Theoretical Strategies Research Articles

Can Front-of-Pack Labeling Encourage Food Reformulation? A Cross-Sectional Study on Packaged Bread

Front-of-pack labeling (FOPL) may represent an important instrument for the food industry in the promotion of food product reformulation. The present cross-sectional study used salt reduction in packaged breads as a case study, aiming to investigate whether two different types of FOPL (i.e., Nutri-Score (NS) and NutrInform battery (NIB)) can capture food reformulation and thus be effective tools for encouraging reformulation. The Nutri-Score and NIB were calculated by consulting the nutritional declarations and ingredient lists of 527 packaged breads currently sold in Italy before and after applying three different theoretical reformulation strategies: (i) a 25% salt decrease from the current median salt content in bread; (ii) a reduction of up to 0.825 g/100 g of salt, corresponding to the sodium benchmark of 330 mg/100 g set by the World Health Organization (WHO); and (iii) the minimum salt reduction needed to improve the NS by one grade. The results show that only ~44% of breads had improved NSs when the sodium was lowered to reach the WHO benchmark or when salt was reduced by 25%, whereas large variability was observed in the minimum salt reduction needed to improve the NS. Regarding the NIB, the battery for salt improved when both strategies of reformulation were applied. FOPL is not always effective in capturing food reformulation in terms of salt reduction, possibly discouraging the efforts of food companies to improve the nutritional quality of foods.

Research on Mobile Learning (M-Learning) in Higher Education: A Systematic Review (2016 to 2023)

This study investigates the evolution of mobile learning (M-Learning) applications in higher education between 2016 and 2023. This period marks an era of significant technological innovations and the profound impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on education. The purpose of this research is to delineate how M-Learning applications are represented in the academic literature during this time and to identify research trends within this field. The research is based on a systematic review of 161 academic articles related to M-Learning, published between 2016 and 2023 in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The study utilizes the TCCM (Theory, Context, Characteristics, Methodology) framework to conduct an in-depth analysis of theoretical approaches, research contexts, learning characteristics, and methodological strategies in the literature. The findings reveal that M-Learning positively impacts areas such as collaboration, skill development, and self-assessment among students. The effective use of mobile devices as educational tools by instructors and students is identified as crucial for the success of M-Learning applications. Moreover, the success of M-Learning is closely linked to users' attitudes toward technology and the integration of technological and pedagogical supports into the learning processes. This systematic review provides significant insights into how M-Learning can transform learning and teaching practices in higher education. It suggests strategic planning and further research for educators, policymakers, and researchers on integrating mobile technologies into learning processes. Specifically, there is a need to explore the long-term effects of M-Learning on student achievement and its applicability in various learning contexts.

Vicarious Acquisition of Learned Helplessness During the COVID-19 Campus Epidemics in China: Interactions Between Embodied and Mediated Experiences

ABSTRACT Numerous universities nationwide announced urgent implementation of closed campus management due to the epidemics of COVID-19 in Chinese universities since March 2022, and a large number of students were under quarantine. This study aims to explore how embodied experiences (i.e., centralized quarantine and self-quarantine) and mediated experiences (i.e., exposure to media sources, pandemic information overload, and online help seeking) influence the acquisition of learned helplessness during the campus epidemics among the Chinese university students, besides, how do these two types of experiences interact with each other to elicit learned helplessness is another interested research question. The data was collected nationwide via an online survey platform from March 22nd to April 16 2022 immediately after the outbreak of campus epidemics. A total of 1267 valid student samples were retained. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that embodied experience of centralized quarantine is positively related to learned helplessness. Mediated experience of information access from friends on social media and government official media as well as online help seeking are negatively related to learned helplessness. Information access from overseas media and pandemic information overload are positively related to learned helplessness. Besides, the interaction between self-quarantine and pandemic information overload is positively related to learned helplessness. Theoretical contributions and intervention strategies aimed at enhancing authoritative communication and managing information overload during public health crisis were discussed.

