bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acceptability and feasibility of digital adherence technologies for drug-susceptible tuberculosis treatment supervision: A meta-analysis of implementation feedback
Authors: Guzman Kevin , Crowder Rebecca , Leddy Anna , Maraba Noriah , Jennings Lauren , Ahmed Shahriar , Sultana Sonia , Onjare Baraka , Shilugu Lucas , Alacapa Jason , Levy Jens , Katamba Achilles , Kityamuwesi Alex , Bogdanov Aleksey , Gamazina Kateryna , Cattamanchi Adithya , Khan Amera
Published: August 2023

Digital adherence technologies (DATs) have emerged as an alternative to directly observed therapy (DOT) for supervisions of tuberculosis (TB) treatment. We conducted a meta-analysis of implementation feedback obtained from people with TB and health care workers (HCWs) involved in TB REACH Wave 6-funded DAT evaluation projects. Projects administered standardized post-implementation surveys based on the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation, Behavior (COM-B) model to people with TB and their health care workers. The surveys included questions on demographics and technology use, Likert scale questions to assess capability, opportunity, and motivation to use DAT and open-ended feedback. We summarized demographic and technology use data descriptively, generated pooled estimates of responses to Likert scale questions within each COM-B category for people with TB and health care workers using random effects models, and performed qualitative analysis of open-ended feedback using a modified framework analysis approach. The analysis included surveys administered to 1290 people with TB and 90 HCWs across 6 TB REACH-funded projects. People with TB and HCWs had an overall positive impression of DATs with pooled estimates between 4·0 to 4·8 out of 5 across COM-B categories. However, 44% of people with TB reported taking TB medications without reporting dosing via DATs and 23% reported missing a dose of medication. Common reasons included problems with electricity, network coverage, and technical issues with the DAT platform. DATs were overall perceived to reduce visits to clinics, decrease cost, increase social support, and decrease workload of HCWs. DATs were acceptable in a wide variety of settings. However, there were challenges related to the feasibility of using current DAT platforms. Implementation efforts should concentrate on ensuring access, anticipating, and addressing technical challenges, and minimizing additional cost to people with TB.
A case for routine microbial diagnostics: Results from antimicrobial susceptibility testing in post-traumatic wound infections at a Ugandan tertiary care hospital
Authors: Jung Laura , Kiwanuka James , Mbabazi Leah , Nakate Vivian , Musaazi Joseph , Nabajja Hawah , Kajumbula Henry , Lübbert Christoph , Mwaka Erisa , Nsibirwa Sara , von Braun Amrei
Published: August 2023

The global spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an increasing challenge for clinicians in Uganda, where microbiological diagnostics are not routinely available or accessible. The aim of this study was to determine pathogen prevalence and antibiotic resistance patterns in patients with wound infections following trauma at a national referral hospital in Kampala, Uganda. In addition, the suitability of currently used empirical treatment options in this setting was evaluated. This prospective, observational study analysed antimicrobial prescriptions, culture results and antimicrobial sensitivity testing (AST) of wound swabs and blood samples from patients with clinical signs of wound infections on the trauma ward. A total of 124 patients (n = 99, 79.8% male) with a median age of 30 years (IQR 23–39) were enrolled between October 2021 and January 2022. Wound infections were classified as nosocomial in 69% of the cases. Pathogens were isolated from 122 wound swabs, yielding 238 bacterial isolates. The most prevalent pathogens were gram-negative bacteria including Escherichia coli (n = 48, 20.2%) and Acinetobacter spp. (n = 43, 18.1%). Empiric treatment consisted of ceftriaxone and gentamicin which was administered to 67.2% (n = 78) and 62.1% (n = 72) of patients, respectively. High rates of antimicrobial resistance could be demonstrated across gram-negative and gram-positive species towards the most common empiric antibiotics. Following the AST results, over 95% (n = 111) of patients required a change of treatment. Our findings demonstrate that current empiric treatment for wound infections is missing its target in hospitalized patients in Kampala. To address the growing problem of AMR in Uganda, there is a pressing need to enhance diagnostic capacity and implement structured antimicrobial stewardship programs.
Safety and immunogenicity of a new formulation of a pentavalent DTwP-HepB-Hib vaccine in healthy Indian infants–A randomized study
Authors: Aloysia D’Cor Naveena , Siddaiah Prashanth , Mohapatra Satyajit , Dhaded Sangappa Malappa , I. V. Padmavathi , Kar Sonali , V. N. Tripathi , Muley Prasad , Chhatwal Jugesh , Patnaik Badri Narayan , Vidor Emmanuel , Moureau Annick , Patel Dhaval M. , Midde Venkata Jayanth , Jagga Sathish Reddy , Peesapati Satyanarayana , Noriega Fernando
Published: August 2023

Background

Pentavalent vaccines (DTP-HepB-Hib) have been introduced in many countries in their routine public immunization programmes to protect against diphtheria (D), tetanus (T), pertussis (P), hepatitis B (Hep B) and Hemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) diseases. This study compared the safety and immunogenicity of a new formulation of a whole-cell Bordetella pertussis (wP) based pentavalent vaccine (DTwP-HepB-Hib). The new formulation was developed using well-characterized hepatitis B and pertussis whole cell vaccine components.

