bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Αξιολόγηση διαταραχών ύπνου σε άτομα που ζουν με τον ιό HIV (PLWHIV)
Authors: Πετράκης Βασίλειος
Published: July 2023

ΠΕΡΙΛΗΨΗΣΚΟΠΟΣ:Η συνδυαστική υψηλής δραστικότητας αντιρετροϊκή αγωγή (HAART) έχει καταστήσει την HIV λοίμωξη μια χρόνια νόσο με σημαντική βελτίωση στο προσδόκιμο επιβίωσης. Ωστόσο, τα άτομα που ζουν με τον ιό HIV (PLHIV) είναι πιθανό να εμφανίζουν διαταραχές που επηρεάζουν την ποιότητα ζωής τους, όπως οι διαταραχές ύπνου. Σκοπός της παρούσας μελέτης είναι η καταγραφή των διαταραχών ύπνου στα άτομα με HIV λοίμωξη που παρακολουθούνται στη Μονάδα Ειδικών Λοιμώξεων του Πανεπιστημιακού Γενικού Νοσοκομείου Έβρου (Π.Γ.Ν.Ε.) .ΑΣΘΕΝΕΙΣ ΚΑΙ ΜΕΘΟΔΟΣ: Στη μελέτη συμπεριλήφθησαν 154 άνθρωποι που ζουν με τον ιό HIV. Πραγματοποιήθηκε πλήρης κλινική εξέταση και καταγραφή των ανθρωπομετρικών χαρακτηριστικών και κλινικοεργαστηριακών ευρημάτων. Έγινε καταγραφή της τρέχουσας αντιρετροικής αγωγής καθώς και των συννοσηροτήτων. Η αξιολόγηση της ποιότητας ύπνου των ασθενών πραγματοποιήθηκε με τα κάτωθι ερωτηματολόγια: της ημερήσιας υπνηλίας (Epworth Sleepiness scale), της κλίμακας κόπωσης (Fatigue Severity Scale), της αϋπνίας (Athens Insomnia Scale), των συμπτωμάτων άγχους και κατάθλιψης (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale- HADS), της ποιότητας του ύπνου (κλίμακα ποιότητας ύπνου,Sleep Quality Scale MOS) και της παρουσίας Συνδρόμου Ανήσυχων ποδιών (κριτήρια International RLS Study Group ,IRLSSG).ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΜΑΤΑ: Το ποσοστό των ασθενών που πληρεί τα διαγνωστικά κριτήρια του Συνδρόμου Ανήσυχων Ποδιών είναι 26,62%, ενώ με βάση τα αποτελέσματα από τη συμπλήρωση της κλίμακας Αυπνίας Αθηνών το 55,19% πάσχει από αυπνία. Από την αδρή αξιολόγηση των ερωτηματολογίων προκύπτει ότι το 31,16% αντιμετωπίζει ζητήματα ημερήσιας υπνηλίας, το 27,9% κόπωσης, ενώ το 54,54% παρουσίαζει συμπτώματα άγχους και το 46,1% κατάθλιψης. Διαταραχή στην ποιότητα του ύπνου διαπιστώθηκε στο 66,23% των ασθενών.ΣΥΜΠΕΡΑΣΜΑΤΑ: Είναι σημαντικό να διερευνάται η πιθανότητα διαταραχών ύπνου στους PLHIV, καθώς η παρουσία τους έχει αρνητικό αντίκτυπο στην καθημερινότητά τους και μπορεί να οδηγήσουν σε επιβαρυμένο επίπεδο υγείας, μειωμένη συμμόρφωση στην αντιρετροική αγωγή και επιδείνωση της λοίμωξης.
Η Σχολή Bay Region και ο Λόγος για τη Μεσόγειο
Authors: Νάφφ Φρέντερικ-Λόελλ
Published: July 2023

Σε αυτή τη πρώτη πλήρη εξέταση της αρχιτεκτονικής της Σχολής Bay Region αποκαλύπτεται ένας σχεδιασμός ο οποίος είναι τοπικός, αλλά όχι του τόπου όπου βρίσκεται, δήλαδη όχι της περιοχής του Σαν Φρανσίσκο. Είναι μία αρχιτεκτονική της Μεσογείου, βασισμένη “στο κλίμα, στον τόπο, και στον τρόπο ζωής των ανθρώπων” των δύο περιοχών. Το γεγονός αυτό εξηγείται από την κατανόηση του Κριτικού Μεσογειακισμού και των αμφησιμιών που υπάρχουν.
Εμείς και οι άλλοι, ταυτότητα και μνήμη στην ευρωπαϊκή πραγματικότητα:
Authors: Ζάννη Αναστασία , Τελειώνη Δάφνη
Published: July 2023

