPFC/ACC and left putamen compared to RGU males, whereas this decrease did not exist in IGD females.

Discussion

Males show a higher risk-taking tendency than females. Altered neural substrates associated with risky decision-making exist in IGD males but not in IGD females.

Conclusions

The present findings fill the gap in information on the behavioral and neural substrates underlying IGD among females and demonstrate that a high risk-taking tendency is a risk factor and core symptom only in IGD males but not in IGD females. It is necessary to design and adopt distinct treatments and prevention strategies for IGD in males and females.
Redefining object attachment: Development and validation of a new scale
Authors: David Jonathan , Norberg Melissa M.
Published: September 2022

Background and aims

Object attachment is the emotional bond or connection that we have with possessions. Although thought to be ubiquitous, when excessive, object attachment is presumed to contribute to compulsive buying and hoarding problems. Unfortunately, our understanding of this relationship has been limited by the constraints of existing object attachment measures. In this paper, we developed and validated a new self-report questionnaire, called the Object Attachment Security Measure (OASM).

Methods

We developed an item pool based on previous measures and consultation with 24 experts in the field. After piloting, we administered this measure to a large sample (Final N = 365), along with self-report measures of hoarding, compulsive buying, and previous object attachment measures.

Results

We found that the OASM distinguished between secure and insecure object attachment. Both subscales showed excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability over a two-week period. Additionally, they demonstrated excellent convergent and divergent validity, and criterion validity with measures of hoarding and compulsive buying symptoms. We also found that insecure, but not secure object attachment, was uniquely related to hoarding and compulsive buying symptomology.

Discussion and conclusion

Our findings extend theoretical models, highlighting the role of insecure object attachment. Future research in both clinical and consumer behaviour fields should utilise the OASM, as reducing insecure object attachment and potentially encouraging secure object attachment could decrease maladaptive possession use and increase sustainable consumption.
Strategic Model for Halal Tourism Development in Indonesia: A Preliminary Research
Authors: Huda Nurul , Rini Nova , Muslikh Muslikh , Hidayat Slamet , Takidah Erika , Sari Dian Permata , Husniyah Af'idatul
Published: September 2022

Halal tourism is one of the emerging sectors in the halal industry. The article aims to identify the main problems, solutions, and strategies for developing a model of halal tourism. The qualitative and quantitative approaches are used in this article, including in-depth interviews and expert group discussions with the community leaders, academics, culinary and travel entrepreneurs, local tourism board, hotel entrepreneurs, and tourists representing halal tourism stakeholders. The data was complemented with research questionnaires and compiled using the Analytic Network Process (ANP) method, with Super Decision as a data processing tool. The article provides empirical insights into halal tourism in Indonesia, focusing on the root cause, the outcome of solutions, and the formulation of a future development strategy. Government-related issues remain the main priority, followed by community and halal facilities entrepreneur issues (hotel, travel, and halal food). The results showed that the priority problem in developing halal tourism in Indonesia is infrastructure problems. The solution is to build adequate road infrastructure, repair damaged roads, and complete road direction to halal tourism locations in every region of Indonesia. Halal tourism goals in Indonesia can be realized by implementing a functional synergy between the government and the local community.
Halal Medicine Selection Process in Sharia-Certified Hospital
Authors: Ningtyas Palupi Fatma , Permana Iman , Rosa Elsye Maria , Jaswir Irwandi
Published: September 2022

One of the standards in medicine service compiled by the National Sharia Council of Indonesian Ulema Council (DSN MUI) and Indonesian Islamic Health Effort Council (MUKISI) is a drug formulary that does not contain haram substances. In addition, the number of medicines with a halal label in Indonesia is still limited. Even though there is law no. 33 of 2014, which requires a halal certification for all products, including medicines sold in Indonesia. The pharmaceutical industry has not fully supported this issue and still faces many challenges in making this happen. The purpose of this study is to determine the implementation of the halal medicine selection process in Nur Hidayah Hospital Yogyakarta. It is qualitative research with a case study approach. Data were collected using interview, observation, and documentation techniques. The study reveals four themes in the halal medicine implementation selection process at Nur Hidayah Hospital. Those are medicine screening based on sharia principles, the limitation of medicine with the halal label, the use of haram medicine based on doctor-patient agreement using sharia informed consent, and producer statement as a middle ground.
Mythos and Postdigital Theology: Beyond the Limits of Digitalization
Authors: Trozzo Eric J.
Published: September 2022

