bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Sex Matter? The Role of Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction on Living Apart Together Relationship Transitions
Authors: Ciritel Alexandra-Andreea
Published: December 2022

There is limited understanding of how the aspects of sex and relationship quality are related to decisions on whether to move in together, separate or continue dating among living-apart together (LAT) couples. This paper focuses on sexual and relationship satisfaction in understanding LAT relationship transitions into coresidence or separation in Germany. The longitudinal prospective design of the German Panel Analysis of Intimate Relationships and Family Dynamics data (pairfam, waves 1-9) is used. Discrete-time competing risk hazard models on LAT relationship outcomes to coresidence or separation are estimated. The results underline the fact that sexual satisfaction is not related to LAT partners’ decision to move in together; however, higher levels of relationship satisfaction are positively related to the decision of moving in with a partner. The models reveal that low sexual and relationship satisfaction are associated with breaking-up relative to still living apart. This study highlights the importance of considering sexual satisfaction in understanding better the risk of separation from a LAT partner, in addition to the global indicator of relationship satisfaction.
Atopic dermatitis – clinical phenotypes and related therapeutic possibilities
Authors: Gieroba Krzysztof , Gładysz Konrad , Szydłowska Justyna , Żuchnik Olga , Król Olgierd , Kwiatkowski Piotr , Kuczyńska Beata , Czelej Magdalena , Szydłowski Marcin , Kłos Aleksander
Published: December 2022

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. It is characterized by damaged epidermal barrier, skin dysbiosis and pruritus. It affects up to 20% of the population of developed countries. AD represents a heterogeneous condition belonging to the spectrum of atopic diseases. It occurs in the form of multiple phenotypes with varied pathogenesis requiring different therapeutic strategies. 
Aim of the study: To summarize the current state of knowledge on AD phenotypes and related therapeutic options. 
Methods and materials: A review of the literature available in PudMed and Google Scholar databases was conducted. The following keywords were used: "atopic dermatitis", "atopic dermatitis phenotypes", "atopic dermatitis current treatment". 
Results: There are many phenotypes of AD. However, due to the lack of a consistent classification system, identifying phenotypes is greatly hindered. It is possible to use the division of phenotypes into groups based on age, lesion topography, lesion morphology and patient ethnicity. Various drugs are available for the treatment of AD, but therapeutic strategies for specific phenotypes are sparse and insufficiently understood due to the problem of identifying phenotypes and the complexity of the endotypes behind them. Treatment of AD is not currently based on phenotype-specific targeted therapy. 
Conclusion: Development of personalized therapy for the treatment of AD requires additional research using uniform definitions of phenotypes and endotypes. It is necessary to create a classification system for AD phenotypes.
Autoimmune thyroid diseases in patients on the vegan diet
Authors: Białczyk Aleksandra , Stadler-Szajda Justyna , Kamińska Barbara
Published: December 2022

Introduction and purpose: Autoimmune thyroid diseases are the most common thyroid dysfunctions. Among them, we distinguish entities such as Hashimoto's disease and Graves' disease. Diet is one of the environmental factors that may influence the onset and progression of autoimmune diseases. A vegan diet is characterized by the complete elimination of animal products and a greater supply of fiber, vitamins, and unsaturated fats. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of a vegan diet on the course of autoimmune thyroid diseases.

A brief description of the state of knowledge: Numerous studies have shown significant changes in the severity of symptoms and blood laboratory parameters, as well as in the composition of the microbiota among people using only a vegan diet, which could indicate its protective effect on the body. However, an inadequately balanced vegan diet may predispose to deficiencies of key micronutrients such as vitamin B12 or iodine and selenium, so special attention should be paid to the appropriate balance of consumed products, especially in the case of people suffering from AITD.

Conclusions: Reports from various studies may be the basis for developing a rational diet, which will be one of the elements of AITD prevention or treatment. It is essential to remember the proper balancing of meals that will ensure an adequate supply of microelements or vitamins, which is especially important in autoimmune thyroid diseases.
Urinary tract infection in children - short versus standard duration antibiotic therapy
Authors: Namroży Natalia , Dubel Robert , Czekaj Aleksandra , Ruszel Kinga , Dubel Julia , Merkisz Konrad , Nemeczek Sylwia , Grzybowski Jakub , Jaskuła Karolina , Orłowski Władysław
Published: December 2022

Background: Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a common infection in children. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are very important to reduce the morbidity. Pediatric urologists are now faced with a situation that requires appropriate action- antibiotic resistance of urinary tract pathogens is significantly increasing worldwide.

Objective: The purpose of our work is to present the clinical aspects of antibiotic use in pediatric urology. To present the benefits of both short antibiotic therapy and standard antibiotic therapy. 

Methods and materials: A literature review was conducted in the PubMed database, using the key words: "urinary tract infection", "children", "short-term antibiotics", "antibiotics", „nephrology”.

Results: Short-term antibiotic therapy for lower urinary tract infections appears to be as effective as standard therapy. Studies show that shorter antibiotic therapy also works well for pyelonephritis in pediatric patients. Children who have received a short course of antibiotic therapy may also be less likely to get subsequent infections in the future with a more resistant strain of the same uropathogen.

