bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MATHEMATICAL MODELLING APPROACH OF THE STUDY OF EBOLA VIRUS DISEASE TRANSMISSION DYNAMICS IN A DEVELOPING COUNTRY.
Authors: MBAH Godwin Christopher E , ONAH Ifeanyi Sunday , AHMAN Queeneth Ojoma , COLLINS Obiora C , ASOGWA Christopher C , OKOYE Chukwudi
Published: December 2022

Background: Ebola Virus causes disease both in human and non-human primates especially in developing countries.  Materials and Methods: Here we studied the spread of Ebola virus in and hence obtained a system of equations comprising of eighteen equations which completely described the transmission of Ebola Virus in a population where control measures like vaccination, treatment, quarantine, isolation of infectious patients while on treatment and use of condom were incorporated and a major source of contacting the disease which is the traditional washing of dead bodies was also incorporated. We investigated the local stability of the disease-free equilibrium using the Jacobian approach and the global stability using the center manifold theorem. We also investigated the local and global stability of the endemic theorem by constructing a Lyapunov function using the LaSalle’s Invariant principle. Results: This modeled system of equations was analyzed, and result showed that the disease-free equilibrium where both local and globally stable and that the system exhibits a forward bifurcation. The endemic equilibrium also was showed to be stable when the reproduction number is greater than one. Conclusions: Furthermore, numerical simulations were carried out to further see the impacts of the various control measures on the various compartments of the population. Our graphs show that isolation is the best option for an infectious person to be treated to avoid the disease been spread further and leads to quicker and better recovery.
Validation of the Vocabulary Size Test
Authors: GÖKCAN Mustafa , ÇOBANOĞLU AKTAN Derya
Published: December 2022

The Vocabulary Size Test (VST) is one of the most commonly used assessment tools for measuring English vocabulary size in the field of language testing. Despite its common usage, only a limited number of validity and reliability studies have been carried out with regard to the VST. Besides, they were mostly predicated on the Rasch model. This validation study has attempted to reveal evidence for construct validity for the VST, and to this end, item response theory (IRT) analyses were performed based on the three-parameter logistic model (3PLM). The assumptions of IRT were investigated via factor analysis (unidimensionality) and Yen’s Q3 statistic (local independence). Detailed differential item functioning (DIF) analyses were conducted with Mantel-Haenszel, Lord's chi-square test, and Logistic regression methods to add evidence based on internal structure and to check fairness as a lack of measurement bias. The validation results with IRT showed that the 3PLM fitted the data better than the one- and the two-parameter logistic models. DIF results indicated that 10 items exhibited large DIF (seven favoring males and three favoring females). The results further showed that the guessing effect was not negligible for the VST.
The Role of Tourism Awareness Groups (Pokdarwis) in Improving Employee Work Motivation and Community Knowledge as a Strategy for Development of Malang Lon Beach Tourism During the Covid-19 Pandemic (Case Study on Lon Beach Malang Sokobanah Sampang)
Authors: Febriyanti Intan , Wispandono R.M. Mochammad
Published: December 2022

The tourism awareness group is one of the drivers and initiators of development to increase independence and community participation in realizing Lon Malang beach tourism in Sokobanah Sampang as a tourist destination, and is supported by the motivation needed by the community to maintain and preserve in the context of developing Lon Malang Beach. This study aims to find out: (1) To find out the role of Pokdarwis in increasing employee motivation on Lon Malang beach tourism during the Covid-19 pandemic, (2) To find out the strategy for developing Lon Malang beach tourism during the Covid-19 19 pandemic. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method, with 10 informants as resource persons consisting of 1 Pokdarwis chairman, 1 secretary, 1 treasurer, 1 security and order section, 1 tourist attraction section, 1 public relations section, 1 business development section, 1 equipment, 1 local community and 1 visitor/tourist. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling, which is based on certain criteria and considerations. The author obtained data from documents and oral statements from Pokdarwis members, local communities and visiting tourists. The results of this study indicate that: (1) Pokdarwis plays an important role in increasing employee motivation on Lon Malang beach tourism during the Covid-19 pandemic (2) One of the strategies in developing Lon Malang tourism during the Covid-19 pandemic is adding photo spots and interesting games.
Analisis Pengaruh Efektivitas Komunikasi dan Budaya Organisasi Dengan Kepuasan Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Di Masa Pandemi Covid-19 Pada KPRI Manghayu Sejahtera Dinas Perhubungan Kota Surabaya
Authors: Permatasari Indah Putri , Irawati Anugrahini
Published: December 2022

