This study investigates the effect of oil viscosity on pollutant emissions and fuel consumption of an internal combustion engine (ICE) in high-altitude using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A Chevrolet Corsa Evolution 1.5 SOHC gasoline engine was used in Cuenca, Ecuador (2560 meters above sea level), testing three lubricating oils with kinematic viscosities of 9.66, 14.08, and 18.5 cSt under various engine speeds and loads. Key findings include: hydrocarbon (HC) emissions were minimized to 7.25 ppm with low viscosity and load; carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions peaked at 15.2% vol with high viscosity and load; carbon monoxide (CO) ranged from 0.04% to 3.74% depending on viscosity and load; nitrogen oxides (NOx) were significantly influenced by viscosity, RPM, and load, indicating a need for model refinement; and fuel consumption was significantly affected by load and viscosity. RSM-based optimization identified optimal operational conditions with a viscosity of 13 sCt, 1473 rpm, and a load of 78%, resulting in 52.35 ppm of HC, 13.97% vol of CO2, 1.2% vol of CO, 0 ppm of NOx, and a fuel consumption of 6.66 l/h. These conditions demonstrate the ability to adjust operational variables to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize emissions. This study underscores the critical role of optimizing lubricant viscosity and operational conditions to mitigate environmental impact and enhance engine performance in high-altitude environments.

Construction Design Management (DM) involves the coordination of design process and activity to ensure quality project design, yet it involves many challenges. This work reports on a collaborative Knowledge Transfer Project (KTP) that tackled several challenges faced by construction design management practitioners. Employing a design science research methodology (DSRM), qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with purposively identified design managers first uncovered real world concerns around design coordination, and designer performance monitoring. Then to address these concerns, a web-based design management prototype dashboard was developed which uses typical project data to aid the management of design coordination activity and facilitate design management task prioritization and reporting functionalities. By digitalizing selected design management processes to improve efficiency, and productivity, the visual reporting capability of the dashboard enables design production to be monitored at project and portfolio levels; trends in designer performance to be assessed and focus to be retained on technical queries (TQs) and requests for information (RFIs). By reporting on the development of this web-based Design Management prototype dashboard and illustrating how it can enhance design management productivity in construction firms, this work also provides further evidence of how employing a design science research methodology in construction can produce practical solutions that address real world construction concerns.

Textile and clothing is one of the most important industrial sectors, not only due to the significant number of jobs generated, but also because it addresses one of the people’s fundamental needs (clothing). It is, however, a sector with a huge environmental impact, all over the world, and also an important social impact, especially in developing countries. Sustainability in the Textile & Clothing value chain is a known issue, concerning both environmental, and economical-social facets of sustainability. One way to improve sustainability in this sector is by measuring the environmental, economic and social impacts of value chain activities and, ultimately, computing an Environmental and Circular score for each batch of textile and clothing product, and an Economical and Social score for each involved firm, reflected in their products. The consumer will then have the opportunity and responsibility for selecting products with the least negative environmental, economical and social impact. This article presents the results of STVgoDigital project - PPS1, developed in Portugal with the aim of implementing the traceability of textile and clothing products, boosting sustainability in this sector, and preparing the ground for the implementation of the circular economy. More exactly, a blockchain-based textile and clothing value-chain traceability platform is presented, for tracing textile product lots and activities, along the value chain, classifying them with a score, which measures their environmental and social impact. The environmental, economic and social impact scores are based on a set of proposed indicators. The results are assessed through the presentation of a case study of a face towel (home textile) and a case study of a T-shirt (clothing).

The goal of this paper is to contribute the perspective of a systems engineer to the effort to fight pandemics. The availability of low latency case data and effectiveness of social distancing suggest there is sufficient control for successful smoothing and targeting almost any desired level of low or high cases and immunity. This control proceeds from spontaneous public reaction to caseloads and news as well as government mediated recommendations and orders. We simulate multi-step and intermittent-with-feedback partial unlock of social distancing for rapidly-spreading moderate-mortality epidemics and pandemics similar to COVID-19. Optimized scenarios reduce total cases and therefore deaths typically 8% and up to 30% by controlling overshoot as groups cross the herd immunity threshold, or lower thresholds to manage medical resources and provide economic relief. We analyze overshoot and provide guidance on how to damp it. However, we find overshoot damping, whether from expert planning or natural public self-isolation, increases the likelihood of transition to an endemic disease. An SIR model is used to evaluate scenarios that are intended to function over a wide variety of parameters. The end result is not a case trajectory prediction, but a prediction of which strategies produce near-optimal results over a wide range of epidemiological and social parameters. Overshoot damping perversely increases the chance a pathogen will transition to an endemic disease, so we briefly describe the undershoot conditions that promote transition to endemic status.

In Data Science we are concerned with the integration of relevant sciences in observed and empirical contexts. This results in the unification of analytical methodologies, and of observed and empirical data contexts. Given the dynamic nature of convergence, described are the origins and many evolutions of the Data Science theme. The following are covered in this article: the rapidly growing post-graduate university course provisioning for Data Science; a preliminary study of employability requirements, and how past eminent work in the social sciences and other areas, certainly mathematics, can be of immediate and direct relevance and benefit for innovative methodology, and for facing and addressing the ethical aspect of Big Data analytics, relating to data aggregation and scale effects. Associated also with Data Science is how direct and indirect outcomes and consequences of Data Science include decision support and policy making, and both qualitative as well as quantitative outcomes. For such reasons, the importance is noted of how Data Science builds collaboratively on other domains, potentially with innovative methodologies and practice. Further sections point towards some of the most major current research issues.

