Cultural Profile Research Articles

External Ear Canal Evaluation in Dogs with Chronic Suppurative Otitis Externa: Comparison of Direct Cytology, Bacterial Culture and 16S Amplicon Profiling.

Simple SummaryDiscrepancy between the results of cytology and bacterial culture methods is sometimes observed in canine otitis externa. The objective of this study was to compare different techniques: direct cytology, aerobic bacterial culture and 16S amplicon profiling. Samples from twenty ears with chronic suppurative otitis externa were analysed. Good correlation between cytology and bacterial culture was observed in 60% of samples. Good correlation between bacterial culture and 16S amplicon profiling was observed in only 10% of samples when the overall 16S amplicon profiling results were used. Nevertheless, the correlation improved to 70% when bacterial species with a relative abundance >10% (considered as insignificant) were taken into account. Of the total bacterial species revealed by 16S amplicon profiling with relative abundance >10%, 38.7% of bacterial species were not revealed by bacterial culture; most of the time, the offending species was a Corynebacterium. This study showed that a careful interpretation of the result of the bacterial culture should be performed, and always with the support of cytology. To assess the overall bacterial population in suppurative otitis, the 16S amplicon profiling method seems to be a more accurate method but does not provide information on bacterial susceptibility.A discrepancy between cytology and bacterial culture methods is sometimes observed in canine otitis externa. The objective of this study was to compare results from cytology, bacterial culture and 16S amplicon profiling. Twenty samples from 16 dogs with chronic suppurative otitis externa were collected. A direct cytological evaluation was carried out during the consultations. Aerobic bacterial culture and susceptibility were performed by an external laboratory used in routine practice. For 16S amplicon profiling, DNA was extracted and the hypervariable segment V1–V3 of the 16S rDNA was amplified and then sequenced with a MiSeq Illumina sequence carried out by the Mothur software using the SILVA database. A good correlation between cytology and bacterial culture was observed in 60% of the samples. Some bacterial species revealed by bacterial culture were present with low relative abundance (<10%) in 16S amplicon profiling. Some bacterial species revealed by the 16S amplicon profiling analysis were not identified with culture; most of the time, the offending species was a Corynebacterium. To conclude, a careful interpretation of the results of bacterial culture should be made and always be in agreement with the cytology. The 16S amplicon profiling method appears to be a more sensitive method for detecting strains present in suppurative otitis but does not provide information on bacterial susceptibility.

Use of high-fidelity clinical simulation for the development of cultural competence of nursing students

BackgroundThe increasing growth of migrant populations in Spain has changed the cultural profile of healthcare system users. Cultural competence in health care settings has become an increasing worry for health professionals, specifically for nurses. Therefore, the training in cultural competency of nursing students is indispensable. ObjectiveTo explore the views on the use of high-fidelity simulation in fourth-year nursing students to improve their cultural competence. MethodsA qualitative descriptive study was conducted with an interpretative phenomenological approach. Before and after taking part in simulated scenarios, 56 semi-structured interviews were conducted. We explored the perceptions of the nursing students when addressing a simulated clinical case with a patient who is a migrant, including the training deficiencies in cultural competences perceived before the simulation, the benefits perceived, and the improvement suggestions. We also analyzed their views on the skills and knowledge developed during the simulation experience. ResultsBefore entering the simulation scenario, we found the existence of insecurity, uncertainty, and cultural differences in the nursing students, with the main worry being the language barrier. They also mentioned the need to improve their intercultural communication and cultural adaptation of the care in their training. After finishing the simulation, they indicated positive aspects, aspects to be improved, learning acquired, and learning to be strengthened, highlighting the existing cultural differences and asking for training on cultural competence. ConclusionsThe use of high-fidelity simulation provides a positive learning experience, which increases a student's comfort when working with patients of varied cultural origins. Its usefulness in teaching is found in its capacity to develop communication skills and interpersonal skills, such as empathy, in the students. This study provides evidence on the importance of specific training on cultural competence in the Nursing Degree, and the usefulness of high-fidelity clinical simulation to achieve this.