Kinerja karyawan menjadi salah satu aspek yang penting dalam keberlangsungan suatu perusahaan terutama pada masa pandemi covid-19 seperti saat ini yang dapat menurunkan kinerja perusahaan. Terdapat beberapa faktor yang dapat mempengaruhi kinerja seorang karyawan, di antaranya efektivitas komunikasi, budaya organisasi dan kepuasan yang sangat dibutuhkan dalam meningkatkan kerja sama antar karyawan di dalam perusahaan. Untuk mencapai kinerja yang baik maka diperlukan komunikasi sebagai media guna mempermudah untuk menyampaikan informasi kepada seluruh karyawan agar sesuai dengan harapan perusahaan dan mampu memberikan kinerja yang terbaik. Dan meningkatkan budaya organisasi agar perilaku organisasi karyawan yang telah terbentuk dalam instansi bisa mencapai tujuan perusahaan. Sedangkan kepuasan sendiri adalah pendorong tingkatnya kenaikan perusahaan agar karyawan semangat dan kuat untuk bekerja dan dapat bekerja sama dengan baik antar karyawan. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif, dengan jumlah 36 responden. Hipotesis penelitian ini adalah (1) efektivitas komunikasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan (2) budaya organisasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan (3) efektivitas komunikasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kepuasan (4) budaya organisasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kepuasan (5) efektivitas komunikasi dan budaya organisasi berpengaruh positif melainkan tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan melalui kepuasan (6) efektivitas komunikasi dan budaya organisasi berpengaruh positif melainkan efektivitas komunikasi tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kepuasan. Adapun berdasarkan perhitungan analisis jalur bahwa (1) efektivitas komunikasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan dengan nilai pengaruh 2,156 (2) budaya organisasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan dengan nilai pengaruh 1,971 (3) efektivitas komunikasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kepuasan dengan nilai 5,191 (4) budaya organisasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap kepuasan dengan nilai pengaruh 6,140 (5) efektivitas komunikasi dan budaya organisasi berpengaruh positif terhadap kinerja karyawan melalui kepuasan sebagai variabel intervening dengan nilai pengaruh 0,403 dan 0,103 (6) efektivitas komunikasi dan budaya organisasi berpengaruh positif terhadap kepuasan dengan nilai pengaruh 0,068 dan 0,654.
Pengaruh Work Life Balance dan Lingkungan Kerja Terhadap Kepuasan Kerja Karyawan
Authors: Pitoyo Didik Joko , Handayani Wahyu Prabawati Putri
Published: December 2022

Mengetahui pengaruh positif signifikansi work life balance dan lingkungan kerja terhadap kepuasan kerja karyawan PT.X yang bergerak di bidang FB ialah tujuan dari penelitian ini. Metode penelitian adalah kuantitatif dengan teknik sampel menggunakan purposive random sampling, populasi penelitian 195 karyawan tetap, sampel penelitian 118 responden. Teknik analisis data menggunakan regresi linier berganda dengan uji t, F, dan R². Analisis data pada penelitian ini menggunakan bantuan SPSS 22. Hasil penelitian menemukan work life balance berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap kepuasan dijelaskan teori motivasi hierarki Maslow dan social exchange theory, lingkungan kerja berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap kepuasan, dijelaskan teori motivasi hierarki Maslow dan social exchange theory, secara simultan work life balance dan lingkungan kerja berpengaruh signifikan terhadap kepuasan, dijelaskan dengan cognitif evaluation theory.
Modeling and Performance Testing of Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Variation of Road Friction Coefficient to Braking Distance
Authors: Ulum Miftahul , Arifianto Patriawan Desmas
Published: December 2022

Automated vehicles are increasingly being researched and developed to reduce accident rates. The braking system is an integral part of the safety factor in the vehicle. One of the development systems in braking on vehicles is the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). ABS is a vehicle b that prevents the wheels from locking during sudden braking. The research was conducted by modelling and designing the ABS braking system using SIMULINK software on MATLAB. This research was conducted by varying the coefficient of braking friction on dry asphalt, wet asphalt, dry soil, and wet soil by paying attention to the braking distance. In the first test, the first test of the non-ABS system sets 0.9. The results were obtained with the shortest braking distance of 20 meters and the farthest, 34.5 meters. As for the results with ABS, the shortest braking distance is 17.95 meters, and the farthest is 27 meters. From the analysis that has been done, it is found that the ABS is better than the non-ABS system. This is because ABS regulates the braking calliper and is adjusted to the vehicle’s dynamics instead of statically. When there is a difference in vehicle speed with different wheels too far (while the wheels will lock), the calliper on the brakes will open and close dynamically, unlike non-ABS
Development and Evaluation of a Tailored Pre-Professional Identity Workshop: A Case Study in Exercise Science
Authors: Clanchy Kelly , Minahan Clare , Cardell Elizabeth , Bialocerkowski Andrea
Published: December 2022

Pre-professional identity (PPI) aims to provide an understanding of, and connection to, the skills and knowledge contained in a degree and the intended profession of the student. Investigation into PPI is of importance to higher-education institutions as it provides a means of understanding a student’s orientation and motivation behind degree and career selection. Developing learning activities that capitalise on these motivations is proposed to increase student engagement, reduce attrition, and enhance employability. Using the growing, but relatively new profession of Exercise Science as an example, this study describes a workshop based on
theoretical models relating to the concept of PPI,
adult learning and self-reflective practices that can be integrated into programs to enhance students’ understanding of their professional identity. One hundred and seventy-three final year Exercise Science students participated in and evaluated the workshop. The workshop was evaluated using a theoretical framework specifically designed for the evaluation of training activities. The combination of the evaluation and feedback from students were synthesised to develop a model for the application of PPI activities across a three-year undergraduate degree.
Delineation of grade II and III gliomas investigated by 7T MRI: An inter-observer study
Authors: Prener Martin , Opheim Giske , Simonsen Helle Juhl , Engelmann Christina Malling , Ziebell Morten , Carlsen Jonathan , Paulson Olaf B.
Published: December 2022

