bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Moisture Content and Fine Levels on Angle of Repose for Pelletized Materials
Authors: Dean Ryan H. , Turner Aaron P. , Koc Ali B , Karthikeyan Raghupathy
Published: April 2023

Highlights

The influence of moisture content and fine levels on the angle of repose (AoR) was evaluated for multiple pellet types.

Filling angle of repose (AoR) show some increases with moisture, but values remained in the “free-flowing” range.

Emptying and tilting table AoR were more impacted by additional moisture and fines.

Image analysis was successfully used to measure the angle of repose.

Abstract. Biomass and feed pellets can be handled and stored using similar equipment to that used for other bulk materials; however, their unique physical characteristics can lead to handling challenges. Understanding the flow characteristics of these materials is essential for handling and storage system design, but these characteristics are not well defined in less-than-ideal conditions. The overall objective of this study was to evaluate how moisture content and level of fines influence the angle of repose (AoR) of hardwood, pine bedding, and feed pellets. Three moisture levels (unconditioned, two and four percentage points above equilibrium) and four particle fine levels (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% fines) were evaluated. Multiple methods for measuring AoR were assessed, including the fixed funnel (both lose and confined base), tilting table, and a clear-sided test fixture to measure emptying and filling AoR simultaneously. An image analysis tool using a polyline fit to the pellet boundary was developed and used to measure the respective angles. The impact of increasing moisture and fine levels varied by pellet type and AoR measurement method, but generally resulted in an increase in AoR. The filling (dynamic) AoR was least impacted by moisture and fine levels, showing no differences among fine levels, and limit differences among moisture levels. Emptying (static) AoR was linearly correlated with the tilting table method, but the tilting table AoR was on average 15.5° higher. Utilizing the combined test fixture, the overall filling (dynamic) AoR for hardwood, pine bedding, and feed pellets inclusive of all moisture contents and percent fine levels were 33.8°, 35.0°, and 35.4°, respectively, while emptying (static) AoR’s were 39.9°, 44.2°, and 42.7°. Keywords: Angle of repose, Biomass, Moisture content, Particle size, Pellets, Physical properties.
Most Essential Mobile App for Trauma Surgeon – Episode -1 Review of Mobile app – Read by QxMD
Authors: Bijlani Neeraj , Shyam Ashok
Published: April 2023

Mobile apps have been an integral part of our lives since the App Store was launched in 2009. Now after the Mobile Apps Revolution, Medical Apps have also been an integral part of our Lives. To begin with this series we present to you an app which makes Review of Literature, Reading Articles and Abstracts on the go and Following topics, Journals and Specialities very easy at the tap of a finger.
Puntes de Millet, un exemple de fortificació de la Generalitat
Authors: Miró Oriol
Published: April 2023

Puntes de Millet, un exemple de fortificació de la Generalitat
Editorial
Authors: Hernàndez Cardona Francesc-Xavier
Published: April 2023

Editorial
Broadband polarization-independent achromatic varifocal metalens in the terahertz region
Authors: Wu Qi , Fan Wen-Hui , Qin Chong , Jiang Xiao-Qiang
Published: April 2023

Lenses with tunable focal lengths are quite critical to various optical sensors, imaging, and detection systems. A traditional varifocal system is usually composed of multiple conventional refractors and needs to mechanically adjust the axial distance among them, inevitably leading to complex operation and bulky volume. Recently, metasurfaces have provided an alternative for flexibly shaping the electromagnetic field. However, simultaneously realizing continuous zoom and achromatic function remains a challenge. This paper proposes an achromatic continuous varifocal metalens consisting of two coaxial metasurfaces working in the terahertz range. The underlying mechanism depending on the superimposed phase distribution of these two metasurfaces is similar to a spherical lens, and the focal length can be continuously varied by changing the mutual rotation angle. The tuning range of focal length is continuous from 3.08 mm to 11.52 mm, corresponding to the numerical aperture from 0.58 to 0.19. Meanwhile, careful dispersion engineering based on the particle swarm optimization algorithm has also achieved achromatic bandwidth ranging from 0.9 THz to 1.2 THz. The maximum deviation of the focus length is below 8%, and the coefficient variations of the focal lengths among the entire bandwidth are under the allowed scope (5%) of the international standard of chromatic aberration, while a focusing efficiency of 32% can be obtained simultaneously. This scheme will provide promising opportunities and possibilities for future display technology and integrated optical imaging systems.
Tight-focusing parabolic reflector schemes for petawatt lasers
Authors: Vallières Simon , Fillion-Gourdeau François , Payeur Stéphane , Powell Jeffrey , Fourmaux Sylvain , Légaré François , Maclean Steve
Published: April 2023

