bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the retina macular region microvascular bed parameters in healthy people of the older age group according to optical coherence tomography with angiography function
Authors: Lyskin Pavel V. , Volodin Pavel L. , Makarenko Irina R.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: To date, there is insufficient data on normal blood flow indicators in the retinal choroid plexuses in healthy people of the older age group.
AIM: To create a normative basis for average indicators of vessel density in the superficial and deep plexuses of the retina, parameters of the foveal avascular zone and retinal thickness in the macular region in healthy people of the older age group according to optical coherence tomography with angiography.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The retrospective study included 73 people (146 eyes) aged from 58 to 79 years with preserved visual functions and somatic parameters corresponding to the age norm. Optical coherence tomography with angiography function analyzed the density of vessels in the superficial and deep retinal plexuses, the area and perimeter of the foveal avascular zone, the density of vessels in the area up to 300 μm from the foveal avascular zone, and the thickness of the retina. Statistical processing of the data was performed in MS Office Excel 2016. The data was presented in the format M±σ, where M was the average value of the indicator, σ was the standard deviation.
RESULTS: In the study group, the overall average retinal thickness in the macular area was 279.9±14.8 µm. The overall average density of vessels of the superficial retinal plexus in the macular zone of the retina was 48.7±2.5%. The overall average density of vessels in the deep retinal plexus in the macular area was 51.9±3.7%. The area of the foveal avascular zone in healthy people was on average 0.322±0.123 mm2; the density of vessels within 300 µm from the foveal avascular zone was 53.8±3.3%.
CONCLUSION: The age-related physiological norm for blood flow indicators in the retinal choroid plexuses in healthy people of the older age group has been established.
Ethical review of preclinical research
Authors: Guryleva Marina E.
Published: April 2024

The main goal of medicine has been and remains the desire to preserve the health of the population, increase human life expectancy and its quality. For those purposes, it is necessary to constantly improve treatment measures, create and introduce into medical practice new methods of therapy, innovative medicines, guided by strict rules of evidence of their high effectiveness and safety, study the mechanisms of physiological processes of a living organism in normal conditions and in pathology, the possibilities of correction and prevention of disease processes, and this means the need to conduct research, including those involving animals. The modern ethical and legal framework for research involving animals contains a requirement for mandatory examination of a research project by an ethical committee, monitoring its implementation, and analysis of the results. An ethics committee is a structure implemented into the research process to help researchers navigate the complex network of guidelines, rules and best practices, as well as the existing legal framework for conducting scientific research that guarantees quality results of work that do not violate these principles and restrictions. The local ethics committee is responsible for ensuring that research conducted in the territory under its supervision complies with modern ethical standards. This article presents the experience of the local ethics committee of the Kazan State Medical University in the ethical review of research projects involving animals, and substantiates the list and content of the requirements for documents submitted by the researcher for ethical review. The shortcomings identified in the preclinical research protocols submitted for examination were separately analyzed, and references were provided to the ethical and legal framework existing in the Russian Federation.
Concentration of some macronutrients of tooth enamel in patients living in areas with different concentrations of fluoride in drinking water
Authors: Toumassian Michel G. , Toumassian Serge G. , Satygo Elena A.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: This article examines the effect of fluoride concentration in drinking water on the concentration of certain macronutrients of tooth enamel in patients living in areas with different levels of fluoride.
AIM: To determine the relationship between the concentration of fluoride in drinking water and the content of macronutrients in tooth enamel.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Information was collected on the concentration of fluoride in drinking water in various areas. Then a sample of patients living in these areas was collected and the content of trace elements in the enamel of their teeth was analyzed.
RESULTS: The data obtained demonstrate the presence of a significant correlation between the concentration of fluoride in drinking water and the content of certain macronutrients in the enamel of patients’ teeth. A high concentration of fluoride in drinking water was associated with an increased content of certain trace elements, while a low concentration of fluoride was associated with their low levels.
CONCLUSIONS: These results highlight the importance of fluoride content in drinking water for dental health. They also provide additional data for the development of recommendations on the optimal level of fluoride in drinking water, which can help in maintaining dental health of the population in various areas. Further research in this area may help refine these results and advance our understanding of the relationship between fluoride and macronutrients in tooth enamel.
Comorbid pathology in patients with hyperuricemia in the Khabarovsk region
Authors: Otteva Elvira N. , Pyatnitskaya Polina I. , Khoruk Larisa G. , Kocherova Tatiana Yu.
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: Uric acid can affect many metabolic processes in the human body. In recent decades, great importance has been given to increased levels of uric acid — hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia has been proven to be an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular, renal and metabolic diseases, and not just their marker, as had previously ben considered.
AIM: To determine the incidence of hyperuricemia at the primary outpatient stage, as well as to assess the prevalence of comorbid pathology among patients with hyperuricemia in the Khabarovsk Territory.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 5261 medical records of the patients who applied for an initial outpatient appointment at the Clinical Diagnostic Center and the Viveya Consultative and Diagnostic Center in Khabarovsk from November 2022 to November 2023. From the total number of medical records 2428 patients had elevated level of uric acid in the blood.
RESULTS: Arterial hypertension (60.5%) was the most common pathology; obesity – the second (27.35%); diabetes mellitus type 2 was less common in the patients with hyperuricemia (17.75%), and nephrolithiasis was the least common pathology (7.91%).
CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of hyperuricemia among the population of the Khabarovsk Territory was revealed. Elevated levels of uric acid affect the development of comorbid pathology in the patients, in particular cardiovascular pathology. The results obtained during the study indicate a high prevalence of comorbid diseases in hyperuricemia with arterial hypertension being the most frequent.
Offshore Fault Geometry Revealed from Earthquake Locations Using New State-of-Art Techniques: The Case of the 2022 Adriatic Sea Earthquake Sequence
Authors: An Like , Grigoli Francesco , Enescu Bogdan , Buttinelli Mauro , Anselmi Mario , Molinari Irene , Ito Yoshihiro
Published: April 2024

