Search results for: positive emotions

Authors: Alin Veronika, Yusuf Latief

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This critical review meticulously delineates and elucidates the considerable deficiencies and voids that exist within the extant body of literature concerning the development strategies associated with risk-based Project Management Offices (PMOs). Although the advantages and positive outcomes linked to the establishment and functioning of PMOs are regularly articulated and acknowledged in various academic discourses, the empirical evidence that supports these claims frequently demonstrates a significant shortfall in methodological rigor and often encounters challenges when attempting to distinctly isolate and delineate the unique contributions and impacts of PMOs in contrast to other multifaceted organizational factors that may also play a role. This comprehensive review systematically scrutinizes and evaluates the current research landscape pertaining to the critical success factors that include, but are not limited to, strategic alignment, organizational structure, human capital, operational efficiency, technology, and the overarching influence of organizational culture, thereby identifying notable limitations within this research domain and proposing targeted areas for further scholarly investigation. Furthermore, the analysis accentuates the imperative need for the development and implementation of more sophisticated, nuanced risk assessment and mitigation frameworks that are specifically designed to cater to the unique operational characteristics of PMOs while simultaneously advocating for an elevated focus on the profound influence exerted by organizational culture and its various subcultures on the overall effectiveness and success of PMOs.

Keywords: organizational culture, project management office, risk management, risk-based PMO development

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Authors: Tobias Huttche, Marco Canipa-Valdez, Corinne Mühlebach

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This article discusses the role of leasing on the digital transformation process of companies and corresponding economic effects. Based on the traditional mechanisms of leasing, this article focuses in particular on the benefits of leasing as financing instrument with regard to the innovation potential of companies. Practical examples demonstrate how leasing can become an integral part of new business models. Especially, with regard to the digital transformation and corresponding investments in know-how and infrastructure, leasing can play an important role. Furthermore, findings of an empirical survey are presented dealing with the usage of leasing in Switzerland in an international context. The survey shows not only the benefits of leasing against the backdrop of digital transformation but gives guidance on how other countries can benefit from promoting leasing in their legislation and economy. Based on a simulation model for Switzerland, the economic effect of an increase in leasing volume is being calculated. Again, the respective results underline the substantial growth potential. This holds true especially for economies where asset-based lending is rarely used because of a lack of entrepreneurial or private security of the borrower (cash-based financing for developing and emerging countries). Overall, the authors found that leasing using companies are more productive and tend to grow faster than companies using less or none leasing. The positive effects of leasing on emerging digital challenges for companies and entire economies should encourage other countries to facilitate access to leasing as financing instrument by decreasing legal-, tax- and accounting-related requirements in the respective jurisdiction.

Keywords: Cash-Based financing, digital transformation, financing instruments, growth, innovation, leasing

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Authors: Yulin Rao, Zhixuan Li, Burra Venkata Durga Kumar

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Intrusion detection refers to monitoring the actions of internal and external intruders on the system and detecting the behaviours that violate security policies in real-time. In intrusion detection, there has been much discussion about the application of neural network technology and artificial immune system (AIS). However, many solutions use static methods (signature-based and stateful protocol analysis) or centralized intrusion detection systems (CIDS), which are unsuitable for real-time intrusion detection systems that need to process large amounts of data and detect unknown intrusions. This article proposes a framework for a distributed intrusion detection system (DIDS) with multi-agents based on the concept of AIS and neural network technology to detect anomalies and intrusions. In this framework, multiple agents are assigned to each host and work together, improving the system's detection efficiency and robustness. The trainer agent in the central server of the framework uses the artificial neural network (ANN) rather than the negative selection algorithm of AIS to generate mature detectors. Mature detectors can distinguish between self-files and non-self-files after learning. Our analyzer agents use genetic algorithms to generate memory cell detectors. This kind of detector will effectively reduce false positive and false negative errors and act quickly on known intrusions.

Keywords: artificial immune system, distributed artificial intelligence, multi-agent, intrusion detection system, neural network

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Authors: Sazzad Hossain Talukder

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Survival in the competitive international market with unforeseen environmental contingencies has always been a concern of the firms that led to adopting different strategies to deal with different situations. Language strategy is considered to enhance the international performance of a firm by organizing language diversity and fostering communications within and outside the firm. Yet there is a lack of theoretical attention or model development on the role of language strategy on firm international survival. From resource dependence perspective, the adoption of language strategy and its relationship with firm survival are determined by the firm´s capability to prevent dependency concentration and/or increase relative power on the external environment. However, the impact of language strategy on firm survival is complex and multifaceted as the strategy influence firm performance indirectly through communication, coordination, learning and value creation. The evidence of various types of language strategies and different forms of firm survival also bring in complexities to understand the effects of a language strategy on the international survival of a firm. Based on language literatures and resource dependence logic, certain propositions are developed to conceptualize the relationship between language strategy and firm international survival in this conceptual paper. For the purpose of this paper, a conceptual model is proposed to examine how different kinds of language strategy foster reduction of resource dependency that lead to firm international survival in respond to local responsiveness and global integration. In this proposed model, it is theorized that language strategy has a positive relationship with the international survival of the firm, as the strategy is likely to reduce external resource dependency and increase the ability to continue independent operations both in short and long term.

