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Large Deviation Theory In Stochastic Processes: Applications To Biological Modeling, Moshe C. Silverstein

Dissertations

This dissertation delves into developing and applying stochastic models to analyze complex biological systems. It leverages Large Deviation Theory (LDT) to gain insights into these systems, focusing on two key examples: neural networks and calcium signaling dynamics. Traditional deterministic methods frequently fail to capture biological processes' randomness and inherent variability. Meanwhile, many stochastic approaches struggle to be mathematically tractable or provide accessible insights. The approach introduced in this study provides rigorous mathematical frameworks to enhance understanding of these stochastic behaviors while remaining tractable and insightful.

A stochastic model for a random biological neural network is constructed that addresses the dependencies …

No. 01: South Africa At War: Food Insecurity, Migrant Exclusion And Covid-19 Policies, Jonathan Crush, Sean Sithole

Migration and Food Security (MiFOOD) Network

The policy audit critically examines the South African government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly focusing on the militaristic enforcement of lockdowns and the resulting food insecurity and exclusion of migrant populations. The report aims to inform policy-makers about the impacts of these policies and provide recommendations for crisis management.

On 27 March 2020, South Africa imposed a nationwide lockdown to combat the spread of COVID-19. This lockdown, enforced by the police and the military, was characterized by stringent measures including curfews, bans on inter-provincial travel, and the closure of non-essential businesses. These measures, while necessary to control the pandemic, …

An Autoethnography Of A Social Justice-Minded Teacher In Corrections, Graciela Rubalcaba-Munoz

Dissertations

ABSTRACT The incarceration of women has increased 93% in the last fifty years. This impacts marginalized communities at disproportionate rates. Although the provision of education in corrections became federal law in 1952 as a means to rehabilitate inmates, women’s facilities currently do not receive equitable resources to support education, which puts additional pressure on the educational staff. The legal requirement for education includes county jails, the transitory facilities that house inmates while they await court or transfer to prison. The jail educational system is volatile, making it difficult to engage students when there are constant interruptions, unexpected incidents, lockdowns, and …

Monitoring Marine Animal Interactions With Open Ocean Aquaculture And The Potential For Measuring Impacts, Ryan Richard Yont

Theses

Aquaculture, the farming of water-based organisms, is one of the fastest growing industries in the food production sector globally. Aquaculture farms, regardless of type, are categorized as either coastal or offshore marine aquaculture and are generalized into three categories: fed (e.g., finfish), unfed (e.g., filter-feeding bivalves), and autotrophic (e.g. kelp). Viewed as an agricultural industry, marine aquaculture is tightly regulated, particularly in the U.S. Despite this, an area of concern for the public and management alike is the potential for marine life interactions with aquaculture gear. Even the best-run farms represent a change in the physical and biological characteristics of …

Correlation Between Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea And Vomiting With Quality Of Life In Patients With Ovarian Cancer At Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Veinardi Madjid, David Calvin, Gatot Purwoto, Tofan Widya Utami, Tricia Dewi Anggraeni, Dhanasari Vidiawati, Hariyono Winarto

Makara Journal of Health Research

Introduction: Nausea and vomiting (NV) remain as side effects of chemotherapy, which has a detrimental effect on patients’ quality of life (QOL) and treatment adherence. This study aimed to determine the effect of chemotherapy-induced NV (CINV) on the QOL of patients with ovarian cancer treated with chemotherapy at Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (CMH).

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in patients with ovarian cancer receiving first-line chemotherapy regimens of carboplatin and paclitaxel. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment helped translate the Quality-of-Life Questionnaire-OV28 (QLQ-OV28) into Indonesian and tested it in a preliminary study. The approved Indonesian version …

Thai Medicinal Treating Theory In Hypertension, Pannawat Chaiyawatthanananthn

Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine

No abstract provided.

Antioxidant And Anti-Inflammatory Activities Of Ethanol And Aqueous Extracts In The Amnouy Suksomjit’S Thai Folk Remedy, Wichida Larsomsri, Pannawat Chaiyawatthanananthn, Thanaporn Intarawan, Yupa Ngankogsoong, Katanchalee Houngiam

Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine

Introduction: A Thai folk remedy is traditionally used to manage many diseases, such as diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and dementia, as they are related via oxidative stress and chronic inflammation pathways.

