Multiple Sources Of Evidence Research Articles

Validating an Internalizing Psychopathology Screener for Use with College Students

Objective College students experience high levels of internalizing psychopathology. The current study evaluated multiple sources of validity evidence for using the Youth Internalizing Problems Screener (YIPS) to identify college students with these concerns. Method We evaluated responses to the YIPS and criterion measures with a sample of N = 454 young adults enrolled in a large public university in the USA (M age = 20.02, female = 74%, White = 60%). Analyses addressed structural and criterion validity evidence. Results Results showed strong levels of validity evidence for the YIPS factor structure and theory-consistent correlations with criterion variables. YIPS scores had moderate to strong accuracy for estimating symptom severity levels for both anxiety and depression. Conclusions Results suggest the YIPS is a psychometrically sound screener for internalizing psychopathology among college students, supported by multiple sources of validity evidence. Significance statement Our findings suggest mental health professionals might use the YIPS in college settings for identifying young adults presenting with varying levels of anxiety and depression symptoms. Given the YIPS is brief, free, and publicly available, it may be more feasible than alternative internalizing screeners available for this purpose.

Retire or get retired: Stocks, memes, and desperation capitalism on r/WallStreetBets

There is growing discontent with the financial services industry. The roots of these feelings are old but have expanded during the 2008 financial crisis and were enhanced by the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated cost of living crisis. This has given rise to the concept of “desperation capitalism”, where individuals are resorting to high-risk measures to try to achieve economic security. This research paper presents new insights into desperation capitalism and its participants through an exploratory case study of the r/WallStreetBets community on Reddit. The case study asks: how does social media impact the behaviour of retail investors? Drawing on multiple sources of primary and secondary empirical evidence, the paper makes two core contributions. First, the paper offers an initial conceptualization and model for understanding the phenomenon of “desperation capitalism”. Second, the paper demonstrates how the decision-making processes of retail investors can be influenced by social media.

The pineapple reference genome: Telomere-to-telomere assembly, manually curated annotation, and comparative analysis.

Pineapple is the third most crucial tropical fruit worldwide and available in five varieties. Genomes of different pineapple varieties have been released to date; however, none of them are complete, with all exhibiting substantial gaps and representing only two of the five pineapple varieties. This significantly hinders the advancement of pineapple breeding efforts. In this study, we sequenced the genomes of three varieties: a wild pineapple variety, a fiber pineapple variety, and a globally cultivated edible pineapple variety. We constructed the first gap-free reference genome (Ref) for pineapple. By consolidating multiple sources of evidence and manually revising each gene structure annotation, we identified 26,656 protein-coding genes. The BUSCO evaluation indicated a completeness of 99.2%, demonstrating the high quality of the gene structure annotations in this genome. Utilizing these resources, we identified 7,209 structural variations across the three varieties. Approximately 30.8% of pineapple genes were located within ±5 kb of structural variations, including 30 genes associated with anthocyanin synthesis. Further analysis and functional experiments demonstrated that the high expression of AcMYB528 aligns with the accumulation of anthocyanins in the leaves, both of which may be affected by a 1.9-kb insertion fragment. In addition, we developed the Ananas Genome Database, which offers data browsing, retrieval, analysis, and download functions. The construction of this database addresses the lack of pineapple genome resource databases. In summary, we acquired a seamless pineapple reference genome with high-quality gene structure annotations, providing a solid foundation for pineapple genomics and a valuable reference for pineapple breeding.

The use of practice evidence by Australian occupational therapists: Perspectives and actions.

