Digital Commons Network^™

An Accountability Myth: A Critical Analysis On High-Stakes Testing In U.S. Schools, Noelle E. Haskell

Journal of Multicultural Affairs

High-stakes testing has become synonymous with the United States (U.S.) education system. This began in the early 1900’s through the form of intelligence testing which was developed by several U.S. psychologists. Since then, high-stakes testing has taken on many forms. Popular policies such as No Child Left Behind (NCLB), Race to the Top, and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) have all taken aim at increasing academic achievement and holding schools accountable through high-stakes, standardized tests. Even through its varying forms, high-stakes tests have continued to perpetuate inequalities. Considering this, the current study examines how the rhetoric used in describing …

Gender Dynamics In Quadball: Making Space On The Pitch, Emily X. Mcnally

Culture, Society, and Praxis

Quadball is a sport based on Quidditch, the fictional sport born from the book series, Harry Potter, minus the flying. The introduction of this paper provides an overview of the sport and why gender plays such a significant role in it. Twelve players were brought together for a study and were put into three focus groups to discuss and hear other player’s perspectives on gender dynamics within the sport. There was a non-binary, women’s and men’s group. Overall, it was found that players are working toward making the sport more gender inclusive, but the sport has not achieved full gender …

#Diydiabetes: Type One Diabetes, Stigma, And Control In Digital Networks Of Diy Looping, Sophia M. Shelley

Culture, Society, and Praxis

The general public’s awareness of type one diabetes is often lacking and filled with misinformation that can lead to stigma around the disability. Often type one diabetics have to fend for themselves through the means of “DIY diabetes.” The delay in technological innovations and the slow approval rate of Health Canada, compared to the US Food and Drug Administration, makes improving the lives of those with diabetes much more challenging. The self-management of the disability enables diabetics to take agency of their treatment plan and is the primary reason for DIY diabetes. The main reason for this research is to …

Global Prevalence Of Hyperhomocysteinemia Among Adults With Hypertension: A Narrative Review, Wangkheimayum Ashalata Devi Phd Scholar, Dr. Melita Sheilini Associate Professor, Dr. Rinchen Doma Bhutia Assistant Professor, Corresponding Author: Dr.Melita Sheilini, Associate Professor,Department Of Medical-Surgical Nursing, Manipal College Of Nursing, Manipal Academy Of Higher Education, Manipal, Udupi District, Karnataka, India.Contact Number- 8095976561. Email Id: [email protected]

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Background: Elevated blood homocysteine (Hcy) levels are a hallmark of hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), a metabolic disorder that is known to be a risk factor for cardiovascular illnesses. It greatly raises the risk of vascular problems when combined with hypertension (HTN). However, there are few statistics on the prevalence of HHcy in individuals with HTN. Objective: The present review aims to estimate the global prevalence of HHcy among adults with HTN and to highlight regional disparities, associated risk factors, and implications for clinical practice. Method: The comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed and Google Scholar search engines. Studies published in …

Interventions To Promote Menstrual Health Among Adolescents In Lmic’S: Protocol For A Systematic Review, Precilla Dsilva, Sudhir Prabhu Dr, Prajna Kumari Dr, Baby S. Nayak Dr, Judith Noronha Dr

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Background: Menarche brings out significant change in each girl’s life. Coping with the discomforts and adopting the body changes becomes a biggest challenge for every teen. Cost effective non pharmacological interventions will help to bring about improvement in the general wellbeing and quality of life in each adolescents life.

