bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing a Virtual Reality Educational Tool to Stimulate Emotions for Learning: Focus Group Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lie Silje Stangeland , Røykenes Kari , Sæheim Aleksandra , Groven Karen Synne
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

By watching 360° videos in virtual reality headsets, students may experience being immersed in the portrayed situation. There is a paucity of empirical studies on the application of immersive 360° videos watched in virtual reality headsets for students in health care and social work education and the pedagogical theory guiding the development of such educational tools. This led to our interest in exploring how a virtual reality educational tool involving 360° videos can stimulate emotions and how this can be used as a pedagogical tool in these educational programs.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of faculty members and students regarding a prototype 360° video watched in virtual reality headsets during the development phase of an educational project. We addressed the following research questions: How does the virtual reality prototype stimulate emotions? How can virtual reality be used in higher education for health care and social work students?

METHODS

We used a qualitative design and collected data through focus group interviews with project participants. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Our analysis identified 2 main themes in participants’ experiences with the virtual reality prototype. The first theme highlights that when participants experienced watching the 360° video in a virtual reality headset, it stimulated their emotions as an authentic professional experience would. The second theme, contextualization of virtual reality, highlights participants’ perceptions of how the virtual reality experience should be incorporated into a safe educational context.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest that 360° videos with human actors who use eye contact with the camera can trigger emotions in the viewer and therefore serve as a pedagogic tool that can create authentic professional experiences for students. The participants expressed the view that the virtual reality educational tool could be used to prepare students for real-life practice in health care and social work. However, they underlined that 360° videos in virtual reality need to be contextualized in educational programs to create a safe environment for learning and to ensure follow-up on the emotions such experiences can trigger in students. Our results highlight the perceived importance of allowing students to reflect on the virtual reality experience in a safe setting and of follow-up by faculty members. In-person follow-up with students can be resource intensive for programs with large numbers of students and makes it challenging to offer repeated training, something that has been identified as one of the benefits of virtual reality.
A Digital Self-help Intervention for Atopic Dermatitis: Analysis of Secondary Outcomes From a Feasibility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Kern Dorian , Ljótsson Brjánn , Lönndahl Louise , Hedman-Lagerlöf Erik , Bradley Maria , Lindefors Nils , Kraepelien Martin
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin disease characterized by dry skin, eczematous lesions, and an often severe pruritus. The disease may have a negative effect on quality of life and is also associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Few individuals with AD receive any form of behavioral intervention. Behavioral interventions for AD are potentially efficacious but need to be constructed so that they are safe, credible, and user-friendly. We have previously reported on a feasibility study that demonstrated that a self-management version of a digital intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for AD can potentially be effective in reducing AD symptoms. The aim of this secondary report was to further examine treatment feasibility and preliminary effects on dermatological quality of life, itching sensations, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress.

OBJECTIVE

This is a secondary report on intervention credibility, usability, adverse events, and preliminary effects on secondary measures of a self-management digital intervention for atopic dermatitis.

METHODS

In total, 21 adults with AD, recruited nationwide in Sweden, were assessed by telephone, and used the digital intervention for 8 weeks. Participants were also assessed directly afterward and 3 months after the end of the intervention. There was no therapist guidance. Feasibility indicators included intervention credibility, usability, and possible adverse effects. Other measures included preliminary effects on dermatological quality of life, itching sensations, depressive symptoms, and perceived stress.

RESULTS

The intervention was regarded as credible and no serious adverse events were reported. System usability was, however, found to be below the predetermined cutoff for acceptable usability. Preliminary effects at 3-month follow-up were in the moderate to large range for dermatological quality of life (Cohen d=0.89, 95% CI 0.18-1.56), itching sensations (Cohen d=0.85, 95% CI 0.15-1.52), depressive symptoms (Cohen d=0.78, 95% CI 0.1-1.45), and perceived stress (Cohen d=0.75, 95% CI 0.01-1.36).

CONCLUSIONS

This 8-week self-management digital CBT-based intervention was, together with telephone calls before and after, a feasible intervention for participants with AD. Preliminary effects were promising and should be explored further in a randomized controlled trial. Intervention usability was, however, rated below cutoff scores. Efforts should be made to improve written material to increase usability.
Virtual Partnership Addressing Mental Health Crises: Mixed Methods Study of a Coresponder Program in Rural Law Enforcement (Preprint)
Authors: Nataliansyah M Muska , Merchant Kimberly A S , Vakkalanka J Priyanka , Mack Luke , Parsons Seth , Ward Marcia M
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

A mental health crisis can create challenges for individuals, families, and communities. This multifaceted issue often involves different professionals from law enforcement and health care systems, which may lead to siloed and suboptimal care. The virtual crisis care (VCC) program was developed to provide rural law enforcement with access to behavioral health professionals and facilitated collaborative care via telehealth technology.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to evaluate the implementation and use of a VCC program from a telehealth hub for law enforcement in rural areas.

METHODS

This study used a mixed methods approach. The quantitative data came from the telehealth hub’s electronic record system. The qualitative data came from in-depth interviews with law enforcement in the 18 counties that adopted the VCC program.

