bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploration of Nano-material and Thin Film Technologies for Wastewater Analysis: An Overview
Authors: Rathore Vandana , Bhardwaj Ramakant
Published: May 2023

Nano-materials and thin films have immense potential in supporting various applications such as purifying water resources, treating water-borne diseases, detecting pollutants through sensors, and most importantly, preventing water contamination. However, providing contamination-free water for healthy living remains a challenging issue, as many parts of the world are facing severe water scarcity and pollution problems. This could lead to reduced food production, an increase in water-borne diseases, and fewer freshwater resources. Therefore, there is an urgent need for innovative approaches that can provide safe drinking water and reduce global water pollution by enhancing natural water resources and creating new opportunities. This article provides a comprehensive review of the role of nanotechnology in remedying toxic aqueous waste, focusing on three major categories of nano-materials: catalysts, membranes, and filtration. Emerging technologies such as thin films, thin film composites, thin film dryers, and hybrid membranes are discussed in detail for their potential in wastewater management. The review includes nano-photocatalysts, membranes, adsorbents, and dryers, along with an analysis of their risks and future prospects. As there are limited resources available on these techniques, this overview aims to provide maximum coverage and promote further advancements in existing technologies.
Insights into transgender aesthetics: in conversation with Miss International Queen Colombia 2023
Authors: Lee Yan-Yi
Published: May 2023

Editor Yan-Yi Lee explores the area of transgender aesthetics and interviews Ange La Furcia, Miss International Queen Colombia 2023 and Cambridge trans scholar, for deeper insight into the psychology of lived experiences of transgender individuals
Updates from the BACN
Authors: Feliz Lisa
Published: May 2023

Lisa Feliz talks about recent updates from the BACN and how current memebers have benefitted in their professional development
DESENVOLVIMENTISMO E CINEMA DE FICÇÃO CIENTÍFICA: uma análise semiótica
Authors: Silva Andrade Maria Estela , Demuru Paolo , Piassi Luís Paulo
Published: May 2023

Neste artigo, partimos do mito que prega o Brasil como país do futuro para analisar, pelo viés da Semiótica Narrativa e dos Estudos Culturais, como o ensaio desenvolvimentista presente nos três primeiros ciclos de gestão petista do governo federal brasileiro foi retratado no cinema de ficção científica. O corpus é composto pelos filmes O Homem do Futuro (2011), de Cláudio Torres, e Branco Sai, Preto Fica (2014), de Adirley Queirós. O resultado final demonstra duas versões antagônicas a respeito das políticas adotadas no período analisado.
EXPEDIENTE
Authors: USCS Admin
Published: May 2023

expediente
Ice Nucleation Active bacteria in Mount Lawu forest, Indonesia: 1. Isolation and estimation of bacterial populations on lichens
Authors: FU'ADAH KHUSNUL , SARI SITI LUSI ARUM , SUSILOWATI ARI
Published: May 2023

Abstract. Fu’adah K, Sari SL, Susilowati A. 2017. Ice Nucleation Active bacteria in Mount Lawu forest, Indonesia: 1. Isolation and estimation of bacterial populations on lichens. Asian J For 1: 83-91. Ice Nucleation Active (INA) bacterias cause frost injury in plants. These bacteria are also predicted to play an important role in bioprecipitation, cloud formation, and rain. Most INA bacteria studies are conducted in subtropical areas. Therefore, studies on INA bacteria from tropical areas, especially Indonesia, need to be conducted. This study aimed to isolate and determine the number of INA bacteria in lichenes. samples of lichenes were taken from the hiking pathway of Cemoro Sewu, Mount Lawu forest, Java, Indonesia, at ±2.200, ±2.400, and ±2.600 m asl. INA bacteria were isolated by the spread plate method on the NA medium with 2.5 % glycerol and King’s B medium. A tube nucleation test determined ice nucleation activity. A multiple-tube nucleation test estimated the number of INA bacteria. The data were analyzed descriptively based on colony morphology, cell morphology, biochemical tests, and analysis of the numbers of INA bacteria. The result showed that 7 isolates from Parmelia sp. at an altitude of 2.532 m asl (station 2) have been known as INA bacterias. The number of INA bacteria in lichenes was 5 x 104/g, which was very low.
The efficacy of seed extract of Tephrosia vogelii and Annona squmosa on larvae of Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Nenotek Petronella , LUDJI RIKA
Published: May 2023

