bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling Nitrogen Removal in the Kibendera Wastewater Stabilization Ponds in Ruiru, Kenya
Authors: Kirumba George , Thumbi George , Mwangi John , Mbugua John
Published: March 2024

Application of waste stabilization ponds (WSP) in wastewater treatment in the tropical regions is primarily due to their affordability and relatively high treatment performance. Monitoring of 2-year nitrogen removal behavior in Kibendera WSP in Ruiru, Kenya, was undertaken between January 2021 and December 2022. The experimental work determined the concentrations and removal efficiencies of Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite, Organic Nitrogen and Total Nitrogen. Standard Methods for the examination of water and wastewater determined Nitrogen and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) concentrations. Based on the experimental data obtained, mass balance reaction rate models characterized the nitrogen transformation and removal behavior in the WSP. Whereas model calibration was achieved using observed data from January to December 2021, model validation was achieved using observed data from January to December 2022. Ammonia volatilization, sedimentation, mineralization, nitrification, denitrification and microbial ammonia uptake were the possible transformation and removal pathways. Whereas ammonia volatilization contributed the least to the overall nitrogen removal (0.01-0.02 mg/L.d), denitrification contributed the most (2.12-14.67 mg/L.d). Low DO levels and high ammonia concentrations were responsible for low nitrification rates and high microbial ammonia uptake respectively. Comparison between experimental and modelled effluent concentrations yielded correlation coefficients (r) of 0.77 and 0.69 for ammonia and organic nitrogen respectively during the calibration period. The corresponding model validation r values were 0.74 and 0.93 respectively. The good agreement between the model output and observed effluent concentrations implies that nitrogen removal prediction and optimization is possible. External aeration to spike DO concentration levels is necessary to enhance the long-term nitrification rates.
Evaluation of Noise Pollution Level in Selected Sawmill Factories in Port Harcourt and Environs, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Anekwe Uzo , Avwiri Gregory
Published: March 2024

Evaluation of noise pollution level has been carried out in in some selected Sawmill factories in Port Harcourt and environs using noise level and frequency meters in seven locations. The mean values of maximum and minimum sound levels in Mile2, Mile3, Marine base, Oluwood were 81.98±0.43 and 79.28±2.00, 82.450±0.66 and 80.28±0.80, 81.50±4.73 and 74.75±1.10, 81.40±0.40 and 78.03±2.02 respectively. Also the mean values of maximum and minimum sound levels at Igwuruta, Rumosi, Rumuji were found to be 82.00±0.64 and 79.40±2.00, 81.53±0.60 and 78.66±1.63, 81.78±0.40 and 77.95±1.86 respectively. The average noise equivalent (Leq) ranged from 77.20 to 82.25 dB whereas the average noise pollution level (Lnp) ranged from 96.13 to 101.23 dB. Therefore, the indication is that the Sawmill at Igwuruta has the highest average Lnp whereas Rumuosi has the least average when compared with the recommend permissible value by the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Environment (FMEnv). This study has determined the noise level generated in study area through set objectives which included but not limited to measuring the sound level, investigating noise some meters away from the source and of course comparing results with best known standards. The results therefore suggested that the noise level is high at the saw mills and the day exposure to this unwanted sound could threaten the health of the factory workers and the residents at proximity to the noise sources.
An Overview of Approaches of Cassava Processing and Cassava Based Recipe Preparation in Ethiopia
Authors: Wale Kasahun
Published: March 2024

