bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial: Using qualitative research in the classroom
Authors: Bareiss Warren
Published: April 2023

Welcome to Volume 7, Number 1 of Qualitative Research in Medicine & Healthcare. As I read through each of the articles in this issue, it occurred to me that they are surprisingly similar in technique, but widely divergent in topic. Indeed, taken together, articles in this issue provide a useful lesson in how to effectively conduct qualitative research. I speak from experience. I am fortunate in being paid to teach a course in research methods to polite, engaged undergraduates who are genuinely eager to learn. In the course, I cover research ethics, journal article structure, deductive vs. inductive approaches, and basic techniques used in quantitative and qualitative research. Not surprisingly, teaching qualitative research is my favorite part of the course, so I save it for the end. [...]
Phytochemical composition and toxicity assessment of Ammi majus L.
Authors: El-guourrami Otman , Salhi Najoua , Benkhouili Fatima Zahra , Zengin Gokhan , Yilmaz Mustafa Abdullah , Ameggouz Mouna , Zahidi Ahmed , Rouas Lamiaa , Bouyahya Abdelhakim , Goh Khang Wen , Sam Toong Hai , Ming Long Chiau , Doukkali Anass , Benzeid Hanane
Published: April 2023

Objective:

To assess the acute and subacute toxicity as well as the phytochemical composition of two extracts and three fractions of Ammi majus L.

Methods:

The aqueous extracts were prepared separately by maceration for 48 h and by infusion for 1 h, while the fractions were prepared by the Soxhlet extractor, successively employing cyclohexane, ethyl acetate, and ethanol. The acute toxicity study was carried out in accordance with the OECD N°423 guideline at a single dose (2000 mg/kg) in mice for 14 days. The subacute toxicity study was performed by a daily oral administration of 250 mg/kg for 10 days and 100 mg/kg doses for 28 days. Phytochemical screening was performed using staining and precipitation reactions, while the chemical characterization of some analytes was detected by HPLC-MS/MS analysis.

Results:

In the acute toxicity study, no signs of toxicity such as convulsion, salivation, diarrhea, sleep and coma were observed during 30 minutes and 14 days, so the lethal dose was higher than 2000 mg/kg for each extract and fraction. The subacute toxicity results showed that at a dose of 250 mg/kg, 61.10% of the animals died and the rest developed morbidity. On the other hand, at a dose of 100 mg/kg, all the animals were still alive after 28 days, with no morbidity and the biochemical parameters were normal with no abnormalities in the liver, kidneys and pancreas. Phytochemical screening indicated the presence of flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, and free quinones and the absence of alkaloids and anthocyanins.

Conclusions:

The extracts and fractions of Ammi majus L. are not toxic in the short and long term with a varied chemical composition. Toxicological tests on animals other than rodents and in the long term (more than 28 days) are needed to further confirm the safety of Ammi majus extracts.
Spirulina
Authors: Vasudevan Subbu Kesavaraja , Seetharam Suresh , Dohnalek Margaret H. , Cartwright Elizabeth J.
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the various health benefits of Cyanobacteria microalgae – such as Arthrospira platensis, commonly called Spirulina, an edible blue-green algae – have attracted scientific attention including micro-level examinations of its bioactive components. As a whole food and nutritional supplement, it serves as a plant protein source, which has shown positive effects across a wide range of human health concerns, from malnutrition to metabolic syndrome. Spirulina bioactives, such as essential amino acids, phycocyanin, polysaccharides, carotenoids, and chlorophyll, and essential vitamins and trace minerals, are responsible for its holistic actions against oxidative stress and inflammation, and its antiviral, antibacterial, and immune-modulating effects. Various in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo experiments have established Spirulina's mechanism of action and its effect on immunity as a proof of concept. The phenolic compounds and extracellular metabolites released from Spirulina whole food after digestion are postulated to strengthen the epithelial lining with antibacterial effects against pathogenic bacteria, adding to its prebiotic effect on the gut microbiota (like Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus) due to its fiber content. In this study, the digestibility of Spirulina was assessed by the determination of free amino acids and peptide release during the each phase of digestion in a simulated static digestive model system. The hypothesis bridging poor gut health to low-level inflammation and metabolic syndrome, and the potential to address those issues with nutritional supplementation, such as with Spirulina, could also be beneficial in the long run to reduce comorbid illnesses, such as those associated with the currently prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
Epidemiology of Bloodstream Infections and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern in ICU and Non-ICU Wards: A Four-Year Retrospective Study in Isfahan, Iran
Authors: Kassaian Nazila , Nematbakhsh Shadnosh , Yazdani Mohammadreza , Rostami Soodabeh , Nokhodian Zary , Ataei Behrooz
Published: April 2023

Background:

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are one of the causes of morbidity and mortality in hospitalised patients. This study evaluated BSI's incidence, trend, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and mortality in AL Zahra Hospital in Isfahan, Iran.

Materials and Methods:

This retrospective study was conducted in AL Zahra Hospital from March 2017 to March 2021. The Iranian nosocomial infection surveillance system was used for data gathering. The data included demographic and hospital data, type of bacteria, and antibiotic susceptibility findings and were analysed in SPSS-18 software.