Keywords: language strategy, language diversity, firm international survival, resource dependence logic

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Authors: Thilivhali Emmanuel Tshikalange, Darky Cheron Modishane, Frederick Tawi Tabit

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The fruit pulp extracts of twelve selected ethnobotanical wild edible fruits from Mutale local municipality in Venda (Limpopo Province, South Africa) were investigated for their antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxicity activities. Methanol extracts were prepared and tested against six micro-organisms (Salmonella typhi, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Prevotella intermedia and Candida albicans). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using the micro-dilution method, while for antioxidant activity the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl method was used. Of the 12 extracts tested, Adonsonia digitata, Berchemia discolor, Manilkara mochisia, Xanthocercis zambesiaca, Landolphia kirkii and Garcinia livingstonei showed antimicrobial activity, with MIC values ranging from 12.5 to 0.4 mg/ml. Gram negative bacteria were more resistant to the extracts in comparison to Gram positive bacteria. Antioxidant activity was only detected in Adonsonia digitata extract and the IC50 (substrate concentration to produce 50% reduction) was found to be 16.18µg/ml. The cytotoxicity of the extracts that showed antimicrobial and antioxidant activities was also determined. All plant extracts tested were non-toxic against human kidney cells (HEK293), with IC50 values of >400 µg/ml. The results presented in this study provide support to some traditional uses of wild edible fruits.

Keywords: antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, ethnobotanical, fruits

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Authors: Felicia Segeth, Florian G. Klein, Lea Berger, Andreas Kolk, Per S. Holm

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The entry of oncolytic viruses (OVs) into clinical application opens groundbreaking changes in current and future treatment regimens. However, despite their potent anti-cancer activity in vitro, clinical studies revealed limitations of OVs as monotherapy. The same applies to CDK 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i) targeting cell cycle as well as bromodomain and extra-terminal domain inhibitors (BETi) targeting gene expression. In this study, the anti-tumoral effect of XVir-N-31, an YB-1 dependent oncolytic adenovirus, was evaluated in combination with Ribociclib, a CDK4/6i, and JQ1, a BETi. The head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines Fadu, SAS, and Cal-33 were used. DNA replication and gene expression of XVir-N-31 was measured by RT-qPCR, protein expression by western blotting, and cell lysis by SRB assays. Treatment with CDK4/6i and BETi increased viral gene expression, viral DNA replication, and viral particle formation. The data show that the combination of oncolytic adenovirus XVir-N-31 with CDK4/6i & BETi acts highly synergistic in cancer cell lysis. Furthermore, additional molecular analyses on this subject demonstrate that the positive transcription elongation factor P-TEFb plays a decisive role in this regard, indicating an influence of the combinational therapy on gene transcription control. The combination of CDK4/6i & BETi and XVir-N-31 is an attractive strategy to achieve substantial cancer cell killing and is highly suitable for clinical testing.

Keywords: adenovirus, BET, CDK4/6, HNSCC, P-TEFb, YB-1

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Authors: Jason Ting Jing Cheng, Lee Foo Wei, Yew Ming Kun, Chin Ren Jie, Yip Chun Chieh

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The utilization of industrial by-products, such as steel slag in cementitious materials, not only mitigates environmental impact but also enhances material properties. This study investigates the dual influence of steel slag particle size on the compressive strength and carbonation efficiency of cementitious composites. Through a systematic experimental approach, steel slag particles were incorporated into cement at varying sizes, and the resulting composites were subjected to mechanical and carbonation tests. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) are conducted in this paper. The findings reveal a positive correlation between increased particle size and compressive strength, attributed to the improved interfacial transition zone and packing density. Conversely, smaller particle sizes exhibited enhanced carbonation efficiency, likely due to the increased surface area facilitating the carbonation reaction. The presence of higher silica and calcium content in finer particles was confirmed by EDX, which contributed to the accelerated carbonation process. This study underscores the importance of particle size optimization in designing sustainable cementitious materials with balanced mechanical performance and carbon sequestration potential. The insights gained from the advanced analytical techniques offer a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms at play, paving the way for the strategic use of steel slag in eco-friendly construction practices.

Keywords: steel slag, carbonation efficiency, particle size enhancement, compressive strength

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Authors: Emil Ghiocel Ioanid, Viorica Frunză, Dorina Rusu, Ana Maria Vlad, Catalin Tanase, Simona Dunca

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The application of cold radio-frequency (RF) plasma in the conservation of cultural heritage became important in the last decades due to the positive results obtained in decontamination treatments. This paper presents an equipment especially designed for RF cold plasma application on paper documents, developed within a research project. The equipment allows the application of decontamination and cleaning treatments on any type of paper support, as well as the coating with a protective polymer. The equipment consists in a Pyrex vessel, inside which are placed two plane-parallel electrodes, capacitively coupled to a radio-frequency generator. The operating parameters of the equipment are: 1.2 MHz frequency, 50V/cm electric field intensity, current intensity in the discharge 100 mA, 40 W power in the discharge, the pressure varying from 5∙10-1 mbar to 5.5∙10-1 mbar, depending on the fragility of the material, operating in gaseous nitrogen. In order to optimize the equipment treatments in nitrogen plasma have been performed on samples infested with microorganisms, then the decontamination and the changes in surface properties (color, pH) were assessed. The analyses results presented in the table revealed only minor modifications of surface pH the colorimetric analysis showing a slight change to yellow. The equipment offers the possibility of performing decontamination, cleaning and protective coating of paper-based documents in successive stages, thus avoiding the recontamination with harmful biological agents.

