Experimental Research Articles

Quran memorisation and heart rate variability: How do they correlate?

BACKGROUND Heart rate variability (HRV) was shown to be affected by performing religious activities. AIM To examine the relationship between the level of Quran (the holy book of Muslims) memorisation and HRV among teenagers. METHODS This experimental study included 16 Tahfiz students and 16 non-Tahfiz students (n = 32). The HRV was measured in three tasks: Recalling familiar verses, memorising new verses, and recalling the newly memorised verses of the Quran. HRV analysis was done using these parameters: Standard deviation of N-N (heartbeat peak) interval; low frequency (LF); high frequency (HF) and LF/HF ratio. RESULTS There were significant differences between tasks for all parameters (P < 0.05). However, between the groups, only the LF/HF ratio had significant differences, with F = 5.04, P < 0.05. Pearson correlation showed a moderate positive correlation between the number of pages memorised and the LF/HF ratio (r = 0.61, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Quran memorisation increased the HRV and our results suggested that this activity could be developed as an effective sympathovagal modulation training activity.

Organizational formalization neutralizes the effect of leader trait anger and vision on follower trust in the leader

PurposeWe integrate trait, individual differences and substitutes for leadership theories to examine how leader trait anger influences leader vision and follower trust in the leader across high versus low levels of organizational formalization.Design/methodology/approachWe obtained data from two independent multi-source samples from different occupations and countries. Sample 1: leader–follower dyads (n = 179) collected over three measurement periods from the Philippines; Sample 2: cross-correlational sample of leaders (n = 166), their manager (n = 166) and their followers (n = 610) from Australia.FindingsWe tested our hypotheses using PROCESS (Hayes, 2018) and found that leader trait anger influenced follower trust in the leader both directly and indirectly through leader vision (Samples 1 & 2). We also found that organizational formalization neutralized the effect of leader vision on follower trust in the leader (Sample 2).Research limitations/implicationsWhile we used a time-lagged design in Sample 1, we cannot make strong causal claims as might be the case in an experimental study, for example.Practical implicationsOur results highlight the adverse effect of leader trait anger on perceptions of leader vision and follower trust in the leader, which we suggest should be considered in recruitment and promotion decisions. Our findings also suggest that high levels of organizational formalization may undermine the motivational effect of leader vision on followers, which should be considered in relation to organizational rules and procedures.Originality/valueThis research enhances our understanding of a previously unexplored boundary condition (i.e. organizational formalization) that appears to neutralize the motivational effect of leader vision. In addition, it highlights the ubiquitous effect of trait anger, in this case undermining the effectiveness of leader vision and trust in the leader, from two different observer perspectives (i.e. leaders’ followers and managers).

Theoretical Model and Experimental Study of Slurry Erosion by Flowing Dilute Sulfuric Acid Under Turbulent Conditions

Theoretical Model and Experimental Study of Slurry Erosion by Flowing Dilute Sulfuric Acid Under Turbulent Conditions

Therapeutic potential of mesenchymal stem cells and stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in tuberculosis of various localizations: A review

Experimental and clinical studies using cell therapy are very popular. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EV) are used as one of the components of therapy in these researches. The action of MSCs is mediated by the release of EV which play a direct role in the implementation of several important biological processes: angiogenesis, proliferation, modulation of the inflammatory process and immune response, inhibition of cellular apoptosis, etc. These properties of MSCs and stem cell-derived EV are of interest in the treatment of tuberculosis infection, because an integral part of the pathogenesis of tuberculosis is the creation of specific granulomas and the formation of fibrosis.

Unsupervised deep denoising for four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy

By simultaneously achieving high spatial and angular sampling resolution, four dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D STEM) is enabling analysis techniques that provide great insight into the atomic structure of materials. Applying these techniques to scientifically and technologically significant beam-sensitive materials remains challenging because the low doses needed to minimise beam damage lead to noisy data. We demonstrate an unsupervised deep learning model that leverages the continuity and coupling between the probe position and the electron scattering distribution to denoise 4D STEM data. By restricting the network complexity it can learn the geometric flow present but not the noise. Through experimental and simulated case studies, we demonstrate that denoising as a preprocessing step enables 4D STEM analysis techniques to succeed at lower doses, broadening the range of materials that can be studied using these powerful structure characterization techniques.

