bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidimensional applications and potential health implications of nanocomposites
Authors: Ayanda Olushola S. , Quadri Rukayat O. , Adewuyi Sulaiman O. , Mmuoegbulam Augusta O. , Okezie Onyemaechi , Mohammed Sa'adatu E. , Durumin-Iya Naseer I. , Lawal Olayide S. , Popoola Kehinde M. , Adekola Folahan A.
Published: July 2023

This study reviews the concept, classifications, and techniques involved in the synthesis of nanocomposites. The environmental and health implications of nanoparticles and composite materials were detailed, as well as the applications of nanocomposites in water remediation, antibacterial application, and printed circuit boards. The study gave insights into the challenges of water pollution treatment and provided a broad list of nanocomposites that have been explored for water remediation. Moreover, the emergence of multi-drug resistance to many antibiotics has made current antibiotics inadequate in the treatment of disease. This has engineered the development of alternative strategies in the drug industries for the production of effective therapeutic agents, comprising nanocomposites with antibacterial agents. The new therapeutic agents known as nanoantibiotics are more efficient and have paved the way to handle the challenges of antibiotic resistance. In printed circuit boards, nanocomposites have shown promising applications because of their distinct mechanical, thermal, and electrical characteristics. The uniqueness of the write-up is that it provides a broad explanation of the concept, synthesis, application, toxicity, and harmful effects of nanocomposites. Thus, it will provide all-inclusive awareness to readers to identify research gaps and motivate researchers to synthesize novel nanocomposites for use in various fields.
Scouring around different shapes of bridge pier
Authors: Huda Mir Bintul , Lone Mohd Akbar , Rather Nasir Ahmad , Chadee Aaron Anil
Published: July 2023

Scouring is a complex process dependent on several factors, and local scour is more complex than general scour. This study was an attempt to predict local scour round bridge piers based on general scour in the water stream. Three obstacle shapes were used – circular, round-nosed, and elliptical – as they are predominant in hydraulic structures like bridge piers. For each obstacle shape, scour depth was measured around the periphery for five gradually increasing discharges and in two types of bed material. The local scour results were analyzed to relate them to general scour. Lacey's equation was used to estimate general scour. Models were developed for the three common shapes, by which local scour for any particular shape can be predicted based on general scour in the stream.
Methodical approaches to assessing public health risks under combined exposure to climatic factors and chemical air pollution caused by them
Authors:   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Shur P.Z. , Khasanova А.А. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Tsinker M.Yu. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Zaitseva N.V. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation
Published: July 2023

The ongoing climate change makes its contribution to public health risks. These risks can be caused both due to direct impacts of the process and modifying influence exerted by climatic factors on chemical levels in ambient air. Given that, it is advisable to develop methodical approaches that give an opportunity to quantify public health risks under combined influence of climatic factors and chemical air pollution caused by them. In this study, we suggest methodical approaches eligible for calculating, assigning a category and assessing acceptability of public health risks under climatic exposures considering their influence on chemical air pollution. We outline approaches to establishing priority climatic factors, calculating exposure levels and associated responses; making up a list of chemicals levels of which are influenced by climatic factors and probable health outcomes caused by exposure to them; identifying levels of chemicals associated with climatic influence; calculating and assigning a category for public health risks associated with combined exposure to climatic and chemical factors using a multiple logistic regression model. We tested the approaches using data collected in Perm in 2020. As a result, we established an unacceptable health risk for working age population (1.11•10-4) due to cerebrovascular diseases (I60–I69). This risk was associated with combined exposure to climatic factors (heat waves) and associated chemical air pollution (high levels of carbon oxide). Risk levels for working age population and older age groups due to diseases of the circulatory system (ischaemic heart diseases (I20–I25) and other cardiac arrhythmias (I49)) were rated as permissible (acceptable), 7.68•10-5 and 4.07•10-5 accordingly. The contribution made by the analyzed climatic factor (heat waves) varied between 76.24 and 92.44 %; the analyzed chemical factor (carbon oxide), between 7.56 and 23.76 %.
Hygienic assessment of working conditions and occupational incidence among mining workers in the Arctic zone of the Norilsk industrial area
Authors:   Krasnoyarsk Regional Office of the Federal Service for Surveillance over Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 21 Karatanova Str., Krasnoyarsk, 660097, Russian Federation, Goryaev D.V. , Fadeev А.G. ,   Krasnoyarsk Regional Office of the Federal Service for Surveillance over Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing, 21 Karatanova Str., Krasnoyarsk, 660097, Russian Federation, Shur P.Z. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Fokin V.А. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation, Zaitseva N.V. ,   Federal Scientific Center for Medical and Preventive Health Risk Management Technologies, 82 Monastyrskaya Str., Perm, 614045, Russian Federation
Published: July 2023

