bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal Efficiency Analysis of a 1 kW ORC System with a Solar Collection Stage and R-245fa Working Fluid: A Case Study
Authors: Martínez-Sánchez Raúl Alejandro , Álvarez-Alvarado José M. , Pérez-Soto Gerardo I. , Macías-Socarrás Idalberto , Camarillo-Gómez Karla A. , Rodríguez-Reséndiz Juvenal
Published: September 2024

A thermal efficiency analysis of an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) system enables its performance to be evaluated; for this purpose, critical system components, including the turbine and the boiler, must be scrutinized. ORC plants can operate under various regimes, such as simple, regeneration, and reheat work modes. Organic fluids such as R-245fa integrate low-temperature sources such as solar radiation. However, a literature review revealed limited research on the impact of a solar collection system on the overall thermal efficiency of an ORC system during the regeneration stage. In this study, we examined the thermal efficiency behavior of an ORC plant with a 1 kW generator operating in simple and regeneration modes with a solar collection stage. The results show that the thermal efficiency in simple mode was 35.27%, while in regeneration mode with solar collection it reached 51.30%. Improving the thermal efficiency of a thermodynamic cycle system can reduce CO2 emissions. The operating temperature ranges facilitate the development of a methodology for industries to implement ORC systems in their manufacturing processes, thereby utilizing waste heat from industrial operations.
Reconsidering “Aging Well” According to Multiple Definitions: A Multidimensional Approach to Clinical Psychology of Aging
Authors: Gaviano Luca , Pili Roberto , Petretto Andrea Domenico , Berti Roberta , Carrogu Gian Pietro , Pinna Martina , Petretto Donatella R.
Published: September 2024

Aging is a phase of life that, though inevitable, includes an extraordinary variety of experiences, challenges, and opportunities [...]
Facilitating Domestic and Civic-Style Activity in the Later Life of Army Veterans: The Influencing Culture of the Royal Hospital Chelsea
Authors: Cullen Helen , Osborne Alison K. , Kiernan Matthew D. , Wilson-Menzfeld Gemma
Published: September 2024

The Royal Hospital Chelsea has been home to veterans of the British Army since 1692. Opportunities to remain physically active throughout the life course of its residents include participation in numerous hobbies within the quasi-military environment, and in the civic engagement representational role of the Chelsea Pensioner. This study examines the influence the Royal Hospital Chelsea culture has on resident opportunities to remain active. A non-traditional mixed-methods convergent design was used across three participant groups. Staff and established residents engaged in semi-structured qualitative interviews, with established residents and a cohort of new residents completing Quality of Life questionnaires. The findings indicate established Chelsea Pensioners experienced a sense of pride and purpose, elevated social status, and increased life satisfaction as a result of engaging in multiple activities. New Chelsea Pensioners demonstrated a trend towards increased quality of life after six months’ residence at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Further research is required to explore the transferability of similar interventions into other residential establishments.
Self-Healable, Transparent, Biodegradable, and Shape Memorable Polyurethanes Derived from Carbon Dioxide-Based Diols
Authors: Huang Xin , Zhao Tingting , Wang Shuanjin , Han Dongmei , Huang Sheng , Guo Hui , Xiao Min , Meng Yuezhong
Published: September 2024

A series of CO2-based thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) were prepared using CO2-based poly(polycarbonate) diol (PPCDL), 4,4′-methylenebis (cyclohexyl isocyanate) (HMDI), and polypropylene glycol (PPG and 1,4-butanediol (BDO) as the raw materials. The mechanical, thermal, optical, and barrier properties shape memory behaviors, while biocompatibility and degradation behaviors of the CO2-based TPUs are also systematically investigated. All the synthesized TPUs are highly transparent amorphous polymers, with one glass transition temperature at ~15–45 °C varying with hard segment content and soft segment composition. When PPG is incorporated into the soft segments, the resultant TPUs exhibit excellent self-healing and shape memory performances with the average shape fixity ratio and shape recovery ratio as high as 98.9% and 88.3%, respectively. Furthermore, the CO2-based TPUs also show superior water vapor permeability resistance, good biocompatibility, and good biodegradation properties, demonstrating their pretty competitive potential in the polyurethane industry applications.
Olea europaea L. Leaves as a Source of Anti-Glycation Compounds
Authors: Vasarri Marzia , Bergonzi Maria Camilla , Ivanova Stojcheva Emilija , Bilia Anna Rita , Degl’Innocenti Donatella
Published: September 2024