A comparative study of three different tight-focusing schemes for high-power lasers is performed numerically. Using the Stratton-Chu formulation, the electromagnetic field in the vicinity of the focus is evaluated for a short-pulse laser beam incident upon an on-axis high numerical aperture parabola (HNAP), an off-axis parabola (OAP), and a transmission parabola (TP). Linearly- and radially-polarized incident beams are considered. It is demonstrated that while all the focusing configurations yield intensities above 1023 W/cm2 for a 1 PW incident beam, the nature of the focused field can be drastically modified. In particular, it is shown that the TP, with its focal point behind the parabola, actually converts an incoming linearly-polarized beam into an m = 2 vector beam. The strengths and weaknesses of each configuration are discussed in the context of future laser-matter interaction experiments. Finally, a generalization of NA calculations up to 4π-illumination is proposed through the solid angle formulation, providing a universal way to compare light cones from any kind of optics.
1.8-µm laser operation based on femtosecond-laser direct written Tm:YVO4 cladding waveguides
Authors: Dong Xuejian , Zhang Bin , Sun Xiaoli , Jia Yuechen , Chen Feng
Published: April 2023

In this work, we have demonstrated tunable 1.8-µm laser operation based on a Tm:YVO4 cladding waveguide fabricated by means of femtosecond laser direct writing. Benefiting from the good optical confinement of the fabricated waveguide, efficient thulium laser operation, with a maximum slope efficiency of 36%, a minimum lasing threshold of 176.8 mW, and a tunable output wavelength from 1804 to 1830nm, has been achieved in a compact package via adjusting and optimizing the pump and resonant conditions of the waveguide laser design. The lasing performance using output couplers with different reflectivity has been well studied in detail. In particular, due to the good optical confinement and relatively high optical gain of the waveguide design, efficient lasing can be obtained even without using any cavity mirrors, thereby opening up new possibilities for compact and integrated mid-infrared laser sources.
Method of adaptive wide dynamic range gas concentration detection based on optimized direct absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Qianjin , Sun Pengshuai , Zhang Zhirong , Cai Yongjun , Huang Wenbiao , Pang Tao , Wu Bian , Xia Hua , Guo Qiang
Published: April 2023

For wide dynamic range gas concentration detection based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS), direct absorption spectroscopy (DAS) and wavelength modulation spectroscopy (WMS) are usually used in combination. However, in some application scenarios such as high-speed flow field detection, natural gas leakage, or industrial production, the requirements of wide-range, fast response and calibration-free must be met. Taking applicability and cost of TDALS-based sensor into consideration, a method of optimized direct absorption spectroscopy (ODAS) based on signal correlation and spectral reconstruction is developed in this paper. This method can achieve adaptive selection of the optimal benchmark spectrum for spectral reconstruction. Moreover, methane (CH4) is taken as an example to carry out the experimental verification. Experimental results proved that the method satisfies wide dynamic range detection of more than 4 orders of magnitude. It is worth noting that when measuring large absorbance with concentration of 75 × 104 ppm with DAS and ODAS method, respectively, the maximum value of residual is reduced from 3.43 to 0.07. Furthermore, whether measuring gas of small or large absorbance with different concentrations, which vary from 100 ppm to 75 × 104 ppm, the correlation coefficient between standard concentrations and inverted concentrations is 0.997, showing the linear consistency of the method in wide dynamic range. In addition, the absolute error is 1.81 × 104 ppm when measuring large absorbance of 75 × 104 ppm. It greatly improves the accuracy and reliability with the new method. In summary, the ODAS method can not only fulfill the measurement of gas concentration in wide range, but also further expand the application prospects of TDLAS.
Open nanocavity-assisted Ag@PDMS as a soft SERS substrate with ultra-sensitivity and high uniformity
Authors: HaiYang Sha , Zhengkun Wang , Yong Zhu , Jie Zhang
Published: April 2023

To achieve high sensitivity and uniformity simultaneously in a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate, this paper presents the preparation of a flexible and transparent three-dimensional (3D) ordered hemispherical array polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) film. This is achieved by self-assembling a single-layer polystyrene (PS) microsphere array on a silicon substrate. The liquid-liquid interface method is then used to transfer Ag nanoparticles onto the PDMS film, which includes open nanocavity arrays created by etching the PS microsphere array. An open nanocavity assistant soft SERS sample, “Ag@PDMS,” is then prepared. For electromagnetic simulation of our sample, we utilized Comsol software. It has been experimentally confirmed that the Ag@PDMS substrate with silver particles of 50 nm in size is capable of achieving the largest localized electromagnetic hot spots in space. The optimal sample, Ag@PDMS, exhibits ultra-high sensitivity towards Rhodamine 6 G (R6G) probe molecules, with a limit of detection (LOD) of 10−15 mol/L, and an enhancement factor (EF) of ∼1012. Additionally, the substrate exhibits a highly uniform signal intensity for probe molecules, with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of approximately 6.86%. Moreover, it is capable of detecting multiple molecules and can perform real detection on non-flat surfaces.
Experimental 61-partite entanglement on a three-dimensional photonic chip
Authors: Zhou Wen-Hao , Jiao Zhi-Qiang , Li Hang , Gao Jun , Wang Xiao-Wei , Ren Ruo-Jing , Xu Xiao-Yun , Qiao Lu-Feng , Jin Xian-Min
Published: April 2023