The effect of digital technologies on religion generally and Christian theology more particular is a topic attracting increasing interest. This article argues that the role of theology is to provide a counter to the tendencies of digitization. Digitization is understood as the division of knowledge into discrete units and valuing this division over models of knowledge that seek to connect and integrate human experiences. The article argues for the need for a postdigital theology that seeks to encounter transcendence in the spaces where human experience exceeds the limits of digitization. Methodologically, the article draws on the interdisciplinary field of postdigital theory. It finds that theology is a work of defracturing or reconnecting forms of human knowledge in weaving together a coherent narrative of human experience that provides hope for relationality in the midst of the destructive tendencies at play in the world. Such defracturing opens a space for an encounter with transcendence, understood in a broad sense that includes encountering the vastness of existence as well as the realm of potentiality from whence liberative hope is fostered. The openness to transcendence that comes from exceeding digitization allows for a theological interpretation of an encounter with the divine within that transcendence. The article then lays a potential framework for such a theological endeavor. This methodological framework is an approach to overcoming the divide between logos and mythos, holding scientific and artistic approaches as equally valid contributions to understanding reality in the production of a religious or theological narrative.
Embodiment of Worship
Authors: Van Cappellen Patty , Edwards Megan E.
Published: September 2022

In addition to a set of beliefs, religion is fundamentally a corporeal practice. Across religions, specific postures adopted for prayer and worship may not simply reflect arbitrary customs but are closely intertwined with religious experience. This contribution reviews embodiment theory and related empirical evidence showing how body postures influence our emotions, thoughts, and decision-making. We propose a typology of postures adopted in religious practices along the dimensions of expansiveness-constrictiveness and upward-downward body orientation, and review the corpus of published/unpublished research on the embodiment of worship. We further discuss that in addition to enabling the experiential and ritualistic aspect of religion, embodiment serves at least four functions: communicative, social, cognitive, and intrapersonal. Finally, we suggest contextual and individual differences variables that may constrain the choice and psychological consequences of postures within and outside religious contexts. Together, we emphasize that the locus of religion’s psycho-social “effects” is not only in the mind or the brain but in the full body.
Bible, the Trump Presidency and the Politics of Exegesis
Authors: Friesen Courtney J P
Published: September 2022

The presidency of Donald Trump exposed and amplified dynamics long active in American religion. Although the overwhelming support of evangelical Christians took many by surprise due to his unconventional religious qualifications, scholars have increasingly established that this political alliance reflects numerous well-established commitments. Accordingly, this study analyses the function of the Bible in the rhetoric of Trump’s Christian supporters. Among those surveyed, fundamentalist assumptions of biblical authority and inerrancy are held in common even while the exegetical techniques deployed diverge widely from the corresponding principles of “literal” interpretation and “original” meanings. Their tendencies are rather towards divinatory, even quasi-magical, appropriations of scriptural excerpts, practices attested in antiquity though less well known in American Christianity. For these political apologists, the Bible’s status approaches that of a ritual icon possessing spiritual power and conferring authority and legitimacy on those who wield it.
Brusatol inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells and reduces HIF-1α/VEGF expression and glycolysis under hypoxia
Authors: Wang Mi , Dai Liyang , Yan Wei , Chen Ying , Wang Yakun
Published: September 2022