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is tuberous roots, drought tolerant, which is high in carbohydrate content and a cheap source of food. However it needs removal of toxic substance which is called hydrogen cyanide (HCN) which can be easily removed. There are two types of common preparation methods, preparing it by drying it in the sun and preparing it by boiling. Removing toxic cyanide by drying is less effective, however boiling is better method of removing cyanide from cassava roots. Cassava is used as a raw material in different food industries. In Ethiopia, there is cassava processing industry around Addis Ababa located at Dukem area. There are different trends of cassava based recipe preparations. Especially in Ethiopia there are exotic cassava based recipe items. Some of the trends in Ethiopia as formulated by Jimma Agricultural Research Center are; cassava bread with different flour compositions, cassava with corn flour composite recipe, cassava with teff flour composite recipe, Cassava syrup stew, Cassava porridge, Cassava biscuits and so on are exotic recipe with good sensorial values and proximate compositions. Due to its drought tolerant nature and nutritional excellence; cassava production, utilization and popularization is best strategy for food system resilience in the world wide.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Diabetic Patients About Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia in Atbara Teaching Hospital, December 2022 – October 2023
Authors: Magbol Mustafa , Alaziz Wael Mohammed Abd , Osman Ahmed Mohammed , Allah Nosiba Awad Khalf , Alkhowad Nuha Osman , Izzoddeen Ahmad , Alsugud Shireen Abd Alraheem
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia, which can increase the risk of micro and macro vascular complications. Hypoglycemia strongly associated with increase mortality in diabetic patients. The American Diabetes Association defines the hypoglycaemia as “any abnormally low plasma glucose concentration that exposes the subject to potential harm”, and proposes a threshold of <70 mg/dl. Prevention of hypoglycaemia can occur if much efforts spent in patient education regarding risk factors, food & physical activity, warning signs, and treatment of hypoglycaemia at an early stage. Objective: To identify Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Diabetic patients about symptoms of Hypoglycaemia at Atbara teaching hospital. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional hospital-based study done in Atbara teaching hospital, River Nile state, Sudan. From December 2022 – October 2023. The study population were all diabetic patients who presented to the hospital during the period of the study. Exclusion criteria was severely ill patient or those who refuse to participate in the study. With total coverage sample size was 200. The data was collected by interviewing the respondents through close ended questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed by using SPSS. Result: The male to female ratio equal one. With the predominant age between 20 to 35. Most of the participants HBA1c were between 7%-10%. The duration of diabetes was not exceeding 10 years in 44% of the participants. Majority were on oral hypoglycemic drugs with good adherence to it. Tremor is the most reported symptoms of hypoglycemia. With most of the participants deal with the symptoms by them self. Conclusion: Over all the participants show acceptable level of knowledge toward hypoglycemia. Expressed through that most of them deal with the symptoms immediately by them self. Attitude of the participant need to be more investigated in the future with further studies.
Bibliometric Analysis of the Top-100 Cited Articles on Postoperative Sleep During the Last 10 Years
Authors: Deng Rui , Tang Jing , Zhou Rui , Han Jia , Zhang Xianjie , Zhou Dan , Xia Leqiang
Published: March 2024

Background The quality of postoperative sleep is vital for surgical patients. A large number of patients after surgery suffer from sleep disorders. There are plenty of studies on postoperative sleep disorders. The aim of this study is to do a bibliometric analysis of the top-100 cited articles on postoperative sleep during the last 10 years, providing some clues to the investigators. Methods Publication retrieval was conducted in Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection on 12 January 2024. The 100 most frequently cited articles on postoperative sleep were identified and analyzed by VOSviewer and Excel. We mainly analyzed the publication year, citations, usage count, author, institution, country/region, journal and keywords. Results The number of citations ranged from 20 to 124 in WoS Core Collection, with a median of 35 and a mean of 40.79. USA (n = 39), China (n = 22) and Canada (n=9) ranked top three in terms of the number of publications and citations. Univ Copenhagen, Univ Toronto, and Lundbeck Ctr Fast Track Hip & Knee Arthroplasty were the top three institutions leading the researches on postoperative sleep. The journals specialized in Anesthesiology recorded the most high-quality articles. Postoperative pain, sleep, sleep quality, quality of life and postoperative delirium were the highly used keywords, while general anesthesia, fatigue, cognitive impairment and postoperative cognitive dysfunction were the latest topics. Conclusion At present, postoperative sleep researches have focused on the impacts of postoperative sleep disorders and pharmacological therapies to postoperative sleep disorders. However, non-pharmacological management of postoperative sleep should be paid more attention in the future.
Evaluation of Health Challenges Among Pregnant Women Visiting Paiko Town Clinic and Model Clinic for Antenatal: A Case Study Paiko Paikoro Local Government Niger State
Authors: Abdulkareem Jamil Hassan , Otaru Fatima Zahra Abubakar , Miya Yusuf Yahya , Hope Ajayi Philomena , Abdulraman Abdulmalik
Published: March 2024

The study aims to assess the health challenges pregnant women are facing in Paiko, Paikoro Local Government and the study went further to compare pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in two healthcare clinic facilities in Paiko with the view to ascertain their health challenges and taking into consideration of age variation. However, few women have medical conditions that emerge during pregnancy, and different women have medical issues before they become pregnant, that could prompt intricacies. It is vital for women to get medical services previously and during pregnancy to diminish the danger of pregnancy entanglements. The type of study conducted in the two clinics in Paiko was a descriptive cross-sectional study. This study was conducted to describe the patterns of health challenges occurring in pregnant women in the study area. A stratified sampling technique was used in this study conducted within the two clinics among the pregnant women in Paiko, Paikoro local government however the tools for the collection of data are questionnaires and interviewers (face-to-face interviews). Data were collected from the two clinics using the techniques mentioned above. The questionnaires were administered to the pregnant women from the two clinics and observations were made from the study population. Data collected were through primary and secondary means, which is questionnaire and interview. The pregnant women were sensitized about the information in the survey template in other to enlighten then about the survey study plan and the required data from them. Result: The findings revealed major health challenges that pregnant women face was High Blood Pressure, Ulcer, and Malaria etc.
Dynamics of Development and Functions of Social Services in Bulgaria
Authors: Kolarova Tsetska
Published: March 2024

