cometadata/datacite-rtg-text-other-reclassification-records huggingface dataset:
Predictors of the Social Distancing Behaviors during COVID-19 Pandemic using Protection Motivation Theory in Iran: A cross sectional study
Creators: name: Hadizadeh -Talasaz, Fatemeh
name: Mohammadzadeh, Fatemeh
name: Delshad Noghabi, Ali
Publisher: name: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene
Year: 2022

description: Background: Social distancing is a key behavior to minimize Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections. Since the change of behavior is the only way to prevent this pandemic, this study aimed to predict the social distancing behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic using protection motivation theory (PMT). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted through a convenience sampling method on 796 individuals over 15 years old from urban and rural areas of different cities in Iran during 2020. The data were collected online using demographic characteristics form, PMT and social distancing behaviors questionnaires. Afterward, the obtained data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16) through linear correlation coefficient and hierarchical regression tests. Results: The Mean±SD score of social distancing behaviors was obtained at 4.42±0.31. The results of the hierarchical linear regression model showed that after adjusting the effect of socio-demographic variables, self-efficacy (Beta=0.238, P<0.001) was the strongest predictor of social distancing behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by intention (Beta=0.233, P<0.001) and perceived severity (Beta=0.083, P=0.028). PMT constructs and intention was able to predict 40% of social distancing behaviors in total. Conclusions: In the prevalence of infectious diseases, individuals differ in adherence to social distancing behaviors. The PMT was a useful framework for prediction social distancing behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, this theory can be used as a framework in designing educational programs to increase self-efficacy and encourage individuals to observe social distancing behaviors as a result.
description: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, Vol. 63 No. 1 (2022): 2022631
Evaluation of footfall induced vibration in building floor
Creators: name: Nguyen, Thuy
name: Gad, Emad
name: Wilson, John
name: Lythgo, Noel
name: Haritos, Nicholas
Publisher: name: Swinburne
Year: 2024

description: Disturbing walking-induced vibrations have been observed more frequently in recent times on long span lightweight floor systems as evidenced by the development of a number of new design guidelines for floor vibration assessment. This paper discusses a simple probability-based vibration analysis of a real office composite floor, taking into account the variability in walking excitation and dynamic characteristics of the floor. Some aspects of randomness in gait parameters are determined via a statistical analysis of measured gait data obtained from a biomedical research program; and the likely change in serviceability load and the uncertainty in the estimation of floor damping and frequency are considered. Consequently, the probability distribution of the floor response is determined with good agreement between the predicted and measured floor responses. However, response levels can be translated inconsistently in terms of human comfort by various acceptance criteria.
The Name of the Game: Utilizing Experiential Learning in the Classroom to Engage, Empower and Reflect on Student Learning and Assessment
Creators: name: Schechtel, Shauna
name: Mozol, Vivian
name: Clapson, Marissa
name: Gilbert, Brian
name: Tran, Judy
name: White, Stephen
Publisher: name: Papers on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching
Year: 2020

description: In the modern post-secondary classroom, there is a push for more experiential and active learning activities for students. A variety of benefits such as engagement, improved learning and self regulated learning have ensued with these different types of learning. Studies regarding these benefits have mostly centered on experiences carefully orchestrated by instructors, rather than experiences that were created by students under the guidance of instructors. Herein is a study of the benefits and efficiency, of the latter type of activity, which requires students to generate chemical puzzles in a large post-secondary classroom. The authors determined that not only is a puzzle generation activity possible, but students’ reflections on instructor examples highlights the potential for learning and for a new form of assessment. Going forward, however, the study also shows more support and examples are required in future iterations of the puzzle framework, to help students create a meaningful experience.
description: Papers on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching, Vol. 4 (2020)
The self as data: a qualitative methodology
Creators: name: Arnold, Josie
Publisher: name: Swinburne
Year: 2024

description: This paper explores ways in which recognition and involvement of the story of self means that the 'I' becomes data and methodology. I also look at the ways in which such a narrative of knowledge can legitimately add to the scholarly conversations within the academy. Increasingly, qualitative methodologies in the academy are looking towards newer and more diverse understandings of the ways in which we explore ourselves in the process of exploring ideas, practices, and scholarly questions so as to take an academic debate forward. This means that the self as data has become a mine for exploration and increasing knowledge-production as a result of analytic observation through the prism of self. It does not mean that there is a simple reductionist view of one's own observations as being significant in themselves alone. Rather, it is a recognition of the inevitability of the 'I' being involved in academic knowledge production.
Phyto-Niosomes: In Vitro Assessment of the Novel Nanovesicles Containing Marigold Extract
Creators: name: Un, Rabia Nur
name: F. Baris Barlas
name: Yavuz, Murat
name: Seleci, Didem Ag
name: Seleci, Muharrem
name: Z. Pinar Gumus
name: Guler, Emine
name: Demir, Bilal
name: Can, Mustafa
name: Coskunol, Hakan
name: Timur, Suna
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2015
Subjects: Science Policy
Cancer
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Biotechnology
Pharmacology
Biochemistry

