bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Residual Nonretroperitoneal Disease in Postchemotherapy Nonseminomatous Germ-Cell Tumors
Authors: King Jennifer M. , Cheng Michael , Kesler Kenneth , Ashkar Ryan , Althouse Sandra K. , Hanna Nasser H. , Einhorn Lawrence H. , Adra Nabil
Published: February 2023

PURPOSE

The majority of patients with advanced nonseminomatous germ-cell tumor are cured with combination chemotherapy and surgical resection of residual disease when appropriate. In patients with both retroperitoneal (RP) and non-RP postchemotherapy residual disease, management of the non-RP disease is typically guided by pathologic findings at the time of RP resection. There are limited data to help guide management decisions in patients with non-RP postchemotherapy residual disease alone.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The prospectively maintained Indiana University testicular cancer database was queried for patients with metastatic nonseminomatous germ-cell tumor treated between 1990 and 2021 who had residual non-RP disease in the absence of residual RP disease after completing either first-line or salvage chemotherapy.

RESULTS

One hundred twenty-nine patients met eligibility and were included in this analysis. Seventy-five patients had teratoma in the primary tumor site, while 54 did not. Of those with teratoma in the primary, 55% had at least one postchemotherapy non-RP surgical specimen with teratomatous elements compared with 17% of those without teratoma in the primary ( P < .001). Of those without teratoma in the primary site, 56% had at least one postchemotherapy non-RP surgical specimen with active germ-cell tumor compared with 31% of those with teratoma in the primary ( P = .0046).

CONCLUSION

The presence of teratoma in the primary tumor site is associated with a higher rate of teratoma in postchemotherapy residual non-RP disease. Patients without teratoma in the primary tumor should still be considered for resection of residual postchemotherapy disease that could harbor teratoma or active germ-cell tumor.
Η κατάρτιση των μαθητών στις δομές της Δευτεροβάθμιας Ειδικής Επαγγελματικής Εκπαίδευσης
Authors: Νικολιδάκης Συμεών
Published: February 2023

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή, μελετά λειτουργικές δομές, συστήματα, μορφές εκπαίδευσης και κατάρτισης μαθητών/τριών στις δομές της Δευτεροβάθμιας Ειδικής Επαγγελματικής Εκπαίδευσης (Ενιαία Ειδικά Επαγγελματικά Γυμνάσια - Λύκεια). Οι ιδιαίτερες θεματικές διερευνώνται στο σύνολο των εν λόγω σχολείων του Νομού Αττικής. Εξετάζονται οι απόψεις των διαφορετικών εκπαιδευτικών κατηγοριών, που στελεχώνουν τα ΕΝ.Ε.Ε.ΓΥ-Λ. Εφαρμόζονται πολυθεματικές και πολυπρισματικές μέθοδοι έρευνας, προκειμένου να προσδιορισθούν θέματα οργάνωσης, λειτουργικότητας και προοπτικής των ΕΝ.Ε.Ε.ΓΥ-Λ. στην εκπαίδευση – κατάρτιση των ατόμων με αναπηρία, διότι η εκπαίδευσή τους εντάσσεται στην πολιτική των δικαιωμάτων τους. Τα ερευνητικά δεδομένα, μέσω μιας ποσοτικής και ποιοτικής προσέγγισης, καθώς και η μελέτη της σχετικής ελληνόγλωσσης και ξενόγλωσσης βιβλιογραφίας αποσκοπούν στην ανάλυση και κατανόηση της συγκεκριμένης σχολικής πραγματικότητας. Ανακεφαλαιώνοντας, επικεντρωνόμαστε στην εφαρμογή της πολιτικής που αφορά στην Δευτεροβάθμια Ειδική Επαγγελματική Εκπαίδευση των ατόμων με αναπηρία, καθώς και στη μελέτη των δομών που διαμορφώνονται στο εκπαιδευτικό περιβάλλον, διότι, δομές και λειτουργίες σχετίζονται με την κοινωνικό-επαγγελματική ένταξη μαθητών/τριών με αναπηρία και θεωρητικά επιδιώκεται η ανατροπή στερεοτυπικών ρόλων αναφορικά με την κοινωνική κατασκευή της αναπηρίας.
Απόψεις εκπαιδευτικών της περιφέρειας Ηπείρου για τη συμβολή του μουσείου στη διδασκαλία των φυσικών επιστημών.
Authors: Κορνελάκη Αθηνά - Χριστίνα , Πλακίτση Κατερίνα
Published: February 2023

