bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Botulinum toxin-A in the treatment of upper facial wrinkles: efficacy comparison of different formulations
Authors: L H , M Elif , KUTLUBAY Zekayi
Published: October 2023

Objective: It is suggested that different formulations of botulinum toxin-A (BoNT-A) used for the same indication might be a factor affecting patient satisfaction. This study aimed to assess patient satisfaction levels in treating upper facial wrinkles (UFW) using various BoNT-A formulations and their association with age and gender.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 600 UFW patients treated with different formulations of BoNT-A. The BoNT-A formulations included three different groups: onaBoNT-A (ONA, n:200), aboBoNT-A (ABO, n:200), and praBoNT-A (PRA, n:200).In the patient files or records, satisfaction levels from the BoNT-A application were scored as follows: 1: not satisfied, 2: slightly satisfied, 3: satisfied, 4: very satisfied, 5: completely satisfied.
Results: The mean patient satisfaction scores were similar in the ONA and ABO groups, but higher in the PRA group (4.4±0.5 vs. 4.3±0.6 vs. 4.0±0.9, P <0.001, respectively). The mean satisfaction score of the patients aged 18-30 and those aged >60 were lower than the other age groups. Among all patients in the 41-50 age range, the patient satisfaction score was higher in the ONA group than the ABO and PRA group. In all female patients, the mean satisfaction score was lower in the PRA group compared to the ONA and ABO groups (P <0.001),
Conclusions: While various BoNT-A formulations are generally associated with high patient satisfaction in the treatment of UFW, this can vary depending on age ranges and gender. Evaluating patient-related factors such as age and gender can contribute to the treatment planning for UFW and enhancing treatment adherence.
The Assessment of The Quality and Content of YouTube Videos Concerning Dental Treatments Performed Under General Anesthesia
Authors: lu Yelda , Tekin Alperen , Ay Necmiye
Published: October 2023

Objective:
This study evaluates the content and quality of YouTube videos on dental procedures under general anesthesia, a crucial topic for patients with disabilities or complex medical conditions.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on the first 200 videos yielded by a "general anesthesia in dentistry" search on YouTube. Videos were evaluated based on 13 criteria, and Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI) was used for overall quality assessment.
Results:
The study analyzed 180 videos, with 115 meeting the selection criteria. These videos showed good reliability in content and Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI) scores, and were mostly uploaded by healthcare professionals from the U.S., India. Average video length was about 7 minutes. They mainly discussed reasons for choosing general anesthesia. Majority of videos (79.1%) were uploaded by healthcare professionals. Among the 115 videos, 20% were full-content, while 83.5% and 16.5% were classified as high-content and low-content, respectively. High-content videos were longer and had higher VIQI scores.
Conclusion:
Majority of videos on the topic were created by professionals. The reasons for choosing general anesthesia were the most discussed topic. Despite study limitations, these YouTube videos serve as effective supplementary material for both healthcare professionals and laypersons.
A multi country comparison of the Tuberculosis and Endocrine related mortality in public health perspective
Authors: Akduman Seha
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The aim of the study is to examine tuberculosis and endocrine-related deaths worldwide from WHO ICD-10 data with multi-country comparisons.
Material and Method: ICD-10 mortality data of WHO was used. Given mortality codes were examined, and mortality data records for 14 countries between 1996 and 2017 were used.
Results: For people over 60 ages, the most common mortality was reported for endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases, followed by respiratory related deaths. Respiratory related mortality is the most dominant mortality among other tuberculosis mortality and endocrine, nutrition and metabolic diseases related mortality. The most frequent mortality was reported in 2005, followed by 2004 and 2003. Infant deaths and 60 and above age mortality differences between gender groups were statistically insignificant for all mortality causes of the research (p>0.05). For under 60 ages, respiratory and other tuberculosis related mortalities were significantly higher in the male patients (p<0.05). Cause, year and country parameters were determinants of infant mortality with statistically significant rates (p<0.05). However, effect of gender on infant mortality for research causes was insignificant (p>0.05). For under 60 age group; cause, gender, year and country parameters had significant effect on mortality rates (p<0.05). Cause, gender, year and country parameters were not effective on mortalities above 60 ages (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Although there is no sufficient data to establish a direct relationship on TB-related deaths and endocrine-related deaths, the occurrence of both diseases in similar countries according to the World Bank development evaluation with same trends indicates the questioning of the relationship between these two disease groups.
Surgical Neuromodulation of Traumatic Brachial Plexus Injuries a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: AlAbbas Faisal
Published: October 2023