Results:

The incidence of BSIs was 1.67% and 0.47%, and the mortality was 30% and 15.2% in the intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU wards, respectively. In the ICU, the mortality was correlated with the use of the catheter, type of organism and year of study, but in non-ICU, correlated with age, gender, use of the catheter, ward, year of study and duration between the incidence of BSIs and discharging/death. Staphylococcus epidermidis, Acinetobacter spp. and Klebsiella spp. were the most frequent germs isolated in all wards. Vancomycin (63.6%) and Gentamycin (37.7%) for ICU and Vancomycin (55.6%) and Meropenem (53.3) for other wards were the most sensitive antibiotics.

Conclusion:

Despite the few rate of BSI in the last four years in AL Zahra Hospital, our data showed that its incidence and mortality in the ICU ward are significantly more than in other hospital wards. We recommend prospective multicentre studies to know the total incidence of BSI, local risk factors and patterns of pathogens causing BSI.
Effects of Folic Acid Supplementation on Liver Enzymes, Lipid Profile, and Insulin Resistance in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Molaqanbari Mohamad Reza , Zarringol Shadi , Talari Hamid Reza , Taghizadeh Mohsen , Bahmani Fereshteh , Mohtashamian Abbas , Ebrahimzadeh Armin , Sharifi Nasrin
Published: April 2023

Background:

Previous evidence revealed an association between folate deficiency and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study is the first one investigating the effects of folic acid on hepatic steatosis grade, liver enzymes, insulin resistance, and lipid profile in NAFLD cases.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty-six participants with NAFLD were allocated randomly to take either a placebo or one oral tablet of folic acid (1 mg) on a daily basis within eight weeks. Serum folate, homocysteine, glucose, aminotransferases, insulin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and lipids were assessed. Ultrasonography was used for assessing the liver steatosis grade.

Results:

The serum alanine transaminase, grade of hepatic steatosis, and aspartate transaminase significantly were decreased within both study groups; however, the between-group comparison was not statistically significant. Of note, the decrease in ALT was more pronounced in folic acid compared with the placebo group (-5.45 ± 7.45 vs. -2.19 ± 8.6 IU/L). The serum homocysteine was decreased after receiving folic acid compared to the placebo (-0.58 ± 3.41 vs. +0.4 ± 3.56 μmol/L; adjusted P = 0.054). Other outcomes did not significantly change.

Conclusion:

Supplementation with folic acid (1 mg/d) for eight weeks among cases with NAFLD did not change significantly the serum levels of liver enzymes, the hepatic steatosis grade, insulin resistance and lipid profile. However, it was able to prevent the increase in homocysteine in comparison with the placebo. Conducting further research is suggested with the longer duration and different doses of folic acid, adjusted to the genotypes of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphism, among NAFLD patients.
Health and Fitness of Postmenopausal Women in Urban versus Rural Gurugram
Authors: Ajmera Puneeta , Kalra Sheetal , Mohapatra Sadhu Charan , Yadav Joginder
Published: April 2023

Context:

Throughout that process of menopause, a slew of health and fitness problems arise, all of which have a major effect on a woman’s standard of living. Health-related physical fitness has been described as an individual’s cardiac fitness (aerobic capacity), musculoskeletal fitness, and body composition.

Aim:

To investigate and compare the health and fitness of postmenopausal women in rural and urban Gurugram.

Settings and Design:

The postmenopausal women of Gurugram, both urban (n = 175) and rural (n = 175), who attended the outpatient department of SGT Hospital in the urban area and a house-to-house survey in the rural area, were the subjects of a cross-sectional survey that was carried out using interviews and a pretested semi-structured questionnaire. Levels of physical activity (PA) were assessed using the International PA Questionnaire (short form). The evaluation of body composition, which was the following step, included determining one’s body mass index, waist circumference, and waist–hip ratio. Six-minute Walk Distance Test was used to assess cardiopulmonary fitness. Through chair squat tests, sit-and-reach tests, and grip tests, researchers were able to measure the lower limb strength, flexibility, and upper limb strength of participants.

Results:

The mean age of subjects was 53.61 ± 5.08 years. Most commonly reported health problems were hypertension (31.3%), hyperlipidemia (21.2%), and diabetes (13.4%). Odds of urban women developing hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and myocardial infarction (MI) were found to be 0.61, 0.42, and 0.96 times higher than rural women. There was a statistically significant difference for the squat test, grip test, body composition parameters, and aerobic capacity; however, no statistically significant difference was seen for sit-and-reach test (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:

The current research shows that postmenopausal women living in metropolitan areas may face higher health risks since they are more prone to develop hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and MI. Furthermore, all fitness metrics – aside from flexibility – were higher for rural women. The results of the current study highlight the urgent need for health promotion initiatives to enhance the health and fitness of urban postmenopausal women.
Empowering Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) in a rural communities of Pune (Maharashtra)
Authors: Bassi Shalini , Rawal Tina , Nazar Gaurang Prafulla , Dhore Prasanna B. , Bhatt Anjali A. , Deshpande Shailesh R. , Unnikrishnan Ambika Gopalakrishnan , Arora Monika
Published: April 2023

Background:

Diabetes is quickly reaching the status of a potential epidemic, with more than 74.2 million Indians diagnosed with the disease. With the majority of India's population residing in rural areas, the potential burden of diabetes is compounded by rising healthcare expenses, lower literacy, lack of awareness, limited access, and availability of healthcare.