Evidence-based practice supports clinical decision-making by using multiple sources of evidence arising from research and practice. Research evidence develops through empirical study while practice evidence arises through clinical experience, client preferences, and the practice context. Although occupational therapists have embraced the paradigm of evidence-based practice, some studies have identified limits in the availability and use of research, which can lead to reliance on other forms of evidence. This study aimed to understand how Australian occupational therapists use practice evidence, manage potential bias, and enhance trustworthiness. Potential use of a critical appraisal tool for practice evidence was also explored. A 42-item questionnaire was developed to address the study aims. It consisted of a 7-point Likert scale, ordinal and free text questions. Likert scales were collapsed into binary scales and analysed using SPSS. Ordinal data were graphed and free text responses were analysed using manifest content analysis. Most respondents (82%) indicated that practice evidence was an important informant of practice and is used alongside research evidence. Almost all respondents (98%) expressed confusion when reconciling discrepancies between research and practice evidence. There was general acknowledgement that practice evidence is prone to bias (82%), yet 92% were confident in trusting their own practice evidence. Most respondents (74.5%) undertook some measures to appraise practice evidence, and almost all respondents (90%) agreed they would refer to a critical appraisal tool that helped them evaluate practice evidence. Occupational therapists in this study routinely use practice evidence arising from their own experience, client perspectives, and their practice context to inform clinical decision-making. While they agreed that practice evidence was prone to bias and misinterpretation, they generally trusted their own practice evidence. Participants indicated they needed guidance to critically appraise their practice evidence and supported the development of a critical appraisal tool for this purpose.

Cross-Phenotype GWAS Supports Shared Genetic Susceptibility to Systemic Sclerosis and Primary Biliary Cholangitis.

An increased risk of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) has been reported in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Our study aims to investigate the shared genetic susceptibility between the two disorders and to define candidate causal genes using cross-phenotype GWAS meta-analysis. We performed cross-phenotype GWAS meta-analysis and colocalization analysis for SSc and PBC. We performed both genome-wide and locus-based analysis, including tissue and pathway enrichment analyses, fine-mapping, colocalization analyses with expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) and protein quantitative trait loci (pQTL) datasets, and phenome-wide association studies (PheWAS). Finally, we used an integrative approach to prioritize candidate causal genes from the novel loci. We detected a strong genetic correlation between SSc and PBC (rg = 0.84, p = 1.7 × 10-6). In the cross-phenotype GWAS meta-analysis, we identified 44 non-HLA loci that reached genome-wide significance (p < 5 × 10-8). Evidence of shared causal variants between SSc and PBC was found for nine loci, five of which were novel. Integrating multiple sources of evidence, we prioritized CD40, ERAP1, PLD4, SPPL3, and CCDC113 as novel candidate causal genes. The CD40 risk locus colocalized with trans-pQTLs of multiple plasma proteins involved in B cell function. Our study supports a strong shared genetic susceptibility between SSc and PBC. Through cross-phenotype analyses, we have prioritized several novel candidate causal genes and pathways for these disorders.

Development of a new health-related quality of life measure for people with diabetes who experience hypoglycaemia: the Hypo-RESOLVE QoL

Aims/hypothesisValid and reliable patient-reported outcome measures are vital for assessing disease impact, responsiveness to healthcare and the cost-effectiveness of interventions. A recent review has questioned the ability of existing measures to assess hypoglycaemia-related impacts on health-related quality of life for people with diabetes. This mixed-methods project was designed to produce a novel health-related quality of life patient-reported outcome measure in hypoglycaemia: the Hypo-RESOLVE QoL.MethodsThree studies were conducted with people with diabetes who experience hypoglycaemia. In Stage 1, a comprehensive health-related quality of life framework for hypoglycaemia was elicited from semi-structured interviews (N=31). In Stage 2, the content validity and acceptability of draft measure content were tested via three waves of cognitive debriefing interviews (N=70 people with diabetes; N=14 clinicians). In Stage 3, revised measure content was administered alongside existing generic and diabetes-related measures in a large cross-sectional observational survey to assess psychometric performance (N=1246). The final measure was developed using multiple evidence sources, incorporating stakeholder engagement.ResultsA novel conceptual model of hypoglycaemia-related health-related quality of life was generated, featuring 19 themes, organised by physical, social and psychological aspects. From a draft version of 76 items, a final 14-item measure was produced with satisfactory structural (χ2=472.27, df=74, p<0.001; comparative fit index =0.943; root mean square error of approximation =0.069) and convergent validity with related constructs (r=0.46–0.59), internal consistency (α=0.91) and test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient =0.87).Conclusions/interpretationThe Hypo-RESOLVE QoL is a rigorously developed patient-reported outcome measure assessing the health-related quality of life impacts of hypoglycaemia. The Hypo-RESOLVE QoL has demonstrable validity and reliability and has value for use in clinical decision-making and as a clinical trial endpoint.Data availabilityAll data generated or analysed during this study are included in the published article and its online supplementary files (https://doi.org/10.15131/shef.data.23295284.v2).Graphical

