bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of a self-management intervention to improve mobility in the community after stroke (SIMS): A mixed-methods pilot study
Authors: Sahely Ahmad , Sintler Carron , Soundy Andrew , Rosewilliam Sheeba
Published: August 2024

Objective

To evaluate the feasibility of implementing a self-management intervention to improve mobility in the community for stroke survivors.

Methods

A two-phase sequential mixed methods design was used (a pilot randomised controlled trial and focus groups). Participants were adult stroke survivors within six months post discharge from hospital with functional and cognitive capacity for self-management. The intervention included education sessions, goal setting and action planning, group sessions, self-monitoring and follow up. The control group received usual care and both groups enrolled for 3 months in the study. Feasibility outcomes (recruitment and retention rates, randomisation and blinding, adherence to the intervention, collection of outcome measures, and the fidelity and acceptability of the intervention). Participants assessed at baseline, 3 months and 6 months for functional mobility and walking, self-efficacy, goal attainment, cognitive ability, and general health. A descriptive analysis was done for quantitative data and content analysis for the qualitative data. Findings of quantitative and qualitative data were integrated to present the final results of the study.

Results

Twenty-four participants were recruited and randomised into two groups (12 each). It was feasible to recruit from hospital and community and to deliver the intervention remotely. Randomisation and blinding were successful. Participants were retained (83%) at 3 months and (79.2%) at 6 months assessments. Adherence to the intervention varied due to multiple factors. Focus groups discussed participants’ motivations for joining the programme, their perspectives on the intervention (fidelity and acceptability) and methodology, perceived improvements in mobility, facilitators and challenges for self-management, and suggestions for improvement.

Conclusion

The self-management intervention seems feasible for implementation for stroke survivors in the community. Participants appreciated the support provided and perceived improvement in their mobility. The study was not powered enough to draw a conclusion about the efficacy of the program and a future full-scale study is warranted.
Exploring the impact of the environment on physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (EPCOT)—A comparative analysis between suggested and free walking: Protocol study
Authors: Guimarães Paiva Larissa , Oliveira Túlio Medina Dutra de , Souza Nara Batista de , Alberto Klaus Chaves , Almeida Daniela Pereira , Oliveira Cristino Carneiro , José Anderson , Malaguti Carla
Published: August 2024

Background

Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exhibit reduced levels of physical activity, which are associated with poorer outcomes. The number of clinical trials aiming to promote behavioral changes to increase physical activity in this population has grown; therefore, these trials have yet to produce satisfactory results. An ecological model encompassing individual, social, environmental, and political factors represent a potentially more effective approach to promoting physical activity. While favorable urban environments can positively impact physical activity, specifically tailored environmental interventions for individuals with COPD could enhance their engagement in physical activity. Therefore, the aim of this randomized controlled trial (RCT) study was to analyze the effects of walking in a suggested environment and free walking on physical activity levels in individuals with COPD.

Methods

The environment on physical activity for chronic obstructive disease (EPCOT) is a randomized controlled clinical trial protocol approved by our institution’s Ethics Committee and registered with The Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC) (https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br, number RBR-4tfwdhp). This protocol will involve 38 volunteers diagnosed with COPD recruited from the pulmonary physiotherapy and rehabilitation service. The volunteers were randomly divided into two walking groups: an experimental group (ERG) with guidance for walking in a suggested environment and an active control group (ACG) instructed to choose their own routes. The intervention consisted of eight consecutive weeks, with progressive walks carried out 3 to 5 times weekly. The primary outcome will be assessing participants’ physical activity levels. Secondary outcomes will include exercise capacity, quality of life, dyspnea levels, motivation, anxiety, depression, and perceptions of the environment. All assessments will occur before and after the intervention period, aiming to fill a literature gap by investigating the impact of urban environments on COPD-related physical activity. The results may shed light on the importance of environmental factors in promoting physical activity among individuals with COPD, helping to develop more effective interventions.
Low handgrip strength with asymmetry is associated with elevated all-cause mortality risk in older Chinese adults with abdominal obesity
Authors: Wei Ling , Wang Binyou , Wang Yilin
Published: August 2024

Background and objectives

Low handgrip strength (HGS) and abdominal obesity (AO) have been reported to be linked to an increased all-cause mortality risk in older adults. However, the combined impact of AO with low HGS and/or HGS asymmetry on mortality risk remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the synergistic effects of AO and abnormal HGS on mortality risk among Chinese older adults.

Methods

Baseline data of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2011, along with mortality outcomes obtained in 2018 were used for the analysis. Low HGS was identified as HGS <18 kg in women or <28 kg in men, while HGS asymmetry is defined as an HGS of either hand > 10% stronger than the other. AO was characterized by a waist circumference ≥90 cm in men and ≥85 cm in women. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between AO, abnormal HGS and mortality risk.

