Information quality assessment in e-learning systems.

E-learning systems provide a promising solution as an information exchanging channel. Improved technology could mean faster and easier access to information but does not necessarily ensure the quality of this information. Therefore it is essential to develop valid and reliable methods of quality measurement and carry out careful information quality evaluations. Information quality frameworks are developed to measure the quality of information systems, generally from the designers¿ viewpoint. The recent proliferation of e-services, and e-learning particularly, raises the need for a new quality framework in the context of e-learning systems. The main contribution of this thesis is to propose a new information quality framework, with 14 information quality attributes grouped in three quality dimensions: intrinsic, contextual representation and accessibility. We report results based on original questionnaire data and factor analysis. Moreover, we validate the proposed framework using an empirical approach. We report our validation results on the basis of data collected from an original questionnaire and structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) in particular. However, it is difficult to measure information quality in an e-learning context because the concept of information quality is complex and it is expected that the measurements will be multidimensional in nature. Reliable measures need to be obtained in a systematic way, whilst considering the purpose of the measurement. Therefore, we start by adopting a Goal Question Metrics (GQM) approach to develop a set of quality metrics for the identified quality attributes within the proposed framework. We then define an assessment model and measurement scheme, based on a multi element analysis technique. The obtained results can be considered to be promising and positive, and revealed that the framework and assessment scheme could give good predictions for information quality within e-learning context. This research generates novel contributions as it proposes a solution to the problems raised from the absence of consensus regarding evaluation standards and methods for measuring information quality within an e-learning context. Also, it anticipates the feasibility of taking advantage of web mining techniques to automate the retrieval process of the information required for quality measurement. This assessment model is useful to e-learning systems designers, providers and users as it gives a comprehensive indication of the quality of information in such systems, and also facilitates the evaluation, allows comparisons and analysis of information quality

Tobacco smoke and nicotine suppress expression of activating signaling molecules in human dendritic cells

Cigarette smoke has significant toxic effects on the immune system, and increases the risk of developing autoimmune diseases; one immunosuppressive effect of cigarette smoke is that it inhibits the T cell-stimulating, immunogenic properties of myeloid dendritic cells (DCs). As the functions of DCs are regulated by intra-cellular signaling pathways, we investigated the effects of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) and nicotine on multiple signalling molecules and other regulatory proteins in human DCs to elucidate the molecular basis of the inhibition of DC maturation and function by CSE and nicotine. Maturation of monocyte-derived DCs was induced with theTLR3-agonist poly I:C or with the TLR4-agonist lipopolysaccharide, in the absence or presence of CSE or nicotine. Reverse-phase protein microarray was used to quantify multiple signaling molecules and other proteins in cell lysates. Particularly in poly I:C-matured DCs, cigarette smoke constituents and nicotine suppressed the expression of signaling molecules associated with DC maturation and T cell stimulation, cell survival and cell migration. In conclusion, constituents of tobacco smoke suppress the immunogenic potential of DCs at the signaling pathway level

The perception of special education teachers of the educational experiences of female students with moderate intellectual disabilities in self-contained classrooms in Saudi Arabia

Despite the international movement to include students with Moderate Intellectual Disabilities (MOID) in general education classrooms with their typical peers, these students still receive their education in segregated classrooms in Saudi Arabia (SA). This study aims to investigate the teachers’ perceptions of the educational experiences of female students with MOID in self-contained classrooms in SA. I conducted this study using qualitative methodology depending on two data sources: interviews and documentation. A third data collection method, conducting observations, was not possible to implement due to the pandemic of COVID-19, which closed the schools during the year of data collection. I used semi-structured interviews with seven special education teachers in SA. Four main themes emerged from the teachers’ perceptions and the documentation review about their experiences being teachers of female students with MOID in self-contained classrooms in SA. The four themes that emerged were: (a) ineffective self-contained classrooms, (b) unclear expectations of students with MOID, (c) inadequate school and education system infrastructure, and (d) lack of understanding of effective inclusive education for students with MOID. Moreover, in the discussion I described four significant issues related to these themes: the absence of inclusive education, inconsistencies in the curriculum taught to female students with MOID, lack of effective leadership in the educational system, and an ineffective system for identification, diagnosis, and reevaluation. Finally, I discussed the implications of the study and outlined recommendations for future research

Ex vivo and in vitro production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in Blau syndrome

SUMMARY The objective was to study both ex vivo and in vitro secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines in patients affected by Blau syndrome (BS) and carrying p.E383K mutation in the CARD15/NOD2 gene associated with the disease. For ex vivo studies, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), serum from three patients and healthy controls have been collected. PBMCs have been cultured in the presence or absence of inflammatory enhancers, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and muramyl dipeptide (MDP). The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ were assayed by either immunoassay or array-based system. For in vitro studies, different constructs were created cloning human wild-type and p.E383K-mutated NOD2 cDNA into the expression vector pCMV-Tag2c. HEK293 cell lines were stably transfected, cultured with or without MDP and IL-8 level was assayed in their surnatants. Statistical analysis in both studies was performed using non-parametric tests. Both ex vivo and in vitro studies have not identified a significant increase in secretion of the analyzed proinflammatory cytokines. p.E383K-mutated NOD2 transfected cells express low level of IL-8. The ex vivo basal level results from both serum and PBMCs surnatants present similar levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and IFN-γ in patients and controls. The presence of the stimulant agents (LPS and MDP), either individual or paired, does not lead to significant increases in all cytokines concentrations in patients compared to controls. Taken together, the ex vivo and in vitro data suggest that there is not a primary mediation of IL-1β and other pro-inflammatory cytokines in BS patients carrying p.E383K

