bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Prediction Methodology on b Value of Shock Event Time Series with Fully Mechanized Top-coal Caving Mining in Steeply Inclined Thick Coal Seam, Urumchi coal field, China
Authors: Shan Pengfei , Yan Zhongming , Lai Xingping , Xu Huicong , Hu Qinxin , Guo Zhongan
Published: June 2023

Rock burst disaster is still one of the most serious dynamic disasters in coal mining, seriously restricting the safety of coal mining. The b value is the main parameter for monitoring rock burst, and by analyzing its changing characteristics, it can effectively predict the dangerous period of rock burst. This article proposes a method based on deep learning that can predict rock burst using data generated from microseismic monitoring in underground mining. Methods Firstly, the b value is calculated from the microseismic monitoring data and a time series data set is constructed. The data set is cleaned by the complete set empirical mode decomposition algorithm (CEEMDAN), Construct a b value time series prediction model based on differential algorithm optimization for CNN-BiLSTM Attention. The study used microseismic monitoring data from B1 + 2 fully mechanized mining face and B3 − 6 working face in the southern mining area of Wudong Coal Mine for engineering case analysis. The commonly used residual sum of squares, mean square error, root mean square error, and correlation coefficient R2 for time series prediction were introduced, and compared with the basic LSTM algorithm. It was verified that the prediction method proposed in this article has good prediction effect and certain feasibility. It can provide technical support for predicting and preventing rock burst in steeply inclined thick coal seams in strong earthquake areas.
MHD Three Dimensional Rotating and Radiating Hybrid Fe 3 O 4 /Al 2 O 3 Nanofluid Flow over a Stretched Plate with Hall Current
Authors: Kodi Raghunath , Vaddemani Ramachandra Reddy , M Ijaz khan
Published: June 2023

Researchers prioritize the study of nanofluids because of the many applications their fast heat transfer rates make possible in the industrial sector. Recently, an innovative kind of nanofluid known as hybrid nanofluid has been used to further improve the heat transmission rate. This new model in three dimensions is used to investigate the impact of a magnetic field, joule heating, rotation parameter, and Hall current, as well as nonlinear thermal radiation, on a rotating hybrid Fe3O4/Al2O3 nanofluid over-stretched plate in the presence of a chemical reaction with thermophoresis and a Brownian motion parameter. The primary focus of this research is on the Brownian motion parameter. Similar adaptations translate the governing partial differential identification into a set of nonlinear ordinary differential identifications. The shooting technique obtains numerical solutions for that system of equations. The impact of various entry parameters on transversal and longitudinal velocities, temperature, heat flow and surface shear stress are studied numerically and graphically. It was shown that there is a strong connection between the primary research when looking at particular situations that indicate how the current technique meets the convergence requirements. In addition, the physical relevance of the contributed parameters is shown via graphs and tables. The discovery demonstrates that an increase in the particle concentration of the hybrid nanofluid accelerates the flow of the liquid. In addition, factoring in dissipative heat makes it more likely that the fluid temperature will be increased to accommodate the participation of the particle concentration.
The effect of executive managers' walk round on patient safety culture in emergency nurses
Authors: Amin Behnam , Navvabi Parisa , Salehi Narges , Javadi Mostafa
Published: June 2023

Background & Objective: Effective teamwork is vital in providing safe and effective patient care, especially in a high-risk setting such as the emergency ward. The culture of patient safety has a direct impact on the way work is performed and, consequently, on the safety of patients. One of the ways to promote the patient safety culture is to support the hospital's management team and improve the teamwork climate. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of executive managers' walk-round on patient safety culture in emergency ward nurses.Materials & Methods This quasi-experimental study was carried out in four emergency wards (two wards for the experimental group and two wards for the control group). From each group, 32 nurses were selected by stratified random sampling method and entered the study. For the experimental group, executive managers’ walk-round was conducted for five months. The safety culture questionnaire was completed before and after the intervention in two groups. Data were analyzed with SPSS22.Results The average scores of the patient safety culture of the two experimental and control groups were not statistically different before the intervention. Yet, the score of the experimental group was 130.44 ± 7.80 and that of the control group was 124.19 ± 8.76 after intervention, which showed a statistically significant difference (P ≤ 0.001). Besides, after intervention, the scores of "team work within hospital units" (P = 0.015), "overall perceptions of safety" (P = 0.042), "communication openness" (P = 0.020), "non-punitive response to the error" "(P = 0.001), "feedback and communication about errors" (P = 0.021), and also the total score of the questionnaire (P = 0.001) were higher in the experimental group compared to the control group.Conclusion This study provided further insight into the importance of hospital management's support in improving patient safety culture. Executive managers' walk-round increased the culture of patient safety in emergency nurses; thus, it is suggested to use the executive managers' walk-round to improve the level of patient safety and increase the quality of service to patients.
Establishment and validation of acute myocardial injury model in mice with hypobaric hypoxia at extreme altitude
Authors: Sun Linao , Li Shicong , Yue Haoran , Wang Jianyao , Yu Yao , Zhang Jie , Zhang Peng
Published: June 2023