Objective: This review aims to determine the different menstrual interventions adopted by adolescent girls residing in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMIC’s). The Review question will be :What interventions are currently available, and how do they contribute in promoting menstrual health among adolescents from LMICs

Methods: This review will include …

Effectiveness Of Mobile Health Interventions On Cardiovascular Health Among Young Adults – A Systematic Review Protocol, Charlet Jasmine Vaz Mrs, Melita Sheilini Dr, Linu Sara George Dr, Edlin Glane Mathias Dr, Vani Lakshmi R Dr

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to be the primary cause of death and healthcare costs despite significant advancements in treatment effectiveness. The majority of deaths related to CVDs are highly common in countries with middle and low incomes. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of mobile health interventions on cardiovascular health among young adults. Method: A Search will be conducted using PICO format. Primary studies will be searched through electronic databases: Scopus, PubMed (MEDLINE), Web of Science, ProQuest, Embase and CINAHL(Ebsco). The review will only include studies conducted between January 2010 to July 2024 in English. Two authors will …

Yoga And Breathing Techniques For Fear Of Childbirth (Foc) And Quality Of Sleep Among Antenatal Women During Pregnancy – A Systematic Review Protocol, Anjana Sharma, Sonia R B D’Souza Dr., Shripad Hebbar Dr., Govardhan Reddy G Dr.

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Abstract

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Yoga and breathing techniques in decreasing Fear of Childbirth (FOC) and improving the quality of sleep among antenatal women. Introduction: Pregnancy, labor, and childbirth experiences for women are diverse. One of the issues faced by pregnant women is FOC, which can be stressful for mothers and their families. The global prevalence of FOC among women is 14%, while in India it is 17.7%. Fearful mothers may lack confidence in their ability to give birth, be swayed by unfavorable stories about the process, fear getting hurt during delivery, …

Preliminary Insights From Hospital Records: Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation In Pregnancy And Postpartum In A Tertiary Care Hospital In Karnataka, Mitchelle Shilpa Lewis Ms, Judith Angelitta Noronha Dr

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Introduction- During pregnancy and labor, women undergo changes in their bodies, and are at risk for various complications during this period of life. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)during pregnancy is a debilitating, life-threatening condition that impacts the health of women.

Purpose- This study aimed to identify the incidence ,factors predisposing women to DIC and the treatment modalities used for women during pregnancy and postpartum to manage DIC

Materials and Methods- A retrospective cohort study was conducted to identify incidence, symptoms, laboratory findings, treatment, and maternal outcomes for the last five years. Records of the patients diagnosed with DIC during pregnancy and …

A Descriptive Study To Assess The Life Skills Among Adolescents In Tea Garden Of Assam., Catherine Kujur, Sandeep Kollipara, Chitra Bora

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Abilities that facilitate human to adjust with the numerous challenges of life are life skills . Adolescent is a stage of transition, where changes occur physically and psychologically and adolescents need to change and adapt towards these transitions in order to deal effectively in life. The current study focused to assess the life skills of tea garden teenagers. Descriptive research design with quantitative research approach was selected . The adolescents aged between 14 years to 17 years who had studied upto class VI were included in the study through total enumeration method with sample size 300. Socio-demographic datasheet (10 items) …

Effect Of Planned Teaching On The Necklace Method Of Natural Family Planning Among Female Students In Moodbidri, Manisha S. Poojary, Prof. Jenviv Kavitha D,Silva

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Introduction: The necklace method is a contemporary natural family planning approach that empowers women by enhancing accessibility, addressing knowledge deficiencies, and assisting couples in effectively planning and spacing their pregnancies. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured teaching program on the knowledge of the necklace method as a natural family planning method among female students. Methods: A quantitative research design with a quasi-experimental approach, utilising a one-group pre- and post-test format, was employed. The study involved 60 female students from selected degree colleges in Moodbidri. Participants were chosen using a probability stratified random sampling technique. Data …

Impact Of The Covid-19 Outbreak On The Emotional Responses And Self-Protective Behaviors Of Nursing Students., Banisha Lyngdoh Nonglait, Jyothsna Jennifer Hans, S P Sagar, Gayatri Poojari, Sanju Pant, Maria Pais Dr

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted nearly every aspect of our society. The higher education sector is no exception. Students face an increasingly unstable environment, impacting their physical and emotional health.

