bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coping styles in HIV positives and HIV negatives
Authors: Heydari Mohammadreza , Karimzadeh Yasaman , Faghih Marjan , Heydari Zahra , Hosseini Elhamsadat , Mehraeen Morteza
Published: November 2020

Background

Choosing the most useful and versatile way to solve one's personal and social problems is one of the most important choices in individual life. The aim of this study was to compare the coping styles of people living with Human immunodeficiency virus positive and negative.

Methods

This is a Cross-sectional study that accomplished in Shiraz Behavioural Disease Counselling Centre in 2019 and 2020. For this purpose, in the first phase, 40 HIV+ and 40 HIV− patients were randomly selected to answer the questionnaire of dealing with the stressful conditions of Andler and Parker. In the second phase, the same questionnaire was filled out along with a reality distortion questionnaire from similar individuals (40 HIV+ and 40 HIV−).

Results

92% of the HIV population in this study was between 15 and 55 years and 8% was upper than 55 years. 90% of them had no university degree. Among all, 47.5% of them were, 48.5% were self-employed and 49% of them were infected sexually. The results showed that in the first stage there was a significant relationship between marital status and the chances of getting the disease in people, and after controlling the demographic factors, coping styles did not show a significant effect on the disease. In the second stage, the factors of age, sex, education, and marital status had significant effects on people living with HIV, but the effect of coping styles on people with HIV was not significant (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Therefore, it can be concluded that demographic factors more than coping styles can affect the chances of high-risk behaviours; so, what is identified and measured as a coping style in people in the process that leads to the manifestation of high-risk behaviours or healthy behaviour does not matter much. It should be noted that the reason for rejecting the hypotheses of this study could be the effect of cultural and social factors of Iranian society.
Retraction Note: Titanium particles damage osteocytes and inhibit osteoblast differentiation
Authors: Chen Li , Wang Ziyue , Xu Wei , Dong Qirong
Published: November 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Coevolution of acoustical communication between obligate avian brood parasites and their hosts
Authors: Wang Jiaojiao , Li Qihong , Yang Canchao
Published: November 2020

The mutually antagonistic processes producing adaptations and counter-adaptations in avian brood parasites and their hosts provide a model system for the study of coevolution; this topic has long been an area of focus in ornithology and evolutionary biology. Although there is an extensive body of literature dealing with avian brood parasitism, few empirical studies have considered the effects of the coevolutionary processes associated with brood parasitism on the acoustic characteristics of parent–offspring communication. Under the strong selection pressures associated with brood parasitism, parasitic birds may, for instance, produce deceptive songs. The host may in turn evolve the ability to recognize these sounds as deceptive. At present, the mechanisms underlying the different competitive strategies employed by hosts and parasitic birds remain unclear. Here, we reviewed previous studies that investigated acoustic traits in scenarios of brood parasitism, highlighting possible adaptive functions. Using a meta-analysis, we identified no heterogeneity among studies of begging call adaptations in parasitic nestlings. However, our results may have been affected by the small number of applicable papers available for analysis. Our meta-analysis also suggested that studies of acoustic communication and transmission in adult hosts were highly heterogenous, suggesting that research methods were inconsistent among studies. Finally, we identified knowledge gaps and proposed several lines of future research.
Bone turnover markers to assess jawbone quality prior to dental implant treatment: a case-control study
Authors: Yasuda Keisuke , Okada Shinsuke , Okazaki Yohei , Hiasa Kyou , Tsuga Kazuhiro , Abe Yasuhiko
Published: November 2020

Background

Bone quality is as important as bone mineral density in terms of bone strength. Bone turnover markers (BTMs) are clinical indicators of bone quality. In implant dentistry, bone quality is considered equivalent to bone density on radiographic assessments. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the BTM values are reflected in jawbone condition by evaluating the relationship at baseline and during follow-up in patients with prosthodontic implants.

Computed tomography (CT) scans were obtained and BTM (osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase, pyridinoline cross-linked carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen, and crosslinked N-telopeptide of type I collagen) levels in blood samples were measured in partially edentulous eighteen patients before implant surgery. During the follow-up observation after implant surgery, marginal bone loss (MBL) was measured on dental radiography. We investigated the relationship between the presence of BTM abnormalities and radiographic bone density.

Results

More women than men had abnormal BTM values. Bone turnover was accelerated in the group of women with abnormal BTM values. The density of cancellous bone at the implant placement site was significantly lower in the patients with abnormally high BTM values than in their counterparts with BTM values in the normal range.

Conclusions

Female patients who undergo implant treatments may have reduced bone quality; evaluations of bone strength will require assessments of both BTMs and the density of cancellous bone.
Primary pancreatic glomus tumor invading into the superior mesenteric vein: a case report
Authors: Tamaki Ichiro , Hosoda Yohei , Sasano Hironobu , Sasaki Yu , Kiyochi Hidenori , Taki Yoshiro , Komoto Izumi
Published: November 2020

Background

Glomus tumors are subcutaneous tumors arising from glomus bodies, thermoregulatory components of the skin. These tumors could occur in visceral organs where glomus bodies are not normally present. Herein, we report a case of primary pancreatic glomus tumor with aggressive direct invasion into the superior mesenteric vein (SMV). To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case report of a glomus tumor arising in the pancreas.