Several factors impact the durability of concrete bridge decks, including traffic loads, fatigue, temperature changes, environmental stress, and maintenance activities. Detecting problems such as corrosion, delamination, or concrete degradation early on can lower maintenance costs. Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques can detect these issues at early stages. Each NDE method, meanwhile, has limitations that reduce the accuracy of the assessment. In this study, multiple NDE technologies were combined with machine learning algorithms to improve the interpretation of half-cell potential (HCP) and electrical resistivity (ER) measurements. A parametric study was performed to analyze the influence of five parameters on HCP and ER measurements, such as degree of saturation, corrosion length, delamination depth, concrete cover, and moisture condition of delamination. The results were obtained through finite element simulations and used to build two machine learning algorithms, a classification algorithm and a regression algorithm, based on the Random Forest methodology. The algorithms were tested using data collected from a bridge deck in the BEAST® facility. Both machine learning algorithms were effective in improving the interpretation of ER and HCP measurements using data from multiple NDE technologies.

The electronic cigarette or e-cigarette is the new alternative method to deliver nicotine. In 2007, the United States introduced vaping devices on the market. Due to their attractive taste and lack of adverse effects, these vaping devices have gained popularity among youth and adults. However, there has been increasing evidence that vaping can cause severe lung injury, and these devices release toxic chemicals into the body. E-cigarettes are recognized as a global threat to public health. Nicotine, the most prevalent chemical in vaping devices, is associated with neurological problems and cognitive decline. Long-term use of e-cigarettes can cause adverse health problems, including respiratory illnesses, asthma, bronchitis, and lung inflammation. In 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially declared vaping-associated illness EVALI (e-cigarette or Vaping Product Associated Lung Injury). The US Surgeon General published an alarm in December 2016 that e-cigarette consumption among adolescents and teens in the US is a "major public health concern" and that more young people are now vaping than smoking traditional cigarettes and cigars. Since its commercial introduction in 2003, modern electronic cigarettes (or E-cigarette s) have become increasingly popular with smokers, non-smokers, and those who used to smoke who have switched to them. With such a rise in consumption, people are becoming more aware of the irritating, harmful, and perhaps cancer-causing effects on the lungs. (Chadi et al., 2019; Dinardo & Rome, 2019; Lyzwinski et al., 2022; Marrocco et al., 2022; O’Callaghan et al., 2022)

Clustering algorithm such as k-Means is highly sensitive to the scale of input features. A common approach to mitigate this issue is Min-Max scaling normalization, which rescales feature values to a specified range. This paper investigates an alternative form of Min-Max scaling, where the normalization is based on both the minimum (Xmin) and mean (Xmean) of the feature, rather than the maximum value. The proposed method is shown to be particularly effective in improving clustering accuracy for datasets with varying scales and distributions. Experimental results demonstrate that using this modified Min-Max scaling approach leads to better-defined clusters, enhanced performance in terms of clustering accuracy, and reduced bias in distance-based clustering algorithms. We validate the method using several standard clustering techniques, including k-Means on publicly available datasets.

This paper presents an in-depth study of the stress wave behavior propagating in a Rayleigh–Love rod with a sudden cross-sectional area change. The analytical solutions of stress waves are derived for the reflection and transmission propagation behavior at the interface of the cross-sectional area change in the rod, considering inertia and Poisson’s effects. Examples solved by the finite element method are provided to verify the correctness of the analytical results. In addition to the forward analysis of Rayleigh–Love wave propagation in rods impacted by a striker rod, a nondestructive testing method is proposed to conduct the defect assessment in the rod type of the structure component with a sudden cross-sectional area change within a cover medium by using the measured signals at the measurable zone of the rod to be inspected.

The study investigated the usage of open data in public organizations, focusing on the motives, preferences, and governance ideals that determine their quality. The study shed light on how open data platforms are created and improved, as well as their influence on government operations. The primary goal was to understand the motivations behind the usage of open data, evaluate gov-ernance ideals, and examine institutions' efforts to standardize data formats. Hierarchical regres-sion analysis divides variables into core reasons and different preferences, demonstrating a need for "diversification" in order to use open data effectively. Efficiency, accountability, community impact, knowledge, and high-quality service delivery are all emphasized in governance value analysis. The institution's dedication to standardizing open data formats is evidenced by legislative measures and the integration of many technologies. The findings illustrate the institution's dual strategy of em-ploying traditional techniques and new technologies for effective data management. The report suggests increasing data openness and standardization, investing in ongoing training, upgrading alerting and awareness systems, and adopting specific regulations for open data use. Monitoring and feedback techniques are critical for adjusting and refining open data services to satisfy de-velopment needs. This study adds to the scientific knowledge of open data use by highlighting important motives, preferences, and governance ideals. The offered guidelines provide practical insights for public organizations looking to improve their open data platforms by promoting openness, efficiency, and community participation.

