bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High spatial resolution underwater confocal LiDAR: reduction of optical aberrations in air–water interfaces using a dome port
Authors: Santos Joaquim , Jakobsen Michael L. , Petersen Paul M. , Pedersen Christian
Published: August 2024

We study the impact of optical aberrations in underwater scanning confocal inelastic imaging arising from refraction at oblique incidences on a refractive index-mismatched air–glass–water interface. We experimentally demonstrate that optical aberrations at non-normal incidence drastically reduce the intensity of the inelastic signal and deteriorate the system resolution. At a 2.5° incidence angle, the return signal decreases to about 20% of its peak value at normal incidence. We implement passive correction using a spherical glass dome that is co-centered with the pivot point of the scanning mirror to ensure near-normal incidence on the interface irrespective of the scanning angle and depth. This configuration provides a drastic reduction in the optical aberrations within an angular range from −20° to 20°. The optical system is modeled in ray tracing software for validation. The interfacing of a scanning confocal system with a dome port unlocks near-diffraction-limited underwater imaging over wide areas without resorting to complex adaptive wavefront manipulation.
Non-invasive imaging using a low-spatial-coherence multimode random polymer fiber laser
Authors: He Shilong , Zhang Xiaojuan , Du Wenyu , Li Siqi , Kuai Yan , Xu Feng , Liu Yu , Cao Zhigang , Yu Benli , Hu Zhijia
Published: August 2024

Random lasers (RLs), with their low spatial coherence, are ideal illumination sources for speckle-free imaging. However, it is still challenging for RLs to maintain low spatial coherence with the need for integration and directionality. Here, a disordered multimode random polymer fiber laser (RPFL) is proposed and implemented as a low-spatial-coherence light source. Compared to typical multimode optical fibers, the number of accommodated modes is increased by about 11×, the speckle contrast is reduced to 0.013, and the spatial coherence factor is reduced to 0.08. The low-spatial-coherence property enables RPFL to produce significantly superior imaging quality in both speckle-free imaging and non-invasive imaging through opacity. This study provides a strategy for an integrated speckle-free imaging system and paves the way for non-invasive imaging.
Theoretical study of enhanced Kerr nonlinearity in nanohybrid structures resulting from interactions between plasmonic modes and excitonic transitions
Authors: Naseri Tayebeh , Maleki Zeynab
Published: August 2024

Nanohybrid structures, consisting of metallic nanoparticles (MNPs) and semiconductor quantum dots (SQDs), display distinct optical characteristics resulting from the interplay between the plasmonic modes of MNPs and the excitonic transitions in SQDs. These interactions improve the interaction between light and matter, resulting in new visual phenomena and adjustable electromagnetic reactions. This study examines the nonlinear optical effects in these nanohybrids, including the creation of plexcitons and their enhanced nonlinear reactions, including rapid all-optical switching and frequency conversion. The study of Kerr nonlinearity involves using precise mathematical formulations and numerical simulations to investigate the interactions that occur. The interaction between plasmonic and excitonic modes greatly amplifies the Kerr effect, caused by the increased electric field at the interfaces of metal nanoparticles and semiconductor quantum dots. This theoretical study offers a thorough examination of the interactions between quantum dots, nanoparticles, and nanoparticle-semiconductor quantum dot hybrids. It specifically investigates the consequences of nonlocality resulting from the finite sizes of nanoparticles. As a result, this paper presents a comprehensive model, in which we expect the results to have the highest consistency with experimental findings. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of these non-linear interactions has the potential to drive progress in nanophotonic systems and facilitate the creation of groundbreaking photonic and optoelectronic applications.
Felix Klein aus der Sicht der drei mathematischen Freunde
Authors: Hänel Jule , Oswald Nicola , Steuding Jörn , Volkert Klaus
Published: August 2024

In diesem Artikel geht es um das Bild, das die drei mathematischen Freunde Hilbert, Hurwitz und Minkowski in ihrer Korrespondenz von Felix Klein entwerfen.
Impact of waning immunity against SARS-CoV-2 severity exacerbated by vaccine hesitancy
Authors: Saad-Roy Chadi M. , Morris Sinead E. , Boots Mike , Baker Rachel E. , Lewis Bryan L. , Farrar Jeremy , Marathe Madhav V. , Graham Andrea L. , Levin Simon A. , Wagner Caroline E. , Metcalf C. Jessica E. , Grenfell Bryan T.
Published: August 2024

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has generated a considerable number of infections and associated morbidity and mortality across the world. Recovery from these infections, combined with the onset of large-scale vaccination, have led to rapidly-changing population-level immunological landscapes. In turn, these complexities have highlighted a number of important unknowns related to the breadth and strength of immunity following recovery or vaccination. Using simple mathematical models, we investigate the medium-term impacts of waning immunity against severe disease on immuno-epidemiological dynamics. We find that uncertainties in the duration of severity-blocking immunity (imparted by either infection or vaccination) can lead to a large range of medium-term population-level outcomes (i.e. infection characteristics and immune landscapes). Furthermore, we show that epidemiological dynamics are sensitive to the strength and duration of underlying host immune responses; this implies that determining infection levels from hospitalizations requires accurate estimates of these immune parameters. More durable vaccines both reduce these uncertainties and alleviate the burden of SARS-CoV-2 in pessimistic outcomes. However, heterogeneity in vaccine uptake drastically changes immune landscapes toward larger fractions of individuals with waned severity-blocking immunity. In particular, if hesitancy is substantial, more robust vaccines have almost no effects on population-level immuno-epidemiology, even if vaccination rates are compensatorily high among vaccine-adopters. This pessimistic scenario for vaccination heterogeneity arises because those few individuals that are vaccine-adopters are so readily re-vaccinated that the duration of vaccinal immunity has no appreciable consequences on their immune status. Furthermore, we find that this effect is heightened if vaccine-hesitants have increased transmissibility (e.g. due to riskier behavior). Overall, our results illustrate the necessity to characterize both transmission-blocking and severity-blocking immune time scales. Our findings also underline the importance of developing robust next-generation vaccines with equitable mass vaccine deployment.
A novel kinetic model to demonstrate the independent effects of ATP and ADP/Pi concentrations on sarcomere function
Authors: Schmidt Andrew A. , Grosberg Alexander Y. , Grosberg Anna
Published: August 2024