Methods

This was a phase III, observer-blind, randomized, non-inferiority, multi-center study conducted in India among 460 infants who were followed up for safety and immunogenicity for 28 days after administration of three doses of either investigational or licensed comparator formulations at 6–8, 10–12 and 14–16 weeks of age.

Results

The investigational formulation of DTwP-HepB-Hib vaccine was non-inferior to the licensed formulation in terms of hepatitis B seroprotection rate (% of subjects with HepB antibodies ≥10mIU/mL were 99.1% versus 99.0%, respectively, corresponding to a difference of 0.1% (95% CI, -2.47 to 2.68)) and pertussis immune responses (adjusted geometric mean concentrations of antibodies for anti-PT were 76.7 EU/mL versus 63.3 EU/mL, with a ratio of aGMTs of 1.21 (95% CI, 0.89–1.64), and for anti-FIM were 1079 EU/mL versus 1129 EU/mL, with a ratio of aGMTs of 0.95 (95% CI, 0.73–1.24), respectively). The immune responses to other valences (D, T, and Hib) in the two formulations were also similar. The safety profile of both formulations was found to be similar and were well tolerated.

Conclusions

The investigational DTwP-HepB-Hib vaccine formulation was immunogenic and well-tolerated when administered as three dose primary series in infants.

Clinical trial registration

Clinical Trials Registry India number: CTRI/2018/12/016692.
The Family Involvement in Care Questionnaire—An instrument measuring family involvement in inpatient care
Authors: Drakenberg Anna , Prignitz Sluys Kerstin , Ericsson Elisabeth , Sundqvist Ann-Sofie
Published: August 2023

Background

Family involvement in care can be seen as a prerequisite for high-quality family-centered care. It has been identified to improve both patient safety and the quality of care by reducing patient complications and hospital length of stay.

Objective

To develop and evaluate the content validity of a questionnaire measuring family involvement in inpatient care.

Methods

The study followed a systematic approach in building a rigorous questionnaire: identification of domain, item generation, and assessment of content validity. The content validity index was calculated based on ratings of item relevance by an expert group consisting of seven senior nurses. Subsequently, 19 online cognitive interviews using the Think-aloud method were conducted with family members of former patients who had undergone open-heart surgery.

Results

Five aspects of family involvement were identified, and the initial pool of items were selected from two preexisting questionnaires. The experts’ ratings resulted in item content validity of 0.71–1.00, and the scale content validity/averaging was 0.90, leading to rewording, exclusion, and addition of items. The pretesting of items through two rounds of cognitive interviews with family members resulted in the identification of three main problem areas: defining family involvement, misinterpretation of different terms, and underuse of the not relevant response option. The problems were adjusted in the final version of the questionnaire, which consists of 16 items with a four-point Likert scale and two open-ended items.

Conclusions

The Family Involvement in Care Questionnaire has demonstrated potential in evaluating family involvement in inpatient care. Further psychometric properties regarding reliability and validity need to be established.
Adolescent relational behaviour and the obesity pandemic: A descriptive study applying social network analysis and machine learning techniques
Authors: Marqués-Sánchez Pilar , Martínez-Fernández María Cristina , Benítez-Andrades José Alberto , Quiroga-Sánchez Enedina , García-Ordás María Teresa , Arias-Ramos Natalia
Published: August 2023

Aim

To study the existence of subgroups by exploring the similarities between the attributes of the nodes of the groups, in relation to diet and gender and, to analyse the connectivity between groups based on aspects of similarities between them through SNA and artificial intelligence techniques.

Methods

235 students from 5 different educational centres participate in this study between March and December 2015. Data analysis carried out is divided into two blocks: social network analysis and unsupervised machine learning techniques. As for the social network analysis, the Girvan-Newman technique was applied to find the best number of cohesive groups within each of the friendship networks of the different classes analysed.

Results

After applying Girvan-Newman in the three classes, the best division into clusters was respectively 2 for classroom A, 7 for classroom B and 6 for classroom C. There are significant differences between the groups and the gender and diet variables. After applying K-means using population diet as an input variable, a K-means clustering of 2 clusters for class A, 3 clusters for class B and 3 clusters for class C is obtained.

Conclusion

Adolescents form subgroups within their classrooms. Subgroup cohesion is defined by the fact that nodes share similarities in aspects that influence obesity, they share attributes related to food quality and gender. The concept of homophily, related to SNA, justifies our results. Artificial intelligence techniques together with the application of the Girvan-Newman provide robustness to the structural analysis of similarities and cohesion between subgroups.
Dermoscopy of oral and genital mucosal lesions: A descriptive cross-sectional study protocol
Authors: Dodeja Ajay , Pande Sushil , Madke Bhushan
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Dermoscopy is a safe, rapid, and non-invasive tool that aids in the clinical examination of pigmented and non-pigmented lesions. The upward trend in the use of dermoscopy can be attributed to the availability of compact hand-held and sophisticated dermoscopes, that are small enough to be carried around in a pocket. The extent of dermoscopy is not only limited to the evaluation of cutaneous lesions but also involves its use in the assessment of mucosal lesions along with lesions of hair and nails.

