bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of River Flow Diversions in Coal Mining Area in Lahat, South Sumatra
Authors: Chrisman Yudha , Cahyadi Tedy Agung , Haq Shofa Rijalul , Ernawati Rika , Nurkhamim Nurkhamim , Wicaksono Eko
Published: November 2023

Analysis of river flow diversion in coal mining areas is very necessary when there are coal reserves under the river flow. In the transfer of river flow, it is necessary to pay attention to several things such as, the design of river discharge, the dimensions of the new river channel, and so on. This is done not to damage the environment and not cause flooding in the future in the new river channel. The use of HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS applications can help in channel calculations and modelling. It is necessary to conduct several channel modeling simulations in order to produce the most optimal and effective channel modeling. The purpose of this research is to analyze the actual calculation approach of the river flow to be moved in determining the river design, analyze the appropriate dimensions to accommodate the highest discharge that occurs in the river flow so that there is no overflow in the future, and analyze the optimal river transfer path. The method used is field observation and hydrological data processing which is then used as a parameter in the HEC-HMS application and run using HEC-HMS for channel simulation.
Seeing Cells without a Lens: Compact 3D Digital Lensless Holographic Microscopy for Wide-field Imaging
Authors: Yang Thomas , Wu Yumin
Published: November 2023

Optical microscopy is an essential tool for biomedical discoveries and cell diagnosis at micro- to nano-scales. However, conventional microscopes rely on lenses to record 2-D images of samples, which limits in-depth inspection of large volumes of cells. This research project implements a novel 3-D lensless microscopic imaging system that achieves a wide field of view, high resolution, and an extremely compact, cost-effective design: the Digital Lensless Holographic Microscope (DLHM).A lensless holographic microscope is built with only a light source, a sample, and an imaging chip (with other non-essential supporting structures). The entire setup costs $500 to $600. A series of MATLAB-based algorithms were designed to reconstruct phase information of samples simultaneously from the recorded hologram with built-in high-resolution and phase unwrapping functions. This produces 3-D images of cell samples.The 3-D cell reconstruction of biological samples maintained a comparable resolution with conventional optical microscopes while covering a field of view of 36.2mm2, which is 20-30 times larger. While most microscopes are extremely time-consuming and require professional expertise, the lensless holographic microscope is portable, low-cost, high-stability, and extremely simple. This makes it accessible for point-of-care testing (POCT) to a broader coverage, including developing regions with limited medical facilities.
Bakuchicin alleviates ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma by regulating M2 macrophage polarization
Authors: Kim Yeon-Yong , Jeong Seungwon , Lee Seung , Lee Seung-Jae , Rho Mun-Chual , Kim Sang-Hyun , Lee Soyoung
Published: November 2023

Objective: Asthma is an airway inflammatory disease caused by activation of numerous immune cells including macrophages. Bakuchicin (BKC) is known to exhibit anti-inflammatory effects and type 2 T helper (Th2) regulation, but has not been investigated for airway inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of BKC on airway inflammation and demonstrate the mechanisms of macrophage polarization.
Methods: The anti-inflammatory effects were determined using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages. The ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthma mouse model was used to evaluate the effects of BKC on airway inflammation and Th2 responses. Moreover, the effect of BKC on macrophage polarization was confirmed in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) differentiation.
Results: BKC suppressed nitric oxide production and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting signaling pathway in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In an OVA-induced asthma model, BKC treatment alleviated histological changes and mast cell infiltration and reduced the levels of eosinophil peroxidase, β-hexosaminidase, and immunoglobulin levels. In addition, BKC alleviated Th2 responses and M2 macrophage populations in bronchoalveolar fluid. In BMDMs, BKC suppressed IL-4-induced M2 macrophage polarization and the expression of M2 markers such as arginase-1 and Fizz-1 through inhibiting sirtuin 2 levels.
Conclusion: BKC could be a drug candidate for the treatment of allergic asthma.
Appraisal on hepatocellular carcinoma in male rats via reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory markers of isothiocyanate-rich dichloromethane extracts from Brassica oleracea as a natural protector agent
Authors: Mohammed Mona A. , ahmed doha ,   Fatma A. A. Ibrahim2, Hassan Nabila S , bashandy Samir AE , gengaihi souad
Published: November 2023

