bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wound healing and hernia after abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: Onlay self-gripping polyester mesh reinforcement compared with small bite sutured closure
Authors: Sachsamanis Georgios , Delgado Julio Perez , Oikonomou Kyriakos , Schierling Wilma , Pfister Karin , Zuelke Carl , Betz Thomas
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic mesh implantation following open surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm is a debatable subject. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of a self-gripping polyester mesh used in on-lay technique to prevent incisional hernia after open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 495 patients who underwent aortic surgery between May 2017 and May 2021. Patients included in the study underwent open surgical repair for infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with closure of the abdominal wall with either small bite suture technique or prophylactic mesh reinforcement. Primary endpoint of the study was the occurrence of incisional hernia during a two-year follow-up period. Secondary endpoints were mesh-related complications. RESULTS: Mesh implantation with the on-lay technique was successful in all cases. No patient in the mesh group developed an incisional hernia during the 24-month follow-up period. Two patients in the non-mesh group developed a symptomatic incisional hernia during the follow-up period at 6 months. Three cases of post-operative access site complications were observed in the mesh group. CONCLUSIONS: Application of a self-gripping polyester mesh using the on-lay technique demonstrates acceptable early-durability after open surgical repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. However, it appears to be associated with a number of post-operative access site complications.
Communication Regarding the Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion and Cognitive Impairment: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Chang Haiqing , Chen Erya , Zhu Tao , Liu Jin , Chen Chan
Published: January 2024

Coronary artery disease is a prevalent ischemic disease that results in insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle due to narrowing or occlusion of the coronary arteries. Various reperfusion strategies, including pharmacological thrombolysis and percutaneous coronary intervention, have been developed to enhance blood flow restoration. However, these interventions can lead to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI), which can cause unpredictable complications. Recent research has highlighted a compelling association between MI/RI and cognitive function, revealing pathophysiological mechanisms that may explain altered brain cognition. Manifestations in the brain following MI/RI exhibit pathological features resembling those observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), implying a potential link between MI/RI and the development of AD. The pro-inflammatory state following MI/RI may induce neuroinflammation via systemic inflammation, while impaired cardiac function can result in cerebral under-perfusion. This review delves into the role of extracellular vesicles in transporting deleterious substances from the heart to the brain during conditions of MI/RI, potentially contributing to impaired cognition. Addressing the cognitive consequence of MI/RI, the review also emphasizes potential neuroprotective interventions and pharmacological treatments within the MI/RI model. In conclusion, the review underscores the significant impact of MI/RI on cognitive function, summarizes potential mechanisms of cardio-cerebral communication in the context of MI/RI, and offers ideas and insights for the prevention and treatment of cognitive dysfunction following MI/RI.
Einstein consistency of fuzzy preference relations
Authors: Runkler Thomas A.
Published: January 2024

Pairwise fuzzy preference matrices can be constructed using expert ratings. The number of pairwise preference values to be specified by the experts increases quadratically with the number of options. Consistency (transitivity) allows to reduce this quadratic complexity to linear complexity which makes this approach feasible also for large scale applications. Preference values are usually expected to be on a fixed finite interval. Additive preference is defined on such a finite interval. However, completing preference matrices using additive consistency may yield preferences outside this finite interval. Multiplicative preference is defined on an infinite interval and is therefore not suitable here. To overcome this problem we extend the concept of consistency beyond additive and multiplicative to arbitrary commutative, associative, and invertible operators. Infinitely many of such operators induce infinitely many types of consistency. As one example, we examine Einstein consistency, which is induced by the Einstein sum operator. Completing preference matrices using Einstein consistency always yields preferences inside the finite interval, which yields the first method that allows to construct large scale finite preference matrices using expert ratings. A case study with the real–world car preference data set indicates that Einstein consistency also yields more accurate preference estimates than additive or multiplicative consistency.
Study on flexible job shop scheduling problem considering energy saving
Authors: Xiao Yanjun , Yin Shanshan , Ren Guoqing , Liu Weiling
Published: January 2024

The Flexible Job Shop Scheduling Problem (FJSP) is an extension of the classical Job Shop Scheduling Problem (JSP). The research objective of the traditional FJSP mainly considers the completion time, but ignores the energy consumption of the manufacturing system. In this paper, a mathematical model of the energy-efficient flexible job shop scheduling problem is constructed. The optimization objectives are completion time, delay time, and total equipment energy consumption. To solve the model, an improved non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (CT-NSGA-II) is proposed to obtain the optimal scheduling solution. First, the heuristic rules of GLR were used to generate the initial population with good quality and diversity. Second, different crossover and variation operators are designed for the process sequencing and equipment selection parts to enhance the diversity of the evolutionary population. The sparsity theory is introduced to find sparse solutions and three neighborhood structures are designed to perform local search on sparse solutions to improve the uniformity of the optimal solution set distribution. Finally, a competitive selection strategy based on the bidding mechanism is proposed for the Pareto optimal solution set to obtain a better scheduling scheme. The experimental results show that the proposed improved algorithm is feasible and effective in the FJSP problem considering energy consumption, and the algorithm has some application value in improving the efficiency of smart shop operation.
mSwinUNet: A multi-modal U-shaped swin transformer for supervised change detection
Authors: Lu Tianjun , Zhong Xian , Zhong Luo
Published: January 2024

