Psychophysiology of Monotonous Driving, Fatigue and Sleepiness in Train and Non-Professional Drivers: Driver Safety Implications.

Fatigue and sleepiness are complex bodily states associated with monotony as well as physical and cognitive impairment, accidents, injury, and illness. Moreover, these states are often characteristic of professional driving. However, most existing work has focused on motor vehicle drivers, and research examining train drivers remains limited. As such, the present study psychophysiologically examined monotonous driving, fatigue, and sleepiness in a group of passenger train drivers and a group of non-professional drivers. Sixty-three train drivers and thirty non-professional drivers participated in the present study, which captured 32-lead electroencephalogram (EEG) data during a monotonous driving task. Fatigue and sleepiness were self-evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Karolinksa Sleepiness Scale, and the Checklist of Individual Strength. Unexpectedly, fatigue and sleepiness scores did not significantly differ between the groups; however, train drivers generally scored lower than non-professional drivers, which may be indicative of individual and/or industry attempts to reduce fatigue. Across both groups, fatigue and sleepiness scores were negatively correlated with theta, alpha, and beta EEG variables clustered towards the fronto-central and temporal regions. Broadly, these associations may reflect a monotony-associated blunting of neural activity that is associated with a self-reported fatigue state

Electrophysiological Brain-Cardiac Coupling in Train Drivers during Monotonous Driving

Electrophysiological research has previously investigated monotony and the cardiac health of drivers independently; however, few studies have explored the association between the two. As such the present study aimed to examine the impact of monotonous train driving (indicated by electroencephalogram (EEG) activity) on an individual's cardiac health as measured by heart rate variability (HRV). Sixty-three train drivers participated in the present study, and were required to complete a monotonous train driver simulator task. During this task, a 32 lead EEG and a three-lead electrocardiogram were recorded from each participant. In the present analysis, the low (LF) and high frequency (HF) HRV parameters were associated with delta (p < 0.05), beta (p = 0.03) and gamma (p < 0.001) frequency EEG variables. Further, total HRV was associated with gamma activity, while sympathovagal balance (i.e., LF:HF ratio) was best associated fronto-temporal delta activity (p = 0.02). HRV and EEG parameters appear to be coupled, with the parameters of the delta and gamma EEG frequency bands potentially being the most important to this coupling. These relationships provide insight into the impact of a monotonous task on the cardiac health of train drivers, and may also be indicative of strategies employed to combat fatigue or engage with the driving task

Deportation Stigma and Re-migration

Many, if not most, of those who are forcibly expelled from the country to which they have migrated will not settle in the country to which they have been returned but will leave again. A recent article examined some of the reasons why this should be so. It was argued that in addition to the factors that had caused the original migration, such as fear of persecution, continuing conflict, insecurity, poverty and lack of opportunity, deportation creates at least three additional reasons that make re-migration the most likely outcome. These were debt, family commitments and the shame of failure and or ‘contamination’ leading to stigmatisation. In this article, we explore the stigma of failure and of contamination attached to those deported, and the ways in which they respond to and manage this stigmatisation, including by re-migrating. We use Goffman's concept of stigma and the refinement offered by to further nuance understanding of the impact of deportation

ВОЛЬТАМПЕРОМЕТРИЧЕСКАЯ МУЛЬТИСЕНСОРНАЯ СИСТЕМА НА ОСНОВЕ МОДИФИЦИРОВАННЫХ ПОЛИАРИЛЕНФТАЛИДАМИ СТЕКЛОУГЛЕРОДНЫХ ЭЛЕКТРОДОВ ДЛЯ РАСПОЗНАВАНИЯ И ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ ВАРФАРИНА

