bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DURATION AND REGULARITY OF MENSTRUAL CYCLE WITH PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA IN ADOLESCENTS
Authors: Zairina Risda , Utomo Budi
Published: April 2023

Background: For women who have experienced menstruation, some common problems can occur such as pain during menstruation or disturbances in the menstrual cycle. The high prevalence of primary dysmenorrhea requires appropriate prevention and treatment efforts by recognizing the risk factors for primary dysmenorrhea, one of which is an abnormal menstrual cycle. Based on the existing literature, this study aims to examine the relationship between the length and regularity of the menstrual cycle with the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea. Method: This type of research is quantitative with cross sectional design. The minimum number of samples used is 57 people who are determined by the simple random sampling technique. The data collection instrument in this study was a questionnaire in the form of a Google form. The independent variables in this study were the length and regularity of menstrual cycle and the dependent variable was primary dysmenorrhea. The statistical tests used were Spearman Rank and Exact Fisher's Test with a significance value (P) = 0.05 to determine the level of significance of the research results. Results: Based on the results of the Spearman Rank statistical test, a significance value of 0.3 was obtained where the value of Sig.(2-tailed) > 0.05, so it was concluded that there was no relationship between the length of the menstrual cycle and the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea. The results of the Exact Fisher's Test obtained a significance value of 0.034 where the value of Sig.(2-sided) <0.05, it was concluded that there was a significant relationship between the regularity of the menstrual cycle and the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea. Conclusion: There is no relationship between the length of the menstrual cycle and the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea and there is a relationship between the regularity of the menstrual cycle and the incidence of primary dysmenorrhea.
Key words : menstrual cycle, primary dysmenorrhea, adolescents
OUTCOME OF MONKEYPOX INFECTION IN GRAVIDA: A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Salsabila Rahma Nurani Putri  , James Kevin Alfedo  , Reny I'tishom
Published: April 2023

Monkeypox is a smallpox-like disease which is an important globally emerging infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus. WHO declared monkeypox a public health emergency on 23 July 2022. Most research on monkeypox infection in humans has not included pregnant people. However, previous studies in pregnancy on the outcome of infection with smallpox viruses belonging to the Poxviridae family have reported high mortality rates. This literature review aims to determine the effects of monkey pox on pregnancy. Methods: Writing literature reviews is done by searching the Pubmed, Sciencedirect, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. A literature search was carried out using the keywords "outcome", "monkeypox", and "pregnancy". Searches using these keywords are limited to 2014 – 2023 (the last 10 years) and then screening according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: A total of three included literature were reviewed using a qualitative descriptive method. The three literatures reinforce each other
by finding signs and symptoms of monkeypox in neonates, besides that there are also pregnant women who experience miscarriages. However, there is one literature which states that there is no monkeypox transmission from pregnant women with monkeypox to neonates. Conclusion: The findings from this literature review indicate that the impact of monkeypox on pregnancy is closely associated with a high risk of miscarriage, intrauterine fetal death, vertical transmission, and complaints in pregnant women due to monkeypox infection. Health workers are advised to be more alert to monkeypox cases in pregnancy due to the relatively high risk of fetal death in pregnant women in endemic areas and during monkeypox epidemics.
Operative technique for a combined transcaruncular-transconjunctival approach to double-walled orbital fractures
Authors: Soliman Luke B. , Lerner Julia L. , Gong Jung Ho , Paiva Marcelo , Sobti Nikhil , Rao Vinay , Woo Albert S.
Published: April 2023

Double-walled orbital fractures involving the floor and medial wall are commonly encountered in instances of significant midface trauma. Operative intervention is indicated in the presence of persistent diplopia, significant enophthalmos, or muscle entrapment. Surgical repair of these injuries may be challenging due to large fracture sizes or loss of bony supports. The transconjunctival and transcaruncular approaches have been popularized to reconstruct isolated floor and medial wall fractures, respectively. However, surgical approaches for fractures involving both these walls have not been well described in the literature. In this technical note, we detail a combined transcaruncular-transconjunctival approach that is safe, effective, and aesthetically sensitive.
Telemonitoring in hypertension management for patients with chronic kidney disease: a narrative review
Authors: Okpechi Ikechi G. , Ringrose Jennifer , Padwal Raj , Bello Aminu K.
Published: April 2023

Hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular disease worldwide and a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Systolic Blood pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) demonstrated that blood pressure (BP) measurement techniques may have an impact on the achievement of outcomes. Home BP monitoring (HBPM) has several advantages over office BP recordings, including avoidance of white-coat reaction, ability to diagnose white-coat and masked hypertension, detection of BP variability, and better ability to predict cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, all of which commonly occur in CKD. The addition of telemonitoring and management support to HBPM allows remote monitoring, especially when close contact is difficult (e.g., patients in remote/rural areas, pandemic, natural disaster, or patients treated with home dialysis). Although there are few studies that have assessed the efficacy of home BP telemonitoring (HBPT) in patients with CKD, these studies suggest the benefits of HBPT for BP control and even limited evidence that it may improve kidney function. This review, using limited available evidence, assesses the roles of HBPT in patients with CKD, barriers to HBPT implementation in the care of patients with CKD, and discusses newer technologies that can be leveraged in the management of hypertension in patients with CKD.
Improving the Accuracy of the Deep Energy Method
Authors: Chadha Charul , He Junyan , Abueidda Diab , Koric Seid , Guleryuz Erman , Jasiuk Iwona
Published: April 2023

