bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Ecological and Public Health Implications of Brick Manufacturing in a Suburban Municipality of Bangladesh: A Comprehensive Case Study
Authors: Apu Imran Khan
Published: November 2023

The brick manufacturing sector in Bangladesh is experiencing rapid growth, leading to notable environmental and health concerns. The primary objective of this research is to examine the Savar Upazila, a region of significant economic significance owing to its favorable brick manufacturing conditions and proximity to Dhaka city. Brick kilns, among other sources, constitute significant contributors to air pollution. The study utilized primary and secondary data to examine brick kiln emissions' effects on the surrounding area's environment and public health. The collection of primary data was conducted in multiple zones within Savar Upazila, which is home to a significant number of brick kilns. The utilization of secondary data provided valuable insights regarding the toxic pollutants discharged by these kilns and the corresponding health risks they pose. The participants provided accounts of various health ailments, such as dermatological conditions, optical difficulty, and respiratory complications, further aggravated by brick kilns' incidents. The prevalence of crop losses, soil degradation, and reduced agricultural yields was confirmed by 74% of the respondents. The trees and crops in the surrounding area experienced adverse effects due to the deposition of dust particles. During periods of inactivity, the concentrations of sulfur oxide (SOx) were between 6 and 9 times lower compared to periods of operation. Similarly, nitrogen oxide (NOx) levels were observed to be 4 to 6 times lower during non-operational phases. The degradation of water quality in adjacent bodies has been attributed to the deposition of dust and ash originating from brickfields, resulting in substantial repercussions on aquaculture. A significant proportion of participants indicated experiencing diverse health issues, notwithstanding the employment prospects generated by brick kilns, thereby underscoring the adverse consequences on both the environment and the local economy.
Low-Molecular Collagen Peptide Supplementation and Body Fat Mass in Adults Aged ≥ 50 Years: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo- Controlled Trial
Authors: Park Jeongbin , Kim Minji , Shin Hyeri , Ahn Hyejin , Park Yoo Kyoung
Published: November 2023

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted to confirm whether collagen peptide supplementation for 12 week has a beneficial effect on body fat control in older adults at a daily physical activity level. Participants were assigned to either the collagen group (15 g/day of collagen peptide) or the placebo group (placebo drink). Body composition was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). In total, 74 participants (collagen group, n = 37; placebo group, n = 37) were included in the final analysis. The collagen group showed a significant reduction in total body fat mass compared with the placebo group, as evidenced by both BIA (p = 0.021) and DEXA (p = 0.041) measurements. Body fat mass and percent body fat of the whole body and trunk reduced at 12 weeks compared with baseline only in the collagen group (whole body: body fat mass, p = 0.002; percent body fat, p = 0.002; trunk: body fat mass, p = 0.001; percent body fat, p = 0.000). Total fat mass change (%) (collagen group, −0.49 ± 3.39; placebo group, 2.23 ± 4.20) showed a significant difference between the two groups (p = 0.041). Physical activity, dietary intake, and biochemical parameters showed no significant difference between the groups. The results confirmed that collagen peptide supplementation had a beneficial effect on body fat reduction in older adults aged ≥ 50 years with daily physical activity level. Thus, collagen peptide supplementation has a positive effect on age-related changes.
SSIVD-Net: A Novel Salient Super Image Classification & Detection Technique for Weaponized Violence
Authors: Aremu Toluwani , Zhiyuan Li , Alameeri Reem , Khan Mustaqeem , Saddik Abdulmotaleb El
Published: November 2023

Detection of violence and weaponized violence in closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage requires a comprehensive approach. In this work, we introduce the Smart-City CCTV Violence Detection (SCVD) dataset, specifically designed to facilitate the learning of weapon distribution in surveillance videos. To tackle the complexities of analyzing 3D surveillance video for violence recognition tasks, we propose a novel technique called, SSIVD-Net (Salient-Super-Image for Violence Detection). Our method reduces 3D video data complexity, dimensionality, and information loss while improving inference, performance, and explainability through the use of Salient-Super-Image representations. Considering the scalability and sustainability requirements of futuristic smart cities, the authors introduce the Salient-Classifier, a novel architecture combining a kernelized approach with a residual learning strategy. We evaluate variations of SSIVD-Net and Salient Classifier on our SCVD dataset and benchmark against state-of-the-art (SOTA) models commonly employed in violence detection. Our approach exhibits significant improvements in detecting both weaponized and non-weaponized violence instances. By advancing the SOTA in violence detection, our work offers a practical and scalable solution suitable for real-world applications. The proposed methodology not only addresses the challenges of violence detection in CCTV footage but also contributes to the understanding of weapon distribution in smart surveillance. Ultimately, our research findings should enable smarter and more secure cities, as well as enhance public safety measures.
A comparison of psychosocial interventions for children with cancer and their families in low- and middle-income versus resource-rich developing countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.
Authors: Morsi Hisham , Akhtar Tooba , Balkaya Ozge , Miller Harriet Dean , Clapsaddle Jeanine , Clark Holly
Published: November 2023

