bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Critical coarctation of the aorta in newborn - A case presentation
Authors: Żybowska Monika , Rzewuska Anna , Sielwanowska Wiktoria , Syzdoł Bartłomiej , Woźniak Magdalena
Published: May 2022

Background: Heart defects are the most popular congenital disease noticed among infants. Aortic Coarctation (CoA) forms 5 - 10 % of congenital heart diseases. The heart defect consist on aortic coarctation between inlet of the left subclavian artery and origin of the arterial ligament. In the during neonatal and early infantile period, in case of delayed diagnosis, it may lead to acute heart failure and the death of the child. 

 Case report:  A female infant born at 37 weeks of gestation, by caesarean section, in good condition, was admitted to the Neonatal Department. There was a suspicion of CoA in the fetus in the pregnancy history. The Echocardiography showed a narrowing of the carpal tunel, prostin was included in the treatment. In the second day of life, the child was transferred to the Cardiology Department. Four-extremity blood pressures test showed higher values in the upper limbs than in the lower limbs. Echocardiography revealed hypoplasia of the aortic arch in the section below the exit of the second cephalic vessel with coarctation at the isthmus site. Laboratory tests showed a high level of pro-BNP. The control echocardiography showed the anatomy of the defect as before, an unobstructed wide arterial duct with a dominant R-L flow, a flow in the descending aorta of 2.7 m/s, with a coartable flow spectrum. The child was transported to the Department of Cardiac Surgery, Heart Transplantation and Mechanical Circulatory Support for Children in Zabrze for surgical treatment.  

Conclusions: In neonates and infants with critical aortic stenosis, ensure the patency of the ductus arteriosus with continuous intravenous infusion of prostaglandin E1. Currently, echocardiography is the basic method in the diagnosis of aortic stenosis.
Analysis of deletion polymorphism of xenobiotics detoxication system genes in patients with tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus
Authors: Semianiv Ihor , Sukholytkyi Yuriy
Published: May 2022

An analysis of the occurrence of alleles and genotypes of GSTM1 gene in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus regarding the MBT resistance version allowed to establish that under the conditions of pulmonary tuberculosis infection GSTM1 gene deletion mutation can be found in one out of five (21.87% of cases), and the occurrence due to the MBT resistance version is: with NDTB - 17.39%, with MDR-TB 35.0%  and - PRTB 20.0% respectively. According to the nature of the distribution of allelic gene GSTM1 a favorable functional 1 allele prevails (73.29%) in the normal inbreeding among patients and deficiency of heterozygosity among healthy people, which generally forms a normal population distribution for the European race.
Material and methods. The study involved 100 patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary TB and diabetes mellitus who had been hospitalized in Chernivtsi Regional TB Dispensary. The control group consisted of 50 healthy individuals. Genomic DNA was isolated from the whole venous blood. GSTM1 polymorphic areas were isolated by means of multicomplex polymerase chain reaction, according to the protocol for instantaneous analysis of polymorphism by M. Arana et all (1996). Deletion of gene corresponds to the lack of appropriate strips in the electropherogram.
Results and discussion. Despite the fact that the activity of the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase of class M is encoded by five GST genes of class M (M1-M5), the dominant cause of genetically caused dysregulation of antioxidant activity is deletion (null) polymorphism of the gene GSTM1.
Conclusion. Among the patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and diabetes mellitus one out of five persons (21,87 % of cases) was diagnosed with deletion mutation of GSTM1 gene; and the occurrence due to MBT resistance variation is: in NDTB-17,39 %, in MDR-TB - 35,0 % and in PRTB- 20,0 % respectively.
Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development
Authors: Leschko Geana de Miranda , Kortabarria Nerea Aranbarri
Published: May 2022

The article looks at the role of cultural heritage as driver of sustainable urban development. In the first section of the article, the authors explore the concept of sustainable urban development as a multidimensional development process that takes into account social, economic, environmental and cultural development. In the second part, the relationship between culture, cultural heritage and sustainable urban development is analysed. To conclude, a short description of the case study of Bilbao is presented. Throughout the article, several exercises are suggested for students and teachers to deepen the understanding of the issues and concepts presented in the text.
FrankWolfe.jl: A High-Performance and Flexible Toolbox for Frank–Wolfe Algorithms and Conditional Gradients
Authors: Besançon Mathieu , Carderera Alejandro , Pokutta Sebastian
Published: May 2022

We present FrankWolfe.jl, an open-source implementation of several popular Frank–Wolfe and conditional gradients variants for first-order constrained optimization. The package is designed with flexibility and high performance in mind, allowing for easy extension and relying on few assumptions regarding the user-provided functions. It supports Julia’s unique multiple dispatch feature, and it interfaces smoothly with generic linear optimization formulations using MathOptInterface.jl.
La base de dades Antics posseïdors de la Biblioteca de Reserva de la Universitat de Barcelona
Authors: Astals Isabel , Ruíz Marina , Verger Arce Neus
Published: May 2022

