bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Effectiveness of Enhanced Patient Instructions for Bowel Preparation Before Colonoscopy: Network Meta-analysis of 23 Randomized Controlled Trials (Preprint)
Authors: Tian Xu , Yi Li-Juan , Han Yang , Chen Hui , Liu Xiao-Ling , Chen Wei-Qing , Jiménez-Herrera Maria F
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Various enhanced patient instructions (EPIs) have been used for bowel preparation (BP) and our previous meta-analysis also demonstrated the efficacy of EPIs in increasing the colonic polyp and adenoma detection rates; however, the optimal method for adequate BP has not yet been developed.

OBJECTIVE

We performed a network meta-analysis to determine the optimal instructions.

METHODS

We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effectiveness of EPIs with each other or standard patient instructions (SPIs) for BP. We performed direct and Bayesian network meta-analyses for all instructions and used the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) criteria to appraise the quality of evidence.

RESULTS

We included 23 RCTs (7969 patients) comparing 10 different instructions. In direct meta-analyses, most of the EPIs, except visual aids and mobile apps, increased the adequate preparation rate (APR). Network meta-analyses showed that additional explanations were superior to visual aids (odds ratio [OR] 0.35, 95% CI 0.19-0.59), telephone calls (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.37-0.99), educational videos (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.5-0.77), and mobile apps (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.14-0.68) with low-to-high-quality evidence; newly designed booklets (OR 3.28, 95% CI 1.59-6.16), SMS text messaging (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.28-3.91), telephone calls (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.03-1.78), educational videos (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.40-3.65), and social media applications (OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.4-3.93) were superior to visual aids and mobile apps with low-to-high-quality evidence. SMS text messaging, telephone calls, and social media applications increase adherence to and satisfaction with the BP regime. Social media applications reduce the risk of adverse events (AEs). Telephone calls and social media applications increase the polyp detection rate (PDR).

CONCLUSIONS

Newly designed booklets, telephone calls, educational videos, and social media applications can improve the quality of BP. Telephone calls and social media applications improve adherence to and satisfaction with the BP regime, reduce the risk of AEs, and increase the PDR.

CLINICALTRIAL

INPLASY (International Platform of Registered Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols) INPLASY2020120103; https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2020-12-0103/
Videos With the Hashtag #vaping on TikTok and Implications for Informed Decision-making by Adolescents: Descriptive Study (Preprint)
Authors: Basch Corey H , Fera Joseph , Pellicane Alessia , Basch Charles E
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Despite the public health importance of vaping and the widespread use of TikTok by adolescents and young adults, research is lacking on the nature and scope of vaping content on this networking service.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to describe the content of TikTok videos related to vaping.

METHODS

By searching the hashtag #vaping in the discover feature, ~478.4 million views were seen during the time of data collection. The first 100 relevant videos under that hashtag were used in this study. Relevance was determined by simply noting if the video was related in any way to vaping. Coding consisted of several categories directly related to vaping and additional categories, including the number of likes, comments, and views, and if the video involved music, humor, or dance.

RESULTS

The 100 videos included in the sample garnered 156,331,347 views; 20,335,800 likes; and 296,460 comments. The majority of the videos (n=59) used music and over one-third (n=37) used humor. The only content category observed in the majority of the videos sampled was the promotion of vaping, which was included in 57 videos that garnered over 74 million views (47.5% of cumulative views). A total of 42% (n=42) of the 100 videos sampled featured someone vaping or in the presence of vape pens, and these videos garnered over 22% (>35 million) of the total views.

CONCLUSIONS

It is necessary for public health agencies to improve understanding of the nature and content of videos that attract viewers’ attention and harness the strength of this communication channel to promote informed decision-making about vaping.
Examining the Implementation of Digital Health to Strengthen the COVID-19 Pandemic Response and Recovery and Scale up Equitable Vaccine Access in African Countries (Preprint)
Authors: Olusanya Olufunto A , White Brianna , Melton Chad A , Shaban-Nejad Arash
Published: October 2021

UNSTRUCTURED

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the world, having taken the lives of over 6 million individuals. Accordingly, this pandemic has caused a shift in conversations surrounding the burden of diseases worldwide, welcoming insights from multidisciplinary fields including digital health and artificial intelligence. Africa faces a heavy disease burden that exacerbates the current COVID-19 pandemic and limits the scope of public health preparedness, response, containment, and case management. Herein, we examined the potential impact of transformative digital health technologies in mitigating the global health crisis with reference to African countries. Furthermore, we proposed recommendations for scaling up digital health technologies and artificial intelligence–based platforms to tackle the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 and enable equitable vaccine access. Challenges related to the pandemic are numerous. Rapid response and management strategies—that is, contract tracing, case surveillance, diagnostic testing intensity, and most recently vaccine distribution mapping—can overwhelm the health care delivery system that is fragile. Although challenges are vast, digital health technologies can play an essential role in achieving sustainable resilient recovery and building back better. It is plausible that African nations are better equipped to rapidly identify, diagnose, and manage infected individuals for COVID-19, other diseases, future outbreaks, and pandemics.
Trauma Care Training in Vietnam: Narrative Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Nguyen Ba Tuan , Phung Toi Lam , Khuc Thi Hong Hanh , Nguyen Van Anh Thi , Blizzard Christopher Leigh , Palmer Andrew , Nguyen Huu Tu , Cong Quyet Thang , Nelson Mark
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

The model of trauma in Vietnam has changed significantly over the last decade and requires reforming medical education to deal with new circumstances. Our aim is to evaluate this transition regarding the new target by analyzing trauma and the medical training system as a whole.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to establish if medical training in the developing country of Vietnam has adapted to the new disease pattern of road trauma emerging in its economy.