The research objectives of this article are two: 1. to attempt to analyze the current dynamics of development of social services in Bulgaria over the last 4-5 years and 2. to analyze the content of the functions of social services existing today in Bulgaria. The leading method of work on this article is the theoretical analysis aimed at two types of sources: 1. theoretical analysis of the main legal effective document on social services in Bulgaria and 2. theoretical analysis of some literary sources in social work. The dynamics of development of social services in Bulgaria is the result of the entry into force of the Social Services Act, which has a reforming nature in the social sphere in the country. The established practices of the societies of the democratic countries and the broad theoretical generalizations achieved for the social sphere in the 20th century in the works of many authors today really help the countries of Eastern Europe to consider and receive ready-made models for constructing public relations in the field of social services. Some of the functions of social services in nowadays Bulgaria can be distinguished and derived on the basis of the current legislation in the country, and another part is fundamentally inherent in the social sphere in democratic countries and in the theory. Social services in modern Bulgaria have the following functions: preventive, supportive and restorative, control, complex, organizational and planning, accessibility function, function to protect human rights and provide equal opportunity, function to implement change for people, guiding function, social-educational and correctional function, personality change function. The significance of this article consists in the theoretical explanation of the leading functions in social services in the modern conditions of life in Bulgaria. Social services are a field of action and probably have some potential to become one of the tools for uniting the currently diverse not only Bulgarian society, and clarifying the problem with the functions of social services could help to find some practical solutions to live together in peace.
Sinomenine: A Protential Biomaterial for Its Antitumor Effect in H22 Hepatoma-Bearing Mice and Its Mechanisms
Authors: Yu Miao , Yu Miao , Ji Yubin
Published: March 2024

Sinomenine (SIN) is a natural isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from the Chinese medicinal plant Sinomenium acutum with promising antitumor properties. Although its antitumor effect and mechanism have been studied, its effects on the structure and function of tumor cell membranes
remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the antitumor effect of SIN on H22 hepatoma-bearing mice and its mechanism of action on tumor cell membranes, and the tumor inhibition rate and life extension rate were examined. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the dose-dependent induction of
apoptosis in H22 cells. The main components of tumor cell membrane, including total protein, cholesterol and sialic acid (SA) were characterized. The ultrastructure of cell membrane was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, SIN’s effect on the function of
cell membranes was studied by analyzing fluidity, sealing, and ion pump activity. The results demonstrated that SIN effectively inhibited the growth of liver cancer cells in vivo and prolonged the lifespan of H22 hepatoma-bearing mice. SIN induced apoptosis of H22 cells in a dose-dependent
manner, significantly reduced total protein, cholesterol, and SA contents in H22 cell membranes, and significantly decreased the fluidity, sealing, Na+/K+-ATPase and Ca2+/Mg2+-ATPase activities of H22 cell membranes with increasing doses. Overall,
these findings suggested that SIN reduced the main component contents of H22 cell membranes, leading to changes in structure and function of cell membrane, ultimately resulting in tumor cell apoptosis and inhibition of tumor growth. The findings indicated that SIN has great potential as a
biomaterial for anti-liver cancer drugs, and provides new ideas and methods for developing antitumor drugs through membrane pharmacology.
Acoustic Emission Time-Space Evolution Characteristics of the Bond Behavior of Recycled Aggregate Concrete-Filled Steel Tubes
Authors: Sun Bing , Zhang Jie , Chen Wei , Fang Yaochu , Chen Zhenfu , Zhang Zhirui , Zeng Sheng
Published: March 2024

In order to effectively observe the damage behavior of the interface between steel tube and concrete, and to reveal the law of time-space evolution and the bond failure mechanism of the bond, the Acoustic Emission (AE) non-destructive monitoring technology was used to monitor the process
of repeated push-out tests of concrete-filled carbon steel tube (CFST), recycled aggregate concretefilled carbon steel tube (RACFST), and recycled aggregate concrete filled stainless steel tube (RACFSST) specimens. F-S (force-slip) curve and strain distribution were obtained from the
tested specimens, in addition to various acoustic emission (AE) parameters such as hit count, energy release rate, and time difference localization points. To establish a relationship between the acoustic emission characteristic parameters, the normalized characteristic parameters, and the
F-S curve, we took into account the time-space evolution process of interface bonding failure and developed a constitutive model incorporating the concept of macro-interlocking. The results show that for peak bonding strength, CFST is slightly lower than the RACFST specimen in the first
load cycle, while in the second to fourth load cycles, CFST > RACFST > RACFSST. The AE localization points show a continuous and linear distribution, and the time-space evolution characteristics of AE localization points in the first load cycle show a extension from the two ends-middle-lower
middle. In the second and fourth load cycles, the positioning points are concentrated in the elastic stage and the upper intermediate stage. The macro-interlocking directly affects the bonding interface characteristics, and the macro-interlocking coefficient defined can quantitatively describe
the macro-interlocking of the steel tube and predict the τ-S curve of the RACFST under repeated load cycles.
Optical Controlling of Thermal Parameters in a Nano-Body Containing Lithium Niobates Molecules
Authors: Wu Zhenduo , Qiao Jian , Li Zongan , Yang Lijun , Wu Ye
Published: March 2024

