bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is mechanical power an under-recognised entity within the preterm lung?
Authors: Tingay David G. , Naidu Hannah , Tingay Hamish D. , Pereira-Fantini Prue M. , Kneyber Martin C. J. , Becher Tobias
Published: May 2023

Background

Mechanical power is a major contributor to lung injury and mortality in adults receiving mechanical ventilation. Recent advances in our understanding of mechanical power have allowed the different mechanical components to be isolated. The preterm lung shares many of the same similarities that would indicate mechanical power may be relevant in this group. To date, the role of mechanical power in neonatal lung injury is unknown. We hypothesise that mechanical power maybe useful in expanding our understanding of preterm lung disease. Specifically, that mechanical power measures may account for gaps in knowledge in how lung injury is initiated.

Hypothesis-generating data set

To provide a justification for our hypothesis, data in a repository at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne (Australia) were re-analysed. 16 preterm lambs 124–127d gestation (term 145d) who received 90 min of standardised positive pressure ventilation from birth via a cuffed endotracheal tube were chosen as each was exposed to three distinct and clinically relevant respiratory states with unique mechanics. These were (1) the respiratory transition to air-breathing from an entirely fluid-filled lung (rapid aeration and fall in resistance); (2) commencement of tidal ventilation in an acutely surfactant-deficient state (low compliance) and (3) exogenous surfactant therapy (improved aeration and compliance). Total, tidal, resistive and elastic-dynamic mechanical power were calculated from the flow, pressure and volume signals (200 Hz) for each inflation.

Results

All components of mechanical power behaved as expected for each state. Mechanical power increased during lung aeration from birth to 5 min, before again falling immediately after surfactant therapy. Before surfactant therapy tidal power contributed 70% of total mechanical power, and 53.7% after. The contribution of resistive power was greatest at birth, demonstrating the initial high respiratory system resistance at birth.

Conclusions

In our hypothesis-generating dataset, changes in mechanical power were evident during clinically important states for the preterm lung, specifically transition to air-breathing, changes in aeration and surfactant administration. Future preclinical studies using ventilation strategies designed to highlight different types of lung injury, including volu-, baro- and ergotrauma, are needed to test our hypothesis.
Online professional development across institutions and borders
Authors: Rienties Bart , Divjak Blazenka , Eichhorn Michael , Iniesto Francisco , Saunders-Smits Gillian , Svetec Barbi , Tillmann Alexander , Zizak Mirza
Published: May 2023

Professional development (PD) is a key element for enhancing the quality of academic teaching. An increasing number of PD activities have moved to blended and online formats, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to the desire, potential, and need for collaboration among educators to learn from innovative and best practices, several institutions have started to pool their resources and expertise together and have started to implement cross-institutional and cross-national online professional development (OPD). The questions of what type of a (cross-)institutional OPD educators might prefer, and whether educators learn effectively from (and with) peers in such cross-cultural context have not been adequately explored empirically. In this case-study across three European countries, we explored the lived experiences of 86 educators as a result of a cross-institutional OPD. Using a mixed methods design approach our pre-post findings indicated that, on average, participants made substantial gains in knowledge. In addition, several cultural differences were evident in the expectations and lived experiences in ODP, as well as the intention to transfer what had been learned into one's own practice of action. This study indicates that while substantial economic and pedagogical affordances are provided with cross-institutional OPD, cultural differences in context might impact the extent to which educators implement lessons learned from OPD.
Diagnostic and predictive value of Respiratory Index of Severity in Children (RISC) scoring system in community-acquired pneumonia: a prospective cross sectional study
Authors: Abdallah Abd El Megied Mohamed , Abdel Fattah Abdel Motey Mohammad , Aziz Miriam Magdy , Ebrahim Mohammed Mohammedy
Published: May 2023

Background

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) exhibits high mortality rates among children, accounting for up to 50% in severe cases.

Respiratory Index of Severity in Children (RISC) score is a six-predictor standardized means for assessment of the severity of respiratory illness among children. The aim of this study was to validate the RISC score in evaluation of mortality outcome in hospitalized infants diagnosed with CAP.

Methods

This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 Egyptian children who were diagnosed to have CAP, admitted to the general wards and pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) of Cairo University Children Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University from September 2019 to June 2020.

Results

Median RISC score was significantly higher in non-survivors compared with survivors (p < 0.001). There were significant direct correlations between RISC score and each of respiratory distress grade, C-reactive protein (CRP), PICU admission, mechanical ventilation (MV) and mortality (p < 0.05). The RISC score, assessed within 24 h of admission, had sensitivity of 85.71%, and specificity 89.51% in discriminating infants with CAP who survived from those who died (determined at a cut off > 3). The RISC score was a significant predictor for mortality in infants with CAP (Odds ratio = 5.17, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The RISC score helps in prediction of mortality among children with CAP. Future studies are needed to validate RISC score as a guide for effective management protocol.
Relationship of carrying angle with grip strength and anthropometric measurements in young adults
Authors: Nayak Subhasmita , Kumar Pravin , Oraon Anil Kumar
Published: May 2023

Background and purpose

Increase or decrease in the carrying angle may affect the functional activity and lead to elbow instability and pain during exercise or activity of daily living. Grip strength is commonly evaluated as a component of hand function in clinical settings as an indicator of disease and functional activity. The objective of this study was to find out correlation of carrying angle with grip strength and anthropometric measurements in healthy young adults.