description: Herbal compounds, so-called phytoconstituents, illustrate poor absorption by living cells. Phytosomes are advanced form of herbal compounds that show higher absorption rate and bioavailability, which results better than conventional plant extracts. Niosomes, which are made of nonionic surfactants, create better chemical and stability conditions besides lipid vesicles. This study covers the preparation, characterization and cell culture applications of phyto-niosomes of Marigold extract. Before the encapsulation process, extracts of selected plants were prepared and the extract that presents best bioactivity was chosen. The resulting phyto-niosomes were characterized and their biological activities including cytotoxicity, wound healing and antioxidant activity were investigated.
An assessment of nurses’ participation in Health Promotion: a knowledge, perception, and practice perspective
Creators: name: Melariri, Herbert
name: Osoba, Tolu Andrea
name: Williams, Maggie
name: Melariri, Paula
Publisher: name: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene
Year: 2022

description: Abstract Background: Health promotion (HP) at the population level serves to improve health inequalities, enhance the quality of life, and ensures the provision of healthcare and related services. This has an impact on the increasing burden of preventable diseases that healthcare workers are daily faced with. Nurses at all levels are charged with the task of ensuring patients receive HP services. However, their competence in addressing the challenge of the rising level of preventable diseases and health inequality deserves further exploration. This study aimed to assess the influence of HP knowledge and perceptions in nurses in the practice of Health Promotion. Methodology: The study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire comprising of 22 structured questions. Respondents were randomly sampled from nurses in a tertiary hospital. Questions bordered on respondents’ demographics, knowledge, perception, and practice of HP. Responses were retrieved and analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp, 2019. Results: A total of 184 nurses participated in the survey comprising 82.6% (n=152) females, 7.6% (n=14) males, and 9.8% (n=18) that chose not to disclose their gender. Bivariate analysis showed a statistically significant relationship between demographics and nurses possessing adequate knowledge to provide HP services. Statistically significant relationships were found amongst the following variables: ‘A holistic knowledge of disease pathology and processes are vital for effective care of patients’ and ‘education of patients on medication’ p=0.001, ‘awareness of importance of educating patients about their condition’and ‘patients encouraged to engage in healthy lifestyle’ p=<0.001, and ‘awareness of importance of educating patients about their condition and ‘health promotion is a waste of time’ p=<0.001. Conclusion: Data showed that nurses’ knowledge regarding HP had a strong influence on their perception of HP. Their perception of HP in turn strongly influenced their practice of the same. Therefore, rigorous efforts must be made by governmental agencies, and organizations involved in healthcare worker training and nursing accreditation, to ensure the HP curriculum is well incorporated in nursing undergraduate training and sustained in service.
description: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, Vol. 63 No. 1 (2022): 2022631
A comparative study on bacterial co-infections and prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms among patients in COVID and non-COVID Intensive Care Units
Creators: name: Sathyakamala R
name: Daniel, Alice Peace
name: Priyadarshini Shanmugam
Publisher: name: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene
Year: 2022

description: Introduction: Secondary bacterial infections have been reported in majority of patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A study of the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of these bacterial strains revealed that they were multidrug resistant, demonstrating their resistance to at least three classes of antimicrobial agents including beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones and aminoglycosides. Bacterial co-infection remains as an important cause for high mortality in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Methods: In our study, we conducted a retrospective comparative analysis of bacterial co-infections and the antimicrobial resistance profile of bacterial isolates obtained from inpatients admitted in COVID-19 and non COVID-19 intensive care units. The goal was to obtain the etiology and antimicrobial resistance of these infections for more accurate use of antimicrobials in clinical settings. This study involved a total of 648 samples collected from 356 COVID 19 positive patients and 292 COVID19 negative patients admitted in the intensive care unit over a period of six months from May to October 2020. Results: Among the co-infections found, maximum antimicrobial resistance was found in Acinetobacter species followed by Klebsiella species in both the ICU's. Incidence of bacterial co-infection was found to be higher in COVID 19 intensive care patients and most of these isolates were multidrug resistant strains. Conclusion: Therefore, it is important that co-infections should not be underestimated and instead be made part of an integrated plan to limit the global burden of morbidity and mortality during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and beyond.
description: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, Vol. 63 No. 1 (2022): 2022631
Student transition in the Australian dual-sector environment: assumed to explicit?
Creators: name: Lang, Catherine
name: Kokonis, Suzanne
name: Buzwell, Simone
Publisher: name: Swinburne
Year: 2024