Multipartite entanglements are essential resources for proceeding tasks in quantum information science and technology. However, generating and verifying them present significant challenges, such as the stringent requirements for manipulations and the need for a huge number of building-blocks as the systems scale up. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate the heralded multipartite entanglements on a three-dimensional photonic chip. Integrated photonics provide a physically scalable way to achieve an extensive and adjustable architecture. Through sophisticated Hamiltonian engineering, we are able to control the coherent evolution of shared single photon in the multiple spatial modes, dynamically tuning the induced high-order W-states of different orders in a single photonic chip. Using an effective witness, we successfully observe and verify 61-partite quantum entanglements in a 121-site photonic lattice. Our results, together with the single-site-addressable platform, offer new insights into the accessible size of quantum entanglements and may facilitate the developments of large-scale quantum information processing applications.
Coherent generation and control of tunable narrowband THz radiation from a laser-induced air-plasma filament
Authors: Zhou Xiaoyue , Lin Yuchen , Chan Yi , Deng Fu , Zhang Jingdi
Published: April 2023

We report on the proof-of-principle experiment of generating carrier-envelope phase (CEP)-controllable and frequency-tunable narrowband terahertz (THz) radiation from an air-plasma filament prescribed by the beat of a temporally stretched two-color laser pulse sequence. The pulse sequence was prepared by propagating the fundamental ultrafast laser pulse through a grating stretcher and Michelson interferometer with variable inter-arm delay. By partially frequency-doubling and focusing the pulse sequence, an air-plasma filament riding a beat note was created to radiate a THz wave with primary pulse characteristics (center frequency and CEP) under coherent control. To reproduce experimental results and elucidate complex nonlinear light–matter interaction, numerical simulation has been performed. This work demonstrates the feasibility of generating coherently controlled narrowband THz wave with high tunability in laser-induced air plasma.
Electrically Tunable Perfect Light Absorbers Utilizing InSb and InAs as epsilon-near-zero semiconductors in Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Capacitor Architectures
Authors: Gregory Don , Dixit Kirtankumar
Published: April 2023

The attainment of dynamic tunability in spectrally selective optical absorption has been a longstanding objective in modern optics. Typically, Fabry-Perot resonators comprising metal and semiconductor thin films have been employed for spectrally selective light absorption. In such resonators, the resonance wavelength can be altered via structural modifications. The research has progressed further with the advent of specialized patterning of thin films and the utilization of metasurfaces. Nonetheless, achieving dynamic tuning of the absorption wavelength without altering the geometry of the thin film or without resorting to lithographic fabrication still poses a challenge. In this study, the incorporation of a metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) architecture into the Fabry-Perot nanocavity is shown to yield an electrically tunable perfect light absorber within the visible range. Control over light absorption is achieved using n-type doped indium antimonide and n-type doped indium arsenide as semiconductors in a MOS-type structure. These semiconductors offer significant tuning of their optical properties via electrically induced carrier accumulation. The planar structure of the absorber models presented facilitates simple thin-film fabrication. With judicious material selection and appropriate bias voltage, a spectral shift of 47 nm can be achieved within the visible range, thus producing a discernible color change.
Analysis of sensorineural hearing loss in patients attending an otolaryngology clinic in North Central Nigeria
Authors: Ma’an Nuhu D. , Turaki Ishaku , Shwe David , Nansak Bulus , Babson Benjamin , Gomerep Simji , Malaya Lauren , Moffatt David , Shakibai Nasim , Paessler Slobodan , Makishima Tomoko , Shehu Nathan Y.
Published: April 2023

Hearing loss is the third leading cause of years lived with disability. Approximately 1.4 billion people have hearing loss, of which 80% reside in low- and middle-income countries with limited audiology and otolaryngology care available to them. The objective of this study was to estimate period prevalence of hearing loss and audiogram patterns of patients attending an otolaryngology clinic in North Central Nigeria. A 10-year retrospective cohort study was carried out analyzing 1507 patient records of pure tone audiograms of patients at the otolaryngology clinic at Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau State, Nigeria. Prevalence of hearing loss of moderate or higher grade increased significantly and steadily after age 60. Compared to other studies, there was a higher prevalence of overall sensorineural hearing loss (24–28% in our study compared to 1.7–8.4% globally) and higher proportions of the flat audiogram configuration among the younger age patients (40% in younger patients compared to 20% in patients older than 60 years). The higher prevalence of the flat audiogram configuration compared to other parts of the world may be suggestive of an etiology specific to this region, such as the endemic Lassa Fever and Lassa virus infection in addition to cytomegalovirus or other viral infections associated with hearing loss.
Aspirin modulates production of pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving mediators in endothelial cells
Authors: Rood Kara M. , Patel Niharika , DeVengencie Ivana M. , Quinn John P. , Gowdy Kymberly M. , Costantine Maged M. , Kniss Douglas A.
Published: April 2023

