A comparative analysis of blended learning and traditional instruction: Effects on academic motivation and learning outcomes.

The correlational research study aims to examine how blended learning affects academic motivation and achievement. The objectives of the study are to assess students' opinions on the current level of blended learning, teachers' practice of blended instruction, the benefits of blended learning, its impact on academic motivation and learning outcomes, and factors influencing blended learning to determine how instructors' methods influence students' academic motivation and learning results. The study includes all Bachelor of Science students from various public and private institutions in the Faisalabad Division. Quantitative data from 400 students were collected from four selected institutions. A closed-ended, customized 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed through expert comments and pilot testing, with a reliability score of (= .97). Data were collected via Google Forms and researcher visits. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyze the collected data and answer the research questions. The findings of the study indicate that students somewhat agreed with the current blended learning environment, and strongly agreed with variables such as instructors' blended instruction techniques, the benefits of blended learning, and factors influencing blended learning. Blended learning had statistically significant positive effects on academic motivation and learning outcomes. The findings suggest improving the blended learning environment and instructors' blended education methods to enhance university students' academic motivation and learning outcomes.

Host instars preference, density-dependent parasitism and behavioral perspective of parasitoids (Aphidius colemani, Aphidius matricariae and Aphelinus abdominalis) in Aphis glycines and Aphis gossypii

ABSTRACT Three parasitoid species Aphidius colemani, Aphidius matricariae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Aphelinus abdominalis (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) were evaluated concerning their parasitism potential in two aphid species, Aphis glycines and Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae). The feeding of these two aphid species, even at low sums, can significantly damage photosynthesis and is found to transmit many kinds of plant viruses, which impact potential adverse effects on the plants. The overall parasitization on all nymphal ages in As. glycines was accomplished by Ad. colemani (60.50%), Ad. matricariae (49.16%) and Al. abdominalis (40%), while in As. gossypii parasitism exhibited by Ad. colemani (79.48%), Ad. matricariae (65.33%) and Al. abdominalis (58.83%). Aphelinus abdominalis exhibited the lowest parasitism in both given species as hosts. Significant differences in parasitism of different parasitoids and host species were observed. Concerning the preference of nymphal instars, we found that parasitoids species prefer to parasitize 1st- 4th instars in As. gossypii while in As. glycines 2nd, 1st, 3rd and 4th. Our results showed that the parasitism increases with the increase of parasitoid numbers and hosts densities.

Correction to: Survey: smartphone-based assessment of cardiovascular diseases using ECG and PPG analysis.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Survey: smartphone-based assessment of cardiovascular diseases using ECG and PPG analysis.

A number of resources, every year, being spent to tackle early detection of cardiac abnormalities which is one of the leading causes of deaths all over the Globe. The challenges for healthcare systems includes early detection, portability and mobility of patients. This paper presents a categorical review of smartphone-based systems that can detect cardiac abnormalities by the analysis of Electrocardiogram (ECG) and Photoplethysmography (PPG) and the limitation and challenges of these system. The ECG based systems can monitor, record and forward signals for analysis and an alarm can be triggered in case of abnormality, however the limitation of smart phone's processing capabilities, lack of storage and speed of network are major challenges. The systems based on PPG signals are non-invasive and provides mobility and portability. This study aims to critically review the existing systems, their limitation, challenges and possible improvements to serve as a reference for researchers and developers.

Reconnoitring the impact of different extraction techniques on ginger bioactive moieties extraction, antioxidant characterization and physicochemical properties for their therapeutic effect.

The core directive of current study was to compare the different extraction techniques for their extraction yield of ginger bioactive moieties. Purposely, ultrasonic assisted and supercritical fluid extraction techniques were adapted alongside conventional solvent extraction for comparison. The variables targeted for the extraction process in different modules were time (20, 30, 40 minutes), temperature (30, 40, 50oC), solvent to sample ratio (4:6, 6:4, 8:2), pressure (2000, 3000, 4000 psi) and amplitude (20, 30, 40%). All variables were found to be momentously (P>0.05) effecting the extraction rates. The antioxidant potential of bioactive moieties was evaluated through FRAP, DPPH and ABTS. The outcomes of the optimization process suggested that the total phenolic content and total flavonoids content extracted through 80% ethanol at 50oC for 40 minutes showed maximum antioxidant activity. However, ultrasound assisted extraction, by using 80% ethanol, at 50oC for 40 minutes and at ultrasonic amplitude of 40% exhibited best results. Moreover, supercritical fluid extraction at 50oC for 40 minutes at5000 psi pressure, showed maximum extraction potential. All the extracts gathered through conventional, ultrasound and supercritical techniques were further quantified through HPLC protocols. The statistical interpretation of the results from all the analytical findings revealed highest concentration of polyphenols in supercritical fluids extracts followed by ultrasound and conventional extracts. One best treatment on the basis of superior nutritional profile as depicted by HPLC quantification was selected for the formulation of ginger drink. Physicochemical analysis elucidated momentous upshot on color, pH and acidity with progressive storage period whereas TSS followed a non-significant trend. Moreover, storage interval and treatments significantly affected the antioxidant potential of drinks.