Large‐scale integrative taxonomy of Swedish grass flies (Diptera, Chloropidae) reveals hitherto unknown complexity of a dark taxon

AbstractThe study of biodiversity is fundamental to preserving life on Earth but a challenging endeavour due to the taxonomic neglect associated with hyperdiverse lineages. To overcome this problem, we have implemented for the first time a Large‐scale integrative taxonomic (LIT) approach on the hyperdiverse insect family Chloropidae. This lineage of flies is a great fit for implementing emerging protocols such as LIT due to their ecological relevance, abundance and global distribution, poorly known genetic diversity and challenging taxonomy. In this study, we test cost‐effective barcoding workflows on nonoptimally preserved chloropid flies from Sweden and then apply targeted morphological validation to accelerate the species recognition process. Our dataset yielded DNA barcodes of 63 species that represent almost one‐third of the species diversity from Sweden and 15% of the European diversity. Applying LIT allowed us to uncover two new species and address for the first time three troublesome species complexes through a comprehensive framework. We also provide previously unknown DNA barcodes for 35% of the described species found and address distribution patterns with a focus on grassland environments. We have thus contributed significantly to overcoming the taxonomic neglect of this hyperdiverse lineage by tackling the diversity of chloropids using complementary sources of data, scalable techniques and quickly translating multiple sources of evidence into named species.

Conditional independence as a statistical assessment of evidence integration processes.

Intuitively, combining multiple sources of evidence should lead to more accurate decisions than considering single sources of evidence individually. In practice, however, the proper computation may be difficult, or may require additional data that are inaccessible. Here, based on the concept of conditional independence, we consider expressions that can serve either as recipes for integrating evidence based on limited data, or as statistical benchmarks for characterizing evidence integration processes. Consider three events, A, B, and C. We find that, if A and B are conditionally independent with respect to C, then the probability that C occurs given that both A and B are known, P(C|A, B), can be easily calculated without the need to measure the full three-way dependency between A, B, and C. This simplified approach can be used in two general ways: to generate predictions by combining multiple (conditionally independent) sources of evidence, or to test whether separate sources of evidence are functionally independent of each other. These applications are demonstrated with four computer-simulated examples, which include detecting a disease based on repeated diagnostic testing, inferring biological age based on multiple biomarkers of aging, discriminating two spatial locations based on multiple cue stimuli (multisensory integration), and examining how behavioral performance in a visual search task depends on selection histories. Besides providing a sound prescription for predicting outcomes, this methodology may be useful for analyzing experimental data of many types.

Multiple sources of evidence unravel a complex taxonomic history: the new genus Leonoria of the Spermacoce clade (Spermacoceae-Rubiaceae)

For a long time, the taxonomic status of Denscantia, a genus endemic to the Atlantic Forest along the Brazilian coast, has been a topic of discussion. Phylogenetic analyses using two nuclear and four chloroplast DNA markers from 82 accessions representing 19 genera of the Spermacoce clade (tribe Spermacoceae, Rubiaceae) confirm that the Brazilian genus Denscantia is biphyletic. Together with the recovered phylogenetic relationships, the analyses of reproductive morphological characters, leaf morphology and anatomy, histochemical, geographic distribution ranges, and ecological niche derived from climatic space further demonstrate that Denscantia calcicola is a distinct lineage from the other Denscantia species. Therefore, the above-mentioned species should be taxonomically designated as a new monospecific genus, Leonoria. Significant morphological differences between Leonoria and Denscantia were found in inflorescence organization, style shape, fruit dehiscence and pollen morphology. Morphological and anatomical variation among leaf traits was found in epidermal cells, trichome distribution, mesophyll histochemistry and vascular organization. The analysis of occurrence records of 207 specimens demonstrates a clear ecological distinction between of Denscantia s.s. and Leonoria, which is ecologically confined to limestone outcrops associated with seasonally dry forests. The current study highlights the importance of an integrative taxonomic approach combining multiple sources of evidence to unravel complex taxonomic history within Spermacoceae.

