bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graduate reflections on Community Service, a view of roles in practice
Authors: Talberg Heather , Wyk Jacky van
Published: July 2024

Background
In South Africa, newly qualified Physiotherapists transition to workplace during Community Service (CS), often in diverse healthcare settings and complex patients. The transition is complicated by the shortage of rehabilitation personnel, especially in rural and peri-urban areas. While higher education curricula should prepare students for the workplace, the roles and expectations of new therapists remain unclear. Assessing how well current curricula, incorporating the CanMEDS framework, equip students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes for entry-level CS practice will help to improve physiotherapy training practices. This study investigated the experiences of CS physiotherapists to inform curriculum design and graduate outcomes.
Methods
A descriptive qualitative study was conducted. Graduates were recruited during their CS year via a class group contact, with a snowballing approach to diversify the sample. Semi structured interviews were conducted over MS Teams, recorded, and transcribed. Reflexive deductive coding was used to interpret the data, which was analysed according to the CanMEDS roles and graduate outcomes, as well as barriers and facilitators during their transition to the workplace.
Results
Ten CS physiotherapists placed in five of the nine provinces participated. Most identified strongly with their core role as clinicians and felt well prepared for clinical service. However, aspects of roles linked to advocacy, leadership, and professionalism were more complex to navigate. The contexts of placements and the nuances of how the healthcare system operated in each province also impacted their experience.
Conclusion
Discussions revealed that the physiotherapy curriculum effectively prepared graduates in roles drawing on skills, theoretical principles, clinical reasoning, and lifelong learning. However, exposure to outcomes in roles as leaders, collaborators, and advocates were somewhat limited. These aspects were often not explicitly taught and impacted their transition. These roles, however, became areas of significant personal and professional growth during CS. The learning context is crucial, and embedding placements in more diverse settings could improve graduates' readiness. Where diverse placements are not feasible, curriculum design should ensure graduates can apply their skills in various settings. The variable professional support during CS suggests a need for an audit or policy review by professional and accreditation bodies.
Contributions of risk information frame to perceived risk, time orientation, and cancer drugs insurance purchasing decisions: based on a nationwide online survey experiment
Authors: Sun Zhenyu , Zhang Ziying , Chen Xi , Qian Dongfu
Published: July 2024

As one of the most populous countries with the highest number of cancer patients worldwide, China is actively promoting emerging commercial cancer drugs insurance (CDI) to address the increasingly serious cancer burden. However, providers are uncertain whether the risk information they design in their promotional advertising is effective for expanding CDI that primarily sold online. In this paper, we present a randomized online survey experiment nationally, to understand the unique ability of low/high risk information frame (LRIF/HRIF) in shaping individuals' CDI purchasing decisions. The results reveal that the LRIF which being used by providers is ineffective, the effect of shifting LRIF to HRIF in advertising increasing 43.7% for stimulating purchasing decisions. A possible mechanism may depend on HRIF restraining present-oriented attitude and reinforcing future-oriented attitude with the mediating role of perceived risk. These results suggest that further employing HRIF to develop advertising toolkits effectively would critical for promoting CDI expansion.
Improving Online Education Through Constant Feedback Using Deep Learning and Integration with Large Language Models
Authors: Rojas Óscar Andrés Cuéllar , Contero Manuel , Montoya Mauricio Hincapié
Published: July 2024

This study investigates the application of a deep learning-based predictive model to predict student performance. The objective was to enhance student performance by predicting and monitoring their academic activities, including attendance at synchronous sessions, interaction with digital content, participation in forums, and performance in portfolio creation tasks over an academic year. The predictive model was applied to an experimental group of students. Unlike the control group, which did not receive continuous feedback, the experimental group received personalized, continuous feedback based on predictions from a pre-trained model and interpreted by OpenAI’s GPT-4 language model. Significant improvements were observed in the performance of the experimental group compared to the control group. The average score on quizzes for the experimental group was 0.81, notably higher than the control group's 0.67. Recorded session engagement for the experimental group was 0.84, compared to 0.65 for the control group. Live session participation and forum activity were also significantly higher in the experimental group, with rates of 0.61 and 0.62 respectively, compared to the control group's 0.42 and 0.37. However, the average practice score was slightly higher in the control group, with a mean of 0.76 compared to 0.74 in the experimental group. Portfolio assessment scores were higher in the experimental group, with an average of 0.73 compared to 0.69 in the control group. These results support the hypothesis that using predictive models complemented by language models to provide continuous feedback improves learning effectiveness.
Learning About and Living With Toxicity: A Qualitative Study of Patients Receiving Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors For Melanoma or Lung Cancer and Their Caregivers
Authors: Falade Ayo Samuel , Boulanger Mary C. , Hsu Kelly , Sarathy Roshni , Fadden Riley , Reynolds Kerry L , Traeger Lara , Temel Jennifer S. , Greer Joseph A. , Petrillo Laura A.
Published: July 2024