Susceptibility of two different PCA pumps to inaccurate delivery associated with pole position at low flow-rates in a pediatric setting - an experimental study.

Vertical displacement of infusion pumps used in patient-controlled analgesia can cause irregularities in drug delivery and is especially crucial at low flow rates, which are commonly used in pediatrics. There is only scarce data available regarding the extent of these inaccuracies. The current in vitro study therefore aimed at a comparison of the performance of two commonly used PCA pumps at different pole positions due to vertical displacement. The Syramed® µSP6000 Chroma syringe infusion pump featuring a stepper motor drive was compared to the CADD®-Solis pump utilizing a linear peristaltic pump system at two different flow rates (0.3ml/h and 1ml/h) and three different levels of height (0, + 50 and - 50cm). Flow patterns and delivered volumes were measured after every change in position and infusion boluses, retrograde aspiration volumes and zero-drug delivery time were calculated. The Syramed® pump was more susceptible to vertical displacement than the CADD®-Solis pump and showed overall greater inaccuracies in the delivered volumes as well as higher infusion boluses, retrograde aspiration volumes and zero-drug delivery time at both flow rates. The observed differences between the pumps might be explained by the higher compliance of this syringe pump and the diverse working mechanisms. Overall, the CADD®-Solis pump might be considered a preferable option for patient-controlled analgesia in children. It is nonetheless essential for medical staff to be aware of the effects of vertical displacement of PCA pumps and to minimize these displacements as much as possible.

Simulating controlled drainage and hydrological connections in a cultivated peatland field

AbstractCultivated peatlands are increasingly regarded as hot spots due to climate change and other environmental concerns. Flexible water management, such as controlled drainage, is proposed to optimize cultivation and reduce environmental risks in peatland fields. The hydrological and environmental implications of controlled drainage depend on site‐specific variables, and it is unclear how controlled drainage should be implemented in various conditions. Simulation models are a promising approach to systemically study the field hydrology, as models can capture the complete water balance, which is difficult through experimental studies alone. We calibrated and validated the spatially distributed model FLUSH to describe the hydrology of a field block with a shallow peat cover and controlled drainage in central western Finland. The objectives were to analyze the hydrological effects of controlled drainage and detect hydrological connections between the field and an adjacent upslope forest area. The results showed how inflow from the forest can induce high observed drain discharge but impacted the block groundwater tables only in the proximity of the forest (distance <25 m). The effect of controlled drainage on groundwater tables was on average 0.15 m and seasonally varying. Controlled drainage reduced drain discharge, and the reduction was larger with the forest area included in the model. While controlled drainage effects on groundwater levels and soil moisture were insensitive to groundwater influxes from adjacent areas, the water balance impact highlights the role of hydrological connections in the hydrology of cultivated peatlands under controlled drainage.

Experimental study on utilizing the pet bottle fibres in the production of concrete

Experimental study on utilizing the pet bottle fibres in the production of concrete

Electron Arrangement and Transfer Regulation of Li2ZrO3 by Metal Doping for Enhanced CO2 Removal at High Temperatures: A Theoretical and Experimental Study

Electron Arrangement and Transfer Regulation of Li₂ZrO₃ by Metal Doping for Enhanced CO₂ Removal at High Temperatures: A Theoretical and Experimental Study

Experimental Study on the Strengthening Effect of Cyclic and Progressive Electroosmosis

Experimental Study on the Strengthening Effect of Cyclic and Progressive Electroosmosis

Experimental study on the characteristics of fault stick–slip behavior under different normal stresses

Experimental study on the characteristics of fault stick–slip behavior under different normal stresses

Understanding the mechanisms of change in social norms around tobacco use: A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions.

