bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Technology
Authors: Singh Sanyogita , Singh Vikram
Published: February 2025

In modern linguistic discourse, the intersection of technology and language diversity is a central theme of academic discourse. The rapidly changing technological landscape presents both opportunities and challenges to linguistic plurality. Technology is crucial both for the establishment of English hegemony and a purveyor of linguistic diversity. Advancements in digital technologies such as generative artificial intelligence and large language modeling are changing the linguistic dynamics both in favour (of) and against the endangered languages. The overwhelmingly predominant use of English in the digital space relegates smaller languages and threatens them to push out of popular use. Digital archiving plays a crucial role in language documentation and revival efforts for endangered languages. This chapter investigates the relationship between linguistic diversity, digital technology, and English hegemony through an extensive analysis of published work and a case study, showing the dual role that technology plays as the purveyor of both linguistic diversity and English hegemony.
Optimization, Machine Learning, and Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Kingsly Stephen R. , Archana T.
Published: February 2025

Machine learning, a cornerstone of AI, has revolutionized industries and technologies, empowering systems to adapt without direct programming. This abstract delves into the foundational principles of machine learning, elucidating the paradigms of supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement learning. Supervised learning involves the task of training models on datasets, where each input is associated with a corresponding output. Unsupervised learning diverges from supervised learning by operating on unlabelled datasets, endeavouring to discern inherent structures and patterns autonomously. Principal component analysis (PCA) and other dimensionality reduction methods, such as K-means clustering algorithms, and association rule learning methods uncover latent insights within unannotated data, empowering data-driven decision-making. Reinforcement learning adopts an interactive paradigm, wherein agents navigate environments to accomplish predefined objectives.
Electric Vehicle Energy Management Using Fuzzy Logics and Machine Learning
Authors: Revathy G. , Pokkuluri Kiran Sree , Shyamalagowri M. , Gokulraj S.
Published: February 2025

The work investigates the application of fuzzy logic and machine learning to the management of energy systems in electric cars (EVs). With the growing popularity of EVs, efficient energy management is essential for improving vehicle performance, prolonging battery life, and optimizing energy use. Fuzzy logic and machine learning both have different benefits for dealing with the inherent difficulties of EV energy systems. Fuzzy logic provides a strong foundation for dealing with uncertain and imprecise information, making it ideal for real-time applications such as battery management, heat control, and vehicle handling in EVs. It permits the creation of control systems that mirror human decision-making processes, allowing for adaptive management based on ambiguous inputs and nonlinear outcomes. Machine learning, on the other hand, excels in predictive analytics and adaptive learning using large volumes of data.
Lips Reading Using Deep Learning
Authors: Cao Yue , Yan Wei Qi
Published: February 2025

In this book chapter, we propose a novel deep-learning architecture for lipreading, namely LipReader++. With the integration of a novel algorithm of 3D Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Transformers, we analyse what is spoken from the visual cues of lip movement and underlying complex features. Our experiments prove that the model has a great performance under multiple speakers, speech tempo, background, and clean speech. Along with these, LipReader++ reduces WER and increases SA, Precision, and Recall versus conventional approaches, LipNet, and WAS. Its resilience to auditory interference and the associated capacity to perform well in the presence of two distinct types of diversities – linguistic and environmental – suggests that the model could be employed in real-life applications such as assistive technology for hearing-disabled individuals. The research opens a field for further developments of visual speech recognition pointing out the need for models that are both highly accurate and practical.
The Future of Virology Diagnostics Using Wearable Devices Driven by Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Sallam Malik , Mijwil Maad M. , Abotaleb Mostafa , Al Sailawi Ali S. Abed
Published: February 2025

The utilization of the wearable devices (WDs) that are enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) can have a notable potential in healthcare. This chapter aimed to provide an overview of the applications of AI-driven WDs in enhancing the early detection and management of virus infections. First, we presented examples to highlight the capabilities of WDs in very early monitoring of virus infections such as COVID-19. In addition, we provided an overview on the utility of machine learning algorithms to analyze large data for the detection of early signs of virus infections. We also overviewed the AI-driven WDs potential to enable real-time surveillance for effective virus outbreak management. We showed how this AI-driven WDs surveillance can be achieved via the collection and analysis of diverse real-time WDs' data across various populations. Finally, this chapter discussed the challenges and ethical issues that comes with AI-driven WDs in virology diagnostics, including concerns about data privacy and security as well as the issue of equitable access.
Corpus Linguistics Meets Psycholinguistics
Authors: Cangır Hakan
Published: February 2025

