bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
METHODOLOGY OF ENDOMETRIAL TISSUE SAMPLING IN WOMEN WITH INFERTILITY AND A HISTORY OF POST-COVID SYNDROME
Authors: Golovchak I. S. , Boychuk O. H. , Matskevych V. M. , Kupchak I. M. , Polishchuk I. P.
Published: June 2024

Мета. Підвищити ефективність методології забору біологічного матеріалу ендометрія у пацієнток з непліддям та анамнезом постковідного синдрому.
          Матеріали та методи. У дослідження впродовж 2022-2023 років ввійшло 106 жінок з діагностованим непліддям, з яких дослідну групу з перенесеним постковідним синдромом склало 65 жінок, а контрольну – 41 жінка. Після трансвагінального ультразвукового обстеження органів малого тазу проведено гістероскопію, під час якої відібрано біологічні зразки ендометрія з наступним їх охолодженням вирізкою у патогістологічній лабораторії одного екземпляру розміром 1 см3 для гістологічного (та подальшого імуногістохімічного) дослідження та додаткового висікання зразку аналогічного розміру для полімеразно-ланцюгової реакції і третього екземпляру – об’ємом 2 мм3 для проведення електронно-мікроскопічного дослідження.
          Результати. Медіана віку контрольної групи становила 31 рік, а для дослідної – 34 роки. Постковідний синдром характеризувався скаргами на головний біль, тривалу втрату смаку та нюху або їх спотворення, біль у спині, в ділянці серця, загальну слабість та швидку втомлюваність і виснаження, функціональні розлади кишечника, тривале підвищення температури тіла, сухий кашель, підвищену тривожність та пригнічений настрій. У пацієнток дослідної групи при направленні зразків на вірусологічне дослідження методом ПЛР не відзначалось виявлення РНК вірусу SARS-CoV-2. Зі зразків біоматеріалу ендометрія для патогістологічного дослідження виготовляли парафінові блоки з наступним зафарбуванням зрізів гематоксилін-еозином, а також для подальшого проведення імуногістохімічного дослідження. Зі зразка об’ємом 2 мм3 заливали епоксидні блоки з проміжним виготовленням напівтонких зрізів та наступним етапом – ультратонких зрізів.
Висновки. Розширений забір тканин ендометрія під час гістероскопії дозволяє порівняти патоморфологічні, імуногістохімічні й ультраструктурні зміни та провести додаткове вірусологічне дослідження у відібраних екземплярах біоматеріалу ендометрія у жінок з непліддям та постковідним синдромом в анамнезі.
RESULTS OF TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH STAGE II UTERINE SARCOMA
Authors: Davydiuk S. S. , Kryzhanivska A. E.
Published: June 2024

Саркома матки – це рідкісний вид пухлини, який зустрічається всього 1% серед усіх злоякісних гінекологічних захворювань.Мета. Проаналізувати результати лікування хворих на саркому матки ІІ стадії.Об’єкт і методи дослідження. Проведено аналіз результату лікування 24 хворих на саркому матки (СМ) рТ2N0M0, з 2010 року по 2023 року в умовах КНП «ПКОЦ ІФ ОР» та Національного інституту раку МОЗ України. Критеріями ефективності лікування були показники безрецидивної та загальної виживаності пацієнтів.Основні результати. Серед пацієнтів із саркомою матки ІІ стадії, вік становив від 40 до 73 років. Пік захворюваності припадав на вікову категорію 50–59 років – 8 (33,4 %) пацієнток. До істинно мезенхімальних злоякісних пухлин матки належать лейоміосаркома (ЛМС) – 18 пацієнток (75%), ендометріальна стромальна саркома (ЕСС) – 6 пацієнток (25%). Усіх пацієнток було поділено на дві групи. Першу групу склали 6 хворих на СМ ІІ стадії, які не отримували ад’ювантну терапію. Середній вік групи 1 становив 62,2 ± 4,4. Другу групу склали 18 хворих на СМ ІІ стадії, які отримували ад’ювантне лікування. Середній вік даної групи пацієнтів хворих на СМ становив 56,4 ± 2,1. Показники безрецидивної та загальної виживаності протягом 60 місяців спостереження значно вищі у ІІ групі пацієнтів, хворі на СМ які отримували ад’ювантне лікування при захворюванні на саркому матки ІІ стадії, у порівнянні з І групою спостереження. Висновики. Пік захворюваності припадав на вікову категорію 50–59 років – 33,3 %, хворих на СМ І-ІІ групи. Найпоширенішим гістологічним типом для І-ІІ групи – ЛМС. За ступенем диференціації пухлини (G), для І та ІІ групи переважає – ЛМС G2. У більшості хворих для І-ІІ групи спостерігався необтяжений онкоанамнез. У 100% хворих І групи в анамнезі не хворіли на лейоміому матки, для ІІ група хворих на ЛМ в анамнезі становила більшість – 55,6%. Вищі показники безрецидивної та загальної виживаності для хворих на саркому матки ІІ стадії, які отримували ад’ювантне лікування – ІІ група.
ANTIFUNGAL ACTIVITY OF 1-(4-R-PHENYL)-3-((1H-[1,2,4]-TRIAZOLE-5-YL)THIO)PYRROLIDINE-2,5-DIONES AGAINST THE MAIN PATHOGENS OF OPPORTUNISTIC MYCOSES
Authors: Protsiuk V.V.
Published: June 2024