Bridging the gap: Implementation science, knowledge translation, and innovation for advancing maternal health sustainable development goals

Background: Maternal health remains a critical global concern, with sustainable development goal 3 aiming to reduce the maternal mortality ratio and ensure universal access to reproductive healthcare by 2030. According to a 2023 report, a woman dies from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth every 2 minutes, and almost 70% of maternal deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa. The reduction of maternal mortality and promotion of maternal health and well-being are complex tasks. Objective: To understand how a synergistic approach integrating complex interventions’ research, implementation science principles, knowledge translation, and innovative solutions can be leveraged to achieve sustainable improvements in maternal health outcomes in different contexts. Methods: This study employed sequential and iterative critical interpretive synthesis (CIS), integrative literature (ILR) review with multiscale analysis of extant literature on maternal health starting with the landmark Lancet series on “Maternal Survival” 2006 (5 papers); 2016 “Maternal Health” series (6 papers); the 2023 Series – “Maternal health in Perinatal period and Beyond” (4 papers); and health sector strategic plans. Results: Despite knowledge that healthcare is a complex adaptive system (CAS), whereas interventions for maternal health are considered complex interventions, the predominant implementation approaches assume a linear cause-effect approach, leading to the observed stagnation in maternal health. Conclusion: The effectiveness of complex interventions and their success in reaching relevant populations is critically influenced by their implementation in each context. A linear understanding of evidence translation, from ‘bench to bedside’, is naïve. This is because those who deliver, manage, and receive healthcare, negotiate multiple forms and sources of evidence, which complement and compete within a complex system of institutional logics.

Transforming practices of co-creating values in a contemporary art exhibition

PurposeThis study aims to investigate how art events can enrich novice visitors by transforming their practices.Design/methodology/approachThis research uses an interpretive case study of the art exhibition “1/1/1/1/1” in the Oppenheim gallery in Wroclaw. It draws on multiple sources of evidence, namely, novice visitors’ interviews, observation including photo studies and content analysis of art-makers’ mediation sources. This study is an example of contextual theorizing from case studies and participatory action research with researchers as change agents.FindingsThe evidence highlights that aesthetic values and experiences are contextual to practices and are transformable into other values. The findings illustrate the role of practice theory in studying how art-makers inspire the transformation of practices, including values driving the latter.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings provide implications for transformations of co-creating contextual values in contemporary visual art consumption and customer experience management.Practical implicationsPractical implications to arts organizations are also provided regarding cultural mediation conducted by art-makers. Exhibition makers should explain the meanings of the particularly visible artefacts to allow visitors to develop a congruent understanding of the meanings. The explanations should not provide ready answers or solutions to the problem art-makers suggest to rethink.Social implicationsThe social implication of our findings is that stakeholders in artistic ventures may undertake adequate, qualified and convergent actions to maintain or transform the defined interactive practices between them in co-creating contextual aesthetic values.Originality/valueThe study provides new insights into co-creating values in practices in the domain of contemporary art exhibitions by bringing the practice theory together with an audience enrichment category, thus illustrating how novice visitors get enriched by transforming their practices led by contextual values of “liking” and “understanding”.

Gene Flow and Isolation in the Arid Nearctic Revealed by Genomic Analyses of Desert Spiny Lizards.