Objective: To establish a novel mouse model of acute myocardial injury induced by hypobaric hypoxia and improve the relevant evaluation system.
Methods: Using the plateau simulator made by our institute (which has e Chinese invention patent, patent number: ZL 2021 1 1517241. X), Babl/c mice were continuously exposed to the extreme altitude, low pressure and hypoxia environment for 0h-216h. PET/CT was used to evaluate the metabolic function of myocardial cells in mice by injecting 18F-FDG in vivo. the changes of cardiac function and morphology was observed in mice by cardiac ultrasound. FITC-BSA was injected into the tail vein to verify the leakage function of blood vessels in the heart tissue of mice. HE staining, Masson staining, CD163 and CD34 immunohistochemical staining get used to verify the degree of myocardial injury, fibrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration and angiogenesis in mice.
Results: The myocardial metabolic function of Babl/c mice in hypobaric hypoxia environment was enhanced at the early stage of exposure, and then gradually weakened. With the extension of time, the heart rate gradually accelerated, the myocardial morphology changed significantly, the myocardial pathological changes and damage gradually increased, the role of vascular leakage gradually increased, the infiltration of inflammatory cells increased, and the myocardial fibrosis increased significantly.
Laparoscopic versus open inguinal hernia repair in aging patients: A propensity score matching-based retrospective study
Authors: Xu Zipeng , Zhao Yong , Fu Xu , Hu Weidong , Zhao Chunlong , Ge Chen , Ye Hui , Chen Chaobo
Published: June 2023

Objective: Although laparoscopic repair has been widely carried out and promoted due to its minimally invasive advantages, open surgery is still popularly compared to elderly patients. This study aims to compare the outcomes of laparoscopic (LIHR) vs. open repair of inguinal hernias (OIHR) in elderly patients.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of the database was performed to identify elderly patients, from January 2021 through December 2022, who underwent surgery for an inguinal hernia. After a 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) with a caliper of 0.1 was conducted to balance potential bias, binary logistic regressions were used for categorical and continuous outcomes.
Results: After PSM, 78 pairs of elderly patients were enrolled in this study, and there were no significant differences in baseline between LIHR and OIHRgroups. Compared to OIHR, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that LIHR was independently affected for reducing intraoperative hemorrhage (OR=0.06, 95%CI: 0.02-0.18, P <0.001) and shortening postoperative hospitalization time (OR=0.29, 95%CI: 0.15-0.57, P <0.001) in elderly patients. Furthermore, LIHR (OR=0.28, 95%CI: 0.14-0.57, P <0.001) and age (OR=0.89, 95%CI: 0.82-0.96, P=0.002) were independent affecting factors forrelieving postoperative pain. While, no obvious differences were detected in postoperative complications [LIHR 7.7% (6/78) vs OIHR 14.1%(11/78)，P=0.199].
Conclusions: LIHRwas closely associated with reducing intraoperative hemorrhage and shortening postoperative hospitalization time. Whilst LIHR and age were independently affectingfactors for relieving postoperative pain.
Risk Factors of Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis in Patients with Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: An Analysis Using Optical Coherence Tomography and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Lee Chae Yoon , Park Jung Min , Yeom Myeong In
Published: June 2023

Purpose
The study examines the correlation between internal carotid artery(ICA) stenosis and retinal parameters in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy(PDR). The objective is to determine potential links between the degree of ICA stenosis and various retinal parameters, providing insight into associated risk factors.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of 68 patients (136 eyes) diagnosed with bilateral proliferative diabetic retinopathy between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2021. We assessed the presence and severity of carotid artery stenosis using neck CTA and CDUS, and classified the degree of ICA stenosis into a four-grade system based on the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial(NASCET) criteria by CTA and a grayscale panel determined by CDUS. To simplify the analysis, we categorized the degree of stenosis into two groups: group 1 corresponds to stenosis at the normal level, while group 2 includes stenosis at or above the mild level. We then performed OCT and OCTA to examine SFCT, RNFL thickness, GCIPL thickness, VD, and FAZ area in each group. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlation between the degree of carotid artery stenosis and various retinal parameters. Specifically, we compared the retinal parameters between group 1 and group 2 using appropriate statistical tests. The p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
The mean age of this study patients were 62.55 years. Among them, significant differences were observed between group 1 and 2 in terms of total VD (13.73 ± 3.21, 11.53 ± 3.37, respectively; p = 0.003), FAZ area (0.53 ± 0.62, 0.56 ± 0.84, respectively; p = 0.002), total RNFL thickness (97.87 ± 5.542, 95.04 ± 4.10, respectively; p = 0.013) and temporal RNFL thickness (82.46 ± 27.74, 71.75 ± 20.18, respectively; p = 0.019). RNFL thickness showed statistically significant thinning in group 2 with severe degree of ICA stenosis, decreasing to 71.75 ± 20.19 µm (p = 0.019). Apart from age, there were notable distinctions observed in hyperlipidemia and total cholesterol levels, as well as in IOP measurements. Specifically, the IOP values exhibited significant variations (61.5 ± 10.58 vs. 66.7 ± 7.52, p = 0.003), (15.20% vs. 50%, p = 0.002), (224.97 ± 151.64 vs. 164.41 ± 115.62, p = 0.019), (15.78 ± 7.08 vs. 14.2 ± 2.62, p = 0.042). In contrast, no significant differences were found between group 1 and group 2 in terms of SFCT, central VD, average GCIPL and thickness of the superior, nasal, and inferior RNFL.
Conclusions
The study findings highlight retinal changes, such as an increased FAZ area, decreased total VD, and a total and thinner temporal RNFL, which suggest the need for carotid artery evaluation in patients. These findings have important clinical implications for the need for carotid work up in pateints with PDR.
Simulation and Experimental Study on Active Flow Control Strategy for a Compressor Cascade with Coanda Jet Flap
Authors: Yue Kai , Zhang Yiming , Zhang Jian , Zhang Hui , Zhang Min , Du Juan
Published: June 2023

