bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anterior cruciate ligament injuries in female athletes: risk factors and strategies for prevention
Authors: Mancino Fabio , Kayani Babar , Gabr Ayman , Fontalis Andreas , Plastow Ricci , Haddad Fares S.
Published: February 2024

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common and debilitating knee injuries in professional athletes with an incidence in females up to eight-times higher than their male counterparts. ACL injuries can be career-threatening and are associated with increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis in future life. The increased risk of ACL injury in females has been attributed to various anatomical, developmental, neuromuscular, and hormonal factors. Anatomical and hormonal factors have been identified and investigated as significant contributors including osseous anatomy, ligament laxity, and hamstring muscular recruitment. Postural stability and impact absorption are associated with the stabilizing effort and stress on the ACL during sport activity, increasing the risk of noncontact pivot injury. Female patients have smaller diameter hamstring autografts than males, which may predispose to increased risk of re-rupture following ACL reconstruction and to an increased risk of chondral and meniscal injuries. The addition of an extra-articular tenodesis can reduce the risk of failure; therefore, it should routinely be considered in young elite athletes. Prevention programs target key aspects of training including plyometrics, strengthening, balance, endurance and stability, and neuromuscular training, reducing the risk of ACL injuries in female athletes by up to 90%. Sex disparities in access to training facilities may also play an important role in the risk of ACL injuries between males and females. Similarly, football boots, pitches quality, and football size and weight should be considered and tailored around females’ characteristics. Finally, high levels of personal and sport-related stress have been shown to increase the risk of ACL injury which may be related to alterations in attention and coordination, together with increased muscular tension, and compromise the return to sport after ACL injury. Further investigations are still necessary to better understand and address the risk factors involved in ACL injuries in female athletes.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(2):94–100.
Loss of carbon stock as an impact of anthropogenic activities in a protected mangrove forest
Authors: EDDY SYAIFUL , SETIAWAN ANDI ARIF , TAUFIK MIRNA , OKTAVIA MAHARANI , UTOMO BUDI , MILANTARA NORIL
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Eddy S, Setiawan AA, Taufik M, Oktavia M, Utomo B, Milantara N. 2023. Loss of carbon stock as an impact of anthropogenic activities in a protected mangrove forest. Biodiversitas 24: 6493-6501. The significant anthropogenic activities within the mangrove forest, known as the Air Telang Protected Forest (ATPF) in the Banyuasin District, South Sumatra, Indonesia, have led to an alarming degradation, leaving only its primary mangrove forests, currently constituting approximately 26% of the total forest area. This study aims to analyze changes in land cover, quantify carbon reserve loss due to CO2 emissions, and assess carbon sequestration in the ATPF over two periods: 1999-2010 and 2010-2023. Remote sensing data for 1999, 2010, and 2023 were utilized from Landsat imagery, employing ENVI and ArcGIS for land cover classification. Carbon density, CO2 emissions, and carbon sequestration were analysed using the Land Use Planning for Multiple Environmental Services (LUMENS) software. The research findings reveal an increase in the primary forest area in the first period (by almost a quarter); however, more than half of this area was lost in the second period. The secondary forest area consistently decreased over the two periods, while the open area experienced significant growth. Carbon stocks in 2010 exceeded those in 1999 due to an increase in the primary forest area, but by 2023, carbon stocks decreased significantly due to extensive land clearing. The second period witnessed the largest emissions, exceeding those of the previous period by five times. Carbon sequestration in the first period surpassed that in the second period by more than three times, with the most significant sequestration resulting from the growth of secondary mangrove forests into primary mangrove forests. The study highlights the necessity of restoration and conservation of mangrove forest areas in ATPF for sustenance of its natural function as a protected forest.
Mangrove condition at a marine conservation area at Moramo Bay, Sulawesi, Indonesia
Authors: OETAMA DEDY , HAKIM LUCHMAN , LELONO TRI D. , MUSA MUHAMMAD
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Oetama D, Hakim L, Lelono TD, Musa M. 2023. Mangrove condition at a marine conservation area at Moramo Bay, Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6536-6544. The mangrove ecosystem is one ecosystem that supports biodiversity at the Marine Conservation Area (MCA) in Moramo Bay, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. The area of the mangrove ecosystem in Moramo Bay is approximately 1,933.09 hectares, with an MCA of 1,281.46 hectares. This ecosystem plays an important role in protecting the coastline from erosion due to the seawater filtration process in the bay. This study aims to provide information regarding the status of mangrove ecosystem in the MCA, including species, density, basal area, dominance, and canopy cover percentage, which was used to state the standard criteria for mangrove ecosystem damage. The methods involved a 10×10 m² transect and hemispherical photography using a fisheye lens with a 180° field of view. Seven species of mangrove were found in Moramo Bay MCA, including Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (L.) Lam. (dominating with a basal area value of 136,963.66), followed by Sonneratia alba Sm. (153,111.90), Rhizophora mucronata Lam. (113,708.04), Rhizophora stylosa Griffith (28,869.95), Xylocarpus moluccensis (Lam.) M.Roem. (9,326.59), Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. (3,419.46), and Rhizophora apiculata Blume with a basal area value of 1,690.11. The density of mangrove vegetation was in the criteria of rare to dense, with approximately 800-4,200 individuals per hectare. Furthermore, the mangrove ecosystem in the MCA was found to be damaged up to good condition, with canopy cover percentage values of 45.85%-98.88%. The condition of the mangrove ecosystem in Moramo Bay MCA preserves a basic deliberation for the Indonesian government for adaptive and sustainable management of conservation areas. Protection, preservation, and utilization of mangrove ecosystems should be maximized in all coastal areas to improve the quality of biodiversity.
Species of aphids found in ornamental and wild plants in Pagar Alam District, South Sumatra, Indonesia
Authors: IRSAN CHANDRA , ANGGRAINI ERISE , RAMADHANI WENNY
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Irsan C, Anggraini E, Ramadhani W. 2023. Species of aphids found in ornamental and wild plants in Pagar Alam District, South Sumatra, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6602-6612. Aphids are one of the crucial pests in tropical and sub-tropical regions. The presence of aphids in a plant can be very detrimental due to their role as vectors. Aphids exhibit species diversity, but not much information has been reported about the species diversity of aphids associated with essential crops such as ornamental plants. Furthermore, many aphid species, such as wild plants, were found on plants that were not hosts. Therefore, this study reported the species of aphids found in ornamental and wild plants. The field research employed purposive and direct observation to inventory cultivated or wild plants hosting and collecting aphids. The plant selection process included cultivated plants encompassing ornamental plants and wild plants or weeds. The collection and identification of host plants and aphids involved systematic searches for the selected plants and subsequent examination for the presence of aphids. Observations were made to all existing plant species to find those colonized by aphids. This study revealed that a total of 15 species of aphids were found in Ornamental plants, Aphis craccivora Koch, 1854, Aphis spiraecola Patch, 1914, Aphis glycines Matsumura, 1917, Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877, Aulacorthum solani Kaltenbach, 1843, Macrosiphoniella sanborni Gillette, 1908, Macrosiphum rosae Linnaeus, 1758, Myzus persicae Sulzer, 1776, Neomyzus circumflexus Buckton, 1876, Pentalonia caladii van der Goot, 1917, Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae Linnaeus, 1761, Sinemegoura citricola van der Goot, 1917, Toxoptera aurantii Boyer de Fonscolombe, 1841, Toxoptera citricidus Kirkaldy, 1907, Toxoptera odinae van der Goot, 1917 and the total of 11 species aphids found in weeds, A. gossypii, A. craccivora, A. glycines, A. citricola, Greenidea sp., Hystroneura setariae Thomas, 1878, Hiperomyzus sp., Lipaphis erysimi Kaltenbach, 1843, Rhopalosiphum maidis Fitch, 1856, Rhopalosiphum padi Linnaeus, 1758, Schizaphis rotundiventris Signoret, 1860.
Estimating nutrient composition and polyphenol concentration using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) in tropical forages
Authors: PARASTIWI HIKMAH A. , LESTARI NENG SRI H. , YANZA YULIANRI R. , NIDERKORN VINCENT , RIDWAN RONI , JAYANEGARA ANURAGA
Published: February 2024

