Variety Of Issues Research Articles

Extract from Psidium guineense Sw leaves: An alternative against resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus

Psidium guineense SW., commonly known as sour guava, is used in traditional medicine to address diverse health issues, such as inflammation, infections, and gastrointestinal disorders. Although previous research has highlighted the antimicrobial properties of the root extract and the antioxidant potential of its fruits, information regarding the activities associated with the leaf extract is lacking. The aim of the study was to use the traditional knowledge of the biological properties of P. guineense and investigate its antimicrobial activity, mechanism of action, synergistic effects, and antivirulence activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) were determined for S. aureus, including antibiotic-resistant isolates. The synergy between the extract and antibiotics was evaluated. A growth curve was constructed for S. aureus treated with the extract. The anti-hemolytic activity was assessed by inhibiting hemolysis in human blood, and the inhibition of staphyloxanthin (STX) was examined. The extract effectively inhibited all strains with MIC and MBC values ranging from 256 to 512 µg/mL and 512 to 1024 µg/mL, respectively. Antimicrobial synergy experiments demonstrated the enhanced effectiveness of antibiotics, especially ciprofloxacin, when combined with the P. guineense extract, especially with ciprofloxacin, resulting in complete synergy against all S. aureus strains. In growth curve tests, the extract inhibited growth at MIC of 256 µg/mL within 8 h and significantly delayed it at MIC/2 (128 µg/mL) within 12 h. In antivirulence tests, the extract effectively reduced hemolysis and STX production by S. aureus at MIC and MIC/2, indicating its potential as an antimicrobial agent with antivirulence properties. The extract effectively inhibited S. aureus, including drug-resistant strains with low MIC and MBC values, exhibiting strong antimicrobial and synergistic properties with antibiotics. also In addition, the extract accelerated recovery by limiting bacterial growth and exhibiting antivirulence capabilities, reducing the severe symptoms of S. aureus infections.

Religious Freedom and Anti-discrimination Laws: A Comparative Study of the US and the UK

This paper examines religious freedom and anti-discrimination laws in the United Kingdom and the United States, exploring the similarities and disparities between the two countries in terms of legal protection of religious rights and prevention of discrimination. At a time when global religious diversity and immigration issues are becoming more and more prominent, countries are facing new challenges in the relationship between religion and law. By means of comparative analysis, this paper first summarizes the legal frameworks of the two countries, and then explores the roles of their respective legal systems in protecting religious freedom and preventing discrimination in the light of typical cases. It is found that the UK prefers the influence of the European Court of Human Rights, while the US has constructed a unique legal system at the federal and state levels. Meanwhile, in the handling of cases, the United States is simply more inclined to protect the individual right to freedom of religion and impose severe restrictions on the government, while the United Kingdom is more willing to balance individual rights to freedom of religion with the common good of society. Finally, based on the results of the study, recommendations are made to improve the legislation and implementation of this aspect in each country.

Tumor Biology Hides Novel Therapeutic Approaches to Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Narrative Review

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a malignancy of immense biological and clinical heterogeneity. Based on the transcriptomic or genomic approach, several different classification schemes have evolved over the years to subdivide DLBCL into clinically (prognostically) relevant subsets, but each leaves unclassified samples. Herein, we outline the DLBCL tumor biology behind the actual and potential drug targets and address the challenges and drawbacks coupled with their (potential) use. Therapeutic modalities are discussed, including small-molecule inhibitors, naked antibodies, antibody–drug conjugates, chimeric antigen receptors, bispecific antibodies and T-cell engagers, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. Candidate drugs explored in ongoing clinical trials are coupled with diverse toxicity issues and refractoriness to drugs. According to the literature on DLBCL, the promise for new therapeutic targets lies in epigenetic alterations, B-cell receptor and NF-κB pathways. Herein, we present putative targets hiding in lipid pathways, ferroptosis, and the gut microbiome that could be used in addition to immuno-chemotherapy to improve the general health status of DLBCL patients, thus increasing the chance of being cured. It may be time to devote more effort to exploring DLBCL metabolism to discover novel druggable targets. We also performed a bibliometric and knowledge-map analysis of the literature on DLBCL published from 2014–2023.

