bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effect of a community-led HIV self-testing model among adolescent girls and young women in Rural Northern Uganda: a quasi-experimental study protocol
Authors: Olum Ronald , Geng Elvin H. , Kitutu Freddy E. , Musoke Philippa M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in sub-Saharan Africa face a disproportionately higher HIV/AIDS burden despite the global decline in incidence. Existing interventions often fail to adequately address their unique social, economic, and cultural challenges, limiting access to essential HIV/AIDS services, including HIV testing. Emerging evidence indicates that HIV self-testing, a user-friendly and confidential method, enhances HIV diagnosis and linkage to care by targeting these barriers. This study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of a peer-delivered, community-health worker (CHW)-facilitated HIV self-testing intervention for AGYW in Northern Uganda.

Methods

This mixed-methods quasi-experimental implementation science study will employ a three-fold approach. Firstly, we will conduct baseline formative qualitative research with 50 AGYW, 50 parents/partners to AGYW, 30 CHWs, 15 community leaders, and the district health office to inform the design of a peer-delivered CHW-facilitated HIV self-testing intervention tailored to AGYW’s needs in Northern Uganda. Secondly, we will implement a mixed-methods pilot study to assess the intervention’s feasibility and acceptability, involving 415 AGYW, 30 AGYW peer leaders, and 10 CHWs in selected parishes and villages in Omoro district, Northern Uganda. Lastly, we will evaluate the implementation outcomes and preliminary impact of the intervention on HIV self-testing rates and linkage to care by collecting and analyzing quantitative data pre- and post-intervention, laying the groundwork for a future robust randomized controlled trial.

Discussion

Our intervention combines CHWs and peer-led strategies to address the unique challenges of AGYW in Northern Uganda, leveraging community resilience and peer influence. Successful completion of this project will provide a scalable model to be evaluated in a randomized trial and replicated in similar contexts.

Trial registration number

PACTR202404851907736. Registered with the Pan-African Clinical Trials Registry on April 22, 2024.
Dealiased seismic data interpolation by dynamic matching
Authors: Xu Yingjie , Yu Siwei , Dong Lieqian , Ma Jianwei
Published: May 2024

Interpolation is a critical step in seismic data processing. Gaps in seismic traces can lead to severe spatial aliasing phenomena in the corresponding f- k spectra. The aliasing caused by regularly spaced gaps has similar f- k spectra as those of the actual data. Existing dealiasing interpolation algorithms generally assume that seismic events are linear and cannot handle nonstationary events. To address this shortcoming, we develop a novel dealiased seismic data interpolation approach using dynamic matching. First, we match two adjacent seismic traces using the local affine regional dynamic time-warping algorithm. Subsequently, we calculate the local slope between two seismic traces. Finally, we perform linear interpolation on the regularly missing seismic data using local slope information. Our approach is tested on synthetic and field seismic data sets. The interpolation results indicate that our approach has a better antialiasing ability and computational efficiency than the traditional Spitz and seislet-based approaches. In addition, this method can be applied to interpolate irregularly sampled seismic data and for simultaneous seismic data interpolation and denoising.
Analyzing the seismic response characteristics of P, SV, and SH waves to reservoir parameters using physical modeling
Authors: Ding Pinbo , Zhang Feng , Li Xiangyang , Chai Yibo
Published: May 2024

Changes in reservoir parameters cause differences in seismic response characteristics, which can reflect the formation lithology and fluids. We conduct seismic physical modeling and seismic response characteristic analysis of P, SV, and SH wavefields. A seismic physical model is developed in the laboratory, which included several groups of sandstone blocks for simulating reservoir parameters, such as different fluid and clay content. Two-dimensional wavefield data of P-P, SV-SV, and SH-SH waves are acquired and processed in the laboratory. Compared with P waves, SV and SH waves are insensitive to pore fluids, and the SH stack profile is superior to the SV stack profile. The reflection events at the interface are slightly better for the SH-wave section than for the SV-wave section. The reflection coefficient of P waves varies greatly on amplitude variation with angle (AVA) gathers and is significantly influenced by factors such as fluids. The variation in the SV-wave reflection coefficient on AVA gathers is not as significant as that of P waves, and SV and SH waves are more conducive in identifying whether the block contained clay. The SH wave is more reliable for seismic imaging. Overall, this study can assist in combining different seismic wave data for better hydrocarbon identification and reservoir description.
Computer-assisted regional-residual gravity anomaly separation with regularized first- and second-order derivatives
Authors: Mendonça Carlos Alberto
Published: May 2024