Conclusion: Tried to reconcile the latest reports on diagnosis, treatment and follow-up in pediatric UTIs with existing practice and opinions on the use of short as well as standard antibiotic therapy. However, more clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy, and to assess side effects of the therapy
Editorial: "Turn left at the large flax." How times have changed
Authors: Patterson Jean
Published: December 2022

This year major health reforms have commenced which will change the structure and delivery of health services throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. It is unclear at present what these will mean for midwives but there is no doubt that there will be some impact on how midwives work. Communication technology has already changed the way in which we work. I was recently rummaging through some old midwifery notes when I found a yellowed, pencilled map with the inscription: Turn left at the large flax, carry on to the sheep yards on the right, turn left up the gravel road - we are on the 3rd bend on the left, blue house, dogs under control.
Discurso artístico a través de la lengua de señas/signos e interpretación poética.
Authors: Bernaschina Diego
Published: December 2022

Este ensayo corresponde a una experiencia personal a través del discurso social y comunicativo para indagar la comunicación humana y su tratamiento lingüístico en el arte contemporáneo. Así como un sistema social y artístico que utiliza la creatividad poética para crear un conjunto de discusiones sobre las obras de arte. El objetivo es proponer la integración de proyecto interdisciplinario, flexibilizando algunas obras de videoarte y video de arte performático de la artista chilena y las obras propias. El tratamiento lingüístico como el discurso bilingüe para desarrollar la comunicación verbal (oral y con sonidos) y no verbal (gesto-visual y sin sonido), es decir, independientemente del uso del discurso, tanto la comunicación verbal de personas oyentes como la comunicación no verbal de personas Sordas para generar un acto público. Así como la estructura argumentativa para incorporar el arte poético y distintas interpretaciones culturales a través del uso de la lengua señas/signos en distintos países. Esta conclusión permite observar el trabajo del discurso artístico en diferentes espacios culturales hacia la inclusión.
Mortgage Servicing Fees and Servicer Incentives During Loss Mitigation
Authors: Diop Moussa , Zheng Chen
Published: December 2022

We study incentive problems associated with the compensation of servicers during default remediation. First, we fill a gap in the literature by identifying stylized facts about servicing fees. Next, we present evidence showing that servicing fees drive mortgage modifications and foreclosures, likely to the detriment of investors. Servicers modify loans paying high servicing fees and delay their foreclosure to protect servicing cash flows. These effects are causal. Voluntary mortgage renegotiation by servicers is unlikely to reduce foreclosures. In addition to ex post government intervention, special servicing and innovative mortgage contracts allowing for affordable modifications that benefit investors may improve renegotiation outcomes.

This paper was accepted by Tomasz Piskorski, finance.
The psychological problem with ransomware
Authors: McKeown Bec
Published: December 2022

Our fears about being targeted by a cyber attack are understood – and exploited – by malicious actors. This is why, in building your defences against attacks – especially ransomware – you need to consider the psychological factors.
Cordyceps militaris extracts inhibit FLT3 protein expression and induce cell cycle arrest in FLT3 overexpressing leukemic cell models
Authors:   Histopathology Section, Department of Pathology, Yangon General Hospital, Ministry of Health, Myanmar, Aung Win Lae , Chaiyana Wantida ,   Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand., Chiampanichayakul Sawitree ,   Division of Clinical Microscopy, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand., Anuchapreeda Songyot ,   Division of Clinical Microscopy, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand., Tima Singkome ,   Division  of  Clinical  Microscopy,Department  of  Medical  Technology,  Faculty  of  Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University,Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Published: December 2022

Background: Leukemia is a type of blood cancer, which is characterized by the clonal proliferation of malignant leukocytes resulting in production of abnormal blood cells. Mutations in the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) gene are one of the most frequently identified genetic alterations that affect downstream intracellular signaling pathways thereby enhancing leukemogenesis. Nowadays, drugs from herbal sources were selected as alternative drugs for studying their effectiveness on leukemia treatment. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate anti-leukemia activities of various Cordyceps militaris (C. militaris) extracts including crude extract (Crude) and fractional extracts from hexane (Hex), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and ethanol (EtOH) on EoL-1 and MV4-11 cells. Materials and methods: Cytotoxicity and effects on FLT3 protein expression and cell cycle progression were investigated and compared with standard cordycepin using MTT assay, Western blotting, and PI staining, respectively. Results: The results demonstrated that EtOAc and Hex fractional extracts showed the strongest cytotoxic effects on EoL-1 cells with inhibitory concentration at 50% growth (IC50) values of 11.0±2.9 and 11.7±0.6 μg/mL and 45.9±0.4 and 36.8±15.3 μg/mL for MV4-11 cells, respectively. Crude and EtOAc fractional extracts exhibited excellent inhibitory effects on FLT3 protein expression. Moreover, the cell cycle progression of both leukemic cells was arrested at S phase after treatment. The obtained results are in the same pattern with standard cordycepin. Conclusion: Overall, this present study showed that anti-leukemia activities of C. militaris on EoL-1 and MV4-11 may involve the inhibition of cell proliferation by inhibiting FLT3 protein expression and inducing cell cycle arrest at S phase and cordycepin may plays a major role of these activities.
Design and Development of a Broiler Mortality Removal Robot
Authors: Li Guoming , Li Guoming , Chesser Gary Daniel , Purswell Joseph L. , Magee Christopher , Gates Richard S. , Xiong Yijie , Chesser Gary Daniel , Purswell Joseph L. , Magee Christopher , Gates Richard S. , Xiong Yijie
Published: December 2022

Highlights

A broiler mortality removal robot was successfully developed.