Abstract. Nenotek PS, Ludji R. 2020. The efficacy of seed extract of Tephrosia vogelii and Annona squmosa on larvae of Helicoverpa armigera. Trop Drylands 4: 5-9. Corncob borer (Helicoverpa armigera) is important pest of corn, urging the use of insecticide for its eradication. While using chemical insecticides is not sustainable, the use of plant-based insecticides is thus recommended. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of Annona squamosa and Tephrosia vogelii seed extract mixture on the mortality of 3rd instar larvae of Helicoverpa armigera. A range of concentration, as treatments, were evaluated, i.e., 0.05%, 0.11%, 0.28%, 0.65%, 1.5% and a control (water only) applied with three replicates in each treatment. Ten larvae of H. armigera at each treatment were infested in baby corn, using the residue method. Mortality was observed at 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours after treatment (HAT). Percent mortality of the 3rd instar of H. armigera larvae was analyzed using Probit Polo PC, then proceed with mixed activity analysis. The results showed that the mixture of A.squamosa + T. vogelii seeds extracts killed H. amigera larvae with the value of LC50 and LC95 of 0.07% and 2.07%, respectively. A mixture of A. squamosa seeds + T. vogelii seeds extract was synergistic to H. armigera larvae with combined index values at LC50 and LC95 were 0.53 and 0.58, respectively. Thus, the use of a mixture of A. squamosa seed extract and T. vogelii seed is more efficient because the raw materials used were less at low concentrations to control H. armigera larvae than the extract applied separately.
Use of probiotics in fish feed and clams (Pilsbryoconcha exilis) as biofilter components of aquaponic system in archipelagic dryland
Authors: Santoso Priyo , SUNADJI SUNADJI
Published: May 2023

Abstract. Santoso P, Sunadji. 2020. Use of probiotics in fish feed and clams (Pilsbryoconcha exilis) as biofilter components of aquaponics system in archipelagic dryland. Trop Drylands 3: 46-50. Aquaponics is a combination system between aquaculture and hydroponic. It is water-use efficient and suitable to be developed in the archipelagic dryland. This study aimed to determine the effect of adding probiotics in fish feed and the use of clam (Pilsbryoconcha exilis) as additional components in the aquaponic system on feed conversion ratio, productivity of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and aquatic spinach (Ipomoea aquatica), and removal efficiency of organic matter suspended in the aquaculture water. This study was an experimental study using a factorial treatment laid out in a completely randomized design with three replications. The treatments applied were administration of probiotics with concentrations of 2 mL kg-1, 4 mL kg-1, and 6 mL kg-1 in feed to improve feed efficiency in catfish, thus minimizing metabolite discharges, and the use of clam in biofilter systems with a density of 50 clams m-2, 100 clams m-2, and 200 clams m-2 to improve the efficiency of absorption of cultivation effluents in the form of suspended particles. The results of ANOVA showed that the treatment of adding probiotics in the fish feed had a significant effect (P<0.05) on improving feed conversion ratio, increasing the production of catfish, and the removal efficiency, but had no significant effect (P>0.05) on aquatic spinach biomass production. Whereas the use of clams as biofilter significantly (P<0.05) improved feed conversion ratio, increased the production of catfish and aquatic spinach, also efficiently removed organic matter in the aquaponic system. The interaction of these two factors had a significant effect (P<0.05) on feed conversion ratio and aquatic spinach production, however, it had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the production of catfish and the organic matter removal efficiency. Post hoc LSD test showed that the best interaction effect was the treatment of probiotic 6 mL kg-1 and biofilter 200 clams m-2 because it generated a combination of the lowest feed conversion ratio (1.07) and the highest of aquatic spinach production (5.28 kg m-2).
Subtotal cholecystectomy: is it a safe option for difficult gall bladders?
Authors: Ibrahim R , Abdalkoddus M , Mahendran B , Mownah OA , Nawara H , Aroori S
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Subtotal cholecystectomy (STC) is an alternative to total cholecystectomy (TC) in patients with severe inflammation/adhesions around the hepatocystic triangle. This study aimed to evaluate the safety profile of STC.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all patients who had STC at our unit between February 2009 and August 2019. STC was divided into two types, reconstituting (R-STC) and fenestrating (F-STC), depending on whether the gall bladder remnant was closed or left open. Patients who had cholecystectomy for gall bladder malignancy or as part of another operation were excluded from the study.

Results

A total of 5,664 patients underwent cholecystectomy during the study period. Of these, 97 (1.7%) underwent STC. The laparoscopic to open conversion rate was high at 48.8% (47 cases), as was the overall postoperative complication rate (45.4%, 44 cases). No patient suffered iatrogenic bile duct injury. Nineteen patients (19.6%) suffered postoperative bile leak. This was significantly higher in patients who had STC in the acute setting (41% vs 13% for elective STC cases; p=0.04). There was no significant difference in rate of bile leak or other complications between R-STC and F-STC types. The 90-day readmission rate was 8.2% (8 cases). No mortalities were recorded within 90 days post STC.

Conclusions

STC seems to be an effective technique to avoid bile duct injury in difficult cholecystectomy cases. However, the perioperative morbidity associated with STC is relatively high. Surgeons should be aware of the risks of STC and take appropriate steps to minimise them.
Screening for malnutrition in emergency laparotomy patients: a comparison of three tools
Authors: O’Connor T , MacKenzie L , Clarke RW , Bradburn M , Wilson TR , Lee MJ
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Malnourished patients undergoing emergency laparotomy are at risk of significant morbidity. The optimum screening tool to identify such patients in practice and research is yet to be determined. This study aims to compare the performance of three nutrition risk tools in predicting time without enteral nutrition in this population.

Methods

A prospective cohort study (NCT04696367) was conducted across two sites, recruiting patients undergoing National Emergency Laparotomy Audit eligible procedures. Data collected included demographics, diagnosis, procedure and outcomes. Nutrition risk was assessed using three tools: Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) score, Nutritional Risk Index (NRI) and Nutritional Risk Score 2002 (NRS-2002). Complications were assessed with the Comprehensive Complication Index. Quality of life was measured at baseline and 5 days postsurgery using EQ-5D-5L.

