bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Trends of Cosmeceutical in Nanotechnology: A Review
Authors: Rohilla Seema , Rohilla Ankur , Narwal Sonia , Dureja Harish , Bhagwat Deepak Prabhakar
Published: May 2023

Nanotechnology suggests different innovative solutions to augment the worth of cosmetic
products through the targeted delivery of content that manifests scientific innovation in research and development.
Different nanosystems, like liposomes, niosomes, microemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles,
nanoform lipid carriers, nanoemulsions, and nanospheres, are employed in cosmetics. These nanosystems
exhibit various innovative cosmetic functions, including site-specific targeting, controlled content
release, more stability, improved skin penetration and enhanced entrapment efficiency of loaded compounds.
Thus, cosmeceuticals are assumed as the highest-progressing fragment of the personal care industries
that have progressed drastically over the years. In recent decades, cosmetic science has widened
the origin of its application in different fields. Nanosystems in cosmetics are beneficial in treating different
conditions like hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, dandruff, photoaging and hair damage. This review
highlights the different nanosystems used in cosmetics for the targeted delivery of loaded content and
commercially available formulations. Moreover, this review article has delineated different patented
nanocosmetic formulation nanosystems and future aspects of nanocarriers in cosmetics.
Lipid-based Nanocarrier Drug Delivery Approach for Biomedical Application
Authors: Upadhyay Prashant , Aslam Ramsha , Tiwari Varsha , Upadhyay Sukirti
Published: May 2023

The development of nanosized drug-carrier systems has been investigated over the past few
decades using various techniques. The two main categories of these systems are polymeric nanoparticles
and lipid nanoparticles (LNPs). The toxicological risk associated with lipid nanoparticles is significantly
lower than the danger associated with polymeric nanoparticles due to the materials' natural
and biological origins. Lipid-based drug delivery systems like Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs)
and Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) are well-established nanotechnology systems for preparing all
major pharmaceuticals. These delivery systems can be scaled up with easy manufacturing procedures
and are biocompatible. NLCs are the second generation of lipid-based nanocarriers (SLNs), formed by
combining solid and liquid biocompatible lipids to form an unstructured matrix that provides high entrapment
efficiency of active constituents. LNPs can promote the distribution of active pharmaceutical
ingredients to the target site. Increasing the active drug concentration to target organ LNPs enhances
the therapeutic effectiveness and reduces the side effects. This paper reviews the structure of SLNs
and different NLCs, various steps involved in manufacturing lipid nanoparticles, excipients used in the
formulation, and applications for targeted drug delivery.
Clitoria ternatea Flower Extract-Based Gel Elevates TGF-β1 Gene Expression and Collagen Density in UVB-Induced Collagen Loss Rat Skin
Authors: Hutapea Christine Magdalena , Subchan Prasetyowati , Putra Agung
Published: May 2023

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation on the skin induces collagen loss by the ROS pathways and pro-collagen factors, mainly the TGF-β family. Many studies of antioxidant compounds in Clitoria ternatea have shown to induce decreasing ROS production, in the collagen loss process. However, the molecular mechanism of action is still not clearly studied, inducing the mechanism of TGF-β1 activation and regulation of collagen loss need to be explored. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Clitoria ternatea flower extract-based gel on TGF-β1 gene expression and collagen density in UVB-induced rat skin. A randomized control group post-test-only design was conducted on 20 male Wistar rats aged 8-10 weeks (150-250 grams). Rats were divided into four groups: Untreated group (Healthy Control), UVB+Based gel group (Negative Control), 5% Clitoria ternatea flower extract-based gel group (T-5%), and 10% Clitoria ternatea flower extract-based gel group (T-10%). Rats exposed to UVB for 5 consecutive days and treated with gel every day for two weeks. At week 3, rat skins were isolated for TGF-β1 gene expression using qRT-PCR, and Masson Trichrome-collagen specific staining. Comparative analysis of qRT-PCR showed that the lowest mean TGF-β1 expression was seen in the Negative Control group (0.01±0.00), followed by T-5% (0.11±0.22), Healthy Control group (1.01±0.01) and T-10% (2.32±2.46). The highest amount of collagen is in the Healthy Control group (43.83±5.3), followed by T-10% (38.39±3.1), T-5% (29.04±3.2), and the Negative Control group. (13.87±2.7). Clitoria ternatea flower extract-based gel may increase TGF-β1 gene expression and collagen deposition in the UVB-induced collagen loss rat skin.
The Role of Soluble Costimulatory Molecules as the Biomarkers for Aging Predictors
Authors: Handono Kusworini , Pratama Mirza Zaka , Susianti Hani , Wahono Cesarius Singgih , Firdaningrum Nimas Eka , Famuji Siti Roziah Ria , Sumarta Norma Hanifah , Rizky Fachry Ade Wildan , Poetri Levrita Nindya , Kalim Handono
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to determine the role of the soluble costimulatory molecules in aging and the association with the presence of comorbid in aged individuals. Thirty-two elderly and twenty healthy subjects were included in this study. The soluble costimulatory molecules sCD28, sCD80, sCD86, sCD163, and sCTLA4 were measured using ELISA. The presence of comorbid was documented from medical records. Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was measured to evaluate the survival/mortality risk for the subjects. The levels of the majority of soluble costimulatory molecules significantly increased in the elderly participants, while the level of sCD86 was comparable. There were weak positive correlations between the subject's age and levels of sCD28 (R=0.214, p=0.048), sCTLA4 (R=0.238, p=0.041), and sCD80 (R=0.317, p=0.012). sCD80 were discovered to be the best to predict immune aging in the elderly with AUC 0.71 [0.57-0.86], sensitivity 53,1%, specificity 80.0%, and cut off 129ng/ml. Most of the elderly participants had at least one comorbid, in which approximately 25.0% and 3.1% of the subjects were classified as mild and moderate CCI. Multivariate analysis showed that comorbidities in elderly individuals have been associated with levels of sCTLA4 ≥26.5ng/ml and sCD80 ≥129.0ng/ml. Furthermore, subjects with comorbid (CCI ≥1) were associated with sCD80 ≥129.0ng/ml (OR 12.44 [95% CI 1.32–117.03], p=0.027). Considering these results, sCD28, sCTLA4, and sCD80 can be developed as biomarkers for predicting immune aging and elderly comorbidities, respectively.
Survival Rate of Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients Receiving EGFR - Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Targeted Therapy
Authors: Setyawan Ungky Agus , Tantular Rezki , Bahar Chaerani
Published: May 2023