Η εργασία αποτελεί μέρος ευρύτερης έρευνας που αποσκοπεί στη συνέργεια της τυπικής με τη μη τυπική εκπαίδευση στο πλαίσιο της διδασκαλίας των φυσικών επιστημών. Μεθοδολογικό πλαίσιο της έρευνας είναι η επεκτατική μάθηση, ακολουθώντας τις φάσεις του επεκτατικού κύκλου. Η παρούσα εργασία στοχεύει στην ανάλυση της κατάστασης (δεύτερη φάση επεκτατικού κύκλου) που προηγείται του σχεδιασμού επιμορφωτικού σεμιναρίου για τους εκπαιδευτικούς (τρίτη φάση επεκτατικού κύκλου). Αποτελεί εμπειρική έρευνα που ακολουθεί τη μικτή προσέγγιση συλλέγοντας και αναλύοντας τόσο ποσοτικά όσο και ποιοτικά δεδομένα. Πιο συγκεκριμένα, αξιοποιεί ερωτηματολόγιο (n=149) και ημι-δομημένες συνεντεύξεις μιας ομάδας των εκπαιδευτικών (n=9). Τα ερευνητικά ερωτήματα της εργασίας αφορούν 1) τις απόψεις των εν ενεργεία εκπαιδευτικών πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης της περιφέρειας Ηπείρου για τη συμβολή των μουσείων γενικού ενδιαφέροντος στη διδασκαλία των φυσικών επιστημών και 2) τις αντιφάσεις που βιώνουν οι εκπαιδευτικοί στο πλαίσιο της υφιστάμενης κατάστασης στη σχέση σχολείου και μουσείου σε μια κοινωνικο-πολιτισμική προοπτική. Παρά τις δυσκολίες που παρουσιάζονται από τους εκπαιδευτικούς και εκδηλώνονται ως αντιφάσεις, οι εμπλεκόμενοι εκπαιδευτικοί αντιλαμβάνονται τη σημασία της μη τυπικής εκπαίδευσης και εκφράζουν την πρόθεση είτε να συμμετάσχουν είτε να σχεδιάσουν οι ίδιοι και να εφαρμόσουν εκπαιδευτικά προγράμματα φυσικών επιστημών σε μουσεία γενικού ενδιαφέροντος.
Dementia research in Ireland: What should we prioritise?
Authors: Rogan Carol , Rock Bernadette , Begley Emer , Boland Barry , Brazil Kevin , Diaz-Orueta Unai , Donnelly Sarah , Foley Michael , Foley Tony , Hannigan Caoimhe , Hopper Louise , Keogh Fiona , Lawlor Brian , Leroi Iracema , O'Neill Cora , O'Philbin Laura , Pertl Maria , Trépel Dominic , Kennelly Seán
Published: February 2023

Background: Dementia research prioritisation allows for the systematic allocation of investment in dementia research by governments, funding agencies and the private sector. There is currently a lack of information available in Ireland regarding priority areas for dementia research. To address this gap, a dementia research prioritisation exercise was undertaken, consisting of an online survey of professionals in the dementia field and workshops for people living with dementia and family carers.

Methods: (1) An anonymous online survey of professionals, based on an existing WHO global survey: The global survey was adapted to an Irish context and participants were asked to score 65 thematic research avenues under 5 criteria; (2) A mixed-methods exercise for people living with dementia and family carers: This involved two facilitated workshops where participants voted on the research themes they felt were important to them and should be addressed through research.

Results: Eight of the top ten research priorities in the survey of professionals (n=108) were focused on the delivery and quality of care and services for people with dementia and carers. Other research avenues ranked in the top ten focused on themes of timely and accurate diagnosis of dementia in primary health-care practices and diversifying therapeutic approaches in clinical trials. Participants in the workshops (n=13) ranked ‘better drugs and treatment for people with dementia’, ‘dementia prevention/ risk reduction’ and ‘care for people with dementia and carers’ as their top priority areas.

Conclusions: Findings from this prioritisation exercise will inform and motivate policymakers, funders, and researchers to support and conduct research to address the burden of dementia and ensure that the limited resources made available are spent on research that has the most impact for those who will benefit from and use the results of research.
The genome sequence of the Birch Marble, Apotomis betuletana (Haworth, 1811)
Authors: Boyes Douglas ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Mulley John F. ,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Apotomis betuletana (the Birch Marble; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Tortricidae). The genome sequence is 684 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 28 chromosomal pseudomolecules with the Z sex chromosome assembled. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.8 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 21,717 protein coding genes.
Ryszarda ze św. Wiktora „O przedmiocie pisma światowego i boskiego” („Liber exceptionum”, cz. I, ks. II). Wstęp, przekład, komentarz
Authors: Libowski Łukasz
Published: February 2023

W niniejszym artykule czytelnik polski znajdzie tłumaczenie kolejnej, początkowej części ważnej – bo stanowiącej dzieło programowe – pracy Ryszarda ze św. Wiktora († 1173), jednego z czołowych przedstawicieli szkoły działającej w stuleciu XII w opactwie św. Wiktora pod Paryżem: mianowicie tłumaczenie drugiej księgi z pierwszej części jego powstałego między 1153 a 1162 r. podręcznika pt. Liber exceptionum. Przekład opatrzony został krótkim wstępem oraz komentarzami. Tekst, któremu publikacja niniejsza jest poświęcona, nazwać można bardzo krótkim kursem wiktoryńskiej biblistyki.
Central Serous Chorioretinopathy or a stressful lifestyle predisposes to the disease? - review of the current literature
Authors: Dybała Ewelina , Dybała-Przygrodzka Izabela , Cuber Iwona , Mazurek Magdalena , Białowąs Edyta , Aghadi Artur
Published: February 2023

