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.

Influence of water coupling coefficient on the blasting effect of red sandstone specimens

This study investigates the impact of different water coupling coefficients on the blasting effect of red sandstone.The analysis is based on the theories of detonation wave and elastic wave,focusing on the variation in wall pressure of the blasting holes.Using DDNP explosive as the explosive load,blasting tests were conducted on red sandstone specimens with four different water coupling coefficients:1.20,1.33,1.50,and 2.00.The study examines the morphologies of the rock specimens after blasting under these different water coupling coefficients.Additionally,the fractal dimensions of the surface cracks resulting from the blasting were calculated to provide a quantitative evaluation of the extent of rock damage.CT scanning and 3D reconstruction were performed on the post-blasting specimens to visually depict the extent of damage and fractures within the rock.Additionally,the volume fractal dimension and damage degree of the post-blasting specimens are calculated.The findings are then combined with numerical simulation to facilitate auxiliary analysis.The results demonstrate that an increase in the water coupling coefficient leads to a reduction in the peak pressure on the hole wall and the crushing zone,enabling more of the explosion energy to be utilized for crack propagation following the explosion.The specimens exhibited distinct failure patterns,resulting in corresponding changes in fractal dimensions.The simulated pore wall pressure–time curve validated the derived theoretical results,whereas the stress cloud map and explosion energy-time curve demonstrated the buffering effect of the water medium.As the water coupling coefficient increases,the buffering effect of the water medium becomes increasingly prominent.

Strong coupling and catenary field enhancement in the hybrid plasmonic metamaterial cavity and TMDC monolayers

Strong coupling between resonantly matched surface plasmons of metals and excitons of quantum emitters results in the formation of new plasmon-exciton hybridized energy states.In plasmon-exciton strong coupling,plasmonic nanocavities play a significant role due to their ability to confine light in an ultrasmall volume.Additionally,two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDCs) have a significant exciton binding energy and remain stable at ambient conditions,making them an excellent alternative for investigating light-matter interactions.As a result,strong plasmon-exciton coupling has been reported by introducing a single metallic cavity.However,single nanoparticles have lower spatial confinement of electromagnetic fields and limited tunability to match the excitonic resonance.Here,we introduce the concept of catenary-shaped optical fields induced by plasmonic metamaterial cavities to scale the strength of plasmon-exciton coupling.The demonstrated plasmon modes of metallic metamaterial cavities offer high confinement and tunability and can match with the excitons of TMDCs to exhibit a strong coupling regime by tuning either the size of the cavity gap or thickness.The calculated Rabi splitting of Au-MoSe_2 and Au-WSe_2 heterostructures strongly depends on the catenary-like field enhancement induced by the Au cavity,resulting in room-temperature Rabi splitting ranging between 77.86 and 320 me V.These plasmonic metamaterial cavities can pave the way for manipulating excitons in TMDCs and operating active nanophotonic devices at ambient temperature.

A semi-analytical model for coupled flow in stress-sensitive multi-scale shale reservoirs with fractal characteristics

A large number of nanopores and complex fracture structures in shale reservoirs results in multi-scale flow of oil. With the development of shale oil reservoirs, the permeability of multi-scale media undergoes changes due to stress sensitivity, which plays a crucial role in controlling pressure propagation and oil flow. This paper proposes a multi-scale coupled flow mathematical model of matrix nanopores, induced fractures, and hydraulic fractures. In this model, the micro-scale effects of shale oil flow in fractal nanopores, fractal induced fracture network, and stress sensitivity of multi-scale media are considered. We solved the model iteratively using Pedrosa transform, semi-analytic Segmented Bessel function, Laplace transform. The results of this model exhibit good agreement with the numerical solution and field production data, confirming the high accuracy of the model. As well, the influence of stress sensitivity on permeability, pressure and production is analyzed. It is shown that the permeability and production decrease significantly when induced fractures are weakly supported. Closed induced fractures can inhibit interporosity flow in the stimulated reservoir volume (SRV). It has been shown in sensitivity analysis that hydraulic fractures are beneficial to early production, and induced fractures in SRV are beneficial to middle production. The model can characterize multi-scale flow characteristics of shale oil, providing theoretical guidance for rapid productivity evaluation.