The deep energy method (DEM), a type of physics-informed neural network, is evolving as an alternative to finite element analysis. This method employs the principle of minimum potential energy to predict deformations under static loading conditions. However, the model’s accuracy is contingent upon choosing the appropriate architecture for the model, which can be challenging due to the high interactions between hyperparameters, large search space, difficulty in identifying objective functions, and non-convex relationships with the objective functions. To improve DEM’s accuracy, we first introduce random Fourier feature (RFF) mapping. RFF mapping helps with the training of the model by reducing bias towards high frequencies. The effects of six hyperparameters are then studied under compression, tension, and bending loads in planar linear elasticity. Based on this study, a systematic automated hyperparameter optimization approach is proposed. Due to the high interaction between hyperparameters and the non-convex nature of the optimization problem, Bayesian optimization algorithms are used. The models trained using optimized hyperparameters and having Fourier feature mapping can accurately predict deflections compared to finite element analysis. Additionally, the deflections obtained for tension and compression load cases are more sensitive to variations in hyperparameters than bending.
An Issue in Einstein’s Concept of Time
Authors: Niemz Markolf H. , Stein Siegfried W.
Published: April 2023

Today’s concept of time is based on Einstein’s theories of special (SR) and general relativity (GR). Many physicists anticipate that GR has an issue since it is not compatible with quantum mechanics. Here we show: SR and GR work well for each observer describing his unique reality, but “Einstein time” (Einstein’s concept of time) has an issue. It arranges all events in the universe in a 1D line on my watch, yet neither cosmology nor quantum mechanics care about my watch. Einstein time hides the big picture! In Euclidean relativity (ER), we replace egocentric Einstein time (proper time of one observer) with universal Euclidean time (proper time of all objects/observers). It originates from an absolute point O (Big Bang). In Euclidean spacetime (ES), all energy is moving radially away from O at the speed c. For each object, time flows in a unique 4D direction related to its position. Einstein time makes us believe that time would flow in one direction for all objects in the universe. Unlike other ER models, we claim that an observer’s reality is only created by projecting ES orthogonally to his proper 3D space and to his proper flow of time. ER gives us the same Lorentz factor as in SR and the same gravitational time dilation as in GR, but now we learn that they stem from a projection. ER outperforms SR in explaining time’s arrow and mc2. ER outperforms a GR-based cosmology in solving competing Hubble constants and declaring cosmic inflation, expansion of space, and dark energy redundant. Most important, ER is compatible with quantum mechanics: It solves the wave–particle duality and quantum entanglement while declaring non-locality redundant.
Extrinsic Quaternion Spin
Authors: Sanctuary Bryan
Published: April 2023

We present an analysis of the Dirac equation when the spin symmetry is changed from SU(2) to the quaternion group, $Q_8$, afforded by multiplying one of the $\gamma$-matrices by the imaginary number $i$. The reason for doing this is to introduce a bivector into the spin algebra. The resulting spin equation separates into distinct and complementary spaces, one describing polarization and the other coherence. The former describes a 2D structured spin and the latter its helicity, generated by a unit quaternion. We discuss some consequences.
Evidence-Based Cosmology: Black holes as rejuvenating systems of the universe
Authors: Šorli Srecko , Gorjup Rado
Published: April 2023

A bijective analysis is confirming, the expansion of universal space has never been directly observed, and this assumption is unproven thus far. The measurement of the gravitational redshift, which was confirmed using the Mossbauer experiment, proves only the gravitational redshift and nothing more because there is no causality between the gravitational redshift and hypothetical expansion. Thus, even if the universal space is assumed to expand, the gravitational redshift cannot be assumed to be proof of the expansion. In addition, the Doppler effect was never observed in an expanding space; thus, the claim that the cosmological redshift is partially caused by the Doppler effect, which is caused by the expansion of space, is an unproven assumption. Furthermore, the discovery of cosmic microwave background (CMB) radiation simply proves that the radiation is emitted by the entire universal space, but does not prove the existence of a recombination period. In evidence-based cosmology, every element in the model has a corresponding element in physical reality that is observed and measured. The evidence-based cosmology model is related to the real universe by a bijective function of set theory. Supermassive black holes in the centre of galaxies are rejuvenating systems of the universe. They rotate their local superfluid space which is the physical origin of galactic rotation curves.
Shear Thickening Fluids in Cork Agglomerates: An Exploration of Advantages and Drawbacks
Authors: Antunes e Sousa Guilherme J , Rocha Ana Rita , Serra Gabriel F , Fernandes Fábio A. O. , Alves de Sousa Ricardo J
Published: April 2023