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a disease characterized by serous detachment of the neurosensory retina in the macular area, caused by increased choroidal vascular permeability. The disease is more common in young and middle-aged men (20-50 years old), it has been shown to be highly correlated with an increased level of stress in patients. Other risk factors for the central serous chorioretinopathy are: type A personality (ambitious, nervous and emotional people), use of steroids, Cushing’s syndrome, helicobacter pylori infection, gastroesophageal reflux, hypertension, sleep apnea. The disease leads to visual impairment: metamorphopsia, blurred vision, color vision impairment, impaired contrast and vision in the dark. CSCR diagnostics include funduscopic examination of the eye through the Volk lens revealing focus of circular retinal elevation, optical coherence tomography (OCT), which is a quick and non-invasive test that allows the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease. In the past, the diagnosis was based on fluorescein angiography, the dye spilling out fills the detachment space, revealing the leak center. In most cases the shunt stops spontaneously and spontaneous resorption of the subretinal fluid occurs without the need for treatment. The chronic form of CSCR ongoing more than 4 months requires initiation of therapeutic procedures. The first- line treatment is laser therapy. Micropulse laser therapy of the retina stimulates the pigment epithelium to produce anti-angiogenic factors and inhibit the inflammatory process, as a consequence, the resorption of the subretinal fluid occurs with minimal damage to the retina.
Guía digital interactiva de patología dental: operatoria y endodoncia
Authors: Ábalos Labruzzi Camilo , Bonilla Represa Victoria , Guerrero Belizón Elena , Herrera Martínez Manuela
Published: February 2023

En esta guía digital se abordan los conceptos y técnicas básicos que se engloban dentro de la Patología y Terapéutica Dental, una de las ramas principales de la formación odontológica. Está concebida como una herramienta útil, tanto para los alumnos de grado y postgrado como para los recién egresados. Se ha incluido en ella numeroso material iconográfico recopilado por profesores de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad de Sevilla; asimismo, el lector tendrá acceso, a través de los enlaces facilitados, a vídeos didácticos elaborados por el mismo profesorado en colaboración con el Servicio de Recursos Audiovisuales y Nuevas Tecnologías (SAV) de la propia institución y a materiales que ilustran de forma visual las secuencias de trabajo descritas en la exposición teórica. Se trata de una guía digital breve y completa, de fácil uso, concebida como libro de apoyo para abordar técnicas sencillas y habituales en el tratamiento de patologías tan frecuentes en la población como son la caries, patologías pulpares y periapicales, fracturas dentales o alteraciones del color dentario, entre otras.
«La llorona»: canción, leyenda y poesía. Un modelo didáctico para trabajar el discurso lírico en la educación secundaria.
Authors: Luján Atienza Ángel Luis
Published: February 2023

El trabajo se presenta como un modelo didáctico para mejorar la comprensión de la poesía en Educación Secundaria a partir del análisis de letras de canciones como textos líricos. Para ello se ha elegido la canción de «La Llorona» en diversas versiones interpretadas por artistas del gusto del público adolescente, y se propone su análisis a través de actividades en torno a cuatro dimensiones del texto poético: su transmisión, su simbología, su forma y sus implicaciones ideológicas.
Poesía y música: aportaciones a la educación literaria y a la didáctica de la poesía.
Authors: Regueiro Salgado Begoña
Published: February 2023

Muchos estudios han constatado que los adolescentes tienden a apartarse de la poesía a partir de determinada edad, probablemente debido a las deficiencias del profesorado a la hora de transmitirla. De igual modo, se ha estudiado la cercanía de este grupo de edad a la música, así como las razones sociales y afectivas que los llevan a ello, y los beneficios que la música aporta. A partir de estos datos, este artículo revisa la relación entre la poesía y la música y presenta un estudio realizado entre estudiantes de cuarto grado de Maestro en Educación Infantil en el que se confirma que las versiones musicalizadas de los poemas gustan más, emocionan más y facilitan la comprensión de textos complejos como los de Lorca. A partir de esto se propone la utilización de estas versiones para vencer las reticencias del público joven hacia la poesía.
BENEFÍCIOS DA ATIVIDADE FÍSICA EM PESSOAS COM TRANSTORNOS MENTAIS
Authors: Roeder Maika Arno
Published: February 2023

Saúde e doença mental são processos particulares de expressão das condições de vida e do estilo de vida de uma sociedade, representando as diferentes qualidades do processo vital e as diferentes competências para enfrentar desafios, agressões, conflitos e mudanças, numa dupla e contraditória natureza: biológica e psicológica. Fatores biológicos, psicológicos e sociais, aliados à predisposição genéti­ca, são agentes causadores das doenças mentais. Qualidade de vida no contexto da saúde mental, significa algo mais do que a melhora dos sintomas. Consiste na estruturação de um conjunto de fatores necessários, como resgate das habilidades sociais, moradia, trabalho, educação, apoio comunitário, lazer e bem estar psicoló­gico. A medicina e as ciências do movimento vem aperfeiçoando-se na experi­mentação da atividade física, como procedimento eficaz tanto na prevenção quanto no tratamento e reabilitação das pessoas com transtornos mentais. A participação em um programa de exercício regular é uma modalidade de intervenção efetiva para reduzir e prevenir um número de declínios funcionais associados à doença. Quanto aos fatores psicológicos, os maiores benefícios citados na literatura incluem aumen­to da auto estima, da percepção de controle, da eficácia e da percepção da imagem corporal, combate ao distress e redução de estados de depressão e ansiedade.
From the Boardroom: Making Purpose Research Relevant for Practice
Authors: Durand Rodolphe
Published: February 2023

This paper reflects on the burgeoning yet fragmented research on corporate purpose. Drawing on three actual situations I experienced, I point to three challenges of purpose research that require our scholarly attention to produce research relevant for practice: purpose justification, implementation, and evaluation.