Keywords: nitrogen plasma, cultural heritage, paper support, radio-frequency

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Authors: Tsung Chieh Ma, I-Ling Chen

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Disclosing family origins to adoptees is an important topic in the adoption process. Adoption agencies usually educate adoptive parents on how to disclose to adoptees, but many adoptive parents worry that the disclosure will affect the parent–child relationship. Thus, how adoptees would like to receive the disclosure and whether they subjectively feel that the parent–child relationship is affected are both topics worthy of further discussion. This research takes a qualitative approach and connects with adoption agencies to interview six adoptees who are now adults. The purpose of the interviews is to learn about their experience receiving disclosures and their subjective feelings after learning of their family origins. The aim is to reveal the changes disclosure brought to the parent–child relationship and whether common concerns are raised due to the adoptive status. We also want to know about factors that affect their identification with their adopted status so that we can consequently give advice to other adoptive families. in this study finds that adoptees see disclosure as a process rather than an isolated event. The majority want to be told their family origin as early and proactively as possible and expect to learn the reasons they were given up for adoption and taken in as adoptees. The disclosure does not necessarily influence the parent–child relationship, and adoptees care more about the positive experiences they had with adoptive parents in their childhood. Moreover, adopted children seek contact with their original family mostly to understand why they were given up for adoption. The effects of disclosure depend on how the adoptive parents or other significant people in the lives of adoptees interpret the identity of the adoptees. That is, their response and attitude toward the identity have a lasting impact on the adoptees. The study suggests that early disclosure gives adoptees a chance to internalize the experience in the process and find self-identification.

Keywords: adoption, adoptees, disclosure of family origins, parent–child relationship, self-identity

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Authors: Patrick Dzimiri

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This chapter discusses the military-orchestrated leadership change in Zimbabwe that transpired in November 2017. Fundamentally, the chapter provides a critical examination of military interference in the country's politics and its implications for a political transition in the post-Mugabe dispensation. This chapter offers insight into Zimbabwe's political crises propelled by the lack of a succession plan. It emerged that the succession battle within ZANU-PF got complicated by the militarisation of factionalism. The chapter builds from an extensive review of primary and secondary data sources on political developments before and post-Mugabe era. Vilfredo Pareto's (1848-18923) theory on elite circulation is deployed herein to explain the absence of a succession mechanism within ZANU-PF and the militarisation of socio-politics life Zimbabwe. The chapter argues that what transpired in Zimbabwe’s power wrangle within the ZANU-PF political elites was triggered by a lack of a clear succession policy. Building from insights offered by Pareto's theory of elite circulation, it is averred that the removal of Mugabe by the military did not herald any form of political transition but rather a mere power play of one elite replacing another. In addition, it is argued that the lack of political reform by the Mnangagwa government affirms the position that political elites seek power for personal self-actualisation and not the public good. The chapter concludes that Mnangagwa's rise to power is nothing but a new elite displacing the old elite structure and does not herald a positive transition and transformation in the politics of Zimbabwe.

Keywords: military, politics, zimbabwe, governance, political transition

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Authors: Aboagye Boye Gilbert

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Teaching and learning (Education), not only in Ghana but the whole world is regarded as the (Stepping stone) vehicle to accelerate the country’s economy, development and social growth. Basically the ingredients for human development and the country in general is Vocational and Technical education and this has been stressed in Ghana’s education system since Pre-independence. To this effect, this research seeks to determine using demonstration method of Teachings sewing to improve the skills of form 3 Fashion Designing students of Baworo Integrated Community Centre for Employable Skills. In this research, reviewed literature on opinions of other researchers and what other people have done and said on related articles or topics, analyzed the research design used, translate the data gathered in the study. The study was design to gather information from the school on how they use Teaching methods to teach sewing. The targeted respondent contacted to give assistance Consist of students from BICCES, fashion teachers and tailored garment makers. The sample size consisted of 5 teachers, 20 students and 5 tailors were selected to answer questionnaire items that were used to gather the data for the study. The study revealed that most teachers and students agreed to the fact that demonstration, teaching and learning materials had a positive attitude towards the students in learning sewing. The study recommends that there should be more mechanisms in place to serve as a guide.

Keywords: VOTEC, BECE, BICCES, SHS

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Authors: Elena Krelja Kurelović, Jasminka Tomljanović, Vlatka Davidović

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The development of web technologies and mobile devices makes creating, accessing, using and sharing information or communicating with each other simpler every day. However, while the amount of information constantly increasing it is becoming harder to effectively organize and find quality information despite the availability of web search engines, filtering and indexing tools. Although digital technologies have overall positive impact on students’ lives, frequent use of these technologies and digital media enriched with dynamic hypertext and hypermedia content, as well as multitasking, distractions caused by notifications, calls or messages; can decrease the attention span, make thinking, memorizing and learning more difficult, which can lead to stress and mental exhaustion. This is referred to as “information overload”, “information glut” or “information anxiety”. Objective of this study is to determine whether students show signs of information overload and to identify the possible predictors. Research was conducted using a questionnaire developed for the purpose of this study. The results show that students frequently use technology (computers, gadgets and digital media), while they show moderate level of information literacy. They have sometimes experienced symptoms of information overload. According to the statistical analysis, higher frequency of technology use and lower level of information literacy are correlated with larger information overload. The multiple regression analysis has confirmed that the combination of these two independent variables has statistically significant predictive capacity for information overload. Therefore, the information science teachers should pay attention to improving the level of students’ information literacy and educate them about the risks of excessive technology use.

