bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual based GNC system from prototype to flight software
Authors: STANCU Florin-Adrian , MORENO VILLA Víctor Manuel , DOMÍNGUEZ SÁNCHEZ Carlos , PLAMADEALA Andrei Valentin , OVEJERO PROVENCIO Daniel
Published: March 2023

Juventas is a 6U CubeSat which is part of HERA planetary defense mission and takes advantage of an innovative visual based guidance, navigation and control (GNC) system to perform autonomous navigation in the proximity of the Didymain system. The GNC system is designed to ensure safe navigation in the harsh and unpredictable environment of deep space and finally to take more risks by landing on the surface of Dimorphos. To achieve a qualitative software (SW) product, a dedicated procedure of SW lifecycle is developed by starting with GNC and image processing design, which concludes with the final embedded system that will perform the visual navigation task. A Design, Development, Verification and Validation (DDVV) approach is developed to achieve the flight software: model in the loop (MIL), auto-coding, software in the loop (SIL), processor in the loop (PIL) and finally hardware in the loop (HIL). The DDVV is developed by having as guideline the ECSS standards for SW. The flight software reaches maturity by performing dynamic/static code analysis and code coverage. To ensure an optimal process, a waterfall life-cycle is considered, where dedicated MIL, SIL, PIL and HIL test benches are developed to fully support the activity and to reduce to minimum the development costs.[7]
Estimation of laser-induced damage depth from surface image features
Authors: Hallo Guillaume , Abdelmoumni-Prunes Yanis , Grosjean Sylvain , Néauport Jérôme , Lacombe Chloé , Lamaignère Laurent , Hild François
Published: March 2023

In laser damage experiments, damage initiation and growth are typically
monitored by imaging the surface of the tested fused silica sample,
ignoring their bulk morphology. The depth of a damage site in fused
silica optics is considered to be proportional to its
equivalent diameter. However, some damage sites experience phases with
no diameter changes but growth in the bulk independently from their
surface. A proportionality relationship with the damage diameter does
not accurately describe the growth of such sites. In the following, an
accurate estimator for damage depth is proposed, which is based on the
hypothesis that the light intensity scattered by a damage site is
proportional to its volume. Such an estimator, using the pixel
intensity, describes the change of damage depth through successive
laser irradiations, including phases in which depth and diameter
variations are uncorrelated.
Adaptive optics pre-compensation for orbital angular momentum beams transmitting through simulated atmospheric turbulence
Authors: Xu Yue , Lan Bin , Liu Chao , Chen Mo , Tang Ao , Xian Hao
Published: March 2023

We propose an adaptive optics (AO) pre-compensation scheme to improve the transmission quality of orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams in atmospheric turbulence. The distortion wavefront caused by atmospheric turbulence is obtained with the Gaussian beacon from the receiver. The AO system imposes the conjugate distortion wavefront onto the outgoing OAM beams at the transmitter, tto achieve the pre-compensation. Using the scheme, we conducted transmission experiments with different OAM beams in the simulated atmospheric turbulence. The experimental results indicated that the AO pre-compensation scheme can improve the transmission quality of the OAM beams in the atmospheric turbulence in real-time. It is found that the turbulence-induced crosstalk effects on neighboring modes are reduced by an average of 6 dB, and the system power penalty is improved by an average of 12.6 dB after pre-compensation.
Non-Gaussian quantum state generation by multi-photon subtraction at the telecommunication wavelength
Authors: Endo Mamoru , He Ruofan , Sonoyama Tatsuki , Takahashi Kazuma , Kashiwazaki Takahiro , Umeki Takeshi , Takasu Sachiko , Hattori Kaori , Fukuda Daiji , Fukui Kosuke , Takase Kan , Asavanant Warit , Marek Petr , Filip Radim , Furusawa Akira
Published: March 2023

In the field of continuous-variable quantum information processing, non-Gaussian states with negative values of the Wigner function are crucial for the development of a fault-tolerant universal quantum computer. While several non-Gaussian states have been generated experimentally, none have been created using ultrashort optical wave packets, which are necessary for high-speed quantum computation, in the telecommunication wavelength band where mature optical communication technology is available. In this paper, we present the generation of non-Gaussian states on wave packets with a short 8-ps duration in the 1545.32 nm telecommunication wavelength band using photon subtraction up to three photons. We used a low-loss, quasi-single spatial mode waveguide optical parametric amplifier, a superconducting transition edge sensor, and a phase-locked pulsed homodyne measurement system to observe negative values of the Wigner function without loss correction up to three-photon subtraction. These results can be extended to the generation of more complicated non-Gaussian states and are a key technology in the pursuit of high-speed optical quantum computation.
Multilayer graphene-enabled structure based on Salisbury shielding effect for high-performance terahertz absorption
Authors: Niu Yaokai , Bi Kaixi , Li Qiannan , Bi Xiaoxue , Zhou Siyuan , Fu Wenxiao , Zhang Shuai , Han Shuqi , Mu Jiliang , Geng Wenping , Mei Linyu , Chou Xiujian
Published: March 2023

