bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting port sustainability as a foundation for the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)
Authors: Alamoush Anas S. , Ballini Fabio , Ölçer Aykut I.
Published: November 2021

Port sustainability studies are increasing rapidly and are skewed toward environmental aspects, while at the same time their results are fragmented, making it difficult to collectively assess conclusions. This study, therefore, aims at building a framework which categorises port actions, measures, and implementation schemes (policy tools to improve the uptake), utilising the critical literature review method. Additionally, linkage of port sustainability to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) is highlighted. Port sustainability includes internal (port side) and external (ships and land transport) actions and measures. The study results form 16 homogeneous and interconnected sustainability categories, including a non-exhaustive list of operationalising measures, encompassing the three dimensions of sustainability (environment, economy and society) while implementation schemes are divided into four groups. Considering that ports are under scrutiny and perceiving growing pressure to improve their sustainable pathways, for example by addressing climate change and energy consumption, the identified ports’ sustainability actions and measures, including the linkage with the UN SDGs, are overarching and multidimensional and seen as a step in achieving far-reaching sustainable implementation. The study’s practical implications guide port policymakers and industry practitioners to go beyond the low hanging fruit (customary practices), and enable them to take reliable decisions for broader sustainability implementation. Additionally, the identified research implications stimulate further academic discussions.
Cancer follow-up supported by patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing intended curative complex surgery for advanced cancer
Authors: Ravn Sissel , Thaysen Henriette Vind , Verwaal Victor Jilbert ,   HIPEC ePRO collaborative at Aarhus University Hospital, Soerensen Mette Møller , Funder Jonas , Mikkelsen Mette Shou , Christiansen Thora , Søgaard Charlotte , Seibæk Lene , Iversen Lene Hjerrild
Published: November 2021

Background and aim

Patient activation (PA) and Patient Involvement (PI) are considered elements in good survivorship. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a follow-up supported by electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) on PA and PI.

Method

From February 2017 to January 2019, we conducted an explorative interventional study. We included 187 patients followed after intended curative complex surgery for advanced cancer at two different Departments at a University Hospital. Prior to each follow-up consultation, patients used the ePRO to screen themselves for clinical important symptoms, function and needs. The ePRO was graphically presented to the clinician during the follow-up, aiming to facilitate patient activation and involvement in each follow-up. PA was measured by the Patient Activation Measurement (PAM), while PI was measured by five indicator questions. PAM and PI data compared between (− ePRO) and interventional (+ ePRO) consultations. PAM data were analysed using a linear mixed effect regression model with intervention (yes/no) and time along with the interaction between them as categorical fixed effects. The analyses were further adjusted for time (days) since surgery.

Results

According to our data, ePRO supported consultations did not improve PA. The average mean difference in PAM score between + ePRO and − ePRO consultations were − 0.2 (95% confidence interval − 2.6; 2.2, p = 0.9). There was no statistically significant improvement in PAM scores over time in neither + ePRO nor − ePRO group (p = 0.5). Based on the five PI-indicator questions, the majority of all consultations were evaluated as “some, much or very much” involved in consultation; providing a wider scope of dialogue, encouraged patients to ask questions and share their experiences and concerns. Nevertheless, another few patients reported not to be involved at all in the consultations.

Conclusion

We did not demonstrate evidence for ePRO supported consultations to improve patient activation, and patient activation did not improve over time. Our results generate the hypotheses that factors related to ePRO supported consultation had the potential to support PI by offering a wider scope of dialogue, and encourage patients to ask questions and share their experiences and concerns during follow-up.
Tracing the journey of Thattai Bhatia community through their culinary identity
Authors: Rana Navreet Kaur
Published: November 2021

The paper acknowledges the remarkable contribution of cookbooks which have always played an instrumental role in researching the history of any community. However, it brings to light the fact that there are several reasons like migration, small size of the community or the nomadic lifestyles when the culinary regime of the community could not be documented. In such cases, the everyday food choices of an ethnic community can lead us to tracing its origin and journey. The paper, thus, argues that in situations where there is paucity of literature documenting the culinary system or foodways, culinary identity of the community can become an effective method to trace the history of the community. The same is proved with the help of a case study of the Thattai Bhatia community. Thattai Bhatia is a small diaspora largely settled in the Persian Gulf, originally migrated from Rajasthan in India and later from Thatta in Sindh, Pakistan. The research reveals the reasons behind their distinct foodways such as abstinence from consuming liquor, meat, garlic and onion in particular, despite their intermingling with different ethnicities due to migration. The paper draws evidences from their regular foodways and traverses backwards to trace their origins, their history and the reasons that have shaped their contemporary food choices. With limited availability of literature, the author had to depend on the information provided during interviews by some of the community members about their food practices. All the findings are substantiated with references from the historical literature available.
Combination therapy of Allium cepa L. and Cucumis sativa L. extracts in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model
Authors: Ighodaro O. M. , Adeosun A. M. , Ujomu T. S. , Durosinlorun O. O. , Okosa C. C.
Published: November 2021