Methods

In a descriptive cross-sectional study, subjects (n = 100) with oral or genital mucosal lesions will be enrolled. Following a thorough clinical examination, a dermoscopy of the lesion will be performed with Dermlite DL4© Dermoscope, having a magnification of 10x. Images obtained would be stored and evaluated for observing specific morphologic patterns on dermoscopy which would be utilized to describe those patterns and arrive at a specific diagnosis. Descriptive statistics will include mean and standard deviation to summarise quantitative variation. Dermoscopic features of oral and genital mucosal lesions will be estimated in percentage.

Purpose of study

Mucosal lesions several times mimic each other morphologically. Performing a biopsy is not always feasible for oral and genital lesions because they may be difficult to reach and tend to bleed more profusely compared to the skin surface due to its rich vascular nature. Dermoscopy is a non-invasive tool that helps in the diagnosis that is used mostly for the evaluation of non-mucosal lesions. For the same reason, there is no or minimal information in the published literature with regard to dermoscopic patterns of mucosal lesions. The current study intends to describe dermoscopic patterns in oral and genital mucosal diseases so that this important information would assist the diagnosis in a non-invasive manner thereby reducing the need for invasive investigations like mucosal biopsy.

Expected clinical outcomes

To summarize, this research is intended to add to the scarce literature on dermoscopic findings of oral and genital mucosal lesions. The study findings would establish the diagnosis and eliminate the need for unwarranted invasive biopsies of mucosal lesions and, if need be, help in the selection of the biopsy site.
Polishing of metal 3D printed parts with complex geometry: Visualizing the influence on geometrical features using centrifugal disk finishing
Authors: Lussenburg Kirsten , van Starkenburg Remi , Bruins Mathijs , Sakes Aimée , Breedveld Paul
Published: August 2023

Parts produced with metal additive manufacturing often suffer from a poor surface finish. Surface finishing techniques are effective to improve the quality of 3D printed surfaces, however they have as downsides that they also slightly change the geometry of the part, in an unpredictable way. This effect on the geometrical features of complex parts has received little attention. In this research, we illustrate a method to visualize the impact of surface finishing techniques on geometrical features, as well as their effectiveness on parts with high shape-complexity, by using centrifugal disk finishing as a case study. We designed and 3D printed test parts with different features using selective laser melting, which were coated with a blue metal lacquer prior to polishing. After polishing, the blue lacquer was eroded away from the spots that were easily reached by the polishing process, yet had remained on the surfaces that could not be reached by the process. We used measurements of material removal and image processing of the remaining blue lacquer on the surfaces to analyze these effects. Using this method, we were able to derive a number of specific design guidelines that can be incorporated while designing metal AM parts for centrifugal disk finishing. We suggest that this visualization method can be applied to different polishing methods to gain insight into their influence, as well as being used as an aid in the design process.
Connective differences between patients with depression with and without ASD: A case-control study
Authors: Kaneko Tomoki , Nakamura Toshinori , Ryokawa Akiko , Washizuka Shinsuke , Kitoh Yoshihiro , Fujinaga Yasunari
Published: August 2023

Background

Researchers find it difficult to distinguish between depression with ASD (Depress-wASD) and without ASD (Depression) in adult patients. We aimed to clarify the differences in brain connectivity between patients with depression with ASD and without ASD.

Methods

From April 2017 to February 2019, 22 patients with suspected depression were admitted to the hospital for diagnosis or follow-up and met the inclusion criteria. The diagnosis was determined according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 by skilled psychiatrists. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Young Mania Raging Scale (YMRS), Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview, Parent-interview ASD Rating Scale-Text Revision (PARS-TR), and Autism-Spectrum Quotient-Japanese version (AQ-J) were used to assess the patients’ background and help with diagnosis. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) was performed using the 3-T-MRI system. rs-fMRI was processed using the CONN functional connectivity toolbox. Voxel-based morphometry was performed using structural images.

Results

No significant difference was observed between the Depress-wASD and Depression groups using the HAM-D, YMRS, AQ-J, Intelligence Quotient (IQ), and verbal IQ results. rs-fMRI for the Depress-wASD group indicated a positive connection between the salience network (SN) and right supramarginal gyrus (SMG) and a negative connection between the SN and hippocampus and para-hippocampus than that for the Depression group. No significant structural differences were observed between the groups.

