Quality Assessment Research Articles

A Framework for Cleaning Streaming Data in Healthcare: A Context and User-Supported Approach

Nowadays, ubiquitous technology makes life easier, especially devices that use the internet (IoT). IoT devices have been used to generate data in various domains, including healthcare, industry, and education. However, there are often problems with this generated data such as missing values, duplication, and data errors, which can significantly affect data analysis results and lead to inaccurate decision making. Enhancing the quality of real-time data streams has become a challenging task as it is crucial for better decisions. In this paper, we propose a framework to improve the quality of a real-time data stream by considering different aspects, including context-awareness. The proposed framework tackles several issues in the data stream, including duplicated data, missing values, and outliers to improve data quality. The proposed framework also provides recommendations on appropriate data cleaning techniques to the user to help improve data quality in real time. Also, the data quality assessment is included in the proposed framework to provide insight to the user about the data stream quality for better decisions. We present a prototype to examine the concept of the proposed framework. We use a dataset that is collected in healthcare and process these data using a case study. The effectiveness of the proposed framework is verified by the ability to detect and repair stream data quality issues in selected context and to provide a recommended context and data cleaning techniques to the expert for better decision making in providing healthcare advice to the patient. We evaluate our proposed framework by comparing the proposed framework against previous works.

Mind-body practices for people living with dementia and their family carers: a systematic review.

People with dementia and their family carers may benefit from non-pharmacological interventions, including mind-body (MB-) practices, which can improve physical and mental health by inducing relaxation. This systematic review provides an overview of availability and effects of MB-practices. The authors performed a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Emcare, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Academic Search Premier on February 1, 2024. Research papers on MB-practices for people with dementia and/or their family carers in English, Chinese, Japanese, German, French and Dutch were included if a full text was available. Selection of included articles, data extraction and methodological quality assessments were conducted by two researchers. Of the 130 included studies, 100 (77 %) were of high quality. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and touch interventions for people with dementia, and meditations for family carers resulted in improvements in respectively cognition and neuropsychiatric symptoms, and mental health. Lack of evidence for other MB-practices is related to small numbers of studies, fragmented use of outcome measures and mixed findings. MB-practices showed promising results. We recommend implementation and further research of TCM- and touch interventions for people with dementia as well as meditations for family carers. We suggest a cross-over of the promising results of one group to be studied in the other group.

Evaluating the quality of radiomics-based studies for endometrial cancer using RQS and METRICS tools.

To assess the methodological quality of radiomics-based models in endometrial cancer using the radiomics quality score (RQS) and METhodological radiomICs score (METRICS). We systematically reviewed studies published by October 30th, 2023. Inclusion criteria were original radiomics studies on endometrial cancer using CT, MRI, PET, or ultrasound. Articles underwent a quality assessment by novice and expert radiologists using RQS and METRICS. The inter-rater reliability for RQS and METRICS among radiologists with varying expertise was determined. Subgroup analyses were performed to assess whether scores varied according to study topic, imaging technique, publication year, and journal quartile. Sixty-eight studies were analysed, with a median RQS of 11 (IQR, 9-14) and METRICS score of 67.6% (IQR, 58.8-76.0); two different articles reached maximum RQS of 19 and METRICS of 90.7%, respectively. Most studies utilised MRI (82.3%) and machine learning methods (88.2%). Characterisation and recurrence risk stratification were the most explored outcomes, featured in 35.3% and 19.1% of articles, respectively. High inter-rater reliability was observed for both RQS (ICC: 0.897; 95% CI: 0.821, 0.946) and METRICS (ICC: 0.959; 95% CI: 0.928, 0.979). Methodological limitations such as lack of external validation suggest areas for improvement. At subgroup analyses, no statistically significant difference was noted. Whilst using RQS, the quality of endometrial cancer radiomics research was apparently unsatisfactory, METRICS depicts a good overall quality. Our study highlights the need for strict compliance with quality metrics. Adhering to these quality measures can increase the consistency of radiomics towards clinical application in the pre-operative management of endometrial cancer. Both the RQS and METRICS can function as instrumental tools for identifying different methodological deficiencies in endometrial cancer radiomics research. However, METRICS also reflected a focus on the practical applicability and clarity of documentation. The topic of radiomics currently lacks standardisation, limiting clinical implementation. METRICS scores were generally higher than the RQS, reflecting differences in the development process and methodological content. A positive trend in METRICS score may suggest growing attention to methodological aspects in radiomics research.

