Research Reports Research Articles

Collaborative Design of a Chinese Herbal Medicine Case Report Guideline (CHM-CARE)

IntroductionCase reports have a long history in Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), and even into the modern day, case reports are still a preferred format for traditional East Asian medicine (TEAM) practitioners. However, the tradition of case reports in teaching and research is not nearly as common in the English-speaking world as in China, possibly due to the lack of a specific case report guideline. This study aimed to co-design a CHM guideline (CHM-CARE) to assist practitioners in compiling structured and comprehensive case reports. MethodsA two-phased mixed approach was used to develop the case report guideline. In phase one, focus groups of TEAM practitioners were used to determine what components of existing guidelines (e.g., Case Report (CARE) and Case Report in Chinese Medicine (CARC)) were relevant to include, along with any additions or changes. Content analysis of phase 1 provided the checklist items for a two-round Delphi process (Phase 2). All checklist items from the first Delphi round with a median of three or higher were included in the second round, with consensus set at >70% for inclusion in the final guideline. ResultsA total of 18 CHM practitioners from four countries joined five separate focus group discussions. Focus group discussions led to 98 checklist items being used in the first round of the Delphi process. 15 international experts on case reports participated in two rounds of Delphi. 69 checklist items moved forward into the second round where 61 items (88%) reached consensus and formed the final CHM-CARE guideline. ConclusionKey elements of a herbal medicine case report checklist were identified, and a 61-item case report guideline (CHM-CARE) was produced, providing clear guidelines for case reports to TEAM practitioners operating in private practice.

Beliefs and practices of the nursing team related to pressure injury preventive measures: A analysis of social representations.

To analyse the process of elaborating social representations about pressure injury preventive measures by the nursing team (nurses and nurse technicians) and how this process relates to preventive practices for hospitalized patients. Qualitative study, with the application of the theory of social representations in its procedural methodological approach. The study was carried out in an inpatient clinic of a public hospital in the state of Rondônia, Brazil. Totally, 28 nursing professionals in the medical clinic sectors who had worked directly with patient care for more than 6 months participated. The data were collected between July and September 2021 via in-depth interviews with the application of a semi-structured instrument. Analysis was carried out with the help of ALCESTE software, which performed a lexicographic analysis, and also via thematic analysis. The COREQ guided the presentation of the research report. The social representations were developed based on the professionals' symbolic beliefs about the visibility/invisibility of the results of applying preventive care. These symbolic constructions mobilized positive and negative feelings among the nursing team, which guided the classification of prevention practices as being of greater or lesser priority among other care activities. There were favourable attitudes among professionals, which included applying prevention measures in their daily routines, and unfavourable attitudes of non-adherence to the institution's protocol for preventing pressure injuries. The nursing team's perception of pressure injury prevention is influenced by symbolic, affective, values, and social dimensions. Non-adherence behaviours are attributed to the belief in the invisibility of prevention outcomes, resulting in a reluctance to implement preventive measures. Understanding the subjective logic that explains the thinking and actions of the nursing team suggests the need to incorporate discussions on beliefs, values, sentiments, and attitudes of nursing professionals into educational programs on pressure injury prevention. No public contribution.

A research report on the phase-domain trajectories of fault recording and their mathematical models

In currently known theories and algorithms of fault recording analysis and application, there is little literature where fault feature parameters are mined deeply from electrical physical quantities themselves. In this report the calculation method of the phase angles of the reference point and sample points is obtained, which ensures the correspondence of the time-domain waveform of digital fault recording with its phase-domain trajectory. The relationship between the initial phase angle of a sinusoid and the position of its trajectory, the characteristics of the trajectories of three-phase short-circuit currents containing dc components and the mathematical models of these trajectories are analyzed. Taking a rectangular wave current and a triangle wave current as example, the characteristics of the trajectories of non-sinusoidal and periodical waveforms containing harmonics are analyzed as well as their mathematical models. The research results show that the relationship between the initial phase angle of a sinusoid and the position of its circular trajectory is definite; the dc components have no impact on the positions of the trajectories of the short-circuit currents, but on their sizes and shapes; the harmonics have an impact on the shapes of the trajectories, and their positions are decided by the initial phase angles of the ac fundamental components in the waveforms. Subsequent study of the algorithm of fault recording analysis will be spread based on the contents in this report.

