bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wide possibilities of topical therapy in the treatment of patients with infectious and inflammatory diseases of the pharynx
Authors: Starostina S. V. , Svistushkin V. M.
Published: November 2024

Despite medical advances, infectious and inflammatory upper respiratory diseases are the most common groups of diseases among outpatients. Viruses induce acute respiratory diseases in most patients; however, bacterial and “atypical” pathogens can cause exacerbations of chronic diseases such as adenoiditis, tonsillitis, pharyngitis and others. Prescribing etiotropic drugs to patients with infectious and inflammatory diseases of the pharynx can reduce the effectiveness of the therapy due to the growth of antimicrobial resistance. Increasing etiotropic drug resistance of some pathogens requires the selection of alternative agents for patients with infectious and inflammatory diseases of the pharynx. The non-specific prophylaxis of the latter is aimed to activate inner defense mechanisms using bacterial lysates (BL). Based on a review of the literature, the article discusses the features of the use and clinical effectiveness of topical BL in infectious and inflammatory diseases of the pharynx. BL are an important supplementation to the standard therapy regimen for inflammatory upper respiratory diseases, which contributes to the restoration of the immune response autoregulation, a reliable decrease in the frequency and duration of acute forms and exacerbations of chronic upper respiratory diseases, and reduced use of antibiotics and antipyretics. Evidence of possible mechanisms to correct immunity in infectious and inflammatory diseases of the pharynx, as well as a review of the clinical effectiveness of the medicine was demonstrated by example of Imudon. Its beneficial use to treat disease in the acute period is associated with its focal action on the infectious and inflammatory lesions. The drug is effective at any stage of the disease and can be used for prophylactic purposes due to activation of mucosal immunity in the respiratory tract. The high efficiency of Imudon is determined by its ability to activate phagocytosis and production of specific immunoglobulins by plasma cells, which reduces the risk of relapses and chronicity of the disease.
Verification of Cold Treatment for Postharvest Control of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann), Mediterranean Fruit Fly, in Three Cultivars of Table Grapes
Authors: Platt T.B. , Johnson S.A. , Moelich D.H.
Published: November 2024

Cold treatment schedules for the control of phytosanitary insect pests such as fruit flies (Tephritidae) is standard practice in the international trade of fresh agricultural products. This study presents data on the efficacy of cold treatment of three table grape cultivars artificially infested with Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranean fruit fly) larvae, and demonstrates that, irrespective of cultivar, cold treatment at 1°C or below for 16 days, will effectively mitigate the risk of C. capitata in table grapes.
Estudo Fitoquímico e Avaliação da Atividade Citotóxica de Strychnos pseudoquina A. St.-Hil. (Loganiaceae)
Authors: Santos Cássia Kênia Garcia , Cunha Gracielle Oliveira Sabbag , Pinheiro Jeferson Pires , Mendes Cristiano Elpidio , Ramos Luciana Machado , Menezes Antônio Carlos Severo
Published: November 2024

Strychnos pseudoquina A. St.-Hil. (Loganiaceae), também conhecida como “falsa-quina”, “quina-branca” ou “quina-do-cerrado”, é uma espécie nativa do Cerrado Brasileiro, cuja casca do caule é utilizada na medicina tradicional como tônico amargo e no tratamento de febre, malária, problemas hepáticos e estomacais. Apesar dos relatos benéficos do uso da planta, grande parte das espécies do gênero Strychnos são tóxicas e apresentam dados limitados na literatura. Diante disso, este trabalho teve como objetivo realizar o estudo fitoquímico e avaliar a atividade citotóxica da fração acetato de etila das cascas do caule de S. pseudoquina. Na concentração de 50 µg mL-1, a fração apresentou inibição do crescimento celular de todas as linhagens avaliadas, com valores de inibição de 94,66% para HL60 (leucemia), 87,55% para HCT-116 (carcinoma de cólon humano), 85,68% para PC3 (próstata), 72,31% para SNB-19 (astrocitoma), e 64,37% para L929 (fibroblasto de camundongo). O estudo fitoquímico levou à identificação de dois flavonoides, 3-O-metilquercetina e estricnobiflavona, e de dois alcaloides, espermostricnina e 12-hidroxi-11-metoxiestricnobrasilina na fração. Trata-se do primeiro relato de ocorrência destes alcaloides em S. pseudoquina.
The Precautionary Principle and the Technical Environmental Evaluation: The Case of Fipronil and the Death of Bees in Colombia
Authors: Luna-Galván Mauricio , Vargas-Chaves Iván , Permana Yogi Setya
Published: November 2024

