bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Noise free defect detection in ceramic tableware using a portable digital holographic camera
Authors: Pensia Lavlesh , Dwivedi Gaurav , Singh Omendra , Kumar Raj
Published: November 2021

This paper describes detection of cracks in ceramic tableware using a portable digital holographic camera working on the principle of double-exposure digital holographic interferometry. Digital image processing techniques are applied on amplitude and phase information obtained from the numerically reconstructed wavefronts of the test object to locate position of the defect. Speckles generated due to illumination of the rough surface of the ceramic cup with the coherent light source deteriorate quality of the interferometric phase. Several iterations of the averaging filter with optimized kernel size are applied on sine and cosine components of the interferometric phase to minimize the speckle noise. The effect of kernel size of the matrix used in the averaging filter on quality of the interferometric phase is analyzed by evaluating the signal-to-noise ratio. The experimentally obtained size of crack on a ceramic cup (0.08 mm) is validated by a mechanical profiler with an error of 6.6%. This study may help in improving the quality criteria of tableware items.
Experimental validation of GNPy in a multi-vendor flex-grid flex-rate WDM optical transport scenario
Authors: D’Amico Andrea , London Elliot , Le Guyader Bertrand , Frank Florian , Le Rouzic Esther , Pincemin Erwan , Brochier Nicolas , Curri Vittorio
Published: November 2021

We experimentally test the accuracy of a quality of transmission estimator (QoT-E) within a laboratory flex-grid flex-rate framework, considering eight multi-vendor transceivers (TRXs) with symbol rates ranging from 33 to 69 Gbaud, and variable constellations [quadrature phase shift keying, 8-quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), and 16-QAM probabilistic constellation shaping], for data rates of 100 Gbits/s up to 300 Gbits/s, and a flex-grid wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) spectrum, with channel spacings of 50 and 75 GHz. As a QoT-E, we utilize an enhanced implementation of the open-source GNPy project. We demonstrate that this QoT-E provides a high level of accuracy in generalized signal-to-noise ratio (GSNR) computation, with an average error value not exceeding 0.5 dB, for the scenario under investigation. These values are computed with respect to the measured bit-error ratio converted to the GSNR using the TRX model obtained via back-to-back characterization. These results demonstrate that the optimal management of flex-grid flex-rate WDM optical transport arises by managing power spectral densities instead of power per channel, as in traditional fixed-grid systems.
Pulse interactions in periodic and genetic-algorithm-optimized aperiodic epsilon-near-zero multilayers
Authors: Huang Chenxingyu , Wu Jiaye , Wang Yuqing , Wang Zimiao , Fu H. Y. , Li Qian
Published: November 2021

The epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) multilayer with a vanishing real part of effective permittivity has been proven to have a reflective cutoff effect and an enhanced nonlinear optical response in its ENZ region, making the pulse propagation attract great interest. Here, with the introduction of genetic algorithms (GAs) as a tool to obtain the target spectra, the pulse interactions in

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alternating stacked multilayers under the ENZ wavelength are numerically studied. It is found that in the original periodic ENZ multilayer, the temporal shapes and spectra first experience a significant attenuation, mainly because of the absorption loss. Afterward, a second peak appears along the propagation path because of localizations and resonances between the layers together with the combined effect of dispersion and nonlinearity. The presented pulse interaction dynamics can provide an insight into the interaction patterns in a periodic ENZ multilayer sample. We use the GAs to obtain a new ENZ multilayer with the same total thicknesses, aperiodic structure, and enhanced reflective properties. The pulse propagation is presented as the physical evidence to further ensure that the optimization has worked well. In this aperiodic sample, the normalized intensity rapidly decreases and the energy is mostly localized near the surface, which indicates the pulse achieves nearly total reflection. Thus, the effect of GA optimization has been confirmed; that is, under extremely high reflection, the pulse can barely propagate through the sample. This optimization toward the reflection spectra of ENZ multilayers could pave the way for a possible design of experimental schemes in a laser cavity, and the cutoff effect of that also could lead to potential applications of pulse shapers and micro/nano Fabry–Perot resonators.
Generation of cylindrical vector dissipative soliton using an ultra-broadband LPFG mode converter with flat conversion efficiency
Authors: Feng Mao , He Jiangyong , Mao Baiwei , Chang Wenzhe , Wang Pan , Wang Zhi , Yue Yang , Liu Yan-Ge
Published: November 2021

