bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution, Origin, and Impact on Diagenesis of Organic Acids in Representative Continental Shale Oil
Authors: Pang Wenjun , Li Jing , Zhou Shixin , Li Yaoyu , Liu Liangliang , Wang Hao , Chen Gengrong
Published: September 2024

This investigation focuses on the prevalent continental oil shale within the Triassic Chang 7, a member of the Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin and the Permian Lucaogou Formation in the Junggar Basin of western China, and delves into the impacts of hydrocarbon generation and the derived organic acids on the physical attributes of oil shale reservoirs. Water-soluble organic acids (WSOAs) were extracted via Soxhlet extraction and analyzed by a 940 ion chromatograph (Metrohm AG), supplemented with core observations, thin-section analyses, pyrolysis, and trace element assays, as well as the qualitative observation of pore structures via FIB-SEM scanning electron microscopy. The study discloses substantial disparities in the types and abundances of organic acids within the oil shale strata of the two regions, with mono-acids being conspicuously more prevalent than dicarboxylic acids. The spatial distribution of organic acids within the oil shale strata in the two regions is non-uniform, and their generation is inextricably correlated with the type of organic matter, thermal maturity, and depth at which they are buried. During diverse stages of diagenesis, the hydrocarbons and organic acids produced from the pyrolysis of organic matter not only exert an impact on the properties of pore fluids but also interact with diagenetic processes such as compaction, dissolution, and metasomatism to enhance the reservoir quality of oil shale. The synergy between chemical interactions and physical alterations collectively governs the migration and distribution patterns of organic acids as well as the characteristics of oil shale reservoirs. Furthermore, the sources of organic acids within the oil shale series in the two regions demonstrate pronounced dissimilarities, which are intimately associated with the peculiarities of their sedimentary milieu. The oil shale of the Yanchang Formation was formed in a warm and humid freshwater lacustrine basin environment, while the oil shale of the Lucaogou Formation was deposited in a brackish to saline lacustrine setting under an arid to semi-arid climatic regime. These variances not only illuminate the intricacy and multiplicity of the sedimentary attributes of oil shale but also accentuate the impact of the sedimentary environment on the genesis and distribution of organic acids, especially the transformation and optimization of reservoir dissolution by organic acids generated during hydrocarbon generation—a factor of paramount significance for the precise identification and effective development of the “sweet spot” area of shale oil. These areas, characterized by an abundance of organic matter, their maturity, and superior reservoir properties, are the foci of the efficient exploration and development of continental shale oil.
World-Affirming Theologies in Modern Orthodox Christianity
Authors: Ladouceur Paul
Published: September 2024

The notion that God is present in creation has long featured in Eastern Christian thought, appearing as early as Origen (3rd century) and Evagrius of Pontus (4th century). Two major philosophical principles underlay the theology of divine immanence in creation: creation ex nihilo (the physical world is not eternal, but has a beginning, and it was created by God “out of nothing”) and nothing can exist totally separate from God, from a divine act of creation. The difficulty in ancient and modern times is to articulate this theology without falling into pantheism, a fusion or identification of God and creation. This is typically achieved by the simultaneous affirmation of divine immanence and divine transcendence: God is more, infinitely more, than creation; indeed, the divine essence is beyond human comprehension, the basis of apophatic theology. This essay explores these notions in Orthodox thought, especially in modern times. Modern Orthodox theologians (notably Sergius Bulgakov, Georges Florovsky, Alexander Schmemann, Kallistos Ware, and John Zizioulas) draw on the patristic theologies of the logoi (“reasons”) of things in Maximus the Confessor (7th century) and the divine energies of Gregory Palamas (14th century) to develop a robust theology of creation which affirms human relationship with the rest of creation and human responsibility for the care of creation. These notions coalesce in the philosophical–theological position of panentheism, to which several modern Orthodox theologians adhere, providing a solid grounding for positive affirmations of the world as God’s creation.
From Your Plate to Our Bin: Tackling Food Waste in Saudi Family Restaurants
Authors: Sobaih Abu Elnasr E. , Elnasr Ahmed E. Abu
Published: September 2024

This research tackled the food waste problem in Saudi Arabia, with a particular focus on family restaurants, where this issue is evident. The study adopted a semi-structured survey, including structured and open-ended questions with family restaurants’ owner–manager/managers. The results of quantitative and qualitative data analysis showed that the most frequent types of food waste in family restaurants are starchy foods, especially bread and rice with a waste ratio above 50% of these items. Additionally, the average ratio of food waste was at least 20% of served food at sampled restaurants per customer. Three major reasons for this high rate of food waste were consumers’ behavior, e.g., positive attitude towards food waste; external factors, e.g., absence of a legal framework; and factors related to restaurants, e.g., food portion served and food cycle management. The results identified no applied strategies for handling food left over and reducing food waste at most (70%) of Saudi restaurants. This study calls for a national policy and program on managing food waste at Saudi family restaurants by adopting the 5Rs model for proper food waste management. Restaurants are encouraged to adopt green initiatives, such as “clean your plate” or “eat or waste” to stimulate their customers’ behavior for reducing their food waste and sustain the environment. This would support a green and circular economy.
Intimate Partner Violence in Tunisia: Emotional Abuse and Dependency, Alexithymia, and Self-Esteem in Female Victims
Authors: Guermazi Fatma , Tabib Faten , Cherif Farah , Masmoudi Rim , Mnif Dorra , Feki Ines , Baâti Imen , Masmoudi Jawaher
Published: September 2024

