Quantitative Test Method Research Articles

From breast cancer diagnosis to survivorship: analyzing perioperative biopsychosocial phenotypes and their relationship to pain on long term.

Persistent breast cancer treatment-related pain affects up to 40% of patients, decreasing their quality of life (QoL). While current research typically utilizes correlation and regression analysis to identify biopsychosocial phenotypes contributing to this pain, this study employs cluster analysis to identify qualitatively different phenotypes based on somatosensory and psychosocial characteristics both before and one week post-breast cancer surgery. Further, it investigates how these phenotypes are related to pain intensity one year post-surgery and examines the evolution of phenotype membership from pre- to post-surgery. Somatosensory and psychosocial functioning was evaluated pre- and post-surgery in 184 women undergoing unilateral breast cancer surgery. Eight different quantitative sensory testing (QST) methods including mechanical detection and pain thresholds, pressure pain thresholds, thermal detection and pain thresholds, and conditioned pain modulation were performed at the surgical area (trunk, arm, major pectoral muscle) and a distant location (quadriceps muscle). Psychosocial functioning was assessed using the Central Sensitization Inventory, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, and the McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire. Pain intensity was evaluated one year post-breast cancer surgery using the Visual Analogue Scale. Latent class analysis identified five distinct phenotypes before and post-surgery, characterized by differences in mechanical and pain thresholds alongside psychosocial factors. Moreover, higher psychosocial distress and lower QoL correlated with elevated pain intensity one year post-surgery. These findings underscore the importance of addressing breast cancer patients' mental health perioperatively. Therefore, future research should explore whether psychological interventions perioperatively can reduce long-term pain intensity. PerspectiveThis secondary analysis, utilizing cluster analysis, reveals five distinct phenotype based on somatosensory and psychosocial characteristics both before and post breast cancer surgery. Higher psychosocial distress and lower quality of life correlated with elevated pain intensity one year post-surgery, emphasizing the need to address patients' mental health perioperatively. Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov (NCT03351075)

Evaluation of an automated far ultraviolet-C light technology for decontamination of surfaces and aerosolized viruses in bathrooms

BackgroundAerosols generated during toilet flushing are a potential source for transmission of viral and bacterial pathogens in bathrooms. However, manual decontamination of bathrooms after each use is not feasible.MethodsWe tested the efficacy of a wall-mounted far ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light technology that only delivers far UV-C when people are not present for decontamination of surfaces and aerosolized viral particles in an unoccupied hospital bathroom. A quantitative disk carrier test method was used to test efficacy against organisms on steel disk carriers placed in 9 sites in the bathroom with an exposure time of 45 min and 2 h; Clostridioides difficile spores were also exposed for 24 h. Efficacy against aerosolized bacteriophage MS2 was tested with a 45-minute exposure.ResultsThe far UV-C technology reduced methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), Candida auris, and bacteriophage MS2 on steel disk carriers by ≥ 1.2 log10 (range, 1.2 to 4.2 log10) at all test sites after 2 h of exposure. The technology reduced C. difficile spores by < 1 log10 after 2 h exposure, but 4 of 9 test locations had ≥ 2 log10 reductions after 24 h exposure. Aerosolized bacteriophage MS2 was reduced by 4 log10 plaque-forming units in 45 min.ConclusionsThe far UV-C light technology could potentially be useful for automated decontamination of air and surfaces in bathrooms in healthcare and community settings.

Kompetencje percepcyjne osób młodych w zakresie muzyki artystycznej a wiek badanych. Refleksje nad edukacją muzyczną

Introduction: The young’s perception competence in the area of art music and age as its predictor are rarely studied. The related results may contribute to multifaceted measures, particularly necessary reforms in the universal music education system. Since school remains to be the only venue in which this music genre competence is shaped in the systemic and multi-staged manner. Research Aim: The study has aimed at assessing the level of the young’s music perception competence shaped in adolescence and young adulthood as far as art music is concerned. The crucial intention has also been to define the relationship with selected conditionalities, out won which age has been singled out to verify whether it is a variable that is statistically significant in terms of the correlation with the competence. Research Method: Quantitative strategy and test method have been applied to the study. Results: The age of the study participants has been indicated to be statistically significant for the ultimate results of the test and its respective parts – identification of style periods in music, a composer’s style, instruments and voices as well as the knowledge on the music literature. Young adults have scored higher. Conclusion: The study participants have shown substantial deficits to the extent of the auditory identification of essential aspects of art music. The competence level at issue has been assesses be low. Age has turned out to be statistically significant in terms of the correlation with the test results, accounting for a higher score in the case of the older age group. The study indicates that the universal music education requires transformation.