Understanding muscle contraction mechanisms is a standing challenge, and one of the approaches has been to create models of the sarcomere–the basic contractile unit of striated muscle. While these models have been successful in elucidating many aspects of muscle contraction, they fall short in explaining the energetics of functional phenomena, such as rigor, and in particular, their dependence on the concentrations of the biomolecules involved in the cross-bridge cycle. Our hypothesis posits that the stochastic time delay between ATP adsorption and ADP/Pi release in the cross-bridge cycle necessitates a modeling approach where the rates of these two reaction steps are controlled by two independent parts of the total free energy change of the hydrolysis reaction. To test this hypothesis, we built a two-filament, stochastic-mechanical half-sarcomere model that separates the energetic roles of ATP and ADP/Pi in the cross-bridge cycle’s free energy landscape. Our results clearly demonstrate that there is a nontrivial dependence of the cross-bridge cycle’s kinetics on the independent concentrations of ATP, ADP, and Pi. The simplicity of the proposed model allows for analytical solutions of the more basic systems, which provide novel insight into the dominant mechanisms driving some of the experimentally observed contractile phenomena.
Upper bounds for integrated information
Authors: Zaeemzadeh Alireza , Tononi Giulio
Published: August 2024

Originally developed as a theory of consciousness, integrated information theory provides a mathematical framework to quantify the causal irreducibility of systems and subsets of units in the system. Specifically, mechanism integrated information quantifies how much of the causal powers of a subset of units in a state, also referred to as a mechanism, cannot be accounted for by its parts. If the causal powers of the mechanism can be fully explained by its parts, it is reducible and its integrated information is zero. Here, we study the upper bound of this measure and how it is achieved. We study mechanisms in isolation, groups of mechanisms, and groups of causal relations among mechanisms. We put forward new theoretical results that show mechanisms that share parts with each other cannot all achieve their maximum. We also introduce techniques to design systems that can maximize the integrated information of a subset of their mechanisms or relations. Our results can potentially be used to exploit the symmetries and constraints to reduce the computations significantly and to compare different connectivity profiles in terms of their maximal achievable integrated information.
Evaluating the diagnostic and triage performance of digital and online symptom checkers for the presentation of myocardial infarction; A retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Wallace William , Chan Calvin , Chidambaram Swathikan , Hanna Lydia , Acharya Amish , Daniels Elisabeth , Normahani Pasha , Matin Rubeta N. , Markar Sheraz R. , Sounderajah Viknesh , Liu Xiaoxuan , Darzi Ara
Published: August 2024

Online symptom checkers are increasingly popular health technologies that enable patients to input their symptoms to produce diagnoses and triage advice. However, there is concern regarding the performance and safety of symptom checkers in diagnosing and triaging patients with life-threatening conditions. This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate and compare commercially available symptom checkers for performance in diagnosing and triaging myocardial infarctions (MI). Symptoms and biodata of MI patients were inputted into 8 symptom checkers identified through a systematic search. Anonymised clinical data of 100 consecutive MI patients were collected from a tertiary coronary intervention centre between 1st January 2020 to 31st December 2020. Outcomes included (1) diagnostic sensitivity as defined by symptom checkers outputting MI as the primary diagnosis (D1), or one of the top three (D3), or top five diagnoses (D5); and (2) triage sensitivity as defined by symptom checkers outputting urgent treatment recommendations. Overall D1 sensitivity was 48±31% and varied between symptom checkers (range: 6–85%). Overall D3 and D5 sensitivity were 73±20% (34–92%) and 79±14% (63–94%), respectively. Overall triage sensitivity was 83±13% (55–91%). 24±16% of atypical cases had a correct D1 though for female atypical cases D1 sensitivity was only 10%. Atypical MI D3 and D5 sensitivity were 44±21% and 48±24% respectively and were significantly lower than typical MI cases (p<0.01). Atypical MI triage sensitivity was significantly lower than typical cases (53±20% versus 84±15%, p<0.01). Female atypical cases had significantly lower diagnostic and triage sensitivity than typical female MI cases (p<0.01).Given the severity of the pathology, the diagnostic performance of symptom checkers for correctly diagnosing an MI is concerningly low. Moreover, there is considerable inter-symptom checker performance variation. Patients presenting with atypical symptoms were under-diagnosed and under-triaged, especially if female. This study highlights the need for improved clinical performance, equity and transparency associated with these technologies.
The use of quantitative clinical pharmacology approaches to support moxidectin dosing recommendations in lactation
Authors: Wood Nolan D. , Smith Danelle , Kinrade Sally A. , Sullivan Mark T. , Rayner Craig R. , Wesche David , Patel Kashyap , Rowland-Yeo Karen
Published: August 2024

