Human Point Of View Research Articles

The inhibitory effects of Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus paracasei isolated from yoghurt on the growth and enterotoxin A gene expression of S. aureus

BACKGROUND: Staphylococcal foodborne intoxication is the most common cause of foodborne illnesses by Staphylococcus aureus strains and most are caused by the enterotoxins of S. aureus. Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) is the most frequently responsible for staphylococcal food poisoning outbreaks. From a food safety and human health point of view, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) may provide a promising strategy in the fight against S. aureus.OBJECTIVES: Increasing product shelf life, and enhancing the safety of food and human health using natural microflora are the aims of this study. METHODS: In this study we evaluate the inhibitory effects of three lactobacillus strains isolated from yoghurt, namely lactobacillus acidophilus, lactobacillus fermentum and lactobacillus paracasei, on the growth and enterotoxin production of Staphylococcus aureus by co-incubating each strain with enterotoxigenic S. aureus at two temperatures: 25 and 35°C. Expression of the SEA gene of S. aureus was assessed by real-time PCR. RESULTS: All the strains decreased the bacterial count at both temperatures compared to the control. This effect was greater at 25°°C than at 35°C. The production of SEA, SEC and SEE was inhibited by all the isolates tested. Furthermore, expression of the sea gene was significantly suppressed in S. aureus co-cultured with the lactobacillus isolates and the greatest impact was on Lactobacillus acidophilus at 35 ° C. CONCLUSINS: This research highlights the potential of lactic acid bacteria isolated from traditional foods for use as natural preservatives in foodstuffs and suggests a new approach for biocontrol of Staphylococcus aureus.

사이버물리 시스템과 경량존재론(lightweight ontology) : 4차 산업혁명의 인문학적 함축

사이버물리 시스템과 경량존재론(lightweight ontology) : 4차 산업혁명의 인문학적 함축

Understanding and evaluating the behavior of technical users. A study of developer interaction at StackOverflow

This paper is focused on analyzing the details of one of the most widely used Q&A technical discussion forums on the Internet: StackOverflow. StackOverflow is a huge source of information for both academics and industry practitioners and its analysis can provide useful insights. This is evident by a growing body of work dedicated to the study of this platform. There are several papers that have taken the ‘platform’ as an analyzing point to gain a few useful insights into the practices adopted by software developers. However, different from current literature, the objective of this paper is to explore the habit of users, more specifically, we want to find out how do technical users behave online? In doing so, we attempt to present a new picture that focuses more on the human aspect of this online community. We neither focus on the technical aspects of the platform nor do we focus on the technical capabilities of developers, rather, the focus of this paper is to explore the humanistic point of view of technical users. To do that, we mine StackOverflow’s repositories to find a few patterns that raise several questions. The observations presented in this paper highlight real world implications of having open call based software engineering platforms. Further, we conduct a survey of StackOverflow users to find an answer to one of the highly talked about topics on Meta (a discussion forum for StackOverflow). The subject of the survey concerns changing participation habit of users. As the paper progresses forward, we discuss factors that raise the issue of professionalism and ethics at this online venue. The findings show several malpractices happening at StackOverflow. We present a detailed analysis and discuss these issues in this paper.

A World in the Making: Contingency and Time in James Benning's BNSF

This article presents an analysis of James Benning's film, BNSF (2013). It argues that the film comprises a landscape rendered in such a way that the temporal aspects of the processes, both cultural and natural, of which it is composed are brought forth. The article also asserts that, by relating a world that unfolds with a measure of contingency, the film not only manifests the inherent inadequacy of representation, but also it draws attention to the efficacy of the world in the making of its moving image. Finally, the article demonstrates that the qualities of the world delimited by the film impel the viewer to attempt to envision facts of nature that greatly outsize the horizon of her human point of view.

