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Systematic Parameter Optimization for Electrospraying of PVA and PVP Aqueous Solutions
Full text linkThis study systematically optimizes the key electrospraying parameters—flow rate, applied voltage, and nozzle-collector distance—for generating polymer micro/nanospheres from aqueous solutions of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Solutions at concentrations of 10%–15% w/v were characterized by conductivity measurements, revealing a significant solvent-dependent effect (450 µS/m–590 µS/m for water vs. 44 µS/m–56 µS/m for ethanol). Through iterative testing, two distinct sets of optimal parameters were identified: 10% PVA at 20 µL/h, 25 kV, and 12 cm distance, and 15% PVP at 10 µL/h, 30 kV, and 14 cm distance. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) confirmed a significant interaction between polymer type and concentration on solution conductivity (p< 0.05). Strict environmental control (≤24 °C, ≤44% RH) was essential for process stability. Optical microscopy confirmed the formation of structures under the optimized conditions. This work establishes a reproducible parametric framework for the electrospraying of PVA and PVP, providing a critical foundation for the subsequent development of functional polymer particles for potential applications in catalysis and drug delivery
Educational Empowerment: Michelle Obama's Advocacy for Girls' Right to Education
Full text linkMichelle Obama, lawyer, writer, and former First Lady of the United States (2009-2017), has become a role model for women because of her beliefs in universal access to education. She has especially been a staunch defender of human rights and, in particular, of the rights of girls not only to access education, but also to remain in the system to access a university education that guarantees them a future and allows them to be independent. Unfortunately, this permanence in the educational system often entails a struggle against discriminatory social conventions based on gender, which lead girls to abandon their studies and, therefore, be relegated to the domestic-private sphere. In 2015, Michelle Obama and her husband launched Let Girls Learn to promote girls’ schooling and raise awareness of their need for higher education worldwide
Conflict-of-Laws Issues of Determining Administrative Jurisdiction and Deviation From Established Judicial Practice: The Case of Ukraine
Full text linkThe issue of the occurrence of the causes of conflicts of law is relevant, since its solution will depend on the clarity of the presentation of the legal problem. In addition, the formation of a proper functioning mechanism for resolving conflicts of law will increase the efficiency of legal regulation and ensure the stability and development of the legal system as a whole.
It should be stated that the conflict problem before the twentieth century. was not the subject of special analysis and study. Everything, as a rule, was limited to stating the legal fact of the existence of collisions, as well as highlighting the most typical ways to overcome them.
One of the obstacles to the proper functioning of the mechanism for determining and delimiting the administrative jurisdiction of cases of administrative offenses and other administrative cases is the existence of separate legal conflicts. At the same time, legal conflicts are characteristic not only in the issues of delimitation of jurisdiction for consideration of administrative and tort cases, but they also take place in the delimitation of the subjects of competence of administrative jurisdiction bodies.
The imperfection of legislative technique and contradictions in laws, the presence of cases of regulation of the same legal relations by the norms of different laws leads to unequal application by the court of the same norms of substantive law and the adoption of different court decisions in similar legal relations. Therefore, the Constitution of Ukraine guarantees the right to appeal and cassation review of court decisions. As S. Shevchuk notes, acting according to the law, courts can violate the organic essence of law, taking the norm out of context. The norms of the law should be applied in the context of European standards – to promote the protection of human rights and freedoms in order to comply with the principle of the rule of law: finding a principle in which a norm can only be an element of argumentation
Navigating Ethical Challenges in Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technologies
Full text linkThe emergence of blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies has transformed digital ecosystems, introducing opportunities for innovation and efficiency alongside profound ethical challenges. This paper explores key ethical considerations in cryptocurrency and blockchain, including the decentralization of financial systems, the balance between privacy and transparency, the use of blockchain for surveillance, and the socio-economic impacts on vulnerable populations. The authors delve into the contrasting emphasis on ethical considerations for financial solutions deployed in developed and developing countries. The borderless nature of blockchain and cryptocurrencies enables decentralised international transactions while simultaneously introducing specific challenges regarding the definition of applicable law and other jurisdictional legal matters. Through a combination of literature analysis and illustrative case studies, the authors examine the complex ethical dilemmas that accompany these technologies in combination with their actual and perceived links to crime. The findings aim to provide actionable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers, fostering the responsible and equitable adoption of blockchain and cryptocurrency technologies
Predictors of Type-2 Diabetes Self-Screening: The Impact of Health Beliefs Model, Knowledge, and Demographics
Full text linkBackground: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health concern, and the intention to undergo diabetes self-screening among patients varies based on demographics and the Health Belief Model (HBM).
Objective: This study aimed to identify the factors associated with the intention to engage in DM self-screening.
