bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The genome sequence of an ichneumonid wasp, Rhorus exstirpatorius (Gravenhorst, 1829)
Authors: Broad Gavin R. , Fletcher Chris , Januszczak Inez ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Rhorus exstirpatorius (an ichneumonid wasp; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Ichneumonidae). The genome sequence spans 420.30 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 10 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 21.77 kilobases in length.
From Curtailed Renewable Energy to Green Hydrogen: Infrastructure Planning for Hydrogen Fuel-Cell Vehicles
Authors: He Long , Ke Nan , Mao Ruijiu , Qi Wei , Zhang Hongcai
Published: August 2024

Problem definition: Hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (HFVs) have been proposed as a promising green transportation alternative. For regions experiencing renewable energy curtailment, promoting HFVs can achieve the dual benefit of reducing curtailment and developing sustainable transportation. However, promoting HFVs faces several major hurdles, including uncertain vehicle adoption, the lack of refueling infrastructure, the spatial mismatch between hydrogen demand and renewable sources for hydrogen production, and the strained power transmission infrastructure. In this paper, we address these challenges and study how to promote HFV adoption by deploying HFV infrastructure and utilizing renewable resources. Methodology/results: We formulate a planning model that jointly determines the location and capacities of hydrogen refueling stations (HRSs) and hydrogen plants as well as electricity transmission and grid upgrade. Despite the complexity of explicitly considering drivers’ HFV adoption behavior, the bilevel optimization model can be reformulated as a tractable mixed-integer second-order cone program. We apply our model calibrated with real data to the case of Sichuan, a province in China with abundant hydro resources and a vast amount of hydropower curtailment. Managerial implications: We obtain the following findings. (i) The optimal deployment of HRSs displays vastly different spatial patterns depending on the HFV adoption target. The capital city, a transportation hub, is excluded from the plan under a low target and only emerges as the center of HFV adoption under a high target. (ii) Promoting the HFV adoption can overall help reduce hydropower curtailment, but the effectiveness depends on factors such as the adoption target and the grid upgrade cost. (iii) Being a versatile energy carrier, hydrogen can be transported to various locations, which allows for strategic placement of HRSs in locations distinct from hydrogen plant sites. This flexibility offers HFVs greater potential cost savings and curtailment reduction compared with other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g., electric vehicles) under current cost estimates.

Funding: W. Qi acknowledges the support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72242106, 72188101, and 72272014] and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada [Grant RGPIN-2019-04769].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.0381 .
Bandeiras que imaginam futuros
Authors: Daou Robalinho de Azevedo Ísis Helena , Anastassakis Zoy
Published: August 2024

O presente artigo apresenta resultados parciais de um estudo, em andamento, que posiciona a bandeira brasileira como uma imagem de dissenso estético. Tal posição reflete as tensões e disputas político-sociais correntes no país desde a instituição desta bandeira enquanto símbolo nacional, condições que foram agravadas nos anos mais recentes no Brasil. A partir da reunião de imagens que intervêm visualmente sobre a bandeira nacional brasileira, propõe-se a escrita de fabulações especulativas (Haraway, 2023), metodologia empregada a fim de mobilizar o pensamento e prática críticos do campo do design. Busca-se contribuir, dessa forma, para uma abordagem de pesquisa em design de ampliação e maior atenção sobre perspectivas existentes no tempo presente, úteis tanto para conscientização e formulação de respostas aos desafios que enfrentamos atualmente, quanto para a imaginação de outros futuros possíveis.
Palavras-chave: Bandeira Nacional Brasileira, Fabulações Especulativas, Design Crítico.
Riscar pontos, firmar força e alumbrar sonhos ancestrais
Authors: Rufino Luiz
Published: August 2024

Sinto-me honrado e, ao mesmo tempo, surpreso com o convite para participar do Seminário Designs por Vir. Tenho dedicado minha carreira a pensar e a escrever sobre Educação, especialmente em um campo que, até a metade do século passado, alguns autores e autoras chamavam de crítica ao colonialismo. Em linhas gerais, a pesquisa que desenvolvo, com interface na Educação, além de outras áreas, discute a questão colonial. Trarei aqui algumas reflexões, alinhadas ao objetivo desta mesa, de “Praticar, imaginar e representar outros mundos”.
A literatura de individuos e grupos alterizados
Authors: Pimentel Ary
Published: August 2024