Abstract. Parastiwi HA, Lestari NSH, Yanza YR, Niderkorn V, Ridwan R, Jayanegara A. 2023. Estimating nutrient composition and polyphenol concentration using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) in tropical forages. Biodiversitas 24: 6652-6660. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and precision of Near-Infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in determining nutrient composition and total phenol concentration in tropical forages. A total of 48 tropical forages from 33 species were subjected to measurements using conventional methods and NIRS equipment for rapid determination. The measured variables included Dry Matter (DM), ash, Crude Protein (CP), Ether Extract (EE), Crude Fiber (CF), and Total Phenolic (TP). The values obtained from NIRS were then statistically evaluated to obtain their coefficient of determination (R2), Standard Error (SE), and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE). Each tropical forage was assessed with three scanning repetitions, where two were conducted to calibrate NIRS determination, and another was performed to validate the NIRS results. All values obtained from the measured samples using both methods in this study were statistically analyzed through Partial Least Square (PLS) regression model. The results showed that the accuracy of NIRS for estimating nutrient content and total phenolic among different tropical forages was varied. NIRS was precise and accurate for estimating crude protein and total phenolic contents of tropical forages but showed lower accuracy for estimating EE content.
Rolling shutter speckle plethysmography for quantitative cardiovascular monitoring
Authors: Lee Yujin , Byun Sangjun , Yi Changyoon , Jung Jaewoo , Lee Seung Ah
Published: February 2024

We propose a new speckle-based plethysmography technique, termed rolling shutter speckle plethysmography (RSSPG), which can quantitatively measure the velocity and volume fluctuations of blood flow during the cardiac cycle. Our technique is based on the rolling shutter speckle imaging, where the short row-by-row time differences in the rolling shutter image sensors are used to measure the temporal decorrelation behavior of vertically elongated speckles from a single image capture. Temporal analysis of the speckle field provides rich information regarding the dynamics of the scattering media, such as both the dynamic scattering fraction and the speckle decorrelation time. Using a sequence of images, RSSPG can monitor fluctuations in the blood flow dynamics while separating velocity and volume changes in blood vessels and obtaining high-quality plethysmography waveforms compared to regular photoplethysmography. We demonstrate the quantitative RSSPG based on accurate fitting of the speckle dynamics model, as well as the qualitative RSSPG based on simple row-by-row correlation (RIC) calculation for fast and robust analysis. Based on exploratory in vivo experiment, we show that RSSPG can reliably measure pulsatile waveforms and heart rate variations in various conditions, potentially providing physiologically relevant information for cardiovascular monitoring.
Non-sweep DC component estimation method for a virtual-carrier assisted Kramers-Kronig receiver
Authors: Li Jianping , Luo Shiwei , Yu Xinkuo , He Jianqing , Qin Yuwen , Lin Ning , Zhang Rongyong , Xiang Meng , Fu Songnian
Published: February 2024

