bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of organic crystals for second-harmonic generation
Authors: Holland Kayla M. , Alejandro Aldair , Ludlow Daisy J. H. , Petersen Paige K. , Wright Melodie A. , Chartrand Caitlin C. , Michaelis David J. , Johnson Jeremy A. , Patterson James E.
Published: October 2023

Second-harmonic generation (SHG) is a common technique with many applications. Common inorganic single-crystalline materials used to produce SHG light are effective using short IR/visible wavelengths but generally do not perform well at longer, technologically relevant IR wavelengths such as 1300, 1550, and 2000 nm. Efficient SHG materials possess many of the same key material properties as terahertz (THz) generators, and certain single-crystalline organic THz generation materials have been reported to perform at longer IR wavelengths. Consequently, this work focuses on characterizing three efficient organic THz generators for SHG, namely, DAST (trans-4-[4-(dimethylamino)-N-methylstilbazolium] p-tosylate), DSTMS (4-N,N-dimethylamino-4’-N’-methylstilbazolium 2,4,6-trimethylbenzenesulfonate), and the recently discovered generator PNPA ((E)-4-((4-nitrobenzylidene)amino)-N-phenylaniline). All three of these crystals outperform the beta-barium borate (BBO), an inorganic material commonly used for SHG, using IR pump wavelengths (1200–2000 nm).
Interference + Diffraction Hybrid Patterns of Novel Double Slit Experiment
--- Interference Pattern Embedding in Diffraction Pattern
Authors: Peng Hui
Published: October 2023

The interference and diffraction are two fundamental phenomena in optics. The patterns evolution phenomena have been shown for the interference and diffraction experiments respectively. In this article, we show for the first time the novel patterns, the Interference + Diffraction Hybrid Patterns of the novel double slit experiment, namely the interference pattern embedded in diffraction patterns. We also show how the patterns evolve, i.e., how the Interference + Diffraction Hybrid Patterns are formed.

It is a challenge to theoretically interpret/describe.
High-speed full-color computer-generated holography using a digital micromirror device and fiber-coupled RGB laser diode
Authors: Yoshida Shuhei
Published: October 2023

Computer-generated holography (CGH) can be used to display three-dimensional (3D) images and has a special feature that no other technology possesses: it can reconstruct arbitrary object wavefronts. In this study, we investigated a high-speed full-color reconstruction method for improving the realism of 3D images produced using CGH. The proposed method uses a digital micromirror device (DMD) with a high-speed switching capability as the hologram display device. It produces 3D video by time-division multiplexing using an optical system incorporating fiber-coupled laser diodes (LDs) operating in red, green, and blue wavelengths. The wavelength dispersion of the DMD is compensated for by superimposing plane waves on the hologram. Fourier transform optics are used to separate the object, conjugate, and zeroth-order light, thus eliminating the need for an extensive 4f system. The resources used in this research, such as the programs used for the hologram generation and the schematics of the LD driver, are available on GitHub.
Design and Numerical Study of Cadmium Telluride Thin Film Solar Cell using Diffraction Grating and Distributed Bragg Reflector
Authors: Jain Sudarshan Kumar , Janyani Vijay , Gupta Nikhil Deep
Published: October 2023

Optical performance analysis of thin-film CdTe solar cells combining 2D Photonic-Crystal diffraction grating and a Distributed Bragg Reflector at the back of the active layer is presented and has shown to significantly improved the efficiency of the proposed cell.
LeTID Study of passivation layers for Si solar cells
Authors: Utila Masauko Henry , Lin Chu-Hsuan
Published: October 2023

LeTID can be mitigated by reducing the introduction of hydrogen, because the samples with FGA show more serious LeTID degradation. We propose that the introduction of sputtered SiNx may be effective in mitigating LeTID behaviors.
Recovering the Quantum Correlations of Biphotons in Noisy Environments via Coherent Energy Redistribution
Authors: Crockett Benjamin , Montaut Nicola , van Howe James , Roztocki Piotr , Liu Yang , Helsten Robin , Zhao Wei , Morandotti Roberto , Azaña José
Published: October 2023

We propose a denoising scheme for quantum states allowing for an increase of the coincidence-to-accidental ratio (CAR) under different pumping and noise injection settings. The scheme allows for enhanced correlations while maintaining most coincidence counts.
On the Equalisation Requirements for Scalable SDM Transmission
Authors: Barbosa Fabio A. , Ferreira Filipe M.
Published: October 2023

We review our recent work on principal modes for high-capacity coherent SDM transmission. The number of spatial data tributaries is scaled up with reduced equalisation complexity under mode-dependent loss and modal dynamics.
Large-Scale SDM Transmission Experiments
Authors: Puttnam Ben , Rademacher Georg , Luis Ruben , Awaji Yoshinari , Furukawa Hideaki
Published: October 2023