Results

A total of 5186 subjects aged 60 years or older were enrolled, 50.6% of whom were male. The proportions of participants with only AO, only low HGS, only HGS asymmetry, low HGS with asymmetry, both AO and low HGS, both AO and asymmetric HGS, and AO with both low HGS and asymmetry were 20.0%, 6.1%, 16.6%, 8.3%, 3.2%, 13.4%, and 3.9%, respectively. Over the course of a 7-year follow-up interval, 970 of these individuals died, with 13.4%, 12.4%, 13.6%, 15.5%, 4.1%, 10.1% and 6.9% of deaths in the above groups, respectively. The adjusted logistic regression analysis model confirmed that only low HGS (OR = 1.897, 95%CI: 1.386–2.596, p<0.001), low HGS with asymmetry (OR = 1.680, 95%CI: 1.265–2.231, p<0.001), and AO combined with both low HGS and asymmetry (OR = 2.029, 95%CI: 1.381–2.981, p<0.001) were associated with a higher risk of mortality.

Conclusions

Low HGS, with or without asymmetry, is associated with increased mortality risk in older Chinese adults without AO, and the combination of low HGS and HGS asymmetry further elevates mortality risk in those with AO.
The prevalence of using beta-blockers and its relationship with social anxiety among health profession students at Umm Al-Qura University
Authors: Quronfulah Baraa Sami , Alzahrani Ruyuf Saleh , Kattan Ebtesam Tariq , Tamim Hala Mamun , Alharbi Taif Hazzaa , Alghamdi Mariyyah Mohammed , Badawoud Amal Mohammad
Published: August 2024

Background

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by excessive fear of scrutiny in social situations. Health students are more susceptible to SAD due to academic demands. They may resort to self-medication, particularly beta-blockers (BBs) for managing physical symptoms of SAD. The study aims to investigate the prevalence of beta-blocker use and its relationship with social anxiety disorder among health students at Umm Al-Qura University.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 461 undergraduate health students participated in a questionnaire with 30 questions divided into three sections: The Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN), BBs usage behavior questionnaire, and demographic characteristics.

Results

The study found 56.2% had SAD. A total of 7.8% of the sample reported using BBs, and no significant correlation was found between the usage of BBs and the SAD score (P = 0.085).

Conclusion

The study revealed significant relationships between the presence of SAD with gender, history of mental conditions, and correlation between the use of BBs with history of mental conditions. Although BBs usage is low among health students, the prevalence of SAD is alarming. The results could raise awareness about the need for early detection of SAD among health students.
Fibular notch morphometry and its clinical importance on dry bones
Authors: Kilic Safak Nazire
Published: August 2024

The aim of the present study was to determine the morphometric characteristics of the fibular notch (FN). This study was carried out with 76 dry adult tibial bone specimens (right 38, left 38) with unknown age and sex collected from the Department of Anatomy, Cukurova University, Adana. The mean width of the FN was 23.04 ± 2.02 mm; the mean depth of the FN 3.63 ± 0.83 mm; the mean height of the FN was 41.76 ± 4.01 mm. The mean anterior facet length and posterior facet length was found to be 10.44 ± 1.94 mm and 13.93 ±1.63 mm, respectively. The mean value of the angle between the anterior and posterior facets was found to be 140.56° ± 11.72. The mean value of the angle between the anterior surface of the tibia and the intertubercular line was 75.5° ± 5.47. No statistically significant differences were detected between the right and left sides for all measurements. It is considered that knowing the morphometric and anatomical characteristics of the fibular notch in detail will help radiologists evaluate the talocrural region. It is also considered that these data will guide surgeons and help determine the appropriate size for ankle reconstruction operations.
Meta-Governance System for Climate Crisis Response: Environmental Governance Cases in Chungbuk Region
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Yeom Woo , Jeon Byeong Yun , Lee Man Hyung , Lee Jae Eun
Published: August 2024

This study aims to propose institutional improvement measures to establish a meta-governance framework for effectively responding to the climate crisis by conducting a comparative analysis of representative environmental governance cases in Chungbuk. The IPCC suggested that the increase in average global temperature should be suppressed within 1.5℃ and that carbon neutrality should be realized in 2050. Response to the climate crisis can be achieved through the participation of a wide range of citizens and the cooperation of various social groups. In Chungbuk, various governance activities have been carried out to preserve the environment. Among them, there are many cases close to the characteristics of meta-governance. In this study, 14 cases of environmental governance activities that were conducted in Chungbuk were collected and compared and analyzed. In addition, it went through a verification process by conducting FGI for experts. In conclusion, a plan to build meta-governance to respond to the climate crisis was presented.
Enhancing Personalized Marketing Strategies and Customer Experiences Through AI-Driven Personalization
Authors: Katikar Harshad
Published: August 2024