Diagnostic accuracy of deep learning using speech samples in depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aims to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of deep learning (DL) using speech samples in depression. This review included studies reporting diagnostic results of DL algorithms in depression using speech data, published from inception to January 31, 2024, on PubMed, Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus, IEEE, and Web of Science databases. Pooled accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were obtained by random-effect models. The diagnostic Precision Study Quality Assessment Tool (QUADAS-2) was used to assess the risk of bias. A total of 25 studies met the inclusion criteria and 8 of them were used in the meta-analysis. The pooled estimates of accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity for depression detection models were 0.87 (95% CI, 0.81-0.93), 0.85 (95% CI, 0.78-0.91), and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.71-0.94), respectively. When stratified by model structure, the highest pooled diagnostic accuracy was 0.89 (95% CI, 0.81-0.97) in the handcrafted group. To our knowledge, our study is the first meta-analysis on the diagnostic performance of DL for depression detection from speech samples. All studies included in the meta-analysis used convolutional neural network (CNN) models, posing problems in deciphering the performance of other DL algorithms. The handcrafted model performed better than the end-to-end model in speech depression detection. The application of DL in speech provided a useful tool for depression detection. CNN models with handcrafted acoustic features could help to improve the diagnostic performance. The study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023423603).

Digital Biomarkers for the Assessment of Non-Cognitive Symptoms in Patients with Dementia with Lewy Bodies: A Systematic Review.

Portable digital health technologies (DHTs) could help evaluate non-cognitive symptoms, but evidence to support their use in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is uncertain. 1) To describe portable or wearable DHTs used to obtain digital biomarkers in patients with DLB, 2) to assess the digital biomarkers' ability to evaluate non-cognitive symptoms, and 3) to assess the feasibility of applying digital biomarkers in patients with DLB. We systematically searched databases MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science from inception through February 28, 2023. Studies assessing digital biomarkers obtained by portable or wearable DHTs and related to non-cognitive symptoms were eligible if including patients with DLB. The quality of studies was assessed using a modified check list based on the NIH Quality assessment tool for Observational Cohort and Cross-sectional Studies. A narrative synthesis of data was carried out. We screened 4,295 records and included 20 studies. Seventeen different DHTs were identified for assessment of most non-cognitive symptoms related to DLB. No thorough validation of digital biomarkers for measurement of non-cognitive symptoms in DLB was reported. Studies did not report on aspects of feasibility in a systematic way. Knowledge about feasibility and validity of individual digital biomarkers remains extremely limited. Study heterogeneity is a barrier for establishing a broad evidence base for application of digital biomarkers in DLB. Researchers should conform to recommended standards for systematic evaluation of digital biomarkers.

The Study of Combination of Biodegradable Packaging and Biocoating with Lactic Acid Bacteria as a Green Alternative for Traditional Packaging in Gouda Cheese

Biodegradable packaging, both alone and in combination with acid whey protein coatings, has been used to pack fresh Gouda cheese to improve preservation prior ripening or storage. This study involved three key components: (i) the selection of biodegradable packaging (BP), (ii) the development of a plain liquid acid whey protein concentrate, pectin-based edible coating (BP + Ch + Coating), and (iii) the incorporation of at least 6 log10 CFU (colony forming units) mL−1 Lacticaseibacillus paracasei (BP + Ch + Coating + Lp) and Lactobacillus helveticus (BP + Ch + Coating + Lh) strains. The created compositions were compared with cheese packed in conventional polyethylene (PE) packaging to evaluate their overall synergy effect in reducing microbiological spoilage and influencing chemical parameters in Gouda cheese during 45 days of ripening and cold storage. The evaluation included microbiological analysis (total LAB, Enterobacteriaceae spp., and fungi CFU) and quality assessment of pH, moisture content, water activity, texture, and colour (CEI system) during ripening and shelf life. Although biodegradable packaging (BP) alone did not protect the cheese effectively compared to conventional packaging (EVA/PE/EPC/PVDC), the combination of biodegradable packaging with a coating (BP + Ch + Coating) showed protective properties against Enterobacteriaceae spp. and mould, maintaining moisture, pH, and colour during ripening and storage. Incorporation of L. helveticus (BP + Ch + Coating + Lh) into the coating efficiently decreased the growth of fungi.