The regional-residual separation of gravity anomalies in crustal and mineral exploration was a graphical-based procedure before the advent of fast digital computers and the need for more efficient algorithms to process large data sets. However, since requiring the supervision of an experienced interpreter, the results, once obtained with graphical procedures, are often accepted as second to none in producing anomalies with geologic significance. Numerical methods based on spectral filtering and robust polynomial fitting have worked in many scenarios but seem not fully effective in replicating in algorithms the kind of results once obtained with interpreter-assisted graphical methods. We develop a computer-assisted regional residual separation (CARRS) procedure implemented by a set of short MATLAB scripts; in many aspects, CARRS simulates the operations of former graphical methods but requires few decisions and minor handwork from the interpreter. CARRS applies robust polynomial fitting to points with a low horizontal gradient and a vertical second-order derivative; thus, selecting fitting points as a real interpreter would do with graphical approaches in outlining the regional field. A regularized procedure is used to calculate the stable first- and second-order derivatives. Companion MATLAB codes allow for the replication of our results and further exploration with different threshold levels to identify flat domain regions. CARRS is illustrated with airborne gravity data CPRM-1123, freely available to download. A data window of the residual field is used to analyze the distribution of cassiterite deposits in greisen zones of the Paleoproterozoic Velho Guilherme granites in the Amazon Craton, as their distribution appears in the observed gravity anomaly and its corresponding residual field.
Advancing attenuation estimation through integration of the Hessian in multiparameter viscoacoustic full-waveform inversion
Authors: Xing Guangchi , Zhu Tieyuan
Published: May 2024

Accurate seismic attenuation models of subsurface structures not only enhance subsequent migration processes by improving fidelity, resolution, and facilitating amplitude-compliant angle gather generation but also provide valuable constraints on subsurface physical properties. Leveraging full-wavefield information, multiparameter viscoacoustic full-waveform inversion ( Q-FWI) simultaneously estimates seismic velocity and attenuation ( Q) models. However, a major challenge in Q-FWI is the contamination of crosstalk artifacts, where inaccuracies in the velocity model are mistakenly mapped to the inverted attenuation model. While incorporating the Hessian is expected to mitigate these artifacts, the explicit implementation is prohibitively expensive due to its formidable computational cost. In this study, we formulate and develop a Q-FWI algorithm via the Newton-conjugate gradient (CG) framework, where the search direction at each iteration is determined through an internal CG loop. In particular, the Hessian is integrated into each CG step in a matrix-free fashion using the second-order adjoint-state method. We find through synthetic experiments that our Newton-CG Q-FWI significantly mitigates crosstalk artifacts compared with the limited-memory Broyden-Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno method and the CG method, albeit with a notable computational cost. In the discussion of several key implementation details, we also determine the significance of the approximate Gauss-Newton Hessian, the second-order adjoint-state method, and the two-stage inversion strategy.
A focus on perpetrators of intimate partner violence in mental health settings is urgently needed
Authors: Hegarty Kelsey
Published: May 2024

A national study in the UK has shown that perpetration of intimate partner violence is common for men and women attending mental health settings. People who perpetrated intimate partner violence were more likely to have experienced intimate partner violence, particularly for women. Perpetrators who were men were more likely to also perpetrate non-partner violence against family, friends or strangers. Mental health clinicians require training in identification, risk assessment and response, including referrals to behavioural programmes. More research is required to inform such responses; however, the need to address this common hidden problem in mental health settings is urgent.
Early maladaptive schemas, distress tolerance and self-injury in Iranian adolescents: serial mediation model of transdiagnostic factors
Authors: Babaeifard Maryam , Akbari Mehdi , Mohammadkhani Shahram , Hasani Jafar , Shahbazian Reza , Selby Edward A.
Published: May 2024

Background

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is prevalent behaviour among adolescents. Although there are different etiological models of NSSI, there is a general lack of evidence-based, comprehensive and transdiagnostic models of NSSI in adolescents.

Aims

The aim of this study was to investigate a model of transdiagnostic factors of NSSI in adolescents, testing a serial mediation model of the relationship between early maladaptive schemas (EMS), distress tolerance and NSSI through experiential avoidance and rumination.

Method

A community sample was identified of 1014 adolescents aged 13–17, of whom 425 had a history of NSSI. A serial mediation path analytic method was utilised to examine the relationships between NSSI and its associated functions as criterion variables, EMS and distress tolerance as predictors, experiential avoidance as the first mediator and rumination as the second mediator.

Results

The path analytic model fit indices were good (X2/d.f. = 2.25, goodness of fit index = 0.98, normed fit index = 0.97, comparative fit index = 0.98, root mean square error of approximation = 0.054, standardised root mean squared residual = 0.028). Rumination significantly mediated the relationship between schemas of ‘vulnerability to harm’, ‘emotional deprivation’, ‘social isolation’, ‘insufficient self-control’, and NSSI frequency and intrapersonal functions. In serial fashion, experiential avoidance mediated the role of rumination in the relationship between social isolation, and insufficient self-control and NSSI frequency and intrapersonal functions. All indirect effects were significant.