Endothelial cells synthesize biochemical signals to coordinate a response to insults, resolve inflammation and restore barrier integrity. Vascular cells release a variety of vasoactive bioactive lipid metabolites during the inflammatory response and produce pro-resolving mediators (e.g., Lipoxin A4, LXA4) in cooperation with leukocytes and platelets to bring a halt to inflammation. Aspirin, used in a variety of cardiovascular and pro-thrombotic disorders (e.g., atherosclerosis, angina, preeclampsia), potently inhibits proinflammatory eicosanoid formation. Moreover, aspirin stimulates the synthesis of pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPM), so-called Aspirin-Triggered Lipoxins (ATL). We demonstrate that cytokines stimulated a time- and dose-dependent increase in PGI2 (6-ketoPGF1α) and PGE2 formation that is blocked by aspirin. Eicosanoid production was caused by cytokine-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). We also detected increased production of pro-resolving LXA4 in cytokine-stimulated endothelial cells. The R-enantiomer of LXA4, 15-epi-LXA4, was enhanced by aspirin, but only in the presence of cytokine challenge, indicating dependence on COX-2 expression. In contrast to previous reports, we detected arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase (ALOX5) mRNA expression and its cognate protein (5-lipoxygenase, 5-LOX), suggesting that endothelial cells possess the enzymatic machinery necessary to synthesize both pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediators independent of added leukocytes or platelets. Finally, we observed that, endothelial cells produced LTB4 in the absence of leukocytes. These results indicate that endothelial cells produce both pro-inflammatory and pro-resolving lipid mediators in the absence of other cell types and aspirin exerts pleiotropic actions influencing both COX and LOX pathways.
Hepatitis A virus infection in Brazilian correctional facilities
Authors: Castro Lisie Souza , de Rezende Grazielli Rocha , Puga Marco Antonio Moreira , Bandeira Larissa Melo , Ortiz Tanaka Tayana Serpa , Weis-Torres Sabrina , Taira Deborah Ledesma , Demarchi Luiz Henrique Ferraz , Croda Julio Rosa Henrique , Pinho João Renato Rebello , Gomes-Gouvêa Michele Soares , Motta-Castro Ana Rita Coimbra
Published: April 2023

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is transmitted by the fecal-oral route, through interpersonal contact and ingestion of contaminated food or water. Prisoners are at higher risk of acquiring HAV infection mainly due to the environment of closed penal institutions and socioeconomic conditions. This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of anti-HAV and its associated risk factors among inmates from twelve prisons in Central Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted between March 2013 and March 2014. A total of 580 prisoners participated in the study. The participant’s samples were tested for Total and IgM anti-HAV antibodies by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA). Risk factors associated with anti-HAV seropositivity were also analyzed. The prevalence rate of HAV exposure was 88.1% (95% CI: 85.5–90.7). No sample had a positive reaction to IgM anti-HAV. Increasing age, low level of education, and being imprisoned in Corumbá city were independently associated with HAV exposure among prisoners. To prevent the burden of the disease, vaccination strategies should be considered for susceptible prisoners in Central Brazil.
A comparative study on effect of news sentiment on stock price prediction with deep learning architecture
Authors: Dahal Keshab Raj , Pokhrel Nawa Raj , Gaire Santosh , Mahatara Sharad , Joshi Rajendra P. , Gupta Ankrit , Banjade Huta R. , Joshi Jeorge
Published: April 2023

The accelerated progress in artificial intelligence encourages sophisticated deep learning methods in predicting stock prices. In the meantime, easy accessibility of the stock market in the palm of one’s hand has made its behavior more fuzzy, volatile, and complex than ever. The world is looking at an accurate and reliable model that uses text and numerical data which better represents the market’s highly volatile and non-linear behavior in a broader spectrum. A research gap exists in accurately predicting a target stock’s closing price utilizing the combined numerical and text data. This study uses long short-term memory (LSTM) and gated recurrent unit (GRU) to predict the stock price using stock features alone and incorporating financial news data in conjunction with stock features. The comparative study carried out under identical conditions dispassionately evaluates the importance of incorporating financial news in stock price prediction. Our experiment concludes that incorporating financial news data produces better prediction accuracy than using the stock fundamental features alone. The performances of the model architecture are compared using the standard assessment metrics —Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), and Correlation Coefficient (R). Furthermore, statistical tests are conducted to further verify the models’ robustness and reliability.
Team-family conflicts over end-of-life decisions in ICU: A survey of French physicians’ beliefs
Authors: Giabicani Mikhael , Arditty Laure , Mamzer Marie-France , Fournel Isabelle , Ecarnot Fiona , Meunier-Beillard Nicolas , Bruneel Fabrice , Weiss Emmanuel , Spranzi Marta , Rigaud Jean-Philippe , Quenot Jean-Pierre
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Conflicts between relatives and physicians may arise when decisions are being made about limiting life-sustaining therapies (LST). The aim of this study was to describe the motives for, and management of team-family conflicts surrounding LST limitation decisions in French adult ICUs.

Methods

Between June and October 2021, French ICU physicians were invited to answer a questionnaire. The development of the questionnaire followed a validated methodology with the collaboration of consultants in clinical ethics, a sociologist, a statistician and ICU clinicians.

Results

Among 186 physicians contacted, 160 (86%) answered all the questions. Conflicts over LST limitation decisions were mainly related to requests by relatives to continue treatments considered to be unreasonably obstinate by ICU physicians. The absence of advance directives, a lack of communication, a multitude of relatives, and religious or cultural issues were frequently mentioned as factors contributing to conflicts. Iterative interviews with relatives and proposal of psychological support were the most widely used tools in attempting to resolve conflict, while the intervention of a palliative care team, a local ethics resource or the hospital mediator were rarely solicited. In most cases, the decision was suspended at least temporarily. Possible consequences include stress and psychological exhaustion among caregivers. Improving communication and anticipation by knowing the patient’s wishes would help avoid these conflicts.