Η μάθηση στη σύγχρονη εκπαίδευση δεν συνδέεται αποκλειστικά και μόνο με το χώρο του σχολείου, καθώς μπορεί να πραγματοποιηθεί και έξω από αυτόν. Άλλωστε, η μάθηση αντιμετωπίζεται ως μια ενεργητική διαδικασία, που βασίζεται στη συνεργασία των μαθητών, στην ανταλλαγή απόψεων και στη διερεύνηση των δεδομένων, που οδηγούν στο σχηματισμό γνώσεων, στη διαμόρφωση πεποιθήσεων και στον επαναπροσδιορισμό στάσεων. Η δυναμική της ενεργητικής μάθησης υπαγορεύει και τις αρχές για το σχεδιασμό και τη διαμόρφωση εκπαιδευτικών προγραμμάτων και δράσεων, που πρόκειται να υλοποιηθούν εκτός σχολικών αιθουσών. Ένα τέτοιο περιβάλλον μάθησης με ενισχυμένη μαθησιακή δυναμική είναι και ο χώρος του μουσείου. Στο χώρο αυτό δεν παρουσιάζεται στο κοινό απλά μια ιστορία, αλλά εκτίθενται αντικείμενα τα οποία εμπεριέχουν ιδέες και παρακινούν τους επισκέπτες να στοχαστούν πάνω σε αυτές και να ανακαλύψουν νοήματα και συναισθήματα. Με γνώμονα την αξιοποίηση της δυναμικής του χώρου του μουσείου ως ενεργού περιβάλλοντος μάθησης, σχεδιάστηκε και εφαρμόστηκε το εκπαιδευτικό πολιτισμικό πρόγραμμα «Δια-πολις: Ο άλλος ως Εαυτός και ο Εαυτός ως άλλος» με επιστημονικό υπεύθυνο τον αναπληρωτή καθηγητή του ΔΠΘ Σίμο Παπαδόπουλο και την διεπιστημονική του ομάδα.
Σκοπός του προγράμματος ήταν η ευαισθητοποίηση των μαθητών-συμμετεχόντων πάνω στο ζήτημα της διαχείρισης της διαφορετικότητας μέσω της παροχής κινήτρων και ερεθισμάτων για την ανακάλυψη του Άλλου. Βασικά εργαλεία της προσπάθειας αυτής ήταν η τέχνη και ο πολιτισμός, όπως παρουσιάζονται σε σημαντικούς μουσειακούς χώρους σε Αθήνα, Αλεξανδρούπολη και Βρυξέλλες. Στο πλαίσιο του προγράμματος, η ομάδα των μαθητών από τις Βρυξέλλες υπό την καθοδήγηση ομάδας εμψυχωτών εκπαιδευτών δραστηριοποιήθηκε στο Σπίτι της Ευρωπαϊκής Ιστορίας του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου, στο οποίο πραγματοποίησε την εκπαιδευτική της δράση μέσω 3 επισκέψεων κατά τους μήνες Νοέμβριο και Δεκέμβριο 2021. Κατά τις επισκέψεις τους, οι μαθητές είχαν την ευκαιρία να γνωρίσουν τον πολιτισμικό χώρο του μουσείου, να ανακαλύψουν την μόνιμη έκθεσή του, και τα μηνύματα που είναι ενσωματωμένα σε αυτήν. Συμμετείχαν σε καλλιτεχνικές και εικαστικές δράσεις και επικοινώνησαν διαδικτυακά με τους συμμαθητές τους από την Αθήνα και την Αλεξανδρούπολη.
The dosage of thiopental as pharmacological cerebral protection during non-shunt carotid endarterectomy: A retrospective study
Authors: Sookplung Pimwan , Suchartwatnachai Pathomporn , Akavipat Phuping
Published: July 2023

Background: Thiopental has been used as a pharmacological cerebral protection strategy during carotid endarterectomy surgeries. However, the optimal dosage required to induce burst suppression on the electroencephalogram (EEG) remains unknown. This retrospective study aimed to determine the optimal dosage of thiopental required to induce burst suppression during non-shunt carotid endarterectomy.

Methods: The Neurological Institute of Thailand Review Board approved the study. Data were collected from 2009 to 2019 for all non-shunt carotid endarterectomy patients who received thiopental for pharmacological cerebral protection and had intraoperative EEG monitoring. Demographic information, carotid stenosis severity, intraoperative EEG parameters, thiopental dosage, carotid clamp time, intraoperative events, and patient outcomes were abstracted.

Results: The study included 57 patients. Among them, 24 patients (42%) achieved EEG burst suppression pattern with a thiopental dosage of 26.3+10.1 mg/kg/hr. There were no significant differences in perioperative events between patients who achieved burst suppression and those who did not. After surgery, 33.3% of patients who achieved burst suppression were extubated and awakened. One patient in the non-burst suppression group experienced mild neurological deficits. No deaths occurred within one month postoperative.

Conclusions: The optimal dosage of thiopental required to achieve burst suppression on intraoperative EEG during non-shunt carotid endarterectomy was 26.3+10.1 mg/kg/hr.
Peer Influence and IT Career Choice
Authors: Langer Nishtha , Jain Tarun
Published: July 2023

The productivity of the information technology (IT) industry depends on the supply of high-quality human capital, especially of managers who contribute to operational, finance, sales and marketing, and leadership roles. This study examines the influence of IT peers on the choice a management student makes to pursue a career in the IT industry. Analyzing student networks at a leading business school in India, we find that having peers who have worked in IT reduces the likelihood of receiving and accepting an offer in the IT industry. If a student has no IT experience, however, IT peers ameliorate this effect to a certain degree. Our study has important implications for the IT industry and for management schools. First, managers trying to exploit peer-to-peer learning as a way to train workers ought to be aware that negative messages could be transmitted along with positive ones, leading to productivity loss. Second, we highlight that peer influences are important when managers in emerging economies choose their occupations and industries. Managers seeking to attract more talent to the IT industry should keep this channel in mind while designing recruitment strategies.
Blacks in the Middle Ages – What About Race and Racism in the Past? Literary and Art-Historical Reflections
Authors: Classen Albrecht
Published: July 2023