Background: Traumatic brachial plexus injuries are common among young adults, with a majority of patients succumbing to chronic pain syndromes. Conservative management is usually not satisfactory in these cases and surgical interventions are often required. We have conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis examining one of the neurosurgical techniques, spinal cord stimulation (SCS), in chronic pain neuromodulation in cases of chronic pain syndrome after traumatic brachial plexus injuries. Objective: This systematic review aims to explore the reported use of cervical spinal cord stimulation as a neuromodulator in patients with chronic pain syndromes following traumatic brachial plexus injury. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE through the OVID interface, ProQuest, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, and Scopus. Our own files and reference lists of identified key articles were also searched. Results: A total of 13 studies (8 case reports and 5 case series), comprising 29 patients were included. Most brachial plexus injuries were sustained in motor vehicle accidents. 86% (25/29) of patients showed a good initial response to SCS, however, the response decreased over time, and 69% (20/29) of the patients reported a good response at the end of follow-up. Lead migration was the only complication reported in two studies. Conclusion: SCS is a less invasive procedure with significantly fewer neurological side effects. A trial period of SCS is suggested in patients who have failed conservative treatment modalities before other neurosurgical interventions are considered.
Biochemical and pharmacological properties of reporter systems and nanoparticles: For better tumors imaging and treatment
Authors: Baghdadi Hussam
Published: October 2023

Reporter systems can analyze the biochemical and molecular processes in viable cells and organs and help imaging of cancer. That includes gene transcription activity, protein–protein interactions, sub-cellular localization and proteases activities. This helps studying the aspects of neoplastic trans¬formation, drug development, monitoring specific cancer-related events and tracing complex patho¬logical events (angiogenesis, apoptosis, proto-oncogene activity, oncongenes, tumor suppressor genes and tumor promoting signals). Resolution and sensitivity govern the choice of reporters. Nanoparticles have diverse uses (magnetic, catalytic, optical, thermodynamic, and electrochemical). Nanoparti¬cles include aptamers, quantum dots, core-shell silica particles, gold nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, liposomes, dendrimers, oligonucleotides and magnetic nanoparticles. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) have the advantages of easy visualization using Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), easy cellular targeting, possibility of generating hyperthermia, and easy biodegradation into metabolizable iron particles. Magnetic nanoparticles can be used in chemotherapy, magnetic hyper¬thermia, photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy. MRI is the most valuable noninvasive imaging techniques to overcome magnetic nanoparticles colloidal instability. In conclusion, SPIONs are among the best nanoparticles to date owing to their easy visualization using MRI, easy cellular targeting, possibility of generating hyperthermia, and easy biodegradation into metabolizable iron particles. Research regarding reporter systems and nanoparticles is quite interesting and challenging. More research efforts are needed to optimize in vivo cancer imaging and therapeutics monitoring.
Psychiatric morbidities among sexual minorities in India: A cross-sectional study from a north-east state of Manipur
Authors: R Niranjan , Jotibannand Darshan , Kalasagond Manovijay , Hegde Soumya
Published: October 2023

Background: Sexual minorities refer to individuals whose sexual identity, gender orientation, and sexual practices differ from that of surrounding society. In general, they are called lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. Because of the stigma and discrimination, they are prone to many psychological issues.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to study the psychiatric morbidities among sexual minority people of Manipur.

Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted with the help of a non-governmental organization in a northeast state of Manipur after getting ethical committee approval. A total of 70 sexual minority individuals were selected using non-probability sampling. After taking the consent, a semi-structured pro forma was used to collect sociodemographic details. Mini‑international neuropsychiatry interview‑plus was administered to assess psychiatric morbidities.

Results: Lesser family support and a higher history of sexual abuse were present in our study group. Depression was found in 25% of lesbians and transgender each and in 20% of gay people in our group whereas current suicidal risk was seen among 31.2% of transgender and 15% among lesbians and gays in our study sample. Anxiety spectrum of disorders was present in 41.6% of lesbians, 35% of gays, 33.3% of bisexuals, and in 53.1% of transgender. Substance dependence was present among 41.6% lesbians, 66.6% of gays, 66.6% of bisexuals, and 43.7% of transgender.

Conclusion: Higher prevalence of psychiatric morbidities was found among these sexual minority individuals and hence prompting for a necessary intervention at the earliest.
Improving para sports concussion care
Authors:   , Weiler Richard Mark
Published: October 2023

Very little is known about para sports injuries in general, despite organised para sports competitions having been held 112 years ago. Only recently have consensus guidelines been published on the recording and reporting of data for injury and illness surveillance studies in para sport. Faced with this emerging field, even less is known about the incidence and prevalence of concussions, perhaps because of a research vacuum in the assessment, diagnosis, and management of concussions in para sport.

The primary objective of this thesis is to begin the process of building an evidence-informed foundation for para concussion care. Achieving this objective will require understanding the context of para concussions, of adapting existing clinical guidelines on sports concussions for para athletes and of developing guidelines specific to this athlete population.

This thesis will use mixed methods.

