bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility of Focused Cardiac Ultrasound Performed by Trainees During Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Ortner Clemens M. , Sheikh Maria , Athar M. Waseem , Padilla Cesar , Guo Nan , Carvalho Brendan
Published: December 2023

BACKGROUND:

Anesthesiology experts advocate for formal education in maternal critical care, including the use of focused cardiac ultrasound (FCU) in high-acuity obstetric units. While benefits and feasibility of FCU performed by experts have been well documented, little evidence exists on the feasibility of FCU acquired by examiners with limited experience. The primary aim of this study was to assess how often echocardiographic images of sufficient quality to guide clinical decision-making were attained by trainees with limited experience performing FCU in term parturients undergoing cesarean delivery (CD).

METHODS:

In this prospective cohort study, healthy term parturients (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] ≤ 3, ≥37 weeks of gestation) with singleton pregnancy, body mass index (BMI) <40 kg/m2, and no history of congenital and acquired cardiac disease undergoing scheduled, elective CD were recruited by a trainee. After undergoing standardized training, including an 8-hour online E-learning module, a 1-day hands-on FCU course, and 20 to 30 supervised scans until the trainee was assessed competent in image acquisition, 8 trainees with limited FCU experience performed apical 4-chamber (A4CH), parasternal long-axis (PLAX), and short-axis (PSAX) view preoperatively after spinal anesthesia (SPA) and intraoperatively after neonatal delivery (ND). Obtained FCU images were graded 1 to 5 by 2 blinded instructors (1 = no image to 5 = perfect image obtainable; ≥3 defined as image quality sufficient for clinical decision-making).

RESULTS:

Following the screening of 95 women, 8 trainees with limited FCU experience each performed a median of 5 [3–8] FCUs in a total of 64 women. Images of sufficient quality were obtainable in 61 (95.3 %) and 57 (89.1 %) of women after SPA and ND, respectively. FCU images of perfect image quality were obtainable in 9 (14.1 %) and 7 (10.9 %) women preoperatively after SPA and intraoperatively after ND, respectively. A PLAX, PSAX, and A4CH view with grade ≥3 was obtained in 53 (82.8 %), 58 (90.6 %) and 40 (62.5 %) of women preoperatively after SPA and in 50 (78.1 %), 49 (76.6 %), and 29 (45.3 %) of women intraoperatively after ND. Left ventricular function could be assessed in 39 of 40 women (97.5 %) preoperatively after SPA and 39 of 40 (97.5%) intraoperatively after ND. Right ventricular function could be assessed in 31 of 40 (77.5 %) after SPA and in 23 of 40 (59%) after ND. We observed a difference in image grading between different trainees in the AP4CH-view (P = .0001). No difference in image grading was found between preoperative and intraoperative FCUs.

CONCLUSIONS:

FCU is feasible in the parturient undergoing CD and images of sufficient quality for clinical decision-making were obtained by trainees with limited experience in almost all parturients. Image acquisition and quality in the A4CH view may be impacted by the individual trainee performing the FCU.
What is complex allometry?
Authors: Packard Gary C.
Published: December 2023

Complex allometry describes a smooth, curvilinear relationship between logarithmic transformations of a biological variable and a corresponding measure for body size when the observations are displayed on a bivariate graph with linear scaling. The curvature in such a display is commonly captured by fitting a quadratic equation to the distribution; and the quadratic term is typically interpreted, in turn, to mean that the mathematically equivalent equation for describing the arithmetic distribution is a two-parameter power equation with an exponent that changes with body size. A power equation with an exponent that is itself a function of body size is virtually uninterpretable, yet numerous attempts have been made in recent years to incorporate such an exponent into theoretical models for the evolution of form and function in both plants and animals. However, the curvature that is described by a quadratic equation fitted to logarithms usually means that an explicit, non-zero intercept is required in the power equation describing the untransformed distribution — not that the exponent in the power equation varies with body size. Misperceptions that commonly accompany reports of complex allometry can be avoided by using nonlinear regression to examine untransformed data.
Η ανθεκτικότητα του ελληνικού τουρισμού και η μετά την κρίση αναδιαρθρώσεις του ξενοδοχειακού κλάδου
Authors: Βλάμη Αιμιλία
Published: December 2023

Στην παρούσα εργασία αναλύονται ζητήματα διαχείρισης παγκόσμιων κρίσεων που επηρεάζουν τον τουρισμό και την ξενοδοχία. Σε κύριο θέμα διερεύνησης αναδεικνύεται, τόσο η διαχείριση της κρίσης από τη χώρα – υποδοχής όσο και από τον ίδιο τον τουριστικό τομέα, εξετάζοντας ζητήματα όπως η ετοιμότητα κατά την περίοδο της έξαρσης αλλά και η ανθεκτικότητα κατά την περίοδο της επαναφοράς και εξομάλυνσης. Η περιοδολόγηση της διαχείρισης της κρίσης της πανδημίας του covid-19 στον ελληνικό τουρισμό, αναλαμβάνεται προκειμένου να ερμηνευθούν οι αναδιαρθρώσεις του τομέα σε κάθε φάση και να ενσωματωθούν στην αποκτηθείσα γνώση, με σκοπό τη μείωση της ευπάθειας σε τέτοιου είδους απρόβλεπτα γεγονότα για τους προορισμούς και τις επιχειρήσεις.
Comparative evaluation of clinical performance, child and parental satisfaction of Bioflx, zirconia and stainless steel crowns in pediatric patients
Authors: Rahate Ishani , Fulzele Punit , Thosar Nilima
Published: December 2023

