bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Millihertz-linewidth self-injection–locked semiconductor laser based on a hollow FP cavity
Authors: Wang Yunxiang , Wang Yuhua , Li Xiang , Fan Zhiqiang , Su Jun , Shi Shuangjin , Qiu Qi
Published: November 2024

An ultra-narrow-linewidth laser is a core device in fields such as optical atomic clocks, quantum communications, and microwave photonic oscillators. This paper reports an ultra-narrow–linewidth self-injection locked semiconductor laser, which is realized through optical feedback from a high-Q (258 million) Fabry–Perot (FP) cavity constructed with three mirrors, generating an output power of 12 mW. Employing a delay self-heterodyne method based on a signal source analyzer, the phase noise of the laser is −129 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset frequency, with an intrinsic linewidth of 3 mHz. This is the shortest, to our knowledge, intrinsic linewidth obtained in a self-injection–locked laser. Additionally, the estimated integral linewidth is 11.8 Hz, validating its extremely low noise level and outstanding narrow-linewidth performance. This study provides strong technical support for the extra-laboratory applications of narrow-linewidth semiconductor lasers, which is of great significance to the development of various coherent optical systems.
Femtosecond laser inscription of Bragg gratings in Tm3+-doped fluorotellurite glass fibers for lasing at 2.3 µm
Authors: Liu Shanren , Zhang Qian , Wang Bo , Wang Junjie , Guo Qi , Jia Zhixu , Qin Guanshi , Zhang Peiqing , Dai Shixun , Chen Qidai , Sun Hongbo , Yu Yongsen
Published: November 2024

In this paper, fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are inscribed in Tm3+-doped fluorotellurite glass fiber (TDFTF) and applied to construction of a 2.3-µm all-fiber laser. The FBGs with a center wavelength of 2.3 µm are fabricated by using the femtosecond laser point-by-point method combined with the slit beam shaping technique. Both the reflectivity and insertion loss of FBGs are investigated for different pulse energies, grating orders, and grating lengths. The FBG with a reflectivity of 90.4% is inscribed at one end of a 1.5-m-long TDFTF. Employing a 1410-nm/1570-nm dual-wavelength upconversion pumping technique, lasing at 2.3 µm is achieved. The maximum unsaturated output power is 1.88 W, and the slope efficiency is 37%. High stability has been demonstrated for both the wavelength and output power of the laser over an hour. This research is crucial for advancing the development of high-power fiber lasers operating at 2.3 µm.
Multi-image transmission based on a multi-channel OAM-array-coded optical communication system using a designed Dammann grating and an integrated vortex grating
Authors: Hu Junbao , Lei Yu , Wang Dong , Mo Xutao , Feng Fu
Published: November 2024

Vortex beams (VBs) have the potential to support high-capacity optical communications. However, a typical VB carries only a single orbital angular momentum (OAM) in space, limiting its high-capacity communication. We propose controllably simultaneous generation of high-quality VB arrays with multiple OAMs, creating the independent multi-channel space in which the OAM mode can be flexibly manipulated at the corresponding spatial location. We then demonstrate a VB array-based multi-channel optical communication system combining a custom-designed Dammam grating and an integrated vortex grating, with the help of a designed single-input multiple-output deep learning recognition model. Experimental demonstration of the simultaneous transmission of four grayscale images was verified, with an average error rate of less than 0.003 without turbulence and 0.061 with turbulence. The proposed multi-channel method (multi-image transmission) can significantly increase the versatility of the VB array and further broaden its application in high-capacity optical communications.
Mechanically induced dynamic QBIC-BIC switching and sensing performance enhancement using elastomer-based double resonant gratings
Authors: Miao Yan , Wei Jiang , Chen Youxin , Zhang Wenqian , Chen Wenqing , Wang Qingkang , Wu Kaiyu
Published: November 2024

A quasi-bound state in the continuum (QBIC) is a hot topic in optics, as it brings extremely high Q factors by slightly breaking the structural symmetry or tuning geometric parameters. However, QBIC devices are usually not dynamically tunable; thus, achieving this ultra-high Q factor demands ultra-high fabrication accuracy. Here, by first proposing an elastomer-based double resonant gratings (DRG) in the THz band, a strategy to realize dynamically tunable QBIC devices is presented. By simple stretching, structural parameters can be tuned, leading to dynamic QBIC-BIC switching, dynamic Q factors tuning to the order of 106, and enhancement of sensing performance. Moreover, by varying the incident angle, this dynamic tuning is achievable at a constant frequency. The strategy is expected to neutralize the demanding requirements for fabrication accuracy in the implementation of QBIC devices. Hence, it is a promising solution to realize tunable QBIC devices for applications such as THz biosensing.
Robust speckle contrast imaging based on spatial covariance
Authors: Zheng Shuqi , Davison Ian , Garrett Ariane , Lin Xinyan , Chitkushev Nadia , Roblyer Darren , Mertz Jerome
Published: November 2024