RESULTS

Across the 181 VCC encounters, the telehealth hub's recommended disposition and the actual disposition were similar for remaining in place (n=141, 77.9%, and n=137, 75.7%, respectively), voluntary admission (n=9, 5.0%, and n=10, 5.5%, respectively), and involuntary committal (IVC; n=27, 14.9%, and n=19, 10.5%, respectively). Qualitative insights related to the VCC program's implementation, use, benefits, and challenges were identified, providing a comprehensive view of the virtual partnership between rural law enforcement and behavioral health professionals.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a VCC program likely averts unnecessary IVCs. Law enforcement interviews affirmed the positive impact of VCC due to its ease of use and the benefits it provides to the individuals in need, the first responders involved, law enforcement resources, and the community.
Cross-Tailoring Integrative Alcohol and Risky Sexual Behavior Feedback for College Students: Protocol for a Hybrid Type 1 Effectiveness-Implementation Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Ray Anne E , Mun Eun-Young , Lewis Melissa A , Litt Dana M , Stapleton Jerod L , Tan Lin , Buller David B , Zhou Zhengyang , Bush Heather M , Himelhoch Seth
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

Underage drinking and related risky sexual behavior (RSB) are major public health concerns on United States college campuses. Although technology-delivered personalized feedback interventions (PFIs) are considered a best practice for individual-level campus alcohol prevention, there is room for improving the effectiveness of this approach with regard to alcohol-related RSB.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study are to (1) evaluate the impact of a brief PFI that integrates content on alcohol use and RSB and is adapted to include a novel cross-tailored dynamic feedback (CDF) component for at-risk first-year college students and (2) identify implementation factors critical to the CDF’s success to facilitate future scale-up in campus settings.

METHODS

This study uses a hybrid type 1 effectiveness-implementation design and will be conducted in 3 phases. Phase 1 is a stakeholder-engaged PFI+CDF adaptation guided by focus groups and usability testing. In phase 2, 600 first-year college students who drink and are sexually active will be recruited from 2 sites (n=300 per site) to participate in a 4-group randomized controlled trial to examine the effectiveness of PFI+CDF in reducing alcohol-related RSB. Eligible participants will complete a baseline survey during the first week of the semester and follow-up surveys at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 13 months post baseline. Phase 3 is a qualitative evaluation with stakeholders to better understand relevant implementation factors.

RESULTS

Recruitment and enrollment for phase 1 began in January 2022. Recruitment for phases 2 and 3 is planned for the summer of 2023 and 2024, respectively. Upon collection of data, the effectiveness of PFI+CDF will be examined, and factors critical to implementation will be evaluated.

CONCLUSIONS

This hybrid type 1 trial is designed to impact the field by testing an innovative adaptation that extends evidence-based alcohol programs to reduce alcohol-related RSB and provides insights related to implementation to bridge the gap between research and practice at the university level.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05011903; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05011903

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/43986
General Practitioners’ Experiences With Potentials and Pitfalls of Video Consultations in Norway During the COVID-19 Lockdown: Qualitative Analysis of Free-Text Survey Answers (Preprint)
Authors: Norberg Børge Lønnebakke , Getz Linn Okkenhaug , Johnsen Tor Magne , Austad Bjarne , Zanaboni Paolo
Published: March 2023

BACKGROUND

The use of video consultations (VCs) in Norwegian general practice rapidly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. During societal lockdowns, VCs were used for nearly all types of clinical problems, as in-person consultations were kept to a minimum.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore general practitioners’ (GPs’) experiences of potentials and pitfalls associated with the use of VCs during the first pandemic lockdown.

METHODS

Between April 14 and May 3, 2020, all regular Norwegian GPs (N=4858) were invited to answer a web-based survey, which included open-ended questions about their experiences with the advantages and pitfalls of VCs. A total of 2558 free-text answers were provided by 657 of the 1237 GPs who participated in the survey. The material was subjected to reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Four main themes were identified. First, VCs are described as being particularly convenient, informative, and effective for consultations with previously known patients. Second, strategically planned VCs may facilitate effective tailoring of clinical trajectories that optimize clinical workflow. VCs allow for an initial overview of the problem (triage), follow-up evaluation after an in-person consultation, provision of advice and information concerning test results and discharge notes, extension of sick leaves, and delivery of other medical certificates. VCs may, in certain situations, enhance the GPs’ insight in their patients’ relational and socioeconomical resources and vulnerabilities, and even facilitate relationship-building with patients in need of care who might otherwise be reluctant to seek help. Third, VCs are characterized by a demarcated communication style and the “one problem approach,” which may entail effectiveness in the short run. However, the web-based communication climate implies degradation of valuable nonverbal signals that are more evidently present in in-person consultations. Finally, overreliance on VCs may, in a longer perspective, undermine the establishment and maintenance of relational trust, with a negative impact on the quality of care and patient safety. Compensatory mechanisms include clarifying with the patient what the next step is, answering any questions and giving further advice on treatment if conditions do not improve or there is a need for follow-up. Participation of family members can also be helpful to improve reciprocal understanding and safety.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings have relevance for future implementation of VCs and deserve further exploration under less stressful circumstances.
Mechanisms of renoprotective action of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (gliflozins): a clinician’s view
Authors: Lutai Ya.M. , Parkhomenko A.M.
Published: March 2023