Conclusions

Key indirect effects were found linking maladaptive schemas and distress tolerance to NSSI frequency, and NSSI intrapersonal functions via experiential avoidance and rumination. Thus, it is important to address these transdiagnostic factors with particular emphasis on the sequential mediating role of experiential avoidance and rumination in conceptualisation and therapeutic interventions for NSSI.
Pragmaticism in Cancer Clinical Trials
Authors: Sankar Kamya , Redman Mary W. , Dragnev Konstantin H. , Henick Brian S. , Iams Wade T. , Blanke Charles D. , Herbst Roy S. , Gray Jhanelle E. , Reckamp Karen L.
Published: May 2024

Clinical trials are essential for advancing oncology treatment strategies and have contributed significantly to the decline in cancer mortality rates over the past decades. Traditional explanatory trials, focused on establishing intervention efficacy in ideal settings, often lack generalizability and may not reflect real-world patient care scenarios. Furthermore, increasing complexity in cancer clinical trial design has led to challenges such as protocol deviations, slow enrollment leading to lengthened durations of trial, and escalating costs. By contrast, pragmatic trials aim to assess intervention effectiveness in more representative patient populations under routine clinical conditions. Here, we review the principles, methodologies, challenges, and advantages of incorporating pragmatic features (PFs) into cancer clinical trials. We illustrate the application of pragmatic trial designs in oncology and discuss the QUASAR collaborative, TAPUR study, and the ongoing PRAGMATICA-LUNG trial. Although not all oncology trials may be amenable to adopting fully pragmatic designs, integration of PFs when feasible will enhance trial generalizability and real-world applicability. Project Pragmatica and similar initiatives advocate for the integration of real-world practice with clinical trials, fostering a nuanced approach to oncology research that balances efficacy and effectiveness assessments, ultimately with a goal of improving patient outcomes.
Navigating High-Risk and Ultrahigh-Risk Multiple Myeloma: Challenges and Emerging Strategies
Authors: Rees Matthew J. , D'Agostino Mattia , Leypoldt Lisa B. , Kumar Shaji , Weisel Katja C. , Gay Francesca
Published: May 2024

Despite significant improvement in the outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) with novel therapies, there is still an underserved high-risk (HR) population that experiences early disease progression and death. With the median survival crossing 10 years, we defined ultrahigh-risk (uHR)MM as MM leading to death within 24-36 months of diagnosis and HRMM as MM leading to death within 36-60 months. Several features have emerged as markers of uHRMM: the co-occurrence of two or more high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities, extramedullary disease, plasma cell leukemia and a high-risk gene expression profiling signature. The heterogeneous risk definition across trials, the few trials available designed for HR patients, and the small HR subgroups in all-comers trials make it difficult to generate recommendations with high levels of evidence. Nevertheless, regardless of treatment administered, several studies consistently showed that achieving and maintaining measurable residual disease negativity is now considered the main factor able to mitigate the adverse prognosis related to baseline features. For fit patients with HR transplant-eligible (TE) NDMM, quadruplet induction/consolidation treatment with anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, immunomodulatory agents, proteasome inhibitors and dexamethasone, and autologous stem-cell transplant and maintenance with, if available, at least a doublet combination could be considered the option of choice. For non-TE NDMM, considering the recent data generated and carefully reviewing those upcoming, quadruplet treatment consisting of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, immunomodulatory agents, proteasome inhibitors, and dexamethasone should also be considered. Future trials integrating BCMA-directed novel generation immunotherapies hold great potential for further advancing the treatment landscape in all NDMM patients with HR disease.
Spin-orbit torque-driven domain wall motion in the absence of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions
Authors: Thiaville André , Miltat Jacques
Published: May 2024

The fine structure and dynamics of magnetic domain walls in ultrathin films with perpendicular magnetization, in the presence of a secondary anisotropy, is analysed owing to micromagnetics. Two cases are considered, a cubic anisotropy typical for (111) oriented garnet epitaxial films, and an orthorhombic anisotropy as found in, e.g., Co/W(110) films. The statics is solved first, showing that, in general, domain walls are not of the pure Bloch type. The dynamics under the spin Hall effect induced by a current flowing in an adjacent layer is then monitored. Finite and non-negligible domain wall velocities are predicted in both cases, in the absence of Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interactions, with distinct behaviours regarding the current density and its orientation with respect to the secondary anisotropy axes. The relevance of these results to recent reports of current-driven domain wall dynamics in insulating ultrathin garnet films, capped with platinum, is discussed.
Gender-Affirming Treatment and Employment Rate in 3812 Danish Transgender Persons and 38 120 Controls
Authors: Glintborg Dorte , Møller Jens-Jakob Kjer , Rubin Katrine Hass , Lidegaard Øjvind , T’Sjoen Guy , Larsen Mie-Louise Julie Ørsted , Hilden Malene , Andersen Marianne Skovsager
Published: May 2024

Objective

Gender-affirming care could be associated with higher employment rate. We assessed employment rates in transgender persons compared to controls and demographic, health, and treatment-related factors associated with employment in transgender persons.

Methods

National register-based cohort study in Danish persons with diagnosis code of gender dysphoria during year 2000-2021. Five age-matched controls of the same sex at birth and 5 age-matched controls of the other sex at birth were included. The date of study inclusion was the first date of transgender diagnosis. Employment was the primary study outcome.