Thermal parameters including entropy, specific heat and thermal energy of a nanobody containing lithium niobates are theoretically investigated. When zero-index is present, these thermal quantities are controllable via the manipulation of optical parameters and geometry. Our exploration
is started from the calculation of the thermal parameters in the THz gap, whose wavelength is ranging from 30 μm to 3 mm. It can be noted that the value of the entropy and specific heat is increasing when the wavelength is increasing in this optical range. Furthermore, we investigate
its thermal behavior in the case of long wavelength, ranging from 3 mm to 650 m. It can be found that the variation of the entropy, the specific heat and the thermal energy from positive to negative, which indicates the transition from the thermal radiation to thermal absorption. Still, we
calculate the value of critical temperature associate with the zero-index, it can be seen that these values of the temperature is modulated by the combining of the optical parameter and the wavelength. Several transitions of the thermal energy from the positive value to negative value can
be seen. Our study shows potential and flexible application of optics in modulating the thermal quantities.
Protective Effects of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharides, Mulberry Leaf Flavonoids, and Ginkgo Leaf Flavonoids on HBZY-1 Cell Injury: An Investigation of Lactate Dehydrogenase and Total Nitric Oxide Synthase
Authors: Liu Hua , Fu Xiaoxiao , Cao Lei
Published: March 2024

The impacts of natural plant extracts, including Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), mulberry leaf flavonoids (MLF), and ginkgo leaf flavonoids (GLF), on high glucose (HG)-induced injury in HBZY-1 mesangial cells were analyzed. LBP, MLF, and GLF were individually extracted,
and their purities were determined. HBZY-1 cells cultured in low glucose (LG) served as the Normal group (NG), while HG culture represented the HG group. Subsequently, HBZY-1 cells in the HG group were treated with 300 μg/mL of LBP, MLF, and GLF, resulting in the HG+LBP, HG+MLF,
and HG+GLF groups, respectively. Cell viability (CV) was assessed using the MTT assay, and cellular morphological changes were observed through HE staining. Meanwhile, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were examined using the microplate method. Furthermore, malondialdehyde
(MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were detected by ELISA. mRNA levels in IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were assessed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (rt-qPCR), and Collagen IV was examined using immunofluorescence.
The results revealed that the polysaccharide content in the LBP extract was 63.57%, the flavonoid contents in the MLF and GLF extracts were 55.40% and 48.62%, respectively. Based on the NG group, HG group exhibited decreased CV, increased LDH and MDA, decreased NO, SOD, and GSH-Px, elevated
mRNA levels in IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, and reduced Collagen IV, showing great differences (P < 0.05). Based on the HG group, the HG+LBP, HG+MLF, and HG+GLF groups demonstrated increased CV, decreased LDH and MDA levels, increased NO, SOD, and GSH-Px levels,
decreased mRNA levels in IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, and increased Collagen IV, presenting obvious differences (P < 0.05). Comparing to the HG+LBP group, the HG+MLF and HG+GLF groups exhibited enhanced CV, downshifted LDH and MDA, elevated NO, SOD, and GSH-Px,
downregulated mRNA in IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, and increased Collagen IV (P < 0.05). No significant changes in CV, LDH, MDA, NO, SOD, GSH-Px, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, or Collagen IV were observed in the HG+MLF and HG+GLF groups to the NG
group (P >0.05). In conclusion, natural plant extracts such as LBP, MLF, and GLF exerted protective effects against injury in HBZY-1 mesangial cells caused by HG and possessed significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant stress, and antifibrotic damage properties.
Production and Optimization of a Lipase-Producing Bacteria Enterobacter hormachei Isolated from an Oil-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Aldabaan Nayef Abdulaziz , Muddapur Uday M. , Hombalimath Veeranna. S. , Mahnashi Mater H. , Shaikh Ibrahim Ahmed , Samdani Mohammad Shahzad , Kolvekar Harsh N. , Mannasaheb Basheerahmed Abdulaziz , Hiremath Sadashiv , Srihari Kashyap U. , Shetti Vaishnavi G. , Khan Aejaz A. , Patil Laxmikant R. , Shakeel Iqubal S. M. , Hussain Syed Arif
Published: March 2024