Icariin accelerates bone regeneration by inducing osteogenesisangiogenesis coupling in rats with type 1 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Icariin(ICA),a natural flavonoid compound monomer,has multiple pharmacological activities.However,its effect on bone defect in the context of type 1 diabetes mellitus(T1DM)has not yet been examined.AIM To explore the role and potential mechanism of ICA on bone defect in the context of T1DM.METHODS The effects of ICA on osteogenesis and angiogenesis were evaluated by alkaline phosphatase staining,alizarin red S staining,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,Western blot,and immunofluorescence.Angiogenesis-related assays were conducted to investigate the relationship between osteogenesis and angiogenesis.A bone defect model was established in T1DM rats.The model rats were then treated with ICA or placebo and micron-scale computed tomography,histomorphometry,histology,and sequential fluorescent labeling were used to evaluate the effect of ICA on bone formation in the defect area.RESULTS ICA promoted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell(BMSC)proliferation and osteogenic differentiation.The ICA treated-BMSCs showed higher expression levels of osteogenesis-related markers(alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin)and angiogenesis-related markers(vascular endothelial growth factor A and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1)compared to the untreated group.ICA was also found to induce osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs.In the bone defect model T1DM rats,ICA facilitated bone formation and CD31hiEMCNhi type H-positive capillary formation.Lastly,ICA effectively accelerated the rate of bone formation in the defect area.CONCLUSION ICA was able to accelerate bone regeneration in a T1DM rat model by inducing osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling of BMSCs.

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.

Rheological properties and concentration evolution of thickened tailings under the coupling effect of compression and shear

Cemented paste backfill(CPB)is a key technology for green mining in metal mines,in which tailings thickening comprises the primary link of CPB technology.However,difficult flocculation and substandard concentrations of thickened tailings often occur.The rheological properties and concentration evolution in the thickened tailings remain unclear.Moreover,traditional indoor thickening experiments have yet to quantitatively characterize their rheological properties.An experiment of flocculation condition optimization based on the Box-Behnken design(BBD)was performed in the study,and the two response values were investigated:concentration and the mean weighted chord length(MWCL)of flocs.Thus,optimal flocculation conditions were obtained.In addition,the rheological properties and concentration evolution of different flocculant dosages and ultrafine tailing contents under shear,compression,and compression-shear coupling experimental conditions were tested and compared.The results show that the shear yield stress under compression and compression-shear coupling increases with the growth of compressive yield stress,while the shear yield stress increases slightly under shear.The order of shear yield stress from low to high under different thickening conditions is shear,compression,and compression-shear coupling.Under compression and compression-shear coupling,the concentration first rapidly increases with the growth of compressive yield stress and then slowly increases,while concentration increases slightly under shear.The order of concentration from low to high under different thickening conditions is shear,compression,and compression-shear coupling.Finally,the evolution mechanism of the flocs and drainage channels during the thickening of the thickened tailings under different experimental conditions was revealed.

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.

Coupled multiphysical model for investigation of influence factors in the application of microbially induced calcite precipitation

The study presents a comprehensive coupled thermo-bio-chemo-hydraulic(T-BCH)modeling framework for stabilizing soils using microbially induced calcite precipitation(MICP).The numerical model considers relevant multiphysics involved in MICP,such as bacterial ureolytic activities,biochemical reactions,multiphase and multicomponent transport,and alteration of the porosity and permeability.The model incorporates multiphysical coupling effects through well-established constitutive relations that connect parameters and variables from different physical fields.It was implemented in the open-source finite element code OpenGeoSys(OGS),and a semi-staggered solution strategy was designed to solve the couplings,allowing for flexible model settings.Therefore,the developed model can be easily adapted to simulate MICP applications in different scenarios.The numerical model was employed to analyze the effect of various factors,including temperature,injection strategies,and application scales.Besides,a TBCH modeling study was conducted on the laboratory-scale domain to analyze the effects of temperature on urease activity and precipitated calcium carbonate.To understand the scale dependency of MICP treatment,a large-scale heterogeneous domain was subjected to variable biochemical injection strategies.The simulations conducted at the field-scale guided the selection of an injection strategy to achieve the desired type and amount of precipitation.Additionally,the study emphasized the potential of numerical models as reliable tools for optimizing future developments in field-scale MICP treatment.The present study demonstrates the potential of this numerical framework for designing and optimizing the MICP applications in laboratory-,prototype-,and field-scale scenarios.

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.

Strong light-matter coupling in van der Waals materials

In recent years,two-dimensional(2D)van der Waals materials have emerged as a focal point in materials research,drawing increasing attention due to their potential for isolating and synergistically combining diverse atomic layers.Atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides(TMDs)are one of the most alluring van der Waals materials owing to their exceptional electronic and optical properties.The tightly bound excitons with giant oscillator strength render TMDs an ideal platform to investigate strong light-matter coupling when they are integrated with optical cavities,providing a wide range of possibilities for exploring novel polaritonic physics and devices.In this review,we focused on recent advances in TMD-based strong light-matter coupling.In the foremost position,we discuss the various optical structures strongly coupled to TMD materials,such as Fabry-Perot cavities,photonic crystals,and plasmonic nanocavities.We then present several intriguing properties and relevant device applications of TMD polaritons.In the end,we delineate promising future directions for the study of strong light-matter coupling in van der Waals materials.