This chapter reports the findings of a priming study, employing both corpus and psycholinguistic techniques and investigating cross-linguistic collocational priming in L1 Turkish - L2 English bilinguals. A lexical decision task experiment was conducted to examine whether collocational priming exists across languages and to assess the impact of frequency, congruence, and language direction on collocational processing. While the findings reveal evidence for cross-linguistic collocational priming, the effects are relatively weak. Contrary to previous studies, the effect of congruence between Turkish and English collocations was not observed, potentially due to the restructuring of collocational representations in the lexicon as a result of prolonged exposure to English. Furthermore, the study highlights an asymmetry in priming effects, with faster processing observed in the L2-L1 direction (for ADJ+N collocations). The findings contribute to our understanding of how bilinguals represent and access collocational knowledge, with implications for the theories of bilingual mental lexicon.
The Use of Prepositional Phrase-Based Bundles in Essays Written by Turkish Learners of English
Authors: Kaya Ömer Faruk
Published: February 2025

Lexical bundles (LBs) are frequently found in academic writing and have long been of interest to researchers, particularly in the context of L2 writers. Studies comparing L1 and L2 writing suggest that non-native writers use fewer and less diverse LBs than native speakers. Some studies suggest that this may be related to L2 learners' use of contextually appropriate bundles that are spelled incorrectly or mistakenly confused with similarly spelled bundles. This chapter aims to contribute to these arguments by investigating the use of 4-word prepositional phrase-based lexical bundles by Turkish learners of English. To provide a more comprehensive analysis, the study includes both attempted and correctly used bundles in the frequency analysis results. The study also explores the relationship between LB frequency and writing quality. The findings show that Turkish learners use a limited variety of PP-based bundles compared to native speakers. It was also found that high-scoring essays do not necessarily contain a greater variety or quantity of LBs than low-scoring essays. These results highlight the need for targeted instructional strategies to improve L2 learners' awareness of LBs.
Learning English From Videogame Characters
Authors: Bianchi Francesca
Published: February 2025

Studies have shown that non-anglophone students greatly benefit from watching pop-cultural products such as films and videogames in English, as these support unsupervised language learning, and that scripted dialogue in films and in videogames both resemble spontaneous speech in many ways. But are there any lexico-grammatical features that a person is more likely to encounter, and consequently learn, when playing videogames compared to when watching films? To answer this question this study contrasts scripted dialogue in videogames to film dialogue and spontaneous interactions, at the level of part-of-speech categories. Results highlight a small set of features that are significantly more frequent in videogame scripted dialogue. Such features are mostly connected to the ludic aims of videogames.
The Champions of If-Constructions in Literary Studies
Authors: Kırmızı Özkan , Er Haticetül Kübra
Published: February 2025

The present paper was designed to investigate the use of if-constructions in literary criticism articles, M.A. theses, and PhD theses. Given that if-constructions enable writers to establish a wide range of functions, they are highly valuable in academic discourse. Even though if-constructions receive some attention from researchers, they are not studied in terms of theses or academic articles in literary criticism publications. To bridge this gap, a comparative analysis was undertaken in the present study. As the analytic framework, the study employed Warchal's (2010) typology of conditional clauses and Martin and White's (2005) framework on writer-reader meaning negotiation. To this end, 100 literary criticism articles, 50 M.A. theses, and 50 PhD theses were compared. The findings indicate that expert writers make a richer use of if-constructions as rhetorical devices in almost all the if-constructions under the propositional meanings category.
Study on Impact Assessment of Air Pollution on “Community Sports Environment” in Zhengzhou, China
Authors: Zhao Shuwei , Chen Xiao
Published: February 2025

Analyzing the link between air pollution and community sports is crucial for fostering a balanced relationship among residents, communities, and sports environments. In Zhengzhou, considering the layout of sports facilities and the atmospheric conditions, this study establishes a structural model focusing on healthy sports. Results indicate that heightened air pollution diminishes the utilization of open-air stadiums significantly; with AQI surpassing 300ug/m3, there's a >90% drop in hourly traffic to these facilities. Even under slightly polluted conditions (>150ug/m3), sports environments may fail to meet residents' daily activity demands. Over 50% of respondents perceive health risks due to air pollution, prompting increased investment in community sports areas. Moreover, when AQI exceeds light pollution levels (>150ug/m3), residents' overall sense of sports fulfillment declines, with dissatisfaction rates rising from 44% to 57% compared to better air quality scenarios.
Examining the Impact of Hybrid Leadership on Organizational Performance and Innovation in the Digital Economy
Authors: Ghosh Uday Kumar , Taylor Whitney , Ghaith Yahya
Published: February 2025

This study examines the impact of hybrid leadership on organizational performance, employee engagement, and innovation in the U.S. IT industry within the digital economy. Hybrid leadership integrates transformational and transactional styles and offers solutions to digital economy challenges. A quantitative causal-comparative design was used to survey 159 IT leaders with the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire Rater Form (5X-Short) and additional organizational performance measures. The results revealed that hybrid leaders exhibiting both transformational and transactional behaviors showed significantly higher leadership effectiveness. Hybrid leadership was also positively correlated with improved performance, increased employee engagement, and innovation. Statistical analyses, including t tests, Spearman's rank-order correlation, and ANOVA, provided robust evidence supporting hybrid leadership's advantages. These findings contribute to the leadership literature and offer practical insights for organizations seeking to enhance leadership strategies in the rapidly evolving IT sector.
Numerical and Experimental Analysis of the Temperature Fields Developed during WAAM Production of an Aluminum Part
Authors: Behúlová Mária , Sahul Miroslav , Babalová Eva , Sahul Martin , Němec Tomáš
Published: February 2025

Wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) stands out as a highly promising direct energy deposition (DED) technology for producing large-scale metallic parts, primarily due to its efficiency, high deposition rate, and low production costs. WAAM can be exploited with many advantages to a wide range of metallic materials, including aluminum, copper, and magnesium. This paper deals with the examination of thermal cycles and temperature fields developed during additive manufacturing of an AA5087 aluminum alloy part using conventional Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) with variable deposition parameters. The thermal cycles were experimentally measured by an Ahlborn Almemo 5690-2 measuring station equipped with K-type thermocouples. A simulation model of the deposition process was developed to perform a more detailed study of the impact of the travel speed on the temperature distribution and geometrical characteristics of single weld beads, using ANSYS software. The measured and computed thermal cycles and peak temperatures reached during the 1st and 2nd deposition cycle were compared. The maximum measured temperatures at a travel speed of 25 cm/min were 503.4 °C (1st cycle) and 419.6 °C (2nd cycle), while the calculated temperatures were 502.5 °C and 417.4 °C, respectively. At a higher travel speed of 35 cm/min, the peak temperatures were lower, with experimental values of 459.6 °C (1st cycle) and 417.5 °C (2nd cycle), and calculated values of 459.0 °C and 391.2 °C.
Numerical Simulation of Metallurgical Joining of AISI 304 Steel and Ti Grade 2
Authors: Babalová Eva , Behúlová Mária
Published: February 2025

In the field of metallurgy, joining dissimilar metals poses a significant challenge due to differences in their physical and chemical properties. One such combination that has gained attention is the joining of AISI 304 steel and Ti Grade 2. These two metals have unique characteristics that make them ideal for various applications, but their differences in thermal conductivity, melting points, and chemical reactivity make achieving a strong and durable joint challenging. Numerical simulations are currently widely used to predict the behaviour of materials during the joining process, as well as to optimize welding parameters in order to achieve a sound weld. In this study, the temperature fields during laser welding of 2 mm thick plates of AISI 304 steel and Ti Grade 2 were analysed based on the numerical simulations of the welding process using ANSYS software. A simulation model for the production of butt joints was developed to assess the impact of laser welding parameters, including laser power, welding speed, and laser beam offset towards the AISI 304 side, on the temperature distribution and weld-pool characteristics. The moving laser heat source was modelled using the conical model with a Gaussian distribution of the laser beam power. The material properties of AISI 304 steel and Ti Grade 2 were calculated as a function of temperature using JMatPro software. The cooling of welding plates by convection and radiation to the argon shielding gas and surrounding air was taken into account using a boundary condition of the third kind. Using the Design of Experiment (DoE) approach, the influence of technological parameters such as welding speed and power on the size of the molten zone on the top and root of the weld was analysed. An optimization of welding parameters was performed, resulting in a surface that represents a basic estimate of the location of admissible solutions in the design space. The results from the numerical simulation and the DoE experiment were compared, and then appropriate technological parameters were proposed for experimental laser welding of the considered dissimilar metals.
Induced Residual Stress in Austenitic Stainless Steel F138 after Shot Peening and Plasma Nitriding Surface Treatment
Authors: de Oliveira Eloana P.R. , de Oliveira Rene R. , Vicente José G. , Massi Marcos , Couto Antonio Augusto
Published: February 2025

Shot peening mechanical treatment surface, commonly used to improve material surface mechanical properties, as fatigue and wear resistance increase, induces deformations in the material crystal lattice, characterized by the presence of stress. Additionally, plasma nitriding, another surface treatment used to minimize failures in austenitic stainless steels, can produce resistant surface layers, composed of the interstitial nitrogen atoms accommodated in austenitic structure, increasing the layer hardness. Thus, the present work aims to study the residual stress and layer formation on austenitic stainless steel F138 surface, after different treatment conditions. Plasma nitriding treatment after shot peening differences were analyzed. Residual stress was investigated by X-ray diffraction, using sin2ψ method. Samples of surface morphology and formed layer were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction. Previous shot peening treatment to plasma nitriding promotes the formation of a less homogeneous layer, with microcracks and induced residual stress increase. It was observed the formation of iron nitrides and expanded austenite after plasma nitriding treatment. Surface residual stress induction after shot peening and plasma nitriding treatments can be efficient methods to improve material mechanical properties.
Development and effects of a media-based reproductive health promotion program for male high school students at male high school: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Lee Joon-Young , Song Yeoungsuk
Published: February 2025