La ressenya presenta la base de dades Antics posseïdors que ha posat en marxa la Biblioteca de Reserva de la Universitat de Barcelona. La part introductòria vol ser un recorregut per les iniciatives que, en àmbit europeu, s'han dut a terme recentment en el camp de les procedències en col·leccions patrimonials, tot posant de manifest l'oportunitat, en aquest context, d'endegar el nostre projecte. A continuació es resum el tractament que han tingut les informacions de procedència al llarg de la vida del catàleg en línia de la Biblioteca de la Universitat de Barcelona. El nucli de la ressenya, dedicat a l'estructura i el funcionament de la base de dades, presenta igualment el tractament que reben les informacions referents a procedències al registre bibliogràfic.
Bibliotecas ante la crisis sanitaria de 2020-21 : resultados de una encuesta con bibliotecas ganadoras y finalistas del premio de la Fundación Biblioteca Social
Authors: Parra Valero Pablo , Montesi Michela , Villaseñor Rodríguez Isabel
Published: May 2022

Objetivos: Las actividades y los servicios prestados por parte de las bibliotecas desde el comienzo de la pandemia quedan documentados en numerosas experiencias, testimonios y opiniones que en muchas partes del mundo se difundieron a partir de marzo de 2020, informando sobre actuaciones y dificultades y, más recientemente, debatiendo sobre la función de la biblioteca en la época pos-COVID. El presente trabajo pretende contribuir a este debate aportando los resultados de una encuesta realizada con las bibliotecas ganadoras y finalistas del premio de la Fundación Biblioteca Social, en la que se buscó conocer las actividades y los servicios que llevaron a cabo en diferentes etapas de la pandemia.
 Metodología: Se elaboró un cuestionario con preguntas abiertas y cerradas y se difundió entre las 33 bibliotecas en mayo de 2021. Se obtuvo respuestas de 24 de ellas, con una tasa de respuesta del 72,7 %.
 Resultados: Los principales resultados apuntan a las dificultades experimentadas en el curso de la pandemia para llevar a cabo los servicios de forma virtual y mantener las relaciones con los usuarios, y ponen en evidencia experiencias y opiniones encontradas con respecto al éxito de las actuaciones dirigidas a mantener las relaciones con los usuarios. La presencialidad y la materialidad de la biblioteca emergen como muy afectadas por la crisis. Finalmente, hay un consenso importante en torno a la necesidad de replantear la función de la biblioteca en la sociedad actual y de colaborar con instituciones y otros agentes sociales.
Neotectonics of Turkey (Türkiye) and surrounding regions: a new perspective with block modelling
Authors: Seyitoglu Gurol , Aktug Bahadir , Esat Korhan , Kaypak Bulent
Published: May 2022

This paper aims to present a new neotectonic perspective concordant with the seismic activities in Turkey and surrounding regions. The neotectonic structures have been re-evaluated mainly by using focal mechanism solutions and high-resolution satellite (Google Earth) images. The Southeast Anatolian Wedge explains thrust/blind thrust and asymmetrical folding relationship in SE Turkey, Syria, and Northern Iraq. The neotectonic structures of the Turkish-Iranian Plateau are enlightened by the rhomboidal cell model which creates a base to determine multiple intersection points between the region-wide left- and right-lateral shear zones. The releasing stepover between the North Anatolian Fault Zone and Southeast Anatolian-Zagros Fault Zone plus their connections with the Northeast Anatolian Fault Zone and the East Anatolian Fault Zone are described in a more meaningful way with the Anatolian Diagonal concept. It also clarifies the role of left-lateral shear zone in the west-southwest movement of Anatolian plate and its relationship with the Aegean and Cyprus arcs. A neotectonic region under the influence of NW-SE contraction is determined between the North Anatolian, Eskişehir, and Kırıkkale-Erbaa fault zones in which the Elmadağ-Eldivan and Abdüsselam pinched crustal wedges and the Beypazarı Blind Thrust Zone are developed. A new route for the southern branch of the North Anatolian Fault Zone is determined between Bolu and Değirmenlik (Milos) Island in the Aegean Sea via Mudurnu, Bursa, Balıkesir, and İzmir. All main neotectonic structures mentioned in this paper are evaluated by the elastic dislocation modelling and new neotectonic provinces are suggested.
Performance of a resonant fiber-optic gyroscope based on a broadband source
Authors: Liu Shuang , Liu Lu , Hu Junyi , Li Hanzhao , Liu Qingwen , Ma Huilian , He Zuyuan
Published: May 2022

A resonant fiber-optic gyroscope (RFOG) based on a broadband source can avoid the fundamental drawback of coherence detection processing while possessing the greater sensitivity afforded by the finesse of the fiber-optic ring resonator. In this paper, the basic operation principle is presented and demonstrated in detail, and various noise sources, as well as the temperature effect encountered in this broadband source-driven RFOG, are studied and analyzed. Then a combined modulation technique is proposed to suppress the residual backscattering noise. To further reduce the effect of temperature transience, an asymmetric fiber ring resonator is designed. In the experiment, a bias stability of 0.01°/h is successfully demonstrated with a 100 m-long fiber ring resonator of 8 cm diameter in a laboratory environment without temperature control.
MRI/fluorescence dual-mode probe: its simple preparation method and imaging application in vitro
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Wu Zhifang , Song Jianqiao , Zhang Boye , Duan Qianqian , Song Darui , Hu Linjun , Li Sijin , Sang Shengbo
Published: May 2022