The increasing use of pesticides for agricultural use attempts to enhance food security and improve crop production, however there is a growing debate on the arising problems for producing food, the loss of biodiversity and harvesting practices under the use of pesticides agrochemicals. This article analyzes the use of FIPRONIL and the death of bees in the case of Colombia, by integrating the precautionary principle with the international law and national legal-environmental frameworks with the approach of human security and food security which are pertinent and relevant under the increasing use of chemical pesticides for agricultural use, and also seeks to establish criteria and proceedings of the technical environmental evaluation that can be applied in the country. The article argues that the precautionary principle and measures are key to control and prevent hazardous and potential risks in human health and food security from agricultural production, and finally recommends strengthening the approach of food security and to raise the conceptual aspects of food security once again, especially instability, use, and availability of food that should be included in national and international law.
The Interpretation of Nicene Christology at the Council of Alexandria (c. 370) and Its Revision
Authors: Wołyniec Włodzimierz
Published: November 2024

Although the Council of Nicaea (325) has already been copiously discussed, the document of the Council of Alexandria (370) still offers a fresh insight into the interpretation of the former Council’s teaching and into its reception. This article is a theological analysis of the conciliar document, written by Athanasius of Alexandria: Letter to the African Bishops against the Arians. The document draws attention to the concept of substance (ousia), which was rejected by the Arians as not biblical. The Council disagreed with the Arians’ claim, presented the biblical foundation of this term and used the formula: “the Son is of the substance of God,” which means that the Son is consubstantial (homoousios) with the Father. Ultimately, the Council of Alexandria agreed on the Homoiousian formula of the Son’s resemblance “in substance” to the Father (kat’ ousian). A revision of the conciliar teaching allows us to discover in God the permanent basis (substance) of life and the Greatest Good (hyparxis), incomparable with other goods (Jer 9:9 and Heb 10:34).
Evaluation of the Psychological Needs of Students at Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques in Rabat: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: El Aatik Yassine , Gazzaz Hassane , El Feniche Mohammed , El Habchi Maha , Himmi Banacer , Kisra Hassan
Published: November 2024

Introduction

In Morocco, very little is known about the Psychological Needs (PNs) of students in higher education institutions. Even though there is a growing awareness of how crucial it is to support the psychological well-being of students, research in this area is still quite sparse. This study seeks to bridge this gap by exploring the PNs of students at the Higher Institute of Nursing Professions and Health Techniques in Rabat (ISPITSR).

Materials and Methods

A questionnaire based on the Likert scale was distributed via Google Forms to students from various tracks and majors over a two-week period starting February 15th, 2024. The study included a representative sample of 345 Moroccan students aged 18 to over 30. Statistical analyses were primarily conducted using the Chi-square test to assess associations between sociodemographic variables (such as age, gender, and level of education) and the levels of Psychological Needs (PNs) among students. P-values were calculated to determine the statistical significance of these associations.

Results

The sample comprised mostly women (84.9%) and students under 20 years (73.9%). Key findings revealed that 48.7% of students reported a strong need for mental health support, 32.17% for well-being, and 25.51% for self-esteem. Significant associations were found between PNs and the level of study (p = 0.004), with higher PNs observed in second and third-year students. Mental health emerged as the top priority for 48.7% of students, followed by well-being and self-esteem. Desired resources included access to psychological professionals (15.9%) and financial support.

Conclusion

This study contributes to a better understanding of the PNs of students in Morocco, offering insights that could be used to improve their well-being and the quality of their educational experience.
Behavior Analysis and Stunting in Children: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Herawati Cucu , Charien Rahayu Lestari  , Iin Kristanti  , Suzana Indragiri  , Awis Hamid Dhani  , Nuniek Tri Wahyuni  , Supriatin
Published: November 2024

Stunting is a significant issue that can impact a child’s future quality of life, affecting both brain and physical development, as well as adult productivity and learning capacity. Behavioral factors play a critical role in stunting prevalence. This study aims to examine how behavioral factors affect stunting in children under the age of five. A case-control study design was used, with a population of 118 stunted children. The sample consisted of 30 stunted children as the case group and 30 non-stunted children as the control group, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through interviews, and analysis was conducted using Odds Ratio and bivariate analysis. The results showed a significant correlation between stunting and maternal awareness (p = 0.007; OR = 4.571), a history of exclusive breastfeeding (p = 0.004; OR = 4.929), and dietary factors (p = 0.018; OR = 3.596). However, there was no significant correlation between stunting and maternal education level (p = 0.108; OR = 0.416). Children without a history of exclusive breastfeeding were nearly five times more likely to experience stunting (OR = 4.929). It is recommended that community health centers (Puskesmas) enhance health promotion efforts to prevent stunting linked to parental behavior.
Applications of Nano Formulation: New Innovation in Improving Drug Delivery
Authors: T Ambika
Published: November 2024

Nanoparticles are a revolutionary medication delivery technology, as we all know. They have several positive impacts, such as the drug’s efficacy and safety. We enumerate their efficaciousness during drug distribution in this review. One of the methods for more precisely delivering pharmacological substances to the intended tissue while lowering the total dosage and possible harmful side effects is drug nanoformulation. They may function as carriers of various active medicinal ingredients into a particularly body regions, or they may be therapeutic agents in and of themselves. As a truly multidisciplinary field of study, nanotechnology has benefited greatly from the contributions of chemists, physicists, biologists, and pharmaceutical scientists in the development of novel therapeutic and diagnostic approaches. The application of nanotechnology has advanced non-invasive imaging, nutraceutical delivery, cancer and HIV/AIDS treatment, and more. There are many benefits to using micro and nanoparticles in biomedicine, particularly when it comes to drug delivery, over traditional methods which include improved drug delivery, high-performance properties of the product, using less costly drug concentrations in the delivery systems, extending the drug’s bioactivity by shielding it from environmental effects in biological media, and more effective treatment with fewer side effects.
Editorial 2024-2
Authors: Buitrago Ramiro Aurelio
Published: November 2024