The development of the Arctic zone as a strategic resource base and its rational use aimed at the economic growth acceleration is a key interest of the Russian Federation in this region. The occupational environment in mining industry is associated with unique working conditions. Underground mining makes workers’ health protection the most significant task. The aim of this study was to perform hygienic assessment of working conditions, occupational incidence and occupational health risks for workers employed in mining industry in the Arctic zone of the Norilsk industrial area. Occupational health risks were assessed using indicators outlined in the Guide R 2.2.2006-05 The Guide on Hygienic Assessment of Factors Related to Working Environment and Work Process. Exposure to occupational noise and considerable work hardness are priority factors in the analyzed industry that cause occupational diseases. Occupational diseases among workers employed in mining industry in the Norilsk industrial area belonged to six nosologies. Vibration disease, stages 1 and 2, makes the greatest contribution to the overall structure of occupational incidence since it accounts for 68.6 % in it. The second place belongs to two-sided sensorineural hearing loss, stages 1 and 2, 13.5 %. Radiculopathy occupies the third rank place accounting for 10.9 %. Unacceptable occupational health risks were identified at 76.8 % of workplaces. A high share of workplaces with unacceptable occupational health risks leads to high occupational incidence among mining workers in the Norilsk industrial area, its levels being higher than the national average.
Electromagnetic fields of cellular communication as a health risk factor for children and adolescents (review)
Authors:   nstitute of Biochemical Physics of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 4 Kosygina Str., Moscow, 119334, Russian Federation, Khorseva N.I. , Grigoriev P.E. ,   Sevastopol State University, 33 Universitetskaya Str., Sevastopol, 299053, Russian Federation
Published: July 2023

Modern telecommunication technologies rely on using radio-frequency electromagnetic field (RF EMF). They have brought many useful services into our life able to solve multiple issues. However, we should bear in mind that this exposure is open, uncontrollable and permanent. Given that, it seems relevant to investigate possible negative influence exerted by RF EMF on health of children and adolescents since this population group is the most vulnerable and sensitive to any external exposure. This review analyzes Russian and foreign studies with their focus on chronic influence of RF EMF created by cellular communication means on health of children (aged 6–10 years) and adolescents (aged 11–16 years). We have established several manifestations of health disorders in children and adolescents including asthenic syndrome (headache, irritability, increased fatigue, sleeping disorders, periodical pains in the heart and joints); mental deadaptation (anxiety, stress, depression, etc.); as well as their combinations. Along with all the aforementioned syndromes, effects produced by exposure to RF EMF become apparent through some indirect signs of memory and attention failure such as forgetfulness (inability to recall the necessary information in time) and inattention (inability to concentrate on an event or activity) and even through growing frequency of respiratory diseases. Basing on the analyzed studies by Russian and foreign researchers, we can conclude that they provide solid evidence of negative influence of electromagnetic fields created by cell phones on health of children and adolescents. Therefore, implementation of modern gadgets and their active use by children and adolescents should be accompanied with assessment of actual threats posed by them, health risk assessment, and development of scientifically substantiated standards for their safe use.
Método da Eletrorresistividade aplicado à variação temporal do nível freático do aquífero alter do chão, em Santarém, Pará.
Authors: Siqueira Neto Antonio Carlos de , Pereira Santos Siqueira Flávia Regina , Sousa Pantoja Chahini de Barros Ana Carolina , Dias Arraes Lucas
Published: July 2023

A partir da observação alagamentos permanentes nas proximidades da Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará, este estudo teve como objetivo verificar a oscilação do nível freático do aquífero livre da Formação Alter do Chão e a possível relação com os alagamentos permanentes da área de pesquisa. Na área de estudo foram aplicadas as técnicas da Sondagem Elétrica Vertical e do Caminhamento Elétrico. As medidas das sondagens elétricas verticais permitiram identificar como uma 1ª camada associada ao solo, com espessura média de 1,42 m e resistividade aparente de ≅1000Ωm, uma 2ª camada com espessura média de 10,91 m e uma anomalia altamente resistiva de ≅4600Ωm e uma 3ª camada com queda abruta da resistividade (≅300Ωm) aos 12,34 m de profundidade média. A Sondagem Elétrica vertical foi realizada por 5 vezes no mesmo local no período de dezembro de 2017 a junho de 2018, permitindo a correção da variação do nível freático com a pluviosidade no mesmo período. Os resultados indicam oscilação do nível d’água do aquífero livre da Formação Alter do Chão no período estudado em 7 m. O Caminhamento Elétrico possibilitou associar a anomalia altamente resistiva da 2ª camada a Cobertura Laterítica Matura a qual é a principal causa dos alagamentos na área investigada.
(Wątpliwe) ratio legis przepisów o europejskiej współpracy administracyjnejw kodeksie postępowania administracyjnego na tle prawa ochrony konkurencji.
Authors: Sierzan Mateusz
Published: July 2023