Objective:

The process evaluation of project diabetes with dignity (DWD) aimed to test the feasibility and effectiveness of a model of enhanced diabetes care for adults, empowering Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) in rural communities of Pune, Maharashtra.

Methods:

A community-based, quasi-experimental study was conducted with high-risk identified adults with Type 2 diabetes (n = 431, 30–70 years), in two Primary Health Centers of Baramati block of Pune district. ASHAs implemented six months' DWD intervention, including screening of subjects at risk of Type 2 diabetes using Indian diabetes risk score questionnaire, random blood glucose testing using glucometer, counseling, monthly house-to-house visits, and community-based awareness-raising activities about diabetes care-related issues.

Results:

Results indicated that the delivery, and reach of DWD intervention were favorable. The intervention was delivered as intended with a high degree of fidelity with dosage delivery, high attendance, and good participation rates. The participants were satisfied with intervention strategies activities and recognized to scale it up further. The engagement of ASHAs as a protagonist in the successful project implementation was emphasized.

Conclusions:

The findings on DWD intervention satisfaction, reach, and participation favored the capacity-building of ASHAs for diabetes screening, prevention, management, and referrals in rural Indian settings.
Tobacco Endgame in India
Authors: Goel Sonu , Kaur Jagdish , Arora Monika , Bhatt Garima , Singh Rana J. , Jones Anne , Swasticharan Leimapokpam , Gupta Prakash Chandra
Published: April 2023

The epidemic of tobacco use persists as a leading risk factor for noncommunicable diseases and impoverishment worldwide. Globally, more nations are undertaking measures for moving beyond “tobacco control” to a “tobacco-free world” under the unified theme of “tobacco endgame.” This concept of endgame includes an array of measures addressing both demand side and supply-side strategies for phasing out all commercial tobacco products within a specified time period. Globally, there have been many successes from countries such as New Zealand, Australia, Scotland, Netherlands, Finland, Ireland, Canada, France, and California. The Indian subcontinent has also been stepping up to progress the endgame concept and has been displaying exemplary leadership in the tobacco control. It has several national and subnational achievements to its credit. However, the tobacco endgame requires collaboration and capacity building of several sectors and stakeholders to align their activities with the tobacco endgame goals and vision of the Government of India. Besides, acceptance of endgame as a political objective is perhaps the first requirement for tobacco endgame in addition to program and community-level strategies. The need of the hour calls for a robust unified approach that engages all the stakeholders and involves increased investment in tobacco control by the country's governments and region.
Chronic respiratory disease and coronavirus disease 2019 in developing countries
Authors: Aggarwal Ashutosh Nath , Agarwal Ritesh , Dhooria Sahajal , Prasad Kuruswamy Thurai , Sehgal Inderpaul Singh , Muthu Valliappan
Published: April 2023

The proportion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients having a chronic respiratory disease (CRD), and its impact on COVID-19 related patient outcomes, is unclear. We conducted this systematic review to evaluate the proportion of patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among COVID-19 patients, and to assess if comorbid CRD worsens COVID-19 outcomes, in developing countries. We queried PubMed database for studies conducted in developing countries and provided data on the proportion of COVID-19 patients with CRD, or severe disease or mortality among COVID-19 patients with and without CRD. We calculated proportion of CRD patients and relative risk (RR) for each reported outcome of interest. We used random-effects models to summarize our data. We retrieved 1947 citations and included 22 studies from developing countries in our review. The pooled estimate for proportion of asthma and COPD was 2.32% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.86%–2.83%) and 3.52% (95% CI 2.14%–5.20%), respectively. COVID-19 patients with asthma had a higher risk of severe COVID-19 (summary RR 1.21, 95% CI 1.17–1.25), but not of mortality (summary RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.80–1.28), as compared to COVID-19 patients without asthma. COVID-19 patients with COPD had a higher risk of severe COVID-19 (summary RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.30–1.69) and mortality (summary RR 2.69, 95% CI 1.57–4.61), as compared to COVID-19 patients without COPD. Patients with asthma (but not COPD) in developing countries may be less likely to acquire COVID-19. Both diseases may increase the risk of severe COVID-19, and COPD may increase risk of COVID-19-related mortality.
Psychocognitive functions among breast cancer survivors
Authors: Sharma Deeksha , Yadav Budhi Singh , Dutta Monika , Kaur Sukhpal , Kumar Krishan , Dahiya Divya
Published: April 2023

Purpose:

Chemotherapy-related cognitive impairments (CRCIs) are one of the adverse effects of chemotherapy, so there is a need to explore alternative measures to maintain normal cognitive functions or to prevent decline in cognitive abilities. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Cognitive Training Interventions Package on cognitive functions among breast cancer survivors (BCSs).