Methods: This study included 404 participants with a 99% response rate. Saudi Arabian residents from the Jazan region, all diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, were enrolled. A validated, Arabic-translated, and structured questionnaire was used to collect data on demographics, family history, chronic disease status, DM knowledge, HBM constructs, and DM screening behavior. The study methods adhered to the STROBE Checklist for clear and reliable reporting.
Results: The study found that 24.5% of the participants were in the 35-44 age group and 67.3% were male. Regarding education, 52.2% had university-level education and 79.7% had no family history of DM. Among the participants, 62.1% reported no chronic disease. The mean knowledge score was 6.44 (SD = 2.01). The study revealed that 56.9% of the respondents intended to engage in DM screening. Factors associated with intention included age (65 and over had lower odds), gender (females had slightly higher odds), and education (school qualification had higher odds). Family history and chronic disease status did not significantly affect intention. Among the HBM constructs, higher perceived susceptibility increased the odds, higher perceived severity decreased the odds, and perceived benefits and barriers had no significant associations with intention.
Conclusions: This study provides valuable insights into the factors influencing the intention to engage in DM self-screening among diabetic patients. This understanding can guide targeted interventions to promote DM self-screening and enhance diabetes care outcomes
A Conceptual Model of Sustainable Technology Use: The Role of Confirmation and Perceived Usefulness in the Hospital X Management Information System in Padang
Full text linkBackground and Objective: The adoption and use of Management Information Systems (MIS) in healthcare settings, like Hospital X in Padang, are crucial for improving operational efficiencies and patient care. Task-Technology Fit (TTF) measures how well technology supports its intended tasks and significantly influences user satisfaction and system use continuity. Key factors include Confirmation, assessing post-adoption user expectations, and Perceived Usefulness (PU), evaluating job performance enhancement. This study explores TTF's impact on Continuance Intention (CI), mediated by Confirmation and PU, within Hospital X's MIS context.
Methods: Data were gathered from staff at H.B. Saanin Mental Hospital, one of West Sumatera's public hospitals. A total of 158 questionnaires were distributed, with 150 deemed analyzable using structural equation modeling.
Result: The study finds no statistically significant relationship between TTF and PU. However, a marginally significant relationship between TTF and Confirmation suggests modest evidence that alignment between tasks and technology influences users' confirmation of their expectations. Notably, PU does not directly impact CI within Hospital X's MIS, nor does Confirmation significantly affect users' intention to continue using the system. Overall, the direct influence of technology-task alignment on users' intention to continue using MIS is inconclusive in this study context.
Conclution: This study reveals complex relationships among TTF, Confirmation, PU, and CI within Hospital X's MIS framework. Despite the theoretical significance of TTF and Confirmation, their direct impacts on PU and users' intention to continue system use are not statistically significant. These findings emphasize the ongoing need to evaluate and adapt MIS strategies to better align with user needs and ensure sustained effectiveness in healthcare operations
Sensory Acceptability of Buffalo Meat and Beef in Young Consumers
Full text linkBackground: The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensory acceptability of buffalo meat compared to beef, as well as to evaluate the perception of buffalo meat.
Method: The study was conducted with young meat consumers, who responded to a questionnaire with four sections: 1) sociodemographic aspects, 2) consumer preferences, 3) hedonic acceptability, and 4) perception of buffalo meat consumption. Three 2.5 cm thick steaks (Longissimus thoracis et lumborum) were compared: 1) select beef (slight marbling); 2) select buffalo meat (slight marbling); 3) prime beef (abundant marbling). The samples were evaluated by 76 young meat consumers (non-trained panelists). A seven-point hedonic scale was used to assess appearance, odor, flavor, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptability.
Results: The results indicated that prime beef presented a better appearance (P=0.0042) and tenderness (P<0.0001) compared to select buffalo and select beef, respectively. Similarly, a higher score was observed in juiciness for prime beef (5.52±0.19 points), but a better score for buffalo meat compared to beef select was identified (4.52±0.18 points vs. 3.86±0.19 points, respectively; P<0.001). Most of the panelists indicated that prior to the study, they had not consumed buffalo meat (89.00%/n=68). However, they noted that buffalo meat was like select beef (71.00%/n=54). The panelist highlighted various reasons why buffalo meat is not commonly consumed, such as there is no information on the buffalo meat (93.42%/n=71), limited availability of buffalo meat products (60.52%/n =46), and unavailability at supermarkets (73.69%/n=56).
