bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The melody of language learning at intermediate and upper levels: an emphasis on free discussion panels as an indispensable part of language classes and the effects on willingness to communicate, growth mindfulness, and autonomy
Authors: CAO Jiaxue , Liu Xiaoshuang
Published: March 2024

This qualitative study investigated the impact of discussion panels on language education, focusing on willingness to communicate (WTC), growth mindfulness, and autonomy among Chinese learners at intermediate and upper-intermediate proficiency levels. The study, conducted in Hebei, China, involved 27 learners, with 14 in the experimental group exposed to discussion panels and 13 in the control group receiving traditional teacher-fronted lessons. The research design employed semi-structured interviews, observations, and document analysis for data collection, analyzed manually through thematic analysis. Results revealed that learners in the experimental group exhibited heightened WTC, increased growth mindfulness, and greater autonomy compared to the control group. The discussion panels facilitated authentic language use, collaborative discourse, and turn-taking, aligning with communication theory, sociocultural theory (SCT), and learner-centered pedagogy. Findings also resonated with the significance of WTC in language learning, supported by established theories. Additionally, the study contributes to the growing literature on the intersection of mindfulness, autonomy, and language education. Implications for language teachers, policy-makers, syllabus-designers, and materials developers are discussed, emphasizing the potential benefits of integrating discussion panels. The study concludes with insights into limitations, suggestions for further research, and a call for pedagogical innovation to enhance language learning experiences.
Microstructural and microchemical analysis of zircon in a syenite lithic fragment from Ulleung Island volcano, South Korea
Authors: Choi Seungsoon , Yi Keewook , Jung Haemyeong , Cheong Albert Chang-sik
Published: March 2024

Background

The intricate textural patterns commonly observed in metamorphosed and recrystallized zircon (ZrSiO4) underscore the crucial necessity of understanding the underlying mechanisms governing their formation to ensure accurate interpretation of the chemical and isotope data they contain. This study employed a combination of microanalytical techniques, including electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis, electron microprobe (EMP) mapping, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging, to investigate the processes of formation and modification of zircon in a late Pleistocene (~ 35 ka) syenite enclosed within the Nari Tephra Formation on Ulleung Island in South Korea.

Findings

Under cathodoluminescence (CL), zircons within the syenite reveal dark, featureless, or oscillatory-zoned cores containing numerous inclusions of britholite. These cores are partially or entirely replaced by inward-penetrating bright-CL domains that exhibit minimal inclusion presence. Despite these changes, the external morphologies of the zircons remain largely unchanged, and the faded oscillatory zoning is preserved in the replaced regions. EMP mapping discloses amoebiform micro-domains with high Y, U, and Th concentrations within the dark-CL cores, while the bright-CL domains are relatively deficient in these trace elements. Microstructural analysis of the zircons using EBSD mapping indicates no significant misorientation between the dark-CL cores and the bright-CL rims. Deformation-related low-angle boundaries by lattice distortion are clearly observed in certain grains, cutting across the discrete SEM and EMP domains, and often aligned along submicron pore trails.

Conclusions

Microstructural and microchemical analyses carried out in this study establish that the zircons within the Ulleung syenite have undergone subsolidus recrystallization, a process likely influenced by the presence of fresh melts or fluids. This recrystallization process could be attributed to either coupled dissolution and reprecipitation or thermoactivated particle and defect volume diffusion due to inherent lattice strain. The subsequent deformation observed in the zircons might be a result of increased stress within the magma system after the recrystallization.
Comparative study between surgical partial inferior nasal turbinectomy and coblation assisted inferior turbinate reduction in cases of inferior nasal turbinate hypertrophy
Authors: Ali Ahmed R. , Yousef Gamal I. , Hussein Mohammed A. , Elawamry Mahmoud I.
Published: March 2024

Background

The inferior turbinate is located in the inferior part of the nose, and contribute to the nasal valve formation. Inferior turbinate hypertrophy causes chronic nasal obstruction.

Aim

We aimed to assess the effectiveness of coblation-assisted reduction of the inferior turbinate hypertrophy using a specially designed coblator probe. Additionally, this study aimed to compare this technique with traditional surgical partial turbinectomy as the control arm and follow up with patients to identify potential complications.

Methods

This study involved 40 patients with nasal obstruction, those patients attended the Otorhinolaryngology Department of Al Azhar University Hospital in Assiut and diagnosed with enlarged inferior turbinate that did not respond to medical treatment. Also, Pre- and post-operative CT scanning was performed to objectively evaluate the improvement.

Results

Coblation group has more advantages over the traditional group like less operative time, less intraoperative blood loss, less post-op pain, less post-op nasal crusts, early return to daily activity (P value < 0.001). Significant decrease in postoperative nasal obstruction among partial inferior turbinectomy group in comparison with coblation group (P value < 0.001).

