Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

Beyond The Episode: A Case For Serial Literacy In Efl Education Classrooms, Julie Intveen, Tim Illigens

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Serial storytelling, characterized by its interplay of vertical (episodic) and horizontal (long-form) narrative structures, offers a unique opportunity for media literacy in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) education. This paper argues for the development of a serial literacy framework, a concept that expands traditional film literacy models to accommodate the distinct demands of serialized narratives. By using Inventing Anna (Rhimes, 2022) as a case study, the study explores how serial storytelling fosters engagement with themes of identity construction, ethical ambiguity, and transmedial storytelling. This paper elaborates on serial literacy, considering its implications within foreign language learning contexts. The study …

A Children’S Rights Approach To Critical Media Literacy In Language Education: Developing Children’S Agency In A Digital Networked World, Frauke Matz, Jeff Share

Journal of Media Literacy Education

Children are growing up in a culture of digitality, one infused in digital communication in and out of school (Faverio & Sidotti, 2024; Stalder, 2018). They are immersed in a digital networked world, which plays a significant role in how they develop their literacies and identities (Cannon et al., 2022) across languages. To help them participate as “active thinkers and citizens in their own right” (Wall, 2016, p. 86), educators could consider the potential of critical media literacy in language education as a pedagogical response to the commercial exploitation of information, and the liberatory potential of critical thinking and creative …

Media Literacy In Language (Teacher) Education. Introductory Remarks From The Guest-Editors, Ricardo Römhild, Julia Sgolik

Journal of Media Literacy Education

This editorial sketches the conceptual foundations for this special issue on media literacy in language (teacher) education. It contextualises this special issue’s focus on language (teacher) education with critical media literacy theory, highlighting the special role of language education in media literacy development both in terms of the subject’s methodology and goals. With its inherent focus on texts and media, language education pursues the goal of empowering learners to become active participants in global – oftentimes digital – discourses. Providing a frame for the contributions to this special issue, this introduction echoes calls for an already observable shift in language …

Navigating Resistance To Change In A Vuca World: Evidence From Turkey On The Role Of Paternalistic Leadership And Psychological Resources, Hürcan Tarhan

Arab Economic and Business Journal

Resistance to organizational change is a significant obstacle to achieving the advantages of transformation, especially in today’s volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous business environment (VUCA). While paternalistic leadership is relevant in cultures like Turkey, there is still limited research on how it affects resistance to change. This study examines whether paternalistic leadership, characterized by authority, benevolence, and moral integrity, reduces employee resistance to change, and how organization-based self-esteem (OBSE), workplace spirituality (WS), and leaders’ psychological capital (PSYCAP) moderate this relationship. Survey data from 468 employees in the financial sector were analyzed using structural equation modelling (SEM). Findings indicate that paternalistic …

Saudi Heart Association Position Statement On Nt-Probnp For Cardiovascular Risk Screening In Asymptomatic Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Waleed Alhabeeb, Adel , Tash, Abdullah Mohammed Abdullah Arabe, Lamya Alzubaidi, Ayman Al Hayek, Mohammed Ridha Al Safi, Malak Atallah Almashali

Journal of the Saudi Heart Association

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease with a rapidly increasing prevalence, posing a significant public health challenge worldwide and in Saudi Arabia. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among patients with T2DM, necessitating early detection and intervention to prevent disease progression. Elevated natriuretic peptide levels, particularly N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), are promising biomarkers for CVD risk stratification in individuals with T2DM. However, the integration of these biomarkers in clinical management remains limited.

Methods: Published evidence and existing guidelines/consensuses related to the use of NT-proBNP for CVD risk stratification in T2DM patients were …

Insights Into The Role Of Microbial Infection In Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis, Alaa W. Izzat, Batool Hassan Al-Ghurabi, Lina Sami Adham

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

Ulcers that form in the oral mucosa are a hallmark of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS), a chronic inflammatory disease. Up to 25% of the population may get aphthous ulcers, and recurrence rates within three months can reach 50%. Among women, it is more prevalent. Although the precise cause of RAS is not yet known, studies have shown that infections caused by microbes may be a major factor in the development of the disease. Infections caused by microorganisms have a complicated and multifaceted function in RAS, influencing the human immune system, the oral microbiota, and environmental variables. The purpose of this …

Anemia And Its Public Health Implications In Population Health, Sahar Abdul Wahab Alshaban, Raghda Shams Akram, Alaa Al-Noori, Noor Thair Tahir

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

One to three percent of people worldwide suffer from anemia, a condition that impairs brain development, increases illness and mortality, and lowers labor productivity. Developing successful interventions to address specific causes of anemia and evaluating anemia management programs require an understanding of the numerous and diverse causes of anemia. The description and categorization of anemia, the physiological processes by which anemia arises, the importance of inherited hemoglobin abnormalities in specific populations, and a number of circumstances that contribute to the development of anemia are all covered. The conclusion of this review is as follows. Anemia is a significant global health …

Flowable Resin-Based Composites: From Fundamental Science To Modern Restorative Techniques, Farah Badri Mahdi, Hiba Ammar Yahya, Kawther Ali Adnan

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Medical Sciences

The function regarding flowable resin-based composites in restorative dentistry has considerably changed as they have been first introduced as low-viscosity alternatives in late 1990s. Because of the degraded mechanical properties and lower filler content, they were first just suitable for low-stress applications, like cavity liners. However, further advancements in the material science have produced highly-filled, next-generation flowables. The traditional trade-off between durability and fluidity is being challenged by materials’ improved properties, which include higher flexural strength and wear resistance. Furthermore, the development regarding bulk-fill flowables, which use advanced photoinitiators as well as polymerization modulators for the purpose of enabling uniform …

The 2025 Pakistan Floods: Investigating The Human, Agricultural, And Economic Collapse, Abdullah Khan

MSJ Capstone Projects

This project examines the 2025 Pakistan floods as a multidimensional climate disaster that triggered severe human, agricultural, and economic consequences. Moving beyond event-based reporting, the study examines how climate change, weak governance, poor infrastructure planning, and delayed institutional responses intensified the scale of destruction. Using investigative journalism methods, the project combines field reporting from flood-affected areas, in-depth interviews with displaced communities, local activists, and experts, and analysis of official data and policy documents. The findings reveal widespread displacement, loss of livelihoods, food insecurity, and long-term social vulnerability, particularly among marginalized rural populations. Agricultural collapse emerged as a central concern, threatening …

Will Technology Help Us Understand Animals?, Frances I. Sacks

Capstones

New technologies allow scientists to study animal communication like never before. Advanced surveillance devices ornament forests and oceans, recording animals over great stretches of distance and time. Artificial intelligence can absorb these enormous datasets, sorting tangled abstractions into coherent patterns. With a sufficiently robust library of analyzed data, some researchers believe that large language models will soon learn to translate whale communication systems.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ky6mPFjc-lNJFVK8CHebUa5zCSFUoMgkCB560pqxwfo/edit?tab=t.0

Bilingual English-Spanish Louisiana Civil Code, Book Iii, Title Vi, Mariano Vitetta

Journal of Civil Law Studies

No abstract provided.