Purpose: Diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGGs) are low malignancy brain tumors originating from the glial cells of the brain growing continuously and infiltratively along the neural axons and infiltrating the surrounding brain tissue. DLGG’s usually transforms to higher malignancy, are causing progressive disability and premature death. MRI scans are valuable when assessing soft tissue abnormalities, but due to the infiltrative properties of DLGGs delineating the tumor borders is a challenging task. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the difference in gross tumor volume (GTV) of DLGGs delineated from 3 Tesla and 7 Tesla MRI scans.
Method: Patients were recruited at the department of neurosurgery and were scanned in both a 3T and a 7T MRI-scanner prior to operation. Two observers delineated the tumors using semi-automatic delineation software. The results from each observer were blinded to the other observer’s delineation.
Results: Comparing GTVs from 7T and 3T the percentage difference varied up to 40.4% on the T2-weighted images. On the FLAIR images, the percentage difference in GTV varied up to 15.3%. On the T2-weighted images most cases varied approximately 15% and on the FLAIR sequence half of the cases varied approximately 5% and the other half approximately 15%. The overall interobserver agreement was near perfect with and intraclass correlation of 0.969. The intraclass correlation was better on the FLAIR sequence than on the T2 sequence.
Conclusion: Overall, the GTVs delineated from 7T images were smaller. The increase in field strength improved the inter-observer agreement on the FLAIR sequence only.
Dolutegravir-Associated Resistance Mutations after first-line treatment failure in Brazil
Authors: Diaz Ricardo Sobhie , Hunter James R , Camargo Michelle , Dias Danilo , Galinskas Juliana , Nassar Isabella , de Lima Isaac Barbosa , Caldeira Debora Bellini , Sucupira Maria Cecilia , Schechter Mauro
Published: December 2022

Background: Since January 2017, the recommended first-line antiretroviral regimen in Brazil is the fixed-dose combination of tenofovir plus lamivudine, with dolutegravir (TL+D). According to the literature, integrase resistance-associated mutations (INRAMs) are rarely found upon virologic failure to first-line dolutegravir plus two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.
Methods: HIV Sanger sequences of the pol gene were generated from plasma of patients with confirmed virologic failure to first-line TL+D in the Brazilian public health system before December 31, 2018.
Results: 113 individuals were included in the analysis. Major INRAMs were detected in six patients (5.31%), four with R263K, one with G118R, one with E138A. Four patients with major INRAMs also had the K70E and M184V mutations in the RT gene. 16(14.2%) additional individuals presented minor INRAMs, and three (2.7%) patients had both major and minor INRAMS. 13 (11.5%) patients also presented mutations in the RT gene selected by tenofovir and lamivudine, including four with both the K70E and M184V mutations and four with only M184V. The polymorphic integrase mutations L101I and T124A, which are in the in vitro pathway for integrase inhibitor resistance, were found in 48 and 19 patients respectively. Mutations not related to TL+D, thus probable transmitted resistance mutations (TDR), were present in 28 patients (24.8%): 25 (22.1%) to nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, 19 (16.8%) to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and 6 (5.31%) to protease inhibitors.
Conclusions: In marked contrast to previous reports, we report a relatively high frequency of INRAMs among selected patients failing first-line TL+D in the public health system in Brazil. Possible reasons for this discrepancy include delays in detecting virologic failure, patients inadvertently on dolutegravir monotherapy, TDR, and/or infecting subtype.
A hybrid machine learning approach for heart disease prediction using hyper parameter optimization
Authors: Sinha Dibakar , Sharma Ashish , Sharma Sourabh
Published: December 2022

Heart disease is a serious terminal condition in most parts of the world. The acute lack of medical professionals, expertise, and technology to identify important signs. So a smart and efficient model and technology is required to lead early diagnosis of heart disease. The current study proposes a new experience-based method namely HSPUCD (Heart stage prediction using clinical data) to forecast cardiac disorders utilizing hybrid machine learning. Type 4 protocols Cross Validation is used to assess a model's competence on unknown data. Hyper parameters were modified to regulate the suggested model's behavior and performance. The suggested system is based on extensive research. Data pre-processing was utilized to discover the most relevant network traffic and generate the initial candidate collection of feature characteristics. The suggested model additionally uses automated feature selection to extract features from a candidate set of features and selects the most relevant subset of features from this candidate set. Crow search algorithm is used to extract data characteristics from the pre-processed data. Finally, an online training classifier is utilized to categorize the data and forecast the result. The proposed strategy greatly increases the system's illness prediction accuracy with less noise and more advanced regression approaches using existing medical datasets. Mathematical results depicts the effectiveness of the proposed approach in comparison with others.
Comparative Study of Femtosecond Laser-Induced Ultrafast Magnetization Dynamics in Soft Ferromagnetic Ultra-thin alloy
Authors: Hosseini S. M. , Jalilian R. , Hamidi S. M. , Jahangiri F.
Published: December 2022

