bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cuatro conflictos derivados de la relación entre los principios de la Seguridad Social y la protección de los trabajadores informales en Lima, Perú.
Authors: Chávez Lara Luis Reynaldo
Published: July 2023

El objeto de estudio de la presente investigación será la relación que se establece por la aplicación de los principios de universalidad y solidaridad de la Seguridad Social y la protección de los trabajadores informales en la ciudad de Lima (Perú) con cuatro conflictos socio-jurídicos derivados de la misma. Para ello se analizaron distintos materiales, entre ellos, instrumentos normativos vigentes y derogados de esta nación, Convenios y Recomendaciones, doctrina especializada, datos estadísticos proporcionados por la Organización Internacional del Trabajo, así como fuentes proporcionadas por el Ministerio de Trabajo y Promoción del Empleo del Perú. La discusión se desarrolla en las tres partes en las que se divide el artículo. En la primera se desarrolla lo referido a los conceptos de universalidad y solidaridad y su positivización en el derecho constitucional peruano; en la segunda la definición del trabajo informal e información estadística, y; en la tercera los resultados, que vienen a ser las conclusiones donde se sintetizan los conflictos identificados.
Respiratory rate monitoring and early detection of deterioration practices
Authors: Kayser Susan A , Williamson Rachel , Siefert Gabriela , Roberts Dan , Murray Angela
Published: July 2023

Background:

Growing evidence points to respiratory rate (RR) being the most important vital sign for early detection of patient deterioration. However, RR is the vital sign most likely to be inaccurate or missed.

Aims:

To measure prevalence of early detection of deterioration protocols, examine whether RR was perceived as the leading indicator of deterioration, and understand RR monitoring practices used by nurses around the world.

Methods:

A double-blinded survey of nurses in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Western Europe.

Findings:

161 nurses responded. Most (80%) reported having an initiative for early detection of patient deterioration; 12% indicated RR was the most important indicator of deterioration, 27% captured RR for all medical/surgical patients, and 56% take 60 seconds or longer to measure RR.

Conclusion:

Nurses across all regions generally underestimated the importance of capturing an accurate RR for all patients' multiple times per day. This study reinforces the need to enhance international nursing education regarding the importance of RR.
Developing online simulated practice placements: a case study
Authors: Sanderson Linda , Choma Lisa , Cappelli Tim , Arrey Sally , Noonan Ian , Prescott Stephen , Essen Christopher , McCrorie Carolyn , Bland Andrew
Published: July 2023

The Nursing and Midwifery Council recognises that using simulated practice learning within the pre-registration nursing curriculum is a valuable way for students to develop nursing knowledge and skills. The University of Huddersfield developed simulated placements in the pre-registration nursing curriculum in 2021. Simulated placements are now embedded within all fields of the BSc and MSc programmes, providing structured, innovative learning experiences that embrace online technology in supporting the development of skills and knowledge relevant to all fields of nursing. Developing these placements has provided an opportunity for faculty staff to work collaboratively with clinical colleagues, service users and carers, academics and technologists. This article offers an overview of that work, addressing challenges, operational issues, and insight into some of the activities developed to support students' learning.
Anaesthetic nurse specialist role in perioperative anaesthetic management of patients who are morbidly obese
Authors: John Nimmy , Martin Daphne , Hoy Leontia
Published: July 2023

This integrative literature review examined the role of an anaesthetic nurse specialist (ANS) in the perioperative anaesthetic nursing management of morbidly obese patients associated with elective orthopaedic surgery. The responsibility of the ANS is to provide high-quality perioperative anaesthetic care to ensure patient safety. Morbid obesity is increasing globally, with significant implications for healthcare delivery, care and treatment, including perioperative care. The Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland emphasises that the perioperative management of these patients presents significant organisational and practical issues. However, there are limited data or guidelines on whether surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses routinely take special precautions in managing morbidly obesity patients undergoing elective orthopaedic operative procedures. The authors carried out a search of databases, followed by an integrated literature review and synthesis of 11 studies. The main findings revealed significant clinical challenges and resource requirements for perioperative anaesthetic management of this patient group. Recommendations are made to prepare for and manage these surgical patients, from preoperative assessment to postoperative care.
State of the PM industry in North America 2023
Authors: Brennen Rodney
Published: July 2023

Rodney Brennen, president of the Metal Powder Industries Federation (MPIF) discusses recent trends in the North American powder metal industry, and what challenges and opportunities lie in store.
Wheat Water Ecophysiology: A Review on Recent Developments
Authors: Batool Asfa , Irum Momena , Gui Yan-Wen , Zhu Shuang-Guo , Zhao Ling , Xiong You-Cai
Published: July 2023

