Scientific Research Research Articles

Direct to psychology for sleep disorders: Innovating models of care in the hospital and health service.

A 'Direct to Psychology Insomnia' pathway was developed for implementation within a multidisciplinary sleep disorders service in a tertiary hospital in Brisbane, Australia. The project was informed by implementation science principles and methodology to re-design the model of care (MoC). A consensus group workshop using the Nominal Group Technique (NGT) with 12 multidisciplinary staff was undertaken to develop the new MoC. The workshop explored inclusion and exclusion criteria for a Direct to Psychology pathway including patient flow and enablers. The team endorsed a MoC that was acceptable to stakeholders and addressed service-level imperatives. The findings highlighted that patient inclusion or exclusion should be overseen by the Sleep Physician team and an Advanced Psychologist with behavioural sleep medicine expertise. Continuum of care for patients referred via primary care providers was considered. Barriers and risks to the MoC changes were identified which informed the refinement of the MoC.

Влияние биологических регуляторов роста на содержание фотосинтетических пигментов Campanula alliariifolia

Abstract. The purpose is to study the effectiveness of the action of the natural signaling molecule salicylic acid (SA) and Bacillus subtilis (Bs) on the ratio of photosynthetic pigments (PhSP) in plant materials (leaves) of Campanula alliariifolia Willd. and its decorativeness. Methods. Using spectrophotometric techniques, an analysis was carried out of the dynamics of the content of pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and carotenoids) under the influence of a strain of the bacterium Bacillus subtilis, isolated at the Bashkir Scientific Research Institute of Agriculture of the Federal Research Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Ufa) from the arable soil layer of the Republic of Bashkortostan, and its combination with salicylic acid during the growing season. Scientific novelty. The influence of the B. subtilis strain separately and together with salicylic acid on the physiological parameters and decorative properties of Campanula alliariifolia in the conditions of the Bashkir Cis-Ural was studied. Results. The content and ratio of PhSP in dynamics (phases of budding, flowering and fruiting) were analyzed. It was revealed that inoculation of C. alliariifolia plants with Bacillus subtilis significantly increases the amount of carotenoids during the flowering phase. During the fruiting phase, the maximum content of PhSP was noted in the Bs + SA variant of the experiment. Two-factor analysis of variance showed that the significant influence of factor A (vegetation phase), factor B (different experimental options), and the degree of total influence of two factors (A × B) on the content of PhSP in samples of campanula leaves is statistically significant for the studied indicators. It was found that inoculation with the B. subtilis strain maximized indicators such as the abundance of flowering and the density of bellflower inflorescences, thereby improving the decorativeness of C. alliariifolia in the conditions of the Bashkir Cis-Ural.

Forensic model of person, who committed a crime: types, specifics of construction

The topic considers the specifics of the construction of two types of forensic models of a person, who committed a crime: in the process of creating a forensic characteristic of crimes as its component, and also during the investigation of a criminal case as a direction of activity to identify the criminal. The problems of defining their structural content have been identified, the specifics of the methodology of forming these models have been revealed on the basis of a comparative analysis, the discussion questions about the subjects and methods of their creation have been considered with the presentation of the author’s conclusions on their solution. Some issues of using artificial intelligence technologies in the activity of creating forensic models of a person, who committed a crime, are considered. The actual directions of development of scientific research on the topic under consideration are outlined.

Systematic Investigation of Structural, Morphological and Optical Properties of Fe Doped ZnO Nanorods and Its Nanocomposite with Graphite Oxide

Systematic Investigation of Structural, Morphological and Optical Properties of Fe Doped ZnO Nanorods and Its Nanocomposite with Graphite Oxide

Omnibus Law: Effectiveness of Online Licensing and Law Enforcement of the Capture Fisheries Sector in Indonesia