Reliability of the evidence to guide decision-making in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease with acupuncture: protocol for an overview of systematic reviews

BackgroundGrowing numbers of randomized clinical trials-based systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs) have been conducted to examine the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). An overview of SRs/MAs will be conducted with the aim of systematically compiling, evaluating, and synthesizing the evidence regarding acupuncture for GERD.MethodsSRs/MAs of acupuncture on GERD will be searched in eight databases. Two independent reviewers will conduct the literature search, data extraction, and review quality assessment. Utilizing the AMSTAR-2 tool, PRISMA checklists, and GRADE system, respectively, the methodological quality, reporting quality, and evidence quality will be evaluated. In relation to the subject and the overview’s objects, the results will be given. This study will aid in identifying gaps between evidence and its clinical application and serve as a roadmap for further high-quality research.DiscussionThe results of the overview will aid in closing the gap between clinical evidence and its use in clinical practice. This study will identify significant faults in the use of evidence, point out areas where methodology needs to be improved, and provide guidance for future high-quality research.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO CRD42022371850.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not necessary because no personal information about individuals is collected. A peer-reviewed journal or pertinent conferences will publish the results, whichever comes first.

Youth-friendly health service in Ethiopia: Assessment of care friendliness and user's satisfaction.

Health facilities' level of readiness to provide adolescent and youth-friendly health services (AYFHS) is crucial for preventing and reducing teenage pregnancies and maternal mortality. This study examined friendliness and satisfaction with AYFHS among users. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 419 adolescents and youths recruited from six health institutions in the East Shewa Zone, Oromia region, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from August 1 to October 28, 2022. Based on the WHO Quality Assessment Guidebook, the friendliness of AYFHS was evaluated as a proxy for the quality of care. Descriptive measures were computed to summarize the participants' socio-demographic characteristics. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the potential association between each independent variable and client satisfaction. The type, magnitude, and precision of association were presented using an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) and a p-value of < 0.05 ascertained statistical significance. The overall friendliness was 69%: Specifically, 82% of the participants stated the service was accessible, 72% said it was acceptable, and 90% thought it was effective. However, only 33% and 34% of respondents reported the services were equitable and appropriate respectively. The overall satisfaction with AYFHS was 25.3%. Increased age (AOR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.57-0.86), being female (AOR = 0.11, 95%CI: 0.04-0.33), no prior information about AYFHS (AOR = 0.20, 95%CI: 0.10-0.44), and higher number of sexual partners (AOR = 0.3, 95%CI: 0.21-0.65) were factors statistically associated with client satisfaction with AYFHS. The overall quality of AYFHS was sub-optimal and did not meet the four components of WHO's good quality standards; equity, appropriateness, acceptability, and accessibility must be improved. Female and older adolescents and youths and those with a higher number of sexual partners should be targeted for intervention.

Applying Spectroscopies, Imaging Analyses, and Other Non-Destructive Techniques to Olives and Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A Systematic Review of Current Knowledge and Future Applications

