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Associations of acute stress disorder and depression with coping self-efficacy and perceived social support in healthcare workers during COVID-19
Isolation and identification of Alcaligenes faecalis W2-3 with high-yield production of dimethyl disulfide
Multi-model statistical approaches for assessing the stability of Cicer interspecific derivatives in the trans and upper gangetic regions of India
Role of plate convergence rate in shaping earthquake recurrence in subduction zones
Abstract Understanding the complex interplay of subduction zone processes is key to unravelling the timing and distribution of great earthquake cycles within the framework of the plate tectonics paradigm. Megathrust earthquakes, though extensively investigated and their quasi-repetitive nature well recognised, remain challenging to assess globally due to their long recurrence intervals and limited historical data. Slow earthquakes in the brittle-to-ductile transition zone interact dynamically with megathrust events, but their potential to trigger or delay large earthquakes remains unclear. The periodic nature of slow earthquakes (typically recurring over timescales of months to years) has enabled detailed seismic and geodetic catalogs, offering new insights into subduction zone dynamics. Here, we adopt a tripartite approach, integrating natural observations, numerical simulations, and laboratory experiments to investigate relationship between megathrust and slow earthquakes in subduction zones. Analysis of tremor catalogs of Cascadia and Nankai subduction zones, reveal a systematic logarithmic inverse relationship between recurrence intervals (Tr) and plate convergence rates (VL), with downdip tremor patches exhibiting shorter recurrence times than updip segments. Quasidynamic rate-and-state friction (RSF) simulations, calibrated against geodetic displacements, demonstrate that this periodicity arises from frictional healing modulated by VL (Tr ∞ -VL ). Laboratory stick-slip experiments validate this scaling, showing force drop and recurrence times decrease logarithmically with increasing loading velocity, consistent with natural and numerical observations. Crucially, the logarithmic dependency persists across tectonic (months–years), numerical (stick-slip cycles), and laboratory (seconds–minutes) scales, resolving ambiguities in scaling fault mechanics from lab to tectonic regimes. We propose that SSEs in the brittle-ductile transition zone episodically transfer stress to adjacent locked megathrust segments, acting as real-time ‘stress-meters’ for seismogenic zone dynamics. This framework bridges geophysical monitoring, Rate and State Friction theory, and experimental fault mechanics, offering a predictive tool to infer stress accumulation on megathrusts. By linking slow earthquake periodicity to plate kinematics, our findings advance a unified paradigm for earthquake cycle dynamics, directly informing probabilistic hazard models and mitigation strategies in subduction zones. The integration of multi-scale constraints underscores the potential of tremor networks to monitor stress evolution, enhancing our capacity to identify regions at risk of large seismic events.
Sentiment classification for telugu using transformed based approaches on a multi-domain dataset
Mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention during pregnancy changes maternal brain
Tempo oscillations in rhythmic human networks
Postzygotic mosaicism in SMC1A and the first reported case of a female with Cornelia de Lange syndrome
A Cross-Sectional Study of Drowning in Saudi Arabia Using First Responder Data
Abstract Drowning is a significant public health issue and is considered one of the most avoidable yet underappreciated causes of mortality worldwide. Drowning likely presents a significant public health burden in Saudi Arabia, especially in children. To our knowledge only three studies have been conducted investigating drowning in Saudi Arabia, all of which were single center hospital-based studies. This is the first national cross-sectional study to assess drowning epidemiology in Saudi Arabia and the first to utilize first responder data. This study’s main objectives are to quantify the burden of drowning in Saudi Arabia, and describe the epidemiological profile and geographic distribution of drowning cases across the country. We conducted a cross-sectional study using electronic data from the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) on drowning incidents between January 2019 to November 2021. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were calculated using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), software for Windows (version 23.0). Men and children under 4 had the highest incidence of drowning, with 2021 incidence rates of 19.86 and 54.08 per million, respectively. The regions of Makkah, Riyadh, and Dammam, had the largest number of cases, accounting for 30.49% (n = 501), 19.84% (n = 326), and 13.02% (n = 214) of all cases respectively. The regions with the highest drowning incidence in 2021 were Tabuk, Al-baha, Makkah, Jizan, and Hail with incidence rates of 32.32, 27. 96, 22.28, 20.97, and 20.5 per million people, respectively. Drowning is a leading cause of death in Saudi Arabia and globally, with young children most at risk. Our study identifies data gaps and high-incidence areas requiring further investigation. The low bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) rate and high mortality call for better public education on drowning prevention and first aid.