대학 구조개혁평가에 대한 메타평가 준거 개발 연구 : 인적자원개발 관점의 적용

1980년대 이후 우리나라 대학 수와 학생 수는 비약적으로 증가해 왔으나, 급격한 양적인 팽창에 비해 질적인 성장부진은 많은 비판을 받아왔다. 앞으로 2025년까지 학령인구는 급속하게 감소하여 2014년 현재 대입정원 대비 절반 수준이 될 것으로 예상되고 있다. 이로 인해 지방 소재 대학, 전문대학부터 타격을 입게 되면서 전반적인 고등교육 생태계의 황폐화를 초래할 우려가 제기된다. 이에 대해 선제적으로 대응하고자 대학 이해관계자들의 논란 속에서 정원감축을 포함하는 대학 구조개혁을 위해 1주기 대학 구조개혁평가가 실시되었다. 평가결과 하위 등급을 받은 대학들이 거세게 반발하는 등 평가결과를 두고 내홍을 겪고 있는데, 이는 대학 구조개혁평가 평가지표를 포함하는 평가 프로세스에 대한 신뢰도를 문제 삼는 경우로 평가시스템에 대한 불신을 기초로 하고 있다. 2주기, 3주기 대학 구조개혁평가를 앞두고 있는 상황에서 대학 구조개혁평가의 질을 제고하고, 문제점을 진단, 개선하기 위하여 메타평가가 요구된다. 대학 구조개혁평가의 메타평가를 위해서는 평가준거의 개발이 선결되어야 하는데, 기존 교육학적인 연구에 인적자원개발 접근을 더한 학제적 연구가 필요하게 되었다. 본 연구에서는 대학 사회에서 초미의 관심사가 되고 있는 대학 구조개혁평가를 종합적으로 진단, 평가할 수 있는 메타평가 준거를 개발하고, 인적자원개발 관점에서 학제적 접근을 시도하였다. 문헌연구, 전문가좌담회, 설문조사를 통해 대학 구조개혁평가 메타평가 준거로서 총 5개 평가영역, 21개 평가부문, 42개 평가준거로 구성된 ERPOU 모형이 개발되었다. 향후 대학 구조개혁평가를 비롯한 대학평가에 대한 메타평가 연구에 경영학을 비롯한 연구가 촉발되고, 활성화되기를 기대한다. Since 1980, the number of universities have increased dramatically. However, compared to the quantitative growth, the lack of qualitative growth has often been criticized. Students entering university are estimated to decrease by half in 2025 compared to 2014. In swift response to challenges with decreasing student enrollment, the first University Reform Evaluation (URE) for innovating universities, was conducted and resulted in controversy. Opposition is based on distrust of the overall system, questioning the reliability of the evaluation process utilized for the URE evaluation index. Meta-evaluation is required to improve the quality of evaluation, and standards developed prior to conducting the URE. Therefore, an interdisciplinary approach is necessary for the evaluation of human resource development. This research uses the interdisciplinary approach from the human resources development point of view in attempting to develop meta-evaluation criteria which will enable effective evaluation and analysis of URE. The meta-evaluation standard features the creation of the ERPOU model, by conducting literature review, and considers data from expert symposiums, and surveys. The ERPOU model consists of 5 evaluation fields, 21 evaluation categories, and 42 evaluation standards.

A sustainable approach to social tourism development: The case of İzmir city

The main purpose of this study is to research social tourism within sustainable tourism approach and to produce proposals for Izmir on this issue. It is pointed out in this study that, nowadays, very diverse practices of social tourism policies in the world have the objective of increasing individual and social wellbeing and quality of life focusing on the social inclusion with more humanistic point of view for the people who can not participate in holidays because of their physical, financial and alike disadvantages. Following the theoretical part comprising the review of the resources about the studies of national and international organizations and the legal principles and implications of social tourism in different countries from the world including Turkey about the social tourism within the sustainable tourism approach; comes the practical part of the research. In this part of the study, the data gathered by semi-structured interviews with the representatives of the institutions concerned with social tourism mentioned in the related part of “Tourism Strategy of Turkey 2023, Action Plan 2007-2013” is analysed with Nvivo11 qualitative data analysis program and the results and suggestions are inferred with content analysis. Consequently, the study brings a sustainable perspective to social tourism in Izmir, contributes to the literature and brings concrete suggestions that may lead the representatives of the sector for the development of social tourism in Izmir with a sustainable approach. Keywords: Social Tourism, Sustainable Tourism, Social Inclusion, Well-being, Quality of Life, Izmir.