Keywords: information overload, computers, mobile devices, digital media, information literacy, students

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Authors: Ande Nesmith

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There is an ongoing shortage of foster parents worldwide to take on a growing population of children in need of out-of-home care. Currently, resources are primarily aimed at recruitment rather than retention. Retention rates are extraordinarily low, especially in the first two years of fostering. Qualitative interviews with 19 foster parents averaging 20 years of service provided insight into the challenges they faced and how they overcame them. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts identified sources of stress and resiliency. Key stressors included lack of support and responsiveness from the children’s social workers, false maltreatment allegations, and secondary trauma from children’s destructive behaviors and emotional dysregulation. Resilient parents connected with other foster parents for support, engaged in creative problem-solving, recognized that positive feedback from children usually arrives years later, and through training, understood the neurobiological impact of trauma on child behavior. Recommendations include coordinating communication between the foster parent licensing agency social workers and the children’s social workers, creating foster parent support networks and mentoring, and continuous training on trauma including effective parenting strategies. Research is needed to determine whether these resilience indicators in fact lead to long-term retention. Policies should include a mechanism to develop a cohesive line of communication and connection between foster parents and the children’s social workers as well as their respective agencies.

Keywords: foster care stability, foster parent burnout, foster parent resiliency, foster parent retention, trauma-informed fostering

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Authors: Nita Rukminasari

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The aim of this study is to select microalgae strains, which were isolated from agriculture and municipal wastewater drain, Reno, Nevada that has highest growth rate and lipid contents. The experiments in this study were carried out in two consecutive stages. The first stage is aimed at testing the survival capability of all isolated microalgae strains and determining the best candidates to grow in centrate cultivation system. The second stage was targeted at determination the highest growth rate and highest lipid content of the selected top performing algae strain when cultivated on centrate wastewater. 26 microalgae strains, which were isolated from municipal and agriculture waste water, were analyzed using Flow cytometer for FACS of lipid with BODIPY and Nile Red as a lipid dyes and they grew on 96 wells plate for 31 days to determine growth rate as a based line data for growth rate. The result showed that microalgae strains which showed a high mean of fluorescence for BODIPY and Nile Red were F3.BP.1, F3.LV.1, T1.3.1, and T1.3.3. Five microalgae strains which have high growth rate were T1.3.3, T2.4.1. F3.LV.1, T2.12.1 and T3.3.1. In conclusion, microalgae strain which showed the highest starch content was F3.LV.1. T1.3.1 had the highest mean of fluorescence for Nile Red and BODIPY. Microalgae strains were potential for biofuel feedstock such as F3.LV.1 and T1.3.1, those microalgae strains showed a positive correlation between growth rate at stationary phase, biomass and meant of fluorescence for Nile Red and BODIPY.

Keywords: agriculture and municipal wastewater, biofuel, centrate, microalgae

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Authors: Nouira Mariem, Ben Rayana Hazem, Ennigrou Samir

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Background and aim: During the past decade, the frequency of extrapulmonary forms of tuberculosis has increased. These forms are under-diagnosed using conventional tests. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) for the diagnosis of tuberculosis, using the ROC curve and Fagan’s Nomogram methodology. Methods: This was a case-control, multicenter study in 11 anti-tuberculosis centers in Tunisia, during the period from June to November2014. The cases were adults aged between 18 and 55 years with confirmed tuberculosis. Controls were free from tuberculosis. A data collection sheet was filled out and a TST was performed for each participant. Diagnostic accuracy measures of TST were estimated using ROC curve and Area Under Curve to estimate sensitivity and specificity of a determined cut-off point. Fagan’s nomogram was used to estimate its predictive values. Results: Overall, 1053 patients were enrolled, composed of 339 cases (sex-ratio (M/F)=0.87) and 714 controls (sex-ratio (M/F)=0.99). The mean age was 38.3±11.8 years for cases and 33.6±11 years for controls. The mean diameter of the TST induration was significantly higher among cases than controls (13.7mm vs.6.2mm;p=10-6). Area Under Curve was 0.789 [95% CI: 0.758-0.819; p=0.01], corresponding to a moderate discriminating power for this test. The most discriminative cut-off value of the TST, which were associated with the best sensitivity (73.7%) and specificity (76.6%) couple was about 11 mm with a Youden index of 0.503. Positive and Negative predictive values were 3.11% and 99.52%, respectively. Conclusion: In view of these results, we can conclude that the TST can be used for tuberculosis diagnosis with a good sensitivity and specificity. However, the skin induration measurement and its interpretation is operator dependent and remains difficult and subjective. The combination of the TST with another test such as the Quantiferon test would be a good alternative.

