bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Localisation and function of key axonemal microtubule inner proteins and dynein docking complex members reveal extensive diversity among vertebrate motile cilia
Authors: Lu Hao , Twan Wang Kyaw , Ikawa Yayoi , Khare Vani , Mukherjee Ishita , Schou Kenneth Bødtker , Chua Kai Xin , Aqasha Adam , Chakrabarti Saikat , Hamada Hiroshi , Roy Sudipto
Published: July 2024

Vertebrate motile cilia are classified as (9+2) or (9+0), based on the presence or absence of the central pair apparatus, respectively. Cryogenic electron microscopy analyses of (9+2) cilia have uncovered an elaborate axonemal protein composition. The extent to which these features are conserved in (9+0) cilia remains unclear. CFAP53, a key axonemal filamentous microtubule inner protein (fMIP) and a centriolar satellites component, is essential for motility of (9+0), but not (9+2) cilia. Here, we show that in (9+2) cilia, CFAP53 functions redundantly with a paralogous fMIP, MNS1. MNS1 localises to ciliary axonemes, and combined loss of both proteins in zebrafish and mice caused severe outer dynein arm loss from (9+2) cilia, significantly affecting their motility. Using immunoprecipitation, we demonstrate that, whereas MNS1 can associate with itself and CFAP53, CFAP53 is unable to self-associate. We also show that additional axonemal dynein-interacting proteins, two outer dynein arm docking (ODAD) complex members, show differential localisation between types of motile cilia. Together, our findings clarify how paralogous fMIPs, CFAP53 and MNS1, function in regulating (9+2) versus (9+0) cilia motility, and further emphasise extensive structural diversity among these organelles.
Ειδική γλώσσα και ορολογία της δημόσιας διοίκησης
Authors: Χριστοπούλου Αγγελική
Published: July 2024

Αντικείμενο της διδακτορικής διατριβής αποτελεί η ειδική γλώσσα και η ορολογία στα έγγραφα της Δημόσιας Διοίκησης στην Ελλάδα και τη Γαλλία. Με βάση τη Γλωσσολογία των Σωμάτων Κειμένων –και ειδικότερα την καθοδηγούμενη από τα ΣΚ προσέγγιση– επιχειρείται η αντιπαραβολή της ειδικής γλώσσας και της ορολογίας που εντοπίζεται στα διοικητικά έγγραφα στις δύο χώρες, η οποία ξεκινά από το επίπεδο της διοικητικής οργάνωσης, σε περίοδο διοικητικών μεταρρυθμίσεων και την επιρροή της ΔΔ στη χρήση της γλώσσας και φθάνει στη διαγλωσσική αντιπαραβολή των όρων τόσο σε μορφοσυντακτικό, όσο και σε σημασιολογικό και πραγματολογικό επίπεδο. H έρευνα εστιάζει στους διλεκτικούς και τριλεκτικούς σύμπλοκους όρους, στις επαναλαμβανόμενες λεξικές συνάψεις και στις ονοματισμένες οντότητες, στις οποίες εντοπίζονται οι όροι-κόμβοι, που έχουν επιλεγεί, με κοινά κριτήρια, από τα ΣΚ στις δύο γλώσσες. Για την εκπόνηση της εμπειρικής έρευνας συγκεντρώθηκε ad hoc, δίγλωσσο και συγκρίσιμο ΣΚ 4,2 εκατομμυρίων λέξεων από τα θεματικά πεδία της απασχόλησης και της οικονομίας. Για τον εντοπισμό των όρων και την ποσοτική και ποιοτική ανάλυσή τους επιλέχτηκε το λογισμικό επεξεργασίας Sketch Engine. Η σημασιολογική ανάλυση των επιλεγμένων πολυλεκτικών σύμπλοκων όρων έγινε με βάση την περικειμενική θεωρία του νοήματος και τις αρχές της Συστημικής Λειτουργικής Γλωσσολογίας, σύμφωνα με την οποία η σχέση μεταξύ μορφής και λειτουργίας δεν είναι αυθαίρετη, αλλά υπάρχει διασύνδεση μεταξύ της γραμματικής μορφής και του νοήματος. Ο εντοπισμός της λειτουργικής ισοδυναμίας των υπό μελέτη όρων είναι δυνατός μόνο μέσα από την αναγνώριση του νοήματος του καταστασιακού περιβάλλοντος. Προτείνεται ένα μεθοδολογικό μοντέλο εξαγωγής και εξέτασης όρων, ικανό να εφαρμοστεί στην αντιπαραβολική εξέταση ειδικών γλωσσών για τον εντοπισμό της σημασίας των όρων αλλά και των ισοδυναμιών αυτών σε συγκρίσιμα ΣΚ. Η μεθοδολογία της συγκεκριμένης διατριβής βρίσκει εφαρμογή στη λεξικογραφία, τη μετάφραση των εγγράφων της ΔΔ, τη διδακτική της ειδικής ορολογίας.
Θεολογικές επιδράσεις στη διαμόρφωση των σύγχρονων θεωριών μάθησης και εκπαίδευσης ενηλίκων
Authors: Μαντζανάρης Κωνσταντίνος
Published: July 2024

