bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual-slope broadband diffuse reflectance spectrometer for absolute absorption spectra of turbid media
Authors: Blaney Giles , Sassaroli Angelo , Curtsmith Phillip , Fernandez Cristianne , Pham Thao , Fantini Sergio
Published: July 2022

We present a calibration-free instrument to measure absolute broadband absorption spectra of biological tissue. Initial measurements in skeletal muscle show that the fit to the data improves by introducing a spectrally flat absorption background.
Multimodal Imaging Platform for Surgery: Application to Tissue Status Assessment
Authors: SÉgaud Silvère , Baratelli Luca , Aguénounon Enagnon , van Manen Labrinus , de Muynck Lysanne D.A.N. , Mieog J. Sven D. , Vahrmeijer Alexander , Diana Michele , Lecler Sylvain , Gioux Sylvain
Published: July 2022

A clinically-compatible imaging platform capable of performing widefield quantitative oxygenation and fluorescence imaging is presented with its potential for tissue status assessment in particular for blood perfusion and tumor margin assessment.
Polarization-resolved SHG imaging of lamellar organization in keratoconic human corneas
Authors: Raoux Clothilde , Schmeltz Margaux , Bied Marion , Alnawaiseh Maged , Hansen Uwe , Latour Gaël , Schanne-Klein Marie-Claire
Published: July 2022

We implement polarization-resolved second harmonic generation microscopy to characterize the orientation distribution of collagen lamellae in human cornea. We evidence a less ordered distribution in keratoconic corneas, in agreement with their deteriorated mechanical behavior.
pyxopto: An Open-Source Python Library with Utilities for Fast Light Propagation Modeling in Turbid Media
Authors: Naglič Peter , Zelinskyi Yevhen , Pernuš Franjo , Likar Boštjan , Bürmen Miran
Published: July 2022

We present a multi-layered and voxel-based Monte Carlo methods with auxiliary utilities implemented in Python for user-friendly, open-source and multi-purpose modeling of light propagation in turbid media based on PyOpenCL computational platform.
Investigation of Effect of Modulation Frequency on High-Density Diffuse Optical Tomography Image Quality
Authors: Fan Weihao , Dehghani Hamid , Eggebrecht Adam T.
Published: July 2022

High-frequency modulation has been shown to provide superior image quality over continuous wave high density diffuse optical tomography (HD-DOT). Herein, we evaluated a range of modulation frequencies on the image quality for frequency domain HD-DOT.
Simultaneous Diffuse Optical and Bioluminescence Tomography to Improve Source Localization
Authors: Bentley Alexander , Xu Xiangkun , Deng Zijian , Rowe Jonathan E. , Wang Ken Kang-Hsin , Dehghani Hamid
Published: July 2022

A novel algorithm to simultaneously recover bioluminescence source location and optical parameters is developed. In-vivo studies show 30% improvement in localization error while also providing local total hemoglobin concentration.
Minimally Invasive Fiber Endoscope with 3D Printed Diffractive Optical Element (DOE) for Biomedicine
Authors: Scharf Elias , Medina-Sánchez Mariana , Kuschmierz Robert , Schmidt Oliver G. , Czarske Jürgen W.
Published: July 2022

Holographic endoscopes with sub-millimeter diameter require the compensation of inter-core phase distortions, which is accomplished often with an SLM. We present the use of 3D printed DOE as a robust integrative technique for biomedicine.
Resolution limits of compressive imaging via a multimode fiber
Authors: Lochocki Benjamin , Abrashitova Ksenia , de Boer Johannes F. , Amitonova Lyubov V.
Published: July 2022

Fiber-based endoscopic compressive imaging is a promising field for minimal invasive, in vivo imaging below the diffraction limit and enhanced acquisition time. Here, we analyse and present the theoretical limits of speckle-based compressive imaging.
Distorted wavefront detection of orbital angular momentum beams based on a Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor
Authors: Lan Bin , Liu Chao , Tang Ao , Chen Mo , Rui Daoman , Shen Feng , Xian Hao
Published: July 2022

The vortex beams carried Orbital Angular Momentum (OAM) have recently generated considerable interest due to their potential used in communication systems to increase transmission capacity and spectral efficiency. In this paper, the distorted wavefront detection based on Shack–Hartmann wavefront sensor (HWS) for the vortex beams is investigated. The detection slope of the helical phase sub-spot pattern is used as the calibrated slope zero point, and then the distortion phase of the vortex beam is detected by the HWS. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that this method can detect the distortion phase of vortex beam with high precision and high frame rate, which is expected to accelerate the application of optical communication systems with vortex beams.
Efficient construction of witnesses of the stellar rank of nonclassical states of light
Authors: Fiurášek Jaromír
Published: July 2022

