The Relationship between Depression and Insomnia Symptoms Amongst a Sample of UK University Students

Umair Akram,asha akram,Maria Gardani,Antonia Ypsilanti,Kristofor McCarty,Sarah Allen,Lambros Lazuras 대한수면학회 2019 sleep medicine research Vol.10 No.1

Research exploring the relationship between mental health difficulties and insomnia amongst stu- dents in the UK remains limited. This study further examined the extent of potential relationships between insomnia, anxiety and depression symptoms amongst university students in the UK. A sample of 487 students from four northern universities completed The Insomnia Severity Index, SLEEP-50, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scales. Approximately one fifth of students expe- rienced mild to severe levels of depressive symptoms, and two thirds reported anxious symptoms. One quarter of students indicated insomnia symptoms in the clinical range, however the preva- lence of sleep-disorders other than insomnia remained low (< 5%). Finally, symptoms of insomnia and apnoea were significantly related to depression, after controlling for co-morbid anxiety. The current outcomes highlight the high prevalence of depressive and insomnia symptoms amongst university students in the UK. Considering the relationship between insomnia and depression, stu- dent-focused mental health services should explore the possibility of treating insomnia to circum- vent depression.

Développer l’expression écrite du français par les activités de pensée critiquey

Soodeh Eghtesad,Akram Inanloo Khajlo 고려대학교 응용문화연구소 2020 에피스테메 Vol.0 No.24

This study analyzes the impact of a practical teaching of critical thinking on the writing skills of French language learners in an institutional context in Iran. Learners were divided into two groups, an experimental group and a control group; Honey's (2005) Critical Thinking Questionnaire was administered to the participants and their scores were analyzed to ensure that there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding their critical thinking abilities at the beginning of the training. Learners completed five semesters of coursework with identical course objectives and activities. However, the experimental group also received critical thinking training through media analysis, debates, and problem-solving activities. The analysis of the data, which consisted of qualitative analysis of students’ writings in the middle and at the end of the training, indicates that the experimental group outperformed the control group in writing. These results imply that critical thinking activities had a positive impact on learners' writing skills since they allowed them to perform writing tasks by paying attention to the writing as a process, rather than only focusing on the final product. Soodeh Eghtesad・Akram Inanloo Khajlo 121 [RÉSUMÉ] Développer l’expression écrite du français par les activités de pensée critique Soodeh Eghtesad・Akram Inanloo Khajlo Cette étude tente d’analyser l'impact de l'enseignement de la pensée critique sur le développement des compétences d'écriture des apprenants du français langue étrangère en contexte insitutionnel en Iran. Les apprenants étaient divisés en deux groupes, un groupe expérimental et un groupe témoin et le questionnaire de pensée critique de Honey (2005) était administré aux participants des deux groupes afin d’assurer qu'il n'y avait pas de différence significative entre les deux groupes concernant leur capacité de pensée critique au début de la formation. Les apprenants ont suivi cinq semestres de formation dont les objectifs du cours et les activités étaient identiques, mais le groupe expérimental a également reçu une formation à la pensée critique à travers des activités d’analyse des médias, de résolution de problèmes, et de débats, tandis que le groupe témoin n’a suivi aucune formation à la pensée critique. L’analyse des données, qui consiste en analyse qualitative des écritures des apprenants des deux groupes au milieu et à la fin de la formation, montre que le groupe expérimental a surpassé le groupe témoin en matière de production écrite, ce qui indique que l’enseignement de la pensée critique avait un impact positif sur les compétences d’écriture des apprenants, puisqu’elle les a rendus capables d’écrire en faisant attention au processus d’écriture plutôt que focaliser uniquement sur le produit final.

Mutational Analysis of the MTHFR Gene in Breast Cancer Patients of Pakistani Population

Akram, Muhammad,Malik, Fa,Kayani, Mahmood Akhtar Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.4

Objectives: Since methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) maintains the balance of circulating folate and methionine and blocks the formation of homocysteine, its regulation in relation to different cancers has extensively been studied in different populations. However, information on Pakistani breast cancer patients is lacking. The MTHFR gene has two most common mutations that are single nucleotide additions which result in change of amino acids C677T to Ala222val and A1298C to Glu429Ala. Methodology: 110 sporadic breast patients with no prior family history of cancer or any other type of genetic disorders along with 110 normal individuals were screened for mutations in exons 1 to exon 9 using single strand conformational polymorphism, RFLP and sequencing analyzer. Results: The p values for the 677CC, 677CT, and 677TT genotypes were 0.223, 0.006, and 0.077, respectively. Those for the 1298AA, 1298AC, and 1298CC genotypes were 0.555, 0.009, and 0.003, respectively. Conclusions: We found an overall a significant, weak inverse association between breast cancer risk and the 677TT genotype and an inverse association with the 1298C variant. These results for MTHFR polymorphism might be population specific in sporadic breast cancer affected patients but many other factors need to be excluded before making final conclusions including folate intake, population and disease heterogeneity.