Purpose: This quasi-experimental study was conducted to develop a media-based reproductive health promotion program (MRHPP) among male high school students and to evaluate its effectiveness.Methods: The ADDIE model (analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation model) was used to develop the MRHPP based on Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior. The research was conducted using a non-equivalent control group with a pretest-posttest design (experimental group=23; control group=22). The program consisted of six sessions and was conducted twice a week. The participants were assessed through a pre-test, post-test immediately after training (post-test 1), and follow-up after 4 weeks (post-test 2) by using questionnaires. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the independent t-test, chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and repeated-measures analysis of variance.Results: The analysis of the group-by-time interaction showed statistically significant differences in attitudes toward reproductive health behavior (RHB) (F=4.09, p=.049), subjective norms of RHB (F=5.31, p=.026), and intention to engage in RHB (F=3.78, p=.016). The effect sizes for attitudes, subjective norms, and intention to engage in RHB ranged from 0.75 (medium) to 1.02 (large) (p<.001) at post-test 1, and those for attitudes and subjective norms of RHB ranged from 0.36 (small) to 0.69 (medium) (p<.001) at post-test 2.Conclusion: The MRHPP was demonstrated to be an effective intervention for promoting reproductive health behavior among male high school students.
Mediating effect of grit on the influence of nurses’ silence behavior on medication safety competence: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kim Haengsuk , Park Wanju
Published: February 2025

Purpose: This study investigated the mediating effect of grit in the relationship between silence behavior and medication safety competence among nurses.Methods: The study included 166 nurses from four university hospitals and general hospitals in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Data were collected from March 1 to 10, 2024, using self-report questionnaires. Data were analyzed using the t-test, analysis of variance, Scheffé’s test, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients with IBM SPSS Statistics ver. 23.0 (IBM Corp.). A mediation analysis was performed using Hayes’s PROCESS macro model 4 and the bootstrapping method.Results: Medication safety competence showed significant correlations with silence behavior (r=–.21, p=.008) and grit (r=.43, p<.001). Furthermore, grit partially mediated the relationship between silence behavior and medication safety competence.Conclusion: This study indicates that grit is a significant mediator in the relationship between silence behavior and medication safety competence. Therefore, an integrated approach that reduces silence behavior and promotes grit is essential for strengthening nurses’ medication safety competence. Ultimately, these strategies will help ensure patient safety by improving medication safety competence.
[Biological risk in agricultural and construction workers: perception, knowledge and prevention measures]
Authors: Tamburro Manuela , Anzelmo Vincenza , Bianco Paolo , Sammarco Michela Lucia , Ripabelli Giancarlo
Published: February 2025

Background: Despite the potential presence in many workplaces, biological risk is little known and largely underestimated, except in healthcare environments. Objectives: To evaluate perception, knowledge and behaviors adopted for protection and prevention of biological risk, related 96 also to the occupational activity, among construction and agricultural workers.Methods: Workers were recruited at farms and construction companies of Molise Region, Central Italy, which were visited within the surveillance activities planned by local institutions. A questionnaire was administered to workers to collect sociodemographic and occupational data, and concerning risk perception and knowledge, and awareness of available prevention measures, also related to the work activity.Results: A total of 143 workers (73.4% males, 42.9$10.7 years old) were interviewed, and 56.6% were construction workers. Only 24% of workers believed that infectious diseases could be frequent and health threatening in carrying out the work activities; half of them declared to be exposed to biological hazards, but 70% were unworried. An underestimation of the severity of some pathologies, such as listeriosis, leptospirosis and viral hepatitis emerged, and only 70% of workers believed that tetanus is highly or very highly dangerous for health. Furthermore, 33% of workers said to have scarce or insufficient knowledge of biological risk, and 97.2%, 80.4% and 45.5% were aware that a vaccine is available for tetanus, hepatitis B and A, respectively. All workers undergone the tetanus vaccination and 39.2% the anti-hepatitis B.Conclusion: Despite the high probability of exposure to biological agents, the results of the survey revealed a lack of perception and knowledge of the risk, as well as a poor awareness of available preventive measures among construction and agricultural workers. These data point out the need to activate information and training programs on exposure to biological agents and on both emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases potentially related to work activities, and to provide prevention procedures specific for these workplaces.
[The role of agent skills in the turnover intentions of nurses]
Authors: De Simone Silvia , Planta Anna , Cicotto Gianfranco
Published: February 2025

Voluntary turnover in the nursing profession is one of the main concerns in hospitals and it requests comprehensive research. This study contributes to explain the reasons related to turnover intention of nurses and provides causes for reflection to improve the working practice. 161 nurses and 13 nursing coordinators, working in the wards of two Italian hospitals, participated in the study. A self-report questionnaire was administered to them in order to analyze the relationship between agentic capacities (self-regulation, anticipation, vicarious learning, self-reflection) and the intentions to leave the ward and the hospital.The data show a negative association between self-regulation and the desire to leave the ward and the hospital, and a positive association between self-reflection and the intention to leave the ward. The results also show that organizational seniority has a negative effect on intentions to leave the ward and the hospital, while professional seniority has a positive effect only on the intention to leave the hospital. Finally, the nursing coordinators perceive to have a greater ability to manage their own emotional states and behavior, to prefigure future events and to learn from their own experience than nurses.The study's results suggest actions and interventions to develop self-regulation of the nursing staff to reduce turnover intentions and improve the quality of the service offered taking into account seniority and professional organization.
Impact of PCSK9 Inhibitors on LDL-C and Non-HDL-C Stratified by Gender: A Real-World Analysis in a Kuwaiti Population
Authors: Shehab Hasan Faisal , Rajan Rajesh , Al Jarallah Mohammed , Dashti Raja , AlSarraf Ahmad , Al-Saber Ahmad , Tse Gary , AlObaid Laura , Lansberg Peter
Published: February 2025