Shear thickening fluids (STF) are a class of fluids whose viscosity increases considerably when subjected to an external load. The study of these fluids has developed significantly in recent years regarding potential applications in engineering like the development of impact energy absorbing composites.
Following green agendas pushed by governments and legislators, this work explores the use of STF combined with other sustainable material. Cork is a natural cellular material with a negative carbon footprint and excellent energy absorption capabilities.
Cork agglomerates were produced with different concentrations of STF material. Particularly, the mixtures studied are homogeneous, in contrast with other works in literature. An experimental campaign was performed in quasi-static and dynamic cases to establish the different mechanical responses.
It can be concluded that STF plays a role in the mechanical behaviour of cork agglomerates, by simultaneously providing gentler deceleration rates while dispersing more energy through disaggregation mechanisms.
Energy Reductions Are Incompatible With Economic Growth
Authors: Moriarty Patrick , Honnery Damon
Published: April 2023

Our planet faces several serious and urgent challenges to sustainability, not just climate change. Most researchers argue that technological solutions can solve these problems. This review paper first examines the prospects for decoupling environmental damages in general from economic growth, considered at the global level, then looks at whether the recent advances in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can help. It is argued that although absolute decoupling might have occurred in some countries, even after accounting for energy-intensive imports, it has not occurred at the global level, which is the relevant level for global sustainability problems. This conclusion is strengthened by the very high correlation over the past three decades found between GDP and several parameters relevant for sustainability, particularly for atmospheric CO2 ppm and ecological footprint as a function of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). ICT innovations relevant to energy use include smart grids and smart cities, especially smart urban transport. A review of recently published papers shows no definite findings of energy or carbon reduction, although some innovations show energy/carbon reduction potential, if given strong policy support. However, the needed policies could well give marked reductions even without ICT approaches. Overall, it is concluded that Earth’s sustainability challenges will necessitate deep energy reductions, which in turn require profound sociopolitical changes.
NIRS Methodology for Quantifying Dry Matter Variability in Hass Avocado Fruit
Authors: Rodríguez Pablo , Villamizar Jairo , Londoño Luis , Tran Thierry , Davrieux Fabrice
Published: April 2023

Knowing, with reasonable accuracy, the dry matter (DM) content of Hass avocado fruit will help determine when the fruit must be harvested. The reliability of predictive models based on near infrared spectra for DM quantification depends on the ability of the spectra to be representative of the DM gradient within a whole fruit. The aim of this work was to develop a methodology to determine the optimum number of spectra to develop a robust model for DM content quantification. Three spectra were recorded for each zone of the intact fruit: peduncle, equator, and base. Each scanning point was sampled, and the DM content was determined using oven drying. Two-way ANOVA confirmed the DM gradient within the whole fruit. This gradient was observed within spectra using the RMS (root mean square) criterion and PCA. The PLS models showed that at least one spectrum per zone could be enough to construct an efficient and robust model for dry matter quantification.
PSI-mediated Vacuolar Sorting is not Disrupted in Arabidopsis leb-2 Mutant
Authors: Cardoso Tatiana , Sampaio Miguel , Neves João , Oliveira Sofia , Moura Inês , Séneca Ana , Pissarra José , Pereira Susana , Pereira Cláudia
Published: April 2023