We consider an alternative hypothesis of crater formation -- through an electric discharge machining (EDM) of the celestial bodies' surfaces. The source of the energy and the current itself may lie in the plasma infalling on a celestial body (from an extremely strong solar outburst or a nearby supernova). This mechanism may have been even more important than impact cratering in the early Solar System, with potential implications to the history of the dynamics of the System itself and solar activity in particular. In this light, the conclusion that shocked and metamorphosed minerals found within crater sites are evidence of hypervelocity impacts might be reconsidered. There are ambiguities that remain among sources of mineralogical formations. This study is ongoing with details of investigations supporting a new approach to crater formation not yet exhausted. Apart from mineralogical analysis and theoretical considerations regarding the large scale crater formation, we present a description of experimental studies of EDM acting at low pressures. Experimental results are made with crude setups and could easily be replicated on a larger scale with valuable research potential, as there is a well understood relation between the crater size and the energy needed for its production.

This paper investigates the effects that rain drop erosion has on the integrity of wind turbine materials. This research involves analysis of impact models and theoretical equations to simulate the impact phenomena when a raindrop collides with a wind turbine blade at high speed. Impact phenomena that occur when a raindrop impacts with a wind turbine blade were evaluated. Additionally, the use of various types of software was considered to simulate this impact event. The model results of the raindrop impact with respect to a comparison of the governing equations and impact behaviour are addressed. Future work is outlined including adding variables to the erosion modelling algorithms.

Advanced Finite Element (FE) modeling and simulations were performed on vehicular crashes into a Three-bar Metal Bridge Rail (TMBR). The FE models of a sedan, a pickup truck, and a TMBR section were adopted in the crash simulations subject to Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) Test Level 2 (TL-2) and Test Level 3 (TL-3) requirements. The test vehicle models were first validated using full-scale physical crash tests conducted on a two-bar metal bridge using a sedan and a pickup truck with similar overall physical properties and sizes to their respective vehicles used in the simulations. The validated vehicular models were then used to evaluate the crash performance of the TMBR using MASH Evaluation Criteria for structural adequacy, occupant risk, and post-impact trajectory. The TMBR met all MASH TL-2 requirements but failed to meet the MASH TL-3 Criteria H and N requirements when impacted by the sedan. The TMBR was also evaluated under in-service conditions (behind a 1.52-m wide sidewalk) and impacted by the sedan under MASH TL-3 conditions. The simulation results showed that the TMBR behind a sidewalk met all safety requirements except for the occupant impact velocity in the longitudinal direction, which exceeded the MASH limit by 3.93%.

Ecological Society is based on socioeconomic systems directed to the equilibrium of inter-relationships between environment, climate, production systems, technologies and human communities to promote the overall well-being of people and the Earth planet. It has a main goal for supporting sustainable development and equitable societies and achieving optimal health outcomes recognizing the interconnection between people, technologies, animals, plants, and their shared environment for the one health. Using data of scientific publications and patents until the year 2024, this study shows new technologies that can support the energy transition with the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources in an effort to reduce CO₂ emissions for an ecological society having, whenever possible, zero-carbon economies to reduce environmental pollution and climate change and foster health and wellbeing of people. Results reveal that sustainable technologies supporting the transformation of the energy sector, economies and societies, and having a rapid growth, are blue hydrogen, floating photovoltaic systems, carbon capture and utilization, green hydrogen and liquid metal batteries. These findings can guide decisions of policymakers and stakeholders towards fruitful investments driving the transition from fossil-based to zero-carbon socioeconomic systems to have a long-run sustainable development of overall world system that has to direct towards an ecological society associated with one health.

We report recent enhancements of the online atomic database at the Ohio State University, NORAD-Atomic-Data, that provides various parameters for radiative and collisional atomic processes dominant in astrophysical plasma. NORAD stands for Nahar Osu RADiative. The database belongs to the data sources, especially for the latest works, of the international collaborations of the Opacity Project and the Iron Project. The contents of the database are calculated values for energies, oscillator strengths, radiative decay rates, lifetimes, cross sections for photoionization, electron-ion recombination cross sections and recombination rate coefficients. We have recently expanded NORAD-Atomic-Data with several enhancements over those reported earlier. They are as follows. i) We continue to add energy levels, transition parameters, cross sections for atoms and ions with their publications. ii) Recently added radiative atomic data contains significant amount of transition data for photo-absorption spectral features corresponding to x-ray resonance fluorescence effect, prominent wavelength regions of bio-signature elements, such as phosphorus ions, and emission bumps of heavy elements, such as of lanthanides, that may be created in a kilonova event. We are including iii) collisional data for electron-impact-excitation, iv) experimental data for energies and oscillator strengths for line formation, v) experimental cross sections for photoionization that can be applied for benchmarking and other applications, and vi) introduction of a web-based interactive feature to calculate spectral line ratios at various plasma temperature and density diagnostics, starting with our recently published data for P II. We presented summary description of theoretical backgrounds for the computed data in the earlier paper. With introduction of experimental results, we present summary description of measurement of high resolution photoionization cross sections at Advanced Light Source of LBNL synchrotron set-up and briefly discuss other set-ups. These additions should make NORAD-Atomic-Data more versatile for various applications. For brevity, we provide information on the extensions and avoid repetition of data description of the original paper.