Tobacco use spreads through social networks influencing social norms around tobacco use. However, the social norms scholarship is extremely diverse and occasionally conflicting, complicating efforts to understand how best to leverage social norms to reduce tobacco use. This study systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed this vast terrain by focusing on social norms measurement and mechanism, and intervention effectiveness and modality aimed at changing social norms around tobacco use and actual tobacco use. We searched Scopus, PubMed, PsycInfo, Clinicaltrials.gov, ProQuest Dissertations, the Cochrane Trial Registry, as well as the websites of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco, the Open Science Framework, medrXiv and the Truth Initiative for experimental and quasi-experimental evaluation studies of interventions designed to shift tobacco use. We included studies written in English from inception to 30 May 2024. We only included studies which noted social norms or social influence as part of the intervention design or set of measured variables. We excluded studies with only one time point, without an intervention being evaluatedand those not published in English. Study screening followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and was conducted by at least two independent reviewers who resolved discrepancies through discussion and consensus. All included studies were analyzed in a narrative synthesis, and those providing sufficient statistics for tobacco and social norms outcomes were included in meta-analyses, which were performed separately for tobacco outcomes and social norms outcomes. Study outcomes were transformed into a standardized mean difference (Hedges' g) and several meta-regressions were fit to explore sources of heterogeneity using a robust variance estimation specification to handle effect size dependency. A total of 95 studies met inclusion criteria for the narrative synthesis, 200 effect sizes from 86 studies were included in the tobacco outcomes meta-analysis, and 66 effect sizes from 29 studies were included in the social norms outcomes meta-analysis. Nearly 90% of included studies were conducted in high-income settings, with the remainder conducted in middle-income settings. No studies were conducted in Latin America or on the African continent. Social norms change interventions had a statistically significant effect on reducing tobacco use and pro-tobacco social normative perceptions [g = 0.233, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.166, 0.301, P < 0.001 and g = 0.292, 95% CI = 0.090, 0.494, P = 0.007, respectively]. Interventions were commonly conducted among schoolchildren in classrooms through multicomponent education sessions, often coupled with regular 'booster' sessions over time. Among adult populations, motivational interviewing and other counselling approaches were used in some cases, and few interventions leveraged digital technologies to change social norms. Social norms change interventions appear to be effective for reducing tobacco use and pro-tobacco social normative perceptions. In particular, leveraging role models appears to be the most effective social norms change mechanisms for tobacco control.

Comparative clinical trial of Langenlianqiao oral liquid and Lianhuaqingwen capsule in the treatment of mild cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Langenlianqiao (LGLQ) oral liquid treatment and provide a reference basis for the clincal treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).DesignAn experimental clinical study was conducted on three groups with confirmed diagnoses of COVID-19.SiteThis study was conducted at Changde Hospital.ParticipantsA total of 253 patients were enrolled in this study.MethodsThe patients were divided into the LGLQ treatment group (100 cases), the Lianhuaqingwen (LHQW) treatment group (100 cases) and the placebo control group (53 cases), according to the treatment each group received. The occurrence of major clinical symptoms, the duration of symptom disappearance, the number of days in hospitalisation and the duration of infection were compared among the three groups.ResultsCompared with the placebo control group (10.0 [1.2] d, 9.4 [1.3] d), the duration of infection and hospitalisation effectively decreased in the LGLQ group (6.8 [0.6] d, 7.4 [0.8] d) and the LHQW group (6.8 [1.0] d, 7.3 [1.0] d). Furthermore, the incidence of fatigue in the LGLQ group (4.0%) was lower compared to the LHQW group (14.0%) and the placebo control group (15.1%), but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.580 for LGLQ vs. LHQW, P = 0.246 for LGLQ vs. placebo). In the treatment of cough, the LGLQ group showed a significantly different effect compared to both the LHQW group (P = 0.014) and the placebo group (P = 0.016). Additionally, for dry cough specifically, LHQW was effective in reducing its incidence compared to the placebo control group (P < 0.05), while LGLQ showed no statistically significant difference from either LHQW (P = 0.39) or the placebo group (P = 0.14). However, neither the LGLQ group nor the LHQW group showed a reduction in the duration of symptom disappearance in patients with pre-existing symptoms (P > 0.05).ConclusionsCompared with the placebo control group, the LGLQ group showed an improvement in the clinical symptoms of COVID-19 and a decrease in the duration of hospitalisation and infection, which confirmed that the LGLQ treatment had the same antiviral effect as the LHQW treatment. This may provide in-depth insights for antiviral therapy research.