Globally, lung cancer is by far the leading cause of death by cancer-which contribute to 2.094 million death-with the highest toll from cancer being 1.8 million. Currently, lung cancer therapy has developed from chemotherapy to targeted therapy, such as Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (EGFR-TKI). This study aimed to assess the survival rate of adenocarcinoma cell lung cancer patients who received EGFR-TKI therapy at the Pulmonary Clinic of Dr. Saiful Anwar General Hospital Malang. This study was a retrospective study using patient medical records between 2017 and 2020. The data were processed and analyzed using the Chi-Square test. The number of samples was 117 patients consisting of 63 patients receiving Gefitinib therapy, 36 patients receiving Afatinib therapy, and 18 patients receiving Erlotinib therapy. There were no significant differences between variables of age, sex, smoking history, stage, and exon mutations with 1-year survival. Gefitinib therapy has a higher average survival time than Afatinib and Erlotinib. However, the 1-year survival rate (YSR) was highest on Afatinib. The Middle Survival (MS) of the three regimens is almost the same, about 300 days. Statistical data showed no relationship between survival and the treatment regimen given (p=0.187). The most common side effect of TKI is skin rash. This research should be carried out with a larger sample to minimize bias.
Perceptions and Experiences of Survivors of Mount Semeru Eruption in Getting Health Services during Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sunarti Sri , Nagara Aurick Yudha , Gunawan Atma , Shella Pramesta Marshanda , Zakiya Fifi Afifatus , Maya Kurniawati Victoria
Published: May 2023

Disaster events pose challenges for health workers in overcoming health problems in refugee camps. The eruption or hot clouds of Mount Semeru that occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic made sick survivors have to continue to receive health services, even though they were in refugee camps. Survivors' experiences in receiving health services and their illnesses varied widely. Perceptions of survivors in obtaining health services showed that most of them were well served and experienced a good referral system to higher-level hospitals. Home care was carried out by health workers to survivors after returning from refuges.
Exploring Perspective of Local Tourists About City Branding: Study on Gorontalo As Serambi Madinah and Manokwari As Kota Injil
Authors: Juniarti Gita , Sulistijowati Rieny , Thomas Abdul Wahab , Rosidi Moh. Imron
Published: May 2023

City branding is an object contested by various cities and regencies in Indonesia. The goal was to introduce their identity of them, so strong branding could be the basis for marketing tourism from the city. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the perspectives of domestic tourists about city branding that use religion as the basis for their branding. This study analyzes the perspectives of tourists who visit Gorontalo City and Manokwari Regency. Gorontalo has the branding Serambi Madinah, and Manokwari is famous with Kota Injil as its branding. This study uses a qualitative approach and descriptive analysis based on Tourism Consumption Behavior (TCB) and critical questions for developing a city brand strategy. This study was conducted in 19 days, from 1 February to 20 February 2023, by interviewing tourists who visited Gorontalo City and Manokwari Regency. Literature studies also support the discussion in this study. The results showed that Gorontalo City, which has Serambi Madinah branding, has not attracted tourists' attention to sites, mosques, and religious festivals held in Gorontalo City. Tourists prefer to travel to the coast of Tomini Bay, such as Pulo Cinta and Botubarani Whale Sharks. Meanwhile, tourists visiting Manokwari have a more perspective that Manokwari is Kota Injil, where the bible first entered Papua through Manokwari. Several factors can also influence city branding: local history, culture, natural resources, and religion. Local wisdom is also essential to support the city's branding.
Problemática del transporte de granel sólido por el río Magdalena en Colombia
Authors:   Naviera rio grande, Ignacio Enrique Cabarcas Puello , Peñaranda De Armas Karen Patricia ,   Universidad Minuto de Dios
Published: May 2023

