bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Criterion-Related Validity of Field-Based Methods and Equations for Body Composition Estimation in Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Marin-Jimenez Nuria , Cruz-Leon Carolina , Sanchez-Oliva David , Jimenez-Iglesias José , Caraballo Israel , Padilla-Moledo Carmen , Cadenas-Sanchez Cristina , Cuenca-Garcia Magdalena , Castro-Piñero José
Published: November 2022

Purpose of Review

Overweight and obesity are associated to health prognosis. Therefore, body composition assessment is an important health outcome, especially in adult population. We analyzed the criterion-related validity of existing field-based methods and equations for body composition estimation in adults aged 19–64 years.

Recent Findings

One hundred studies met inclusion criteria. The field-based methods, waist circumference (WC), body adiposity index (BAI), and body mass index (BMI) are valid to indicate body adiposity. Likewise, several equations, including the classical Durnin/Womersley equation, Jackson/Pollock equation (males), and Jackson, Pollock, and Ward equation (females), are valid to estimate total body fat mass or body fat percentage.

Summary

Anthropometric field methods can provide a simple, quick, and easy informative indicators of adiposity in adults. Classical equations, such as Durnin/Womersley equation, Jackson/Pollock equation, and Jackson, Pollock, and Ward equation, are still valid to estimate total body fat mass or body fat percentage in adult population. When choosing estimation equations, specific population characteristics, such as age, weight status, or race ethnicity, should be taken into account. (Trial Registration: Registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020194272)).

Graphical abstract
Rapid adsorption of sulfamethazine on mesoporous graphene produced from plastic waste: optimization, mechanism, isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamics
Authors: Mensah K. , Samy M. , Mahmoud H. , Fujii M. , Shokry H.
Published: November 2022

Sulfonamide antibiotics like sulfamethazine (SMZ) can threaten aquatic and terrestrial life even in small concentrations (≤ 1 mg/L); hence, their removal from wastewater is indispensable. However, the need to explore new promising adsorbents that are cheap, effective, and reusable also remains crucial to developing adsorption technology. This work presents a one-pot solvent-free conversion of the current most ubiquitous anthropogenic bio-resistant solid waste (plastics) into valuable carbon materials to remove SMZ from aqueous solution. High-density polyethylene waste was pyrolyzed at 500–1000 °C in an enclosed stainless-steel reactor to produce mesoporous graphene. The graphene products were characterized via microscopic and spectroscopic analyses. The effect of temperature on the graphene yield and properties was investigated. The optimum sulfamethazine (SMZ) adsorption was achieved with 600 °C carbon product (CP-600) due to its high porosity and aromatic structure. The adsorption parameters (pH, catalyst dose, and SMZ concentration) were optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite design. 99.99% SMZ removal was achieved at 0.9 g/L adsorbent dose, 12.4 mg/L SMZ concentration, and pH 3 at 25 °C. FTIR analysis revealed that the SMZ adsorption occurred mainly via π–π/π+–π electron interactions between the aromatic and pyrimidine rings of SMZ and the benzene ring of graphitic CP-600. The SMZ adsorption followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics, Langmuir, and Freundlich isotherm models. The adsorption was controlled by film and intraparticle diffusion and was spontaneous and endothermic. The carbon synthesized in this work is reusable and can rapidly remove more SMZ than other SMZ adsorbents.
Modulation to favorable surface adsorption energy for oxygen evolution reaction intermediates over carbon-tunable alloys towards sustainable hydrogen production
Authors: Adamu Haruna , Yamani Zain Hassan , Qamar Mohammad
Published: November 2022

Because of the value of hydrogen as the future energy in no distant time, demand for efficient and scalable hydrogen production via electrochemical water splitting process has recently attracted considerable attention from industrial and scientific communities. Yet, several challenges associated with production remain to be addressed. One of the overriding challenges is the sluggish kinetics of oxygen evolution reaction (OER), which can have significant impact on the H2 production due to overpotential. To overcome this limitation, developing low-cost, robust and stable electrocatalysts very close to the same electrode activity as seen for iridium metal is crucial to solving the efficiency issue in the process. Therefore, timely review of progress in the field is vital to identify the electrocatalytic systems with the highest potential and, more importantly, to understand the factors which have positive contribution towards the electrocatalysts performance. We reviewed the progress made in the direction of designing binary and ternary alloys of transition metal-based electrocatalysts tuned with carbon materials. The review focuses more on the modulation of structural design and electronic conductivity that have been carried out by manipulating chemical compositions to moderate the surface adsorption free energies of the reaction intermediates, targeted to reduce overpotential. The strategic routes are discussed thoroughly with respect to the OER mechanisms and their derived-descriptors. However, numerous opportunities still remain open for exploration, particularly on the key challenge to obtain a route to unify electronic structure-activity and activity-multi-descriptor relationships for rational design of efficient electrocatalysts.
Analysis of power conversion limitation factors of Cu (InxGa1−x) (Se)2 thin-film solar cells using SCAPS
Authors: Baniyounis Mohammed J. , Mohammed Wagah F. , Abuhashhash Ramy T.
Published: November 2022