Prostate cancer (PCa) has a high rate of morbidity and mortality, which urges us to find a unique and effective drug for treatment. Brusatol, a triterpenoid-degraded derivative, possesses antitumor activities. However, the significance of Brusatol in prostate cancer has not yet been completely elucidated. Therefore, this study aimed to explore how Brusatol affected prostate cancer cells. DU145 and PC-3 cell lines were chosen as experimental models. After Brusatol was added to relevant cells in culture, CCK-8 and colony formation experiments were used to assess cell viability; apoptosis rates were calculated using flow cytometry; and transwell assays were utilized to assess cell migration and invasion ability. Vimentin, N-cadherin, E-cadherin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), hypoxia- inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1), hexokinase 2 (HK2), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDHA) protein expression were evaluated by western blotting, and glucose consumption in cells was assessed using related equipment. In DU145 and PC-3 cells, Brusatol drastically reduced cell proliferation, promoted apoptosis, hindered migration and invasion. Considerably decreased HIF-1α and VEGF protein levels under hypoxia were detected. Furthermore, the expression of GLUT1, HK2, and LDHA was diminished, resulting in decreased glucose consumption in a Brusatol concentration-dependent manner. These findings demonstrate that Brusatol serves as a potent antitumor drug that suppresses DU145 and PC-3 cancer cell growth, metastasis, and glycolysis. This discovery could provide a possible clinical treatment strategy for prostate cancer.
Provisional Numbers and Rates of Suicide by Month and Demographic Characteristics: United States, 2021
Authors: Curtin Sally , Garnett Matthew , Ahmad Farida
Published: September 2022

This report presents provisional numbers of deaths due to suicide by month and demographic characteristics (age and sex) for 2021 and compares them with final numbers for 2020.
A Cop-8 nas folhas da Gazeta do Sul: o vitimismo como veneno jornalístico
Authors: Schuster Patrícia Regina , Oliveira Vanessa Costa de , Simão Gisele Padilha
Published: September 2022

O tabaco é o principal responsável pela economia do Vale do Rio Pardo, no Rio Grande do Sul. Frente a essa premissa, objetivamos verificar como o jornal de maior expressividade desta região - a Gazeta do Sul - discursiviza a COP-8, que se propõe a debater o controle desta cultura. Sob o respaldo da Análise de Discurso, de tendência francesa, analisamos a cobertura da COP-8, realizada em 2018, na Suíça, e procuramos identificar o modo que este assunto se equaliza nesta arena. Ao final, reparamos que o vitimismo prevalece como sentido quase que unissonante nas reportagens. Observamos que a publicação lança mão de tal estratégia discursiva de maneira a garantir uma imaginada estabilidade socioeconômica, enquanto apaga relações antagônicas que concorrem no que diz respeito à questão do tabaco.
Cartografia dos deslocamentos: Trabalhadores sazonais da maçã em Vacaria
Authors: Neto Alberto Bracagioli , Fedrizzi Tiago Zilles
Published: September 2022

A dinâmica do desenvolvimento capitalista no campo brasileiro tem produzido consequências sociais, econômicas e ambientais. Entre elas, destacamos neste artigo, os fluxos migratórios dos trabalhadores sazonais na colheita da maçã. Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar as trajetórias e as diferentes categorias destes trabalhadores. Foram utilizadas ferramentas qualitativas de caráter etnográfico, contando com entrevistas semidiretivas e observação participante. O referencial teórico esteve baseado em estudos etnográficos de trabalhadores rurais e análise das relações de poder foucaultianas. Como resultado foram identificadas diferentes trajetórias, identificadas como: “ser e estar no trecho”, “que nem formiga” e assentados. A conclusão demonstra o conjunto de assimetrias provocadas pelo processo de desenvolvimento e a itinerância contínua e sazonal destes trabalhadores.
A formação da identidade de classe de agricultores familiares: uma articulação teórica entre o consumo de mídia e a participação no movimento social de Economia Solidária
Authors: Ronsini Veneza Mayora , Rebellato Mauricio
Published: September 2022