Access to medicines is one of the essential problems in Public Health of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The World Health Organization (WHO) defines access to medicines as the possibility of "having continuously accessible and affordable medicines in public or private health facilities that are within a kilometer of the place of residence." Access to medicines, as defined by the WHO, is not fully guaranteed in many LMICs and even in many regions of high-resource countries. The WHO identifies several factors as determinants of limitations in the access to medicines: rational selection, affordable prices, sustainable financing, and reliable health services. The action on these factors makes it possible to improve universal access to medicines with consequent improvement in Public Health. Adequate access to antibiotics and vaccination will avoid a large part of the deaths caused by infectious diseases in the LMICs. However, the emergence of resistance and the difficulties in vaccination campaigns due to socio-political or cultural problems make it challenging to fight many easily treatable infectious diseases. The use and abuse of antibiotics are inevitably associated with the appearance of resistances that make them ineffective. Thus, whereas limited access to antibiotics raises mortality rates from infectious diseases, generalized open access to them ends up eliminating their clinical value. Moreover, the contraction of research in this field for many years has reduced the success in discovering new drugs. Additionally, local market regulations, inadequate selection, inaccessible prices, especially for those of second and third-generation, inefficient health systems, and difficulties of administration and control of prescription compliance, especially in the case of combined therapies, are additional obstacles to universal access to antibiotics. In order to simultaneously improve access to antibiotics and keep resistances under control, it is necessary to develop training and education activities at different social levels (from patients to various Health Care Providers) to complement the national or supranational strategic plans.

As the increase threat of flood risk and environmental safety due to the urbanization, Sponge city research has been attracting extensive attention both in practical and theoretical research field. To date, there are only scattered studies about Sponge city. Moreover, vary names of Sponge city prevalent in different countries, which leads to disconnection of literature in the same field of Sponge city. In this paper, a thorough systematic literature mining of Sponge city is presented. A literature analysis system is created, which includes literature export from Web of Sciences and systematic analysis via NoteExpress and CiteSpace. Some literature statistical results are derived. Challenges and opportunities for future research are anticipated. Our goals are to promote this promising thought, summarize past research, and identify issues for future research to create impacts on the practice of Sponge city.

Despite the potential benefits of generative Artificial Intelligence (genAI), concerns about its psy-chological impact on medical students, especially with regard to job displacement, are apparent. This pilot study, conducted in Jordan during July–August 2024, aimed to examine the specific fears, anxieties, mistrust, and ethical concerns medical students could harbor towards genAI. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 164 medical students studying in Jordan across various academic years, employing a structured self-administered questionnaire with an internally consistent FAME scale—representing Fear, Anxiety, Mistrust, and Ethics and comprising 12 items, with three items for each construct. The results indicated variable levels of anxiety towards genAI among the participating medical students: 34.1% reported no anxiety about genAI role in their future careers (n = 56), while 41.5% were slightly anxious (n = 61), 22.0% somewhat anxious (n = 36), and 2.4% extremely anxious (n = 4). Among the FAME constructs, Mistrust was the most agreed upon (mean: 12.35±2.78), followed by Ethics construct (mean: 10.86±2.90), Fear (mean: 9.49±3.53), and Anxiety (mean: 8.91±3.68). Sex, academic level, and Grade Point Average (GPA) did not significantly affect the students’ perceptions of genAI. However, there was a notable direct association between the students’ general anxiety about genAI and elevated scores in the Fear, Anxiety, and Ethics constructs of the FAME scale. Prior exposure to genAI and its previous use did not significantly modify the scores of the FAME scale. These findings highlighted the critical need for refined educational strategies to address the integration of genAI in medical training. The results demonstrated a pervasive anxiety, fear, mistrust, and ethical concerns among medical students regarding the deployment of genAI in healthcare, indicating the necessity for curriculum modifi-cations that focus specifically on these areas. Interventions should be tailored to increase genAI familiarity and competency, which would alleviate apprehension and equip future physicians to engage with this inevitable technology effectively. The study also highlighted the importance of incorporating ethical discussions into medical courses to address mistrust and concerns about the human-centered aspects of genAI. Conclusively, the study calls for a proactive evolution of medical education to prepare students for AI-driven healthcare practices shortly to ensure that physicians are well-prepared, confident, and ethically informed in their professional interactions with genAI technologies.

Many studies of hypervelocity impact craters have described the characteristics of quartz grains shock-metamorphosed at high pressures of > 10 GPa. In contrast, few studies have investigated shock metamorphism at lower shock pressures. In this study, we test the hypothesis that low-pressure shock metamorphism occurs in near-surface nuclear airbursts and that this process shares essential characteristics with crater-forming impact events. To investigate low-grade shock microstructures, we compared quartz grains from Meteor Crater, a 1.2-km-wide impact crater, to those from near-surface nuclear airbursts at the Alamogordo Bombing Range, New Mexico in 1945 and Kazakhstan in 1949/1953. This investigation utilized a comprehensive analytical suite of high-resolution techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Meteor Crater and the nuclear test sites all exhibit quartz grains with closely-spaced, sub-micron-wide fractures that appear to have formed at low shock pressures. Significantly, these micro-fractures are closely associated with Dauphiné twins and are filled with amorphous silica (glass), widely considered a classic indicator of shock metamorphism. Thus, this study confirms that glass-filled shock fractures in quartz form during near-surface nuclear airbursts, as well as crater-forming impact events, and by extension, it suggests that they may form in any near-surface cosmic airbursts in which the shockwave is coupled to Earth’s surface. The robust characterization of such events is crucial because of their potential catastrophic effects on the Earth’s environmental and biotic systems.