The broiler shank was the target anatomical part for detection and mortality pickup.

Higher light intensities improved the performance of detection and pickup performance.

The final success rate for picking up dead birds was 90.0% at the 1000-lux light intensity.

Abstract. Manual collection of broiler mortality is time-consuming, unpleasant, and laborious. The objectives of this research were: (1) to design and fabricate a broiler mortality removal robot from commercially available components to automatically collect dead birds; (2) to compare and evaluate deep learning models and image processing algorithms for detecting and locating dead birds; and (3) to examine detection and mortality pickup performance of the robot under different light intensities. The robot consisted of a two-finger gripper, a robot arm, a camera mounted on the robot’s arm, and a computer controller. The robot arm was mounted on a table, and 64 Ross 708 broilers between 7 and 14 days of age were used for the robot development and evaluation. The broiler shank was the target anatomical part for detection and mortality pickup. Deep learning models and image processing algorithms were embedded into the vision system and provided location and orientation of the shank of interest, so that the gripper could approach and position itself for precise pickup. Light intensities of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, and 1000 lux were evaluated. Results indicated that the deep learning model “You Only Look Once (YOLO)” V4 was able to detect and locate shanks more accurately and efficiently than YOLO V3. Higher light intensities improved the performance of the deep learning model detection, image processing orientation identification, and final pickup performance. The final success rate for picking up dead birds was 90.0% at the 1000-lux light intensity. In conclusion, the developed system is a helpful tool towards automating broiler mortality removal from commercial housing, and contributes to further development of an integrated autonomous set of solutions to improve production and resource use efficiency in commercial broiler production, as well as to improve well-being of workers. Keywords: Automation, Broiler, Deep learning, Image processing, Mortality, Robot arm.
Soil Rut Effects on Planter Performance for Cotton in a Conservation Tillage System
Authors: Way Thomas R. , Way Thomas R. , Kornecki Ted S. , Tewolde Haile , Watts Dexter B. , Kornecki Ted S. , Tewolde Haile , Watts Dexter B.
Published: December 2022

Highlights

Soil rutting commonly occurs during harvest and these ruts can adversely affect row crop planter performance.

Four rut types were used, two formed by a tire and two formed by cutting the soil and removing soil from the ruts.

Cotton seedling emergence at 15 days after planting typically was greater in unrutted soil than in rutted soil.

Regression equations show a trend of decreased emergence as rut depth increased for both a sandy loam and a clay soil.

Abstract. Soil rutting commonly occurs during harvest and ruts formed during harvesting can adversely affect row crop planter performance at the start of the subsequent cropping season. We conducted a three-year experiment on a sandy loam and a clay soil to investigate effects of soil ruts on the performance of a row crop planter while planting cotton into a rolled rye cover crop, and effects of planter depth setting on planter performance when planting through soil ruts. The four rut types used, prior to planting the rye cover crop in the fall, were a single tire rut, the rut from a dual pair of tires, and two rut types formed by cutting the soil 25 and 50 mm (1 and 2 in.) deep and removing soil from the ruts. The results show that although not all differences were statistically significant, for five of the six combinations of year and soil, cotton seedling emergence at 15 days after planting was greater when the soil had no rut, i.e., flat unrutted soil, than when the planter traveled across soil ruts while planting. In four of the six combinations of year and soil, emergence was significantly greater for the no rut soil condition than for a rut which was formed the previous fall by cutting 50 mm (2 in.) deep and removing soil from the rut. The three seeding depth settings used in the experiment positioned the bottom peripheries of the two disks of the double-disk opener 28, 35, and 40 mm (1.1, 1.4, and 1.6 in.) beneath the bottom peripheries of the depth-gauge wheels, providing those nominal seeding depths before the closing wheels firmed the soil. The planter depth setting did not significantly affect emergence at 15 days after planting for any of the six combinations of year and soil. Mean values of emergence at 15 days after planting in the sandy loam, averaged over the three years, were 13.9, 11.5, 12.2, 11.4, and 7.6 plants/m of row length (4.2, 3.5, 3.7, 3.5, and 2.3 plants/ft of row length) for the No rut, Single tire, Dual tire, Shallow cut, and Deep cut conditions, respectively. The means in the clay were 13.6, 5.7, 5.8, 12.6, and 7.4 plants/m of row length (4.2, 1.7, 1.8, 3.8, and 2.3 plants/ft of row length), respectively. Regression equations show a trend of decreased emergence as rut depth increased for both soils, with the clay regression line having a greater magnitude slope than the sandy loam line. Keywords: Cotton, Emergence, Planters, Planting, Seeders, Seeding, Soil ruts, Sowing.
Mapping Agricultural Drainage Extent in the U.S. Corn Belt: The Value of Multiple Methods
Authors: Jame Sadia A. , Jame Sadia A. , Frankenberger Jane , Reinhart Benjamin D. , Bowling Laura , Frankenberger Jane , Reinhart Benjamin D. , Bowling Laura
Published: December 2022

Highlights

A new 30 m resolution drainage extent dataset is explorable through an online web interface.