Results

A total of 59 patients were recruited. Median age was 69 years. Of the 59 participants, 23 were judged high risk using MUST score, 13 using NRS and 8 using NRI. Median time to restart enteral intake was 7 days (interquartile range 7–14). Time without intake was correlated with increasing score using MUST (r=0.463, p<0.001) and NRS-2002 (r=0.296, p=0.03) but not NRI (r=−0.121, p=0.38). High-risk nutritional groups also had increased length of hospital stay, but not complication scores.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing emergency laparotomy spend a prolonged time without enteral nutrition. Although all nutritional tools demonstrated some propensity to identify patients at higher risk of needing nutritional support, their performance was variable. Nevertheless, some may be useful in future clinical studies.
Medicolegal claims in general surgery: a 10-year retrospective review of claims against the NHS in England
Authors: Magowan D , Evans M , Burton L , Smith L
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Every year 12,000 medicolegal claims are brought against the NHS in England at a cost of £8 billion—6.7% of the NHS England budget. In 1,000 of these claims the primary speciality is General Surgery. The aims of this paper were to examine 10 years of claims against General Surgery Departments in NHS England, identify the common causes and injuries, review the associated cost and suggest strategies for improvement.

Methods

Data regarding medicolegal claims made against NHS General Surgical Departments in England from 2010 to 2020 were obtained from the Clinical Negligence Scheme for Trusts. A retrospective review was undertaken to examine the number of claims, cost of claims closed with and without damages, primary causes and primary injuries.

Results

A total of 10,027 claims were made between 2010 and 2020. Of these, 9,377 were closed in that time, with cost totalling £851,558,930. Of claims closed, an average of 608 per year were closed with damages and 329 without damages. Claims with damages resulted in more than forty-five times greater cost per claim compared with those closed without damages. Overall, cost increased by over 50% between 2010 and 2020. Common causes included ‘failure/delay in treatment’, ‘intraoperative problems’ and ‘failure/delay in diagnosis’. Common injuries included ‘additional/unnecessary operation(s)’, ‘unnecessary pain’, ‘fatality’ and ‘bowel damage/dysfunction’.

Conclusion

Medicolegal expenditure represents a serious concern for the NHS, worsening each year. This retrospective review highlights the rising cost along with the most common causes and primary injuries. Action is required at every level of the NHS to improve surgical care, consent and communication with our patients, and by doing so minimise poor outcomes and their resultant medicolegal consequences.
Directional atherectomy combined with drug-coated balloon angioplasty for superficial femoral arteriosclerosis obliterans
Authors: Su Z , Li Y , Wang C , Guo J , Guo L , Gu Y
Published: May 2023

Introduction

This study is an analysis of the therapeutic effects of directional atherectomy combined with drug-coated balloon angioplasty (DA+DCB) in treating superficial femoral arteriosclerosis obliterans.

Methods

Patients in our hospital with superficial femoral arteriosclerosis obliterans who received DA+DCB during the period June 2016 to February 2019 were identified retrospectively. Preoperative demographics, operative details and postoperative follow-up outcomes were analysed statistically.

Results

Between June 2016 and February 2019, 48 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. The average age of the patients was 66.85 ± 11.28 years; 83.3% of the patients were male. During the procedure, flow-limiting dissection occurred frequently (9/48 patients) and there were six bailout stent implantations owing to flow-limiting dissections. The incidence rate of target artery thrombosis was 4.2% (2/48). There was no vessel perforation, embolism or operation-related death. The technical success rate was estimated at 100%. The mean ankle–brachial index of the patients was 0.54 ± 0.28 before the operation and 0.93 ± 0.13 before discharge (p < 0.0001). The mean follow-up time was 19.6 ± 9.0 months. The primary patency rate was 89.4%, 82.4% and 76.5% at 12, 24 and 36 months. The freedom from target lesion revascularisation (TLR) was 97.9%, 93.8% and 84.4% at 12, 24 and 36 months.

Conclusion

The use of DA+DCB showed good clinical benefit for superficial femoral arteriosclerosis obliterans, which had good primary patency and freedom from TLR. Multicentre randomised controlled trials with long-term follow-up are needed.
ChatGPT: do we need to write anything ever again?
Authors: Dobbs Tom
Published: May 2023

Could AI chat software eliminate the need for us to write anything anymore? Our Technologist explores the new technology and its potential applications for medical use.
Group velocity of light in internal conical refraction
Authors: Wang Pengqian
Published: May 2023

We calculated the group velocity of light in internal conical refraction in a biaxial crystal as a function of the direction of the electric displacement vector, or the vibration direction, of its carrier wave. Our method represents group velocity through the electromagnetic fields of light, rather than its wave normal or ray direction. The travel time of a light pulse traversing a parallel plate biaxial crystal in internal conical refraction is found to vary as a sinusoidal function of twice the vibration angle of the light wave. Our method distinguishes the four directions of the two optic axes in monoclinic and triclinic crystals. Numerical examples are given for KNbO3 at the wavelength of 400 nm, and for Sn2P2S6 at the wavelength of 550 nm.
Cost-effective network capacity upgrade by heterogeneous wavelength division multiplexing density with bandwidth-variable virtual direct links
Authors: Hayashi Kazuki , Mori Yojiro , Hasegawa Hiroshi
Published: May 2023

