bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Processing of titanium alloys with improved efficiency and accuracy by laser and electrochemical machining
Authors: Yang Yong , Wang Yufeng , Sun Chenyu , Wu Qiang , Yan Jie , Liu Yunfeng , Yao Jianhua , Zhang Wenwu
Published: October 2023

The fabrication of microstructures with high efficiency and accuracy on titanium alloys presents significant challenges due to stringent quality requirements. Hybrid laser and electrochemical machining (LECM) has emerged as a viable solution for efficient and precise processing of titanium alloys. This study investigates the material removal mechanism of titanium alloys during LECM, analyzing the machining characteristics under the combined influence of laser processing and electrochemical machining. The impacts of voltage, laser power, and feeding rate on aspects such as aspect-ratio, accuracy, efficiency, and surface roughness are examined. Results reveal that synchronous laser irradiation effectively accelerates electrochemical corrosion rates, enhancing the removal capability of the passive film. Notably, LECM outperforms pure ECM, demonstrating significant improvements in parameters such as aspect-ratio (394.4% increase), material removal rate (140% increase), and aspect-ratio (172.8% increase). Lower laser power is favored for high-precision LECM. An electric circuit model elucidates the titanium alloy material removal mechanism in LECM. Additionally, the study proposes the use of gradient laser power for fabricating high-aspect-ratio structures with efficiency and accuracy. The research successfully fabricates microstructures with elevated aspect-ratio and flat bottoms on titanium alloys.
Sexual dysfunction in women with breast cancer: a retrospective longitudinal study
Authors: Guedes Thais Rodrigues , Guedes Marcello , Lopes Johnnatas , Santana Rebeca de Castro , de Vasconcelos Jamily , de Medeiros Eva , Cunha Vitor Leandro da , Dantas Amanda Gomes , Jerez-Roig Javier , de Souza Dyego
Published: October 2023

Background
Breast cancer treatment leads to physical and psychological changes. The aim of this study is to analyze the incidence of sexual dysfunction and its risk factors in women diagnosed with breast cancer.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included women diagnosed and treated for breast cancer (exposed group, n = 90) and healthy women (non-exposed group, n = 93). Data were collected from medical records and using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Primary outcomes were analyzed using binary logistic regression. The Mann-Whitney test was used to analyze FSFI domains between groups.
Results
The exposed group had a 74% incidence of sexual dysfunction and 3.9 times increased chances of having sexual dysfunction compared with the non-exposed group (OR: 3.9, CI: 1.8 to 8.2, p < 0.001). Presence of comorbidities increased the chances of sexual dysfunction by 2.5 times (OR: 2.5, CI: 1.2 to 4.9, p = 0.009).
Conclusion
Women diagnosed and treated for breast cancer had a higher incidence of sexual dysfunction than healthy women. Furthermore, comorbidities also increased the chances of sexual dysfunction regardless of exposure to breast cancer.
WITHDRAWN: Urological Evaluation and Psychological-behavioral Profile before and post Detethering Procedures in Children with Tethered Cord Syndrome
Authors: Yang Shuai , Zhou Zhaokai , Liu Xingchen , Wang Zhan , Zhang Yanping , Zhang He , Lv Lei , Zhao Nannan , Zhang Ge , Wang Qingwei , Wen Jianguo
Published: October 2023

Background Tethered cord syndrome (TCS) is a diverse clinical entity characterized by the enhanced tension of the conus medullaris or cauda equina. Surgical detethering is the modality most extensively utilized to treat TCS. It is essential to undertake timely surgery for patients with progressive neuro-urological findings, while the unnecessary surgery should be avoided for those not at risk of deterioration. Disappointingly, some children without bladder impairment present a deterioration of bladder function after surgery, which critically influences the health-related quality of life. To decode the effect of detethering surgery on bladder function and explore the health-related quality of life in children with tethered cord syndrome (TCS). Methods The urodynamic parameters and score were compared before and after detethering. Additionally, the individuals’ psychological-behavioral profile and lower urinary tract symptoms were assessed. Ultimately, the patients were divided into the normal bladder function group (Normal group) and the bladder dysfunction group (Abnormal group) according to the preoperative urodynamics parameters. Results There were statistically significant differences in bladder detrusor sphincter synergy and urodynamic score and no statistically significant difference in the remaining urodynamic parameters and psychological-behavioral items before and after detethering. The proportion of bladder dysfunction that improved or did not worsen after surgery was higher in the Abnormal group than in the Normal group. Nevertheless, the detection rate of each psychological behavior abnormality in children with TCS was higher compared with that of normal children, both preoperatively and postoperatively. Conclusions Surgical detethering could not considerably ameliorate pre-existing bladder dysfunction and patients exhibiting non-progressive bladder function could be treated conservatively with close observation. TCS plagues patients all the time even if detethering. Psychological counseling for children with TCS should be strengthened.
Comparative Assessment of WINISI and The Unscrambler for Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) Modelling of Phytate and Antioxidants in Brown Rice
Authors: John Racheal , Bhardwaj Rakesh , Jeyaseelan Christine , Bollinedi Haritha , Singh Rakesh , Singh G P
Published: October 2023