Conclusions

We identified differences in the SN involving the SMG and hippocampal regions between the Depress-wASD and Depression groups.
“We are stewards and caretakers of the land, not exploiters of resources”: A qualitative study exploring Canadian farmers’ perceptions of environmental sustainability in agriculture
Authors: Carmichael Jocelyn , Cran Abbey , Hrvatin Felicia , Matthews June
Published: August 2023

Environmental sustainability in agriculture is a key component of discussions to address the current climate crisis; unfortunately, many people (including researchers) presume that only certain types of agriculture (e.g., organic, local) are environmentally sustainable. Non-farmers also fail to acknowledge that many farm practices, including grazing animals, mitigate climate change. Farmers’ perceptions about environmental sustainability are important because their livelihoods, and those of future generations, depend on their commitment to sustainable environmental practices. The purpose of this qualitative research was to understand Canadian farmers’ perceptions of environmental sustainability, how they are implementing strategies that contribute to sustainable food production, and the challenges they face. Fifty-two farmers, representing 48 farms and over 1000 years of farming experience, participated in comprehensive in-depth interviews. Four farms were in British Columbia; 13 in the Prairies; 26 in Central Canada; and five in Eastern Canada. A wide variety of farm types (e.g., fruit/vegetables, livestock, grains) and sizes (2 to 6500 acres) were included in the study. Farmers’ perceptions of environmental sustainability coalesced into four main themes: (1) definitions of sustainability and environmental sustainability, (2) current practices, (3) farming as an identity, and (4) challenges. Many participants explained that they already use sustainable practices and technology, contrary to prevailing opinion that entire food systems need to be transformed to be sustainable. As new agricultural policies and educational curricula are developed, information provided to students, policy makers, and the public must be accurate, balanced, evidence-based, and respectfully consider all perspectives, especially those of farmers.
Two complementary approaches to estimate an excess of mortality: The case of Switzerland 2022
Authors: Locatelli Isabella , Rousson Valentin
Published: August 2023

Objective

During the COVID-19 pandemic, excess mortality has generally been estimated comparing overall mortality in a given year with either past mortality levels or past mortality trends, with different results. Our objective was to illustrate and compare the two approaches using mortality data for Switzerland in 2022, the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Using data from the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, standardized mortality rates and life expectancies in 2022 were compared with those of the last pre-pandemic year 2019 (first approach), as well as with those that would be expected if the pre-pandemic downward trend in mortality had continued during the pandemic (second approach). The pre-pandemic trend was estimated via a Poisson log-linear model on age-specific mortality over the period 2010–19.

Results

Using the first approach, we estimated in Switzerland in 2022 an excess mortality of 2.6% (95%CI: 1.0%-4.1%) for men and 2.5% (95%CI: 1.0%-4.0%) for women, while the excess mortality rose to 8.4% (95%CI: 6.9%-9.9%) for men and 6.0% (95%CI: 4.6%-7.5%) for women using the second approach. Age classes over 80 were the main responsible for the excess mortality in 2022 for both sexes using the first approach, although a significant excess mortality was also found in most age classes above 30 using the second approach. Life expectancy in 2022 has been reduced by 2.7 months for men and 2.4 months for women according to the first approach, whereas it was reduced by respectively 8.8 and 6.0 months according to the second approach.

Conclusions

The excess mortality and loss of life expectancy in Switzerland in 2022 are around three times greater if the pre-pandemic trend is taken into account than if we simply compare 2022 with 2019. These two different approaches, one being more speculative and the other more factual, can also be applied simultaneously and provide complementary results. In Switzerland, such a dual-approach strategy has shown that the pre-pandemic downward trend in mortality is currently halted, while pre-pandemic mortality levels have largely been recovered by 2022.
Editorial
Authors: Gowar Mick
Published: August 2023

This editorial is a brief summary of the articles, interviews and reviews contained in issue one of Volume 13 of Book 2.0 (BTWO), an interdisciplinary peer-reviewed journal primarily concerned with book creation and publication, including writing, illustration and design and the theoretical and practical study of books, literature, creative writing, storytelling, languages and cultures. Contents for this issue include articles, interviews and reviews mainly focusing on collaboration and cooperation between creative practitioners, scholars and in publishing.
The Waste Land: Biography of a Poem, Matthew Hollis (2022)
Authors: Gowar Mick
Published: August 2023

Review of: The Waste Land: Biography of a Poem, Matthew Hollis (2022)

London: Faber & Faber, 544 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-57129-721-4, h/bk, £25.00

Spectator Book Club (2022), ‘Matthew Hollis: The Waste Land’, The Spectator, London, 7 December, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify

What the Thunder Said: How the Waste Land Made Poetry Modern, Jed Rasula (2022)

Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 344 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-69122-577-7, h/bk, £35.00

Princeton University Press Ideas (2022), ‘Jed Rasula What the Thunder Said: How the Waste Land Made Poetry Modern’, The New Books Network, December, Amazon Music, Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Risk factors for ischemic stroke in men and women aged 45–74 years
Authors: Maksimova M. Yu. , Sazonova V. Yu.
Published: August 2023

Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and primary disability and contributes significantly to the global burden of disease. Identification of individuals at high risk of ischemic stroke (IS) is an important component of disease prevention. The differences between risk factors (RF) for stroke in men and women are not well understood.

Objective: to determine the predictive value of RF for the development of IS in men and women aged 45–74 years.

