Self-defense Strategies Research Articles

New insights into algal-bacterial sludge granulation based on the tightly-bound extracellular polymeric substances regulation in response to N-Methylpyrrolidone

Algal-bacterial granular sludge (ABGS) system is promising in wastewater treatment for its potential in energy-neutrality and carbon-neutrality. However, traditional cultivation of ABGS poses significant challenges attributable to its long start-up period and high energy consumption. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), which could be stimulated as a self-defense strategy in cells under toxic contaminants stress, has been considered to contribute to the ABGS granulation process. In this study, photogranulation of ABGS by EPS regulation in response to varying loading rates of N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) was investigated for the first time. The results indicated the formation of ABGS with a maximum average diameter of ∼3.3 mm and an exceptionally low SVI5 value of 67 ± 2 mL g−1 under an NMP loading rate of 125 mg L−1 d−1, thereby demonstrating outstanding settleability. Besides, almost complete removal of 300 mg L−1 NMP could be achieved at hydraulic retention time of 48 h, accompanied by chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiencies higher than 90 % and 70 %, respectively. Moreover, possible degradation pathway and metabolism mechanism in the ABGS system for enhanced removal of NMP and nitrogen were proposed. In this ABGS system, the mycelium with network structure constituted by filamentous microorganisms was a prerequisite for photogranulation, instead of necessarily leading to granulation. Stress of 100–150 mg L−1 d−1 NMP loading rate stimulated tightly-bound EPS (TB-EPS) variation, resulting in rapid photogranulation. The crucial role of TB-EPS was revealed with the involved mechanisms being clarified. This study provides a novel insight into ABGS development based on the TB-EPS regulation by NMP, which is significant for achieving the manipulation of photogranules.

Pemaknaan lagu day6 zombie (english version) terhadap fenomena quarter life crisis: Studi pada kalangan mahasiswa ilmu komunikasi

The phenomenon of quarter life crisis is a phase when someone begins to feel unstable, doubtful, afraid, and indecisive to continue their life. Afterwards, this tendency developed into social issue that is prevalent among young generation these days. Preventive action to reduce the negative impact of the quarter life crisis is to utilize a coping mechanism as a self-defense strategy. A song with a specific message can help the process of dealing with or overcoming such a crisis. One of them is Day6's song Zombie (English Version). This study analyzes reception of the Day6’s song Zombie (English Version) among Communication Science students of University of Indonesia towards the quarter life crisis phenomenon. The study was carried out using qualitative methods and an interpretive paradigm. This study concludes that each informant is in various positions when interpreting the message content in the Zombie (English Version). Informants who are going through a quarter-life crisis tend to understand Zombie songs more profoundly and explicitly, connecting song lyrics with personal issues, instability, and lack of direction as well as querying the existence of life. A Zombie song can serve as a catharsis for coping strategies that help listeners convey their emotions and sentiments in a positive direction. Informants who haven't gone through a quarter-life crisis, however, will interpret the Zombie song more broadly, interpreting it as conveying grief, failure, and overall hesitation.

Conflict Prevention in Internet during Spread of Coronavirus Infection (Survey Results)

The article presents the results of a survey of respondents, one of the tasks of which was to propose a response to a conflict-provoking message in such a way as to avoid escalation of the conflict and continue communication with the aggressor. The survey participants were 115 respondents (22% male and 78% female) aged 20 to 35, with incomplete higher or higher education. The respondents were presented with 15 texts, which were real comments on posts in LiveJournal, containing markers of conflict-provoking intention by the sender and published during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study of the respondents’ responses was conducted using methods of linguostylistic, contextual, and statistical analysis. Data analysis identified four speech strategies used by the respondents to prevent conflictual interaction, as well as tactics through which these strategies were implemented: self-defense strategy (distancing tactic, pluralism accentuation tactic, topic change tactic), politeness strategy (gratitude tactic, advice tactic, apology tactic, offer of help tactic), submission strategy (concession tactic, reinforcement of aggressor’s authority tactic), persuasion strategy (reasoning tactic, argumentation tactic).