Alternative methods of mapping drainage extent have advantages in different locations.

Multiple drainage extent datasets provide tools for improved hydrology assessment in the Corn Belt.

Abstract. Artificial drainage is essential to agricultural productivity in much of the Midwest, and has an important impact on hydrology and water quality. Planners, engineers, resource professionals, and others who are interested in Corn Belt hydrology would benefit from increased understanding of existing drainage installations. The objective of this work is to increase access to and understanding of options for estimating subsurface/surface drainage extent and the advantages and disadvantages of different methods to benefit data users who need to know what products are appropriate for their specific application. This includes creating an online accessible drainage estimate data layer for the entire Corn Belt region; comparing three different drainage extent products for this region and investigating the various applications of these three products in four case study locations in Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Minnesota. Results show how different drainage datasets can be utilized depending on the nature of the research question and conditions of the investigation. Keywords: Agricultural drainage extent, Geospatial analysis, Tile drainage.
Research on Following Suction and Discharging Motion Control Method of Vacuum-vibration Precision Seeding Manipulator
Authors: Chen Jin , Chen Jin , Zhang Zhiqiao , Li Yaoming , Guan Zhuohuai , Tang Xueming , Zhang Zhiqiao , Li Yaoming , Guan Zhuohuai , Tang Xueming
Published: December 2022

Highlights

The following suction and discharging motion control model is established.

The seeding efficiency is about 600 trays/h, and the seeding qualified rate is 94.70%.

The following suction and discharging motion control method developed based on this model can be applied to the sowing link of the vacuum-vibration precision seeder.

Abstract. With the promotion of super hybrid rice, the requirements for the working performance of rice seeding equipment in industrialized seedling cultivation are gradually improved. According to the circular motion characteristics of the suction plate, the following suction and discharging motion control method of the seeding manipulator was proposed. The control model between suction height and seed layer thickness was established by combining theory with practice. It was used to control the suction height to automatically change with the seed layer thickness and realize the following suction. The motion state of the seedling tray is obtained by image processing, and the suction plate is controlled to synchronize with the assembly line seedling tray to realize the following discharging. The vacuum-vibration precision seeding platform was set up to carry out the following suction and discharging experiment. The results show that when the vibration frequency of the vibration seed plate was 11 Hz, the vibration amplitude was 5mm, the suction negative pressure was 4.5 kPa, and the seed layer thickness was 12 ~ 20 mm, the following suction motion control model could maintain the suction rate above 96.5%. When the velocity of the assembly line was -0.12m/s and the time interval was 6 s, the seeding efficiency was about 600 trays/h, the seeding qualified rate was 94.70%, the reseeding rate and hole rate were 2.77% and 2.53%. Under the condition of satisfying the higher qualified rate of sowing, it can effectively improve the sowing efficiency of the vacuum-vibration precision seeder, and provide a reference for the factory and intelligent development of super rice seedling raising sowing technology. Keywords: Following suction and discharging, Motion control, Seeding manipulator, Vacuum-vibration.
Análisis de applets de GeoGebra para la enseñanza del límite de una función
Authors: Barreras Peral Álvaro , Dubarbie Luis , Oller-Marcen Antonio M.
Published: December 2022

INTRODUCCIÓN. La importancia de GeoGebra como una de las principales herramientas que ofrecen a los docentes de matemáticas la posibilidad de trabajar con simulaciones virtuales en sus aulas es indiscutible. Sin embargo, los recursos del repositorio oficial de GeoGebra no pasan ningún proceso de revisión. Por lo tanto, el criterio del docente a la hora de seleccionar este tipo de recursos es clave y se hacen necesarias herramientas que permitan analizar applets de GeoGebra para su implementación. En particular, este tipo de recursos ofrecen numerosas ventajas para la enseñanza del concepto matemático de límite de una función, frente a otro tipo de herramientas. MÉTODO. En este trabajo se analiza la idoneidad didáctica de applets de GeoGebra para la enseñanza del límite de una función. Se ha realizado un estudio exploratorio y descriptivo. El análisis se ha llevado a cabo mediante un enfoque deductivo con base en cinco variables diferentes (tipo de límite, interactividad, imagen conceptual, representación y acción). La muestra analizada, elegida mediante un muestreo de tipo intencional, es de 150 applets del repositorio de materiales de GeoGebra. RESULTADOS. Se muestran los resultados tras analizar las cinco variables establecidas para cada uno de los applets estudiados. También se analiza la influencia de la interactividad con el resto de las variables, así como la influencia de la cantidad de representaciones del límite en los applets. DISCUSIÓN. En el análisis de la idoneidad didáctica realizado, destaca la importancia de la variable interactividad, por potenciar el desarrollo de la mayoría de las imágenes conceptuales del límite. También resulta positivo el uso de una mayor cantidad de sistemas de representación del límite en un applet, pues favorece el desarrollo de varias acciones en dichos sistemas de representación.
Experiencia blended learning apoyada en un laboratorio virtual para educación de materias STEM
Authors: Arce Elena , Zayas-Gato Francisco , Suárez-García Andrés , Michelena Álvaro , Jove Esteban , Casteleiro-Roca José-Luis , Quintián Héctor , Calvo-Rolle José Luis
Published: December 2022