description: Policy changes in the Australian Higher Education sector have prompted the need to review student transition, particularly the transition from Technical and Further Education (TAFE) to university to ensure movement between the two sectors is more accessible. A Guaranteed Entry Scheme (GES) was implemented in the dual sector institution where this case study is located to enable TAFE students to seamlessly move between the two divisions. This transition from TAFE diplomas to a degree program presents its own set of challenges. Acting on results from a survey, a targeted orientation program was developed for articulating TAFE students. The outcome of this event and the subsequent student evaluation led to the recommendation that orientation and transition activities be made explicit rather than assumed, even for students who believed they knew their institution due to the geographical co-location ofTAFE and university campuses.
Vicarious Learning through Informational Interviews: A New Experiential Learning Tool
Creators: name: Bourhill, Tarryn
name: Rancourt, Derrick
Publisher: name: Papers on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching
Year: 2020

description: Many students find it difficult to transition into the workforce successfully. They often accept unsuitable positions through happenstance rather than actively planning their career trajectories. This is due to their unawareness of career exploration and mapping. We use informational interviewing as an in class experiential learning assignment to solve this problem. The assignment gives students the opportunity to source information from industry experts and expand their professional network. It helps students develop their professional presence, find careers of interest, and ultimately succeed in their transition into the workforce.
description: Papers on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching, Vol. 4 (2020)
Placental mitochondrial methylation and exposure to airborne particulate matter in the early life environment: An ENVIRONAGE birth cohort study
Creators: name: Janssen, Bram G
name: Hyang-Min Byun
name: Gyselaers, Wilfried
name: Lefebvre, Wouter
name: Baccarelli, Andrea A
name: Nawrot, Tim S
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2015
Subjects: subject: 110309 Infectious Diseases
subject: FOS: Health sciences
subject: Inorganic Chemistry
subject: FOS: Chemical sciences
subject: Cancer
subject: Biological Sciences
subject: Chemistry
subject: Earth and Environmental Sciences
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Physiology
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Genetics
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Biophysics

description: Most research to date has focused on epigenetic modifications in the nuclear genome, with little attention devoted to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Placental mtDNA content has been shown to respond to environmental exposures that induce oxidative stress, including airborne particulate matter (PM). Damaged or non-functioning mitochondria are specifically degraded through mitophagy, exemplified by lower mtDNA content, and could be primed by epigenetic modifications in the mtDNA. We studied placental mtDNA methylation in the context of the early life exposome. We investigated placental tissue from 381 mother-newborn pairs that were enrolled in the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort. We determined mtDNA methylation by bisulfite-pyrosequencing in 2 regions, i.e., the D-loop control region and 12S rRNA (MT-RNR1), and measured mtDNA content by qPCR. PM2.5 exposure was calculated for each participant's home address using a dispersion model. An interquartile range (IQR) increment in PM2.5 exposure over the entire pregnancy was positively associated with mtDNA methylation (MT-RNR1: +0.91%, P = 0.01 and D-loop: +0.21%, P = 0.05) and inversely associated with mtDNA content (relative change of −15.60%, P = 0.001) in placental tissue. mtDNA methylation was estimated to mediate 54% [P = 0.01 (MT-RNR1)] and 27% [P = 0.06 (D-loop)] of the inverse association between PM2.5 exposure and mtDNA content. This study provides new insight into the mechanisms of altered mitochondrial function in the early life environment. Epigenetic modifications in the mitochondrial genome, especially in the MT-RNR1 region, substantially mediate the association between PM2.5 exposure during gestation and placental mtDNA content, which could reflect signs of mitophagy and mitochondrial death.
Inclination towards entrepreneurship among university students: an empirical study of Malaysian university students
Creators: name: Keat, Ooi
name: Selvarajah, Christopher
name: Meyer, Denny
Publisher: name: Swinburne
Year: 2024

description: This study investigates the inclination towards entrepreneurship among university students in the northern region of the Peninsular Malaysia. Specifically, it aims to examine the relationship between entrepreneurship education and inclination towards entrepreneurship. The influence of demographic characteristics and family business background on university students' inclination towards entrepreneurship is also being examined. An empirical test carried out on the data gathered from questionnaires demonstrates that two entrepreneurship education variables are found to have statistically significant relationship on the inclination towards entrepreneurship. At the meantime, two demographic variables and a family business background variable have an effect on university students' inclination towards entrepreneurship. Finally, based on the findings, the implications of the study have been forwarded.
Clients' expectations of their advertising agencies: creativity and relationship management
Creators: name: Levin, Elizabeth
name: Lobo, Antonio
Publisher: name: Swinburne
Year: 2024

description: The importance of relationship management in business-to-business service provision contexts has been acknowledged for several years. This paper examines clients' expectations of their advertising agencies with regards to agency creativity, and also aspects of long-term business relationships. A qualitative study was undertaken with 15 clients of advertising agencies. The way clients define agency creative varies from creativity of the message to creativity of the media used to deliver the message. Clients who valued the relationship with their agencies alluded to partnerships, alliances and even described the relationship using a marriage analogy. Advertising agencies should effectively evaluate the four key findings that emerged from this study to foster long-term relationships with their clients.
Addressing the COVID-19 Pandemic in an Iranian Sample: Health Beliefs and Respondent Characteristics Associated with Preventive Behaviors
Creators: name: Karimy, Mahmood
Publisher: name: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene
Year: 2022