Background/Objective
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized treatment for melanoma and lung cancer and are in widespread use. This study aims to describe how patients and caregivers learn about ICI toxicities and their perceptions and experiences of toxicity.
Methods
We conducted a qualitative study of 42 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC; n = 16) or melanoma (n = 26) who were initiating or discontinuing an ICI and their caregivers (n = 9). We conducted in-depth interviews to explore patients' and caregivers' experiences learning about and living with ICI side effects. We audio-recorded the first oncology visit after enrollment. We used a framework approach to code interview and visit transcripts and synthesized codes into themes.
Results
The median age of patients was 67; 68% were male. Themes of participant interviews and clinician-patient dialogue included: i) Patients initiating an ICI received extensive information about side effects, which some patients found overwhelming or scary and difficult to absorb; ii) Patients who were deterred by fear of toxicity ultimately proceeded with treatment because of oncologist encouragement or the sense of no alternative; iii) participants found hope in the association between toxicity and ICI efficacy; iv) caregivers helped patients navigate the deluge of information and uncertainty related to ICIs. Participants suggested ways to improve ICI side effect education, such as incorporating patient stories.
Conclusion
Patients perceived that ICI toxicity counseling was overwhelming yet were encouraged by oncologists’ reassurance that serious side effects were manageable and by the framing of toxicity as a sign of efficacy. We identified opportunities to improve communication of ICI risks and benefits.
On Searching an Approximately Sorted Array
Authors: Narasimhan Aditya , Radhakrishnan Sridhar , Subramanian C. R.
Published: July 2024

Range search is a crucial problem in computer science, particularly in database systems. Existing algorithms for multidimensional range searches typically rely on fully sorted data or multidimensional range trees. We address the scenario in which the input is approximately sorted across dimensions. We define three metrics to measure the disorder in an approximately sorted array: number of inversions ({\em inv}), maximum displacement ({\em md}), and maximum distance ({\em dis}). Our goal is to develop range search algorithms that are tailored to arrays that satisfy these disorder metrics. For the 1D range search, given {\em md} or {\em dis}, we achieve a search with comparisons $ \log_2 \frac{n}{4L} + 10L + k $, where $ n $ is the number of elements, $ L $ is the disorder metric and $ k $ is the output size. We extend this to catalog search using fractional cascading across approximately sorted $ K $ catalogs, requiring $ \log_2 \frac{m}{4L} + 1 + 4KL + k $ comparisons, where $ m $ is the length of the first catalog. For 2D range search on approximately sorted coordinates, we need $ 5 \log_2 \frac{m}{4L} + 4L(2 + 3K) + k + 3 $ comparisons. This method is generalized to multidimensional range searches on $d$-dimensional data with $ (2 \log_2 \frac{n}{4L} + 8L + 2)^{d-1} + 3(\log_2 \frac{n}{4L} + 4KL + k + 1) $ comparisons. These techniques are particularly beneficial in database management and big data applications, where maintaining exact order is costly and real-time performance is critical.
Kindergarten Teachers' Psychological Capital and Organizational Commitment: An Investigative Study with Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Di Huijuan , Cai Ruiting , Yao Hongwei
Published: July 2024

To thoroughly understand the potential categories of kindergarten teachers' psychological capital, it is essential to meticulously analyze the influencing factors specific to each category and to deeply explore the intricate relationship that exists between psychological capital and the level of organizational commitment among these educators. This study takes 1132 preschool teachers as the research object, and analyzes the types of teachers' psychological capital and its influence on organizational commitment through potential profile. The results show that the psychological capital level of preschool teachers can be divided into three categories: Low PsyCap, Moderate PsyCap and High PsyCap; The teaching experience is short, the number of teachers with High PsyCap is small and the number of teachers with Low PsyCap is large, and the level of psychological capital needs to be improved urgently. There are significant differences in organizational commitment among teachers with different types of psychological capital. Teachers with High PsyCap have the highest organizational commitment, followed by teachers with Moderate PsyCap, and teachers with Low PsyCap have the lowest organizational commitment. The above research results provide theoretical basis and practical reference for psychological counseling of preschool teachers to improve the level of psychological capital and their organizational commitment.
Tree Imagery in Drawing Tests for Screening Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Guo Huibing , Feng Bin , Liu Tiantian , Zhao Ruopeng , Fan Huiyong , Dong Zaiquan , Gong Qiyong , Chen Taolin
Published: July 2024

Background
Tree imagery in drawing tests has demonstrated effectiveness in predicting mental disorders; however, there remains a lack of uniformity in the selection and interpretation of predictors. This study aimed to integrate various tree imagery characteristics in mental disorders through a systematic review and meta-analysis and to further identify valid indicators for predicting mental disorders.
Methods
A search of the following electronic databases was performed in May 2023: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang. Screening and checking of the literature were performed independently by two authors. A total of 42 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The strength of the association between drawing characteristics and mental disorders was measured by the ratio (OR) with a 95% CI. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot, Rosenthal’s fail-safe number (Nfs), and the trim and fill method.
Results
The analysis demonstrated a total of 45 drawing characteristics that appeared at least three times in previous studies, 24 of which were found to significantly predict mental disorders. The effective predictors could be categorized into five categories: blackened out, scribbled lines, oddly shaped, no vitality, and overly simple. Subgroup analyses indicated that “blackened tree”, “no motion”, and “excessive separation” were specific indicators of affective disorders, whereas “roots” was an indicator of thought disorders. Common indicators for mental disorders included “weak or intermittent tree lines”, “no additional decoration”, “simplified drawing”, “small drawing size” and “very small tree”.
Conclusion
This study confirms the value of drawing tests in screening for mental disorders, and provides reference for the selection and interpretation of drawing indicators.
SYFLo: augmenting yolo for real-time health monitoring of electric assets in power transmission lines
Authors: Sankuri Raja Sekhar , Sri Nagesh Bhattu , Karri Sri Phani Krishna
Published: July 2024