Despite legislative advances in Tunisia, intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a widespread issue where cultural norms and systems often reinforce silence and male authority over women. This study aims to explore the characteristics of IPV and assess the emotional abuse, emotional dependency, alexithymia, and self-esteem among female victims. We conducted a cross-sectional observational study, involving 120 female victims of IPV who sought expertise at the Psychiatric Emergency Department in Sfax, Tunisia. The data were collected through individual medical visits using the Emotional Abuse Scale (EAS), the Emotional Dependence Questionnaire (EDQ), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Of the 120 women who agreed to participate in this study, 75.8% were affected by severe emotional violence, 38.3% were emotionally dependent on their spouses, 59.2% were alexithymic, and 83.3% had low self-esteem. The emotional abuse scores were positively correlated with emotional dependency scores (p = 0.026; rho = 0.204). The presence of alexithymia among the victims was significantly correlated with their emotional dependency on their husbands (p = 0.004). Our findings confirm that considering women’s emotional profiles can have important implications for designing both preventive and effective interventions.
The Presence of a Pet Dog Is Associated with a More Balanced Response to a Social Stressor
Authors: Gandenberger Jaci , Ledreux Aurélie , Taeckens Ashley , Murphy Kerry , Forkin Jenni , Gilmore Anah , Morris Kevin N.
Published: September 2024

Acute and chronic stress each have physical manifestations in the human body that can lead to many negative health impacts. Today, reported stress levels worldwide are at an all-time high, spurring the search for non-pharmaceutical interventions to maintain healthy stress levels. In this study, we examined whether a pet dog’s presence influences healthy adults’ acute stress responses as assessed through self-reports, heart rate, plasma cortisol, and salivary alpha-amylase. Participating pet dog owners were randomly assigned to undergo the Trier Social Stress Test either with their pet dog or alone. While there was no group difference in perceived anxiety levels, participants undergoing the acute psychological stressor with their pet dogs present had significantly lower heart rates, lower plasma cortisol responses, and higher salivary alpha-amylase responses than people without their dogs. Those who participated without their dogs had a statistically flat alpha-amylase response, which is typically associated with extreme or pathological stress. These findings extend the potential effects of pet dogs beyond merely lowering their owner’s stress levels to maintaining a healthier, balanced response across the sympathoadrenal medullary axis and hypothalamic–pituitary-adrenal axis.
The Effect of Mental Health Risk Perception on Revisit Willingness of Rural Homestay Tourists—A Multi-Group Comparative Analysis
Authors: Cheng Nanyang , Hu Wentong
Published: September 2024

Tourists’ mental health risk perceptions have a crucial impact on destination management organizations and other tourism practitioners. As an important support for rural tourism, the mental health risk perception of rural homestay tourists requires further attention from researchers to promote the sustainable development of the rural homestay industry. Based on the structural equation model and AMOS, this study considers the rural homestay industry as the background, explores the relationship between the mental health risk perception of rural homestay tourists under the COVID-19 pandemic, emotional solidarity between tourists and operators, and tourists’ willingness to revisit, and analyzes the differences in tourist groups with different infection frequencies. In this study, questionnaires were randomly distributed to the tourists of rural hotels in Nanjing. 740 questionnaires were collected and 666 valid questionnaires were recovered. The results show that tourists’ mental health risk perception has a significant negative effect on tourists’ willingness to revisit. However, tourists’ mental health risk perception effectively promoted emotional solidarity between tourists and operators, and thus significantly improved tourists’ willingness to revisit, in which emotional unity was the mediating variable. There were significant differences in tourists’ willingness to visit after different infection frequencies. The willingness of tourists to risk being infected with the virus was more significantly affected by their mental health risk perception and emotional solidarity.
Airside Optimization Framework Covering Multiple Operations in Civil Airport Systems with a Variety of Aircraft: A Simulation-Based Digital Twin
Authors: Attar Ahmad , Babaee Mahdi , Raissi Sadigh , Nojavan Majid
Published: September 2024