METHODS

A review was performed of Vietnamese medical school, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Education and Training literature on trauma education. The review process and final review paper were prepared following the guidelines on scoping reviews and using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) flowchart.

RESULTS

The current trauma training at the undergraduate level is minimal and involves less than 5% of the total credit. At the postgraduate level, only the specialties of surgery and anesthesia have a significant and increasing trauma training component ranging from 8% to 22% in the content. Trauma training, which focuses on practical skills, accounts for 31% and 32% of the training time of orientation courses for young doctors in “basic surgery” and “basic anesthesia,” respectively. Other relevant short course trainings, such as continuing medical education, in trauma are available, but they vary in topics, facilitators, participants, and formats.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical training in Vietnam has not adapted to the new emerging disease pattern of road trauma. In the interim, the implementation of short courses, such as basic trauma life support and primary trauma care, can be considered as an appropriate method to compensate for the insufficient competency-related trauma care among health care workers while waiting for the effectiveness of medical training reformation.
Workplace Reintegration Facilitator Training Program for Mental Health Literacy and Workplace Attitudes of Public Safety Personnel: Pre-Post Pilot Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Jones Chelsea , Smith-MacDonald Lorraine , Pike Ashley , Bright Katherine , Bremault-Phillips Suzette
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Public safety personnel (PSP) impacted by operational stress injuries can find themselves needing both time off work and support reintegrating back into the workforce. Work reintegration programs have been introduced in PSP organizations to support those who aim to return to work. One such peer-led workplace reintegration program (RP) was created in 2009 by members of the Edmonton Police Service (EPS). The primary goal of the EPSRP is to assist PSP in returning to work as soon as possible following a critical incident, illness, or injury while diminishing the potential for long-term psychological injury. The EPSRP is delivered by peers through 3 interrelated components: (1) the Reintegration Program Facilitator Training (RPFT) Program; (2) a short-term Critical Incident RP; and (3) a long-term RP. There is a dire need for research that incorporates strong study designs to the determine long-term effectiveness of the program on increasing workplace reintegration, improving mental health knowledge, and creating culture change within PSP organizations. Simultaneously, the efficacy, effectiveness, and fidelity of the RPFT in providing the tools, mental health knowledge, and skills the RP peer facilitators will need for the RP must be evaluated.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this quasi-experimental pre-post pilot cohort study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the EPSRPFT course on influencing mental health knowledge and attitudes of RPFT attendees who will be future RP peer facilitators.

METHODS

This pre-post cohort study collected data via 2 questionnaires from RPFT participants (N=60) which included the Mental Health Knowledge Survey (MAKS) and the Open Minds Survey of Workplace Attitudes (OMSWA). Descriptive, parametric (sample t tests), and nonparametric (Wilcoxon signed rank tests) statistics were used to compare the pre- and post-RPFT results and to analyze results by gender and profession.

RESULTS

Statistically significant changes were observed in pre-post questionnaire scores in the domains of mental health attitudes and knowledge.

CONCLUSIONS

Although results are explorative, the RPFT may facilitate positive changes in workplace mental health attitudes and knowledge among PSP. It is hoped these findings will contribute to a broader evidence base that can inform changes to the program, practices, and policies, and inform decision-making regarding the EPSRP.
Identification of Atherosclerotic and Cardiovascular Clinical Phenotypes in Spanish Electronic Health Records using Artificial Intelligence: Validation of an Automated Information Extraction System (Preprint)
Authors: Medrano Ignacio H. , Serrano Marisa , Collazo Sergio , Lopez-Ballesteros Ana , Coll Blai , Lozano Javier
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Detection, analysis, and organization of unstructured data within Electronic Health Records (EHRs) through Natural Language Processing (NLP) and machine learning (ML), has become of vital interest to fully leverage all the information created during clinical practice.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the performance of EHRead® (a technology that applies NLP and ML) when identifying mentions of cardiovascular (CV)-phenotypes in patients' EHRs, and specific CV-related linguistic variables at patient and record level.

METHODS

This was a validation study using data from three hospitals in Spain, from 2012 to 2017. A predefined set of clinical entities grouped under different CV-phenotypes, and CV-related linguistic variables, were extracted from unstructured EHRs. Guideline´s reliability was validated by the Inter-Annotator Agreement, and a gold standard corpora was developed to evaluate the EHRead's performance in terms of Precision (P), Recall (R), and F1-score.