Lipase enzymes possess a wide range of industrial applications. Thus, the capacity of lipase-producing bacteria to proliferate on tributyrin agar medium was used to screen for them among various sources. The lipase producing bacteria with highest zone of clearance on the screening media
were preserved on the agar slants. The preserved slants were characterized by16SrRNA gene sequencing. The nucleotide sequence so obtained by the 16SrRNA gene sequence was then put through phylogenetic analysis and homology search using the NCBI’s BLAST program. The sequence of lipase
producing bacteria showed maximum resemblance with Enterobacter hormaechei bacterial strain. These bacterial strains were produced by inoculating the culture in the inoculum media and allowing it to enrich over night. Subsequently, 3% of the inoculum from the inoculum media was added
to the production media, which was then incubated for 48 hours in a rotary shaker. After production the media was centrifuged and supernatant was extracted and used further for optimization, Optimization of the physiochemical parameters of the bacterial strain like inoculum pH, incubation
period, inoculum size was found using one factor at a time (OFAT) approach and medium parameters like different carbon source, nitrogen source, substrate, minerals, salts (11 factors) were screened using Plackett-Burman (PB) design which is a full factorial design. The Lipase activity was
found by using a titrimetric method using olive oil and Arabic gum mixture as substrate mixture. The maximum lipase activity was found for inoculum pH of 5, 48 hours of incubation time, and 5% inoculum size. The results of the PB design showed the significant parameters to be glucose (carbon
source), peptone (nitrogen source), KH2PO4 (salt), and NaCl (mineral). The organism of the soil sample containing bacterial strain showed maximum lipase activity of 70 U/ml and protein concentration of 4.3 μg/mL at the optimized conditions. After centrifuging
the culture media that had been improved, the supernatant was collected and partially purified using dialysis and the ammonium sulfate precipitation procedure. Following precipitation, the supernatant’s activity was measured to be 74 U/mL. After being gathered, the pallet was dialyzed
in a dialysis bag and added to a buffer. Both the protein content and the lipase activity were estimated. The protein concentration determined by Lowry’s technique was found to be 6.2 μg/mL, and the lipase activity was reported to be 85.22 U/mL.
Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis of Kenaf Coir Epoxy Reinforced Carbon Nanotubes Nanoparticles Hybrid Composite
Authors: Parashar Shikha , Chawla V. K. , Mahmoud Mohamed H.
Published: March 2024

Ecological awareness and sustainable development have attracted researchers’ focus on composites developed using natural fibers. Consequently, natural fiber polymer composites are flattering and increasingly prominent for use and research. Fiber-reinforced composites inhibit considerable
benefits, in conjunction with high strength and lesser weight, simpler fabrication, biodegradability, lesser cost of production, and so on. Natural fiber offers good properties, but it requires proper matrix interface bonding along with effective synergy amongst each matrix-fibre combination.
In the case of the hybrid composite proposed in this research, analytical modeling has been carried out and compared with the previous literature, in our previously published research [Parashar, S. and Chawla, V., 2022. Kenaf-coir based hybrid nanocomposite: AN analytical and representative
volume element analysis. Engineering Solid Mechanics, 11(1), pp.103–118]. The present paper investigates the composite proposed in the research for scanning electron microscopy examinations, using an S3400M Scanning Electron Microscope. Each of the specimens has been cut to the
necessary dimensions for SEM examination. The micrographs have been created with a high voltage of 20 kV. The broken surface of the tensile specimens of the composite samples was investigated using SEM. According to the findings of SEM and analytical modeling it has been observed that, combining
nanoparticles of CNT as filler and kenaf-coir as fiber reinforcement results in a composite material with good interfacial adhesion betwixt matrix and fibers, high strength, and mechanical capabilities, to make hybrid composites for various industrial and automotive applications compared to
composite present in the previous literature. The hybridization effect has also been evaluated for the composite, which depicts the higher tensile failure strain of the proposed hybrid composite.
Synthesis and Characterization of Cerium Oxide Thin Films Fabricated via the Facile Doctor Blade Method
Authors: Rosaline Daniel Rani , Poongothai P. , Mariadhas Jarvin , Inbanathan Savariroyan Stephen Rajkumar , Fouad Hassan , Mahmoud Mohamed H.
Published: March 2024

In this study, we present an in-depth investigation of cerium oxide (CeO2) thin films synthesized using the doctor blade approach, with polyethylene glycol employed as a binder. A comprehensive characterization employing X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR), UV-visible spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been conducted to elucidate the structural, chemical, and morphological attributes of the fabricated films. The XRD analysis reveals distinctive wide diffraction peaks indicative of a face-centered cubic CeO2
crystalline structure existing in a singular phase. The morphological analysis using AFM delineates a mean square roughness of 34.54 nm, providing valuable insights into the surface topography of the CeO2 thin films. Additionally, the direct correlation between the material’s
band gap, determined as 1.92 eV through UV-visible spectroscopy, and its nanostructural features is established using spectroscopic ellipsometry in conjunction with AFM studies. This approach offers a unique perspective on the optical characteristics of CeO2 films, enhancing our
understanding of their nanostructures and facilitating the optimization of their performance for energy applications. Furthermore, the synergistic utilization of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and spectroscopic ellipsometry contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the growth modes
and surface characteristics of the thin films. The integration of these advanced techniques not only refines the fabrication process but also provides crucial insights into the intricate interplay between morphology and optical properties, crucial for optimizing thin films for various applications.
Interpretation: Voice of the Field
Authors: Stern Donnel B.
Published: March 2024