Undoubtedly, racism is a deeply-anchored problem that continues to vex our world. There is a long history behind it, which can easily be traced back to the Middle Ages and beyond. This article, however, takes into consideration a number of medieval narratives and art works in which surprisingly positive images of Blacks are provided. The encounter with black-skinned people tended to create problems even for the best-intended white intellectuals or poets during the pre-modern era, but the examples studied here reveal that long before the modern age there was already an alternative discourse to embrace at least individual Blacks as equals within the courtly and the religious context. Since Europe did not yet know the large-scale form of slavery, as it emerged in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, there were much less contacts between Blacks and Whites. Nevertheless, the evidence brought to the table here clearly signals that we would commit a serious mistake by equating modern-day racism with the situation in the Middle Ages, as much as modern research (Heng) has argued along those lines. It would be more appropriate to talk about the encounter of races within the literary and art-historical context. Even the notion of Black diaspora would not fully address the issue because the evidence brought to the table here engages mostly with black or half-black knights and other individuals who enjoy considerable respect and appear to be integral members of courtly society both in the East and in the West. Instead of working with theoretical models developed for the analysis of racism in our own times, such as Critical Race Theory (CRT), this study offers close readings of literary examples of personal encounters between members of different races in medieval German and Dutch literature, and of the representation of Blacks in late medieval and early modern art history, concluding with some comments on the first Black philosopher in eighteenth-century Germany.
Social Utilitarianism in Digital Interactions and Distant Worlds
Authors: Simanian Avital , Guo Beihan , Lin Yiyue , Willis Jarryd
Published: July 2023

Online social networks are increasingly consequential in individuals’ professional and personal lives, as many people engage online to create and maintain meaningful relationships and satisfy their needs for social connection. People tend to curate their online representations (profile pictures for different websites, videogame avatars, bitmojis, profile page bios, etc.) with almost as much regularity as their corporeal (real-world) self-presentation. As such, the current study explored the socially utilitarian choices people make when presenting themselves in both the corporeal and virtual public spheres. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing various aspects of their self-presentation and behavior in real-life, social media, and online videogames. We found several differences in self-presentation strategies in both online and offline contexts based primarily on ethnoracial background, sex, and skin tone. Minority women (particularly Multiracial women) reported dyeing their hair significantly more than White women, and the overwhelming majority reported dyeing their hair a lighter color than their natural hair color. Women use more emojis and exclamation points in emails and digital interactions than men, and they are more likely to use skin lightening filters before posting a selfie on social media. In addition, we found a descriptive pattern indicating that straight women and bisexual women dating men use more filters than lesbians and bisexual women dating women. Finally, in online videogames, men who are below average height reported creating videogame avatars that were taller than they were, individuals with darker skin tones reported creating avatars with skin tones lighter than their own, and introverts reported that they pretend to be extroverted in videogames more than extroverts reported pretending to be introverted. This study highlights the importance of online self-presentation on people’s social lives and the strategies that people utilize to align how they believe they are socially perceived with a more idealized version of themselves, or a version of themselves that will confer greater social capital than what they believe they naturally embody. Given the increasing possibilities of identity customization in the virtual public sphere, further research is needed to fully understand the complex relationship between online and offline self-presentation.
Awareness and Practices of Carbon Footprint Reduction: A Survey among Postgraduate Students
Authors: Dash Dipti Shankar , Pradhan Pratima , Kumar Rajesh
Published: July 2023

The investigators have tried to know the awareness and practices of Postgraduate students studying in various streams of education at the University of Balasore, Odisha, India in reducing carbon footprint. In this study investigators used the stratified random sampling method to select the sample consisted of 180 students, comprising both female and male students. In the study data was collected by using Carbon footprint awareness test and Carbon footprint practices scale constructed by the investigators themselves. The findings revealed that more than half of the students had low level of carbon footprint awareness; whereas no significant difference was found between female and male students in their level of carbon footprint awareness; however students who followed different academic courses had varying degrees of awareness of their carbon footprint. The findings also revealed that half of the students had low level of carbon footprint practices and there exists a statistically significant difference in the mean carbon footprint practice scores of postgraduate students from different streams of education. There is a correlation between carbon footprint awareness and carbon footprint practices as viewed by the postgraduate students. Thus, it can be inferred that as the awareness of carbon footprint increases among postgraduate students, their implementation of practices to reduce carbon footprint also increases.
Rethinking Inter-Faith Relations in Nigeria: A Study of Christian-Muslims Relations in Bayelsa State,b 1997-2015
Authors: Luka Nathaniel B. Gimba
Published: July 2023

Religious crises in Nigeria are no longer news today. Previously the Boko Haram insurgency sacked many communities, destroying lives and properties, especially in northern parts of Nigeria. These religious motivated crises have, so far, dented the image of Islam in the North (especially among other faiths) and other parts of the country. However, the narrative in Bayelsa State posits a different view. This paper examines the nature of inter-faith relations in Bayelsa, 1997-2015. It is an area that enjoys peaceful inter-faith relations, despite the presence of both Christians and Muslims. Unlike Northern Nigeria where there was incessant religiously motivated violence, Muslims in Bayelsa enjoy moderate harmonious relations with their Christians counterparts. The paper found that while there was never a time both Christians and Muslims got entangled in a religious motivated physical conflict in Bayelsa, the age-long struggle for dominance between the two faiths was inevitable in the area. The paper discovered growing but salient challenges in the interfaith relations among Christians and Muslims in Bayelsa. The study relies on interviews and sourced information from secondary sources. The paper finally argues that, though doctrinal difference was inevitable among the two faiths, there was no recorded religious motivated mayhem in Bayelsa. The study further suggested that other states in the country should emulate this for a better and prosperous Nigeria.
Overcoming the fear of public speaking: effective communication is a crucial aspect for a career in rehabilitation
Authors: Polastri Massimiliano
Published: July 2023

