Psychosocial interventions for infertile couples:A scoping review

Objective:To bring out current evidence regarding psycho-social interventions for infertility care,and identify the best practices in clinical care.Methods:An in-depth literature review on infertility care intervention was conducted using data from multiple databases:PubMed,EMBASE,Google Scholar,and PsycINFO.The relevant articles selected were between 2008 and 2022.Results:A literature search turned up 1798 citations,of which 25 studies were included after rigorous analysis.Various intervention categories have been constantly utilised to provide support and promote mental health,of which acceptance and commitment therapy(ACT)and cognitive behaviour therapy(CBT)were used most frequently.The interventions exhibited diversity in both content and composition,and addressed a wide range of issues.Conclusions:The review emphasizes that psycho-social interventions have a positive effect on psychological issues,relationships,and pregnancies among couples and can be incorporated into fertility-care practices.

Effect of corrosive media on galvanic corrosion of complicated tri-metallic couples of 2024 Al alloy/Q235 mild steel/304 stainless steel

Galvanic corrosion of tri-metallic couples is more complicated than that of bi-metallic couples. In this study, the effect of the pH of corrosive media on the galvanic corrosion of 2024 A1 alloy/Q235 mild steel/304 stainless steel tri-metallic couples was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization, scanning electron microscopy, scanning vibrating electrode technique and a multi-channel galvanic corrosion meter. The results show that 2024 always acts as the only anode in 3.5 wt% NaCl at pH 5.56,9.72 and 12.0, while both Q235 and 2024 act as anodes at pH 2.39 in the initial stage and then the role of Q235 changes at longer coupling time, which can be attributed to the effect of pH on the surface film of 2024. It is also found that the galvanic current density of a tri-metallic couple is the superposition of two bi-metallic couples when cathodic reactions are controlled by the diffusion of oxygen, otherwise it is smaller than that of the sum of two bi-metallic couples. The localized corrosion instead of uniform corrosion of anodic metal is accelerated by galvanic corrosion.

Profile of Discordant Couples for Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection Followed in Kinshasa: Case of Monkole Medical Center

Background: Programs targeting serodiscordant couples in Africa are not a priority in efforts to prevent Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection, although a large proportion of these occur in stable relationships, of which serodiscordance accounts for about two-thirds with a high risk of seroconversion of the seronegative partner. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the profile of HIV serodiscordant couples followed in Kinshasa, DRC. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study to describe the profile of different heterosexual HIV serodiscordant couples followed at the Monkole Medical Center in Kinshasa, DRC, from November 2021 to June 2022. The data were collected from the information sheets elaborated by the research team as well as from the information provided by the computerized files of the patients managed at the Infectious Diseases Unit of the Monkole Medical Center after the signature of the informed consent. An average of 8 cc of blood was taken from a peripheral vein in the patient’s forearm, and was stored in EDTA tubes at −20˚C, of which at least 6 mL were used for biochemical analyses, 2 spots of 200 μL for each partner were stored on filter paper at −20˚C and were used for DNA extraction. Nested PCR confirmed the serological diagnosis. Results: Out of a total of 482 heterosexual couples followed for HIV at the Monkole Medical Center, 28 (5.8%) were HIV serodiscordant, of which 14 (2.9%) couples agreed to participate in the present study. The mean age was 43.39 ± 10 years with extremes ranging from 24 to 62 years. The patients were mainly from the informal sector (53.6%) and weighed between 61 and 71 kg (46.4%). Sexual intercourse continued in all couples, without condom use (85.7%) for desire of procreation (82.1%);although the great majority of HIV-negative partners (85.7%) were not under ARV prophylaxis. Leukopenia was found in 42.9% of HIV-negative partners compared to 21% of HIV-positive partners;all partners had a predominantly lymphocytic white blood cell count. 21.4% of HIV-negative partners had high HDL, 14.3% of HIV-positive partners had low HDL, and 14.3% of HIV-negative partners had high LDL. Chi-square and Pearson correlation tests showed no relationship between the biochemical parameters performed and the couples’ serodiscordance for HIV. Conclusion: The frequency of HIV discordant couples in Kinshasa is significant. Serodiscordance is encountered in young intellectual and entrepreneurial couples with a desire to procreate. It is desirable to carry out further analyses for better management of these couples.