The typical demagnetization mechanism is applicable in magneto-optic recording systems on a nanoseconds timescale. To develop data processing speed in communication systems and the recording industry, much faster magnetization dynamics must occur on a timescale of femtosecond. Interest in this area has expanded rapidly since understanding the physics of ultrafast magnetization processes by experiment are an acutely challenging task. As a result, in order to explain the quenching of magnetization by laser heating in ferromagnetic alloys such as permalloy thin film with thickness varying from 1 nm to 5 nm, we executed a new theoretical study. In particular, we demonstrate that the magnetization decays in a timescale of picoseconds by the microscopic three-temperature model.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms among patients receiving opioid agonist therapy: a Norwegian cohort study
Authors: Vold Jørn Henrik , Halmøy Anne , Chalabianloo Fatemeh , Pierron Marianne Cook , Løberg Else-Marie , Johansson Kjell Arne , Fadnes Lars Thore
Published: December 2022

Background Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common among patients with opioid dependence and makes treatment for both disorders more challenging. The literature on the extent of ADHD and related cognitive symptoms is scarce. Understanding the link between these ADHD-related symptoms and clinical and sociodemographic characteristics may optimize treatment among patients with opioid dependence. This study examined the prevalence of ADHD, cognitive ADHD symptoms, and the association between these symptoms and clinical and sociodemographic variables among patients receiving opioid agonist therapy (OAT). Methods We used data from health assessments of a cohort of patients in Norway receiving OAT. Data on ADHD-related symptoms obtained from the adult ADHD self-report scale version 1.1 (ASRS-v.1.1), and sociodemographic and clinical factors were collected. In total, 701 patients were included from May 2016 to March 2022. All the patients responded to two ASRS-v1.1 questions on problems with concentration and memory. Two-hundred twenty-five patients completed all the questions in the ASRS-v.1.1, part A. Diagnoses of mental disorders were collected from medical records. Clinical ADHD symptoms were defined as exceeding the symptom cutoff for at least four of six questions in the ASRS-v.1.1 part A. Ordinal regression analyses were performed to investigate whether the exposure variables of age, sex, substance use, injecting use, housing status, and educational attainment were associated with concentration and memory problems (outcome variables) at baseline and over time. The analysis results are presented as odds ratios (OR), with their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Baseline was defined as the time of the first health assessment. Results Forty-five percent of patients receiving OAT exceeded the cutoff for adult clinical ADHD symptoms. Of these, 29% had registered ADHD diagnosis. Using cannabis was associated with problems with concentration (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.5) and memory (1.7, 1.1–2.6) at baseline and fewer memory problems over time (0.7, 0.6–1.0). At baseline, using stimulants (1.8, 1.0–3.2) and low educational attainment (0.1, 0.0–0.8) were associated with memory problems. Conclusions Nearly half the patients receiving OAT had clinical ADHD symptoms. Using cannabis and amphetamines may contribute to memory and concentration problems in this population.
Religious and traditional beliefs and practices as predictors of mental and physical health outcomes and the role of religious affiliation in health outcomes and risk taking. A quantitative study among young people living with HIV in Zimbabwe
Authors: Wüthrich-Grossenbacher Ursula
Published: December 2022

Background: While many studies from sub-Saharan countries, including Zimbabwe, allude to the important role of religion and tradition for young people living with HIV (YPLHIV), most of these studies tend to be descriptive and lack advanced statistical analysis. This study aims to close this gap.
Methods: Data for this study was collected between July and October 2021 from 804 YPLHIV (aged 14-24) in Zimbabwe. The questionnaire included questions regarding participants’ conceptions of HIV, their health seeking and risk-taking behaviour, current HIV viral load results, the prevalence of opportunistic infections, their mental health status, and demographic characteristics. The analysis was done using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression.
Results: We found that Pentecostal religious affiliation was linked to overall lower viral load (OR: 0.34; CI: 0.12-0.96; P: 0.042), Apostolic to more (OR: 1.52; CI: 1-2.3; P: 0.049) and Pentecostal to less (OR: 0.53; CI: 0.32-0.95; P: 0.033) treatment failure. Additionally, conceptions about HIV without spiritual or religious connotation, such as ‘seeing HIV as result of a weak body’ was associated with lower risk of treatment failure (OR: 0.6; CI: 0.4-1.0; P: 0.063), higher chances for undetectable viral load (OR: 1.4; CI: 1-2; P: 0.061), and overall lower viral load (OR: 0.7; CI: 0.5-1; P: 0.067). Moralizing concepts of HIV, like ‘seeing HIV as a result of sin in the family’, was linked to higher risk of opportunistic infections (OR:1.8; CI:1.1-3; P: 0.018), and higher risk of treatment failure (OR: 1.7; CI: 0.7-1.1; P: 0.066). Religious objections toward certain forms of therapy, like toward cervical cancer screening, was linked to higher risk of mental problems (OR: 2.2; CI: 1.35-3.68; P: 0.002) and higher risk of opportunistic infections (OR:1.6; CI:1.1-2.1; P: 0.008). Religious affiliations significantly influenced conceptions of HIV, health seeking behaviour, and risk taking.
Conclusion: To our knowledge, this study is the first to provide evidence about the statistically significant associations between religious and traditional beliefs and practices and current health outcomes and health risk factors of YPLHIV in Zimbabwe. It is also the first to identify empirically the role of religious affiliations as predictors of current viral load results. This new knowledge can inform contextualized approaches to support YPLHIV in Zimbabwe.
Noradrenergic modulation of whole brain dynamics mediates perceptual switches
Authors: Wainstein Gabriel , Whyte Christopher , Martens Kaylena Ehgoetz , Müller Eli , Munn Brandon , Medel Vicente , Anderson Britt , Stöttinger Elisabeth , Danckert James , Shine James
Published: December 2022