Sandwich-type structure based on Salisbury screen effect is a simple and effective strategy to acquire high-performance terahertz (THz) absorption. The number of sandwich layer is the key factor that affects the absorption bandwidth and intensity of THz wave. Traditional metal/insulant/metal (M/I/M) absorber is difficult to construct multilayer structure because of low light transmittance of the surface metal film. Graphene exhibits huge advantages including broadband light absorption, low sheet resistance and high optical transparency, which are useful for high-quality THz absorber. In this work, we proposed a series of multilayer metal/PI/graphene (M/PI/G) absorber based on graphene Salisbury shielding. Numerical simulation and experimental demonstration were provided to explain the mechanism of graphene as resistive film for strong electric field. And it is important to improve the overall absorption performance of the absorber. In addition, the number of resonance peaks is found to increase by increasing the thickness of the dielectric layer in this experiment. The absorption broadband of our device is around 160%, greater than those previously reported THz absorber. Finally, this experiment successfully prepared the absorber on a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrate. The absorber has high practical feasibility and can be easily integrated with the semiconductor technology to make high efficient THz-oriented devices.
1.8 W, high efficiency, pump-enhanced, narrow linewidth optical parametric oscillator at 3.8 µm
Authors: Zhao Gang , Tan Wei , Liu Gaoyou , Li Chen , Hu Qiongyu , Guo Quanxin , Zhao Zhigang , Liu Zhaojun
Published: March 2023

A high efficiency, continuous-wave, narrow linewidth, pump-enhanced optical parametric oscillator (OPO) at 3.8 µm was demonstrated, which was pumped by a 1064 nm fiber laser with a linewidth of 18 kHz. The low frequency modulation locking technique was employed to stabilize the output power. The wavelengths of signal and idler were 1475.5 nm and 3819.9 nm at 25 °C, respectively. The pump-enhanced structure was applied, leading to a maximum quantum efficiency of over 60% with pump power of 3 W. The maximum output power of idler light is 1.8 W with a linewidth of 363 kHz. The excellent tuning performance of the OPO was also demonstrated. In order to avoid mode-splitting and decrease of pump enhancing factor due to feedback light in the cavity, the crystal was placed obliquely to the pump beam and the maximum output power was increased by 19%. At the maximum output power of idler light, the M2 factors in the x and y directions were 1.30 and 1.33, respectively.
Narrow linewidth semiconductor multi-wavelength DFB laser array simultaneously self-injection locked to a single microring resonator
Authors: Shi Leilei , Luo Jing , Jiang Lidan , Bai Maioxin , Huang Dongmei , Li Jiali , Chai Jing , Guo Nan , Zhu Tao
Published: March 2023

We experimentally demonstrate a narrow linewidth semiconductor multi-wavelength distributed feedback (DFB) laser array by simultaneously injection locking each laser to the corresponding resonance of a single on-chip microring resonator. The white frequency noises of all the DFB lasers is reduced by more than 40 dB once they are simultaneously injection locked to a single microring resonator with a quality factor (Q-factor) of 2.38 million. Correspondingly, the instantaneous linewidths of all the DFB lasers are narrowed by a factor of 104. In addition, frequency combs originating from non-degenerate four-wave mixing (FWM) between the locked DFB lasers are also observed. Simultaneously injection locking multi-wavelength lasers to a single on-chip resonator may enable the possibilities of integrating a narrow-linewidth semiconductor laser array on a single chip and having multiple microcombs in a single resonator, which are in high demand in wavelength division multiplexing coherent optical communication systems and metrological applications.
Use of complete temporal basis in polarimeters based on photoelastic modulators
Authors: Gomis-Brescó Jordi , Arteaga Oriol
Published: March 2023

This Letter shows the advantage of applying the complete temporal basis in polarimeters based on photoelastic modulators in lieu of the commonly used truncated temporal basis that results in a discrete selection of the Fourier harmonics used for data processing. Results are numerically and experimentally illustrated for a complete Mueller-matrix-based polarimeter on four photoelastic modulators.
Detection of laser light scattered from aerosols in a bright background using a balanced coherent receiver
Authors: Belzer Helena , Rittenbach Andrew , Habif Jonathan L.
Published: March 2023

We experimentally demonstrate the detection of laser light, which has been scattered from micron-scale atmospheric particulates, using a balanced heterodyne detection system with a non-cooperative tunable laser as a local oscillator source. The signal generated by the coherent detection receiver is provided to a signal processing algorithm designed to discriminate scattered laser light entering the receiver from the incoherent background and internal receiver noise. A receiver operating characteristic quantifies the performance of the receiver and demonstrates that optical coherence can be used as a parameter for laser detection even after the process of optical scattering from a disordered media.
Variation in maternal mortality in Sidama National Regional State, southern Ethiopia: A population based cross sectional household survey
Authors: Kea Aschenaki Zerihun , Lindtjorn Bernt , Gebretsadik Achamyelesh , Hinderaker Sven Gudmund
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Maternal mortality studies conducted at national level do not provide information needed for planning and monitoring health programs at lower administrative levels. The aim of this study was to measure maternal mortality, identify risk factors and district level variations in Sidama National Regional State, southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross sectional population-based survey was carried in households where women reported pregnancy and birth outcomes in the past five years. The study was conducted in the Sidama National Regional State, southern Ethiopia, from July 2019 to May 2020. Multi-stage cluster sampling technique was employed. The outcome variable of the study was maternal mortality. Complex sample logistic regression analysis was applied to assess variables independently associated with maternal mortality.

