Aspects Of Life Research Articles

Mulberry's healing Touch: Exploring ethnobotanical roots and medicinal potentials in the treatment of atopic dermatitis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMorus alba L., mulberry, has played a significant role in providing food, medicine, and materials throughout human history. From its historical importance to its diverse cultural uses, mulberry remains a versatile and valuable resource, enriching various aspects of human life across civilizations. Mulberry exhibits ethnopharmacological applications for treating various ailments including atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema.Aim of the study: The objective of the study was extracting the putative active substances from white mulberry, evaluating potential of the extract in treating and reducing reliance on chemical medications by providing a chemical composition of the extract along with effect of extracts on eczema symptoms. Materials and methodsFor testing the impact of mulberry extract on relieving eczema symptoms, white mulberry fruit extracts were prepared by butanol extraction. Water-in-oil (W/O) emulsification was used to prepare ointment. Analysis of the mulberry extract was conducted using GC-MS after additional processing of extracts. Clinical trials on 110 individuals, divided into patient-treatment, normal-treatment, and patient-placebo groups, involved applying the ointment containing 0.5% mulberry fruit extract for 4–6 weeks, with blood sample analysis before and after the trial. Blood samples were analyzed for various parameters including Granzyme B, Vit. E, TC, TG, HDL, and LDL levels. The antibacterial activity of the extract against Staphylococcus aureus was determined using involve growth curve analysis and inhibition of colony formation on LB plates. Morus alba L. name was checked from “World Flora Online” (www.worldfloraonline.org) and MPNS (mpns.kew.org) ResultsWe monitored a noticeable enhancement in the skin ulceration after the treatment. In addition, Granzyme B, Vitamin E, TC, TG, HDL, and LDL levels were improved in the patient-treatment group closer to healthy levels, indicating potential therapeutic benefits of Morus alba extract. The extract's efficacy was also tested on S. aureus, a bacterium commonly associated with eczema. Results showed that extract obtained from white mulberry fruits has an inhibitory impact on S. aureus growth. ConclusionsThe findings suggest that Morus alba extract holds promise as a therapeutic intervention for atopic dermatitis, demonstrating significant improvements in key biomarkers towards levels observed in healthy individuals.

Cytotoxic effect of polystyrene nanoplastics in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and normal rat kidney cells (NRK52E)

Plastics play a crucial role in nearly each aspect of societal production and everyday life, therefore making them one of the most widespread pollutants on a global scale. Because synthetic plastics are not entirely biodegradable, they often remain in the environment and fragment into micro- and nanoplastic particles. The detrimental impacts of nanoplastics on the environment and human health have received substantial worldwide interest in recent years. However, the effects of nanoplastics on human health have not yet been fully explored. Our study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on two distinct mammalian cell lines: normal rat kidney cells (NRK52E) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Results showed that polystyrene nanoplastics generate cytotoxicity in both NRK52E and HUVECs in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Additionally, polystyrene nanoplastics induced pro-oxidant levels (e.g., reactive oxygen species and hydrogen peroxide) and reduced antioxidants (glutathione content and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activity) in both types of cells. We also found that polystyrene nanoplastics cause apoptosis in both NRK52E and HUVECs, as shown by the activation of the caspase-3 enzyme and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential. Interestingly, it was noticed that the vulnerability of HUVECs cells against polystyrene nanoplastics was a little higher than that of NRK52E cells. Also, the cell toxicity caused by polystyrene nanoplastics in NRK52E and HUVECs was effectively alleviated by co-exposure to a reactive oxygen species inhibitor, N-acetyl-cysteine. This suggests that oxidative stress might be one of the pathways that polystyrene nanoplastics cause cell toxicity. The present work warrants future study to explore the toxicity mechanisms of polystyrene nanoplastics in appropriate in vivo models.