Speckle contrast is a simple metric for characterizing tissue dynamics such as blood flow. In conventional laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), speckle patterns are captured by a camera and their contrast, spatial or temporal, is calculated as the ratio of the intensity standard deviation to the mean. In practice, the presence of detection noise leads to a bias in the measured speckle contrast that must be corrected. This correction requires a precise knowledge of camera gain and readout noise, which can vary across the camera sensor and be inaccurate in low-light conditions. We describe a method based on spatial covariance to quantify speckle dynamics in an unbiased manner without prior knowledge of detection noise. We further describe a method to optimally combine covariance measurements across different length scales to improve precision. We show that with slight oversampling, covariance-based measurements provide better signal-to-noise ratios than variance-based measurements alone. Our method is validated with simulations and applied to both in-vivo mouse brain imaging and low-light-level speckle plethysmography in humans.
Guided-image-filtering-assisted phase retrieval for amplitude reconstruction in single-frame coherent diffraction imaging
Authors: Abe Masaki , Takazawa Shuntaro , Uematsu Hideshi , Sasaki Yuhei , Okawa Naru , Ishiguro Nozomu , Takahashi Yukio
Published: November 2024

Coherent diffraction imaging enables high-resolution sample observations to surpass lens performance limitations. However, accurate reconstruction of amplitude images from a single diffraction intensity pattern remains challenging, hindering its application to dynamic chemical process observation. We propose a phase retrieval method that enhances amplitude image reconstruction by exploiting the structural similarity between phase and amplitude images using guided image filtering. Numerical simulations and synchrotron radiation experiments demonstrate that it can reconstruct amplitude images with quantitative accuracy comparable to that of ptychography and attain a spatial resolution equivalent to that of phase images. This technique can potentially revolutionize material characterization by improving the temporal resolution of nanoscale chemical-state imaging.
Testing transient deviations from Quantum Mechanics’ predictions in spatially spread optical entangled states
Authors: Aguero Monica , Hnilo Alejandro , Kovalsky Marcelo , Nonaka Myriam
Published: November 2024

One of the conflicts between Quantum Mechanics (QM) and classical physics is visible in the high correlation predicted by QM to exist between observations performed on remote regions of a spatially spread entangled state. It has been hypothesized that this correlation needs a time longer than L/c to build up, where L is the spatial spread of the entangled state and c is the speed of light. In shorter times, the level of correlation would be compatible with classical physics. This hypothesis is appealing, among other reasons, for it solves that conflict by minimally modifying the interpretation of QM. The hypothesis is difficult to test directly because the observable difference would vanish fast, but a stroboscopic observation is at hand. We present the results of such observation, performed on a specially designed optical Bell setup with a distance between stations up to L = 24 m in straight line. This completes the preliminary results for short L we recently reported in this Journal. No evidence of deviations from QM predictions is found. Yet, some additional assumptions are involved; they are detailed and discussed. If fair sampling is valid, then the hypothesis of transient deviations is refuted unless the stroboscopic approach with decay time shorter than 1.5 μs (≈ 19 L/c) is false.
Spatiotemporal integration of contextual and sensory information within the cortical hierarchy in human pain experience
Authors: Gim Suhwan , Hong Seok-Jun , Reynolds Losin Elizabeth A. , Woo Choong-Wan
Published: November 2024

Pain is not a mere reflection of noxious input. Rather, it is constructed through the dynamic integration of current predictions with incoming sensory input. However, the temporal dynamics of the behavioral and neural processes underpinning this integration remain elusive. In the current study involving 59 human participants, we identified a series of brain mediators that integrated cue-induced expectations with noxious inputs into ongoing pain predictions using a semicircular scale designed to capture rating trajectories. Temporal mediation analysis revealed that during the early-to-mid stages of integration, the frontoparietal and dorsal attention network regions, such as the lateral prefrontal, premotor, and parietal cortex, mediated the cue effects. Conversely, during the mid-to-late stages of integration, the somatomotor network regions mediated the effects of stimulus intensity, suggesting that the integration occurs along the cortical hierarchy from the association to sensorimotor brain systems. Our findings advance the understanding of how the brain integrates contextual and sensory information into pain experience over time.
Assessing corporate climate action: Corporate climate policies and company-level emission reductions
Authors: Klaaßen Lena , Lohmüller Christian , Steffen Bjarne
Published: November 2024