Clinical assessment strategies for competency-based education in prosthetic dentistry.

Reflective practice is viewed as a theoretical and pedagogical concept in higher education having several diverse approaches and interpretations. The most important aspect of reflective practice is that it is a necessary quality assurance aspect of higher education which should occur recurrently and at different stages of the program. It usually entails an evaluation of advanced instructions which has become the norm in an educational setting, in order to improve the learning outcomes. Reflective practice must therefore be seen as a tool which allows continuous improvement, modifications, and changes to educational approaches, which include theoretical and clinical assessment strategies. Academics in prosthetic dentistry at a research-led university reflected on their current assessment strategies used in the senior undergraduate dental program as part of a quality assurance process and its global comparability. This paper aims to share and explain the importance of reviewing assessment strategies in higher education, especially in such a clinical program using reflective practice as a framework. Different assessment strategies used over a 5-year period are explored and their different structures, expectations, and appropriateness for a clinical program are reported from the literature. The concerns were addressed in a cyclical manner within this framework, and Blooms and blueprinting implemented where appropriate. We conclude that without a validated definition and framework for regular reflective practices, and guidelines to modify the included assessment strategies, the quality assurance within a competency-based dental program may be compromised.

Research on the Construction of Calligraphy Education Curriculum System from an Interdisciplinary Perspective

With the continuous advancement of educational models, interdisciplinary education has gradually become an important means of promoting teaching innovation. This study aims to explore the construction of a calligraphy education curriculum system from an interdisciplinary perspective, combining the traditional values of calligraphy art with modern educational needs to propose a systematic curriculum design plan. The paper first introduces the theoretical framework and implementation strategies of interdisciplinary education, clarifying the disciplinary background of calligraphy education and its innovative applications in interdisciplinary integration. Next, through an in-depth analysis of the design principles, integration strategies, and teaching methods of the interdisciplinary calligraphy education curriculum system, the study evaluates the effectiveness of curriculum implementation and future development trends. The research indicates that interdisciplinary calligraphy education not only enriches the curriculum content but also enhances students' comprehensive abilities and innovative thinking. Future research should focus on curriculum practice models, applicability across educational stages, and international collaboration to further promote innovation and development in calligraphy education.

Elucidating Dynamical Behaviors in Kinetically Constrained Models via Energy-Activity Double-Biased Matrix Product State Analysis.

We investigate dynamical phase transitions in two representative kinetically constrained models: the 1D Fredrickson-Andersen and East Models. A recently developed energy-activity double-bias approach utilizing both s and g fields, conjugated with dynamical activity and trajectory energy, is combined with matrix product state (MPS) methods. It is demonstrated that MPS methods facilitate the numerical approximation of large-deviation statistics of dynamics by determining the eigenvalues of tilted dynamical generators under the influence of double-biasing fields. Specifically, by focusing on the g-field, a nearly "half-filled" state at moderate negative g values is identified, indicating the potential existence of an anomalous phase. Additionally, dynamical quantities under various s, g, and T conditions are obtained via tensor networks, showing good qualitative consistency with mean-field results and our previous extensive numerical simulation results obtained by the path sampling method. Our study introduces novel methodologies for examining decoupled dynamical behaviors that, although energetically active, remain dynamically inactive within the system. This approach offers a fresh perspective on the theoretical framework and computational strategies for studying dynamical phase transitions in kinetically constrained systems.

Forced randomization: the what, why, and how.