Chapter 2 describes a systematic review of existing prospective injury surveillance studies in para sports to understand the quality of what is thought to be known on the wider subject of injuries within para sports.
Chapter 3 contains a prospective injury surveillance study in a para football cohort, which will give insight into whether the risk of head injuries can be determined longitudinally rather than in short-term studies looking at shorter competitions.
Chapter 4 compares preseason baseline SCAT3 scores for a range of England international footballers (with and without impairments). In the absence of normative data for SCAT3 scores and insights into the usability of SCAT3 for athletes with a disability, this study will aim to determine whether differences exist between baseline SCAT3 scores for footballers with and without disability.
Chapter 5 is a Position Statement providing specific recommendations and guidance related to para athletes and their attending medical professionals in case a para athlete sustains a suspected concussion. A multidisciplinary group of experts and para athletes was convened with clinical or academic expertise within the para sport and para concussion (Concussion in Para Sport - CIPS) Group. Chapter 5 includes an Infographic representation of the Position Statement.
Chapter 6 contains an exploratory qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews with current or retired (still playing club football) male English blind footballers. This chapter assesses the athletes’ perceptions of concussion, concussion risks, and concussion prevention based on their experiences in para football. This chapter should lead to new insights into concussion care for para athletes (and possibly non-para athletes). Chapter 6 includes an Infographic representation of the study.
Chapter 7 is a general discussion in which the results of the various studies conducted are discussed in a broader context.
Social Selves and Social Others in Adolescent Development
Authors:   , Walsh Reubs J
Published: October 2023

The aim of the studies reported in this thesis was to deepen our understanding of how the specific social conditions under which an individual develops influences their psychosocial adjustment. Adolescence is a sensitive window for the development of cognitive and affective functions and schemata, and all but one (Chapter 6) of the presented studies were therefore conducted with 12-15 year-olds. During adolescence, the salience of peer-related social reward undergoes a dramatic increase, and autonomy becomes a high priority in their familial relationships. Adolescents consequently “socially reorient,” from family toward peers. Unlike familial relationships, peer relationships are ‘voluntary’, and therefore conditional. Adolescents must learn to navigate unstated conditions, adjusting their behaviour to differing, and often conflicting, sets of expectations with multiple different individuals across a number of contexts. In turning to peers to replace parents as their primary social supports, adolescents may often find themselves in a parallel struggle to establish autonomy, not (only) from parents but from their friends and peer group. Indeed, the surge in peer-related social reward sensitivity may lead adolescents to perceive risks to their social connections and/or status as far outweighing other considerations. Since identities, like social behaviours, are often shaped by relationships and how we believe our relationship partners perceive us, this supports the developmental task of establishing a flexible, stable and unified identity. Combined with the increased need for context-sensitive social behaviour, this requires adolescents to develop multiple role-related selves. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory (SDT), the Adaptive Calibration Model (ACM), and related scholarship, this thesis will argue that adolescence can be understood as a period in which long-term adaptation to one’s sociocultural context is accomplished in part by canalising a variety of self- consistent, context-sensitive behavioural ‘modes’, which may be represented as facets of the self, and that adolescent-onset internalising disorders can be understood as dysregulation of this system of adaptive identity.
Between text and application
Authors:   , Mulder Gerrit Willem Sebastiaan
Published: October 2023

The most significant characteristic of Reformed Pietist homiletics is the three phases of the approach it takes: that of first explaining, then teaching and finally applying. Hence, we refer to this concept as the homiletic triad. In this scheme, the doctrinal section forms the bridge between exegesis and application. Various names have been used for that central section of the sermon, but whatever the nomenclature, the teaching points are the linking section in the sermon in which as much Biblical understanding as possible must be inculcated in the hearers to teach the meaning of the text relevant to their current situation.
Based on the homiletics examined, we can establish that Reformed Pietists used a homiletic concept tailored to engagement with the times. They addressed this aspect in their homiletics not topically, but rather theologically.
The preacher delivers his sermon with God’s warrant and mandate; the sermon is ministry of the Word under the prompting of the Holy Spirit. After the explanation of the text, the preacher fleshes out what the thrust of the message is for the hearers. He then discusses what usefulness the text contains for them. Application is necessary to ensure that the hearer retains the message. In this construct, theological actuality enters the realm of anthropological actuality, and indeed theological actuality determines anthropological actuality. It is of note in this regard that anthropological actuality is allowed to co-determine the choice of text, doctrinal points and applicatory insights drawn from the text; but its substantive interpretation is determined by Scripture itself, in the framework of Reformed hermeneutics.
Physical activity and dietary intake in patients with ovarian cancer
Authors:   , Stelten Stephanie
Published: October 2023