El presente número de la revista Pensamiento Americano en este año 2024, correspondiente a los meses mayo/agosto, va dirigido a la divulgación de escritos originales. Estos están desarrollados sobre aggiornadas, disímiles y extremadamente interesantes temáticas, tales como: La movilización humana transcontinental, la investigación formativa y la formación en investigación en la educación a distancia, los desafíos y competencias del docente colombiano, los impactos ambientales, el entrenamiento cognitivo y la discapacidad intelectual, los desequilibrios territoriales en el Cauca (Colombia), la intervención social para la observación y solución del conflicto escolar en Colombia, los derechos bioculturales, la inteligencia emocional y la creatividad, las habilidades sociales, el acceso universal al conocimiento, los derechos de autor relacionados con la música, la internacionalización de la educación superior, la desigualdad multidimensional que impera en México. En este sentido, es propicia la ocasión para expresar que en este Vol. 17, No. 34, se presenta a toda lacomunidad científica, los siguientes contenidos:
A Hybrid Genetic Algorithm-Particle Swarm Optimization Approach for Enhanced Text Compression
Authors: Al Attar Tara Nawzad Ahmad
Published: November 2024

Text compression is a necessity for efficient data storage and transmission. Especially in the digital era, volumes of digital text have increased incredibly. Traditional text compression methods, including Huffman coding and Lempel-Ziv-Welch, have certain limitations regarding their adaptability and efficiency in dealing with such complexity and diversity of data. In this paper, we propose a hybrid method that combines Genetic Algorithm (GA) with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to optimize the compression of text using the broad exploration capabilities of GA and fast convergence properties of PSO. The experimental results reflect that the proposed hybrid approach of GA-PSO yields much better performance in compression ratio than the standalone methods by reducing the size to about 65% while retaining integrity in the original content. The proposed method is also highly adaptable to various text forms and outperformed other state-of-the-art methods such as the Grey Wolf Optimizer, the Whale Optimization Algorithm, and the African Vulture Optimization Algorithm. These results support that the hybrid method GA-PSO seems promising for modern text compression.
Comparing the Quality of Direct-to-Consumer Telemedicine Dominated and Delivered by Public and Private Sector Platforms in China: Standardized Patient Study
Authors: Song Faying , Gong Xue , Yang Yuting , Guo Rui
Published: November 2024

Background

Telemedicine is expanding rapidly, with public direct-to-consumer (DTC) telemedicine representing 70% of the market. A key priority is establishing clear quality distinctions between the public and private sectors. No studies have directly compared the quality of DTC telemedicine in the public and private sectors using objective evaluation methods.

Objective

Using a standardized patient (SP) approach, this study aimed to compare the quality of DTC telemedicine provided by China’s public and private sectors.

Methods

We recruited 10 SPs presenting fixed cases (urticaria and childhood diarrhea), with 594 interactions between them and physicians. The SPs evaluated various aspects of the quality of care, effectiveness, safety, patient-centeredness (PCC), efficiency, and timeliness using the Institute of Medicine (IOM) quality framework. Ordinary least-squares (OLS) regression models with fixed effects were used for continuous variables, while logistic regression models with fixed effects were used for categorical variables.

Results

Significant quality differences were observed between public and private DTC telemedicine. Physicians from private platforms were significantly more likely to adhere to clinical checklists (adjusted β 15.22, P<.001); provide an accurate diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.85, P<.001), an appropriate prescription (adjusted OR 3.87, P<.001), and lifestyle modification advice (adjusted OR 6.82, P<.001); ensure more PCC (adjusted β 3.34, P<.001); and spend more time with SPs (adjusted β 839.70, P<.001), with more responses (adjusted β 1.33, P=.001) and more words (adjusted β 50.93, P=.009). However, SPs on private platforms waited longer for the first response (adjusted β 505.87, P=.001) and each response (adjusted β 168.33, P=.04) and paid more for the average visit (adjusted β 40.03, P<.001).