Sustainable transmission of electrical energy to consumers across regions relies heavily on the integrity of power transmission lines and continuous monitoring of assets is crucial for maintaining system reliability. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have revolutionized defect identification in real-time and accessibility, even in difficult-to-reach geographical landscapes, thereby improving image-based inspections. This work introduces SYFLo(Semisupervised Yolo with Focal Loss function), a novel method that augments YOLO for real-time health monitoring of electric assets in power transmission lines. SYFLo integrates the focal loss function with semi-supervised learning to effectively address the lack of abundant labeled data, data imbalances and enhance detection accuracy. Additionally, it improves data generalizability across a wide range of images, ensuring robust performance despite varied image backgrounds. By leveraging YOLOv8, SYFLo significantly improves fault identification, achieving a detection accuracy of 96.5% and an FPS of 283.2. Experimental results demonstrate the impact of the proposed approach, highlighting its potential to enhance the reliability of power transmission line monitoring. These findings underscore the importance of integrating advanced deep learning techniques with innovative loss functions to address common challenges in real-time health monitoring systems.
Controlled Nanorod-like Structure of Iron Tetrapolyvanadate for Enhanced Heterogeneous Fenton-like Catalysis
Authors: Canh Bui Ba , Manh Nguyen Duc , Ha Cao Hong , Vân-Anh Nguyen
Published: July 2024

In this study, a heterogeneous Fenton-like system was developed based on Fe2V4O13 composite oxide material with the aim of decomposing some hazardous organic compounds present in industrial wastewater (e.g., methylene blue, ciprofloxacin, etc.). The research results have shown that this composite oxide material was synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method with controlled conditions optimized for hydrothermal temperature and structure aging temperature. Characterization methods indicated that the optimal hydrothermal condition was at 180°C for 12 hours and the structure aging temperature was at 80°C for 12 hours. Under these synthesis and structure aging conditions, a characteristic nano-rod structure of the material with dimensions of 500 × 40 × 20 nm (in length × width × height) was formed. This structure exhibited the best catalytic activity for organic compound decomposition compared to other material structures synthesized under different conditions in this study. The catalytic activity in decomposing of methylene blue and ciprofloxacin was high, reaching > 99% and > 77 %, respectively, after 14 minutes. This was achieved following the Fenton system mechanism in the presence of H2O2 at pH 7 and 9. The mechanism followed the mixed homogeneous and heterogeneous Fenton process, in which the presence of leached vanadium ions accelerated the =Fe2+/=Fe3+ redox couple regeneration, consequently enhancing the degradation efficiency. In the mechanism, the formation of the highly active free radicals •OH and •OOH is observed and demonstrated by using specific competitive inhibitors (quinhydrone, ascorbic acid). These findings suggest the potential of the Fe2V4O13-based nanomaterial for the efficient treatment of organic compounds in wastewater, particularly under neutral to alkaline media.
Inpatient Use of Electroconvulsive Therapy in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey (MENAT) Region: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Recent Practice
Authors: Alhassan Mohammed A. , Alarabi Mohammed A. , Albalawi Waled M. , AlRabiah Ebraheem S.
Published: July 2024

Background
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is among the oldest treatments in psychiatry, is used variably worldwide due to different factors.
Aims
The study aimed to estimate inpatient ECT indication and utilization in the MENAT region.
Method
A systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant articles published from 2013 to 2024 was conducted.
Results
Six studies were included, showing an average inpatient prevalence of ECT at 14.48 per 100 inpatients. The studies were characterized by high heterogeneity (I2 = 100%). ECT was most commonly administered to male inpatients averaging 35.14 years old, with schizophrenia (29.7%) and bipolar disorder (29.28%) being the most common diagnoses. The average number of ECT sessions was 9.36. Overall, the studies reported the use of bilateral modified ECT.
Conclusions
ECT utilization rates vary globally and within the MENAT region. More efforts are needed to standardize and expand the delivery of modified ECT in the region.
A Novel Catalytic System Utilizing Cobalt-Based Metal- Organic Framework for Peroxymonosulfate Activation in Congo Red Degradation
Authors: Liu Difei , Cui Yunzuo , Li Chuanbi
Published: July 2024