Objectives: The provision of psychosocial care to address stressors accompanying a cancer diagnosis is instrumental in ensuring quality adjusted survival for children with cancer. Availability and delivery of these interventions is largely unknown in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and in resources rich developing countries.
This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate and compare the published and unpublished reports of psychosocial interventions for children with cancer and their families in LMICs and resources rich developing countries.
Results: To be included in this review, studies must explore and report the impact of a psychosocial intervention on physical, mental, psychological and / or long-term health outcomes of children with cancer, their siblings, family members and carers. The impact must be reported or quantified according to a patient and family centered theoretical framework through the patient / family surveys or self-reports.
A comprehensive systematic search of relevant databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Medline, Cochrane, CINAHL and grey literature ProQuest databases) will be carried out using an exhaustive list of search terms to identify all related hits with no language or date restrictions. A pooled effect size will be quantified for the Meta-analysis.
This study will bridge a significant existing gap and guide relevant authorities.
1.28 Terabit-per-second all-silicon avalanche receiver
Authors: Peng Yiwei , Yuan Yuan , Sorin Wayne , Cheung Stanley , Huang Zhihong , Liang Di , Fiorentino Marco , Beausoleil Raymond
Published: November 2023

To meet the exponential growth in data traffic, silicon (Si) photonics has emerged as a promising technology for ultra-high-speed and low-cost optical interconnects. However, achieving high-performance photodetectors (PDs) on Si photonics requires integrating narrower-bandgap materials, resulting in more complex fabrication processes, higher cost, and yield issues. To address this challenge, we demonstrate an all-Si solution showing a cost-efficient 8-channel double-microring resonator (MRR) avalanche photodiode (APD)-based receiver (RX) with an aggregate data rate of 1.28 Tb/s. All channels show excellent uniformity in their device performance with a responsivity of 0.4 A/W, an ultra-low dark current of 1 nA, a high bandwidth of 40 GHz, and a 𝑘 value of 0.28. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of an all-Si RX supporting a record-high transmission data rate of 160 Gb/s per channel, along with ultralow electrical crosstalk of < -50 dB. This all Si optical RX can compete with the commercial heterojunction-based RXs and promises ~ 40% chip cost saving, thus paving the way to realize >3.2 Tb/s interconnects for future optical networks.
Reservoir production capacity prediction of Zananor field based on LSTM neural network
Authors: Liu Jiyuan , Wang Fei , Zhang ChengEn , Zhang Yong , Li Tao
Published: November 2023

This paper aims to explore the application of artificial intelligence in the petroleum industry, with a specific focus on the prediction of oil well production. Using the Zananor Field as a case study and leveraging several years' worth of monthly oil production data, experiments were conducted to establish Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network models to accurately forecast monthly oil production in the field. In this study, the raw data was meticulously organized, and distinctions were made between different wells and their respective production stages. Additionally, data normalization was performed. Initially, a univariate LSTM neural network model was constructed, utilizing monthly oil production data as the input to predict the monthly oil output in the experimental oil field. Furthermore, a multivariate LSTM neural network model was introduced, utilizing various production data sets as inputs to enhance the accuracy of monthly oil production forecasts. To further enhance predictive accuracy, two different feature selection methods were compared in the experiments: Grey Relational Analysis and Principal Component Analysis. The experimental results revealed that the multivariate model outperformed the univariate model in terms of prediction accuracy, making it more suitable for forecasting monthly oil production. Furthermore, the experiments demonstrated that Grey Relational Analysis exhibited higher accuracy in feature selection and greater applicability compared to Principal Component Analysis, rendering it a more viable option. These research findings provide valuable guidance for production forecasting and operational optimization within the petroleum industry.
Polypeptide additives for improving the performance of microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP) sand consolidation
Authors: Wang Daming , Chen Liuxia , Song Yuqi , Fang Hao , Feng Youzhi , Zhao Chen , Song Xiangyang
Published: November 2023

Recognizing the limitations of Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) for sand consolidation, particularly the insufficient mechanical strength and the uneven distribution of precipitated calcite, our research takes an innovative approach. For the first time, we compare the potential of various polypeptide additives, including polylysine, polyaspartic acid, and polyglutamic acid, to enhance the MICP process. The optimal polypeptide was determined as polylysine, which could increase sand samples’ unconfined compressive strength (UCS) by 35.03% after MICP treatment. The optimal polylysine concentration is 100 mg/L, and the cementing liquid cost increased by only 3%. When the polylysine concentration exceeded 100 mg/L, the UCS of sand-solidified samples decreased. Environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) images showed that calcium carbonate and sand were bonded more tightly with polylysine added, and the distribution of calcium carbonate was uniform in the sand samples treated by MICP. X-ray diffractometer (XRD) showed calcium carbonate’s crystal form is calcite. This research signifies a crucial step forward in optimizing MICP for sand consolidation, potentially transforming applications in construction, geotechnical engineering, and environmental remediation.
Lessons learned from COVID-19: improving breast cancer care post-pandemic from the patient perspective
Authors: Myers Charlotte , Bennett Kathleen , Cahir Caitriona
Published: November 2023