Many studies of hypervelocity impact craters have described the characteristics of quartz grains shock-metamorphosed at high pressures of >10 GPa, but in contrast, few studies have investigated shock metamorphism at lower shock pressures. In this study, we test the hypothesis that low-pressure shock metamorphism occurs in near-surface nuclear airbursts and that this process shares important characteristics with impact-cratering events. To investigate low-grade shock microstructures, we compared quartz grains from Meteor Crater, a 1.2-km-wide impact crater, to those from near-surface nuclear airbursts at the Alamogordo Bombing Range, New Mexico in 1945 and Kazakhstan in 1949/1953. This investigation utilized a comprehensive analytical suite of high-resolution techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Meteor Crater and the nuclear test sites all exhibit metamorphosed quartz grains with closely-spaced, sub-micron-wide fractures that appear to have formed at low shock pressures. Importantly, these micro-fractures are closely associated with Dauphiné twins and are filled with amorphous silica (glass), widely considered to be a classic indicator of shock metamorphism. Thus, this study confirms that glass-filled shock fractures in quartz form during near-surface nuclear airbursts, as well as crater-forming impact events, and by extension, it suggests they also may form in near-surface cosmic airbursts.

Historical analysis of Australian bushfire data spanning 170 years addresses whether the strength of recent fire events has been exacerbated by human-induced climate change. The question of “cause” looks at the characteristics of a wider range of natural hazards. Fire characteristics are compared with earthquake hazard characteristics: (1) energy – termed “magnitude”; (2) severity – termed “intensity”; and (3) resultant damage to people and structures – termed “impact”.Published global, Northern and Southern hemisphere temperature data are shown to vary consistently in phase over 170 years, but vary in amplitude with statistical significance. CO₂ levels north and south of the Equator have tracked quite consistently. Thus, Southern Hemisphere bushfire magnitude and intensity is compared with the Southern Hemisphere climate record, rather than a global data set.28 major bushfires and associated droughts since 1850 show neither apparent drought extent, nor area burned, nor bushfire intensity, correlates with changes in Southern Hemisphere climate. Average rainfall from 1900 shows a wetter, rather than drier trend. Cyclone energy shows no significant trend with climate. Planet-wide “greening”, through CO₂ fertilisation, is an insignificant contributor to bushfire magnitude. Combustion theory shows recorded “global warming” could have had no significant influence on bushfire magnitude or intensity. Any increase in Australian bushfire impact, as judged by lives lost, similarly, shows no correlation with bushfire magnitude, nor indeed, any observed Southern Hemisphere global warming.Thus, bushfire magnitude seems much more likely driven by fuel load and any anomalous bushfire intensity is likely driven by anomalous ground level fuel load. The evidence suggests that any CO₂ emissions reduction will have no impact on future bushfire “severity.

Introduction: Due to COVID-19 pandemic, performance of many program has been declined and Tuberculosis (TB) program is not an exception. TB case detection and notification has been recognized as one of worst hit area. The objective of this study was to explore the TB notification status of India during this pandemic and explore options to mitigate the issue. Methods: A secondary data analysis was performed on open source TB notification database of India. Relevant literature review was done to find out remedies based on the different initiative taken by different states of India. Results: In 2020, total TB notification decreased in all the states in comparison to 2019. The percentage of loss in the country was 34%. Private TB notification also decreased in 2020 in all the states except in Jharkhand. The percentage of loss in private TB notification in the country was 35%. Notification started declining in the month of February 2020 and it was lowest in the month of April-2020. The trend of notification began to improve since May 2020 when the States started taking innovative initiatives like Integrated TB Covid Case Search. Conclusion: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic the notifications of TB cases declined noticeably which has a serious implication in terms of silent spread within household and community. But the picture can be improved with integrated approach for TB-COVID case finding and management.

A multitude of factors influence our well-being and health in everyday life. Some of which we are totally aware like a delayed train, car exhausts, or continuous work stress. Other factors influence us on a subconscious level, making them, however, not less important to address. One of these factors is the built environment surrounding us almost every second of our lives. The idea of biophilic design states the importance of natural elements implemented in architectural structures to improve the occupants’ health and well-being. Adding to this field of research, this article targets the impact of biophilic design on positive emotions and productivity by using novel approaches like Facial Emotion Recognition (FER) with Residual Masking Networks, and sentiment detection using Large Language Models. Two separate but related studies were conducted and their results reported here. The first study measured emotions of people when confronted with images of different kinds of architecture, via FER (Facial Emotion Recognition) and also via a user survey. We distinguish between self-stated emotions entered through a survey by study participants, and emotions detected from studying the participants’ faces through AI from our FER (Facial Emotion Recognition) system. We found clear trends for most detected emotions, and significant evidence for self-stated emotions, that architecture implementing biophilic design evokes more positive emotions than one that does not. The second study measures the influence of natural elements on productivity and team-engagement. We found that natural elements do influence productivity and sentiment positively; however, only the change in sentiment was shown to be significant. As our sample size, especially for the second study, was relatively small, future research will apply these ideas in a larger setup to acquire further evidence for the importance of biophilic design for human well-being and health.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or specific PTSD symptoms may evoke disordered eating and unhealthy lifestyles, resulting in adverse cardiometabolic events (e.g., hypertension and obesity) in certain groups, which may implicate the treatment of this complex condition. The diagnostic criteria of PTSD have lately expanded beyond the three common symptoms (intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal). Simultaneously, four-, five-, and six-dimensional structures of the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), a popular PTSD measure, seem to be more robust than the original three-dimension structure. Within the context of COVID-19, this instrumental study used a convenience sample of 58 dental healthcare workers (HCWs) from Russia (mean age = 44.1±12.2 years, 82.8% females) to examine the criterion and predictive validity of two IES-R structures: the IES-R3 and the IES-R6 (with the added symptoms of numbing, sleep disturbance, and irritability). The subscales of the two IES-R structures expressed good internal consistency, strong correlations with the PTSD Symptom Scale (PSS), hypertension diagnosis, and high body mass index (BMI). In receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, all IES-R models perfectly predicted the PSS (all area under the curve (AUC) >0.9, p values <0.001). The IES-R, both hyperarousal subscales, and the IES-R3 intrusion subscale significantly predicted high BMI. Both avoidance subscales and the IES-R3 intrusion subscale, not the IES-R, significantly predicted hypertension. In conclusion, both IES-R structures can reliably measure PTSD symptoms. The IES-R, hyperarousal, and intrusion may be credible criterion variables for predicting high BMI within PTSD while the intrusion and avoidance subscales may reflect the cardiovascular consequences associated with PTSD more reliably than the IES-R itself. The IES-R subscales may predict cardiometabolic adversities in PTSD, signifying a need for proper assessment of lifestyle and the application of dietary and exercise interventions in order to lower physical morbidity in PTSD. Replicating the study in larger samples, which comprise different physical and mental conditions from heterogenous cultural contexts is pivotal to validate the results (e.g., in specific groups such as those with confirmed traumatic exposure and comorbid mood dysfunction).