Superparamagnetic nanoparticles have been widely used as contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The combined use of multiple imaging modes can provide more accurate information for clinical diagnosis. In this paper, a MRI/fluorescence dual-mode imaging contrast agent was developed by a simple method. The method is to make the fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CDs) adsorbed on the surface of the magnetic composite with pore structure by ultrasonic dispersion. Replacing the traditional methods such as chemical bonding, the fluorescent material is coated on the surface of the composite material. The synthesized composite materials were characterized by the transmission electron microscopy method (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and vibration sample magnetometer (VSM). The results of TEM, FTIR and XPS showed that CDs were successfully coated on the surface of C60@Fe3O4 magnetic composite. The VSM results show that the composite material still maintains superparamagnetism. The cytotoxicity of the material on SMMC-7721 liver cancer cells was detected by the MTT method, and the biocompatibility of the material was verified. By observing the fluorescence distribution in the cell, it is proved that the composite material successfully enters the cell and produces fluorescence. Finally, through the analysis of T2-weighted imaging, it is found that the addition of materials results in an enhanced dark contrast compared to control cells. Therefore, the composite nanomaterials synthesized in this paper can be used as MRI/fluorescence dual-mode imaging contrast agents.
Theoretical study of borate nonlinear optical crystals in low symmetry
Authors: Li Rukang
Published: May 2022

Borate nonlinear optical (NLO) crystals are widely applied in generating the important spectrum of coherent light that usual laser sources cannot cover. Besides the well-known examples of

β
-

B
a

B

2

O

4

,

L
i

B

3

O

5

, and

K
B

e

2

B
O

3

F

2

in uniaxial or orthorhombic symmetry, there are some recently developed borates in monoclinic or even lower symmetries, such as

B
i

B

3

O

6

(BiBO),

L

a

2

C
a

B

10

O

19

(LCB),

Y
C

a

4

O

(

B
O

3

)
3

(YCOB), and

C

a

5

(

B
O

3

)
3

F

(CBOF). For those low symmetry NLO crystals, it is challenging to fully characterize their optical properties experimentally. Theoretical calculation can simultaneously give the linear optical and NLO properties with the help of a highly precise method recently developed. However, to date, there seems to be a lack of theoretical study that shows fundamental agreement with the observed values for those properties of interest. In this study, using the CRYSTAL17 code, an ab initio program based on a linear combination of atomic orbitals approach and coupled perturbed Kohn–Sham approximation for first and second order susceptibilities, properties of dielectric constant

ϵ

i
j

and second order susceptibility

χ

ijk

(
2
)

(or SHG coefficients

d

ijk

2
ω

) matrices of the above low symmetry crystals were obtained. From the calculated dielectric

ϵ

i
j

tensor, the correct principal dielectric axes were obtained through Euler rotations, and they usually agreed with experiments within several degrees. The same rotation transforms the calculated SHG coefficients into the dielectric frame, and excellent agreements are found for YCOB and LCB (a confusion of sign difference can be solved). For BiBO, it is found that special care must be taken due to the lone pair or softness of the

B

i

3
+

ion in the structure. Using measured refractive indices, the effective NLO coefficients

d

e
f
f

and optimum phase matching conditions for harmonic generations can be predicted, especially for CBOF, which is still not fully characterized. This study shows that calculation can reproduce the measured properties with high precision and can confirm or solve disputes of different experiments for both values and signs, and hopefully the theoretical approach can play a more important role in advancing developments and applications of low symmetry NLO materials.
Large amplitude vibration of a cantilever actuated by a high-frequency pulsed laser
Authors: Li Jin , Sun Tao , Meng Ziwei , Liao Xingyu
Published: May 2022

Laser excitation based on the thermoelastic principle is effective for micro-scale actuation, enabled energy conversion from optical to mechanical. The major advantages lie in non-contact actuation, easy miniaturization, and integration. To avoid surface damage, the laser power per unit is limited, leading to several micrometers of the vibration. In this study, a pure nickel millimeter-sized cantilever is successfully actuated at a low-frequency resonance (around Hz) via a nanosecond pulsed laser. By modal interaction, the energy is transferred from a low-intensity, high-frequency (around kHz) excitation to a low-frequency response with millimeter amplitude. The stable low-frequency resonance of the cantilever was maintained by changing the laser pulse parameters and the illumination locations. We also present a method to control the vibration of the cantilever using a modulated wave (MW: the laser wave modulated by a rectangular wave). The cantilever’s amplitude can be efficiently adjusted by changing the laser power or duty cycle of the MW. The resonance frequency of the cantilever also can be altered by optimizing the geometries to meet various actuation requirements. This study enables large actuation (up to tens of millimeters) by laser excitation, facilitating applications in precision manipulation, microfluidic mixing, lab-on-a-chip device, and other related micro actuation devices.
Interference of the scattered vector light fields from two optically levitated nanoparticles
Authors: Jin Yuanbin , Yan Jiangwei , Jee Rahman Shah , Yu Xudong , Zhang Jing
Published: May 2022

