bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness of two reduced pressure compression systems in treating newly diagnosed venous leg ulcers
Authors: Guest Julian F , Fuller Graham W
Published: June 2023

Objective:

To assess the clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of using two different reduced pressure compression systems in treating newly diagnosed venous leg ulcers (VLUs) in clinical practice, from the perspective of the UK's National Health Service (NHS).

Methods:

This was a modelling study based on a retrospective cohort analysis of the case records of patients with a newly diagnosed VLU, randomly extracted from The Health Improvement Network (THIN) database, who were initially treated with a two-layer cohesive compression bandage (TLCCB Lite; Coban 2 Lite, 3M, US) or a two-layer compression system (TLCS Reduced; Ktwo Reduced, Urgo, France). No significant differences were detected between the groups. Nevertheless, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed to enable differences in patients' outcomes between the groups to be adjusted for any heterogeneity in baseline covariates. Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of the alternative compression systems were estimated over 12 months after starting treatment.

Results:

Time from wound onset to starting compression was a mean of two months. The probability of healing at 12 months was 0.59 in the TLCCB Lite group and 0.53 in the TLCS Reduced group. Patients in the TLCCB Lite group experienced a marginally better health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of 0.02 quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) per patient compared to those in the TLCS Reduced group. The 12-month NHS wound management cost was £3883 per patient treated with TLCCB Lite and £4235 per patient treated with TLCS Reduced. When the analysis was repeated without ANCOVA, the findings from the base case analysis remained unchanged (i.e., use of TLCCB Lite improved outcomes at lower cost).

Conclusion:

Within the study's limitations, treating newly diagnosed VLUs with TLCCB Lite instead of TLCS Reduced potentially affords a cost-effective use of NHS-funded resources in clinical practice, since it is expected to result in an increased healing rate, better HRQoL and a lower NHS wound management cost.
Antimicrobial activity and wound healing effect of a novel natural ointment: an in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Khodabakhshi Darioush , Vaseghi Golnaz , Mirzaee Arezoo , Eskandarinia Asghar , Kharazi Anousheh Zargar
Published: June 2023

Infection and pathological disorders, such as cellular disorders, ischaemia, neuropathy and angiogenesis, are considered the most critical factors which cause a delay in the wound healing process in patients with diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an ointment based on ostrich oil containing honey, beeswax, and ethanolic extracts of Nigella sativa, propolis and Cassia angustifolia on the wound healing process of diabetic rats. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis showed caffeic acid and pinostrobin chalcone molecules present in propolis, giving antibacterial and antifungal properties to the compound. The antibacterial assessment showed the ointment had remarkable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (8.6±0.28mm), Escherichia coli (9.4±0.31mm), Acinetobacter baumannii (7.2±0.23mm) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.9±0.42mm). In vivo results showed the ointment significantly accelerated wound healing and increased collagen deposition compared with the control (p<0.05). Histopathology evaluation also showed hair follicles, sebaceous glands and vessels in the group that used the ointment. These results proved successful and diabetic wound healing was rapid. Therefore, it could be concluded that the fabricated ointment could be a suitable candidate for wound healing.
Using insulin to manage type 2 diabetes
Authors: Stewart Martha
Published: June 2023

Exogenous insulin injections are used in type 2 diabetes to complement non-insulin medication or as standalone therapy, alongside lifestyle changes. Therapeutic inertia by health professionals, as well as ‘psychological insulin resistance’ by individuals with diabetes, contribute to delays in insulin use. Nurses have a pivotal role in identifying individuals who require insulin therapy and to counsel and support them through person-centred insulin education. This article outlines the NICE recommendations for insulin therapy and factors contributing to delays in insulin initiation, as well as resources that can be signposted to individuals with type 2 diabetes.
A Case of Progressive Bleomycin Lung Toxicity Refractory to Steroid Therapy
Authors:   Department of Medicine, University of Arizona - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ USA, Dossett Christopher , Yost Kelli , Lau Christopher , Shamsid-Deen Nafis
Published: June 2023

Bleomycin is a common chemotherapy agent used to treat germinative tumors. Bleomycin-induced lung injury (BILI) is an uncommon but devastating adverse effect of its use. It occurs in 10-20% of patients receiving bleomycin, and the initial diagnosis is usually made by new-onset respiratory symptoms and reduced diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO). Mainstay treatment includes discontinuing bleomycin, corticosteroids, and supplemental oxygen if needed. We present a case of a 38-year-old male who was found to have a severe presentation of bleomycin-induced lung injury after chemotherapy for metastatic mixed germ cell testicular cancer. During his course, he was treated with the standard of care regimen of corticosteroids and salvage therapy with infliximab but ultimately died from complications of his illness. This case report is noteworthy because our patient had progressive bleomycin-induced lung injury, despite discontinuing bleomycin many months prior, consistent high-dose corticosteroid treatment, and even salvage therapy. In all patients on bleomycin, pulmonary function monitoring is essential, and any complaints of dyspnea should prompt concern for bleomycin-induced lung injury. If initial treatment does not improve their condition, more aggressive measures may be necessary.
Efficacy of drug treatment for severe melioidosis and eradication treatment of melioidosis: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Anothaisintawee Thunyarat , Harncharoenkul Krit , Poramathikul Kamonporn , Phontham Kittijarankon , Boonyarangka Parat , Kuntawunginn Worachet , Spring Michele , Boudreaux Daniel , Livezey Jeffrey , Chantratita Narisara
Published: June 2023

Background

This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to compare the efficacy of all available treatments for severe melioidosis in decreasing hospital mortality and to identify eradication therapies with low disease recurrence rates and minimal risk of adverse drug events (AEs).

