bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview of Treating Skin Diseases and Rejuvenating Skin using Light Sources
Authors: Pradhan P.P.
Published: May 2024

The electromagnetic spectrum of sunlight, which includes infrared (IR, 52–55%), visible (VIS, 42–43%), and ultraviolet radiation (UV, 3-5%), is a naturally occurring source of light. Out of all these radiations, UV radiations with specific wavelengths have been shown to have clinically important biological effects that are both efficient and safe for human skin. UV radiation exposure primarily aids in the formation of vitamin D synthesis and has the potential to suppress immunological response, making it a more acceptable wavelength range for the diagnosis and treatment of various skin dermatoses. While comparing natural sunlight which contains less percentage of UV radiation with broadband range artificial UV therapy is an efficient, reliable, affordable, and, nonsurgical therapeutic option available for skin dermatoses. Recent investigations and literature reviews demonstrate that various types of phototherapies such as UVB narrowband, PUVA, etc. have incompatible efficacy toward the management of dermatoses that often depend upon the action, for instance, and absorption spectra of the biological molecule (chromophores) contained in the human skin. We attempt to categorize human skin conditions by their symptoms, topological facts, and dosimetry prescribed for the cures by the minimal erythemal dosage (MED) of phototherapy recommended by the dermatologist. Descriptive analysis of types of therapies carried out on narrowband (311 ± 2 nm) and broadband (295-315 nm) ultraviolent radiation B (UVB) therapy, light-sensitive organic drug (Psoralen) in combination with UVA (PUVA) therapy and laser therapy. This review article aims at the development in the field of dermatology by reviewing historical data, therapeutic options available, a detailed understanding of skin dermatoses, and the availability of light sources for the clearance of various skin dermatoses.
Rare Earth Metals Doped ZnO Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Photocatalytic, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Ranjith Kumar D.
Published: May 2024

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanomaterials have attracted increasing interest due to their unique properties. As part of this renewed interest in ZnO nanomaterials, researchers began seeking new strategies to engineer materials by doping rare earth metals on ZnO. This chapter provides a general overview of the techniques and strategies used for the synthesis of undoped and rare earth metals (Samarium, Gadolinium, Europium, Cerium, Neodymium, and Dysprosium) doped ZnO nanomaterials. In addition, optical, magnetic, and photocatalytic properties of these materials were discussed. Some key results are summarized relating to the above properties.
Evaluation of the Relationship Between the Maxillary Sinus and Nasopalatine Canal of Maxillary Impacted Canines by Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Aydogan Akgun Filiz , Yurttas Melike
Published: May 2024

Introduction. One of the critical parameters evaluated while planning orthodontic treatment for impacted canines in clinical practice is the relationship between impacted canines and adjacent anatomical structures. The nasopalatine canal (NPC) and maxillary sinus are anatomical formations that may be in close proximity to impacted canines.
This study aimed to determine the relationship between palatally impacted canines, the maxillary sinus, and the NPC.
Methods. A total of 105 impacted canines from 93 patients were evaluated using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. The relationship between the impacted canine teeth, maxillary sinus, and NPC was assessed inside, outside, and at the border of the maxillary sinus floor and NPC walls. The millimetric distance between the impacted canine teeth and the borders of the maxillary sinus, the NPC, and the cortical bone of the palate was measured. Additionally, NPC morphology was assessed on the axial and sagittal CBCT images.
Results. Of all the impacted teeth, 47.6% (3.8% inside, 43.8% at the border) were associated with the sinus, while 42.8% (15.2% inside, 27.6% at the border) were associated with the NPC. A significant moderate negative correlation (-0.32) was observed between age and the distance between impacted left canine teeth and the cortical bone of the palate. Additionally, when a Y-shaped NPC was present, the impacted canines were predominantly situated outside the canal.
Conclusions. In this study, nearly half of the canines were located inside or at the border of the maxillary sinus and the NPC. Therefore, clinicians should carefully evaluate the relationship of impacted teeth with the maxillary sinus and the NPC during both orthodontic treatment and the extraction of impacted teeth.
Intention to Use Mobile-Based Partograph and Its Predictors Among Obstetric Health Care Providers Working at Public Referral Hospitals in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia in 2022: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study
Authors: Tilahun Kefyalew Naniye , Adem Jibril Bashir , Atinafu Wabi Temesgen , Walle Agmasie Damtew , Mengestie Nebyu Demeke , Birhanu Abraham Yeneneh
Published: May 2024

Background

A partograph is a pictorial representation of the relationship between cervical dilatation and the time used to diagnose prolonged and obstructed labor. However, the utilization of paper-based partograph is low and it is prone to documentation errors, which can be avoided with the use of electronic partographs. There is only limited information on the proportion of intention to use mobile-based partographs and its predictors.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of obstetric health care providers at public referral hospitals in Oromia, Ethiopia, in 2022 who had the intention to use mobile-based partographs and to determine the predictors of their intention to use mobile-based partographs.

Methods

We performed an institution-based cross-sectional study from June 1 to July 1, 2022. Census was conducted on 649 participants. A self-administered structured English questionnaire was used, and a 5% pretest was performed. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for descriptive analysis and AMOS (analysis of moment structure; version 23) for structural and measurement model assessment. Descriptive and structural equation modeling analyses were performed. The hypotheses developed based on a modified Technology Acceptance Model were tested using path coefficients and P values <.05.