Background Since the onset of the pandemic, breast cancer (BC) services have been disrupted in most countries. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the unmet needs, patient-priorities, and recommendations for improving BC healthcare post-pandemic for women with BC and to understand how they may vary based on social determinants of health (SDH), in particular socio-economic status (SES). Methods Thirty-seven women, who were purposively sampled based on SDH and previously interviewed about the impact of COVID-19 on BC, were invited to take part in follow-up semi-structured qualitative interviews in early 2023. The interviews explored their perspectives of BC care since the easing of COVID-19 government restrictions, including unmet needs, patient-priorities, and recommendations specific to BC care. Thematic analysis was conducted to synthesize each topic narratively with corresponding sub-themes. Additionally, variation by SDH was analysed within each sub-theme. Results Twenty-eight women (mean age = 61.7 years, standard deviation(SD) = 12.3) participated in interviews (response rate = 76%). 39%(n = 11) of women were categorized as high-SES, while 61%(n = 17) of women were categorized as low-SES. Women expressed unmet needs in their BC care including routine care and mental and physical well-being care, as well as a lack of financial support to access BC care. Patient-priorities included: developing cohesion between different aspects of BC care; communication with and between healthcare professionals; and patient empowerment within BC care. Recommendations moving forward post-pandemic included: improving the transition from active to post-treatment; enhancing support resources; and implementing telemedicine where appropriate. Overall, women of low-SES experienced more severe unmet needs, which in turn resulted in varied patient-priorities and recommendations. Conclusion As health systems are recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the emphasis should be on restoring access to BC care and improving the quality of BC care, with a particular consideration given to those women from low-SES, to reduce health inequalities post-pandemic.
The differential bundles of the geometric tangent category of an operad
Authors: Lanfranchi Marcello
Published: November 2023

Affine schemes can be understood as objects of the opposite of the category of commutative and unital algebras. Similarly, 𝒫-affine schemes can be defined as objects of the opposite of the category of algebras over an operad 𝒫. An example is the opposite of the category of associative algebras. The category of operadic schemes of an operad carries a canonical tangent structure. This paper aims to initiate the study of the geometry of operadic affine schemes via this tangent category. For example, we expect the tangent structure over the opposite of the category of associative algebras to describe algebraic non-commutative geometry. In order to initiate such a program, the first step is to classify differential bundles, which are the analogs of vector bundles for differential geometry. In this paper, we prove that the tangent category of affine schemes of the enveloping operad 𝒫(𝐴) over a 𝒫-affine scheme 𝐴 is precisely the slice tangent category over 𝐴 of 𝒫-affine schemes. We are going to employ this result to show that differential bundles over a 𝒫-affine scheme 𝐴 are precisely 𝐴-modules in the operadic sense.
Valuation and Valorization of volaille’s wastes in fabrication of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and collagen from egg shells: waste recycling.
Authors: Rouabhi Rachid , Ziani Nihal , Abbassi Anfel , Zouaoui Sara , Bouzenzana Sarra
Published: November 2023

Around the world, large quantities of eggs are consumed in a variety of ways, producing enormous numbers of eggshells. These eggshells may wind up in landfills, rivers, or coastal waters, which may have an adverse effect on people's health, contaminate water supplies, or otherwise harm the environment. Additionally, in recent years, particular attention has been paid to industrial sectors that pollute the environment. Eggshells have some organic membranes and contain a lot of CaCO3, although they are typically regarded as garbage. ES comprise roughly 95% calcium carbonate, and the ES membrane's fibrils are primarily made of proteins, around 10% of which are collagen (types I, V, and X). Due to the versatility of both calcium carbonate and collagen in many fieldssuch as medicine, pharmaceutic, alimentation and cosmetic. In this study, we used waste eggshell as raw material to extract calcium carbonate and collagen as bio and natural products, in this study we gave an attempt to reduce waste eggshell, including environmental pollution, in order to preserve our health and achieve the zero-waste rule. One (1) kg of eggshell collected from two different restaurants, we used just 100g of the extern membrane to extract CaCO3 and 50g from the inner membrane to extract collagen. The eggshells were cleaned and sterilized, both membranes were separated manually. The outer membrane was ground and mixed with 10% of acetic acid in order to extract CaCO3. The inner membrane went through two stages, the first one is the pre-treatment to remove impurity such as soluble non-collagenous compound, lipids, pigments and aftertaste. The second one is the extraction step of collagen by 0.5M of citric or acetic acid. In this study, the presence of calcium carbonate content in ES was determined by back titration. The result of this study was high yield of pure material of CaCO3 and collagen, the rest of the details and information you will get through the upcoming papers.
Corrosion Behavior and Cellular Automata Simulation of Carbon Steel in Salt-Spray Environment
Authors: Teng Yingxue , Qing Hong , Liu Jin , Shao Qianxi , Zhang Xiqing , Chen Shuweng , Zhang Dazhen , Bao Shuo
Published: November 2023