La hidrovía del Magdalena debido a su navegabilidad y ubicación geoespacial, constituye un espacio de articulación de potencialidades en la cadena de valor para el desarrollo económico de Colombia. Por ello, este artículo tiene el objetivo de ejecutar un balance de las condiciones de transporte de granel sólido por el río Magdalena, soportado por una red sincromodal de movilización de productos cuyo alcance prevé aprovechar las ventajas que ofrecen la infraestructura portuaria fluvial y marítima. Es una investigación bibliográfica, de tipo hermenéutico, diacrónico, configurado desde el enfoque racionalista deductivo. Destaca que se deben superar cuatro situaciones determinantes: la profundización del río para que permita la navegación de buques medios y sistemas conjuntos de barcazas propulsados con remolcadores; mejorar la logística de almacenamiento y manipulación de granel en los puertos fluviales; también, sincronización los sistemas multimodales de transporte, por último, mejorar la eficiencia operativa de gestión para reducir los costos de operaciones. Concluye que deben abocarse técnica de manejo eficiente de los recursos hídricos con el fin de aprovechar las múltiples oportunidades que la comunicación fluvial presenta para el transporte de productos; situación que permite el desarrollo social, industrial y comercial del país.
“Fazer mais e melhor com aquilo que temos”. Sentidos de performatividade que disputam o significante “qualidade de educação” no Plano Estratégico de Educação de Moçambique (PEE/2012-2016)
Authors: Pereira Talita , Nhantumbo Hermínio Ernesto
Published: May 2023

Este artigo foi produzido com base em aportes pós-estruturais e pós-fundacionais que possibilitaram a interpretação das disputas em torno das tentativas de fixar sentidos de performatividade para significar qualidade da educação no Plano Estratégico de Educação de Moçambique (PEE/2012-2016). As contribuições de aportes teóricos da Teoria do Discurso sustentam o argumento de que a produção de sentidos de qualidade da educação acontece em contextos contingentes, precários e provisórios marcados por disputas em torno daquilo que pode ser entendido como qualidade da educação em Moçambique. Por outro lado, as reflexões derridianas sobre a fluidez e precariedade de qualquer formação discursiva possibilitaram a compreensão dos processos de produção, disputas e negociações de sentido como atos de linguagem. Atos que, arbitrária e contingencialmente, produzem o que enunciam. Dessa perspectiva, foi possível interpretar que, no âmbito do PEE/2012-2016, essas enunciações favorecem a circulação de sentidos de qualidade carregados de uma dimensão performática.
Tegenstelde belangen in Binnen-Vlaanderen: controle en beheer van pachters en arbeiders door abt De Loose (abdij van Ename) in de 2de helft van de 17de eeuw
Authors: Berghmans Sander
Published: May 2023

Wanneer een landbouwbedrijf zo groot is dat het niet meer bewerkt kan worden door de familie alleen, zijn er twee opties. Ten eerste kan men ervoor kiezen om het land te verpachten aan een andere landbouwer. Een andere mogelijkheid is om het land zelf te blijven bewerken door extra personeel in dienst te nemen. Echter in deze context ontstond er een spanningsveld waarbij de eigenaar doorgaans andere belangen had dan de werknemer of pachter. In deze studie wordt er aan de hand van de bronnen die abt Antonius De Loose van de abdij van Ename ons naliet, nagegaan hoe een vroegmodern groot landbouwbedrijf in Binnen-Vlaanderen omging met dit probleem.
‘Lukretia geschonden zach geen wraak, ik al’: Juliane als Lucretia en Medea in Geeraardt Brandts De Veinzende Torquatus (1645)
Authors: Waeyaert Merel
Published: May 2023

Scholarship of early modern revenge tragedies has in recent years increasingly focussed on the interplay of revenge and sexual violence. This article explores this interplay in one such revenge tragedy, Geeraardt Brandt’s early modern Dutch The Feigning Torquatus (De Veinzende Torquatus, 1645), through a study of the mythological subtext. The character Juliane, who is raped on stage and later avenges herself on her rapist, is connected textually and subtextually to the mythological topoi of Lucretia and the vengeful woman. I argue that these topoi elevate Juliane’s revenge from private revenge to public justice, and finally to divine retribution. This case study contributes to the growing scholarship into gendered revenge in the early modern period.
Assessing undergraduate students’ level of independent learning as a manifestation of learner autonomy
Authors: Rochma Anis Firdatul
Published: May 2023