The endomembrane system in plant cells enables the cell to manage and coordinate a variety of membranous compartments so that they and their contents arrive at the right location. The secretory pathway takes part in this complex network and has its gateway at the Endoplasmic Reticulum. Therefore, alterations at the Endoplasmic reticulum level could condition how protein trafficking takes place or, at least, influence how such cargo leaves this organelle. With this work, we intended to assess how abnormalities at the Endoplasmic Reticulum would interfere with protein sorting and trafficking. Thus, we used a novel Arabidopsis mutant - leb-2 GFP-h -, presenting ER morphology alterations. Our results show that alterations in the leb-2 GFP-h mutant did not disrupt PSI A/B–mCherry transport to the vacuole but influences the expression of endogenous aspartic proteinases. Furthermore, the study of key-endomembrane genes expression revealed an upregulation of the SNAREs AtVAMP722 and AtVAMP723. As a whole, the leb-2 mutant seems not to interfere with vacuolar routes but may be implicated in secretion events.
Engineering Adenoviral Vectors With Improved GBM Selectivity
Authors: Bates Emily A , Lovatt Charlotte , Plein Alice R , Davies James A , Siebzehnrubl Florian A. , Parker Alan L
Published: April 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive adult brain cancer with an average survival rate of around 15 months in patients receiving standard treatment. Oncolytic adenovirus expressing therapeutic transgenes represent a promising alternative treatment for GBM. Of the many human adenoviral serotypes described to date, adenovirus 5 (Ad5) has been most utilized clinically and experimentally. However, the use of Ad5 as an anti-cancer agent may be hampered by naturally high seroprevalence rates to Ad5 coupled with infection of healthy cells via native receptors. To explore whether alternative natural adenoviral tropisms are better suited to GBM therapeutics, we pseudotyped an Ad5 based platform with the fiber knob protein from alternative serotypes. We demonstrate that the adenoviral entry receptors coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) and CD46 are highly expressed by both GBM and healthy brain tissue, whereas Desmoglein 2 (DSG2) is expressed at low level in GBM. We demonstrate that adenoviral pseudotypes, engaging CAR, CD46 and DSG2, effectively transduce GBM cells. However, the presence of these receptors on non-transformed cells presents the possibility of off-target effects and therapeutic transgene expression in healthy cells. To enhance specificity of transgene expression to GBM, we assessed the potential for tumour specific promoters hTERT and survivin to drive reporter gene expression selectively in GBM cell lines. We demonstrate tightly GBM specific transgene expression using these constructs, indicating that the combination of pseudotyping and tumour specific promoters approaches may enable the development of efficacious therapies better suited to GBM.
Acetabular Component Removal Systems
Authors: Njoku Innocent , Surace Peter , Piuzzi Nicolas S. , Deren Matthew E.
Published: April 2023

» As primary total hip arthroplasty procedures continue to rise, acetabular revision surgery will be in increasing demand.

» Treatment of acetabular component failure and associated bone defects depends on patient characteristics, the degree and location of bone loss, the ability of the columns to support biologic fixation, and the presence of pelvic discontinuity.

» In revision total hip arthroplasty, technological advances have been made to address limitations of acetabular cup removal while preserving host bone stock.

» The goal of acetabular revision reconstruction should be to obtain stable fixation and restore the hip center. The various acetabular cup removal systems are discussed.
Employment, work abroad and bilingual education: Spanish bilinguals graduates’ self-perceived employability, mobility and intercultural competence
Authors: Palacios-Hidalgo Francisco Javier , Gómez-Parra María Elena , Espejo-Mohedano Roberto , Huertas-Abril Cristina A.
Published: April 2023

Bilingual programs have become more common in higher education around the world in an attempt to provide learners with the education they need to face today’s world. These programs can provide academic, linguistic, intercultural, and professional benefits to students. Consequently, countries like Spain have developed bilingual education to help students become proficient in foreign languages and develop essential competences for their professional futures. Research has analysed how Spanish bilingual education is implemented, and how teachers are trained. However, few studies examine how bilingual programs impact graduates’ employability, mobility, and intercultural awareness, and how graduates perceive their skill development. Moreover, little has been studied about bilingual graduates’ work situation and whether participating in these programs has helped them find work abroad. This paper analyses whether a combination of participation in Spanish bilingual programs, employment, and experiences working abroad affects bilingual education graduates’ self-perceived employability, mobility, and intercultural awareness. This study adopts a quantitative approach, in which 741 respondents participated. Findings show that bilingual graduates who are currently working have higher self-perceived employability and better perceptions of their mobility and employability competences than those who followed monolingual studies, even when they have not worked abroad.
Metaboverse data analysis
Authors: Berg Jordan A.
Published: April 2023

The following protocol describes how to use the Metaboverse software. Metaboverse allows for the interactive and automated exploration of metabolic pathways and interesting patterns that emerge in the network, integrating transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics data and more. This protocol is adapted from the official Metaboverse documentation, available at: https://metaboverse.readthedocs.io/en/latest/content/walkthrough.html.
Neural Networks and Deep learning approach to predict the Tool life during turning of Nimonic C-263 Alloy
Authors: Sen Samgeeth , Ottakath Ferin Majeed , Gajjela Rajyalakshmi , A Deepa , Selvi Chemmalar
Published: April 2023

In the manufacturing industry, tool wear prediction is critical for increased productivity and product quality. The focus of this study is to compare the results obtained via an artificial neural network (ANN) models for tool wear prediction on machining a nickel based super alloy: Nimonic C-263 alloy with other prediction method and the effects different parameters have on the efficiency of prediction. In this study, flank wear area (in micron2) is used as the wear indication variable during machining since it influences the precision, stability, and reliability of the machine, whereas cutting speed, feed, and depth of cut are used as input factors. Other variables include cutting force, temperature and MRR. The experimentally determined values will be utilised to train an artificial neural network (ANN) for tool wear prediction. To minimise extraneous variables, correlations between the parameters and wear are determined. The ANN model's error of forecasted response values is compared to other models such as linear regression, as well as prediction values without the elimination of variables. A GUI will also be created that lets the user input the necessary parameters to trained neural network model which then predicts the flank wear area. Results indicate that eliminating parameters resulted in reduction of prediction error (from 11–8%) and also it was found that ANN produced better results than linear regression, decision tree and random forest. Hence, more precise estimation of tool wear can be performed in a lesser time-frame. Number of experimental trials had to be limited due to unfavourable circumstances. The dataset size had been increased by assuming linearity between two results. However, this is justified as the objective is to compare prediction accuracies before and after elimination of variables after a correlation study.
Smart City Emergency Management System design Based on the Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence Algorithms
Authors: Wang Xingpeng , Cui Mingjia
Published: April 2023