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to discuss the corrosion loss and morphology of the pit and rust layer of carbon steel. It was found that the corrosion process is largely influenced by the cyclic shedding of surface corrosion products, in addition to being controlled by the mechanism of oxide film shedding and pit evolution. A new corrosion mechanism (the mechanism of rust layer shedding) is proposed. As a result, in this paper, the corrosion process of the test steel is simulated by the cellular automata. It was set up that the mechanism of oxide film shedding, the mechanism of pit evolution, and the mechanism of rust layer shedding in Cellular Automata Simulation. The optimal time ratio and simulation parameters were found, and a predictable cellular automata corrosion simulation model was built, providing a solution for carbon steel's service life prediction.
Effects of Bottle-Feeding Practice on Undernutrition Among Children 6 to 23 Months Old in Bole Sub-City Health Centers, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia: Unmatched Case-Control Study
Authors: Tukeni Kedir Negesso , Jibicho Kelil Hussein , Roba Kedir Teji
Published: November 2023

Background
Nowadays, both metropolitan areas of underdeveloped countries and the industrialized world use bottles to feed babies. Particularly in developing nations like sub-Saharan Africa, this practice is linked to an increased risk of diarrheal illnesses. In Bole Sub-City Health Centers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, this study was carried out to assess the impact of bottle-feeding practice on undernutrition in children aged 6–23 months.
Objective
Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine the prevalence of bottle feeding and its effects on undernutrition and the risk of developing diarrheal infections in children aged 6 to 23 months in Bole, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia.
Methods
A facility-based unmatched case-control study was carried out in Bole, Addis Abeba, Ethiopia, from November 1 to October 30, 2020. 162 mothers who had children between the ages of 6 and 23 months were used to recruit a total of 52 cases and 103 controls (1:2 ratios). With the aid of a multivariable binary logistic regression model, bottle-feeding effects were discovered. Bottle feeding was determined to be significantly linked with variables.
Results
53.8% of the total 52 cases were wasted, compared to 29.1% of the controls, demonstrating a strong correlation between wasting and bottle feeding (AOR = 3.38, 95% C.I.: ((1.33,8.61)). Compared to the control group, the bottle-feeding group experienced more diarrhea (AOR = 3.47, 95% C.I.: 1.07, 11.16). Factors related to bottle feeding were having a cesarean section (AOR = 4.09, 95% C.I.: 1.59, 10.52), and working for the government (AOR = 5.03, 95% C.I.: 1.87, 13.57).
Conclusion
Children who were being bottle-fed had higher rates of wasting and diarrhea. Bottle feeding was substantially correlated with the delivery method and the husband's employment. During ANC follow-up, mothers may receive counseling regarding the hazards of bottle feeding, which could enhance optimal feeding techniques after 6 months.
Mechanical analysis of Magnetic Field Applied Czochralski Method (MCZ )superconducting magnet cold mass suspension tie rod structure
Authors: Wang Shuo , Feng ZhiChao , Wang Hui , Liu Hui , Qu HongYi , Cheng JunSheng
Published: November 2023

A Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer/Plastic CFRP rod assembly used for the 4K cold mass suspension of an MCZ magnet was presented in this article. Finite element simulation and theoretical calculations were employed to explore the patterns of electromagnetic forces and torque variations on the carbon steel magnetic shield due to changes in orientation within a gradient magnetic field. The bolt pre-tensioning force and cryogenic contraction force were also calculated. Taking into consideration scenarios that may occur in its working environment, the effects of electromagnetic forces, cryogenic stresses, gravity, transport impact accelerations, and other factors on the entire cold mass suspension structure, which includes the rod assembly and main coil frame, were discussed. The assessment aims to determine whether the structural integrity meets the requirements for use. The calculations indicated that the strength of the rod assembly structure of this model could meet the assumed usage requirements and does not exceed 50% of its rated load.
Axisymmetric Contact Problem for a Homogeneous Space with a Circular Disk-Shaped Crack Under Static Friction
Authors: Hakobyan V. , Sahakyan A. , Dashtoyan L.
Published: November 2023

The paper considers an axisymmetric stress state of a homogeneous elastic space with a circular disc-shaped crack, one of the edges of which is pressed into a cylindrical circular punch with static friction. It is assumed that the contact zone is considered under the generalized law of dry friction, i.e. tangential contact stresses are proportional to normal contact pressure, while the proportionality coefficient depends on the radial coordinates of the points of the contacting surfaces and is directly proportional to them. Considering the fact that in this case the Abel images of contact stresses are also related in a similar way, the solution of the problem, with the help of rotation operators and theory of analytical functions, is reduced to an inhomogeneous Riemann problem for two functions and the closed solution in quadratures is constructed. A numerical analysis was carried out and regularities of changes in both normal and shear real contact stresses, as well as rigid displacement of the punch depending on the physical and geometric parameters were revealed.
Determinants of improved cookstove adoption and its benefits Ethiopia
Authors: Ganewo Zerhun , Kare Sintayehu , Mulugeta Melese , Alemu Abera , Mathewos Markos , Legesse Tibebu
Published: November 2023