Background Pediatric dental treatment is challenging in patients with early childhood caries. For clinician its difficult to manage child and provide good work at the same time. Its necessity to have the best equipments as well as materials. Nowadays, aesthetics play an important role in managing decayed teeth. Zirconia crown is better option but requires excessive preparation. As Bioflx is newly developed crown and has combined stainless steel and zirconia properties. Aim To assess the clinical performance and child and parental satisfaction of Bioflex crowns compared to zirconia and stainless steel crowns. Methods In this comparative study of Bioflx crowns with zirconia and stainless steel crowns, children aged three to seven years old will be selected, and 72 primary teeth requiring crowns will be randomly distributed into three groups, n = 24: Group I: Preformed stainless steel crown, control; Group II: Preformed Bioflex crown; Group III: Preformed zirconia crown. Crowns will be evaluated for recurrent caries, plaque accumulation, restoration failure, gingival status opposing tooth wear, and clinicians and parental satisfaction at zero, three, six, and 12 months. Results Bioflx crown will have better clinical as well as parental satisfaction among zirconia and stainless steel crowns. Conclusions The Bioflx crown can be used as an alternative economical esthetic full-coronal restoration for primary teeth. Trial registration CTRI registration number: CTRI/2023/05/052256; Date of registration: May 03, 2023. Protocol version Two; Date: April 22, 2023
MODERN TRENDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF VENTURE INVESTMENT IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Trunina Oksana Yu.
Published: December 2023

Currently, the venture investment market, despite changes in the economy, is in a stage of transformation. The development of startups and their implementation in various sectors of the economy dictates its own rules in the development of venture investments. During the period under study, the market reached a historical maximum in terms of investment volume.

The purpose of the study: consider the main indicators characterizing the state of the venture investment market in Russia, dynamics in the period from 2019 to 2023. Their analysis was carried out, the main trends of evolution were identified. The specific features of the Russian market are also discussed and measures are proposed for the further development of this sector.

Materials and methods. The methodological basis of this study is the analysis of regulatory documentation, classification, and generalization.

Results: It is shown that the development of the Russian venture investment market requires its adaptation to the current geopolitical and economic situation. Government support can play a big role in this adaptation.

Practical implications: The results obtained can be used as a basis for developing strategies for the development of venture investments in the Russian market.
UPDATING SOCIOCULTURAL ASPECT OF CONTENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: Shishlova Ekaterina E.
Published: December 2023

Introduction. The article analyzes sociocultural conditionality of education content, considers the necessity of its enrichment with humanistic sociocultural values demanded in professional activity of a graduate in multicultural changing world.
The purpose of the article is to conceptualize the world-view essence of the sociocultural discourse and its defining role in updating content of education as the necessary condition for bringing up a competent specialist.
Objectives of the article are to analyse the problem of updating education content in the context of modern concepts of humanization; determine the essence and structure of the sociocultural aspect of professional training at a modern university; presentation of the conditions for updating the sociocultural aspect of the content of education in the activities of a university teacher.
Methodology. In order to achieve the goal, we studied the concept of humanization of education with methodological instruments of social philosophy, anthropology, cultural studies, considering the increasing role of the value aspect in the content of education.
Results. The scientific novelty of the article is in determining vector for updating the content of education and showing relevance of its sociocultural aspect for the first time in the context of interrelationship of global humanism, universal evolutionism and post-nonclassical rationality. The article reveals the worldview essence of the sociocultural aspect of the content of education and proves the importance to update it for both humanities and natural sciences. We also propose the structure of the sociocultural aspect and possible ways to renew it in the context of cultural science. Of practical importance are the conditions outlined in the study for updating the content of education, a special place among which belongs to the teacher’s ability to reflect on its hidden component as a significant channel for transmitting sociocultural humanistic values. Conclusion. Education that meets sociocultural challenges of changing world by updating its content serves as an indicator of the quality of professional training at universities, ensures bringing up socioculturally competent specialists capable of resolving contradictions in the modern world and ready to maintain its sustainable development.
Controlling
Authors: Karminskiy Aleksandr , Fal'ko Sergey , Ivanova Nadezhda , Zhevaga Aleksandr
Published: December 2023