A cost-effective and fast network capacity upgrade with what we believe to be novel bandwidth-variable virtual direct links (BV-VDLs) is proposed. BV-VDLs are designed to pass through the physical links expected to be heavily congested and realize very dense path accommodation. We adopt cut-set analysis to identify the links likely to be heavily congested; however, high computation loads will be incurred in finding all the cut-sets, and justifying these loads is essential. Thus a simple-path-search based graph splitting method is proposed that substantially shortens the calculation time. This strategy allows us to efficiently upgrade network capacity while keeping existing facilities unchanged and can be installed in networks in operation. The proposal is also valid for enhancing the capacity of new networks. The capacity enhancement can reach 13%–33% even in dynamic path operation scenarios on the real topologies of pan-European, North American, and Japanese networks.
350 mJ electro-optically Q-switched 2.79 µm Cr:Er:YSGG MOPA
Authors: Martyshkin D. , Fedorov V. , Hamlin S. J. , Mirov S.
Published: May 2023

We report on developing three flashlamp-pumped electro-optically Q-switched Cr:Er:YSGG lasers with the Q-switch based on a La3Ga5SiO14 crystal. The “short” laser cavity was optimized for high peak power applications. In this cavity, 300 mJ output energy in 15 ns pulses at a 3 Hz repetition rate was demonstrated with pump energy below 52 J. However, several applications, such as Fe:ZnSe pumping in a gain-switched regime, require longer (∼ 100 ns) pump pulse duration. We developed a 2.9 m long laser cavity that delivers 190 mJ of output energy in 85 ns pulses for these applications. We also demonstrated the Cr:Er:YSGG MOPA system producing 350 mJ output energy at 90 ns pulse duration and 47.5 J of pumping, corresponding to an amplification factor of 3.
Optomechanical entanglement affected by exceptional point in a WGM resonator system
Authors: Li Zigeng , Li Xiaomiao , Zhong Xiaolan
Published: May 2023

Entanglement of optical mode and mechanical mode plays a significant role for quantum information processing and memory. This type of optomechanical entanglement is always be suppressed by the mechanically dark-mode (DM) effect. However, the reason of the DM generation and how to control the bright-mode (BM) effect flexibly are still not resolved. In this letter, we demonstrate that the DM effect occurs at the exceptional point (EP) and it can be broken by changing the relative phase angle (RPA) between the nano scatters. We find that the optical mode and mechanical mode are separable at EPs but entangled when the RPA is tuned away from the EPs. Remarkably, the DM effect will be broken if the RPA away from EPs, resulting in the ground-state cooling of the mechanical mode. In addition, we prove that the chirality of the system can also influence the optomechanical entanglement. Our scheme can control the entanglement flexible merely depend on the relative phase angle, which is continuously adjustable and experimentally more feasible.
Design of a robust photonic crystal mirror for MEMS VCSELs
Authors: Simonsen Arnhold , Park Gyeong Cheol , Ansbæk Thor Ersted , Hansen Ole , Yvind Kresten
Published: May 2023

Wavelength tunable lasers with narrow dynamic linewidths are essential in many applications, such as optical coherence tomography and LiDAR. In this letter, we present a 2D mirror design that provides large optical bandwidth and high reflection while being stiffer than 1D mirrors. Specifically, we investigate the effect of rounded corners of rectangles as they are transferred from the CAD to the wafer by lithography and etching.
Assessment of tight-binding models for high-harmonic generation in zinc blende materials
Authors: Kolesik Miroslav
Published: May 2023

Using a simulator for semiconductor Bloch equations (SBEs) accounting for the entire Brillouin zone, we examine the tight-binding (TB) description for zinc blende structure as a model for high-harmonic generation (HHG). We demonstrate that TB models of GaAs and ZnSe exhibit second-order nonlinear coefficients that compare favorably with measurements. For the higher-order portion of the spectrum, we use the results published by Xia et al. in Opt. Express 26, 29393 (2018)10.1364/OE.26.029393 and show that the HHG spectra measured in reflection can be closely reproduced by our simulations free of adjustable parameters. We conclude that despite their relative simplicity, the TB models of GaAs and ZnSe represent useful tools to study both the low- and higher-order harmonic response in realistic simulations.
Nonlinear optical bistability based on epsilon-near-zero mode in near-infrared band
Authors: Xu Jiao , Peng Yuxiang , Jiang Jie , Qian Shengyou , Jiang Leyong
Published: May 2023

We propose a simple thin-layer structure based on epsilon-near-zero mode field enhancement to achieve optical bistability in the near-infrared band. The high transmittance provided by the thin-layer structure and the electric field energy limited in the ultra-thin epsilon-near-zero material means that the interaction between the input light and the epsilon-near-zero material can be greatly enhanced, creating favorable conditions for the realization of optical bistability in near-infrared band. The optical bistability hysteresis curve is closely related to the incident angle of light and the thickness of epsilon-near-zero material. This structure is relatively simple and easy to prepare, so we believe that this scheme will have a positive effect on the practicality of optical bistability devices in all-optical devices and networks.
Observation of conical emission from DC-biased filament at 10 THz
Authors: Rizaev G. E. , Seleznev L. V. , Nikolaeva I. A. , Shipilo D. E. , Panov N. A. , Pushkarev D. V. , Mokrousova D. V. , Ionin A. A. , Kosareva O. G.
Published: May 2023

