bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel bio-mass resveratrol-modified lignin-based phenolic resin with high T g and improved mechanical properties
Authors: Zhang Yimiao , Meng Fuliang , Hu Zhenguo , Jia Yufei , Chen Zeyu , Fei Hongwei , Zhou Dapeng , Yuan Xinhua
Published: February 2024

The preparation of green bio-based phenolic resin with high performance has far-reaching significance for sustainable development and is an important research direction for researchers in recent years. In this study, a novel resveratrol-modified lignin-based phenolic phenolic resin (R-LPF) with ultra-high Tg and improved mechanical properties was synthesized with biomass phenol of resveratrol and lignin as raw materials. The curing behaviors of phenolic resin (PF), lignin phenolic resin (LPF) and R-LPF were investigated. The thermal mechanical properties, thermal stability, comprehensive mechanical properties, frictional properties and morphology were systematically tested and analyzed. The results show that the highest Tg of the modified R-LPF reaches 346.2°C, which is much higher than that of traditional PF, and the thermal and mechanical properties of the novel R-LPF are also significantly improved. The Ts reaches 231.5°C, and the residual carbon rate reaches 66.2% at 800°C. The improved tensile strength, bending strength and impact strength are 28.72 ± 1.10 MPa, 57.58 ± 1.95 MPa and 3.14 ± 0.19 MPa, respectively. Compared with PF and LPF, the wear resistance is also significantly improved. Due to the rigid structure and high crosslinking density, the modified resin has excellent properties and provides broad application prospects in resin-based friction materials for the bioresource of resveratrol.
Feature identification using hypotheses of relevance and a 2D-cascade of SEQENS ensembles
Authors: Arlandis Joaquim , Llobet Rafael , Navarro-Cerdán J.Ramón , Arnal Laura , Signol François , Perez-Cortes Juan-Carlos
Published: February 2024

SEQENS is an ensemble method aimed at feature identification that has demonstrated strong performance in identifying relevant features across different synthetic tasks (Signol et al, 2023). In this paper, we present a framework based on SEQENS spanning the following contributions: (1) computing the hypergeometric p-value of the features of a SEQENS output ranking in order to threshold into relevant and non-relevant features; (2) extending SEQENS by introducing the use of preselected features as hypotheses of relevance in the SFS, which may help to attract other features that might exhibit weak correlation with the target on their own, but gain relevance when combined with the preselected ones; (3) designing an automated process based on a 2D-cascade of SEQENS ensembles to obtain a \emph{purged feature set}, or PFS, i.e., having as many relevant features, and as few non-relevant, as possible; (4) integrating all the former techniques so that the PFS is used as in a SEQENS ensemble, which corresponds the complete framefork named pc-SEQENS.
The performance of pc-SEQENS is measured on a task of gene expression identification using the E-MTAB-3732 public database and synthetic groundtruths. pc-SEQENS is compared to other feature identification state-of-the-art methods, including SEQENS. On average, the proposed framework identifies better the relevant genes, specially in the most unfavorable sample-to-dimension rates, and exhibits a stronger stability.
Research on Axial Stress Ultrasonic Measurement Method for In-service Pipes Based on Bi-directional Probe
Authors: Li Yukun , Wang Longsheng , Zhang Chen , Liu Xin , Wang Dongying
Published: February 2024