History: This paper has been accepted for the Strategy Science Special Issue on Corporate Purpose.
Forging connections across the generations
Authors: Goldsmith Sue
Published: February 2023

Do you have something to share, reflect on or provoke thinking around? Write to the editor: caroline.voogd@markallengroup.com
Come and crawl to the Ugly Bug Ball
Authors: Blant Jane
Published: February 2023

There has been a lot of concern around increasing sedentary behaviour in children. Jane Blant shares how her setting planned an event to encourage physical activity in children and improve awareness among parents and carers.
Rotational play
Authors: Grimmer Tamsin
Published: February 2023

Our lives are surrounded by circular movement and round objects. Tamsin Grimmer looks at children and babies' fascination with objects that spin or roll and provides practical advice on how to integrate rotational play in your setting.

Positioning – children show an interest in where things are, positioning items in lines, rows or by size. They may be fascinated with different types of lines (vertical or horizontal) or walk around sand tray edges or balance on walls. Some children may even prefer certain foods not to touch other foods or may be interested in the position of their bodies by lying on floors or under tables.
Broad and balanced? A look at the impact of approved phonic schemes on the curriculum
Authors: Swailes Ruth
Published: February 2023

The government announcement of a validation process for phonics schemes, in 2021, has had a substantial impact on schools. Implementing new schemes has affected budgets and curriculum delivery, Ruth Swailes explains.
Nurturing the early years child – Integrating brain science, childcare and early education
Authors: Bradbury Aaron
Published: February 2023

Nurturing the early years child helps with healthy brain development and supports learning.
The impact on the pregnancy and post-partum experience
Authors: Johnson Louisa
Published: February 2023

Part two of the series by Louisa Johnson investigating the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on families with babies reports on the research of pregnancy experiences and how much support from midwives and health visitors that the participants received.
World Class
Authors: Smith David
Published: February 2023

JCB RETURNS TO ELVINGTON AIRFIELD TO CLAIM THE UNDISPUTED TITLE OF WORLD'S FASTEST TRACTOR
The Silent Revolution
Authors: Poper Jack
Published: February 2023

THE FAMILIAR ROAR OF DIESEL-BASED CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS MAY SOON BE A THING OF THE PAST. VOLVO CE AND MECALAC ARE TWO OF THE OEMS (WITH A FRENCH CONNECTION) WHO ARE LEADING THE WAY IN ELECTRIFICATION OF VEHICLES, WHICH CAN NOW OPERATE WITHOUT POLLUTING THEIR SURROUNDINGS WITH FUMES - OR NOISE
The Best of Both Worlds
Authors: Millard Frank
Published: February 2023

WHILE THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY IS SPEEDING AHEAD WITH HYBRIDISATION OPTIONS IN VIRTUALLY EVERY SEGMENT, OFF-HIGHWAY HAS BEEN SLOWER TO ADOPT. BUT NOW, WITH KEY POWERTRAIN MANUFACTURERS DEVELOPING NEW SOLUTIONS, THE DAYS OF PURE DIESEL REALLY COULD BE NUMBERED
Charging Ahead
Authors: Poper Jack
Published: February 2023

JCB HAVE BROUGHT NOT ONE BUT TWO BATTERY POWERED MACHINES INTO FULL PRODUCTION
Agri Electrica
Authors: Rickatson Martin
Published: February 2023

THE AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT SECTOR IS FORGING AHEAD WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF ELECTRIC POWER FOR TRACTORS AND MATERIAL HANDLERS. IS WIDESPREAD ADOPTION IMMINENT?
Mission Autonomous
Authors: Coppinger Rob
Published: February 2023

Simulation and repeated real-world testing of hardware and software is necessary for the reliability that is demanded of increasingly autonomous systems
Exceeding expectations
Authors: Eden Paul E
Published: February 2023

The F-35 Integrated Test Force's seven weeks aboard HMS Queen Elizabeth has proved compatibility between the ship and jet and paves the way for the first operational cruise in 2021
Future proofing
Authors: Sampson Ben
Published: February 2023

GE Aviation has upgraded its testing facilities to deal with the challenges of next-generation engine development
"We’re Coding A Drone?!”
Authors: Bal Irene
Published: February 2023

Drones are purchased for PK-12 schools with little thought to how they can be used to support learning (Carnahan et al., 2016). This activity introduces drones and coding to PK-12 teachers through a social constructivist design. Employed in an online setting, teachers can be exposed to coding and drones without individual access to the hardware to consider how drones could be used in their classrooms. During the activity, learners are introduced to block coding and code a drone flight which is then flown and videotaped by the instructor. Learners then view and reflect on their drone flights and discuss integration ideas that directly support their classroom and content.
Mid- to late-term follow-up of primary hip and knee arthroplasty: the UK SAFE evidence-based recommendations
Authors: Kingsbury Sarah R. , Smith Lindsay K. K. , Pinedo-Villanueva Rafael , Judge Andrew , West Robert , Wright Judy M. , Stone Martin H. , Conaghan Philip G.
Published: February 2023

Aims

To review the evidence and reach consensus on recommendations for follow-up after total hip and knee arthroplasty.