Abstract: This research investigates the impact of AI-driven personalization on marketing strategies and customer experiences. It examines how AI enhances personalization, leading to increased customer engagement and satisfaction, while addressing privacy concerns. Through a detailed methodology involving data collection, AI implementation, and statistical analysis, the study provides insights into the balance between personalization and privacy, offering recommendations for businesses to implement effective AI-driven personalization strategies.
Permission to share what they think about racism: tutors reflect on encounters with students
Authors: Conradie Marthinus
Published: August 2024

This study uses critical race theory to examine interviews with university tutors, during which they reflect on teaching experiences with first-year students. These tutors are responsible for helping students to conceptualise racism as structural in the context of an introductory module in literary studies. The analysis maps the discourses tutors mobilised to assign meaning to the challenges and successes they experienced during their interactions with students. Analysing such interviews can contribute to critical race theory by illuminating how knowledge about racism is developed during tutor–student collaborations. The results elucidate how tutors attempt to make sense of an unforeseen measure of reluctance from students racialised as Black to discuss systemic racism and its impact on their lives. More specifically, the psychoanalytic concept mentalisation grounds my exploration of the various ways tutors engage different discourses to account for this reluctance. The same concept sheds light on tutors’ capacity to reflect on their own intersectional positionalities and its influence on students’ learning. The article concludes by stressing that mentalisation is less fruitful, analytically speaking, when it is used to accuse individuals of falling short of some desired criterion such as critical thinking. Instead, the real danger arises when people are unable to mobilise a wide range of discourses capable of driving sophisticated interpretations. Specific suggestions are made for addressing this danger.
Integrative Thematic Learning Model in Shaping Students' Character at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Nurul Islam Lumajang
Authors: Sulthon Elok Aini
Published: August 2024

Learning plays an important role in achieving educational goals because the success of an education does not escape the role of learning itself. Good learning will produce a quality education and quality education is education that can shape the character of students because in essence education has two goals, namely helping humans to become capable, and helping humans to be better and have character. The integrative thematic learning model helps build student character, namely; Religious with habituation designed by the pesantren system which creates a generation of students with noble character. Responsibility for their duties Care for the environment by getting used to keeping the environment clean. This research uses a qualitative approach, descriptive qualitative method. Type of case study research. Purposive research subject technique. Observation, interview and documentation data collection techniques. Data analysis techniques using Miles and Huberman interactive analysis: collection, reduction, presentation of data and conclusion drawing/verification. Data validity using source and technique triangulation techniques. The results of these findings: 1) The connected integrative thematic learning model is in the form of planning (determining concepts and characters, formulating learning objectives, and learning steps). Implementation (arrangement of student places with a random system; learning applies 5M and the use of media as needed). Evaluation using process and results. 2) The spider web integrative thematic learning model in the form of planning (determining the central theme, identifying concepts and determining the schedule according to the theme), (delivery of objectives, demonstration, integrated practice, feedback, practice), evaluation using test and portfolio assessment.
Analyzing the Development of Structural-Functional Theory in the Sociological Approach to Primary School Education
Authors: Imran M. Muhlis , Shaleh
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the interplay between sociology and education, focusing on Islamic education from a sociological perspective. The objective is to elucidate the sociological dimensions of Islamic education, employing library research for data collection and analysis. This approach facilitated an objective examination of the existing literature, uncovering the multifaceted perspectives within the sociology of education, akin to the diversity in sociological studies. The research underscores the importance of a sociological approach in understanding religious teachings and their social implications, particularly in the realm of Islamic education. It reveals that social issues significantly influence religious teachings, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of social sciences within religious communities. The findings indicate that the sociology of education in the context of Islam incorporates individual, social, and interactional approaches. The individual approach examines personal religious experiences and their educational impact, the social approach considers the influence of societal norms on educational practices, and the interaction approach investigates the interplay between individual beliefs and social contexts in educational settings. This tripartite framework enriches the understanding of Islamic education, highlighting the role of sociological insights in analyzing and interpreting educational phenomena within religious contexts. The study advocates for the integration of sociological theories in educational research, especially for religious education, to unravel the complex interactions between society and education. It proposes that a sociological perspective is essential for a nuanced understanding of Islamic educational practices and theories, urging further research in this interdisciplinary field. The conclusion emphasizes the need for continued exploration of the sociological aspects of education, particularly in Islamic contexts, to foster a more comprehensive and holistic approach to educational studies.
PENGARUH PERTUMBUHAN LABA, UKURAN PERUSAHAAN DAN REPUTASI KAP TERHADAP KUALITAS LABA
Authors: Sari Medina Anggita , Ginting Rudi , Nopiyanti Anita
Published: August 2024