Voltammetric sensors and sensory system based on glassy carbon electrodes modified by polyarylenephthalides (chlorinated polyphthalidylidenefluorene, polyphthalidylidene diphenyl and brominated polyphthalidylidene diphenyl) were developed for the recognition and determination of warfarin. The electrochemical and analytical characteristics of the sensors were studied. The optimal conditions for recording voltammograms of warfarin oxidation were established: the range of working potentials was 0.5 ÷ 1.2 V, scan rate was 20 mVs-1, the electrode holding time in the analyzed solution was 30s, and the pH of the supporting electrolyte was 6.86 (Na2HPO4 + KH2PO4). Using the values of the slope of the dependence log ip = log v + const (Δlg ip / Δlg v = 0.7 ÷ 0.9), it was found that the rate-controlling step of warfarin oxidation was the depolarizer adsorption on the surface of the polymer modifier. The linear range of the dependence of the maximum of warfarin oxidation peak on the concentration was 0.3×10-6 ÷ 0.5×10-3 М. Using the “added-found” method, the accuracy of determining the warfarin content in the model solutions was evaluated. The relative standard deviation and relative measurements error didn’t exceed 4.63% and 11.1% respectively. By the means of chemometrics methods (principal components analysis and SIMCA) the possibility of the recognition of warfarin preparations without isolating the active substances in dosage forms was shown, which made it possible to distinguish pharmaceutical preparations from the different manufacturers. At the same time, the sample preparation procedure was significantly simplified, and the cost and time of the analysis were reduced. It was also shown that the use of the multisensory system of the “electronic tongue” type significantly increased the percentage of correctly recognized samples in comparison to the registration of voltammograms on the single sensor. The proportion of correctly recognized samples was 97-100%.Keywords: warfarin, voltammetry, polyarylenephthalide, modified electrodes, sensor system(Russian) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15826/analitika.2019.23.4.003R.A. Zilberg, Yu.A. Yarkaeva, D.I. Dubrovsky, L.R. Zagitova, V.N. MaistrenkoBashkir State University, Department of Chemistry,32, Validy Str., Ufa, 450076, Russian FederationРазработаны вольтамперометрические сенсоры и сенсорная система на основе стеклоуглеродных электродов, модифицированных полиариленфталидами – хлорированными полифталидилиденфлуореном, полифталидилидендифенилом и бромированным полифталидилидендифенилом, для распознавания и определения варфарина. Изучены электрохимические и аналитические характеристики сенсоров. Установлены оптимальные условия регистрации вольтамперограмм варфарина: диапазон рабочих потенциалов 0.5 ÷ 1.2 В, скорость развертки потенциалов 20 мВ/с, время выдерживания электрода в анализируемом растворе 30 с, pH фонового электролита 6.86 (Na2HPO4 + KH2PO4). По  значениям тангенса угла наклона зависимости lg ip = lg v + const (Δlg ip/Δlg v = 0.7÷ 0.9) установлено, что лимитирующей стадией процесса окисления варфарина является преимущественно адсорбция деполяризатора на поверхности полимерного модификатора. Линейный характер зависимости максимального тока окисления варфарина от концентрации сохраняется в диапазоне 0.3·10-6 ÷ 0.5·10-3 М. При определении содержания варфарина в модельных растворах методом «введено-найдено», относительное стандартное отклонение не превышает 4.6 %, относительная погрешность не превышает 11.1 %. С использованием методов хемометрики: метода главных компонент (МГК) и метода формального независимого моделирования аналогий классов (SIMCA) показана возможность распознавания препаратов варфарина без выделения действующих веществ в лекарственных формах, что позволяет различать лекарственные средства различных производителей. При этом заметно упрощается процедура пробоподготовки, снижаются стоимость и время анализа. Показано, что использование мультисенсорной системы типа «электронный язык» существенно повышает процент правильно распознанных образцов по сравнению с регистрацией вольтамперограмм на одном сенсоре. Доля правильно распознанных образцов составляет 97-100 %.Ключевые слова: варфарин, вольтамперометрия, полиариленфталид, модифицированные электроды, сенсорная системаDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15826/analitika.2019.23.4.00

Chitosan-Based Polyelectrolyte Complex in Combination with Allotropic Forms of Carbon as a Basis for Thin-Film Organic Electronics

Received: 30.05.2024. Revised: 11.06.2024. Accepted: 19.06.2024. Available online: 28.06.2024.Samples of a new polymer composite material based on a PEC doped with various allotropic forms of carbon were prepared.Based on the films studied, field-effect transistors were created and their output and transfer characteristics were measured.If a combination of both GO and SWCNT is incorporated into the nanocomposite, the mobility of carriers increases sharply.Using atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the morphology and mobility of charge carriers in composite films with a thickness of no more than 500 nm obtained on the basis of a polyelectrolyte complex of chitosan and chitosan succinamide with addition of particles of carbon materials were studied and estimated. The following carbon materials were used: single-walled carbon nanotubes, graphene oxide, and carbon-containing sorbents with different specific surfaces (Carboblack C and Carbopack). Moreover, the studied materials in the form of films were used as a transport layer in the structure of field-effect transistors. The output and transfer characteristics of the transistors obtained were measured. According to the measurement results, the mobility of charge carriers, μ, ranges from 0.341 to 1.123 cm2 V–1·s–1, depending on the type of carbon material added. The best result was demonstrated by films based on a composite containing simultaneously single-walled carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide (μ = 10.972 cm2 V–1·s–1).This work was supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation (scientific code FZWU-2023-0002) and by the Russian Science Foundation (Grant № 23-73-00119), https://rscf.ru/project/23-73-00119/

Overcoming barriers in evaluating outbreaks of diarrheal disease in resource poor settings: assessment of recurrent outbreaks in Chobe District, Botswana

