Higher Mean Values Research Articles

Impact of Er,Cr:YSGG Laser, Sandblast, and Acid Etching Surface Modification on Surface Topography of Biodental Titanium Implants.

Introduction: Several techniques have been used to modify the surface of commercially pure titanium (CPTi) implants to improve osseointegration using lasers, sandblasts, sandblasts with acid etching, and other modalities. For implant-osseointegration, surface features like chemical composition of a surface, topography, and surface energy are essential. The present comparative study aimed to compare the impact of Er,Cr:YSGG laser, sandblasting, and acid etching implant surface modifications on the surface topography, roughness, and element chemical composition of the Ti dental implant. Methods: Thirty CPTi dental implants were divided into three groups according to the surface modification (n=10 for each group): Group A: Sandblasting with acid etching (SLActive), group B: Sandblasting, and group C: Er,Cr:YSGG laser surface modifications. The modified surfaces were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), profilometer, and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS). Results: One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that there were significant differences in the mean values of average roughness (Ra) of the three groups (P<0.05). Tukey's post hoc test showed that the average roughness (Ra) of laser-surface modification (group C) of the implant had the highest mean value (2.30 µm) among the different groups, while sandblasted surface modification (group B) of the implant had the lowest mean value (1.39 µm). The SLActive (group A) sandblast with acid etching had a mean value of 1.63 µm. SEM analysis showed that significantly modified surface topographies and different element concentrations were found within all modified groups. Conclusion: The Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation increased the implant surface roughness value after implant surface modification, compared to sandblasts and sandblasts with acid etching application. The observations for the SEM-EDS analysis revealed several elements with different concentrations, which were affected by the physical-chemical characteristics of the surface modification techniques. The SEM analysis showed a significant modification in implant surface topographies of the tested groups.

Evaluation of the Effect of Nano and Micro Hydroxyapatite Particles on the Impact Strength of Acrylic Resin: In Vitro Study

Poly (methylmethacrylate) is considered the basis material for a denture base. However, such substance has some drawbacks such as poor impact resistance, which is thought to be the primary cause of fracture of denture base resins. The purpose of the study was to determine how Nano and Micro hydroxyapatite particles affected the impact strength of acrylic resin. Thirty specimens were constructed of heat-cured acrylic resin and were divided into three groups: Ten specimens for the control, 10 for 1%nano hydroxyapatite, and 10 for micro hydroxyapatite. Acrylic samples were subjected to an impact strength test via a Charpy-type. Data were then analysed using SPSS v20. The ANOVA test was used for comparison among the groups. Highly statistically significant differences among all studied groups (P-value &lt;0.0001). Both 5% Micro hydroxyapatite and 1% Nano hydroxyapatite had a higher mean value than the control. Incorporating Nano and Micro hydroxyapatite into PMMA improved the impact strength of acrylic resins.

Behavioral change in physical, anatomical, and mechanical characteristics of thermally treated Pinus roxburghii wood

Thermal treatment of pine wood was carried out at 80, 120, 160, and 200 °C for 2, 4, and 6 hours. The highest mean values were, for specific gravity (0.492), moisture content (29.1%), and maximum moisture content (191%), whereas the lowest mean values were for specific gravity (0.418), moisture content (1.20%), and maximum moisture content (127%). The maximum mean values were for shrinkage in longitudinal plane (0.42%), radial plane (4.63%), volumetric shrinkage (9.28%), and maximum mean value tangential plane (3.67%). The minimum mean values were for shrinkage in longitudinal plane (0.04%), radial plane (2.22%), tangential plane (1.55%), and volumetric shrinkage (4.88%). Maximum mean values were for swelling in longitudinal (0.41%), radial (5.22%), and tangential plane (3.15%) and maximum mean volumetric swelling (7.71%), while minimum mean values were for swelling in longitudinal plane (0.08%), radial plane (2.26%), and tangential plane (1.29%) and minimum mean volumetric swelling (3.15%). The highest mean values were for tensile strength (57.3 MPa) and compression parallel to the grain (50.3 MPa), the maximum mean value of bending strength (84 MPa) and compression strength perpendicular to grain (27 MPa), whereas the lowest values were for tensile strength (42.7 MPa), bending strength (7.33 MPa), compression parallel to the grain (7.33 MPa) and compression strength perpendicular to grain (12.3 MPa).