Methodology

Relevant randomized controlled trials (RCT) were searched from Medline and Scopus databases from their inception until July 31, 2022. RCTs that compared the efficacy between treatment regimens for severe melioidosis or eradication therapy of melioidosis, measured outcomes of in-hospital mortality, disease recurrence, drug discontinuation, or AEs, were included for review. A two-stage NMA with the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) was used to estimate the comparative efficacy of treatment regimens.

Principal findings

Fourteen RCTs were included in the review. Ceftazidime plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), ceftazidime plus trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), and cefoperazone-sulbactam plus TMP-SMX had a lower mortality rate than other treatments and were ranked as the top three most appropriate treatments for severe melioidosis with the SUCRA of 79.7%, 66.6%, and 55.7%, respectively. However, these results were not statistically significant. For eradication therapy, treatment with doxycycline monotherapy for 20 weeks was associated with a significantly higher risk of disease recurrence than regimens containing TMP-SMX (i.e.,TMP-SMX for 20 weeks, TMP-SMX plus doxycycline plus chloramphenicol for more than 12 weeks, and TMP-SMX plus doxycycline for more than 12 weeks). According to the SUCRA, TMP-SMX for 20 weeks was ranked as the most efficacious eradication treatment (87.7%) with the lowest chance of drug discontinuation (86.4%), while TMP-SMX for 12 weeks had the lowest risk of AEs (95.6%).

Conclusion

Our results found a non-significant benefit of ceftazidime plus G-CSF and ceftazidime plus TMP-SMX over other treatments for severe melioidosis. TMP-SMX for 20 weeks was associated with a lower recurrence rate and minimal risk of adverse drug events compared to other eradication treatments. However, the validity of our NMA may be compromised by the limited number of included studies and discrepancies in certain study parameters. Thus, additional well-designed RCTs are needed to improve the therapy of melioidosis.
A method for detecting outliers in linear-circular non-parametric regression
Authors: Sert Sümeyra , Kardiyen Filiz
Published: June 2023

This study proposes a robust outlier detection method based on the circular median for non-parametric linear-circular regression in case the response variable includes outlier(s) and the residuals are Wrapped-Cauchy distributed. Nadaraya-Watson and local linear regression methods were employed to obtain non-parametric regression fits. The proposed method’s performance was investigated by using a real dataset and a comprehensive simulation study with different sample sizes, contamination, and heterogeneity degrees. The method performs quite well in medium and higher contamination degrees, and its performance increases as the sample size and the homogeneity of data increase. In addition, when the response variable of linear-circular regression contains outliers, the Local Linear Estimation method fits the data set better than the Nadaraya Watson method.
A meta-analysis of the clinical significance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios in interstitial lung disease
Authors: Dong Fei , Zheng Leting , An Weiwei , Xue Ting , Zhong Xiaoning
Published: June 2023

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a group of diffuse parenchymal infiltrating diseases of different etiologies. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) can reflect ILD’s existence, progression, and prognosis and is currently regarded as a promising biological marker. This meta-analysis assessed elevated NLR levels in ILD for their predictive value. From inception to July 27, 2022, the Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed databases were checked thoroughly. We used the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to compare blood NLR values between groups. We examined the relationship between poor prognoses and elevated NLR concentrations in ILD patients using odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CI. After initially including 443 studies, 24 were ultimately analyzed. Fifteen studies(ILD:n = 2,912, Non-ILD: n = 2,868) revealed that the NLR values in the ILD group were relatively high (WMD = 0.61, 95% CI 0.43–0.79, p = 0.001). Eight articles (with poor prognoses: n = 407, without poor prognoses: n = 340) indicated that ILD patients with poor prognoses had higher NLR values (WMD = 1.33, 95% CI 0.32–2.33, p = 0.01). This distinction was especially noticeable in patients with the connective tissue disease (CTD)associated with ILD subgroup (WMD = 3.53, 95% CI 1.54–5.51, p = 0.0005). The pooled OR for increased NLR levels forecasting poor prognoses of ILD was 1.09 (95% CI 1.03–1.15, p = 0.0008). Increasing blood NLR values have clinical significance and application value for detecting ILD and predicting its poor prognosis, especially in CTD patients.
Defining journalism: How a new approach to a definition could revolutionize media freedom
Authors: Greste Peter
Published: June 2023