This research is a quantitative research aimed to determine the effect of earnings growth, firm size, and reputation of KAP on earnings quality. This study uses data from manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange 2016-2017 with purposive sampling methods. The researcher used 63 companies from 148 companies that experienced profit growth during the study period. Secondary data in the observation period originated from the company's annual Financial Statements that have been published. The hypothesis test used is Multiple Regression Analysis by the Program and Service Solution (SPSS) version 25 statistic with a significance level of 5%. The results of the study show that earnings growth, company size and KAP reputation do not significantly influence earnings quality.
Faktor – Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Tax Avoidance Pada Perusahaan FMCG di Indonesia
Authors: Musin Abdurachman Menggala , Poetranto Pradityo , Djohanputro Bramantyo
Published: August 2024

Indonesia's tax revenue realization tends to stagnate in the last five years indicating that taxpayers are performing tax evasion. The purpose of this research was analyzing the effect of Transfer Pricing on Tax Avoidance, to analyze the effect of Earnings Management on Tax Avoidance, to analyze the effect of Financial Leverage on Tax Avoidance, to analyze the effect of Firm Size on Tax Avoidance, to analyze the effect of Transfer Pricing, Earnings Management, Financial Leverage, and Firm Size on Tax Avoidance on FMCG companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2014 – 2019. A theoretical model with a hypothetical relationship is developed and tested with the help of multiple regression model analysis procedures through SPSS. This study uses a secondary data to collect data from FMCG companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the period 2014-2019 as samples. The results of this study indicate that there is an effect of Transfer Pricing on Tax Avoidance, no effect of Earnings Management on Tax Avoidance, no effect of Financial Leverage on Tax Avoidance, an effect of Firm Size on Tax Avoidance, and effect of Transfer Pricing, Earnings Management, Financial Leverage, and Firm Size on Tax Avoidance on FMCG companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2014 – 2019.
THE IMPACT OF INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL AND GOOD CORPORATE GOVERNANCE ON THE ISLAMIC BANKS' FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: THE MODERATING ROLE OF COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
Authors: Annisa Annisa , Haryono Slamet
Published: August 2024

The inconsistency of previous research results encourages this research. This study examines the impact of intellectual capital and good corporate governance on the financial performance of Islamic commercial banks moderated by competitive advantage. From 2016 to 2021, 9 Indonesian Islamic commercial banks were tested, which were selected using purposive sampling technique and estimated using panel data regression fixed effect model through Eviews 12 program. The results of this study reveal that intellectual capital can affect financial performance, but good corporate governance has no impact on the financial performance of Islamic commercial banks.  This study also reveals the relationship between intellectual capital and good corporate governance with financial performance cannot be moderated by competitive advantage. The results of this study imply the importance of managing intellectual capital to improve financial performance and the implementation of good corporate governance needs to be improved.
Efficient Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells from Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Yulin X. , Lizhen L. , Lifei Z. , Shan F. , Ru L. , Kaimin H. , Huang He
Published: August 2024

Ectopic expression of defined sets of genetic factors can reprogramme somatic cells to induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that closely resemble embryonic stem cells. However, the low reprogramming efficiency is a significant handicap for mechanistic studies and potential clinical application. In this study, we used human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMMSCs) as target cells for reprogramming and investigated efficient iPSC generation from hBMMSCs using the compounds of p53 siRNA, valproic acid (VPA) and vitamin C (Vc) with four transcription factors OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and c-MYC (compound induction system). The synergetic mechanism of the compounds was studied. Our results showed that the compound induction system could efficiently reprogramme hBMMSCs to iPSCs. hBMMSC-derived iPSC populations expressed pluripotent markers and had multi-potential to differentiate into three germ layer-derived cells. p53 siRNA, VPA and Vc had a synergetic effect on cell reprogramming and the combinatorial use of these substances greatly improved the efficiency of iPSC generation by suppressing the expression of p53, decreasing cell apoptosis, up-regulating the expression of the pluripotent gene OCT4 and modifying the cell cycle. Therefore, our study highlights a straightforward method for improving the speed and efficiency of iPSC generation and provides versatile tools for investigating early developmental processes such as haemopoiesis and relevant diseases. In addition, this study provides a paradigm for the combinatorial use of genetic factors and molecules to improve the efficiency of iPSC generation.
Roman Pollak typograficznie. O współpracy z Janem Kuglinem w świetle korespondencji
Authors: Krzak-Weiss Katarzyna
Published: August 2024

The aim of the article is to analyse the relationship between Roman Pollak and Jan Kuglin, an accomplished typographer, through the lens of their surviving correspondence and the works they published together. The part of Pollak’s legacy that remains in the Archive of the Polish Academy of Science in Poznan is a modest one, consisting if four letters and four postcards, but extremely helpful in recreating the contacts between Pollak and Kuglin which lasted from the interwar period until professor Pollak’s death.
Roman Pollak i powstanie włoskich polonistyk
Authors: Jaworska Krystyna
Published: August 2024