Overall, this thesis advocates to move beyond the measurement of BMI to assess body composition, because other measures of body composition such as muscle and fat measures seem more promising as a prognostic factor for clinical outcomes. In addition, this thesis highlights the need for physical activity and dietary interventions in patients with ovarian cancer as their current physical activity levels and dietary intake are suboptimal. To improve adherence rates to a physical activity and dietary intervention, it is important to tailor this intervention to ovarian cancer-specific adverse effects and comorbidities. Future interventions should incorporate strategies to improve self-efficacy and outcome expectations to increase their efficacy, while also taking age into account. Experimental trials consisting of a combined physical activity and dietary intervention are warranted to provide insight into the effect of a physical activity and dietary intervention on clinical outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer during chemotherapy treatment.
The landscape of combination therapies against glioblastoma
Authors:   , Houweling Megan
Published: October 2023

We demonstrate in this thesis how new targets can be identified and highlight the challenges that lie in front of us when trying to translate these steps toward the clinic. We conclude that the blood-brain barrier, PD/PK of drugs, and therapy resistance are still major challenges and explain the limited improvement in treatment options for patients with GBM. First, GBM is a diffuse glioma located in the brain where the blood-brain barrier prevents the crossing of drugs and thereby limits the efficacy of treatment. Second, inter- and intratumoral heterogeneity have been observed in GBM leading to different cellular subpopulations with distinctive genetic profiles. Hence, treating these subpopulations with targeted drugs allows until now still survival of certain subpopulations that are not sensitive to this treatment. Lastly, therapy resistance is often seen in GBM patients and is probably related to intratumoral heterogeneity, but the intrinsic molecular mechanism is still not fully understood. Together they lead to the inevitable recurrence of the tumor.
From research to clinical care
Authors:   , Vertessen Karen
Published: October 2023

The overall aim of this dissertation was to to advance our understanding regarding
current problems in pharmacological treatment of children with ADHD resulting
in practical recommendations for clinical implementation. This resulted in the
development of a Placebo controlled Titration (PCT) protocol that can be used successfully in clinical practice and that shows advantages of better detection of children who do not benefit from MPH treatment compared titration as usual. Our studies also resulted in further insights on factors influencing clinical improvement with MPH, revealing that higher doses did not universally lead to greater improvement. Furthermore, it was clearly shown that non-specific effects contributed to symptom improvement as reported by parents,
possibly partly caused by ‘regression to the mean effects’. Practical recommendations
for clinical care were derived from the findings, combined with two other Dutch studies
we integrated in the overview in chapter 5. Our meta-regression analyses demonstrated the superiority of MPH over placebo in improving ADHD symptoms and neurocognitive
functions, although the effect sizes varied across functions and doses, with for some
functions (ADHD symptoms and lower-order neurocognitive functions) clear linear
effects of dose.
Linking fire and decomposition in gymnosperm trees: the role of biotic disturbances
Authors:   , Zhang Shudong
Published: October 2023

Forests play a crucial role in providing key ecosystem services, including climate regulation through carbon absorption and storage. However, climate warming poses a threat to this function by increasing the frequency and severity of disturbances such as droughts, fires, and insect outbreaks. These disturbances can directly and indirectly affect forest functions and carbon stocks. Wildfires, in particular, are significant ecological processes influenced by factors like ignition sources, fuel types, and climates, with drought being a primary driver under climate change. Understanding the interactions between abiotic disturbances like wildfires and biotic disturbances such as tree attacks by plant pathogens and invertebrates is essential. However, the causes and consequences of these interactions of biotic and abiotic disturbances for tree and forest carbon dynamics, whether or not via plant traits, are still poorly understood.
Therefore, in this thesis, I put focus on surface fires driven by fine plant litter and coarse wood of gymnosperm tree species, and investigate how fire and decomposition, and their mutual interactions, are driven by important forest biotic disturbance agents (parasitic fungi and beetles) for coarse deadwood and by plant-centered biotic factors, i.e. the ‘legacy effects’ of variations in leaf litter SSS (the size and shape spectrum) and PES (the plant economics spectrum) traits. From Chapters 2 to 5, this thesis addresses four main research questions: (a) Are leaf litter decomposability and flammability decoupled across gymnosperm species based on their trait spectra? (b) Will the opportunistic parasitic fungus Armillaria affect the flammability of coarse deadwood in exotic pine plantations? (c) Does the legacy of this opportunistic parasitic fungus speed up the coarse wood decomposition of exotic pine plantations? (d) Do wood-boring beetles influence the flammability of deadwood across decomposition stages?
In summary, the findings of this thesis demonstrate that both plant traits and biotic disturbances are important drivers of decomposition rates and fire properties, and their interactions. First, different (mostly decoupled) plant trait spectra drive the decomposability and flammability of fine litters. Second, specifically parasitic fungal attacks and wood-boring beetle infestations, have a notable impact on coarse deadwood. These disturbances lower the wildfire threshold or extend the smoldering phase, promoting decay processes. These dynamics, from fine litters to deadwood, have significant environmental implications, as together they expedite carbon release and contribute to climate warming. However, it is important to acknowledge that this thesis primarily focused on model species, and future research should encompass a broader range of species, also in mixture, to enhance the generalizability and practicality of the findings.
A CONTRIBUIÇÃO DO FONOAUDIÓLOGO NA ALFABETIZAÇÃO DE CRIANÇAS COM TDAH: UMA ANÁLISE BIBLIOGRÁFICA
Authors: Ricarte Gilmara de Lima Gomes , Soares Jorciane da Conceição Costa , Amorim Berteson Jorge Leite
Published: October 2023