The terahertz (THz) radiation emitted by an air-based femtosecond filament biased by a static electric field is known to have on-axis shape and relatively low frequency spectrum in contrast to the unbiased single-color and two-color schemes. Here, we measure the THz emission of a 15-kV/cm-biased filament in air produced by a 740-nm, 1.8-mJ, 90-fs pulse and demonstrate that a flat-top on-axis THz angular distribution of the emission at 0.5–1 THz transforms into a contrast ring-shaped one at 10 THz.
Single-shot blind deconvolution in coherent diffraction imaging with coded aperture
Authors: Muneta Hideyuki , Horisaki Ryoichi , Nishizaki Yohei , Naruse Makoto , Tanida Jun
Published: May 2023

We present a method for single-shot blind deconvolution in coherent diffraction imaging. In our method, a complex amplitude object is illuminated with coherent light, and light from the object is captured through a coded aperture located on the pupil plane to reduce estimated variables. The complex amplitude field of the object is recovered from the single captured intensity image by a phase retrieval algorithm in which the coded aperture is utilized as a support to estimate the sparse pupil function. We numerically and experimentally demonstrate the proposed method. In the experiment, we evaluate its performance with ptychography, which is a method for multi-shot coherent diffraction imaging.
An interactive geographic information system to inform optimal locations for healthcare services
Authors: Nicholson Calum , Hanly Mark , Celermajer David S.
Published: May 2023

Large health datasets can provide evidence for the equitable allocation of healthcare resources and access to care. Geographic information systems (GIS) can help to present this data in a useful way, aiding in health service delivery. An interactive GIS was developed for the adult congenital heart disease service (ACHD) in New South Wales, Australia to demonstrate its feasibility for health service planning. Datasets describing geographic boundaries, area-level demographics, hospital driving times, and the current ACHD patient population were collected, linked, and displayed in an interactive clinic planning tool. The current ACHD service locations were mapped, and tools to compare current and potential locations were provided. Three locations for new clinics in rural areas were selected to demonstrate the application. Introducing new clinics changed the number of rural patients within a 1-hour drive of their nearest clinic from 44·38% to 55.07% (79 patients) and reduced the average driving time from rural areas to the nearest clinic from 2·4 hours to 1·8 hours. The longest driving time was changed from 10·9 hours to 8·9 hours. A de-identified public version of the GIS clinic planning tool is deployed at https://cbdrh.shinyapps.io/ACHD_Dashboard/. This application demonstrates how a freely available and interactive GIS can be used to aid in health service planning. In the context of ACHD, GIS research has shown that adherence to best practice care is impacted by patients’ accessibility to specialist services. This project builds on this research by providing opensource tools to build more accessible healthcare services.
Understanding the implication of direct health facility financing on health commodities availability in Tanzania
Authors: Ruhago George M. , John Michael B. , Ngalesoni Frida N. , Msasi Daudi , Kapologwe Ntuli , Kengia James T. , Bukundi Elias , Ndakidemi Regina , Tukai Mavere A.
Published: May 2023

The Government of Tanzania (GoT) has in the last decade made progress in strengthening the health system financing with progress towards Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The major reforms includes development of the health financing strategy, reforming the Community Health Fund (CHF) and introduction of the Direct Health Facility Financing (DHFF). DHFF was introduced in all district councils in the 2017/18 financial year. One of the anticipated goals of DHFF is to improve availability of health commodities. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of DHFF in improving the availability of health commodities in primary health care facilities. This study employed cross sectional study design, using quantitative techniques to analyze data related to expenditures and availability of health commodities at the primary health care facilities in Tanzania mainland. Secondary data was extracted from Electronic Logistics Management Information System (eLMIS) and Facility Financial Accounting and Reporting System (FFARS). Descriptive analysis was used to summarize the data using Microsoft Excel (2021) and inferential analysis was done using Stata SE 16.1. There has been an increase in allocation of funds for health commodities over the past three years. The Health Basket Funds (HBFs) accounted for an average of 50% of all health commodities expenditures. The complimentary funds (user fees and insurance) contributed about 20%, which is less than the 50% required by the cost sharing guideline. There is potentiality in DHFF improving visibility and tracking of health commodities funding. Implementation of DHFF has increased the amount of funding for health commodities at health facilities. The visibility and tracking of health commodity funding has improved. There is a scope of increasing health commodity funds at health facilities since the expenditures on health commodities is lower than what is indicated in the cost sharing collection and use guideline.
Optimal number of charging station and pricing strategy for the electric vehicle with component commonality considering consumer range anxiety
Authors: Yu Wenchao , Zhang Linghong , Lu Rui , Ma Junjie
Published: May 2023

