bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of bisphenol A, nonylphenol, octylphenol and heavy metals in groundwater from selected communities in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Adebesin Taiwo Nureni , Lateef Suraju Adekunle , Oloruntoba Elizabeth Omoladun , Adejumo Mumuni
Published: June 2023

Endocrine disruptors (EDs) such as bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP), octylphenol (OP) and heavy metals in drinking water supply represent a significant threat to human health. In Nigeria, little is known about the presence of EDs in various environmental media. This study was conducted to determine the concentrations of BPA, NP and OP in groundwater samples from selected communities in Ibadan, Nigeria. Water samples were collected from 30 different sites (26 hand-dug wells, 2 boreholes and 2 spring water sources), 15 from each of Ibadan North-West (IbNW) and Ido Local Government Area (LGA). Samples were collected in triplicate from all the sampling points and analysed for BPA, NP, OP and physicochemical parameters (including heavy metals) using a standard procedure. Bisphenol A and octylphenol were not detected in any samples, while NP was detected in spring water and the concentration (0.00279 mg/L) was less than the maximum allowable limit (0.015 mg/L). All (100.0%) boreholes in IbNW and 100.0% of the springs in Ido LGA showed iron concentrations that exceeded the permissible limit. There is a need for public awareness on the health risk of EDs in drinking water supply and appropriate preventive measures to be adopted.
Treatment of coking wastewater using a needle coke electro-Fenton cathode: optimizing of COD, NH4+-N, and TOC removal and characterization of pollutants
Authors: Chi Chen , Zhou Xinyu , Wang Yanqiu , Gao Xinyu , Bai Jinfeng , Guo Yuting , Ni Jianwen
Published: June 2023

Coking wastewater is a typical organic refractory wastewater characterized by high chemical oxygen demand (COD), NH4+-N, and total organic carbon (TOC). Herein, coking wastewater was treated using a heterogeneous electro-Fenton (EF) system comprising a novel iron-loaded needle coke composite cathode (Fe-NCCC) and a dimensionally stable anode. The response surface methodology was used to optimize the reaction conditions. The predicted and actual COD removal rates were 92.13 and 89.96% under optimum conditions of an applied voltage of 4.92 V, an electrode spacing of 2.29 cm, and an initial pH of 3.01. The optimized removal rate of NH4+-N and TOC was 84.12 and 73.44%, respectively. The color of coking wastewater decreased from 250-fold to colorless, and the BOD5/COD increased from 0.126 to 0.34. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy show that macromolecular heterocyclic organic compounds decomposed into straight-chain small molecules and even completely mineralized. The energy consumption of the EF process was 23.5 RMB Yuan per cubic meter of coking wastewater. The EF system comprising the Fe-NCCC can effectively remove pollutants from coking wastewater, has low electricity consumption, and can simultaneously reduce various pollution indicators with potential applications in the treatment of high-concentration and difficult-to-degrade organic wastewater.
Hydrologic–hydraulic assessment of SUDS control capacity using different modeling approaches: a case study in Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Ortega Sandoval Abby Daniela , Sörensen Johanna , Rodríguez Juan Pablo , Bharati Luna
Published: June 2023

Urban flooding has increased in response to impervious surface intensification, the loss of green areas, and high-intensity rainfall associated with climate change. Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) are an appealing option for stormwater management; however, their hydraulic control capabilities have received little attention. We developed a comparative model-based approach with 24 scenarios to contrast the hydrologic and hydraulic response of a highly discretized (HD) 1D model and a coupled 1D–2D model, considering the impact of rainwater harvesting systems and tree pits. An additional scenario was modeled including attenuation storage tanks, green roofs, and pervious pavements. A heavily urbanized flood-prone catchment with severe land-use constraints in Bogotá, Colombia, was selected for analysis. The findings revealed that SUDS can contribute to reducing the number of flooded junctions, overloaded conduits' length, overloading time, nodal inundation depth, and waterlogging extent. Furthermore, the HD 1D model can reproduce the coupled 1D–2D model results in terms of hydrologic response and some hydraulic control indicators. Further research is needed for an accurate description of the internal hydraulic mechanisms of SUDS interacting with overland flow. The key findings of this study provide model-based evidence to support urban stormwater management decision-making in data-scarce environments.
An Updated Review on the Significance of DNA and Protein
Methyltransferases and De-methylases in Human Diseases: From
Molecular Mechanism to Novel Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Ghanbari Mohammad , Khosroshahi Negin Sadi , Alamdar Maryam , Abdi Adel , Aghazadeh Aida , Feizi Mohammad Ali Hosseinpour , Haghi Mehdi
Published: June 2023