Data-driven and model-guided systematic framework for media development in CHO cell culture

Proposed herein is a systematic media design framework that combines multivariate statistical approaches with in silico analysis of a genome-scale metabolic model of Chinese hamster ovary cell. The framework comprises sequential modules including cell culture and metabolite data collection, multivariate data analysis, in silico modeling and flux prediction, and knowledge-based identification of target media components. Two monoclonal antibody-producing cell lines under two different media conditions were used to demonstrate the applicability of the framework. First, the cell culture and metabolite profiles from all conditions were generated, and then statistically and mechanistically analyzed to explore combinatorial effects of cell line and media on intracellular metabolism. As a result, we found a metabolic bottleneck via a redox imbalance in the TCA cycle in the poorest growth condition, plausibly due to inefficient coenzyme q10-q10h2 recycling. Subsequent in silico simulation allowed us to suggest q10 supplementation to debottleneck the imbalance for the enhanced cellular energy state and TCA cycle activity. Finally, experimental validation was successfully conducted by adding q10 in the media, resulting in increased cell growth. Taken together, the proposed framework rationally identified target nutrients for cell line-specific media design and reformulation, which could greatly improve cell culture performance.

Cultural Resources and Mobilization of Social Capital: The Case of Finding a Job

By combining the latest knowledge from cultural sociology and social network theories, a hypothesis is posed regarding the association between cultural consumption and social capital mobilization. On the classic example of looking for work, an assumption was made that persons who prefer or engage in a larger number of cultural forms (the so‐called omnivores) have greater chances to find work through social contacts than through any other methods or may count on social support when looking for job, and this relationship is stronger for non‐family than for family ties. These arguments are tested with the use of survey data collected in Poland in 2017 on a locally representative sample of adult residents aged 18–75. The results support the hypotheses and additionally show that people with different cultural profiles differ in their capacity to access and mobilize social resources. While participation in both highbrow and popular culture is efficacious, not all forms of the popular one are positively related to social resources. The article is closed with some concluding remarks, limitations of the study, and guidelines for future research.

Innovative Approaches to Distance Learning of Cultural and Artistic Profile Students

The purpose of the study is to identify innovative approaches to distance learning for cultural and artistic students. Research methodology. Research methods are methods of observation and analytical and pedagogical research, a systematic approach and generalization while studying the problem of implementing innovative teaching methods during distance education. Scientific novelty. It is determined that during the preparation of cultural and artistic students, based on the application of innovative approaches, it is recommended to teach theory and practical work, i. e. process, simultaneously. It is defined that in the process of professional training of cultural and artistic profile students, the teachers apply professionally-oriented interactive game methods. Conclusions. It has been established that the innovative approach consists in modern modelling, organisation of non-standard lectures and practical, seminar classes. It has been determined that the implementation of an innovative approach is a complex process due to a large number of variables that should be taken into account both in the course and at the individual level. It has been determined that the transition to distance learning, based on the application of an innovative approach, will be useful for both students and teachers of cultural and artistic profiles. It has been found that after completing the curriculum during the preparation of cultural and artistic students based on an innovative approach, the future specialist should develop skills in such profile dimensions as creation, implementation and evaluation and analysis. It has been determined that as a result of training students of cultural and artistic profiles based on an innovative approach, they will gain the following key skills: communication skills, analytical, open mind and ability to transcend limits and experiment with new ideas, creativity, criticism and research skills, self-awareness, self-presentation, ability respond effectively to feedback, teamwork and collaboration, thinking skills, time management and organizational skills, resilience and self-discipline.