The influence of the Avar Khanate on the ethno-political situation in South-Eastern Europe

This article provides an in-depth examination of the ethno-political impact of the Avar Khanate in Southeast Europe from the 7th to the 10th centuries. The Avars, through their military prowess and strategic settlement practices, brought about significant changes in the political and cultural landscape of the region. Their influence extended beyond warfare, as they played a crucial role in reshaping the ethnic composition and political equilibrium of Southeast Europe. The article delves into various aspects of Avar life, including their war economy, settlements, and agricultural and craft activities, highlighting how these factors influenced neighboring peoples and cultures. The Avars' interactions with the Byzantine Empire and other neighboring entities are also explored, emphasizing their role in shaping the region's long-term historical trajectory. By analyzing these multifaceted influences, the study provides valuable insights into the ethno-political legacy of the Avar Khanate, offering a nuanced understanding of their lasting impact on the region. The research underscores the importance of the Avars in the broader context of Southeast European history, contributing to a deeper comprehension of the historical forces that have shaped the region's development over the centuries. This comprehensive analysis not only enhances our knowledge of the Avar Khanate but also sheds light on the broader ethno-political processes at play during this critical period in Southeast European history.

The Impact Of The Family Support Network On Adherence And Continuity Of Treatment For Women With Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in women in Brazil. If diagnosed and treated early, there is a significant increase in favorable prognoses and chances of cure. However, the stigma of the disease and the difficulties resulting from treatment directly impact all aspects of a woman's life. In this context, the family support network can be an essential factor for treatment adherence and continuity. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the family support network on treatment adherence in women diagnosed with breast cancer. Materials and Methods: This is an integrative literature review in which the search for articles was conducted in the PubMed and Virtual Health Library (VHL) databases between July and August 2023, using the combination of descriptors "breast neoplasm", "treatment", "treatment adherence", "breast cancer", "family", and "family support". The inclusion criteria were: articles published in the last five years, in Portuguese or English, focusing on women with breast cancer. After several filtering stages, 334 article titles and abstracts were reviewed, of which 24 articles were selected for full reading, and 10 were included in this review. Results: The analysis of the articles indicated that family support plays an essential role in breast cancer treatment adherence, particularly with regard to emotional support, but it also impacts other aspects of the patients' lives. Additionally, the results showed that a lack of adequate communication between patients, family members, and healthcare professionals can hinder coping with the diagnosis and treatment. Family support not only helps to alleviate emotional distress but also influences the continuity of treatment. Conclusion: Further studies are needed to better understand the relationship between the quality of family support and breast cancer treatment adherence.

Effects of biopsychosocial approach on cognition among Parkinson's population.

Cognitive decline is a debilitating symptom in Parkinson's disease (PD). Cognitive impairment in PD has a significant impact on many aspects of an individual's life, social interactions, and overall quality of life (QOL). It is also associated with a faster disease progression and an increased risk of developing dementia. A biopsychosocial approach is likely to address not only the underlying biological mechanisms of cognitive impairment in PD but also the psychological and social factors that can contribute to cognitive decline and influence treatment outcomes. This experimental study was conducted on 60 older adults with PD at Saveetha medical college and hospital. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into two groups of Biopsychosocial (n=30) and conventional (n=30). Participants in the intervention group received the multiple interventions based on the biopsychosocial approach with a duration of 60min per session. Pre and post-test evaluation conducted using Scales for Outcomes in PD-cognition (SCOPA-cog) and Parkinson disease QOL Questionnaire (PDQ-8). The results of the study showed that there is a statistically significant difference in the median scores within the Groups for the outcome measures SCOPA-cog and PDQ-8 (p<0.001). For SCOPA-cog, the BPS group median score increased from 30 to 36, while the Conventional group median score increased from 31 to 33. For PDQ-8, the BPS group median reduced from 27 to 14, compared to the Conventional group's reduced from 30 to 24. On comparison between the post-test values, the biopsychosocial approach group showed more improvement in cognition and QOL with (p<0.001). The findings of this study concluded that the biopsychosocial approach is effective in improving cognition and QOL among the Parkinson population.