Conclusion

Coblation assisted inferior turbinate reduction of the hypertrophied inferior turbinate is the technique of less complications (i.e. post-operative pain, bleeding, and nasal crust), which are commonly encountered with traditional methods. Traditional method is a bit better in patient self-satisfaction after surgery and relieving post-operative nasal obstruction.
Enhancing the automatic facies classification of Brazilian presalt acoustic image logs with SwinV2-Unet: Leveraging transfer learning and confident learning
Authors: You Nan , Li Yunyue Elita
Published: March 2024

Facies classification of image logs plays a vital role in reservoir characterization, especially in the heterogeneous and anisotropic carbonate formations of the Brazilian presalt region. Although manual classification remains the industry standard for handling the complexity and diversity of image logs, it has the notable disadvantages of being time consuming, labor intensive, subjective, and nonrepeatable. Recent advancements in machine learning offer promising solutions for automation and acceleration. However, previous attempts to train deep neural networks for facies identification have struggled to generalize to new data due to insufficient labeled data and the inherent intricacy of image logs. In addition, human errors in manual labels further hinder the performance of trained models. To overcome these challenges, we develop adopting the state-of-the-art SwinV2-Unet to provide depthwise facies classification for Brazilian presalt acoustic image logs. The training process incorporates transfer learning to mitigate overfitting and confident learning to address label errors. Through a k-fold cross-validation experiment, with each fold spanning more than 350 m, we achieve an impressive macro F1 score of 0.90 for out-of-sample predictions. This significantly surpasses the previous model modified from the widely recognized U-Net, which provides a macro F1 score of 0.68. These findings highlight the effectiveness of the used enhancements, including the adoption of an improved neural network and an enhanced training strategy. Moreover, our SwinV2-Unet enables a highly efficient and accurate facies analysis of the complex yet informative image logs, significantly advancing our understanding of hydrocarbon reservoirs, saving human effort, and improving productivity.
Aryepiglottic Cyst Developed Hours After Tracheal Intubation Causing Acute Upper Airway Ball-Valve Obstruction: A Case Report
Authors: Tai Florence M. T. , Lo Yat-Ching , Chan Po-Ling
Published: March 2024

This is the first case report describing an aryepiglottic cyst resulting in critical airway compromise after an uneventful tracheal intubation. We present the case of a 55-year-old woman who developed acute dyspnea and stridor several hours after the surgery. She was found to have significant upper airway obstruction owing to a large left aryepiglottic cyst with a ball-valve effect.
Effect of Self-developed Ye’an Analgetic Decoction/Jiawei Shaoyao Gancao Decoction Combined with Tramadol on TCM Symptom Scores and RLS Severity of patients with Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Zhou Bowen , Li Wei , Li Yajun , Sun Dongkai , Du Xin
Published: March 2024

Objective: To investigate the effect of self-developed Ye’an Analgetic Decoction/Jiawei Shaoyao Gancao Decoction on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) symptom scores and RLS Severity of patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS).

Methods: This was a clinical comparative study. Eighty patients with RLS admitted to Baoding No.1 Central Hospital from January 2022 to December 2022 were randomly divided into observation group and control group(n=40). Patients in the control group were given basic and oral tramadol treatment, while those in the observation group were given self-developed Ye’an Analgetic Decoction/Jiawei Shaoyao Gancao Decoction based on the treatment in the control group. The differences of TCM symptom scores, RLS severity (IRLS), quality of life (QOL-RLS), sleep quality (PSQI) and clinical efficacy between the two groups were compared.

Results: Before treatment, no statistically significant differences were observed in the TCM symptom scores, IRLS scores, QOL-RLS scores and PSQI scores between the two groups (p>0.05). After treatment, the above scores decreased significantly in both groups, with a higher degree of decrease in the observation group than in the control group, indicating statistically significant differences (p<0.05). The QOL-RLS scores were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group, with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05). The overall response rate in the observation group was 95.00%, which was higher than that in the control group (80.00%), with a statistically significant difference (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Self-developed Ye’an Analgetic Decoction/Jiawei Shaoyao Gancao Decoction leads to numerous benefits in the treatment of RLS, such as obviously ameliorating patients’ clinical symptoms, reducing RLS severity, and improving their quality of life and sleep quality.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8400

How to cite this: Zhou B, Li W, Li Y, Sun D, Du X. Effect of Self-developed Ye’an Analgetic Decoction/Jiawei Shaoyao Gancao Decoction Combined with Tramadol on TCM Symptom Scores and RLS Severity of patients with Restless Legs Syndrome. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.8400

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Exoesqueletos colombianos: el comienzo de una revolución
Authors: Jiménez Hernández, Mario Fernando , Castillo Martínez Juan Alberto
Published: March 2024

¿Dispositivos robóticos ponibles para incrementar la fuerza de las personas o mejorar la calidad de vida de trabajadores y pacientes? Sí, y no es ciencia ficción. Investigadores de la Universidad del Rosario son pioneros en este campo de investigación que ya muestra sus primeros resultados en la vida real.
Rescheduling with New Orders Under Bounded Disruption
Authors: Lendl Stefan , Pferschy Ulrich , Rener Elena
Published: March 2024

Rescheduling problems arise when unpredicted events occur, such as the arrival of new orders. These new jobs should be integrated in a proper way in the existing schedule of the so-called old jobs, with the aim of minimizing an objective function for the joint set of jobs. To avoid a major disruption of the original schedule, each old job is not allowed to deviate from its original completion time by more than a certain threshold. Filling a gap in the existing literature, we consider the minimization of the total weighted completion time. The resulting rescheduling problem is shown to be weakly NP-hard and several properties of the structure of an optimal schedule are derived. These can be used for the construction of an exact dynamic programming algorithm with pseudo-polynomial running time. A fully polynomial time approximation scheme is obtained from the dynamic program by three different scaling and reduction steps. Finally, for the minimization of the number of late jobs a strong NP-hardness result is derived.