Dissipative solitons (DSs), which are pulses with high pulse energy and a broad rectangular output spectrum, have several applications. In a fiber system, the generation of higher-order DS requires a mode converter with a high and flat conversion efficiency that can cover the working waveband. The requirements on high and flat conversion efficiency as well as broadband working waveband is a great challenge for a traditional mode converter. This study presents an L-band mode-locked fiber laser with a 3-dB bandwidth of more than 47 nm and a first-order cylindrical vector (CV) mode DS output based on an ultra-broadband long-period fiber grating (LPFG). The fabricated mode converter is a novel cascading LPFG with an ultra-broadband working bandwidth and flat conversion efficiency which could meet the demand of DS mode conversion. The 15-dB bandwidth is 149.76 nm, from 1515.36 nm to 1665.12 nm. Furthermore, the conversion efficiency in the range of the output spectrum is 98.60 ± 0.23%. The single-, double-, and triple-soliton output characteristics and their real-time spectra are observed using time-stretched dispersion Fourier transformation (TS-DFT) technology. Experimental results demonstrate that the first-order CV mode DS laser can maintain its dynamics after mode conversion under the accuracy of detection system, implying that the LPFG works only as a mode converter. The broadband DS laser with CV mode output in the L-band has been presented for the first time in study, to the best of our knowledge. This study is also the first to detect real-time characteristics for a higher-order mode-locked fiber laser using the TS-DFT technology. The proposed type of LPFG is s good candidate for generating higher-order mode lasers with an all-fiber structure.
Complex-amplitude single-pixel imaging using coherent structured illumination
Authors: Hou Hong-Yun , Zhao Ya-Nan , Han Jia-Cheng , Cui Sheng-Wei , Cao De-Zhong , Liu Hong-Chao , Zhang Su-Heng , Liang Bao-Lai
Published: November 2021

This research presents a coherent structured illumination single-pixel imaging scheme to image objects with complex amplitudes. By utilizing a phase-only spatial light modulator for phase modulation, we can efficiently generate the Hadamard basis structured light and the reference light that interfere with each other to form the coherent structured illumination. Using the 4-step phase-shifting, the spectrum of the object is acquired by detecting the zero-frequency component of the object light with a single-pixel photodetector. The desired complex-amplitude image can be further retrieved by applying an inverse Hadamard transform. The proposed scheme is experimentally demonstrated by imaging two etched glass objects, a dragonfly wing, and a resolution test chart. Benefiting from the phase modulation, this scheme has a high efficiency, a high imaging quality, a high spatial resolution, and a simple and stable configuration to obtain both the phase and amplitude information of the target object. The proposed scheme provides a promising complex-amplitude imaging modality with single-pixel detection. Thus it might find broad applications in optical metrology and biomedical science.
Direct generation of mid-infrared pulsed optical vortices at ∼ 2.7 µm
Authors: Gao Qinggang , Zhou Jingjing , Jia Daiwen , Wang Yinyin , Chen Bin , Liu Peng , Huang Zixuan , Tian Kangzhen , Liu Shande , Zhang Yuping , Zhang Huiyun , Wang Zhanxin , Zhao Yongguang
Published: November 2021

We present the first, to the best of our knowledge, direct generation of pulsed optical vortices in the 2.7-µ m spectral range by employing polycrystalline Fe:ZnSe as a saturable absorber (SA). A modified theoretical model taking into account the propagation features of the reshaped annular pump beam is elaborated to accurately determine the excitation conditions of the Laguerre–Gaussian (LG0,l) modes, yielding a lasing efficiency comparable to the fundamental TEM00 mode in continuous-wave (CW) regime. Nanosecond scalar optical vortices with well-defined handedness are successfully produced by taking advantages of designated mode-matching, high polarization extinction ratio (PER), and the "spatial filter" effect of the SA on other transverse modes. Such scalar vortex laser pulses in the mid-infrared region will enable new applications such as frequency down conversion to produce optical vortices at longer (far-infrared) wavelengths, structuring organic materials, novel molecular spectroscopy, etc.
Tuning plasmons of metal-coated microsphere arrays towards optimized surface-enhanced spectroscopy
Authors: Nechita Narcisa , Farcău Cosmin
Published: November 2021

The overall optical response (transmittance, reflectance, and absorbance) of metal film over nanospheres (MFoN) is studied for a wide range of sphere diameters (200 - 1000 nm) and metal film thicknesses (40–200 nm), over the 450 - 2000 nm spectral range. Analyses are performed also in water, with microfluidic surface-enhanced Raman scattering applications in mind. Two main outcomes are the dependence of the plasmonic absorbance band on structural parameters and the behavior in aqueous environment. The parameter ranges for targeting common lasers (633 and 785 nm) are identified. Additionally, for larger sphere size and thicker films, a new absorbance band was identified, exhibiting a multipole-like electric field distribution, different than the dipole-like fields at the main absorption band. It is also shown that the fine morphology of the metal film at the inter-sphere region has a strong impact on reflectance (and absorbance) but not transmittance. The individual roles of the metal particles formed on the substrate or the dielectric sphere array on the overal optical response are discussed. Finally, the role of the metal type (Au, Ag, Cu, Al) is also analyzed.
Parametric removal rate survey study and numerical modeling for deterministic optics manufacturing: erratum
Authors: Negi Vipender Singh , Garg Harry , Kumar RR Shravan , Karar Vinod , Tiwari Umesh Kumar , Kim Dae Wook
Published: November 2021

This erratum corrects the affiliation addresses of authors of our paper [Opt. Express 28(18), 2673326733 (2020)10.1364/OE.399105].
Ultrafast spatial phase unwrapping algorithm with accurately correcting transient phase error
Authors: Wu Haitao , Cao Yiping , An Haihua , Xu Cai , Li Hongmei
Published: November 2021