We review a series of experiments exploring the limits of optical transmission in various space-division multiplexed fibers including strongly and weakly coupled multi-core fibers and multi-mode fibers
Single-Lane 138 Gbit/s PS-PAM16 Transmissions over 1 km using 1297 nm DFB for Intra-Data Center Interconnects
Authors: Reza Ahmed Galib , Venkatasubramani Lakshmi Narayanan , Barry Liam
Published: October 2023

We demonstrate 138 Gbit/s PS-PAM16 transmissions over 1 km SSMF using a 1297 nm DFB laser in 30-GHz bandwidth-limited data center interconnects. The SD-FEC level BER is achieved with digital pre-distortions and a T-spaced FFE.
Channel-polarized Multilevel Coding for Reducing Decoding Complexity in Soft-decision Forward Error Correction
Authors: Kakizaki Takeshi , Nakamura Masanori , Hamaoka Fukutaro , Kisaka Yoshiaki
Published: October 2023

We review the advancements in low-complexity forward-error-correction technologies for coherent optical transmission systems. We also present our channel-polarized multilevel coding that reduces decoding complexity while maintaining decoding performance.
Multilevel Coding for Complexity Reduction in Soft-Decision FEC
Authors: Koganei Yohei
Published: October 2023

We review the effectiveness of multilevel coding for realizing power efficient FEC for optical communication with a detailed discussion about the complexity of soft-decision FEC by particularly illustrating the chip implementation of LDPC codes.
Status of countrywide laboratory services quality and capacity in primary healthcare facilities in Tanzania: Findings from Star Rating Assessment
Authors: Kinyenje Erick , Ngowi Ruth R. , Msigwa Yohanes S. , Hokororo Joseph C. , Yahya Talhiya A. , German Chrisogone J. , Mawazo Akili , Mohamed Mohamed A. , Nassoro Omary A. , Degeh Mbwana M. , Bahegwa Radenta P. , Marandu Laura E. , Mwaisengela Syabo M. , Mwanginde Lutengano W. , Makala Robert , Eliakimu Eliudi S.
Published: October 2023

Accurate disease diagnosis relies on a well-organized and reliable laboratory system. This study assesses the quality of laboratory services in Tanzania based on the nationwide Star Rating Assessment (SRA) of Primary Healthcare (PHC) facilities conducted in 2017/18. This cross-sectional study utilized secondary data from all the country’s PHC facilities stored in the SRA database. Laboratory service quality was assessed by aggregating scores as percentages of the maximum achievable score across various indicators: dedicated laboratory department/room, adequate equipment, staffing levels, adherence to testing protocols, establishment of turnaround times, internal and external quality controls, and safety and supplies management. Scores equal to or exceeding 80% were deemed compliant. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the influence of facility characteristics (level, ownership, location, staffing) on quality scores, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The study included 6,663 PHC facilities (85.9% dispensaries, 11% health centers, 3.2% hospital-level-1), with the majority being public (82.3% vs. 17.7%) and located in rural areas (77.1% vs. 22.9%). On average, facilities scored 30.8% (SD = 35.7), and only 26.6% met staffing requirements. Compliance with quality standards was higher in private (63% vs. 19%, p<0.001) and urban facilities (62% vs. 16%, p<0.001). More than half of the facilities did not meet either of the eight quality indicators. Quality was positively linked to staffing compliance (Beta = 5.770) but negatively impacted by dispensaries (Beta = -6.342), rural locations (Beta = -0.945), and public ownership (Beta = -1.459). A score of 30% falls significantly short of the national target of 80%. Improving laboratory staffing levels at PHC facilities could improve the quality of laboratory services, especially in public facilities that are based in rural areas. There is a need to further strengthen laboratory services in PHC facilities to ensure the quality of laboratory services and clients’ satisfaction.
Environmental sampling for typhoidal Salmonellas in household and surface waters in Nepal identifies potential transmission pathways
Authors: LeBoa Christopher , Shrestha Sneha , Shakya Jivan , Naga Shiva Ram , Shrestha Sony , Shakya Mudita , Yu Alexander T. , Shrestha Rajeev , Vaidya Krista , Katuwal Nishan , Aiemjoy Kristen , Bogoch Isaac I. , Uzzell Christopher B. , Garrett Denise O. , Luby Stephen P. , Andrews Jason R. , Tamrakar Dipesh
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi, fecal-oral transmitted bacterium, have temporally and geographically heterogeneous pathways of transmission. Previous work in Kathmandu, Nepal implicated stone waterspouts as a dominant transmission pathway after 77% of samples tested positive for Salmonella Typhi and 70% for Salmonella Paratyphi. Due to a falling water table, these spouts no longer provide drinking water, but typhoid fever persists, and the question of the disease’s dominant pathway of transmission remains unanswered.

Methods

We used environmental surveillance to detect Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A DNA from potential sources of transmission. We collected 370, 1L drinking water samples from a population-based random sample of households in the Kathmandu and Kavre Districts of Nepal between February and October 2019. Between November 2019 and July 2021, we collected 380, 50mL river water samples from 19 sentinel sites on a monthly interval along the rivers leading through the Kathmandu and Kavre Districts. We processed drinking water samples using a single qPCR and processed river water samples using differential centrifugation and qPCR at 0 and after 16 hours of liquid culture enrichment. A 3-cycle threshold (Ct) decrease of Salmonella Typhi or Salmonella Paratyphi, pre- and post-enrichment, was used as evidence of growth. We also performed structured observations of human-environment interactions to understand pathways of potential exposure.