Previous studies related to learner autonomy have been conducted, yet those studies seem to focus on formative assessment as a guarantee for the development of learner autonomy. This study is projected to assess the undergraduate students’ level of independent learning since learner autonomy tends to manifest itself in various degree of independence. A questionnaire related to independent learner was adopted as the main instrument. The data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The quantitative data were obtained to assess the students’ level of independent learning while the qualitative data were gained to reveal the students’ perceptions and thoughts about independent learning. The results show that most of the students have moderate independence. Moreover, most of the students are considered able to relate the concept of independent learning with various degrees of independence that are included in the notion of learner autonomy. Nevertheless, the findings also show that some students tend to have low interest in their studies, low expectation about what they want to learn, and low possibility in questioning what they are told. It is important for the teachers to enhance the students’ moderate independence into high independence by providing the access to a number of learning opportunities. Thus, the students are able to critically reflect on their own learning and effectively develop awareness to help them learn constructively.
Multimedia interaktif pembelajaran Bahasa Inggris materi “Expressions” pada siswa sekolah menengah pertama
Authors: Atibrata Tyas Gita , Nugroho Wahyu , Azmi Ulul
Published: May 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menghasilkan sebuah produk berupa multimedia interakif pembelajaran bahasa Inggris materi Expressions pada siswa kelas VIII SMP Ali Maksum Yogyakarta dan mengetahui keefektifan produk multimedia interaktif dalam pembelajaran. Penelitian dan pengembangan (research and development) merupakan jenis penelitian yang berorientasi pada produk. Model yang digunakan oleh peneliti dalam pengembangan ini adalah model pengembangan Borg dan Gall. Model ini memiliki 10 tahapan pengembangan. Kesepuluh tahap tersebut sebagai berikut. (1) research and information collecting. (2) Planning. (3) developing preliminary form of product. (4) Preliminary field testing. (5) Main product revision. (6) main field testing. (7) operational product revision. (8) operational field testing. (9) final product revision. Hasil Penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penilaian siswa serta peningkatan pemahaman materi expressions pada siswa maka multimedia interaktif ini layak dan sesuai digunakan dalam pembelajaran di kelas. Validasi materi mendapat skor 4,2 dengan kategori baik, validasi media mendapat skor 4,4 dengan kategori sangat baik. Terdapat perbedaan hasil belajar yang signifikan antara yang menggunakan multimedia interaktif dengan yang tidak menggunakan multimedia interaktif. Developing English material “expressions” junior highschool students AbstractThis research aims to produce a product in the form of interactive multimedia English learning material “Expressions” in eighth grade students of Ali Maksum Middle School Yogyakarta. Research and development (research and development) is a type of product-oriented research. The model used by researchers in this development was the Borg and Gall development model. This model has 10 stages of development. The ten stages are as follows. (1) Research and information collecting). (2) Planning. (3) Developing preliminary form of product. (4) Preliminary field testing. (5) Main product revision. (6) Main field testing. (7) operational product revision. (8) Operational field testing. (9) Final product revision. (10) Dissemination and application (desimination and implementation). The subjects of the trials were students of class VIII Ali Maksum Yogyakarta Yogyakarta.The results of the study showed that student assessments and understanding of expressions material were increased. Furthermore, this interactive multimedia is feasible and suitable for use in classroom learning
Effect of project-based learning and problem-based learning on the students’ writing achievement
Authors: Cahyaningrum Tri , Widyantoro Agus
Published: May 2023

The objective of the research is to find out significant differences on the writing achievement between students taught through Project-Based Learning, Problem-Based Learning, and those who are not. This research is quasi-experimental research. The subjects consisted of two groups of students as the experimental groups and one group as the control group. The data were obtained by essay writing tests. The data analysis used descriptive analysis and inferential statistics. The hypothesis was tested using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at the significance level of 0.05. The result of the ANCOVA in the posttest score shows that the significance value is 0.001, which is less than the significance level of 0.05 (F = 7.493, p 0.05). This means that there is a significant difference in the writing ability among grade eight students of SMP N 2 Kalasan taught by using the Project-Based Learning, from those taught using the Problem-Based Learning and those who are not.
The effectiveness of HOTS English module in English teaching and learning
Authors: Hikmah Harisna , Wibowo Edy Wahyu
Published: May 2023

Today’s curriculum is focused on Higher Order Thinking Skills to improve the quality of learning and the graduates. So that, today the teaching and learning materials and activities for the students are recommended to be implemented. This study is aimed to know the effectiveness of HOTS English module in the English teaching and learning process in MTs Al Falaah Pandak. This is a quasi-experimental study which is implemented pre-test and post-test group design. To collect the data, the researcher used test as the instrument. The data then analyzed used t-test. The result of the study shows that HOTS English module is effective in improving the seventh-grade students’ achievement in learning English in MTs Al Falaah Pandak. The result of two tailed t-test from the data analysis is 0.000. It is smaller than 0.05 which means that Ho is denied. So, it can be concluded that there is significance of the students’ achievement before and after applying HOTS English module in learning English.
Reading engagement, achievement and learning experiences through kahoot
Authors: Rachman Dzul , Soviyah Soviyah , Fajaruddin Syarief , Pratama Rio Arif
Published: May 2023