Moxidectin is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) for the treatment of onchocerciasis (river-blindness) due to Onchocerca volvulus in patients aged 12 years and older. In onchocerciasis-endemic areas, mass drug administration (MDA) programs with ivermectin, with or without vector control, aim to control the disease, reduce morbidity, interrupt transmission, and more recently, achieve elimination. Moxidectin has the potential to be used in MDA programs. In countries where onchocerciasis is endemic, infants are often breastfed up to the age of 2 years, suggesting that some women are likely to be lactating during such periodic MDA programs. Quantitative analyses of non-clinical and clinical data using non-compartmental analysis and population based pharmacokinetic (popPK) modeling as well as physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling (PBPK) were performed to determine the amount of moxidectin excreted in breast milk and subsequent exposures in the infant. The results of the analyses were similar. Concentrations of moxidectin in breast milk followed a similar pattern to those in plasma, with maximum concentrations occurring approximately 4 hours after dosing followed by a rapid decline in both breast milk and plasma. As early as two days after dosing, concentrations of moxidectin in breast milk were below the threshold for acceptable daily intake levels established by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and FDA for secondary exposures from veterinary use, and below the WHO recommended relative infant dose (RID) safety threshold. The analyses were conducted to support prescribers and policy makers on dosing recommendations for moxidectin in lactation.
Endomyocardial involvement in asymptomatic Latin American migrants with eosinophilia related to helminth infection: A pilot study
Authors: Sempere Abiu , Salvador Fernando , Milà Laia , Casas Guillem , Durà-Miralles Xavier , Sulleiro Elena , Vila-Olives Rosa , Bosch-Nicolau Pau , Aznar Maria Luisa , Espinosa-Pereiro Juan , Treviño Begoña , Sánchez-Montalvá Adrián , Serre-Delcor Núria , Oliveira-Souto Inés , Pou Diana , Rodríguez-Palomares José , Molina Israel
Published: August 2024

Background

Hypereosinophilic syndrome can produce cardiac involvement and endomyocardial fibrosis, which have a poor prognosis. However, there is limited information regarding cardiac involvement among migrants from Latin America with eosinophilia related to helminthiasis.

Methods

We conducted a pilot observational study where an echocardiography was performed on migrants from Latin America with both eosinophilia (>450 cells/μL) and a diagnosis of helminth infection, and on migrants from Latin America without eosinophilia or helminth infection. Microbiological techniques included a stool microscopic examination using the Ritchie’s formalin-ether technique, and a specific serology to detect Strongyloides stercoralis antibodies.

Results

37 participants were included, 20 with eosinophilia and 17 without eosinophilia. Twenty (54.1%) were men with a mean age of 41.3 (SD 14.3) years. Helminthic infections diagnosed in the group with eosinophilia were: 17 cases of S. stercoralis infection, 1 case of hookworm infection, and 2 cases of S. stercoralis and hookworm coinfection. Among participants with eosinophilia, echocardiographic findings revealed a greater right ventricle thickness (p = 0.001) and left atrial area and volume index (p = 0.003 and p = 0.004, respectively), while showing a lower left atrial strain (p = 0.006) and E-wave deceleration time (p = 0.008). An increase was shown in both posterior and anterior mitral leaflet thickness (p = 0.0014 and p = 0.004, respectively) when compared with participants without eosinophilia.

Conclusions

Migrants from Latin America with eosinophilia related to helminthic infections might present incipient echocardiographic alterations suggestive of early diastolic dysfunction, that could be related to eosinophilia-induced changes in the endomyocardium.
Incidence and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection in the early Omicron variant era among vaccinated and boosted individuals in Chicago
Authors: Moreno Echevarria Fabiola , Caputo Mathew , Camp Daniel , Reddy Susheel , Achenbach Chad J.
Published: August 2024

Background

SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are safe and effective against infection and severe COVID-19 disease worldwide. Certain co-morbid conditions cause immune dysfunction and may reduce immune response to vaccination. In contrast, those with co-morbidities may practice infection prevention strategies. Thus, the real-world clinical impact of co-morbidities on SARS-CoV-2 infection in the recent post-vaccination period is not well established. This study was performed to understand the epidemiology of Omicron breakthrough infection and evaluate associations with number of comorbidities in a vaccinated and boosted population.

Methods and findings

A retrospective clinical cohort study was performed utilizing the Northwestern Medicine Enterprise Data Warehouse. Our study population was identified as fully vaccinated adults with at least one booster. The primary risk factor of interest was the number of co-morbidities. The primary outcome was the incidence and time to the first positive SARS-CoV-2 molecular test in the Omicron predominant era. Multivariable Cox modeling analyses to determine the hazard of SARS-CoV-2 infection were stratified by calendar time (Period 1: January 1 –June 30, 2022; Period 2: July 1 –December 31, 2022) due to violations in the proportional hazards assumption. In total, 133,191 patients were analyzed. During Period 1, having 3+ comorbidities was associated with increased hazard for breakthrough (HR = 1.16 CI 1.08–1.26). During Period 2 of the study, having 2 comorbidities (HR = 1.45 95% CI 1.26–1.67) and having 3+ comorbidities (HR 1.73, 95% CI 1.51–1.97) were associated with increased hazard for Omicron breakthrough. Older age was associated with decreased hazard in Period 1 of follow-up. Interaction terms for calendar time indicated significant changes in hazard for many factors between the first and second halves of the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Omicron breakthrough is common with significantly higher risk for our most vulnerable patients with multiple co-morbidities. Age plays an important role in breakthrough infection with the highest incidence among young adults, which may be due to age-related behavioral factors. These findings reflect real-world differences in immunity and exposure risk behaviors for populations vulnerable to COVID-19.
On the possible use of hydraulic force to assist with building the step pyramid of saqqara
Authors: Landreau Xavier , Piton Guillaume , Morin Guillaume , Bartout Pascal , Touchart Laurent , Giraud Christophe , Barre Jean-Claude , Guerin Cyrielle , Alibert Alexis , Lallemand Charly
Published: August 2024

The Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, Egypt, is considered the oldest of the seven monumental pyramids built about 4,500 years ago. From transdisciplinary analysis, it was discovered that a hydraulic lift may have been used to build the pyramid. Based on our mapping of the nearby watersheds, we show that one of the unexplained massive Saqqara structures, the Gisr el-Mudir enclosure, has the features of a check dam with the intent to trap sediment and water. The topography beyond the dam suggests a possible ephemeral lake west of the Djoser complex and water flow inside the ’Dry Moat’ surrounding it. In the southern section of the moat, we show that the monumental linear rock-cut structure consisting of successive, deep compartments combines the technical requirements of a water treatment facility: a settling basin, a retention basin, and a purification system. Together, the Gisr el-Mudir and the Dry Moat’s inner south section work as a unified hydraulic system that improves water quality and regulates flow for practical purposes and human needs. Finally, we identified that the Step Pyramid’s internal architecture is consistent with a hydraulic elevation mechanism never reported before. The ancient architects may have raised the stones from the pyramid centre in a volcano fashion using the sediment-free water from the Dry Moat’s south section. Ancient Egyptians are famous for their pioneering and mastery of hydraulics through canals for irrigation purposes and barges to transport huge stones. This work opens a new line of research: the use of hydraulic force to erect the massive structures built by Pharaohs.
Study on the dry shrinkage characteristics and size effect of swell-shrink characteristic soil
Authors: Chen Aijun , Zhang Xu , Shi Xiong , Zhao Shanshan , Chen Junhua
Published: August 2024

Swell-shrink characteristic soils exhibit a high susceptibility to cracking during the drying process, which poses a significant risk of various geological disasters. Among these, the occurrence of drying shrinkage acts as a prerequisite for the cracking phenomenon. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to comprehend the specific characteristics associated with the drying shrinkage mechanism. To investigate the drying shrinkage behavior of swell-shrink characteristic soils, a series of drying shrinkage experiments were conducted on long strip samples of red clay and expansive soil. Utilizing three-dimensional digital image correlation (DIC) technology, the surface displacement, strain, and anisotropic shrinkage rates of the soil samples during the drying process were obtained, and the size effect on the drying shrinkage of swell-shrink characteristic soil were analyzed. The research findings are as follows: The displacement development of the soil samples in the X and Y directions can be divided into two stages: a linear growth stage and a stable displacement stage. In the Z direction, the soil surface deformation can be divided into three stages: soil surface arching, vertical shrinkage, and shrinkage stabilization. The drying shrinkage of swell-shrink characteristic soil exhibits anisotropy, with the vertical shrinkage rate being the largest, followed by the longitudinal and then the transverse directions. Additionally, the soil sample shrinkage exhibits a size effect, whereby the shrinkage rates in all directions increase with increasing sample width and thickness. During the drying shrinkage process, the stress state on the soil surface evolves from initial tensile strain to subsequent compressive strain. The strain at different positions and times within the soil sample is not uniform, resulting in the non-uniformity and anisotropy of the sample shrinkage. This study provides important insights into the cracking mechanism of swell-shrink characteristic soils and serves as a valuable reference for related laboratory experiments, which will contribute to better prediction and control the geological hazards caused by the drying shrinkage of swell-shrink characteristic soils.
Parental views on their children’s smartphone use during personal and relational activities
Authors: Lukavská Kateřina , Gabrhelík Roman
Published: August 2024

Given the negative outcomes associated with smartphone use during personal and relational activities (SUPRA), parents strive to regulate its use among their children. However, media parenting recommendations lack knowledge of parental views on SUPRA and their relative occurrence in youths. This study aimed to (i) estimate SUPRA frequency among children and adolescents, (ii) assess parental dislike (PD) of SUPRA, and (iii) identify predictors of PD of SUPRA. An online survey was completed by 826 parents (49% mothers, age 25–74, Median = 43 years), capturing PD of SUPRA, estimated frequency of SUPRA in their children (49% female, age 6–18, Median = 10 years), parenting styles (warmth and control), parental attitudes toward screen media, and sociodemographic characteristics. The rate of frequent SUPRA was significantly higher in adolescents (2.7–48.1%) compared to children (2.1–27.2%) with odds ratios ranging from 0.67 to 3.04, depending on the activity type. PD of SUPRA was high in parents of children (M = 4.04, SD = 0.66) and adolescents (M = 3.93, SD = 0.71). Linear regression identified being a mother, having higher levels of control and warmth, and less positive attitudes toward screen media as significant predictors of SUPRA dislike. Our study was the first to report the estimated occurrence and parental dislike of smartphone use (SU) during various personal and relational activities, enabling their direct comparison. Experts warn against SU while studying and at bedtime, which frequently occurred in 4–5% of children and 10–12% of adolescents. More attention should be paid to SU during relational (peer/family) activities due to its relatively high occurrence and parental dissatisfaction.
In vivo multiscale analyses of spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) infection: From model organism to target species
Authors: Souto Sandra , Lama Raquel , Mérour Emilie , Mehraz Manon , Bernard Julie , Lamoureux Annie , Massaad Sarah , Frétaud Maxence , Rigaudeau Dimitri , Millet Jean K. , Langevin Christelle , Biacchesi Stéphane
Published: August 2024

Spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) has a broad fish host spectrum and is responsible for a disease that generally affects juvenile fishes with a mortality rate of up to 90%. In the absence of treatments or vaccines against SVCV, the search for prophylactic or therapeutic solutions is thus relevant, particularly to identify solutions compatible with mass vaccination. In addition to being a threat to aquaculture and ecosystems, SVCV is a unique pathogen to study virus-host interactions in the zebrafish model. Establishing the first reverse genetics system for SVCV and the design of recombinant SVCV (rSVCV) expressing fluorescent or bioluminescent proteins adds a new dimension for the study of these interactions using innovative imaging techniques. The infection by bath immersion of zebrafish larvae with rSVCV expressing mCherry allows us to define the first SVCV replication sites and the host innate immune responses using different transgenic lines of zebrafish. The fins were found as the main initial sites of infection in both zebrafish and carp, its natural host. Hence, new insights into the physiopathology of SVCV infection have been described. We report that neutrophils are recruited at the sites of infection and persist up to the death of the animal leading to an uncontrolled inflammation correlated with the expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL1β. Tissue damage was observed at the site of initial replication, a likely consequence of virus-induced injury or the pro-inflammatory response. Interestingly, SVCV infection by bath immersion triggers a persistent pro-inflammatory response rather than activation of the antiviral IFN signaling pathway as observed following intravenous injection, highlighting the importance of the route of infection on the progression of pathogenicity. Thus, this model of zebrafish larvae infection by rSVCV offers new perspectives to study in detail virus-host interactions and to discover new prophylactic or therapeutic solutions.
Late Presentation of Recurrent Solid Pseudopapillary Pancreatic Neoplasm With Liver Metastases During Pregnancy
Authors: Chaudhary Ammad Javaid , Jamali Taher , Dababneh Yara , Saleem Abdulmalik , Salgia Reena
Published: August 2024

Our case highlights a rare instance of recurrent metastatic solid pseudopapillary epithelial neoplasms of the pancreas, emerging 8 years after radical pancreatic resection—an extended interval surpassing the reported average. Managing solid pseudopapillary epithelial neoplasm during pregnancy is uniquely challenging, given the increase in the expression of progesterone receptors during the intrapartum period, leading to tumor growth. Although surgical resection remains the primary approach, systemic chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and liver transplant are other considerations. The absence of consensus guidelines for recurrence monitoring emphasizes the need for vigilant, long-term surveillance extending beyond the conventional 5-year mark.
Application of sulfonate polymer for detection of cations in industrial wastewater by capillary liquid chromatography
Authors: Rahayu Aster , Hakika Dhias Cahya , Amrillah Nafira Alfi Zaini , Rafi Mohamad , Fajri Joni Aldilla , Lim Lee Wah
Published: August 2024

Poly(3-sulfopropylmethacrylate) was obtained and used for the separation of monovalent inorganic cations (Na+, NH4+ and K+) in industrial ion exchange chromatography of wastewater. The influence of monomer, porogen and polymerization time on the performance of the capillary column was investigated. The cation exchange capacity (CEC) and back pressure in high flow rate systems were determined. Optimal column preparation conditions were obtained using 40% monomer (30% SP: 10% EDMA), 60% porogen, 60°C temperature and 24-hour polymerization time.
A Qualitative Study of Foreign Nursing Students’ Experiences of Educational Process
Authors: Tanrıkulu Fatma , Öner Özge , Gürcay Büsra , Akgül Esma
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Foreign students face difficulties in nursing education, where theoretical and practical education processes are applied simultaneously. As to clinical education processes, which have an important place in nursing education, foreign students’ experience communication problems with patients, nurses, and peers, and this brings along adaptation problems. In this study, it was aimed to determine the experiences of foreign nursing students in the undergraduate education process. The research was carried out according to the case study, which is one of the qualitative research methods. Ten foreign nursing students were included in the study. Data were collected with a socio-demographic information form and a semi-structured focus group interview form. Five main themes were determined in nursing foreign students' experiences with nursing education: (1)being a nursing student, (2)feeling, (3)reason for preference, (4) being a minority in a country, and (5)solution suggestions. In line with the results from our study, it is thought that ensuring the continuity of Turkish courses throughout undergraduate education, a clearer explanation of theoretical courses, enrichment of courses with different teaching methods, and increasing the use of visual materials will be beneficial for their success and adaptation in order to minimize the language barrier of the students.
Exploring Global Education in Early Childhood: Preschool Teachers' Perspective
Authors: BOLATTAŞ GÜRBÜZ Fatma , DENİZ Ümit
Published: August 2024

The need for education to emphasize global perspectives is evident as globalisation increasingly permeates our daily lives, cultural interactions and ethnic diversity gain prominence. This study aims to explore the role of global education in the preschool years. Specifically, the present study examines the perspectives of preschool educators. Using a basic qualitative research design, this study involved 36 preschool teachers from different cities in Turkey. Convenience sampling was used to form the participant cohort. Data collection consisted of a personal information survey and a carefully designed semi-structured interviewing protocol developed by the researchers. Content analysis using MAXQDA software was used to analyse the data. The results of the analysis revealed that the educators had a foundational knowledge of the nature, content, pedagogical approaches and potential outcomes of global education in the context of early childhood education. At the same time, educators articulated potential challenges in implementing global education. They also identified potential needs for additional training and material support.
Design and Use of a Mobile Game Developed to Raise Environmental Awareness in Secondary Schools
Authors: Alp Gamze , Bulunuz Nermin , Baltacı Şehnaz
Published: August 2024