PREDICTION OF AMINO ACID CONTENTS OF CASSAVA ROOT FROM CRUDE PROTEIN AND ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS

This study aimed at predicting and evaluating the variation in the amino acids of cassava roots from their crude protein. Nutrient composition of cassava roots were obtained from previous studies and descriptive statistics, correlations and prediction models were developed using stepwise multiple regression analyses. The results indicated that variations occurred among the amino acid content of cassava roots from different sources. The amino acid component with the highest coefficient of variance was Tryptophan (364.2 %) while the least was Alanine (38.41 %). Glutamine had the highest mean value (0.25 %) while the least value was Cysteine (0.01 %). Positive and negative correlations existed between the amino acid content at 1 and 5 % levels of significance. Equations generated for Total Essential Amino acid (TEA) and Total Amino Acid (TAA) revealed that r2 increased as the number of variables increased, Prediction equations generated values for TEA and TAA of cassava roots were much close to the actual values obtained.

Off the Beaten Path in Oncology: Active Brown Adipose Tissue by Virtue of Molecular Imaging.

Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) is considered beneficial in diabetes and obesity, but it can also have negative effects such as its implication in tumours' pathogenesis and the development of Cancer-induced Cachexia. Since 18F-FDG PET/CT is a common molecular imaging modality used in cancer assessment, we aim to study the 18F-FDG BAT biodistribution in oncological patients and look for possible correlations between BAT activity and different malignancies as well as the patient's weight status. After analysing the total number of oncological 18F-FDG PET/CT scans between 2017 and 2021, we selected patients with active BAT. Based on their BMI, the selected patients were divided into nonobese (NO) vs. overweight and obese (OOB). OOB SUVmaxlean body mass(LBM) had the highest mean values in supraclavicular, latero-cervical, and paravertebral vs. mediastinal and latero-thoracic localisations in NO. BMI was positively correlated with latero-cervical and supraclavicular SUVmax(LBM) but negatively correlated with latero-thoracic and abdominal SUVmax(LBM). Considering the age of the patients, SUVmax(LBM) decreases in the latero-cervical, paravertebral, and abdominal regions. In addition, the males presented lower SUVmax(LBM) values. SUVmax(LBM) was not affected by the treatment strategy or the oncological diagnosis. To conclude, it is mandatory to take into consideration the BAT particularities and effects on weight status in order to optimise the clinical management of oncological patients.

Effectiveness of different Extension Methods in Transfer of Green Technologies for Agriculture: A Conceptual Framework

The present study was conducted in Trichy and Madurai district of Tamil Nadu. From each district two blocks were selected. The total sample size of 240 were selected for the present investigation. More than half (59.58%) of the respondents perceived that farm and home visit by NGO as the most effective method in transferring the green technology. It was clear that more than half (53.33%) of the respondents reported that farm and home visit as the most effective method in individual contact method in transfer of green technology by KVK. It was ostensible that 62.08 per cent of the farmers reported that farm and home visit as the most effective method in the category of individual contact method in transfer of green technology by State Department of Agriculture. It could be observed that F= 37.22 is significant at one per cent level of probability. It indicates that there is significant difference in effectiveness among the NGO’s, KVK’s and State Department. KVK’s (53.54) had a highest mean value.