High concentrations of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been linked to diseases, including diabetic complications. The pathophysiological effects of AGEs are mainly due to oxidative stress and inflammatory processes. Among the proteins most affected by glycation are albumin, the most abundant circulating protein, and collagen, which has a long biological half-life and is abundant in the extracellular matrix. The potential cellular damage caused by AGEs underscores the importance of identifying and developing natural AGE inhibitors. Indeed, despite initial promise, many synthetic inhibitors have been withdrawn from clinical trials due to issues such as cytotoxicity and poor pharmacokinetics. In contrast, natural products have shown significant potential in inhibiting AGE formation. Olea europaea L. leaves, rich in bioactive compounds like oleuropein and triterpenoids, have attracted scientific interest, emphasizing the potential of olive leaf extracts in health applications. This study investigates the anti-glycation properties of two polyphenol-rich extracts (OPA40 and OPA70) and a triterpene-enriched extract (TTP70) from olive leaves. Using in vitro protein glycation methods with bovine serum albumin (BSA)–glucose and gelatin–glucose systems, this study assesses AGE formation inhibition by these extracts through native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (N-PAGE) and autofluorescence detection. OPA40 and OPA70 exhibited strong, dose-dependent anti-glycation effects. These effects were corroborated by electrophoresis and further supported by similar results in a gelatin–glucose system. Additionally, TTP70 showed moderate anti-glycation activity, with a synergistic effect of its components. The results support the real possibility of using olive leaf bioproducts in ameliorating diabetic complications, contributing to sustainable bio-economy practices.
Caffeine—Legal Natural Stimulant with Open Research Perspective: Spectroscopic and Theoretical Characterization
Authors: Kupka Teobald , Makieieva Natalina , Jewgiński Michał , Witek Magdalena , Blicharska Barbara , Rahmonov Oimahmad , Doležal Karel , Pospíšil Tomáš
Published: September 2024

Caffeine is an alkaloid with a purine structure and has been well known for centuries due to its presence in popular drinks—tea and coffee. However, the structural and spectroscopic parameters of this compound, as well as its chemical and biological activities, are still not fully known. In this study, for the first time, we report on the measured oxygen-17 NMR spectra of this stimulant. To support the assignment of our experimental NMR data, extensive quantum chemical calculations of NMR parameters, including nuclear magnetic shielding constants and indirect spin–spin coupling constants, were performed. In a theoretical study, using nine efficient density functionals (B3LYP, BLYP, BP86, CAM-B3LYP, LC-BLYP, M06, PBE0, TPSSh, wB97x), and in combination with a large and flexible correlation-consistent aug-cc-pVTZ basis set, the structure and NMR parameters were predicted for a free molecule of caffeine and in chloroform, DMSO and water. A polarized continuum model (PCM) was used to include a solvent effect. As a result, an optimal methodology was developed for predicting reliable NMR data, suitable for studies of known, as well as newly discovered, purines and similar alkaloids. The results of the current work could be used in future basic and applied studies, including NMR identification and intermolecular interactions of caffeine in various raw materials, like plants and food, as well as in the structural and spectroscopic characterization of new compounds with similar structures.
Preparation and Photocatalytic Properties of Al2O3–SiO2–TiO2 Porous Composite Semiconductor Ceramics
Authors: Hua Kaihui , Wu Zhijing , Chen Weijie , Xi Xiuan , Chen Xiaobing , Yang Shuyan , Gao Pinhai , Zheng Yu
Published: September 2024

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is widely employed in the catalytic degradation of wastewater, owing to its robust stability, superior photocatalytic efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Nonetheless, isolating the fine particulate photocatalysts from the solution post-reaction poses a significant challenge in practical photocatalytic processes. Furthermore, these particles have a tendency to agglomerate into larger clusters, which diminishes their stability. To address this issue, the present study has developed Al2O3–SiO2–TiO2 composite semiconductor porous ceramics and has systematically explored the influence of Al2O3 and SiO2 on the structure and properties of TiO2 porous ceramics. The findings reveal that the incorporation of Al2O3 augments the open porosity of the ceramics and inhibits the aggregation of TiO2, thereby increasing the catalytic site and improving the light absorption capacity. On the other hand, the addition of SiO2 enhances the bending strength of the ceramics and inhibits the conversion of anatase to rutile, thereby further enhancing its photocatalytic activity. Consequently, at an optimal composition of 55 wt.% Al2O3, 40 wt.% TiO2, and 5 wt.% SiO2, the resulting porous ceramics exhibit a methylene blue removal rate of 91.50%, and even after undergoing five cycles of testing, their catalytic efficiency remains approximately 83.82%. These outcomes underscore the exceptional photocatalytic degradation efficiency, recyclability, and reusability of the Al2O3–SiO2–TiO2 porous ceramics, suggesting their substantial potential for application in the treatment of dye wastewater, especially for the removal of methylene blue.
Rice Husk as Raw Material in Synthesis of NaA (LTA) Zeolite
Authors: Novembre Daniela , Gimeno Domingo , Marinangeli Lucia , Tangari Anna Chiara , Rosatelli Gianluigi , Ciulla Michele , di Profio Pietro
Published: September 2024