Results

Among 370 drinking water samples, Salmonella Typhi was detected in 7 samples (1.8%) and Salmonella Paratyphi A was detected in 4 (1.0%) samples. Among 380 river water samples, Salmonella Typhi was detected in 171 (45%) and Salmonella Paratyphi A was detected in 152 (42%) samples. Samples located upstream of the Kathmandu city center were positive for Salmonella Typhi 12% of the time while samples from locations in and downstream were positive 58% and 67% of the time respectively. Individuals were observed bathing, washing clothes, and washing vegetables in the rivers.

Implications

These results suggest that drinking water was not the dominant pathway of transmission of Salmonella Typhi and Salmonella Paratyphi A in the Kathmandu Valley in 2019. The high degree of river water contamination and its use for washing vegetables raises the possibility that river systems represent an important source of typhoid exposure in Kathmandu.
Cost of implementing a doxycycline test-and-treat strategy for onchocerciasis elimination among settled and semi-nomadic groups in Cameroon
Authors: Trotignon Guillaume , Dixon Ruth , Atekem Kareen , Senyonjo Laura , Kamgno Joseph , Biholong Didier , Jones Iain , Nditanchou Rogers
Published: October 2023

Background

Onchocerciasis is a neglected tropical disease with 217.5 million people globally at risk of having the infection. In both settled and semi-nomadic communities of Massangam Health District in Cameroon, Sightsavers has been carrying out test-and-treat with doxycycline and twice-yearly ivermectin distribution. This paper focuses on the cost of test-and-treat with doxycycline in the two community contexts of settled and semi-nomadic.

Methods

For the valuation, a combination of gross or micro-costing was used to identify cost components, as well as bottom-up and top-down approaches. The opportunity costs of vehicle and equipment use were estimated and included. Not included, however, were the opportunity costs of building use and Ministry of Public Health staff salaries. We only captured the incremental costs of implementing test-and-treat activities as part of a functional annual community-directed treatment with the ivermectin programme.

Results

We estimate the economic cost per person tested and cost per person treated in Massangam to be US$135 and US$667 respectively. Total implementation cost in the settled community was US$79,409, and in the semi-nomadic community US$69,957. Overall, the total economic cost of implementing the doxycycline test-and-treat strategy for onchocerciasis elimination in Massangam came to US$168,345. Financial costs represented 91% of total costs.

Conclusions

Unit costs of test-and-treat in both settled and semi-nomadic communities are higher than unit costs of community-directed treatment with ivermectin. However, it is critical to note that a two-year implementation shows a significantly larger reduction in infection prevalence than the preceding 20 years of annual community-directed treatment with ivermectin. Test-and-treat with doxycycline may be a cost-effective intervention in places where the prevalence of microfilaria is still high, or in hard-to-reach areas where community-directed treatment with ivermectin and MDA coverage are not high enough to stop transmission or where marginalised populations consistently miss treatment.
An evaluation protocol of ‘Replicability Model’ project for detection and treatment of leprosy and related disability in Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Darlong Joydeepa , Govindasamy Karthikeyan , Ilozumba Onaedo , Choudhury Sopna , Shrivastva Anjali , Griffiths Frances , Watson Samuel , Sartori Jo , Lilford Richard
Published: October 2023

Introduction

People affected by leprosy are at increased risk of impairments and deformities from peripheral nerve damage. This mostly occurs if diagnosis and treatment is delayed and contributes to continued transmission within the community. Champa district of Chhattisgarh state in India is an endemic area with the highest national annual case detection and disability rates for leprosy. The Replicability Model is a system strengthening intervention implemented by the Leprosy Mission Trust India in Champa that aims to promote early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy, improve on-going management of the effects of leprosy and improve welfare for the people affected by leprosy. This protocol presents a plan to describe the overall implementation of the Replicability Model and describe the barriers and facilitators encountered in the process. We will also quantify the effect of the program on one of its key aims- early leprosy diagnosis.

Methods

The replicability model will be implemented over four years, and the work described in this protocol will be conducted in the same timeframe. We have two Work Packages (WPs). In WP1, we will conduct a process evaluation. This will include three methods i) observations of replicability model implementation teams’ monthly meetings ii) key informant interviews (n = 10) and interviews with stakeholders (n = 30) iii) observations of key actors (n = 15). Our purpose is to describe the implementation process and identify barriers and facilitators to successful implementation. WP2 will be a quantitative study to track existing and new cases of leprosy using routinely collected data. If the intervention is successful, we expect to see an increase in cases (with a higher proportion detected at an early clinical stage) followed by a decrease in total cases.

