A Conceptual Framework for Popularizing Science in Muslim Societies

Science popularization is an exigency in the era of knowledge explosion which has made the dissemination of scientific knowledge and attitudes of public aligned with such understanding of a prerequisite for further development of all societies. The concept of SKAQ has been introduced with an accompanying argument that can play a constructive part in making an objective determination of nation’s attainment level. The author, then, explicates a variety of rationales behind such proposition and maintains that in light of such rationales the Islamic nations can be regarded as prime candidates for urgent policy and action in this respect. A conceptual framework has been developed envisions of science popularization at two critical layers referred to as the institutional and cultural one. At both layers, though, the formal schooling is argued to have a pronounced role to play. Finally, certain recommendations as action principles have been suggested to consolidate future efforts in this respect

Efficacy of High Temporal Frequency Photoacoustic Guidance of Laser Ablation Procedures

Inaccurate placement of the ablation catheter and the inability to monitor the real-time temperature within the tissue of interest such as veins curbs the treatment efficacy of laser ablation procedures during thermal therapies. Our previous studies have validated the efficacy of photoacoustic (PA) imaging during endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) procedures. However, the PA-guided therapies suffer from low temporal resolution, due to the low pulse repetition rates of pulsed lasers, which could cause a problem during fast catheter motion and rapid temperature changes. Herein, to enhance the accuracy and sensitivity for tracking the ablation catheter tip and temperature monitoring, we proposed to develop a high frame rate (500 Hz), combined ultrasound (US), and PA-guided ablation system. The proposed PA-guided ablation system was evaluated in a set of ex vivo tissue studies. The developed system provides a 2 ms temporal resolution for tracking and monitoring the ablation catheter tip\u27s location and temperature, which is 50 times higher temporal resolution compared to the previously proposed 10 Hz system. The proposed system also provided more accurate feedback about the temperature variations during rapid temperature increments of 10°C per 250 ms. The co-registered US and PA images have an imaging resolution of about 200 μm and a field of view of 45 × 40 mm(2). Tracking the ablation catheter tip in an excised tissue layer shows higher accuracy during a relatively fast catheter motion (0.5-3 mm/s). The fast US/PA-guided ablation system will potentially enhance the outcome of ablation procedures by providing location and temperature feedback

Photoacoustic-guided endovenous laser ablation: Characterization and in vivo canine study

Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, often guided by ultrasound (US) imaging, for treating venous insufficiencies. US imaging limitations in accurately visualizing the catheter and the lack of a temperature monitoring system can lead to sub-optimal outcomes. An integrated photoacoustic (PA)-guided EVLA system has been previously developed and reported to overcome the shortcomings of US-guided procedure. In this study, we further characterized the system and tested the in vivo utility. In addition, PA thermometry was further explored by compensating the variation of PA signal with temperature with respect to the temperature-dependent absorption of blood and water. In vivo imaging results indicated that the PA-guided EVLA system can provide high contrast and accurate images of the ablation catheter tip overlaid on US images of the background tissue. Additionally, absorption-compensated PA signal amplitudes over a relevant range of temperature were measured and demonstrated

A Reflection on Curriculum Development with an emphasis on Eisner's View: An outdated or an up to date mission

Curriculum fields does not enjoy a stable professional identity. The uncertainty is rooted in the controversial nature of the missions surrounding the field. One controversy deals with the question of whether curriculum is part of the competencies expected from a curriculum specialists? or the historical evolution of the field has shed doubt on this supposedly clear function. The fact of the matter is that there no longer exists a consensus among curriculum scholars in this respect. The author has identified two contrasting views regarding this traditional mission which calls for further study and scruting. One group who totally reject this traditional mission are called reconceptualists. The second position is a more complex and intricate one which has been propagated by Elliot Eisner. The author contends that no concise formulation of the second position is yet been suggested. The position thus referred to embraces an innovative and novel approach to this conventional mission. Explication of this position is the main intention pursued in this article. The formulation presented here is gathered through a speculative inquiry approach. This position entails an integration on modernist and postmodernist views to curriculum