Factors Associated with Unmet Need for Family Planning among Couples Living in Urban and Rural Areas of Guinea in 2019

Introduction: Unmet need for family planning (UNFP) is defined as women with unmet needs who want to stop or delay childbearing but are not using any method of contraception. The objective of this study was to analyze the factors associated with unmet needs for family planning among couples living in rural and urban areas of Guinea in 2019. Methodology: This was a prospective, analytical cross-sectional, multicenter study of a six-month period from August 1, 2018 to January 31, 2019, focusing on couples with unmet needs for family planning. Result: Among 189 couples interviewed, 567 had UNFP (33.3%), the reasons for not using modern contraceptive methods were desire for pregnancy (AOR = 2.74, 95% CI: 1.74, 4.31), husband’s refusal (AOR = 0.23, 95% CI: 0.06, 0.81), spousal attitude (AOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.130, 30), birth spacing (AOR = 2.10% to 95%: 1.16, 3.82), difficulty with a new pregnancy (AOR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.04, 0.74), and spousal attitude (AOR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.30). Conclusion: The involvement of spouses, especially in rural communities, would help achieve family planning objectives and reduce unmet needs for family planning.

Algorithm Selection Method Based on Coupling Strength for Partitioned Analysis of Structure-Piezoelectric-Circuit Coupling

In this study, we propose an algorithm selection method based on coupling strength for the partitioned analysis ofstructure-piezoelectric-circuit coupling, which includes two types of coupling or inverse and direct piezoelectriccoupling and direct piezoelectric and circuit coupling. In the proposed method, implicit and explicit formulationsare used for strong and weak coupling, respectively. Three feasible partitioned algorithms are generated, namely(1) a strongly coupled algorithm that uses a fully implicit formulation for both types of coupling, (2) a weaklycoupled algorithm that uses a fully explicit formulation for both types of coupling, and (3) a partially stronglycoupled and partially weakly coupled algorithm that uses an implicit formulation and an explicit formulation forthe two types of coupling, respectively.Numerical examples using a piezoelectric energy harvester,which is a typicalstructure-piezoelectric-circuit coupling problem, demonstrate that the proposed method selects the most costeffectivealgorithm.

Risk behaviours associated with HIV and AIDS among couples in Rwamiko Sector, Gicumbi District, Rwanda

Background:Risk behaviours have been linked to the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus(HIV)epidemic in both urban and rural areas.Despite the progress made in the fight against HIV,it remains a public health concern worldwide.Risk behaviours such as not using condoms,having multiple sexual partners,and engaging in early sexual activity increase the risk of HIV infection.Therefore,it is important to assess these risk behaviours and understand the relationship between different factors and HIV,specifically among couples,in order to better understand the dynamics of the epidemic.The main objective of this study was to assess risk behaviours for HIV and AIDS among couples in Rwamiko sector,Gicumbi District,and suggest appropriate interventions for this group.Methods:This cross-sectional survey aimed to assess associated HIV and AIDS risk behaviours among couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District,in order to determine the dynamics of the epidemic in this group and suggest appropriate interventions.Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and a multistage cluster random sampling technique.The collected data was then computed,analyzed,and presented in the form of tables and figures.Descriptive statistics were used to analyze all variables.Multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95%confidence intervals(CI)to investigate the relationship between the assessed factors,such as independent and dependent variables.The association between the studied factors was described using odds ratios with 95%CIs.Results:The majority of respondents were in the age group of 30-39 years.All respondents were married,and approximately 45%had completed primary education.The majority of respondents were unemployed.Respondents reported receiving HIV information from multiple sources,including radio,TV,films,school,church,health workers,parents,and friends.The findings of this study showed that some participants had knowledge about HIV transmission and prevention,while others did not.The proportion of respondents with a high level of HIV and AIDS knowledge was 30.61%(n=60),while moderate knowledge accounted for 53.57%(n=105).Furthermore,the proportion of respondents with a low level of knowledge on HIV and AIDS was 15.81%(n=31).The attitude towards HIV and AIDS was positive for 58.16%(n=114)of respondents,while 41.83%(n=82)had a negative attitude.None of the respondents reported using injection drugs.Significant associations were found between age(P-value=0.002,odds ratio(OR)=3.4,95%CI=1.59-7.67),gender(p=0.001,OR=2.6,95%CI=1.44-4.68),and alcohol consumption.There was also an association between age(P=0.001,OR=5.13,95%CI=2.04-12.91)and having multiple sexual partners.Conclusion:The majority of couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District have a moderate level of knowledge and a positive attitude towards HIV and AIDS.However,the proportions of respondents with a low level of knowledge and a negative attitude should not be overlooked.The results of this study suggest the need to improve communication messages related to HIV,its transmission risks,and safer sexual behavior,particularly among couples in Rwamiko Sector,Gicumbi District.