With exceptional tolerance to a wide range of climatic circumstances, from temperate to desert, and from warm to cold regions; wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is an important food crop on a worldwide scale. This flexibility is linked to the crop's highly flexible DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid), which is complicated in nature. The impacts of climate change and other stresses on wheat ecophysiology and productivity remain topics of concern despite our very thorough knowledge of wheat physiology, growth, and development. This study emphasizes the implementation of new information in breeding and crop management techniques while concentrating especially on the ecophysiology of water usage in wheat plants. The focus is on comprehending physiological processes at the level of the whole plant and organ, giving breeders and agronomist insightful information. Where necessary to explain physiological responses seen at higher organizational levels, cellular-level explanations are presented. Various topics, including wheat physiology, ecological interactions, and yield determination, are covered in this review that emphasizes recent developments in our knowledge of yield production. The knowledge gathered from this study may be used to help build crop production systems that maximize yield potential. Additionally, this study offers physiological and ecological methods for creating wheat production systems that are high-yielding, resource-efficient, and quality-focused. Although there is a wealth of information on wheat physiology that directly aids agronomists and breeders, more research is needed to fully grasp yield under stress. However, using already available physiological information provides encouraging potential for further development. The review prioritizes yield and yield-forming processes because they have the biggest potential impact on global wheat production, even though other factors like lodging resistance, growth regulator application, weed competition, soil mechanical impedance, and nutrient imbalances are not covered.
Occurrence of Osteochondroma at Unusual Location (Metacarpal): A Rare Case Report
Authors: Khodnapur Gireesh , Patil Aravind V , G Siddhant , M K Basavraj
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Osteochondroma usually occurs in long bones, whereas smaller bones are less commonly involved. Common locations include metaphysis of the proximal tibia, distal femur, distal tibia, distal fibula, proximal femur, and proximal humerus. Metacarpals are rarely affected. Case Report: A case report of a twenty 20-year-s old male presenting with swelling for five 5 years, which is gradually increasing in size over the hand and reached 4 cm ×x 3 cm ×x 2 cm; following clinical and radiological examination, the patient was diagnosed with osteochondroma of a fifth metacarpal head of the right hand. We did magnetic resonance imaging scan for confirmation and reported it as osteochondroma which was treated surgically with excision of swelling in total, and specimen sent for histopathology and osteochondroma was confirmed. Conclusion:Osteochondromas can rarely occur at unusual sites such as small bones of the hand and foot. Therefore, osteochondroma should be considered a differential diagnosis alongside other common tumours of the hand and foot, such as enchondroma (Olliers diseases). Keywords: Metacarpal, olliers disease, osteochondroma. Metacarpal, Osteochondroma, Olliers disease
An Isolated Displaced Coracoid Fracture Treated with Open Reduction Internal Fixation with 4 mm Cannulated Cancellous Screw
Authors: Murugesan Gokul Anand , Mohideen Sheik , Kamal K U
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Isolated coracoid process fracture of scapula is a rare. Usually, it happens along with the rotator cuff tear, dislocation of acromioclavicular joint, or glenohumeral joint. Displaced fracture will cause impairment of upper limb movement. Since there are very low numbers of cases reported so far, the treatment is still controversial. Case Report: We report a case of a 42-year-old male laborer with motor vehicle accident, following which he had pain and restricted movements on his left shoulder. On examination, Glasgow Coma Scale 15/15 and left shoulder had swelling and tenderness at mid-third clavicle. Range of motion (ROM) is painful and restricted. Plain radiograph shows suspected fracture at coracoid process and computerized tomography scan confirms displaced isolated coracoid process fracture. He underwent open reduction with internal fixation with a 4 mm cannulated cancellous screw with washer. Following surgery, initial 2 weeks shoulder immobilized in arm sling and gradual pendulum exercise was started as pain tolerable. At the end of 6 weeks, radiological investigation showed fracture united and he was advised to do ROM exercise and restricted activity of daily living. At the end of 3 months, he was able to do his normal activity of daily living as before injury. The patient followed up to 6 months and had full range of movements in all directions and there was no pain and he was able to do daily activities. Conclusion: In this case of isolated coracoid fracture was found displaced more than 1 cm, hence we preferred open reduction and internal fixation with 4 mm cannulated cancellous screw with washer to avoid non-union. Keywords: Isolated coracoid fracture, rotator cuff tear, scapula fracture.
The Shoulder Lever Test – Technical Tip for Instability Assessment in Large Shoulders
Authors: Gandbhir Viraj , Bodansky David , Monga Puneet
Published: July 2023

Introduction:The classical shoulder tests for instability of the glenohumeral joint are the load and shift and drawer tests. Here, the humeral head is gripped between fingers and thumb to assess translation. This can be challenging to perform accurately in obese individuals and muscular athletes. Technical Tip:The shoulder and upper arm is utilized as a Class 3 lever. By fixing the patient’s elbow (fulcrum) and applying translational force on the humerus (force), the instability at the glenohumeral joint (load) can be accurately judged. The mechanical advantage of a Class 3 lever is utilized to generate maximal displacement at the glenohumeral joint by applying minimal translational force at the humerus. The translation can be graded with the modified Hawkins scale. Conclusion:The shoulder lever test obviates the need to grip the humeral head in obese and well-built individuals to accurately judge the translation at the glenohumeral joint, improving the clinical yield. Keywords: Shoulder, shoulder instability, load and shift test, drawer test, athletes, anterior instability, posterior instability, obese, clinical test, class 3 fulcrum, glenohumeral instability, fulcrum.
Dual-channel snapshot imaging spectrometer with wide spectrum and high resolution
Authors: Zhao Shijia , Zeng Chenxin , Ji Yiqun , Tan Fenli , Wang Chinhua
Published: July 2023