The government has carried out the task of simplifying several laws through the ratification of Law Number 6 of 2023 concerning the Stipulation of Government Regulation in Lieu of Law Number 11 of 2020 regarding Job Creation. This initiative aims to encourage investment and increase employment opportunities. A number of articles of the old law have been amended or deleted by this regulation. One of the laws in question is Law Number 31 of 2004 concerning Fisheries. In addition, Law Number 45 of 2009 is an amendment to Law Number 31 of 2004. This study applies a normative legal research methodology, where this type of research refers to scientific investigations of legal issues by conducting research through library sources or data related to secondary license issued by the OSS Institution through an integrated electronic system. This research approach is characterized by consideration of the risk-based licensing process, not only based on licensing criteria. Apart from the main goal of increasing user convenience, individuals with limited educational levels, such as fishermen, may face challenges when trying to access the OSS system. The application and implementation of criminal law as the main legal remedy poses its own challenges. Therefore, the utilization of the criminal justice system as a means to eradicate fish theft is mainly used as a final remedy (ultimum remedium). While other sanctions, such as administrative sanctions and actions, are generally used as the main means of law enforcement.

Перспективы развития рынка мяса и мясной продукции России в условиях новых вызовов

Abstract. Topicality of adjusting the targets of agri-food policy and food security policy in Russia is determined by changes in both external and internal conditions for agri-food complex functioning. Macroeconomic forecasts create the basis for revising and adapting the directions of development of the main sectors of the agri-food complex. The purpose of this study is to develop alternative forecasts for the production and consumption of main types of meat and meat products in Russia to substantiate strategies for domestic market development. Methods. General scientific methods of cognition were used, such as dialectics, analysis and synthesis, and monographic methods. Forecast calculations were carried out using economic and mathematical methods. The scientific novelty of the study is as follows: the development of a methodological approach to substantiate the prospects for the development of meat and meat products production considering the balance of the meat products market and the consistency of conflicting targets in the field of import substitution, physical and economic accessibility of food for the country's population. The methodological recommendations developed during the study can serve as the scientific basis for midterm development programs of individual segments of the Russian food market. Results. It was revealed that in the short term, new challenges related to economic sanctions and COVID-19 had minor impact on the meat and meat products market. Limiting barriers to development are systemic economic problems: demographic situation and low real income. Alternative forecasts for development of markets for the main types of meat were developed.

Community priorities in a landscape of environmental lead contamination: Intersectionality of poverty, well-being, and environmental contamination

Kabwe, Zambia, is known in the global health world for its high concentrations of environmental lead and associated high blood lead levels in children, and thus it is a key region for exploring the intersections of human health and well-being (United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, SGD #3) and environmental health (SGD #12 and #15). Despite multiple efforts to remediate lead from the landscape, lead contamination remains pervasive in some Kabwe neighborhoods. Our study examined to what extent lead remediation was also a priority for community members. Using open-ended oral surveys with 49 household heads as well as ethnographic observational notes, we found that while lead is a concern, it is just one of many concerns. Indeed, economic concerns outweighed other concerns (SGD #1 and #6). Because community buy-in is vital to any global health intervention, these results suggest that externally defined intervention goals, such as lead remediation to address environmental toxicity, may be more successful if interventions also incorporate locally salient concerns. We conclude by arguing that social scientific studies of community members’ perspectives and concerns should be prerequisite to global health interventions. In the context of Kabwe, intervention efforts that incorporate solutions to address local concerns about poverty (SDG #1) and economic opportunity (SDG #6) may result in improved community cooperation with environmental remediation efforts, and thereby improved likelihood of sustainable environmental remediation.

The Influence of a Scientific Investigation Workshop on In-service Biology Teachers’ Attitudes Towards Scientific Investigations

Biology teachers’ attitudes play a vital role in successful scientific investigations. Some biology teachers situated in the central part of South Africa experience challenges that include a lack of the necessary scientific knowledge and skills, which hinders the presentation of scientific investigations. These challenges adversely influence these biology teachers’ attitudes towards conducting scientific investigations. The result is that they conduct the minimum number of investigations with their learners, or don’t conduct them at all. Professional, in-service training workshops allow biology teachers to develop the necessary scientific knowledge and skills to successfully conduct scientific investigations. This study aimed to understand how a scientific investigation workshop affected biology teachers’ attitudes by measuring the ABC attitude model’s affective, cognitive and behavioural components. Likert-type, five-point scale items were used for the 20 pre-surveys and the same for the 20 post-surveys that were completed and collected for analysis. This research provided information on how vital in-service training programmes such as this scientific investigation workshop are in fostering positive attitudes toward scientific investigations amongst biology teachers. The findings that emerged from this study imply that implementing this scientific investigation workshop has developed biology teachers’ confidence in their science skills and knowledge to facilitate scientific investigations. The findings also indicate that this workshop caused a significant improvement in teachers’ intended behaviours in implementing scientific investigations in the science classrooms, as they gained valuable knowledge and skills regarding the science apparatus and the use thereof in conducting scientific investigations.