Perception is thought to rely upon evolving activity within a recurrent, distributed thalamocortical network whose interconnections are modulated by bursts of noradrenaline. To test this hypothesis, we leveraged a combination of pupillometry, fMRI and recurrent neural network modelling of an ambiguous figures task. Shifts in the perceptual interpretation of an ambiguous image were associated with peaks in pupil diameter, implicating noradrenergic gain alteration in the perceptual switch. We trained a recurrent neural network to perform an analogous perceptual categorisation task, and then manipulated the gain of the RNN to mimic the effect of noradrenaline. We observed an earlier perceptual shift as a function of heightened gain. Leveraging a low-dimensional readout of the RNN dynamics, and a measure of the energy landscape traversed by the dynamics, we developed two novel predictions: perceptual switches should co-occur with peaks in low-dimensional brain state velocity and with flattened energy landscape dynamics. We used whole-brain fMRI data to confirm these predictions. These results confirm the core role of the noradrenergic system in the large-scale network reconfigurations that mediate perception.
Depression among older adults who developed Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) during hospitalization for non cardiac illness: A Prospective observational study.
Authors: Vijayakumar Priya , David Arun , M Vijayakumar
Published: December 2022

Background:
Atypical presentations of ACS delay its recognition and treatment in the older adults. During hospitalization, depression and functional decline which is unique to older adults, leads to poor clinical outcome. Steps taken for its prevention is unlikely to become a priority for the Cardiologist. Present study was conducted to identify Depression among older adults who developed ACS during hospitalization for non cardiac illness and their outcome.
Methods:
310 older adults with ACS were included from 26 June 2020 to 13 October 2020. Subjects were divided into those admitted primarily due to an ACS (Group I, n=94) and those developing ACS following admission for non cardiac illness (Group II, n=216). Co morbidities, medications, investigations, management, clinical outcome, Geriatric Depression Scale was compared between the two groups at the time of admission, after 30 days and after 6 months.
Results:
Majority of them were admitted due to acute kidney injury (27.1%) in Group II and had a non-ST elevation ACS (90.2%). Optimum management was given to a lesser extent due to the clinical condition of these patients. Depression during hospitalization, during follow up and poor clinical, functional and cognitive outcome was more in Group II.
Conclusion:
Optimum medical management was not given to considerable number of patients due to atypical presentations, clinical condition, along with functional and cognitive decline which resulted from depression. Clinicians must be vigilant for the development of depression when an older adult is admitted to the hospital, as early detection and optimum management provides better clinical outcome.
Adsorption capacities of four types of ZIF-8 with different morphologies and surface charges for chemical warfare agent simulants
Authors: Oh Sojin , Lee Sujeong , Lee Gihyun , Oh Moonhyun
Published: December 2022

The effective separation of toxic chemicals, including chemical warfare agents (CWAs), from the environment via adsorption is of great importance because such chemicals pose a significant threat to humans and ecosystems. To this end, the development of effective porous adsorbents for CWA removal has received significant attention. Understanding the specific interactions between adsorbents and CWAs must precede for the development of effective adsorbents. Herein, we report the relationship between the adsorption capacity of porous ZIF-8 and its morphological and surface characteristics. Four types of ZIF-8, which have different morphologies (such as cubic, rhombic dodecahedron, and leaf- and plate-shaped samples), were selectively prepared. The four types of ZIF-8 were found to have different surface charges owing to dissimilarly exposed components on the surfaces and additionally incorporated components. The specific surface charges of ZIF-8 were found to be closely related to their adsorption capacities for CWA simulants such as 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (CEES) and dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP). Cubic ZIF-8, with the most positive surface charge among four ZIF-8 samples, exhibited the highest adsorption capacity for CEES and DMMP via the effective polar interaction. Moreover, ZIF-8 exhibited excellent recyclability without losing its adsorption capacity and without critical morphological or structural changes.
A new equation of four infinite series and sums by using a generalized recurrence relation
Authors: Louiz Akram
Published: December 2022

Motivated by the fundamental presence of mathematics in all engineering and scientific fields, I made thismathematical article in order to answer many of my personal questions which are also not answered questionsin mathematics. This is a mathematical article that proves a usefulrecurrence relation that is very useful formathematics demonstrations. The article proves also that four infinite series are equivalent. Hence, this articleopens new opportunities to demonstrate and develop new mathematical findings and observations. The demons-trated formulas of this article can also be very useful for all the fields that apply mathematics and especiallyinfinite series and sums.
Development of microbeads from unmodified biomass with tunable size and competitive mechanical properties
Authors: Robertson Benjamin , Hoover Lena , Rott Gerald , Quan Michelle , Calabrese Michelle
Published: December 2022