Precise hypocenter locations are critical for properly interpreting earthquake occurrence processes. However, when the coverage with seismic stations is unfavorable or sparse, locating precisely earthquake hypocenters, in particular their depth, is challenging. Here we apply a newly developed approach, which uses only two land stations, to the recently occurred 2022 Adriatic Sea offshore earthquake sequence (mainshock of magnitude Mw 5.5) and achieve location results that are comparable to the catalog locations obtained using dozens of stations. First, six events with magnitudes M ≥3.0 were relocated using a travel-time stacking method. Next, using these six earthquakes as reference events, we applied a two-station differential travel-time method to reconstruct the earthquake cluster geometry and locate the remaining events, including the mainshock. The obtained earthquake distribution shows a dipping direction that varies from south to southwest, depending on the choice of the input parameters. Our preferred result shows a cluster dipping at an angle of ∼30° toward the south-southwest. This solution was chosen because the depth of the mainshock hypocenter obtained using the differential-time procedure agrees well with the depth constrained using depth phases. Moreover, the relatively sharp earthquake cluster geometry is in general consistent with the thrust fault structures revealed by a local seismic reflection survey and focal mechanism solutions.
New Empirical Source-Scaling Laws for Crustal Earthquakes Incorporating Fault Dip and Seismogenic-Thickness Effects
Authors: Huang Jyun-Yan , Abrahamson Norman A. , Sung Chih-Hsuan , Chao Shu-Hsien
Published: April 2024

New global source-scaling relations for the aspect ratio and rupture area for crustal earthquakes that include the width-limited effect and a possible free-surface effect are derived using a global dataset of finite-fault rupture models. In contrast to the commonly used scaling relations between moment magnitude (M), fault length (L), width (W), and area, we built self-consistent scaling relations by relating M to the aspect ratio (L/W) and to the fault area to model the change in the aspect ratio once the rupture width reaches the down-dip width limit of the fault. The width-limited effect of large-magnitude earthquakes depends on the fault dip and a regional term for the seismogenic thickness. The magnitude scaling of the aspect ratio includes a break in the magnitude scaling that is dip angle dependent. This dip angle-dependent magnitude scaling in the magnitude–area relation is modeled by a trilinear relation incorporating a dip-related transition range. The effect of the free surface was observed using a normalized depth term and parameterizing the source by the depth of the top of the fault rupture; it is more apparent in the area scaling relation. The scaling differences are related to the fault geometry, not to the rake angle, as commonly assumed. Finally, the corresponding L and W scaling relations obtained by converting the area and aspect ratio models to L and W models not only show good agreement with the previous regional scaling laws on average but also provide better fault-specific application due to the inclusion of a fault-specific dip angle and seismogenic thickness.
Using Brain-Based Learning to Teach Grit to Those with High Adverse Childhood Experience Scores
Authors:   , Dockery Tanya , Vorndran Christina M.
Published: April 2024