Self-Defense Strategies Against Cyber- Attacks by Non-State Actors

Self-Defense Strategies Against Cyber- Attacks by Non-State Actors

Empowerment Transformation Training Reduces Rape Among Girls and Young Women in South Sudan and the Kakuma Refugee Camp

PurposeRape occurs at high rates in South Sudan and Kakuma refugee camps, a region characterized by armed conflict, gender inequity, and economic crisis. To date, we know little about how to prevent rape in this region of the world. As such, the purpose of this study was to examine outcomes of Empowerment Transformation Training (ETT) (an adapted empowerment self-defense program; empowerment self-defense) among female participants in South Sudan and the Kakuma refugee camp. MethodsSchools were assigned to the treatment (ETT) condition (n = 7) or control (life skills) condition (n = 9) and used as the unit of analysis given the cluster-randomized design. Female participants anonymously completed a baseline (T1) and 12-month follow-up (T2) paper and pencil survey. ResultsAnnual rape victimization rates decreased from 10.7% to 5.5% in the ETT schools (risk ratio [RR] = 0.51); there was no change in the control schools (10.0%–9.0%). Empowerment Transformation Training (ETT) schools had increased confidence at T2 (T1: 42.4%; T2: 75.4%; RR = 1.79) and greater rates of confidence at T2 compared to control schools (54.3%; RR = 1.39). Knowledge of effective self-defense strategies (T2) was greater for ETT schools (47.4%) compared to control schools (30.1%) (RR = 1.57). DiscussionThe ETT program reduced rates of rape, increased confidence, disclosures of rape (among victims), and knowledge of effective self-defense strategies. Empowerment self-defense programs are a critical component to rape prevention across global communities, including those characterized by armed conflict, gender inequity, and economic crisis.

Exploring the influence of government social media on cybersecurity compliance: employee attitudes, motivation and behaviors

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the impact of employees’ engagement in government social media (GSM) on their cybersecurity compliance attitude, protection motivation and protective behavior, thereby contributing to effective cybersecurity practices at organizations.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative cross-sectional field survey was conducted to collect primary data in big cities and large provinces in Vietnam. The final data set of 323 responses was analyzed using the partial least squares-structural equation modeling approach to interpret the results and test research hypotheses.FindingsEngagement in GSM positively influences employees’ cybersecurity compliance attitude (ATT). Perceived threat vulnerability and response efficacy also contribute to a positive compliance attitude, although self-efficacy has a negative impact. Moreover, the cybersecurity compliance ATT significantly explains the information protection motivation, which in turn influences employee protective behaviors. However, the relationship between compliance attitude and protective behaviors is weak, unlike previous studies that found a strong correlation.Originality/valueAlthough recent studies have explored specific information security practices in corporate and home contexts, the influence of GSM on individuals’ cybersecurity behaviors has received limited attention because of its novelty. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by investigating the impact of GSM on cybersecurity behaviors. This study provides significant contributions to understanding social media’s effects of social media on individuals’ cultivation processes, by expanding upon the protective motivation theory and cultivation theory. The results lead to practical suggestions for organizational managers and policymakers so that they can enhance their understanding of the importance of cybersecurity, encourage the implementation of self-defense strategies and highlight the significance of threat and coping evaluations in influencing attitudes and motivations.

Digital Dependency as a Burden: Impact of Active Aging for Tech Adoption in Brazil and Chile

Successful aging and active aging policies frame independence in old age as an expectation and a virtue in opposition to the once desired reciprocity between generations. Due to digitalization trends worldwide, mastering digital skills becomes another responsibility for older adults to remain independent. However, this process can create new forms of dependency as support from skilled users – usually the younger generation – is crucial for technology adoption among older adults. This study addresses how older adults may experience digital dependency as a personal failure and a burden upon younger generations. We conducted long-term ethnography among older adults adopting new technology in Brazil and Chile, countries with rapidly aging populations that have implemented aggressive digitalization strategies. The fast digitalization of public services may increase the risks of social exclusion for older adults as the less connected and less skilled age group in Latin America. Contrary to expectations suggested by the research literature, participants preferred to enroll in smartphone workshops instead of relying on their children. We volunteered in smartphone workshops for older adults and mapped the difficulties they face when adopting new technologies and the strategies they develop afterward to use technology while avoiding dependency. Participants may restrict their use of smartphones due to their limited digital skills or claim a lack of interest in technology as a self-defense strategy against appearing ignorant or incompetent. We found that participants preferred relying on friends for support instead, perceiving their help as a form of peer collaboration.

