On 18 March 2020, all South African universities and colleges were closed due to the COVID-19 virus. By early April, 10 universities announced that they were planning to resume teaching and learning online, including the University of the Witwatersrand (i.e., Wits University), Johannesburg, which is the joint highest ranked university in Africa. Therefore, the purpose of this editorial was to examine the perceptions and attitudes of these students regarding online learning in an era of disruption of COVID-19, uniquely using both multi-mixed methods research approaches (i.e., involving the partial integration of multiple methods research approaches and mixed methods research approaches) and meta-methods study approaches (i.e., involving the full[er] integration of multiple methods research approaches and mixed methods research approaches). A total of 4,419 Wits University students completed an online survey. A principal components analysis of one of survey’s scales, namely, the Attitude of Students Towards COVID-19 and its Impact on Higher Education scale, revealed 2 subscales, namely, Students’ Self-regulation Towards COVID-19-Based Higher Education and Attitudes Toward Teaching, Learning, and Assessment in COVID-19-Based Higher Education. Nonparametric analyses revealed that scores on these measures discriminated gender, age group, level of student (i.e., undergraduate vs. postgraduate), locality status (i.e., local vs. international student), and registration status (i.e., full-time vs. part-time). A multiple analysis of the open-ended responses by the VOSviewer 1.6.14 text mining software program led to the identification of 6 metathemes. Similarly, WordStat 8.0.29 topic modeling yielded 5 metathemes that mapped onto VOSviewer’s 6 metathemes, indicating triangulation of findings. A sentiment analysis revealed negative sentiments that identified not only the biggest challenges for students but also the characteristics of students who experience these challenges. Finally, a cluster analysis, combined with chi-square analyses, led to the identification of 4 clusters of students who differed with respect to their attitudes and online experiences. Implications of these findings are discussed.
This study reviews indicators of poverty and the government policies and strategies to reduce and alleviate poverty in Jordan and investigate the effects of information technologies (ITC) on the poverty in Jordan, Population growth rate, GDP at current prices, consumer price index, and human development index in addition to percentage of population use internet, percentage of export and import of ITC of the total trade are used as dependent variables. Data from different resource is collected from 1999 in which the internet started in Jordan till 2018 on the abovementioned variables. The results show that there are negative impacts of the percentage of population using internet on the poverty rate while there are positive effects of human development index and consumer price index on poverty
Kegiatan keagamaan merupakan kegiatan yang amat penting di MI Negeri 3 Jember, mengingat masih banyak peserta didik yang membutuhkan bimbingan guru untuk memiliki karakter yang sesuai dengan tuntunan Islam, di zaman teknologi initidak bisa dipungkiri bahwa anak-anak zaman sekarang sudah mengenal yang namanya internet. Maka dari itu pendampingan orang tua dan guru sangat dibutuhkan dalam perkembangan anak-anaknya. Salah satu pendidikan yang diajarkan guru kepada peserta didiknya sejak dini adalah pengajaran tentang al-Qur’an.Oleh karena itu darus keliling (darling) merupakan kegiatan yang tepat dalam proses membelajarkan al-Qur’an dalam rangka menanamkan karakter religius kepada peserta didik. Fokus penelitian yang dikaji adalah: Bagaimana peran guru sebagai pembimbing dalam menanamkan karakter religius peserta didik melalui kegitan ekstrakurikuler darus keliling (darling) di MI Negeri 3 Jember tahun 2019? Penelitian ini memperoleh kesimpulan: Peran guru sebagai pembimbing dalam menanamkan karakter religius peserta didik melalui kegiatan ekstrakurikuler darus keliling di MI Negeri 3 Jember dalam hal ini adalah guru yang senantiasa membimbing anak-anak anggota darling untuk belajar al-Qur’an. Darling ini adalah sebuah wadah yang diberikan oleh guru untuk mengembangkan potensi peserta didik. Karakter religius pun terbentuk yakni sikap patuh dalam menjalankan agama Islam, misalnya membaca al-Qur’an. keliling di MI Negeri 3 Jember dalam hal ini menggunakan instrumen penilaian yang memiliki 3 aspekpenilaian yakni aktif, kurang aktif dan tidak aktif.