Στην ανά χείρας διατριβή επιχειρούμε να αναδείξουμε τον τρόπο με τον οποίο διαμορφώνονται οι σύγχρονες θεωρίες μάθησης και εκπαίδευσης ενηλίκων κατά την ανίχνευση θεατών και αθέατων επιδράσεων του Buber και του Krishnamurti. Επιχειρούμε, δηλαδή, να προσεγγίσουμε τις θεολογικές προκείμενες της σκέψης του Buber και του Krishnamurti, προκειμένου να εξετάσουμε τον τρόπο με τον οποίο διαμορφώνουν ένα κοινό πεδίο στοχασμού με τις θεωρητικές κατευθύνσεις τόσο της εκπαίδευσης ενηλίκων όσο και της μάθησης. Ζητήματα, όπως η ελευθερία του εαυτού ως όρος του αληθινού διαλόγου, η ανάγνωση της πνευματικότητας κατά την εκπαιδευτική διεργασία, η διαλογική σχέση ως υπαρξιακό γεγονός αλλά και ο τρόπος οντολογικής αναδίφησης της μάθησης, θέτουν στοχαστικές βλέψεις επί των θεωρητικών αναζητήσεων της μάθησης αλλά και των αρχών της εκπαίδευσης ενηλίκων προκρίνοντας νέες αναγνώσεις του πεδίου. Περισσότερο συγκεκριμένα, επιχειρούμε να ανιχνεύσουμε τις αθέατες σχέσεις που διέπουν τις θεωρητικές προσεγγίσεις της μάθησης και της εκπαίδευσης ενηλίκων με απώτερο σκοπό τη διαμόρφωση ενός πλαισίου σκεπτέων συνιστωσών ως προς το έργο των ανωτέρω στοχαστών αλλά της σχετικής βιβλιογραφικής συζητήσεως. Οι αθέατες σχέσεις, ειδικότερα, διέπουν τον χώρο μιας πνευματικότητας, η οποία απεργάζεται την εσωτερική διάσταση του ανθρώπου διαμορφώνοντας τους θεολογικούς όρους της μεταφυσικής αναζήτησής του. Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, αναγιγνώσκουμε με κριτικό τρόπο το έργο των ανωτέρω στοχαστών εντός της ειδικότερης θεολογικής και φιλοσοφικής ατμόσφαιρας εγείροντας επιμέρους ερευνητικά ερωτήματα ως προς την ύπαρξη και τις αναζητήσεις της, προκειμένου να εντοπίσουμε σε αυτές τις παραδοχές τις σχετικές αναφορές στο πεδίο εκπαίδευσης ενηλίκων αλλά και της μάθησης.
A Sociological Imagination: The Neglected Concept in Transformation Theory
Authors: Fleming Ted
Published: July 2024

Malcolm Knowles visited Teachers College as I commenced studying there in 1978. But Paulo Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed opened the possibility that adult education could be radical and transformative. In the same year Jack Mezirow (1978) published his theory of perspective transformation. Andragogy was useful but a paradigm shift in the field of adult education had occurred and through multiple iterations over the following decades we are the inheritors of these exciting developments. Mezirow borrowed from Jürgen Habermas whose theory of communicative action he creatively integrated with the theory of transformative learning (TL). Adult education, that traditionally linked itself with the project of democracy, had a new critical theory inspired understanding of adult learning that works towards democracy. It is this connection that makes TL important in a world facing multiple (connected) crises – climate change, radicalizations, the rise of the far right and wars.
Re-imagining the future of transformative learning theory for underrepresented communities
Authors: Khupe Constance , Nyamupangedengu Eunice
Published: July 2024

This paper is a reflection of our understanding of Jack Mezirow’s theory of transformative learning. Both our present understanding (and interpretation) of, and our re-imagining of the potential that the theory holds, are informed by our identity as African women. Although, that identity suggests underrepresentation, we also see in it agency and potential to bring in additional analytic tools that stem from our way of knowing, living and being.
Weekly paclitaxel, carboplatin and cetuximab (PCC) combination followed by nivolumab in platinum-sensitive recurrent and /or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck: a retrospective analysis from two institutions in India
Authors: Chandrakanth M V , Agarwala Vivek , Mondal Pradip , Chanana Raajit , Parthasarathy K M , Dutta Sourav , Dhar Harsh , Mallick Suman , Das Sayan , Banerjee Devmalya , Faizan Md Arif , Basu Moinak , Kumar Subhabrata
Published: July 2024

Background: First line (1L) TP-Ex-like regimen followed by 2nd-line (2L) immunotherapy represents one of the standards of care in platinum-sensitive recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (R/M SCCHN). We report our experience from 2 tertiary care institutions of India. Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of consecutive patients of platinum-sensitive R/M SCCHN treated with 1L weekly paclitaxel, carboplatin, and cetuximab (PCC) regimen followed by cetuximab maintenance (if non-progressive) or 2L nivolumab or oral metronomic chemotherapy (OMCT) on progression. Overall response rates (ORR), progression-free survival after 1L and 2L (PFS-1 & PFS-2), overall survival (OS), and safety were evaluated. Results: The study included 54 patients; median age 56.5 years; 89% men; 11% had cardiac dysfunction; 13% had renal dysfunction. After 1L PCC, ORR was 59.3%; median PFS-1 was 7.031 months; 61% had progression; 35% were treated with nivolumab and 18% with OMCT. The ORR was 26.3% (nivolumab) and 10% (OMCT). Median PFS-2 was 6.5 months (nivolumab) and 2 months (OMCT). The median OS was 15.01 months (entire cohort), 20.6 months (nivolumab), and 7 months (OMCT). Grade III/IV adverse events on PCC included neutropenia (31.4%), anaemia (35.1%), thrombocytopenia (7.4%), febrile neutropenia (11.1%), and skin reaction (16.6%); no Grade-III/IV treatment-related toxicities on 2L. Conclusions: 1L weekly PCC is an effective regimen for palliative therapy of platinum- sensitive R/MSCCHN with an acceptable toxicity profile. The addition of 2L nivolumab on progression further improves the outcomes.
Street Medicine as Service Learning: Lessons from a Needs Assessment Conducted by Medical Students
Authors: Zeien Justin , Hanna Jeffery , Puracan Jasper , Rosales Cecilia , Hartmark-Hill Jennifer
Published: July 2024