Results

About 65.7% (414/630; 95% CI 61.9%-69.4%) of the participants intended to use mobile-based electronic partographs, with a 97% (630/649) response rate. Perceived usefulness had a positive influence on intention to use (β=.184; P=.02) and attitude (β=.521; P=.002). Perceived ease of use had a positive influence on attitude (β=.382; P=.003), perceived usefulness (β=.503; P=.002), and intention to use (β=.369; P=.001). Job relevance had a positive influence on perceived usefulness (β=.408; P=.001) and intention to use (β=.185; P=.008). Attitude positively influenced intention to use (β=.309; P=.002). Subjective norms did not have a significant influence on perceived usefulness (β=.020; P=.61) and intention to use (β=–.066; P=.07).

Conclusions

Two-thirds of the obstetric health care providers in our study intended to use mobile-based partographs. Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, job relevance, and attitude positively and significantly influenced their intention to use mobile-based electronic partographs. The development of a user-friendly mobile-based partograph that meets job and user expectations can enhance the intention to use.
Prevalence and Disparities in Telehealth Use Among US Adults Following the COVID-19 Pandemic: National Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Spaulding Erin M , Fang Michael , Commodore-Mensah Yvonne , Himmelfarb Cheryl R , Martin Seth S , Coresh Josef
Published: May 2024

Background

Telemedicine expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, though use differed by age, sex, race or ethnicity, educational attainment, income, and location. It is unclear if high telehealth use or inequities persisted late into the pandemic.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of, inequities in, and primary reasons for telehealth visits a year after telemedicine expansion.

Methods

We used cross-sectional data from the 2022 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 6), the first cycle with data on telemedicine. In total, 4830 English- and Spanish-speaking US adults (aged ≥18 years) were included in this study. The primary outcomes were telehealth visit attendance in the 12 months before March 7, 2022, to November 8, 2022, and the primary reason for the most recent telehealth visit. We evaluated sociodemographic and clinical predictors of telehealth visit attendance and the primary reason for the most recent telehealth visit through Poisson regression. Analyses were weighted according to HINTS 6 standards.

Results

We included 4830 participants (mean age 48.3, SD 17.5 years; 50.28% women; 65.21% White). Among US adults, 38.78% reported having a telehealth visit in the previous year. Telehealth visit attendance rates were similar across age, race or ethnicity, income, and urban versus rural location. However, individuals with a telehealth visit were less likely to live in the Midwest (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR] 0.65, 95% CI 0.54-0.77), and more likely to be women (aPR 1.21, 95% CI 1.06-1.38), college graduates or postgraduates (aPR 1.24, 95% CI 1.05-1.46), covered by health insurance (aPR 1.56, 95% CI 1.08-2.26), and married or cohabitating (aPR 1.17, 95% CI 1.03-1.32), adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, frequency of health care visits, and comorbidities. Among participants with a telehealth visit in the past year, the primary reasons for their most recent visit were minor or acute illness (32.15%), chronic disease management (21%), mental health or substance abuse (16.94%), and an annual exam (16.22%). Older adults were more likely to report that the primary reason for their most recent telehealth visit was for chronic disease management (aPR 2.08, 95% CI 1.33-3.23), but less likely to report that it was for a mental health or substance abuse issue (aPR 0.19, 95% CI 0.10-0.35), adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and frequency of health care visits.

Conclusions

Among US adults, telehealth visit attendance was high more than a year after telemedicine expansion and did not differ by age, race or ethnicity, income, or urban versus rural location. Telehealth could continue to be leveraged following COVID-19 to improve access to care and health equity.
Spanish and Catalan Versions of the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire: Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, and Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Hernández Encuentra Eulàlia , Robles Noemí , Angulo-Brunet Ariadna , Cullen David , del Arco Ignacio
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

The rise of digital health services, especially following the outbreak of COVID-19, has led to a need for health literacy policies that respond to people’s needs. Spain is a country with a highly developed digital health infrastructure, but there are currently no tools available to measure digital health literacy fully. A well-thought-through questionnaire with strong psychometric properties such as the eHealth Literacy Questionnaire (eHLQ) is important to assess people’s eHealth literacy levels, especially in the context of a fast-growing field such as digital health.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to adapt the eHLQ and gather evidence of its psychometric quality in 2 of Spain’s official languages: Spanish and Catalan.

METHODS

A systematic cultural adaptation process was followed. Data from Spanish-speaking (n=400) and Catalan-speaking (n=400) people were collected. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to confirm the previously established factor structure. For reliability, the Cronbach α and categorical ω were obtained for every subscale. Evidence of convergent and discriminant validity was provided through the correlation with the total score of the eHealth Literacy Scale. Evidence based on relations to other variables was evaluated by examining extreme values for educational level, socioeconomic level, and use of technology variables.