The urban emergency management system is very necessary for the construction of a modern city, and it is also an urgent issue faced by the city government managers. Based on the basic theory of urban emergency management, a comprehensive analysis of the successful experience and shortcomings of urban construction and use of emergency management systems at home and abroad is carried out. The purpose, scope and related factors of the urban emergency management system are analyzed in this paper. The working model is detailed. On this basis, this article proposes a framework for urban emergency management system, which is based on a three-dimensional cube structure, and builds a corresponding management system based on this structure. This will be a very important practical application to provide a network of real-time monitoring and operating data systems on the Internet. Provide efficient and practical multi-sensor data fusion algorithm. In order to provide a convenient set of middleware architecture and components, this is the link that connects and manages the sensing layer and advanced application systems, allowing users to apply the data collected by the sensing layer to business processes.
Red Blood Cell DNA Capture and Delivery Drives Host Responses During Polymicrobial Sepsis
Authors: Lam Long Kwan , Cosgriff Christopher , McGinnis John , Eckart Kaitlyn , Klingensmith Nathan , Lanza Matthew , Yehya Nadir , Meyer Nuala , Mangalmurti Nilam
Published: April 2023

Nucleic acid sensing is an essential function of the immune system critical for detecting infection and sterile injury. Red blood cells (RBCs) express the DNA-sensing receptor TLR9 and detect excess CpG-DNA during pathologic states, triggering rapid clearance and immune activation. These findings suggest that RBCs modulate immune responses, yet whether RBCs detect microbial DNA during infection is unknown. We show that RBCs acquire microbial DNA during sepsis. In vitro, RBCs bind microbial DNA and enhance DNA delivery to macrophages. Erythroid-specific deletion of TLR9 attenuated cytokine production and increased splenic bacterial dissemination during polymicrobial sepsis. Congruently, RBC-bound bacterial DNA is elevated in septic patients when compared with healthy subjects, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing of RBC-bound DNA revealed distinct microbial communities that associated are associated with host inflammatory cytokines. These findings identify RBCs as immunomodulatory cells that mediate host inflammatory responses through microbial DNA delivery during sepsis.
The effect of health supply chain system data quality on supply of malaria commodities in lower-level health facilities in Kinondoni Municipal, Tanzania. A longitudinal study.
Authors: Martin Elia , Tebeka Shiferaw Mitiku , Niragire François , Mukanyangezi Marie Francoise , Anasel Mackfallen G.
Published: April 2023

Background: Poor data quality in reports and requisition forms leads to health facilities being supplied with fewer or more health commodities than the actual amount. This may result in over-stock, stock-out and expiries of health commodities at health facilities. This studyassessed the effect of data quality on the supply of malaria commodities in lower level health facilities in Kinondoni Municipal, Tanzania.
Methods: A descriptive research design was used to undertake the study using malaria commodities transaction data submitted by health facilities in the report and requisition form through the electronic Logistics Management Information System (eLMIS) from January 2020 to January 2021. Data was extracted from report and requisition forms and subjected to data quality assessment using data quality dimension factors: data validity, accuracy, timeliness, completeness, uniqueness and consistency. Descriptive statistics such as percentage and frequency as well as a Chi-square test was applied to identify the association between data quality and stock-out of malaria commodities.
Results: The results indicate that the data validity accounts, 39 (26%) of malaria commodities transactions records were reported stock-out and not ordered, 55 (36.67%) of transactions records did not report the stock-out days, and 15 (8.15%) of transactions records demanded malaria commodities despite being over-stocked. Health facilities that order malaria commodities after being stocked-out were observed to have less proportion of stock-out (14.92%) compared to those which were experiencing stock-out and did not order malaria commodities (23.31%). Health facilities reported late in the eLMIS had a higher proportion of stock-out (25%) and under-stock (32.50%) compared to early reporters 16.72% and 24.25%, respectively. Health facilities that neglected to report malaria commodities had a higher proportion of over-stock 27.73% and stock-out 27.31%, compared to the respective stock status of health facilities which reported all malaria commodities (over-stock 21.07% and stock-out 15.18%).
Conclusion: Health facilities that reported poor data quality had more proportion of stock-out compared to those that reported good quality data. Advocacy on good data quality should be emphasized to promote malaria commodity availability and provide quality malaria services in lower-level health facilities in Kinondoni Municipal, Tanzania.
Turkish adaptation of the Mini Z 2.0 clinician worklife survey among physicians
Authors: Ersü Nazmiye Kaçmaz , Bakırarar Batuhan , Tatlı Safiye Zeynep
Published: April 2023