The stellar hierarchy of quantum states of light classifies the states according to the Fock-state resources that are required for their generation together with unitary Gaussian operations. States with stellar rank n can be also equivalently referred to as genuinely n-photon quantum non-Gaussian states. Here we present an efficient method for construction of general witnesses of the stellar rank. The number of parameters that need to be optimized in order to determine the witness does not depend on the stellar rank and it scales quadratically with the number of modes. We illustrate the procedure by constructing stellar rank witnesses based on pairs of Fock state probabilities and also based on pairs of fidelities with superpositions of coherent states.
5 kHz, 4.2mJ, 900 ps end-pumped Nd:YVO4 MOPA laser system
Authors: Zhou Yiping , Li Xudong , Wei Chaojie , Chen Xiaojie , Xu Haobo , Fan Rongwei , Chen Deying , Jiang Yugang , Yan Renpeng
Published: July 2022

A 5 kHz sub-nanosecond master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) laser system was reported in this paper. The master oscillator was an electro-optically Q-switched Nd:YVO4 laser directly pumped at 879 nm, yielding a pulse energy of 520 µJ and a pulse width of 900 ps at 5 kHz. With two Nd:YVO4 amplifiers directly pumped at 914 nm, the pulse energy was further scaled up. Under the absorbed pump energy of 11.0 mJ, the pulse energy was amplified to 4.2 mJ, corresponding to a peak power of 4.7 MW. The optical-to-optical efficiency of the amplifiers reached 33.5%.
Photonics-based radio frequency self-interference cancellation for radio-over-fiber systems
Authors: Hu Xiaopeng , Zhu Dan , Xiao Hai , Pan Shilong
Published: July 2022

A photonics-based radio frequency (RF) self-interference cancellation approach for radio-over-fiber (RoF) systems is proposed and demonstrated. An intermediate frequency (IF) signal and a local oscillator (LO) signal are separately modulated to a pair of optical carriers with orthogonal polarization states in the central station. The generated optically carried RF signal is then transmitted to remote base stations over fibers. After performing photodetection at the two outputs of the polarization beam splitter (PBS), a pair of upconverted RF signals with inverse phases are generated. One is used as the transmitted signal, while the other is used as the reference signal for the self-interference cancellation. In this way, the phase inversion between them is realized in the optical domain. In addition, the adjustments with the time delay and the amplitude of the reference signal are both achieved in the optical domain, guaranteeing the self-interference cancellation in a wide bandwidth. Meanwhile, the independent optical system for self-interference cancellation is avoided, simplifying the complex hardware requirements with the base stations. The cancellation depths of 33, 30, and 22 dB over 0.5-, 1-, and 3-GHz bandwidths are experimentally achieved, respectively. The ranging and imaging functions of a frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar system using the established self-interference cancellation structure are experimentally verified.
Multifunctional manipulation of terahertz waves using vanadium-dioxide-based metagratings
Authors: Li Jingwen , Li Xiao , Liu Jiaqing , Dong Daxing , Liu Youwen , Fu Yangyang
Published: July 2022

Metasurfaces with phase-change materials have provided a promising way to achieve switchable and diverse wave control at terahertz (THz) frequencies. However, most of these reconfigurable metasurfaces are designed by complex structures that are challenged by the experimental feasibility. Here we propose a simple metagrating structure made of vanadium dioxide to realize reconfigurable manipulation of THz waves. Different from previous works, an inverse-design method is adopted to construct the metagrating, which enables multifunctional and switchable wave functions of THz waves including the switch between a perfect retroreflector and a high-efficiency absorber, polarization beam splitter, and linear polarizer. Our work provides a neat and effective method to achieve reconfigurable and multifunctional wave phenomena in a single meta-device, which may find applications in polarization control, remote sensing, and object detection.
The computational relationship between reinforcement learning, social inference, and paranoia
Authors: Barnby Joseph M. , Mehta Mitul A. , Moutoussis Michael
Published: July 2022

Theoretical accounts suggest heightened uncertainty about the state of the world underpin aberrant belief updates, which in turn increase the risk of developing a persecutory delusion. However, this raises the question as to how an agent’s uncertainty may relate to the precise phenomenology of paranoia, as opposed to other qualitatively different forms of belief. We tested whether the same population (n = 693) responded similarly to non-social and social contingency changes in a probabilistic reversal learning task and a modified repeated reversal Dictator game, and the impact of paranoia on both. We fitted computational models that included closely related parameters that quantified the rigidity across contingency reversals and the uncertainty about the environment/partner. Consistent with prior work we show that paranoia was associated with uncertainty around a partner’s behavioural policy and rigidity in harmful intent attributions in the social task. In the non-social task we found that pre-existing paranoia was associated with larger decision temperatures and commitment to suboptimal cards. We show relationships between decision temperature in the non-social task and priors over harmful intent attributions and uncertainty over beliefs about partners in the social task. Our results converge across both classes of model, suggesting paranoia is associated with a general uncertainty over the state of the world (and agents within it) that takes longer to resolve, although we demonstrate that this uncertainty is expressed asymmetrically in social contexts. Our model and data allow the representation of sociocognitive mechanisms that explain persecutory delusions and provide testable, phenomenologically relevant predictions for causal experiments.
Traditional Human Immunodeficiency Virus treatment and family and social influence as barriers to accessing HIV care services in Belu, Indonesia
Authors: Fauk Nelsensius Klau , Mwanri Lillian , Hawke Karen , Ward Paul Russell
Published: July 2022