The cruciferous vegetable kale (Brassica olraceae var. sabellica 'Lacinato') is a new Egyptian cultivar originating from the USA. We implanted it in sandy and clay soils. The sandy soil has higher concentrations of glucosinolates and total isothiocyanate (TITC) than the clay soil. This study used a multi-purpose chromatographic technique to analyze it, which simultaneously separates glucosinolates and isothiocyanate by hydrolysis methods with the measure by spectrophotometer-methods at 320 nm for isothiocyanate, giving 1.62 ug/g in dichloromethane extract, and 425 nm for glucosinolates, giving 4.32 ug/g in sandy soil compared to HPLC methods, giving 2.06 ug/ml as glucoraphanin and 58.51 ug/ml as sulforaphane. Kales have different biological effects as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. In the existing study, twenty-four male rats were sorted into four groups: control group, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rats, HCC rats treated with 15 mg/kg TITC (orally), and HCC rats treated with 30 mg/kg TITC (orally). A significant decrease in the plasma level of cancer markers (glypican-3 (GPC3), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGP), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)) as compared to the DEN group was recorded in HCC rats treated with TITC. The medication of HCC rats with ITC restrained the significant rise in enzymes of the liver, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, and histopathological changes. Also, ITC relieved the increase in the inflammatory markers tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Moreover, the rats given ITC and DEN showed a significant decrease in hepatic nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and a significant enhancement in reduced glutathione (GSH) as compared to the DEN group. The histopathological changes were lowered by TITC treatment. We can conclude that the hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties of TITC may contribute to its protective effect against DEN-induced HCC.
Moving Together - benefits of an online dance program on physical and mental health for older adults: a mixed-method study
Authors: Hansen Rasmus Kopp , Jochum Elizabeth , Egholm Ditte , Villumsen Morten , Hirata Rogerio Pessoto
Published: November 2023

Background
Previous studies show that in-person dance training is a beneficial form of physical activity that involves mental, social, and physical dimensions. This study investigated the benefits of a 12-week online dance training intervention on mental and physical health outcomes for older adults.
Methods
A convergent parallel mixed-method design was used. Forty-five older adults (74.0 ± 5.3 yrs old, 44 women) were recruited through advertisements at activity and rehabilitation centers in the North Denmark region. The intervention consisted of two weekly 60-min classes of improvisation and salsa delivered online through video call applications. Changes in physical health outcomes (body mass and composition, resting blood pressure, Senior Fitness Test battery) and self-rated health and wellbeing (health-related quality of life (HRQOL), feelings of loneliness) were assessed prior to and after 12 weeks of dancing. Focus group interviews were conducted post-intervention to further explore the benefits as well as the participant’s experience of the intervention. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was conducted.
Results
Thirty-two participants completed the study. Significant improvements in fitness were found for the number of arm curls performed (baseline: 12.3 ± 3.0; post-intervention: 13.7 ± 3.0, P = 0.005), 2-min step test performance (baseline: 66.5 ± 20.0 reps.; post-intervention: 73.8 ± 22.6 reps., P = 0.016), and chair sit-and-reach (baseline: 0.4 ± 11.3 cm; post-intervention: 5.5 ± 10.1 cm, P < 0.001). There was a significant increase in body mass from baseline to post-intervention (P < 0.015). The themes from the focus groups included (1) Participation, (2) Challenges, (3) Progression, (4) Motivation, (5) Perceived health and wellbeing, and (6) Online dance instruction. No significant changes were reported in HRQOL and loneliness from the quantitative data, although the qualitative data did reveal improved feelings of physical health and wellbeing.
Conclusions
The intervention improved several aspects of fitness in older adults and improved the participants’ perceptions of their own physical abilities and wellbeing. While most participants found the online intervention enjoyable, several participants missed the feedback from the instructors that naturally occurs with in-person instruction. Future studies using a randomized controlled design are needed to further establish the efficacy of online dance training on health outcomes in older adults.
Impact of AI Virtual Standardized Patients (AI-VSP) on performance in a Clinical Skills Examination
Authors: Liu Alan , Martin Scott , Belousov Maksim , Fung Cha Chi , Ben-Ari Ron , May Win
Published: November 2023

Background: The importance of deliberate practice and feedback to promote transfer of learning is well established. Virtual Standardized Patients (VSPs) are an emerging modality designed to more realistically simulate patient encounter sections (versus traditional e-learning), while providing automatically generated feedback to the learner. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of VSPs on the performance of third year medical students in a clinical skills examination.
Methods: The study was a post-test design with volunteer third-year medical students from a medical school in a large, urban, metropolitan area in Los Angeles, California. The entire class of medical students was given access to a virtual standardized patient from “Recourse AI” (AI-VSP) and their performance on subsequent clinical examinations (CSEs) was measured. A formative CSE was followed by a summative one three months later. Students were allowed to interact as many times with the AI-VSP as they desired, and received automatically generated feedback from the system. The AI-VSP presented with a chief complaint similar to that presented by a standardized patient (SP) in the clinical exams. We hypothesized that students who utilized the AI-VSP would perform better on that particular case, than those who did not. T-tests were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Students who interacted with the AI-VSP before the formative CSE achieved significantly higher scores for the History section in the first clinical examination, when presented with a SP case with a similar chief complaint (p = 0.001). Those students who interacted with an AI-VSP more than once performed better than those who interacted only once. (p = 0.005). Scores on the summative CSE three months after the interaction showed that the history scores were still slightly higher for those who had interacted at least once with AI-VSP, although there was no longer a significant difference.
Conclusions: The use of the AI-VSP showed a statistically significant improvement in history-taking skills as measured in a subsequent CSE. The improvement was not as significant in another exam three months later, underscoring the need for repetition and deliberate practice to maintain clinical skills, and maybe an estimation of the time interval required for repetition.
A Study of Engine Culture towards Dropping the Probability of Jungle Blazes
Authors: Singh Bakshish
Published: November 2023