รูปแบบการประชาสัมพันธ์ของมหาวิทยาลัยเทคโนโลยีพระจอมเกล้าพระนครเหนือ ในยุคไทยแลนด์ 4.0

The objectives of this research are 1) to study the elements of the models for public relations in the fourth industrial revolution. 2) to develop models of public relations for King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok in the fourth industrial revolution and 3) to evaluate models of public relations of King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok in the fourth industrial revolution. The researcher studied from a sample consisting of students, personnel, people, journalists and stakeholders of King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok. Determination of the sample size was done by using the table from Taro Yamane formula at infinite level and using a sample of 400 people. The research instruments consisted of interviews and questionnaires used including average, standard deviation and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The result found that the elements and forms of models of public relations in the fourth industrial revolution consist of the main components and sub-components as following: the organization executives consists of 1) organizational policies and 2) needs to receive information. The organization consists of 1) the models of public relations that are modern and 2) the organizational communication plan. The target group consists of 1) the communication plan of the organization 2) the leadership of the executives 3) the design of public relations and 4) the budget of the organization. Public relations channel consists of 1) public relations news 2) public relations time and 3) expertise of technical personnel and data include (1) public relations success evaluation 2) modernization of technology and 3) corporate communication planning. The results of the evaluation of models of public relations found that both of the appropriateness and the feasibility of applying the model have the highest mean value.

The Study of 2D:4D Ratio and Facial Asymmetry Using Eye-Mouth-Eye Angle among the Student of College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Federal University Dutse

Deviations of physical characteristics from bilateral symmetry, in otherwise symmetric individuals, are supposed to result from environmental perturbations during development. One cause of such perturbations may be sex steroids such as testosterone and oestrogen. The study examined the relationship between second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D), a putative negative correlate with prenatal testosterone and a positive correlate with prenatal estrogen, and asymmetry. The hand of the participants was place on a flat surface with the palm facing upward fore arm in line with the middle finger. Finger should be extended maximally and dose to each other measurement technique was followed for measuring 2D:4D digit length which can be define as a distance between the proximal flexion crease of the digit length was measured in centimeters. Table 1 shows descriptive analysis of 2D and 4D right and left distance. The minimum and maximum ages are 18 and 35 years respectively. The mean of 2D:4D right length was 0.98 ± 0.015 and the mean of 2D:4D left length 0.97 ± 0.022 this shows there is higher mean value in right 2D:4D length. Our data show that both low 2D:4D (a marker of high prenatal testosterone) and high 2D:4D (a marker of high prenatal estrogen) are associated with elevated levels of asymmetry and this relationship applies particularly to finger asymmetry. Keywords: 2D:4D ratio, facial asymmetry, eye-mouth-eye angle, students

Real-time 4D MRI using MR signature matching (MRSIGMA) on a 1.5T MR-Linac system.

Objective. To develop real-time 4D MRI using MR signature matching (MRSIGMA) for volumetric motion imaging in patients with pancreatic cancer on a 1.5T MR-Linac system.Approach. Two consecutive MRI scans with 3D golden-angle radial stack-of-stars acquisitions were performed on ten patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer. The complete first scan (905 angles) was used to compute a 4D motion dictionary including ten pairs of 3D motion images and signatures. The second scan was used for real-time imaging, where each angle (275 ms) was processed separately to match it to one of the dictionary entries. The complete second scan was also used to compute a 4D reference to assess motion tracking performance.Dicecoefficients of the gross tumor volume (GTV) and two organs-at-risk (duodenum-stomach and small bowel) were calculated between signature matching and reference. In addition, volume changes, displacements, center of mass shifts, andDicescores over time were calculated to characterize motion.Main results. Total imaging latency of MRSIGMA (acquisition + matching) was less than 300 ms. TheDicecoefficients were 0.87 ± 0.06 (GTV), 0.86 ± 0.05 (duodenum-stomach), and 0.85 ± 0.05 (small bowel), which indicate high accuracy (high mean value) and low uncertainty (low standard deviation) of MRSIGMA for real-time motion tracking. The center of mass shift was 3.1 ± 2.0 mm (GTV), 5.3 ± 3.0 mm (duodenum-stomach), and 3.4 ± 1.5 mm (small bowel). TheDicescores over time (0.97 ± [0.01-0.03]) were similarly high for MRSIGMA and reference scans in all the three contours.Significance. This work demonstrates the feasibility of real-time 4D MRI using MRSIGMA for volumetric motion tracking on a 1.5T MR-Linac system. The high accuracy and low uncertainty of real-time MRSIGMA is an essential step towards continuous treatment adaptation of tumors affected by real-time respiratory motion and could ultimately improve treatment safety by optimizing ablative dose delivery near gastrointestinal organs.