Background

The study assessed the effects of aqueous extracts of Allium cepa, Cucumis sativa and their combined formulation (1:1) on changes in body weight, fasting blood glucose level (FBGL), pancreas morphology and serum lipid concentration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Forty-two male rats were randomly assigned to six groups: A, B, C, D, E, and F (n = 7). Except for the control animals (group A), diabetes mellitus was experimentally induced in other groups (B to F) via a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared streptozotocin. Thereafter, the diabetic control animals (group B) were left untreated and other diabetic groups were treated as follows: C (Allium cepa 10 mL/kg of body weight (mL/kg BW), D (Cucumis sativa 10 mL/kg BW), E (Allium cepa and Cucumis sativa 10 mL/kg BW), and F (Metformin 12 mg/kg BW). All treatments lasted for seven days and FBGL was monitored at two days intervals. The rats were then sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for serum lipid estimation.

Results

Treatments of diabetic rats with Allium cepa, Cucumis sativa and their combined formulation prevented significant (P < 0.05) loss in body weight which was evident in the diabetic control counterparts. Similarly, the various treatment options curtailed the hike in blood glucose induced by streptozotocin. The hypoglycemic effect of Allium cepa was particularly notable and comparable to that of Metformin. Serum high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterols which were significantly altered in the diabetic control animals were restored to near normal following treatments with Cucumis sativa, and its combination with Allium cepa. These observations were substantiated by the outcome of the histopathological examination of the representative pancreases.

Conclusion

Allium cepa appears to be more effective in blood glucose homeostasis in the diabetic animals compared to Cucumis sativa and their combined formulation. Conversely, Cucumis sativa and its combination with Allium cepa had better effects on the physiological levels of serum cholesterols in the animals. Regular consumption of Allium cepa and Cucumis sativa may be helpful in controlling blood glucose and cholesterol levels in the diabetics.
The Gut Microbiome Modifies the Association Between a Mediterranean Diet and Diabetes in USA Hispanic/ Latino Population
Authors: Wang Dong D , Qi Qibin , Wang Zheng , Usyk Mykhaylo , Sotres-Alvarez Daniela , Mattei Josiemer , Tamez Martha , Gellman Marc D , Daviglus Martha , Hu Frank B , Stampfer Meir J , Huttenhower Curtis , Knight Rob , Burk Robert D , Kaplan Robert C
Published: November 2021

Context

The interrelationships among the gut microbiome, the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), and a clinical endpoint of diabetes is unknown.

Objective

To identify gut microbial features of a MedDiet and examine whether the association between MedDiet and diabetes varies across individuals with different gut microbial profiles.

Methods

This study included 543 diabetic, 805 prediabetic, and 394 normoglycemic participants from a cohort study of USA Hispanic/Latino men and women. Fecal samples were profiled using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Adherence to MedDiet was evaluated by an index based on 2 24-hour dietary recalls.

Results

A greater MedDiet adherence was associated with higher abundances of major dietary fiber metabolizers (e.g., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, false-discovery-rate–adjusted P [q] = 0.01), and lower abundances of biochemical specialists (e.g., Parabacteroides, q = 0.04). The gut microbiomes of participants with greater MedDiet adherence were enriched for functions involved in dietary fiber degradation but depleted for those related to sulfur reduction and lactose and galactose degradation. The associations between MedDiet adherence and diabetes prevalence were significantly stronger among participants with depleted abundance of Prevotella (pinteraction = 0.03 for diabetes, 0.02 for prediabetes/diabetes, and 0.02 for prediabetes). A 1-SD deviation increment in the MedDiet index was associated with 24% (odds ratio [OR] 0.76; 95% CI, 0.59-0.98) and 7% (OR 0.93; 95% CI, 0.72-1.20) lower odds of diabetes in Prevotella noncarriers and carriers, respectively.

Conclusion

Adherence to MedDiet is associated with diverse gut microorganisms and microbial functions. The inverse association between the MedDiet and diabetes prevalence varies significantly depending on gut microbial composition.
Assessment of Calf Skeletal Muscle in Male Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients With Different Courses Using T1ρ Mapping
Authors: Zhao Yufei , Guo Li , Jiang Yang , Wu Honghong , Dai Jingyue , Cui Ying , Mao Hui , Ju Shenghong , Wei Qiong , Peng Xin-Gui
Published: November 2021

Context

The current clinical methods for detecting skeletal muscle complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are invasive and insensitive. There is an urgent need for noninvasive assessment of skeletal muscle microstructure changes during the disease progression and treatment to assist the clinical management.

Objective

This work aimed to investigate the T2DM caused changes in the fast-twitch tibialis anterior (TA) and slow-twitch soleus (SOL) skeletal muscles using T1ρ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

This cross-sectional study took place from December 2014 to December 2020 at Zhongda Hospital Southeast University. A total of 26 new-onset and 15 long-term T2DM patients were enrolled, with the addition of 20 young and 13 older healthy volunteers as age-matched controls. T1ρ relaxation times of SOL and TA muscles in different groups were measured. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used to analyze the relationship between the T1ρ values in SOL and TA muscles and the length of illness, level of fasting blood glucose, and status of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

Results

T1ρ relaxation times of SOL and TA muscles both of new-onset and long-term T2DM patients were significantly higher than those of the young (P < .01, P < .05) and older healthy controls (P < .05, P < .01). Positive correlations were observed between the T1ρ relaxation times of the TA or SOL and the duration of T2DM (R2 = 0.420, R2 = 0.326), the level of fasting blood glucose (R2 = 0.253, R2 = 0.071) and HOMA-IR (R2 = 0.232, R2 = 0.414).