Conclusion

Team-family conflicts during LST limitation decisions are mainly related to requests from relatives to continue treatments deemed unreasonable by physicians. Reflection on the role of relatives in the decision-making process seems essential for the future.
Information flow dynamics between geopolitical risk and major asset returns
Authors: Umar Zaghum , Bossman Ahmed , Choi Sun-Yong , Vo Xuan Vinh
Published: April 2023

We quantify information flows between geopolitical risk (GPR) and global financial assets such as equity, bonds, and commodities, with a focus on the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. We combine transfer entropy and the I-CEEMDAN framework to measure information flows at multi-term scales. Our empirical results indicate that (i) in the short term, crude oil and Russian equity show opposite responses to GPR; (ii) in the medium and long term, GPR information increases the risk in the financial market; and (iii) the efficiency of the financial asset markets can be confirmed on a long-term scale. These findings have important implications for market participants, such as investors, portfolio managers, and policymakers.
Testing the stress of higher status hypothesis. Variation of occupational stress among physicians and nurses at a German university hospital
Authors: Starystach Sebastian , Dauner Dominik , Bär Stefan
Published: April 2023

Studies show especially for the UK and the US that physicians experience more occupational stress than nurses. It has also been shown that a higher status within the medical and nursing hierarchy is associated with less occupational stress. Our study’s aim is to examine whether these results also can be found in the context of the German university hospital sector. Thus, we test the stress of higher status hypothesis in and between the occupational groups of nurses and physicians at a German university hospital. Based on two cross-section surveys in the years of 2016 and 2019 this paper compares the perceived level of occupational stress between physicians (n = 588) and nurses (n = 735). Perceived levels of occupational stress–measured via the effort-reward imbalance model and the job demand-control model–are differentiated by status positions within and between both occupational groups. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics (Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis H test) are used to test the stress of higher status hypothesis. Contrary to the stress of higher status hypothesis, our main result is that physicians and nurses perceive similar levels of occupational stress. Furthermore, within each hierarchy the perceived degree of work stress decreases with increasing status for both groups. Our main conclusion is that the stress of higher status hypothesis must be rejected in the German university hospital context and the competing resources of higher status hypothesis must be assumed. The findings can be explained by the unique relationship between physicians and nurses and the role of New Public Management in the German hospital sector.
The impact of Danmaku-based and synchronous peer feedback on L2 oral performance: A mixed-method investigation
Authors: Gong Hualing , Yan Da
Published: April 2023

Advancement of research in education has propelled the augmentation of theoretical and practical knowledge in learning-oriented feedback. In recent years, the channels, modes, and orientations of feedback became manifold. Copious empirical evidence from the body of literature supported the strength of feedback in enhancing learning outcomes and promoting the motivation of learners. However, compared to the popularity in implementation and fruitfulness of findings in other educational domains, the application of state-of-the-art technology-enhanced feedback in fostering students’ L2 oral abilities remain few and far between. To address the knowledge gap, the present study endeavored to investigate the effect of Danmaku-based and synchronous peer feedback on L2 oral performance and the acceptance thereof among students. Adopting a mixed-method design, the study recruited 74 (n = 74) undergraduate English majors from a Chinese university for a 16-week 2x2 experiment. The collected data were analyzed through statistical and thematic analysis respectively. The findings revealed that Danmaku-based and synchronous peer feed-back was impactful on students’ performance in L2 oral production. Furthermore, the impacts of peer feedback on subdomains of L2 competence were statistically analyzed. Regarding students’ perceptions, the incorporation of peer feedback was generally favored by participants who were satisfied and motivated in the learning process but lacked confidence in their assessment literacy. Furthermore, students expressed their agreement with the benefit of reflective learning and the subsequent enrichment in knowledge and horizon. The research was significant for its conceptual and practical contribution for follow-up researchers and educators in L2 education and learning-oriented feedback.
The big warp: Registration of disparate retinal imaging modalities and an example overlay of ultrawide-field photos and en-face OCTA images
Authors: Thuma Tobin B. T. , Bogovic John A. , Gunton Kammi B. , Jimenez Hiram , Negreiros Bernardo , Pulido Jose S.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To develop an algorithm and scripts to combine disparate multimodal imaging modalities and show its use by overlaying en-face optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images and Optos ultra-widefield (UWF) retinal images using the Fiji (ImageJ) plugin BigWarp.

Methods

Optos UWF images and Heidelberg en-face OCTA images were collected from various patients as part of their routine care. En-face OCTA images were generated and ten (10) images at varying retinal depths were exported. The Fiji plugin BigWarp was used to transform the Optos UWF image onto the en-face OCTA image using matching reference points in the retinal vasculature surrounding the macula. The images were then overlayed and stacked to create a series of ten combined Optos UWF and en-face OCTA images of increasing retinal depths. The first algorithm was modified to include two scripts that automatically aligned all the en-face OCTA images.