INTRODUCCIÓN. La reciente pandemia provocada por la COVID-19 ha supuesto numerosos cambios en los protocolos de salud pública, así como un profundo impacto socioeconómico. Políticas como el distanciamiento social y los confinamientos han condicionado las relaciones interpersonales y derivado en consecuencias dramáticas para muchas empresas y trabajadores. Concretamente, en el marco educativo, las universidades se han visto obligadas a adaptar las metodologías docentes a causa de las políticas de control implantadas por las autoridades. Por ello, el uso de herramientas para la docencia online, combinadas con experiencias en docencia presencial (blended learning, BL), constituye un interesante enfoque dentro de este contexto. MÉTODO. BL permite la reducción de la ratio de estudiantes por aula, evitando la supresión total de la presencialidad, y permitiendo también aprovechar las ventajas de ambas modalidades. En este sentido, una interesante propuesta es la implementación de un entorno de simulación virtual para estudiantes de ingeniería, cuyo objetivo es la emulación de un sistema real de control de nivel de líquido, disponible en los laboratorios de la Escuela Politécnica de Ingeniería de Ferrol, de la Universidad de A Coruña. Con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de la metodología BL en el rendimiento académico del alumnado, se compararon las calificaciones obtenidas en el trabajo tutelado en dos cursos académicos. RESULTADOS. Para llevar a cabo este trabajo, se propone una experiencia BL apoyada en un laboratorio virtual construido a partir de la integración de dos novedosas la frase correcta sería: “herramientas de software”. Factory I/O como sistema de virtualización y emulación de escenas y plantas industriales reales y Node-RED como entorno de programación para el diseño de sistemas de control y comunicación. Con base en los resultados académicos, se concluye que esta metodología tiene un efecto positivo en el rendimiento de los estudiantes. DISCUSIÓN. Este entorno realista de simulación y de visualización 3D en tiempo real aporta flexibilidad a los estudiantes facilitando la organización de sus tareas y les permite trabajar de forma autónoma aplicando los conceptos base de la ingeniería de control. Además, esta experiencia BL ayuda a los estudiantes a desarrollar competencias básicas (duras) y transferibles (blandas).
Refining Word Embeddings with Sentiment Information for Sentiment Analysis
Authors: Kasri Mohammed , Birjali Marouane , Nabil Mohamed , Beni-Hssane Abderrahim , El-Ansari Anas , El Fissaoui Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Natural Language Processing problems generally require the use of pre-trained distributed word representations to be solved with deep learning models. However, distributed representations usually rely on contextual information which prevents them from learning all the important word characteristics. The task of sentiment analysis suffers from such a problem because sentiment information is ignored during the process of learning word embeddings. The performance of sentiment analysis can be affected since two words with similar vectors may have opposite sentiment orientations. The present paper introduces a novel model called Continuous Sentiment Contextualized Vectors (CSCV) to address this problem. The proposed model can learn word sentiment embedding using its surrounding context words. It uses Continuous Bag-of-Words (CBOW) model to deal with the context and sentiment lexicons to identify sentiment. Existing pre-trained vectors are combined then with the obtained sentiment vectors using Principal component analysis (PCA) to enhance their quality. The experiments show that: (1) CSCV vectors can be used to enhance any pre-trained word vectors; (2) The result vectors strongly alleviate the problem of similar words with opposite polarities; (3) The performance of sentiment classification is improved by applying this approach.
Random Access Mechanism Enhancement Based on a Hybrid ALOHA Protocol Using an Analytical Model
Authors: Bellouch Abdessamad , Zaaloul Abdellah , Haqiq Abdelkrim
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we present a new MAC (Medium Access Control) protocol, called Hybrid ALOHA (H-ALOHA), which is a combination of two existing protocols: Pure ALOHA (P-ALOHA) protocol and Slotted ALOHA (S-ALOHA) protocol. The idea behind it is to design a MAC protocol that could meet some specific requirements in wireless networks, such as reducing energy consumption, delay minimization, and increasing the throughput. To the best of our knowledge, the S-ALOHA protocol is an improved version of P-ALOHA. However, during one single transmission scenario, P-ALOHA works better than S-ALOHA in terms of energy consumption and packet delivery. Motivated by that fact, we combine these two protocols, resulting in a hybrid ALOHA. A finite-state Markovian model is proposed to study the steady-state performance of H-ALOHA including normalized throughput, backlogged throughput, access delay, backlogged delay, and energy consumption. The proposed hybrid protocol has been compared with the S-ALOHA protocol. The simulation results show that the proposed hybrid protocol outperforms all ALOHA protocols. On average, the proposed protocol outperforms the S-ALOHA protocol by 60% in terms of normalized throughput, by 15% in terms of access delay, and by 23% in terms of total energy consumed during the transmission process.
Comparison of two approaches in multichannel sequence analysis using the Swiss Household Panel
Authors: Emery Kevin , Berchtold André
Published: December 2022