Conclusions

There is significant quality inequality in different DTC telemedicine platforms. Private physicians might provide a higher quality of service regarding effectiveness and safety, PCC, and response times and words. However, private platforms have longer wait times for their first response, as well as higher costs. Refining online reviews, establishing standardized norms and pricing, enhancing the performance evaluation mechanism for public DTC telemedicine, and imposing stricter limitations on the first response time for private physicians should be considered practical approaches to optimizing the management of DTC telemedicine.
Appropriately Matching Transport Care Units to Patients in Interhospital Transport Care: Implementation Study
Authors: Hasavari Shirin , Esmaeilzadeh Pouyan
Published: November 2024

Background

In interfacility transport care, a critical challenge exists in accurately matching ambulance response levels to patients’ needs, often hindered by limited access to essential patient data at the time of transport requests. Existing systems cannot integrate patient data from sending hospitals’ electronic health records (EHRs) into the transfer request process, primarily due to privacy concerns, interoperability challenges, and the sensitive nature of EHR data. We introduce a distributed digital health platform, Interfacility Transport Care (ITC)–InfoChain, designed to solve this problem without compromising EHR security or data privacy.

Objective

This study aimed to detail the implementation of ITC-InfoChain, a secure, blockchain-based platform designed to enhance real-time data sharing without compromising data privacy or EHR security.

Methods

The ITC-InfoChain platform prototype was implemented on Amazon Web Services cloud infrastructure, using Hyperledger Fabric as a permissioned blockchain. Key elements included participant registration, identity management, and patient data collection isolated from the sending hospital’s EHR system. The client program submits encrypted patient data to a distributed ledger, accessible to the receiving facility’s critical care unit at the time of transport request and emergency medical services (EMS) teams during transport through the PatienTrack web app. Performance was evaluated through key performance indicators such as data transaction times and scalability across transaction loads.

Results

The ITC-InfoChain demonstrated strong performance and scalability. Data transaction times averaged 3.1 seconds for smaller volumes (1-20 transactions) and 6.4 seconds for 100 transactions. Optimized configurations improved processing times to 1.8-1.9 seconds for 400 transactions. These results confirm the platform’s capacity to handle high transaction volumes, supporting timely, real-time data access for decision-making during transport requests and patient transfers.

Conclusions

The ITC-InfoChain platform addresses the challenge of matching appropriate transport units to patient needs by ensuring data privacy, integrity, and real-time data sharing, enhancing the coordination of patient care. The platform’s success suggests potential for regional pilots and broader adoption in secure health care systems. Stakeholder resistance due to blockchain unfamiliarity and data privacy concerns remains. Funding has been sought to support a pilot program to address these challenges through targeted education and engagement.
Accuracy of Smartphone-Mediated Snore Detection in a Simulated Real-World Setting (Preprint)
Authors: Brown Jeffrey , Mitchell Zachary , Jiang Albert , Archdeacon Ryan
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

High-quality sleep is essential for both physical and mental well-being. Insufficient or poor sleep is linked to numerous health issues, including cardiometabolic diseases, mental health disorders, and increased mortality. Snoring, a prevalent condition, can disrupt sleep and is associated with disease states including coronary artery disease and obstructive sleep apnea.

OBJECTIVE

The SleepWatch smartphone application (Bodymatter, Inc., Newport Beach, CA USA) aims to monitor and improve sleep quality and has snore detection capabilities built through a machine-learning process trained on over 60,000 acoustic events. This study evaluates the accuracy of the SleepWatch snore detection algorithm in a simulated real-world setting.

METHODS

The snore detection algorithm was tested using 36 simulated snoring audio files derived from 18 subjects. Each file simulated a Snoring Index (SI) between 30 and 600 snores/hour. Additionally, 9 files with non-snoring sounds were tested to evaluate the algorithm's capacity to avoid false positives. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were calculated for each test, and results were compared using Bland-Altman plots and Spearman correlation to assess the correlation between detected and actual snores.

RESULTS

The SleepWatch algorithm showed an average sensitivity of 86.3%, specificity of 99.5%, and accuracy of 95.2% across the snoring tests. The algorithm performed exceptionally well in avoiding false positives, with a specificity of 97.1% for non-snoring files. Inclusive of all snoring and non-snore tests, the aggregated accuracy for all trials in this bench study was 95.6%. Bland-Altman analysis indicated a mean bias of -29.8 snores/hour, and Spearman correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (rs=0.974, P<0.0001) between detected and actual snore rates.

CONCLUSIONS

The SleepWatch snore detection algorithm demonstrates high accuracy and compares favorably with other snore detection applications, showing potential for broader use in sleep monitoring and as a tool for identifying individuals at risk for sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea.
VaPCE: Validation tool for postcoordinated SNOMED CT expressions (Preprint)
Authors: Ohlsen Tessa , Hofer Viola , Ingenerf Josef
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

The digitalization of healthcare has increased the demand for efficient data exchange, emphasizing semantic interoperability. SNOMED CT, a comprehensive terminology with over 360,000 medical concepts, supports this need. But it cannot cover all medical scenarios, particularly in complex cases. To address this, SNOMED CT allows postcoordination, where users combine precoordinated concepts to new expressions. Despite SNOMED CT’s potential, the creation and validation of postcoordinated expressions (PCE) remain challenging due to complex syntactic and semantic rules.

OBJECTIVE

This work aims to develop a tool that validates postcoordinated SNOMED CT expressions, focusing on providing users with detailed, automated correction instructions for syntactic and semantic errors. The goal is not just validation, but also offering user-friendly, actionable suggestions for improving PCEs.