Ogólny rozwój współpracy i zacieśniania międzynarodowych więzi gospodarczy, prawnych i administracyjnych skutkuje też rozwojem europejskiej współpracy administracyjnej. Jest ona regulowana w głównej mierze przez przepisy prawa Unii Europejskiej na poziomie sektorowym. Rozwiązania jej dotyczące prima facie wydają się być regulacjami kompleksowymi, uwzględniającymi każdy z aspektów niezbędnych, by współpraca ta przebiegała sprawnie i efektywnie. Dobrym przykładem takiej kooperacji jest obszar ochrony konkurencji, gdzie współpraca ta przebiegała szczególnie sprawnie, opierając się wyłącznie na prawie unijnym. Od 2017 r. w Polsce obowiązują przepisy Działu VIIIa Kodeksu postępowania administracyjnego, dotyczące europejskiej współpracy administracyjnej. Stanowią one jednak wyłącznie uregulowania ramowe. Celem artykułu jest próba odpowiedzi na pytanie, czy polskie przepisy kodeksowe w zakresie europejskiej współpracy administracyjnej mogą mieć doniosłe znaczenie w praktyce administracyjnej polskiego organu antymonopolowego w tymże zakresie, czy będą one stanowić przepisy martwe w tym wymiarze.
Traços da política de emigração da África Subsahariana. Fluxo ou refluxo da Agenda 2030?
Authors: Agostinho Issau
Published: July 2023

Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the regions in the world with the largest migration flows to the rest of the world, especially to the European continent, not only because of the geographical proximity between the two continents, but also because of the ongoing political and military instability in Libya, which, before the fall of the Gaddafi regime, was at the center of actions aimed at containing illegal migra-tion via the Central Mediterranean as a result of bilateral cooperation instruments signed with Italy in 2008. But the political chaos in that North African country does not explain by itself the constant flows of illegal migration and the high risk of violence, human trafficking and death that African migrants go through. The absence of concerted and coordinated migration policies among African states, the lack of a mandate from the African Union for a complete and efficient management of migration flows are among the immediate factors correlated to the phenomenon. Therefore, with the present theme I bring to confront the materialization of article 10 of the Sustainable Development Goals, with particular focus on 10.7, which recommends the facilitation of orderly, safe, regular migration of human subjects, with the public policy of immigration in sub-Saharan Africa in order to see how it contributes to the success or failure of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda
A Sstudy on the Life of Park, Jang Amand His Consciousness of Writing Hojeojip
Authors:   The Association of DaeDong-Hanmun, Kang Jin-sun
Published: July 2023

This study aims to write the chronology of Park, Jang Am(1790~1852?) at a brief level, and to examine why he compiled Hojeojip, a kind of directory of people, and his intention. Park, Jang Am was born as his father's third son, Park, Je ga(1750~1805), an intellectual of the late Joseon Dynasty who was active in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Hojeojip, which Park, Jang Am wrote, consists of a list of Chinese intellectuals that his father met during his four trips to the Qing Empire Under the Qianlong Emperor's reign along with envoys dispatched for public duties.
Yu, Bon Hak, Shin, Wi, and Li, Ding Yuan were the intellectuals of the 19th century Joseon Dynasty or of the Qing Empire abroad, who were close to Park, Jang Am. By examining the traces of his friendship with these three people, it is possible to know that Park, Jang Am was influenced or helped by them in the way he respected his father or in the work of supplementing the contents of Hojeojip.
Hojeojip is a literature way for Park, Jang Am to respect his father, and more specifically, it was written to prove the existence of his father, Park, Je Ga, in the history of exchange between the Joseon Dynasty and the Qing Empires in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Several points can be presented as evidence for that. The first point is that he placed the materials of his father and Gwak, Jip Hwan's friendship at the beginning of Hojeojip. The second point is that the pages of Hojeojip include not only the articles related to his father but also those related to people who can be referred to as Park Je Ga's friends or disciples.
In conclusion, Park, Jang Am revealed the purpose of praising his father's achievements in the literary exchanges between the Joseon Dynasty and the Qing Empire through Hojeojip. In other words, this is nothing other than the purpose of trying to prove not only the name of the family in the 19th-century literary world but also its presence.
N-acetylcysteine Effects on Inflammatory Markers in Animal Models Exposed to Air Pollutants
Authors:   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Hernandez Woodbine Maria Jose , Romero Daniel ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Roman Cristal ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Delgado Cornejo Juan Rene ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Vaca Richard ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Jaime Francisca ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Ko Donghyun ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Sureka Pragati ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Stelmaszewski Erica Victoria ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Simon Maria ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Flores Lucero ,   Principles and Practice of Clinical Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Air pollution (AP) significantly contributes to morbidity and mortality worldwide. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a potent antioxidant with potential health benefits to people residing in poor air quality areas. Our study aimed to analyze animal studies conducted on rats and mice to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of NAC during exposure to air pollutants. Methods: A systematic search on two large databases was performed. Nineteen studies were included in this review following a screening of duplicates and a full-text review. Results: We found that NAC successfully ameliorates some pollution-associated inflammatory pathways. Discussion: NAC is a potential therapeutic drug against inflammatory pathologies caused by AP, although its role in human models requires further studies.
Genderview Roline Redmond: Helen en verzoenen doe je samen
Authors: Bijl Greetje
Published: July 2023