Measuring Conditional Anonymity - A Global Study

The realm of digital health is experiencing a global surge, with mobile applications extending their reach into various facets of daily life. From tracking daily eating habits and vital functions to monitoring sleep patterns and even the menstrual cycle, these apps have become ubiquitous in their pursuit of comprehensive health insights. Many of these apps collect sensitive data and promise users to protect their privacy - often through pseudonymization. We analyze the real anonymity that users can expect by this approach and report on our findings. More concretely: We introduce the notion of conditional anonymity sets derived from statistical properties of the population; We measure anonymity sets for two real-world applications and present overarching findings from 39 countries; We develop a graphical tool for people to explore their own anonymity set. One of our case studies is a popular app for tracking the menstruation cycle. Our findings for this app show that, despite their promise to protect privacy, the collected data can be used to identify users up to groups of 5 people in 97% of all the US counties, allowing the de-anonymization of the individuals. Given that the US Supreme Court recently overturned abortion rights, the possibility of determining individuals is a calamity.

APPLICATION OF MACHINE LEARNING TECHNIQUES TO INCREASE THE LEVEL OF ACCURACY OF OPTICAL CHARACTER RECOGNITION RESULTS

One of the most pervasive processes of modernity is undoubtedly digitalization, which has encompassed all key spheres of human life. The development of information technology has contributed to large-scale changes not only in the everyday aspect of life, but also more globally, automating complex business processes in the field of entrepreneurship, economics, and healthcare. The transition to digital data and documentation has provided greater accessibility to necessary information and has also enhanced the efficiency of its analysis and processing. Due to this fact, optical character recognition (OCR) technology has gained significant importance, enabling the identification and extraction of textual data from images. OCR systems play a pivotal role in the digital transformation of society as they eliminate the need for manual handling of textual information in images and are applicable in automating the majority of business processes associated with paper-based data processing, such as gathering statistical data from paper forms, reflecting paper documents in electronic document management systems, converting textual information into audio files, and so on. This paper is dedicated to describing optical character recognition technology, as well as providing an overview of machine learning techniques that are actively used in the context of its modern implementation, in order to enhance the quality of the obtained results. In addition, the paper presents the principles of operation of the described approaches, their capabilities, as well as some limitations that may be encountered when using them in various scenarios.

Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Overactive Bladder Syndrome Treated with Botulinum Toxin

Introduction: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a syndrome of the lower urinary tract characterized by urinary urgency, frequency, and nocturia, with or without urgency urinary incontinence. OAB significantly impacts all aspects of life—social, psychological, physical, professional, domestic, and sexual—for both women and men. The aim of this study was to investigate sexual dysfunction in both women and men with OAB treated with intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox) injections using the Sexual Quality of Life questionnaire in two versions: female (SQoL-F) and male (SQoL-M). Methods: Forty sexually active patients (thirty women and ten men) with idiopathic OAB were recruited. Patients completed the SQoL-F or SQoL-M questionnaire before treatment, and again at 3 and 6 months after treatment with intravesical onabotulinumtoxinA injections. Results: All 40 patients completed the study (30 women and 10 men). There were no statistically significant differences in SQoL results before the procedure or at 3- and 6-months post-treatment. Conclusions: OAB treatment with onabotulinumtoxinA did not significantly affect the quality of sexual life in either women or men. Further research is needed using questionnaires specifically designed to assess the sexual life of patients with OAB, especially in men.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Cancer Dependent Quality of Life (CancerDQoL) Questionnaire: An Individualised Measure of the Impact of Cancer and Its Treatment on Quality of Life.

The Cancer Dependent Quality of Life (CancerDQoL) questionnaire asks about the impact of cancer and its treatment on individuals' quality of life (QoL). This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the CancerDQoL in a UK sample. Patients (n=159) with a range of cancers, recruited from Barts Health NHS Trust and Barts Maggie's Centre, completed self-administered questionnaires: CancerDQoL, EQ-5D-VAS (health status), EORTC-QLQ-C30 (predominantly health symptoms/functioning) and W-BQ16 (well-being). Based on the pre-existing -DQoL template and Item Library (Bradley), the CancerDQoL includes 23 cancer-specific life-domain items and four overview items. Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 22-item, single-factor solution. Internal consistency was excellent (α=0.94). Cancer negatively impacted all life domains: 'feelings about future' had the most negative mean weighted (by importance) impact (WI) score. 'Physical abilities' WI scores were ranked 12th. CancerDQoL Average Weighted Impact (AWI) scores were more strongly correlated with the Cancer-dependent QoL overview item than with the General QoL or General Health overview items. As expected, the EQ-5D-VAS and EORTC-QLQ-C30 correlated together more strongly than with CancerDQoL AWI scores. The CancerDQoL is the first individualised questionnaire measuring the impact of cancer and its treatment on QoL. The CancerDQoL AWI score is related to, but different from, measures of health status/functioning and well-being. Eleven CancerDQoL life-domains were more negatively impacted/important than physical abilities which is a major focus of the EQ-5D and EORTC-QLQ-C30. By revealing aspects of life most impacted by cancer and its treatment, efforts can be prioritised to improve QoL for people with cancer.