Materials and Methods:

A total of 59 BCSs were randomly assigned to control and intervention groups. Participants of the intervention group were provided with a Cognitive Training Interventions Package to be practiced from 1st cycle until the completion of 4th cycle of chemotherapy. Both the groups were reassessed on the 4th cycle of chemotherapy. FACT Cog Version-3, Post Graduate Institute Memory Scale (PGIMS), and trail making test were used to assess cognitive functions. Activities of daily livings (ADLs) and depression, stress, and anxiety were measured using Barthel Index Scale and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21, respectively. Satisfaction level among participants was measured using a self-structured questionnaire.

Results:

The mean age was 50.82 ± 10.12 years in the control group and 50 ± 11.24 years in the intervention group. BCSs in the intervention group demonstrated a significant improvement in attention and concentration (P = 0.02); retention for similar pairs (P = 0.001); recognition (P = 0.01); and visual attention, processing speed, and executive functions (P = 0.01). Intervention group also showed a significant improvement in ADLs (P = 0.04). Overall, the participants in the experimental group were more satisfied (mean = 2.00) as compared to those in the control group (mean = 1.896), which is supported by the observed statistical significant difference in the satisfaction levels of the participants (P = 0.04). Reduction in the levels of anxiety and depression was also noticed in both the groups but it was not significant.

Conclusion:

Cognitive training interventions package was beneficial for BCSs with CRCI to overcome cognitive impairments.
Burden of mental health disorders and synthesis of community-based mental health intervention measures among adolescents after the onset of COVID-19 pandemic time in low middle-income countries
Authors: Saha Indranil , Majumder Joydeep , Bagepally Bhavani Shankara , Ray Sujoy , Saha Asim , Chakrabarti Amit
Published: April 2023

Adolescents have become victims of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the development of several mental health problems. This protocol is aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of mental health disorders among adolescents (10–19 years) during the COVID-19 pandemic time in low middle-income countries (LMIC) and to find different community-based mental health intervention measures in addressing adolescent mental health disorders during COVID-19 pandemic time in LMIC. Articles will be retrieved from databases such as PubMed, EmBase, Scopus, Cochran Central, and Google Scholar using Medical Subject Headings terms, keywords, and text words for each concept. Preprint search servers (MedRx, Cogprints, IndiaRxiv, medRxiv, SSRN) will also be accessed in addition to hand-searching of retrieved articles by forward and backward searching strategies. Data analysis will be conducted as per guidelines provided in the Handbook of Cochrane Systematic Review. RevMan version 5.4 or suitable software will be used for pooled analysis. This proposal is registered in the PROSPERO register (CRD42021278714). Pooled prevalence will depict the overall burden of these neglected health issues. The proposed study would further suffice in identifying evidence-based intervention measures in community settings among adolescents in the background of an ongoing highly infectious disease pandemic.
Prognostic impact of presenting symptoms of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lim Samuel Jun Ming , Hao Ying , Goh George Boon Bee , Chang Jason Pik Eu , Tan Chee Kiat
Published: April 2023

Introduction:

It is not known if the nature, number and duration of presenting symptoms at diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma impact on overall survival. This study examines whether the presenting symptoms of hepatocellular carcinoma have a significant impact on prognosis.

Methods:

The study cohort comprised 725 patients with symptomatic hepatocellular carcinoma seen in our department since October 1983. Another 545 patients were diagnosed on surveillance or from incidental findings. Presenting symptoms at diagnosis were documented. A survival census was performed on 31 October 2015 with the national registry of deaths. Presenting symptoms were examined for association with overall survival using multivariable Cox regression analysis. Survival analysis was done by Kaplan–Meier method with log-rank testing. Bivariate Pearson correlation was used to look for any association between duration of symptoms and overall survival.

Results:

Patients with symptomatic hepatocellular carcinoma had a significantly shorter survival than those diagnosed incidentally or on screening (94.0 vs. 786.0 days, P < 0.001). Survival was shorter in patients presenting with fluid retention (56.0 vs. 118.0 days, P < 0.001), jaundice (48.0 vs. 94.0 days, P = 0.017) and two or more symptoms (P = 0.010). Pain was associated with better survival (P < 0.001). On multivariable Cox regression analysis, only fluid retention (hazard ratio [HR] 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30–1.87) and jaundice (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.07–1.74) were independently associated with shorter survival. There was no significant relationship between the duration of symptoms and overall survival.

Conclusion:

Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who present with fluid retention or jaundice have significantly shorter overall survival. This is useful in assessing patients at the time of diagnosis.
Large deviations of multichordal $\operatorname{SLE}_{0+}$, real rational functions, and zeta-regularized determinants of Laplacians
Authors: Peltola Eveliina , Wang Yilin
Published: April 2023

We prove a strong large deviation principle (LDP) for multiple chordal

\operatorname{SLE}_{0+}

curves with respect to the Hausdorff metric. In the single-chord case, this result strengthens an earlier partial result by the second author. We also introduce a Loewner potential, which in the smooth case has a simple expression in terms of zeta-regularized determinants of Laplacians. This potential differs from the LDP rate function by an additive constant depending only on the boundary data, which satisfies PDEs arising as a semiclassical limit of the Belavin–Polyakov–Zamolodchikov equations of level 2 in conformal field theory with central charge

c \to -\infty

.