Conclusion

This study will enable us to improve and disseminate the Replicability Model by identifying factors that promote success. It will also identify its effectiveness in fulfilling one of its aims: reducing the incidence of leprosy by finding and tracking cases at an earlier stage in the disease.
The association between maternal intra-abdominal pressure and hypertension in pregnancy
Authors: Jayasundara Sajith , Goonewardene Malik , Dassanayake Lanka
Published: October 2023

Introduction

Pregnancy leads to a state of chronically increased intra‐abdominal pressure (IAP) caused by a growing fetus, fluid, and tissue. Increased intra-abdominal pressure is leading to state of Intra-Abdominal Hypertension (IAH) and Abdominal Compartment Syndrome. Clinical features and risk factors of preeclampsia is comparable to abdominal compartment syndrome. IAP may be associated with the hypertension in pregnancy (HIP).

Objectives

The study aimed to determine the antepartum and postpartum IAP levels in women undergoing caesarean delivery (CD) and association between hypertension in pregnancy, and antepartum and postpartum IAP levels in women undergoing CD.

Method

Seventy pregnant women (55 normotensive, 15 HIP) undergoing antepartum, non-emergency CD, had their intravesical pressure measured before and after the CD, the intravesical pressure measurements obtained with the patient in the supine position were considered to correspond to the IAP. Multivariable linear regression models were used to study associations between intraabdominal pressure and baseline characteristics in normotensive pregnancies and hypertensive pregnancies.

Results

In normotensive pregnancies at mean gestation age of 38.2 weeks (95%CI 37.9 to 38.6), mean antepartum IAP was 12.7 mmHg(95%CI 11.6 to 13.8) and the mean postpartum IAP was 7.3 mmHg (95% CI 11.6 to 13.8). Multivariable linear regression models showed HIP group antepartum IAP positively associated with coefficient value of 1.617 (p = 0.268) comparing with normotensive pregnancy group. Postpartum IAP in HIP group positively associated with coefficient value of 2.519 (p = 0.018) comparing with normotensive pregnancy group. IAP difference is negatively associated with HIP (coefficient -1.013, p = 0.179).

Conclusion

In normotensive pregnancies at term, the IAP was in the IAH range of the non-pregnant population. Higher Antepartum IAP and Postpartum IAP are associated with HIP. Reduction of IAP from antepartum period to postpartum period was less with HIP.
Classification of mathematical test questions using machine learning on datasets of learning management system questions
Authors: Kim Gun Il , Kim Sungtae , Jang Beakcheol
Published: October 2023

Every student has a varied level of mathematical proficiency. Therefore, it is important to provide them with questions accordingly. Owing to advances in technology and artificial intelligence, the Learning Management System (LMS) has become a popular application to conduct online learning for students. The LMS can store multiple pieces of information on students through an online database, enabling it to recommend appropriate questions for each student based on an analysis of their previous responses to questions. Particularly, the LMS manages learners and provides an online platform that can evaluate their skills. Questions need to be classified according to their difficulty level so that the LMS can recommend them to learners appropriately and thereby increase their learning efficiency. In this study, we classified large-scale mathematical test items provided by ABLE Tech, which supports LMS-based online mathematical education platforms, using various machine learning techniques according to the difficulty levels of the questions. First, through t-test analysis, we identified the significant correlation variables according to the difficulty level. The t-test results showed that answer rate, type of question, and solution time were positively correlated with the difficulty of the question. Second, items were classified according to their difficulty level using various machine learning models, such as logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), and extreme gradient boosting (xgboost). Accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, the area under the curve of the receiver operating curve (AUC-ROC), Cohen’s Kappa and Matthew’s correlation coefficient (MCC) scores were used as the evaluation metrics. The correct answer rate, question type, and time for solving a question correlated significantly with the difficulty level. The machine learning-based xgboost model outperformed the statistical machine learning models, with a 85.7% accuracy, and 85.8% F1 score. These results can be used as an auxiliary tool in recommending suitable mathematical questions to various learners based on their difficulty level.
Measuring digital transformation stress at the workplace–Development and validation of the digital transformation stress scale
Authors: Makowska-Tłomak Ewa , Bedyńska Sylwia , Skorupska Kinga , Nielek Radosław , Kornacka Monika , Kopeć Wiesław
Published: October 2023

