bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modified Coupled-Mode Theory on Fluorescent Surface Lattice Resonance
Authors: Tse Joshua Tin Yau , Murai Shunsuke , Tanaka Katsuhisa
Published: July 2024

Surface lattice resonance (SLR) is a plasmonic-photonic mode that is supported on nanoparticle arrays, originating from the coupling between in-plane diffraction modes and the localized surface plasmon resonance or Mie resonance on nanoparticles [1]. Previous works have shown that SLR is capable in significantly enhancing the light-matter interaction of fluorescent dye molecules and can enhance both the in-coupling efficiency as well as the directional out-coupling enhancement of the fluorescent emission [2]. SLR enhances the fluorescence absorption efficiency by confining the electromagnetic field into the vicinity of the nanoparticle array and inducing a strong light-matter interaction between the incident field and the fluorescent molecules [3]. SLR also enhances the spontaneous emission rate of fluorescent molecules through increased local density of state near the nanoparticle array, commonly known as the Purcell effect [4]. The nanoparticle array also controls the emission direction through diffraction.
Morphology dependent shape resonances by optical fiber encaved nanoantenna for refractive index sensing
Authors: Kaur Jasleen , Vairagi Kaushal , Mondal Samir K
Published: July 2024

We present the numerical study to demonstrate excitation of morphology dependent resonances in microresonator by an encaved nanoantenna surrounded by conical cavity in an optical fiber. The microresonator is excited by a focused beam coming from the nanoantenna when placed off-axially to it. The resonances show Lorentzian and Fano peaks having Quality factor, Q of the order of ~105. The proposed design can be experimentally fabricated by chemical etching of a photosensitive fiber. The design has potential to sense the change in dielectric environment having sensitivity ~31.832nm/ RIU.
Radius Optimization of SoI Rectangular Waveguide based Optical Power Splitter and Combiner
Authors: Bhattacharya Wridheeman , Srivastava Devansh , Singh Ritu Raj
Published: July 2024

Optical power splitters and combiners are crucial in broadband optical communication, suppressing active devices in passive optical networks. They enable Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs) by creating specific photonic band gaps. Coupled Mode Theory (CMT) and FDTD methods analyze the coupling between Y-branch and parallel waveguides. Symmetrical power splitters 1x2 divide power equally, facilitating simple Y-branch or parallel waveguide branch designs [1], [2]. They are easy to fabricate and have low sensitivity to tolerances. Performance is evaluated based on transmittance and absorptance.
Hybrid silicon all-optical switching devices integrated with two-dimensional materials
Authors: Yamashita D. , Fang N. , Fujii S. , Kato Y. K.
Published: July 2024

Silicon photonics has garnered attention as a platform for photonic integrated circuits (PICs), which monolithically integrates electronic and photonic devices in a same chip. On-chip all-optical switching is an essential component for the PICs. Fast and energy efficient all-optical switches based on microcavites have been demonstrated, and currently, the performance is limited by the substrate material which is silicon [1]. The use of III-V semiconductors [2] and organic molecules [3] as substrate materials has circumvented this limitation and high-performance switching has been reported, however the inability to fabricate directly on silicon substrates is a major problem in various aspects such as monolithic on-chip integration and cost reduction.
Inverse Design of Low Back Reflection Grating Coupler
Authors: Wang Yuduan , Horikawa Tsuyoshi , Ohiso Yoshitaka , Amemiya Tomohiro , Nishiyama Nobuhiko
Published: July 2024

Grating couplers (GC) on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) have an excellent interconnectivity between photonic integrated circuit (PIC) device and fibers. Traditional theory-first hand-turning design method by sweep parameters is time-consuming to perform. In contrast, the target-first inverse design optimization algorithm enables obtaining the best solution in just a few iterations [1]. Although such inverse design was already applied to GC, only transmission characteristics was considered as the target. However, back-reflection is also critical for PICs, especially the lasing performance of semiconductor lasers [2]. In this work, we report Figure of Merit (FoM) dependance of the coupling efficiency as well as back-reflection of GC.
Design, Fabrication and Evaluation of the Metasurface Optical Gas Sensor Using Deep Ultraviolet Plasmon Resonance
Authors: Sekiguchi Mayu , Matsuda Ryo , Ogawa Yuji , Matsushita Kenichiro , Ikezawa Satoshi , Iwami Kentaro
Published: July 2024

Ozone and ammonia gases detections are in strong demand among high-voltage equipment to avoid nitric acid corrosion. An optical gas sensor has realized a low detectable concentration of 20 ppm butane with the aid of plasmon resonance at the infrared wavelength.[1] As ozone and ammonia have large absorption cross-sections at the deep-ultraviolet region, the achievement of low-concentration detection is expected. In this study, we designed, fabricated, and evaluated an optical gas sensor using deep-ultraviolet plasmon resonance.
Femtosecond Laser Ablation of Silicon using GHz to THz Burst Pulses: Numerical Simulation
Authors: Momeni Ashkan , Sugioka Koji
Published: July 2024