Rabbit submandibular salivary gland replantation

Akram A. Almansoori,Namuun Khentii,Wei Hong Hei,Nari Seo,Sung Ho Lee,Soung Min Kim,Jong Ho Lee 대한구강악안면외과학회 2017 대한구강악안면외과학회지 Vol.43 No.5

Objectives: To test the feasibility of submandibular salivary gland (SMG) replantation techniques and the survival of the replanted glands. Such a study can provide a rationale for later allotransplantation procedures, along with implementation of conventional and advanced immunosuppression therapy. Materials and Methods: Six SMG replantations were performed in New Zealand white rabbits. One week postoperatively, 99mTc scintigraphy was performed and the uptake ratio and salivary excretion fraction were calculated. Two to four weeks later, submandibular glands were excised, fixed, and stained with H&E for histomorphometric evaluation. Results: Intraoperatively, all glands showed patent blood perfusion except gland 5. Positive tracer uptake and saliva excretion were documented by scintigraphy. On excision, all of the glands except glands 4 and 5 looked viable, with a red color and patent pedicles. Gland 4 was infected and filled with creamy pus, while gland 5 looked pale and necrotic. Histologically, glands 1, 2, 3, and 6 had preserved normal glandular tissue with slight variations from the contralateral normal glands, as their parenchyma was composed of mildly atrophic acini. Conclusion: Four out of six replanted SMGs successfully survived. The glands maintained good viability and function. Such success depends on safe harvesting, short anastomosis time, and strict control of infection.

Exploiting the Maximum Productive Potential of Spent Laying Hens with Different Metabolizable Energy and Protein Levels after Induced Molting

Akram M,J. H. Park,M. S. Ryu,W. J. Shin,K. S. Ryu 한국가금학회 2002 한국가금학회 정기총회 및 학술발표회 Vol.19 No.-

본 실험은 산란노계에서 강제환우 후에 단백질과 에너지수준이 다른 사료를 급여시에 생산성에 미치는 영향을 구명하고자 실행하였다. 76주령 이사브라운 노계를 강제환우후에 2수준의 단백질(15, 17%)과 3수준의 대사에너지(2,750, 2,800, 2,850㎉/㎏)를 2×3요인 시험으로 처리구당 72수, 반복당 18수, 전체 432수를 배치하였다. 조사항목은 체중의 변화, 산란율, 난중, 사료섭취량, 사료요구율을 24주간 조사하였다. 체중은 2,800 ㎉/㎏ ME 처리구에서 낮은 경향을 보였으며 이러한 처리구의 단백질 수준이 15%일 때 산란율이 가장 높게 나타났다. 사료섭취량은 사료의 대사에너지와 단백질 수준이 높아질수록 감소되었다. 본 실험의 결과 2,800㎉/㎏ 대사에너지 급여구에서 15%의 단백질이 함유된 사료를 급여시에 체중의 변화가 적었으며, 산란율이 가장 높게 나타났다. This experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of different dietary ME and CP on post-molt performance of spent laying hens. Four hundred and thirty two, ISA brown after molt induction were fed 6 experimental diets containing 3 ME(2,750, 2,800, 2,850 ㎉/㎏) and 2 CP(15, 17%) levels in factorial design. The influence of ME and CP were measured on body weight, egg production, egg weight and feed intake throughout 24 weeks of production. Egg mass and FCR were calculated for the entire experimental period. Body weight remained less in hens receiving 2,800 ㎉/㎏. ME and showed the highest egg production coupled with 15% CP. Feed intake decreased with the increasing level of ME and CP. As the results of this experiment, 2,800 ㎉/㎏ ME can be used to maintain the low body weight and to obtain higher egg production with 15% CP in induced molting hens.

SOLUTION OF THE SYSTEM OF FOURTH ORDER BOUNDARY VALUE PROBLEM USING REPRODUCING KERNEL SPACE

Akram, Ghazala,Ur Rehman, Hamood The Korean Society for Computational and Applied M 2013 Journal of applied mathematics & informatics Vol.31 No.1

In this paper, a general technique is proposed for solving a system of fourth-order boundary value problems. The solution is given in the form of series and its approximate solution is obtained by truncating the series. Advantages of the method are that the representation of exact solution is obtained in a new reproducing kernel Hilbert space and accuracy of numerical computation is higher. Numerical results show that the method employed in the paper is valid. Numerical evidence is presented to show the applicability and superiority of the new method.