Background The homeless population is growing across the United States, particularly in urban areas. Oftentimes, there is a disconnect between existing community services and actual needs of individuals experiencing homelessness. These services gaps are frequently identified by needs assessments and utilized by community agencies to inform outreach efforts and program development. Community outreach by medical students through participation in community-based service learning projects is critically important for the preparation of future physicians to care for underserved and vulnerable populations. This study describes the stepwise approach taken by medical students to design and administer a needs assessment for the purpose of informing the development of a new street medicine program. This study is intended to serve as a guide to students who aspire to launch a new street medicine program but is generalizable to other student-led service learning outreaches. Methods We conducted a needs assessment from April-June 2018 of 144 unsheltered homeless individuals in metro Phoenix, Arizona. The 16-question survey investigated perceptions of priority needs, sources of medical care, health literacy, and health status. Survey results were analyzed using Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test, chi-squared analysis, and multivariable logistic regression. Results Most respondents (91.6%) identified food as a top need. The majority (64.1%) utilized Emergency Departments as their primary source of care, and 40.1% reported suboptimal health. Suboptimal health was more likely to be reported in those who expressed transportation (OR 3.03, 95% CI: 1.30-7.07) as a top priority need. Health illiteracy (OR 3.68, 95% CI: 0.76-17.9) was associated with suboptimal health, as was obtaining care at an Emergency Department (OR 2.05, 95% CI: 0.81-5.25). Conclusions Pairing health care with meals and other primary needs may be an effective strategy to increase service utilization by this population. Needs assessments provide an opportunity for health professional students to learn about social needs and more effectively connect patients with services from community agencies and health care organizations.
#Discapacidad y #diversidadfuncional. Evolución terminológica desde la perspectiva de los creadores de contenido en TikTok.
Authors: Bonilla-Del-Río Mónica , Di-Cintio Antonella , Pérez-Rodríguez Amor
Published: July 2024

El debate en torno a la evolución terminológica sobre la discapacidad ha llegado a las redes sociales. En este artículo se analizan discursos y percepciones de los creadores de contenido en TikTok, respecto a los términos correctos e incorrectos para referirse al colectivo de las personas con discapacidad, los tipos de contenidos generados en la plataforma y el uso de sus funcionalidades, finalidades y estrategias. El análisis se desarrolla con un método cuantitativo-cualitativo con enfoque etnográfico y un análisis multimodal sobre 100 vídeos cortos. Se realizó una búsqueda por hashtags y palabras clave entre diciembre de 2021 y enero de 2022. La investigación considera el modo en qué los creadores de contenido comparten su percepción sobre los términos que hoy se suelen utilizar para referirse a las personas con discapacidad y cuáles consideran adecuados e inapropiados. Los resultados evidencian el debate, los posicionamientos de los creadores de contenido y el activismo, señalándose la expresión “personas con discapacidad” como el término más aceptado y reconocido actualmente, mientras que entre los términos obsoletos, ofensivos y no representativos destacan “minusválido”, “subnormal” o “deficiente”. Otros hallazgos interesantes relativos a las funcionalidades de la plataforma son el uso de los vídeos respuesta, musicales y dúos, así como la utilización de hashtags como estrategia para alcanzar sus objetivos de formación y educación, visibilización y concienciación social. Así, a pesar de que se ha producido una evolución terminológica en torno a la discapacidad, se evidencia que todavía queda un largo camino para alcanzar el verdadero lenguaje inclusivo
Análisis psicosocial de la representación televisiva de la diversidad funcional como estrategia de alfabetización mediática.
Authors: Zaptsi Anna , Vera Moreno Blanca , Garrido Rocío
Published: July 2024

La televisión es un poderoso agente socializador que contribuye a generar, perpetuar o romper estereotipos hacia los grupos minoritarios y subalternizados. La representación mediática de la diversidad funcional es fundamental para mantener los estereotipos o proporcionar referentes positivos que rompan con las representaciones arquetípicas. Plataformas como Netflix han aumentado su representación dentro y fuera de la pantalla, ofreciendo retratos más completos e inclusivos. En esta dirección, este artículo presenta las lecciones aprendidas de una práctica de innovación docente basada en la alfabetización mediática en la enseñanza superior. Con el objetivo de realizar un análisis crítico de la presencia y representación de la diversidad en series populares de streaming desde una perspectiva psicosocial, se asignó al alumnado de los Grados de Periodismo y Psicología de la Universidad de Sevilla una serie popularizada entre los años 2020 y 2022. Las series objeto de análisis fueron: Breaking Bad, Glee, Community, POSE, Orange is the New Black, Sherlock y Prison Break. Siguiendo una adaptación del Test Zaptsi-Garrido (Zaptsi & Garrido, 2021 y Zaptsi et al., 2021), el alumnado visualizó las series y realizó un análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo de los personajes principales. Tras el análisis, los estudiantes compartieron los hallazgos en una sesión de discusión con el objetivo de concienciar sobre la alfabetización mediática en la era digital. En los resultados destaca la presencia de arquetipos (e.j. el ‘villano’ o la ‘víctima’) y representaciones estigmatizantes hacia las personas con diversidad funcional. Además de discutir los resultados, se añaden algunas series producidas y/o interpretadas por personas con diversidad funcional, ampliando las herramientas para futuras investigaciones e intervenciones sobre educación mediática para la inclusión.
Loyalty Currency and Mental Accounting: Do Consumers Treat Points Like Money?
Authors: Lim Freddy , Chun So Yeon , Satopää Ville
Published: July 2024