History: Accepted by Erwin Pesch, Area Editor for Heuristic Search & Approximation Algorithms.

Funding: This work was partially supported by the Ministero dell’Istruzione, dell’Università e della Ricerca [Award TESUN-83486178370409 finanziamento dipartimenti di eccellenza CAP. 1694 TIT. 232 ART. 6]. U. Pferschy acknowledges support by the Field of Excellence COLIBRI at the University of Graz.
4.3 µm high-power amplified spontaneous emission fiber source based on CO2-filled nested hollow-core anti-resonant fiber
Authors: Song Weihua , Yao Jingyuan , Zhang Xin , Zhang Qian , Hou Yubin , Wu Jiayu , Wang Pu
Published: March 2024

We report a 4.3 µm mid-infrared (mid-IR) high-power amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) fiber source based on CO2-filled nested hollow-core anti-resonant fiber (Nested HC-ARF). The pump source is a homemade hundred-watt-level wavelength-tunable 2 µm single-frequency fiber laser. A 5.7 m long 8-tube Nested HC-ARF is used as the gas cell, with a core diameter of 110 µm and cladding diameter of 400 µm, which exhibits transmission loss of 0.1 dB/m at 2 µm and 0.24 dB/m at 4.3 µm respectively. To improve the coupling efficiency of the high-power pump laser and reduce the influence of the thermal effect at the input end of the hollow-core fiber, the fiber is designed for multimode transmission at the pump wavelength. A continuous wave output power of 6.6 W at 4.3 µm is achieved, and the slope efficiency is 17.05%. To the best of our knowledge, it is the highest output power for such gas-filled HC-ARF ASE sources in 4∼5 µm. This work demonstrates the great potential of gas-filled HC-ARF generating high-power mid-IR emission.
Grating-based metasurfaces for ultra-narrow near-infrared bandpass filtering with wide out-of-band suppression
Authors: Hu Taozheng , Yang Zheng , Yang Zicheng , Xu Shuqiao , Chen Xiao , Chen Hao , Qin Zhaofu , Chen Zhuo , Xu Fei
Published: March 2024

Here, we present a straightforward strategy for designing silicon grating-based metasurfaces tailored for narrow near-infrared bandpass filtering. By selecting appropriate structural parameters for the grating and including periodic groove perturbations within each grating slit, transverse guided mode resonances (GMRs) propagating perpendicular and parallel to the grating slit are created to provide wide out-of-band suppression and high-Q filter responses, respectively. The destructive and constructive interference between radiations from groove perturbations are then introduced to eliminate all GMRs except one, producing a single-band bandpass filter. Simply adjusting the period of the groove perturbations allows precise tuning of the passband’s central wavelength across the operational spectral range from 1350 nm to 1750nm, throughout which the passband exhibits a Q-factor exceeding 9,000 and the attenuation level outside the passband remains below 1%. Furthermore, our proposed narrow bandpass filters are found to be robust against the potential fabrication imperfections, such as variations in groove size and position.
Large optoelectronic chromatic dispersion in PN-type silicon photodiodes and photovoltaic cells
Authors: Mudgal Sapna , Dubey Pawan K. , Glasser Ziv , Sternklar Shmuel
Published: March 2024

Optoelectronic chromatic dispersion (OED) is a significant source of effective chromatic dispersion in photodiodes. We present an experimental and theoretical study of OED in PN-type Si photodiodes and photovoltaic cells and report on a very large effective chromatic dispersion in these devices. As measured with the modulation phase-shift technique at a frequency of 4 kHz for these slow devices, the OED spectral sensitivity for a commercial Si photodiode is approx. 0.02 deg/nm in the 720–850 nm wavelength band and increases to 0.25 deg/nm at λ = 1µm. For a Si photovoltaic cell, the OED is approx. 0.09 deg/nm in this spectral region. These values translate into an effective chromatic dispersion parameter of approx. 1012ps/(nm ×km) for these sub-millimeter device lengths, which is over eight orders of magnitude larger than high-dispersion materials such as chalcogenide glass. The enormous dispersion in these sub-millimeter sized silicon-based devices can be utilized for on-chip optoelectronic sensors such as wavelength monitoring and spectroscopy. The substantial OED of photovoltaic cells can be utilized for the characterization and optimization and new applications for optical sensing with these self-powered devices.
Nonlocal erasing and writing of ferroelectric domains using a femtosecond laser in lithium niobate
Authors: Li Fengchang , Cao Qiang , Wang Xiaoliang , Wang Ruonan
Published: March 2024

We experimentally demonstrate the highly-efficient nonlocal erasing and writing of ferroelectric domains using a femtosecond laser in lithium niobate. Based on the induction of a focused infrared femtosecond laser without any relative displacement or additional treatment, the original multiple ferroelectric domains can be either erased (erasing operation) or elongated (writing operation) simultaneously in the crystal, depending on the laser focusing depth and the laser pulse energy. In the erasing operation, the original multiple ferroelectric domains can be cleared completely by just one laser induction, while in the writing operation, the average length of the ferroelectric domains can be elongated up to 235 µm by three laser inductions. A model has been proposed in which a thermoelectric field and a space charge field are used cooperatively to successfully explain the mechanism of nonlocal erasing and writing. This method greatly improves the efficiency and flexibility of tailoring ferroelectric domain structures, paving the way to large-scale all-optical industrial production for nonlinear photonic crystals and nonvolatile ferroelectric domain wall memories.
Development of a miniature electron-optical device for nanosatellite based on the «Synergy» platform for researching the North-West region of Russia
Authors: Malygin Dennis , Redka Dmitrii , Dmitrii Shirshov , Egor Kostikov
Published: March 2024