Este artigo discute, teoricamente, as relações entre a participação de agricultores familiares no movimento social de Economia Solidária e a formação da identidade de classe, assim como o papel da mídia na (des) legitimação das identidades. O tema da mobilização, através de uma ação coletiva em um movimento social, permite observar com mais clareza o processo de identificação com a classe social a partir das interações com os meios tradicionais de comunicação e as novas tecnologias. Como eixo teórico, são usados os estudos culturais britânicos e latino-americanos, e é feita uma combinação entre a sociologia da reprodução de Pierre Bourdieu e as mediações comunicativas da cultura, de Jesús-Martín-Barbero: o primeiro, por suas contribuições ao estudo de classe social; o segundo, por tratar a mídia como questão de cultura e de reconhecimento social. Na argumentação teórica, afirma-se que o posicionamento crítico do movimento acerca dos modos de trabalho e consumo na sociedade capitalista tende a resultar em interpretações negociadas das representações da mídia hegemônica acerca da agricultura familiar. O papel da Economia Solidária na manutenção e sobrevivência econômica da agricultura familiar não é suficiente para permitir a conscientização acerca da subalternidade de classe comungada com outras frações da classe trabalhadora rural. O afã de reconhecimento social e midiático aparta a agricultura familiar do reconhecimento com os demais trabalhadores.
Paleobotany to understand evolution and biodiversity in Mexico
Authors: Cevallos-Ferriz Sergio R. S. , Hernández-Damián Ana Lilia , Beraldi-Campesi Hugo , Ruvalcaba-Knoth Marco Antonio , Huerta-Vergara Alma Rosa
Published: September 2022

Paleobotany bears an invaluable source of knowledge for understanding the history of the biodiversity that we protect and care for today. This discipline is recognized as a source of information on physical, ecological, and biological events and processes that occurred in the past and are maintained today, but whose occurrences must be interpreted necessarily, and sometimes with limitations, solely from the lithosphere. The importance of studying past life from Mexico and addressing fossil plant reconstruction is highlighted to understand modern biodiversity. Fossils in Mexico have been studied marginally but contain valuable information to understand the history of biodiversity, both in Mexico and globally. We examined the extent to which Mexican fossils can contribute to understanding the origin and development of biological processes through time, and how past plant biodiversity in Mexico compares with the extant one. We used two sources to address these questions: (i) ideas on biological processes as seen through the fossil record, and (ii) fossils known from Mexico. Examples are given of how fossils, morphology, anatomy, and numerical methods, as well as genetics and physiology, illuminate each other to generate solid botanical concepts. The abundant and widely distributed outcrops with fossil plants suggest that further studies on Mexican material will be influential for varied biological hypotheses related to the origin and history of biodiversity. Mexican fossil plants and their scarce sampled localities are open to further investigation that will complement hypotheses on the historic discussion of biological processes.
Challenges and Ethical Issues in Counseling Supervision from Faculty Supervisors’ Perspective
Authors: KOÇYİĞİT ÖZYİĞİT Melike
Published: September 2022

Supervision is an essential aspect of counselor development. Supervisors should have the necessary qualifications to provide effective supervision. The difficulties encountered and ethical problems can make the supervision they provide ineffective or harmful. As emphasized in the supervision literature, supervisors may unwittingly offer ineffective supervision. Therefore, it is thought that there is a need to examine the experiences of the supervisors. This study aimed to present empirical evidence on the challenges and ethical problems faced by supervisors in counseling supervision and ways of coping. For this purpose, the explanatory sequential mixed methods research design was used. The most common challenging factors, ethical issues, and coping methods were obtained from faculty supervisors via a web-based questionnaire. Also, online interviews were conducted with nine volunteer faculty supervisors to delve into their experiences. The most challenging factors were about conducting supervision, supervision methods, and techniques, evaluation, and focus of supervision. The supervisor encounters ethical problems such as confidentiality and privacy, emergency, evaluation process, unprofessional behavior of the supervisee, and multiple relationships. Consultation, getting literature support and having a strong supervision relationship with the supervisee are the most frequently used coping methods. The results of this study provide a framework for supervisors' needs to provide effective supervision. Based on these findings, it is thought that supervisor training will provide a critical contribution to supervisors as to gaining the knowledge and skills they need to cope with these challenges.
Perceptions of Social Workers in the School Social Work Project: The Need for Multicultural Education
Authors: AKARÇAY ULUTAŞ Demet , USTABAŞI GÜNDÜZ Dilara , KIRLIOĞLU Mehmet
Published: September 2022