Defining who is a journalist is now fraught with difficulty and may well be impossible. The digital revolution has made it possible for anyone with a smart phone to create journalism-like content without necessarily adhering to any of the accepted formal conventions of journalism. Any legal definition that uses that approach is fraught with difficulty, and risks including people who should probably not be covered by the law, or ruling out those who should. This article proposes a novel approach, by considering journalism as a formalized process for gathering, organizing and presenting information according to recognized standards and ethics. Such an approach could form the centrepiece of a Media Freedom Act, and give the industry incentive to respond with a system of voluntary certification that could identify those people who understand and apply those standards and ethics, and whose work would thus deserve the protection of the law.
Acute and adaptive cardiovascular and metabolic effects of passive heat therapy or high‐intensity interval training in patients with severe lower‐limb osteoarthritis
Authors: Roxburgh Brendon H. , Campbell Holly A. , Cotter James D. , Reymann Ulla , Williams Michael J. A. , Gwynne‐Jones David , Thomas Kate N.
Published: June 2023

Exercise is painful and difficult to perform for patients with severe lower‐limb osteoarthritis; consequently, reduced physical activity contributes to increased cardiometabolic disease risk. The aim of this study was to characterize the acute and adaptive cardiovascular and metabolic effects of two low or no impact therapies in patients with severe lower‐limb osteoarthritis: passive heat therapy (Heat) and high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) utilizing primarily the unaffected limbs, compared to a control intervention of home‐based exercise (Home). Participants completed up to 12 weeks of either Heat (20–30 min immersed in 40°C water followed by ~15‐min light resistance exercise), HIIT (6–8 × 60‐s intervals on a cross‐trainer or arm ergometer at ~90–100% peak O2) or Home (~15‐min light resistance exercise); all 3 sessions/week. Reductions in systolic (12 & 10 mm Hg), diastolic (7 & 4 mm Hg), and mean arterial (8 & 6 mm Hg) blood pressure (BP) were observed following one bout of Heat or HIIT exposure, lasting for the duration of the 20‐min monitoring period. Across the interventions (i.e., 12 weeks), resting systolic BP and diastolic BP decreased with Heat (−9 & ‐4 mm Hg; p < 0.001) and HIIT (−7 & ‐3 mm Hg; p ≤ 0.011), but not Home (0 & 0 mm Hg; p ≥ 0.785). The systolic and diastolic BP responses to an acute exposure of Heat or HIIT in the first intervention session were moderately correlated with adaptive responses across the intervention (r ≥ 0.54, p ≤ 0.005). Neither intervention improved indices of glycemic control (p = 0.310). In summary, both Heat and HIIT induced potent immediate and adaptive hypotensive effects, and the acute response was moderately predictive of the long‐term response.
Grid integration of wind farms and the interconnection requirements for the U.S. grid
Authors: Ghadiali Farangmeher , Xydis George
Published: June 2023

The integration of wind turbines and wind farms into the power grid presents significant challenges, including the variable and uncertain nature of wind power, the need for efficient transmission and distribution of power, and the need for advanced control and monitoring systems. Recent advances in wind turbine and wind farm technology have greatly improved their ability to integrate into the power grid. This includes the use of variable speed generators and power electronics, such as inverters, which allow for more accurate control of the power output and better alignment with the grid’s frequency. Additionally, advanced control algorithms, such as model predictive control and feedback linearization, have been developed to improve the stability and reliability of wind power systems. Communication systems have also been integrated into wind power systems to allow for real-time monitoring and control of the wind farm’s performance. This improves the ability of the wind farm to provide ancillary services, such as frequency regulation and voltage control. In this work, the major interconnection requirements for the U.S. grid for the expected mass integration of wind farms were discussed focusing on sustainable and reliable control strategies. The paper explores various control schemes that are used for providing response for grid reliability and sustainability. The analysis also included the future steps that OEMs of wind turbines need to take and the regulatory framework that is needed for ancillary services to provide an equitable platform for all generating units – conventional and renewables.
Vitamin C supplementation modulates crude oil contaminated water induced gravid uterine impaired contractile mechanism and foetal outcomes in Wistar rats
Authors: Salami Shakiru Ademola , Oreagba Fatai. O. , Salahdeen Hussein M. , Olatunji-Bello Ibiyemi I. , Murtala Babatunde A.
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Crude oil is a common environmental contaminant that impacts the reproductive functions of women. Understanding the contractile mechanism of the gravid uterus and how it impacts fetal outcomes during crude oil-contaminated water (CCW) exposure is still evolving. This study investigates the effect of vitamin C supplementation during the ingestion of CCW from Bayelsa, Nigeria, on the contractile mechanism of the gravid uterus and fetal outcomes.

