Health Research Articles

Current Trends in the Treatment of Misophonia

Misophonia is a disorder characterized by emotional and physiological responses that occur in response to certain auditory stimuli. Visual, tactile, and olfactory stimuli, primarily oral and nasal sounds such as eating, nose, and respiratory sounds, reveal misophonic responses. People with misophonia may have difficulty in social interactions, and work or school performance may be adversely affected. Misophonia symptoms can also cause anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. Physiological reactions in the body, such as pain, sweating, tachycardia, hot flashes, and breathing difficulties, negatively affect people's physical health. For this reason, people's physical and mental health and quality of life are significantly affected. The absence of agreed diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of misophonia and the lack of sufficient data to classify it as a psychiatric disorder has led to the lack of validated treatment guidelines. However, there are treatment recommendations discussed in the literature for misophonia, which has a prevalence of 20% in a limited number of studies and negatively affects the functionality of the individual. In the management of misophonia, tinnitus re-education therapy (TRT) was used as audiological treatment, antidepressants, and anxiolytics were used as pharmacological treatment and cognitive behavioral therapies were used as therapy. Other suggested treatment recommendations are neural remodeling technique, sequential remodeling hypnotherapy, trauma prevention technique, and trauma and tension reduction exercises. This review aims to present the treatment approaches available in the literature together and to understand the need for experimental evidence for treatment methods.

Smart environmental drone utilization for monitoring urban air quality

Urban air quality has significant and far-reaching impacts on both human health and the broader environment. Pollutants like particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), for instance, are associated with a range of health issues including respiratory conditions, asthma, heart diseases, and even contribute to low birth weight in newborns. These health implications extend to larger environmental concerns such as air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and global climate change. Recognizing the urgent need for effective and dynamic air quality monitoring solutions, this paper explores the use of smart environmental drones as a promising approach. Our drone is equipped with a state-of-the-art, low-cost particulate matter sensor that can accurately measure PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations. Operating at a flight speed of 10 m/s and capable of covering a range of 5 km, the drone executes a pre-programmed flight plan to autonomously map pollution levels across urban areas. With a 95% accuracy rate in sensor readings, our model significantly minimizes potential errors commonly associated with traditional air quality monitoring methods. Furthermore, it simplifies maintenance procedures, reducing both time and financial costs. By employing drone technology in this innovative manner, our model offers a cost-effective, reliable, and dynamic solution for monitoring urban air quality. It provides real-time, actionable pollution indices that can inform public health decisions, regulatory policies, and community awareness, thereby contributing to the broader goal of improving air quality and public health.

Impact of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) to the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBP) during water/wastewater treatment: A review

Disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation during water and wastewater treatment is a concern for public health and environmental preservation. Dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) serves as a recognized precursor to DBP formation, which can potentially jeopardize human health. This review article offers a comprehensive insight into DON's influence on DBP formation during water and wastewater treatment processes. It delves into DON's sources, properties, and concentrations in water and wastewater, underlining the variability dependent on water source and environmental conditions. The mechanisms of DBP formation from DON, encompassing formation pathways and influencing factors, are meticulously examined. Different treatment methods, like chlorination, ozonation, and UV disinfection, are carefully examined to see how they affect the formation of DON and DBP. Factors that sway DON's impact on DBP formation are also explored. The review also presents various DBP reduction techniques, spanning physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods, their efficacy in curtailing DON's influence, and their potential pros and cons. It addresses challenges, outlines future research directions, identifies knowledge gaps, and highlights the necessity for regulatory measures and policies, providing recommendations for prospective research avenues. It is clear from this in-depth review that more research is needed to understand how DON affects the formation of DBP entirely. It is also essential to protect human health and the environment and follow the rules first when treating wastewater. In conclusion, it analyzes DON's part in forming DBP in water and wastewater treatment. This emphasizes the need for ongoing research and mitigation strategies to protect public health and water quality.