Para dialogar com a proposta do Seminário “Designs por Vir” e da Roda de Conversa “Praticar, imaginar e representar outros mundos”, busco em minha fala pensar a representação de sujeitos marginais, periféricos e subalternizado, sujeitos diversos que trazem uma experiência raramente contemplada pelas produções da literatura ou pelas das representações discursivas, de modo geral. Por esse tema tenho me interessado há algum tempo. Sobre ele tenho me debruçado com particular interesse, embora essa dedicação não tenha assumido a forma de uma pesquisa acadêmica. Prefiro considerar essas especulações simplesmente como o resultado de meu interesse de leitor, uma constelação de ecos das leituras de alguém que está tentando problematizar sobre determinado assunto à medida que vai acumulando olhares sobre diferentes obras. Interessa-me, portanto, pensar outro tipo de cultura, outro tipo de relação que a cultura estabeleceu a partir de um determinado momento com os sujeitos que estão nas margens da cidade e da sociedade. No contexto do Rio de Janeiro ou de São Paulo, por exemplo, as periferias e favelas constituem um universo no qual se observa uma rica produção cultural que conta com uma difusão e um reconhecimento cada vez maiores. A cultura, poderíamos dizer já não está reservada a uma minoria. Aliás, a minoria que no passado dominou a cena cultural hoje já não ocupa o primeiro plano nas representações.
os currículos da educação infantil e o problema da participação
Authors: Lopes Sammy william , Magalhães carvalho Janete
Published: August 2024

O artigo trata da relação entre o processo de produção dos currículos na educação infantil e o problema acerca de como e por que a infância pode/deve participar ativamente de tal processo. Desenvolve-se mostrando a potência de se pensar a referida relação problemática desde um conceito de participação comprometido política e afirmativamente com a força da diferença, imanente aos encontros que o corpo infante traça com o mundo. Força esta que, de modo habitual, se desdobra nas experiências brincantes por meio das quais o ser da infância se concebe enquanto modo singular de subjetivação, no fluxo do fazer educador, inclusive. Utilizando-se da abordagem teórico-prática da Filosofia da Diferença, o ensaio produz um estudo acerca da necessidade de se promover exercitações curriculares de natureza qualitativamente diferencial para os processos de educação da infância; evidenciando, como resultado, possibilidades de se pensar o problema da participação para além da abordagem corriqueira/tradicional sugerida pela Base Nacional Comum Curricular (2018). Conclui que a ação de participar se configura como um artifício conceitual fundamental, uma vez que permite tecer movimentos curriculares mais potentes e efetivos ao acolher o próprio ser da infância, isto é, sua potência de diferenciação, como motor de propulsão no desenvolvimento do ato de educar.
Establishing early permanence
Authors: Simmonds John
Published: August 2024

New practice standards aim to support social care organisations to develop early permanence
Questions over police use of knife images
Authors: Harle Emily
Published: August 2024

Evidence suggests images of knives to ‘scare’ young people from carrying weapons don't work, and may
Lynn Perry
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: August 2024

Derren Hayes speaks to Barnardo's chief executive about family hubs and care reforms
Coping with price rises
Authors: Cowen Léonie
Published: August 2024

Legal expert Léonie Cowen gives advice on how councils can navigate the impact of rising costs and insufficient places
MELATONIN
Authors: Rees Sharon
Published: August 2024

In this column, Sharon Rees aims to refresh knowledge and interest in some of the commonly used drugs in a series of posts on X. This month she is talking about #melatonin
Paramedic prescribing
Authors: Robertson Deborah
Published: August 2024

Deborah Robertson provides an overview of recently published articles that may be of interest to non-medical prescribers. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided
A pill for everything?
Authors: Winter George
Published: August 2024

In this month's article, George Winter looks at increasing peer-reviewed evidence to show that lifestyle changes are superior in many instances to medication
Blended approaches to postgraduate teaching for non-medical prescribers
Authors: Porter Sally
Published: August 2024

A broad range of health professionals can obtain the authority to prescribe in the UK upon successful completion of an accredited non-medical prescribing programme. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, many approved education institutions have adopted more permanent blended approaches to their programmes. This literature review aims to explore blended approaches to delivering postgraduate education to health professionals, with a view to improving the performance and satisfaction of students undertaking non-medical prescribing programmes. Seven papers were selected from a database search; five were research literature and two practice literature. The results suggest that social constructivism and laying a ‘foundation’ for effective study are key to student satisfaction. Advising students to engage with the provider's Virtual Learning Environment before a programme commences, dividing students into small groups that are designed to create communities of practice, scheduling face-to-face activities to provide early opportunities for social interaction and further research are recommended to enhance education for non-medical prescribers.
TRUNK MUSCLE MASS MEASURED BY BIOELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE ANALYSIS REFLECTS THE CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA OF THE PARAVERTEBRAL MUSCLES AND BACK EXTENSOR STRENGTH
Authors: Salimi H , Ohyama S , Terai H , Hori Y , Takahashi S.H. , Hoshino M , Yabu A , Kobayashi A , Tsujio T , Kotake S , Nakamura H
Published: August 2024

Background

Trunk muscles play an important role in supporting the spinal column. A decline in trunk muscle mass, as measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis (TMM–BIA), is associated with low back pain and poor quality of life.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine whether TMM–BIA correlates with quantitative and functional assessments traditionally used for the trunk muscles.

Methods

We included 380 participants (aged ≥ 65 years; 152 males, 228 females) from the Shiraniwa Elderly Cohort (Shiraniwa) study, for whom the following data were available: TMM–BIA, lumbar magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and back muscle strength (BMS). We measured the cross-sectional area (CSA) and fat-free CSA of the paravertebral muscles (PVM), including the erector spinae (ES), multifidus (MF), and psoas major (PM), on an axial lumbar MRI at L3/4. The correlation between TMM–BIA and the CSA of PVM, fat-free CSA of PVM, and BMS was investigated.