description: Background: In the absence of effective treatment and successful vaccines, the COVID-19 pandemic has become a grave threat to public health. The present study aimed to investigate health beliefs and sample characteristics associated with COVID-19 preventive health behaviors among an Iranian sample. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study, using a multi-stage randomized sampling method. Participants (N = 250 males and 236 females) were recruited from health centers in a major Iranian city. Self-administered questionnaires included sociodemographic information, health behaviors, and constructs associated with the Health Beliefs Model (HBM). Data were analyzed using independent t-tests, analysis of variance, and multiple regression with significance level set at α ≤ 0.05. Results: Perceived disease susceptibility (β=0.44, P<0.001), self-efficacy to enact preventative behaviors (β=0.24, P<0.01), education (β=0.20, P<0.001), non-smoking status (β=0.14, P<0.01), marital status (β=0.10, P<0.03), and perceived barriers to disease preventative behaviors (β=-0.10, P<0.04) were important predictors of prevention practices for COVID-19, and accounted for 61.4% (adjusted R2) of the variance associated with preventive behavior for COVID-19. Conclusion: As there is accepted therapy for COVID-19, it is especially important to control COVID-19 through behavior change. Results indicate that two behavioral constructs that have the most impact on prevention are perceived disease susceptibility and self-efficacy. Therefore, public health initiatives are needed to enhance perceived susceptibility to the disease and improve self-efficacy to perform preventative behaviors in spite of perceived barriers.
description: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, Vol. 63 No. 1 (2022): 2022631
Capturing Experiential Learning in a Program by Curriculum Mapping
Creators: name: Dyjur, Patricia
name: Braun, Rachel
name: Saito, Kevin
name: Kaipanen, Erin
Publisher: name: Papers on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching
Year: 2020

description: Like many higher education institutions, amplifying experiential learning (EL) is a priority for the University of Calgary. In order to capture the extent and complexity of EL that exists in an institution, it is crucial to have a common understanding of the concept. In 2018, the University of Calgary created the EL Working Group, tasked with creating a definition of EL and framework unique to our institutional context. One way to capture EL across a program of study is through curriculum mapping. By identifying where EL already exists, a group can determine current strengths as well as how to improve EL offerings in future. In the example provided in our paper, we show the results of one such mapping process and provide recommendations for others considering using this process for capturing EL across a program of study.
description: Papers on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching, Vol. 4 (2020)
Studying the factors associated with Premenstrual syndrome prevention among pre-university students in Tehran
Creators: name: Anbari, Mohamad
name: Amjadian, Mohiadin
name: Amini, Roohola
name: Erfan, Javanmardi
name: Dehghankar, Leila
name: Panahi, Rahman
Publisher: name: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene
Year: 2022

description: Context: Premenstrual syndrome is one of the common menstrual disorders in adolescents. Considering the destructive effects of this syndrome on adolescents’ activity and performance and the importance of epidemiological studies in designing preventive interventions, Aims: this study aimed to determine some of the factors associated with the prevention of premenstrual syndrome among adolescents. Settings and Design: In a cross-sectional study, 255 female high school students in Tehran were selected using multistage random sampling method. Methods and Material: The data were collected using a demographic and background questionnaire and a valid and reliable questionnaire to assess preventive behaviors of premenstrual syndrome. Statistical analysis used: The collected data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16 and descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results: The mean (SD) score of adoption of preventive behaviors of premenstrual syndrome was 19.25 (0.63) out of 50, and it was low. Also, weekly physical activity, mother education level, and family income were the factors affecting the adoption of preventive behaviors of premenstrual syndrome (P<0.05).­­­ Conclusion: Due to the low adoption of preventive behaviors among students with lower income families, students with less physical activity and students with mothers with lower levels of education, it is suggested that more attention be paid to the above students in designing educational programs to promote the prevention of premenstrual syndrome. Keywords: Premenstrual Syndrome, Preventive behavior, Female Students­­
description: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, Vol. 63 No. 1 (2022): 2022631
Does the softer side of the client-advertising agency relationship matter?
Creators: name: Levin, Elizabeth
name: Lobo, Antonio
Publisher: name: Swinburne
Year: 2024