The textbook discusses the methodological and practical foundations of the development and implementation of a controlling system in organizations. The main functions and tasks of operational and strategic controlling are outlined. The functions, tasks and tools of controlling the functional areas of the enterprise are revealed. Special attention is paid to the information support of controlling.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students, teachers and postgraduates of economic universities and faculties, as well as for businessmen seeking to build effective management systems based on modern management methods.
Probability theory. The workshop
Authors: Apal'kova Tamara , Glebov Vladimir , Zadadaev Sergey , Krivolapov Sergey , Levchenko Kirill
Published: December 2023

The tutorial provides solutions to examples in the main sections of probability theory using Microsoft Excel and the R language.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying economics.
Risk management system in customs
Authors: Marceva Tat'yana , Berezhnaya Ol'ga , Berezhnoy Vladimir
Published: December 2023

The textbook gives a general idea of risk in management theory, reveals the legal and organizational foundations of the activities of customs authorities carrying out customs control using risk profiles, and also examines the practice of implementing a risk management system in customs.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions specializing in Customs, teachers, as well as anyone interested in the practice of risk management in foreign economic activity.
Economic development and economic growth at the corporate level
Authors: Ulanov Vladimir
Published: December 2023

The issues of economic development are considered on the example of Russian companies, attention is paid to criteria and indicators of economic development and growth, issues of investment attractiveness, the use of various management technologies in business processes, assessment of the impact of industry factors, etc. Analytical tasks are given on certain topics. During the preparation of the textbook, the author's work experience in the companies Lukoil, Norilsk Nickel, RUSAL, etc. was used.
It complies with the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students of higher educational institutions studying in the fields of Economics and Management.
An innovative mechanism for the development of management of an industrial organization
Authors: Skubriy Evgeniy , Mel'nichuk Iosif , Zheltenkov Aleksandr , Pleshkov Maksim
Published: December 2023

The monograph examines the basics of the formation of an innovative mechanism for the development of management of an industrial organization, outlines the methodology for the formation of structures of management systems of an industrial organization in the conditions of its functioning, restructuring and adaptation of the management system of an industrial organization to the conditions of the functioning of an innovative development mechanism.
It is intended for undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students, as well as researchers at research institutes, teachers, managers and specialists of industrial enterprises.
Information warfare: conceptual foundations of information security
Authors: Derbin Evgeniy , Caregorodcev Anatoliy
Published: December 2023

The textbook contains lecture materials on the academic discipline "Fundamentals of information warfare", executed in the form of an atlas of basic diagrams representing the content of the issues under consideration in a form convenient for perception and understanding of the interrelationships of all processes and phenomena.
It may be of interest both for employees of departments whose activities are related to ensuring information security of credit and financial sector organizations, and for teachers, students and postgraduates studying in training areas and specialties related to an enlarged group of specialties and training areas 10.00.00 "Information security".
Siberia-2023. On the path of socio-economic transformation
Authors: Kuimov Vasiliy , Serdyuk Sergey , Buharova Evgeniya , Shishackiy Nikolay , Samusenko Svetlana , Voroncova Irina , Lihter Anna , Mel'nikova Tat'yana , Nagaeva Ol'ga , Revkuc Aleksandra , Yamschikov Andrey
Published: December 2023

The monograph continues to explore various aspects and potential opportunities for the development of industries, agriculture, the social sphere and human potential in the regions of Siberia in the context of the transition to a new socio-technological order. The features and opportunities of both large vertically integrated and medium-sized and small enterprises to improve their activities in the face of sanctions and restrictions, mastering the practice of technological sovereignty, changing export directions of international trade in Siberian goods and services and a new import policy are considered. The analysis of the capabilities and readiness of businesses, authorities and local governments to form new cluster, business ecosystem interaction formats continues; it is shown that mass businesses and social sectors have sufficient potential for ecosystem interactions based on digital platforms.
For a wide range of entrepreneurs, heads of unions, associations, associations of industry and cross-industry businesses, decision makers. It can be used for educational purposes by students, undergraduates, graduate students, teachers of economic and managerial disciplines.
FIESTA, FIESTAS: ALGUNAS NOTAS DESDE LOS ESCRITOS DE LUIGI M. LOMBARDI SATRIANI
Authors: Ricci Antonello
Published: December 2023

Luigi M. Lombardi Satriani, demólogo y antropólogo italiano, tuvo una profunda atención por las formas de la tradición popular y campesina del sur de Italia, pero también por los procesos de cambio cultural debido a los impulsos económicos de la mercantilización de la cultura. La fiesta fue uno de los temas principales sobre los cuales el investigador centró principalmente sus reflexiones críticas sobre la cultura popular. Muchos de sus escritos están dedicados al estudio y desciframiento simbólico de los comportamientos de los participantes en actos festivos, en particular de Semana Santa, Carnaval y romerías. Este artículo, a través de la lectura de sus escritos, propone un análisis crítico sobre el enfoque etnográfico y el modelo interpretativo con el cual el autor abordó la temática de las fiestas.
Crip Solidarity
Authors: Altermark Niklas
Published: December 2023