Een genderview met Roline Redmond over haar bekroonde boek De Doorsons. Op zoek naar een Afro-Amerikaanse slavenfamilie in het Caribisch gebied. Redmond spreekt over haar loopbaan in de wetenschap en de combinatie met feminisme en antiracisme. "Witte mensen moeten zich rekenschap geven van hun slavernijverleden."
Door het oog van de naald. Hoe een ‘echt meisje’ in de wetenschap belandde
Authors: Van Essen Mineke
Published: July 2023

Een autobiografisch verhaal over de route die de auteur (1942) aflegde om van haar liefde voor de geschiedwetenschap ook haar beroep te maken, welke gender gerelateerde barrières ze op dit pad tegenkwam en hoe in de academische discipline waar ze uiteindelijk belandde ook de omwegen van betekenis bleken.
Development of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (m-PCR) for the detection and identification of virulent and avirulent forms of Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Authors: Mahdi Kadhim Hadaf , Munn Colin B. , L. Gilpin Martyn
Published: July 2023

This study developed a new multiplex polymerase chain reaction (m-PCR) for rapidly detecting clinically essential strains of V. parahaemolyticus. This enables the detection of total and potentially virulent strains. The m-PCR was developed by targeting the species-specific transcriptional regulator toxR gene, and sequences for an outer membrane protein and a hypothetical protein encoded by omp and htp, respectively. The omp and htp sequences were discovered originally by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-PCR. The m-PCR was performed on V. parahaemolyticus isolates, 23 clinical and 32 environmental. The toxR gene 367 bp fragment amplification was found in all V. parahaemolyticus tested; 17 out of 23 clinical isolates (73.91%) showed amplification of the omp and htp. Four isolates showed amplification of the omp gene sequence but not the htp gene and 2 isolates exhibited amplification for htp but not for omp. Therefore, both sequences for omp and htp must be targeted by PCR to detect all potentially virulent strains. Of the other species tested, no amplification was seen. This study confirms that RAPD-PCR helps differentiate virulent and avirulent forms. This allowed the development of an m-PCR for identifying V. parahaemolyticus and detecting virulent forms.

Keywords: Multiplex PCR, RAPD-PCR, Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Effect Biosynthesis of fenugreek leaves nanomaterial on some plant's germination using saline water
Authors: Yaqoop Rahi1 Alaa , A. Guda Muthik , Abdulbary Meison , T. Khashan Kareem
Published: July 2023

The synthesis of new, low-cost nanomaterials that do not cause harm to the environment is of great importance in modern Science. In addition to the importance of plant use in medical purposes and the active substances they contain, this research includes the synthesis of nanomaterials from medical plant (fenugreek) Trigonella foenum extract for tolerating irrigation with saline water. The extract of the dried and ground leaves of the T. foenum plant was taken, centrifuged, filtered, and then dried. The resulting material was tested by the X-ray Diffract meter (XRD) and the Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) examining to ensure it was on the nanoscale. Aqueous dilution at a ratio of 1: 1 used to irrigation seeds of the aromatic plants (Apium graveolens and Lepidium sativum) with saline water 0.05 g / l. The germination ratios, the extreme length and the plumular were calculated after 3, 5, 7 and 10 days of germination. The germination rates were superior to the treatment with a nanomaterial and saline water mixture for 98.5% in A. graveolens and 97.2% in L. sativum. Saline water treatment showed 75% for A. graveolens and 78% for L. sativum. The extreme length reached 14.5 cm for the A. graveolens and 11.3 cm for the L. sativum in the mixture treatment after 10 days. Saline water treatment gave 6.3 cm and 8.5 cm, respectively. The plumular measurements were similar to the radical results. These results proved the synthesis of a natural bio-nanomaterial that is easy to prepare, low in cost and have a stimulating effect on germination, growth and tolerance irrigation with saline water. This improves our ability to utilize water resources and propagation methods for aromatic and medical plants.

Keywords: medical plant, aromatic plants, nanoparticle, Apium graveolens and Lepidium sativum
Using a Geosocial Networking App to Investigate New HIV Infections and Related Risk Factors Among Student and Nonstudent Men Who Have Sex With Men in Chengdu, China: Open Cohort Study
Authors: Dai Zhen , Mi Guodong , Yu Fei , Chen Guodong , Wang Xiaodong , He Qinying
Published: July 2023

Background

In China, condomless sex among men who have sex with men (MSM) is the primary route of HIV infection in young people. Chengdu is a hotspot for reported HIV cases among young people nationwide. Extensive use of geosocial networking (GSN) smartphone apps has dramatically changed the pattern of sexual behavior among young MSM (YMSM). However, data on HIV incidence and the risk behavior of YMSM using the GSN app are still obscure.

Objective

This study aims to analyze and understand the HIV incidence and its risk factors among YMSM using GSN apps in Chengdu, China.

Methods

An open cohort study was conducted among YMSM aged 18-24 years through a gay GSN smartphone app in Chengdu, China, from July 2018 to December 2020. Every participant completed a web-based questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and other related statuses; made a reservation for a web-based HIV testing; and then voluntarily got tested at the designated testing site. At least one additional HIV test was taken via the app during the study period, and participants were evaluated at the end of the study or at the time of HIV seroconversion. By dividing the sum of the observed HIV seroconversions by the observed person-years, HIV incidence was calculated and compared between the student and nonstudent MSM. Univariate and multivariate (Cox proportional hazards regression) analyses were used to discuss the risk factors for new HIV infections.