Side-synchronizing between English reading teaching and learning and latest technology is highly encouraged to happen nowadays in order to get better learning achievement. The main purpose of this study was to find out the effect of Kahoot! on reading comprehension. This study involved 244 students of one of the established private universities in East Kalimantan. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics in the form of frequency, mean, standard deviation and t – test. The results showed that the students’ reading comprehension taught using Kahoot! was higher than that of those without Kahoot!. Furthermore, their cognitive, psychomotor and affective learning attitudes showed positive and significant effects as well. Based on the findings, it implies that online media like Kahoot! is strongly recommended to be used in reading teaching and learning process. It is expected that the finding would enrich and enlighten the relevant literature of the area.
Improving students’ vocabulary mastery through picture cards
Authors: Makaruku Hendrik
Published: May 2023

This study aims to improve the vocabulary mastery of VII grade students of SMP Negeri 4 Taniwel, West Seram, Mollucas, through the use of picture cards. This research was classroom action research. The research subjects were grade VII students of SMP Negeri 4 Taniwel, West Seram, Mollucas, consisting of 24 students. The techniques for collecting the data were observation and interview, whereas the instruments for collecting data were observation checklists, field notes, and tests. The data analysis using qualitative analysis and quantitative analysis. The qualitative analysis was related to the result analysis of the observation, interview, field notes, and observation checklist, while the quantitative analysis was related to the analysis process of simple statistics from the students’ test results. The result of the research indicates that the use of picture cards can improve the students’ vocabulary mastery, as shown by the students’ test results that improved in each cycle. The students’ vocabulary mastery was said “improved” if their percentage of completeness overall achieved the indicator of success ≥85%. In the first cycle, the percentage of the students’ completeness overall improved to 75% with an average score of 74.1 but did not achieve the indicator of success. Therefore, the cycle was repeated in the second cycle with some improvements. In the second cycle, the percentage of the students’ completeness overall achieved the indicator of success 91.6% or ≥85%. It meant that the student's vocabulary mastery has improved in the second cycle, and the cycle was ended.
Designing English materials promoting HOTS for senior high school students of the science study program
Authors: Wulandari Lutfina Tarita , Widyantoro Agus
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to develop English supplementary reading materials promoting HOTS for senior high school students majoring in the science study program. The procedures of conducting this study were the identification of needs, exploration of needs, contextual realization and pedagogical realization of materials, materials production, evaluation by the experts, student use of materials, and evaluation by the students. It was concluded that the appropriate supplementary textbook for the eleventh grade students majoring in the science study program was a textbook which promoted HOTS, followed the 2013 curriculum, and considered the students’ needs. EXCELLENT, the textbook prototype developed in this study was considered appropriate for teaching and learning English since it met those criteria. It was proved by the results of the evaluation by the expert and students. The mean value of the expert judgement on the textbook quality was 4.71, which was classified into “very good” category. Meanwhile, the mean value of the students’ evaluation on the textbook quality was 3.92 categorized as “good”.
Developing speaking skill learning materials based on Natural Order Hypothesis
Authors: Setiawan Arif , Pranowo Dwiyanto Djoko
Published: May 2023

The literature on the teaching of English at higher education in Indonesia reflects that both English and non-English departments pay equal attention to the four language skills, namely speaking, listening, reading, and writing. However, there are still issues in the teaching of speaking skills especially in the English instruction for the non-English majors. This research tried to solve the issues using interventions in the form of learning materials focused on speaking skills based on Natural Order Hypothesis by Brown (1973), Burt (1974, 1975), and Krashen (1982, 2009, 2013) as well as the lesson plans used in the teaching of English for non-English majors in a state university in Yogyakarta. The materials were validated by subject experts and a field trial involving participants of 30 non-English department students was conducted. The effectiveness of the materials was measured using a validated instrument that had been pilot-tested to 10 respondents of the same backgrounds as the participants of the field trial. The research instrument utilized Sugiyono’s (2015) formula with the results showing a percentage of 86.37 out of a possible 100%, which means that the materials are in the category of ‘highly acceptable’.
The impact of gamification on students’ motivation: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Fitria Tira Nur
Published: May 2023