Objective:

Sex differences influence the response of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) to lipid-lowering agents (LLAs). However, the effect of sex on newer medications like proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin-9 inhibitors (PCSK9Is) remains unclear, complicating sex-specific therapies for LDL-C and non-HDL-C targets. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of Kuwaiti patients on LLAs and their LDL-C and non-HDL-C response to maximum tolerated doses of LLAs and PCSK9Is over six months, stratified by sex.

Methods:

Data were collected from patients at the Sabah Al-Ahmad Cardiac Centre’s outpatient clinic from January 2021 to December 2023. Adults (≥18 years) on LLAs for over three months who provided consent were included. Patients on the maximum tolerated doses of LLAs and those on PCSK9Is were stratified into males and females, and their total cholesterol, non-HDL-C, and LDL-C levels were assessed at baseline and at the six-month follow-up.

Results:

Of 116 patients (48.3% male; mean age 50.5±12.8 years), LDL-C and non-HDL-C levels were similar between sexes at baseline. After six months, LLAs showed a median LDL-C reduction of 26% (p < 0.001). Men achieved better LDL-C levels (1.5 vs. 2.6 mmol/L, p < 0.001) and reached more treatment targets than women. PCSK9Is (alirocumab and evolocumab) significantly reduced LDL-C and non-HDL-C, with stronger responses in men (LDL-C: 1.3 vs. 2.5 mmol/L, p < 0.001; non-HDL-C: 2.2 vs. 3.4 mmol/L, p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

LLAs and PCSK9Is effectively lower LDL-C and non-HDL-C, but men show better outcomes, suggesting the need for sex-specific treatment strategies.
Putrescine can inhibit germinal center B cell differentiation by inducing reactive oxygen species generation
Authors: Zhang Yuqiang , Cong Peijia , Wang Bin , Lian Haifeng , Zhou Yuming
Published: February 2025

Polyamine synthesis and abnormal regulation of B cell differentiation occur concurrently in various diseases. We investigated whether putrescine could suppress germinal center B cell (GCB) differentiation by inducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The results of flow cytometry analysis revealed that putrescine did not affect B cell apoptosis and cell cycle. The results of RT-qPCR and western blotting revealed that putrescine could inhibit CD79a phosphorylation rather than total expression. Using an O2K high-resolution respirometer, we illustrated that putrescine increased the oxygen consumption rate in the basal mitochondrial respiration stage, ATP-coupled respiration stage, and maximum respiration stage. Similarly, it also elevated ROS generation across stages in B cells and reduced the proportion of GCB cells. Meanwhile, ROS scavenging by SOD could reverse such inhibitory effects on GCB cells. We concluded that putrescine could inhibit the differentiation of GCB cells by reducing CD79a phosphorylation and increasing ROS levels in GCB cells.
Adherence to the WHO Guidelines on Suicide Reporting: A Content Analysis from Bengaluru, India
Authors: Vimala Lekshmi , Rathinam Bharath , Mendon Gurucharan B , Bakka Ashok Kumar , Rani Akanksha , Pandian R. Dhanasekara , Loganathan Santosh , Rego Richard , Cherian Anish V.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Media, with its power to influence the masses, is found to have an impact on how the readers perceive suicide, and evidence suggest that suicidal behavior is contagious. However, studies have shown that it is possible to intervene by implementing media guidelines for suicide reporting. Unfortunately, the guidelines are mostly not being adhered to by the media. The current study attempts to assess if there has been any change in reporting after the Press Council of India issued guidelines on suicide reporting in 2019.

Methodology:

Content analysis of the newspaper articles reporting on suicide was done for 3 months (October 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019). Nineteen newspapers published in Bengaluru, Karnataka, were selected for the study based on the language and readership. These included six English, five Kannada, two Malayalam, two Hindi, two Tamil, and two Telugu newspapers. A total of 1198 reports were found and analyzed.

Results:

The study found that the majority of the reports did not adhere to the guidelines. It was observed that the news reports on suicide mostly resorted to sensationalization. Majority of the reports portrayed suicide in a harmful manner by mentioning the suicide method and the site in detail and focused on monocausal explanations. The significant connection between suicide and mental illness was also overlooked.