Conclusion

Quantitative MRI measurement of T1ρ provides a noninvasive tool to assess T2DM-induced changes in the skeletal muscles of T2DM patients.
Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Reduces Acute Kidney Injury After Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Long Yu-qin , Feng Xiao-mei , Shan Xi-sheng , Chen Qing-cai , Xia Zhengyuan , Ji Fu-hai , Liu Hong , Peng Ke
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND:

Results from previous studies evaluating the effects of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) on morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery are inconsistent. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims to determine whether RIPC improves cardiac and renal outcomes in adults undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHODS:

PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched to identify RCTs comparing RIPC with control in cardiac surgery. The coprimary outcomes were the incidence of postoperative myocardial infarction (MI) and the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI). Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effect model. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to volatile only anesthesia versus propofol anesthesia with or without volatiles, high-risk patients versus non–high-risk patients, and Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) or Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria versus other criteria for AKI diagnosis.

RESULTS:

A total of 79 RCTs with 10,814 patients were included. While the incidence of postoperative MI did not differ between the RIPC and control groups (8.2% vs 9.7%; risk ratio [RR] = 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76–1.01, P = .07, I
2 = 0%), RIPC significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative AKI (22% vs 24.4%; RR = 0.86, 95% CI, 0.77–0.97, P = .01, I
2 = 34%). The subgroup analyses showed that RIPC was associated with a reduced incidence of MI in non–high-risk patients, and that RIPC was associated with a reduced incidence of AKI in volatile only anesthesia, in non–high-risk patients, and in the studies using AKIN or KDIGO criteria for AKI diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS:

This meta-analysis demonstrates that RIPC reduces the incidence of AKI after cardiac surgery. This renoprotective effect of RIPC is mainly evident during volatile only anesthesia, in non–high-risk patients, and when AKIN or KDIGO criteria used for AKI diagnosis.
O συνδικαλιστικός λόγος και η συμβολή του στον δημοκρατικό διάλογο: Ο λόγος της ΔΟΕ για την αξιολόγηση
Authors: Μπάρδα Δήμητρα , Κουτούζης Μανώλης
Published: November 2021

Το παρόν άρθρο επιχειρεί να προβάλλει τη συμμετοχή των ομάδων πίεσης και κυρίως της Διδασκαλικής Ομοσπονδίας Ελλάδος (Δ.Ο.Ε.), στη θέσπιση μέτρων που αφορούν τομείς της εκπαιδευτικής πολιτικής του κράτους και συγκεκριμένα της αξιολόγησης των σχολικών μονάδων και των εκπαιδευτικών. Ειδικότερα, επικεντρωνόμαστε στο κατά πόσο η Δ.Ο.Ε. βοηθά ή όχι στην επίλυση του συγκεκριμένου ζητήματος, έτσι ώστε να οδηγηθούμε σε ένα ενισχυμένο δημοκρατικό εκπαιδευτικό πλαίσιο, που θα εξυπηρετεί και θα προστατεύει όλους τους ενδιαφερόμενους. Ο ανοιχτός, δημοκρατικός διάλογος, συνεισφέρει σε μια λογική διαχείριση των καταστάσεων που δημιουργούνται. Επιπλέον αποτελεί εχέγγυο για την αξιόπιστη σχέση του κράτους με τις ομάδες πίεσης, οι οποίες εκπροσωπούν τον κλάδο των εκπαιδευτικών της Πρωτοβάθμιας Εκπαίδευσης. Παρόλο που οι ομάδες αυτές έχουν τη δυνατότητα να επηρεάζουν, θετικά ή αρνητικά, την αποτελεσματικότητα της Κυβέρνησης, εντούτοις, το κράτος οφείλει να λαμβάνει υπόψη της θέσεις αυτών σε μία διαλεκτική διαδικασία που προάγει τον θεσμό της Δημοκρατίας. Η εργασία στηρίχθηκε στην ποιοτική προσέγγιση, αξιοποιώντας συνεντεύξεις και ανάλυση περιεχομένου. Τα ευρήματά μας δείχνουν ότι η Δ.Ο.Ε. φαίνεται να συμμετέχει σε έναν διάλογο, χωρίς ωστόσο οι όροι του διαλόγου να είναι τέτοιοι που να παράγουν συνθετικές θέσεις. Συχνά οι θέσεις της ΔΟΕ λειτουργούν ως άλλοθι για την αναστολή(;) των συζητήσεων για την αξιολόγηση. Μπορεί λοιπόν κανείς να προβληματιστεί για το αν ο διάλογος αυτός πληροί τελικά τους όρους ενός δημοκρατικού συμμετοχικού και αποτελεσματικού διαλόγου.
A Short Update of Frankel Functional Regulator
Authors: Thribhuvanan Dr. Lakshmi , Saravankumar Dr. M.S. , G. Dr. Anjana
Published: November 2021