Given the complexity and difficulty of mastering English competencies and skills required in an English subject, a lack of interest and motivation to learn is a common issue that affects learning activities and learning outcomes of the students. By using the Systematic Literature Review (SLR), this study reviews the impact of gamification on students’ motivation (engagement) in the teaching and learning process of English as a foreign language. The study collected 30 journal articles as the data corresponding to three quality assessments: published in the last 5 years or between 2018-2022, explains the influence of gamification on students' motivation or students’ engagement, and discusses research on gamification in the setting of Indonesian school/college students. These articles also need to answer the research questions on the improvement of gamification score on students' motivation/engagement and the influence of gamification on students' motivation/engagement during the class. The systematic review demonstrates that the application of gamification in learning has a favorable effect on the improvement of motivation scores and their engagement during the teaching and learning process. Gamification in education is especially promising due to its ability to influence students’ behavior in a favorable manner.
Manejo integrado de artrópodos plaga en el cultivo: reconocimiento de otros artrópodos
Authors: Bautista Montealegre Luis Gabriel , Betancourt Vásquez Mónica , Rodríguez Blandón Jefersson Andrés , Rodríguez Yzquierdo Gustavo Adolfo , Miranda Salas Tatiana Camila , Cardona William Andrés , Valencia Montoya Jorge Alberto , Cardona Cardona Jorge Enrique , Ospina Parra Carlos Eduardo , Machuca Henao Yuly Marcela , Bolaños Benavides Martha Marina
Published: May 2023

El daño causado por estos artrópodos genera disminución de la capacidad fotosintética de las plantas, reducción del rendimiento y calidad de los frutos. Las heridas ocasionadas permiten la aparición de enfermedades de importancia económica como bacteriosis y moko de plátano.
The Association of Sociodemographic Variables and Unhealthy Behaviors With Limitations in Activities of Daily Living Among Thai Older Adults: Cross-sectional Study and Projected Trends Over the Next 20 Years
Authors: Nontarak Jiraluck , Bundhamcharoen Kanitta , Prasitsiriphon Orawan , Aekplakorn Wichai
Published: May 2023

Background

Extended life spans have led to an increase in the number of older people and an increase in the prevalence of disability among people older than 60 years of age.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the association of sociodemographic variables and unhealthy behaviors with limitations in activities of daily living (ADL) among Thai older adults. The study also projects the number of older individuals likely to experience ADL limitations in the next 20 years.

Methods

We performed sex-specific multinomial logistic regression analysis based on the 5th Thai National Health Examination Survey in 2014 to investigate the association between sociodemographic variables and health behaviors with ADL limitations among Thai older adults. Age- and sex-specific prevalence estimates of ADL limitations were obtained by applying the same models. These estimates were combined with population projections up to 2040 from the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board, Thailand, to generate projections of older individuals with ADL limitations.

Results

Age and physical activity were significant factors for both sexes, with age positively associated with the level of ADL limitations and low physical activity associated with an increased relative probability of mild or moderate to severe ADL limitations compared to individuals with no ADL limitation (1.2-2.2 times). Other variables such as education, marital status, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, alcohol consumption, and having a fruit- and vegetable-based diet showed significant associations, but the results varied regarding sex and levels of ADL limitations. This study also projected the number of older adults with mild and moderate to severe ADL limitations over the next 20 years from 2020 to 2040, revealing an increase of 3.2 and 3.1 times, respectively, along with a significant increase in men compared to that in women.

Conclusions

This study identified age and physical activity as significant factors associated with ADL limitations in older adults, while other factors showed varying associations. Over the next 2 decades, projections suggest a significant increase in the number of older adults with ADL limitations, particularly men. Our findings emphasize the importance of interventions to reduce ADL limitations, and health care providers should consider various factors impacting them.
Investigating COVID-19’s Impact on Mental Health: Trend and Thematic Analysis of Reddit Users’ Discourse
Authors: Zhu Jianfeng , Yalamanchi Neha , Jin Ruoming , Kenne Deric R , Phan NhatHai
Published: May 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in heightened levels of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues due to sudden changes in daily life, such as economic stress, social isolation, and educational irregularity. Accurately assessing emotional and behavioral changes in response to the pandemic can be challenging, but it is essential to understand the evolving emotions, themes, and discussions surrounding the impact of COVID-19 on mental health.

Objective

This study aims to understand the evolving emotions and themes associated with the impact of COVID-19 on mental health support groups (eg, r/Depression and r/Anxiety) on Reddit (Reddit Inc) during the initial phase and after the peak of the pandemic using natural language processing techniques and statistical methods.

Methods

This study used data from the r/Depression and r/Anxiety Reddit communities, which consisted of posts contributed by 351,409 distinct users over a period spanning from 2019 to 2022. Topic modeling and Word2Vec embedding models were used to identify key terms associated with the targeted themes within the data set. A range of trend and thematic analysis techniques, including time-to-event analysis, heat map analysis, factor analysis, regression analysis, and k-means clustering analysis, were used to analyze the data.