The daily water distillation of the single basin conventional solar still is limited. In the present work, experimental analysis of a parabolic disc type solar still and conventional solar still are investigated. The solar radiation is focused to the single point to produce higher basin temperature. The water is flown continuously inside the copper receiver to utilize the incident solar radiation. The hourly readings were taken to analyze the thermal performance of the parabolic disc type solar still and conventional solar still. The water collection of parabolic disc type solar still is increased about 40% over conventional solar still.
The incorporation of lomustine, a hydrophobic anticancer drug into PLGA nanoparticles by interfacial deposition method was optimized. Based on the optimal parameters, it was found that lomustine-PLGA nanoparticles with acceptable properties could be obtained. Optimization of formulation variables to control the size and drug entrapment efficiency of the prepared nanoparticles seems to be based on the same scientific principles as drug-loaded nanoparticles prepared by nanoprecipitation, solvent evaporation method. The process was the most important factor to control the particle size, while both the drug-polymer interaction and the partition of drug in organic and aqueous phases were the crucial factors to govern the drug entrapment efficiency. PLGA concentration at lower level (100 mg), 1:5 organic phase: aqueous ratio, 1%w/v PVA concentration, 3%w/v pluronic F68 achieved smaller particle size. Additionally, L:G ratio of PLGA 75:25, lower volume of organic solvent (1:10 organic phase: aqueous phase), higher initial drug content (10 mg) enhanced the drug entrapment efficiency and maintained lomustine concentration in blood for an extended time period, elevated lomustine concentration in lungs and slowed the elimination of lomustine. The biodistribution profiles of prepared nanoparticles in albino mice showed higher plasma drug concentration for longer period of time, elevated drug concentration in lungs and slow elimination from kidney. No toxic effects of prepared nanoparticles were observed in histopathological examination of lungs and kidney. The systematic investigation reported here promises the development of PLGA nanoparticles loaded with lomustine when tested in Lung Cancer cell line L132 and toxicological/ histopathological studies in albino mice.
Background: Pregnancy-related hormonal changes increase the risk of gingival inflammation and bleeding. Poor oral hygiene and dietary habits, such as frequent intake of sugary foods, may worsen this risk. Understanding the relationship between diet, oral hygiene, and gingival health in pregnant women is essential for improving prenatal care. This study aimed to assess dietary patterns, oral hygiene practices, and self-reported gingival bleeding among pregnant women attending the Mother and Child Hospital, Ondo, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over four months among 216 pregnant women at the Mother & Child Clinic, University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo, Southwest Nigeria. A structured, self-administered questionnaire collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, oral hygiene habits, perceived oral health conditions, and dietary patterns. Clinical oral examinations were conducted using the Oral Hygiene Index. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Most participants (79.2%) were in their second or third trimester. Although 83.3% used toothbrushes and 52.3% brushed twice daily, 39.8% had poor oral hygiene, and 33.3% reported gingival bleeding. Despite 76.4% awareness of dental services, 53.2% had never visited a dentist. Most participants frequently consumed fruits (88.9%), vegetables (84.8%), and animal proteins (84.7%), while 43.0% consumed sugary drinks regularly. No significant association was found between dietary habits and gingival bleeding. Conclusion: The study revealed a clear awareness–behavior gap: good knowledge of oral health did not translate into optimal hygiene practices or dental visits. Poor oral hygiene remained common, and gingival bleeding was prevalent. Although most participants had healthy diets, sugary drink intake was still high. Diet alone was not protective against gingival bleeding. Promoting effective oral hygiene and integrating dental care into prenatal programs is recommended.
Cardiovascular drugs constitute one of the largest and most widely used among other diseases and cardiovascular drug market has largely been exploded . Although these drugs have the potential to significantly improve the treatment of various cardiac diseases. They are potent agents with potential for serious adverse effects, toxicity and drug interactions. Newer agents are considerably costly than older drugs and, therefore, cost-effective strategies must be developed. Thrombolytics are pharmacological agents come from bacterial origin as streptokinase and staphylokinase or from human origin as urokinase or t-PA. Thrombolytics are used to restore blood flow to infracted artery quickly. Only streptokinase, alteplase, reteplase and tenecteplase are approved by US-FDA for treatment of ST-elevation myocardial infraction (ST-EMI) [3]. This reopens blood vessels after their occlusion and prevents tissue necrosis. Although, the safe and effective use of each of these drugs requires a thorough understanding of appropriate patient selection, drug timing, dosing regimens and monitoring parameters. The greatest benefit to risk ratio for specific drugs is seen in certain subsets of patients the complexities of cardiovascular drug therapy illustrate the need for an in depth current knowledge of clinical trial evidence.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Rasa aushadhis are known for their uniqueness in curing the diseases with a very low dosage. These formulations are divided into two types based on their mode of preparation i.e., Single drug and Compound drug formulations. Based on their origin, the drugs are divided into three types, Herbal, Mineral and Animal. Any of these two or three together is combined to make a compound formulation. Apart from these, the other major factor which is needed for a formulation is the Rasa Panchaka of a Drug. Many of the formulations are being prepared based on their availability, keeping their Rasa Panchaka and Samprapti vighatana in mind. These formulations are designed in such a way that two or more drugs will be having one common quality, or Opposite Qualities or an Antidote of a particular Vishadravya, which can help in curing the disease. So an attempt is made to Review Tribhuvanakeerti Rasa with its Probable mode of action.