SIMBOL MASKULINITAS DALAM ORNAMEN BUDAYA BUGIS DI FILM TARUNG SARUNG: ANTARA TRADISI DAN MODERNITAS

The film Tarung Sarung is a cinematic work that highlights the richness of Bugis culture in Makassar, Indonesia. This film depicts the masculinity of Bugis men through characters and settings that highlight the attributes of courage, strength and honor. The main character in this film is depicted as an ordinary young man from the city who develops over the course of the story into a warrior skilled in martial arts. This research aims to analyze the symbols of masculinity in Bugis cultural ornaments in the film Tarung Sarung and find out the meaning of the symbols of masculinity represented. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach with Charles Sanders Peirce's semiotic analysis method. This research identifies and analyzes the meaning of symbols of masculinity represented in Bugis cultural ornaments in the film Tarung Sarung. The research results show that the symbols of masculinity in the film Tarung Sarung are closely related to the cultural and social values that are highly upheld by the Bugis community. These symbols emphasize the role of men in various aspects of life, from the family to the wider community. Strength, resilience, leadership, authority, wisdom, and discipline are central themes in this representation, showing that masculinity in Bugis culture is closely related to the ability to protect, defend, lead, and maintain cultural values. This research provides several suggestions for developing further studies by exploring the representation of symbols of masculinity in other cultures, combining various analytical methods for a more comprehensive understanding, and examining audience acceptance of representations of masculinity in films.

UNVEILING GENDER FROM INDONESIAN NAMES USING RANDOM FOREST AND LOGISTIC REGRESSION ALGORITHMS

Gender detection can be done in many ways, some of these ways by using image identification such as the process of image identification based on faces or image shapes, on the other hand image identification and detection can also be done based on text or written data. The usefulness of gender identification can be used in various aspects of life, ranging from greetings such as ladies and gentlemen, which will certainly make the person concerned feel more appreciated by the accuracy of the pronunciation of the name. This gender identification and detection process can be done by making class predictions on predetermined gender label classes. Of course, each name in various languages has different characteristics in identifying and representing each gender, as well as Indonesian names that have diversity and unique levels of variation. The purpose of this study is to test the results of the algorithm in classification based on class labels. The application of this detection uses two algorithms, namely Random Forest and Logistic Regression. Both of these algorithms can predict classes with perfect accuracy in 6 experimental data, then the results of 526 experimental data resulted in a final accuracy of 0.94 for logistic regression and 0.93 for random forest. The advantage with a thin difference in this case is in the Logistic Regression algorithm.

The divide between us: internet access among people with and without disabilities in the post-pandemic era

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of internet access across various aspects of life, from remote work and online education to healthcare services and social connections. As we transition to a post-pandemic era, a pressing need arises to update our understanding of the multifaceted nature of internet access. This study is one of the first attempts to do so. Using survey data from New Zealand adult internet users (n = 960), it compares internet connection types, frequency of internet use at home, social media use, and concerns about online risk between people with and without disabilities. Results show people with disabilities have restricted fibre access and higher wireless broadband (a much slower connection type). People with disabilities use social media platforms less and are more concerned about certain online risks. The findings highlight persistent disparities in internet access for people with disabilities in the post-pandemic era. Implications of the study are discussed.