To patients, the most memorable moments in psychoanalytic treatment are seldom the contents of the analyst’s interpretations, but the feeling of being understood. Interpretations are most meaningful not because of what they say but because each one is evidence that the analyst, who generally becomes someone of great significance to the patient, knows the patient more than before the interpretation was made. As a result of this process of “witnessing” patients not only know and feel—they also “know and feel that they know and feel.” They can feel their roles in authoring their own experience. Therapeutic action results: patients “come into possession of themselves.” Interpretations are the outcome of shifts in the interpersonal field, which reveal this new freedom to think and feel. This new freedom allows the creation of the analyst’s interpretations, which therefore serve as a sign of a new way of being in one another’s presence that has now become possible between analyst and patient. Field shifts are jointly created, without conscious intention, and interpretations arise from these shifts. Thus, interpretations are not really created independently by the mind of the analyst, but are instead the voice of the field. A clinical vignette illustrates these ideas.
The Reflexive Function of Psychoanalytic Interpretation
Authors: Lichtenstein David
Published: March 2024

The act of interpretation in psychoanalysis has a distinct character due to the discursive structure of the psychoanalytic setting. The discourse that issues from the interplay of the fundamental rule and evenly suspended attention is a reflection on reflection. The result is that interpretation instead of being a device for inquiry is itself the object of inquiry. Psychoanalysis does not use interpretation. It is about interpretation itself. This perspective sheds a certain light on longstanding questions about the form and effects of psychoanalytic interpretation.
Interpreting Interpretation
Authors: Eagle Morris N.
Published: March 2024

Interpretation of the latent meaning of manifest content is the core of the traditional approach to psychoanalytic treatment. The main purpose of such interpretation is to enhance the patient’s self-knowledge, in particular his or her awareness of unconscious wishes and their embeddedness in inner conflicts. An assumption of classical psychoanalysis is that veridical interpretations—as Freud put it, interpretations that tally with what is real in the patient—will be especially effective therapeutically. These basic assumptions have been called into question, as reflected in such concepts as “narrative truth” and the overriding importance of the patient’s “assured conviction” regarding interpretations. Also called into question is the therapeutic value of “deep” interpretations intended to uncover repressed impulses. To an important extent, these have been replaced by interpretations of defensive processes just below the surface of consciousness, and interpretations that make connections among different experiences, both of which are intended to help the patient understand how his or her mind works. There is also an increased emphasis on nonsemantic aspects of interpretation, as well as some degree of skepticism toward the therapeutic value of interpretation itself, along with an increased emphasis on the implicit interpretive aspects of the therapeutic relationship. Finally, representative research is presented on the relation between transference interpretation and therapeutic outcome.
Palliative Care Training During Surgical Critical Care Fellowship: A Preliminary Needs Assessment at a Major Academic Center
Authors: Shah Nikhil R. , King Sarah D. , Soltani Tandis , Park Pauline K. , Thirumoorthi Arul S.
Published: March 2024

Surgical palliative care (PC) facilitates communication between surgeons and patients/family about prognosis, symptom control, and therapeutic goals. Surgical critical care (SCC) fellows are at the forefront of the intensive care team; thus, we aim to assess previous and ongoing experiences in delivering PC by surveying fellows at a large academic center. Seventeen surveys were completed in which 59% of fellows reported no previous PC education. Six fellows (35%) reported participating in goals of care/end-of-life (GOC/EOL) discussions “a few times a year” during residency, while 41% responded the same for transitioning patients to comfort-focused care (CFC). When asked if respondents felt comfortable facilitating GOC/EOL discussions prior to fellowship, 7 (41%) answered “disagree” or “strongly disagree.” Most fellows reported that more training in navigating GOC/EOL discussions (88%) and transitioning patients to CFC (76%) is needed. This assessment demonstrates variability in fellows’ prior PC exposure and a strong desire for more structured training.
Labour Values and Production Prices  in Joint Production
Authors: Stamatis Georg
Published: March 2024

In this article, we show that in joint production, both labour values and production prices are positive but not unambiguously determined. Usually, the former is determined under the implicit presupposition that labour productivity in the production of each commodity is the same in all production processes that produce this commodity, and the latter is determined under the indirect presupposition that the capital productivity in the production of each commodity is the same in all production processes, with the consequence that this also applies to the maximum profit rate. This presupposition is equivalent to a transformation of joint into single production—not in the ‘space’ of material quantities but in that of corresponding nominal quantities in terms of labour values or production prices, respectively. The same presupposition is not only arbitrary but also, in the case of separable technique, contradicts the technical data of the given production technique. The same applies to the above transformation of joint into simple production, which is made possible under this presupposition. Consequently, either no theory of joint production based on nominal quantities is possible, or, when it is possible, it is based on an arbitrary and, in some cases, contradictory presupposition.

JEL Codes: B50, B51, B59
Effect of drama training on self-esteem and personality strengths: A feasibility case control study of nidotherapy
Authors: Mansell Chelsea , Yang Min , Tyrer Peter
Published: March 2024

Background:

Although there are many case reports and qualitative studies on the likely positive effects of drama on mental health there have been few quantitative studies with mentally ill patients.