Epigenetic mechanisms are crucial in regulating gene expression. These mechanisms
include DNA methylation and histone modifications, like methylation, acetylation,
and phosphorylation. DNA methylation is associated with gene expression suppression;
however, histone methylation can stimulate or repress gene expression depending on the
methylation pattern of lysine or arginine residues on histones. These modifications are key
factors in mediating the environmental effect on gene expression regulation. Therefore,
their aberrant activity is associated with the development of various diseases. The current
study aimed to review the significance of DNA and histone methyltransferases and demethylases
in developing various conditions, like cardiovascular diseases, myopathies, diabetes,
obesity, osteoporosis, cancer, aging, and central nervous system conditions. A better
understanding of the epigenetic roles in developing diseases can pave the way for developing
novel therapeutic approaches for affected patients.
Deferoxamine Interference in Fibro-inflammation: Additional Action in
Control of Obese Adipose Tissue Dysfunction
Authors: Ferreira Gotardo Erica Martins , de Morais Thaina Rodrigues , Timóteo Ferreira Ana Paula , Rabelo e Paiva Caria Cintia , Ribeiro Marcelo Lima , Gambero Alessandra
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Several studies demonstrated that deferoxamine, an iron chelator, can improve
inflammatory alterations in adipose tissue induced by obesity. Obesity alterations in adipose
tissue are also associated with tissue remodeling, and deferoxamine has anti-fibrosis action previously
described in sites like the skin and liver.

Methods:

In this work, we analyzed deferoxamine effects on adipose tissue fibro-inflammation during
obesity induced by diet in mice. in vitro approaches with fibroblasts and macrophages were also
carried out to elucidate deferoxamine activity.

Results:

Our results demonstrated that in addition to exerting anti-inflammatory effects, reducing
the cytokine production in adipose tissue of obese mice and by human monocyte differentiated in
macrophage in vitro, deferoxamine can alter metalloproteinases expression and extracellular matrix
production in vivo and in vitro.

Conclusion:

Deferoxamine could be an alternative to control fibro-inflammation in obese adipose
tissue, contributing to the metabolic improvements previously described.
Stepping Up the Personalized Approach in COPD with Machine Learning
Authors: Mekov Evgeni , Miravitlles Marc , Topalovic Marko , Singanayagam Aran , Petkov Rosen
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

There is increasing interest in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in all fields of medicine to facilitate greater personalisation of management.

Methods:

ML could be the next step of personalized medicine in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by giving the exact risk (risk for exacerbation, death, etc.) of every patient (based on his/her parameters like lung function, clinical data, demographics, previous exacerbations, etc.), thus providing a prognosis/risk for the specific patient based on individual characteristics (individu-al approach).

Result:

ML algorithm might utilise some traditional risk factors along with some others that may be location-specific (e.g. the risk of exacerbation thatmay be related to ambient pollution but that could vary massively between different countries, or between different regions of a particular country).

Conclusion:

This is a step forward from the commonly used assignment of patients to a specific group for which prognosis/risk data are available (group approach).
Biological Potential and Therapeutic Effectiveness of Hinokiflavone in
Medicine: The Effective Components of Herbal Medicines for Treatment
of Cancers and Associated Complications
Authors: Patel Dinesh Kumar
Published: June 2023

Background:

Plants have been providing us medicines and food material for centuries.
Traditional system of medicine, including Ayurveda, and Traditional Chinese medicines have been
playing important role in health sectors for the treatment of human disorders since very early age.
Plant secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, coumarins, saponins, and tannins have significant
therapeutic potential in medicine. Biflavonoids are dimers of flavonoids, linked by a C–O–C or
C–C bond. Hinokiflavone is an important class of biflavonoids found to be present in Toxicodendron
succedaneum, Isophysis tasmanica, Juniperus rigida, Juniperus phoenicea, Platycladi
cacumen, Rhus succedanea, Selaginella tamariscina, Platycladus orientalis, Selaginella bryopteris,
and Metasequoia glyptostroboides.

Methods:

Biological potential of hinokiflavone in medicine have been analyzed in the present work
through scientific data analysis of various literature work. Scientific database, including Google,
Scopus, Science Direct, and PubMed were searched to collect all the scientific information of the
present work using terms flavonoid, biflavonoid, herbal medicine, and hinokiflavone. Pharmacological
activities of hinokiflavone were analyzed in the present work in very detailed manner. Analytical
data of hinokiflavone were collected and analyzed in present work in order to know the biological
source of hinokiflavone.

Results:

Present work signified the biological importance of hinokiflavone against various types of
cancerous disorders, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal squamous cancer, adenocarcinoma,
hepatocellular carcinoma, myeloid leukemia, and melanoma. Further, its antiinflammatory,
hepatoprotective, anti-viral, and anti-oxidant potential were also discussed in the
present work. Moreover, its biological potential against COVID-19 and hair loss, and procoagulant
activity were also summarized in this paper. Analytical data on hinokiflavone signified the importance
of various analytical techniques in the extraction, separation, and identification of hinokiflavone
with their pharmacokinetic parameters.