Objectives: The study aims to determine students' emotional responses to the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. It also assesses their behavior in protecting themselves from cross-contamination during this period.

Methods: A descriptive survey design was used in this study, which included 61 undergraduate students. To collect data, researchers employed socio-demographic questionnaires alongside a structured attitude survey designed to assess emotional responses and self-protective behaviors related to COVID-19. The reliability …

Evaluating The Impact Of Targeted Training On The Attitude And Knowledge Of Evangelical Pastors On Hiv In Tamil Nadu: A Pre-Test Post-Test Study, Ruth Duraiswamy Mrs

Manipal Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences

Abstract

Introduction: HIV/AIDS continues to be a significant global health challenge, with persistent stigma and misinformation hindering effective management, particularly within faith-based communities. Hence a study aimed to evaluate the impact of targeted training on the attitudes and knowledge of evangelical pastors in Tamil Nadu, India, regarding HIV was organized so that the pastors who are faith leaders in the Christian community can work towards removing stigma and ill treatment of HIV patients in the society. Objective: the objectives of the study were to assess the baseline knowledge and attitudes of evangelical pastors in Tamil Nadu regarding HIV, providing …

Website Transparency Of Ophthalmology Residency Programs: A Cross-Sectional Study, Aaishwariya Gulani, Sruti Sai Rachapudi, Cherie Fathy, Fasika Woreta

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology

Background: There is an increasing call for transparency in the ophthalmology residency application process. With programs shifting to virtual interviews, the availability of information regarding each program is limited to website searches, which as is, are not reflective of the programs and what they offer to potential residents.

Purpose: To assess the transparency of the residency application process through assessment of program for the period 1 November 2022 to 31 December 2022.

Methods: Four main categories of variables were studied: selection criteria, interview process, program priorities, and program requirements. Every program’s website was reviewed and the four …

A Cautionary Tale: Increasing Research In Ophthalmology Residency Applications, Stephanie C. Nguyen, Eric L. Wan, Reena A. Garg, Jay M. Lustbader

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology

The increasing emphasis on research productivity in ophthalmology residency applications reflects broader shifts in medical education and raises important questions about equity, authenticity, and holistic evaluation. As grading systems and standardized examinations move toward pass/fail formats, research has become one a principal way for applicants to distinguish themselves from other applicants. While this shift has increased scholarly output, it has also exacerbated disparities in access to mentoring, encouraged superficial research engagement, and may undermine diversity within the field. Evidence consistently shows that diversity among physicians improves patient outcomes and promotes equitable care, underscoring the need for the residency selection process …

Assessing United States Ophthalmology Departments By Faculty Academic Achievement, Jovany J. Franco, Austin T. Gregg, Jeremy N. Shapiro, Ashley K. Roth, Eric T. Strand, Dhruva Gupta, Ariane D. Kaplan

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology

Background: Reputation-based rankings of U.S. ophthalmology departments strongly influence trainee and faculty decision-making but rely heavily on subjective survey data. Objective, transparent methodologies for comparing academic achievement across departments are lacking.

Purpose: To assess U.S. ophthalmology departments using a novel, objective, standardized, and transparent system employing three measures of faculty academic achievement: National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding, lifetime Hirsch (h)-index, and journal impact factor (JIF)-weighted journal editorial board membership.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a list of ophthalmology residency-trained faculty was compiled for each U.S. ophthalmology department with an associated residency training program. Faculty member NIH …

Quantifying Research Productivity Among Matched Ophthalmology Applicants: Insights From The 2024 Residency Cycle, Sebastian Borges, Kara M. Cavuoto, Chris R. Alabiad

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology

Background: Matching into ophthalmology has become increasingly competitive, with the overall match rate declining from 78% in 2020 to 66% in 2024. With the transition of USMLE Step 1 to pass/fail, residency selection committees may place greater emphasis on other objective metrics, including research productivity, which appears to be growing in significance.