There is a linear relationship between the change in ultrasonic critical refraction longitudinal wave time of flight and the change in stress, and the change in ultrasonic time of flight of the outer wall surface of the in-service pipe and the zero stress calibration specimen can be measured to calculate the axial stress of the pipe during operation. The difference between the calibration specimen and the measured pipeline steel batch and yielding degree will lead to inaccurate ultrasonic time of flight measurement results of zero stress, which in turn will reduce the reliability of stress measurement results. In order to solve the errors caused by calibration problems in the ultrasonic stress measurement process, this paper firstly deduces the calculation formula for axial stress ultrasonic measurement in the bi-directional stress state of the pipe wall, and proves that axial stress measurement requires both axial and circumferential ultrasonic time of flight measurements. Preparation of X80 spiral welded seam steel pipe axial and circumferential plate specimens, the first measurement of ultrasonic time of flight in different directions under zero stress state; followed by axial and transverse plate specimens one-way tensile test, respectively, to calibrate the relationship between stress and ultrasonic time of flight of the two specimens; finally, based on the results of anisotropic ultrasonic time of flight measurement of pipeline steel specimens and axial and transverse plate specimens one-way Finally, based on the anisotropic ultrasonic time of flight measurement results of pipeline steel specimens and the calibration experimental results of axial and transverse plate specimens in one-way tensile test, an axial stress ultrasonic measurement method is proposed for the bi-directional stress state of pipeline wall. The usability of the measurement results of the method was verified by pipeline pressure testing using bi-directional ultrasonic probes.
Transseptal Puncture in Children Weighing Less Than 20 kg in Invasive Cardiac Catheterization and Electrophysiology
Authors: Maze Aydemir Merve , Bekir Yukcu , Candas Kafali Hasan , Gulumser Sisko Sezen , Hacer Kamali , Alper Guzeltas , Yakup Ergul
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Transseptal puncture (TSP) is a widely utilized technique for left-sided electrophysiological studies (EPS), interventions in left heart lesions, or creating interatrial shunts in congenital heart diseases (CHD). This study aims to evaluate the outcome of TSP in children under 20 kg.
Methods: This retrospective study analyzed TSP procedures in infants and children <20 kg between December 2015 and December 2021. TSPs were performed with a biplane angiography system in the catheter angiography laboratory. A Brockenbrough needle (BRK Transseptal Needle; Abbott/St.Jude Medical, Inc) was used for TSP. In patients whose Brockenbrough needles could not achieve sufficient patency, TSP was performed by applying cautery energy over the Brockenbrough needle.
Results: Twenty-one patients were studied (8 females, median age 2.6 years, median weight 12 kg), and 66% required TSP for CHD, including HLHS and pulmonary hypertension. The CHD group had younger patients (median age: 6.6 months) with smaller weights (median: 5.7 kg) compared to the catheter ablation group. TSP success rate was lower in patients with CHD, especially those with complex anatomy. Radiofrequency energy was used without complications in three cases when traditional methods failed. In four patients, the septum couldn't be traversed. The median weight of the patients who failed TSP was 3,4 kg. The only major complication was pericardial tamponade developed in two patients diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome.
Conclusion: TSP is a safe option when carefully selected but carries higher risks in complex CHD with abnormal cardiac anatomy compared to patients with normal anatomy used for electrophysiology procedures.
Controlled synthesis of high performance SAPO-34 with sheet-like morphology and small particle size using concentrated gel system
Authors: Liang Ni , Wang Haiyan , Wang Yujia , Kang Lei , Bai Yingzhi , Sun Na
Published: February 2024

A strategy was devised for the synthesis of SAPO-34, which involved a concentrated gel system-assisted two-step crystallization method. This strategy effectively controlled the size and morphology of SAPO-34. The successful synthesis of SAPO-34 crystals with micron-scale cubic morphology and nano-scale sheets were achieved using triethylamine as a low-cost template. The paper thoroughly examined the growth evolution that occurs during the crystallization process, and it delved into the factors such as gel concentration and crystallization conditions in the synthesis. Furthermore, potential theories regarding nucleation and growth mechanisms were suggested. A systematic study was conducted to examine how the morphology and acidity of SAPO-34 zeolites impact their catalytic performance. The results confirmed that concentrated gel enhanced nucleation facilitated formation small crystals, therefore sheets under suitable crystallization conditions. The SAPO-34 with low silicon content and lamellar structure was effectively produced through a two-step crystallization within a gel system of H2O/Al2O3 = 30, with a thickness of approximately 50–300 nm. SAPO-34 nanosheets demonstrated a substantial enhancement in catalytic performance, with a catalytic life of 370 min and an 84.1% selectivity towards light olefins.
Superantigens, Antigen Precision and Their Applications
Authors: Zuo Peijun , Zuo Longlong , Li Zhihong , Li Liping
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to find a method to identify epidemic and sporadic pathogen strains.
The method includes A. detecting the antigenic amino acid sequence of the pathogen strain to determine the primary superantigen. B. If the primary superantigen contains tryptophan, the pathogen strain is an epidemic strain. C. If the primary superantigen does not contain tryptophan amino acid, it is a sporadic strain. D. Determine the outbreak time interval between the pathogen strain and the reference strain based on the increase in antigen precision between the pathogen strain and the reference strain.
Results: The method can predict whether a series of infectious diseases will become epidemic or scattered, as well as the date of outbreak, such as severe acute respiratory syndrome 1 (SARS I), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19, SARS II).
Codebase release 0.5 for mapyde
Authors: Stark Giordon , Aristimuno Ots Camila , Hance Mike
Published: February 2024

Searches for new physics at the Large Hadron Collider have constrained many models of physics beyond the Standard Model. Many searches also provide resources that allow them to be reinterpreted in the context of other models. We describe a reinterpretation pipeline that examines previously untested models of new physics using supplementary information from ATLAS Supersymmetry (SUSY) searches in a way that provides accurate constraints even for models that differ meaningfully from the benchmark models of the original analysis. The public analysis information, such as public analysis routines and serialized probability models, is combined with common event generation and simulation toolkits MADGRAPH, PYTHIA8, and DELPHES into workflows steered by TOML configuration files, and bundled into the mapyde Python package. The use of mapyde is demonstrated by constraining previously untested SUSY models with compressed sleptons and electroweakinos using ATLAS results.
Calorie Tracking: A Mobile Application for Tracking Eating Patterns and Intake
Authors: Gayatri Nyoman Ayu Gita , Xavier Juan , Sanjaya Philips , Tanujaya Vincent , Diporedjo Nicholas , Kusnandar Aaron Medhavi , Tjokro Justin , Chandra Yulyanty
Published: February 2024