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are a group of drugs that block the enzyme responsible for the reabsorption of glucose and sodium in the proximal part of the nephron. They appeared in clinical practice about a decade ago for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, but the first clinical studies showed the potential of these agents in preventing cardiovascular and renal events. Among the main mechanisms of the renoprotective effect of SGLT2i, the following are distinguished now: 1)reduction of hyperfiltration/pressure in the glomerulus (narrowing of the afferent and dilation of the efferent arterioles); 2) metabolic shift towards the use of free fatty acids for obtaining energy (increasing energy efficiency and reducing lipotoxic damage to cells); 3) antihypoxic effect (direct— due to a decrease in oxygen needs and indirect— due to an increase in hemoglobin); 4) reduction of pressure and fluid overload; 5) anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects; 6)other effects (decrease in glycaemia, body weight, uric acid level, etc.). Presumably, SGLT2i administration causes a universal cellular reaction (autophagic flux), which leads to improved energy efficiency, reduces cellular stress and increases the resistance of cells to overload. The significance of various mechanisms in the formation of the overall effect differs depending on the main cause of kidney damage, concomitant pathology, metabolic characteristics of the patient, degree of kidney ischemia, etc. It is different not only in each individual patient, but, probably, in the same patient at different stages of the disease. However, the implementation of these mechanisms allows preventing the development/progression of kidney failure and prolonging the life of patients.
Relationship between vitamin D deficiency and metabolic disorders
Authors: Tsyryuk O.I. , Tseyslyer Yu.V. , Strubchevska K.R. , Kozyk M.O. , Ostapchenko D.I. , Korotkyi O.H. , Tymoshenko I.O.
Published: March 2023

The relationship between vitamin D deficiency and the metabolic syndrome has recently been revealed. Vitamin D deficiency was hypothesized to cause increased insulin resistance and decreased insulin secretion, which can result in the development of diabetes mellitus and obesity. Cardiovascular diseases are also closely related to the metabolic syndrome. Vitamin D has been shown to have complex multistep metabolism and act as a hormone at many extraskeletal targets. In this literature review, a comprehensive analysis of publications from Scopus, Web of Science, MedLine, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Global Health databases, as well as scientific libraries of Ukraine, European Union, Great Britain, USA and other countries was performed. Our goal is to identify and analyze scientific publications discussing various biological effects of vitamin D and its use in the comprehensive treatment of various diseases. In addition to the previously known role of vitamin D in calcium metabolism and the musculoskeletal system functionality, a wide range of its pleiotropic effects has been discovered recently. Modern studies have shown a relationship between low levels of vitamin D and development of neurocognitive dysfunction, mental and neurological disorders, infertility, immune reactivity and autoimmune disorders, various types of cancer, and cardiovascular pathologies. More recent data also revealed a relationship of vitaminD deficiency with practically all aspects of metabolic syndrome, namely diabetes mellitus type 2 and type 1, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, and insulin resistance. It was concluded that the data of the modern literature regarding the effectiveness of vitamin D in the treatment and prevention of metabolic disorders and structural and functional changes of the liver in diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are quite contradictory: at the same level as the numerous publications on the effective use of vitamin D, there are studies with unconfirmed effectiveness of therapy and even its toxicity for the indicated pathologies.
Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Clinical case
Authors: Liashuk P.M. , Liashuk R.P. , Marchuk Yu.F. , Stankova N.I.
Published: March 2023

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an autosomal recessive disease emerging from mutations of genes for enzymes that lead to the biochemical shifts in the production of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, or sex steroids from cholesterol by the adrenal glands. Universal newborn screening for CAH is recommended for early diagnosis and initiation of therapy. The development of CAH is due to a defect in the CYP21 gene, which encodes 21-hydroxylase enzyme involved in the synthesis of cortisol. This leads to an increase in the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone and the accumulation of cortisol precursors, which are converted into adrenal androgens— the classical form of the disease develops. With a point mutation of the CYP21 gene, an incomplete defect occurs in 21-hydroxylase, which leads to an unpronounced disorder of adrenal steroidogenesis— a non-classical form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which happens more often. In this form, the clinical symptoms are erased with moderate hirsutism, acne vulgaris, infertility. In comparison to the classical form of the disease, which is diagnosed at birth or during the neonatal period because of ambiguous genitalia and/or salt-wasting symptoms or through screening programs used in some countries, most cases of non-classical CAH are not easy to detect. Additionally, many individuals remain asymptomatic during childhood and adolescence, have normal reproductive function, and only become aware of non-classical CAH due to the diagnosis of another family member and consequent testing. However, most women with non-classical CAH seek medical assistance when they experience symptoms of androgen excess and, when clinical suspicion prompts testing, elevated basal 17-OH progesterone levels may primarily point to the diagnosis of non-classical CAH. A case of a non-classical form of the disease which manifested itself in infertility is given. Pregnancy occurred after 4 months treatment with prednisolone (5 mg/day).
Task Scheduling Optimization in Cloud Computing by Jaya Algorithm
Authors: Hamed Ahmed Y. , Elnahary M. Kh. , El-Sayed Hamdy H.
Published: March 2023