American K-12 public teachers are leaving the field of education in record numbers. This lack of teacher retention negatively impacts student achievement. Teacher turnover intentions have been found to be an indication of potential attrition. Research on brain-based learning reveals new opportunities to decrease teacher turnover intentions by assisting novice teachers, in their first five years of teaching, with high Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) scores in learning about the two-factor non-cognitive trait of grit. This embedded mixed methods study investigated brain-based learning as an effective intervention to teach grit to novice teachers with high scores on the ACE Scale with a at a small sample (N=10) of K-12 public school novice teachers from the state of Texas. The study collected both quantitative and qualitative data to determine if there was a change in the teachers' knowledge of grit as the result of completing a developed intervention module and the impact of the intervention module on the teachers' turnover intentions. Data was collected through pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments of the Grit-S and the Fixed Mindset Measure as well as through questions that were embedded in the intervention module to record data on teacher turnover intentions. Additionally, qualitative data was collected from six participants who participated in semi-structured interviews which provided data on teachers' lived experiences with grit in their careers. The study found no statistically significant results that grit could be taught to the targeted population or that knowledge of grit impacted their turnover intentions. However, qualitative data supported that teachers did increase their knowledge of grit, that brain-based learning strategies enhanced their learning and motivation, and that knowledge of grit impacted a teacher's turnover intentions. Finally, teachers described their lived experiences with grit as defined by passion, perseverance, and determination. This research study adds to the existing research related to grit, teacher turnover intentions, the use of brain-based learning strategies, and ACEs as the findings provide insight into the ways that novice teachers described their lived experiences with grit as it pertains to their careers. Keywords: grit, brain-based learning, Adverse Childhood Experiences, growth mindset, teacher retention
Púrpura fulminante aguda concomitante con proceso infeccioso pulmonar
Authors: Montiel Centurión Judith Nelsi , Mongelós Ortiz Andrea Belén , Rotela Fisch Verónica Rosemarie , Flor González Liz Marlene , Aldama Caballero Arnaldo Benjamín , Goiburú Chenú María Belén , Barrios Invernizzi Luis Alejandro
Published: April 2024

La púrpura fulminante o purpura fulminans es un síndrome de trombosis microvascular cutánea y necrosis hemorrágica de rápida evolución. Se presenta el caso de un paciente masculino, internado por patología infecciosa y evento cardiovascular agudo, que desarrolla púrpura fulminante por déficit de proteína C, relacionado a cuadro infeccioso concomitante.
Falla en la extubación en el paciente con trauma raquimedular: parálisis diafragmática. Una entidad por considerar
Authors: Serna-Trejos Juan Santiago , Bermúdez-Moyano Stefanya Geraldine , Diaz-Beltran Juan Camilo , Zafra-Florez Andrés Felipe
Published: April 2024

La parálisis diafragmática es una entidad con epidemiologia no constatada, sin embargo, debe considerarse en el paciente con antecedente de trauma raquimedular asociado que presente signos tempranos de dificultad respiratoria, para de esta forma investigar y ofrecer manejos oportunos en esta condición clínica. Se presenta caso de varón de 65 años con debilidad diafragmática crónica por antecedente de herida por arma de fuego a nivel de la columna cervical.
Evaluation and Strengthening Recommendations of Rectorate Building Muhammadiyah University of Sumatra Barat Due to Earthquake
Authors: Habirun Asiya Nurhasanah , Kurniawan Deddy , Ad'ha Muhammad Fajri
Published: April 2024

The UM Sumbar Rectorate building suffered structural damage after 33 years. During service life, earthquakes have frequently occurred, the largest was 7.6 magnitude earthquake 2009 in Padang. The structural components have never been handled. This study aims to identify the existing condition as a basis for handling structural damage. Research activities are structure inspection, structural analysis, and determining structural improvements. The building has been deflected by 1° (± 10cm). The majority of structural elements are cracked due to overcapacity. Based on ATC 40 pushover analysis results, it found that 10 steps on x-direction and 11 steps on y-direction of push loads on the structure until it collapsed. Structure performance level is Life Safety, which is in a plastic condition. Strengthening are suggested to increasing column, building ductility, and implementing a dilation system. Evaluation the foundation structure and soil investigation are necessary before planning the strengthening.
Drug induced bullous fixed drug eruption: a case report
Authors: Emperumal Tamil Selvi
Published: April 2024

Bullous fixed drug eruption, which is a cutaneous adverse drug reaction, is commonly seen with antimicrobials and analgesics. Bullous drug eruptions are infrequent, but because they pose a challenge both to affected patients and to treating physicians, they are considered to be the most severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCAR). It is important to recognize these conditions and to differentiate them from other clinical entities involving blister formation. There may be early signs and symptoms that indicate a severe bullous drug eruption even before blisters and erosions of the skin and mucous membranes become obvious. Once the diagnosis is suspected, appropriate diagnostic procedures and adequate management must be initiated. The latter includes identification of the potentially inducing drug, although it should be taken into account that not all cases of bullous eruptions are drug-induced. In cases with drug causality the potentially culprit agent must be withdrawn, while in cases with other aetiology the underlying condition, e.g. an infection, must be treated appropriately. In addition to best supportive care, immunomodulating therapy may be considered. Here we report 64-year-old male with bullous fixed drug eruptions due to doxycycline administration.
A review on potential adverse effects associated with Janus-kinase inhibitors
Authors: Kesavulu Chennasamudram C. , P. Yashmeen Nikhat , Kumar Jutla V. , Pooja Mydukuru
Published: April 2024