Cobalt metal-organic framework (Co-MOF), a crystalline porous material self-assembled from Co metal via organic ligand bridging, has received increasing attention due to its multi-metal sites and its efficient azo-fuel degradation properties. In this study, a Co-MOF was synthesized and used to activate the degradation of Congo red (CR) by peroxomonas sulphate (PMS). Demonstrating that the degradation efficiency of the Co-MOF/PMS system reached close to 100% for 20 mg/L CR within 10 min at a catalyst dosage of 0.30 g/L and a PMS dosage of 0.5 mM. Quenching experiments and mass spectrometry elucidated two different degradation pathways of CR: (i) radical pathway: hydroxyl radical (•OH) and sulfate radical (SO4•−); (ii) non-radical pathway: singlet oxygen (1 O2). The degradation products were examined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and possible transformation pathways for transformation. This work underscores the immense potential of the Co-MOF/PMS system as an efficient catalyst for environmental remediation, leading to significant advances in CR degradation and wastewater treatment technologies.
Non-obese NAFLD subjects demonstrate lower risk of metabolic syndrome than obese non-NAFLD subjects: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Lu Zih-Chien , Lai Kuan-Yu , Kao Hsian-Han , Lin Wen-Yuan , Chen Tsung-Po
Published: July 2024

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and obesity are risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS). Interaction between NAFLD and obesity might deteriorate the probability of MetS. We aim to evaluate the non-obese NAFLD for the risk of MetS compared with obese non-NAFLD.
Methods: ﻿A population-based cross-sectional study was collected in three different hospitals in Taiwan from 2015 to 2022. ﻿Anthropometric and biochemical measurements were collected after 8-hour fasting. NAFLD was diagnosed through abdominal ultrasonography by trained doctors. Participants were divided into two groups by body mass index (BMI) with a 25 kg/m2 cutoff value and NAFLD status. ﻿The risk of MetS with the status of NAFLD and obesity was assessed using a multiple logistic regression model.
Results: 690 eligible participants were involved in the analysis, with 441 non-obese NAFLD and 249 obese non-NAFLD subjects. The mean age was 62.7 ± 16.7 years old. The prevalence of MetS was 35.4% in the non-obese NAFLD group and 47.7% in the obese non-NAFLD group, respectively. The non-obese NAFLD group demonstrates a lower percentage of abnormal waist circumference and blood pressure than the obese non-NAFLD group (p<0.05). However, the ratio of abnormal triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and glucose were similar between the two groups (p>0.05). ﻿The non-obese NAFLD group demonstrates a lower risk of MetS than the obese non-NAFLD group ﻿(Odds ratio 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.47-0.97).
Conclusions: Both NAFLD and obesity increase the risk of MetS. As a risk factor, NAFLD reveals a lower MetS risk than obesity.
The Influence of Physical Fitness Self-Efficacy on College Students' Subjective Well-Being: Mediating Effects of Physical Activity and Gender Differences
Authors: Liu Jinhua , Li Xiaobin , Xu Yu , Kayani Sumaira , Biasutti Michele
Published: July 2024

This study explores the influence of physical fitness self-efficacy on college students' subjective well-being, highlighting the mediating role of physical activity and the moderating effect of gender. Using the "Physical Fitness Self-Efficacy Scale," "Physical Activity Level Scale" (PARS-3), and "Subjective Well-Being Questionnaire," data were collected from 455 students(Age19.13 ± 1.32) in Yunnan Province, China, and analyzed using SPSS 27.0 and Process 4.2. Results showed significant gender differences in physical fitness self-efficacy, physical activity, and subjective well-being, with physical activity mediating 20.86% of the effect. Gender moderated this relationship, with a greater impact observed in female students. These findings suggest the importance of promoting physical fitness self-efficacy and physical activity to enhance college students' subjective well-being, with gender-specific intervention strategies recommended.
Wind Velocity and Dispersion/Advection-diffusion of Artificial Droplets and Droplet Nuclei in a Domed All- weather Multi-purpose Stadium
Authors: Shinohara Naohide , Kurihara Noboru , Naito Wataru , Iwai Aya , Yasutaka Tetsuo , Morioka Toshihiro , Takatsuji Toshiyuki , Ogata Masayuki , Tatsu Koichi
Published: July 2024

To evaluate the COVID-19 infection risk and the effectiveness of countermeasures at mass-gathering events, we measured the dispersion and advective diffusion of artificial droplets and artificial droplet nuclei at the Tokyo Dome, Japan (capacity 55,000 people). We also measured and evaluated the effectiveness of wearing masks and increasing the space between seating areas. If people were seated facing forward, artificial droplets did not reach the mouths of surrounding people, suggesting low risk of droplet transmission. For an artificially generated cough or sneeze, the volume of droplets deposited on the hair, back of the neck, and back of the human in front, and the backs of the seats in front, decreased by two to three orders of magnitude when a mask was worn, regardless of the type of mask. However, when the mask was worn with the nose out, the amount deposited on the back of the seat in front was reduced by only 17%. Even in seats with the highest particle concentration in the vicinity of the source, only 0.097%–0.24% of the generated droplet nuclei (1.0–3.0 μm) from the source were inhaled. Our results suggest that the infection risk at the Tokyo Dome via droplet and airborne transmission was low.
CXCR4 regulates macrophage M1 polarization by altering glycolysis to promote prostate fibrosis
Authors: zhang Yi , Zhang Chen , Feng Rui , Meng Tong , Peng Wei , Song Jian , Ma Wenming , Xu Wenlong , Chen Xianguo , Chen Jing , Liang Chaozhao
Published: July 2024