In fringe projection profilometry, the wrapped phase is easily polluted by many factors such as noise, shadow, and so on. In this Letter, we propose an ultrafast bi-staggered spatial phase unwrapping (BSPU) method. By constructing another staggered phase, the fringe order jump (FOJ) and local transient phase error (LTPE) can be accurately and quickly located at the same time owing to a simple difference operation. For the first time, to the best of our knowledge, a pioneering threshold separation model is established to precisely distinguish FOJ and LTPE. Based on the continuity assumption, LTPE is effectively corrected by introducing the concept of “non-integer fringe order.” The range of measurable discontinuity height is improved owing to the distinction between real phase jump and random error in the spatial phase unwrapping. In addition, it is thousands of times faster than the traditional path-dependent algorithm and even has higher measurement accuracy. Experimental results show the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method in various complex measurement environments.
Variable focus convex microlens array on K9 glass substrate based on femtosecond laser processing and hot embossing lithography
Authors: Chen Zhihao , Yuan Hongbing , Wu Peichao , Zhang Wenwu , Juodkazis Saulius , Huang Haibo , Cao Xiaowen
Published: November 2021

We propose a high-precision method for the fabrication of variable focus convex microlens arrays on K9 glass substrate by combining femtosecond laser direct writing and hot embossing lithography. A sapphire master mold with a blind cylindrical hole array was prepared first by femtosecond laser ablation. The profile control of microlenses dependent on the temperature and the diameter of the blind hole in the sapphire mold was investigated. The curvature radius of the microlens decreased with temperature and increased with diameter. Uniform convex microlens arrays were fabricated with good imaging performance. Further, variable focus convex microlens arrays were fabricated by changing the diameter of the blind hole in sapphire, which produced the image at variable z planes. This method provides a highly precise fabrication of convex microlens arrays and is well suited for batch production of micro-optical elements.
Broadband graphene-based optical power coupler and polarization beam splitter using a directional coupler
Authors: Gholipoor Mohammad , Solhtalab Nasrin
Published: November 2021

The utilization of directional couplers (DCs) as power splitters and combiners is ubiquitous for the realization of integrated silicon photonic devices in the silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform. Benefiting from the excellent modal modulation performance of graphene in silicon waveguides, we present its high flexibility to engineer and reduce the wavelength dependence of devices based on the DC. In this regard, a wavelength-insensitive 3-dB optical power coupler (3-dB OPC) is firstly proposed, in which various power splitting ratios are realized for the TE mode. Next, we design a broadband polarization beam splitter (PBS) consisting of a silicon waveguide (SW) and a graphene-silicon vertical slot waveguide (GSVSW). The simulation results show that the proposed PBS has high polarization extinction ratios (PERs) of 20.93 and 20.4 dB and low insertion losses (ILs) of 0.12 and 0.21 dB at 1550 nm for the thru and cross ports, respectively. In addition, the designed PBS demonstrates the ability to work over a wide range of wavelengths by changing the chemical potential of graphene.
rab-27 acts in an intestinal pathway to inhibit axon regeneration in C. elegans
Authors: Lin-Moore Alexander T. , Oyeyemi Motunrayo J. , Hammarlund Marc
Published: November 2021

Injured axons must regenerate to restore nervous system function, and regeneration is regulated in part by external factors from non-neuronal tissues. Many of these extrinsic factors act in the immediate cellular environment of the axon to promote or restrict regeneration, but the existence of long-distance signals regulating axon regeneration has not been clear. Here we show that the Rab GTPase rab-27 inhibits regeneration of GABAergic motor neurons in C. elegans through activity in the intestine. Re-expression of RAB-27, but not the closely related RAB-3, in the intestine of rab-27 mutant animals is sufficient to rescue normal regeneration. Several additional components of an intestinal neuropeptide secretion pathway also inhibit axon regeneration, including NPDC1/cab-1, SNAP25/aex-4, KPC3/aex-5, and the neuropeptide NLP-40, and re-expression of these genes in the intestine of mutant animals is sufficient to restore normal regeneration success. Additionally, NPDC1/cab-1 and SNAP25/aex-4 genetically interact with rab-27 in the context of axon regeneration inhibition. Together these data indicate that RAB-27-dependent neuropeptide secretion from the intestine inhibits axon regeneration, and point to distal tissues as potent extrinsic regulators of regeneration.
Antarctic teleosts with and without hemoglobin behaviorally mitigate deleterious effects of acute environmental warming
Authors: Ismailov Iskander I. , Scharping Jordan B. , Andreeva Iraida E. , Friedlander Michael J.
Published: November 2021