Results

TMMBIA correlated with the CSA of total PVM and each individual PVM. A stronger correlation between TMM–BIA and fat-free CSA of PVM was observed. The TMM–BIA also strongly correlated with BMS.

Conclusion

TMM–BIA is an easy and reliable way to evaluate the trunk muscle mass in a clinical setting.

Conflict of interest

None

Sources of funding

None
EFFECT OF SPINAL FUSION ON BIOMECHANICS OF FACET JOINTS: SYNCHRONIZED SPATIO-TEMPORAL AND MECHANICAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Warren J. P. , Khan A.L. , Mengoni M.
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Understanding lumbar facet joint involvement and biomechanical changes post spinal fusion is limited. This study aimed to establish an in vitro model assessing mechanical effects of fusion on human lumbar facet joints, employing synchronized motion, pressure, and stiffness analysis.

Methods and Results

Seven human lumbar spinal units (age 54 to 92, ethics 15/YH/0096) underwent fusion via a partial nucleotomy model mimicking a lateral cage approach with PMMA cement injection. Mechanical testing pre and post-fusion included measuring compressive displacement and load, local motion capture, and pressure mapping at the facet joints. pQCT imaging (82 microns isotropic) was carried out at each stage to assess the integrity of the vertebral endplates and quantify the amount of cement injected.

Before fusion, relative facet joint displacement (6.5 ± 4.1 mm) at maximum load (1.1 kN) exceeded crosshead displacement (3.9 ± 1.5 mm), with loads transferred across both facet joints. After fusion, facet displacement (2.0 ± 1.2 mm) reduced compared to pre-fusion, as was the crosshead displacement (2.2 ± 0.6 mm). Post-fusion loads (71.4 ± 73.2 N) transferred were reduced compared to pre-fusion levels (194.5 ± 125.4 N). Analysis of CT images showed no endplate damage post-fusion, whilst the IVD tissue: cement volume ratio did not correlate with the post-fusion behaviour of the specimens.

Conclusion

An in vitro model showed significant facet movement reduction with stand-alone interbody cage placement. This technique identifies changes in facet movement post-fusion, potentially contributing to subsequent spinal degeneration, highlighting its utility in biomechanical assessment.

Conflicts of interest

None

Sources of funding

This work was funded by EPSRC, under grant EP/W015617/1.
NOVEL METHODOLOGY FOR DEVELOPING A MACHINE LEARNING-BASED IMAGING TOOL FOR HYBRID VISUALIZATION OF MACROSCOPIC AND MICROSCOPIC DEGENERATIVE CHANGES IN THE INTERVERTEBRAL DISC
Authors: Lama P. , Dolan T. , Adams M.A.
Published: August 2024

Background

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) algorithm identifies end stage severely degenerated disc as ‘black’, and a moderately degenerate to non-degenerated disc as ‘white’. MRI is based on signal intensity changes that identifies loss of proteoglycans, water, and general radial bulging but lacks association with microscopic features such as fissure, endplate damage, persistent inflammatory catabolism that facilitates proteoglycan loss leading to ultimate collapse of annulus with neo-innervation and vascularization, as an indicator of pain. Thus, we propose a novel machine learning based imaging tool that combines quantifiable microscopic histopathological features with macroscopic signal intensities changes for hybrid assessment of disc degeneration.

Methods

100-disc tissue were collected from patients undergoing surgeries and cadaveric controls, age range of 35–75 years. MRI Pfirrmann grades were collected in each case, and each disc specimen were processed to identify the 1) region of interest 2) analytical imaging vector 3) data assimilation, grading and scoring pattern 4) identification of machine learning algorithm 5) predictive learning parameters to form an interface between hardware and software operating system.

Results

Kernel algorithm defines non-linear data in xy histogram. X,Y values are scored histological spatial variables that signifies loss of proteoglycans, blood vessels ingrowth, and occurrence of tears or fissures in the inner and outer annulus regions mapped with the dampening and graded series of signal intensity changes.

Conclusion

To our knowledge this study is the first to propose a machine learning method between microscopic spatial tissue changes and macroscopic signal intensity grades in the intervertebral disc.

No conflict of interest declared.

 

Sources of Funding

ICMR/5/4-5/3/42/Neuro/2022-NCD-1, Dr TMA PAI SMU/ 131/ REG/ TMA PURK/ 164/2020.

A part of the above study was presented as an oral paper at the International Society for the Study of Lumbar Spine (ISSLS) meeting held on 1–5th May 2023, Melbourne, Australia.
COMPARISON OF VERTEBRAL AND INTERVERTEBRAL DISC STRAINS IN AXIAL COMPRESSION AND FLEXION, AND THE EFFECT OF DISC DEGENERATION
Authors: Raftery K. , Tavana S. , Newell N.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Vertebral compression fractures are the most common type of osteoporotic fracture. Though 89% of clinical fractures occur anteriorly, it is challenging to replicate these ex vivo with the underlying intervertebral discs (IVDs) present. Furthermore, the role of disc degeneration in this mechanism is poorly understood. Understanding how disc morphology alters vertebral strain distributions may lead to the utilisation of IVD metrics in fracture prediction, or inform surgical decision-making regarding instrumentation type and placement.