Case presentation

A 46-year-old woman was referred to our hospital due to vomiting with epigastric and back pain. Dynamic-CT revealed a well-circumscribed hypervascular mass, measuring 37 mm in its maximal diameter involving the pancreatic head. Both CT and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) revealed direct invasion into the SMV and radiologically suspected tumor thrombus. Biopsy sample obtained by EUS-guided fine needle aspiration revealed proliferation of small cells, round-to-oval tumor cells with round nuclei and scant cytoplasm. A histological diagnosis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, G1 was initially considered. Therefore, subtotal stomach-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy using Child-II reconstruction was subsequently performed. Her SMV was resected and reconstructed due to extensive tumor involvement. Subsequent histopathological analysis revealed solid tumor cells proliferation that comprised oval-shaped nuclei and scant cytoplasm around disorganized or slit-shaped vessels in hematoxylin–eosin-stained slides. Immunohistochemical analysis then demonstrated positive immunoreactivity for smooth muscle actin, vimentin, and CD34, but negative for chromogranin A, synaptophysin, CD56, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 6. Based on these histological findings of resected specimens, the lesion was subsequently diagnosed as a primary pancreatic glomus tumor harboring direct invasion into the SMV. Her postoperative course was uneventful and annual surveys for the following 4 years post-op detected no clinical signs of recurrence.

Conclusions

We report a very rare case of glomus tumor of the pancreas accompanied by venous invasion. Curative surgical resection is the best treatment option for pancreatic glomus tumors. Although pancreatic glomus tumor is rare, it should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis of a pancreatic solid tumor with hypervascularity.
Differentiating combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema from pure emphysema: utility of late gadolinium-enhanced MRI
Authors: Fleming Hannah , Clifford Simon M. , Haughey Aoife , MacDermott Roisin , McVeigh Niall , Healy Gerard M. , Lavelle Lisa , Abbara Suhny , Murphy David J. , Fabre Aurelie , McKone Edward , McCarthy Cormac , Butler Marcus , Doran Peter , Lynch David A. , Keane Michael P. , Dodd Jonathan D.
Published: November 2020

Background

Differentiating combined pulmonary fibrosis with emphysema (CPFE) from pure emphysema can be challenging on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT). This has antifibrotic therapy implications.

Methods

Twenty patients with suspected CPFE underwent late gadolinium-enhanced (LGE) thoracic magnetic resonance imaging (LGE-MRI) and HRCT. Data from twelve healthy control subjects from a previous study who underwent thoracic LGE-MRI were included for comparison. Quantitative LGE signal intensity (SI) was retrospectively compared in regions of fibrosis and emphysema in CPFE patients to similar lung regions in controls. Qualitative comparisons for the presence/extent of reticulation, honeycombing, and traction bronchiectasis between LGE-MRI and HRCT were assessed by two readers in consensus.

Results

There were significant quantitative differences in fibrosis SI compared to emphysema SI in CPFE patients (25.8, IQR 18.4–31.0 versus 5.3, IQR 5.0–8.1, p < 0.001). Significant differences were found between LGE-MRI and HRCT in the extent of reticulation (12.5, IQR 5.0–20.0 versus 25.0, IQR 15.0–26.3, p = 0.038) and honeycombing (5.0, IQR 0.0–10.0 versus 20.0, IQR 10.6–20.0, p = 0.001) but not traction bronchiectasis (10.0, IQR 5–15 versus 15.0, IQR 5–15, p = 0.878). Receiver operator curve analysis of fibrosis SI compared to similarly located regions in control subjects showed an area under the curve of 0.82 (p = 0.002). A SI cutoff of 19 yielded a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 86% in differentiating fibrosis from similarly located regions in control subjects.

Conclusion

LGE-MRI can differentiate CPFE from pure emphysema and may be a useful adjunct test to HRCT in patients with suspected CPFE.
Assessment of the FINDRISC tool in predicting the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus in a young adult Nigerian population
Authors: Nnamudi Anthony Chibuzor , Orhue Noghayin E. Jerry , Ijeh Ifeoma Irene
Published: November 2020

Background

The global prevalence of diabetes mellitus is assuming worrisome proportions even among children and young adults. This study is aimed at predicting the risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus in a young adult Nigerian population using the validated FINDRISC tool.

Results

Data on 134 young adults [67 (50.0%) male and 67 (50.0%) female] analyzed in this study revealed a body mass index value of 24.86 ± 3.38 kg/m2(male) and 25.42 ± 5.39 kg/m2(female) with 43.2% of participants being overweight or obese. A waist circumference of 85.94 ± 9.69 cm (male) and 83.92 ± 15.24 cm (female) was recorded with 35.8% of participants having central obesity. A fasting blood glucose level of 82.04 ± 14.52 mg/dL (male) and 84.89 ± 18.30 mg/dL (female) was recorded with 32.8% of participants being hyperglycemic. The Finnish Diabetes Risk Scoring (FINDRISC) data [4.86 ± 3.24 (male) and 7.31 ± 3.38 (female)] showed that 1.5% have a high risk (FINDRISC 15–20) while 12.0% have a moderate to high risk (FINDRISC ≥ 12) of developing diabetes.