Recent studies forecast that many ectothermic animals, especially aquatic stenotherms, may not be able to thrive or even survive predicted climate change. These projections, however, generally do not call much attention to the role of behavior, an essential thermoregulatory mechanism of many ectotherms. Here we characterize species-specific locomotor and respiratory responses to acute ambient warming in two highly stenothermic Antarctic Notothenioid fishes, one of which (Chaenocephalus aceratus) lacks hemoglobin and appears to be less tolerant to thermal stress as compared to the other (Notothenia coriiceps), which expresses hemoglobin. At the onset of ambient warming, both species perform distinct locomotor maneuvers that appear to include avoidance reactions. In response to unavoidable progressive hyperthermia, fishes demonstrate a range of species-specific maneuvers, all of which appear to provide some mitigation of the deleterious effects of obligatory thermoconformation and to compensate for increasing metabolic demand by enhancing the efficacy of branchial respiration. As temperature continues to rise, Chaenocephalus aceratus supplements these behaviors with intensive pectoral fin fanning which may facilitate cutaneous respiration through its scaleless integument, and Notothenia coriiceps manifests respiratory-locomotor coupling during repetitive startle-like maneuvers which may further augment gill ventilation. The latter behaviors, found only in Notothenia coriiceps, have highly stereotyped appearance resembling Fixed Action Pattern sequences. Altogether, this behavioral flexibility could contribute to the reduction of the detrimental effects of acute thermal stress within a limited thermal range. In an ecologically relevant setting, this may enable efficient thermoregulation of fishes by habitat selection, thus facilitating their resilience in persistent environmental change.
Expression of Spred2 in the urothelial tumorigenesis of the urinary bladder
Authors: Oda Shinsuke , Fujisawa Masayoshi , Chunning Li , Ito Toshihiro , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Yoshimura Teizo , Matsukawa Akihiro
Published: November 2021

Aberrant activation of the Ras/Raf/ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase)-MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) pathway is involved in the progression of cancer, including urothelial carcinoma; but the negative regulation remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated pathological expression of Spred2 (Sprouty-related EVH1 domain-containing protein 2), a negative regulator of the Ras/Raf/ERK-MAPK pathway, and the relation to ERK activation and Ki67 index in various categories of 275 urothelial tumors obtained from clinical patients. In situ hybridization demonstrated that Spred2 mRNA was highly expressed in high-grade non-invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma (HGPUC), and the expression was decreased in carcinoma in situ (CIS) and infiltrating urothelial carcinoma (IUC). Immunohistochemically, membranous Spred2 expression, important to interact with Ras/Raf, was preferentially found in HGPUC. Interestingly, membranous Spred2 expression was decreased in CIS and IUC relative to HGPUC, while ERK activation and the expression of the cell proliferation marker Ki67 index were increased. HGPUC with membranous Spred2 expression correlated significantly with lower levels of ERK activation and Ki67 index as compared to those with negative Spred2 expression. Thus, our pathological findings suggest that Spred2 counters cancer progression in non-invasive papillary carcinoma possibly through inhibiting the Ras/Raf/ERK-MAPK pathway, but this regulatory mechanism is lost in cancers with high malignancy. Spred2 appears to be a key regulator in the progression of non-invasive bladder carcinoma.
Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of hydrazone derivatives and their possible mechanism of action in mice
Authors: Medeiros Maria Alice Miranda Bezerra , Gama e Silva Mariana , de Menezes Barbosa Jackson , Martins de Lavor Érica , Ribeiro Tiago Feitosa , Macedo Cícero André Ferreira , de Souza Duarte-Filho Luiz Antonio Miranda , Feitosa Thiala Alves , de Jesus Silva Jussara , Fokoue Harold Hilarion , Araújo Cleônia Roberta Melo , de Assis Gonsalves Arlan , Augusto de Araújo Ribeiro Luciano , Almeida Jackson Roberto Guedes da Silva
Published: November 2021

Pain and inflammation are unpleasant experiences that usually occur as a result of tissue damage. Despite the number of existing analgesic drugs, side effects limit their use, stimulating the search for new therapeutic agents. In this sense, five hydrazone derivatives (H1, H2, H3, H4, and H5), with general structure R1R2C = NNR3R4, were synthesized with molecular modification strategies. In this paper, we describe the ability of hydrazone derivatives to attenuate nociceptive behavior and the inflammatory response in mice. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated through acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced nociception tests. In both experimental models, the hydrazone with the greatest potency (H5) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced nociceptive behavior. Additionally, methods of acute and chronic inflammation induced by different chemicals (carrageenan and histamine) were performed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of H5. Moreover, molecular docking analysis revealed that H5 can block the COX-2 enzyme, reducing arachidonic acid metabolism and consequently decreasing the production of prostaglandins, which are important inflammatory mediators. H5 also changes locomotor activity. In summary, H5 exhibited relevant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory potential and acted on several targets, making it a candidate for a new multi-target oral anti-inflammatory drug.
Rapid relaxation of pandemic restrictions after vaccine rollout favors growth of SARS-CoV-2 variants: A model-based analysis
Authors: Van Egeren Debra , Stoddard Madison , Novokhodko Alexander , Rogers Michael S. , Joseph-McCarthy Diane , Zetter Bruce , Chakravarty Arijit
Published: November 2021

The development and deployment of several SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in a little over a year is an unprecedented achievement of modern medicine. The high levels of efficacy against transmission for some of these vaccines makes it feasible to use them to suppress SARS-CoV-2 altogether in regions with high vaccine acceptance. However, viral variants with reduced susceptibility to vaccinal and natural immunity threaten the utility of vaccines, particularly in scenarios where a return to pre-pandemic conditions occurs before the suppression of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. In this work we model the situation in the United States in May-June 2021, to demonstrate how pre-existing variants of SARS-CoV-2 may cause a rebound wave of COVID-19 in a matter of months under a certain set of conditions. A high burden of morbidity (and likely mortality) remains possible, even if the vaccines are partially effective against new variants and widely accepted. Our modeling suggests that variants that are already present within the population may be capable of quickly defeating the vaccines as a public health intervention, a serious potential limitation for strategies that emphasize rapid reopening before achieving control of SARS-CoV-2.
COVID-19 pandemic and health worker stress: The mediating effect of emotional regulation
Authors: García-Batista Zoilo Emilio , Guerra-Peña Kiero , Nouri Kandany Vahid , Marte María Isabel , Garrido Luis Eduardo , Cantisano-Guzmán Luisa Marilia , Moretti Luciana , Medrano Leonardo Adrián
Published: November 2021