Objectives: This study investigates the antioxidant contents, and anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation properties of ethanol and aqueous extracts of Dr. Amnouy Suksomjitʼs Thai folk remedy (RM or the Remedy).

Methods: RM and its plant ingredients were extracted with ethanol maceration and water decoction. All extracts had their antioxidant compounds measured i.e. total phenolic contents (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC), activity by DPPH, ABTS^+ and FRAP assays, and anti-inflammatory activity …

Correlation Of Size And Redness Of Pterygium On Tear Film And Dry Eye Symptoms, Pakornkit Phrueksaudomchai

Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the correlation of size and redness of pterygium to tear film and dry eye symptoms.

Setting/Venue: Thammasat University Hospital, Thailand

Materials and Methods: 976 patients joined a hospital-based, retrospective cross-sectional study in Thammasat University Hospital. Severity of pterygium was measured and collected by size and redness; Tear film was measured and collected by Tear meniscus height (TMH) and Tear break up time (TBUT); Dry eye syndrome was measured and collected by Ocular surface visual analogue scale (VAS), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Oxford corneal staining scale and Meibomian gland dysfunction grading. The study was …

Quality Control And Evaluation Of Anti-Inflammatory And Antioxidant Activities Of Ethanolic Extracts From Ha-Rak Remedy, Piper Betle Linn., Garcinia Mangostana Linn., And Their Combined Remedies, Ubonwan Saesiw, Srisopa Ruangnoo, Arunporn Itharat, Pranporn Kuropakornpong, Saovapak Poomirat, Sunita Makchuchit, Pattama Sriumpai, Jagavet Tontan

Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine

Introduction: A Thai herbal remedy, Ha-Rak (HR), Piper betle Linn. (PB) leaves, and Garcinia mangostana Linn. (GM) pericarps tend to relieve inflammatory related atopic dermatitis (AD). Additionally, antioxidants have important role in the AD prevention.

Objectives: To develop combined formulas of HR, PB and GM extracts and investigate them on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, the total flavonoid content (TFC) and the total phenolic content (TPC).

Methods: The quality of each dried plant material was evaluated according to Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia (THP) criteria. Each was extracted by maceration with 95% ethanol, and then combined with a remedy. The inflammatory properties of …

Unveiling The Botanical Riches: Enhancing Quality Control And Stability Assessment Of Sa-Tri-Lhung-Klod Remedy Extract Through Hplc Profiling And Anti-Inflammatory Potency Evaluation, Janjira Inprasit, Srisopa Ruangnoo, Arunporn Itharat, Sunita Makchuchit, Weerachai Pipatrattanaseree, Neal M. Davies

Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine

Introduction: Sa-Tri-Lhung-Klod (ST) remedy is a Thai traditional medicine preparation, used for post-partum care including excreting amniotic fluid, reducing inflammation, and improving blood circulation. The standard quality values and the stability of ST have not been reported. Quality control and stability testing are necessary to determine and insure the standard quality of ST remedy.

Objectives: To evaluate the quality control of herbal components according to Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia (THP). The stability of ST extracts was examined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and anti-inflammatory activity was measured.

Methods: The quality assessment of the ST and plant components was performed by …

Hypertrophic Pachymeningitis From Neuro-Behçet’S Disease: A Case Report, Suntaree Thitiwichienlert, Dussadee Sakonlaya, Panlop Chakkavittumrong, Punchong Hanvivadhanakul, Supinda Leeamornsiri, Wimolwan Tangpagasit, Thanapat Dechasasawat

Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine

A 26-year-old female presented with visual loss for 10 days from optic neuritis, which had recurred in the fellow eye one year apart. Neuroimaging, Pathergy test and skin biopsy results supported the diagnosis of neuro-Behçetʼs disease. The patient was successfully treated with pulse methylprednisolone followed by prednisolone and immunosuppressive agents.

Factors Influencing Problematic Sleep Among Preschool Children With Adhd: Brief Research, Prakasit Wannapaschaiyong, Sureelak Sutchritpongsa

Asian Medical Journal and Alternative Medicine

This study aimed to examine the prevalence of sleep disturbances and related factors among preschool children with ADHD. Our results showed that the prevalence of sleep disturbances was 40%. Factors associated with problematic sleep include combined-type ADHD, higher severity of ADHD symptoms, the use of taking methylphenidate, higher behavioral difficulties,

Question Mark In Landia, Jane L. Saffitz

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Fluid Intake During Pregnancy, Irem Dilaver, Busra Parlak Somuncu, Murat Topbas, Kubra Sahin, Medine Gozde Ustundag, Cansu Agrali Gundogmus, Gamze Can, Nazim Ercument Beyhun

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Pregnancy is an important process that affects the body’s daily water requirements through various mechanisms. Adequate fluid intake also plays a critical role in pregnancy. This research aimed to determine levels of water/fluid intake and influencing factors among pregnant women presenting to a university hospital in Trabzon, Türkiye.