A CubeSat mission is described in this paper, which deals with the space debris identification, classification and aggregation. The mission is responsible for debris observation close to the most populated orbit by on-board laser illuminator (lidar) system. An optical scheme of lidar was described. The energy balance and range of work were calculated. Architecture and properties of CubeSat were described.
Bacterial communities associated with an island radiation of lichen-forming fungi
Authors: Blázquez Miguel , Ortiz-Álvarez Rüdiger , Gasulla Francisco , Pérez-Vargas Israel , Pérez-Ortega Sergio
Published: March 2024

Evolutionary radiations are one of the most striking processes biologists have studied in islands. A radiation is often sparked by the appearance of ecological opportunity, which can originate in processes like trophic niche segregation or the evolution of key innovations. Another recently proposed mechanism is facilitation mediated by the bacterial communities associated with the radiating species. Here we explore the role of the bacterial communities in a radiation of lichen-forming fungi endemic to Macaronesia. Bacterial diversity was quantified by high throughput sequencing of the V1–V2 hyper-variable region of 172 specimens. We characterized the taxonomic and phylogenetic diversity of the bacterial communities associated with the different species, tested for compositional differences between these communities, carried out a functional prediction, explored the relative importance of different factors in bacterial community structure, searched for phylosymbiosis and tried to identify the origin of this pattern. The species of the radiation differed in the composition of their bacterial communities, which were mostly comprised of Alphaproteobacteria and Acidobacteriia, but not in the functionality of those communities. A phylosimbiotic pattern was detected, but it was probably caused by environmental filtering. These findings are congruent with the combined effect of secondary chemistry and mycobiont identity being the main driver of bacterial community structure. Altogether, our results suggest that the associated bacterial communities are not the radiation’s main driver. There is one possible exception, however, a species that has an abnormally diverse core microbiome and whose bacterial communities could be subject to a specific environmental filter at the functional level.
Mental health and mental health help-seeking behaviors among first-generation voluntary African migrants: A systematic review
Authors: Botchway-Commey Edith N. , Adonteng-Kissi Obed , Meribe Nnaemeka , Chisanga David , Moustafa Ahmed A. , Tembo Agness , Baffour Frank Darkwa , Gatwiri Kathomi , Doyle Aunty Kerrie , Mwanri Lillian , Osuagwu Uchechukwu Levi
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Mental health challenges are highly prevalent in African migrants. However, understanding of mental health outcomes in first-generation voluntary African migrants is limited, despite the unique challenges faced by this migrant subgroup. This review aimed to synthesize the literature to understand the mental health challenges, help-seeking behavior, and the relationship between mental health and mental health help-seeking behavior in first-generation voluntary African migrants living outside Africa.

Methods

Medline Complete, EMBASE, CINAHL Complete, and APA PsychINFO were searched for studies published between January 2012 to December 2023. Retrieved articles were processed, data from selected articles were extracted and synthesized to address the study aims, and included studies were evaluated for risk of bias.

Results

Eight studies were included, including four quantitative and four qualitative studies, which focused on women with postnatal depression. Mental health challenges reported in the quantitative studies were depression, interpersonal disorders, and work-related stress. Risk (e.g., neglect from health professionals and lack of social/spousal support) and protective (e.g., sensitivity of community services and faith) factors associated with mental health were identified. Barriers (e.g., cultural beliefs about mental health and racial discrimination) and facilitators (sensitizing African women about mental health) of mental health help-seeking behavior were also identified. No significant relationship was reported between mental health and mental health help-seeking behavior, and the risk of bias results indicated some methodological flaws in the studies.

Conclusion

This review shows the dearth of research focusing on mental health and help-seeking behavior in this subgroup of African migrants. The findings highlight the importance of African migrants, especially mothers with newborns, examining cultural beliefs that may impact their mental health and willingness to seek help. Receiving countries should also strive to understand the needs of first-generation voluntary African migrants living abroad and offer mental health support that is patient-centered and culturally sensitive.
Association between the oxidative balance score and thyroid function: Results from the NHANES 2007–2012 and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Song Liying , Zhou Haonan , Yang Qian , He Ningyu , Fu Feifan , Li Weichao , Duan Guosheng , Wu Di , Hao Shuai , Wang Jiaxing , Liu Jing
Published: March 2024

Background

Oxidative stress is a significant contributor to the development of various diseases, and the oxidative balance score (OBS) is a valuable tool for assessing the impact of dietary and lifestyle factors on oxidative stress in humans. Nevertheless, the precise relationship between OBS and thyroid function in adults remains elusive.

Methods

This cross-sectional study comprised 6222 adult participants drawn from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted from 2007 to 2012. Employing weighted multivariable linear regression modeling, the study estimated the connection between OBS quartiles and thyroid functions. The causal relationship between OBS components and thyroid function was analyzed by Mendelian randomization (MR).

