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Automatic Calculation of the Rheoencephalographic Pulse Wave Peaks: The First Results
Full text linkTo create an algorithm to detect rheoencephalographic (REG) pulse wave second peak increase, which may detect an increase in intracranial pressure (ICP). REG was measured in 19 healthy volunteers during control and a 15-degree head-down tilt (HDT), which caused an increase in ICP. We developed an algorithm for automatically calculating P1 and P2 from the REG pulse waveform. The result was compared to manual measurements during control and HDT positions. The automatic determination of the peaks’ time instants was considered a series of two-class decision problems in ±15-ms-wide sliding decision windows. We achieved an accuracy of 0.9826, a sensitivity of 0.7727, and a specificity of 0.9902. We used the correlation coefficient between manual measurements and automated data and the normalized mean absolute error (NMAE) metric to characterize the precision of peak amplitude value estimation. We achieved a high correlation (> 0.8) in 92% of all tests, and NMAE < 0.3 in 96%. The remaining cases were analyzed using Bland-Altman plots to uncover the main causes of differences. We tested the hypothesis of increasing P2 peak amplitude during HDT compared to the control position. In the female group, the number of significant increases was 4 out of 6 (67%), both in manual and automatic measurements. In the case of the male group’s manual measurements, 12 of 13 (92%), and the automatic calculation gave 10 of 13 (77%). The significance is to switch from invasive ICP to noninvasive REG to have the same information for decision-making at the bedside to save the lives of neurocritical care patients. Future REG correlation studies suggested using REG in neurocritical care monitoring, space research, and military medical practice
The Vilans Observation Tool for Human-Technology Interaction: A Blended Observation System for Interactions with Socially Assistive Technologies
Full text linkThe increasing development and adoption of gerontechnology, which are assistive technologies designed to support older adults’ independence, well-being, and social connection, underscore the critical need for robust methods to assess their real-world impact. While observational tools are essential for this purpose, existing methods often present a trade-off between efficiency and depth. Rating scales are simple to use but lack the temporal and behavioural granularity needed to analyse interaction processes, while detailed behavioural coding schemes are resource-intensive and inflexible. This paper addresses a significant gap by introducing the Vilans Observation Tool for Human-Technology Interaction (VOTHI) framework, a novel, low-threshold, hybrid observational tool. Developed through a literature analysis of existing instruments, VOTHI combines the structural clarity of rating scales with the temporal sensitivity of coding schemes, organized in a modular structure to adapt to various research contexts and technologies. The framework’s design principles emphasise the holistic capture of interactional dynamics, including verbal, non-verbal, affective, and contextual cues, focusing on the process of interaction rather than just the outcome. Pilot-testing demonstrates VOTHI’s capacity to provide a comprehensive, adaptable, and practical method for researchers to analyse human-technology interactions. The tool serves as a valuable solution for capturing subtle, dynamic, and process-oriented aspects of engagement, particularly in gerontechnological contexts
Knowledge and Awareness of Glaucoma and Their Associated Eye Care Practices in 3 Areas With Different Tiers in Khartoum State 2020-2021: A Cross-Sectional Study
Full text linkPrimary open-angle glaucoma is the most prevalent type of glaucoma in Africa, in which the patient is usually asymptomatic early in the disease course; so early presentation is the only way to prevent blindness progression. This study is a community-based cross-sectional study in 3 different socioeconomic areas in Khartoum state among adults who were selected using systemic random sampling inside the area. Data were collected using an interviewing questionnaire after obtaining ethical approval from the Department of Community Medicine- University of Khartoum and a sample of 384 was collected. The overall level of awareness was 62%, which differed significantly with: tier-level, educational level, diagnosis of refractive error, use of medical eyeglasses, family history of blindness, and attendance history of eye care services. The main source of knowledge and awareness of Glaucoma was the local community (57%) followed by ophthalmologists (23%). Among the aware population, the second socioeconomic area residents possessed higher knowledge of glaucoma than those in the first area (P=0.032). Ophthalmologists as a source of knowledge are associated positively with higher knowledge. Attendance of eye care services is associated positively with a family history of blindness and a university degree. The awareness of glaucoma is low in low socioeconomic area compared to the middle and high socioeconomic areas. Middle socioeconomic area residents possessed higher knowledge than the highest socioeconomic area. The high awareness in the population was not translated into good knowledge in most of the population so health education is recommended
Synthesis and Characterization of Tellurium Microtubes
Full text linkTellurium (Te) is a potential material for multiple applications due to its distinct features, including its anisotropic crystal structure and narrow bandgap energy. In this work, we use the chemical vapor transport reaction (CVT) method to synthesize tellurium microtubes (Te MTs) with hexagonal and rectangular cross-sections. The structure and composition of the Te MTs were analyzed using characterization methods such as, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Furthermore, computational techniques such as density functional theory (DFT) computations were utilized to examine the electronic and the optical properties of bulk Te
Molecular Functions and Potential Utilization of Zinc Finger Proteins in Protozoan Parasites
Full text linkZinc finger proteins (ZFP) are metalloproteins whose zinc atom interacts with side chains of specific histidines and cysteines of the zinc finger motif, generating functional three dimensional structures. A good number of these proteins from different species are similar while others are divergent in structure and function. Existing literature on the structural features, functions of these proteins and their potential to be targeted for drug development or used as molecular tools in parasitic protozoa was explored. Evidence from reviewed articles revealed that, just like in other eukaryotes, these proteins function in various parasite cellular processes such as: transcription, RNA editing, mRNA processing & export and, mRNA turn-over among others. Some of them had the same structural features and function as their homologues in other eukaryotes including their hosts. However, there were others which had divergent structure and function. Some studies on drug development aiming at replacing the zinc atom reported positive results in some parasites such as Giardia lamblia, Trichomonas vaginalis and Leishmania donovani among others. However, though this is promising, the off- target challenge that can cause side effects, must be solved before wide application can be achieved. Successful engineering of these proteins and their use in genome editing was also reported in Plasmodium falciparum. Since zinc finger nucleases are a powerful research and medical tool, repurposing of the divergent ZFPs can be useful in the drug target and therapy discovery. For this to succeed, more knowledge on the specific functions of more parasite ZFPs and how their functions are regulated is needed