Despite national and international regulations, plastic microbeads are still widely used in personal care and consumer products (PCCPs) as exfoliants and rheological modifiers, causing significant microplastic pollution following use. As a sustainable alternative, microbeads were produced by extrusion of biomass solutions and precipitation into anti-solvent. Despite using novel blends of biodegradable, non-derivatized biomass including cellulose and Kraft lignin, resulting microbeads are within the shape, size, and stiffness range of commercial plastic microbeads, even without crosslinking. Solution processability and resulting bead shape and Young’s modulus can be tuned via biomass source, concentration, and degree of polymerization; biomass concentration, extrusion geometry, and precipitation and extraction conditions control the bead size. Lignin incorporation reduces the solution viscosity, which improves processability but also produces flatter beads with higher moduli than cellulose-only microbeads. While some lignin leaches from the beads when stored in water, adding surfactants like sodium dodecyl sulfate suppresses this effect, resulting in good mechanical stability over two months with no noticeable structural degradation. The stability of these mixed-source biomass microbeads - despite the absence of chemical crosslinking or derivatization - makes this route a promising, robust approach for obtaining environmentally-benign microbeads of tunable size and stiffness for use in PCCPs.
Identifying the predictors of adherence to oral endocrine therapy in racial/ethnic minority patients with low socioeconomic status
Authors: Rahimi Sama , Ononogbu Onyebuchi , Mohan Anjana , Moussa Daniel , Abughosh Susan , Trivedi Meghana
Published: December 2022

Background
Adherence to oral endocrine therapy (OET) is crucial in ensuring its maximum benefit in prevention and treatment of hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer (BC) in patients. Medication use behavior is suboptimal especially in racial/ethnic minorities of lower socioeconomic status (SES). We aimed to assess the OET adherence and its predictors in racial/ethnic minority patients of lower SES.
Aim
We aimed to assess the OET adherence and determine the predictors of OET nonadherence in racial/ethnic minority patients of lower SES.
Method
A retrospective study was conducted at the Harris Health System in Houston, Texas. Since the study period included the COVID-19 pandemic, data was collected during the 6 months prior and 6 months after the start of the pandemic. The adherence was assessed using the prescription refill data using the proportion of days covered. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify predictors of nonadherence. Eighteen years or older patients on appropriate doses of OET for prevention or treatment of BC were included.
Result
In 258 patients, the adherence was significantly lower during the pandemic (44%) compared to before the pandemic (57%). The predictors of OET nonadherence before the pandemic were Black/African American, obesity/extreme obesity, prevention setting, tamoxifen therapy, and 4 or more years on OET. During the pandemic, prevention setting and those not using home delivery were more likely to be nonadherent.
Conclusion
Racial/ethnic minority patients of lower SES, especially African Americans and those using OET for prevention of BC, require individualized interventions to improve adherence.
Time series analysis of variability and trends in precipitation on annual, seasonal and monthly scales of Jammu region of Western Himalaya from 1925-2020
Authors: Khan Sajid , Jaral Saika , Verma Susheel
Published: December 2022

Planning agricultural practises relies entirely on the timely prediction of rainfall based on data analysis. Early forecasting aids in the preparation of disaster management plans in high-risk locations in the event of predicted severe or limited rainfall. In this study, we analyzed the trends of precipitation and climatic variability for of Jammu region from 1925-2020. The non-parametric Mann-Kendall test was used to analyze the significance of trends in precipitation data on monthly seasonal and annual scales, whereas the non-parametric Sens’s estimator of the slope was used to quantify the magnitude of climatic trends. The results revealed that the Jammu region shows a statistically significant positive (p <0.005) for annual mean precipitation. In annual trend magnitude, the Jammu region showed a statistically significant increasing trend of 0.5260079 mm a-1 for the observed 95 years' climatic time series. The seasonal trends of precipitation statistics exhibit statistically significant positive trends over the observed time series in the case of the summer season only. Further, a significant precipitation increase of 1.484841 mm-1 was observed for the summer season only. The results of Pettit’s test for detecting annual change points for precipitation show a statistically significant change in the years 1988, 1951, and 1985 and seasonally in the year 1993 for the summer season only. Further, the results of the Mann–Kendall test for detecting monthly trends in the precipitation variables for the 95 years of observed climatic time series exhibit a statistically significant increasing trend for the months of May, June, August, and November. The results of this study are extremely useful in many sectors including agriculture, water resources, and most notably climatology studies in most striking aspects of developmental planning in recent times.
Sensing of chemical oxygen demand (COD) by amperometric detection – Dependence of current signal on concentration and type of organic species
Authors: Lambertz Samira , Franke Marcus , Stelter Michael , Braeutigam Patrick
Published: December 2022