Results

The Optos UWF image could easily be transformed to the en-face OCTA images using BigWarp with common vessel branch point landmarks in the vasculature. The resulting warped Optos image was then successfully superimposed onto the ten Optos UWF images. The scripts more easily allowed for automatic overlay of the images.

Conclusions

Optos UWF images can be successfully superimposed onto en-face OCTA images using freely available software that has been applied to ocular use. This synthesis of multimodal imaging may increase their potential diagnostic value. Script A is publicly available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.16879591.v1 and Script B is available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.17330048.
Shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic: Psychological responses from a subjective perspective–A longitudinal mixed-methods study across five European countries
Authors: Zrnić Novaković Irina , Ajduković Dean , Bakić Helena , Borges Camila , Figueiredo-Braga Margarida , Lotzin Annett , Anastassiou-Hadjicharalambous Xenia , Lioupi Chrysanthi , Javakhishvili Jana Darejan , Tsiskarishvili Lela , Lueger-Schuster Brigitte
Published: April 2023

Background

Contextual factors are essential for understanding long-term adjustment to the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the present study investigated changes in mental health outcomes and subjective pandemic-related experiences over time and across countries. The main objective was to explore how psychological responses vary in relation to individual and environmental factors.

Methods

The sample consisted of N = 1070 participants from the general population of Austria, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, and Portugal. We applied a longitudinal mixed-methods approach, with baseline assessment in summer and autumn 2020 (T1) and follow-up assessment 12 months later (T2). Qualitative content analysis by Mayring was used to analyse open-ended questions about stressful events, positive and negative aspects of the pandemic, and recommendations on how to cope. Mental health outcomes were assessed with the Adjustment Disorder–New Module 8 (ADNM-8), the Primary Care PTSD Screen for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5), the Patient Health Questionnaire-2 (PHQ-2), and the 5-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5). The analyses were performed with SPSS Statistics Version 26 and MAXQDA 2022.

Results

The mental health outcomes significantly differed over time and across countries, with e.g. Greek participants showing decrease in adjustment disorder symptoms (p = .007) between T1 and T2. Compared with other countries, we found better mental health outcomes in the Austrian and the Croatian sample at both timepoints (p < .05). Regarding qualitative data, some themes were equally represented at both timepoints (e.g. Restrictions and changes in daily life), while others were more prominent at T1 (e.g. Work and finances) or T2 (e.g. Vaccination issues).

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that people’s reactions to the pandemic are largely shaped by the shifting context of the pandemic, country-specific factors, and individual characteristics and circumstances. Resource-oriented interventions focusing on psychological flexibility might promote resilience and mental health amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and other global crises.
O leitelho e sua utilização pela indústria de alimentos
Authors: Machado Ezequiel Luiz , Ramos Gaspar Dias Monteiro , Antunes Veridiana De Carvalho
Published: April 2023

O setor lácteo brasileiro responde por uma parcela significativa na economia nacional, suprindo o mercado interno e externo com uma grande variedade de produtos, e consequentemente gerando resíduos. Destes se destacam o leitelho, gerado no processamento da manteiga, na etapa de batimento do creme, e com maior potencial poluidor que o soro. Por isso, a indústria busca alternativas para a sua utilização como coproduto. O leitelho apresenta em sua composição características tecnológicas e funcionais que o torna um excelente ingrediente a ser aproveitado pela indústria. Devido a isso, realizou-se neste trabalho um levantamento teórico e elaborou-se um resumo a respeito das aplicações envolvendo leitelho em diferentes produtos. As informações foram coletadas com base em artigos, teses e dissertações dos últimos 15 anos utilizando descritores em inglês e português. Após a seleção preliminar, uma análise mais profunda foi realizada com o objetivo de selecionar apenas aquelas pesquisas que apresentavam resultados sensoriais, físico-químicos e tecnológicos decorrentes do uso do leitelho. Os resultados mostraram que é possível a aplicação do leitelho em alimentos como pães, e diversos derivados lácteos como iogurte, leite fermentado, queijos, sorvete e outros. O efeito no aspecto sensorial varia muito em relação a concentração de leitelho utilizada e quase sempre é observado incremento de cálcio, proteínas e compostos funcionais juntos da adição. Ficou comprovado também a possibilidade de uso para microencapsulação de óleos para formulações infantis. Conclui-se que o leitelho pode ser explorado pela indústria de alimentos para diferentes fins, contribuindo de forma positiva com o meio ambiente.
Avaliação de aspectos fenotípicos de segurança de bactérias ácido-lácticas isoladas de queijos artesanais do tipo Colonial do Sul do Brasil
Authors: Lima Carlos Henrique Gomes de Sousa , Carbonera Nádia , Helbig Elizabete
Published: April 2023