METHODS

A tool was created using the FHIR service $validate-code and the terminology server Ontoserver to check the correctness of PCEs. When errors are detected, the tool processes the SNOMED CT Concept Model in JSON format and applies predefined error categories. For each error type, specific correction suggestions are generated and displayed to users. The tool was integrated into a web application, where users can validate individual PCEs or bulk-upload files. The tool was tested with real existing PCEs, which were used as input and validated. In the event of errors, appropriate error messages were generated as output.

RESULTS

In the validation of 136 PCEs from 304 FHIR Questionnaires, 18 PCEs (13.23%) were invalid, with the most common errors being invalid attribute values. Additionally, 868 OncoTree codes were evaluated, resulting in 161 PCEs (20.85%) containing inactive concepts, which were successfully replaced with valid alternatives. A user survey reflects a favourable evaluation of the tool's functionality. Participants found the error categorization and correction suggestions to be precise, offering clear guidance for addressing issues. However, there is potential for enhancement, particularly regarding the level of detail in the error messages.

CONCLUSIONS

The validation tool significantly improves the accuracy of postcoordinated SNOMED CT expressions by not only identifying errors but also offering detailed correction instructions. This approach supports healthcare professionals in ensuring that their PCEs are syntactically and semantically valid, enhancing data quality and interoperability across systems.
Soft skills in emergency virtual reality training for first responders: a review (Preprint)
Authors: Bouchoucha Séolane , Tisserand Yvain , Sander David , Michela Abele
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Virtual-Reality (VR) is typically seen as an affordable and innovative tool to train first responders on technical proficiency. We investigated if the significant advantages of VR training also benefit soft skills training, an often-overlooked aspect of emergency training.

OBJECTIVE

Investigate the usability of VR to improve first responders’ training by making the many facets of soft skills more tangible.

METHODS

This review was conducted using Paper Digest and Google Scholar. Of the 318 articles that were found on VR training for first responders, 21 sources were kept after screening. We investigated the type of soft skill trained, performance assessment, skill transfer, educational value and comparison to real-life training.

RESULTS

Of the 12 soft skill categories identified, stress management, communication and decision making were the most trained. Only one study investigated training transfer so far, and the educational value of the environments was seen as high. The most appreciated feedback relied on experts basing their feedback on automatically extracted features by the environment. Most environment tried to reproduce real training without taking advantage of the affordances of VR by using “extra layers” such as object highlight or biofeedback.

CONCLUSIONS

Feedback automation (e.g.: using AI), based on a more rigorous categorization of soft skills, could provide ways to reduce the need for trainers, thus enhancing the scalability of VR trainings and shifting the focus toward training effects rather than environment validation. Optimal soft skills training might benefit from a reduced emphasis on functional realism.
Active night-time Tweeting is associated with meaningfully lower mental wellbeing in a UK Birth Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Joinson Daniel , Haworth Claire , Simpson Edwin , Cristianini Nello , Di Cara Nina , Davis Oliver
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Legislation or interventions aiming to improve social media safety should be informed by evidence. Most previous research has focused on the impact of the frequency with which people use social media, and finds conflicting results. However, the behaviours people perform on social media can be very different, even if their frequency of use is the same. For example, the use of social media late at night could lead to worse mental health outcomes than using social media during typical waking hours. If true, interventions discouraging nighttime social media activity might show promise for improving mental health.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to explore the relationship between the time of day individuals post Tweets and their mental health outcomes.

METHODS

We linked Twitter (now ‘X’) data to self-reported measures of mental health and wellbeing from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). We used a novel application of circular statistics to calculate the average hour each participant posted Tweets over a two-week period. We then produced models predicting depressive symptoms, anxiety and mental wellbeing from average hour of Tweet posting, fitted using data from 310 ALSPAC participants (27 – 70 years old).

RESULTS

We found strong evidence (all P-values ≤ 0.002) that the average hour a participant posted Tweets was associated with their depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms and mental wellbeing. After taking into account age and sex, average hour explained almost 2% of the variation in mental wellbeing, comparable to previous reports of the impact of binge drinking and exercise. Participants who, on average, Tweeted through the night showed worse mental wellbeing than those who Tweeted during the daytime. This difference in mental wellbeing was above the threshold for what is generally considered clinically important. Although the average hour that a participant posted their Tweets explained less of the variation in their depressive (0.2%) and anxiety (0.7%) symptoms, after stratification by age and sex these relationships became stronger.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that use of social media at nighttime is meaningfully associated with mental wellbeing. This has the potential to inform interventions for improving the safety of social media platforms by targeting specific behaviours.
Quality Assessment of Medical Institutions’ Websites Regarding Prescription Drug Misuse of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists by Off-Label Use for Weight Loss: Website Evaluation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Oyama Rie , Okuhara Tsuyoshi , Furukawa Emi , Okada Hiroko , Kiuchi Takahiro
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND

Misuse of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) has emerged globally as individuals increasingly use these drugs for weight loss because of unrealistic and attractive body images advertised and shared on the internet.