When running a randomized controlled trial (RCT), a clinical site may face a situation when an eligible trial participant is to be randomized to the treatment that is not available at the site. In this case, there are two options: not to enroll the participant, or, without disclosing to the site, allocate the participant to a treatment arm with drug available at the site using a built-in feature of the interactive response technology (IRT). In the latter case, one has employed a "forced randomization" (FR). There seems to be an industry-wide consensus that using FR can be acceptable in confirmatory trials provided there are "not too many" instances of forcing. A better understanding of statistical properties of FR is warranted. We described four different IRT configurations with or without FR and illustrated them using a simple example. We discussed potential merits of FR and outlined some relevant theoretical risks and risk mitigation strategies. We performed a search using Cortellis Regulatory Intelligence database (IDRAC) ( www.cortellis.com ) to understand the prevalence of FR in clinical trial practice. We also proposed a structured template for development and evaluation of randomization designs featuring FR and showcased an application of this template for a hypothetical multi-center 1:1 RCT under three experimental settings ("base case", "slower recruitment", and "faster recruitment") to explore the effect of four different IRT configurations in combination with three different drug supply/re-supply strategies on some important operating characteristics of the trial. We also supplied the Julia code that can be used to reproduce our simulation results and generate additional results under user-specified experimental scenarios. FR can eliminate refusals to randomize patients, which can cause frustration for patients and study site personnel, improve the study logistics, drug supply management, cost-efficiency, and recruitment time. Nevertheless, FR carries some potential risks that should be reviewed at the study planning stage and, ideally, prospectively addressed through risk mitigation planning. The Cortellis search identified only 9 submissions that have reported the use of FR; typically, the FR option was documented in IRT specifications. Our simulation evidence showed that under the considered realistic experimental settings, the percentage of FR is expected to be low. When FR with backfilling was used in combination with high re-supply strategy, the final treatment imbalance was negligibly small, the proportion of patients not randomized due to the lack of drug supply was close to zero, and the time to complete recruitment was shortened compared to the case when FR was not allowed. The drug overage was primarily determined by the intensity of the re-supply strategy and to a smaller extent by the presence or absence of the FR feature in IRT. FR with a carefully chosen drug supply/re-supply strategy can result in quantifiable improvements in the patients' and site personnel experience, trial logistics and efficiency while preventing an undesirable refusal to randomize a patient and a consequential unblinding at the site. FR is a useful design feature of multi-center RCTs provided it is properly planned for and carefully implemented.

Non-pharmacological interventions of intermittent fasting and pulsed radiofrequency energy (PRFE) combination therapy promote diabetic wound healing

ObjectiveThis study aims to conduct an unbiased assessment of the synergistic effects of non-pharmacological Interventions of intermittent fasting and pulsed radiofrequency energy (PRFE) combination therapy on the facilitation of diabetic wound healing, while also exploring the underlying mechanisms. The findings of this research will provide a theoretical framework and innovative strategy for unconventional therapeutic interventions aimed at enhancing the healing process of diabetes-related wounds.MethodsIn vivo experiments involved the induction of diabetic models in C57 mice through streptozotocin injection. To simulate a combined therapeutic approach, diabetic mice underwent fasting on days 2 and 6, accompanied by twice daily PRFE applications for 8 days. In vitro experiments were conducted using a serum-free culture medium to replicate fasting conditions. The investigation encompassed wound healing rate, proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, oxidative stress, fibrogenesis, and sensory nerve growth through histological analysis and functional assessments in vivo. Additionally, this study utilized quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), western blotting (WB), and immunofluorescence staining techniques to elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of intermittent Fasting and PRFE combination therapy in diabetic wound healing, both in vitro and in vivo.ResultsThe intermittent fasting and PRFE combination therapy demonstrated superior efficacy in enhancing diabetic wound healing compared to either treatment alone. It harnessed the respective strengths of individual therapies, fostering migration, mitigating oxidative stress, and enhancing fibrogenesis. Furthermore, the combination therapy manifested a synergistic effect in promoting proliferation, tube formation, angiogenesis, and sensory nerve growth.ConclusionThis study demonstrates that intermittent fasting and PRFE combination therapy enhance diabetic wound healing, effectively leveraging the strengths of both therapies and even yielding synergistic benefits. Moreover, it indicates the potential engagement of the P75/HIF1A/VEGFA axis in mediating these effects.