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have received significant attention for change detection (CD) on multimodal remote sensing images, but they struggle to capture global cues due to the locality of convolution operations. In contrast, the transformer can learn global semantic information by dividing the input image into patches, adding position encodings, and utilizing the self-attention mechanism. Motivated by this, we propose mSwinUNet, a novel end-to-end multi-modal model with swin-transformer-based and U-shaped siamese network architectures for supervised CD using Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and Sentinel-2 Multispectral Imager (MSI) data. mSwinUNet contains multi-modal encoder with difference module, bottleneck, and fused decoder, and all of them are based on swin transformer. Firstly, tokenized multi-modal bitemporal image patches are fed into multiple Siamese encoder branches to extract multi-level multi-modal difference feature maps in parallel. Subsequently, the last level multi-modal difference maps are fused to generate the smallest scale change map in the bottleneck. Then, the hierarchical decoder incorporates patch expansion and fusion operations to fuse multi-scale difference and change maps, effectively recuperating the details of the change information. Finally, the last patch expansion and a linear projection are applied to output the final change map, which preserves the identical spatial resolution as the input image. Extensive experiments have shown that mSwinUNet outperforms several the state-of-the-art multi-modal CD methods on OSCD dataset and the corresponding Sentinel-1 SAR data.
Improvements to adversarial training for text classification tasks
Authors: he Jia-long , zhang Xiao-Lin , wang Yong-Ping , gu Rui-Chun , liu Li-xin , xu En-Hui
Published: January 2024

Although deep learning models show powerful performance, they are still easily deceived by adversarial samples. Some methods for generating adversarial samples have the drawback of high time loss, which is problematic for adversarial training, and the existing adversarial training methods are difficult to adapt to the dynamic nature of the model, so it is still challenging to study an efficient adversarial training method. In this paper, we propose an adversarial training method, the core of which is the improved adversarial sample generation method AGFAT for adversarial training and the improved dynamic adversarial training method AGFAT-DAT. AGFAT uses a word frequency-based approach to identify significant words, filter replacement candidates, and use an efficient semantic constraint module as a means to reduce the time of adversarial sample generation; AGFAT-DAT is a dynamic adversarial training approach that uses a cyclic attack on the model after adversarial training and generates adversarial samples for adversarial training again. It is demonstrated that the proposed method can significantly reduce the generation time of adversarial samples, and the adversarial-trained model can also effectively defend against other types of word-level adversarial attacks.
RETRACTED: Risk assessment for industrial control systems based on asymmetric connection cloud and Choquet integral
Authors: Li Feng , Zhu Mozhong , Lin Ling
Published: January 2024

This article has been retracted. A retraction notice can be found at https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-219433.
Wearable sensor-based on exercise monitoring system for disabled the individuals using a multi-attribute fuzzy evaluation mode
Authors: Wang Fei
Published: January 2024

Recently, there has been a lot of interest in using the wearable sensors for tracking the exercise progress because of the unbiased accuracy and precision they are provided throughout the continual monitoring. For those with physical impairments, the system’s non-intrusive, lightweight ways of the monitoring activity may ease their load and enhance the quality of their decision-making. As a different measuring unit measures the exercise activity levels recorded by the each wearable sensor, it is challenging to assess the monitoring system. Hence, this paper proposes a Hybridized Fuzzy Multi-Attribute for Exercise Monitoring System (HFMA-EMS) to address the uncertainty issues of the wearable sensors. The Triangular Fuzzy membership function is proposed to begin classifying the observed values. Pair-wise attribute comparison and evaluator weighting in a T-spherical uncertain linguistic set setting utilizing the Techniques for Ordering of Preferences by Similarities to Ideal Solutions (TOPSIS). In the suggested method, a utility function is used to assess the merits of a model in which attribute the weights are calculated, followed by an exercise in which the attributes are ordered employing the Measurements of the Alternative and Ranking Compromise Solutions model (MARCOS). The performance is performed to analyze the proposed method’s accuracy, precision, recall, f1-score, and correct and incorrect exercise assessment by an accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetic field sensor unit. The application scenario of the HFMA-EMS can be used in the clinical applications, healthcare management, and sports injury detection.
Multi-attribute decision making for deep learning-based typhoon disaster assessment
Authors: Li Dongmei , Yang Lehua , Liu Shaojun , Tan Ruipu
Published: January 2024