У всьому світі, та й в Україні зокрема, спостерігаємо неухильне зростання мікозів. Це пов’язано з негативною дією низки факторів сучасної цивілізації на організм людини: збільшення використання антибіотиків широкого спектру дії, імуносупресивної терапії та зростання кількості хронічних захворювань, таких як: діабет і ожиріння. Серед найпоширеніших збудників мікозів одне з очільних місць умовно займають патогенні дріжджоподібні гриби роду Candida. Вони (гриби) є частиною нормальної флори людського організму, але можуть викликати інфекції, коли імунна система скомпрометована або порушено природний баланс мікроорганізмів.
         Мета. Вивчити протигрибкову активність 1-(4-R-феніл)-3-((1H-[1,2,4]-тріазол-5-іл)тіо)піролідин-2,5-діонів щодо основних збудників опортуністичних мікозів і встановити їхні ефективні антифунгальні концентрації.
         Матеріали і методи. Об’єктами дослідження були збудники опортуністичних мікозів, а саме: гриби роду Candida spp., Aspergillus spp. і Cryptococcus. Первинний скринінг протигрибкової активності проводили методом дифузії в агар, більш детальне вивчення ступеня впливу речовин на мікроскопічні гриби у вигляді визначення МІК проводили мікрометодом серійних розведень. Результати аналізували шляхом побудови теплокарт.
         Результати дослідження. Встановлено, що 1-(4-R-феніл)-3-((1H-[1,2,4]-тріазол-5-іл)тіо)піролідин-2,5-діони містять виражену протигрибкову активність щодо всіх досліджуваних об’єктів. Для азолочутливих ізолятів грибів роду Candida діапазон значення МІК становив 1,56 – 6,25 мкг/мл, для азолорезистентних – 6,25 – 50 мкг/мл, для штамів грибів роду Aspergillus – 6,25 – 50 мкг/мл та 25 – 50 мкг/мл для роду Cryptococcus.
         Висновок. Досліджувані синтетичні сполуки – похідні 1-(4-R-феніл)-3-((1H-[1,2,4]-тріазол-5-іл)тіо)піролідин-2,5-діону – проявляють значну протигрибкову активність стосовно умовно-патогенних дріжджоподібних і міцеліальних грибів із переважною фунгіцидною дією. Найвищу антифунгальну активність проявила сполука із замісником хлор (Cl)ув положенні 4 фенільного радикалу, а найнижчу – сполука без замісника (гідроген (H) у положенні 4). Протигрибкова активність сполук L 1369 (1-(4-хлорфеніл)-3-((1H-[1,2,4]-тріазол-5-іл)тіо)піролідин-2,5-діон) і L 95 ( 1-(4-бромфеніл)-3-((1Н-[1,2,4]-тріазол-5-іл)тіо)піролідин-2,5-діон) поширюється на стійкі до флуконазолу клінічні штами Candida spp., Cryptococcus neoformans і Aspergillus spp.
INDIAN SIGN LANGUAGE RECOGNITION USING CNN WITH SPATIAL PYRAMID AND GLOBAL AVERAGE POOLING
Authors: B V Poornima , S Srinath
Published: June 2024

Sign language recognition plays a pivotal role in bridging communication gaps for the speech and hearing-impaired community. In this research, we present an innovative approach to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of Indian sign language recognition through the integration of convolutional neural networks with spatial pyramid and global average pooling layers. The objective of this study is to address the intricate challenges by exploiting multi-scale feature representations and global context information. This architecture incorporates spatial pyramid layer to capture fine-grained spatial information across multiple scales. Additionally, global average pooling layer is introduced to consolidate context-aware features, further improving the model's discriminative power. Experiments are conducted using a standard dataset, encompassing a diverse range of gestures. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in recognition accuracy compared to conventional models. Incorporating spatial pyramid and global average pooling layers enables our model to effectively recognize the gestures, even in challenging scenarios with variations in lighting, complex background, and signer-dependent factors by achieving high accuracy. This research not only contributes to the advancement of ISL recognition technology but also holds promise for practical applications in real-world communication and assistive technologies.
Toward robust image encryption based on chaos theory and DNA computing
Authors:   Department of Computer Science, National College of Business Administration and Economics, Lahore, Pakistan, Asghar Usman , Yousaf Shahzad ,   School of Integrated and Social Sciences (SISS), University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan, Fatima Areej ,   Department of Computer Science, Lahore Garrison University, Lahore, Pakistan, Saleem Muhammad ,   School of Computer Science, Minhaj University Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan, Raza Muhammad Ahsan ,   Department of Information Sciences, University of Education, Lahore, Multan Campus 60000, Pakistan, Ghazal Taher M. ,   Centre for Cyber Physical Systems, Computer Science Department, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates,   Center for Cyber Security, Faculty of Information Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), 43600 Bangi, Selangor, Malaysia,   Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11937, Jordan
Published: June 2024