Methods

A programme of work was conducted, including: a systematic review of the clinical and cost-effectiveness literature; analysis of routine national datasets to identify pre-, peri-, and postoperative predictors of mid-to-late term revision; prospective data analyses from 560 patients to understand how patients present for revision surgery; qualitative interviews with NHS managers and orthopaedic surgeons; and health economic modelling. Finally, a consensus meeting considered all the work and agreed the final recommendations and research areas.

Results

The UK poSt Arthroplasty Follow-up rEcommendations (UK SAFE) recommendations apply to post-primary hip and knee arthroplasty follow-up. The ten-year time point is based on a lack of robust evidence beyond ten years. The term 'complex cases' refers to individual patient and surgical factors that may increase the risk for arthroplasty failure. For Orthopaedic Data Evaluation Panel (ODEP) 10A* minimum implants, it is safe to disinvest in routine follow-up from one to years post-non-complex hip and knee arthroplasty provided there is rapid access to orthopaedic review. For ODEP 10A* minimum implants in complex cases, or non-ODEP 10A* minimum implants, periodic follow-up post-hip and knee arthroplasty may be required from one to ten years. At ten years post-hip and knee arthroplasty, clinical and radiological evaluation is recommended. After ten years post-hip and knee arthroplasty, frequency of further follow-up should be based on the ten-year assessment; ongoing rapid access to orthopaedic review is still required.

Conclusion

Complex cases, implants not meeting the ODEP 10A* criteria, and follow-up after revision surgery are not covered by this recommendation.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(2):72–78.
sPhaseStation: a whole slide quantitative phase imaging system based on dual-view transport of intensity phase microscopy
Authors: Zhu Lin , Xiao Zhibo , Chen Chao , Sun Aihui , He Xiaoliang , Jiang Zhilong , Kong Yan , Xue Liang , Liu Cheng , Wang Shouyu
Published: February 2023

Whole slide imaging scans a microscope slide into a high-resolution digital image, and it paves the way from pathology to digital diagnostics. However, most of them rely on bright-field and fluorescence imaging with sample labels. In this work, we designed sPhaseStation, which is a dual-view transport of intensity phase microscopy-based whole slide quantitative phase imaging system for label-free samples. sPhaseStation relies on a compact microscopic system with two imaging recorders that can capture both under and over-focus images. Combined with the field of view (FoV) scan, a series of these defocus images in different FoVs can be captured and stitched into two FoV-extended under and over-focus ones, which are used for phase retrieval via solving the transport of intensity equation. Using a 10× micro-objective, sPhaseStation reaches the spatial resolution of 2.19 µm and obtains the phase with high accuracy. Additionally, it acquires a whole slide image of a 3mm×3mm region in 2 min. The reported sPhaseStation could be a prototype of the whole slide quantitative phase imaging device, which may provide a new perspective for digital pathology.
Photonic metamaterial with a subwavelength electrode pattern
Authors: Croes Guillaume , Puybaret Renaud , Bogdanowicz Janusz , Celano Umberto , Gehlhaar Robert , Genoe Jan
Published: February 2023

The next generation of tunable photonics requires highly conductive and light inert interconnects that enable fast switching of phase, amplitude, and polarization modulators without reducing their efficiency. As such, metallic electrodes should be avoided, as they introduce significant parasitic losses. Transparent conductive oxides, on the other hand, offer reduced absorption due to their high bandgap and good conductivity due to their relatively high carrier concentration. Here, we present a metamaterial that enables electrodes to be in contact with the light active part of optoelectronic devices without the accompanying metallic losses and scattering. To this end, we use transparent conductive oxides and refractive index matched dielectrics as the metamaterial constituents. We present the metamaterial construction together with various characterization techniques that confirm the desired optical and electrical properties.
Turbulence video simulation using the spatiotemporal cross correlation of distortion fields
Authors: Maor Or , Yitzhaky Yitzhak
Published: February 2023

Previous simulations of atmospheric turbulence in videos are computationally complex. The purpose of this study is to develop an efficient algorithm for simulating spatiotemporal videos affected by atmospheric turbulence, given a static image. We extend an existing method for the simulation of atmospheric turbulence in a single image by incorporating turbulence properties in the time domain and the blurring effect. We accomplish this through analysis of the correlation between turbulence image distortions in time and in space. The significance of this method is the ease with which it will be possible to produce a simulation, given properties of the turbulence (including turbulence strength, object distance, and height). We apply the simulation to low and high frame rate videos, and we show that the spatiotemporal cross correlation of the distortion fields in the simulated video matches the physical spatiotemporal cross correlation function. Such a simulation can be useful when developing algorithms that apply to videos degraded by atmospheric turbulence and require a large amount of imaging data for training.
Nanosized indium selenide saturable absorber for multiple solitons operation in Er3+-doped fiber laser
Authors: Fan Weiyu , Han Yunao , Chen Si , Sun Shuo , Zhao Xiaoyu , Bai Caixun , Wang Guomei , Lu Cheng , Zhang Wenfei , Fu Shenggui , Zhang Huanian
Published: February 2023