Emergency rescue decisions in case of a typhoon disaster can be considered multi-attribute decision-making problems. Considering the need for the timeliness and authenticity of decision-making information sources after such a disaster, this study proposed using learning methods to process real-time online data and interval-valued neutrosophic numbers (NNs) to express the classification results. Using Typhoon Hagupit as an example, a trained text classification model was used to classify real-time data (online comments), following which the classification results were used as weights to convert these data into interval-valued NNs. Finally, the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method was adopted to rank the extent of damage caused by the typhoon in each region; the sorting results were consistent with the official statistical data, proving the effectiveness of the proposed method. A detailed sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the optimal parameter settings of the classification model. Furthermore, the proposed method was compared with existing methods in terms of data conversion and deep learning efficiency; the results confirmed the superior capabilities of the proposed method. Notably, the proposed method can provide support to disaster management professionals in their post-disaster emergency relief work.
Dynamic pricing on maximum concurrency for heterogeneous instances using hyperparameter optimization in dueling deep reinforcement learning in a multi-cloud scenario
Authors: Arivanandhan Rajesh , Ramanathan Kalaivani , Chellamuthu Senthilkumar
Published: January 2024

Users possess the option to rent instances of various sorts, in a variety of regions, and a variety of availability zones, thanks to cloud service carriers like AWS, GCP, and Azure. In the cloud business right now, fixed price models are king when it comes to pricing. However, as the diversity of cloud providers and users grows, this approach is unable to accurately reflect the market’s current needs for cost savings. As a consequence, a dynamic pricing strategy has become a desirable tactic to better handle the erratic cloud demand. In this study, a deep learning model was used to propose a dynamic pricing structure that ensures service providers are treated fairly in a multi-cloud context. The computational optimization of DL approaches can be severely hampered by the requirement for human hyperparameter selection. Traditional automated solutions to this issue have inadequate durability or fail in specific circumstances. To choose the hyper-parameters in the Dueling Deep Q-Network (DDQN), the hybrid DL approach in this study uses the concept-based wild horse optimization (WHO) method. A community of untamed horses is evolved, and the fitness of the population is evaluated concurrently to estimate the optimum hyper-parameters. The plan changes the price appropriately to promote the use of underutilized resources and discourage the use of overutilized resources. The evaluation’s findings demonstrated that the suggested strategy can lower end-user costs while conducting compute- and data-intensive activities in a multi-cloud environment. The research was concluded by comparing current models after the results were analyzed using various performance indicators.
Knowledge fusion method of power grid model based on Seq2seq half pointer and half label method
Authors: Zhou Yuzhong , Lin Zhengping , Wu Zhengrong , Zhang Zifeng
Published: January 2024

Due to the complexity of the calculation process of the existing methods, the efficiency of data fusion of the power grid model is low. In order to improve the knowledge fusion effect of power grid model, this paper studied the knowledge fusion method of power grid model based on Seq2seq half pointer and half label method. The Text Rank algorithm is used to calculate the weight of semantic nodes of each grid model, and combined with the topological potential method, the semantic information of the grid model is extracted according to the final weight value, and the Seq2Seq semi-pointer semi-label model framework is constructed. The data of the scheduling automation system OMS and the production management system PMS are used as input. The extracted candidate mesh model semantics and the original mesh model semantics are encoded by Seq2Seq half-pointer half-label model. The semantic data of the power grid model is fused and sent to the Seq2Seq encoder. After the training is completed, the effective information is extracted from the power grid model through the Seq2Seq model to complete the knowledge fusion of the power grid model. Experimental results show that this method eliminates the redundant part of the basic attributes of each data source in the substation grid model after knowledge fusion, and the description of each basic attribute is more standardized, unified and perfect. Under different mesh model data dimensions, the support of the proposed method is all above 98%. The model trained by the proposed method tends to be stable after 120 iterations, and the precision, recall and F1 of the test set are 0.98, 0.93 and 0.91, respectively. At the same time, this method has high efficiency in the knowledge fusion processing of the power grid model, and its data processing speed is less than 160 s. The average integrity of the private data of the power grid model is 98.86%, indicating that the proposed method can better ensure the integrity of the data. Finally, compared with the application of other methods under different data amounts, the mean square error obtained by the proposed method is the smallest, indicating that the proposed method effectively improves the fusion accuracy.
Dietary Interventions in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: van der Berg Indy , Schootemeijer Sabine , Overbeek Karin , Bloem Bastiaan R. , de Vries Nienke M.
Published: January 2024