Private investment decisions are expected to play a decisive role in redirecting capital flows in line with the Paris Agreement. The financial sector and policymakers have emphasized the role of corporate climate action and climate-related disclosure, including backward-looking emissions figures and forward-looking information on corporate climate policies to enable investors to reallocate capital to firms with promising emission reduction pathways. However, there is at best inconclusive evidence on the relationship between corporate climate policies and subsequent company-level emission reductions. Previous research was limited by small sample sizes and short observation periods, impeding the analysis of time-lagged effects or the inclusion of company-level fixed effects. To overcome these shortcomings, we draw on a new dataset with 17,198 observations from 1,749 companies that disclosed their corporate climate policies between 2010 and 2022. While our results show only a weak link between individual policies and company-level emissions, we find some evidence for an improved climate performance for absolute emissions for companies that introduced a comprehensive corporate climate policy mix. This is in line with public policy research that has found comprehensiveness to be an important dimension for public policy mixes and emphasizes the role of a mix of corporate climate policies rather than relying on individual measures.
Spatial heterogeneity of menstrual discriminatory practices against Nepalese women: A population-based study using the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Barini Geoffrey , Amima Sharon , Mulwa Damaris , Mogeni Polycarp
Published: November 2024

Menstrual discrimination hampers progress toward Sustainable Development Goals. Examining the spatial heterogeneity of menstrual discriminatory practices may present an opportunity for targeted interventions. Here we evaluate geographical disparities in menstrual-related restrictions and assess their association with socio-economic and demographic factors. We used data from the 2022 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey which included 13,065 women aged 15–49 who reported menstruating within the past year. We explored the spatial heterogeneity of menstrual restriction outcomes using the standard Gaussian kernel density approximation method and the spatial scan statistic. The Poisson regression model with robust standard errors was used to assess the association between the different forms of menstrual restriction and the socio-economic, and demographic factors. Overall, the prevalence of women who reported any form of menstrual restriction was 84.8% and was subject to geographical variations ranging from 79.0% in Bagmati to 95.6% in Sudurpashchim. Religious restrictions were the most prevalent (79.8%) followed by household-level restrictions (39.5%) and then Chhaupadi (6.2%). Geographical variations were more prominent for women experiencing Chhaupadi (primary geographical cluster: relative risk = 7.4, p<0.001). Strikingly, women who reside in households led by female household heads were less likely to report experiencing household-level restriction during menstruation (Adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 0.89, [95%CI: 0.84–0.94], p<0.001) whilst those residing in wealthy households were less likely to report experiencing Chhaupadi (aPR = 0.26, [95%CI: 0.17–0.39], p<0.001; among the richest). Our study demonstrated marked geographical micro-variations in menstrual discriminatory practices in Nepal. Policymakers should implement preventive behavioral interventions in the most vulnerable geographic areas to effectively and efficiently reduce the overall prevalence of menstrual discrimination. It is crucial to prioritize the designing and testing of targeted interventions to determine their effectiveness against Chhaupadi in these high-prevalence settings. Additionally, empowering women appears to be a promising strategy for combating menstrual discrimination within the household.
Quality of newborn care and associated factors: An analysis of the 2022 Kenya demographic and health survey
Authors: Asiimwe John Baptist , Amwiine Earnest , Namulema Angella , Sserwanja Quraish , Kawuki Joseph , Amperiize Mathius , Nabidda Shamim , Namatovu Imelda , Nuwabaine Lilian
Published: November 2024

Kenya one of the African countries has pledged to reduce neonatal death as per the 2030 World Health Organization target. Providing high-quality newborn care is critical in minimizing neonatal mortality. This study aimed to determine the factors that influence the quality of newborn care in Kenya. Secondary data from 11,863 participants of the 2022 Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS) were analyzed. The participants were chosen using two-stage stratified sampling. The quality of newborn care was operationalized as receiving all components of newborn care after childbirth, as reported by the mother. Using SPSS (version 29), univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to analyse the data. In this study, 32.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 31.0%-34.5%) of the mothers reported that their newborns had received all components of quality neonatal care after childbirth. Mothers who spent an average of one hour accessing the health facilities compared with those who spent less than half an hour were 1.33 (95%CI: 1.01–1.75) times more likely to report that their newborns had received quality newborn care. Mothers who gave birth in a non-government organization health facility were 30.37 (95%CI: 2.69–343.20) times more likely to report that their newborns had received quality newborn care compared with those who delivered from a faith-based organization. On the contrary, in terms of regions, mothers who lived in Nyanza, Eastern, and Rift Valley provinces compared with those who lived in the coastal regions were 0.53 (95%CI: 0.34–0.82), 0.61 (95%CI: 0.39–0.94), and 0.62 (95%CI: 0.41–0.93) times less likely to report that their newborns had received quality newborn care, respectively. Mothers who subscribed to other religions or faith (0.28 (95%CI: 0.10–0.76) compared with those from the Christian faith, were less likely to report that their newborns had received quality newborn care. Finally, mothers who gave birth through cesarean section were 0.44 (95%CI: 0.32–0.61) times less likely to report that their newborns had received quality newborn care than mothers who gave birth through spontaneous vaginal delivery. The study indicates that about a third of the neonates received quality newborn care and that facility-related and parental social factors were associated with receiving quality newborn care. Stakeholders need to pay more attention to newborn babies whose mothers come from certain regions of Kenya where the quality of newborn care was found to be low, minority religious faith denominations, and those who delivered by ceasearen section. Stakeholders also should focus on strengthening collaborations with NGO health facilities and achieving universal health coverage to improve the quality of newborn care provided in health facilities.
Barriers and enablers to shared decision-making in assessment and management of risk: A qualitative interview study with people using mental health services
Authors: Ahmed Nafiso , Reynolds Lisa , Barlow Sally , Mulligan Kathleen , Drey Nicholas , Simpson Alan
Published: November 2024