Background/Introduction

Psychological and physical well-being of health personnel has been significantly affected by COVID-19. Work overload and continuous exposure to positive COVID-19 cases have caused them fatigue, stress, anxiety, insomnia and other detriments. This research aims: 1) to analyze whether the use of cognitive reevaluation and emotional suppression strategies decreases and increases, respectively, stress levels of health personnel; 2) to quantify the impact of contact with patients with COVID-19 on stress levels of medical staff.

Method

Emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reevaluation and emotional expression) and stress levels were evaluated in 155 Dominican physicians who were treating people infected with COVID-19 at the moment of the study (67.9% women and 32.1% men; mean age = 34.89; SD = 9.26). In addition, a questionnaire created by the researchers quantified the impact that contact with those infected had on their stress levels.

Results

Contact with patients with COVID-19 predicts increased use of emotion suppression strategies, although is not associated with the use of cognitive reevaluation. These findings lead to an even greater increase in stress on health care providers.

Conclusions

Contextual contingencies demand immediate responses and may not allow health personnel to use cognitive re-evaluation strategies, leaning more towards emotion suppression. However, findings regarding high levels of stress require the implementation of intervention programs focused on the promotion of more functional emotion regulation strategies. Such programs may reduce current stress and prevent post-traumatic symptoms.
Survival of musical activities. When do young people stop making music?
Authors: Ruth Nicolas , Müllensiefen Daniel
Published: November 2021

Although making music is a popular leisure activity for children and adolescents, few stay musically engaged. Previous research has focused on finding reasons for quitting musical activities, pedagogical strategies to keep students engaged with music, and motivational factors of musical training. Nonetheless, we know very little about how the proportion of musically active children changes with age and what traits influence the survival of musical engagement. This study used longitudinal data from secondary school students in the UK and Germany aged between 10 and 17 years. A survival analysis was applied to investigate the trajectories of musical activities across this age span. Other factors like type of learned instrument, gender, personality and intelligence were taken into account for further analyses using generalized linear models. Results indicate that about 50% of all students drop out of music lessons and other musical activities by the time they turn 17 years old, with most students quitting between the ages of 15 and 17. Musical home environment is an important factor that is associated with lower drop out rates while conscientiousness and theory of musicality showed smaller significant associations.
Assessing adolescents’ critical health literacy: How is trust in government leadership associated with knowledge of COVID-19?
Authors: Mathews Channing J. , McGuire Luke , Joy Angelina , Law Fidelia , Winterbottom Mark , Rutland Adam , Drews Marc , Hoffman Adam J. , Mulvey Kelly Lynn , Hartstone-Rose Adam
Published: November 2021

This study explored relations between COVID-19 news source, trust in COVID-19 information source, and COVID-19 health literacy in 194 STEM-oriented adolescents and young adults from the US and the UK. Analyses suggest that adolescents use both traditional news (e.g., TV or newspapers) and social media news to acquire information about COVID-19 and have average levels of COVID-19 health literacy. Hierarchical linear regression analyses suggest that the association between traditional news media and COVID-19 health literacy depends on participants’ level of trust in their government leader. For youth in both the US and the UK who used traditional media for information about COVID-19 and who have higher trust in their respective government leader (i.e., former US President Donald Trump and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson) had lower COVID-19 health literacy. Results highlight how youth are learning about the pandemic and the importance of not only considering their information source, but also their levels of trust in their government leaders.
Impact of sustainable project management on project plan and project success of the manufacturing firm: Structural model assessment
Authors: Chow Tay Chze , Zailani Suhaiza , Rahman Muhammad Khalilur , Qiannan Zhang , Bhuiyan Miraj Ahmed , Patwary Ataul Karim
Published: November 2021

This study has aimed to investigate the impact of sustainable project management on sustainable project planning and success in manufacturing firms. Data was collected from project management professionals in a manufacturing firm in Malaysia. A total of 231 responses were analyzed using the partial least square (PLS) method. The findings revealed that sustainable project management has a significant impact on sustainable project success and sustainable project planning. Sustainable project planning is positively correlated with sustainable project success. The results also indicated that sustainable project planning mediates the effect of sustainable project management on sustainable project success. The findings have significant insight into the body of knowledge of the project life cycle and indicated that sustainable project planning is a crucial tool attributed to project management towards the project success of the manufacturing firm. The results can be used as a guideline for organizations, providing direction in project management to achieve sustainable development for business.
Composition of nasal bacterial community and its seasonal variation in health care workers stationed in a clinical research laboratory
Authors: Habibi Nazima , Mustafa Abu Salim , Khan Mohd Wasif
Published: November 2021