The flow separation caused by the increase in load on aero-engine compressors often results in flow separation, leading to decreased flow stability and increased flow loss. This paper investigates active flow control strategies based on a highly-loaded compressor cascade with Coanda jet flaps to effectively suppress flow separation and decrease aerodynamic losses of aero-engine compressors. To analyse the influence of the jet on aerodynamic performance, three-dimensional unsteady computational fluid dynamics simulations are conducted. The dynamic characteristic model of the controlled object is established using the time-delay neural network (TDNN) method based on time-domain data obtained from wind tunnel experiments. Three control strategies, including adaptive radial basis function (ADA-RBF) neural network control, PID control, and RBF-PID control strategies, are designed to achieve a fast-response and adaptive control effect. Simulation results demonstrate that RBF-PID control achieves faster convergence speeds than conventional PID control. Given that the adaptive RBF neural network control method, provides both faster convergence speed and more accurate initial jet flow rates, corresponding experimental studies are carried out to validate the proposed approach. The findings demonstrate that ADA-RBF neural network control can effectively inhibit flow separation, even with continuously changing inflow velocity and pressure in the wind tunnel. The total pressure loss coefficient is decreased by 6.13% and 7.87% at Mach numbers of 0.4 and 0.6, respectively.
From Voxels to Prognosis: AI-Driven Quantitative Chest CT Analysis Forecasts ICU Requirements in 78 COVID-19 Cases
Authors: Bumm Rudolf , Zaffino Paolo , Lasso Andras , Estépar Raúl San José , Pieper Steven , Wasserthal Jakob , Spadea Maria Francesca , Latshang Tsogyal , Kawel-Böhm Nadine , Wäckerlin Adrian , Werner Raphael , Hässig Gabriela , Furrer Markus , Kikinis Ron
Published: June 2023

Background: The current study aimed to investigate the distribution and extent of lung involvement in patients with COVID-19, assess the relationship between lung involvement and the need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission and compare the performance of computer analysis with the judgment of radiological experts.
Methods: A total of 81 patients from an open-source COVID database with confirmed COVID-19 infection were included in the study. Three patients were excluded. Lung involvement was assessed in 78 patients using computed tomography (CT) scans, and the extent of infiltration and collapse was quantified across various lung lobes and regions. The associations between lung involvement and ICU admission were analyzed. Additionally, the computer analysis of COVID-19 involvement was compared against the expert rating provided by a radiological expert.
Results: The results showed a higher degree of infiltration and collapse in the left lower lobe compared to the upper lobe (p < 0.05) and a similar pattern in the right lower lobes (p < 0.05). No significant difference was detected in the COVID-19-related involvement of the left and right lower lobes. The right middle lobes demonstrated lower involvement compared to the right lower lobes (p < 0.05). When examining the regions, no significant difference in COVID-19 involvement was found when comparing the anterior and posterior lungs. The middle third displayed greater COVID-19 involvement than the upper and lower thirds. Patients requiring ICU admission during their inpatient treatment exhibited significantly higher COVID-19 involvement in their lung parenchyma according to computer analysis, compared to patients who remained in general wards. Patients with more than 40% COVID-19 involvement were almost exclusively treated in intensive care. A high correlation was observed between computer detection of COVID-19 affections and expert rating by radiological experts.
Conclusion: The findings suggest that the extent of lung involvement, particularly in the lower lobes and middle third, may be associated with the need for ICU admission in patients with COVID-19. Computer analysis showed a high correlation with expert rating, highlighting its potential utility in clinical settings for assessing lung involvement. This information may help guide clinical decision-making and resource allocation during ongoing or future pandemics. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to validate these findings.
Comparison of pediatric lens dose measurements between axial and helical scan modes using a 160-mm volume computed tomography scanners.
Authors: Masuda Takanori , Kiguchi Masao , Fujioka Chikako , Oku Takayuki , Ishibashi Toru , Yoshitake Takayasu , Awai Kazuo
Published: June 2023

Purpose
To compare the scatter dose for lenses between a helical scan with a 40-mm detector width and an axial scan with a 160-mm detector width when using different computed tomography (CT) scanners in pediatric chest CT examinations.
Methods
Two CT devices, Revolution CT and Aquilion ONE, and three pediatric anthropomorphic phantoms were used, with optically stimulated luminescence dosimeters (OSLDs) placed on the left and right lenses. The measured scatter dose values of the OSLD were compared between the helical scan with the 40-mm detector width and axial scan with the 160-mm detector width in the different phantoms during the pediatric chest CT examinations.
Results
With the Revolution CT, no significant differences in the scatter doses between the 40-mm detector width for the helical scan and 160-mm detector width for the axial scan in the newborn and 1-year-old phantoms were observed. However, the lens scatter dose for the helical scan with the 40-mm detector width was approximately 20% higher than that for the axial scan with the 160-mm detector width in the 5-year-old phantom (p < 0.01). With the Aquilion ONE, the lenses scatter dose for the 40-mm detector width for the helical scan was approximately 70%, 40%, and 30% higher in newborn, 1-year-old, and 5-year-old phantoms, respectively, than that for the 160-mm detector width for the axial scan (p < 0.01).
Conclusions
The lenses scatter doses for the 40-mm detector width for the helical scan was higher in all phantoms than that for the 160-mm detector width for the axial scan.
Nuclei Segmentation in Hematoxylin & Eosin- stained Tissue Images Using U-Net-based Models
Authors: Jafari Seyed Amin Seyed , Shabani Hasti , Lashgari Reza
Published: June 2023