A robust ranking method for online rating systems with spammers by interval division

It is crucial to identify spammers from online e-commerce platform to maintain the order of fairness. Existing methods have limitations to detect spammers if the underlying network is extreme sparse. In this paper, a novel method has been proposed to address this challenge from two folds. It is inspired by the idea that a trust-worthy rater will always give a reasonable rating which has been statistically significant and locates in an interval following normal distribution. To deal with low-degree spammers with limited information, rating patterns with preference are involved as well. Such two parts lead to an Interval Division-based Ranking (IDR) method. Experimental study on challenging sparse network Amazon demonstrates that the performance gain of recall is at least 15.4%. Top 50 movies selected by IDR from Douban have a high mean value 9.552 and a low variance 0.036.

Effect of inorganic fillers on the light transmission through traditional or flowable resin-matrix composites for restorative dentistry

ObjectivesThe aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the light transmission through five different resin-matrix composites regarding the inorganic filler content.MethodsResin-matrix composite disc-shaped specimens were prepared on glass molds. Three traditional resin-matrix composites contained inorganic fillers at 74, 80, and 89 wt. % while two flowable composites revealed 60 and 62.5 wt. % inorganic fillers. Light transmission through the resin-matrix composites was assessed using a spectrophotometer with an integrated monochromator before and after light curing for 10, 20, or 40s. Elastic modulus and nanohardness were evaluated through nanoindentation’s tests, while Vicker’s hardness was measured by micro-hardness assessment. Chemical analyses were performed by FTIR and EDS, while microstructural analysis was conducted by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Data were evaluated using two-way ANOVA and Tukey’s test (p < 0.05).ResultsAfter polymerization, optical transmittance increased for all specimens above 650-nm wavelength irradiation since higher light exposure time leads to increased light transmittance. At 20- or 40-s irradiation, similar light transmittance was recorded for resin composites with 60, 62, 74, or 78–80 wt. % inorganic fillers. The lowest light transmittance was recorded for a resin-matrix composite reinforced with 89 wt. % inorganic fillers. Thus, the size of inorganic fillers ranged from nano- up to micro-scale dimensions and the high content of micro-scale inorganic particles can change the light pathway and decrease the light transmittance through the materials. At 850-nm wavelength, the average ratio between polymerized and non-polymerized specimens increased by 1.6 times for the resin composite with 89 wt. % fillers, while the composites with 60 wt. % fillers revealed an increased ratio by 3.5 times higher than that recorded at 600-nm wavelength. High mean values of elastic modulus, nano-hardness, and micro-hardness were recorded for the resin-matrix composites with the highest inorganic content.ConclusionsA high content of inorganic fillers at 89 wt.% decreased the light transmission through resin-matrix composites. However, certain types of fillers do not interfere on the light transmission, maintaining an optimal polymerization and the physical properties of the resin-matrix composites.Clinical significanceThe type and content of inorganic fillers in the chemical composition of resin-matrix composites do affect their polymerization mode. As a consequence, the clinical performance of resin-matrix composites can be compromised, leading to variable physical properties and degradation.Graphical

Assessing the Performance and Adaptability of International Provenances of Casuarina equisetifolia Grown in India