Methods

Fifteen nulliparous pregnant rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 5 rats each and treated with normal saline (control), CCW (2.5 mL), and CCW + vitamin C (10 mg/kg bwt), respectively. Treatments were via oral gavage from gestation days 1–19. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of CCW, uterine oxidative biomarkers, and in vitro contractile activity of excised uterine tissue to acetylcholine, oxytocin, magnesium, and potassium were determined. Furthermore, uterine responses to acetylcholine after incubation with nifedipine, indomethacin, and N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester were also recorded using the Ugo Basile data capsule acquisition system. Fetal weights, morphometric indices, and anogenital distance were also determined.

Results

Acetylcholine, oxytocin, magnesium, diclofenac, and indomethacin-mediated contractile mechanisms were significantly impaired with CCW exposure; however, vitamin C supplementation significantly attenuated the impaired uterine contractile activity. Maternal serum estrogen, weight, uterine superoxide dismutase, fetal weight, and anogenital distance were significantly reduced in the CCW group compared to the vitamin C supplemented group.

Conclusions

Ingestion of CCW impaired the uterine contractile mechanism, fetal developmental indices, oxidative biomarkers, and estrogen. Vitamin C supplementation modulated these by elevating uterine antioxidant enzymes and reducing free radicals.
lncRNA OIP5-AS1 attenuates the osteoarthritis progression in IL-1β-stimulated chondrocytes
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Wang Zhikun , Wang Binbin , Li Jingyi , Yuan Hui
Published: June 2023

In view of the association between long noncoding RNA OIP5-AS1 and osteoarthritis (OA) pathology, the corresponding potential mechanism is worthy of exploration. Primary chondrocytes were identified by morphological observation and immunohistochemical staining of collagen II. The association between OIP5-AS1 and miR-338-3p was analyzed by StarBase and dual-luciferase reporter assay. After the expression of OIP5-AS1 or miR-338-3p in interleukin (IL)-1β-stimulated primary chondrocytes and CHON-001 cells was manipulated, cell viability, proliferation, apoptosis rate, apoptosis-related protein (cleaved caspase-9, Bax) expressions, extracellular matrix (ECM) (matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, MMP-13, aggrecan, and collagen II), PI3K/AKT pathway, and mRNA expressions of inflammatory factors (IL-6 and IL-8), OIP5-AS1, and miR-338-3p were determined by cell counting kit-8, EdU, flow cytometry, Western blot, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. As a result, the expression of OIP5-AS1 was downregulated in IL-1β-activated chondrocytes, while miR-338-3p was overexpressed. OIP5-AS1 overexpression reversed the effects of IL-1β on viability, proliferation, apoptosis, ECM degradation, and inflammation in chondrocytes. However, OIP5-AS1 knockdown exhibited opposite effects. Interestingly, the effects of OIP5-AS1 overexpression were partially offset by miR-338-3p overexpression. Furthermore, OIP5-AS1 overexpression blocked the PI3K/AKT pathway by modulating miR-338-3p expression. In sum, OIP5-AS1 promotes viability and proliferation, and inhibits apoptosis and ECM degradation in IL-1β-activated chondrocytes by targeting miR-338-3p through blocking the PI3K/AKT pathway, indicating an attractive strategy for OA treatment.
Visual and thermal camouflage on different terrestrial environments based on electrochromism
Authors: Jeon Suwan , Lee Su Eon , Kim Wonjoong , Lee Sun Hee , Min Seokhwan , Seon Seung Won , Han Seung Ho , Kim Bong Hoon , Lee Heon , Shin Jonghwa
Published: June 2023

Hiding terrestrial objects from aerial monitoring has long been an important objective in national security and public safety. However, the diversity of terrestrial environments raises great challenges to traditional camouflages optimized for a single spectral band or single type of background environment, rendering them vulnerable in other bands or backgrounds. Herein, we experimentally demonstrate simultaneous visual and thermal camouflage that can adapt to two different environments based on a thermally emissive electrochromic layer. We first explore diverse possible theoretical solutions for dual-band dual-environmental camouflage by solving analytic constraints for camouflage and steady-state thermal conditions and select the most viable approach. Based on the theoretical analysis, we design active camouflage thin-film material systems that can approximate two different target visible and infrared signatures of backgrounds under proper bias voltage. Our potentially flexible camouflage surfaces can also conceal heat sources such as human body as well with tailored designs. These results provide new directions in multi-band stealth designs.
Machine learning for the classification of macroscale fracture surfaces
Authors: Herges A. , Ulrich L. , Scholl S. , Müller M. , Britz D. , Mücklich F.
Published: June 2023

