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Investigating participant learning through international joint fieldwork: implications from a study program on local sustainability in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan
Get PDFGiven the urgent need for sustainable actions, the development of collective learning and collaboration across communities has become increasingly critical. International joint fieldwork provides a unique platform to tackle these challenges by connecting diverse localities and enabling the exchange of knowledge, perspectives, and context-specific solutions. This study provides empirical data on types of learning processes and themes emerging through international joint fieldwork drawing on a study program in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. Building on this empirical data, we also aim to identify factors that can effectively promote knowledge exchange and capacity building across different cultural and disciplinary contexts, by demonstrating how the design of the joint fieldwork supported these outcomes and by discussing the learning processes that emerged. Through applied thematic analysis of dialogue transcripts and post-fieldwork questionnaires, the study identified four critical dimensions of learning: (1) the introduction and conceptualization of new ideas, (2) the cultivation of cross-cultural understanding, (3) the redefinition of researchers’ roles within societal contexts, and (4) the examination of social transformations across gender and generational boundaries. We also identified three key drivers that play a crucial role in international joint fieldwork for sustainability, i.e., (1) intergenerational knowledge transfer, (2) modeling behavior, and (3) gender transformative approach. This research has provided evidence for the potential of international joint fieldwork as a tool for sustainable development. In particular, collaboration across generations and genders was one of the essential topics that the present study identified. We suggest the need for further research, particularly to consider more inclusive models that ensure diverse participation, especially from marginalized or underrepresented groups within the local context
Gravitating towards blockchain in sustainable higher education: a hybrid SEM-ANN technique
Get PDFThe current study investigates the determinants affecting users’ intention to adopt blockchain technology in higher educational institutions (HEIs) through structural equation modeling (SEM), Artificial Neural Network, and the extended UTAUT2 model. The results from the SEM analysis serve as the inputs for the ANN models, and the root mean square error (RMSE) is utilised to evaluate the predicted accuracy of the ANN models. Data were gathered from university students in Bangladesh with a structured questionnaire. The findings demonstrate that performance expectancy, hedonic motivation, facilitating conditions, perceived trust, self-efficacy, and perceived risk significantly influence behavioural intention. Furthermore, perceived trust, self-efficacy, and perceived risk significantly influence actual usage. This study enhances existing knowledge by proposing a novel path association, providing valuable insights for blockchain developers and higher educational institutions to devise effective policies for the successful implementation of blockchain technology in sustainable education of developing nations
Effects of core strength training on the technical skill performance of striking combat sport players: a systematic review
Get PDFResearch purpose. This review investigated the effects of core strength training on the competitive performance of players participating in striking combat sports. By analyzing karate, taekwondo, boxing, Chinese martial arts, and Muay Thai, the study examined the effects of core strength training on the number of kicks, striking force, and impact speed of players. The aim of this study was to provide a theoretical basis for training methods in striking combat sports and to explore the role of core strength in improving players' actual competitive performance. Methods. Data for this study were reported using the Preferred Reporting Project for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. On November 1, 2023, a full search was conducted on SCOPUS, PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, CNKI (only core academic journals were included in the search, specifically those listed in recognized Chinese journal evaluation systems such as the Beijing University Core Journals or CSSCI, thereby excluding non-academic or low-tier publications.) and Google Scholar (via EBSCOhost) searching engine. PICOS determined the inclusion criteria: (1) Combat sports player; (2) core strength training; (3) the enhancement intervention was compared with the control group or other exercise groups, and a single-group test was conducted; (4) test at least one technical skill performance; (5) non-randomised research trials and randomised controlled designs. Only eight of the 826 studies met all inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Results. In karate, wheel kick scores were significantly increased after core strength training; in taekwondo training groups, the number of kicks in 30 seconds was increased considerably; in boxing, 10-second and 20-second sandbag strikes and performance in 1 minute were significantly increased, and backhand punch strikes were enhanced; in martial arts, the striking power and relative striking power of straight punches and whip kicks were increased considerably; and in Muay Thai, jabs were made possible by both static and dynamic training; the knee strike and other manoeuvres had significant increases in striking power and impact speed. Overall, core strength training positively affected the frequency of kicks, striking power, and impact speed in all striking combat sports. Conclusion. The number of kicks, striking force, and impact speed in karate, taekwondo, boxing, Chinese martial arts, and Muay Thai have all improved, with particularly notable improvements in roundhouse kicks, straight punches, and whip kicks. core strength training has enhanced players' strength and physical stability, improving movement control and explosive power. Therefore, incorporating core strength training into striking combat sports training can comprehensively improve players' practical performance and physical fitness levels
Genomic landscape of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Malaysia: insights from array-CGH