Understanding the Impact of Vaccination and Self-Defense Measures on Epidemic Dynamics Using an Embedded Optimization and Evolutionary Game Theory Methodology.

Explaining how individual choice and government policy can appear in the same context in real society is one of the most challenging scientific problems. Controlling infectious diseases requires effective prevention and control measures, including vaccination and self-defense measures. In this context, optimal control strategies incorporating vaccination and self-defense measures have been proposed using the framework of evolutionary game theory. This approach accounts for individuals' behavior and interactions in a population. It can provide insights into the effectiveness of different strategies for controlling the spread of infectious diseases. The optimal control strategy involves balancing the costs and benefits of vaccination, considering the dynamic interplay between the infected and susceptible populations. By combining evolutionary game theory with optimal control theory, we can identify the optimal allocation of resources for vaccination and self-defense measures, which can maximize the control of infectious diseases while minimizing costs. The model is utilized to analyze public health policies diseases, such as vaccination and self-defense strategies, to mitigate the spread of infectious in the context of delayed decision-making.

Профессиональная языковая подготовка военных переводчиков: коммуникативные технологии

Introduction. Communicative technologies are one of the most effective pedagogical technologies in the professional language training of military translators. Determining the attitude of students to the use of communicative technologies in the educational process will contribute to improving the quality of their training.
 The aim of the study is to identify the attitude of future military translators to the use of communicative technologies in their professional language training.
 Methods and materials. This study is based on an integrative methodological approach, which allows combining various educational disciplines, technologies and techniques into a single educational process. The analysis of pedagogical technologies is carried out on the basis of a communicative methodological approach that determines the principles of interaction between participants in the educational process. In classes on foreign language and military translation, the training of military translators uses various communication technologies that contribute to the formation of professional and military-special language competencies of future military translators, such as, for example, case analysis, role-playing, design technologies, etc.
 Results of the study. A study was conducted identifying the opinion of cadets on the advisability of preparing for the use of attack and self-defense strategies in the negotiation process. The questionnaire was attended by 96 cadets of 3 and 4 years of training at the Ryazan Guards Higher Airborne Command School. 93 students (88.3 per cent) noted the importance of using communicative technologies in the training of military translators. 94 (97.9 per cent) of the cadets perform case analysis with interest, 82 (85.4 per cent) of the cadets are interested in the role-playing game and 76 (79.1 per cent) of the cadets are interested in project activities. The communication technologies used in military translation sessions undoubtedly contribute to improving the level of professional language training of military interpreters.
 Conclusion. The results of the study can be used to further develop the issues of professional language training of cadets of military universities with a focus on the individualization of the educational process and on the technology of personalized training.

A Report from LGBTI Philanthropy

A Report from LGBTI Philanthropy

The performance during four stationary knife attacks: Implications for tactical training