A removable appliance is a device that modifies mandibular posture and transmits the resultant forces created by muscles and soft tissues to underlying and surrounding anatomical structures in a controlled manner. The resulting variation of the neuromuscular environment thus produces the required tooth movement along with the needed advancements in growing patterns. The necessity and requirement of early treatment is to modify the existing and developing malocclusions and muscular derangements before the attainment of growth completion of permanent dentition. Frankel Function Regulator (FR) is a device which functions on the principle of functional orthopedics in unity with muscle gymnastics (muscle exercises) and thereby results in morphological changes in both the jaws hence re-establishing the desirable normal occlusion.
Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Gingival CD4+ lymphocytes in Response to Allograft Bone Powder (Ceno Bone) - Animal Study
Authors: Moradi Hadis , Motaghi Ahmad , Aminzadeh Atousa , Sadighi Alireza , Shafazand Mohammad Hossein
Published: November 2021

CD4 T lymphocytes play a central role in allergic reactions. Thus the present study aimed to, immunohistochemically, evaluate the presence of these lymphocytes in rabbit gingival tissues after the replacement of Cenobone. This experimental one way blinded study was performed on 20 gingival tissues gathered from disease-free rabbits with or without bone powder, respectively groups A and B. Immunohistochemical envision method was performed for mapping CD4 lymphocytes. The number and intensity of staining were compared between groups in 5 consequent HPF without overlap with the light microscope in connective tissue. Data were analyzed by Fisher exact test, Wilcoxon, and chi-square statistically in SPSS20 software. The number of CD4 T cells was higher in group A compared to group B.(P=0.02) Pattern of distribution in connective tissue did not show a difference between the two groups. (P=0.41). Results of the present study might confirm the role of CD4 T in an allergic reaction to bone powder material and suggest this cell as a useful factor for the prediction of allergic reactions in the first weeks of surgery. Further studies in this field are required.
Electroconvulsive therapy: a clinical case study and review
Authors: Rushton Emily , Jones Emma , Roberts Diane
Published: November 2021

Electroconvulsive therapy is deemed one of the most effective treatments for alleviating symptoms in individuals diagnosed with severe depression, yet it remains one of the most controversial psychiatric treatments in contemporary mental health nursing practice. As such, its use and efficacy continue to be questioned. The following article analyses the case of Albert, a fictional character who represents the presentation of several patients who have received electroconvulsive therapy. The application of electroconvulsive therapy is evaluated, by referring to the most recent policy and national guidelines. Despite the associated stigma, electroconvulsive therapy can save lives, as portrayed by Albert. However, further research is required and updated guidance from National Institute for Health and Care Excellence is needed, specifically with regards to maintenance and relapse prevention. It is important to be aware of the implications of side effects, just as with other interventions. Overall, this article highlights the importance of safe, recovery-focused and person-centred care.
Development and validation of a modularized external fixator for generating standardized fracture healing micromotions in rats
Authors: Qi Weichen , Feng Xiaoreng , Zhang Teng , Wu Hao , Fang Christian , Leung Frankie
Published: November 2021

Aims

To fully verify the reliability and reproducibility of an experimental method in generating standardized micromotion for the rat femur fracture model.

Methods

A modularized experimental device has been developed that allows rat models to be used instead of large animal models, with the aim of reducing systematic errors and time and money constraints on grouping. The bench test was used to determine the difference between the measured and set values of the micromotion produced by this device under different simulated loading weights. The displacement of the fixator under different loading conditions was measured by compression tests, which was used to simulate the unexpected micromotion caused by the rat’s ambulation. In vivo preliminary experiments with a small sample size were used to test the feasibility and effectiveness of the whole experimental scheme and surgical scheme.

Results

The bench test showed that a weight loading < 500 g did not affect the operation of experimental device. The compression test demonstrated that the stiffness of the device was sufficient to keep the uncontrollable motion between fracture ends, resulting from the rat’s daily activities, within 1% strain. In vivo results on 15 rats prove that the device works reliably, without overburdening the experimental animals, and provides standardized micromotion reproductively at the fracture site according to the set parameters.

Conclusion

Our device was able to investigate the effect of micromotion parameters on fracture healing by generating standardized micromotion to small animal models. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(11):714–722.
Pioneras de la literatura en Guatemala: mujeres intelectuales, mercados globales y consumo femenino
Authors: Arroyo Calderón Patricia
Published: November 2021