Multicultural education is the key to the development process of culture of living together, emphasising human rights. In the legal sense, the study underlines the importance of school social work practices in terms of ensuring Syrian children to have unrestricted access to education in addition to providing them with equal opportunity in education. In the light of those practices, the motivation of the study is to discover social work academics’ perceptions of the path to multicultural education in Turkey and recommendations on how to integrate it into the current educational structure. For this purpose, in-depth interviews were conducted with ten social workers who took part in the “School Social Work Project”. The education structure in Turkey, the attitude towards Syrians, the problems experienced by Syrian individuals and their perspectives on education are summarized as risk factors that affect the participation of Syrian children in education. This study emphasises the importance of establishing cooperation with teachers and non-governmental organisations. With this cooperation, it seems possible to develop multicultural education by integrating the human focus of social work. Therefore, the use of development resources and social work resources together in the context of school social work practices will provide the change that will show the way to multicultural education. The findings point to recommendations such as ensuring family-teacher interaction, adding classes on culture of living together, and integrating non-governmental organisations systematically in the process of multicultural education.
The Effects of Group Mentoring on Teachers’ Classroom Activities: An Instrumental Case Study
Authors: SAĞLAM ARSLAN Ayşegül , KARATAŞ Faik , ÜNAL Suat , ASLAN Ayşegül
Published: September 2022

As the technologies in the field of education are becoming more and more sophisticated, continuous professional development for teachers is gaining increasing importance. Therefore, teachers need to improve themselves to grow more competent professionally, to adapt to innovations in their field and to be aware of their competencies throughout their professional careers. A support for professional development can be given to teachers through in-service training programs or mentoring practices. This study aims to improve chemistry teachers' adaptation to the renewed curriculum with a group mentoring program and to determine the effects of this program on professional development of teachers by individually and as a group. The study group consists of four (three males, one female) chemistry teachers working in the central districts of the province of Trabzon in Turkey. A Course Evaluation Form developed by the researchers was used to examine the effect of the teachers’ mentoring support experiences on their classroom practices. Each teacher was observed before, during and after the mentoring. Every one of the classroom teaching practices was video-recorded. The video recordings were analyzed according to the themes and codes in the course evaluation form. The findings show that there is a change in teachers' in-class practices before, during and after the mentoring, and while this change shows continuous improvement in some cases, it is variable or stationary in some others.
The relationship between Turkish high school administrators' technology leadership self-efficacies and their attitudes and competencies towards technology use in education
Authors: AKTAŞ Niyazi , KARACA Feride
Published: September 2022

A correlational study was conducted to examine the relationship between high school administrators’ technology leadership self-efficacies and their attitudes and competencies towards technology use in education. The participants were 338 school administrators (67 administrators and 271 vice administrators) working in 112 high schools located in the Anatolian side of Istanbul and the data were collected through a questionnaire. According to the findings, the school administrators' technology leadership self-efficacies were all sufficient and they had positive attitudes and sufficient competencies towards using technology. In addition, there were positive relationships between school administrators' technology leadership self-efficacies, their attitudes towards the use of technology and their competencies in using technology in education. Similarly, there was a positive relationship between the attitudes and the competencies of school administrators towards using technology. Conducted with a group of school administrators, accepted as the technology leaders of the school, this study sheds light on the relationship between the necessary school administrator characteristics in technology integration processes. The present study is indeed valuable in exploring the relationship among these three critical factors influencing the school principals’ effectiveness in the technology integration process. Examining these important school administrator characteristics, this study will cast light on the ways through which creating a digital school culture by improving their leadership qualifications may become possible.
Influence of Technical Support on Technology Acceptance Model to Examine the Project PAIR E-Learning System in Distance Learning Modality
Authors: CARATIQUIT Lovely Jean , CARATIQUIT Kevın
Published: September 2022