Conclusion:

Irresponsible reporting of suicide creates risks for the public and collaborative efforts should be designed to decrease the negative impact media can have on suicide prevention initiatives.
Psychosocial Determinants of Depression in Women: A Narrative Review
Authors: Aneja Jitender , Kaur Sharanjot
Published: February 2025

Depressive disorders are highly prevalent worldwide and contribute a major chunk to the disease burden. It is estimated to become the leading cause of disability-adjusted life years by the end of this decade. Women are at two times increased risk of suffering from depression in comparison to men. This narrative review focuses on various psychosocial factors which have been shown to be the determinants of depressive disorders among women. Although the etiology of specific forms of depression, i.e. premenstrual dysphoric disorders, depression during pregnancy, and postpartum and perimenopausal period is not known, these contribute to an increased prevalence of depression among women. There is contradicting evidence for the role of sociodemographic factors and depression among women with similar rates in high-, low-, and middle-income group countries. Unstable marital relationship, low educational status, and unplanned pregnancies are associated with depression. High interpersonal sensitivity, internalizing personality traits, low self-esteem, and poor coping styles predispose women to depressive disorders. The burden of undertaking multiple roles, poor social support, stressful life events, intimate partner violence, physical pregnancy-related complications, and gender biases are often associated with an increased risk of depression among women. Hence, an emphasis must be laid on the early detection of depressive symptoms, evaluation of psychosocial factors, and managing symptoms linked to the reproductive cycle of women. Comprehensive management of depression among women shall comprise public awareness and education, screening for depressive symptoms, addressing psychological and social factors, tailoring pharmacotherapy, and provision of cost-effective culturally appropriate psychological interventions.
An audit of 12 cases of long COVID following the lightning process intervention examining benefits and harms
Authors: Arroll Bruce , Moir Fiona , Jenkins Eloise , Menkes David Benjamin
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

To audit the outcomes of patients with long COVID after the lightning process intervention. Retrospective cross-sectional audit. Patients with long COVID were interviewed through telephone regarding their experience and response to the lightning process. Physical, emotional, and overall quality of life; perceived harms of the intervention. None of the 12 participants reported harm from the intervention. 11/12 participants reported being 85% back to normal or more; 8/12 described achieving 85% or greater satisfaction with their emotional, physical, and overall quality of life. 10/12 of the participants reported having heard negative comments about the lightning process but had nonetheless gone ahead with the treatment. This study suggests that the lightning process is a promising and safe intervention for symptoms of long COVID. Primary care clinicians can refer patients for treatment with a high chance of benefit without fear of harm. Randomized, controlled trials are indicated.
Decoding the role of serum cholinesterase among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at RIMS, Ranchi – A hospital-based study
Authors: Saha Avijit , Kumari Abha , Kumar Santosh , Kumar Abhay , Munni Chandrakanta
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACT

Introduction:

Diabetes mellitus (DM) type 2 is a group of conditions which is defined by persistent hyperglycemia along with various metabolic disturbances in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. This condition is characterized by variable levels of insulin resistance, impaired insulin secretion, and elevated glucose production. There are various complications like cardiovascular diseases, neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy which are associated with type 2 DM (T2DM). Serum cholinesterase (ChE) is an alpha glycoprotein enzyme which is formed in the liver and associated with various chronic inflammatory conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. So, we want to evaluate the correlation between serum cholinesterase concentrations in T2DM and also to evaluate the utility of serum cholinesterase as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in T2DM.

Material and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 176 participants, divided into two groups: 88 patients diagnosed with T2DM and 88 nondiabetic individuals matched for age and sex who attended at OPD and IPD of Medicine department of RIMS, Ranchi. The height and weight are taken, BMIs are calculated, and blood pressures are recorded. Blood samples are collected from all participants to measure serum cholinesterase levels; FBS, PPBS, HbA1c, serum urea, creatinine, lipid profile, thyroid profile, liver function tests (total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase), and urine protein creatinine ratio are assessed.

Results and Discussion:

The activity of serum cholinesterase raised in T2DM compared to the nondiabetic group. The cholinesterase levels in the diabetic group revealed 9272.18 ± 3062.92, median 9661.65, and in nondiabetics, it was 3504.93 ± 1520.74, median 3267.50, with a P value of < 0.001, which is statistically significant. Our study showed a positive correlation between serum cholinesterase and HbA1c with a correlation coefficient of 0.357 and a P value of 0.001, which is statistically significant. There is also a statistically significant correlation found between serum cholinesterase and serum triglyceride and also between serum cholinesterase and very low-density lipoprotein. But in our study, we have found that there is no statistical significant correlation between serum cholinesterase and overweight (BMI ≥ 25.0). The ROC plot analysis in this study demonstrates the higher diagnostic accuracy, 89.77, of serum cholinesterase with a sensitivity of 96.59 and a specificity of 82.95.