A balanced regular calorie intake along with a good eating rules is an important factor to fullfill a healthy lifestyle and diet. Both are the main keys to preventing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which are the largest contributors to world deaths. The effects produced through dietary regulation and calorie intake ideally will affect to the long term, so that consistency and adequate supporting media are needed. Judging from the time scale, action is needed since in, Early action is needed, especially for students who are in the transition period to maturity and independence. Technological developments in the digital era can be used to produce problem solutions ranging from fundamental aspects. Students themselves are familiar with the concept of the calorie tracker application (Craker) even though the majority have never used it. The purpose of this paper is to design the Craker application as a form of solution to regulate diet and calorie intake by applying the theory of human and computer interaction. The result of making this application is to monitor the number of calories consumed by knowing the number of calories in and out so that it is balanced according to the recommendations given based on the user’s profile, for the calorie tracker application we can divide it into three types of calorie tracker applications: web, mobile, and physical.
Influenza and acute viral infection prevention in children with recurrent respiratory pathology
Authors: Zakirova A. M. , Moroz T. B. , Pokrovskaya E. M. , Faizullina R. A. , Khaliullina S. V. , Vakhitov Kh. M. , Sadrieva L. N. , Sabirzyanova M. G. , Shayapova D. T. , Samorodnova E. A. , Palmova L. Yu. , Kadriev A. G. , Rashitova E. L. , Zaripov I. R. , Kadriev D. A.
Published: February 2024

Introduction. Despite numerous scientific works devoted to the problem of acute respiratory diseases, its relevance does not decrease throughout the world, since serious complications with an unfavorable prognosis are possible.

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of preventive antiviral therapy in children with recurrent respiratory pathology.

Materials and methods. Under observation were 43 children (average age 7.43 ± 3.05 years) with recurrent respiratory pathology, who underwent health treatment in the summer period once for 14 days. The main group consisted of 22 children who were prescribed the antiviral therapy as a monotherapy for prophylactic use. The comparison group included 21 patients who underwent preventive treatment using nasopharyngeal irrigation with local antiseptic chemicals. The observation period was 3 months after prophylactic treatment.

Results and discussion. After preventive treatment, the total number of episodes of ARI during the observation period in the main group in relation to the comparison group was according to nosologies: acute pharyngitis (p = 0.0317), exacerbation of chronic tonsillitis (p = 0.0137), acute rhinitis (p = 0.0692), rhinosinusitis (p = 0.0429). In the main group, during the observation period, when episodes of upper respiratory tract diseases occurred, antibacterial drugs were prescribed statistically significantly less frequently (p = 0.0296). After the preventive course, compared with the initial data, there was a decline in the number of cases of upper respiratory tract diseases per child on average per quarter. Thus, in the main group, a more pronounced significant difference was revealed in all nosological forms (acute rhinitis, rhinosinusitis p = 0.0081, acute pharyngitis p = 0.0129, tonsillopharyngitis p = 0.0384). In the comparison group – respectively: p = 0.0426; 0.0387; 0.0439.

Conclusions. Carrying out preventive treatment as monotherapy in children with recurrent respiratory pathology demonstrated high effectiveness (86.37%) of the antiviral therapy.
Infant microbiota formation: mother – placenta – fetus – baby
Authors: Zakharova I. N. , Berezhnaya I.  V. , Skorobogatova E. V. , Dmitrieva D. K. , Chernyaeva M. A. , Kurbakova D. M.
Published: February 2024

Gut microbiota is one of the main components that influence human health status. The gut microflora begins to establish as early as the prenatal period, however, the most intensive colonization of the infant by maternal and environment microorganisms occurs during the intranatal and postnatal periods. The mother-placenta-fetus system lays the foundation for early formation of microbiota. The maternal microbiota starts changing during pregnancy in order to modify metabolism to make it more favourable to the fetus, and continues throughout pregnancy, influencing the incubation of the fetus's own microbiota. The development of the fetal microbiome is also affected by the microbiome of the uterus, amniotic fluid and umbilical cord, although these organs were previously thought to be sterile, like the fetal gut. Multi-year research findings refuted these assertions and proved the existence of a separate meconium microbiome, which does not coincide with the maternal microbiota. The postnatal factors, such as mode of delivery and type of infant feeding, also influence the development of the gut microbiota. Vaginal birth exposes infants to maternal vaginal microbiota. During cesarean section, infants are exposed to environmental microbiota, which disrupts natural microbial colonization. Breast milk has its own microbiome, which can change and adapt to the infant needs. Exclusive breastfeeding affects Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides colonization rates, which metabolize breast milk oligosaccharides, producing short-chain fatty acids as a byproduct. Probiotic therapy can be used to maintain sufficient levels of Bifidobacterium to form a healthy microbiota. This review presents the stages and conditions for the formation of the infant’s gut microbiota, as well as the relationship between them in the course of ontogenesis.
Appendix: “an appendage to a twelve-meter gut or a storehouse for microbiota”?
Authors: Zakharova I. N. , Osmanov I.  M. , Korovin S. A. , Orobinsky S. B. , Orobinskaya Ya. V. , Berezhnaya I. V. , Gostyukhina A. D.
Published: February 2024