Conclusion:

Present work signified the biological importance and therapeutic potential of hinokiflavone
in medicine.
Modified Graphene-Based Compound: Hydrogen Production through Water Splitting
Authors: Chouhan Neelu , Marumoto Kazuhiro
Published: June 2023

Solar hydrogen production from water splitting can solve two big issues i.e. energy and environmental pollution. Since the discovery of graphene, its importance has been proven in many fields including light-driven hydrogen generation from water. This chapter offers a contemporary overview of the progress of graphene-based materials including graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide and graphene oxide quantum dots for hydrogen evolution from photocatalytic water splitting. This chapter begins with a concise introduction to the current status of hydrogen energy generation from water. The chemical and physical characteristics of this extraordinary plasmonic metamaterial were also elaborated. Afterwards, the synthesis methods, various models, and associated properties of the tailored graphene oxides, reduced graphene oxide and graphene oxide quantum dots in the forms of pristine, binary and ternary compounds are discussed for their application in hydrogen production. In these modified compounds, the graphene acts as a surfactant, a charge-carrier recombination suppressor, an electron-sink and transporter, a co-catalyst, a photocatalyst, and a photosensitizer which, are elaborated . Finally, the chapter ends with a concluding remark on the challenges and future perspectives in this promising field.
Graphene-based Smart Energy Materials for Fuel and Solar Cell Applications
Authors: Lad Urvi M. , Soni Saurabh S. , Modi Chetan K.
Published: June 2023

Energy is an incising subject matter and has had both positive and negative
impacts on our society. Admittance to profuse, inexpensive, unharmed, hygienic
energy is advantageous for human beings. However, the process of changing one form
of energy into another, hauling and plentiful use can have negative impacts on health,
the environment, and cost-cutting measures of our society. These days and at this age,
the production of energy and stockpiles is one of the two main burning issues.
Regrettably, conventional energy producers are not competent enough to respond to
ecological transformations, whereas accustomed energy storage devices are deficient in
special functionalities apart from supplying electricity. Graphene, composed of a
single-layered graphite with a two-dimensional sp2
-hybridized carbon network, has
recently gained tremendous research interest due to its peculiar physical and chemical
properties. Gratifying from unrivalled physicochemical properties, graphene-based
materials facilitate dealing with the aforesaid smoldering issues and, in recent times,
have been widely studied in various energy conversion and storage applications such as
supercapacitors, fuel cells, batteries, and photovoltaic devices or solar cells. In this
book chapter, we summarise the recent progress reported in the synthesis and
fabrication of graphene-based smart energy materials with their applications in various
energy storage systems. In addition to this, the panorama and future challenges in both
scalable manufacturing and more energy storage-related applications are covered in
this chapter as well.
Propuesta de lineamientos para la integración de la micromovilidad en Lima Metropolitana
Authors: Iturraran Zapata Rodrigo , Ascencios Bazán Cristina Alejandra , Soto Huamán Junio Raúl , Matías León José Carlos
Published: June 2023

La micromovilidad, en Lima Metropolitana, presenta una falta de enfoque a nivel de definición, clasificación y competencias, produciendo un desfase normativo e institucional, que no permite una adecuada gestión a las distintas entidades públicas que lo gobiernan. En el presente artículo, como producto de la revisión de los distintos documentos vigentes conforme a manuales, decretos, ordenanzas, entre otras publicaciones correspondientes a los tres (03) niveles de gobierno, así como de entidades internacionales, se identifica, como parte del diagnóstico, cuatro (04) aspectos remarcados referidos a la clasificación y categorización modal, infraestructura, normativo e institucional, e integral. Ante ello, se proponen los Lineamientos para la Integración de la micromovilidad en Lima Metropolitana, en el cual se estructuran sus etapas que son la Conceptualización y caracterización modal, la Catalogación de infraestructura, y la Implementación de una plataforma digital para la gestión de la demanda. De igual manera, se plantean indicadores de gestión y estrategias institucionales estableciendo las principales funciones de los actores de la micromovilidad, como parte de un enfoque integral.
Digital Citizens: Efforts to Accelerate Digital Transformation
Authors: Zahrah Fatimatuz , Dwiputra Rahyudi
Published: June 2023

Digital transformation acceleration in Indonesia needs to be balanced with the civilization of its citizens. This research is an attempt to present a summary of empirical findings from high literature in the field of digital transformation acceleration. A critical review was carried out in 35 articles from 2017 to 2023 and focused on the progress of research on digital transformation acceleration. The literature review critically sees and conducts evaluations related to the digital literacy of citizens, digital transformation in Indonesia, and efforts to improve the character of citizens to be in harmony with digital acceleration. Digital literacy citizens are determined by several indicators of cognitive capabilities, maintaining data security, media use ethics, and collaboration and increasing digital literacy carried out starting from intense training, the formation of digital regulations, acceleration of community literacy, and the formation of third literacy space. Digital transformation in Indonesia occurs in various domains of life such as education, business, banking, and government. Analysis of efforts to improve the character of citizens in digital space can be done with citizenship education to be able to increase the value of community concern and responsibility. The implication of this finding shows that the acceleration of digital transformation must be balanced with Indonesian citizens. This can be realized with a joint effort of all components, families, schools, communities, and countries. Overall, this research can provide appropriate references for further research by looking at the Digital Citizenship implementation towards an intelligent and character society.
Editorial
Authors: Gómez Meneses Fabio Camilo
Published: June 2023