NPDC Structure Double-Channel N-Polar E-mode GaN HEMTs: Innovations in Enhancing RF and DC Performance and Mitigating Trap Effects

—High-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) based on gallium nitride (GaN) are favored for their exceptional performance in high-power and high-frequency applications. However, developing dual-channel HEMTs presents challenges due to spontaneous polarization effects and design complexities. This study introduces a novel N-polar E-mode GaN HEMT with a dual-channel structure, featuring recessed drain-source regions and non-alloyed ohmic contacts. TCAD simulations provide theoretical insights and optimization strategies for these structures, focusing on the combination of N-polar GaN and ultra-wide bandgap AlN barrier layers. The optimized device demonstrates a threshold voltage of +1.08 V and a 45.9% increase in current density. The N-polar double-channel HEMT (NPDC-HEMT) exhibited a 55.75% improvement in peak transconductance, with Ft increasing from 13.3 GHz to 30.1 GHz and Fmax from 63.7 GHz to 65.9 GHz. Further enhancement was achieved in the T-gate variant (NPDC-T-HEMT), with Ft reaching 52.6 GHz and Fmax 94.4 GHz. The dual-channel design effectively mitigated short-channel effects and current collapse, demonstrating the potential for high-power RF applications.

Comprehensive review of stabilising factors, demulsification methods, and chemical demulsifiers of oil-water emulsions

With most crude oil extracted in the form of an emulsion, a substantial quantity of interfacially active substances such as asphaltenes and resins adsorbed at the oil–water interface can form a stable interfacial film through intermolecular interactions (hydrogen bonds or π-π stacking), which hinder the coalescence of water droplets. This process improves interface stability, making oil–water separation difficult, thus considerably increasing the petroleum industry’s cost. Hence, comprehending the stability mechanism of oil–water emulsions and destroying the stable oil–water interfacial structure is vital for effective demulsification. The paper systematically reviews types, stability factors, demulsification technologies and principles of oil–water emulsions, summarises common types of demulsifiers, explains the action mechanism of demulsifiers from structure-activity relationships, and proposes future development prospects in this field, thus providing support for formulating demulsification theoretical strategies.

Theoretical and Numerical Analysis of Singular Perturbation Problems in Ordinary Differential Equations

Background: Singular perturbation troubles in everyday differential equations (ODEs) involve a small parameter ϵ that causes answers to show off behaviors on multiple scales, main to massive challenges in both theoretical and numerical evaluation. Objective: This paper at targets to comprehensively look at the theoretical and numerical techniques for reading and solving singular perturbation troubles in ODEs. Focus is located on know-how the behaviors precipitated through the small parameter and developing strong numerical techniques to accurately seize these behaviors. Methods: Theoretical approaches employed include matched asymptotic expansions and multiple scale analysis. These methods decompose the solution domain into regions with different scales, constructing and matching approximate solutions to ensure smooth transitions. Numerical techniques such as finite difference methods, finite element methods, and spectral methods are utilized, with particular emphasis on adaptive mesh refinement to handle boundary layers effectively Results: Theoretical evaluation demonstrates the effectiveness of matched asymptotic expansions and multiple scale analysis in presenting correct approximations and easy transitions among one of a kind solution regions. Numerical techniques showed high accuracy and performance, particularly whilst blended with adaptive techniques. Finite distinction strategies with non-uniform grids and adaptive mesh refinement, finite detail techniques with adaptive mesh strategies, and spectral strategies with special handling of boundary layers all proved successful. Stability and convergence analyses showed the reliability of those techniques. Conclusions: This comprehensive evaluation highlights the strengths and applicability of each theoretical and numerical strategies in tackling singular perturbation issues in ODEs. The mixed use of these techniques lets in for correct and green answers, presenting treasured equipment for applications in diverse clinical and engineering fields.