Given its huge economic, nutritional, and social value, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is an essential food. This flagship product of the countries bordering the Mediterranean basin is one of the most frauded products worldwide. Although traditional chemical analyses have demonstrated to be reliable tools for olive drupes and EVOO quality assessment, they present several drawbacks; the urgent need for fast and non-destructive techniques thus motivated this review. Given the lack of comprehensive reviews in the literature, our first aim was to summarize the current knowledge regarding applying spectroscopies, imaging analyses, and other non-destructive techniques to olives and EVOO. The second aim was to highlight the most innovative and futuristic applications and outline the future research prospects within this strategic production chain. With respect to olive drupes, the most interesting results were obtained using RGB imaging and NIR spectroscopy, particularly using portable NIR devices and specific digital cameras for in-field or in-mill monitoring. Nevertheless, it is important to highlight that RGB imaging and NIR spectroscopy need to be integrated with flesh hardness measurements, given the higher reliability of this parameter compared to olive skin color. Finally, with respect to EVOO, although several useful applications of visible imagining, UV–Visible, NIR, and Mid-Infrared spectroscopies have been found, the online monitoring of EVOO quality using NIR spectroscopy strikes us as being the most interesting technique for improving the EVOO production chain in the near future.

Clinical management protocols for community pharmacist-led management of urinary tract infections: a review of the grey literature and quality appraisal.

Pharmacist-led management of urinary tract infections has been introduced as a service in the United Kingdom, Canada, United States of America, New Zealand, and Australia. The management of acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections by community pharmacists has gained increasing attention as a potential avenue to alleviate the burden on primary healthcare services. The objectives of the review were to: (1) identify protocols for community pharmacist management of acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16-65years; (2) outline their key components; and (3) appraise the quality of protocols. A grey literature search was undertaken for protocols intended for use by community pharmacists for the management of acute uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women aged 16-65years, met the definition of a clinical management protocol and written in English. Their quality was appraised using the Appraisal Guidelines for Research and Evaluation version II instrument. Forty of the 274 records screened were included.Content analysis identified ten key components: common signs/symptoms, differential diagnosis, red flags/referral, choice of empirical antibiotic therapy, nonprescription medications, nonpharmacological/self-care advice, patient eligibility criteria, patient follow-up, dipstick testing recommendations, and recommendations onantimicrobial resistance. The lowest scoring domains in the quality assessment were 'Editorial Independence' and 'Rigour of Development'. Only four protocols were deemed high-quality. The review demonstrates that clinical management protocols for pharmacist-led management of urinary tract infections consist of similar recommendations, despite variation in international practice. However, the findings highlight a deficiency in the quality of most clinical management protocols governing pharmacist-led urinary tract infection management.

Prevalence of substandard, falsified, unlicensed and unregistered medicine and its associated factors in Africa: a systematic review.

Substandard, falsified, unlicensed, and unregistered medicines pose significant risks to public health in developed and developing countries. This systematic review provides an overview of the prevalence of substandard, falsified, unlicensed, and unregistered medicine and its associated factors in Africa. Articles published from April 2014 to March 2024 were searched in Google Scholar, Science Direct, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase. The search strategy focused on open-access articles published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and studies exclusively conducted in African countries. The quality of the studies was assessed according to the Medicine Quality Assessment Reporting Guidelines (MEDQUARG). This systematic review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Of the 27 studies, 26 had good methodological quality after a quality assessment. Of the 7508 medicine samples, 1639 failed at least one quality test and were confirmed to be substandard/falsified medicines. The overall estimated prevalence of substandard/falsified medicines in Africa was 22.6% (1718/7592). The average prevalence of unregistered medicines was 34.6% (108/312). Antibiotics, antimalarial, and antihypertensive medicines accounted for 44.6% (712/1596), 15.6% (530/3530), 16.3% (249/1530), and 16.3% (249/1530), respectively. Approximately 60.7% (91/150) were antihelmintic and antiprotozoal medicines. Poor market regulatory permission, Free trade zones, poor registration, high demand, and poor importation standards contribute to the prevalence of these problems. Substandard, falsified, and unregistered medicines are highly prevalent in Africa, and attention has not been paid to the problem. Antibiotics, antimalarial, anthelmintic, and antiprotozoal are the most commonly reported substandard, falsified, and unregistered medicines. A consistent supply of high-quality products, enhancement of registration, market regulatory permission, and importation standards are essential to counter the problems in Africa. Preventing these problems is the primary duty of every responsible nation to save lives.

A cross-sectional analysis of the content and quality of presurgical infant orthopedics videos on YouTube.