Cloud computing provides resources to its consumers as a service. The cloud computing paradigm offers dynamic services by providing virtualized resources via the internet for enabling applications, and these services are provided by large-scale data centers known as clouds. Cloud computing is entirely reliant on the internet to provide its services to consumers. Cloud computing offers several advantages, including the fact that users only pay for what they use weekly, monthly, or yearly, that anybody with an internet connection may use the cloud, and that there is no need to purchase resources, hardware, or software on their own. This paper proposes an efficient task scheduling algorithm based on the Jaya algorithm for the cloud computing environment. We evaluate the performance of our method by applying it to three instances. The recommended technique produced the optimal solution in makespan, speedup, efficiency, and throughput, according to the findings.
Are Younger Medical Cannabis Users at Risk? Comparing Patterns of Use and Mental Health in Younger and Older Medical Cannabis Dispensary Users
Authors: Lo Lindsay A. , MacCallum Caroline A. , Yau Jade C. , Panenka William J. , Barr Alasdair M.
Published: March 2023

While there has been a considerable amount of research on recreational cannabis use in youth to date, much less is known about patterns of medical cannabis use in youth. Adult medical versus recreational cannabis users may differ in how they use the product on important factors such as dose, frequency and route of ingestion, and so it is important to understand whether adolescents and young adults differ in how they use medical cannabis compared to adults, and if this increases risk of impaired mental health. In the present study, one hundred members of a community cannabis dispensary who endorsed cannabis use for medical purposes were assessed for major psychiatric disorders, and completed questionnaires related to stress, depression, sleep and somatic symptoms. Detailed information about cannabis use was collected. In the sample, 35% were aged 19-24 years old, and 24% were aged 25-30 (categorized as youth/young adults). In comparison to the older medical cannabis users, there were unexpectedly few differences, both in mental health status as well as pattern of medical cannabis use. These findings contrast with those of recreational cannabis users, and indicate that medical cannabis in youth may be as effective and well-tolerated as in older adults.
The Effect of Utilizing Hologram Technology on Developing EFL Communication Skills and Attitudes towards English among Middle School Students
Authors: Mukhallafi Turki Rabah Al
Published: March 2023

The research investigated the effect of utilizing hologram technology on developing EFL communication skills and the attitudes towards English among middle school students. The Quasi-Experimental approach was adopted (pre/post-test design). The sample consisted of (84) middle school students and was divided into two groups: the experimental (N=42) and the control (N=42). The instruments were prepared by the researcher as follows: (1) An EFL Communication Skills Test included (40) items of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills and (2) An Attitude Scale included (20) items in two dimensions (Attitudes towards language learning and Attitudes towards using language in linguistic communication). The findings showed that there were statistically significant differences at the level of significance (? ? 0.01) among the mean scores of the students of the experimental and control groups in favor of the experimental in the post-application of an EFL Communication Skills test and the Attitude Scale. It was concluded that there is a positive effect of utilizing hologram technology in teaching English communication skills. Therefore, it is recommended to train EFL teachers on using hologram technology inside their classrooms.
Patterns of Code-switching in Multilingual Anglophone Cameroon Pop Music
Authors: Tanda, PhD Vincent Ambe , Ketcha, PhD Raphael Tegha
Published: March 2023

Though contemporary Anglophone Cameroonian pop music songs are American-oriented with rhythmic characteristics of R&B, Rap and hip hop, they essentially display multiculturalism through code-switching, qualifying them as purely Cameroonian lyrics. This paper seeks to describe the patterns of combination of codes during code-switching and demonstrate that a typical Anglophone Cameroonian contemporary pop music singer performs in two or three categories of languages, namely, official languages (English and / or French); pidgins (Cameroon Pidgin English and/ or Camfranglais) and indigenous language(s) which could be the artist’s mother tongue or simply another Cameroonian home language. The data for this paper consist of sixty Cameroonian popular songs performed by twenty Anglophone Cameroonian artists. The data were descriptively analysed using the qualitative and quantitative methods. The paper validates that code-switching in Anglophone Cameroon Pop music consists of bilingual, trilingual, quadrilingual and pentalingual code-switching patterns with Pidgin English as the dominant language that cuts across all patterns of combination. The paper concludes that multilingual display, which stands as a sine qua non in Anglophone Cameroon contemporary pop music lyrics, manifests itself mostly through code-switching andt permits artists to connect with multiple linguistic and tribal groups of people to pass through their message(s), to the widest possible audience, and communicate their emotions while, at the same time, enhancing aesthetics.
Nationalism in Globalization
Authors: Zou Lixing , Zou Xinyue
Published: March 2023

