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expression</title> <meta name="description" content="Search results for: mRNA expression"> <meta name="keywords" content="mRNA expression"> <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1, minimum-scale=1, maximum-scale=1, user-scalable=no"> <meta charset="utf-8"> <link href="https://cdn.waset.org/favicon.ico" type="image/x-icon" rel="shortcut icon"> <link href="https://cdn.waset.org/static/plugins/bootstrap-4.2.1/css/bootstrap.min.css" rel="stylesheet"> <link href="https://cdn.waset.org/static/plugins/fontawesome/css/all.min.css" rel="stylesheet"> <link href="https://cdn.waset.org/static/css/site.css?v=150220211555" rel="stylesheet"> </head> <body> <header> <div class="container"> <nav class="navbar navbar-expand-lg navbar-light"> <a class="navbar-brand" href="https://waset.org"> <img src="https://cdn.waset.org/static/images/wasetc.png" alt="Open Science Research Excellence" title="Open Science Research Excellence" /> </a> <button class="d-block d-lg-none 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action="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search"> <div id="custom-search-input"> <div class="input-group"> <i class="fas fa-search"></i> <input type="text" class="search-query" name="q" placeholder="Author, Title, Abstract, Keywords" value="mRNA expression"> <input type="submit" class="btn_search" value="Search"> </div> </div> </form> </div> </div> <div class="row mt-3"> <div class="col-sm-3"> <div class="card"> <div class="card-body"><strong>Commenced</strong> in January 2007</div> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-3"> <div class="card"> <div class="card-body"><strong>Frequency:</strong> Monthly</div> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-3"> <div class="card"> <div class="card-body"><strong>Edition:</strong> International</div> </div> </div> <div class="col-sm-3"> <div class="card"> <div class="card-body"><strong>Paper Count:</strong> 2094</div> </div> </div> </div> <h1 class="mt-3 mb-3 text-center" style="font-size:1.6rem;">Search results for: mRNA expression</h1> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">54</span> How Obesity Sparks the Immune System and Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Husham%20Bayazed">Husham Bayazed</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Purpose of Presentation: Obesity and overweight are among the biggest health challenges of the 21st century, according to the WHO. Obviously, obese individuals suffer different courses of disease – from infections and allergies to cancer- and even respond differently to some treatment options. Of note, obesity often seems to predispose and triggers several secondary diseases such as diabetes, arteriosclerosis, or heart attacks. Since decades it seems that immunological signals gear inflammatory processes among obese individuals with the aforementioned conditions. This review aims to shed light how obesity sparks or rewire the immune system and predisposes to such unpleasant health outcomes. Moreover, lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic ascertain that people living with pre-existing conditions such as obesity can develop severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which needs to be elucidated how obesity and its adjuvant inflammatory process distortion contribute to enhancing severe COVID-19 consequences. Recent Findings: In recent clinical studies, obesity was linked to alter and sparks the immune system in different ways. Adipose tissue (AT) is considered as a secondary immune organ, which is a reservoir of tissue-resident of different immune cells with mediator release, making it a secondary immune organ. Adipocytes per se secrete several pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-4, MCP-1, and TNF-α ) involved in activation of macrophages resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation. The correlation between obesity and T cells dysregulation is pivotal in rewiring the immune system. Of note, autophagy occurrence in adipose tissues further rewire the immune system due to flush and outburst of leptin and adiponectin, which are cytokines and influencing pro-inflammatory immune functions. These immune alterations among obese individuals are collectively incriminated in triggering several metabolic disorders and playing role in increasing cancers incidence and susceptibility to different infections. During COVID-19 pandemic, it was verified that patients with pre-existing obesity being at greater risk of suffering severe and fatal clinical outcomes. Beside obese people suffer from increased airway resistance and reduced lung volume, ACE2 expression in adipose tissue seems to be high and even higher than that in lungs, which spike infection incidence. In essence, obesity with pre-existence of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as LI-6 is a risk factor for cytokine storm and coagulopathy among COVID-19 patients. Summary: It is well documented that obesity is associated with chronic systemic low-grade inflammation, which sparks and alter different pillars of the immune system and triggers different metabolic disorders, and increases susceptibility of infections and cancer incidence. The pre-existing chronic inflammation in obese patients with the augmented inflammatory response against the viral infection seems to increase the susceptibility of these patients to developing severe COVID-19. Although the new weight loss drugs and bariatric surgery are considered as breakthrough news for obesity treatment, but preventing is easier than treating it once it has taken hold. However, obesity and immune system link new insights dispute the role of immunotherapy and regulating immune cells treating diet-induced obesity. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=immunity" title="immunity">immunity</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=metabolic%20disorders" title=" metabolic disorders"> metabolic disorders</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=cancer" title=" cancer"> cancer</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=COVID-19" title=" COVID-19"> COVID-19</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/164843/how-obesity-sparks-the-immune-system-and-lessons-from-the-covid-19-pandemic" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/164843.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">74</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">53</span> Establishing Feedback Partnerships in Higher Education: A Discussion of Conceptual Framework and Implementation Strategies</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Jessica%20To">Jessica To</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Feedback is one of the powerful levers for enhancing students’ performance. However, some students are under-engaged with feedback because they lack responsibility for feedback uptake. To resolve this conundrum, recent literature proposes feedback partnerships in which students and teachers share the power and responsibilities to co-construct feedback. During feedback co-construction, students express feedback needs to teachers, and teachers respond to individuals’ needs in return. Though this approach can increase students’ feedback ownership, its application is lagging as the field lacks conceptual clarity and implementation guide. This presentation aims to discuss the conceptual framework of feedback partnerships and feedback co-construction strategies. It identifies the components of feedback partnerships and strategies which could facilitate feedback co-construction. A systematic literature review was conducted to answer the questions. The literature search was performed using ERIC, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar with the keywords “assessment partnership”, “student as partner,” and “feedback engagement”. No time limit was set for the search. The inclusion criteria encompassed (i) student-teacher partnerships in feedback, (ii) feedback engagement in higher education, (iii) peer-reviewed publications, and (iv) English as the language of publication. Those without addressing conceptual understanding and implementation strategies were excluded. Finally, 65 publications were identified and analysed using thematic analysis. For the procedure, the texts relating to the questions were first extracted. Then, codes were assigned to summarise the ideas of the texts. Upon subsuming similar codes into themes, four themes emerged: students’ responsibilities, teachers’ responsibilities, conditions for partnerships development, and strategies. Their interrelationships were examined iteratively for framework development. Establishing feedback partnerships required different responsibilities of students and teachers during feedback co-construction. Students needed to self-evaluate performance against task criteria, identify inadequacies and communicate their needs to teachers. During feedback exchanges, they interpreted teachers’ comments, generated self-feedback through reflection, and co-developed improvement plans with teachers. Teachers had to increase students’ understanding of criteria and evaluation skills and create opportunities for students’ expression of feedback needs. In feedback dialogue, teachers responded to students’ needs and advised on the improvement plans. Feedback partnerships would be best grounded in an environment with trust and psychological safety. Four strategies could facilitate feedback co-construction. First, students’ understanding of task criteria could be increased by rubrics explanation and exemplar analysis. Second, students could sharpen evaluation skills if they participated in peer review and received teacher feedback on the quality of peer feedback. Third, provision of self-evaluation checklists and prompts and teacher modeling of self-assessment process could aid students in articulating feedback needs. Fourth, the trust could be fostered when teachers explained the benefits of feedback co-construction, showed empathy, and provided personalised comments in dialogue. Some strategies were applied in interactive cover sheets in which students performed self-evaluation and made feedback requests on a cover sheet during assignment submission, followed by teachers’ response to individuals’ requests. The significance of this presentation lies in unpacking the conceptual framework of feedback partnerships and outlining feedback co-construction strategies. With a solid foundation in theory and practice, researchers and teachers could better enhance students’ engagement with feedback. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=conceptual%20framework" title="conceptual framework">conceptual framework</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=feedback%20co-construction" title=" feedback co-construction"> feedback co-construction</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=feedback%20partnerships" title=" feedback partnerships"> feedback partnerships</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=implementation%20strategies" title=" implementation strategies"> implementation strategies</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/155635/establishing-feedback-partnerships-in-higher-education-a-discussion-of-conceptual-framework-and-implementation-strategies" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/155635.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">90</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">52</span> The Effect of Metabolites of Fusarium solani on the Activity of the PR-Proteins (Chitinase, β-1,3-Glucanase and Peroxidases) of Potato Tubers</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=A.%20K.%20Tursunova">A. K. Tursunova</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=O.%20V.%20Chebonenko"> O. V. Chebonenko</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=A.%20Zh.%20Amirkulova"> A. Zh. Amirkulova</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=A.%20O.%20Abaildayev"> A. O. Abaildayev</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=O.%20A.%20Sapko"> O. A. Sapko</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Y.%20M.%20Dyo"> Y. M. Dyo</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=A.%20Sh.%20Utarbaeva"> A. Sh. Utarbaeva</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Fusarium solani and its variants cause root and stem rot of plants. Dry rot is the most common disease of potato tubers during storage. The causative agents of fusariosis in contact with plants behave as antagonists, growth stimulants or parasites. The diversity of host-parasite relationships is explained by the parasite’s ability to produce a wide spectrum of biologically active compounds including toxins, enzymes, oligosaccharides, antibiotic substances, enniatins and gibberellins. Many of these metabolites contribute to the creation of compatible relations; others behave as elicitors, inducing various protective responses in plants. An important part of the strategy for developing plant resistance against pathogens is the activation of protein synthesis to produce protective ‘pathogenesis-related’ proteins. The family of PR-proteins known to confer the most protective response is chitinases (EC 3.2.1.14, Cht) and β-1,3-glucanases (EC 3.2.1.39, Glu). PR-proteins also include a large multigene family of peroxidases (EC 1.11.1.7, Pod), and increased activity of Pod and expression of the Pod genes leads to the development of resistance to a broad class of pathogens. Despite intensive research on the role of PR-proteins, the question of their participation in the mechanisms of formation of the F.solani–S.tuberosum pathosуstem is not sufficiently studied. Our aim was to investigate the effect of different classes of F. solani metabolites on the activity of chitinase, β-1,3-glucanases and peroxidases in tubers of Solanum tuberosum. Metabolite culture filtrate (CF) and cytoplasmic components were fractionated by extraction of the mycelium with organic solvents, salting out techniques, dialysis, column chromatography and ultrafiltration. Protein, lipid, carbohydrate and polyphenolic fractions of fungal metabolites were derived. Using enzymatic hydrolysis we obtained oligo glycans from fungal cell walls with different molecular weights. The activity of the metabolites was tested using potato tuber discs (d = 16mm, h = 5mm). The activity of PR-proteins of tubers was analyzed in a time course of 2–24 hours. The involvement of the analysed metabolites in the modulation of both early non-specific and late related to pathogenesis reactions was demonstrated. The most effective inducer was isolated from the CF (fraction of total phenolic compounds including naphtazarins). Induction of PR-activity by this fraction was: chitinase - 340-360%, glucanase - 435-450%, soluble forms of peroxidase - 400-560%, related forms of peroxidase - 215-237%. High-inducing activity was observed by the chloroform and acetonitrile extracts of the mycelium (induction of chitinase and glucanase activity was 176-240%, of soluble and bound forms of peroxidase - 190-400%). The fraction of oligo glycans mycelium cell walls of 1.2 kDa induced chitinase and β-1,3-glucanase to 239-320%; soluble forms and related peroxidase to 198-426%. Oligo glycans cell walls of 5-10 kDa had a weak suppressor effect - chitinase (21-25%) and glucanase (25-28%) activity; had no effect on soluble forms of peroxidase, but induced to 250-270% activity related forms. The CF polysaccharides of 8.5 kDa and 3.1 kDa inhibited synchronously the glucanase and chitinase specific response in step (after 24 hours at 42-50%) and the step response induced nonspecific peroxidase activity: soluble forms 4.8 -5.2 times, associated forms 1.4-1.6 times. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=fusarium%20solani" title="fusarium solani">fusarium solani</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=PR-proteins" title=" PR-proteins"> PR-proteins</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=peroxidase" title=" peroxidase"> peroxidase</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=solanum%20tuberosum" title=" solanum tuberosum"> solanum tuberosum</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/56890/the-effect-of-metabolites-of-fusarium-solani-on-the-activity-of-the-pr-proteins-chitinase-v-13-glucanase-and-peroxidases-of-potato-tubers" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/56890.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">203</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">51</span> Populism as a Society Dividing Discourse in Lithuania: The Case of the Elections of Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania of 2024</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Vaicekauskiene%20G.">Vaicekauskiene G.</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Nabazaite%20E."> Nabazaite E.