In recent years, laser processing with GHz and THz bursts of femtosecond pulses has attracted great attention to improving the efficiency of laser-induced microfabrication [3, 4]. The efficient absorption of laser energy in the GHz burst and the heat-accumulation effect have been proposed as the main mechanisms for ablation enhancement [3-5]. However, the possible mechanisms have not yet been fully elucidated and more investigations are needed. Therefore, in this study, we used COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate the GHz and THz burst mode femtosecond laser ablation of silicon and investigate the responsible mechanisms of the ablation efficiency enhancement.
Dynamically tunable structural color filter using a phase change material
Authors: S Ram Prakash , Kumar Rajesh , Mitra Anirban
Published: July 2024

Structural colors produced by metamaterials have attracted huge interest due to their use in color printing [1], chromatic display [2] and optical encryption [3]. The dynamical color tunability can be achieved by using phase change material (PCM) in the metamaterial design. Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) is a PCM that shows a large contrast in its dielectric permittivity upon phase transformation. Here, we present a generation of structural color using GST based tunable reflective metamaterial. By changing the crystallization of GST, many colors can be generated. Further, high resolution wide color gamut is obtained by varying the geometrical parameters of the metamaterials design. The results show a promising route to achieve a dynamically tunable color filter using a phase change material.
Changing from diffusive to superdiffusive transport in carbon nanotube networks via nematic order control
Authors: Bagsican Filchito Renee G. , Wais Michael , Komatsu Natsumi , Gao Weilu , Serita Kazunori , Murakami Hironaru , Held Karsten , Kawayama Iwao , Kono Junichiro , Battiato Marco , Tonouchi Masayoshi
Published: July 2024

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) exhibit extremely anisotropic electronic and optical properties due to the confinement of quasiparticles in one-dimension. This anisotropy disappears in an ensemble of randomly oriented CNTs, together with some other properties that make them attractive for certain device applications. However, it is unclear if this disorder suppresses other types of behaviors as well. In this work [1], we addressed this question by using a combination of terahertz (THz) emission and photocurrent experiments (Fig. 1a) with out-of-equilibrium numerical simulations to compare the dynamics of quasiparticles under strong electric fields in aligned and random CNT networks. We found that the degree of alignment has a strong influence on the dynamics and thermalization pathways of quasiparticles. In aligned CNTs, the electrons show super-diffusive transport properties and have a high probability of acquiring enough kinetic energy to produce low energy excitons via exciton impact ionization [2]. However, this process is significantly suppressed in random CNTs. Due to the increased impurity-like scatterings in random CNTs that arise from multiple tube distortions in the intersecting tubes, the electrons show diffusive transport properties and do not gain the kinetic energy required for exciton impact ionization. This difference in electron transport regimes (superdiffusive vs diffusive) leads to drastically different bias-dependence of THz emission amplitude and photocurrent in aligned and random CNT networks as shown in Figs. 1b and 1c, respectively.
Extreme UV photoemission electron microscopy imaging of moiré ferroelectricity in a twisted hBN heterostructure
Authors: Hawecker. Jacques , Kokate. Prajakta , Hocking Risa , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Madéo Julien , Man Michael K. L. , Mannix Andrew J. , Dani Keshav M.
Published: July 2024

Photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) is a powerful technique allowing to map real space electronic distribution at different energies, providing high resolution imaging and spectroscopic information of a sample’s surface [1,2]. However, typical table-top light source coupled with this technique do not allow for: 1) Extreme UV (XUV) energies to access larger Brillouin zones, all the valence bands and shallow core-levels (thus providing electronics and chemical information), 2) brightness required for nanoscale imaging and 3) time resolution to capture ultrafast dynamics. Recently, by bringing together Angle Resolved Photoemission (ARPES) and our ultrafast table-top based XUV source, we built a novel instrumentation capable of capturing the bandstructure of the material under optical excitation. This already provided important breakthrough in the field by providing momentum resolved visualizations of dark Xtons [3], excitonic wavefunctions in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide [4] and in heterostructures [5]. However, to demonstrate nanometer-scale resolution XUV-PEEM imaging, one must over-come the large photon flux per area requirement and consequently space or sample charge effect. In this work, using another iteration of our light source coupled to our PEEM, we show imaging capability of resolving 2D moiré ferroelectric domain from a twisted hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN).
Unveiling NiFe2O4 Nanoparticles as an Efficient Nonlinear Optical Limiter
Authors: Aggarwal Naresh , Shinde Pratik V. , Rout Chandra Sekhar , Adarsh K. V.
Published: July 2024