The present work deals with the hydrothermal synthesis of a Na-A (LTA) zeolite using rice husk as a starting material. The focus was on defining the most favorable conditions for the synthesis of zeolite Na-A from rice husk in order to economize on both energy (i.e., synthesis temperatures) and reaction time and to enlarge the field of the pure and isolated synthesized phase. Four sets of experiments were carried out at environmental pressure temperatures varying from 40 °C to 85 °C with a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio from 1.75 to 3.5. Optimal conditions for crystallization of the Na-A zeolite from rice husk were reached at 60 °C with a SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of 1.75. Sixty degrees Celsius represents the minimum known temperature used for the synthesis of NaA zeolite from rice husk. The products of synthesis were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The purity of the synthesized zeolite is verified here for the first time through quantitative phase analysis using the combined Rietveld and reference intensity ratio methods.
Alkylation of Complex Glycine Precursor (CGP) as a Prebiotic Route to 20 Proteinogenic Amino Acids Synthesis
Authors: Kuroda Chiaki , Kobayashi Kensei
Published: September 2024

It is not known why the number of proteinogenic amino acids is limited to 20. Since Miller’s experiment, many studies have shown that amino acids could have been generated under prebiotic conditions. However, the amino acid compositions obtained from simulated experiments and exogenous origins are different from those of life. We hypothesized that some simple precursor compounds generated by high-energy reactions were selectively combined by organic reactions to afford a limited number of amino acids. To this direction, we propose two scenarios. One is the reaction of HCN with each side-chain precursor (the aminomalononitrile scenario), and the other is alkylation of the “complex glycine precursor”, which is the main product of proton irradiation of the primordial atmosphere (the new polyglycine scenario). Here, selective formation of the 20 amino acids is described focusing on the latter scenario. The structural features of proteinogenic amino acids can be described systematically. The scenario consists of three stages: a high-energy reaction stage (Gly, Ala, Asn, and Asp were established); an alkylation stage (Gln, Glu, Ser, Thr, Val, Ile, Leu, and Pro were generated in considerable amounts); and a peptide formation stage (Phe, Tyr, Trp, His, Lys, Arg, Cys, and Met were selected due to their structural advantages). This scenario is a part of the evolution of Garakuta World, in which many prebiotic materials are contained.
An Adaptive RF Front-End Architecture for Multi-Band SDR in Avionics
Authors: Shakibafar Behnam , Farhangian Farzan , Gagne Jean-Marc , Landry Rene Jr. , Nabki Frederic
Published: September 2024

This study introduces a reconfigurable and agile RF front-end (RFFE) architecture that significantly enhances the performance of software-defined radios (SDRs) by seamlessly adjusting to varying signal requirements, frequencies, and protocols. This flexibility greatly enhances spectrum utilization, signal integrity, and overall system efficiency—critical factors in aviation, where reliable communication, navigation, and surveillance systems are vital for safety. A versatile RF front-end is thus indispensable, enhancing connectivity and safety standards. We explore the integration of this flexible RF front-end in SDRs, focusing on the detailed design of essential components, such as receivers, transmitters, RF switches, combiners, and splitters, and their corresponding RF pathways. Comprehensive performance evaluations confirm the architecture’s reliability and functionality, including an extensive analysis of receiver gain, linearity, and two-tone test results. These assessments validate the architecture’s suitability for aviation radios and address considerations of size, weight, and power-cost (SWaP-C), demonstrating significant gains in operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The introduction of the new RF front-end on a single SDR board not only substantially reduces size and weight but also adds up to 18 dB gain to the received signal. It also allows for a high level of design flexibility, enabling seamless software transitions between different radios and the capacity to manage three times more radios with the same hardware, thereby significantly boosting the system’s ability to handle multiple radio channels efficiently.
The Effects of Layout Order on Interface Complexity: An Eye-Tracking Study for Dashboard Design
Authors: Zhang Nuowen , Zhang Jing , Jiang Shangsong , Ge Weijia
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the effect of layout order on the complexity of the dashboard interface based on screen-based eye trackers. By simplifying and abstracting dashboard interfaces and incorporating subjective ratings (symmetry and unity calculations), we successfully manipulated the levels of complexity and layout order of the interface materials. Using four types of eye movement data (total fixation count, total gaze duration, scanning paths, and hotspot maps) and behavioral data, we compared participants’ visual search behavior on interfaces with different layout orders and complexity levels. Experiment 1 revealed a significant interaction between layout order and interface complexity, with participants performing significantly better in the high-level layout order condition. Experiment 2 confirmed that the position of the core chart plays a crucial role in users’ visual search behavior and that the optimal layout order for the dashboard is to place the core chart on the left side of the interface’s horizontal axis, with partial symmetry in the no-core chart areas. This study highlights the effectiveness of eye-tracking techniques in user interface design research and provides valuable insights into optimizing dashboard interface design. Designers should adopt the design principle of “order is more” in addition to “less is more” and consider designing the core chart in the left-center position.
DGD-CNet: Denoising Gated Recurrent Unit with a Dropout-Based CSI Network for IRS-Aided Massive MIMO Systems
Authors: Abdelmaksoud Amina , Abdelhamid Bassant , Elbadawy Hesham , El Hennawy Hadia , Eldyasti Sherif
Published: September 2024