Dietary intake of heavy metals from eight highly consumed species of cultured fish and possible human health risk implications in Bangladesh.

Concentrations of five heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, As and Hg) in eight highly consumed cultured fish species (Labeo rohita, Clarias gariepinus, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Cyprinus capio, Puntius sarana, Oreochromis mossambicus, Pangasius pangasius and Anabas testudineus) collected from four wholesale markets of Dhaka city, Bangladesh (Karwan Bazar, Mohammadpur Town Hall, Newmarket and Mirpur-1) were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) in order to evaluate the potential human health risks from the consumption of fish. The estimated daily intake (EDI) of all the studied heavy metals calculated on the basis of mean fish consumption of 49.5g person-1 d-1 by Bangladeshi households indicated that no risk to people's health with respect to the EDI of investigated heavy metals through the consumption of the fish samples. From the human health point of view, the estimation of non-carcinogenic risk indicated that intake of individual heavy metal through the consumption of fish was safe for human health, whereas, consumption of combined heavy metals suggested potential health risk to highly exposed consumers. However, the estimation of carcinogenic risk of arsenic due to the consumption of fish indicated that consumers remain at risk of cancer.

Friday Keynote: Seen and not Heard

Gender-based Violence (GBV) is costly, from a human, psychological, and economic point of view. It is estimated to represent worldwide a loss equivalent to Canada's GDP (1.5 trillion dollars). This loss is seen but not heard. GBV has taken the lives of over 200 million women worldwide, comparable in number to the population of Brazil, Pakistan, or Nigeria. GBV has destroyed the lives of millions of women and girls, who are survivors of this everyday violence. In this respect, GBV again is seen but not heard. In this speech Sandie Okoro, the General Counsel of the World Bank, reflected on her personal experience as a female international lawyer and on her journey toward achieving recognition and leadership in her field. She presented the life stories of courageous and inspirational women on every continent who have suffered extreme violence, yet who have persevered and fought ferociously for the rights of other women who suffer a similar plight. The focus was on women who have employed their efforts toward shaping and influencing the direction of international law and national jurisprudence so they can be seen and heard. Sandie's speech also homed in on the fragmentation that exists with respect to women's rights, both in terms of enforcement and implementation. She illustrated the fact that even in instances where laws tackling GBV or gender inequality exist, in certain contexts there are still severe gaps in their application. It is indisputable that the agenda to combat GBV is of paramount importance. Yet the question remains as to what our individual and collective roles in this regard ought to be. It is incumbent upon us, the legal community at large, to ensure that it is both seen and heard from this point on.

Smoke Exhaust Performance Prediction According to Air Supply and Exhaust Conditions for Shipboard Fires from a Human Safety Point of View

Smoke Exhaust Performance Prediction According to Air Supply and Exhaust Conditions for Shipboard Fires from a Human Safety Point of View