This paper, following the method of systematic balanced thinking, studies nationalism and nation-states amidst globalization, proposing the following main points: First, moving to the center of the world stage, we should correctly understand nationalism and nation-states, and represent the moral, theoretical and technological commanding heights. Second, nationalism is a double-edged sword, the national liberation movement in history was essentially a movement against imperialism, extreme nationalism is the root of world turmoil, and national self-determination and national independence movement is not a fundamental choice for the healthy development of human society. Third, nation-states have universality and particularity of interests, the essence of nation-states is to concentrate national strength to defend national rights and interests, and to maintain social order and the rule of public life. Fourth, the People’s Republic of China and the United States of America are two nation-states with distinctive characteristics in the world. The United States, as the largest emerging nation-state, highlights Protestant culture in its nationality, adheres to power politics and the rule of survival of the fittest, and pays more respect to modern laws and regulations in national governance. China, as the largest ancient nation-state, highlights farming culture in its nationality, adheres to the philosophy of living in harmony with nature, and is greatly influenced by natural forces or traditions in terms of national governance. The cooperation-competition development with “Bipolar Coexistence” of China and the United States results from the law of human social development. Fifth, to cope with the current complex and sensitive international situation, it is necessary to correctly judge and choose the future trend and power of nation-states in the world. The countries in our world are multi-ethnic and multi-religious. Peaceful coexistence, mutual benefit, free choice of residence and mutual respect are the only correct choices for the survival and development of peoples of all ethnic groups around the world. The action and reaction of universality and nationality promote the development process of the Community of Shared Future for Mankind. Sixth, the key to national equality lies in equality of people, and the key to building the Community of Shared Future for Mankind lies in the consciousness of equality, which requires that we adhere to the unity of universality and particularity.
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF CYTISINE IN THERMOPSIS ALTERNIFLORAE USING HIGH-PERFORMANCE THIN-LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY
Authors: GADHVI KRUPA , MODI KARUNA , SHAH MAMTA
Published: March 2023

Objective: An optimized high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) method has been established for the quantification of cytisine in Thermopsis alterniflorae Regel and Schmalh.

Methods: Alcoholic extract of the aerial parts were prepared using Soxhlet extraction method. Separation was achieved on silica gel 60 F254 HPTLC plates using toluene-ethyl acetate-diethyl amine (7:2:1, v/v) as the mobile phase. The quantitation of cytisine was carried out using densitometric scanning at 545 nm after derivatization using Dragendorff’s reagent.

Results: The linear regression analysis data for the calibration plot showed a good linear relationship (r2 = 0.9849) in the concentration range 10 to 15 µg/spot. The method was validated for precision, repeatability, accuracy, specificity, limit of detection and limit of quantification. The average recovery was 99.0899% indicating good accuracy. The percentage yield of cytisine obtained was 0.5075+0.0135 % w/w.

Conclusion: The proposed HPTLC method was found to be simple, sensitive, accurate, reproducible, and robust.
IN VITRO EVALUATION OF ANTHELMINTIC ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF AERIAL PARTS OF PHYLLANTHUS FRATERNUSWEB. IN ADULT EARTHWORMS
Authors: SINGH ASHEM DHANACHANDRA , SOBINA MOIRANGTHEM , KANCHAN CHINGTHAM , DEVI PAONAM SHYAMASAKHI , DEVI NAMEIRAKPAM MEENA
Published: March 2023

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the anthelmintic activity of ethanolic extract of aerial part of Phyllanthus fraternus Web. leaves (EEPF) using adult earthworms (Pheretimaposthuma).

Methods: Adult earthworms (24in number) were divided into 4 groups with 6 worms in each group (n=6). The anthelmintic activity of EEPF at two different doses (25 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml) were evaluated by assessing the time of paralysis (min) and time of death (min) of the earthworms. Albendazole (25 mg/ml) was used as standard and 2% gum acacia as control.

Results: Data were analyzed statistically by ANOVA followed by Bonferroni test. P<0.05 was considered as significant. The result showed that EEPF had significant anthelmintic activity (p<0.001) but less potent than the standard drug albendazole.

Conclusion: EEPF demonstrated significant anthelmintic activity but less potent than the standard drug albendazole. However, further studies with higher doses are required to evaluate the dose-dependent activity and to evaluate the exact mechanism responsible for anthelmintic activity.
DEVELOPMENT AND VALIDATION OF A NEW RP HPLC ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF ETODOLAC SUCCINIC ACID CO-CRYSTALS IN SPIKED RABBIT PLASMA
Authors: THOMAS ANITHA , VARKEY JOYAMMA
Published: March 2023

Objective: The aim of the study was to develop and validate a novel and sensitive HPLC method for the determination of Etodolac content in Etodolac succinic acid co-crystals in spiked rabbit plasma.