Sequence analysis is an established approach to study life courses. When several life domains are considered simultaneously, multichannel sequence analysis (MSA) and the extended alphabet (EA) approach are the most frequently used strategies. We compare these two methods using real data composed of four life domains (cohabitational status, children, professional status, health), and we focus on clustering since sequence analysis usually aims to identify typical patterns in sequences. As professional status trajectories, and potentially their relationship with other domains, proved to be different between men and women, the analyses were run separately by sex. We describe step by step the approach followed and the different criteria to judge the relevance of a typology. Neither of the two approaches is clearly superior, and the typologies obtained with both methods are often close. However, even if MSA is generally easier to use and applies to a broader range of situations, EA can provide original typologies in specific cases and we therefore propose guidelines for choosing between the two approaches depending on the context.
Improving optical thickness monitoring by including systematic and process-influenced transmittance deviations
Authors: Bruns Stefan , Farr Philipp , Melzig Thomas , Terhürne Jörg , Vergöhl Michael
Published: December 2022

During optical monitoring using broadband transmittance measurement,
the accuracy depends on how both the substrate and the optical path
are aligned. We present a correction procedure to improve the accuracy
of the monitoring, even if the substrate has features such as
absorption or if there is misalignment of the optical path. The
substrate in this case can either be a test glass or a product. The
algorithm is proven by experimental coatings which were produced with
and without the correction. Additionally, the optical monitoring
system was also used to perform an in situ quality
check. The system allows a detailed spectral analysis of all
substrates with a high position resolution. Both plasma and the
temperature effects on the central wavelength of a filter are
identified. This knowledge enables the optimization of the following
runs.
Analytical method for calculating internal stray radiation from an IR spectrometer based on the view factor
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Nan , Li Li-Bo , Hu Bing-Liang , Wang Peng-Chong , Yang Ying , Ke Shan-Liang , Wang Shuang , Li Si-Yuan
Published: December 2022

Optomechanical components such as the lens barrels and frames of IR spectrometers produce strong internal stray radiation, which reduces the instrument’s SNR and dynamic range. An IR internal stray radiation calculation method based on an analytical model of the view factor is proposed. The mathematical model of the view factor calculation method of typical optomechanical components is established. For any IR optical systems, the internal stray radiation can be quickly and accurately calculated by adjusting the coordinate systems in the calculation method. Based on the proposed method, the internal stray radiation of a double-pass long-wave IR spectrometer was calculated. The calculation results are consistent with the simulation results. The RMS value of the relative error between the calculated value and the simulated value is around 11%. To verify the proposed method, an experiment was conducted to test the internal stray radiation of the long-wave IR spectrometer. The internal stray radiation test results agree with the calculated and simulated results, and the relative error between the test results and the calculation results is within 9%.
Polarization-sensitive photonic bandgaps in hybrid one-dimensional photonic crystals composed of all-dielectric elliptical metamaterials and isotropic dielectrics
Authors: Wu Feng , Liu Tingting , Xiao Shuyuan
Published: December 2022

Photonic bandgaps (PBGs) in conventional one-dimensional (1-D) photonic crystals (PhCs)
composed of isotropic dielectrics are polarization-insensitive since
the optical length within a isotropic dielectric layer is
polarization-independent. Herein, we realize polarization-sensitive
PBGs in hybrid 1-D PhCs composed of all-dielectric elliptical
metamaterials (EMMs) and isotropic dielectrics. Based on the Bragg
scattering theory and iso-frequency curve analysis, an analytical
model is established to characterize the angle dependence of PBGs
under transverse magnetic and transverse electric polarizations. The
polarization-dependent property of PBGs can be flexibly controlled by
the filling ratio of one of the isotropic dielectrics within
all-dielectric EMMs. Assisted by the polarization-sensitive PBGs,
high-performance polarization selectivity can be achieved. Our work
offers a loss-free platform to achieve polarization-sensitive physical
phenomena and optical devices.
Vacuum compatible vertical-laser alignment method based on an oil mirror and air-spaced doublets
Authors: Zeng Tao , Bai Yang , Li Zhengkun , Wang Yue
Published: December 2022

