• Title/Summary/Keyword: Faculty development

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The Effects of Dimethyl-Sulfoxide Added to the Fertilization Medium on the Motility and the Acrosome Reaction of Spermatozoa and the Subsequent Development of Oocytes in Bovine

  • Tsuzuki, Y.;Duran, D.H.;Sawamizu, M.;Ashizawa, K.;Fujihara, N.
    • Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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    • v.13 no.6
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    • pp.739-747
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    • 2000
  • This experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of dimethyl-sulfoxise (DMSO, 0, 5, 50, 100 and $500{\mu}M$) on the motility and acrosome reaction of the frozen-thawed spermatozoa from 3 different bulls (Bull A, Band C). Also we evaluated the developmental capacity of bovine embryos fertilized in a medium containing DMSO at various concentrations. DMSO had negligible effects on the sperm motility and acrosome reaction in all three bulls. However, the development rates from 2 to 16 cells stage on the 3rd day after insemination with 50, 100 and $500{\mu}M$ DMSO in Bull-B, and up to the blastocyst stage fertilized with 5, 50, 100 and $500{\mu}M$ in Bull-A were significantly higher (p<0.05) than those of control ($0{\mu}M$ DMSO) group from each bull. Furthermore, the rates of blastocysts per cleaved embryos of 5 to $500{\mu}M$ DMSO group in Bull-A and of 5 to $100{\mu}M$ DMSO in Bull-C were also significantly higher (p<0.05) than those for their $0{\mu}M$ groups, respectively. These results indicate that DMSO at micromol level used for in vitro fertilization might stimulate the development of embryos for some bulls.

Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and L-Fucose as Indispensable Participants in Schistosomiasis-Associated Colonic Dysplasia

  • Soliman, Nema Ali;Keshk, Walaa Arafa;Shoheib, Zeinab Salah;Ashour, Dalia Salah;Shamloula, Maha Moustafa
    • Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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    • v.15 no.3
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    • pp.1125-1131
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    • 2014
  • Background: Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease causing chronic ill health in humans with a serious consequences for socio-economic development in tropical and subtropical regions. There is also evidence linking Schistosoma mansoni to colonic carcinoma occurrence. The aim of this study was to evaluate some inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers, as well as L-fucose as linkers between intestinal schistosomiasis and colonic dysplasia development in mice. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted upon 80 mice that were divided the control group (10 non infected mice) and infected group which was subdivided into 7 sub-groups (10 mice each) according to the time of sacrifaction in the post infection (p.i.) period, 10 mice being sacrificed every two weeks from 6 weeks p.i. to 18 weeks p.i. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-${\alpha}$), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) levels were estimated by immunoassay. The L-fucose level, and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were also evaluated in colonic tissue. Results: The current study revealed statistically significant elevation in the studied biochemical markers especially at 16 and 18 weeks p.i. The results were confirmed by histopathological examination that revealed atypical architectural and cytological changes in the form of epithelial surface serration and nuclear hyper-chromatizia at 14, 16 and 18 weeks p.i. Conclusions: inflammation, oxidative stress and L-fucose together may form an important link between Schistosomal mansoni infection and colonic dysplasia and they can be new tools for prediction of colonic dysplasia development in experimental schistosomiasis.

Development of flood hazard and risk maps in Bosnia and Herzegovina, key study of the Zujevina River

  • Emina, Hadzic;Giuseppe Tito, Aronica;Hata, Milisic;Suvada, Suvalija;Slobodanka, Kljucanin;Ammar, Saric;Suada, Sulejmanovic;Fehad, Mujic
    • Coupled systems mechanics
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    • v.11 no.6
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    • pp.505-524
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    • 2022
  • Floods represent extreme hydrological phenomena that affect populations, environment, social, political, and ecological systems. After the catastrophic floods that have hit Europe and the World in recent decades, the flood problem has become more current. At the EU level, a legal framework has been put in place with the entry into force of Directive 2007/60/EC on Flood Risk Assessment and Management (Flood Directive). Two years after the entry into force of the Floods Directive, Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H), has adopted a Regulation on the types and content of water protection plans, which takes key steps and activities under the Floods Directive. The "Methodology for developing flood hazard and risk maps" (Methodology) was developed for the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, following the methodology used in the majority of EU member states, but with certain modifications to the country's characteristics. Accordingly, activities for the preparation of the Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment for each river basin district were completed in 2015 for the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Activities on the production of hazard maps and flood risk maps are in progress. The results of probable climate change impact model forecasts should be included in the preparation of the Flood Risk Management Plans, which is the subsequent phase of implementing the Flood Directive. By the foregoing, the paper will give an example of the development of the hydrodynamic model of the Zujevina River, as well as the development of hazard and risk maps. Hazard and risk maps have been prepared for medium probability floods of 1/100 as well as for high probability floods of 1/20. The results of LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) recording were used to create a digital terrain model (DMR). It was noticed that there are big differences between the flood maps obtained by recording LiDAR techniques in relation to the previous flood maps obtained using georeferenced topographic maps. Particular attention is given to explaining the Methodology applied in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

A Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Aflatoxin-producing Fungus Using an Optimized Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

  • Bintvihok, Anong;Treebonmuang, Supitchaya;Srisakwattana, Kitiya;Nuanchun, Wisut;Patthanachai, Koranis;Usawang, Sungworn
    • Toxicological Research
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    • v.32 no.1
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    • pp.81-87
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    • 2016
  • Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is produced by Aspergillus flavus growing in feedstuffs. Early detection of maize contamination by aflatoxigenic fungi is advantageous since aflatoxins exert adverse health effects. In this study, we report the development of an optimized conventional PCR for AFB1 detection and a rapid, sensitive and simple screening Real-time PCR (qPCR) with SYBR Green and two pairs of primers targeting the aflR genes which involved aflatoxin biosynthesis. AFB1 contaminated maize samples were divided into three groups by the toxin concentration. Genomic DNA was extracted from those samples. The target genes for A. flavus were tested by conventional PCR and the PCR products were analyzed by electrophoresis. A conventional PCR was carried out as nested PCR to verify the gene amplicon sizes. PCR-RFLP patterns, obtained with Hinc II and Pvu II enzyme analysis showed the differences to distinguish aflatoxin-producing fungi. However, they are not quantitative and need a separation of the products on gel and their visualization under UV light. On the other hand, qPCR facilitates the monitoring of the reaction as it progresses. It does not require post-PCR handling, which reduces the risk of cross-contamination and handling errors. It results in a much faster throughout. We found that the optimal primer annealing temperature was $65^{\circ}C$. The optimized template and primer concentration were $1.5{\mu}L\;(50ng/{\mu}L)$ and $3{\mu}L\;(10{\mu}M/{\mu}L)$ respectively. SYBR Green qPCR of four genes demonstrated amplification curves and melting peaks for tub1, afIM, afIR, and afID genes are at $88.0^{\circ}C$, $87.5^{\circ}C$, $83.5^{\circ}C$, and $89.5^{\circ}C$ respectively. Consequently, it was found that the four primers had elevated annealing temperatures, nevertheless it is desirable since it enhances the DNA binding specificity of the dye. New qPCR protocol could be employed for the determination of aflatoxin content in feedstuff samples.

Digital Barrier-Free and Psychosocial Support for Students with Disabilities in Distance Learning Environments

  • Kravchenko, Oksana;Koliada, Natalia;Berezivska, Larysa;Dikhtyarenko, Svitlana;Baida, Svitlana;Danylevych, Larysa
    • International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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    • v.22 no.8
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    • pp.15-24
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    • 2022
  • The article clarifies the conditions for information, digital and educational accessibility for higher education seekers with disabilities in terms of distance learning caused by quarantine restrictions. It is established that such conditions are regulated by international and Ukrainian legal documents (The Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Sustainable Development Goals, Law of Ukraine "On Education", Law of Ukraine "On Higher Education", Strategy for the Development of Higher Education in Ukraine 2021-2031, Development Strategy areas of innovation for the period up to 2030, Development strategy of the sphere of innovation activity for the period up to 2030). As a part of information barrierlessness, Higher Education Institutions (HEI) should provide access to information in various formats and using technologies, in particular Braille script, large-type printing, audio description (audio descriptive commenting), sign language interpretation, subtitling, a format suitable for reading by screen access programs, formats of simple speech, easy-to-read formats, means of alternative communication. The experience of Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University is described. In particular, special attention is paid to the study of sign language: in view of this, the initiative group implemented the project "Learning to hear and overcome social isolation together" with the financial support of the British Council in Ukraine. Within the framework of digital accessibility, the official website of the Faculty of Social and Psychological Education has been adapted for the visually impaired in accordance with WCAG 2.0 World Standards. In 2021, Pavlo Tychyna Uman State Pedagogical University implemented the project "Cultural, Recreational and Tourist Cherkasy Region: Inclusive Social 3D Map" funded by the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation; a site with available content for online travel in the region to provide barrier-free access to the historical and cultural heritage of Cherkasy region was created. Educational accessibility is achieved by increasing the number of people with special educational needs, receiving education in inclusive groups; activities of the Center for Social and Educational Integration and Inclusive Rehabilitation Social Tourism "Bez barieriv" ("Without barriers"); implementation of a research topic for financing the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine: "Social and psychological rehabilitation of children and youth with special educational needs by means of inclusive tourism"; implementation of the project "Social inclusion of distance educational process"; development of information campaigns to popularize the ideas of accessibility, the need for its implementation, ongoing training programs and competitions, etc.