The comprehensive analysis of dynamic targets brings about the demand for capturing spatial and spectral dimensions of visual information instantaneously, which leads to the emergence of snapshot spectral imaging technologies. While current snapshot systems face major challenges in the development of wide working band range as well as high resolution, our novel dual-channel snapshot imaging spectrometer (DSIS), to the best of our knowlledge, demonstrates the capability to achieve both wide spectrum and high resolution in a compact structure. By dint of the interaction between the working band range and field of view (FOV), reasonable limits on FOV are set to avoid spectral overlap. Further, we develop a dual-channel imaging method specifically for DSIS to separate the whole spectral range into two parts, alleviating the spectral overlap on each image surface, improving the tolerance of the system for a wider working band range, and breaking through structural constraints. In addition, an optimal FOV perpendicular to the dispersion direction is determined by the trade-off between FOV and astigmatism. DSIS enables the acquisition of 53×11 spatial elements with up to 250 spectral channels in a wide spectrum from 400 to 795 nm. The theoretical study and optimal design of DSIS are further evaluated through the simulation experiments of spectral imaging.
Broadband and wide angle nonreciprocal thermal emission from Weyl semimetal structures
Authors: Butler Andrew , Argyropoulos Christos
Published: July 2023

Nonreciprocal thermal emission is a cutting-edge technology that enables fundamental control over thermal radiation and has exciting applications in thermal energy harvesting. However, thus far one of the foremost challenges is making nonreciprocal emission operate over a broad wavelength range and for multiple angles. In this work, we solve this outstanding problem by proposing three different types of structures that always utilize only one Weyl semimetal (WSM) thin film combined with one or two additional dielectric or metallic layers and terminated by a metallic substrate. First, a tradeoff relationship between the magnitude and bandwidth of the thermal nonreciprocity contrast is established based on the thickness of the WSM film. Then, the bandwidth broadening effect is demonstrated via the insertion of a dielectric spacer layer that can also be fine-tuned by varying its thickness. Finally, further control on the resulting strong nonreciprocal thermal radiation is demonstrated by the addition of a thin metallic layer in the proposed few layer designs. The presented composite structures work for a broad frequency range and for multiple emission angles, resulting in highly advantageous properties for various nonreciprocal thermal radiation applications. Moreover, the proposed designs do not require any patterning and can be experimentally realized by simple deposition fabrication methods. They are expected to aid in the creation of broadband nonreciprocal thermal emitters that can find applications in new energy harvesting devices.
FPGA implementation of a sub-400ns 6G free-space optical wireless communications transmitter
Authors: McDonald Ciara , Claussen Holger , Farrell Ronan , Dooley John
Published: July 2023

Future wireless networks are planned to service many applications with an Ultra Low-Latency (ULL) requirement. Numerous 6G systems have been proposed including more traditional electro-magnetic (EM) antenna transmissions and optical wireless communications (OWC). For extremely wide-band operation, the traditional approaches require digital pre-distortion and other processing techniques which, in turn, require more computational resources and processing times thus increasing latency. Alternatively, OWC has the potential for extremely wide bandwidths in 6G without the need for as much digital signal processing. In order to realise ULL performance, a minimum number of digital signal processing (DSP) blocks is required, as well as an optimal design of each of these. In this letter, we propose a DSP solution for ULL and peak to average power ratio (PAPR) reduction for OWC systems. Unitary checkerboard precoding - orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (UCP-OFDM) is chosen as the modulation scheme and has been implemented within a single digital block avoiding the use of standard OFDM which would otherwise require multiple digital blocks. Experimentally validated results successfully demonstrate a 2.21184 GSps wireless link at distances of up to 2m in noisy daylight settings. Bit error rates (BER) of 0 at root mean square (RMS) error vector magnitude (EVM) of 4.09% are achieved. A complete digital line-up of an OWC transmitter chain for this work contains only three core blocks and ULL of less than 400 ns.
Increasing signal-to-noise ratio in over-determined Mueller matrices
Authors: Philpott H. , Garcia-Caurel E. , Guaitella O. , Sobota A.
Published: July 2023

This work investigates how the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of an over-determined Mueller matrix can be improved by changing the method of calculation. Specifically, our investigation focused on comparing SNRs achieved using the vector methodology from the field of partial Mueller polarimetry, and the matrix methodology. We use experimentally derived measurements from an investigation into the time-varying signal produced by the Mueller matrix of an electro-optic Bismuth Silicon Oxide (BSO) crystal undergoing cyclical impact of a Helium plasma ionisation wave. Our findings show that the vector methodology is superior to the matrix methodology, with a maximum SNR of 7.54 versus 4.97. We put forth that the superiority of the vector methodology is due to its greater flexibility, which results in the Mueller matrix being calculated with better condition matrices, and higher levels of SNR in the intensity measurements used for calculation.
Mixing rule for calculating the effective refractive index beyond the limit of small particles
Authors: Meiers Dominic T. , von Freymann Georg
Published: July 2023