Results

We registered 10602 live births (LB) and 48 maternal deaths yielding the overall maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 419; 95% CI: 260–577 per 100,000 LB. Aroresa district had the highest MMR with 1142 (95% CI: 693–1591) per 100,000 LB. Leading causes of death were haemorrhage 21 (41%) and eclampsia 10 (27%). Thirty (59%) mothers died during labour or within 24 hours after delivery, 25 (47%) died at home and 17 (38%) at health facility. Mothers who did not have formal education had higher risk of maternal death (AOR: 4.4; 95% CI: 1.7–11.0). The risk of maternal death was higher in districts with low midwife to population ratio (AOR: 2.9; 95% CI: 1.0–8.9).

Conclusion

The high maternal mortality with district level variations in Sidama Region highlights the importance of improving obstetric care and employing targeted interventions in areas with high mortality rates. Due attention should be given to improving access to female education. Additional midwives have to be trained and deployed to improve maternal health services and consequently save the life of mothers.
The impact of vaccine information and other factors on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in the Thai population
Authors: Kosiyaporn Hathairat , Netrpukdee Chanikarn , Pangkariya Nattanicha , Chandrasiri Orana , Tangcharoensathien Viroj
Published: March 2023

Increased misinformation circulating among the population during the COVID-10 pandemic can trigger rejection to take up vaccines. This study assesses the influence of vaccine information and other factors on vaccine acceptance in the Thai population. Between March and August 2021, six rounds of cross-sectional surveys through village health volunteer networks and online channels were conducted; as well as qualitative interviews with frontline health workers, patients with chronic diseases, and religious believers and leaders. Descriptive and multiple logistic regression with 95% level of confidence were used for survey findings while deductive thematic analysis was used for in-depth interview findings. Among the total 193,744 respondents, the initial COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rate decreased from 60.3% in March 2021 to 44.0% in April 2021, then increased to 88.8% in August 2021. Participants who were able to differentiate true and false statements were 1.2 to 2.4 times more likely to accept vaccine than those who were not. Those who perceived a high risk of infection (Adjusted odds ratio; AOR = 2.6–4.7), perceived vaccine safety (AOR = 1.4–2.4), judged the importance of vaccination (AOR = 2.3–5.1), and had trust in vaccine manufacture (AOR = 1.9–3.2) were also more likely to accept the vaccine. Moreover, higher education (AOR = 1.6–4.1) and living in outbreak areas (AOR = 1.4–3.0) were significantly related to vaccine uptake, except in people with chronic diseases who tended not to accept the vaccine (AOR = 0.7–0.9). This study recommends effective infodemic management and comprehensive public communication, prioritising vulnerable groups such as those with a low level of education and people with chronic conditions. Communication through reliable channels can support higher vaccine acceptance and rapid vaccine rollout. Finally, regular monitoring of misinformation is important such as fact checking support, timely legal actions and specific debunking communication.
Gender and urban–rural residency based differences in the prevalence of type-2 diabetes mellitus and its determinants among adults in Naghadeh: Results of IraPEN survey
Authors: Ghassab-Abdollahi Nafiseh , Nadrian Haidar , Pishbin Kobra , Shirzadi Shayesteh , Sarbakhsh Parvin , Saadati Fatemeh , Moradi Mohammad Sanyar , Azar Pouria Sefidmooye , Zhianfar Leila
Published: March 2023

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, with a high economic burden on health care systems. Since gender and residency can affect people’s lifestyle and health behaviors, this study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of T2DM and its determinants by gender and residency.

Methods

A secondary analysis study was conducted on the survey data of the IraPEN (Iran’s Package of Essential Non-Communicable Disease) pilot program conducted in 2017 in Naghadeh County, Iran. Data of 3,691 participants aged 30–70 years from rural and urban areas of the County were included into data analysis process. Sociodemographic factors, anthropometric measurements, and cardiovascular risk factors related to T2DM were assessed.

Results

The overall prevalence of T2DM within the population was 13.8%, which was significantly higher among women (15.5%) than men (11.8%), and non-significantly higher in urban (14.5%) areas than rural (12.3%) areas. In both genders, age (male: OR 1.01, 95% CI: 1.00–1.03; P = 0.012; female: OR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.02–1.04; P<0.001), blood pressure (male: OR 1.77, 95% CI: 1.13–2.79; P = 0.013; female: OR 2.86, 95% CI: 2.12–3.85; P<0.001), and blood triglycerides (male: OR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.01–2.11; P = 0.04; female: OR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.02–1.77; P = 0.035) had a significant relationship with the chance of developing T2DM. Among women, a significant relationship was found between abdominal obesity (OR 1.68, 95% CI: 1.17–2.40; P = 0.004) and the chance of developing T2DM. Age (rural: OR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01–1.04; P<0.001; urban: OR 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.04; P<0.001), blood pressure (rural: OR 3.14, 95% CI: 2.0–4.93; P<0.001; urban: OR 2.23, 95% CI: 1.66–3; P<0.001), and abdominal obesity (rural: OR 2.34, 95% CI: 1.41–3.87; P = 0.001; urban: OR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.06–2.01; P = 0.019), in both rural and urban areas, blood cholesterol (OR 1.59, 95% CI: 1.07–2.37; P = 0.02) in rural areas, and blood triglycerides (OR 1.51, 95% CI: 1.16–1.98; P = 0.002) in urban areas were significant predictors of T2DM.