Perceived Physical, Emotional and Monetary Burden among Caregivers of Thalassemia Patients: An Evidence-based Study from District Gujrat, Pakistan

Thalassemia is among the most challenging hereditary blood disorders with no permanent cure. The patients of thalassemia have to face multidimensional complications that may lead to physical, emotional, social, and monetary burdens, among others, that negatively affect the patients, their families, and especially the caregivers. The caregivers feel the burden owing to the long-standing character of the diseases and the struggling process for curing patients, and the caregivers have to face numerous burdens that lead them towards anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, aggression, poor relationships, lower productivity, and many others. The prime objective of this study is to understand the physical, emotional, and monetary burdens faced by caregivers, and primary data for this quantitative study were collected from caregivers of thalassemia patients of district Gujrat. Researchers applied the purposive sampling technique and a structured questionnaire to approach the study participants. The findings highlighted that the caregivers of thalassemia patients face a large number of physical (continued attachment, tiredness, isolation, lower productivity), emotional (aggression, depression, fear of losing a loved one life), and monetary (visiting health centers, arranging blood donors, travel and transportation, personal obligations) burdens that have significant impacts on their socio-economic, psychological and physical health.

Exploring Teachers’ Perception and Practices About the Provision of Social-Emotional Learning at Primary Grades in Karachi, Pakistan

The current study aimed to explore how teachers perceive the term Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in primary grades. This research also explored the practices of provision of SEL at schools from the lens of school heads and teachers. The research design adopted for the study was qualitative, and a purposive sampling technique was used to identify two school systems where SEL is taught formally as a subject in Karachi, Pakistan. To collect the perceptions, practices, and experiences of SEL teaching, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with the teachers and school heads from these schools. Tools used for the semi-structured in-depth interviews were reviewed by the schools’ educational psychologists. The findings indicate that teachers considered SEL as the driving force to ensure academic improvement and behavior management. SEL is also found to improve the physical and mental well-being of the students. The practices adopted by the school for the provision of SEL include innovative teaching methodologies, curriculum designing and monitoring, professional development, assessment, parental involvement, and integration of SEL with different subjects. Overall, the factors found associated with the SEL in primary grades are embedding SEL in school culture, involvement of all stakeholders, encouraging the school environment, and implanting SEL competencies in the SEL curriculum.

Conceptual and Theoretical Review of Self-Worth

This study examined the significance of self-worth as a crucial factor in human mental health and psychosocial development. The study explores self-worth interventions, mental disorders, and available resources. A comprehensive analysis of the conceptual and theoretical aspects of self-worth is undertaken. To begin with, the study offers conceptual justifications drawn from the self-worth literature, elucidating theoretical perspectives on the formation of self-worth in individuals. It elaborates on related concepts and their interconnections with self-worth. Furthermore, the examination extends to the influence of culture on self-worth development and emotions. Theoretical discussions on self-worth are approached through Psychoanalytic theory, Psychosocial development theory, Transactional analysis theory, and Attachment theory. The research scrutinizes the association between various mental disorders and self-worth, investigating how a lack of self-worth may exacerbate or precipitate certain psychopathologies. Previous interventions aimed at enhancing self-worth are outlined, accompanied by an exploration of methods for measuring self-worth. The study emphasizes the pivotal role of self-worth in individuals' mental health, considering the implications of concepts like unconditional self-worth and contingencies of self-worth. Recommendations are provided for individuals, parents, and mental health professionals based on the findings.