En este artículo se explora la obra de un grupo de escritoras, maestras y periodistas activas en la Ciudad de Guatemala durante las décadas de 1880 y 1890. Este grupo estuvo encabezado por la figura central de Vicenta Laparra de la Cerda, quien fue acompañada en sus proyectos literarios e intelectuales por su hermana Jesús Laparra, así como por Rafaela del Águila, Adelaida J. Chéves, Pilar Larrave de Castellanos, Carmen P. de Silva y Sara María García Salas de Moreno. En el texto, se enfatiza la importancia de estudiar la trayectoria vital y la producción textual de este círculo de mujeres que no solamente fueron verdaderas pioneras de las letras femeninas centroamericanas, sino que fueron también capaces de conectarse con algunas de las redes intelectuales transcontinentales y transatlánticas más importantes de su época. Asimismo, se resalta la posición de centralidad que lograron adquirir en el marco de la nueva institucionalidad republicana instaurada por la Reforma Liberal de 1871, así como la vinculación de su amplia producción textual con los debates públicos más importantes de su época, incluyendo los debates sobre “la cuestión de la mujer” y sobre “el problema del indio”. Finalmente, se analiza en profundidad uno de los aspectos de la obra de estas mujeres que menor atención ha recibido hasta el momento; a saber, la vinculación de buena parte de sus textos con las profundas transformaciones que la apertura de las economías centroamericanas a los mercados globales estaba provocando en la región. En concreto, se abordan una serie de escritos orientados a alertar de las nefastas consecuencias que la abundancia de bienes de consumo importados estaba causando en las subjetividades y en los cuerpos de los centroamericanos, así como en la capacidad de acumular capital ─y, por tanto, de crecer─ de las naciones del istmo. Frente a las lecturas críticas que interpretan este tipo de escritos en contra del consumo y el lujo excesivos como respuestas estrictamente tradicionalistas o conservadoras frente a las nuevas realidades económicas del cambio de siglo, en este artículo se defiende que, por el contrario, debemos leer estos textos más bien como una respuesta creativa ─específicamente articulada por mujeres intelectuales— ante las tensiones y las dislocaciones que los procesos de modernización económica estaban generando en la región.
3D shape measurement method for high-reflection surface based on fringe projection
Authors: Zhang Shenhua , Yang Yanxi , Shi Wenwen , Feng Lianqiang , Jiao Licong
Published: November 2021

3D measurement methods based on fringe projection have attracted
extensive research. However, it is a challenge to deal with
overshooting on a high-reflection or specular surface. To eliminate
the saturated pixels caused by overshooting, we propose a projection
intensity adaptive adjustment method. First, we project three uniform
gray-level images and estimate the projection intensity of the
measured surface through the captured uniform gray-level images. Then
we can obtain the optimal projection fringes in the camera coordinate
system. Second, a set of horizontal and vertical gray-coded patterns
are used to establish a coordinate matching relationship between the
projected image and the captured image. To check the decoding result
of the gray-coded patterns, a set of horizontal and vertical
sinusoidal fringes are used to calculate the high-reflection mapping
area (HRMA) in the projector coordinate system. Through the
distribution of HRMA, we can check whether the decoding is reliable or
not. Finally, we project the optimal intensity fringes and obtain the
measurement results. We develop a measurement system to verify the
validity of the proposed method. Experimental results show that the
proposed method can effectively avoid overshooting and obtain
measurement results with a minimum rms error.
Polarization control of plasmon-induced transparency in metamaterials with reversibly convertible bright and dark modes
Authors: Fang Zhiyun , Pan Chengda , Xue Yingxian , Wu Botao , Wu E
Published: November 2021

We numerically demonstrate a

Z

-shaped metal-based metamaterial to realize an active polarization-controlled plasmon-induced transparency (PIT). The metamaterial unit cell contains two horizontal Au bars and a vertical Au bar. Simply by varying the incident light polarization, a tunable PIT can be achieved due to the reversible conversion of bright and dark modes between the horizontal and vertical Au bars. Moreover, a switchable PIT window modulation can be accomplished via changing the geometrical parameters, and the theoretical fittings according to the coupled Lorentz oscillator model display consistency with the simulated results. Our proposed metamaterials provide a promising strategy for fabricating compact PIT devices such as optical switching, sensing, and selective filters.
Diopter measurement based on an artificial neural network
Authors: Jin Tao , Gao Xuan
Published: November 2021

The measurement of the diopters of spectacle lenses using an artificial neural network is proposed in this paper. A diopter is measured by obtaining the distances between the spots imaged by a charge-coupled device (CCD) during a Hartmann test. Backpropagation (BP) and a radial basis function (RBF) algorithm are applied to train the BP and RBF neural networks, respectively. A set of

−

20

D

to

20

D

spectacle lenses is used to test the proposed method. When comparing the diopter measurement results of the RBF neural network with those of the BP neural network, the former exhibited higher stability and lower errors. In addition, the errors of diopter measurement are not against the system error measured by an auto-focimeter due to the increase of curvature of spectacle lenses. These results indicated that RBF neural network has better performance in diopter detection, and it can overcome the system error caused by the change of lens curvature in auto-focimeter measurement.
High Q-factor terahertz metamaterial for superior refractive index sensing
Authors: Askari M. , Pakarzadeh H. , Shokrgozar F.
Published: November 2021