The standard method for the determination of chemical oxygen demand (COD) with K2Cr2O6 uses harmful chemicals, has a long analysis time, and cannot be used for on-site online monitoring. Therefore, it is necessary to find a fast, cheap, and harmless alternative. The amperometric determination of COD on boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrodes is a promising approach. However, to be a suitable alternative, the electrochemical method must at least be able to determine the COD of water samples independently of the contained substances. Therefore, the current signal as a function of various organic materials was investigated for the first time. It was shown that the height of the signal current was dependent on the type of organic matter in single substance solutions and that this substance dependency increases with the amount of COD. Those findings could be explained by the mechanism proposed for this reaction showing that the selectivity of the reaction is dependent on the ratio of the concentration of the hydroxyl radical and the organic species. We give an outlook on how to improve the method to increase the linear working range, avoid the signal variance and how to further explain the signal variance.
GANBISS: A new GPU accelerated N-body code for Binary Star Systems
Authors: Zimmermann Maximilian , Pilat-Lohinger Elke
Published: December 2022

We present a GPU acclerated N-body integrator using the Bulirsch-Stoer method, called GANBISS(GPU Accelerated N-body code for Binary Star Systems). It is designed to (i) simulate the dynamics and evolution of planetesimal disks in binary star systems which contains of some thousand disk objects and (ii) supports the integration of up to 40 million non-interacting and massless bodies. GANBISS shows the energy and angular momentum conservation behaviour of non-symplectic integration methods. We compare the performance to a CPU implementation and find a speed up of up to 100 times faster for the GPU implementation, depending on the number of integrated bodies. The code is written in CUDA C and can be run on NVIDIA GPUs of compute capability of at least 3.5.
Applying a genetic risk score model to enhance prediction of future Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis at first presentation with optic neuritis: a cohort study in the UK Biobank
Authors: Oram Richard , Loginovic Pavel , Ferrat Lauric , Green Harry , Weedon Michael , Tyrrell Jessica , Petzold Axel , Braithwaite Tasanee
Published: December 2022

Optic neuritis (ON) is associated with numerous immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. After presenting for the first time with undifferentiated ON, up to 50% per cent of patients are subsequently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), sometimes many years later. Differentiating MS-ON from non-MS-ON in the acute setting is challenging but important. Initial treatment of MS-ON and non-MS ON differs, with the latter often requiring urgent immunosuppression. Diagnostic delay in non-MS ON impacts final visual prognosis. Over 200 common genetic variants are associated with MS. We sought to establish whether integrating an MS genetic risk score (MS-GRS) improves prediction of future MS in undifferentiated ON. Using data from the United Kingdom Biobank we showed that combining MS-GRS with demographic risk factors significantly improves MS prediction in patients with undifferentiated ON. In a combined risk model including sex, age and MS-GRS, one standard deviation of MS risk score increased the Hazard of MS 1.3-fold (95% confidence interval 1.09-1.59, P<0.005). Participants stratified into quartiles of predicted MS risk developed incident MS during cumulative follow-up at rates varying from 3.8% (95% CI 1.2–8.6%, lowest risk quartile) to 41.7% (95% CI 33.1–50.6%, highest risk quartile). This study indicates that using a combined model in clinical practice might enhance individual MS risk stratification, paving the way for precision-based ON treatment and earlier introduction of MS disease-modifying therapy.
Numerical Analysis on the Effect of Soil Properties on the Generation of Volatilization Flux from Unsaturated Soil Contaminated by Volatile Chemical Substances
Authors: Kondo Monami , Sakamoto Yasuhide , Kawabe Yoshishige , Komai Takeshi , Watanabe Noriaki
Published: December 2022

For the assessment of human health risks from soil contaminated by volatile chemical substances (VCSs), it is important to quantitatively estimate the volatilization fluxes that occur at the ground surface due to the upward transport of VCSs component in unsaturated soil. The model constructed by the authors is based on the quantitative evaluation of advection-dispersion behavior associated with volatilization of VCSs and allows detailed consideration of soil properties and the boundary conditions between the atmosphere-ground surface and unsaturated soil-aquifer compared to existing models. This study focuses on the evaluation of the effect of soil properties on the generation of volatilization flux through numerical analyses by changing the permeability characteristics of surface soil depending on the difference in soil particle size, porosity, and distribution coefficient between the water- and soil phases, targeting benzene as a model substance of VCSs. A series of calculated results can be classified into cases dominated by either an increase of volatilization flux or transport to aquifer, depending on soil properties, indicating the necessity of appropriate countermeasures for remediation and risk assessment. For the reduction of health risks derived from the generation of volatilization flux, removal of contaminants existing in the surface soil, including the ground surface, is essential. However, it is necessary to prevent the spread of contamination into the aquifer when the contaminants have high mobility in surface soil.
Influence of Racial and Ethnic Identity on Overall Survival in Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Vardell Victoria , Ermann Daniel , Fitzgerald Lindsey , Shah Harsh , Hu Boyu , Stephens Deborah
Published: December 2022