RESULTS

The number of correctly identified CV-phenotypes were: 249 out of 280 mentions (P=0.93), 53 out of 57 (P=0.98), and 165 out of 178 (P= 0.99), for sites 01, 02, and 03, respectively, with a F1-score >0.80 in almost all CV-phenotype detections. The IAA had a F1-score ≥0.96 across all sites. EHRead® demonstrated a high R-value when detecting patients and records containing the CV-related linguistic variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated EHRead® technology's ability and high performance in identifying CV-phenotypes and retrieve patients and records in the CV domain in Spanish. This research lays the methodological foundations for future clinical research to generate deep real-world insights relevant to patient care and enable better treatment decisions.
How opportune is multigene testing in metastatic colorectal cancer? A review
Authors: Orlov-Slavu Cristina , Parosanu Andreea , Olaru Mihaela , Serban Dragos , Paunica Ioana , Nitipir Cornelia
Published: October 2021

Personalized treatment in oncology is the most innovative method of care. The best method to establish personalized treatment is by genetic characterization of the malignant cell. Theoretically, the more detailed the characterization, the more effective the choice of treatment becomes. Currently, there are fast and relatively low-cost options that allow such genetic characterization. However, test results sometimes do not detect targetable alterations and, even if they do detect, the use of the treatment-alteration combination does not always generate a satisfactory oncological response. The present paper aims to answer two questions. First, how targetable can the most common gene alterations in colorectal cancer be. Second, whether it makes sense to use broad molecular testing as a standard in all metastatic patients.
Role of emotional intelligence in job performance of healthcare providers working in public sector hospitals of Pakistan
Authors: Zaman Nimra , Memon Khalida , Zaman Faryal , Khan Komal , Shaikh Shazia
Published: October 2021

Objective. To determine the association between emotional intelligence (EI) and job performance (JP) of health care providers (HCPs). Methods. Healthcare professionals from various hospitals were chosen for a crosssectional study. The survey was conducted using a three-part questionnaire including the demographic profile, Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence (EI) Scale, and an individual work performance (JP) questionnaire. The relationship of predictor variables on JP was sought by applying Chi-square test and multiple regression analysis. Results. About 43.3% of the 50.8% of participants who scored well on the EI scale also scored high on the JP scales. The remaining 7.5% had an unsatisfactory JP. From the 22.8% of respondents who also scored low on EI scales, about 20% scored low on the JP scale. Significant relationship between EI and JP was found at a p-level of 0.05 (2 tailed). Emotional intelligence (B=0.57, p-<0.05) positively predicted job performance whereas difficulties faced while performing job (B=-0.81, p= <.005), beds under supervision (B=0.09, p=<0.05), dual practice (B=-0.04, p=<0.05) and weekly off days (B=0.04, p<0.05) have no significant effect on job performance. Conclusions. Subjects with high EI on the WLEIS were good at their jobs and scored well on the IWPQ scale, implying that as an individual's EI rises, so will his or her JP.
ANALYSIS OF RUSSIAN METAPHOR TRANSLATION IN BAI JUYI’S POETRY FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PETER NEWMARK’S METAPHOR TRANSLATION THEORY
Authors: JING SUN , GUMING HU
Published: October 2021

Статья посвящена вопросам перевода метафор поэзии Бо Цзюй-и с точки зрения теории перевода метафор П. Ньюмарка; цель работы - определить способы корректного перевода метафор и усовершенствовать технику перевода метафор танской поэзии. В статье анализируются оригинальные стихотворения Бо Цзюй-и и их русские переводы в соответствии с 7 способами перевода метафор П. Ньюмарка. В работе применяется метод документальных исследований и сравнительный метод. Доказывается, что в основе теории перевода существует два метода перевода метафор: метод их сохранения и метод их изменения. Буквальный перевод и способ добавления пояснения при использовании метода сохранения метафоры, а также вольный и описательный переводы при методе изменения метафоры имеют большое значение для улучшения качества перевода танской поэзии. Исследование вносит определенный вклад в развитие теории и практики перевода метафор танской поэзии с китайского языка на русский.
Guarantees of the constitutional right to own, use, or dispose of the results of his intellectual or creative activities
Authors: Uvarov A.O.
Published: October 2021

The article is devoted to the study of guarantees of the right of everyone to own, use and dispose of the results of his intellectual and creative activity. The constitutional and legal mechanism for ensuring this right is a system of organizational and legal means of influence, through which opportunities are created for the implementation of this right, and in case of violation or threat of its violation is its protection and defense. It is emphasized that the ineffective constitutional and legal mechanism of ensuring the constitutional right of everyone to own, use and dispose of the results of their intellectual, creative activity threatens the economic and national security of the state, indicates improper state performance of its main duty - human freedoms. The purpose of the article is to formulate the author’s definition of the concept of guarantees of the right of everyone to own, use and dispose of the results of their intellectual and creative activity. It is noted that in the science of constitutional law there is a well-established point of view on the division of human rights guarantees into normative-legal and organizational-legal. The author’s definition of the concept of guarantees of the right of everyone to own, use and dispose of the results of their intellectual, creative activity is formulated: in terms of content - as a system of means and methods, the creation of which is the obligation of the state. use and dispose of their property, the results of their intellectual, creative activities; in the form - as provided by the national legislation of Ukraine normative-legal and organizational-legal ways of realization of the right to own, use and dispose of the property, results of the intellectual, creative activity; in essence - as conditions that the state is obliged to create for the realization of the right to own, use and dispose of their property, the results of their intellectual, creative activities.
Batuques e toadas em linhagens discursivas
Authors: Carmo Bougleux Bomjardim da Silva
Published: October 2021

