bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The fluid dynamics of barnacle feeding
Authors: Maar Kristian , Shavit Uri , Andersen Anders , Kiørboe Thomas
Published: January 2024

Sessile barnacles feed by sweeping their basket-like cirral fan through the water, intercepting suspended prey. A primary component of the diet of adult barnacles is copepods that are sensitive to fluid disturbances and capable of escaping. How do barnacles manage to capture copepods despite the fluid disturbances they generate? We examined this question by describing the feeding current architecture of 1 cm sized Balanus crenatus using particle image velocimetry, and by studying the trajectories of captured copepods and the escapes of evading copepods. We found that barnacles produce a feeding current that arrives both from behind and the sides of the barnacle. The flow from the sides represents quiescent corridors of low fluid deformation and uninterrupted by the beating cirral fan. Potential prey arriving from behind are likely to encounter the cirral fan and, hence, capture here is highly unlikely. Accordingly, most captured copepods arrived through the quiet corridors, while most copepods arriving from behind managed to escape. Thus, it is the unique feeding flow architecture that allows feeding on evasive prey. We used the Landau–Squire jet as a simple model of the feeding current. For the Reynolds number of our experiments, the model reproduces the main features of the feeding current, including the lateral feeding corridors. Furthermore, the model suggests that smaller barnacle specimens, operating at lower Reynolds numbers, will produce a fore–aft symmetric feeding current without the lateral corridors. This suggests an ontogenetic diet shift from non-evasive prey to inclusion of evasive prey as the barnacle grows.
On solving system of differential-algebraic equations using adomian decomposition method
Authors: Thota Srinivasarao , P Shanmugasundaram
Published: January 2024

Background In this paper, we focus on an efficient and easy method for solving the given system of differential-algebraic equations (DAEs) of second order. Methods The approximate solutions are computed rapidly and efficiently with the help of a semi-analytical method known as Adomian decomposition method (ADM). The logic of this method is simple and straightforward to understand. Results To demonstrate the proposed method, we presented several examples and the computations are compared with the exact solutions to show the efficient. One can employ this logic to different mathematical software tools such as Maple, SCILab, Mathematica, NCAlgebra, Matlab etc. for the problems in real life applications. Conclusions In this paper, we offered a method for solving the given system of secondorder nonlinear DAEs with aid of the ADM. We shown that the proposed method is simple and efficient, also one can obtain the approximate solutions quickly using this method. A couple of examples are discussed for illustrating this method and graphical and mathematical assessments are discussed with the analytical solutions of the given problems.
Morphological, phylogenetic, and genomic evidence reveals the causal agent of thread blight disease of cacao in Peru is a new species of Marasmius in the section Neosessiles, Marasmius infestans sp. nov.
Authors: Huamán-Pilco Angel Fernando , Ramos-Carrasco Tito Ademir , Franco Mario Emilio Ernesto , Tineo-Flores Daniel , Estrada-Cañari Richard , Romero Pedro Eduardo , Aguilar-Rafael Vilma , Ramírez-Orrego Lourdes Adriana , Tincopa-Marca Rosalina , Márquez Fanny-Rosario , Oliva-Cruz Manuel , Díaz-Valderrama Jorge Ronny
Published: January 2024

The thread blight disease (TBD) of cacao (Theobroma cacao) in the department of Amazonas, Peru was recently reported to be caused by Marasmius tenuissimus (sect. Neosessiles). This same species is known to be the main causal agent of TBD in West Africa. However, some morphological characteristics, such as the presence of rhizomorphs, the almost exclusively white color, and pileus sizes less than 5 mm, among others, differ to the description of M. tenuissimus. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a taxonomic revision of the cacao-TBD causal agent in Peru, by using thorough micro and macro morphological, phylogenetic, and nuclear and mitochondrial genomic approaches. We showed that the causal agent of TBD of cacao in Amazonas, Peru, belongs to a new species, Marasmius infestans sp. nov. This study enriches our knowledge of species in the sect. Neosessiles, and strongly suggests that the M. tenuissimus species complex is highly diverse.
A scoping review protocol of the rehabilitation needs of people with brain tumours
Authors: O'Donovan B. , Malone A. , Horgan F. , Bennett K.
Published: January 2024

Background Every year 480 people are diagnosed with a primary brain tumour in Ireland. Brain tumours can vary in type, location, treatment, and progression but neurological impairments are a consistent feature. Such neurological disability creates significant symptom burden that can seriously impact peoples’ functional ability and quality of life. Rehabilitation can improve functional prognosis (motor and cognitive) and quality of life in people with brain tumours. However, research and experience consistently show that people with brain tumours can have difficulties accessing rehabilitation services. Our scoping review will investigate the research evidence concerning the rehabilitation needs of people with brain tumours. Methods The scoping review will be conducted in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) reporting guidelines. Relevant databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL+, PsychINFO, PEDro) and grey literature sources will be searched. Publications relating to international rehabilitation practices will be included. A data extraction table will be created to facilitate narrative synthesis of the results. Conclusions This scoping review will examine the scope of the literature on the rehabilitation needs of people with brain tumours. The findings will inform a research project entitled “Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, but now what? Exploring the rehabilitation needs of people with brain tumours in Ireland”. An article reporting the results of the scoping review will be submitted to a scientific journal and presented at relevant national and international conferences.
Establishment and development of the Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology in Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Authors: Gechev Tsanko , Kazakov Petar , Ivanova Asia , Ivanova Tsvetomira , Mircheva Marina , Kolev Vasil , Ganeva Daniela , Tabakova-Komsalova Veneta , Ruseva Margarita , Kantardjieva Elitsa , Kazashka Vesela S.
Published: January 2024