description: There are several tangible and intangible elements that contribute towards a long-term relationship between advertising agencies and their clients. This paper evaluates the intangible or 'softer side' of the relationship as perceived by the clients. It considers the role of creative competence of advertising agencies and also the relational aspects of the service provision. These are modelled as antecedents to client satisfaction, commitment, and eventually loyalty. A validated survey instrument comprising 22 items was used to collect quantitative data. Responses from 119 clients of advertising agencies was analysed using confirmatory factor analysis and hierarchical regression. The results revealed that the proposed model was robust in that creative competence and interpersonal relationships followed by client satisfaction and commitment explained 77% of variation in loyalty. The findings of this study have significant practical implications to advertising agencies.
Into the Wild Experiential Learning Yonder: Community Cafe Participant Hypotheses on What's Next for Experiential Learning
Creators: name: Braun, Rachel Alexandra
Publisher: name: Papers on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching
Year: 2020

description: In this 25-minute conversation café, participants synthesized the findings of Braun, Kaipainen & Usman’s (2018) environmental scan of experiential learning (EL) at the University of Calgary with their conference learning to create an experience and evidence-informed hypothesis of the next strengths, challenges, and required supports on the EL horizon. This paper summarizes participants’ conversations and discusses what their hypotheses illuminate about the current EL postsecondary landscape, as well as emerging and recurrent features that may be of interest to explore in one’s role, scholarship, or teaching practice.
description: Papers on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching, Vol. 4 (2020)
Placental mitochondrial methylation and exposure to airborne particulate matter in the early life environment: An ENVIRONAGE birth cohort study
Creators: name: Janssen, Bram G
name: Hyang-Min Byun
name: Gyselaers, Wilfried
name: Lefebvre, Wouter
name: Baccarelli, Andrea A
name: Nawrot, Tim S
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2015
Subjects: subject: 110309 Infectious Diseases
subject: FOS: Health sciences
subject: Inorganic Chemistry
subject: FOS: Chemical sciences
subject: Cancer
subject: Biological Sciences
subject: Chemistry
subject: Earth and Environmental Sciences
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Physiology
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Genetics
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Biophysics

description: Most research to date has focused on epigenetic modifications in the nuclear genome, with little attention devoted to mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Placental mtDNA content has been shown to respond to environmental exposures that induce oxidative stress, including airborne particulate matter (PM). Damaged or non-functioning mitochondria are specifically degraded through mitophagy, exemplified by lower mtDNA content, and could be primed by epigenetic modifications in the mtDNA. We studied placental mtDNA methylation in the context of the early life exposome. We investigated placental tissue from 381 mother-newborn pairs that were enrolled in the ENVIRONAGE birth cohort. We determined mtDNA methylation by bisulfite-pyrosequencing in two regions, i.e., the D-loop control region and 12S ribosomal RNA (MT-RNR1), and measured mtDNA content by qPCR. PM2.5 exposure was calculated for each participant's home address using a dispersion model. An interquartile range (IQR) increment in PM2.5 exposure over the entire pregnancy was positively associated with mtDNA methylation (MT-RNR1: +0.91%, P = 0.01 and D-loop: +0.21%, P = 0.05) and inversely associated with mtDNA content (relative change of −15.60%, P = 0.001) in placental tissue. mtDNA methylation was estimated to mediate 54% [P = 0.01 (MT-RNR1)] and 27% [P = 0.06 (D-loop)] of the inverse association between PM2.5 exposure and mtDNA content. This study provides new insight into the mechanisms of altered mitochondrial function in the early life environment. Epigenetic modifications in the mitochondrial genome, especially in the MT-RNR1 region, substantially mediate the association between PM2.5 exposure during gestation and placental mtDNA content, which could reflect signs of mitophagy and mitochondrial death.
Association between ABO and RH blood groups and Hepatitis b virus infection among young Nigerian adults
Creators: name: Oladeinde, Bankole Henry
name: Olaniyana, Folaranmi
name: Muhibi, Abidemi
name: Uwaifo, Ferdinand
name: Omoregie, Richard
name: Daud, Aminat
name: Ozolua, Onosen
name: Omabe, Okike
Publisher: name: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene
Year: 2022

description: Background: Several diseases are reported to be associated with ABO/Rh blood groups. Data on the association between ABO and Rh D blood group antigens in the Nigerian population is sparse. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of HBV infection as well as its association with ABO and Rh D antigens among young Nigerian adults. Methods: Whole blood was collected from 496 students and screened for the presence of HBsAg using immuno-chromatographic technique. The ABO as well as Rh D antigen status of participants was also determined using standard techniques. . Results: The prevalence of HBV infection was 2.10%. Over half (51.5%) of subjects were of the blood group O type, while 3.6% were of the AB blood type which was the least in occurrence. Rh D negative blood group was observed among 24 (4.8%) subjects. Those with the B blood type were observed to have an insignificantly (P = 0.3105) higher prevalence of HBV infection. However, with respect to Rh D antigen alone, participants negative for the antigen were observed to have a five times higher risk of acquiring HBV infection than those positive for it (OR = 5.273, 95% CI = 1.056, 26.321, P = 0.079). Combining the ABO and Rh blood group systems, an association (OR = 20.174; P = 0.059) was found to exist between B Rh D negative status and HBV infection. Conclusion: A combination of the presence of B antigen and absence of Rh D antigen increases the risk of acquiring HBV infection.
description: Journal of Preventive Medicine and Hygiene, Vol. 63 No. 1 (2022): 2022631
An integrated literature review: strengthening reputation through EOC and CSR
Creators: name: Gill, Robert
Publisher: name: Swinburne
Year: 2024