OBJECTIVE

This study assesses the quality of information and compliance with Japan’s medical advertising guidelines on the websites of medical institutions that prescribe GLP-1RAs off-label for weight loss.

METHODS

Websites were identified by searching Google and Yahoo! by using keywords related to GLP-1RAs and weight loss in August 2024. The quality of information on these websites was assessed using the DISCERN instrument. To comply with Japan’s medical advertising guidelines, we evaluated whether the 5 mandatory items for advertisements of self-paid medical treatments involving the off-label use of drugs were stated and whether there were any exaggerated claims. The content of the exaggerated advertisements was categorized into themes.

RESULTS

Of the 87 websites included, only 1 website stated all 5 mandatory items. Websites listing “ineligible for the relief system for sufferers from adverse drug reactions” had the lowest percentage at 9% (8/87), while 83% (72/87) of the websites listed exaggerated advertisements. Approximately 69% (60/87) of the websites suggested that no exercise or dietary therapy was required, 24% (21/87) suggested that using GLP-1RAs is a natural and healthy method, and 31% (27/87) of the websites provided the author’s personal opinions on the risks of using GLP-1RAs. The mean total DISCERN score for all 87 websites was 32.6 (SD 5.5), indicating low quality. Only 1 website achieved a good rating, and 9 websites were rated as fair. The majority of the websites were rated as poor (72 websites) or very poor (5 websites).

CONCLUSIONS

We found that the quality of information provided by the websites of medical institutions prescribing GLP-1RAs off-label for weight loss was very low and that many websites violated Japan’s medical advertising guidelines. The prevalence of exaggerated advertisements, which may lead consumers to believe that they can lose weight without dietary or exercise therapy, suggests the risk of GLP-1RA misuse among consumers. Public institutions and health care providers should monitor and regulate advertisements that violate guidelines and provide accurate information regarding GLP-1RAs, obesity, and weight loss.
Becerros de oro: Pensar la desmonumentalización en América Latina
Authors: Piniella Isabel
Published: November 2024

A propósito de la ola desmonumentalizadora en América y el magnetismo de la figura de Cristóbal Colón para el cuestionamiento de la memoria colonial, el presente texto ofrece una reflexión que se apoya en nociones clave del debate como patrimonio, memoria, iconoclasia, archivo y repertorio. Asimismo, se examina la influencia de nuestra realidad digital contemporánea en el fenómeno de la impugnación histórica. Dado que la materialidad del monumento ofrece distintas capas de temporalidad, se plantea la posibilidad de convertir el pedestal en escenario de intervención como estrategia óptima de activación de la memoria crítica, lejos de la reverencia o de la violencia.
Dosier: Memorias de pasados coloniales: perspectivas desde la filosofía de la historia. Introducción
Authors: Hernández Reyna Miriam
Published: November 2024

El texto presenta una breve introducción al dosier temático “Memorias de pasados coloniales: perspectivas desde la filosofía de la historia”, coordinado por Miriam Hernández Reyna.
Lo político y los saberes en la formación docente inicial en Argentina
Authors: De Marco Luciano , Ladowski Mariana , Resnik Nicolás
Published: November 2024

Los saberes de la formación docente inicial se entraman con políticas educativas y demandas sociales producidas en contextos específicos y producen efectos en las instituciones y en los sujetos en una temporalidad diferencial. Este artículo analiza los vínculos entre estos saberes con lo político y las políticas, a partir del estudio de políticas educativas, demandas sociales y experiencias institucionales de tres núcleos temáticos: las políticas de memoria, de género y de participación producidas en las últimas dos décadas en Argentina. Desde el enfoque posfundacional de Rancière, Laclau y Mouffe y la sociología de las políticas educativas de Ball se abordan los resultados de tres investigaciones realizadas en instituciones formadoras de docentes en la Ciudad y la Provincia de Buenos Aires. Entre las conclusiones se plantea que los saberes son inestables, se movilizan y amplían a partir de políticas, demandas y experimentaciones por las que se brega por su legitimidad.
Impacto de la cultura digital académica en los procesos de enseñanza aprendizaje durante la pandemia de COVID-19
Authors: Perera Ramos Rodrigo , Dorantes y Aguilar Gerardo Luis
Published: November 2024

El objetivo central del artículo es mostrar resultados relevantes derivados de una investigación de largo aliento cuyo propósito fue medir el impacto de la pandemia de COVID-19 en la cultura digital académica de los estudiantes de la UNAM. La metodología de esta investigación es de tipo cuantitativa, realizada mediante el levantamiento de una encuesta probabilística que representa a toda la comunidad estudiantil de la institución. Los resultados inferenciales apuntan que la cultura digital académica de los estudiantes tuvo un impacto mayor que el mero acceso a las tecnologías digitales y corroboran la importancia de la cultura digital en la construcción del habitus tecnológico, así como la importancia del diseño e implementación de políticas que permitan, a toda la población, desarrollar procesos de apropiación digital que conduzcan hacia la arquitectura de una cultura digital incluyente, en contraste con la que ahora impera al interior de grandes porciones de la sociedad mexicana.
Ser un buen docente
Authors: Aragón Carretero Yolanda , Layton Jaramillo Soraya Elena , Montero García Inmaculada , Pérez-García Purificación
Published: November 2024