Durante los últimos años los avances tecnológicos, desde la investigación, han tenido un impacto significativo en nuestra sociedad, y es que la tecnología ha transformado la manera en la que los seres humanos se comunican, trabajan, estudian y se entretienen; además, con la articulación de sus actividades diarias al internet se ha revolucionado la educación y la industria, transformando el quehacer. Estos avances tecnológicos que se realizan desde la investigación generan día a día una nueva era disruptiva, y ejemplo de ello son los desarrollos en robótica e inteligencia artificial, los cuales han agilizado la eficiencia y precisión en muchos sectores industriales como la fabricación, la medicina y la agricultura, en tanto van creando nuevos desafíos. Esta dependencia de la tecnología y las necesidades de solucionar problemas del contexto provocan que los investigadores sean los encargados de la nueva construcción de sociedad.
Window shopping model to develop student’s religious moderation literacy
Authors: Slam Zaenul , Rozak Abd
Published: June 2023

Religious diversity is a significant aspect of contemporary society, with individuals adhering to various faiths and belief systems. Promoting religious moderation among students in educational settings is crucial to fostering an inclusive and harmonious environment that respects diverse religious perspectives. Student's religious moderation literacy is inseparable from various factors. This study aimed to determine how the window-shopping model developed students' religious moderation literacy. This study was motivated by diminishing religious moderation literacy among students. This study was conducted qualitatively by using a case study. The results showed that through the window-shopping model, student's religious moderation literacy could be developed. In addition, the window-shopping model could teach students to be independent, collaborative, critical, and creative. This study is recommended to optimize the window-shopping model as a learning model that can develop various student potencies.
Pancasila Education in Indonesia: The debate on Pancasila in the post reform era between legitimation, recognition, and institutionalization during 2000-2021
Authors: Hastangka Hastangka , Ediyono Suryo
Published: June 2023

Pancasila is mentioned as the basis of the philosophy of the State. Understanding the narrow and limited meaning of Pancasila has resulted in polemics in the life of the nation and state, especially in Pancasila education. This study aims to analyze the debate and dynamics of Pancasila education from the aspects of legitimacy, recognition, and institutionalization. This research is philosophical research, using qualitative research methods through literature review. The analysis in this study used critical discourse analysis. The research process includes data inventory, data categorization, and data analysis. The results of this study indicate that the debate about Pancasila education since the post occurred from the framework of the legitimacy of power, there has been a dualism of legitimacy between the executive and the legislature. Based on the recognition aspect, Pancasila education has not yet received adequate recognition from the state and educational institutions. From the institutional aspect, efforts to institutionalize the values of Pancasila from the educational aspect still encounter problems because there is no certainty in placing Pancasila under what kind of institution.
Problem Solving Videos sebagai Media Teknologi Asistif untuk Memfasilitasi Mahasiswa Tunarungu di Kelas Inklusif
Authors: Sugiman Sugiman , Pujiastuti Emi , Nisa' Ziyana Endah Khairun
Published: June 2023

Beberapa Perguruan Tinggi sekarang ini membuka kesempatan bagi siswa disabilitas misalnya tunarungu untuk menjadi mahasiswa di kelas inklusif. Oleh karena itu, penulisan artikel ini bertujuan untuk membahas: (1) Cara memberikan peran kepada mahasiswa tunarungu di kelas insklusif agar dapat ikut berpartisipasi dalam kegiatan ilmiah berupa diskusi dalam kelompok kecil mahasiswa. (2) Cara menyediakan media teknologi asistif berupa problem solving videos untuk memfasilitasi mahasiswa tunarungu di kelas inklusif dalam diskusi ilmiah. Langkah untuk mencapai tujuan tersebut dilakukan dengan cara: (1) pelatihan dan pendampingan mahasiswa dalam berbahasa isyarat, (2) mixed method yang menggabungkan R D dan pendekatan kualitatif. R D untuk menemukan keabsahan media teknologi asistif berupa problem solving videos, sedangkan pendekatan kualitatif untuk mengungkap aspek tanggapan subjek penelitian terhadap pemakaian media teknologi asistif berupa problem solving videos. Hasil yang diperoleh adalah: (1) Setelah dilaksanakan pelatihan dan pendampingan dalam berbahasa isyarat pada semua mahasiswa di kelas inklusif, mahasiswa tunarungu dapat terlibat pada kegiatan diskusi pada materi perkuliahan. (2) Semua subjek penelitian memberikan tanggapan positif dan mendukung ketersediaan media teknologi asistif berupa problem solving videos untuk memfasilitasi mahasiswa tunarungu di kelas inklusif dalam melakukan diskusi ilmiah.Problem Solving Videos as Assistive Technology Media to Facilitate Deaf Students in Inclusive ClassAbstractSeveral universities currently open opportunities for students with disabilities, such as the deaf to become students in inclusive classes. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to discuss: (1) how to give roles for deaf students in the class to be able to participate in scientific activities as discussion in small student groups; (2) how to provide assistive technology which is the problem-solving videos to facilitate deaf students in scientific discussion in the inclusive class. To achieve the purposes carried out: (1) training and monitoring students in sign language, (2) mixing the method by combining R D method and qualitative approaches. R D to find the validity of assistive technology media in the form of problem solving videos, while the qualitative approach is to reveal aspects of research subjects' responses to the use of assistive technology media in the form of problem solving videos. The results from this research are: (1) After training and assistance in sign language have been carried out for all students in the inclusive class, deaf students can be involved in discussion activities on lecture material. (2) All research subjects gave positive responses and supported the availability of assistive technology media in the form of problem solving videos to facilitate students with hearing impairment in the inclusive class in scientific discussions.
Analysis of fluctuation conductivity in Y-=SUB=-0.5-=/SUB=-Cd-=SUB=-0.5-=/SUB=-Ba-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-Cu-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=-O-=SUB=-7-delta-=/SUB=-
Authors: Aliev V. M  , Isakov G. I.  , Ragimov J. A.  , Selim-zade R. I.  , Alieva G. A.
Published: June 2023