Despite solidarity being a central term in discussions about political struggle and allyship, the concept is rarely connected to disability in the scholarly literature. Historically, solidarity has often been theorised with respect to ideas of contribution through work, whereas disabled people have been presumed to be unable to contribute to the common good. Hence, there is a need to crip our understanding of the concept. Drawing on feminist and disability theory, I argue that a recognition of a shared vulnerability that implies mutual dependencies can be figured as the foundation of solidarity. This can serve as the basis for political alliances between different groups struggling together for societies where we carry our shared vulnerability as equals. This way of understanding solidarity has implications far beyond the field of disability studies, not least as an antidote to the ubiquity of austerity and workfare, targeting disenfranchised groups as well as the working class more generally.
Weighing In
Authors: Livingstone Bridget , Gibson Margaret F. , Douglas Patty , Leo Sarah , Gruson-Wood Julia
Published: December 2023

Neurodiversity as a concept, identity, and movement has radically challenged pre-existing ideas of human difference and value. First proposed by Judy Singer (1998) and largely developed through the work of community activists, neurodiversity posits an alternative to pathologizing and medicalized understandings of human differences. This article explores the ways neurodiversity is being used, defined, and deployed based on a corpus of 94 academic texts published across social science disciplines (2006–2021). Using discourse analysis methods derived primarily from Fairclough (2001, 2003), we examine how neurodiversity has been claimed and refashioned within academia. Neurodiversity was often seen as an embodied difference, and was variously portrayed as dichotomous, universal, or existing on a spectrum. Many authors followed an “Autism Plus” strategy, keeping autism at the center of discussions. Academic writers of the texts on neurodiversity overwhelmingly launched their own claims to authority, even as they simultaneously positioned themselves as out of the fray.
Living in ‘waithood’: perceived impact of socio-economic conditions on quality of life of youth in Zandspruit informal settlement, South Africa
Authors: Ngwenya Nothando , Ross Eleanor
Published: December 2023

Research on quality of life (QoL) is important for public policies and human development programmes. Given the high proportion of youth within the South African population, and the rapid expansion of informal settlements, the aim of the study was to investigate the socio-economic living conditions of youth in Zandspruit informal settlement and their perceived impact on their QoL. Guided by the Integrated Theory of Quality of Life and a blend of Honwana’s ‘waithood’ and Thieme’s ‘hustle’ theory, the research employed a qualitative, case study approach involving interviews with 20 youth between 18 and 35 years. Caught in prolonged ‘waithood’ between adolescence and adulthood, most participants were unemployed and relied on government grants or piece jobs. They acknowledged challenges that negatively affected their QoL such as lack of basic services which impacted their physical and mental health and feelings of safety. At the same time, they were able to see the benefits of living in Zandspruit such as having sporting programmes, business and job opportunities, availability of goods, and meeting people from different backgrounds. They were able to assert their agency to counter the negative environment and impact of waithood by socialising with family and friends, joining church choirs, engaging in sporting activities, helping children with homework, and persisting with job hunting. These activities represent ways of what Thieme (2017) refers to as ‘getting by’ while living in ‘waithood’. The study highlights the need to fast-track the implementation of the Upgrading of Informal Settlements Programme by providing essential services.
Can you keep a secret? Family histories, secrets and ethics
Authors: Valdivino Silva Maria Gilvania , Nico Magda , Caetano Ana
Published: December 2023

Secrets are important for understanding interpersonal and family relationships. They give insights into the dynamics, processes, interactions and bonds that are developed, interrupted or revisited throughout life. We address family secrets as observatories of interpersonal relationships in two ways. One relates to how the disclosed secrets reveal social norms and social changes in family relationships. The second relates to telling an individual or family secret during a research interaction and what ethical issues and practices this disclosure implied. We address these issues through the secrets that emerged from 49 interviews carried out within a family histories research project with 15 Portuguese families. We identified a variety of family secrets related in particular to family and reproduction, money and addiction. The emergence of secrets in the interviewees’ narratives reveals the fundamental role of secrets in attributing meanings to biographies and family histories.
Transqueer Negotiations and Decolonial Space-Making in Tsitsi Dangarembga’s Nervous Conditions
Authors: Aftab Aqdas
Published: December 2023