Acute appendicitis is the most common surgical pathology in paediatric practice. Surgical interventions in children with acute and complicated appendicitis are performed when urgently indicated at various stages of the disease. Laparoscopic appendectomy has become the current “gold standard” for providing emergency surgery care to children. Improvements in surgical techniques and post-operative protocols have reduced complications in children to 5–7%. The current discussion topics include the issues of argumentation of “incidental appendectomies” to be performed in minimal macroscopic changes in the vermiform appendix in children with nonspecific mesenteric lymphadenitis, intestinal indigitation, appendiceal lithiasis, justifications for indications and timing for surgical interventions in chronic appendicitis. The appendix has long been considered an “unnecessary” organ, just vestigial structures left over in the process of human evolution. Over the past two centuries, much work has been done to study the appendix. The structure of the vermiform appendix is unique. It has a narrow lumen, abundant mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue and valuable microbial composition. It has recently been hypothesized that the appendix has immunomodulatory functions and serves as a “safe house” for the microbiota, providing commensal bacteria that may restore the gut after infections or antibiotic therapy. Some studies suggest that removal of the appendix increases the risk of inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis. However, mechanisms underlying such causal relationship remain unclear. This article considers current knowledge when addressing the appendix microbiome and the relationship between the appendix and ulcerative colitis.
The vitamin D status and the levels of β1- and β2-defensins in children and adolescents with different forms of pulmonary TB
Authors: Panova L. V. , Averbakh M. M. , Ovsуankina E. S. , Zakharova I. N. , Karasev A. V. , Khokhlova Yu. Yu. , Sterlikova S.  S.
Published: February 2024

Introduction. The basic research demonstrated an important role of vitamin D in strengthening the immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and proved its effect on the production of antimicrobial peptides. However, the correlation between the levels of vitamin D and defensins (β1 and β2) in children and adolescents with different forms of pulmonary TB was not studied.

Aim. To study the correlation between the levels of vitamin D and β1- and β2-defensins in children and adolescents with different forms of pulmonary TB.

Materials and methods. We carried out a prospective study of 75 patients with pulmonary TB aged 2–17 years (52 new cases and 23 retreatment cases) in 2021–2023. The levels of 25(OH)D and β1- and β2-defensins were determined at admission to hospital.

Results. Out of 75 patients 2.7% had adequate levels of vitamin D (more than 30 ng/mL), 13.3% had insufficient levels of vitamin D (20 to 30 ng/mL), 34.7% had deficient levels of vitamin D (10 to 20 ng/mL), and 49.3% had severe deficiency of vitamin D (less than 10 ng/mL). We established a direct correlation between 25(OH)D and β1-defensin levels (p = 0.004766) and lack of correlation between 25(OH)D and β2-defensin levels. We discovered significant differences in the levels of 25(ОН)D and β1-defensin between new and retreatment cases: 13.10 ± 1.04 ng/mL and 8.74 ± 1.07 ng/mL (p = 0.004644) and 6.66 ± 0.79 ng/mL and 4.0 ± 0.85 ng/mL (p = 0.024816), respectively.

Conclusion. The differences in the levels of calcidiol and β1-defensin between new and retreatment cases witness an impaired function of one of the innate non-specific immunity components during long-lasting advanced pulmonary TB in children and adolescents.
The many faces of a cough in a child: Issues of differential diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Petrova A. I. , Letova N. O. , Potapova N. L. , Markovsky A. V.
Published: February 2024

Studying the causes of cough, which is one of the most common respiratory symptoms when seeking medical help, remains a pressing problem for doctors of various specialties. Due to the growing interest in herbal remedies, in the current study we aimed to analyze the effectiveness of marshmallow root in the treatment of cough. We conducted a systematic search in modern scientific literature in electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Wiley, PubFacts, Springer Link platform, scientific publishing house Elsevier, CyberLeninka. An analysis of 80 full-text reviews on the use of herbal medicine in the treatment of cough showed higher quality of life scores, lower rates of adverse events and less severe cough. The authors also provide evidence that herbal therapy successfully complements traditional treatment methods, providing longer periods of remission for chronic cough. Although coughing is a protective reflex responsible for clearing secretions and foreign bodies from the airways, it can be an unpleasant symptom that causes discomfort in patients. The use of preparations based on root extract of Althaea officinalis L leads to the formation of a protective film, which promotes faster regeneration of the damaged mucous membrane of the respiratory tract caused by a dry cough. The mucous membrane of the respiratory tract is a highly vascularized tissue. In this regard, anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that improve lesion repair, such as local neovascularization, are critical to promote healing. The herbal medicinal product containing the active component marshmallow root extract fully meets safety requirements and can be successfully used in patients with acute and chronic respiratory diseases.
Antibiotic therapy in pediatric outpatient ENT infections
Authors: Borisova O. V. , Bochkareva N. M. , Polezhaeva N. S. , Yashkina O. N. , Tsareva N. G. , Gadelshina D. M.
Published: February 2024

Inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs are currently the most common pathology in children. Diseases of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses occupy the leading place in the structure of primary morbidity, averaging 55.5%. In the paediatric population, ENT pathology develops more often as a secondary bacterial complication of a previous viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. Bacterial otorhinolaryngological complications often require the prescription of antibacterial drugs. In outpatient practice, the choice of rational and safe therapy is of utmost importance. The article presents clinical cases of ENT diseases in children and algorithms for the choice of initial antibacterial therapy. Recommended drugs for the treatment of ENT diseases and the main indications for their administration are presented. Most national and international guidelines recommend amoxicillin as a first-line drug for the treatment of major respiratory pathogens (S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, S. pyogenes) and bacterial complications of ENT diseases in children, taking into account its low toxicity, cost and convenient form of administration. In case of ineffective therapy or in the presence of risk factors for drug resistance of pathogens, semi-synthetic penicillins in combination with β-lactamase inhibitors are recommended.
Oral manifestations of HIV-infection in patients based on CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts
Authors: Lyogkih Alexander V. , Gaisina Elena F. , Dobrinskaya Maria N. , Omelkova Ekaterina A. , Astryukhina Polina I.
Published: February 2024

Objective - analysis and generalization of the available data on the manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus in the oral cavity depending on the number of CD4+ T-lymphocytes in the blood. Materials and methods. A search of clinical studies, systematic reviews, and online meta-analyses was conducted from 2004-2023 in the PubMed, Elsiever, Scopus, Cochrane, and Elibrary databases, which described oral manifestations of HIV infection as a function of CD4+ T-lymphocyte count. Results. Pseudomembranous candidiasis, hairy leukoplakia, Kaposi's sarcoma, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma develop against a background of severe immunodeficiency when the CD4+ T-lymphocyte count is <200 cells/μL blood. Kaposi's sarcoma also develops in people with a high CD8+ T-lymphocyte count (>1000 cells/μL of blood) or with a low CD4+ to CD8+ ratio (CD4+:CD8+ ≤0.5). Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma develops not only with CD4+ T-cells <200/μL, but also with a high number of CD8+ T-cells (≥2000 cells/μL of blood). Specific periodontal disease develops with moderate to severe immunodeficiency (CD4+ T-cells 200-500 cells/μL of blood). Necrotic ulcerative gingivitis is more often seen in severe immunodeficiency (CD4+ T-lymphocytes <200 cells/μL). Conclusion. The development of pseudomembranous candidiasis (p<0,05), "hairy" leukoplakia (p<0,01), Kaposi sarcoma (p<0,0001) statistically significantly correlates with CD4+ T-lymphocyte count <200 cells/μl blood. In addition, the development of Kaposi's sarcoma, in addition to the low number of CD4+ T-cells, is affected by a high number of CD8+ cytotoxic lymphocytes >1000 cells/μL (p=0.0003) and a low CD4+:CD8+ ratio ≤0.5 (p<0.0003), which is statistically significant.
Spatiotemporal assessment of rainfall variability and its characteristics over Rapti River Basin, India
Authors: Malani Urvashi , Yadav Sanjaykumar M.
Published: February 2024

The determination of rainfall characteristics of a basin is obligatory for mitigation planning and adaptation. This study presents the spatiotemporal analysis of gridded precipitation to understand the variability and seasonality over the Rapti Basin. This basin is affected by frequent flooding; hence it becomes necessary to understand the variability of rainfall. To carry out this analysis, daily precipitation data is extracted for 22 grids for 30 years (1990–2020) of high resolution. Extreme rainfall indices are computed as per the threshold decided by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD). To determine the trend of the rainfall, Mann Kendall (MK) test, Modified MK test and Innovative Trend Analysis was used and magnitude of trend was determined using slope. Trends of daily rainfall, annual, and seasonal rainfall were determined. Annual rainfall has shown significant decreasing trend over the basin. Monsoon season has a noticeable tendency, but other seasons have only seen small shifts. From all the rainfall indices, PRCPTOT and SDII showed a decreasing trend with Sen Slope of −2.56 and 3.00 respectively. While examining the variance in precipitation across the basin, this study will be helpful.
Mapping Actionable Gaps in Patient Journey for Depression in the United Arab
Emirates: A Strategic Framework
Authors: Makhoul Samer , Ali Osama , Nayaz Ahmed Nahida , Siddiqui Urooj , Cherchali Amina
Published: February 2024

Background:

Depression is on a steady rise across the United Arab Emirates (UAE), causing much socio-economic burden to the country. Identifying patient
journey gaps for depression, beginning with awareness and screening, diagnosis, and treatment to sustained remission and rehabilitation, can help
design health policies with actionable solutions, mitigating the burden of the disease.

Methods:

Studies in the English language between 2010 and 2021 were shortlisted using a structured search in electronic databases followed by an
unstructured search using government websites and Google Scholar and anecdotal data from local professional experts. Synthesized data was
subjected to weighted mean calculation, and an evidence gap map was charted.