With over 72,000 offenses between 2010 and 2020 in the USA, knives were the third most commonly used weapon in all violent crimes between behind personal weapons and handguns. PurposeExamine the performance of different stab (Thrust and overhead) and slash (Figure 8 and Reverse) knife motions to determine how long it takes to execute each motion. In addition, examine the variability in executing each motion to inform future self-defense strategies. MethodsTwenty subjects (Females, n = 4; Males, n = 16; Height: 179.96 ± 8.66 cm; Weight: 94.99 ± 22.37 kg; Age: 36.95 ± 10.63 years) who were all active-duty law enforcement officers (LEOs) with 13.52 ± 11.23 years of LEO experience were recruited to participate in the study. Each subject completed two trials of the knife motions while wearing wearable motion sensors (ADPM) and recorded with a high-speed camera (GoPro) while using a training knife (Cold Steel). ResultsThe time to complete the motions were: Thrust, 0.61 ± 0.15 s; Overhead, 0.68 ± 0.14 s; Figure 8, 1.07 ± 0.21 s; and Reverse, 0.62 ± 0.11 s. The Figure 8 motion was significantly slower than the other three motions: F (3, 57) = 101.19, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.84. The reliability analysis reported trivial variability and a high level of agreement: Thrust, ICCα = 0.701, SEM = 0.09 s, CV% = 15.02; Overhead, ICCα = 0.878, SEM = 0.05 s, CV% = 6.93; Figure 8, ICCα = 0.906, SEM = 0.07 s, CV% = 6.25, Reverse, ICCα = 0.420, SEM = 0.10 s, CV% = 17.31. DiscussionMost LEOs or civilians within striking distance of someone with a knife may not be able to avoid contact from the knife attacks based on the speed knife attacks could occur. ConclusionThe reference data provides pertinent information to update evidence-based training approaches to knife attack preparation and defense.

Human health risk assessment of PM2.5-bound heavy metal of anthropogenic sources in the Khon Kaen Province of Northeast Thailand

The study aimed to assess the human health risk of PM2.5-bound heavy metals from anthropogenic sources in Khon Kaen Province, Thailand between December 2020 and February 2021. According to the findings, the geometric mean concentration of PM2.5 in the university area, residential area, industrial zone, and the agricultural zone was 32.78 μg/m3, 50.25 μg/m3, 44.48 μg/m3, and 29.53 μg/m3, respectively. The results showed that the estimated human health risk assessment, in terms of non-carcinogenic risks among children and adults in an urban area (residential and university), industrial zone, and the agricultural area, was of hazard index (HI) value of >1.0 indicating a greater chance of chronic effects occurring. This study showed that exposure to PM2.5-bound heavy metal may increase the likelihood that lasting effects will result in a very high carcinogenic risk (CR) in children in residential areas, and an industrial zone with total carcinogenic risk (TCR) values of 0.23×101, and 0.12×101, respectively while resulting in a high TCR of 3.34×10−2 and 4.11×10−2 within the university areas and agricultural zone, respectively. In addition, health risk assessments among adults demonstrate high TCR values of 4.40×10−1 (residential area), 2.28×10−1 (industrial zone), and 7.70×10−3 (agricultural zone), thus indicating a potential health risk to adults living in these areas while the university area was very low effects on carcinogenic risk (CR≤10−8) for adults. Therefore, lowering the risk of exposure to PM2.5 via the respiratory tract, for example, wearing a mask outside is a very effective self-defense strategy for people within and around the study site. This data study strongly supports the implementation of the air pollutant emission source reduction measures control and health surveillance.

Cytotoxicity profiling of decabromodiphenyl ethane to earthworm (Eisenia fetida): Abnormity-recovery-dysregulation physiological pattern reflects the coping mechanism

Response of terrestrial invertebrates to decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) is an emerging field of research nowadays, while cytotoxicity of DBDPE and self-defense strategies of invertebrates are poorly understood. In this study, earthworms (Eisenia fetida) were incubated in the DBDPE-spiked soil system (10, 30, 50, 70, and 100 mg kg−1 dw) for 28-d uptake. The bioaccumulation and distribution of DBDPE, a series of biomarkers associated with lysosomes/mitochondria, and the apoptosis rate of coelomocytes have been evaluated on the 7th, 14th, 21th, and 28th day. At experimental endpoint, the autophagy/apoptosis phenomena have been observed under transmission electron microscopy and the expression levels of six target genes have been explored. Findings in this paper revealed that: bioaccumulation factors decreased with the incremental DBDPE concentrations in the soil. Intestinal ingestion, but not epidermal contact predominated the absorption of DBDPE. The fluctuations of biomarkers and the apoptosis rate were described as the “abnormity-recovery-dysregulation” pattern. Intense oxidative stress, energy demands, membrane-system damage, pathological organelles, and apoptosis were observed in the treated groups. Conclusively, the cytotoxicity of DBDPE initiated the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway which affected the physiological status of lysosomes, autophagy, and the expression of genes. The coping mechanisms of Eisenia fetida to DBDPE included activating mitochondrial electron transport processes, reorganizing actin cytoskeleton, and initiating autophagy. Earthworms resisted the cytotoxicity of DBDPE to a certain extent, while long-term exposure still resulted in apoptosis of coelomocytes. This study works as a laboratory simulation for the environmental safety evaluation of DBDPE and the detoxification mechanisms for earthworm.

