Litmus Research Articles

Incorporating Indigenous Knowledge into Chemistry Lessons on Acids and Bases:

This study delved into the potential and hurdles involved in integrating indigenous knowledge (IK) into Physical Science lessons among Namibian teachers. Rooted in an interpretive paradigm, it adopted a qualitative case study approach, gathering data through observations and stimulated recall interviews. Socio-cultural theory served as the overarching framework, with Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) used as a lens for data analysis. Specifically, the study employed five knowledge components within the realm of topic-specific pedagogical content knowledge (TSPCK) to scrutinize the data. Two Grade 9 Physical Science teachers were observed teaching concepts on Acids and Bases, with each teacher's two lessons providing qualitative data. Teachers were purposively sampled for inclusion in the study. The findings indicated that teachers possessed local knowledge that could be effectively integrated into Physical Science topics. For example, the topic of acids and bases was identified as conducive to incorporating IK. Both observed teachers utilized local substances to enable learners to practically test them using litmus paper (blue or red). Substances such as Omutoko (wood ash), Oshikundu (a traditional drink made from Mahangu flour and sorghum), Oshimhumu (a shrub used for dental hygiene), and Onghalanyenye (subterranean soil) were tested for their acidic or alkaline properties during Physical Science lessons. Stimulated recall interviews further revealed teachers' awareness of homegrown substances suitable for teaching acids and bases in science lessons.

GARLING WITH A SOLUTION OF ACACIA CARPA HONEY SOLUTION OF 10% CONCENTRATION ON THE DEGREE OF SALIVA ACIDITY AND THE TOTAL PLATE COUNT (TPC) OF THE NORMAL FLORA OF THE ORAL CAVITY IN CHILDREN

Saliva functions as a buffer that can prevent a decrease in pH or an increase in mouth acidity. Alcohol-free mouthwash containing herbs using honey solution which is made from natural ingredients and is safe for children can be used as an appropriate preventive measure to maintain oral hygiene. The normal flora of the oral cavity consists of microorganisms including bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma, protozoa and possibly viruses. The aim of the research was to analyze the effect of gargling with a 10% concentration of Acacia Carpa (Acacia Crassicarpa) honey solution on the degree of saliva acidity and Total Plate Count (TPC) of normal oral flora and Gram bacteria in children aged 8-9 years. Method: True experimental research type, with a group pre-test post-test with control group design. The sampling technique was carried out by simple random sampling of 30 children. The degree of acidity of saliva is measured using litmus paper, bacterial colonies are incubated on Nutrient Agar media for 24 hours and counted. Test the normality of the data using the one sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. Data were analyzed using the Paired T-test if it was normally distributed and the Kruskal Wallis test if it was not normally distributed. Results: The 10% concentration honey gargle group resulted in the average degree of acidity before, namely 7.00, after 6.98, then the average Total Plate Count (TPC) result for normal oral flora, namely before, was 100.47 CFU/ml, whereas after, it was 69.67. CFU/ml. Paired T-Test test results for the 10% honey gargle group Sig. 0.003 (< 0.05), so there is a significant difference between the Total Plate Count (TPC) before and after gargling honey with a concentration of 10%. Conclusion: There is an effect of gargling honey with a concentration of 10% on Total Plate Count of normal oral flora