The assessment and management of risk are fundamental to mental health care provision and are considered high-priority tasks by professionals worldwide. Clinical guidance recommends for risk to be identified and managed collaboratively with the individual, but studies indicate that this may not be happening in practice. The aim of this study was to identify the barriers and enablers to collaborative risk assessment and management based on shared decision-making from service users’ perspectives. A qualitative approach using semi‐structured interviews was employed. The Theoretical Domains Framework for behaviour change, which consists of fourteen theoretical domains that have been found to influence behaviour, informed data collection and analysis. Thirteen service users living with severe mental illness took part in an interview. The majority of participants reported not having been involved in the identification of their risk and most were unaware of the information included in their risk management plan. Perceived barriers to involvement were power dynamics between professionals and service users, difficulty talking about sensitive risk topics, and the emotional impact of engaging in these discussions. Perceived enabling factors for involvement included the possibility of gaining a better understanding of risk issues, and discussion about risk enhancing the individual’s ability to maintain their own well-being and safety. Most participants expressed a willingness to be involved in shared decision-making and believed that their friends and family would enable them to be involved. The findings of this study offer valuable insights for targeting behaviour change in future intervention design that seeks to increase shared decision-making in risk assessment and management with individuals with severe mental illness.
Podocarpaceae and Cupressaceae: A tale of two conifers and ancient adhesives production in South Africa
Authors: Chasan Rivka , Veall Margaret-Ashley , Baron Liliana Iwona , Aleo Alessandro , Kozowyk Paul R. B. , Langejans Geeske H. J.
Published: November 2024

Research on ancient adhesives from the South African Stone Age is expanding, driven by excellent preservation conditions of adhesives and the potential to address diverse archaeological questions. These adhesives are primarily characterized through microscopic and chemical analysis. Despite geographic variability, a consistently identified component is Podocarpus resin or tar. We challenge these identifications, considering another Podocarpaceae genus, Afrocarpus, and the Cupressaceae genus Widdringtonia. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry was employed to analyze molecular signatures of modern wood, tar, resin, and seed cones from these genera. The results form an extensive reference database and reveal challenges in distinguishing these genera based on the diterpenoid signature. While Podocarpus is frequently cited, we advocate for a broader classification as Podocarpaceae when phenolic diterpenoids are found in high abundances and pimaranes and abietanes in lower abundances, and Widdringtonia when the opposite is true. The study differentiates materials used in adhesive production, including leaves and wood, highlighting the significance of α,ω-dicarboxylic acids, hydroxy acids, n-alkanes, and alcohols. Tars produced from leaves are characterized by odd-numbered n-alkanes, while tars produced from twigs and branches are characterized by long-chain α,ω-dicarboxylic acids, hydroxy acids, and alcohols. Because the differences between these adhesives in terms of raw material procurement and production are great, a more nuanced and cautious approach that acknowledges the challenges in differentiating tree species on a molecular level and considers archaeological and environmental context is required.
Subsurface microbial community structure shifts along the geological features of the Central American Volcanic Arc
Authors: Basili Marco , Rogers Timothy J. , Nakagawa Mayuko , Yücel Mustafa , de Moor J. Maarten , Barry Peter H. , Schrenk Matthew O. , Jessen Gerdhard L. , Sánchez-Murillo Ricardo , Zahirovic Sabin , Bekaert David V. , Ramirez Carlos J. , Bastoni Deborah , Cordone Angelina , Lloyd Karen G. , Giovannelli Donato
Published: November 2024

Subduction of the Cocos and Nazca oceanic plates beneath the Caribbean plate drives the upward movement of deep fluids enriched in carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and iron along the Central American Volcanic Arc (CAVA). These compounds fuel diverse subsurface microbial communities that in turn alter the distribution, redox state, and isotopic composition of these compounds. Microbial community structure and functions vary according to deep fluid delivery across the arc, but less is known about how microbial communities differ along the axis of a convergent margin as geological features (e.g., extent of volcanism and subduction geometry) shift. Here, we investigate changes in bacterial 16S rRNA gene amplicons and geochemical analysis of deeply-sourced seeps along the southern CAVA, where subduction of the Cocos Ridge alters the geological setting. We find shifts in community composition along the convergent margin, with communities in similar geological settings clustering together independently of the proximity of sample sites. Microbial community composition correlates with geological variables such as host rock type, maturity of hydrothermal fluid and slab depth along different segments of the CAVA. This reveals tight coupling between deep Earth processes and subsurface microbial activity, controlling community distribution, structure and composition along a convergent margin.
Waste reduction decreases rat activity from peri-urban environment
Authors: Shukla Ishana , Wilmers Christopher C.
Published: November 2024