Aims:

To assess the effect of drama training in patients receiving nidotherapy with a range of mental and personality disorders on changes in self-esteem and personality strengths over a 1-month period compared with two control groups, one with similar mental disorders and another without, who had similar assessments but no acting involvement.

Method:

A total of 19 patients were recruited from a mental health charity with current significant mental illness (active group: n = 6) (b) a control group of patients with current mental illness who were not involved in acting ( n = 5), and an additional control group with no current mental illness ( n = 8) The patients involved in drama were taking part in nidotherapy, an environmental intervention. Two self-rating scales, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and Abbreviated Personality Strengths Scale (APSS) recorded changes in self-esteem and personality strengths at base-line and after 1 month in the participants. Random effects modelling was used to analyse the data.

Results:

The intervention group showed positive improvement in personality strengths ( p = .009) compared to the control group that had no mental illness, and also improved more than the control group with mental illness but not to a significant degree ( p = .16). Self-esteem recorded with the Rosenberg scale was lower in those in the acting group at baseline compared with the other two groups ( p = .088) but after acting training improved by 29% to be equivalent to the control groups.

Conclusions:

Despite the limited numbers in this study, and the consequent inability to make firm conclusions about the efficacy of drama therapy as part of nidotherapy, the findings suggest that larger trials of this approach are feasible and worth exploring. .
Beyond borders: Trans-organisational and transnational alliances among gig workers in the United Kingdom and Italy
Authors: Borghi Paolo , Murgia Annalisa
Published: March 2024

This article examines the activities of the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) and Deliverance Milano (DM), the main collective actors that are currently organising food delivery platform workers in London and Milan, respectively. Both IWGB and DM seek to encourage and support alliances across organisational boundaries as well as across national borders, albeit in different ways. Drawing on a combination of participant observation, in-depth semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis, the findings of these case studies suggest that IWGB and DM are successfully developing trans-organisational and transnational alliances and ties. The article contributes to the growing literature on the renewal of workers’ representation, focusing on the relationship between trade unions and other collective actors at local as well as national and international levels. In particular, we propose a distinction between purpose-oriented and value-oriented alliances, both present in the networks of collective actors engaged in organising platform workers.
The Utility of Virtual Home Visits to Reduce Asthma Burden in Low-Income Black Communities in Louisiana During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Bakshi Arundhati , Apantaku Elora , Marquette Tracy , Jacob Colette , Dumas S. Amanda , Friedman Kate , Aubin Kathleen , Soileau Shannon , Kemmerly Shaun
Published: March 2024

Objectives:

The Louisiana Department of Health identified a need for greater outreach in low-income Black communities that addressed environmental asthma triggers. We piloted an asthma virtual home visit (VHV) program and evaluated its reach and ability to promote asthma self-management strategies in communities with a high prevalence of poorly controlled asthma.

Methods:

Participants from Louisiana were continuously recruited into the VHV program starting in March 2021 and provided with asthma education materials. Participants reporting poorly controlled asthma and environmental triggers were also offered 3 VHVs with a respiratory therapist. All participants were asked to complete a preintervention and postintervention knowledge test, an Asthma Control Test (ACT) (maximum score = 25; scores ≤19 indicate poorly controlled asthma), and a final survey that assessed perceptions about asthma management and reduction of environmental triggers.

Results:

As of October 2022, 147 participants were enrolled in the program, and 52 had consented to and received ≥1 VHV. Forty VHV recipients (77%) were aged <18 years, 40 (77%) were Black people, and 46 (88%) were from families with extremely low or low incomes. Asthma symptoms improved across all participants, with a median increase of 2.4 points on the ACT. Knowledge tests revealed that 86% of participants learned about ≥1 new asthma trigger; a larger percentage of VHV recipients than nonrecipients (68% vs 36%) had an improved knowledge test score postintervention. Compared with preintervention, about three-quarters of participants reported feeling more empowered to self-manage their asthma and a significant improvement in their quality of life postintervention.

Conclusions:

The program provided virtual asthma education to communities with a high burden of asthma and improved asthma outcomes for participants. Similar virtual models can be used to promote health equity, especially in areas with limited access to health care.
Study on the degradation conditions of corn stalks by Asian corn borer digestive enzymes combined with white-rot fungus
Authors: Wang Yanchen
Published: March 2024