This research aims to develop, improve, and evaluate a mobile game to improve students' environmental awareness and investigate the game's impact on the development of environmental awareness. The research was conducted with 74 sixth-grade students and two teachers at a secondary school in Bursa during the 2022-2023 academic year. The environmental awareness scale, observation notes, and semi-structured interview forms were used as data collection tools. The results showed a significant difference between the scores in the pre-test and post-test in favour of the post-test. The developed mobile game significantly affects environmental awareness. The observation and interview data were analyzed using cyclic coding and thematic analysis methods. Three themes named “the effects on motivational processes,” “the effects of structuring of knowledge,” and “the effects of environmental awareness” emerged. Findings showed that the game mechanics included in the developed mobile game positively affected the “autonomy and self-efficacy” of the intrinsic motivation elements of the students to achieve their individual goals. Findings also revealed that the mobile game improves students' feelings of attention, interest, satisfaction, and confidence. In addition, it has been found that students structure their knowledge by resorting to reflection with the score table and instant feedback mechanisms in the mobile game.
ANALISIS PENGUKURAN HARMONISA TEGANGAN DAN ARUS LISTRIK DI GEDUNG ADMINISTRASI UNIVERSITAS JAYABAYA
Authors: Zulkarnaini Andri , Sinambela Rismen , Lisapaly Leonard , Manik Martua
Published: August 2024

Gedung Administrasi FTI Universitas Jayabaya merupakan tempat kegiatan aktivitas perkuliahan, dimana tingginya penggunaan perangkat berbasis elektronik sebagai beban nonlinier menjadi penyebab utama timbulnya harmonisa yang dapat mengganggu sistem kelistrikan baik kerugian secara teknis maupun finansial. Oleh sebab itu, menjadi penting untuk dilakukan investigasi pengaruh beban nonlinier terhadap tegangan, frekuensi, faktor daya dan THD dengan melakukan pengukuran menggunakan alat ukur Power Quality Analyzer Fluke 43B. Pengukuran dipusatkan pada titik beban pada panel listrik yang telah terpasang trafo dengan kapasitas sebesar 1600 kVA dan kapasitor bank sebesar 525 V 50 Hz. Selanjutnya, hasil pengukuran dianalisis berdasarkan standar masing-masing sebagai pembanding. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Gedung Administrasi FTI Universitas Jayabaya dalam kondisi stabil, hal ini dapat dibuktikan berdasarkan hasil pengukuran rata-rata setiap fasa yaitu; nilai tegangan memenuhi standar SPLN-1-1995 dengan nilai yang diizinkan turun sebesar 10 % dan naik sebesar 5% dari nilai tegangan standar ( 220 V), nilai frekuensi memenuhi batas izin standar IEC sebesar 50 Hz, nilai THDv memenuhi standar IEEE 519-2014 (< 5%) sebesar 2,4%, nilai THDv memenuhi standar IEEE 519-2014 (< 15%) sebesar 6,13%, dan nilai faktor daya memenuhi standar SPLN 70-1 sebesar 0,98 mendekati angka1(satu) bernilai positif.
DH Lab@Philosophenturm – Digital Humanities und Lab-Kultur als infrastrukturelle Herausforderung
Authors: Müller-Laackman Jonas
Published: August 2024

Mit der Einrichtung des DH Labs im sogenannten Philosophenturm der Universität Hamburg hat die Universität Hamburg in Zusammenarbeit mit der Bibliothek für Geisteswissenschaften und der Staats- und Universitätsbibliothek Hamburg einen Ort für Digital Humanities Praxis geschaffen. Dabei waren im Vorfeld wie in der Umsetzung verschiedene Herausforderungen zu bewältigen und Bedarfe zu adressieren. Der Artikel diskutiert die Idee und Umsetzbarkeit eines Digital Humanities Labs als Ort für freie Experimentalkultur von unten am Fallbeispiel der Universität Hamburg.
Applicability of the External Genitalia Score (EGS) in Indian neonates and children up to 2 years of age
Authors: Nanda Pamali Mahasweta , Yadav Jaivinder , Dayal Devi , Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Praveen , Kumar Jogender , Kaur Harvinder , Sikka Pooja
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To generate normative data and validate the recently developed, gender-neutral, External Genitalia Score (EGS) in Indian preterm and term neonates and children up to 2 years of age with normal and atypical genitalia.

Methods

This observational study included 1,040 neonates born between 28 and 42 weeks of gestation and 152 children between 1 and 24 months of age. In addition, 50 children with disorders of sex development (DSD) were also enrolled in the study. The Prader stage/external masculinization score (EMS) (as applicable), anogenital ratio (AGR) and EGS were assessed for all neonates and children with typical and atypical genitalia.

Results

Median EGS values in newborn males with typical genitalia were 9.5 at 28–31 weeks, 10.5 at 32–33 weeks, 11 at 34 weeks and 11.5 in males at 35–42 weeks of gestation. For all females with typical genitalia, the EGS was 0. EMS and EGS showed a positive correlation in males with typical genitalia (r=0.421, p=0.000**) and all children with DSD (r=0.857, p=0.000**). Mean AGR in males and females with typical genitalia and those with DSD were 0.52±0.07, 0.31±0.05 and 0.47±0.13, respectively. EGS correlated with AGR in all males with typical genitalia (r=0.107, p=0.008**), and in all children with DSD (r=0.473, p=0.001**).