FORMATION OF CONCEPTUAL AND TERMINOLOGICAL APPARATUS AS A COMPONENT OF PROFESSIONALLY ORIENTED FUTURE PHARMACIST TRAINING

The article analyzes the process of forming the conceptual and terminological apparatus as a component of professionally oriented training of future pharmacists; based on generalization of theoretical foundations, the features, strategies, and methods, the formation of the conceptual and terminological apparatus that contribute to the efficient training of future pharmacists in the process of studying the discipline «Analytical Chemistry» are revealed. The following criteria for the selection of chemical terms and concepts are proposed: thematic affiliation (exclusion of terms from related fields), focus on the vocabulary, systematicity, completeness of terminology coverage, as well as synchronicity (time factor), usage (frequency), semantic value of the term, term-forming capacity, normativity, and connectivity. The article considers the holistic organization of work on the qualitative mastering of the terminological vocabulary of analytical chemistry, and the development of professionally oriented communicative competence of future specialists majoring in the specialty 226 «Pharmacy, Industrial Pharmacy». It involves the use of proven methods and techniques for the rational selection, semantization and presentation of terminological language units. The exercises are divided into types, and their sequence in working with terms is established: introduction of terminological vocabulary (preparatory exercises) – language exercises – communicative and linguistic exercises, which involve the simultaneous selection and functioning of pre-text, while-text, and post-text exercises in such work. Post-textual tasks and forms of application of exercises have been developed. They are the following: work in pairs, organizing a cluster based on reference material, sentence construction, terminological dictation, and crossword puzzles. microtext construction, formulating definitions of terms, working with mental maps, using multimedia, trainings, video presentations, and the game «Guess the term!». It has been concluded that the usage of various communicative and speech exercises aimed at mastering terminological vocabulary in the process of teaching analytical chemistry contributes to professional communication skills improvement in the discipline and, by forming terminological experience, increases the level of professional language competence of future pharmacy specialists.

Commonalities and differences in strategies for regulating motivation and emotion in academic settings: A within-person approach

BackgroundMotivation and emotion form important pillars of students’ educational experiences and, while representing distinguishable constructs, are closely intertwined. Consequently, it can be assumed that their regulation may be governed by similar mechanisms as well. From a theoretical perspective, MR and ER strategy taxonomies do contain overlap, particularly among strategies involving reappraisals of personal competencies, but also unique (i.e., non-overlapping) strategies. Empirically, however, motivational regulation (MR) and emotion regulation (ER) have had little intersection in prior research and stem from rather disconnected research traditions. AimsBuilding on previous work on the functional interplay between students’ motivation and emotion, we examined similarities and differences in MR and ER strategies and tested the assumption that MR strategies are also used to regulate emotions, and ER strategies to regulate motivation, in study situations. SampleParticipants were 1,466 university students. MethodUsing a within-person design, students reported on their use of various strategies for managing regulatory problems involving either low motivation or negative emotions (anxiety, boredom). ResultsUsing CFA and latent difference modeling, we found that strategy use was strongly correlated and differed little in terms of mean levels across motivational and emotional regulation problems. These correlations were even stronger, and mean differences smaller, than those found for regulatory problem distinctions within motivational and emotional problems. ConclusionsThe findings indicate that many designated MR and ER strategies as distinguished in current taxonomies may be relevant for managing both motivational and emotional problems and underscore the need for joint theoretical perspectives on MR and ER.

Research Progress on Ferroptosis in Multiple Myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematological malignant (HM) tumor, and a large proportion of patients still suffer from treatment failure and a poor prognosis despite the use of some newly approved drugs, a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanism is still needed. Ferroptosis is a new form of programmed cell death (PCD) that is different from other traditional forms of cell death such as apoptosis, necrosis and autophagy. With the continuous deepening of research on ferroptosis, ferroptosis has been found to be closely related to MM. This article reviews the regulatory mechanism of ferroptosis and research progress on ferroptosis in MM, providing a new theoretical basis and strategies for the diagnosis and treatment of MM.