Results

We found a significant negative correlation between OBS and free thyroxine (FT4) and total thyroxine (TT4). Univariate and multivariate MR Analyses showed a causal relationship between BMI and FT4. Copper, smoking, and riboflavin showed a causal relationship with FT4 after moderation.

Conclusion

We found that a lifestyle high in antioxidant exposure reduced FT4 and TT4 levels in the population. We suggest that BMI, Copper, and Riboflavin are important factors in the regulation of FT4 levels.
The unexplored territory of aesthetic needs and the development of the Aesthetic Needs Scale
Authors: Świątek Agata Hiacynta , Szcześniak Małgorzata , Borkowska Hanna , Stempień Michał , Wojtkowiak Karolina , Diessner Rhett
Published: March 2024

Human needs, and their fulfillment, are the building blocks of human development, personality, and well-being. However, no published paper in the field of psychology has focused on exploring aesthetic needs. Maslow (1986) gave the topic little more than a paragraph; and Dweck [1], in her elegant Unified Theory of Motivation, Personality, and Development, never mentions aesthetic needs. The aim of this article is to describe developing a scale for measuring the intensity of aesthetic needs. The structure, psychometric properties, and criterion-related validity of the scale were verified with three independent samples (total N = 592). The results of an EFA and two CFAs indicated a three-factor structure: 1) the need to aestheticize everyday life (aesthetic experiences of everyday objects and events unrelated to art, such as the presentation of food or the appearance of a workspace, etc.); 2) the need for contact with aesthetic creations (the arts); 3) the need to aestheticize the built and natural environments (urban spaces, architecture, parks, wild nature, etc.). In addition, our criterion-related convergent validity studies have shown that people with high aesthetic needs are characterized by experiencing more intense experiences in contact with works of art, have higher aesthetic competence in art, are more intensely involved in four forms of beauty, have a higher ability to integrate beauty, a stronger trait gratitude, curiosity about nature, greater sensitivity to disgust, and the need for internal and external stimulation. This scale may prove useful in research on individual differences and the psychology of aesthetics.
Psychological well-being of healthcare workers during COVID-19 in a mental health institution
Authors: Leung HoiTing , Lim Madeline , Lim Wee Onn , Lee Sara-Ann , Lee Jimmy
Published: March 2024

Introduction

This study examined the psychological wellbeing of Healthcare Workers (HCWs) during COVID-19 in a mental health setting, associations of psychosocial wellbeing with coping style, and ways that organisations can mitigate the psychosocial burden on HCWs.

Methods

Thirty-seven Mental HCWs (MHCWs) from infected and non-infected wards (control group), were recruited and assessed at three timepoints. Psychological wellbeing, perceived cohesion, and coping style (Brief-COPE) were assessed. Reports on individual coping and feedback on the organisation were collected through in-depth interview. Comparison between infected and non-infected wards, as well as comparison of psychosocial measures and perceived cohesion, across the three timepoints were made. As there were no significant changes in coping styles across the timepoints, Timepoint 1 (T1) coping style was used to correlate with the psychosocial measures across all timepoints. Thematic analysis was used for qualitative data.

Results

MHCWs from infected wards reported significantly higher levels of stress, χ2(1) = 6.74, p = 0.009, effect size: medium (ε2 = 0.198), and more severe sleep disturbance (PSQI), χ2(1) = 6.20, p = 0.013, effect size: medium (ε2 = 0.182), as compared to the control group at T2. They also engaged in more problem-focused coping (T2 and T3) and emotion-focused coping (T2). As expected, negative coping style was correlated with negative outcomes except problem-focused coping that was correlated with both negative (sleep disturbance and anxiety symptoms) and positive outcomes (wellbeing). Emotion-focused coping was moderately correlated (Tb = 0.348, p<0.017) with higher levels of wellbeing at T2. Thematic analyses revealed MHCWs felt supported by the responsiveness of the institution, emotional and informational support, and the availability from direct leaders, presence of team and hospital leaders on the ground, helped build trust and confidence in the leadership.

Conclusions

MHCWs experienced significantly higher levels of stress and sleep disturbance during COVID-19. The ways that organizations can offset the psychological burden of pandemics on MHCWs are discussed.
Association between smoking, smoking cessation and serum α-klotho levels among American adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Liu Ting , Song Meihua , Li Jie , Zhao Yumei , Zhong Weiming
Published: March 2024

α-klotho is an anti-aging protein. The correlation between smoking, smoking cessation and serum α-klotho levels remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between smoking, smoking cessation and serum α-klotho levels. This cross-sectional study finally included 4877 participants, aged 40–79 years, who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey studies from 2013 to 2016. Of these, 2312 (47.4%) were men and 894 (18.3%) were current smokers, and the mean age of the participants was 57.8±10.7 years. Multivariate linear regression modeling was used to assess the association between smoking, smoking cessation and serum α-klotho levels. After adjustment for multiple confounders, this study observed that smoking was negatively associated with serum α-klotho levels (β: -58.3; 95% confidence interval CI: -82.0 to -34.6; p<0.001), whereas smoking cessation was positively associated with serum α-klotho levels (β: 52.3; 95% CI: 24.1 to 80.6; p<0.001). In subgroup and interaction analyses, p-value for the interaction between smoking and race on serum klotho levels was found to be less than 0.001. The correlation between smoking, smoking cessation and serum α-klotho levels remained stable after propensity score matching (β: -54.1; 95% CI: -81.5 to -26.7; p<0.001, β: 54.8; 95% CI: 24.2 to 85.4; p<0.001). In a large sample population, the present study found that smoking, smoking cessation and serum α-klotho levels were associated in opposite directions.
Hodgkin's Lymphoma In Low-Income Countries: Experience Of Togo
Authors: Padaro Essohana , Womey Kodzovi M C , Layibo Yao , Adandodo Kadara R , Magnang Hèzouwè , Kueviakoe Mensah D I
Published: March 2024