Keywords: tuberculosis, tuberculin skin test, ROC curve, cut-off

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Authors: Mohamed Razi Nalim, Shahrzad Ghadiri

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With current concerns regarding global warming, demand for a society with greater environmental awareness significantly increases. With gradual development in hybrid and electric vehicles and the availability of renewable energy resources, increasing efficiency in fossil fuel and combustion engines seems a faster solution toward sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of recent progress in wave rotor combustor, one of the combustion concepts with considerable potential to improve power output and emission standards. A wave rotor is an oscillatory flow device that uses the unsteady gas dynamic concept to transfer energy by generating pressure waves. From a thermodynamic point of view, unlike conventional positive-displacement piston engines which follow the Brayton cycle, wave rotors offer higher cycle efficiency due to pressure gain during the combustion process based on the Humphrey cycle. First, the paper covers all recent and ongoing computational and experimental studies around the world with a quick look at the milestones in the history of wave rotor development. Second, the main similarity and differences in the ignition system of the wave rotor with piston engines are considered. Also, the comparison is made with another pressure gain device, rotating detonation engines. Next, the main challenges and research needs for wave rotor combustor commercialization are discussed.

Keywords: wave rotor combustor, unsteady gas dynamic, pre-chamber jet ignition, pressure gain combustion, constant-volume combustion

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Authors: Raheel Shakoor Siddiqui, Calvin Mathias, Manikandar Srinivas Cheruvu, Bobin Varghese

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A 58 year old gentleman presented to accident and emergency at the district general hospital with worsening shortness of breath and a non-productive cough over a period of five days. He was initially admitted under the medical team for suspicion of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pneumonitis. Subsequently, upon deterioration of observations and a positive COVID-19 PCR, he was taken to intensive care for invasive mechanical ventilation. He required frequent proning, inotropic support and was intubated for thirty-three days. After successful extubation, he developed myopathy with a limited range of motion to his right knee and right shoulder. Plain film imaging of these limbs demonstrated an unusual formation of heterotopic ossification without any precipitating trauma or surgery. Current literature demonstrates limited case series portraying heterotopic ossification post-COVID-19. There has been negligible evidence of heterotopic ossification in the ipsilateral knee and shoulder post-prolonged immobility secondary to a critical illness. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation are post-intensive care can be prolonged due to the formation of heterotopic ossification around joints. Prolonged hospital stays may lead to a higher risk of developing infections of the chest, urine and pressure sores. This raises the question of whether a severe systemic inflammatory immune response from the SARS-CoV-2 virus results in histopathological processes leading to the formation of heterotopic ossification not previously seen, requiring prolonged physiotherapy.

Keywords: orthopaedics, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, heterotopic ossification, COVID-19

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Authors: Seipati Baloyi-Mothibedi, Wendy Setlalentoa

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Recently scholars have shown much interest in the engagement and involvement of educational stakeholders in early childhood development (ECD) research, which has yielded positive results for ECD globally, especially in South Africa. Realising this gap, this study reports on the establishment of the research group comprising teachers, parents, and education stakeholders, which aimed to enhance curriculum practice in a grade R mathematics class. We adopted bricolage as a theoretical lens, mainly for its multi-layered, multi-methodological, multi-perspectival, and metatheoretical benefits to make sense in reviewing the literature as well as the empirical part of the study. A participatory action research (PAR) study using collaborative information sessions, meetings, workshops, and as well transcend movements were employed in order to engage the team to have first-hand information in enhancing curriculum practice in a grade R mathematics class was conducted. We adopted audiovisuals, photo voices, and lesson demonstrations to generate the data. The generated data were transcribed into texts that were further analysed using three levels based on the spoken or written texts and social and discursive practices. At the end of the discourses, the findings showed that engagement, involvement, and inclusion of different education stakeholders were instrumental in enhancing curriculum practice in a grade R mathematics class for the highest attainment. From the findings, we developed a strategy for engagement and involvement of teachers, parents, and the education stakeholders in enhancing curriculum practice in grade R mathematics class.

Keywords: engagement, involvement, curriculum practice, grade R, mathematics class

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Authors: Dechen Tshering Vogel, Johannes T. Heverhagen, Bernard Kiss, Spyridon Arampatzis

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In addition to computed tomography (CT), contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are being increasingly used for imaging of renal lesions. The aim of this prospective study was to compare the classification of complex cystic renal lesions using the Bosniak classification with CEUS and MRI to CT. Forty-eight patients with 65 cystic renal lesions were included in this study. All participants signed written informed consent. The agreement between the Bosniak classifications of complex renal lesions ( ≥ BII-F) on CEUS and MRI were compared to that of CT and were tested using Cohen’s Kappa. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV/NPV) and the accuracy of CEUS and MRI compared to CT in the detection of complex renal lesions were calculated. Twenty-nine (45%) out of 65 cystic renal lesions were classified as complex using CT. The agreement between CEUS and CT in the classification of complex cysts was fair (agreement 50.8%, Kappa 0.31), and was excellent between MRI and CT (agreement 93.9%, Kappa 0.88). Compared to CT, MRI had a sensitivity of 96.6%, specificity of 91.7%, a PPV of 54.7%, and an NPV of 54.7% with an accuracy of 63.1%. The corresponding values for CEUS were sensitivity 100.0%, specificity 33.3%, PPV 90.3%, and NPV 97.1% with an accuracy 93.8%. The classification of complex renal cysts based on MRI and CT scans correlated well, and MRI can be used instead of CT for this purpose. CEUS can exclude complex lesions, but due to higher sensitivity, cystic lesions tend to be upgraded. However, it is useful for initial imaging, for follow up of lesions and in those patients with contraindications to CT and MRI.