The airside is a principal subsystem in the intricate airport systems. This study focuses on introducing a digital twin framework for analyzing the delays and capacity of airports. This framework encompasses a diverse array of authentic features pertaining to a civil airport for a mixture of both landing and departing flights. Being a decision support for the management of international airports, all sizes and weight categories of aircraft are considered permissible, each with their own unique service time and speed requirements in accordance with the global aviation regulations. The proposed discrete event simulation digital twin provides a real-time demonstration of the system performance with the possibility of predicting the future outcomes of managerial decisions. Additionally, this twin is equipped with an advanced and realistic 3D visualization that facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the ongoing operations. To assess its efficiency in practice, the framework was implemented at an international airport. The statistical tests revealed the superior similarity between the proposed twin and the real system. Using this twin, we further optimized the studied system by analyzing its projected future performance under a set of scenarios. This resulted in a nearly 30% upgrade in the capacity of this airport while decreasing the expected delays by over 18% annually.
The Possible Role of PM2.5 Chronic Exposure on 5-Year Survival in Patients with Left Ventricular Dysfunction Following Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Urbanowicz Tomasz , Skotak Krzysztof , Olasińska-Wiśniewska Anna , Filipiak Krzysztof J , Płachta-Krasińska Aleksandra , Piecek Jakub , Krasińska Beata , Krasiński Zbigniew , Tykarski Andrzej , Jemielity Marek
Published: September 2024

Background: The survival benefit of surgical revascularization in multivessel coronary artery disease is well understood, though it can be modified by left ventricular dysfunction. Chronic exposure to air pollutants has gained more attention recently as a possible non-traditional morbidity and mortality cardiovascular risk factor. This study identified possible 5-year mortality risk factors related to postoperative left ventricular performance, including air pollutants. Patients: There were 283 patients (244 (86%) males) with a median age of 65 (60–70) years enrolled in the retrospective analysis. All patients were referred for off-pump coronary artery revascularization due to chronic coronary syndrome that presented as a multivessel coronary artery disease. They were divided into three groups depending on the postoperative course of left ventricular fraction (LVEF 50% or more (169 patients), LVEF between 41 and 49% (61 patients), and LVEF 40% or less (53 patients)). Results: The overall survival rate was 84% (237 patients) in a median follow-up time of 5.3 (4.8–6.1) years. The median (Q1–Q3) chronic air pollution exposures for the analyzed group were 19.3 (16.9–22.4) μg/m3 for fine particles such as PM2.5, 25.8 (22.5–29.4) μg/m3 for coarse particles such as PM10, and 12.2 (9.7–14.9) μg/m3 for nitric dioxide (NO2). The mortality in the first group (LVEF at least 50%) was 23 (13.6%), in the second group (LVEF 41–49%) was 9 (15%), and in the third group (LVEF 40% or less) was 14 (26%). The multivariable regression analysis for the five-year mortality risk in the first group revealed the predictive value of dyslipidemia (HR: 3.254, 95% CI: 1.008–10.511, p = 0.049). The multivariable regression analysis for five-year mortality risk in the second group revealed the predictive value of dyslipidemia (HR: 3.391, 95% CI: 1.001–11.874, p = 0.050) and PM2.5 (HR: 1.327, 95% CI: 1.085–1.625, p = 0.006). In the third group (severely decreased LVEF), chronic PM2.5 exposure was found to be significant (HR: 1.518, 95% CI: 1.50–2.195, p = 0.026) for 5-year mortality prediction. Conclusions: Traditional risk factors, such as dyslipidemia, are pivotal in the 5-year mortality risk following surgical revascularization. Chronic exposure to ambient air pollutants such as PM2.5 may be an additional risk factor in patients with left ventricular dysfunction.
Are Greek Drivers Willing to Embrace V2G Technology? A Survey Research
Authors: Kostopoulos Emmanouil , Krikis Dimitrios , Spyropoulos Georgios
Published: September 2024

According to the European Commission, electric vehicles (EVs) remain parked for 95% of their life, which makes them inefficient. In addition, EV sales are forecasted to rise over the following years, which will create additional electricity demand, especially during peak hours. This challenge coincides with the growing trend of homeowners installing renewable energy sources (RES) in their homes. Therefore, a potential solution to managing the increase in electricity costs and peak demand is the use of EVs as a flexible storage system by utilizing vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. The successful market penetration of V2G technology hinges significantly on the willingness of current and future EV drivers to participate. Hence, in the broader context of the promotion and transition to electromobility and related technologies (V2G), the main purpose of this paper was to shed light on the hitherto unknown attitudes of Greek drivers towards V2G technology. The adopted methodology involved a survey questionnaire with statements serving as indicators on a 5-point Likert scale. The results show that Greek drivers highly appreciate the positive environmental impact of EVs but are primarily driven by the potential economic incentives they might receive from engaging with V2G technology. In addition, they appear to be skeptical about both V2G technology and electromobility, mainly due to the increased upfront cost of EVs but also due to the immature V2G market.
Simulation and Analysis of the Energy Consumption of a Fuel Cell Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Authors: Jiang Ying , He Xiangyu
Published: September 2024