Several dietary patterns and nutritional supplements have been linked to the development, progression, and symptomatic treatment of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Most of the evidence, at this point, is preliminary and based largely on observational studies. Interventional studies are scarce, so the evidence on effectiveness remains inconclusive. Dietary interventions could, analogous to exercise, potentially have a beneficial effect on disease symptoms as well as on the progression of the disease and should therefore be researched in high quality studies. Further work is also needed to study whether dietary interventions, when applied to an at-risk population, have any potential to postpone the onset of manifest PD. In this paper, we summarize all ongoing clinical trials on dietary interventions in PD. We found 10 ongoing studies, all aimed at a different intervention. These studies are mostly exploratory in nature or represent phase I or phase II trials focusing on safety, biological responses, and symptomatic effects. Taken together, we conclude that research on dietary interventions in persons with PD is still in its early days. The results of the various ongoing trials are expected to generate new hypotheses and will help to shape the agenda for future research on this important topic.
Efficacy, Effectiveness, and Safety of Interventions for Von Hippel-Lindau Associated Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Jonasch Eric , Balijepalli Chakrapani , Yan Kevin , Gullapalli Lakshmi , Li Joyce , Sundaram Murali
Published: January 2024

Background:

A small proportion of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) are associated with hereditary syndromes such as von Hippel-Lindau disease (VHL) and are commonly treated with surgical interventions. More recently, systemic treatments for VHL-associated RCC have been assessed as an alternative to surgery.

Methods:

A systematic literature review was conducted by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Registry of Controlled Trials to collect and interpret published evidence on treatments for VHL-associated RCC patients to better understand the treatment landscape.

Results:

This review identified 32 primary studies, comprised of single-arm clinical trials and real-world studies assessing systemic, surgical, radiological, or image guided ablation interventions. In clinical trials, treatment with sunitinib and pazopanib showed an objective response in 33% and 52% of RCC lesions respectively. For patients treated with belzutifan, 64% of patients showed an objective response, of which 7% were complete response and 57% were partial responses with a 24-month PFS rate of 96%. In real-world studies, treatment with sunitinib, pazopanib, axitinib, and sorafenib showed an objective response in 40%, 0%, 33%, and 25% of RCC lesions respectively, and all the responses were partial. In the studies assessing surgical, radiological, or image guided ablation interventions primary failure/re-intervention rates ranged from 2% to 84%.

Conclusion:

Local procedures are still a mainstay in the management of patients with non-metastatic VHL-associated RCC although multiple procedures incur an increasing rate of complications. A limited number of clinical trials and real-world studies evaluated VEGF-TKIs for the treatment of VHL-RCC, while responses were observed, long term treatment was limited by toxicities.
Risk of orofacial clefts in relation to maternal body mass index, diabetes and hypertension
Authors: Da Silva A.M. , De Lavôr J.R. , Freitas V.S. , Vieira A.R.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND: To investigate if maternal body mass index, diabetes and hypertension are associated with orofacial clefts. METHODS: Case-control study. Information from 53,188 live births with and without orofacial cleft registered at USA Vital Statistics Natality Birth Data between 2017 and 2021. Case group consisted of all affected live births diagnosed with orofacial clefts (13,297 cases). Comparison group consisted of 39,891 live births without clefts or any other congenital malformation. Information about orofacial cleft cases were compared with the comparison group. The unadjusted and adjusted Odds Ratios were estimated to evaluate the strength of association between mother’s pre-pregnancy body mass index, maternal diabetes and hypertension and orofacial cleft occurrence, assuming a p value < 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals (95% C.I.) for statistically significant differences. RESULTS: Mother’s pre-pregnancy body mass index, maternal diabetes and maternal hypertension are conditions associated with an increased risk of orofacial cleft development in the child (OR = 1.08, p = 0.004, 95% C.I. = 1.024–1.149; OR = 1.32, 95%, p = 0.000, 95% C.I. = 1.202–1.444; and OR = 1.35, p = 0.000, 95% C.I. = 1.239–1.484; respectively). Maternal ethnicity, sex of infant, and cigarette smoking pregnancy remained as covariates after adjustments in all logistic regression models. CONCLUSION: Due to the increased prevalence of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, and also to their association with congenital malformations, such as clefts, it is recommended that mothers planning to become pregnant to follow healthy habits, maintain healthy weight, and be screened for possible diabetes or hypertension prior to conception and early in pregnancy.
Exploring motivations for social games in virtual reality for smart cities
Authors: Meksumphun Kawin , Kerdvibulvech Chutisant
Published: January 2024