Improved Foucault method with double-shoot shadow grams in optical shop testing.

The lack of rapid, effective, and quantitative testing methods in the initial stages of optical processing has been identified as a significant challenge. In response, an innovative approach has been developed to enhance the Foucault knife-edge test method, integrating digital image processing and spatial geometry algorithms. This has resulted in the creation of a convenient and rapid optical testing method, which has been successfully implemented in practice. The method requires the collection of only two knife-edge shadow grams, which are then subjected to calculation. This enables the theoretical results of the knife-edge shadow gram at the focal point, and the reference results of the wavefront surface processing error of the mirror to be measured can be obtained. The method can be well applied to the testing work of optical workshops and provides a guiding solution with better performance for optical testing than the traditional knife-edge testing method.

Early detection of altered cold perception in elderly with type 2 diabetes using a novel Quantitative Sensory Testing method

AimTo compare the effectiveness of two methods for measuring cold detection thresholds in screening for temperature-perception deficits in elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2 diabetes). MethodsCold threshold measurements were performed on seven body regions of participants with diabetes without neuropathy (n = 30; mean age, 70.9 ± 6.5 years) and healthy participants (n = 73; mean age, 68 ± 5 years). Two protocols applying the Levels Method were used: the first used skin temperature as the starting point; the second used 40 °C. ResultsCold detection thresholds were significantly higher in subjects with diabetes, particularly on the foot. For CDT TSk, values were −2.22 ± 1.91 °C in non-diabetic and −3.27 ± 3.33 °C in diabetic groups (p = 0.023); for CDT 40, values were −9.82 ± 3.5 °C and −12.18 ± 4.5 °C (p = 0.003). However, after adjusting for age, the group effect on cold threshold with skin temperature as baseline disappeared. Sensory screens showed that the Area Under Curve of the method using a 40 °C baseline was 0.69 (p = 0.002). ConclusionMeasuring the cold detection threshold on the foot with a 40 °C baseline is more effective than using skin temperature as a baseline for screening sensory alterations in elderly subjects with type 2 diabetes before neuropathy onset. SignificanceThese findings highlight the importance of selecting the appropriate cold detection threshold method for elderly individuals with type 2 diabetes. The optimal method can facilitate early identification of sensory changes, minimizing complications and improving overall well-being.

Utilizing the game design factor questionnaire to develop engaging games for adaptive learning in the serious educational game: the Ma'had

This study explores the unique mandatory residence, Ma'had Sunan Ampel Al Alyi (MSAA), at the State Islamic University (UIN) Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang, aiming to develop Quranic reading competence in new students. The varying educational backgrounds of admitted students lead to differences in their Quranic reading capabilities, highlighting the need for adaptive learning. In response to this diversity, adaptive learning using artificial intelligence is employed, implemented through the serious education game "The Ma'had." Survey results from expert individuals using a Game Design Factor Questionnaire reveal the game's substantial potential. The results show high agreement (100%) on clear goals, engaging gameplay, and a sense of freedom, with 67% strongly agreeing on improved understanding. Challenges are motivating, and the game successfully sparks curiosity. "The Ma’had" Game proves effective, but further research is recommended to explore variations in player engagement and compare results with expert test subjects, employing alternative quantitative testing methods for a comprehensive analysis.

Evaluation of an Automated Wall-mounted Far Ultraviolet-C Light Technology for Continuous or Intermittent Decontamination of Candida auris on Surfaces.