While the first generation of silicon solar cells offers a clean and unlimited energy source, the technology has matured where costs dominate, and the theoretical power conversion efficiency is reaching its limits. The new generation of thin-film solar cells is emerging as an affordable alternative to their bulky counterparts. The technology offers a much cheaper method to quickly fabricate solar cells that use less material with good optical and electronic properties on a wide range of substrates, including flexible materials. In particular, Cu (InxGa1−x) (Se)2 thin-film solar cells are investigated using SCAPS simulation to study the impact of series resistance and doping levels of different layers of the cell structure on the short-circuit current, open-circuit voltage, power conversion efficiency, and fill factor. It was found that an increase in the series resistance of the solar cell layers results in a decrease in the power conversion efficiency with a dependency on light intensities. In addition, the doping level in the absorber and buffer layers plays a significant role in controlling the solar cell’s power conversion efficiency and fill factor values with maximum values when acceptor doping levels are approximately equal to donor doping levels.
Compliance of National TDM Rules with International Copyright Law: An Overrated Nonissue?
Authors: Senftleben Martin
Published: November 2022

Seeking to devise an adequate regulatory framework for text and data mining (TDM), countries around the globe have adopted different approaches. While considerable room for TDM can follow from the application of fair use provisions (US) and broad statutory exemptions (Japan), countries in the EU rely on a more restrictive regulation that is based on specific copyright exceptions. Surveying this spectrum of existing approaches, lawmakers in countries seeking to devise an appropriate TDM regime may wonder whether the adoption of a restrictive approach is necessary in the light of international copyright law. In particular, they may feel obliged to ensure compliance with the three-step test laid down in Art. 9(2) of the Berne Convention, Art. 13 of the TRIPS Agreement and Art. 10 of the WIPO Copyright Treaty. Against this background, the analysis raises the question whether international copyright law covers TDM activities at all. TDM does not concern a traditional category of use that could have been contemplated at the diplomatic conferences leading to the current texts of the Berne Convention, the TRIPS Agreement and the WIPO Copyright Treaty. It is an automated, analytical type of use that does not affect the expressive core of literary and artistic works. Arguably, TDM constitutes a new category of copying that falls outside the scope of international copyright harmonization altogether.
Harmonisation of National Leniency Programmes in the EU: Is This Mission Accomplished? Remarks on the Case of France and Poland Compared with Other EU Member States
Authors: Korycińska-Rządca Paulina , Mendoza-Caminade Alexandra
Published: November 2022

The article critically discusses the requirements of the ECN+ Directive with regard to leniency programmes and whether the goal of this Directive – inter alia to eliminate discrepancies between national leniency programmes – has been achieved. The authors: (1) analyse in this respect the ECN+ Directive as well as the legal framework in EU Member States, focusing especially on France and Poland, but making reference also to selected other EU Member States, and (2) compare how these issues are regulated in those national legal orders to the standard required by the ECN+ Directive. The aim of this publication is to determine any potential differences in the approach taken by national legislators. The article also identifies certain shortcomings in the ECN+ Directive and national legal orders in the area under discussion and suggests amendments that could boost national leniency programmes. This research is based mainly on the dogmatic and comparative methods of analysis.
The influence of front-of-pack nutritional labels on eating and purchasing behaviors: a narrative review of the literature
Authors: Penzavecchia Claudia , Todisco Patrizia , Muzzioli Luca , Poli Andrea , Marangoni Franca , Poggiogalle Eleonora , Giusti Anna Maria , Lenzi Andrea , Pinto Alessandro , Donini Lorenzo Maria
Published: November 2022

Background

Front-of-Pack Nutritional Labels are considered a useful tool to help consumers orient themselves in their food choices and direct their behavior toward a healthier diet. FOPNL development and use are part of a framework that includes cognitive, biological, hedonic and cultural aspects, able to affect consumers' eating and purchasing behavior.

Aim

Given the complexity of the matter, the aim of this narrative review is to analyze the combination of different factors that drive food choices and eating behaviors and to highlight some aspects that are not fully studied.

Methods

The authors conducted the research using a top-down approach at first, followed by a bottom-up approach; starting with general considerations about the purchasing process, gradually narrowing the discussion to a specific sub-population, and finally extending the discussion back to more general reasonings about the direction to adopt in future, or at least to evaluate, for effective communication.

Results

Biases and attitudes toward food products were found to regularly interfere with buying behavior patterns, making it impossible to standardize an average consumer. This reflects in current research, increasing the complexity of the topic. All determinants influencing food choices are often assessed individually rather than in a synergistic and multidimensional context, while the purchasing scenario is characterized by multiple stimuli to which the consumer is subjected. FOPNLs’ impact on perceived healthiness has been studied in different conditions, but some population subgroups have not been sufficiently represented. In particular, the effect of FOPNLs on consumers suffering from eating disorders is understudied and needs further attention. Furthermore, some approaches can be compared to “negative nutrition” or “loss-framed communication”, putting nutrients out of context, emphasizing losses more than gains and risking promoting negative feelings in consumers.