RESULTS

Regarding the confirmatory factor analysis, the 7-factor correlated model and the 7 one-factor models had adequate goodness-of-fit indexes for both Spanish and Catalan. Moreover, measurement invariance was established between the Spanish and Catalan versions. Reliability estimates were considered adequate as all the scales in both versions had values of >0.80. For convergent and discriminant validity evidence, the eHealth Literacy Scale showed moderate correlation with eHLQ scales in both versions (Spanish: range 0.57-0.76 and P<.001; Catalan: range 0.41-0.64 and P<.001). According to the relationship with external variables, all the eHLQ scales in both languages could discriminate between the maximum and minimum categories in level of education, socioeconomic level, and level of technology use.

CONCLUSIONS

The Spanish and Catalan versions of the eHLQ appear to be psychometrically sound questionnaires for assessing digital health literacy. They could both be useful tools in Spain and Catalonia for researchers, policy makers, and health service managers to explore people’s needs, skills, and competencies and provide interesting insights into their interactions and engagement regarding their own experiences with digital health services, especially in the context of digital health growth in Spain.

CLINICALTRIAL
Intention to Use Mobile-Based Partograph and Its Predictors Among Obstetric Health Care Providers Working at Public Referral Hospitals in the Oromia Region of Ethiopia in 2022: Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study (Preprint)
Authors: Tilahun Kefyalew Naniye , Adem Jibril Bashir , Atinafu Wabi Temesgen , Walle Agmasie Damtew , Mengestie Nebyu Demeke , Birhanu Abraham Yeneneh
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

A partograph is a pictorial representation of the relationship between cervical dilatation and the time used to diagnose prolonged and obstructed labor. However, the utilization of paper-based partograph is low and it is prone to documentation errors, which can be avoided with the use of electronic partographs. There is only limited information on the proportion of intention to use mobile-based partographs and its predictors.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to determine the proportion of obstetric health care providers at public referral hospitals in Oromia, Ethiopia, in 2022 who had the intention to use mobile-based partographs and to determine the predictors of their intention to use mobile-based partographs.

METHODS

We performed an institution-based cross-sectional study from June 1 to July 1, 2022. Census was conducted on 649 participants. A self-administered structured English questionnaire was used, and a 5% pretest was performed. Data were entered into EpiData version 4.6 and exported to SPSS version 25 for descriptive analysis and AMOS (analysis of moment structure; version 23) for structural and measurement model assessment. Descriptive and structural equation modeling analyses were performed. The hypotheses developed based on a modified Technology Acceptance Model were tested using path coefficients and P values <.05.

RESULTS

About 65.7% (414/630; 95% CI 61.9%-69.4%) of the participants intended to use mobile-based electronic partographs, with a 97% (630/649) response rate. Perceived usefulness had a positive influence on intention to use (β=.184; P=.02) and attitude (β=.521; P=.002). Perceived ease of use had a positive influence on attitude (β=.382; P=.003), perceived usefulness (β=.503; P=.002), and intention to use (β=.369; P=.001). Job relevance had a positive influence on perceived usefulness (β=.408; P=.001) and intention to use (β=.185; P=.008). Attitude positively influenced intention to use (β=.309; P=.002). Subjective norms did not have a significant influence on perceived usefulness (β=.020; P=.61) and intention to use (β=–.066; P=.07).

CONCLUSIONS

Two-thirds of the obstetric health care providers in our study intended to use mobile-based partographs. Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, job relevance, and attitude positively and significantly influenced their intention to use mobile-based electronic partographs. The development of a user-friendly mobile-based partograph that meets job and user expectations can enhance the intention to use.
Family Involvement in the Care of Hospitalized Older Adults: Protocol for a Qualitative Evidence Synthesis (Preprint)
Authors: Vick Judith B , Golden Blair P , Cantrell Sarah , Harris-Gersten Melissa Louise , Selmanoff Mollie R , Hastings Susan Nicole , Oyesanya Tolu O , Goldstein Karen M , Van Houtven Courtney
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Older adults are frequently hospitalized. Family involvement during these hospitalizations is incompletely characterized in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to better understand how families are involved in the care of hospitalized older adults and develop a conceptual model describing the phenomenon of family involvement in the care of hospitalized older adults.

METHODS

We describe the protocol of a qualitative evidence synthesis (QES), a systematic review of qualitative studies. We chose to focus on qualitative studies given the complexity and multifaceted nature of family involvement in care, a type of topic best understood through qualitative inquiry. The protocol describes our process of developing a research question and eligibility criteria for inclusion in our QES based on the SPIDER (Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, and Research type) tool. It describes the development of our search strategy, which was used to search MEDLINE (via Ovid), Embase (via Elsevier), PsycINFO (via Ovid), and CINAHL Complete (via EBSCO). Title and abstract screening and full-text screening will occur sequentially. Purposive sampling may be used depending on the volume of studies identified as eligible for inclusion during our screening process. Descriptive data regarding included individual studies will be extracted and summarized in tables. The results from included studies will be synthesized using qualitative methods and used to develop a conceptual model. The conceptual model will be presented to community members via engagement panels for further refinement.