Forest fire prevention is critical to protecting our natural resources and ensuring the safety of wildlife and communities. Traditional fire prevention methods have limitations in detecting and predicting fires before they cause irreparable damage. This report proposes a novel approach using machine learning to enhance forest fire prevention efforts. By leveraging machine learning algorithms and analyzing relevant data such as oxygen levels, temperature, and humidity, we can develop a predictive model to assess the probability of a fire occurring in a particular area. This model can be a valuable tool for governments and authorities to allocate resources effectively and proactively to prevent fires. The research focuses on creating a large dataset by collecting real-life examples of forest fires and their associated parameters. With this dataset, a machine learning model can be trained to accurately predict the likelihood of a fire outbreak based on the input parameters. Integrating this model into a web or mobile application can provide users with real-time fire risk assessments and alerts, enabling them to take necessary precautions. The proposed system offers a comprehensive and efficient solution for forest fire prevention, with the potential to be applied globally. By combining machine learning capabilities with preventive measures and community involvement, we can significantly reduce the negative impact of forest fires and safeguard the natural environment.
Dynamic of Diversity of Rate Establishment in the Practice of Agricultural Zakat Collection in Malaysia
Authors:   Faculty of Syariah and Law, Institute of Fatwa and Halal, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, Ab Rahman Muhamad Firdaus , Abdullah Thaidi Hussein ‘Azeemi ,   Faculty of Syariah and Law, Institute of Fatwa and Halal, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, Ab Rahim Siti Farahiyah ,   School of Law, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
Published: November 2023

The advancement of the agricultural sector necessitates modern technology and high-quality seeds as well as fertilisers; such growth parallels the increased cost of paddy planting in Malaysia. However, Islamic scholars have debated several issues regarding the evaluation of the agricultural zakat, including the reason behind the refusal of plant operation and farmers’ self-sustenance cost before zakat imposition. This article aims to analyse the diversity of rate establishment in the practice of agricultural zakat collection in Malaysia by examining the rates imposed based on irrigation and the deduction of some costs before the imposition of zakat. A qualitative approach was employed to interpret the data through inductive, deductive and comparative methods. As for field research, this study conducted semi-structured interviews in selected states of Malaysia, namely Selangor, Sarawak, Pulau Pinang, Terengganu and Perlis. The findings indicate that agricultural rates vary significantly between states, ranging from 5% to 7.5% or 10% of the total amount of the crop produced that has reached its nisab. These distinctions arose due to (1) the varied interpretations of the Islamic legal tradition by various schools of juristic thought and (2) the rate of zakat on crops, which requires discussion of irrigation and energy use by farmers. However, this non- uniformity is not attributable to disparities in living levels throughout Malaysia’s states. Therefore, further research is required to determine the substantial cost reduction of agricultural zakat in Malaysia, including self-sufficiency cost, considering the current agrarian economy’s needs and public interest.
Parliamentary Institutional Reforms in Malaysia: The Case of the Pakatan Harapan Era, 2018–2020
Authors:   Centre for Research in History, Politics, and International Affairs, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia, Nazaruddin Mohd Izzuddin , Yusoff Mohammad Agus ,   Centre for Research in History, Politics, and International Affairs, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
Published: November 2023

The parliamentary institution is the nation’s highest legislative body in a democratic system, where it enacts, amends, and approves federal laws, examines government policies and approves government spending. However, in Malaysia, during the Barisan Nasional (BN) era, this institution was frequently criticised due to its numerous flaws. Among them were executive control over parliamentary institutions, disregard for the opposition’s role and unequal development provision between government and opposition parliamentarians. Therefore, during the 14th General Election (GE14) campaign, Pakatan Harapan (PH) promised to implement parliamentary reforms, and that pledge carried PH to victory in the GE14. This article utilised the concept of institutional reform as a tool of analytics to discuss parliamentary institutional reforms during the PH’s governmental term from 2018 to 2020. The primary sources of this study were interviews and secondary sources, which were obtained through books, journals and newspapers. This article argues that the PH government has successfully implemented several parliamentary institutional reforms in only 22 months. The reforms were the reform of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the establishment of more parliamentary select committees, the restructuring of constituency development funds for members of parliament (MPs) and the appointment of non-partisan speakers. All these reforms have benefited Malaysia’s parliamentary institutions by increasing the role of the opposition, allocating fair constituency development funds to parliamentarians and improving the parliamentary image. Nevertheless, comprehensive reforms were not implemented because the PH government was ousted from power at the end of February 2020 because of the actions of several PH MPs who defected from the party.
Contradictions of Saint Paul’s Cathedral
Authors: Bortot Ilaria , Ellerd-Cheers Harry
Published: November 2023