Abstract: This article intervenes in the long critical reception of Tsitsi Dangarembga’s Nervous Conditions as a postcolonial feminist novel by using a decolonial framework—one that is attuned to the history of how the cisgender heterosexual gender binary constructs patriarchy—to propose a transqueer reading of the novel. A transqueer hermeneutic serves two functions in this article: first, it foregrounds the centrality of movement in the prefix “trans”; and, second, it emphasizes how this movement queerly manipulates gender and sexual normativity. A transqueer reading of Dangarembga’s novel points to gendered and sexual subversions of the colonial gender binary by arguing that the protagonist, Tambu, queerly reorients herself to and transly negotiates with the physical spaces in which she is placed instead of simply escaping them. Thus, Nervous Conditions quietly delinks from the colonial cisgender heterosexual binary. Overall, I examine the relation between colonial physical space and Tambu’s transqueer subversions by showing how she moves, however fleetingly, within and through decolonial and liminal spaces of refusal.
REBT: Reducing Tyranny and War Through Community Feeling and Social Interest
Authors: Asadolahi Danial
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT: This article proposes that rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT), including some potentially helpful innovations in it, when employed as part of psychotherapeutic and educational efforts, has the potential to reduce oppressive tendencies on the part of human beings, thus fostering community feeling and Social Interest (the constituent elements of Adlerian Gemeinschaftsgefühl ). In this way, REBT can help rob both tyranny and war making of much of their possible psychological underpinnings. The article discusses REBT principles and methods relevant to efforts to reduce tyranny and war, describes how REBT can promote Gemeinschaftsgefühl and related horizontal striving for perfection, and closes with suggestions for future directions based on the discussions.
Statistics of maximum photon penetration depth in a two-layer diffusive medium
Authors: Martelli Fabrizio , Pifferi Antonio , Farina Andrea , Amendola Caterina , Maffeis Giulia , Tommasi Federico , Cavalieri Stefano , Spinelli Lorenzo , Torricelli Alessandro
Published: December 2023

We present numerical results for the probability density function f(z) and for the mean value of photon maximum penetration depth ‹z
max
› in a two-layer diffusive medium. Both time domain and continuous wave regime are considered with several combinations of the optical properties (absorption coefficient, reduced scattering coefficient) of the two layers, and with different geometrical configurations (source detector distance, thickness of the upper layer). Practical considerations on the design of time domain and continuous wave systems are derived. The methods and the results are of interest for many research fields such as biomedical optics and advanced microscopy.
Dynamic light scattering and laser speckle contrast imaging of the brain: theory of the spatial and temporal statistics of speckle pattern evolution
Authors: Liu Bingxue , Postnov Dmitry , Boas David A. , Cheng Xiaojun
Published: December 2023

Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) are closely related techniques that exploit the statistics of speckle patterns, which can be utilized to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF). Conventionally, the temporal speckle intensity auto-correlation function g2
t
(τ) is calculated in DLS, while the spatial speckle contrast K
s
is calculated in LSCI measurements. Due to the rapid development of CMOS detection technology with increased camera frame rates while still maintaining a large number of pixels, the ensemble or spatial average of g2
s
(τ) as well as the temporal contrast K
t
can be easily calculated and utilized to quantify CBF. Although many models have been established, a proper summary is still lacking to fully characterize DLS and LSCI measurements for spatial and temporal statistics, laser coherence properties, various motion types, etc. As a result, there are many instances where theoretical models are misused. For instance, mathematical formulas derived in the diffusive regime or for ergodic systems are sometimes applied to small animal brain measurements, e.g., mice brains, where the assumptions are not valid. Therefore, we aim to provide a review of the speckle theory for both DLS and LSCI measurements with detailed derivations from first principles, taking into account non-ergodicity, spatial and temporal statistics of speckles, scatterer motion types, and laser coherence properties. From these calculations, we elaborate on the differences between spatial and temporal averaging for DLS and LSCI measurements that are typically ignored but can result in inaccurate measurements of blood flow, particularly the spatially varying nature of the static component in g2
t
(τ) and K
t
. We also obtained g2
s
(τ) maps in in vivo mouse brain measurements using high frame rate CMOS cameras which have not been demonstrated before, and compared with g2
t
(τ) and Ks,t. This work provides a useful guide for choosing the correct model to analyze spatial and temporal speckle statistics in in-vivo DLS and LSCI measurements.
Quantum-interference-induced magnon blockade and antibunching in a hybrid quantum system
Authors: Gupta Pooja Kumari , Kalita Sampreet , Sarma Amarendra K.
Published: December 2023

In this work, we study the phenomena of quantum-interference-assisted magnon blockade and magnon antibunching in a weakly interacting hybrid ferromagnet-superconductor system. The magnon excitations in two yttrium iron garnet spheres are indirectly coupled to a superconducting qubit through microwave cavity modes of two mutually perpendicular cavities. We find that when one of the magnon modes is driven by a weak microwave field, the destructive interference between more than two distinct transition pathways restricts the simultaneous excitation of two magnons. We analyze the magnon correlations in the driven magnon mode for the case of zero detunings as well as finite detunings of the magnon modes and the qubit. We show that the magnon antibunching can be tuned by changing the magnon-qubit coupling strength ratio and the driving detuning. Our work proposes a possible scheme that has a significant role in the construction of single magnon generating devices.
Accurate time-domain and frequency-domain co-simulation approach for OEICs design with Verilog-A
Authors: Fang Hao , Liu Yanan , Wu Lingxiao , Xu Xiao , Du Liuge , Sun Chonglei , Zhao Jia
Published: December 2023