The battery driving mileage on a single charge and convenience of the charging stations affect Electric Vehicle’s (EV) demand. This paper studies the optimal number of charging stations and EV’s price strategy considering different component commonality configurations. Assume the EV manufacturer provides two types of EV and the two EVs have the same battery configuration (battery as a common part) or the same naked vehicle–EV without batteries (naked vehicle as a common part). And the common part could be configured with low or high quality. We discuss four scenarios with different common parts and different quality levels. For each scenario, we present the optimal number of the charging stations and EV prices. Then we compare the optimal solutions and manufacturer’s profits in above four scenarios with numerical simulation and give some managerial insights. Our analysis reveals that (1) consumers’ range anxiety towards battery will affect manufacturer’s product configuration strategy, EVs’ prices and demands. (2) large consumers’ sensitivity towards charging station will corresponding to more charging station, high EV prices and demands. If consumers are very concerned about the charging convenience, high-end electric vehicles need to be launched first, then as customers’ anxiety about charging decreases, the low quality EV could be developed and diffused. (3) the unit product cost reduction caused by the commonality may increase or decrease the EVs’ prices, which depends on the relationship between the demand increment incurred by one more charging station and the cost coefficient of building the charging station. (4) The low quality naked vehicle as common component will increase both the number of the charging stations and the demand and the manufacturer is more likely to obtain high profits. (5) the cost saving coefficient of battery common parts has greater influence on the selection of commonality. When consumers’ range anxiety towards battery is very high, manufacturers should choose low-quality naked vehicles or high-quality battery as common components.
Predicting student and instructor e-readiness and promoting e-learning success in online EFL class during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case from China
Authors: Yang Chunye , Xu Defeng
Published: May 2023

Since the emergence and subsequent spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, students and instructors have faced unprecedented challenges and have been forced to shift traditional face-to-face classes online. This study, based on the E-learning Success Model (ELSM), seeks to examine the e-readiness level of students/instructors, judge the impediments that students/instructors encountered in different phases—pre-course delivery, course delivery, and course completion phase of the online EFL class, search for valuable online learning elements, and recommend recommendations for promoting e-learning success in online EFL classes. The study sample consists of 5914 students and 1752 instructors. The results demonstrate that: (a) both the students’ and instructors’ e-readiness level were slightly lower than the ready level; (b) three valuable online learning elements were teacher presence, teacher-student interaction, and practicing problem-solving ability; (c) eight categories of impediments during different phases of the online EFL class were technical challenges, learning process, learning environments, self-control, health concern, learning materials, assignment, and learning effect and assessments; (d) seven types of recommendations for promoting e-learning success were: (1) students: infrastructure and technology, learning process, content, curriculum design, teacher skills, service, and assessment; and (2) instructors: infrastructure and technology, human resources, teaching quality, content and services, curriculum design, teacher skills, and assessment. Based on these findings, this study recommends that further studies with an action research approach should be conducted to examine whether the recommendations are effective. Institutions should take the initiative to overcome barriers to engage and stimulate students. The outcomes of this research have theoretical and practical implications for researchers and higher education institutions (HEIs). During unprecedented times such as pandemics, administrators and instructors will have insights into implementing emergency remote teaching.
Filamentous fungal associates of the alder bark beetle, Alniphagus aspericollis, including an undescribed species of Neonectria
Authors: Lee Gervais Y. S. , Wertman Debra L. , Carroll Allan L. , Hamelin Richard C.
Published: May 2023

Bark beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae; Scolytinae) are tree-infesting insects that consume subcortical tissues and fungi. Species capable of killing their host trees are most commonly associated with conifers, as very few bark beetle species infest and kill hardwood hosts directly. The alder bark beetle, Alniphagus aspericollis, is a hardwood-killing bark beetle that colonizes and kills red alder, Alnus rubra. Conifer-killing bark beetles have well-known associations with symbiotic ophiostomatoid fungi that facilitate their life histories, but it is unknown whether A. aspericollis has any fungal associates. This study was conducted to identify any consistent filamentous fungal associates of A. aspericollis and characterize the consistency of observed beetle–fungus relationships. Beetles and gallery phloem samples were collected from seven sites throughout the Greater Vancouver region in British Columbia, Canada. Filamentous fungi were isolated from these samples and identified by DNA barcoding using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and other barcode regions for resolution to the species-level for the most dominant isolates. The most common fungal associate was a previously undescribed Neonectria major-like fungus, Neonectria sp. nov., which was isolated from ~67% of adult beetles, ~59% of phloem samples, and ~94% of the beetle-infested trees. Ophiostoma quercus was isolated from ~28% of adult beetles, ~9% of phloem samples, and ~56% of infested trees and deemed a casual associate of A. aspericollis, while a putatively novel species of Ophiostoma was more infrequently isolated from A. aspericollis and its galleries. Cadophora spadicis, a new record for red alder, was rarely isolated and is probably coincidentally carried by A. aspericollis. Overall, A. aspericollis was only loosely associated with ophiostomatoid fungi, suggesting that these fungi have little ecological significance in the beetle–tree interaction, while Neonectria sp. nov. may be a symbiote of A. aspericollis that is vectored by the beetle.
Key theories and technologies and implementation mechanism of parallel computing for ternary optical computer
Authors: Zhang Sulan , Chen Junwei , Liu Zihao , Wang Xiaolin , Zhang Chunhua , Yang Jun
Published: May 2023