Conclusion

The FINDRISC tool is an effective diagnostic tool for assessing diabetes risk. In future studies, there may be need to also develop a more specific indigenous risk assessment tool particularly for a young adult Nigerian population.
Practical pairing-Free sensor cooperation scheme for cloud-Assisted wireless body area networks
Authors: Song Yuanzhao , Tan Haowen
Published: November 2020

Nowadays, the design and construction of efficient internet of things (IoTs) has become a new strategies for improving living quality of all aspects. Emerging as one of the most significant extension of medical IoTs, wireless body area networks (WBANs) is capable of monitoring crucial physiological and behavioral information through wearable sensors, offering a new paradigm for the next-generation healthcare systems. As a matter of fact, due to the inherent open wireless communicating characteristics, data security and user privacy issues of WBANs have attracted attentions from both industry and academia. So far, lots of relevant researches emphasize on secure transmission and privacy protection. However, the computation and communication limitations for individual WBAN sensor have not been taken proper consideration. Moreover, the implementation of cloud computing infrastructure has provided WBANs with superior transmission and processing qualities. Emphasizing on the above issues, this paper construct a pairing-free authentication and sensor cooperation scheme in cloud-assisted WBANs, where most of the practical requirements for WBAN sensors could be satisfied. Our design guarantee the sensor anonymity in the whole transmission session. Note that our design offers pairing-free validation procedure followed with active sensor cooperation, which is suitable for massive sensor scenarios. The security analysis proves that our designed scheme is capable of achieving desired security properties and offer adequate resistances to the charted malicious attacks. Meanwhile, security comparison demonstrates that the proposed protocol is secure compared with the state-of-the-arts.
Trend and status of out-of-pocket payments for healthcare in Iran: equity and catastrophic effect
Authors: Rezaei Satar , Woldemichael Abraha , Ebrahimi Mohammad , Ahmadi Sina
Published: November 2020

Background

Equity in the distribution of health care resources and mitigating the risk of out-of-pocket (OOP) catastrophic healthcare expenditures (CHE) are the major objectives of the health system of a country. This study aims to measure equity in OOP payments for healthcare and the incidence of CHE among Iranian households over time.

Methods

This retrospective cross-sectional study utilized data extracted from the household income and expenditure survey (HIES) of Iran, collected by the Statistical Center of Iran. The analysis included a total of 174,341 households’ five yearly data of 6 years starting from 1991 to 2017. Kakwani progressivity index (KPI) was used to measure the equity in OOP payment for each year and examine the households’ incidence of CHE at 20%, 30%, and 40% of their capacities to pay (CTP). The trend series regression analysis was used to examine the trend in the KPI and the incidence of the CHE over time.

Results

The findings indicated that the households’ expenditure on health out of their monthly budgets for the years 1991 and 2017 were 2.1% and 10.1%, respectively. The KPI for the OOP payment was negative for all 6-year observations (1991 = − 0.680; 1996 = − 0.608; 2001 = − 0.554; 2006 = − 0.265; 2011 = − 0.225, and 2017 = − 0.207), indicating that the OOP payments for healthcare are regressive and more concentrated among the socioeconomically disadvantaged households. There was a statistically significant (p = 0.003) increase in the KPI (i.e., decline in the regressivity) over time. The incidence of the CHE (1.12, 1.93, and 3.71%) in 1991 at the CTP levels of 20%, 30%, and 40% was lower than the incidence at the corresponding levels of CTP (5.26, 10.88, and 22.16) in 2017. The findings of the time-series regression indicated a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in the incidence of the CHE at the 20%, 30%, and 40% levels of the households’ CTP.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrated that OOP payment as a source of healthcare funding in Iran is inequitable. While the use of interventions such as the prepaid and publicly funded programs may contribute to the reduction of CHE and improvement of equity in healthcare financing, further inequality analyses in the incidence of the CHE among households and its main determinants can contribute to evidence-informed planning to reduce the CHE in the context.
Real and imaginary cat states of graphene and some of their properties
Authors: Ghosh P. , Roy P.
Published: November 2020

In this paper we construct real and imaginary cat states of graphene and examine some properties of such states. It has been shown that these cat states exhibit nonclassical features like oscillation of the distribution function, sub-Poissonian statistics and quadrature squeezing.
Antidiabetic Treatment, Level of Glycemic Control, and Risk of Fracture in Type 2 Diabetes: a Nested, Case-Control Study
Authors: Charlier Sarah , Vavanikunnel Janina , Becker Claudia , Jick Susan S , Meier Christian , Meier Christoph R
Published: November 2020

Context

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have an increased risk of low-trauma fractures. However, the effect of antidiabetic medication in relation to glycemic control on the risk of fracture is poorly understood.

Objective

This work aimed to evaluate the association between the level of glycemic control, use of antidiabetic medication, and risk of low-trauma fractures in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM.

Methods

We conducted a nested case-control analysis among individuals registered in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink. The base population consisted of patients with newly diagnosed T2DM from 1995 to 2017. Cases were patients with a low-trauma fracture after T2DM diagnosis. We matched 4 controls to each case. Exposures of interest were glycemic control (last glycated hemoglobin [HbA1c] level before fracture) and type of diabetes treatment. We conducted conditional logistic regression analyses adjusted for several confounders.