Caregivers seeking additional information about Presurgical Infant Orthopedics (PSIO) may turn to online sources, but the quality of information on platforms like YouTube is uncertain. To investigate the content and quality of PSIO videos on YouTube. YouTube videos were searched using keywords related to PSIO appliances. Videos that met the eligibility criteria (n=52) were categorized as care provider or caregiver-based. Engagement metrics were analyzed and quality assessments were performed by two raters using the Global Quality Score (GQS), Video Information and Quality Index (VIQI), and Medical Quality Video Evaluation Tool (MQ-VET). Inter-rater and intra-rater correlations were high (r≥0.9; p<0.01), indicating excellent reliability. Strong correlations were observed between the GQS, VIQI, and MQ-VET scores (r: 0.86-0.91; p<0.01). Mean GQS (2.7±1.1), VIQI (13.0±4.1), and MQ-VET (42.6±12.4) scores indicated poor to moderate video quality. Most videos (73.1%) were in the care provider category and rated significantly higher (p<0.05) in quality than the caregiver category for all three indices, but not for video engagement metrics. YouTube PSIO videos are not comprehensive and lack quality. Caregivers of infants undertaking PSIO should seek advice from care providers and not rely solely on YouTube videos.

Assessment of Soil Structural Quality Under Area Closure and Open Grazing Land in Hidabu Abote District, North Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Assessment of Soil Structural Quality Under Area Closure and Open Grazing Land in Hidabu Abote District, North Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

Assessment of image quality and diagnostic accuracy for cervical spondylosis using T2w-STIR sequence with a deep learning-based reconstruction approach.

To investigate potential of enhancing image quality, maintaining interobserver consensus, and elevating disease diagnostic efficacy through the implementation of deep learning-based reconstruction (DLR) processing in 3.0T cervical spine fast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, compared with conventional images. The 3.0T cervical spine MRI images of 71 volunteers were categorized into two groups: sagittal T2-weighted short T1 inversion recovery without DLR (Sag T2w-STIR) and with DLR (Sag T2w-STIR-DLR). The assessment covered artifacts, perceptual signal-to-noise ratio, clearness of tissue interfaces, fat suppression, overall image quality, and the delineation of spinal cord, vertebrae, discs, dopamine, and joints. Spanning canal stenosis, neural foraminal stenosis, herniated discs, annular fissures, hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum or vertebral facet joints, and intervertebral disc degeneration were evaluated by three impartial readers. Sag T2w-STIR-DLR images exhibited markedly superior performance across quality indicators (median = 4 or 5) compared to Sag T2w-STIR sequences (median = 3 or 4) (p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two sequences in terms of diagnosis and grading (p > 0.05). The interobserver agreement for Sag T2w-STIR-DLR images (0.604-0.931) was higher than the other (0.545-0.853), Sag T2w-STIR-DLR (0.747-1.000) demonstrated increased concordance between reader 1 and reader 3 in comparison to Sag T2w-STIR (0.508-1.000). Acquisition time diminished from 364 to 197s through the DLR scheme. Our investigation establishes that 3.0T fast MRI images subjected to DLR processing present heightened image quality, bolstered diagnostic performance, and reduced scanning durations for cervical spine MRI compared with conventional sequences.

Evolution and prediction of rural ecological environment quality in eastern coastal area of China