Law of Ukraine on Palliative Care: to be or not to be

The author has conducted an analysis of the laws on palliative care acting in foreign countries:(Italy, Spain, Germany, Slovakia, France), determined their peculiarities, which areconcordant for a national law, the necessity of which has grown in Ukraine. In particular, thegiven peculiarities include: 1) a value-oriented focus of the laws (quality of life, informed consentetc.); 2) the litmus paper — the confirmation of human dignity, anchored in the internationalstandards; 3) the struggle for life «in the boundaries»; 4) an appropriate pain relief as akey algorithm of medical assistance; 5) the foundations of the law constitute a conceptual-categoricalapparatus.The author has formed a mosaic of the strategy of a special law through the prism of a preambula,the definitive-categorial apparatus and the principles, as well as the author's view ofthe content of the act. The author hallmarked that the structure of the domestic palliativecare law should contain, inter alia: the legal status of palliative patients, the legal representativesof palliative patients, the members of their families, as well as the legal status of medicalemployees, which fulfill the provision of palliative care. The author outlined, that amongthe rights of palliative patients, the following possibilities should be concordant to be included:the refusal from medical interventions, an advance directive, the respect to human dignity,obtaining medical information and the refusal of obtaining it, right to autonomy and voluntaryinformed consent to a medical intervention. The author underlined that the palliativecare law should contain a distinct chapter, dedicated to the peculiarities of providing palliativecare to children, as specific subjects of receiving such care. The author focused the attentionto the fact that distinct chapters would have to regulate the legal status of palliative careproviders and their interaction, and contain the division of powers, since the interdisciplinarityof the sphere would combine two institutions of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine and theMinistry of Social Policy of Ukraine, various institutions and establishments.The author justified the necessity of determining the key definition of the research sphereprecisely as palliative care, without the hospice one.

PENGEMBANGAN PEMBALUT BUNGA TELANG BERBASIS NANOTECHNOLOGY DAN AKURASI DALAM DETEKSI DINI KETUBAN PECAH DINI

The incidence of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) reaches 12.3% of total births throughout the world. Efforts to detect early KPD still face problems, namely the use of litmus paper which is small in size and there are no regulations regarding its use, so a tool is needed that has the same function as litmus paper in detecting amniotic fluid which can be used and used by pregnant women independently. The study aimed to develop nanotechnology-based butterfly pea flower pads in early detection of PROM. The research method used is Quasy Experimental, with purposive sampling technique, using an observation sheet. The sanitary napkin design is designed with a telang flower indicator for PROM detection with a sanitary napkin length of 22 cm and a width of 7 cm. Testing was carried out on 30 pregnant women in Jati District, Blora Regency, at January 20 to February 19, 2024. Statistical analysis uses Anova, Multiple Comparison test and Tukey's Difference Test. The research results obtained accuracy, sensitivity and specificity values ​​of 100%. Sanitary napkins do not cause irritation to the skin, have an ideal absorbency of 10x the initial weight, a chlorine concentration of 1.8 ppm with a total of 39 bacterial colonies which is still below the quality threshold for sanitary napkins. The study concluded that butterfly pea flower sanitary napkin products can accurately replace litmus paper as an indicator for early detection of PROM.

EFFECTIVENESS OF RED BETEL (PIPER CROCATUM) EXTRACT ON LEUCORRHEA IN WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE

Introduction: Reproductive health problems exist in Asia; 76% of women experience vaginal discharge. Vaginal discharge symptoms are also experienced by women of childbearing age (around 31.8%). Women of childbearing age are more at risk of fluor albus, which can be a trigger for reproductive organ infections. One of the treatments is to use betel leaves, which contain natural antiseptics and antibiotics. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of red betel leaf extract (Piper crocatum) against leucorrhea in women of childbearing age. Method: This research method uses a quasi-experiment design with one pre-and post-test design technique group. The research was conducted at the Independent Midwife Practice in Bandung City. The population in the study were all women of childbearing age in Bandung City. The sample consisted of women of childbearing age, according to the inclusion criteria of 36 people. The data obtained were primary data from the measurement of vaginal pH with Neco test litmus paper. The data analysis used was the Wilcoxon test to test the difference in pH scores before and after the intervention. Result: The results showed a significant difference in the use of 0.5% red betel leaf extract in women of childbearing age before and after the intervention. Conclusion: Red betel leaf extract 0.5% is effective in reducing the incidence of leucorrhea. There is a decrease in vaginal pH before and after the use of red betel leaf extract 0.5% by 1.78 (p <0.05).