Aim

To determine the effect of disc degeneration on the vertebral trabecular bone strain distributions in axial compression and flexion loading.

Methods

Eight cadaveric thoracolumbar segments (T11-L3) were prepared (N=4 axial compression, N=4 flexion). µCT-based digital volume correlation was used to quantify trabecular strains. A bespoke loading device fixed specimens at the resultant displacement when loaded to 50N and 800N. Flexion was achieved by adding 6° wedges. Disc degeneration was quantified with Pfirrmann grading and T2 relaxation times.

Results

Anterior axial strains were 80.9±39% higher than the posterior region in flexion (p<0.01), the ratio of which was correlated with T2 relaxation time (R2=0.80, p<0.05). In flexion, the central-to-peripheral axial strain ratio in the endplate region was significantly higher when the underlying IVDs were non-degenerated relative to degenerated (+38.1±12%, p<0.05). No significant differences were observed in axial compression.

Conclusion

Disc degeneration is a stronger determinant of the trabecular strain distribution when flexion is applied. Load transfer through non-degenerate IVDs under flexion appears to be more centralised, suggesting that disc degeneration predisposes flexion-type compression fractures by shifting high strains anteriorly.

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare none.

Sources of funding

This work was funded by the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EP/V029452/1), and Back-to-Back.
Risk factors associated with re-revision following revision total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review
Authors: Hald Julius T. , Knudsen Ulrik K. , Petersen Michael M. , Lindberg-Larsen Martin , El-Galaly Anders B. , Odgaard Anders
Published: August 2024

Aims

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and bias evaluation of the current literature to create an overview of risk factors for re-revision following revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA).

Methods

A systematic search of MEDLINE and Embase was completed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The studies were required to include a population of index rTKAs. Primary or secondary outcomes had to be re-revision. The association between preoperative factors and the effect on the risk for re-revision was also required to be reported by the studies.

Results

The search yielded 4,847 studies, of which 15 were included. A majority of the studies were retrospective cohorts or registry studies. In total, 26 significant risk factors for re-revision were identified. Of these, the following risk factors were consistent across multiple studies: age at the time of index revision, male sex, index revision being partial revision, and index revision due to infection. Modifiable risk factors were opioid use, BMI > 40 kg/m2, and anaemia. History of one-stage revision due to infection was associated with the highest risk of re-revision.

Conclusion

Overall, 26 risk factors have been associated with an increased risk of re-revision following rTKA. However, various levels of methodological bias were found in the studies. Future studies should ensure valid comparisons by including patients with identical indications and using clear definitions for accurate assessments.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(8):644–651.
Motivational Network Intervention to Reduce Substance Use and Increase Supportive Connections for Emerging Adults in a Supportive Housing Program
Authors: Kennedy David P. , Osilla Karen Chan , Golinelli Daniela , Tucker Joan S.
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Background. For transition-aged youth experiencing homelessness (TAYEH) moving to transitional housing, a motivational network intervention (MNI) may help modify high-risk networks, thereby reducing substance use and strengthening prosocial connections. Methods. Thirty-six TAYEH received a four-session MNI integrated into usual housing case management or usual case management. Intervention acceptability, feasibility, and motivational interviewing fidelity were evaluated. Results. Nearly all participants would recommend the MNI to others, formed goals, and believed the program improved their lives. Case managers delivered the program with fidelity. However, sample size and number of sessions delivered fell short of targets due to COVID-19 disruptions and other factors and limited our ability to examine preliminary effects on substance use and network outcomes in a fully powered trial. Conclusion. Case managers can successfully deliver the MNI, but its use may not be feasible unless adaptations are made to accommodate the instability this population faces when they enter housing.
Implementing a Population-Based Social Determinants of Health Intervention: Early Lessons Learned from Collaboration between Clinical and Community Organizations
Authors: Wu Katherine , Strane Douglas , Kellom Katherine , Stokes Stephanie , Brunisholz Kimberly , Rubin David , Klusaritz Heather , Cronholm Peter F.
Published: August 2024

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to understand the barriers and facilitators among diverse health care and community organization stakeholders implementing a populationbased social determinants of health (SDOH) intervention. The SDOH intervention included three core programs: SDOH screening, a community health worker program, and a digital referral platform. After one year of implementation, we conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with clinical and community-based organization stakeholders about (1) the three SDOH programs, (2) organizational implementation strategies, (3) interactions with partner organizations, and (4) perceived target population needs. Findings from the first year of implementation highlighted several factors to consider when designing and implementing SDOH programming, including (1) the successful features of the three SDOH programs, (2) the local implementation strategies and challenges across organizations, (3) the impact of broader community needs and resource availability on implementation, and (4) the importance of intentionally fostering relationships and collaboration among partner organizations.
Developing Political Engagement Competency Among Primary Care Advanced Practice Nursing Students
Authors: Baucom Melanie P. , Meyer Eileen S. , Holland Aimee C. , Deupree Joy P. , Lee Loretta T.
Published: August 2024