A special concern in tree improvement and genetic testing relates to genotype x environment interaction which means that the relative performance of clones, families, provenances or species differs when they are grown in different environments. In tree improvement, superior performing genotypes in a range of environments are highly desired. Though stability analyses have widely been conducted in agricultural crops, only limited studies have been reported in tree species. An experiment through multi-location field testing was conducted at the ICFRE-Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree Breeding, Coimbatore, India to study the stability of select international provenances of Casuarina equisetifolia L. Seedlings raised from 23 international provenances infused from CSIRO, Australia formed the basic experimental materials and multilocational provenance trials were established in five locations in India. All the provenance trials were established in Randomized Complete Block Design with five replications and with 10 tree plots. Stability analysis was performed using the data on tree height, diameter at breast height (dbh) and volume index (d2h) recorded at 3 years of age. The analysis was carried out following the method suggested by Eberhart and Russel. Provenances, 18144 Kenya, 18160 Malaysia, 18298 Thailand, 18355 Benin, 18268 China, Palacherla A India and Mixed Seedlot India 5 were included in group I when stability parameters for tree height was considered and hence are the most stable clones with respect to tree height. 18298 Thailand and 18586 China though recorded high mean values, were found unpredictable over growth periods due to the significant deviation from regression. Four provenances namely, 18160 Malaysia, 18357 Philippines, 18268 China and Palacherla A India exhibited stability for DBH. Five provenances, 18144 Kenya, 18160 Malaysia, 18355 Benin, 18268 China and Palacherla A proved to be stable across the five locations with respect to volume index. No provenances were found suitable for planting in sites with stress or favourable conditions.

Emergency care in the context of armed conflict: Nurses' perspectives of the essential core competencies.

To identify nurses' perspectives of their core competencies for emergency care in the context of armed conflict. Emergency department's (ED) capacity is frequently overwhelmed by a sudden surge of patients when located near armed conflict. Although emergency nurses are key frontline responders, evidence detailing core competencies needed to work in these areas remains limited. The study used a cross-sectional survey design and is reported using STROBE guidelines. A validated questionnaire was administered in hospitals near the southern Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Yemen border, where emergency nurses regularly manage large numbers of patients from armed conflict. A total of 163 questionnaires were returned (68% response rate). Most participants were female and had more than six years of ED experience. The core competencies for emergency nurses working near armed conflict were identified and highly rated by participants: the highest mean value was 9.47/10 and the lowest was 8.89/10. Analysis revealed regular education, training and drills were needed to provide quality emergency nursing care for victims of armed conflict. This study provides new evidence regarding core competencies in emergency nursing care in the context of armed conflict. The identified competencies should be incorporated into future education, curricula, training programmes and evaluations to enable emergency nurses to function effectively in the context of armed conflict. The findings will assist decision-makers to develop plans and strategies for mitigating risk and improving the future nursing response in similar contexts.

Application of islamic values in the health services: a nurse perspective

Introduction: Public awareness of the need to practice Islam in all aspects of life is increasing, including in health services. High motivation of the hospital in implementing Islamic health services has not been followed by clinics which are under Muhammadiyah charity businesses. Objectives: This study aimed to describe Islamic values at the Muhammadiyah Clinics in Lamongan Regency. Methods: The researchers used a descriptive method with a survey approach. All nurses at eleven Muhammadiyah Clinics in Lamongan Regency were selected to be the sample using purposive sampling. Seventy-one health workers filled out a 21-item-questionnaire on the application of Islamic values which had been modified by the researchers. The data were analysed by using descriptive analysis. Results: The application of Islamic values by health workers in the Muhammadiyah clinics was categorized poor (42.3%), and good (35.2%). The analysis of instrument items showed a low mean value in guiding prayer activities before surgery (1.67), reminding the spiritual guidance officers to make visits to the room (1.69), and giving prayer guidance to patients by the spiritual guidance officers (1.79). A high mean value was obtained for having prayer facilities/mosque (4.00), employees who prayed 5 times a day (3.96), and employees who recited bismillah for every medication and medical procedure (3.94). Conclusions: The role of the spiritual guidance officers at the clinic is very important to help fulfil spiritual needs and increase patient comfort. Clinic facilities that support the formation of an Islamic atmosphere need to be maintained, including monitoring employee attitudes and behaviour in daily life in accordance with Islamic teachings. The application of Islamic values can be an attraction for people in choosing a place to get health services.