Results

We identified 8809 cases and 35 219 controls. Patients with current metformin use and HbA1c levels of less than 7.0% and between 7.0-8.0% had a reduced risk of fractures (adjusted odds ratio 0.89; 95% CI, 0.83-0.96 and 0.81; 95% CI, 0.73-0.90, respectively) compared with untreated patients. However, in patients receiving metformin plus 1 or 2 other antidiabetic drugs, or insulin (alone or in addition to other antidiabetic medication), the level of glycemic control was not associated with the risk of fracture compared with untreated patients.

Conclusions

While patients with good or medium glycemic control receiving current metformin monotherapy had a lower risk of fracture compared with untreated patients, glycemic control in patients receiving treatment other than metformin was not associated with risk of fracture.
Thyroid Dysfunction in Relation to Immune Profile, Disease Status, and Outcome in 191 Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Lui David Tak Wai , Lee Chi Ho , Chow Wing Sun , Lee Alan Chun Hong , Tam Anthony Raymond , Fong Carol Ho Yi , Law Chun Yiu , Leung Eunice Ka Hong , To Kelvin Kai Wang , Tan Kathryn Choon Beng , Woo Yu Cho , Lam Ching Wan , Hung Ivan Fan Ngai , Lam Karen Siu Ling
Published: November 2020

Objective

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)–related thyroiditis is increasingly recognized. The role of thyroid autoimmunity and SARS-CoV-2 viral load in SARS-CoV-2–related thyroid dysfunction is unclear. We evaluated the thyroid function of a cohort of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, in relation to their clinical features, and biochemical, immunological, and inflammatory markers.

Methods

Consecutive adult patients, without known thyroid disorders, admitted to Queen Mary Hospital for COVID-19 from July 21 to August 21, 2020, were included. Serum levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine, free triiodothyronine (fT3), and antithyroid antibodies were measured on admission.

Results

Among 191 patients with COVID-19 (mean age 53.5 ± 17.2 years; 51.8% male), 84.3% were mild, 12.6% were moderate, and 3.1% were severe. Abnormal thyroid function was seen in 13.1%. Ten patients had isolated low TSH, suggestive of subclinical thyrotoxicosis due to thyroiditis, although the contribution of autoimmunity was likely in 2 of them. Autoimmune thyroiditis probably also contributed to subclinical hypothyroidism in another patient. Ten patients had isolated low fT3, likely representing nonthyroidal illness syndrome. Lower SARS-Cov-2 polymerase chain reaction cycle threshold values and elevated C-reactive protein were independently associated with occurrence of low TSH (P = .030) and low fT3 (P = .007), respectively. A decreasing trend of fT3 with increasing COVID-19 severity (P = .032) was found. Patients with low fT3 had more adverse COVID-19-related outcomes.

Conclusion

Around 15% of patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 had thyroid dysfunction. There may be a direct effect of SARS-CoV-2 on thyroid function, potentially leading to exacerbation of pre-existing autoimmune thyroid disease. Low fT3, associated with systemic inflammation, may have a prognostic significance.
Metabolic cost of freeze-thaw and source of CO2 production in the freeze-tolerant cricket Gryllus veletis
Authors: Smith Adam , Turnbull Kurtis F. , Moulton Julian H. , Sinclair Brent J.
Published: November 2020

Freeze-tolerant insects can survive the conversion of a substantial portion of their body water to ice. While the process of freezing induces active responses from some organisms, these responses appear absent from freeze-tolerant insects. Recovery from freezing likely requires energy expenditure to repair tissues and re-establish homeostasis, which should be evident as elevations in metabolic rate after thaw. We measured carbon dioxide (CO2) production in the spring field cricket (Gryllus veletis) as a proxy for metabolic rate during cooling, freezing and thawing and compared the metabolic costs associated with recovery from freezing and chilling. We hypothesized that freezing does not induce active responses, but that recovery from freeze-thaw is metabolically costly. We observed a burst of CO2 release at the onset of freezing in all crickets that froze, including those killed by either cyanide or an insecticide (thiacloprid), implying that the source of this CO2 was neither aerobic metabolism or a coordinated nervous system response. These results suggest that freezing does not induce active responses from G. veletis, but may liberate buffered CO2 from hemolymph. There was a transient ‘overshoot’ in CO2 release during the first hour of recovery, and elevated metabolic rates at 24, 48 and 72 hours, in crickets that had been frozen compared to crickets that had been chilled (but not frozen). Thus, recovery from freeze-thaw and the repair of freeze-induced damage appears metabolically costly in G. veletis, and this cost persists for several days after thawing.
Evaluation of different teaching methods in the radiographic diagnosis of proximal carious lesions
Authors: Rocha Beatriz de Carvalho , Rosa Beatriz Salomão Porto-Alegre , Cerqueira Thaís Santos , de-Azevedo-Vaz Sergio Lins , Barbosa Gabriella Lopes de Rezende , Ferreira Liana Matos , Verner Francielle Silvestre , Visconti Maria Augusta
Published: November 2020

Objectives:

To evaluate four different teaching methodologies in the radiographic diagnosis of proximal carious lesions and in the students’ perception of these methodologies.

Methods:

71 undergraduate dental students were subdivided into 4 groups according to the teaching methodologies used (traditional, hybrid, e-learning and problem-based learning). All methods were applied by two properly trained researchers. Initially, students completed a pre-methodology test (index test). After applying the teaching methodologies, the students were submitted to a post-methodology test containing periapical radiographs for evaluation of proximal carious lesions. Then, the students answered a questionnaire to verify their perception of the different teaching methodologies. Statistical analysis was done.