Brown rice has been known to be a better alternative to polished rice due to greater amounts of nutrients including antioxidants. Phytic acid and phenols in brown rice are also known to impart antioxidant capacity. Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy is renowned to estimate the nutritional composition of brown rice. The present study was conducted to develop the prediction models of total phenolic content (TPC), phytic acid (TPA) and antioxidant capacity (TAC) of brown rice. While both WIN ISI and The Unscrambler® software produce crisp models, certain limitations such as principal component analysis (PCA) descriptives in WIN ISI and inverse multiple scatter correction (iMSC) in The Unscrambler® lead to uncertainty of the results. Hence, the models in this study were generated using PCA and partial least square (PLS) regression, which were compared on both WIN ISI and The Unscrambler® separately. The reference data of 226 rice landraces was subjected to both the softwares and optimal models were obtained from standard normal variate (SNV-DT) for TPA and TPC over The Unscrambler®, while multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) was found better for TPC model development on WIN ISI. According to regression analysis the best prediction model was obtained for TPC employing MSC with RSQ = 0.925 and RPD = 3.11 in WIN ISI, while the rest were better validated in The Unscrambler® using SNV-DT with RSQ = 0.888, 0.958 RPD = 2.97, 2.93 for TPA and TAC respectively. The results are indicative of the NIRS ability and the effect of different scatter corrections to rapidly predict antioxidant content in brown rice.
Trends in Bacterial and Candida Infections Prior to and Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mana Hassan Al , Wilson Godwin , Hadi Hamad Abdel , Ibrahim Emad , Eltai Nahla O.
Published: October 2023

Introduction:
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus resulted in significant global health consequences. The interventions introduced to limit the spread of the virus had a significant impact on the course of the pandemic but also might involve other pathogens besides SARS-CoV-2. This study investigates the epidemiological variations for major bacterial and common fungal pathogens represented by Candidaspecies infection in Qatar through retrospective hospital records.
Methods:
Retrospective data was collected on all bacterial and Candida infections from Hamad General Hospital between January 2019-December, 2021. Statistical analyses were performed using R (Version 4.1.0). Infection count comparisons were performed using chi-square goodness of fit tests. Differences in patient numbers were tested with one-way ANOVA followed by post-hoc Tukey HSD. The number of infections and measures were correlated using Spearman rank correlation. The significance level was set at 0.05, and where applicable, the Holm-Bonferroni method was used to correct for multiple testing.
Results:
The general trend for bacterial and Candida infections showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) following the imposed restrictions and increases during restriction lifting periods. The number of bacterial infections correlated with the number of international visitors (r= 0.61, p <0.01), while the number of Candida infections correlated with hospital admissions of COVID-19 patients (r=0.59, p = 0.013).
Conclusions:
The results provide a general overview of the infection trends in Qatar through the COVID-19 pandemic and illustrate some of the pandemic interventions' effects on bacterial and Candida infections. However, further research is needed to understand underlying trend dynamics better.
The effect of antibiotic therapy before percutaneous nephrolithotomy on the frequency of postoperative complications
Authors: Falahatkar Siavash , Jafari Alireza , Afzalipoor Masoomeh , Bonyad Ali , Soofi Maziyar Bamdad
Published: October 2023

Purpose:
Stone disease is affecting 0.13% of the population in the world, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) could be effective and safe to treat complex or large volumes of nephrolithiasis. PCNL may have considerable risks and complications, such as fever.
Patients and Methods:
We conducted a retrospective clinical study on 708 patients who underwent PCNL in the Razi Hospital. Patients were allocated into two groups; group 1 included 454 patients with at least an antibiotic therapy experience, and group 2 included 254 patients without pre-operative antibiotic therapy.
Results:
241(53.1%) males and 213(46.9%) females were in group 1, and 137(53.9%) males and 116(45.7%) females were in group 2. 82.7% of patients treated with antibiotics had a negative culture. The hospitalization time in patients was 4.00± 1.74 days (group 1) and 2.26 ± 1.5 days (group 2). The fever was seen in 39(11.9%) patients (group 1). Sepsis was seen in only one patient in group 1 (0.3%). There is a significant relationship between total hospitalization (P-value=0.000), hospitalization after operation (P-value=0.000), hypertension (p-value =0.009), ischemic heart disease (p-value =0.050), history of shock wave lithotripsy (p-value =0.003), hydronephrosis (p-value =0.000), age (P-value=0.004), and hemoglobin (P-value=0.000) with antibiotic therapy.
Conclusion:
A few patients who underwent PCNL suffer from fever despite antibiotic therapy. Overall, we found that antibiotic therapy does not play an effective role in reducing post-operative fever.
Augmentation of Omicron pathogenicity in hamsters using intratracheal inoculation
Authors: Port# Julia R. , Yinda Claude Kwe , Schulz Jonathan E. , Shaia Carl. I. , Munster Vincent J.
Published: October 2023

The Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 displays an attenuated phenotype in the Syrian hamster after intranasal inoculation. This is characterized by reduced viral replication and lung pathology in the lower respiratory tract. Here, we report that intratracheal inoculation with BA.1 Omicron recovers the lower respiratory tract replication and pathogenicity as observed with other lineages.
Silver dendrite decorated microporous copper structures for the enhancement of nucleate boiling heat transfer
Authors: R Johnsan , Das Sudev , A Inbaoli , CS Sujith Kumar
Published: October 2023

This study explores the augmentation of nucleate boiling heat transfer by surface modification of copper through a combination of electrodeposition and galvanic exchange reaction (GER). A novel microporous copper network adorned with silver dendrites was synthesized to boost the nucleate boilig heat transfer. The boiling characteristics such as heat transfer coefficient (HTC), onset of boiling (ONB), and bubble dynamics were experimentally studied for copper deposite with silver coatings produced at varying concentrations of silver ions (100, 200, and 400 mg/L) and immersion times (60, 80, and 300 s). Among the samples tested, the copper deposite coated with silver dendrites at 400 mg/L for 300 seconds (sample S5) exhibited the most substantial enhancement. Compared to the performance of the bare copper surface, sample S5 demonstrated a remarkable 163.61% increase in the heat transfer coefficient and a notable 61.11% reduction in wall superheat. This result can be attributed to the well-developed silver dendrites and the availability of micropores, facilitating hinderance-free bubble emanation.The factors governing the enhancement includes the microporous structure of the deposits, the high purity of the coating, and the surplus nucleation sites provided by the dendritic nature of silver.
Bird Detection and Overall Bird Situational Awareness at Airports
Authors: Fu Hongxuan , Wang Chunyi , Benani Nihed , Zhang Mingqi , Chen Jian Lin , Gong Yanqi , Mo Xunqiang , Gao Jinjing , Mao Guozhu
Published: October 2023

Bird behaviors have been widely detected and studied as important ecological indicators. As one of results of bird flight behavior at airports, bird strike has received constant attention due to its impacts on significant economic and life costs. Therefore, bird detection and awareness play a crucial role in the bird strike prevention at airports. This paper reviews the development of the bird identification and detection. The results show that (1) the number of publications is in a rapid growth with United States having a strong academic influence as the core of international cooperation network; (2) acoustic monitoring, image and radar detection are three primary technologies according to the analysis of the co-occurrence and keywords evolution trends; (3) all three technologies are still in the development stage and artificial intelligence-assisted multiple detection technologies combination should be the direction of technological innovation based on S-curve analysis; (4) a conceptual model can be proposed for airport bird detection and overall bird situational awareness to establish a comprehensive airport bird strike prevention system. The results provide information on the prospects of technology development and future hotspots in bird detection and situation awareness, which will be useful for scholars and policy makers in related fields.
AP39 pro-FUNDC1 mediated mitophagy regulates mitochondrial dynamics to improve HHCY-induced myocardial remodeling
Authors: Li Yaling , Hu Hongmin , Lai Qi , Yang Jun , Ouyang Fan , Chu Chun
Published: October 2023

Our previous studies have shown that hyper-homocysteinemia (HHCY) can induce myocardial fibrosis and remodeling, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. AP39, a newly synthesized mitochondrial-targeted H2S donor, has been shown to inhibit myocardial cell injury and endothelial cell aging, but its specific regulatory mechanisms are unclear. Therefore, in this study, we constructed an animal model of HHCY-induced myocardial remodeling in SD rats by drinking water containing L-methionine (10g/L), and observed that HHCY rats had decreased cardiac function, significant collagen fiber deposition in myocardial tissue, increased senescent cells in myocardial tissue, inhibited Mitophagy, and significantly imbalanced mitochondrial dynamics. AP39 intervention (100nM) could significantly reverse the above phenomena; similar changes were observed in vitro experiments. RNA-seq technology and quantitative PCR on H9c2 myocardial cells stimulated by HHCY showed that AP39 intervention could reverse the down-regulation of FUNDC1-mediated Mitophagy induced by HHCY, and RNA interference of FUNFC1 could eliminate the effect of AP39. In conclusion, the mitochondrial-targeted H2S donor AP39 may improve myocardial mitochondrial dynamics and stress-induced senescence by up-regulating FUNDC1-mediated Mitophagy, thereby improving HHCY-induced myocardial remodeling.
Mechanisms of action of telomere-related genes and telomere length-related proteins in relation to psychiatric disorders: A multi-method Mendelian Randomization study
Authors: Feng Yu , Shen Jing
Published: October 2023