With the advances in the field of ultrafast photonics occurring so fast, the demand for optical modulation devices with high performance and soliton lasers which can realize the evolution of multiple soliton pulses is gradually increasing. Nevertheless, saturable absorbers (SAs) with appropriate parameters and pulsed fiber lasers which can output abundant mode-locking states still need to be further explored. Due to the special band gap energy values of few-layer indium selenide (InSe) nanosheets, we have prepared a SA based on InSe on a microfiber by optical deposition. In addition, we demonstrate that our prepared SA possesses a modulation depth and saturable absorption intensity about 6.87% and 15.83 MW/cm2, respectively. Then, multiple soliton states are obtained by dispersion management techniques, including regular solitons, and second-order harmonic mode-locking solitons. Meanwhile, we have obtained multi-pulse bound state solitons. We also provide theoretical basis for the existence of these solitons. The results of the experiment show that the InSe has the potential to be an excellent optical modulator because of its excellent saturable absorption properties. This work also is important for improving the understanding and knowledge of InSe and the output performance of fiber lasers.
High-contrast optical bistability using a subwavelength epsilon-near-zero material
Authors: Wang Rui , Hu Futai , Meng Yuan , Gong Mali , Liu Qiang
Published: February 2023

Optical bistability opens up a promising avenue toward various optical nonlinear functions analogous to their electrical counterparts, such as switches, logic gates, and memory. Free-space bistable devices have unique advantages in large-scale integration. However, most proposed free-space schemes for optical bistability have limitations in one or more aspects of low contrast ratio, compromised compatibility, slow switching speed, and bulk size. Epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) materials have recently shown an ultrafast and giant optical nonlinearity within a subwavelength scale, potentially overcoming these obstacles. Using large-mobility indium-doped cadmium oxide (CdO) as the ENZ material, we numerically demonstrate two efficient schemes for high-contrast optical bistability within a deep subwavelength size based on the ENZ mode and the Berreman mode. The ENZ wavelength can be optically tuned with a typical time scale of sub-picoseconds, giving rise to a switchable bistability between the near-zero state and the high-reflection state. Our work contributes to the advances on compact and ultrafast all-optical signal processing.
The utilization of clinical decision support tools to identify neonatal hypothermia and its associated risk factors: A prospective observational study
Authors: Muhindo Mary Kakuru , Bress Joshua , Armas Jean , Danziger Elon , Wu Andrew , Brewster Ryan C. L.
Published: February 2023

Hypothermia (axillary temperature less than 36.5°) is a major source of neonatal morbidity and mortality, with a disproportionate burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. Despite the importance of thermoregulation on newborn outcomes, the global epidemiologic landscape of neonatal hypothermia is poorly characterized. Clinical decision support (CDS) software provides point-of-care recommendations to guide clinical management and may support data capture in settings with limited informatics infrastructure. Towards this end, we conducted a prospective observational study of the NoviGuide, a novel CDS platform for newborn care, at four health facilities in Uganda between September 2022 to May 2021. Data were extracted from clinical information (e.g. axillary temperature, birth weight, gestational age) entered into the NoviGuide by nurses and midwives on newborns within 24 hours of delivery. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression were used to evaluate neonatal temperature profiles and the association between hypothermia and clinical features. Among 1,027 completed assessments, 30.5% of entries had neonatal hypothermia with significant variation across study sites. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, we found that hypothermia was independently associated with pre-term birth (Adjusted Odd’s Ratio [aOR] 2.62, 95% Confidence interval [CI] 1.38–4.98), sepsis/concern for sepsis (aOR 2.73, 95% CI 2.90–3.94), and hypoglycemia/concern for hypoglycemia (aOR 1.78, 95% CI 1.17–2.72). Altogether, neonatal hypothermia was commonly entered into the NoviGuide and associated clinical characteristics aligned with previous studies based on conventional data collection instruments. Our results should be contextualized within unique technical and operational features of CDS tools, including a bias towards acutely ill patients and limited quality control. Nonetheless, this study demonstrates that a CDS used voluntarily by clinicians has the potential to fill key data gaps and drive quality improvement towards reducing neonatal hypothermia in low resource settings.
Qualitative assessment of hand hygiene knowledge, attitudes and practices among healthcare workers prior to the implementation of the WHO Hand Hygiene Improvement Strategy at Faranah Regional Hospital, Guinea
Authors: Douno Moussa , Rocha Carlos , Borchert Matthias , Nabe Ibrahima , Müller Sophie Alice
Published: February 2023

Healthcare-associated infections are a serious burden globally. Few qualitative studies have explored healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices of hand hygiene. Prior to the implementation of the World Health Organization’s Hand Hygiene Improvement Strategy at Faranah Regional Hospital in the Upper Region of Guinea in December 2018, we conducted a qualitative baseline assessment of knowledge, attitudes and practices of hand hygiene among healthcare workers to guide future hand hygiene interventions. The qualitative study consisted of direct observations, In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). We found that the 2013–16 Ebola outbreak had had a pivotal impact on healthcare workers’ knowledge, attitudes and practices. The severity of the disease and the training provided for infection control were responsible for their knowledge acquisition and adoption of good attitudes and practices. However, negligence, resulting in poor hand hygiene practices, rose after the outbreak, once the “cue of fear” that had motivated workers for their own self-protection had waned. Our results suggest that local capacity building through training and availability of hand hygiene materials would be a sustainable approach to enhance hand hygiene culture at the hospital. Our study suggests that there is a need for a high and long-term commitment of authorities and healthcare workers at all levels for a sustainable hand hygiene culture.
Molecular dynamic studies into the comparative optimization of thermo-mechanical characters of nano-composites of Ag and Cu reinforced by Graphene
Authors: Anjam Qaisar , Nasir Nadeem , Cheema Salman , Tanveer Zaighum , Imran Muhammad , Amin Nasir
Published: February 2023