The Bulgarian research landscape, presented mainly by the research institutes that are part of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and the Agricultural Academy, needs diversification to match the research and innovation potential of the other European Union (EU) countries. This article describes the establishment of the Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB), a new innovative type of independent research organization that is changing the research landscape in Bulgaria. Supported by the EU Commission, Bulgarian Government, and Plovdiv Municipality, CPSBB has quickly become the leading plant science institute in Bulgaria, creating knowledge in diverse fields such as bioinformatics, biotechnology, genetics and genomics, metabolomics, and systems biology. We outline the organizational structure of CPSBB, the development of its infrastructure, and its scientific productivity. Finally, we compare CPSBB with other similar research establishments in Europe and we conclude that such new types of institutes have a bright future in Bulgaria due to their operational flexibility, productivity, and connections with academia and industry.
PROBLEMS OF EMPLOYMENT AND CONSOLIDATION OF YOUNG PERSONNEL IN THE FIELD OF AGRO-INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX
Authors: Kenina Diana S. , Grudina Olga N. , Svistunova Inna G.
Published: January 2024

The problem of attracting young personnel is relevant for all industries, but in agriculture it is especially acute. It is not uncommon for young people to prefer life in rural areas to life in the city, and they are even ready to find a job outside of their profession and perform low-skilled work, but for higher wages.
One of the ways out of this situation is to increase the level of motivation of employees in the agricultural sector. We believe that motivation in this area should be comprehensive and take into account industry specifics. The main barrier to the qualitative motivation of employees in the agro-industrial complex is the previously destroyed image of the industry's professions.
In addition, it is worth paying attention in general to a new generation of specialists, in working with whom it is necessary to apply new approaches that are more democratic in style, as well as create more comfortable working conditions and conditions for development and career growth.
In some regions of the Russian Federation, the rebranding of rural territories has begun.
Purpose. The analysis of existing problems of employment and retention of personnel in rural areas and the study of the characteristics of employee motivation in the field of agriculture.
Methodology the article uses general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, as well as statistical methods. The information base of the study was formed on the basis of normative legal acts aimed at supporting rural employment, as well as data from state statistics.
Results. The article accumulates information on the available measures of state support for specialists in rural areas, as well as on state programs to support agriculture, on the basis of which a model of motivation of employees in the field of agriculture is compiled.
Practical implications. It is advisable to apply the results obtained, both to theorists and practitioners in the field of personnel management, in order to improve work in the field of personnel management in the field of agriculture.
Normal Proofs and Tableaux for the Font-Rius Tetravalent Modal Logic
Authors: Coniglio Marcelo E. , Figallo Martin
Published: January 2024

Tetravalent modal logic (TML) was introduced by Font and Rius in 2000. It is an expansion of the Belnap-Dunn four-valued logic FOUR, a logical system that is well-known for the many applications found in several fields. Besides, TML is the logic that preserves degrees of truth with respect to Monteiro’s tetravalent modal algebras. Among other things, Font and Rius showed that TML has a strongly adequate sequent system, but unfortunately this system does not enjoy the cut-elimination property. However, in a previous work we presented a sequent system for TML with the cut-elimination property. Besides, in this same work, it was also presented a sound and complete natural deduction system for this logic.
In the present article we continue with the study of TML under a proof-theoretic perspective. In the first place, we show that the natural deduction system that we introduced before admits a normalization theorem. In the second place, taking advantage of the contrapositive implication for the tetravalent modal algebras introduced by A. V. Figallo and P. Landini, we define a decidable tableau system adequate to check validity in the logic TML. Finally, we provide a sound and complete tableau system for TML in the original language. These two tableau systems constitute new (proof-theoretic) decision procedures for checking validity in the variety of tetravalent modal algebras.
What Should the Logic Formalizing Human Cognition Look Like? Psychologism as Applying Logic in Cognitive Science.
Authors: Rudnicki Konrad , Łukowski Piotr
Published: January 2024