Optoelectronic integrated circuits (OEICs) have enhanced integration and communication capabilities in various applications. With the continued increase in complexity and scale, the need for an accurate and efficient simulation environment compatible with photonics and electronics becomes paramount. This paper introduces a method using the Verilog-A hardware language in the electronic design automation (EDA) platform to create equivalent circuit and compact models for photonic devices, considering their dispersion, polarization, multimode, and bidirectional transmission characteristics. These models can be co-simulated alongside electrical components in the electronic simulator, covering both the time and frequency domains simultaneously. Model parameters can be modified at any stage of the design process. Using the full link of an optoelectronic transceiver as an example, analyses from our Verilog-A model system show a mean absolute percentage error of 1.55% in the time-domain and 0.0318% in the frequency-domain when compared to the commercial co-simulation system (e.g., Virtuoso-INTERCONNECT). This underscores the accuracy and efficiency of our approach in OEICs design. By adopting this method, designers are enabled to conduct both electrical-specific and photonic-specific circuit analyses, as well as perform optoelectronic co-simulation within a unified platform seamlessly.
Analytical calculation of beam profile and orbital angular momentum spectrum of Laguerre Gaussian beams reflected from a graphene plasmonic structure
Authors: Baniasadi Mojtaba , Ghasempour Ardakani Abbas
Published: December 2023

In this paper, Laguerre Gaussian (LG) beams with different topological charges are used for excitation of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) through a graphene layer inserted in the Otto-configuration. By utilizing the angular spectrum representation (ASR) and Lorenz-gauge vector potential, an explicit analytical expression is derived for the electromagnetic fields of the reflected beam. At the optimal excitation state of graphene SPPs, the reflected beam exhibits a distinctive field profile characterized by two identical crescent-shaped lobes separated by a vertical strip with null intensity. Furthermore, in the absence of external magnetic field, the orbital angular momentum (OAM) spectrum of the reflected beam at the optimal excitation of SPPs reveals the annihilation of central OAM mode and the generation of two equal OAM sidebands, regardless of the incident OAM topological charge. Furthermore, the phase distributions of electric field of the reflected beam confirm the existence of OAM sidebands in the vicinity of optimal SPPs excitation. As the system is taken away from the optimal excitation of SPPs by introduction of an external magnetic field or increasing the chemical potential or increasing the incident angle, both central and sideband modes appear in the OAM spectrum of the reflected beam. In this case, when the topological charge of the incident wave increases, the weight of central OAM mode decreases while the weight of sidebands increases. In contrast, in the presence of external magnetic field, at the optimal excitation of SPPs, both central OAM and sidebands modes exist in the reflected beam such that the weight of central modes increases with the external magnetic field. This effect is also confirmed by plotting the phase distributions of the reflected beam at different external magnetic fields and for different incident topological charges. Therefore, the manipulation of graphene plasmons characteristics leads to the control of OAM sideband generation.
High-performance plasmonic metasurface sensor by triangular nano-structures
Authors: Jafari Esmat , Mansouri-Birjandi Mohammad Ali , Tavousi Alireza
Published: December 2023

The increasing need to sense different materials has caused sensors and efforts to improve their performance to receive a lot of attention in the optics field. In this report, we present a high-performance plasmonic metasurface sensor by the DGTD method that includes a two-dimensional periodic lattice of nano-triangles on a glass film and a TiN mirror. The TiN prevents light transmission from the resonators, causing a deeper reflection dip. Two resonances are observed, which offer a maximum sensitivity of about 417 nm/RIU and 735 nm/RIU, correspondingly. In this structure, augmenting the nano-triangles enhances hot spots, improving spectral response and sensitivity. Moreover, the structure maintains an almost unchanged spectral response for small angles. Overall, this sensor can be suitable for various applications such as biosensing.
Large reconfigurable quantum circuits with SPAD arrays and multimode fibers
Authors: Makowski Adrian , Dąbrowski Michał , Antolovic Ivan Michel , Bruschini Claudio , Defienne Hugo , Charbon Edoardo , Lapkiewicz Radek , Gigan Sylvain
Published: December 2023

Reprogrammable integrated optics provides a natural platform for tunable quantum photonic circuits, but faces challenges when high dimensions and high connectivity are involved. Here, we implement high-dimensional linear transformations on spatial modes of photons using wavefront shaping together with mode mixing in a multimode fiber, and measure photon correlations using a time-tagging single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array. Our demonstration of a generalization of a Hong-Ou-Mandel interference to 22 output ports shows the scalability potential of wavefront shaping in complex media in conjunction with SPAD arrays for implementing high-dimensional reconfigurable quantum circuits. Specifically, we achieved (80.5±6.8)% similarity for indistinguishable photon pairs and (84.9±7.0)% similarity for distinguishable photon pairs using 22 detectors and random circuits.
Generating high-dimensional entanglement using a foundry-fabricated photonic integrated circuit
Authors: Manfreda-Schulz Evan , Elliot J. Dulany , van Niekerk Matthew , Proctor Daniel , Ciminelli Mario , Palone Tom , Tison Christopher C. , Fanto Michael L. , Preble Stefan F. , Howland Gregory A.
Published: December 2023