This editorial discusses communicating within rehabilitation, and advises how to become more confident when speaking in public.
Semi-Automation: A Halfway House?
Authors: Webzell Steed
Published: July 2023

What are the engineering issues, benefits and trade-offs involved with transitioning from manually-held fastening tools to semi-automated operations?
Anaerobic/Oxic/Anoxic Mode Sequencing Batch Reactor: Treatment Performance and Development of Aerobic Granular Sludge
Authors: Rayaz Mohd , Khatoon Fehmeeda , Khan Abid Ali
Published: July 2023

Objective: The objective of the present work was to reduce the start-up time of aerobic granular sludge (AGS) formation using medium-strength sewage and to find the most effective anaerobic, aerobic (oxic), and anoxic (A/O/A) cyclic time distribution over the 6-hour cycle time for the removal of nutrients. Methods: A rectangular sequencing batch reactor (SBR) operated systematically in A/O/A cycle was designed for AGS formation. In order to achieve complete nutrient removal, the anoxic phase (5% of the total cycle duration) was introduced in the SBR cycle. Results: Growth in the biomass profile was observed after 20 days of operation, and complete granulation was achieved within 35 days of operational studies. Regular-shaped, compact granules with visible outlines and clear boundaries predominate inside the system, with an average particle size of 220.19 µm. The A/O/A system achieved average removal efficiencies of 70.02 ± 5.98%, 78.21 ± 18.66%, 60.62 ± 9.69%, and 53.49 ± 8.14% for COD, NH4+-N, TN, and PO43--P, respectively. The reasons for poor COD and PO43--P removal performance were the short anaerobic phase (25% of total cycle duration of 6 hours) and higher biomass concentration. However, the long aerobic phase (60% of total cycle duration of 6 hours) with the anoxic phase achieved outstanding (100%) NH4+-N removal efficiency after the system reached a steady state. SEM results inferred that rod-shaped bacteria, cocci, and filamentous fungi were the dominant microorganisms found within the cultivated granules. Conclusions: Sewage with a high COD loading rate accelerates AGS formation and development within an A/O/A cycle SBR reactor. The rapid granulation and simultaneous removal of organics and nutrients by the A/O/A mode SBR without any support materials provide an alternative for wastewater treatment.
From Molecules to Medicine: The Remarkable Pharmacological Odyssey of Quinoline and It's Derivatives
Authors: Panchal Neil B. , Vaghela Vipul M.
Published: July 2023

Quinoline, a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic molecule, has emerged as an important scaffold in medicinal chemistry due to its diverse pharmacological effects. The fused quinazoline nucleus in particular has garnered attention for its potent properties, including antibacterial, antiviral, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticonvulsant effects. The mechanism of action of these quinoline derivatives is specific to their pharmacological activity. Researchers have studied the chemical and pharmacological properties of quinoline derivatives extensively, with a focus on their anticancer activity. Their ability to bind with DNA, impede DNA synthesis, and cause oxidative stress has made them promising candidates for cancer therapy. The quinoline nucleus's unique chemical structure and flexibility of substituents provide a vital component in drug discovery research. This review article provides a comprehensive synthesis of the chemical and pharmacological properties of quinoline derivatives. The study highlights the immense potentiality of this ring system and their pharmacological scaffold. The review covers the diverse biological activity of quinoline derivatives and their mechanism of action, including their effects on DNA synthesis, cell division, virus replication, adhesion to host cells, cytokine generation, gene modulation, free radical scavenging, and neurotransmitter activation. The ability to modify the quinoline nucleus with different substituents around the centroid has made it a privileged scaffold for researchers to work with. Researchers have created novel therapeutic compounds with improved pharmacological characteristics, leading to innovative therapies for various disorders. Further research into synthesis, reactions, and pharmacological effects of quinoline derivatives can pave the way for the development of new drugs. The article specifically focuses on the anticancer activity of quinoline derivatives, highlighting their potential as a viable clinical candidate for cancer therapy. The review emphasizes the importance of the quinoline nucleus as a key scaffold for drug discovery research and encourages further exploration of its chemical and pharmacological properties. In conclusion, this review article provides a comprehensive overview of the immense potential of quinoline derivatives and their significance in medicinal chemistry research.
Investigating the Binding Efficacy of Snake Venom Proteins as GLP-1 Analogs for Diabetes mellitus Management: An In silico Study
Authors: Gunta Upendra , Kandula Dilipkumar Reddy , Gorti Santosh Kapil Kumar , Vadla Gangadhar P , Kodiyala Gopi , M Mastan
Published: July 2023

Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic condition defined by hyperglycemia driven by insulin deficiency or decreased insulin activity. GLP-1, a gut enzyme, stimulates insulin production and reduces hepatic glucose synthesis to regulate diabetes. GLP-1 agonists enhance insulin sensitivity and decrease blood glucose to relieve symptoms of DM. These medications represent a novel paradigm to manage diabetes as they improve glycaemic control in type 2 diabetic patients. Snake venom proteins have been investigated as a potential medicinal strategy for diabetes treatment. These proteins contain a multitude of bioactive constituents, such as insulinotropic cytotoxins, which have been found to influence insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis. Methods: In the present study, the snake venom proteins long neurotoxin 1 Cytotoxin 7, Cytotoxin 2a, and Cytotoxin 10 were modeled and their therapeutic efficacy as GLP-1 analogs was determined by employing molecular docking techniques. The binding of snake venom protein towards GLP-1 receptors was compared against the positive controls (Exenatide, Liraglutide, Semaglutide, and Lixisenatide). Results: The results demonstrated that the cytotoxins (Cytotoxin 2a, Cytotoxin 7, and Cytotoxin 10) exhibited comparable binding with the positive controls and majorly interacted with the hydrophobic amino acids in the binding pocket of the GLP-1 receptor. The modeled snake venom toxins demonstrated beneficial physicochemical properties and advocated them to be a novel contender for the development of GLP-1 analogs. Conclusion: Despite its beneficial outcomes, the utilization of snake venom proteins as a therapeutic agent for diabetes is still in its initial stages, and additional research is required to assess their effectiveness and safety in patients.
Impact of Sb Incorporation on the Structural and Optical Properties of CZTS Thin Films Grown by Spin Coating Technique
Authors: Prasad Jagdish , Yadav Jagavendra , Kumar Sunil , Sharma Hansraj , Singh Mangej
Published: July 2023