The Kramers-Kronig (KK) receiver has attracted much attention in short-range optical interconnection because of its ability to recover the phase of the signal from the intensity information through KK algorithm. In high-speed KK systems, such as virtual-carrier (VC) assisted ones, an alternating current (AC) coupled photo-detector (PD) is preferred due to relaxing the requirements of analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and electronic amplifier by filtering direct current (DC) component. However, the loss of the DC component will cause the KK algorithm to break down, so it is necessary to accurately recover DC value in the digital domain with multiple-sweep. In this paper, we propose what we believe is a novel non-sweep DC component estimation scheme based on optimized digital carrier-to-signal power ratio (OD-CSPR) method, which can accurately estimate the DC component with only 3-4 iterations in the scenario of VC-assisted KK receiver optical transmission. The scheme utilizes the one-dimensional search optimization algorithm based on golden section search and parabolic interpolation without sweeping. The simulation and experimental results of the proposed non-sweep OD-CSPR method show that the DC component can be estimated accurately in a large CSPR range, and the system performance is close to that of the conventional DC-sweep method. Compared with the typical defined digital CSPR (DD-CSPR) based optimization method, the proposed one can realize optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) gains of 0.9 dB in the back-to-back (B2B) and 0.7 dB under 80 km fiber transmission scenarios respectively with a total bit rate of 160Gb/s.
Improving temperature characteristics of GaN-based ultraviolet laser diodes by using InGaN/AlGaN quantum wells
Authors: Yang Jing , Huang Yu-Jie , Liu Zong-Shun , Zhang Yu-Heng , Liang Feng , Zhao De-Gang
Published: February 2024

Temperature characteristics of GaN-based laser diodes are investigated. It is noted that the characteristic temperature of the threshold current (T0) decreases with decreasing lasing wavelength for GaN-based LDs. The performance deteriorates seriously for UV LDs at high temperature. It is ascribed to the increase of carriers escaping from quantum wells due to the lower potential barrier height. In this Letter, AlGaN is used as the barrier layer in UV LDs instead of GaN to improve the temperature characteristic of the threshold current and slope efficiency by increasing the potential barrier height of quantum wells. Based on this structure, a high output power of 4.6 W is obtained at the injection current of 3.8 A; its lasing wavelength is 386.8 nm.
High-performance Ge-on-insulator lateral p-i-n waveguide photodetectors for electronic–photonic integrated circuits at telecommunication wavelengths
Authors: Huang Tzu-Yang , Bansal Radhika , Ghosh Soumava , Lee Kwang Hong , Chen Qimiao , Tan Chuan Seng , Chang Guo-En
Published: February 2024

We report high-performance germanium-on-insulator (GeOI) waveguide photodetectors (WGPDs) for electronic–photonic integrated circuits (EPICs) operating at telecommunication wavelengths. The GeOI samples were fabricated using layer transfer and wafer-bonding techniques, and a high-quality Ge active layer was achieved. Planar lateral p-i-n WGPDs were fabricated and characterized, and they exhibited a low dark current of 0.1 µA. Strain-induced alterations in the optical properties were observed, resulting in an extended photodetection range up to λ = 1638 nm. This range encompasses crucial telecommunication bands. The WGPDs exhibited a high responsivity of 0.56 A/W and a high detectivity of D∗ = 1.87 ×109cmHz1/2W - 1 at 1550 nm. A frequency-response analysis revealed that increasing the bias voltage from −1 to −9 V enhances the 3-dB bandwidth from 31 to 49 MHz. This study offers a comprehensive understanding of GeOI WGPDs, fostering high-performance EPICs with implications for telecommunications and beyond.
Recovery of polarization entanglement in partially coherent photonic qubits
Authors: Rao Sakshi , Sharma Preeti , Kanseri Bhaskar
Published: February 2024

Partially coherent photonic qubits, owing to their robustness in propagation through random media compared to fully coherent qubits, find applications in free-space communication, quantum imaging, and quantum sensing. However, the reduction of spatial coherence degrades entanglement in qubits, adversely affecting entanglement-based applications. We report the recovery of entanglement in the partially coherent photonic qubits generated using a spontaneous parametric downconversion process despite retaining their multimode nature. This study utilizes an electron multiplying charge-coupled device (EMCCD) to perform coincidence measurements, eliminating the need for raster scanning of single-pixel detectors, which simplifies optical alignment, enhances precision, and reduces time consumption. We demonstrate that the size of apertures used to select biphotons substantially impacts the visibility and S-parameter of polarization-entangled partially coherent qubits. The entanglement is recovered with partial spatial coherence properties by choosing small sizes of the apertures in the captured image plane. This study could help in the advancement of free-space quantum communication, quantum imaging, and quantum metrology.
Stereo digital image correlation using binocular super-resolution
Authors: He Xiaoyuan , Yin Zhuoyi , yuan fang , Tong Zixiang , ren xiangyun , Yang Fujun
Published: February 2024