Technologies that provides safe and effective decontamination of surfaces and equipment between episodes of manual cleaning could be an important advance in efforts to prevent transmission of the emerging fungal pathogen Candida auris. We tested the efficacy of a novel wall-mounted far ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light technology that delivers far UV-C, when people are not detected within the field of illumination, against C. auris isolates from clades I, II, III, and IV using a quantitative disk carrier test method. In an equipment room, we examined the efficacy of the technology in reducing an isolate of C. auris from clade IV inoculated on multiple sites on portable devices. The far UV-C technology reduced isolates from all 4 clades of C. auris by >3 log10 colony-forming units (CFU) aſter an 8-hour exposure on steel disks. For the clade IV isolate, similar reductions were achieved on glass and plastic carriers. In the equipment room, the technology reduced C. auris inoculated on multiple sites on portable equipment by >2 log10 CFU in 4 hours. The far UV-C technology could be useful for decontamination of surfaces and equipment between episodes of manual cleaning. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the use of the technology in clinical settings.

Evaluation of Central Sensitisation in Bladder Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a debilitating condition characterised by exaggerated bladder sensations and altered bladder function. It is still unknown whether the condition is a peripheral sensory problem or due to abnormal central sensory processing as seen in central sensitisation. This systematic review, which followed a published and Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews-registered protocol (CRD42021229962), is aimed at establishing the scope of central sensitisation in patients with BPS to aid optimal management and treatment. Four databases were searched, and appraisal of the identified studies was conducted by two independent reviewers based on eligibility criteria: patients with BPS being investigated for central sensitisation with or without comparison of controls, English-language articles, full text and publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The Methodological Index for non-Randomised Studies was used to determine study quality. We identified 763 papers in total, with 15 studies included in the final analysis. All studies were observational and had a low risk of bias. Measures included in the evaluation of CS were questionnaires, urodynamics, and quantitative sensory testing methods. There was evidence of central sensitisation in patients with BPS in all papers evaluated (15 out of 15). In addition, more significant central sensitisation correlated with severe disease presentation (3 out of 3 papers) and concomitant chronic pain conditions (5 out of 5 papers). Central sensitisation plays an integral role in BPS patient pathology. Many secondary measures are used to evaluate this condition. Stratification of patients based on their pathology (peripheral, central or a combination of the two) will aid in implementing an individualised management strategy.

Successful Treatment-Free Remission in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

Introduction Discontinuation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is feasible in a subset of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients who have maintained a deep molecular response (MR) for ≥2 years. Numerous TKI discontinuation trials from high-income settings show that ~50% of patients relapse after discontinuing TKIs and need to restart treatment. However, most patients with CML worldwide are from low- and middle-income countries LMIC where TKI access and molecular testing make routine care and attempts of treatment-free remission (TFR) problematic. The successful implementation of TFR in LMICs would benefit both CML patients as well as the health economics of each country. This analysis describes the experience of attempting TKI discontinuation in the LMIC setting. Methods The Max Foundation's TFR Support Program provides financial and wrap-around support for patients attempting TFR in LMICs. The program operates in countries where The Max Foundation has existing partner institutions and physicians, imatinib and second line TKIs are available, and there is ≥1 reliable method of quantitative RT-PCR testing for BCR::ABL1. Eligible patients were &amp;gt;18 years old, diagnosed with chronic phase CML and treated with imatinib for ≥10 years with no history of resistance, and had a BCR-ABL level MR 4.5 or better (≤0.0032%) for ≥12 months (m) as demonstrated by 2 RT-PCR tests. Patients who consented were enrolled in the program and monitored by their treating physician. Upon starting TFR, patients' BCR::ABL1 levels were tested monthly for the first 6 m, then every 3 m for the following 6 m, then every 6 m. Patients who relapsed (BCR::ABL1 loss of MR 3 or &amp;gt;0.1%) after beginning TFR restarted imatinib and were tested approximately every 1-3 m until they achieved MR 3. We conducted a retrospective analysis on the outcomes of patients enrolled in The Max Foundation's TFR Support Program to better understand TFR outcomes in an LMIC setting. Results The molecular results pre- and post-TKI discontinuation are shown in Figure 1. In total, 39 patients from sites in 5 countries (Armenia, Honduras, India, Kenya, and Paraguay) were followed by 8 program physicians. The mean age of the patients was 51 years (range, 22-77), with 22 females and 17 males. Patients had been on imatinib for an average of 15 years (range, 10-20). At time of discontinuation, all but 1 patient was on 400 mg/day of imatinib (1 treated at 300 mg/day). Thirty-two patients had undetectable BCR::ABL1 for both pre-discontinuation tests, 6 had one test with a value of &amp;lt;0.01%, and 1 had both tests detectable at &amp;lt;0.01%. Of the 39 patients, 32 remain actively followed, with 14 patients completing &amp;gt;12 m of follow-up. Nine patients had a molecular relapse (23%) with a BCR::ABL1 &amp;gt;0.1% IS after a median of 2 m of discontinuation (range, 1-18 m). Of these, 2 patients have not had repeat testing to confirm molecular relapse, and 1 patient became undetectable on follow-up 1 m later. None of these 3 patients have restarted TKI therapy. Seven of 39 patients (18%) have restarted TKI treatment. Of these 7 patients, 3 were restarted on TKI, but have not had a follow-up BCR::ABL1 evaluation. Of the remaining 4 patients who restarted TKI, 2 had no detectable BCR::ABL1 at the 9 m and 12 m follow-up, and 2 remain with evidence of BCR::ABL1 at 12 m and 17 m follow-up. Conclusions The data suggest that under conditions that allow frequent follow-up examination and testing, patients attempting TFR in LMIC have similar outcomes to those patients described in controlled clinical trials from academic settings in high-income countries. Additional confirmation of these findings will likely impact both the health of CML patients and the health economics in these LMICs. Figure 1. BCR:ABL1 and outcomes following TKI discontinuation.