Ternary transition metal oxides (TMOs) belong to an exciting branch of material due to their high used in supercapacitors because of their excellent electrochemical properties and multiple oxidation states. Nickel ferrite oxides NiFe2O4 (NFO) are also a member of the TMOs family which have very high optical limiting strength and quick response time and have also been used in the field of pseudo-capacitors., however the nonlinear optical response of NFO is still not explored in detailed. In this article, we tailored the nonlinear optical limiting response of NFO nanoparticles and tuned its nonlinear behavior as a function of intensity for its applications as one of the best optical limiter materials. Here, we investigate the nonlinear optical performance of NFO by using the Z-scan technique based on third-order nonlinear processes in which we excite the sample by a nanosecond laser whose pulse width is 7ns and photons have energy around 2.33eV. We observed that NFO shows reverse saturable absorption behavior with a very large absorption coefficient β in the order of 102 cm/GW and a very low optical onset (FON) as compared to many other TMOs materials and hence it can be a hallmark material for using optical limiting applications. We also observed that NFO has a negative nonlinearity response with a nonlinear refractive index around 10-4cm2 GW-1, which exposes its self-defocusing nature. Overall, our studies demonstrate that NFO is also a hallmark material for use as a good optical limiting material as well as a supercapacitor.
Demonstration of Broad and Flat Optical Frequency Comb Generator by Employing Highly Non Linear Optical Fiber
Authors: Verma Priyanka , Singh Sukhbir
Published: July 2024

The optical frequency comb (OFC) is prospective technique that can hike up the communication carrying capability of wide range in optical fiber communication [1]. Due to its numerous applications, including ultra-short pulse generation for different wavelength [2] multi-wavelength ultra-fast photonic signal processing, high-accuracy optoelectronic detectors and wavelength division multiplexing [3, 4], it draws attention of researchers. A collection of spectral lines is produced by a continuous laser source modulating a radio frequency signal. This manuscript proposed an effective technique for generation of OFC with cascading of modulators with Highly Nonlinear Fiber (HNLF) that produces coherent and highly spectral comb lines.
Structured light generations from cylindrically Structured Crystals
Authors: Sun Jingbo
Published: July 2024

Spherulites are crystals with cylindrical crystalline structures and thus exhibit anisotropic optical properties with cylindrical symmetry. Here we show several intriguing designs of the devices including the generation and the modulations on the cylindrical beams with spherulites in both linear and nonlinear ways. Such a kind of naturally existed circular anisotropy opens entirely new opportunities in the field of the structured light applications.
Enhancing Nonlinear Signals of Blood Plasma in the Z-scan Technique Using Copper Nanoparticles
Authors: Chowdhury Mustabi Mustafa , Haque Yasmeen , Hoque Md. Enamul
Published: July 2024

We incorporated pulsed laser ablated copper nanoparticles of indirect bandgap 2.05 ±0.05 eV to enhance the nonlinear optical signal of blood plasma in the Z-scan technique. The nonlinear signal of blood plasma (phase shift = 0.49) has been enhanced at about 114% by mixing with copper nanoparticles.
Inverse design for waveguide dispersion with a differentiable mode solver
Authors: Gray Dodd , West Gavin N. , Ram Rajeev J.
Published: July 2024

Inverse design of optical components based on adjoint sensitivity analysis has the potential to address the most challenging photonic engineering problems. However, existing inverse design tools based on finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) models are poorly suited for optimizing waveguide modes for adiabatic transformation or perturbative coupling, which lies at the heart of many important photonic devices. Among these, dispersion engineering of optical waveguides is especially challenging in ultrafast and nonlinear optical applications involving broad optical bandwidths and frequency-dependent anisotropic dielectric material response. In this work, we develop gradient back-propagation through a general-purpose electromagnetic eigenmode solver and use it to demonstrate waveguide dispersion optimization for second harmonic generation with maximized phase-matching bandwidth. This optimization of three design parameters converges in eight steps, reducing the computational cost of optimization by ∼100x compared to exhaustive search and identifying new designs for broadband optical frequency doubling of laser sources in the 1.3–1.4 µm wavelength range. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the computational cost of gradient back-propagation is independent of the number of parameters, as required for optimization of complex geometries. This technique enables practical inverse design for a broad range of previously intractable photonic devices.
Light-trapping by wave interference in intermediate-thickness silicon solar cells
Authors: Bhattacharya Sayak , John Sajeev
Published: July 2024

The power conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon (c − Si) solar cells have witnessed a 2.1% increase over the last 25 years due to improved carrier transport. Recently, the conversion efficiency of c − Si cell has reached 27.1% but falls well below the Shockley-Queisser limit as well as the statistical ray-optics based 29.43% limit. Further improvement of conversion efficiency requires reconsideration of traditional ray-trapping strategies for sunlight absorption. Wave-interference based light-trapping in photonic crystals (PhC) provides the opportunity to break the ray-optics based 4n 2 limit and offers the possibility of conversion efficiencies beyond 29.43% in c − Si cells. Using finite difference time domain simulations of Maxwell’s equations, we demonstrate photo-current densities above the 4n 2 limit in 50 − 300µm-thick inverted pyramid silicon PhCs, with lattice constant 3.1µm. Our 150µm-thick PhC design yields a maximum achievable photo-current density (MAPD) of 45.22mA/cm 2. We consider anti-reflection coatings and surface passivation consisting of SiO 2 − SiN
x
 − Al 2 O 3 stacks. Our design optimization shows that a 80 − 120 − 150nm stack leads to slightly better solar light trapping in photonic crystal cells with thicknesses <50µm, whereas the 80 − 40 − 20nm stack performs better for cells with thicknesses >100µm. We show that replacing SiN
x
with SiC may improve the MAPD for PhC cells thinner than 100µm. For a fixed lattice constant of 3.1µm, we find no significant improvement in the solar absorption for 50 and 100µm-thick cells relative to a 15µm cell. A substantial improvement in the MAPD is observed for the 150µm cell, but there is practically no improvement in the solar light absorption beyond 150µm thickness.
Pressure and temperature sensors based on an over-discharged spliced polarization-maintaining photonic crystal fiber
Authors: Zhao Jiang , Huang Rong , Dong Wenjing , Jiang Ruiling , Song Min , Peng Kuang , Wang Wenfeng , Shen Yang , Li Bo , Hu Youyou
Published: July 2024