A review on electrocatalytic CO_(2) conversion via C-C and C-N coupling

Electrochemical C-C and C-N coupling reactions with the conversion of abundant and inexpensive small molecules,such as CO_(2) and nitrogencontaining species,are considered a promising route for increasing the value of CO_(2) reduction products.The development of high-performance catalysts is the key to the both electrocatalytic reactions.In this review,we present a systematic summary of the reaction systems for electrocatalytic CO_(2) reduction,along with the coupling mechanisms of C-C and C-N bonds over outstanding electrocatalytic materials recently developed.The key intermediate species and reaction pathways related to the coupling as well as the catalyst-structure relationship will be also discussed,aiming to provide insights and guidance for designing efficient CO_(2) reduction systems.

Analysis of Strong Coupling Constant with Machine Learning and Its Application

We investigate the nature of the strong coupling constant and related physics.Through the analysis of accumulated experimental data around the world,we employ the ability of machine learning to unravel its physical laws.The result of our efforts is a formula that captures the expansive panorama of the distribution of the strong coupling constant across the entire energy range.

Nonlinearly induced entanglement in dissipatively coupled optomechanical system

Nonlinearly induced steady-state photon–phonon entanglement of a dissipative coupled system is studied in the bistable regime. Quantum dynamical characteristics are analysed by solving the mean-field and fluctuation equations of the system. It is shown that dissipative coupling can induce bistable behaviour for the effective dissipation of the system.Under suitable parameters, one of the steady states significantly reduces the dissipative effect of the system. Consequently,a larger steady-state entanglement can be achieved compared to linear dynamics. Furthermore, the experimental feasibility of the parameters is analysed. Our results provide a new perspective for the implementation of steady-state optomechanical entanglement.

Chimera states of phase oscillator populations with nonlocal higher-order couplings

The chimera states underlying many realistic dynamical processes have attracted ample attention in the area of dynamical systems.Here, we generalize the Kuramoto model with nonlocal coupling incorporating higher-order interactions encoded with simplicial complexes.Previous works have shown that higher-order interactions promote coherent states.However, we uncover the fact that the introduced higher-order couplings can significantly enhance the emergence of the incoherent state.Remarkably, we identify that the chimera states arise as a result of multi-attractors in dynamic states.Importantly, we review that the increasing higher-order interactions can significantly shape the emergent probability of chimera states.All the observed results can be well described in terms of the dimension reduction method.This study is a step forward in highlighting the importance of nonlocal higher-order couplings, which might provide control strategies for the occurrence of spatial-temporal patterns in networked systems.

Effects of asymmetric coupling and boundary on the dynamic behaviors of a random nearest neighbor coupled system

This study investigates the dynamical behaviors of nearest neighbor asymmetric coupled systems in a confined space.First, the study derivative analytical stability and synchronization conditions for the asymmetrically coupled system in an unconfined space, which are then validated through numerical simulations. Simulation results show that asymmetric coupling has a significant impact on synchronization conditions. Moreover, it is observed that irrespective of whether the system is confined, an increase in coupling asymmetry leads to a hastened synchronization pace. Additionally, the study examines the effects of boundaries on the system's collective behaviors via numerical experiments. The presence of boundaries ensures the system's stability and synchronization, and reducing these boundaries can expedite the synchronization process and amplify its effects. Finally, the study reveals that the system's output amplitude exhibits stochastic resonance as the confined boundary size increases.

Study on synergistic leaching of potassium and phosphorus from potassium feldspar and solid waste phosphogypsum via coupling reactions

To achieve the resource utilization of solid waste phosphogypsum(PG)and tackle the problem of utilizing potassium feldspar(PF),a coupled synergistic process between PG and PF is proposed in this paper.The study investigates the features of P and F in PG,and explores the decomposition of PF using hydrofluoric acid(HF)in the sulfuric acid system for K leaching and leaching of P and F in PG.The impact factors such as sulfuric acid concentration,reaction temperature,reaction time,material ratio(PG/PF),liquid–solid ratio,PF particle size,and PF calcination temperature on the leaching of P and K is systematically investigated in this paper.The results show that under optimal conditions,the leaching rate of K and P reach more than 93%and 96%,respectively.Kinetics study using shrinking core model(SCM)indicates two significant stages with internal diffusion predominantly controlling the leaching of K.The apparent activation energies of these two stages are 11.92 kJ·mol^(-1)and 11.55 kJ·mol^(-1),respectively.