Purpose: To quantify the research output of matched ophthalmology applicants in 2024 and to correlate descriptive statistics for research productivity with matching into top programs.

Methods: A publicly available medical student–maintained spreadsheet was used to identify matched applicants in 2024. Data was cross-verified using SF …

Impact Of Video-Guided Indirect Ophthalmoscopy On Medical Student Confidence And Ability, Kyle Vinson, Eleanor Burton, Abdullah Abou-Samra, Caroline Kim, Amen Nigussie, Roshni Dholkawala, Michael Cusick, Gabrielle Turski, Arjun Dirghangi, Arthi Venkat

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology

Background: Binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy (BIO) is a challenging skill to learn and teach.

Purpose: To evaluate the utility of video-guided BIO for training medical students without prior BIO experience using Scanoptix, a novel, wireless, ophthalmoscope-mounted camera.

Methods: This was a mixed-methods study including a survey and prospective, double-armed intervention. Medical students at the University of Virginia School of Medicine without prior BIO experience were recruited via email and randomized into video-guided and non-video-guided indirect ophthalmoscopy training groups (VIO and nVIO, resp.). Both groups underwent a demonstration session led by a retina specialist followed by an instructional session …

Morbidity And Mortality Conference In Ophthalmology: Pilot Study On Maximizing Quality While Optimizing Education, Shwetha Mudalegundi, Andrew Melson, Alice Yang Zhang, Daniel Tu, Jamie Rosenberg, Daniel Moore, Daniel Knoch, Jessica M. Kang, Fasika Woreta, Laura Green, Ramya Swamy, Anjali Tannan, Saras ` Ramanathan

Journal of Academic Ophthalmology

Background: Discussion of medical and surgical adverse events between peers and learners allows for all members of a learning community to benefit from lessons learned while assessing and resolving the events. The methods by which adverse events are discussed in academic ophthalmology departments and how those discussions impact attending and resident education have received little attention in the published literature.

Purpose: To report the results of our survey of U.S. academic ophthalmology residency programs using a mixed methods analysis to determine the current frequency, structure, purpose, and outcomes of morbidity and mortality (M&M) or other quality improvement conferences. …

Unravelling The Dual Role Of Naringenin In Response To Cytotoxicity Caused By Indomethacin And Diclofenac, Kaitsuda Saiprom, Cherdsak Boonyong, Suree Jianmongkol

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Indomethacin and diclofenac exhibited similar cytotoxic mechanisms, involving the generation of cell stress, disruption of mitochondria, and lysosome functions. Recently, we reported that naringenin, a natural bioactive flavonoid, elicited cytoprotection against indomethacin but not diclofenac in Caco-2 cells.
Objectives: This study investigated whether these divergent effects were associated with lysosomal integrity and autophagy.
Methods: Caco-2 cells were treated with naringenin (100 μM; non-cytotoxic concentration) for 24 h, followed by either indomethacin or diclofenac (1000 μM). After 72-h treatment, cell viability, apoptosis and lysosomal integrity were measured by methylthialazole tetrazolium, neutral red uptake, annexin V/propidium iodide staining, …

Perceptions And Expectations Of Healthcare Professionals About The Roles Of Pharmacists At A Tertiary Care Hospital, Pimpiorn Punturat, Kornkaew Chanthapasa

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Pharmacy education in Thailand has shifted toward a patient-centered approach through the implementation of the 6-year Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D.) program. Despite this transition, pharmaceutical care services remain limited due to challenges such as inadequate clinical skills, communication barriers, and differing perceptions among healthcare professionals. The perceptions and expectations of healthcare professionals about pharmaceutical care have not been fully examined in a tertiary hospital in Thailand. Objective: The objective of the study was to examine and compare the perceptions and expectations of pharmacists’ role in pharmaceutical care among physicians, nurses, and pharmacists at a tertiary care …

