bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coastal tsunami prediction in Tohoku region, Japan, based on S-net observations using artificial neural network
Authors: Wang Yuchen , Imai Kentaro , Miyashita Takuya , Ariyoshi Keisuke , Takahashi Narumi , Satake Kenji
Published: October 2023

We present a novel method for coastal tsunami prediction utilizing a denoising autoencoder (DAE) model, one of the deep learning algorithms. Our study focuses on the Tohoku coast, Japan, where dense offshore bottom pressure gauges (OBPGs), called S-net, are installed. To train the model, we generated 800 hypothetical tsunami scenarios by employing stochastic earthquake models (M7.0–8.8). We used synthetic tsunami waveforms at 44 OBPGs as input and the waveforms at four coastal tide gauges as output. Subsequently, we evaluated the model’s performance using 200 additional hypothetical and two real tsunami events: the 2016 Fukushima earthquake and 2022 Tonga volcanic tsunamis. Our DAE model demonstrated high accuracy in predicting coastal tsunami waveforms for hypothetical events, achieving an impressive quality index of approximately 90%. Furthermore, it accurately forecasted the maximum amplitude of the 2016 Fukushima tsunami, achieving a quality index of 91.4% at 15 min after the earthquake. However, the prediction of coastal waveforms for the 2022 Tonga volcanic tsunami was not satisfactory. We also assessed the impact of the forecast time window and found that it had limited effects on forecast accuracy. This suggests that our method is suitable for providing rapid forecasts soon after an earthquake occurs. Our research is the first application of an artificial neural network to tsunami prediction using real observations. In the future, we will use more tsunami scenarios for model training to enhance its robustness for different types of tsunamis.

Graphical Abstract
Development and usability testing of an electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) solution for patients with inflammatory diseases in an Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) basket trial
Authors: McMullan Christel , Retzer Ameeta , Hughes Sarah E. , Aiyegbusi Olalekan Lee , Bathurst Camilla , Boyd Alan , Coleman Jamie , Davies Elin Haf , Denniston Alastair K. , Dunster Helen , Frost Chris , Harding Rosie , Hunn Amanda , Kyte Derek , Malpass Rebecca , McNamara Gary , Mitchell Sandra , Mittal Saloni , Newsome Philip N. , Price Gary , Rowe Anna , van Reil Wilma , Walker Anita , Wilson Roger , Calvert Melanie
Published: October 2023

Background

Electronic patient-reported outcome (ePRO) systems are increasingly used in clinical trials to provide evidence of efficacy and tolerability of treatment from the patient perspective. The aim of this study is twofold: (1) to describe how we developed an electronic platform for patients to report their symptoms, and (2) to develop and undertake usability testing of an ePRO solution for use in a study of cell therapy seeking to provide early evidence of efficacy and tolerability of treatment and test the feasibility of the system for use in later phase studies.

Methods

An ePRO system was designed to be used in a single arm, multi-centre, phase II basket trial investigating the safety and activity of the use of ORBCEL-C™ in the treatment of patients with inflammatory conditions. ORBCEL-C™ is an enriched Mesenchymal Stromal Cells product isolated from human umbilical cord tissue using CD362+ cell selection. Usability testing sessions were conducted using cognitive interviews and the ‘Think Aloud’ method with patient advisory group members and Research Nurses to assess the usability of the system.

Results

Nine patient partners and seven research nurses took part in one usability testing session. Measures of fatigue and health-related quality of life, the PRO-CTCAE™ and FACT-GP5 global tolerability question were included in the ePRO system. Alert notifications to the clinical team were triggered by PRO-CTCAE™ and FACT-GP5 scores. Patient participants liked the simplicity and responsiveness of the patient-facing app. Two patients were unable to complete the testing session, due to technical issues. Research Nurses suggested minor modifications to improve functionality and the layout of the clinician dashboard and the training materials.

Conclusion

By testing the effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction of our novel ePRO system (PROmicsR), we learnt that most people with an inflammatory condition found it easy to report their symptoms using an app on their own device. Their experiences using the PROmicsR ePRO system within a trial environment will be further explored in our upcoming feasibility testing. Research nurses were also positive and found the clinical dashboard easy-to-use. Using ePROs in early phase trials is important in order to provide evidence of therapeutic responses and tolerability, increase the evidence based, and inform methodology development.