Results

The cohort included 3812 transgender persons and 38 120 cisgender controls. The median age (interquartile range) was 19 (15; 24) years for transgender men, n = 1993 and 23 (19; 33) years for transgender women, n = 1819. In transgender men compared to control cisgender women, the odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) for employment was 0.33 (0.29; 0.38) before study inclusion and 0.24 (0.20; 0.29) in the fifth calendar year after index; in transgender women compared to control cisgender men, corresponding ORs were 0.30 (0.70; 0.34) and 0.21 (0.18; 0.25). Similar findings were observed between transgender persons and cisgender controls of other sex. Use of gender-affirming hormone in transgender men increased probability of employment at all time points after 5 years (OR 1.61 [95% CI: 1.08; 2.42], P = .02). In transgender women, use of hormone treatment was not associated with changed employment rates at 5 years (OR 1.31 [0.94; 1.82], P = .11).

Conclusion

Masculinizing hormone treatment was associated with higher probability of employment.
Reassessing Chronic Strain: A Research Note on Women's Income Dynamics After Divorce and Separation
Authors: Leopold Thomas , Kalmijn Matthijs
Published: May 2024

The economic consequences of divorce and separation for women are commonly associated with the chronic strain model, according to which women's losses are large and persistent. This research note shifts the focus to a crisis model highlighting women's potential of, and routes to, recovery from initial losses. Drawing on German Socio-Economic Panel data (1984–2021) on women in marital and cohabiting unions (N ∼ 27,000 women, N ∼ 3,400 divorces and separations), we use fixed-effects regression models and event-history models to analyze changes in equivalized monthly household income and poverty risk across the process of divorce and separation. Results show that most women recovered from their initial economic declines. Although initial losses were common and often sizable, large fractions of women eventually returned to or exceeded the household income expected in the absence of divorce and separation. Recovery was facilitated by the “traditional” route of repartnering and the “modern” route of women mobilizing their productive skills. Both routes appeared more important than the absence of barriers, such as children in the household. We conclude that for the majority of women, the economic consequences of divorce and separation are better described as a temporary crisis than as a chronic strain.
Endothelial HIF2α suppresses retinal angiogenesis in neonatal mice by upregulating NOTCH signaling
Authors: Duan Li-Juan , Jiang Yida , Fong Guo-Hua
Published: May 2024

Prolyl hydroxylase domain (PHD) proteins are oxygen sensors that use intracellular oxygen as a substrate to hydroxylate hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) α proteins, routing them for polyubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation. Typically, HIFα accumulation in hypoxic or PHD-deficient tissues leads to upregulated angiogenesis. Here, we report unexpected retinal phenotypes associated with endothelial cell (EC)-specific gene targeting of Phd2 (Egln1) and Hif2alpha (Epas1). EC-specific Phd2 disruption suppressed retinal angiogenesis, despite HIFα accumulation and VEGFA upregulation. Suppressed retinal angiogenesis was observed both in development and in the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. On the other hand, EC-specific deletion of Hif1alpha (Hif1a), Hif2alpha, or both did not affect retinal vascular morphogenesis. Strikingly, retinal angiogenesis appeared normal in mice double-deficient for endothelial PHD2 and HIF2α. In PHD2-deficient retinal vasculature, delta-like 4 (DLL4, a NOTCH ligand) and HEY2 (a NOTCH target) were upregulated by HIF2α-dependent mechanisms. Inhibition of NOTCH signaling by a chemical inhibitor or DLL4 antibody partially rescued retinal angiogenesis. Taken together, our data demonstrate that HIF2α accumulation in retinal ECs inhibits rather than stimulates retinal angiogenesis, in part by upregulating DLL4 expression and NOTCH signaling.
Evolution of copper coupons resistance in Enterobacteriaceae strains isolated from high-contact surfaces in hospital
Authors: Benhalima Lamia , Amri Sandra , Bensouilah Mourad
Published: May 2024

Objective: Metallic copper alloys have gained attention recently as a cutting-edge antibacterial weapon for areas where surface hygiene is crucial. The present study aimed to assess copper coupons (99% Cu) for their potential to decrease the viability of various Enterobacteriaceae strains from inanimate hospital surfaces.
Methods: This in vitro-experimental study was conducted at the Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Natural and Life Sciences and Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Guelma, and Khodja Ahmed Public Hospital Establishment, Algeria, for a period of six months from January to May 2022. A total of 85 samples were collected from patient room door handles and bed rails at the government hospital in Guelma State, from which 12 enterobacterial isolates were obtained. These isolates were evaluated for susceptibility to copper and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coupons using plate counts to determine bacterial viability after 72 hours of incubation at 37°C or room temperature (25°C). Antibiotic sensitivity testing was then carried out using a modified Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Copper coupons’ ability to either select for or create antibiotic resistance is also determined.
Results: Copper showed a bactericidal effect after three hours for Serratia odorifera and six hours for Escherichia coli. Whereas it was shown that within three days of selection, 83.33% of Enterobacteriaceae strains are capable of rapidly acquiring Cu resistance. Indeed, the increase in temperature reduced the effects of Cu (p<0.05; Student’s t-test). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed that the copper-resistant bacteria were less sensitive than their predecessors. Citrobacter freundii strains showed the highest incidence of multidrug resistance. The most significant findings included widespread resistance to beta-lactams (100%-75%) and chloramphenicol (66.67%).
Conclusion: These results suggest that prolonged copper usage may contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance, which could have significant ramifications.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.6.8435
How to cite this: Benhalima L, Amri S, Bensouilah M. Evolution of copper coupons resistance in Enterobacteriaceae strains isolated from high-contact surfaces in hospital. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(6):1151-1157. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.6.8435
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
International Anarchy Reconsidered:
Authors: Balatsos Konstantinos
Published: May 2024