The spatial resolution and measurement accuracy of digital image correlation (DIC) method are limited by the camera resolution. It is determined by the hardware cost. However, in the current stereo DIC measurement, only the gray level or its gradient of two images are used for integer-pixel matching and sub-pixel optimization. It subconsciously takes the two images from different views as independent individuals, and then correlates them. However, the structural information has not been utilized. This previously neglected information can provide a new approach to improve the accuracy of DIC. The realization of binocular super-resolution often needs to be based on a relatively small parallax. And DIC method can obtain image window pairing with small parallax by pre-matching. It means that binocular super-resolution and stereo-DIC can complement information for each other. In this paper, the DIC method is used to match the whole pixel of the image, and the binocular super-resolution method based on deep learning is used to process the image matching pairs. Based on the accumulation of previous experiments, rich datasets containing different experimental scenes and different speckle patterns were collated and used. Further, DIC method can establish a training datasets with minimal parallax through integer-pixel matching method, so it can achieve very excellent super-resolution results. Experimental results show that super-resolution images with higher signal-to-noise ratio can be obtained. Additionally, it can effectively provide more image details, which will be conducive to the calculation accuracy and resolution of DIC.
ZmARF1 positively regulates low phosphorus stress tolerance via modulating lateral root development in maize
Authors: Wu Fengkai , Yahaya Baba Salifu , Gong Ying , He Bing , Gou Junlin , He Yafeng , Li Jing , Kang Yan , Xu Jie , Wang Qingjun , Feng Xuanjun , Tang Qi , Liu Yaxi , Lu Yanli
Published: February 2024

Phosphorus (P) deficiency is one of the most critical factors for plant growth and productivity, including its inhibition of lateral root initiation. Auxin response factors (ARFs) play crucial roles in root development via auxin signaling mediated by genetic pathways. In this study, we found that the transcription factor ZmARF1 was associated with low inorganic phosphate (Pi) stress-related traits in maize. This superior root morphology and greater phosphate stress tolerance could be ascribed to the overexpression of ZmARF1. The knock out mutant zmarf1 had shorter primary roots, fewer root tip number, and lower root volume and surface area. Transcriptomic data indicate that ZmLBD1, a direct downstream target gene, is involved in lateral root development, which enhances phosphate starvation tolerance. A transcriptional activation assay revealed that ZmARF1 specifically binds to the GC-box motif in the promoter of ZmLBD1 and activates its expression. Moreover, ZmARF1 positively regulates the expression of ZmPHR1, ZmPHT1;2, and ZmPHO2, which are key transporters of Pi in maize. We propose that ZmARF1 promotes the transcription of ZmLBD1 to modulate lateral root development and Pi-starvation induced (PSI) genes to regulate phosphate mobilization and homeostasis under phosphorus starvation. In addition, ZmERF2 specifically binds to the ABRE motif of the promoter of ZmARF1 and represses its expression. Collectively, the findings of this study revealed that ZmARF1 is a pivotal factor that modulates root development and confers low-Pi stress tolerance through the transcriptional regulation of the biological function of ZmLBD1 and the expression of key Pi transport proteins.
Climate finance and women-hunger alleviation in the global south: Is the Sub-Saharan Africa case any different?
Authors: Doku Isaac , Phiri Andrew
Published: February 2024

To unearth the influence of climate finance (CF) on women-hunger alleviation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the study used unbalanced panel data for 43 SSA countries for the period 2006–2018. Data was analysed using system-GMM to deal with the endogeneity problem inherent in the model, among other panel regression estimators. Also, the sensitivity of the estimates was carried out using panel fixed effect quantile regression. The findings showed that CF and its components have a significant effect on women-hunger alleviation in SSA, apart from FDI. Further, control of corruption also showed a significant women-hunger alleviation impact. For the climate variables, areas in SSA with higher temperature are more likely to experience worsened women-hunger. Based on the findings, the study recommends that SSA countries need to strengthen their fight against corruption. More so, donors should extend CF as financial aid or support to government budget, due to their potential of alleviating women-hunger.
Healthcare waste generation and quantification in public health centres in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Menelik Legesse
Published: February 2024

Background

Healthcare waste produced in healthcare activities entails higher risk of infection and injuries than municipal waste. In developing countries healthcare waste has not received much attention and has been disposed of together with municipal wastes. Modern method of disposal of healthcare waste have been introduced to most healthcare institutions mismanagement and increased in production in public health centres in Ethiopia is important issues. The aim of the study was to assess the type of healthcare waste generation and quantification in selected public health centres in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Methods

An institution based cross-sectional study were conducted from January to February 2018. Fifteen health centres in Addis Ababa City Administration were selected for this study. Data were collected by using by different color plastic bags (Black plastic bags for non-hazardous wastes, Yellow plastic bags for hazardous wastes and Yellow safety box for needles and Red bags for pharmaceutical wastes and toxic wastes). The collected wastes were measured by weighing scale and were written to data entry sheet. To assure the data quality calibration of weighing scale was made by the standard weight every morning. EPI INFO TM7 and IBM SPSS were used for data entry, cleaning and analysis.