Background
Psychiatric disorders (PD) refer to disorders that affect individual thinking, emotional regulation, and behavior. Notably, PD are associated with factors such as genes, proteins, and telomere-associated methylation.
Method
This study used GWAS, single-cell expression quantitative trait loci (sc-eQTL), and brain tissue eQTL and mQTL data of eleven psychiatric diseases for summary data-based Mendelian randomization analysis (SMR). A pQTL with a two-sample Mendelian randomization study was also used to investigate the mechanisms of telomere-related gene expression regulation and the causal relationship between telomere-related proteins and PD.
Result
Multiple telomere-related risk genes that are associated with PD were identified using SMR analysis. These genes were mainly expressed in cell types such as oligodendrocytes, excitatory neurons, dopaminergic neurons, and OPCs. Furthermore, several methylation-gene-disease regulatory signals were screened. Using a Mendelian randomization analysis, associations between seven telomere length-associated proteins i.e., GUSB, PSG5, MDM4, SPDEF, TNS2, MSP, and PLK1 and four PD i.e., bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, neuroticism, and schizophrenia were identified.
Conclusion
The collective findings in this study suggest an association between PD and telomere-related genes. Further, it was observed that specific genes are expressed in specific cell types in the brain tissue and play an important role in the pathogenesis of PD. In addition, there is a causal relationship between telomere length and PD, and methylation may play a role in the relationship between telomere stability and PD. Taken together, telomere-related genes and proteins have important roles in the onset and development of PD. These findings provide a new understanding of the pathological mechanisms of PD and offer potential novel targets for their diagnosis and treatment. Future studies will help in further elucidating the relationship between telomeres and PD and potential therapeutic strategies in this regard.
Advance care planning and unmet needs of malignant brain tumor patients and their caregivers.
Authors: Soeda Akio , Tamamura Emiko , Kani Tomoka , Kawaguchi Nahomi Ito , Tsuji Wakako
Published: October 2023

Purpose: When the treatment of malignant brain tumors (MBTs) becomes difficult, patients transition to palliative and/or end-of-life (EOL) care. Advance care planning (ACP) is a process of discussing overall care goals and specific/medical treatments with patients and their families, in preparation for a future decline in decision-making ability. However, patients with MBT often experience a decline in their decision-making ability that renders ACP intervention challenging. Here, we clarified the level of awareness of ACP and caregivers’ burden to provide better EOL care for patients with malignant brain tumors.
Methods: We conducted an inquiry using a questionnaire focused on ACP and palliative/EOL care from relatives of patients deceased due to MBTs to gauge their unmet needs.
Results: Among the 18 patients, the questionnaires were successfully completed by the relatives of 11 deceased patients. While only one caregiver was aware of ACP, five had engaged in discussions about the disease and EOL considerations prior to its onset. Among these, four expressed a willingness to share their burdens with caregivers of individuals affected by MBTs, and five indicated a potential need for comprehensive consultation with other specialists.
Conclusion:Since the awareness of ACP was low, it is important to discuss it with the patient's caregivers and participate in ACP on the patient's behalf.
GenSynthPop: Generating a Spatially Explicit Synthetic Population of Agents and Households from Aggregated Data
Authors: Pellegrino Marco , de Mooij Jan , Sonnenschein Tabea , Dastani Mehdi , Ettema Dick , Logan Brian , Verstegen Judith A.
Published: October 2023

Synthetic populations are microscopic representations of actual citizens living in a specific area. They play an increasingly important role in studying and modeling citizens and are often used to build agent-based social simulations.Traditional approaches for synthesizing populations use a detailed sample of the population (which may not be available) or combine data into a single joint distribution, and draw agents or households from these. In this paper, we propose a sample-free approach where synthetic individuals and households directly represent the estimated joint distribution to which attributes are iteratively added, conditioned on previous attributes such that the relative frequencies within each joint group of attributes are maintained.
A functional diversity approach indicates that dragonflies and damselflies are a resilient insect order to land use change
Authors: Rocha-Ortega Maya , Sánchez-Rivero Xavier J. , Rodríguez Pilar , Córdoba-Aguilar Alex
Published: October 2023

Functional diversity is one sound approach to understand how communities respond and structure themselves in the face of anthropogenic disturbance. We here used historical collection records and functional proxies to investigate whether Mexican odonate insects (123 species of Anisoptera and 107 of Zygoptera) respond functionally to land use intensification within hydrological regions. To do this, we used eco-morphological indices as functional trait hypotheses, with which we measured the effective number of species, richness, and functional divergence. Our findings suggest that, in general, Mexican odonates exhibit functional redundancy and are not affected by land use intensification as a functional environmental filter. These results, along with others that have analyzed species richness and turnover, suggest that odonates appear to be resilient to land use change. In the face of current insect extinction crisis, odonates do not seem equally affected.
Porous sulfur polymers for effective aqueous-phase organic contaminant removal – a low-cost sustainable material
Authors: Crick Colin , Diniz Vinicius , Bear Joseph , Rath Susanne
Published: October 2023