Circadian behavior and vitamin D status: a study on students at Faculty of Health, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya

Background: Vitamin D deficiency is still common in various community groups, including women of childbearing age. Not only because of a lifestyle that avoids the sun, but recent research has shown that circadian behavior, which includes eating and sleeping patterns, is associated with vitamin D deficiency. This study aims to provide information about female students' vitamin D status and circadian behavior to prevent further health problems. Methods: This research was quantitative, analytic, and observational, with a cross sectional study approach. The population was students of the academic year 2019 in the Faculty of Health, Universitas Nahdlatul Ulama Surabaya, in 2022. The sample size was 50 people. Data collection includes circadian behavior with parameters of sleep patterns, eating patterns, and plasma vitamin D levels. Sleep pattern data was collected using The Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Circadian eating pattern data was taken with 24-hour recall instruments. Plasma vitamin D levels were obtained by taking blood samples analyzed using the Fluorescence Immunoassay Rapid Quantitative Test method. Data analysis was performed using the Mantel-Haenszel statistical test on the SPSS program. Results: The results showed that 80.0% of samples had a predominantly daytime (pDT) eating pattern, 64.0% had poor sleep quality, and 68.0% had vitamin D deficiency. Bivariate analysis for eating patterns and vitamin D status showed OR = 0.890 (0.197-4.012). Bivariate analysis for sleep pattern and vitamin D status showed OR value = 1.362 (0.385-4.817). However, the p-value indicates an insignificant correlation (p=0.880 and p=0.631) Conclusion: The study shows poor sleep quality and predominantly daytime eating patterns are not risk factors for vitamin D deficiency.

Investigation of genetic relatedness, antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, biofilm-related virulence genes and integron-related genes of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates obtained from bovine milk samples with mastitis

