A critical appraisal of diversity in digital knowledge production: Segregated inclusion on YouTube

Diversity in knowledge production is a core challenge facing science communication. Despite extensive works showing how diversity has been undermined in science communication, little is known about to what extent social media augments or hinders diversity for science communication. This article addresses this gap by examining the profile and network diversities of knowledge producers on a popular social media platform—YouTube. We revealed the pattern of the juxtaposition of inclusiveness and segregation in this digital platform, which we define as “segregated inclusion.” We found that diverse profiles are presented in digital knowledge production. However, the network among these knowledge producers reveals the rich-get-richer effect. At the intersection of profile and network diversities, we found a decrease in the overall profile diversity when we moved toward the center of the core producers. This segregated inclusion phenomenon questions how inequalities in science communication are replicated and amplified in relation to digital platforms.

Synthesis and Characterization of Host Guest Inclusion Complexes of Cyclodextrin Molecules with Theophylline by Diverse Methodologies

Steady host–guest inclusion complexes have been produced with medicinally important guest molecule theophylline within aqueous α-Cyclodextrin and HP-β-Cyclodextrin. α-and HP-β-Cyclodextrins have been established with favorable structural features for inclusion with Theophylline which include diversified applications in modern science such as controlled delivery in the field of pharmaceuticals, food processing, pesticides, foodstuffs etc. Theophylline is one of the most widely accepted drugs for the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) worldwide, even if it has been used clinically for many years. With both α and HP-β-Cyclodextrins it is found that 1:1 hosts-guest inclusion complexes are formed with the guest molecule theophylline. The construction and quality of the inclusion complexes have been characterized by using conductivity measurement, surface tension study, and Job’s method. The inclusion phenomenon has been confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy, proton NMR study. Association constants and thermodynamic parameters have been evaluated for the created inclusion complexes by ultraviolet spectroscopy.

Pt electrode modified with β-cyclodextrin/polyaniline for electrochemical sensing of penicillin V

Purpose A new electrochemical analysis based on ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) was developed for penicillin V (Peni-V) using polyaniline as a conducting polymer. Design/methodology/approach The preparation of modified electrode involves the incorporation of β-CD with membrane of polyaniline. Polyaniline, incorporating β-CD, was prepared by electrochemical polymerization method in a medium of hypochloride. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance have been used to characterize this sensor. The detection and the kinetic study of modified platinum electrode are evaluated. Findings Results clearly indicate that β-CDs interfere with the polymerization mechanism with an inhibition factor. The inclusion phenomenon of β-CDs has been studied and applied to detect Peni-V. The principle of this electrochemical sensor is based on the chemical properties of β-CD, which were studied using the cyclic voltammetric method and impedance spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior of Peni-V at concentrations between 10–8 and 10–2 M was measured versus Ag/AgCl at pH 7.4 and 30°C in a phosphate alkaline buffer. Relationship of Peni-V concentration in logarithmic mathematical form with current in potentiometric method and with resistance in impedimetric method were obtained. Originality/value The present study showed that the Pt electrode modified with Polyaniline–β-CD was an excellent candidate for sensitive penicillin analysis. The proposed electroanalytical technique is rapid, simple and inexpensive.

Towards a complex system of personal and group characteristics for ICT appropriation

This research tackles the phenomenon of digital inclusion, considered as a type of social development that has grown, due to the advance of information and communication technologies (ICT). It is worth noting that, the "ICT advance" has not been uniformly distributed, since there is a difference regarding the access to technology, and to the use of it among groups and people. Though the governments, the organizations and the ICT institutions, recognize the social nature of the digital inclusion, and also, they are aware of the necessity of integrating communities and people, with the process of program and/or project management; these people and communities are not considered, in the proposals that are being made about this issue. Likewise, though it is clear in the revision of literature, the necessity of having quantitative and qualitative approaches, the numerical approach that is being performed in the phenomenon is evident. Additionally, it has been identified the fact that, there are diverse personal and social characteristics, that allow the appropriation of ICT tools, as well as their use to achieve goals and to improve the conditions, for participating in the employment, education and political activities. The digital inclusion is a situation that involves different factors, such as: cultural, technical, social, financial, regulatory, moral and even ecological. If this topic is tackled in a quantitative way, the aforementioned factors seem to be unrelated. However, in the literature analysis, their relation is obvious, as well as the fact that they cannot be unrelated form one another. In other words, the elements that conform the digital inclusion phenomenon, are not only heterogeneous, but also inter-definable. The former statement justifies the analysis of the digital inclusion phenomenon, as a complex system; since regarding the ICT appropriation, there is a wide variety of proposals, considering the personal and social variables, that regulate this process. Nevertheless, there is not yet a consensus about these variables, which is the proposal presented in this paper.

Formulation and evaluation of mucoadhesive buccal patch of acyclovir utilizing inclusion phenomenon

Mucoadhesive buccal patch releasing drug in the oral cavity at a predetermined rate may present distinct advantages over traditional dosage forms, such as tablets, gels and solutions. A buccal patch for systemic administration of acyclovir in the oral cavity was developed using polymers hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (K4M), hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (K15M), sodium carboxy methyl cellulose and poly vinyl pyrolidone (K30), plasticizer poly ethylene glycol (400) and a backing membrane of Eudragit (RL100). The films were evaluated in terms of swelling, residence time, mucoadhesion, release, and organoleptic properties. The optimized films showed lower release as compared to controlled drug delivery systems. Hence, an inclusion complex of acyclovir was prepared with hydrophilic polymer hydroxylpropyl beta-cyclodextrin in the molar ratio of 1:1. The inclusion complex was characterized by optical microscopy, FAB mass spectroscopy, and FTIR spectroscopy. Patches formulated with the acyclovir inclusion complex were evaluated along the same lines as those containing acyclovir alone. The in vitro release data revealed a substantial increase from 64.35% to 88.15% in the case of PS I and PS II batches, respectively, confirming the successful use of inclusion complexes for the formulation of buccal patch of acyclovir.