English for Business Communication: An in Depth Analysis

The English language has a more significant role in our daily contacts in both national and international contexts. The English language has been deeply ingrained in every part of our life due to its global qualities. Outstanding chances for an individual are associated with proficiency in the English language. The productive and effective operation of business and communication is greatly dependent on the English language. Due to the English language, multinational firms are able to conduct business all over the world. In order to thrive as a businessman with a global profile, one needs to improve their communication skills in English. English communication abilities that are both effective in spoken and written form are essential for business. The idea of Business English has changed significantly in recent years due to a number of developments, such as improvements in genre theory and the amalgamation of English for Business Purposes and Business Communication that have been motivated by the realization that there is a gap to be filled between the academic world and the global business world. This pioneering review, which draws on developments in the analysis of business discourses, particularly in applied genre analysis, revisits the frameworks now implemented in English for Business Purposes and Business Communication (or, more broadly, Professional Communication). The design of English for Business Communication (EBC) programs is thus suggested to be based on the combination of the two techniques. The research report includes an in-depth evaluation of numerous relevant published works.

Potential of Artificial Intelligence to Generate Health Research Reports of Decayed, Missed and Restored Teeth

This study aims to indicate the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in epidemiological reports of decayed, missed and restored teeth. As a proof of concept our study model used panoramic x-ray images and an AI algorithm for tooth numbering, detection of the caries and restorations with accuracy over 80% for such diagnostic tasks. The output came as the number of decayed, missed and restored teeth according to patient´s age and the DMFT index (number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth) which varied from 3.6 (up to 20 years old) to 20.4 (+60 years old). Thus, it is suggested that AI is a promising method to automate health data collection through the analysis of x-rays.

What lies beneath: using student reflections to study the entrepreneurial mindset in entrepreneurship education

PurposeThis research presents and evaluates a method for assessing the entrepreneurial mindset (EM) of students in higher education.Design/methodology/approachThe research considers EM a multi-variable psychological construct, which can be broken down into several conceptual sub-categories. Using data from a master course in entrepreneurship, the authors show how these categories can be applied to analyze students’ written reflections to identify linguistic markers of EM.FindingsThe research reports three main findings: analyzing student reflections is an appropriate method to explore the state and development of students’ EM; the theoretically-derived EM categories can be nuanced and extended with insight from contextualized empirical insights; and student reflections reveal counter-EM categories that represent challenges in the educator’s endeavor to foster students’ EM.Research limitations/implicationsThe commitment of resources to researching EM requires the dedication of efforts to develop methods for assessing the state and development of students’ EM. The framework can be applied to enhance the theoretical rigor and methodological transparency of studies of EM in entrepreneurship education.Practical implicationsThe framework can be of value to educators who currently struggle to assess if and how their educational design fosters EM attributes.Originality/valueThis inquiry contributes to the critical research discussion about how to operationalize EM in entrepreneurship education studies. The operationalization of a psychological concept such as EM is highly important because a research focus cannot be maintained on something that cannot be studied in a meaningful way.

Completeness of intervention reporting of nutrition-focused weight management interventions adjunct to metabolic and bariatric surgery: effect of the TIDieR checklist.