Globally, species in the genus Rattus (specifically Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus), are some of the most influential invasive taxa due to their high rates of competitive exclusion and large dietary breadth. However, the specific foraging strategies of urban-adjacent populations remain largely unknown. We examined Rattus spp. dependency on human food supplementation in a population on adjacent non-developed (or peri-urban) land. Via linear regression modeling, we measured rodent activity changes between native and invasive species before and after a decrease in human supplementation due to the COVID-19 lockdown in Santa Cruz, California, USA. We documented invasive rat activity via camera traps in normal (pre-COVID lockdown) conditions near dining halls and similar waste sources, and again under COVID lockdown conditions when sources of human supplementation were drastically decreased. After 120 trap nights we found a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in Rattus activity after the removal of human refuse, while native small mammal activity remained unchanged (p = 0.1). These results have strong conservation implications, as they support the hypothesis that proper waste management is an effective, less-invasive form of population control over conventional rodenticides.
Estimation of genetic polymorphism in quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.) genotypes using morphological traits and molecular (DNA barcoding) characterizations
Authors: Shah Syed Hassan Ali , Nisar Mohammad , Ihsan Mohammad , Zahoor Muhammad , Ullah Riaz , Iqbal Zafar , Shah Abdul Bari
Published: November 2024

Quince (Cydonia oblonga) is a medicinal plant and a member of family Rosaceae. It is native plant of Asia Minor and Europe. It is used in production of jam and jellies and also as a remedy of several ailments. The present study was conducted to evaluate the genetic polymorphism based on morphological and molecular traits. Different varieties of Quince were collected from different ecological zones of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Pakistan and a total of 26 different morphological traits were recorded among studied genotypes. Based on qualitative morphological trait study, the variety collected from Tindodag was unique one with highest fruit weight (328.82 g). The lowest fruit weight (68.38 g) was recorded for Talash genotype. The Charbagh and Tindodag genotypes showed highest seed length (10.6 mm) while genotypes of Chitral was recorded as lowest (8.4 mm). Statistically, significant level of variation was noted with coefficient of variance ranged from 2.23% to 30.38%. Based on correlation analysis, fruit length had strongly correlation with fruit weight (r = 0.89**), Average Fruit width was found significant with fruit weight (r = 0.90**). Similarly, the Core Width was found strongly significant with Core Length (r = 0.95**). ANOVA analysis indicated 10 quantitative characters to be highly significant, 2 significant and 1 insignificant. Principal component analysis was also computed for the 13 quantitative traits with Eigen value of 0.48 and a total variance of 97.78%. The first principal component shows total variation of 52.52%. In PC2 the total variation was 80.15%, PC3 94.06% while in PC4 it was 97.78%. The NCBI BLAST results shows that all the genotypes have similar origin except Tindodag genotype, which shows differences in its origin. Accession number for all other genotypes is MN216014.1, while accession number of Tindodag genotype is KF861967.1. Based on this study, it can be concluded that Tindodag genotype is unique out of the studied localities. NCBI BLAST have provided further support for the drawn conclusion.
Altered body as a source of interactional problems in the family of individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 – A polish study
Authors: Kowal Katarzyna , Skrzypek Michał
Published: November 2024

Background

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder, whose clinical picture is dominated by visible body changes as well as numerous somatic and behavioural abnormalities.

Aim

The aim of the study was to explore the ways in which the individual experiences NF1 in everyday life, with particular emphasis on the impact of the altered body on family interactions, in addition to the personal and social identity of individuals with NF1.

Methods

A qualitative study was performed using individual in-depth interviews with 93 individuals with NF1 (median age: 36.69; range: 18 to 64; 26% males).

Results

Body changes caused by NF1 determine the specificity of social interactions in the families of the sick. The strength and direction of the impact of body changes on social interactions depends on their type (visibility, invisibility), as well as the meanings given to them. The visibility of disease lesions triggers an attitude of excessive control and stigmatization in the family, especially on the part of the mothers of individuals with NF1, and prompts a tendency to define the individual through the prism of the disease and its bodily manifestations. In turn, the lack of visibility of disease symptoms gives rise to, especially on the part of the fathers of the sick, opposing attitudes of disease denial, normalization of its symptoms and a tendency to question the disease identity of individuals with NF1. The great intensity of interactional problems concerns especially those families in which NF1 was transmitted through inheritance, and family members blame each other for the disease. This leads to repression and denial of the disease, excluding it from the scope of issues discussed in the family, which is an attempt to avoid the attribution of blame for the disease.