Summary: Developing political engagement among nurses who care for rural and underserved communities can help mitigate health inequities. An experiential learning opportunity informed by Lobby Day was developed to prepare primary care advanced practice nursing students with the policy skills needed to actively serve as advocates for their patients and communities.
Disparities in Health Insurance and the Intersection of Race/Ethnicity, Sexuality, and Gender Identity
Authors: Alnabulsi Dina , Talbert Ryan D.
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Status characteristics including race, sexuality, and gender identity play a significant role in people's access to health and healthcare coverage. Despite documented disadvantages across these individual statuses (e.g., race), little research has investigated how the intersection of statuses affect health coverage. Drawing on an intersectional framework, this study uses data from the 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System to examine the association between health insurance and the intersections of race-ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity (n=206,338). This study offers three important contributions to the research literature. First, this study represents one of the first to examine the intersection of important social status characteristics and health insurance status. Second, this study examines three indicators of healthcare coverage including status (i.e., insured or not), type (i.e., public, private, employer-based, or none), and denial of coverage (i.e., insurance refused to pay for cancer treatment). Third, we investigate healthcare disparities using data representative of thirty-two states that more holistically assess people's healthcare status and allow for greater generalizability. Findings show that Hispanic straight cismen are the least likely group to have insurance. White trans adults appear to be more likely to have insurance than many other groups. Trans adults are more likely to have public insurance if they are ethnoracially marginalized. Straight Black women have high likelihoods of their insurance denying coverage. These findings highlight critical gaps in access to healthcare and myriad disadvantages in coverage. Efforts to improve population health would benefit from an intersectional lens that focuses on how multiple status characteristics shape people's access to healthcare across the life course.
In Repair: The Reparative as Theoretical Mode and Structure of Feeling in Times of Crisis. An Outline.
Authors: Cord Florian
Published: August 2024

Abstract: This essay argues that during the past two decades, a significant theoretical shift has taken place in the humanities and social sciences, one that is expressive of a more general change in cultural sensibility. A new mode of theorizing and a novel structure of feeling have emerged: the reparative. Repair, at heart, can be characterized as a “broken world thinking” (Jackson), combining a focus on pain and possibility, destruction and creativity. Consisting of a set of strategies whereby subjects salvage possibilities and sustenance from the world, repair emerges expressly in the face of the crises that mark the present moment.
A Postscript to the “Postscript on the Societies of Control”
Authors: Seecamp André , Söffner Jan
Published: August 2024

Abstract: This article offers a revision of Gilles Deleuze’s “Postscript on the Societies of Control.” Departing from recent shifts empowered by the digital transformation and AI, we argue that Deleuze’s “dividual” has been replaced by the “user” (reducing the human being to predictable behavior), putting in crisis those institutions that were paramount for the now traditional societies of control in the age of globalization and the end of history (Fukuyama): We witness a crisis of democracies, the legal system, the epistemological system, the civic society, even capitalism itself.
Efficient ultraviolet beam generation at 294.5  nm by frequency-quadrupling a LD-pumped actively Q-switched Nd:YAG/SrWO4 Raman laser
Authors: Huang Lu , Wu Xin , Li Haiyan , Wei Zhenshuai , Zhao Zhigang , Cong Zhenhua , Liu Zhaojun
Published: August 2024

An efficient all-solid-state ultraviolet laser at 294.5 nm
is demonstrated based on the
stimulated Raman scattering and two stages of second-harmonic
generation. With a three-mirror cavity, a 2.63 W laser at
589.6 nm with a pulse width of ∼8.5ns and a pulse repetition frequency of
20 kHz is obtained. Employing a BBO crystal as the
frequency-doubled medium, a 332 mW UV beam at 294.5 nm
with a pulse width of ∼5.8ns is obtained under an incident pump
power of 14.12 W; the corresponding conversion efficiency is
2.4% from 808 to 294.5 nm.
Sensitivity analysis of transabdominal fetal pulse oximetry using MRI-based simulations
Authors: Wu Jingyi , Satish Gopika , Ruesch Alexander , Jayet Baptiste , Komolibus Katarzyna , Andersson-Engels Stefan , Debreczeny Martin P. , Kainerstorfer Jana M.
Published: August 2024

Transabdominal fetal pulse oximetry offers a promising approach to improve fetal monitoring and reduce unnecessary interventions. Utilizing realistic 3D geometries derived from MRI scans of pregnant women, we conducted photon simulations to determine optimal source-detector configurations for detecting fetal heart rate and oxygenation. Our findings demonstrate the theoretical feasibility of measuring fetal signals at depths up to 30 mm using source-detector (SD) distances greater than 100 mm and wavelengths between 730 and 850 nm. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of customizing SD configurations based on fetal position and maternal anatomy. These insights pave the way for enhanced non-invasive fetal monitoring in clinical application.
Rapid, sensitive and multiplexed detection of SARS-CoV-2 viral nucleic acids enabled by phase-based surface plasmon resonance of metallic gratings
Authors: Sun Shuai , Zhao Yuanyuan , Hao Yuxuan , Xue Pan , Guo Xiaoyang , Zhang Wei , Zhang Chunxiang , Zhang Qiongdi , Zhou Wenhua , Ong Hock Chun , Yu Xuefeng , Li Zeren , Li Jia , Yao Jianquan
Published: August 2024