El objetivo de este estudio es averiguar cuáles son las competencias que identifican al buen docente, desde la perspectiva del alumnado en formación de los grados en educación infantil y educación primaria. La investigación siguió un enfoque cualitativo basado en la teoría fundamentada conforme a la clasificación del informe Delors, sobre una muestra de 1 mil 588 estudiantes de universidades públicas de la Comunidad Autónoma de Andalucía, España. Los resultados muestran que los participantes mencionan algunas competencias relacionadas con las dimensiones pedagógica, pragmática, ontológica, democrática y transformadora; pero no se refieren a competencias relacionadas con el manejo de segunda lengua, la investigación, las tecnologías de la información y comunicación, la ética y el compromiso, la inclusión, la multiculturalidad y la sostenibilidad. En concreto, las dimensiones pragmática y ontológica son las que centran buena parte del discurso analizado.
Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Raj Anish
Published: November 2024

Artificial intelligence is a science that aims to perform tasks that require human intelligence. For the past two years, it has been used as a development tool in many areas such as prediction, health, security, and also improves the performance of production and services. Since artificial intelligence and its operations are based on too much data, algorithms, and scientific data, users cannot understand and comprehend the content and do not have the skills necessary to use this technology. Since artificial intelligence is controlled by machines and algorithms, it is difficult to determine the cause of system software and hardware crashes. Using this system requires significant funding. However, there are some facts that support the adoption of AI, such as the availability of transferable power in the cloud, the availability of simple software libraries, and the availability of data. These changes allow users to create their own algorithms.
TechGuard: Company Entry Access Control with LPR to get Access and Slot Booking and Monitoring Parking System
Authors: Malave Nikhil
Published: November 2024

TechGuard offers an innovative module for access control and management of entryways and parking situations. Their system uses LPR technology which ensures increased security and efficient and precise vehicle access. Because of the slot reservation feature that has been integrated, clients may reserve parking spaces ahead of time thereby preventing wastage of space and congestion. The system also provides real-time supervision and control allowing the administrators to monitor parking activities to ensure that the rules are followed. With its excellent features and intuitive design, TechGuard changes the way access control and parking management are performed and improves the convenience, safety, and efficiency of both users and administrators.
Advancements and Challenges in Hydrological Modelling
Authors: Maurya Vikrant
Published: November 2024

This paper reviews recent advancements and applications of hydrological models for effective water resource management. Hydrological models have evolved significantly over the past four decades, enhancing their ability to simulate complex hydrological processes with improved spatial and temporal precision. Advances such as the integration of highresolution data, adaptive grid resolutions, and data assimilation techniques like the Ensemble Kalman Filter have improved model accuracy, especially in flood prediction and catchment-scale hydrological assessments. However, challenges persist, including high computational demands, data scarcity in certain regions, and limitations in modelling nonlinear flow dynamics in diverse environments. The review underscores the need for continued research, particularly in machine learning and remote sensing, to refine model capabilities. These advancements will be crucial for addressing the impacts of climate change on water resources and supporting sustainable watershed management strategies.
IMPORTÂNCIA DO ATENDIMENTO ODONTOLÓGICO AO PACIENTE SUBMETIDO AO TRATAMENTO RADIOTERÁPICO DE CABEÇA E PESCOÇO: Revisão narrativa/integrativa da literatura
Authors: Silva Vanessa Rodrigues Ribeiro , Silva Vinicios Rodrigues Ribeiro , Guedes Cizelene do Carmo Faleiros Veloso
Published: November 2024

Head and neck cancer includes malignant tumors in areas such as the mouth and larynx, with smoking and alcohol as the main risk factors. This research seeks to contribute to the development of dental protocols that minimize these effects and promote oral rehabilitation. For this, SCIELO, PUBMED, the Virtual Health Library and Google Scholar were used as databases, where several scientific articles on the topic were found, published between 1983 and 2024 in English and Portuguese. Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, although effective, causes complications such as xerostomia, mucositis, cavities, trismus and osteoradionecrosis, which negativel affect patients' quality of life. These complications result from the high sensitivity of oral tissues and salivary glands to radiation, impacting functions such as chewing, swallowing and speech. Multidisciplinary dental monitoring is essential to prevent and treat these effects, with emphasis on interventions such as laser therapy and dental care prior to radiotherapy. Individualizing treatment is essential to improve the prognosis and general well-being of patients. We conclude that dental monitoring before, during and after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer is essential to prevent and minimize complications such as mucositis, xerostomia and osteoradionecrosis. The multidisciplinary and personalized approach is fundamental to improving patients' quality of life, highlighting the importance of the dentist in cancer treatment.
INTERAÇÕES MEDICAMENTOSAS DE INTERESSE DO CIRURGIÃO-DENTISTA: Revisão narrativa da literatura
Authors: Ferreira Eduarda Martins , Silva Fernanda Gonçalves
Published: November 2024