The Cultural Dimensions of Hofstede in the Chinese Company Zhe Jiang Deman

The corporate culture in a company is essential to achieve organizational objectives. The objective of this research is to describe the cultural profiles of those who work as employees in a Chinese manufacturing company, taking Hofstede's cultural dimensions as a reference framework. Geert Hofstede describes organizational culture in a general way, using the following cultural dimensions: power distance, individualism-collectivism, masculinity-femininity, uncertainty avoidance, short- and long-term orientation, and indulgence-restraint. This article is a case study that uses frequency graphs and Cronbach's Alpha validation test, which allows us to contribute to a simple but scientifically orthodox and correct methodology to describe the organizational culture in any institution or company of any nationality. The results will allow companies or organizations to make strategic decisions.&#x0D; Keywords: organizational culture, Hofstede model, case study.

Impact of individualism and collectivism cultural profiles on the behaviour of software developers: A study of stack overflow

Literature is scarce on culture and its impact on the behavioural patterns within software development communities. However, globalisation in software development has intensified the need for software development teams to navigate culture issues to ensure the successful implementation of projects. Therefore, the current study examines whether the effects of culture on software developers conform to Hofstede’s individualism cultural dimension. Individualism is studied because of its established negative impacts on teamwork, which is central to software development. Data comprised artefacts from Stack Overflow, a popular online programming community. Developers were from the United States (US), China, and Russia, three countries that differ in terms of their individualistic or collectivistic cultures. Data mining techniques, as well as statistical, linguistic, and content analysis were used to compare the orientation, attitudes, interaction, and knowledge sharing patterns of the three groups of developers. Differences revealed among the three groups were consistent with their cultural backgrounds. US developers, who are from a more individualistic culture, had higher average reputations, used the pronoun “I” more frequently, and were more task-focused. Conversely, Chinese developers, who are from a more collectivistic culture, used the pronouns “we” and “you” more frequently, and were more likely to engage in information exchange. Russian developers had been using Stack Overflow the longest and were the most reflective. The cultural patterns identified in this study have implications for enhancing in-group interactions and team behaviour management during software development, especially when global teams assemble.

Effects of dietary supplementation with tropical microfungi Mucor circinelloides and Trichoderma harzianum powder on growth performance, bacterial communities, and the biomass nutritional profile of white shrimp grow-out culture (Litopenaeus vannamei)

Microfungi have been explored further as supplement constituents in shrimp culture due to their rich protein, lipid, essential amino acids, fatty acids, and various bioactive compounds. The researchers have evaluated the effects of two microfungi powders (Mucor circinelloides and Trichoderma harzianum) as feed supplements on growth performance, bacterial communities, and the biomass nutritional profile of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei). The results showed that commercial/artificial feed (Feng-Li) with supplementation microfungi powder had a different effect on white shrimp growth performance than control after 62 days of the grow-out period. Supplementation with 1.5% M. circinelloides powder (M-2) could improve the growth performance of white shrimp, especially the survival rate (81.33%), final body weight (5.21 g), and shrimp biomass (211.35 g). In contrast, supplementation with 1.5% T. harzianum powder (T-2) did not improve the growth performance of white shrimp compared to control (p > 0.05). Furthermore, it also affected the profile of the bacterial community in culture water as well as in shrimp intestines. Supplementation with both microfungi could reduce the total number of bacteria in culture water at the end of the experiment, where the lowest number was obtained in treatment T-2 (3.9 × 10 5 CFU/mL), followed by M-2 (9.9 × 10 5 CFU/mL) and control (4.4 × 10 6 CFU/mL). In the culture water, 20 isolates of culturable bacteria were found during the trial, with the dominant bacteria in M-2: Bacillus cereus, Bacillus velezensis, Gordonia polyisoprenivorans, T-2: Acinetobacter sp., Gordonia polyisoprenivorans, Micrococcus luteus. Based on average well colour development (AWCD), the highest bacterial activity was in the M-2 (0.297–0.707), followed by T-2 (0.226–0.717) and control (0.094–0.694). The highest substrate group utilised in M-2 and T-2 were polymers (0.896 and 1.348) and control: amines (0.100). The highest Shannon diversity index was obtained in the M-2 (2.508), followed by control (2.286) and the T-2 (2.157). As many as 11 isolates of culturable bacteria were found in the shrimp intestine, with dominant bacteria in M-2: Bacillus velezensis, Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus cereus, T-2: Bacillus velezensis, Micrococcus sp.2, Demequina activiva. The highest bacterial activity was in M-2 (2.259), followed by control (2.020) and T-2 (0.050). The highest substrate group utilisation was in M-2: polymers (2.564), T-2: carbohydrates (0.094), and control: polymers (2.185). The highest Shannon diversity index was in the M-2 (3.234), followed by control (3.230) and the T-2 (0.751). In addition, 1.5% M. circinelloides and T. harzianum supplementation increased white shrimp muscle protein content up to 79.21% and 80.40%, respectively, compared to control (76.73%). In conclusion, using Mucor circinelloides powder as a feed supplement can improve the growth performance of white shrimp, increase the functional/probiotic bacteria: B. cereus and B. velezensis in cultur and shrimp's intestine, and increase the protein content in shrimp muscle tissue. However, more in-depth research is needed, especially on anti-nutritional compounds from fungi that affect shrimp growth.