description: Employer of choice (EOC) is a term that has traditionally been associated with attracting and retaining desirable employees. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to organisations acting in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. This paper explores a definition for EOC from the employee's perspective and provides evidence that desirable qualities for being considered a 'good' employee significantly relate to being a corporately responsible organisation. Therefore, EOC and CSR are substantially interrelated. This paper also reviews literature that qualifies organisational reputation against internal loyalty towards employer brand. Findings from the literature suggest that healthy EOC practice will develop a stronger internal loyalty that will translate into employees becoming the reputation champions for their employer.
Phyto-Niosomes: In Vitro Assessment of the Novel Nanovesicles Containing Marigold Extract
Creators: name: Un, Rabia Nur
name: F. Baris Barlas
name: Yavuz, Murat
name: Seleci, Didem Ag
name: Seleci, Muharrem
name: Z. Pinar Gumus
name: Guler, Emine
name: Demir, Bilal
name: Can, Mustafa
name: Coskunol, Hakan
name: Timur, Suna
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2015
Subjects: Science Policy
Cancer
Biological Sciences
Chemistry
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Biotechnology
Pharmacology
Biochemistry

description: Herbal compounds so called phyto-constituents illustrate poor absorption by living cells. Phytosomes are advanced form of herbal compounds that show higher absorption rate and bioavailability which results better than conventional plant extracts. Niosomes which are made of non-ionic surfactants create better chemical and stability conditions besides lipid vesicles. This study covers the preparation, characterization and cell culture applications of phyto-niosomes of Marigold extract. Before the encapsulation process, extracts of selected plants were prepared and the extract that presents best bio-activity was chosen. The resulting phyto-niosomes were characterized and their biological activities including cytotoxicity, wound healing and antioxidant activity were investigated.
Novel Thermoreversible Injectable Hydrogel Formulations Based on Sodium Alginate and Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide)
Creators: name: Teodorescu, Mircea
name: Andrei, Maria
name: Turturicǎ, Gabriel
name: Stǎnescu, Paul O.
name: Zaharia, Anamaria
name: Sârbu, Andrei
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2015
Subjects: subject: Cancer
subject: Developmental Biology
subject: Biological Sciences
subject: Sociology
subject: FOS: Sociology
subject: Chemistry
subject: Earth and Environmental Sciences
subject: Genetics
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Medicine
subject: Engineering
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Biophysics

description: Novel injectable thermoreversible hydrogel compositions with semi-interpenetrating network structure were prepared through the addition of sodium alginate (SA) to poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) aqueous solutions. The addition of the hydrophilic alginate strongly improved the stability against syneresis of the 15 wt% PNIPAM hydrogels formed at 37°C from less than 15 min in the absence of alginate to more than 7 days in the presence of 4 wt% SA. Besides the SA concentration, the hydrogel stability depended on the molecular weight and polydispersity of PNIPAM, being lower when a high molecular weight fraction was present. The phase transition temperature (Tph) of the PNIPAM aqueous solutions decreased with alginate concentration, while the dynamic viscosity and elastic modulus of the hydrogels increased. By decreasing the PNIPAM molecular weight and polydispersity, the dynamic viscosity and elastic modulus of the PNIPAM–alginate hydrogels formed above Tph diminished, while their viscoelastic behavior changed from predominantly elastic to predominantly viscous.
Light interception, gas exchange and carbon balance of different canopy zones of minimally and cane-pruned field-grown Riesling grapevines
Creators: name: Weyand, K. M.
name: Schultz, H. R.
Publisher: name: VITIS - Journal of Grapevine Research
Year: 2015