Dynamic Coupling Analysis of Semisubmersible Platform Float-over Method for Docking Case

In this paper,the multi-body coupled dynamic characteristics of a semisubmersible platform and an HYSY 229 barge were investigated.First,coupled hydrodynamic analysis of the HYSY 229 barge and the semisubmersible platform was performed.Relevant hydrodynamic parameters were obtained using the retardation function method of three-dimensional frequency-domain potential flow theory.The results of the hydrodynamic analysis were highly consistent with the test findings,verifying the accuracy of the multifloating hydrodynamic coupling analysis,and key hydrodynamic parameters were solved for different water depths and the coupling effect.According to the obtained results,the hydrodynamic influence was the largest in shallow waters when the coupling effect was considered.Furthermore,the coupled motion equation combined with viscous damping,fender system,and mooring system was established,and the hydrodynamics,floating body motion,and dynamic response of the fender system were analyzed.Motion analysis revealed good agreement among the surge,sway,and yaw motions of the two floating bodies.However,when the wave period reached 10 s,the motion of the two floating bodies showed severe shock,and a relative motion was also observed.Therefore,excessive constraints should be added between the two floating bodies during construction to ensure construction safety.The numerical analysis and model test results of the semisubmersible platform and HYSY 229 barge at a water depth of 42 m and sea conditions of 0°,45°,and 90° were in good agreement,and the error was less than 5%.The maximum movement of the HYSY 229 barge reached 2.61 m in the sway direction,whereas that of the semisubmersible platform was 2.11 m.During construction,excessive constraints should be added between the two floating bodies to limit their relative movement and ensure construction safety.

Research on modeling and self-excited vibration mechanism in magnetic levitation-collision interface coupling system

The modeling and self-excited vibration mechanism in the magnetic levitation-collision interface coupling system are investigated.The effects of the control and interface parameters on the system's stability are analyzed.The frequency range of self-excited vibrations is investigated from the energy point of view.The phenomenon of self-excited vibrations is elaborated with the phase trajectory.The corresponding control strategies are briefly analyzed with respect to the vibration mechanism.The results show that when the levitation objects collide with the mechanical interface,the system's vibration frequency becomes larger with the decrease in the collision gap;when the vibration frequency exceeds the critical frequency,the electromagnetic system continues to provide energy to the system,and the collision interface continuously dissipates energy so that the system enters the self-excited vibration state.

Application of CFD and FEA Coupling to Predict Structural Dynamic Responses of A Trimaran in Uni-and Bi-Directional Waves

To predict the wave loads of a flexible trimaran in different wave fields,a one-way interaction numerical simulation method is proposed by integrating the fluid solver(Star-CCM+)and structural solver(Abaqus).Differing from the existing coupled CFD-FEA method for monohull ships in head waves,the presented method equates the mass and stiffness of the whole ship to the hull shell so that any transverse and longitudinal section stress of the hull in oblique waves can be obtained.Firstly,verification study and sensitivity analysis are carried out by comparing the trimaran motions using different mesh sizes and time step schemes.Discussion on the wave elevation of uni-and bi-directional waves is also carried out.Then a comprehensive analysis on the structural responses of the trimaran in different uni-directional regular wave and bi-directional cross sea conditions is carried out,respectively.Finally,the differences in structural response characteristics of trimaran in different wave fields are studied.The results show that the present method can reduce the computational burden of the two-way fluid-structure interaction simulations.

A Coupled Thermomechanical Crack Propagation Behavior of Brittle Materials by Peridynamic Differential Operator

This study proposes a comprehensive,coupled thermomechanical model that replaces local spatial derivatives in classical differential thermomechanical equations with nonlocal integral forms derived from the peridynamic differential operator(PDDO),eliminating the need for calibration procedures.The model employs a multi-rate explicit time integration scheme to handle varying time scales in multi-physics systems.Through simulations conducted on granite and ceramic materials,this model demonstrates its effectiveness.It successfully simulates thermal damage behavior in granite arising from incompatible mineral expansion and accurately calculates thermal crack propagation in ceramic slabs during quenching.To account for material heterogeneity,the model utilizes the Shuffle algorithm andWeibull distribution,yielding results that align with numerical simulations and experimental observations.This coupled thermomechanical model shows great promise for analyzing intricate thermomechanical phenomena in brittle materials.

Efficient C-N coupling in electrocatalytic urea generation on copper carbonate hydroxide electrocatalysts

Urea generation through electrochemical CO_(2) and NO_(3)~-co-reduction reaction(CO_(2)NO_(3)RR)is still limited by either the low selectivity or yield rate of urea.Herein,we report copper carbonate hydroxide(Cu_2(OH)_2CO_(3))as an efficient CO_(2)NO_(3)RR electrocatalyst with an impressive urea Faradaic efficiency of45.2%±2.1%and a high yield rate of 1564.5±145.2μg h~(-1)mg_(cat)~(-1).More importantly,H_(2) evolution is fully inhibited on this electrocatalyst over a wide potential range between-0.3 and-0.8 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode.Our thermodynamic simulation reveals that the first C-N coupling follows a unique pathway on Cu_2(OH)_2CO_(3) by combining the two intermediates,~*COOH and~*NHO.This work demonstrates that high selectivity and yield rate of urea can be simultaneously achieved on simple Cu-based electrocatalysts in CO_(2)NO_(3)RR,and provide guidance for rational design of more advanced catalysts.