Results:

Varying prevalence of depression (5.1%-82.2%) was reported across different settings and population sample sizes in the UAE. One study reported
that 13.0% of the UAE population was aware of their depressive condition. Screening rates of depression were reported to be relatively high
(34.2%-90.5%), while depression was diagnosed in 0.5%-48.5% of patients. The treatment rate was 36.1%, while adherence rates were estimated
to be low at 0.3%. No evidence of control or remission of depression could be gathered.

:

The reviewed studies used only the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnostic criteria for diagnosing depression.
The review also lacked large-scale research studies that may have limited the actual representation of the prevalence of depression across the
country.

Conclusion:

Addressing the gaps identified through evidence mapping methodology can shape a ‘model of care’ for depression. This model should aim to
harmonize collaborations among the mental health stakeholders and advocate for the social reintegration of patients.
Artificial Intelligence and Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Younes Rami , Almaghraby Abdallah
Published: February 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has reshaped significant aspects of our lives, including its role in healthcare.

:

AI is a machine-based system that can make predictions, recommendations, and decisions influencing real or virtual environments of a given set of
human-defined objectives. It is designed to operate with varying levels of autonomy.

:

Since cardiovascular medicine is rapidly progressing and new technologies are introduced to cardiovascular tools, AI has become valuable in
cardiovascular medicine. This narrative review will discuss the general concept of AI and its role in diagnosing cardiovascular diseases, including
ECG, echocardiography, cardiac CT, nuclear cardiology, cardiac MRI, cardiac catheterization, electrophysiology, heart failure, clinical decision
support system, and face recognition.
Fostering Empathy: Nurturing Compassionate Healers through Innovative
Teaching and Insightful Assessment in Medical Education
Authors: Shrivastava Saurabh RamBihariLal , Maliny Achcia Thema , Joshi Abhishek
Published: February 2024

The significance of empathy in the realm of medical education cannot be undermined, as once a student embarks on their journey to serve and heal
mankind, cultivating empathetic skills becomes an indispensable part of their training. Empathy plays a significant role in healthcare delivery in the
domains of patient outcomes and doctor-patient relationships. This article provides a brief review of empathy education and assessment techniques
in the field of medicine. Upon realizing the merits that can be attributed to empathy, it is of paramount importance that medical students must be
trained in empathy to transform them into patient-centered healthcare professionals. Only training medical students in empathy will not serve the
purpose, and we must complement the training component with assessment. In conclusion, empathy is one of the key components of
compassionate and patient-centered medical care. This calls for the need to train and assess medical students during their training period to
improve their empathetic abilities and support the process of producing competent and compassionate future medical doctors.
Prevalence and Impact of Dysmenorrhea on the Academic Performance of
Students at Medical and Health Sciences University
Authors: Mahwish Nayesha , Dube Rajani , Kar Subhranshu Sekhar , Santhosh Malavika , Kidwai Alweena , Kenneth Jewel Mary
Published: February 2024

Introduction:

Dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation and is the most common menstrual symptom affecting adolescents. Evidence suggests that worldwide
prevalence can be high and can significantly affect academic performance through its impact on activity, absenteeism, and other aspects of
learning.

Materials and Methods:

This is a cross-sectional survey using a pre-validated questionnaire incorporating demography, menstrual history, severity, and effects on academic
performance. Female students selected by non-probability sampling of Ras al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University were included
(calculated sample size=249).

Results and Discussion:

A total of 252 students participated (mean age 20.14 years). The prevalence of dysmenorrhea was 80.5%. Pain was severe for 25.1% (≥7/10
score),14.7% reported severely restricted daily activity, 66% received regular treatment, and 24(11.8%) required hospitalization during the last year
due to pain. More than 50% of students missed academic sessions, 68% had trouble concentrating, 70. 4% were unable to study. 59% had an
inability to complete assignments, 58% had trouble concentrating during examinations, and 8.8% missed assessments due to dysmenorrhea. The
majority missed 1-2 days each month. Dysmenorrhea was a significant predictor of academic domains (AD) like reduced concentration, inability to
complete assignments, missing lectures, and assessments [ adjusted OR-2.25, 5.57, 4.32, 3.96] with p less than .05 in each. Moderate to severe pain
was an independent predictor of all AD compared to mild pain (score less than 3) (p=.026). Moderate to severe dysmenorrhea had a significant
negative impact on academic performance(p=.02).

Conclusion:

Dysmenorrhea is a prevalent health problem among university students and has a significant negative impact on education.
Histogram Feature Analysis of Tumor Body on Diffusion-weighted MR Imaging
in Differentiation between Granulosa Cell Tumors and Other Sex-cord Tumors
in Ovary: Comparison with Histological Results
Authors: Wu Minjie , Wang Tianping , Zhang Feiran , Wang Yida , Zhang Guofu , Shen Minhua , Zhang He
Published: February 2024

Objective:

We aimed to differentiate granulosa cell tumors (GCT) from other ovarian sex-cord tumors (OSCs) based on feature analysis of the tumor body on
MR imaging.