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, symmetrical, inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects small joints. RA has a population prevalence of 0.5% to 1% in the U.S. The annual cost of care for chronic treatment of RA in the United States is estimated at $12,509. Pharmaceutical companies have developed drugs to treat RA using Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. These drugs can have potential adverse effects. Forecasting a better output to JAK inhibitors (JAKI’s). Therapy duration of JAKI’s and Problems regarding to strategies of dose reduction or if the discontinuation of therapy takes place in case of low disease activity. The accurate pharmacological profile and interactions of other drugs with JAKI’s have to establish. Proper safety, efficacy profile of JAKI’s and when administered in combination with DMARD’s. The safety, efficacy data of JAKI’s when compared to non-anti-TNF biologics. Obtaining of experience on JAKI’s that were already existed in the market and further experimental findings on newer compounds and which may clarify many of the aspects which are to be solved in nearer future as these JAKI will have greater application in treatment of RA. Regardless of significant developments in latest years in the pharmacotherapy of RA in the use of JAK inhibitors, yet the adverse effects of JAK inhibitors are unanswered. Therefore, one of the main concerns associated with JAK inhibitor is the potential adverse effects. The challenges can be addressed by clinical pharmacist mediated interventions related to dosing of JAK inhibitors and proper management of adverse drug reactions (ADRs).
Review of Play the Knave
Authors: Harrison Matthew
Published: April 2024

Created by students and professors at the University of California, Davis, Play the Knave offers students a chance to use motion capture to find themselves acting out Shakespeare’s plays. In a classroom setting, students’ bodies engage in a kind of digital puppetry, while tools for script-writing enable them to explore the consequences of potential cuts and revisions. If the software’s “glitchiness” interferes with the fantasy of immersion imagined by many forms of Shakespeare remediation, it also enables careful thought about Shakespeare’s difficulty.
Kaleidoscopic Witches: Streaming the Folger Theatre’s Macbeth
Authors: Sullivan Joseph
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic closed theaters globally for over a year. Some companies continued to serve the public good by making available streamed live-captured performances. One such offering is the 2008 Macbeth codirected by Aaron Posner and Teller. The production emphasizes the horrific elements of the play and conceives of the witches as skeletal monsters who strongly evoke associations with dark tourism fixtures, such as the Capuchin Catacombs in Palermo, Italy, and the Pirates of the Caribbean amusement park ride and film franchise.
Genre studies as an effective tool for increasing the communicative competence of an education manager
Authors: Yangirova V. M. , Yakovleva E. A , Akhmad Jameel
Published: April 2024

The article is devoted to the topical issue of optimizing programs related to the training of an education manager in order to increase his communicative competence, as well as a “plot” explanation of the importance of the genre studies course in this process. Having analyzed the textbooks and educational management course programs existing in modern pedagogical science with a view to developing the communicative competence of managers, the authors noted that the analysis of their speech behavior remains unexamined. Thus, there is a certain imbalance between the increasing needs for qualified personnel and the lack of innovative approaches in training managers capable of managing tasks, resources, people, information, quality, projects and organizational changes in this area. In terms of speech development of a manager, at best, such disciplines as «speech culture», «pedagogical rhetoric», or training in certain types of speech genres in pedagogical discourse are offered. It is concluded that from a methodology perspective, the mandatory inclusion in management education programs of a genre studies course related to improving the manager’s speech activity and increasing the status of his linguistic personality as the main tool of his information, analytical and practical activities should help correct the current situation.
Geographical component of the chronotope of the English scientific discourse and the forms of its representation
Authors: Tserkovnov S. A. , Svoikin K. B.
Published: April 2024

The article deals with the geographical component of the chronotope of the English scientific discourse. The authors identify the forms of geographical representation of the chronotope of scientific discourse, determine the degree of identifiability of these forms, and also explore the significance of the geographical component of the chronotope in the categorization of scientific discourse. 112 English scientific articles from 4 disciplinary areas (linguistics, literature, economics, biology) published in scientific periodicals are used as practical material. In the course of the study, the authors discover three types of geographical markers used in the texts of scientific discourse: the topos of publishing a scientific work, the topos of writing a scientific work, and the topos of the object, subject and material of the study (intratext topos). The authors analyze the degree of identification of each type of markers in scientific texts, and also conduct a comparative analysis of these markers. The level of coincidence of the topos of the publication, the topos of writing and the topos of the object of study is investigated. As a result of the analysis, the authors observe a low level of interdependence of geographical markers, which suggests that the geographical component of the chronotope is of little importance for the categorization of a scientific text. On the basis of the data obtained, the authors believe that the geographical markers of a scientific text should be perceived as elements of the formal and technical design of a scientific text, and not as its constituent characteristic. In conclusion, the authors give a number of directions for further considering the constituent topos in the chronotope of scientific discourse, in particular, its disciplinary and thematic component.
Description of A.N. Minh’s trip from Volga to the Caucasus in 1868 as a source on the history of Russian regions and everyday life
Authors: Smirnov Yu. N.
Published: April 2024