The article highlights Roman Pollak’s contribution to the development of Polish studies in Italy. In 1923, the Polish Ministry of Education sent him, under an agreement with the Italian government, to hold the position of a professor of Polish language and literature at the Sapienza University of Rome and to serve as the Ministry’s delegate to Italy, which he did until 1939. In his lectures in Rome, Pollak emphasised the links between Polish and Italian literature in a comparative perspective and successfully attracted talented scholars to this subject, including Giovanni Maver, who succeeded him at the University of Rome in 1929, and Enrico Damiani who would give lectures on the Bulgarian and Polish languages in Naples. As the Ministry’s delegate, Pollak held conferences in major Italian cities and promoted the foundation of the Attilio Begey Institute of Polish Culture at the University of Turin, supporting Cristina and Clotilde Garosci in their translations and Marina Bersano Begey, who became professor in 1935, in her research. If Italian studies of Polish are still considered to be among the best in Europe, it can undoubtedly be attributed to the work of Roman Pollak.
Profesor Roman Pollak jako współtwórca i JM Rektor Uniwersytetu Ziem Zachodnich
Authors: Franz Maciej
Published: August 2024

The aggression of Nazi Germany against Poland on September 1, 1939 was followed by the occupation of Poznan, during which the Germans dissolved the University of Poznań and wanted to denationalise Greater Poland by expelling Poles from the Warta Land, as they called it. Risking their lives, professors and students decided to create a secret University of the Western Lands in Warsaw and other cities of the General Government. It was the largest secret university in occupied Poland and one of its key figures was professor Roman Pollak. He was the second chancellor of the university, managing it during its greatestdevelopment.
Publicystyka Romana Pollaka na łamach „Kuriera Poznańskiego”
Authors: Malinowski Józef
Published: August 2024

Apart from numerous scientific publications, professor Roman Pollak also contributed his articles to “Kurier Poznańki” (Poznań Messenger) from 1923 to 1935. They are a perfect illustration of the reflections on the broad range and depth of the professor’s interests; he appreciated the critical thoughts of Benedetto Croce, the poetry of the futurists, the art of typography and theatrical experiments of Anton Bragaglia. He also closely followed the Polish themes in Italian professional and daily magazines. Roman Pollak meticulously noted everything that indicated interest in Poland and its culture in Italy, such as Italians’ visits to Poznan or the initiatives of the Ministry of Religious Affairs and Public Education aimed at promoting Polish culture abroad. Many of the articles were devoted to the authors and researchers of Polish literature. The analysis of these text complements the intellectual biography of the professor not only as a literary historian, renowned expert in the Baroque or the co-founder and leader of Polish studies in Italy, but also as a scholar who skillfully combined his scientific and didactic work with prolific writing for one of the major daily newspapers in the Second Polish Republic.
Foliar application of plant growth regulators increases the production of biomass, content, yield and chemical constituents of Origanum vulgare L. essential oil
Authors: Assis Rafael Marlon Alves de , Honorato Alan da Cunha , Santos Jandeilson Pereira dos , Andrade Lissa Izabel Ferreira de , Leite Jeremias José Ferreira , Miranda Thayane Ferreira , Bertolucci Suzan Kelly Vilela , Pinto José Eduardo Brasil Pereira
Published: August 2024

Origanum vulgare is used in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases; for feeding poultry, fish, and cattle; and in the food industry. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of foliar application of plant growth regulators (PGRs) on biomass, secondary metabolites and antioxidant enzymatic activity. The experiment had a double-factorial design with a control, 3 types of regulators and 3 doses. After 90 days, the dry weight, essential oil content and photosynthetic pigments were measured. The effects of PGRs on the antioxidative system and the activities of several antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX), were investigated. With the use of PGRs, the increase in branch length was greater than that in the control. Compared with the control, the application of 25 mg/L GA3 increased the leaf, stem, root, shoot and total dry weights. The highest chlorophyll a content was observed with the KIN25 dose. The oil content gains from the KIN25 and IBA25 doses were 30.9 and 29.6%, respectively, compared to the control. The highest thymol content was observed in the plants that received the GA350 dose (24.80%), which was 12.14% greater than that in the control. The lowest mean hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were observed in the presence of the PGRs. The PGRs stimulated enzymatic antioxidant activity, decreasing oxidative stress signaling. These findings suggest that foliar application of PGRs at low doses may contribute to increased biomass and active ingredient levels.
Whole body resistance training on functional outcomes of patients with Stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease: A systematic review
Authors: Abrahim Salma , Steele Alexandra P. , Voth Jennifer , Krepinsky Joan C. , Lanktree Matthew B. , Hawke Thomas J.
Published: August 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes skeletal muscle wasting, resulting in reduced function and inability to live independently. This systematic review critically appraised the scientific literature regarding the effects of full‐body resistance training on clinically‐relevant functional capacity measures in CKD. The study population included studies of people with Stage 4 or 5 CKD and a mean age of 40+ years old. Eight databases were searched for eligible studies: Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, and AGELINE. MeSH terms and keyword combinations were used for screening following the PRISMA conduct. Inclusion criteria were based on PICO principles and no date of publication filter was applied. The intervention was training 2 days/week of structured resistance exercises using major upper and lower muscle groups. Minimum intervention period was 7 weeks. Comparison groups maintained their habitual activity without structured exercise training. Outcome measures of interest were: 6‐min walk test, grip strength, timed up‐and‐go test, and sit‐to‐stand. Eight randomized controlled trials and one nonequivalent comparison‐group study fulfilled the inclusion criteria and underwent data extraction. All studies were of hemodialysis patients. The evidence indicates that full‐body resistance exercise significantly improved grip strength, timed up and go and sit to stand tests; metrics associated with enhanced quality and quantity of life.
Direct-to-consumer testing as consumer initiated testing: compromises to the testing process and opportunities for quality improvement
Authors: Shih Patti , Sandberg Sverre , Balla Jan , Basok Banu Isbilen , Brady Jennifer J. , Croal Bernard , De Vos Nathalie , Karlsson Mathias , Kedars Piret , Ozben Tomris , Pijanovic Marina , Plebani Mario , Orth Matthias
Published: August 2024