Furthermore, we show that every multichord minimizing the potential in the upper half-plane for given boundary data is the real locus of a rational function and is unique, thus coinciding with the

\kappa \to 0+

limit of the multiple

\operatorname{SLE}_\kappa

. As a by-product, we provide an analytic proof of the Shapiro conjecture in real enumerative geometry, first proved by Eremenko and Gabrielov: if all critical points of a rational function are real, then the function is real up to post-composition with a Möbius transformation.
Face Masks as Sources of Cross-Contamination during Food Preparation
Authors:   University of Arkansas, Acuff Jennifer
Published: April 2023

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, mask-wearing has become a common practice in the foodservice industry to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. Like kitchen utensils, a mask may serve as a vehicle for cross-contamination of pathogens during food handling. The objective of this study was to quantify cross-contamination between tasks of handling contaminated chicken and chopping lettuce. Chicken breasts were inoculated with a high or a low level of nonpathogenic Escherichia coli surrogates (ca. 6 or 4 log CFU/ml) and sliced for 1, 5, or 10 min. During slicing, duplicate, single-use medical masks were touched each minute. One mask was immediately sampled, but the second mask was used to contaminate lettuce by touching the mask each minute while chopping the lettuce for 5 min. E. coli were enumerated from the second mask and lettuce. Masks touched while slicing both high- and low-inoculated chicken showed significant contamination (0.8–4.9 log CFU/cm2) after each slicing scenario of 1, 5, or 10 min (P > 0.05). Lettuce was significantly contaminated regardless of inoculation level (1.0–3.2 log CFU/g). Slicing time was a significant factor in some cases (P < 0.05), whereas inoculation level was not (P > 0.05). Data indicate masks can be a source of cross-contamination if not replaced appropriately.
3D numerical investigation of functionally graded concrete
Authors: Hau Nguyen Ngoc , Cuong Le Thanh
Published: April 2023

In the design of engineering structures, concrete is assumed to have homogeneously mechanical properties. However, in reality, the concrete material is usually not uniform with respect to the height of structures because segregation mostly occurs during construction. The higher density is presented at, the lower part of the structure due to a higher proportion of aggregate and vice versa. Moreover, the disparity of creep, shrinkage, hydration heat, and curing method also leads to the difference in the quality of concrete. Therefore, it is necessary to study the responses of a concrete element with various mechanical properties. In this study, the functional elastic modulus of concrete material (FGC) is investigated numerically for its effects on the static responses of the element under axial compression. Conventional Finite Element Method (FEM) and Meshless method are used to model the structure. The reliability of the numerical model is validated by comparing the obtained results with experimental data.
KRİPTO PARA DEĞERİNİN YAPAY SİNİR AĞLARI İLE TAHMİNİ
Authors: ŞENOL Dilara , DENİZHAN Berrin
Published: April 2023

Teknolojinin gelişmesiyle birlikte kripto para borsaları insanların daha fazla gelir elde etmek amacıyla kullandığı borsalardan biri olmuştur. Borsalarda alım-satım işlemleri yapılırken teknik ve temel analiz yöntemleri kullanılmaktadır. Teknik analiz, geçmiş verilerden yola çıkarak gelecekteki fiyat hareketlerini tahmin etme işlemidir. Teknik analiz yapılırken çok büyük verilerle karşılaşılınca verilerin analizi zorlaşmakta ve teknik analiz sonucu elde edilecek verilerin hatalı olma ihtimali artmaktadır. Bu durum sonucunda büyük verileri doğru analiz edemeyen yatırımcıların büyük zararlara uğrama ihtimali artmaktadır. Kripto para tahmini hem yatırımcılara doğru karar almak için hem de bilimsel alanda uygulamalara açık olduğu için değerlidir. Bu sebeple bu çalışmada, kripto para hareketliliği en yüksek olan kripto paralar arasından 3 adet kripto para seçilerek fiyat tahmini çalışması yapılmıştır. Seçilen kripto paralar; Bitcoin, Ethereum ve Cardano’dur. Verilerin büyük olması sebebiyle ve karar etkenlerinin analizi açısından Yapay Sinir Ağları ve Regresyon Analizi yöntemleri ile bu kripto paraların açılış, kapanış, gün içindeki en küçük ve en büyük değerleri kullanılarak bir sonraki günün kapanış değeri tahmin edilmiştir. Sonrasında tahmini değerlerle gerçek değerler arasında karşılaştırma yapılmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda Yapay Sinir Ağları ile yapılan tahmin çalışmasının Regresyon Analizi ile yapılan tahmin çalışmasından daha başarılı performans sergilediği gözlemlenmiştir.
Empoderar la pedagogía emergente para la construcción del conocimiento en entornos virtuales de aprendizaje
Authors: Olarte Ciprián Yiber Milena
Published: April 2023