Problem definition: Loyalty programs have greatly expanded in scale and scope, and loyalty points issued by firms serve as a new form of currency alongside the traditional currency of money. In this paper, we study how consumers decide to pay with points or money for a purchase and how these decisions are affected by consumers’ points earning characteristics. Methodology/results: We develop a model of consumers’ payment choices and estimate it on proprietary loyalty program data from a major U.S. airline company using a hierarchical Bayesian framework. Our results demonstrate that mental accounting, the subjective perceived value of points, and the reference exchange rate play important roles in consumers’ payment choices. Moreover, the primary points earning source and the total earning level are jointly associated with consumers’ attitudes toward points and money: Consumers who earn many points and mostly with the focal firm tend to value points more than money, while those who earn few points or mostly through a cobranded credit card tend to value money more than points. To better understand heterogeneity in consumers’ attitudes toward points, we propose a probabilistic segmentation of consumers and identify four behavioral segments with distinctive characteristics. Through counterfactual analysis, we demonstrate how a firm can implement money and point pricing policies to optimally target and influence consumers’ payment choices. Managerial implications: It is important for firms to understand how consumers think about points and decide to pay with points or money as it affects firms’ cash flows, profitability, and consumer loyalty and engagement. We demonstrate that firms can design optimal price targeting policies by utilizing the significant level of heterogeneity in consumers’ attitudes toward points. Furthermore, our results indicate that firms that are expanding their partnership networks and offering more points earning sources should consider the impact that this would have on consumers’ mental accounting of money and points, and consequently their payment choices.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.0287 .
Briefing: accommodation pilot
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: July 2024

Key questions on supported housing scheme that is an alternative to custody for young Londoners
Sexual harassment in schools
Authors: Oldershaw Richard
Published: July 2024

Richard Oldershaw, legal adviser at Coram’s Child Law Advice Service, outlines statutory guidance revisions on safeguarding in education and their impact on how schools should tackle inappropriate sexual behaviour
Inverse of the squared distance matrix of a complete multipartite graph
Authors: Das Joyentanuj , Mohanty Sumit
Published: July 2024

Let $G$ be a connected graph on $n$ vertices and $d_{ij}$ be the length of the shortest path between vertices $i$ and $j$ in $G$. We set $d_{ii}=0$ for every vertex $i$ in $G$. The squared distance matrix $\Delta(G)$ of $G$ is the $n\times n$ matrix with $(i,j)^{th}$ entry equal to $0$ if $i = j$ and equal to $d_{ij}^2$ if $i \neq j$. For a given complete $t$-partite graph $K_{n_1,n_2,\cdots,n_t}$ on $n=\sum_{i=1}^t n_i$ vertices, under some condition we find the inverse $\Delta(K_{n_1,n_2,\cdots,n_t})^{-1}$ as a rank-one perturbation of a symmetric Laplacian-like matrix $\mathcal{L}$ with $\text{rank} (\mathcal{L})=n-1$. We also investigate the inertia of $\mathcal{L}$.
Nota Editorial
Authors: Maldonado Jorge Higinio
Published: July 2024

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Selection of Interferential Screw for Fixation of Graft in Tibial Tunnel during Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction by Novel Probe Test
Authors: Patro Bishnu Prasad ,   Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India,, Patra Saroj Kumar , Das Gurudip , Jeyaraman Naveen , Jeyaraman Madhan ,   Department of Trauma and Emergency Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India,   Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India,,   Department of Orthopaedics, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India,   Department of Orthopaedics, ACS Medical College and Hospital, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction is a common orthopedic procedure, employing various grafts such as the hamstring tendon, bone-patellar bone, and quadriceps tendon. Fixation methods include suspensory loop with button, interferential screw, and cortical fixation. The optimal screw diameter for tibial tunnel fixation remains undefined, with choices ranging from 1mm smaller to 1–2 mm larger than the tunnel diameter. Screw-related complications such as breakage and thread flattening are concerns. This study was to determine the ideal screw diameter for secure graft fixation in the tibial tunnel during ACL reconstruction. Materials and Methods: A novel arthroscopic probe technique was utilized to assess tibial tunnel bone integrity. Bone quality was categorized into weak, strong, and very strong. Screw size selection, either equal to or 1–2 mm larger than the tunnel diameter, was based on bone quality. Screw lengths varied from 25 mm to 35 mm. Results: The novel technique significantly reduced screw-related complications, from 9.6% (24 out of 248 patients) to 0.5% (1 out of 187 patients). The need for additional cortical stabilization decreased from 14.5% (36 out of 248 patients) to 1.6% (3 out of 187 patients). Conclusion: The low-cost, efficient 2-min probe test is a secure and effective method for selecting interferential screws in ACL reconstruction, minimizing complications, and additional stabilization needs. Keywords: Anterior cruciate ligament, biodegradable screw, tibial tunnel, graft fixation.
A Perspective of Growth of Unicompartmental Knee Replacement in India – Registry Data and Global Trends
Authors: Pandian Haemanath ,   Department of Orthopaedics, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to analyze the trend of unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) in India, based on the data obtained from the Indian joint registry, in comparison with the global trends. Materials and Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of data from an Indian joint registry for cases performed between 2016 and 2021. A total of 1086 UKRs were identified and the following information was analyzed: demographic data, diagnosis leading to primary UKR, year-wise surgeon inclination toward UKR, implant preference, regions where UKR was preferred, and the effect of robotics in UKR. UKR registry data were compared with the registry data from the UK (NJR), Sweden (SKAR), Australia (AOJR), and the USA (AJRR). Results: One thousand eighty-six UKRs were included in the study: The vast majority of them (97%) were implanted due to primary osteoarthritis followed by deformity (2%), as in accordance with other registries. Since 2016, though very minimal, there has been a gradual increase in the numbers and the percentage of cases contributed by UKR, of all knee replacements with the maximum of 2.85% reported in 2019. The same has been observed in the global trends as well. Oxford knees (60%) are the most preferred implants followed by journey uni knee (20%) in India. The cities where more unicompartmental knee are performed are in the order of Mumbai (32.78%), Faridabad (9.39%), Pune (7.92%), and Hyderabad (6.35%). Surgeon preference for robotic assisted UKR is increasing, accounting for 34% of UKR in 2020, which is in coherence with AOJR. Conclusion: The percentage of knee replacements contributed by UKR is increasing globally and the same trend can be observed in India. Oxford phase III prosthesis are the most preferred UKR prosthesis. UKRs are mostly performed in selected pockets of India, with Mumbai almost contributing to one-third of all the cases. The use of robotics in UKR is increasing and is expected to give better results in the future. Keywords: Unicompartmental knee replacement, Indian joint registry, National joint registry, Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry, Swedish knee arthroplasty register.
Single-frame interferogram phase retrieval using a phase-shifting generative adversarial network with physics-based fine-tuning
Authors: Shi Runzhou , Zhang Tian , Shao Yuqi , Chen Qijie , Bai Jian
Published: July 2024