Methods: A total of 1,082 pregnant women were included in this cross-sectional research. A questionnaire was used during the face-to-face interviews to collect data. SPSS version 23.0 software was employed during data analysis, and logistic regression was applied to identify factors that affect adequate daily fluid intake.

Results: …

Health Services Students’ Knowledge Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Özge Akbaba, Ezgi Demirtürk Selçuk

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The rising incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among young people is a significant public health issue. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases among students at a vocational health school.

Methods: A descriptive study was conducted at a university in eastern Turkey from January to June 2024. The sample consisted of 621 students who agreed to participate. Data were collected from a sociodemographic form and the Sexually Transmitted Diseases Knowledge Questionnaire.

Results: Knowledge was higher among males, second-year students, those in the emergency and disaster management program, those with …

Evaluation Of The Relationship Between Self-Care And Treatment Compliance In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A Cross-Sectional Study From Northeast Türkiye, Enver Caner, Esin Kavuran

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: The study aimed to investigate the connection between self-care behaviors and treatment adherence among individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted between January and May 2022 in a public hospital involving 191 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Data were collected using the patient information form, the diabetes self-care scale, and the assessment scale for treatment compliance in type 2 diabetes.

Results: The mean self-care score was 84.57 ± 14.46 years, and the mean treatment compliance score was 79.50 ± 11.13 years, with a significant negative correlation between them (r …

Association Of Self-Reported Disease Severity With Depression And Anxiety Among Copd Patients, Yousef Saad Aldabayan, Antonieto Alaban, Eduardo Fabella, Amal Ismael Abdelhameed

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study was conducted to estimate the proportion of patients who experience a high impact from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on their health status and those who also experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. It also sought to determine whether the health impact of the disease is associated with anxiety and depression.

Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 177 randomly selected patients with COPD seeking treatment in various primary health centers in Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. The COPD Assessment Test (CAT) was used to determine the impact of COPD on health generally, and the …

Unraveling The Multilevel Dynamics Of Water, Sanitation, And Child Anthropometry In Indonesia, Rifa Kirana, Ahmad Komarulzaman

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Anthropometrics, reflecting nutritional status, growth, and development, are crucial elements that can predict a person’s health and well-being. However, low anthropometric measures among children under 5 years remain a significant issue in Indonesia, often influenced by various factors at the household and community levels. Access to clean water and adequate sanitation has been identified as major determinants of these adverse health outcomes. This study analyzes the relationship between anthropometric measures and access to water and sanitation at household and community levels using a multilevel analysis approach.

Methods: The study employs cross-sectional data from the Indonesian Family Life …

Exploring Overactive Bladder Symptoms In Premenopausal And Postmenopausal Women: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study, Egemen Tural, Ayşe Deniz Ertürk Coşkun, Gizem Pınar, Fisun Vural

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Overactive bladder syndrome affects millions globally. It can intermittently cause urinary incontinence, which can significantly diminish the quality of life. This study investigated overactive bladder symptoms in premenopausal and postmenopausal individuals by analyzing the influence of demographic, gynecological, and obstetric factors.

Methods: This single-center prospective cross-sectional study was conducted between September 1 and November 1, 2023, among premenopausal and postmenopausal women. In total, 244 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were selected using a simple random method. Participants were asked to complete an information collection form, and the Turkish version of the Overactive Bladder-V8 questionnaire was administered. A …

The Challenges Of Down Syndrome Screening In Primary Healthcare For Pregnant Women In Iran In 2018, Mona Zeinaloo, Mohammad Shariati, Masoud Younesian, Azita Kheiltash

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the various aspects of the implementation phase, including an economic evaluation, of Iran’s Down syndrome (DS) screening program.