Results:

There were no relationship between the results of pre- and post-methodologies tests, irrespective of the teaching methodology employed (p > 0.05). No differences between the teaching methodologies studied (p > 0.05) were found regarding the amount of correct answers. However, the students who participated in the active (e-learning and problem-based learning) and hybrid teaching methodology reported a positive impact in relation to their diagnostic skills at the questionnaire.

Conclusions:

All the tested methodologies had a similar performance; however, the traditional methodology showed less acceptance by the students when analyzed subjectively and comparatively. The results of the present study increase comprehension about teaching methodologies for radiographic diagnosis of proximal carious lesions, and there is a potential to build on the knowledge base and provide practical support for students and educators.
The EU one-stop-shop collection of publicly available information on COVID-19 in vitro diagnostic medical devices
Authors: Petrillo Mauro , Querci Maddalena , Tkachenko Olga , Siska Ioana-Raluca , Ben Enrico , Angers-Loustau Alexandre , Bogni Alessia , Brunetto Antonino , Fabbri Marco , Garlant Linda , Lievens Antoon , Munoz Amalia , Paracchini Valentina , Pietretti Danilo , Puertas-Gallardo Antonio , Raffael Barbara , Sarno Eleonora , Tregoat Virginie , Zaro Fabrizio , Van den Eede Guy
Published: November 2020

The JRC COVID-19 In Vitro Diagnostic Devices and Test Methods Database, aimed to collect in a single place all publicly available information on performance of CE-marked in vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVDs) as well as in house laboratory-developed devices and related test methods for COVID-19, is here presented. The database, manually curated and regularly updated, has been developed as a follow-up to the Communication from the European Commission “Guidelines on in vitro diagnostic tests and their performance” of 15 April 2020 and is freely accessible at https://covid-19-diagnostics.jrc.ec.europa.eu/.
Cost-effectiveness and public health impact of RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine in Malawi, using a Markov static model
Authors: Ndeketa Latif , Mategula Donnie , Terlouw Dianne J. , Bar-Zeev Naor , Sauboin Christophe J. , Biernaux Sophie
Published: November 2020

Background: The RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine is being assessed in Malawi, Ghana and Kenya as part of a large-scale pilot implementation programme. Even if impactful, its incorporation into immunisation programmes will depend on demonstrating cost-effectiveness. We analysed the cost-effectiveness and public health impact of the RTS,S/AS01E malaria vaccine use in Malawi.

Methods: We calculated the Incremental Cost Effectiveness Ratio (ICER) per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) averted by vaccination and compared it to Malawi’s mean per capita Gross Domestic Product. We used a previously validated Markov model, which simulated malaria progression in a 2017 Malawian birth cohort for 15 years. We used a 46% vaccine efficacy, 75% vaccine coverage, USD5 estimated cost per vaccine dose, published local treatment costs for clinical malaria and Malawi specific malaria indicators for interventions such as bed net and antimalarial use. We took a healthcare provider, household and societal perspective. Costs were discounted at 3% per year, no discounting was applied to DALYs. For public health impact, we calculated the DALYs, and malaria events averted.

Results: The ICER/DALY averted was USD115 and USD109 for the health system perspective and societal perspective respectively, lower than GDP per capita of USD398.6 for Malawi. Sensitivity analyses exploring the impact of variation in vaccine costs, vaccine coverage rate and coverage of four doses showed vaccine implementation would be cost-effective across a wide range of different outcomes. RTS,S/AS01 was predicted to avert a median of 93,940 (range 20,490–126,540) clinical cases and 394 (127–708) deaths for the three-dose schedule, or 116,480 (31,450–160,410) clinical cases and 484 (189–859) deaths for the four-dose schedule, per 100 000 fully vaccinated children.

Conclusions: We predict the introduction of the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine in the Malawian expanded programme of immunisation (EPI) likely to be highly cost effective.
Novel N2O2 Schiff base derived from 1,2-Hydrazinedicarboximidamide and its complexes with Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Mn(II) and Cr(III): Synthesis and characterization
Authors: K. Yassin Sara , M. S. Alshawi Jasim , A. Mohammedsalih Zainab
Published: November 2020

The synthesis of a (1,2-Hydrazinedicarboximidamide) was identified in this paper and condensing it with 2-4dihydroxybenzaldehyde to form tetradentate ligand (L). This ligand used to prepare five metal complexes as chloride salts [Cu2(L)Cl2](1), [Co2(L)Cl2](2), [Ni2(L)Cl2](3), [Mn2(L)Cl2](4) and [Cr2(L)Cl2](5) in an ethanolic medium. Dimethyl formamide (DMF) prepared complexes solutions to applied it as electrolytes. The structures were confirmed by several spectroscopic and analytical techniques indicating that metal complexes are more likely to have tetrahedral-coordinated geometry. Thus, these structures indicated the ligand show similar actions as tetradentate linked to metal ion by nitrogen (azomethine) and the negative charge of oxygen atoms from hydroxyl in 2-4dihydroxybenzaldehyde.
Application of Natural Dyes and Sodium Alginate From Sargassum Sp. Sea weed In Coloring Bima Woven Fabric
Authors: Wiraningtyan Agrippina , Ruslan Ruslan , Ayu Mutmainnah Putri , Perkasa Magfirah
Published: November 2020