Hobbes has been regarded as a core figure of IR theory by political theorists and international relations scholars. However, against delusive interpretations of his political philosophy, I will reexamine in this essay the notion of international anarchy and the place of it in the Hobbesian corpus, focusing mainly on chapter 13 of Leviathan. My point is that both the Realist and Rationalist schools overlook central features of Hobbesian political philosophy and draw a somehow misleading picture of what Hobbes truly said with regard to interstate relations and the state of nature.
GBS vaccines in the UK: a round table discussion
Authors: Thorn Natasha , Guy Rebecca L , Karampatsas Konstantinos , Powell Mair , Walker Kate F , Plumb Jane , Khalil Asma , Greening Vanessa , Eccleston Emma , Trotter Caroline , Andrews Nick , Rush Lynne , Sharkey Claire , Wallis Lauren , Heath Paul , Le Doare Kirsty
Published: May 2024

Background Group B streptococcus (GBS) remains a leading cause of infant sepsis, meningitis and death despite intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. A vaccine is urgently required, and two candidates are in advanced clinical trials. For successful GBS vaccine implementation, especially if a vaccine is licensed based on an immunological threshold, there must be cross-sector engagement, effective advocacy, robust plans for phase IV studies and equitable access. Meeting A round-table discussion, held at St George’s University of London, reviewed the current position of GBS vaccines in the UK context, focusing on phase IV plans, convening a diverse group of stakeholders from across the UK, with a role in GBS vaccine licensure, advocacy, implementation or effectiveness evaluation. Presentations outlined the latest UK epidemiology, noting the rising infant invasive GBS (iGBS) infection rates from 1996 to 2021 for both early and late onset disease, with the highest disease rates in Black infants (1.1/1000 livebirths vs white infants (0.81/1000 livebirths). Potential coverage of the candidate vaccines was high (>95%). Regulatory input suggested that EU regulators would consider waiving the need for a pre-licensure efficacy study if a putative correlate of protection could be adequately justified. Phase IV study methodologies for a GBS vaccine were considered, largely based on previous UK maternal vaccine assessments, such as a nationwide cohort study design using a vaccine register and a maternal services dataset. Other strategies were also discussed such as a cluster or stepped-wedge randomised trial to evaluate implementation outcomes. Opportunities for advocacy, education and engagement with additional key partners were discussed and identified. Conclusions With an approved GBS vaccine a near possibility, planning of phase IV studies and identification of critical barriers to implementation are urgently needed. Cross-sector engagement is essential and will facilitate a successful pathway.
Publicly Traded Debt Restructuring Methods, Corporate Investment, and Debt Contracting
Authors: Fan Xin
Published: May 2024

I use an important ruling, Marblegate Asset Management v. Education Management Corporation (EMC), to study the economic role of two publicly traded debt restructuring methods: coercive bond exchange offers and Chapter 11. This ruling restricted firms from employing coercive bond exchange offers to facilitate out-of-court restructurings, thereby increasing the likelihood of restructuring publicly traded debt under Chapter 11. Following the ruling, investment in affected distressed firms decreased substantially, but investment efficiency improved. The changes in covenant, maturity, and offering yield of newly issued bonds suggested that existing bondholders with covenants gained more bargaining power than shareholders and new bondholders. The paper provides causal evidence from a large sample analysis, demonstrating the divergent effects of these two publicly traded debt restructuring methods on investment policies.

This paper was accepted by Victoria Ivashina, finance.

Funding: Funding for this research was provided by University of Pittsburgh (Doctoral Fellowship) and Vanderbilt University (standard research funds).

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.01831 .
PRÁTICAS DE LETRAMENTO E AÇÃO DOCENTE: DESAFIOS E POSSIBILIDADES NA ESFERA DIGITAL DURANTE A EDUCAÇÃO REMOTA
Authors: Ingrid Souza Santos  , Ursula Cunha Anecleto
Published: May 2024

Desde a proliferação da Covid-19 – doença causada pelo novo coronavírus – na maior parte dos estados do Brasil, no ano de 2020, muitos setores da vida social, para não ficarem estagnados, enfretaram a difícil missão de reinventar seus modos/suas bases de funcionamento e/ou seus significados socioculturais e pedagógico-científicos.
Analytical study on the upward laser beam propagation in the turbulent atmosphere
Authors: Li Qian , Zhang Zhixiang , Li Yixuan , Ji XiaoLing , Li Xiaoqing
Published: May 2024