Trial registration: ISRCTN, ISRCTN80103507. Registered 01 April 2022, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN80103507
Transient replica symmetry breaking in Brillouin random fiber lasers
Authors: Zhang Liang , Zhang Jilin , Pang Fufei , Wang Tingyun , Chen Liang , Bao Xiaoyi
Published: October 2023

Replica symmetry breaking (RSB), as a featured phase transition between paramagnetic and spin glass state in magnetic systems, has been predicted and validated among random laser-based complex systems, which involves numerous random modes interplayed via gain competition and exhibits disorder-induced frustration for glass behavior. However, the dynamics of RSB phase transition involving micro-state evolution of a photonic complex system have never been well investigated. Here, we report experimental evidence of transient RSB in a Brillouin random fiber laser (BRFL)-based photonic system through high-resolution unveiling of random laser mode landscape based on heterodyne technique. Thanks to the prolonged lifetime of activated random modes in BRFLs, an elaborated mapping of time-dependent statistics of the Parisi overlap parameter in both time and frequency domains was timely resolved, attributing to a compelling analogy between the transient RSB dynamics and the random mode evolution. These findings highlight that BRFL-based systems with the flexible harness of a customized photonic complex platform allow a superb opportunity for time-resolved transient RSB observation, opening new avenues in exploring fundamentals and application of complex systems and nonlinear phenomena.
Protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of coordinate-based network mapping of brain structure in bipolar disorder across the lifespan
Authors: Jones Brett D. M. , Zhukovsky Peter , Hawco Colin , Ortiz Abigail , Cipriani Andrea , Voineskos Aristotle N. , Mulsant Benoit H. , Husain Muhammad Ishrat
Published: October 2023

Background

Studies about brain structure in bipolar disorder have reported conflicting findings. These findings may be explained by the high degree of heterogeneity within bipolar disorder, especially if structural differences are mapped to single brain regions rather than networks.

Aims

We aim to complete a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify brain networks underlying structural abnormalities observed on T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging scans in bipolar disorder across the lifespan. We also aim to explore how these brain networks are affected by sociodemographic and clinical heterogeneity in bipolar disorder.

Method

We will include case–control studies that focus on whole-brain analyses of structural differences between participants of any age with a standardised diagnosis of bipolar disorder and controls. The electronic databases Medline, PsycINFO and Web of Science will be searched. We will complete an activation likelihood estimation analysis and a novel coordinate-based network mapping approach to identify specific brain regions and brain circuits affected in bipolar disorder or relevant subgroups. Meta-regressions will examine the effect of sociodemographic and clinical variables on identified brain circuits.

Conclusions

Findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis will enhance understanding of the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder. The results will identify brain circuitry implicated in bipolar disorder, and how they may relate to relevant sociodemographic and clinical variables across the lifespan.
Real-Time Identification of Pancreatic Cancer Cases Using Artificial Intelligence Developed on Danish Nationwide Registry Data
Authors: Bojesen Anders Bo , Mortensen Frank Viborg , Kirkegård Jakob
Published: October 2023

Pancreatic cancer cases can be identified with a NNS of 10 using AI and Danish registry data.
Editorial
Authors: Costa Francisca Íris Cavalcante , Coelho Arnaldo Fernandes Matos , Weersma Laodicéia Amorim
Published: October 2023

A palavra, seja ela no âmbito da literatura ou da ciência, tem o poder social de transformar o pensamento vigente e abrir vórtices para a inovação. Esse é um dos propósitos da Revista Gestão em Análise – ReGeA (Qualis B3), a qual está inserida em um cenário que tende ao silenciamento da palavra e sua reflexão crítica. Tal argumentação é traduzida pelo fato de que, atualmente, confrontamo-nos com certa fragilização das instituições e, por vezes, até com o uso equivocado da palavra, o que nos leva a supor que algumas instituições não habitam o mesmo lugar na coletividade, infringindo o princípio da horizontalidade, quando deveriam proporcionar a igualdade e o bem-estar social.
QUALIDADE E UTILIDADE DAS AUDITORIAS OPERACIONAIS NA GESTÃO PÚBLICA
Authors: Melo Henrique de Campos , Lerípio Alexandre de Ávila , Santos Ruan Carlos dos , Rocha Arlindo Carvalho
Published: October 2023

Os tribunais de contas (TCs) receberam da Constituição Federal de 1988 (CF/88) um aparato legal e instrumental que lhes possibilitou as condições necessárias para o exercício e a promoção da accountability, principalmente no caso da competência para realizarem auditorias operacionais (AOps). Todavia, quando são realizadas, essas auditorias produzem resultados satisfatórios? E, mais que isso, são esses resultados relevantes para a sociedade? Ou seja, ao realizarem suas AOps, os TCs estão efetivamente cumprindo o seu propósito e dando conta de sua responsabilidade institucional e social? Para responder a tais questões e buscar dar uma contribuição para o avanço do debate sobre esse tema, estabeleceu-se, como objetivo deste ensaio, propor um modelo para análise das AOps. O modelo se assenta em duas dimensões: uma operacional, que se vincula à qualidade da auditoria propriamente dita; e outra social, que se vincula à utilidade de seus resultados para a sociedade. É um trabalho descritivo-avaliativo, com abordagem qualitativa, realizado por intermédio de pesquisa bibliográfica e levantamento documental. O modelo proposto permite analisar se os TCs estão dando cumprimento a seu propósito institucional e à sua responsabilidade junto à sociedade.
Moral injury and the four pillars of bioethics
Authors: Heston Thomas F , Pahang Joshuel A
Published: October 2023