O presente estudo surge da crescente preocupação com as dificuldades de alfabetização em crianças que enfrentam Transtorno de Déficit de Atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH). O papel do fonoaudiólogo tem sido cada vez mais reconhecido como fundamental no apoio a essas crianças em ambientes escolares. Objetivos: O objetivo principal deste estudo é analisar como o fonoaudiólogo contribui para o processo de alfabetização em crianças com TDAH. Especificamente, busca-se entender as práticas e métodos utilizados por fonoaudiólogos nesse contexto, bem como os resultados alcançados por meio dessas intervenções. Método: Realizou-se uma revisão de literatura com base em fontes da Scielo - Scientific Electronic Library Online e da BVS (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde - BIREME). Foram estabelecidos critérios de inclusão e exclusão para selecionar os artigos relevantes relacionados ao tema. Após a busca e seleção, foram analisados 21 artigos que forneceram informações substanciais sobre o papel do fonoaudiólogo na alfabetização de crianças com TDAH. Resultados: A revisão da literatura revela que o fonoaudiólogo desempenha um papel significativo no apoio à alfabetização de crianças com TDAH. As intervenções fonoaudiológicas abordam questões específicas relacionadas à linguagem, comunicação e habilidades cognitivas, proporcionando melhorias significativas nas habilidades de leitura e escrita dessas crianças. Além disso, as abordagens interativas e individualizadas têm demonstrado ser eficazes na promoção do sucesso escolar desses alunos.
Hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance in cirrhotic patients: Beyond guidelines
Authors: Elsayed Mohammed Omar Khalifa
Published: October 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surveillance of individuals with cirrhosis or other conditions that confer a high risk of HCC development is essential for early detection and improved overall survival. HCC surveillance is a complex process, with failure at any step in the process contributing to a gap between its efficacy and effectiveness. Biannual ultrasonography with or without alpha-fetoprotein is widely recommended as the standard method for HCC surveillance, but it has limited sensitivity in early disease and may be inadequate in certain individuals. HCC surveillance implementation can be affected by either provider or patient-related factors. Proper screening for HCC is a continuum of services, extending from initial patient screening, diagnosis, treatment and ultimately surveillance. As one may expect, there are numerous chances for failure in the delivery of cancer screening care. When considering the risk versus benefits of HCC surveillance, we must consider the possible harm to the patient. Such concerns include false-positive testing resulting in unnecessary and risk-associated procedures such as liver biopsy, overdiagnosis of HCC among patients with cirrhosis, as well as false-negative investigations resulting in delayed diagnosis of HCC. The development of tools to enhance our  ability in optimizing available surveillance is likely to improve the prognosis of patients with HCC. This review article will provide a comprehensive overview of the rationale behind current HCC surveillance guidelines, their utilisation, effectiveness, limitations, benefits, and harms as well as methods to improve the outcome of HCC surveillance.
Designing A Web-Based Employee Payroll Application
Authors: Maulida Nurul Fudla , Wahyudi Heri
Published: October 2023

The fulfillment of the employees' payroll is a crucial task of the firm, ensuring the well-being of its workforce following a complete month of employment. The wage calculation system employed by a raw material distribution company in West Java currently relies on semi-computerized methods, specifically utilizing MS Excel for processing purposes. This approach is considered less efficient and susceptible to inaccuracies in its computations. This study aims to design and implement a system that can aid the organization in reducing computation errors. The author employs a qualitative descriptive methodology in their study. The author employs the OOSE (Object Oriented System Engineering) method as the chosen approach for development, emphasizing use cases. The employee payroll application was designed and implemented using the PHP programming language with the Laravel framework. The MySQL database was utilized for data storage. The anticipated outcome of the investigation into the employee payroll application is poised to provide the organization with improved efficiency and precision in processing employee wage calculations while concurrently mitigating the potential for data loss.
Designing A Web-Based Credit Application Information System
Authors: Supriati Hani , Supriatna Haris
Published: October 2023