Emerging contaminants in supposably potable water supplies are a global and growing concern. Maintaining conventional water treatment approaches to tackle growing contamination levels would mean exponentially increasing treatment costs, with some contaminants circumventing these efforts altogether. New approaches for water treatment are therefore required. Sulfur polymers made by “inverse vulcanization” are a highly promising candidate material for this purpose. In this work, porous sulfur polymers (PSPs) were synthesized from elemental sulfur and 1,3-diisopropenylbenzene, with porosity introduced via salt templating. The result is a material that can strongly absorb and chemically neutralize a model contaminant (caffeine). PSPs show adsorption up to 5 times higher than a leading adsorption material (activated carbon). This is the first-ever report demonstrating sulfur polymers as effective materials for removing emerging contaminants from water. The versatile synthesis of sulfur polymers offers variation, which means that there is much more to explore in this exciting research area.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Khartoum State, Sudan: A desktop Situational Analysis
Authors: Abdalhai Khalid Abdallah , Mokitimi Stella , Vries Petrus J.
Published: October 2023

Background
Sudan is a Northeast African country, with 61.7% of its population under 24 years. With a large youth population and significant cultural and linguistic diversity, Sudan, like most low-income countries, has contributed minimal data to global child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) research. This study aimed to perform the first ever situational analysis of CAMH services and systems in Khartoum State, Sudan.
Methods
The study focused on Khartoum state and covered the calendar years 2019 and 2020. Using the World Health Organization Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS) version 2.2 adapted for CAMH, the study focused on the publically available data sources. Findings were described and presented in tables and figures using the WHO-AIMS template.
Results
The situational analysis found no CAMH-specific policies, no separate budget for CAMH, and no supervising body for CAMH services in Khartoum. Three tertiary mental health hospitals provided CAMH services, all combined with adult mental health services. Essential medicines were available in all facilities, except methylphenidate available only in 3 central pharmacies. There was no free access to essential psychotropic drugs for children and adolescents except in emergency settings. Data about training to primary healthcare providers and the process of referral to specialized services were limited. A school mental health programme existed which provided early identification and management of CAMH problems in schools. The workforce was small and variable across all levels of care. No formal public health awareness campaigns and little evidence of formal intersectoral collaboration on CAMH were identified. A health information system existed, but no CAMH-specific items were reported. Among a handful of publications on CAMH, no national studies on CAMH were identified.
Conclusions
This situational analysis represented the first systematic collation of data and information about CAMH in Sudan. Findings highlighted some areas of strength, but also many gaps in CAMH services and systems. We acknowledge the need to complement the desktop analysis with in-depth data collection with stakeholders across multiple levels, but hope that this will serve as a first step towards strengthening CAMH services in Sudan and other low-income countries.
Therapy-induced senescent cancer cells contribute to cancer recurrence by providing a PD-L1 umbrella regulated by ribophorin 1
Authors: Lee Jae-Seon , Hwang Hyun Jung , Kang Donghee , Jung Jonghun , Shin Jisoo , Yang Wen-Hao , Cha Jong-Ho
Published: October 2023

Conventional chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-induced cancer senescence, which is characterized by poor proliferation, drug resistance, and SASP, has gained attention as contributing to cancer relapse and the development of an immunosuppressive TME. However, the association between cancer senescence and anti-tumor immunity remains largely unknown. Here, we found that senescent cancer cells increase the level of PD-L1 by promoting its glycosylation and identified RPN1 as the major glycosyltransferase of PD-L1 during cancer senescence. RPN1 depletion significantly reduced this elevated level of PD-L1 through the ERLAD pathway to increase the susceptibility of senescent cancer cells to T-cell-mediated killing. Consistently, RPN1 depletion suppressed recurrence by decreasing PD-L1 levels and boosting CTL activity. Moreover, anti-PD-1 therapy effectively reduced the number of senescent cancer cells in irradiated tumors. These results provide crucial insights into how senescent cancer cells can escape T-cell immunity following cancer treatment and thereby contribute to cancer recurrence. Our findings also highlight the therapeutic promise of senescent cancer cell targeting for cancer treatment.
Radionuclide Tracing Based in situ Corrosion and Mass Transport Monitoring of 316L Stainless Steel in a Molten Salt Closed Loop
Authors: Wang Yafei , Olson Aeli , Falconer Cody , Kelleher Brian , Mitchell Ivan , Zhang Hongliang , Sridha Kumar , Engle Jonathan , Couet Adrien
Published: October 2023

In the study, we report an in situ corrosion and mass transport monitoring method developed using a radionuclide tracing technique for the corrosion study of 316L stainless steel (316L SS) in a NaCl-MgCl2 eutectic molten salt natural circulation loop. This novel method involved cyclotron irradiation of a small tube section with 16 MeV protons, later welded at the hot leg of the molten salt flow loop, generating radionuclides 51Cr, 52Mn, and 56Co at the salt-alloy interface. By measuring the activity variations of these radionuclides at different sections along the loop, both the in situ monitoring of the corrosion attack depth of 316L SS and corrosion product transport and its precipitation in flowing NaCl-MgCl2 molten salt were achieved. While 316L SS was the focus of this study, the technique reported herein can be extended to other structural materials being used in a wide range of industrial applications.
Mental Health and Lifestyle-Related Behaviors in Medical students in a Jordanian University, and Variations by Clerkship Status
Authors: Dodin Yasmeen , Obeidat Nour , Dodein Razan , Seetan Khaled , Alajjawe Samah , Awwad Manar , Issma’eel Majd Bani , Alhawari Amal , ALkatari Arwa , Alqadasi Amat Al-lateef , Alsheyab Ghaith
Published: October 2023