Due to the significant importance of image security for various users, there is an ongoing need to develop innovative algorithms to enhance this security. Image security typically involves encryption techniques. This study has tackled the challenge of creating an efficient, secure, and resilient image cipher by using pixel-swapping techniques at both DNA and decimal levels. The swapping methods include four different approaches that involve randomly selecting pixel pairs to swap with adjacent pixels—either left, right, upper, or lower—based on random numbers generated by a chaotic map. Specifically, the 2D Tinkerbell chaotic map was used to generate the necessary random numbers for diffusion and confusion processes in the encryption. Additionally, through careful arithmetic operations, two more random number streams were derived from the main streams produced by the chaotic map. Thorough performance analyses and computer simulations have shown that this image cipher is robust, secure, and resilient against various threats, making it suitable for practical applications. Notably, the cipher achieved a very high information entropy value of 7.9975, indicating its effectiveness in encryption.
Impact of activity-based learning on understanding linear and quadratic functions: An evaluation of student performance and satisfaction in a Thai high school
Authors:   Faculty of Education, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham 44000, Thailand, Thonhongsa Pissinee , Srithammasatn Suphawadi ,   Mathematics learning group, Kosum Wittayasan School, Mahasarakham 44140 Thailand, Poonputta Apantee ,   Faculty of Education, Mahasarakham University, Mahasarakham 44000, Thailand
Published: June 2024

Linear and quadratic functions are crucial topics in math education, and there is a significant focus on using activity-based learning (ABL) to teach these subjects. However, previous research has shown gaps, especially in how this approach affects high school students' learning outcomes. Most studies focus only on test scores and do not consider students' satisfaction or apply these methods to other math topics. This study aimed to assess the impact of ABL on the academic performance and satisfaction of 11th-grade students with linear and quadratic functions. The research was conducted in a Thai public school with 38 participants, using various tools like an ABL curriculum, skills assessments, achievement tests, and a satisfaction survey. The findings clearly showed that ABL improves students' understanding and problem-solving skills in complex math topics like linear and quadratic functions. This study provides solid evidence that ABL is effective in high school math, suggesting it could improve students' overall learning experiences and outcomes.
Bridging Heart and Mind: Exploring Emotional Intelligence among Undergraduates in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Guo Wei , Zhao Xiran , Lee Phaik Gaik , Ke Liang
Published: June 2024

In today's dynamic educational landscape, integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology presents opportunities and challenges for educators, especially undergraduates. Emotional Intelligence (EI) is crucial in the AI age, impacting resilience (RI). However, the relationship between RI and EI among undergraduates is under explored. This study investigates this relationship among Chinese undergraduates, examining EI's significance amidst AI integration. Surveying 420 undergraduates from X University, China, using 2 questionnaires and PLS-SEM analysis, the study reveals high EI levels, particularly in emotional regulation, and a positive relationship between RI and EI. Findings stress the importance of socio-emotional skills in navigating AI-driven education.
Dimensional Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Creativity and Innovation in Malaysia's Multigenerational Workforce
Authors: Anak Anyot Veronica , Ahmad Noraini , Kartar Singh Jugindar Singh , Alhajri Najiya
Published: June 2024

Employers must cultivate a conducive environment for employee innovation and productivity. This study focused on the impact of emotional intelligence (EI) on creativity and innovation among multi-generational employees in Kuala Lumpur's financial sector. 132 employees participated, with results analyzed using SPSS and SmartPls version 4. Findings reveal that only the Use of Emotions (UOE) dimension significantly boosts creativity, while age moderates the link between creativity and innovation. This study offers insights valuable for recruitment, training, and organizational management. It contributes fresh perspectives to existing knowledge, marking the first of its kind in this context.
 
Keywords: Use of Emotions; Self Emotional Appraisal; Regulation of Emotion; Emotional Intelligence
Reflections on Identity, Positionality and Power in Community-Based Participatory Flood Research
Authors: Lam Foong Sin , Lee Jer Vui , Ngeow Yeok Meng
Published: June 2024

The paper explores the integration of Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) with hydrological modeling in flood risk management, focusing on positionality, identity, and power dynamics. Employing autoethnography as the primary research method, this study draws on personal experiences and reflections of researchers to deeply engage with and understand the cultural and social dynamics of flood-affected communities. By shifting from traditional authoritative research roles to more collaborative and facilitative engagements, the study promotes equitable and inclusive practices that align scientific rigor with the complexities of the communities involved. The broader application of CBPR principles ensures sustainable, community-driven approaches in flood risk management.
Physiotherapy Management combined with Blood Flow Restriction: A single case study
Authors: Fuhad Aslinda , Zahari Zarina , Justine Maria , Ismiyasa Suci Wahyu
Published: June 2024

The optimum long-term treatment for patellofemoral pain is uncertain, although current assessments and treatments emphasize physiological functioning and education above biological or tissue pathology. The 27-year-old man experienced patellofemoral pain for four years despite little physiotherapy management. Many doctors urged him to avoid excessive exertion, stopping him from enjoying sports. A month of 12 physiotherapy management and Blood Flow Restriction treatments reduced the patient's symptoms by 1%. This case study highlights the necessity for more significant research on patellofemoral pain workouts with physiotherapy and blood flow constraints.
Development of Medical Imaging: Islamic personality model
Authors: Sharip Hairenanorashikin , Ma’on Siti Noorsuriani , Abdullah Mohd Zulkifli , Cintami Farmawati
Published: June 2024

Integrating ethics into radiation protection via an Islamic approach demands tailored assessment tools to evaluate radiographers' adherence to Islamic ethical standards. Developing such tools for medical imaging bridges a crucial gap, fostering understanding of how Islamic values shape ethical decisions in this field. A theoretical foundation is vital for the validity and applicability of these assessments, drawing from Maqasid Shariah, Muslim Professional Traits, and Al-Ghazali's Theory of Islamic Personality. These frameworks promote ethical behaviour by emphasizing harm reduction, wellbeing promotion, and moral qualities rooted in Islamic teachings. Aligning practice with these principles ensures ethical excellence in radiation protection within the context of Islamic culture.
Determining User Preferences For Some Natural Astragalus Species Distributed in Ankara
Authors: Kızılkan Ilker , Dilaver Zuhal , Oktay Hilmi Ekin
Published: June 2024