</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> This study analyses the rise of global populism in Western democracies, focusing primarily on the populist rhetoric. Populist rhetoric is based on anti-pluralist ideas, opposing a “homogeneous nation” against “dangerous others” who are pushed out of the nation by populists, and can be citizens from both in-groups and out-groups. This study will examine the case of the elections of Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania of 2024. Fifteen candidate lists of parties and coalitions participated in the elections to the Lithuanian Parliament in 2024. Focus group methodology will be used to analyse the narratives of party supporters actively engaged in politics, trying to identify public support/opposition to populism. Liberal democracy is experiencing a crisis in both the US and Western democracies in Europe. The election results of recent years are increasingly announcing populist victories or the creation of new populist parties. Far-right parties lead the governments in three countries – Hungary, Slovakia, and Italy, and they are part of the ruling coalition in Sweden, Finland, and the Netherlands. It will become clear in the USA whether Donald Trump will be re-elected as president in November of this year. Trump’s victory in 2016 was named by political scientists as the apotheosis of populism. Influential politicians consolidate all bad manners and social categorization in the digital era of demagoguery. The research shows that a significant proportion of democratic societies also support this divisive discourse. Citizens, as consumers of information, often approve of populist communication themselves. New parliament elections were held in Lithuania in October 2024. Ideas that polarize society were amplified in the public space, negativism increased, and with it distrust towards the state, its institutions, and democratically elected politicians, “enemies” were sought and conspiracy theories were created. Problem of the Study. This study analyses the global rise of populism from the perspective of Lithuania with various groups of society, trying to understand the relationship of citizens with democracy through believing in populists, approval/disapproval of the expression of populism. Opinions are an important challenge when trying to find the truth in the age of populism, because democratic societies are based on the culture of discussion and the idea of consensus. Methodology. This study will deconstruct the narratives of Lithuanian citizens from the point of view of populism. Fifteen focus group discussions will be held with supporters of the party lists that participated in the Parliament elections of the Republic of Lithuania during November-December 2024. The main unifying criterion for focus group participants is their political activity, while the distinguishing criteria are age, gender and place of residence. Fifteen focus groups were chosen due to the fact that fifteen candidate lists of parties and coalitions participated in the elections and seeking to ensure the variety of participants. This study aims to emphasize populism as a communication phenomenon in Lithuania. Public testimonies and experiences will reveal new meanings about the understanding of populism and support/opposition towards it. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=democracy" title="democracy">democracy</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=narratives%20in%20populist%20rhetoric" title=" narratives in populist rhetoric"> narratives in populist rhetoric</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=populist%20rhetoric" title=" populist rhetoric"> populist rhetoric</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=populism" title=" populism"> populism</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/192647/populism-as-a-society-dividing-discourse-in-lithuania-the-case-of-the-elections-of-parliament-of-the-republic-of-lithuania-of-2024" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/192647.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">15</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">50</span> A Study of Interleukin-1β Genetic Polymorphisms in Gastric Carcinoma and Colorectal Carcinoma in Egyptian Patients</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Mariam%20Khaled">Mariam Khaled</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Noha%20Farag"> Noha Farag</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ghada%20Mohamed%20Abdel%20Salam"> Ghada Mohamed Abdel Salam</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Khaled%20Abu-Aisha"> Khaled Abu-Aisha</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Mohamed%20El-Azizi"> Mohamed El-Azizi</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Gastric and colorectal cancers are among the most frequent causes of cancer-associated mortalities in Africa. They have been considered as a global public health concern, as nearly one million new cases are reported per year. IL-1β is a pro-inflammatory cytokine-produced by activated macrophages and monocytes- and a member of the IL-1 family. The inactive IL-1β precursor is cleaved and activated by caspase-1 enzyme, which itself is activated by the assembly of intracellular structures defined as NLRP3 (Nod Like receptor P3) inflammasomes. Activated IL-1β stimulates the Interleukin-1 receptor type-1 (IL-1R1), which is responsible for the initiation of a signal transduction pathway leading to cell proliferation. It has been proven that the IL-1β gene is a highly polymorphic gene in which single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may affect its expression. It has been previously reported that SNPs including base transitions between C and T at positions, -511 (C-T; dbSNP: rs16944) and -31 (C-T; dbSNP: rs1143627), from the transcriptional start site, contribute to the pathogenesis of gastric and colorectal cancers by affecting IL-1β levels. Altered production of IL-1β due to such polymorphisms is suspected to stimulate an amplified inflammatory response and promote Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition leading to malignancy. Allele frequency distribution of the IL-1β-31 and -511 SNPs, in different populations, and their correlation to the incidence of gastric and colorectal cancers, has been intriguing to researchers worldwide. The current study aims to investigate allele distributions of the IL-1β SNPs among gastric and colorectal cancers Egyptian patients. In order to achieve to that, 89 Biopsy and surgical specimens from the antrum and corpus mucosa of chronic gastritis subjects and gastric and colorectal carcinoma patients was collected for DNA extraction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction (RFLP-PCR). The amplified PCR products of IL-1β-31C > T and IL-1β-511T > C were digested by incubation with the restriction endonuclease enzymes ALu1 and Ava1. Statistical analysis was carried out to determine the allele frequency distribution in the three studied groups. Also, the effect of the IL-1β -31 and -511 SNPs on nuclear factor binding was analyzed using Fluorescence Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA), preceded by nuclear factor extraction from gastric and colorectal tissue samples and LPS stimulated monocytes. The results of this study showed that a significantly higher percentage of Egyptian gastric cancer patients have a homozygous CC genotype at the IL-1β-31 position and a heterozygous TC genotype at the IL-1β-511 position. Moreover, a significantly higher percentage of the colorectal cancer patients have a homozygous CC genotype at the IL-1β-31 and -511 positions as compared to the control group. In addition, the EMSA results showed that IL-1β-31C/T and IL-1β-511T/C SNPs do not affect nuclear factor binding. Results of this study suggest that the IL-1β-31 C/T and IL-1β-511 T/C may be correlated to the incidence of gastric cancer in Egyptian patients; however, similar findings couldn’t be proven in the colorectal cancer patients group for the IL-1β-511 T/C SNP. This is the first study to investigate IL-1β -31 and -511 SNPs in the Egyptian population. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=colorectal%20cancer" title="colorectal cancer">colorectal cancer</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Egyptian%20patients" title=" Egyptian patients"> Egyptian patients</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=gastric%20cancer" title=" gastric cancer"> gastric cancer</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=interleukin-1%CE%B2" title=" interleukin-1β"> interleukin-1β</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=single%20nucleotide%20polymorphisms" title=" single nucleotide polymorphisms"> single nucleotide polymorphisms</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/117439/a-study-of-interleukin-1v-genetic-polymorphisms-in-gastric-carcinoma-and-colorectal-carcinoma-in-egyptian-patients" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/117439.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">141</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">49</span> A Qualitative Investigation into Street Art in an Indonesian City</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Michelle%20Mansfield">Michelle Mansfield</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Introduction: This paper uses the work of Deleuze and Guattari to consider the street art practice of youth in the Indonesian city of Yogyakarta, a hub of arts and culture in Central Java. Around the world young people have taken to city streets to populate the new informal exhibition spaces outside the galleries of official art institutions. However, rarely is the focus outside the urban metropolis of the ‘Global North.' This paper looks at these practices in a ‘Global South’ Asian context. Space and place are concepts central to understanding youth cultural expression as it emerges on the streets. Deleuze and Guattari’s notion of assemblage enriches understanding of this complex spatial and creative relationship. Yogyakarta street art combines global patterns and motifs with local meanings, symbolism, and language to express local youth voices that convey a unique sense of place on the world stage. Street art has developed as a global urban youth art movement and is theorised as a way in which marginalised young people reclaim urban space for themselves. Methodologies: This study utilised a variety of qualitative methodologies to collect and analyse data. This project took a multi-method approach to data collection, incorporating the qualitative social research methods of ethnography, nongkrong (deep hanging out), participatory action research, online research, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Both interviews and focus groups employed photo-elicitation methodology to stimulate rich data gathering. To analyse collected data, rhizoanalytic approaches incorporating discourse analysis and visual analysis were utilised. Street art practice is a fluid and shifting phenomenon, adding to the complexity of inquiry sites. A qualitative approach to data collection and analysis was the most appropriate way to map the components of the street art assemblage and to draw out complexities of this youth cultural practice in Yogyakarta. Major Findings: The rhizoanalytic approach devised for this study proved a useful way of examining in the street art assemblage. It illustrated the ways in which the street art assemblage is constructed. Especially the interaction of inspiration, materials, creative techniques, audiences, and spaces operate in the creations of artworks. The study also exposed the generational tensions between the senior arts practitioners, the established art world, and the young artists. Conclusion: In summary, within the spatial processes of the city, street art is inextricably linked with its audience, its striving artistic community and everyday life in the smooth rather than the striated worlds of the state and the official art world. In this way, the anarchic rhizomatic art practice of nomadic urban street crews can be described not only as ‘becoming-artist’ but as constituting ‘nomos’, a way of arranging elements which are not dependent on a structured, hierarchical organisation practice. The site, streets, crews, neighbourhood and the passers by can all be examined with the concept of assemblage. The assemblage effectively brings into focus the complexity, dynamism, and flows of desire that is a feature of street art practice by young people in Yogyakarta. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=assemblage" title="assemblage">assemblage</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Indonesia" title=" Indonesia"> Indonesia</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=street%20art" title=" street art"> street art</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=youth" title=" youth"> youth</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/76603/a-qualitative-investigation-into-street-art-in-an-indonesian-city" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/76603.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">182</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">48</span> Scoping Review of the Potential to Embed Mental Health Impact in Global Challenges Research</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Netalie%20Shloim">Netalie Shloim</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Brian%20Brown"> Brian Brown</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Siobhan%20Hugh-Jones"> Siobhan Hugh-Jones</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Jane%20Plastow"> Jane Plastow</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Diana%20Setiyawati"> Diana Setiyawati</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Anna%20Madill"> Anna Madill</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> In June 2021, the World Health Organization launched its guidance and technical packages on community mental health services, stressing a human rights-based approach to care. This initiative stems from an increasing acknowledgment of the role mental health plays in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Nevertheless, mental health remains a relatively neglected research area and the estimates for untreated mental disorders in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) are as high as 78% for adults. Moreover, the development sector and research programs too often side-line mental health as a privilege in the face of often immediate threats to life and livelihood. As a way of addressing this problem, this study aimed to examine past or ongoing GCRF projects to see if there were opportunities where mental health impact could have been achieved without compromising a study's main aim and without overburdening a project. Projects funded by the UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) were analyzed. This program was initiated in 2015 to support cutting-edge research that addresses the challenges faced by developing countries. By the end of May 2020, a total of 15,279 projects were funded of which only 3% had an explicit mental health focus. A sample of 36 non-mental-health-focused projects was then sampled for diversity across research council, challenge portfolio and world region. Each of these 36 projects was coded by two coders for opportunities to embed mental health impact. To facilitate coding, the literature was inspected for dimensions relevant to LMIC settings. Three main psychological and three main social dimensions were identified: promote a positive sense of self; promote positive emotions, safe expression and regulation of challenging emotions, coping strategies, and help-seeking; facilitate skills development; and facilitate community-building; preserve sociocultural identity; support community mobilization. Coding agreement was strong on missed opportunities for mental health impact on the three social dimensions: support community mobilization (92%), facilitate community building (83%), preserve socio-cultural identity (70%). Coding agreement was reasonably strong on missed opportunities for mental health impact on the three psychological dimensions: promote positive emotions (67%), facilitate skills development (61%), positive sense of self (58%). In order of frequency, the agreed perceived opportunities from the highest to lowest are: support community mobilization, facilitate community building, facilitate skills development, promote a positive sense of self, promote positive emotions, preserve sociocultural identity. All projects were considered to have an opportunity to support community mobilization and to facilitate skills development by at least one coder. Findings provided support that there were opportunities to embed mental health impact in research across the range of development sectors and identifies what kind of missed opportunities are most frequent. Hence, mainstreaming mental health has huge potential to tackle the lack of priority and funding it has attracted traditionally. The next steps are to understand the barriers to mainstreaming mental health and to work together to overcome them. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=GCRF" title="GCRF">GCRF</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=mental%20health" title=" mental health"> mental health</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=psychosocial%20wellbeing" title=" psychosocial wellbeing"> psychosocial wellbeing</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=LMIC" title=" LMIC"> LMIC</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/139458/scoping-review-of-the-potential-to-embed-mental-health-impact-in-global-challenges-research" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/139458.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">174</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">47</span> Treatment of Neuronal Defects by Bone Marrow Stem Cells Differentiation to Neuronal Cells Cultured on Gelatin-PLGA Scaffolds Coated with Nano-Particles</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Alireza%20Shams">Alireza Shams</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ali%20Zamanian"> Ali Zamanian</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Atefehe%20Shamosi"> Atefehe Shamosi</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Farnaz%20Ghorbani"> Farnaz Ghorbani</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Introduction: Although the application of a new strategy remains a remarkable challenge for treatment of disabilities due to neuronal defects, progress in Nanomedicine and tissue engineering, suggesting the new medical methods. One of the promising strategies for reconstruction and regeneration of nervous tissue is replacing of lost or damaged cells by specific scaffolds after Compressive, ischemic and traumatic injuries of central nervous system. Furthermore, ultrastructure, composition, and arrangement of tissue scaffolds are effective on cell grafts. We followed implantation and differentiation of mesenchyme stem cells to neural cells on Gelatin Polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) scaffolds coated with iron nanoparticles. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capability of stem cells to differentiate into motor neuron-like cells under topographical cues and morphogenic factors. Methods and Materials: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) was obtained by primary cell culturing of adult rat bone marrow got from femur bone by flushing method. BMMSCs were incubated with DMEM/F12 (Gibco), 15% FBS and 100 U/ml pen/strep as media. Then, BMMSCs seeded on Gel/PLGA scaffolds and tissue culture (TCP) polystyrene embedded and incorporated by Fe Nano particles (FeNPs) (Fe3o4 oxide (M w= 270.30 gr/mol.). For neuronal differentiation, 2×10 5 BMMSCs were seeded on Gel/PLGA/FeNPs scaffolds was cultured for 7 days and 0.5 µ mol. Retinoic acid, 100 µ mol. Ascorbic acid,10 ng/ml. Basic fibroblast growth factor (Sigma, USA), 250 μM Iso butyl methyl xanthine, 100 μM 2-mercaptoethanol, and 0.2 % B27 (Invitrogen, USA) added to media. Proliferation of BMMSCs was assessed by using MTT assay for cell survival. The morphology of BMMSCs and scaffolds was investigated by scanning electron microscopy analysis. Expression of neuron-specific markers was studied by immunohistochemistry method. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance, and statistical significance was determined by Turkey’s test. Results: Our results revealed that differentiation and survival of BMMSCs into motor neuron-like cells on Gel/PLGA/FeNPs as a biocompatible and biodegradable scaffolds were better than those cultured in Gel/PLGA in absence of FeNPs and TCP scaffolds. FeNPs had raised physical power but decreased capacity absorption of scaffolds. Well defined oriented pores in scaffolds due to FeNPs may activate differentiation and synchronized cells as a mechanoreceptor. Induction effects of magnetic FeNPs by One way flow of channels in scaffolds help to lead the cells and can facilitate direction of their growth processes. Discussion: Progression of biological properties of BMMSCs and the effects of FeNPs spreading under magnetic field was evaluated in this investigation. In vitro study showed that the Gel/PLGA/FeNPs scaffold provided a suitable structure for motor neuron-like cells differentiation. This could be a promising candidate for enhancing repair and regeneration in neural defects. Dynamic and static magnetic field for inducing and construction of cells can provide better results for further experimental studies. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=differentiation" title="differentiation">differentiation</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=mesenchymal%20stem%20cells" title=" mesenchymal stem cells"> mesenchymal stem cells</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=nano%20particles" title=" nano particles"> nano particles</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=neuronal%20defects" title=" neuronal defects"> neuronal defects</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Scaffolds" title=" Scaffolds"> Scaffolds</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/82969/treatment-of-neuronal-defects-by-bone-marrow-stem-cells-differentiation-to-neuronal-cells-cultured-on-gelatin-plga-scaffolds-coated-with-nano-particles" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/82969.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">166</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">46</span> Serum Concentration of the CCL7 Chemokine in Diabetic Pregnant Women during Pregnancy until the Postpartum Period</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Fernanda%20Piculo">Fernanda Piculo</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Giovana%20Vesentini"> Giovana Vesentini</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Gabriela%20Marini"> Gabriela Marini</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Debora%20Cristina%20Damasceno"> Debora Cristina Damasceno</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Angelica%20Mercia%20Pascon%20Barbosa"> Angelica Mercia Pascon Barbosa</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Marilza%20Vieira%20Cunha%20Rudge"> Marilza Vieira Cunha Rudge</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Introduction: Women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) were significantly more likely to have urinary incontinence (UI) and pelvic floor muscle dysfunction compared to non-diabetic women two years after a cesarean section. Additional results demonstrated that induced diabetes causes detrimental effects on pregnant rat urethral muscle. These results indicate the need for exploration of the mechanistic role of a recovery factor in female UI. Chemokine ligand 7 (CCL7) was significantly over expressed in rat serum, urethral and vaginal tissues immediately following induction of stress UI in a rat model simulating birth trauma. CCL7 over expression has shown potency for stimulating targeted stem cell migration and provide a translational link (clinical measurement) which further provide opportunities for treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the CCL7 levels profile in diabetic pregnant women with urinary incontinence during pregnancy over the first year postpartum. Methods: This study was conducted in the Perinatal Diabetes Research Center of the Botucatu Medical School/UNESP, and was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Institution (CAAE: 20639813.0.0000.5411). The diagnosis of GDM was established between 24th and 28th gestational weeks, by the 75 g-OGTT test according to ADA’s criteria. Urinary incontinence was defined according to the International Continence Society and the CCL7 levels was measured by ELISA (R&D Systems, Catalog Number DCC700). Two hundred twelve women were classified into four study groups: normoglycemic continent (NC), normoglycemic incontinent (NI), diabetic continent (DC) and diabetic incontinent (DI). They were evaluated at six-time-points: 12-18, 24-28 and 34-38 gestational weeks, 24-48 hours, 6 weeks and 6-12 months postpartum. Results: At 12-18 weeks, it was possible to consider only two groups, continent and incontinent, because at this early gestational period has not yet been the diagnosis of GDM. The group with GDM and UI (DI group) showed lower levels of CCL7 in all time points during pregnancy and postpartum, compared to normoglycemic groups (NC and NI), indicating that these women have not recovered from child birth induced UI during the 6-12 months postpartum compared to their controls, and that the progression of UI and/or lack of recovery throughout the first postpartum year can be related with lower levels of CCL7. Instead, serum CCL7 was significantly increased in the NC group. Taken together, these findings of overexpression of CCL7 in the NC group and decreased levels in the DI group, could confirm that diabetes delays the recovery from child birth induced UI, and that CCL7 could potentially be used as a serum marker of injury. Conclusion: This study demonstrates lower levels of CCL7 in the DI group during pregnancy and postpartum and suggests that the progression of UI in diabetic women and/or lack of recovery throughout the first postpartum year can be related with low levels of CCL7. This provides a translational potential where CCL7 measurement could be used as a surrogate for injury after delivery. Successful controlled CCL7 mediated stem cell homing to the lower urinary tract could one day introduce the potential for non-operative treatment or prevention of stress urinary incontinence. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=CCL7" title="CCL7">CCL7</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=gestational%20diabetes" title=" gestational diabetes"> gestational diabetes</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=pregnancy" title=" pregnancy"> pregnancy</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=urinary%20incontinence" title=" urinary incontinence"> urinary incontinence</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/64403/serum-concentration-of-the-ccl7-chemokine-in-diabetic-pregnant-women-during-pregnancy-until-the-postpartum-period" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/64403.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">337</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">45</span> Leveraging the HDAC Inhibitory Pharmacophore to Construct Deoxyvasicinone Based Tractable Anti-Lung Cancer Agent and pH-Responsive Nanocarrier</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ram%20Sharma">Ram Sharma</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Esha%20Chatterjee"> Esha Chatterjee</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Santosh%20Kumar%20Guru"> Santosh Kumar Guru</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Kunal%20Nepali"> Kunal Nepali</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> A tractable anti-lung cancer agent was identified via the installation of a Ring C expanded synthetic analogue of the alkaloid vasicinone [7,8,9,10-tetrahydroazepino[2,1-b] quinazolin-12(6H)-one (TAZQ)] as a surface recognition part in the HDAC inhibitory three-component model. Noteworthy to mention that the candidature of TAZQ was deemed suitable for accommodation in HDAC inhibitory pharmacophore as per the results of the fragment recruitment process conducted by our laboratory. TAZQ was pinpointed through the fragment screening program as a synthetically flexible fragment endowed with some moderate cell growth inhibitory activity against the lung cancer cell lines, and it was anticipated that the use of the aforementioned fragment to generate hydroxamic acid functionality (zinc-binding motif) bearing HDAC inhibitors would boost the antitumor efficacy of TAZQ. Consistent with our aim of applying epigenetic targets to the treatment of lung cancer, a strikingly potent anti-lung cancer scaffold (compound 6) was pinpointed through a series of in-vitro experiments. Notably, the compounds manifested a magnificent activity profile against KRAS and EGFR mutant lung cancer cell lines (IC50 = 0.80 - 0.96 µM), and the effects were found to be mediated through preferential HDAC6 inhibition (IC50 = 12.9 nM). In addition to HDAC6 inhibition, the compounds also elicited HDAC1 and HDAC3 inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 49.9 nM and 68.5 nM, respectively. The HDAC inhibitory ability of compound 6 was also confirmed from the results of the western blot experiment that revealed its potential to decrease the expression levels of HDAC isoforms (HDAC1, HDAC3, and HDAC6). Noteworthy to mention that complete downregulation of the HDAC6 isoform was exerted by compound 6 at 0.5 and 1 µM. Moreover, in another western blot experiment, treatment with hydroxamic acid 6 led to upregulation of H3 acK9 and α-Tubulin acK40 levels, ascertaining its inhibitory activity toward both the class I HDACs and Class II B HDACs. The results of other assays were also encouraging as treatment with compound 6 led to the suppression of the colony formation ability of A549 cells, induction of apoptosis, and increase in autophagic flux. In silico studies led us to rationalize the results of the experimental assay, and some key interactions of compound 6 with the amino acid residues of HDAC isoforms were identified. In light of the impressive activity spectrum of compound 6, a pH-responsive nanocarrier (hyaluronic acid-compound 6 nanoparticles) was prepared. The dialysis bag approach was used for the assessment of the nanoparticles under both normal and acidic circumstances, and the pH-sensitive nature of hyaluronic acid-compound 6 nanoparticles was confirmed. Delightfully, the nanoformulation was devoid of cytotoxicity against the L929 mouse fibroblast cells (normal settings) and exhibited selective cytotoxicity towards the A549 lung cancer cell lines. In a nutshell, compound 6 appears to be a promising adduct, and a detailed investigation of this compound might yield a therapeutic for the treatment of lung cancer. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=HDAC%20inhibitors" title="HDAC inhibitors">HDAC inhibitors</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=lung%20cancer" title=" lung cancer"> lung cancer</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=scaffold" title=" scaffold"> scaffold</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=hyaluronic%20acid" title=" hyaluronic acid"> hyaluronic acid</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=nanoparticles" title=" nanoparticles"> nanoparticles</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/160787/leveraging-the-hdac-inhibitory-pharmacophore-to-construct-deoxyvasicinone-based-tractable-anti-lung-cancer-agent-and-ph-responsive-nanocarrier" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/160787.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">95</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">44</span> The Role of a Biphasic Implant Based on a Bioactive Silk Fibroin for Osteochondral Tissue Regeneration</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Lizeth%20Fuentes-Mera">Lizeth Fuentes-Mera</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Vanessa%20Perez-Silos"> Vanessa Perez-Silos</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Nidia%20K.%20Moncada-Saucedo"> Nidia K. Moncada-Saucedo</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Alejandro%20Garcia-Ruiz"> Alejandro Garcia-Ruiz</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Alberto%20Camacho"> Alberto Camacho</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Jorge%20Lara-Arias"> Jorge Lara-Arias</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ivan%20Marino-Martinez"> Ivan Marino-Martinez</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Victor%20Romero-Diaz"> Victor Romero-Diaz</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Adolfo%20Soto-Dominguez"> Adolfo Soto-Dominguez</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Humberto%20Rodriguez-Rocha"> Humberto Rodriguez-Rocha</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Hang%20Lin"> Hang Lin</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Victor%20Pena-Martinez"> Victor Pena-Martinez</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Biphasic scaffolds in cartilage tissue engineering have been designed to influence not only the recapitulation of the osteochondral architecture but also to take advantage of the healing ability of bone to promote the implant integration with the surrounding tissue and then bone restoration and cartilage regeneration. This study reports the development and characterization of a biphasic scaffold based on the assembly of a cartilage phase constituted by fibroin biofunctionalized with bovine cartilage matrix; cellularized with differentiated pre-chondrocytes from adipose tissue stem cells (autologous) and well attached to a bone phase (bone bovine decellularized) to mimic the structure of the nature of native tissue and to promote the cartilage regeneration in a model of joint damage in pigs. Biphasic scaffolds were assembled by fibroin crystallization with methanol. The histological and ultrastructural architectures were evaluated by optical and scanning electron microscopy respectively. Mechanical tests were conducted to evaluate Young's modulus of the implant. For the biological evaluation, pre-chondrocytes were loaded onto the scaffolds and cellular adhesion, proliferation, and gene expression analysis of cartilage extracellular matrix components was performed. The scaffolds that were cellularized and matured for 10 days were implanted into critical 3 mm in diameter and 9-mm in depth osteochondral defects in a porcine model (n=4). Three treatments were applied per knee: Group 1: monophasic cellular scaffold (MS) (single chondral phase), group 2: biphasic scaffold, cellularized only in the chondral phase (BS1), group 3: BS cellularized in both bone and chondral phases (BS2). Simultaneously, a control without treatment was evaluated. After 4 weeks of surgery, integration and regeneration tissues were analyzed by x-rays, histology and immunohistochemistry evaluation. The mechanical assessment showed that the acellular biphasic composites exhibited Young's modulus of 805.01 kPa similar to native cartilage (400-800 kPa). In vitro biological studies revealed the chondroinductive ability of the biphasic implant, evidenced by an increase in sulfated glycosaminoglycan (GAGs) and type II collagen, both secreted by the chondrocytes cultured on the scaffold during 28 days. No evidence of adverse or inflammatory reactions was observed in the in vivo trial; however, In group 1, the defects were not reconstructed. In group 2 and 3 a good integration of the implant with the surrounding tissue was observed. Defects in group 2 were fulfilled by hyaline cartilage and normal bone. Group 3 defects showed fibrous repair tissue. In conclusion; our findings demonstrated the efficacy of biphasic and bioactive scaffold based on silk fibroin, which entwined chondroinductive features and biomechanical capability with appropriate integration with the surrounding tissue, representing a promising alternative for osteochondral tissue-engineering applications. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=biphasic%20scaffold" title="biphasic scaffold">biphasic scaffold</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=extracellular%20cartilage%20matrix" title=" extracellular cartilage matrix"> extracellular cartilage matrix</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=silk%20fibroin" title=" silk fibroin"> silk fibroin</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=osteochondral%20tissue%20engineering" title=" osteochondral tissue engineering"> osteochondral tissue engineering</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/104390/the-role-of-a-biphasic-implant-based-on-a-bioactive-silk-fibroin-for-osteochondral-tissue-regeneration" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/104390.