Direct-to-consumer testing (DTCT) refers to commercial laboratory tests initiated by laypersons without the involvement of healthcare professionals. As this market grows in size and variety of products, a clear definition of DTCT to ground the conceptualization of their harms and benefits is needed. We describe how three different modalities of DTCT (home self-testing, self-sampled tests, and direct access tests) present caveats to the traditional testing process (‘brain-to-brain loop’), and how this might differ between medical vs. non-medical laboratories. We make recommendations for ways to improve quality and reduce errors with respect to DTCT. The potential benefits and harms of DTCT will invariably depend on the context and situation of individual consumers and the types of tests involved. Importantly, implications for both consumers and the healthcare system should be considered, such as the effects on improving health outcomes and reducing unnecessary testing and use of clinical resources. ‘Consumer initiation’ must be a central defining characteristic of DTCT, to clearly demarcate the key drawbacks as well as opportunities of this type of testing from a laboratory specialists’ perspective. The concept of ‘consumer initiated testing’ should also help define DTCT regulation, and provide a locus of efforts to support consumers as the main decision-makers in the purchasing and conducting of these tests in the absence of clinician gatekeeping.
Navigating the challenges: exploring the association between COVID-19 lockdowns and eating behavior in university students: a systematic review and investigation of factors impacting ed levels
Authors: Sharma Atul Kumar , Jain Kapilaanjan , Mulchandani Kratika , Sorte Smita R. , Rathod Sachin B. , Vij Vinu , Gumashta Jyotsna
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the mental and physical well-being of individuals globally, with university students being particularly susceptible to mental health issues. Factors such as the transition to adulthood, economic hardships, and academic responsibilities, compounded by pandemic-related disruptions like lockdowns and remote learning, have elevated stress levels and altered daily routines. The pandemic has given rise to post-traumatic stress symptoms in certain individuals, including university students which may contribute to the emergence of emotional eating or adopting unhealthy eating patterns as a coping mechanism, leading to excessive consumption or unhealthy dietary choices. This review aims to investigate the influence of COVID-19 restrictions on eating disorders among university students and identifying the contributing factors.

Content

Out of 59 identified articles, 10 met the inclusion criteria, involving 23,542 participants (70.2 % women, 29.35 % men, 0.42 % gender fluid/undisclosed). The lockdown led to increased prevalence and severity of eating disorders among university students, particularly in women.

The review highlights a notable increase in eating disorders among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health issues, reduced physical activity, and economic stress were significant contributors to this trend, with women being disproportionately affected.

Outlook

To mitigate the impact of future pandemics or similar disruptions, universities should implement early screening, provide mental health counseling, virtual support groups, nutritional guidance, and opportunities for physical activity. Encouraging students to seek professional help is crucial for managing mental health and eating habits in such scenarios.
Traditional identity contents predict women’s amusement with sexist jokes about men through benevolent but not hostile sexism
Authors: Koszałkowska Karolina , Wróbel Monika
Published: August 2024

Two preregistered studies (N = 679) tested the links between women’s gender identity and their amusement with sexist jokes targeting men. We hypothesized that the interaction between the strength (i.e., level of in-group identification) and contents (traditional/progressive) of women’s gender identity would be associated with their amusement with jokes targeting men and that this relationship would be mediated by sexism toward men. Although Study 1 provided no support for this hypothesis, we found positive associations between women’s traditional identity contents and their amusement with benevolent and hostile jokes about men, explained by the higher endorsement of benevolent (but not hostile) sexism toward men. Study 2 replicated this effect, suggesting that women’s enjoyment of jokes targeting men might stem from their beliefs that justify the existing power (im)balance between sexes and not their hostility toward men.
ANN modeling of tincal ore dehydration
Authors: Kocadağistan Mustafa Engin
Published: August 2024