The Metaverse is experiencing widespread adoption by organizations aiming to elevate brand engagement, particularly in computer engineering’s burgeoning field focused on virtual world gamification. This trend spans various sectors, including network science, smart cities, and online games. This study aims to reveal the motivations driving the use of virtual media, providing valuable insights into diverse user preferences. Integrating this information into smart city development holds promise for enhancing responsiveness to user needs, making our dataset relevant for both governmental and private entities seeking to create virtual media platforms or smart cities tailored to user demands. This research contributes to the ongoing evolution of smart city design, aligning with user motivations and adapting to evolving trends in user behavior. The findings offer a foundation for informed decision-making, promoting a user-centric and responsive approach in developing virtual experiences within the smart city context. Our research paper focuses on investigating the motivation and necessity of virtual reality (VR) games for potential integration into smart cities. Targeting a specific demographic of 40 individuals aged 18 to 24 in the capital of Thailand, we utilized correlational research methods to explore motivations and needs for VR games. Through the development of a socially virtual game-free asset using Unity, our experiments shed light on the significant motivations for Generation Z in Thailand, emphasizing convenience, product appearance, and game effects. The findings highlight the pivotal roles of social engagement and the motivation for self-disclosure in building relationships. Additionally, our study suggests that social connections and shared experiences strongly motivate individuals to participate in gaming activities. Notably, female players are significantly influenced by social connections, while branding has a minimal impact on their motivation and desire.
Missing prognostic value of soluble PD-1, PD-L1 and PD-L2 in lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy – A CEPAC-TDM biomarker substudy
Authors: Geiger Kimberly , Joerger Markus , Roessler Max , Hettwer Karina , Ritter Christoph , Simon Kirsten , Uhlig Steffen , Holdenrieder Stefan
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Programmed cell death receptors and ligands in cancer tissue samples are established companion diagnostics for immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the relevance of soluble PD-1, PD-L1 and PD-L2 for estimating therapy response and prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer patients (NSCLC) undergoing platin-based combination chemotherapies.

METHODS:

In a biomarker substudy of a prospective, multicentric clinical trial (CEPAC-TDM) on advanced NSCLC patients, soluble PD-1, PD-L1 and PD-L2 were assessed in serial serum samples by highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and correlated with radiological response after two cycles of chemotherapy and with overall survival (OS).

RESULTS:

Among 243 NSCLC patients, 185 achieved response (partial remission and stable disease) and 58 non-response (progression). The distribution of PD-1, PD-L1 and PD-L2 at baseline (C1), prior to staging (C3) and the relative changes (C3/C1) greatly overlapped between the patient groups with response and non-response, thus hindering the discrimination between the two groups. None of the PD markers had prognostic value regarding OS.

CONCLUSIONS:

Neither soluble PD-1, PD-L1 nor PD-L2 did provide clinical utility for predicting response to chemotherapy and prognosis. Studies on the relevance of PD markers in ICI therapies are warranted.
Patterns of common illness and injury of readymade garment workers and a review of safety practices in Bangladesh
Authors: Haque Syed Emdadul , Datta Benay Kumar , Eunus H.E.M. Mahbubul , Akter Rashida , Islam Tariqul , Ahmed Shyfuddin , Shahriar Mohammad Hasan , Parvez Faruque , Ahsan Habibul , Yunus Mohammed
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND: Readymade garment workers globally experience distinctive vulnerabilities at the workplace. The situation is worse in many developing countries. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence about the health and safety of garment workers in the workplace. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the patterns of illness and injury of garment workers, factory level health safety policies and programs, and views and perception of management staff at factories in Bangladesh. METHODS: This mixed-method study was conducted among garment workers and management level staff between January 2018 and April 2019. We extracted 4000 health records of the workers who attended primary health care centers of the factories and conducted 11 key informant interviews using qualitative method from different management-level staff. RESULTS: Half of the workers (51.0%) were working in the sewing section following 12.8% in quality control and 12.3% in the laundry section. A review of the medical records showed that peptic ulcer diseases (PUDs) (19.2%), fever (11.7%), loose motion (10.3%), and headache (9.4%). Needle injury was uncommon for taking medical care. Occupational safety and health management, safe drinking water, access to maternity leave and other facilities were better in large and medium factories compared with those in small factories. CONCLUSIONS: Although the readymade garments sector is one of the largest sources of foreign currency revenue earnings in Bangladesh, occupational health and safety issues of workers remain a big concern. Thus, support from the government needs more focus on the health and safety of workers.
Analyzing the stress management intervention impacting the mindfulness and well-being of employees
Authors: Rajappan Dhaneesh , Mailerum Perumal Arun , Santhi Iswarya Vijayakumar , Narayanan Rajkumar
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND: Developing employee well-being as well as lowering stress may have several benefits for organizations. Stress management intervention techniques utilized via organizations help to develop worker mindfulness and well-being, and reduce stress. OBJECTIVE: To review stress management interventions to determine the effectiveness of diverse interventions in improving the mindfulness and well-being of employees working in an organization. METHODS: This work is split into two main sections: collection of data and analysis of data. First, data collection is carried out. The structured questionnaire was organized and distributed to managers and working employees of an organization. Based on the developed hypothesis, the questionnaire was arranged and all queries were compulsory. Subsequently, the collected data were performed by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) analysis. RESULTS: The Standard Mean Residual Root Square for the baseline model of mindfulness and well-being of employees working in an organization is 0.2156, which is better than threshold value. CONCLUSION: From the analysis, the goodness of fit and significant relation among the stress intervention techniques as well as mindfulness and well-being of employees in an organization has been found.
Prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among professional drivers in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Alnaser Adnan Raed , Zitoun Osama A. , Saquib Juliann , Rajab Tawfik Mamoun , Khojah Abdullah Abdulaziz Abdulwahab , Almazrou Abdulrahman , Saquib Nazmus
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND: Professional drivers in Saudi Arabia may be at increased risk for mental illness because of their expatriate status, long driving hours, and unhealthy lifestyles. OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among professional drivers in Saudi Arabia, most of whom are expatriates. METHODS: Professional drivers (n = 324) were interviewed after convenient sampling of transportation companies. The Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) was used to screen for depressive symptoms. Correlates of depressive symptoms were identified using Cox regression with a fixed follow-up time. RESULTS: Of the drivers, 20.4% had moderate to severe depressive symptoms. Sleep quality was found to be a significant independent correlate of depressive symptoms. Drivers with poor and fair sleep quality had higher risk of depressive symptoms than drivers with excellent sleep quality (poor: OR = 5.8, CI: 1.95–17.11; fair: OR = 4.5, CI: 1.68–11.96). CONCLUSION: The frequency of depressive symptoms among professional drivers in Saudi Arabia is high (one out of five). Companies should consider screening for depressive symptoms and sleep disorders among employees and should provide referrals as needed.
Face-to-face and e-learning during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Pakistani dental undergraduates perspective
Authors: Syed Jammaluddin , Khan Erum , Kayal Rayyan A. , Al Amoudi Ahmed , Nasir Muhammad , Hassan Nisreen Nabiel , Alsadi Fahad Mohammad , Ali Saqib
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND: Globally, educational institutes have been obliged to make a quick transition from traditional face-to-face teaching to e-learning during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has purportedly created various barriers to achieving desired learning outcomes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to assess the perceptions of undergraduate dental students regarding online and physical learning in Pakistan. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2022. The study comprised dental students from 1st to 4th years who were above the age of 18 and of either gender. The Google Forms questionnaire was created to evaluate the quality and efficiency of online and physical learning among dentistry undergraduates. RESULTS: In a survey of 246 students, 70.3% strongly agreed that they would prefer face-to-face instruction over e-learning. There was a statistically significant difference in the improvement of students’ technical skills (p = 0.01), accessibility to instructors (p = 0.01) and classmates (p = 0.02), value of technology (p = 0.03), improvement of oral communication skills (p = 0.01), promotion of hybrid model learning after the pandemic (p = 0.01), and utilization of tutorial services (p = 0.04) between different year of study. CONCLUSION: Pakistani dental students indicated satisfaction with numerous aspects of e-learning, such as technical skills, accessibility to instructors and classmates, the value of technology, improvement of oral communication skills, promotion of hybrid model learning, and utilization of tutorial services compared to face-to-face education concerning the year of study.
Wisdom-oriented coping capacities at work in challenging times
Authors: Sondhof Anke , Muschalla Beate
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND: Critical life events affect personal and professional lives, change working conditions, and require specific coping strategies. Wisdom is a multidimensional capacity for coping with life problems. Since wisdom can best be investigated in relation to concrete settings and problems, we investigated research employees during a pandemic. Research employees are constantly occupied with uncertainty and problem-solving in their everyday work. Thus, they develop capacities for factual and problem-solving knowledge which can be applied in different situations. OBJECTIVE: This study examines to what extent which wisdom capacities are applied by research personnel when dealing with changed working conditions. METHOD: During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in 2021, researchers were asked about work-related coping capacities in an online survey. The qualitative content analysis of the free-text responses of 131 research employees was based on a multidimensional wisdom model with 12 wisdom capacities. RESULTS: 50% of the reported coping strategies referred to factual and problem-solving capacities, 40% to interpersonal or emotional capacities, 10% did not reflect any wisdom capacity. Associations between wise coping capacities, social behavior at work, and eudaimonic well-being emerged. CONCLUSION: The study provides concrete qualitative examples of specific behavioral capacities in which wisdom may be applied in a work setting.
Mental strain in German public administrations in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Claassen Kevin , Wrede Sammy J.S. , Kettschau Jan P. , dos Anjos Dominique Rodil , Broding Horst C.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital working methods were increasingly implemented within the setting of German public administrations. Beyond the ostensible risk of infection, a high psychological burden arose for the employees. OBJECTIVE: A subsequent progression of mental strain is to be estimated as a residual effect (approximated by controlling other influencing factors) due to the impossibility of a counterfactual control group. METHODS: An online survey was conducted in 2020 and repeated in 2021 among a cohort of n = 706 employees of 38 departments of three public administrations in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. Mental strain was assessed by the Wuppertal Screening Instrument. Its temporal variation was operationalized as the intercept of a first-difference multiple regression model. Unit of analysis was the department level. RESULTS: The prevalence of suboptimal and dysfunctional strain increased from 71% to 73%. The multiple regression model showed a significant increase whilst controlling the influence of socio-demographic changes on the department level. Children, age and educational level were significant predictors. R2 indicated that about 40% of the variance in the temporal variation of mental strain could be explained. CONCLUSION: The observed factors explained a significant proportion of the increase in mental strain in German public administrations. Still, far more than half of the increase stemmed from external influences which were largely determined by pandemic conditions and latency effects remain still to be seen.
Shear performance of polypropylene fiber reinforced high-strength self-compacting concrete beams
Authors: Gholami Davodi Amin
Published: January 2024