For the deployment of Sixth Generation (6G) networks, integrating Massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (Massive MIMO) systems with Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRS) is highly recommended due to its significant benefits in reducing communication losses for Non-Line-of-Sight (NLoS) conditions. However, the use of passive IRS presents challenges in channel estimation, mainly due to the significant feedback overhead required in Frequency Division Duplex (FDD)-based Massive MIMO systems. To address these challenges, this paper introduces a novel Denoising Gated Recurrent Unit with a Dropout-based Channel state information Network (DGD-CNet). The proposed DGD-CNet model is specifically designed for FDD-based IRS-aided Massive MIMO systems, aiming to reduce the feedback overhead while improving the channel estimation accuracy. By leveraging the Dropout (DO) technique with the Gated Recurrent Unit (GRU), the DGD-CNet model enhances the channel estimation accuracy and effectively captures both spatial structures and time correlation in time-varying channels. The results show that the proposed DGD-CNet model outperformed existing models in the literature, achieving at least a 26% improvement in Normalized Mean Square Error (NMSE), a 2% increase in correlation coefficient, and a 4% in system accuracy under Low-Compression Ratio (Low-CR) in indoor situations. Additionally, the proposed model demonstrates effectiveness across different CRs and in outdoor scenarios.
Correlation between Muscular Activity and Vehicle Motion during Double Lane Change Driving
Authors: Jung Myung-Chul , Mo Seung-Min
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study was to compare the correlation between electromyography (EMG) activity and vehicle motion during double lane change driving. This study measured five vehicle motions: the steering wheel angle, steering wheel torque, lateral acceleration, roll angle, and yaw velocity. The EMG activity for 19 muscles and vehicle motions was applied for envelope detection. There was a significantly high positive correlation between muscles (mean correlation coefficient) for sternocleidomastoid (0.62) and biceps brachii (0.71) and vehicle motions for steering wheel angle, steering wheel torque, lateral acceleration, and yaw velocity, but a negative correlation between the muscles for middle deltoid (−0.75) and triceps brachii long head (−0.78) and these vehicle motions. The ANOVA test was used to analyze statistically significant differences in the main and interaction effects of muscle and vehicle speed. The mean absolute correlation coefficient exhibited an increasing trend with the increasing vehicle speed for the muscles (increasing rate%): upper trapezius (30.5%), pectoralis major sternal (38.7%), serratus anterior (13.3%), and biceps brachii (11.0%). The mean absolute correlation coefficient showed a decreasing trend with increasing vehicle speed for the masseter (−9.6%), sternocleidomastoid (−12.9%), middle deltoid (−5.5%), posterior deltoid (−20.0%), pectoralis major clavicular (−13.4%), and triceps brachii long head (−6.3%). The sternocleidomastoid muscle may decrease with increasing vehicle speed as the neck rotation decreases. As shoulder stabilizers, the upper trapezius, pectoralis major sternal, and serratus anterior muscles are considered to play a primary role in maintaining body balance. This study suggests that the primary muscles reflecting vehicle motions include the sternocleidomastoid, deltoid, upper trapezius, pectoralis major sternal, serratus anterior, biceps, and triceps muscles under real driving conditions.
Electrical Impedance Tomography-Based Electronic Skin for Multi-Touch Tactile Sensing Using Hydrogel Material and FISTA Algorithm
Authors: Jiang Zhentao , Xu Zhiyuan , Li Mingfu , Zeng Hui , Gong Fan , Tang Yuke
Published: September 2024

Flexible electronic skin (e-skin) can enable robots to have sensory forms similar to human skin, enhancing their ability to obtain more information from touch. The non-invasive nature of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) technology allows electrodes to be arranged only at the edges of the skin, ensuring the stretchability and elasticity of the skin’s interior. However, the image quality reconstructed by EIT technology has deteriorated in multi-touch identification, where it is challenging to clearly reflect the number of touchpoints and accurately size the touch areas. This paper proposed an EIT-based flexible tactile sensor that employs self-made hydrogel material as the primary sensing medium. The sensor’s structure, fabrication process, and tactile imaging principle were elaborated. To improve the quality of image reconstruction, the fast iterative shrinkage-thresholding algorithm (FISTA) was embedded into the EIDORS toolkit. The performances of the e-skin in aspects of assessing the touching area, quantitative force sensing and multi-touch identification were examined. Results showed that the mean intersection over union (MIoU) of the reconstructed images was improved up to 0.84, and the tactile position can be accurately imaged in the case of the number of the touchpoints up to seven (larger than two to four touchpoints in existing studies), proving that the combination of the proposed sensor and imaging algorithm has high sensitivity and accuracy in multi-touch tactile sensing. The presented e-skin shows potential promise for the application in complex human–robot interaction (HRI) environments, such as prosthetics and wearable devices.
The Turkish Government’s Ambivalent Policy Response to the New Influx of Afghan Migrants through the Public Policy Tools
Authors: Bermek Sevinç
Published: September 2024