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">153</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">43</span> Application of 3D Apparel CAD for Costume Reproduction</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Zi%20Y.%20Kang">Zi Y. Kang</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Tracy%20D.%20Cassidy"> Tracy D. Cassidy</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Tom%20Cassidy"> Tom Cassidy</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> 3D apparel CAD is one of the remarkable products in advanced technology which enables intuitive design, visualisation and evaluation of garments through stereoscopic drape simulation. The progressive improvements of 3D apparel CAD have led to the creation of more realistic clothing simulation which is used not only in design development but also in presentation, promotion and communication for fashion as well as other industries such as film, game and social network services. As a result, 3D clothing technology is becoming more ubiquitous in human culture and lives today. This study considers that such phenomenon implies that the technology has reached maturity and it is time to inspect the status of current technology and to explore its potential uses in ways to create cultural values to further move forward. For this reason, this study aims to generate virtual costumes as culturally significant objects using 3D apparel CAD and to assess its capability, applicability and attitudes of the audience towards clothing simulation through comparison with physical counterparts. Since the access to costume collection is often limited due to the conservative issues, the technology may make valuable contribution by democratization of culture and knowledge for museums and its audience. This study is expected to provide foundation knowledge for development of clothing technology and for expanding its boundary of practical uses. To prevent any potential damage, two replicas of the costumes in the 1860s and 1920s at the Museum of London were chosen as samples. Their structural, visual and physical characteristics were measured and collected using patterns, scanned images of fabrics and objective fabric measurements with scale, KES-F (Kawabata Evaluation System of Fabrics) and Titan. Commercial software, DC Suite 5.0 was utilised to create virtual costumes applying collected data and the following outcomes were produced for the evaluation: Images of virtual costumes and video clips showing static and dynamic simulation. Focus groups were arranged with fashion design students and the public for evaluation which exposed the outcomes together with physical samples, fabrics swatches and photographs. The similarities, application and acceptance of virtual costumes were estimated through discussion and a questionnaire. The findings show that the technology has the capability to produce realistic or plausible simulation but expression of some factors such as details and capability of light material requires improvements. While the use of virtual costumes was viewed as more interesting and futuristic replacements to physical objects by the public group, the fashion student group noted more differences in detail and preferred physical garments highlighting the absence of tangibility. However, the advantages and potential of virtual costumes as effective and useful visual references for educational and exhibitory purposes were underlined by both groups. Although 3D apparel CAD has sufficient capacity to assist garment design process, it has limits in identical replication and more study on accurate reproduction of details and drape is needed for its technical improvements. Nevertheless, the virtual costumes in this study demonstrated the possibility of the technology to contribute to cultural and knowledgeable value creation through its applicability and as an interesting way to offer 3D visual information. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=digital%20clothing%20technology" title="digital clothing technology">digital clothing technology</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=garment%20simulation" title=" garment simulation"> garment simulation</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=3D%20Apparel%20CAD" title=" 3D Apparel CAD"> 3D Apparel CAD</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=virtual%20costume" title=" virtual costume"> virtual costume</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/84859/application-of-3d-apparel-cad-for-costume-reproduction" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/84859.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">221</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">42</span> Common Space Production as a Solution to the Affordable Housing Problem: Its Relationship with the Squating Process in Turkey</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=G%C3%B6zde%20Arzu%20Sar%C4%B1can">Gözde Arzu Sarıcan</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Contemporary urbanization processes and spatial transformations are intensely debated across various fields of social sciences. One prominent concept in these discussions is "common spaces." Common spaces offer a critical theoretical framework, particularly for addressing the social and economic inequalities brought about by urbanization. This study examines the processes of commoning and their impacts through the lens of squatter neighborhoods in Turkey, emphasizing the importance of affordable housing. It focuses on the role and significance of these neighborhoods in the formation of common spaces, analyzing the collective actions and resistance strategies of residents. This process, which began with the construction of shelters to meet the shelter needs of low-income households migrating from rural to urban areas, has turned into low-quality squatter settlements over time. For low-income households lacking the economic power to rent or buy homes in the city, these areas provided an affordable housing solution. Squatter neighborhoods reflect the efforts of local communities to protect and develop their communal living spaces through collective actions and resistance strategies. This collective creation process involves the appropriation of occupied land as a common resource through the rules established by the commons. Organized occupations subdivide these lands, shaped through collective creation processes. For the squatter communities striving for economic and social adaptation, these areas serve as buffer zones for urban integration. In squatter neighborhoods, bonds of friendship, kinship, and compatriotism are strong, playing a significant role in the creation and dissemination of collective knowledge. Squatter areas can be described as common spaces that emerge out of necessity for low-income and marginalized groups. The design and construction of housing in squatter neighborhoods are shaped by the collective participation and skills of the residents. Streets are formed through collective decision-making and labor. Over time, the demands for housing are communicated to local authorities, enhancing the potential for commoning. Common spaces are shaped by collective needs and demands, appropriated, and transformed into potential new spaces. Common spaces are continually redefined and recreated. In this context, affordable housing becomes an essential aspect of these common spaces, providing a foundation for social and economic stability. This study evaluates the processes of commoning and their effects through the lens of squatter neighborhoods in Turkey. Communities living in squatter neighborhoods have managed to create and protect communal living spaces, especially in situations where official authorities have been inadequate. Common spaces are built on values such as solidarity, cooperation, and collective resistance. In urban planning and policy development processes, it is crucial to consider the concept of common spaces. Policies that support the collective efforts and resistance strategies of communities can contribute to more just and sustainable living conditions in urban areas. In this context, the concept of common spaces is considered an important tool in the fight against urban inequalities and in the expression and defense mechanisms of communities. By emphasizing the importance of affordable housing within these spaces, this study highlights the critical role of common spaces in addressing urban social and economic challenges. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=affordable%20housing" title="affordable housing">affordable housing</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=common%20space" title=" common space"> common space</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=squating%20process" title=" squating process"> squating process</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=turkey" title=" turkey"> turkey</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/187548/common-space-production-as-a-solution-to-the-affordable-housing-problem-its-relationship-with-the-squating-process-in-turkey" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/187548.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">32</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">41</span> Transcriptional Differences in B cell Subpopulations over the Course of Preclinical Autoimmunity Development</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Aleksandra%20Bylinska">Aleksandra Bylinska</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Samantha%20Slight-Webb"> Samantha Slight-Webb</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Kevin%20Thomas"> Kevin Thomas</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Miles%20Smith"> Miles Smith</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Susan%20Macwana"> Susan Macwana</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Nicolas%20Dominguez"> Nicolas Dominguez</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Eliza%20Chakravarty"> Eliza Chakravarty</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Joan%20T.%20Merrill"> Joan T. Merrill</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Judith%20A.%20James"> Judith A. James</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Joel%20M.%20Guthridge"> Joel M. Guthridge</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an interferon-related autoimmune disease characterized by B cell dysfunction. One of the main hallmarks is a loss of tolerance to self-antigens leading to increased levels of autoantibodies against nuclear components (ANAs). However, up to 20% of healthy ANA+ individuals will not develop clinical illness. SLE is more prevalent among women and minority populations (African, Asian American and Hispanics). Moreover, African Americans have a stronger interferon (IFN) signature and develop more severe symptoms. The exact mechanisms involved in ethnicity-dependent B cell dysregulation and the progression of autoimmune disease from ANA+ healthy individuals to clinical disease remains unclear. Methods: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from African (AA) and European American (EA) ANA- (n=12), ANA+ (n=12) and SLE (n=12) individuals were assessed by multimodal scRNA-Seq/CITE-Seq methods to examine differential gene signatures in specific B cell subsets. Library preparation was done with a 10X Genomics Chromium according to established protocols and sequenced on Illumina NextSeq. The data were further analyzed for distinct cluster identification and differential gene signatures in the Seurat package in R and pathways analysis was performed using Ingenuity Pathways Analysis (IPA). Results: Comparing all subjects, 14 distinct B cell clusters were identified using a community detection algorithm and visualized with Uniform Manifold Approximation Projection (UMAP). The proportion of each of those clusters varied by disease status and ethnicity. Transitional B cells trended higher in ANA+ healthy individuals, especially in AA. Ribonucleoprotein high population (HNRNPH1 elevated, heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein, RNP-Hi) of proliferating Naïve B cells were more prevalent in SLE patients, specifically in EA. Interferon-induced protein high population (IFIT-Hi) of Naive B cells are increased in EA ANA- individuals. The proportion of memory B cells and plasma cells clusters tend to be expanded in SLE patients. As anticipated, we observed a higher signature of cytokine-related pathways, especially interferon, in SLE individuals. Pathway analysis among AA individuals revealed an NRF2-mediated Oxidative Stress response signature in the transitional B cell cluster, not seen in EA individuals. TNFR1/2 and Sirtuin Signaling pathway genes were higher in AA IFIT-Hi Naive B cells, whereas they were not detected in EA individuals. Interferon signaling was observed in B cells in both ethnicities. Oxidative phosphorylation was found in age-related B cells (ABCs) for both ethnicities, whereas Death Receptor Signaling was found only in EA patients in these cells. Interferon-related transcription factors were elevated in ABCs and IFIT-Hi Naive B cells in SLE subjects of both ethnicities. Conclusions: ANA+ healthy individuals have altered gene expression pathways in B cells that might drive apoptosis and subsequent clinical autoimmune pathogenesis. Increases in certain regulatory pathways may delay progression to SLE. Further, AA individuals have more elevated activation pathways that may make them more susceptible to SLE. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=" title=""></a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/139567/transcriptional-differences-in-b-cell-subpopulations-over-the-course-of-preclinical-autoimmunity-development" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/139567.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">175</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">40</span> Reviving the Past, Enhancing the Future: Preservation of Urban Heritage Connectivity as a Tool for Developing Liveability in Historical Cities in Jordan, Using Salt City as a Case Study</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Sahar%20Yousef">Sahar Yousef</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Chantelle%20Niblock"> Chantelle Niblock</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Gul%20Kacmaz"> Gul Kacmaz</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Salt City, in the context of Jordan’s heritage landscape, is a significant case to explore when it comes to the interaction between tangible and intangible qualities of liveable cities. Most city centers, including Jerash, Salt, Irbid, and Amman, are historical locations. Six of these extraordinary sites were designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Jordan is widely acknowledged as a developing country characterized by swift urbanization and unrestrained expansion that exacerbate the challenges associated with the preservation of historic urban areas. The aim of this study is to conduct an examination and analysis of the existing condition of heritage connectivity within heritage city centers. This includes outdoor staircases, pedestrian pathways, footpaths, and other public spaces. Case study-style analysis of the urban core of As-Salt is the focus of this investigation. Salt City is widely acknowledged for its substantial tangible and intangible cultural heritage and has been designated as ‘The Place of Tolerance and Urban Hospitality’ by UNESCO since 2021. Liveability in urban heritage, particularly in historic city centers, incorporates several factors that affect our well-being; its enhancement is a critical issue in contemporary society. The dynamic interaction between humans and historical materials, which serves as a vehicle for the expression of their identity and historical narrative, constitutes preservation that transcends simple conservation. This form of engagement enables people to appreciate the diversity of their heritage recognising their previous and planned futures. Heritage preservation is inextricably linked to a larger physical and emotional context; therefore, it is difficult to examine it in isolation. Urban environments, including roads, structures, and other infrastructure, are undergoing unprecedented physical design and construction requirements. Concurrently, heritage reinforces a sense of affiliation with a particular location or space and unifies individuals with their ancestry, thereby defining their identity. However, a considerable body of research has focused on the conservation of heritage buildings in a fragmented manner without considering their integration within a holistic urban context. Insufficient attention is given to the significance of the physical and social roles played by the heritage staircases and baths that serve as connectors between these valued historical buildings. In doing so, the research uses a methodology that is based on consensus. Given that liveability is considered a complex matter with several dimensions. The discussion starts by making initial observations on the physical context and societal norms inside the urban center while simultaneously establishing the definitions of liveability and connectivity and examining the key criteria associated with these concepts. Then, identify the key elements that contribute to liveable connectivity within the framework of urban heritage in Jordanian city centers. Some of the outcomes that will be discussed in the presentation are: (1) There is not enough connectivity between heritage buildings as can be seen, for example, between buildings in Jada and Qala'. (2) Most of the outdoor spaces suffer from physical issues that hinder their use by the public, like in Salalem. (3) Existing activities in the city center are not well attended because of lack of communication between the organisers and the citizens. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=connectivity" title="connectivity">connectivity</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Jordan" title=" Jordan"> Jordan</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=liveability" title=" liveability"> liveability</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=salt%20city" title=" salt city"> salt city</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=tangible%20and%20intangible%20heritage" title=" tangible and intangible heritage"> tangible and intangible heritage</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=urban%20heritage" title=" urban heritage"> urban heritage</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/177678/reviving-the-past-enhancing-the-future-preservation-of-urban-heritage-connectivity-as-a-tool-for-developing-liveability-in-historical-cities-in-jordan-using-salt-city-as-a-case-study" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/177678.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">70</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">39</span> Pluripotent Stem Cells as Therapeutic Tools for Limbal Stem Cell Deficiencies and Drug Testing</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Aberdam%20Edith">Aberdam Edith</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Sangari%20Linda"> Sangari Linda</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Petit%20Isabelle"> Petit Isabelle</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Aberdam%20Daniel"> Aberdam Daniel</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Background and Rationale: Transparent avascularised cornea is essential for normal vision and depends on limbal stem cells (LSC) that reside between the cornea and the conjunctiva. Ocular burns or injuries may destroy the limbus, causing limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). The cornea becomes vascularised by invaded conjunctival cells, the stroma is scarring, resulting in corneal opacity and loss of vision. Grafted autologous limbus or cultivated autologous LCS can restore the vision, unless the two eyes are affected. Alternative cellular sources have been tested in the last decades, including oral mucosa or hair follicle epithelial cells. However, only partial success has been achieved by the use of these cells since they were not able to uniformly commit into corneal epithelial cells. Human pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) display both unlimited growth capacity and ability to differentiate into any cell type. Our goal was to design a standardized and reproducible protocol to produce transplantable autologous LSC from patients through cell reprogramming technology. Methodology: First, keratinocyte primary culture was established from a small number of plucked hair follicles of healthy donors. The resulting epithelial cells were reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and further differentiate into corneal epithelial cells (CEC), according to a robust protocol that recapitulates the main step of corneal embryonic development. qRT-PCR analysis and immunofluorescent staining during the course of differentiation confirm the expression of stage specific markers of corneal embryonic lineage. First appear ectodermal progenitor-specific cytokeratins K8/K18, followed at day 7 by limbal-specific PAX6, TP63 and cytokeratins K5/K14. At day 15, K3/K12+-corneal cells are present. To amplify the iPSC-derived LSC (named COiPSC), intact small epithelial colonies were detached and cultivated in limbal cell-specific medium. In that culture conditions, the COiPSC can be frozen and thaw at any passage, while retaining their corneal characteristics for at least eight passages. To evaluate the potential of COiPSC as an alternative ocular toxicity model, COiPSC were treated at passage P0 to P4 with increasing amounts of SDS and Benzalkonium. Cell proliferation and apoptosis of treated cells was compared to LSC and the SV40-immortalized human corneal epithelial cell line (HCE) routinely used by cosmetological industrials. Of note, HCE are more resistant to toxicity than LSC. At P0, COiPSC were systematically more resistant to chemical toxicity than LSC and even to HCE. Remarkably, this behavior changed with passage since COiPSC at P2 became identical to LSC and thus closer to physiology than HCE. Comparative transcriptome analysis confirmed that COiPSC from P2 are similar to a mixture of LSC and CEC. Finally, by organotypic reconstitution assay, we demonstrated the ability of COiPSC to produce a 3D corneal epithelium on a stromal equivalent made of keratocytes. Conclusion: COiPSC could become valuable for two main applications: (1) an alternative robust tool to perform, in a reproducible and physiological manner, toxicity assays for cosmetic products and pharmacological tests of drugs. (2). COiPSC could become an alternative autologous source for cornea transplantation for LSCD. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Limbal%20stem%20cell%20deficiency" title="Limbal stem cell deficiency">Limbal stem cell deficiency</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=iPSC" title=" iPSC"> iPSC</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=cornea" title=" cornea"> cornea</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=limbal%20stem%20cells" title=" limbal stem cells"> limbal stem cells</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/28642/pluripotent-stem-cells-as-therapeutic-tools-for-limbal-stem-cell-deficiencies-and-drug-testing" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/28642.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">413</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">38</span> Calpains; Insights Into the Pathogenesis of Heart Failure</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Mohammadjavad%20Sotoudeheian">Mohammadjavad Sotoudeheian</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Heart failure (HF) prevalence, as a global cardiovascular problem, is increasing gradually. A variety of molecular mechanisms contribute to HF. Proteins involved in cardiac contractility regulation, such as ion channels and calcium handling proteins, are altered. Additionally, epigenetic modifications and gene expression can lead to altered cardiac function. Moreover, inflammation and oxidative stress contribute to HF. The progression of HF can be attributed to mitochondrial dysfunction that impairs energy production and increases apoptosis. Molecular mechanisms such as these contribute to the development of cardiomyocyte defects and HF and can be therapeutically targeted. The heart's contractile function is controlled by cardiomyocytes. Calpain, and its related molecules, including Bax, VEGF, and AMPK, are among the proteins involved in regulating cardiomyocyte function. Apoptosis is facilitated by Bax. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis is regulated by this protein. Furthermore, cardiomyocyte survival, contractility, wound healing, and proliferation are all regulated by VEGF, which is produced by cardiomyocytes during inflammation and cytokine stress. Cardiomyocyte proliferation and survival are also influenced by AMPK, an enzyme that plays an active role in energy metabolism. They all play key roles in apoptosis, angiogenesis, hypertrophy, and metabolism during myocardial inflammation. The role of calpains has been linked to several molecular pathways. The calpain pathway plays an important role in signal transduction and apoptosis, as well as autophagy, endocytosis, and exocytosis. Cell death and survival are regulated by these calcium-dependent cysteine proteases that cleave proteins. As a result, protein fragments can be used for various cellular functions. By cleaving adhesion and motility proteins, calcium proteins also contribute to cell migration. HF may be brought about by calpain-mediated pathways. Many physiological processes are mediated by the calpain molecular pathways. Signal transduction, cell death, and cell migration are all regulated by these molecular pathways. Calpain is activated by calcium binding to calmodulin. In the presence of calcium, calmodulin activates calpain. Calpains are stimulated by calcium, which increases matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In order to develop novel treatments for these diseases, we must understand how this pathway works. A variety of myocardial remodeling processes involve calpains, including remodeling of the extracellular matrix and hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes. Calpains also play a role in maintaining cardiac homeostasis through apoptosis and autophagy. The development of HF may be in part due to calpain-mediated pathways promoting cardiomyocyte death. Numerous studies have suggested the importance of the Ca2+ -dependent protease calpain in cardiac physiology and pathology. Therefore, it is important to consider this pathway to develop and test therapeutic options in humans that targets calpain in HF. Apoptosis, autophagy, endocytosis, exocytosis, signal transduction, and disease progression all involve calpain molecular pathways. Therefore, it is conceivable that calpain inhibitors might have therapeutic potential as they have been investigated in preclinical models of several conditions in which the enzyme has been implicated that might be treated with them. Ca 2+ - dependent proteases and calpains contribute to adverse ventricular remodeling and HF in multiple experimental models. In this manuscript, we will discuss the calpain molecular pathway's important roles in HF development. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=calpain" title="calpain">calpain</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=heart%20failure" title=" heart failure"> heart failure</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=autophagy" title=" autophagy"> autophagy</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=apoptosis" title=" apoptosis"> apoptosis</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=cardiomyocyte" title=" cardiomyocyte"> cardiomyocyte</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/163013/calpains-insights-into-the-pathogenesis-of-heart-failure" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/163013.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">68</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">37</span> Official Seals on the Russian-Qing Treaties: Material Manifestations and Visual Enunciations</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Ning%20Chia">Ning Chia</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Each of the three different language texts (Manchu, Russian, and Latin) of the 1689 Treaty of Nerchinsk bore official seals from Imperial Russia and Qing China. These seals have received no academic attention, yet they can reveal a site of a layered and shared material, cultural, political, and diplomatic world of the time in Eastern Eurasia. The very different seal selections from both empires while ratifying the Treaty of Beijing in 1860 have obtained no scholarly advertency either; they can also explicate a tremendously changed relationship with visual and material manifestation. Exploring primary sources in Manchu, Russian, and Chinese languages as well as the images of the visual seals, this study investigates the reasons and purposes of utilizing official seals for the treaty agreement. A refreshed understanding of Russian-Qing diplomacy will be developed by pursuing the following aspects: (i) Analyzing the iconographic meanings of each seal insignia and unearthing a competitive, yet symbols-delivered and seal-generated, 'dialogue' between the two empires (ii) Contextualizing treaty seals within the historical seal cultures, and discovering how domestic seal system in each empire’s political institution developed into treaty-defined bilateral relations (iii) Expounding the seal confiding in each empire’s daily governing routines, and annotating the trust in the seal as a quested promise from the opponent negotiator to fulfill the treaty terms (iv) Contrasting the two seal traditions along two civilization-lines, Eastern vs. Western, and dissecting how the two styles of seal emblems affected the cross-cultural understanding or misunderstanding between the two empires (v) Comprehending the history-making events from the substantial resources such as the treaty seals, and grasping why the seals for the two treaties, so different in both visual design and symbolic value, were chosen in the two relationship eras (vi) Correlating the materialized seal 'expression' and the imperial worldviews based on each empire’s national/or power identity, and probing the seal-represented 'rule under the Heaven' assumption of China and Russian rising role in 'European-American imperialism … centered on East Asia' (Victor Shmagin, 2020). In conclusion, the impact of official seals on diplomatic treaties needs profound knowledge in seal history, insignia culture, and emblem belief to be able to comprehend. The official seals in both Imperial Russia and Qing China belonged to a particular statecraft art in a specific material and visual form. Once utilized in diplomatic treaties, the meticulously decorated and politically institutionalized seals were transformed from the determinant means for domestic administration and social control into the markers of an empire’s sovereign authority. Overlooked in historical practice, the insignia seal created a wire of 'visual contest' between the two rival powers. Through this material lens, the scholarly knowledge of the Russian-Qing diplomatic relationship will be significantly upgraded. Connecting Russian studies, Qing/Chinese studies, and Eurasian studies, this study also ties material culture, political culture, and diplomatic culture together. It promotes the study of official seals and emblem symbols in worldwide diplomatic history. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Russia-Qing%20diplomatic%20relation" title="Russia-Qing diplomatic relation">Russia-Qing diplomatic relation</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Treaty%20of%20Beijing%20%281860%29" title=" Treaty of Beijing (1860)"> Treaty of Beijing (1860)</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Treaty%20of%20Nerchinsk%20%281689%29" title=" Treaty of Nerchinsk (1689)"> Treaty of Nerchinsk (1689)</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Treaty%20seals" title=" Treaty seals"> Treaty seals</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/129203/official-seals-on-the-russian-qing-treaties-material-manifestations-and-visual-enunciations" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/129203.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">207</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">36</span> A Single Cell Omics Experiments as Tool for Benchmarking Bioinformatics Oncology Data Analysis Tools</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Maddalena%20Arigoni">Maddalena Arigoni</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Maria%20Luisa%20Ratto"> Maria Luisa Ratto</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Raffaele%20A.%20Calogero"> Raffaele A. Calogero</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Luca%20Alessandri"> Luca Alessandri</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The presence of tumor heterogeneity, where distinct cancer cells exhibit diverse morphological and phenotypic profiles, including gene expression, metabolism, and proliferation, poses challenges for molecular prognostic markers and patient classification for targeted therapies. Understanding the causes and progression of cancer requires research efforts aimed at characterizing heterogeneity, which can be facilitated by evolving single-cell sequencing technologies. However, analyzing single-cell data necessitates computational methods that often lack objective validation. Therefore, the establishment of benchmarking datasets is necessary to provide a controlled environment for validating bioinformatics tools in the field of single-cell oncology. Benchmarking bioinformatics tools for single-cell experiments can be costly due to the high expense involved. Therefore, datasets used for benchmarking are typically sourced from publicly available experiments, which often lack a comprehensive cell annotation. This limitation can affect the accuracy and effectiveness of such experiments as benchmarking tools. To address this issue, we introduce omics benchmark experiments designed to evaluate bioinformatics tools to depict the heterogeneity in single-cell tumor experiments. We conducted single-cell RNA sequencing on six lung cancer tumor cell lines that display resistant clones upon treatment of EGFR mutated tumors and are characterized by driver genes, namely ROS1, ALK, HER2, MET, KRAS, and BRAF. These driver genes are associated with downstream networks controlled by EGFR mutations, such as JAK-STAT, PI3K-AKT-mTOR, and MEK-ERK. The experiment also featured an EGFR-mutated cell line. Using 10XGenomics platform with cellplex technology, we analyzed the seven cell lines together with a pseudo-immunological microenvironment consisting of PBMC cells labeled with the Biolegend TotalSeq™-B Human Universal Cocktail (CITEseq). This technology allowed for independent labeling of each cell line and single-cell analysis of the pooled seven cell lines and the pseudo-microenvironment. The data generated from the aforementioned experiments are available as part of an online tool, which allows users to define cell heterogeneity and generates count tables as an output. The tool provides the cell line derivation for each cell and cell annotations for the pseudo-microenvironment based on CITEseq data by an experienced immunologist. Additionally, we created a range of pseudo-tumor tissues using different ratios of the aforementioned cells embedded in matrigel. These tissues were analyzed using 10XGenomics (FFPE samples) and Curio Bioscience (fresh frozen samples) platforms for spatial transcriptomics, further expanding the scope of our benchmark experiments. The benchmark experiments we conducted provide a unique opportunity to evaluate the performance of bioinformatics tools for detecting and characterizing tumor heterogeneity at the single-cell level. Overall, our experiments provide a controlled and standardized environment for assessing the accuracy and robustness of bioinformatics tools for studying tumor heterogeneity at the single-cell level, which can ultimately lead to more precise and effective cancer diagnosis and treatment. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=single%20cell%20omics" title="single cell omics">single cell omics</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=benchmark" title=" benchmark"> benchmark</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=spatial%20transcriptomics" title=" spatial transcriptomics"> spatial transcriptomics</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=CITEseq" title=" CITEseq"> CITEseq</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/165999/a-single-cell-omics-experiments-as-tool-for-benchmarking-bioinformatics-oncology-data-analysis-tools" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/165999.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">117</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">35</span> From Intuitive to Constructive Audit Risk Assessment: A Complementary Approach to CAATTs Adoption</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Alon%20Cohen">Alon Cohen</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Jeffrey%20Kantor"> Jeffrey Kantor</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Shalom%20Levy"> Shalom Levy</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The use of the audit risk model in auditing has faced limitations and difficulties, leading auditors to rely on a conceptual level of its application. The qualitative approach to assessing risks has resulted in different risk assessments, affecting the quality of audits and decision-making on the adoption of CAATTs. This study aims to investigate risk factors impacting the implementation of the audit risk model and propose a complementary risk-based instrument (KRIs) to form substance risk judgments and mitigate against heightened risk of material misstatement (RMM). The study addresses the question of how risk factors impact the implementation of the audit risk model, improve risk judgments, and aid in the adoption of CAATTs. The study uses a three-stage scale development procedure involving a pretest and subsequent study with two independent samples. The pretest involves an exploratory factor analysis, while the subsequent study employs confirmatory factor analysis for construct validation. Additionally, the authors test the ability of the KRIs to predict audit efforts needed to mitigate against heightened RMM. Data was collected through two independent samples involving 767 participants. The collected data was analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis to assess scale validity and construct validation. The suggested KRIs, comprising two risk components and seventeen risk items, are found to have high predictive power in determining audit efforts needed to reduce RMM. The study validates the suggested KRIs as an effective instrument for risk assessment and decision-making on the adoption of CAATTs. This study contributes to the existing literature by implementing a holistic approach to risk assessment and providing a quantitative expression of assessed risks. It bridges the gap between intuitive risk evaluation and the theoretical domain, clarifying the mechanism of risk assessments. It also helps improve the uniformity and quality of risk assessments, aiding audit standard-setters in issuing updated guidelines on CAATT adoption. A few limitations and recommendations for future research should be mentioned. First, the process of developing the scale was conducted in the Israeli auditing market, which follows the International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). Although ISAs are adopted in European countries, for greater generalization, future studies could focus on other countries that adopt additional or local auditing standards. Second, this study revealed risk factors that have a material impact on the assessed risk. However, there could be additional risk factors that influence the assessment of the RMM. Therefore, future research could investigate other risk segments, such as operational and financial risks, to bring a broader generalizability to our results. Third, although the sample size in this study fits acceptable scale development procedures and enables drawing conclusions from the body of research, future research may develop standardized measures based on larger samples to reduce the generation of equivocal results and suggest an extended risk model. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=audit%20risk%20model" title="audit risk model">audit risk model</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=audit%20efforts" title=" audit efforts"> audit efforts</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=CAATTs%20adoption" title=" CAATTs adoption"> CAATTs adoption</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=key%20risk%20indicators" title=" key risk indicators"> key risk indicators</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=sustainability" title=" sustainability"> sustainability</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/179142/from-intuitive-to-constructive-audit-risk-assessment-a-complementary-approach-to-caatts-adoption" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/179142.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">77</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">34</span> Regulation of Cultural Relationship between Russia and Ukraine after Crimea’s Annexation: A Comparative Socio-Legal Study</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Elena%20Sherstoboeva">Elena Sherstoboeva</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Elena%20Karzanova"> Elena Karzanova</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> This paper explores the impact of the annexation of Crimea on the regulation of live performances and tour management of Russian pop music performers in Ukraine and of Ukrainian performers in Russia. Without a doubt, the cultural relationship between Russia and Ukraine is not limited to this issue. Yet concert markets tend to respond particularly rapidly to political, economic, and social changes, especially in Russia and Ukraine, where the high level of digital piracy means that the music businesses mainly depend upon income from performances rather than from digital rights sales. This paper argues that the rules formed in both countries after Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 have contributed to the separation of a single cultural space that had existed in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russia and Ukraine before the annexation. These rules have also facilitated performers’ self-censorship and increased the politicisation of the music businesses in the two neighbouring countries. This study applies a comparative socio-legal approach to study Russian and Ukrainian live events and tour regulation. A qualitative analysis of Russian and Ukrainian national and intergovernmental legal frameworks is applied to examine formal regulations. Soviet and early post-Soviet laws and policies are also studied, but only to the extent that they help to track the changes in the Russian–Ukrainian cultural relationship. To identify and analyse the current informal rules, the study design includes in-depth semi-structured interviews with 30 live event or tour managers working in Russia and Ukraine. A case study is used to examine how the Eurovision Song Contest, an annual international competition, has played out within the Russian–Ukrainian conflict. The study suggests that modern Russian and Ukrainian frameworks for live events and tours have developed Soviet regulatory traditions when cultural policies served as a means of ideological control. At the same time, contemporary regulations mark a considerable perspective shift, as the previous rules have been aimed at maintaining close cultural connections between the Russian and Ukrainian nations. Instead of collaboration, their current frameworks mostly serve as forms of repression, implying that performers must choose only one national market in which to work. The regulatory instruments vary and often impose limitations that typically exist in non-democratic regimes to restrict foreign journalism, such as visa barriers or bans on entry. The more unexpected finding is that, in comparison with Russian law, Ukrainian regulations have created more obstacles to the organisation of live tours and performances by Russian artists in Ukraine. Yet this stems from commercial rather than political factors. This study predicts that the more economic challenges the Russian or Ukrainian music businesses face, the harsher the regulations will be regarding the organisation of live events or tours in the other country. This study recommends that international human rights organisations and non-governmental organisations develop and promote specific standards for artistic rights and freedoms, given the negative effects of the increasing politicisation of the entertainment business and cultural spheres to freedom of expression and cultural rights and pluralism. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=annexation%20of%20Crimea" title="annexation of Crimea">annexation of Crimea</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=artistic%20freedom" title=" artistic freedom"> artistic freedom</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=censorship" title=" censorship"> censorship</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=cultural%20policy" title=" cultural policy"> cultural policy</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/116385/regulation-of-cultural-relationship-between-russia-and-ukraine-after-crimeas-annexation-a-comparative-socio-legal-study" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/116385.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">118</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">33</span> Metabolic Changes during Reprogramming of Wheat and Triticale Microspores</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Natalia%20Hordynska">Natalia Hordynska</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Magdalena%20Szechynska-Hebda"> Magdalena Szechynska-Hebda</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Miroslaw%20Sobczak"> Miroslaw Sobczak</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Elzbieta%20Rozanska"> Elzbieta Rozanska</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Joanna%20Troczynska"> Joanna Troczynska</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Zofia%20Banaszak"> Zofia Banaszak</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Maria%20Wedzony"> Maria Wedzony</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Albinism is a common problem encountered in wheat and triticale breeding programs, which require in vitro culture steps e.g. generation of doubled haploids via androgenesis process. Genetic factor is a major determinant of albinism, however, environmental conditions such as temperature and media composition influence the frequency of albino plant formation. Cold incubation of wheat and triticale spikes induced a switch from gametophytic to sporophytic development. Further, androgenic structures formed from anthers of the genotypes susceptible to androgenesis or treated with cold stress, had a pool of structurally primitive plastids, with small starch granules or swollen thylakoids. High temperature was a factor inducing andro-genesis of wheat and triticale, but at the same time, it was a factor favoring the formation of albino plants. In genotypes susceptible to albinism or after heat stress conditions, cells formed from anthers were vacuolated, and plastids were eliminated. Partial or complete loss of chlorophyll pigments and incomplete differentiation of chloroplast membranes result in formation of tissues or whole plant unable to perform photosynthesis. Indeed, susceptibility to the andro-genesis process was associated with an increase of total concentration of photosynthetic pigments in anthers, spikes and regenerated plants. The proper balance of the synthesis of various pigments, was the starting point for their proper incorporation into photosynthetic membranes. In contrast, genotypes resistant to the androgenesis process and those treated with heat, contained 100 times lower content of photosynthetic pigments. In particular, the synthesis of violaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein and chlorophyll b was limited. Furthermore, deregulation of starch and lipids synthesis, which led to the formation of very complex starch granules and an increased number of oleosomes, respectively, correlated with the reduction of the efficiency of androgenesis. The content of other sugars varied depending on the genotype and the type of stress. The highest content of various sugars was found for genotypes susceptible to andro-genesis, and highly reduced for genotypes resistant to androgenesis. The most important sugars seem to be glucose and fructose. They are involved in sugar sensing and signaling pathways, which affect the expression of various genes and regulate plant development. Sucrose, on the other hand, seems to have minor effect at each stage of the androgenesis. The sugar metabolism was related to metabolic activity of microspores. The genotypes susceptible to androgenesis process had much faster mitochondrium- and chloroplast-dependent energy conversion and higher heat production by tissues. Thus, the effectiveness of metabolic processes, their balance and the flexibility under the stress was a factor determining the direction of microspore development, and in the later stages of the androgenesis process, a factor supporting the induction of androgenic structures, chloroplast formation and the regeneration of green plants. The work was financed by Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development within Program: ‘Biological Progress in Plant Production’, project no HOR.hn.802.15.2018. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=androgenesis" title="androgenesis">androgenesis</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=chloroplast" title=" chloroplast"> chloroplast</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=metabolism" title=" metabolism"> metabolism</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=temperature%20stress" title=" temperature stress"> temperature stress</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/93448/metabolic-changes-during-reprogramming-of-wheat-and-triticale-microspores" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/93448.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">260</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">32</span> In vivo Evaluation of LAB Probiotic Potential with the Zebrafish Animal Model</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=I%C3%B1aki%20Iturria">Iñaki Iturria</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Pasquale%20Russo"> Pasquale Russo</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Montserrat%20Nacher-V%C3%A1zquez"> Montserrat Nacher-Vázquez</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Giuseppe%20Spano"> Giuseppe Spano</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Paloma%20L%C3%B3pez"> Paloma López</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Miguel%20Angel%20Pardo"> Miguel Angel Pardo</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Introduction: It is known that some Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) present an interesting probiotic effect. Probiotic bacteria stimulate host resistance to microbial pathogens and thereby aid in immune response, and modulate the host's immune responses to antigens with a potential to down-regulate hypersensitivity reactions. Therefore, probiotic therapy is valuable against intestinal infections and may be beneficial in the treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Several in vitro tests are available to evaluate the probiotic potential of a LAB strain. However, an in vivo model is required to understand the interaction between the host immune system and the bacteria. During the last few years, zebrafish (Danio rerio) has gained interest as a promising vertebrate model in this field. This organism has been extensively used to study the interaction between the host and the microbiota, as well as the host immune response under several microbial infections. In this work, we report on the use of the zebrafish model to investigate in vivo the colonizing ability and the immunomodulatory effect of probiotic LAB. Methods: Lactobacillus strains belonging to different LAB species were fluorescently tagged and used to colonize germ-free zebrafish larvae gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Some of the strains had a well-documented probiotic effect (L. acidophilus LA5); while others presented an exopolysaccharide (EPS) producing phenotype, thus allowing evaluating the influence of EPS in the colonization and immunomodulatory effect. Bacteria colonization was monitored for 72 h by direct observation in real time using fluorescent microscopy. CFU count per larva was also evaluated at different times. The immunomodulatory effect was assessed analysing the differential expression of several innate immune system genes (MyD88, NF-κB, Tlr4, Il1β and Il10) by qRT- PCR. The anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated using a chemical enterocolitis zebrafish model. The protective effect against a pathogen was also studied. To that end, a challenge test was developed using a fluorescently tagged pathogen (Vibrio anguillarum-GFP+). The progression of the infection was monitored up to 3 days using a fluorescent stereomicroscope. Mortality rates and CFU counts were also registered. Results and conclusions: Larvae exposed to EPS-producing bacteria showed a higher fluorescence and CFU count than those colonized with no-EPS phenotype LAB. In the same way, qRT-PCR results revealed an immunomodulatory effect on the host after the administration of the strains with probiotic activity. A downregulation of proinflammatory cytoquines as well as other cellular mediators of inflammation was observed. The anti-inflammatory effect was found to be particularly marked following exposure to LA% strain, as well as EPS producing strains. Furthermore, the challenge test revealed a protective effect of probiotic administration. As a matter of fact, larvae fed with probiotics showed a decrease in the mortality rate ranging from 20 to 35%. Discussion: In this work, we developed a promising model, based on the use of gnotobiotic zebrafish coupled with a bacterial fluorescent tagging in order to evaluate the probiotic potential of different LAB strains. We have successfully used this system to monitor in real time the colonization and persistence of exogenous LAB within the gut of zebrafish larvae, to evaluate their immunomodulatory effect and for in vivo competition assays. This approach could bring further insights into the complex microbial-host interactions at intestinal level. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=gnotobiotic" title="gnotobiotic">gnotobiotic</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=immune%20system" title=" immune system"> immune system</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=lactic%20acid%20bacteria" title=" lactic acid bacteria"> lactic acid bacteria</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=probiotics" title=" probiotics"> probiotics</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=zebrafish" title=" zebrafish"> zebrafish</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/46742/in-vivo-evaluation-of-lab-probiotic-potential-with-the-zebrafish-animal-model" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/46742.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">328</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">31</span> Developing a Performance Measurement System for Arts-Based Initiatives: Action Research on Italian Corporate Museums</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Eleonora%20Carloni">Eleonora Carloni</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Michela%20Arnaboldi"> Michela Arnaboldi</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> In academia, the investigation of the relationship between cultural heritage and corporations is ubiquitous in several fields of studies. In practice corporations are more and more integrating arts and cultural heritage in their strategies for disparate benefits, such as: to foster customer’s purchase intention with authentic and aesthetic experiences, to improve their reputation towards local communities, and to motivate employees with creative thinking. There are diverse forms under which corporations set these artistic interventions, from sponsorships to arts-based training centers for employees, but scholars agree that the maximum expression of this cultural trend are corporate museums, growing in number and relevance. Corporate museums are museum-like settings, hosting artworks of corporations’ history and interests. In academia they have been ascribed as strategic asset and they have been associated with diverse uses for corporations’ benefits, from place for preservation of cultural heritage, to tools for public relations and cultural flagship stores. Previous studies have thus extensively but fragmentally studied the diverse benefits of corporate museum opening to corporations, with a lack of comprehensive approach and a digression on how to evaluate and report corporate museum’s performances. Stepping forward, the present study aims to investigate: 1) what are the key performance measures corporate museums need to report to the associated corporations; 2) how are the key performance measures reported to the concerned corporations. This direction of study is not only suggested as future direction in academia but it has solid basis in practice, aiming to answer to the need of corporate museums’ directors to account for corporate museum’s activities to the concerned corporation. Coherently, at an empirical level the study relies on action research method, whose distinctive feature is to develop practical knowledge through a participatory process. This paper indeed relies on the experience of a collaborative project between the researchers and a set of corporate museums in Italy, aimed at co-developing a performance measurement system. The project involved two steps: a first step, in which researchers derived the potential performance measures from literature along with exploratory interviews; a second step, in which researchers supported the pool of corporate museums’ directors in co-developing a set of key performance indicators for reporting. Preliminary empirical findings show that while scholars insist on corporate museums’ capability to develop networking relations, directors insist on the role of museums as internal supplier of knowledge for innovation goals. Moreover, directors stress museums’ cultural mission and outcomes as potential benefits for corporation, by remarking to include both cultural and business measures in the final tool. In addition, they give relevant attention to the wording used in humanistic terms while struggling to express all measures in economic terms. The paper aims to contribute to corporate museums’ and more broadly to arts-based initiatives’ literature in two directions. Firstly, it elaborates key performance measures with related indicators to report on cultural initiatives for corporations. Secondly, it provides evidence of challenges and practices to handle reporting on these initiatives, because of tensions arising from the co-existence of diverse perspectives, namely arts and business worlds. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=arts-based%20initiative" title="arts-based initiative">arts-based initiative</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=corporate%20museum" title=" corporate museum"> corporate museum</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=hybrid%20organization" title=" hybrid organization"> hybrid organization</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=performance%20measurement" title=" performance measurement"> performance measurement</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/136163/developing-a-performance-measurement-system-for-arts-based-initiatives-action-research-on-italian-corporate-museums" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/136163.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">176</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">30</span> Academic Staff Identity and Emotional Labour: Exploring Pride, Motivation, and Relationships in Universities</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Keith%20Schofield">Keith Schofield</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Garry%20R.%20Prentice"> Garry R. Prentice</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The perceptions of the work an academic does, and the environment in which they do it, contributes to the professional identity of that academic. In turn, this has implications for the level of involvement they have in their job, their satisfaction, and their work product. This research explores academic identities in British and Irish institutions and considers the complex interplay between identity, practice, and participation. Theoretical assumptions made in this paper assert that meaningful work has positive effects on work pride, organisational commitment, organisational citizenship, and motivation; when employees participate enthusiastically they are likely to be more engaged, more successful, and more satisfied. Further examination is given to the context in which this participation happens; the nature of institutional process, management, and relationships with colleagues, team members, and students is considered. The present study follows a mixed-methods approach to explore work satisfaction constructs in a number of academic contexts in the UK and Ireland. The quantitative component of this research (Convenience Sample: 155 academics, and support/ administrative staff; 36.1% male, 63.9% female; 60.8% academic staff, 39.2% support/ administration staff; across a number of universities in the UK and Ireland) was based on an established emotional labour model and was tested across gender groups, job roles, and years of service. This was complimented by qualitative semi-structured interviews (Purposive Sample: 10 academics, and 5 support/ administrative staff across the same universities in the UK and Ireland) to examine various themes including values within academia, work conditions, professional development, and transmission of knowledge to students. Experiences from both academic and support perspectives were sought in order to gain a holistic view of academia and to provide an opportunity to explore the dynamic of the academic/administrator relationship within the broader institutional context. The quantitative emotional labour model, tested via a path analysis, provided a robust description of the relationships within the data. The significant relationships found within the quantitative emotional labour model included a link between non-expression of true feelings resulting in emotional labourious work and lower levels of intrinsic motivation and higher levels of extrinsic motivation. Higher levels of intrinsic motivation also linked positively to work pride. These findings were further explored in the qualitative elements of the research where themes emerged including the disconnection between faculty management and staff, personal fulfilment and the friction between the identities of teacher, researcher/ practitioner and administrator. The implications of the research findings from this study are combined and discussed in relation to possible identity-related and emotional labour management-related interventions. Further, suggestions are made to institutions concerning the application of these findings including the development of academic practices, with specific reference to the duality of identity required to service the combined teacher/ researcher role. Broader considerations of the paper include how individuals and institutions may engage with the changing nature of students-as-consumers as well as a recommendation to centralise personal fulfillment through the development of professional academic identities. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=academic%20work" title="academic work">academic work</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=emotional%20labour" title=" emotional labour"> emotional labour</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=identity%20friction" title=" identity friction"> identity friction</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=mixed%20methods" title=" mixed methods"> mixed methods</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/60122/academic-staff-identity-and-emotional-labour-exploring-pride-motivation-and-relationships-in-universities" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/60122.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">276</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">29</span> Particle Size Characteristics of Aerosol Jets Produced by a Low Powered E-Cigarette</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Mohammad%20Shajid%20Rahman">Mohammad Shajid Rahman</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Tarik%20Kaya"> Tarik Kaya</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Edgar%20Matida"> Edgar Matida</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Electronic cigarettes, also known as e-cigarettes, may have become a tool to improve smoking cessation due to their ability to provide nicotine at a selected rate. Unlike traditional cigarettes, which produce toxic elements from tobacco combustion, e-cigarettes generate aerosols by heating a liquid solution (commonly a mixture of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine and some flavoring agents). However, caution still needs to be taken when using e-cigarettes due to the presence of addictive nicotine and some harmful substances produced from the heating process. Particle size distribution (PSD) and associated velocities generated by e-cigarettes have significant influence on aerosol deposition in different regions of human respiratory tracts. On another note, low actuation power is beneficial in aerosol generating devices since it exhibits a reduced emission of toxic chemicals. In case of e-cigarettes, lower heating powers can be considered as powers lower than 10 W compared to a wide range of powers (0.6 to 70.0 W) studied in literature. Due to the importance regarding inhalation risk reduction, deeper understanding of particle size characteristics of e-cigarettes demands thorough investigation. However, comprehensive study on PSD and velocities of e-cigarettes with a standard testing condition at relatively low heating powers is still lacking. The present study aims to measure particle number count and size distribution of undiluted aerosols of a latest fourth-generation e-cigarette at low powers, within 6.5 W using real-time particle counter (time-of-flight method). Also, temporal and spatial evolution of particle size and velocity distribution of aerosol jets are examined using phase Doppler anemometry (PDA) technique. To the authors’ best knowledge, application of PDA in e-cigarette aerosol measurement is rarely reported. In the present study, preliminary results about particle number count of undiluted aerosols measured by time-of-flight method depicted that an increase of heating power from 3.5 W to 6.5 W resulted in an enhanced asymmetricity in PSD, deviating from log-normal distribution. This can be considered as an artifact of rapid vaporization, condensation and coagulation processes on aerosols caused by higher heating power. A novel mathematical expression, combining exponential, Gaussian and polynomial (EGP) distributions, was proposed to describe asymmetric PSD successfully. The value of count median aerodynamic diameter and geometric standard deviation laid within a range of about 0.67 μm to 0.73 μm, and 1.32 to 1.43, respectively while the power varied from 3.5 W to 6.5 W. Laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) and PDA measurement suggested a typical centerline streamwise mean velocity decay of aerosol jet along with a reduction of particle sizes. In the final submission, a thorough literature review, detailed description of experimental procedure and discussion of the results will be provided. Particle size and turbulent characteristics of aerosol jets will be further examined, analyzing arithmetic mean diameter, volumetric mean diameter, volume-based mean diameter, streamwise mean velocity and turbulence intensity. The present study has potential implications in PSD simulation and validation of aerosol dosimetry model, leading to improving related aerosol generating devices. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=E-cigarette%20aerosol" title="E-cigarette aerosol">E-cigarette aerosol</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=laser%20doppler%20velocimetry" title=" laser doppler velocimetry"> laser doppler velocimetry</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=particle%20size%20distribution" title=" particle size distribution"> particle size distribution</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=particle%20velocity" title=" particle velocity"> particle velocity</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=phase%20Doppler%20anemometry" title=" phase Doppler anemometry"> phase Doppler anemometry</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/185259/particle-size-characteristics-of-aerosol-jets-produced-by-a-low-powered-e-cigarette" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/185259.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">49</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">28</span> Everyone Can Sing: A Feasibility Study of Class Choir as a Mental Health Promoting Intervention Among 0-3rd Grade Students in Denmark</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Anne%20Tetens">Anne Tetens</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Susan%20Andersen"> Susan Andersen</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Lars%20Ole%20Bonde"> Lars Ole Bonde</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Pia%20Jeppesen"> Pia Jeppesen</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Katrine%20Rich%20Madsen"> Katrine Rich Madsen</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized the critical need for feasible and effective school-based mental health promotion interventions. High-quality music education in school has been suggested to promote well-being, inclusion, and positive relations, which are essential for children’s mental health. This study explores the potential of choir singing as a distinct approach to enhance children’s mental health within the school setting. ‘Everyone Can Sing’ is a class-based mental health promotion intervention for children in grades 0-3 (ages 5-10) in Danish primary school, which integrates choir singing into the students’ normal school schedule twice a week to promote mental health through the increase of school well-being, class coherence and social inclusion. The intervention uses trained choir leaders to lead the lessons in close collaboration with the class teacher, placing a distinct emphasis on well-being and the inclusive aspect of musical expression through body and voice. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the feasibility of the Everyone Can Sing intervention with the specific objective to assess implementation and changes in mental health parameters, including school well-being, class coherence and social inclusion. Methodologies: The study is a feasibility study of a one-year intervention, which started in January 2024 and is being implemented in grades 0-3 (ages 5-10) across three different Danish primary schools. It is designed according to a mixed methods approach, including both quantitative and qualitative methods. Baseline questionnaires were obtained from students, parents and teachers, and follow-up is planned at 12 months. Participant observations of class choir and individual and group interviews with students, teachers, choir leaders, and school management are collected during the intervention period. The study uses the validated ‘Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire’ for parent- and teacher-reports. The student questionnaire, which assesses school well-being, class coherence, social inclusion and indicators of mental health, was developed and validated for this study. Participant observations and interviews provide in-depth insights into the implementation process and participants’ experiences of the mental health-promoting potential of the intervention. Findings: The study included 41 classes across three schools (N=904) and questionnaire data from students (n=845, = 93%), teachers (n=890, = 98%), and parents (n=608, = 67%) at baseline. Follow-up data will be obtained in January 2025. While collection and analyses of data are still ongoing, preliminary implementation findings based on interviews and observations indicate high levels of engagement and acceptability. At 6 months into the intervention period, the study protocol is on track and suggests that the intervention is well-received. Further findings and analyses will be presented. The final results of the study will be used to decide whether the AKS intervention should proceed to a future, full-size effectiveness trial, return to refinement of the intervention or the evaluation design, or stop. Contributions: This study will provide valuable insights into new approaches to school-based mental health promotion initiatives. If feasible, the vision is to implement the intervention or elements of it in primary schools across all five Danish regions, potentially lowering the mental health burden. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=child%20mental%20health" title="child mental health">child mental health</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=early%20childhood" title=" early childhood"> early childhood</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=mental%20health%20promotion" title=" mental health promotion"> mental health promotion</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=mixed%20methods%20research" title=" mixed methods research"> mixed methods research</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=school-based%20intervention." title=" school-based intervention."> school-based intervention.</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/186877/everyone-can-sing-a-feasibility-study-of-class-choir-as-a-mental-health-promoting-intervention-among-0-3rd-grade-students-in-denmark" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/186877.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">35</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">27</span> Improving the Accuracy of Stress Intensity Factors Obtained by Scaled Boundary Finite Element Method on Hybrid Quadtree Meshes</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Adrian%20W.%20Egger">Adrian W. Egger</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Savvas%20P.%20Triantafyllou"> Savvas P. Triantafyllou</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Eleni%20N.%20Chatzi"> Eleni N. Chatzi</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> The scaled boundary finite element method (SBFEM) is a semi-analytical numerical method, which introduces a scaling center in each element’s domain, thus transitioning from a Cartesian reference frame to one resembling polar coordinates. Consequently, an analytical solution is achieved in radial direction, implying that only the boundary need be discretized. The only limitation imposed on the resulting polygonal elements is that they remain star-convex. Further arbitrary p- or h-refinement may be applied locally in a mesh. The polygonal nature of SBFEM elements has been exploited in quadtree meshes to alleviate all issues conventionally associated with hanging nodes. Furthermore, since in 2D this results in only 16 possible cell configurations, these are precomputed in order to accelerate the forward analysis significantly. Any cells, which are clipped to accommodate the domain geometry, must be computed conventionally. However, since SBFEM permits polygonal elements, significantly coarser meshes at comparable accuracy levels are obtained when compared with conventional quadtree analysis, further increasing the computational efficiency of this scheme. The generalized stress intensity factors (gSIFs) are computed by exploiting the semi-analytical solution in radial direction. This is initiated by placing the scaling center of the element containing the crack at the crack tip. Taking an analytical limit of this element’s stress field as it approaches the crack tip, delivers an expression for the singular stress field. By applying the problem specific boundary conditions, the geometry correction factor is obtained, and the gSIFs are then evaluated based on their formal definition. Since the SBFEM solution is constructed as a power series, not unlike mode superposition in FEM, the two modes contributing to the singular response of the element can be easily identified in post-processing. Compared to the extended finite element method (XFEM) this approach is highly convenient, since neither enrichment terms nor a priori knowledge of the singularity is required. Computation of the gSIFs by SBFEM permits exceptional accuracy, however, when combined with hybrid quadtrees employing linear elements, this does not always hold. Nevertheless, it has been shown that crack propagation schemes are highly effective even given very coarse discretization since they only rely on the ratio of mode one to mode two gSIFs. The absolute values of the gSIFs may still be subject to large errors. Hence, we propose a post-processing scheme, which minimizes the error resulting from the approximation space of the cracked element, thus limiting the error in the gSIFs to the discretization error of the quadtree mesh. This is achieved by h- and/or p-refinement of the cracked element, which elevates the amount of modes present in the solution. The resulting numerical description of the element is highly accurate, with the main error source now stemming from its boundary displacement solution. Numerical examples show that this post-processing procedure can significantly improve the accuracy of the computed gSIFs with negligible computational cost even on coarse meshes resulting from hybrid quadtrees. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=linear%20elastic%20fracture%20mechanics" title="linear elastic fracture mechanics">linear elastic fracture mechanics</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=generalized%20stress%20intensity%20factors" title=" generalized stress intensity factors"> generalized stress intensity factors</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=scaled%20finite%20element%20method" title=" scaled finite element method"> scaled finite element method</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=hybrid%20quadtrees" title=" hybrid quadtrees"> hybrid quadtrees</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/100400/improving-the-accuracy-of-stress-intensity-factors-obtained-by-scaled-boundary-finite-element-method-on-hybrid-quadtree-meshes" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/100400.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">146</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">26</span> Surface Plasmon Resonance Imaging-Based Epigenetic Assay for Blood DNA Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Biomarkers</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Judy%20M.%20Obliosca">Judy M. Obliosca</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Olivia%20Vest"> Olivia Vest</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Sandra%20Poulos"> Sandra Poulos</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Kelsi%20Smith"> Kelsi Smith</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Tammy%20Ferguson"> Tammy Ferguson</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Abigail%20Powers%20Lott"> Abigail Powers Lott</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Alicia%20K.%20Smith"> Alicia K. Smith</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Yang%20Xu"> Yang Xu</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Christopher%20K.%20Tison"> Christopher K. Tison</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem that people may develop after experiencing traumatic events such as combat, natural disasters, and major emotional challenges. Tragically, the number of military personnel with PTSD correlates directly with the number of veterans who attempt suicide, with the highest rate in the Army. Research has shown epigenetic risks in those who are prone to several psychiatric dysfunctions, particularly PTSD. Once initiated in response to trauma, epigenetic alterations in particular, the DNA methylation in the form of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) alters chromatin structure and represses gene expression. Current methods to detect DNA methylation, such as bisulfite-based genomic sequencing techniques, are laborious and have massive analysis workflow while still having high error rates. A faster and simpler detection method of high sensitivity and precision would be useful in a clinical setting to confirm potential PTSD etiologies, prevent other psychiatric disorders, and improve military health. A nano-enhanced Surface Plasmon Resonance imaging (SPRi)-based assay that simultaneously detects site-specific 5mC base (termed as PTSD base) in methylated genes related to PTSD is being developed. The arrays on a sensing chip were first constructed for parallel detection of PTSD bases using synthetic and genomic DNA (gDNA) samples. For the gDNA sample extracted from the whole blood of a PTSD patient, the sample was first digested using specific restriction enzymes, and fragments were denatured to obtain single-stranded methylated target genes (ssDNA). The resulting mixture of ssDNA was then injected into the assay platform, where targets were captured by specific DNA aptamer probes previously immobilized on the surface of a sensing chip. The PTSD bases in targets were detected by anti-5-methylcytosine antibody (anti-5mC), and the resulting signals were then enhanced by the universal nanoenhancer. Preliminary results showed successful detection of a PTSD base in a gDNA sample. Brighter spot images and higher delta values (control-subtracted reflectivity signal) relative to those of the control were observed. We also implemented the in-house surface activation system for detection and developed SPRi disposable chips. Multiplexed PTSD base detection of target methylated genes in blood DNA from PTSD patients of severity conditions (asymptomatic and severe) was conducted. This diagnostic capability being developed is a platform technology, and upon successful implementation for PTSD, it could be reconfigured for the study of a wide variety of neurological disorders such as traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, and Huntington's disease and can be extended to the analyses of other sample matrices such as urine and saliva. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=epigenetic%20assay" title="epigenetic assay">epigenetic assay</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=DNA%20methylation" title=" DNA methylation"> DNA methylation</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=PTSD" title=" PTSD"> PTSD</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=whole%20blood" title=" whole blood"> whole blood</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=multiplexing" title=" multiplexing"> multiplexing</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/159464/surface-plasmon-resonance-imaging-based-epigenetic-assay-for-blood-dna-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-biomarkers" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/159464.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">124</span> </span> </div> </div> <div class="card paper-listing mb-3 mt-3"> <h5 class="card-header" style="font-size:.9rem"><span class="badge badge-info">25</span> A Comparison of Videography Tools and Techniques in African and International Contexts</h5> <div class="card-body"> <p class="card-text"><strong>Authors:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Enoch%20Ocran">Enoch Ocran</a> </p> <p class="card-text"><strong>Abstract:</strong></p> Film Pertinence maintains consistency in storytelling by sustaining the natural flow of action while evoking a particular feeling or emotion from the viewers with selected motion pictures. This study presents a thorough investigation of "Film Pertinence" in videography that examines its influence in Africa and around the world. This research delves into the dynamic realm of visual storytelling through film, with a specific focus on the concept of Film Pertinence (FP). The study’s primary objectives are to conduct a comparative analysis of videography tools and techniques employed in both African and international contexts, examining how they contribute to the achievement of organizational goals and the enhancement of cultural awareness. The research methodology includes a comprehensive literature review, interviews with videographers from diverse backgrounds in Africa and the international arena, and the examination of pertinent case studies. The investigation aims to elucidate the multifaceted nature of videographic practices, with particular attention to equipment choices, visual storytelling techniques, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability. This study explores the impact of cultural differences on videography choices, aiming to promote understanding between African and foreign filmmakers and create more culturally sensitive films. It also explores the role of technology in advancing videography practices, resource allocation, and the influence of globalization on local filmmaking practices. The research also contributes to film studies by analyzing videography's impact on storytelling, guiding filmmakers to create more compelling narratives. The findings can inform film education, tailoring curricula to regional needs and opportunities. The study also encourages cross-cultural collaboration in the film industry by highlighting convergence and divergence in videography practices. At its core, this study seeks to explore the implications of film pertinence as a framework for videographic practice. It scrutinizes how cultural expression, education, and storytelling transcend geographical boundaries on a global scale. By analyzing the interplay between tools, techniques, and context, the research illuminates the ways in which videographers in Africa and worldwide apply film Pertinence principles to achieve cross-cultural communication and effectively capture the objectives of their clients. One notable focus of this paper is on the techniques employed by videographers in West Africa to emphasize storytelling and participant engagement, showcasing the relevance of FP in highlighting cultural awareness in visual storytelling. Additionally, the study highlights the prevalence of film pertinence in African agricultural documentaries produced for esteemed organizations such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), Proforest, World Food Program, Fidelity Bank Ghana, Instituto BVRio, Aflatoun International, and the Solidaridad Network. These documentaries serve to promote prosperity, resilience, human rights, sustainable farming practices, community respect, and environmental preservation, underlining the vital role of film in conveying these critical messages. In summary, this research offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of videography in different contexts, emphasizing the significance of film pertinence as a unifying principle in the pursuit of effective visual storytelling and cross-cultural communication. <p class="card-text"><strong>Keywords:</strong> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=film%20pertinence" title="film pertinence">film pertinence</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=Africa" title=" Africa"> Africa</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=cultural%20awareness" title=" cultural awareness"> cultural awareness</a>, <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=videography%20tools" title=" videography tools"> videography tools</a> </p> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/173782/a-comparison-of-videography-tools-and-techniques-in-african-and-international-contexts" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">Procedia</a> <a href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/173782.pdf" target="_blank" class="btn btn-primary btn-sm">PDF</a> <span class="bg-info text-light px-1 py-1 float-right rounded"> Downloads <span class="badge badge-light">67</span> </span> </div> </div> <ul class="pagination"> <li class="page-item"><a class="page-link" href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=mRNA%20expression&page=68" rel="prev">&lsaquo;</a></li> <li class="page-item"><a class="page-link" href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=mRNA%20expression&page=1">1</a></li> <li class="page-item"><a class="page-link" href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=mRNA%20expression&page=2">2</a></li> <li class="page-item disabled"><span class="page-link">...</span></li> <li class="page-item"><a class="page-link" href="https://publications.waset.org/abstracts/search?q=mRNA%20expression&page=61">61</a></li> <li class="page-item"><a class="page-link" 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