Results

In the study cohort, 24 seroconversions occurred among 625 YMSM who took at least two HIV tests through the app during the study period, contributing to 505 observed person-years. The HIV incidence rate per 100 person-years was 4.75 (95% CI 2.89-6.61) among all MSM, 3.60 (95% CI 1.27-5.93) among student MSM, and 5.88 (95% CI 2.97-8.79) among nonstudent MSM. In addition, the HIV incidence per 100 person-years was 11.11 (95% CI 4.49-17.73) among those who had resided in the area for 6 months or less and 7.14 (95% CI 1.52-12.77) among those with senior high school or less education. Two or more sexual partners (adjusted hazards ratio [HR] 3.63, 95% CI 1.08-12.23) in the preceding 6 months was a risk factor for new HIV infections. Consistent condom use for anal sex (adjusted HR 0.38, 95% CI 0.16-0.88) and insertive anal sex only (adjusted HR 0.10, 95% CI 0.01-0.75) in the preceding 6 months were protective factors for new HIV infections.

Conclusions

The rate of new HIV infections among YMSM who actively used GSN smartphone apps was high, especially among migrant nonstudent MSM. Targeted interventions on GSN smartphone apps should be implemented to provide demand-adapted prevention and services to reduce the threat of HIV.
Individualized Virtual Reality for Increasing Self-Compassion: Evaluation Study
Authors: Halim Ilona , Stemmet Lehan , Hach Sylvia , Porter Richard , Liang Hai-Ning , Vaezipour Atiyeh , Henry Julie D , Baghaei Nilufar
Published: July 2023

Background

Depression and anxiety are common and debilitating mental disorders with severe negative repercussions at both individual and societal levels. Although virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a safe and effective tool for the treatment of anxiety disorders, studies of the therapeutic application of VR to treat depression are more limited.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to test whether a novel type of individualized VR (iVR) can be used to improve self-compassion and decrease depressive symptoms and to evaluate the usability and acceptability of this approach, as rated by participants. The iVR system was designed and developed based on the feedback obtained from a previous study, with improved appearance and feel of the avatar and enhanced graphical quality.

Methods

A total of 36 young adult participants were recruited from a university community social media site. Participants were aware that the study was investigating a treatment for depression but were not recruited based on depression diagnosis. Participants were asked to complete 2 iVR sessions, spaced 2 weeks apart. At baseline and upon completion of each iVR session, participants were asked to complete validated measures of self-compassion and depression. Upon completion of both iVR sessions, additional measures were administered to assess participants’ perceptions about the perceived usability and system acceptability of the iVR approach.

Results

Self-compassion was assessed at the beginning of session 1 (preintervention baseline) and at the end of session 1 (postintervention assessment). Owing to COVID-19 constraints, 36% (13/36) of the participants were unable to complete the follow-up iVR session. Self-compassion was assessed again for the remaining 64% (23/36) of the participants at the end of session 2 (postintervention assessment). Within-group analyses revealed that self-compassion was significantly increased at the end of both session 1 (P=.01) and session 2 (P=.03) relative to baseline. There was also a nonsignificant trend for depressive symptoms to be low at the end of session 2 relative to baseline. Both quantitative and qualitative participant data supported the iVR approach as being acceptable and usable.

Conclusions

Although these data must be treated as preliminary owing to the small sample size and potential selection bias, the data provide encouraging initial evidence that iVR might be a useful tool to enhance self-compassion and reduce depressive symptoms, highlighting the need for randomized controlled trials in the future.
Risk Perception, Acceptance, and Trust of Using AI in Gastroenterology Practice in the Asia-Pacific Region: Web-Based Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Goh Wilson WB , Chia Kendrick YA , Cheung Max FK , Kee Kalya M , Lwin May O , Schulz Peter J , Chen Minhu , Wu Kaichun , Ng Simon SM , Lui Rashid , Ang Tiing Leong , Yeoh Khay Guan , Chiu Han-mo , Wu Deng-chyang , Sung Joseph JY
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionize health care, but this raises risk concerns. It is therefore crucial to understand how clinicians trust and accept AI technology. Gastroenterology, by its nature of being an image-based and intervention-heavy specialty, is an area where AI-assisted diagnosis and management can be applied extensively.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to study how gastroenterologists or gastrointestinal surgeons accept and trust the use of AI in computer-aided detection (CADe), computer-aided characterization (CADx), and computer-aided intervention (CADi) of colorectal polyps in colonoscopy.

METHODS

We conducted a web-based questionnaire from November 2022 to January 2023, involving 5 countries or areas in the Asia-Pacific region. The questionnaire included variables such as background and demography of users; intention to use AI, perceived risk; acceptance; and trust in AI-assisted detection, characterization, and intervention. We presented participants with 3 AI scenarios related to colonoscopy and the management of colorectal polyps. These scenarios reflect existing AI applications in colonoscopy, namely the detection of polyps (CADe), characterization of polyps (CADx), and AI-assisted polypectomy (CADi).