Considering light transport in disordered media, the medium is often treated as an effective medium requiring accurate evaluation of an effective refractive index. Because of its simplicity, the Maxwell-Garnett (MG) mixing rule is widely used, although its restriction to particles much smaller than the wavelength is rarely satisfied. Using 3D finite-difference time-domain simulations, we show that the MG theory indeed fails for large particles. Systematic investigation of size effects reveals that the effective refractive index can be instead approximated by a quadratic polynomial whose coefficients are given by an empirical formula. Hence, a simple mixing rule is derived which clearly outperforms established mixing rules for composite media containing large particles, a common condition in natural disordered media.
Multi-mode strong coupling in Fabry-Pérot cavity−WS2 photonic crystal hybrid structures
Authors: Zheng Haiyan , Bai Yating , Zhang Qiang , Liu Shaoding
Published: July 2023

Optical microcavities embedded with transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) membranes have been demonstrated as excellent platforms to explore strong light-matter interactions. Most of the previous studies focus on strong coupling between excitons of unpatterned TMDC membranes and optical resonances of various microcavities. It is recently found that TMDC membranes patterned into photonic crystal (PhC) slabs can sustain guided-mode resonances that can be excited and probed by far-fields. Here, we present a comprehensive theoretical and numerical study on optical responses of Fabry-Pérot (F-P) cavity-WS2 PhC hybrid structures to investigate the multi-mode coupling effects between excitons, guided-mode resonances and F-P modes. We show that both the exciton resonance and the guide-mode resonance of the WS2 PhC can strongly interact with F-P modes of the cavity to reach strong coupling regime. Moreover, a Rabi splitting as large as 63 meV is observed for the strong coupling between the guided-mode resonance and the F-P mode, which is much larger than their average dissipation rate. We further demonstrate that it is even possible to realize a triple mode strong coupling by tuning the guide-mode resonances spectrally overlapped with the exciton resonance and the F-P modes. The hybrid polariton states generated from the triple mode coupling exhibit a Rabi splitting of 120 meV that greatly exceeds the criterion of a triple mode strong coupling (∼29.3 meV). Our results provide that optical microcavities embedded with TMDC PhCs can serve as promising candidates for polariton devices based on multi-mode strong coupling.
Composite Fabry–Perot interferometric gas pressure and temperature sensor utilizing four hole fiber with sensitivity boosted by high-order harmonic Vernier effect
Authors: Chen Ling , Tian Jiajun , Wu Qiang , Li Jiewen , Yao Yong , Wang Jiawei
Published: July 2023

It is an enormous challenge for optical fiber sensors to intuitively achieve the simultaneous measurement of both gas pressure and temperature with high sensitivity. To address this challenge, the Fabry–Perot interferometer (FPI) based on high-order harmonic Vernier effect is combined with the fiber Bragg grating (FBG). A novel fiber sensor built with a cascaded FPI and an FBG for the simultaneous measurement of gas pressure and temperature is designed and experimentally investigated by virtue of the temperature sensing property of FBG and its independence on gas pressure-induced refractive index change, where a high-order harmonic Vernier effect was utilized to boost the gas pressure sensitivity of the sensor. As gas pressure increases from 0 to 1 MPa, the internal envelope of composite FBG and FPI based 10-order harmonic Vernier effect exhibits redshift with maximal sensitivities of 146.64 nm/MPa and a high magnification factor of 43. FBG is insensitive to gas pressure change, whereas, the spectral response of the internal envelope 10-order harmonic Vernier effect and FBG monotonously move and undergo blueshift and redshift as the temperature increases from 30 °C to 120 °C with maximal sensitivities of −0.48 and 0.011 nm/°C, respectively. Therefore, the distinct sensitivities of FBG and FPI to gas pressure and temperature result in extraction of both gas pressure and temperature information simultaneously by constructing measurement matrixes.
Diaphragms simulation, fabrication, and testing of a high temperature fiber optic F-P accelerometer based on MEMS
Authors: Mahissi Mariano , Cai Weiming , Zhang Xianmin , Tong Xinglin , Zhang Cui , Ma Xinli , Dossou Michel
Published: July 2023

High-sensitivity detection of vibrations under high temperatures is a topic of great interest in modern engineering such as thermal engine deep-sea aquaculture factory ship, aerospace, high temperature casting, energy, etc. As traditional accelerometers and some fiber optic F-P accelerometers have shown their sensing limits at about 400 °C and 650 °C, respectively, a high temperature fiber optic F-P accelerometer based on MEMS technology is proposed. To obtain a high-performance chip for the sensor, an examination of the theoretical performance of an L and Г-shaped cantilever beam diaphragm shows a sensitivity of 15.05 nm/g and 53.7 nm/g, respectively, and a wide working frequency range. Thanks to the designed sensor’s various protections, frequency measurements with a high-temperature performance of 850 °C are recorded. The L-shaped cantilever beams diaphragm allows the sensor measurements at 850 °C with a repeatability of 5.46%, a working frequency range of 100-1000 Hz, an experimental sensitivity of 389 mV/g, an overall stability of 8 jumps at its adjacent frequency resolution range over 150 measurements, a linearity of 0.9856 and a maximum relative error maintained below 1.72%. In the field of application, it also exhibits a good relative error of measurement respecting the technical specification of 5 Hz.
Fast algorithm for 3D volume reconstruction from light field microscopy datasets
Authors: Taylor Jonathan M.
Published: July 2023