Background
Physicians represent one of the occupational groups that frequently face stress, job dissatisfaction, and burnout in their careers. The Mini Z 2.0 Clinician Worklife Survey was developed as a new, easy-to-use tool for identifying the factors which cause burnout, job dissatisfaction, and stress among physicians. There are no scales that assess different factors of worklife practically and collectively among physicians. This study therefore aimed to evaluate the Turkish validity and reliability of the Mini Z 2.0 Clinician Worklife Survey.
Methods
The study was conducted with 221 physicians. The construct validity was determined using confirmatory factor analysis. Test–retest reliability and internal consistency were assessed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient and Cronbach’s alpha, respectively. The scale’s concurrent validity was determined using Spearman’s correlation coefficient.
Results
The confirmatory factor analysis showed that the scale has two factors. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient results varied between 0.753 and 0.858. Cronbach’s alpha values of the scale and subscales were found to be between 0.881 and 0.942 in the internal consistency analysis. Floor/ceiling effects were considered not to be present.
Conclusions
The Turkish version of the Mini Z 2.0 Clinician Worklife Survey has found to be valid and reliable.
Clinical Significance of T2-weighted Sequence Intensity on Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Non-functioning Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors (Nf-pitnets)
Authors: Iglesias Pedro
Published: April 2023

Background. Little is known about the relationship between signal intensity patterns on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in non-functioning pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (NF-PitNETs).
Aims. To evaluate the clinical, hormonal, histological features, and therapeutic responses according to the T2 signal intensity in NF-PitNETs.
Patients and Methods. A retrospective and multicenter study was performed. NF-PitNETs were classified according to the T2-weighted MRI into hypointense, isointense and hyperintense adenomas.
Results. A group of 166 NF-pitNET patients (93 men, 56%, mean age 58.5 ± 14.8 yr) was studied. Approximately half of the tumors (n=84, 50.6%) were hyperintense, while 34.3% (n=57) and 15.1% (n=25) were iso- and hypointense, respectively. The maximum tumor diameter of the isointense group [16 (13-25) mm] was significantly lower than that of hyperintense [23 (16.6-29.7) mm] group (p=0.003), without significant differences between iso- and hypointensive groups. Similarly, tumor volume of the isointense group [16 (13-25) mm] was significantly lower than that of hyperintense [23 (16.6-29.7) mm] group (p=0.002), without significant differences between iso- and hypointensive groups. Chiasmatic compression was less common in isointense (38.6%) tumors compared to hypointense (68%) and hyperintense (65.5%) tumors (p=0.003). Invasive adenomas (p=0.001) and the degree of cavernous sinus invasion (p<0.001) was more frequent in the hyperintense adenoma group compared to the remaining groups. 116 (69.9%) patients underwent surgery, 32 (19.3%) were followed by active surveillance and 18 (10.8%) were treated with cabergoline as first-line therapy. The percentage of patients with isointense tumors who underwent surgery was significantly lower than that of patients with non-isointense adenomas (59.6% vs 75.2%, p=0.038). Plurihormonal tumors and silent lactotroph adenomas were more frequent in the isointense tumor group, whereas silent corticotropinomas and silent somatotropinomas were more common in the non-isointense tumor group (p=0.02). No significant differences in the type of surgical response between the groups analyzed were found.
Conclusion. Hyperintensity on T2-weighted MRI in NF-PitNETs is associated with larger and more invasive tumors compared to isointense adenomas. Non-isointense adenomas (hypo- and hyperintense) were more likely to undergo surgery compared to isointense adenomas. However, the degree of intensity on T2-weighted sequences of the adenoma does not seem to influence the type of therapeutic response in these tumors.
Data Management In The Digital Health Environment Scale Development Study
Authors: DEMİRCİ Hasan Fehmi , YARDAN Elif DİKMETAŞ
Published: April 2023

Purpose: This study aims to develop a scale that will measure individuals' perceptions of privacy, security, use, sharing, benefit and satisfaction in the digital health environment. Method: The research was carried out with 812 participants in the community. Expert opinion was obtained in the evaluation of the question items and a pilot study was conducted. Socio-demographic information form, a scale developed by the researcher, Norman and Skinner's e-Health Literacy Scale, Mobile Health and Personal Health Record Management Scale were used as data collection tools. Results: The variance explained by the scale is 60.43% in total. As a result of confirmatory factor analysis, it was determined that the 20-item 5-factor structure had good fit values. According to the analysis of criterion validity, there is a significant positive correlation between Data Management Scale in Digital Health Environment and Norman and Skinner's e-Health Literacy Scale and Mobile Health and Personal Health Record Management Scale (p<0.01; r=.669, .378). The Cronbach's alpha value of the scale is .856 and the test-retest reliability coefficient is .909. Conclusion: The Data Management Scale in the Digital Health Environment is a valid and reliable measurement tool that will measure the individuals' perception of privacy, security, use, sharing, benefit and satisfaction in the digital health environment.
Energy and Instability of Ion-Acoustic Solitary Waves in Inhomogeneous Magnetized Plasmas
Authors: El-Monier S. Y. , Karmakar P. K. , Atteya A.
Published: April 2023