O presente estudo focaliza a relação de interdependência entre linguagem e memória, na qual o sujeito falante exprime sua historicidade em práticas linguageiras. Diante disso, descreve-se as marcas interativas no processo de narrativização das lembranças em uma conversação com pessoas idosas. Neste contexto, analisa-se os efeitos, notadamente, dos marcadores discursivos e do relevo na construção tópica do discurso. A descrição e análise ancoram-se na perspectiva da Gramática Textual-Interativa (JUBRAN, 2015; KOCH, 2015), especificamente, nos conceitos de tópico discursivo (JUBRAN, 2015), relevo (TRAVAGLIA, 2015) e marcadores discursivos (RISSO, 2015; URBANO, 2015) em diálogo com estudos sociodiscursivos e cognitivos da memória (COURTINE, 2006; PAVEAU, 2015; PAVEAU, 2007).  Metodologicamente, utiliza-se como corpus uma conversa de 17 minutos entre três velhos da comunidade Arara em Teixeira de Freitas (BA), transcrita conforme Preti (2005) para destaque da articulação discursivo-pragmática entre a lembrança e narrativa a partir da multifuncionalidade dos marcadores e recursos de relevo. Como resultado, mostra-se as funções metatextuais, precipuamente, do relevo emocional, reforço entonacional e dêiticos favorecendo a organização tópica de forma colaborativa, bem como o uso de marcadores discursivos interacionais exprimindo chamada à atenção, responsividade e processamento on-line da informação, oriunda das lembranças evocadas na memória sociocognitiva. Ressalta-se, a partir de Payer (2005) e Courtine (2006), a importância da função histórica da oralidade e busca-se explicitar o papel da memória na organização do discurso falado, já que linguagem e memória operam e se imbricam nas relações sociais e entre sujeitos históricos por meio de pré-discursos em diferentes linhagens discursivas (PAVEAU, 2015).
Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis in times of COVID-19: A neurosurgical experience
Authors: Singh Hershdeep , Dua Sanjeev , Goel Amitabh , Dhar Anil , Bhadauria Vikram , Garg Amit , Katyar Vikrant , Sharma Sumit , Shukla Aditi
Published: October 2021

Background:

The gravity of “second wave” of COVID-19 has effaced many new challenges in India; mucormycosis being a recent one. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a known significant risk factor for mucormycosis. Here, we present our experience with rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) during the “second wave of COVID-19” at a tertiary health care centre in North India.

Methods:

This case series includes four cases of ROCM that were managed by our neurosurgical team in view ofcerebral involvement.

Results:

All the cases with an exception of one (Case 1), had a history of treatment for COVID-19 pneumonia. Case 2, 3 had undergone functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and orbital decompression before the onset of cerebral involvement; Case 4 underwent FESS and cranial surgery in the same sitting. All the patients had a history of DM and all the cases treated for COVID-19 pneumonia had a history of treatment with corticosteroids. Two patients underwent surgery with the exception of one patient, who did not provide consent for the same. One patient expired before surgical excision could be attempted.

Conclusion:

Regular and intensive follow-up is the key in swift detection and management of ROCM in post-COVID patients. While surgical excision is advisable in the fungal lesion, it must be borne in mind that radical excision of cerebral lesions is associated with morbidity, delayed recovery, and prolonged ICU stay. Culture and sensitivity-based antibiotics should be used judiciously as fever is a common postoperative complication. Blood sugar monitoring and control of DM are paramount in this condition. Steroids should be avoided in the management of cerebral edema with judicious use of hypertonic saline or mannitol.
Reflections on Music Performance and Dancing in a Roman Mosaic Found on the Aventine
Authors: NEİRA JİMÉNEZ Luz , RODRÍGUEZ Isabel
Published: October 2021

This paper focuses on a figurative scene with musicians and dancers in one of the mosaics found in the grounds of Santa Sabina garden on the Aventine, currently preserved in the Vatican Museums. This representation has been the object of different interpretations and chronological analysis within the context of mime or, more recently, that of a banquet.

This contribution delves into whether, judging by the analysis of the iconography and literary sources, these are images that respond to a stereotyped repertoire or they reflect customary practices of that time. Finally, we will also reflect upon to what extent the representation of the protagonists of the event is reliable.