We present a silicon photonic integrated circuit (PIC) designed to generate high-dimensional (HD) entanglement across four discrete waveguide path modes. Our PIC is foundry fabricated and fully packaged with electrical wirebonds and an epoxy bonded fiber array. We performed a partial characterization of our system’s density matrix by demonstrating spectral indistinguishability of photon pairs, measuring the joint coincidence distribution of photon pairs across all pairs of output modes, and measuring the coherences of different mode pairs using two-photon interference. Using a quantitative entanglement witness, we have determined that our system generates at least 1.45 ± 0.15 ebits of HD photonic entanglement.
Distinct stem-like cell populations facilitate functional regeneration of the Cladonema medusa tentacle
Authors: Fujita Sosuke , Takahashi Mako , Kumano Gaku , Kuranaga Erina , Miura Masayuki , Nakajima Yu-ichiro
Published: December 2023

Blastema formation is a crucial process that provides a cellular source for regenerating tissues and organs. While bilaterians have diversified blastema formation methods, its mechanisms in non-bilaterians remain poorly understood. Cnidarian jellyfish, or medusae, represent early-branching metazoans that exhibit complex morphology and possess defined appendage structures highlighted by tentacles with stinging cells (nematocytes). Here, we investigate the mechanisms of tentacle regeneration, using the hydrozoan jellyfish Cladonema pacificum. We show that proliferative cells accumulate at the tentacle amputation site and form a blastema composed of cells with stem cell morphology. Nucleoside pulse-chase experiments indicate that most repair-specific proliferative cells (RSPCs) in the blastema are distinct from resident stem cells. We further demonstrate that resident stem cells control nematogenesis and tentacle elongation during both homeostasis and regeneration as homeostatic stem cells, while RSPCs preferentially differentiate into epithelial cells in the newly formed tentacle, analogous to lineage-restricted stem/progenitor cells observed in salamander limbs. Taken together, our findings propose a regeneration mechanism that utilizes both resident homeostatic stem cells (RHSCs) and RSPCs, which in conjunction efficiently enable functional appendage regeneration, and provide novel insight into the diversification of blastema formation across animal evolution.
A chemical signal in human female tears lowers aggression in males
Authors: Agron Shani , de March Claire A. , Weissgross Reut , Mishor Eva , Gorodisky Lior , Weiss Tali , Furman-Haran Edna , Matsunami Hiroaki , Sobel Noam
Published: December 2023

Rodent tears contain social chemosignals with diverse effects, including blocking male aggression. Human tears also contain a chemosignal that lowers male testosterone, but its behavioral significance was unclear. Because reduced testosterone is associated with reduced aggression, we tested the hypothesis that human tears act like rodent tears to block male aggression. Using a standard behavioral paradigm, we found that sniffing emotional tears with no odor percept reduced human male aggression by 43.7%. To probe the peripheral brain substrates of this effect, we applied tears to 62 human olfactory receptors in vitro. We identified 4 receptors that responded in a dose-dependent manner to this stimulus. Finally, to probe the central brain substrates of this effect, we repeated the experiment concurrent with functional brain imaging. We found that sniffing tears increased functional connectivity between the neural substrates of olfaction and aggression, reducing overall levels of neural activity in the latter. Taken together, our results imply that like in rodents, a human tear–bound chemosignal lowers male aggression, a mechanism that likely relies on the structural and functional overlap in the brain substrates of olfaction and aggression. We suggest that tears are a mammalian-wide mechanism that provides a chemical blanket protecting against aggression.
Exploring COVID-19 vaccine uptake among healthcare workers in Zimbabwe: A mixed methods study
Authors: Taruvinga Tinotenda , Chingono Rudo S. , Marambire Edson , Larsson Leyla , Olaru Ioana D. , Sibanda Sibusisiwe , Nzvere Farirai , Redzo Nicole , Ndhlovu Chiratidzo E. , Rusakaniko Simbarashe , Mujuru Hilda , Sibanda Edwin , Chonzi Prosper , Siamuchembu Maphios , Chikodzore Rudo , Mahomva Agnes , Ferrand Rashida A. , Dixon Justin , Kranzer Katharina
Published: December 2023

