This paper explores the professional identities of four Filipino English teachers (FETs) who instruct international students at a language academy in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), a special district for the Philippines’ globalization. Employing a narrative inquiry approach, data was gathered through individual interviews, and subsequently analyzed using a thematic analysis framework. The findings indicate that the participants assume three distinct roles within the academy. As experts in English language teaching, they consider themselves the equal of, or even superior to, native English-speaking teachers, which they attribute to their language proficiency, pedagogical skills, and content-based teaching. In their role as educational caretakers, they prioritize their students’ well-being, providing motivation for English language learning, and offering emotional support. Furthermore, they identify themselves as international teachers, having deliberately chosen BGC as their career destination to foster multiculturalism and global citizenship. This study is of particular significance, as it scrutinizes the roles of FETs, frequently categorized as “non-native teachers,” within the context of globalization.

India has been a member of the BRICS group since 2009. It has been a staunch advocate for the synergistic power. Their summits have focused on a wide range of topics, all of which share the common goal of reorganizing the global economic and political order. The BRICS nations have together accomplished several significant milestones which include the establishment of the New Development Bank, the BRICS Payment System, collaborative anti-terror programs, climate mitigation, green energy, and other such initiatives. South Africa played home to the 15th BRICS Summit, which took place in the August of 2023 and was centered around the theme of “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually Accelerated Growth, Sustainable Development, and Inclusive Multilateralism.” This essay considers issues from an Indian perspective that may pop up in the future BRICS summit.

Background: The abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM), a method of lumbar stabilization training, is an effective neuromuscular intervention for lumbar instability associated with low back pain (LBP). Objects: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of a 2-week period of the ADIM and tensor fasciae latae-iliotibial band (TFL-ITB) self-stretching on lumbopelvic rotation angle, lumbopelvic rotation movement onset, TFL-ITB length, and pain intensity during active prone hip lateral rotation. Methods: Twenty-two subjects with lumbar extension rotation syndrome accompanying shortened TFL-ITB (16 males and 6 females) were recruited for this study. The subjects were instructed how to perform ADIM training or ADIM training plus TFL-ITB self-stretching program at home for a 2-week period. A 3-dimensional ultrasonic motion analysis system was used to measure the lumbopelvic rotation angle and lumbopelvic rotation movement onset. An independent t-test was used to determine between-group differences for each outcome measure (lumbopelvic rotation angle, lumbopelvic rotation movement onset, TFL-ITB length, and pain intensity). Results: The results showed that ADIM training plus TFL-ITB self-stretching decreased the lumbopelvic rotation angle, delayed the lumbopelvic rotation movement onset, and elongated the TFL-ITB significantly more than did ADIM training alone. Pain intensity was lower in the ADIM training plus TFL-ITB self-stretching group than the ADIM training alone group; however, the difference was not significant. Conclusion: ADIM training plus TFL-ITB self-stretching performed for a 2-week period at home may be an effective treatment for modifying lumbopelvic motion and reducing LBP.

Background: Limitations of shoulder range of motion (ROM), particularly shoulder internal rotation (SIR), are commonly associated with musculoskeletal disorders in both the general population and athletes. The limitation can result in connective tissue lesions such as superior labrum tears and symptoms such as rotator cuff tears and shoulder impingement syndrome. Maintaining the center of rotation of the glenohumeral joint during SIR can be challenging due to the compensatory scapulothoracic movement and anterior displacement of the humeral head. Therefore, observing the path of the instantaneous center of rotation (PICR) using the olecranon as a marker during SIR may provide valuable insights into understanding the dynamics of the shoulder joint. Objects: The aim of the study was to compare the displacement of the olecranon to measure the rotation control of the humeral head during SIR in individuals with and without restricted SIR ROM. Methods: Twenty-four participants with and without restricted SIR ROM participated in this study. The displacement of olecranon was measured during the shoulder internal rotation control test (SIRCT) using a Kinovea (ver. 0.8.15, Kinovea), the 2-dimensional marker tracking analysis system. An independent t-test was used to compare the horizontal and vertical displacement of the olecranon marker between individuals with and without restricted SIR ROM. The statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Vertical displacement of the olecranon was significantly greater in the restricted SIR group than in the control group (p < 0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in the horizontal displacement of the olecranon (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study indicated that individuals with restricted SIR ROM had significantly greater vertical displacement of the olecranon. The results suggest that the limitation of SIR ROM may lead to difficulty in rotation control of the humeral head.

Background: The serratus anterior (SA) is a muscle that performs protraction of the scapulothoracic joint and plays a role in stabilizing the scapula. Imbalances or weaknesses in SA activation are associated with a variety of shoulder dysfunctions, making selective SA strengthening important for rehabilitation. Objects: We aimed to compare the muscle activation of the pectoralis major (PM), SA, external oblique (EO), and internal oblique (IO) during the push-up plus (PUP) exercise with isometric hip adduction (HA) and abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM). Methods: Nineteen healthy male participants performed three PUP exercises: standard PUP, PUP with ADIM, and PUP with HA. Surface electromyography was used to measure and analyze the muscle activity for PM, SA, EO, and IO. Results: PUP with HA showed the lowest PM activity and highest SA activity, and no significant difference was observed between PUP and PUP with ADIM. PUP with ADIM showed significantly the highest EO and IO activity, followed by PUP with HA and PUP. Additionally, PUP with HA showed the lowest PM/SA ratio, and no significant difference was noted between PUP and PUP with ADIM. Conclusion: PUP with HA was able to show high SA muscle activity while reducing PM muscle activity. In addition, PUP with HA can lead to higher EO and IO muscle activity than standard PUP. This exercise could be used as a practical exercise method to selectively strengthen SA and improve scapular muscle stability during early shoulder rehabilitation.