This study applied a photograph-based survey to 130 participants to determine user preferences for 21 different Astragalus taxa with various characteristics distributed in Ankara. A total of 63 images likes were collected and the photographs were categorized. Three different categories were obtained in the confirmatory factor analysis. The differences between the averages of these categories were compared with the one-way ANOVA test, revealing a significant difference between the three categories. As a result, Astragalus anthylloides was identified as the most preferred species.
Preferences for the Old Towns Centers: The Case Study of Antalya Kaleiçi
Authors: Oktay Hilmi Ekin , Mutlu Danaci Hacer
Published: June 2024

The perception of historical urban areas is essential for the city. This study used photographs taken in Antalya Kaleiçi to question the perception of historic urban areas in the whole metropolitan area. In the study, in which the psychological model method was used in environmental aesthetics, categorization was carried out by factor analysis. In the study, in which five different categories emerged, it was revealed that users liked the open prospect views the most, and the streets were significantly less. The study's results are thought to contribute to the management of historic city centers.
Trudności w wyborze szkoły ponadpodstawowej w opinii rodziców
Authors: Pardej Katarzyna
Published: June 2024

Stan wiedzy wskazuje, że w proces decyzyjny związany z wyborem szkoły ponadpodstawowej zaangażowani są nie tylko uczniowie, ale także ich rodzice postrzegani przez młodzież jako najlepsi doradcy. W artykule przedstawiono wyniki badań własnych przeprowadzonych w polskich szkołach średnich, których celem było rozpoznanie trudności oraz okoliczności im towarzyszących związanych z wyborem szkoły ponadpodstawowej w opinii rodziców uczniów klas pierwszych technikum. W badaniach jakościowych wykorzystano metodę wywiadu. Próba badana wynosiła N=53. Analizę materiału badawczego przeprowadzono z wykorzystaniem programu MAXQDA 2022. Analiza danych jakościowych pozwoliła na wskazanie uwarunkowań występowania oraz braku występowania trudności związanych z wyborem szkoły ponadpodstawowej.
Znaczenie osobowości nauczyciela w procesie budowania relacji z uczniami – doświadczenia dorosłych wychowanków
Authors: Kozłowska-Nosek Katarzyna
Published: June 2024

Celem artykułu jest ukazanie znaczenia osobowości nauczycieli w procesie budowania relacji z uczniami, a także ukazanie szkicu pożądanych cech współczesnego nauczyciela, które ujawniają się w doświadczeniach uczestników badania. Teoretyczny namysł obejmuje definicyjne ujęcia zawodu nauczyciela i jego charakterystykę, krótki opis kompetencji nauczycielskich oraz opis etapów budowania relacji z grupą/klasą. Refleksja nad podjętą problematyką wskazuje, że jedną z osób mających znaczący wpływ na wychowanie młodego człowieka jest nauczyciel, z którym uczeń spędza w szkole dużą ilość czasu. W związku z tym powinien on posiadać odpowiednie kompetencje, aby właściwie kształtować swoich podopiecznych. Problematyka badawcza została ujęta w postaci następujących pytań: W jaki sposób nauczyciele budują relacje ze swoimi uczniami? Jakie cechy osobowości powinien posiadać współczesny nauczyciel? Punktem wyjścia do podjętych analiz były wyniki badań empirycznych dotyczące wskazanego problemu. Na potrzeby zgromadzenia materiału empirycznego wykorzystano metodę studium przypadków oraz technikę wywiadu narracyjnego skoncentrowanego na problemie. Badania zostały przeprowadzone wśród studentów pochodzących z województwa warmińsko-mazurskiego oraz województwa mazowieckiego.
Assessing the Feasibility and Acceptability of Smart Speakers in Behavioral Intervention Research With Older Adults: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Quinn Kelly , Leiser Ransom Sarah , O'Connell Carrie , Muramatsu Naoko , Marquez David X , Chin Jessie
Published: June 2024

Background

Smart speakers, such as Amazon’s Echo and Google’s Nest Home, combine natural language processing with a conversational interface to carry out everyday tasks, like playing music and finding information. Easy to use, they are embraced by older adults, including those with limited physical function, vision, or computer literacy. While smart speakers are increasingly used for research purposes (eg, implementing interventions and automatically recording selected research data), information on the advantages and disadvantages of using these devices for studies related to health promotion programs is limited.

Objective

This study evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of using smart speakers to deliver a physical activity (PA) program designed to help older adults enhance their physical well-being.

Methods

Community-dwelling older adults (n=18) were asked to use a custom smart speaker app to participate in an evidence-based, low-impact PA program for 10 weeks. Collected data, including measures of technology acceptance, interviews, field notes, and device logs, were analyzed using a concurrent mixed analysis approach. Technology acceptance measures were evaluated using time series ANOVAs to examine acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, and intention to adopt smart speaker technology. Device logs provided evidence of interaction with and adoption of the device and the intervention. Interviews and field notes were thematically coded to triangulate the quantitative measures and further expand on factors relating to intervention fidelity.