Methods:

We retrospectively enrolled 27 patients with pathologically proven sex-cord tumours (14 GSTs, 8 fibromas, 4 fibrothecomas, and 1 sclerosing
stromal tumour) from our institution. All MRI examinations were performed at least one month prior to surgery. MR image features were recorded
by two radiologists with consensus readings. Histogram analysis was performed using FeAture Explorer software. The differences in histogram
parameters between GCT (38.1 ± 14.6 years) and OSC (43.7 ± 18.0 years) groups were compared. Fourteen randomly selected cellular-type
myomas who also underwent MRI in our hospital were considered as the control group. The intra-operator consistency of ADC value was
evaluated across measurements twice.

Results:

The repeatability of conventional ADC measurements on the tumor body was good. The values of ADC-mean, ADC-min, and ADC-max
significantly differed across three groups (p < 0.001). The histogram variance on DWI, histogram percentage on T2WI, and ADC min showed the
best discriminative performance in determining GCTs from other OSCs with an area under the receiver operator curve (AUC) of 0.997, 0.882, and
0.795, respectively. The histogram variance on DWI yielded a sensitivity of 92.3%, a specificity of 100%, and an accuracy of 96.6% in
discriminating GSTs from other OSCs.

Conclusion:

In the present study, feature analysis of tumor body MR imaging has helped to differentiate GST from OSC with better performance than
conventional ADC measurements.
MRI Insights in Breast Imaging
Authors: Orlando Alessia Angela Maria , Clauser Paola , Zarcaro Calogero , Ferraro Fabiola , Curatolo Calogero , Marino Maria Adele , Bartolotta Tommaso Vincenzo
Published: February 2024

In the world, breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. Currently, MRI is the most sensitive breast imaging method for
detecting breast cancer, although false positive rates are still an issue. To date, the accuracy of breast MRI is widely recognized across various
clinical scenarios, in particular, staging of known cancer, screening for breast cancer in high-risk women, and evaluation of response to
neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Since technical development and further clinical indications have expanded over recent years, dedicated breast
radiologists need to constantly update their knowledge and expertise to remain confident and maintain high levels of diagnostic performance in
breast MRI. This review aims to detail current and future applications of breast MRI, from technological requirements and advances to new
multiparametric and abbreviated protocols, and ultrafast imaging, as well as current and future indications.
Evaluation of Interstitial Lung Diseases with Deep Learning Method of Two
Major Computed Tomography Patterns
Authors: Kiziloğlu Hüseyin Alper , Çevik Emrah , Zengin Kenan
Published: February 2024

Background:

Interstitial lung diseases (ILD) encompass various disorders characterized by inflammation and/or fibrosis in the lung interstitium. These
conditions produce distinct patterns in High-Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT).

Objective:

We employ a deep learning method to diagnose the most commonly encountered patterns in ILD differentially.

Materials and Methods:

Patients were categorized into usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP), and normal lung parenchyma groups.
VGG16 and VGG19 deep learning architectures were utilized. 85% of each pattern was used as training data for the artificial intelligence model.
The models were then tasked with diagnosing the patterns in the test dataset without human intervention. Accuracy rates were calculated for both
models.

Results:

The success of the VGG16 model in the test phase was 95.02% accuracy. Using the same data, 98.05% accuracy results were obtained in the
test phase of the VGG19 model.

Conclusion:

Deep Learning models showed high accuracy in distinguishing the two most common patterns of ILD.
Physico-Chemical and Mechanical Characteristics of Traditional Marrakech Lime
Authors: AQELMOUN N.
Published: February 2024

Abstract. To tackle the problem of construction-related pollution, especially the greenhouse effects mainly caused by carbon dioxide emissions, governments have begun to encourage the use of traditional building materials and techniques characterized by their low carbon impact. Among these alternatives is Marrakech lime, produced using traditional processes. Historically, it has been used to produce a special mortar known as Tadlakt, an ancestral Amazigh skill used to waterproof parts in contact with water. In order to identify other ways of adding value to Marrakech lime, a literature search was launched. Physico-chemical and mechanical characterization was also carried out on samples of traditional lime concrete sold in the Moroccan market under the name ''Jer de Gram''. Morphological and mineralogical analyses were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the lime examined is slightly hydraulic of varied forms, it is mainly composed of calcite, belite, calcium oxides, silicon, and carbons. Crushing tests show a low compressive strength of traditional lime concrete, not exceeding 1 MPa in the best cases, an unexpected result that contradicts the literature. The reason lies in the sandy nature of the aggregates and the traditional lime production process, which does not allow for effective quality control of the final product.
Integrated Digital Documentation for Conservation, the Case Study of the Torre deli Upezzinghi Called Caprona, in Vicopisano (PI) Italy
Authors: PANCANI Giovanni
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Located on the Rocky Promontory overlooking the town of Caprona, the Upezzinghi Tower is a 19th-century reconstruction of a watchtower that once served the ancient castle, which existed in the mid-11th century and was destroyed by the Florentines in 1433. The hill on which it stands has been gradually eroded due to stone quarrying, significantly altering the landscape around Caprona. Until the mid of the last century, the rocky promontory was still substantially intact, and the remains of the medieval fortress could be identified beneath the tower. However, at its base, the remains of the medieval tower's foundation are still visible. The structure is currently in an advanced state of architectural decay, and the extraction of stone material has been so aggressive that the quarry's limit has come within about 50 cm of the tower's profile. The small square-shaped building appears to be smaller than the one demolished in 1433 since measurements at the base of the current tower have confirmed one side to be approximately 4.50 meters, while the remains of the medieval tower had a side of about 5.00 meters. Digital surveying has been carried out for the preservation and conservation of the tower, which is in urgent need of restoration. TLS (Terrestrial Laser Scanning) and UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) tools were used with multiple acquisitions that were subsequently compared and calibrated, using the laser scanner point cloud as a reference. The maximum misalignment error of the TLS point cloud was within a maximum range of 0.015 meters. The delivery of the survey results, considering the modest size of the structure, was performed at a 1:20 scale.
Analyzing the Literature on Seismic Resilience in Rammed Earth Construction: A Cartographic Approach
Authors: RAZZOUK Yassine
Published: February 2024