Increasing presence of women in economic pursuits like entrepreneurship activities is believed to be the result of development policies. This belief ignores the role of socioeconomic factors in the growth and development of women entrepreneurship. Many women entered the world of business and they have become successful entrepreneurs in various business activities. Women entrepreneurs in Dakshina Kannada district have set up business ventures in a range of industries. The study has been conducted to know the extent of problems faced in managing work and life by women entrepreneurs. Majority of the respondents started their business or service to become independent and to meet the financial needs of their family. From the study it has to be found that majority of the women find it difficult to manage their work and family and they are trying to overcome these difficulties by time management and with the help of their family members.
In the research described in this paper, we used computer simulations to analyze and compare different types of game strategies in the popular board game Don't Get Angry. Following a brief introduction, we summarized a few previous research papers examining similar board games' game strategies. Next, after a review of the Don't Get Angry game's official rules, we outlined four strategies that can be applied to increase the likelihood of winning. We simulated 50,000 games in which all four players made their moves randomly and 50,000 games where each used a different strategy. We tracked how frequently each player finished first, second, third, or last during the simulations. Furthermore, we recorded how many rounds were needed to complete the game for each player, how many times the players’ pawns were kicked out and returned to their houses by other players, and the number of players’ remaining steps during every gameplay. From the analysis of the recorded data, we could conclude that significant differences exist in the chances of winning the game for the examined strategies when all players use different strategies. The results improve the specific domain knowledge for the Don't Get Angry board game. It may help create more vigorous computer opponents and encourage further study to create a tool for evaluating students' strategic thinking while playing.
In an era where technology prevails, entrepreneurs as well as marketers see the need to keep up with the fast pace of change or risk being outdated. Gone are the days when a pure-bricks business model will thrive well in current market scenario. It is practically impossible to design a marketing strategy without considering social networks. Social media had become really important gradient in today’s marketing mix in general and in promotion mix in particular. Adapting some form of marketing online through social media is a key node for all businesses, especially in an industry where trends constantly change such as fashion and handicrafts. The paper carries out empirical research to understand the effectiveness of social media as a marketing tool and an effort has been made to analyze the extent social media helps consumers in buying decision making. In addition strategies have been suggested for maximizing the effectiveness. Various statistical tests have been applied to support the research hypothesis.
Hypertension is a public health issue that significantly increases the risk of health problems and decreases health quality of life of the patients. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are used to control hypertension by preventing production of angiotensin II in turn decrease blood pressure, thus it may enhance the quality of life. This study aims to assess the effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors on the quality of life of patients with hypertensive aging 40 years or older in Benghazi city in comparison with other classes of hypertension medications. A case control observational study was conducted, adopting the structured face-to-face interviewing survey technique. Over 150 patients who visited Benghazi medical center during the study period (November, 2019 to March, 2020), to follow up their chronic disease. The investigators used a pre-validated, pre-piloted questionnaire that has been adopted from SF 36 and modified according to the updated literature review; responses to each question were coded and analyzed. The results display that antihypertensive medications were found to be significantly related to the limitation on the physical activity domain and found that medications decrease the limitation on the activity with about 20% of the patients who taking angiotensin receptor blockers (20%) and 30% of the patients taking angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, 40% of the patients had no limitations on bending kneeling and stooping. Moreover, on the limitations on walking more than one kilometre, the results were about 15% of the patients taking angiotensin receptor blockers and 30% of the patients taking angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors had a slightly or no limitation on walking more than a kilometre. Thus, the findings indicate that antihypertensive medications have a positive effect on quality of life of the patient in limitation on activity domain but no conclusive difference was found between angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers medications.