Postcolonial Studies: Hybridity and the Dominance of Whites over Blacks in American Poetry

This study aims to reveal the postcolonial issues contained in poetry I, Too by Langston Hughes and Incident by Countee Cullen. Both authors of these poems are figures from black people in America. The method used in this study is the qualitative method and literature study approach with the aim of exploring, describing, and understanding how the hybridity and dominance of whites over blacks in American poetry. The data source of this study is the words and phrases in both poems. The data containing postcolonial: hybridity and mimicry in the poems were characterized and analyzed using Homi K. Bhabha's theory (2007). Bhabha in his thinking tries to provide a "middle space" between the colonizer and the colonized. Bhabha states the concept of a “middle space” as a time-lag. This space is an intercultural space where personal and communal self-defense strategies can be developed. All of these cultural expressions and systems are built in a space called the “third space of enunciation”. Interestingly, the issue of hybridity that occurred a century ago has not completely gone in a better direction. The proof is that at the beginning of the first semester of 2020 there was an incident of violence against blacks by whites which caused a massive demonstration that led to the creation of a movement group called Black Lives Matter. This study uncovers how bad the treatment of white people towards black people is that the position and social stratifications between them are different.

Reductive inactivation of the hemiaminal pharmacophore for resistance against tetrahydroisoquinoline antibiotics

Antibiotic resistance is becoming one of the major crises, among which hydrolysis reaction is widely employed by bacteria to destroy the reactive pharmacophore. Correspondingly, antibiotic producer has canonically co-evolved this approach with the biosynthetic capability for self-resistance. Here we discover a self-defense strategy featuring with reductive inactivation of hemiaminal pharmacophore by short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDRs) NapW and homW, which are integrated with the naphthyridinomycin biosynthetic pathway. We determine the crystal structure of NapW·NADPH complex and propose a catalytic mechanism by molecular dynamics simulation analysis. Additionally, a similar detoxification strategy is identified in the biosynthesis of saframycin A, another member of tetrahydroisoquinoline (THIQ) antibiotics. Remarkably, similar SDRs are widely spread in bacteria and able to inactive other THIQ members including the clinical anticancer drug, ET-743. These findings not only fill in the missing intracellular events of temporal-spatial shielding mode for cryptic self-resistance during THIQs biosynthesis, but also exhibit a sophisticated damage-control in secondary metabolism and general immunity toward this family of antibiotics.

Monooxygenase LaPhzX is Involved in Self-Resistance Mechanisms during the Biosynthesis of N-Oxide Phenazine Myxin.

Self-resistance genes are deployed by many microbial producers of bioactive natural products to avoid self-toxicity. Myxin, a di-N-oxide phenazine produced by Lysobacter antibioticus OH13, is toxic to many microorganisms and tumor cells. Here, we uncovered a self-defense strategy featuring the antibiotic biosynthesis monooxygenase (ABM) family protein LaPhzX for myxin degradation. The gene LaPhzX is located in the myxin biosynthetic gene cluster (LaPhz), and its deletion resulted in bacterial mutants that are more sensitive to myxin. In addition, the LaPhzX mutants showed increased myxin accumulation and reduction of its derivative, compound 4, compared to the wild-type strain. Meanwhile, in vitro biochemical assays demonstrated that LaPhzX significantly degraded myxin in the presence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), flavin mononucleotide (FMN), and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). In addition, heterologous expression of LaPhzX in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and Escherichia coli increased their resistance to myxin. Overall, our work illustrates a monooxygenase-mediated self-resistance mechanism for phenazine antibiotic biosynthesis.