Undoped and Sb-doped, Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films have been synthesized on ordinary glass slides using the sol-gel spin coating method. The effect of variation in Sb doping concentration on structural, optical, and surface morphological characteristics of CZTS thin films has been investigated. The XRD analysis reported that these samples show a kesterite phase which is further confirmed by Raman spectra. The crystallite size for CZTS thin film samples increases from about 9 nm to 15 nm. The surface morphology of CZTS thin films has been investigated by SEM analysis. The chemical composition of existing elements has been presented by EDS analysis. The optical properties have been examined by UV-Vis spectrometer. For synthesized thin films energy band gap values vary from 1.90 eV to 1.62 eV and the refractive index varies from 2.74 to 2.85. Additionally, the high-frequency dielectric constant (ε∞) and static dielectric constant (ε0) values have been determined.
Evaluation of Some Spectroscopic Techniques for Trace Elements Assessment in Human Biological Samples During 2000-2022: (A-Review)
Authors: Momen Awad Abdalla
Published: July 2023

Trace elements (TEs) are the chemical components that naturally occur in very minute quantities. They are very important and vital for good development and optimal metabolic functioning of human organisms. According to WHO classification there are about twenty known TEs. These elements are categorized in three main groups, essential, non-essential and toxic TEs. This review provides some detailed information's and important criteria needed to assess TEs levels in different human biological samples (HBSs) using the most used spectroscopic techniques (STs). Also, this review covers some of the fundamental and basic principles underlying the most important STs that have been used for TEs assessment in HBSs over the last 22 years. Furthermore, this review also focuses on the instrumentations and operating conditions of STs that based on electromagnetic radiation (ER) in UV/Visible region for the transition of bounding electrons. These techniques include absorption, emission, and luminescence (photoluminescence and chemiluminescence).
A Unique Modified Eggshell Method as a Model to Reduce and Remove Copper(II) from Aqueous Solutions for Water Treatment
Authors: Yasin Sahl , Hamid Salma , Ali Eltoum Mohammed Sulieman , M Hamed Abdalsakhi. S. , Almaleeh Mohammed Alzubair
Published: July 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the removal of Cu2+ using eggshells and iron-modified eggshells. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to assess the impact of various operational parameters, including contact time, pH, isotherms, and kinetics. The samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). XRD analysis confirmed the presence of crystalline phases, specifically trigonal and hexagonal structures, in both eggshell samples. The addition of iron resulted in a reduction in the average crystallite size from 33.157 nm to 16.086 nm. The FTIR spectra exhibited a carbonyl peak at 1804 cm-1. The results indicated that Cu2+ adsorption on eggshells occurred rapidly, reaching equilibrium within 80 min, with an optimal pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Furthermore, the modified eggshells demonstrated superior Cu2+ removal compared to unmodified eggshells due to the increased external surface area. The copper concentration on the eggshell surface increased from 0% to 94.58%, suggesting an ion exchange between iron and copper within the modified eggshell. The experimental data exhibited a better fit with the Freundlich isotherm model, indicating the presence of heterogeneous adsorption sites for Cu2+. The kinetics of adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order rate equation. This study highlights the efficacy of using eggshells, particularly iron-modified eggshells, as a cost-effective and accessible method for the efficient removal of heavy metals like Cu2+ from drinking water or industrial wastewater.
Kern County Hospital Authority Accused of Overpaying for Executive Services
Authors:   Phoenix Pulmonary and Critical Care Research and Education Foundation, Gilbert, AZ USA, Robbins Richard
Published: July 2023

No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. Becker’s Hospital Review is reporting that the Bakersfield, CA-based Kern County Hospital Authority, is accused by the local employee union of overpaying two private firms that provide its top executives (1). The union alleges that Cantu Management Group and Meridian Healthcare Partners - both based in Bakersfield - have exceeded contractual amounts by 40 percent to 147 percent, leading to $23 million in overpayments over the past four years. Andrew Cantu of Cantu Management Group is also the CFO of Kern County Hospital Authority and its management representative for independent audits. Russell Judd served as the hospital's CEO until December 2021, and remains president and owner of Meridian Healthcare Partners. A 9-page report alleges the hospital failed to disclose management compensation accurately, to properly correct the issue when notified, and attempted to conceal the overpayments. The union claims to have repeatedly brought questions about the hospital's financial management to the …
Mifepristone use for early pregnancy loss: A qualitative study of barriers and facilitators among OB/GYNS in Massachusetts, USA
Authors: Neill Sara , Mokashi Mugdha , Goldberg Alisa , Fortin Jennifer , Janiak Elizabeth
Published: July 2023

Context

Early pregnancy loss (EPL) affects 1 million patients in the United States (US) annually, but integration of mifepristone into EPL care may be complicated by regulatory barriers, practice‐related factors, and abortion stigma.