Health care providers experience moral injury when their internal ethics are violated. The routine and direct exposure to ethical violations makes clinicians vulnerable to harm. The fundamental ethics in health care typically fall into the four broad categories of patient autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, and social justice. Patients have a moral right to determine their own goals of medical care, that is, they have autonomy. When this principle is violated, moral injury occurs. Beneficence is the desire to help people, so when the delivery of proper medical care is obstructed for any reason, moral injury is the result. Nonmaleficence, meaning do no harm, has been a primary principle of medical ethics throughout recorded history. Yet today, even the most advanced and safest medical treatments are associated with unavoidable, harmful side effects. When an inevitable side effect occurs, the patient is harmed, and the clinician is also at risk of moral injury. Social injustice results when patients experience suboptimal treatment due to their race, gender, religion, or other demographic variables. While minor ethical dilemmas and violations routinely occur in medical care and cannot be eliminated, clinicians can decrease the prevalence of a significant moral injury by advocating for the ethical treatment of patients, not only at the bedside but also by addressing the ethics of political influence, governmental mandates, and administrative burdens on the delivery of optimal medical care. Although clinicians can strengthen their resistance to moral injury by deepening their own spiritual foundation, that is not enough. Improvements in the ethics of the healthcare system as a whole are necessary to improve medical care and decrease moral injury.
A Set-Covering Approach to Customized Coverage Instrumentation
Authors: Michini Carla , Ohmann Peter , Liblit Ben , Linderoth Jeff
Published: October 2023

Program coverage customization selectively adds instrumentation to a compiled computer program so that a limited amount of directly observed data can be used to infer other program coverage information after a run. A good instrumentation plan can reduce run-time overheads while still giving software developers the information they need. Unfortunately, optimal coverage planning is NP-hard, limiting either the quality of heuristic plans or the sizes of programs that can be instrumented optimally. We exploit the monotonicity property of feasible instrumentations to formulate this problem as an intraprocedural set covering problem. Our formulation has an exponential number of constraints, and we design a polynomial-time separation algorithm to incrementally add the necessary subset of these inequalities. Our approach reduces expected run-time probing costs compared with existing methods, offers a guarantee of the optimality of the instrumentation, and has compilation-time overhead suitable for wide practical use.

History: Accepted by Pascal Van Hentenryck, Area Editor for Computational Modeling: Methods & Analysis.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Science Foundation [Grants CCF-1318489, CCF-1420866, and CCF-1423237] and the Air Force Research Laboratory [Grant FA8750-14-2-0270].

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2021.0349 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2021.0349 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Systemic Portfolio Diversification
Authors: Capponi Agostino , Weber Marko
Published: October 2023

We study the portfolio choice problem of banks, taking into account losses due to fire-sale spillovers. We show that the optimal asset allocation can be recovered as the unique Nash equilibrium of a potential game. Our analysis highlights the key tradeoff between individual diversification and systemic risk. In a stylized model economy featuring two banks and two assets, we show that sacrificing individual diversification to reduce portfolio commonality increases the likelihood of a sale event, while simultaneously decreasing the probability of a costly systemic sell-off. Banks have stronger incentives to achieve systemic diversification if there is more heterogeneity in leverage among them, leading to a decrease in the overall vulnerability of the system. We provide numerical evidence that our conclusions are robust with respect to the number of banks and assets in the system.

Funding: The research of A. Capponi has been supported by the NSF/CMMI CAREER-1752326 award. The research of M. Weber has been supported by the NUS Start-Up Grant [A-0004587-00-00].
Assessment of COVID-19-related medical device regulator policies on entry to market for prioritised devices: a case study
Authors: Bergmann Jeroen , Ceross Aaron
Published: October 2023

Background/Aims

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, medical devices were given exceptional use authorisations. Medical device regulators around the world modified their administrative approach to medical device approval to ensure that relevant devices and personal protection equipment would be available to healthcare professionals and patients. Using data from medical device regulators in the US and Australia, this study assessed the impact of COVID-19-related regulatory modifications implemented to allow quick market entry of relevant equipment, and how data science techniques can help to inform future policy.

Methods

Data from the US Food and Drug Administration's Global Unique Device Identification Database and the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration's Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods were used as case studies to explore the effects of policy changes. All COVID-19-related devices and personal protective equipment were identified in the data using the Global Medical Device Nomenclature system and device descriptions. A 10-day and 20-day moving average was applied to assess how many of these devices reached the market between 30 July 2019 and 24 June 2020.

Results

In both the US and Australian datasets, the number of market entries increased after the pandemic began. However, the impact of the Australian policy appeared to be greater than that of the US, as there was a considerable increase in the number of personal protective equipment and COVID-19-related device registrations following the declaration of the pandemic in Australia, while the impact on the US data was relatively minimal.