RESULTS

In total, 165 gastroenterologists and gastrointestinal surgeons responded to a web-based survey using the structured questionnaire designed by experts in medical communications. Participants had a mean age of 44 (SD 9.65) years, were mostly male (n=116, 70.3%), and mostly worked in publicly funded hospitals (n=110, 66.67%). Participants reported relatively high exposure to AI, with 111 (67.27%) reporting having used AI for clinical diagnosis or treatment of digestive diseases. Gastroenterologists are highly interested to use AI in diagnosis but show different levels of reservations in risk prediction and acceptance of AI. Most participants (n=112, 72.72%) also expressed interest to use AI in their future practice. CADe was accepted by 83.03% (n=137) of respondents, CADx was accepted by 78.79% (n=130), and CADi was accepted by 72.12% (n=119). CADe and CADx were trusted by 85.45% (n=141) of respondents and CADi was trusted by 72.12% (n=119). There were no application-specific differences in risk perceptions, but more experienced clinicians gave lesser risk ratings.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastroenterologists reported overall high acceptance and trust levels of using AI-assisted colonoscopy in the management of colorectal polyps. However, this level of trust depends on the application scenario. Moreover, the relationship among risk perception, acceptance, and trust in using AI in gastroenterology practice is not straightforward.
Novel Physical Activity Pattern Analysis Using Wrist-worn Wearables: Time-series Clustering (Preprint)
Authors: Kim Junhyoung , Choi Jin-young , Kim Hana , Lee Teaksang , Ha Jaeyoung , Lee Sangyi , Park Jungmi , Jeon Gyeong-Suk , Cho Sung-Il
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Physical activity plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and wrist-worn wearables have become popular tools for measuring activity levels. However, studies using these devices often rely on a single device model or use improper methods for analyzing the data.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify methods suitable for analyzing wearable data and determine daily physical activity patterns. The study also explored the association between these physical activity patterns and health risk factors.

METHODS

We collected personal health data and measured physical activity levels over the course of 1 week in adults with metabolic risk factors who wore wrist-worn wearables. A total of 47 participants were included in the analysis. The TADPole clustering method was used to identify physical activity patterns, while logistic regression models were used to analyze the relationship between activity patterns and health risk factors.

RESULTS

Participants were categorized into stable and shifting groups based on the similarity of physical activity patterns between weekdays and weekends. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between older age (≥ 40 years) and shifting physical activity patterns (OR: 8.68, 95% CI: 1.95–48.85).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that age significantly influenced physical activity patterns. It also suggests a potential role of wrist-worn wearables and the TADPole clustering method in wearable data analysis.
Implementing a Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter 2 Inhibitor Module With a Software Tool (Future Health Today): Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Suen Matthew , Manski-Nankervis Jo-Anne , McBride Caroline , Lumsden Natalie , Hunter Barbara
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Primary care plays a key role in the management of type 2 diabetes. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have been demonstrated to reduce hospitalization and cardiac and renal complications. Tools that optimize management, including appropriate prescribing, are a priority for treating chronic diseases. Future Health Today (FHT) is software that facilitates clinical decision support and quality improvement. FHT applies algorithms to data stored in electronic medical records in general practice to identify patients who are at risk of a chronic disease or who have a chronic disease that may benefit from intensification of management. The platform continues to evolve because of rigorous evaluation, continuous improvement, and expansion of the conditions hosted on the platform. FHT currently displays recommendations for the identification and management of chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer risk. A new module will be introduced to FHT focusing on SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with type 2 diabetes who have chronic kidney diseases, cardiovascular diseases, or risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to explore the barriers and enablers to the implementation of an SGLT2 inhibitor module within the Future Health Today software.

METHODS

Clinic staff were recruited to participate in interviews on their experience in their use of a tool to improve prescribing behavior for SGLT2 inhibitors. Thematic analysis was guided by Clinical Performance Feedback Intervention Theory.

RESULTS

In total, 16 interviews were completed. Identified enablers of use included workflow alignment, clinical appropriateness, and active delivery of the module. Key barriers to use were competing priorities, staff engagement, and knowledge of the clinical topic.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a recognized benefit to the use of a clinical decision support tool to support type 2 diabetes management, but barriers were identified that impeded the usability and actionability of the module. Successful and effective implementation of this tool could support the optimization of patient management of type 2 diabetes in primary care.
Analisis Uji Beban Jembatan dengan Total station
Authors: Herusiswoyo Moh Arief , Ma'ruf Bilal
Published: July 2023