Contemporary logicians have expanded upon the old notions of psychologism in logic and proposed new, weakened versions of it. Those weakened versions postulate that psychologistic logic does not have to inform about the ontology or metaphysics of reasoning. Instead, logic applied in cognitive science could serve as one of many paradigms for making empirical predictions about the observable process of human reasoning. The purpose of this article is to entertain this notion and answer the question: what properties should a logical system formally representing actual human reasoning have? Based on the existing evidence from cognitive science and neuroscience we identified three potential candidates: context-sensitivity (satisfied for example by adaptive logics), content-sensitivity (satisfied by non-Fregean logics) and probabilism (satisfied for example by fuzzy logics).
PyVRP: A High-Performance VRP Solver Package
Authors: Wouda Niels A. , Lan Leon , Kool Wouter
Published: January 2024

We introduce PyVRP, a Python package that implements hybrid genetic search in a state-of-the-art vehicle routing problem (VRP) solver. The package is designed for the VRP with time windows (VRPTW) but can be easily extended to support other VRP variants. PyVRP combines the flexibility of Python with the performance of C++ by implementing (only) performance-critical parts of the algorithm in C++ while being fully customizable at the Python level. PyVRP is a polished implementation of the algorithm that ranked first in the 2021 DIMACS VRPTW challenge and, after improvements, ranked first on the static variant of the EURO meets NeurIPS 2022 vehicle routing competition. The code follows good software engineering practices and is well documented and unit tested. PyVRP is freely available under the liberal MIT license. Through numerical experiments, we show that PyVRP achieves state-of-the-art results on the VRPTW and capacitated VRP. We hope that PyVRP enables researchers and practitioners to easily and quickly build on a state-of-the-art VRP solver.

History: Accepted by Ted Ralphs, Area Editor for Software Tools. This paper has been accepted for the INFORMS Journal on Computing Special Issue on Software Tools for Vehicle Routing.

Funding: Funding was provided by TKI Dinalog, Topsector Logistics, and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy.

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2023.0055 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2023.0055 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .

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RoutingBlocks: An Open-Source Python Package for Vehicle Routing Problems with Intermediate Stops
Authors: Klein Patrick S. , Schiffer Maximilian
Published: January 2024

We introduce RoutingBlocks, a versatile open-source Python package designed to simplify the development of algorithms for vehicle routing problems with intermediate stops (VRPIS). The package offers a variety of modular algorithmic components and optimized data structures crafted specifically to address key challenges of VRPIS, such as a lack of exact constant-time move evaluations and difficult station visit decisions. By using a unified solution and instance representation that abstracts problem-specific behavior (for example, constraint checking, move evaluation, and cost computation) into well-defined interfaces, RoutingBlocks maintains a clear separation between algorithmic components and specific problem configurations, thus allowing the application of the same algorithm to a variety of problem settings. Leveraging an efficient C++ implementation for performance-critical core elements, RoutingBlocks combines the high performance of C++ with the user-friendliness and adaptability of Python, thereby streamlining the development of effective metaheuristic algorithms. As a result, researchers using RoutingBlocks can focus on their algorithms’ core features, allocating more resources to innovation and advancement in the VRPIS domain.

History: Accepted by Ted Ralphs, Area Editor for Software Tools. This paper has been accepted for the INFORMS Journal on Computing Special Issue on Software Tools for Vehicle Routing.
How Paradoxes Shape Members and the Member–Organization Relationship: An Identity Threat Perspective
Authors: Farahbakhsh Siavash , Villani Elisa , Linder Christian , Salge Torsten Oliver
Published: January 2024

Organizations and their members not only respond to paradoxes, but also can be shaped by paradoxes in potentially profound yet highly heterogeneous ways. In our study, we adopt an identity threat perspective to explicate how paradox dynamics can affect members’ sense of self as professionals and their organizational identification as a key facet of the member–organization relationship. The transformational change of a leading public university launching a for-profit business school in Europe in 2017 provides a particularly fertile setting for this purpose. Our in-depth, longitudinal case study spanning 75 months from January 2016 to March 2022 serves as the empirical basis for a novel process model that helps to explain why the same set of paradoxes may have vastly different identity and identification effects not only among members of the same organization, but also within individual members over time. We can trace some of these differences back to boundary conditions related to members’ identity and paradox perception, which jointly shape how members recognize, attribute, and respond to paradoxes as threats to their identity. Overall, our study provides a new lens into the multifaceted process through which paradoxes can shape members and member–organization relationships as exemplified by members’ organizational identification.

Supplemental Material: The online supplement is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2020.14630 .
Large animal dermatology: common cases
Authors: Wood Sarah , Long Sarah
Published: January 2024

Dermatological presentations are common across farm animal species. This article uses case reports from first opinion ambulatory practice to illustrate common presentations. For each the case background and presenting signs are described, alongside the approach to the case, and the considerations regarding management and treatment options. With application of a logical approach to a case, and consideration of the equipment required for ambulatory vets to appropriately work up such cases, farm animal practitioners can successfully manage these cases, ensuring an optimal outcome for client and herd.
Teaching Earthquake Preparedness Skills to Students With Developmental Disabilities: A Preliminary Evaluation
Authors: Olcay Seray , Ogur Cimen , Saral Dincer
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the effects of behavioral skills training (BST) in teaching earthquake preparedness skills to students with developmental disabilities within a small group arrangement. A multiple probe design across behaviors and replicated across participants evaluated the effectiveness of BST when teaching three high school students to prepare an earthquake emergency kit, do drop-cover-hold, and share location through a personal safety app. All students acquired, maintained, and generalized the target behaviors. Participating students and their teachers had positive opinions regarding the target behaviors, procedure, and outcomes. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Phase measuring deflectometry for convex aspheric surface measurement
Authors: Yan Ziliang , Li Dahai , Zhang Xinwei , Ge Renhao
Published: January 2024