Conclusion

Due to the heterogeneity of studies, evidence on what works best in driving people to adopt lasting lifestyle changes is still mixed. Science communicators and policymakers should consider the possibility that a multi-component approach incorporating nutrition information and education may be a key strategy to promote consumers’ self-consciousness and to support them in their cognitive efforts toward a healthy and sustainable diet.

Level of evidence

Level V, narrative review.
Stigmatising and Racialising COVID-19: Asian People’s Experience in New Zealand
Authors: Liu Liangni Sally , Jia Xiaoyun , Zhu Andrew , Ran Guanyu Jason , Siegert Richard , French Nigel , Johnston David
Published: November 2022

The Asian community — the second largest non-European ethnic community in New Zealand — plays an important role in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic, evidenced by their active advocation for border control and mass masking. Despite the long history of racial discrimination against the Asian population, the Asian community has experienced certain degrees of racial discrimination associated with the stigmatisation as the cause of the COVID-19 outbreak in New Zealand. Based on data from a quantitative online survey with 402 valid responses within the Asian communities across New Zealand and the in-depth interviews with 19 Asian people in Auckland, New Zealand, this paper will illustrate Asian people’s experience of racial discrimination and stigmatisation during the pandemic in the country. The survey shows that since the outbreak of COVID-19, under a quarter of the participants reported experiencing discrimination, and a third reported knowing an immediate contact who had experienced discrimination. However, when looking beyond their immediate social circle, an even higher proportion reported noticing racism and stigmatisation through the traditional or social media due to COVID-19. Major variations of the degree of racial discrimination experienced are determined by three demographic variables: ethnicity, age, and region. The in-depth interviews largely echoed the survey findings and highlighted a strong correlation between the perceived racial discrimination among the local Asian community and the stigmatisation associated with COVID-19. These findings are important for improving the way we manage future pandemics and other disasters within the context of the UN Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Il muscolo come organo endocrino: focus su irisina
Authors: Giordano Carla , Amodei Roberta , Di Stefano Claudia
Published: November 2022

Sommario

Il muscolo scheletrico agisce come organo endocrino che, in risposta all’esercizio, produce e secerne centinaia di miochine che agiscono in maniera autocrina, paracrina ed endocrina con effetti sul metabolismo lipidico e glucidico, formazione ossea, funzione endoteliale e crescita tumorale. Negli ultimi anni, numerosi studi hanno concentrato la loro attenzione su una nuova proteina, l’irisina, adipomiochina in grado di indurre cambiamenti nel tessuto adiposo, attivare la termogenesi e fungere da collegamento tra muscoli e altri tessuti del corpo.
Strumenti per la lettura critica di metanalisi e revisioni sistematiche: il punto di vista del clinico
Authors: Bioletto Fabio , Berton Alessandro Maria , Prencipe Nunzia , Parasiliti-Caprino Mirko , Gasco Valentina , Maccario Mauro , Grottoli Silvia
Published: November 2022

Sommario

La metanalisi è una tecnica statistica con cui è possibile combinare quantitativamente i risultati di multipli studi scientifici che valutano un medesimo outcome. Una lettura consapevole di uno studio metanalitico non può prescindere dalla conoscenza degli strumenti statistici su cui esso si basa, al fine di poterne valutare più correttamente la appropriatezza metodologica e le implicazioni cliniche.
Detecting Dividing Lines in Turnout: Spatial Dependence and Heterogeneity in the 2012 US Presidential Election
Authors: Fiorino Nadia , Pontarollo Nicola , Ricciuti Roberto
Published: November 2022

US voters have been moving further and further apart, most notably in terms of partisanship. This trend has led to a strong geographic concentration of voters’ preferences. We look at how turnout shows a similar pattern by jointly addressing two features of the data: spatial autocorrelation and heterogeneity of the observed units. Results obtained through a spatial lag regression tree procedure for the 2012 US presidential elections allow us to identify twelve groups of counties with similar characteristics. We find that (i) close counties behave similarly in terms of turnout; (ii) across various groups of counties, some variables have different statistical significance (or lack of it, such as household income and unemployment), and often different signs (such as the shares of adherents to congregations, Blacks, and Hispanics, and urban population). These results are useful for targeting geographically based groups in get out the vote operations.
Numerical Prediction of the Effect of Thermal Plume of a Standing Human on the Airborne Aerosol Flow in a Room: Assessment of the Social Distancing Rule
Authors: Hossain Mamdud , Chinenye-Kanu Nkemjika , Faisal Nadimul H. , Prathuru Anil , Asim Taimoor , Banik Snehashish
Published: November 2022