The upward laser beam propagation in the turbulent atmosphere is studied analytically, where the nonlinear self-focusing, the atmospheric turbulence, and the atmospheric extinction effects are all taken into account. The analytical propagation expression of intensity is derived. The initial beam defocusing and the optimal beam power are two methods to improve the beam quality at the target. The analytical expressions of the focal length considering the initial beam defocusing and the corresponding target intensity are derived. Moreover, the analytical expressions of optimal beam power and the corresponding target intensity are also derived, and the target intensity is independent of the atmospheric extinction. In particular, the criterion for which method (the initial beam defocusing or the optimal beam power) to use is derived to optimize the target beam quality. The choice of the two methods depends on the laser beam parameters and the turbulent atmosphere parameters.
Role of depth in optical diffractive neural networks
Authors: Léonard François , Fuller Elliot J. , Teeter Corinne M. , Vineyard Craig M.
Published: May 2024

Free-space all-optical diffractive neural networks have emerged as promising systems for neuromorphic scene classification. Understanding the fundamental properties of these systems is important to establish their ultimate performance. Here we consider the case of diffraction by subwavelength apertures and study the behavior of the system as a function of the number of diffractive layers by employing a co-design modeling approach. We show that adding depth allows the system to achieve high classification accuracies with a reduced number of diffractive features compared to a single layer, but that it does not allow the system to surpass the performance of an optimized single layer. The improvement from depth is found to be limited to the first few layers. These properties originate from the constraints imposed by the physics of light, in particular the weakening electric field with distance from the aperture.
Non-uniform line-of-sight measurements of nitric oxide using mid-infrared Faraday rotation spectroscopy
Authors: Zhu Ning , Song Zihao , Wang Weitian , Chao Xing
Published: May 2024

Traditional absorption spectroscopy relies on detecting intensity variations along the line-of-sight to gauge average concentration and temperature. While methods like profile fitting and temperature binning offer insights into the non-uniformity of the path, they fall short of accurately capturing the precise spatial distribution with a single line-of-sight measurement. We propose a novel measurement scheme for non-uniformly distributed concentration of nitric oxide (NO) along the line-of-sight utilizing a single laser and path, by incorporating Faraday rotation spectroscopy with magnetic fields changing over time and space. We validate the proposed scheme by measuring a path of two regions in series with different NO concentrations, and comparing the measurement results with direct absorption spectroscopy of each respective region. In this work, the tuning range of the interband cascade laser used is from 1899.42 to 1900.97 cm−1, encompassing two sets of spectral lines corresponding to the 2Π1/2 and 2Π3/2 transitions of NO’s R(6.5). The average relative uncertainty in the concentration measurement for each region is estimated to be within 1.5%, with the concentration for individual absorption cells ranging from 0.2% to 0.8%.
Discriminative non-destructive imaging of flip chips based on photoacoustic remote sensing microscopy with layered elasto-optic models
Authors: Chen Jijing , Ding Kaixuan , Pi Yihan , Zhang Shoujun , Zhang Hao , Li Jiao , Tian Zhen
Published: May 2024

Discriminative internal imaging for different chip layers can pinpoint the location of critical defect in the flip chips, yet existing methods face challenges in in-line imaging to identify defects or structures from the sub-surface within the silicon substrate and their underlying coating. To address these challenges, we develop and verify layered elasto-optic models for photoacoustic remote sensing microscopy (PARS) that distinguish structures from multi-layers within a single device for in-line flip-chip wafer inspection. A finite-difference time-domain algorithm based on transparent source (TS-FDTD) accurately predicts different initial slopes of PARS signals within the silicon-metal and the silicon-air models. The initial slopes of PARS signals are experimentally validated and utilized for discriminative non-destructive imaging of the interdigital electrode chips and silicon cracks within the same region of interest. PARS with layered elasto-optic models and non-contact fast scanning has the potential for in-line detection of defects from various layered structures with different refractive indices, offering an approach for discriminative non-destructive testing (NDT) of flip-chip and layered structures.
Omnidirectional mid-air image system using micro-mirror array plates
Authors: Yano Yutaro , Koizumi Naoya
Published: May 2024

We proposed and implemented an omnidirectional mid-air image optical system that suppresses stray light and transmitted light. When micro-mirror array plates (MMAP) are integrated with view control films and rotated these optical elements at high speed, stray and transmitted light are effectively suppressed. This enables the visibility of omnidirectional mid-air image. We evaluated the effects of the view control film and high-speed rotation on the luminance and resolution of mid-air images, respectively. Our system facilitates the simultaneous viewing of mid-air images by multiple users, expanding the accessibility of mid-air image content to a large audience.
Hyperbolic response and low-frequency ultra-flat plasmons in inhomogeneous charge-distributed transition-metal monohalides
Authors: Gao Han , Qu Ning , Zhang Xuejin , Ding Chao , Wang Mingzheng , Wang Juan , Yang Bo , Zhao Mingwen
Published: May 2024