In the field of precision measurement and metrology, a vertical laser
is a valuable measurement tool. Its applications include, but are not
limited to, the measurement of vertical displacement and attitude in
the Kibble balance and joule balance for kilogram realization. A
vacuum compatible, vertical-laser alignment method based on an oil
mirror and air-spaced doublets is proposed to measure and compensate
the vertical deviation angle of the laser beams. Dimethyl silicone oil
was selected as the natural direction reference, and the air-spaced
doublets were designed as the focusing elements to make the deviation
angle correspond to a distance of spots. The corresponding alignment
system is vacuum compatible, nonmagnetic, and can be miniaturized. In
addition to the mass traceability in the realization of a kilogram,
this system can also be applied to the gravity measurements of outer
space planets in the field of aerospace science. The off-axis error,
which is the highly influential systematic error of the alignment
system, is suppressed by replacing the plano-convex lens with a
combined optical element—“air-spaced doublets+aperture.” The
performance of the alignment system has been investigated by
experiments. The Type B uncertainty of the alignment system was
evaluated to be 19.19 µrad.
Multiplex microdisk biosensor based on simultaneous intensity and phase detection
Authors: Bläsi Johannes , Gerken Martina
Published: December 2022

Future healthcare and precision medicine require multiplex and reliable biosensors. Here we present a compact photonic crystal based microdisk biosensor that is designed for simultaneous intensity and phase measurements of multiple biomarkers in parallel. The combination of two different measurement approaches has a range of advantages. Phase detection has higher signal to noise ratios, while intensity measurement helps to align the sensor to high phase sensitivities and increase the reliability. The performance of the microdisk biosensor system is examined by simulations and measurements. For proof of concept, parallel intensity and phase shifts are measured upon binding of human-alpha-thrombin and streptavidin.
Random-modulated pulse lidar using a gain-switched semiconductor laser with a delayed self-homodyne interferometer
Authors: Tsay Han-Ling , Chang Chih-Hao , Lin Fan-Yi
Published: December 2022

We propose the generation of random-modulated pulses using a gain-switched semiconductor laser with a delayed self-homodyne interferometer (DSHI) for lidar applications. By emitting non-repetitive random-modulated pulses, ambiguity in ranging and interference in detection can be mitigated. When gain-switched, the wavelength of the laser fluctuates abruptly at the beginning of the pulse and then drops until it stabilizes toward its continuous-wave (CW) state. By beating the two pulses with instantaneous frequency detuning from the DSHI, pulses consisting of random and down-chirped modulations can be generated without any complex code generation and modulation. In this study, we investigate the waveforms and spectra of the random-modulated pulses generated under various homodyne delay lengths, switching currents, and pulsewidths. We characterize their signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), precision, and cross-correlation between consecutive pulses to evaluate their performance in lidar applications. For a good SNR of over 12 dB, the generated pulses have an optimal precision of approximately 1 mm in ranging, which is substantially better than the chaos-modulated pulses generated based on laser feedback dynamics. By establishing a random-modulated pulse lidar based on the proposed gain-switched homodyne scheme, we successfully demonstrate 3D imaging and profiling with good precision.
Predictors of health self-management behaviour in Kazakh patients with metabolic syndrome: A cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Ni Zhihong , Wang Yulu , Jiang Ning , Jiang Xiaolian
Published: December 2022

Background

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is common among Muslim patients living in China, most of whom are Kazakh adults. Continuous and effective health self-management plays a critical role in preventing negative health outcomes for individuals with MS. However, Muslim minority patients with MS face many difficulties in actively participating in health self-management, and the factors supporting their successful self-management of MS remain unclear.

Objective

This study aimed to identify the factors predicting health self-management behaviour among Kazakh MS patients and provide empirical evidence for establishing recommendation guidelines or intervention programmes for health self-management among Muslim minorities.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Xinjiang Province, China, with the use of convenience sampling to explore the current health self-management behaviour of 454 Kazakh MS patients and its influencing factors. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were used to analyse the data.

Results

The total health self-management behaviour score of Kazakh MS patients was 85.84±11.75, and the weaknesses in self-management behaviour were mainly reflected in three dimensions: disease self-monitoring, emotion management and communication with physicians. The significant positive predictors of health self-management behaviour were sex, education, family monthly income per capita, weight, knowledge of MS, and self-efficacy, while the significant negative predictors were blood pressure, the number of MS components, chronic disease comorbidities, and social support (objective support and utilization of support).

Conclusion

The health self-management behaviour of Kazakh MS patients is poor. Health care providers should aim to develop culturally specific and feasible health management intervention programmes based on the weaknesses and major modifiable influencing factors in Muslim minority MS patient health self-management, thus improving the health outcomes and quality of life of patients.
Towards development of a novel approach for enhancement of TB diagnostic services during the pandemic: A case of primary health care clinics in eThekwini district KwaZulu-Natal: A study protocol
Authors: Dlangalala Thobeka , Musekiwa Alfred , Mashamba-Thompson Tivani
Published: December 2022

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted TB diagnostic services in high TB burden settings. This has caused cases to go undetected and increased the number of TB deaths in 2020. Renewed efforts to improve the resilience of TB services during pandemics are required. Therefore, the current study aims to propose a novel approach for conducting TB diagnostic services in high burden settings during the pandemic.