Methods: Chromatographic separation was achieved on an Eclipse C18 column (4.6 mm,100 mm, 3.5 μm spherical particles) using acetonitrile: methanol: acetic acid (100%) (50:49:1) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.8 ml/min and monitored at 278 nm. Tinidazole was used as the internal standard. The run time was 6 min. The method was validated to fulfill International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) guidelines, which included specificity, linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), accuracy, precision and robustness.

Results: The calibration curve was linear over the concentration range from 2.5 to 15 μg/ml, and the lower limit of detection was 0.3700 μg/ml. and lower limit of quantification was 1.121μg/ml for determination in spiked rabbit plasma. The accuracy and precision of the method were within the acceptable limit of±2% at the lower limit of quantification.

Conclusion: A simple, sensitive, rapid and reproducible RP-HPLC method was developed with short runtime and less flow rate. Statistical analysis of the method proved that this method is suitable for the estimation of Etodolac in Co-crystalin plasma. Hence this method can be employed in the routine assay of the Etodolac Succinic acid co-crystals.
Detection and Control of Bacterial Biofilms
Authors: O. Bello Olorunjuwon , T. Martins Favour , K. Bello Temitope , W. Osungbemiro Bamikole , M. Ajagunna Adebanke
Published: March 2023

A biofilm is a clump of bacteria living in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) linked to a biotic or abiotic surface, indicating that biofilms can exist on a variety of biotic and abiotic surfaces. Abiotic surfaces include floors, walls, drains, equipment, and food-contact surfaces, as well as biotic surfaces like meat, the oral cavity, the intestine, the urogenital tract, and the skin. Humans are a good source of biotic microenvironments for biofilm and bacterial growth, which leads to infectious diseases in most cases. The optimum biotic environment for bacteria to thrive requires a supply of nutrients, humidity, and the right temperature. Biofilms originate on inert surfaces or dead tissue, and they're frequent on medical devices and dead tissue fragments, but they can also form on living tissues. Biofilms' tolerance to harsh environments provides a favorable habitat for microbial populations, allowing for a more efficient flow of chemicals and information amongst microorganisms. As a result, biofilm resistance is a self-protective strategy for microbial development. Bacterial biofilms are detectable by direct and indirect methods and they could be controlled. Bacterial biofilm is a major cause of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria's development and spread, causing severe infections and increased mortality rates.
Time-marching based quantum solvers for time-dependent linear differential equations
Authors: Fang Di , Lin Lin , Tong Yu
Published: March 2023

The time-marching strategy, which propagates the solution from one time step to the next, is a natural strategy for solving time-dependent differential equations on classical computers, as well as for solving the Hamiltonian simulation problem on quantum computers. For more general homogeneous linear differential equations ddt|ψ(t)⟩=A(t)|ψ(t)⟩,|ψ(0)⟩=|ψ0⟩, a time-marching based quantum solver can suffer from exponentially vanishing success probability with respect to the number of time steps and is thus considered impractical. We solve this problem by repeatedly invoking a technique called the uniform singular value amplification, and the overall success probability can be lower bounded by a quantity that is independent of the number of time steps. The success probability can be further improved using a compression gadget lemma. This provides a path of designing quantum differential equation solvers that is alternative to those based on quantum linear systems algorithms (QLSA). We demonstrate the performance of the time-marching strategy with a high-order integrator based on the truncated Dyson series. The complexity of the algorithm depends linearly on the amplification ratio, which quantifies the deviation from a unitary dynamics. We prove that the linear dependence on the amplification ratio attains the query complexity lower bound and thus cannot be improved in the worst case. This algorithm also surpasses existing QLSA based solvers in three aspects: (1) A(t) does not need to be diagonalizable. (2) A(t) can be non-smooth, and is only of bounded variation. (3) It can use fewer queries to the initial state |ψ0⟩. Finally, we demonstrate the time-marching strategy with a first-order truncated Magnus series, which simplifies the implementation compared to high-order truncated Dyson series approach, while retaining the aforementioned benefits. Our analysis also raises some open questions concerning the differences between time-marching and QLSA based methods for solving differential equations.
Quantum States of Fields for Quantum Split Sources
Authors: Chen Lin-Qing , Giacomini Flaminia , Rovelli Carlo
Published: March 2023

Field mediated entanglement experiments probe the quantum superposition of macroscopically distinct field configurations. We show that this phenomenon can be described by using a transparent quantum field theoretical formulation of electromagnetism and gravity in the field basis. The strength of such a description is that it explicitly displays the superposition of macroscopically distinct states of the field. In the case of (linearised) quantum general relativity, this formulation exhibits the quantum superposition of geometries giving rise to the effect.
Могодын Хагарлаас Үүсэх Газар Хөдлөлийн Аюулыг Магадлалын Аргаар Үнэлэх нь
Authors: Т Нарангарав , Ц Баатарчулуун , Б Ганбат
Published: March 2023

Mongolia is considered to be located at the seismic active region and is divided into severaltectonic zones. The Mogod earthquake (M=7.5, January 1967) which occurred at east of Hangai dome was one of the strongest earthquakes that occurred in the past century in Mongolia. The seismic event was closely studied by several researchers because seismicity of the Central Mongolian region was previously regarded as moderate.
Global Action on Men’s Health Webinar Abstracts
Authors: Saab Mohamad , Price Richard , Lukhele Amon , Baker Peter
Published: March 2023