A study was made of the influence of substitution of up to 50% of yttrium for cadmium in YBa2Cu3O7-delta polycrystals on the mechanism of formation of excess conductivity. It has been established that such a substitution led to a significant increase in the resistivity of Y0.5Cd0.5Ba2Cu3O7-delta, and the value of the critical transition temperature Tc to the superconducting state decreases. The mechanism of formation of fluctuation conductivity (T) near Tc is considered within the framework of the Aslamazov-Larkin theory. The Ginzburg temperature, the critical temperature in the mean field approximation, and the 3D-2D crossover temperature were determined. It is shown that the doping of YBa YBa2Cu3O7-delta with cadmium leads to an increase in the coherence length along the c axis by a factor of 3.2. An analysis of the excess conductivity of the Y0.5Cd0.5Ba2Cu3O7-delta sample within the framework of the local pair model made it possible to determine the temperature dependences of the pseudogap and its maximum value. Keywords: superconductivity, fluctuation conductivity, pseudo-gap, coherence length.
Heat capacity of alkali metal silicates
Authors: Denisova L. T.  , Belousova N. V.  , Denisov V. M.
Published: June 2023

It was established that at 298 K the molar heat capacity of alkali metal silicates K2O· nSiO2, Rb2O· nSiO2 and Cs2O· nSiO2 changes linearly when changing n from 1 to 4. Based on the dependencies Cop,298=f(n), the values of the heat capacities K2O, Rb2O and Cs2O have been specified. Keywords: heat capacity, oxides and silicates of alkali metals.
Democratizing the Development of Chatbots to Improve Public Health: Feasibility Study of COVID-19 Misinformation
Authors: Powell Leigh , Nour Radwa , Sleibi Randa , Al Suwaidi Hanan , Zary Nabil
Published: June 2023

Background

Chatbots enable users to have humanlike conversations on various topics and can vary widely in complexity and functionality. An area of research priority in chatbots is democratizing chatbots to all, removing barriers to entry, such as financial ones, to help make chatbots a possibility for the wider global population to improve access to information, help reduce the digital divide between nations, and improve areas of public good (eg, health communication). Chatbots in this space may help create the potential for improved health outcomes, potentially alleviating some of the burdens on health care providers and systems to be the sole voices of outreach to public health.

Objective

This study explored the feasibility of developing a chatbot using approaches that are accessible in low- and middle-resource settings, such as using technology that is low cost, can be developed by nonprogrammers, and can be deployed over social media platforms to reach the broadest-possible audience without the need for a specialized technical team.

Methods

This study is presented in 2 parts. First, we detailed the design and development of a chatbot, VWise, including the resources used and development considerations for the conversational model. Next, we conducted a case study of 33 participants who engaged in a pilot with our chatbot. We explored the following 3 research questions: (1) Is it feasible to develop and implement a chatbot addressing a public health issue with only minimal resources? (2) What is the participants’ experience with using the chatbot? (3) What kinds of measures of engagement are observed from using the chatbot?

Results

A high level of engagement with the chatbot was demonstrated by the large number of participants who stayed with the conversation to its natural end (n=17, 52%), requested to see the free online resource, selected to view all information about a given concern, and returned to have a dialogue about a second concern (n=12, 36%).

Conclusions

This study explored the feasibility of and the design and development considerations for a chatbot, VWise. Our early findings from this initial pilot suggest that developing a functioning and low-cost chatbot is feasible, even in low-resource environments. Our results show that low-resource environments can enter the health communication chatbot space using readily available human and technical resources. However, despite these early indicators, many limitations exist in this study and further work with a larger sample size and greater diversity of participants is needed. This study represents early work on a chatbot in its virtual infancy. We hope this study will help provide those who feel chatbot access may be out of reach with a useful guide to enter this space, enabling more democratized access to chatbots for all.
The Association Between Goal Setting and Weight Loss: Prospective Analysis of a Community Weight Loss Program
Authors: Wren Gina M , Koutoukidis Dimitrios A , Scragg Jadine , Whitman Michael , Jebb Susan
Published: June 2023

Background

Goal setting aids health-related behavior changes; however, the influence of different types of goals on weight loss remains unclear.

Objective

We aimed to investigate the association of 3 aspects of goal setting with weight and program dropout over a 24-week period.