Adopting technology in this new normal education improved students' engagement and motivation to learn. This paper aimed to investigate the impact of technical support on Technology Acceptance Model to examine Project PAIR in the distance learning modality employing Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling. Applying a convenience sampling technique, the investigation involved 305 senior high school learners from a secondary school in Cagayan, Philippines. Sample sizes were calculated using the inverse square root and gamma-exponential methods. Results showed that technical support directly impacts the perceived ease of use, usefulness, and attitude toward using. The findings also revealed that the perceived ease of use of PAIR has a direct impact on its perceived usefulness and attitude toward use. In contrast, perceived usefulness directly influences the attitude toward using and behavioral intention to use. Likewise, attitude towards using directly impacts the behavioral intention and actual use, while behavioral intention directly influences actual use. This paper concluded that technical support is a reliable external variable of the technology acceptance model. Hence, the application of PAIR for remote learning is strongly recommended for the school and the public. It is also recommended that the schools must ensure that they have provided technical support to ensure the PAIR functioning runs appropriately. Further implications for institutions and future studies are also discussed in this paper.
GIDA KATKI MADDESİ OLARAK KULLANILAN SİTRİK ASİT, ASKORBİK ASİT VE SODYUM SİTRATIN İNSAN LENFOSİT HÜCRELERİNDE GENOTOKSİSİTESİNİN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: AŞCI ÇELİK Dilek , TOĞAY Vehbi Atahan , YAVUZ TÜREL Gülçin , ÖZÇELİK Nurten
Published: September 2022

Amaç Gıda katkı maddelerinin kullanımı endüstriyel gelişmeyle birlikte sürekli artmaktadır. Bu çalışmada sık kullanılan sitrik asit, askorbik asit ve sodyum sitratın insan lenfosit hücrelerinde DNA üzerine olan etkilerinin comet metodu ile belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem Herhangi bir bilinen hastalığı ya da sürekli ilaç kullanımı olmayan, son 6 ayda radyolojik muayene geçirmemiş ve sigara içmeyen 18 – 45 yaş aralığında 4 erkek ve 4 kadın gönüllüden kan alınmış ve lenfositler izole edilerek 50, 150, 300 ve 600 μg/mL dozlarında sitrik asit, askorbik asit ve sodyum sitrat ile 1 s inkübasyona bırakılmıştır. Ardından comet metodu uygulanmış ve kuyruk DNA yüzdesi parametresi DNA hasarının göstergesi olarak Tek-yönlü Anova ile değerlendirilmiştir. Bulgular Sodyum sitrat 300 ve 600 μg/mL dozlarında DNA hasarında kontrol grubuna kıyasla sınırlı artış görülmektedir. Bu artış istatistiksel olarak anlamlı değildir (p>0,05). Sitrik asit 600 μg/mL dozu ise kontrol grubuna kıyasla oldukça yüksek DNA hasarına sebep olmuştur (p
THE POSSIBLE ROLE OF MIR-1910-3P, MIR-4649-3P, MIR-4296, AND MIR-210 IN THE PATHOGENESIS OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS: MAY MIR-4296 PLAY CRUCIAL ROLES IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF ATOPIC DERMATITIS?
Authors: AYVAZ Havva Hilal , HEKİMLER ÖZTÜRK Kuyaş , ATAY Emrah , ERTURAN İjlal , KORKMAZ Selma , YILDIRIM Mehmet
Published: September 2022