Controlling directional emission of ions attached on the surface of nanoparticles

Abstract The interaction between lasers and nanoparticles holds significant theoretical and practical importance. Here, we investigate the near-field enhancement effects on silver nanotriangles and nanodiscs under ultrafast laser pulses, as well as the dynamics of protons and ions attached to the nanoparticle surfaces. By adjusting the size parameters of the nanoparticles, we explore the near-field enhancement effects and proton emission dynamics at different laser wavelengths. The results demonstrate that nanoparticles with varying morphologies substantially impact the proton momentum spectrum. The directional proton emission of nanotriangle structures is more pronounced compared to that of nanodiscs, and this effect can be further enhanced by adjusting the laser wavelength. Additionally, manipulating the thickness of particles also controls the Mie scattering phenomenon of light. Finally, we qualitatively discuss the emission processes of alpha particles and 9C6+ heavy ions. This research has important implications for proton and heavy ion radiotherapy in cancer treatment and targeted drug delivery, while providing theoretical foundations for understanding, characterizing, and controlling experimental studies of nanosystems with significant potential for expanding research into microdynamic behavior in complex nanomaterial superstructures.

Kinetic simulation and experimental study of steel material removal by the diamond bead

Kinetic simulation and experimental study of steel material removal by the diamond bead

The Use of Smart Sensors to Enhance Road Safety: An Experimental Study to Explore the Usability of Smart Traffic Light Systems with Emergency Vehicles

The Use of Smart Sensors to Enhance Road Safety: An Experimental Study to Explore the Usability of Smart Traffic Light Systems with Emergency Vehicles

H ∞ prescribed tracking performance-based fractional-order sliding mode control for disturbed discrete-time systems: an LMI approach

This paper presents a novel approach to the design of a discrete-time Fractional-Order Sliding Mode Control (FSMC) system for Single Input Single Output (SISO) applications, utilising the Autoregressive with exogenous input (ARX) method for system modelling. The proposed methodology emphasises the Prescribed Performance Control (PPC) to ensure minimal tracking errors through a transformation of tracking errors based on a specified performance function. A Fractional-Order Quasi-Sliding Mode Control (FQSMC) is subsequently developed to maintain the tracking error within predetermined bounds, effectively addressing the chattering phenomenon commonly associated with the traditional sliding mode control. The integration of fractional calculus enhances the smoothness of the output while ensuring accurate tracking, making it ideal for real-world applications. Additionally, a novel Linear Matrix Inequality (LMI) observer is introduced to bolster the system's resilience against uncertainties and disturbances without complicating the computational process. The effectiveness of the proposed Prescribed Performance Fractional-Order Quasi-Sliding Mode Control (PP-FQSMC) is validated through extensive MATLAB simulations and experimental studies conducted on a Tank system. Results demonstrate that the PP-FQSMC significantly outperforms traditional methods, with maximum tracking errors of 1.6 × 10−4 compared to 0.2 for the PP-QSMC and a Root Mean Square Tracking Error (RMSTE) of 1.3 × 10−3 compared to 1.2 × 10−4 for the PP-QSMC, ensuring strong tracking performance and stability. The findings indicate that the proposed controller effectively mitigates chattering in control signals while maintaining a smooth output. It showcases its potential for practical applications in environments characterised by model inaccuracies, time delays, and external disturbances.

Effectiveness of a Person-Centered Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation Treatment of Post-COVID-19 Condition: Protocol for a Single-Case Experimental Design Study.

Patients with post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) experience a wide range of complaints (physical, cognitive, and mental), sometimes with high levels of disability in daily activities. Evidence of effective interdisciplinary rehabilitation treatment is lacking. A person-centered, biopsychosocial, interdisciplinary rehabilitation program, adapted to expert opinions and the patient's needs, was therefore developed. This study aims to present a study protocol for a clinical trial to evaluate the effect of a new, person-centered, interdisciplinary rehabilitation treatment for PCC. It is aimed at improving participation in society and health-related quality of life in patients with PCC who perceive a high level of disability in daily activities or participation. A total of 20 Dutch adults, aged 18 years or older, with high levels of disability in daily activities and participation in society will be included in this replicated and randomized single-case experimental design study, from October 2023 onward. The replicated and randomized single-case experimental design consists of 3 phases. The baseline phase is the observational period, in which no specific treatment will be given. In the intervention phase, patients will receive the new outpatient treatment 3 times a week for 12 weeks, followed by a 12-week follow-up phase. During the intervention phase, the treatment will be personalized according to the patient's physical, mental, and cognitive symptoms and goals. The treatment team can consist of a rehabilitation physician, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, and psychologist. The primary outcomes of the study are daily diaries, which consist of 8 questions selected from validated questionnaires (Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation, EQ-5D-5L, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale). The other primary outcome measurements are participation in society (Utrecht Scale for Evaluation of Rehabilitation-Participation) and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). The secondary outcomes are physical tests and validated questionnaires aimed at physical, mental, and cognitive complaints. Effect evaluation based on daily assessments will include visual analysis, calculation of effect sizes (Nonoverlap of All Pairs), randomization tests, and multilevel analysis. In addition, other analyses will be based on ANOVA or a 2-tailed Student t test. Data collection for this study started in October 2023 and is planned to be completed in July 2024. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences. This is the first study investigating the effect of an interdisciplinary rehabilitation treatment with a person-centered, biopsychosocial approach in patients with PCC. Our findings will help to improve the treatment and support of patients with PCC. German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00032636; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00032636. DERR1-10.2196/63951.