Mario E. Teruggi: un puente entre la ciencia y el humanismo

El Dr. Mario E. Teruggi (1919-2002) fue un destacado profesor universitario e investigador científico que hizo singulares aportes al conocimiento de las rocas ígneas, así como a la geología regional argentina, en particular del basamento cristalino y especialmente de la región de Tandilia. Sin embargo, sus más significativos trabajos creativos estuvieron dedicados a la Sedimentología. Mario Teruggi fue el fundador de la primera y principal escuela de esta disciplina en nuestro país. Su producción científica se destaca por su agudeza, rigurosidad, creatividad y afán innovador. Vislumbró con absoluta perspicacia los notables cambios metodológicos en las Ciencias de la Tierra y los volcó con generosidad en sus discípulos y alumnos. Uno de los aspectos que más le apasionaron desde el punto de vista científico fue el correcto empleo de la nomenclatura de las rocas, su significado y propuestas para su sistemática. Su carrera científica y docente se desarrolló casi enteramente en la Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo de La Plata, de la que fue decano (1964-1966) y director del Museo (1994-1996). En el plano humanístico, las letras eran, sin dudas, su pasión. Publicó nueve novelas, narraciones y relatos, varios cuentos y ensayos, entre los que se destacan sus aportes al conocimiento del lunfardo. Fue distinguido como Cavaliere Uffiziale de la Orden del Mérito de la República de Italia (1971), Hijo Dilecto de la ciudad de Dolores (1979), Miembro Honorario de la Asociación Geológica Argentina (1980) y Profesor Emérito de la Universidad Nacional de La Plata (1987). Como homenajes a su memoria llevan su nombre la avenida de acceso al Museo de La Plata y el Museo Paleontológico Dolorense. Mario Teruggi fue un erudito sensible, un intelectual multifacético, un pensador agudo, un investigador original y creativo, y un escritor dotado. En su tránsito como científico, docente y hombre de letras dejó una obra sustancial y contribuyó a enriquecer la vida de muchos de sus contemporáneos.

RE Rooted in Principal’s Biography

ABSTRACTCritical incidents in the biography of principals appear to be steering in their innovative way of constructing InterReligious Education in their schools. In this contribution, the authors present the biographical narratives of 4 principals: 1 principal introducing interreligious education in a Christian school, and 3 principals constructing a way of living apart together from a Christian, Islamic, and humanist point of view respectively. To understand (Verstehen) the principals’ narratives and their innovative initiatiatives, the authors take as their theoretical frame of reference the concept of criticial incidents, the dialogical self theory, and the concept of materialized religion. From the analysis of the principals biographies, the authors arrive at a tentative conclusion that a solid education in a life orientation (be it humanistic, Christian, or Islamic) paired with an authentic curiosity toward “the other” seems to be preconditional for innovative actions in RE preparing pupils for a future they themselves are going to build.

Human exposure to trace metals and arsenic via consumption of fish from river Chenab, Pakistan and associated health risks

This study provided the first hand data of trace elements into fish muscles (N = 65) collected from river Chenab in Pakistan during 2013, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We monitored the health risk associated with consumption of contaminated fish of river Chenab, by the local population. The mean concentrations (μg/g, wet weight), in descending order were: Zn (35.5–54.4), Cu (1.38–4.57), Mn (2.43–4.5), As (0.23–1.21), Cr (0.21–0.67), Ni (0.14–0.34), Pb (0.14–0.31), Co (0.09–0.12), Cd (0.07–0.12) with higher concentration to be observed in the herbivore fish species (i.e., Cirrhinus reba and Catla catla). The levels of trace elements in different fish species found in this study were compared with similar data worldwide, and with the international standards for consumption. The concentration (μg/g) of arsenic in many cases (>65%) exceeded the FAO/WHO expert committee on food additives permissible limits. From the human health point of view, this study highlights that the local inhabitants, (i.e., fisher folk communities and population frequently consuming fish at about 100 g/day) along the river Chenab are exposed chronically to arsenic pollution with carcinogenic (10−4 to 10−6) and non-carcinogenic (THQ>1) risks, especially from the intake of Cirrhinus reba.

Metal bioaccumulation in two edible cephalopods in the Gulf of Gabes, South-Eastern Tunisia: environmental and human health risk assessment

Samples of Octopus vulgaris and Sepia officinalis were collected from four areas in the Gulf of Gabes, south-eastern Tunisia, and their edible tissues (mantle and arms) were analyzed for cadmium, copper, mercury, and zinc. While the concentrations of metals showed significant differences between the sampling sites, no differences were revealed between the tissues of the two species. The spatial distribution of metals analyzed showed similar pattern for both tissues of the two species, with the highest concentrations found in the central area of Gabes Gulf, and the lowest in the northern and/or southern areas. From a human health risk point of view, the highest values of estimated daily intake, target hazard quotient, and hazard index were found in the central area of Gabes Gulf. Although the results of these indices were, in general, not alarming, the health risks posed by the consumption of cephalopods on local consumers cannot be excluded.