To address these questions, it has been necessary to date the mosaic to the beginning of the third century AD, establishing this chronology by comparing the geometric pattern of the mosaic with another found nearby, while also considering the revealing testimonies of contemporary authors, such as Clement of Alexandria.
Atmospheric Black Carbon over Qatar: Seasonal Variability and Source Apportionment
Authors: Tutsak Ersin , Mahfouz Mohamed M. , Shahid Imran
Published: October 2021

The earth’s atmosphere contains minute particles suspended within it. These atmospheric particles influence the earth's radiation budget through their ability to absorb and scatter radiation. Black carbon (BC) is a type of carbonaceous particle, characterized by highly absorbing solar radiation. Unlike sulfate and sea-salt aerosols, black carbon causes positive radiative forcing due to its absorbing nature. With the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, the average global temperature increased by 1.09°C (IPCC, 2021), between 1850-1900 and the last decade. Since black carbon is one of the major light-absorbing components of aerosol, there is a need to assess BC concentration, their origin, and the contribution of both human-induced combustion and biomass burning emissions to BC levels. In this study, four-year measurements of aerosol absorption at seven wavelengths were investigated in order to determine the daily and seasonal behavior of black carbon and contribution of fossil fuel (FF) and biomass burning (BB) emissions to total BC mass concentration in a suburban area located north of Doha. The highest concentrations of BC were observed during the winter and the lowest values during the summer. The absorption coefficient (Babs) at 470 nm (950 nm) showed large daily variability, ranging from 7 (3) to 187 (95) Mm-1. The mean Babs at 470 nm and 950 nm for the full period were 55± 29 Mm -1 and 25 ± 13 Mm -1, respectively. Fossil fuel emissions were found to be the major source of BC levels. Nonetheless, the influence of biomass burning should not be disregarded. Future studies must be done to fully identify the enhanced absorption in shorter wavelengths.
Synthesis & Performance Evaluation of Hybrid Cathode Materials for Energy Storage
Authors: Moossa Buzaina , Abraham Jeffin James , Kahraman Ramazan , Al Qaradawi Siham , Abdul Shakoor Rana
Published: October 2021

Research into the development of novel cathode materials for energy storage applications is progressing at a rapid rate to meet the ever-growing demands of modern society. Amongst various options, batteries are playing a vital role to replace conventional energy sources such as fossil fuels with green technologies. Among various battery technologies, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been well explored and have succeeded in being adjusted with find many commercial applications. At the same time, as an alternative to LIBs, Sodium-Ion Batteries (SIBs) are also gaining popularity due to the presence of Sodium (Na) in abundance and its similar electrochemical characteristics with lithium (Li). However, SIBs are suffering from many challenges such as slow ionic movement, instability in different phases, and low energy density, etc. Many strategies in the literature have been proposed to address the aforementioned challenges of SIBs. Among them, the substitution of Na with Li to form hybrid cathode materials has turned out to be quite promising. The present work aims to investigate the effect of Na substitution with Li in a pyrophosphate framework. Towards this direction, Na(2-x) LixFeP2O7 (x=0,0.6) hybrid cathode materials were synthesized, and their structural, thermal, and electrochemical properties were studied. It is noticed that the incorporation of Li in the triclinic structure of Na2FeP2O7 has a significant effect on its thermal and electrochemical performance. This study can be considered as a baseline to develop some other pyrophosphate-based high-performance hybrid cathode materials.
Flare Gas-to-Power using Supercritical CO2 Power Cycle: Energy and Exergy Analyses
Authors: Aboueata Khaled Mahmoud , Sleiti Ahmad Khalaf
Published: October 2021

Generating electricity from power cycle using supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) as a working fluid is a step towards efficiency improvement in power production field. The huge amount of studies on this topic shows promising results of utilization from low to medium grade heat of power generation. Several layouts, arrangements, and thermodynamical features were presented to improve the performance of the power cycle. The main property of such a power cycle is that it utilizes wasted heat to produce electricity. One source of wasted heat is flared gas in oil and gas industry. Flaring process is considered as an extensive economic loss due to its high heating value. This flare gas is burned in industry due to several purposes, mainly safety and process needs. Utilization of flare gas in producing electricity through sCO2 cycle is being proposed in this research, where two cycles were proposed to study the performance of the cycle using flare gas as fuel. First, the Flare-to-Power sCO2 (FTP1- sCO2) cycle utilizing the flare gas mixed with natural gas to heat the working fluid of the cycle which sCO2. The second cycle (FTP2- sCO2) flare gas is utilized in reheating process for the exhaust flow of a primary heating working fluid. The performance of the cycles is evaluated by implementing energetic and exegetic analysis. The results of the study showed that FTP 1 has higher thermal and overall exergy efficiencies compared to FTP 2. Furthermore, the analysis showed that as maximum pressure increases thermal efficiency increase, the same behavior was found also while increasing T_max. The maximum thermal efficiency was found to be 44.87% at T_max= 850 C, P_h= 25 MPa, P_l= 3.3 MPa, T_min= 32 C, and m_flare=0.18 kg/s, for a 50 MW power capacity.
Towards Developing a Hybrid Nonlinear Vibration Energy Harvester for Remote Sensing Applications: A Design and Optimization Study
Authors: Hafizh Muhammad , Muthalif Asan G.A
Published: October 2021