Material and methods. The study included 728 patients (380 men and 348 women) aged 45–74 years, including 392 patients (247 men and 145 women) with IS in the carotid artery basin (main group) and 336 patients (133 men and 203 women) with vascular cognitive impairment (comparison group). To build predictive models to assess the impact of RF on the development of IS in men and women, we used the logistic regression method with stepwise exclusion of variables according to the Wald algorithm.

Results. The predictive regression model of IS in men includes atherosclerotic stenosis of the internal carotid arteries [odds ratio (OR) 3.571; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.792–7.114], in a predictive regression model in women – diabetes mellitus type 2 (OR 5.074; 95% CI 1.768–14.561) and a history of IS (OR 6.857; 95% CI 1.825–25.762). Other risk factors for the development of IS (atrial fibrillation, history of transient ischemic attack, arterial hypertension stage) affected both men and women.

Conclusion. Atherosclerotic stenosis of the internal carotid arteries was found to be a sex-specific prognostic factor for IS in men, and type 2 diabetes mellitus and a history of IS in women.
Clinical experience with the use of citicoline in mild cognitive impairment of vascular origin
Authors: Shchepankevich L. A. , Gribacheva I. A. , Popova T. F. , Taneeva E. V. , Roerich K. V. , Petrova E. V. , Shchepankevich M. S.
Published: August 2023

Cardiovascular factors significantly increase the risk of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). Currently, there are no specific treatments for VCI. A promising therapeutic strategy is the administration of citicoline, which has a neuroprotective effect.

Objective: to evaluate the effect of treatment with citicoline (Noocil®) on cognitive function and quality of life (QoL)in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) developed in a background of arterial hypertension and cerebral arteriosclerosis.

Material and methods. An open-label prospective observational study enrolled 32 patients with neuroimaging-confirmed vascular cognitive impairment who received baseline therapy (antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and antiplatelet therapy) and achieved target blood pressure and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. All patients were assessed with a neuropsychological status assessment (MoCA-test). The efficacy of therapy was assessed by the Short Form-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36).

Results. The most common complaints of the patients were poor concentration, fatigue, forgetfulness, mood lability, sleep disturbances, more often in the form of early waking, and headaches. After 3 months of taking the drug Noocil®, all patients noted an increase in the ability to work, an improvement in concentration, memory and reproduction of the information received, both physical and mental indicators of QoL improved. The positive dynamics in terms of cognitive status (especially the functions of attention, short-term memory, several aspects of executive functions), QoL of patients, which was associated with the effect of Noocil® therapy, was accompanied by the absence of adverse events. A distinctive feature of domestic citicoline (Noocil®) is the presence of an original dosage form – a 240 ml bottle for oral administration, which improves adherence to long-term therapy.

Conclusion. The efficacy, safety and good tolerability of Noocil® therapy in patients with predemental VCI was demonstrated.
Paramagnetic rim sign in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Kapkanets D. V. , Belov S. E. , Dolgushin M. B. , Boyko A. N.
Published: August 2023

To date, there is no accepted highly specific pattern for the detection of multiple sclerosis. Correct diagnosis is particularly difficult in situations where an atypical clinical picture of the disease is observed or nonstandard neuroimaging patterns are detected. Therefore, the scientific community has high hopes for the discovery of new markers that will allow clarification of the diagnosis in controversial cases. Currently, there is a lot of research focused on the study of an additional diagnostic MRI pattern – a sign of a paramagnetic rim. This symptom is associated with chronic smoldering central nervous system (CNS) lesions, is more commonly seen in young males, is found primarily in the periventricular region, and is also a promising predictor of disability and cognitive impairment. There is evidence that it is present in earlier stages of disease in “fresh” lesions of the CNS. However, further studies are needed to use this diagnostic MRI pattern in clinical practice.
Experience with agomelatine therapy for non-psychotic depression with a single and recurrent course
Authors: Ivanova L. A. , Kovaleva A. V. , Sitnikova N. O.
Published: August 2023

Therapy of depression is a current problem in psychiatry. Agomelatine is not inferior to other modern drugs in terms of antidepressant efficacy (response and remission rates) and is characterized by the best tolerability.

Objective: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of agomelatine in the treatment of nonpsychotic depression with a single and recurrent course.

Material and methods. Patients (n=37) with a current depressive episode (DE; F32 according to ICD-10), mean age 41.2±2.07 years, were studied. Clinical psychopathological and psychometric methods were used in the study (Hamilton Hospital Depression Scale – HAMD-17; Spielberger–Khanin Anxiety Self-Assessment Scale, Sheehan Anxiety Scale, Clinical Global Impression Scale – CGI-I). A single DE was diagnosed in 62.2% of patients, and recurrent depressive disorder in 37.8%. Stress-related onset of current DE was found in 56.8% of cases, autochthonous in 43.2%.