We experimentally study the interference of dipole scattered light from two optically levitated nanoparticles in vacuum, which present an environment free of particle-substrate interactions. We illuminate the two trapped nanoparticles with a linearly polarized probe beam orthogonal to the propagation of the trapping laser beams. The scattered light from the nanoparticles are collected by a high numerical aperture (NA) objective lens and imaged. The interference fringes from the scattered vector light for the different dipole orientations in image and Fourier space are observed. Especially, the interference fringes of two scattered light fields with polarization vortex show the π shift of the interference fringes between inside and outside the center region of the two nanoparticles in the image space. As far as we know, this is the first experimental observation of the interference of scattered vector light fields from two dipoles in free space. This work also provides a simple and direct method to determine the spatial scales between optically levitated nanoparticles by the interference fringes.
LiDAR integrated IR OWC system with the abilities of user localization and high-speed data transmission
Authors: Li Zhi , Li Yicong , Zang Zihan , Han Yaqi , Wu Lican , Li Mutong , Li Qian , Fu H. Y.
Published: May 2022

By using narrow infrared (IR) optical beams, optical wireless communication (OWC) system can realize ultra-high capacity and high-privacy data transmission. However, due to the point-to-point connection approach, a high accuracy localization system and beam-steering antenna (BSA) are required to steer the signal beam to user terminals. In this paper, we proposed an indoor beam-steering IR OWC system with high accuracy and calibration-free localization ability by employing a coaxial frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system. In the meantime, benefitting from the mm-level ranging accuracy of the LiDAR system, a useful approach to assess the feasibility of the link alignment between beam-steering antenna and users is first demonstrated. With the assistance of the LiDAR system, we experimentally achieved the localization of user terminals with a 0.038-degree localization accuracy and on-off keying (OOK) downlink error-free transmission of 17 Gb/s in free space at a 3-m distance is demonstrated. The highest transmission data rate under the forward error correction (FEC) criterion (Bit error rate (BER) <3.8×103) can reach 24 Gb/s.
High precision photoacoustic interferometer for the determination of the speed of sound in liquid media
Authors: Tserevelakis George J. , Zacharakis Giannis
Published: May 2022

In this work, we introduce the concept and delineate the fundamental principles of photoacoustic interferometry (PAInt), aiming at the development of a novel methodology for the precise assessment of the speed of sound in liquid media. The PAInt apparatus integrates an intensity-modulated continuous wave laser beam at 20 MHz for the efficient generation of monochromatic photoacoustic wavefronts which interfere across the surface of a vertically displaced spherically focused piezoelectric element. In this context, the resulting interference pattern can reveal the acoustic wavelength in the liquid medium with remarkable accuracy, providing thus reliable estimations of the speed of sound in reference liquids (error ∼0.1%) such as distilled and sea water, acetonitrile, and ethanol.
Numerical and experimental performance evaluation of a laser-concentrated photovoltaic-thermoelectric generator hybrid system
Authors: Li Yuemei , Zhang Zhiguo , Zhang Haojie , Xiao Ziyang , Luming LI , Jiang Peng
Published: May 2022

Thermal management of concentrated photovoltaic (CPV) modules is essential to avoid the decrease in conversion efficiency caused by temperature rise during their operation. This is even more important for laser-concentrated CPV hybrid systems where out-of-control temperature rise is more likely to happen. In this research, a three-dimensional simulation model for a concentrated photovoltaic-thermoelectric (CPV-TE) hybrid system was studied to optimize its parameters and improve its conversion efficiency under laser radiation. Based on the simulation results, an integrated CPV-TE device was designed, fabricated, and tested under a high-power laser. The novel integrated CPV-TE system utilizes growing electrodes to encapsulate CPV directly on the TEG. Compared to conventional CPV-TE systems that utilize silicone-filled, the integrated CPV-TE system reduces contact thermal resistance and increases output power as well as conversion efficiency. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to discuss and optimize a CPV-TE hybrid system for laser radiation. In addition, this research improves the efficiency of laser energy conversion, increases the reliability and stability of the system, and may facilitate the promotion of optical wireless and fiber power transmission systems in future applications.
Direct background-oriented schlieren tomography using radial basis functions
Authors: Cai Huajun , Song Yang , Ji Yunjing , Li Zhenhua , He Anzhi
Published: May 2022

Background-oriented schlieren tomography (BOST) is effective for flow field measurement; however, different from general computed tomography (CT), the BOST utilizes the deflection of rays passing through an inhomogeneous field for measurement. It is sensitive to the refractive index gradient. Therefore, an additional integration step is typically employed to obtain the refractive index. In this article, a calculation method of projection matrix is proposed based on the radial basis function (RBF). The 3D distribution of the refractive index can be reconstructed directly. This method was first verified by numerical simulation. Then, the 3D instantaneous refractive index field above a candle flame was measured. The reprojection error was calculated by ray tracing. The results illustrate the accuracy and stability of the proposed method. This research provides a new and complete solution for the 3D instantaneous flow field (refractive index, density, or temperature) measurement.
Low power optical phase shifter using liquid crystal actuation on a silicon photonics platform
Authors: Van Iseghem Lukas , Picavet Ewout , Takabayashi Alain Yuji , Edinger Pierre , Khan Umar , Verheyen Peter , Quack Niels , Gylfason Kristinn B. , De Buysser Klaartje , Beeckman Jeroen , Bogaerts Wim
Published: May 2022