This investigation pioneers an examination of the scarcely explored terrain of social diversity in medical education, assessing the complex impacts of socioeconomic status (SES), prior working experiences, and completed apprenticeships on a spectrum of psychological and academic facets among first-year medical students (n = 336) in an urban university setting. By utilizing a systematic and detailed approach, the study illuminates prior anatomical knowledge and various psycholog-ical constructs, marking a significant stride into a domain where knowledge remains profoundly limited. Analyses indicated that SES significantly affects financial anxiety (F(4, 331) = 17.391, p < .001) and academic behavioral confidence (F(4, 331) = 4.323, p = 0.002). Students with prior working experience reported higher self-perceived clinical experience but lower A-level grades (t(279.459) = -6.690, p < .001), competence in natural sciences (t(321.045) = -3.178, p = 0.002), and online competence (t(319.429) = -2.026, p = 0.044). Those who completed an apprenticeship showed higher resilience, academic confidence, self-efficacy, and greater concerns about balancing studies and work (t values ranging from 2.020 to 3.158, p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between resilience (RQS) and coping with academic stress (CAS) (r = 0.632, p < .001), as well as between resilience and academic behavioral confidence (ABC) (r = 0.608, p < .001). Negative correlations were observed between resilience, coping with academic stress, academic confidence, and cognitive test anxiety (CTA) (r values from -0.235 to -0.404, p < .001). The findings emphasize the need for tailored support for students from diverse SES backgrounds and with varying expe-riences. The study highlights the value of a comprehensive approach in medical education, con-sidering the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students. Future research should explore the long-term impact of these factors on professional competencies and patient care, leveraging the diversity of the student body for a holistic educational experience.

Rationale: Genetically modified (GM) foods have the potential to reduce food insecurity and address economic and environmental issues. Despite these benefits, GM foods continue to face significant criticism and there is limited information on public awareness and understanding of their nutritional and environmental health benefits in Nigeria. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating public knowledge and perceptions of GM foods in Victoria Island, Lagos. Methods: A convenience sampling method was used to recruit 369 respondents from Victoria Island, Lagos. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire. The target population comprised employed adults either residing or working on Victoria Island. Statistical analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between sociodemographic factors and awareness of GM foods. Results: The study found that a majority of respondents (62.9%, n=232) were knowledgeable about GM foods and their associated issues. However, many believed that their community was not well-informed on the topic. Awareness of GM foods was significantly associated with sociodemographic factors such as marital status and education (P<0.01). Most respondents were well-informed about the environmental and health benefits of GM foods, with 61.8% believing that GM food production could sustainably reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and other energy inputs, thus mitigating their ecological impacts. Additionally, most respondents did not feel that purchasing or consuming GM foods conflicted with their beliefs or would affect their food choices. Conclusion: The study concludes that while individual awareness of GM foods is relatively high, there is a perception that community awareness is low. Sociodemographic factors play a significant role in shaping public awareness and perceptions of GM foods. Recommendations: This includes government should actively educate the public on the ecological and health benefits of GM foods and address any safety concerns; Implement strict border controls and food labeling for GM products to protect consumer rights and preferences for organic foods, provide sufficient technical and financial assistance to farmers who participate in organic seed programs to enhance national food security. Significant Statement: This study highlights the importance of public education on GM foods and underscores the need for government intervention to ensure informed consumer choices and support for sustainable agricultural practices.

The construction industry is shifting towards more sustainable practices to address environmental concerns. This review examines the impact of LEED certification on design-build projects, highlighting how the two work together to promote sustainability. By analyzing the article under review, we explore how LEED standards—such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and the use of sustainable materials—are incorporated into design-build projects to create environmentally responsible buildings. The article also discusses the benefits of the design- build approach, which encourages collaboration and early integration of sustainability principles. The review critically assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the article, emphasizing the importance of cost considerations and scalability. Ultimately, it underscores the value of combining LEED certification with design-build to promote green building practices.