Nutrition-focused interventions are essential to optimize the bariatric care process and improve health and weight outcomes over time. Clear and detailed reporting of these interventions in research reports is crucial for understanding and applying the findings effectively in clinical practice and research replication. Given the importance of reporting transparency in research, this study aimed to use the Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist to evaluate the completeness of intervention reporting in nutritional weight management interventions adjunct to metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS). The secondary aim was to examine the factors associated with better reporting. A literature search in PubMed, PsychINFO, EMBASE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials was conducted to include randomized controlled trials (RCT), quasi-RCTs and parallel group trials. A total of 22 trials were included in the final analysis. Among the TIDieR 12 items, 6.6 ± 1.9 items were fully reported by all studies. None of the studies completely reported all intervention descriptors. The main areas where reporting required improvement were providing adequate details of the materials and procedures of the interventions, intervention personalization, and intervention modifications during the study. The quality of intervention reporting remained the same after vs. before the release of the TIDieR guidelines. Receiving funds from industrial organizations (p = 0.02) and having the study recorded within a registry platform (p = 0.08) were associated with better intervention reporting. Nutritional weight management interventions in MBS care are still below the desirable standards for reporting. The present study highlights the need to improve adequate reporting of such interventions, which would allow for greater replicability, evaluation through evidence synthesis studies, and transferability into clinical practice.

Brief Information About Some University Libraries of Gujarat

This research paper is in Gujarati language. In the present research paper, six university libraries of Gujarat state have been studied. In which the establishment of University Library and its collection and time are briefly discussed. Apart from this, the present research report gives a brief explanation about the meaning of library and university, types of libraries and university library.

Nationwide data from comprehensive genomic profiling assays for detecting driver oncogenes in non-small cell lung cancer.

Driver oncogenes are investigated upfront at diagnosis using multi-CDx systems with next-generation sequencing techniques or multiplex reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays. Additionally, from 2019, comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) assays have been available in Japan for patients with advanced solid tumors who had completed or were expected to complete standard chemotherapy. These assays are expected to comprehensively detect the driver oncogenes, especially for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, there are no reports of nationwide research on the detection of driver oncogenes in patients with advanced NSCLC who undergo CGP assays, especially in those with undetected driver oncogenes at diagnosis. In this study, we investigated the proportion of driver oncogenes detected in patients with advanced NSCLC with undetectable driver oncogenes at initial diagnosis and in all patients with advanced NSCLC who underwent CGP assays. We retrospectively analyzed data from 986 patients with advanced NSCLC who underwent CGP assays between August 2019 and March 2022, using the Center for Cancer Genomics and Advanced Therapeutics database. The proportion of driver oncogenes newly detected in patients with NSCLC who tested negative for driver oncogenes at diagnosis and in all patients with NSCLC were investigated. Driver oncogenes were detected in 451 patients (45.7%). EGFR was the most common (16.5%), followed by KRAS (14.5%). Among the 330 patients with undetected EGFR, ALK, ROS1, and BRAF V600E mutations at diagnosis, 81 patients (24.5%) had newly identified driver oncogenes. CGP assays could be useful to identify driver oncogenes in patients with advanced NSCLC, including those initially undetected, facilitating personalized treatment.

A Comprehensive Investigation into the Prevalence and Effects of Undernutrition among Children in Namibia: A Systematic Review

Undernutrition is a significant public health concern, impacting over 900 million people globally. It holds responsibility for the highest mortality rate among children and leaves enduring physiological effects. The purpose of this review is to determine the prevalence of undernourishment, investigate the consequences of undernutrition on health outcomes, particularly its influence on child development, and emphasize potential interventions and suggest policy recommendations to tackle the underlying causes and alleviate the effects of undernutrition in Namibia. Databases such as PubMed, OnePlus etc. To identify existing research studies (both qualitative and quantitative) and reports from organizations were used to identify relevant articles. In 2012, 28% of Namibians were underweight, 11% as overweight, and 7% as obese. The prevalence of undernutrition (as a percentage of the population) was reported at 17.1% in 2020 and 2021. Stunting has decreased from 29% to 23.7%. 12,711 children are said to have died in Namibia in the last five years. 43.1% of the adult population was stunted as a child. Data in the 2022 prevalence report shows that 7.1% of children under five years of age are affected, which is higher than the average for the African region (6.0%). Undernutrition poses potential consequences in children such as impaired physical and cognitive development, increased susceptibility to diseases, and overall reduced quality of life. There is a lack of recent online data on undernutrition prevalence in Namibia, which poses a challenge to grasp the current situation fully. Historical records and existing literature strongly suggest that undernutrition remains a pressing issue in the country.

Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of Paecilomyces variotii and comparative evolutionary mitochondriomics of 36 fungi.

Paecilomyces variotii has important economic value in stimulating crop growth, biodegradation, and other aspects. Up to now, there are no research reports on its mitochondrial genome. The mitochondrial genome of Paecilomyces variotii was determined with the next-generation sequencing method (Illumina, NovaSeq), and its characteristics were analyzed using various bioinformatics approaches. The length of complete mitochondrial genome sequence of P. variotii is 40,965bp and consists of 14 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 1 ribosomal protein S3 gene, 26 transport RNA genes. The results of phylogenetics analysis using Bayesian inference and Maximum likelihood methods showed that P. variotii belongs to the Eurotiales order in the Thermoascaceae family, and 9 genera within the Eurotiomycetes class were effectively distinguished with high support rates (bootstrap value > 92% and posterior probabilities > 99%). The analysis of synonymous substitution rates and nonsynonymous substitution rates indicated that the Ka/Ks values of the 14 PCGs in the mitochondrial genomes of the two orders in the Eurotiomycetes class ranged from 0 to 0.4333. This study revealed the structural and sequence information characteristics of the mitochondrial genome of P. variotii, and the phylogenetic results strongly support its classification within the family Thermoascaceae, consistent with traditional morphological taxonomy studies. The 14 PCGs in the mitochondrial genomes of the two orders in the Eurotiomycetes class are subject to strong purifying (negative) selection. The results of this research provides an important molecular basis for the development of genomics, evolutionary genetics and molecular markers of P. variotii in the future.

A research report on a novel typological study of the Chinese metaphorical and metonymic idioms.

This report shows a novel classification of the Chinese metaphorical and metonymic idioms based on the Spreading-Activation Model (SA Model). Identified first are three features of the source domain within the Chinese metaphorical and metonymic idioms: (1) the relationship between the source and target domains, (2) the number of source domains within idioms, and (3) the inherent characteristics of the source domain. Then drawing on the SA Model, this report arrives at a novel classification of the Chinese metaphorical and metonymic idioms into four categories: (1) Directional activation Idioms, (2) Cooperative activation Idioms, (3) Spreading activation Idioms, and (4) Superimposed activation Idioms. Discussion is made on each category and a continuum of cognitive difficulty is established with respect to understanding different categories. This classification is of great help within the realm of teaching Chinese as a foreign language.

The language of submission: a four-way duoethnography exploring translanguaging pedagogy with carceral students’ funds of knowledge and funds of identity

ABSTRACT Purpose Our purpose is to demonstrate that duoethnography can be both a collaborative research methodology and a pedagogical strategy for robust learning practices in secondary carceral settings. These settings are defined as those classrooms serving youth whose movement is limited by either being confined to a facility or being excluded from all other classrooms. This study explores our lived experiences, as a group of three carceral secondary school alumni and one teacher, of working together to connect funds of knowledge, funds of identity, and translanguaging to carceral classroom pedagogy. Design/methodology/approach This study is a four-way duoethnography that juxtaposes the perspectives of our multiple experiences of learning, development, and linguistic affordances. As duoethnographers, we compare and contrast our experience of one phenomenon: possible connections between pedagogy in carceral settings and the funds of knowledge, funds of identity, and translanguaging literature and approaches to education. Findings Our research reports on how we benefited from funds of knowledge, funds of identity, and translanguaging approaches. We reflect, as representatives of carceral students and their teachers, on how we, in turn, could contribute to these traditions. Finally, our work demonstrates and models the pedagogic potential of bringing these approaches together. Originality/value This study foregrounds the rarely heard voices of carceral students as we advance new approaches that connect the language of students’ communities to secondary classroom language goals and vice versa. In this way, our work helps ensure that student’s voice informs funds of knowledge, funds of identity, and translanguaging pedagogy innovation for carceral settings.