Digital storytelling as a tool for global citizenship and sustainability

In this study, we explore the transformative impact of digital storytelling in education, with a focus on promoting global citizenship and sustainability awareness among students. We examine how digital storytelling platforms can enhance traditional literary curricula by fostering deeper cross-cultural understanding and engaging students with global sustainability challenges. We evaluate the effectiveness of digital narratives in increasing student engagement with literature while cultivating a sense of global responsibility and environmental stewardship. By enabling students to connect with diverse cultures and global issues through immersive and interactive storytelling, the research highlights the role of innovative educational strategies in aligning with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The findings provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers seeking to leverage digital technologies in fostering a globally aware and responsible generation, ultimately contributing to the discourse on the integration of technology in education.

Iodine-125 low-dose rate prostate brachytherapy.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy and intensity-modulated radiation therapy are the most common radical treatments for localized prostate cancer, and brachytherapy (BT) also plays a role in this field. Iodine-125 (I-125) low-dose rate (LDR) prostate BT is an established treatment. However, it remains controversial. Specifically, there are a variety of issues, such as indications for combined treatment with external beam radiotherapy and androgen deprivation therapy, prostate-specific antigen follow-up, the significance of postimplant biopsy, the usefulness of salvage BT and focal therapy, reduction of toxicities, and bladder cancer after BT. In this review, we summarize the recent developments in I-125 LDR BT.

Examining Diversity and Equity in LIS Education: A Syllabus to Reading List Analysis

To determine how effectively the Master of Library and Information Science curriculum at Indiana University - Indianapolis is addressing the new ALA core competency related to social justice, we analyzed all the course syllabi and are now in the process of analyzing all course readings, using various text analysis methods. We found the initial review of syllabi to lack the level of granularity that would have revealed the different kinds of diversity and equity issues in the curriculum. Additionally, courses we know for certain that covered topics related to social justice, the syllabus alone indicated otherwise. For these reasons, we decided to examine the readings that comprised the entire curriculum. With 68 courses and over 3000 readings to date, gathering the data for analysis has taken several months of time. Metadata and PDFs of course readings were stored in Zotero and extracted from there for analysis. Terminology, as identified from the study that examined all ALA-accredited LIS program course descriptions, will be used to frame the textual analysis (Dill, Grote, & Hardin, 2023). We will present the topics and trends identified through bibliometric analysis, topic modeling, and visual analysis of the citation data. This analysis will shed light on areas of strength and for improvement within curriculum with the goal of preparing students to effectively work in socially just library environments.

Queering Humanitarian Practices through the Inclusion of SOGIESC Concepts

Diverse SOGIESC issues (sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and sex characteristics) are seldom discussed in humanitarian work but are emerging as an important gap to fill in both knowledge and practice. This review’s objective is to provide a clearer picture of how SOGIESC issues are included in humanitarian practices. A socio-ecological approach is used to identify the different settings in which these issues are present and should be addressed by the humanitarian sector. The review is based on a search of three databases covering peer-reviewed articles and grey literature that link SOGIESC issues and populations with humanitarian work. The fifty-one documents included in this review provide insights into its three main results. (1) SOGIESC concepts must be clarified in the humanitarian sector, which has been partially aware of these concepts and related issues. Two good governance principles should be prioritised and reviewed. (2) The inclusion of SOGIESC issues lacks clear ‘Direction’ (strategic planning) for the reduction of SOGIESC-based discrimination beyond short-term disaster management. (3) Diverse SOGIESC communities lack ‘legitimacy and voice’ to address their needs and participate in emergency responses. Transformative practices are identified to palliate those gaps but, most importantly, to connect humanitarian work to diverse SOGIESC peoples.