Saint Paul’s Cathedral is a contradiction. Beautiful and majestic, it combines an almost Catholic shape with a Protestant soul. It is one of the most powerful symbols of England, and a reason for pride for any Londoner. This paper wants to explore the architectural variations of Saint Paul’s, especially before and after the Great Fire in 1666, to unveil the peculiar relationship between the cathedral and the people of London. Although St Paul’s has been a constant for the Londoners, its role in their lives has not always been the same. The progressive change in people’s attitude towards the cathedral went at the same pace as the alteration of the architecture of the building, which mirrored the social, political, and religious changes of the country. From being a central point of commerce and medieval social life during its Norman period and its Gothic style, the cathedral evolved into the highest symbol of religion and power and reached its peak with the design provided by Wren. Looking at the different models of Saint Paul’s, from its first consecration in 604 until today, it is evident that the building has been an active player in English history, adapting itself to necessity. It witnessed the Norman Conquest, the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, and the Great Fire, and it was the symbol of the English strength and resistance in World War II. Therefore, the study of the architectural changes of Saint Paul’s is the study of the city of London, its people, and some of the most significant historical events that shaped England.
Palestine Hotel in the Old City of Hebron, Between Modernity and Traditional Dwelling Architecture During the 19th-20th Century
Authors: Shaded Wisam
Published: November 2023

This paper delves into the cultural, architectural, and aesthetic transformations in traditional Palestinian dwellings during the transition from the 19th to the 20th century. The chosen timeframe holds immense significance as it witnessed a profound shift in Palestinian systems, legislation, and housing patterns, including alterations in housing infrastructure. The study identifies pivotal turning points in Palestine attributed to European Western missions and Zionist migration, resulting in the introduction of concrete housing and its discernible influence on traditional Palestinian building structures. In particular, the focus is placed on the Palestine Hotel, situated in Hebron's historic Old City and constructed in the early 1900s. This hotel serves as a compelling example of the coexistence and mutual influence of modernity and traditional architecture. The hybrid design of the hotel reflects the intricate relationship between Western-style modernity and traditional Palestinian architectural elements. Employing an analytical and documentary methodology, this paper recommends several measures, including the preservation of cultural assets due to their profound impact on future generations and the safeguarding of our civilizational and cultural heritage.
Palestinian Traditional Architecture and Methods in Designing Dwellings Case Study Old City of Hebron
Authors: Shaded Wisam
Published: November 2023

This paper examines the components and elements of traditional Palestinian dwellings, focusing on those found in the historic district of Hebron. This area is renowned for its agricultural construction and peasant architecture. The study elucidates the formation of these dwellings and their structural, architectural, and constructional elements, as well as the materials employed in their construction. Moreover, this research delves into the history of Hebron, which serves as a vital resource for the study of the cultural history of Palestine, particularly within the context of Islamic civilization. It scrutinizes the urban development of the Arab city and draws parallels with various other Islamic cities, notably in terms of their primarily vernacular architecture, with formal architecture playing a limited role. The research adopts a descriptive, analytical, and documentary methodology to document these components through images and diagrams. It endeavors to address inquiries regarding the current condition and the pivotal elements that have contributed to the construction of traditional dwellings. The study underscores the substantial responsibility entrusted to society, institutions, and engineers for preserving these components during restoration or conservation endeavors. This can be achieved through a comprehensive examination of the authentic foundations of traditional vernacular construction in the city of Hebron.
Amidst Cytokine Storm in Metabolic Diseases: Can 2-deoxy-D-glucose
(2-DG) Cure COVID-19?
Authors: Shrivastava Shweta , Kumar Ayush , Kumar Jeengar Manish , Xavier Elsy , Tiwari Prashant
Published: November 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2)-related pandemic
disease COVID-19, which began in China in 2019, became the leading cause of fatalities globally.
The transmission rate of the virus is directly proportional to the so-called ‘dance dynamic’ energy of
the spike protein as this phenomenon favours the ligand-receptor binding. The clinical spectrum of
the COVID-19 disease, which includes (inflammation, cytokine storm, and multi-organ dysfunction),
puts Corona Warriors active in various aspects of the disease, such as the efficient management of
critically ill COVID-19 patients, in danger of losing their lives. Due to its effects on an ancient oxygen-independent glycolytic pathway, anti-inflammatory properties, and competitive interaction with
viral proteins, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), which is being developed in India at the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), has emerged as a ground-breaking agent for
COVID-19 treatment. After a virus gains entry into host cells, it is found that metabolic reprogramming takes place to meet the nutritional and energy requirements for virus reproduction. The recent
approval of 2-DG for adjunctive emergency usage by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI)
may mark a turning point in the management of mild to moderate COVID-19 infection.
Tinnitus Relief Effect According to the Stimulus Listening Method of Sound Therapy
Authors: Lee TaeRim , Jin In-Ki
Published: November 2023