Decision-making for bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy for an increased lifetime breast cancer risk: A qualitative metasynthesis.

Previvor is a term applied to a person with an identified, elevated lifetime cancer risk but without an actual cancer diagnosis. Previvorship entails the selection of risk management strategies. For women with a genetic mutation that increases their predisposition for a breast cancer diagnosis, bilateral risk-reducing mastectomy (BRRM) is the most effective prevention strategy. However, BRRM can change a woman's breast appearance and function. The purpose of this qualitative metasynthesis (QMS) was to better understand the decision-making process for BRRM among previvors. A theory-generating QMS approach was used to analyze and synthesize qualitative findings. Research reports were considered for inclusion if: (1) women over 18years of age possessed a genetic mutation increasing lifetime breast cancer risk or a strong family history of breast cancer; (2) the sample was considering, or had completed, BRRM; (3) the results reported qualitative findings. Exclusion criteria were male gender, personal history of breast cancer, and research reports which did not separate findings based on cancer diagnosis and/or risk-reduction surgery. A theory and corresponding model emerged, comprised of seven themes addressing the decision-making process for or against BRRM. While some factors to decision-making were decisive for surgery, others were more indefinite and contributed to women changing, processing, or suspending their decision-making for a period of time. Regardless of the decision previvors make about BRRM, physical and psychosocial well-being should be considered and promoted through shared decision-making in the clinical setting.

Browsing: Further thoughts on this month’s theme

Past articles, research reports, and discussion questions related to the theme of the March 2024 Kappan, Change That Matters.

Development of Home Beauty Devices for Facial Rejuvenation: Establishment of Efficacy Evaluation System.

Home beauty devices for facial rejuvenation utilizing technologies such as radiofrequency, microcurrent, and light emitting diode have gained widespread attention due to their claimed ability to improve skin tightness and elasticity, making them popular among consumers. However, there is controversy within the industry regarding the effectiveness and safety of these devices. This study aims to verify the safety and effectiveness of these home beauty devices in treating skin aging based on relevant efficacy evaluation indicators. A systematic search of PubMed and web of science was conducted to include original research literature on the efficacy of home beauty devices for facial rejuvenation over the past two decades. The selected literature was processed and analyzed based on efficacy evaluation indicators such as sample size, follow-up period, experimental results, adverse reactions, and others. After screening, a total of 18 clinical studies were included. A comprehensive analysis of the experimental results and adverse reaction indicators from existing literature revealed that home beauty devices for facial rejuvenation can improve skin aging to a certain extent. Apart from transient redness and swelling, no other adverse reactions were observed. Despite the variety of home beauty devices for facial rejuvenation available in the market, corresponding research reports are limited. Existing studies suffer from issues such as small sample sizes and short follow-up periods, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive efficacy evaluation system. Furthermore, the physical stimulation of meridian acupoints by home beauty devices for facial rejuvenation may meet the multi-dimensional anti-aging needs of patients, suggesting a potential direction for future research.