Light field microscopy can capture 3D volume datasets in a snapshot,
making it a valuable tool for high-speed 3D imaging of dynamic
biological events. However, subsequent computational reconstruction of
the raw data into a human-interpretable 3D+time image is very
time-consuming, limiting the technique’s utility as a routine imaging
tool. Here we derive improved equations for 3D volume reconstruction
from light field microscopy datasets, leading to dramatic speedups. We
characterize our open-source Python implementation of these algorithms
and demonstrate real-world reconstruction speedups of more than an
order of magnitude compared with established approaches. The scale of
this performance improvement opens up new possibilities for studying
large timelapse datasets in light field microscopy.
Intelligent and adaptive intra-channel and inter-channel fiber nonlinearity compensation in coherent optical transmission systems
Authors: Fang Xiansong , Chen Xinyu , Cai Xiang , Yang Chuanchuan , Zhang Fan
Published: July 2023

Fiber nonlinearity mitigation is a crucial technology for extending transmission reach and increasing channel capacity in high-baud rate wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) systems. In this work, we propose a novel, to the best of our knowledge, architecture that combines learned modified digital back-propagation (L-MDBP) to compensate for intra-channel nonlinearity and a two-stage decision-directed least mean square (DDLMS) adaptive equalizer to mitigate inter-channel nonlinearity. By leveraging globally optimized model parameters and adaptive channel estimation, the proposed scheme achieves superior performance and lower computation complexity compared with conventional DBP. Specifically, in an 8 × 64 Gbaud 16-ary quadrature amplitude modulation (16QAM) experimental system over 1600 km of standard single-mode fiber (SSMF), our approach shows a 0.30-dB Q2-factor improvement and a complexity reduction of 82.3% compared with DBP with 8 steps per span (SPS). Furthermore, we enhance the adaptability of the architecture by introducing an online transfer learning (TL) technique, which requires only 2% of initial training epochs.
Broadband coherent modulation imaging with no knowledge of the illumination spectrum distribution
Authors: Lin Huixiang , Xu Wenhui , Zhao Jiangtao , Zhang Fucai
Published: July 2023

Coherent diffraction imaging (CDI) is an alternative way to achieve high-performance imaging without high-quality imaging lenses. Coherent modulation imaging (CMI) improves CDI’s algorithmic convergence and applicability to general samples. A high degree of coherence of the source is essential for CDI, which limits its application to ultrafast pulsed sources with an intrinsically broad spectrum. Here, we propose an algorithm to increase the tolerance of CMI to low temporal coherence that tandemly employs the Wiener and Lucy deconvolution approaches. Simulations and visible light experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our method. This work could pave the way for implementing CMI with attosecond pulsed lasers, laboratory x-ray sources, or electron microscopes.
Plasmonic direct-writing lithography via high numerical aperture objectives
Authors: Jiang Zhongjun , He Wei , Chen Jingwei , Jiang Kai , Li Shuaichao , Wang Liang
Published: July 2023

The exploration of light–matter interactions at the sub-wavelength scale requires advanced nano-patterning tools with low cost and high flexibility. Plasmonic lithography as a promising candidate receives much attention owing to its ability to confine ultraviolet light sources into an extremely tiny volume. To date, most plasmonic patterning schemes utilize metallic nano-structures to achieve tight focusing. The drawback is that the plasmonic structures need, however, to be pre-defined, usually accompanied with the expense of complex fabrication processes. Here we numerically and experimentally report an antenna-free plasmonic lithography technique using high numerical aperture (NA) objectives as the scanning head. Minimum feature sizes of 0.36λ/NA and 0.46λ/NA are numerically and experimentally demonstrated, respectively, under the linearly polarized continuous-wave illumination at 457 nm with no involvement of nonlinear effects. Back-focal-plane imaging is used to visualize surface-plasmon excitations, acting as a viable way of adjusting focus precisely. Our method can serve as a candidate for laser processing at the sub-wavelength scale, and offers a truly convenient and economical way of nano-patterning.
Synthesis of partially coherent beams with a prescribed conjugate-model correlation structure
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Yibo , Lin Rong , Yu Jiayi , Cai Yangjian , Zhu Xinlei
Published: July 2023

Using the sum of two mutually complex conjugate functions as the integral kernel of the necessary and sufficient condition derived by Gori et al., the conjugate-model correlation structure can be constructed. Here, we introduced a general strategy for the synthesis of partially coherent beams with such correlation structures. With it, we described a specific family of such beams, called Hermite conjugate-model beams. Their focusing properties were investigated numerically and experimentally. The experimental results are consistent with the theoretical predictions, and show that the proposed beams possess novel physical features compared with well-known Schell-model beams, such as controllable intensity distributions both at the source and focal plane, which may prove useful in free-space optical communications and optical trapping.
Insights into the coexistence of birds and humans in cropland through meta-analyses of bird exclosure studies, crop loss mitigation experiments, and social surveys
Authors: Huang Cheng , Zhou Kaiwen , Huang Yuanjun , Fan Pengfei , Liu Yang , Lee Tien Ming
Published: July 2023