The purpose of the study is to investigate the dispersion of droplet nuclei/aerosol which are produced during coughing and continuous talking to quantify the risk of infection due to airborne disease transmission. A three-dimensional modelling of aerosol transport due to human respiratory activities such as coughing and talking within a room environment has been simulated using CFD technique. An inert scalar transport equation was used to represent aerosol cloud, while turbulence was modelled with the $$k-\epsilon $$

k
-
ϵ

turbulence model. A modified Wells–Riley equation was used to calculate the risk of infection based on quanta emission concept. The spatial and temporal distribution of aerosol cloud within the room is initially driven by the upward flowing thermal plume surrounding the human, but later driven by the flow field constrained by the walls and cooler air movement. While the cough generated aerosols are concentrated in a smaller space within the room, the continuous talk generated aerosols are distributed throughout the room. Within an indoor environment, 2 m distancing will not be enough to protect healthy people from aerosols coming from an infected person due to continuous talking with prolonged exposure.
SciModeler: A Toolbox for Consolidating Scientific Knowledge within the Field of Health Behavior Change
Authors: Nuijten Raoul , Van Gorp Pieter
Published: November 2022

Science aims to build and advance general theories from empirical data. This process is complicated by the immense volume of empirical data and scientific theories in some domains, for example in the field of health behavior change. Especially, a systematic mapping between empirical data and theoretical constructs is lacking. We propose a toolbox to establish that mapping. We adopted a modeling approach based on literature surveys to elicit requirements and to derive a metamodel. We adopted a graph-based database system to implement the metamodel, and designed a web-based tool for importing data from annotated text documents. To evaluate that toolbox (named SciModeler), we have conducted a case study within the field of health behavior change to record three scientific theories, three empirical studies, and the mapping in-between. We have documented how SciModeler aids closing gaps between empirical data and theoretical constructs. We have demonstrated that this enables new types of analyses by sharing example queries for (1) refining scientific theories, (2) exploring promising intervention strategies for a specific context, and (3) checking the potential impact of an intervention platform in a specific context. Our supplementary materials promote replication of these results. SciModeler can support the consolidation of scientific knowledge in the field of health behavior change, and we suggest that it may be applied within other fields, as well. An important direction for future work is promoting online collaboration on SciModeler graphs.
Mean Field Games on Prosumers
Authors: Baar Wouter , Bauso Dario
Published: November 2022

In the realm of dynamic demand, prosumers are agents that can produce and consume goods. In this paper, the problem we address involves a large population of prosumers and each prosumer has to decide if (s)he wants to produce or consume a certain amount of goods. The strategy of each agent depends on the average behavior of the population. We set the problem in a game-theoretic framework by modeling every prosumer as a player. For every player, a cost functional is designed to incentivize cooperation among the players. By taking the population size very large, a mean field game arises. The contributions of this paper are as follows. Firstly, we formulate the problem as first-order and second-order mean field games, the latter arises when we take stochastic disturbances into account. Secondly, mean field equilibria are derived by studying the corresponding linear-quadratic optimal control problem. Thirdly, results on stability of the first-order and second-order equilibria are established. A numerical study covering our findings concludes the paper.
Impact of urban parameterization and integration of WUDAPT on the severe convection
Authors: Nadimpalli Raghu , Patel Pratiman , Mohanty U. C. , Attri S. D. , Niyogi Dev
Published: November 2022

Amplified rates of urban convective systems pose a severe peril to the life and property of the inhabitants over urban regions, requiring a reliable urban weather forecasting system. However, the city scale's accurate rainfall forecast has constantly been a challenge, as they are significantly affected by land use/ land cover changes (LULCC). Therefore, an attempt has been made to improve the forecast of the severe convective event by employing the comprehensive urban LULC map using Local Climate Zone (LCZ) classification from the World Urban Database and Access Portal Tools (WUDAPT) over the tropical city of Bhubaneswar in the eastern coast of India. These LCZs denote specific land cover classes based on urban morphology characteristics. It can be used in the Advanced Research version of the Weather Research and Forecasting (ARW) model, which also encapsulates the Building Effect Parameterization (BEP) scheme. The BEP scheme considers the buildings' 3D structure and allows complex land–atmosphere interaction for an urban area. The temple city Bhubaneswar, the capital of eastern state Odisha, possesses significant rapid urbanization during the recent decade. The LCZs are generated at 500 m grids using supervised classification and are ingested into the ARW model. Two different LULC dataset, i.e., Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and WUDAPT derived LCZs and initial, and boundary conditions from NCEP GFS 6-h interval are used for two pre-monsoon severe convective events of the year 2016. The results from WUDAPT based LCZ have shown an improvement in spatial variability and reduction in overall BIAS over MODIS LULC experiments. The WUDAPT based LCZ map enhances high-resolution forecast from ARW by incorporating the details of building height, terrain roughness, and urban fraction.
An electronic synaptic memory device based on four-cation mixed halide perovskite
Authors: Loizos Michalis , Rogdakis Konstantinos , Kymakis Emmanuel
Published: November 2022