This study aims to extract dye and alginate from seaweed Sargassum sp. as a dye paste in the coloring of Bima woven fabric. The concentration of sodium alginate used was 0%; 1%; 3% and 5%. The results showed that the absorbance value of the dye extract from seaweed Sargassum sp at maximum λ = 203 nm obtained A = 3.899. The effect of variations in the concentration of sodium alginate in the dye paste was determined by comparing the FTIR absorption pattern of Bima woven fabrics. Based on the FTIR absorption pattern data, it was found that a mixture of dye and sodium alginate of 3% had a stronger intensity, namely the wave numbers 3448.72 cm-1 and 1635 cm-1; 2900.94 cm-1; 2337.72 cm-1; 1381.03 cm-1 and 1064.71 cm-1. The results of the morphological analysis showed significant differences in surface structure on Bima woven fabrics before and after the dyeing process.
Street Escape en la Colonia Güell: conceptualización, diseño y evaluación de una estrategia de mediación del patrimonio cultural
Authors: Ferrero Jimeno Alba Camino , Martínez Ruiz Judit
Published: November 2020

In this project, a gamified mediation strategy is proposed for the enhancement of the industrial heritage of Colonia Güell through the Street Escape tool. The general objectives are the conceptualization and design of a mediation strategy and its subsequent evaluation, as well as the analysis of the results obtained. In order to achieve these objectives, an investigation was developed that has as key points the gamification in heritage spaces and the Escape Room tourism. The qualitative methodology used has been a case study that has had the techniques of participant observation and focus group to collect information and behaviors from the ten participants in the game. The Street Escape has been done with two groups, one representing the teenage public and the other representing the youth public, since the tourist and didactic offer of Colonia Güell is insufficient to respond to the needs of young public. Afterwards, the conceptualization, design and evaluation of the Street Escape in Colonia Güell has been carried out. Finally, the results obtained show that the creation of a gamified mediation strategy helps to bring industrial heritage closer to young people.
High precision line-of-sight angle measuring and large ranging laser radar system for deep-space rendezvous and docking
Authors: Feng Zhihui , Yue Yongjian , Dai Dongjun , Yuan Linchen , Nan Yaming
Published: November 2020

With the development of automatic rendezvous and docking missions from Earth orbit to deep space, new sensors are needed to perceive precise ranging and bearing information of the target at a longer distance. A new type of laser line-of-sight (LOS) deviation measuring and ranging system is developed, which is characterized by an operational range of 0.5 m to 20 km with a precision of 0.4 m (far) and 0.025 m (near), and a scanning range of up to

120

∘

×

145

∘

with an precision of LOS angle up to 0.025°. In addition, gaze-tracking capability enables the system to capture and track high-speed targets. The scheme of the designed system is presented in detail, including optical path design, scanning strategy for tracking, ranging signal processing, and LOS measurement. Meanwhile, the performance of the designed system is verified by extensive indoor and outdoor experiments, including ground simulated rendezvous and docking experiments from about 20 km to 0.5 m.
Theory analysis and experimental demonstration of a microlens array scanner with Kepler structure
Authors: Yang Xu , Geng Chao , Li Xiaoyang , Li Feng , Zuo Jing , Jiang Jiali , Li Bincheng , Li Xinyang
Published: November 2020

The technology of a microlens array scanner (MLAS) has the potential to realize large-angle beam scanning with a large beam size. Two sets of microlens arrays (MLAs) were used as phase-controlling emitters in MLAS. A mathematical model of the MLAS with Kepler structure was established in the desired direction and leakage direction. It was verified that the maximum relative displacement of MLAS was half of the MLA sub-aperture. Two sets of F/5 continuous surface MLAs were used as emitters in the experiment. One-dimensional discrete-addressing scanning process with

∼

10

∘

field of view is demonstrated, and it is in good agreement with the theory.
Stray light nonuniform background correction for a wide-field surveillance system
Authors: Xu Zeming , Liu Dan , Yan Changxiang , Hu Chunhui
Published: November 2020

Wide field and a long exposure time can effectively improve the ability of a space surveillance telescope to detect faint space targets. However, such systems are very susceptible to stray light. A stray light nonuniform background will cause great interference to subsequent target recognition, resulting in a large number of false alarms. This study presents an accurate and robust correction algorithm, called the improved new top-hat transformation (INTHT), for a stray light nonuniform background. First, we analyzed the formation mechanism and influence of the stray light nonuniform background. Then, to retrieve the lost targets, the size relationship of the two different, but related, structural operators is changed so the sizes of two structural operators are not equal. Finally, before comparing to the original image to take the minimum value, we added an expansion operation to restore the background size transformation caused by the different sizes of the structural operators in the previous step. This will ensure that there is no residual stray light nonuniform background. We believe, to the best of our knowledge, that the experimental results for the real captured image datasets demonstrate that, compared to other algorithms, the proposed INTHT algorithm has a higher accuracy and effectiveness in correcting a stray light nonuniform background.
Baseline correction method based on improved asymmetrically reweighted penalized least squares for the Raman spectrum
Authors: Ye Jianfeng , Tian Ziyang , Wei Haoyun , Li Yan
Published: November 2020