A novel design of a hybrid piezoelectric-electromagnetic harvester for vortex-induced vibration applications inside a pipe-flow is proposed. The piezoelectric energy harvester is modeled with a macro-fiber composite with an electromagnetic oscillator. Analytical and numerical models were developed for the fluid-structure interaction. An optimization study was conducted using finite element modelling across different bluff body shapes and orientations where triangle and 2.5x ellipse were optimal choices for maximizing energy harvesting properties. An investigation into dual-mass energy harvesting was also performed for bandwidth enhancement. A secondary beam has improved the piezoelectric performance by 21% to 52%. Finally, an experimental study was conducted to verify the narrowband resonance models and validate the use of a magnetically coupled dual broadband harvester (58% enhancement). Optimization and design of the harvester has led to improvements in performance that can realize powering sensors and devices in wireless applications.
Life Cycle Cost Analysis for Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) and Constant Refrigerant Flow (CRF) Air Conditioning Systems in Arid Climate: A Case Study in Qatar
Authors: Atallah Georges , Tarlochan Faris
Published: October 2021

All over the world, there is a call to encourage sustainable energy thinking and implementation. In the heating, ventilation and air conditioning field, the rise of the variable refrigerant flow systems has made a big progress. This study presents a life-cycle cost analysis to evaluate the economic feasibility of constant refrigerant flow (CRF) in particular the conventional ducted unit air conditioning system and the variable refrigerant flow (VRF) system by using detailed cooling load profiles, initial, operating, and maintenance costs. Two operating hour scenarios are utilized and the present-worth value technique for life-cycle cost analysis is applied to an existing office building located in Qatar which can be conditioned by CRF and VRF systems. The results indicate that although the initial cost of the VRF system is higher than that of the CRF system, the present-worth cost of the VRF system is lower than that of the CRF system at the end of the lifetime due to lower operating costs. The implementation of these results on a national scale will promote the use of sustainable energy technologies such as the VRF system.
Quantifying Biomass of Microphytobenthos in sediments of Mangroves in the east coast of Qatar
Authors: Isaifan Dina Jamal , Suleiman Yousra
Published: October 2021

Mangroves, Avicennia marina, are highly productive coastal ecosystems with capacity to store carbon within plants and in sediments. Micropytobenthos (MPB) in the sediments also fix carbon and play a significant role in carbon burial. However, there is paucity of information on the role of MPB in coastal carbon budget. We quantified the biomass of MPB as an important carbon pool in the mangrove of Al Thakhira, located at the east coast of Qatar. Sediments at different tidal levels namely, supratidal, intertidal, and subtidal were collected and analyzed for grain size, chlorophyll (a), total carbon, and inorganic carbon contents. Results indicated that sand was the dominant species (60%), followed by silt (39%) and clay (1%) at all tidal levels. While the supratidal level had significantly higher silty sand content, silt dominated the intertidal levels. Moreover, chlorophyll (a) was significantly influenced by tidal levels with highest levels in the subtidal level sediments, where mangroves grow extensively. Results also demonstrated that as we move towards the intertidal zone, the total carbon content in sediments gets higher. Finally, chlorophyll (a) and TOC% were positively associated (r=0.643) in all tidal zones. As we move towards the mangrove subtidal growth area, the total carbon content in sediments gets higher. This work recommends that mangrove forests in Qatar be protected by special sanctuaries and law-enforcement to maintain this natural and dynamic blue carbon ecosystem.
A Case Study of Qatar: Health Risk Assessment associated with Bisphenol A
Authors: Bello Suraj Adewale
Published: October 2021

This study is aimed at evaluating exposure to bisphenol A in drinkable water. Much studies have not been conducted on Bisphenol A in the drinkable water globally, in Arabian Gulf and particularly in Qatar. This assessment studies the probable risks associated with exposure of children as well as adults to bisphenol A in drinkable water around Doha. The risk assessment was conducted based on the water analyses collected over the two seasons (winter and summer) as well as most recent bisphenol A toxicity data published by the Environmental Protection Agency, USA (US EPA). It was found that the concentration levels of bisphenol A (0.0002205mg/kg b.w./day, 0.0001515mg/kg b.w./day) in both seasons fell below acceptable levels (0.05mg/kg b.w./day). Statistical analysis established that there is no variation in the concentration levels during summer and winter. The calculated health risk assessment measured in terms of hazard quotient or hazard ratio and hazard index were less than one (summer 6.18E-02 < 1, winter 14.24E-02 < 1). Hence, non-carcinogenic health risk was found to be within the safety limit for bisphenol.
Standing Wheelchair with Built-in Climate Control System
Authors: Ahmed Abdullah Anwar , Alzowkari Khalid Ameen , Allouh Tha'er Zeyad , Al Yafei Abdallah Saed , Abdul Muthalif Asan Gani
Published: October 2021

This project presents an innovation to be developed in wheelchairs used nowadays to provide its users with better life quality, elevates the level of their ambitions and to enable them to overcome today’s special needs obstacles in different fields. As engineers, it is our role to contribute to finding answers to the world’s dilemmas through applying a detailed analysis of the issue addressed and what are the possible solutions to it based on the knowledge obtained through our academic and experimental experience. Wheelchair users are suffering from discrimination in different aspects of life, such as work opportunities, usage of public facilities and many other life aspects. The standing wheelchair with built-in climate control system will introduce a new horizon for its users in the search of social equality and achievement. The mechanism to be developed is made of 4 different subsystems that demonstrate different mechanical engineering disciplines, which are mainly mechanical mechanisms, control systems, heat transfer, material science, thermodynamics, and mechanical statics-dynamics.
Design and Development of Rapid EV Charging System with V2G and V2H Operations
Authors: Kanaan Laith , Iqbal Atif
Published: October 2021