Productivity Performance of Musa AAA Under Diferents Planting Densities and Two Cultivars (Grand Nain and Williams) in Banana Intensive Agrosystems in the Agneby-Tiassa Region, Côte D'ivoire

The study was conducted on Agro-industrial farm of Brimbo, property of S.C.B, located in the Agneby-Tiassa region. The study aimed to contribute to the sustainable production of dessert bananas in Côte d’Ivoire through the development of new technical itineraries. The Grand Nain and Williams cultivars were planted in a block design with total randomisation, comprising eight treatments. During plant growth, the effect of density and cultivar on phytopathological parameters of Black Leaf Streak Disease and on growth and production parameters of the banana plant were evaluated. The results showed that planting density influenced the rank of YLS in both cultivars with the highest mean values at 1550 ; 1600 ; 1650 and 1700 plants/ha, with 7.0 ; 7.1 ; 7.0 ; 7.2 for Grand Nain and 7.2 ; 7.0 ; 7.1 ; 7.1 for Williams respectively. The height of the banana plants ranged from 216.9 to 227.1 cm in Grand Nain and from 228.6 to 237.0 cm in Williams. A significant difference was observed for the pseudotruncular circumference with values between 67.5 and 71.5 cm in the cultivar Grand Nain and between 70.6 and 75.5 cm in the cultivar Williams. NLF was significantly influenced by density and cultivar. The best bunch weights were obtained at 1900 plants/ha for Grand Nain and 22.6 kg for Williams at 1550 plants/ha. This study showed that the removal of immature lesion-bearing areas combined with planting density had varying effects on Black Leaf Streak Disease status, growth and productivity of banana plants of the Grand Nain and Williams cultivars.

Risk Assessment of Hazardous Materials Transportation for Small and Tribal Communities in Nebraska

Small communities (population &lt; 5,000) and Native American communities in Nebraska, U.S., often lack the means to deal with highway-based crashes involving hazardous materials (HazMat). This research focused on assessing the vulnerability of small and tribal communities in Nebraska to the impacts of highway HazMat crashes. To do so, this paper estimated the expected number and type of HazMat crashes per population in each community. This study statistically analyzed reported HazMat crashes in Nebraska to determine if small and Native American communities experienced a higher crash rate per population and per HazMat vehicle miles traveled (VMT) than large communities and other small communities. Mean HazMat crash rate per population statistically significantly differed between small and large communities, while the mean crash rate comparison between the Native American and other small communities was not statistically significant. For the mean HazMat crash rate per HazMat VMT, neither comparison was statistically significant. For HazMat crashes per population, and per HazMat VMT, small communities had higher mean values than larger communities. Communities on Native American reservation land experienced a lower HazMat crash rate per population than other small communities but HazMat crashes per VMT in Native American communities were higher than in other small communities. Overall, this research provided a widely applicable risk assessment method not only for communities in Nebraska but also across the U.S. without appreciable loss of generality.

Why Do Arabs Share News Online? Motivations for Sharing News on Social Media in the Emirates

Sharing news over social media (SM) has become an everyday practice among internet users all over the world. Despite the potential importance of news-sharing, little is known about this phenomenon in the Arab region. The news-sharing literature and Uses and Gratifications approach form the theoretical framework of the current research which examines the tendency of news-sharing on SM and its motivations among Emiratis and Arabs residents in the United Arab Emirates. It also explores the correlation between motivation and topics shared on SM. It investigates the difference in news-sharing and motivational factors among the demographic groups, mainly gender, age, nationality and level of education. A convenient sample of 324 respondents filled an online constructed questionnaire. Factor analysis revealed four motivational factors that stimulate respondents to share news through SM. A positive significant correlation between news-sharing and both ‘status-seeking’ and ‘social responsibility’ was found. The correlation was non-significant between news-sharing and both ‘socialising’ and ‘dissemination of information’. These factors significantly correlate positively with the type of topics that the Arab respondents share on SM. There is no significant difference between males and females in the news-sharing motivational factors except in the category of ‘socialising’, which is higher in the mean value among females than males. Emiratis have higher mean values in all news-sharing motivations as compared to Arab expats.