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Potato starch extraction is a critical process with implications across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and bioplastics. This review explores current techniques, challenges, and future opportunities in potato starch extraction. Traditional methods such as compression or wet grinding, enzymatic processes, and microwave-assisted extraction are examined for their efficiency, advantages, and limitations. The paper emphasizes the importance of quality control measures to ensure the purity and safety of the extracted starch. Critical quality control aspects include raw material inspection, monitoring during processing, purity and composition analysis, and adherence to national and international standards. Innovations in extraction methods, including enzymatic and green solvent extraction, ultrasonic and microwave-assisted techniques, and advancements in nanotechnology and biotechnological approaches, are highlighted as trends driving the industry towards greater sustainability and efficiency. The clean label movement also reflects a consumer-driven shift towards natural, minimally processed ingredients, influencing industry practices and regulatory compliance. The future of potato starch extraction holds significant promise, with the integration of sustainable practices and technological innovations to meet evolving market demands and regulatory standards, underscoring the need for continuous research and development in the field.
Assessing students' progress in introductory programming courses is crucial for identifying learning gaps and improving teaching methods. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Moodle-based tests with randomized questions in monitoring student progress in C programming courses at J. Selye University during the 2023/24 academic year. A series of ten tests were administered across two courses, covering essential programming topics such as data types, variables, conditional statements, loops, two-and three-dimensional arrays, recursion, and sorting algorithms. The results revealed significant variations in student performance, with recursion and the pretest/posttest loops presenting the greatest challenges. The correlation analysis of test scores showed strong relationships among related topics, confirming the structured progression of the curriculum. These findings suggest that Moodle-based assessments offer valuable insights into students' learning trajectories, enabling educators to adapt their instructional strategies accordingly. Such insights can help optimize introductory programming curricula, enhancing student engagement and understanding.
Over the years, pharmacy has developed from a simple floor stock system to a complex unit dose, I.V. additive, and clinical pharmacy program. This development would have never been possible without the support of the nursing, medical, and administrative staff. The support of obtained slowly by developing services that increase the pharmacist's credibility as a team member concerned with the pediatric and neonate patients. These services include a unit dose program, I.V. additive program, drug information services, and pharmacy medication program. One area in which pharmacist does not obtain a background from generalized training is the area of pediatric dosing. Pediatric pharmacists must learn in clinical practice the proper dosing of the pediatric patient and neonate patient. The dose must be checked periodically. In the premature or newborn infant, the pharmacist must consider the immature renal and hepatic function so that he/she does not overdose initially and then underdose as the infant grows and matures. Neonates are a special group of children, they are less than 30 days, and within this group preterm babies (that means less than 37 weeks). Determining the correct dose for drugs used to treat neonates is a critically vital factor. Prematurity affects kidney and liver function and the proper adjustment of drug doses is crucial [1]. The absence of drug level necessitates the adjustment of drug doses and the presence of qualified oriented dependable pharmacists. Drug doses are not numbers, or decimals used within the therapeutic range. Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) needs a system for the calculation and preparation of drugs [2].
Mediterranean journal of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences
Fragaria nubicola (Hoof. f) Linn. (Rosaceae) is a medicinally important plant commonly called Wild strawberry. Traditionally, it has been used to treat different diseases. The study was carried out to compile all the previous data in review form based on its distribution, traditional medicinal uses, pharmacology and phytochemistry
Vesical explosion during transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is an extremely rare, serious and dreadful complication, which should be considered as a blast injury requiring urgent exploratory laparotomy and repair. Until 2019, only 38 cases have been reportedin the International English literature. The underlying mechanism for this rare intravesical explosion is the generation and trapping of explosive gases under the dome of the bladder, which eventually detonates by sparks from the cutting electrode during TURP. Herein, we repor0low-up. Although uncommon, vesical explosion during TURP may occur and some preventive measures, discussed here, can be carried out to avoid this dreadful complication. In addition to the discussion of its mechanism, we will discuss the preventive measures of this dreadful event. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a vesical explosion reported in our department.