Background
In Ethiopia's rural areas, biomass is the most prevalent energy source for lighting and cooking. Open fires and conventional, inefficient stoves are used to convert energy, which lowers the quality of life owing to the health effects of smoking and uses a lot of wood. As a result, healthcare expenditures go up, and cutting down trees contributes to climate change. Improved cooking stoves (ICS) have been distributed through youth cooperatives in the study region to improve the current subpar energy conversion technology.
Methods
Data collected from 344 households were selected using simple random and the required data were collected using a questionnaire. The interview schedule was also used to triangulate the data collected from primary households. The collected data were analyzed using both descriptive and econometric models.
Results
The findings of the study showed that only 22.97% of the interview households adopted the improved cook stoves whereas the vast majority (67.03%) still rely on traditional stoves that are highly inefficient. The prevalence of adoption of ICS was found to be 22.97% which is very low. The positive and significant variables in predicting the adoption of ICS were the educational level of the household head (OR 1.23; CI at 95% 0.029–0.040), access to the improved stove (OR 5.88; CI at 95% 1.05–2.48), affordability (OR 2.31; CI at 95% 0.11–1.56) and demonstration about the stove (OR 6.74; CI at 95% 1.13–2.68). Family size (OR 0.74; CI at 95% -0.45-0.12) and Availability of firewood (OR 0.27; CI at 95% -2.00-.56) significantly and negatively affected the adoption of the ICS.
Conclusions
The low adoption levels of ICS were found in the study area. Socio-economic, institutional, financial, and resource endowments have triggered this. Therefore, it is recommended that increasing access to improved stoves, diversifying income sources, creating awareness about ICS health benefits, and climate changes, and providing reasonable prices will facilitate its adoption.
Interpretable Machine learning for the Cesarean Section Risk Identification in Epidural Analgesia
Authors: Montagna Sara , Pini Rita , Benedetti Riccardo , Bolondi Giuliano , Croatti Angelo , De Chiara Annabella , Malewski Georgia , Pierucci Giada , Agnoletti Vanni , Ferretti Stefano
Published: November 2023

Despite scientific evidence to the contrary, a recent Italian report found an unexpected increase in Cesarean section rates when epidural analgesia was used. In response, we conducted a study on a dataset acquired at M. Bufalini Hospital in Cesena, Italy, involving 1,773 women aged 15 to 50 who gave birth during the same period, with the goal to identify the specific risk factors within this population. Our research leverages a diverse array of machine learning algorithms and different data preprocessing techniques, specifically to address dataset imbalances. Additionally, SHAP-based analyses were conducted to enhance the interpretability of the models.The study found that as sensitivity increased, specificity decreased, resulting in no single algorithm or configuration outperforming others. However, The best results came from the undersampling configuration and the XGBoost algorithm, achieving a sensitivity of 0.634, specificity of 0.753, and an AUC score of 0.756.Furthermore, the study's interpretability analysis highlighted variables strongly related to delivery outcomes but independent of analgesia, aligning with existing scientific literature. This underscores the need to consider multiple factors, beyond analgesia, in understanding and predicting Cesarean section outcomes. Finally, the study emphasises that, relying solely on statistics, may not be the most effective approach for epidemiological research.
Automated Recognition of Emotional States of Horses from Facial Expressions
Authors: Feighelstein Marcelo , Ricci-Bonot Claire , Hasan Hana , Weinberg Hallel , Rettig Tidhar , Segal Maya , Distelfeld Tomer , Shimshoni Ilan , Mills Daniel S. , Zamansky Anna
Published: November 2023

Animal affective computing is an emerging new field, which has so far mainly focused on pain, while other emotional states remain uncharted territories, especially in horses. This study is the first to develop AI models to automatically recognize horse emotional states from facial expressions using data collected in a controlled experiment. We explore two types of pipelines: a deep learning one which takes as input video footage, and a machine learning one which takes as input EquiFACS annotations. The former outperforms the latter, with 76\% accuracy in separating between four emotional states: baseline, positive anticipation, disappointment and frustration. Anticipation and frustration were difficult to separate, with only 61% accuracy.
Burnout among medical residents, coping mechanisms and the perceived impact on patient care in a developing country
Authors: muteshi charles , Ochola Elizabeth , Kamya Dorothy
Published: November 2023

Background
Burnout is a syndrome that result from chronic workplace stress and it characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and low personal accomplishments. Studies have found higher burnout levels in medical personnel compared to the general population. Workplace burnout has been directly linked to medical errors and negative coping strategies such as substance abuse. The aim of this study was to primarily assess the level of burnout in post graduate medical residents, evaluate their impressions about coping mechanisms and also to look at impact on patient care.
Methods
This was a cross sectional, mixed methods survey. The Maslach Burnout Inventory - Human Services Survey was used to assess the level of burnout. To assess the impressions on patient care and evaluate the coping mechanisms employed in the context of burnout, after purposive sampling, residents participated in four focus group discussions reaching thematic saturation.
Results
95 out of 120 residents consented to participate in the study, 47.3% of whom had a high risk of burnout. A significant association was found between gender and burnout risk with more females having high risk of burnout compared to their males counterparts; 58.0% and 35.6% respectively (P value 0.029). Residents in paediatrics and child health had the greatest risk of burnout (8 out of 10) compared to those in other programmes (P value of 0.01). Thematic analysis from focus group discussions revealed that main sources of stress included departmental conflict and struggle to balance work and other aspects of life. All focus group discussions revealed that burnout and stress are associated with negative coping mechanisms. Respondents reported that when under stress, they tended to be more likely to make medical errors.
Conclusion
This study reported high risk of burnout among post graduate residents which is consistent with other global studies. The sources of stress cited by residents were mostly related to the workplace and many reported sub-optimal patient care as a result of burnout. This highlights a need for preventive measures such as wellness programs within the training models.
Dynamics of the Universe with Variable Parameters that Govern the Gravitational Interactions
Authors: Mishra Ravi Kant , Jain Navya
Published: November 2023