EBNA1BP2 identified as potential prognostic biomarker for multiple tumor types in pan-cancer analysis

BackgroundEpstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection has been closely linked to the development of various types of cancer. EB nuclear antigen 1 binding protein 2 (EBNA1BP2) is a crucial molecule for stable isolation of EBV in latent infection. However, the role of EBNA1BP2 in multiple tumor types is remains unclear. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the functional characteristics of EBNA1BP2 and investigate its potential as a prognostic biomarker in pan-cancer.MethodsWe utilized data from TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) and GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus) databases and employed various bioinformatics analysis tools, including TIMER2.0, HPA, GEPIA2.0, PrognoScan, cBioPortal, CancerSEA, and BioGRID to explore the expression pattern, prognostic value, immune infiltration, and methylation level of EBNA1BP2 in pan-cancer. Additionally, we conducted enrichment analysis of genes associated with EBNA1BP2 to identify potential biological functions and pathways.ResultsOur analysis revealed that EBNA1BP2 expression was significantly higher in tumor tissues compared to tumor-adjacent tissues. We observed that lower expression of EBNA1BP2 in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC), brain lower grade glioma (LGG), sarcoma (SARC), and uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) was significantly associated with improved overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). Furthermore, the promoter methylation level of EBNA1BP2 was downregulated in the majority of cancer types. At the single-cell level, EBNA1BP2 was found to be positively correlated with cell cycle and DNA repair processes, while negatively correlated with hypoxia. Additionally, EBNA1BP2 was associated with the infiltration of immune cells such as B cells, cancer-associated fibroblast cells, and CD8+ T cells. Gene enrichment analysis indicated that EBNA1BP2 was mainly involved in nucleoplasm and RNA binding pathways.ConclusionOur findings suggest that EBNA1BP2 may serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for survival in pan-cancer. Further experimental studies are needed to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms by which EBNA1BP2 contributes to tumorigenesis.

Juvenile hormone signaling is indispensable for late embryogenesis in ametabolous and hemimetabolous insects

BackgroundJuvenile hormone (JH) is an insect-exclusive hormone involved in regulating diverse aspects of insect physiology, and the evolution of its diverse function is widely interesting. Studying embryogenesis in basal wingless insects is important to understand the functional evolution of JH; however, experimental studies in this regard are scarce. In this study, we conducted CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout (KO) of genes involved in JH biosynthesis and signaling cascades in the ametabolous firebrat, Thermobia domestica. Additionally, we investigated whether the primitive action of JH is conserved in the hemimetabolous cricket, Gryllus bimaculatus.ResultsWe observed that KO of JHAMT, CYP15A1, Met, and Kr-h1 resulted in embryonic lethality in T. domestica. Deprivation of JH or JH signaling arrested the progression of extraembryonic fluid resorption after dorsal closure and hatching, which is consistent with the gene expression pattern showing high Kr-h1 expression in the late embryos of T. domestica. The embryos deficient in JH signaling displayed wrinkled and weak legs. Comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that JH signaling promotes embryonic leg maturation through inducing energy supply and muscle activity, as validated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, JH signaling exhibited similar embryonic effects in G. bimaculatus.ConclusionsThis study reveals the indispensable role of JH signaling in facilitating the maturation of terminal tissues during late embryogenesis, as demonstrated by the regulation of leg development, in ametabolous and hemimetabolous insects. These findings further indicate that the embryonic functions of JH evolved earlier than its anti-metamorphic functions during postembryonic development.