Formulation and evaluation of mouth-dissolving films of memantine

This present research aims to formulate and evaluate mouth dissolving films using Memantine as model drug to improve bioavailability and facilitate rapid onset of action to relieve vomiting and nausea. The thicknesses of the films were in the range of 0.234 mm to 0.271mm. The weights of the films were found to be in the range of ±10%. The folding endurance of the films was found to be in the range of 38± 1 to 57 ± 2. The surface pHs of all the films were neutral, as there was no color change in the litmus paper. All the films were found to be 98 to 102. The disintegration time of the prepared films ranged from 21sec to 32sec. Acceptable mechanical properties were obtained in batch F-9, and the in vitro disintegration time was below 27 sec. It has been determined that formulations F-9 were found to be satisfactory batches and were optimized for the desirable properties.

Effect of Chewing Gums with Different Contents on Salivary Flow Rate, pH and Ion Exchange

Objective: Aim of this study is to examine the effects of chewing gums with different contents on the salivary flow rate, pH and ion exchange in healthy subjects. Material and Method: Twenty healthy individuals with DMFT scores of ≤ 4, who did not use any medication or diagnosed with any systemic disease that could change flow and characteristics of saliva were selected as study sample. The unstimulated saliva of all individuals on day one was collected in sterile test tubes. After 24 hours, saliva stimulated by chewing paraffin was collected from each individual as a control group. Then, five different chewing gums were used for 6 minutes for seven days at 24-hour intervals (Vivident Xylit, Oneo White, Trident Recaldent, Fluogum, CB12 Boost). Saliva samples were collected at 0-1, 1-3 and 3-6 minute intervals in graduated sterile test tubes. The pH of saliva collected at the end of each test period was measured with litmus paper to minimize any time-dependent pH changes. Flow rate was calculated in ml/min. Ion exchanges were evaluated according to the spectrophotometric method. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 23.0 statistical program. Statistically significance level was set as p<0.05. Results: Calcium concentration of the collected saliva was found to be higher in the gum group containing tricalcium phosphate than in the other groups. Calcium carbonate containing gum group showed increased salivary flow rate and lower pH when compared to other groups. Conclusion: Chewing gum containing calcium carbonate and tricalcium phosphate may have beneficial effects on the structure of saliva and beneficial effects in terms of oral and dental health. Keywords: Calcium concentration, Chewing gum, Ion Exchange, pH, Salivary flow rate

Preparation of Acid – Base Indicator Papers Using Calyces of Habiscuss Sabdariffa (Zobo)

This research focuses on developing and assessing the performance of greenish-blue and pink paper indicators made from Hibiscus sabdariffa (zobo) calyces. The calyces were collected, processed, and ground into powder, which was then used to produce anthocyanin-based extracts. These extracts were treated with acidic and alkaline solutions to create pink and greenish-blue indicators, respectively. Paper strips were immersed in these solutions to produce the colour-changing indicators. The effectiveness of the prepared indicators was tested against standard litmus papers (SLP) in both acidic and basic environments. The pink Hibiscus sabdariffa indicator demonstrated 98.24% efficiency compared to red SLP, while the greenish-blue indicator showed 97.36% efficiency compared to blue SLP. Statistical analysis revealed that the pink indicator did not significantly differ from red SLP at the 95% confidence level but showed agreement at higher confidence levels. The greenish-blue indicator was consistent with blue SLP across all levels of confidence. In conclusion, the study suggests that Hibiscus sabdariffa indicators provide high performance and could be a cost-effective alternative to imported litmus papers. With large-scale production, these indicators could reduce import dependency and even be exported, contributing to foreign exchange earnings.