Purpose: This study investigated the tinnitus relief effect of the stimulation listening method in sound therapy. Methods: The participants were randomly divided into two groups: 16 in the continuous listening group and 15 in the intermittent listening group. The participants listened to broad-band noise at the mixing point level for 3 months, either continuously for 2 hours or intermittently 4 hours for 30 minutes, depending on the group allocation. The results of this study were confirmed by measuring scores through the Korean version of the Tinnitus Primary Function Questionnaire (K-TPFQ) and visual analog scale (VAS) for tinnitus loudness and annoyance at pretreatment and at 1, 2, and 3 months follow-ups. Results: Average scores of the K-TPFQ and VAS for tinnitus loudness and annoyance significantly improved with the duration of sound therapy in both the continuous listening and intermittent listening groups (p < 0.05). However, there was no difference between the two groups regarding the stimulation listening method in sound therapy, and no significant interaction effects were confirmed. Conclusion: The method of listening to the sound therapy continuously for 2 hours and the method of listening intermittently for 30 minutes had similar tinnitus relief effects.
Research Trends According to the Speech Production Mechanism of Patients with Dysarthria Caused by Acute Brain Injury in Korea
Authors: Park Mi Ri , Kim Young Man , Yoon Ji Hye
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to analyze research trends in Korea related to dysarthria according to the speech production mechanism and to present the basis for evaluation and intervention according to the speech production mechanism of dysarthric patients with acute brain injury. Through a search engine, articles published in domestic journals were searched. A total of 43 papers were selected from the searched documents and analyzed according to the year, research subject, and research task. First, in the annual analysis, it was found that research on articulation was conducted most actively among the speech production mechanisms. Second, it can be seen that a number of studies have been conducted on spastic and flaccid types, and mild degree in terms of disorder type and severity, respectively. Third, in terms of speech production units, phonemes and syllable units were used for evaluating respiration and vocalization mechanisms. Sentence and paragraph units were used for the prosody mechanism. These results might be used for the fundamental data to establish the most suitable evaluation methods and intervention plans for patients with dysarthria in clinical and research fields.
Auditory Working Memory According to Listening Environment of Typically Developing Children and Specific Language Impaired Children Aged 4 to 5
Authors: Lee A-Yeong , Kim Jin-Dong
Published: November 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to confirm the characteristics of auditory working memory in typically developing children and children with specific language impairment, considering to the listening environment. We also examined differences in the sub-domains of the auditory working memory task, including digit span, competing language processing tasks, blank filling in continuous words, and a single processing load condition task. Methods: The study included a total of 40 children: 20 children with specific language impaired and 20 typically developing children aged 4 to 5 years old living in Busan and Gyeongnam. To examine potential differences in auditory working memory based on listening environments and groups, the auditory working memory task was conducted in both noisy and quiet environments. Results: Children with specific language impairment showed statistically significantly lower auditory working memory than typically developing children, regardless of the presence of noise. In addition, typically developing children performed better noisy environments compared to quiet ones, whereas children with specific language impairment did not show differences in performance depending on the listening environment. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that effective language intervention for children with specific language impairment can be provided if auditory working memory is checked and systematically provided for each sub-domain of auditory working memory. For typically developing children, studying in a noisy environment may improve academic ability and attention.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment at a Japanese Hospital
Authors: MIYAZAKI KUNIHIKO , KODAMA TAKAHIDE , AIDA YUKA , SATO SHINYA , SATOH HIROAKI
Published: November 2023