Decoding Ultramarathon: Muscle Damage as the Main Impediment to Performance.

The biological determinants of performance have been well described for running races up to and including the marathon (42.2km). Ultramarathon is more complex. Events range from 50 to 5000km in single or multiple stages, are contested in various environments and terrains, and force athletes to contend with diverse performance-limiting issues such as fueling, hydrating, gastrointestinal distress, muscle damage, and sleep deprivation. Ultramarathons are not simply "long marathons." Nevertheless, scientific developments over the past decade have inched us toward a more complete picture of the psychophysiological factors underpinning performance. In this Current Opinion, we argue that muscle damage and associated fatigue is the main impediment to performance in long ultramarathons; more performance-limiting than aerobic capacity, running economy, or gastrointestinal distress. To assess an athlete's tolerance to ultramarathon-specific muscle damage and fatigue, we propose a lab-based protocol comprising downhill running with pre- to post-exercise measures of muscle contractile function following electrical or magnetic stimulation of the quadriceps muscles or their central nerves, muscle damage biomarkers (e.g., creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and myoglobin), and muscle morphology via imaging techniques. We close by offering training and racing advice on mitigating the deleterious effects of muscle damage. The twofold aims of this paper are (i) to enable athletes and their teams to better prepare for races and (ii) to help medical personnel identify the physiological milieu most likely to afflict the ultrarunner.

A Stakeholder Perspective on Diversity Within Organizations

Research on the influence of internal and external stakeholders on diversity outcomes within organizations has grown in the past decade. Across multiple macro and micro theoretical domains, this body of research has examined various diversity outcomes at different organizational levels. Through an integrative review of literature from management, sociology, psychology, and entrepreneurship, we highlight the channels and pathways of influence and the underlying mechanisms through which four major stakeholder groups—organizational actors, resource exchange partners, institutional actors, and societal forces—impact diversity outcomes in organizations. We discuss future research directions, empirical and conceptual, and present a promising path for future studies to unpack the complex relationships between stakeholders and organizations regarding diversity issues, particularly at the intersection of multiple stakeholders and diversity aspects.

How do we teach about ethnic and cultural diversity in PETE? A discourse analysis of interviews from Norway, Aotearoa/New Zealand and Canada

ABSTRACT Background Although social justice has been a topic of interest in physical education for over 40 years, research still shows that physical education excludes and marginalises students based on various identity dimensions. Presently, with societies becoming more diverse, there is heightened anticipation for teacher educators to demonstrate ‘cultural responsiveness’ or ‘cultural competence’. Purpose This paper investigates how Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) educators in Norway, Aotearoa/New Zealand and Canada construct teaching about ethnic and cultural diversity. Methods This study’s data comprise 23 interviews with PETE educators from three countries. We analysed the interviews using concepts from discourse theory and a framework from multicultural education. Findings While the way teacher educators discuss teaching about issues of ethnic and cultural diversity in PETE highly depends on each country’s contexts, there still are overlaps encapsulated by discourses. Our analysis suggests most discursive articulations from interviews reproduced liberal discourses, with fewer discursive articulations from conservative and critical discourses. Furthermore, the discourses constructed certain subject positions for students and teacher educators that carry implications for practice. Conclusion Although there are consistent attempts to engage with critical discourses, the dominance of liberal discourses persists in PETE in all three countries. This prevalence poses a risk of perpetuating othering and marginalisation.