A rapid, sensitive and easy-to-implement approach is proposed for the detection of pathogenic nucleic acids based on phase-based plasmonic spectroscopy of metallic gratings. The plasmonic sensors were fabricated using interference lithography and functionalized with single-stranded DNA probes to specific target SARS-CoV-2. The biosensor achieved the detection of 40 fM viral nucleic acids within 5 min; furthermore, a detection capability of 1 aM (0.6 copies/µL) was acquired when combining with the recombinase polymerase amplification. Additionally, the multiplexed sensing system was demonstrated to simultaneously detect three genomic sequences on a single sensor chip, thereby enhancing diagnostic accuracy and enabling high-throughput detection.
Implementation of Cylindrical Computer-generated Hologram using Object Light with Hidden Surfaces Removed
Authors: Kashiwagi Akifumi , Ono Kodai , Sakamoto Yuji
Published: August 2024

We developed a method for calculating a cylindrical computer-generated hologram using hidden-surface-removed object light, and we succeeded in reconstructing three-dimensional images optically with the hologram. This method is based on the concept of WARP [1].
Can large language models estimate public opinion about global warming? An empirical assessment of algorithmic fidelity and bias
Authors: Lee Sanguk , Peng Tai-Quan , Goldberg Matthew H. , Rosenthal Seth A. , Kotcher John E. , Maibach Edward W. , Leiserowitz Anthony
Published: August 2024

Large language models (LLMs) can be used to estimate human attitudes and behavior, including measures of public opinion, a concept referred to as algorithmic fidelity. This study assesses the algorithmic fidelity and bias of LLMs in estimating public opinion about global warming. LLMs were conditioned on demographics and/or psychological covariates to simulate survey responses. Findings indicate that LLMs can effectively reproduce presidential voting behaviors but not global warming opinions unless the issue relevant covariates are included. When conditioned on both demographic and covariates, GPT-4 demonstrates improved accuracy, ranging from 53% to 91%, in predicting beliefs and attitudes about global warming. Additionally, we find an algorithmic bias that underestimates the global warming opinions of Black Americans. While highlighting the potential of LLMs to aid social science research, these results underscore the importance of conditioning, model selection, survey question format, and bias assessment when employing LLMs for survey simulation.
External validation of Finnish diabetes risk score (FINDRISC) and Latin American FINDRISC for screening of undiagnosed dysglycemia: Analysis in a Peruvian hospital health care workers sample
Authors: Yovera-Aldana Marlon , Mezones-Holguín Edward , Agüero-Zamora Rosa , Damas-Casani Lucy , Uriol-Llanos Becky , Espinoza-Morales Frank , Soto-Becerra Percy , Ticse-Aguirre Ray
Published: August 2024

Aims

To evaluate the external validity of Finnish diabetes risk score (FINDRISC) and Latin American FINDRISC (LAFINDRISC) for undiagnosed dysglycemia in hospital health care workers.

Methods

We carried out a cross-sectional study on health workers without a prior history of diabetes mellitus (DM). Undiagnosed dysglycemia (prediabetes or diabetes mellitus) was defined using fasting glucose and two-hour oral glucose tolerance test. LAFINDRISC is an adapted version of FINDRISC with different waist circumference cut-off points. We calculated the area under the receptor operational characteristic curve (AUROC) and explored the best cut-off point.

Results

We included 549 participants in the analysis. The frequency of undiagnosed dysglycemia was 17.8%. The AUROC of LAFINDRISC and FINDRISC were 71.5% and 69.2%; p = 0.007, respectively. The optimal cut-off for undiagnosed dysglycemiaaccording to Index Youden was ≥ 11 in LAFINDRISC (Sensitivity: 78.6%; Specificity: 51.7%) and ≥12 in FINDRISC (Sensitivity: 70.4%; Specificity: 53.9%)

Conclusion

The discriminative capacity of both questionnaires is good for the diagnosis of dysglycemia in the healthcare personnel of the María Auxiliadora hospital. The LAFINDRISC presented a small statistical difference, nontheless clinically similar, since there was no difference by age or sex. Further studies in the general population are required to validate these results.
Exploring the factors behind socioeconomic inequalities in Antenatal Care (ANC) utilization across five South Asian natiaons: A decomposition approach
Authors: Mahamud Tohan Mortuja , Islam Md. Amirul , Rahman Md. Ashfikur
Published: August 2024