A review of the publication «Trip to Pyatigorsk in 1868» by the famous local historian, cultural and educational figure A.N. Minh is presented. The manuscript is stored in the State Archives of the Saratov Region. Before publishing, it was available only to a narrow circle of researchers. Now, thanks to the efforts of the workers of the State Archives of the Saratov Region and their assistants, numerous historians and specialists in other fields of scientific knowledge, employees of museums, libraries and other cultural institutions, students of higher and secondary schools, all those who are interested and fascinated by history Russia and its regions can familiarize themselves with it in detail. Minh’s work combines the characteristics of a personal diary, guidebook, statistical, geographical, historical and ethnographic researches. It is an interesting source and gives food for thought to everyone involved in the history of Russian regions (Saratov and Volgograd regions, Don and Stavropol territories, Pyatigorsk, Kislovodsk, Yessentuki and all Caucasian Mineral Waters), the history of everyday life and culture (especially related to travel, spa treatment and relaxation). There is extensive literature on the issues raised in the new publication, but Minh’s book clarifies and supplements the accumulated information with important details. The information was obtained as a result of personal observations, conversations with contemporaries, attention to materials of folklore, «oral history», archival documents, books and periodicals, inspection of museum collections, historical and natural attractions. The publication provides an opportunity for a wide range of specialists and readers to study “Trip to Pyatigorsk in 1868” by Minh.
“Nossa cidade, seu filme”: como as produções audiovisuais de São Paulo podem ser utilizadas como estratégia do city marketing?
Authors: Vasconcelos João Victor , Körössy Nathália
Published: April 2024

Este estudo buscou analisar como produções audiovisuais são utilizadas pelos atores públicos enquanto estratégia de city marketing para promover e difundir a imagem de cidades. Para tanto, realizou-se um estudo de caso da atuação da film commission da cidade de São Paulo, a São Paulo Film Commission (SPFilm), considerada uma das mais atuantes comissões fílmicas do país. O estudo desenvolveu-se de forma exploratório-descritiva, inicialmente, por meio de uma revisão sistemática integrativa da literatura sobre a relação entre film commissions e city marketing, além de pesquisas bibliográficas e documentais sobre o caso de estudo. Posteriormente, foi realizada uma pesquisa de campo com a realização de entrevistas com gestores da SPFilm, em 2022. Em seguida, com uma abordagem qualitativa, os resultados foram analisados através da análise de conteúdo de Bardin (2016). Os resultados indicam que apesar da existência de uma film commission atuante na cidade, as obras ainda não difundem São Paulo como um destino turístico. Conclui-se que para o desenvolvimento de uma política de city marketing a partir do aproveitamento do potencial imagético das produções audiovisuais, se faz necessário criar ações que levem a uma maior cooperação entre os atores institucionais dos setores do audiovisual e do turismo.
A Teoria da Complexidade como contribuição para o desenvolvimento das pesquisas no campo do Turismo de Base Comunitária na América Latina
Authors: Ferreira Jean Carlos Estanislau , Silva Talita Poliana Guedes da , Taveira Marcelo da Silva , Alexandre Mauro Lemuel de Oliveira
Published: April 2024

O Turismo de Base Comunitária (TBC) é um modelo alternativo de desenvolvimento turístico baseado na autogestão da comunidade, protagonista na promoção de suas culturas, tradições e recursos naturais, se beneficiando dos resultados econômicos da atividade. A Teoria da Complexidade, de Edgar Morin, aborda que a construção do conhecimento deve-se buscar a compreensão da complexidade dos fenômenos e para isso Morin traz alguns princípios denominados de inteligibilidade a serem considerados na construção do conhecimento científico. Com intuito de compreender a relação da Teoria da Complexidade com o TBC, este estudo tem por objetivo analisar como a Teoria da Complexidade pode contribuir para o desenvolvimento das pesquisas no campo do Turismo de Base Comunitária na América Latina. A metodologia utilizada para construção deste ensaio teórico foi a pesquisa bibliográfica para interconectar as epistemologias do TBC aos princípios de Edgar Morin. Como resultados, é relevante destacar que os princípios da Teoria da Complexidade podem apontar caminhos possíveis para entender o TBC como fenômeno complexo e transdisciplinar.
Effect of Polishing and Universal Bonding Application on Mercury Release from Aged Amalgam after Exposure to Bleaching Agents
Authors: Feiz Atiyeh , Jafari Shirin , Ghasemi Maede
Published: April 2024