Conclusions

The body changes resulting from NF1 have social consequences that are of critical importance in the lives of the sick. The impact of NF1 on family interactions depends on the ways in which the disease is understood by the sick individual and his or her family members. The obtained patient-driven data constitute a convenient starting point for designing personalized interventions supporting individuals with NF1 and their families.
Frequency of physical activity during leisure time and variables related to pain and pain medication use in Spanish adults: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Denche-Zamorano Ángel , Pastor-Cisneros Raquel , Castillo-Paredes Antonio , Adsuar-Sala José Carmelo , Salas-Gómez Diana
Published: November 2024

Background

Physical inactivity has been identified as a risk factor for pain.

Objective

The main objective was to analyze the relationships between leisure time physical activity frequency (PAF) and pain prevalence, pain level, pain impairment, daily life pain impairment, and analgesic use in Spanish adults. In addition, risk factors such as sex, body mass index, marital status and social class were assessed for these pain variables in addition to PAF.

Method

Cross-sectional study based on data from the 2014 and 2020 European Health Surveys in Spain residents. The Chi-square test was used to analyze the relationship of dependence between the variables of interest. A correlation study calculating Spearman’s rho and a multiple logistic regression were performed to assess risk factors for pain variables.

Results

20,113 and 19,196 subjects with a median age of 49 and 52 years old in 2014 and 2020 European Health Surveys, respectively, were analyzed. Dependence relationships were found between PAF and pain variables (p<0.001). The prevalence of: pain, high levels of pain, pain impairment, high level of pain impairment and use analgesic were higher in the inactive population than in the rest of the PAF levels (36.7–53%) vs (18.6–44.3%), p<0.05. Weak correlations were found between PAF and pain variables (-0.177 ≤ Rho ≤ -0.107) (p<0.001). Logistics regression show that being active or very active reduces the odds of pain, the intensity of pain and being affected in daily activities due to pain by 0.524 to 0.776 times. Likewise, being active or very active reduces the odds of taking pain medication by 0.661 to 0.755 times. Also age, low social class, being a woman, and being obese increase of odds of pain, pain affectation and use of analgesics in both surveys by 1.008 to 2.202 times.

Conclusions

Physical inactivity was related to a higher prevalence of: pain, higher levels of pain, higher pain involvement and higher analgesic use. In addition, lower social class, being female, older age, and obesity were factors for higher odds of pain, pain involvement, and analgesic use in both surveys.
Brazil nut journey under future climate change in Amazon
Authors: Anjos Luciano J. S. , Gonçalves Gabriela S. R. , Dutra Vítor A. B. , Rosa Amanda G. , Santos Lucyana B. , Barros Márcia N. R. , de Souza Everaldo B. , de Toledo Peter M.
Published: November 2024

Climate change is among the principal threats to global terrestrial biodiversity, especially to megadiverse ecosystems such as the Amazon rainforest. In this study, we investigate how it could affect an iconic forest species—Bertholletia excelsa—(the Brazil nut) which has values in multiple dimensions in an Amazonian context. We used an ensemble from various distribution modeling methods designed for four different climate scenarios from CMIP6 by the end of the century. Then, we simulate how spatial dynamics under climate change, including explicitly dispersal events, can affect the persistence, colonization, and potential extinction of Bertholletia excelsa in the future. Our results show that by the end of the century there would be a generalized loss of suitability on the Amazon biome, regardless of the climate scenario evaluated, which could promote a significant loss (up to 94%) of the area available for the species via extinction. Our results also show that, in the future, the species would colonize higher altitudes in search of favorable conditions for its survival. Finally, we detected that areas that had previously become unsuitable because of climate change would have favorable conditions by the end of the century. Such an outcome could be useful in fostering an active restoration agenda that can mitigate the negative effects of climate change on species in this study.
John Cross, epidemic theory, and mathematically modeling the Norwich smallpox epidemic of 1819
Authors: Olson Connor D. , Reluga Timothy C.
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we reintroduce Dr. John Cross’ neglected and unusually complete historical data set describing a smallpox epidemic occurring in Norwich, England in 1819. We analyze this epidemic data in the context of early models of epidemic spread including the Farr–Evans–Brownlee Normal law, the Kermack–McKendrick square Hyperbolic Secant and SIR laws, along with the modern Volz–Miller random-network law. We show that Cross’ hypothesis of susceptible pool limitation is sufficient to explain the data under the SIR law, but requires parameter estimates differing from the modern understanding of smallpox epidemiology or large errors in Cross’ data collection. We hypothesize that these discrepancies are due to the mass-action hypothesis in SIR theory, rather than significant errors by Cross, and use Volz–Miller theory to support this. Our analysis demonstrates the difficulties arising in inference of attributes of the disease from death incidence data and how model hypotheses impact these inferences. Our study finds that, combined with Volz–Miller modeling theory, Cross’ death incidence data and population observations give smallpox attributes which largely cohere to those used in modern smallpox models.
Risk of severe influenza infection in women with a history of pregnancy complications: A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Amer Amira , Ayoub Aimina , Brousseau Émilie , Auger Nathalie
Published: November 2024

Background

Risk factors for influenza complications in women are poorly understood. We examined the association between pregnancy outcomes and risk of influenza hospitalization up to three decades later.