Conclusion

Given the higher prevalence of T2DM among females, risk reduction strategies at the community level should be more targeted at women. The higher prevalence of T2DM risk factors among the urban population is a wake-up call for policymakers to pay more attention to the consequences of unhealthy and sedentary lifestyles within urban communities. Future actions should be focused on appropriate timely action plans for the prevention and control of T2DM from early years of life.
Essential oils prolonged the cut carnation longevity by limiting the xylem blockage and enhancing the physiological and biochemical levels
Authors: Gururani Mayank A. , Atteya Amira K. , Elhakem Abeer , El-Sheshtawy Abdel-Nasser A. , El-Serafy Rasha S.
Published: March 2023

Postharvest characteristics, such as vase life and antimicrobial preservation of commercial cut flowers are some of the major determinants of their market value worldwide. Extending vase life while restricting microbial proliferation in cut flowers is an important challenge faced by floricultural researchers. This study evaluates the preservative efficiency of different essential oils used as additive solutions in prolonging the longevity of carnation cv. Madam Collette cut flowers and restricting microbial growth in them. Cut carnations were treated with four essential oils: geranium, thyme, marjoram, and anise at concentrations of 0, 25, 50, and 75 mg/L. While treatment with all the essential oils prolonged the longevity of the cut flowers, thyme and marjoram oils were most effective at concentrations of 50 mg/L each. The vase life of thyme-treated and marjoram-treated carnations almost doubled to 18.5 days and 18.25 days, respectively, as compared to untreated flowers. Treatment with essential oils also led to an increase in water uptake by the cut flowers enhancing their relative water content (RWC). It also restricted the sharp decline of chlorophyll and total carbohydrates content of the flowers during their vase life period. Morphological features of the stem bases of treated and untreated carnations were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The stem ends of geranium and anise-treated carnations showed less bacterial growth than untreated flowers and no apparent xylem blockage was observed even after nine days of treatment. Furthermore, the presence of essential oils also reduced lipid peroxidation and free radical generation as observed by malondialdehyde (MDA) and H2O2quantification, respectively. It also led to increased production of total phenols leading to enhanced membrane stability. The use of thyme and marjoram essential oils as antimicrobial preservatives and green antioxidants appears to have promising applications in both the industrial and scientific sectors.
LSTM based stock prediction using weighted and categorized financial news
Authors: Usmani Shazia , Shamsi Jawwad A.
Published: March 2023

A significant correlation between financial news with stock market trends has been explored extensively. However, very little research has been conducted for stock prediction models that utilize news categories, weighted according to their relevance with the target stock. In this paper, we show that prediction accuracy can be enhanced by incorporating weighted news categories simultaneously into the prediction model. We suggest utilizing news categories associated with the structural hierarchy of the stock market: that is, news categories for the market, sector, and stock-related news. In this context, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) based Weighted and Categorized News Stock prediction model (WCN-LSTM) is proposed. The model incorporates news categories with their learned weights simultaneously. To enhance the effectiveness, sophisticated features are integrated into WCN-LSTM. These include, hybrid input, lexicon-based sentiment analysis, and deep learning to impose sequential learning. Experiments have been performed for the case of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) using different sentiment dictionaries and time steps. Accuracy and F1-score are used to evaluate the prediction model. We have analyzed the WCN-LSTM results thoroughly and identified that WCN-LSTM performs better than the baseline model. Moreover, the sentiment lexicon HIV4 along with time steps 3 and 7, optimized the prediction accuracy. We have conducted statistical analysis to quantitatively assess our findings. A qualitative comparison of WCN-LSTM with existing prediction models is also presented to highlight its superiority and novelty over its counterparts.
Using a novel fuzzy 3-inputs algorithms to control the active hydraulic stabilizer bar with the complex model of the vehicle nonlinear dynamics
Authors: Nguyen Tuan Anh
Published: March 2023