Results

The mean healthcare waste generation was 10.64+5.79Kg/day of which 37.26% (3.96+2.20Kg/day) was general waste and 62.74% (6.68+4.29) was hazardous waste from the studies health centres. Total hazardous waste; sharps, infectious, pathological and pharmaceutical wastes constitutes mean (±SD) 0.97 ±1.03, 3.23 ± 2.60, 2.17±1.92 and 0.25 ±0.34 kg/day respectively. Healthcare waste 29.93% and 0.32% were generated from delivery and post-natal case team and nutrition and growth monitoring case team respectively. The annual mean+ SD of healthcare waste generation rate per health centres were 3807.53+ 2109.84 Kg/year.

Conclusion

The finding in this study showed there was an increased in hazardous healthcare waste in amount as compared to the WHO standard 85% non-hazardous waste and 10% hazardous waste and 5% toxic wastes. The healthcare waste management practices about segregation, collection, transportation and disposal at the source is crucial to decrease in quantity. Generally unselective handling and disposal of healthcare wastes is a concern.
Experiences of adolescents living with HIV on transitioning from pediatric to adult HIV care in low and middle-income countries: A Qualitative Evidence Synthesis Protocol
Authors: Petinger Charné , Crowley Talitha , van Wyk Brian
Published: February 2024

In South Africa, it is estimated that approximately 320,000 adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) will transition from pediatric to adult antiretroviral treatment (ART) by 2028. However, the age period of 10–19 years is accompanied by a myriad of barriers that challenge the transition process, and continued adherence to ART. The transition process involves ALHIV taking charge of their own health and disease management which raises challenges for their retention in care. Managing transition becomes particularly challenging in low-resource contexts as their healthcare systems are not adapted to the specific needs it requires. There is a need to garner an understanding of existing transition practices which address the specific needs of adolescents and is optimized to their requirements and available resources within a low- or middle-income country context. This review will include all qualitative and mixed method studies which will facilitate a deeper understanding the experiences of ALHIV on transition experiences. The review will specifically look at studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries. The included studies must be presented in the English language and published between 2010–2023. The search strategy will be finalized with consultation with an information specialist. All three reviewers will be present throughout all stages of the review. One reviewer will work independently on the initial screening of studies and another reviewer will assist in checks. After data is extracted, the data will be thematically analyzed with the use of Atlas.Ti computer software. No ethics approval is required and the review will be published in peer reviewed journals and submitted to conferences.

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023396459.
Changes in ocular extorsion after horizontal muscle surgery in patients with intermittent exotropia coexisting with hypertropia and mild inferior oblique overaction
Authors: Lee Soo Jung , Yoon Sook Hyun , Kim Sook Young , Lee Donghun
Published: February 2024

Purpose

To investigate changes in vertical strabismus and extorsion in patients with intermittent exotropia and mild unilateral inferior oblique muscle overaction (IOOA) who underwent horizontal muscle surgery without vertical or oblique muscle surgery.

Methods

The medical records of 41 patients were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were followed up for at least 6 months after surgery. Fundus photography was performed before and after surgery, and the sum of the angles of torsion in both eyes was used to measure changes in extorsion using ImageJ software. The enrolled patients were divided into two groups according to the degree of IOOA: patients with grade 1 IOOA were placed in +1 IOOA group and those with grade 2 IOOA in +2 IOOA group. The pre- and postoperative angles of horizontal and vertical strabismus and extorsion were compared between the two groups.

Results

The +1 IOOA and +2 IOOA groups included 24 and 17 patients, respectively. The angle of preoperative exotropia did not differ significantly: 25.54 ± 5.68 prism diopters (PD) and 25.65 ± 8.11 PD in the +1 IOOA and +2 IOOA groups, respectively. In the +1 IOOA and +2 IOOA groups, hypertropia was 2.67 ± 1.52 PD and 2.82 ± 1.13 PD, respectively, and extorsion angles were 7.14 ± 2.77° and 7.94 ± 2.87°, respectively. As the IOOA degree increased, the extent of hypertropia and extorsion also increased. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups. Postoperative angles of hypertropia and extorsion significantly decreased in both groups (p < 0.001) after surgery. The degree of change in hypertropia and extorsion was not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.563 and p = 0.354, respectively).

Conclusions

Hypertropia and extorsion improved significantly after horizontal muscle surgery in patients with mild unilateral IOOA and intermittent exotropia. There was no significant difference in the improvement in hypertropia or extorsion between IOOA grades I and II.
Detection method of organic light-emitting diodes based on small sample deep learning
Authors: Qiu Hua , Huang Jin , Feng Yi-Cong , Rong Peng
Published: February 2024

In order to solve the surface detection problems of low accuracy, low precision and inability to automate in the production process of late-model display panels, a little sample-based deep learning organic light-emitting diodes detection model SmartMuraDetection is proposed. First, aiming at the detection difficulty of low surface defect contrast, a gradient boundary enhancement algorithm module is designed to automatically identify and enhance defects and background gray difference. Then, the problem of insufficient little sample data sets is solved, Poisson fusion image enhancement module is designed for sample enhancement. Then, a TinyDetection model adapted to small-scale target detection is constructed to improve the detection accuracy of defects in small-scale targets. Finally, SEMUMaxMin quantization module is proposed as a post-processing module for the result images derived from network model reasoning, and accurate defect data is obtained by setting a threshold filter. The number of sample images in the experiment is 334. This study utilizes an organic light-emitting diodes detection model. The detection accuracy of surface defects can be improved by 85% compared with the traditional algorithm. The method in this paper is used for mass production evaluation in the actual display panel production site. The detection accuracy of surface defects reaches 96%, which can meet the mass production level of the detection equipment in this process section.
Comparative evaluation of double- and single-armed two-suture longitudinal intussusception techniques in microsurgical vasoepididymostomy: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xiao Hong , Zhou Shan , Chen Qiang , Ding Yilang , Yang Peng , Huang Hailin , Chen Xi , Zhou Huiliang , Tang Songxi
Published: February 2024

Background

This study aimed to compare the outcomes of double−armed two−suture longitudinal intussusception microsurgical vasoepididymostomy (LIVE) and single−armed two−suture LIVE techniques in patients with epididymal obstructive azoospermia (EOA). The main outcomes assessed were patency rates, patency time, semen quality and natural pregnancy rates.