In the past two decades, people have started to develop efficient, clean and safe transportation vehicles. The development of a fuel cell vehicle has become the focus of attention. First, we analyze the common components of a hybrid electric vehicle with a fuel cell. Second, we build a simulation model of the hybrid electric vehicle with a fuel cell. Through the simulation model, we study and analyze the fuel cell and battery under various conditions related to fuel consumption parameters. Through the above-described research, we hope to optimize the parameter structure of the fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle and improve the working efficiency of fuel cells.
Quasi-Experimental Study of Quality of Life and Functional Capacity after Breast Surgery: Short-Term Rehabilitation Program
Authors: Rodrigues Tânia , Moreira Maria Teresa , Lima Andreia , Fernandes Rita , Pereira Ariana , Ferreira Maria Salomé , Gomes Bárbara
Published: September 2024

Women undergoing breast surgery with axillary lymph node dissection continue to experience complications in the ipsilateral upper limb, impacting their daily lives and quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between quality of life (overall and specific) and the functional capacity of patients undergoing breast surgery with lymph node clearance before and after implementing a rehabilitation program. This short-term quasi-experimental study included 48 women, and the design did not include control groups. Data collection involved a sociodemographic and clinical characterization questionnaire, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core-30 and Breast Cancer questionnaires. The study revealed a significant negative association between all general functional subscales and the functionality of the ipsilateral upper limb, except for emotional (p 0.941) and cognitive (p 0.927) functional scales. The functional capacity of the ipsilateral upper limb following surgery influences the quality of life of women undergoing breast surgery. The study concluded that monitoring the quality of life is essential to underscore the importance of providing access to rehabilitation to minimize or eliminate these changes, thus contributing to a better quality of life for these women.
Low-Income Fish Consumers’ Subsidies to the Fish Reduction Industry: The Case of Forage Fish
Authors: Neori Amir , Agami Moshe
Published: September 2024

Forage fish, a crucial source of nutrition in developing countries, are, unfortunately, primarily used for fishmeal and aquafeed production for aquaculture, which mainly serves consumers in developed countries. Industrial fish use leaves a meager portion of the catch available for direct human consumption in these fish-producing countries, leading to inflated fish prices locally. Overfishing forage fish due to the needs of the reduction fishery industry disrupts the ecosystem, diminishes the catch of larger fish, such as mackerel, and marginalizes local artisanal fishermen. This article briefly appraises the financial and nutritional impacts of elevated fish prices on low-income consumers in forage-fish-producing countries, drawing attention to the ethical implications of this situation. By reducing the supply to the industry, a hypothetical 10% boost in the annual supply of fresh forage fish to the current global supply of 5 million Mt (metric tons), markets could save consumers annually hundreds of millions of US dollars globally, tens of millions of US dollars nationally, and several dollars for families while improving the nutrition of families that depend on forage fish. The numbers suggest that even a modest supply shift from industry to the supply of forage fish to fresh fish markets could significantly benefit fish-producing nations and consumers. In some countries, such as South Africa, the orders of magnitude of these sums approach those of the entire value of local fish reduction industries. Increased fish prices could be considered involuntary subsidies by low-income consumers to the aquafeed and aquaculture industries. In summary, the current use of captured forage fish in reduction industries and aquaculture warrants further scrutiny, as it inadvertently burdens disadvantaged societies financially and nutritionally. This article proposes using alternative protein sources and cultivating non-carnivorous fish, among several optional measures, to ensure the equitable distribution of forage fish resources.
Towards a Circular Economy : Changing Needs and Solutions for Waste Management Systems
Authors: Sarkady Attila , Egedy Attila , Kurdi Róbert , Tóth Eliza
Published: September 2024

In recent years, the circular economy has become an important element of sustainable development. Products become waste at the end of their life cycles. This problem is accompanied by a parallel decline in the availability of certain critical raw materials. It is obvious that the materials that become waste should be recycled and their components reintroduced into the economy, recovering the necessary raw materials and energy. The issues concerning the practical implementation of this are technical, economic and legal. Over the last decade, significant progress has been made in terms of how waste can be treated and recovered. Meanwhile, both the quality and quantity of collected waste have changed. To ensure that waste management systems can continue to operate properly under these changing conditions, it is necessary to examine the impact of such recent changes. Furthermore, it is important to provide feedback to decision-makers with regard to how much their efforts have contributed to the principles of a circular economy in the EU member states. In this work, the regulatory framework of the two main periods, namely before and after 2010, will be reviewed while examining the evolution of waste-sorting technologies by especially focusing on the mixed and selectively collected municipal solid waste streams. To reduce the amount of landfill, mechanical biological treatment plants had already been developed and packaging materials sorted before 2010, but it is crucial to examine how regulations and technological possibilities are evolving step by step as well as how they affect each other. Predictions are also made concerning upcoming trends in and the future of waste management.
A Review of the Determination of Diclofenac Sodium with Electrochemically Modified Sensors in Various Biological, Pharmaceutical and Water Sources
Authors: Hidalgo Juan , Galambos Ildikó , Turdean Graziella , Hidalgo Luis
Published: September 2024