Urban cultural vanguards why culture matters for urban success

This paper addresses the multifaceted relationships between culture and urban performance. It seeks to identify and examine evidence-based characteristics of urban success (or socio-economic performance) that are related to the cultural profile (‘urban cultural value’) of a city. Also, the broader socio-economic context and significance of ‘urban cultural magnets’ is examined. The empirical analysis is based on a large international multivariate data base on the relevant characteristics of 40 global cities, and employs exploratory statistical analysis and regression models in a stepwise way. The analytical framework of our research is based on the overarching concept of an ‘urban cultural complex’. The key cultural factors for urban performance are systematically assessed in a quantitative way. The study confirms the relevance of culture for the performance of contemporary large cities.

Tailoring sensory properties of plant cell cultures for food use

The nutritional value of Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia L.) and Arctic bramble (Rubus arcticus L.) plant cell cultures in terms of protein and dietary fibre contents is very good, ∼ 18–22% and ∼ 28–29% on dry matter basis, respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate various processing methods and formulation to modulate sensory profiles of these plant cell cultures for food purposes. For fresh unprocessed plant cell cultures, treatment with sugar or sugar in combination with citric acid significantly improved the mouthfeel and flavour. The sugar and sugar + citric acid treated plant cell culture samples were perceived more moist, softer, less sandy and they had a less coarse mouthfeel when compared to untreated plant cell cultures. Freeze-drying produced sweet, intense, berry-like flavour and resulted in most promising sensory attributes for the studied plant cell cultures. When freeze-dried Rowan plant cell culture was further processed, the most balanced sweetness/sourness ratio was reached by using 9.5 % (w/w) sucrose and 0.1 % (w/w) citric acid or 4.8 % w/w fructose and 0.1 % w/w citric acid. We conclude that formulation and processing can greatly improve the performance of plant cell cultures for food use.

Comparative single-cell RNA-sequencing profiling of BMP4-treated primary glioma cultures reveals therapeutic markers.

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive primary brain tumor. Its cellular composition is very heterogeneous, with cells exhibiting stem-cell characteristics (GSCs) that co-determine therapy resistance and tumor recurrence. Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-4 promotes astroglial and suppresses oligodendrocyte differentiation in GSCs, processes associated with superior patient prognosis. We characterized variability in cell viability of patient-derived GBM cultures in response to BMP4 and, based on single-cell transcriptome profiling, propose predictive positive and early-response markers for sensitivity to BMP4. Cell viability was assessed in 17 BMP4-treated patient-derived GBM cultures. In two cultures, one highly-sensitive to BMP4 (high therapeutic efficacy) and one with low-sensitivity, response to treatment with BMP4 was characterized. We applied single-cell RNA-sequencing, analyzed the relative abundance of cell clusters, searched for and identified the aforementioned two marker types, and validated these results in all 17 cultures. High variation in cell viability was observed after treatment with BMP4. In three cultures with highest sensitivity for BMP4, a substantial new cell subpopulation formed. These cells displayed decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. Neuronal differentiation was reduced most in cultures with little sensitivity for BMP4. OLIG1/2 levels were found predictive for high sensitivity to BMP4. Activation of ribosomal translation (RPL27A, RPS27) was up-regulated within one day in cultures that were very sensitive to BMP4. The changes in composition of patient-derived GBM cultures obtained after treatment with BMP4 correlate with treatment efficacy. OLIG1/2 expression can predict this efficacy, and upregulation of RPL27A and RPS27 are useful early-response markers.