This paper introduces what we believe to be a novel approach to accurately measure the shape of convex aspherical surfaces with large slope gradients. This approach employs a pre-distortion system to enhance the visibility of the structured light pattern that is captured by camera. The data processing involves iterative methods to obtain surface shape data. The initial step in the experimental calibration involves establishing a reference plane, which serves as the starting point for the iterative process. The calculation for slope is subsequently utilized to determine the initial slope of the surface under test, and the height of the tested element is derived by integrating these slopes. Through multiple iterations and continuous updating of the surface height, the precise and authentic true surface height is ultimately achieved. The method’s accuracy is assessed through the measurement of a highly steep convex aspherical area with a diameter of 5.2 mm and a radius of curvature of approximately 7.7 mm. The proposed method demonstrates root mean square accuracy that can reach half a wavelength when compared to the measurement results obtained from high-precision profilers.
Non-uniform distributed silicon optical phased array for high directionality and a wide steering range
Authors: Du Yige , Qiu Yang , Zheng Shaonan , Zhao Xingyan , Dong Yuan , Zhong Qize , Hu Ting
Published: January 2024

A non-uniform distributed silicon optical phased array (OPA) is proposed and numerically demonstrated to realize high directionality and a wide range for beam steering. The OPA is composed of grating antennas with dual-layer corrugations along silicon strip waveguides, which can achieve a high directionality of 0.96 and a small divergence angle of 0.084°. To reduce the crosstalk between adjacent antennas and realize a wide steering range, the genetic algorithm is improved and utilized to arrange the locations of grating antennas. As a proof of concept, a 32-channel non-uniform distributed OPA is designed and thoroughly optimized. The simulation results successfully demonstrate a two-dimensional wide steering range of 70∘×18.7∘ with a side-mode suppression ratio (SMSR) over 10 dB.
Utilizing rubidium chloride as an effective and stable interface modification layer for high-efficiency solar cells
Authors: Hu Liwen , Shi Weidi , Li Guolong , Yang Yifan , Nie Jing
Published: January 2024

The presence of interface defects between the perovskite layer and the underlying substrate has a significant impact on the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). SnO2 thin films are employed in PSCs as electron transport layers to achieve high PCE. However, the significant lattice mismatch between SnO2 and the perovskite material leads to a large number of uncoordinated defects at the interface between perovskite and substrate, resulting in recombination losses at the interface. In this study, rubidium chloride (RbCl) was introduced as the interface modification layer between the perovskite layer and the SnO2 electron transport layer to enhance the PCE of PSCs. The research showed that the RbCl interface modification layer effectively passivated the under-coordinated defects of Sn ions and optimized the energy level alignment between the perovskite layer and the SnO2 film. Moreover, the fabricated PSCs exhibited an open-circuit voltage of 1.11 V and a power conversion efficiency of 21.64%. Furthermore, the device maintained 80% of initial efficiency after storage for 30 days in an inert gas environment and 60% of the value after storage for 30 days in ambient air.
Anti-reflection coating with mullite and Duroid for large-diameter cryogenic sapphire and alumina optics
Authors: Sakaguri Kana , Hasegawa Masaya , Sakurai Yuki , Sugiyama Junna , Farias Nicole , Hill Charles A. , Johnson Bradley R. , Konishi Kuniaki , Kusaka Akito , Lee Adrian T. , Matsumura Tomotake , Wollack Edward J. , Yumoto Junji
Published: January 2024

We developed a broadband two-layer anti-reflection (AR) coating for use
on a sapphire half-wave plate (HWP) and an alumina infrared (IR)
filter for the cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarimetry.
Measuring the faint CMB B-mode signals requires maximizing the number
of photons reaching the detectors and minimizing spurious polarization
due to reflection with an off-axis incident angle. Sapphire and
alumina have high refractive indices of 3.1 and are highly reflective
without an AR coating. This paper presents the design, fabrication,
quality control, and measured performance of an AR coating using
thermally sprayed mullite and Duroid 5880LZ. This technology enables
large optical elements with diameters of 600 mm. We also present a
thermography-based nondestructive quality control technique, which is
key to assuring good adhesion and preventing delamination when thermal
cycling. We demonstrate the average reflectance of about 2.6% (0.9%)
for two observing bands centered at 90/150 (220/280) GHz. At room
temperature, the average transmittance of a 105 mm square test sample
at 220/280 GHz is 83%, and it will increase to 90% at 100 K,
attributed to reduced absorption losses. Therefore, our developed
layering technique has proved effective for 220/280 GHz applications,
particularly in addressing dielectric loss concerns. This AR coating
technology has been deployed in the cryogenic HWP and IR filters of
the Simons Array and the Simons observatory experiments and applies to
future experiments such as CMB-S4.
Affine diffractive beam dividers
Authors: Gori F. , Martínez-Herrero R. , Korotkova O. , Piquero G. , de Sande J. C. G. , Schettini G. , Frezza F. , Santarsiero M.
Published: January 2024