Digital pathology is a rapidly evolving field that seeks to automate workflows to provide clinically relevant information. Automated segmentation algorithms aid in providing quantitative features, such as size and shape of the nuclei, essential in diagnosing diseases. These algorithms’ accuracy is critical for generating reliable results with minimal user intervention while significantly reducing the time required to analyze tissue samples. Deep learning-based methods have become popular for their superior performance in segmentation tasks. We propose a nuclei segmentation technique using a U-Net-based model in this work. A U-Net-based model was given two decoder units, one for binary mask prediction and another for ternary mask prediction, and a pre-trained VGG-19 to be used as the encoder. The final instance segmentation masks are then created using a watershed algorithm based on the nuclear markers extracted from ternary masks. We perform this technique using U-Net and its more recent variants, such as U-Net ++, U-Net 3+, and Double U-Net, to compare their performances. Experimental results on the publicly available MoNuSeg dataset show that the proposed method using the Double U-Net model achieves an average aggregate Jaccard index of 67.61%, outperforming several state-of-the-art algorithms applied on the same dataset.
Comparative Pharmacokinetic Studies on Ginsenosides in the Normal and Ultrafine Granular Powder of Panax ginseng by Using UHPLC-MS/MS
Authors: Teng Yaran , Li Qingqing , Ge Meng , Huang Rensong , Li Hui , Jiao Lili , Wu Wei
Published: June 2023

Pharmacokinetic Studies on 5 major ginsenosides (Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd and Re) in the normal and ultrafine pulverization of Panax ginseng were compared in rats. An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) method was established for analyzing 5 ginsenosides of Panax ginseng ultrafine granular powder (UGP; D90 < 45µm) and common powder (CP; 150–250µm). A Syncronls C18 column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.7 µm) was used in this experiment with a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min at 35°C by linear gradient elution using acetonitrile and water containing 0.1% formic acid. The identification and quantification of ginsenosides were performed in a multiple-reaction monitoring (MRM) tandem mass system with electrospray ionization (ESI) source in the negative ionization mode. This method was applied to quantitative analysis of ginsenosides of UGP and CP in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro dissolution characteristics of UGP and CP were investigated, and Then the pharmacokinetic differences of the above 5 ginsenosides in rats plasma after oral administration of UGP and CP were simultaneously studied. Dioscin was selected as the internal standard. The dissolution amount of UGP and CP in vitro was measured and the dissolution curve was drawn. Through the pharmacokinetic parameters, including Cmax, Tmax, AUC (0-t), etc., the relative bioavailability of the target ginsenosides in these two preparations was determined. The results show that ginseng UGP has higher relative bioavailability than CP, and there were significant differences between the pharmacokinetic parameters after oral administration of UGP and CP. The present study provides scientific information for further exploration of the pharmacology of ginseng and offers a reference for clinical administration of ginseng UGP.
CO2 splitting in a micro DBD reactor with an electrode containing charge injector parts
Authors: Khunda Deema , Li Sirui , Cherkasov Nikolay , Chaffee Alan , Rebrov Evgeny V.
Published: June 2023

The CO splitting reaction has been investigated in a plate-to-plate micro DBD reactor with a high voltage electrode having pyramid charge injection points. The presence of sharp points (pyramids) creates zones with enhanced electric field around them. The minimum discharge voltage in the pyramid micro DBD reactor reduced from 6.5 to 5.2 kV (peak-to-peak). At the same time, the CO2 conversion increased 1.5 times as compared to that in the reactor with a flat electrode. Lowering the discharge gap from 0.50 to 0.25 mm resulted in more intense microdischarges, further increasing CO2 conversion by 1.3 times. At the same time, the energy efficiency increased further by 1.3 times. There exists an optimum residence time of 0.5 ms as a result of an interplay between plasma contact time and flow non-uniformity. The highest energy efficiency of 20% was obtained at a 3 W power, achieving a CO2 conversion of 16%.
Characterizing Intimate Partner Violence against Married Women in Ethiopia with Machine Learning
Authors: Mengesha Alexander Takele , Abuhay Tesfamariam M , Mamuye Adane
Published: June 2023

Background
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is the most common form of violence against women worldwide, perpetrated mostly by intimate partners (men) against women. According to the 2020 United Nations report, 47000 women were killed by their intimate partners or other family members globally. IPV can be categorized as physical, psychological, or sexual violence which may cause a serious and sometimes fatal occurrence.
Objective
The main goal of this study is to characterize IPV against married women in Ethiopia by developing a machine learning model to 1) predict types of IPV, 2) identify risk factors of IPV, and 3) extract relevant rules for evidence-based strategy and policy formulation to prevent, reduce and control IPV against married women in Ethiopia.
Methods
The study was conducted following an experimental research approach. The data were gathered from the Ethiopian demographic health survey and preprocessed to make it suitable for the machine learning algorithm. Extreme gradient boosting, Cat boost, Random Forest, and Light GBM with one versus rest class decomposition were employed to develop an IPV prediction model. For building the proposed model a total of 31110 instances with 22 features, and 80/20 training and testing dataset split ratio were used.
Result
Performance evaluation metrics were used to choose the best-performing algorithm. The overall accuracy of extreme gradient boosting, Cat boost, RF, and Light GBM is 92.57%, 94.39%, 92.94%, and 90.30%, respectively. Feature importance analysis was implemented to identify risk factors of IVP again married women in Ethiopia.
Conclusion
Cat boost algorithms registered the highest performance with 94.39% accuracy. The most determinant risk factors of intimate partner violence against married women in Ethiopia are women’s household empowerment status, working status, place of residence, first marriage decision, and husband's education level, to mention a few. Relevant rules that may support evidence-driven strategies and policies to prevent, reduce and control IPV against married women in Ethiopia were also extracted from the best performing algorithm.
Optical Measurement of Paper Moisture Content with Application in Paper Pressing
Authors: Hezaveh Hooman Mahdavi , STOEBER BORIS , GREEN SHELDON
Published: June 2023