Una cantidad cada vez mayor de evidencia empírica ha sugerido los beneficios potenciales de incorporar tecnologías digitales e inteligencia artificial en diversos contextos educativos, y un cambio en la modalidad de aprendizaje en el período sin precedentes de COVID-19. Desde este planteamiento, en el presente ensayo se presenta una descripción sobre cómo la pedagogía emergente puede contribuir a la construcción de conocimientos en entornos virtuales de aprendizaje, considerando como punto de partida que la representación emergente está asociada con el hecho de que son planes pedagógicos que de momento se encuentran en proceso de evolución y de asentamiento teórico. Además del uso de la tecnología, las pedagogías emergentes enfatizan la participación de los estudiantes en su propio aprendizaje, la responsabilidad del estudiante, las habilidades metacognitivas y un modelo de enseñanza y aprendizaje dialogado y colaborativo.
El aprendizaje significativo en la educación actual: una reflexión desde la perspectiva crítica
Authors: Zamora Olivos Sara María , Segarra Merchán Sonia Rubí , González Encalada Susana Alexandra , Vitonera Pazos Mónica Matilde
Published: April 2023

En la actualidad el aprendizaje significativo debe enfocarse en lograr que los estudiantes comprendan y apliquen sus habilidades cognitivas y socioemocionales en situaciones reales, debido a que se encuentran en una sociedad en constante cambio tecnológico, por lo que  deben resolver problemas, tomar decisiones y construir un futuro exitoso y resiliente. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar y cuestionar el concepto del aprendizaje significativo en la educación actual. La metodología aplicada fue cualitativa etnográfica, la técnica utilizada fue una entrevista basada en un instrumento de cinco preguntas semiestructuradas validada por juicio de expertos, la muestra por conveniencia estuvo conformada por 16 docentes de diferentes áreas de conocimiento pertenecientes a la ciudad de Milagro. Los resultados obtenidos fueron la comprensión profunda y crítica del concepto del aprendizaje significativo en el contexto de la educación actual, así como de sus implicaciones y potencialidades para mejorar la calidad y relevancia de la educación. Se concluye que el aprendizaje significativo sigue siendo un enfoque pedagógico relevante y necesario después de la pandemia, pero su implementación requiere de un esfuerzo conjunto por parte de los docentes, las autoridades educativas y la sociedad en general para superar los desafíos y obstáculos que se presentan, por lo que se debe crear un entorno educativo que promueva la reflexión crítica sobre el éxito de la práctica docente y fomente la colaboración entre los docentes.
A Comparative Analysis Of Gender And Old Age Problems In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Alam Hamid , Adnan Khan  , Tahira Jabeen
Published: April 2023

The study of old age problems is an emerging field in Pakistan. Old age brings variety of problems for both males and females, however, the nature of the problems of elderly men and women are different. This paper compares and analyses the problems faced by elderly men and women. This research study has been conducted in the semi urban town of Timergara, the head quarter of District Dir Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Data was collected from the respondents aged 60 years and above through in-depth interviews. The respondents were selected using convenient sampling technique. The study finds that because of gender discrimination and cultural factors, women have lower access to health services than men. Consequently health problems of elderly women are more severe than the health problems of elderly men. The study further finds that women at old age are poorer than men due to cultural restrictions on education, women employment, deprivation from property inheritance. Lack of old age pension and widowhood also plays role in poverty of elderly women.
Women’s Political Participation In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Governance 2015: Challenges And Opportunities
Authors: Ali Dr. Hussain , Zatoon Bibi  , Sardar Dr. Riffat
Published: April 2023

Women’s political participation is one of the fundamental human rights worldwide. According to feminist perspective in Pakistan political sphere is attached with masculinity while femininity is confined to private sphere. The present research study mainly focused to address the socio-cultural barriers to women political participation. The study was conducted in two tehsil namely Takhat Bahi and Katlang of District Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. Researcher used quantitative research design and data was collected from 285 elected local leaders with simple random sampling technique. Among the total respondents 100 women elected members and 185 men elected members were selected. Researcher collected directly data from men elected members through interview schedule while women research assistant collected data from women elected members. Statistical data was analyzed with the help of SPSS and regression analysis test was applied to draw the results that which factors are greatly influence the women political participation. The statistical results indicated that patriarchal structure of society is significantly influence women low political participation at P-value (.002) and β value is positive (2.632). Similarly, the women subordinate role in social sphere is greatly influence the low political participation at P-value (.015) β value is positive (2.321). The study concluded that women are oppressed due to her gender and their political participation is discouraged due to her gender. It is suggested that government should increase the women quota and make strategic planning and interventions to enhance women political participation.
The Role Of Social Media In Improving Hygiene Practices Among General Public During COVID-19
Authors: Hassan Abul , Hussain Tanveer , Basit Abdul
Published: April 2023