Conclusions

In general, market entry of relevant equipment increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, indicating the possible impact of policy changes. The kind of data captured in national databases greatly influences the ability to accurately track performance of regulatory policy changes. This work shows the potential of using data science in a regulatory context to assess if a policy change creates the desired effect.
The role of formal training in building healthcare management competencies
Authors: Ochonma Ogbonnia , Chijioke Udunma , Ingwu Justin , Nwodoh Chijioke , Nwankwor Chikezie , Henry-Arize Ifeyinwa , Ezenduka Charles
Published: October 2023

Background/Aims

There has been a growing interest and need for formal competency-based professional education for enhancing both individual and organisational performance in hospital management in Nigeria. This study investigated the relationship between formal managerial education and measurable competencies among hospital managers.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was carried out with 104 managers from 25 purposively selected hospitals. The survey assessed managerial competencies, with a score of ≥123 indicating overall managerial competence. The collected data were analysed using both descriptive (percentages, means and standard deviations) and inferential (Mann-Whitney U test) statistics, comparing participants who had received formal healthcare management training and those who had not. P<0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference between scores.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of developed abilities (P=0.072), planning skills (P=0.406), leadership skills (P=0.213), evaluation skills (P=0.543), organisational skills (P=0.805) or self-management skills (P=0.077). There was also no significant difference between the groups in terms of overall managerial skills (P=0.240).

Conclusions

Receiving formal professional training in healthcare management had no effect on hospital managers' managerial competencies. Improving the effectiveness of training programmes may require targeted healthcare management education training for the development of specific managerial competencies.
Gender Perception of Students in Compulsory Education Regarding Mathematics and Reading
Authors: Mula Melinda , Sylhasi Fresk
Published: October 2023

This study explores the extent to which the gendered views exist among students in Kosovo’s compulsory education (primary and lower secondary schools) regarding mathematics and reading. It analyzes students’ perceptions of these academic domains concerning the performance of their peers (the same others) from the gender perspective. Additionally, it examines students’ perspectives on the opinions of their parents and teachers (their significant others) regarding girls’ and boys’ performance in math and reading. Furthermore, the study investigates whether students hold gender-stereotypical attitudes toward professions related to math and those that heavily rely on reading skills. The survey method was used to conduct this study. A sample of 531 students in compulsory education participated in this study, completing a paper-based questionnaire consisting of 14 items evenly distributed between mathematics and reading. The findings indicate that around half of the respondents believe that girls and boys perform equally well in both mathematics and reading and that parents and teachers hold the same views regarding the performance of their children/students in these academic domains. However, among the remaining portion of respondents who expressed gendered views, a higher percentage favored boys as being more proficient in math, while girls were seen as superior in reading skills. This study emphasized the need to address and mitigate these gender stereotypes, to ensure that students of both genders can pursue their careers successfully without any limitations.
Preschool Teachers’ Issues and Beliefs in English Language Teaching: A Systematic Review (2012-2022)
Authors: Mohamad Mohamad Iskanda , Mohamed Muar Suziyani , Abu-Bakar Kamariah
Published: October 2023

The introduction of English language teaching (ELT) at the preschool level has been widely discussed by researchers. While most agree with ELT at preschool level, considerable issues are faced in learning a second, third, or foreign language. Therefore, this systematic review discusses the issues preschool teachers face in implementing ELT and their beliefs on how ELT should be applied to young children. Using three renowned databases, namely Scopus, Web of Science (WoS), and Educational Resources Information Centre (ERIC), 34 articles were extracted out of 85 articles, from 2012 to 2022, with exclusion and inclusion criteria taken into consideration. The findings of this study showcased eight main issues faced by preschool teachers in implementing ELT: English language proficiency, pedagogical skills, teacher perception, curriculum, teaching resources, training, socio-cultural, and classroom environment. In terms of preschool teachers' beliefs about ELT, there are four main issues: Bilingual education, children's characteristics, curriculum alteration, and teachers’ experience. Generally, these findings will guide teachers, responsible authorities, and researchers to acquire an overview of the actual issues that occur in the implementation of ELT in preschools as well as the appropriate measures to overcome them, starting from the preschool teachers' beliefs.
Risk of seizure recurrence in children with new-onset afebrile seizure
Authors: Taha Mufeed Akram , Muhammed Noorjan Abdullah
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND A seizure is a brief change in the normal neuronal electrical activity of the brain that causes changes in consciousness, perception, behavior, or movement. This study aimed to evaluate clinical findings, initial electroencephalography (EEG), and brain imaging findings as predictors of seizure recurrence after the first nonfebrile seizure.

METHODS This prospective follow-up study was conducted at Azadi Teaching Hospital, Kirkuk from July 2019 to January 2022 and enrolled 150 patients, ranging from 1 month to 15 years of age, who presented with their first afebrile seizure. The seizure types were classified based on the International League Against Epilepsy in 2017. A brain imaging with EEG was performed within 72 hours after admission.

RESULTS The median age of the patients was 5 years. A higher risk of seizure recurrence occurred in patients with focal seizure (relative risk [RR] = 6.604) (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.975–10.971), seizure occurrence at sleep (RR = 3.815) (95% CI 2.410–6.039), an abnormal neurological presentation such as Todd’s paralysis (RR = 1.739) (95% CI 1.252–2.415), a positive family history of seizures (RR = 2.333) (95% CI 1.598–3.408), abnormal EEG (RR = 0.171) (95% CI 0.092–0.318), and abnormal brain image findings (RR = 0.681) (95% CI 0.492–0.941) within 72 hours. Seizure recurrence was not correlated with sex.