Methods

We conducted qualitative, semi‐structured interviews among obstetrician‐gynecologists in independent practice in Massachusetts, US on mifepristone use for EPL. We recruited participants via professional networks and purposively sampled for mifepristone use, practice type, time in practice, and geographic location within Massachusetts until we reached thematic saturation. We analyzed interviews using inductive and deductive coding under a thematic analysis framework to identify facilitators of and barriers to mifepristone use.

Results

We interviewed 19 obstetrician‐gynecologists; 12 had used mifepristone for EPL and 7 had not. Participants were in private practice (n = 12), academic practice (n = 6), or worked at a federally qualified health center (n = 1). Seven had fellowship training, including four in complex family planning. The most common facilitators of mifepristone use for EPL were access to the expertise or protocols of local‐regional experts, leadership from a “champion,” prior experience with abortion care, and hospital capacity constraints during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The most common barriers were related to the Mifepristone Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) Program imposed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additionally, mifepristone's affiliation with abortion was a barrier to its use in EPL for some obstetrician‐gynecologists.

Conclusion

The FDA Mifepristone REMS Program presents substantial barriers to obstetrician‐gynecologists incorporating mifepristone into their EPL care.
Effect of Graphite Oxide Electrochemically Exfoliated Over a Multimode Interference Filter
Authors: Flores-Rosas Ariel , Espinosa Yuliana , Flores Christian Iván Enríquez , Álvarez Elizeth Ramírez , Molina Diego Enrique Fuentes , Ruiz-Perez Victor , Hernández Jerónimo Jiménez
Published: July 2023

In this work, we study multimodal interference filters with a graphite oxide coating. The use of the multimodal interference filter shows a distinctive peak in the signal spectrum, and when using the exfoliated graphite coated multimodal interference filter the signal shows different spectral changes, such as the full width at half maximum of the curve, the maximum power, and the central wavelength, which indicates that graphite oxide absorbs part of the energy. In addition, microscope observations when a He-Ne laser is passed through the filter confirmed graphite oxide is adhered to the filter.
The effects of probabilistic context inference on motor adaptation
Authors: Cuevas Rivera Dario , Kiebel Stefan
Published: July 2023

Humans have been shown to adapt their movements when a sudden or gradual change to the dynamics of the environment are introduced, a phenomenon called motor adaptation. If the change is reverted, the adaptation is also quickly reverted. Humans are also able to adapt to multiple changes in dynamics presented separately, and to be able to switch between adapted movements on the fly. Such switching relies on contextual information which is often noisy or misleading, affecting the switch between known adaptations. Recently, computational models for motor adaptation and context inference have been introduced, which contain components for context inference and Bayesian motor adaptation. These models were used to show the effects of context inference on learning rates across different experiments. We expanded on these works by using a simplified version of the recently-introduced COIN model to show that the effects of context inference on motor adaptation and control go even further than previously shown. Here, we used this model to simulate classical motor adaptation experiments from previous works and showed that context inference, and how it is affected by the presence and reliability of feedback, effect a host of behavioral phenomena that had so far required multiple hypothesized mechanisms, lacking a unified explanation. Concretely, we show that the reliability of direct contextual information, as well as noisy sensory feedback, typical of many experiments, effect measurable changes in switching-task behavior, as well as in action selection, that stem directly from probabilistic context inference.
Evidence from UK Research Ethics Committee members on what makes a good research ethics review, and what can be improved
Authors: Sidaway Mark , Collett Clive , Kolstoe Simon Erik
Published: July 2023

The rapid development of vaccines and other innovative medical technologies in response to the COVID-19 pandemic required streamlined and efficient ethics and governance processes. In the UK the Health Research Authority (HRA) oversees and coordinates a number of the relevant research governance processes including the independent ethics review of research projects. The HRA was instrumental in facilitating the rapid review and approval of COVID-19 projects, and following the end of the pandemic, have been keen to integrate new ways of working into the UK Health Departments’ Research Ethics Service. In January 2022 the HRA commissioned a public consultation that identified strong public support for alternative ethics review processes. Here we report feedback from 151 current research ethics committee members conducted at three annual training events, where we asked members to critically reflect on their ethics review activities, and to share new ideas or ways of working. The results showed a high regard for good quality discussion among members with diverse experience. Good chairing, organisation, feedback and the opportunity for reflection on ways of working were considered key. Areas for improvement included the consistency of information provided to committees by researchers, and better structuring of discussions by allowing signposting of the key issues that ethics committee members might need to consider.
“How is your thesis going?”–Ph.D. students’ perspectives on mental health and stress in academia
Authors: Friedrich Julian , Bareis Anna , Bross Moritz , Bürger Zoé , Cortés Rodríguez Álvaro , Effenberger Nina , Kleinhansl Markus , Kremer Fabienne , Schröder Cornelius
Published: July 2023