We present a novel non-contact method for measuring the moisture content of paper. In the method, paper is illuminated obliquely by light from an IR LED, and the light reflected from the paper is imaged by a short-wave infrared (SWIR) camera. Owing to the high absorptivity of liquid water to light in the 1400-1500 nm wavelength range, the intensity of light reflected off the paper diminishes sharply with increasing moisture content. We show that for a variety of paper samples (Whatman paper, NBSK, NBHK, tissue paper) and moisture contents of up to 200%, there is a monotonic relationship between reflectivity and moisture content. This relationship is independent of the wood species used to make the paper, but does differ between wood-based papers and cotton-based papers. As this method applies an optical camera, the spatio-temporal distribution of moisture content in paper can be measured. The method was validated by separately measuring moisture content in paper gravimetrically for both uniform and non-uniform moisture distributions. The value of this measurement technique was demonstrated by measuring the moisture distribution in paper during a simulated pressing operation.
Disparities in Out-Of-Pocket Expenditures among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Decomposition Analysis of Inequality
Authors: Ahmadabad Ahmad Dehghani , Hosseini_Shokouh SayyedMorteza , mehdizadeh Parisa , Meskarpour-Amiri Mohammad
Published: June 2023

Background and Aim: Little is known about the extent of inequality in OOP expenditures among COVID-19 patients and the factors contributing to it. This study aimed to examine the inequality in OOP expenditures among hospitalized COVID-19 patients and identify associated factors.
Methods: The study employed the Gini coefficient as the primary measure of inequality in OOP expenditures among hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The analysis was conducted using Stata 16 software, supplemented by the Distributive Analysis Stata Package (DASP) extension. The Gini coefficient was calculated using these tools to quantify the degree of inequality and visualize it through graphs. To examine the Gini coefficient across population subgroups, the DASP extension, specifically the diginig module, was utilized.
Results: The analysis of the Lorenz curve and the calculated Gini coefficient (0.69) confirmed the existence of inequality in OOP expenditures among hospitalized COVID-19 patients in this study. Furthermore, the examination of inequality across population subgroups revealed that the status and type of insurance coverage significantly contributed to the observed disparities in OOP expenditures among COVID-19 patients. However, the impact of other factors on inequality in OOP expenditures was found to be less prominent.
Conclusion: The significant disparities observed in OOP expenditures, particularly related to the status and type of insurance coverage, emphasize the need for targeted interventions and programs aimed at reducing inequality in healthcare costs. Implementing initiatives to minimize financial burdens and promote equitable access to healthcare services can contribute to improved healthcare outcomes and alleviate the economic strain on patients.
Screening and identification of genes related to ferroptosis in keratoconus
Authors: Wu Xiaojun , Deng Qing , Han Zhe , Ni Feixue , Sun Daxi , Xu Yuxue
Published: June 2023

Background: Corneal keratoconus (KC) is a dilated corneal disease characterized by a central thinning of the cornea, which protrudes into a conical shape and seriously affects vision. However, due to the complex etiology of keratoconus, it is not yet clear and there is no effective treatment method. Ferroptosis is a novel programmed cell death mechanism related to lipid peroxidation, stress, and amino acid metabolism, playing a crucial role in various diseases. This study aims to explore the relationship between keratoconus and ferroptosis, and provide new insights for the treatment of keratoconus diseases
Methods: The corresponding mRNA microarray expression matrix data of KC patients were obtained from GEO database (GEO204791). Weighted co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE) were selected to screen hub genes. And the hub genes were overlapped with ferroptosis genes (FRGs) from FerrDb. GO and GSEA were performed to analyze differential pathways, ssGSEA was used to determine immune status, and then, feasible drugs were predicted by gene-drug network. At the same time, we predicted the miRNA and IncRNA of hub genes to identify the underlying mechanism of disease and predicted the treatment of disease.
Results: The epithelial transcriptome from keratoconus tissue mRNA microarray data (GSE204791) was extracted for the main analysis, including eight epithelial cells (EKC) and eight epithelial control cells (EN). The differential genes that were overlapped by WGCAN, SVM-RFE and FRGs were mainly related to oxidative stress, immune regulation, cellular inflammation and metal ion transport. Aldo-keto reductase family 1 member C3 (AKR1C3) was selected out, through further analysis, and negatively correlated with mature CD56 natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages. And then, gene-drug interaction network analysis and miRNA prediction were performed through the website. At the end, A total of four Immune-related drugs (INDOMETHACIN, DAUNORUBICIN, DOXORUBICIN，DOCETAXEL) and a miRNA (has-miR-184) were screened to predict potential drugs and targets for disease treatment.
Conclusion: For the first time , we associated KC with ferroptosis, searched for differential genes to predict the drug targets of gene immunotherapy. Our findings provided a viewpoint and insight for the analysis and treatment of KC.
External Quality Assessment of SDC2 Promoter Hypermethylation Detection in Colorectal Cancer by Novel EQA Materials for Reliable Clinical Testing in China
Authors: Zhang Lijing , Wang Duo , Li Ziqiang , Li Jinming
Published: June 2023

Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant public health concern, and the early screening and diagnosis of this disease have a substantial impact on patient outcomes. Syndecan 2(SDC2) promoter hypermethylation has emerged as a crucial marker for the early detection of CRC. However, the clinical detection of SDC2 methylation in China lacks appropriate SDC2 external quality assessment (EQA) materials and nationwide EQA to monitor the accuracy of the assay, which is essential for ensuring reliable and consistent results.
Results
A total of 3 monoclonal cell lines with hypermethylation of SDC2 promoter were constructed, and they were used as a novel EQA material to successfully conduct a nationwide EQA of SDC2 methylation detection. In this EQA report, there are 8 false results (3 commercial diagnostic laboratories had one false positive result each and 2 commercial diagnostic laboratories had one false negative each, while 1 commercial diagnostic lab had three false negative results). Of the 140 participating laboratories, 134 (95.71%) obtained acceptable performance scores and 6 (4.29%) required improvement.
Conclusions
The novel EQA materials helps monitor the accuracy of the assay of the clinical detection of SDC2 promoter hypermethylation in CRC in China, ensuring reliable and consistent results. Improving the reproducibility and accuracy of SDC2 methylation detection contributes to early screening and diagnosis of CRC.
Sleep quality and hypnotics use in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: A cross- sectional study
Authors: Ye Wei , Wang Lizhen , Wang Chengjun , Wang Yu , Qiao Zixuan
Published: June 2023

Background
We investigated sleep quality and hypnotics use in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) and further explored the effect of sleep quality on quality of life and its associated predictors.
Methods
This study included patients enrolled at hemodialysis center of Jinshan Hospital affiliated to Fudan University in 10/2022, who provided us with demographic, clinical, lifestyle information and recent laboratory examinations. Sleep quality was assessed using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Depression/Anxiety were assessed using Beck Depression/Anxiety Inventory (BDI/BAI). Quality of life was assessed using 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36).
Results
This study included 115 MHD patients with an average value of PSQI 10.77 ± 4.615.Among them,35(30.43%) patients have long-term regular hypnotics use. Hypnotics use was significantly correlated with PSQI(r = 0.646,P = 0.000); PSQI was negatively correlated with the scores of all domains of the SF-36 scale, among which, physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health and vitality had significantly negative correlation(P < 0.05); Higher PSQI was significantly associated with less residual urine volume(β = 1.127,95% CI:0.083–2.172,P = 0.035), higher BDI score(β = 0.092,95% CI: 0.018–0.167,P = 0.016)and higher systolic pressure (β = 1.992,95% CI:0.698–3.286,P = 0.003).
Conclusions
Poor sleep quality and hypnotics use are very prevalent among patients undergoing MHD. Poor sleep quality significantly impaired their quality of life and may be associated with residual urine volume, depression and systolic pressure.
Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards Problem Management Plus among Health Care Professionals in Burera District, Rwanda: A cross – sectional study
Authors: Hakizimana Janvier , Renzaho Jean Nepomuscene , Michael Habtu , Sani Nasiru
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Globally mental health disorders have become the leading cause of disability adjusted life where 183.9% millions of people are affected by mental health disorders and substance use. In Rwanda mental health disorder has increased and been classified among the top 10 causes of YLDs. To cope with it, since 2012 Partners In Health (PIH) in collaboration with Rwandan Ministry of Health implemented mentorship initiative namely MESH at Health Centers level in Burera District. The intervention started with pharmacotherapy and completed with Problem Management Plus in 2017 as all patients did not respond to it. However, there is no study done and published on knowledge, attitude and practice of PM+ since its implementation despite the increasing number of mental health disorders.Methods A cross-sectional study design with mixed approach was conducted in July 2022. The sample was 205 participants (HCPs) from Burera District health facilities. The interviews were conducted and structured questionnaires were filled for quantitative and an interview guide for qualitative approach to collect data before entering and analyzing data into SPSS. Descriptive statistics analysis was used to determine percentages and frequencies while multivariate seconded the bivariate regression analysis to determine the factors associated with PM + practices.Results the majority of respondents 118(60.5%) were females and their age is between 19 and 50, 136 (69.7%). Majority of them have bachelor’s degree 98(50.3%). (57.4%) of HCPs have low level of knowledge on PM + intervention, (48.2%) of them have negative attitudes and (82.1%) of HCPs have poor practices towards PM+. The male respondents were three times more likely to have good practice of PM + intervention compared to females (AOR = 3.277; 95% CI: [1.358–7.665], p = 0.008). The odds of practicing PM + intervention among respondents who did not know it than those who knew it were 1.771 times (AOR = 1.771; 95%CI: [0.534–5.872], p = 0.041). The odds of applying PM + were 12.749 times (AOR = 12.749; 95%CI: 0.751-216.377, p = 0.028) among HCPs who did not know how to use the screening tool compared to those who said that they knew how to use it.Conclusion The knowledge, attitudes and practices among HCPs have great impact on mental health project implementation and training of health care providers on PM + will be crucial.
Pericardial effusion and its relationship to age, sex, causes and degrees
Authors: Alsabbagh Tamara , Tenawi Norman , Shamieh Marwan
Published: June 2023