Keywords: Bosniak classification, computed tomography, contrast enhanced ultrasound, cystic renal lesions, magnetic resonance imaging

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Authors: Charlene N. T. Mfangnia, Henri E. Z. Tonnang, Berge Tsanou, Jeremy Herren

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Microsporidia MB is a recently discovered symbiont capable of blocking the transmission of Plasmodium from mosquitoes to humans. The symbiont can spread both horizontally and vertically among the mosquito population. This dual transmission gives the symbiont the ability to invade the mosquito population. The replacement of the mosquito population by the population of symbiont-infected mosquitoes then appears as a promising strategy for malaria control. In this context, the present study uses differential equations to model the transmission dynamics of Microsporidia MB in the population of female Anopheles mosquitoes. Long-term propagation scenarios of the symbiont, such as extinction, persistence or total infection, are obtained through the determination of the target and basic reproduction numbers, the equilibria, and the study of their stability. The stability is illustrated numerically, and the contribution of vertical and horizontal transmission in the spread of the symbiont is assessed. Data obtained from laboratory experiments are then used to explain the low prevalence observed in nature. The study also shows that the male death rate, the mating rate and the attractiveness of MB-positive mosquitoes are the factors that most influence the transmission of the symbiont. In addition, the introduction of temperature and the study of bifurcations show the significant influence of the environmental condition in the propagation of Microsporidia MB. This finding proves the necessity of taking into account environmental variables for the potential establishment of the symbiont in a new area.

Keywords: differential equations, stability analysis, malaria, microsporidia MB, horizontal transmission, vertical transmission, numerical illustration

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Authors: Meenakshi Srivastava, A. K. Mishra

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This study characterizes the metabolic versatility of denitrifying bacterial communities residing in the paddy soil using the GC-MS based Phospholipid Fatty Acid (PLFA) analyses simultaneously with nosZ gene based PCR-DGGE (Polymerase Chain Reaction-Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis) and real time Q-PCR analysis. We have analyzed the abundance of nitrous oxide reductase (nosZ) genes, which was subsequently related to soil PLFA profile and DGGE based denitrifier community structure. Soil denitrifying bacterial community comprised majority or dominance of Ochrobactrum sp. following Cupriavidus and uncultured bacteria strains in paddy soil of selected sites. Initially, we have analyzed the abundance of the nitrous oxide reductase gene (nosZ), which was found to be related with PLFA based lipid profile. Chandauli of Eastern UP, India represented greater amount of lipid content (C18-C20) and denitrifier’s diversity. This study suggests the positive co-relation between soil PLFA profiles, DGGE, and Q-PCR data. Thus, a close networking among metabolic abilities and taxonomic composition of soil microbial communities existed, and subsequently, such work at greater extent could be helpful in managing nutrient dynamics as well as microbial dynamics of paddy soil ecosystem.

Keywords: denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, DGGE, nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria, PLFA, Q-PCR

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Authors: J. K. D. M. P. Madara, R. B. L. Dharmawickreme, Linu John, Ivee Boiss

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Flemingia vestita, commonly known as ‘Sohphlang’ is an important medicinal plant found in the North-Eastern region of India, which is traditionally recognized for its anthelmintic properties. This study was aimed to evaluate the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial activity of the tuber skin extracts of the plant species. Methanol, acetone, and water were used to obtain the solvent extractions of the skin peel extracts. Concentrated extracts of skin peel were tested using previously established qualitative phytochemical assays. The antibacterial efficacy of methanol tuber skin extract was tested against Gram-negative and positive microorganisms, namely, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. Agar well diffusion method was employed to determine the zone of inhibition of the plant extracts. Obtained data were statistically analyzed. Methanol extracts of Flemingia vestita were found to be effective against Bacillus subtilis and Mycobacterium tuberculosis at concentrations of 0.5 mg/ml. The reported zone of inhibition for the two strains was 13.3mm ± 0.57 and 16.3mm ± 4.9, respectively. However Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli were resistant to the plant extracts with no zone of inhibition. Alkaloids, glycosides, and phenols were found to be present in aqueous, methanol, and acetone extracts of the plant in qualitative phytochemical analysis.

Keywords: flemingia vestita, antibacterial activity, phytochemical screening, well diffusion method

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Authors: Julia Wimmers-Klick

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At the Canadian University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine, anatomy has traditionally been taught through a combination of lectures and dissection labs in the first two years, with radiology taught separately through lectures and online modules. However, this separation may leave students underprepared for medical practice, as medical imaging is essential for diagnosing anatomical and pathological conditions. To address this, a pilot project was initiated aimed at integrating radiological imaging into anatomy dissection labs from day one of medical school. The incorporated radiological images correlated with the current dissection areas. Additional stations were added within the lab, tailored to the specific content being covered. These stations focused on bones, and quiz questions, along with light-box exercises using radiographs, CT scans, and MRIs provided by the radiology department. The images used were free of pathologies. Examples of these will be presented in the poster. Feedback from short interviews with students and instructors has been positive, particularly among second-year students who appreciated the integration compared to their first-year experience. This low-budget approach was easy to implement but faced challenges, as lab instructors were not radiologists and occasionally struggled to answer students' questions. Instructors expressed a desire for basic training or a refresher course in radiology image reading, particularly focused on identifying healthy landmarks. Overall, all participants agreed that integrating radiology with anatomy reinforces learning during dissection, enhancing students' understanding and preparation for clinical practice.