Abstract. The study explores the seismic impact on Rammed Earth Constructions through an analysis of various bibliographic factors. These factors encompass publication volume, authorship, geographical origin, institutional affiliations, and relevant scholarly journals. Employing a rigorous examination of bibliographic data retrieved from reputable databases such as Scopus, the research identifies a discernible uptick in pertinent publications since 2014. Moreover, it discloses prominent figures within this academic domain, delineating their geographical origins, institutional affiliations, and contributions to influential journals. Additionally, the investigation scrutinizes prevalent keywords in search queries and recurrent themes in research undertakings. The citation analysis is directed towards identifying noteworthy authors and seminal documents that hold substantive significance within this scholarly discourse. The principal aim of this inquiry is to discern primary areas of interest by analyzing co-citations among authors. Biased assessments have been systematically excluded, and the linguistic framework employed adheres to an objective and value-neutral stance. Technical terminology is elucidated upon initial usage, and conventional academic sections are seamlessly integrated into the narrative.
From the Great Synagogue of Algiers to Jamma Lihoud, Architectural Monography of a Centuries-Old Building
Authors: NESSARK Naouel
Published: February 2024

Abstract This article proposes a monographic study of the great synagogue of Algiers. An important architectural and symbolic construction, which is not only representative of the changes experienced by the Jewish community and their places of worship after 1830, but also of the contradictions of the colonial administration toward them. The monumental character, the use of many elements of the local architecture, and the Moorish style, have made of it a singular building in this middle of the Algerian nineteenth century imbued with the Parisian inspiration on architecture. Designed in an Arabian style, on a plan close to the plan of the traditional North African synagogues, the building was converted into a mosque after independence, without major consequences on its formal appearance. The communication proposes a detailed analysis of the spatial context, of this conversion.
Assessment of the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Bricks based on Clay and Stabilized with Reed Fibers from the Drâa-Tafilalet Region
Authors: El GHOMARI Azzeddine
Published: February 2024

Abstract. In the field of sustainable construction, it is imperative to find environmentally-friendly materials with optimized performance. The present study examines a comprehensive exploration of the untapped potential for using natural resources in the Drâa-Tafilale region, focusing on the incorporation of reed fibers into traditional clay bricks, a naturally abundant and renewable resource. The design of reed fiber-stabilized bricks was carried out using six distinct mixes, mainly differentiated by their reed fiber content, ranging from 0% to 5%. Initial observations highlighted the promising potential of reed fibers. Increasing the reed fiber content in a mix improves the mechanical strength of clay brick compositions (at 1% reed fiber). However, above this threshold, the inclusion of reed fibers led to a decrease in tensile and compressive strength. In addition, the thermal conductivity of the samples decreased with increasing fiber content. Furthermore, brick density decreased with increasing fiber percentage.
Traditional Architectures Along the Cultural Route of James I of Aragon in the Province of Valencia: Leveraging Laser Scanning and BIM for Heritage Management
Authors: PARRINELLO Sandro
Published: February 2024

Abstract. This research explores the traditional architectures along the cultural route of James I of Aragon in the province of Valencia, with a particular focus on the implementation of Laser Scanning and Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies for heritage management. The study centers on a prominent case study, the Almonecir Castle located in the province of Castellon, near Valencia, where a comprehensive 3D model has been constructed using BIM to showcase the castle's evolutionary stages from its Arab origins to its current state. The research highlights the benefits of adopting laser scanning and BIM technologies in heritage management, specifically in the context of the Almonecir Castle. By digitizing and preserving the architectural evolution of this significant historical site, these technologies play a crucial role in safeguarding cultural heritage and enhancing visitor experiences. Moreover, the study sheds light on the potential for widespread application of laser scanning and BIM in managing and conserving other traditional architectures along the cultural route of James I of Aragon in the province of Valencia and beyond. In conclusion, this research exemplifies the transformative impact of laser scanning and BIM technologies in preserving and interpreting historical architectural treasures. The study advocates for the integration of these advanced tools in heritage management practices, facilitating a more profound understanding and appreciation of the cultural heritage that has shaped the province of Valencia throughout its illustrious history.