A polarization maintaining-photonic crystal fiber (PM-PCF) sensor for air pressure and temperature measurement is proposed by over-discharge splicing a section of PM-PCF to a single-mode fiber. This simple splicing procedure generates an air bubble in the PM-PCF at the splicing spot. The bubble and the PM-PCF cavities cascading sensor operates on three beams interference and demonstrates an envelope in the reflection spectrum. The pressure measurement results show that the resonance wavelength is linearly red shift with the gas pressure increasing, and the pressure sensitivity is nonlinearly increasing as the bubble length increases. A maximum sensitivity of the resonance wavelength shift is 4.05 nm/MPa in the range of 0.1 ∼ 0.9 MPa obtained with a sensor sample with 65µm bubble length. This sensor also shows 25.3 times more sensitivity amplification than the non-bubble PM-PCF sensor. Besides, the sensor also shows response to temperature, in the temperature range of 25 ∼ 500°C, the maximum sensitivity with 10pm/°C is obtained. Additionally, the proposed sensor also shows good repeatability and stability. In conclusion, the simple PM-PCF sensor can be applied in high-pressure and high-temperature monitoring in harsh environments.
Optical scattering measurement of highly reflective coatings with the cavity ring-down technique
Authors: Li Bincheng , Zhang Xinyi , Yang Zhe , Wang Jing , Han Yanling , Li Tao , Cui Hao , Zhao Binxing
Published: July 2024

Cavity ringdown (CRD) is employed for the first time, to the best of our knowledge, to precisely measure the optical scattering of highly reflective (HR) optics with measurement sensitivity greatly enhanced via power trapping inside the ringdown cavity. The scattering measurement accuracy is significantly improved by calibrating the photo-detector for the scattering measurement with the low transmittance of the cavity mirror or test HR mirror, which is also accurately measured by CRD. The influence of environmental stray light (such as the probe light scattered by optics and mechanical parts outside the ringdown cavity) and other background noises on the scattering measurement is greatly eliminated by the temporal behavior of the scattering CRD signal. A scattering measurement sensitivity of 4.0 × 10−13 is experimentally achieved with a laser with output power of 12 mW.
Stated preferences for new HIV prevention technologies among men who have sex with men in India: A discrete choice experiment
Authors: Cameron Michael P. , Newman Peter A. , Chakrapani Venkatesan , Shunmugam Murali , Roungprakhon Surachet , Rawat Shruta , Baruah Dicky , Nelson Ruban , Tepjan Suchon , Scarpa Riccardo
Published: July 2024

Introduction

India has the second largest HIV epidemic in the world. Despite successes in epidemic control at the population level, a concentrated epidemic persists among gay and other men who have sex with men (MSM). However, India lags in implementation of biomedical prevention technologies, such as HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In order to inform scale-up of new HIV prevention technologies, including those in the development pipeline, we assessed willingness to use oral PrEP, rectal microbicides, and HIV vaccines, and choices among product characteristics, among MSM in two major Indian cities.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a discrete choice experiment (DCE), an established methodology for quantitively estimating end-user preferences in healthcare. Survey participants were randomly assigned to one of three questionnaire versions, each of which included a DCE for one prevention technology. Participants were recruited using chain-referral sampling by peer outreach workers, beginning with seeds in community-based organizations and public sex environments, in Chennai and Mumbai. DCE data were analyzed using random-parameters (mixed) logit (RPL) models.

Results

Among participants (n = 600), median age was 25 years, with median monthly income of INR 9,000 (~US$125). Nearly one-third (32%) had completed a college degree and 82% were single/never married. A majority of participants (63%) reported condomless anal sex in the past month. The acceptability of all three products was universally high (≥90%). Across all three products, four attributes were significant predictors of acceptability—with efficacy consistently the most important attribute, and in decreasing order of preference, side-effects, dosing schedule, and venue. MSM varied in their preferences for product attributes in relation to their levels of education and income, and engagement in sex work and HIV risk behavior.