Analysis of the Influence of Domestic Violence Severity on the Emotional States of Non-working Women in Sialkot

Violence against women is widely acknowledged as a severe violation of human rights and a significant public health issue with profound physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health consequences. The purpose of current research is to assess the impact of domestic violence on the emotional states of non-working women. This study, using a cross-sectional quantitative approach, surveyed 350 non-working females in both rural and urban Sialkot through purposive sampling. The sample size was determined using g-power analysis. Findings revealed a strong positive correlation between domestic violence and emotional states (r=.827, p<.001; r=.771, p<.001), suggesting that increased domestic violence severity leads to greater emotional disturbance. The abusive behavior scale (r=.777, p<.001) indicated that marital abuse exacerbates domestic violence, further disturbing emotional states. In conclusion, abusive behavior moderates the relationship between domestic violence and emotional disturbance. Addressing abusive behavior is recommended to mitigate its impact on non-working women's emotional well-being.

Dispersion model of NOx emissions from a liquefied natural gas facility

Natural gas used widely in terms of energy production. Energy production is among the most prominent sectors of humankind. Combustion processes inevitably produces air pollutants. The major pollutant during a combustion process is nitrogen oxide emissions. The term of nitrogen oxides primarily include nitrogen monoxide and nitrogen dioxide. These pollutants are generated regardless of the fuel content since air composition itself is the major source for these pollutants. It is possible to calculate emissions through the activity data and emission factors. Calculation of emissions is not enough for an environmental assessment. The impact of pollutants on human health relies on their concentration in the atmosphere. In order to determine their concentrations several modelling practices are developed. In this study, AERMOD used for modelling purpose of NOx emissions from a liquefied natural gas facility. It was observed that the pollutants were dispersed mostly towards south-southwest of the facility, where Marmaraereğlisi district is located. Although the pollutants transported directly to the settlement, the concentrations remained limited. During operation conditions, the highest daily NOx concentration was 1.7 μg/m3 and the highest annual concentration was 0.1 μg/m3. At maximum operating conditions, the highest daily NOx concentration was 16.2 μg/m3 and the highest annual concentration was 2.5 μg/m3. At minimum operating conditions, the highest daily NOx concentration was 1.1 μg/m3 and the highest annual concentration was 0.2 μg/m3.

Evaluation of Acute and Repeated Dose Oral Toxicity of Phoenix dactylifera L. Pollen Methanolic Extract in Rats

Pollen of the date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) has been used for thousands of years as a traditional herbal medicine for improving fertility. However, safety of plant-derived materials is an important concern to human health, and herbal remedies should be taken with adequate knowledge about their toxicity, adverse effects, purity, appropriate dosage and dose limits. The current work was undertaken to evaluate the safety of date palm pollen (DPP) and to classify it according to its oral toxicity in rats. The experiments were done according to the reported guidelines of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to assess the acute and repeated dose oral toxicity in rats. The obtained results showed neither death nor sign of toxicity or abnormality in any of the animals throughout the experimental period regarding acute and repeated dose oral toxicity. Also the results of the hematological and clinical biochemistry determinations showed no significant differences between the control and DPP-treated rat groups. It could be concluded that, the tested plant material is a relatively safe substance and its approximate LD50 defined by 2000mg/kg < LD50 < 5000mg/kg according to the OECD tests guidelines.

The Relationship Between Tourism, Dog Ownership and Sustainability

The interplay between tourism and dog ownership presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for sustainability. The relationship between tourism, dog ownership, and sustainability forms a complex nexus that is becoming increasingly relevant in contemporary socio-economic and environmental contexts. Tourism significantly impacts local economies and environments, and its relationship with dog ownership manifests in various ways. Tourist destinations that promote pet-friendly policies can see an increase in visitor numbers as dog owners are more inclined to visit places where their pets are welcomed. This can lead to increased spending in these areas but also poses potential sustainability challenges such as increased waste production and environmental degradation. Conversely, the presence of dogs in tourist areas can enhance the visitor experience, encouraging longer stays and promoting mental and physical well-being through pet interaction. This aspect can lead to a more sustainable form of tourism that values longer visits over quick, high-impact travel. However, managing the environmental impact of a larger number of pets, including waste management and habitat disturbance, is crucial for sustainability. Sustainability in the context of tourism and dog ownership also extends to the practices of accommodations and tourist attractions, such as the provision of eco-friendly pet amenities, promoting responsible pet ownership, and ensuring that tourism development does not harm local wildlife and ecosystems.