Localized Litmus Paper and Computer Interactive Simulator in Teaching Acids and Bases

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of using localized litmus paper and computer interactive simulation in teaching the concepts of acids and bases. The respondents of the study are the grade seven students of a private school in Dumaguete City, during the academic year 2023-2024. The researcher utilized the descriptive, correlational, comparative, and Cluster-Randomized Controlled Trial (CRT) methods of research. This study also made use of researcher-made questionnaires that measured the performance of the students in using the two methods of instruction, respectively. The statistical tools used in this study include standard deviation, mean, t-tests for dependent and independent data, and Spearman’s rho. The findings revealed that there is a significant improvement in the student’s performance after using localized litmus paper (p=0.001 < α=0.05) and computer interactive simulator (p=0.000 < α=0.05). Overall, both methods of instruction proved to be vital and effective (p= 0.597 > 0.05) in the student’s learning of the concepts of acids and bases. The results suggest that both approaches can be valuable tools for educators, enabling them to effectively cater to students’ different learning styles or maximize teaching effectiveness through varied instructional strategies. While using both methods of instruction resulted in comparable posttest success, the usage must be coupled with classroom dynamics, a helpful learning environment, improved study habits of students, and teachers’ positive behavior to achieve higher student performance. Additionally, the findings indicate that both methods are useful teaching tools that the Department of Education and various private basic education institutions can use in teaching acid-base lessons.

Relationship Between Grade 7 Students’ Interest and Their Performance in Acid-Base Lessons Using LoLiPap and CIS

This study utilized descriptive, correlational, and cluster-randomized controlled trial (CRT) methods to explore the relationship between the Grade 7 students’ interest and their performance in learning acid-base lessons using localized litmus paper (LoLiPap) and a computer interactive simulator (CIS) at a private school in Dumaguete City (SY 2023-2024). Validated questionnaires were used to assess the students’ interests and performance. As indicated by the results, the two groups of students exhibited a "very high" interest in using the LoLiPap and CIS methods and attained "fairly satisfactory" performances. It was further unveiled that the interest levels of both groups, with p-values of 0.243 and 0.064, respectively, were not significantly related to their performance. This finding suggests that, besides interest, other factors affect students’ learning outcomes. It is advised that the two methods should be combined with effective classroom dynamics, positive teacher behavior, better study habits, and a supportive environment to improve student performance.

Epidemiology trends and progress in breast cancer survival: earlier diagnosis, new therapeutics.

In this review we will critically appraise the latest evidence on breast cancer (BC) survival trends and discuss how these may reflect breakthroughs in early diagnosis and treatment approaches. We will address the wide global inequalities in BC survival and review the ongoing initiatives aimed at improving cancer control worldwide. BC outcomes have improved in high-income countries during the last decades, following the implementation of strategies for early detection and optimal multimodality treatment. Novel therapeutics, such as anti-HER2 targeted treatments, have also contributed to the progress in BC survival. However, BC mortality is still high in low-income countries, due to the lack of optimal healthcare infrastructures. In the context of marked inequities in BC management across world regions, international collaborations such as the Global Breast Cancer Initiative and the Global Initiative for Cancer Registry Development work to foster capacity-building in developing countries, tackle the burden of BC and deliver the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Collection of robust, high-quality data from population-based cancer registries is crucial to drive and refine public health interventions. Population-based data are also the litmus paper to evaluate the real-world impact of clinical advances and monitor progress.

Chondro-osseous border in baby hip ultrasonography for developmental dysplasia of the hip: an indispensable litmus paper for the accuracy of scientific publications.

The aim of our study was to use the chondro-osseous border (COB) as an indispensable assessment criterion to evaluate the quality of baby hip ultrasonography (US) images in the literature pertaining to the application of Graf's technique. Our literature review search yielded 144 articles. Of these, 41 contained images that were stated to be based on the application of Graf's technique. Two reviewers, a radiologist and an orthopaedic surgeon, both course instructors for the use of baby hip US for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), independently evaluated the articles to assess the diagnostic validity of the published images on the basis of a single criterion: the identification of the COB. Of the 41 articles which were analyzed, 15 contained images without a COB, which corresponds to 36% (roughly, one out of three). Articles from countries where universal screening is performed (Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Mongolia) were all correct. All the articles from Turkey, a country which has made significant contribution with published material about Graf's technique over many years, and most of the articles from China (80%), where Graf's technique has become popular in recent years, contained correct images. Published literature lacks strict criteria for the publication of correct images corresponding to Graf's technique in baby hip US. This fact raises concerns about the quality of published material (and, as a corollary, the quality of clinical application of the technique) and should have ramifications on scientific journal policies regarding the publication of such manuscripts.