Background
CXCR4 (C-X-C receptor 4) is widely considered to be a highly conserved G protein-coupled receptor, widely involved in the pathophysiological processes in the human body, including fibrosis. However, its role in regulating macrophage-related inflammation in the fibrotic process of prostatitis has not been confirmed. Here, we aim to describe the role of CXCR4 in modulating macrophage M1 polarization through glycolysis in the development of prostatitis fibrosis.
Methods
Use inducible experimental chronic prostatitis as a model of prostatic fibrosis. Reduce CXCR4 expression in immortalized bone marrow-derived macrophages using lentivirus. In the fibrotic mouse model, use adenovirus carrying CXCR4 agonists to detect the silencing of CXCR4 and assess the in vivo effects.
Results
In this study, we demonstrated that reducing CXCR4 expression during LPS treatment of macrophages can lead to M1 polarization. Silencing CXCR4 can inhibit glycolytic metabolism, enhance mitochondrial function, and promote macrophage transition from M1 to M2. Additionally, in vivo functional experiments using AAV carrying CXCR4 showed that blocking CXCR4 in EAP can alleviate inflammation and experimental prostate fibrosis development. Mechanistically, CXCR4, a chemokine receptor, when silenced, weakens the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway as its downstream signal, reducing c-MYC expression. PFKFB3, a key enzyme involved in glucose metabolism, is a target gene of c-MYC, thus impacting macrophage polarization and glycolytic metabolism processes.
Socioeconomic status, linguistic skills and language background differentially relate to preschoolers’ emotional and behavioural profile
Authors: Bonifacci Paola , Ravaldini Viola , Cangelosi Martina , Tobia Valentina
Published: July 2024

Background: Proximal and distal factors interact in shaping children’s development and well-being. The present study aimed to investigate socioeconomic status (SES), linguistic skills and language background as concurrent predictors of socio-emotional and behavioural skills in heritage bilinguals and monolingual peers attending preschool.
Methods: Parents of 1810 preschoolers (mean age = 63.42 months ± 7.36) filled in the Four Factor Index of SES and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Teachers (n =99) compiled a questionnaire on children’s linguistic skills as well as emotional and behavioural profiles. A subsample of 995 children was administered an expressive vocabulary task.
Results: Regression analyses showed that linguistic skills were the unique concurrent predictor for conduct problems as well as the dominant predictor for hyperactivity/impulsivity traits, problems in peer relationships and better prosocial behaviour. SES was negatively related to ADHD traits, problems in peer relationships, and prosocial behaviour. Finally, heritage bilingualism background was associated, although not as a primary predictor, with increased emotional problems, peer relationship problems and minor emotional and behavioural skills as assessed by teachers. However, it was the main factor to be positively associated with prosocial behaviour.
Conclusions: The implications of these results for the research in the field and for educational policies are discussed, highlighting the need for a multidimensional perspective that includes linguistic skills and SES in the evaluation of children’s emotional and behavioural outcomes.
Natural radon concentrations as indicators for mountain karst aquifer hydrodynamics and seismicity: the case study of Bossea Cave (Piedmont,Italy)
Authors: Biamino Luca , Colombero Chiara , Fiorucci Adriano , Vigna Bartolomeo , Peano Guido
Published: July 2024

Radon originating from meta-volcanics located at the bottom of Bossea karstic mountain aquifer is subject to transport within the cave through both advective and diffusive processes. According to the double convective cell model of circulation referable to this hypogean atmosphere, it is possible to correlate radon fluctuations with hydrodynamics, excluding the influence of external meteo-climatic factors. Transfer of gas from underground water flows presents delayed concentration maxima compared to flood peaks, amounting to 45 hours in the upper meta-carbonate canyon and 66 hours in the collapse chambers located at the contact with the meta-volcanics. Furthermore, different radon concentrations in water can be detected between the main creek and secondary inflows. Although both are subjected to a piston flow hydrodynamic response, the former shows an increase in Rn during floods (with a lag of 46 hours) due to the mobilization of long-resident water volumes in karst fractures, while in the latter case, there is a dilution of water in contact with radioactive elements of the impermeable basement (delayed by 6 hours and caused by volumes of neo-infiltration). The analysis of Rn emissions related to the site seismicity reveals no relationship, likely due to the low magnitudes and the predominant effect of hydrodynamics.
RETRACTED: Sustainable Farming: Utilizing Boron-Depleted Geothermal Water for Seed Sprout Cultivation
Authors: Orhun Ebru , Bektaş Tijen Ennil , Orhun Eda , Yılmaz Damla
Published: July 2024

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Weighted joint curve inversion of aquifer parameters in pumping tests with multiple observation wells
Authors: Li Mingqian , Wang He , Gu Hongbiao , Li Sen , Chi Baoming
Published: July 2024