Methods/Design

The proposed study will be conducted in three phases. During the first phase, a geospatial analysis to assess the geographic accessibility of TB diagnostic services will be conducted. In the second phase, the effect of COVID-19 on TB diagnostic services will be determined using an interrupted time series analysis. During the third phase, the barriers and enablers of TB diagnostic services will be explored using patient interviews and a vertical audit. The fourth phase of the study will be guided by the outcomes of the previous three phases where a nominal group technique with key stakeholders will be conducted to propose a novel means for conducting TB diagnostic services during the pandemic. The data of the study will be analyzed using the latest version of ArcGIS, Stata software.

Discussion

The study has received full ethical approval from ethics committees. The results together with input from relevant TB stakeholders will be used to develop a new approach to conducting TB diagnostic services at Primary healthcare clinics.
Hemodynamic impact of early mobilization in critical patients receiving vasoactive drugs: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Borges Larissa Faria , Fraga Righetti Renato , de Souza Francisco Davi , Pereira Yamaguti Wellington , Barros Cassia Fabiane De
Published: December 2022

Background

Vasoactive drugs are one of the most common patient-related barriers to early mobilization. Little is known about the hemodynamic effects of early mobilization on patients receiving vasoactive drugs. This study aims to observe and describe the impact of mobilization on the vital signs of critical patients receiving vasoactive drugs as well as the occurrence of adverse events.

Methods

This is a cohort study performed in an Intensive Care Unit with patients receiving vasoactive drugs. All patients, either mobilized or non-mobilized, had their clinical data such as vital signs [heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and oxygen saturation], type and dosage of the vasoactive drug, and respiratory support collected at rest. For mobilized patients, the vital signs were also collected after mobilization, and so was the highest level of mobility achieved and the occurrence of adverse events. The criteria involved in the decision of mobilizing the patients were registered.

Results

53 patients were included in this study and 222 physiotherapy sessions were monitored. In most of the sessions (n = 150, 67.6%), patients were mobilized despite the use of vasoactive drugs. There was a statistically significant increase in heart rate and respiratory rate after mobilization when compared to rest (p<0.05). Only two (1.3%) out of 150 mobilizations presented an adverse event. Most of the time, non-mobilizations were justified by the existence of a clinical contraindication (n = 61, 84.7%).

Conclusions

The alterations observed in the vital signs of mobilized patients may have reflected physiological adjustments of patients’ cardiovascular and respiratory systems to the increase in physical demand imposed by the early mobilization. The adverse events were rare, not serious, and reversed through actions such as a minimal increase of the vasoactive drug dosage.
Enfermedad y relación de pareja
Authors: Hidalgo Balsera Agustín , Cantabrana Plaza Begoña
Published: December 2022

La enfermedad, especialmente las enfermedades crónicas y graves, pueden resultar abrumadoras no sólo para el enfermo sino también para la pareja y el entorno familiar. No resulta extraño, pues, que se produzcan disensiones en las relaciones intrafamiliares que abarcan todo el espectro posible, desde el divorcio a la reconciliación. Este artículo es una aproximación a algunas de las situaciones que pueden darse en este difícil equilibrio generado por la irrupción de una enfermedad real o imaginaria. La base del artículo son historias tomadas de la literatura si bien se incluye alguna anécdota ilustrativa tomada de la vida cotidiana, algún hecho real que añade verosimilitud a no pocas historias de ficción. En concreto, se comentan historias relacionadas con parejas que no se constituyen por la aparición de enfermedades, parejas que se rompen de forma muy precoz sin oportunidades para consolidarse. Otras veces, es el rechazo del enfermo a su propio medio lo que rompe la relación de pareja. Pero también hay parejas que se forman a pesar de la enfermedad o a causa de ella, o parejas en riesgo de separación que se consolidan cuando aparece la enfermedad, sin que sea anecdótico un doble comportamiento: ruptura inicial y reconciliación posterior. Tan compleja es la relación de pareja y tanta zozobra aporta la enfermedad a la misma.
CRÍTICAS AO ESTADO PÓS-DEMOCRÁTICO DE DIREITO NA LITERATURA DE JOSÉ SARAMAGO: A RELATIVIZAÇÃO DOS DIREITOS DA PERSONALIDADE DO HOMEM DUPLICADO
Authors: Saldanha Rodrigo Róger , Oliveira José Sebastião de
Published: December 2022

Contextualização: A pesquisa trata sobre a relativização dos Direitos de Personalidade durante o processo de edificação do fenômeno do Estado Pós-Democrático de Direito.

Objetivo: tratar sobre o fenômeno de desconstrução do Estado Democrático de Direito ante as influências do neoliberalismo e seus reflexos na judicialização da vida e demais avanços em limites de direitos constituídos ao longo da história, que hoje tornam-se flexíveis diante do poder econômico, fazendo relação com a obra “o homem duplicado” de José Saramago, que retrata em seu romance o paradoxo de um professor de história que descobre a perda da identidade na sociedade globalizada.

Metodologia: Utilizou-se do método hipotético dedutivo, bem como, pesquisa bibliográfica, em revista e periódicos especializados, obra literária, e demais referências que destacaram o caso exemplificado, fazendo assim, uma análise comparativa de teorias contemporâneas.