Esse estudo teve como objetivo isolar e avaliar bactérias ácido-lácticas (BAL) de queijos Coloniais artesanais comercializados em feiras livres de Pelotas, RS, quanto aos aspectos fenotípicos de segurança. Foram selecionados 105 isolados, 73 foram caracterizadas como Gram-positivas e catalase negativas e avaliadas quanto a aspectos fenotípicos de virulência. Todas as estirpes foram gelatinase e DNase negativas. Quanto a atividade hemolítica, houve detecção de sete estirpes como α e dois como β-hemolítica, resultado em 64 isolados de BAL para avaliação de susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos. Esses isolados apresentaram sensibilidade aos antibióticos cloranfenicol e tetraciclina. Para os outros antimicrobianos, apresentaram resistência a ciprofloxacina (93,5%, 58/64), oxacilina 98,4% (63/64), penicilina G 51,6% (41/64) e vancomicina (85,9%, 54/64). Baseado nesses resultados, os isolados apresentaram-se potencialmente seguros, achados que visam contribuir na busca de novas cepas benéficas para a indústria láctea.
The Regularization of Zimbabwean Migrants: a Case of Permanent Temporariness
Authors:   Scalabrini Institute for Human Mobility in Africa, Carciotto Sergio
Published: April 2023

Since the early 2000s there has been a proliferation of policy initiatives in high income countries to attract highly skilled migrants who are perceived to be net contributors to host societies. Generally, highly skilled migrants enjoy numerous socio-economic opportunities and benefit from fast-track procedures to switch from temporary visas to permanent residency. South Africa has sought to capitalize on this trend through domestic legislation and policy that promotes economic growth by facilitating the admission of highly skilled workers. However, these measures have also prevented low-skilled workers from applying for permanent residency, irrespective of their length of time in the country. These policies beg the question whether it is morally acceptable for a liberal democracy to deny a pathway to permanent residency based on skill level. The paper draws on Joseph H. Carensâ€™ theory of citizenship and the principle that â€œthe longer one stays in a society, the stronger oneâ€™s claim to remain.â€ It uses the example of the Dispensation for Zimbabwean Project, a large regularization programme for temporary workers introduced in South Africa in 2010 to argue that temporary status should not be â€œpermanent,â€ but should lead to permanent residency after a period of time.
Richard Rorty versus la imagen única de Platón: un proyecto central pero tardío
Authors: Salva Soria Pilar
Published: April 2023

El artículo examina el origen del proyecto rortiano de acabar con la imagen única de Platón. En su escrito autobiográfico, Trotsky las orquídeas silvestres, Rorty describe su trayectoria filosófica y presenta su alternativa a Platón como pensada desde su más pronta juventud. Sin embargo, como vamos a mostrar, el proyecto central de acabar con la imagen única de Platón no es algo que esté pensado ni se dé desde un principio en sus obras. Defendemos que, pese a lo que el propio Rorty indicó en sus escritos, encontramos indicios de que no es hasta la década de los noventa que Rorty piensa en elaborar una nueva relación alternativa al léxico último de Platón.
Safinamide as an Adjunct to Levodopa in Asian and Caucasian Patients With Parkinson’s Disease and Motor Fluctuations: A Post Hoc Analysis of the SETTLE Study
Authors: Bhidayasiri Roongroj , Ishida Takayuki , Kamei Takanori , Husni Ryan Edbert , Suzuki Ippei , Wu Shey Lin , Cho Jin Whan
Published: April 2023

Objective Safinamide is a selective, reversible monoamine oxidase B inhibitor with demonstrated efficacy and tolerability in placebo-controlled studies and is clinically useful for patients with motor fluctuations. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of safinamide as a levodopa adjunct therapy in Asian patients with Parkinson’s disease.Methods Data from 173 Asian and 371 Caucasian patients from the international Phase III SETTLE study were included in this post hoc analysis. The safinamide dose was increased from 50 mg/day to 100 mg/day if no tolerability issues occurred at week 2. The primary outcome was the change from baseline to week 24 in daily ON-time without troublesome dyskinesia (i.e., ON-time). Key secondary outcomes included changes in Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) scores.Results Safinamide significantly increased daily ON-time relative to placebo in both groups (least-squares mean: 0.83 hours, p = 0.011 [Asians]; 1.05 hours, p < 0.0001 [Caucasians]). Motor function relative to placebo (UPDRS Part III) improved significantly in Asians (-2.65 points, p = 0.012) but not Caucasians (-1.44 points, p = 0.0576). Safinamide did not worsen Dyskinesia Rating Scale scores in either subgroup, regardless of the presence or absence of dyskinesia at baseline. Dyskinesia was largely mild for Asians and moderate for Caucasians. None of the Asian patients experienced adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation.Conclusion Safinamide as a levodopa adjunct is well tolerated and effective in reducing motor fluctuations in both Asian and Caucasian patients. Further studies to investigate the real-world effectiveness and safety of safinamide in Asia are warranted.
Dust and gas in star-forming complexes in NGC 3351, NGC 5055, and NGC 5457
Authors: Smirnova Ksenia Ildarovna , Wiebe Dmitri Siegfriedovich
Published: April 2023