The Long-Term Culture of Human Fibroblasts Reveals a Spectroscopic Signature of Senescence.

Aging is a complex process which leads to progressive loss of fitness/capability/ability, increasing susceptibility to disease and, ultimately, death. Regardless of the organism, there are some features common to aging, namely, the loss of proteostasis and cell senescence. Mammalian cell lines have been used as models to study the aging process, in particular, cell senescence. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize the senescence-associated metabolic profile of a long-term culture of human fibroblasts using Fourier Transform Infrared and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy. We sub-cultivated fibroblasts from a newborn donor from passage 4 to passage 17 and the results showed deep changes in the spectroscopic profile of cells over time. Late passage cells were characterized by a decrease in the length of fatty acid chains, triglycerides and cholesterol and an increase in lipid unsaturation. We also found an increase in the content of intermolecular β-sheets, possibly indicating an increase in protein aggregation levels in cells of later passages. Metabolic profiling by NMR showed increased levels of extracellular lactate, phosphocholine and glycine in cells at later passages. This study suggests that spectroscopy approaches can be successfully used to study changes concomitant with cell senescence and validate the use of human fibroblasts as a model to monitor the aging process.

Comparative Analysis of Bacteriological Profile of Urine and Stent Culture among Patients with Ureteric Double J Stent

&#x0D; Background: A common indication in urological pathologies and especially in instances of ureteric calculi/obstruction, is the placement of ureteric catheter such as the double J stent. 76% of patient with double J stent may encounter adverse outcome owing to bacterial colonization of their stents. Though antibiotic administration may help counter the situation, the implicated microorganisms are hard to determine. One may suggest that a urine culture may offer insight into the matter, however, little is known how bacteriology of the urine and stent culture resemble and thus a comparative analysis is much needed.&#x0D; Objective: To compare the bacteriologic profile of urine and stent culture to determine the incidence and etiology of bacteriuria among patients with ureteric double J stent.&#x0D; Methodology: This cross-sectional analysis, was conducted upon a sample of 219 patients (of either gender, aged 10 to 70 years) presenting for ureteric double J stent removal from June 2021 to February 2022 at Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi. After taking written informed consent, data was recorded onto a pre-structured questionnaire containing inquiries pertaining to basic biodata, sociodemographic details, bacteriological profiles of the urine and ureteric double J stent culture. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS v. 21.0.&#x0D; Results: Among the sample 51.6% of the patients were males, while the remaining 48.4% were females. The mean age of the sample stood at 38 (SD ± 9.1). The total incidence of bacterial colonization was seen in 61.64% and 19.6% of stent and urine cultures respectively, with Enterococci being the commonest (54.8%) organism in stent culture and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa being the commonest (32.6%) in urine culture.&#x0D; Conclusion: After careful consideration, it can be concluded that the incidence of bacterial colonization among both cultures, in addition to the detailed bacteriological profiles of urine and ureteric double J stent culture differ considerably and urine culture may not serve as an ideal indicator of stent colonization and antibiotic prophylaxis should continue to be practiced among symptomatic patients despite a sterile urine culture.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Formal vs. Informal Institutional Distances and the Competitive Advantage of Foreign Subsidiaries in Latin America