Objectives: Teeth bleaching is an accepted and modern treatment in cosmetic dentistry. Bleaching agents may affect amalgam restorations and increase mercury release; therefore, patients are at increased risk of mercury exposure in the body. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of polishing and universal bonding application on mercury release from aged amalgams exposed to bleaching.
Materials and Methods: In this in-vitro experimental study, 64 dental amalgam specimens with dimensions of 3×5×10 were prepared and divided into two experimental and control groups. Each group was further divided into 4 subgroups and received one of the following treatments: no intervention, surface bonding, polishing, or polishing and surface bonding. Subsequently, the samples were immersed in bleaching agent containing 7% hydrogen peroxide and the amount of mercury released after 96h was measured. The results were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc tests (α≤0.05).
Results: The results showed that the type of solution (P<0.05) and surface treatment (P<0.001) significantly affected the level of mercury release. However, there was no significant interaction between surface treatment methods in the bleaching group and those in the phosphate buffer group (P=0.621).
Conclusion: Bleaching agents were found to enhance mercury release from dental amalgam. The application of polishing and universal bonding on amalgam surfaces exhibited significant effects on the reduction of the mercury release.
The criterion of human dignity in the Quran
Authors: Jafari Seyed Abdosaleh , Araminia Behin , Tavasoli Nafiseh , Tavasoli Hanieh , Abedi Soheil , Abolhasan Navab Seyed , Talebi Darabi Bagher
Published: April 2024

In the Holy Quran, a strong emphasis has been placed on the dignity of human beings. There are two verses in the Quran that discuss the differences between humans and other creatures. In this article, we have tried to interpret these two verses using free selection of virtues and goodness as the criterion for human dignity that was obtained in our previous research. In the verse of trust, unlike other creatures, man accepts a trust that informs us about his cruelty and ignorance.  However, if we consider this trust as freedom of choice, it can also imply injustice and ignorance alongside justice and wisdom for humans. In the verse of succession, angels tell God that human as vicegerent on earth leads to corruption and bloodshed. God does not deny this, but reminds the angels of the existence of pure ones. If we consider freely choosing goodness the differentiating factor between humans and other creatures the angels accurately refer to the possibility of creating corruption and bloodshed. However, they did not see the value of voluntary goodness compared to their own compulsory goodness.
Therefore, by considering freely choosing goodness as the criterion for human dignity, these two verses can be easily interpreted.
Cost-Effectiveness of the treatment protocols of pediatrics with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (Decision tree modelling)
Authors: Hayati Hadi , Ehsani Mohammad Ali
Published: April 2024

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) has a high prevalence at early age and in children and regard to life expectancy index this disease cause to losing many years of life in these patients. Two well-known European protocols called United Kingdom (UK-ALL) and Berlin-Frankfurt-Munster (BFM-ALL) protocols are used to treat the disease in most countries of the world and in Iran, so the objective of this study is modelling of the treatment process using both protocols to estimate more cost-effectiveness method.
Methods: A decision tree model was applied to depict the real treatment process to calculate costs per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). Total costs were included to the model.
Results: The cost effectiveness ratio of UK-ALL is lower than BFM-ALL (1145.52 USD /3.87 QALY for UK-ALL and 1942.35 USD /3.02 QALY for BFM-ALL). Therefore, the UK-ALL is dominant and BFM-ALL is dominated.
Conclusion: The modeling results showed a double difference between the two studied options so to better cancer management, policymakers and oncologist should advocate the economic evaluation methods and modeling to select a real option in the treatment of patients to save resources like UK-ALL.
Pharmacoeconomic Evaluation of Homeopathy: Assessing Efficacy, Economics, and Policy Perspectives
Authors: Dilipkumar Patil Aditya , Singh Sargam Ramesh
Published: April 2024

Background: In contemporary healthcare, evidence-based practices are fundamental for ensuring optimal patient outcomes and resource allocation. Essential steps for conducting pharmacoeconomic studies in homeopathy involve study design, intervention identification, comparator selection, outcome measures definition, data collection, cost analysis, effectiveness analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, cost-benefit analysis, sensitivity analysis, reporting, and peer review. While conventional medicine undergoes rigorous pharmacoeconomic evaluations, the field of homeopathy often lacks such scrutiny. However, the importance of pharmacoeconomic studies in homeopathy is increasingly recognized, given its growing integration into modern healthcare systems.
Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) was performed to identify relevant literature using keywords such as "homeopathy," "pharmacoeconomics," and "efficacy." Articles meeting inclusion criteria were assessed for quality using established frameworks like the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS). Data synthesis was conducted thematically, focusing on study objectives, methodologies, findings, and conclusions.
Results: Ten pharmacoeconomic studies within homeopathy were identified, demonstrating varying degrees of compliance with reporting guidelines. While most studies reported costs comprehensively, some lacked methodological transparency, particularly in analytic methods. Heterogeneity was observed in study designs and outcome measures, reflecting the complexity of economic evaluation in homeopathy. Quality of evidence varied, with some studies exhibiting robust methodologies while others had limitations.
Conclusion: Based on the review, recommendations include promoting homeopathic clinics, providing policy support, adopting collaborative healthcare models, and leveraging India's homeopathic resources. Pharmacoeconomic studies in homeopathy are crucial for evaluating its economic implications compared to conventional medicine. While certain studies demonstrated methodological rigor, opportunities exist for enhancing consistency, transparency, and quality in economic evaluations. Addressing these challenges is essential for informing decision-making regarding the economic aspects of homeopathic interventions
Development of a Computational Thinking (CT) Module to Help Pre-Service Teachers Learn How to Design CT Instruments
Authors: Yuniarti Suhendi Herni , Ardiansyah Ryan , Diella Dea
Published: April 2024