Under the influence of centrifugal force, the rollover phenomenon may occur. The vehicle rolls over when the wheel is completely separated from the road surface, i.e., the vertical force of the wheel is reduced to zero. To overcome this problem, the active stabilizer bar is used at the front and rear axles of the vehicle. The active stabilizer bar works on the difference in fluid pressure inside the hydraulic motor. This article is aimed at studying the vehicle rollover dynamics when the hydraulic stabilizer bar is used. In this article, the model of a complex dynamic is established. This is a combination of the model of spatial dynamics, the model of nonlinear double-track dynamics, and the nonlinear tire model. The operation of the hydraulic actuator is controlled by a fuzzy algorithm with 3-inputs. The defuzzification rule is determined based on the combination of 27 cases. The process of calculation and simulation is done with four specific cases corresponding to steering angles. In each case, three situations were investigated. Besides, the speed of the vehicle is also gradually increased from v1 to v4. As a result of the simulation, which was performed in the MATLAB-Simulink environment, the output values such as roll angle, change of the vertical force, and roll index were significantly reduced when the active stabilizer bar was used. If the vehicle does not use the stabilizer bar, the vehicle may roll over in both the second, third, and fourth cases. If the vehicle uses a mechanical stabilizer bar, this also occurs in the third and fourth cases (only at a very high velocity, v4). However, the rollover phenomenon did not occur if the vehicle used a hydraulic stabilizer bar controlled by the fuzzy 3-inputs algorithm. In all investigated cases, the stability and safety of the vehicle are always guaranteed. Besides, the responsiveness of the controller is also very good. An experimental process needs to be conducted to verify the correctness of this research.
Joint modeling of longitudinal change in pulse rate and survival time of heart failure patients treated at Arbaminch General Hospital, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Anjullo Belay Belete , Kumaso Sebisibe Kusse , Erango Markos Abiso
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Heart failure is a chronic progressive disease in which the heart muscle is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body’s need. It is a severe health problem around the world with high re-hospitalization and death rates. The main aim of this study was to identify the factors associated with longitudinal change of pulse rate and survival time to death of congestive heart failure patients treated at Arba Minch General Hospital.

Methods

A retrospective study design was undertaken on congestive heart failure patients admitted to the Arba Minch General Hospital from January 2017 to December 2020. Data was collected from a total of 199 patients. After evaluating the longitudinal data with a linear mixed model and the survival time to death data with cox proportional model, Bayesian joint model of both sub models was fitted in R software using JMbayes2 package.

Results

Findings from Bayesian joint model revealed that the estimated value for the association parameter was positive and statistically significant. This indicates that there is significant evidence of an association between the mean longitudinal change of pulse rate and the risk of death. Weight of patients at baseline, gender, chronic kidney disease, left ventricular ejection fraction, New York Heart Association classification, diabetes, tuberculosis, pneumonia and family history were statistically significant factors associated with mean evolution of pulse rate of congestive heart failure patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction, etiology of congestive heart failure, type of congestive heart failure, chronic kidney disease, smoking, family history, alcohol and diabetes were found to be statistically significant factors associated with survival time to death.

Conclusion

To reduce the risk level, health professionals should give attention to congestive heart failure patients with high pulse rate, co-morbidities of chronic kidney disease, tuberculosis, diabetic, smoking status, family history, and pneumonia in the study area.
“Nutripiatto”: A tool for nutritional education. A survey to assess dietary habits in preschool children
Authors: Lattanzi Greta , Di Rosa Claudia , Spiezia Chiara , Sacco Roberto , Cattafi Samanta , Romano Leonardo , Benvenuto Domenico , Fabris Silvia , De Gara Laura , Khazrai Yeganeh Manon
Published: March 2023

Childhood obesity is a global public health concern linked to metabolic and psychological comorbidities. There is growing evidence that children’s lifestyle habits are shifting towards obesity, with dire consequences for their future well-being and healthcare costs. In this interventional study, we enrolled 115 children aged between 4–5 years (53% females and 47% males) and carried out nutrition education interventions to improve their dietary habits. We introduced “Nutripiatto”, a visual plate icon and easy guide, which was used by the children during the study. We investigated the children’s dietary habits using a Food Frequency Questionnaire at the beginning and end of the study, after one month of using “Nutripiatto”. The results showed that the children significantly increased the portion sizes and frequency of vegetable consumption (P<0.001) and reduced the consumption of several junk foods such as French fries and crisps (P<0.001), reaching the recommended dietary allowances and frequency of consumption. Daily consumption of water also significantly increased, reaching the suggested amount of six glasses per day. Based on these results, “Nutripiatto” can be considered an effective visual guide and helpful tool to achieve small changes and empower families to make healthier food choices. It can also be considered an effective educational tool for nutritionists and healthcare professionals to improve children’s dietary behavior.
Berberine governs NOTCH3/AKT signaling to enrich lung-resident memory T cells during tuberculosis
Authors: Pahuja Isha , Negi Kriti , Kumari Anjna , Agarwal Meetu , Mukhopadhyay Suparba , Mathew Babu , Chaturvedi Shivam , Maras Jaswinder Singh , Bhaskar Ashima , Dwivedi Ved Prakash
Published: March 2023

Stimulation of naïve T cells during primary infection or vaccination drives the differentiation and expansion of effector and memory T cells that mediate immediate and long-term protection. Despite self-reliant rescue from infection, BCG vaccination, and treatment, long-term memory is rarely established against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) resulting in recurrent tuberculosis (TB). Here, we show that berberine (BBR) enhances innate defense mechanisms against M.tb and stimulates the differentiation of Th1/Th17 specific effector memory (TEM), central memory (TCM), and tissue-resident memory (TRM) responses leading to enhanced host protection against drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB. Through whole proteome analysis of human PBMCs derived from PPD+ healthy individuals, we identify BBR modulated NOTCH3/PTEN/AKT/FOXO1 pathway as the central mechanism of elevated TEM and TRM responses in the human CD4+ T cells. Moreover, BBR-induced glycolysis resulted in enhanced effector functions leading to superior Th1/Th17 responses in human and murine T cells. This regulation of T cell memory by BBR remarkably enhanced the BCG-induced anti-tubercular immunity and lowered the rate of TB recurrence due to relapse and re-infection. These results thus suggest tuning immunological memory as a feasible approach to augment host resistance against TB and unveil BBR as a potential adjunct immunotherapeutic and immunoprophylactic against TB.
Japan’s memory of war and imperialism in kayō eiga: Shochiku’s Under the Stars of Singapore and Asianism1
Authors: Matsuoka Masakazu
Published: March 2023