Introduction: Rural ecological environment construction, as a pivotal component of the rural revitalization strategy and ecological civilization construction strategy, plays an indispensable role in promoting sustainable agricultural development and safeguarding ecological security. An accurate assessment and prediction of Rural Ecological Environment Quality (REEQ) serves as the theoretical basis to achieving these goals, and provide scientific guidance for future rural ecological environment construction and planning. The field of regional ecology, proposed in the mid-20th century, represents an emerging interdisciplinary domain that integrates ecology, geography, and economics. It plays a pivotal role in addressing large-scale ecological challenges and fostering social sustainability. As global urbanization continues to advance, urban ecological environments undergo significant transformations under the pressures of intense human activities. Scholars have increasingly focused on the essence, evolutionary patterns, and causal mechanisms shaping urban ecological environment quality. Consequently, ecological environment assessments have evolved from singular pollution evaluations to comprehensive ecological appraisals. However, coastal rural area with complex geographical conditions and fragile ecological environments are often neglected and marginalized. Currently, there are few specialized evaluation systems for REEQ, making it difficult to accurately reveal the evolution pattern of rural ecological environment. This weakens its guidance on practical rural ecological environment governance and restoration.Methods: The Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model can simplify the identification process of driving factors for REEQ, reflect the feedback mechanism between indicators, and is conducive to scientific and accurate evaluation of REEQ. Therefore, we constructed an evaluation index system for REEQ based on the PSR. We measured REEQ in the eastern coastal area of China, analyzed its spatiotemporal characteristics and development trends, and used the obstacle degree model to identify obstacle factors. It is beneficial for rural areas to grasp the evolution laws of REEQ, provide theoretical basis for the formulation of sustainable development policies, and provide scientific policy recommendations.Results: Our findings indicate that: 1) From 2000 to 2020, REEQ in the eastern coastal area of China has continuously improved, with the index value increasing from 0.454 to 0.525, a total growth of 15.64%. The number of high-level REEQ areas increased from 0 to 29, showing a positive development trend. 2) High-density areas of REEQ in the eastern coastal area of China are concentrated in the northern parts of Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces. The center of REEQ has shifted from the southwest to the northeast. 3) The obstacle degrees of various criteria layers in REEQ are relatively stable, with the response subsystem being the highest, followed by the state and pressure subsystems. Forest coverage, per capita grain production, effective irrigation rate of farmland, afforestation area in the current year, per capita disposable income of rural residents, and per capita mechanical power of farmers are the main obstacle indicators. 4) From 2020 to 2035, REEQ in the eastern coastal area of China will continue to improve. The standard deviation ellipse will move towards the northwest, the center will shift from the southwest to the northeast, the rotation angle will slowly decrease, showing a northwestward trend.

Quality of life of patients with asthma: the effects of overweight, obesity and multimorbidity

BACKGROUND: Despite significant progress in the search for treatable additional features affecting multicomponent control of bronchial asthma, there is currently a paucity of research studies with a comprehensive assessment of the impact of obesity and multimorbidity on quality of life in patients with bronchial asthma. AIM: To assess the effect of personalizing features (obesity and multimorbidity) on the quality of life of patients with different levels of asthma control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with asthma (n = 237) were divided into 3 groups depending on BMI. Multimorbid pathology was analyzed by Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS), asthma control — Asthma Control Questionnaire-5 (ACQ-5), quality of life — Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire with Standardized Activities [AQLQ(S)], anxiety and depression — Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Statistical analysis: Microsoft Excel, Statistica 12.0, Statgraphics XVIII. RESULTS: Patients with obesity and asthma had more comorbidities (p 0.05). Quality of life in patients with high and normal body weight depended on the level of control and the number of diseases (p 0.05), with getting worse disease control these differences became insignificant. In the group with obesity, activity limitation (p = 0.0150) and overall quality of life (p 0.005) increased significantly with increasing number of diseases. Anxiety levels increased with increasing number of illnesses (p 0.0001). Quality of life of patients according to AQLQ(S) has inverse correlation with BMI (r = −0.5135), age (r = −0.2034) with CIRS scores (r = −0.4905) with anxiety (r = −0.5078) and depression (r = −0.4820) level. CONCLUSIONS: Body weight, level of asthma control, depression and anxiety, and the number of comorbid multimorbid conditions affect the quality of life of patients with asthma. Obesity makes a significant negative contribution to worsening asthma control and patients’ quality of life, in this group patients have the highest level of multimorbidity and they have a prevalence of anxiety. To improve asthma control, patients need a complex examination including assessment of quality of life, depression and anxiety, and comorbidities in order to develop personalization of therapeutic approaches to patient management.