Results

Smart speakers were found to be acceptable for administering a PA program, as participants reported that the devices were highly usable (mean 5.02, SE 0.38) and had strong intentions to continue their use (mean 5.90, SE 0.39). Factors such as the voice-user interface and engagement with the device on everyday tasks were identified as meaningful to acceptability. The feasibility of the devices for research activity, however, was mixed. Despite the participants rating the smart speakers as easy to use (mean 5.55, SE 1.16), functional and technical factors, such as Wi-Fi connectivity and appropriate command phrasing, required the provision of additional support resources to participants and potentially impaired intervention fidelity.

Conclusions

Smart speakers present an acceptable and appropriate behavioral intervention technology for PA programs directed at older adults but entail additional requirements for resource planning, technical support, and troubleshooting to ensure their feasibility for the research context and for fidelity of the intervention.
Usability Evaluation Methods Used in Electronic Discharge Summaries: Literature Review
Authors: Tesfaye Wubshet , Jordan Margaret , Chen Timothy F , Castelino Ronald Lynel , Sud Kamal , Dabliz Racha , Aslani Parisa
Published: June 2024

Background

With the widespread adoption of digital health records, including electronic discharge summaries (eDS), it is important to assess their usability in order to understand whether they meet the needs of the end users. While there are established approaches for evaluating the usability of electronic health records, there is a lack of knowledge regarding suitable evaluation methods specifically for eDS.

Objective

This literature review aims to identify the usability evaluation approaches used in eDS.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, ACM Digital Library, MEDLINE, and ProQuest databases from their inception until July 2023. The study information was extracted and reported in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). We included studies that assessed the usability of eDS, and the systems used to display eDS.

Results

A total of 12 records, including 11 studies and 1 thesis, met the inclusion criteria. The included studies used qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods approaches and reported the use of various usability evaluation methods. Heuristic evaluation was the most used method to assess the usability of eDS systems (n=7), followed by the think-aloud approach (n=5) and laboratory testing (n=3). These methods were used either individually or in combination with usability questionnaires (n=3) and qualitative semistructured interviews (n=4) for evaluating eDS usability issues. The evaluation processes incorporated usability metrics such as user performance, satisfaction, efficiency, and impact rating.

Conclusions

There are a limited number of studies focusing on usability evaluations of eDS. The identified studies used expert-based and user-centered approaches, which can be used either individually or in combination to identify usability issues. However, further research is needed to determine the most appropriate evaluation method which can assess the fitness for purpose of discharge summaries.
Nutrition Management Miniprograms in WeChat: Evaluation of Functionality and Quality
Authors: Sun Hui , Wu Yanping , Sun Jia , Zhou Wu , Xu Qian , Hu Dandan
Published: July 2024

Background

With the rise in people’s living standards and aging populations, a heightened emphasis has been placed in the field of medical and health care. In recent years, there has been a drastic increase in nutrition management in domestic research circles. The mobile nutritional health management platform based on WeChat miniprograms has been widely used to promote health and self-management and to monitor individual nutritional health status in China. Nevertheless, there has been a lack of comprehensive scientific evaluation regarding the functionality and quality of the diverse range of nutritional miniprograms that have surfaced in the market.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the functionality and quality of China’s WeChat nutrition management miniprogram by using the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS).

Methods

This observational study involves quantitative methods. A keyword search for “nutrition,” “diet,” “food,” and “meal” in Chinese or English was conducted on WeChat, and all miniprograms pertaining to these keywords were thoroughly analyzed. Then, basic information including name, registration date, update date, service type, user scores, and functional scores was extracted from January 2017 to November 2023. Rating scores were provided by users based on their experience and satisfaction with the use of the WeChat miniprogram, and functional scores were integrated and summarized for the primary functions of each miniprogram. Moreover, the quality of nutrition management applets was evaluated by 3 researchers independently using the uMARS.

Results

Initially, 27 of 891 miniprograms identified were relevant to nutrition management. Among them, 85.2% (23/27) of them offered features for diet management, facilitating recording of daily dietary intake to evaluate nutritional status; 70.4% (19/27) provided resources for nutrition education and classroom instruction; 59.3% (16/27) included functionalities for exercise management, allowing users to record daily physical activity; and only 44.4% (12/27) featured components for weight management. The total quality score on the uMARS ranged 2.85-3.88 (median 3.38, IQR 3.14-3.57). Engagement scores on the uMARS varied from 2.00 to 4.33 (median 3.00, IQR 2.67-3.67). Functional dimension scores ranged from 3.00 to 4.00 (median 3.33, IQR 3.33-3.67), with a lower score of 2.67 and a higher score of 4.33 outside the reference range. Aesthetic dimension scores ranged from 2.33 to 4.67 (median 3.67, IQR 3.33-4.00). Informational dimension scores ranged from 2.33 to 4.67 (median 3.33, IQR 2.67-3.67).

Conclusions

Our findings from the uMARS highlight a predominant emphasis on health aspects over nutritional specifications in the app supporting WeChat miniprograms related to nutrition management. The quality of these miniprograms is currently at an average level, with considerable room for functional improvements in the future.
Recognition of Daily Activities in Adults With Wearable Inertial Sensors: Deep Learning Methods Study
Authors: De Ramón Fernández Alberto , Ruiz Fernández Daniel , García Jaén Miguel , Cortell-Tormo Juan M.
Published: June 2024

Background

Activities of daily living (ADL) are essential for independence and personal well-being, reflecting an individual’s functional status. Impairment in executing these tasks can limit autonomy and negatively affect quality of life. The assessment of physical function during ADL is crucial for the prevention and rehabilitation of movement limitations. Still, its traditional evaluation based on subjective observation has limitations in precision and objectivity.