Despite the unquestionable advantages of digital transformation (DT) in organizations, the very process of DT could have an impact on the level of stress of the employees. The negative effects of the digital transformation process can be observed during the implementation of information and communication technologies (ICT) solutions. They are further enhanced by the effects of COVID-19 pandemic, as digital transformation has accelerated to allow for remote work. Herein we distinguish between general stress at the workplace and the very specific type of stress, namely digital transformation stress (DTS). We assumed that this type of stress appears when rapid implementation of ICT solutions is introduced with time pressure and incertitude of further results. To quantify this phenomenon, we developed a new self-report scale—the Digital Transformation Stress Scale (DTSS), measuring employees’ stress stemming from the process of digital transformation in organizations. The psychometric validity of the scale was evaluated in two studies: Study1 conducted at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 (N = 229) and Study 2 in 2021 (N = 558), after a year of mostly remote work. The results confirmed good reliability with Cronbach’s Alpha α = .91 in Study 1 and α = .90 in Study 2 and assumed unidimensional factorial validity of the scale in both studies. All items of the scale had good difficulty and discrimination values evaluated in Item Response Theory, i.e., IRT approach. The scale showed predicted convergent validity as the indicator of the digital transformation stress moderately correlated with general stress at work. Moreover, the assumption that even employees with high ICT skills could be affected by DTS was confirmed. Additionally, the results indicated that digital transformation stress was significantly higher among employees who reported both issues: ongoing digital solutions projects at the workplace and high impact of COVID-19 pandemic on their work. The scale could be used in future work on measuring and counteracting digital transformation stress at the workplace.
Up-regulation of plasma miRNA-21 and miRNA-422a in postmenopausal osteoporosis
Authors: Mohammadisima Neda , Farshbaf-khalili Azizeh , Ostadrahimi Alireza
Published: October 2023

Background

Many researchers focused on diverse miRNAs in the progression of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. This study aimed to evaluate the association between plasma miRNA-21-5p and miRNA-422a with osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Methods

This cross-sectional comparative study was performed on 126 randomly selected postmenopausal women aged 50–65, including 65 osteoporotic and 61 normal-bone mineral density (BMD) women. miRNA-21 and miRNA-422a were identified using qRT-PCR in these women. BMD was evaluated by the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry method. A binary logistic regression model adjusted for confounders was used to evaluate the associations between plasma miRNAs’ expression levels and osteoporosis. The Area Under Curve (AUC) was calculated to differentiate low BMD in the postmenopausal period using Receiver-Operator Characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

miRNA-21 and miRNA-422a were significantly up-regulated in osteoporotic compared to non-osteoporotic postmenopausal women. The expression levels of miRNA-21 and miRNA-422a indicated a significant reverse correlation with both lumbar spine and femoral neck density. After adjusting the confounders, the likelihood of osteoporosis in the postmenopausal women with under the median plasma levels of miRNA-21 (OR = 0.025; 95% CI: 0.003 to 0.198, p<0.001) and miRNA-422a (OR = 0.037; 95% CI: 0.007 to 0.211, p<0.001) was significantly less than the women with the levels above the median. There were significant inverse correlations between miRNA-21 (p<0.001, r = -0.511) and miRNA-422a (p<0.001, r = -0.682) with BMD-lumbar spine as well as an inverse correlation between miRNA-21(p<0.001, r = -0.374) and miRNA-422a (p<0.001, r = -0.602) with BMD-femoral neck. The AUC (95%CI) for miRNA-21 and miRNA-422a was 0.84 (0.77 to 0.91) and 0.98 (0.96 to 0.99), respectively. ROC analysis illustrated that sensitivity and specificity values were 83.1% and 74%, respectively, for miRNA-21 at the cut-off point of 3.38. Also, at the cut-off point of 2.86, a sensitivity of 94% as well as a specificity of 89% was determined for miRNA-422a.

Conclusions

This study indicated that the odds of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women increased with the higher expression of plasma miRNA-21 and miRNA-422a.
Depression during the COVID-19 pandemic among older Canadians with peptic ulcer disease: Analysis of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Fuller-Thomson Esme , Dolhai Hannah , MacNeil Andie , Li Grace , Jiang Ying , De Groh Margaret
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures have exacerbated many known risk factors for depression that may be particularly concerning for individuals with chronic health conditions, such as peptic ulcer disease (PUD). In a large longitudinal sample of older adults with PUD, the current study examined the incidence of depression during the pandemic among those without a pre-pandemic history of depression (n = 689) and the recurrence of depression among those with a history of depression (n = 451). Data came from four waves of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with incident and recurrent depression. Among older adults with PUD and without a history of depression, approximately 1 in 8 (13.0%) developed depression for the first time during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those with a history of depression, approximately 1 in 2 (46.6%) experienced depression during the pandemic. The risk of incident depression and recurrent depression was higher among those who were lonely, those with functional limitations, and those who experienced an increase in family conflict during the pandemic. The risk of incident depression only was higher among women, individuals whose income did not satisfy their basic needs, those who were themselves ill and/or those whose loved ones were ill or died during the pandemic, and those who had disruptions to healthcare access during the pandemic. The risk of recurrent depression only was higher among those with chronic pain and those who had difficulty accessing medication during the pandemic. Implications for interventions are discussed.
Is two cuter than one? number and relationship effects on the feeling of kawaii toward social robots
Authors: Shiomi Masahiro , Hayashi Rina , Nittono Hiroshi
Published: October 2023