Plug in Electric vehicles (EVs) can act as source or load to the electric distribution network concept known as the vehicle-to-grid (V2G) system, or the lesser-known vehicle-to-home (V2H) system. Such systems can improve the stability of the national grid by what is known as peak shaving, where the peak load is distributed throughout the day, causing less stress on transmission and generation stations. They can also increase the efficiency of transmission by introducing reactive power into the grid, which will increase the P.U. transmission voltage without the use of compensation. V2G systems can also be beneficial to the end users, as there is some economical gain from it since the end user will be selling electricity from their EV to the grid at a higher tariff than usual. For a V2G concept to be applied on a national scale, a few key components must be present, including a clear, tamper-free and secure path of communication, an optimized charging/discharging schedule, and the technological hardware to support a bidirectional power flow. This paper skims through the details of a proposed V2G/V2H enabled fast charging solution, including the basic functions of the design, the topology and design of the converters, as well as the hardware implementation aspect. The design was made to accommodate clean energy, as well as the local grid, where it can operate on four modes: V2G, G2V, V2H, and PV2V.
The Catalytic Thermo-oxidative Decomposition of Glimepiride
Authors: Riyaz Najam US Sahar , Badran Ismail
Published: October 2021

In this study, the thermal decomposition of glimepiride was analyzed in the presence of N2 and O2 and various metal oxide catalysts. The analysis was conducted using TGA. From the results obtained, in the presence of N2 there were two significant mass losses while an additional mass loss was observed in the presence of oxygen. The mechanism for decomposition was also proposed. Vanadium oxide was the most efficient at lowering the temperature required for thermal decomposition. The results of this study pave way for future work into purifying wastewater from pharmaceuticals via adsorption.
Material Flow Analysis of Plastic Waste in Qatar: Focusing on the Marine Environment
Authors: Alagha Danah Ibrahim , Hahladakis John N.
Published: October 2021

As the population continues to grow, the generation of waste and specifically plastic waste, has also increased significantly in the past decades both globally and regionally. However, little attention has been directed to this problem in the region. This study aims to delineate and map the status of the plastic waste problem in Qatar with a focus on the plastic inflow to the marine environment. A generic material flow diagram was built using a material flow analysis software named STAN, to depict the flow of the plastic waste. The study focuses on the plastic waste in the marine environment, depicting the different types, sizes and shapes of plastic particles, and the recovery and recycling efforts that have been made, in order to reduce plastic waste and minimize its risk on the environment.
Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein-C in Sprague Dawley (SD) Rats exposed to Sub-Chronic oral dose of Cadmium Chloride
Authors: Al-Borshaid Enjoud Khalifa , Varadharajan Kavitha , Shanmugakonar Muralitharan , Al-Naemi Hamda
Published: October 2021

Cadmium is one of the major environmental pollutants associated with an increment in industrial and urbanization activities. It has health consequences when it reaches the human diet through the soil, water, and plant. Chronic exposure to cadmium has a serious effect on human health. It accumulates mainly in the liver and the kidney. In addition, it can accumulate in the different organs and tissues and exert its toxic effect on the body. Data generated from animal studies reported that elevated levels of cadmium in the blood lead to cardiovascular complications. Cardiac myosin-binding protein C (cMyBP-C) is associated with the myosin thick filament and is involved in cross-bridges cycling and regulation of muscle contraction. It is a reliable marker to indicate the status of cardiac contractility. Therefore, this study is carried out to investigate the effect of cadmium on levels of cMyBP-C during chronic cadmium toxicity. Male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to a daily cadmium chloride dose (15ppm/Kg of body weight) for a period of 10 weeks. Then heart samples were collected and both gene and protein expression of cMyBP-C were analyzed. The data demonstrated that cadmium decreased cMyBP-C at the protein level and downregulated its expression at the gene level. Therefore, cMyBP-C can be used as a potential biomarker for cadmium cardiotoxicity
Optical Non-invasive Technique for Cholesterol Detection in Blood
Authors: Prasad D N , Al-Maadeed Sumaya , Abdul Muthalif Asan , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar
Published: October 2021

The aim of this research is to design and develop a non-invasive cholesterol sensor based on the principle of light absorption. The current existing invasive methods can be replaced with non-invasive techniques. The interaction of light with matter has been utilized to design a smart device that measures blood cholesterol without collecting blood samples. It requires developing an optical sensor that focuses on the use of near infrared (NIR)-LED.
Colorimetry-based Detection of Exhaled Breath Biomarkers for Predicting Heart Failure
Authors: Kallingal Nithusha , Sadasivuni Kishor Kumar , Bahadur Issam , Yalcin Huseyin Cagatay , Al-Busaidi Asiya , Ouakad Hassen M. , Al-Maadeed Somaya
Published: October 2021