Keywords: quality improvement, radiology education, anatomy education, integration

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Authors: Hend K. Moosa, Eman A. Rashwan, Ezzat M. Hassan, Amany A. Ghazy, Amel G. Sheredy

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The stability of microRNA (miR) in the circulation can show a great progress toward the discovery of non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in many diseases. In the present study, circulatory miR-122 and miR-130a were analysed in chronic hepatitis C Egyptian patients in predicting the clinical outcome of interferon treatment. In addition, their expression levels were correlated to viral RNA levels, necro-inflammatory markers (AST, ALT) and to each other. This study was conducted on 51 subjects where 36 were chronic HCV patients in which they were divided into naive and interferon treated HCV patients (responders and non-responders) and 15 matched healthy controls. Serum quantification of miR-122 and miR-130a were performed by quantitative Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). The results showed a significant upregulation of miR-122 in non-responder patients (P=0.049). By receiver operating characteristic analysis curve, miR-122 revealed 65% sensitivity and 92.3% specificity in predicting non-responsiveness of patients to IFN treatment, while miR-130a showed a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 53.85%. Remarkably, there was a significant positive correlation between miR-122 and miR-130a in naive HCV patients (r=0.714, p=0.003). However, there was no significant correlation between serum miR-122, miR-130a expression levels and necro-inflammatory markers (AST, ALT). To conclude, miR-122 and miR-130a have a significant association with viral RNA levels and accordingly, they may have a synergistic power in promoting viral replication. Interestingly, miR-122 and miR-130a have a predictive power in predicting clinical outcome of IFN treatment which can be further studied in currently used drugs in order to reduce the socio-economic burden of potentially non-responders.

Keywords: hepatitis C, microRNA, miR-122, miR-130a

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Authors: Muhammad Tayyab Afzal, Muhammad Arslan, Mirza Muhammad Waqar

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Snow constitutes an important component of the cryosphere, characterized by high temporal and spatial variability. Because of the contribution of snow melt to water availability, snow is an important focus for research on climate change and adaptation. MODIS satellite data have been used to identify spatial-temporal trends in snow cover in the upper Indus basin. For this research MODIS satellite 8 day composite data of medium resolution (250m) have been analysed from 2001-2005.Pixel based supervised classification have been performed and extent of snow have been calculated of all the images. Results show large variation in snow cover between years while an increasing trend from west to east is observed. Temperature data for the Upper Indus Basin (UIB) have been analysed for seasonal and annual trends over the period 2001-2005 and calibrated with the results acquired by the research. From the analysis it is concluded that there are indications that regional warming is one of the factor that is affecting the hydrology of the upper Indus basin due to accelerated glacial melting during the simulation period, stream flow in the upper Indus basin can be predicted with a high degree of accuracy. This conclusion is also supported by the research of ICIMOD in which there is an observation that the average annual precipitation over a five year period is less than the observed stream flow and supported by positive temperature trends in all seasons.

Keywords: indus basin, MODIS, remote sensing, snow cover

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Authors: Junhang Luo

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With the transformation of spatial structure and the deepening of urban development, the demand for a better life and the concerns for social resources equities of residents are increasing. As an important social resource, park plays an essential role in building environmentally sustainable cities. Thus, it is important to examine park accessibility for low-income and how it works in relative deprivation, so as to provide all residents with equitable services. Using the network and buffer methods of GIS, this paper analyzes urban park accessibility for low-income residents in Chongqing, China. And then conduct a satisfaction evaluation of park resource accessibility with low-incomes through questionnaire surveys from deprivation dimensions. Results show that the level of park accessibility in Chongqing varies significantly and the degree of relative deprivation is relatively high. Public transportation convenience improves and the number of community park increases contribute positively to improving park accessibility and alleviating the relative deprivation of public resources. Combined with the innovation pattern of social governance in China, it suggests that urban park accessibility needs to be jointly governed and optimized by multiple social resources from the government to the public, and the service efficiency needs the index system and planning standards according to local conditions to improve quality and promote equity. At the same time, building a perfect park system and complete legislation assurance system will also play a positive role in ensuring that all residents can enjoy the urban public space more fairly, especially low-income groups.

Keywords: urban park, accessibility, relative deprivation, GIS network analysis, chongqing

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Authors: Muhammad Saleem Akhtar, Mushtaq Hussain Lashari, Ejaz Ahmad, Tanveer Ahmad, Laeeq Akbar Lodhi, Ijaz Ahmad, Masood Akhtar