RESULTS

As of September 2023, we have assembled a multidisciplinary team including physicians, nurses, health services researchers, a librarian, a social worker, and a health economist. We have finalized our search strategy and executed the search, yielding 8862 total citations. We are currently screening titles and abstracts and anticipate that full-text screening, data extraction, quality appraisal, and synthesis will be completed by summer of 2024. Conceptual model development will then take place with community engagement panels. We anticipate submitting our manuscript for publication in the fall of 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

This paper describes the protocol for a QES of family involvement in the care of hospitalized older adults. We will use identified themes to create a conceptual model to inform further intervention development and policy change.

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO 465617; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023465617

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/53255
Evaluation and uptake of an online ADHD psychoeducation training for primary care health professionals: a four-year implementation report (Preprint)
Authors: French Blandine , Wright Hannah , Daley David , Perez Vallejos Elvira , Sayal Kapil , Hall Charlotte
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Healthcare professionals seldom receive training on neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD. An online training was co-developed to address some of the gaps in knowledge and understanding in primary care. A randomised control trial demonstrated that the training increased knowledge and confidence and improved practice.

OBJECTIVE

This report highlights the implementation of the training in practice and follow-up 4 years post-evaluation.

METHODS

The online ADHD training comprises two modules: "Understanding ADHD" and "The Role of the GP in the Care Pathway," each taking approximately 45 minutes to complete. The training targets general practitioners primarily but is open to other healthcare professionals and parents. Feedback was collected through a survey at the end of the training, and the training has been widely adopted by various organisations internationally and nationally.

RESULTS

Between December 2019 and January 2024, the "Understanding ADHD" module was accessed over 13,486 times, while the "Role of the GP" module was accessed 7,018 times, primarily by users from the US and UK. Survey results from both modules showed positive feedback with high ratings for usefulness, likelihood to inform practice, and recommendation to colleagues. Some suggestions for improvement included reducing the negative focus on ADHD consequences and incorporating more positive aspects of ADHD.

CONCLUSIONS

This ADHD online training program, despite facing implementation challenges, has seen positive outcomes, including international translation and high user ratings. Suggestions for improvement were received, but some were not feasible due to regional variations in ADHD pathways. The training's impact extended beyond GPs to other healthcare professionals, though the COVID-19 pandemic posed obstacles to dissemination efforts. Nonetheless, ongoing plans aim to expand the training's implementation globally.
Optimising public health communication: an analysis of type, sentiment and source of COVID-19 tweets (Preprint)
Authors: Parveen Sana , Pereira Agustin Garcia , Garzon-Orjuela Nathaly , McHugh Patricia , Surendran Aswathi , Vornhagen Heike , Vellinga Akke
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Social media can be used to quickly disseminate focused public health messages, increasing message reach and interaction with the public. Social media can also be an indicator of people's emotions and concerns. Social media data text mining can be used for disease forecasting and understanding public awareness of health-related concerns. Limited studies explore the impact of type, sentiment and source of tweets on engagement.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the association between message type, user (source) and sentiment of Covid-19 twitter posts and public engagement.

METHODS

867,485 tweets were extracted from 1 Jan 2020 to 31 Mar 2022 from Ireland and the UK. A four-step analytical process was undertaken, encompassing sentiment analysis, bio-classification, message classification and statistical analysis. Manual coding and machine learning coding models were used to categorise sentiment, user category and message type for every tweet. A zero-inflated negative binomial model was applied to explore the most engaging content mix.

RESULTS

Our analysis resulted in 12 user categories, 6 messages categories and 3 sentiment classes. Personal stories and positive messages have the most engagement, even though not for every user group; known persons and influencers have the most engagement with humorous tweets. Health professionals receive more engagement with advocacy, personal stories/statements and humour based tweets. Health Institutes observe higher engagement with advocacy, personal stories/statements and tweets with a positive sentiment. This study suggests the optimum mix of message type and sentiment that each user category should use to get more engagement.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides valuable guidance for social media based public health campaigns for developing messages for maximum engagement
Hesitating, Lost, Reborn: Analysis of Female Images on “When We Were Orphans”
Authors: Luo Zixu , Zhang Peifang
Published: May 2024

“When We Were Orphans” is a novel written by Ishiguro Kazuo, winner of the 2017 Nobel Prize in Literature. In the novel, Banksy’s mother Diana, his girlfriend Sarah, and his adopted daughter Jennifer are representatives of different female types. Based on feminist literary criticism, this article interprets figures of the three females with distinct personalities and reveals the inevitability of their fates.
Insider Views and Practices of Translanguaging Classrooms in Early Childhood Education
Authors: Papadopoulos Isaak M. , Jansen Pieter S.
Published: May 2024

This study, situated within the domain of language education, delves into the intricate dynamics of translanguaging practices and their profound influence on learning and teaching procedures in a linguistically and culturally enriched early childhood education environment. Focused on the context of Greece, the research aims to uncover the nuanced ways in which translanguaging shapes the language communication and interaction of four-year-old children, considering both native Greek speakers and their peers from migrant or refugee backgrounds. The study cohort consists of 50 children aged four, comprising both native Greek and migrant-background children attending early childhood education. Employing a comprehensive research approach, the study includes in-depth, semi-structured interview sessions with young children and specific observational protocols designed to capture authentic interactions and communications. These methods are employed to trace the development of intercultural awareness and sensitivity within an environment conducive to translanguaging. The findings highlight that the incorporation of translanguaging practices in early education settings not only refines communication and intercultural skills among young children but also significantly influences cultural awareness. Moreover, translanguaging fosters active engagement in learning activities and provides educators with valuable insights and support in implementing innovative language teaching techniques. This research contributes to the advancement of language education practices, particularly within linguistically and culturally diverse early childhood education contexts, emphasizing the transformative impact of translanguaging on crucial aspects of language learning and teaching.
COMPLEX GENERICS AS A TREND OF MODERN PHARMACEUTICAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors: N. B. DEMINA , E. O. BAKHRUSHINA , M. N. ANUROVA , A. G. MERKUSHOVA , M. V. POMYTKINA , O. V. RASTOPCHINA , A. I. BARDAKOV , I. I. KRASNYUK
Published: May 2024