Phase retrieval from a single-frame interferogram is a challenge in optical interferometry. This paper proposes an accurate physics-based deep learning method for one-shot phase retrieval. This approach involves both data-driven pre-training of a phase-shifting network and subsequent model-driven fine-tuning. The well-designed pre-training network is capable of simultaneously generating π/2, π, and 3π/2 phase-shifted versions of the input interferogram to facilitate phase extraction. Moreover, integrating the interferometric model into the testing dataset enables self-supervised fine-tuning, optimizing the use of both data and physics-based priors. Simulations and experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method in overcoming the common generalization limitation of data-driven models and achieving accurate phase retrieval. The proposed method not only enhances the accuracy of phase retrieval but also improves the generalization capability, making it robust under experimental conditions for interferometric applications.
Simplifying asynchronous optical sampling: an experimental approach toward industrial integration exploiting lock-in acquisition
Authors: Peli Simone , Tognazzi Andrea , Franceschini Paolo , Gandolfi Marco , Giannetti Claudio , Ferrini Gabriele , Banfi Francesco
Published: July 2024

Time-resolved optical spectroscopies are emerging as a go-to technique
for non-destructive testing of nanomaterials. Inspecting the thermal
and mechanical properties of a mesoscale device requires achieving
delay times beyond the ns timescale in a nanoscopy setup, potentially
in a vibration polluted environment. These requirements constitute a
major challenge for traditional pump-probe techniques based on moving
mechanical delay lines and lock-in detection. Asynchronous optical
sampling (ASOPS) and electronically controlled optical sampling
(ECOPS), avoiding any moving mechanical parts, are good alternatives.
However, their detection scheme is based on fast-balanced photodiodes,
which, as a technology, are not as widespread, not as developed, and
lack the performance of lock-in based detection. In this study, we
introduce what we believe is a novel approach that integrates
ASOPS/ECOPS and lock-in detection methodologies, eliminating the
necessity for a reference signal and streamlining the optical
configuration. By leveraging the strengths of each technique, our
approach enhances simplicity and efficiency. The scheme is first
validated against standard approaches in the frame of a beam-depletion
measurement in a sum frequency experiment. It is then tested in a
paradigmatic case study to inspect the mechanics of a single gold
nanodisk, with dimensions in the 100 nm range, nanopatterned on a
sapphire substrate. These results widen the range of applicability of
time-resolved optical techniques as a nano-metrology tool to
industrial settings.
Intensity modulation of orthogonally polarized laser with two weak light reinjection beams of the bifurcated sub-cavity
Authors: Tang Ning , Liu Weixin , Zuo Xiuhui , Sun Boyu , Han Jianping , Xia Lidong
Published: July 2024

This paper proposes a specially designed laser cavity with two reinjected beams to achieve coupled self-mixing interference. Based on the orthogonally polarized laser, a wave plate is employed to construct the bifurcated sub-cavity, and the oscillating laser mode splits into two. Under the domination of the sub-cavity, both the intensity and frequency of the orthogonally polarized beams exhibit near-sinusoidal modulation with a certain phase difference. The modulated intensity also has a long period envelope if the sub-cavity is tuned with pitch angle. Thus, it has potential to acquire the extension and bending displacement of such key components in a space-borne instrument.
Image metric-based multi-observation single-step deep deterministic policy gradient for sensorless adaptive optics
Authors: Xu Guozheng , Smart Thomas J. , Durech Eduard , Sarunic Marinko V.
Published: July 2024