The Impact of Microorganisms on our Environment and our life

Microorganisms, often overlooked due to their microscopic size, play an indispensable role in the functioning of Earth's ecosystems and the health of all living organisms. From the depths of the ocean to the human gut, these tiny entities drive critical processes such as nutrient cycling, disease regulation, and the maintenance of environmental balance. This article delves into the profound influence of microorganisms on our world, exploring their contributions to biogeochemical cycles, their symbiotic relationships with larger organisms, and their impact on global health and disease. Through a closer examination of their diverse roles, we uncover how these unseen powerhouses are not only essential to sustaining life but also offer untapped potential for innovations in medicine, agriculture, and environmental management. The intricate interplay between microorganisms and their environments underscores the importance of preserving microbial diversity in the face of global challenges, highlighting the necessity of a deeper understanding of these life forms that, though small in size, have a monumental impact on our world This abstract encapsulates the core ideas of your article, focusing on the significance of microorganisms in various aspects of life and their potential for future advancements.

The Widely Common Media to Teach English: Does YouTube Affect Students' Speaking Skills? A Systematic Review

The digital age has brought about significant transformation in many aspects of life, including education. On top of that, Siemens and Downes (2020) argued that the current digital era is defined by a concept called connectivism. It suggested that learning is fundamentally a social and networked process. Thus, the theory provided a powerful perspective on how digital platforms such as YouTube have changed the learning space. In this study, the authors aimed to find out the proper answer about the effectiveness of YouTube as the media that is widely used by teachers in improving students’ English speaking skills. This study employed a qualitative systematic review. The authors set the criteria for selecting previous studies using Xiao and Watson’s (2019) framework. The criteria were as follows: (1) published in journals and available in Google Scholar, (2) within the last five years from 2019 – 2023, (3) specifically related to the effectiveness of using YouTube as learning media in EFL classrooms to enhance students’ speaking skills, and (4) original research article and using a quantitative approach. As a whole, this study supported the notion that integrating YouTube into the language classroom can lead to significant improvements in students’ speaking skills, ultimately contributing to their overall language proficiency and motivation.

Social Media Use among University Students Impact on Socialization

The rapid increase in internet usage worldwide has significantly impacted various aspects of life, with social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram becoming integral parts of daily life, especially among younger generations. Social media's influence extends into educational, social, cultural, and political spheres, transforming how individuals interact and communicate. It provides students with tools to engage with peers and educators, potentially enhancing their socialization and educational experiences. This study explored the relationship between using various social media applications, online community participation, information-seeking, and socialization of BS students at public sector universities in Azad Jammu &amp; Kashmir (AJ&amp;K). Using a proportionate random sampling technique, 300 students were selected from three public universities of AJ&amp;K. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire survey that allowed for the systematic gathering of responses, ensuring consistency across the sample. The data was analysed using statistical analysis. The findings revealed no substantial relationship between social media use and socialization among university students in this region. An important implication of the findings of this study might be that contrary to common assumptions, social media might play a minor role in these students’ socialization process. However, caution is needed regarding the generalization of the findings, and further studies using triangulation-based designs need to be conducted to have further insights into this topic.

Reconciliation in palliative care: A concept analysis.

The aim was to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of reconciliation as a concept in palliative care. Terminal illnesses affect almost all aspects of life and being close to death may lead to a need for reconciliation. The end of life is stressful on an existential level for both patients and relatives. It can therefore be of relevance for palliative care nurses to understand the meaning of reconciliation. This study used a design for a literature study in accordance with a hybrid model. A deductive qualitative content analysis of autobiographies about being seriously ill and in a palliative stage in life was used to test the meaning of reconciliation. Ethical aspects concerning the use of autobiographies and the ethical principles of the Helsinki Declaration were considered. The theoretical perspective was the caritative theory of caring. The result showed that for patients in palliative care, reconciliation can be described as a strive for acceptance, to live in a truthful way, to forgive and be forgiven. People wish to create meaning in their existence and reconcile as a whole in body, spirit, and soul. By striving to unite suffering, life, and death as well as a peaceful relationship with relatives, people can achieve reconciliation at the end of life. Reconciliation is something ongoing and can be a force in what has been, what is, and what will be. We conclude that reconciliation is a concept of importance when caring for patients in end-of-life care. However, reconciliation can be expressed in different ways without necessarily using the concept itself. A broader and deeper understanding of the concept facilitates conversations about the meaning of reconciliation in palliative care and can enable patients who strive to achieve reconciliation to be more easily identified and supported.