By focusing on the tacit and explicit characteristics of informal and formal institutional distances, this study investigates the competitive advantage of foreign subsidiary firms from developed countries and emerging markets operating in Latin America. Following recent research on distances in international management, this study measured the size and direction of distances and computed formal institutional distances based on the world governance indicators from the World Bank, whereas informal institutional distances are calculated using the four original dimensions of Hofstede. Considering that culture is tacit, whereas formal institutions are explicit, it is argued that these differences affect the ability to convert experience dealing with cultural and formal institutional conditions in the home country into firm specific advantages (FSAs) in a foreign host country. These assumptions are tested quantitatively using data from the Orbis database, a sample that includes over 4200 firm-year observations covering 10 of the largest economies in Latin America. In a departure from previous studies investigating the implications of FID direction, it is shown that the effects in specific directions are different for foreign subsidiaries from developed countries and from emerging markets. The results reveal that emerging market firms are at an advantage when operating in less developed host countries, whereas foreign subsidiaries from developed countries can adjust more positively when operating in host countries with strong formal institutions. On the other hand, the effects of the different CD dimensions depend on the direction towards host countries with specific cultural profiles. These findings indicate that foreign subsidiaries from emerging markets have a clear advantage in dealing with institutional voids in Latin America (i.e., FID towards less developed host countries), whereas the effects of CD are the same for all firms. This suggests that the cultural profile of the host country is what really matters.

Digitalization and data, institutional quality and culture as drivers of technology-based credit providers

We investigate the development of technology-driven alternative credit markets using data from 94 countries for the period 2013–2019. We find that digitalization, institutional quality, and culture play significant roles in the national development of fintech and big tech credit. Moreover, we present the differences between the two types of alternative technology-based lending and consumer bank loans in this area. We show that different sets of factors encourage the development of either fintech, big tech, bank consumer loans, or all of them. Furthermore, we find that various national cultural profiles can boost the development of fintech credit services as well as bank consumer loans, while non-monetary factors play a greater role in fintech credit development paths than in bank loans across multiple countries. We posit that the sociocultural features of different markets determine the conditions of competition between banks and technology-based alternative lending providers in the digital era, and that they are one of the key drivers of final market success in different countries.

Analysis of chemokine network in primary human glioblastoma

Abstract Chemokines play an integral role in cancer immunoevasion by modulating leukocyte infiltration. They selectively increase the migration of immunosuppressive cells while impairing the infiltration of cytotoxic lymphocytes with potent antitumor activity. Some cancer-associated chemokines may also enhance tumor progression by acting as growth factors or promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Here, we acquired fresh human glioblastoma (GBM) tissues to define chemokine expression patterns in GBM tumors by integrating bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing of both tumor and healthy brain tissues along with Luminex secretome profiling of GBM primary cell cultures. Extensive mapping of GBM-associated chemokines has enabled us to gain insight into intratumoral chemokine-mediated cell-to-cell communication. Among others, we identified CCL7 and midkine (MDK) to play a crucial role in the formation of the hostile tumor microenvironment (TME) in GBM. We hypothesize that these chemoattractants can facilitate the GBM tumor growth by recruiting M2 macrophages, promoting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and activating the prosurvival PI3K-Akt pathway. Indeed, high expression of both chemokines was linked to poor overall survival. Additionally, by integrating the data, we further identified the cellular source of the most abundantly secreted chemokines in GBM tumors. Since immune cells require TME infiltration to mediate an appropriate antitumor response, impaired tumor infiltration is one of the critical limiting factors for cancer cell therapy. Our chemokine atlas provides novel targets to enhance adoptive cell therapies by improving the potential of effector cells for tumor homing and anticancer activities in GBM. This research was funded by the National Science Centre, Poland (2020/37/B/NZ6/02191), the Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education (grant number DI2018 020548), and the National Centre for Research and Development (STRATEGMED3/307326/6/NCBR/2017).