Background/Aim: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced medical institutions to scale back their practice. Changes in patient behavior seemed to be having an impact. We conducted a survey with the aim of reviewing lung cancer treatment during the pandemic period and identifying problems. Patients and Methods: We examined the medical records of all patients pathologically diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in our hospital from 2017 to 2022. NSCLC patients were divided into two groups: those diagnosed between 2017 and 2019 (first period) and those diagnosed between 2020 and 2022 (second period). Results: Within the study period, 267 NSCLC patients (first period: 147 patients, second period: 121 patients) were diagnosed in our hospital. The patients in the two study periods did not differ significantly in age (p=0.613), ECOG performance status (p=0.125), and clinical stage (p=0.354). Tumor size was significantly larger in the second period with a mean of 5.88 cm ± 3.02, compared to 4.24 cm ± 1.76 in the first period (p<0.001). In the standard treatment group, the median survival time was 457 days in the first period and 313 days in the second period (p=0.063). In the best supportive care group, median survival time was 122 days in the first period and 57 days in the second period (p=0.004). Conclusion: Patients themselves refrained from seeking consultation for lung cancer treatment during the pandemic period. It is inconclusive how to reduce the delay due to the suppression of consultations, but this is an important issue for the future.
International interventions in non-democratic states between democratic change and achieving interests (Iraq as a case study after 2003)
Authors:   University of Human Development, Ali Omran
Published: November 2023

This research seeks to critically analyze the international efforts, particularly the United States of America, in transforming authoritarian and non-democratic states into democratic ones, and clarify to what extent the US seeks to achieve real democratic change in non-democratic countries, especially Iraq, and whether their main goal is to achieve stability and their vital interests or democratic change and reform. It argues that although spreading democracy and human rights in the Middle East has become, especially after the end of the Cold War, one of the main goals of the US, but, in reality, the US is not ready to sacrifice its vital interests in the region at the expense of spreading democratic values, as well as reducing its strong security and economic relations with its non-democratic allies, or even applying the required pressure on them. Consequently, this increases doubts about the credibility and seriousness of the US in achieving its goal of spreading democracy in the Middle East in general, and Iraq in particular.
Evaluation of an mHealth App on Self-Management of Osteoporosis: Prospective Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Bendtsen Magnus Grønlund , Schönwandt Bodil Marie Thuesen , Rubæk Mette , Hitz Mette Friberg
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Mobile health (mHealth) technologies can be used for disease-specific self-management, and these technologies are experiencing rapid growth in the health care industry. They use mobile devices, specifically smartphone apps, to enhance and support medical and public health practices. In chronic disease management, the use of apps in the realm of mHealth holds the potential to improve health outcomes. This is also true for mHealth apps on osteoporosis, but the usage and patients’ experiences with these apps are underexplored.

OBJECTIVE

This prospective survey study aimed to investigate the eHealth literacy of Danish patients with osteoporosis, as well as the usability and acceptability of the app “My Bones.”

METHODS

Data on patient characteristics, disease knowledge, eHealth literacy, usability, and acceptability were collected using self-administered questionnaires at baseline, 2 months, and 6 months. The following validated questionnaires were used: eHealth Literacy Questionnaire, System Usability Scale, and Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Mean scores for eHealth literacy ranged from 2.6 to 3.1, with SD ranging from 0.5 to 0.6 across the 7 domains. The mean (SD) System Usability Scale score was 74.7 (14.4), and the mean (SD) scores for domains 1, 2, and 6 of the Service User Technology Acceptability Questionnaire were 3.4 (1.2), 4.5 (1.1), 4.1 (1.2), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Danish patients with osteoporosis are both motivated and capable of using digital health services. The app’s usability was acceptable, and it has the potential to reduce visits to general practitioner clinics, enhance health outcomes, and serve as a valuable addition to regular health or social care services.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF SIDDHA POLYHERBAL FORMULATION SEVVIYADHI CHOORANAM ON CARRAGEENAN INDUCED PAW EDEMA IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS
Authors: S. SHAMSHALNIHA , N. ANBU
Published: November 2023

Objective: The aim of the study was to explore the anti-inflammatory activity of Siddha polyherbal formulation Sevviyadhi chooranam in Carrageenan induced paw edema in wistar albino rats, and compared with the standard drug Indomethacin.
Methods: The Siddha polyherbal formulation Sevviyadhi chooranam indicated for sinusitis was prepared based on GMP (Good Clinical Practice) guidelines. Study procedure was approved by Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC). The experimental animals were measured for paw edema volume at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 h using Plethysmometer (Model 7150 UGO Basile, Italy). Edema was expressed as mean increase in paw volume relative to control animals. And then, findings were compared with Indomethacin (Standard drug).
Results: The findings revealed that test drug Sevviyadhi chooranam at higher dosage 200 mg/kg (Group V) had equal effect on anti-inflammatory activity with percentage protection of 93.2% when compared with the standard drug Indomethacin at about 40 mg/kg (Group III) with percentage protection 93.2%. However, the test drug Sevviyadhi chooranam at a higher dosage 200 mg/kg (Group V) with a percentage protection 93.2% was highly effective when compared with lower dosage about 100 mg/kg (Group IV) with a percentage protection 27.12%. Hence, the study resulted that the Siddha polyherbal formulation Sevviyadhi chooranam has an optimistic anti-inflammatory activity with more therapeutic value.
Conclusion: The study concluded that the Siddha polyherbal formulation Sevviyadhi chooranam has a promising anti-inflammatory activity, probably due to the presence of biologically active phytocompounds. However, it is important to admit that there are some scientific evidences of the potential actions of these phytocompounds in anti-inflammatory activity.
Molecular Detection of Key Virulence-associated Genes and Phenotypic Analysis of Virulence Traits of Klebsiella pneumoniae Clinical Isolates from Kenya
Authors: Tiria Fredrick , Odoyo Erick , Georges Martin , Nyerere Andrew , Musila Lillian
Published: November 2023