Theoretical research has been done on inhomogeneous multi-component magnetized plasmas that contain inertial ions, nonthermal electrons, and Boltzmannian positrons. Variable coefficients Za-kharov Kuznetsov (VZK) equation have been derived. The solitary wave structures are dependent on the inhomogeneity effects of ion density ni0 (x), velocity, ui0, the density gradient scale length specifically associated with the ions, αi, and the scale length of the density through x/L. The soliton’s electric field and energy are also derived and investigated, which were found to be enhanced as ni0 and ui0 increase. The instability growth rate is also derived by using the small-k perturbation expansion method. It decreases as ni0 and ui0 increase. Also, the instability is affected by αi , x/L, electron, and positron temperatures. A comparison of the energy and instability growth rate behavior against system parameters is carried out. Large energy and small instability growth rate occur at large values of ion density and velocity or large electron temperatures. Our research may be used to better understand the dynamics of e-p-i plasma in high-intensity laser-solid matter interactions, semiconductor plasma, magnetic white dwarfs, and magnetar corona.
Treatment of Landfill Leachate RO Concentrates by Advanced Oxidation-Heterotrophic Nitrification Aerobic Denitrification Combination process
Authors: Zhang Qian , Tan Senwen , Zhang Zhengyi , Yuan Chunbo , Lou Ziyang , Liu Wei
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to develop a multistage treatment system for highly toxic wastewater named reverse osmosis concentrates (ROC) of landfill leachate (LL). Therefore, a combination of the ammonia stripping process (ASP), catalytic ozone oxidation process (COP) and Heterotrophic Nitrification Aerobic Denitrification process (HNADP) was proposed and the quality of effluent was evaluated for the concentration of Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen (NH4+-N) and total nitrogen (TN). ASP had moderate removal efficiency of NH4+-N, and TN in the effluent. COP was catalyzed by cerium supported activated carbon (Ce-AC) achieved good performance in disposal of COD. The effluent of HNADP had the most significant removal efficiency of COD, NH4+-N, and TN. As a result, the effluent of combined process successfully met the discharge standards for NH4+-N and TN according to Table 2 of GB 16889-2008 in China. To investigate the microbial mechanism of pollutant removal in HNADP, 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was performed and the results suggested that the relative abundance and diversity of microorganisms fluctuated with the changes of COD/TN ratio(C/N) in HNADP. Truepera and Halomonas were identified as the key genera involved in the simultaneous degradation of COD and nitrogen-containing pollutants, the functional genes (hao, amoA, nirS and nirK) were predicted in nitrification and denitrification process. Overall, this study demonstrates a feasible multistage system for treatment of ROC and propose that further explorations of combined techniques may lead to even more satisfactory removal efficiencies.
In situ structure of actin remodeling during glucose-stimulated insulin secretion using cryo-electron tomography
Authors: Li Weimin , Li Angdi , Yu Bing , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Liu Xiaoyan , White Kate , Stevens Raymond , Baumeister Wolfgang , Sali Andrej , Jasnin Marion , Sun Liping
Published: April 2023

Actin mediates insulin secretion from the pancreatic β-cell through a remodeling process. Previous studies have been hampered by limited resolution, providing an ambiguous depiction of actin remodeling as a process that begins with depolymerization into actin monomers, followed by repolymerization into actin filaments. Here, we report the in situ structure of actin remodeling in INS-1E β-cells during glucose-stimulated insulin secretion at nanoscale resolution. We demonstrate that actin remodeling occurs at the cell periphery rather than in the cell interior. The actin filament network at the cell periphery exhibits three marked differences after remodeling compared to those under basal conditions. First, approximately 12% of actin filaments reorient, their angle changing from 0-45° to 45-90° relative to the plasma membrane. Second, the actin filament network remains predominantly as cell-stabilizing bundles but partially reconfigures into a less compact arrangement. Third, actin filaments anchored to the plasma membrane reorganize from a "netlike" to a "blooming" architecture, featuring radial projections emanating from their anchor points. Remodeling precedes the transport of insulin secretory granulesto the plasma membrane and their release from it. Furthermore, the density of actin filaments and microtubules around insulin secretory granules is lowered after remodeling compared to the basal conditions, as expected for the subsequent granule transport and release. Finally, actin filaments and microtubules are more densely packed than under basal conditions. These findings advance our structural and functional understanding of actin remodeling during glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells.
Green Building Energy Efficiency and Landscape Design based on Remote Sensing Technology
Authors: Yu Zhaojiang
Published: April 2023