The lack of a Computational Thinking (CT) module, which teaches how to design a CT assessment instrument causes pre-service teachers to be unable to create one. This can cause students at school to not be able to measure their achievements related to CT. This study aimed to develop a CT module to support the ability of pre-service teachers to design CT assessment instruments. This research was a development study that refers to the 4-D model, but the dissemination stage was not carried out. The research subjects were 94 pre-service teachers, 70 female students and 24 male students majoring in Biology Education in semester 4 of the academic year 2021/2022. This research instrument used a validation sheet by material experts and linguists and the test item analysis sheet with 13 criteria made by the directorate of high school development in 2010. The data analysis technique used in this study is a quantitative descriptive analysis technique. The results showed that the conclusions from the validation of the modules developed from the material and presentation aspects were an average of 88.94. The language and readability aspects were an average of 80.56, and both were in the very good category. In contrast, the results of the item analysis on the material, construction and language/culture aspects had a score of 77.45%, 50.29% and 84.71%. The average percentage of ability in designing assessment instruments was 70.82%. This study concluded that the module that has been developed is suitable for use and can support the ability of pre-service teachers to design CT assessment instruments.
Keywords: computational thinking, module, pre-service teachers, design, CT instruments
The Trend of Metacognition Research Trend in Learning Biology in Indonesia
Authors: Idris Tengku , Rahmat Adi , Hidayat Topik
Published: April 2024

This literature review aimed to get an overview of metacognition research in learning biology in Indonesia. Data were taken from Biology Education journals that had been accredited by the Ministry of Education and Culture in 2023. 20 journals, consisting of Sinta 2 and Sinta 3, journals were analyzed. Within the journals, 43 research articles were analyzed. Some of the aspects analyzed were the type of research, research subjects, instruments used, data analysis methods, treatments used and themes or topics. Data analysis showed that the majority of research conducted was experimental research, followed by Korean research. The most researched subjects were high school students, followed by college and junior high school students. In metacognition research in Indonesia, researchers often used the MAI instrument, and it is not completely defined. T-test analysis was the most used means of processing data, followed by descriptive data processing in the form of percentages. The topics used in the research showed that all topics were suitable for training students’ metacognition.
Keywords: metacognition, research trend, MAI instrument
Argument Patterns in Redox Reaction and Electrochemistry Topics in a High School Textbook
Authors: Imanuella Nathasya , Wayan Redhana I
Published: April 2024

Presenting teaching material in an argumentative manner makes it easier for students to understand it. This study aimed to describe and explain Toulmin’s argument patterns, their percentages, the quality of arguments, and incorrect arguments in the redox reactions and electrochemistry topic in one high school chemistry textbook. The research method was document analysis. Validity was tested by triangulation among three researchers. The results showed that the patterns of Toulmin’s arguments of two, three, and four elements were 51%, 34%, and 6%, respectively. The two-element argument patterns consisted of CG and GC. The three-element argument patterns comprised CGW, GWC, CWG, WCG, and GCW. The four-element argument patterns comprised GCWB, CGWB, GWCB, and CGWR. The quality of the arguments according to the parameters of the Toulmin Argumentation Protocols (TAP) varied from medium to high. In contrast, the quality based on the Quality of Argument Structure Rubric (QASR) parameters varied from fair to excellent. There were five claims, eight grounds, and two warrants that were not precise or incomplete. Most of the arguments were well written, but there were many shortcomings in providing explanations. This topic needs to be supplemented with more elements of arguments.
Keywords: argument patterns, redox reactions, electrochemistry, textbook
Implementation of the Scrum Methodology in Learning Chemistry to Improve Scientific Literacy: A Review
Authors: . Nurlaila Hayati , Kadarohman Asep , Sopandi Wahyu , Abdulkadir Martoprawiro Muhamad
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to review the scientific articles published in international journals related to the scrum methodology and scientific literacy. In addition, the potential of implementing the scrum methodology in chemistry learning to improve scientific literacy is also discussed. This review used articles in Q1 and Q2 categories based on Scimago Journal & Country Rank data. Research data was collected by reviewing the articles with the following stages: determining the topic, searching the articles, identifying the main ideas, making an outline, and synthesizing the article review. The year of publication of the articles is limited from 2017 to 2021 to ensure the topic’s novelty. The research data were analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the scrum methodology could be implemented in chemistry learning. It focuses on student-centered learning. The context and examples used in the scrum methodology are a problem and phenomenon that occurs in everyday life, and components in the scrum methodology consist of sprints, roles, and artifacts. It was concluded that the scrum methodology can improve scientific literacy.
Keywords: scrum methodology, scientific literacy, chemistry learning
The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Attention, Attitude and Awareness Indicators of Senior High School Students When Learning Chemistry
Authors: Narsia Amsad Lusia , Yakob Lolopayung Merlinda , Agustinus Lepa Alex
Published: April 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on students when learning chemistry because it affected their attention, attitude, and awareness. Therefore, this study aimed to determine students’ attention, attitude, and awareness when learning chemistry. This study used a non-experimental quantitative approach. Observation, interviews, questionnaires, and documentation were data collection techniques used in this study. A closed questionnaire was used and was compiled based on content validity and was tested for reliability. The data from the research showed that the student’s percentage for attention was 55.97%, attitude was 56.48%, and awareness was 54.85%. It was also found that factors that influenced students during the COVID-19 pandemic were level of intelligence, teacher’s creativity in teaching, and having certain methods of observation and learning have certain conditions. Good physical and health, and the teaching style of the teacher who did not provide examples of problems in solving them.
Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, chemistry, attention, attitude, awareness
Development of Teaching Materials and Concept Maps About the Relationship Between Sustainability and Chitosan for Water Treatment: Qualitative Content Analysis
Authors: Rachmi Andini Cita , . Hernani , Khoerunnisa Fitri
Published: April 2024