The exhaled breath volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) represent a biosignature with the potential to identify and describe heart failure diseases. Exhaled Breath biomarkers-based diagnosis of heart diseases may be easier and earlier detection than other available techniques. So, this is a review of combining both exhaled breath analysis with cost effective colorimetry technology to detect biomarkers for heart failure diseases. We also studied the effectiveness of biomarker trimethyl amine for cardiovascular diseases detection.
Needs Assessments approaches to inform Continuous Professional Development for Health Professionals: A Scoping Systematic Review
Authors: Al-Ismail Muna Said , Nazar Zachariah Jamal , Stewart Derek Charles , Naseralallah Lina Mohammad , Hussain Tarteel Ali , Abu Rasheed Hadi Mohamad , Daud Aala Hassan
Published: October 2021

The need for continuing professional development (CPD) within the healthcare profession is well established. A rigorous learning need assessment (LNA) is a crucial initial step in the CPD process. Given the scarcity of the systematic and comprehensive approaches to the process of undertaking a LNA, this scoping review aims to collate the reported methods adopted for conducting a LNA in the context of health professional CPD. The authors searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, ERIC, IPA, APA PsycArticles, and Google Scholar for English studies published from database inception until the end of August 2020. A manual search of the reference lists of the included studies was conducted. Two reviewers screened the articles for eligibility using the inclusion criteria. All authors extracted the key data and a narrative approach to synthesize the data was employed. We included 151 studies in the review. The majority of the studies adopted quantitative methods (85 studies; 56.3%). The most commonly used methods to investigate learning needs were surveys alone (81 studies; 53.6%). The majority of studies reported the needs assessment from the perspective of clinicians (144 studies 95.4%) and it was very rare that individual studies investigated the perspectives of more than one stakeholder. Methods of conducting LNA included assessment of various gaps (e.g. knowledge, skill) in the target audience. Self-assessment of knowledge was the most frequently assessed gap (65 studies; 43%). Majority of the studies provided some details describing how the findings of the learning needs assessment were used. The most commonly reported findings were to inform future CPD content and delivery. The findings from this study demonstrate the lack of published evidence of systematic and comprehensive approaches to LNA for the purpose of informing CPD for healthcare professionals. Future studies that aim for developing systemic LAN approaches are recommended.
Impact of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder on Driving among Drivers in Qatar
Authors: Alhajyaseen Wael , Timmermans Chantal , Soliman Abdrabo , Brijs Tom , Bedair Khaled , Ross Veerle , Mamo Wondwesen Girma
Published: October 2021

This study aims to investigate the impact of ADHD traits on young drivers’ deviant driving behaviors that may contribute to their involvement in traffic crashes. Methods: A sample of 450 young drivers from the State of Qatar were asked to fill the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale and the Driver Behaviour Questionnaire, in order to examine the impact of self-reported ADHD traits on ordinary violations, driving errors, lapses and aggressive violations. A path analysis model was developed to test the predictability of these ADHD traits on deviant driving behaviours. Results: Male drivers with hyperactivity-impulsivity traits are significantly more likely to report deviant driving behaviors. In contrast, female drivers with inattention traits are more likely to report deviant driving behaviors. The inattention trait has a minor predictive role for young male drivers and is not significantly related to aggressive violations. Female drivers’ aggressive violations are not predicted by the hyperactivity-impulsivity trait, but the inattention traits among those drivers are the strongest predictor of aggressive violations. Conclusion: Theses results have practical implication regarding creating inclusion environment to trainee drivers with ADHD in driving school. This can be achieved by developing special driving training and education programs.
Theoretical Study of the Photons Production Kinetic In Hot Quark-Gluon Plasma Matter
Authors: J.M. Al-agealy Hadi , Qays Ghadhban Rawnaq , A. Hassooni Mohsin
Published: October 2021

In this paper, we study flow of photons rate production in a quark-gluon QG plasma. General theory of this study is based on the field theory for hard interaction. The kinetic of photons production from hard interaction in charm with anti-top to production photons with gluon due to plasma phase at high temperatures (150, 200,250,300 and 350 MeV) .It has been investigated and studied using the postulate of quantum chromodynamic theory QCD .The photons production rate of hard photons with( GeV) are insensitive to strength coupling and depend mainly on the temperature of system T . Despite the different critical temperature (150 and 190MeV) comes, we ﬁnd that same order of flow rate photons magnitude in both cases. In both cases, the flow rate of photons production in the QG plasmais increased with increased temperature of system and photons energy and decreases with increases the strength coupling strength.
Production of Rocket and Space Equipment Outside the Earth's Atmosphere
Authors:   OOO Relicom, Barygin Valery V.
Published: October 2021

Further exploration of near-Earth space, the Moon and near space may require the creation of large-sized one-piece monococks as the basis for the construction of residential, production, scientifi c modules and cargo platforms. The patented in Russia method of manufacturing large-sized one-piece monococks will allow to carry out their production in open space for the fi rst time. Only work material will need to be transported from Earth.