Effects of different activation strategies on standing start performance in elite female track cyclists
Evaluation of MRI-based synthetic CT for lumbar degenerative disease: a comparison with CT
Use of antiviral medications during pregnancy and the likelihood of preeclampsia in a population-based register study
Abstract Viral infections and reactivations have been linked to several pregnancy complications. Antiviral medications are often prescribed as a prophylactic measure to prevent infant infection. This study examines associations between antiviral medication use during pregnancy and preeclampsia, thereby exploring links between viruses and such pregnancy complication. We analyzed data from 618,814 first-time mothers in Sweden (2007–2019) using four national registers. Of these 27,135 (4.4%) developed preeclampsia and 18,004 (2.9%) filled an antiviral medication prescription. Adjusted logistic regression with inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to evaluate associations between use of antiviral medication and preeclampsia. Antiviral medication use was associated with a reduced likelihood of preeclampsia (aOR 0.88; 95% CI, 0.81–0.96). Particularly, antiviral medication use was associated with a reduced likelihood of developing preeclampsia with delivery before 34 weeks gestation (aOR 0.66; 95% CI, 0.48–0.92) and preeclampsia with a small for gestational age infant (aOR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.57–0.96). Timing of antiviral prescription filling was also investigated. Antiviral medication use in the third trimester was associated with a reduced likelihood of preeclampsia (aOR 0.77; 95% CI, 0.67–0.90), but not when used during the first two trimesters. Our study suggests that viral infections or reactivation might play a role in the etiology of preeclampsia, highlighting the need to further explore viral infections’ role in preeclampsia development.
Open pilot study of a guided digital self-help intervention targeting sleep and the biological clock in university students using a pre-test post-test design
Abstract Insomnia is common among university students and is associated with mental health problems. Students often have irregular day/night rhythms, which contribute to circadian rhythm disruptions. This open pilot study investigated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a 5-week digital guided self-help intervention in university students with self-reported insomnia. The intervention is based on cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia with specific emphasis on the biological clock (‘i-Sleep & BioClock’). We assessed feasibility and acceptability. Pre- to post-intervention (7-week) changes in insomnia, depression, anxiety, chronotype, and quality of life were evaluated. Of 101 included students, 81 accessed the platform, 41 initiated the intervention, and 13 completed the intervention. Post-test response was 39%. Students rated the intervention with good acceptability and the platform with excellent usability. Study completers (n = 39) showed large improvements in insomnia severity (p < 0.001, d = 1.04), and moderate improvements in depression (p < 0.001, d = 0.63), anxiety (p < 0.001, d = 0.35), and functioning (p < 0.001, d = 0.56). No significant changes were found in quality of life (p = 0.07, d = 0.19). To summarize, the intervention had low uptake but moderate adherence and fairly good acceptability along with important improvements in sleep, mental health, and functioning. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05363995.
Optimization and performance of expanded polystyrene concrete for sustainable infill wall construction using response surface methodology
Burden and risk factors of premature drowning mortality in 204 countries and territories, 1980–2021
Optimization of MXene-based aqueous ionic liquids for solar systems using conventional and AI-based techniques
Developing a new protocol for monitoring vegetation in limestone pavement
Abstract Limestone pavements are a rocky habitat formed of slabs of rock with crevices (grikes) between them where a rich community of plants can grow. The habitat is important for conservation but there is currently a lack of evidence to support their management and conservation. Putting monitoring in place when management changes are made will help to build an evidence base to support decision making in conservation but it can be challenging to monitor vegetation in limestone pavements. Here I present a monitoring protocol suitable for use by conservation practitioners and others working in limestone pavements. Following discussion with practitioners, 24 pavements were selected to represent the variety of pavements in Great Britain. Transect surveys were conducted to identify the optimal length of grike for survey. Based on existing practice in other habitats, a suitable approach to when management changes are being made would be to use a before-after-control-impact design. Within each 2500 m2 plot twenty 10 m transects, randomly placed in grikes, should provide sufficient coverage for repeat monitoring. Species should be identified to a species level wherever possible and cover estimated. The results of the analysis support the view that the new method is a reliable approach.