CONCLUSIONS Early and late childhood new-onset afebrile seizures with a positive family history, focal epilepsy, seizure during sleep, prolonged attack duration with frequent attacks within 24 hours, and abnormal initial EEG and brain image had a high risk of seizure recurrence.
Speaking up as a working carer: working carers’ use of voice and struggles for representation in the workplace
Authors: Allard Camille
Published: October 2023

Many studies have discussed the challenges of reconciling work and care, but few address the role of carers’ voice in advocating for, and facilitating access to, workplace support. Drawing on qualitative case studies of three large UK organisations, we examine the role of working carers’ voice in the development of a carer’s leave policy at work. Findings indicate that working carers’ voice is shaped by various factors, including available voice mechanisms; workers’ perceptions of their care responsibilities; and stigma, work processes and inequalities. Research implications indicate the need for a more effective representation of working carers through voice channels at work.
Photothermal heterodyne imaging of micron-sized objects
Authors: Bhandari Janak , Brown Brendan S. , Huffman John A. , Hartland Gregory V.
Published: October 2023

Micron-sized dye-doped polymer beads were imaged using
transmitted/reflected light microscopy and photothermal heterodyne
imaging (PHI) measurements. The transmitted/reflected light images
show distinct ring patterns that are attributed to diffraction effects
and/or internal reflections within the beads. In the PHI experiments
pump laser induced heating changes the refractive index and size of
the bead, which causes changes in the diffraction pattern and internal
reflections. This creates an analogous ring pattern in the PHI images.
The ring pattern disappears in both the reflected light and PHI
experiments when an incoherent light source is used as a probe. When
the beads are imaged in an organic medium heat transfer changes the
refractive index of the environment, and gives rise to a ring pattern
external to the beads in the PHI images. This causes the beads to
appear larger than their physical dimensions in PHI experiments. This
external signal does not appear when the beads are imaged in air
because the refractive index changes in air are very small.
Performance analysis of underwater vertical wireless optical communication links using selection combining
Authors: C S Savidhan Shetty , Naik R. Prasad , Acharya U. Shripathi
Published: October 2023

In this paper, we have investigated the performance of underwater vertical wireless optical communication (UVWOC) links employing on–off key modulation for selection combining based receive diversity schemes in the presence of underwater turbulence, pointing errors, and attenuation losses. Due to variations in temperature and salinity along the ocean’s depth, turbulence-induced fading affects the performance of the underwater vertical wireless optical link. The vertical link of the underwater medium influenced by a strong turbulence regime is modeled using cascaded gamma–gamma distribution considering multiple non-identical layers along with attenuation losses and pointing errors. We have derived closed-form expressions for the average bit error rate (BER) and outage probability (OP) for the link employing multiple detectors at the receiving end. The accuracy of all of the closed-form expressions derived in this paper has been validated using Monte Carlo simulations.
Fiber Bragg grating displacement sensor based on synchronous deformation sensing for real-time monitoring of a tunnel lining
Authors: Cai Heyi , Xiao Xiangpeng , Song Qingguo , Sun Qizhen , Yan Zhijun
Published: October 2023

A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) displacement sensor based on synchronous sensing is developed for real-time monitoring of a tunnel lining. The sensing principle and mechanical structure of the proposed sensor are analyzed and simulated, and its sensitization effectiveness and temperature compensation are verified. Equivalent model tests show that the sensor has a good linear sensitivity of 19.48 pm/mm and an excellent precision of 5.13×10−2mm in the displacement range of 0–25 mm, which is basically consistent with the simulation results. The key traffic parameters of the train were successfully obtained by real-time monitoring of the tunnel lining in a field trial, which shows the superior capability of micro-displacement measurement of the sensor. Furthermore, good stability and excellent creep resistance have also been demonstrated. Our results provide theoretical guidance for the fabrication and package of the FBG displacement sensor, which is valuable for structure health monitoring (SHM) in civil engineering applications.
Sensitivity enhancement of the LSPR-based tapered optical fiber biosensor by variation of nanoparticle arrangement
Authors: Borjikhani Parisa , Zibaii Mohammad Ismail , Granpayeh Nosrat
Published: October 2023

A tapered optical fiber sensor with four arrangements of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) on its waist is simulated and the fiber transmittance by changing the analyte refractive index (RI) is obtained. The method is a combination of the finite-difference time-domain method and the finite element method. The effect of NPs on top of each other and dimers is investigated, which is the first step in studying the aggregation of NPs in the cluster NP model. In addition, the effects of fiber diameter, NP diameter, and fiber length are examined. It is shown that by variation of NP arrangement, the amplitude sensitivity increases from 1.5 per refractive index unit (RIU−1) to 4.53RIU−1 and the wavelength sensitivity increases from 58.24 to 116.74 nm/RIU. The dimensions of the structures and the ranges of analyte RIs are in the field of practical biosensors, to be close to reality and to be effective in diagnosing diseases.
Manipulating the quasi–normal modes of radially symmetric resonators
Authors: Capers James R. , Patient Dean A. , Horsley Simon A. R.
Published: October 2023