Access to HIV care services, including antiretroviral therapy (ART), is essential for improving health outcomes of people living with HIV (PLHIV) and reducing HIV transmission and AIDS-related deaths. As a part of a qualitative study in Belu, this paper describes the use of traditional medicines for HIV treatment and family and social influence as barriers to access to HIV care services among PLHIV. One-on-one in-depth interviews were employed to collect data from 46 PLHIV (26 women and 20 men) and 10 healthcare professionals. They were recruited using the snowball sampling technique. The study information sheets were initially posted on information boards in healthcare facilities. Potential participants who contacted to confirm their participation were recruited for an interview and then asked for help to distribute the information sheets to their eligible colleagues who might be willing to participate. Data analysis was performed using NVivo 12 software and guided by a qualitative data analysis framework. The findings showed that the use of traditional medicines, a well-known cultural practice in Belu, was a barrier to access to HIV care services among PLHIV. The influence of family in determining the use of traditional medicines for HIV treatment, supported by the lack of knowledge of ART, effectiveness of traditional medicines in treating other health issues, and social influence of relatives, neighbours, and friends, were also significant barriers to PLHIV’s access to HIV care services. The findings indicate the need for dissemination of HIV care-related information for PLHIV, family, and community members to increase their knowledge of the service, ART and its function, and to support and improve access to HIV care services especially ART by PLHIV.
A user preference analysis of commercial breath ketone sensors to inform the development of portable breath ketone sensors for diabetes management in young people
Authors: Brew-Sam Nicola , Desborough Jane , Parkinson Anne , Murugappan Krishnan , Daskalaki Eleni , Brown Ellen , Ebbeck Harry , Pedley Lachlan , Hannon Kristal , Brown Karen , Pedley Elizabeth , Ebbeck Genevieve , Tricoli Antonio , Suominen Hanna , Nolan Christopher J. , Phillips Christine
Published: July 2022

Background

Portable breath ketone sensors may help people with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) avoid episodes of diabetic ketoacidosis; however, the design features preferred by users have not been studied. We aimed to elucidate breath sensor design preferences of young people with T1DM (age 12 to 16) and their parents to inform the development of a breath ketone sensor prototype that would best suit their diabetes management needs.

Research designs and methods

To elicit foundational experiences from which design preference ideas could be generated, two commercially available breath ketone sensors, designed for ketogenic diet monitoring, were explored over one week by ten young people with T1DM. Participants interacted with the breath ketone sensing devices, and undertook blood ketone testing, at least twice daily for five days to simulate use within a real life and ambulatory care setting. Semi-structured interviews were conducted post-testing with the ten young participants and their caregivers (n = 10) to elicit preferences related to breath sensor design and use, and to inform the co-design of a breath ketone sensor prototype for use in T1DM self-management. We triangulated our data collection with key informant interviews with two diabetes educators working in pediatric care about their perspectives related to young people using breath ketone sensors.

Results

Participants acknowledged the non-invasiveness of breath sensors as compared to blood testing. Affordability, reliability and accuracy were identified as prerequisites for breath ketone sensors used for diabetes management. Design features valued by young people included portability, ease of use, sustainability, readability and suitability for use in public. The time required to use breath sensors was similar to that for blood testing. The requirement to maintain a 10-second breath exhalation posed a challenge for users. Diabetes educators highlighted the ease of use of breath devices especially for young people who tended to under-test using blood ketone strips.

Conclusions

Breath ketone sensors for diabetes management have potential that may facilitate ketone testing in young people. Our study affirms features for young people that drive usability of breath sensors among this population, and provides a model of user preference assessment.
Based on abnormal fluctuations in user-side flow simulation analysis of low- and medium-pressure gas pipeline leakage monitoring
Authors: Wang Xiaomin , Luo Zhengshan , Kong Yulei , Wang Qingqing
Published: July 2022

Due to the weak monitoring equipment for low- and medium-pressure gas pipelines, it is not easy to identify small flow leaks. The detection methods are mostly traditional manual inspections or night pressure-maintaining leak detection methods, which cannot be automatically monitored and sensed immediately. The abnormal fluctuations in client traffic caused by pipeline leaks studied in this paper can locate and detect leak locations more effectively. This paper analyzes the theoretical formula of leakage location based on flow data and finds out how to use the abnormal fluctuation of user-side flow to detect and locate gas pipeline leakage. First of all, this article uses the simulation software Pipeline Studio to construct the medium and low-pressure pipeline model. On this basis, 6 sets of leakage conditions were designed and simulated dynamically. Finally, the simulation results are analyzed, and the results show that: 1) The advisable monitoring period for monitoring abnormal fluctuations of user-side traffic is 10s. 2) There are two relationships between abnormal flow fluctuations and leakage position. They are: when the leakage point is at the first 40% of the relative distance from the gas source, the disturbance amplitude first increases and then decreases, and at the last 60%, it continues to decrease.; The closer the leak is to the user end, the more significant the abnormal flow fluctuations will be. On the contrary, the smaller the abnormal flow fluctuations will be; 3) No matter where the leakage occurs, the abnormal flow fluctuations in the 2nd and 3rd seconds after the leak occurs tend to be consistent. The proposal of the advisable monitoring period and the relationship between abnormal fluctuations of flow and the location of leakage provides a theoretical basis for the use of abnormal fluctuations of user-side flow for gas pipeline leakage detection and location.
Sampling errors and variability in video transects for assessment of reef fish assemblage structure and diversity
Authors: Bruneel Stijn , Ho Long , Van Echelpoel Wout , Schoeters Amber , Raat Heleen , Moens Tom , Bermudez Rafael , Luca Stijn , Goethals Peter
Published: July 2022