Research Progress on Prevention and Treatment of Diabetes with Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Intestinal Flora

In recent years, the World Health Organization has proposed the concept that only intestinal health can lead to longevity. It can be seen that gut microbiota plays an important role in maintaining human health, and gut microbiota has become a hot topic in medical research. With the change of Chinese residents' lifestyle, the incidence rate of diabetes is increasing rapidly. Research shows that the incidence of diabetes is closely related to intestinal flora imbalance. Traditional Chinese medicine can reduce blood sugar and improve clinical symptoms by regulating intestinal flora. Based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, this paper discusses the etiology and pathogenesis of intestinal flora imbalance, and provides a theoretical basis for traditional Chinese medicine to regulate intestinal flora to prevent and treat diabetes. Intestinal flora is a complex ecosystem, which plays an important role in maintaining human health. The imbalance of intestinal flora may lead to the occurrence of diabetes. The dynamic balance of gut microbiota is closely related to the kidneys, spleen, liver, and lungs. Traditional Chinese medicine monomer and compound can prevent and cure diabetes by regulating intestinal flora.

Unveiling the patient-centered approach: exploring the needs of Javanese stroke patients in home health services

Home-based care can be effective, efficient, safe, and affordable, if this care is performed using a patient-centered approach. Patient-centered care prioritizes the patient’s needs and preferences. The issue of patient-centered care remains the focus of various parties. This study aimed to explore the expectations of patients who have experienced a stroke, their family caregivers as recipients of home-based care services and healthcare workers as home-based care providers. This study used a qualitative explorative model. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 participants, in addition to 4 focus group discussions. Data was analyzed using a content analysis approach with open code 13 software and the results were presented in COREQ systematics for qualitative studies. There were four main themes present in the results: physical well-being, self-actualization, psychological condition and balance between family burden and coping. Physical limitations were highlighted as the most burden some for the majority of the participants. At the time of the study, the majority of the patients, their family and health workers were diligently working towards to achieving the best outcome regarding physical well-being. Physical well-being is a fundamental need. Reaching this goal, could lead to better self-actualization, better physiological condition and improving the burden on families. This study may be useful as preliminary data to compile a home-based care construct indicators for stroke patients.

Exploring novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying Bisphenol A-induced toxicity: A persistent threat to human health

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous industrial chemical used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins, found in numerous consumer products. Despite its widespread use, its potential adverse health effects have raised significant concerns. This review explores the molecular mechanisms and evidence-based literature underlying BPA-induced toxicities and its implications for human health. BPA is an endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) which exhibits carcinogenic properties by influencing various receptors, such as ER, AhR, PPARs, LXRs, and RARs. It induces oxidative stress and contributes to cellular dysfunction, inflammation, and DNA damage, ultimately leading to various toxicities including but not limited to reproductive, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and endocrine toxicity. Moreover, BPA can modify DNA methylation patterns, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA expression, leading to epigenetic changes and contribute to carcinogenesis. Overall, understanding molecular mechanisms of BPA-induced toxicity is crucial for developing effective strategies and policies to mitigate its adverse effects on human health.

Flowers or Leaves? Assessing the Impact of Crape Myrtle Observation on the Physical and Mental Well-being of Senior Citizens

Previous studies have demonstrated the beneficial impact of plants on the overall well-being of elderly individuals. However, there remains a gap in our understanding which specific plant species have a notable influence on the physical and mental health of the elderly population. Among the various woody ornamental plants used worldwide, crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) holds a growing significance in the natural environment. This study aimed to investigate the physiological parameters (such as blood pressure, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and fingertip pulse) as well as psychological aspects (measured using positive and negative affect schedule scores and smile face scale) associated with crape myrtle observation activities. The finding revealed the following key points: 1) engaging in crape myrtle observation activities significantly enhanced the physical and mental well-being of elderly participants; 2) the impact of observing crape myrtle flowers differed notably from that of observing its leaves, with flower observation having a more positive effect on the physical and mental health of elderly individuals; and 3) the natural environment was found to exert an influence on the physical and mental health of elderly individuals through visual stimulation. Following the observation of crape myrtle, there was a significant decrease in the physiological indices of elderly individuals. Our findings offer valuable insights into the therapeutic benefits of crape myrtle observation activities and contributing evidence-based recommendations for future landscape design aimed at enhancing well-being.