Results. 94.6% of patients were responders, including 68.6% who went into remission. A statistically significant decrease in scores on the HAMD-17 scale was noted in the remission group from the 7th day of agomelatine therapy (p<0.05), in the responder group – from the 14th day of therapy (p<0.05). According to the Sheehan scale, a statistically significant decrease in scores was noted at the end of the first week of therapy (p<0.05), according to the Spielberger–Khanin scale – in the second week (p<0.05) in all patients. According to the CGI-I scale, the condition at the end of therapy improved in 57.1% of patients, significantly in 42.9%. Clinical predictors of therapeutic response in patients with remission included significantly higher frequency of a single DE (p<0.02), moderate severity of current depression (p<0.02), dizziness among autonomic disorders (p<0.01), a significantly lower representation of the melancholic type of depression (p<0.05), a symptom of a gloomy and pessimistic vision of the future (p<0.05), sleep disturbances (p<0.04), a factor of personal significance in the form of a threat in patients with stress-provoked onset of the current DE (p<0.05).

Adverse events occurred in the first week of treatment with agomelatine in 14.3% of cases (nausea – 8.6%, headache and dizziness – 2.9% each), they were mild and did not require discontinuation of the drug. Two patients taking agomelatine at a dose of 50 mg discontinued the study: in one case persisted social phobia, increased fatigue, motor retardation, and persistent modern insomnia; in the other case – a pronounced senestoalgic syndrome with cerebral localization.

Conclusion. Agomelatine therapy has been shown to be highly effective and well tolerated in nonpsychotic depression.
Psychosomatic correlations in mentally ill and mentally healthy women with infertility
Authors: Nikolaevskaya A. O. , Tyuvina N. A. , Morozova V. D. , Kesler E. P.
Published: August 2023

The issue of the influence of women's mental state on their reproductive function has not been adequately addressed and requires further research.

Objective: a comparative evaluation of individual indicators of menstrual and reproductive function in mentally healthy and mentally ill women with infertility.

Material and methods. We studied 348 women aged 21 to 40 years with primary and secondary infertility, 120 of whom had been treated for a mental disorder in a psychiatric hospital prior to the present study. The patients' condition was assessed by a clinical method using a specially designed questionnaire card.

Results. Reproductive function of patients in the studied groups differed significantly in several indicators. Mentally ill women with primary infertility are characterized by the following features: later onset of menstruation, scanty or heavy menstrual flow (p<0.05), irregularity or absence of menstruation during the period of exacerbation of the disease, insufficient emotional response to menarche (p<0.05), irregularity of sexual life and dissatisfaction with it (p<0.01). Spontaneous miscarriages and stillbirth occurred more frequently in mentally ill women, especially in women with endogenous disorders (schizophrenia, affective disorders), while abortions and gynecological surgeries were more frequent in mentally healthy women (p<0.001). Predictors of infertility on the part of mental health are the early onset and chronic course of a mental disorder, the severity and duration of an exacerbation of the illness, brief and incomplete remissions, the development of personality changes or a defect (schizophrenic) as a result of a mental illness.

Conclusion. Menstrual and reproductive functions of women depend on their mental state. In women with mental disorders, menstrual dysfunction together with psychopathological symptoms of illness (decrease in libido, communication, emotional numbness), decrease in social and family adaptation leads to impairment of reproductive function.
Out-of-school STEM Program for Students with Visual Impairments: Adaptations and Outcomes During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors:   University of Arizona, Hong Sunggye , Topor Irene , Park Jinseok , Alshuli Tasnim A.
Published: August 2023

Although previous research exists on making adaptations for students with visual impairments in online settings, there is limited research on the teaching and learning dynamics of students with visual impairments during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since responses to the pandemic made it difficult for students with visual impairments to participate in educational opportunities that require hands-on experiences, gaps have been identified in gaining access to educational opportunities. The current project was originally planned with programs based on in-person modes, aimed at increasing motivation and awareness of science, technology, engineering, and math of students with visual impairments. Due to limitations of in-person participation, substantial modifications and adaptations were required for the programs to be meaningful and effective when delivered in online environments. It was found that proficiency in the use of technology options, specific instruction and guidance for access of information, and program planning in advance were the three key elements for successful implementation of the programs. This article documents 1) existing research on the impacts of the pandemic, 2) meaningful adaptations and modifications, 3) essential elements for developing online programs in STEM, and 4) identified strategies in program transition for students with visual impairments. Some skills may not be most efficiently taught through online interactions, however participation of family members, careful modifications of existing activities, and sufficient level of technology support allows many skills to be acquired through online learning. Most importantly, strong collaboration of participating team members makes it possible for students with visual impairments to participate equitably in online environments.
Overview of the proceedings of the 2022 Inclusion in Science, Learning a New Direction, Conference on Disability (ISLAND)
Authors:   Educational Testing Service, Supalo Cary A. , Bhattacharya Jasodhara , Steinberg Daniel
Published: August 2023

The 13th annual Inclusion in Science, Learning a New Direction, Conference on Disability was hosted by the Prince-ton Center for Complex Materials (PCCM), a National Science Foundation funded Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC), and Princeton University on September 16-17, 2022 at Bowen Hall. This annual conference included presentations that featured innovative research done by science educators in formal and informal education contexts, ranging from pre-K-12 to higher education, and science education researchers, access technol-ogy developers, and others interested in the full inclusion of persons with disabilities into the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) workforce. The 2022 ISLAND conference featured seventeen different pre-sentations over the two-day period. The following is intended to give the reader an overview of the presentations that were delivered. This is not intended to be a complete summary of all aspects of the presentations that were discussed.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Inclusive Preschool Science Classrooms
Authors:   Colorado Christian University, Lohmann Marla J. , Hovey Katrina A. ,   Western Oregon University, Gauvreau Ariane N. ,   University of Washington
Published: August 2023