Video monitoring is a rapidly evolving tool in aquatic ecological research because of its non-destructive ability to assess fish assemblages. Nevertheless, methodological considerations of video monitoring techniques are often overlooked, especially in more complex sampling designs, causing inefficient data collection, processing, and interpretation. In this study, we discuss how video transect sampling designs could be assessed and how the inter-observer variability, design errors and sampling variability should be quantified and accounted for. The study took place in the coastal areas of the Galapagos archipelago and consisted of a hierarchical repeated-observations sampling design with multiple observers. Although observer bias was negligible for the assessment of fish assemblage structure, diversity and counts of individual species, sampling variability caused by simple counting/detection errors, observer effects and instantaneous fish displacement was often important. Especially for the counts of individual species, sampling variability most often exceeded the variability of the transects and sites. An extensive part of the variability in the fish assemblage structure was explained by the different transects (13%), suggesting that a sufficiently high number of transects is required to account for the within-location variability. Longer transect lengths allowed a better representation of the fish assemblages as sampling variability decreased by 33% if transect length was increased from 10 to 50 meters. However, to increase precision, including more repeats was typically more efficient than using longer transect lengths. The results confirm the suitability of the technique to study reef fish assemblages, but also highlight the importance of a sound methodological assessment since different biological responses and sampling designs are associated with different levels of sampling variability, precision and ecological relevance. Therefore, besides the direct usefulness of the results, the procedures to establish them may be just as valuable for researchers aiming to optimize their own sampling technique and design.
Immune suppression is associated with enhanced systemic inflammatory, endothelial and procoagulant responses in critically ill patients
Authors: Brands Xanthe , Uhel Fabrice , van Vught Lonneke A. , Wiewel Maryse A. , Hoogendijk Arie J. , Lutter René , Schultz Marcus J. , Scicluna Brendon P. , van der Poll Tom
Published: July 2022

Objective

Patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) oftentimes show immunological signs of immune suppression. Consequently, immune stimulatory agents have been proposed as an adjunctive therapy approach in the ICU. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the degree of immune suppression and systemic inflammation in patients shortly after admission to the ICU.

Design: An observational study in two ICUs in the Netherlands.

Methods

The capacity of blood leukocytes to produce cytokines upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was measured in 77 patients on the first morning after ICU admission. Patients were divided in four groups based on quartiles of LPS stimulated tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α release, reflecting increasing extents of immune suppression. 15 host response biomarkers indicative of aberrations in inflammatory pathways implicated in sepsis pathogenesis were measured in plasma.

Results

A diminished capacity of blood leukocytes to produce TNF-α upon stimulation with LPS was accompanied by a correspondingly reduced ability to release of IL-1β and IL-6. Concurrently measured plasma concentrations of host response biomarkers demonstrated that the degree of reduction in TNF-α release by blood leukocytes was associated with increasing systemic inflammation, stronger endothelial cell activation, loss of endothelial barrier integrity and enhanced procoagulant responses.

Conclusions

In patients admitted to the ICU the strongest immune suppression occurs in those who simultaneously display signs of stronger systemic inflammation. These findings may have relevance for the selection of patients eligible for administration of immune enhancing agents.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01905033.
Scientific collaboration, research funding, and novelty in scientific knowledge
Authors: Shin Hyunha , Kim Keungoui , Kogler Dieter F.
Published: July 2022

Disruptive advancements in science and technology often rely on new ideas and findings, which in turn brings us to focus on the value of novelty in scholarly activities. Using Web of Science publication data from European regions for the period between 2008 and 2017, this study examines, first, the impact of scientific collaboration on novelty of research. Here, five levels of collaboration are considered for each article–country, three levels of regions, and institutions, and novelty is measured with keywords information. Second, we investigate both the effect and moderating effect of research funding on novelty. Our findings show that there is a negative and significant relationship between scientific collaboration and novelty. Furthermore, funded papers show lower novelty than the unfunded, but funding does have a significant moderating effect on the relationship between collaboration and novelty. This study contributes by linking diverse levels of collaboration and funding sources to article’s novelty and thus extending the scope of bibliometric research of publications.
The central role of arginine in Haemophilus influenzae survival in a polymicrobial environment with Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis
Authors: Tikhomirova Alexandra , Zilm Peter S. , Trappetti Claudia , Paton James C. , Kidd Stephen P.
Published: July 2022

Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Moraxella catarrhalis are bacterial species which frequently co-colonise the nasopharynx, but can also transit to the middle ear to cause otitis media. Chronic otitis media is often associated with a polymicrobial infection by these bacteria. However, despite being present in polymicrobial infections, the molecular interactions between these bacterial species remain poorly understood. We have previously reported competitive interactions driven by pH and growth phase between H. influenzae and S. pneumoniae. In this study, we have revealed competitive interactions between the three otopathogens, which resulted in reduction of H. influenzae viability in co-culture with S. pneumoniae and in triple-species culture. Transcriptomic analysis by mRNA sequencing identified a central role of arginine in mediating these interactions. Arginine supplementation was able to increase H. influenzae survival in a dual-species environment with S. pneumoniae, and in a triple-species environment. Arginine was used by H. influenzae for ATP production, and levels of ATP generated in dual- and triple-species co-culture at early stages of growth were significantly higher than the combined ATP levels of single-species cultures. These results indicate a central role for arginine-mediated ATP production by H. influenzae in the polymicrobial community.
An electronic transition-based bare bones particle swarm optimization algorithm for high dimensional optimization problems
Authors: Tian Hao , Guo Jia , Xiao Haiyang , Yan Ke , Sato Yuji
Published: July 2022

An electronic transition-based bare bones particle swarm optimization (ETBBPSO) algorithm is proposed in this paper. The ETBBPSO is designed to present high precision results for high dimensional single-objective optimization problems. Particles in the ETBBPSO are divided into different orbits. A transition operator is proposed to enhance the global search ability of ETBBPSO. The transition behavior of particles gives the swarm more chance to escape from local minimums. In addition, an orbit merge operator is proposed in this paper. An orbit with low search ability will be merged by an orbit with high search ability. Extensive experiments with CEC2014 and CEC2020 are evaluated with ETBBPSO. Four famous population-based algorithms are also selected in the control group. Experimental results prove that ETBBPSO can present high precision results for high dimensional single-objective optimization problems.
Serological survey of Toxoplasma gondii infection in cats in Khon Kaen, Northeast Thailand
Authors: Lakhamsen Natthika , Chaisongkhram Chalipa , Pattarasuplerk Yanika , Macotpet Arayaporn , Seesupa Suvaluk , Lertitthikul Nitiwadee , Bupata Pattaraanong , Kunkitti Panisara
Published: July 2022

Background and Aim: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii. Cats are known to be the definitive hosts that can excrete these environmentally resistant oocysts. Other mammals, avians, and even humans can serve as the intermediate host. T. gondii infection is often asymptomatic in healthy individuals; however, it could result in serious health problems in immunocompromised and pregnant individuals. This study investigated the occurrence of T. gondii infection in cats in Khao Suan Kwang and Mueang Khon Kaen.

Materials and Methods: In total, 100 serum samples from cats, that is, 62 owned cats (31 males and 31 females) and 38 adopted stray cats (21 males and 17 females), were examined for antibodies against T. gondii through rapid immunochromatographic tests (ICT). Owners were asked to sign a consent form and answer the questionnaires before sample collection. Demographic information about the cats and their owners was also recorded.

Results: The overall seroprevalence of cats positive for T. gondii antibodies was found to be 5%. Notably, the Toxoplasma antibody prevalence was significantly higher in the adopted stray cats (10.53% [4/38]) that roamed the zoo than in the owned cats (1.61% [1/62]) (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed between male (8.33%) and female (1.92%) cats. The cat owners' questionnaire revealed that more than half had never heard of toxoplasmosis before (67.7%), whereas 30.6% knew nothing about the disease transmission routes.

Conclusion: This study presented a low seroprevalence of antibodies to T. gondii in owned cats from the Mueang Khon Kaen District, whereas high seroprevalence was detected in the adopted stray cats from Khao Suan Kwang. Adopted stray cats can have a higher potential for T. gondii infection; thus, they could be a source of toxoplasmosis transmission to humans. Therefore, it is essential to control the number of stray cats, and a screening test for antitoxoplasmosis could be recommended before adoption. Although the total seroprevalence was noted to be low, the zoonotic disease was present. Therefore, raising the community's awareness and knowledge might reduce the disease transmission from animals to humans.
Burning Mouth Syndrome And Its Relation To Disorders Of Orofacial Pain
Authors: Chaudhry Sharjeel , Ehtesham Zarmina
Published: July 2022

An Individual is termed to have “burning mouth syndrome” if they have burning sensations in the tongue or other oral mucous membranes, but they do not exhibit any other symptoms or abnormalities in the laboratory findings (BMS). This strategy is now being called into question since it is seen to be very restricted; it has been reported that BMS may develop in conjunction with other oral conditions. BMS might be related to disorders of orofacial pain like temporomandibular disorder (TMD), atypical odontalgia (AO) and sensory dysesthesia.
Ultra-high-performance fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC): A mini-review of the challenges
Authors: Qaidi Shaker
Published: July 2022