The frequency response of a resonator is governed by the locations of its quasi-normal modes in the complex frequency plane. The real part of the quasi–normal mode determines the resonance frequency and the imaginary part determines the width of the resonance. For applications such as energy harvesting and sensing, the ability to manipulate the frequency, linewidth and multipolar nature of resonances is key. Here, we derive two methods for simultaneously controlling the resonance frequency, linewidth and multipolar nature of the resonances of radially symmetric structures. Firstly, we formulate an eigenvalue problem for a global shift in the permittivity of the structure to place a resonance at a particular complex frequency. Next, we employ quasi-normal mode perturbation theory to design radially graded structures with resonances at desired frequencies.
Projecting colorful images through scattering media via deep learning
Authors: Huang Sitong , Wang Jian , Wu Daixuan , Huang Yin , Shen Yuecheng
Published: October 2023

The existence of scatterers in the optical path has been the major obstacle that prohibits one from projecting images through solid walls, turbid water, clouds, and fog. Recent developments in wavefront shaping and neural networks demonstrate effective compensation for scattering effects, showing the promise to project clear images against strong scattering. However, previous studies were mainly restricted to projecting greyscale images using monochromatic light, mainly due to the increased complexity of simultaneously controlling multiple wavelengths. In this work, we fill this blank by developing a projector network, which enables the projection of colorful images through scattering media with three primary colors. To validate the performance of the projector network, we experimentally demonstrated projecting colorful images obtained from the MINST dataset through two stacked diffusers. Quantitatively, the averaged intensity Pearson’s correlation coefficient for 1,000 test colorful images reaches about 90.6%, indicating the superiority of the developed network. We anticipate that the projector network can be beneficial to a variety of display applications in scattering environments.
AutoFocus: AI-driven alignment of nanofocusing X-ray mirror systems
Authors: Rebuffi Luca , Kandel Saugat , Shi Xianbo , Zhang Runyu , Harder Ross J. , Cha Wonsuk , Highland Matthew J. , Frith Matthew G. , Assoufid Lahsen , Cherukara Mathew J.
Published: October 2023

We describe the application of an AI-driven system to autonomously align complex x-ray-focusing mirror systems, including mirrors systems with variable focus spot sizes. The system has been developed and studied on a digital twin of nanofocusing X-ray beamlines, built using advanced optical simulation tools calibrated with wavefront sensing data collected at the beamline.We experimentally demonstrated that the system is reliably capable of positioning a focused beam on the sample, both by simulating the variation of a beamline with random perturbations due to typical changes in the light source and optical elements over time, and by conducting similar tests on an actual focusing mirror system.
Quadrupole topological phases and filling anomaly in all-dielectric Lieb lattice photonic crystals
Authors: Lan Zhihao , Chen Yafeng , Zhu Jie , Su Zhongqing
Published: October 2023

While higher-order photonic topological corner states typically are created in systems with nontrivial bulk dipole polarization, they could also be created in systems with vanishing dipole polarization but with nontrivial quadrupole topology, which though is less explored. In this work, we show that simple all-dielectric photonic crystals in the Lieb lattice can host a topologically nontrivial quadrupole bandgap. Through a combination of symmetry analysis of the eigenmodes and explicit calculations of the Wannier bands and their polarization using the Wilson loop method, we demonstrate that the Lieb photonic crystals can have a bandgap with vanishing dipole polarization but with nontrivial quadrupole topology. The nontrivial bulk quadrupole moment could result in edge-localized polarization and topological corner states in systems with open edges. Interestingly, the indices of the corner states show an unusual “3+1” pattern compared to previously known “2+2” pattern, and this new pattern leads to unusual filling anomaly when the corner states are filled. Our work could not only deepen our understanding about quadrupole topology in simple all-dielectric photonic crystals but could also offer new opportunities for practical applications in integrated photonic devices.
Quality of life among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe, Malawi: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Chisalunda Alinafe , Ng’ambi Wingston Felix , Tarimo Nesto Salia , Banda Ndaziona Peter Kwanjo , Muula Adamson Sinjani , Kumwenda Johnstone , Nyondo-Mipando Alinane Linda
Published: October 2023

Type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) significantly impacts quality of life (QoL) yet data among these patients in Malawi are lacking. This study was conducted to assess QoL among patients with T2DM. A mixed-method cross-section study was conducted at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), Lilongwe, Malawi. Data collection was done using a modified diabetes quality of life (MDQoL)-17 questionnaire for quantitative data while in-depth interviews and diary methods were used for qualitative data. Demographic data were summarized using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using t-tests and ANOVA. Thematic analysis was utilized for qualitative data. A sample of 339 participants (mean age 50.3±15.5) was recruited. Overall, the mean QoL score was moderate (mean QoL 63.91±19.54). Those on health insurance had better QoL (QoL 76.71, C.I. 69.22–84.19, p-value 0.005) compared to those without health insurance. Furthermore, the absence of comorbidities was associated with having better QoL (QoL 71.18, C.I. 66.69–75.67, p-value < 0.0001). Qualitatively, T2DM was associated with patients’ health status, increased stress levels, and loss of independence. There were QoL-promoting factors among T2DM patients such as diabetes health talks, having a supportive family, and following hospital advice. Inhibiting factors include drug shortages, societal perceptions, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and despising hospital advice. Overall QoL in patients with T2DM receiving treatment at KCH is moderate. QoL of patients with T2DM is influenced by interrelated factors which require multidisciplinary team care to optimize the QoL among these patients. Health workers need to adopt a holistic approach when treating patients with T2DM, such as managing comorbidities and including assessment of QoL, behavioral change measures like physical exercises, and a healthy diet.
Two closely spaced microstrip patches with high isolation for full-duplex/MIMO applications
Authors: Tran Huy-Hung , Nguyen Tung The-Lam , Nguyen Thi Thuy
Published: October 2023