Methods: Data were collected via phone interviews involving three random sample groups, with each group consisting of 1000 mothers who completed their pregnancies in 2018. To analyze the DS screening program from an economic aspect, we compared the costs related to the care of a DS individual in the country with that of finding and aborting a DS fetus based on the current screening program. In addition, to examine the financial expenses, we assessed …

Nursing Students’ Attitudes To The Recording And Protection Of Patients’ Health Data: A Cross-Sectional Study, Dilek Yılmaz, Oktay Uysal

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Understanding nursing students’ attitudes toward patient data protection is crucial, as it can affect their future practice and adherence to legal and ethical standards. The primary aim of this study was to assess nursing students’ attitudes toward the recording and protection of patients’ health data.

Methods: In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, 460 students were selected using the convenience sampling method. The intention was to contact the whole research population; however, data were collected from those who agreed to participate in the study and who completed the data collection form, which accounted for 70% of the population. …

The Effects Of The Atrial Natriuretic Peptide Deficiency On Renal Cortical Mitochondrial Bioenergetics In The Dahl Ss Rat, Alena Cherezova, Anastasia Sudarikova, Valeriia Vasileva, Regina Iurchenko, Anna Nikiforova, Denisha R. Spires, Aleksandra S. Zamaro, Adam C. Jones, Ryan S. Schibalski, Zheng Dong, Oleg Palygin, Krisztian Stadler, Daria V. Ilatovskaya

Division of Basic Science Faculty Publications

Atrial Natriuretic Peptide (ANP) plays an important role in blood pressure regulation. Low levels of ANP correlate with the development of salt-sensitive hypertension (SS-HTN). Our previous studies indicated that ANP deficiency exacerbated renal function decline in SS-HTN. In the heart and fat tissue, ANP was reported to affect lipid peroxidation and mitochondrial bioenergetics but the effects of ANP on mitochondrial function in the kidney are unexplored. We hypothesized that ANP deficiency in SS-HTN causes renal bioenergetic shift, leading to disruption of mitochondrial network and oxidative stress. To address the hypothesis, we placed Dahl SS wild-type (SSWT) and ANP knockout (SSNPPA−/−) …

General And Abdominal Adiposity And Hypertension In Eight World Regions: A Pooled Analysis Of 837 Population-Based Studies With 7·5 Million Participants, Bin Zhou, James E. Bennett, Aidan P. Wickham, Rosie K. Singleton, Anu Mishra, Rodrigo M. Carrillo-Larco, Nayu Ikeda, Lakshya Jain, Ana Barradas-Pires, Rachel A. Heap, Victor P.F. Lhoste, Kate E. Sheffer, Nowell H. Phelps, Archie W. Rayner, Edward W. Gregg, Mark Woodward, Gretchen A. Stevens, Maria L.C. Iurilli, Goodarz Danaei, Mariachiara Di Cesare, Carlos A. Aguilar-Salinas, Noor Ani Ahmad, Pascal Bovet, Zhengming Chen, Albertino Damasceno, Sarah L. Filippi, Imre Janszky, Andre P. Kengne, Young Ho Khang, Kamlesh Khunti, Avula Laxmaiah, Lee Ling Lim, Lauren Lissner, Paula Margozzini

Population and Public Health Science Faculty Publications

Background: Adiposity can be measured using BMI (which is based on weight and height) as well as indices of abdominal adiposity. We examined the association between BMI and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) within and across populations of different world regions and quantified how well these two metrics discriminate between people with and without hypertension. Methods: We used data from studies carried out from 1990 to 2023 on BMI, WHtR and hypertension in people aged 20–64 years in representative samples of the general population in eight world regions. We graphically compared the regional distributions of BMI and WHtR, and calculated Pearson's correlation …

Investigations On Structure-Related Properties Of Organic Inorganic Hybrid Materials For Multifunction, Anu Ranjani E Ms

Theses and Dissertations

Two-dimensional (2D) hybrid halide perovskites have become a versatile material in diverse applications like optoelectronics, lighting and display, magnetism, etc. These materials are often termed as layered hybrid halide perovskites (LHHPs) due to their unique structure with alternate organic and inorganic layers. The presence of insulating organic layers separates the inorganic perovskite slabs, creating a quantum-confined architectural configuration. This unique configuration endows these materials with a spectrum of distinctive functionalities, encompassing photovoltaics, lighting and displays, second harmonic generation, optical limiting, ferroelectricity, and ferromagnetism. The exceptional attribute is that a single LHHP can respond autonomously to external stimuli, such as changes …