Low-power and compact phase shifters are crucial for large photonic circuits, both
to cope with variability and to create programmable waveguide circuits
scaling to thousands of tuning elements. This work demonstrates a
liquid crystal phase shifter where there is a lateral silicon
electrode "rail" on one side of the waveguide core.
Using this architecture, a strong quasi-static electric field

E
actuation

can be applied over the gap, which is
filled with liquid crystal cladding material, with modest voltages.
Because the mode is largely confined in the waveguide, optical losses
are limited, compared to earlier experiments with slot waveguides. The
liquid crystal is deposited locally on three different device
variations using inkjet printing. The local deposition avoids unwanted
interference of the liquid crystal with other optical components such
as grating couplers. Measurements show similar trends as simulations
of the liquid crystal orientations. For one device with a length of 50
µm, a phase shift of almost
0.9π is shown at 10
VRMS. We also discuss the challenges with
this first demonstration of this phase shifter geometry using a
silicon side-rail as an electrode.
Global hydro-climatological indicators and changes in the global hydrological cycle and rainfall patterns
Authors: Benestad Rasmus E. , Lussana Cristian , Lutz Julia , Dobler Andreas , Landgren Oskar , Haugen Jan Erik , Mezghani Abdelkader , Casati Barbara , Parding Kajsa M.
Published: May 2022

There are few commonly used indicators that describe the state of Earth’s global hydrological cycle and here we propose three indicators to capture how an increased greenhouse effect influences the global hydrological cycle and the associated rainfall patterns. They are: i) the 24-hr global total rainfall, ii) the global surface area with daily precipitation, and iii) the global mean precipitation intensity. With a recent progress in both global satellite observations and reanalyses, we can now estimate the global rainfall surface area to provide new insights into how rainfall intensity changes over time. Based on the ERA5 reanalysis, we find that the global area of daily precipitation decreased from 43 to 41% of the global area between 1950 and 2020, whereas the total daily global rainfall increased from 1440 Gt to 1510 Gt per day. However, the estimated 24-hr global precipitation surface area varies when estimated from different reanalyses and the estimates are still uncertain. To further investigate historical variations in the precipitation surface area, we carried out a wavelet analysis of 24-hr precipitation from the ERA5 reanalysis that indicated how the rainfall patterns have changed over time. Our results suggest that individual precipitation systems over the globe have shrunk in terms of their spatial extent while becoming more intense throughout the period 1950–2020. Hence, the wavelet results are in line with an acceleration of the rate of the global hydrological cycle, combined with a diminishing global area of rainfall.
Machine learning predictive modelling for identification of predictors of acute respiratory infection and diarrhoea in Uganda’s rural and urban settings
Authors: Kananura Rornald Muhumuza
Published: May 2022

Despite the widely known preventive interventions, the dyad of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and diarrhoea remain among the top global causes of mortality in under– 5 years. Studies on child morbidity have enormously applied “traditional” statistical techniques that have limitations in handling high dimension data, which leads to the exclusion of some variables. Machine Learning (ML) models appear to perform better on high dimension data (dataset with the number of features p (usually correlated) larger than the number of observations N). Using Uganda’s 2006–2016 DHS pooled data on children aged 6–59 months, I applied ML techniques to identify rural-urban differentials in the predictors of child’s diarrhoea and ARI. I also used ML to identify other omitted variables in the current child morbidity frameworks. The predictors were grouped into four categories: child characteristics, maternal characteristics, household characteristics and immunisation. I used 90% of the datasets as a training sets (dataset used to fit (train) a prediction model), which were tested or validated (dataset (pseudo new) used for evaluating the performance of the model on a new dataset) on 10% and 30% datasets. The measure of prediction was based on a 10-fold cross-validation (resampling technique). The gradient-boosted machine (ML technique) was the best-selected model for the identification of the predictors of ARI (Accuracy: 100% -rural and 100%-urban) and diarrhoea (Accuracy: 70%-rural and 100%-urban). These factors relate to the household’s structure and composition, which is characterised by poor hygiene and sanitation and poor household environments that make children more suspectable of developing these diseases; maternal socio-economic factors such as education, occupation, and fertility (birth order); individual risk factors such as child age, birth weight and nutritional status; and protective interventions (immunisation). The study findings confirm the notion that ARI and diarrhoea risk factors overlap. The results highlight the need for a holistic approach with multisectoral emphasis in addressing the occurrence of ARI and diarrhoea among children. In particular, the results provide an insight into the importance of implementing interventions that are responsive to the unique structure and composition of the household. Finally, alongside traditional models, machine learning could be applied in generating research hypotheses and providing insight into the selection of key variables that should be considered in the model.
Gender effect in survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A nationwide, population-based, case-control propensity score matched study based Korean national cardiac arrest registry
Authors: Choi Han Zo , Chang Hansol , Ko Seok Hoon , Kim Myung Chun
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study aimed to describe the relationship between sex and survival of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and further investigate the potential impact of female reproductive hormones on survival outcomes, by stratifying the patients into two age groups.