The microorganisms at the workplace contribute towards a large portion of the biodiversity a person encounters in his or her life. Health care professionals are often at risk due to their frontline nature of work. Competition and cooperation between nasal bacterial communities of individuals working in a health care setting have been shown to mediate pathogenic microbes. Therefore, we investigated the nasal bacterial community of 47 healthy individuals working in a clinical research laboratory in Kuwait. The taxonomic profiling and core microbiome analysis identified three pre-dominant genera as Corynebacterium (15.0%), Staphylococcus (10.3%) and, Moraxella (10.0%). All the bacterial genera exhibited seasonal variations in summer, winter, autumn and spring. SparCC correlation network analysis revealed positive and negative correlations among the classified genera. A rich set of 16 genera (q < 0.05) were significantly differentially abundant (LEfSe) across the four seasons. The highest species counts, richness and evenness (P < 0.005) were recorded in autumn. Community structure profiling indicated that the entire bacterial population followed a seasonal distribution (R2-0.371; P < 0.001). Other demographic factors such as age, gender and, ethnicity contributed minimally towards community clustering in a closed indoor laboratory setting. Intra-personal diversity also witnessed rich species variety (maximum 6.8 folds). Seasonal changes in the indoor working place in conjunction with the outdoor atmosphere seems to be important for the variations in the nasal bacterial communities of professionals working in a health care setting.
Identification of miRNAs and genes for predicting Barrett’s esophagus progressing to esophageal adenocarcinoma using miRNA-mRNA integrated analysis
Authors: Yao Chengjiao , Li Yilin , Luo Lihong , Xiong Qin , Zhong Xiaowu , Xie Fengjiao , Feng Peimin
Published: November 2021

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is defined as any metaplastic columnar epithelium in the distal esophagus, which predisposes to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Yet, the mechanism through which BE develops to EAC still remain unclear. Moreover, the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in distinguishing BE from EAC still remains poorly understood. To identify differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and genes (DEGs) between EAC and BE from tissue samples, gene expression microarray datasets GSE13898, GSE26886, GSE1420 and miRNA microarray datasets GSE16456, GSE20099 were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. GEO2R was used to screen the DEMs and DEGs. Pathway and functional enrichment analysis were performed by DAVID database. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by STRING and been visualized by Cytoscape software. Finnal, survival analysis was performed basing TCGA database. A total of 21 DEMs were identified. The enriched functions and pathways analysis inclued Epstein-Barr virus infection, herpesvirus infection and TRP channels. GART, TNFSF11, GTSE1, NEK2, ICAM1, PSMD12, CTNNB1, CDH1, PSEN1, IL1B, CTNND1, JAG1, CDH17, ITCH, CALM1 and ITGA6 were considered as the hub-genes. Hsa-miR-143 and hsa-miR-133b were the highest connectivity target gene. JAG1 was predicted as the largest number of target miRNAs. The expression of hsa-miR-181d, hsa-miR-185, hsa-miR-15b, hsa-miR-214 and hsa-miR-496 was significantly different between normal tissue and EAC. CDH1, GART, GTSE1, NEK2 and hsa-miR-496, hsa-miR-214, hsa-miR-15b were found to be correlated with survival.
Measuring anxiety related to COVID-19: Factor analysis and psychometric properties of the Arabic Coronavirus Anxiety Scale
Authors: Vally Zahir , Alowais Aisha
Published: November 2021

Literature reports that fear and anxiety related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic may be a significant factor in promoting adherence to health-protective behaviours. This study aimed to validate an Arabic version of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS). Participants aged 18 to 58 years of age were recruited from a university population (students and staff) as well as via social media from 22 June to 18 July 2020 when the United Arab Emirates was under a partial government-instituted lockdown. They completed Arabic versions of the CAS and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. A confirmatory factor analysis produced a unidimensional structure and all items satisfactorily loaded onto this single factor (i.e., the physiological symptoms of fear and anxiety related to coronavirus). The Arabic CAS was internally consistent and concurrently valid. These preliminary findings suggest that the Arabic CAS is a valid and reliable instrument to employ in the assessment of dysfunctional anxiety related to coronavirus. The availability of this validated measure will enable the further conduct of a variety of mental health studies in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. It also holds clinical utility as a potential screening measure for those afflicted by anxiety symptomology during the pandemic.
Subclinical steatohepatitis and advanced liver fibrosis in health examinees with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in 10 South Korean cities: A retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Nah Eun-Hee , Cho Seon , Park Hyeran , Noh Dongwon , Kwon Eunjoo , Cho Han-Ik
Published: November 2021

Background

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has a risk of progressing to cirrhosis. The prevalence of NASH and its associated risk factors in community populations are relatively unknown. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of NASH and advanced liver fibrosis using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), and determine those risk factors in health examinees with asymptomatic fatty liver.

Methods

This study consecutively selected subjects who underwent health checkups at 13 health-promotion centers in 10 Korean cities between 2018 and 2020. Hepatic steatosis and stiffness were assessed using ultrasonography and MRE, respectively. Stages of liver stiffness were estimated using MRE with cutoff values for NASH and advanced liver fibrosis of 2.91 and 3.60 kPa, respectively.