The role of ecology in the region of residence of patients with epidermolysis bullosa and during the experiment

BACKGROUND: A person is constantly influenced by the environment, which determines his state of health. Animal testing is used to determine the danger of certain chemical agents of inanimate nature. To extrapolate the experimental result to humans, the body of patients with the dystrophic form of epidermolysis bullosa, which has a low threshold of resistance to aggressive stimuli, is preferable. AIM: To study the impact of anthropogenic physicochemical factors on the skin of white mice, as well as environmental ecology on the population of patients with the dystrophic form of congenital epidermolysis bullosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Scientific research is both observational and interventional. The observational part of the study included patients suffering from dystrophic form of epidermolysis bullosa. There are white mice in the interventional part. RESULTS: Seeding with agrochemicals causes skin eczema, periorbital dermatitis, finger mutation and contracture, claw deformity and chronic itching in white mice. The possibility and criteria for extrapolating the results of the experiment to patients suffering from dystrophic form of epidermolysis bullosa have been established. These criteria include: itching of the skin, mutation and pseudosyndactyly of the fingers. The effect on the body of patients with dystrophic form of epidermolysis bullosa with toxic agents was carried out by the living environment. It has been established that in order to achieve the positive effect of complex therapy, in addition to highly qualified medical care, an environmentally safe living environment is necessary. Traveling and living in conditions that do not pose an environmental danger to humans helps to reduce the severity of the disease and improve their quality of life. CONCLUSION: The ecology of the living environment determines the effectiveness of therapy in patients with dystrophic form of epidermolysis bullosa, as well as the timing of manifestation and severity of the disease. A healthy environment contributes to the epithelization of ulcerative elements and the disappearance of itching.

Analysis of the Relationships Between University Students' Laboratory Self-Efficacy Beliefs, Science Process Skills and Achievement in Chemistry Courses

It is a widely accepted view among educators that chemistry education should include objectives to develop scientific thinking, laboratory competences and science process skills in addition to chemistry. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between laboratory self-efficacy beliefs and science process skills of chemistry department students and their chemical technology course achievement. The study was conducted in the autumn term of the 2023-2024 academic year in the chemistry departments of three universities in Kazakhstan. The study, which was conducted with relational survey model on the basis of quantitative research paradigm, included 198 students studying in chemistry departments. The data of the study were collected with 'Laboratory self-efficacy beliefs scale' and 'Science process skills scale'. The participants' laboratory self-efficacy beliefs were above moderate, and their science process skills were at a moderate level, according to the study's conclusions. Chemistry department students' laboratory self-efficacy and science process skills did not differ by gender. Correlation analyses revealed significant and positive relationships between students' achievement in chemical technology course and their laboratory self-efficacy beliefs and science process skills in the chemistry department. Regression analyses revealed that the participant students' science process skills, in particular, significantly predicted their performance in the chemical technology course.

Systematic First-Principles Investigations of the Nucleation, Growth, and Surface Properties of Al11RE3 Second-Phase Particles in Al-Based Alloys