Diffractive optical elements that divide an input beam into a set of replicas are used in many optical applications ranging from image processing to communications. Their design requires time-consuming optimization processes, which, for a given number of generated beams, are to be separately treated for one-dimensional and two-dimensional cases because the corresponding optimal efficiencies may be different. After generalizing their Fourier treatment, we prove that, once a particular divider has been designed, its transmission function can be used to generate numberless other dividers through affine transforms that preserve the efficiency of the original element without requiring any further optimization.
Propagation properties of elegant modified Bessel Gaussian beams
Authors: Huang Chaohong , Liu Xiao , Li Yanjing , Lin Yutian , Xu Yangying , Yang Kunmin , Zhao Yongtong
Published: January 2024

A kind of optical beam with a radially parabolic propagating manner and intensity decay inversely proportional to propagating distance in the far field is investigated. The initial complex amplitudes of this kind of beam have the form of a Gaussian function multiplied by a m/2-order modified Bessel function and a helical phase factor with topological charge m. The arguments for Bessel and Gauss parts in the propagating solutions of these beams are complex and symmetric as elegant Laguerre and Hermite Gaussian beams. As a result, the beams can be referred to as elegant modified Bessel Gauss (EMBG) beams. Similar to non-diffractive beams such as Bessel and Airy beams, the EMBG beams also carry infinite power due to a transversely slowly decaying tail of complex amplitude. The EMBG beams demonstrate intermediate propagating properties between non-diffractive and finite-power beams. Unlike non-diffractive beams that never spread their power and finite-power beams that always diverge in a linear manner and spread their power by inversely square law in the far field, the EMBG beams demonstrate a far-field parabolic propagating manner and decay their power by inversely linear law. In addition, the EMBG beams have total Gouy phase, which is only half of that of elegant Laguerre Gauss beams with the same topological charge, and have far-field intensity distributions regardless of the beam waist radius in the initial plane. The propagating and focusing properties of EMBG beams represent an intermediate status between the non-diffractive and finite-power beams.
Efficient light couplers to topological slow light waveguides in valley photonic crystals
Authors: Yoshimi Hironobu , Yamaguchi Takuto , Ishida Satomi , Ota Yasutomo , Iwamoto Satoshi
Published: January 2024

We numerically and experimentally demonstrate efficient light couplers between topological slow light waveguides in valley photonic crystals (VPhCs) and wire waveguides. By numerical simulations, we obtained a high coupling efficiency of −0.84 dB/coupler on average in the slow light regime of a group index ng = 10 − 30. Experimentally, we fabricated the couplers in a Si slab and measured the transmitted power of the devices. We realized a high coupling efficiency of approximately −1.2 dB/coupler in the slow light region of ng = 10 − 30, which is close to the result from the numerical simulations. These demonstrations will lay the groundwork for low-loss photonic integrated circuits using topological slow light waveguides.
Chromatic changes in vision with diffractive ophthalmic optics
Authors: Clavé Laura , Faria-Ribeiro Miguel , Millan Maria S.
Published: January 2024

Diffractive optics is a valuable technique for designing presbyopia-correcting lenses, but its effectiveness is wavelength-dependent. This study investigates the spatio-chromatic alterations in visual resolution associated with diffractive multifocal lenses by using non-invasive, removable diffractive bifocal contact lenses. The study combines theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and clinical intra-observer experiments to assess visual acuity under various lighting conditions. Results demonstrate the introduction of spatio-chromatic asymmetry and a change in visual acuity under red and blue lights, depending on the operating diffraction order employed in the lens design. The energy distribution of the diffractive contact lens studied favors resolution under red illumination at far distances and under blue illumination at near distances. These findings are consistent with computational simulations and provide insights into the visual changes induced by diffractive ophthalmic lenses.
Multipath-controlled bidirectional metasurface for multitasking polarization regulation and absorption
Authors: Wang Jiayun , Niu Yuanyuan , Kang Jinfeng , Qu Zeng , Duan Junping , Zhang Binzhen
Published: January 2024