Comparative evaluation of antibacterial activity of foot muscle extracts from genus Physa and genus Ceciloides (Mollusca: Gastropoda).

The aim of this study is to explore the presence of antimicrobial bioactive agents in the foot muscle extracts of snails belonging to genus Physa and Ceciloides. Antibacterial activity of foot extracts belonging to species named as P. fontinalis, P. gyrina, P. acuta, C. acicula, C. eulima, C. petitiana, was checked and compared against three bacterial strains i.e. E.coli, P. auroginosa, S. aureus by using disc diffusion method. The results were highly significant with maximum zone of inhibition of 20.10 mm in the P. fontinalis acetone extract and the least was 12.97 mm of C. eulima diethyl ether extract. The microdilution method was employed to observe MIC to evaluate antimicrobial resistance pattern of snails foot muscle extract against three mentioned strains. MIC of foot extracts was ranging from 0.03µ/ml-5 µg/ml for six species. TLC was carried out for profiling of extracts with positive results. Foot extracts from species of both genera eluted in different fractions of compounds with a good resolution in 100% n-hexane and ethyl acetate each. The plates developed in solvent system showed purple and yellow spots indicating the presence proteins and organic compounds showing it a promising canditadate for the therapeutic purposes.

Exploring the potential of black tea based flavonoids against hyperlipidemia related disorders.

BACKGROUND: In recent decade, Hyperlipidemia related disorders like obesity, hypercholesterolemia and diabetes are considered as the leading killers for mankind. Fundamental nexus between nutrition and health diverting the consumers focus towards plant based natural products as a remedy against various metabolic syndrome. Considering this, present study was conducted to explicate the role of black tea polyphenols such as Theaflavins and thearubigins therapeutic potential to tackle targeted maladies especially oxidative stress related disorders like hypercholesterolemia and diabetes. METHODS: The mandate of current investigation was to explore the hypoglycemic and hypocholestrolemic perspective of isolated theaflavin and thearubigins through a model feeding trial. For the purpose, theaflavin & thearubigins were isolated from black tea through solvent partition method and utilize to form three types of nutraceutical drinks (theaflavin, thearubigins & theaflavin + thearubigins based) alongside control to be further utilized in bioefficacy trial. In bioefficacy trial, three types of independent studies were design on the bases of diet by involving 20 male wistar rats in each study (5 for each group). In study I, normal diet was administrated while, in study II & III high cholesterol and high sucrose diet was given, respectively along with prepared nutraceutical drinks to synchronize their therapeutic effect for a period of 56 days. At the termination of trial, Feed & drink intakes, body weight, total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, glucose and insulin levels were measured. RESULTS: The results indicated reduction in cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides levels of experimental rats in all studies with significant increase in HDL. In this context, theaflavin based drink imparted maximum reduction in cholesterol (3.75, 11.03 & 10.39%), LDL (3.84, 14.25& 10.84%) & triglycerides (2.99, 8.54 & 6.65%) in respective studies compared to thearubigins and theaflavin + thearubigins based drinks. However, theaflavin+ thearubigins based drink caused highest glucose decline and maximum insulin increase in all studies as compared to other nutraceutical drinks. The reported value for the insulin increase were 13.02 ± 1.02 & 14.55 ± 1.13, 10.09 ± 0.15 & 11.59 ± 0.86 for Hyperglycemic and Hypocholestrolemic rats respectively compared to control (7.84 ± 0.45 & 9.10 ± 0.41) for study I and II. CONCLUSIONS: In the nutshell, theaflavin and thearubigins based dietary interventions are helpful to alleviate the hypercholestrolemia and hyperglycemia and should be promoted as parallel therapy to combat these disorders.