Accurately calculating hydrogeological parameters is crucial for evaluating and managing groundwater resources. Pumping tests are primarily used to obtain aquifer parameters, the accuracy of which directly influences the assessment of regional hydrogeological conditions, as well as the subsequent development, utilization, protection, and management of groundwater resources. Traditional unsteady flow methods are limited by subjective influences and non-uniqueness in parameter determination, resulting in aquifer parameters that are dependent on the estimation method and observation well locations. This presents a significant challenge for optimal parameter selection. In this study, a weighted joint curve method (WJCM) based on Theis equation and optimization theory was developed that simultaneously considers both the pumping and recovery stages of field tests. The WJCM can be applied to determine unique aquifer parameters in pumping tests involving multiple observation wells and can be implemented rapidly using Excel. Actual pumping test data in a confined aquifer were used to compare results obtained from the proposed method with those obtained from three traditional parameter estimation methods. The results indicate that the WJCM produces reliable results and unique parameters, is highly efficient, and is easily implemented. These findings have theoretical and practical implications for pumping test parameter inversion, relevant software development, and the evaluation and management of groundwater resources.
Evaluation of postural stress and risk factors for developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders among full-time women homemakers
Authors: Norouzi Samaneh , Tavafian Sedigheh Sadat , Cousins Rosanna , Mokarami Hamidreza
Published: July 2024

Background
Housework activities force women to work in poor and awkward postures which impose biomechanical stresses on various parts of the body. Therefore, the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is high among women homemakers. The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to assess postural load risk in various household tasks among Iranian full-time women homemakers.
Methods
Participants were 160 Iranian full-time women homemakers. Using face-to-face interviews and field observations, the main tasks typically performed by the homemakers were identified. These included sweeping floors, washing dishes (with two sub-tasks of cleaning dishes and placing dishes in the sink basket), cooking, washing clothes with a washing machine (including two sub-tasks carrying a basket of clothes and loading and unloading the washing machine), house cleaning, and ironing. Finally, the posture for each of these six tasks was assessed using the rapid entire body assessment (REBA) and the action level for each task was determined.
Results
The REBA indicated that housework requires physical effort, and these tasks in particular put excess pressure on the body, meaning that homemakers performed their tasks with moderate to high postural load risk. Cooking had the highest level of risk and the mean REBA score (SD) for this task was 12.23 (1.91). Of the six tasks studied, the trunk and neck were exposed to the highest postural load risk.
Conclusion
Overall, the data in this study indicated that doing housework tasks can be harmful to health, and that intervention measures are necessary to reduce the risk of MSDs in homemakers. The findings of the present study can provide direction for implementing effective interventions to prevent MSDs in these women.
Funerary practices in Old Kingdom Egypt revealed through a cross-disciplinary study of a mummy with painted bandages from Gebelein (Upper Egypt)
Authors: Boano Rosa , Marochetti Elisa Fiore , Mangiapane Gianluigi , Dee Michael W. , Genta Roberta , Zenucchini Francesca , Piccirillo Anna , Carnazza Gino , Vaudano Giacomo Paolo , Favero-Longo Sergio E. , Laura Guglielmone , Ruffinatto Flavio , Spiteri Cynthianne , Demarchi Beatrice
Published: July 2024

The present study provides new data on funerary practices performed during the Old Kingdom at Gebelein (Upper Egypt) through a multidisciplinary analysis of a complete wrapped body with painted face bandages (S16731), which we radiocarbon dated to the 4th dynasty. The painting was revealed by the innovative laser-based cleaning method that was used to remove the compact layer of dust from the linen bandages. To our knowledge, this is the oldest securely-dated mummy that reproduces facial features through paintings on bandages. Old Kingdom mummies are rarely represented in museum collections; therefore, our research offers a unique insight into the little-known evolution of embalming practices during the Early Dynasties of Egypt.
The analyses carried out on the mummy, which is currently held at the Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography of the University of Turin (Italy) provided novel results, with CT scans showed a peculiar displacement of the thoracic and pelvic bone suggesting that the individual was in a decomposed state at the time of wrapping while chemical analyses confirmed the use of resin, soil/earth and gypsum for the treatment of the body.
This rare and remarkable example of an Old Kingdom embalmed body, with its unique equipment, clearly demonstrates how mummification practices during the early dynasties were already characterised by a very high level of care and skill.
A Guide to Cognitive Health: Mini-cog Testing and Investigation of Delirium Risk With Tiva-sevofluran Use
Authors: DURAN Harun Tolga , KIZILKAYA Mehmet , AYDINLI Aslı , OSMANTEVFİK Sadık , TAŞTAN Serkan , KILINÇ Osman Özgür , PİRHAN Yavuz
Published: July 2024

Background
Our aim was to investigate the effect of preoperative Mini-Cog scores and intraoperative sevoflurane TIVA use on postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery.
Methods
84 patients over 60 years of age who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery between 1 March − 1 October 2023 were included. Patients with a Mini-Cog score of 1-2-3 were considered to have low and possibly impaired neurocognitive function, and patients with a score of 4–5 were considered normal. Delirium in the early postoperative hours was compared in patients with low-normal Mini-Cog scores and in patients receiving sevoflurane-TIVA.
Results
The proportion of patients with low Mini-Cog score in the preoperative period was 17.9%. Sevoflurane was used in 41 patients and TIVA was used in 43 patients. The rate of low Mini-Cog score was 19.5%-16.3%. As a result of categorical adjustments, early postoperative delirium was higher in patients with low Mini-Cog scores and in patients in whom sevoflurane was used.
Conclusion
Low Mini-Cog score is a predictor of early postoperative delirium and sevoflurane use may increase this rate.
Transforming Law Enforcement: Exploiting Big Data Science and Data Analytics for Precision Decision-Making and Crime Pattern Anticipation in Police Operations
Authors: Syed Sadia , Albalawi Eid Mohammad
Published: July 2024