A Global, Propensity-Score Matched Analysis Of Patients Receiving Inflatable Penile Prostheses And The Risk Of Complications, Infections, And Re-Interventions, Halle E. Foss, Zachary J. Prebay, David Ebbott, Matthew B. Buck, Michael Li, Paul H. Chung

Department of Urology Faculty Papers

Background: Over 25,000 men undergo inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement yearly to treat erectile dysfunction (ED). Although various comorbidities are hypothesized risk factors for complications, this remains incompletely understood. Our objective was to utilize multi-institutional data to characterize risk for reintervention, complications, and infections in patients with common suspected risk factors undergoing IPP placement.

Methods: We queried the TriNetX database for adult men who underwent IPP placement from 2003–2023 utilizing Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. We examined the impact of diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), nicotine use, radiation therapy (RT), radical prostatectomy (RP), and urethral surgery [urethroplasty, artificial urinary sphincter …

Nursing Students’ Epistemological Beliefs And Critical Thinking Skills, Asuman Çobanoğlu, Şebnem Bilgiç

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Epistemological beliefs and critical thinking affect the approach to knowledge and decision-making processes in nursing practice. These characteristics positively contribute to the personal development and quality of patient care of nurses. This study investigated the relationship between nursing students’ epistemological beliefs and critical thinking skills.

Methods: This descriptive and correlational study included 752 students studying nursing. The study was conducted with students enrolled in nursing programs at two state universities located in the northeast and west of Turkey. Data were collected using a Student Information Form, the Epistemological Beliefs Questionnaire (EBQ), and the Critical Thinking Disposition Scale …

Challenges And Future Perspective Of Gastroretentive Mucoadhesive Dosage Forms, Rayhan Akbar, Heri Setiawan, Baitha Palanggatan Maggadani, Raditya Iswandana, Kurnia Sari Setio Putri

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Gastroretentive Mucoadhesive Dosage Form (GMDF) is one type of Gastroretentive Drug Delivery System (GRDDS) technology designed to exploit the adhesiveness of dosage forms in the gastric mucosa. This aims to increase drug residence time, enhance drug solubility and absorption, and ultimately improve drug bioavailability and therapeutic effect. Various studies have explored the use of different polymers to develop GMDF systems and dosage forms. However, despite extensive research in this field, there are still limited GMDF products approved by the US FDA and INA FDA. Therefore, this review addresses the challenges in developing GMDF, its current state, and potential future opportunities. …

Recent Updates On Dried Blood Spot And Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling As Microsampling Technique For Antiepileptic Drug Determination: A Systematic Review, Asmiladita Pridilla, Yahdiana Harahap, Denni Joko Purwanto, Baitha Palanggatan Maggadani

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Implementation of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring (TDM) can be useful for patients with uncontrolled seizures. This review article aims to collect and compare the recent development of bioanalytical methods for antiepileptic drugs using microsampling techniques, namely DBS (Dried Blood Spot) and VAMS (Volumetric Absorptive Microsampling). Studies were searched through databases, namely Science Direct, Pubmed, and the Google Scholar search engine using pre-determined keywords. Studies published between 2019 and 2024 and used micro-sampling techniques for antiepileptic drug analysis were included. Non-English studies, non-related studies, duplication, and full text unavailable were excluded. Primary sources were used to build a conclusion regarding the purpose …

Biosynthesis Of Agnps Mediated By Equisetum Debile Roxb. Herb Water Extract And Its Potency As An Antioxidant, Yuni Retnaningtyas, Alviani Dwi Karmilasari, Endah Puspitasari

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are metal nanoparticles currently under development. AgNPs are recognized for their remarkable stability, low reactivity, and advantageous biological properties, including antioxidant activity. Phenolic compounds derived from the Equisetum debile Roxb. (Ed-R) herb have the potential to be explored as bio-reduction and capping agents in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The primary objective of this study is to synthesize AgNPs using a water extract from Ed-R herb and to assess their antioxidant activity. The optimal composition for the biosynthesis of AgNPs comprises 10% Ed-R water extract, 8.0 mM AgNO₃, and deionized water in a ratio of …

Writing Effective Policy Briefs To Bridge Research And Policy, Arvie Vitente, Rolando Lazaro, Francis Clarence Chua

Rehabilitation Sciences Department Faculty Articles

No abstract provided.