Results

The time-to-event analysis revealed that the first 28 days following a major event could be considered a critical window for mental health concerns to become more prominent. The theme trend analysis revealed key themes such as economic stress, social stress, suicide, and substance use, with varying trends and impacts in each community. The factor analysis highlighted pandemic-related stress, economic concerns, and social factors as primary themes during the analyzed period. Regression analysis showed that economic stress consistently demonstrated the strongest association with the suicide theme, whereas the substance theme had a notable association in both data sets. Finally, the k-means clustering analysis showed that in r/Depression, the number of posts related to the “depression, anxiety, and medication” cluster decreased after 2020, whereas the “social relationships and friendship” cluster showed a steady decrease. In r/Anxiety, the “general anxiety and feelings of unease” cluster peaked in April 2020 and remained high, whereas the “physical symptoms of anxiety” cluster showed a slight increase.

Conclusions

This study sheds light on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health and the related themes discussed in 2 web-based communities during the pandemic. The results offer valuable insights for developing targeted interventions and policies to support individuals and communities in similar crises.
Mobile Admission Process Could Reduce Administrative Turnaround Time of Hospitalization for Patients: A Retrospective Study (Preprint)
Authors: Chung Ho Sub , Namgung Myeong , Bae Sung Jin , Choi Yunhyung , Lee Dong Hoon , Kim Chan Woong , Kim Sunho , Jung Kwang Yul
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

The traditional admission process can be time-consuming and inefficient, causing frustration for patients. Using mobile devices to simplify administrative tasks has become commonplace, and various ways to optimize hospital operations via mobile devices are emerging.

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the use of mobile apps to improve the hospital admission process, assessed their efficiency compared to traditional methods, and gathered user feedback through a questionnaire.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted at the Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital in South Korea from August 2022 to January 2023. This study compared the turnaround time of the walk-in admission process to that of the mobile admission process. Patients admitted through a doctor’s prescription from the outpatient department were included, whereas those admitted from the emergency room or with missing data were excluded. Data were collected based on the movement paths of patients or caregivers during the admission process. A survey using a System Usability Scale was conducted among mobile admission users. The primary outcome was the turnaround time for each admission method, and the factors associated with the usability of the mobile admission process were analyzed. During the study, mobile admissions users voluntarily responded to 10 questions on a system usability scale.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 4,344 patients to compare the turnaround time and demographics of mobile and walk-in admission processes. Results showed that the mobile admission process had a significantly shorter turnaround time of 13.4 minutes compared to 22.2 minutes for the walk-in process. Female, younger patients, and those admitted to surgery departments were likelier to use the mobile process. Elderly patients were less likely to undergo mobile admissions. Linear regression analysis showed that all the factors significantly affected the usability of the mobile device admission process. Survey based on systemic usability sale for mobile admission users showed good usability score, 74.4 points.

CONCLUSIONS

The mobile admission process can reduce the task completion time compared to the traditional walk-in admission process owing to its superior usability.
Needs of Patients With Gynecologic Cancer and Their Caregivers for Obtaining mHealth-Supported Self-Management: Focus Group Study (Preprint)
Authors: Campbell Grace B , Kim Hansol , Klinedinst Tara C , Klinger Julie , Lee Young Ji , Donovan Heidi S
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Family caregivers of individuals with gynecologic cancer experience high levels of distress. Web-based caregiver support interventions have demonstrated efficacy in improving caregiver outcomes. However, the lack of portability could be a limitation. Mobile health (mHealth) apps could fill this gap and facilitate communication between patient-caregiver dyads.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to obtain information on desired usage and features to be used to design an mHealth self-management support app targeting both patients with gynecologic cancer and their caregivers.

METHODS

We conducted Zoom focus groups with women who had been treated for gynecologic cancers (ovarian, fallopian, primary peritoneal, uterine, endometrial, cervical, and vulvar); patients were also asked to invite a self-identified “closest support person” (caregiver). A semistructured focus group guide was used to elicit information on patients’ and caregivers’ perceived gaps in information and support, desired features of an mHealth app, and interest in and preferences for app usage. After transcription, rapid qualitative analysis using a thematic matrix was used to identify common themes across groups.

RESULTS

A total of 8 groups were held. The final sample included 41 individuals with gynecologic cancer and 22 support persons or caregivers (total n=63). Patients were aged between 32 and 84 years, and most (38/41, 93%) were White and married. For caregivers (n=22), 15 (68%) identified as male and 7 (32%) as female, with ages ranging between 19 and 81 years. Overall, 59% (n=13) of caregivers were spouses. Questions geared at eliciting 3 a priori topics yielded the following themes: topic 1—gaps in information and support: finding relevant information is time-consuming; patients and caregivers lack confidence in deciding the urgency of problems that arise and from whom to seek information and guidance; topic 2—desired features of the mHealth app: patients and caregivers desire centralized, curated, trustworthy information; they desire timely recommendations tailored to specific personal and cancer-related needs; they desire opportunities to interact with clinical and peer experts through the app; and topic 3—interest and preferences for app usage: need for private space in the app for patients and caregivers to get information and support without the others’ knowledge; patients and caregivers desire having control over sharing of information with other family members.