Methods

We analyzed a cohort of 1,421,531 pregnant women who delivered in Quebec, Canada between 1989 and 2021. Patients were followed over time beginning at the first delivery. The main exposure measures included obstetric complications such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth. The main outcome was influenza hospitalization up to 32 years later. We used adjusted Cox regression models to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between obstetric complications and risk of influenza hospitalization following pregnancy.

Results

A total of 4,016 women were hospitalized for influenza during 32 years of follow-up. Influenza hospitalization was more frequent among women with pregnancy complications than women without complications (18.0 vs 14.1 per 100,000 person-years). Compared with no pregnancy complication, women with gestational diabetes (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.30–1.69), preeclampsia (HR 1.45, 95% CI 1.28–1.65), placental abruption (HR 1.36, 95% CI 1.12–1.66), preterm birth (HR 1.40, 95% CI 1.27–1.55), cesarean section (HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.13–1.31), and severe maternal morbidity (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.22–1.68) had a greater risk of influenza hospitalization later in life. These pregnancy outcomes were associated with severe influenza infections requiring critical care.

Conclusions

Women with pregnancy complications have an elevated risk of severe influenza complications later in life and have potential to benefit from seasonal vaccination to prevent influenza hospitalization.
The hidden role of buffalo trade network in bovine epidemic spreading
Authors: Zoppi Giacomo , Candeloro Luca , Savini Lara , Colizza Vittoria , Giacobini Mario
Published: November 2024

Animal movements are a key factor in the spread of pathogens. Consequently, network analysis of animal movements is a well-developed and well-studied field. The relationships between animals facilitate the diffusion of infectious agents and, in particular, shared environments and close interactions can facilitate cross-species transmission. Cattle are often the focus of these studies since they are among the most widely distributed and traded species globally. This remains true for Italy as well, but with an important additional consideration. Indeed, another important productive reality in the peninsula is buffalo farming. These farms have an interesting characteristic: approximately two-thirds of them also rear cattle. This coexistence between cattle and buffalo could have an impact on the diffusion of pathogens. Given that buffalo farms are often overlooked in the literature, the primary goal of this work is to investigate the potential consequences of omitting buffalo from cattle network analyses. To investigate this impact, we will focus on Q fever, a disease that can infect both species and is present on the Italian territory and for which the impact of the buffalo population has not been thoroughly studied, and simulate its spread to the farms of both species through compartmental models. Our analysis reveals that despite the significant difference in network sizes, the unique characteristic of Italian buffalo farms makes the buffalo network essential for a comprehensive understanding of bovine disease dynamics in Italy.
Comprehensive evaluation of nine evapotranspiration products from remote sensing, gauge upscaling and land surface model over China
Authors: Wang Dayang , Wang Dagang , Liu Shaobo , Huang Ya , Yang Qing , Ma Xiaohang , Lin Zequn
Published: November 2024

Benefiting from the advancements in monitoring and measuring terrestrial evapotranspiration (ET), diverse ET products have been proliferated. This study evaluated nine ET products from three types, namely remote sensing-based retrievals (GLEAM, PML and PLSH), gauge-based upscaling (FCCRU, FCGSW and FCWFD) and land surface model-based reanalysis (ERA5-Land, GLDAS and MERRA) over China and its seven climate zones. Both spatial and temporal change trends in ET were investigated, and period feature were analyzed. Then, in-situ ET observations were used for validating the performances of ET products. The results demonstrate that all products show comparable performances in spatial distribution over China, but the mean ET values present evident discrepancies (433–563 mm/a). Among them, reanalysis ET products reproduce higher ET, but with less difference. In terms of climate sub-regions, the most significant discrepancies are located in QT. In addition, PLSH, MERRA and GLDAS present substantial increasing trends, while all three gauge-based upscaling ET products display decreasing trends. Regionally, all the ET products show positive trends in QT. Moreover, most of ET products present apparent periodic oscillation ranging from 2.0–5.5 year scales. At point scale, most ET products perform well at NMG and CBS sites (CC > 0.80, RMSE < 20 mm/month). However, general underestimations appear in northwestern China sites (HB and DX), and systematical overestimation exist in southern China sites (DHS and XSBN). By comparison, remote sensing-based ET products performs best, followed by gauge-based upscaling ET, comparatively, reanalysis-based ET products have poorest performances against in-situ ET observations. This study can provide valuable reference information for the selection of proper ET datasets for the hydrological simulation and analysis over China.
Effectiveness of electroacupuncture and acupuncture in alleviating cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kwon Na-Yoen , Yu Jun-Sang , Kim Dong-Il , Kim Hyeong-Jun , Lee Dong-Nyung
Published: November 2024

Objective

Cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet(CHHF) is a common condition that reduces the quality of life and causes daily discomfort. The current treatments are primarily pharmacological. This study aimed to expand treatment options by comparing the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) and acupuncture (AC) with that of no treatment (control).