Sensorless adaptive optics (SAO) has been widely used across diverse fields such as astronomy, microscopy, and ophthalmology. Recent advances have proved the feasibility of using the deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) for image metric-based SAO, achieving fast correction speeds compared to the coordinate search Zernike mode hill climbing (ZMHC) method. In this work, we present a multi-observation single-step DDPG (MOSS-DDPG) optimization framework for SAO on a confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) system with particular consideration for applications in preclinical retinal imaging. MOSS-DDPG optimizes N target Zernike coefficients in a single-step manner based on 2N + 1 observations of the image sharpness metric values. Through in silico simulations, MOSS-DDPG has demonstrated the capability to quickly achieve diffraction-limited resolution performance with long short-term memory (LSTM) network implementation. In situ tests suggest that knowledge learned through simulation adapts swiftly to imperfections in the real system by transfer learning, exhibiting comparable in situ performance to the ZMHC method with a greater than tenfold reduction in the required number of iterations.
All-fiber passively Q-switched Tm-doped laser with a mode field area mismatched Tm-doped saturable absorber
Authors: Rastgarjazi Mohammadmahdi , Vuong Barry , Gu Xijia , Yang Victor X. D.
Published: July 2024

We demonstrate a high peak power, all-fiber passively Q-switched Tm-doped laser operating at 1940 nm for applications in soft tissue ablation. High peak power and passive Q-switching were achieved via a clad pumped gain fiber and a smaller core Tm-doped fiber saturable absorber respectively. Clad pumping was achieved via two 30 W diodes operating at 793 nm. At 50.7 W of pump power, laser pulses with 140 ns FWHM duration and average power of 14.5 W were obtained at a repetition rate of 328 kHz which corresponded to a pulse energy of ~44 µJ and a peak power of ~316 W. The laser had a narrow 0.14 nm linewidth at the maximum output power. The laser was used to cut chicken breast as well as ovine cortical and subcortical brain tissues and average ablation efficiencies of 29, 40 and 42% were obtained, respectively. Cutting speeds of 10 mm/s for ovine brain tissue and 5 mm/s for chicken breast were achieved. Further resection experiments were performed with the target tissue placed under a thin layer of water. A resected volume with length, width and depth of 5 mm, 2.5 mm, and 2.8 mm were obtained, corresponding to a resection rate of ~0.58 mm3/s. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of an all-fiber clad-pumped passively Q-switched Tm-doped fiber laser with a core mismatched saturable absorber being used for tissue ablation experiments.
Experimental Validation of XPM Mitigation Using a Generalizable Multi-Task Learning Neural Network
Authors: Srivallapanondh Sasipim , Freire Pedro , Spinnler Bernhard , Costa Nelson , Schairer Wolfgang , Napoli Antonio , Turitsyn Sergei , Prilepsky Jaroslaw
Published: July 2024

We address the development of efficient neural networks (NN)-based post-equalizers in long-haul coherent-detection dense wavelength-division multiplexing optical transmission systems. To achieve a high level of generalization of the NN-based equalizers, we propose to employ multi-task learning (MTL). MTL refers to a single shared machine learning (NN) model that can perform multiple different (albeit related) tasks. We verify the good performance of the developed MTL equalizer model using experimental data as compared to the previously proposed approaches. Furthermore, we report how MTL can improve performance compared to single-task counterparts. We also demonstrate that reducing the complexity of the resulting MTL equalizer is possible without essential performance compromise.
Quality of medicines for Cardio-Vascular Diseases (CVDs) in the Ethiopian border with Kenya: The case of enalapril maleate and furosemide tablet quality in Borena and Gedeo zones
Authors: Tesfaye Esayas , Woldegiorgis Fisseha , Eticha Tadele , Ashenef Ayenew
Published: July 2024

Hypertension (HTN), a cardiovascular disease (CV), is a major public health challenge. Therefore, the quality of drugs used to treat it has become a major concern. Enalapril and furosemide are among the drugs prescribed to manage hypertension. Hence, this study is aimed at evaluating the quality of different brands of enalapril and furosemide tablets available in the Gedeo and Borena zones, southern Ethiopia. Thirteen generic brands of enalapril maleate (5 mg) and furosemide (40 mg) tablets were evaluated for visual defects, in vitro dissolution test, weight variations, friability, hardness, and disintegration tests. The analysis of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) content was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Out of 55 samples, 7 (12.73%) failed to comply with the criteria for visual inspection; otherwise, all samples passed the identification test. Except for one brand of each of enalapril maleate and furosemide, all passed the dissolution test. The assay value showed that all enalapril maleate samples were within the limits of United States Pharmacopoeia (USP), 2020. Additionally, except for two batches, all furosemide samples were within the USP and British Pharmacopoeia (BP), 2020 standards. Out of 55 samples, 8% (2/25) and 6.67% (2/30) of enalapril maleate and furosemide tablets failed the uniformity of dosage units test per the USP-2020, respectively. All samples passed the disintegration test, and selected furosemide samples passed the microbial limit tests. However, 36% (9/25) and 20% (6/30) of enalapril maleate and furosemide samples failed to pass hardness test. Generally, from the total samples, 50.91% (28/55) were substandard (did not meet the specifications failing any one or more parameters assessed). The studied drugs circulating in the market did not meet some of the needed quality specifications. This could have brought a risk of reduced efficacy due to the distribution of poor quality medicines in the area.
Association between fetal hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, and disease severity in patients with sickle cell disease at Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Kahema Samwel Edward , Mbulwa Cosmas H. , Bagenda Charles Nkubi , Niyonzima Nixon , Muwanguzi Enoch , Mcharo Tunzo L.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

There is a wide range of clinical manifestations in sickle cell disease (SCD). Despite having the same condition, each person’s response to disease complications differs greatly. Individuals can be categorized according to the severity of their diseases to determine which group they fall into and receive the appropriate care based on their needs. The relationship between fetal hemoglobin (HbF), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and disease severity in Tanzania is little understood. This investigation sought to ascertain the relationship between HbF, LDH, and disease severity in SCD patients at the Bugando Medical Center.