Boosting the cold flow properties and oxidation stability of diesel-biodiesel blends by novel polymethacrylate graft copolymer nanocomposites

The applications and development of biodiesel fuels are restricted by the poor low-temperature fluidity and oxidation stability. Meanwhile, typical antioxidants are usually compounds containing phenyl groups, which have the disadvantages of high toxicity and carcinogenicity. To address these defects, our study originally synthesized a multifunctional additive using both post grafting and nanocomposite technology, as well as apply a biofuel antioxidant free of benzene ring group, 4-Amino-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine. Our findings reveal that the delayed crystallization behavior of B20 (20 vol%. biodiesel +80 vol%. diesel) is strongly dependent on the additive structure and amount, which the pour point (PP) and cold filter plugging point (CFPP) are decreased by 20 and 16 °C respectively at 1000 ppm. The post grafting technology enhanced additive antioxidant properties, which extend the induction period of B20 from 2.0 to 6.9 h. Our study confirmed the synthesized additives through possess synergistic enhancement effects on both cold flow properties and oxidation stability. In addition, DFT calculations simulating the potential energy changes of B20 solutions forecast copolymer structure affects the low-temperature fluidity. Hence this study pioneered the proposal for developing multifunctional additives through both post grafting and nanocomposite technology of methacrylate copolymer for biofuels, and provide a theoretical prediction strategy for exploring optimum copolymer pour point depressant for fuels.

A Defense of the Obligation to Keep Promises to the Dead.

It is widely held that to break a promise that one made to a person who is now dead would be to wrong her. This view undergirds many positions in bioethics, ranging from those that concern who may access a person's medical records after she has died, to questions concerning organ procurement and posthumous procreation. Ashley Dressel has argued that there is no reason to believe that promissory obligations can be owed to people who are dead. Although her arguments are unsuccessful, others establish that neither of the promissory obligation accounts that she considers (the "Authority Account" and the "harm-based view") can justify the standard view that directed posthumous promissory obligation is possible. However, this does not mean that the received view that we should keep our promises to the dead is mistaken. First, the theoretical commitments and argumentative strategies of those who endorse the possibility of posthumous promissory obligations preclude them from grounding such on either of these accounts of directed promissory obligation. They are thus already committed to justifying such obligations in other ways. Second, the obligation to keep promises to the dead could be justified on the grounds that not to do so would adversely affect the living.

Highly-pseudocapacitive origin and design principles of MoS2 for high-performance aqueous zinc-ion storage

Pseudocapacitive storage of Zn2+ in nanostructured molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is expected to break through the limitations of sulfide in monovalent or multivalent ions storage; however, the deficiency of theoretical guidance and experimental strategies that enable rational design of MoS2 as a kind of cathode material towards aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Herein, we firstly establish guiding theory in order to design pseudocapacitive MoS2-based cathode in the light of the first-principles calculation, and then propose a simple and effective one-pot template-free solvothermal method to synthesize 1T phase-dominated MoS2 cathode with low crystallinity. Through this method, MoS2 cathode delivers an exceptional reversible capacity of 233 mAhg−1 at 0.05 A g−1, especially at 0.1 A g−1, the stability can achieve >150 cycles, and maintains 84 % capacity retention after 2100 cycles at 5 A g−1. Experimental and theoretical analysis show that such extraordinary pseudocapacitive contribution determines by the synergistic effects in the activated and stable metallic phase, abundant lattice defects and larger interlayer spacing in the rag-like MoS2 cathode. The revealed origin of highly pseudocapacitive Zn2+ storage and design principle for MoS2-based cathode facilitate the design of a variety of efficient cathodes.