Pharmacovigilance Practices For New Drugs In Thailand: A Situation Analysis In Tertiary And University Hospitals, Nisittra Polkot, Osot Nerapusee, Pantira Parinyarux, Puree Anantachoti

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: In 2017, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration introduced a risk-based safety monitoring program (SMP) aimed at strengthening pharmacovigilance (PV) for new drugs, including new chemical entities and biologics. Despite this policy shift, drug safety monitoring continues to rely primarily on spontaneous adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting. This study aimed to explore the implementation of PV practices for drugs with SMP status in selected tertiary and university hospitals in Thailand.
Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using in-depth interviews. Pharmacists and physicians involved in drug safety monitoring were invited. Eight hospitals (five university and three tertiary …

Exploring Phytoconstituents For Parkinson’S Disease: Insights From Network Pharmacology, Molecular Modeling And In Vivo Investigations, Shiva Priya, Divakar Selvaraj, Rashi Jain, Kavyashree G. S., Soumya V., Venkatesh Gunasekaran, Ramu G., Saravanan Jayaram

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: The network pharmacology approach is used to identify novel therapeutic agents that target multiple disease targets through analysis of complex disease networks by integrating systems biology and computational approaches. Objectives: The present study aims to identify the principal targets implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and major phytoconstituents that could potentially modulate the major targets to achieve therapeutic benefits in PD through a network pharmacology-based approach. Materials and Methods: The DisGeNET database was used to select the major targets involved in the pathogenesis of PD. The most important targets among the selected proteins were …

Isolation And Antibacterial Evaluation Of Bioactive Compounds From Mussaenda Philippica A.Rich.: A Bioassay-Guided Approach, M. Rifqi Efendi, Mesa Sukmadani Rusdi, Muhammad Iqbal, Ilham Padavi, Sri Indah Pirmawati, Deddi Prima Putra

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Mussaenda philippica A.Rich. (commonly known as Nusa Indah in Indonesia), a member of the Rubiaceae family, has been traditionally used throughout Southern Asia to treat various ailments, including bacterial infections, inflammation, ulcers, and liver disorders. These medicinal uses are particularly associated with its bark, leaves, sepals, and root. Objectives: This study aimed to isolate and identify bioactive compounds from M. philippica white modified sepals using a bioassay-guided approach and evaluate their antibacterial activity.
Materials and Methods: The study consisted of four main stages: (i) methanol extraction and liquid–liquid partitioning of M. philippica sepals; …

Optimizing Solvent Composition For Enhanced Extraction Of Phenolic Content And Antioxidant Activity From Coleus Scutellarioides Through I-Optimal Mixture Design, Sinta Mutiara Dwi Lestari, Utami Dyah Syafitri, Waras Nurcholis

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Reactive oxygen species are unstable molecules that contribute to oxidative stress and are associated with numerous degenerative diseases. The leaves of Coleus scutellarioides are rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which possess strong antioxidant properties.
Objectives: This study aimed to optimize the composition of water, ethanol, and methanol as solvents using the I-optimal mixture design to enhance the extraction of total phenolic content (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP).
Methods: Each extraction was performed by macerating 1 g of powdered C. scutellarioides leaves in 20 mL of the designated …

Hot-Melt Extrusion-Based Solid Dispersion Of Aripiprazole: Preparation, Characterization, And In Vitro Evaluation, Nensi Raytthatha, Jigar Ramanlal Vyas

The Thai Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background: Aripiprazole (ARI), a biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS) class IV drug, exhibits poor water solubility and low permeability, resulting in limited bioavailability. Addressing these challenges requires innovative approaches to enhance solubility. This study focuses on the development and evaluation of solid dispersions (SDs) of ARI using “hot-melt extrusion,” (HME) a scalable and solvent-free method known for its ability to create stable amorphous structures. Soluplus^® (SP) and Kollidon® 30 were employed as hydrophilic polymeric carriers to improve the solubility and stability of the amorphous drug form. Results: SDs were prepared by taking drugs and carriers (SP and Kollidon …