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent adult leukemia, with the highest incidence in the White, non-Hispanic population. To better understand underrepresented minority CLL patients, patients diagnosed with CLL from 2004-2018 were identified in the National Cancer Database. Of 97 804 CLL patients, 90.7% of patients were White, 7.6% Black. Compared to White patients, Black patients were younger (median age 66 years vs. 70 years), more likely to have ≥1 comorbidity (27.9% vs. 21.3%), more likely to receive CLL-directed therapy at diagnosis (35.9% vs 23.6%; p<0.001), and had a shorter median OS of 7.0 years (95% CI 6.7-7.3) compared to White patients (9.1 years [95% CI 9.0-9.3]), p<0.001). On multivariate analysis, Black race was independently associated with shorter OS (HR 1.51 [95% CI 1.46-1.57], p<0.001), which was also demonstrated in a propensity score matched sample (matched by age, comorbidity, and socioeconomic features), where Black patients had shorter OS compared to White patients (HR 1.30 [95% CI 1.23-1.37, p<0.001]). In the largest study to date describing minority CLL patients, we found significantly reduced survival in Black CLL patients, highlighting the need for targeted efforts to provide equitable outcomes.
A Novel Hybrid WOA Algorithm enhanced with Evolutionary Strategy for High-Dimensional problems: An application on Microarray Cancer Data
Authors: Hafiz Rahila , Saeed Sana
Published: December 2022

The stochastic optimization of continuous space for numerical problems has become a major challenge for scientists. The whale optimization algorithm (WOA) simulates the behavior of a humpback whale and is used to solve global optimization problems. Because of its excellent optimal performance and fewer required parameters, it has been widely accepted in a variety of engineering fields. Like other metaheuristics algorithms, WOA has the drawback of trapping in suboptimal regions and high dimensional ones. As a result, it is critical to examine the WOA components using powerful algorithms. A novel hybrid algorithm based on a recombinant evolutionary strategy is proposed to improve search capability. The developed method was analyzed using thirteen unconstrained benchmarked test functions. In addition, two data reduction techniques are used to overcome the dimensional curse. Meanwhile, the proposed algorithm was evaluated and contrasted on six microarray cancer datasets. The exhaustive examination and detailed results demonstrate that our new proposed structure has addressed main WOA’s shortcomings. Hence, a significant encouraging performance was observed of this newly developed RESHWOA algorithm.
The impact of learning goals on the professional development of final-year medical students in a curriculum based on entrustable professional activities
Authors: Noijons Tessa M.T. , Bremer Anne E. , Fluit Cornelia R.M.G. , Schieving Jolanda H. , de Pol Marjolein H.J. van
Published: December 2022

Medical students regularly face transitions between different workplaces and roles. The main goal for final-year medical students is to grow towards being junior doctors during their last (or senior) clerkship. This transition provides excellent possibilities for growth and development, while simultaneously causing stress. Self-regulated learning (SRL) is a crucial skill for (final-year) medical students and medical doctors. Creating learning goals is a key factor in self-regulated learning. To this end, we conducted a mixed method study to explore in what way learning goals in an entrustable professional activities (EPA) based curriculum contributes to the development of final-year medical students and their transition towards becoming junior doctors. We included fifty-three final-year medical students and analyzed their feedback forms, EPAs and mid- and end-term evaluations. Final-year medical students are aware of the upcoming transition. We studied their learning goals and identified four themes that specifically contribute to the transition: future career, growing leadership, increasing responsibilities and personal professional development. Our main findings are that students are aware of the transition they are expected to make in their senior clerkship and that this transition is likely to happen earlier for students with transition-related learning goals than for students without those. Additionally, these students ask more feedback and receive higher end grades when compared to students without transition-related learning goals. This study is a first exploration of how our EPAs correspond with the students’ learning goals and their transition-related needs. We recommend to further research on how to facilitate this important transition.
Financial burden of prostate cancer in the Iranian Population: a cost of illness and financial risk protection analysis
Authors: Alinezhad Farbod , Khalili Farhad , Zare Hossein , Lu Chunling , Mahmoudi Zahra , Yousefi Mahmood
Published: December 2022

Background: Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in males worldwide and the third most common among Iran’s male population. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding its direct and indirect costs in low and middle-income countries. This study intends to bridge the gap using a cost of illness approach, assessing the costs of prostate cancer from the perspectives of patients, society, and the insurance system.
Methods: 297 patients were included in the study. Data for two months periods were obtained from patients registered at two hospital (Tabriz, Tehran), Iran in 2017. We applied a prevalence-based, bottom-up approach to assess the costs of the illness. The sensitivity analyses were performed using a probabilistic approach. We used the World Health Organization methods to measure the prevalence and investigate the determinants of catastrophic and impoverishing health expenditures.
Results: We determined the total costs of the disease for the patients to be IRR 6.8E+07 (PPP $ 5244.44). Total costs of the disease from the perspective of the society amounted to IRR 7E+11 (PPP $ 5.4E+07). Insurance companies expended IRR 2E+07 (PPP $ 1558.8) per patient. Our findings show that 31% of the patients incurred catastrophic health expenditure due to the disease. 5.44% of the patients were impoverished due to the costs of this cancer.
Conclusion: We found an alarmingly high prevalence of catastrophic health expenditures among prostate cancer patients. In additional the prostate cancer puts a substantial burden on both the patients and the society.