In the design of metasurfaces, integrating multiple tasks into a single small unit cell and achieving regulation through various paths pose a serious challenge. In this paper, a multipath-controlled bidirectional metasurface (MCBM) is designed to achieve polarization regulation, perfect absorption and total reflection as multitasking functions. The findings demonstrate that under different excitation conditions, when co-planar polarized terahertz (THz) waves are incident normally on the metasurface, the MCBM can convert co-planar polarization to cross-polarization, co-planar polarization to circular polarization wave in reflection mode, and co-planar polarization to cross-polarization in transmission, respectively. When co-planar polarized THz waves are incident from the back side of the metasurface, the tasks of MCBM change to broadband perfect absorption, total reflection, and transmission co-planar polarization to cross-polarization conversion. Remarkably, all operating frequency bands of these tasks are very approximate. Additionally, the multitasking functions can be switched by altering the excitation conditions, and their performance can be regulated through multipath controls, such as the temperature, voltage, and polarization status. Our design provides an effective strategy for multipath-controlled multitasking integrated devices in the THz band.
Longitudinal polarization manipulation based on all-dielectric terahertz metasurfaces
Authors: Hu Susu , Wei Li , Long Yan , Huang Shaoqi , Dai Bo , Qiu Liang , Zhuang Songlin , Zhang Dawei
Published: January 2024

Polarization modulation of electromagnetic waves plays an important role in the field of optics and optoelectronics. Current polarization optics are typically limited to the modulation in a single transverse plane. However, manipulating polarization along the longitudinal direction is also important for full-space polarization modulation. Here, we propose two kinds of all-dielectric terahertz metasurfaces for longitudinally spatial polarization manipulation. The metasurfaces are capable of controlling polarization along the propagation path, namely: i) a longitudinal bifocal metalens with different polarization states at each focal point, and ii) a versatile metalens can simultaneously generate a uniformly polarized focused beam and a vector beam with varying polarization along the propagation path. Furthermore, the measurement of the dielectric thickness is demonstrated based on the polarization modulation feature of the metalens. The proposed metasurfaces allow for effective polarization state alteration along the propagation path, exhibiting significant potential for applications in versatile light–matter interactions, optical communications, and quantum optics.
Intracavity spatially modulated metasurfaces for a wavelength-tunable figure-9 vortex fiber laser
Authors: Wang Chuanshuo , Gui Lili , Mei Xianglong , Chen Hao , Ding Fei , Meng Chao , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I. , Xu Kun
Published: January 2024

Intracavity optical metasurfaces with compact and flexible light manipulation capabilities, effectively enrich the implementation of miniaturized and user-friendly orbital angular momentum (OAM) laser sources. Here we demonstrate a wavelength-tunable figure-9 Yb-doped vortex fiber laser solely with standard non-polarization-maintaining single-mode fibers, which utilizes a gap-surface plasmon (GSP) metasurface as the intracavity mode regulation component to generate OAM beams, extending the avenues and related applications for cost-effective OAM laser sources. Gained by the broadband operation range of the metasurface, the figure-9 fiber laser could emit OAM light with center wavelength tunable from 1020 nm to 1060 nm and of high mode purity (about 90%). OAM beams with different topological charges such as l = ±1 have been obtained by changing the metasurface design. The proposed fiber laser with the intracavity GSP metasurface provides a reliable and customized output of OAM beams at the laser source, holding great promise for a wide range of applications in optical communications, sensing, and super-resolution imaging.
High-efficiency narrow-bandwidth KTP optical parametric oscillator for kHz–MHz planar laser-induced fluorescence
Authors: Webb Austin M. , Crabtree Christopher Q. , Athmanathan Venkat , Meyer Terrence R. , Kearney Sean P. , Slipchenko Mikhail N.
Published: January 2024

The electronic excitation of key combustion species or flow tagging of chemical species requires a narrowband tunable UV source. In this work, a potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) burst-mode optical parametric oscillator (OPO) pumped by a 532 nm laser is developed to generate a spectrally narrow signal and an idler output with 1.48 ± 0.19 cm−1 bandwidth without the need for injection seeding. The idler (1410–1550 nm range) is further mixed with 355 or 266 nm to generate 284 or 226 nm for OH or NO planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF), respectively, with up to 1.9% conversion efficiency from 1064 nm to the UV. MHz-rate burst profiles are reported, and OH and NO PLIF are demonstrated in a rotating detonation combustor at rates up to 200 kHz.
Applying the principles for digital development to improve maternal and child health in the Peri-urban areas of Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmer Hareem , Farooqui Kinza , Jivani Karim , Adamjee Rehan , Hoodbhoy Zahra
Published: January 2024