Science instruction is a critical aspect of early learning. Teachers can support young children’s learning about scientific concepts through the use of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework, which is a proactive approach to instructional planning that helps ensure success for all learners. This teaching techniques article offers preschool teachers practical solutions for implementing in the UDL framework for science instruction in their classrooms.
Augmented reality in 9th grade history: Student opinions on the usefulness and effectiveness of the material
Authors: Hayta Necdet , Karabağ Şerifnaz Gülin , Gövercin Aslı
Published: August 2023

Research problem/aim; The aim of this study is to determine the opinions of the 9th grade students who use teaching materials designed with augmented reality technology on the usefulness and effectiveness of the material. For this purpose, 3 activities were designed using 9th grade topics and a total of 27 AR materials were applied to the students in these activities. Method; In this study, "developmental research" and "case study" were used. As data collection tools, "AR application course observation form", "student evaluation form" and "3 AR activities" were designed by the researchers. Findings; 30 codes were formed and the answers given by the students to the questions and grouped as positive and negative by combining them under the theme of effectiveness, usefulness and suggestions which is the main question of the research. Conclusions; According to the results of the research; In the "usefulness " theme, the most repeated positive code is "functionality / interactive ", while the negative code is "unrealistic", In the theme of "effectiveness", the most repeated positive code was "providing 3D detection", while the negative code was "not contributing". In the theme of suggestions, the code "animation and graphics should be developed" was repeated the most.
Clima ético egoísta y el teletrabajo en el sector eléctrico colombiano. El papel moderador del liderazgo ético
Authors: Santiago Torner Carlos
Published: August 2023

El sector eléctrico colombiano ha impulsado políticas organizacionales fundamentadas en la inclusión y el bienestar de la sociedad en general, que pretenden trasladarse al teletrabajo a través de un estilo de liderazgo ético. Sin embargo, el egoísmo —que se caracteriza por maximizar el interés propio como base de razonamiento moral—, es un factor subyacente que puede deteriorar cualquier iniciativa que busque un equilibrio institucional justo e íntegro, mediante un clima ético donde las decisiones descuiden las necesidades colectivas. Por consiguiente, el objetivo de esta investigación es determinar la relación entre un clima laboral egoísta y el teletrabajo, a través del rol moderador de liderazgo ético. El estudio aplicó un diseño cuantitativo, transversal y correlacional explicativo. La muestra fue de 448 empleados evaluados por una encuesta en línea. Se encontró que el clima ético egoísta (X) y el liderazgo ético (W) se asocian significativamente con el teletrabajo (Y). Sin embargo, cuando el liderazgo ético regula la relación entre las variables independiente y dependiente (θX → Y/W), se hace visible que a mayor percepción de una dirección ética más débil se torna el efecto del clima egoísta sobre el teletrabajo hasta desaparecer. En conclusión, el sector eléctrico colombiano, por su enfoque en la responsabilidad social y erradicación de conductas deshonestas mediante un liderazgo ético, no es compatible con un clima laboral egoísta. De hecho, el impulsar una cultura de trabajo, a través del interés propio, neutraliza todo el esfuerzo ético propuesto por el sector eléctrico colombiano en los últimos siete años, puesto que su finalidad ha sido propender por iniciativas sociales e inclusivas.
Experiential Avoidance and Hyperreflexivity as Variables Associated with Depression: A Process-Based Approach
Authors: Blancas-Guillen Jesus , Ccoyllo-Gonzalez Leandra , Valencia Pablo D.
Published: August 2023

Depression is a major public health problem that affects a significant proportion of young adults, such as college students. A process-based approach has been proposed for its study, which seeks to identify transdiagnostic psychological variables that can be the target of change in psychotherapeutic interventions. The purpose of this paper was to analyze the interrelation between a set of process variables (cognitive fusion, rumination, and experiential avoidance), as well as to examine the relationship between each of these variables and depression in 368 college students aged 18–29 years (M = 21.35, SD = 2.36, 77.7% female). Cognitive fusion and rumination were found to comprise an overarching variable termed hyperreflexivity, while experiential avoidance constituted a different construct. By analyzing a structural equation model, it was found that only hyperreflexivity predicted depression significantly. These findings and their possible implications for clinical practice are discussed. Further study of hyperreflexivity as a superordinate variable of relevance to psychopathology is recommended.
Determination of corrosion product film on pure Mg in Cl− environment using XPS etching
Authors: Sun Lingxiong , Ma Deqing , Liu Ye , Qin Qingwei , Liang Liang , Ma Hongbin , Wei Fuan , Zhang Chao
Published: August 2023