In 1967, Shochiku, a Japanese film production company, released the kayō eiga (‘popular song film’) Shingapōru no yo ha fukete (Under the Stars of Singapore), starring Hashi Yukio and set in the newly independent country of Singapore. Through an analysis of the film, which highlights the experience of the Asia-Pacific War and the Japanese occupation of Singapore, this article discusses the memory of war and imperialism in Japan in the late 1960s. Previous studies have argued that works of Japanese popular culture around 1960 reveal Asianist desires. However, in focusing on kayō eiga of the late 1960s, seen as marking the end of the ‘transwar era’ in Japan, I find that Asianist desires are minimal and that the stories more strongly echo themes of Cold War-era Japanese pacifism. This reflects the changing narratives of war in the context of generational shifts and Japan’s rapid economic growth, as well as the contemporary transformation of Japan’s involvement in South East Asia.
How digital-only fashion brands are creating more participatory models of fashion co-design
Authors: Huggard Emily , Särmäkari Natalia
Published: March 2023

The norms and systems of the fashion industry tend to support a small class of brands and designers creating fashion while the public takes on the role of passive consumer. The rise of digital fashion and a new sector of ‘digital-only’ fashion brands now provides unique ways for consumers to interact with fashion online, from buying wearables for digital gaming avatars, to wearing a digital dress on social media, to investing in non-fungible tokens (NFTs) – digital assets based on blockchain technology, bought and sold online. Digital-only fashion brands are reimagining the hierarchical relationships between brand and consumer towards one of empowerment and mutual value via decentralized co-design platforms. Such endeavours allow brands to build community and challenge the ownership and authorship conventions in the fashion industry. Co-design has been widely used by fashion brands as a strategy that promotes involvement from the public/consumer in creating customized and made-to-order products and experiences. Using established theories of participatory art, an approach to making art which engages the public and communities in the creative process, this article explores how digital-only fashion brands are creating more participatory models of fashion co-design. To confirm and further explore this theory and to consider how a participatory model is achieved in practice, a qualitative case study was conducted on The Fabricant Studio, a collaborative digital fashion atelier. The findings reveal new methods of co-design used by digital fashion brands that allow consumers to design and monetize their craft while retaining creators’ ownership. The application of the theory also underscores the importance of creative control and decision-making in the fashion co-design process to ensure it is truly participatory vs. interactive. The Fabricant’s methods to educate users through accessible platforms contribute to the diversification of co-designers and digital fashion designers in general.
Joseph Beuys and live scribing: A speculative timeline
Authors: Larkin Vincent
Published: March 2023

This article utilizes similarities and overlaps between the work of Joseph Beuys and the increasingly prominent illustrative and performative practices of live scribing or graphic recording as a springboard into a further discourse regarding management theory and creative practice. The idea of the graphic recorder or graphic facilitator originated from interactions between management theory, architecture and the new-age counterculture of the 1970s. In recent times, embodied as the live scribe, such practice may now be considered within a seemingly incongruous overlap of management theory and contemporary illustration. Joseph Beuys in his own way was also a ‘live scribe’. Designated under his all-encompassing concept of ‘social sculpture’, his was a performative art; constructed with the ambitious aim of healing social ills and reuniting elements of the primitive and modern. This article – delivered in part as an illustrated timeline – will act as a speculative survey of equivalences, links and historical foreshadows resonating between the work of Joseph Beuys and contemporary practices of live scribing or graphic recording.
Personalized Antiviral Drug Selection in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Using a Machine Learning Model: A Multinational Study
Authors: Hur Moon Haeng , Park Min Kyung , Yip Terry Cheuk-Fung , Chen Chien-Hung , Lee Hyung-Chul , Choi Won-Mook , Kim Seung Up , Lim Young-Suk , Park Soo Young , Wong Grace Lai-Hung , Sinn Dong Hyun , Jin Young-Joo , Kim Sung Eun , Peng Cheng-Yuan , Shin Hyun Phil , Chen Chi-Yi , Kim Hwi Young , Lee Han Ah , Seo Yeon Seok , Jun Dae Won , Yoon Eileen L. , Sohn Joo Hyun , Ahn Sang Bong , Shim Jae-Jun , Jeong Soung Won , Cho Yong Kyun , Kim Hyoung Su , Jang Myoung-jin , Kim Yoon Jun , Yoon Jung-Hwan , Lee Jeong-Hoon
Published: March 2023

INTRODUCTION:

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is reportedly superior or at least comparable to entecavir (ETV) for the prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B; however, it has distinct long-term renal and bone toxicities. This study aimed to develop and validate a machine learning model (designated as Prediction of Liver cancer using Artificial intelligence-driven model for Network–antiviral Selection for hepatitis B [PLAN-S]) to predict an individualized risk of HCC during ETV or TDF therapy.