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an opportunistic pathogen and a major cause of nosocomial infections. Phenotypic analysis of virulence and molecular typing of virulence-associated genes are powerful approaches to understanding Klebsiella pneumoniae infection biology. This study subjected 102 clinical Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates to virulence gene screening and phenotypic analysis of serum resistance, biofilm formation, and hypermucoviscosity. The virulence genes mrkD, ybtS, wcaJ, entD, and rmpA had a prevalence of 95.1%, 30.4%, 27.5%, 22.5%, and 0.98%, respectively. 54.9%, 36.3%, and 8.8% were serum resistant, intermediate, and susceptible, respectively. There was no significant correlation between the presence of mrkD, ybtS, wcaJ, entD, and rmpA genes and serum non-susceptibility. 53.9%, 22.5%, 6.9%, and 16.7% were strong, moderate, weak, and non-biofilm formers, respectively. The biofilm-forming phenotype was significantly correlated with mrkD (P= 0.000098) and ybtS (P=0.032) gene presence. In addition, 11.8 % of the isolates had the hypermucoviscous phenotype indicating hypervirulence. All of these hypervirulent isolates were positive for the mrkD gene and were significantly associated with the presence of the wcaJ gene (P = 0.000085). These results indicate a positive association between virulence genes with biofilm formation and hypervirulence. In conclusion, Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates circulating in Kenya are predominantly serum non-susceptible and biofilm formers. mrkD, ybtS, and wcaJ genes were identified as key genes influencing biofilm formation and hypervirulence and would be good targets for vaccine development to reduce the severity of Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in Kenya.
Exploring the meaning of doctoral course learning experience, learning motivation, and learning practice of adult learners aged 50 and older
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, An Sang Suk , Lee Boram , Rho Sung Hyang
Published: November 2023

Objectives This study is to identify the meaning of doctoral program learning experience, learning motivation, and learning practice of adult learners aged 50 and older.
Methods Individual in-depth interviews were conducted with seven doctoral students aged 50 or older who vol-untarily expressed their willingness to the participation. For thematic analysis, the interview contents were tran-scribed, and three researchers selected meaningful topics through the process of coding, categorization, and classification through continuous elaboration and revision to derive themes, sharing opinions, and coordinating.
Results As a result of the analysis, under the three major themes of ‘doctoral course learning experience’, ‘learning motivation’, and ‘meaning of learning Practic’, ‘difficulty of late adult learning’, ‘sense of stability in career’, ‘desire for internal growth' fulfillment’, ‘external growth and development’, ‘recognition of the need for change’, ‘new challenges for dreams’, ‘preparation for the future’, ‘learning to improve the quality of life’, ‘learning to prac-tice good influence’, ‘learning for self-realization’, and ‘learning to continue’ were derived.
Conclusions In a rapidly aging society, adult learners who choose doctoral programs at the turn of the age of 50 can feel the stability and satisfaction of their social role needs through the learning process, even though they ex-perience the difficulties of multiple roles of work, family, and learning. Their doctoral course learning practice was most motivated to achieve their personal and social growth in the changing societal context. In other words, they revealed that they not only plan their future lives by cultivating expertise in their field through late learning, but also have the meaning of leading a community life and contributing to society as members of our society.
Adolescents’ Problematic Smartphone Use and Depressive Symptoms: A Moderated Mediation Effect of Perceived Parenting Styles on Self-Esteem
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Joo HyunGyung , Lee HyeMi
Published: November 2023