Objective

The primary objective of this study is to use innovative technology, specifically wearable inertial sensors combined with artificial intelligence techniques, to objectively and accurately evaluate human performance in ADL. It is proposed to overcome the limitations of traditional methods by implementing systems that allow dynamic and noninvasive monitoring of movements during daily activities. The approach seeks to provide an effective tool for the early detection of dysfunctions and the personalization of treatment and rehabilitation plans, thus promoting an improvement in the quality of life of individuals.

Methods

To monitor movements, wearable inertial sensors were developed, which include accelerometers and triaxial gyroscopes. The developed sensors were used to create a proprietary database with 6 movements related to the shoulder and 3 related to the back. We registered 53,165 activity records in the database (consisting of accelerometer and gyroscope measurements), which were reduced to 52,600 after processing to remove null or abnormal values. Finally, 4 deep learning (DL) models were created by combining various processing layers to explore different approaches in ADL recognition.

Results

The results revealed high performance of the 4 proposed models, with levels of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score ranging between 95% and 97% for all classes and an average loss of 0.10. These results indicate the great capacity of the models to accurately identify a variety of activities, with a good balance between precision and recall. Both the convolutional and bidirectional approaches achieved slightly superior results, although the bidirectional model reached convergence in a smaller number of epochs.

Conclusions

The DL models implemented have demonstrated solid performance, indicating an effective ability to identify and classify various daily activities related to the shoulder and lumbar region. These results were achieved with minimal sensorization—being noninvasive and practically imperceptible to the user—which does not affect their daily routine and promotes acceptance and adherence to continuous monitoring, thus improving the reliability of the data collected. This research has the potential to have a significant impact on the clinical evaluation and rehabilitation of patients with movement limitations, by providing an objective and advanced tool to detect key movement patterns and joint dysfunctions.
Assessing the Accuracy of Smartwatch-Based Estimation of Maximum Oxygen Uptake Using the Apple Watch Series 7: Validation Study
Authors: Caserman Polona , Yum Sungsoo , Göbel Stefan , Reif Andreas , Matura Silke
Published: June 2024

Background

Determining maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) is essential for evaluating cardiorespiratory fitness. While laboratory-based testing is considered the gold standard, sports watches or fitness trackers offer a convenient alternative. However, despite the high number of wrist-worn devices, there is a lack of scientific validation for VO2max estimation outside the laboratory setting.

Objective

This study aims to compare the Apple Watch Series 7’s performance against the gold standard in VO2max estimation and Apple’s validation findings.

Methods

A total of 19 participants (7 female and 12 male), aged 18 to 63 (mean 28.42, SD 11.43) years were included in the validation study. VO2max for all participants was determined in a controlled laboratory environment using a metabolic gas analyzer. Thereby, they completed a graded exercise test on a cycle ergometer until reaching subjective exhaustion. This value was then compared with the estimated VO2max value from the Apple Watch, which was calculated after wearing the watch for at least 2 consecutive days and measured directly after an outdoor running test.

Results

The measured VO2max (mean 45.88, SD 9.42 mL/kg/minute) in the laboratory setting was significantly higher than the predicted VO2max (mean 41.37, SD 6.5 mL/kg/minute) from the Apple Watch (t18=2.51; P=.01) with a medium effect size (Hedges g=0.53). The Bland-Altman analysis revealed a good overall agreement between both measurements. However, the intraclass correlation coefficient ICC(2,1)=0.47 (95% CI 0.06-0.75) indicated poor reliability. The mean absolute percentage error between the predicted and the actual VO2max was 15.79%, while the root mean square error was 8.85 mL/kg/minute. The analysis further revealed higher accuracy when focusing on participants with good fitness levels (mean absolute percentage error=14.59%; root-mean-square error=7.22 ml/kg/minute; ICC(2,1)=0.60 95% CI 0.09-0.87).

Conclusions

Similar to other smartwatches, the Apple Watch also overestimates or underestimates the VO2max in individuals with poor or excellent fitness levels, respectively. Assessing the accuracy and reliability of the Apple Watch’s VO2max estimation is crucial for determining its suitability as an alternative to laboratory testing. The findings of this study will apprise researchers, physical training professionals, and end users of wearable technology, thereby enhancing the knowledge base and practical application of such devices in assessing cardiorespiratory fitness parameters.
Young Consumers’ Satisfaction and Intention in Sharing Economy Using the Case of Airbnb
Authors: Xu Yue
Published: June 2024