The characterization of fractographic surfaces typically requires experts to evaluate the characteristics of fracture surfaces. However, these evaluations are influenced by human factors, such as subjectivity, and suffer from a lack of reproducibility. In this context, machine learning (ML), which has been established in various disciplines within materials science over the past few years, is a promising field enabling a more objective and reproducible evaluation. This study will evaluate the use of ML for the evaluation of fracture surfaces of notched Charpy specimens based on digital camera images. Image sections of the two reference regions “upper shelf” (ductile) and “lower shelf” (brittle) will serve as the database. In a first step, data visualization will be performed and data separability will be verified using unsupervised ML. On this basis, supervised ML will be used to train models to distinguish brittle and ductile fractures. These models will then be applied to determine ductile und brittle portions in mixed fracture modes, with the results being in good agreement with the expert consensus achieved in the round robin test.
Analyzing Position, Velocity and Acceleration Graphs using Arduino
Authors: Çoban A. , Salar R.
Published: June 2023

Motion graphics and their relationships within the scope of the kinematics unit are difficult topics for students to learn. In this study, an Arduino-based in-class physics activity was developed, in which students can analyze position-time, velocity-time and acceleration-time graphs practically. Within the scope of the study, Arduino UNO and HC-SR04 distance sensors, which are very low cost and easily obtainable, were used in the material development process. Data analyzes were also carried out using the Excel program. The position values and time values of a simple car moving with constant acceleration were collected with the help of Arduino and then these data were transferred to the Excel program. Instant velocity and acceleration values were determined on the Excel platform. Then, graph types and relationships between graphs were analyzed by drawing time-dependent graphs of position, velocity and acceleration with the help of Excel program. The motion acceleration was determined as 2.388 m/s2 both by taking the second derivative of the position-time equation with respect to time and by using the slope of the time-dependent graph of the instantaneous velocity values found. Furthermore, the displacement was calculated as 0.363 m using first and last position values that were directly read from the distance sensor and 0.348 m using the area under the velocity-time graph. The two values are very close to each other, with a difference of +4.1. The change in velocity was calculated as 0.845 m/s by taking the difference of the initial and final velocity and calculating the area under the acceleration-time graph. In addition to providing students with important educational gains in graphic subjects, it is expected that such a study carried out with students in the classroom will also be effective in the development of technological literacy and data analysis skills.
An Analysis of Students’ Higher Order Thinking Skills Through the Project-Based Learning Model on Science Subject
Authors: Khaeruddin K. , Indarwati S. , Sukmawati S. , Hasriana H. , Afifah F.
Published: June 2023

The learning and assessment process that is oriented towards Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) is a very urgent task for teachers in schools today. But in practice, the teacher cannot suddenly give an assessment with the HOTS system if the teacher has never been familiar with the HOTS-oriented learning model in the daily learning process. Teachers must carefully design HOTS-based learning and assessment, starting from the preparation, implementation, and evaluation stages based on the revised 2013 Curriculum. The project-based learning model is a learning model that is able to facilitate students in solving problems and higher-order thinking processes. Therefore, the focus of this research is to describe students' higher order thinking skills through a project-based learning model in science subjects at SMPN 33 Makassar. This study used a pre-experimental study with a One-Group Pretest-Posttest design. The sample in this study were 114 students at the junior high school level. The results showed that there was an increase in students' HOTS test scores from the pretest, posttest stage one and posttest stage two. This shows that the project-based learning model contributes to increasing the HOTS of SMPN 33 Makassar students in science subjects. Especially in the aspect of Physics.
Interactive Multimedia Design Based on Cognitive Conflict on Dynamic Fluid Using Adobe Animate CC 2019
Authors: Afifah A. , Mufit F. , Hamdi H. , Dewi W. S.
Published: June 2023

In the 21st century Science and Technology (IPTEK) is experiencing very rapid development which requires students to have skills in that century. In addition, one of the objectives of learning physics in the 2013 curriculum is to have a good understanding of concepts and principles. However, in reality there are still obstacles in students' understanding of concepts that are still low, including dynamic fluid material. The solution given is to develop interactive multimedia based on cognitive conflict. This study aims to determine the characteristics of interactive multimedia design and determine its validity. This type of research is development research using the Plomp development model which is special to the preliminary research and prototyping stages to the expert review. Preliminary research data obtained from needs analysis through filling out a questionnaire by 3 physics teachers and the validity of the data obtained from 3 physics lecturers. The instruments in this study were teacher questionnaires, self-evaluation sheets and expert validity sheets. Data were analyzed descriptively. This research produces interactive multimedia with characteristics set according to 4 syntaxes of cognitive conflict-based learning models using the adobe animate cc 2019 application. Multimedia is designed to improve students' conceptual understanding of dynamic fluid materials and justify 4C skills. the results of self-evaluation show that multimedia is in the very good category.
The Feasibility of Guided Inquiry-Based Digital Flipbook Learning Media: Physics Module in Sensing Systems
Authors: Khaerunnisa N. , Jumadi J. , Yusri H. , Indahsari H. K. , Febrian A.
Published: June 2023