Objectives Over the past decade, smartphone ownership has grown rapidly, and problematic smartphone use (PSU) among adolescents has become a significant problem. The primary purpose of this study was to examine whether adolescents’ perceived parenting styles (i.e., warmth, rejection, autonomy support, coercion, structure, and chaos) moderate the relationship between problematic smartphone use (PSU) and depressive symptoms through self-esteem.
Methods We used the data of 2,404 eighth-grade students from the 2018 Korean Children Youth Panel Survey. We conducted descriptive and moderated mediational analyses using SPSS 23.0, Amos 23.0, and PROCESS Macro v3.5.
Results First, PSU in Korean adolescents was positively associated with depressive symptoms. Second, self-es-teem significantly mediated the relationship between PSU and depressive symptoms. Third, adolescents’ per-ceived parenting styles (warmth, rejection, autonomy support, coercion, and chaos) significantly moderated the mediating effect of self-esteem on the relationship between PSU and depressive symptoms.
Conclusions Our results suggest that self-esteem should be considered when intervening in adolescents' PSU and depressive symptoms, and interventions focusing on positive parenting skills can provide a buffer between PSU and depressive symptoms.
A study on exploring barrier factors to implementation of the 2019 National Nuri-Curriculum as perceived by early childhood teachers
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Kim Mijin
Published: November 2023

Objectives The purpose of this study was to understand the concepts and structures that early childhood teach-ers, who are directly implementing the 2019 national Nuri-curriculum, perceive as barriers to the implementation of the curriculum.
Methods For this purpose, data were collected and analyzed from 20 early childhood teachers according to Kane and Trochim(2007) 's six steps of concept mapping study: preparing for concept mapping, generation the ideas, structuring the statement, concept mapping analysis, interpreting, and utilization.
Results A total of 40 statements were derived as factors that hinder the implementation of the curriculum, and five clusters of ‘teacher perception’, ‘parental relationship’, ‘teaching culture’, ‘institutional resources’, and ‘teacher support’ were derived from the two dimensions of ‘material/financial factors and human factors’ and ‘policy/institutional factors and cultural factors’. In terms of importance by cluster, “teacher support” was the highest, and in terms of importance by statement, “high child-teacher ratio to implement a play-centered curricu-lum” was the highest.
Conclusions By interpreting the obstacles and meanings of the implementation of the curriculum through teach-ers' perspectives, meaningful implications for the direction of curriculum implementation support were discussed.
An Analysis on the Social Participation of Adolescents for Digital Citizenship
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Kim Seo hyun , Kang Byung hee , Chun Jabae
Published: November 2023

Objectives The development of digital technology has contributed to lowering the barriers for adolescents to par-ticipate as members of society. adolescents can participate in social participation activities online and offline. This study aims to identify the social participation of adolescents and to seek the directions forward to let them cultivate digital citizenship. Focusing on social participation activities using digital media, this study observes its benefits and drawbacks and suggests educational policies and practices related to digital citizenship.
Methods This study conducts an online survey of 6,153 middle and high school students in Gyeonggi-do. This survey consists of questions asking their participation in online and offline spheres according to the types of social participation activities and their thoughts related to it. The data were used for analysis.
Results First, adolescents were mainly participating in school activities among the types of social participation activities. Second, adolescents usually engage in social participation activities through recommendations from parents, friends, teachers, and school classes dealing with social issues. Third, adolescents perceived that social participation activities led to individual civic growth. Fourth, adolescents tend to participate in social participation activities through online rather than offline in the future. Fifth, the problem of current social participation activities was a lack of interest and fun, and social problems such as group conflict and hate speech.
Conclusions The results described here could highlight a need for youth participation programs based on school curricula, and student agency, practicing classes dealing with social issues, and strengthening media literacy education. Through social participation activities using digital media, adolescents are expected to cultivate digital citizenship and lead to the development of a democratic society.
Adolescents’ Academic Stress and Internet Overdependence: The Roles of Depression·Anxiety and Withdrawal
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Kim Yuhyun , Kim You-Me
Published: November 2023

Objectives The purposes of this study were to verify whether adolescents’ withdrawal moderates the positive in-direct relationship between academic stress and internet overdependence via depression·anxiety.
Methods This study used the data of 320 adolescents who participated in the 16th year of the Korea Welfare Panel Study (KWEPS) conducted Korea Institute for Health ans Social Affairs (KIHSA, 2022). We analyzed the mediation, moderation, and moderated mediation effects after calculating descriptive statistics and correlation coefficients of focal variables with reliability of instruments using SPSS 25.0 and PROCESS Macro 4.2 (Model 4 and Model 7).
Results The results are as follows: First, Adolescents’ academic stress had a significant positive effect on internet overdependence. Second, adolescents’ depression·anxiety negatively mediated the relationship between aca-demic stress and internet overdependence. Third, adolescents’ withdrawal moderated the relationship between academic stress and depression·anxiety. Fourth, adolescents’ withdrawal moderated the indirect relationship between academic stress and internet overdependence via depression·anxiety.
Conclusions When reducing adolescents’ internet overdependence, activities that reduce academic stress, de-pression·anxiety, and withdrawal should be included.