Methods

Data from patients with EOA who underwent two−suture LIVE were obtained from databases including PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science. Weighted data were analyzed using a random−effects model, and weighted mean differences were reported.

Results

A total of 1574 patients with EOA from 24 studies were included. The overall patency rate was approximately 68% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 63–72%), with a patency time of approximately 4.63 months (95% CI: 4.15–5.12). The sperm concentration reached 26.90 million/ml and the sperm motility was 23.74%. The natural pregnancy rate was 38% (95% CI: 31–46%). The different definitions of patency do not seem to have any meaningful impact when comparing patency rates. There was no significant difference in patency rates, patency time, semen quality and natural pregnancy rates between the double−armed and single−armed LIVE techniques.

Conclusion

The single−armed LIVE is a potential alternative surgical option when high quality double−needle sutures are not easily accessible.
Household, neighbourhood and service provider risk factors for piped drinking-water intermittency in urban and peri-urban Zambia: A cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Thomas-Possee Mair L. H. , Channon Andrew A. , Bain Robert E. S. , Wright James A.
Published: February 2024

Given nearly one third of sub-Saharan Africa’s population lack access to an improved water source that is available when needed, service continuity restricts access to safely managed services. Household surveys, water regulators, and utilities all gather data on service continuity, but few studies have integrated these disparate datasets to quantify continuity-related risk factors and inequalities. This study aimed to assess the added value of utility and regulator data for international monitoring by assessing factors affecting piped water availability in urban and peri-urban Zambia. Household ‘user’ data from the 2018 Demographic and Health Survey (n = 3047) were spatially linked to provider data from an international utility database and regulator reports. Multilevel modelling quantified provider-related and socio-economic risk factors for households reporting water being unavailable for at least one day in the previous fortnight. 47% (95% CI: 45%, 49%) of urban and peri-urban households reported water being unavailable for at least one full day, ranging from 18% (95% CI: 14%, 23%) to 76% (95% CI: 70%, 81%) across providers. Controlling for provider, home ownership (odds ratio (OR) = 1.31; p <0.01), speaking Luvale, Kaonde, Lunda (OR = 2.06; p <0.05) or Tonga (OR = 1.78; p <0.1) as an ethnicity proxy, and dry season interview dates (OR = 1.91; p <0.05) were associated with household-reported interruptions. Households using a neighbour’s tap (OR = 1.33; p <0.1) and in mid-wealth neighbourhoods (OR = 4.31; p <0.1) were more likely to report interruptions. For every $1000 increase in utility-level GDP per capita, the odds of an interruption were 0.51 times less (p<0.01). Substantial inequalities in drinking-water availability were found between provider coverage areas. Spatial integration of user, provider and regulator data enriches analysis, providing a finer-scale perspective than otherwise possible. However, wider use of utility or regulator data requires investment in monitoring of small-scale community supply intermittency and utility coverage area data.
Fumbling towards community-engaged opera creation: A reflexive dialogue
Authors: Yerichuk Deanna , Kinnunen Cynthia
Published: February 2024

This article analyses reflections of two years of an opera creation project that integrated professional artists with community participants. The authors, who were involved as artists in the project, explore one line of inquiry guiding the larger project: can the perceived exclusive, high-cultured opera medium welcome amateur performers successfully? What is the nature of the collaboration? The authors integrated critical discourse studies (CDS) with arts-informed research practices to inform methodology. The analysis is presented as a scripted dialogue, focusing on three interconnected themes: the relationship of opera to community music; tensions of inclusivity in a creative project occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic; and considering creative and decision-making processes in co-creation. We examine how our experiences were organized though language and connected to discourses of inclusivity and excellence in community music.
Motivation, challenges, skills and understanding: Musicians’ perspectives on working in a curated performance programme for older adults in aged care and community settings
Authors: Kennedy Iris , Barrett Margaret S.
Published: February 2024

Musicians have long worked with older adults and vulnerable populations across the lifespan to support emotional and social well-being. However, there is limited research concerning the experiences and preparation of professional musicians who work with social aims transitioning to working as community musicians. This project is unique in its attempt to further understand the motivations, skills and understanding of professional musicians working with social aims in a social outreach programme. Utilizing qualitative case study methodology, this study identified musicians’ experience, motivations and required skills to present a programme curated by an Australian performing arts organization for older adults, residents and care staff in aged care facilities and community centres. The participating musicians navigated challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic such as performing online, in PPE, and the unexpected emotional impact of working with vulnerable populations. The participating musicians addressed these challenges through developing a sense of connection through a digital medium, adaptability and by fostering a sense of shared hospitality. Additional research is needed to further explore and understand the experiences of community musicians’ skills, expertise and development.
‘Nowhere else in the prison was that possible!’: Directors’ perspectives on instrumental music programmes in US prisons
Authors: Messerschmidt Edward D.
Published: February 2024