Terahertz (THz) science and technology have received increasing demand in recent decades for sensing applications. Additionally, THz metamaterials have presented unique characteristics for sensing applications owing to their adjustable resonance frequency. In this paper, we propose a polarization independent metasurface structure serving as a refractive-index-based sensor at THz frequencies. The unit cell is composed of two perpendicularly intersecting metallic bars at the middle of which a cylindrical metallic element is placed. The structure represents a sharp resonance with a high Q-factor of 475 in the absorption profile, which, in some cases, can even reach values as high as 3052.75, revealing confinement of the profile in a narrow band around the resonance frequency of 1.75 THz. Furthermore, the highest values of sensitivity and the figure of merit turn out to be, respectively, 7000 nm/RIU and 19.44 1/RIU, both of which can even take higher values of 11500 nm/RIU and 89.15 1/RIU, respectively, in some special cases of structural dimensions. Finally, the sensor is successfully employed for detecting crystalline sugar molecules.
Self-organization of a doubly asynchronous irregular network state for spikes and bursts
Authors: Vercruysse Filip , Naud Richard , Sprekeler Henning
Published: November 2021

Cortical pyramidal cells (PCs) have a specialized dendritic mechanism for the generation of bursts, suggesting that these events play a special role in cortical information processing. In vivo, bursts occur at a low, but consistent rate. Theory suggests that this network state increases the amount of information they convey. However, because burst activity relies on a threshold mechanism, it is rather sensitive to dendritic input levels. In spiking network models, network states in which bursts occur rarely are therefore typically not robust, but require fine-tuning. Here, we show that this issue can be solved by a homeostatic inhibitory plasticity rule in dendrite-targeting interneurons that is consistent with experimental data. The suggested learning rule can be combined with other forms of inhibitory plasticity to self-organize a network state in which both spikes and bursts occur asynchronously and irregularly at low rate. Finally, we show that this network state creates the network conditions for a recently suggested multiplexed code and thereby indeed increases the amount of information encoded in bursts.
Pulmonary acini exhibit complex changes during postnatal rat lung development
Authors: Haberthür David , Yao Eveline , Barré Sébastien F. , Cremona Tiziana P. , Tschanz Stefan A. , Schittny Johannes C.
Published: November 2021

Pulmonary acini represent the functional gas-exchanging units of the lung. Due to technical limitations, individual acini cannot be identified on microscopic lung sections. To overcome these limitations, we imaged the right lower lobes of instillation-fixed rat lungs from postnatal days P4, P10, P21, and P60 at the TOMCAT beamline of the Swiss Light Source synchrotron facility at a voxel size of 1.48 μm. Individual acini were segmented from the three-dimensional data by closing the airways at the transition from conducting to gas exchanging airways. For a subset of acini (N = 268), we followed the acinar development by stereologically assessing their volume and their number of alveoli. We found that the mean volume of the acini increases 23 times during the observed time-frame. The coefficients of variation dropped from 1.26 to 0.49 and the difference between the mean volumes of the fraction of the 20% smallest to the 20% largest acini decreased from a factor of 27.26 (day 4) to a factor of 4.07 (day 60), i.e. shows a smaller dispersion at later time points. The acinar volumes show a large variation early in lung development and homogenize during maturation of the lung by reducing their size distribution by a factor of 7 until adulthood. The homogenization of the acinar sizes hints at an optimization of the gas-exchange region in the lungs of adult animals and that acini of different size are not evenly distributed in the lungs. This likely leads to more homogeneous ventilation at later stages in lung development.
Exploring the effects of degraded vision on sensorimotor performance
Authors: Sheppard William E. A. , Dickerson Polly , Baraas Rigmor C. , Mon-Williams Mark , Barrett Brendan T. , Wilkie Richard M. , Coats Rachel O.
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Many people experience unilateral degraded vision, usually owing to a developmental or age-related disorder. There are unresolved questions regarding the extent to which such unilateral visual deficits impact on sensorimotor performance; an important issue as sensorimotor limitations can constrain quality of life by restricting ‘activities of daily living’. Examination of the relationship between visual deficit and sensorimotor performance is essential for determining the functional implications of ophthalmic conditions. This study attempts to explore the effect of unilaterally degraded vision on sensorimotor performance.

Methods

In Experiment 1 we simulated visual deficits in 30 participants using unilateral and bilateral Bangerter filters to explore whether motor performance was affected in water pouring, peg placing, and aiming tasks. Experiment 2 (n = 74) tested the hypothesis that kinematic measures are associated with visuomotor deficits by measuring the impact of small visual sensitivity decrements created by monocular viewing on sensorimotor interactions with targets presented on a planar surface in aiming, tracking and steering tasks.

Results

In Experiment 1, the filters caused decreased task performance—confirming that unilateral (and bilateral) visual loss has functional implications. In Experiment 2, kinematic measures were affected by monocular viewing in two of three tasks requiring rapid online visual feedback (aiming and steering).

Conclusions

Unilateral visual loss has a measurable impact on sensorimotor performance. The benefits of binocular vision may be particularly important for some groups (e.g. older adults) where an inability to complete sensorimotor tasks may necessitate assisted living. There is an urgent need to develop rigorous kinematic approaches to the quantification of the functional impact of unilaterally degraded vision and of the benefits associated with treatments for unilateral ophthalmic conditions to enable informed decisions around treatment.
Are elevated plasma fibrinogen associated with lung function? An 8-year follow-up of the ELSA study
Authors: Adam Camila Thais , Schneider Ione Jayce Ceola , Vieira Danielle Soares Rocha , Schmidt Tauana Prestes , Wehrmeister Fernando Cesar , de Oliveira Cesar
Published: November 2021

Background

Fibrinogen is an important biomarker of inflammation, but findings from longitudinal studies that correlated fibrinogen with lung function in older adults are inconsistent.