The Men and Cancer webinar was organised by Global Action on Men’s Health in collaboration with its official journal, the International Journal of Men’s Social and Community Health. The event was generously supported by an educational grant from Advanced Accelerator Applications, a Novartis company.
Pengembangan Modul Digital pada Materi Struktur Atom untuk Menumbuhkan Literasi Digital Siswa
Authors: Dewi Citra Citra Ayu , Kusuma Janista Mia , Pahriah Pahriah , Syahri Wilda
Published: March 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menghasilkan modul digital pada materi struktur atom yang dapat menumbuhkan literasi digital siswa. Penelitian ini termasuk ke dalam jenis penelitian dan pengembangan (R&D) dengan model menggunakan pengembangan ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation). Instrumen yang digunakan berupa angket validasi ahli dan angket respon siswa selama penggunaan modul digital yang dikembangkan.Â  Subjek uji yaitu siswa kelas X SMAN 1 Sakra Lombok Timur NTB. Pengumpulan data menggunakan angket validasi ahli dan angket respon siswa. Teknik analisis data menggunakan analisis deskriptif. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa modul digital yang telah dikembangkan menggunakan kvisoft flipbook pada materi struktur atom diperoleh persentase kelayakan sebesar 86 dengan kategori layak dan uji kepraktisan terhadap penggunaan modul digital memberikan respon positif dalam menumbuhkan literasi digital siswa. Sehingga, dapat disimpulkan bahwa modul digital pada materi struktur atom layak digunakan untuk menumbuhkan literasi digital siswa.
Dostoevsky’s Petersburg through the Eyes of a Contemporary Schoolgirl
Authors:   GBOU School no. 57, Mochalova Ekaterina A.
Published: March 2023

In the tenth grade we read Dostoevsky’s novel Crime and Punishment, where several real-life places in St. Petersburg are described. Few names of these places are written in full; the very fact that the action takes place in a designated place indicates realism and affects the characteristics (and sometimes the meaning) of it. However, Dostoevsky “encrypts” some of the addresses. In order to find the places not directly indicated, I decided to follow the footsteps of the heroes of this work, and after getting acquainted with the research on the topography of the novel, I went to St. Petersburg. After studying various archives, maps, and other sources, I was able to find the house of the Marmeladov family, which is not indicated in academic works. This study demonstrates a way of reasoning leading to an unambiguous conclusion and opening new meanings in the novel Crime and Punishment, such as the way of Raskolnikov’s thought, the reasons why Dostoevsky settled his characters on a certain street, and so on.
“We Will Be Faces/Persons…” An Analytical-Synthetic Reading of Dostoevsky’s Works
Authors:   A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Kasatkina Tatiana A. ,   А.М. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: March 2023

The book is dedicated to the guiding principle of the study of both literary and biographical texts, as well as the principles of commenting on the works of such an author, who can be defined as a practical philosopher and theologian and who creates his texts in order to narrate his path to transfiguration and lead the reader through it. Unraveling the mystery of man, Dostoevsky finds the solution to it in the fact that contemporary man radically misunderstands his own dimension, size, composition, and configuration. He sees himself as body-limited, separated from other individuals, and looks at them as rivals and contenders for the same resource, instead of understanding that they carry new spaces and possibilities that cannot exist without them and outside them. Consequently, he is radically mistaken in defining what is good for him and what are the dangers he can encounter on the way; he is often inclined to consider the biggest danger as good for him, and what is best for him as something that interferes with his interests. The book is meant for readers who love Dostoevsky, as well as philologists, philosophers, and theologians.
MARITIME DIPLOMACY IN THE INDIAN OCEAN: WAY FORWARD FOR PAKISTAN
Authors: Mehmood Zaeem Hassan , Khan Ramla
Published: March 2023

The Indian Ocean has gained prominence in the international geopolitical discourse. It is becoming a showground for major competition between the new and existing great powers. Maritime Diplomacy, in this regard, is a valuable instrument for averting conflict. The range of options available are from the cooperative ones to persuasive and coercive selection for the maritime forces. It is helpful not only to those utilizing it but also to academicians who are trying to decipher the more extensive ramifications of the utilization of sea-based strategy. Mahan documented, the most powerful state of the maritime realm is generally also richest and economically prevalent most in the international order. The study uses qualitative method to analyze the existing literature comprising of primary and secondary set of imperatives to provide structured insight that would be useful to policy-makers and academicians. The Pakistani perspective and interplay in the changing geopolitics is assessed in the region termed as “pivotal of the world”.
Current status of imaging studies and application of clinical decision rules for pediatric blunt cervical spine injury
Authors: Ko Kwang Hee , Lee Hyun Jung , Kim Hyun Joon , Shin Tae Yong , Lee Dong Wook , Moon Hyung Jun , Jeong Dong Kil
Published: March 2023