This study sought to gain an understanding of: (a) the formation and operation of four instrumental music programmes active in prisons between 1973 and 2020 and (b) the meanings ascribed to those programmes by their directors and their perceptions of the meanings that incarcerated instrumentalists ascribed to their participation in those groups, focusing on aspects of the programming that might contribute to desistance. Four retired music educators completed an online, open-ended questionnaire, describing their experiences teaching instrumental music in prisons. Using inductive thematic analysis, the following themes in participants’ responses were identified: (a) the importance of support from those in power in starting and running prison-based music programmes; (b) the potential for participation in prison-based instrumental music programmes to help people overcome prejudice and establish community connections; and (c) satisfaction through the development of new abilities among incarcerated musicians. From these findings, I argue that prison-based instrumental music programmes can potentially foster activities and relationships that contribute to social rehabilitation and desistance. Furthermore, the finding that incarcerated musicians reportedly enjoyed a wide array of musical genres and pedagogical approaches invites further discussion about the potential inclusion of different kinds of instrumental music programmes in prison contexts.
Music and Social Inclusion: International Research and Practice in Complex Settings, Oscar Odena (ed.) (2023)
Authors: Willingham Lee
Published: February 2024

Reviewe of: Music and Social Inclusion: International Research and Practice in Complex Settings, Oscar Odena (ed.) (2023)

New York: Routledge Press, 290 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-03203-719-6, h/bk, £90
Pseudocercospora fijiensis mycelia-based infection system enhances investigational efficacy of P. fijiensis-banana pathosystem
Authors: Kumakech Alfred , Turyagyenda Laban F. , Edema Richard , Okori Patrick
Published: February 2024

Screening procedures for black Sigatoka have limitations. Thus, there is need for alternative screening procedure. A robust controlled-environment methodology for testing reaction of banana genotypes to Pseudocercospora fijiensis is, thus, still required. The objective of this study was, therefore, to assess the effect of P. fijiensis fragmented mycelia-based inoculum on black Sigatoka development in banana under screen house conditions with the view of developing a procedure for early assessment of resistance. Black Sigatoka severity increased significantly (P < 0.05) over time in all genotypes apart from Kayinja. Significant differences (P < 0.05) in severity were also recorded among the genotypes at 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks after inoculation. All east African highland banana and plantain genotypes tested exhibited susceptible reaction, characterized by rapid progression of symptoms to necrotic lesions. Kayinja and M9 hybrids exhibited resistant reactions, characterized by small necrotic specks and chlorotic or brown blotches, respectively. The fragmented mycelia-based infection system classified the banana genotypes into resistant and susceptible clones, making it a reliable and efficient infection technique to assess black Sigatoka disease damage. The infection system is recommended for early screening for black Sigatoka resistance.
Loading of anticancer drug anastrozole using Fe3O4@SiO2
Authors: Ahsan Muhammad , Qasim Sobia , Shah Ajmal , Nelofar  , Nawaz Irum , Kashif Muhammad , Ahmad Wisal
Published: February 2024

Anastrozole is a prescription drug that is used to treat hormone-dependent breast cancer, mostly in women who have gone through menopause. Once a day, it is taken by mouth. Anastrozole stops the activity of an enzyme called aromatase, which changes androgens into oestrogens. But taking the drug often comes with side effects that depend on how much you take, such as tiredness, diarrhea, hot flashes, nausea, headaches, muscle and joint pain, and so on. Anastrozole has also been linked to other side effects and more bone loss. To overcome the side effects of anastrozole and for their efficient delivery anastrozole must be loaded on the surfaces which is biocompatible and stable towards human body. So, the co-precipitation method was used to make iron oxide nanoparticles, which were then covered with silica using the Stober method. The made Fe3O4@SiO2 nanocomposite was taken out as a black powder and studied using FTIR, EDX, and SEM. The SEM picture showed that the Fe3O4 and Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles size ranges were between 30 and 45 nm and 55 to 70 nm respectively. We also looked at how contact time, pH, and the amount of nanocomposite affected the loading of the drug. The best adsorption (85.6%) happened when the reaction lasted 12 h, the pH was 4, and the adsorbent dose was 10 mg.
Delay - Mediengeschichten der Verzögerung, 1850-1950
Authors: Borbach Christoph
Published: February 2024

Die Übertragungszeit, delay, von Impulsen und Signalen kann als flüchtiger Akteur einer Mediengeschichte verstanden werden. Delay-Medien wie die Sonographie, das Sonar oder Radar haben weitreichende Implikationen für aktuelle Medienkulturen. Dabei musste sich die Verdatung von Umwelten und Körpern als Funktion von Übertragungszeiten zunächst aber historisch beweisen. Christoph Borbach widmet sich in neun Fallgeschichten frühen Temporalisierungen von Räumen in Kontexten von u.a. Medizin, Post, Militär und Computertechnik. Innovativ beleuchtet er so die Medienkultur-, Wissens- und Praxisgeschichte des Akteurs Delay - von ersten Sensormedien im 19. Jahrhundert bis hin zu Infrastrukturen der Verarbeitung von Big Data in Echtzeit.
Wikipedia: Die rationale Seite der Digitalisierung?
Authors: Rahmstorf Olaf
Published: February 2024