Turkey has been a hub for migrants since the Syrian crisis and has been home to 3.7 million refugees. The literature on migration focusses largely on Turkey’s response to refugees from Syria, host country citizens’ attitudes towards Syrians and their integration challenges, the EU–Turkey refugee deal, and its political implications for the EU and Turkey. Nonetheless, there has been a sharp rise in the number of Afghan migrants to Turkey since the complete withdrawal of US military forces from Afghanistan in 2020. Both scholarly and grey literature highlights that Turkey has recently been an attractive hub for Afghan migrants and other ethnic minorities, following Pakistan and Iran. Nonetheless, this literature has not substantially explored the Turkish government’s attitude towards the new influx of migrants. For this purpose, the article draws upon qualitative research based on secondary and grey literature (including semi-structured interviews with representatives from migration-related NGOs in Turkey). The article underpins its findings from the public policy framework of NATO (nodality, authority, treasure, organisation) by demonstrating how Turkey’s ambivalent response to the refugee inflow is shaped by limited information (nodality), weak legal mechanisms (authority), exploitation of new inflow as cheap labour (treasure), and migration system restructuring (organisation, treasure) after the withdrawal of external actors like the EU and UNHCR.
Sustainability and New Technologies: Last-Mile Delivery in the Context of Smart Cities
Authors: Andreas Karaoulanis
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study is to conduct a literature review on urban last-mile logistics in the context of smart cities to help with defining the industry in new ways which involve space-wise innovations and the use of new technologies such as robotics, drones, IoT etc., toward a sustainable future. This literature review follows the SALSA approach and the CASP checklist, as well as several inclusion criteria for article collection. The results highlight the positive role of the industry 4.0 technologies and the role of smart cities in alleviating the last-mile logistics problem, while pinpointing that new initiatives such as dark stores and micro-fulfilment centers can also be a positive determinant of a more sustainable urban life. This is an original literature review which combines many important elements that come together in the context of smart cities and try to give some new perspectives to their last-mile logistics from viewpoints that have never been used before in similar research works. In addition, it can be used as a yardstick for future researchers who might try to dig dipper into the context of last-mile logistics, especially in smart cities.
Evolutionary Game Analysis of Collaborative Prefabricated Buildings Development Behavior in China under Carbon Emissions Trading Schemes
Authors: Cao Wenbin , Sun Yiming
Published: September 2024

Prefabricated buildings (PBs) are considered a green way to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in the construction industry due to their environmental and social benefits. However, PBs have obstacles such as high construction costs, immature technology, and insufficient policy incentives, and developers’ willingness to develop them needs to be higher. Therefore, it is necessary to explore how to motivate more developers to develop PBs. In this paper, we first discuss the impact of the carbon emissions trading scheme (ETS) on the construction industry and then consider the heterogeneity of construction developers, introduce a collaborative mechanism to establish a three-party evolutionary game model between the government and the heterogeneous developers, and explore the evolution of the three-party dynamic strategies through numerical simulation. The results show that developers’ initial development probability affects the system’s evolutionary trend, and the developer who obtains more low-carbon benefits plays a dominant role. Further analyses show that critical factors such as market profitability, synergistic benefits, and carbon tax price positively influence the development of PBs, and the influence of synergistic cooperation mechanisms should be especially emphasized. This study provides practical insights into the sustainable development of the construction industry and the government’s development of a suitable carbon portfolio policy for it. Including the construction industry in the ETS is recommended when carbon prices reach 110 RMB/t. At this point, the government can remove the subsidy for PBs, but the behaviors of the developers who participate in the ETS still need to be supervised.
Assessing the Use of BotulinumtoxinA for Hyperactive Urinary Tract Dysfunction a Decade after Approval: A Single-Blind Study to Evaluate the Reduction in Pain in OnabotulinumtoxinA Detrusor Injection Using Different Injection Needles
Authors: Schulte-Baukloh Heinrich , Weiss Catarina , Schlomm Thorsten , Weinberger Sarah , Borgmann Hendrik , Höppner Dirk , Haberecht Kathrin , Neymeyer Jörg
Published: September 2024

Overactive bladder (OAB) has a significant impact on the quality of life; thus, it requires treatment that can be adhered to over a long period without undue side effects. The current treatment which uses an anticholinergic or β-3 agonist may fail to improve symptoms and has side effects, leading to high discontinuation rates. OnabotulinumtoxinA (OnabotA) detrusor injection has been approved for idiopathic OAB as a second-line treatment with good effectiveness and tolerability. This study used a visual analog scale (VAS) to assess the impact of the type of needle used for OnabotA detrusor injections under local anesthesia on the pain levels after each injection. This study included 68 female patients. We used three different needles with thicknesses ranging from 22 to 27 gauge, lengths between 4 and 5 mm, and different cuts. The sensation of pain was rated at each standardized injection location. Regardless of the needle used, the patients’ perceptions of pain at the beginning of the procedure were rated as being less than the subsequent injections. Most pain sensations were rated as low to moderate. The mean pain sensation on the VAS was 2.5 ± 0.3 overall, i.e., for all patients and needles used. Statistically significant differences in pain sensation were rated only at some locations of the bladder (on the back wall and the right side of the bladder). The single needles averaged the following pain scores: 2.8 ± 0.3 for needle A (20 G, 4 mm), 2.1 ± 0.3 for needle B (27 G, 5 mm), and 2.6 ± 0.4 for needle C (20 G, 4 mm, sharp cut 15°). The 27-gauge needle caused significantly less pain, and it had no negative impact due to its length, which was 1 mm longer than the other needles. Thus, the needle thickness was a decisive factor in the patients’ perceptions of pain.
Enhancing the Interpretability of Malaria and Typhoid Diagnosis with Explainable AI and Large Language Models
Authors: Attai Kingsley , Ekpenyong Moses , Amannah Constance , Asuquo Daniel , Ajuga Peterben , Obot Okure , Johnson Ekemini , John Anietie , Maduka Omosivie , Akwaowo Christie , Uzoka Faith-Michael
Published: September 2024