Conclusion

This study provides empirical evidence to facilitate the integration of end users’ preferences throughout design, testing, and dissemination phases of HIV prevention technologies. The findings also suggest action points and targets for interventions for diverse subgroups to support the effectiveness of combination HIV prevention among MSM in India.
Metagenomic sequencing of the skin microbiota of the scalp predicting the risk of surgical site infections following surgery of traumatic brain injury in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Lekuya Hervé Monka , Kateete David Patrick , Olweny Geofrey , Kigozi Edgar , Kamabu Larrey Kasereka , Mudekereza Safari Paterne , Nantambi Rose , Mbiine Ronald , Makumbi Fredrick , Cose Stephen , Vandersteene Jelle , Baert Edward , Kalala Jean-Pierre Okito , Galukande Moses
Published: July 2024

Background

Surgical site infections (SSI) are a significant concern following traumatic brain injury (TBI) surgery and often stem from the skin’s microbiota near the surgical site, allowing bacteria to penetrate deeper layers and potentially causing severe infections in the cranial cavity. This study investigated the relationship between scalp skin microbiota composition and the risk of SSI after TBI surgery in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study, enrolling patients scheduled for TBI surgery. Sterile skin swabs were taken from the surrounding normal skin of the head and stored for analysis at -80°Celcius. Patients were monitored postoperatively for up to three months to detect any occurrences of SSI. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the skin microbiota composition, identifying different taxonomic microorganisms at the genus level. The analysis compared two groups: those who developed SSI and those who did not.

Results

A total of 57 patients were included, mostly male (89.5%) with a mean age of 26.5 years, predominantly from urban areas in Uganda and victims of assault. Graphical visualization and metagenomic metrics analysis revealed differences in composition, richness, and evenness of skin microbiota within samples (α) or within the community (β), and showed specific taxa (phylum and genera) associated with either the group of SSI or the No SSI.

Conclusions

Metagenomic sequencing analysis uncovered several baseline findings and trends regarding the skin microbiome’s relationship with SSI risk. There is an association between scalp microbiota composition (abundancy and diversity) and SSI occurrence following TBI surgery in SSA. We hypothesize under reserve that the scalp microbiota dysbiosis could potentially be an independent predictor of the occurrence of SSI; we advocate for further studies with larger cohorts.
Depression in nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Quesada-Puga Carmen , Cañadas Gustavo R. , Gómez-Urquiza José Luis , Aguayo-Estremera Raimundo , Ortega-Campos Elena , Romero-Béjar José Luis , Cañadas-De la Fuente Guillermo A.
Published: July 2024

The pandemic meant a change in academic approach. This had an impact on the mental health of students, leading to, among other problems, depressive disorders. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence and factors that favoured the development of depression in nursing students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review with meta-analysis of prevalence was conducted in October 2023, using Pubmed, CINAHL and Scopus as the data sources used for the search. This review followed the guidelines outlined in the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Search equation was: “(undergraduate nurses OR nursing students) AND depression AND (COVID-19 OR Sars-CoV-2)”. The final set of articles was N = 12. Quantitative primary studies using anonymous scales and surveys to assess the prevalence of depression in nursing students in the last 3 years were included. Studies show a high prevalence of depression among young university students with figures above 50%. The total sample of students in the meta-analysis was n = 4,479 with a prevalence value of 32% (CI95% 22%-42%). Affected students are characterised by young, female students. Concerns included generalised academic uncertainty, social isolation, work overload, fear of contagion and concern about teaching delivery. Coping mechanisms were generally resilience, spiritual support, laughter therapy, seeking information about COVID-19 and eating food. In conclusion, students, especially female students, are at high risk of depression due to social isolation. In addition, coping techniques were inadequate and future strategies to prevent this situation should be considered.
Spatial clustering of overweight/obesity among women in India: Insights from the latest National Family Health Survey
Authors: Chakrabarty Mahashweta , Let Subhojit
Published: July 2024

Background

Overweight/obesity has become global health concern with increasing prevalence. This study examined district-level disparities and spatial clustering of overweight/obesity among women of reproductive age (WRA) in India using the latest National Family Health Survey-5 (2019–2021) data.

Method

Information of 623,656 women aged 15 to 49 from the NFHS-5 (2019–2021) were analysed in this study. The outcome variable was BMI as classified by the world health organisation (WHO). Utilising Global Moran’s I, Anselin’s Local Moran’s I, and spatial regression models spatial clustering and associated factors were analysed.

Result

The study found that 24% (95% CI: 23.8–24.3) of WRA in India were overweight/obese in 2019–21. The prevalence was greatest in Punjab (41%) and lowest in Meghalaya (11%). Additionally, the Global Moran’s I value for the outcome variable was 0.73, indicating a positive spatial autocorrelation in the overweight/obesity. Districts of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Haryana, and Delhi were hotspots of overweight/obesity. Several factors of overweight/obesity among WRA were identified, including place of residence (β: 0.034, p: 0.011), parity (β: 0.322, p: 0.002), social group (β: -0.031, p: 0.016), religion (β: -0.044, p: <0.001), household wealth status (β: 0.184, p: <0.001), mass-media exposure (β: 0.056, p: 0.031), and diabetes (β: 0.680, p: <0.001).