Use of vegetable oils as dielectric fluids for electrical discharge machining. A case study

Electrical discharge machining with solid electrodes represents an efficient solution to generate blind cavities with complex geometry. Vegetable oils represent an alternative to conventional dielectrics, which are considered harmful for the environment and human health. This study tested the feasibility of two widely used vegetable oils, sunflower and soybean, under intense machining of three alloys with application in aeronautic industry, aiming for high process productivity and a good surface quality. The results have revealed that vegetable oils are capable to ensure an improvement of the material removal rates that can reach up to 55.15% compared to mineral oil. Also, the vegetable dielectrics allowed an improvement of surface quality for non-ferrous alloys, up to a maximum of 19.70%, whereas for the stainless steel, the mineral oil has provided a better surface finish.

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Wall Painting Types in a New City Development: Impacts on Environment and Human Health

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of Wall Painting Types in a New City Development: Impacts on Environment and Human Health

Photoesterification of Waste Cooking Oil using ZnO Doped Empty Fruit Bunches Ash Heterogeneous Catalyst

Introduction:: Waste from the palm oil industry, such as empty fruit bunch ash (EFBA) and palm oil mill effluents (POME), is a type of biomass created during the production of palm oil and produced in vast quantities. Due to the massive amounts of empty fruit bunch ash produced because of the exponential rise in worldwide palm oil production, major plantations are having trouble disposing of them. Aim:: The purpose of this research is to study the effectiveness of the ZnO-EFBA catalyst under visible light irradiation for the photoesterification reaction and its physicochemical properties of the photocatalyst that will be determined using TGA, SEMEDX, XRD and BET. Method:: The biodiesel will be produced by using two steps which are photoesterification to reduce the FFA value in WCO and followed by transesterification to produce FAMEs. The photoesterification reactions were conducted using WCO under visible light irradiation. Various parameters were examined, including different reaction times of 1 to 4 hours, different methanol to oil molar ratios of 12:1, 14:1, 16:1, and 18:1, and different ZnO-EFBA catalyst loadings ranging from 0 wt.% to 8 wt.%. The obtained results demonstrated that each WCO sample has a different optimum condition in the photoesterification reaction. Moreover, it was observed that lower FFA values correlated with higher biodiesel conversion rates in the transesterification reaction with 79.06%, 77.72% and 73.33% for samples 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Result:: By using EFBA as a heterogeneous catalyst doped with ZnO in the manufacturing of biodiesel, it helps to reduce the waste that the palm oil industry creates, limiting the adverse effects on human health and environmental harm. Furthermore, biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning alternative to petroleum fuel, which is domestically manufactured. Conclusion:: The use of biodiesel as a vehicle fuel boosts energy security, enhances the environment and air quality, and offers safety advantages.