Malaria and Typhoid fever are prevalent diseases in tropical regions, and both are exacerbated by unclear protocols, drug resistance, and environmental factors. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial to improve accessibility and reduce mortality rates. Traditional diagnosis methods cannot effectively capture the complexities of these diseases due to the presence of similar symptoms. Although machine learning (ML) models offer accurate predictions, they operate as “black boxes” with non-interpretable decision-making processes, making it challenging for healthcare providers to comprehend how the conclusions are reached. This study employs explainable AI (XAI) models such as Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations (LIME), and Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT to clarify diagnostic results for healthcare workers, building trust and transparency in medical diagnostics by describing which symptoms had the greatest impact on the model’s decisions and providing clear, understandable explanations. The models were implemented on Google Colab and Visual Studio Code because of their rich libraries and extensions. Results showed that the Random Forest model outperformed the other tested models; in addition, important features were identified with the LIME plots while ChatGPT 3.5 had a comparative advantage over other LLMs. The study integrates RF, LIME, and GPT in building a mobile app to enhance the interpretability and transparency in malaria and typhoid diagnosis system. Despite its promising results, the system’s performance is constrained by the quality of the dataset. Additionally, while LIME and GPT improve transparency, they may introduce complexities in real-time deployment due to computational demands and the need for internet service to maintain relevance and accuracy. The findings suggest that AI-driven diagnostic systems can significantly enhance healthcare delivery in environments with limited resources, and future works can explore the applicability of this framework to other medical conditions and datasets.
Optimization of Advance Drainage Borehole Layout Based on Visual Modflow
Authors: Li Yue , Zhang Yunpeng , Ma Yajie , Meng Fangang
Published: September 2024

It is an effective measure to prevent water damage in coal mines in order to construct drainage boreholes in water-filled aquifers of a working face roof. The hydrogeological parameters of the roof water-filled aquifer and the parameters of the drainage borehole are closely related to the underground drainage effect. Taking the 3085 working face of the Donghuantuo Mine in Kailuan as an example, the influence degree of hydrogeological parameters and hydrophobic borehole parameters on the amount of drainage water was analyzed using the generalized gray correlation degree. Based on Visual Modflow, the 3D groundwater visualization model was established and the dredging borehole was generalized into the pumping borehole. By changing the main influencing factors, the design optimization of the advanced hydrophobic borehole was discussed. The results showed that the aquifer thickness had a great influence on the amount of water discharged, and the influence degree of the sharp angle between the formation and the direction of drilling, the depth of the final hole, the azimuth angle of drilling, the dip angle of drilling, the elevation of the final hole and the elevation of the borehole on the amount of water discharged decreased successively. Based on the simulation calculation, it could be observed that the hydrophobic borehole should be placed in a position with a larger accumulated thickness of the aquifer to have a better effect of hydrophobic depressurization.
At the joint of two sciences: psychiatry and speech therapy ctualization of speech communications in patients with schizophrenia continuous professional development
Authors:   Samara Regional Clinical Psychiatric Hospital, Samara, Russia, Ovchinnikova O. V.
Published: September 2024

The article presents an experimental experiment to analyze the characteristics of the speech sphere in persons diagnosed with schizophrenia. The purpose of this study is to identify psycholinguistic differences in oral speech in individuals with this mental disorder. Results of the study: in the presence of a diagnosis of schizophrenia, defects are noted at the level of updating speech connections. In patients, the effect of context on speech understanding is smoothed out. The results of the experiment demonstrated that the individuals under study updated a significantly wider range of responses and used a greater number of variations than healthy subjects. Along with this, there was a natural shift in the frequency distribution of responses. In all responses of the subjects, there was a decrease in the number of highly probable, standard answers and an increase in unlikely ones. In patients with schizophrenia, the total number of highly probable responses was significantly lower than in apparently healthy people. Consequently, standardization indicators in the experimental group were lower than in healthy subjects. The actualization of unlikely responses normally leads to an extension of the latent periods of reactions. In people with schizophrenia, the actualization of unlikely responses occurs more instinctively and involuntarily. Conclusion. Material on the study of speech dysfunctions in schizophrenia is currently limited. Clearly, further research in this area is needed. This direction is of great importance for obtaining new data that plays an important role in pathopsychological diagnosis. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of speech function allows us to take a fresh look at defects and deficits in schizophrenia.
Self-management — independence and personal self-management
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education «Samara State Medical University» of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia, Kuznetsov A. I.
Published: September 2024