Conclusion: Buffalo meat can be a good option for young consumers. However, more information about buffalo meat characteristics (chemical, nutritional, sensory properties, and technological quality) and improved marketing channels that ensure the availability of buffalo products are important
Effect of Dominant Follicle Size and GnRH Administration at Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination on Pregnancy Rates in Female Buffaloes on Marajó Island, Brazil
Full text linkThis study aimed to verify the effect of GnRH at the time of artificial insemination and Dominant follicle (DF) diameter on the Pregnancy rate (PR). 384 multiparous upgraded Murrah breed buffalo within 30 to 60 days postpartum with a body condition score of 3.4±0.6 were used. The synchronization protocol consisted of a day 0 (D0) intravaginal device of 1g of P4, application of 2.0mg of BE, and administration of 10 ml of injectable mineral supplementation at 4 pm. On D9, at 4 pm, the device was removed, and injected 0.265 mg of PGF2α and 300 IU of eCG Intramuscular (IM). On day 11, females were categorized based on the size of their dominant follicles. Females with ≥ 13 mm DF were divided into two groups: group 1 received GnRH, while group 2 did not. Similarly, females with < 13 mm DF were split into Group 3, which received GnRH, and Group 4, which did not. At 4 pm, 0.1 mg of GnRH was administered IM according to their groups. On D12, 16 hours after the injection of GnRH (at 8 am), Fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was performed. The pregnancy was diagnosed after 30 days of FTAI by ultrasound. The overall PR was 53.9% (207/384). No significant difference was observed between the groups and follicular size. More pregnancies were observed when the follicle size was around 13mm. It was concluded the administration of GnRH could enhance the efficiency of FTAI in buffaloes
Hemodynamic Changes with Different Non-Invasive Respiratory Modes for Primary Respiratory Support in Preterm Neonates: A Randomized Controlled Trial
No full textBackground: Non-invasive ventilation has improved the survival rate and treatment outcomes for preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The hemodynamic changes that occur, particularly during the weaning period, and alternate non-invasive breathing strategies are not well understood.
Aim: To assess the hemodynamic changes that occur during and after non-invasive respiratory support and the comparative efficacy of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) and nasal high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (NHFOV) as the primary non-invasive respiratory support for preterm neonates.
Methods: A randomized controlled study on 90 preterm neonates with RDS in need of non-invasive ventilation during their first 3 days of life, randomized into 3 groups: NHFOV, vapotherm, and NCPAP groups; 30 neonates for each group. Hemodynamic changes were assessed by echocardiography, pelviabdominal, and transcranial ultrasounds during and after discontinuation of the device.
Results: The NHFOV group had the lowest failure rate compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05). The Vapotherm group had a considerably shorter hospital stay and duration on non-invasive ventilation, faster reach to full enteral feeding, and lower nose trauma score (p < 0.05 for all). In terms of hemodynamic changes, the NCPAP group experienced a considerably higher percentage increase in left ventricular output (LVO) compared to the other two modalities (p < 0.001).
Conclusions: NHFOV had the lowest failure rate as a primary non-invasive respiratory support in preterm infants with RDS. However, the Vapotherm group showed a shorter hospital stay and duration on non-invasive respiratory support, quicker time to reach full oral feeding, and lower nasal trauma. The NCPAP group had a higher percentage of increment in LVO
Factors Associated with Underweight in Children Aged 6-59 Months in the Kibuye Health District, Gitega Health Province, Burundi
No full textThe study, conducted in the Kibuye health district in Burundi, aimed to investigate the factors associated with underweight children aged 6-59 months.
An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 273 households with at least one randomly selected child aged 6-59 months in the Kibuye, Burundi health district. Socio-demographic, socio-economic, child morbidity, behavioral, and environmental data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Children's weight was measured using a standard procedure (seca scale), height was measured using a UNICEF standard height board, and age was obtained from the birth certificate. Anthropometric data were analyzed using Emergency Nutrition Assessment (ENA for Smart) software.
Modeling was performed using logistic regression to eliminate confounding factors, and all independent variables whose significance level was less than or equal to 20% in the bivariate analysis were included to explore factors associated with underweight children aged 6-59 months.
In this study, the prevalence of underweight was 32.9%. After multivariate analysis, child age (OR=7.82, 95% CI = [2.21-27.6]), child gender (OR=2.61, 95% CI = [1.31-5.23]), maternal education level (OR=0, 32, 95% CI = [0.15-0.65]), exclusive breastfeeding (OR=0.28, 95% CI = [0.13-0.60]), latrine type (OR=8.08, 95% CI = [1.06-61.38]), water source (OR=2.76, 95% CI = [1.33-5.74]), mothers' knowledge of a balanced diet (OR=0.23, 95% CI = [0.08-0.64]) and knowledge of the consequences of malnutrition (OR= 0.21, 95% CI = [0.07-0.61]) were identified as factors significantly associated with underweight children aged 6-59 months in the Kibuye health district