Results

The overall prevalence of NASH and advanced liver fibrosis in the subjects with fatty liver were 8.35% and 2.04%, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that central obesity (OR = 5.12, 95% CI = 2.70–9.71), increased triglyceride (OR = 3.29, 95% CI = 1.72–6.29), abnormal liver function test (OR = 3.09, 95% CI = 1.66–5.76) (allP<0.001), and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR = 5.18, 95% CI = 1.78–15.05) (P= 0.003) were associated with NASH. The main risk factor for advanced liver fibrosis was diabetes (OR = 4.46, 95% CI = 1.14–17.48) (P= 0.032).

Conclusion

NASH or advanced liver fibrosis is found in one-tenth of health examinees with asymptomatic fatty liver. This suggests that early detection of NASH should be considered to allow early interventions such as lifestyle changes to prevent the adverse effects of NASH and its progression in health examinees with asymptomatic fatty liver.
Seasonal content of heavy metals in the "soil–feed–milk–manure" system in horse husbandry in Kazakhstan
Authors: Kozhanova Nazym , Sarsembayeva Nurzhan , Lozowicka Bozena , Kozhanov Zhassulan
Published: November 2021

Background and Aim: The quality of food, especially animal-based food, is crucial for human health. However, the quality of milk and other animal products has become an acute cause for concern in Kazakhstan . Technogenic dispersion of heavy metals (HMs) causes adverse effects on living organisms and creates unfavorable conditions for the existence of humans, animals, and plants. The purpose of this study was to analyze the content of several HMs in samples of soil, horse feed (hay, mixed feed, and bran), mare's milk, and manure to assess bioaccumulation and possible adverse effects on the bodies of horses. An additional purpose was to identify areas with acceptable conditions for obtaining environmentally safe horse breeding products in the agricultural zones of the Almaty region, Kazakhstan. Materials and Methods: Samples were obtained from two farms in the Almaty region in 2020 (spring, summer, and autumn). In total, 72 soil samples were analyzed, which were taken from the upper humus horizon to the depth of the arable layer. Eighty-six samples were taken from the feed of horses. Green feed was represented by perennial and annual grasses (alsike clover, Medicago sativa, sweet yellow clover, as well as pea and oat mix). Barley and wheat bran stored in the warehouses of the farm were sampled for the research as feed supplements. The mixed feed comprised components such as maize and sunflower. In addition, 46 samples of mare's milk and 28 samples of horse manure were collected. The HM analysis was performed in the laboratory of the Kazakh-Japanese Innovation Center. The residual amounts of HMs were determined using an absorption spectrometer with a voltammetric analyzer. The content of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and arsenic (As) in all the studied samples of soil, feed, mare's milk, and manure did not exceed the threshold limit values (TLVs), suggesting that the intake of these toxic elements into the human body with food was low. Results: The average Cd concentration was in the range of 0.29-0.31 mg/kg in soil samples and in the range of 0.20-0.27 mg/kg in feed samples. In milk, the Cd concentration varied from 0.01 to 0.02 mg/L and was lower in summer and higher in fall. The total average Cd content in horse manure was 0.1844 mg/kg. The concentration of Pb in soil samples ranged from 1.09 to 1.30 mg/kg with the lowest value in spring and the highest in fall. In the feed, the concentration of Pb varied from 0.14 to 0.76 mg/kg and in milk from 0.03 to 0.15 mg/L. The average concentrations of Hg and As in soil samples averaged 0.022 and 0.019 mg/kg, respectively, and were within the TLVs. Conclusion: In the study areas, the calculated transition rates in the soil–feed–milk–manure system revealed that the greatest transition of HMs was observed for Pb and Cd, and a smaller migration was observed for Hg and As. The tendency of accumulation of trace elements continued in the feed.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND ß-AMYLOID BRAIN LEVELS IN HUMANS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: de Souto Barreto P. , Vellas B. , Andrieu S. , Rolland Y.
Published: November 2021

Physical activity (PA) contributes to brain health and plasticity, which suggests that PA would protect against the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, research on PA and AD biomarkers is very scarce. The objective of the present study was to perform a systematic review of studies that investigated the associations between PA and β-amyloid brain deposition in humans. Electronic searches were performed in PubMed, Cochrane Library, SportDiscus, PEDro, and PsychInfo databases. Articles were eligible if they have assessed both PA and β-amyloid brain deposition in humans. Five articles, published between 2010 and 2013, met eligibility criteria (study population varied across studies from 54 to 515, according with the β-amyloid measure. All five studies assessed both PA and PET-amyloid; among them, two studies also assessed CSF Aβ42 levels). All studies were based on cross-sectional data, from non-demented populations. Among the five included studies, three found significant associations between PA and β-amyloid brain deposition, and the other two did not find any significant association; limited evidence suggests that PA-amyloid plaques associations would be APOE ε4 allele-specific. In sum, no solid conclusions can be drawn on the associations between PA and human β-amyloid brain deposition currently. Future research on this topic should particularly pay attention to the operationalisation of clinically relevant and valid PA variables and should include important confounders in multivariate analysis. More information is needed on the potential interactions between PA and other AD risk factors (e.g., cognitive activities, APOE ε4 status, nutrition, smoking) and their combined effects on AD biomarkers.
HIGHER COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE IS PROSPECTIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH HEALTHY DIETARY CHOICES: THE MAINE SYRACUSE LONGITUDINAL STUDY
Authors: Crichton G.E. , Elias M.F. , Davey A. , Alkerwi A. , Dore G.A.
Published: November 2021