Plasmon, the collective oscillations of free electron gas in materials, determines the long-wavelength excitation spectrum and optical response, are pivotal in the realm of nanophotonics and optoelectronics. In this study, using the first-principles calculations, we systematically investigated the dielectric response and plasmon properties of bulk transition-metal monohalides MXs (M = Zr, Mo; X = Cl, F). Due to the strong electronic anisotropy, MXs exhibit a broadband type-II hyperbolic response and direction-dependent plasmon modes. Particularly, local field effect (LFE) driven by the charge distribution inhomogeneity, significantly modifies the optical response and excitation spectra in MX along the out-of-plane direction. Taking into account LFE, the energy dissipation along the out-of-plane direction is almost completely suppressed, and an ultra-flat and long-lived plasmon mode with a slow group velocity is introduced. This finding reveals the role of charge density in modifying the optical response and excitation behavior, shedding light on potential applications in plasmonics.
Z-scan of ITO nanocrystals grown inside glass
Authors: Ashjari Amir , Topper Brian , Möncke Doris
Published: May 2024

Indium tin oxide (ITO) nanocrystals 1–10 nm in size were grown via thermal treatment of a boroaluminosilicate parent glass. The nonlinear behavior of the obtained glass-ceramic was investigated with the Z-scan technique using 550 ps pulses of a 532 nm source at a 500 Hz repetition rate. The nonlinear response was rich, with the sample exhibiting third- and fifth-order nonlinearities as well as saturable absorption and two-photon absorption (TPA), depending on the locale probed. Photoinduced changes were also observed, with high intensity exposures yielding an increased magnitude of the response when lower power trials were subsequently repeated at the same sample position. The work demonstrates that ITO nanocrystal precipitation in bulk glass yields effective nonlinear response and suggests that with further development may enable more compact devices exploiting ITO and the need for particle deposition routes.
Low Loss Chip-to-Chip Couplers for High Density Co-Packaged Optics
Authors: Weninger Drew , Otálvaro Samuel Serna , Ranno Luigi , Kimerling Lionel , Agarwal Anuradha
Published: May 2024

An experimentally demonstrated, vertical chip-to-chip evanescent coupler between silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) and silicon (Si) is presented with the coupler loss measured to be 0.39 ± 1.06 dB at 1550 nm with a 1-dB bandwidth of 160 nm extending across the C-band, S-band, and L-band (1480-1640 nm). The average coupling loss was determined to be 0.73 dB for the 1480-1640 nm wavelength range with a ± 2σ tolerance of ± 0.92 dB. The 1-dB lateral alignment tolerance was 1.56 ± 0.14 μm at 1550 nm and the average tolerance was 1.38 ± 0.24 μm across the 1480-1640 nm wavelength regime. In addition, the average coupling loss varied by less than ± 0.35 dB and the average 1-dB alignment tolerance varied by less than ± 30 nm for temperatures varying from 23-60°C. Finally, the average coupling loss range was less than 1.5 dB range across four sets of identically packaged die. This is the first experimental demonstration of an inter-chip, passively assembled evanescent coupler using standard CMOS foundry processes for directly coupling between Si and Si₃N₄, overcoming a waveguide refractive index difference of Δn = 1.32 without requiring taper tip widths of less than 100 nm.
Scaling up area-based conservation to implement the Global Biodiversity Framework’s 30x30 target: The role of Nature’s Strongholds
Authors: Robinson John G. , LaBruna Danielle , O’Brien Tim , Clyne Peter J. , Dudley Nigel , Andelman Sandy J. , Bennett Elizabeth L. , Chicchon Avecita , Durigan Carlos , Grantham Hedley , Kinnaird Margaret , Lieberman Sue , Maisels Fiona , Moreira Adriana , Rao Madhu , Stokes Emma , Walston Joe , Watson James EM
Published: May 2024

The Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), signed in 2022 by Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity, recognized the importance of area-based conservation, and its goals and targets specify the characteristics of protected and conserved areas (PCAs) that disproportionately contribute to biodiversity conservation. To achieve the GBF’s target of conserving a global area of 30% by 2030, this Essay argues for recognizing these characteristics and scaling them up through the conservation of areas that are: extensive (typically larger than 5,000 km2); have interconnected PCAs (either physically or as part of a jurisdictional network, and frequently embedded in larger conservation landscapes); have high ecological integrity; and are effectively managed and equitably governed. These areas are presented as “Nature’s Strongholds,” illustrated by examples from the Congo and Amazon basins. Conserving Nature’s Strongholds offers an approach to scale up initiatives to address global threats to biodiversity.
Yersinia pestis can infect the Pawlowsky glands of human body lice and be transmitted by louse bite
Authors: Bland David M. , Long Dan , Rosenke Rebecca , Hinnebusch B. Joseph
Published: May 2024

Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of plague, is a highly lethal vector-borne pathogen responsible for killing large portions of Europe’s population during the Black Death of the Middle Ages. In the wild, Y. pestis cycles between fleas and rodents; occasionally spilling over into humans bitten by infectious fleas. For this reason, fleas and the rats harboring them have been considered the main epidemiological drivers of previous plague pandemics. Human ectoparasites, such as the body louse (Pediculus humanus humanus), have largely been discounted due to their reputation as inefficient vectors of plague bacilli. Using a membrane-feeder adapted strain of body lice, we show that the digestive tract of some body lice become chronically infected with Y. pestis at bacteremia as low as 1 × 105 CFU/ml, and these lice routinely defecate Y. pestis. At higher bacteremia (≥1 × 107 CFU/ml), a subset of the lice develop an infection within the Pawlowsky glands (PGs), a pair of putative accessory salivary glands in the louse head. Lice that developed PG infection transmitted Y. pestis more consistently than those with bacteria only in the digestive tract. These glands are thought to secrete lubricant onto the mouthparts, and we hypothesize that when infected, their secretions contaminate the mouthparts prior to feeding, resulting in bite-based transmission of Y. pestis. The body louse’s high level of susceptibility to infection by gram-negative bacteria and their potential to transmit plague bacilli by multiple mechanisms supports the hypothesis that they may have played a role in previous human plague pandemics and local outbreaks.
Assessing the impact of CHARM2, a family planning program on gender attitudes, intimate partner violence, reproductive coercion, and marital quality in India
Authors: Chatterji Sangeeta , Johns Nicole E. , Ghule Mohan , Begum Shahina , Averbach Sarah , Battala Madhusudana , Raj Anita
Published: May 2024

Using a two-armed cluster randomised controlled trial, CHARM2 (Counselling Husbands to Achieve Reproductive health and Marital equity), a 5-session gender equity and family planning intervention for couples in rural India, showed an impact on family planning outcomes in primary trial analyses. This study examines its effects on gender-equitable attitudes, intimate partner violence, reproductive coercion, and marital quality. We used multilevel mixed-effects models to assess the intervention impact on each outcome. Both male (aIRR at 9 months: 0.64, C.I.: 0.45,0.90; aIRR at 18 months: 0.25, C.I.: 0.18,0.39) and female (aIRR at 9 months: 0.57, C.I.: 0.46,0.71; aIRR at 18 months: 0.38, C.I.: 0.23,0.61) intervention participants were less likely than corresponding control participants to endorse attitudes accepting physical IPV at 9- and 18-month follow-ups. Men in the intervention, compared to those in the control condition, reported more gender-equitable attitudes at 9- and 18 months (ß at 9 months: 0.13, C.I.: 0.06,0.20; ß at 18 months: 0.26, C.I.: 0.19,0.34) and higher marital quality at the 18-month follow-up (ß: 0.03, C.I.: 0.01,0.05). However, we found no effects on women’s experiences of IPV, reproductive coercion, or marital quality. CHARM2 shows promise in improving men’s and women’s attitudes towards gender equality and male perceptions of marital quality. Still, IPV and reproductive coercion reductions may require more intensive programming than that provided within this 5-session model focused on family planning.
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health to map leprosy-related disability in rural and remote areas in Indonesia
Authors: Wahyuni Luh Karunia , Nelfidayani Nelfidayani , Harini Melinda , Anestherita Fitri , Wardhani Rizky Kusuma , Menaldi Sri Linuwih , Irawati Yunia , Rahayu Tri , Andayani Gitalisa , Daniel Hisar , Savitri Intan , Hariyanto Petrus Kanisius Yogi , Paramita Isabela Andhika
Published: May 2024

The International Classification of Function, Disability, and Health (ICF—WHO, 2001) recognizes several dimensions of disability, such as body structure and function (and impairment thereof), activity (and activity restrictions) and participation (and participation restriction) and their interactions with contextual factor (personal and environmental). In this study, we map and analyse the relationship between the components of ICF in leprosy patients from two rural areas in Indonesia: Lewoleba (East Nusa Tenggara) and Likupang (North Minahasa). This study was part of a community outreach program by the KATAMATAKU team from Universitas Indonesia. The body structure was graded using the WHO hand and feet disability grade and the number of enlarged nerves, while the body function was measured by the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test (JTT) and Timed-up and Go (TUG). Activity limitation and participation restriction were measured using the Screening Activity Limitation Safety Awareness (SALSA) Scale and Participation Scale (P-scale), respectively. There were 177 leprosy patients from the two regions and 150 patients with complete data were included in the analysis. We found 82% (95% CI: 75.08%-87.32%) of subjects with multibacillary leprosy, 10.67% (95% CI: 6.67%-16.62%) of subjects with grade 2 WHO hand disability, and 9.33% (95% CI: 5.64%-15.06%) of subjects with grade 2 WHO foot disability. Assessment using the SALSA Scale showed 29.33% of subjects with limitation activity and 11.33% with participation restriction. Age was shown to have positive correlations with SALSA, JTT, and TUG. Inter-dimensional analysis showed that the SALSA scale had significant positive correlations with the number of nerve enlargements, P-scale, JTT, and TUG. SALSA scores of grade 2 WHO hand and foot disability were also significantly higher than grades 1 and 0. The participation scale also had a positive correlation with JTT but not TUG. Hand disability seemed to affect societal participation while foot did not. We used the ICF to describe and analyse dimensions of leprosy-related disability in Indonesia.