Objective Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with unexplained points in its pathogenesis. Altered expressions of microRNAs (miRNA, miR) in plasma can serve as markers that distinguish diseased individuals from healthy controls AD. In the present study, plasma expression levels of miR-1910-3p, miR- 4649-3p, miR-4296 and miR-210 were investigated in AD. Material and Method Forty patients with AD and forty healthy control subjects were included in the present study. Quantitative realtime PCR was used to measure miRNAs. Results The mean plasma miR-4296 level was higher in the patient group (p < 0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between SCORAD scores and miR-210 levels (r:-0.340, p=0.032). miR-210 levels decreased with increasing disease severity. In logistic regression analyses, an increase in plasma miR-4296 levels was found to be statistically significant (OR =5.464, p
A microwave-based system combines drying, extraction and sterilization under low-temperature vacuum conditions
Authors: Wei Cheng Chen
Published: September 2022

This study develops a simultaneous system combining low-temperature drying, extraction, and sterilization under low temperature, by comprising a microwave source and a vacuum chamber. The study commences by investigating the reduction in moisture content under microwave heating in vacuum conditions as a function of the drying time, the material load, and the microwave output power. Subsequently, the study compares the results obtained for the yield and composition of the essential oil extracted from Coleus amboinicus Loureiro leaves using the proposed system with those obtained using a conventional steam distillation technique. Finally, the study investigates the performance of the developed system in inactivating Bacillus subtilis spores using a low-pressure plasma sterilization technique. The experimental results show that the low-temperature vacuum conditions established in the proposed drying system accelerate the rate of moisture removal. Furthermore, the microwaves penetrate the interior of the material, heating the internal moisture directly. This not only reduces the drying time but also preserves the original flavor and appearance of the dried material. The extraction results show no significant difference between the final yield percentages and compositions of the essential oils extracted using the proposed system and the distilled steam technique, respectively. However, the extraction time is reduced from 90 minutes in the distilled steam method to just 30 minutes in the proposed system. Finally, the plasma sterilization results demonstrate that the proposed system reduces the number of colony-forming units of Bacillus subtilis from 170 to 7 within a treatment time of 1 s, and achieves complete sterilization following 180 s.
Cantaloupe -A Food safety concern: Mini-Review
Authors: Hansel A Mina , Amanda J Deering
Published: September 2022

Historically, the United States has positioned itself as one of the leading producers and consumers of melons in the world with a 2020 production value of over $295 million (excluding watermelons). It has been estimated that on average the per capita consumption of melons in the U.S. is about 24 pounds each year [1]. Increased consumer awareness of healthy diets, sensory attributes of melons, enhanced year-round availability, marketing techniques and improved cultivars contribute to explaining the higher demand for melon consumption [2].
Challenges faced by Preservice Teachers in Planning and Exploring Tasks that Promote Mathematical Reasoning
Authors: Mendes Fátima , Delgado Catarina , Brocardo Joana
Published: September 2022

Background: Mathematical reasoning is fundamental for mathematics learning from the first years of schooling. It is a challenge for students and teachers, so it is relevant to deepen ways to develop this ability with the prospective teachers. Objectives: Identify the challenges in supervised practice with a view to developing students’ mathematical reasoning, seeking to answer the following question: What challenges do prospective teachers face in planning and exploring tasks that promote mathematical reasoning? Design: It is based on a formative experiment and follows an interpretive methodology. Setting and participants: This experiment was conducted during 13 sessions of the curricular unit (CU) Didactics of Mathematics of the 2nd year of the master’s course in Pre-School Education and Teaching of the 1st Cycle of Basic Education, in a class of 25 students. The participants were four students - two pairs in teaching practice- whose selection followed the following criteria: not having any of the researchers as teaching practice supervisors and regularly intervening in class. Data collection and analysis: the data were collected through participant observation of the CU classes, interviews, and document collection. Results: Students face more challenges associated with mathematical reasoning during monitoring phases of the exploration of the tasks and their final discussion. Conclusions: These results point to the need for initial training programs to prioritise activities that support prospective teachers in the understanding of mathematical reasoning processes and that involve them in the planning of tasks and analysing practical exploration that will enhance their development.
High Abilities or Giftedness in Integrated High-School Education: Perceptions of Mathematics Teachers
Authors: Da Silva e Silva Thiago , Geller Marlise
Published: September 2022