Mental health issues among Ph.D. students are prevalent and on the rise, with multiple studies showing that Ph.D. students are more likely to experience symptoms of mental health-related issues than the general population. However, the data is still sparse. This study aims to investigate the mental health of 589 Ph.D. students at a public university in Germany using a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach. We administered a web-based self-report questionnaire to gather data on the mental health status, investigated mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety, and potential areas for improvement of the mental health and well-being of Ph.D. students. Our results revealed that one-third of the participants were above the cut-off for depression and that factors such as perceived stress and self-doubt were prominent predictors of the mental health status of Ph.D. students. Additionally, we found job insecurity and low job satisfaction to be predictors of stress and anxiety. Many participants in our study reported working more than full-time while being employed part-time. Importantly, deficient supervision was found to have a negative effect on Ph.D. students’ mental health. The study’s results are in line with those of earlier investigations of mental health in academia, which likewise reveal significant levels of depression and anxiety among Ph.D. students. Overall, the findings provide a greater knowledge of the underlying reasons and potential interventions required for advancing the mental health problems experienced by Ph.D. students. The results of this research can guide the development of effective strategies to support the mental health of Ph.D. students.
Clinical application of 4% sodium citrate and heparin in the locking of central venous catheters (excluding dialysis catheters) in intensive care unit patients: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Deng Yuchun , Xing Jie , Tan Zhi , Ai Xiaohua , Li Yi , Zhang Liqin
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The feasibility of utilizing 4% sodium citrate as an alternative locking solution for central venous catheters (CVCs) (excluding dialysis catheters) was assessed.

Methods

Using heparin saline and 4% sodium citrate as locking solution, then 152 patients in ICU undergoing infusion with central venous catheters, were randomly assigned to receive either 10 U/mL heparin saline or 4% sodium citrate. The used outcome indicators include: four indexes of blood coagulation at 10 minutes after locking and 7 d after the first locking, bleeding around the puncture site and subcutaneous hematoma rate, gastrointestinal bleeding rate, catheter indwelling time, catheter occlusion rate, catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) rate, rate of ionized calcium < 1.0 mmol/L. The main outcome indicator was the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) at 10 min after tube locking. The trial was approved by relevant authorities (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, no: ChiCTR2200056615, registered on February 9, 2022, http://www.chictr.org.cn; Ethics Committee of People’s Hospital of Zhongjiang County, no: JLS-2021-034, approved at May 10, 2021, and no: JLS-2022-027, approved at May 30, 2022).

Results

Among the main outcome measures, the heparin group showed a significant increase in APTT compared to the sodium citrate group at 10 min after locking (LSMD = 8.15, 95%Cl 7.1 to 9.2, P < 0.001). Among the secondary outcome measures, the heparin group demonstrated a significant increase in prothrombin time (PT) compared to the sodium citrate group at 10 minutes after locking (LSMD = 0.86, 95%CI 0.12 to 1.61, P = 0.024). It is found that APTT (LSMD = 8.05, 95%CI 6.71 to 9.4, P < 0.001), PT (LSMD = 0.78, 95%CI 0.14 to 1.42, P = 0.017) and fibrinogen (FB) (LSMD = 1.15, 95%CI 0.23 to 2.08, P = 0.014) at 7 d after locking are increased in the heparin group compared to sodium citrate group. There was no significant difference in catheter indwelling time between the two groups (P = 0.456). The incidence of catheter blockage was lower in sodium citrate group (RR = 0.36, 95%CI 0.15 to 0.87, P = 0.024). No CRBSI occurred in the two groups. Among the safety evaluation indexes, the incidence of bleeding around the puncture site and subcutaneous hematoma was lower in sodium citrate group (RR = 0.1, 95%CI 0.01 to 0.77, P = 0.027). There was no significant difference in the incidence of calcium ion < 1.0 mmol/L between the two groups (P = 0.333).

Conclusions

In ICU patients using CVCs (excluding dialysis catheters) infusion, employing 4% sodium citrate as a locking liquid can reduce the risk of bleeding and catheter occlusion without any hypocalcemia.
Editorial
Authors: Milestone Katie , Ormrod Joan
Published: July 2023

This editorial contextualizes the main themes covered in the articles of this Special Issue ‘Fashioning Girlhood across the Media in the Mid-Twentieth Century’. The themes involve the real and imagined experiences of girlhood, from the mid-1950s to the mid-1970s. The influence of Angela McRobbie on research in girls’ culture runs through many of the articles. McRobbie worked with girls’ magazines and comics to analyse how they might have impacted on girls’ consumption of popular culture. The articles in this issue analyse the significance of cross media promotion in the ways girlhood is experienced and reflected in film, fashion and stardom. The issue contains articles offering new insights about Jackie magazine, representations of the ballet body in girls comics and film, Vogue Italia covers and female Bollywood stars.
Confluencias entre el mundo de Mo Yan y el de Gabriel García Márquez
Authors: Kunfei Li
Published: July 2023

Gabriel García Márquez y Mo Yan son dos autores galardonados con el Premio Nobel de Literatura, el escritor latinoamericano por su realismo mágico, y el chino, por su realismo alucinatorio. Puesto que la literatura de América Latina influyó la de China en el siglo pasado, es necesario investigar la repercusión entre los dos. Además, la literatura contemporánea china y el autor Mo Yan no ha sido muy estudiado en países hispanohablantes, otra razón que motivó la autora de la tesis a seleccionar el tema y dedicar a este trabajo. Se hace un estudio de confluencia entre sus novelas representativas, concretamente Cien años de soledad de García Márquez, y tres libros, Rana, Sorgo rojo, y Grandes pechos amplias caderas de Mo Yan, con el fin de destacar las diferencias y semejanzas basado principalmente en las teorías de la literatura comparada. El análisis de confluencia incluye tres partes: primero, sobre los motivos y personajes en distintos ámbitos culturales; segundo, las técnicas de narraciones y ficciones aplicadas por los dos autores; y por último, la cuestión del nacionalismo e internacionalismo bajo la época postcolonial. Con una investigación paralela entre los dos autores, se espera que ayude el entendimiento mutuo de la literatura y cultura entre el mundo oriental y occidental.
Effects of logic glitch and (area-power dissipation) leakage on cryptosystems using clock gating technique to enhance web etiquette
Authors: Ehis Akhigbe-mudu Thursday
Published: July 2023