LA TRADUCCIÓN DE LA NOVELA GRÁFICA: PERSPECTIVA SEMIOLÓGICA Y MULTIMODAL

LA TRADUCCIÓN DE LA NOVELA GRÁFICA: PERSPECTIVA SEMIOLÓGICA Y MULTIMODAL

Internet of Things-based Water pH Level Monitoring for Arowana Cultivation

The Arowana fish cultivation is a special cultivation that grows decorative fish instead of consumption. Unlike consumption fish, Arowana fish require a strict water pH level to live healthily. Hence, the cultivator must carefully maintain the water to prevent high acidity levels in the aquarium. A high acid level in the water may cause severe disease or death to Arowana. However, detecting acidity levels in the water required a particular tool, such as litmus paper. Litmus paper provided accurate acid detection by color indication. A strip of litmus paper is required for every aquarium to detect the acidity level. Buying many litmus papers may increase the unnecessary cost of cultivation. This research proposed acidity level monitoring by implementing Internet of Things technology to allow automation and remote monitoring. According to the evaluation result, the proposed model is capable of detecting the state of the acidity level with an accuracy of up to 100%. Besides that, the detection range of the proposed model is almost identical to a pH meter with a percentage error of less than 1% in many acidity levels.

The Effect of Adding Adsorbents on Main Indicators of Produced Water Purification

Formation water is a by-product of oil and gas processing. This formation water is very different from fresh water because formation water contains harmful chemicals and other elements contained in oil or gas. To prevent formation water from contaminating the environment, it is necessary to reduce the formation water content using an adsorbent. Some of the parameters that indicate reduced mineral and chemical content that must be considered for this research are pH, TDS (total dissolved solid), SG (specific gravity), and salinity values. In this study observed changes in these parameters with the administration of adsorbents. Two types of adsorbents used are bagasse and bentonite. The parameters of pH and TDS were measured using litmus paper and TDS paper respectively. While SG and salinity were measured using a salinity hydrometer. The process of giving the adsorbent causes a decrease in these four parameters. The addition of 3 grams of bagasse caused the pH, TDS, SG, and salinity of the formation water to decrease to 7.8, 3086 ppm, 1008 and 12 ppt, respectively. While the addition of 3 grams of bentonite caused these four parameters to decrease to 7.8, 2720 ppm, 1010 and 14 ppt respectively.

Association between bacterial vaginosis and 25-Hydroxy vitamin D: a case-control study

IntroductionBacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal dysbiosis among women of reproductive age. Micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamin D deficiency, can increase the risk of BV. The findings of previous studies regarding the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and BV were conflicting. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between BV and serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D.Materials and methodsThis case-control study was conducted in Gonabad County in 2021. One hundred and twenty-five confirmed BV cases and 125 controls who were matched based on age and intercourse frequency (maximum difference of two days per week) enrolled in the study. Data collection was performed using a demographic and reproductive data questionnaire and a checklist for recording Whiff test results, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D level, litmus paper observation, and microscopic findings (clue cells). Serum level of vitamin D was evaluated based on enzyme-linked immunoassay method (Monobind kit) from 0.5 ml venous blood drawn from each participant. The conditional logistic regression model was used to analyze data.ResultsThe BV cases had significantly lower 25-hydroxy vitamin D serum levels than controls. The odds of BV increased with vitamin D deficiency (Adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 4.34, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.39–13.4, p = 0.011, FDR q-value = 0.051), vitamin D insufficiency (AOR: 3.65, 95% CI: 1.23–10.85; p = 0.020; FDR q-value = 0.053), cigarette/hookah smoking (AOR: 3.65, 95% CI: 1.23, 10.85; p = 0.020; FDR q-value = 0.053) and lower age at first intercourse (AOR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.28; p = 0.004; FDR q-value = 0.048). The odds of BV was 0.80 and 0.78 times lower in participants who had coitus interruptus (AOR: 0.20, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.63; p = 0.006; FDR q-value = 0.048) and condom use (AOR: 0.28, 95% CI: 0.10, 0.79; p = 0.016; FDR q-value = 0.051), respectively, compared to participants who did not use contraceptives.ConclusionThese findings suggested that lower serum vitamin D levels were associated with an increased risk of developing BV. However, further studies are needed to confirm the results of the present study.