The opposing forces of gene flow and isolation are two major processes shaping genetic diversity. Understanding how these vary across space and time is necessary to identify the environmental features that promote diversification. The detection of considerable geographic structure in taxa from the arid Nearctic has prompted research into the drivers of isolation in the region. Several geographic features have been proposed as barriers to gene flow, including the Colorado River, Western Continental Divide (WCD), and a hypothetical Mid-Peninsular Seaway in Baja California. However, recent studies suggest that the role of barriers in genetic differentiation may have been overestimated when compared to other mechanisms of divergence. In this study, we infer historical and spatial patterns of connectivity and isolation in Desert Spiny Lizards (Sceloporus magister) and Baja Spiny Lizards (Sceloporus zosteromus), which together form a species complex composed of parapatric lineages with wide distributions in arid western North America. Our analyses incorporate mitochondrial sequences, genomic-scale data, and past and present climatic data to evaluate the nature and strength of barriers to gene flow in the region. Our approach relies on estimates of migration under the multispecies coalescent to understand the history of lineage divergence in the face of gene flow. Results show that the S. magister complex is geographically structured, but we also detect instances of gene flow. The WCD is a strong barrier to gene flow, while the Colorado River is more permeable. Analyses yield conflicting results for the catalyst of differentiation of peninsular lineages in S. zosteromus. Our study shows how large-scale genomic data for thoroughly sampled species can shed new light on biogeography. Furthermore, our approach highlights the need for the combined analysis of multiple sources of evidence to adequately characterize the drivers of divergence.

Sex differences in the radiographic and symptomatic prevalence of knee and hip osteoarthritis.

Recognising sex differences in disease prevalence can lead to clues as to its pathogenesis, for example the role of hormonal factors and related influences such as body composition, as well as forming the basis for new treatments. However, if different methods are used to define the disorder it can be difficult to explore differences in prevalence, making it necessary to draw on multiple sources of evidence. This narrative review addresses sex differences in the prevalence of knee and hip osteoarthritis, which are the most common forms of large joint osteoarthritis. Females appear to have a higher prevalence of knee osteoarthritis across a wide range of disease definitions, while findings for the hip vary depending on how the disease is defined. Clinically or symptomatically defined hip osteoarthritis is more common in females, whereas radiographically defined hip osteoarthritis is more common in males. Therefore, understanding sex differences in large joint arthritis requires consideration that osteoarthritis, as defined structurally, more commonly affects females at the knee, whereas the opposite is true at the hip. Furthermore, despite structural changes in hip osteoarthritis being more common in males, symptomatic hip osteoarthritis is more common in females. The basis for these disparities is currently unclear, but may reflect a combination of hormonal, biomechanical and behavioural factors.

Development of a Tool to Assess Surgical Resident Competence On-Call: The Western University Call Assessment Tool (WUCAT)

A central tenet of competency-based medical education is the formative assessment of trainees. There are currently no assessments designed to examine resident competence on-call, despite the on-call period being a significant component of residency, characterized by less direct supervision compared to daytime. The purpose of this study was to design a formative on-call assessment tool and collect valid evidence on its application. Nominal group technique was used to identify critical elements of surgical resident competence on-call to inform tool development. The tool was piloted over six months in the Division of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at our institution. Quantitative and qualitative evidence was collected to examine tool validity. A ten-item tool was developed based on the consensus group results. Sixty-three assessments were completed by seven staff members on ten residents during the pilot. The tool had a reliability coefficient of 0.67 based on a generalizability study and internal item consistency was 0.92. Scores were significantly associated with years of training. We found the tool improved the quantity and structure of feedback given and that the tool was considered feasible and acceptable by both residents and staff members. The Western University Call Assessment Tool (WUCAT) has multiple sources of evidence supporting its use in assessing resident competence on-call.