Evaluation of Acrylic Resin Surface Wettability Impregnated with Antifungal Agent
Full text linkDenture stomatitis and other fungal infections have increased the demand for developing modified denture base materials by incorporating active pharmaceuticals to minimize these problems. Fluconazole is one of the frequently used medications to treat fungal infections particularly those caused by Candida Albicans which have been incorporated with acrylic resin denture base material. Surface wettability play a significant role in the success of this mechanism. This study was performed to evaluate the effect of fluconazole incorporation with acrylic resin (polymethylmethacrylate) on surface hydrophilicity of the denture base material. Two groups of specimens were prepared and tested in this study, control and fluconazole-loaded, with 8 specimens for each group. The experimental group specimens were loaded with 10% fluconazole of powder-polymer ratio during the mixing stage of specimens’ preparation. All specimens were submitted to water contact angle measurements. The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference in surface hydrophilicity of the acrylic resin between the groups. Fluconazole impregnation to acrylic resin did not affect the surface hydrophilicity of the denture base material
Antibacterial Properties of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Green Chillie as Reducing Agent
Full text linkThe study is on the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles and to determine its antibacterial properties as zinc oxide has characteristic physical and chemical properties. The reducing agent green chillie is used to prepare zinc oxide nanoparticles by eco-friendly methods at room temperature. Characterization studies indicated the ZnO nanoparticles were in the range of 67 to 92nm. SEM analysis indicated spherical and cylindrical shaped nanoparticles. Reducing and stabilization characteristics were identified by the presence of functional groups through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. Color change established the synthesis of nanoparticles using the reducing agent of green chili extract. Antibacterial characteristics of the prepared nanoparticles were determined by measuring the zone of inhibition, and good results were obtained
Detection of Tetrachlorobutadiene Isomers Using Density Functional Theory Methods: A Comparative Study of Hartree-Fock and Density Functional Theory Analysis
Full text linkThe study aims to build upon previous research by incorporating Density Functional Theory (DFT), specifically using the B3LYP functional, to improve the computational methodology for analyzing chlorobutadiene (TCBD) compounds. DFT is chosen for its ability to account for electron correlation effects beyond the mean-field approximation, a limitation found in earlier approaches such as the Hartree-Fock (HF) method. By incorporating electron correlation, DFT provides a more accurate description of molecular properties, making it highly suitable for analyzing complex molecular structures like those found in chlorobutadienes. The methodology adopted in the study comprises four key steps. First, the molecular structure of each isomer was created. Next, the geometry of the isomers was optimized using DFT methods to ensure the most stable configurations for further analysis. The third step involved computing the vibrational frequencies of the molecules using the B3LYP functional, with different basis sets applied depending on the isomer under study. Finally, the simulated infrared (IR) spectra generated through DFT were compared with existing data from the literature to validate the findings and assess the accuracy of the computational model. The study focuses on nine different Tetrachlorobutadiene (TCBD) isomers, each with unique configurations of hydrogen and chlorine atoms. These structures were visualized using Molden software, and the IR spectra for each isomer were obtained using DFT, specifically the B3LYP and B3LYP-D3BJ functionals. The analysis of the IR spectra revealed characteristic peaks corresponding to various functional groups within the TCBD molecules. Notable vibrational modes include C-Cl stretching, C=C stretching and bending, and C-H stretching and bending, which are essential in identifying the chemical composition of the isomers. A comparative analysis was conducted between DFT and the previously employed Hartree-Fock (HF) method
Policy Implementation Lag in Workplace Mental Health: An Analysis of Awareness-Action Disparity
Full text linkMental health in the workplace has gained significant recognition, yet a substantial gap persists between acknowledging its importance and implementing comprehensive support systems across various industries. This manuscript aims to elucidate the factors contributing to this discrepancy and propose strategies for bridging the gap. We conducted a cross-sectional survey of professionals (n=50) across multiple sectors, including healthcare, finance, and technology, to assess workplace mental health prioritisation. Our findings reveal that while 90.9% of respondents consider workplace mental health prioritisation very important, only 39.4% report having mental health policies in their workplaces. Key barriers identified include stigma (39.4%), fear of job loss (33.3%), and privacy concerns (33.3%). Specific challenges were noted, with healthcare professionals reporting high stress levels despite good mental health knowledge. We propose a framework for transitioning from acknowledgement to action, emphasizing organizational culture change, leadership commitment, and tailored interventions. Recommendations include implementing regular mental health discussions, as 51.5% of respondents reported only occasional or rare workplace mental health promotion. This research contributes to the literature on workplace mental health and provides actionable strategies for organizations to enhance employee well-being and organizational success across diverse industries
Expanding the Disciplinary Scope of AJGR: Welcoming Mentored Student Research from All Academic Fields
Full text linkThe Advanced Journal of Graduate Research (AJGR) was established as a specific journal for publishing mentored research conducted by bachelor’s and master’s degree students, with a focus primarily on science and allied disciplines. As student research across academic domains continues to grow in quality and scope, AJGR is expanding its scope to include all disciplines. This editorial outlines the rationale behind the decision, the submission expectations, and the continued emphasis on research mentorship, ethical publishing, and process improvements. The journal invites submissions from all academic fields, provided the research was carried out under an officially assigned supervisor as part of a formal academic research course