Ternary Optical Computer (TOC) is more advanced than traditional computer systems in parallel computing, which is characterized by huge amounts of repeated computations. However, the application of the TOC is still limited because of lack of key theories and technologies. In order to make the TOC applicable and advantageous, this paper systematically elaborates the key theories and technologies of parallel computing for the TOC through a programming platform, including reconfigurability and groupable usability of optical processor bits, parallel carry-free optical adder and the TOC’s application characteristics, communication file to express user’s needs and data organization method of the TOC. Finally, experiments are carried out to show the effectiveness of the present theories and technologies for parallel computing, as well as the feasibility of the implementation method of the programming platform. For a special instance, it is shown that the clock cycle on the TOC is only 0.26% of on a traditional computer, and the computing resource spent on the TOC is 25% of that on a traditional computer. Based on the study of the TOC in this paper, more complex parallel computing can be realized in the future.
Epithelial polarization in the 3D matrix requires MST3 signaling to regulate ZO-1 position
Authors: Chan Chee-Hong , Lin Pei , Yang Tse-Yen , Bao Bo-Ying , Jhong Jhen-Yang , Weng Yui-Ping , Lee Te-Hsiu , Cheng Hui-Fen , Lu Te-Ling
Published: May 2023

Apical-basal cell polarity must be tightly controlled for epithelial cyst and tubule formation, and these are important functional units in various epithelial organs. Polarization is achieved through the coordination of several molecules that divide cells into an apical domain and a basolateral domain, which are separated from tight and adherens junctions. Cdc42 regulates cytoskeletal organization and the tight junction protein ZO-1 at the apical margin of epithelial cell junctions. MST kinases control organ size through the regulation of cell proliferation and cell polarity. For example, MST1 relays the Rap1 signal to induce cell polarity and adhesion of lymphocytes. Our previous study showed that MST3 was involved in E-cadherin regulation and migration in MCF7 cells. In vivo, MST3 knockout mice exhibited higher ENaC expression at the apical site of renal tubules, resulting in hypertension. However, it was not clear whether MST3 was involved in cell polarity. Here, control MDCK cells, HA-MST3 and HA-MST3 kinase-dead (HA-MST3-KD) overexpressing MDCK cells were cultured in collagen or Matrigel. We found that the cysts of HA-MST3 cells were fewer and smaller than those of control MDCK cells; ZO-1 was delayed to the apical site of cysts and in cell-cell contact in the Ca2+ switch assay. However, HA-MST3-KD cells exhibited multilumen cysts. Intensive F-actin stress fibers were observed in HA-MST3 cells with higher Cdc42 activity; in contrast, HA-MST3-KD cells had lower Cdc42 activity and weaker F-actin staining. In this study, we identified a new MST3 function in the establishment of cell polarity through Cdc42 regulation.
PREventing Mild Idiopathic SCOliosis PROgression (PREMISCOPRO): A protocol for a randomized controlled trial comparing scoliosis-specific exercises with observation in mild idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Diarbakerli Elias , Abbott Allan , Gerdhem Paul
Published: May 2023

Background

Idiopathic scoliosis is the most common spinal deformity in children. Treatment strategies aim to halt progression of the curve. Mild scoliosis is in many cases observed or, in some cases, treated with scoliosis-specific exercises. More severe curves are treated mainly with a brace. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of scoliosis-specific exercises compared to observation in adolescents with mild idiopathic scoliosis.

Methods

Subjects. Previously untreated and skeletally immature children aged 9–15 years of age with idiopathic scoliosis (curve magnitude Cobb 15–24 degrees) will be included. A total of 90 subjects will be included to receive one of two possible interventions.

Interventions. Both groups will receive a physical activity prescription according to the World Health Organization recommendations. The intervention group will receive an additional active self-correction treatment strategy for curve correction and will have outpatient sessions once every two weeks for the first three months. They will be prescribed to do the exercises at least three times per week. The intervention will be performed until skeletal maturity or progression of the curve.

Outcome. The subjects will participate in the study until curve progression or until skeletal maturity (defined as less than 1 cm growth for six months). The primary outcome variable is failure of treatment, defined as progression of the Cobb angle more than 6 degrees on two consecutive x-rays compared to the baseline x-ray. Secondary outcome measures include patient-reported outcomes, clinical characteristics (i.e. angle of trunk rotation and trunk asymmetry) and number requiring brace treatment. Clinical follow-ups will be performed every six months and radiographs will be taken annually.