Fabrication of bare and cobalt-doped ZnFe2O4 thin film as NH3 gas sensor with enhanced response through UV-light illumination

This work reports on the deposition of bare and cobalt-doped ZnFe2O4 thin films by chemical spray pyrolysis technique to study ammonia (NH3) gas sensing properties. Colorless and strongly smelling, ammonia (NH3) is readily soluble in water and yields ammonium (NH) ions. These gases mix in the air atmosphere cause climate change, and severely affect human health. Therefore, the detection of NH3 below the exposure limit can avoid the deterioration of human health and environment. Co-doping had a significant effect on surface roughness, surface morphology, crystallite size, and sensitivity at room temperature. Co0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 film (ZFCO5) exhibited an outstanding response (S = 19) towards 10 ppm NH3 gas at room temperature. Compared to the bare film, the ZFCO5 sensor has an eleven-fold higher gas-detection response value for 10 ppm NH3. This is ascribed to the blended effects of small crystallite size, high surface roughness, oxygen vacancies, and angular shape morphology linked into tiny rods in the ZFCO5 film. The ZFCO5 sensor showed a significant speedup in response/recovery times (102 s/34 s) and good response (S = 25) to NH3 under the UV-light (365 nm) illumination at room temperature. The built-in ZFCO5 gas sensor shows promise for real-time NH3 below threshold level monitoring.

Study on surface grafting of hydroxyapatite and its influence on the properties of urea-formaldehyde resin

Urea formaldehyde (UF) is the most widely used resin in the wood composite board industry. UF has formaldehyde emission, which is harmful to the environment and human health. In this paper, hydroxyapatite (HAP) was surface modified by silane coupling agent (HAP-KH). And hydroxyapatite/urea formaldehyde resin (HAP-UF) was prepared by adding different amounts of HAP-KH. The optimal amount of HAP-KH was determined by wet shear strength and formaldehyde release. The degradation performance and degradation kinetics of the resin were also studied. The results show that the addition of HAP-KH can improve the wet shear strength of plywood and reduce the release of formaldehyde. The optimal content of HAP-KH was 3%, and the formaldehyde emission of plywood reached the lowest level of 0.35 mg L−1, 52.32% lower than that of the control resin. The wet shear strength was 1.14 MPa, 14.4% higher than that of the control resin. HAP-KH had no significant effect on the thermal stability of UF resins. However, HAP-KH has a significant effect on the thermal degradation mechanism of UF resins. The most likely kinetics mechanism models for UF and HAP-UF are G(a) = [−ln(1−α)]2 and G(a) = [−ln(1−α)]3, respectively.

Oxidative potential associated with reactive oxygen species of size-resolved particles: The important role of the specific sources

Oxidative potential (OP) is a predictor of particulate matter (PM) toxicity. Size-resolved PM and its components that influence OP values can be generated from several sources. However, There is little research have attempted to determine the PM toxicity generated from specific sources. This paper studied the OP characterization and reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation of particles from specific sources and their effects on human health. OP associated with ROS of size-resolved particles was analyzed by using dithiothreitol (DTT) method and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy technology. And OP and ROS deposition of specific source PM were calculated for health through the Multi-path particle deposition (MPPD) model. The results evidenced that the highest water-soluble OP (OPws) from traffic sources (OPm: 104.50 nmol min−1·ug−1; OPv: 160.15 nmol min−1·m−3) and the lowest from ocean sources (OPm: 22.25 nmol⋅min−1⋅ug−1; OPv: 54.16 nmol min−1·m−3). The OPws allocation in PM from different sources all have a unimodal pattern range from 0.4 to 3.2 μm. ROS (·OH) displayed the uniform trend as PM OPws, indicating that PM< 3.2 is the major contributor to adverse health impacts for size-resolved PM because of its enhanced oxidative activity compared with PM> 3.2. Furthermore, this study predicted the DTT consumption of PM were assigned to different components. Most DTT losses are attributed to the transition metals. For specific sources, transition metals dominates DTT losses, accounting for 38%–80% of DTT losses from different sources, followed by Hulis-C, accounting for 1%–10%. MPPD model calculates that over 66% of pulmonary DTT loss comes by PM< 3.2, and over 71% of pulmonary ROS generation from PM< 3.2. Among these sources of pollution, traffic emissions are the primary contributors to reactive oxygen species (ROS) in environmental particulate matter (PM). Therefore, emphasis should be placed on controlling traffic emissions, especially in coastal areas.