Maternal and child mortality rates remain a significant concern in South Asian countries, primarily due to limited access to maternal care services and socioeconomic disparities. While previous studies have examined the factors influencing the utilization of antenatal care (ANC) services in individual countries, there is a lack of comparative analysis across South Asian nations. This study aims to investigate the factors affecting ANC utilization among women aged 15–49 in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Maldives, and Pakistan using the latest Demographic and Health Survey data. The study utilized a total weighted sample size of 262,531 women. Simple bivariate statistics and binary logistic regression were employed to identify potential factors influencing ANC utilization. Decomposition analysis and concentration curve (Lorenz curve) were used to assess inequality in ANC service utilization. The prevalence of ANC utilization varied across the countries, with Maldives having the highest (96.83%) and Bangladesh the lowest (47.01%). Women’s and husbands’ education, household wealth status, BMI, and urban residence were found to significantly influence maternal healthcare services utilization. Higher education levels, affluent wealth quintiles, and urban living were identified as significant contributors to socioeconomic disparities in accessing ANC services. This study highlights the crucial role of socioeconomic factors in the utilization of maternal healthcare services in South Asian countries. Governments should focus on improving healthcare infrastructure, addressing cultural barriers, and promoting education to address these disparities. Identifying context-specific causes of maternal healthcare utilization is essential to inform targeted interventions and policies aimed at improving access to ANC services and reducing maternal mortality rates.
The impact of lenses on the seepage failure of tailings dam
Authors: Zhang Hong , Li Quanming , Wang Jiachen , Fu Botao
Published: August 2024

The presence of lenses such as tailings slurry, frozen soil, and saturated zones disrupts the continuity of tailings dams and their normal seepage patterns, elevating the seepage line of the dam body and significantly impacting local stability. This study, to investigate how lenses affect the stability and failure mechanisms of tailings dams, employs numerical simulation and physical models and constructs a model of the tailings dam, incorporating tailings clay lens and void lens, to investigate variations in hydraulic gradients, seepage velocities, seepage flow, pore water pressure, and the patterns of seepage failure. This research reveals that the tailings clay lens within the dam body increases the hydraulic gradient in its vicinity due to its low permeability and raises the phreatic line. As the tailings clay lens approaches the dam body, the phreatic line tends to escape along the upper part of the lens towards the dam surface. In addition, the void lens could lead to a more pronounced seepage gradient along its path on the dam surface, with a liquefaction beneath it. As the void lens nears the toe of the slope, the dam failure mode transitions from a step-like progressive failure to an arch-shaped settlement failure along the void lens.
“What influences how well householders living in previously flooded communities feel they are protected or could recover from future flooding?: Results of a survey”
Authors: Twiddy Maureen , Ramsden Sam
Published: August 2024

In England, the Environment Agency (EA) estimates that over 3 million properties in England are at risk of surface water flooding. Heavy and prolonged rainfall that drives surface water flooding is projected to increase in the future due to climate change. This paper presents a quantitative secondary analysis of a cross-sectional household flood survey in a disadvantaged city in England heavily impacted by surface water flooding in 2007 and at severe risk of flooding in the future. The aim of this study was to examine how previous experience of flooding, demographic factors, and behaviours impact on feelings of protection against flooding and perceived ability to recover from flooding. Survey data were collected from residents in Hull in northern England in 2018, in areas impacted by major floods in 2007 when over 8,600 households were flooded. Valid responses were received from 453 households, of whom 37.3% were flooded or flooding damaged their house (n = 169), 14.6% had been disrupted by flooding (n = 66), 9.3% had been exposed to flooding (n = 42) and 176 (38.9%) had not experienced flooding. Over 22% felt they had very low protection against flooding, and over 25% would make a very slow recovery if they were flooded. Associations were found between gender and both low levels of protection against flooding. Females were less likely to feel confident in their recovery from flooding than males (OR 0.551). The findings support a need to focus on women’s perceptions of flood vulnerability and capacity to cope and recover from flooding in flood and disaster management policy and practice, including providing effective support before, during and after flooding.
Comparative analysis of novel hormonal agents in non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer: A Taiwanese perspective
Authors: Huang Po-Chieh , Huang Li-Hua , Yang Cheng-Kuang , Li Jian-Ri , Chen Chuan-Shu , Wang Shian-Shiang , Chiu Kun-Yuan , Ou Yen-Chuan , Lin Chia-Yen
Published: August 2024

Background

Non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) is an asymptomatic condition with the potential to progress to metastasis. Novel hormonal agents (NHAs) are currently considered the gold standard treatment for nmCRPC, offering significant survival benefits. However, further evidence is needed to determine whether there are differences in the performance of these drugs among Asian populations.

Methods

This retrospective analysis of nmCRPC patients aims to compare the efficacy and safety of three NHAs–apalutamide, darolutamide, and enzalutamide. Data were collected from two prominent prostate care centers in Taichung, Taiwan. Patient characteristics, treatment details, PSA responses, and adverse events were analyzed. Statistical comparisons were performed, and the study received Institutional Review Board approval.

Results

Total of 64 patients were recruited in this study, including 29 darolutamide, 26 apalutamide, and 9 enzalutamide patients. Baseline characteristics varied between the three patient groups, but the treatment response still revealed similar results. The apalutamide group experienced more adverse events, notably skin rash. Discontinuation rates due to adverse events differed among the groups, and patients receiving darolutamide were less likely to discontinue treatment.