Methods

This retrospective, national population-based observational, case-control study, included Korean OHCA data from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2016. We used multiple logistic regression with propensity score-matched data. The primary outcome was survival-to-discharge.

Results

Of the 94,160 patients with OHCA included, 34.2% were women. Before propensity score matching (PSM), the survival-to-discharge rate was 5.2% for females and 9.1% for males, in the entire group (OR 0.556, 95% CI [–0.526–0.588], P<0.001). In the reproductive age group (age 18–44 years), the survival-to-discharge rate was 14% for females and 15.6% for males (OR 0.879, 95% CI [0.765–1.012], P = 0,072) and in the post-menopause age group (age ≥ 55 years), the survival-to-discharge rate was 4.1% for females and 7% for males (OR 0.562, 95% CI [0.524–0.603], P<0.001). After PSM (28,577 patients of each sex), the survival-to-discharge rate was 5.4% for females and 5.4% for males (OR, 1.009 [0.938–1.085], P = 0.810). In the reproductive age group, the survival-to-discharge rate was 14.5% for females and 11.5% for males (OR 1.306, 95% CI [1.079–1.580], P = 0.006) and in the post-menopause age group, the survival-to-discharge rate was 4.2% for females and 4.6% for males (OR 0.904, 95% CI [0.828–0.986], P = 0.022). After adjustment for confounders, women of reproductive age were more likely to survive at hospital discharge. However, there was no statistically significant difference in neurological outcome (OR 1.238, 95% CI [0.979–1.566], P = 0.074).

Conclusions

Females of reproductive age had a better chance of survival when matched for confounding factors. Further studies using sex hormones are needed to improve the survival rate of patients with OHCA.
Phytotoxicological study of selected poisonous plants from Azad Jammu & Kashmir
Authors: Rasool Faisal , Nizamani Zaheer Ahmed , Ahmad Khawaja Shafique , Parveen Fahmida , Khan Shahzad Akbar , Sabir Naveed
Published: May 2022

Poisonous plants cause tremendous economic losses to the livestock industry. These economic losses are deterioration in their health, decreased productivity, deformed offspring, and reduced longevity. The current study is the first comprehensive report on poisonous plants of Azad Jammu and Kashmir which systematically documents the phytotoxicological effect and mode of action in livestock. The information was gathered from 271 informants including 167 men and 104 women through semi-structured interviews and literature search through available databases. The data collected through interviews was analyzed with quantitative tools viz. the factor informant consensus and fidelity level. A total of 38 species of flowering plants belonging to 23 families and 38 genera were reported. Family Asteraceae (5 spp) was the most dominant, followed by Solanaceae (4 spp), Fabaceae (4 spp), Euphorbiaceae (4 spp) and Convolvulaceae (3 spp). Among all the species collected, herbs were the dominant life form (22 spp, 57.89%), trailed by shrubs (11 spp, 28.95%), and trees (5 spp, 13.16%). Whole plant toxicity was reported to be the highest (15 spp, 39.47%), followed by leaf toxicity (12 spp, 31.58%), seed toxicity (4 spp, 7.89%), fruit toxicity (3 spp, 10.53%), latex toxicity (2 spp, 5.26%), flowers toxicity (1 spp, 2.63%), and berries toxicity (1 spp, 2.63%). The most toxic route of administration was found oral (39 spp, 40.63%), followed by intraperitoneal (24 spp, 25%), and intravenous (21 spp, 21.88%). The most commonly affected organ was found liver (20.41%), followed by gastrointestinal tract (20.341%), CNS (16.33%), skin (14.29%), kidneys (12.24%), lungs (4.04%), reproductive organs (2.04%), spleen (1.75%), blood (1.75%), heart (1.75%), urinary tract (1.75%), and pancreas (1.75%). The maximumFicvalue was found for dermatological disorders (0.91), followed by the endocrine system (0.90), gastrointestinal (0.82), neurology (0.77), nephrology (0.67), cardiovascular (0.67), urinary (0.67), respiratory (0.60), sexual (0.60) disorders.Senecio vulgaris, andAgeratum conyzoideswere the most important plants with fidelity level (0.95) and (0.87).Nerium oleander,Lantana camara,Leucaena leucocephala, andRicinus communiswere the important poisonous plant with maximum fidelity level (100%).Ricinus communiswith reported lowest LD50(<20 mg/kg) was the top-ranked poisonous plant followed byLantana camaraandJusticia adhatoda(25–50 mg/kg),Nerium Oleander(157.37 mg/kg), andDatura innoxia(400 mg/kg). We found that knowledge about poisonous plants is less prevailing in the rural areas of Azad Kashmir compared to the knowledge about medicinal plants and poisonous nature of reported plants is due to production of toxic substances and presence of essential oils.
Impact of quarantine due to COVID-19 pandemic on health and lifestyle conditions in older adults from Centro American countries
Authors: Mendoza-Ruvalcaba Neyda Ma. , Gutiérrez-Herrera Raúl , López Cecilia , Hesse Heike , Soto-Añari Marcio , Ramos-Henderson Miguel , Cárdenas-Valverde Juan-Carlos , Camargo Loida , Caldichoury Nicole , Herrera-Pino Jorge , Calizaya-López José , Castellanos Cesar , García Claudia , Porto María F. , López Norman
Published: May 2022

Background

The impact of quarantine in older adults have been reported in several studies with contradictory results, reporting from negative effects to no significant outcomes or even beneficial consequences. Heterogeneity in aging plays a role in each region, the aim of this study is to analyze the impact of quarantine on health conditions (physical and mental) and lifestyle in older adults in five Centro American countries during COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

In this cross-sectional study, n = 712 older adults 60 years and older from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Costa Rica were assessed by telephone. Sociodemographic data, physical and mental health, lifestyle and quarantine conditions were asked previous informed consent.