Comparison on distribution and sources of typical major and toxic trace elements in various glacial watersheds of the northeast Tibetan Plateau

Toxic and major elements, such as As and Fe, in watersheds can significantly impact the surrounding water environment and ecosystem. Thus, in this study, we conducted an investigation into the origins and spatial distribution of typical toxic trace elements (As and Mn) and crustal major elements (Al, Fe, and Ti) in suspended particulate matter (SPM) across various glacial watersheds located at different elevations in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau (NETP) from June to July in 2017. The results revealed that the mean value of each element followed the order of abundance in the samples, with Al having the highest mean value at 21307 µg/L, followed by Fe at 13366 µg/L, Ti at 1520 µg/L, Mn at 245 µg/L, and As at 66.6 µg/L. Moreover, our study identified high content of these elements from the Dabanshan Snowpack, Laohugou Glacier No.12, and Yuzhufeng Glacier in the upper reaches of the basin, which were found to be 9.9, 10.2, and 19.4 times higher, respectively, than that of the upper reaches of the Heihe River. We found that As and Mn exhibited clear indications of anthropogenic influence on a local and regional scale. The calculated enrichment factor (EF) demonstrated a significant As enrichment (EF>100) in the Qiyi and Lenglongling Glaciers, possibly resulting in the release of upstream glacier melt and anthropogenic-derived As deposition. Our findings suggested that the upstream region was primarily linked to glacier meltwater discharge. In contrast, the middle and lower reaches of the basin exhibited a more pronounced influence from local human activities. Based on the findings, the water environment of the glacier watershed appears to be in good condition overall. However, the presence of elevated levels of As element in the water system can be traced back to both anthropogenic and natural factors. As a result, ensuring the safety of the water supply for nearby residents is a matter of utmost concern. This study provides a comprehensive examination of hydrochemical variations and the overall water environment of high-altitude glacier basins in the NETP, offering valuable insights into the topic.

The Perception of Spirituality and Its Assessment among Those with Different Health Statuses in Saudi Arabia.

This study compares the perception of spirituality among individuals with different health statuses. It also describes the spiritual services and religious support in the healthcare system that are recommended by the community. A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in Riyadh during the year 2021. A face-to-face questionnaire was used to obtain data from seriously ill inpatients (N = 132), chronically ill outpatients (N = 202), and healthy individuals (N = 283), which is an assessment tool designed by the investigators to meet the purpose of the study. This study was conducted in two tertiary hospitals and in the community. Participants were randomly selected using a stratified random sampling technique. The study was performed on 635 participants. A significant number of the participants agreed that the provision of spiritual services has a positive effect on patient condition. The rural population had a higher mean value on limiting the concept of spirituality to religious aspects. There is a clear tendency from all categories toward religious services. The majority of the participants support the provision of psychological services, especially if it is provided by specialized and expert spiritual care providers. The positive perception of participants about spiritual care has been reflected on the tendency toward providing spiritual services. The provision of spiritual care in healthcare systems is expected to be a necessity and not a luxury.

Bounding the unknowns of martian crustal heat flow from a synthesis of regional geochemistry and InSight mission data

The thermal evolution of terrestrial planets is primarily modulated by the distribution of heat-producing elements (HPE) within the crust and mantle. Chemical data from Martian meteorites suggest that Mars differentiated early, which led to an early partitioning of incompatible heat-producing elements in the crust. Previous estimates of Martian crustal heat flow that used the bulk regolith abundances of HPEs from the Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (GRS) suite on Mars Odyssey spacecraft have further corroborated this view of Mars, albeit with poorly known crustal column representativeness. Here we couple the GRS-derived chemical maps of Mars with estimates of crustal thickness and density from the InSight lander to revise the estimated Martian crustal heat flow. The mean crustal heat flow values range from 3.0 to 13.9 mW m−2 for the endmember gravity-derived crustal thickness models anchored by constraints from InSight. We also estimate the crustal heat flow from other factors such as the distribution of HPEs with depth and the Uranium content of the crust. Our results suggest that the mean crustal heat flow varies substantially across models, with the highest mean values being associated with higher densities and an increased enrichment of HPEs with depth. Further work is needed to constrain the crustal thickness of Mars, as the largest uncertainties in the estimate of crustal heat flow stem from uncertainty in the crustal thickness estimates, not geochemical variability. The results from this work corroborate previous estimates of a strong fractionation of heat-producing elements into the Martian crust.