The last century has seen an evolution in technology that has improved communication systems and, in general, made life easier for people. Our communication systems have become faster and more dependable as a result of the explosion of gadgets and services. But, these upgrades come at a price. The power consumption is one of the most worrying costs. In recent years, the solution involved installing larger, more powerful batteries—so long as doing so did not limit mobility. Today's economic and environmental problems compel us to consider alternative solutions, like methods for lowering the power consumption of digital devices. This study focuses on using digital circuits, which promise to deliver good energy efficiency and desirable performance at very low voltage savings. Certain digital switches are allegedly redundant and not required for the circuit to function properly, yet they continue to use energy. So, one of the primary issues for low power design is reducing such redundant switches. Subthreshold conduction in digital circuits is typically seen as a “parasitic” leakage in a condition where there should ideally be no conduction. Sub-threshold activities thereby reduce the problem of lowering power consumption, but do so at the expense of system throughput deterioration, fluctuations in system stability and functionality, temperature variations, and most critically, design space utilization. In order to minimize some of these redundant switches and to make circuits more energy-efficient while maintaining functionality, this study suggests two novel techniques. It uses an optimization method based on threshold voltage change to reduce glitch power. A glitch-free circuit netlist is created using an algorithm, while still maintaining the requisite delay performance. Using this approach results in a 6.14% overall reduction in energy consumption.
Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms in organomineral fertilizers to increase the productivity of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.
Authors: Ventura Matheus Vinicius Abadia , Costa Estevam Matheus , Pereira Leandro Spíndola , Braghiroli Rodrigo , Batista-Ventura Hellen Regina Fernandes , Souchie Edson Luiz
Published: July 2023

This work aimed to evaluate the interaction between P-solubilizing microorganisms and organomineral fertilizers in order to increase the cowpea nutrition and yield under field conditions. One field trial was carried out in a randomized complete block design arranged in subdivided plots (7 x 3) with four replicates. The organominerals (poultry litter, swine manure, filter cake and soot from chimneys) as well as triple superphosphate (TSP) with and without sulfur and the control treatment (no fertilizer addition), were considered the primary factor. The secondary factor was constituted by inoculation of Bradyrhizobium sp. SEMIA 6462 (Simbiose Nod Caupi®), one P-solubilizing bacteria (MBSF2) as well as no inoculation treatment. The MBSF2 inoculation combined to the soot organomineral increased the shoot length at 50 DAE. The stem diameter, shoot and root dry matter at 50 DAE were increased by Bradyrhizobium spp. inoculation and poultry litter. Also, the stem diameter was increased using filter cake organomineral and both inoculants. The nodules number was also increased by use of that organomineral combined to Bradyrhizobium spp.
EVA/zinc oxide nanocomposites for active food packaging: selected physical, and microbial properties
Authors: Majeed Haza Satar , Al-Juboory Farah Khalaf Hammoud , Hamid Raghad , Zawawi Ruzniza Mohd
Published: July 2023

The melt-mixing method was used to obtain nanocomposites of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) with 1, 3 or 5wt% of hydrophilic zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. The contact angle, barrier and antimicrobial properties of the obtained composites were investigated. The nanocomposites were characterized by better hydrophilic and barrier properties, as evidenced by, respectively, a smaller contact angle and lower water vapor permeability and water absorption compared to EVA, which can be explained by the formation of hydrogen bonds between EVA and ZnO. In addition, the composites were characterized by greater bactericidal activity against E. coli and S. aureus. The optimal physical and microbial properties were obtained with 3 wt% ZnO content.
Ser ou não ser? uma análise diacrônica da relação entre agricultura familiar e produção de soja
Authors: Thies Vanderlei Franck
Published: July 2023

A produção de soja tem elevada importância no cenário nacional e do Rio Grande do Sul, estando presente em parte dos estabelecimentos da agricultura familiar. O processo de mercantilização tem intensificado a presença dos impérios alimentares e a subordinação dos agricultores a sua lógica, promovendo processo de concentração e exclusão no campo, resultando na diferenciação dos agricultores. O presente estudo, de caráter longitudinal, tem por objetivo analisar as alterações no perfil da produção de soja e identificar a diferenciação dos agricultores familiares em relação ao seu cultivo no município de Salvador das Missões (Rio Grande do Sul - Brasil). Para tal foi realizado estudo de caso, com a obtenção de dados primários, em 2003 e 2018, junto as mesmas famílias. Os dados foram analisados através da comparação de painéis e as famílias categorizadas segundo as distintas trajetórias percorridas ao longo do tempo. Observou-se a desativação da produção de soja pela maioria das famílias, em paralelo com a concentração da terra, do capital e da produção em um grupo menor de agricultores. Identificou-se quatro trajetórias familiares, sendo elas: descontinuidade da produção de soja; aumento da área cultivada; continuidade do cultivo em pequenas áreas; ausência do cultivo de soja.
Economia Territorial
Authors: Chaparro Jorceli de Barros
Published: July 2023

Resenha do livro: FERRERA DE LIMA, J. Economia Territorial: teoria e indicadores. Campina Grande PB: EdUEPB, 2022, v. 1, 168p. A resenha trata-se de uma obra inédita, porém, publicação nacional, com abordagem diferenciada da Economia Territorial, tendo como pressuposto reflexões sobre os princípios econômicos de John Stuart Mill.