METHODS:

This multinational study included 13,970 patients with chronic hepatitis B. The derivation (n = 6,790), Korean validation (n = 4,543), and Hong Kong–Taiwan validation cohorts (n = 2,637) were established. Patients were classified as the TDF-superior group when a PLAN-S-predicted HCC risk under ETV treatment is greater than under TDF treatment, and the others were defined as the TDF-nonsuperior group.

RESULTS:

The PLAN-S model was derived using 8 variables and generated a c-index between 0.67 and 0.78 for each cohort. The TDF-superior group included a higher proportion of male patients and patients with cirrhosis than the TDF-nonsuperior group. In the derivation, Korean validation, and Hong Kong–Taiwan validation cohorts, 65.3%, 63.5%, and 76.4% of patients were classified as the TDF-superior group, respectively. In the TDF-superior group of each cohort, TDF was associated with a significantly lower risk of HCC than ETV (hazard ratio = 0.60–0.73, all P < 0.05). In the TDF-nonsuperior group, however, there was no significant difference between the 2 drugs (hazard ratio = 1.16–1.29, all P > 0.1).

DISCUSSION:

Considering the individual HCC risk predicted by PLAN-S and the potential TDF-related toxicities, TDF and ETV treatment may be recommended for the TDF-superior and TDF-nonsuperior groups, respectively.
Gender and higher education in African universities: A critical discourse analysis of key policy mandates in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda
Authors: Hailu Meseret F. , Lee Earl E. , Halkiyo Atota , Tsotniashvili Keti , Tewari Neelakshi Rajeev
Published: March 2023

In this comparative project, we analyze three policy documents that have guided gender-based higher education initiatives in Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. Two research questions guided our work: (1) How do key policy documents conceptualize gender equity? and (2) How is gender equity discussed in relation to economic priorities and sociopolitical realities in each country? To address these questions, we conducted a critical discourse analysis of the following: Kenya’s Education and Training Gender Policy in Kenya, Rwanda’s Education Sector Strategic Plan 2018/19–-–022/23, and Uganda’s Gender in Education Policy. Corroborating the work of other scholars, we found that all three documents shared (1) an increased commitment to gender equality, (2) persistent underrepresentation of women in higher education despite increased participation of women over time, and (3) markedly low gender parity in STEM disciplines. Our findings are significant because they confirm that there is a disconnect between stated policy goals and actual student outcomes, which limits institutional success and economic development. Additionally, our analysis highlights differences in the strength in commitment to gender equity in policy mandates in these three countries. This is a key issue which warrants further research attention.
Chemical profiles and antibacterial activity of acetone extract of two Curcuma species from Vietnam
Authors: Van Hong Thien , Tran Minh Dang , Tran Thi Kim Ngan , Nguyen Hanh Thi-Dieu , Nguyen Ngoc-An , Huynh Nguyen Tuong An , Le Van Son , Nguyen Quoc Hung , Le Thanh Tho , Nguyen Phi Nga , Pham Tan-Viet
Published: March 2023

Curcuma thorelii Gagnep. and Curcuma cotuana Luu, Škorni?k. & H.?.Tr?n are the rare species only found in Southeast Asia. The present study was the first to explore the chemical compositions and antibacterial effects of the whole plant acetone extracts of these 2 species. Altogether 41 and 31 compounds have been identified in C. thorelii and C. cotuana extracts by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Accordingly, the C. thorelii extract contained (E)-labda-8(17),12-diene-15,16-dial (33.37%), vitamin E (12.33%), phytol (9.83%) as the major compounds while C. cotuana extract contained predominantly (E)-labda-8(17),12-diene-15,16-dial (14.58%), n-hexadecanoic acid (10.96%), 3,7,11,15-tetramethylhexadec-2-en-1-yl acetate (8.13%), ?-sitosterol (7.97%). In addition, results from disc diffusion assay have shown that C. thorelii acetone extract had inhibitory effects on 5 out of 10 pathogenic bacterial strains such as Bacillus cereus (ATCC 11778), Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19111), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), S. aureus (ATCC 29213) and S. saprophyticus (BAA750) while C. cotuana acetone extract was found to be effective only against B. cereus. The obtained results showed that the acetone extracts of C. thorelii and C. cotuana possessed several valuable bioactive compounds as well as promising antibacterial activity, which place a good foundation for future pharmaceutical product development.
Reliability and validity of the Dyadic Coping Inventory for Financial Stress in Greek couples
Authors: Velegraki Joanne Maria , Bacopoulou Flora , Chrousos George P , Panagiotou Marilena , Gerakini Orsalia , Charalampopoulou Maria , Vlachakis Dimitrios , Darviri Christina
Published: March 2023