Die Wikipedia präsentiert das Wissen der Welt im digitalen Zeitalter. Damit stellt sie sich in eine Linie mit den Aufklärern des 18. Jahrhunderts - und quer zu den irrationalen Exzessen digitaler Filterblasen. Aber wie sehen die Produktionsbedingungen dieses Wissens in der Praxis aus und nach welchen Kriterien wird »wahres« von »falschem« Wissen unterschieden? Olaf Rahmstorf diagnostiziert aus einer wissenssoziologischen Perspektive einen verkürzenden Formalismus, der sich vor inhaltliche Argumentation schiebt. Hiervon ausgehend analysiert er den »Neutral point of view«, das formale und epistemologische Kernstück der Wikipedia, konfrontiert ihn mit den Erkenntnissen zeitgenössischer Rationalitätstheorien und entwickelt daraus schließlich eine diskurstheoretische Bestimmung der Wikipedia.
Begründungsfiguren und -diskurse der Musikvermittlung
Authors: Voit Johannes
Published: February 2024

Johannes Voit stellt in seinem Beitrag ausgewählte Begrundungsfiguren dar, die den Diskurs zur Musikvermittlung in den letzten Jahren geprägt haben. Neben der Ermöglichung kultureller Teilhabe oder musikalisch-ästhetischer Erfahrungen ist hier auch der Versuch zu nennen, der (vermeintlichen?) Krise des klassischen Konzertbetriebs entgegenzuwirken, die Haltungen von Musiker_innen und Kulturinstitutionen zu verändern oder auch kulturpolitische Wirksamkeit zu entfalten.
Wie Musikvermittlung spielend das Konzertwesen transformiert - eine praxistheoretisch informierte Bestandsaufnahme
Authors: Chaker Sarah
Published: February 2024

Sarah Chaker lotet in ihrem Beitrag erkenntnistheoretische und kritische Potenziale soziologischer Praxistheorien für die Musikvermittlung aus, indem die entsprechenden theoretischen Grundlagen zunächst knapp zusammenfassend beschrieben und anschließend konkret auf die Praxis der Musikvermittlung bezogen werden.
Forschung in der Musikvermittlung
Authors: Mautner-Obst Hendrikje
Published: February 2024

Hendrikje Mautner-Obst befasst sich in ihrem Text mit der Entwicklung einer wissenschaftlich-theoretischen Auseinandersetzung in der Musikvermittlung. Sie skizziert die Themen erster Studien, die dem Feld der Musikvermittlung zugeordnet werden können, sowie die zunächst gemeinschaftliche wissenschaftlich fundierte Annäherung an das Praxisfeld, die zumeist in Sammelpublikationen erfolgte. Daran anschließend gibt sie einen Überblick über zentrale inhaltliche Schwerpunkte und Entwicklungen.
Vereine
Authors: Waroschitz Elisabeth
Published: February 2024

Elisabeth Waroschitz widmet sich in diesem Artikel der Frage, wie Musikvermittlung im Vereinswesen wirken kann. Im deutschsprachigen Raum existiert eine vielfältige, durch Ehrenamtlichkeit geprägte Vereinslandschaft, die das regionale Kunst- und Kulturleben wesentlich mitgestaltet und prägt. Allerdings stellen der gesellschaftliche und demografische Wandel und der zunehmende Wettbewerb mit kommerziellen und ehrenamtlichen bzw. gemeinnützigen Anbietern Chöre und Instrumentalmusikvereine vor existenzielle Herausforderungen. Inwieweit kann hier Musikvermittlung dem Erhalt der Vereinslandschaft dienen? Welche Formate sind denkbar? Welche Formate lassen sich bereits finden? Der vorliegende Artikel gibt einen kurzen Überblick über mögliche Ansätze.
Musiktheaterpädagogik und Musiktheatervermittlung
Authors: Brinkmann Rainer O.
Published: February 2024

Rainer O. Brinkmann widmet sich in diesem Beitrag der Entwicklung von Vermittlungsangeboten in Schule und Opernhaus. Er zeigt Gemeinsamkeiten auf und gibt einen Überblick über Ansätze und Formate, in denen sich theaterpädagogische, performative und soziokulturelle Konzepte verbinden.
Die Gegenwart des faschistischen Subjekts
Authors: Kapfinger Emanuel
Published: February 2024

Emanuel Kapfinger weist in seinem Beitrag das Fehlen einer Theorie faschistischer Subjektivität in der aktuellen Diskussion über die radikale Rechte nach. Gestützt auf Wilhelm Heitmeyers empirischer Binnendifferenzierung der radikalen Rechten erarbeitet er darum einen Vergleich mit der radikalen Rechten zwischen 1918 und 1945, um die damaligen Faschismustheorien systematisch auf die Gegenwart zu beziehen. Damit entwickelt er vier Subjektkategorien: der in der gesamten Bevölkerung verbreitete, nicht rechtsradikale autoritätsgebundene Charakter (Adorno); der noch nicht faschistische Autoritarismus (Fromm/Heitmeyer); der pseudosozialistische Faschismus (Wilhelm Reich); der eliminatorische Faschismus (Dialektik der Aufklärung). Letzteren vertieft er anhand einer Kritik der "Freiheit zum Tode" des faschistischen Philosophen Heidegger.