Background: Single-leg squat (SLS)s are commonly used as assessment tool and closed kinetic exercises are useful for assessing performance of the lower extremities. Pronated feet are associated with foot pressure distribution (FPD) during daily activities. Objects: To compare the FPD during SLSs between groups with pronated and normal feet. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 30 participants (15 each in the pronated foot and control groups) are recruited in this study. The foot posture index was used to distinguish between the pronated foot and control groups. The Zebris FDM (Zebris Medical GmbH) stance analysis system was used to measure the FPD on the dominant side during a SLS, which was divided into three phases. A two-way mixed-model ANOVA was used to identify significant differences in FPD between and within the two groups. Results: In the hallux, the results of the two-way mixed-model ANOVAs revealed a significant difference between the group and across different phases (p < 0.05). The hallux, and central forefoot were significantly different between the group (p < 0.05). Moreover, significant differences across different phases were observed in the hallux, medial forefoot, central forefoot, lateral forefoot, and rearfoot (p < 0.05). The post hoc t-tests were conducted for the hallux and forefoot central regions. In participants with pronated foot, the mean pressure was significantly greater in hallux and significantly lower, in the central forefoot during the descent and holding phases. Conclusion: SLSs are widely used as screening tests and exercises. These findings suggest that individuals with pronated feet should be cautious to avoid excessive pressure on the hallux during the descent-to-hold phase of a SLS.

Background: Lateral instability of the ankle is one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal ankle injuries. The peroneus longus (PL) and peroneus brevis (PB) contribute to ankle stability. In early rehabilitation, isometric exercises have been selected for improvement of ankle stability. To effectively train the peroneal muscles during eversion, it is important to consider ankle and body posture. Objects: This study aimed to compare activation of the PL, PB, and biceps femoris (BF) muscles during eversion in different ankle postures (neutral [N], plantarflexed [PF]) and body postures (sitting and side-lying). Methods: Thirty healthy individuals with no history of lateral ankle sprains within the last 6 months were included in the study. Maximal isometric strength of eversion and muscle activation were measured simultaneously. Muscle activation at submaximal eversion was divided by the highest value obtained from maximal isometric eversion among the four postures (percent maximal voluntary isometric contraction [%MVIC]). To examine the differences in muscle activation depending on posture, a 2 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted. Results: There were significant interaction effects of ankle and body postures on PL muscle activation and evertor strength (p < 0.05). The PL muscle activation showed a significantly greater difference in the side-lying and PF conditions than in the sitting and N conditions (p < 0.05). Evertor strength was greater in the N compared to the PF condition regardless of body posture (p < 0.05). In the case of PB and BF muscle activation, only the main effects of ankle and body posture were observed (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Among the four postures, the side-lying-PF posture produced the highest muscle activation. The side-lying-PF posture may be preferred for effective peroneal muscle exercises, even when considering the BF muscle.

Water lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) is a free-floating perennial herbaceous plant with rosette leaves and a stem. Although this plant multiplies and has adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems, it can be used for biological purification of polluted water and production of valuable substances as a traditional medicine. In this study, we report a protocol to establish an in vitro micropropagation method based on direct shoot organogenesis from stem explants. In media comprising two types of basal medium and different growth regulators, multiple shoot organogenesis was observed on stems. The micropropagation method was most effective on Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) medium with 1 mg/L indole-3-acetic acid and 2 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine supplemented with 30 g/L sucrose, on which all explants produced multiple shoots. The shoots rooted spontaneously on solid half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) and SH media without growth regulators (1/2MSO and 1/2SHO). However, roots developed more vigorously in liquid media. Regenerated plants colonized and grew more rapidly in SH basal medium than in MS basal medium and produced 6–8 stolons within 2 weeks on 1/2SHO. In summary, we established a method for micropropagation in vitro through direct organogenesis of water lettuce, which shows the potential of water lettuce as a model aquatic plant for phytochemical and pharmacological research.

이 논문은 예이츠의 녹색 투구의 부제목 “영웅적 소극”의 의미를 파악 하는데 그 목적이 있다. 먼저 희곡 속의 인물들에 관한 탐구를 통해서 이 희곡의 부제 “영웅적 소극”의 의미를 파악한다. 그 과정에서 영웅적인 쿠훌린과 반 영웅적 인물들의 대립을 논의한다. 또한 1907년 존 밀링턴 싱의 희곡 서부의 플레이보이의 첫 공연에서 시작된 폭동과 연관하여 이 역사적 사건의 혼란스러움을 풍자하고 그러한 상황에서 요 구되는 영웅적 태도를 제시하려는 의도가 부제목에 반영되어 있음을 주장한다. 마지막으 로 이 희곡의 부제목은 예이츠가 제시한 이상적인 영웅주의는 당시의 아일랜드 사람들 에게는 하나의 소극에 불과한 것이었다는 극작가의 냉소를 포함한다는 것을 지적한다.