Treatment of infections caused by opportunistic pathogenic Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is complicated by the bacterium's ability to produce biofilms and high antibiotic resistance. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of genetic relatedness, antimicrobial resistance, biofilm formation, biofilm genes associated with virulence and integron genes among isolates of S. maltophilia recovered from bovine milk with subclinical mastitis. In this study, bacterial identification was performed using conventional methods. While using the smeT gene-based Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to confirm the species-level identification of isolates; PCR was also used to detect virulence and integron genes, too. The quantitative Microplate Test (MP) method was used to determine the phenotypic biofilm production capacity of the isolates. The resistance patterns of the isolates against 9 antibiotics belonging to 9 antimicrobial families were examined using the disk diffusion method. Isolates resistant to at least three drug classes from various antimicrobial drug classes were defined as multi-drug resistant (MDR). The genetic linkage of S. maltophilia isolates was investigated by Enterobacterial Repetitive Intragenic Consensus (ERIC) PCR. The Chi-Square (χ2) test was used to compare the relationship between the biofilm-forming capacity of the isolates with the prevalence of biofilm-associated virulence genes and integron genes with MDR. In the study, a total of 312 milk samples with subclinical mastitis were taken from 27 farms. Ten isolates from five farms were phenotypically and genotypically identified as S. maltophilia. All isolates were resistant to cefepime and imipenem. While 70% of the isolates were MDR; 80% carried one of the integron genes. By the MP test, the phenotypically biofilm-forming capacity identified in isolates was detected at 80%. The prevalence of the studied virulence genes was rpfF 60%, rmlA 70%, spgM and smf1 80%. There was no significant relationship between the biofilm-forming capacity of the isolates with the prevalence of biofilm-associated virulence genes and MDR with integron genes. S. maltophilia isolates were detected simply and quickly, using PCR based on the smeT gene, from bovine milk samples for the first time in Turkey. In the UPGMA analysis performed in the PyElph 1.4 program, a total of 5 genotypes were found, 2 single and 3 multiple according to 18% similarity coefficient. ERIC-PCR can be useful in identifying S. maltophilia isolates with epidemic potential.

IN VITRO PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIVITY TEST OF TELANG FLOWER KOMBUCHA AS ANTIBACTERIAL Vibrio Cholerae AND Shigella dysenteriae THROUGH FERMENTATION BIOTECHNOLOGY METHOD

Diarrhea that occurs in the digestive tract is a big problem for human intestinal health. This can be caused by the activity of pathogenic bacteria in the form of Vibrio cholera and Shigella dysinteriae. In this study, kombucha has been shown to have pharmacological activity in vitro in inhibiting the growth of Vibrio cholera and Shigella dysinteriae bacteria at all sugar concentrations. The purpose of this study was to determine the in vitro pharmacological activity of the butterfly pea flower kombucha in inhibiting the growth of the two test bacteria consisting of a sugar concentration of 20%, 30% and 40%. The method for testing the inhibition of both bacterial growth tests is disc diffusion. One way ANOVA and post hoc analysis are one of the quantitative test methods used in this study of the average diameter of the inhibition zone of teal flower kombucha from various sugar concentrations. The results of this study have proven based on a one-way ANOVA with each P value&gt; 0.05 and then continued through post hoc analysis concluded that the telang flower kombucha at a concentration of 40% is the best treatment in inhibiting the growth of both test bacteria where the concentration is significantly different from sugar concentration 20% and 30%.

Quantitative composite testing model based on measurement uncertainty and its application for the detection of phthalate esters.

To improve the quantitative detection efficiency of chemical analysis and reduce the detection cost, the sample pass rate was estimated and mathematical statistics were used to calculate the optimal group size (K opt) of the composite testing to save on the maximum workload. A quantitative composite testing model was developed based on chemical analysis measurement uncertainty. Using this model, the maximum allowable number of composited samples (K max) is first calculated using parameters of regulated limits (L), limit of quantification (LOQ), and method measured uncertainty (U rel) to ensure that the sensitivity of the composite testing can meet the limit requirements. Finally, the appropriate composite group size (K a) can be obtained by creating a balance between K opt, K max, and the practical information used for that particular test. Furthermore, based on a constructed model, a practical quantitative composite testing method of 3-10 samples was established for the routine detection of toy phthalates (PAEs). The experimental results showed that the quantitative limits of 7 PAEs were 9.1-41.8mg/kg, the relative expansion uncertainties were 16.6%-23.2%, and the recovery rates were 91.0%-112.3%, with a relative deviation of less than 10%. All these meet international PAEs standards. Compared with the traditional individual and qualitative composite testing, this model will not decrease the detection sensitivity, but can save up to 17.9%-80.4% of the workload when it is employed in toy PAEs testing with the pass rate of 80%-99%. This quantitative composite testing method will be implemented in the coming revision of ISO 8124-6 toy PAEs standards.