A Weight of Evidence approach to support the assessment of the quality of Manila clam farming sites in a coastal lagoon

Aquaculture productivity in coastal lagoons is endangered by a complex interplay of anthropogenic and environmental factors, amplified by the effects of climate change in these sensitive areas.To reach a more comprehensive assessment of farming sites quality, a quantitative Weight of Evidence approach (QWoE) is applied for the first time to data collected at four Manila clam (R. philippinarum) farming sites in the Venice lagoon (Italy). This included sediment quality, chemical bioaccumulation, and biological responses.Results revealed a greater hazard for sites closer to the open sea. In these areas, the combination of sediment characteristics and a higher frequency of salinity and temperature stress could explain the alterations measured at a transcriptional and biomarker level. The findings demonstrate that a QWoE approach that integrates multiple sources of evidence should also include physicochemical conditions in order to better understand the impacts of human activities and other stressors on clam aquaculture productivity.

Identification of the Establishment of the Regional Public Service Agency (BLUD) of Pasar Besar Ngawi in Ngawi District, Ngawi Regency

Improving services to merchants in traditional markets is one solution where competition and the number of modern stores are growing. The application of BLUD in traditional market management is a creation in overcoming competition. With the BLUD system, it will make the relevant regional apparatus work unit (SKPD) more flexible in managing the market, both traders and the budget generated from the merchant levy for market progress. Representative data is needed to determine the feasibility of establishing the Ngawi Large Market Market BLUD in Ngawi District, Ngawi Regency. The purpose of this study is the identification of the fulfillment of substantive, technical and administrative requirements in the establishment of BLUD in Pasar Besar Ngawi in Ngawi District, Ngawi Regency. This type of research is descriptive research using a quantitative approach. Data collection was carried out using multiple sources of evidence, namely questionnaires, interviews, documentation and direct observation. Data analysis techniques use quantitative descriptives with substantive, technical, and administrative criteria. The results of the study found that the Ngawi Large Market in Ngawi District, Ngawi Regency has not met the two criteria of substantive requirements, has met the criteria of technical requirements, and has not met the eight criteria of administrative requirements.

Effects of Globalization on the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Manufacturing Sector in Zambia: A Case of Sperior Milling Company Ltd., Sobi Industries Ltd., Bimbe Trading Company Ltd., Dulux Zambia, Phillips Specialized Systems Ltd., Tiger Ani

Observations that have been made on the impact of globalization on certain sectors of Zambia’s economy have attracted the attention of various researchers on the subject of globalization. This study centered on the effects of globalization on the manufacturing sector in Zambia. The was carried out on the seven Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the Zambia Development Agency (ZDA). The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods to sample respondents. The research used both primary and secondary data. Primary data was obtained using closed–ended questionnaires while secondary data was collected using the Internet, journals, and, textbooks. Secondary data was obtained from various sources such as government publications, technical and trade journals, public records, diaries, letters, biographies, or work. Also, this study adopted a case study design that used multiple sources of evidence to analyze and evaluate specific phenomena or instance. Frequency tables, graphs, figures and pie-charts were used to analyze the qualitative and quantitative data. Data was also analyzed by the use of software; Statistical Package for Social Sciences (version 26) and Microsoft Excel (version 16). The study revealed that due to the use of improved technology in the manufacturing sector, globalization has enabled the SMEs to develop sufficient, reliable and modern infrastructure. This has contributed to increased production. The findings also indicated that there has been improved accessibility by SMEs to formal funding or finances. Quality of goods produced by SMEs has been enhanced as competitive indicators and quality assurance. The study therefore recommended that appropriate strategies, such as developing networking relationships with other firms, must be carefully designed and implemented in order to take advantage of global market opportunities and minimize the challenges from increasing competitive intensity. Furthermore, there is need for SMEs to embrace technology to streamline processes, increase efficiency, stay competitive, and consider e-commerce platforms for online sales if relevant to your industry.

Pro-dopaminergic pharmacological interventions for anhedonia in depression: protocol for a living systematic review of human and non-human studies.