Developing Digital Feedback Literacies In Language Teacher Education: Peer And Partnership Approaches In The Postdigital Age, Jennifer Schluer

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Critical media literacy needs to be seen as a central component of language teacher education, especially in the postdigital age. One underexplored dimension, however, is digital assessment literacy and in particular digital feedback literacy (Schluer, 2022a). Even though recent years witnessed a proliferation of digital technologies for feedback exchanges, pedagogical guidance for the use of digital feedback remains almost non-existent (but see Schluer, 2022a; 2023; 2024a). Theoretically, this paper connects the concept of Digital Feedback Literacies (DFL) to the frameworks of Critical Media Literacies (CML) and Postdigital Literacies (PDL). Empirically, it presents insights from research on digital peer feedback as …

Digital Text And Communication Literacy Of English Language Teachers: Implications From A Reconstructive Study On Teachers’ Professional Development, Annika Janßen, Jan-Erik Leonhardt, Alexandra Kemmerer, Britta Viebrock

Journal of Media Literacy Education

In this contribution, we will introduce the concept of Digital Text and Communication Literacy (DITECOL), which was developed as part of the DigiNICs project. It contains subject-related, functional, critical, and methodological competences to deal with and teach digital texts and communication forms in foreign language education. We will present first results from a qualitative interview study with six English language teachers who participate in the DigiNICs project. The study examines how they perceive their usage of digital texts and communication forms a) in their lessons and b) in the context of in-service teacher training. The interview data was analysed using …

Media Literacy Meets Language Education: Fictional Science (Fisci) Promotes Skills To Identify And Refute Fake News, Stephan Schicker, Jürgen Ehrenmüller, Melanie Hendler, Victoria Reinsperger, Natalia Kubai, Lucia Miškulin Saletović, Bettina Steinbauer, Sabine Schmölzer-Eibinger

Journal of Media Literacy Education

This article presents the theoretical and conceptual foundations of the interdisciplinary didactic concept of Fictional Science (FiSci), which is positioned at the interface between media and language didactics. Based on reference concepts such as epistemic vigilance, inoculation, lateral reading, and media literacy in education, FiSci aims to promote secondary school students’ skills in dealing with fake news. While course 1 of FiSci (Activating the Fake News Radar) sensitises students to false information, course 2 (Verification of Information) teaches strategies for identifying false information that are also used by professional fact-checkers, and course 3 (Refutation) focuses on refuting false information.

Implicitly Developing Young Learners’ Digital And Media Literacy Through Technology-Enhanced Tasks In Primary Efl Classrooms, Andreas Kullick

Journal of Media Literacy Education

This article presents a research project that explored the perspectives of preservice and in-service primary English language teachers on the use of technology-enhanced tasks to support young learners’ development of oral communicative competence in the diverse primary English as a foreign language (EFL) classroom. The classroom-based research involved the implementation of technology-enhanced tasks in three different projects in three different primary schools. The projects aimed to support young learners in developing their speaking competence in the target language. Data were collected through classroom observation, teacher training, videography of lessons, and participant interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the …

Digital Texts And Diversity-Sensitive Foreign Language Teaching, Anne-Marie Lachmund, Manuela Franke

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Digital reading differs significantly from reading on paper, posing several challenges, especially for students learning a second or third foreign language. The complexity of engaging with authentic digital sources is further intensified by the diversity within learner groups. First, the objectives for developing digital reading proficiency in a foreign language are explored, identifying the skills necessary for competent digital readers. Building on these objectives, the paper then addresses the diverse needs of learners, taking into account neurodiverse students in diversity-sensitive teaching environments. The focus lies on the field-specific dynamics of digital reading, particularly those impacting learners with ADHD, dyslexia, and …