This paper sought to investigate young consumers’ satisfaction and intention in sharing economy using Airbnb as the ideal case company. In doing so the entity sought to fill up gaps in the literature on hotel management, since the study discovered that there is no detailed concept of consumer behaviour in the process of providing services as an intermediary platform in the market. In ensuring these gaps were adequately filled the study relied on quantitative research methods which ensured that voluminous data was collected within limited time limits and included using questionnaire survey, and finally have the collected data analysed using SPSS. Accordingly, the study found out that customer satisfaction has a general positive relationship towards young customer’s intention to use Airbnb. This was has been gained as a result of benefits of the share economy that customers tend to gain through affordability, familiarity, trust or even offering customers a feeling of belonging that induce higher satisfaction and eventually high intention to use Airbnb. Therefore, the study recommends that Airbnb should consider offering customized services for different markets and also, the entity should also increase investment in innovation so that it can enable it come up with winning products within Airbnb hence increase the customers satisfaction and resultant customer intention.
The Impact of Folic Acid and B12 Administration on Growth, Wool Traits and Some Hormones Concentrations of Male Arabi Lambs
Authors: Yousief Kassim Waleed , F. Al-Helou Murtada
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to investigate the effects of folic acid and vitamin B12 administration on the growth and wool traits in male lambs. A total of fifteen animals was used from 1st February 2015 to 30th April 2015, divided into three treatment groups. The first group served as a control, the second group received a folic acid dosage equivalent to 0.5 mg per kilogram of body weight per head, and the third group received a vitamin B12 dosage equivalent to 0.1 mg per kilogram of body weight per head. The vitamins were administered orally twice a week. The results showed a significant improvement (P<0.05) in final body weight, daily gain, and total weight gain in the vitamin B12 and folic acid groups compared to the control group. Additionally, there was a significant (P<0.05) increase in all wool characteristics, except for crimp number, in the folic acid group compared to the control group. The study demonstrated significant relationships between body weight and every aspect of wool quality except for fiber length. There was a significant (P<0.05) increase in the concentrations of growth and thyroxine hormones in the vitamin B12 and folic acid groups compared to the control group, particularly in the second and third months of the experiment. No significant difference in insulin hormone concentration among the groups was observed during the 90-day experiment. In conclusion, administering vitamin B12 and folic acid are orally administered twice a week to improve growth, increase hormone concentrations (thyroxine and growth hormone), and improve wool quality
Seasonal and Spatial Influences on Rotifera Biodiversity in the Upper Sector of the Tigris River Passing Through Wasit Province, Southern Iraq
Authors: J. H. Idrees Shaima , Nashaat Muhanned R. , Al-Sariy Jameel S.
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the biodiversity, diversity, and distribution of Rotifera in the upper sector of the Tigris River, Wasit Province, Iraq, from January to December 2022. Five sites, approximately 10 Km apart, were selected along a 1415 Km stretch of the river. A total of 67 rotifer taxa were identified. The highest density recorded was 27,454 individuals/m³ in November, and the lowest was 710.6 individuals/m³ in July. The relative abundance index identified five less abundant rotifer species. The species richness index ranged from moderate to ideal, while the Shannon-Wiener index indicated moderate diversity. The species uniformity index varied from unbalanced up to highly balanced. Sites 2 and 3 had the highest similarity index values, whereas sites 1 and 4 had the lowest. Thirty-four taxa were constant species, with others being accidental or accessory. Our results concluded that upstream areas recorded lower relative abundance compared to downstream. According to the Shannon-Wiener index, the Tigris River can be classified as having high diversity, suggesting a good and diversified aquatic ecosystem
The Serial Mediating Role of Acidity Content and total Soluble Solids in Linking Peel Thickness to Vitamin C Content in Some Accessions of Citrus limon (L.) Burm
Authors: Khlifi Farid El- , Kriri Kaoutar , El-Bakkali Mohamed
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to examine whether the association between PT and VC content is influenced by the levels of TSS and AT content. More Specifically, the experimental analytical investigation involved 24 lemon Accession (Citrus limon (L.) Burm.), with a focus on the VC content in the fruits. Serial mediation analyses were conducted using Model 6 of Hayes’ PROCESS macro (version 4.2), with controls for weight, FL, number of seeds per fruits, and percentage of juice. The mediation analysis indicated that PT had a total effect of 31.74 (95% CI, 9.04-54.45) on VC content. This effect was divided into a direct effect of 7.13(95% CI, -14.15-28.40) and an indirect effect of 24.61 (95% CI, 12.16-37.93), with an estimated proportion of 77.54% being mediated by levels of TSS and AT. Additionally, TSS and AT were identified as independent factors contributing to the increase in VC content, serving as significant mediators in the relationship between PT and VC content. In summary, our findings suggest that levels of TSS and AT play crucial roles as mediators in linking PT to VC content. These findings have practical implications for optimizing vitamin C levels in citrus fruits
Production-optimization of Biosurfactant from Mangrove Sediment Bacteria using Media Salinity, Differences in Carbon Source Concentration and pH Levels
Authors: Pratama Hamzah A. Hadian , Heryadi D. Yadi , Pramono Susatyo Adhi
Published: June 2024

The research's goal is to find the best conditions for making a biosurfactant from bacteria by looking at the molecular structure of the biosurfactant made, the pH and salinity of the medium, and the amount of olive oil used as a carbon source. This research is descriptive/experimental research for screening and characterization of biosurfactants, while experimental research is for optimizing biosurfactant production. Optimization in this research used a completely randomized design (CRD). The parameter used in biosurfactant optimization is IE24. According to research on the bacterium P. aestusnigri NNA 0-9 from mangroves, the best conditions for biosurfactant production were using a 5% concentration of olive oil as a carbon source at pH 7 without the addition of NaCl and time incubation for 6 days. Based on the FTIR results, the biosurfactant molecular structure analysis shows that the compound that was made is rhamnolipid. The conclusions of this study provide a detailed description of the optimal parameters required for biosurfactant production while also providing identification of the molecular structure produced by the bacterium P. aestusnigri NNA 0-9 from mangrove. These findings provide a strong foundation for further development regarding the use of biosurfactants in industrial and environmental applications. In the optimization stage, statistical approach methods such as Response Surface Methodology (RSM) need to be used to obtain an optimization model
Structural and Optical properties of Green and Chemical synthesized Tin Sulfide for Dye Sensitized Solar Cells Applications
Authors: Anand C. N. Omprakash , Rajamanickam A. T. , Shanmugasundaram K. , Manikantan K.
Published: June 2024