Various technology-based learning media have now been widely developed but sometimes in their use some of them are still not maximized properly. The current modernization of education refers to the digitalization of current learning making digital media not only used as a media of communication but also as a medium of learning so that students can carry out learning activities online or blended learning. Online learning or blended learning requires students to be skilled at using digital devices. Besides that, now we are also in the digital era which demands that all aspects of life, including learning activities, participate in training students to use digital systems, one of which is as a learning media. The way to train students' skills in using digital devices is to introduce and familiarize students with using digital media when the learning process starts from the simplest, such as flipbook e-modules. This study aims to determine the feasibility of the digital physics flipbook module in guided inquiry-based sensing. The research method used is research and development research with the ADDIE model (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation). The methods used to collect data are observation, interviews, and questionnaires. The instrument used to collect data is a questionnaire. The feasibility test was carried out by distributing validation sheets to junior high school science teachers, high school physics teachers, and science education students. The research results obtained are the digital physics flipbook module in the sensing system has been feasible to use with a percentage of 80% and is in the very good category. Thus the guided inquiry-based e-module flipbook on physics material in this sensing system has been worthy of being used as teaching materials and learning media for students.
E-Module Implementation by Using Feature-Lesson-Based of Moodle in Physics Learning Multimedia Practices for Students of Prospective Physics Teacher
Authors: Kurniawan B. R. , Rahmawati I. , Fawaiz S.
Published: June 2023

The rapid development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) allows tertiary institutions to hold lectures offline, blended, and online. Nonetheless, findings in the field show that online lectures cannot guarantee whether students follow lecture material properly or not. Therefore, this study aimed to implement an e-module of the feature-lesson-based developed by Moodle for physics learning multimedia practice course. This e-module was developed using the ADDIE model which includes analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation stages. The developed e-module in this study used the feature-lesson to ensure students follow the material properly and coherently. Students can access the next material if they have mastered the material that has been presented. The data in this study were collected through the responses of prospective physics teacher students who had used the e-module for one semester. Student responses included the use of the feature-lesson to support coherent mastery of the material, the application of the feature-lesson in presenting the learning process through e-modules, the use of quizzes on the feature-lesson to ensure achievement of learning outcomes, and the interest of prospective teacher students in developing online learning using the feature-lesson on Moodle. The results of student responses showed that the e-module implementation of the feature-lesson-based of Moodle in physics learning multimedia practice were in very good criteria. Students liked the feature-lesson because they should follow the order in which the material was given so that it helped them understand the material properly and coherently. In addition, students can understand the material better because when they choosed the wrong answer in a quiz, students would be directed to review material that they have not understood. Students can continue to the next material if they have been able to complete the quiz correctly
The linguosophy of the opposition “own — foreign” in the texts of the period of Russian-Ukrainian war
Authors:   Institute of the Ukrainian Language of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Siuta Halyna
Published: June 2023

The article carries out a cognitive-textual analysis of artistic (mainly poetic and song) and journalistic texts of 2022 — the beginning of 2023, primarily taking into account their nature as linguistic imprints of today’s objective reality and linguistic consciousness of Ukrainians. It was determined that the contrast between one’s own and another’s as­sessments occurs most clearly in the thematic segments language, space, society. It has been established that in the conditions of Russian aggression, the evaluations of “own” and “foreign” are sharply polarized: the linguistic description of “own” takes place in the coordinates of heroization, on the other hand, the language strategy of de­humanization is maximally actualized in relation to “foreign”. The potentially neutral semantic zone “another” (as an intermediate, connecting link between “own” and “fo­reign”) in the texts of the war is leveled, erased. Within the framework of the analysis of the thematic segment “language”, it is em­phasized that in 2022 there was a radical expansion of the Ukrainian-speaking com­municative space. This expansion is motivated by the awareness of the importance of language as a symbol of national identity. Axiological polarization in assessments of one’s space (Ukraine — Russia) and so­ciety (Ukrainians — Russians) is manifested at the level of vocabulary, phraseology, grammar, trope creation. Keywords: linguosophy, opposition “own — foreign”, war texts, evaluability, time-marked axio­logical norm.
Earlier Bedtime and Its Effect on Adolescent Sleep Duration
Authors: Campbell Ian G. , Cruz-Basilio Alejandro , Figueroa Jessica G. , Bottom Vincent B.
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Sleep duration decreases by ∼10 minutes per year throughout adolescence. A circadian phase delay and changes in homeostatic sleep regulation enable adolescents to stay up later. We determine if teens are able to increase sleep duration by advancing bedtime and whether this ability changes with age.

METHODS

A younger cohort of 77 participants ranging in age from 9.9 to 16.2 years were studied annually for 3 years. An older cohort of 67 participants ranging in age from 15.0 to 20.6 years was studied only once. Annually, participants kept each of 3 different time in bed (TIB) schedules (7, 8.5, and 10 hours) for 4 consecutive nights. Participants kept their habitual weekday rise times; TIB was altered by advancing bedtimes. We report polysomnography-measured sleep durations from the fourth night of the TIB schedule.