Background: This study addresses the burgeoning impact of Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT on the integrity of online examinations and seeks to demonstrate latent and advanced LLM reasoning capabilities. The research devises an iterative self-reflective strategy for invoking critical thinking and higher-order reasoning in LLMs based on multimodal exam questions using visuals and text. Methods: The proposed strategy was demonstrated and evaluated on real exam questions by subject experts and the performance of ChatGPT (GPT-4) with vision was estimated on an additional dataset of 600 text descriptions of multimodal exam questions, focusing on its response to complex, visual, and textual prompts. Results: The results indicate that latent multi-hop reasoning capabilities can be invoked using the proposed self-reflective strategy, which can effectively steer ChatGPT towards correct answers by integrating critical thinking from each modality into the final response. Meanwhile, ChatGPT demonstrated considerable proficiency in being able to answer multimodal exam questions across 12 subjects. Conclusions: This work challenges findings from recent studies which claim that existing LLMs are unable to reason on complex multimodal tasks, and therefore this study underscores the need for enhanced online exam security measures like proctoring software, that can mitigate the potential misuse of AI technologies in educational settings.

The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) is the most popular measure of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which has been recently validated in Arabic. This instrumental study aimed to determine optimal cutoff scores of the IES-R and its subscales in Arab samples of psychiatric patients (N = 168, 70.8% females) and healthy adults (N = 992, 62.7% females) from Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic as an ongoing collective traumatic event. Based on a cutoff score of 14 of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 8-items (DASS-8), receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis revealed two optimal points of 39.5 and 30.5 for the IES-R in the samples (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.86 &amp; 0.91, p values = 0.001, 95% CI: 0.80-0.92 &amp; 0.87 to 0.94, sensitivity = 0.85 &amp; 0.87, specificity = 0.73 &amp; 0.83, Youden index = 0.58 &amp; 0.70, respectively). Different cutoffs were detected for the six subscales of the IES-R, with numbing and avoidance expressing the lowest predictivity for distress. Meanwhile, hyperarousal followed by the irritability expressed stronger predictive capacity for distress than all subscales in both samples. In path analysis, pandemic-related irritability resulted from direct and indirect effects of key PTSD symptoms (intrusion, hyperarousal, and numbing). Irritability contributed to traumatic symptoms of sleep disturbance in both samples while the opposite was not true. The findings suggest usefulness of the IES-R at a score of 30.5 for detecting adults prone to trauma related distress, with higher scores needed for screening in psychiatric patients. Various PTSD symptoms may induce dysphoric mood, which represents a considerable burden that may induce circadian misalignment and more noxious psychiatric problems/ co-morbidities (sleep disturbance) in both healthy and diseased groups.

Many academics are critical of the current publishing system, but it is difficult to create a better alternative. This review relates to the Sciences and Social Sciences, and discusses the primary purpose of academic journals as providing a seal of approval for perceived quality, impact, significance, and importance. The key issues considered include the role of anonymous refereeing, continuous rather than discrete frequency of publications, avoidance of time wasting, and seeking adventure. Here we give recommendations about the organization of journal articles, the roles of associate editors and referees, measuring the time frame for refereeing submitted articles in days and weeks rather than months and years, encouraging open access internet publishing, emphasizing the continuity of publishing online, academic publishing as a continuous dynamic process, and how to improve research after publication. Citations and functions thereof, such as the journal impact factor and h-index, are the benchmark for evaluating the importance and impact of academic journals and published articles. Even in the very top journals, a high proportion of published articles are never cited, not even by the authors themselves. Top journal publications do not guarantee that published articles will make significant contributions, or that they will ever be highly cited. The COVID-19 world should encourage academics worldwide not only to rethink academic teaching, but also to re-evaluate key issues associated with academic journal publishing in the future.

Perhaps the greatest challenge in the graft copolymerization of acrylic acid onto starch initiated by Fenton’s is the selectivity of the grafting reaction. Low selectivity means that too much of unwanted homopolymer polyacrylic acid is produced. In this paper, it has been analyzed why with this reaction system, involving a water soluble monomer and indirect initiation, the graft selectivity is such a challenge. Several other grafting reactions, especially with monomers of low water solubility or when direct initiation is applied, show a better grafting performance. A scheme is presented based on reaction engineering principles, that supports an explanation of the observed differences. A more selective activation of starch is a factor, but perhaps even more important is a low monomer to starch ratio at the starting sites of graft reactions. Based on these insights, several methods to improve the graft selectivity are evaluated, with the help of literature data but mostly by experimental explorations in our laboratory. Most promising appears to be a dedicated dosage method, to add monomer in portions over time, tested in a batch reactor with gelatinized cassava starch. This way, both grafting percentage and graft selectivity could be improved. Such could not be realized with the more conventional dosage, which is to add all monomer before the start of the reaction. This can be considered a principal breaktrough. Still, more research and development would be needed to refine the method and to implement the idea also in a continuous reactor at larger scale.