Financial Development and Economic Growth: Credit Distribution in Southeast Asian Countries

  • Lan Thi Huong NGUYEN;Anh Le Dieu NGUYEN;Huyen Thanh LE;Duy Van NGUYEN
    • Journal of Distribution Science
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    • v.22 no.3
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    • pp.49-58
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    • 2024
  • Purpose: Research on financial development plays a crucial role in guiding and implementing policies for both financial development and economic growth. This study aims to evaluate the impact of financial development on the economic growth of Southeast Asian countries. Research design, data and methodology: The research utilizes data from 11 Southeast Asian countries from 2015 to 2022. Financial development data is proxied by credit distribution in private sector. Results: Based on the analysis using the FGLS model, it indicates that financial development has a positive impact on the economic growth of Southeast Asian countries. In addition, the study also examines the impact of state investment costs and FDI investment on economic growth. The results also show that foreign direct investment flows still play an important role in Southeast Asian countries (FDI has a positive impact on economic growth). State investment costs also impact economic growth, showing that the development of public investment also brings good development to countries. Conclusions: These results suggest that credit policies for financial development in general, and the development of private credit in particular, play a significant role in these countries. Building a system to promote the activities of private sector economies will help stimulate the economic development of Southeast Asian countries.

Characteristics of Faculty Mentors in Library and Information Science Doctoral Education

  • Lee, Jongwook
    • Journal of the Korean Society for Library and Information Science
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    • v.50 no.4
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    • pp.231-252
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    • 2016
  • Mentoring by faculty advisors is closely related to the personal and professional outcomes of doctoral students. However, few researchers have examined the characteristics of faculty mentors. To deal with this lack of research, the author attempted to explore the characteristics of faculty mentors from the perspective of Library and Information Science (LIS) doctoral students in the United States. In the study, the author combined interviews and a survey to examine the characteristics of faculty mentors. The interview and survey findings present a list of characteristics that are comprehensive and specific to LIS doctoral education. Specifically, the author describes a faculty mentor as a well-rounded person who possesses both professional and interpersonal characteristics. In addition, the findings show some aspects in which the current advising/mentoring could improve. The current study offers a guideline for the accomplishment of doctoral mentoring at a concrete level, rather than vaguely recommending that faculty advisors support the professional and psychosocial development of their students. In a following paper, the author will relate background characteristics of doctoral students to their perception of mentors.

Development of Characteristic Internship Program on Engineering Education

  • Oka, Tetsuo;Tanabe, Yuji;Abe, Kazuhisa;Narumi, Takatsune;Sato, Takashi;Tsubokawa, Norio;Kaneko, Futao
    • Journal of Engineering Education Research
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    • v.17 no.4
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    • pp.68-73
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    • 2014
  • A practice on learn-by-doing career education programs has been operated in Faculty of Engineering in Niigata University from 2006. The purpose of the activity is reduction of early unemployment which is due to the gaps between the situations which university students would expect in their job hunting processes and those of their practical work places after getting jobs. We developed a novel internship program to let the students notice the practical situations of engineers outside the university. A major part of the program is composed of two different kinds of internships and what we call a career design workshop. The characteristic programs are called "Market Internship" and "Technology Internship". In the activities, they are organically connected with each other. In the paper we refer to one of the unique internship programs "Technology Internship", which is characterized as a longer-term practice than usual. In the course of one-month internship practices, the students obtained deeper understandings and closer relationship to the practical work places of the companies than usual internships which last less than two weeks. The students estimated these unique experiences effective for their job hunting in near future.

Competency Assessment Tool and Faculty Assessors for Competency-based Pharmacy Education: A Preliminary Study of Its Applications and Advantages

  • Sin, Hye Yeon
    • Korean Journal of Clinical Pharmacy
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    • v.31 no.4
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    • pp.285-292
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    • 2021
  • Background: Recently, the Korean Association of Pharmacy Education has been focusing on competency-based education (CBE) and has established required areas of competencies to improve the graduation competency. However, competency-based assessment (CBA) tools for implementing CBE have not yet been developed for faculty members and students to successfully access the assessment tests. Moreover, the faculty members in charge in pharmacy schools have encountered various barriers in recruiting individuals with integrated clinical experience to act as virtual patients. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the advantages and limitations of applying CBA tool and faculty assessors in the development of CBE to ensure the reliability of this assessment. Methods: Utilizing CBA tool, the students' communication skills and styles were assessed. students and faculty assessors were surveyed to evaluate the advantages and limitations of the CBA tool. Results: 8 assessors and 96 students participated in this study. 100% (8/8) of the faculty assessors and 77.4% (65/84) of the students reported that CBA tool is valuable to assess and improve student's ability. 90.5% (76/84) of the students felt confident in applying knowledge to patient-centered care. CBA tool can be a valuable for the instructors in identifying the competency level of students but can also be associated with limitations in implementation to ensure the objectivity and reliability of the CBA. Conclusions: The CBA tool can be valuable in assessing the level of students' competency. Faculty assessors have the advantage of well-prepared themselves for patient roles, so that the time and cost required may be minimized.