At room temperature, Al alloys have excellent mechanical properties and are widely used in automotive, electronics, aerospace and other fields, but it is difficult to maintain this advantage in the middle and high temperature ranges. To address this issue, second-phase Al11RE3 (RE represents rare earth element) was introduced into a Al-Mg-RE alloy as its primary constituent. By incorporating RE elements as additives, this material exhibits exceptional mechanical and thermal properties at elevated temperatures. Based on first principles and quasi-harmonic approximation (QHA), the nucleation growth mechanism and surface properties of second-phase Al11RE3 were studied in this paper. The interfacial energy γα/β, strain energy ΔECS and chemical driving force ΔGV of Al11RE3 were obtained. Models1, 4, and 6 have better properties of para-site connections than inter-site connections. It is found that the resistances of particle nucleation, interface energy γα/β and strain energy ΔECS, first increase and then decrease with increased atomic number REs, but they are much smaller than the chemical driving force ΔGV. A reduced chemical driving force and a diminished nucleation radius R* are more favorable for the process of nucleation. The addition of Sc is the most unfavorable for nucleation, and La has the strongest nucleating ability, which gradually decreases as the atomic number of the lanthanide element increases. The nucleation ability of the Al11RE3 phase decreases with increasing temperature, which is consistent with the experiments. The nucleation radius R* also increases with increasing temperature, indicating that the nucleation ability decreases as the atomic number of the lanthanide elements increases. Since the smaller the nucleation radius R* the easier the nucleation, compared with model4 and 6, model1 has a smaller nucleation radius R* and the smallest increment. Thus, model1 is more prominent in the nucleation mechanism. In the particle growth study, the smaller the diffusion activation energy Q, the faster the diffusion rate in the Al matrix, and hence the higher the coiling rate, which promotes the growth of second-phase particles. The diffusion activation energy Q decreases sequentially from La to Ce and then increases with atomic number. The coarsening rate KLSW of the Al11RE3 phase in models1, 4, and 6 increased with increasing temperature, which promoted the growth of particles. This paper is intended to provide a solid theoretical basis for the production and application of aluminum alloy at high temperatures.

Субъекты противодействия распространению деструктивного контента в сети Интернет и административно-правовая характеристика их деятельности

The growth of opportunities for destructive information and psychological effects on the individual psyche and public consciousness of Internet users affects the state of security in various spheres of the state and society. These facts necessitate the study of the activities of executive authorities and public associations to counteract the spread of destructive content. To achieve the goal set within the framework of this article, the author applied general scientific (analysis, synthesis, induction, deduction) and special methods of cognition (systemic, structural-functional, formal-legal). Based on the analysis of current legislation and scientific literature, the author propos es a classification and defines the main activities of entities engaged in countering the spread of destructive content.

A Study of Citations: Bibliometric Analysis of the 100 Top-cited Publications on Panic Disorder

Background: The number of times a publication is cited in scientific research papers is often considered to estimate its contribution to biomedical literature. Although extensive research has been conducted on panic disorder over time, attempts at a citation analysis have yet to be made to the best of our knowledge. Aim: The aim of this study was to understand the trends of research on panic disorder from the top 100 most-cited publications worldwide. Materials and Methods: A citation analysis of the top 100 panic disorder publications was conducted, using Harzing’s Publish or Perish to identify articles from Google Scholar. The study analyzed citation patterns, authorship, publication types, and themes. Exclusions comprised non-scientific materials. No ethics approval was needed as it involved published data, not human subjects. Results: Publications with more than 500 citations were 11, and those with more than 400 citations, known as citation classics, were 27. Fifty-nine publications were funded, of which 14 (23.8%) were clinical trials and 24 (40.7%) were observational studies. The maximum number of articles was published between 1990 and 1999 ( n = 45), followed by 2000 and 2009 ( n = 26). The h-index of the first author showed a significant positive correlation with the number of citations of the paper (Spearman’s ρ = 0.480, P = 0.02). Among research papers, the maximum were observational studies ( n = 44), followed by 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and eight non-randomized clinical trials. Additionally, among RCTs ( n = 19), 17 were focused on the management theme. Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis is an invaluable resource for scholars and students who might be interested in learning about the developments and patterns in the field of panic disorder research.

The role of human papillomavirus in laryngeal cancer and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: epidemiological and clinical aspects