Conclusion:

So, serum cholinesterase concentrations are significantly increased in patients with T2DM and are also associated with poor glycemic control with increased insulin resistance. These study findings demonstrate the potential of serum cholinesterase as a biomarker to monitor the disease progression and its therapeutic effectiveness for interventions in T2DM.
Prognostic markers and molecular pathways in primary colorectal cancer with a high potential of liver metastases: a systems biology approach
Authors: Bahramibanan Fatemeh , Taherkhani Amir , Najafi Rezvan , Alizadeh Neda , Ghadimipour Hamidreza , Barati Nastaran , Derakhshandeh Katayoun , Soleimani Meysam
Published: February 2025

Background and purpose:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) holds the position of being the third most prevalent cancer and the second primary cause of cancer-related fatalities on a global scale. Approximately 65% of CRC patients survive for 5 years following diagnosis. Metastasis and recurrence frequently occur in half of CRC patients diagnosed at the late stage. This study used bioinformatics analysis to identify key signaling pathways, hub genes, transcription factors, and protein kinases involved in transforming primary CRC with liver metastasis potential. Prognostic markers in CRC were also identified.

Experimental approach:

The GSE81582 dataset was re-analyzed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in early CRC compared to non-tumoral tissues. A protein interaction network (PIN) was constructed, revealing significant modules and hub genes. Prognostic markers, transcription factors, and protein kinases were determined. Boxplot and gene set enrichment analyses were performed.

Findings/Results:

This study identified 1113 DEGs in primary CRC compared to healthy controls. PIN analysis revealed 75 hub genes and 8 significant clusters associated with early CRC. The down-regulation of SUCLG2 and KPNA2 correlated with poor prognosis. SIN3A and CDK6 played crucial roles in early CRC transformation, affecting rRNA processing pathways.

Conclusion and implications:

This study demonstrated several pathways, biological processes, and genes mediating the malignant transformation of healthy colorectal tissues to primary CRC and may help the prognosis and treatment of patients with early CRC.
A novel hybrid approach to overcome defects of CE-SELEX and cell-SELEX in developing aptamers against aspartate β-hydroxylase
Authors: Bakhtiari Hadi , Naghoosi Hamed , Sattari Sina , Vahidi Mahmoud , Khomartash Mehdi Shakouri , Faridfar Ali , Rajaeinejad Mohsen , Nikandish Mohsen
Published: February 2025

Background and purpose:

Aptamers, a new category of molecular probes, are overthrowing antibodies in molecular diagnostics. However, there are serious problems with using aptamers for this application including poor or non-specific binding in vivo conditions. Systematic evolution of aptamers is achieved through various approaches including CE-SELEX and Cell-SELEX, each suffering its inevitable weaknesses. The shortcomings of negative selection and the lengthy procedure are Cell-SELEX’s main problems, while CE-SELEX is deprived of native targets. Here, we introduced a kind of hybrid CE-Cell-SELEX, named CEC hybrid-SELEX, for addressing these limitations in creating aptamer probes detecting human aspartate β-hydroxylase (ASPH), which is a well-established tumor biomarker, in cancer diagnostic investigations.

Experimental approach:

In our approach, the selected oligomer pool from the last cycle of CE-SELEX was sequenced and then subjected to 3 additional rounds of Cell-SELEX which provides native ASPH (CEC hybrid-SELEX). High-throughput sequencing was applied to achieve a comprehensive sight of the enriched pools. Further confirmatory investigations on oligomers with higher copy numbers were performed using flow cytometry.

Findings/Results:

Three selected oligomers, AP-CEC 1, AP-CEC 2, and AP-CEC 3, showing Kd values of 43.09 nM, 34.85 nM, and 35.92 nM, respectively, were achieved based on the affinity assessment of the ASPH-expressing cells.

Conclusion and implications:

Our research suggested that CEC hybrid-SELEX could help recognize which oligomers from CE-SELEX are more capable of binding native ASPH in vivo.
The Adverse Impact of Waterpipe Dependence on Emotions: The Obesity Factor
Authors: Alomari Mahmoud A. , Khabour Omar F. , Bani-Ahmed Ali Ahmed
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

Obesity and tobacco, including waterpipe smoking, are associated with diminished emotional well-being. Although concurrent obesity and waterpipe smoking consumption have been reported, the combined effect of these lifestyle components on emotional well-being is unknown. Therefore, the current study compared the positive and negative emotions in adults with waterpipe dependency and obesity.

Methods:

The study was cross-sectional (n = 691) and conducted between July 2022 and February 2023 using a convenient sampling procedure. Waterpipe dependency was measured using the Lebanese Waterpipe Dependency Scale, whereas obesity was estimated using the calculated body mass index (BMI). The Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) was used to obtain emotions. BMI-stratified one-way ANCOVA was used for statistical analysis.