Kawaii, which is a Japanese word that means cute, lovely, and adorable, is an essential factor in promoting positive emotions in people. The characteristics of a target’s appearance that induce such feelings ofkawaiihave been thoroughly investigated around the notion of Konrad Lorenz’s famous baby schema. Such knowledge has been exploited to design the appearance of commercial products to increase their social acceptance and commercial appeal. However, the effects of the number of targets and showing their mutual relationships (like friendship) have not been investigated in the context ofkawaii. Therefore, in this study, we conducted three web-based experiments and focused on how such factors contribute to feelings ofkawaiitoward social robots. In Experiment 1, the feelings ofkawaiitoward static images of targets were compared when they appeared alone or with another target: persons (twin boys/girls), non-human objects (cherries), and social robots. The results showed that the feeling ofkawaiiwas stronger for two targets that displayed a mutual relationship (e.g., looking at each other and/or making physical contact) than for one target alone and for two-independent targets. In Experiment 2, these findings were replicated using video clips of robots. Two-related targets were rated as morekawaiithan two-independent targets or a single target. These two experiments consistently show the advantage of multiple robots that display their mutual relationship for enhancing the viewer’s feeling ofkawaii. Experiment 3 examined the effect of the number of robots (from one to ten) and found that two robots induced the strongest feeling ofkawaii. These results indicate that not only the physical characteristics of a target itself but also the number of targets and their perceived relationships affect feelings ofkawaii.
Effect of exercise training on blood pressure variability in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Min , Lin Yipin , Li Yuhua , Lin Xiongbiao
Published: October 2023

Background and aims

Targeting blood pressure variability (BPV) can potentially reduce cardiovascular events and incidence of mortality, but whether exercise reduces BPV remains controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis were designed to study the impact of an exercise intervention on BPV in adults.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EBSCO host, Cochrane, Embase, Science direct databases was done to retrieve controlled trials published from inception to January 10, 2023 that investigated the effects of exercise on BPV. The main characteristics of each study were synthesized, re-evaluated, and used in this meta-analysis.

Results

Eleven studies with 514 adults with exercise training were eligible for single-arm meta-analysis and six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected for further meta-analysis. After exercise training, systolic blood pressure variability (SBPV) (effect size = -0.76, 95%CI: -1.21 to -0.30, I2 60%), especially the average real variability SBP (-0.85, -1.44 to -0.27, I2 59%), was significantly improved. SBPV (-0.68, –1.18 to -0.18, I2 64%) significantly improved in hypertension patients. Aerobic exercise improved SBPV (-0.66, -1.32 to -0.00, I2 45%), and combined training improved both SBPV (-0.74, -1.35 to -0.14, I2 65%) and diastolic blood pressure variability (DBPV) (-0.36, -0.65 to -0.02, I2 33%). The SBPV of daytime (-0.90, -1.39 to -0.40, I2 57%) and DBPV of daytime (-0.31, -0.53 to -0.08, I2 0%) values demonstrated significant improvement compared to the night-time values. Moreover, six RCTs demonstrated a decrease in SBPV (-1.03, -1.77 to -0.28, I2 45%).

Conclusion

This study provides quantitative evidence that exercise training can improve BPV, especially SBPV, in adults. This meta-analysis suggests that aerobic exercise and combined training should be recommended for hypertension patients.
Climate change and seismic resilience: Key considerations for Alaska’s infrastructure and built environment
Authors: Turner Matthew M. , Ghayoomi Majid , Duderstadt Katharine , Brewer Jennifer , Kholodov Alexander
Published: October 2023

Alaska is one of the most seismically active regions of the world. Coincidentally, the state has also experienced dramatic impacts of climate change as it is warming at twice the rate of the rest of the United States. Through mechanisms such as permafrost thaw, water table fluctuation, and melting of sea ice and glaciers, climatic-driven changes to the natural and built-environment influence the seismic response of infrastructure systems. This paper discusses the challenges and needs posed by earthquake hazards and climate change to Alaska’s infrastructure and built environment, drawing on the contributions of researchers and decision-makers in interviews and a workshop. It outlines policy, mitigation, and adaptation areas meriting further attention to improve the seismic resilience of Alaska’s built environment from the perspectives of engineering and complementary coupled human-environmental systems.
Study on thermal conductivity of improved soil under different freezing temperatures
Authors: Wang Hongqi , Li Dongwei , Xia Minghai , Li Xiufei
Published: October 2023