In today's technological developments, the role of Internet media must be addressed. The ease of doing online activities certainly must be connected to the critical role of websites in it. One of the benefits of applying the Internet in the banking sector is simplifying work processes such as processing data for credit applications. The system being used to process data at one of the Sharia financial institutions in Bandung still needs to be better organized, so it is less effective and efficient, less accurate, or errors often occur, and also takes up much space for customer documents. Therefore, the author is interested in building a system expected to overcome the problems faced by one of the Sharia financial institutions in Bandung. This system was formulated as "Designing a Web-Based Credit Application Information System (Study at one of the Sharia financial institutions in Bandung)." The method the author uses is a qualitative descriptive method. The system development method that the author uses is the object-oriented method, namely OOSE. The author used PHP, MySQL, and XAMPP as tools to create this website. The results of this accounting information system application research can help simplify data processing at one of the Sharia financial institutions in Bandung that has been running so far.
Investigation of Laboratory Teaching Strategies in Chemistry Education: Opinions of Pre-service Chemistry Teachers
Authors: EKİCİ Funda , YALÇIN ÇELİK Ayşe
Published: October 2023

This study aims to determine the opinions of pre-service chemistry teachers on the applicability of laboratory strategies, the purposes of their use, and the factors influencing strategy preference. The research was conducted through a phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research styles. The study includes 20 pre-service chemistry teachers enrolled at a state university in Ankara. A written questionnaire comprising three queries exploring the suitability of laboratory approaches, their objectives, and the determinants influencing the selection of approaches was employed for data collection. The opinions of the pre-service chemistry teachers were collected with the data collection tool 5 times during the implementation. The data was analyzed by content and descriptive analysis of the written responses. According to the research findings, 98.7% of the pre-service teachers believe the strategies are applicable or partially applicable. The lack of materials, crowded classrooms, unsuitable laboratories, and student level, as well as difficulties in classroom management, time limitations, safety issues, problems in achieving learning outcomes, and students' unfamiliarity with laboratory strategies, were cited by pre-service teachers as factors affecting the practical use of laboratories. Additionally, pre-service teachers applied laboratory strategies for learning, learning about science, learning about research, and skill development. Meanwhile, the other result of the study was that the factors for pre-service teachers to prefer laboratory strategies vary according to the acquisition, learning environment, learning outcomes, students, and chemistry topics. The study's findings again highlight the importance of exploring pre-service teachers' opinions about teaching in the laboratory.
Develop and Design Small Scale UAV
Authors: Mohd Shah Hairol Nizam , Mohamad Sebir Muhammad Aiman , Abdollah Mohd Fairus , Baharon Mohd Rizuan , Ahmad Azhar , Ali Arshad Mohd
Published: October 2023

Nowadays, many people want to buy a small-scale unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) either for recreational purposes, photography and video editing or for air surveillance. The main issue with conventional small-scale UAVs is that they require experience to operate them. Besides that, the control system also plays important role for its flight stability and endurance for small-scale UAV. The weight of the load and travelling speed also being issued for small-scale UAV. As a result, three objectives were formulated based on the problem statement which are to fabricate the appropriate size of a small-scale UAV in term of its mass and frame size; to design the control system and increase the stability of the small-scale UAV; and to test the flight endurance of the small-scale UAV. This research is conducted through the following methodology, which is designing the quadcopter body mainframe, constructing the circuit diagram, developing the RC transmitter and receiver for Arduino and testing the UAV functionality and flight test. Softwares that were involved in this project are Solidworks, Arduino compiler, Proteus, Processing and Matlab. The equipments that are used are Arduino UNO, MPU-6050 sensor, Li-Po 11.1V battery, Electronic Speed Controller (ESC), brushless DC motor, 2.4 GHZ RC transmitter and 6-channel receiver. The limitation also being found from those experiments. Finally, the results and discussion will show and explain about the early sketch for quadcopter body mainframe including dimension for each part and stress-strain diagram using Solidworks. It also includes the simulation and hardware connection for brushless DC motor and MPU-6050 sensor using Proteus, Arduino compiler, Processing and Matlab software.
Hybrid Design of Pseudo Random Number Generator Using Shift Register FPGA and CMOS VLSI
Authors: Rajasekhar Dr. M. , Prathyusha R. , Hemasri A. , Geethanjali B. , Dhanalakshmi A.Venkata
Published: October 2023