Background: The identification of the first ability or gifted students at the Federal Institute Sul-Rio-Grandense (IFSul), Campus Sapucaia do Sul, raised the need to analyse the mathematics teachers’ perceptions of the subject in the institute, intending to professionalise the attention offered to these students. Objectives: This article sought to present and reflect on how seven mathematics teachers of the integrated high school understand high abilities or giftedness. Design: Qualitative approach, participant observation, and interpretive and descriptive data analysis. Setting and participants: This study is part of a doctoral research involving seven mathematics teachers who work in regular classes at a Federal Institute in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre. Data collection and analysis: The data were collected through a semi-structured interview, and their analysis was inspired by the descriptive-interpretive analysis. Results: Although lacking theoretical depth, mathematics teachers’ perceptions of the concept and characteristics of high abilities or giftedness are close to the theories presented and the current legislation. Conclusions: It is necessary to professionalise the processes of identification and assistance to high-ability/gifted students on campus, which is foreseen in a research project through continuing education.
Exploring Factors Affecting Growth of Micro and Small Enterprises: Evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Ferejo Muhaba Nuredin , Ahmed Hamed M.S. , Muzeyin Jemal Redwan , Amde Shemila Jemal , Thomran Murad , Mamuye Fikadu
Published: September 2022

Micro and small businesses (MSEs) create jobs at a low cost and assist society's progress toward wealth and growth. The aim of the study is to examine major factors that determine the growth of MSEs in the Siltie Zone, in southern Ethiopia. Out of the total 2,244 MSEs units, 488 respondents were sampled for the study using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Descriptive statistical tools and a binary logit model are applied. Employment was employed as a growth indicator in the study. The findings of the study showed that out of the total sample, 49% of MSEs were growing and 51% of MSEs were not growing in terms of employment. The results showed that individuals and their relatives are the main source of finance for the majority of MSEs for two major reasons. The first and the most important reasons are due to the religion factor. A majority of the respondents replied that access to credit is forbidden to Muslim followers. The second reason is unwillingness to access credit; they fear the high interest rate of debt, the complexity of the procedure, and the lack of collateral. In addition to that access to infrastructure, access to finance and government policy are the major factor affecting MSEs engaged in construction sector. The major independent variables affecting growth of MSEs engaged in manufacturing sector are access to infrastructure, working premises, government policy and market linkage. Access to finance, market linkage and business management capacity are the determinant factor hindering the growth of MSEs operating trade sector. Access to infrastructure, market place and government policy were the determinant factor affecting the growth of MSEs operating service sector. Access to working premises, market linkage, government policy and owner motivation are affecting the growth of MSEs operating urban agriculture sector. Hence, government organizations concerned with the promotion and development of MSEs needs to work with the factors in each sector for economic growth.
Determinants of Household Energy Saving Behaviour: An Application of the Goal Framing Theory
Authors: Fatoki Olawale
Published: September 2022

Households are an important group that can be targeted to help reduce energy consumption and mitigate climate change. Drawing on the Goal Framing Theory (GFT), the study investigated the determinants of household energy (electricity) saving behaviour. The study examined the direct effects of the three principal constructs of the GFT (gain motivation, normative motivation and hedonic motivation) on household electricity saving behaviour. In addition, the study investigated the mediating effects of normative and hedonic motivations in the relationship been gain motivation and energy saving behaviour. The study adopted the quantitative research approach and the cross-sectional survey method was used to collect data from the respondents. The Partial Least Square Structural Equation modelling (PLS SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. The results indicated that gain, normative and hedonic motivations are significantly positively related to household energy saving behaviour. The mediating effects of normative motivation and hedonic motivation in the relationship between gain motivation and electricity saving behaviour are significant. The innovation of the study is the development and testing of a theoretical model that examined both the direct and indirect effects of the GFT constructs in the context of household energy saving behaviour. Empirically, the study contributed to the body of knowledge on the factors that affect household energy saving behaviour. Recommendations include communicating the economic and environmental impact of energy saving behaviour to households.