Discussion

This study will compare effectiveness of an active self-corrective exercise strategy in mild idiopathic scoliosis with observation in terms of halting curve progression.
Candidate historical events for the emergence of Human Coronavirus OC43: A critical reassessment of the molecular evidence
Authors: Shaw Brandon , Gatherer Derek
Published: May 2023

The “Russian Influenza”-coronavirus theory (RICT) proposes that the pandemic of 1889–1892, conventionally regarded as an influenza pandemic, was caused by the emergence of human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) as a zoonosis of bovine coronavirus (BCoV). RICT is based on a Bayesian phylogenetic calculation of the date of the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of HCoV-OC43 and BCoV. The theory also draws on comparison of both symptoms and some epidemiological parameters of the best studied coronavirus pandemic, i.e. COVID-19, with those reported in 1889–1892. The case is completed with circumstantial evidence involving a panzoonotic among cattle in the decade prior to the “Russian Influenza”, with characteristics suggesting it may have been caused by BCoV. In this paper, we review the Bayesian phylogenetic evidence for RICT, replicating previous studies and adding our own, in each case critically reviewing the suitability of the datasets used and the parameters applied. We conclude that the most probable date for the MRCA of HCoV-OC43 and BCoV is 1898–1902. This is a decade too late for compatibility with RICT but happens to coincide with another serious outbreak of respiratory illness, reported in both the USA and the UK, in the winter of 1899–1900.
Intelligent auxiliary system for music performance under edge computing and long short-term recurrent neural networks
Authors: Wang Yi
Published: May 2023

Music performance action generation can be applied in multiple real-world scenarios as a research hotspot in computer vision and cross-sequence analysis. However, the current generation methods of music performance actions have consistently ignored the connection between music and performance actions, resulting in a strong sense of separation between visual and auditory content. This paper first analyzes the attention mechanism, Recurrent Neural Network (RNN), and long and short-term RNN. The long and short-term RNN is suitable for sequence data with a strong temporal correlation. Based on this, the current learning method is improved. A new model that combines attention mechanisms and long and short-term RNN is proposed, which can generate performance actions based on music beat sequences. In addition, image description generative models with attention mechanisms are adopted technically. Combined with the RNN abstract structure that does not consider recursion, the abstract network structure of RNN-Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) is optimized. Through music beat recognition and dance movement extraction technology, data resources are allocated and adjusted in the edge server architecture. The metric for experimental results and evaluation is the model loss function value. The superiority of the proposed model is mainly reflected in the high accuracy and low consumption rate of dance movement recognition. The experimental results show that the result of the loss function of the model is at least 0.00026, and the video effect is the best when the number of layers of the LSTM module in the model is 3, the node value is 256, and the Lookback value is 15. The new model can generate harmonious and prosperous performance action sequences based on ensuring the stability of performance action generation compared with the other three models of cross-domain sequence analysis. The new model has an excellent performance in combining music and performance actions. This paper has practical reference value for promoting the application of edge computing technology in intelligent auxiliary systems for music performance.
Convergent validity of video-based observer rating of drowsiness, against subjective, behavioral, and physiological measures
Authors: Uchiyama Yuji , Sawai Shunichiroh , Omi Takuhiro , Yamauchi Koichiro , Tamura Kimimasa , Sakata Takuya , Nakajima Kiyofumi , Sakai Hiroyuki
Published: May 2023

Driver drowsiness is a widely recognized cause of motor vehicle accidents. Therefore, a reduction in drowsy driving crashes is required. Many studies evaluating the crash risk of drowsy driving and developing drowsiness detection systems, have used observer rating of drowsiness (ORD) as a reference standard (i.e. ground truth) of drowsiness. ORD is a method of human raters evaluating the levels of driver drowsiness, by visually observing a driver. Despite the widespread use of ORD, concerns remain regarding its convergent validity, which is supported by the relationship between ORD and other drowsiness measures. The objective of the present study was to validate video-based ORD, by examining correlations between ORD levels and other drowsiness measures. Seventeen participants performed eight sessions of a simulated driving task, verbally responding to Karolinska sleepiness scale (KSS), while infra-red face video, lateral position of the participant’s car, eye closure, electrooculography (EOG), and electroencephalography (EEG) were recorded. Three experienced raters evaluated the ORD levels by observing facial videos. The results showed significant positive correlations between the ORD levels and all other drowsiness measures (i.e., KSS, standard deviation of the lateral position of the car, percentage of time occupied by slow eye movement calculated from EOG, EEG alpha power, and EEG theta power). The results support the convergent validity of video-based ORD as a measure of driver drowsiness. This suggests that ORD might be suitable as a ground truth for drowsiness.
El concepto de organismo en la filosofía de Hans Jonas
Authors: Marcos Arfredo
Published: May 2023

La actual filosofía de la biología, superada ya la tentación reduccionista, ha centrado su atención en el concepto de organismo. El pensamiento de Hans Jonas resultará de utilidad en este nuevo contexto, pues aborda de modo profundo dicho concepto. Desde esta convicción, el presente texto se propone explorar precisamente la noción de organismo en el pensamiento de Jonas. Para ello, comenzaré por exponer las motivaciones que conducen al autor hacia el concepto de organismo (sección 1). Acude a este como vía de salida de las aporías dualistas que, a su parecer, amenazaban con asfixiar la investigación filosófica. En un segundo paso, presentaré ya en concreto la idea de organismo que propone Jonas, con sus rasgos más conspicuos, entre los que consta un estrecho vínculo con la noción de metabolismo (sección 2). Tras ello, buscaré las conexiones del concepto de organismo con otras áreas del pensamiento de Jonas: ontología, antropología, ética y teología (sección 3). Esbozaré, a continuación, algunas críticas a las ideas de Jonas, en especial en lo que hace a la aplicación a los organismos del término “libertad”, así como a la ausencia de referencias a la reproducción biológica (sección 4), para finalizar con un resumen conclusivo (sección 5).