Method

This cross-sectional study was carried out on SCD patients aged 6 months and older at the Bugando Medical Center in Mwanza, Tanzania. A total of 130 SCD patients were enrolled. The clinical history and laboratory test results for SCD patients were recorded on a specially constructed patient report form.

Results

The majority of participants (56.9%) were men. For the population under study, more than half (60.8%) of participants had a moderate clinical phenotype (MCP), followed by 31.5% of asymptomatic participants and 7.7% of people with severe clinical phenotypes (SCP). Participants with SCP had substantially higher levels of LDH, with a mean level of 810.97IU/L (95% CI: 559.31–1062.64) and a p-value of 0.005. The severe clinical phenotype exhibited a significantly higher mean HbF score value of 10.09% (95% CI: 7.44–13.74%) with a p-value of 0.024 when compared to the asymptomatic and moderate clinical phenotypes.

Conclusion

In SCD patients with SCP compared to ACP and MCP, the HbF levels were higher, but did not show a protective effects, and LDH can be used to predict the severity of SCD.
Automated recognition of emotional states of horses from facial expressions
Authors: Feighelstein Marcelo , Riccie-Bonot Claire , Hasan Hana , Weinberg Hallel , Rettig Tidhar , Segal Maya , Distelfeld Tomer , Shimshoni Ilan , Mills Daniel S. , Zamansky Anna
Published: July 2024

Animal affective computing is an emerging new field, which has so far mainly focused on pain, while other emotional states remain uncharted territories, especially in horses. This study is the first to develop AI models to automatically recognize horse emotional states from facial expressions using data collected in a controlled experiment. We explore two types of pipelines: a deep learning one which takes as input video footage, and a machine learning one which takes as input EquiFACS annotations. The former outperforms the latter, with 76% accuracy in separating between four emotional states: baseline, positive anticipation, disappointment and frustration. Anticipation and frustration were difficult to separate, with only 61% accuracy.
Effect of progestin-based contraceptives on HIV-associated vaginal immune biomarkers and microbiome in adolescent girls
Authors: Nasr Mélodie A. , Aldous Annette , Daniels Jason , Joy Christopher , Capozzi Eleanor , Yang Michelle , Moriarty Patricia , Emmanuel-Baker Vanessa , Malcolm Sharyn , Green Stefan J. , Gomez-Lobo Veronica , Ghosh Mimi
Published: July 2024

Adolescent girls bear a disproportionate burden of both the HIV epidemic and unintended pregnancies; yet important questions remain unanswered regarding the effects of hormonal contraceptives on the vaginal immune microenvironment, which can impact HIV susceptibility in this group. Multiple studies report genital immune alterations associated with the progestin-based contraceptive Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA) in adult women, but there is little available data in adolescents. The objective of this longitudinal cohort study was to evaluate the effects of short-term use of three progestin-based contraceptives, levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG-IUD), subdermal etonogestrel (ETNG), and injectable DMPA, on HIV-associated vaginal immune biomarkers and microbiome in adolescent girls. Fifty-nine sexually active, HIV-uninfected girls aged 15-19, were recruited from the Washington DC metro area and self-selected into Control (condoms only), combined oral contraceptive pills, LNG-IUD, ETNG and DMPA groups. Vaginal swabs were collected at baseline prior to contraceptive use and at 3-month follow-up visit. Vaginal secretions were tested for pro-inflammatory (IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, MIP-3α, IP-10, RANTES, MIP-1α, MIP-1β) and anti-inflammatory/anti-HIV (Serpin-A1, Elafin, Beta-Defensin-2, SLPI) immune biomarkers using ELISA and for anti-HIV activity using TZM-bl assay. Vaginal microbiome was evaluated using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Data were analyzed using SAS Version 9. Among the 34 participants who completed both visits, no significant changes in median biomarker concentrations, HIV inhibition and microbiome composition were observed between baseline and follow-up visits for any of the contraceptive groups. IL-8 (p<0.01), MIP-3α (0.02), Elafin (p = 0.03) and RANTES (p<0.01) differed significantly by race whereas IL-6 was significantly different by age (p = 0.03). We conclude that 3-month use of LNG-IUD, ETNG and DMPA have minimal effects on adolescent vaginal immune microenvironment, and therefore unlikely to impact HIV risk. Future studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up are recommended to continue to evaluate effects of contraceptives on the lower genital tract immunity and susceptibility to sexually transmitted infections.
Sex differences in the association between sleep duration and muscle quality index in adults: A cross-sectional study from NHANES 2011–2014
Authors: Xu Bin , Jiang MengNi , Wei Yu , Duan Ran , Tong Feng
Published: July 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between sleep duration and muscle quality index (MQI) in middle-aged and older age groups, as limited evidence exists on this topic.

Methods

In order to assess the relationship between sleep duration and MQI, a cross-sectional study was undertaken, utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) acquired during the period from 2011 to 2014. The study comprised a total of 4598 participants aged 20 years and above. To examine the association between sleep duration and MQI, sophisticated weighted multivariate linear regression models were employed. Additionally, smooth curve fitting techniques were applied to examine the possibility of any non-linear relationship between the two variables.

Results

The average age of the adults who were enrolled in the study was 38.48±11.69 years, and 46.75% of them were female. The results of the multivariable linear regression models showed that sleep duration had a positive correlation with MQI. However, when subgroup analysis was conducted, it was found that this positive correlation only existed among women (β = 0.09, 95% CI: 0.014 to 0.167). To further confirm the differences between sexes in the relationship between sleep duration and MQI, a weighted generalized additive model (GAM) was used.