Introduction
Pericardial effusion is one of the most important and dangerous cardiac manifestations that may lead to death. This study aims to study the characteristics of pericardial effusion in patients attending Damascus Hospital and its relationship to age and gender. Determination of demographic factors associated with pericardial effusion in patients.
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted during the years 2013–2023. The inclusion criteria were all patients with pericardial effusion who were admitted to the cardiovascular department of Damascus Hospital. Chi-square analysis was used to compare infarct type and age groups with sociodemographic factors and patients' medical history variables.
Results
Out of 100 cases of pericardial effusion in the internal cardiac department in Damascus Hospital, 41% of patients were younger than 40 years, compared to 59% who were older than 40 years. Of these, 57% were males, compared to 43% were females. High arterial tension was a prominent history of pericardial effusion in 51% of patients, 12% suffered from heart failure, 19% from diabetes, 20% from kidney failure, and 11% from myocardial infarction. 20% of patients had a mild effusion, 40% a moderate effusion, 43% a heavy effusion, and 10% a pericardial tamponade. Death occurred in only 10% of patients with pericardial effusion, compared to 90% of patients who recovered. Most patients with pericardial effusion had a significant relationship with demographic factors (age, gender), medical history and death.
Conclusion
The results of this study indicate the presence of a combination of risk factors in older adults with pericardial effusion. Programs targeting sociodemographic factors, including smoking, obesity, and comorbidities, are necessary to more effectively address health disparities in pericardial effusion and its negative consequences.
In silico prospection of receptors associated with the biological activity of U1-SCTRX-lg1a: an antimicrobial peptide isolated from the venom of Loxosceles gaucho
Authors: de Oliveira André Souza , Seif Elias Jorge Muniz , Junior Pedro Ismael da Silva
Published: June 2023

Background:The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens generates impairment to human health. U1-SCTRX-lg1a is a peptide isolated from a phospholipase D extracted from the spider venom ofLoxosceles gauchowith antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria (between 1.15 μM to 4.6 μM). The aim of this study was to suggest potential receptors associated with the antimicrobial activity of U1-SCTRX-lg1a usingin silicobioinformatics tools.Methods:The search for potential targets of U1-SCRTX-lg1a was performed using the PharmMapper server. Molecular docking between U1-SCRTX-lg1a and the receptor was performed using PatchDock software. The prediction of ligand sites for each receptor was conducted using the PDBSum server. Chimera 1.6 software was used to perform molecular dynamics simulations only for the best dock score receptor. In addition, U1-SCRTX-lg1a and native ligand interactions were compared using AutoDock Vina software. Finally, predicted interactions were compared with the ligand site previously described in the literature.Results and discussion:The bioprospecting of U1-SCRTX-lg1a resulted in the identification of forty-nine intracellular proteins originating from Gram-negative microorganisms. Among these, NH3-dependent NAD+synthetase showed the highest dock score. This result suggests that the peptide derived from brown spider venom may interact with residues SER48 and THR160. In addition, the C-terminus has greater affinity for the receptor than the N-terminus.Conclusion:Thein silicobioprospecting of receptors suggests that U1-SCRTX-lg1a may interfere with NAD+production inEscherichia coli, a Gram-negative bacterium, altering the homeostasis of the microorganism and impairing growth.
Colorimetric sensing by Naphthalene-Pyridine containing unit of Schiff base ligand for multimetallic ion detection for Fe 2+ , Fe 3+ , and Cu 2+
Authors: Kaswan Poonam
Published: June 2023

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Ardahan (Çıldır) Karapapak / Terekeme Ağzında Ünlü Uyumları ve Uyum Bozuklukları Üzerine
Authors: GÜNEŞ Bahadır
Published: June 2023

Karapapak / Terekeme Türklerinin tarihleriyle ilgili bilgileri, arşiv belgelerine dayanan verilerle takip etmek mümkündür. Bu, Karapapak / Terekemelerin bugünkü Gürcistan ve civarını çok eski tarihlerden beri yurt tuttuklarını gösterir. Büyük oranda Selçukluların Gürcistan’ı fethiyle Müslüman olan Karapapak / Terekemelerin, bulundukları bölgenin geçiş güzergâhı olması dolayısıyla Oğuz ve Kıpçak Türklerinin kaynaşmasıyla oluştukları dile getirilmiştir. Ancak özellikle Gürcistan’ın Borçalı bölgesinde yaşayan Karapapak / Terekeme Türkleri kendilerini Kıpçak Türk’ü olarak tanımlarlar. Kars ve Ardahan’da yaşamlarını sürdüren Karapapak / Terekeme Türkleri ağzı, Türkiye Türkçesi ağızlarıyla ilgili tasniflerde Doğu grubu içinde yer alan Kars ili ağızlarının bir alt kolu olarak ele alınmaktadır. Karapapak / Terekeme ağzı; ses, yapı ve söz varlığı özellikleri itibarıyla ilgi çekici veriler barındırmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, Türkiye’de büyük oranda Kars ve Ardahan’da yaşayan Karapapak / Terekeme Türkleri hakkında genel bilgiler verilerek kısaca onların ağız özelliklerine değinilecek, çalışmanın ana konusuna bağlı olarak Ardahan’ın Çıldır ilçesinin köylerindeki Karapapak / Terekeme ağzındaki ünlü uyumları ve ünlü uyumlarında yaşanan bozulma ve bozulma eğilimleri örneklerle belirtilmeye çalışılmıştır. Yapılan incelemeler sonucunda Çıldır Karapapak / Terekeme ağzı, her iki uyum için sağlam özellikler sergilese de zaman zaman ünlü uyumlarında bozulma ve yarım kalma hadiselerinin olduğu tespit edilmiştir. İncelemede yer verilen örnek kelimeler, tarafımızca ilgili yörelerde yapılan derlemelere dayanmaktadır.
Madness in Teleorman: Chaos and Order
Authors: BAYRAKCI Eda
Published: June 2023