In the perspective of the pharmaceutical industry development, manufacturers expand their product portfolios by updating generic drugs. Complex Generics (CG) or Nonbiological Generic Drugs (NBGD) contain known pharmaceutical substances are out of patent protection and are made by using new technologies, excipients, nanocarriers, dosage form modernization, etc. These drugs are developed in the patients’ interests to improve their life quality and increase drugs’ efficacy and safety.
The article discusses the categories and characteristics of CG, shows examples available on the pharmaceutical market, API and dosage forms. This article discusses approaches to quality control that pose challenges for developers and regulators. The fundamental importance of the innovative drugs manufacturing process and the ingredients standardization in the dosage forms formulations to create the standard product are indicated. First, a comprehensive control of polymers is required as an important tool to make the necessary pharmacokinetics. The influence degree on the API release and the effectiveness of dosage form (DF) depends on the polymer’s physicochemical characteristics. In this regard, it is important to create databases of these excipients accessible to developers containing information about properties, use, dosages and safety.
In view of the complexity structure and manufacturing processes of the NBGD and insufficiency of pharmacopeial requirements for standard approaches for resolving issues of comparability and bioequivalence the current regulatory documents should be expanded and revise for a correct quality assessment. There is a need to create new scientific and regulatory roadmaps for the development and approval of complex generic drugs.
PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF LAFUTIDINE NANOEMULSION AS ORAL DELIVERY SYSTEM
Authors: KHUDHAIR ALBO HAMRAH KARRAR T. , NEAMAH AL-SHAIBANI ABULFADHEL J. , F. ABDULRAZZAQ INAS
Published: May 2024

Objective: Lafutidine is a histamine (H2) receptor antagonist utilized for the treatment of gastric ulcer. Its oral bioavailability is low due to poor water solubility and an extensive first-pass hepatic. So, the present work aims to formulate and characterize of an oil in water (o/w) nanoemulsion of lafutidine as oral liquid dosage form and this could enhance drug solubility and improve its bioavailability.
Methods: The pseudo-ternary phase diagrams were constructed via titration method. The diagram plots derived from oil, various ratios of surfactant and co-surfactant (S mix), and double distilled water. The selected optimized lafutidine nanoemulsions formula was determined via a variety of investigational studies like particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, pH, drug content and an in vitro drug release.
Results: Characterization studies revealed that the optimum formula of nanoemulsions was (NE5), which consist of 0.2% of lafutidine, 30 % of surfactant and co-surfactant (S mix) (3:1), which mean (22.5%of tween 20:7.5% of polyethylene glycol 200 (PEG 200), 10% of peppermint oil and 59.4% of double distilled water. The optimized formula exhibited droplets size (62.56-96.2 nm), PDI (0.11), good pH value (7.1), zeta potential (-32.2 mV), high drug content (99.2%), in vitro release of lafutidine was significantly higher (P<0.05) for NE5. Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) revealed that the droplets size of NE5 was in nano-scale.
Conclusion: It is possible to conclude that the optimized formula (NE5) was promised formula of nanoemulsion for increasing the orally delivered lafutidine bioavailability.
BIOSYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND EVALUATION OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES FROM THE LEAF EXTRACT OF PREMNA INTIGRIFOLIA L. AS A POTENTIAL ANTICANCER AGENT
Authors: K. SPANDANA , SHETTAR ARUN K. , S. RASHMI
Published: May 2024

Objective: In this study, plant-based silver nanoparticles were synthesized and characterized from Premna integrifolia leaf extract to test the viability towards anticancer properties.  
Methods: Preliminary identification of silver nanoparticles was validated by Visual observation and confirmed for the characterization by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and Fourier-transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Further synthesized nanoparticles were evaluated against non-small lung cancer cells (A549) by MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay.
Results: Aqueous leaf extract of Premna intigrifolia was synthesized for silver nanoparticles and showed an average size from 35nm to 100 nm through SEM studies. EDX showed a strong signal confirming the formation of silver nanoparticles in the metallic silver region at 5Kev, and the FTIR spectrum showed changes in some peaks of the aqueous extract with functional groups. The newly synthesized silver nanoparticles showed significant anticancer properties targeting lung cancer A549 cell line against standard drug Epotoside with a 50% Inhibitory Concentration (IC50) value of 78.431 µg.
Conclusion: The results affirm that biosynthesized silver nanoparticles can be used as an alternative to chemical medicines to cure cancer.
Bibliometric Analysis of Arabic Proficiency based on Scopus-Indexed Articles
Authors: Yunita Yunita , Baroroh R. Umi Baroroh , Sri Utami  , Yulianingsih Riswan
Published: May 2024