Low- middle-income countries, including Pakistan, are facing significant obstacles in their efforts to achieve the global targets for maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) defined by the Sustainable Development Goals. Barriers at the individual, health system, and contextual levels undermine healthcare access for pregnant women and children, disproportionately affecting those in low-resource settings. To address these challenges in the high-mortality, peri-urban areas of Karachi, VITAL Pakistan Trust and Aga Khan University launched a digital health intervention (DHI) to stimulate demand for health services and streamline care management for health workers at the primary care level. In this case study, we present a narrative review of the design, development, and deployment of the DHI, an Android-based application, in accordance with the Principles for Digital Development. We draw on the initial experience with implementation to reflect on how each of the nine Principles was considered during different phases of the project lifecycle, focusing on the lessons learned and challenges encountered during this process. By engaging with end-users and understanding the community, we were able to map existing relationships and workflows onto a digital platform to address major challenges hindering service delivery. Leveraging insights from field observations and user feedback, we collaborated with experts in healthcare and technology to develop the DHI, which has now scaled to 44 peri-urban settlements in Karachi. Our experience underscores the value of substantiated frameworks like the Principles. However, on-ground challenges reveal important caveats requiring further assessment. These include building community trust in new digital systems and ensuring the ethical use of health data, particularly in low digital and data literacy contexts. Based on this understanding, we share recommendations for conditions central to the effective integration and uptake of technology in healthcare, specifically within the context of digital health for MNCH.
Comparative transcriptomics reveal differential gene expression among Plasmodium vivax geographical isolates and implications on erythrocyte invasion mechanisms
Authors: Kepple Daniel , Ford Colby T. , Williams Jonathan , Abagero Beka , Li Shaoyu , Popovici Jean , Yewhalaw Delenasaw , Lo Eugenia
Published: January 2024

The documentation of Plasmodium vivax malaria across Africa especially in regions where Duffy negatives are dominant suggests possibly alternative erythrocyte invasion mechanisms. While the transcriptomes of the Southeast Asian and South American P. vivax are well documented, the gene expression profile of P. vivax in Africa is unclear. In this study, we examined the expression of 4,404 gene transcripts belong to 12 functional groups and 43 erythrocyte binding gene candidates in Ethiopian isolates and compared them with the Cambodian and Brazilian P. vivax transcriptomes. Overall, there were 10–26% differences in the gene expression profile amongst geographical isolates, with the Ethiopian and Cambodian P. vivax being most similar. Majority of the gene transcripts involved in protein transportation, housekeeping, and host interaction were highly transcribed in the Ethiopian isolates. Members of the reticulocyte binding protein PvRBP2a and PvRBP3 expressed six-fold higher than Duffy binding protein PvDBP1 and 60-fold higher than PvEBP/DBP2 in the Ethiopian isolates. Other genes including PvMSP3.8, PvMSP3.9, PvTRAG2, PvTRAG14, and PvTRAG22 also showed relatively high expression. Differential expression patterns were observed among geographical isolates, e.g., PvDBP1 and PvEBP/DBP2 were highly expressed in the Cambodian but not the Brazilian and Ethiopian isolates, whereas PvRBP2a and PvRBP2b showed higher expression in the Ethiopian and Cambodian than the Brazilian isolates. Compared to Pvs25, gametocyte genes including PvAP2-G, PvGAP (female gametocytes), and Pvs47 (male gametocytes) were highly expressed across geographical samples.
External evaluation of the Dynamic Criticality Index: A machine learning model to predict future need for ICU care in hospitalized pediatric patients
Authors: Patel Anita K. , Trujillo-Rivera Eduardo , Chamberlain James M. , Morizono Hiroki , Pollack Murray M.
Published: January 2024

Objective

To assess the single site performance of the Dynamic Criticality Index (CI-D) models developed from a multi-institutional database to predict future care. Secondarily, to assess future care-location predictions in a single institution when CI-D models are re-developed using single-site data with identical variables and modeling methods. Four CI-D models were assessed for predicting care locations >6–12 hours, >12–18 hours, >18–24 hours, and >24–30 hours in the future.

Design

Prognostic study comparing multi-institutional CI-D models’ performance in a single-site electronic health record dataset to an institution-specific CI-D model developed using identical variables and modelling methods. The institution did not participate in the multi-institutional dataset.

Participants

All pediatric inpatients admitted from January 1st 2018 –February 29th 2020 through the emergency department.

Main outcome(s) and measure(s)

The main outcome was inpatient care in routine or ICU care locations.

Results

A total of 29,037 pediatric hospital admissions were included, with 5,563 (19.2%) admitted directly to the ICU, 869 (3.0%) transferred from routine to ICU care, and 5,023 (17.3%) transferred from ICU to routine care. Patients had a median [IQR] age 68 months (15–157), 47.5% were female and 43.4% were black. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for the multi-institutional CI-D models applied to a single-site test dataset was 0.493–0.545 and area under the precision-recall curve (AUPRC) was 0.262–0.299. The single-site CI-D models applied to an independent single-site test dataset had an AUROC 0.906–0.944 and AUPRC range from 0.754–0.824. Accuracy at 0.95 sensitivity for those transferred from routine to ICU care was 72.6%-81.0%. Accuracy at 0.95 specificity was 58.2%-76.4% for patients who transferred from ICU to routine care.