description: Leaf area development, pre-dawn leaf water potential, spatial and temporal patterns of light interception and photosynthesis (A) of minimal pruned (MP) and cane-pruned vertical shoot positioned (VSP) fieldgrown Riesling grapevines were monitored in 2002 and 2003. In order to quantify the contribution of different canopy segments to whole vine carbon gain, diurnal single leaf gas exchange measurements were conducted several times during the season in 8 different canopy segments keeping leaves in their natural position. Carbon losses due to nocturnal respiration (DR) were estimated with a model describing the dependence of DR on temperature. MP vines had about 17 times more but less vigorous shoots with smaller leaves. Leaf area (LA) development was faster for MP than for VSP vines and LA was 2.5-3-fold higher for most of the season. Spatial and temporal patterns of average daily light interception were related to LA development and canopy dimensions for both MP and VSP vines during the first part of the season, but increased independent of LA until mid-October and more so for VSP than MP. Diurnal gas exchange measurements showed differences between canopy segments, measuring dates and systems. Differences between segments were related to light interception in the absence of water deficit, high leaf temperature and vapour pressure deficit. The higher light interception of MP vines caused pre-dawn water potential to decrease faster and to remain at lower levels during most of the season. This limited A more severely for leaves of MP vines in canopy segments which were well exposed to light. The estimated seasonal carbon gain per canopy segment was highest in the apical canopy zones for both canopy systems but carbon assimilation was higher for MP than for VSP vines in all segments with the exception of the interior canopy. Respiratory losses by leaves depended on night temperature and time during the season but generally varied between 3 and 7 % of the amount of carbon gained during the day. MP vines had slightly higher relative respiration losses than VSP vines. On a whole-plant basis, carbon gain of MP vines was between 5.7 (beginning of the season) and 2.2 times (end of season) higher than for VSP vines.
description: VITIS - Journal of Grapevine Research, Vol. 45 No. 3 (2006): Vitis
An integrative review of storytelling: using corporate stories to strengthen employee engagement and internal and external reputation
Creators: name: Gill, Robert
Publisher: name: Swinburne
Year: 2024

description: This literature review paper aims to examine the use of corporate storytelling as a valuable strategy to heighten employee engagement, which may improve internal loyalty to the corporate brand and ultimately strengthen internal and external reputation. The paper includes an integrated literature review of contemporary text and theories from academics and industry leaders relating to: the benefits of using corporate stories; corporate stories and employee engagement; employee engagement and enhanced internal reputation; the link between internal and external reputation; and the limitations of corporate storytelling. Many theorists endorse corporate storytelling as a valuable medium for engaging with employees and improving internal reputation. However, both contemporary academic and industry analysis appears limited in acknowledgement of a link between internal storytelling and external reputation. The paper examines contemporary literature in these areas and draws a link between using corporate stories to engage more deeply with staff in order to strengthen internal loyalty and effect a stronger external reputation, as organisations seek to make employees their reputation champions.
Cafe space, communication, creativity, and materialism
Creators: name: McCosker, Anthony
name: Wilken, Rowan
Publisher: name: Swinburne
Year: 2024

description: Coffee, as a stimulant, and the spaces in which it is has been consumed, have long played a vital role in fostering communication, creativity, and sociality. This article explores the interrelationship of café space, communication, creativity, and materialism. In developing these themes, this article is structured in two parts. The first looks back to the coffee houses of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries to give a historical context to the contemporary role of the café as a key site of creativity through its facilitation of social interaction, communication and information exchange. The second explores the continuation of the link between cafés, communication and creativity, through an instance from the mid-twentieth century where this process becomes individualised and is tied more intrinsically to the material surroundings of the café itself. From this, we argue that in order to understand the connection between café space and creativity, it is valuable to consider the rich polymorphic material and aesthetic composition of cafés.
Mineral sinks within ripening grape berries (Vitis vinifera L.)
Creators: name: Rogiers, S. Y.
name: Greer, D. H.
name: Hatfield, J. M.
name: Orchard, B. A.
name: Keller, M.
Publisher: name: VITIS - Journal of Grapevine Research
Year: 2015

description: Trends in the accumulation of mineral elements into the grape berry components give information about vascular flow into the berry. Shiraz berries were dissected into receptacle, skin, pulp, brush and seeds and the accumulation of 10 mineral elements into these components was followed through development. The elements were separated into two categories according to their accumulation pattern into the berry. The first group of elements continued to accumulate throughout berry growth and ripening, and was comprised of phloem-mobile potassium, phosphorus, sulphur, magnesium, boron, iron and copper. The second group of elements accumulated mostly prior to veraison, and included the xylem-mobile minerals calcium, manganese and zinc. These results indicate that the xylem contribution to berry growth diminished after veraison. Berry fresh weight, dry weight, as well as berry sugar content, were all highly correlated with berry potassium content. While the pulp and skin were the strongest sinks for potassium and boron, seeds were the strongest sinks for calcium, phosphorus, sulphur, manganese and zinc. With the exception of calcium and manganese, seeds ceased to accumulate most elements during late ripening. The berry receptacle and brush did not accumulate any of the elements to levels above those of the other berry components at any stage of development. Therefore, they did not act as sinks for xylem- or phloem-mobile elements as vascular flow to the pulp and skin slowed.
description: VITIS - Journal of Grapevine Research, Vol. 45 No. 3 (2006): Vitis
Preparation of a Thermoplastic Lignin-Based Biomaterial through Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization
Creators: name: Kim, Yong Sik
name: Won-Jae Youe
name: Kim, Seok Ju
name: Oh-Kyu Lee
name: Sung-Suk Lee
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2015
Subjects: subject: Marine Biology
subject: Biological Sciences
subject: Ecology
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Chemistry
subject: Earth and Environmental Sciences
subject: Medicine
subject: Engineering
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Biophysics