Conclusions

This research study provides evidence that there is a positive correlation between the duration of sleep and MQI specifically in females, while no such association was observed in males. These findings shed light on the existence of gender disparities in the connection between sleep duration and MQI.
Antenatal care utilisation and receipt of its components in Nigeria: Assessing disparities between rural and urban areas—A nationwide population-based study
Authors: Adewuyi Emmanuel O. , Auta Asa , Adewuyi Mary I. , Philip Aaron Akpu , Olutuase Victory , Zhao Yun , Khanal Vishnu
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Antenatal care (ANC) is crucial for positive pregnancy outcomes, but it is underutilised in Nigeria, suggesting unmet needs, and potentially contributing to the country’s high burden of maternal and neonatal mortalities. This study comprehensively assesses ANC utilisation and receipt of its components in Nigeria, focusing on disparities between rural and urban areas.

Methods

We used the data disaggregation approach to analyse the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2018. We estimated ANC utilisation, assessed the receipt of ANC components, and identified factors associated with eight or more (≥ 8) ANC contacts nationally and across rural and urban residences.

Results

Nationwide, only 20.3% of women had ≥ 8 ANC contacts, with a significant disparity (P < 0.001) between urban (35.5%) and rural (10.4%) areas in Nigeria. The North-East region had the lowest ANC utilisation nationally (3.7%) and in urban areas (3.0%), while the North-West had the lowest in rural areas (2.7%). Nationally, 69% of mothers received iron supplements, 70% had tetanus injections, and 16% received medicines for intestinal parasites, with urban residents having higher proportions across all ANC components. Maternal and husband education, health insurance, and maternal autonomy were associated with increased ANC odds at the national, rural, and urban residences. However, differences exist, with all ethnicities having higher ANC odds than the Hausa/Fulanis in urban areas and the Yorubas demonstrating greater odds than other ethnicities in rural settings. Internet use was significant only in the national context, watching television only in urban settings, while maternal working status, wealth, birth type, religion, and radio listenership were significant in rural areas.

Conclusion

Our study reveals significant disparities in ANC utilisation and components across Nigeria, with rural residents, particularly in northern regions, as well as socioeconomically disadvantaged and teenage mothers facing notable challenges. A multifaceted approach prioritising the interplay of intersectional factors like geography, socioeconomic status, education, religion, ethnicity, and gender dynamics is essential. Key strategies should include targeted interventions to promote educational opportunities, expand health insurance coverage, leverage internet and context-specific media, and foster socioeconomic empowerment, with priority for underserved populations.
Breaking for gold: Who can judge me?
Authors: Vexler Yonatan Asher , Foelix Candy , Foley Cindy
Published: July 2024

Despite the central importance of judging in breaking competition, little quantitative research on how different people judge and score breaking battles has yet been done. This article explores variables that potentially influence performance evaluation. Statistical analyses of survey data show how these variables can affect battle results. Findings concerning adjudicator certification application vetting and course teaching recommend to not discriminate by applicant veterancy yet focus on thorough curricula, customized per country. More judge certification course time should also focus on the proper comprehension of performances’ interpretative and artistic qualities. The final exam should be what defines who can be a good judge. Implications reach as far as education for the Olympic competition audience. Such curricula can use videos as described herein. Suggestions for further study are also discussed.
Protection of Olympic breakers from sexual harassment and assault
Authors: Hamilton Emma ‘Ready’
Published: July 2024

In this article, Emma ‘Ready’ Hamilton explores the critical issue of sexual harassment and abuse within the realm of Olympic sports, with a particular focus on the emerging discipline of breaking. Drawing on the context of the upcoming debut of breaking at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Hamilton delves into the policies and procedures necessary to address these pervasive issues and draws lessons from other Olympic categories.
Prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. infection in rodents and chickens in Franceville, Gabon
Authors: Makouloutou-Nzassi Patrice , Bouchedi Bernie , Mamgombi-Pambou J. B. , Longo-Pendy Neil Michel , N’dilimabaka Nadine , Bangueboussa Félicien , Koumba Schedy , Matoumba Anicet Mouity , Boundenga Larson , Maganga Gael Darren , Mintsa-Nguema Rodrigue
Published: July 2024

Background and Aim: Cryptosporidium spp. members of the phylum Apicomplexa are obligate protozoan parasites capable of infecting various vertebrate hosts, including rodents and chickens. Infection caused by these parasites may lead to zoonotic diseases in humans. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in rodents and domestic chickens sampled in Franceville, Gabon.

Materials and Methods: Two hundred and eighty-five samples were collected, of which 185 samples were from rodents and 100 from domestic chickens. Microscopy after modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining and nested polymerase chain reaction targeting the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene was used to examine Cryptosporidium spp.

Results: The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium oocysts was 55.8%, with a prevalence of 72.4% in rodents and 25.0% in domestic chickens. Molecular analysis showed that Cryptosporidium spp. were present in 4.0% of the samples. No significant correlation was observed between Cryptosporidium spp. carriage and sex or location in this study. These results indicate that Cryptosporidium spp. persist and circulate in the studied animal species in Franceville, Gabon.

Conclusion: Infection with Cryptosporidium is very common in rodents and chickens in Franceville. The potential risk of human contamination cannot be ruled out. More research should be conducted to characterize Cryptosporidium species circulating in rodents and chickens in Gabon. Such studies are essential to better understand the epidemiology of this protozoan and its potential impact on public health.

Keywords: Cryptosporidium spp., domestic chickens, Gabon, Oocysts, rodents.