The present study investigates the Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker models (often FLRW models) with time varying and in the general theory of relativity. In this communication the Einstein field equations have been solved by considering the deceleration parameter as a varying function of time and the Hubble parameter H defined as and , where are non-negative constants. We have analyzed the values of different constants that will generate a transition for the universe from an early decelerating phase to a recent acceleration phase. The physical and graphic behaviour have also been planned to study in this communicatio
Evaluation of Cytotoxicity and Antimicrobial Activity of Experimental
Composites Containing Chitosan-Silver Oxide Particles Against Two Main
Pathogenic Bacteria in Periodontal Disease
Authors: Nasrabadi Nahid , Ramezanian Navid , Ghorbanian Parisa , Forouzanfar Ali , Mohammadipour Hamideh Sadat
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Bacterial biofilm is known as the main cause of periodontal disease.
Generally, the anaerobic Gram-negative, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium
nucleatum, are considered the most identified bacteria.

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial effect and cytotoxicity of two
experimental composites containing chitosan-silver oxide (CH-Ag2O) particles.

Materials and methods:

Four experimental groups, including Ag2O and CH, along with two
composites of CH-Ag2O 20 and CH-Ag2O 60 mg, were prepared. Antimicrobial activity was
performed against Porphyromonas gingivalis (ATCC#33277) and Fusobacterium nucleatum
(ATCC#25586) using the agar dilution method. Moreover, the cytotoxicity assay was performed on
human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) by the use of the MTT method. The obtained data were analyzed
with descriptive methods, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey’s LSD tests.

Results:

The antibacterial activity of both composites was higher than both CH and Ag2O, and the
greatest antibacterial properties were presented in CH-Ag2O 60. In all three measurements (24, 48,
and 72h), the greatest cytotoxicity was seen in Ag2O, followed by CH, CH-Ag2O 20, and CH-Ag2O
60 in descending order, respectively. The cytotoxicity of these components was related to the
concentration and not to the time of exposure. The results showed that Ag2O in 3.7 and 7.5 μg/ml
concentrations and CH-containing groups in 250 and 500 μg/ml were toxic to the cultured HGF.

Conclusion:

The experimental composite containing CH-Ag2O 60 showed the greatest antibacterial
properties against two periodontal pathogens evaluated. In order to clarify the clinical significance
of composite cytotoxicity, further clinical studies are necessary.
Association of PD-L1 Expression with Clinicopathologic Characters
in Gastric Cancer: A Comprehensive Meta-analysis
Authors: Han Zhuo , Wang Nan , Qiao Qing , He Xianli , Wang Nan
Published: November 2023

Purpose::

The expression level of programmed death ligand-1(PD-L1) in patients
with gastric cancer is the key to determining the use of immune drugs. The relationship
between PD-L1 expression level and clinical characteristics is worth exploring.

Methods::

By setting the search terms correlated to PD-L1 and gastric cancer, a nearly
comprehensive search was carried out in four major databases, and the deadline for
searching was September 1, 2022. The retrieved documents were further screened by
strict inclusion and exclusion criteria after removing the duplication. Next, the quality of
the included studies was evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) scale. Finally,
the STATA15.1 software was used to process data and draw plots, and the odds ratios
(ORs) were adopted to assess the pooled effect size.

Results::

A total of 85 works of literature were included in this study through screening
strictly, and detailed data were extracted after evaluating the quality of the literature.
The process of analysis was conducted in the whole population, Asia-Africa population,
European and American population, and Asian population with CPS≥1, amd all found
that the expression of PD-L1 in gastric cancer was correlated with age, tumor size, EBV
infection, Her-2 expression and microsatellite status. However, the subgroup of the region
also found some differences in Asian and Western regions, which was interesting
and worth studying further. The included research of this study did not have significant
publish bias.

Conclusion::

After careful analysis, this study found that age (>60 years), tumor size
(>5cm), EBV infection (+), Her-2 expression (+), microsatellite status (MSI), and mismatch
repair status (dMMR) were risk factors for positive expression of PD-L1 in gastric
cancer.
Impact of Breaking up of Sitting Time on Anti-inflammatory Response Induced by Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Padilha Camila S. , Antunes Bárbara M. , Jiménez-Maldonado Alberto , St-Pierre David H. , Lira Fabio S.
Published: November 2023