Aim

To investigate the relationship between fibrinogen plasma levels and lung function impairment later in life.

Methods

Longitudinal analysis of 2,150 participants of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) aged 50 years and older. Associations between changes in plasma fibrinogen between waves 2 (2004–05) and 4 (2008–09) and lung function in wave 6 (2012–13) were performed using multiple linear regression adjusted by potential confounders.

Results

Regarding the fibrinogen profile, 18.5% of the participants presented higher levels in both waves. In the adjusted models, the maintenance of high fibrinogen levels was associated with a significant reduction of lung function only for men. FEV1 showed a reduction of 0.17L, FVC of 0.22L, and the percentages predicted were 5.16% for FEV1 and 6.21% for FVC compared to those that maintained normal levels of fibrinogen.

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study investigating the relationship between changes in fibrinogen levels over a long follow-up period and lung function in older adults without pre-existing chronic diseases. ELSA has information on critical demographic and clinical parameters, which allowed to adjust for potential confounding factors.

Conclusion

It was found that the persistence of high levels of plasma fibrinogen in older English men, but not women, is associated with lung function decline. Therefore, plasma fibrinogen showed to be an important biomarker of pulmonary dysfunction in this population.
Feasibility of oral HIV self-testing in female sex workers in Gaborone, Botswana
Authors: Shava Emily , Bogart Laura M. , Manyake Kutlo , Mdluli Charlotte , Maribe Kamogelo , Monnapula Neo , Nkomo Bornapate , Mosepele Mosepele , Moyo Sikhulile , Mmalane Mompati , Bärnighausen Till , Makhema Joseph , Lockman Shahin
Published: November 2021

Background

Oral HIV self-testing (HIVST) may be useful for increasing testing in persons at elevated risk of acquiring HIV.

Methods

We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the feasibility (defined by uptake) of HIVST among FSW in Gaborone, Botswana. FSW age 18 years and above were recruited through a non-governmental organization serving FSW. FSW with unknown or negative HIV status at screening performed HIVST in the study clinic following brief training. FSW testing HIV-negative were each given two test kits to take home: one kit to perform unassisted HIVST and another to share with others. Feasibility (use) of HIVST (and sharing of test kits with others) was assessed in these women at a study visit four months later.

Results

Two hundred FSW were screened. Their average age was 34 years (range 18–59), and 115 (58%) were HIV-positive. Eighty-five (42%) tested HIV-negative at entry and were eligible to take part in the HIVST pilot study. All 85 (100%) agreed to take home HIVST kits. Sixty-nine (81%) of these 85 participants had a follow-up visit, 56 (81%) of whom reported performing HIVST at a mean of three and half months after the initial visit. All 56 participants who performed HIVST reported negative HIVST results. Fifty (73%) of the 69 participants who took HIVST kits home shared them with others. Of the 50 women sharing HIVST kits, 25 (50%) shared with their non-client partners, 15 with a family member, 8 with friends, and 3 with a client. One participant did not test herself but shared both her test kits. Most participants 53/56 (95%) found oral HIVST very easy to use whilst 3/56 (5%) felt it was fairly easy.

Conclusion

Oral HIVST is feasible among FSW in Gaborone, Botswana. The majority of FSW used the HIVST kits themselves and also shared extra HIVST kits with other individuals.
Colorimetric determination of urea using diacetyl monoxime with strong acids
Authors: Langenfeld Noah James , Payne Lauren Elizabeth , Bugbee Bruce
Published: November 2021

Urea is a byproduct of the urea cycle in metabolism and is excreted through urine and sweat. Ammonia, which is toxic at low levels, is converted to the safe storage form of urea, which represents the largest efflux of nitrogen from many organisms. Urea is an important nitrogen source in agriculture, is added to many industrial products, and is a large component in wastewater. The enzyme urease hydrolyzes urea to ammonia and bicarbonate. This reaction is microbially mediated in soils, hydroponic solutions, and wastewater recycling and is catalyzedin vivoin plants using native urease, making measurement of urea environmentally important. Both direct and indirect methods to measure urea exist. This protocol uses diacetyl monoxime to directly determine the concentration of urea in solution. The protocol provides repeatable results and stable reagents with good color stability and simple measurement techniques for use in any lab with a spectrophotometer. The reaction between diacetyl monoxime and urea in the presence of sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, thiosemicarbazide, and ferric chloride produces a chromophore with a peak absorbance at 520 nm and a linear relationship between concentration and absorbance from 0.4 to 5.0 mM urea in this protocol. The lack of detectable interferences makes this protocol suitable for the determination of millimolar levels of urea in wastewater streams and hydroponic solutions.
Tropical cyclone effects on vegetation resilience in the Yucatan Peninsula, México, between 2000-2012
Authors: Sánchez-Rivera Gabriel , Gómez-Mendoza Leticia
Published: November 2021