Uji beban jembatan dimaksudkan untuk mengetahui jembatan berfungsi dengan baik dalam menahan beban baik beba di atas jembatan maupun beban jembatan itu sendiri. Uji beban dapat memberikan informasi mengenai respon jembatan terhadap beban yang diberikan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini yaitu untuk mendapatkan besar, arah, dan pola lendutan akibat uji beban jembatan. Besar, arah, dan pola lendutan diamati menggunakan total station Sokkia series iM-50. Lendutan diamati pada tiga kombinasi pembebanan, yaitu kondisi sebelum terbebani, saat terbebani, dan setelah terbebani. Truk bermuatan 11 ton dijadikan sebagai beban pada uji beban tersebut. Studi kasus penelitian ini dilakukan pada jembatan tipe pelengkung baja jembatan Situ Gintung yang terletak di Kabupaten Purbalingga, Jawa Tengah. Tahapan penelitian dimulai dari perencanaan dan pengukuran titik kontrol, perencanaan dan pemasangan titik-titik objek pengamatan pada jembatan, pembebanan jembatan dan pengukuran, serta perhitungan dan analisis lendutan. Terdapat empat titik kontrol yang dipasang, satu titik di sisi utara jembatan, satu  titik di sisi selatan jembatan, dan dua titik masing-masing dipasang di timur dan barat bawah jembatan. Sebanyak 32 titik pengamatan dipasang di jembatan yang terbagi menjadi tiga bagian pada sisi barat dan timur yaitu, lima titik di bagian hanger, tujuh titik di bagian slab lantai dan empat titik di pilar jembatan. Perhitungan lendutan dihitung dari permukaan awal ke posisi setelah terjadinya lendutan. Pengamatan lendutan menggunakan total station mampu mendeteksi lendutan jembatan. Namun besarnya lendutan yang terjadi masih memenuhi batas ijin lendutan yang ditetapkan oleh yang RSNI T-03-2005 tentang Perencanaan Struktur Baja untuk Jembatan. Dengan kata lain, jembatan ini sudah lolos uji beban.
Analisis Kesulitan Penggunaan Partikel Wa, No, Ni, De pada Siswa MAN 1 Kebumen
Authors: Safama Swari Araminta , Diner Lispridona
Published: July 2023

Errors in using Japanese particles are often made by Japanese language learners in Indonesia. The purpose of this study is to identify 1) the types of difficulties in using particles in Japanese sentences, 2) the underlying causes faced by students in the language and culture class at MAN 1 Kebumen, and 3) their strategies for resolving these issues. Descriptive quantitative research methodologies were used in this study. Tests and questionnaires were employed as research tools, with questionnaires distributed to 61 students. The findings indicated that the majority of respondents had trouble using the wa, ni, and de particles. Specifically, 75% of students struggled to place the particles correctly in a sentence, and up to 61% of students had difficulties understanding how to use them. These problems were caused by both internal and external factors, including a lack of willingness to learn about particles, inadequate explanations of particle functions in the textbook, insufficient self-learning of particle meaning and usage after class, and a teaching style perceived as less diversified by the students. To overcome these challenges, students employed various strategies such as taking notes about particles, searching for particle functions on the internet, consulting others who were more knowledgeable about the subject, asking friends, and seeking direct assistance from the teacher.
Role-play and Speaking Anxiety: A Case Study in an Online English Speaking Class
Authors: Goram Selvie Gaman , Subekti Adaninggar Septi
Published: July 2023

Though studies about role-plays may be frequent, studies specifically investigating the possible relation between role-plays and speaking anxiety may still be very rare, particularly in the Indonesian second/foreign (L2) context, despite anxiety being a quite widespread phenomenon among language learners. Hence, the present study was conducted to investigate Indonesian learners' extent of participation in role-play activities in an online English speaking class and learners’ and teachers' views about role-plays concerning speaking anxiety. The study employed a qualitative case study using online observations and interviews. The participants were 25 English education department learners and two teachers implementing role-plays. Through observations, the study found that role-plays were unable to make most of the learner participants voluntarily participate in class. Through interviews analysed using Thematic Analysis, the study found three themes. Learners' nervousness and fear of making mistakes negatively affected their role-play performances. Authentic situations in role-plays allowed them to feel more comfortable. Next, preparing role-play for performances in groups lessened learners’ anxiety. It is suggested that teachers offered learners choices whether to do live role-plays or show pre-recorded one. The latter may reduce anxiety and make it possible for learners to redo some parts, allowing them to showcase their best possible performance.
Find Missing Person using HAAR CASCADE
Authors: Chhabria Dr. Sharda A. , Suryawanshi Prof. Rahul , Dufare Nivedi , Shastrakar Sayali , Ghodke Omkar
Published: July 2023

Abstract: The search and rescue operations for finding missing persons present significant challenges, including vast areas to cover, limited resources, and the need for timely and accurate identification. This research paper introduces a comprehensive solution that integrates Haar cascade, face recognition, and OpenCV (Open Source Computer Vision Library) to enhance the search and rescue process. By leveraging computer vision and artificial intelligence techniques, this approach aims to improve the efficiency and accuracy of locating missing individuals.
Simulation of Asymmetrical Seven Level Multi Level Inverter using MATLAB Simulink
Authors: Kiran P. Pradeep , Krishna T. Murali , Soumya M. , Reddy K. Susena
Published: July 2023