In the recent decade, the number of laryngeal cancer cases increased worldwide by 23 %. Currently, laryngeal cancer morbidity and associated mortality do not show statistically significant trends toward a decrease. The main risk factors for laryngeal carcinoma are smoking, alcohol consumption, human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, recurrent respiratory papillomatosis, and genetic predisposition.Aim. To evaluate the incidence and role of HPV in etiology and clinical course of laryngeal cancer and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis.Analysis of the available literature sources published in the Medline, Pubmed, and eLibrary databases was performed. The review is based on 59 of 584 identified scientific studies. Frequency of HPV detection in laryngeal cancer tumor tissue varies and is associated with the studied country’s geographical location. The incidence of these viruses in tumor tissue varies between 2.7 and 62.6 %. Genotype 16 human papilloma virus is more common in women between the ages of 31 and 40 years and is mostly located near the glottic aperture. Genotype 6 and 11 human papilloma viruses promote development of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis of the larynx and are detected in 0–87.5 % of cases. It is noted that in patients with HPV-positive neoplasms of the larynx, better response to radiation therapy and higher survival rates are observed compared to patients without the virus. In countries where national programs of vaccination against HPV infection have been implemented, a significant decrease in the incidence of recurrent respiratory papillomatosis is observed.The incidence of HPV in laryngeal cancer and recurrent respiratory papillomatosis varies. The role of these viruses in carcinogenesis has not yet been fully understood. Clinical course of HPV-associated laryngeal carcinoma is more favorable than HPV-free laryngeal carcinoma, however, this statement requires further confirmation. Evaluation of the results of programs of vaccination against HPV and their effect on recurrent respiratory papillomatosis and laryngeal cancer morbidity is important.

What do you think being a good scientist involves? School students’ views about science, scientific research, and being scientists

ABSTRACT Students often convey positive perceptions of science and scientists, although fewer express aspirations towards becoming scientists. Students’ science identities may link with wider perceptions, including what working as a scientist involves, although less research has explored these perceptions in detail. To gain new insights, questionnaire responses were considered from 289 school students across Year 9 to Year 13 (age 13/14 to 17/18 years old) from England and the island of Guernsey. Many students within the sample felt informed about science and scientific research and developments (67%), but fewer agreed that they saw themselves as scientists now (19%) or in the future (33%). Students’ written responses to ‘What do you think being a good scientist involves?’ were analysed and encompassed themes including: working scientifically; curiosity and discovery; determination, resilience, and perseverance; ability and understanding; interest, passion, and motivation; and openness to new ideas and different views. Some differences in the prevalence of themes were revealed across students with different characteristics, circumstances, and science identities. The findings offer new insight into students’ perceptions, to help understand how being a (good) scientist may be more or less feasible for different students.

High-energy noise-like pulsing in a thulium/holmium co-doped fiber laser with watt-level average output power

A Thulium/Holmium co-doped fiber laser with high-energy noise-like rectangular pulses at the central wavelength of 1985 nm is experimentally demonstrated. The experimental setup is based on a 298-m long nonlinear optical loop mirror. By varying the pump power from 3 to 10 W, the noise-like rectangular pulse width can be tuned from 2.8 to 15.2 ns, respectively, and under a maximum pump power of 10 W, 1.45 W of average output power is obtained. The pulse repetition rate is 671 kHz. Consequently, highly energetic optical pulses with 2.16 µJ pulse energy and an estimated peak power of 142 W are achieved. To the best of our knowledge, these pulses, which are generated directly from the laser cavity, possess the highest average output power and pulse energy for noise-like pulse emission in the near 2 µm wavelength region. The proposed laser source has the most straightforward all-fiber cavity design that has been proposed for generating high-energy noise-like rectangular pulses, and as such has potential applications in scientific research and as a pump source for mid-infrared supercontinuum generation.

Accurate Determination of the Uniaxial Complex Refractive Index and the Optical Band Gap of Polymer Thin Films to Correlate their Absorption Strength and Onset of Absorption.

The advanced development of optoelectronic devices requires a methodical knowledge of the fundamental material properties of the key active components. Systematic investigations and correlations of such basic optical properties can lead to new insights for the design of more potent materials. In this perspective, we provide a systematic overview of the uniaxial complex refractive indices and the absorption coefficients obtained by ellipsometry as well as the optical bandgap energies derived from Tauc plots of six selected solution-processed polymer thin films. While the optical bandgap energies are intentionally distributed over the visible spectral range, we found that the absorption strength of all polymer samples are grouped in a random distribution within a rather uniform range of values.