This paper shows an effective method to significantly enhance the isolation of a closely spaced two-port patch antenna, which can be deployed for full-duplex transceivers as well as multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) systems. Two rectangular microstrip patches are arranged in the E-plane configuration. To achieve high isolation, a grounded stub is positioned between the radiating patches. For validation of the proposed concept, an antenna prototype is fabricated for measurements. The measured data demonstrates that the port-to-port mutual coupling can be suppressed to –50 dB, which is useful in self-interference cancellation for full-duplex communication systems. Compared with the coupled design, the isolation is significantly enhanced by 43 dB with an inter-element spacing of 0.034λc, where λc is a free-space wavelength at the center operating frequency. Regarding MIMO metrics, the antenna also shows good MIMO diversity performance based on an envelope correlation coefficient and a diversity gain.
Improving HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) adherence and retention in care: Process evaluation and recommendation development from a nationally implemented PrEP programme
Authors: MacDonald Jennifer , Estcourt Claudia S. , Flowers Paul , Nandwani Rak , Frankis Jamie , Young Ingrid , Clutterbuck Dan , Dalrymple Jenny , McDaid Lisa , Steedman Nicola , Saunders John
Published: October 2023

Introduction

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), in which people take HIV medication to prevent HIV acquisition, underpins global HIV transmission elimination strategies. Effective prevention needs people to adhere to PrEP and remain in care during periods of risk, but this is difficult to achieve. We undertook a process evaluation of Scotland’s PrEP programme to explore barriers and facilitators to PrEP adherence and retention in care and to systematically develop evidence-based, theoretically-informed recommendations to address them.

Methods

We conducted semi-structured interviews and focus groups (09/2018-07/2019) with patients who identified as gay or bisexual men and were either using PrEP, had declined the offer of PrEP, had stopped PrEP, or had been assessed as ineligible for PrEP (n = 39 of whom n = 5 (13%) identified as trans, median age 31 years and interquartile range 14 years), healthcare professionals involved in PrEP provision (n = 54 including specialist sexual health doctors and nurses of various grades, PrEP prescribing general practitioners, health promotion officers, midwifes, and a PrEP clinical secretary), and clients (n = 9) and staff (n = 15) of non-governmental organisations with an HIV prevention remit across Scotland. We used thematic analysis to map key barriers and facilitators to priority areas that could enhance adherence and retention in care. We used implementation science analytic tools (Theoretical Domains Framework, Intervention Functions, Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy, APEASE criteria) and expert opinion to systematically generate recommendations.

Results

Barriers included perceived complexity of on-demand dosing, tendency for users to stop PrEP before seeking professional support, troublesome side-effects, limited flexibility in the settings/timings/nature of review appointments, PrEP-related stigma and emerging stigmas around not using PrEP. Facilitators included flexible appointment scheduling, reminders, and processes to follow up non-attenders. Examples of the 25 recommendations include: emphasising benefits of PrEP reviews and providing appointments flexibly within individualised PrEP care; using clinic systems to remind/recall PrEP users; supporting PrEP conversations among sexual partners; clear on-demand dosing guidance; encouraging good PrEP citizenship; detailed discussion on managing side-effects and care/coping planning activities.

Conclusions

PrEP adherence and retention in care is challenging, reducing the effectiveness of PrEP at individual and population levels. We identify and provide solutions to where and how collaborative interventions across public health, clinical, and community practice could address these challenges.
A corpus-based comparison of syntactic complexity in academic writing of L1 and L2 English students across years and disciplines
Authors: Shen Chen , Guo Jirong , Shi Penghai , Qu Sheming , Tian Jiwei
Published: October 2023