Organic–Inorganic Halide Perovskites (OIHP) have attracted tremendous research interest due to their exceptional semiconducting properties in combination with their facile, solution-based manufacturing performed at low temperatures. Their device applications cover a wide range of domains, while amongst them, photovoltaics is one of the most promising paths towards industrialization. The complex ionic character of perovskites offers a gigantic playground of new dynamic phenomena such as migration of ionic species and vacancies that are strongly coupled to electronic carriers. The interactions between ions and charge carriers are commonly tunable by electrical fields, light, and strain, opening the path for novel device concepts with emerging functionalities. Here, we study the synaptic properties of a four–cation RbCsFAMA perovskite device deployed across an inverted solar cell geometry, as an expansion of Rogdakis et al. Mater. Adv., 2022, 3, 7002 investigations. The device exhibits stable bipolar resistive switching behavior and operates in a low voltage window <  ± 1 V, with a high resistance to low resistance state ratio of up to 105. We show that our device can emulate a wide variety of synaptic functions such as paired-pulse facilitation, long-term potentiation, long-term depression, spiking-rate-dependent plasticity, and spike-timing-dependent plasticity.
George Herbert and Early Modern Musical Culture
Authors: Jackson Simon
Published: November 2022

Described by one contemporary as the 'sweet singer of The Temple', George Herbert has long been recognised as a lover of music. Nevertheless, Herbert's own participation in seventeenth-century musical culture has yet to be examined in detail. This is the first extended critical study to situate Herbert's roles as priest, poet and musician in the context of the musico-poetic activities of members of his extended family, from the song culture surrounding William Herbert and Mary Sidney to the philosophy of his eldest brother Edward Herbert of Cherbury. It examines the secular visual music of the Stuart court masque as well as the sacred songs of the church. Arguing that Herbert's reading of Augustine helped to shape his musical thought, it explores the tension between the abstract ideal of music and its practical performance to articulate the distinctive theological insights Herbert derived from the musical culture of his time.
Assessment of risk factors associated with outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) complications: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kaul Christina M. , Haller Matthew , Yang Jenny , Solomon Sadie , Wang Yaojie , Wu Rong , Meng Yu , Pitts Robert A. , Phillips Michael S.
Published: November 2022

Objective:

To characterize factors associated with increased risk of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) complication.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting:

Four hospitals within NYU Langone Health (NYULH).

Patients:

All patients aged ≥18 years with OPAT episodes who were admitted to an acute-care facility at NYULH between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2020, who had an infectious diseases consultation during admission.

Results:

Overall, 8.45% of OPAT patients suffered a vascular complication and 6.04% suffered an antimicrobial complication. Among these patients, 19.95% had a 30-day readmission and 3.35% had OPAT-related readmission. Also, 1.58% of patients developed a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI). After adjusting for key confounders, we found that patients discharged to a subacute rehabilitation center (SARC) were more likely to develop a CRBSI (odds ratio [OR], 4.75; P = .005) and to be readmitted for OPAT complications (OR, 2.89; P = .002). Loss to follow-up with the infectious diseases service was associated with increased risks of CRBSI (OR, 3.78; P = .007) and 30-day readmission (OR, 2.59; P < .001).

Conclusions:

Discharge to an SARC is strongly associated with increased risks of readmission for OPAT-related complications and CRBSI. Loss to follow-up with the infectious diseases service is strongly associated with increased risk of readmission and CRBSI. CRBSI prevention during SARC admission is a critically needed public health intervention. Further work must be done for patients undergoing OPAT to improve their follow-up retention with the infectious diseases service.
Darwin's illegitimate children: How body language experts undermine Darwin's legacy
Authors: Denault Vincent , Zloteanu Mircea
Published: November 2022

The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals has received and continues to receive much attention from emotion researchers and behavioural scientists. However, the common misconception that Darwin advocated for the universality of emotional reactions has led to a host of unfounded and discredited claims promoted by ‘body language experts’ on both traditional and social media. These ‘experts’ receive unparalleled public attention. Thus, rather than being presented with empirically supported findings on non-verbal behaviour, the public is exposed to ‘body language analysis’ of celebrities, politicians and defendants in criminal trials. In this perspective piece, we address the misinformation surrounding non-verbal behaviour. We also discuss the nature and scope of statements from body language experts, unpacking the claims of the most viewed YouTube video by a body language expert, comparing these claims with actual research findings, and giving specific attention to the implications for the justice system. We explain how body language experts use (and misuse) Darwin's legacy and conclude with a call for researchers to unite their voices and work towards stopping the spread of misinformation about non-verbal behaviour.
Large temporal window and high-resolution single-shot cross-correlator with two separate measurement channels
Authors: Ma Jingui , Ouyang Xiaoping , Pan Liangze , Yuan Peng , Zhang Dongfang , Wang Jing , Xie Guoqiang , Zhu Jianqiang , Qian Liejia
Published: November 2022