Background: The rigors of medical education often take a toll on students' mental well-being, resulting in heightened stress, anxiety, depression, somatization, and thoughts of self-harm. Evaluating medical students' mental health is essential to foster resilient, well-rounded future physicians. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of mental health disorders among Yarmouk University medical students, explore the links between mental state and demographic and lifestyle factors, and compare mental health profiles between preclinical/pre-clerkship (years 1-3) and clinical (years 4-6) students.
Methods: An online survey was administered to Yarmouk University Faculty of Medicine undergraduates during the academic year of 2021/2022. Mental health was measured using validated tools (Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ-9, for depression; SCOFF for eating disorders; Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, GAD-7; and Patient Health Questionnaire for Somatic Symptoms, PHQ-15). Sociodemographic, academic, lifestyle, and stress data also were measured. Bivariate and multivariable analyses evaluated the associations between academic level and mental health, accounting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors.
Results: Out of the 618 participating medical students, 48.4% screened positive for depression, 36.7% for anxiety, and 63.6% reported experiencing a high level of stress. Slightly over half experienced somatic symptoms, and 28.6% exhibited signs of eating disorders. Roughly, 26% had suicidal thoughts. Potential alcohol abuse/dependence was negligible. Low reported rates of healthy behaviors were observed (e.g. balanced diets, 5.7%; vigorous physical activity, 17.0%). Smoking prevalence was 24.6%, notably higher among clinical students. At the multivariable level, stress, insomnia, eating disorders and cigarette smoking were consistently associated with depression, anxiety and somatization; and higher physical activity scores were associated with lower depression risk.
Conclusion: This study highlights the pressing need to address the alarming rates of depression, anxiety, somatization, stress, and eating disorders among Jordanian medical students. Notably, there were minimal differences between preclinical and clinical students, suggesting that students face challenges early on that persist. Prioritizing mental health support and promoting healthier lifestyles among medical students are vital steps toward nurturing resilient, well-rounded future medical professionals.
Industrialization of the use of mealworm and black soldier fly in urban waste management utilizing probiotics.
Authors: Taghikhani Nasrin , Darejazi Amirreza Shaebani , Abedi Mahsa , Maghsoudi Ghazaleh
Published: October 2023

Today, protein, which is less common, may be a better substitute for traditional livestock (beef) and poultry. The larvae of the scientific name yellow mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) and black soldier fly (Stratiomyidae) are described as a small roundabout short hairstreak that are a rich source of protein. The damp waste serves as a bed for insects. The black soldier fly (BSF) is a species of insect that feeds on discarded materials and has an extremely high rate of growth and reproduction. Using insects to feed livestock and fish can be a viable alternative to soy. The most important challenges in using beneficial insects on an industrial scale include the rate of decomposition, the survival rate, the amount of protein and the toxicity of the product produced, which is of great concern. Recently there have been studies on the effect of probiotics on the growth of beneficial insects. Although studies show the effectiveness of probiotics, there are still obstacles to industrialization. Therefore, in this research, the effect of fermentation of wastewater by a combination of several Lactobacillus strains (VSL#3) on the decomposition rate, the percentage survival of the protein content and the toxicity of the product were examined. The results showed that compared to feed waste without probiotics, the protein content of the insects increased. This research also shows that the use of combination of probiotics in waste digestion has great potential to accelerate the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy.
Optimizing a Prototype Plasma Catalytic Process for Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Authors: Mnaouer Khaled , Mghaiouini Redouane , Mouden Mahmoud El
Published: October 2023

The transport sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, with cars and factories being major sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.Four experimental factors such as temperature, gas flow rate, catalyst charge and plasma power were taken into account to optimize the experimental factors for a large value of CO2 conversion rate. In our study, we chose the complete factorial model by design of experiments, 16 experiments (4*4). CO2 conversion rate is clearly influenced by temperature, followed bygas flow rate after catalyst charge and finally plasma power. The percentage contribution of temperature, gas flow rate, catalyst charge and plasma power on the CO2 conversion rate was 94.96%, 2.65%, 1.74%, 0.66% respectively. The optimal balance of factors for a high CO2 conversion rate value was plasma power (5000W), temperature (1000°C), gas flow rate (100 l/s) and catalyst charge (10%). The results of this article may encourage manufacturers to adopt this new technology to reduce CO2 emissions from factories and cars.
Spectral and steady-state properties of fermionic random quadratic Liouvillians
Authors: Costa João , Ribeiro Pedro , De Luca Andrea , Prosen Tomaž , Sá Lucas
Published: October 2023