This study examined the evolution of research on Arabic language competency, including which nations have made substantial contributions, what topics come up regularly, and what research subjects are available to those interested in the discipline. This research is a bibliometric analysis on academic papers dealing with Arabic speaking skills. The total of 155 articles are collected from the Scopus website, then uploaded to the biblioshiny application using R-studio Cloud. All information is extracted to CSV format for data analysis and then entered the VOS viewer. The results show that (1) due to historical reasons and proximity to the Arabic language, Israel is the country with the largest number of authors on "Arabic speaking proficiency", followed by Egypt; (2) the keywords that often appear in articles on Arabic speaking proficiency are "phonological awareness", "diglossia", and "literacy"; (3) in general, the trend of the quantity of publications on the themes studied is increasing from year to year, indicating the growing interest of academics on the topic being discussed; (4) based on theme mapping, the dominant linguistic-related keywords in relation to the issue are also very open to being associated with other aspects such as SES (socioeconomic status), dyslexia, diglossia, and bilingualism.
Cultura hip-hop na Educação Física
Authors: Góis Soares Josias , Dahlke Ana Paula , Branco Fraga Alex
Published: May 2024

Este relato de experiência é resultado de um projeto de educação interdisciplinar antirracista desenvolvido em uma escola de Novo Hamburgo, Rio Grande do Sul, região de predomínio da cultura teuto-brasileira. Centrado nos princípios da Cultura Hip-Hop, o projeto foi desenvolvido por um professor de Educação Física negro, entre 2020 e 2021. Participaram 104 estudantes do 6° ao 9° ano do Ensino Fundamental, que não se autodeclaravam negros/as. De modo descontraído e engajado, mesmo diante de todas as dificuldades impostas pelas restrições sanitárias decorrentes da pandemia, boa parte dos/as estudantes passou a refletir sobre as dissimetrias nas relações étnico-raciais enraizadas em nosso país, especialmente os privilégios da branquitude na produção das mazelas do povo negro. Destacam-se pontos positivos como o surgimento de grupos de pesquisa com a temática do racismo e da Cultura Hip-Hop na escola, a conscientização e reflexão sobre essa temática dentro da comunidade escolar (professores/as, famílias, estudantes) e a integração bem-sucedida das lições aprendidas com o projeto no cotidiano dos alunos fora da escola. No entanto, nota-se a necessidade de mais iniciativas desse porte para a efetiva desconstrução do racismo estrutural e, por consequência, para a construção de uma sociedade mais justa e igualitária.
Masculinidade hegemônica e educação
Authors: Dos Santos Henrique Eduardo , Daudt da Rocha Luciano , Da Silva Gabriela
Published: May 2024

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo compreender quais conhecimentos políticos e epistemológicos sobre masculinidade hegemônica vêm sendo utilizados e produzidos por pesquisas que discutem gênero e sexualidade no contexto educacional brasileiro. A fim de ter um espectro mais abrangente, não se delimitou um recorte temporal específico. Empregou-se a técnica da análise categorial para perscrutar os dados à luz do pensamento crítico decolonial, vertente epistemológica do Sul Global que considera uma ampla e diversa gama de saberes relacionando gênero e sexualidade à colonialidade. Os resultados apontam discussões potentes, embora iniciais, que denunciam, de certa forma, processos de violências, ao passo que visam tornar a escola um ambiente menos desigual e mais acolhedor.
Percursos Temáticos no Ensino Musical Escolar
Authors: Ramos Gisele Alves , Pereira Éliton Perpetuo Rosa , Costa Cristiano Aparecido da , Aquino Thais Lobosque
Published: May 2024

Este artigo apresenta uma proposta pedagógica musical desenvolvida no Mestrado Profissional em Artes – PROF-ARTES IFG[1], pela necessidade de articular um ensino musical capaz de integrar exigências político-pedagógicas e curriculares com as práticas artístico-musicais na Escola Municipal Pedro Ciríaco de Oliveira, em Goiânia/GO; as atividades foram conduzidas a partir de temas – percursos temáticos – para proporcionar vivências significativas em música. O estudo teve abordagem qualitativa, apoiando-se na Pesquisa Multidimensional, com dados de trabalho realizado de 2016 até 2019, em diálogo com Luciana Del-Ben, Maura Penna, Ana Mae Barbosa, bell hooks, Paulo Freire e Keith Swanwick. Foram desenvolvidos a Proposta Pedagógica musical aqui descrita e o Material Pedagógico voltado para docentes que trabalham com a linguagem artística música na educação básica.
Acquisition of Acehnese Language Phonemes in 2-4 Year Old Children
Authors: Kemala Sari Bungsu , Istiqamah  , Asriani  , Srinita Devi , Amra Khairul
Published: May 2024