This article fundamentally aims at the comparative study of thermo-mechanical characters of Gr/Ag and Gr/Cu nano-composites. For demonstration purposes, three dimensions that is, (1 0 0), (1 1 0) and (1 1 1), of the metals attached with single layer Graphene sheet are considered. The study is facilitated by the adaptation of the molecular dynamic simulations of the soft LAMMPS to mimic the broad range of experimental environment. The attributes of each structure and their orientations are elaborated over wide range of experimental states, encompassing temperature ranging from 300 K to 1500 K, to assess the melting behavior. The thermal and structural properties are explored by employing mean square displacement (MSD) and radial distribution function (RDF). Furthermore, the mechanical characters are elaborated along both arm-chair and zigzag directions. The findings are supported by producing relevant graphical displays of stress-strain curves and generating extravagant depictions of various dislocations with the application of visual molecular dynamics (VMD) tool. On the basis of intense and careful computational investigations, we witnessed that the Gr/Cu (1 1 1) orientation produced most profound melting characteristics along with distinctive strengthening and fracture mechanism. These outcomes are consistent in comparison of both Gr/Metals layered structures and also with respect to all considered metallic orientations. The findings are discussed thoroughly in a well-structured and synchronized fashion throughout the article.
Rapid quantification assay of hepatitis B virus DNA in human serum and plasma by Fully Automated Genetic Analyzer μTASWako g1
Authors: Watanabe Moto , Toyoda Hidenori , Kawabata Tomohisa
Published: February 2023

Real-time monitoring of serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) levels is essential for the management of patients with chronic HBV infection in clinical practice, including monitoring the resistance of anti-HBV nucleotide analog or the detection of HBV reactivation. In this context, serum HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) quantification should be rapidly measured. A rapid HBV DNA quantification assay was established on the Fully Automated Genetic Analyzer, μTASWako g1. The assay performs automated sample preparation and DNA extraction, followed by the amplification and detection of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with capillary electrophoresis (qPCR-CE) on integrated microfluidic chip. This study aimed to evaluate the analytical and clinical performance of HBV DNA assay on the μTASWako g1 platform in human serum and EDTA-plasma. The HBV DNA assay has a linear quantitative range from 20 to 108 IU/mL of HBV DNA with standard deviation (SD) of ≤0.14 log10 IU/mL. The limits of detection of the assay were 4.18 for the serum and 4.35 for EDTA-plasma. The HBV assay demonstrated the equivalent performance in both human serum and EDTA-plasma matrices. The HBV genotypes A to H were detected with an accuracy of ±0.34 log10 IU/mL. In quantification range, the HBV DNA assay was correlated with Roche cobas AmpliPrep/cobas TaqMan Ver2.0 (CAP/CTM v2) (r = 0.964). The mean difference (μTASWako g1–CAP/CTM v2) of the reported HBV DNA was −0.01 log10 IU/mL. Overall, the sensitivity, accuracy, and precision of the μTASWako g1 HBV assay were comparable to the existing commercial HBV DNA assay, and the assay can be completed within 110 min. This evaluation suggests that the HBV DNA assay on the μTASWako g1 is potentially applied for alternative method of the HBV viral load test, in particular with the advantage of the HBV DNA result availability within 2 h, improving the HBV infection management.
Monitoring of mitochondrial oxygen tension in the operating theatre: An observational study with the novel COMET® monitor
Authors: Harms Floor A. , Streng Lucia W. J. M. , Wefers Bettink Mark A. , de Wijs Calvin J. , Römers Luuk H. , Janse Rineke , Stolker Robert J. , Mik Egbert G.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The newly introduced Cellular Oxygen METabolism (COMET®) monitor enables the measurement of mitochondrial oxygen tension (mitoPO2) using the protoporphyrin IX triplet state lifetime technique (PpIX-TSLT). This study aims to investigate the feasibility and applicability of the COMET® measurements in the operating theatre and study the behavior of the new parameter mitoPO2 during stable operating conditions.

Methods

In this observational study mitochondrial oxygenation was measured in 20 patients during neurosurgical procedures using the COMET® device. Tissue oxygenation and local blood flow were measured by the Oxygen to See (O2C). Primary outcomes included mitoPO2, skin temperature, mean arterial blood pressure, local blood flow and tissue oxygenation.

Results

All patients remained hemodynamically stable during surgery. Mean baseline mitoPO2 was 60 ± 19 mmHg (mean ± SD) and mean mitoPO2 remained between 40–60 mmHg during surgery, but tended to decrease over time in line with increasing skin temperature.