Results

In general, mean of days in quarantine at the moment of the study was 142 days (approximately four months and three weeks). In the analysis of the impact of the days in quarantine effects were found on the frequency of falls, functional ability in Activities of Daily Living (ADL), general cognitive function, memory, orientation, language, frequency of drinking alcohol, having a balanced diet, and being active cognitively. Some differences were found between countries.

Conclusions

Effects of quarantine on older adults in Centro America, requires attention of governments and healthcare to prevent long term morbidity and disability, and to promote healthy aging.
Optimized design of battery pole control system based on dual-chip architecture
Authors: Xiao Yanjun , Deng Shuhan , Liu Weiling , Zhou Wei , Wan Feng
Published: May 2022

At present, the global demand for lithium batteries is still in a high growth state, and the traditional lithium battery pole mill control system is still dominated by ARM (Artificial Intelligence Enhanced Computing), DSP (Digital Signal Processing), and other single-chip control methods. There are problems such as poor anti-interference ability and insufficient real-time online analysis of production data. This paper adopts the dual-chip control system architecture based on "ARM+DSP", starting from the mechanical characteristics and operating signal features of the pole mill. The hardware system adopts a three-unit joint control hardware structure, which separates the control unit from the data processing unit and improves the operation of the system. The software system adopts fuzzy PID algorithm to realize deflection control and tension control, and verifies that the Fuzzy PID (Proportion Integration Differentiation) control algorithm can effectively improve the anti-interference ability of the deflection system and tension system. The results show that the data loss rate is low with the SPI communication between DSP and ARM. The tension error of the "ARM+DSP" control system does not exceed 5%, and the deviation of the correction band is within ±4mm. The dedicated dual-chip hardware architecture effectively improves the robustness and operation efficiency of the pole mill, solves the problem of low tension control accuracy, and provides a theoretical basis for the application of the dual-roll mill.
Spectral homogeneity of human platelets investigated by SERS
Authors: Zyubin Andrey , Rafalskiy Vladimir , Lopatin Mikhail , Demishkevich Elizaveta , Moiseeva Ekaterina , Matveeva Karina , Kon Igor , Khankaev Artemii , Kundalevich Anna , Butova Viktoria , Lipnevich Leonard , Lyatun Ivan , Samusev Ilia , Bryukhanov Valery
Published: May 2022

This paper describes a detailed study of the spectral homogeneity of human platelets using Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). We used a combined approach based on multivariate methods as principal component analysis and pair correlation algorithms to investigate platelets spectral properties. The correlation coefficients for each sample have been calculated, and the average coefficient of determination has been estimated. The high degree of spectral homogeneity inside one probe and between them has been revealed. The prospects of obtained results usage for pathologies based on platelet conformations during cardiovascular diseases have been demonstrated.
Training a spiking neuronal network model of visual-motor cortex to play a virtual racket-ball game using reinforcement learning
Authors: Anwar Haroon , Caby Simon , Dura-Bernal Salvador , D’Onofrio David , Hasegan Daniel , Deible Matt , Grunblatt Sara , Chadderdon George L. , Kerr Cliff C. , Lakatos Peter , Lytton William W. , Hazan Hananel , Neymotin Samuel A.
Published: May 2022

Recent models of spiking neuronal networks have been trained to perform behaviors in static environments using a variety of learning rules, with varying degrees of biological realism. Most of these models have not been tested in dynamic visual environments where models must make predictions on future states and adjust their behavior accordingly. The models using these learning rules are often treated as black boxes, with little analysis on circuit architectures and learning mechanisms supporting optimal performance. Here we developed visual/motor spiking neuronal network models and trained them to play a virtual racket-ball game using several reinforcement learning algorithms inspired by the dopaminergic reward system. We systematically investigated how different architectures and circuit-motifs (feed-forward, recurrent, feedback) contributed to learning and performance. We also developed a new biologically-inspired learning rule that significantly enhanced performance, while reducing training time. Our models included visual areas encoding game inputs and relaying the information to motor areas, which used this information to learn to move the racket to hit the ball. Neurons in the early visual area relayed information encoding object location and motion direction across the network. Neuronal association areas encoded spatial relationships between objects in the visual scene. Motor populations received inputs from visual and association areas representing the dorsal pathway. Two populations of motor neurons generated commands to move the racket up or down. Model-generated actions updated the environment and triggered reward or punishment signals that adjusted synaptic weights so that the models could learn which actions led to reward. Here we demonstrate that our biologically-plausible learning rules were effective in training spiking neuronal network models to solve problems in dynamic environments. We used our models to dissect the circuit architectures and learning rules most effective for learning. Our model shows that learning mechanisms involving different neural circuits produce similar performance in sensory-motor tasks. In biological networks, all learning mechanisms may complement one another, accelerating the learning capabilities of animals. Furthermore, this also highlights the resilience and redundancy in biological systems.
Factors influencing the delivery of telerehabilitation for stroke: A systematic review
Authors: Stephenson Aoife , Howes Sarah , Murphy Paul J. , Deutsch Judith E. , Stokes Maria , Pedlow Katy , McDonough Suzanne M.
Published: May 2022