The aims of this research are; 1) Describe the theory of acquiring the Acehnese language in children aged 2-4 years, 2) Describe the process of acquiring the Acehnese language in children aged 2-4 years. This research was conducted using a qualitative approach with a phenomenological type. The subjects of this research were 2 children aged 2-4 years, the first child from Gampong Meunasah Mampree, Syamtalira Aron District, North Aceh Regency, and the second child from Gampong Blang, Tanah Pasir District, North Aceh Regency. Data collection techniques use observation and question and answer. The data obtained was then compiled in the form of observation field notes and questions and answers for children aged 2-4 years which were then analyzed to determine the acquisition of Acehnese language phonemes used by children aged 2 years in their daily lives. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the language acquisition of Muhammad Aksan Rafassya aged 3 years is very good. The research subjects had mastered vowel and consonant sounds. At the age of 2 years Aksan was able to own and master words in his surroundings. This is also strengthened by mastery of nouns, adjectives and verbs. Meanwhile, Hidayatul Azizi's language acquisition at the age of 2 years is not good because he is not yet very fluent in pronouncing consonant sounds. However, at the age of 2 years Hidayatul Azizi was able to pronounce vowel sounds well. The vowel sounds that Hidayatul Azizi already pronounces fluently are the words 'jeut', 'loen', and the word 'itek'.
A legal framework for foreign direct investment: A case of an emerging market
Authors: Sahiti Arben , Dalipi Liridon
Published: May 2024

There is unbridled competition among countries to attract foreign direct investments (Sethi et al., 2003). Developing countries are continuously revising their legal framework and policies to prevail in such a dynamic environment. The legal framework for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Kosovo since the establishment of temporary institutions until today has undergone constant changes and amendments to persuade foreign investors for investment purposes. The efforts to address issues raised by investors have played a pivotal role by shaping the legal environment in such ways in order to lure foreign investors. The main purpose of this study is to assess the legal framework in Kosovo by comparing the post-war and post-independence periods. This study adapts qualitative methodology and uses secondary data. The research concludes that although the legal changes were aimed at attracting foreign investors, this goal is still not being realized successfully. The findings of this research are very relevant because they can greatly contribute to other countries by learning the right lessons from Kosovo’s experience that can be used for other emerging markets.
Influence of Meltwater from Labrador Sea ice and icebergs transported via Flemish Cap on the long-term North Atlantic Cold Anomaly
Authors: Allan David , Allan Richard Philip
Published: May 2024

The long-term North Atlantic Cold Anomaly (Cold Blob) was largely the
consequence of three major episodes of low sea surface temperature (SST)
in the subpolar North Atlantic in 1972-74, 1984-85 and 1991-94. Each of
these episodes correlated with unusually low SST at Flemish Cap (a
subsurface island of the Canadian continental shelf 600km east of
Newfoundland) and with periods of high sea-ice cover over the deep basin
of the Labrador Sea a year earlier. These cold periods at Flemish Cap
and the Cold Blob were associated with the advance of sea-ice and
icebergs to Flemish Cap, high iceberg counts off the coast of
Newfoundland and the appearance of icebergs along the path of the North
Atlantic Current (NAC) east of Flemish Cap. Studies of SST anomalies
provided evidence for surface connections between Flemish Cap and the CB
which utilize part of the NAC pathway. We propose that in the cold
periods, residual meltwater from sea-ice and icebergs conveyed in the
Labrador Current to Flemish Cap was relayed via the NAC to the subpolar
North Atlantic to form the Cold Blob. After 1995, anomalous ice
expansion in the Labrador Sea basin greatly diminished, sea-ice and
icebergs did not reach Flemish Cap and cold meltwater was no longer
transmitted to the subpolar North Atlantic to sustain the Cold Blob.
This improved understanding of 20th century meltwater pathways in the
North Atlantic may relate to changes in the Atlantic Meridional
Overturning Circulation and associated impacts on regional climate in
the 21st century.
A first look at river discharge from SWOT satellite observations
Authors: Andreadis Konstantinos M. , Coss Stephen Paul , Durand Michael , Gleason Colin Joseph , Simmons Travis Thomas , Tebaldi Nikki , Bjerklie David Michael , Brinkerhoff Craig , Dudley Robert W. , Gejadze Igor , Larnier Kevin , Malaterre Pierre-Olivier , Oubanas Hind , Allen George Henry , Bates Paul D , David Cédric Hervé , Domeneghetti Alessio , Marc Luciana Fenoglio , Frasson Renato Prata de Moraes , Garambois Pierre-André , Gehring Jaclyn , Getirana Augusto , Hughes Marissa , Lee Jonghyun , Matte Pascal , Minear J. Toby , Monnier Jérôme , Muhebwa Aggrey , Tourian Mohammad Javad , Pavelsky Tamlin M , Riggs Ryan M , Rodriguez Ernesto , Sikder Md Safat , Taneja Jay , Tarpanelli Angelica , Wang Jida , Yadav Bidhyananda
Published: May 2024