Objectives: Few studies have examined whether cognitive function predicts dietary intake. The majority of research has focused on how diet can influence cognitive performance or risk for cognitive impairment in later life. The aim of this study was to examine prospective relationships between cognitive performance and dietary intake in participants of the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study. Design: A prospective study with neuropsychological testing at baseline and nutritional assessments measured a mean of 18 years later. Setting: Community-dwelling individuals residing in central New York state. Participants: 333 participants free of dementia and stroke. Measurements: The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) was assessed at baseline and dietary intake was measured using the Nutrition and Health Questionnaire. Results: Higher WAIS Scores at baseline were prospectively associated with higher intakes of vegetables, meats, nuts and legumes, and fish, but inversely associated with consumption of total grains and carbonated soft drinks. After adjustment for sample selection, socioeconomic indicators, lifestyle factors (smoking and physical activity), and cardiovascular risk factors, the relations between higher cognitive performance and greater consumption of vegetables, meat, and fish, and lower consumption of grains remained significant. Conclusion: These data suggest that cognition early in life may influence dietary choices later in life.
Tangier Disease: An Unusual Cause of Chronic Diarrhea
Authors: Ritaccio Gabrielle , Asif Bilal , Yfantis Harris , Wong Uni
Published: November 2021

Tangier disease is a rare autosomal recessive disease resulting in cholesterol deposition in different organs. We report a case of a 52-year-old white man who presented for chronic diarrhea without significant findings on noninvasive testing. Subsequent colonoscopy revealed endoscopically normal mucosa, with random biopsies remarkable for foamy macrophages in the lamina propria. Genetic testing showed adenosine triphosphate–binding cassette transporter gene mutation with low high-density lipoprotein and low low-density lipoprotein. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of chronic diarrhea in a patient with Tangier disease without any other clear etiology.
A Puzzling Case of Pouch Pathology
Authors: Rahal Harman , Ehrlich Dean , Paredes Harold , Conlon Wendy , Sedarat Alireza
Published: November 2021

A 36-year-old man with familial adenomatous polyposis secondary to an adenomatous polyposis coli mutation status post proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis presented with hematochezia. Pouchoscopy revealed a 4-cm indurated mass in the distal ileal pouch just 17 months after a normal pouchoscopy. Histopathology was diagnostic for Burkitt lymphoma, and the patient achieved complete remission with subsequent chemotherapy. Although there are reports of Burkitt lymphoma in patients with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, to date, this is the first report in a patient with familial adenomatous polyposis. This case highlights the presentation of a rapidly enlarging tumor not commonly seen in the adult gastroenterology population.
Breeding Strategy of Local Muscovy to Support the Development of Meat Type Duck Industry
Authors: Susanti Triana
Published: November 2021

Muscovy duck is one of the genetic resources of waterfowl that spreads almost all over Indonesia. Muscovy duck is classified as meat-producer waterfowl, because of its relatively large body weight and better meat quality compared to other waterfowl. Therefore, cross breeding between Muscovy and ducks were often conducted by farmers to produce offspring with large body weight in order to anticipate the higher demand for duck meat. If this crossing pattern has been widely adopted by breeders, it will require a larger number of Muscovy duck. Whereas, currently the population of Muscovy is relatively low and no breeding system exists both at the community farm level or industrial level. Therefore, a development program of local Muscovy duck, especially its breeding program needs to be done immediately. As an information material to facilitate the preparation of the program, this paper describes factors that affect the breeding program including production performance and reproduction, as well as the breeding strategy of Muscovy duck as candidates of male line to form special type of meat type ducks through 3 groups of livestock breeds in the shape of a conical triangle at the top. The top position was the pure stock (nucleus), the middle was the parent stock (multiplier) and the bottom was the commercial stock. The genetic quality of livestock flows from the top position to the bottom and  cannot  be the other way around, because the breeding system is closed in the pure stock (nucleus).
Sumbawa Wild Horse Milk: Production, Usage, Chemical Compound, Microbial Community, and Probiotics Potency
Authors: Prastyowati Anika
Published: November 2021

Wild horse milk of Sumbawa is a national commodity derived from the wild horse in West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. This product is well known to have health benefits for people. There have been studies related to milk’s characterization, chemical composition, microbial biodiversity, and probiotics effects by Indonesian academists since it is a local product produced only in Indonesia. This report objects to collect scientific documentation in Indonesia of wild horse milk of Sumbawa usage, its production, chemical compounds, microbial community, and potency as probiotics. Milk production of Sumbawa horse milk was 1-2 liters/horse/day. The usage of this commodity covered the health, medicine, food, and cosmetics industries. The main chemistry compound of wild horse milk was lactose 6.48%, protein 1.81%, and fat 1.67%, which will affect its microbial community. Lactic acid bacteria, especially Lactobacillus, were the dominant bacteria that have potency as probiotics. Thus, this article provides a reference for academists or researchers who are interested to explore this commodity.