Physical inactivity and sedentary behaviors (SB) have promoted a dramatic increase in the incidence of a host of chronic disorders over the last century. The breaking up of sitting time (i.e., sitting to standing up transition) has been proposed as a promising solution in several epidemiological and clinical studies. In parallel to the large interest it initially created, there is a growing body of evidence indicating that breaking up prolonged sedentary time (i.e., > 7 h in sitting time) could reduce overall mortality risks by normalizing the inflammatory profile and cardiometabolic functions. Recent advances suggest that the latter health benefits, may be mediated through the immunomodulatory properties of extracellular vesicles. Primarily composed of miRNA, lipids, mRNA and proteins, these vesicles would influence metabolism and immune system functions by promoting M1 to M2 macrophage polarization (i.e., from a pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory phenotype) and improving endothelial function. The outcomes of interrupting prolonged sitting time may be attributed to molecular mechanisms induced by circulating angiogenic cells. Functionally, circulating angiogenic cells contribute to repair and remodel the vasculature. This effect is proposed to be mediated through the secretion of paracrine factors. The present review article intends to clarify the beneficial contributions of breaking up sitting time on extracellular vesicles formation and macrophage polarization (M1 and M2 phenotypes). Hence, it will highlight key mechanistic information regarding how breaking up sitting time protocols improves endothelial health by promoting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses in human organs and tissues.
Insight into Early Diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis by Targeting Prognostic Biomarkers
Authors: Puranik Nidhi , Yadav Dhananjay , Song Minseok
Published: November 2023

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system (CNS) immune-mediated disease that mainly strikes young adults and leaves them disabled. MS is an autoimmune illness that causes the immune system to attack the brain and spinal cord. The myelin sheaths, which insulate the nerve fibers, are harmed by our own immune cells, and this interferes with brain signal transmission. Numbness, tingling, mood swings, memory problems, exhaustion, agony, vision problems, and/or paralysis are just a few of the symptoms. Despite technological advancements and significant research efforts in recent years, diagnosing MS can still be difficult. Each patient's MS is distinct due to a heterogeneous and complex pathophysiology with diverse types of disease courses. There is a pressing need to identify markers that will allow for more rapid and accurate diagnosis and prognosis assessments to choose the best course of treatment for each MS patient. The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is an excellent source of particular indicators associated with MS pathology. CSF contains molecules that represent pathological processes such as inflammation, cellular damage, and loss of blood-brain barrier integrity. Oligoclonal bands, neurofilaments, MS-specific miRNA, lncRNA, IgG-index, and anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies are all clinically utilised indicators for CSF in MS diagnosis. In recent years, a slew of new possible biomarkers have been presented. In this review, we look at what we know about CSF molecular markers and how they can aid in the diagnosis and differentiation of different MS forms and treatment options, and monitoring and predicting disease progression, therapy response, and consequences during such opportunistic infections.
Cysteine-coated Magnetite Nanoparticles for the Removal of Carmoisine Edible Dye from Aqueous Medium
Authors: Nikzad Shalkouhi Somaye , Kefayati Hassan , Shariati Shahab
Published: November 2023

Background:

In this study, cysteine-coated magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4@Cys
MNPs) were synthesized by chemical method and applied as a recoverable and efficient adsorbent
for the removal of carmoisine dye from aqueous solutions. The synthesized MNPs were
characterized by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and TEM studies.

Methods:

The effect of various experimental parameters on the dye removal efficiency was studied
using Taguchi orthogonal array design (L16 array). Under the optimum conditions (pH = 2,
stirring time = 30 min, adsorbent amount = 0.1 g and without salt addition), more than 92% of
carmoisine was removed from the aqueous solutions.

Results:

The kinetic studies showed rapid adsorption dynamics by a pseudo second-order kinetic
model, confirming that diffusion controls the adsorption process. Dye adsorption equilibrium data
were fitted well to the Freundlich isotherm, and the synthesized adsorbent showed high
removal efficiency.

Conclusion:

The obtained results showed that the synthesized MNPs act as a reusable adsorbent
for carmoisine removal with an easy procedure.
Shoutai Pill Enhances Endometrial Receptivity in Controlled Ovarian Hyperstimulation Mice by Improving the In-Vivo Immune Environment
Authors: Liu Ziping , Zhang Jizhong , Li Liming , Zhang Tiane , Huang Li , Yin Qiaozhi
Published: November 2023

Background:

The Shoutai pill (STP) is a classic formulation in traditional Chinese
medicine. Preliminary experimental observations from our study suggest that it is effective in
enhancing endometrial receptivity. However, the underlying mechanisms by which STP influences
endometrial receptivity remain to be elucidated.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to investigate the effects and mechanisms of the STP formulation
in enhancing endometrial receptivity in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) model mice.

Methods:

The network pharmacology analysis identified target proteins associated with the reduction
of endometrial receptivity by STP. The COH mouse model was established using the
GnRHa+PMSG+HCG protocol. The levels of MHC-1 and MHC-2 in mouse serum were measured
using the ELISA method, while the levels of IL-1β, IL-4, IL-10, IP-10, IL-1a, IL-2, IL-17,
TNF-a, and IFN-y were measured using liquid chip technology.