The resilience capacity of vegetation in the Yucatan Peninsula is influenced by the winds and rains of tropical cyclones. There are no recent long-term studies on cyclonic impacts on natural vegetation in the region despite their significant effects on infrastructure and biodiversity. The objective of this study was to identify the area impacted by 21 tropical cyclones between 2000 and 2012 and to quantify the recovery capacity of the vegetation by using standardized anomalies of the normalized vegetation index (aNDVI). MODIS images from NASA’s “Terra and Aqua” satellites were used to calculate the damaged areas by analyzing the frequency of pixels corresponding to each type of vegetation per impact zone. The results showed that in 67% of the tropical cyclones, the impacts on vegetation were negative —a decrease in aNDVI—but in 33% of the cyclones, positive effects were recorded —an increase in aNDVI—. The lapse rate of vegetation recovery varied in 52% of the cases; vegetation recovered between two and three weeks after each cyclonic event, while 38% of the cases recovered within four to five weeks of the cyclone landfall. Tropical forests suffered the most significant effects, followed by hydrophilic vegetation. The most destructive hurricanes were Emily, Wilma, and Dean. The rate of recovery laps ranged from 4 to 10 weeks after the hurricane hit. The results could improve assessments of vegetation vulnerability against severe hydrometeorological events and establish priority zones for prompt inspection.
Process optimization and performance evaluation of a downdraft gasifier for energy generation from wood biomass
Authors: Daniyan Ilesanmi , Ale Felix , Uchegbu Ikenna Damian , Bello Kazeem , Osazele Momoh
Published: November 2021

In recent time, due to the increasing demand for energy and the need to address environment-related issues, a great deal of focus has been given to alternative sources of energy, which are green, sustainable and safe. This work considers the process optimization and performance evaluation of a downdraft gasifier, suitable for energy generation using wood biomass. The assessment of the performance of the downdraft gasifier was based on the amount of output energy generated as well as the emission characteristics of the output. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed for the determination of the optimum range of the process parameters that will yield the optimum conversion of the biomass to energy. The optimum process parameters that produced the highest rate of conversion of biomass to energy (2.55 Nm3/kg) during the physical experiments were: temperature (1000 °C), particle size (6.0 mm) and residence time (35 min). The produced gas indicated an appreciable generation of methane gas (10.04 % vol.), but with a significant amount of CO (19.20 % vol.) and CO2 (22.68 % vol.). From the numerical results obtained, the gas yield was observed to increase from 1.86908 Nm3/kg to 2.40324 Nm3/kg as the temperature increased from 800 °C to 1200 °C. The obtained results indicate the feasibility for the production of combustible gases from the developed system using wood chips. It is envisaged that the findings of this work will assist in the development of an alternative and renewable energy source in an effort to meet the growing energy requirements.
A Comparative Study of Antioxidant Potential and Phytochemical Contents of different Extracts of Wild Nasturtium Officinale W T Aiton Collected from Kumaun Region of Uttarakhand
Authors: Rawal Pooja , Negi Nitisha , Sah Archana N , Guglani Anchala
Published: November 2021

Nasturtium officinale W. T Aiton or “watercress” (Brassicaceae) is a nutritionally valuable plant that is the richest source of carotenoids, polyphenols, iron, calcium, iodine, folic acid, essential vitamins and minerals. It is traditionally used for their appetiser, anti-scorbutic, stimulant, diuretic and detoxifying properties. The present study was conducted to investigate the antioxidant potential, phytochemical contents (total phenolic, flavonoids and tannin contents) as well as a preliminary phytochemical screening of different extract of aerial parts of Nasturtium officinale collected from the Kumaun region. The different extracts showed significant antioxidant activity as well as total phenolic, flavonoids and tannin contents. The preliminary phytochemical screening showed the presence of several phytochemical constituents such as carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, glycosides, alkaloids and others. The hydroalcoholic extract possess significantly (P<0.05) higher antioxidant potential with IC50 value (0.333 mg/ml, 0.509mg/ml)and EC50 value (3.537 mg/ml) by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)(ABTS), and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods, respectively, as well as highest total tannin, flavonoid and phenolic contents among all the extracts. These results provide substantial evidence that the plant Nasturtium officinalehas antioxidant potential and valuable sources of phytochemicals.
The perceptions of university students' professional socialization process
Authors: Öner Hatice , Denat Yıldız , Koruklu Nermin
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this study is to determine the perceptions of university student’s professional socialization process. The study adopted the qualitative research design. Easily accessible case sampling method, was used to determine the participants of the study group. The study group consisted of 16 students. The data were collected through two focus groups. The data of the study were analysed using the content analysis method. According to the findings of the content analysis the themes “adaptation to society”, “professional role achievements”, and “adoption of the profession”, and relevant sub-themes were identified. The results of the study revealed that students who were studying at both faculties expressed the concept of ‘professional socialization’ in a multidimensional way. In the light of the findings obtained from the research, it is proposed to make new curriculum arrangements that will provide the development of professional socialization for students.