Since the environmentally friendly reuse of corn stalks attracts more and more attention, it is an efficient and feasible way to reuse corn stalks as forage. However, whether the cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose within corn stalks can be effectively decomposed becomes a key to reusing corn stalks as forage. Orthogonal test was designed by five different degradation temperatures (22°C, 24°C, 26°C, 28°C, 30°C), five different pH values (4, 5, 6, 8, 10), and five different degradation time durations (5, 15, 25, 30, and 35 days) to examine 25 kinds of different degradation conditions. It was found that the decomposition effect of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin, of group 25 (26°C, pH = 5, 25 days) was stronger compared with other groups, with the contents calculated as 8.22%, 31.55%, and 22.55% individually ( p < 0.01, p < 0.05). Group 19 (22°C, pH = 4, 5 days) revealed the worst degradation effect of cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose compared to other groups, with contents calculated as 15.48%, 38.85%, and 29.57%, individually ( p < 0.01, p < 0.05). The research data deliver a basis for ideal degradation conditions for corn stalks degradation in combination with the digestive enzymes of P. chrysosporium and O. furnacalis larva. Aiming to explore a highly efficient and environmentally friendly corn stalk degradation method.
From modeling and simulation to Digital Twin: evolution or revolution?
Authors: Ali Zeeshan , Biglari Raheleh , Denil Joachim , Mertens Joost , Poursoltan Milad , Traoré Mamadou Kaba
Published: March 2024

As digitalization is permeating all sectors of society toward the concept of “smart everything,” and virtual technologies and data are gaining a dominant place in the engineering and control of intelligent systems, the Digital Twin (DT) concept has surfaced as one of the top technologies to adopt. This paper discusses the DT concept from the viewpoint of Modeling and Simulation (M&S) experts. It both provides literature review elements and adopts a commentary-driven approach. We first examine the DT from a historical perspective, tracing the historical development of M&S from its roots in computational experiments to its applications in various fields and the birth of DT-related and allied concepts. We then approach DTs as an evolution of M&S, acknowledging the overlap in these different concepts. We also look at the M&S workflow and its evolution toward a DT workflow from a software engineering perspective, highlighting significant changes. Finally, we look at new challenges and requirements DTs entail, potentially leading to a revolutionary shift in M&S practices. In this way, we hope to foster the discussion on DTs and provide the M&S expert with innovative perspectives.
We Know What is Good for Her: Hunar, and Respectable Work for Women
Authors: Devi Rama , Ray Sawmya
Published: March 2024

Education is often conflated with women’s empowerment. Access to formal education is considered to possess the potential to usher in the elimination of the imposed dependence of women on men by enhancing their employability and easing their entry into the labour market. This article argues that establishing such simplistic interconnections evades hidden constraints of sociocultural conditions entwined with patriarchal ideologies that influence and even partially prohibit women’s access to education vis-a-vis employment, resulting in their marginalistaion in the labour market. Examining the nature of educational access and occupational aspirations, of urban women residing in a Delhi settlement, the article shows that patriarchal ideology impresses and controls the nature and outcome of the education they obtain. In the settlement, while most young girls are pursuing higher education, not everyone is expected to channelise their educational degrees to secure paid employment. Unlike men, women are not encouraged to engage in every form of work as the nature of female occupation is tied to notions of honour and disgrace of the family. Locally prevailing patriarchal norms dictate and define what constitutes respectable work for women. They are permitted to aspire and engage in reputable work.
Wellness Tourism Attributes and Tourist Outcomes: An Analysis of Configurational Effects
Authors: Al-Ansi Amr , Kim Seongseop (Sam) , Xu Yuchen , Chen Che , Chua Bee-Lia , Han Heesup
Published: March 2024

Prior studies have identified the complexity involved in explaining the relationship between wellness tourism attributes and tourist behavior. This study investigated the configurational effects of 10 constructs in predicting the ambiguous area between overall satisfaction and destination behavioral loyalty. To achieve this, the study used a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) and necessary condition analysis (NCA). The results of the fsQCA generated a range of models that effectively predicted tourists’ high or low levels of overall satisfaction and behavioral loyalty. Furthermore, the NCA results identified perceived quality as an essential construct for achieving the combination of overall satisfaction and behavioral loyalty. The study enhances our current knowledge by broadening our comprehension of the intricate aspects of tourists’ decision-making processes and the formation of their behaviors. Additionally, it provides a roadmap for the industry to effectively address challenges in managing wellness tourism resources.
How Valid Are Trust Survey Measures? New Insights From Open-Ended Probing Data and Supervised Machine Learning
Authors: Landesvatter Camille , Bauer Paul C.
Published: March 2024

Trust is a foundational concept of contemporary sociological theory. Still, empirical research on trust relies on a relatively small set of measures. These are increasingly debated, potentially undermining large swathes of empirical evidence. Drawing on a combination of open-ended probing data, supervised machine learning, and a U.S. representative quota sample, our study compares the validity of standard measures of generalized social trust with more recent, situation-specific measures of trust. We find that survey measures that refer to “strangers” in their question wording best reflect the concept of generalized trust, also known as trust in unknown others. While situation-specific measures should have the desirable property of further reducing variation in associations, that is, producing more similar frames of reference across respondents, they also seem to increase associations with known others, which is undesirable. In addition, we explore to what extent trust survey questions may evoke negative associations. We find that there is indeed variation across measures, which calls for more research.