BACKGROUND: Diarrheal illness remains a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, with the majority of deaths occurring in children <5 years of age. Lack of resources often prohibits the evaluation of outbreak characteristics and limits progress in managing this important disease syndrome, particularly in Africa. Relying only on existing medical staff and hospital resources, we assess the use of a questionnaire survey tool to identify baseline outbreak characteristics during recurrent diarrheal outbreaks in Chobe, Botswana. METHODS: Using historical surveillance data (2006–2009), the temporal pattern of recurrent diarrheal outbreaks was evaluated among patients <5 years of age presenting to health facilities in Chobe District. Using a questionnaire survey tool, medical staff from selected health facilities assessed patients (all ages) presenting with diarrheal disease during two diarrheal outbreaks (2011–2012). Cluster analysis and classification and regression trees (CART) were used to evaluate patient attributes by outbreak. RESULTS: We identified a bimodal, annual pattern of acute diarrhea in children <5 years of age across years (Wilcox test, W = 456.5, p = 0.052). Historical outbreak periods appeared to coincide with major hydrological phenomena (rainfall/flood recession). Across health facilities, a significant percent of patients in the prospective study were in the ≥5 age class (44%, n = 515 and 35%, n = 333 in the dry and wet season outbreaks, respectively). Cluster analysis of questionnaire data identified two main branches associated with patient age (<5 and ≥5 years of age). Patients did not cluster by outbreak or village. CART examination identified sex and hospitalization as being most predictive of patients <5 years and household diarrhea in patients ≥5 years. Water shortages and water quality deficiencies were identified in both outbreaks. CONCLUSIONS: Diarrhea is a persistent, seasonally occurring disease in Chobe District, Botswana. Lack of variation in outbreak variables suggests the possibility of environmental drivers influencing outbreak dynamics and the potential importance of human-environmental linkages in this region. Public health strategy should be directed at securing improved water service and correcting water quality deficiencies. Public health education should include increased emphasis on sanitation practices when providing care to household members with diarrhea. While global diarrheal disease surveillance is directed at the under-5 age group, this may not be appropriate in areas of high HIV prevalence such as that found in our study area where a large immune-compromised population may warrant increased surveillance across age groups. The approach used in this study provided the first detailed characterization of diarrheal disease outbreaks in the area, an important starting point for immediate intervention and development of working hypotheses for future disease investigations. While data derived from this approach are necessarily limited, they identify critical information on outbreak characteristics in resource poor settings where data gaps continue and disease incidence is high

Screening of desert plants for use against bacterial pathogens in fish

The antibacterial activity of aqueous extracts of 104 desert plant species was studied on the fol- lowing fish bacterial pathogens: Aeromonas hydrophila, Photobacterium damselae subspecies piscicida, Streptococcus iniae, and Vibrio alginolyticus. Seventeen plant species had antibacte- rial activity, as identified by disk diffusion assay. The pathogen P. damselae was sensitive to all 17 active extracts except Peganum harmala and a high inhibitory effect (14-19.5 mm) was pro- duced by Anchusa strigosa, Hammada scoparia, Achillea fragrantissima, Pulicaria crispa and Loranthus acaciae. The pathogens A. hydrophila and V. alginolyticus were inhibited by H. sco- paria, L. acaciae, and P. harmala (7-20.5 mm). The pathogen S. iniae was inhibited by Ochradenus baccatus and Reseda stenostachya (10.5 mm). The benefits of using desert plants as an alternative to conventional antibiotics are discussed

The Development of a Small-scale Laboratory System to Study Cryptocaryon irritans Infection in Seawater-adapted Guppies, Poecilia reticulata

The protozoan parasite Cryptocaryon irritans is responsible for significant economic losses of commercially farmed marine fishes. In this study we report, for the first time, C. irritans infection in the seawater-adapted guppy Poecilia reticulata. We describe a simple method for experimental propagation and maintenance of the infection in a laboratory, without apparent loss of infectivity, for15 months. Fish were gradually adapted to increasing concentrations of artificial seawater by successive transfer to incremental steps of 10 ppt every 2 days and then transferred to disease propagation aquaria (salinity 30 ± 2 ppt) where the infection was maintained. Between 2- 3 fish were held at any one time in each aquaria, each fish being replaced once it succumbed to the infection and died. Gross observations of heavily infected fish revealed a uniform distribution of trophonts visible on the skin and fins as white surface lesions or ‘spots’ after 4-5 days. Death of the host usually occurred after 7-8 days. Heavily infected fish were fixed and processed using routine histological techniques and histological examination revealed infective trophonts, round or pyriform in shape, invading the fish epithelium as well as larger, feeding trophonts located beneath the epithelium. A thickening of the epithelial layers and a proliferation of mucous secreting cells was evident around embedded parasites.</jats:p