Conclusions

The EGS enables accurate, gender-neutral and comprehensive assessment of external genitalia in Indian neonates and children with typical and atypical genitalia/DSD. Evaluation for DSD is recommended in any child with EGS greater than 0 and ≤10th percentile for gestation or age (10.5 in a term neonate).
New perspectives for the treatment and follow-up of glycogen storage disease type V: DL-3-hydroxybutyric acid with modified Atkins diet and quadriceps femoris shear wave elastography
Authors: Özsaydı Aktaşoğlu Ekin , Kılıç Ayşe , Emecen Şanlı Merve , İnci Aslı , Aktaş Emine , Akdulum İsmail , Yaylı Nezih , Okur İlyas , Ezgü Fatih Süheyl , Tümer Leyla
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Glycogen storage disease type V is caused by the mutations in muscle glycogen phosphorylase gene. This is the first report which DL-3-hydroxybutyric acid was used in combination with modified Atkins diet for the treatment of a patient with glycogen storage disease type V and quadriceps femoris shear wave elastography was performed to evaluate the treatment efficacy.

Case presentation

A 13-year-old girl was referred with fatigue and muscle cramps with exercise and there were no pathological findings in physical examination. Creatine kinase levels with 442 U/L. No phosphorylase enzyme activity was detected in muscle biopsy, a homozygous c.1A>G (p.M1V) pathogenic mutation was found in PYGM gene. She was started on DL-3-hydroxybutyric acid and modified Atkins diet at age 16. Her walking and stair climbing capacity increased, the need for rest during exercise decreased. The stiffness of the quadriceps femoris exhibited a reduction.

Conclusions

DL-3-hydroxybutyric acid and modified Atkins diet may provide an alternative fuel and shear wave elastography may be useful in demonstrating treatment efficacy. More clinical and pre-clinical studies are obviously needed to reach more definite conclusions.
Tributyltin induces apoptosis in mammalian cells in vivo: a scoping review
Authors: Correia Lucas Vilas Bôas , de Moraes Talita Trindade , Pereira Aparecida Marta Regina dos Santos , de Aguiar Gabriel Carvalhal , Viana Milena de Barros , Ribeiro Daniel Araki , da Silva Regina Cláudia Barbosa
Published: August 2024

The present review aimed to evaluate the apoptotic effect of tributyltin (TBT) exposure on mammalian tissues and cells in vivo. A search was conducted in specialized literature databases including Embase, Medline, Pubmed, Scholar Google, and Scopus for all manuscripts using the following keywords: “tributyltin”, “apoptosis”, “mammals”, “mammalian cells’, “eukaryotic cells”, ‘rodents’, “rats”, “mice” and “in vivo” for all data published until September 2023. A total of 16 studies were included. The studies have demonstrated that TBT exposure induces apoptosis in cells from various mammalian organs or tissues in vivo. TBT is capable to increase apoptotic cells, to activate proapoptotic proteins such as calpain, caspases, bax and beclin-1 and to inhibit antiapoptotic protein bcl-2. Additionally, TBT alters the ratio of bcl-2/bax which favor apoptosis. Therefore, the activation of enzymes such as calpain induces apoptosis mediated by ERS and caspases through the intrinsic apoptosis pathway. This review has demonstrated that TBT exposure induces apoptosis in mammalian tissues and cells in vivo.
Improving Particle Sorting using Style-Transferred Synthetic Images
Authors: Jin Muen , Wezstein Simon , Chu Anqi , Heizmann Michael
Published: August 2024

Diese Arbeit befasst sich mit der Anreicherung von Bilddaten von Partikeln durch das Rendern synthetischer Bilder aus einer 3D-Szene und der Erhöhung ihrer Realitätsnahe durch Verwendung eines neuronalen Style Transfers. Die erweiterten Daten werden verwendet, um ein Convolutional Neural Network für eine nachgelagerte Klassifizierungsaufgabe zur Identifizierung normaler und defekter Partikel zu trainieren.
Flow monitoring in a bubble column reactor by Distributed Acoustic Sensing
Authors: Schick Yannik , Weber Guilherme H. , Da Silva Marco , Martelli Cicero , Hlawitschka Mark W.
Published: August 2024

Im Rahmen dieser Publikation berichten wir über den experimentellen Einsatz von Distributed Acoustic Sensing zur Überwachung eines Blasensäulenreaktors. Für diese Art von chemischen Reaktoren gibt es eine Vielzahl von grundlegenden Anwendungen, die eine detaillierte Überwachung der internen Strömungsdynamik erfordern. Im Zuge experimenteller Untersuchungen zeigt Distributed Acoustic Sensing die Fähigkeit, Messungen eines Hydrophons auf nicht-intrusiveWeise zu reproduzieren und mechanische Vibrationsmuster, die mit großen und kleinen Blasen verbunden sind, mit einer hohen räumlichen Auflösung zu erkennen. Die vielversprechenden Ergebnisse unterstreichen, dass Distributed Acoustic Sensing für die Echtzeitüberwachung von Blasensäulenreaktoren geeignet ist und räumlich aufgelöste Erkenntnisse über die Strömungseigenschaften liefert. Diese Studie ebnet denWeg für die weitere Erforschung der Anwendung von Distributed Acoustic Sensing in Blasensäulenreaktoren.
Influence of lossy JPEG compression on measurement uncertainty for luminance-based area measurements
Authors: Rohweder Niels-Ole , Raimund Lisa Alena , Rembe Christian
Published: August 2024