Tentativa de suícidio por ingestão de soda cáustica. Aspectos psicológicos e sociais. Relato de caso grave

A ingestão de soda caustica (SC) e substâncias corrosivas, como tentativa de suicídio no adulto, tem sido uma ocorrência freqüente, causando graves queimaduras no esôfago e sofrimento. O sucesso do tratamento de paciente com um episódio depressivo depende essencialmente da qualidade da relação médico-paciente. A Psicóloga e a Assistente Social possuem um papel fundamental, resgatando vínculos familiares e provendo assim a sua reinserção como portador de direitos e resgate de sua autoestima que foram perdidos ao longo do tempo, inserindo a família no processo doença-saúde e recuperação. O estudo contou com aplicação de questionários específicos pela Psicóloga seguidos de atendimentos e entrevista pela Assistente Social. Foi realizado durante a internação em um período de 14 meses. A paciente foi operada para reconstrução do trânsito alimentar. Na evolução apresentou pneumonias graves de repetição, teve a traqueostomia definitiva, passando a ingerir alimentos líquidos e pastosos via oral com facilidade. Apresentava quadro depressivo grave, moderada ansiedade e com idéias suicidas. A Psicologia e a Assistente Social estiveram ligadas a esses cuidados, encaminhando o caso para o Centro de Atendimento Psicossocial (CAPS) onde está sendo conduzido com atividades diárias, além do suporte territorial do Centro de Referencia de Assistência Social (CRAS). Apesar de tratar-se de doença adquirida benigna, as complicações existentes podem limitar ou impedir a vida normal e a qualidade de vida dos doentes. É importante e fundamental que os pacientes com essas complicações tenham apoio multidisciplinar da equipe que o assiste, principalmente do ponto de vista psicológico, social e humano.

Prescient … and Not Always Accounted For: The Wisdom and Foresight of George A. Roeper

When George A. Roeper enlisted the aid of Dr. A. Harry Passow and other leaders in the field to help George convert his Michigan independent school to focus on gifted children in 1956, there was only one other elementary school in the country at the time devoted exclusively to gifted child education. Though his wife and school cofounder, Annemarie, later became quite well known in the field, George also wrote and spoke extensively about gifted children and their education. Those writings and speeches were rarely published but have been preserved in The Roeper School Archives. In this first in-depth examination, George’s writings display insight and prescience about the challenges and rewards of educating gifted children, touching on problems that still preoccupy the field, such as inclusive identification and motivation, all rooted in his humanistic point of view.

The Notion of Relevance in Information Science: Everybody knows what relevance is. But, what is it really?

Abstract Everybody knows what relevance is. It is a ya'know notion, concept, idea–no need to explain whatsoever. Searching for relevant information using information technology (IT) became a ubiquitous activity in contemporary information society. Relevant information means information that pertains to the matter or problem at hand—it is directly connected with effective communication. The purpose of this book is to trace the evolution and with it the history of thinking and research on relevance in information science and related fields from the human point of view. The objective is to synthesize what we have learned about relevance in several decades of investigation about the notion in information science. This book deals with how people deal with relevance—it does not cover how systems deal with relevance; it does not deal with algorithms. Spurred by advances in information retrieval (IR) and information systems of various kinds in handling of relevance, a number of basic questions are raised: But w...

Extensive analysis of milk fatty acids in two fat-tailed sheep breeds during lactation.