Birds share lands with humans at a substantial scale and affect crops. Yet, at a global scale, systematic evaluations of human–bird coexistence in croplands are scarce. Here, we compiled and used meta-analysis approaches to synthesize multiple global datasets of ecological and social dimensions to understand this complex coexistence system. Our result shows that birds usually increase woody, but not herbaceous, crop production, implying that crop loss mitigation efforts are critical for a better coexistence. We reveal that many nonlethal technical measures are more effective in reducing crop loss, e.g., using scaring devices and changing sow practices, than other available methods. Besides, we find that stakeholders from low-income countries are more likely to perceive the crop losses caused by birds and are less positive toward birds than those from high-income ones. Based on our evidence, we identified potential regional clusters, particularly in tropical areas, for implementing win-win coexistence strategies. Overall, we provide an evidence-based knowledge flow and solutions for stakeholders to integrate the conservation and management of birds in croplands.
Evolutionarily conserved amino acids in MHC-II mediate bat influenza A virus entry into human cells
Authors: Olajide Okikiola M. , Osman Maria Kaukab , Robert Jonathan , Kessler Susanne , Toews Lina Kathrin , Thamamongood Thiprampai , Neefjes Jacques , Wrobel Antoni G. , Schwemmle Martin , Ciminski Kevin , Reuther Peter
Published: July 2023

The viral hemagglutinins of conventional influenza A viruses (IAVs) bind to sialylated glycans on host cell surfaces for attachment and subsequent infection. In contrast, hemagglutinins of bat-derived IAVs target major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) for cell entry. MHC-II proteins from various vertebrate species can facilitate infection with the bat IAV H18N11. Yet, it has been difficult to biochemically determine the H18:MHC-II binding. Here, we followed a different approach and generated MHC-II chimeras from the human leukocyte antigen DR (HLA-DR), which supports H18-mediated entry, and the nonclassical MHC-II molecule HLA-DM, which does not. In this context, viral entry was supported only by a chimera containing the HLA-DR α1, α2, and β1 domains. Subsequent modeling of the H18:HLA-DR interaction identified the α2 domain as central for this interaction. Further mutational analyses revealed highly conserved amino acids within loop 4 (N149) and β-sheet 6 (V190) of the α2 domain as critical for virus entry. This suggests that conserved residues in the α1, α2, and β1 domains of MHC-II mediate H18-binding and virus propagation. The conservation of MHC-II amino acids, which are critical for H18N11 binding, may explain the broad species specificity of this virus.
A systematic CRISPR screen reveals redundant and specific roles for Dscam1 isoform diversity in neuronal wiring
Authors: Dong Haiyang , Yang Xi , Wu Lili , Zhang Shixin , Zhang Jian , Guo Pengjuan , Du Yiwen , Pan Changkun , Fu Ying , Li Lei , Shi Jilong , Zhu Yanda , Ma Hongru , Bian Lina , Xu Bingbing , Li Guo , Shi Feng , Huang Jianhua , He Haihuai , Jin Yongfeng
Published: July 2023

Drosophila melanogaster Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule 1 (Dscam1) encodes 19,008 diverse ectodomain isoforms via the alternative splicing of exon 4, 6, and 9 clusters. However, whether individual isoforms or exon clusters have specific significance is unclear. Here, using phenotype–diversity correlation analysis, we reveal the redundant and specific roles of Dscam1 diversity in neuronal wiring. A series of deletion mutations were performed from the endogenous locus harboring exon 4, 6, or 9 clusters, reducing to 396 to 18,612 potential ectodomain isoforms. Of the 3 types of neurons assessed, dendrite self/non-self discrimination required a minimum number of isoforms (approximately 2,000), independent of exon clusters or isoforms. In contrast, normal axon patterning in the mushroom body and mechanosensory neurons requires many more isoforms that tend to associate with specific exon clusters or isoforms. We conclude that the role of the Dscam1 diversity in dendrite self/non-self discrimination is nonspecifically mediated by its isoform diversity. In contrast, a separate role requires variable domain- or isoform-related functions and is essential for other neurodevelopmental contexts, such as axonal growth and branching. Our findings shed new light on a general principle for the role of Dscam1 diversity in neuronal wiring.
Computational model of integrin adhesion elongation under an actin fiber
Authors: Campbell Samuel , Mendoza Michelle C. , Rammohan Aravind , McKenzie Matthew E. , Bidone Tamara C.
Published: July 2023