Tropical Group Testing

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing is the gold standard for diagnosing COVID-19. PCR amplifies the virus DNA 40 times to produce measurements of viral loads that span seven orders of magnitude. Unfortunately, the outputs of these tests are imprecise and therefore quantitative group testing methods, which rely on precise measurements, are not applicable. Motivated by the ever-increasing demand to identify individuals infected with SARS-CoV-19, we propose a new model that leverages tropical arithmetic to characterize the PCR testing process. Our proposed framework, termed tropical group testing, overcomes existing limitations of quantitative group testing by allowing for imprecise test measurements. In many cases, some of which are highlighted in this work, tropical group testing is provably more powerful than traditional binary group testing in that it requires fewer tests than classical approaches, while additionally providing a mechanism to identify the viral load of each infected individual. It is also empirically stronger than related works that have attempted to combine PCR, quantitative group testing, and compressed sensing.

Pengaruh Self Efficacy dan Work Engagement terhadap Employee Performance melalui Job Satisfaction pada Karyawan PT. X.

This study aims to test and analyse the effect of Self Efficacy and Work Engagement on Employee Performance through Job Satisfaction in employees of PT.X. This research uses quantitative testing methods with the number of respondents as many as 67 production employees with sampling techniques, namely saturated sampling techniques to collect data from production employees at PT. X. SEM-PLS analysis technique was used in this study with the help of SmartPLS 3.0 software. The results obtained from this study indicate that Self Efficacy has a significant positive effect on Employee Performance. Self Efficacy has a significant positive effect on Job Satisfaction. Work Engagement has a significant positive effect on Employee Performance. Work Engagement has a significant positive effect on Job Satisfaction. Job Satisfaction has a significant positive effect on Employee Performance. Job Satisfaction does not mediate the effect between Self Efficacy on Employee Performance. Job Satisfcation mediates the influence between Work Engagement on Employee Performance. implications based on the results described in this study indicate that companies need the role of superiors to always provide a form of support to employees in the form of motivation and by always creating a good environment and being fair to each employee.

Quantitative testing method of solid-liquid two-phase for unconventional fracturing proppant transport

In unconventional reservoir slickwater fracturing, a large flow rate of slickwater with proppant is injected into the fracture network to create a complex solid-liquid two-phase flow. To obtain the flow pattern, quantitative testing methods must be explored based on conventional proppant transport laydown qualitative observation experiments. Optical visualization of the flow field was achieved by improving the structure of the flat plate fracture experimental unit, followed by particle image data acquisition of the fracturing fluid-proppant two-phase flow field using laser particle image velocimetry on the constructed experimental setup. The image acquisition parameters were optimized based on the proppant particle exposure characteristics, and a method was developed to enhance the proppant-tracer particle image for separation. Based on particle center detection, a model for proppant particle velocity calculation was established based on quasi-rigidity theory, and the validity of the model was verified using an artificial flow field. According to the experimental test and calculation results of the two-phase flow field with different proppant particle sizes, types, and different flow regimes, such as turbulent and laminar flow, the designed device and the established quantitative test and calculation method of the solid-liquid two-phase flow field can better adapt to the testing problem of the proppant transport velocity field in unconventional fracturing, and aid further quantitative studies of the proppant transport law.

Pain sensitivity differs between dog breeds but not in the way veterinarians believe.