A biochemical, theoretical and immunohistochemical study comparing the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin and taurine on T-2 toxin induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Introduction: Foodborne trichothecene T-2 Toxin, is a highly toxic metabolite produced by Fusarium species contaminating animal and human food, causing multiple organ failure and health hazards. T-2 toxins induce hepatotoxicity via oxidative stress causing hepatocytes cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. In this study, curcumin and taurine were investigated and compared as antioxidants against T-2-provoked hepatotoxicity.Methods: Wistar rats were administrated T-2 toxin sublethal oral dose (0.1 mg/kg) for 2 months, followed by curcumin (80 mg/kg) and taurine (50 mg/kg) for 3 weeks. Biochemical assessment of liver enzymes, lipid profiles, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), AFU, TNF-α, total glutathione, molecular docking, histological and immunohistochemical markers for anti-transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1), double-strand DNA damage (H2AX), regeneration (KI67) and apoptosis (Active caspase3) were done.Results and Discussion: Compared to T-2 toxin, curcumin and taurine treatment significantly ameliorated hepatoxicity as; hemoglobin, hematocrit and glutathione, hepatic glycogen, and KI-67 immune-reactive hepatocytes were significantly increased. Although, liver enzymes, inflammation, fibrosis, TGFβ1 immunoexpressing and H2AX and active caspase 3 positive hepatocytes were significantly decreased. Noteworthy, curcumin’s therapeutic effect was superior to taurine by histomorphometry parameters. Furthermore, molecular docking of the structural influence of curcumin and taurine on the DNA sequence showed curcumin’s higher binding affinity than taurine.Conclusion: Both curcumin and taurine ameliorated T-2 induced hepatotoxicity as strong antioxidative agents with more effectiveness for curcumin

IoT-based students interaction framework using attention-scoring assessment in eLearning

Students’ interaction and collaboration using Internet of Things (IoT) based interoperable infrastructure is a convenient way. Measuring student attention is an essential part of educational assessment. As new learning styles develop, new tools and assessment methods are also needed. The focus of this paper is to develop IoT-based interaction framework and analysis of the student experience of electronic learning (eLearning). The learning behaviors of students attending remote video lectures are assessed by logging their behavior and analyzing the resulting multimedia data using machine learning algorithms. An attention-scoring algorithm, its workflow, and the mathematical formulation for the smart assessment of the student learning experience are established. This setup has a data collection module, which can be reproduced by implementing the algorithm in any modern programming language. Some faces, eyes, and status of eyes are extracted from video stream taken from a webcam using this module. The extracted information is saved in a dataset for further analysis. The analysis of the dataset produces interesting results for student learning assessments. Modern learning management systems can integrate the developed tool to take student learning behaviors into account when assessing electronic learning strategies

NAFLD and nutraceuticals: a review of completed phase III and IV clinical trials

BackgroundNonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has become a significant public health concern, affecting approximately one-fourth of the population. Despite its prevalence, no FDA-approved drug treatments specifically target NAFLD.AimTo provide a review of clinical trials investigating the use of herbal remedies and dietary supplements in NAFLD management, utilizing the ClinicalTrials.gov database.MethodsThis review evaluates the current evidence by examining completed phase III and IV clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. An exhaustive search was performed on April 17, 2023, using the terms “Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease” and “NAFLD.” Two independent reviewers appraised eligible trials based on pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria.ResultsAn initial search yielded 1,226 clinical trials, with 12 meeting the inclusion criteria after filtration. The majority of trials focused on Omega-3 fatty acids (20.0%) and vitamin D (26.7%), followed by caffeine, chlorogenic acid, ginger, phosphatidylcholine, Trigonella Foenum-graecum seed extract, vitamin C, and vitamin E (each 6.7%). Most studies were Phase 3 (75.0%) and used a parallel assignment model (91.7%). Quadruple masking was the most prevalent technique (58.3%), and Iran was the leading country in terms of trial locations (25.0%). These interventions constitute two herbal interventions and nine supplement interventions.ConclusionThis reveals a diverse range of nutraceuticals, with Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D being predominant in the management of NAFLD. The global distribution of trials highlights the widespread interest in these therapeutics. However, more rigorous, large-scale trials are needed to establish safety, efficacy, and optimal dosages

Augmented Reality as E-learning Tool in Primary Schools’ Education: Barriers to Teachers’ Adoption

Today, primary school teachers face challenges when dealing with digital natives. As a result of the explosion and rapid growth in information technologies that can be used in education, there are increasing demands to adopt technology in education, in order to influence students to learn actively and motivate them to gain an effective learning process. Augmented reality applications show good potential in giving students more active, effective and meaningful learning processes. Moreover, augmented reality attracts research attention for its ability to allow students to be immersed in realistic experiences. Therefore, this study reviews the main benefits of using augmented reality applications in education. It also aims to examine user acceptance of augmented reality applications within an e-learning environment in primary schools, from the teachers’ perspective, as an initial experiment. Moreover, it explores the main barriers and benefits when adopting this technology

Point-of-care Ultrasound Detection of Cataract in a Patient with Vision Loss: A Case Report

Background: Point-of-care ocular ultrasound in the emergency department (ED) is an effective tool for promptly evaluating for several vision-threatening etiologies and can be used to identify more slowly progressing etiologies as well, such as cataract formation within the lens.Case Report: A 62-year-old female presented to the ED with a two-day history of painless vision loss of the left eye as well as reduced vision for the prior 30 days.Conclusion: Point-of-care ultrasound was performed and showed calcification of the lens consistent with cataract