The rapid development of urban economy has brought a large amount of energy consumption, so at present, we should not only promote the rapid development of urban economy, but also pay attention to the sustainable development of economy and the application of green energy. In the urban energy consumption, building energy occupies an important position, so the construction industry energy saving and emission reduction is imminent. According to statistics, in the energy consumption of buildings, green building energy consumption accounts for about 30%, so energy management research on green buildings has become increasingly important. This article will discuss the energy efficiency assessment and energy consumption prediction methods of green buildings based on remote sensing technology, and use BIM technology to form a framework for the green building energy management system. The advantages of BIM technology can be perfectly demonstrated in energy management tasks, improve the efficiency of green building energy management, and provide reliable theoretical support, methodological suggestions and empirical references. Green landscape design is combined with green building. Landscape design can not only create a good building environment, but also combine with site green technology to reduce energy consumption. Without a strict and scientific landscape design plan, landscape design and construction will have no basis. Through the study of green building energy and viewing technology, this article allows people to better understand the energy consumption of Chinese buildings and the progress of viewing technology, and provides a theory for people to change building energy consumption and improve viewing technology.
Moderate and heavy alcohol drinking were positively associated with severe coronary artery calcification in Chinese men, while smoking was not.
Authors: Xin Yangxun , Fan Li , Zhuo Yang , He Qing , Xu Zuojun , Yin Zhaofang , Gu Jun , Fan Yuqi , Wang Changqian , Zhang Junfeng
Published: April 2023

Background: Previous studies reached inconsistent conclusions about the relationship between alcohol or cigarette consumption and coronary artery calcification (CAC). We aim to explore the association between drinking and smoking with CAC in men.
Methods: Male patients who underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and diagnosed with coronary heart disease (CHD) were retrospectively included. Maximum angle of calcified plaque (Arc) and calcium length were measured by IVUS to evaluate CAC severity. Drinking and smoking details were collected. Drinking and smoking were stratified to 4 layers according to weekly alcohol intake(g) and total smoking(package*years), respectively. Uni- and multivariable analysis were performed to explore the association between drinking and smoking with severe coronary artery calcification (SCAC).
Results: Totally, 359 men with CHD were included, of whom 151 were regular drinkers and 275 were smokers. Compared with non-drinkers, calcium length in light drinkers decreased (P<0.05), both Arc and calcium length in moderate and heavy drinkers increased (all P<0.05). Weekly alcohol intake was positively correlated with Arc and calcium length (r=0.490, P<0.001; r=0.381, P<0.001). A negative association was found between light drinking and SCAC (OR: 0.492, 95%CI: 0.177-1.372, P=0.175), while moderate (OR: 5.244, 95%CI: 2.245-12.252, P＜0.001) and heavy drinking (OR: 15.238, 95%CI: 5.695-40.767, P＜0.001) were positively associated with SCAC. No associations were found between smoking and SCAC (P>0.05).
Conclusions: Light drinking showed a slight negative association with SCAC, whereas moderate and heavy drinking were positively associated with SCAC in Chinese men. No associations were found between smoking and SCAC.
Motivations for continued tobacco smoking and reasons for quitting among youths in Wakiso district, Uganda: A qualitative study
Authors: Daama Alex , Mugamba Stephen , Ddaaki William , Nalwoga Grace Kigozi , Kasango Asani , Nalugoda Fred , Bulamba Robert , Nkale James Menya , Kyasanku Emmanuel , Bulamu Ritah , Nakigozi Gertrude , Kigozi Godfrey , Kagaayi Joseph , Kisaka Stevens
Published: April 2023

Background:Efforts have been invested towards cessation of tobacco use among youths aged 18-35 years, however, motivators for continued tobacco smoking and reasons for quitting are limited in Ugandan settings. Therefore, this study aimed to explore motivations for continued tobacco smoking and reasons for quitting in Wakiso district UgandaMethods:This study usedexplanatory sequential method. Data from a Population-based survey collected between October 2019 and September 2020 was used to select the sample to participate in this qualitative study. A total of twenty-three in-depths interviews were conducted in July-October 2021 among youths (18-35) years who reported continued tobacco use and those who stopped. Data were analyzed using a team-based thematic content approach with the help of ATILAS ti.Results:Motivations for continued tobacco smoking can include addiction, (recurrent habit), the desire to complement the use of other drugs,, peer pressure, using smoking as a replacement for alcohol consumption, (desire to stop/reduce alcohol consumption), low tobacco prices (accessibility), and cultural or familial norms (inherited from parents). However, strategies such as education on the health risks of smoking, the use of warning labels on packaging, and the potential for embarrassment from family members can help to discourage youth from using tobacco.Conclusion:Targeted, and tailored tobacco prevention counselling through family support programs, intensified health education on the risks of smoking, and promotion of tobacco packing health warnings can be employed to reduce or stop tobacco use among urban youth