Methods

A three-group randomized controlled trial was conducted with 72 women diagnosed with cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet, as confirmed by subjective symptoms and objective temperature differences. Participants were randomly assigned to the EA, AC, or control groups. Outcome measures included hand and feet visual analog scale (VAS) scores, temperature changes measured using a non-contact thermometer, and World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) scores assessed at pretreatment (T0), posttreatment (T1), and follow-up (T2). Repeated measures ANOVA and 2-way mixed-model ANOVA were used to evaluate group, time, and interaction effects.

Results

Both the EA and AC groups showed significant improvements in hand and feet VAS and WHOQOL-BREF scores compared with those of the control group posttreatment (T1). Notably, the EA group demonstrated sustained benefits at follow-up (T2), with significant reductions in feet VAS scores and positive changes in several WHOQOL-BREF domains. Interaction effects between group and time were observed, indicating that the changes in the EA and AC groups were meaningfully different form those in the control group. The control group also exhibited a statistically significant reduction in the VAS scores at follow-up (T2), likely due to the natural variability of cold extremity symptoms and psychological factors.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that EA and AC are effective in alleviating the symptoms of CHHF and enhancing the quality of life compared to no treatment. EA showed long-lasting effects than those of AC, suggesting its potential to regulate the autonomic nervous system. These findings provide a foundation for expanding non-pharmacological treatment options for CHHF and offer clinical guidance on the use of EA and AC.
The all-female Goth band that never existed: Voces de Ultratumba
Authors: Alonso Maritxu
Published: November 2024

Feminist musicology has studied and questioned the dynamics of power, privilege and discrimination that have developed in the history of popular music due to gender. In line with these contributions, there is an intention of recovering the memory and value of the first Goth group formed entirely of women in Vigo (Galicia, Spain): Voces de Ultratumba. The quality of their music, performance, lyrics and activism is not referenced as it should be in the collective imagination, which is unaware of its existence. The documented record is very scarce since its formation in 1984, as opposed to the amount of information about mixed groups or male bands of that time. Thus, after digitizing newspaper articles and live material, data collection was also performed by biographical-narrative methodology of life history. Its three original members – Chus Taboada, Marisé Izquierdo and Eva Izquierdo – were interviewed and their discourse was analysed through grounded theory (GT). Historical press was also consulted. The details of this analysis are presented in this article. The results of it indicate that, despite the political, musical and social openness that Spain was going through after the death of the Dictator Francisco Franco on 20 November 1975, gender roles continued to operate even in the underground scene, where the political–musical experiences of dissident identities were left out of official Goth history.
The Blogging Goth: Interview with Jon Klein
Authors: Sinister Tim
Published: November 2024

Legitimacy within a subculture is often a hotly contested concept, and this is particularly prevalent amongst adherents of Goth music and fashion. It is the topic of discussion between post-punk pioneer Jon Klein and Goth commentator Tim Sinister in an interview that covers the formative Goth nightclub, Batcave and the sounds and style that originated within. The origins, evolution and future of this longstanding yet ill-defined alternative institution are all under review.
Editors’ introduction
Authors: Nally Claire , Worley Matthew
Published: November 2024

This introduction offers a way into Punk & Post-Punk’s Special Issue on ‘Goth Histories’. It points to recent traces of the subculture in popular culture and recognises key trends in a relatively vibrant scholarship. The issue was stimulated by a discussion between the two editors as to the whys and wherefores of this at a conference of the Subcultures Network in April 2023. The collected articles hope to give some sense of the different ways by which the Gothic retains a punk-inflected presence into the twenty-first century. Long may it continue to haunt our mindscapes, mediascapes and landscapes.
Torn Edges: Punk, Art, Design, History, organized by Russ Bestley, London College of Communication, London, 20 March 2024
Authors: Cawley Alice
Published: November 2024

Review of: Torn Edges: Punk, Art, Design, History, organized by Russ Bestley, London College of Communication, London, 20 March 2024
Romper mucho, poquito, nada: en rock en América Latina
Authors: Alabarces Pablo , Gilbert Abel
Published: November 2024

El libro propone solucionar la ausencia de una narrativa continental y comparada del rock en América Latina que incorpore, además, la perspectiva de género. Al mismo tiempo, propone atender a los modos de procesar e incorporar una música en principio foránea, escuchada y observada, por lo general, con desagrado por las izquierdas y también por el universo conservador, a veces con argumentos convergentes con los anteriores. Este proyecto, naturalmente, exige pensar la escena brasileña, que reproduce varias de las características de las dos escenas fundadoras hispanoparlantes – la mexicana y la argentina – e introduce novedades cruciales, como su disputa interna en torno de, simplemente, el uso de la guitarra eléctrica. En este sentido, entonces, nuestro libro se propone como una buena historia, completa, documentada y crítica. Este trabajo es la introducción general al libro, en el que se presentan las hipótesis generales que organizaron la investigación.