Diclofenac sodium (DCF) has attracted must attention because it is one of the most common pharmaceuticals in water matrices and can potentially harm aquatic life. Although most techniques used to analyze it are expensive and require highly trained professionally to operate such equipment, it is possible to detect DCF with electrochemical sensors. Despite being able to identify this contaminant in different samples (tablets, blood, urine), only a few articles have been reported regarding the testing of DCF in wastewater. Therefore, the papers selected in this review were organized according to the type of modifier used in the working electrode. Furthermore, recent improvements in the detection of diclofenac by electrochemical techniques in pharmaceutical formulations, biological fluids and environmental materials are discussed along with a brief description of the results and methods employed in research.
Evolution of information technology. Opportunities and challenges for decision support systems
Authors:   Institute of Mathematical Machines and Systems Problems of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Morozov A.О. , Yashchenko V.О. ,   Institute of Mathematical Machines and Systems Problems of the Ukraine National Academy of Science
Published: September 2024

The article is devoted to a review of the historical development of computer technologies and their application in various spheres of life in modern society. The evolution of computing technology (from the first bulky electronic computers to modern computers and promising quantum systems) is studied in detail. Special attention is paid to the formation and development of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data technologies, which led to a revolution in computer science and opened new opportunities for automation and efficiency improvement in many industries. By analyzing current advances in AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity, the paper identifies some changes in the development of computing technologies and envisions their potential for future breakthroughs. In addition, the article predicts further developments in computing and information technology, as well as related ethical and social issues. Special attention is paid to ensuring the impact of artificial intelligence and robotics in the military sphere. The paper analyzes the use of combat robots, unmanned aerial vehicles, and other autonomous systems in modern armed conflicts, as well as some trends in the development of technologies for joint actions of combined groups of drones. The use of AI systems in situation centers and decision-making processes is considered. The last part of the paper is devoted to the consideration of the possibility of applying generative models based on transformers, such as GPT, in situation centers and decision support. It reveals how these technologies can be used for automated analytics, text generation, and the creation of intelligent assistants that can significantly improve the performance of information systems. The article concludes by defining the key role of computer technologies in the modern world and the need for comprehensive regulation of management processes, taking into account not only technical but also ethical and social aspects. In general, the article presents a comprehensive analysis of the history and current state of computer technologies, as well as their activities in various spheres of society. The achievements in this field are described, and the phenomena and trends of interest to specialists in the fields of information technology, system analytics, and management are identified.
ANALISIS SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING COFFEE SHOP KOMPOSISI MENGGUNAKAN THE CIRCULAR MODEL OF SOME (STUDI PADA INSTAGRAM @KOMPOSISI_ID)
Authors: Livvya Laksmitha Cahyaningtyas  , Pratami Wulan Tresna  , Cecep Safa'atul Barkah
Published: September 2024

Social media marketing is a strategy that is often used by businesses such as the coffee shop Komposisi on Instagram @komposisi_id. The results of the existing engagement rate have not reached the target, so an analysis was carried out to find out the cause in depth using the model from The Circular Model Of SOME. This study uses a qualitative method by reducing data, presenting data, and determining conclusions, as well as data collection techniques through interviews with five informants, observing Instagram @komposisi_id, and literature studies. As a result, the social media marketing of the coffee shop Komposisi on Instagram has been implemented properly based on the implementation of the share and optimize stages. However, the implementation of the manage and engage stages has not been effective because it has not been implemented properly, indicating the need for improvements and improvements to the overall stages to further increase engagement.
Incidence of Thrombocytopenia After Enoxaparin and Heparin Taking in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Amiri Fatemeh , Gomar Narges , Abbasi Garavand Tahereh , Goodarzi Alireza , Mohammadi Parsa Narges
Published: September 2024