In strong-field physics experiments with ultraintense lasers, a single-shot cross-correlator (SSCC) is essential for fast optimization of the pulse contrast and meaningful comparison with theory for each pulse shot. To simultaneously characterize an ultrashort pulse and its long pedestal, the SSCC device must have both a high resolution and a large temporal window. However, the resolution and window in all kinds of single-shot measurement contradict each other in principle. Here we propose and demonstrate a novel SSCC device with two separate measurement channels: channel-1 for the large-window pedestal measurement has a moderate resolution but a large window, while channel-2 for the ultrashort pulse measurement has a small window but a high resolution; this allows the accurate characterization of the pulse contrast in a single shot. A two-channel SSCC device with a 200-fs resolution and 114-ps window has been developed and tested for its application in ultraintense lasers at 800 nm.
Rheology dictated spreading regimes of a non-isothermal sessile drop
Authors: Mantripragada Vishnu Teja , Poddar Antarip
Published: November 2022

In the present work, within the framework of thin film theory, we delineate the interaction between the interfacial dynamics of thermal Marangoni flow and non-Newtonian rheology by considering a spreading droplet over a non-isothermal substrate. The numerical simulations, performed at different equilibrium contact angles

$(\theta _e)$

, dimensionless thermocapillary strengths

$(\beta )$

and shear-dependent viscosities

$(n)$

, reveal that the fluid rheology nonlinearly influences the mechanisms of disjoining pressure and Marangoni stress. Accordingly, three distinct spreading regimes for non-Newtonian drops arise. Results indicate that the Marangoni film regime, having an approximate linear drop shape, sustains at lower

$\theta _e$

, higher

$\beta$

and

$n$

ranges. Also, shear-thickening drops display an early onset of thermocapillary time scale and a steeper advancing front, while their shear-thinning counterparts retain a significant curvature for a much longer time. Contrastingly, the droplet regime is identified by fixed shape and uniform speed

$(U)$

at higher

$\theta _e$

and lower

$(\beta$

,

$n)$

combinations. Here, an intricate interplay between

$\beta$

and

$n$

realizes a sharp increase in

$U$

for shear thinning compared with its invariance for shear-thickening droplets. The transition regime appears as an intermediate regime between the other two and involves multiple ruptured droplets. In all the regimes, we observe slower (faster) spreading of shear-thinning (thickening) droplets than the Newtonian droplets. In addition, the variations in

$n$

cause intense characteristic modulations to spreading attributes like droplet morphology and transient spreading behaviour, and also act as a switching mechanism between different spreading regimes. These unique results may be utilized for superior control of non-isothermal biofluid droplets in microfluidics.
ON THE NUMBER OF NEARLY SELF-CONJUGATE PARTITIONS
Authors: LIN BERNARD L. S. , SUN SITONG
Published: November 2022

A partition
$\lambda $
of n is said to be nearly self-conjugate if the Ferrers graph of
$\lambda $
and its transpose have exactly
$n-1$
cells in common. The generating function of the number of such partitions was first conjectured by Campbell and recently confirmed by Campbell and Chern (‘Nearly self-conjugate integer partitions’, submitted for publication). We present a simple and direct analytic proof and a combinatorial proof of an equivalent statement.
Enhancing cardiometabolic health through physical activity and breakfast manipulations in children and adolescents: good for humans, good for the planet
Authors: Zakrzewski-Fruer Julia K , Thackray Alice E
Published: November 2022

The human health benefits of cardiometabolic disease prevention can be accompanied by planetary co-benefits. Focusing efforts towards young people, including children and adolescents, is conducive to disease prevention. In the context of cardiometabolic disease prevention, this review paper critically summarises the available literature on the acute cardiometabolic responses to physical activity and breakfast manipulations among young people. Given the seriousness of global climate change, which will disproportionally affect our younger generations, this review paper offers new insights into the inherent interactions between child–adolescent behaviour and cardiometabolic health from an environmental sustainability perspective to aid climate change mitigation efforts, including exploring future research avenues. A growing evidence base suggests acute moderate- to high-intensity exercise bouts can attenuate postprandial plasma glucose, insulin and triacylglycerol concentrations for up to 24–48 h in young people. Whether accumulating physical activity throughout the day with short, frequent bouts promotes cardiometabolic risk marker attenuations is unclear. Breakfast consumption may enhance free-living physical activity and reduce glycaemic responses to subsequent meals for a possible additive impact. If repeated habitually, attenuations in these cardiometabolic risk factors would be conducive to disease prevention, reducing the greenhouse gas emissions associated with disease diagnosis and treatment. To progress current understanding with high public health and planetary relevance, research among samples of ‘at risk’ young people that span cellular-level responses to ecologically valid settings and address human and planetary health co-benefits is needed. Indeed, certain physical activity opportunities, such as active travel to school, offer important direct co-benefits to humans and planetary health.
Reciprocal Mobilities in Colonial Encounters in Eighteenth-Century Luzon
Authors: Dizon Mark
Published: November 2022