Change Resistance and Clinical Practice Strategies in Audiology

Audiology is experiencing pressure from market forces that may change the profession's nature. Research suggests that understanding resistance needs to change and organizational culture may provide insights that can facilitate change. This study was designed to examine audiologists' resistance to change, organizational culture, and clinical practices related to hearing aid pricing and audiology assistants. This study utilized a cross-sectional and nonexperimental survey design. Participants were 205 U.S. audiologists, representing diversity across experience, work setting, and location. This survey examined demographics and clinical practice strategies. Resistance to change (RTC) scale examined disposition toward change. Organizational culture profile (OCP) examined organizational culture perspectives. The majority (52%) of respondents use bundled pricing but 42% of these repondents anticipate transitioning to unbundling. Use of hybrid pricing is increasing. Service-extender personnel were reported by 41%. Although the majority (66%) do not work with audiology assistants currently, 32% of these participants anticipate they will do so in the future. Results indicated lower RTC and greater years of experience were associated with more positive perceptions about organizational culture. Pricing structure was related to experience. Trends indicate use of bundled pricing is decreasing, use of hybrid pricing is increasing, and employment of audiology assistants is increasing. Experienced audiologists are more likely to report unbundled and hybrid pricing compared with less experienced audiologists.

The Consistency of Personal and Organizational Values When Viewed Through the Lens of Regulatory Focus Theory

The current study provides a second step in the development of an alternative, twodimensional conceptualization of person-organization fit. This conceptualization distinguishes between two motivations known to influence the way individuals define and pursue goals—promotion focus and prevention focus. Based on empirical support, we conclude that the Organizational Culture Profile’s original seven dimensions, when used to profile individual value preferences, reflect different underlying motivations that are likely to be important in predicting specific work behaviors such as speed, creativity, attention to detail, and safety performance. Our conclusion challenges the common practice within person-organization fit research of predicting generic effects across any and all combinations of shared values between an individual and the respective organization. We suggest that partitioning P-O fit into two dimensions supported by regulatory focus theory will result in improved predictive power on specific work behaviors

Co-expressing Leucine Responsive Regulatory protein (Lrp) enhances recombinant L-Asparaginase-II production in Escherichia coli

Over expression of recombinant proteins triggers a cellular stress response (CSR) that down-regulates numerous genes that have a key role in sustaining expression. Instead of trying to individually up-regulate these genes we hypothesized that a superior strategy would be to modulate the expression of global regulators that control the expression of many such downstream genes. Transcriptomic profiling of post induction cultures expressing recombinant asparaginase in Escherichia coli showed the down-regulation of several critical genes many of which were under the control of the global regulator lrp which is known to have a significant impact on both amino acid metabolism and protein translation. Therefore, to ameliorate the deleterious effects of the CSR we decided to supplement the activity of lrp using plasmid-based co-expression. We observed that the test culture containing an additional plasmid expressing lrp under the arabinose promoter gave a 50% higher yield of recombinant L-Asparaginase after 32 h in batch culture compared to the control, which had only one plasmid expressing the recombinant protein. This approach helped us design a better performing strain, which could sustain expression rates for a significantly longer time period. This work illustrates that modifying the expression of regulatory genes could serve as a better strategy to prevent the reprogramming of the cellular machinery which is the hallmark of the CSR and help in the design better hosts for recombinant protein expression.

Cultural Awareness of Pre-Service EFL Teachers in an Indonesian Higher Education Context

Abstract. It is not enough to teach a language without acknowledging culture while teaching English as a Foreign Language, so teachers must be culturally conscious of incorporating culture into their teaching activities. This research was conducted to investigate the cultural awareness of pre-service EFL teachers in the higher education context. The aim is to find out the cultural understanding of cultural differences of the pre-service EFL teachers. This research used a qualitative research design. The participants of this research were 20 pre-service EFL teachers who had attended the PPG program in 2018. A questionnaire by Marx and Moss (2011) on My Cultural Awareness Profile (MyCAP) was adopted as an instrument of this research. The study's findings showed that the participants had a significant cultural awareness and understanding of cultural differences. However, due to the limited time and approach employed in the study, the researchers hope that more researchers will be attracted to look further into intercultural understanding in higher education with different subjects and approaches.Keywords: Cultural Awareness, Cultural Understanding, Cultural Differences, Pre-Service EFL Teacher