While highly curable in developed countries, Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), remains a significant challenge for resource-limited ones. This study aimed to describe the profile of HL in Togo. This was a retrospective, descriptive study conducted at the Clinical Hematology Department of the Campus University Hospital Center in Lomé, Togo. It focused on patient records diagnosed with HL between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2022. Various variables such as age, gender, histological type of HL, Ann Arbor stage, prognostic classification, therapeutic protocol used, and patient outcomes were examined. The annual incidence of HL was 1.5 with a mean age of 38.7 years (range 12-63). Lymph node enlargement was the primary clinical sign (100%). Histologically, classical HL was found in 21 patients (87.5%). Staging was conducted for 16 (66.7%) patients, among whom 11 (66.7%) were at an advanced stage, and 6 (37.5%) had an unfavorable prognosis. The ABVD protocol was used in 13 patients (54.2%), receiving between 1 and 6 cycles. One patient achieved complete remission (4.1%), three deceased (12.5%), and 17 (71%) were lost to follow-up. Hodgkin's lymphoma prognosis remains unfavorable with low remission rates in Togo. Improving the technical facilities will ensure better management of this lymphoma.
Bioética hermenéutica y fibromialgia
Authors: Blas López Fernanda de , Hamui Sutton Liz
Published: March 2024

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar como la bioética hermenéutica puede incorporarse al estudio de la fibromialgia, entendida como una enfermedad que, dadas sus características, excede los límites disciplinarios de la medicina. La hermenéutica, entendida como la interpretación de las narrativas, puede considerarse una herramienta dentro de la práctica clínica al priorizar la subjetividad del padecer de las personas que padecen fibromialgia en el encuentro entre el profesional de la salud y el paciente.
Este escrito explica brevemente la fibromialgia y sus implicaciones en el campo de la bioética. Posteriormente se describen los conceptos básicos de la bioética hermenéutica, retomando a Paul Ricoeur con el objetivo de reconstruir el modo en el que las personas con fibromialgia desarrollan una identidad hermenéutica por medio de su narratividad. Por último, se plantean posibles formas en las que la bioética hermenéutica puede aplicarse a la práctica médica.
Hacia una cultura paliativa: nivel de conocimiento y creencias erróneas sobre cuidados paliativos, sedación paliativa y eutanasia
Authors: Sastre Moyano Pablo , Villacieros Durbán Marta , Ruiz Aragoneses Rosa , Obispo Díaz Cristina , Pérez Miguel Enrique , Bermejo Higuera José Carlos
Published: March 2024

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar el nivel de conocimiento de los conceptos de cuidados paliativos, sedación paliativa y eutanasia, lo que podría influir en la toma de decisiones éticas relacionadas con final de vida. Para ello, se elaboró un cuestionario ad hoc administrado entre los asistentes a unas Jornadas de Cuidados Paliativos en la Comunidad de Madrid (n = 142). La T de Student mostró que existen diferencias significativas (p < 0.05) entre los tres pares de conceptos y se encontraron correlaciones entre el grado de conocimiento de los tres constructos. La experiencia laboral y el nivel de conocimientos en cuidados paliativos correlaciona con un mayor conocimiento sobre eutanasia y sedación paliativa, encontrando diferencias estadísticamente significativas por nivel de estudios. Estos resultados sugieren que fomentar el conocimiento de cuidados paliativos disminuirá la presencia de ideas erróneas en deliberaciones relacionadas con el final de la vida, sedación y eutanasia.
Vulnerabilidades impostas pelo acidente vascular cerebral: reflexões sob o olhar da Bioética
Authors: Reis Rogério Donizeti , Batista Marcos Antônio , Nascimento Rosa Maria do , Loiola Tatiana , Silva José Vitor da
Published: March 2024

As sequelas do acidente vascular cerebral tendem a expor as pessoas idosas a um processo de vulnerabilidade. Essa última se configura em uma dinâmica de dependência, exprimindo valores multidimensionais, existenciais e sociais com implicações bioéticas. O objetivo proposto aqui foi de conhecer as vulnerabilidades físicas e psicológicas impostas pelo acidente vascular cerebral e discutilas sob o olhar da bioética. Este é um estudo qualitativo, descritivo-exploratório. A amostra constituiu-se de 20 pessoas idosas com sequelas advindas de acidente vascular cerebral. Os dados foram analisados pelo software IRAMUTEQ. Da análise dos discursos, emergiram as seguintes percepções: “falta de autonomia”, “tristeza e revolta”, “limitação física”, “depressão” e “dependência física”, que se caracterizaram por vulnerabilidades com implicações bioéticas. Concluiu-se que as percepções, quando analisadas à luz da bioética, traduzem- se em vulnerabilidade.
Periprocedural Risk Predictors Affecting Long-Term Prognosis in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Dokollari Aleksander , Sicouri Serge , Hosseinian Leila , Erten Ozgun , Ramlawi Basel , Bisleri Gianluigi , Bonacchi Massimo , Sicouri Noah , Torregrossa Gianluca , Sutter Francis P.
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study sought to identify periprocedural risk predictors that affect long-term prognosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods

All consecutive 4,871 patients undergoing isolated CABG between May 2005 and June 2021 were included. Patients with and without COPD were compared for baseline demographics and preoperative characteristics. A propensity-matched analysis was used to compare the 2 groups. The primary outcome was long-term incidence of all-cause death.