Production and Quality Assessment of Plant-based Yoghurt from Coconut Milk Fortified with Date Syrup

Aim: To evaluate the physicochemical, microbial, sensory attributes and storage stability of coconut yoghurt fortified with date syrup. Methodology: Yoghurt was prepared from coconut milk and date syrup. Five samples were formulated as follows: T0 (100% cow milk), T1 (100% coconut milk), T2 (85% coconut milk, 15% date syrup), T3 (80% coconut milk, 20% date syrup), T4 (75% coconut milk, 25% date syrup) and T5 (70% coconut milk, 30% date syrup) The yoghurt samples were subjected to physicochemical and microbial analysis using standard methods. The sensory attributes assessed were appearance, aroma, taste, consistency and overall acceptability. The pH, titratable acidity and viscosity were evaluated during 4 weeks of storage at refrigerated condition (4- 6o c). Results: From the result, pH, titratable acidity, viscosity, and total solid ranged from 4.50 - 4.41%, 0.82 – 0.94%, 12.0 -72.40 cP and 11.64 – 18.81% respectively. These parameters increased significantly (p&lt;0.05) with increase in the proportion of date syrup. The result showed a significant increase in ash, protein, carbohydrate, and fiber with a corresponding decrease in fat and moisture content as the proportion of date syrup increased. The total bacterial count ranged from 6.95 - 8.20cfu/ml, with Yeast, molds and coliforms undetected. The produced yoghurt samples all have quality attributes of animal milk yoghurt and better storage stability. Conclusion: Therefore, production of commercial yoghurt using plant-based milk (coconut milk) blended with nutritiously rich sweeteners like date fruit is encouraged.

Water Quality Assessment and Hydrochemical Characterization of Zamzam Groundwater, Saudi Arabia

Water Quality Assessment and Hydrochemical Characterization of Zamzam Groundwater, Saudi Arabia

Developing Students' Critical Thinking: Examining the Influence of Learning Management Approaches Through Meta-Analysis and Propensity Score Matching

Critical thinking is a skill that enables individuals to keep pace with changes and enhances crucial competencies for contemporary competitiveness. Many researchers have studied learning management approaches to develop students' critical thinking, resulting in a substantial body of knowledge but lacking clear systematic summaries. The researchers aimed to (a) examine the effect sizes and research characteristics influencing students' critical thinking, and (b) compare the effect sizes of learning management approaches after adjusting with propensity score matching from 108 graduate research published between 2002 and 2021. Data were collected using research characteristics recording forms and research quality assessment questionnaires. Effect sizes were calculated using Glass's method and analyzed through random effect, fixed effect, and regression meta-analysis. Findings revealed that (a) research on developing learning management approaches influences students' critical thinking at a high level (d ̅ = 1.669), with nine research characteristics, including the field of publication, courses, total duration, teacher learning process, learning media, measurement and evaluation, research design, research statistics, and research quality, statistically significantly influencing students' critical thinking, and (b) after adjustment, inquiry-based learning significantly influences students' critical thinking. Recommendations for developing students' critical thinking include learning activities that encourage problem exploration, expanding thinking through collaborative analysis, and applying diverse media and activity sheets tailored to context suitability.

Genomic representativeness and chimerism in large collections of SAGs and MAGs of marine prokaryoplankton

BackgroundSingle amplified genomes (SAGs) and metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) are the predominant sources of information about the coding potential of uncultured microbial lineages, but their strengths and limitations remain poorly understood. Here, we performed a direct comparison of two previously published collections of thousands of SAGs and MAGs obtained from the same, global environment.ResultsWe found that SAGs were less prone to chimerism and more accurately reflected the relative abundance and the pangenome content of microbial lineages inhabiting the epipelagic of the tropical and subtropical ocean, as compared to MAGs. SAGs were also better suited to link genome information with taxa discovered through 16S rRNA amplicon analyses. Meanwhile, MAGs had the advantage of more readily recovering genomes of rare lineages.ConclusionsOur analyses revealed the relative strengths and weaknesses of the two most commonly used genome recovery approaches in environmental microbiology. These considerations, as well as the need for better tools for genome quality assessment, should be taken into account when designing studies and interpreting data that involve SAGs or MAGs.A1oHXULkGPU_ztj4sy3hbdVideo