description: Graft copolymerization of styrene onto kraft lignin (KL) was achieved by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using a fully substituted lignin-based macroinitiator (KLM). The number average of molecular mass (Mn) of polystyrene copolymer graft side-chains was achieved by varying the ratio of the DMF: water solvent system from 5:0 to 1:4. A Mn of up to ∼206,000 was obtained using a DMF/water ratio of 3:2 (v/v). However, as the Mn increased, the overall ATRP became less controlled. In addition, the thermal properties of the lignin-g-polystyrene copolymers improved significantly with increasing Mn of polystyrene copolymer side-chains.
Innovative Certificate Programs in University Teaching and Learning: Experiential Learning for Graduate Students and Postdoctoral Scholars
Creators: name: Nowell, Lorelli
name: Grant, Kimberley A.
name: Berenson, Carol
name: Dyjur, Patti
name: Jeffs, Cheryl
name: Kelly, Patrick
name: Kenny, Natasha
name: Mikita, Kiara
Publisher: name: Papers on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching
Year: 2020

description: In response to a growing need for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars to strengthen their teaching and learning skills, our university recently established innovative certificate programs that purposively incorporate experiential learning opportunities for deeper growth and development. Drawing on prior research and local needs assessments, we developed programs aimed to meet the identified needs of graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. In this paper we describe how we planned, developed, and implemented these new certificate programs to engage graduate students and postdoctoral scholars from across our institution. Further, we discuss how these programs provide experiential learning opportunities for all participants.
description: Papers on Postsecondary Learning and Teaching, Vol. 4 (2020)
Genetic diversity of Agrobacterium vitis strains, isolated from grapevines and wild grapes in Bulgaria, assessed by Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequences analysis of 16S-23S rDNA
Creators: name: Genov, I.
name: Atanassov, I.
name: Yordanov, Y.
name: Tsvetkov, I.
name: Atanassov, A.
Publisher: name: VITIS - Journal of Grapevine Research
Year: 2015

description: Nineteen tumorigenic Agrobacterium vitis strains isolated from commercial vineyards and wild grapes at different locations in Bulgaria were studied in relation to the Ti plasmid type and chromosomal background. The PCR analysis showed that all but one of the strains harbor an octopine/cucumopine type of Ti plasmid and one carries a vitopine type. The genetic diversity among the studied strains and 20 more A. vitis strains originating from different geographic regions in Europe, Asia, USA and South Africa was assessed by Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequences (CAPS) analysis of 16S-23S rDNA region. The comparison of the obtained CAPS profiles and performed cluster analysis showed a high level of polymorphism among the studied strains distributed in totally 15 different groups within two main clusters. All Bulgarian strains are located in only three groups within one of the clusters. A high level of correlation between the chromosomal background and type of the carried Ti plasmids was found. The performed CAPS analysis demonstrated that all A. vitis strains isolated from wild grapes (V. vinifera ssp. silvestris) showed CAPS profiles identical with a number of strains isolated from commercial vineyards from different vine-growing regions in Bulgaria. A possible origin of this group of strains from an ancestral A. vitis strain, which initially inhabits wild grapes (V. vinifera ssp. silvestris) and later has been disseminated to cultivated grapevines is proposed.
description: VITIS - Journal of Grapevine Research, Vol. 45 No. 3 (2006): Vitis
Transitioning an independent learning model to an on-line environment
Creators: name: Mitchell, Matthew
name: Zutshi, Samar
Publisher: name: Swinburne
Year: 2024

description: In this paper, we adapt an existing on-campus model for developing independent learning skills to the online environment. The on-campus model adapted was designed to support the independent learning skills of self-management, critical thinking and creative thinking. The model addressed the aspects of contact structure, assessment tasks and feedback processes. A key feature of the model was small group work and frequent formative feedback, which we wanted to retain in the online environment. We therefore designed an approach whereby students participate in group work through a structured mix of synchronous and asynchronous activities. Feedback is provided on the outcomes produced and the group processes. A number of interesting issues with implications for educational practitioners emerged through our reflections on the transition of the model to the online environment. One was that concerns about the difficulties of group work online led us to a design that reduced the control that online students had over their learning. For instance, online students were given less freedom in the choice of assessment topics, and more direction was provided regarding interim tasks and deadlines. This was due to concerns about the difficulty of establishing student responsibilities’ and resolving conflicts in the absence of face-to-face contact. A drawback of providing greater direction is that, paradoxically, it diminishes students’ opportunities to develop the very self-management skills independent learners require. Another interesting consideration that emerged was in relation to the motivation generated by requiring students to interact synchronously, requiring them to present knowledge and ‘perform’ in front of their peers. This is analogous to students doing formal class presentations on-campus. Having a small number of such synchronous interactions is feasible. To maximise the benefits of these few sessions, we ensured that a number of interim activities led up to them, and that these activities were linked to assessments, along with students’ performance in the session itself.