Cells create physical connections with the extracellular environment through adhesions. Nascent adhesions form at the leading edge of migrating cells and either undergo cycles of disassembly and reassembly, or elongate and stabilize at the end of actin fibers. How adhesions assemble has been addressed in several studies, but the exact role of actin fibers in the elongation and stabilization of nascent adhesions remains largely elusive. To address this question, here we extended our computational model of adhesion assembly by incorporating an actin fiber that locally promotes integrin activation. The model revealed that an actin fiber promotes adhesion stabilization and elongation. Actomyosin contractility from the fiber also promotes adhesion stabilization and elongation, by strengthening integrin-ligand interactions, but only up to a force threshold. Above this force threshold, most integrin-ligand bonds fail, and the adhesion disassembles. In the absence of contraction, actin fibers still support adhesions stabilization. Collectively, our results provide a picture in which myosin activity is dispensable for adhesion stabilization and elongation under an actin fiber, offering a framework for interpreting several previous experimental observations.
Managing forests for carbon–Status of the forest carbon offset markets in the United States
Authors: Kaarakka Lilli , Rothey Julia , Dee Laura E.
Published: July 2023

Nature-based climate solutions are gaining international policy attention–with forests highlighted as a primary pathway for storing carbon. However, evaluations of additional carbon benefits and the permanence of forest carbon offset projects remain scarce. In response, we compiled a novel database to analyze trends in existing forest management projects from the two offset project registries (Climate Action Reserve and American Carbon Registry) who list, report, and verify forest carbon offsets in California’s Compliance Offsets Program, part of the state’s Cap-and-Trade Program. We found that improved forest management projects represent 96% of all credits from forestry projects and 80% of all offset credits to date and span a diverse set of forest management practices with different potential for carbon storage. Our results show that 26% of existing forest carbon offsets in the United States face the hazard of wildfire. From a policy perspective, these findings underscore the need for a robust framework to monitor and evaluate cumulative and future carbon benefits of forest-based offset projects, and for assessing the risk of reversal associated with each project.
A genetic tradeoff for tolerance to moderate and severe heat stress in US hybrid maize
Authors: Kusmec Aaron , Attigala Lakshmi , Dai Xiongtao , Srinivasan Srikant , Yeh Cheng-Ting “Eddy” , Schnable Patrick S.
Published: July 2023

Global climate change is increasing both average temperatures and the frequencies of extreme high temperatures. Past studies have documented a strong negative effect of exposures to temperatures >30°C on hybrid maize yields. However, these studies could not disentangle genetic adaptation via artificial selection from changes in agronomic practices. Because most of the earliest maize hybrids are no longer available, side-by-side comparisons with modern hybrids under current field conditions are generally impossible. Here, we report on the collection and curation of 81 years of public yield trial records covering 4,730 maize hybrids, which enabled us to model genetic variation for temperature responses among maize hybrids. We show that selection may have indirectly and inconsistently contributed to the genetic adaptation of maize to moderate heat stress over this time period while preserving genetic variance for continued adaptation. However, our results reveal the existence of a genetic tradeoff for tolerance to moderate and severe heat stress, leading to a decrease in tolerance to severe heat stress over the same time period. Both trends are particularly conspicuous since the mid-1970s. Such a tradeoff poses challenges to the continued adaptation of maize to warming climates due to a projected increase in the frequency of extreme heat events. Nevertheless, given recent advances in phenomics, enviromics, and physiological modeling, our results offer a degree of optimism for the capacity of plant breeders to adapt maize to warming climates, assuming appropriate levels of R&D investment.
Patterns and trends of in-hospital mortality due to non-communicable diseases and injuries in Tanzania, 2006–2015
Authors: Mboera Leonard E. G. , Kishamawe Coleman , Rumisha Susan F. , Chiduo Mercy G. , Kimario Evord , Bwana Veneranda M.
Published: July 2023

Background

Globally, non-communicable diseases (NCD) kill about 40 million people annually, with about three-quarters of the deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. This study was carried out to determine the patterns, trends, and causes of in-hospital non-communicable disease (NCD) and injury deaths in Tanzania from 2006–2015.

Methods

This retrospective study involved primary, secondary, tertiary, and specialized hospitals. Death statistics were extracted from inpatient department registers, death registers, and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) report forms. The ICD-10 coding system was used to assign each death to its underlying cause. The analysis determined leading causes by age, sex, annual trend and calculate hospital-based mortality rates.

Results

Thirty-nine hospitals were involved in this study. A total of 247,976 deaths (all causes) were reported during the 10-year period. Of the total deaths, 67,711 (27.3%) were due to NCD and injuries. The most (53.4%) affected age group was 15–59 years. Cardio-circulatory diseases (31.9%), cancers (18.6%), chronic respiratory diseases (18.4%), and injuries (17.9%) accounted for the largest proportion (86.8%) of NCD and injuries deaths. The overall 10-year hospital-based age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) for all NCDs and injuries was 559.9 per 100,000 population. It was higher for males (638.8/100,000) than for females (444.6/100,000). The hospital-based annual ASMR significantly increased from 11.0 in 2006 to 62.8 per 100,000 populations in 2015.

Conclusions

There was a substantial increase in hospital-based ASMR due to NCDs and injuries in Tanzania from 2006 to 2015. Most of the deaths affected the productive young adult group. This burden indicates that families, communities, and the nation at large suffer from premature deaths. The government of Tanzania should invest in early detection and timely management of NCDs and injuries to reduce premature deaths. This should go hand-in-hand with continuous efforts to improve the quality of health data and its utilization.
Adverse pregnancy outcomes among women in Norway with gestational diabetes using three diagnostic criteria
Authors: Rai Anam Shakil , Sletner Line , Jenum Anne Karen , Øverby Nina Cecilie , Stafne Signe Nilssen , Qvigstad Elisabeth , Pripp Are Hugo , Sagedal Linda Reme
Published: July 2023

Introduction

The aim of this study was to examine the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in women diagnosed with GDM by the World Health Organization (WHO) 1999 criteria, and in those retrospectively identified by the Norwegian-2017 and WHO-2013 criteria but not by WHO-1999 criteria. We also examine the effect of maternal overweight/obesity and ethnicity.