Background: Anhedonia is a key symptom of depression, and it has been suggested as a potential target for future individualised treatments. However, much is unknown about how interventions enhancing dopaminergic pathways may affect anhedonia symptoms in the context of depression. Methods: We will perform independent searches in multiple electronic databases to identify clinical and animal experimental studies on pro-dopaminergic interventions in individuals with depression or animal models for depression. The primary outcomes will be overall anhedonia symptoms and their behavioural proxies in animals. Secondary outcomes will include side effects and neurobiological measures. At least two independent reviewers will conduct the study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessments using pre-defined tools according to each record's study design. We will develop ontologies to facilitate study identification and data extraction. We will synthesise data from clinical and animal studies separately. If appropriate, we will use random-effects meta-analyses, or synthesis without meta-analyses. We will investigate study characteristics as potential sources of heterogeneity. We will evaluate the confidence in the evidence for each outcome and source of evidence, considering the summary of the association, potential concerns regarding internal and external validity, and reporting biases. When multiple sources of evidence are available for an outcome, we will draw an overall conclusion in a triangulation meeting involving a multidisciplinary team of experts. We plan updates of the review every 6 months, and any future modifications to the protocol will be documented. We will co-produce this review with multiple stakeholders. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023451821.

Strategies to Enhance the Solubility and Bioavailability of Tocotrienols Using Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery System.

Tocotrienols have higher medicinal value, with multiple sources of evidence showing their biological properties as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and osteoprotective compounds. However, tocotrienol bioavailability presents an ongoing challenge in its translation into viable products. This is because tocotrienol oil is known to be a poorly water-soluble compound, making it difficult to be absorbed into the body and resulting in less effectiveness. With the potential and benefits of tocotrienol, new strategies to increase the bioavailability and efficacy of poorly absorbed tocotrienol are required when administered orally. One of the proposed formulation techniques was self-emulsification, which has proven its capacity to improve oral drug delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs by advancing the solubility and bioavailability of these active compounds. This review discusses the updated evidence on the bioavailability of tocotrienols formulated with self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDSs) from in vivo and human studies. In short, SEDDSs formulation enhances the solubility and passive permeability of tocotrienol, thus improving its oral bioavailability and biological actions. This increases its medicinal and commercial value. Furthermore, the self-emulsifying formulation presents a useful dosage form that is absorbed in vivo independent of dietary fats with consistent and enhanced levels of tocotrienol isomers. Therefore, a lipid-based formulation technique can provide an additional detailed understanding of the oral bioavailability of tocotrienols.

Developing and validating an Next Generation Science Standards‐aligned construct map for chemical bonding from the energy and force perspective

AbstractChemical bonding is central to explaining many phenomena. Research in chemical education and the Framework for K–12 Science Education (the Framework) argue for new approaches to learning chemical bonding grounded in (1) using ideas of the balance of electric forces and energy minimization to explain bond formation, (2) using learning progressions (LPs) grounded in these ideas to support learning, and (3) engaging students in 3D learning reflected in integrating the three dimensions of scientific knowledge to make sense of phenomena. The dimensions include disciplinary core ideas, scientific and engineering practices, and crosscutting concepts. While the Framework describes the theoretical basis of 3D learning, empirical evidence for the development and validation of LPs for 3D learning is limited. This work addresses that issue for the topic of chemical bonding. We develop and validate a 3D construct map for chemical bonding grounded in the idea of balance of electric forces and energy minimization. A construct map represents a finer‐grained LP spanning a shorter period and focusing on specific aspects of a larger‐scale LP. An NGSS‐aligned validated 3D LP has never been reported for the topic of chemical bonding. The LP is based on data from 9th grade Mid‐Western and Western students who used the NGSS‐aligned curriculum. Multiple validity evidence sources, including interview and item response theory analysis using an assessment tool developed to probe the 3D construct map levels, were used. We demonstrate the feasibility of using the assessment tool for assigning levels to individuals and groups of learners, which is essential for the practical applicability of the 3D construct map and provides teachers with information on how to promote learning. We hope that the 3D LP presented here will serve as a guide to develop instructional and assessment approaches for chemical bonding grounded in the fundamental scientific principles and aligned to NGSS.