Tincal ore is a preferred material in many industrial applications, especially without water. It is important to dehydrate boron ores so that they can be used in materials engineering. For this purpose, some heat treatments must be carried out. Heat treatments are associated with additional costs. It is possible to model heat treatments using artificial intelligence methods, determine optimal process conditions and achieve the desired results with much less processing effort. In this study, a dehydration process was first carried out to dehydrate tincal ore and ANN (artificial neural networks) modeling of this process was investigated using the parameters of temperature, time and amount of ore. The possibility of achieving the desired H2O, B2O3 and Na2O concentration values in the dewatering process in the shortest time and by the shortest route was investigated using the ANN model. In the modeling, a single model was designed for the changes in concentrations and this model was trained separately for each. The result of the modeling was that the R
2 values for all three models were close to each other and were approximately 0.98. It was thus shown that the ANN method can be successfully modeled for dewatering processes.
Solitary and periodic pattern solutions for time-fractional generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Zhao Meimei
Published: August 2024

In this study, the fractional variational iteration method using He’s polynomials is employed for constructing semi-analytical solutions of the fractional-in-time generalized nonlinear Schrödinger equation involving Jumarie’s modified Riemann–Liouville derivative. As a result, we obtain the solutions of the original problems in the forms of convergent series that are calculated easily. Our calculation results indicate that the method is quite efficient and convenient for these problems.
KPI-based standards benchmarking for the preference of different analytical approaches developed for simultaneous determination of ciprofloxacin and hydrocortisone: A SWOT case study
Authors: Nessim Christine , El Hamd Mohamed , Obaydo Reem , Saleh Sarah , Lotfy Hayam
Published: August 2024

This study aims to prefer the suitability of an analytical approach developed for simultaneously determining ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CIP) and hydrocortisone (HYD) in their ear drop dosage form. The preference between the three known instruments was utilized, namely UV-spectrophotometry, reversed phase-high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC)-UV, and thin-layer chromatography (TLC)-densitometry. The instrumentational studies determined that the mathematical UV methods (utilized various manipulation designs such as the isoabsorptive point, absorbance ratio, extended ratio subtraction, ratio difference, and mean centering of ratio spectra) had linearities in the range of 2.0–14.0 and 1.0–14.0 µg·mL−1, the RP-HPLC-UV method showed a linearity range of 1.0–8.0 µg·mL−1, and the TLC-spectrodensitometric method had linearity ranges of 0.2–1.6 µg/band and 0.6–2.0 µg/band for both CIP and HYD, respectively. The analytical performance, validity, and greenness of the approaches were evaluated through the benchmarking of key performance indicator (KPI)-based standards and a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis. The KPIs and SWOT study focused on several aspects, including (1) the selectivity and robustness of the methods, (2) sensitivity, (3) accuracy and precision, (4) applicability, (5) whiteness, (6) greenness, and (7) blueness. However, the assessment of whiteness, greenness, and blueness was conducted using well-known ecological assessment tools such as the RGB12 Algorithm, Analytical Eco-Scale, AGREE, GAPI, and Blue Applicability Grade Index. In conclusion, based on the findings, UV-spectrophotometry emerged as the most practically convenient approach. It demonstrated advantages based on the predetermined KPI-based standards. Furthermore, UV-spectrophotometry was deemed to be the most environmentally friendly option.
Human dispersal and plant processing in the Pacific 55 000–50 000 years ago
Authors: Gaffney Dylan , Tanudirjo Daud A. , Djami Erlin Novita Idje , Mas'ud Zubair , Macap Abdul Razak , Russell Tristan , Dailom Moses , Ray Yulio , Higham Thomas , Bradshaw Fiona , Petchey Fiona , Florin S. Anna , Roberts Patrick , Lucas Mary , Tromp Monica , Greig Karen , Xhauflair Hermine , Montenegro Alvaro , Hall Robert , Boulanger Clara , Ono Rintaro , Oertle Annette , Scholz Denis , Spitzer Megan , Szabo Katherine , Bertelli Irene , Ribechini Erika , Haberle Simon
Published: August 2024