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is a cement-based material that can be used to build new buildings or fix up old ones to make them last longer. It is a revolutionary composite material that may serve as a viable substitute for concrete construction in hostile environments. After decades of research and development, a broad variety of commercial UHPC compositions have been created across the globe to meet the expanding number of uses and demand for high-quality building materials. The usage of ultra-high performance concrete is restricted because of its exorbitant cost and restricted design standards. Therefore, a thorough examination of the durability properties of UHPC is necessary to offer vital data for material testing criteria and methods and to broaden its practical uses. It is hoped that this article will help people understand UHPC better and encourage more research and applications.
Awareness and Treatment of Presbyopia and Other Visual Impairment in Recent Ethiopian Immigrants to Israel
Authors: Ron Kinamon
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that although health services are provided for the new Ethiopian immigrants, just as they are for all Israeli citizens, vision health is not being adequately provided for them due to pre-existing deficiency in knowledge and awareness of the range of vision problems. The study focuses on the expected vision problems of adults over 40 years old, in particular presbyopia. Through a survey of two groups of 30 adults each, all aged 40 and above, the attitudes and vision heath history of recent Ethiopian immigrants was compared to that of adults who grew up in Israel. The results show a profound gap in eye examination history and methods, perception of what constitutes vision problems that necessitate correction, prescription and accessibility of glasses, and global understanding and expectations regarding eye care and health. This gap demonstrates the need for medical eye services to be explained to these new immigrants and be made easily accessible in order for their eye care to be at the same standard as people who have been living in Israel for a long period of time. This would include vision screenings performed as a matter of course for all Ethiopian immigrants of any age, as part of the other basic health services already provided by the Israeli government upon arrival.
Phytochemical Analysis and Antimicrobial Activity of Selected Medicinal Plants.
Authors: KEWLANI AMAN , NAYAK VISHAL , GOHEL TAPAN , GUPTA PRAVEEN
Published: July 2022

Background:

Asteracantha longifolia

,

P. tuberosa
and

M. pruriens
are traditionally being use for medicinal purposes in India. Present study was designed to check in-vitro efficacy of these plants against selected bacterial strains.

Methodology:

Methanol extracts of these plants were used for Phytochemical Analysis to check the presence of different phytochemical compounds such as Saponins, Tannins, Flavonoids, Amino acid, Carbohydrates and various other compounds. Antibacterial activity of these two plant extract were tested against two pathogenic bacterial strains i.e.
Escherichia coli,
Bacillus Subtilis and efficiency of these plant extract were compared against three antibiotics at their standard concentrations viz. Gentamycin (50mg/ml), Tetracycline(30mg/ml), Chloramphenicol(34mg/ml).

Results:

Phytochemical analysis of
A.longifolia

, P. tuberosa and
M. pruriens confirmed the presence of various phytochemical compounds such as Saponins, Tannins, Flavonoids, Amino acid and Carbohydrates.

It was observed that the plant extract showed no inhibitory effect against the two selected bacterial strains i.e.
Escherichia coli, Bacillus Subtilis. While three antibiotics showed considerable inhibitory effect against the two bacterial strains which was confirmed by the zone of inhibition.
Protective effe

cts and potential mechanism of

To

ngxinluo on

mouse with

thromboangiitis obliterans

induced by sodium laurate
Authors: Gu Jiaojiao , Gao Huailin
Published: July 2022

Background: In China, Tongxinluo (TXL) has been widely used for the treatment of cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. Studies have shown that TXL has anti-inflammatory and antithrombotic properties.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of TXLon sodium laurate-induced thromboangiitis obliterans(TAO) andthe underlying mechanisms.

Methods: A TAO mousemodel was established by injectingsodium laurate into the femoral artery. After treatment with compound danshen tablet(CDT, 0.52g/kg) and various doses of TXL (0.38, 0.75, 1.5g/kg),the recovery of blood flow in the lower limbs of mice was detected by laser Dopplerimaging. Pathological changes and thrombosis ofthe femoral arterywere observed by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Levels of thromboxane B2(TXB
2), 6-keto-prostaglandin F
1α(6-keto-PGF
1α), endothelin-1 (ET-1),IL(interleukin) -1β and IL-6 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Levels of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT) and fibrinogen (FIB) were detected by a fully automated biochemical analyzer. The expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the femoral artery wall was determined by immunohistochemical analysis.

Results: TXL promoted the restoration of blood flow in the lower limbs, reduced the area of thrombosis in the femoral artery, and alleviated the pathological changes in the femoral artery wall. TXL also decreased the expression of TXB
2and ET-1 and increased 6-keto-PGF
1α. TXL reduced the levels of IL-6 and IL-1βand significantly inhibited the overexpression of TNF-αand iNOS in the femoral artery wall. Moreover, TXL prolonged APTT, PT, TT, and reduced FIB levels.