Background: Heparin is the most common administered anticoagulant in hospitalized patients. Thrombocytopenia can occur after heparin s administered in these patients. This study was conducted to determine the incidence of thrombocytopenia in patients treated with heparin and their clinical outcomes. Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 754 patients admitted to Shahid Beheshti Hospital in Hamadan, Iran, who were treated with heparin were examined for the incidence of thrombocytopenia during 2022-2023. Data were extracted from the medical records of the patients and analyzed using SPSS software version 26. Results: Among the patients, 50.4% were male, and 49.6% were female. The mean and standard deviation of the age of the patients were 63.12±16.82 years. Platelet counts before and after heparin administration were 244.75±79.64 and 207.66±83.39×103 /µL, respectively. The frequency of thrombocytopenia in patients was 25.5%. The incidence of thrombocytopenia was 29.5% and 21.4% in men and women, respectively (P=0.011), and 19.3% and 28.1% of patients received enoxaparin and heparin, respectively (P=0.010). The mean age of patients with thrombocytopenia was 67.25±15.10 years compared to 61.61±17.17 years for those without thrombocytopenia (P<0.001). Furthermore, the length of stay in the hospital for patients with and without thrombocytopenia was 36.12±52.16 and 20.9±6.45 days, respectively (P=0.015). Moreover, the mortality rate was 35.34% and 10% in patients with and without thrombocytopenia, respectively (P<0.001). Conclusion: About a quarter of patients developed thrombocytopenia within 72 hours after receiving heparin. A significant relationship was observed between thrombocytopenia incidence and older age, female gender, and heparin use. Additionally, thrombocytopenia was significantly associated with increased hospital stay duration and higher mortality.
Comparing Plasma Fibrinogen,Homocysteine, Cardiac Troponin I, and C-Reactive Protein Levels Among Smokers and Non-smokers inHamadan Hospitals: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Safari Mohammad Reza , Rezaee Mohsen , Amiri Saeid
Published: September 2024

Background: Cigarette smoking is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular damage. Current studies have reported an association between some markers such as homocysteine, plasma fibrinogen, cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and C-reactive protein (CRP) and cardiovascular damages. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between these laboratory markers and smoking intensity. Methods: In this case-control study, 200 male employees from the operating room, laboratory, and administrative departments of Hamadan hospitals were categorized into four groups of 50 based on their smoking status: active smokers, smokers, infrequent smokers, and non-smokers. After sampling, blood levels of the specified biomarkers were evaluated. Then, regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between these markers and cigarette smoking, regression analysis was performed. Results: The results indicated significant differences in the studied biomarkers between smokers and non-smokers (P<0.001), suggesting the effect of cigarette smoking on cardiovascular damage, inflammation, and coagulation states in individuals. Conclusions: Cigarette smoking affects markers of heart muscle damage, inflammatory and coagulation factors, and cardiovascular risk factors.
Molecular Detection of Cylindrospermopsin-Producing Cyanobacteria in the Coasts of Hormozgan Province, Iran
Authors: Eivazpour Nami Elmira , Shah Hoseini Mohammad Hassan , Dehnad Alireza
Published: September 2024

Background: In recent years, water and environmental pollution by cyanobacteria have been increasingly reported as a serious hazard to human health in the world. Cylindrospermopsin is one of the most important algal toxins produced by cyanobacteria that can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, thymus, and heart. The aim of this study was to detect cylindrospermopsin-producing cyanobacteria accurately and fast in the water resources of the Hormozgan province coast by molecular method. Methods: We collected 20 water samples (2 L) from 20 sampling stations on the coasts of Hormozgan province in October 2017. The genomic DNA was extracted from water samples. Finally, molecular detection was conducted by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. Results: The optimized PCR successfully detected 20 cyanobacteria strains from all 20 samples. In addition, the presence of cylindrospermopsin-producing cyanobacteria was confirmed in 2 (10%) stations. Conclusion: Generally, our study confirmed the risk of the presence of toxigenic cyanobacteria on the coasts of Hormozgan province and demonstrated that PCR assay is an accurate and fast method for early detection of cylindrospermopsin-producing cyanobacteria in water resources.
The Relationship Between Hypokalemia and Mortality in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Prospective Study
Authors: Ozturk Elif Sultan , Keskinler Mirac Vural , AL-Janabi Maher Ali Hussein , Sargin Mehmet , Oguz Aytekin
Published: September 2024

Background: This study aimed to assess the influence of hypokalemia on mortality among hospitalized patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods: A cohort of 300 patients aged>18 diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia were included in this study. Demographic data, symptoms, comorbidities, medications, duration of hospitalization, and blood potassium levels were recorded, and hypokalemia was defined as having at least three potassium values below 3.5 mmol/L within the first five days of hospitalization. The study investigated whether hypokalemia serves as a risk factor for mortality in COVID-19 patients. Results: Among the 300 patients, 57 (19%) were identified with hypokalemia. Patients with hypokalemia were older compared to those without this disturbance (P=0.012). No significant correlation was found between hypokalemia and the presence of diabetes mellitus (P=0.999), hypertension (P=0.193), or cardiovascular disease (P=0.781). However, patients with hypokalemia had a higher usage rate of diuretics (P=0.035). The use of corticosteroids, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, insulin, beta-2 agonists, beta-blockers, antipsychotic drugs, and digoxin was similar between patients with and without hypokalemia (P>0.05). Hypokalemia was associated with a 4.79-fold increase in mortality (P=0.003), and each additional day of hospitalization increased mortality by 1.14 times (P<0.001). Conclusion: Advanced age and diuretic usage could elevate the risk of hypokalemia in COVID-19 patients. Prolonged hospital stays and higher mortality rates among patients with hypokalemia suggest a need for the careful management of electrolyte imbalances.
Development of an Instrument for the Online Evaluation of Orthodontic-Treated Cases: A Pilot Study
Authors: Miresmaeili Amirfarhang , Salehisaheb Hana
Published: September 2024