Conclusion

This study presents the feasibility of mitochondrial oxygenation measurements as measured by the COMET® monitor in the operating theatre and shows the parameter mitoPO2 to behave in a stable and predictable way in the absence of notable hemodynamic alterations. The results provide a solid base for further research into the added value of mitochondrial oxygenation measurements in the perioperative trajectory.
Tweet you right back: Follower anxiety predicts leader anxiety in social media interactions during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic
Authors: Psychogios Alexandros , Gruda Dritjon , Ojo Adegboyega
Published: February 2023

Recent research has shown that organizational leaders’ tweets can influence employee anxiety. In this study, we turn the table and examine whether the same can be said about followers’ tweets. Based on emotional contagion and a dataset of 108 leaders and 178 followers across 50 organizations, we infer and track state- and trait-anxiety scores of participants over 316 days, including pre- and post the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and crisis. We show that although leaders traditionally possess greater authority and power than their followers, followers have the power to influence their leaders’ state anxiety. In addition, this influence is particularly strong in the case of less trait anxious leaders.
Research on multiple co-governance of agricultural non-point source pollution in China on the perspective of ENGOs and public participation
Authors: Tang Jing , Li Shilong
Published: February 2023

Effective prevention and control of agricultural non-point source pollution is a major challenge faced by the Chinese local government in the context of rural revitalization, and clarifying the game relationship between stakeholders in agricultural non-point source pollution control actions will help achieve multiple co-governance better. Accordingly, this paper discusses the interactive decision-making relationships between local government and livestock and poultry breeding enterprise (LPBE) under the participation of Environmental non-government organizations (ENGOs) and public, by constructing an evolutionary game model, as well as analyzing evolutionary cooperative stability strategies and realizing the simulation of evolution processes in different scenarios by MATLAB. The results show that government subsidy has an incentive effect on LPBE to adopt the purifying strategy, yet reduces the enthusiasm of local government for supervision. Improving the participation degree and right space of ENGOs is conducive to the realization of multiple co-governance models. Furthermore, the impact of public participation on multiple co-governance of agricultural non-point source pollution is related to the local government’s investigation rate and the public reporting fairness; strengthening the local government’s supervision capacity and improving the public reporting fairness can achieve better collaborative governance effects.
Outcomes of vaccinations against respiratory diseases in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Puspitasari Metalia , Sattwika Prenali D. , Rahari Dzerlina S. , Wijaya Wynne , Hidayat Auliana R. P. , Kertia Nyoman , Purwanto Bambang , Thobari Jarir At
Published: February 2023

Due to the nature of the disease, end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients suffer from dysfunction of the adaptive immune system, which leads to a poorer response to vaccination. Accordingly, it is crucial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of management strategies, including vaccinations, which could potentially reduce the risk of respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia, influenza, or COVID-19, and its associated outcomes. We searched PubMed, CENTRAL, ScienceDirect, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases using designated MeSH keywords. The risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I. The quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. Relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Heterogeneity was investigated using forest plots and I2 statistics. This systematic review included a total of 48 studies, with 13 studies of influenza (H1N1 and H3N2) vaccination and 35 studies of COVID-19 vaccination. H1N1 vaccination in ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis induced lower seroconversion rates (RR 0.62, 95% CI: 0.56–0.68, p <0.00001) and lower seroprotection rates (RR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.70–0.83, p <0.00001) compared to controls. H3N2 vaccination in ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis yielded lower seroconversion rates (RR 0.76, 95% CI: 0.68–0.85, p <0.00001) and lower seroprotection rates (RR 0.84, 95% CI: 0.77–0.90, p <0.00001) compared to controls. Twenty-nine studies demonstrate significantly lower antibody levels in ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis compared to the controls following COVID-19 vaccination. This review presents evidence of lower seroconversion and seroprotection rates after vaccination against viral respiratory diseases in patients with ESRD undergoing hemodialysis. Since hemodialysis patients are more susceptible to infection and severe disease progression, a weakened yet substantial serological response can be considered adequate to recommend vaccination against respiratory diseases in this population. Vaccination dose, schedule, or strategy adjustments should be considered in stable ESRD patients on maintenance hemodialysis.

Trial registration: Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021255983, identifier: CRD42021255983.
Asynchronous digital health interventions for reviewing asthma: A mixed-methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Uzzaman Md. Nazim , Hammersley Vicky , McClatchey Kirstie , Sheringham Jessica , Habib G. M. Monsur , Pinnock Hilary
Published: February 2023

Introduction

People living with asthma require regular reviews to address their concerns and questions, assess control, review medication, and support self-management. However, practical barriers to attending face-to-face consultations might limit routine reviews. Reviewing asthma using asynchronous digital health interventions could be convenient for patients and an efficient way of maintaining communication between patients and healthcare professionals and improving health outcomes. We, therefore, aim to conduct a mixed-methods systematic review to assess the effectiveness of reviewing asthma by asynchronous digital health interventions and explore the views of patients and healthcare professionals about the role of such interventions in delivering asthma care.

Methods

We will search MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library from 2001 to present without imposing any language restrictions. We are interested in studies of asynchronous digital health interventions used either as a single intervention or contributing to mixed modes of review. Two review authors will independently screen titles and abstracts, and retrieve potentially relevant studies for full assessment against the eligibility criteria and extract data. Disagreements will be resolved by discussion with the review team. We will use ‘Downs and Black’ checklist, ‘Critical Appraisal Skills Programme’, and ‘Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool’ to assess methodological quality of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies respectively. After synthesising quantitative (narrative synthesis) and qualitative (thematic synthesis) data separately, we will integrate them following methods outlined in the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions.

Conclusion

The findings of this review will provide insights into the role of asynchronous digital health interventions in the routine care of people living with asthma.

Trial registration

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022344224.