The profile of fatty acids (FA) in the milk fat of two Iranian fat-tailed sheep breeds, Sanjabi and Mehraban, was compared during lactation. Eight ewes of each breed, balanced in parity and carrying one foetus, were selected before parturition. Ewes were kept separated in individual pens during the experimental period, under the same management practices and fed the same diet, in order to eliminate any confounding effects on milk FA profile. Milk was sampled at biweekly intervals up to 10weeks of lactation, starting 2weeks after parturition. More than 100 FA were determined in milk fat by means of gas chromatography. The milk fat of Sanjabi ewes contained more cis-9 18:1, that of Mehraban ewes was richer in 10:0, 12:0 and 14:0, and no differences were found for 16:0 and 18:0. No breed differences were found for most branched-chain FA. Mehraban ewes showed a higher presence of vaccenic and rumenic acids in their milk fat. The milk fat of Sanjabi ewes had a lower atherogenicity index and n-6/n-3 FA ratio. The contents of several FA showed time-dependent changes, so breed differences were more apparent or disappeared as lactation progressed. The milk fat of Sanjabi ewes showed a better FA profile from the human health point of view.

The Inhibitory Effects of Two Commercial Probiotic Strains on The Growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Gene Expression of Enterotoxin A

Background: Food-borne intoxications are current problems in human society and most of them are caused by the enterotoxins of Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) is the most frequently responsible for staphylococcal food poisoning outbreaks. From a food safety and human health point of view, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) may provide a promising strategy to combat the pathogenic bacteria, particularly S. aureus. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory activity of two commercial lactobacillus strains on growth and enterotoxin A production by S. aureus. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of these strains on gene expression of enterotoxin type A was assessed using real-time Polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Materials and Methods: In this study the inhibitory effect of two commercial probiotic strains, Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA5) and Lactobacillus casei 01 on the growth and enterotoxin production of S. aureus was evaluated at 25 and 35°C. The gene expression of SEA of S. aureus was also evaluated by real time (RT) PCR technique. Results: The lactobacillus strains decreased the bacterial count at both temperatures compared with the control group. This reduced effect was greater at 25°C (3 log/CFU) than 35°C (2 log/CFU). The production of SEA, SEC and SEE was inhibited by the lactobacillus strains. Furthermore, the gene expression of SEA was significantly suppressed in S. aureus co cultured with studied lactobacillus strains and the greatest down-regulation of sea (10.31 fold) was observed in co-incubation of S. aureus with LC01 at 25°C. Conclusion: This research raises important implications for the potential use of LAB as a natural preservative in foodstuffs by correct microbial ecology of the environment and a new approach for biocontrol of S. aureus.

Probiotic lactic acid bacteria - the fledgling cuckoos of the gut?

It is tempting to look at bacteria from our human egocentric point of view and label them as either ‘good’ or ‘bad’. However, a microbial society has its own system of government – ‘microcracy’ – and its own rules of play. Lactic acid bacteria are often referred to as representatives of the good ones, and there is little doubt that those belonging to the normal intestinal flora are beneficial for human health. But we should stop thinking of lactic acid bacteria as always being ‘friendly’ – they may instead behave like fledgling cuckoos.

Heavy metal levels in kiwifruit orchard soils and trees and its potential health risk assessment in Shaanxi, China.

Concentrations of five heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Cd, Hg, and Pb) in orchard soils and kiwifruit tissues (root, twig, leave, fruit) collected from Shaanxi province in China were measured, and the potential health risk for human through the fruit consumption was assessed. The orchard soils were in no pollution for Cr, Cu, Hg, and Pb, with their pollution index (PI) ≤1, while 10.0% of the soil samples were under Cd contamination. Furthermore, kiwifruit tended to have a higher Cd and Hg accumulation (as indicated by Biological Accumulation Coefficient) from soil and have a higher Cu and Hg translocation (as reflected by Biological Transfer Coefficient) to aboveground parts. From the human health point of view, the DIM and HRI values for all the fruit samples were within the safe limits, while for Cr, Cu, Cd, Hg, and Pb, about 22.5, 12.5, 52.5, 15.0, and 47.5% of the fruit samples exceeded the national maximum permissible levels, respectively. These results showed that, although there was no possible health risk to consumers due to intake of studied kiwifruit fruits under the current consumption rate, the regular survey of heavy metal pollution levels should be performed for the kiwifruit in Shaanxi province and a strict management program should be established to reduce the amount of chemical fertilizers and pesticides used in fruit production in order to prevent the potential health risk.