The article sheds new light on colonial encounters in eighteenth-century Luzon by viewing them through the lens of mobility. Historical actors—both Spaniards and indigenes—created and sustained ties with each other through reciprocal visits punctuated by feasts. Encounters were not singular events but rather pertained to a series of multiple mobilities and multisited celebrations. The very act of travelling transformed the visitors’ identities, which became ever more entangled with their hosts’. In the colonial context, encounters did not involve a simple unilateral or unidirectional penetration and conquest of the island's interior on the part of Spanish missionaries and officials. They were embedded in a combination of Spanish and indigenous practices of reciprocal mobilities.
Using a Quality Framework to Explore Air Ambulance Patients’ Journey Outcomes in Central Queensland, Australia
Authors: Edwards Kristin H. , Franklin Richard C. , Jones Rhondda , Kuhnert Petra M. , Khanna Sankalp
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

In Australia, aeromedical retrieval provides a vital link for rural communities with limited health services to definitive care in urban centers. Yet, there are few studies of aeromedical patient experiences and outcomes, or clear measures of the service quality provided to these patients.

Study Objective:

This study explores whether a previously developed quality framework could usefully be applied to existing air ambulance patient journeys (ie, the sequences of care that span multiple settings; prehospital and hospital-based pre-flight, flight transport, after-flight hospital in-patient, and disposition). The study aimed to use linked data from aeromedical, emergency department (ED), and hospital sources, and from death registries, to document and analyze patient journeys.

Methods:

A previously developed air ambulance quality framework was used to place patient, prehospital, and in-hospital service outcomes in relevant quality domains identified from the Institutes of Medicine (IOM) and Dr. Donabedian models. To understand the aeromedical patients’ journeys, data from all relevant data sources were linked by unique patient identifiers and the outcomes of the resulting analyses were applied to the air ambulance quality framework.

Results:

Overall, air ambulance referral pathways could be classified into three categories: Intraregional (those retrievals which stayed within the region), Out of Region, and Into Region. Patient journeys and service outcomes varied markedly between referral pathways. Prehospital and in-hospital service variables and patient outcomes showed that the framework could be used to explore air ambulance service quality.

Conclusion:

The air ambulance quality framework can usefully be applied to air ambulance patient experiences and outcomes using linked data analysis. The framework can help guide prehospital and in-hospital performance reporting. With variations between regional referral pathways, this knowledge will aid with planning within the local service. The study successfully linked data from aeromedical, ED, in-hospital, and death sources and explored the aeromedical patients’ journeys.
Leisure activity engagement across adulthood predicts cognitive change after five years: Do gender and age matter?
Authors: Sanz Simon Sharon , Lee Seonjoo , Gu Yian , Mensing Ashley , Noofoory Diala , Hidalgo Nazario Geneva M. , Babukutty Reshma S. , Stern Yaakov
Published: November 2022

Objective:

To examine the association between leisure activity (LA) frequency and cognitive trajectories over 5 years across adulthood, and whether gender and age moderate these associations.

Method:

A total of 234 cognitively healthy adults (21–80 years) completed a LA questionnaire at baseline and neuropsychological measures at baseline and after 5 years. Latent change score analysis was applied to generate latent variables estimating changes in different cognitive domains. For a secondary analysis, LA components’ scores were calculated, reflecting cognitive-intellectual, social, and physical activities. Regression analysis examined the association between baseline LA and cognitive change, and potential moderation of gender and age. In addition, we tested the influence of cortical gray matter thickness on the results.

Results:

We found that higher LA engagement was associated with slower cognitive decline for reasoning, speed, and memory, as well as better vocabulary across two time points. Regarding LA components, higher Social-LA and Intellectual-LA predicted slower rates of cognitive decline across different domains, while Physical-LA was not associated with cognitive change. Gender, but not age, moderated some of the associations observed. Our results remained the same after controlling for cortical gray matter thickness.

Conclusions:

We demonstrated a protective effect of LA engagement on cognitive trajectories over 5 years, independent from demographics and a measure of brain health. The effects were in part moderated by gender, but not age. Results should be replicated in larger and more diverse samples. Our findings support cognitive reserve hypothesis and have implications for future reserve-enhancing interventions.
Supporting Weight Management during COVID-19 (SWiM-C): twelve-month follow-up of a randomised controlled trial of a web-based, ACT-based, guided self-help intervention
Authors: Mueller Julia , Richards Rebecca , Jones Rebecca A. , Whittle Fiona , Woolston Jennifer , Stubbings Marie , Sharp Stephen J. , Griffin Simon J. , Bostock Jennifer , Hughes Carly A. , Hill Andrew J. , Boothby Clare E. , Ahern Amy L.
Published: November 2022

Objectives

We developed a guided self-help intervention (Supporting Weight Management during COVID-19, “SWiM-C”) to support adults with overweight or obesity in their weight management during the COVID-19 pandemic. This parallel, two-group trial (ISRCTN12107048) evaluated the effect of SWiM-C on weight and determinants of weight management over twelve months.

Methods

Participants (≥18 years, body-mass-index ≥25 kg/m2) were randomised to the SWiM-C intervention or to a standard advice group (unblinded). Participants completed online questionnaires at baseline, four months, and twelve months. The primary outcome was change in self-reported weight from baseline to twelve months; secondary outcomes were eating behaviour (uncontrolled eating, emotional eating, cognitive restraint of food intake), experiential avoidance, depression, anxiety, stress, wellbeing and physical activity.