Results:

STP exhibited a significant improvement in the immune environment of COH model
mice. The major active components of STP were identified as beta-sitosterol and quercetin,
among others. Furthermore, AKT1, VEGFA, and several immune factors, such as TNF, IFN, IL-
1β, and IL-10, were identified as key targets for regulating endometrial receptivity. STP enhanced
the expression of IL-10, IL-4, and IP-10 in the mice while reducing the expression levels
of IL-2, IL-17, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in COH mice. These effects led to the modulation of early
high expression of IL-1β and an improvement in endometrial receptivity.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrates that STP can modulate in-vivo immune factors throughout
the COH process, subsequently restoring the immune equilibrium within the endometrium,
thereby enhancing the endometrial receptivity in the COH model mice.
Evaluation of Supervised Machine Learning Algorithms and Computational Structural
Validation of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Related to Acute Liver Injury
with Paracetamol
Authors: Sridharan Kannan , Balasundaram Ambritha , D Thirumal Kumar , C George Priya Doss
Published: November 2023

Aims:

To identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of paracetamol-metabolizing enzymes that
can predict acute liver injury.

Background:

Paracetamol is a commonly administered analgesic/antipyretic in critically ill and chronic renal
failure patients and several SNPs influence the therapeutic and toxic effects.

Objective:

To evaluate the role of machine learning algorithms (MLAs) and bioinformatics tools to delineate the
predictor SNPs as well as to understand their molecular dynamics.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was undertaken by recruiting critically ill patients with chronic renal failure and
administering intravenous paracetamol as a standard of care. Serum concentrations of paracetamol and the principal
metabolites were estimated. Following SNPs were evaluated: CYP2E1*2, CYP2E1_-1295G>C, CYP2D6*10,
CYP3A4*1B, CYP3A4*2, CYP1A2*1K, CYP1A2*6, CYP3A4*3, and CYP3A5*7. MLAs were used to identify the
predictor genetic variable for acute liver failure. Bioinformatics tools such as Predict SNP2 and molecular docking
(MD) were undertaken to evaluate the impact of the above SNPs with binding affinity to paracetamol

Results:

CYP2E1*2 and CYP1A2*1C genotypes were identified by MLAs to significantly predict hepatotoxicity.
The predictSNP2 revealed that CYP1A2*3 was highly deleterious in all the tools. MD revealed binding energy of
-5.5 Kcal/mol, -6.9 Kcal/mol, and -6.8 Kcal/mol for CYP1A2, CYP1A2*3, and CYP1A2*6 against paracetamol.
MD simulations revealed that CYP1A2*3 and CYP1A2*6 missense variants in CYP1A2 affect the binding ability
with paracetamol. In-silico techniques found that CYP1A2*2 and CYP1A2*6 are highly harmful. MD simulations
revealed CYP3A4*2 (A>G) had decreased binding energy with paracetamol than CYP3A4, and CYP3A4*2 (A>T)
and CYP3A4*3 both have greater binding energy with paracetamol.

Conclusion:

Polymorphisms in CYP2E1, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 significantly influence paracetamol's
clinical outcomes or binding affinity. Robust clinical studies are needed to identify these polymorphisms' clinical
impact on the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of paracetamol.
Pharmacodynamics Research on Danggui-Shaoyao-San through Body
Fluid Indexes of Spleen Deficiency-water Dampness Rats using
Bio-impedance Technology
Authors: Chen Ran , Yang Mo , Peng Can , Yin Dengke , Zhang Yunjing , Xu Fan
Published: November 2023

Background::

Spleen deficiency-water dampness symptom is closely related to body
fluid-mediated organism metabolism and circulation. However, previous clinical evaluation of
spleen deficiency-water dampness model was based only on body weight, D-xylose excretion
rate, serum gastrin content, etc. Therefore, we established a large sample of normal rats and
model rats experiment to verify the scientific nature of bio-impedance measuring body fluid
indexes for evaluation of the modeling state. Pharmacodynamics research on Danggui-Shaoyao-
San (DSS) was conducted through body fluid index changes of rats using bio-impedance technology.

Methods::

A spleen deficiency-water dampness symptom rat model was established through an
inappropriate diet combined with excess fatigue. Experimental rats were divided into a normal
control group, a model control group, a positive drug control group (hydrochlorothiazide), a
blood-activating group, a water-disinhibiting group, and a DSS group. Total Body Water/Body
Weight (TBW%), extracellular fluid/total body water content (ECF%), intracellular fluid/total
body water content (ICF%), extracellular fluid/intracellular fluid (ECF/ICF), fat mass/body
weight (FM%), fat-free mass/body weight (FFM%), and fat mass/fat-free mass (FM/FFM) of
150 rats were detected by a Bio-Imp Vet Body analyzer.

Results::

The TBW% of the model control group increased significantly, and the FM/FFM was
significantly reduced compared with the normal group (P < 0.05) (P < 0.01), showing symptoms
of spleen deficiency and diarrhea; the TBW% of the blood-activating group, and the waterdisinhibiting
group decreased significantly, and the FM/FFM increased significantly (P < 0.05)
(P < 0.01). The TBW% and FM/FFM in the water-disinhibiting group had returned to nearnormal
values compared with the model control group. The blood-activating and waterdisinhibiting
split prescriptions in DSS are both effective in treating spleen deficiency-water
dampness rats. Comparatively, the fluid-regulating effect of split prescriptions in DSS was
even stronger than that of DSS as shown in the present study.

Conclusions::

These findings suggest that using bio-impedance technology to measure body fluid
indexes can pave a road for further exploring the molecular mechanism of the reason why the
blood-activating and disinhibit-water split prescriptions in DSS are both effective in treating
spleen deficiency-water dampness rats.