Abstract: The structural and optical properties of nanoparticles perform a crucial role in generating highly effective dyesensitized solar cells. This study focuses on the synthesis of Tin Sulfide (SnS) nanoparticles using both Green and chemical methods. The SnS nanoparticles are then characterized using several analytical techniques, including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The XRD examination indicated the existence of an Orthorhombic SnS structure in both C:SnS and G:SnS nanoparticles. The crystallite size was found to be 13 nm for C:SnS and 5 nm for G:SnS, suggesting that the synthesized material is in the nanoscale range. The FESEM imaging revealed the presence of a spherical form in both nanoparticles. XRF confirmed the existence of Sn and S elements while also confirming the lack of any other impurities, so verifying the purity of the nanoparticles. The UV-visible spectroscopy results showed that the band gap energy for C:SnS was 2.40 eV, while for G:SnS it was 2.28 eV. The J-V characteristic curve of chemically synthesized SnS demonstrates power conversion efficiency of 5.13%, whereas the Green Synthesized SnS reveals an efficiency of 5.57%. This indicates that both materials have potential uses in DSSC devices.
A Hybrid Classification Model (Fruits or Vegetable) Using Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Maurya Karan Kumar , Verma Adarsh , Gaur Danish , Patel Ankit
Published: June 2024

Abstract: In modern vision and pattern recognition, complex tasks such as picture analysis, facial recognition, fingerprint identification, and DNA sequencing necessitate a nuanced approach, often requiring the integration of multiple feature descriptors. This research proposes a multi-model identification and classification strategy leveraging multi- feature fusion techniques to address these intricate challenges. Specifically, the focus is on fruit and vegetable recognition and classification, a burgeoning field in computer and machine vision. By employing an identification system tailored to fruits and vegetables and harnessing the capabilities of MobileNetV2 architecture, customers and buyers can more easily discern the type and quality of produce. MobileNetV2, a convolutional neural network architecture optimized for mobile devices, offers promising performance in real-world applications. This abstract highlight the significance of CNNs and MobileNetV2 in tackling multifaceted recognition tasks, underscoring the potential for enhanced efficiency and accuracy in fruit and vegetable classification.
PKM Penyuluhan Kesehatan Reproduksi, Perilaku Bersih dan Sehat (PHBS) dan Gerakan Menabung Pada Guru dan Siswa Sekolah Dasar Negeri 3 Batur, Kecamatan Kintamani, Bangli
Authors: Indraningrat Anak Agung Gede , Wijaya Made Dharmesti , Idawati Ida Ayu Agung
Published: July 2024

Sekolah Dasar adalah tingkatan pendidikan formal pertama yang dilalui siswa-siswa di Indonesia. Pendidikan di tingkat SD memegang peranan penting dalam membangun karakter siswa-siswa yang akan dibawa hingga ke tingkat remaja dan dewasa. Mitra pada kegiatan PKM ini adalah guru dan siswa di SD Negeri 3 Batur, Kecamatan Kintamani, Bangli. Kegiatan PKM akan difokuskan untuk memecahkan permasalahan mitra di bidang kesehatan dan ekonomi. Hasil diskusi awal dengan perwakilan mitra yaitu kepala sekolah SDN 3 Batur menunjukkan bahwa mitra memerlukan penyuluhan dan pemahaman tentang penyakit reproduksi pada wanita seperti penyuluhan tentang kanker serviks dan payudara karena mitra merasa masih minimnya pemahaman akan kedua penyakit ini. Mitra juga ingin mendapatkan pemahaman tentang perilaku bersih dan sehat pada murid-murid SDN 3 Batur khususnya tentang cara mencuci tangan yang bersih dan benar. Pada aspek ekonomi, mitra ingin mendapatkan pelatihan tentang gerakan gemar menabung pada siswa.  Kegiatan PKM telah berlangsung selama 10 bulan dari Mei 2023 hingga Februari 2024. Tim pengbadi memberikan pembekalan tentang aspek kesehatan reproduksi pada guru-guru wanita dan penyuluhan tentang perilaku bersih dan sehat pada siswa-siswa SD. Selain itu, siswa-siswa SD juga dibekali penyuluhan gerakan gemar menabung. Hasil evaluasi nilai pre dan posttest pada mitra berturut-turut sebesar 42 poin dan 10 poin setelah dilakukan evaluasi atas penyuluhan kegiatan reproduksi dan pneyuluhan tenang PHBS dan gerakan gemar menabung. Pada pelaksanan PKM, tim pengabdi memberikan bantuan langsung yang dibutuhkan mitra berupa tong sampah, bak mencuci tangan, alat tensi meter, kotak P3K, timbangan dan tinggi badan, serta lima puluh souvenir celengan untuk siswa dan uang tunai sebesar dua puluh ribu per anak.  Hasil monitoring dan evaluasi menunjukkan mitra sudah menggunakan bantuan alat yang diberikan dengan baik dan menerapkan PHBS dengan baik.  Luaran dari kegiatan ini akan dipublikasikan jurnal nasional Community Service Journal dengan nomor E-ISSN: 2654-9379 dan P-ISSN: 2654-9360 dan video kegiatan berdurasi 4 menit.