Syntactic complexity, widely acknowledged as a key predictor of writing quality, has gained increasing attention in the realm of academic writing. A notable line of inquiry has centered on the factors that potentially influence syntactic complexity in academic writing. Instead of attending to one factor, the study focuses on multiple factors to examine how language background affects syntactic complexity across years and disciplines. Specifically, it compares the syntactic complexity in English academic writing between L1 English and L1 Chinese university students across four years and/or three disciplines. Fine-grained indices, which include five clausal indices and eight phrasal indices, are utilized to capture specific syntactic features for a full understanding and description of the syntactic preferences shown by L1 English and L1 Chinese students in academic discourse. The results revealed that L1 English students tended to produce more noun phrases in academic writing than L1 Chinese students with the increase of years. Additionally, both cohorts of students followed similar syntactic patterns in cross-disciplinary contexts, with highly frequent use of complex nominals in the Physical Sciences and clausal structures in the Social Sciences. In instances where language background, year, and discipline interact, texts produced by Chinese English learners exhibited reliance on the syntactic features of adverbial clauses, attributive adjectives, and pre-modifying nouns across all disciplines in the early years of their academic journey. Ultimately, some pedagogical implications for academic writing courses are put forward in an attempt to provide valuable insights for enhancing academic literacy among both L1 and L2 students.
Single B cell transcriptomics identifies multiple isotypes of broadly neutralizing antibodies against flaviviruses
Authors: Lubow Jay , Levoir Lisa M. , Ralph Duncan K. , Belmont Laura , Contreras Maya , Cartwright-Acar Catiana H. , Kikawa Caroline , Kannan Shruthi , Davidson Edgar , Duran Veronica , Rebellon-Sanchez David E. , Sanz Ana M. , Rosso Fernando , Doranz Benjamin J. , Einav Shirit , Matsen IV Frederick A. , Goo Leslie
Published: October 2023

Sequential dengue virus (DENV) infections often generate neutralizing antibodies against all four DENV serotypes and sometimes, Zika virus. Characterizing cross-flavivirus broadly neutralizing antibody (bnAb) responses can inform countermeasures that avoid enhancement of infection associated with non-neutralizing antibodies. Here, we used single cell transcriptomics to mine the bnAb repertoire following repeated DENV infections. We identified several new bnAbs with comparable or superior breadth and potency to known bnAbs, and with distinct recognition determinants. Unlike all known flavivirus bnAbs, which are IgG1, one newly identified cross-flavivirus bnAb (F25.S02) was derived from IgA1. Both IgG1 and IgA1 versions of F25.S02 and known bnAbs displayed neutralizing activity, but only IgG1 enhanced infection in monocytes expressing IgG and IgA Fc receptors. Moreover, IgG-mediated enhancement of infection was inhibited by IgA1 versions of bnAbs. We demonstrate a role for IgA in flavivirus infection and immunity with implications for vaccine and therapeutic strategies.
Lumbar fusion through the anterolateral mini-approach: comparison of anterior interbody (OLIF-AF) and percutaneous pedicle (OLIF-PF) fixations in the surgical treatment of single-level stenosis
Authors: Saifullin Aleksandr Petrovich , Aleynik Alexandr Yakovlevich , Bokov Andrei Evgenyevich , Mlyavykh Sergey Gennadyevich
Published: October 2023

Objective. To perform comparative analysis of the clinical efficacy and safety of indirect decompression of the spinal roots and interbody fusion through the lateral pre-psoas approach (OLIF) with anterolateral (OLIF-AF) and posterior percutaneous (OLIF-PF) screw fixations in the surgical treatment of single-segment lumbar stenosis.

Material and Methods. A retrospective comparative analysis of treatment of 88 patients aged 29 to 72 years with single-level lumbar stenosis was carried out. Posterior instrumental fixation (OLIF-PF) was performed in 60 cases, and anterolateral (OLIF-AF) – in 28.

Results. The compared groups did not statistically significantly differ from each other in terms of age, gender, body mass index, clinical picture and duration of symptoms before surgery, assessment of neurological status according to the Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ), preoperative diagnosis, localization of stenosis, pain assessment in the back and leg before surgery according to a digital rating scale, physical status (ASA), health assessment (SF-12, ODI), follow-up period, as well as smoking and the presence of comorbidities (p > 0.05). In the OLIF-AF group, compared to the OLIF-PF group, a statistically significant advantage was found in terms of blood loss, duration of surgery and anesthesia, the level of radiological exposure, duration of patient’s hospitalization and hospital stay in the postoperative period, as well as the duration of antibiotic prophylaxis and intraoperative volume of infusions (p < 0.05). Despite earlier discharge and less use of local anesthesia (35.7 % vs 73.3 %; p = 0.001), patients in the OLIF-AF group had statistically significantly lower level of back pain on the day of discharge (3.0 vs 3.5; p = 0.034) and were less likely to need opioids (3.6 % vs 31.7 %; p = 0.003). With regard to complications and adverse events, there were no statistically significant differences during dynamic follow-up period from 3 to 50 months in both groups (17.9 % vs 28.3 %; p = 0.290), including depending on the timing of complications (early or late). In addition, no statistically significant differences were found for neurological, infectious, gastrointestinal, urological, or implant-related complications (p > 0.05).

Conclusions. Indirect decompression of the spinal roots and interbody fusion through the lateral pre-psoas approach in combination with OLIF-AF is an effective and safe technique for the surgical treatment of single-segment lumbar stenosis. This method allows to reduce the invasiveness of surgery and severity of the pain syndrome and to create conditions for enhanced recovery after surgery. Further multicenter randomized trials are needed to comprehensively evaluate long-term outcomes.