Results:

Revealed a main effect of waterpipe dependency among the overly obese individuals for both positive and negative PANAS scores (P < 0.05). Post hoc analysis showed lower positive PANAS scores in the heavy versus the none, mild, and moderate waterpipe dependency groups (P < 0.05). In addition, a greater negative PANAS score in the heavy versus none and mild groups (P < 0.01) and in the moderate versus mild (P < 0.05) dependency group. Finally, the BMI-stratified one-way ANCOVA revealed no main effect of waterpipe dependency among the rest of the BMI groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

The results suggest that dependency on waterpipe smoking was associated with lower positive emotions and greater negative emotions, especially among overly obese individuals. Programs to restrain waterpipe and manage obesity are needed, especially when both are concurrently present.
R-UNET: Improving performance of rumex detection using unet based selective regions
Authors: Nazal Saleh , Al-Dulaimi Khamael
Published: February 2025

In particular, Rumex weed detection is regarded as a crucial step in real-world data under many circumstances. The detection task suffers from several issues, such as overlapping weeds, occlusion, varying leaf colour distributions, leaf size and shape, and growth stage. Many machine learning techniques have been proposed to detect weeds in plants. These techniques suffer from locating weed with precise bounding boxes because they may contain multiple bounding boxes in a certain region. Researchers have used the R-CNN based weed identification system, but it continues to have a low detection rate because of the issues mentioned above. In order to detect Rumex weeds under various conditions, particularly overlapping, occlusion, and size, as well as containing multiple bounding boxes, this paper is developed the R-CNN model by using UNet instead of the CNN model to become R-UNet. The proposed model is used due to its novelty of using a UNet classifier with selective regions which boosts the detection capabilities by extracting the most helpful features more effectively than the CNN network. The proposed method uses Intersection over Union (IoU) to assess the detection rate using real-world data. We compare and benchmark the evaluation of the detection performance of this work with different models, including Single-Shot Detector (SSD), hybrid CNNs, AlexNet, and adapted NMS methods. The proposed model yields the highest IoU values compared with other methods.
Physicochemical Characterization of Gum Isolated from Sterculia setigera for Potential Application as Pharmaceutical Excipient in Tablet Formulations
Authors: Limenh Liknaw Workie , Demeke Chilot Abiyu , Birhanu Gebremariam , Selam Muluken Nigatu , Belete Anteneh
Published: February 2025

Sterculia setigera gum, also known as gum karaya, is a vegetable gum produced as an exudate. No teratogenic and mutagenic effects  were reported from gum karaya toxicity studies. The aim of this study was to extract the gum fraction of S. setigera and to characterize its  properties for potential application in pharmaceutical formulations. The colour of the extracted powder was grayish white, and its loss  on drying was 1.2 ± 0.7%, which showed its suitability for formulating stable tablets, especially for moisture-sensitive drugs. The total ash value of S. setigera gum was 6.98 ± 0.41%, which was within the British Pharmacopeia specification. The solubility determination of S.  setigera gum showed that it was sparingly soluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents, but soluble in 1:1 hydroalcoholic mixtures of  ethanol and water or methanol and water. The swelling ratio was high, which increases with temperature. Scanning electron  microscope images showed irregularly shaped (near to triangular), non-spherical, and of varying sized particles. Moisture sorption  increased with increased relative humidity (RH) ranging from 0.40 ± 0.32% at 20% RH to 3.13 ± 0.24% at 100% RH. The Carr’s Index (25.00  ± 0.65) and Hausner Ratio (1.33 ± 0.14) values showed passable flow properties of the gum powder. The DSC and X-ray diffraction studies  showed the amorphous nature of the gum. The findings of this study showed that S. setigera gum’s physicochemical properties were within pharmacopoeial specifications and showed its potential applications as a pharmaceutical excipient such as a binder or a sustained  release excipient in tablet formulations.
Atypical Antipsychotics Medication Side Effects and its Associated Factors among Patients with Schizophrenia at Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Beyene Melak Gedamu , Teferra Solomon , Fenta Teferi Gedif
Published: February 2025

Schizophrenia is a severe, common mental disorder that affects around 1% of the world population. The use of atypical antipsychotics has  substantially increased in recent years. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of atypical antipsychotic medication side  effects and its associated factors. Cross-sectional study was conducted from 3 October 2022 to 31 August 2023. An ordinal logistic  regression model was used and the analysis was done using SPSS version 25. P-value less than 0.05 was deemed statistically significant. A total of 271 patients were included for analysis. The majority of patients reported they experienced absent/ mild side effects, 200 (73.8%).  The most common side effects reported were extrapyramidal side effects (136, 50.2%) and sedation and central nervous system side  effects (125, 46.1%). Individuals who underwent a medication switch (adjusted odds ratio, 2.6; CI: 1.357, 5.074; p = 0.004) and substance  use were experiencing higher levels of severe side effects (adjusted odds ratio, 1.9; CI: 1.027, 3.538; p = 0.041). Additionally, the odds of  experiencing higher side effects among patients with comorbidity was 4.1 times higher than without comorbidity (adjusted odds ratio,  4.1; CI: 1.261, 13.496; p = 0.019). Similarly, age (adjusted odds ratio, 0.96, CI: 0.923, 0.992; p = 0.018) and total score of positive and  negative syndrome scale (adjusted odds ratio, 1.01, CI: 1.003, 1.020; p = 0.011) were predictors of side effects. Overall, antipsychotic  medication side effects were prevalent. The most common were extrapyramidal side effects, anticholinergic side effects, sedations, and  central nervous system side effects. Clinicians should discuss treatment options and associated side effects with patients before initiating  therapy and explore strategies to reduce and manage side effects.