We present a baseline correction method based on improved asymmetrically reweighted penalized least squares (
IarPLS
) for the Raman spectrum. This method utilizes a new S-type function to reduce the risk of baseline overestimation and speed up the reweighting process. Simulated spectra with different levels of noise and measured spectra with strong fluorescence background from different samples are used to validate the performance of the proposed algorithm. Considering the drawbacks of the weighting rules for the asymmetrically reweighted penalized least squares (
arPLS
) method, we adapt an inverse square root unit (
ISRU
) function, which performs well in baseline correction. Compared with previous penalized least squares methods, such as asymmetric least squares, adaptive iteratively reweighted penalized least squares, and
arPLS
, experiments with the simulated Raman spectra have confirmed that the proposed method yields better outcomes. Experiments with the measured Raman spectra show that the
IarPLS
method can improve real Raman spectra within 20 ms. The results show that the proposed method can be successfully applied to the practical Raman spectrum as a strong basis for quantitative analysis.
Real-time isotopic methane detection using mid-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Jinghao , Zhou Junchao , Lin Pao Tai
Published: November 2020

A real-time, nondestructive mid-infrared (mid-IR) platform was proposed for isotopic methane detection. The measurement system consisted of a tunable mid-IR laser, a miniaturized gas chamber, and a mid-IR signal receiver. The isotope ratio of the

12

C
H

4

/

13

C
H

4

was identified by measuring the mid-IR spectrum at

λ
=

3

.

2

−

3

.

5

µ

m

. In-situ

12

C
H

4

/

13

C
H

4

monitoring was then achieved by tracing the characteristic mid-IR absorption peaks assigned to the

12

C
H

4

at

λ
=

3.328

µ

m

and

13

C
H

4

at

λ
=

3.340

µ

m

. The real-time methane isotope analysis can be applied to environmental monitoring and petroleum industries.
Fundamentals of automated human gesture recognition using 3D integral imaging: a tutorial
Authors: Javidi Bahram , Pla Filiberto , Sotoca José M. , Shen Xin , Latorre-Carmona Pedro , Martínez-Corral Manuel , Fernández-Beltrán Rubén , Krishnan Gokul
Published: November 2020

Automated human gesture recognition is receiving significant research interest, with applications ranging from novel acquisition techniques to algorithms, data processing, and classification methodologies. This tutorial presents an overview of the fundamental components and basics of the current 3D optical image acquisition technologies for gesture recognition, including the most promising algorithms. Experimental results illustrate some examples of 3D integral imaging, which are compared to conventional 2D optical imaging. Examples of classifying human gestures under normal and degraded conditions, such as low illumination and the presence of partial occlusions, are provided. This tutorial is aimed at an audience who may or may not be familiar with gesture recognition approaches, current 3D optical image acquisition techniques, and classification algorithms and methodologies applied to human gesture recognition.
AOTF-based hyperspectral imaging phase microscopy
Authors: Yushkov Konstantin B. , Champagne Justine , Kastelik Jean-Claude , Makarov Oleg Yu. , Molchanov Vladimir Ya.
Published: November 2020

Phase imaging microscopy with incoherent object illumination is convenient and affordable for biomedical research and clinics since it provides easy integration with a variety of bright-field optical microscopes. We report the design of a new hyperspectral imaging system based on a combination of a spatial light modulator (SLM) and an acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) for phase imaging microscopy. Contrast of phase-only objects originates from matched spectral and spatial filtering performed by the SLM and the AOTF located in Fourier-conjugate optical planes in the back-end of the optical system. The system is designed as an add-on to a standard optical microscope with incoherent diascopic sample illumination.
Linear diattenuation imaging of biological tissues with near infrared Mueller scanning microscopy
Authors: Dubreuil Matthieu , Tissier Florine , Rivet Sylvain , Grand Yann Le
Published: November 2020

Among the multitude of optical polarization contrasts that can be observed in complex biological specimens, linear diattenuation (LD) imaging has received little attention. It is indeed challenging to image LD with basic polarizing microscopes because it is often relatively small in comparison with linear retardance (LR). In addition, interpretation of LD images is not straightforward when experiments are conducted in the visible range because LD can be produced by both dichroism and anisotropic scattering. Mueller polarimetry is a powerful implementation of polarization sensing able to differentiate and measure the anisotropies of specimens. In this article, near infrared transmission Mueller scanning microscopy is used to image LD in thin biological specimen sections made of various proteins with unprecedented resolution and sensitivity. The near infrared spectral range makes it possible to lower the contribution of dichroism to the total linear diattenuation in order to highlight anisotropic scattering. Pixel-by-pixel comparison of LD images with LR and multiphoton images demonstrates that LD is produced by under-resolved structures that are not revealed by other means, notably within the sarcomere of skeletal muscles. LD microscopy appears as a powerful tool to provide new insights into the macro-molecular organization of biological specimens at the sub-microscopic scale without labelling.
Design, simulation, and analysis of an ultra-broadband polarization-insensitive terahertz metamaterial absorber
Authors: Pan Hao , Zhang Haifeng , Tian Xingliang , Zhang Dan
Published: November 2020