Unlocking the Potential: Attitudes of Tertiary Level EFL Learners Towards Using AI in Language Learning

In the current era of rapid change in which AI has become inevitable in foreign language education as in many aspects of life, this study, which aims to examine EFL learners’ attitudes towards AI and to analyse its future potential, was conducted with the participation of 772 English preparatory year students studying at A2, B1, and B2 levels in the schools of foreign languages of a state and a private (foundation) university in Türkiye. The data for the study were collected online through an attitude scale (MALL:AI) and an open-ended survey question. Quantitative results revealed that the participants had moderate attitudes towards the use of AI in EFL learning, with no clear tendency towards positive attitudes. While university type and gender were not found to be significant determinants of attitudes, engineering and natural sciences students showed more positive attitudes towards AI in EFL learning than those in the humanities and social sciences. In terms of proficiency level, A2 level participants reflected lower attitudes in the behavioural factor than B1 and B2 levels. Qualitatively, it was found that students had overwhelmingly positive perspectives on the use of AI, shared some negative approaches with reservations, and offered concrete suggestions for the integration of AI into ELT. With its intriguing findings, the present study sheds light on further studies and paves the way for educational administrators and EFL instructors to better make use of AI in language education.

Implementing Technology Leadership Competency Standards for School Leaders: Enhancing Educational Quality in the Digital Age

Technological advancements are profoundly impacting various aspects of life, including education. This study investigates the necessity of Technology Leadership Competency Standards for school leaders to facilitate technology integration in schools. Employing a qualitative approach with basic interpretive methods, the study gathered insights through expert interviews. The findings indicate that Technology Leadership Competency Standards for School Leaders are essential for enhancing educational quality in the digital age, providing structured guidance, and fostering uniformity in technology use across schools. Expert insights reveal that these standards significantly improve leadership skills, support professional development, and create a clear framework for effectively integrating technology into educational practices. Implementing these standards ensures schools are prepared for future technological challenges and fosters ongoing growth and innovation in education.

Factors Analysis Of Digital Transformation Challenges In Alfamart Company

Technological advancements occur continuously without our notice, requiring us to adapt to them in all aspects of life. Most firms now recognize the importance of digital transformation as a strategy for improving services and business efficiency. Alfamart, a minimarket company in Indonesia's retail industry, is facing a technological transformation. Alfamart offers a range of product categories to accommodate diverse family requirements. The acceleration of digital transformation in Indonesia necessitates the application of digital technology as a digital platform that serves as the foundation for the Industry 4.0 ecosystem by including technologies such as IoT, big data, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality. This study uses quantitative and descriptive approaches to identify the characteristics that challenge digital transformation at PT Sumber Alfaria Trijaya, Tbk (Alfamart), particularly in the International Business &amp; Technology division. The research employs two-factor analyses: CFA (Confirmatory Factor Analysis) and EFA (Exploratory Factor Analysis). According to the research results, 4 (four) factors influencing Alfamart's digital transformation, particularly in the International Business &amp; Technology section, shape the company's digital transformation issues. These challenges include IT, digitalization, digital business, and digital skills.

Spirituality in social work – a walk through the “minefield”

The aim of this article is to provoke a discussion among Polish theorists and practitioners about spirituality in social work. It is not just about justifying the necessity of incorporating this aspect into work with clients. More importantly, it highlights the difficulties associated with this issue. Based on selected publications, mainly in English and German, the article discusses the problems arising from equating spirituality with religion/religiosity and including everything related to non-material, elusive, and incomprehensible aspects of human life under the category of spirituality. An important element is also drawing attention to the dangers and abuses that can be associated with both religious and non-religious spirituality. Despite these difficulties, the author maintains that social work practice cannot ignore the positive potential of spirituality in working with clients. During professional training and at every stage of professional practice, social workers should rid themselves of prejudices against religion and spirituality and maintain a healthy distance from radical scientism. This approach will enable them to better meet the needs of their clients.