Chaos theory has emerged as a controversial scientific theory in the world of physics contrasting with the settled Newtonian theory supporting that the world and the universe have determinist and linear characteristics working in a regular and predictable way in the basis of causalities. Chaos theory offers the new world non-linearity, unpredictability, Fractal geometry against Euclid geometry and dependence on initial conditions. This theory born in physics has caused an enormous impact on social sciences, as well. Literature as the close follower of up-to-date theories and movements cannot keep away itself from this new theory. Numerous studies have been carried out in the West to interpret literary texts from different aspects –thematically or structurally- based on Chaos theory. This article aims to analyze Caryl Churchill’s Mad Forest issuing the Romanian Revolution from a modernist and surrealist way via key terms of Chaos theory with respect to theme and structure. Thus, Chaos theory and its key terms will be defined and its applications on literature will be discussed from different perspectives. Finally, Mad Forest will be analyzed regarding some key elements such as order within disorder, nonlinearity and dependence on initial conditions presented by perspectives of Chaos theory.
Аzerbaycan Edebiyatı Örneğinde Anı Türünde Çocukluk Konusu: Sovyet ve Post-Sovyet Dönemi Deneyimi
Authors: HASANOVA Lala
Published: June 2023

Azerbaycan edebiyatında bedii-belgesel eserlerin ortaya çıkışı diğer Sovyet cumhuriyetlerinde olduğu gibi, XX. yüzyılın birinci yarısına tesadüf eder. Anı-otobiyografik eserlerde yazarın ya bütün yaşamı ya da hayatının belirli bir kısmı kendi yansısını bulmaktadır. Çocukluk dönemini yansıtan anı-otobiyografik romanlar özellikle ilgiyi çekmektedir. Makalede, edebi-belgesel basın örneklerinin analizi sırasında konuyla ilgili farklı modeller incelenmiş, söz konusu eserlerdeki tip modelleri, mekân, zaman özellikleri ele alınmıştır. Sovyetler döneminde yazılan eserlerde boşa harcanan, yok edilen çocukluk yıllarının tasvirinin yerine ferahlatıcı Sovyet hayatı anlatılmış olmakla birlikte, muhacir edebiyatında ve post-Sovyet döneminin ilk aşamalarında aileleri Sovyet hükûmetince takibe maruz kalan yazarların anılarında (1990’lı yıllarda) çocukluk dönemi “kaybedilmiş cennet” olarak betimlenmektedir. Çünkü kurgusal romanlar genelde yazarlarca devletin siparişiyle yazılarak yeni egemenliğin eskisinden daha iyi olduğunu göstermek için bir araç olarak düşünülmüştü ve bu eserlerde söz konusu yeni devletin övülmesi, eskisinin eleştirilmesiydi. Post-Sovyet döneminde, 2000’li yıllardan başlayarak geleneksel olarak öze dönüş gözlemlenmekte ve anı-otobiyografik eserlerde gerçeği açıklamak – itiraflar yer almaktadır. Natık Resulzade’nin “Golfstrim,” Ali Amirli’nin “Ağdam’da neyim kaldı?” gibi kurgusal romanlarından yazarların kendi hayatlarının acılı, ağrılı anlarını yazıya dökmekle çocukluklarında yaşadıkları zorlukları sanki omuzlarından atmaya, onlardan kurtulmaya çalıştıkları görülüyor. Araştırmada teorik-tipolojik ve tarihsel-karşılaştırmalı analiz yöntemleri kullanılmıştır.
Kanunî’nin Şiir ve Şair Sevmeyen Paşaları: Rüstem Paşa ve Ayas Paşa
Authors: ALBAYRAK SAK Vesile
Published: June 2023

Osmanlı Devleti’nin her yönden yükseliş dönemi olan Kanunî dönemi klasik Türk edebiyatının Bâkî, Fuzûlî, Zâtî, Hayâlî, Taşlıcalı Yahya, Lâmiî Çelebi gibi tanınmış şairlerinin yaşadığı bir yüzyıl olmuştur. Döneminin şairlerini seferlerde dahi beraberinde götürüp caizelerle desteklemekten geri durmayan Kanunî, hamilik geleneğini de layıkıyla yerine getirmiştir. Ne var ki döneminin iki paşası Rüstem Paşa ve Ayas Paşa bu geleneği yerine getirmedikleri gibi şairlere bağlanan ulufe, salyâne gibi gelirleri de kesmiştir. Rüstem Paşa Şehzade Mustafa’nın öldürülmesi hadisesinde dahli olduğu düşüncesiyle katil olayının tarihine mekr-i Rüstem şeklinde tarih düşürülmüş devlet adamıdır. Kaynaklarda iyi tedbir sahibi, tutumlu, zengin, yararlı düşünceli gibi sıfatlarla tavsif edilmiş aynı zamanda “şairlerden hoşlanmayan” ifadesi de kendisi için kullanılmıştır. Ayas Paşa ise “saltanata yararları olmadığı” düşüncesiyle şairlere ödenek ayrılmasının gereksiz olduğunu savunmuştur. Çalışmamız bu görüşleri sebebiyle Kanunî döneminin bu iki veziriazamının öfkesine maruz kalıp himaye geleneğinden mahrum bırakılan şairlerimizi incelemeyi ve himayenin şiir sanatı üzerindeki etkisini analiz etmeyi esas almaktadır.