Purpose: We investigated the current status of imaging studies for pediatric blunt cervical spine injury, and applied 3 clinical decision rules to children with blunt trauma of the head or neck in a pediatric emergency center in Korea. The rules included National Emergency X-Radiography Utilization Study (NEXUS) criteria, Canadian Cervical Spine Rule, and Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network risk factors.Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted on 399 children aged 15 years or younger who visited the center after the blunt trauma, and underwent cervical spine radiographs from January 2020 through December 2021. We examined the clinical characteristics per age groups (0-1, 2-5, 6-12, and 13-15 years). Using the 3 rules, we selected children with a potential need for imaging studies (PNI). For this purpose, we analyzed the absence of low-risk variables and the presence of high-risk variables. Predictive performances of the rules were measured for the imaging-confirmed cervical spine injury.Results: The study population (n = 399) had a median age of 5.0 years (interquartile range, 2.0-9.0) and a 64.2% boys’ proportion. Fall (36.6%) was the most common injury mechanism. Two children had the cervical spine injuries. As per NEXUS criteria, Canadian Cervical Spine Rule, and Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network risk factors, 72 (18.0%), 289 (72.4%), and 74 children (18.5%) were classified as those with PNI, respectively. Resultantly, 291 children (72.9%) were classified as having PNI whereas the other 108 (27.1%) were deemed to undergo unnecessary imaging. The 3 rules had nearly 100% sensitivity and negative predictive value, except a 50% sensitivity of NEXUS criteria.Conclusion: Imaging studies can be minimized for children with blunt trauma of the head or neck who are deemed without PNI per the 3 current clinical decision rules. More elaborate criteria are needed to make a timely diagnosis.
Citizen Science - a new field for the arts?
Authors: Pamela Marjan Bartar
Published: March 2023

Pamela Bartar’s (Center for Didactics of Art and Interdisciplinary Education) contribution "Citizen Science – a new field for the arts?" links Citizen Science with art-based research. Providing an overview of current approaches, Bartar illustrates how contemporary art can significantly contribute to the democratisation of science and the societal proximity of research, particularly focusing on socially engaged practices and collaborative knowledge production.
Await what the stars will bring or moulding the gap
Authors: Verena Miedl-Faißt
Published: March 2023

Verena Miedl-Faißt (Center Research Focus, PhD candidate PhD in Art) invites us with "Await what the stars will bring" to walk through her artistic research trajectory. Her contribution poetically narrates on longings, and on beautiful and painful experiences in connection with her artistic practice and collaborative work with her nephew L. Based on Donna Haraway’s concept of kinship, Miedl-Faißt searches for possibilities of relating to each other and seeks ways to make inner processes accessible. The contribution provides insights into her work with children and colleagues and how she creates “materialized relations, co-creations objecting time, space, and loneliness.”
The increased morbidity of anorexia during the COVID-19 pandemic -- a psychoanalytic perspective.
Authors: Keini Noga Levin , Kaplan Ruti
Published: March 2023

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the morbidity of anorexia increased both
in its scope and in its severity. Research conducted thus far, has
raised questions regarding the unique influences that the pandemic
imposed on individuals with anorexia and those at risk for developing
it. This opinion article offers a psychoanalytic understanding for the
increased morbidity of anorexia following the outbreak of COVID-19. It
argues that the encounter between an external reality saturated with
restrictions and prohibitions and the anorexic internal reality
intensified the anorexic symptomology. The authors present explanations
regarding the ways in which the pandemic undermined the anorexic
defenses and contributed to the increase of anorexia. They conclude that
COVID-19 has led to the exacerbation of anorexia through employment of
two key defense mechanisms of anorexia, which are: 1. Implementation of
prohibitions, reductions, and restrictions. 2. Having an omnipotent
sense of self, in which the body is regarded as controllable.
Rising carbon uptake and sequestration but declining carbon allocation to biomass production and grain yield in a high-yield agroecosystem
Authors: Liu Fan , Zhang Yucui , Wang Xingchang , Qi Yongqing , Min Leilei , Yu Guirui , Hu Chunsheng , Shen Yanjun
Published: March 2023

Photosynthetically carbon (C) allocation largely determines yield and C
sequestration of agroecosystem. However, how C allocation of crops
responses to climate change at the long-time scale is poorly defined.
Combining thirteen years of eddy covariance and inventory measurements,
we comprehensively investigated C allocation mechanism in a winter-wheat
and summer-maize double cropping field. Significantly increased gross
primary production (GPP) was benefited from CO2 fertilization, and 35%
of increased GPP transferred to strengthening C sequestration. However,
elevated temperature and drying surface soil moisture stimulated the
partitioning of GPP to autotrophic respiration, resulted in conservative
net primary production and grain yield. Maize faced a greater risk of C
loss and yield reduction than wheat to warming and drying. By
synthesizing published long-term data of agroecosystems, we further
highlight that the GPP partitioning cannot be simply predicted by
allometric theory, particularly for grains, which should be considered
in predicting C budget and crop yield.