Decolonization the what, whyand how: A treatieson Indigenous nursing knowledge.

Decolonization the what, whyand how: A treatieson Indigenous nursing knowledge.

IDENTIFY ACID-BASE WITH EXTRACT DRAGON FRUIT AND TURMERIC

This study aims to determine the identification of acid-bases with natural indicators. This, is done because acid-base testing uses a lot of litmus paper. In dragon fruit extract and turmeric extract, there is a more concentrated color pigment content to determine the acid-base concentration. So we want to increase its sensitivity to detecting acid- bases. The method used in this study is experimental. The results of the study can be used to assist the public in knowing the benefits of dragon fruit and turmeric to detect acid-base solutions.

Enumeration of Salmonella Species Isolated in Ready–to–Eat Fruits Vended in Bukuru Market, Jos South, Plateau State

Background: Despite control measures to curtailed salmonella fruit contamination over the years, pathogenic disease outbreaks caused by the ingestion of Salmonella contaminated fresh-cut-fruits pose a significant problem to human health by the consumption of fresh and minimally processed fruits. This study aimed to enumerate and determine the prevalence of Salmonella species isolated in ready-to-eat fruits vended in Bukuru Market Jos South, Plateau state.
 Methodology: A total of seventy-eight ready-to-eat vended fruit samples were purchased and cultured for the enumeration of bacterial isolates according to National Food Safety Standard for Microbiological Examination. Pulp pH value of each fruit was obtained by immersing litmus paper into the pulp and results recorded.
 Results: Of the 78 fruits specimen, 22 (28.2%) were Salmonella positive. The prevalence rates of salmonella isolated were found to be higher (22.7%) in both coconut and avocado followed by watermelon (18.2%) and sweetmelon (13.6%) as compared with other fruits in the study area. Lower rates of 4.5% were found in banana, pawpaw, and dates with a rise in apple with 9.1% respectively.
 Conclusion: The study showed a high p<0.05 (7.811) prevalence of pathogenic Salmonella species isolated in ready-to-eat fruits in the study area revealing that the spread of salmonella is not independent of fruits thereby suggestive of contamination made available by fruit vendors in this part of the world. Thus, epidemiological traceability and significant measures must be taken to check the safety of these vended products before consumption.

Organization of medical care for newborns with congenital malformations in the Moscow Region

Infant deaths like a litmus paper reflects the level of development of the medical care in the country. The active development of this industry in general and pediatric medicine in particular made it possible to reduce this indicator significantly, but its structure has changed. Now the contribution of congenital malformations has become more significant than 10–15 and even 40 years ago. New reality provides new challenges to the professional community in medical terms as much as in organizational and legislative terms. We present the current system of organizing care for children with congenital malformations, implemented in the Moscow Region, which includes obstetric service (screening for malformations, expert examination and prenatal counseling, delivery in a specialized perinatal center), neonatal, pediatric surgical (prenatal counseling, surgical care in the delivery room, correction of malformations in the neonatal period, subsequent staged treatment and observation) and pediatric services (follow-up observation). The proposed algorithm is aimed at reducing the likelihood of a child being born with an undiagnosed or lethal defect, preventing the uncontrolled development of a critical condition, and providing the most optimal and safe method of surgical treatment and postoperative management tactics. The introduction of such a system will not only reduce infant mortality, but also reduce the disability of the child population.