A novel ultra-broadband polarization-insensitive metamaterial absorber is presented in this paper, which can work in the terahertz (THz) regime. By stacking two layers with a certain proportion separated by dielectric spacing layers, on which six nested rings of different sizes and other metal resonators are arranged, the metamaterial absorber for a TE wave can achieve absorption of over 90% at 2.28–5.58 THz, and that for the TM wave is located at 2.3–5.82 THz, whose relative bandwidths (RBWs) are 82.5% and 88%, respectively, which is shown in the simulation results. Moreover, the absorption performance of such an absorber remains stable at 2.3–5.58 THz, whose RBW is 82% when the wave is incident with different polarization angles, which implies that the metamaterial absorber has insensitivity towards polarization. The absorption mechanism for this absorber originates from the Fabry–Perot resonances among different layers and the magnetic resonances among the metal resonators, based on analysis of the distributions of the power loss density, surface current, and magnetic fields. The metamaterial absorber presented in this work is promising for application owing to its broad absorption band and insensitivity towards polarization.
Exterior tuning and switching of non-equilibrium Casimir force
Authors: Iizuka Hideo , Fan Shanhui
Published: November 2020

We consider a non-equilibrium system consisting of two slabs having the same temperature separated by a vacuum gap, and surrounded by vacuum with a temperature that is different from that of the slabs. We show that the force on one of the slabs can be tuned or switched by placing an additional thin layer on its exterior surface, and by changing the dielectric permittivity of this layer. Moreover, here the tuning or switching is entirely a non-equilibrium effect, and the same change does not affect the force if the system is in equilibrium. Based on this effect, we consider a switch for non-equilibrium Casimir force where a

V
O

2

thin film is placed on the exterior surface. This switch exhibits a sharp transition in its Casimir force as a function of temperature, only when the system is out of equilibrium.
Taperless Si hybrid optical phase shifter based on a metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitor using an ultrathin InP membrane
Authors: Ohno Shuhei , Li Qiang , Sekine Naoki , Fujikata Junichi , Noguchi Masataka , Takahashi Shigeki , Toprasertpong Kasidit , Takagi Shinichi , Takenaka Mitsuru
Published: November 2020

We propose a III-V/Si hybrid metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) optical phase shifter using an ultrathin InP membrane, which allows us to eliminate the III-V taper required for mode conversion between Si and hybrid waveguides. We numerically revealed that thinning a III-V membrane can reduce the insertion loss of the phase shifter while maintaining high modulation efficiency because the optical phase shift is induced by carrier accumulation at the MOS interface. We experimentally demonstrated the proposed optical phase shifter with an ultrathin InP membrane and achieved the modulation efficiency of 0.54 Vcm and the insertion loss of 0.055 dB. Since the taperless structure makes the hybrid integration easier and more flexible, the hybrid MOS optical phase shifter with an ultrathin III-V membrane is promising for large-scale Si programmable photonic integrated circuits.
Toroidal dipole resonance in an asymmetric double-disk metamaterial
Authors: Li Jie , Chen Ping , Wang Yinghua , Dong Zhenggao , Wang Yongjin
Published: November 2020

Toroidal dipole response in metamaterials was usually based on a complex structure with special arrangements or symmetries. In this paper, we propose an asymmetric double-disk metamaterial to numerically and experimentally demonstrate the toroidal dipole response in microwave frequency range. When the upper disk has an offset angle θ ranging from 0 to 100 degrees with respect to the lower one, the toroidal dipole resonance always plays the decisive role, which has been proved by calculating the scattered power in terms of the multipole scattering theory. Besides, the dependence of toroidal dipole response on structural parameters has been explored. Our works enrich the research of toroidal moment and, meanwhile, present more application potentials in meta-devices from microwave to optical regime.
Multiple orbital angular momentum mode switching at multi-wavelength in few-mode fibers
Authors: Wu Xiaowen , Gao Shecheng , Tu Jiajing , Shen Lei , Hao Chenglong , Zhang Bin , Feng Yuanhua , Zhou Ji , Chen Shuner , Liu Weiping , Li Zhaohui
Published: November 2020

Mode division multiplexing has attracted great attention because it can potentially overcome the limitation of single-mode fiber traffic capacity. However, it has been challenging to realize multiple modes controlling and switching due to the intrinsic overlap of the modes in the transmission waveguide. As a solution, we propose a cascaded phase-shifted long-period fiber grating (PS-LPFG) based multiple mode switching scheme. Using the PS-LPFGs, the multiple guided orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes selective controlling and switching at multi-wavelength can be achieved in few-mode fibers by regulating the grating resonance condition. In principle, a N × N mode switch matrix can be realized by cascading

C

N

2

gratings, where each grating acts as a mode switch element to achieve a couple selected OAM mode switching and meanwhile the other modes are under nonblocking status. As a proof of the concept, a 2 × 2 mode switching between two OAM modes at different wavelengths based on one PS-LPFG element is demonstrated in our experiments. The switching efficiency of the two modes at two wavelengths 1537nm and 1558nm are ∼98.4% and ∼98.7%, respectively. The proposed multiple OAM mode switch has potential applications in the future hybrid multi-dimensional multiplexing optical fiber communication systems.
Coherently coupled vector black solitons in a quasi-isotropic cavity fiber laser
Authors: Hu X. , Guo J. , Zhao L. M. , Ma J. , Tang D. Y.
Published: November 2020

We report the first experimental observation of coherently coupled black–black solitons in a quasi-isotropic cavity fiber laser with normal cavity dispersion. The properties of the vector solitons accord well with the theoretical predictions based on the coherently coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations. Numerical studies and experimental results clearly confirmed the existence of the highly robust vector black solitons in the fiber laser system.