Conclusion

The study emphasizes the importance of targeted interventions and region-specific strategies, while also stressing the need to address associated factors to develop effective public health initiatives aimed at reducing overweight/obesity prevalence among WRA in India.
Estimation of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against infections and severe outcomes using routine surveillance data in Kosovo, July—September 2021
Authors: Rashiti-Bytyçi Albiona , White Johansson Emily , Kaçaniku-Gunga Pranvera , Danis Kostas , Schoeps Anja , Dörre Achim , Fetaj Fetije , Kalaveshi Arijana
Published: July 2024

Background

COVID-19 vaccines have proven effective against severe outcomes in many settings, yet vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates remain lacking for Kosovo. We aimed to estimate VE against COVID-19 infections, hospitalisations, and deaths for one and two vaccine doses during the fourth pandemic wave in July—September 2021, the period when vaccination initially became widely available.

Methods

We analysed routine surveillance data to define cases and vaccination status as partially (one dose) or completely (two doses) vaccinated. We used the screening method to calculate the proportion of cases with the outcomes vaccinated (PCV). The proportion of the population vaccinated (PPV) was based on numbers vaccinated and the Kosovo population estimate on 30/09/2021.

Results

Between July—September 2021, 51,804 COVID-19 cases were reported in Kosovo with 9.3% of cases partially and 3.4% completely vaccinated. Estimated vaccine effectiveness for one dose was 93.1% (95%CI:92.9–93.2%) for infections, 90.3% (95%CI:88.8–91.7%) for hospitalisations, and 90.3% (95%CI:88.4–92.1%) for deaths. Estimated vaccine effectiveness for two doses was 97.8% (95%CI:97.6–97.9%) for infections, 94.5% (95%CI:93.3–95.6%) for hospitalisations, and 94.2% (95%CI: 93.7–96.5%) for deaths.

Conclusions

This study provides real-world evidence for COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in Kosovo using routine administrative data sources and the screening method. COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against infections and severe outcomes in Kosovo was higher with two vaccine doses than one dose, which is in accordance with findings from other study designs and settings. Using the screening method in our study reflects an important initial methodology for estimating vaccine effectiveness with routine surveillance that may be particularly important for low- and middle-income settings with less robust surveillance systems or fewer opportunities to conduct more robust vaccine effectiveness study designs.
Effectiveness of a suction device for containment of pathogenic aerosols and droplets
Authors: Lordly Kai , Karataş Ahmet E. , Lin Steve , Umapathy Karthi , Mohindra Rohit
Published: July 2024

Background

As the global community begins recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenges due to its aftermath remain. This health crisis has highlighted challenges associated with airborne pathogens and their capacity for rapid transmission. While many solutions have emerged to tackle this challenge, very few devices exist that are inexpensive, easy to manufacture, and versatile enough for various settings.

Methods

This paper presents a novel suction device designed to counteract the spread of aerosols and droplets and be cost-effective and adaptable to diverse environments. We also conducted an experimental study to evaluate the device’s effectiveness using an artificial cough generator, a particle counter, and a mannequin in an isolated system. We measured droplet removal rates with simulated single and repeated cough incidents. Also, measurements were taken at four distinct areas to compare its effectiveness on direct plume versus indirect particle removal.

Results

The device reduced airborne disease transmission risk, as evidenced by its capacity to decrease the half-life of aerosol volume from 23.6 minutes to 15.6 minutes, effectively capturing aerosol-sized droplets known for their extended airborne persistence. The suction device lessened the peak total droplet volume from peak counts. At 22 minutes post peak droplet count, the count had dropped 24% without the suction device and 43% with the suction device.

Conclusions

The experiment’s findings confirm the suction device’s capability to effectively remove droplets from the environment, making it a vital tool in enhancing indoor air quality. Given the sustained performance of the suction device irrespective of single or multiple cough events, this demonstrates its potential utility in reducing the risk of airborne disease transmission. 3D printing for fabrication opens the possibility of a rapid iterative design process, flexibility for different configurations, and rapid global deployment for future pandemics.
The metabolic pathways of carbon assimilation and polyhydroxyalkanoate production by Rhodospirillum rubrum in response to different atmospheric fermentation
Authors: Tang Manyu , Zhen Xin , Zhao Guoqiang , Wu Shuang , Hua Wei , Qiang Jingwen , Yanling Cheng , Wang Wanqing
Published: July 2024