Based on the influence of moisture content, dry density and temperature (≦ 0°C) on the thermal conductivity of lime-modified red clay, the thermal conductivity was measured by transient hot wire method. A total of 125 data were obtained and the evolution law of thermal conductivity with influencing factors was analyzed. The fitting formula of thermal conductivity of lime-modified red clay and a variety of intelligent prediction models were established and compared with previous empirical formulas. The results show that the thermal conductivity of lime-modified red clay increases linearly with water content and dry density. The change of thermal conductivity with temperature is divided into three stages. In the first stage, the thermal conductivity increases slowly with the decrease of temperature in the temperature range of-2°Cto 0°C. In the second stage, in the temperature range of-5°Cto (-2)°C, the thermal conductivity increases rapidly with the decrease of temperature. In the third stage, in the range of-10°Cto (-5)°C, the thermal conductivity changes little with the decrease of temperature, and the fitting curve tends to be stable. The fitting formula model and various intelligent prediction models can realize the accurate prediction of the thermal conductivity of lime-improved soil. Using RMSE (Root Mean Square Error) and MAPE (Mean Absolute Percentage Error) to evaluate the model, it is found that the GBDT decision tree model has the best prediction effect, the RMSE value of the predicted value is 0.084, and the MAPE value is 4.1%. The previous empirical models have poor prediction effect on the thermal conductivity of improved red clay. The intelligent prediction models such as GBDT decision tree with strong universality and high prediction accuracy are recommended to predict the thermal conductivity of soil.
Access to food markets, household wealth and child nutrition in rural Cambodia: Findings from nationally representative data
Authors: Duong Cam , Patel Shivani , Nguyen-Viet Hung , Chea Rortana , Dang Sinh , Tum Sothyra , Ramakrishnan Usha , Young Melissa F.
Published: October 2023

Access to informal fresh food markets plays a vital role in household food security and dietary quality in transitioning rural economies. However, it is not well understood if market access also improves child nutrition and if the improvement applies to all socioeconomic groups. In this secondary research study, we combined a national listing of food markets (n = 503) with a national household survey to examine the associations of market access with diet and height across wealth groups in children aged 6 to 23 months in rural Cambodia. All children under two years of age with dietary data (n = 1537) or anthropometry data (n = 989) were selected from the household survey. Food markets were geocoded using Google Maps or villages’ geographical coordinates publicly available in the Open Development Mekong data platform. Regression calibration was then used to estimate household distance to the nearest market. Descriptive results indicated a highly uneven distribution of food markets with median household distance to the nearest markets ranging between 4 km (IQR: 3–8 km) in the lowland areas and 9 km (IQR: 4–17 km) in the highland areas. Results from the multivariate linear regressions showed that distance to the nearest market was modestly associated with child dietary diversity score (β: -0.17; 95% CI: -0.29, -0.05) but it was not related to child height-for-age z-score, and that household wealth did not modify the associations between distance to markets and child dietary diversity score. These findings suggest that improving access to food markets alone might not lead to meaningful improvement in child diet. Detailed surveys on household food acquisition are needed to clarify the role of food markets relative to other food sources such as subsistence fisheries, subsistence gardening and mobile food traders.
Use of sugar in coffee and tea and long-term risk of mortality in older adult Danish men: 32 years of follow-up from a prospective cohort study
Authors: Treskes Roderick W. , Clausen Johan , Marott Jacob L. , Jensen Gorm B. , Holtermann Andreas , Gyntelberg Finn , Jensen Magnus T.
Published: October 2023

Background

Tea and coffee are the most consumed beverages worldwide and very often sweetened with sugar. However, the association between the use of sugar in tea or coffee and adverse events is currently unclear.

Objectives

To investigate the association between the addition of sugar to coffee or tea, and the risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, cancer mortality and incident diabetes mellitus.

Methods

Participants from the prospective Copenhagen Male Study, included from 1985 to 1986, without cardiovascular disease, cancer or diabetes mellitus at inclusion, who reported regular coffee or tea consumption were included. Self-reported number of cups of coffee and tea and use of sugar were derived from the study questionnaires. Quantity of sugar use was not reported. Primary outcome was all-cause mortality and secondary endpoints were cardiovascular mortality, cancer mortality and incident diabetes mellitus, all assessed through the Danish national registries. The association between adding sugar and all-cause mortality was analyzed by Cox regression analysis. Age, smoking status, daily alcohol intake, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, number of cups of coffee and/or tea consumed per day and socioeconomic status were included as covariates. Vital status of patients up and until 22.03.2017 was assessed. Sugar could be added to either coffee, tea or both.

Results

In total, 2923 men (mean age at inclusion: 63±5 years) were included, of which 1007 (34.5%) added sugar. In 32 years of follow-up, 2581 participants (88.3%) died, 1677 in the non-sugar group (87.5%) versus 904 in the sugar group (89.9%). Hazard ratio of the sugar group compared to the non-sugar group was 1.06 (95% CI 0.98;1.16) for all-cause mortality. An interaction term between number of cups of coffee and/or tea per day and adding sugar was 0.99 (0.96;1.01). A subgroup analysis of coffee-only drinkers showed a hazard ratio of 1.11 (0.99;1.26). The interaction term was 0.98 (0.94;1.02). Hazard ratios for the sugar group compared to the non-sugar group were 1.11 (95% CI 0.97;1.26) for cardiovascular disease mortality, 1.01 (95% CI 0.87;1.17) for cancer mortality and 1.04 (95% CI 0.79;1.36) for incident diabetes mellitus.