Results

After matching, 767 patients each were included in the COPD and non-COPD groups; mean age was 71.6 and 71.4 years (P = .7), respectively; 29.3% and 32% (P = .2) were women, respectively. Intraoperatively, median (IQR) operating room time was higher in the COPD group than in the non-COPD group (5.9 [5.2-7.0] hours vs 5.8 [5.1-6.7] hours, respectively; P = .01). Postoperatively, intensive care unit stay (P = .03), hospital length of stay (P = .0004), and fresh frozen plasma transfusion units (P = .012) were higher in the COPD group than in the non-COPD group. Thirty-day mortality was not different between groups (1.3% in the COPD group vs 1% in the non-COPD group; P = .4). Median follow-up time was 4.0 years. The rate of all-cause death was higher in the COPD group than in the non-COPD group (138 patients [18.3%] vs 109 patients [14.5%], respectively; P = .042). Periprocedural risk predictors for all-cause death in patients with COPD were atrial fibrillation, diabetes, male sex, dialysis, ejection fraction less than 50%, peripheral vascular disease, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality score greater than 4%.

Conclusion

Patients with COPD undergoing isolated CABG had a significantly higher incidence of all-cause death than those without COPD. Herein, risk predictors are provided for all-cause death in patients undergoing isolated CABG.
Beyond scalable impacts: Roles of mobility experiments in local transition governance
Authors: Jung Manuel , Wentland Alexander
Published: March 2024

The impact of short-term, localized real-world experiments on sustainable change is debated. Our analysis of three mobility experiments shows that even in the absence of quantifiable results, these experiments are still perceived as successful. By highlighting the underlying collective discursive strategies, we emphasize the different roles of experimentation in local mobility transitions and the importance of social learning and collective understanding in urban experimentation.In this article, we explore the role of real-world experiments in local transition governance, focusing on the negotiation between measurable impacts and the evaluation of localized, tangible outcomes. In our qualitative comparative analysis, we examine three distinct mobility experiments aimed at advancing sustainable transformation in mobility and urban planning, namely the co-creative research projectCity2Sharein Munich, the political program of theSuperblocksin Barcelona, and the real-world test bed for automated shuttlesDigibus Austriain Koppl near Salzburg. Despite the structural limitations of the temporal, spatial, and legal framework and the uncertainties in measuring the impact, all experiments were presented as successful. This success was negotiated and re-framed via five discursive strategies: mobilizing citizen engagement, highlighting small achievements, manifesting institutional embedding, generating political momentum, and delegating responsibility. As we argue, success and scaling are not just the result of scientific proof, but also a matter of negotiating the political issues raised by the experiment.
Putting sufficiency into practice: Transdisciplinary sufficiency research in urban development: TheHafen-Ostreal-world laboratory in Flensburg, Germany
Authors: Christ Michaela , Lage Jonas , Sommer Bernd , Carstensen Johanna , Petersen David , Böcker Maike , Mahrt Levke , Brüggemann Henning , Zehrfeld Claudia Takla
Published: March 2024

The evaluation of real-world laboratories is crucial. Since not only successes but failures and obstacles can provide information about the conditions for transformation, it is appropriate to also examine difficulties in a methodologically guided way.The port in Flensburg, Germany, has shaped the city’s identity. Globalisation and deindustrialisation have seen the northern German port on the Baltic Sea lose its economic importance. The city of Flensburg is currently planning to build a new district on a huge redevelopment site. The idea is to create a district with an infrastructure that promotes and enables lifestyles that use resources and land sustainably. The real-world laboratory on sufficiency-oriented urban development described and evaluated here aimed to better understand the process of implementing sufficiency policies and their effects, and to develop the knowledge and skills needed for sufficiency-oriented policymaking. The real-world laboratory is a collaborative project between members of the city administration and academics from the Europa-Universität Flensburg. The evaluation shows both the difficulties of putting sufficiency policies into practice and their potential for sustainability.
Penerapan Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya pada Kelompok Usaha Bersama Rumput Laut di Desa Kemujan Karimunjawa
Authors: Denis Denis , Windarta Jaka , Prihantoko Kukuh Eko , Miraj Fauzan Rafi , Rahman Gifhar
Published: March 2024