CONCLUSIONS

Designing a single mHealth app to be used by patients and caregivers presents unique challenges for intervention designers and app developers. Implications of the study suggest that app developers need to prioritize flexibility in app functionality and provide individuals the ability to control information sharing between patients and caregivers.
Towards Building an Explainable System for Detecting Mental Illness with Evidence Support: Development and Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Kim Minji , Kang Migyeong , Lee Daeun , Choi Hyein , Choi Daejin , Ko Minsam , Han Jinyoung
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

Although mental illness is a leading cause of death, social stigma makes people hesitant to receive timely medical treatment. Online diagnosis systems can increase the accessibility of mental health care services. However, explaining illness detection results has been challenging in these systems because existing online diagnosis systems rely mainly on users’ self-assessments based on structured questionnaires.

OBJECTIVE

We proposed a system that provides detailed explanations (i.e., symptom evidence and solutions) about detected mental illnesses by analyzing users’ free-text inputs.

METHODS

Our system consists of three modules: a detection module, symptom extraction module, and solution suggestion module. The detection module analyzes the input text that the user describes, and accurately classifies the mental disorders that the user is likely to have. The system then extracts and delivers symptom evidence and solutions to explain the detection results better. A within-subject study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of the proposed system. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected using 36 questions, including seven open-ended questions, from 30 participants.

RESULTS

Analysis of the quantitative results demonstrated that additional symptom and solution information, along with the classification results, helped increase the explainability and usability of the online mental illness detection system. A total of 83.33% of the users preferred the system, which provided various explanations, and the free-text entry method helped them think more about themselves than answering structured questions.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of our proposed system revealed that (i) the system achieved fairly accurate performance in mental illness detection, (ii) providing explanations could improve user experience, and (iii) most users were satisfied with the system, while a few showed some concerns.
Effectiveness of the Wellness Together Canada Portal as a Digital Mental Health Intervention in Canada: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Basnet Syaron , Chaiton Michael
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

The Wellness Together Canada (WTC) portal is a digital mental health intervention that was developed in response to an unprecedented rise in mental health and substance use concerns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with funding from the Government of Canada. It is a mental health and substance use website to support people across Canada providing digital interventions and services at no cost. Two million people have visited the WTC portal over the course of 1 year since launching; however, rigorous evaluation of this potential solution to access to mental health care during and after the COVID-19 pandemic is urgently required.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to better understand the effectiveness of the existing digital interventions in improving population mental health in Canada.

METHODS

The Let’s Act on Mental Health study is designed as a longitudinal fully remote, equally randomized (1:1), double-blind, alternative intervention–controlled, parallel-group randomized controlled trial to be conducted between October 2023 and April 2024 with a prospective follow-up study period of 26 weeks. This trial will evaluate whether a digital intervention such as the WTC improves population mental health trajectories over time.

RESULTS

The study was approved by the research ethics board of CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada). It is ongoing and participant recruitment is underway. As of August 2023, a total of 453 participants in the age group of 18-72 years have participated, of whom 70% (n=359) are female.

CONCLUSIONS

This initiative provides a unique opportunity to match people’s specific unmet mental health and substance use needs to evidence-based digital interventions.
Automatic Personalized Physical Activity Prediction Model Based on the National Health Insurance Service Health Examination Data: A Machine Learning Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Kim Heejin , Piao Meihua , Ryu Hyeongju
Published: May 2023

BACKGROUND

There has been growing public interest in maintaining personal health and preventing diseases through the adoption of healthy lifestyles. Within this paradigm, physical activity (PA) prescriptions are critical in facilitating healthy habits after undergoing health examinations.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to construct PA prediction models using clinical biomarkers that are commonly measured in clinical practice.

METHODS

We used the data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent routine health screening in Korea from January 2021 to December 2021. Prediction models based on several machine learning algorithms, such as random forest classification, bagged decision trees, and gradient boosting (GB), were established.

RESULTS

A total of 30,769 patients who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed in the study. Of them, 13,653 were men and 17,116 were women. The prediction models using the GB algorithm exhibited the best performance, in particular, the GB-based models with female data only, with accuracy values close to or greater than 0.8. For these prediction models, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value was greater than 0.8, indicating high discrimination ability. For the PA assessment, the features that were most influential included the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), fasting blood sugar (FBS) level, serum creatinine (SCr) level, aspartate aminotransferase level, and alanine aminotransferase level. For the type of PA, the most influential features were weight, height, hemoglobin, FBS level, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. For the weekly frequency of PA, the most influential features were eGFR, SCr level, height, FBS level, and weight.

CONCLUSIONS

The methodology used in this study can contribute to the provision of PA prescriptions using clinical biomarkers. Furthermore, it can be used as a supplementary tool for quantitatively measuring the effects of lifestyle and motivating patients to maintain healthy lifestyles.