This paper consists of two parts. The first one looks for producing self-compacting polypropylene fibrous concrete (PFSCC) with reasonable passing, filling, and flow abilities and segregation resistance. Limestone powder with a particle size less than 75 μm was used to increase the fines fraction in the mix. The second part of this study deals with the effect of adding polypropylene fibers on the shear strength of self-compacted reinforced concrete beams. Eighteen beams were cast, each 1.8 m long, 150 mm wide, and with an overall depth of 200 mm. Four volume percentages of polypropylene fibers were used: 0, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 percent of the cementitious materials' weight. The test results showed that the polypropylene fibers have no serious adverse effect on the fresh properties, and this effect was reduced by using a plasticizer. Moreover, although the polypropylene fibers improved the tension properties of the hardened concrete, they don't have an impact on compression properties. The test results showed that the presence of polypropylene fibers increased the cracking shear stress and the shear strength, and this increase depends on the volume fraction of the fibers.
Strategic guidelines for socio-economic growth of the quality of life and ensuring the quality of nutrition of the population
Authors: Ruschickaya Ol'ga , Kurdyumov Aleksandr Vasil'evich , Kruzhkova Tat'yana , Lylov Anton
Published: January 2024

Abstract. The purpose is to form strategic guidelines for socio-economic growth of the quality of life and ensuring the quality of nutrition of the population. Methodology and methods. In the course of the study, both general and universal methods were used (sociological survey, ranking, systematization, classification and interpretation, analysis and synthesis), including the method of comparison in the development and justification of the relationship of life quality indicators with the quality of nutrition and the tasks of ensuring food security of Russia. Results. The article considers the evolution of approaches to the level and quality of life where the role and importance of a person in sustainable socio-economic development comes to the fore. The analysis of the approaches used by the international community to assess the quality of life made it possible to correlate indicators and indicators to the category of nutrition quality, as well as to build a relationship with the criteria and objectives of food security in Russia, enshrined in the Doctrine. The authors conducted a sociological survey among the urban and rural working-age population of the Sverdlovsk region to identify factors that form the conditions of the quality of life and the quality of nutrition. The scientific novelty consists in identifying and constructing a classification of the relationship between the criteria of the quality of life and the quality of nutrition with the tasks of food security in Russia. And also in the formation of an evidence base for the dependence of structural indicators of the level and quality of life in the hierarchy of values of a household and an individual.
Ethnobotany of Washim District (M.S.) India
Authors: Kshirsagar Prachi , Bhogaonkar P Y , Chavhan Vinod , Dhole Pankaj
Published: January 2024

Present paper documents 106 plant species belonging to 44 families used by rural and tribal people of Washim district. Eighty one species are used to treat human ailments – 56 species being used in monoherbal treatments while, 31 species are used in polyherbal formulations. Ten specis are used as veterinary medicine. Eighteen species are edible; while six are used for miscellaneous purposes.
ANALISIS PENGEMBANGAN SUMBER DAYA ALAM DALAM PERCEPATAN PEMULIHAN EKONOMI PASCA COVID-19 DI DESA SUNGAI ARA
Authors: Latifah Ritma , Helmi  , Rahman Taufik
Published: January 2024