Chitosan is formed by deacetylation of chitin using strong alkali at high temperatures. The content of the active amine groups in chitosan is widely used as an alternative natural coagulant that is environmentally friendly. So, it can be included in learning materials about the concept of sustainability. This study aimed to produce concept maps and Teaching Learning Sequences (TLS) based on scientists’ conceptions of sustainability on the topic of water treatment using natural coagulants. The method used in this research was qualitative content analysis. The research instruments included content analysis formats and sustainability aspects. The content analysis process included literature collection, descriptive analysis, category selection, and material evaluation with didactic aspects. This research produced concept maps and TLS that described the relationship between water treatment using natural coagulants and colloid content. Additionally, TLS related to sustainability education in the form of learning about water treatment using natural coagulants from chitosan was also developed. The concept map and TLS that have been compiled show the relationship between mapping aspects of scientific literacy and environmentally friendly water treatment using natural coagulants. The research results can be used as a basis for developing teaching materials and didactic designs.
Keywords: concept maps, sustainability, chitosan
Enhancing Students' Conceptual Understanding of Chemistry in a SiMaYang Learning Environment
Authors: Langitasari Indah , Sari Siti Aisyah Ratna , Nareswarizetkasyah Parmandhana Rr. , Nursaadah Euis
Published: April 2024

Students’ conceptual understanding of chemistry needs to be supported by the skill to think at three levels of representation. Many students have difficulty understanding chemistry concepts because of it. Chemistry teaching needs to provide a learning environment that involves chemical representations to facilitate students’ interconnection skills of three levels of representation and ultimately improve students’ conceptual understanding. SiMaYang learning was designed by integrating chemical representation during the learning process. This study aimed to enhance students’ conceptual understanding of chemistry through the implementation of SiMaYang learning. A descriptive quantitative research method with one group pretest-posttest design was used in this study. Students’ conceptual understanding was measured using three sets of essay tests containing macroscopic, symbolic, and submicroscopic tests for the topic of the buffer concept. The research data were analyzed descriptively and statistically using N-gain and paired sample t-tests. The results of the paired sample t-test showed the sig value. 0.000 <0.05, which means SiMaYang learning affects increasing students’ conceptual understanding of chemistry. The finding of this study informed the students’ conceptual understanding of chemistry increased in the medium category (N-gain = 0.62). SiMaYang learning, which was designed to involve three levels of representation, can increase students’ conceptual understanding of chemistry.
Keywords: chemistry, conceptual understanding ,SiMaYang learning environment
How Much Do Elementary School Students Know About Climate Change? A Report from Java's Primary School Students
Authors: Sutinah Cucun , Syaodih Ernawulan , Widodo Ari , . Muslim
Published: April 2024

Climate change is a global issue that must be immediately responded to by the community. Responding to climate change requires awareness of climate change issues, from symptoms to impacts. Due to its complexity, the issue of climate change needs to be realized and understood by all levels of society, including elementary school students. This study aimed to describe the knowledge of elementary school students related to climate change. The method used was descriptive quantitative. The instrument used was a questionnaire using a Likert scale (1-4). A total of 1,410 elementary school students in grades 4-6 from several regions on the Island of Java participated in filling out a questionnaire distributed online. Knowledge data related to climate change were analyzed descriptively. The findings showed that, on average, students had limited knowledge and misconceptions about climate change. Minimal knowledge was shown about the causes, symptoms, effects, and efforts to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The implications of the research findings suggest the importance of explicit learning related to climate change starting at the elementary school level.
Keywords: Climate Change, Elementary School Students, Java’s