We study spectral and steady-state properties of generic Markovian dissipative systems described by quadratic fermionic Liouvillian operators of the Lindblad form. The Hamiltonian dynamics is modeled by a generic random quadratic operator, i.e., as a featureless superconductor of class D, whereas the Markovian dissipation is described by MM random linear jump operators. By varying the dissipation strength and the ratio of dissipative channels per fermion, m=M/(2N_F)m=M/(2NF), we find two distinct phases where the support of the single-particle spectrum has one or two connected components. In the strongly dissipative regime, this transition occurs for m=1/2m=1/2 and is concomitant with a qualitative change in both the steady-state and the spectral gap that rules the large-time dynamics. Above this threshold, the spectral gap and the steady-state purity qualitatively agree with the fully generic (i.e., non-quadratic) case studied recently. Below m=1/2m=1/2, the spectral gap closes in the thermodynamic limit and the steady-state decouples into an ergodic and a nonergodic sector yielding a non-monotonic steady-state purity as a function of the dissipation strength. Our results show that some of the universal features previously observed for fully random Liouvillians are generic for a sufficiently large number of jump operators. On the other hand, if the number of dissipation channels is decreased the system can exhibit nonergodic features, rendering it possible to suppress dissipation in protected subspaces even in the presence of strong system-environment coupling.
Optically detected magnetic resonance with an open source platform
Authors: Babashah Hossein , Shirzad Hoda , Losero Elena , Goblot Valentin , Galland Christophe , Chipaux Mayeul
Published: October 2023

Localized electronic spins in solid-state environments form versatile and robust platforms for quantum sensing, metrology and quantum information processing. With optically detected magnetic resonance (ODMR), it is possible to prepare and readout highly coherent spin systems, up to room temperature, with orders of magnitude enhanced sensitivities and spatial resolutions compared to induction-based techniques, allowing for single spin manipulations. While ODMR was first observed in organic molecules, many other systems have since then been identified. Among them is the nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond, which is used both as a nanoscale quantum sensor for external fields and as a spin qubit. Other systems permitting ODMR are rare earth ions used as quantum memories and many other color centers trapped in bulk or 2-dimensional host materials. In order to allow the broadest possible community of researchers and engineers to investigate and develop novel ODMR-based materials and applications, we review here the setting up of ODMR experiments using commercially available hardware. We also present in detail the dedicated collaborative open-source interface named Qudi and describe the features we added to speed-up data acquisition, relax instrument requirements and extend its applicability to ensemble measurements. Covering both hardware and software development, this article aims to overview the setting of ODMR experiments and provide an efficient, portable and collaborative interface to implement innovative experiments to optimize the development time of ODMR experiments for scientists of any backgrounds.
Mediating effects of risk perception and management attitude toward the intention to implement trade remedies: A case study in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Viet Long , Phan Thanh Hai
Published: October 2023

Trade defense measures are tools that governments use to balance protecting domestic industries and ensuring that trade remains fair and open. Yet, their use requires careful consideration of their potential impacts on trade relations and the broader economy. Thus, this study aims to examine the impact of trade defense measures on the intentions of import-export businesses in Vietnam with the mediating effect of managers’ risk perceptions and management attitudes in the Vietnamese market. Data were collected from 793 managers representing import-export businesses through the Vietnam Customs Department. Using the PLS-SEM model, the study finds that trade defense measures, such as anti-dumping, anti-subsidy, and safeguard measures stipulated by foreign trade laws, influence the intention of businesses to implement them. This influence is mediated by risk perception and management attitude. Contrary to expectations, the content of trade defense measures has a reverse effect on businesses’ risk perception. This suggests that, from the perspective of import-export businesses, the perception of risk is not significantly affected by these measures in their transactions. This risk perception also has a reverse impact on the attitude of business managers. Furthermore, the study shows that the content of trade defense measures has an opposing effect on the risk perception of businesses. In other words, trade defense measures in business transactions do not significantly influence risk perception. These findings have important implications for policy development to enhance Vietnam’s foreign trade management system and valuable management suggestions for import-export business managers in the future.
AcknowledgmentThe authors would like to thank the Editor-in-Chief and a reviewer for their helpful comments that, in our view, have helped significantly improve the quality of the manuscript.
Influence of oral microbiome, gut microbiome and pulmonaire microbiome with COVID-19: review
Authors: Peixoto Vitória , Moraes Isadora , Santiago Orlando
Published: October 2023

The following document consists of a literature review that tries to relate oral, intestinal and pulmonary microbiome with complications of COVID-19, showing a significant part as a cause of death. The study tried to correlate viral respiratory infections with a second bacterial superinfection, which could be related to periodontitis.
Analysis of methods for accounting for the amount of evaporation of petroleum products from the tank
Authors: Glushkov Semyon , Valeev Anvar
Published: October 2023