Es kann aus verschiedenen Gründen nötig sein, günstige Consumer-Kameras für Labormessungen einzusetzen. Diese haben jedoch häufig nur einen Videostream mit verlustbehafteter Komprimierung. Wir zeigen in diesem Artikel, am Beispiel des Motion-JPEG (MJPEG)-Codecs, dass dies für helligkeitsbasierte Flächenmessungen keine Einschränkungen bedeuten muss. Zentrale Rolle spielt hier der Hell/Dunkel-Übergang, welcher die Fläche eingrenzt. Der Effekt von JPEG auf solche Kanten wird jedoch in der Literatur nur für Kantenbreiten von wenigen Pixeln untersucht. Wir implementieren den wichtigsten Schritt der JPEG-Komprimierung in Matlab, und vergleichen zwei Messreihen zu Flächenmessungen aus jeweils 1.800 Bildern einer Pupille und eines Metalloches. Dabei werden der Qualitätsfaktor des JPEG-Codecs und die Breite des Hell/Dunkel-Überganges variiert. Als Ergebnis liegt die mittlere quadratische Abweichung der Flächenmaße nach Komprimierung für alle untersuchten Breiten (zwischen 4 und 22,5 Pixeln) und alle ausgewerten Qualitätsfaktoren (zwischen 30 und 90) unterhalb der Standardabweichung der Flächenmessung des Metalloches. Im Detail ergibt sich schließlich eine weitere Abhängigkeit von der Steilheit des Hell/Dunkel-Überganges.
Monte Carlo Method for Uncertainty Estimations of Cyber-Physical Finite Element Sensor Networks
Authors: Bretthauer Lars-Michel , Heynicke Ralf , Scholl Gerd
Published: August 2024

In dieser Arbeit wird eine Monte- Carlo-Methode (MCM) zur Abschätzung der Unsicherheit eines Sensornetzes für Oberflächenmessungen vorgestellt. Zunächst wird das Funktionsprinzip des Sensornetzes sowie die Unsicherheitsfortpflanzung durch das Netzwerk erläutert. Dabei werden die Einflüsse jeder Unsicherheitsquelle analysiert, um die wesentlichen Einflussfaktoren zu identifizieren. Darüber hinaus wird die Methode der kleinsten Quadrate (LSM) vorgestellt, die zur Bestimmung der Form eines Objekts durch Gewichtung der Sondenpositionen mit ihren jeweiligen Unsicherheiten dient. Anschließend wird die MCM angewendet, um die Unsicherheit der LSM in einer Beispielanwendung abzuschätzen. Hierbei wird das Sensornetz auf einem Halbkreis platziert und die Dimensionen des Kreises mittels LSM berechnet. Dies ermöglicht eine Aussage über die minimale Auflösung des Sensornetzes und welche Methoden zur Reduzierung der Unsicherheit beitragen können.
Enhancing Embedded Impedance Spectroscopy through Optimized Multisine Signal Design: Application to Li-ion batteries
Authors: Kallel Ahmed Yahia , Kanoun Olfa
Published: August 2024

Anregungssignale spielen bei der Impedanzspektroskopie eine Schlüsselrolle und müssen in Bezug auf Signalform, Amplitude und Signaldauer optimiert werden. Anregungssignale mit einer sehr geringen Amplitude führen zu einem verrauschten Messergebnis, während Signale mit einer hohen Amplitude zu erheblichen Stabilitätsproblemen für den Prüfling führen können. Mehrfrequenz-Anregungssignale verkürzen die Messzeit erheblich, erfordern aber eine Optimierung, um eine ausreichende Anregung bei allen angesprochenen Frequenzen zu erreichen, ohne die durch die Linearitätsbedingung der Impedanzspektroskopie vorgegebenen Grenzen zu überschreiten. Nach der Optimierung können Multisinus-Anregungssignale sogar eine bessere Leistung als Sinussignale erzielen, indem sie die Signaldauer verkürzen und die Stabilität des Prüflings erhalten. In diesem Beitrag schlagen wir eine Designmethode für Multisinussignale vor, die eine Optimierung der Frequenzbereiche zur Verringerung der spektralen Verluste, eine optimierte Phasenverteilung zur Verbesserung des Crest-Faktors des resultierenden Signals und eine Reduzierung der Messzeit ermöglicht. Wir schlagen auch eine Phasenoptimierung auf der Grundlage der Evolutionären Rollenspieltheorie (ERPGT) vor, um die Stabilität des Prüflings während der Messzeit zu gewährleisten. Mit dieser Methode können deutlich geringere Lastschwankungen, ein höheres Signal- Rausch-Verhältnis und eine geringere Gesamtverzerrung erreicht werden.
Comparison of two 3D calibration methods for thermal imaging cameras to track bat flight paths near wind turbines
Authors: Happ Christof , Hochradel Klaus , Sutor Alexander
Published: August 2024

3D Kameras mit geringer Auflösung, die in einem großen Außenvolumen eingesetzt werden sollen, benötigen große interaxiale Abstände von einigen Metern zwischen den Kameras. Das ist zum Beispiel der Fall, wenn 3D Fledermaus- Flugbahnen mit Wärmebildkameras in der Nähe von Windenergieanlagen erforscht werden, um deren Auswirkungen auf die Tiere zu untersuchen. Derartige Kamera- Systeme müssen nach erfolgter Montage der Kameras im Feld 3D kalibriert werden. Dazu haben wir zwei Methoden identifiziert, die große interaxiale Abstände ermöglichen: Eine Methode (easyWand) basiert auf Landmarken die in beiden Kameras sichtbar sind und eine weitere von uns entwickelte Methode (Batflight3D) basiert auf dem 3D Flugpfad einer Drohne. In dieser Publikation versuchen wir einen möglichst repräsentativen quantitativen Vergleich dieser Methoden, indem wir die 2D Korrespondenzen des jeweiligen Drohnenflugpfades für beide Methoden nutzen, um sie so direkt miteinander vergleichen zu können. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Batflight3D für den oben genannten Anwendungsfall wesentlich genauere und auch verlässlichere Ergebnisse liefert, aber auf die Möglichkeit eines Drohnenfluges und GPS-Empfangs angewiesen ist.