The purple nonsulfur bacteria, Rhodospirillum rubrum, is recognized as a potential strain for PHAs bioindustrial processes since they can assimilate a broad range of carbon sources, such as syngas, to allow reduction of the production costs. In this study, we comparatively analyzed the biomass and PHA formation behaviors of R. rubrum under 100% CO and 50% CO gas atmosphere and found that pure CO promoted the PHA synthesis (PHA content up to 23.3% of the CDW). Hydrogen addition facilitated the uptake and utilization rates of CO and elevated 3-HV monomers content (molar proportion of 3-HV up to 9.2% in the presence of 50% H2). To elucidate the genetic events culminating in the CO assimilation process, we performed whole transcriptome analysis of R. rubrum grown under 100% CO or 50% CO using RNA sequencing. Transcriptomic analysis indicated different CO2 assimilation strategy was triggered by the presence of H2, where the CBB played a minor role. An increase in BCAA biosynthesis related gene abundance was observed under 50% CO condition. Furthermore, we detected the α-ketoglutarate (αKG) synthase, converting fumarate to αKG linked to the αKG-derived amino acids synthesis, and series of threonine-dependent isoleucine synthesis enzymes were significantly induced. Collectively, our results suggested that those amino acid synthesis pathways represented a key way for carbon assimilation and redox potential maintenance by R. rubrum growth under syngas condition, which could partly replace the PHA production and affect its monomer composition in copolymers. Finally, a fed-batch fermentation of the R. rubrum in a 3-l bioreactor was carried out and proved H2 addition indeed increased the PHA accumulation rate, yielding 20% ww-1 PHA production within six days.
Facial blushing and feather fluffing are indicators of emotions in domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus)
Authors: Arnould Cécile , Love Scott A. , Piégu Benoît , Lefort Gaëlle , Blache Marie-Claire , Parias Céline , Soulet Delphine , Lévy Frédéric , Nowak Raymond , Lansade Léa , Bertin Aline
Published: July 2024

The study of facial expressions in mammals provided great advances in the identification of their emotions and then in the comprehension of their sentience. So far, this area of research has excluded birds. With a naturalist approach, we analysed facial blushing and feather displays in domestic fowl. Hens were filmed in situations contrasting in emotional valence and arousal level: situations known to indicate calm states (positive valence / low arousal), have rewarding effects (positive valence / high arousal) or induce fear-related behaviour (negative valence / high arousal). Head feather position as well as skin redness of comb, wattles, ear lobes and cheeks varied across these situations. Skin of all four areas was less red in situations with low arousal compared to situations with higher arousal. Furthermore, skin redness of the cheeks and ear lobes also varied depending on the valence of the situation: redness was higher in situations with negative valence compared to situations with positive valence. Feather position also varied with the situations. Feather fluffing was mostly observed in positively valenced situations, except when hens were eating. We conclude that hens have facial displays that reveal their emotions and that blushing is not exclusive to humans. This opens a promising way to explore the emotional lives of birds, which is a critical step when trying to improve poultry welfare.
Prevalence of cardiovascular drug-related adverse drug reactions consultations in UK primary care: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Insani Widya N. , Whittlesea Cate , Wei Li
Published: July 2024

Background

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) represent a significant barrier to achieve optimal treatment outcomes. Cardiovascular drugs, including antihypertensive drugs, lipid-lowering drugs, and antithrombotic drugs, are among the most prescribed medications in the primary care setting.

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular drug-related ADRs consultations in United Kingdom (UK) primary care and identify risk factors of these ADRs.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of cardiovascular drug users between 2000–2019 using UK IQVIA Medical Research Data. ADRs consultations were identified using database screening method employing standardised designated codes. The overall and annual age-standardised prevalence was estimated using direct standardisation method using 2019 mid-year UK population. Risk factors of ADRs consultations were estimated using logistic regression model stratified by therapeutic areas.

Results

The standardised prevalence of consultations related to cardiovascular drugs ADRs was 10.60 (95% CI. 10.46, 10.75) per 1000 patients. Patients aged 70–79 years had the highest occurrence of ADRs consultations. The most frequently drug classes implicated in the ADRs consultations were statins (n = 9,993 events, 27.09%), beta-blockers (n = 8,538 events, 23.15%), ACEIs/ARBs (n = 8,345 events, 22.62%), and aspirin (n = 6,482 events, 17.57%). Risk factors of ADRs consultations were previous history of cardiovascular diseases, e.g., myocardial infarction and stroke; advanced age, comorbidities; diabetes and dyslipidaemia; and polypharmacy.

Conclusions

The burden of cardiovascular drug-related ADRs consultations in primary care was considerable. Statins, beta-blockers, ACEIs/ARBs, and aspirin were the most frequently implicated drug classes. Closer clinical monitoring should be performed for patients affected by the ADRs to mitigate the risk of suboptimal treatment outcomes.
Latinx youth’s and parents’ covid-19 beliefs, vaccine hesitancy and vaccination rates: Longitudinal associations in a community sample
Authors: Mantina Namoonga M. , Ngaybe Maiya G. Block , Zeiders Katharine H. , Osman Kayla M. , Wilkinson-Lee Ada M. , Landor Antoinette M. , Hoyt Lindsay T.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The Latinx population has the second highest COVID-19 death rate among racial/ethnic groups in the United States and less than half of Latinx youth aged 5–17 years old completed their COVID-19 primary vaccination series as of September 2022. COVID-19 vaccine misinformation detrimentally impacts vaccination rates. In this study, we examined factors that predicted Latinx youth COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and vaccination status.