The proliferation of digital systems in various applications necessitates the development of efficient pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs) for cryptographic and data processing purposes. In this study, we present a novel approach to PRNG design, leveraging a hybrid combination of Shift Register Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) and Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) Very Large-Scale Integration (VLSI) technology. This hybrid design capitalizes on the strengths of both FPGA and CMOS VLSI to achieve enhanced performance and versatility. The FPGA-based component of the PRNG system offers configurability and parallelism, allowing for rapid and customizable PRNG generation. The CMOS VLSI component, on the other hand, ensures low power consumption and compact integration, ideal for embedded applications. By combining these two technologies, the PRNG achieves a delicate balance between flexibility and efficiency. We evaluate the hybrid PRNG design through rigorous testing and analysis, including statistical tests, spectral tests, and computational performance assessments. Our results demonstrate that the hybrid PRNG outperforms standalone FPGA or CMOS-based PRNGs in terms of randomness, uniformity, and speed, making it suitable for a wide range of applications in cryptography, secure communications, and data processing. The hybrid PRNG design presented in this study not only contributes to the advancement of PRNG technology but also offers a versatile solution for engineers and researchers seeking to tailor their PRNG systems to specific application requirements while optimizing performance and energy efficiency.
Revolutionizing Waste Management in Smart Cities: An IoT-Powered Solution
Authors: Ganesh B. S. , Indu K. , Jahnavi P. Sai , Vijayalakshmi N. , Kumar S. Venkata Sai Nagesh
Published: October 2023

Garbage monitoring of collection is a crucial issue for most cities today, and it has become a significant concern in urban areas. The current garbage monitoring and management system is incredibly inefficient, which raises the price of collection and transportation. We propose to design a " Smart Waste Management System for Smart Cities Using IOT" to prevent situations where dust bins are seen overflowing due to poor monitoring and collection, which can cause long-term issues including unpleasant odor and hazardous infections. As its primary microprocessor, NODEMCU is used in this intelligent waste management system. It measures the amount of waste in the trashcan using the ultrasonic sensor as a level detector. The ability to detect waste volume not only contributes to the development of a smart city but also helps in the development of waste reduction and recycling strategies that are more effective and environmentally beneficial as taken from references.
Mapping and Mitigating Flood Extent in Keta Municipality Using Sentinel-1 SAR: A Remote Sensing Approach for Disaster Management
Authors: Afari Peter Damoah- , Osei Jeff Dacosta , Akandekum Gifty Adjulie , Amoateng Ruth Nyarko
Published: October 2023

Floods constitute a pervasive and destructive natural disaster worldwide, with increasing frequency and severity necessitating innovative approaches for monitoring, management, and mitigation. Traditional flood assessment methods, reliant on labour-intensive field inspections during flood events, are constrained by time-consuming processes and limited accessibility to affected areas. The emergence of satellite remote sensing, offering synoptic views at unprecedented spatial resolutions and accuracies, presents an opportunity to address these limitations effectively. This research harnesses satellite remote sensing, specifically the Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), to map the extent of the November 07, 2021 floods within the Keta Municipality. Analyzing three strategically chosen SAR data sets acquired before, during, and after the flood event, this study not only provides precise flood extent mapping but also gains valuable insights into the dynamic nature of floods in the Keta Municipality. The investigation of this study focuses on the Keta Lagoon, revealing an inundated area of 7044.3 km2 during the November 07, 2021 floods. Beyond technical methodology, this study holds critical implications for flood mitigation and urban planning. This study presents recommendations to the Keta Municipal Assembly, emphasizing the urgency of flood mitigation measures and the necessity for relocating communities near the lagoon. In an era of climate unpredictability, this research underscores the pivotal role of remote sensing in flood disaster response and proactive urban development. By synthesizing spatial data and offering a comprehensive assessment of flood dynamics, this study highlights the potential of remote sensing as an indispensable tool for disaster management and environmental monitoring. Ultimately, it contributes to the global endeavour of enhancing resilience to an escalating flood threat.
Reading Comprehension Problems among First and Second Year EFL Students at Shaikh Zayed University in Afghanistan
Authors: Rahmani Saifurrahman , Shahab Subhanullah , Mohabat Gul Ahmad
Published: October 2023