Kelompok Usaha Bersama (KUB) Jaya Karya Mandiri merupakan kelompok budidaya rumput laut untuk menghimpun kegiatan budidaya dan wirausaha rumput laut yang terletak di Dusun Merican, Desa Kemujan, Kecamatan Karimunjawa. KUB Jaya Karya Mandiri memiliki permasalahan berupa tidak adanya teknologi pengeringan dan mahalnya biaya operasional produksi ketika menggunakan teknologi tersebut berupa oven listrik. Selain memiliki potensi rumpur laut, Desa Kemujan memiliki potensi iradiasi matahari yang potensial untuk implementasi Pembangkit Listrik Tenaga Surya (PLTS). Berdasarkan data hasil pengukuran langsung, diperoleh iradiasi matahari sebesar 1050 Watt/m2, Dengan demikian, implementasi PLTS guna mendukung operasional KUB Jaya Karya Mandiri memiliki urgensi tersendiri.  Pengembangan dan pemanfaatan PLTS bertujuan untuk mendukung produktivitas KUB Jaya Karya Mandiri untuk menggunakan oven listrik dalam proses pengeringan rumput laut sehingga dihasilkan peningkatan kualitas dan kuantitas produksi rumput laut. Implementasi PLTS menggunakan 3 buah panel 350 Wp dengan konfigurasi seri dan akan terkoneksi dengan inverter grid-tie 1000 Watt yang akan terkoneksi ke beban secara on-grid. Berdasarkan hasil pengujian instalasi PLTS yang dilakukan di Kantor Kesekretariatan KUB Jaya Karya Mandiri, diperoleh standar kemanan yang baik dimana diperoleh resistansi grounding sebesar 686 Mohm dengan tingkat efisiensi PLTS mencapai ±100% ketika penyinaran sedang optimal.
PENGARUH PENYERAPAN AIR DAN POROSITAS PADA KERAMIK BERPORI BERBAHAN CLAY DAN PUNTUNG ROKOK
Authors: Nasution Annisa Salsha Safira , Jumiati Ety , Husnah Miftahul
Published: March 2024

Keramik berpori adalah suatu keramik yang mempunyadistribusi ukuran tertentu dan porositas yang relatif tinggi. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh bahancampuran puntung rokok pada sifat fisis keramik berpori. Variasi komposisi campuran puntung rokok dan clay  antaralain sampel A sebesar (20%;80%), sampel B sebesar(30%;70%), dan sampel C sebesar (40%;60%). Denganpengujian sifat fisis yaitu penyerapan air dan porositas. Sifatfisis yang sudah diuji diperoleh nilai rat-rata adalah15,14%-22,82%. Pada porositas diperoleh nilai rata-rata adalah 9,59%-12,76%. Hasil pengukuran penyerapan air, dan kuat tekan sudah sesuai dengan nilai SNI 8640:2018 tentang standar mutu bata ringan dengan pasang dinding. Variasi pencampuran yang paling optimum diperoleh padasampel C 40%;60% dengan nilai penyerapan air yaitu22,82% dan porositas yaitu 11,88%
Sintesis Biodiesel Dari Minyak Jelantah Dalam Reaktor Ultrasonik
Authors: Priscilla Tiara , Irwan Muh. , Arifin Zainal
Published: March 2024

Waste cooking oil is considered promising alternative to biodiesel production as substitute for diesel fuel becauce it it is environmentally friendly, biodegradable, non-toxic, and renewable energy source. This study aims to obtain the optimum operating conditions of ultrasonic reactors in biodiesel production using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) method. RSM with CCD was used to determine effect of transducer distance (1-5 cm) and reaction time (5-20 minutes) on biodiesel yield, to determine optimal operating conditions and to optimize biodiesel yield. In this study, waste cooking oil was transesterified into biodiesel with ultrasonic waves to intensify reaction. Transesterification waste cooking oil was carried out in a sodium hydroxide catalyst using methanol. Solution inserted into the erlenmeyer with the transducer distance and reaction time to determined by RSM. Once the reaction time was reached, mixture of biodiesel and glycerol was separated in separate funnel. Biodiesel obtained was then washed and evaporated the remaining solvent. Biodiesel yield was obtained under 88.33% under optimal conditions of 1 cm transducer distance with reaction time 20 minutes. Reaction time was the most important parameter based on the ANOVA test. The properties biodiesel produced including kinematic viscosity, density, acid number, methyl ester contents and monoglicerida have met the requirements of standards SNI 7182: 2015.
Pola Kejadian Malaria Pada Tenaga Kerja Di Area Lowland PT Freeport Indonesia
Authors: Zaman Mokhamad Muniru , Martini Martini , Fauzi Muh , Udijono Ari
Published: March 2024

Malaria is caused by the plasmodium parasite and is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito. Plasmodium falciparum and plasmodium vivax are the most common types of plasmodium in Indonesia. Plasmodium malariae is found in several regions, such as Lampung and Papua, and plasmodium ovale is found in the eastern and northern regions of North Sumatra. The aim of this research is to determine the pattern of malaria incidence among workers in the lowland areas of PT Freeport Indonesia. The research method is descriptive observation, by collecting data through interviews and questionnaires. The results of research in the lowland areas of PTFI found that 160 people (91.1%) had a history of malaria, they were exposed to malaria during PTFI, namely low frequency (1-3 times) 76 people (47.5%) and high frequency (4-7 times) 84 people (53.5%). Infection by plasmodium vivax was 133 people (52.6%), plasmodium falciparum 111 people (43.9%), plasmodium ovale 7 people (2.8%), plasmodium malariae 2 people (0.8%). However, most people with a history of malaria, at PT Freeport Indonesia, had the highest frequency (4-7 times) and the highest number of infections by plasmodium was plasmodium vivax.