Drug interactions occur when one or more medications are used simultaneously or close together, and the dentist is a healthcare professional responsible for prescribing. It is their responsibility to have the necessary knowledge to minimize, intervene, and prevent the effects of drug combinations, as well as their associations with alcohol, tobacco, herbal remedies, and foods. For the preparation of this work, tools such as the Repository of the University of Porto, the Institutional Repository of UniGuairacá University Center, the UFU Institutional Repository, the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from the University of Pernambuco, the Regional Portal of the Virtual Health Library (BVS), Google Scholar, PubMed, SciELO, LILACS, and the Minha Biblioteca platform from Patos de Minas College were used. In view of the adverse effects caused by drug interactions in the field of dental clinics, this review aims to demonstrate the relevance of instruction by the dentist, as well as their responsibility, in order to prevent the combination of medications, including those commonly used by patients, which could pose health risks.
Ground and Excited States from Ensemble Variational Principles
Authors: Ding Lexin , Hong Cheng-Lin , Schilling Christian
Published: November 2024

The extension of the Rayleigh-Ritz variational principle to ensemble states ρw≡∑kwk|Ψk⟩⟨Ψk| with fixed weights wk lies ultimately at the heart of several recent methodological developments for targeting excitation energies by variational means. Prominent examples are density and density matrix functional theory, Monte Carlo sampling, state-average complete active space self-consistent field methods and variational quantum eigensolvers. In order to provide a sound basis for all these methods and to improve their current implementations, we prove the validity of the underlying critical hypothesis: Whenever the ensemble energy is well-converged, the same holds true for the ensemble state ρw as well as the individual eigenstates |Ψk⟩ and eigenenergies Ek. To be more specific, we derive linear bounds d−ΔEw≤ΔQ≤d+ΔEw on the errors ΔQ of these sought-after quantities. A subsequent analytical analysis and numerical illustration proves the tightness of our universal inequalities. Our results and particularly the explicit form of d±≡d±(Q)(w,E) provide valuable insights into the optimal choice of the auxiliary weights wk in practical applications.
على الجارم ومصطفى أمين واعتزازهما بتعليم النحو
Authors: Fauzi Ahmad
Published: November 2024

Artikel ini diarahkan kepada kajian tentang kiprah Ali Jarim dan Mustafa Amin dalam memperkenalkan metode deduktif untuk pembelajaran Ilmu Nahwu di kalangan pendidik Arab. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode deskriptis dan analisis. Data yang diperoleh bahwa Ali Jarim dan Mustafa Amin .merupakan pioneer dalam pendidikan nahwu menurut kurikulum baru berdasarkan metode deduktif di awal abad- 20 via buku paket al-Nahwu al-Wadhihu
من ناحية المادة الدراسيةـ MTsS Darul Ulum Banda Aceh تدريس النحو بـــــ
Authors: Salsabila Cut Nadia , Mahmud Salami , Fajriah Fajriah
Published: November 2024

Based on the results of the  researcher’s observation on the first grade students at MTsS Darul Ulum Banda Aceh, Not all of  the students  understand the material mubtada’ khabar well. This is because the teacher only uses one book teaching. Therefore, researcher are interested in developing Arabic teaching material  mubtada' khabar. The purposes of this study were to determine the steps in developing teaching material, to determine students’ responses to teaching the developed material. And to determine the achievement of the teaching materials. The researcher  used   the Research and Development method, using the ADDIE model. The instrument used an expert validation sheet and student response questionnaire. The samples of this research are 20 male students from Class VII/I. The results of this research are: 1) The steps in the development of teaching materials consist of analysis,  design,  development, implementation, and  evaluation. 2)Teaching materials can be used after an assessment by experts, the results from material experts are  75% in the category (worthy), the results from design experts are 95% in the category (very worthy), the results from Arabic teacher experts are 85% in the category (very worthy). 3) The results of students’ responses to the teaching materials developed on  mubtada’  khabar  were positive in grade    94,5%  (stronly agree).
إجراء تعليم اللغة العربية باستخدام الألعاب اللغوية بالمدرسة الإعدادية الحكومية 3 سابنج
Authors: Hayat Almizanul
Published: November 2024

All educational methods are based on the fact that the material cannot be taught properly except in a special way. One of the means in teaching the Arabic language is the use of language games. Language games are a new method in language education, and their applications have proven results in many countries that are interested in developing the teaching of their languages. Accordingly, the application of language games in teaching the Arabic language takes an important place because it depends on these two basics, namely play and joy. Language games are one of the methods used by the teacher in delivering study materials and have a major role in the success of students when learning. Based on these phenomena, the researcher wanted to search for linguistic games and use them to stimulate the students' desire to learn Arabic in the government preparatory school 3 Sabang. This research uses a procedural approach, which means that the researcher himself designs games directly in the field of research. The researcher found the results of the research, including that the design of language games and their use in teaching the Arabic language is good and effective.