Activity of valerian catalase in Ultisol growing media by adding humic acid

Ultisols are soil in marginal lands which contain high Al and Fe, allowing the growing plants to have self-defense strategies by increasing catalase enzyme activity. The purpose of this study was to examine the response of valerian to Ultisol growing media by giving humic acid to the activity of the catalase enzyme, and to determine the potential planting medium to increase the activity of the catalase enzyme. The research method used was experimental with 2 factors of factorial completely randomized design (CRD). The first factor is the planting medium which consists of two media types namely (1) Ultisols and (2) Ultisols + organic matter. The second factor is the concentration of humic acid which consists of 4 treatment levels namely 0 g/kg; 4 g/kg; 8 g/kg and 12 g/kg. Of the two factors observed, 8 treatment combinations were produced, each with 3 replications. Parameters observed were catalase enzyme activity and growth parameters. As supporting data, the content of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Mn, Fe, and Al in Ultisols have been analyzed. The results showed that the growing medium had an effect on the catalase enzyme activity. Catalase activity is influenced by the planting medium, plants that experience stress increase the catalase activity. Valerian grown on Ultisol growing media increased catalase activity, whereas those in Ultisol growing media with the addition of organic matter decreased catalase activity.

Selbsttäuschungen in der Psychiatrie

Self-deception in psychiatry Psychiatry as a medical specialty has been changed its approaches again and again. It is also subject to paradigms of progress and the pressure to be “modern”. The comparatively low effectiveness of our therapies in people with severe mental crises, the lack of evidence that the course of severe mental illnesses are more favorable than in earlier times and the requirement that psychiatry is “scientific” are dilemmas that can only be overcome through self-deception. Using the example of psychotropic drugs, psychotherapies and traditional community psychiatry, mechanisms of self-deception are presented. It becomes obvious that professionals often only confirm their own prejudices in studies and in the assessment of the effectiveness of their own therapies. An important self-defense strategy against self-deception is consistently taking into account the social context in the care systems and to avoid any form of institutionalization. But it also means that society as a whole, and not just the psychiatric community, needs to take on more responsibility.

Stochastic dynamics of populations with refuge in polluted turbidostat

Abstract Environmental pollution and random perturbation from the environment influence populations’ dynamics by alternating the habitat structure. To avoid disasters above or threats from predators, populations have self-defensive strategies such as camouflage or using a refuge. A turbidostat model with toxicant and prey refuge under the deterministic and stochastic environments is investigated in this work. We first analyze the positive solution’s existence and uniqueness under the effect of shelter and stochastic perturbation. We further determine the sufficient conditions of extinction and permanence for each population with the impact of toxicant, prey refuge under the stochastic environment. Our results reveal the dynamics of populations under the influence of the factors above. Several numerical examples are provided to verify the theoretical analysis and simulate the effect of the phenomena above in the population dynamics for both deterministic and stochastic cases.

Upgrading Oryza sativa wastes into multifunctional antimicrobial and antibiofilm nominees; Ionic Metallo-Schiff base-supported cellulosic nanofibers

Biofilm formation acts as an important self-defense strategy used by bacteria to protect itself against external changes and antibiotics effects. Moreover, biofilms have serious environmental and health impacts. Potent and safe natural antimicrobials may offer an ideal solution to tackle this challenge. In this context, we have recycled rice wastes into amino-functionalized cellulose nanofibers (CNF-NH2), ammonium-based cellulosic nanofibers Schiff bases (CNFSBs), and their corresponding Ag(I)/Zn(II) complexes. The antibacterial study of new cellulosic specimens revealed that the grafting of CNF-NH2 with ammonium ionic liquids segments and metal ions has remarkably improved its antibacterial activity. CNFSB1-Ag was the most potent antibiotic candidate against common medically-relevant strains, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and E. coli (MICMRSA/E. coli = 0.19/0.65 µg/mL). Moreover, it is more active than the clinical drug (vancomycin) (MICMRSA/E. coli = 1.02/0.85 µg/mL). Also, CNFSB1-Ag was the most active in limiting of MRSA and E. coli biofilms formation with 97.9% and 81.0% biofilm reduction, respectively.