Desa  Sungai  Ara  masih  banyak  yang  memiliki  usaha  atau   mata  pencaharian  tetap dibidang pertanian dan perkebunan terutama pinang dan kepala sawit, hal ini dapat di indikasikanbahwa masyarakat Desa Sungai Ara kurang dalam ilmu pengetahuan dibidang pertanian dan perkebunan dikarenakan tidak adanya tenaga ahli yang mendampingi mereka dalam melakukan pekerjaannya. Hal ini yang menyebabkan warga Desa Sungai Ara belum terlepas dari kemiskinan. Padahal Desa mereka memiliki Potensi yang bisa dikembangkan. Permasalahan adalah bagaimana mengembangkan sumber daya alam dalam meningkatkan    pemulihan ekonomi desa Pasca  Covid-19  di Desa  Sungai Ara Kecamatan Kempas dan apa saja   faktor penghambat serta faktor pendukungnya. Memberikan edukasi atau  alternatif kepada masyarakat merupakan salah satu hal yang bisa dilakukan untuk mengembangkan sumber daya alam dan sumber daya manusianya agar mendapatkan hasil yang lebih baik dalam penjualan pinang dan kelapa tersebut. Peneliti  memberikan  gagasan  dan  pendapat  mengenai  bagaimana  Analisis Pengembangan Sumber Daya Alam Dalam Percepatan Pemulihan Ekonomi Desa Pasca Covid-19 di Desa Sungai Ara Kecamatan Kempas. Dengan mengembangkan dan melakukan Inovasi terhadap hasil panen pinang dan kelapa sehingga ide-ide kreatif pun dapat tersalurkan dengan baik seperti membuat kopi dari pinang sehingga dapat menjadikan adanya peningkatan dan pemanfaatan buah pinang menjadi harga yang lebih tinggi.
Procedural features of consideration of certain categories
Authors:   Maqsut Narikbayev University, Seidimbek A.A. , Alenov M.A. ,   Astana International University
Published: January 2024

The article conducts a study of the procedural features of the consideration of certain categories of civil cases. The specifics of various categories of cases considered in civil proceedings require special attention and timely changes to the legislation to ensure timely and fair resolution of civil disputes. It has been determined that the legal mechanism for resolving civil disputes is built on a well-known two-element basis: pre-trial/extrajudicial, judicial. Ignoring this simple rule leads to overloading of courts, which does not contribute to the quality of their work. Special attention is paid to the study of issues of consideration of labour disputes. The problem of the timing of preparation and consideration of cases, which was significantly changed when the new Civil Procedure Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan was adopted on October 31, 2015, is disclosed in detail. The method of simplifying the resolution of civil disputes presented in the Code of Civil Procedure does not fully consider the nature and characteristics of cases of disputes arising from labour relations. As a result of the article, recommendations are proposed aimed at developing for certain categories of cases, in particular cases arising from labour relations, a separate procedural model for their resolution. Specifically in labour disputes, it seems possible to provide for shorter terms for consideration of the case. It is also possible to introduce special procedures to expedite the processing of cases depending on their industry category.
Legal aspects of the development of integration processes in the Eurasian Economic Union
Authors:   L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Abaideldinov Ye.M.
Published: January 2024

The article discusses issues related to integration processes within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and explores general patterns of integration observed in modern states. It examines the varying speeds of integration within the EAEU. While the Union State of Russia and Belarus has been forming since the 1990s, the active phase of its establishment and the pursuit of goals outlined in the Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State began in 2022. In May 2023, Kazakhstan was also invited to join this Union State, but it rejected the proposal at the highest political level and instead suggested focusing on the prospects for economic integration within the EAEU. This created a unique situation where there were two types of integration within a single integration association. On one hand, there is the Union State of Belarus and Russia, and on the other hand, there are the remaining EAEU members, including Kazakhstan, who collaborate under the framework of the Treaty on the EAEU signed on May 29, 2014. The article also discusses the practical implementation of the Strategic Directions for the Development of Eurasian Economic Integration until 2025. It analyzes certain provisions of the treaty concerning the powers of the EAEU Court, raising doubts about whether they align with the interests of Kazakhstan. A comparison is made between the legal consolidation of integration processes in the European Union through the practices of the EU Court of Justice and the potential assignment of similar functions to the EU Court of Justice. In conclusion, the article suggests that during the simultaneous pursuit of sovereignty by states and entry into integration associations, it is important to preserve and develop statehood and independence. Cooperation within the EAEU should be supplemented by broader economic interactions with all interested countries and integration associations worldwide.
Implementation of the constitutional novel on the right of ownership of the people of Kazakhstan to natural resources
Authors:   Maqsut Narikbayev University, Idrysheva S.K.
Published: January 2024

The article discusses questions about the legal qualification of the people’s property rights to natural resources enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the implementation of this right in practice. For these purposes, a theoretical analysis of issues about subjects and objects of the new category of property rights was carried out, issues of implementing the constitutional innovation in sectoral legislative acts were analyzed, and shortcomings in legislative activity in this area that impeded the implementation of the people’s property rights to natural resources were identified.By analyzing the powers of the owner, some essential characteristics and signs of a new category of property rights have been identified, distinguishing this category from other forms of property rights and property rights in general; The people’s property right to natural resources is defined as a special property right that has specific characteristics.In this regard, the issues of an indirect method of realizing the people’s property rights to natural resources through the use of easement rights of ownership and use of natural resource plots belonging to other persons and receiving a share of the income resulting from their use of natural resources are considered.In the Conclusion, the author made specific conclusions based on the results of the issues considered.