Conclusion: TXLhas a protective effect on TAO mice, and themechanism may involvein theinhibition of thrombosis and TAO-related inflammatory responses.Therefore, TXLmay be a potential drug for the treatment of TAO in conventional medicine.
Developing a Rule-based Weighted Expert System to Choose Qualified Instructor in the University
Authors: karimian sana
Published: July 2022

Each head of university faculties should choose some qualified instructors for respected courses in each semester. In this respect, some factors are considered such as teaching experience, education evidences, qualify, etc. This task usually is done now by expert humans as head faculty which is time consumed. Different semi-automatic systems have been proposed to help heads so far. A full automatic rule-based expert system is developed in this paper. The proposed expert system consist three main stages. Firstly, the knowledge of the human experts are imported and designed as decision trees. In the second stage, an expert system is designed based provided rules of produced decision trees. In the third stage an algorithm is proposed to weight the tree results based on expert's qualities. To improve the performance of the expert system, a majority voting algorithm is prepared as post process stage to select the qualified instructor, who satisfied more expert's decision tree for each course. The quality of the proposed expert system is evaluated using real data from universities of Iran. The computed accuracy rate is 85.55, which is shown the robustness and accurately of the proposed system. The proposed system has low computation complexity in comparison with efficient related works. Also, simple implementation and clear box are other properties of the proposed system
Effect of Temperature on Solar cell performance in a Sri Lankan context.
Authors: De Silva Raveen , Fernando Sachintha
Published: July 2022

The effect of photovoltaic panel temperature upon this efficient solar energy conversion power was investigated in actual conditions related to the Sri Lankan context. Results collected indicate that there is a direct relationship among solar insolation, output current, output voltage, panel temperature and efficiency of the photovoltaic panel. Relative humidity and solar irradiance is considered to be in steady-state condition to guarantee the variations of the panel temperature is simply due to constant same irradiance alone. It is designed to have a minimal impact on the resulting voltage of the solar module. In a steady-state controlled setting, the experimental findings indicate that perhaps the voltage level, current and its power decrease with time as the temperatures of such solar panel rises. As a consequence, the efficiency of the solar module will decline gradually. Therefore, to preserve the efficiency of a solar panel, cooling methods should be used to guarantee the panel operates within the optimum temperature. Therefore, the necessity to develop viable methods to reduce the functioning temperature of the PV cells is essential. According to the manufacture standards, the peak efficiency of a PV cell indicates at 250C temperature. However, these solar cells are rated to perform their peak efficiency between 15 0C and 35 0C. In this paper we have assessed the importance , effectivity and suitability of using Solar Panels as a renewable alternative.
Resolution on the results of the First All-Russian Forum "Therapeutic Education in Endocrinology"
Authors: Shestakova M. V. , Mayorov A. Yu. , Surkova E. V. , Galstyan G. R. , Ametov A. S. , Antsiferov M. B. , Starostina E. G. , Melnikova O. G. , Ibragimova L. I. , Andrianova E. A. , Ershova E. V. , Karpova I. A. , Kononenko I. V. , Tiselko A. V. , Fedyaeva V. K.
Published: July 2022

According to the decision of the WHO, therapeutic education (TE) of patients is an independent branch of medicine and an essential component of the treatment of chronic diseases, primarily diabetes mellitus and obesity. TE is implemented through the creation of “Schools for patients with diabetes mellitus” and “Schools for patients with overweight” (“Schools”) as a structural unit of a medical institution. On April 25–26, 2022, the First All-Russian Forum «Therapeutic Education in Endocrinology» was held online, organized by the Public Organization «Russian Association of Endocrinologists», which was attended by leading experts in this field. As a result of its work, this Resolution was adopted by the experts. It discusses the methodological and pedagogical foundations of TE, it is proposed to make changes related to the organization of the work of «Schools», tariffing in the obligatory health insurance system, and training of personnel, including nurses.
Optimal loading method of multi type railway flatcars based on improved genetic algorithm
Authors: Yang Zhongliang
Published: July 2022

On the basis of analyzing the complexity of railway flatcar loading optimization problem, according to the characteristics of railway flatcar loading, based on the situation of railway transport loading unit of multiple railway flatcars, this study puts forward the optimal loading optimization method of multimodel railway flatcars based on improved genetic algorithm, constructs the linear programming model of railway flatcar loading optimization problem, and combines with the improved genetic algorithm to solve the problem. The study also analyzes the structural characteristics of the optimal loading materials of multimodel railway flatcars, selects the optimal materials and inputs the relevant data into the computer, and uses MATLAB to program the optimal loading algorithm of multimodel railway flatcars. Through the analysis of the calculation example, the study discusses its scope of application. The experimental results show that the average general utilization rate of the proposed method is 73%, which has higher universality, more effective application, and fully meets the research requirements. It is verified that the proposed method has a statistically significant impact on the optimal loading of multi-type railway flatcars.
On k-regular edge connectivity of chemical graphs
Authors: Ediz Süleyman , Çiftçi İdris
Published: July 2022