Methods

A community-based sample of 290 Latinx parent and adolescent dyads from a Southwestern metropolitan area of the United States who were recruited to complete an online survey at baseline at T1 (August 2020 –March 2021) and one year later. We tested a longitudinal mediation model in which we examined individual and family factors that would predict youth COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and vaccination status over time.

Results

Youth’s pandemic disbelief (i.e., the belief that the COVID-19 pandemic is a conspiracy or not real) predicted greater youth’s COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and in turn, a lower likelihood of youth’s COVID-19 vaccination. Youth’s pandemic disbelief also predicted greater parent’s vaccination hesitancy which, in turn, predicted greater youth’s vaccination hesitancy and a lower likelihood of COVID-19 vaccination. Parents’ pandemic disbelief predicted their own COVID-19 hesitancy, but not youth hesitancy.

Discussion

Our study findings provide initial evidence that general pandemic disbelief was a significant driver of vaccine hesitancy and vaccination among Latinx families. The study contributes to the limited research investigating COVID-19 vaccination in the Latinx community and among Latinx youth, further aiding how COVID-19 vaccine disparities can be mitigated among racial/ethnic populations.
Comparative efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine injections in patients with transient ischemic attack: A systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Yi Yunhao , Zhang Guangheng , Lv Shimeng , Rong Yuanhang , Liu Hui , Li Ming
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) injections are extensively utilized for the treatment of transient ischemic attack (TIA). However, it remains unclear which specific TCM injection exhibits superior efficacy. In this study, we conducted a network meta-analysis to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of various TCM injections in the treatment of TIA, with the aim of identifying the optimal treatment regimen.

Design

We searched seven databases to collect information on nine TCM injections for the treatment of transient randomized controlled trials (RCTs) for the treatment of transient ischemic attacks were collected from the establishment to August 2023. The methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the RoB 2.0 evaluation tool, and reticulated Meta-analysis was performed using R software and Stata software.

Results

We ultimately included 58 RCTs involving 5502 patients and comprising 9 TCM injections. In terms of improving the total effective rate, Shuxuetong injection (P-score = 0.69) was the most effective. In addition, Shuxuetong injection was most effective in lowering total cholesterol (P-score = 1.00) and triglyceride (P-score = 1.00) levels. Notably, Shuxuetong injection remained the most prominent in reducing fibrinogen (P-score = 0.91). However, among other blood hemorheology indicators, Dengzhanhuasu injection was the best regimen in reducing plasma viscosity (P-score = 1.00), whole blood viscosity (high shear rate) (P-score = 0.87), and whole blood viscosity (low shear rate) (P-score = 0.90). It was found that Yinxingyetiquwu injection (P-score = 0.72) was the most effective in reducing the incidence of cerebral infarction. In terms of safety, 22 studies reported adverse effects and descriptive analyses showed that the number of adverse effects of combination therapy was comparable to that of conventional therapy and that the safety profile was good.

Conclusions

TCM injections in combination with CT may be a safe and effective intervention for patients with TIA, of which Shuxuetong injection, Dengzhanhuasu injection, and Yinxingyetiquwu injection may be more noteworthy. The quality of the literature included in the study was low, so further validation is needed with larger sample sizes, higher quality, and more rigorously designed RCTs.

Systematic review registration

[PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42023443652].
Leisure-time physical activity improves happiness, health, and mood profile better than work-related physical activity
Authors: Skurvydas Albertas , Istomina Natalja , Dadeliene Ruta , Majauskiene Daiva , Strazdaite Emilija , Lisinskiene Ausra , Valanciene Dovile , Uspuriene Aiste Barbora , Sarkauskiene Asta
Published: July 2024

Background

In an online survey of Lithuanian adults (n = 1140) aged 18 to 64 years, we sought to better understand the factors influencing the structure of physical activity (PA). We hypothesised that the PA paradox (i.e. the benefits of PA will be much greater during leisure-time than work-related or household moderate to vigorous PA) occurs more subjectively for psychological well-being indicators, than physiological well-being indicators, and should not depend on age or gender.

Methods

An online questionnaire was distributed as to potential participants through the Facebook social networking website within the period May 2021 to December 2021. PA was assessed using the long version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Mood responses were assessed using the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS-LTU). Emotional intelligence was assessed using the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSREIT). Perceived stress was assessed using the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). Descriptive analysis, a two-way analysis of variance, and linear regression analysis were used to interpret the data.

Results

The results revealed that a PA paradox occurred in women and men in terms of health, happiness, vigour and perceived stress, and only in women according to morbidity and overeating. According to the regression analysis, women’s and men’s subjective health (β = 0.135; p < 0.001), happiness (β = 0.084; p = 0.018) and vigour (β = 0.169; p < 0.001) were significantly positively, and perceived stress (β = -0.088; p = 0.009) negatively correlated (regardless of age) only with leisure-time moderate to vigorous PA. ‘Healthy’, i.e. the amount of leisure-time PA in men decreases with age, while it does not change in women.

Conclusions

We believe that this study has expanded a clearer understanding of the PA paradox and its possible application to improving the health of individuals of different age groups.