Social media has been a vibrant source of education for the masses during Covid-19. These virtual platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, TikTok and WhatsApp, educated the general public of Pakistan with abundance of information regarding hygienic and healthy lifestyle. With the help of social media, people sorted to exercise at home, healthy dieting, proper medication and sanitizing from germs during the lockdown in pandemic situation which they were not consistently practiced previously. This research intends to explore general public’s dependency on social media for hygiene, and its impact on their lives during their lockdown. This quantitative research consists of survey method with a convenient sample of 200 residents of Lahore consisting of 4 different age brackets. The data predicts that people with high age took social media messages of exercise, diet, medication and sanitization more seriously and applied precautions aptly while respondents with low age bracket were less worried about diet but more concern about body exercises and sanitizing. Respondents from almost all the age brackets indicated towards their learning about medical understanding of a disease and its treatment. The study found out that people with less interaction with social media relied more on it with strong impact. It also indicates that social media has made people more conscious about healthy exercises, nutritious diet and authentic medication for disease free life. People got training to fight a global pandemic by utilizing social media adequately.
Women Empowerment and Political Decision-Making: An Appraisal of Appointment of Women Legislators as Decision-Makers in Punjab Assembly from 1947-2018
Authors: Rashid Dr. Hina
Published: April 2023

The research paper develops a conceptual relationship between women's empowerment and political decision-making. The goal of empowering women cannot be achieved, without effective participation and representation of women in political activities, the political decision-making process, and structure. Women’s access to resources and opportunities is quite limited compared to men's all over the world. Likewise, in Pakistan socio-cultural environment is not much favorable for women. Punjab is its largest province in terms of population and is considered more progressive regarding gender-related matters; a vast disparity still exists in all sectors. To ensure empowerment, the appointment of women legislators as decision-makers is mandatory. The paper seeks to explore the appointment of women legislators in decision-making positions in the Punjab assembly. The primary objective is to highlight the significance of women’s leadership, particularly in the legislature, which is a key rule-making organ. The paper adopts mix method research design to explore the selected research problem. The case study method is selected by the researcher. The findings show a very low ratio of women’s inclusion in the legislative assembly of the Punjab and their appointment as decision-makers. The study offers rigorous recommendations that would be helpful to make situations, more conducive for women’s inclusiveness in leadership positions.
Exploring Feministic Dogmas in Pakistani Web Series: A Qualitative Content Analysis on “Churails”
Authors: Bajwa Sarosh Ehsaan , Waheed Saima , Khan Muazam Ali
Published: April 2023

Highlighting the feministic approach, the study analyzes gender roles along with three major categories i.e., self-realization, women characterization, and misogynistic approach. The study examines first-ever Pakistani web series in order to explore the representation of gender roles through dialogues that is being used to construct an image of socially constructed responsibilities of gender in Pakistani society. By employing liberal feminism as the theoretical framework, the study stresses the idea of individuality and self-realization by providing women equal opportunities in all spheres of life. The concept of self-realization specifically lightens the phenomenon of individuality as it is significant for women to know their value and self-worth in society as an individual. While analyzing the dialogues of web-series, the study conducts qualitative content analysis to interpret the contextual meanings of dialogues which shows that Pakistani web-series represent females as a source of objectification whereas male characters in the series show hate against females. On contrary, the study also discloses that Pakistani web-series are emphasizing the significance of self-realization as many dialogues show that females express their self-worth by raising their voices against crimes and fighting for their own rights
The Perception, Understanding and Incidence of Pedophilia, The Reasons of its Prevalence, The Problems and the Consequences of this Social Crime in Rural Sindh: A Sociological Analysis
Authors: Narijo Hamida , Wasan Aijaz Ali
Published: April 2023

The objective of the study was to find out and determine the types of child sexual abuse, temptations used by the abusers to seduce the victim, the impact of child sexual abuse on the victims, and the impact of child sexual abuse on the family of the victims. The study was conducted using mixed methods i.e. Qualitative and Quantitative. This was a six months study. The qualitative study was conducted first. Based on the findings of the qualitative study Quantitative study was done through a field survey.  For the qualitative study police officials and Casualty Medical Officers (CMO) were interviewed in depth. For quantitative research Parents of victims or the victims themselves with the consent of their parents were interviewed. Qualitative data was analyzed using the Theme, subtheme, and remarks while the quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS (26 versions) and Excel software applications. Most of the children appeared to be innocent and the minor children considered the act vulgar and indecent. The more grown-up ones considered it unethical and were having some guilt. Similar feelings were shared by the parents about the child. Society is very much aware of crime but they are more sensitive to girls than boys. To some extent, they are ignorant too and that is the reason crime is increasing. They became frightened, depressed, lonely, and aloof. The parents became depressed and also suspicious of the social environment. They became secretive in their talk and behavior. Abusers tempted the victims with sex stories, jokes pornographic materials (photos and videos), and by showing their sex organs.
Gender-Based Violence in Punjab: An Analysis of Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act, 2016
Authors: Ahmad Sara
Published: April 2023