We present a study of the interstellar medium parameters in star-forming complexes (SFCs) in NGC 3351, NGC 5055, and NGC 5457 galaxies. This study concludes our previous investigations of gas and dust in a number of spiral galaxies. The data for the three galaxies confirm the following. There is a tight correlation between near-infrared and far-infrared luminosities of the extragalactic SFCs. Emission at 8 μm also shows a strong correlation with the carbon monoxide emission. Atomic and molecular gas masses do not show any strong correlation with the corresponding velocity scatters; however, in NGC 5055, we see a hint of the SFC with the largest velocity scatter being located at the galaxy periphery.
Governing Platform Recommender Systems in Europe: Insights from China
Authors: Reviglio Urbano , Santoni Giulio
Published: April 2023

Platform Recommender Systems (PRSs) are the algorithmic systems employed by online platforms to recommend content to users. These systems have been recently targeted by policy-makers in Europe, mainly in the Digital Services Act (DSA). While much is discussed on the merits and limitations of the DSA, the very first world regulation of PRSs has been implemented by the People’s Republic of China since March 1st 2022. The article elaborates a critical comparative analysis of the governance of PRSs between the Chinese and European regulations. By contextualizing the highly diverse media environments, the article bridges the gaps between legal, technical and social sciences disciplines to elaborate insights that aim to contribute to the development of the governance of PRS. The article is divided as follows; firstly, an introduction to the governance of platforms RSs is done. Then, a contextualization of European and the Chinese legal and media environment is provided. Secondly, a legal comparative analysis is developed by analyzing two main areas: algorithmic accountability and self-determination. Thirdly, a discussion on the challenges of PRS governance is elaborated and, eventually, conclusions are drawn. From the comparison we have identified fundamental challenges and opportunities for the development of PRSs governance: (1) the methodological validity of social media research and the possibility to run on-platform experiments for more sounding policies; (2) the inherent reductionism of profiling and the need to tackle the implicit “engagement optimization” paradigm; (3) the systemic vulnerability of users and the need to improve detection, prevention and legal codification of algorithmic and design manipulation; (4) the complex entanglement of PRS governance with interface design, content moderation and content visibility moderation; finally, (5) the promising role of users to provide a second-order accountability as well as strenghten individual self-determination through forms of participatory governance.
Green-synthesized nanoparticles and their therapeutic applications: A review
Authors: Mayegowda Shilpa Borehalli , Sarma Gitartha , Gadilingappa Manjula Nagalapur , Alghamdi Saad , Aslam Akhmed , Refaat Bassem , Almehmadi Mazen , Allahyani Mamdouh , Alsaiari Ahad Amer , Aljuaid Abdulelah , Al-Moraya Issa Saad
Published: April 2023

Antibiotic-resistant microorganisms are a rising issue when it comes to human health. Microbial pathogens that cause harmful infections are quickly becoming resistant to the antimicrobial action of traditional antibiotics. Nanotechnology, an innovative sector being an indispensable part of healthcare and research, has in-depth and extensive applications. Nano-compounds have been promising antimicrobial agents, anti-cancerous mediators, vehicles for drug delivery, formulations for functional foods, identification of pathogens, food and drug packaging industry, and many more. However, the chemical synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) has certain drawbacks such as causing toxicity and other adverse effects. For more than a decade, the use of NPs that are conjugated or green-synthesized has gained popularity due to the two-fold action of metallic NPs mixed with biological sources. In contrast, NPs synthesized using plant or microbial extracts, conjugated with biologically active components, appear to be a safe alternative approach as they are environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Such environmentally safe techniques are referred to as “green nanotechnology” or “clean technology” and are feasible alternatives to chemical methods. Furthermore, NPs conjugated with natural biomolecules have improved bioavailability and have minimal side effects, as they are smaller in size and have higher permeability in addition to being reducing and stabilizing agents possessing excellent antioxidant activity. NPs serve as potential antimicrobial agents due to their affinity towards sulphur-rich amino acids, adhere to microbial cell walls by means of electrostatic attraction, and disrupt the cytoplasmic membrane along with the nucleic acid of microbes. They possess anticancer activity owing to oxidative stress, damage to cellular DNA, and lipid peroxidation. The green-synthesized NPs are thus a promising and safe alternative for healthcare therapeutic applications.
Modeling and simulation of trickle bed reactors for the purification of 1-butene
Authors: Alves Javier A. , García Colli Germán , Martínez Osvaldo M. , Barreto Guillermo F.
Published: April 2023

In this contribution, a mathematical model of an industrial trickle-bed reactor employed in the purification of a C4 cut by selective hydrogenation of acetylenic or dienes compounds to obtain high purity 1-butene is presented. A reaction network of ten reactions is included in the model, with kinetics expressions and parameter estimation obtained from previous experimental studies on a commercial catalyst. Internal mass transfer resistances in the catalyst particles are significant; therefore the reaction-diffusion equations must be solved. External mass transfer resistances in the liquid phase were retained, while those in the vapor phase were negligible. The model was employed to analyze the reactor behavior by varying the inlet molar flow rate of hydrogen, the operating pressure, inlet temperature and the level of activity of the catalyst, taking into account its deactivation. It was demonstrated that the mass transfer resistances, inside and outside the catalyst particles, have a significant impact on the selectivity, but a careful operation of the reactor can improve the selectivity and extent the catalyst life. On the other hand, an alternative system was proposed, with two beds and a distributed input of H2, which led to a significant improvement in the selectivity.