RESULTS

Despite increases in sleep onset latency and wake after sleep onset, sleep duration increased with TIB as bedtime was advanced. Average (SE) sleep duration increased from 402.8 (1.6) minutes with 7 hours to 470.6 (2.1) minutes with 8.5 hours to 527.5 (3.0) minutes with 10 hours TIB. Sleep duration decreased with age (1.55 [0.48] minutes/year), but the TIB effect on sleep duration did not (TIB by age interaction, P = .42).

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescents can substantially increase sleep duration by advancing bedtime, and this ability does not change between ages 10 and 21 years. Additional research is needed to determine how to translate these findings from experiment-controlled sleep schedules to real-world sleep duration increases.
Humanising life orientation pedagogy through environmental education
Authors: Swarts Pieter
Published: June 2023

In this article I focus on an initiative to determine how a group of 7 purposefully recruited Grade 10 in-service life orientation teachers in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda district of the North West province conceptualise socio-environmental issues and aim to determine whether their teaching-learning practices are aligned with the expectations of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement. A qualitative research design was used to generate data through semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed thematically. A critical finding was that a need exists to include a situated knowledge approach to real-life socio-environmental issues for the purpose of humanising life orientation for learners. With this article, I wish to contribute to a particular discourse with regard to real-life socio-environmental issues through humanising life orientation pedagogies through environmental education. The potential merits of such a transformative approach, which is grounded in a critical pedagogical paradigm, are discussed as well.
Assessing the impact of differentiated instruction on mathematics achievement and attitudes of secondary school learners
Authors: Bal Ayten Pinar
Published: June 2023

The aim of the study reported on here was to assess the impact of differentiated instruction in terms of mathematics achievement and the attitudes of secondary school learners to reveal their views on differentiated instruction. The study was designed according to a mixed method design in which both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. The study group, which constituted the quantitative dimension of the study, consisted of 2 control groups and 1 experimental group. The Mathematics Achievement Test, Mathematics Attitude Scale and a semi-structured interview form were used as data collection tools. One-way anova and descriptive analysis techniques were applied for the analysis of the data. We concluded that differentiated instruction in mathematics courses increases secondary school learners’ mathematics achievement, but has no effect on their attitudes towards mathematics.
Intrinsic teaching challenges relating to practical investigations in some classrooms: An instructional design perspective
Authors: Akuma Fru Vitalis , Gaigher Estelle
Published: June 2023

The inquiry-based strategy in science education is widely recommended and incorporated in practical work. However, contextual and intrinsic teaching challenges associated with practical investigations (inquiry-based practical work), occur in resource-constrained physical sciences classrooms in South Africa. The intrinsic challenges have previously been identified from the perspective of the pedagogical content knowledge framework and the concerns-based adoption model. In this article we present a novel approach, investigating the intrinsic challenges from a viewpoint of instructional design. The multi-method technique was used to collect data which was analysed by combining the deductive and the inductive approaches in thematic analysis. The findings consist of intrinsic teaching challenges in the initiation, planning, and implementation phases of practical investigations. Examples of the challenges include practical work being considered to have a confirmatory role, inadequacies linked to addressing learner safety, and unfamiliarity with well-known instructional models. While new challenges were identified, the findings add a new perspective to intrinsic challenges relating to practical investigations in the context of physical sciences education in South Africa. Also, the findings enhance global knowledge about the complexity of intrinsic teaching challenges linked to practical investigations. In addition, the findings inform teacher support while suggesting lines of future research linked to practical investigations in resource-constrained physical sciences classrooms in South Africa and beyond.
Satisfaction, professional development, and professionalism of overseas South African teachers: The application of social cognitive career theory
Authors: Dos Santos Luis Miguel
Published: June 2023

For almost 2 decades South Korea has been 1 of the popular destinations for English teaching. Due to the development of globalisation, a great number of qualified and experienced South African teachers decided to invest their career development and personal goals in 1 of the schools in South Korea. However, due to the social and cultural differences, many teachers decided to leave their position within the first few years of their contract. The frequent departure of teachers may negatively influence the students’ achievement and the reputation of the school. The purpose of this study was to understand why South African teachers decided to stay in the same school for more than 10 successive years in South Korea. With the application of the phenomenological analysis, 37 participants were invited. Based on the Social Cognitive Career Theory, the results indicate that both the workplace and the social environment were positive for both career and personal development and growth. Government departments, policymakers, school leaders, non-profit organisational leaders, human resource planners, and researchers should regard the findings from this study as support to reform and improve their current regulations and plans for teachers’ professional development and teachers’ recruitment, particularly regarding school teachers’ recruitment and foreign teachers’ plans.
Primary school teachers’ knowledge of differentiation for students with giftedness and learning disabilities in mixed-abilities classrooms in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsamiri Yasir A. , Hussain Malik A. , Aljohani Mansour M. , Alsawalem Ibraheem M.
Published: June 2023