In this paper, a detailed analysis was carried out of the methods that have been developed by various countries and organizations to calculate the losses of oil and petroleum products from tanks caused by natural factors. In the course of the study, legislative and regulatory documents regulating emissions into the atmosphere in various countries of the world were considered. Both positive and negative sides of the methods under consideration were identified, and based on the results obtained, a new and more improved method of automatic accounting of hydrocarbon vapors from tanks was proposed, the effectiveness and operability of the proposed method was proved. The study also formulated recommendations for future research in this direction, which may be useful for further improvement of methods for automatic calculation of losses of oil and petroleum products in various conditions.
Identification of some microbial flora contained in slaughterhouse effluent and likely to be effective in its treatment by biological process
Authors: Ngouyamnsa Ghenmi Esther Maurelle , Weldi Gnowe Djonga , Noubissie Eric , Noumi Guy Bertrand , Ahmed Ali
Published: October 2023

The specific contributions of the different bacterial flora during the biological treatment of slaughterhouse effluents remain unclear. The objective of this study is to identify the different microbial flora which mainly contribute to the efficiency of the biodegradation of the organic, nitrogenous and phosphate loads contained in the slaughterhouse effluent during its biological treatment. To achieve this, the effluent to be treated was sampled from three slaughterhouses in the city of Ngaoundéré (Cameroon). The various effluents underwent a physicochemical and microbiological characterization. The effluent was subjected to biological treatment. The biodegradation process (biological treatment) took place in two reactors, each operating in batch. One of the two reactors was supplied with oxygen (aeration). The effluent being treated underwent a physicochemical and microbiological characterization for 30 days. The results obtained show organic matter and ammonium contents >1,000 mgO2/L in each of the three effluents. Bacillus cereus (69 × 108 CFU/mL), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (201 × 107 colony forming unit (CFU)/mL) and Yeasts (101 × 106 CFU/mL) globally constitute the majority of microbial groups among the seven microorganisms identified in the effluents of the three slaughterhouses. There is no real oxygenation effect of the medium on the growth of the three microbial flora during the treatment.
Предельные смыслы студентов-психологов: их связь с академической мотивацией
Authors: Смирнова Нина В.
Published: October 2023

Введение. В данной работе будут исследоваться предельные смыслы студентов-психологов и их соотношение с академической мотивацией. Несомненно, качество учебной деятельности зависит от академической мотивации. Однако академическая мотивация — это в том числе внешнее выражение предельных смыслов человека, которые зачастую остаются неосознаваемыми. Возникает вопрос, какие предельные смыслы лежат в основе учебной деятельности студентов. Цель исследования - изучить содержание предельных смыслов студентов-психологов и выяснить как они соотносятся с их академической мотивацией к учебной деятельности. Методы. В ходе исследования было опрошено 25 студентов-психологов Южного федерального университета.  Все респонденты женщины, от 17 лет до 21 года. Для исследования применялись следующие методики: ШАМ (Шкала академической мотивации), тест мотивации достижения (ТМД), методика предельных смыслов. Результаты. Методика «ШАМ» - выявила высокую академическую мотивацию студентов-психологов, проходивших исследование. Высокие показатели так же проявились в шкалах: познавательной мотивации и мотивации саморазвития. Методика Тест мотивации достижения, ТМД выявила у студентов-психологов средний уровень мотивации достижения. Исследование выявило определенное соотношение между содержанием предельных смыслов студентов-психологов и их академической мотивацией. Студенты имеющие смысложизненные ориентации на саморазвитие и познание отличаются высокой академической мотивацией. Обсуждение результатов. Полученные данные согласуются с мнением авторов ранее изучавших влияние смысложизненных ориентаций на мотивационную сферу студентов.
Роль социальной активности студентов в рамках университетской жизни
Authors: Вашумирская Дарья В.
Published: October 2023

Введение. В статье рассматривается вопрос взаимосвязи социальной активности студентов с их успешностью в учебной деятельности. Важность рассмотрения этой темы заключается в том, что в психологической науке недостаточно изучено то, как социальная активность студентов влияет на успешность их учебы. Во введении автор рассматривает актуальность изучения социальной активности студентов в рамках университетской жизни. Изучение социальной активности в рамках университетской жизни имеет особое значение, так как она включает в себя совокупность отношений, характерных для вузовских учащихся, задействованных в образовательном процессе, также научной деятельности, внеучебных мероприятиях, самоуправлении и межличностном общении с другими студентами. Современные реалии, в которых совсем недавно общество начало справляться с последствиями пандемии коронавируса, вновь актуализировали вопрос о важности развития социальной активности. Многие студенты начинали свое обучение в карантинное время, а значит их социальная активность была снижена общественными ограничениями. Именно поэтому особенно важно обратить внимание на роль социальной активности студентов в их учебной деятельности, так как изучение данной темы позволит ответить на вопрос: «нужно ли мотивировать студентов на общение и активную социальную жизнь».  Цель: изучить роль социальной активности студентов в рамках университетской жизни. Теоретическое обоснование. Автор рассматривает понятие социальная активность и значение социальной активности в успешной социализации личности, также анализируются психологические особенности студенческой молодежи как социальной группы. Результаты. В данном разделе автор делает выводы о связи социальной активности с успешностью в учебе у студенческой молодежи. Обсуждение результатов. Автор приходит к выводу о том, что высокий уровень социальной активности положительно сказывается на студенческую жизнь молодых людей.