Conclusion

This real-world study provides insights into NHA utilization in nmCRPC within the Taiwanese population. Adverse event profiles varied, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment decisions. The study underscores the importance of regional considerations and contributes valuable data for optimizing treatment outcomes in nmCRPC.
Repetition increases belief in climate-skeptical claims, even for climate science endorsers
Authors: Jiang Yangxueqing , Schwarz Norbert , Reynolds Katherine J. , Newman Eryn J.
Published: August 2024

Does repeated exposure to climate-skeptic claims influence their acceptance as true, even among climate science endorsers? Research with general knowledge claims shows that repeated exposure to a claim increases its perceived truth when it is encountered again. However, motivated cognition research suggests that people primarily endorse what they already believe. Across two experiments, climate science endorsers were more likely to believe claims that were consistent with their prior beliefs, but repeated exposure increased perceptions of truth for climate-science and climate-skeptic claims to a similar extent. Even counter-attitudinal claims benefit from previous exposure, highlighting the insidious effect of repetition.
#ForYou? the impact of pro-ana TikTok content on body image dissatisfaction and internalisation of societal beauty standards
Authors: Blackburn Madison R. , Hogg Rachel C.
Published: August 2024

Videos glamourising disordered eating practices and body image concerns readily circulate on TikTok. Minimal empirical research has investigated the impact of TikTok content on body image and eating behaviour. The present study aimed to fill this gap in current research by examining the influence of pro-anorexia TikTok content on young women’s body image and degree of internalisation of beauty standards, whilst also exploring the impact of daily time spent on TikTok and the development of disordered eating behaviours. An experimental and cross-sectional design was used to explore body image and internalisation of beauty standards in relation to pro-anorexia TikTok content. Time spent on TikTok was examined in relation to the risk of developing orthorexia nervosa. A sample of 273 female-identifying persons aged 18–28 years were exposed to either pro-anorexia or neutral TikTok content. Pre- and post-test measures of body image and internalisation of beauty standards were obtained. Participants were divided into four groups based on average daily time spent on TikTok. Women exposed to pro-anorexia content displayed the greatest decrease in body image satisfaction and an increase in internalisation of societal beauty standards. Women exposed to neutral content also reported a decrease in body image satisfaction. Participants categorised as high and extreme daily TikTok users reported greater average disordered eating behaviour on the EAT-26 than participants with low and moderate use, however this finding was not statistically significant in relation to orthorexic behaviours. This research has implications for the mental health of young female TikTok users, with exposure to pro-anorexia content having immediate consequences for internalisation and body image dissatisfaction, potentially increasing one’s risk of developing disordered eating beliefs and behaviours.
Machine learning Based Bearing Fault Classification Using Higher Order Spectral Analysis
Authors: Sharma Anju , Patra G.K. , Naidu V.P.S.
Published: August 2024

In the defense sector, where mission success often hinges on the reliability of complex mechanical systems, the health of bearings within aircraft, naval vessels, ground vehicles, missile systems, drones, and robotic platforms is paramount. Different signal processing techniques along with Higher Order Spectral Analysis (HOSA) have been used in literature for the fault diagnosis of bearings. Bispectral analysis offers a valuable means of finding higher-order statistical associations within signals, thus proving to detect the nonlinearities among Gaussian and non-Gaussian data. Their resilience to noise and capacity to unveil concealed information render them advantageous across a range of applications. Therefore, this research proposesa novel approach of utilizing the features extracted directly from the Bispectrum for classifying the bearing faults, departing from the common practice in other literature where the Bispectrum is treated as an image for fault classification. In this work vibration signalsare used to detect the bearing faults. The features from the non-redundant region and diagonal slice of the Bispectrum are used to capture the statistical and higher-order spectral characteristics of the vibration signal. A set of sixteen machine learning models, viz., Decision Trees, K-Nearest Neighbors, Naive Bayes, and Support Vector Machine, is employed to classify the bearing faults. The evaluation process involves a robust 10-fold cross-validation technique. The results reveal that the Decision Tree algorithm outperformed all others, achieving a remarkable accuracy rate of 100 %. The naive Bayes algorithm also demonstrated the least performance, with an accuracy score of 99.68 %. The results obtained from these algorithms have been compared with those achieved using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), revealing that the training time of these algorithms is significantly shorter in comparison to CNN.
A Novel Method to Estimate Base Drag and Burn Time from Flight Data Using Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Gite L.K. , Deodhar R.S.
Published: August 2024

Estimating highly spinning projectiles’ base drag and burn time by static trials is challenging. Drag profiles obtained using numerical methods or experimental or wind tunnel estimations should be updated using the estimates obtained from dynamic flight test data. This paper proposes a novel methodology to estimate the base drag and burn time from flight data using an extended Kalman Filter. Trajectory positional data is used to calculate base drag and indirect measurement of burn time. The simulation is carried out for two cases, artillery shell and rocket. The proposed method works well for both cases. Exhaustive simulation results indicate that the technique can be used for any configuration. Estimating both base drag and burn time is within 5 % accuracy.