The dynamics of our species’ dispersal into the Pacific remains intensely debated. The authors present archaeological investigations in the Raja Ampat Islands, north-west of New Guinea, that provide the earliest known evidence for humans arriving in the Pacific more than 55 000–50 000 years ago. Seafaring simulations demonstrate that a northern equatorial route into New Guinea via the Raja Ampat Islands was a viable dispersal corridor to Sahul at this time. Analysis of faunal remains and a resin artefact further indicates that exploitation of both rainforest and marine resources, rather than a purely maritime specialisation, was important for the adaptive success of Pacific peoples.
Feel the pain: Ability to up-regulate emotion facilitates forgiveness of betrayal
Authors: Palmwood Erin N. , Simons Robert F.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Romantic partner betrayal is a common and painful experience from which it can be difficult to move on. Forgiveness has been consistently identified as a key facilitator of healing following betrayal, both at the individual and relationship levels. As forgiveness has been consistently conceptualized as an emotion-focused process, this study aimed to examine emotion regulation ability as a potential predictor of forgiveness following romantic partner betrayal. Method: 51 women whose romantic partners had recently committed an act of serious betrayal against them completed an emotion regulation task while electroencephalography (EEG) data were recorded. They then reported how much they had forgiven that individual for the act of betrayal at a 6-month follow-up. Results and Discussion: The ability to up-regulate emotional responses to negatively valenced stimuli was associated with higher levels of forgiveness at follow-up, furthering the notion that healing from trauma requires active engagement with distressing feelings.
O infográfico: a palavra e a imagem em texto da divulgação científica midiática
Authors: Alles de Camargo de Souza Juliana , Eduarda Giering Maria
Published: August 2024

Este trabalho objetiva analisar a configuração textual e discursiva de um infográfico extraído de um corpus de infográficos publicados em revistas de divulgação científica midiática. Como pressupostos teóricos básicos, aspectos fundamentais dos estudos da Semiolinguística sobre a máquina midiática (Charaudeau, 2006) são articulados às noções de práticas sociodiscursivas, de discurso e de texto, propostos pela Linguística Textual (Adam, 2008). O texto em foco é observado a partir da concepção de que, como divulgação científica midiática, apresenta caracterização discursiva própria de popularização da ciência. Assim, tem ontologia própria, que não se confunde com o discurso da ciência. O infográfico em estudo evidencia uma organização textual e discursiva orientada pela ação de fazer-compreender, que é constituída pelas sequências descritiva, narrativa e explicativa. A partir desse seu quadro configuracional, o infográfico representa um interessante e adequado material de leitura que oportuniza o acesso ao conhecimento científico.
Complexidade e qualidade na educação linguística
Authors: Araújo de Oliveira Roberval
Published: August 2024

Pautando-se na teoria da complexidade, na abordagem ecológica e no conceito de comunidade de prática, este artigo discute o que configura qualidade no âmbito da educação linguística. Tomo como base uma narrativa de aprendizagem e formação de um professor de ILE para examinar como os conceitos da complexidade, da ecologia do desenvolvimento humano e dos sistemas sociais de aprendizagem podem circunscrever uma melhor compreensão do que poderíamos definir como a qualidade a ser almejada na educação linguística. Concluo com considerações acerca dos desafios e contribuições que a incorporação da noção de qualidade aqui esboçada pode trazer para as disciplinas da linguagem e para a educação linguística.
Mater misericordiae. Un confronto fra quattro collette
Authors:   Istituto Liturgia Pastorale, Padova, Grądzki Tomasz Andrzej
Published: August 2024

The purpose of this article is to examine the content of the four collects in which the Mother of God is called by the title of the “Mother or Queen of Mercy”. Every prayer – more or less evidently – refers to the virtue of Mercy. However, Mercy is an attribute of God. For this reason it is important to discover the dynamic that allows this divine characteristic to be attributed to Mary. Finally, the way in which the Holy Virgin refers us to God – the only source of Mercy – will be presented through the similarities and differences between them.
Teologia w świecie nauk
Authors:   Uniwersytet w Białymstoku, Kasabuła Tadeusz
Published: August 2024

This study is an attempt to define the place and role of theology in the world of science over the twenty centuries of interrelationship between faith and scientific disciplines, especially those based on empiricism. In order to make the necessary analyses and comparisons, it was first necessary to answer the question of how theology defined itself and what place it had among academic disciplines. This was a dynamic process. Its dynamics were determined above all by the development of the sciences and their perception of theology as a science. This argumentation leads to conclusions indicating the necessity of interdisciplinary research that takes into account the role of theology as a humanising research field in the world of science.
Rodzina obrazem Boga w świetle nauczania Jana Pawła II, a szczególnie Listu do Rodzin
Authors:   Uniwersytet Kardynała Stefana Wyszyńskiego w Warszawie, Ozorowski Mieczysław
Published: August 2024

This article presents the concept of family as the image of God in light of the teachings of Pope John Paul II. The theological method of critical text analysis was used here. The concept of family as the image of God has accompanied Pope John Paul II from the beginning of his pontificate. Man is created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26). This issue has a long theological history, rooted in the Bible. The problem of man created in the image of God has not only an individual but also a communal dimension. The family as a community of persons is the image of God. This way of understanding this topic was presented by Pope John Paul II. The genius of this approach is clearly visible against the background of the traditional interpretation of the creation of man in the image and likeness of God.