Conclusion

In the present population of Danish men, use of sugar in tea and/or coffee was not significantly associated with increased risk of mortality or incident diabetes.
Competitive strategy, development zone policy and firm growth: Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Ye Kaiyue , Li Yugang , Wu Peng , Ye Zhuhong
Published: October 2023

Competitive strategy plays an important role in achieving superior profits, but there is still much to be explored in terms of the effect on firm growth. This study focuses on exploring the relationship between competitive strategy and firm growth in emerging economies. We focus on how the development zone policies moderate this relationship. This study uses a two-way fixed-effect model to analyze data for 527 manufacturing firms listed in China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen A-shares from 2012-2021. Our empirical analysis showed that there is a significant positive relationship between low-cost strategy and firm growth and a significant negative relationship between differentiation strategy and firm growth. Compared with national development zones, firms in provincial development zones choose low-cost strategies that are more conducive to growth. Compared with provincial development zones, firms in national development zones choose differentiation strategies that are more conducive to growth. These findings contribute to understanding the mechanisms by which competitive strategy affects firm growth in different regional institutional contexts in emerging economies. The results of the study also have reference value for the government to optimize the development zone policies.
The investigation of antibacterial properties of peptides and protein hydrolysates derived from serum of Asian water monitor (Varanus salvator)
Authors: Thanasak Jitkamol , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Toniti Waraphan , Jaresitthikunchai Janthima , Phaonakrop Narumon , Thaisakun Siriwan , Charoenlappanit Sawanya , Surarit Rudee , Sirimanapong Wanna
Published: October 2023

It is well known that the Asian water monitors or Varanus salvator are both scavengers and predators. They can live and survive in the place that exposed to harmful microorganisms. Most people believe that they have some protected mechanisms to confront those infections. The aim of this study is to determine the antibacterial activities of crude peptides and protein hydrolysates extracted from serum of the Varanus salvator. Ten types of bacteria were cultured with crude peptides and protein hydrolysates which were isolated from 21 Varanus salvator’s serum. The crude peptides showed some interested inhibition percentages against Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC13048 = 25.6%, Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC19606 = 33.4%, Burkholderia cepacia ATCC25416 = 35.3% and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC27853 = 25.8%, whereas the protein hydrolysates had some inhibition potential on Burkholderia cepacia ATCC25416 = 24.3%. For the rest results of other tests were below 20% of inhibition. In addition, the evidences show that crude peptides have better antibacterial performances significantly than protein hydrolysates on most tested bacteria. Furthermore, antimicrobial peptides prediction shows about 10 percent hit (41/432 sequences). The interpretation shows that the best hit sequence is highly hydrophobic. It may destroy outer membrane of Gram-negative hence prevents the invasion of those bacteria. Altogether, bioinformatics and experiments show similar trends of antimicrobial peptide efficacy from Varanus salvator. Further studies need to be conducted on peptide purification and antimicrobial peptide candidate should be identified.
Uncovering financial distress conditions and its determinant factors on insurance companies in Ethiopia
Authors: Ayinaddis Samuel Godadaw , Tegegne Habtamu Getachew
Published: October 2023

The study examines the financial distress situation and its determinants in insurance sectors in Ethiopia. To achieve study objectives, revised Altman‘s 2000 is adopted to measure the financial distress situation. The study adopted an explanatory research design with an arrangement of secondary data analysis via document analysis, quantitative approach, and deductive method of inquiry. The study used panel data from ten insurance companiesoverthe study period 2010/11-2020/21. Descriptive and regression analyses were performed to analyze the data using STATA 14. Econometric model estimation procedures and multiple regression assumptions were tested accordingly. The random effect regression result revealed that firm-specific factors (liquidity and profitability) have a significant positive association, whereas firm size significantly negatively impacts financial distress. While the random effect regression result also proposed inflation has a positive and significant association with financial distress. However, firm-specific factors (revenue growth and leverage) have positive and negative, respectively, and macroeconomic factors (Gross Domestic Product) have positive but statically insignificant to the financial distress situation of insurance sectors in Ethiopia.
Combined effect of heat and corona charge on molecular delivery to a T cell line in vitro
Authors: Skinner Molly A. , Otten Alex , Hoff Andrew , Jaroszeski Mark
Published: October 2023

With the rapid increase of gene and immunotherapies for treating cancer, there is a need to efficiently transfect cells. Previous studies suggest that electrotransfer can provide a non-viral method for gene delivery. Electrotransfer traditionally relies upon the application of direct current pulses to the cells of interest. Corona charge was investigated in this study as an alternative to traditional methods as a means of creating the electric field necessary to deliver materials via electrotransfer. The goal was to determine if there was an increase in molecular delivery across the membrane of a human T cell line used as a model system. In a novel dish created for the study, the effects of elevated temperatures (37, 40, 43, and 45°C) during the treatment process were also examined in combination with corona charge application. Results showed that treating cells with corona charge at room temperature (~23°C) caused a statistically significant increase in molecular delivery while maintaining viability. Heat alone did not cause a statistically significant effect on molecular delivery. Combined corona charge treatment and heating resulted in a statistically significant increase on molecular delivery compared to controls that were only heated. Combined corona charge treatment and heating to all temperatures when compared to controls treated at room temperature, showed a statistically significant increase in molecular delivery.