Evolution and Application of Sealing Ability of Gypsum Caprocks under Temperature-Pressure Coupling:An Example of the ZS5 Well in the Tazhong Area of the Tarim Basin

Gypsum caprocks'sealing ability is affected by temperature-pressure coupling.Due to the limitations of experimental conditions,there is still a lack of triaxial stress-strain experiments that simultaneously consider changes in temperature and pressure conditions,which limits the accuracy of the comprehensive evaluation of the brittle plastic evolution and sealing ability of gypsum rocks using temperature pressure coupling.Triaxial stress-strain tests were utilized to investigate the differences in the evolution of the confinement capacity of gypsum rocks under coupled temperaturepressure action and isothermal-variable pressure action on the basis of sample feasibility analysis.According to research,the gypsum rock's peak and residual strengths decrease under simultaneous increases in temperature and pressure over isothermal pressurization experimental conditions,and it becomes more ductile.This reduces the amount of time it takes for the rock to transition from brittle to plastic.When temperature is taken into account,both the brittle–plastic transformation's depth limit and the lithological transformation of gypsum rocks become shallower,and the evolution of gypsum rocks under variable temperature and pressure conditions is more complicated than that under isothermal pressurization.The sealing ability under the temperature-pressure coupling is more in line with the actual geological context when the application results of the Well#ZS5 are compared.This provides a theoretical basis for precisely determining the process of hydrocarbon accumulation and explains why the early hydrocarbon were not well preserved.

Coexisting fast–slow dendritic traveling waves in a 3D-array electric field coupled neuronal network

Coexistence of fast and slow traveling waves without synaptic transmission has been found in hhhippocampal tissues,which is closely related to both normal brain activity and abnormal neural activity such as epileptic discharge. However, the propagation mechanism behind this coexistence phenomenon remains unclear. In this paper, a three-dimensional electric field coupled hippocampal neural network is established to investigate generation of coexisting spontaneous fast and slow traveling waves. This model captures two types of dendritic traveling waves propagating in both transverse and longitude directions: the N-methyl-D-aspartate(NMDA)-dependent wave with a speed of about 0.1 m/s and the Ca-dependent wave with a speed of about 0.009 m/s. These traveling waves are synaptic-independent and could be conducted only by the electric fields generated by neighboring neurons, which are basically consistent with the in vitro data measured experiments. It is also found that the slow Ca wave could trigger generation of fast NMDA waves in the propagation path of slow waves whereas fast NMDA waves cannot affect the propagation of slow Ca waves. These results suggest that dendritic Ca waves could acted as the source of the coexistence fast and slow waves. Furthermore, we also confirm the impact of cellular spacing heterogeneity on the onset of coexisting fast and slow waves. The local region with decreasing distances among neighbor neurons is more liable to promote the onset of spontaneous slow waves which, as sources, excite propagation of fast waves. These modeling studies provide possible biophysical mechanisms underlying the neural dynamics of spontaneous traveling waves in brain tissues.

Development of multi-functional anchorage support dynamic-static coupling performance test system and its application

In underground engineering with complex conditions,the bolt(cable)anchorage support system is in an environment where static and dynamic stresses coexist,under the action of geological conditions such as high stresses and strong disturbances and construction conditions such as the application of high prestress.It is essential to study the support components performance under dynamic-static coupling conditions.Based on this,a multi-functional anchorage support dynamic-static coupling performance test system(MAC system)is developed,which can achieve 7 types of testing functions,including single component performance,anchored net performance,anchored rock performance and so on.The bolt and cable mechanical tests are conducted by MAC system under different prestress levels.The results showed that compared to the non-prestress condition,the impact resistance performance of prestressed bolts(cables)is significantly reduced.In the prestress range of 50–160 k N,the maximum reduction rate of impact energy resisted by different types of bolts is 53.9%–61.5%compared to non-prestress condition.In the prestress range of 150–300 k N,the impact energy resisted by high-strength cable is reduced by76.8%–84.6%compared to non-prestress condition.The MAC system achieves dynamic-static coupling performance test,which provide an effective means for the design of anchorage support system.