Interventions

SWiM-C is based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Participants had access to an online web platform with 12 weekly modules and email and telephone contact with a trained, non-specialist coach. Standard advice was a leaflet on managing weight and mood during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

388 participants were randomised (SWiM-C: n = 192, standard advice: n = 196). The baseline-adjusted difference in weight change between SWiM-C (n = 119) and standard advice (n = 147) was −0.81 kg (95% CI: −2.24 to 0.61 kg). SWiM-C participants reported a reduction in experiential avoidance (−2.45 [scale:10–70], 95% CI: −4.75 to −0.15), uncontrolled eating (–5.52 [scale: 0–100], 95% CI: –9.67 to –1.37), and emotional eating (–4.49 [scale: 0–100], 95% CI: –7.57 to –1.42) and an increase in physical activity (8.96 [MET-min/week], 95% CI: 0.29 to 17.62) compared to standard advice participants. We found no evidence of an effect on remaining outcomes. No adverse events/side effects were reported.

Conclusions

Whilst we were unable to conclude that the intervention had an effect on weight, SWiM-C improved eating behaviours, experiential avoidance and physical activity. Further refinement of the intervention is necessary to ensure meaningful effects on weight prior to implementation in practice.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN 12107048
Large-scale achromatic flat lens by light frequency-domain coherence optimization
Authors: Xiao Xingjian , Zhao Yunwei , Ye Xin , Chen Chen , Lu Xinmou , Rong Yansen , Deng Junhong , Li Guixin , Zhu Shining , Li Tao
Published: November 2022

Flat lenses, including metalens and diffractive lens, have attracted increasing attention due to their ability to miniaturize the imaging devices. However, realizing a large scale achromatic flat lens with high performance still remains a big challenge. Here, we developed a new framework in designing achromatic multi-level diffractive lenses by light coherence optimization, which enables the implementation of large-scale flat lenses under non-ideal conditions. As results, a series achromatic polymer lenses with diameter from 1 to 10 mm are successfully designed and fabricated. The subsequent optical characterizations substantially validate our theoretical framework and show relatively good performance of the centimeter-scale achromatic multi-level diffractive lenses with a super broad bandwidth in optical wavelengths (400–1100 nm). After comparing with conventional refractive lens, this achromatic lens shows significant advantages in white-light imaging performance, implying a new strategy in developing practical planar optical devices.
Malnutrition, nutrition support and dietary intervention: the role of the dietitian supporting patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Cook Florence , Rodriguez Jose M. , McCaul Lorna K.
Published: November 2022

Malnutrition is prevalent in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) at diagnosis but can occur at any stage of the treatment pathway. The impact of disease burden and treatment side effects can lead to altered anatomy, compromised quality and quantity of saliva and impaired swallowing function, which can result in deleterious effects on nutritional status. Optimising nutrition status is critical, as malnutrition is adversely associated with treatment tolerance and outcomes, wound healing, morbidity, mortality, quality of life and survival. Dietitians are integral members of the HNC multidisciplinary team and are uniquely qualified in the assessment, management and optimisation of nutritional status across the care pathway. This includes providing informational counselling to patients and carers on the short- and long-term nutritional impact of planned treatments alongside multidisciplinary members. Dietitians lead on the recommendation, provision and monitoring of nutrition support, which can be via the oral, enteral or parenteral route. Oral nutrition support includes dietary counselling, nourishing dietary, food fortification advice and high energy/protein oral nutritional supplements. Enteral nutrition support, or tube feeding, can be required on a short- and/or long-term basis and dietitians support appropriate decision-making for the type of tube and timing of placement across the care pathway.
Head and neck cancer in the UK: what was the stage before COVID-19? UK cancer registries analysis (2011-2018)
Authors: Creaney Grant , McMahon Alex D. , Ross Alastair J. , Bhatti Lesley A. , Paterson Claire , Conway David I.
Published: November 2022

Introduction People who present with more advanced stage head and neck cancer (HNC) are associated with poorer outcomes and survival. The burden and trends of advanced stage HNC are not fully known at the population level. The UK national cancer registries routinely collect data on HNC diagnoses.

Aims To describe trends in stage of diagnosis of HNCs across the UK before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods Aggregated HNC incidence data were requested from the national cancer registries of the four UK countries for the ten most recent years of available data by subsite and American Joint Commission on Cancer stage at diagnosis classification. Additionally, data for Scotland were available by age group, sex and area-based socioeconomic deprivation category.

Results Across the UK, rates of advanced stage HNC had increased, with 59% of patients having advanced disease at diagnosis from 2016-2018. England had a lower proportion of advanced disease (58%) than Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland (65-69%) where stage data were available. The completeness of stage data had improved over recent years (87% by 2018).

Conclusion Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, diagnoses of HNC at an advanced stage comprised the majority of HNCs in the UK, representing the major challenge for the cancer healthcare system.