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.

Seismic performance evaluation of hybrid coupled shear wall system with shear and flexural fuse-type steel coupling beams

Replaceable flexural and shear fuse-type coupling beams are used in hybrid coupled shear wall(HCSW)systems,enabling concrete buildings to be promptly recovered after severe earthquakes.This study aimed to analytically evaluate the seismic behavior of flexural and shear fuse beams situated in short-,medium-and high-rise RC buildings that have HCSWs.Three building groups hypothetically located in a high seismic hazard zone were studied.A series of 2D nonlinear time history analyses was accomplished in OpenSees,using the ground motion records scaled at the design basis earthquake level.It was found that the effectiveness of fuses in HCSWs depends on various factors such as size and scale of the building,allowable rotation value,inter-story drift ratio,residual drift quantity,energy dissipation value of the fuses,etc.The results show that shear fuses better meet the requirements of rotations and drifts.In contrast,flexural fuses dissipate more energy,but their sectional stiffness should increase to meet other requirements.It was concluded that adoption of proper fuses depends on the overall scale of the building and on how associated factors are considered.

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.

Highly selective electrosynthesis of imines via electroreduction coupling of nitroarenes with aryl aldehydes on Co_(9)S_(8)with positively charged sulfur vacancies

The electrocatalytic synthesis of imines through the reductive imination of nitroarenes with aldehydes is a facile,environmentally friendly,and valuable process.In this study,high selectivity electrosynthesis of imines was realized through the electrocatalytic C-N coupling reaction between nitroarenes and aryl aldehydes on Co_(9)S_(8)nanoflowers with rich sulfur vacancies(Co_(9)S_(8)-Vs).Comparative experiments revealed that positively charged sulfur vacancies play a pivotal role in boosting catalytic selectivity towards imines.Electron-deficient sulfur vacancies intensified the adsorption of negatively charged Ph-NO_(2),thereby enhancing the conversion rate of the electrochemical nitrobenzene-reduction reaction(eNB-RR).Simultaneously,sulfur vacancies augmented the adsorption capability of negatively charged Ph-CHO,enriching Ph-CHO species at the electrode interface and expediting the Schiff base condensation reaction rate.The experimental results show that the reaction conditions can satisfy the different nitroarenes and aryl aldehydes in the electrocatalytic aqueous-phase system under mild conditions to obtain the corresponding imine products in high selectivity.This study provides a facile and environmentally friendly pathway for future electrocatalytic synthesis of imine.

The impact of toroidal mode coupling on high-density discharges in J-TEXT

Density limit has long been a widely studied issue influencing the operating range of tokamaks.The rapid growth of the m/n=2/1(where m and n are poloidal and toroidal mode numbers,respectively)tearing mode is generally regarded as a primary precursor to the density limit disruption.In this experiment,the coupling of the m/n=1/1 mode and the m/n=2/1 mode in highdensity plasma was observed.During a sawtooth cycle,the frequencies of the two modes gradually converge until they become equal.After that,toroidal coupling occurs between the 1/1 and 2/1 modes,resulting in a mutually fixed phase relationship.With the occurrence of toroidal coupling,the 2/1 mode is stabilized.Prior to the disruption,the cessation of the 1/1 and 2/1 mode coupling,along with the rapid growth in the amplitude of the 2/1 mode,can be observed.Additionally,under the same parameters,comparing discharges with or without the 1/1 mode,it is found that the presence of the 1/1 mode leads to higher plasma density and temperature parameters.

Bessel vortices in spin-1 Bose-Einstein condensates with Zeeman splitting and spin-orbit coupling

We investigate the ground states of spin-orbit coupled spin-1 Bose-Einstein condensates in the presence of Zeeman splitting.By introducing the generalized momentum operator,the linear version of the system is solved exactly,yielding a set of Bessel vortices.Additionally,based on linear solution and using variational approximation,the solutions for the full nonlinear system and their ground state phase diagrams are derived,including the vortex states with quantum numbers m=0,1,as well as mixed states.In this work,mixed states in spin-1 spin-orbit coupling(SOC)BEC are interpreted for the first time as weighted superpositions of three vortex states.Furthermore,the results also indicate that under strong Zeeman splitting,the system cannot form localized states.The variational solutions align well with numerical simulations,showing stable evolution and meeting the criteria for long-term observation in experiments.