Methods

This study was a prospective longitudinal analysis of participants in a 12-week digital behavioral weight loss program. Weight and engagement data for eligible participants (N=36,794) were extracted from the database. Eligible participants were adults in the United Kingdom who had enrolled in the program, had a BMI ≥25 kg/m2, and a weight reading recorded at baseline. Three aspects of goal setting were self-reported at enrollment: weight loss motivation (appearance, health, fitness, or self-efficacy), overall goal preference (low, medium, or high), and percentage weight loss goal (<5%, 5%-10%, or >10%). Weight was measured at 4, 12, and 24 weeks. Mixed models for repeated measures were used to explore the association between goals and weight across the 24-week period. To measure sustained weight change, the primary outcome was weight at 24 weeks. We explored dropout rates over the 24-week period by goal and whether engagement mediated the association between goals and weight loss.

Results

Of the 36,794 participants (mean 46.7, SD 11.1 years; 33,902/36,794, 92.14% female) included in the cohort, 13.09% (n=4818) reported weight at 24 weeks. Most participants set goals of 5%-10% weight loss (23,629/36,794, 64.22%), but setting goals for >10% was associated with greater weight loss (mean difference 5.21 kg, 95% CI 5.01-5.41; P<.001). There was no difference between goals of 5%-10% and <5% (mean difference 0.59 kg, 95% CI 0.00-1.18; P=.05). Appearance was the most prevalent motivational factor (14,736/36,794, 40.05%), but health and fitness were associated with greater weight losses (mean difference health vs appearance 1.40 kg, 95% CI 1.15-1.65; P<.001 and mean difference fitness vs appearance 0.38 kg, 95% CI 0.05-0.70; P=.03). Goal preference had no association with weight. Engagement was an independent predictor of weight loss but not a mediator of the effect of goal setting. At 24 weeks, those who set goals of >10% were less likely to drop out compared with 5%-10% goals (odds ratio [OR] 0.40, 95% CI 0.38-0.42; P<.001); those who liked to set overall high goals were more likely to drop out compared with medium goals (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.11-1.29; P<.001); and those motivated by fitness or health were less likely to drop out compared with appearance (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.85-0.995; P=.04 and OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.78-0.89; P<.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Setting higher weight loss goals and being motivated by health or fitness were associated with greater weight loss and lower likelihood of dropout. Randomized trials for setting these types of goals are required to confirm causality.
Quality and Reliability of Liver Cancer–Related Short Chinese Videos on TikTok and Bilibili: Cross-Sectional Content Analysis Study
Authors: Zheng Shusen , Tong Xinyu , Wan Dalong , Hu Chen , Hu Qing , Ke Qinghong
Published: June 2023

Background

Liver cancer incidence has been increasing in China in the recent years, leading to increased public concern regarding the burden of this disease. Short videos on liver cancer are disseminated through TikTok and Bilibili apps, which have gained popularity in recent years as an easily accessible source of health information. However, the credibility, quality, and usefulness of the information in these short videos and the professional knowledge of the individuals uploading health information–based videos in these platforms have not yet been evaluated.

Objective

Our study aims to assess the quality of the information in Chinese short videos on liver cancer shared on the TikTok and Bilibili short video–sharing platforms.

Methods

In March 2023, we assessed the top 100 Chinese short videos on liver cancer in TikTok and Bilibili (200 videos in total) for their information quality and reliability by using 2 rating tools, namely, global quality score (GQS) and the DISCERN instrument. Correlation and Poisson regression analyses were applied to discuss the factors that could impact video quality.

Results

Compared to Bilibili, TikTok is more popular, although the length of the videos on TikTok is shorter than that of the videos on Bilibili (P<.001). The quality of the short videos on liver cancer in TikTok and Bilibili was not satisfactory, with median GQS of 3 (IQR 2-4) and 2 (IQR 1-5) and median DISCERN scores of 5 (IQR 4-6) and 4 (IQR 2-7), respectively. In general, the quality of videos sourced from professional institutions and individuals was better than that of those sourced from nonprofessionals, and videos involving disease-related knowledge were of better quality than those covering news and reports. No significant differences were found in the quality of videos uploaded by individuals from different professions, with the exception of those uploaded by traditional Chinese medicine professionals, which demonstrated poorer quality. Only video shares were positively correlated with the GQS (r=0.17, P=.01), and no video variables could predict the video quality.

Conclusions

Our study shows that the quality of short videos on health information related to liver cancer is poor on Bilibili and TikTok, but videos uploaded by health care professionals can be considered reliable in terms of comprehensiveness and content quality. Thus, short videos providing medical information on TikTok and Bilibili must be carefully considered for scientific soundness by active information seekers before they make decisions on their health care management.
Comparison of Blended Learning With Traditional Dermatology Learning for Medical Students: Prospective Evaluation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Silva Cristiana Silveira , Vasconcellos Cidia , Souza Murilo Barreto , Fernandes Juliana Dumet , Rego Vitoria Regina Pedreira de Almeida
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Novel internet-based applications and associated technologies have influenced all aspects of society, ranging from commerce and business to entertainment and health care, and education is no exception. In this context, this study was designed to evaluate the impact of a dermatology e-learning program on the academic performance of medical students in dermatology.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to develop a dermatology blended-learning course for undergraduate medical students, evaluate the knowledge gained by students exposed to this course, and compare the results to those of traditional teaching methods.