Primary school students with both giftedness and learning disabilities (SGLD) in inclusive educational settings may not always receive a differentiated curriculum. Differentiation in all-level classrooms is necessary for consistently meeting the needs of SGLD. There is insufficient research on teachers’ knowledge of SGLD and differentiation in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. To fill this knowledge gap, we interviewed 9 primary school teachers in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The interview data were analysed using content analysis. Our conceptual framework is based on the theories of Howard Gardner, who believe that all students learn in different ways. We also considered Lev Vygotsky’s view that students learn best with instructions that meet their individual developmental level and address their zone of proximal development. Our findings suggest that teachers are willing to teach SGLD along with other students in the same classroom. Although they understand that differentiation is important, they were not implementing it for SGLD. Professional training and development related to teaching SGLD can improve the educational outcomes for SGLD. These results can assist teachers and educational personnel to seek optimal methods to identify and assist SGLD in Saudi Arabia and other regions. Finally, we provide recommendations for accommodations, strategies, and a differentiated curriculum for SGLD in primary schools.
Effect of inclusive practices on attitudes: A meta-analysis study
Authors: Yerliyurt Günay Nazlı Sıla , Elaldı Şenel , Çifçi Mehtap
Published: June 2023

With the study reported on here we aimed to synthesise recent quantitative research to specify the effect of inclusive practices on attitudes via meta-analysis. Since attitudes have an integral role in the performance of inclusion programmes, within the scope of the study, the cumulative findings of experimental studies conducted on attitudes towards inclusive practices were reinterpreted. To this end, studies with a pretest-posttest control group carried out in 2000 and 2021 were scanned from databases according to the inclusion criteria. After the search process, 23 studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected from 54 studies. The overall sample size of the studies included 2,016 participants. The mean effect size calculations, heterogeneity test, moderator analyses and publication bias analyses were conducted through a comprehensive meta-analysis programme (CMA 3.0). The findings that were discussed in accordance with the random effects model (REM) suggest that inclusive practices have a positive effect on attitudes and this effect is at a large level (g = 1.328) with respect to Cohen’s classification. This result indicates that inclusive practices have been strongly influenced by positive attitudes to yield favourable results. According to the moderator analyses, the highest effect sizes were found in the teachers’ group (g = 1,880) according to group level and in primary education (g = 1,374) according to school grades. The attitudes towards inclusion have been strongly influenced by teachers’ beliefs about the power of their teaching. More empirical studies on inclusive practices are recommended.
Postulaty Państwowej Komisji Wyborczej dotyczące pożądanego kierunku zmian kodeksu wyborczego
Authors:   Uniwersytet Gdański, Uziębło Piotr
Published: June 2023

The aim of this article is to make a critical analysis of the postulates for amending the Electoral Code, proposed by the National Electoral Commission. We can agree with a large part of the above postulates, although their final normative shape will be of key importance in this case. However, there are also some proposals that can be considered at least debatable. First of all, this concerns the postulate to abandon the judicial composition of district electoral commissions, because even despite doubts as to the legality of the appointment of judges with the participation of the unconstitutional composition of the National Council of the Judiciary, guarantees of judicial independence are also a safeguard against politicization of the composition of subsequent election administration bodies. Anyway, it is worth emphasizing that the NEC’s proposals were in practice intended to constitute a form of justification for introducing changes contrary to the fundamental principles of electoral law, which took place in the winter of 2023.
Uwagi o kształtowaniu się instytucji ombudsmana w Polsce i Meksyku, 1990–2022
Authors:   Uniwersytet Pedagogiczny im. KEN w Krakowie, Czarnecki Łukasz , Krawiec Grzegorz ,   Uniwersytet Pedagogiczny im. KEN w Krakowie
Published: June 2023

The ombudsman institution has become a barometer of implementing the rule of law, democracy and transparency system. Does the fact that the institution of the ombudsman was established in authoritarian countries influence its activities today? This question will be the subject of a comparative analysis of Poland and Mexico, in which there has been a democratic transformation in recent decades. In conclusion, it should be observed that despite the historical and political differences, we are dealing with a similar context and mechanism of functioning of the ombudsman institution. Both countries have an authoritarian past and both underwent a democratic transformation in the 1990s. and both struggle with contemporary forms of authoritarian forms of power.
Prawo do secesji. Argument konstytucyjny i metaprawny Starego Południa Stanów Zjednoczonych
Authors:   Uniwersytet Łódzki, Tulejski Tomasz
Published: June 2023

Before the outbreak of the Civil War, the theorists and politicians of the South of the US developed the theoretical instruments of resistance to what they considered tyrannical practices of the federal government. Just next to interposition and nullification, the most radical measure was the right of secession. In the article, the author distinguishes between constitutional and meta-legal arguments. The first ones refer to the thought of the Founding Fathers, the spirit of ‘98 and the concept of states’ rights. Its main elements are: the contractual nature of the Union, the original sovereignty of the states and the interpretation of the phrase: “We the People” used in the Constitution. In turn the philosophical justification refers to the right of resistance to tyrannical government contained in the Declaration of Independence. The two group of justifications appeared together, and the author searches for them in the acts of secession of South Carolina and the CS Constitution