Background: It is necessary to create a sound method for the optimal evaluation of treated cases of orthodontic board exam candidates. This cross-sectional study aimed to design and validate a new method for the national orthodontic board exam using a web-based program. Methods: Complete documents of 10 patients randomly selected from a pool of the previously presented cases at the national board examination were entered into a web-based program called "the Orthoboard". The documents were arranged according to the European Board of Orthodontist Standards, and 15 related questions were asked based on the index of complexity, outcome, and need index and the American Board of Orthodontics evaluation standards. A customized grading system was used for the finalized questionnaire. They were asked to be evaluated by 10 orthodontists (5 with less and 5 with more than 10 years of experience). The content validity of the questionnaire was analyzed by the content validity index and content validity ratio. The reliability of this questionnaire was measured using the Kappa statistical test. Results: Most evaluators do not consider it necessary to ask questions about the diagnostic resume, problem list, treatment plan, and treatment resume. Crowding after treatment and cross-biting before and after treatment had the best interexaminer reliability. The least agreement among examiners was between the pre-treatment aesthetic index and the pre-treatment buccal segment relationship. Conclusion: Inter-examiner reliability was lower than expected, indicating that the orthodontic board test scoring is too subjective. The addition of a 3-dimensional cast is recommended for better objective evaluation.
Utilizing Saliva Biomarkers for Diagnostic Purposes
Authors: Ahmadi -Motamayel Fatemeh , Mahdavinezhad Ali , Hendi Seyedeh Sareh
Published: September 2024

Saliva, as a complex fluid composed of secretory products from salivary glands, plays different roles in the oral cavity. Saliva has potentially been used for the diagnosis of viral, bacterial, and systemic diseases in the last few years. Individuals with minimal training can collect saliva as a diagnostic fluid easily and non-invasively. Saliva is a simple and economical method for screening the public. However, saliva has various levels of variability and instability. A systematic search of published literature was performed on Medline using PubMed. Several keywords, including saliva, systemic disease, disease, health, and diagnosis, were used in this search. This review discusses the diagnostic potential of salivary systemic diseases such as infectious, malignant, and other systemic diseases.
Effects of Combinations of Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar in Different Ratios on the Surface Roughness of Heat-Cure Denture Base Acrylic Resin
Authors: Firouz Farnaz , Nikanjam Saeed , Shahbazi Armaghan , Cheraghi Zahra , Nazari doost Abdollah
Published: September 2024

Background: Complete dentures are at high risk of contamination, and their disinfection is imperative to prevent cross-contamination. Also, chemical disinfecting agents can effectively eliminate microorganisms. This study aimed to assess the effect of combinations of hydrogen peroxide (HP) and vinegar in different ratios on the surface roughness of heat-cure denture base acrylic resin. Methods: This in vitro, experimental study evaluated 40 heat-cure acrylic resin specimens that were flasked and heated at 70 ° C for 9 hours for heat polymerization. The acrylic specimens were cut into small cubic pieces measuring 20×20×3 mm using a cutting machine and polished with metallographic abrasive paper. The specimens were randomized into 4 groups of control (artificial saliva) and HP and vinegar in 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1 ratios (three experimental groups). Then, they were immersed in the respective solutions for 8 hours/day for one month. Their surface roughness (Ra) was measured before and after immersion by a profilometer. The data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (α=0.05). Results: The immersion of acrylic specimens in HP+vinegar in 1:1 and 1:3 ratios did not cause a significant change in their surface roughness (P>0.05). However, the surface roughness significantly decreased after immersion in HP+vinegar in a 3:1 ratio (P=0.032). Despite the reduction in the surface roughness of specimens in the 3:1 group, the difference in surface roughness was not significant among the four groups after immersion (P>0.05). Conclusion: Combinations of HP and vinegar in different ratios appear to be suitable for cleaning removable dentures due to their insignificant effects on the surface roughness of acrylic resin.
Accuracy of Panoramic Radiography in Comparison With Cone-Beam Computed Tomography for the Detection of Idiopathic Osteosclerosis: An Original Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mortazavi Samareh , Anbiaee Najmeh , Mishian Sara , Sabzevari Berahman
Published: September 2024