For utilization of a certain biomass it is necessary to know its chemical composition. The present study is qualitative crude chemical analyses of nutritional value (crude compounds) such as acidity, starch, carohydrates, iron and calcium etc. from stem extracts of Tinospora cardifolia, Centella asiatica, Clerodendrum inerme and leaf extract of Ocimum sanctum, Lawsonia inermis and Piper nigrum were conducted and also separate the pigments by TLC methods. The results revealed that Tinospora cardifolia, biomolecules like starch and carbohydrates were present and elements like iron and calcium were absent. In Centella asiatica indicated the absence of biomolecules like starch and carbohydrates and only one molecules, i.e., calcium is present and iron is absent. Similarly, in Clerodendrum inerme, biomolecules like starch were absent and carbohydrates were present. Both the elements iron and calcium were absent in Clerodendrum plant extracts. In Ocimum sanctum, starch is absent carbohydrates are present, iron and calcium are absent. In Lawsonia inermis, the results are similar to Ocimum sp. i.e., only carbohydrates are present remaining starch, iron and calcium are absent in Ocimum leaf extract. Interestingly, in Piper nigrum, all chemical compounds are totally absent. Related to pigments analysis highest distance travelled pigments are carotenoids (4.3 cm) in O. sanctum and highest numbers of pigments were founded in C. inerme with six pigments and least number of pigments was recorded in O. sanctum (four) and L. inermis (four). Meanwhile, the highest Rf value recorded in O. sanctum and P. nigrum with 0.97 (chlorophyll a). Among the seven pigments in six species carotenoids, chlorophyll a and xanthophylls are common to all species but chlorophyll b, lutein, anthocyanin and lawsonin are rare to occurs in these six species for example Lawsonin occur only in P. nigrum.
Objective: Pyrazolopyrimidines are heterocyclic molecules containing nitrogen as the main composition, and hence, they exhibit pharmacological efficacy. They are analogs of purines so that possessing wide applications in the field of medicinal chemistry. The main objective of this study is to synthesize different derivatives of pyrazole-pyrimidine classes by adopting simple methodology as well as by employing green chemistry. The purpose of the synthesis of these molecules is to study the antitumor activity against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell lines. Methods: After literature studies, it makes us to involve in the research of synthetic organic chemistry, especially to synthesize new compounds of pyrazolopyrimidines. We are reported solvent-free synthesis of pyrazolo [3,4-d]-pyrimidine-thiones through ethyl acetoacetate, hydrazine hydrate, thiourea, and different benzaldehydes. An ionic liquid 2-methyl-imidazolium-oxalate catalyzed the reactions under ultrasonication bath. Both conventional and ultrasonic methods were employed and comparison studies have been made. It was found that ultrasonic method completed the reaction quicker than the conventional method. All the synthesized compounds were confirmed their structures by 1 HNMR, Fourier transform infrared, 13C-NMR, and elemental analysis spectra. The compounds were tested for in vitro anticancer activity against EAC cell lines. Most compounds revealed significant anticancer activity relative to doxorubicin as a positive control with inhibitory concentration (IC50) values. Results: Ultrasonication method is a simple method under which all the reactions were completed at faster time (<7 min) compared to the convention method. Among eight molecules, 8a and 8d completed the reactions at a faster rate. We reported IC50 values of all the molecules, in which 8e and 8g were exhibited excellent potency against EAC cell lines at different concentrations .
Frequent power outages arising from poor state of electricity infrastructure is hindering Nigeria’s socio-economic growth. Port Harcourt is one of the foremost cities in Nigeria where business and social activities are becoming rapidly more dependent on electricity. Any power outage, even of the shortest duration, in Port Harcourt City has severe socio-economic impacts and there is no likelihood that the phenomenon would abate even in the nearest future. This research investigated the causes of incessant power outages in Port Harcourt City and suggested remedial measures to reverse the trend. The researcher relied on datacollected from primary sources through personal observations, interviews and discussions with residents of the City and from secondary sources such as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and current scholarly literature relating to this research, over a period of twelve months. The study used a descriptive and the non-parametric simple percentages technique in analysing the data so collected and in drawing conclusions. It was found that inadequate power generating capacity, shortage of gas, weak and dilapidated electrical transmission and distribution network, inadequate power infrastructure facilities, etc. are the chief causes of incessant power outages in the Port Harcourt metropolis. The paper recommends, among others, immediate upgrade of existing power infrastructure facilities, review of government policy on domestic gas supply and stiff statutory legislation on vandalism as measures to stabilise electricity supply in the Port Harcourt city.