In modern law enforcement, the integration of data science and analytics has become instrumental in enhancing decision-making processes and proactively addressing crime patterns. This paper investigates the potential of these technologies within initiatives like the Smart Policing Station, emphasizing their transformative role in law enforcement agencies. A key contribution is the introduction of the Crime Prediction and Recognition (CPR) algorithm, a novel approach designed to excel in data analysis tasks crucial for crime prevention. The CPR algorithm utilizes a fusion of machine learning and pattern recognition techniques to forecast and identify crime patterns with remarkable accuracy. Through a meticulous implementation strategy, leveraging techniques such as feature engineering, ensemble learning, and model optimization, the CPR algorithm achieves outstanding performance in crime prediction tasks. Moreover, the paper provides a comprehensive analysis of empirical results obtained from applying the CPR algorithm to real-world crime data. These results showcase the algorithm's effectiveness in identifying subtle correlations and trends within complex datasets, enabling law enforcement agencies to anticipate and mitigate criminal activities proactively. By offering detailed insights into the techniques employed and presenting compelling empirical evidence, this paper underscores the potential of data-driven approaches in transforming law enforcement operations and bolstering public safety.
A Cross Sectional Study on Socio-demographic Profile of Deceased due to suspected poisoning coming for autopsy in FMT Department IGIMS, Patna, Bihar
Authors: Prasad Mukesh , Kumar Sanjeev , Singh Nawal Kumar , Goel Nikhil , Kumar Aman
Published: July 2024

Background: The definition of poison has changed to its present form, which is any substance that, when administered, inhaled, or ingested, is capable of acting deleteriously on the human body. Poisoning is represented by these four elements: cause, subject, effect, and consequence. Previously, the cases of poisoning were mostly accidental, but presently, poisoning is the most common mode of committing suicide. Acute pesticide poisoning is one of the most common causes of intentional death worldwide.
Objective: To assess the pattern of suspected poisoning cases.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed on medicolegal autopsies of suspected poisoning caused by death conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (FMT), Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS), Patna, over a period of six years (01 January 2016 to 31 December 2021) to study the pattern of suspected poisoning cases.
Inclusion criteria -1. All patients with suspected poisoning deaths underwent medicolegal postmortem examination. Exclusion criteria -1. Decomposed bodies. 2. Unidentified bodies.
Results: During the study period, 146 patients with suspected poisoning were examined. A maximum of 29 patients were diagnosed in 2019. The most common age group involved was 21-40 years (n= 72). There were more males (72.6%) than females. People from urban areas were affected, with n = 98. Married persons (n= 106) were more affected. People of middle socioeconomic status were more affected (n = 91). Cases were more frequently observed in the summer (April- June) season, for which n = 50. The oral route of exposure was used in 133 patients. A total of 80.14% of the patients were suicidal in nature.
Conclusions: Public education programs about suicide are an important component of suicide prevention programs that should aim at changing prevailing attitudes. A significant number of deaths can be prevented by providing local first-aid kits, better training of physicians, and faster transportation to hospitals, ensuring that adequate supplies of antidotes and essential hospital equipment are readily available. Data from poison information centers can help in planning methods to prevent further suicides.
CHANGES IN INDICATORS OF ENDOGENOUS INTOXICATION, NONSPECIFIC REACTIVITY, AND INFLAMMATION CAUSED BY SARS-COV-2
Authors: Saienko Oleksandr , Chemych Mykola
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Despite the fact that the entire scientific world is concerned about COVID-19, about 65 million people are living with Long COVID, suffering from general weakness, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and shortness of breath. This problem is global for humanity because of the decrease in the ability to work and mental activity of the population, which leads to economic losses. The problem remains open and requires further research.
Materials and Methods: a total of 108 patients were examined and divided into three groups: group A – 31 patients with confirmed COVID-19, group B – 35 patients with Long COVID, and group C – 42 practically healthy individuals. Hematologic and nonspecific immunologic changes were studied. Statistical data processing was performed using STATA software by StataCorp (Texas, USA) with the calculation of parametric and non-parametric criteria.
Results: middle-aged women predominated in the study groups. Among the hematologic parameters, an increase in leukocytes, erythrocytes, and ESR was observed in the COVID-19 group. Patients in group A had 2.5 times more rods of neutrophils than in group B and 2.3 times more than in group C. In patients with COVID-19, integrative indicators of endogenous intoxication exceeded the corresponding data compared to the Long COVID group (p<0.05). In patients with Long COVID, there was a tendency (p=0.055 – 0.588) to increased integrative indicators of endogenous intoxication (the intoxication index was 2.6 times higher (p<0.05)) compared to the group of practically healthy individuals. The indices of nonspecific reactivity in group A (resistance coefficient, lymphocyte index, eosinophil to lymphocyte ratio index, allergy index) and B (resistance coefficient, lymphocyte index) were lower than in group C (p<0.05). In patients with COVID-19, indices of inflammation activity (total inflammation index, Krebs index, leukocyte/ ESR ratio index) were higher than in the group of practically healthy individuals (p<0.05).
Conclusions: patients with COVID-19 are characterized by a leftward shift of the leukocyte formula, increased integrative indicators of endogenous intoxication, a pronounced inflammatory process, and activation of tissue breakdown. For people with Long COVID, there is a slight increase in integrative indicators of endogenous intoxication, with a low degree of inflammation and increased nonspecific reactivity compared to the COVID-19 group.
Electric dehydration of coal tar – a by-product of coke production for blast furnace smelting
Authors: Golovashov I. A. , Alekseev D. I. , Shvaleva A. V.
Published: July 2024