It is obviously clear that strong reading comprehension has a significant influence on students’ success at university. This study aims to investigate reading comprehension problems among first and second year EFL students at Shaikh Zayed University in Afghanistan. Fifty EFL first and second year students from the Department of English participated in the survey. The study used a random sampling design of a quantitative approach. The data were gathered through a five-point Likert scale style questionnaire adopted from Abu Abeeleh, Al-Ghazo, and Al-Sobh (2021). The data were analyzed through SPSS V.23 software to calculate the descriptive statistics, frequency, percentage and mean score. The results indicated that great majority of respondents agreed on the reading comprehension problems. Students had problems in understanding the meaning of new words, feeling anxious and upset were also their problems when they read something in English and cannot understand it. Identifying the aim, no confident, extraction of main and detailed ideas from the text also hindered reading comprehension. Understanding the text's overall meaning and translating every word individually, summarizing the main ideas, distinguishing between the main idea and supporting ideas and stressed were their major reading comprehension problems as well. The findings of the study are essential for English language professors in Afghan EFL classrooms in responding to the problem above. This study proposes that students should be taught reading comprehension strategies such as skimming, scanning, making inferences, looking for main idea, making predictions, improving vocabulary, etc.
A Cultural Transformation: Pakistani Girls Outperforming Boys in Education
Authors: Ullah Hazir , Ullah Raza , Shoaib Muhammad
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we highlight and present a nuanced picture of girls’ outperformance and boys’ underperformance in education in the urban centres of Pakistan. This is a very interesting and remarkable gender reverse trend in education performance in the dominated socio-cultural context of Pakistan. The paper takes into account the annual results of two examination boards: a) Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Peshawar and b) Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Faisalabad, Pakistan. Employing content analysis techniques, we have examined young boys’ and girls’ educational performance in secondary school certificate (SSC) and higher secondary schools certificate (HSSC) examinations from 2002 to 2016. The paper takes into account the first three positions as an indicator of outperformance. The paper simply highlights the trend of structure transformation and does not inquire about reasons for boys’ underperformance and girls’ outperformance. The study findings suggest that girls are outperforming boys in the urban centres of Pakistan.
Communicative Competence of Female English Subject Teachers of Secondary Schools in District Mardan, Pakistan
Authors: Jabeen Farida , Munir Ahmad Syed
Published: October 2023

Communicative competence of English Subject teachers is essential for teaching English effectively. The present study aimed to explore the communicative competence of female English Subject Teachers of Public Secondary Schools in District Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The main objectives of the study were to find out the existing level of the communicative competence of English Subject teachers in Secondary Schools, investigate the ongoing practices of English Subject Teachers in their classrooms, and explore problems of female English subject teachers in developing communicative competence in secondary school students. A quantitative research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study consisted of 130 Public Schools of District Mardan, where 364 female English subject teachers are working. The study was conducted in 86 randomly selected sampled Public Schools of District Mardan by contacting 191 English subject teachers. A questionnaire comprising 49 questions was administered to the 191 English subject teachers. The main findings of the study show that a majority of the English Subject teachers did not possess the required communicative competence; almost all of the teachers did not adopt the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) approach. For developing the communicative competence of learners, physical resources and facilities were not available for developing the listening and speaking skills of the students.
The Representation of Pathans in Pakistani Prime-Time Urdu Drama
Authors: Khan Zainullah , Ali Shah Majid
Published: October 2023

The research explores the representation of Pashtuns in popular Urdu dramas during prime time in Pakistan. Data was collected from six highly-watched Pakistani dramas, namely Suno Chanda, Suno Chanda Two, Bulbuley, Uraan, Googly Mohalla, and Yaqeen Ka Safar. These specific dramas were chosen purposefully due to the inclusion of Pashtun characters. A quantitative content analysis method was employed to examine the portrayal of Pashtuns in these prime-time Urdu dramas. All six dramas focused on depicting aspects of Pashtun life. The study's findings indicate that directors, producers, and actors effectively engaged the majority of the represented population. The dramas, which were both romantic and humorous, maintained a high level of entertainment without resorting to obscenity in dialogues. Language and gestures were used appropriately. In scenes set in Pashtun villages, proper Pashtun attire was consistently featured. Notably, despite the fact that the female characters in these shows were mostly non-Pashtuns, they portrayed Pashtun tribes convincingly. However, in sequences shot in urban settings, female characters were seen wearing alluring gowns that deviated from Pashtun tradition. This shift in attire was accompanied by a change in the behaviour of female actors, who exhibited more vulgar expressions. These aspects, observed in city dramas, presented a different image of Pashtuns, contradicting traditional Pashtun values.
Exogenous silicon application promotes growth and alleviates drought and salt stresses of rice plants
Authors: Wongla Wongsakorn , Theerakulpisut Piyada , Lontom Watanachai
Published: October 2023

In the current study, the influence of silicon (Si) on KDML 105 rice plants exposed to drought and salt stress was observed. The 28-days old rice plants were arranged into control, drought, and salinity conditions. The drought and salinity conditions were achieved by addition of 20% W/W polyethylene glycol 6000 and 120 mM NaCl to the nutrient solution, respectively. Si was concurrently applied in all groups by adding 0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mM Na2SiO3. The results showed that some growth and physiological parameters were positively changed by the Si-application. The relative water content was significantly improved in the 1.5 mM Si-supplemented drought group and the 2.0 mM Si-supplemented salt group. Additionally, Si at 2.0 mM significantly improved photosynthetic activity in the rice and slightly reduced plant temperature under salt stress. Moreover, exogenous Si ameliorated NaCl toxicity from the sodium-potassium ratio decline. The results suggested that 2.0 mM silicon was a proper concentration to recover plants exposed to abiotic stress.