With COVID-19 no longer categorized as a public health emergency of international concern, vaccination strategies and priority groups for vaccination have evolved. Africa Centres for Diseases Prevention and Control proposed the ‘100-100-70%’ strategy which aims to vaccinate all healthcare workers, all vulnerable groups, and 70% of the general population. Understanding whether healthcare workers were reached during previous vaccination campaigns and what can be done to address concerns, anxieties, and other influences on vaccine uptake, will be important to optimally plan how to achieve these ambitious targets. In this mixed-methods study, between June 2021 and July 2022 a quantitative survey was conducted with healthcare workers accessing a comprehensive health check in Zimbabwe to determine whether and, if so, when they had received a COVID-19 vaccine. Healthcare workers were categorized as those who had received the vaccine ‘early’ (before 30.06.2021) and those who had received it ‘late’ (after 30.06.2021). In addition, 17 in-depth interviews were conducted to understand perceptions and beliefs about COVID-19 vaccines. Of the 3,086 healthcare workers employed at 43 facilities who participated in the study, 2,986 (97%, 95% CI [92%-100%]) reported that they had received at least one vaccine dose. Geographical location, older age, higher educational attainment and having a chronic condition was associated with receiving the vaccine early. Qualitatively, (mis)information, infection risk perception, quasi-mandatory vaccination requirements, and legitimate concerns such as safety and efficacy influenced vaccine uptake. Meeting the proposed 100-100-70 target entails continued emphasis on strong communication while engaging meaningfully with healthcare workers’ concerns. Mandatory vaccination may undermine trust and should not be a substitute for sustained engagement.
Routine health data describe adherence and persistence patterns for oral diabetes medication for a virtual cohort in the Khayelitsha sub-district of Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Tamuhla Tsaone , Raubenheimer Peter , Dave Joel A. , Tiffin Nicki
Published: December 2023

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is managed with combined lifestyle modifications and antidiabetic drugs, but people on treatment often fail to reach glycaemic control. Adherence is important for achieving optimal glycaemic control, and management of diabetes with drugs is a lifelong process, so understanding adherence through analysis of longitudinal medications data is important. Using retrospective routine health data and metformin dispensing records as a proxy for medication use, we describe longitudinal persistence and adherence to oral diabetes medication in a virtual cohort of 10541 people with diabetes (PLWD) in Khayelitsha subdistrict, Cape Town. Adherence was measured in 120-day sliding windows over two years and used to estimate metformin adherence trajectories. Multinomial logistic regression identified factors influencing these trajectories. Analysis of pharmacy dispensing records showed varying medication refill patterns: while some PLWD refilled prescriptions consistently, others had treatment gaps with periods of non-persistence and multiple treatment episodes–from one to five per individual across two years. There was a general trend of decreasing adherence over time across all sliding windows in the two-year period, with only 25% of the study population achieved medication adherence (> = 80% adherence) after two years. Four adherence trajectories; ‘low adherence gradual decline (A), ‘high adherence rapid decline’ (B), ‘low adherence gradual increase (C) and ‘adherent’ (D) were identified. Only trajectory D represented participants who were adherent at treatment start and remained adherent after two years. Taking HIV antiretroviral treatment before or concurrently with diabetes treatment and taking metformin in combination with sulphonylurea and/or insulin were associated with the long-term adherence (trajectory D). Routine data shows real life medication implementation patterns which might not be seen under controlled study conditions. This study illustrates the utility of these data in describing longitudinal adherence patterns at both an individual and population level.
Post-traumatic stress disorder and its associated factors among war-affected residents in Woldia town, North East Ethiopia, 2022; community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kassaye Abenet , Demilew Demeke , Fanta Biruk , Mulat Haregewoin , Ali Dawed , Seid Jemal , Mulugeta Abiy , Dereje Jerman
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Post-traumatic stress disorder is marked by increased stress and anxiety following exposure to a traumatic or stressful event. Events of conflict and war-related traumas were commonly reported situations and people who have undergone through have a higher tendency to develop PTSD Woldia town had been under a serious military surge and a five-month encroachment, so the expected destruction in property, impact on physical, social and mental health of civilians was potentially high. More importantly, there is no study that investigated the significance of association between war-related traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorder in the area. so this study aims to assess prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder and its associated factors among war-affected residents in Woldia town, North East Ethiopia, 2022.

Method

A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed by using a multi-stage systematic random sampling technique from May-15 to June-15/2022. A total of 609 participants were enrolled. PTSD was measured by the post-traumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Data were entered by Epi data version 4.6.0.2 and analyzed using STATA version 14. Bivariable and Multivariable logistic regression analysis was done to identify associated factors to PTSD and P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

The overall prevalence of PTSD was 56.28%. Destruction/looting of property (AOR = 1.6,95%CI,1.11–2.47), murder/injury of family member (AOR = 2.1,95% CI,1.37–3.22), witness of murder of family member/others (AOR = 1.6,95% CI,1.01–2.71), unlawful imprisonment (AOR = 1.7, 95%CI, 1.06–2.74), depression (AOR = 2, 95%CI, 1.37–2.93), anxiety (AOR = 3.3, 95%CI,2.26–4.97), experience trauma on themselves (AOR = 2.0,95%CI,1.22–3.58), poor (AOR = 3.1,95%CI,1.60–6.04) and moderate (AOR = 3.0, 95%CI, 1.56–5.87) social support were statistically associated with PTSD at a p-value < 0.05.

Conclusion

The study reveals that the prevalence of PTSD was high in Woldia town following an armed conflict between Federal Government and Tigray forces. Destruction/looting of property, murder/injury of family, witness murder of family/others, unlawful imprisonment, depression, anxiety, experience on themselves, poor and moderate social support were statistically associated with PTSD. Hence, encourage organization working on mental health, routine patient assessment with a history of trauma, facilitating means to support affected residents is recommended.