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) combined with Ar ion etching was used to analyse the surface film of pure Mg at different depth after immersion in 3.5 % NaCl solution for 10 min. The XPS spectra of specimen surface showed that the corrosion products are mainly made up of Mg(OH)2 and Mg2Cl(OH)3·xH2O. The formation process of Mg2Cl(OH)3 is the reaction of Mg(OH)2 and Cl− and H+ in weak acidic solutions. The XPS results indicated that the intensities of Mg2Cl(OH)3·xH2O decreased with the increase of etching time from 0 s to 4680 s. It is confirmed that the edge of Mg(OH)2 protrudes outward and then splits into Mg2Cl(OH)3 when Cl− attacks the Mg(OH)2 films, so the Mg2Cl(OH)3 attached to Mg(OH)2. Meanwhile, coupling the scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with the XPS to analyze the corrosion mechanism. Furthermore, the results displayed that the XPS combined with Ar ion etching is a good characterization method to understand the reaction of corrosion products.
Sorting of navel orange soluble solids content based on online near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Shang Mengmeng , Xue Long , Jiang Wanglin , Cheng Biao , Li Zhuopeng , Liu Muhua , Li Jing
Published: August 2023

A rapid, nondestructive, and online detection of the internal quality of navel orange cannot only reduce the labor intensity, but also improve the economic benefits of the navel orange. In this paper, an online detection and sorting equipment is designed for navel orange. The transmission spectrum data of 1697 navel oranges are divided into the calibration, prediction, and validation sets, with a ratio of 14:3:3. Pre-processing methods such as first derivative (FD), second derivative (SD), standard normal variate transform (SNV), and multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) were chosen to process the spectra. Accordingly, the soluble solids content prediction model for navel oranges is established using standard normal variable transformation (SNV) and partial least squares (PLS). The determination coefficients (R2) of the calibration set, prediction set, and validation set are 0.8476, 0.8326, and 0.8025, respectively. Moreover, the corresponding root mean square errors are 0.5097°Brix, 0.5590°Brix, and 0.6048°Brix, respectively. The residual predictive deviation (RPD) value is 2.4510 (i.e., greater than 2.0), indicating that the model performs accurate predictive simulations, and has high reliability. In addition, two classification methods based on the national standard method and the normal probability graph of the soluble solids content of navel oranges were used to classify navel oranges into three classes for online validation. 185 navel oranges were selected for online validation, in which the classification method based on the normal probability graph of the soluble solids content of navel oranges was more effective and its average sorting accuracy was 81.13 %. Likewise, the mean absolute error (MAE) is 0.4613°Brix. The experimental results show that the online sorting equipment possesses high sorting accuracy and can be practically used for actual postharvest processing.
Implementation of 16 QAM signal transmission over RO-VLC system using high power LEDs
Authors: Paliwal Rajat , Patel Piyush , Atieh Ahmad
Published: August 2023

White LEDs attract researchers for indoor visible light communication systems due to their good modulation characteristics, high efficiency, long lifetime, low cost, high tolerance to humidity, low power consumption, and minimal heat generation. Major challenges need to be resolved for LEDs including signal attenuation, ISI, and limited bandwidth for the proliferation of VLC systems. In this work, the challenges of signal attenuation and efficient utilization of limited bandwidth are addressed, keeping in mind the cost factor. A commercial high-power white phosphorous-coated LED with an optical preamplifier is used for a spectrally efficient 16 QAM Radio-Over-VLC link. The effect of varying the preamplifier gain on the system performance is investigated. Lower gain values limit the communication distance of the VLC system. A maximum transmission distance of 7 m considering a super-forward-error-correction (SFEC) limit of 1.863 × 10−2 could be achieved for a data rate of 0.5 Gbps. The transmission distance needs to be reduced to 6 m for a higher data rate of 0.6 Gbps with a resultant bit-error-ratio (BER) of 1.44 × 10−2 which is well within the SFEC limit. The achieved error vector magnitude (EVM), symbol error rate (SER), and Log bit-error-ratio (BER) metrics are used to characterize the VLC system performance.
Is sex still binary?
Authors: Rehmann-Sutter Christoph , Hiort Olaf , Krämer Ulrike M. , Malich Lisa , Spielmann Malte
Published: August 2023

In this perspective article we discuss the limitations of sex as a binary concept and how it is challenged by medical developments and a better understanding of gender diversity. Recent data indicate that sex is not a simple binary classification based solely on genitalia at birth or reproductive capacity but encompasses various biological characteristics such as chromosomes, hormones, and secondary sexual characteristics. The existence of individuals with differences in sex development (DSD) who do not fit typical male or female categories further demonstrates the complexity of sex. We argue that the belief that sex is strictly binary based on gametes is insufficient, as there are multiple levels of sex beyond reproductivity. We also explore the role of sex in sex determination, gene expression, brain development, and behavioural patterns and emphasize the importance of recognizing sex diversity in personalized medicine, as sex can influence disease presentation, drug response, and treatment effectiveness. Finally, we call for an inter- and transdisciplinary approach to study sex diversity and develop new categories and methodologies that go beyond a binary model.