Sarcophaga peregrina (Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830) play a pivotal role in forensic entomology, particularly in the context of decomposing corpses in South Korea, with its prevalence most notable from May to October. This study aims to leverage the growth metrics of S. peregrina to refine estimates of the minimum post-mortem interval (PMI_min), thereby providing a more localized and accurate measure of the time elapsed since death. By cultivating specimens a across a range of temperatures (22℃, 25℃, 28℃, and 34℃), we documented the corresponding larval and pupal development rates, observing significant variances in development times across temperatures: 475.1 hours at 22℃, 347.0 hours at 25℃, 326.0 hours at 28℃, and 247.3 hours at 34℃. Our findings highlight a temperature-dependent acceleration in life cycle progression of research emphasizes the importance of considering environmental factors, particularly temperature, to enhance the accuracy of forensic investigation.

Protaetia brevitarsis larvae have been widely used for traditional medicine and food in East Asia. This research comprised two experiments. The first experiment compared the growth in densities (10, 20, 30 larvae), substrates (commercial, self-made), and containers (Tyvek, zipper bags). In the second experiment, different numbers of air holes (16, 32, 48 holes) in zipper bags experiment is ongoing. The results indicated that the larvae development rate was 72.6%, 69.98%, and 55.33% in 10, 20, and 30 larvae densities, respectively. However, there was no significant difference in larvae survival rate and weight. In the different feed material experiments, the average larvae weight of commercial feed was 1.09g and for self-made, it was 2.85g. The survival rate was 86% and 96% in commercial and self-made feed, respectively. Lastly, while 96% of larvae survived in Tyvek bags, none of the larvae survived in the zipper bags.

Green pesticides, derived from natural sources, have gained wider attention as an alternative approach to synthetic pesticides in managing polyphagous pests like Spodoptera litura. In this study, the methanolic flower extract of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (Mx-Na-t) was subjected to chemical screening, and major peak area derivatives 3-Hydroxy-1,2-dimethyl-4(1H)-pyridone (3H-dp) and Tyrosol (Ty-ol) were identified. The toxicity against S. litura larvae of Mx-Na-t (at 500 ppm) was highest in third instars (96.4%), and for 3H-dp and Ty-ol (at 5 ppm) in II instars (76.5% and 81.4%, respectively). The growth and development of S. litura larvae and pupae were significantly reduced by all three extract and phytochemical treatments. Fecundity rates also declined with the treatments, from 1,020 eggs (control) to 540 eggs (Mx-Na-t), 741 eggs (3H-dp), and 721 eggs (Ty-ol). The extract and its active constituents decreased adult emergence and slowed total larval development in a dosedependent manner. The major gut enzymes of S. litura decreased in young larvae (II instar) exposed to Mx-Na-t, 3H-dp, and Ty-ol. Fourth instar midgut tissues were severely damaged by Mx-Na-t (250 ppm), 3H-dp, and Ty-ol (2.5 ppm) treatments, which induced structural damage to the epithelial cells and gut lumen. The earthworm Eisenia foetida was used to test for non-target toxicity. Crude Mx-Na-t at 500 ppm (13% and 3%) and 3H-dp (9.3% and 2.1%) and Ty-ol (10.2% and 1.5%) at 5 ppm produced lower mortality than the synthetic chemical cypermethrin at 1.0 ppm (27% and 18%) in filter paper and artificial soil assays, respectively. In addition, there was no significant change in earthworm weights under all three phytochemical treatments compared to controls. Additionally, the in-silico predictions of BeeTox and ProTox II indicated little or no toxicity toward honey bees and other nontargets associated with 3H-dp and Ty-ol. Overall these phyto-chemicals offer an effective pest management strategy.

Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD) functions as an apoptotic adapter in mammals, recruiting caspases for death-inducing signaling complexes, while in lower animals, it interacts with IMD and DREDD to initiate antimicrobial responses. In this study, we examined the T. molitor FADD sequence (TmFADD) using molecular informatics methods to understand its involvement in the host's immune response against microorganisms. Knocking down TmFADD transcripts resulted in increased susceptibility of T. molitor larvae to E. coli, underscoring the significance of FADD in insect defense mechanisms and providing valuable insights into insect immunity.

Tenebrio molitor(T. molitor) is gaining attention as a sustainable food source with high nutrient content. Understanding their immune system, paricularly the role of Tak1 in the Imd pathway, is essential for mass breeding. This study investigates TmTak1 function in T. molitor. we investigated the immune function of TmTak1, followed by systemic infection using E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans. As a result, Silencing TmTak1 significantly affects expression levels of AMPs in the whole body, Fat bodies, and Integuments. These results showed lower expression levels of AMP compared to the control group during E.coli injection.