Exploring the Link between Seafood and Traditional Fish Sauces, and Blood Pressure: A Bandar Kong Cohort Study

Background: High blood pressure (BP) is a risk factor for various health conditions, and dietary factors have been linked to the development of high blood pressure. Scientific studies have shown that consuming marine food, particularly oily fish, can be beneficial in reducing blood pressure levels. This study aims to investigate the relationship between traditional fish sauces and seafood consumption, and blood pressure levels in Bandar Kong Cohort study. Methods: Cross-sectional analyses were performed using data from 2823 volunteers, collected through questionnaires and BP measurements following a standardized protocol. Age-adjusted and multivariate associations between BP and seafood consumption were estimated using multiple linear regressions. Three models of analysis were used: model 1, daily energy intake; model 2, daily energy intake along with age; and model 3, daily energy intake, age, education, body mass index (BMI), residence, occupation, marital status, using hookah, socio-economic status, physical activity, and family history of hypertension. Results: Among 2823 participants (age; 46.88±8.94 yrs.), 1138(40.3%) men and 1685(59.7%) women, 693 (24.5%) individuals had hypertension, (n=288) accounting for 25.3% men and (n=405) 24.0% women. After adjusting for covariates, the study found significant negative relationships between the consumption of salted fish-water, Mahyaveh and Suragh (traditional Iranian fish sauces), and BP. Conclusions: This study suggests that consuming traditional Iranian fish sauces, Mahyaveh and Suragh, is associated with lower BP levels. This study sheds light on potential benefits of traditional dietary choices for regulating blood pressure.

The use of conceptual models to structure stock assessments: A tool for collaboration and for “modelling what to model”

Conceptual models are simplified representations of the main components and processes of a dynamic system, the mechanisms by which they are related, and the ways they are observed (i.e., the data generating processes). Constructing a conceptual model (CM) should be the first step when planning a new stock assessment or updating previous assessments, because it can improve the modelling process by guiding the workflow and “modelling what to model”. CMs should be built by summarizing information about a system while also proposing hypotheses or assumptions about the uncertainties and unknown aspects. Several steps are necessary to build a CM: 1) gather known information about the species and the fisheries that interact with it, 2) state the objectives of the stock assessment, 3) define the spatial scale, 4) define the temporal scale, and 5) outline components and processes of the system (biological, fisheries and observation processes) and what drives them. Initial draft CMs should be based on the best available science and constructed using the fundamental principles of ecology, socioecology, fisheries and other relevant sciences. CMs offer a framework for integrating knowledge across domains, and benefit from an elicitation process. The elicitation process is a set of deliberate activities (e.g., workshops) that allow other experts and relevant parties to contribute with their knowledge to enrich draft CMs. CMs are not static entities but rather dynamic constructs that can identify future research directions and evolve to incorporate new insights and knowledge. Fisheries systems for highly migratory pelagic species in the Pacific Ocean (north Pacific Albacore tuna, eastern Pacific Dorado, and south Pacific Swordfish) are used as examples to illustrate how to develop CMs, and demonstrate improvements to the subsequent assessment models following development of the CMs.

Analysis of Mechanical Damage in Dance Training Under Artificial Intelligence Behavior Constraints

This study focuses on the application of artificial intelligence behavior constraints in the analysis of mechanical injuries in dance training, aiming to accurately analyze and effectively prevent mechanical injuries during dance training through the introduction of artificial intelligence technology. Dance, as a highly dependent art form on physical skills, often comes with a certain risk of mechanical injury during its training process. In this study, we first reviewed the relevant theories of mechanical injuries in dance training and analyzed the inherent relationship between dance movements and mechanical injuries. Subsequently, we utilized artificial intelligence technology to conduct behavior constraint analysis on the dance training process. By constructing a dance action recognition model, we achieved real-time monitoring and evaluation of dance training actions. On this basis, we further utilize the principles of mechanics to quantitatively analyze dance movements and extract key factors that affect mechanical damage. Through in-depth analysis and comparison, this study found that mechanical injuries in dance training are mainly influenced by various factors such as movement standardization, training intensity, and individual differences. We applied the theory of sports biomechanics to study sports dance injuries and analyzed the causes of athlete injuries. By exploring more scientific training methods and means, the correlation coefficients between main joint muscle strength, proprioception, tibialis anterior muscle imbalance response time, and rotational stability were measured to study proprioception training suitable for sports dance, adhering to the principle of gradual progression. In future sports dance rotation training, corresponding training should be carried out according to the characteristics of different rotation steps, providing reference for strengthening leg training and ankle training.