Quantitative structure property research works, which are the essential part in chemical information and modelling, give basic underlying topological properties for chemical substances. This information enables conducting more feasible studies between theory and practice. Connectivity concept in chemical graph theory gives information about underlying topology of chemical structures, fault tolerance of molecules, and vulnerability of chemical networks. In this study we first defined two novel types of conditional connectivity measures based on regularity notion: k-regular edge connectivity and almost k-regular edge connectivity in chemical graph theory literature. We computed these new graph invariants for cycles, complete graphs, and Cartesian product of cycles. Our results will be applied to calculate k-regular edge connectivity of some nanotubes which are stated as Cartesian product of cycles. These calculations give information about fault tolerance capacity and vulnerability of these chemical structures.
Validity and Reliability of the Seated Medicine Ball Throw as a Measure of Upper Body Power in Older Women
Authors: Strand Keri L. , Ly Anna S. , Barry Sarah S. , Liscano Jose A. , Trebotich Thomas L. , Martin-Diala Chimaobim , Martin Erick , Signorile Joseph F.
Published: July 2022

Strand, KL, Ly, AS, Barry, SS, Liscano, JA, Trebotich, TL, Martin-Diala, C, Martin, E, and Signorile, JF. Validity and reliability of the seated medicine ball throw as a measure of upper body power in older women. J Strength Cond Res 37(4): 902–908, 2023—In women, aging is associated with diminishing upper body power, which may increase the risk of falls and fall-related injury; however, the validity and reliability of clinical tests to evaluate upper body power need to be confirmed. The seated medicine ball throw (SMBT) is an upper body performance test used to monitor muscle function among older individuals. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the validity and test-retest reliability of the SMBT in older women. Thirty-five women (age = 75.15 ± 6.39 years) participated in this study. Subjects performed SMBT trials using common ball masses (SMBT4lb and SMBT3kg) over 3 sessions. Familiarization with the SMBT and chest press 1 repetition maximum (CP1RM) was provided on the first day. On day 2, subjects repeated the tests, but data were recorded. On day 3, SMBT was retested followed by an evaluation of chest press peak power (CPPP) values at 30–80% of CP1RM. Significant correlations (p ≤ 0.05) were found between the CPPP and SMBT4lb (r = 0.775, p < 0.001) and SMBT3kg (r = 0.734, p < 0.001), and SMBT distance showed expected declines with age (r = −0.724 to −0.626, p < 0.001), demonstrating its validity. High reliability between testing days was found, and Bland-Altman plots showed few points that fell outside the limits of agreement. In conclusion, the SMBT is a valid and highly reliable tool that can be used by health professionals to monitor deficits in upper body muscular power to improve treatment protocols in older women.
La arquitectura de Julio Vilamajó
Authors: Kornecki Sylvia
Published: July 2022

The architectural forms associated with the aesthetic phenomenon that has come to be known as mudéjar and visual elements tied to Iberian and Islamic architectural traditions more broadly have been interpreted across modern Latin America in various modes. A wide array of buildings spanning from the colonial era into the twentieth century engage with this architectural legacy and distinctly stand out within the urban fabric of the continent’s major capitals today. Whether reflected in the intricately geometric woodwork of colonial-era ceilings known as carpentería de lo blanco or via the mashrabiya-inspired screened breezeways that punctuate modern Brazilian pavilions, such architectonic techniques and design criteria evoke imaginaries tied to South America’s colonial past via references to an Ibero-Islamic aesthetic. Recent calls to reexamine diverse historiographic and architectonic interpretations of the so-called mudéjar or other revivalist forms associated with the Islamic world in Latin America, along with their connections to nationalism and orientalism, invite a critical reconsideration of these constructions from a decolonial perspective within this regional context. Responding to these inquiries, this dialectical collection of essays spans diverse geographies and periods to expand upon contemporary interrogations of modern historiographic and design interpretations of the built forms associated with the mudéjar and Ibero-Islamic architectural traditions in modern Latin America. Together, they present fresh case studies and perspectives while asserting that a strategic reading of the stylistic phenomenon and its architectural echoes in Latin America is not simply the result of an external influence in the region but part of a broader complex discourse of modernity.
An Historical Analysis of Waka Unua and the Māori Sail
Authors: Anderson Atholl
Published: July 2022

Waka unua, Māori ‘double-hulled canoes’ with rudimentary Oceanic spritsails, have long been considered the most devolved of sailing vessels in East Polynesia, compared to an assumed sophistication of voyaging canoes in the prehistoric colonising era. This traditionalist or conventional hypothesis is discussed with reference to early historical data from New Zealand, including both written descriptions and drawings, according to the conviction that neither is intrinsically more reliable or informative than the other. Analysis of these sources, particularly those that refer to the Moutohorā (Bay of Plenty) canoe observed in 1769, does not support the conventional model. Instead of expedient construction, waka unua hulls were built to a New Zealand-wide pattern. Similarly, instead of an Oceanic spritsail, the Māori sail was an Oceanic double spritsail which had independent spars rather than a fixed mast. It was deployed before the wind and struck in reaching conditions. There is no plausible historical evidence of the Oceanic spritsail or lateen in New Zealand before the 1820s and it is argued that the Oceanic double spritsail was the only sailing rig used in pre-European New Zealand. Some inferences for understanding early East Polynesian voyaging are noted.