Conclusion and relevance

Models developed from multi-institutional datasets and intended for application to individual institutions should be assessed locally and may benefit from re-development with site-specific data prior to deployment.
Prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenia among older adults in a post-acute hospital in Singapore
Authors: Tan You Mei Charmaine , Seah Si Ying Sharna , Yanshan Doris Lim , Koh Siew Van , Karthikeyan Ganeshan , Xia Jiawen Olivia , Low Xuan Lin , Quek Hui Yi , Ong Shuyi Andrea , Low Lian Leng , Aw Junjie
Published: January 2024

Background

Sarcopenia is common in older adults worldwide, but its prevalence varies widely owing to differences in diagnostic criteria, population sampled, and care setting. We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with sarcopenia in patients aged 65 and above admitted to a post-acute hospital in Singapore.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study of 400 patients recruited from a community hospital in Singapore. Data including socio-demographics, physical activity, nutritional status, cognition, clinical and functional status, as well as anthropometric measurements were collected. Sarcopenia was defined using the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia 2019 criteria [AWGS2019].

Results

Of the 383 patients with complete datasets, overall prevalence of sarcopenia was 54% while prevalence of severe sarcopenia was 38.9%. Participants with increased age, male gender and a low physical activity level were more likely to be sarcopenic, while those with higher hip circumference and higher BMI of ≥27.5m/kg2 were less likely to be sarcopenic. Other than the above-mentioned variables, cognitive impairment was also associated with severe sarcopenia.

Conclusions

More than 1 in 2 older adults admitted to a post-acute hospital in Singapore are sarcopenic. There is an urgent need to address this important clinical syndrome burden and to identify patients at risk of sarcopenia in post-acute settings in Singapore for early intervention.
Saengmaeksan, a traditional polyherbal formulation containing Panax ginseng, improves energy metabolism during exercise
Authors: Baek Suji , Kim Jisu , Nam Myung Hee , Park Sun Mi , Lee Tae Sup , Kang Seo Young , Kim Ji-Young , Yoon Hai-Jeon , Kwon Seung Hae , Park Jonghoon , Lee Sang Ju , Oh Seung Jun , Lim Kiwon , Kim Bom Sahn , Lee Kang Pa , Moon Byung Seok
Published: January 2024

Saengmaeksan (SMS), a representative oriental medicine that containsPanax ginsengMeyer,Liriope muscari, andSchisandra chinensis(1:2:1), is used to improve body vitality and enhance physical activity. However, there is limited scientific evidence to validate the benefits of SMS. Here, we investigated the in vitro and in vivo regulatory effects of SMS and its constituents on energy metabolism and the underlying molecular mechanisms. For this, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, 3D holotomographic microscopy, western blotting, and glucose uptake experiments using18F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) were performed using L6 cells to investigate in vitro energy metabolism changes. In addition,18F-fluorocholine (18F-FCH) and18F-FDG positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) analyses, immunohistochemistry, and respiratory gas analysis were performed in mice post-endurance exercise on a treadmill. In the energy metabolism of L6 cells, a significant reversal in glucose uptake was observed in the SMS-treated group, as opposed to an increase in uptake over time compared to the untreated control group. Furthermore,P.ginsengalone and SMS significantly decreased the volume of lipid droplets. SMS also regulated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), phosphorylation of p38, mitochondrial morphology, and the expression of apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1/redox factor-1 (APE/Ref-1) in H2O2-stimulated L6 cells. In addition, SMS treatment was found to regulate whole body and muscle energy metabolism in rats subjected to high-intensity exercise, as well as glucose and lipid metabolism in skeletal muscle. Therefore, SMS containingP.ginsengameliorated imbalanced energy metabolism through oxidative stress-induced APE/Ref-1 expression. SMS may be a promising supplemental option for metabolic performance.
Metabolomics responses and tolerance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa under acoustic vibration stress
Authors: Vinayavekhin Nawaporn , Wattanophas Thanyaporn , Murphy Mark Francis , Vangnai Alisa S. , Hobbs Glyn
Published: January 2024

Sound has been shown to impact microbial behaviors. However, our understanding of the chemical and molecular mechanisms underlying these microbial responses to acoustic vibration is limited. In this study, we used untargeted metabolomics analysis to investigate the effects of 100-Hz acoustic vibration on the intra- and extracellular hydrophobic metabolites of P. aeruginosa PAO1. Our findings revealed increased levels of fatty acids and their derivatives, quinolones, and N-acylethanolamines upon sound exposure, while rhamnolipids (RLs) showed decreased levels. Further quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction experiments showed slight downregulation of the rhlA gene (1.3-fold) and upregulation of fabY (1.5-fold), fadE (1.7-fold), and pqsA (1.4-fold) genes, which are associated with RL, fatty acid, and quinolone biosynthesis. However, no alterations in the genes related to the rpoS regulators or quorum-sensing networks were observed. Supplementing sodium oleate to P. aeruginosa cultures to simulate the effects of sound resulted in increased tolerance of P. aeruginosa in the presence of sound at 48 h, suggesting a potential novel response-tolerance correlation. In contrast, adding RL, which went against the response direction, did not affect its growth. Overall, these findings provide potential implications for the control and manipulation of virulence and bacterial characteristics for medical and industrial applications.