Veterinarians hold distinct breed-specific pain sensitivity beliefs that differ from the general public but are highly consistent with one another. This is remarkable as there is no current scientific evidence for biological differences in pain sensitivity across dog breeds. Therefore, the present study evaluated whether pain sensitivity thresholds differ across a set of dog breeds and, if so, whether veterinarians' pain sensitivity ratings explain these differences or whether these ratings are attributed to behavioral characteristics. Pain sensitivity thresholds [using quantitative sensory testing (QST) methods] and canine behaviors (using owner questionnaires and emotional reactivity tests) were prospectively measured across selected dog breeds. Adult, healthy dogs from 10 dog breeds/breed types were recruited, representing breeds subjectively rated by veterinarians as high (chihuahua, German shepherd, Maltese, Siberian husky), average (border collie, Boston terrier, Jack Russell terrier), or low (golden retriever, pitbull, Labrador retriever) pain sensitivity. A final sample of 149 dogs was included in statistical analyses. Veterinarians' pain sensitivity ratings provided a minimal explanation for pain sensitivity thresholds measured using QST in dogs; however, dog breeds did differ in their pain sensitivity thresholds across the QST methods evaluated. Breed differences were observed for some aspects of emotional reactivity tests; however, these behavioral differences did not explain the differences in pain sensitivity thresholds found. Veterinarians' pain sensitivity ratings were positively associated with dog approach scores for the disgruntled stranger test suggesting that the way dogs greet strangers may be a factor influencing veterinarians' ratings of pain sensitivity across dog breeds. Overall, these findings highlight a need to investigate biological mechanisms that may explain breed differences in pain sensitivity because this may inform pain management recommendations. Further, future research should focus on when and how these breed-specific pain sensitivity beliefs developed in veterinarians, as veterinarians' beliefs could impact the recognition and treatment of pain for canine patients.

Effects of pressure and height on printability for soft materials

Extrusion-based printing with soft materials is an additive manufacturing technology, which is widely used in biomedical fields such as skin reconstruction, muscle repair, and cartilage regeneration, etc. Constructing high-precision printed structures and maintaining high cellular bioactivity are key issues in the in vitro construction of tissues and organs using extrusion bioprinting. There are some printing paraments such as pressure, height, nozzle type (eg, length and inner diameter), translational speed, etc. can have a huge influence on the structural fidelity. In this work, we put forward a quantitative test method to evaluate the printing accuracy is influenced by pressure and height. The results show that higher pressure can benefit uniformity (the filament width is equal everywhere), and higher height leads to higher uniformity only in low pressure for paste. This study can provide researchers with the tunning suggestions of printing paraments, which may promote the development of printing accuracy in the future.

The Profile of Junior High School Students’ Creative Thinking Skills about Alternative Energy in Science Learning

The most crucial role of creative thinking skills for students is encouraged by way of thinking to prove the truth of an assessment formulation. Teachers need to know students’ creative thinking skill profile and fulfill each indicator level to generate focused ideal learning to improve creative thinking skills. This research was conducted to explore junior high school students’ creative thinking skill profile in science learning about alternative energy. This research is a quantitative descriptive essay test method. Respondents are 110 7th-grade junior high school students in Jember, East Java, Indonesia. The results showed that the creative thinking skills of junior high school students is low (44,98%). Students’ creative thinking skill still need to be developed. Some students find it challenging to design a unique creative work on alternative energy. We suggest that creative thinking skills need to improve by developing learning methods, models, strategies, approaches, media, context, and interaction in the discussion process.

Production of hydrophilic silicone softener with antibacterial properties and evaluation of its performance on fabrics

The goal of the present paper is to produce antimicrobial textile softeners by using a methanol extract of the bitter melon. For this purpose, hydrophilic silicone softeners, including bitter melon extract were prepared at different concentrations. The antibacterial silicone softener with the highest antibacterial activity was determined through a quantitative antibacterial test method (disc diffusion and AATCC 147). The antibacterial silicone softener was applied to 100% cotton knitted fabrics, and the fabric performances were investigated via hydrophilicity tests, bursting strength, bending rigidity, subjective handle tests, whiteness degree and CIEL*a*b* color values. Furthermore, the antibacterial activities of the fabrics were quantitively researched by using ATTCC 100 test method according to S. aureus and E. coli bacteria species. The results showed that it is possible to produce antibacterial silicone softeners by using methanol extract of the bitter melon, and the fabric samples gained antibacterial activity without adversely affecting their performance. The fabrics treated with antibacterial silicone softener killed 65.55% and 52.35% of bacteria after 24 h for S. aureus and E.coli, respectively.