A CRITICAL REVIEW OF LABOUR COMMISSIONERS' DILEMMAS WHEN DEALING WITH WORKPLACE DISPUTES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Purpose: The overarching purpose of the study is to review the existing literature on the immense challenges faced by South African labour commissioners when dealing with labour disputes. Upholding decent work is indispensable to dispel injustice and poor working conditions at the workplace. Theoretical reference: It is one of the key sustainable development goals the United Nations sets in which South Africa is a member state. Labour commissioners of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration in South Africa play an integral role in accomplishing decent work through adjudicating labour disputes between employees and employers. Method: The study adopted a systematic review method. The study extensively reviewed the available literature, which include published research articles, conference papers, reports and policy documents over the period 2012–2022 from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar and ScienceDirect databases. Results and Conclusion: The study found unparalleled challenges, which include illiteracy and poor level of education among the complainants, mounting reported labour caseload, increase in labour matter reviews, re-filing of cases dealt with due to unimplemented awards, poor access to training of the commissioners, among others. Implications of research: The study provides critical policy implications to address labour commissioners' challenges in South Africa. The management must also ensure that the complainants have access to adequate technology whenever they contemplate conducting their dispute resolution process via digital platforms. Originality/value: However, despite labour commissioners facing challenges linked to their work, which compromise their ability to discharge their duties effectively, studies have yet to be conducted to specifically examine the challenges faced by labour commissioners in South Africa.

Nature Positive Tourism

The concept of nature positive, simply defined as a means of describing a world where nature is being restored and is regenerating, rather than declining, is attracting increasing attention in the tourism industry. With this in mind, this review paper outlines the current global nature crisis, presents the results of an Internet search of academic research and consultancy company reports on nature positive, summarises the World Travel and Tourism Council’s recent report on nature positive travel and tourism, and offers some critical reflections on nature positive tourism. The reflections focus on the concept of nature positive itself, the industry’s commitment to nature positive tourism and concerns about greenwashing, and the relationship between tourism and sustainable development, which might all be seen to call the nature positive tourism into question. Keywords: nature crisis, nature positive, nature positive tourism, tourism industry, sustainability

Atorvastatin versus tetrahydrolipstatin in male patients with dyslipidemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Context: Atorvastatin is typically used in the treatment of dyslipidemia. However, the interest in using anti-obesity medications such as orlistat has grown rapidly as obesity is one of the variables associated with dyslipidemia. Aims: To synthesize the findings from previous studies published to date on the potential effects of atorvastatin and tetrahydrolipstatin (orlistat) on the levels of serum LDL. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of research reports and RCTs about atorvastatin and orlistat on LDL levels from articles published in Medline, PubMed, and Scopus from 2012 to 2022 were conducted using PRISMA and RevMan 5.4 software. Results: From 9 final included articles, 6 focused on atorvastatin and 3 on orlistat. Five papers on atorvastatin reported a significant decrease in LDL level, whereas only 2 from orlistat papers. There is a significant decrease in LDL level associated with Atorvastatin treatment (p = 0.04, CI = 1.58, 56.81, I2 = 99%), but not with orlistat (p = 0.05, CI = 0.10, 17.69, I2 = 93%). Conclusions: Here, it is shown that atorvastatin instead of orlistat has a significant effect on decreasing LDL serum levels in dyslipidemia patients.

Nanotechnology-based Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Cervical Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

Background: Cancer is a global public health issue; in the United States, it is the second leading cause of death. Furthermore, cancer, which consists of distinct subtypes of cancer cells and variable components, may cause a continuum of carcinogenesis. It can be categorized according to the part where it begins in the body, such as breast cancer or cervix cancer. Cervical cancer attacks cervix cells, most commonly in the transition area, when the endocervix's glandular cells transform into the exocervix's squamous cells. Cervical cancer is treated in several methods depending on the degree and size of the tumour and frequently entails surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Methods: It is vital to have an effective drug delivery system that may increase the treatment effectiveness to overcome the limits of traditional therapy and achieve higher cancer therapeutic efficacy that is successful in treating cervical cancer. Additionally, these therapies are safer than traditional therapy. Although many nanocarriers have been created, only a few numbers have received clinical approval to deliver anticancer medications to the targeted areas where their predicted activity is to be seen. Conclusion: Along with the patents released, various research reports illustrating the value of nanocarriers are addressed in this review. Some recent publications, clinical evidence, and patent records on nanocarrier architectures have been given, strengthening the understanding of tumor management.