The aim of the study was to adapt the technology of electric dehydration of oil for use with coal tar (a by-product of coke production for blast furnace smelting) in order to remove ash (tar decanter sludge) and water. The research focuses on coal tar generated in coke ovens, which forms a colloidal system with water and ash. The method of electric dehydration was employed in the study, which is currently used to remove water from the oil–water colloidal system. The construction of the 2-EG-160-2 electric dehydrator was examined, along with the specifics of introducing coal tar into it in comparison to oil. It was demonstrated that, under the proposed operational conditions for the electric dehydrator, the coal tar and tar decanter sludge would settle at the bottom of the unit due to their higher density than that of water (the density of coal tar is approximately 1200 kg/m3 and higher). A scheme for integrating the electric dehydrator into the de-ashing process at a coke-chemical plant was proposed. The process of separating coal tar in the electric dehydrator was calculated. The results demonstrated that the efficiency of the equipment in the dehydration of coal tar, in comparison to oil, is considerably lower due to its higher density and viscosity (approximately 40 times higher at 80°C). Consequently, the performance of the electric dehydrator for coal tar would be approximately 40,000 tons, as opposed to approximately 1 million tons for oil. Nevertheless, the aforementioned performance per electric dehydrator is sufficient to meet the dehydration needs of AO “Ural Steel” for coal tar. Therefore, it is recommended that the electric dehydrator be integrated into the general coal tar dehydration scheme in order to ensure that the required quality standards for the tar are met, allowing it to be used and sold as a target product.
A higher-order topological twist on cold-atom SO($5$) Dirac fields
Authors: Bermudez Alejandro , González-Cuadra Daniel , Hands Simon
Published: July 2024

Ultracold Fermi gases of spin-3/2 atoms provide a clean platform to realise SO(55) models of 4-Fermi interactions in the laboratory. By confining the atoms in a two-dimensional Raman lattice, we show how this system can be used as a flexible quantum simulator of Dirac quantum field theories (QFTs) that combine Gross-Neveu and Thirring interactions with a higher-order topological twist. We show that the lattice model corresponds to a regularization of this QFT with an anisotropic twisted Wilson mass. This allows us to access higher-order topological states protected by a discrete SO(55) group, a remnant of the continuous rotational symmetry of the 4-Fermi interactions that is not explicitly broken by the lattice discretization. Using large-NN methods, we show that the 4-Fermi interactions lead to a rich phase diagram with various competing fermion condensates. Our work opens a route for the implementation of correlated higher-order topological states with tunable interactions that has interesting connections to non-trivial relativistic QFTs of Dirac fermions in D=2+1D=2+1 dimensions.
Optimal control of a quantum sensor: A fast algorithm based on an analytic solution
Authors: Hernández-Gómez Santiago , Balducci Federico , Fasiolo Giovanni , Cappellaro Paola , Fabbri Nicole , Scardicchio Antonello
Published: July 2024

Quantum sensors can show unprecedented sensitivities, provided they are controlled in a very specific, optimal way. Here, we consider a spin sensor of time-varying fields in the presence of dephasing noise, and we show that the problem of finding the pulsed control field that optimizes the sensitivity (i.e., the smallest detectable signal) can be mapped to the determination of the ground state of a spin chain. We find an approximate but analytic solution of this problem, which provides a lower bound for the sensitivity and a pulsed control very close to optimal, which we further use as initial guess for realizing a fast simulated annealing algorithm. We experimentally demonstrate the sensitivity improvement for a spin-qubit magnetometer based on a nitrogen-vacancy center in diamond.
THz higher-order topological photonics in Ge-on-Si heterostructures
Authors: Colombo Ian , Minazzi Pietro , Bonera Emiliano , Pezzoli Fabio , Pedrini Jacopo
Published: July 2024

We design germanium-based higher-order topological cavities for terahertz applications by breaking the symmetry of a two-dimensional photonic crystal following the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model. Calculations demonstrate the parity inversion of the electric field in differently deformed unit cells. The interface between domains of opposite topology presents edge and corner modes. The former are chiral, locking light propagation to its helicity. The latter prove that Ge-based structures can be used as high-order topological photonic crystals. These findings can accelerate the development of Si-photonic components working in a spectral range of high technological interest.