Pakistan still has a patriarchal and feudal social structure where women face violence and discrimination for being women in every sphere of their lives. Over the decades, to reduce the violence and discrimination against women, the government have taken several legislative measures to ensure an improved and equal status for women, but the situation has not been much improved. It is argued that the underlying reason lies in the lack of will at the implementation stage, where male-dominated government institutions support the patriarchal structures. However, the government of Punjab took legislative measures, in the form of the Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act (PPWVA) 2016, to protect women from violence and abuse, and to provide justice. The objective of this study is to analyse the situation of violence against women in Punjab and examine the formulation and implementation process of legislation in Punjab for the protection of women against violence, and suggest recommendations for effective implementation of the law.
Pulse Monitoring System
Authors: Jyothirmai M , Jyothi M
Published: April 2023

An electrical device called a heartbeat sensor is used to detect a person's heart rate, or heartbeat pace. The fundamental things we do to keep ourselves healthy are to monitor our body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. We utilise thermometers and a sphygmomanometer to check the blood pressure and arterial pressure in addition to measuring body temperature. A heartbeat sensor can be used to monitor heart rate in addition to manually checking the pulse at the wrists or neck. In this experiment, the heartbeat is found using fingertip pulse oximetry. The amount of blood in the fingertip increases during diastole and decreases during systole of the heart. If you could somehow count the number of pulses in one minute, that would be the heart rate in beats per minute. The subsequent pulsing of blood volume inside the fingertip is precisely proportional to heart rate (bpm).
A Comprehensive Study on Crop Recommendation System for Precision Agriculture Using Machine Learning
Algorithms
Authors: Keerthi Reddy Vutukuru , Varshini Vanmalli , Gireesh N , Venkata Naresh M
Published: April 2023

Crop recommendation is among the most crucial components of the field known as precision agriculture. The crop recommendations were formulated after considering a wide range of distinct considerations. The term "precision agriculture" refers to a method of contemporary farming that makes use of information on soil features, soil kinds, and other factors, such as crop yields, and weather conditions to provide farmers with recommendations regarding the types of crops that would be most beneficial to grow on their farms to achieve the highest possible levels of both yield and profit. The crop recommendation system is currently being built with the use of machine learning methods including Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, XG Boost, Light GBM, SVM, and decision tree. The process of identifying the best crop to produce is aided by the information that consists of qualities such as potassium (K), phosphorous (P), and nitrogen (N) as well as temperature, humidity, pH, and rainfall. This application will be of assistance to farmers in enhancing agricultural output, minimizing the deterioration of soil on the cultivated ground, reducing the number of chemicals used in agricultural production, and increasing the productivity of cultivated land with available water resources. Also, this application recommends the top 5 prioritized crops to farmers. XG Boost achieved the best accuracy of 99.500 out of all these classifiers that were utilized in this paper. It also achieved the highest recall score of 99.545455, a precision score of 99.564935, and an F1 score of 99.545669.
Nivel de actividad física y calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en estudiantes universitarios
Authors: Jaramillo Metrio Luis Manuel , Mejía Giraldo Jonathan , Montoya Grisales Noelva Eliana , González Palacio Enoc Valentín
Published: April 2023

Introducción. La etapa universitaria trae consigo una serie de experiencias y retos nuevos, por lo que existen diferentes factores que alteran los niveles generales de actividad física y de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud. Esta investigación buscó establecer la relación entre el nivel de actividad física y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud en los estudiantes pertenecientes a la facultad de educación de una universidad privada de la ciudad de Medellín. Método. Se llevó a cabo un estudio cuantitativo con un alcance correlacional con un total de 252 estudiantes pertenecientes a la facultad de educación de una universidad de Medellín, seleccionados de forma aleatoria a partir de un muestreo probabilístico estratificado; se aplicó el Cuestionario Internacional de Actividad Física (IPAQ-SF) y el de Calidad de Vida Relacionada con la salud (SF-36). Resultados. Se encontró que la mayoría de los estudiantes (60,3%) tienen un nivel moderado de actividad física y que, a mejor nivel de actividad física, mejor es la percepción frente a la evolución declarada de la salud. No se hallaron asociaciones significativas entre el nivel de actividad física y las dimensiones de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud. Conclusiones. El nivel de actividad física tiende a ser independiente de las dimensiones de la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud.
Disaster management in a dystopian novel: A case study of JJ Amaworo Wilson’s Damnificados
Authors: Hoyte-West Antony
Published: April 2023

Several years ago, the large number of people living illegally in the so-called Tower of David, an abandoned high-rise building in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas, caught the attention of the world’s media. Based on this unlikely source of inspiration, a similar such skyscraper forms the centrepiece to Damnificados, a dystopian novel by JJ Amaworo Wilson, which was first published in 2016. Set in a nameless country, this innovative and engaging novel frequently turns to magic realism in its depiction of the ‘damnificados’, a motley crew of squatters who are under constant threat from external perils, both natural and man-made. Under the guidance of the novel’s hero, Nacho, strategies to manage these threats are developed and implemented, with significant implications for the building’s inhabitants and their welfare. Accordingly, this exploratory contribution aims to identify and apply a relevant disaster management framework to the first of the many calamities portrayed in the novel, which is where the building and the city surrounding it are inundated by a catastrophic flood. In evaluating the inhabitants’ response through the lens of the framework, this study thereby provides an interdisciplinary overview of how disaster management strategies can be represented in literary texts.