METHODS

In this prospective study, we evaluated the performance of fourth-semester medical students at the Federal University of Bahia, Brazil. Students who had been in their second year of the medical course in 2019 were considered the control group, while students in their second year in 2020 were considered the blended or hybrid group. The first group attended traditional classes, using printed material (books and handouts), while the second group used our web-based course and e-book as a supplement in a hybrid web-plus-traditional fashion. Neither participants nor evaluators were blinded. The students in both groups were subjected to the same pre- and postcourse face-to-face, multiple-choice, paper-based evaluations, and we compared their performances. The content of the classes was the same for both groups. All didactic activities were developed by a team of certified dermatologists and professors from the university.

RESULTS

A total of 129 students were selected and divided into 2 groups: the control group (n=57) and the hybrid group (n=72). The precourse tests did not indicate any difference between the control group (mean score 2.74, SD 1.25) and the hybrid group (mean score 3.2, SD 1.22 SD; P>.05). The hybrid group had better final-term grades (mean 8.18, SD 1.26) than the traditional group (mean 7.11, SD 1.04). This difference was statistically significant (P<.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study explores pedagogical possibilities in the field of dermatology teaching for medical school students. The results suggest that the performance of undergraduate students who attended the course with additional e-learning material was superior when compared to the performance of those who participated in the traditional course alone.
Digital health interventions and their impact on self-management in T2DM: an umbrella review (Preprint)
Authors: Ghodousi Moghadam Sara , Norouzkhani Narges , Tabatabaey Ali , Tabatabaey Ali , Mazloum khorasani Zahra , Tabesh Hamed
Published: June 2023

BACKGROUND

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder with a significant burden on healthcare systems. Diabetes Self-Management is one of the ideal methods to treat patients with T2DM. Technology-based initiatives for diabetes self-management are rapidly expanding. Here we review such technologies and their impact on patient outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to consolidate evidence from systematic reviews on digital health interventions for patient self-management of T2DM to inform policymakers, clinicians, and researchers about providing better services to help T2DM patients.

METHODS

A three-step search strategy was employed and four databases were searched from 2011 to 2021. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria 59 reviews that assessed digital health interventions on self-management in T2DM were included.

RESULTS

Our review shows that digital health interventions have been found to be effective. The most commonly reported positive patient outcome was a reduction in HbA1C levels. mHealth is the most widely reported effective intervention. Following mHealth, telehealth, web-based, and computer-based interventions are the top reported interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of digital health interventions such as mobile health (mHealth), Web-based, and Telehealth in a well-defined clinical setting, are effective and improve HBA1C, medication adherence, blood pressure control, lifestyle modification, and quality of life.
Myth Theory and Structuralism —A Study of Lévi- Strauss’s mythological Research from Myth and Meaning
Authors: Zou Xing
Published: June 2023

Myth as a cultural phenomenon, reflects a period of human civilization development and change track. Under the influence of Marxist theory and psychoanalysis in his early years, Lévi-Strauss believed that the study of myth not only extended space as the main line and supplemented the early history which emphasized the dimension of time, but also explored the significance of “naturalizing man” in cultural studies. This paper discusses Lévi- Strauss’s views on the relationship between myth and science, myth and history, myth and music, as well as structuralism in his book myth and meaning, and discusses his understanding of self and existence in the study of myth.
ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ ТЕХНОЛОГИЙ ИСКУССТВЕННОГО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТА В СЕТЯХ 5G
Authors: Тихвинский В.О. , Терентьев С.В. , Девяткин Е.Е.
Published: June 2023

Рассмотрены особенности использования искусственного интеллекта для сценариев и решений на основе технологий машинного обучения в различных участках сети связи пятого поколения (5G). Применение искусственного интеллекта в ближайшие годы расширит сетевые возможности, пропускную способность и качество предоставления услуг 5G.
THE EFFECTS OF THE APPLICATION OF INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION IN TEACHING PROSE TEXTS
Authors: Tasić Mitić Ivana , Stojadinović Aleksandar , Spasić Stošić Ana
Published: June 2023

This paper discusses the possibility of teaching prose literary texts in the first cycle of primary education using individualized instruction in order to highlight its effectiveness in helping students grasp this type of learning content. The conducted experimental research aimed to examine how the application of individualized teaching to the process of teaching prose literary works in the lower grades of primary school contributes to their more complete understanding. The results obtained have shown that the experimental group, which learned the planned teaching units by using the individualized instruction approach achieved significantly better results compared to the control group, which worked in the usual way.
TRADE OPENESS FUNCTIONING TO PROMOTE ECONOMIC PROSPECTS: AN ANALYSIS OF THE NEW EU MEMBER STATES
Authors: Dimovski Jelena , Radivojević Vladimir , Mitić Gabrijela
Published: June 2023