Abstract: Multi-Level Inverter (MLI) has gained significant significance in medium power and medium voltage AC drive applications. Various topologies have been developed in the design of MLIs. Hybrid topologies are emerging to minimize component requirements and reduce switching losses. This paper introduces a comprehensive analysis and functioning of the asymmetrical seven level multi-level inverter topology. The modeling process is executed using the MATLAB Simulink environment.
Literature in Language Teaching: Teacher Versus Student Opinions
Authors:   University of Latvia, Kalnberzina Vita , Savlovska Dina
Published: July 2023

Literary texts are returning to school curricula, albeit in a different format: digital and multimodal, in the form of audiobooks and films. Although the theoreticians like Ghosn (2002) and Khatib, Rezaei and Derakhshan (2011) have reminded us about the value of literary text in a language learning curriculum of advanced levels, the views in the classrooms differ as we can see in Ghazali, Setia, Muthusamy and Jusoff, (2009) research on the student and teacher reaction to the use of literature in language learning. Since Latvia is also undergoing curriculum reform, which introduces literary texts in language learning, this research aims at comparing the views of teachers and students on the use of literary texts. The content analysis of the teacher response suggests that their opinions on the benefits of reading literary texts are closer than they realise. The students, just like the teachers, do see the value of literary texts in studying language, learning about culture and developing thinking skills.
Term-formation, Translation, Interpreting, Lexicography
Authors:   University of Latvia, Veisbergs Andrejs
Published: July 2023

The paper dwells on Latvian terminology of the 21st century. It is coined mostly on the basis of English counterparts. There are many sources of this new terminology: Latvian branch and domain experts, professional EU institutions’ Brussels and Luxembourg based translators and terminologists, professional Latvia based translators and terminologists. But numerous terms are coined by random translators, journalists, media representatives, tradespeople, e. g. small shop owners, car dealers, etc. Finally, numerous new nonce terms are coined on the spur of the moment by interpreters, some of which are picked up by their audience and thus gain currency. This leads to a very chaotic terminology scene: often one English term has many established Latvian counterparts (available in official databases), while some terms have none and the English term is used in a grammatically changed or even unchanged form. Still other terms have ‘established’ Latvian counterparts in the shape of overextended definitions. These terms often breach basic principles of term-formation and contribute to terminological chaos, ambiguity and legal uncertainty. It also makes the work of lexicographers most complicated: dictionaries and databases could standardize terminology, but the descriptive approach to lexicography presumes reflecting lexis that is being used. A ray of hope can be seen in a gradual acceptance of metaphorical terminology.
Appréciation individuelle des termes du métier par des spécialistes en ostéopathie biodynamique en anglais, français et italien
Authors:   Université du Piémont Oriental, Kalinina Irina
Published: July 2023

L’article examine la ‘résonance expérientielle’, l’appréciation individuelle des termes en ostéopathie biodynamique par les utilisateurs. Tenant compte des caractéristiques conceptuelles essentielles qui forment la base de la sémantique du terme et de la résonance cognitive générée par la dénomination du terme, ancrée dans la culture et la langue cible, l’établissement des caractéristiques individuelle associées aux termes permet d’améliorer la pratique de la traduction pragmatique et la communication entre les spécialistes. En analysant des entretiens ouverts sur le sens de 18 termes avec 8 praticiens d’ostéopathie biodynamique, nous avons établi des tendances de définition et d’explication des termes par les professionnels. Les définitions obtenues ont été confrontées au définitions intensionnelles composées préalablement selon les principes terminologiques. Nous avons constaté que très peu de commentaires des répondants contenaient des mentions d’un concept superordonné, ni de caractéristiques délimitantes des concepts, même si les définitions générées par les spécialistes ont été plus longues que celles issues de l’analyse terminologique. Les répondants ont utilisé des stratégies définitoires assez insolites, se souciant peu de la systématisation et de l’ordre terminologiques : la description d’une situation, d’un sentiment, d’une action, l’utilisation de la négation, de la comparaison, des métaphores, de l’emploi de techniques de narration et des principes du flux de conscience. On a pu noter que les praticiens de la biodynamie accordent une importance particulière à l’exploration des concepts par tous les sens, ce qui constitues un principe didactique de cette discipline.
Activites theatrales chez l’apprenant de FLE dans le contexte de COVID-19
Authors:   Université de Vilnius, Stasilo Miroslav
Published: July 2023

Cet article analyse l’enseignement et l’apprentissage de français langue étrangère en Lituanie en se focalisant sur l’entrée du pays dans l’UE ainsi que sur la crise sanitaire de COVID-19. Nous donnons un aperçu général du contexte linguistique en Lituanie de ces dernières années en mettant l’accent sur le changement des méthodes de travail des professeurs de français, pour qui la motivation des apprenants devient de plus en plus importante. Les activités théâtrales, comme le jeu de rôle ou une mise en scène, y jouent un rôle important. Nous essayons de voir si l’enseignement à distance est meilleur que l’apprentissage en présentiel, si les activités théâtrales sont autonomes dans l’enseignement des langues étrangères ouun outil supplémentaire, quels sont les plus grands changements de l’enseignement des langues vivantes ces dernières années.