Material and methods

We used pooled data from four Norwegian cohorts (2002–2013), encompassing 2970 mother-child pairs. Results from universally offered 75-g oral glucose tolerance tests measuring fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2-hour glucose (2HG) were used to assign women into three diagnostic groups: Diagnosed and treated by WHO-1999 (FPG≥7.0 or (2HG ≥7.8 mmol/L), identified by WHO-2013 (FPG ≥5.1 or 2HG ≥8.5 mmol/L), and identified by Norwegian-2017 criteria (FPG ≥5.3 or 2HG ≥9.0 mmol/L). Perinatal outcomes included large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants, cesarean section, operative vaginal delivery, preterm birth and preeclampsia.

Results

Compared to the non-GDM group, women diagnosed with GDM by either of the three criteria had an increased risk of large-for-gestational-age infants (adjusted odds ratios (OR) 1.7–2.2). Those identified by the WHO-2013 and Norwegian-2017 criteria but not diagnosed and treated by WHO-1999 criteria had an additional increased risk of cesarean section (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.02,1.83 and 1.44, 95% CI 1.03,2.02, respectively) and operative vaginal delivery (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.1,1.7 and 1.5, 95% CI 1.1,2.0, respectively). The proportions of LGA neonates and cesarean section were higher for women with GDM in both normal-weight and overweight/obese women. Asians had a lower risk of delivering large-for-gestational-age infants than Europeans applying national birthweight references, but maternal glucose values were similarly positively associated with birthweight in all ethnic groups.

Conclusions

Women who met the WHO-2013 and Norwegian-2017 criteria, but were not diagnosed by the WHO-1999 criteria and therefore not treated, had an increased risk of LGA, cesarean section and operative vaginal delivery compared to women without GDM.
Loneliness and its associated factors among university students during late stage of COVID-19 pandemic: An online cross-sectional study
Authors: Simegn Wudneh , Sisay Gashaw , Seid Abdulwase Mohammed , Dagne Henok
Published: July 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a number of psychosocial and emotional catastrophes, including loneliness. The associated lockdowns, reduced social support, and insufficiently perceived interactions are expected to heighten the level of loneliness during the pandemic. However, there is a dearth of evidence regarding the level of loneliness and what correlates with loneliness among university students in Africa, particularly in Ethiopia.

Objectives

The general objective of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of loneliness among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was undertaken. An online data collection tool was distributed to voluntary undergraduate university students. The sampling technique used was snowball sampling. Students were requested to pass the online data collection tool to at least one of their friends to ease data collection. SPSS version 26.0 was used for data analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to report the results. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with loneliness. A P-value less than 0.2 was used to screen variables for the multivariable analysis, and a P-value less than 0.05 was used to declare significance in the final multivariable logistic regression.

Result

A total of 426 study participants responded. Out of the total, 62.9% were males, and 37.1% attended fields related to health. Over three-fourths (76.5%) of the study participants encountered loneliness. Females (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.75; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01, 3.04), non-health-related departments (AOR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.17, 3.35), ever encountering sexual harassment (AOR: 3.32; 95% CI: 1.46, 7.53), sleeping problems (AOR: 2.13; 95% CI: 1.06, 4.30), perceived stress (AOR: 6.40; 95% CI: 1.85, 22.19) and poor social support (AOR: 3.13; 95% CI: 1.10, 8.87) were significantly associated with loneliness.

Conclusion and recommendation

A significant proportion of students were victims of loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Being female, working in non-health-related fields, having sleeping problems, encountering sexual harassment, perceived stress, and poor social support were significantly associated with loneliness. Interventions to reduce loneliness should focus on related psychosocial support to reduce stress, sleeping disturbances, and poor social support. A special focus should also be given to female students.
Face/Off: Changing the face of movies with deepfakes
Authors: Murphy Gillian , Ching Didier , Twomey John , Linehan Conor
Published: July 2023

There are growing concerns about the potential for deepfake technology to spread misinformation and distort memories, though many also highlight creative applications such as recasting movies using other actors, or younger versions of the same actor. In the current mixed-methods study, we presented participants (N = 436) with deepfake videos of fictitious movie remakes (such as Will Smith staring as Neo in The Matrix). We observed an average false memory rate of 49%, with many participants remembering the fake remake as better than the original film. However, deepfakes were no more effective than simple text descriptions at distorting memory. Though our findings suggest that deepfake technology is not uniquely placed to distort movie memories, our qualitative data suggested most participants were uncomfortable with deepfake recasting. Common concerns were disrespecting artistic integrity, disrupting the shared social experience of films, and a discomfort at the control and options this technology would afford.