A systematic literature review on the role of UAV-enabled communications in advancing the UN’s sustainable development goals

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, show great potential in advancing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a collection of 17 worldwide targets outlined by the United Nations (UN) to tackle diverse social, economic, and environmental issues and foster sustainable development by 2030. As per the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), UAVs can significantly improve areas of sustainability like wildlife and wildfire monitoring, precision agriculture, as well as healthcare. Furthermore, drones with communication capabilities are seen as key elements of non-terrestrial networks, and as enabling technologies for future 6G communication networks. This systematic literature review focuses on the role of UAV-enabled communications to achieve the SDGs. Our study is based on a thorough selection and analysis of scientific articles. Initially, we performed a broad search across three major databases: IEEE Xplore, Web of Science, and Scopus, yielding a set of 10,499 papers. Following a strict selection methodology (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis - PRISMA), we narrowed this set down to 28 key journal articles. Our analysis highlights six global targets that greatly benefit from UAV-enabled aerial communication. In order of impact, these are: “Sustainable Cities and Communities,” where UAVs improve security and disaster management; “Life on Land,” where drones help with wildlife monitoring and reforestation; “Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure,” where UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) aid in infrastructure inspection; “No Hunger,” where drones improve agricultural practices; “‘Good Health and Wellbeing,” where UAVs assist with disease prediction and monitoring; and “Clean water and sanitation,”where drones play a crucial role in efficiently monitoring water quality and distribution. In summary, this paper offers a detailed look at the applications of UAVs in achieving the SDGs through aerial communications. By identifying areas of major impact and spotting gaps and weaknesses in current research, this review article aims to guide future research and policy-making in sustainable drone applications.

Interpretation and Application of General Anti-Avoidance Rules after BEPS and ATAD: Nordic Perspectives

This paper compares general measures against tax avoidance and the design of general anti-avoidance rules (GAARs) in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. It focuses on aspects such as tax benefits, tax purposes, economic substance, and breaches of legislative purpose. The paper also examines potential compliance issues between national GAARs, tax treaties, and the European Union’s Anti-Tax Avoidance Directive (ATAD). The analysis highlights variations in how the national GAARs apply economic substance considerations and the level of pragmatism allowed when assessing conflicts with the purpose of the circumvented legislation. Additionally, it shows that differences in the wording of the GAARs, such as requirements related to tax purposes, do not necessarily result in practical differences due to other GAAR elements reducing or nullifying them. For similar reasons, the authors conclude that compliance issues between the national GAARs and the ATAD GAAR’s requirements are unlikely, despite some differences in wording. Whilst focusing on the Nordic region, the paper offers insights relevant to broader international contexts, as the diverse approaches, distinctions, and issues identified mirror tax developments worldwide.

The Curious Case of "Men in Nursing" as a Diversity Issue: A Critical Reading of the Literature.

In recent years the situation of "men in nursing" has been framed as a diversity issue, analogous to efforts to increase the proportion of women in male-dominated occupations, and to racial diversity in health professions. Advocates claim that nursing education is dominated by a "feminine" perspective, resulting in unhappy male students and marginalized male faculty. This is puzzling, as a close reading of the literature finds little support for these claims; and a persistent discounting of male advantages. Portraying men in nursing as victims distorts the nature of systemic oppression, and distracts us from more serious diversity struggles.

Implementation of the MPPT Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm on a Hybrid PV-TEG Solar Panel with a DC-DC Buck Converter

Abstract Solar panels necessitate power control to locate the optimal working point amidst quickly changing voltages and diverse weather circumstances. This enables the system to adapt and sustain optimal performance in real-time. In order to address this issue, the optimization methodology known as Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) is employed using an algorithmic artificial intelligence (AI) method. Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) is a swarm intelligence technique that has effectively tackled diverse optimization issues in intricate systems. The DC-DC Buck Converter, which incorporates Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT), serves as an interface between the load and the photovoltaic (PV) system to control the output voltage of the system. A comparison is made between the performance of the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) technique using the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm and the hill climbing (HC) algorithm developed through MATLAB/SIMULINK simulations. The findings indicate that the PSO algorithm exhibits superior performance in terms of tracking time, output power, and stability, with little fluctuations or noise, as compared to the HC method. The tracking time is 0.02 seconds and 2.52 seconds, respectively. The power at constant irradiation is 14.49 Watts and 14.43 Watts. The power at irradiation variation is 6.98 Watt and 6.96 Watt. The PSO algorithm achieved a remarkable accuracy of 99.76% in this investigation, surpassing that of HC. This enhancement makes the system more effective in acquiring maximum power values.