Background: The accuracy of radiography for the detection of bone lesions is a critical issue. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of panoramic radiography in comparison with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for the detection of idiopathic osteosclerosis (IO). Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on imaging records of 201 patients who had both panoramic radiographs and CBCT scans. Panoramic radiographs of patients were evaluated for lesions suspected of IO. After two weeks, the accuracy of diagnoses was investigated by assessing the patients’ CBCT scans. The location, number, shape, internal structure, and size of lesions and their relationship with teeth were also assessed on CBCT scans using Romexis Viewer software, version 3.8.0. Data were analyzed by the chi-square test (alpha=0.05). Results: Of all, 73.4% of IO lesions were correctly diagnosed on panoramic radiographs, yielding an accuracy of 0.85 for this modality. IO lesions were detected in 51 patients (n=64 lesions, 25.73%), mainly located in the mandibular molar (45.3%) and premolar (29.7%) regions. All lesions were well-defined, and most of them were spherical (42.1%). The majority of them had a cortical internal structure (73.4%) and did not correlate with teeth (78.1%). The mean size of large and small diameters of lesions was 5.4 and 3.1 mm, respectively. Conclusions: Identifying the radiographic characteristics of common lesions such as IO can be a guide for dentists to avoid incorrect treatments and unnecessary biopsies. In this way, panoramic radiography with 0.85 accuracy helps in diagnosing these lesions.
Exploiting CRISPR/Cas system in controlling antibiotic resistance of bacteria
Authors: Gholizadeh Pourya , Faghfuri Elnaz , Ganbarov Khudaverdi , Samadi Kafil Hossein
Published: September 2024

The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance is a threat to human health, therefore there is a need to explore new strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antimicrobial resistance genes are mainly transmitted through horizontal gene transfer (HGT) mediated by transposable elements, phages, and plasmids, which leads to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Clustered Regularly interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated proteins (Cas) protect archaebacteria and eubacteria from potentially harmful foreign DNA such as plasmids, transposable elements, and phages. Several studies have introduced the CRISPR/Cas system as an innovative and effective strategy to trigger antibiotic resistance and virulent genes in bacteria. Therefore, this study aimed to introduce the CRISPR-Cas system in controlling antibiotic resistance of bacteria. We hope exploiting CRISPR/Cas could provide a bright future for the treatment of disastrous infections with resistant and virulent organisms.
More than just a crib: Assessing the prevalence of partnerships between Cribs for Kids and children’s hospitals in the United States
Authors: Jawed Aysha
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Cribs for Kids is a national organization with a mission to reduce sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) nationwide through adaptation of best practices in infant safe sleep, community engagement, and increased access to resources in assuring infant safety during time of sleep. One integral partnership that enables Cribs for Kids to cast a wider net in yielding the potential to reach many more infants and their families across the country involves attainment of hospitalwide certification by Cribs for Kids across both academic and community healthcare systems that provide care to infants for up to one year of age. Methods: However to date, the prevalence of these partnerships remains unclear. It follows that the present study sought to uncover this prevalence across the nation. Utilizing the U.S. News and World Report, the researcher acquired a random sample of 110 children’s hospitals. Next utilizing the map locator of hospitals certified at the Gold, Silver and Bronze levels by Cribs for Kids on the organization’s website, prevalence of presence and level of certification was ascertained across this sample of children’s hospitals. Results: Notably, the vast majority of this sample (n=78) had not attained hospitalwide certification with Cribs for Kids. Among the hospitals that had attained certification, there was substantial variation across levels based on a range of health promotion and community engagement practices. Conclusion: Recommendations for harnessing the potential of this collaboration are presented to inform directions in examining these partnerships as a point of intervention for future planning considerations across community engagement and health promotion practices surrounding SIDS reduction.
Health literacy in Iranian adults: A population-based survey in southeast Iran in 2022
Authors: Rajabalipour Mohammadreza , Morowatisharifabad Mohammad Ali , Iranpour Abedin , Mohammadi Behzad
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Health literacy (HL) is a crucial determinant of social health in any country. Based on the 7th World Health Promotion Conference in Nairobi, HL has been considered a key concept in health promotion policies since 2010. This study aimed to determine the status of HL in adults (18 to 65 years old) living in southeast Iran. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among 460 residents of southeastern Iran. Sampling was done with the multi-stage method. Data were collected using the "Health Literacy Instrument for Adults (HELIA)". One-sample t test, analysis of variance, were also used for data analysis in SPSS 25. Results: The mean score of HL was 68.10±15.16, and 55.7% of participants had adequate HL. "Understanding and comprehension ability" had the highest mean score (75.43±18.48), while "reading ability" had the lowest (65.12±20.60). All demographic variables, except for marital status, had a significant correlation with HL. Conclusion: The level of HL among more than 55% of the participants is adequate. However, programs should focus on improving "reading ability" to better health information comprehension. Also, developing an integrated tool for measuring HL status for all regions of Iran can merge data related to Iranians’ HL status.