Get PDFBackground: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer, comprising approximately 25% of pediatric malignancies. Notably, chromosomal aberrations and genetic alterations play a central role in the pathogenesis of ALL, serving as critical diagnostic and prognostic markers. In this study, we use array-based comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) to explore the landscape of copy number variations (CNVs) and variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in 67 Malaysian childhood ALL patients with normal karyotype. Results: A total of 36 pathogenic CNVs (26 gains, 10 losses) were identified in 19 (28.4%) patients which harbor genes related to the development of ALL. The genes include the MLLT3 (9p21.3), ETV6 (12p13.2), RUNX1 (21q22.12), ERG (21q22.2) and DMD (Xp21.1). On the other hand, a total of 46 variants of uncertain significance (VUS) was observed in 34 (50.7%) patients. Conclusions: Our study indicates that array-CGH is able to identify and characterize the CNVs responsible for the pathogenesis of childhood ALL. However, further studies are required to determine the pathogenic implications of VUS in the development of childhood ALL
Sodium humate-functionalised superabsorbent hydrogels for heavy metals and organic dyes remediation in aqueous systems
No full textInterpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels have emerged as robust and adaptable platform for wastewater and environmental remediations. Their interconnected architectures provide high mechanical stability, tunable surface chemistry and porosity, making them ideal for simultaneous removal of diverse contaminants in complex aqueous systems. Conventional hydrogels often suffer from low adsorption performance of dissolved pollutants due to structural fragility, limited crosslinking, leading to poor exposure of active sites. Herein, superabsorbent IPN hydrogels were fabricated using covalently-crosslinked poly (acrylic acid) grafted with sodium humate (PAA-HA), poly(acrylamide-co-1-vinylimidazole) (P(AAm-co-VIm)) and physically-crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Altering polymer composition allows facile control over surface area, thermal properties and water permeability of IPNs, all of which significantly affect their adsorption effectiveness. IPN1 (PVA/PAA-HA) proved to be more effective for Pb(II) separation with adsorption capacity of 93.12 mg g−1, whilst higher affinity for MB with adsorption capacity of 96.30 mg g−1 of IPN2 (PVA/PAA-HA/P(AAm-co-VIm)) indicates its potential for the dye removal. Simultaneous adsorption capacities of Pb(II), Cu(II) and MB by IPN1 in the ternary environment, with cumulative adsorption capacity of 107.03 mg g−1, surpassing the IPN1's adsorption capacities of single pollutant, further highlighting its high versatility in complex environment with multiple contaminants. The Pb(II) and Cu(II) adsorption mechanisms adopt the Langmuir isotherm via chemisorption. The IPNs are not only thermally stable with high adsorption capacities, but can be easily regenerated and reused. The superabsorbent IPNs are viable candidates for simultaneous removal of heavy metals and dyes, offering a significant step forward in sustainable wastewater treatment
Translation of English film titles into Chinese: a pragmatic and socio-cultural adaptation perspective
Get PDFFilm titles serve as the initial point of engagement between films and their audiences, playing a pivotal role in shaping expectations and supporting promotion efforts. These titles often carry distinct cultural meanings and linguistic nuances that encapsulate the film’s essence, making their translation a complex task requiring creativity and strategic decision-making. Hence, translators need to balance fidelity to the original with sensitivity to the cultural and communicative norms of the target audience. Given its importance, there is a need to explore the features of film titles and the translation strategies. While numerous studies have been given to the translation of film titles from various theoretical standpoints, limited attention has been given to the translation of film titles through the framework of adaptation theory. This paper investigates the translation strategies of English film titles into Chinese through the lens of Volkova and Zubenina’s (2015) pragmatic and socio-cultural adaptation theory. By analyzing selected titles from IMDb and their Chinese counterparts on Douban, the study offers insights into how pragmatic and socio-cultural features shape adaptation strategies, enhancing translators’ awareness in cross-cultural audiovisual translation. This study hopes to contribute to the burgeoning field of titleology by highlighting how adaptation functions at the intersection of translation, culture, and audience engagement. Ultimately, the findings are anticipated to offer practical insights for translators and enrich our understanding of the socio-pragmatic dimensions involved in cross-cultural audiovisual translation
Resilience of novice teachers: a recent systematic literature review (2023-2024)
Get PDFThe beginning of a teaching career is filled with obstacles, requiring new educators to demonstrate significant resilience. This systematic literature review (SLR) investigates the resilience of novice teachers, addressing the challenges they face and the strategies they employ to overcome these obstacles. The primary problem addressed is the need for a comprehensive overview of how various factors and interventions influence the development of resilience in novice teachers. Following the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework, the study systematically analyzed 22 articles published between 2023 and 2024 from Scopus and ERIC databases. The analysis identified three key themes: i) teacher resilience and coping strategies, ii) resilience during crises and pandemics, and iii) teacher resilience in international and cross-cultural contexts. Findings highlight the importance of effective mentorship, professional development, and self-reflective practices in enhancing novice teachers’ coping abilities. Adaptability and innovation are crucial during crises, underscoring the importance of support systems. Additionally, cultural competence and strong support networks are essential for teachers in diverse environments, aiding them in navigating unique challenges and leveraging opportunities. These insights emphasize the need for targeted interventions to strengthen teacher resilience, especially in the face of global challenges. These interventions will ultimately contribute to more effective teaching and improved educational outcomes