Analysis and Quantification of Selected Heavy Metals and Paraphenylenediamine in Commercially Available Herbal Black Hair Dyes in Sri Lanka

Currently, the use of henna-based herbal black hair dyes is widespread in the community. However, it is important to note that these dyes cannot be classified as completely natural due to the addition of various ingredients to enhance their effectiveness. Most black hair dyes use paraphenylenediamine (PPD) to get a black hue, however, PPD is widely recognized as a contact sensitizer. The toxicity of heavy metals is also prevalent in the cosmetics sector. These metallic elements can permeate the skin and provide widespread exposure throughout the body. Hair dye requires an alkaline pH value because of reactions that occur during the dyeing process, which is incompatible with scalp pH. The varying concentrations of these chemicals and their frequency of usage can result in diverse health issues. The present research implemented High-Performance Liquid Chromatography and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry to quantify the concentrations of PPD and heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Fe) in seven frequently used brands in Sri Lanka. The lead content in the examined samples exhibited variability, ranging from 0.04 ± 0.01 ppm to 0.28 ± 0.14 ppm. However, all the samples remained below the allowed level of 2 ppm according to the BVL standard. Regarding Cd, certain examined materials surpassed the acceptable thresholds, while others did not and varied between 0 ppm and 2.33 ± 1.92 ppm. Iron was found at a significantly higher concentration compared to the other two heavy metals. A significant quantity of PPD was detected, exceeding the allowable threshold of 6% according to the European Union legislation. All the samples that were analyzed had a pH value within the alkaline range. The study indicates that herbal dyes generated from natural materials may contain harmful compounds, such as a high concentration of PPD in herbal black hair color potentially inducing sensitization.

Teacher shortages: a social justice perspective on an Australian teacher education policy

ABSTRACT Australia and much of the Global North are facing a teacher shortage crisis. In this paper, we examine the most recent (2023) Australian education policy response to the crisis that ties this crisis to Initial Teacher Education (ITE): Strong Beginnings: Report of the Teacher Education Expert Panel (TEEP). Social justice imperatives related to economic, cultural, and political justice are used in this paper not only to explore the contents of this policy but also to think about the problem beyond borders. The policy focus, we argue, has shifted towards greater government regulation and intervention into ITE programs than ever before and that such moves work to undermine teacher professionalism. Whilst issues of student and teacher diversity are raised within some aspects of the policy, systemic social justice issues for education related to poverty, ethnicity, gender, teacher and student voice, and workplace justice are not adequately addressed. There is also little recognition within this policy that some schools are much harder to staff than others. In presenting this critical analysis, we offer ways forward for social justice imperatives to be realised within Australian ITE policy and the broader global teacher shortage crisis.

Corpus-based critical discourse analysis of NFT art within mainstream art-market discourse and implications for the political economy of digital art

The recent advent of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) has profoundly disrupted the contemporary art market, but their status remains contested. While advocates tout the democratising potential of NFTs, critics dismiss them as a speculative bubble. This study elucidates the position of NFT art within mainstream art market discourse through an interdisciplinary analysis synthesising critical discourse analysis, corpus linguistics, and the political economy of art. Examining three key 2023 art market reports furnishes empirical insights into how influential institutions frame and valorise NFT art. Linguistic patterns reveal NFTs’ increasingly solid yet variable positioning across art market segments. NFT art appears well-integrated into mainstream discourse but remains emergent at the high end. The analysis reveals a complex picture, with the data showing both positive institutional framing and valorisation of NFT art, as well as the identification of ethical tensions and concerns around issues of accessibility, diversity, and sustainability within the NFT art market discourse. We find NFT art simultaneously amplifies and challenges existing hierarchies, creating new opportunities counterposed by risks.