The SWOT satellite has the potential to transform global hydrologic
science by offering simultaneous and synoptic estimates of river
discharge and other hydraulic variables. Here, we present the first
discharge estimates from SWOT during the initial orbital configuration
of the mission. A preliminary accuracy assessment from April of 2023
shows results consistent with pre-launch expectations: SWOT discharge
can track dynamics without any gauge information. It captures discharge
magnitude correctly in some cases but has bias in others. Correlations
in a set of representative cases of SWOT performance ranged from 0.42 to
0.89, while the normalized root mean squared error was between 4.6% and
67.5%. Although we were very limited in the selection of river reaches,
the feasibility of estimating river discharge from SWOT and these
promising initial results are encouraging. As SWOT data are improved by
reprocessing, we argue that the outlook for SWOT discharge is bright.
Towards calibrated ensembles of neural weather model forecasts
Authors: Baño-Medina Jorge , Sengupta Agniv , Watson-Parris Duncan , Hu Weiming , Monache Luca Delle
Published: May 2024

Neural Weather Models (NWM) are novel data-driven weather forecasting
tools based on neural networks that have recently achieved comparable
deterministic forecast skill to current operational approaches using
significantly less real-time computational resources. The short
inference times required by NWMs allow the generation of a large
ensemble potentially providing benefits in quantifying the forecast
uncertainty, particularly for extreme events, which is of critical
importance for various socio-economic sectors. Here we propose a novel
ensemble design for NWMs spanning two main sources of uncertainty:
epistemic —or model uncertainty,— and aleatoric —or initial
condition uncertainty. For the epistemic uncertainty, we propose an
effective strategy for creating a diverse ensemble of NWMs that captures
uncertainty in key model parameters. For the aleatoric, we explore the
“breeding of growing modes” for the first time on NWMs, a technique
traditionally used for operational numerical weather predictions as an
estimate of the initial condition uncertainty. The combination of these
two types of uncertainty produces an ensemble of NWM-based forecasts
that is shown to improve upon benchmark probabilistic NWM and is
competitive with the 51-member ensemble of the European Centre for
Medium-Range Weather Forecasts based on the Integrated Forecasting
System (IFS) —a gold standard in weather forecasting,— in terms of
both error and calibration. In addition, we report better probabilistic
skill than the IFS over land for two key variables: surface wind and air
surface temperature.
Wind shear effects on entrainment in convection-permitting models influence convective storm rainfall and forcing of tropical circulation
Authors: Maybee Ben , Marsham John , Klein Cornelia , Parker Douglas J. , Barton Emma Jane , Taylor Christopher M , Lewis Huw , Sanchez Claudio , Jones Richard Wilson , Warner James Lewis
Published: May 2024

Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) play a critical role in tropical
rainfall patterns and circulations. To reduce persistent biases and
improve understanding of the climate system, international groups have
called for unprecedented investment in global convection-permitting (CP)
climate models. It is essential such models accurately represent MCSs,
and in particular environmental interactions such as dynamical control
by wind shear. We show that in representative current generation CP
simulations, MCS updraft entrainment decreases with shear, leading to a
realistic increase of extreme rainfall. We find the control of
environmental shear extends to mean storm rainfall and anvil heights.
The simulation of these effects depends strongly on model physics in
both CP and parameterised models. We show that MCS shear response
influences the zonal distribution of storm diabatic heating, modifying
upscale impacts of convection. Our results demonstrate key tests for
focused process-based assessment of CP model fidelity.
Contamination impact mitigation in water distribution networks through consumer demand control
Authors: Rathore Saruch Satishkumar , Vrachimis Stelios G. , Eliades Demetrios , Polycarpou Marios M. , Kallesøe Carsten Skovmose , Wisniewski Rafal
Published: May 2024

Amidst the time-consuming process of conducting laboratory tests to
confirm contamination incidents, utilities must promptly implement
measures to mitigate the impact of potential contamination without undue
overreaction. This paper proposes a novel approach for mitigating the
impact of contamination threats (an unconfirmed contamination event) in
smart water networks. By leveraging smart valves, the consumer flows are
regulated to create a decreasing pressure gradient from the
contamination source to a flushing point, facilitating efficient
contamination flushing with minimal consumer inconvenience. The
decreasing pressure gradients are formulated as constraints within an
online optimization problem. Additionally, two methods for identifying
these pressure constraints are presented. To assess the efficacy of the
proposed framework, testing is conducted using a realistic water network
model.
Estudio comparativo de los indicadores clínicos de la satisfacción marital en parejas infértiles
Authors: Carreño-Meléndez Jorge , Mota-González Cecilia , Sánchez-Bravo Claudia
Published: May 2024

Con el objetivo de establecer indicadores clínicos para la satisfacción marital en parejas infértiles, se evaluó a 138 parejas mediante un diseño multivariado. Se aplicó el inventario de autoconcepto, rol de género, escala de ansiedad y el cuestionario de satisfacción marital y se compararon los resultados por mujeres y hombres. Se empleó la prueba t Student y el análisis discriminante. Más mujeres están fuera del punto de corte y con menor satisfacción marital. La prueba t mostró diferencias. Se obtuvieron dos matrices, una de mujeres y otra de hombres. En las mujeres, se muestra que el autoconcepto, la ansiedad rasgo, roles masculino y sumisión, ansiedad-estado y rol femenino, son discriminados para la satisfacción marital; y, para los hombres, el autoconcepto, la ansiedad estado, rol femenino, ansiedad rasgo, roles de sumisión y masculino. El autoconcepto es el indicador clínico con mayor peso en mujeres y hombres para la satisfacción marital.