Financial stress can negatively affect a couple's relationship. The Dyadic Coping Inventory for Financial Stress (DCIFS) instrument assesses the way couples cope with financial stress. This study sought to validate the Dyadic Coping Inventory for Financial Stress (DCIFS) in Greek. The sample included 152 Greek couples (mean age: 42.82 ± 11.94). Confirmatory factor analyses provided support for delegated dyadic coping and evaluation of dyadic coping. Confirmatory Factor Analysis results supported a 33‐item version consisting of the following subscales for both men and women: Stress Communication by Oneself and by Partner, Emotion and Problem‐Focused Supportive Dyadic Coping (DC) by Oneself and by Partner, Negative DC by Oneself and by Partner, Emotion and Problem‐Focused Common DC, and Evaluation of DC. The Dyadic Coping Inventory questionnaire and Perceived Stress Scale were used to assess the criterion validity of DCIFS.
Force Computation for Dielectrics Using Shape Calculus
Authors: Panchal Piyush , Ren Ning , Hiptmair Ralf
Published: March 2023

We are concerned with the numerical computation of electrostatic forces/torques in only piece-wise homogeneous materials using the boundary element method (BEM).
Conventional force formulas based on the Maxwell stress tensor yield functionals that fail to be continuous on natural trace spaces.
Thus their use in conjunction with BEM incurs slow convergence and low accuracy.
We employ the remedy discovered in [P. Panchal and R. Hiptmair,
Electrostatic force computation with boundary element methods,
SMAI J. Comput. Math.
8 (2022), 49–74].
Motivated by the virtual work principle which is interpreted using techniques of shape calculus, and using the adjoint method from shape optimization, we derive stable interface-based force functionals suitable for use with BEM.
This is done in the framework of single-trace direct boundary integral equations for second-order transmission problems.
Numerical tests confirm the fast asymptotic convergence and superior accuracy of the new formulas for the computation of total forces and torques.
Additive manufacturing and characterization of a stainless steel and a nickel alloy
Authors: Isik Murat
Published: March 2023

Recently, additive manufacturing is of interest, and there is a trend to study additively manufactured materials such as Inconel 718 and 316L stainless steel. Additive manufacturing brings the easiness of production of complex geometries, avoids expensive tools, helps achieve interesting microstructures and obtaining promising results for future applications. Since the additive procedure is sensitive to many fabrication variables thereby affecting the microstructure and mechanical properties. This motivation promotes investigating the additively manufactured microstructure of 316L stainless steel and Inconel 718. While 316L stainless steel was fabricated using an electron-based powder bed fusion manner, directed energy deposition was preferred for Inconel 718. Samples were examined utilizing optical and scanning electron microscopes. Results suggest processing of 316L stainless steel gives rise to the same porosity rate as Inconel 718. Bimodal equiaxed austenite grain morphology was observed whereas no dendrite presence was detected for 316L stainless steel. Additive manufacturing types do not cause a significant change in the level of porosity for Inconel 718 alloy. Unlike the case of stainless steel, additive manufacturing results in dendritic microstructure formation in Inconel 718 whereas powder bed fusion-type production triggers a better refinement compared to that of directed energy deposition.
Buckling in rectangular hybrid composite plates with angled groove-shaped cut-outs
Authors: Deniz Mehmet Emin , Bardakci Ramazan , Aydın Fırat
Published: March 2023

In this paper, eight-layer composite laminates were produced using twill and plain woven glass and carbon laminate fibers as a reinforcement element and as a matrix with epoxy resin. All laminates having the layup of [(0°/90°)2]s but the hybrid laminate arrangement varies between the number of woven glass and carbon laminates. The buckling behaviour of woven composite laminates used for typical of the aerospace industry is investigated. Un-grooved and grooved with centered elliptical groove angles with 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75° and 90° specimens were subjected to buckling tests. It was investigated how the woven type, laminate designation, and groove angles affect the buckling behaviour. Cut-out causes to decrease of buckling load of composite plates. It is understood that the buckling load increased with regard to the increase groove angle (from 0° to 90°) of the composite plates. As the laminate designation changed, the buckling load also changed significantly. The buckling load of composite plates is highly influenced by its weave type. As a fiber, it has been determined that the buckling behaviour of carbon fiber is better than glass fiber. In addition, it was concluded that the twill weave type is generally better than the plain weave type.
Axicon metalens for broadband light harvesting
Authors: Chang Kai-Hao , Chen Yen-Chun , Huang Yo-Song , Hsu Wei-Lun , Lu Guo-Hao , Liu Chao-Feng , Weng Chun-Jen , Lin Yu-Hsin , Chen Che-Chin , Lee Chien-Chieh , Chang Yu-Chi , Wang Po-Hsiang , Wang Chih-Ming
Published: March 2023

In this study, an axicon metalens comprising a large central disc surrounded by nanoposts for energy harvesting in composite metal-oxide semiconductor sensors was designed, fabricated, and experimentally characterized. The main role of the central disc is focusing light; the nanoposts of various diameters deflect light to form a Bessel-like beam. The spatial distribution of the optical transmission was measured using micro-hyperspectral imaging. The axicon metalens concentrates the light to the sensitive area of the sensor and also harvests light from adjacent pixels. After adding an axicon metalens, the normalized peak transmission is up to 250% at λ = 700 nm as compared to a blank TiO2 film. The experimental results had fair agreement with the finite-difference-time-domain simulation. The ultra-broadband energy-harvesting performance of the sensor suggests that it could be applied in surveillance and Internet of Things applications.