Exploring early- and mid-career academic work wellbeing challenges through a diversity and inclusion lens

BackgroundEarly- to mid-career academics (EMCAs) represent a core component of the Australian higher education workforce. These academics experience major challenges to their wellbeing, driving a strong desire to leave academia.ObjectivesDetermine (1) EMCA awareness of, and engagement with, previous University- and Faculty-level diversity and inclusion events/initiatives and (2) opportunities and solutions to address previously reported diversity and inclusion issues experienced in the workplace.Methods114 EMCAs in medicine, dentistry and health sciences completed an electronic cross-sectional survey. The survey contained a list of University- and Faculty-provided diversity and inclusion initiatives and sought respondent ratings of interest, awareness (knowing/hearing about) and engagement (attending/applying/participating). Two in-person focus groups comprising participants who opted in during the survey or who responded to broader advertising were conducted. Both groups explored opportunities and solutions to address diversity and inclusion issues reported in an earlier organisation-wide survey.ResultsWhilst early- and mid-career academics reported high interest in diversity and inclusion events, they also reported limited awareness and engagement with these events, feeling unsupported to engage or perceiving consequences for workload. Focus groups identified five themes related to opportunities and solutions to address diversity and inclusion issues experienced in the workplace (1) enhanced relational support for career progression, (2) clear and transparent processes for efficient working, (3) reducing structural barriers to create opportunity, (4) improved financial renumeration, and (5) improved transitions and pathways.ConclusionEarly- and mid-career academics often felt unable to engage with activities outside of their immediate work responsibilities, such as events about diversity and inclusion, due to feelings of high workload. A systems approach to deploying targeted strategies to address these wellbeing challenges is recommended to sustain and retain this critical workforce.

An improved whale optimization algorithm for UAV swarm trajectory planning

For the problem of trajectory planning in the small-scale unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms, classical intelligent algorithms and newly emerged bio-inspired algorithms often suffer from being trapped in local optima, leading to suboptimal solutions. Moreover, these algorithms fail to ensure optimal solutions and convergence speed in high-speed dynamic UAV networking scenarios. In response to these challenges, this paper proposes an Improved Whale Optimization Algorithm (IWOA) that considers the global perspective. To address the issue of initial solution diversity, an opposition-based learning method is introduced by constructing a reverse population, enhancing the diversity of the initial population. To overcome the problem of the algorithm getting trapped in local optima, random convergence factors, and end-point random neighborhood perturbations are incorporated to accelerate the global convergence speed of the IWOA and prevent it from getting stuck in local optima. Additionally, a grid digital elevation model is employed when constructing the experimental environment model, considering various physical constraints of the UAV swarm. This ensures that the simulation validation of the IWOA algorithm is closer to real-world scenarios. Simulation results indicate that, compared to commonly used algorithms, the IWOA can generate more optimal trajectories for drone swarm planning under constraints resembling real-world scenarios. It exhibits better performance in trajectory evaluation, convergence speed, and stability, thereby meeting the requirements of trajectory planning for small-scale UAV swarms. The proposed IWOA enhances UAV swarm coordination and efficiency, significantly impacting real-world applications in various fields.

The gap between journalists’ and audiences’ perceptions of reporting on diversity

Research suggests that the relationship between journalism and its audience is changing. As online platforms and various organisations participate in the production of information content audience expectations of what constitute news and who produces it is changing. They often seek various resources to meet their information needs, widening the gap between audiences’ and journalists’ perceptions about the role of news. This paper presents findings from a survey of n = 2266 multicultural audiences and n = 196 journalists in Australia to explore this gap. While audiences and journalists were similar in their views about traditional news values such as accuracy and timeliness, gaps emerged in their perceptions of reporting on issues of diversity. Audiences value the importance of diversity in reporting but journalists may consider it as one of the many competing priorities in their practice.