Effect of electron beam irradiation on microbiological safety and quality of chilled poultry meat from Kazakhstan
Get PDFEnsuring the safety and extending the shelf life of chilled poultry meat is vital in modern poultry meat production, particularly given the recent increase in demand in this area. Chilled meat has a short shelf life, so producers have limited time to sell their products and must rely on various methods of extending shelf life. Compared with other non-thermal methods, electron beam irradiation is a new non-thermal meat preservation technique with low cost, avoidance of contamination, and antibacterial effects. In this study, we investigate the effect of electron beam irradiation on the microbiological and physicochemical quality of chilled poultry meat produced in Kazakhstan to assess its suitability for use in local food processing systems. The samples were electron-beam-treated at doses of 2, 4, 6, and 8 kGy and stored in a refrigerator. Microbiological and physicochemical property evaluations were carried out for a period of 14 days. Our results demonstrated a significant decrease in total aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms, and no detectable levels of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in the irradiated samples. The pH measurements remained stable at low doses; in comparison, higher doses resulted in a slight decrease. Moisture, protein, fat, and ash content were also evaluated and showed minimal changes as functions of irradiation dose. Our results indicate that electron beam irradiation, particularly at a dose of 2–4 kGy, effectively improves microbiological safety and extends the shelf life of chilled poultry meat up to 5–6 days, making it a promising solution for the modern poultry meat industry
Immunogenicity of Matrix protein 2 ectodomain (M2e) displayed on Nodavirus-like particles as Avian influenza vaccine for poultry
Get PDFAvian influenza is an economically significant disease affecting poultry worldwide and is caused by influenza A viruses that can range from low to highly pathogenic strains. These viruses primarily target the respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems of birds, leading to severe outbreaks that threaten poultry production and pose zoonotic risks. The ectodomain of the avian influenza virus (AIV) matrix protein 2 (M2e), known for its high conservation across influenza strains, has emerged as a promising candidate for developing a universal influenza vaccine in a mouse model. However, the efficacy of such expression against poultry AIVs remains limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the immunogenicity of nodavirus-like particles displaying the M2e proteins. In this study, three synthetic heterologous M2e genes originated from AIV strains H5N1, H9N2 and H5N2 were fused with the nodavirus capsid protein (NVC) of the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii (NVC-3xAvM2e) prior to immunogenicity characterisations in chickens. The expression vector pTRcHis-TARNA2 carrying the NVC-3xAvM2e gene cassette was introduced into E. coli TOP-10 cells. The recombinant proteins were purified, inoculated into one-week-old specific pathogen-free chickens subcutaneously and analysed. The recombinant protein NVC-3xAvM2e formed virus-like particles (VLPs) of approximately 25 nm in diameter when observed under a transmission electron microscope. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis revealed that the VLPs have a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.198. A direct ELISA upon animal experiments showed that M2e-specific antibodies were significantly increased in vaccinated chickens after the booster, with H5N1 M2e peptides having the highest mean absorbance value when compared with those of H9N2 and H5N2. A challenge study using low pathogenic AIV (LPAI) strain A/chicken/Malaysia/UPM994/2018 (H9N2) at 106.5 EID50 showed significant viral load in the lung and cloaca, but not in the oropharyngeal of vaccinated animals when compared with the unvaccinated control group. Collectively, this study suggests that nodavirus-like particles displaying three heterologous M2e have the potential to provide protection against LPAI H9N2 in chickens, though the vaccine’s efficacy and cross-protection across different haemagglutinin (HA) subtypes should be further evaluated
Vitamin D knowledge, attitudes, practices and serum concentration among pregnant women attending a Malaysian tertiary hospital
No full textVitamin D deficiency is increasingly recognized as a public health concern among pregnant women due to its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Inadequate knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to vitamin D may contribute to this issue. The study aimed to evaluate the KAP and serum vitamin D concentration among pregnant women. The study was a hospital-based cross-sectional study involving pregnant women residing in the Klang Valley area. Relevant data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge, attitudes, practices, and physical activity were collected using a structured questionnaire. Blood samples were collected using the veni puncture technique, and serum vitamin D levels were measured using the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ELCIA) technique. There was a significantly higher proportion of participants with good knowledge as compared with participants with poor knowledge (54.1% vs. 45.9%); p = 0.015. There was a significantly higher proportion of participants with negative attitudes as compared with positive attitudes (54.8% vs. 45.2%); p = 0.0001 and inconsistent practice level (50.7% vs. 49.3%); p = 0.953. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 64.4%. Further analysis revealed that non-Malay participants had significantly higher odds of having good knowledge of vitamin D compared to Malays (aOR = 0.420, p = 0.027). Employment status was significantly associated with good practices. Employed participants were two times more likely to demonstrate vitamin D-related practices (aOR = 2.036, p = 0.049) compared to their unemployed counterparts. There were no significant associations between sociodemographic characteristics and participants' attitudes on vitamin D. Despite the high levels of knowledge about vitamin D among the participants, the majority had negative attitudes, inconsistent practice levels, and a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency. The findings underscore the need for policies and culturally acceptable strategies aimed at promoting attitudes and practices to prevent vitamin D deficiency in pregnancy