Aims: To compare traditional versus dry wipes hygiene in hospitalized, bedridden patients with regard to economic and environmental impact and patient and professional satisfaction. Background: Evidence shows that dry hygiene with disposable wipes can reduce the risk of infection compared to traditional hygiene with soap and water. However, there is a need to compare the costs and environmental impact (waste) between the two methods. Design: Environmental impact and patient and user satisfaction were assessed through an ad hoc survey and cost minimization analysis in accordance with the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards. Methods: The environmental impact and costs associated with traditional versus dry hygiene were compared in an observational analysis. A single-center, randomized controlled trial was performed in a tertiary hospital to assess patient and professional satisfaction in patients with a urinary catheter recovering from heart surgery between January 2019 and February 2020. Results: Direct hygiene costs were similar using traditional (€15.82) and dry (€14.35) methods. However, the analysis of indirect costs, including those related to the probability of contracting catheter-associated urinary tract infections, showed that the total cost per hygiene session was €1345 higher with the traditional method. When using a high-efficiency energy system from a guaranteed renewable source, dry hygiene does not lead to a higher environmental impact (220.07 g CO2 traditional vs. 215.17g CO2 dry). However, emissions from conventional energy systems are 840.14 g CO2 higher when using traditional hygiene. Both patients and professionals express greater satisfaction with the dry method. Conclusion: Dry hygiene is not inferior to traditional hygiene in terms of satisfaction, and it can provide environmental benefits at a significantly lower cost. Implications for the profession and/or patient care: This study provides evidence supporting the introduction of the dry hygiene method, with is associated with higher user and professional satisfaction, lower economic cost, and similar or lower environmental impact compared to soap and water.

The study comprehensively evaluated the prognostic roles of PLR, NLR, MLR, BLR, and ELR in patients with acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). 619 patients with AECOPD and 300 healthy volunteers were retrospectively included into the study. The clinical characteristics containing laboratory findings of the AECOPD patients and the blood cell counts (CBCs) of the healthy volunteers were collected. Compared with the healthy volunteers, PLR, NLR, and MLR were elevated in COPD patients in stable condition, and were further ele-vated during exacerbation. ELR showed the opposite trend. PLR, NLR, and MLR were all posi-tively correlated with hospital LOS as well as CRP. In contrast, ELR was negatively correlated with hospital LOS as well as CRP. Elevated PLR, NLR, and MLR were all associated with more serious airflow limitation in AECOPD. Elevated PLR, NLR, and MLR were all associated with increased in-hospital mortality while Elevated ELR was associated with decreased in-hospital mortality in AECOPD. A nomogram was construct to predict in-hospital mortality in AECOPD. The nomo-gram had a C-index of 0.850 (95% CI: 0.799 – 0.901) with good predictive value and clinical ap-plicability. In summary, PLR, NLR, MLR, and ELR served as predictors for clinical outcomes in patients with AECOPD.

Research question/problem: This comprehensive review and comparative analysis aims to investigate the significance of enhancing oxygen provision in the context of COVID-19, focusing on the implications for healthcare policies and services.Background/context: The study addresses the shift in the oxygen dissociation curve of blood in COVID-19 patients, emphasizing the impact on oxygen delivery to tissues and the challenges it poses for clinical management. It also explores the disruption of healthcare systems due to the pandemic and the integration of social determinants of health in clinical environments.Methodology: The research incorporates a thorough literature review, comparative analysis of diverse approaches to oxygen delivery, and examination of successful interventions through case studies and best practices. Data collection techniques include the review of scholarly articles, case studies, and policy documents.Results/Key findings: The study highlights the imperative for augmented oxygen supply and the significance of maintaining appropriate oxygen saturation levels, especially in the context of respiratory illnesses like COVID-19. It also emphasizes the positive correlation between increased oxygen saturation levels and life expectancy, indicating potential health benefits of enhanced oxygen availability.Conclusions/Implications: The findings underscore the need for a structured approach to oxygen therapy and the importance of equitable distribution of oxygen to underserved regions. The implications of the research extend to enhancing healthcare policies and services regarding oxygen provision during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in rural and remote areas.

The advent of the digital age has introduced unprecedented opportunities for communication and connectivity, but it has also given rise to new forms of harassment, collectively termed cyber harassment. This research article provides an in-depth exploration of cyber harassment, examining its prevalence, the profound impact it has on victims, and potential solutions to mitigate its effects.The study is structured around three primary research objectives. Firstly, it investigates the psychological impact of cyber harassment on victims, highlighting the severe emotional and mental health consequences that can arise from such abuse. Secondly, the article scrutinizes the role of social media platforms in both facilitating and combating cyber harassment, analyzing how these platforms can act as both enablers of harassment and as venues for intervention. Thirdly, the research evaluates the current legal frameworks and responses to cyber harassment, considering their effectiveness and suggesting possible improvements. Recent research findings and diverse methodologies are integrated to provide a comprehensive understanding of the multi-faceted nature of cyber harassment. By addressing these key areas, the article aims to contribute to the development of more effective strategies to prevent and respond to cyber harassment, ultimately fostering a safer online environment.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes the COVID-19 disease has wreaked havoc on the world community in terms of every imaginable parameter. The research output on COVID-19 has been nothing short of phenomenal, especially in the medical and biomedical sciences, where the search for a potential vaccine is being conducted in earnest. Much of the advanced research has been distributed in the leading medical journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), where the latest research is distributed on a daily basis. The purpose of this paper is to provide some perspectives on 44 interesting and highly topical research papers that have been published in JAMA, at the time of writing, within the past two weeks. The diverse topics include public health, general medicine, internal medicine, oncology, paediatrics, geriatrics, and biostatistics.