Most managers are faced with the question of rational organization of their own work, which will allow them to more effectively perform their official functions, reduce the psychological burden on the manager, and identify the potential of free time. Self-management serves this purpose. Target. To analyze the use of self-management techniques by heads of nursing services in order to improve the organization of their own work. Results. An analysis of the existing self-management skills of nursing service managers was carried out, trigger points in the work organization system and the performance of functional duties were identified. Conclusion. The use of time management by the head of the nursing service made it possible to identify ineffective use of time and reorganize the workday, as well as formulate target planning.
Analysis of opinions of medical workers and patients on the activities of the clinical diagnostic service
Authors:   State Budget Healthcare Institution of the Samara Region «Tolyatti City Clinical Polyclinic No. 3», Tolyatti, Russia, Vlasova T. V.
Published: September 2024

Everyday medical practice convinces us of the need for well-thought-out management functions in the organization of any business. Laboratory work is no exception. Gradually,there comes an awareness of the need to master and use scientific methods of management and organization of the laboratory service, i.e. what is commonly referred to as «management» throughout the world. Target. To study the existing system of organization, activity and management of the clinical diagnostic service in the conditions of the SBHI of the Samara Region «Tolyatti City Clinical Polyclinic No. 3». Results. The opinion of the medical personnel of the clinical diagnostic laboratory (CDL) was analyzed: laboratory doctors, laboratory paramedics on the organization of the laboratory service; The results of a survey of medical doctors on the organization of the clinical diagnostic service were examined; the opinion of patients on the organization of the laboratory service was studied; an analysis of the management style of the laboratory service of a medical organization was conducted. Conclusion. Clinical laboratory tests are diagnostic tests undertaken to obtain objectively substantiated information about the presence or absence of changes in the composition of the internal environment of the patient’s body. When treating or preventing a disease, the end consumer of the medical service is the patient, and when prescribing clinical diagnostic tests, it is the attending physician, since it is he who interprets, supplements and monitors the patient’s clinical laboratory tests. In this regard, the quality of the services provided for the former and the working conditions for the latter become important for both patients and medical personnel of the clinical laboratory.
Results of the study of the attitude оf medical workers towards their health
Authors:   GBUZ SO «Tolyatti city clinical hospital № 5», Tolyatti, Russia, Novitskaya T. V.
Published: September 2024

The life expectancy of health workers is worse than average, as they spend little time on maintaining their own health. Health workers should be encouraged to lead a healthy lifestyle constantly and everywhere; they should be an example of healthpreserving behavior. Target. To study the attitude of health workers to their health and their compliance with healthy lifestyle rules. Results. The attitude of health workers to their health was analyzed, and the reasons preventing specialists from maintaining their health were identified. Conclusion. Considering that health workers are people who, by virtue of their profession, have the deepest knowledge about maintaining health and the occurrence of diseases, they should not only bring people knowledge about a healthy lifestyle, but also be an example for them.
Control components in the work of the head of nursing service of a dental clinic
Authors:   State Budgetary Healthcare Institution of the Sverdlovsk Region «Tolyatti Dental Clinic No. 3», Tolyatti, Russia, Dashuk S. A.
Published: September 2024

In the management activities of each head of the nursing service, an important place is occupied by control over the work of mid-level and junior medical personnel. Control is a process of ensuring the achievement of organizational goals, which consists of setting standards, measuring the actual results achieved and comparing them with the standards, as well as making adjustments if the achieved results differ from the established standards. Target. To study the components of the control function used by the head nurse of the dental clinic in management activities. Results. The main areas of control over the activities of the middle and junior medical personnel of the dental clinic have been studied, the content of the types of control and trigger points have been determined. Conclusion. Each work performed requires verification and comparison of actual results with the planned work. Therefore, the topic of control is always relevant. Modern management theory has developed clear requirements for control: it must be prompt, transparent, objective.
The influence of chemical environmental pollution on the medical and demographic situation in the Voronezh region
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Voronezh State Medical University named after N.N. Burdenko” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Voronezh, Russia, Enin A. V.
Published: September 2024