CAYLEY INTUITIONISTIC FUZZY GRAPHS

Akram, Muhammad,Karunambigai, M.G.,Kalaivani, O.K. The Korean Society for Computational and Applied M 2014 Journal of applied mathematics & informatics Vol.32 No.5

In this paper, we introduce the notion of Cayley intuitionistic fuzzy graphs and investigate some of their properties. We present some interesting properties of intuitionistic fuzzy graphs in terms of algebraic structures. We discuss connectedness in Cayley intuitionistic fuzzy graphs. We also describe different types of ${\alpha}$-connectedness in Cayley intuitionistic fuzzy graphs.

Achieving Improved Construction Efficiency for Multi-Story Steel Concentrically Braced Frames

Akram Zain,Ali Imanpour,Robert G. Driver 한국강구조학회 2022 International Journal of Steel Structures Vol.22 No.2

Volumetric steel modules were proposed in this study to improve construction effi ciency of multi-story steel concentrically braced frames. Two types of modules, (1) gravity modules and (2) braced modules, which features the steel concentrically braced frame (CBF) system, are fi rst introduced. The proposed braced module consists of steel CBFs to carry lateral seismic or wind loads. The module assembly and construction sequence are then presented. The structural design of the modules is performed in accordance with the Canadian steel design standard. An analysis of the structural costs is then carried out on a prototype building consisting of the volumetric modules to evaluate the cost effi ciency of the system as compared to a conventional braced frame system. The gravity and lateral load-carrying capacities of a two-story CBF subassembly are fi nally examined under lateral seismic loads using continuum-based fi nite element analysis with emphasis on the inelastic response of braces. The results of the cost analysis confi rm the potential benefi ts off ered by volumetric gravity and braced modules to improving construction effi ciency of steel CBFs through off -site construction of the modules and on-site assembly. Furthermore, the results obtained from the structural response evolution of the CBF subassembly suggest an acceptable lateral load-carrying capacity and appreciable ductility capacity provided by braced modules.

Applicability of Different Analytical Methods for the Identification of ${\gamma}$-Irradiated Fresh Mushrooms During Storage

Akram, Kashif,Ahn, Jae-Jun,Kim, Gui-Ran,Kwon, Joong-Ho 한국식품과학회 2012 Food Science and Biotechnology Vol.21 No.2

Photostimulated luminescence (PSL), thermoluminescence (TL), and electron spin resonance (ESR) analyses were performed to identify ${\gamma}$-irradiated (0, 1,2, and 3 kGy) fresh mushrooms (oyster, king oyster, and shiitake mushrooms) during storage at $5^{\circ}C$. PSL analysis gave negative results [<700 photon counts (PCs)] for the nonirradiated and intermediate (700-5,000 PCs) or positive results (>5,000 PCs) for the irradiated samples. The shape, intensity, and occurrence of TL glow curve in a typical temperature range (150-$250^{\circ}C$) along with TL ratio ($TL_1/TL_2$) provided sufficient information to confirm the irradiation history of samples. Storage resulted in a negligible fading effect on PSL and TL characteristics. X-ray diffraction analysis showed the abundance of feldspar and quartz minerals in the separated dust from mushrooms. In detailed ESR analysis employing different sample pre-treatments, all samples were silent for radiation-specific ESR signals giving only a central signal (g=2.005) that showed an increase in intensity upon irradiation.

Comparative effectiveness of wild bee pollination on the post-harvest characteristics of Grewia asiatica (Malvaceae)

Akram Waseem,Sajjad Asif,Ali Mudssar,Ahmad Ammad,Ali Intazar,Saddiq Bushra,Yasin Muhammad,Anjum Aqueel Muhammad 한국응용곤충학회 2022 Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology Vol.25 No.3

Measuring the pollination potential of different native bees is helpful in identifying the most efficient species for their conservation and proper utilization. The current study was carried out at the Research Farm of The Islamia University of Bahawalpur to compare the pollination efficiency of four native bee species: Apis dorsata, Megachile bicolor, M. cephalotes and Megachile (Callomegachile) sp. Apis dorsata was the most abundant floral visitor of Grewia asiatica comprising 36.46% of floral visitors following by M. cephalotes and Megachile sp. The peak abundance of A. dorsata and M. bicolor was recorded at 12:00 and 08:00, respectively whereas for M. cephalotes and Megachile sp. at 16:00. Visitation frequency, stay time, body and proboscis length were significantly higher in A. dorsata whereas visitation rate, pollen load and pollen deposition were significantly higher in M. bicolor. The maximum fruit weight was recorded when M. bicolor and Megachile sp. had been the pollinators. The post-harvest fruit weight loss was lower in M. bicolor pollinated fruit -with more gradual wrinkling- than in fruit that had resulted from pollination by A. dorsata, M. cephalotes and Megachile sp. Our results suggest that M. bicolor was better pollinator of G. asiatica in terms of its reproductive success and post-harvest qualities. Further studies should focus on conservation of M. bicolor in the region.