Genetic Algorithm-based Optimization Model for Emergency Shelters Location Allocation in Public Health Emergency Situations

Deploying emergency resources after a disaster is crucial for reducing the event’s impact. A multi-objective (MO) resource allocation (RA) method is developed to achieve efficient distribution of relief items and the best choice of transportation routes, taking into account the variable and persistent nature of rescue operations. The MO Cellular Genetical Approach (MOC-GA) addresses the concept by incorporating auxiliary populations and neighborhood architecture into the cellular automaton. The comparative experiment conclusively demonstrates that MOC-GA performs favorably compared to Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO), Ant Colony Optimisation (ACO), and Dragon Fly Optimisation (DFO) in several metrics such as the Pareto Front (PF), hypervolume, mean objective function value, and PF ratios. The findings demonstrate that MOC-GA effectively addresses the MO dynamical emergency RA approach, offering decision-makers a more comprehensive range of superior and diversified candidate rescue strategies than alternative methods. This research analyzes the existing rescue methods and proposes a theoretical rescue strategy to aid decision-makers in making scientifically informed decisions.

Insight into the impact of environmental factors on heavy metal adsorption by sodium alginate hydrogel: Inspiration on applicable scenarios

Sodium alginate (SA) emerges as a promising adsorbent for the remediation of heavy metal-polluted wastewater. However, the systematic investigations on how and the extent to which the various compositions in real water matrices impact its performance were essential but rare when considering its use. Here, we explored the effect of common environmental factors on Cu(II) adsorption by an as-synthesized SA-based hydrogel (SAH). The result showed that high concentration of organics (above 10 mg L−1) had a negative influence on heavy metal removal (decreased by 9.45 % at least), while inorganic ion, turbidity and antibiotics at relatively low concentrations exhibited a negligible even promoting effect (increased by 9.8 % with the presence of 5 mg L−1 Nor). Based on above results and corresponding mechanism analyses, the possible applicable and unsuitable scenarios of SAH can be predicted. SAH could be a great candidate for treating heavy metal-polluted water such as river and lake water, while it is not a good option for electroplating or livestock wastewater which contains high concentration of organic matters. Besides, the operating conditions including pH (5.0 for Cu(II), 6.0 for Ni(II)), contact time (24 h), temperature (298 K) et al. were also determined. Overall, this work provides theoretical guidance and operational strategies for promoting the practical application of SA adsorbent in water treatment.

Six patterns of homeopathy use in integrative oncology: A qualitative study (TOUCAN)

IntroductionCancer patients’ quality of life has improved with supportive care which encompasses diverse conventional therapies along with complementary and alternative medicine. Since little is known about the use of homeopathy, this article aims to describe its applications in women with non-metastatic breast cancer in France. MethodPatients, general practitioner-homeopaths, and oncologists were included based on defined criteria, utilizing a theoretical sampling strategy. Due to evidence and ethics, homeopathy was considered only as a complementary in integrative oncology (IO). Data were collected until saturation was reached through individual semi-structured interviews and focus groups. The analysis employed inductive thematic techniques. Inclusion, interviewing, and coding occurred iteratively. Data are reported according to the COREQ guidelines. ResultsTwenty-eight patients (all women, aged 32–76), 13 oncologists (8 men, aged 30–62), 6 homeopaths (5 women, aged 29–68), 2 gynecologists and 1 nurse (all were women, aged 29–65) participated. The core theme “Supportive Care as a Whole” echoed the concept of “healthcare bricolage” or “the processes by which individuals use multiple resources to address health concerns.” Homeopathy was intended to 1) complement conventional and supportive care, 2) be complemented with other supportive therapies, 3) substitute for supportive drugs, 4) replace other supportive therapies, 5) not be suitable to replace all supportive therapies, and 6) be the only supportive option available in some situations. ConclusionThere are several ways of using homeopathy that depend on other conventional and supportive therapies a patient uses. Clinicians should more frequently evaluate the diverse uses of homeopathy in supportive care. Take-home messageThere are six practical reasons why breast cancer patients turn to homeopathy within the scope of integrative oncology. These reasons depend on the representation of care as a whole, along with the availability, accessibility, effectiveness, benefits, and effort required by this and other therapies – both conventional and supportive – used by the patient.