A large number of domestic and foreign publications talk about the impact of environmental pollution on the morbidity of the population. Many works, along with the influence of pollutants on morbidity, talk about their influence on the increase in mortality. The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of chemical pollution of atmospheric air, drinking water, and soil in residential areas on medical and demographic indicators: morbidity and mortality of the population of the Voronezh region. For this work, we used monitoring data from the Federal Budgetary Institution of Health “Center for Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Voronezh Region” on morbidity and mortality of the population of the Voronezh region, the results of laboratory studies of atmospheric air, drinking water, and soil in residential areas for 2018–2022. Using Microsoft Excel 2016 software, calculations of complex chemical load, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, and correlation analysis were carried out. Based on the results of the study, nosologies likely associated with the influence of chemical environmental factors and “risk areas” for chemically caused morbidity and mortality were identified. Thus, in the territory of the city of Voronezh and the Pavlovsk municipal district, morbidity among children and adults, as well as infant mortality, was revealed, probably related to chemical pollution of the atmospheric air. The Kashira municipal district is a risk area for the incidence of contact dermatitis in children and adults, probably due to the composition of drinking water. In this area, there are excesses of the maximum permissible concentrations of nitrates in drinking water, creating non-carcinogenic risks above acceptable levels. For these territories, it is necessary to develop management solutions to minimize the harmful effects of chemical environmental factors in order to improve the medical and demographic situation.
A rare case of primary orbital Ewings sarcoma with intracranial extension
Authors: Ghosh Tamajyoti , Singh Binoy Kumar , Mukherjee Aishik , Dey Biswajit
Published: September 2024

Primary Ewings sarcomas of orbit with intracranial extension are extremely rare with few cases reported to date. They form an important differential diagnosis in aggressive orbital tumours presenting in young males. We presented the case report of a young male presenting with right eye proptosis. The patient underwent complete tumour excision. Biopsy was suggestive of Ewings sarcoma. Metastatic workup showed extensive lesions in lungs and bones. Six months post-operative follow-up with radiation and chemotherapy showed disease remission. CD99 is a key IHC marker in differentiating from other similar tumours. Total tumour excision with adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy may be helpful in survivability in such patients but overall prognosis still remains poor.
Epidemiology of head injury in a tertiary care hospital in south India
Authors: Shanmugaiah Anand , R. Rajkumar
Published: September 2024

Introduction:  The annual incidence of traumatic brain injury is around 28-70 million in the world which causes morbidity and mortality. In India, around 1 million suffer from severe head injury and the mortality rate is around 1 lakh per year. As time progresses there is an observable increase in rates of Head injuries. This study focuses on the epidemiology of traumatic head injury in a tertiary care centre (Madras Medical College, Chennai- India)
Materials and methods: This study is a prospective study covering all head injury cases admitted from January 2022 – December 2022 in our tertiary care centre. These patients are treated according to the protocol of the Institute of Neurosurgery. This study covers the management, discharge and follow-up of these patients.
Results: The total number of patients admitted with head injuries from January 2022 to December 2022 was 2061. Among them, RTA tops head injury mortality and morbidity. Among RTA, Two-wheeler-associated injuries were most common. Drunken driving, and not wearing helmets and protective gear played a vital role in head injuries.
Conclusion: Primary prevention can be the key to reducing the national burden of head injuries.
Homage to a good man. Dr. Szabó Ioan † (1955-2023)
Authors: Pașcalău Raluca
Published: September 2024

“Medicine is science and conscience warmed by love for human beings”- this motto of Iuliu Ha?ieganu, the founding father of our Medical School in Cluj-Napoca, burns like the Olympic flame from one generation of alumni to another. Like any flame, it is still vulnerable to currents and winds such as political ambitions, professional competition, overspecialization or cultural ignorance. Thus, to evoke the memory of someone like Dr. Szabó Ioan, who literally enacted this principle as his way of living, is not just an occasion of kind remembrance for the ones who knew him, but a source of inspiration for the ones who did not, a way to keep the flame alive.
Huge extradural multilevel lumbar abscess
Authors: Balasa D. , Tunas A.H. , Rusu I. , Popescu C. , Nicola C.
Published: September 2024

Extensive spinal epidural abscesses (ESEAs), occupying three or more spinal regions, are rare forms of vertebral infection. Multilevel laminectomy in these cases is controversial because of the risk of vertebral instability. We report the case of a 47-year-old patient known with ureterohydronephrosis 2nd degree, admitted for severe vertebral pain (VAS 8/10) from 2 months, paraparesis (ASIA 1/5 left, 4/5 right, retention of urine and faeces) from three days. The analysis discovered Diabetes Mellitus type 2, and high levels of inflammatory tests. CT and MRI of the vertebral area with contrast revealed dorsal compression of the spinal cord and cauda equina by an epidural abscess extending from L1-L5, bilateral in the soft adjacent paravertebral tissues especially psoas muscles but sparing the intervertebral discs. Surgical treatment: alternate fenestrations L1-L5, more important on the left side. By this technique, we removed the fluid pus and also granulomatous pus from posterior epidural space L1-L5, bilateral medial foramina, interspinous and supraspinous space, and psoas muscles. The identified germ was Staphylococcus aureus ++++. Postoperatively, we used a continuous drainage washing system with Vancomicyne and diluted Betadine—a course of six-week Vancomycin 2 grams/day iv. The drainage system was blocked after 24 hours and we had to remove it and all the wires of the suture. We had to dress up every day for the surgical field and wash deep inside the field with diluted betadine for 3 weeks till the surgical field was completely cured. After  3 months postoperatively the patient was cured radiologically and clinically. Follow up 18 months. Conclusion: alternate fenestration has the advantages of removing liquid and granulomatous pus in the epidural posterior area and preserving the spine stability.