Given the developments in economic theory so far, the European Union (EU) accession process is believed to bring significant benefits to newcomers, especially in terms of fostering their economic growth, which is induced by abolishing import tariffs and other trade barriers, intensifying trade flows and ensuring a more efficient usage of resources. Although empirical evidence on these correlations is mixed, many in the new EU member states and in candidate countries hope that EU membership will pave the way towards their economic prosperity, which would ensure a meaningful reduction in the income gap between new and old EU members. Accordingly, trade liberalisation, which implies lower transaction costs, increased specialisation, scale economy, and competitive pressures, has become a priority, especially for the accessing economies which are traditionally less open in comparison to the economies which first joined the EU. This study aims to assess the impact of trade openness, measured through the dynamics of exports and imports, on the economic growth of the last three member countries to join the EU (Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia) by employing panel data for the period before and after their accession (1997-2017). The results of the study confirm the expansion of the sample countries’ trade flows after the accession, as well as a positive correlation between the dynamics of trade flows and gross domestic product (GDP) growth. Still, it can be concluded that the exploitation of the positive effects of trade openness is conditioned by the level of the countries’ pre-accession economic progress and other determining variables.
CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR IN TOURISM DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Perčić Karolina , Spasić Nada
Published: June 2023

The subject of this paper is the behaviour of consumers in relation to travel planning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this paper is to examine and understand the behaviour of travellers during the pandemic. Theoretically, the paper relies on the results of previous research on the impact of health crises on tourism and consumer behaviour. The specificity of this work is reflected in the respondents, belonging to Generation Y (Millennials) and Generation Z, which took part in this empirical research. This paper examines the respondents’ intentions in planning a vacation during the pandemic, as well as the degree to which fear affects travel planning abroad. The results of this empirical research, conducted in the Republic of Serbia in May 2021, prove that a significant percentage of Generation Y and Generation Z travelled during the pandemic, prior to May 2021 (25% abroad, 56% in Serbia), and that they plan to travel both in Serbia (64%) and abroad (74%) in the near future.
Roadside Retractable Wind Turbines
Authors: Bhatele Priyanka R. , Sonawane Prathmesh , Bisen Somrath M. , Sonar Rushikesh , Sonar Krishna , Sonkusare Shlok
Published: June 2023

Abstract: The utilization of wind energy as a sustainable and clean energy source is growing rapidly, but its effectiveness is limited due to the variable nature of natural wind. However, highways offer a unique opportunity to generate significant wind energy from the high volume of vehicle traffic. In order to determine the average velocity of wind created by passing vehicles, extensive research on wind patterns is required. Wind turbines will be strategically placed on the medians of highways, with careful consideration given to fluid flow from both sides of the road. By capturing wind energy through the installation of wind turbines onto existing streetlights, an endless source of electricity for lamps and other devices can be supplied. The ultimate goal of this project is to create a sustainable and efficient wind turbine that can harness wind energy from moving cars on highways.
Organoleptic Test of Kombucha Made from Various Tea Sources and Fermentation Time
Authors: Khaerah Azrini , Ardianto
Published: June 2023

Background: This research aims to find the best mixture of kombucha that can accept by the community in BTN Pa’jukukang, Bantaeng district. Kombucha is a fermented beverage made from tea and sugar mixed with the kombucha culture. A kombucha culture is a mixture of bacteria and yeast designated as SCOBY in this work. Methods: In this research, kombucha was made from 4 various teas, i.e., black tea, green tea, oolong tea, and white tea.  Each tea was fermented for 7 and 14 days. The kombucha tea samples were subjected to an organoleptic test based on the consumer's acceptance level. The organoleptic test data were analyzed using the hedonic and score test. Results: The test result showed that respondents preferred to choose the color, the smell, and the taste of the black kombucha tea which was fermented for 7 days. Conclusions: Furthermore, the observation of the physical characteristics of the tea showed that the longer the fermentation time, the more acidic the kombucha. This acidic kombucha resulted from the decreasing sugar level during the fermentation process due to the activity of bacteria and khamir in the SCOBY.
Composition, Structure, and Carbon Stock of Tree in the System: Teak-Based Agroforestry in Gemawang Wonogiri Village
Authors: Alifia Zahra Nanda Hasanah  , Santhyami
Published: June 2023

Background: The teak-based agroforestry system in Gemawang Wonogiri Village has the potential for various types of constituent tree vegetation that can act as carbon stock stores. This research was conducted considering the limited research on teak-based agroforestry systems, especially in the Wonogiri area. This study aims to provide information on tree vegetation's composition, structure, and diversity and determine the potential carbon stocks of tree vegetation standing in teak-based agroforestry systems. Methods: The research method used a 20 x 20 m2 plot of 1 ha, and the plots were placed using a purposive sampling approach. Results: Found nine species of tree vegetation from 8 families with 271 individuals ha-1. The species of teak tree (Tectona grandis) has the highest INP of 81.56 %. The Diversity Index is moderate, with a value of 1.79, and the Dominance Index is low at 0.21. The amount of carbon stored in tree stands is 45.71 MgC ha-1. Conclusions: This research can give information and points of reference about the structure and composition of stands in agroforestry systems and their potential to store carbon stocks. The research data is useful for the community as a source of information regarding the condition of the agroforestry area in Gemawang Village so that they can make optimal use of the area by developing suitable vegetation.