Objective

Despite the available evidence regarding effectiveness of stroke telerehabilitation, there has been little focus on factors influencing its delivery or translation from the research setting into practice. There are complex challenges to embedding telerehabilitation into stroke services and generating transferable knowledge about scaling up and routinising this service model. This review aimed to explore factors influencing the delivery of stroke telerehabilitation interventions, including platforms, technical requirements, training, support, access, cost, usability and acceptability.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and Cochrane Library and Central Registry of Clinical Trials were searched to identify full-text articles of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and protocols for RCTs published since a Cochrane review on stroke telerehabilitation services. A narrative synthesis was conducted, providing a comprehensive description of the factors influencing stroke telerehabilitation intervention delivery.

Results

Thirty-one studies and ten protocols of ongoing studies were included. Interventions were categorised as synchronous telerehabilitation (n = 9), asynchronous telerehabilitation (n = 11) and tele-support (n = 11). Telephone and videoconference were the most frequently used modes of delivery. Usability and acceptability with telerehabilitation were high across all platforms, although access issues and technical challenges may be potential barriers to the use of telerehabilitation in service delivery. Costs of intervention delivery and training requirements were poorly reported.

Conclusions

This review synthesises the evidence relating to factors that may influence stroke telerehabilitation intervention delivery at a crucial timepoint given the rapid deployment of telerehabilitation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It recommends strategies, such as ensuring adequate training and technical infrastructure, shared learning and consistent reporting of cost and usability and acceptability outcomes, to overcome challenges in embedding and routinising this service model and priorities for research in this area.
Income inequality, consumption, and the debt ratio of Chinese households
Authors: Shen Zhaolin , Fan Wei , Hu Jiang
Published: May 2022

The increasing family leverage and the expansion of income inequality have aroused widespread concern in society. Based on the data from the China Household Finance Survey (CFPS), this paper constructs the Gini coefficient and household credit index, and aims to research the impact of income inequality, borrowing level on consumption in different regions, urban and rural areas. The results indicate that the increasing of income inequality significantly restrained the increase of household consumption, while the moderate increase of household leverage can promote household consumption to a certain extent. According to the conclusion of this article, in order to realize the sustainable growth of consumption and upgrade of structure, the government should take measures to stimulate domestic demand: (1) For the central and western regions, the overall wealth level of households should be improved and the borrowing level of residents should be appropriately increased; (2) For the eastern region, the income inequality should be controlled and reduced the negative effects of income inequality on sustainable consumption growth. This research provides evidence for understanding the relationship between income inequality, household leverage ratio and consumption, and sheds light on the formulation of related policies.
Sociodemographic correlates of cervix, breast and oral cancer screening among Indian women
Authors: Changkun Zhu , Bishwajit Ghose , Ji Lu , Tang Shangfeng
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Cervix, breast and oral cancers account for about one-third of all cancers in India which as a group is a major contributor to all non-communicable disease-related morbidity and mortality among women. Existing evidence suggests that early diagnosis plays a pivotal role in the prevention and intervention of these cancers, and many community-based early screening and awareness programs have been in place in developed countries. Currently, there is not enough research evidence regarding the sociodemographic correlates of cervix, breast and oral cancer screening among Indian women. In the present study, we aimed to assess the self-reported percentage and sociodemographic factors associated with the use of these three types of cancer screening services among Indian women aged 15–49 years.

Methods

Data were collected from National Family Health Survey conducted during 2015–16. Sample population was 699,686 women aged 15–49 years. Associations between self-reported cervical, breast and oral cancer screening status and the associated sociodemographic factors were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression methods.

Results

The percentage of screening for cervical (21%), breast (8.95%), and oral cancers (13.45%) varied significantly across the population sub-groups. Higher age, urban residence, higher education, having employment, health insurance, use of electronic media, higher household wealth quintile, having healthcare autonomy, showed a positive effect on taking screening services. Further analyses revealed that the strength of the associations varied considerably between urban and rural residents, denoting the need for region-specific intervention strategies. Sex of household head, age, watching TV, using radio, and having health insurance were the most significant contributors to the outcome effects.

Conclusions

The present study provides important insights regarding the current scenario of seeking cancer screening services among women in India. These findings could inform policy analysis and make an avenue for further in-depth analysis for future studies. Our findings conclude that cancer prevention policies should focus on leveraging the positive effects of better socioeconomic status, employment, health insurance ownership, exposure to electronic media, and better healthcare autonomy to improve the cancer screening service uptake among Indian women.