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The objective of this study was to determine the effect of bull exposure continuously or intermittently or its excretory products after calving on postpartum interval to estrus, in Nili-Ravi buffalo. Forty-eight buffaloes of Nili-Ravi breed were allocated one of the four treatments in a totally randomized plan using a 4 x 1 factorial design. The four treatment groups were BEC (Bull Exposed Continuously), BEI (Bull Exposed Intermittently), EPB (Excretory Products of Bull) and BNE (Bull Not Exposed). BEC; buffaloes (n = 12) were exposed continuously to the physical presence of a bull whereas in BEI; buffaloes (n = 12) were exposed intermittently to the physical presence of bull. EPB; buffaloes (n = 12) were exposed to discharge waste (urine and feces) of bull and BNE buffaloes (n = 12) were not exposed to a bull or discharge waste of bulls. Buffaloes were exposed on day 15 after parturition. Day 15 postpartum represented d 0 for each treatment. The postpartum interval from calving to first behavioural estrus was 66.88 days in BEC, 75.12 days in BEI, 77.28 days in EPB and 76.5 days in BNE treatments. Postpartum interval to first behavioural estrus was shorter in BEC than BEI, EPB, and BNE treatments. There was no significant difference in postpartum interval to estrus between BEI, EPB and BNE treatments. In present study, the percentage of buffaloes showing estrus during experimental period was 75.0%, 66.66%, 66.66% and 58.33% in BEC, BEI, EPB and BNE treatments, respectively. The mean serum progesterone concentration did not differ significantly between BEC and other (BEI, EPB, and BNE) treatments. It was concluded that presence of bull has positive effect in reducing calving interval in Nili Ravi buffalo.

Keywords: calving interval, biostimulation, buffalo, bull exposure

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Authors: Fatin Fadhilah Hasib, Dewi Nuraini, Nisful Laila, Muhammad Madyan

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A big political event such as Cabinet reshuffle mostly can affect the stock price positively or negatively, depend on the perception of each investor and potential investor. This study aims to analyze the movement of the market and trading activities which respect to an event using event study method. This method is used to measure the movement of the stock exchange in which abnormal return can be obtained by investor related to the event. This study examines the differences of reaction on abnormal return and trading volume activity from the companies listed in the Jakarta Islamic Index (JII), before and after the announcement of the Cabinet Work Volume II on 27 July 2016. The study was conducted in observation of 21 days in total which consists of 10 days before the event and 10 days after the event. The method used in this study is event study with market adjusted model method that observes market reaction to the information of an announcement or publicity events. The Results from the study showed that there is no significant negative nor positive reaction at the abnormal return and abnormal trading before and after the announcement of the cabinet reshuffle. It is indicated by the results of statistical tests whose value not exceeds the level of significance. Stock exchange of the JII just reflects from the previous stock prices without reflecting the information regarding to the Cabinet reshuffle event. It can be concluded that the capital market is efficient with a weak form.

Keywords: abnormal return, abnormal trading volume activity, event study, political event

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Authors: Naqeeb Ahmad Jan, Rukhsana Bibi

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Extremism is once again pushing the globe towards ignorance and darkness. In the present day, the wave of extremist element (tendencies) has affected the people across the globe which led them to believe in manifestation of various ideologies. Likely, the Pakistan’s North-Western province (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) served as a main prey. However, it also served as an equal partner to halt to and control the extremist activities. This current extremist element has also affected the poets herein, and thus they (poets) used their pen as a sword and depicted this havoc, the nature of extremism they witnessed, and also asked for and supported a positive and durable solution to this menace of extremism and terrorism. Their poetic works portrayed and exhibited various examples of the extremism and its possible solution to ensure peace and harmony. The researcher has taken the liberty to argue that a balanced behaviour and attitude play a key role in the fulfillment of desired actions. The imposition of any set of belief, value and attitude leads to the multiplication of extremism and it is so poisonous that it causes to the destruction of whole human society. This study has found that the present day extremism has led to the emergence of new words, similes, metaphor and other figures of speech to be a part of the language and literature to be survived. These words have been analyzed and discussed in a new getup and meanings; the similes and metaphors describing extremism used by poets and writers of this era. The methodology is based on quantitative, analytical and comparative research. Moreover, this research has discussed indication of new words and figures of speech used by the poets and which are in practice, and impacts of extremism on the modern Urdu poetry of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Keywords: extremism, modern Urdu poetry, subcontinent, terrorism

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Authors: Mohamed Ibrahim, Suzan Kholeif

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The Cenomanian-Turonian boundary was a ‘greenhouse’ period. The atmosphere at that time was characterized by high CO₂; in addition, there was the widespread deposition of organic-rich sediments anomalously rich in organic carbon. The sediments, palynological, total organic carbon (TOC), stable carbon and oxygen isotopes (δ¹³C, δ¹⁸O, organic) of the Cenomanian-Turonian Bahariya and basal Abu Roash formations at the southern Tethys margin were studied in two deep wells (AG5 and AG-13), Abu Gharadig Oil Field, North Western Desert, Egypt. Some of the marine (dinoflagellate cysts), as well as the terrestrial palynoflora (spores and pollen grains), reveal extinction and origination patterns that are known elsewhere, although other species may be survived across the Cenomanian-Turonian boundary. This implies control of global changes on the palynoflora, i.e., impact of Oceanic Anoxic Event OAE2 (Bonarelli Event), rather than changes in the local environmental conditions. The basal part of the Abu Roach Formation ('G' and 'F' members, late Cenomanian) shows a positive δ ¹³C excursion of the organic fraction. The TOC is generally high between 2.20 and 3.04 % in the basal Abu Roash Formation: shale of 'G' and carbonate of 'F' members, which indicates that these two members are the main Cretaceous source rocks in the Abu Gharadig Basin and have a type I-II kerogen composition. They are distinguished by an abundance of amorphous organic matter AOM and Chlorococcalean algae, mainly Pediastrum and Scenedesmus, along with subordinate dinoflagellate cysts.

Keywords: oceanic anoxic event, cenomanian-turonian, palynofacies, western desert, Egypt

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