Methodology

Two hundred three participants (female 121 and male 82) with mean age 22.95 ± 2.11 years were included as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Carrying angle was measured by goniometer, and grip strength was measured by handheld dynamometer. Anthropometric data like forearm length and hand span was measured by the measuring tape and ruler scale respectively.

Results

Spearman’s correlation test showed that carrying angle is negatively correlated with grip strength (r = − 0.18; p < 0.05) and forearm length (r = − 0.14; p < 0.05) on the left side but no significant correlation on the right side. Body height and carrying angle have negative correlation on the right (r = − 0.20, p < 0.05) and left sides (r = − 0.23, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

As the carrying angle increases, grip strength decreases. The height and length of the forearm are inversely related to the carrying angle. Grip strength is directly proportional with forearm length and hand span. Early identification of increased carrying angle will help in the prevention of various complications and identification of biomechanical alteration in sports activities.
Seismic time-frequency masking for suppression of seismic speckle noise
Authors: Bakulin Andrey , Neklyudov Dmitry , Silvestrov Ilya
Published: May 2023

Seismic speckle noise is the primary factor causing severe reflection distortions caused by small-scale near-surface scattering. As in the case of speckle noise in optics and acoustics, deterministic velocity model-building techniques cannot recover these heterogeneities which are much smaller than a wavelength. Conventional processing techniques struggle to perform when multiplicative noise remains unsuppressed. Although local and global stacking mitigates the effects of speckle noise, it leads to a severe loss of higher frequencies reducing the vertical resolution of the seismic data. The foundation for attacking speckle noise is a recently proposed mathematical model that includes two concurrent random multiplicative noise types: type 1 defining residual statics and type 2 describing random frequency-dependent phase perturbations that mimic small-scale near-surface scattering. Using this model, we have developed seismic time-frequency masking to suppress speckle noise on prestack data. The time-dependent and non-surface-consistent nature of scattering noise dictates window-based approaches borrowed from local stacking techniques. Separate manipulation of phase and amplitude spectra is achieved through modified time-frequency masking inspired by speech processing. A beamformed data set from local stacking is used as a guide for designing phase and amplitude masks that are directly applied to raw data in the time-frequency domain. The phase mask allows the restoration of coherency by repairing phase distortions caused by near-surface scattering. The amplitude mask corrects power spectrum (PS) distortions caused by multiplicative and additive noises. An amplitude mask is implemented using a data-driven minimum statistic approach that estimates the noise PS in each local window. The minimum statistics approach is adapted from speech processing using beamformed data as an initial signal estimate and as a guide to designing an improved amplitude mask. Synthetic and field data examples suggest significant improvements in coherency and signal-to-noise ratio after the suppression of multiplicative noise, which makes the data processable by conventional techniques subsequently.
Aerosolization Performance of Immunoglobulin G by Jet and Mesh Nebulizers
Authors: Chang Kyung Hwa , Park Bong Joo , Nam Ki Chang
Published: May 2023

Recently, many preclinical and clinical studies have been conducted on the delivery of therapeutic antibodies to the lungs using nebulizers, but standard treatment guidelines have not yet been established. Our objective was to compare nebulization performance according to the low temperature and concentration of immunoglobulin G (IgG) solutions in different types of nebulizers, and to evaluate the stability of IgG aerosols and the amount delivered to the lungs. The output rate of the mesh nebulizers decreased according to the low temperature and high concentration of IgG solution, whereas the jet nebulizer was unaffected by the temperature and concentration of IgG. An impedance change of the piezoelectric vibrating element in the mesh nebulizers was observed because of the lower temperature and higher viscosity of IgG solution. This affected the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element and lowered the output rate of the mesh nebulizers. Aggregation assays using a fluorescent probe revealed aggregates in IgG aerosols from all nebulizers. The delivered dose of IgG to the lungs in mice was highest at 95 ng/mL in the jet nebulizer with the smallest droplet size. Evaluation of the performance of IgG solution delivered to the lungs by three types of nebulizers could provide valuable parameter information for determination on dose of therapeutic antibody by nebulizers.

Graphical abstract
Nonequilibrium work relations meet engineered thermodynamic control: A perspective for nonequilibrium measurements
Authors: Li Geng , Tu Z. C.
Published: May 2023

Nonequilibrium work relations establish a fundamental connection between the equilibrium properties of a system and the fluctuation of work performed during nonequilibrium driving processes. However, high dissipation in fast driving processes often impedes the convergence of these work relations, complicating the accurate measurement and estimation of equilibrium properties. To address this issue, recent advances in the methodology of engineered thermodynamic control have been introduced. The goal of this method is to improve the efficiency of nonequilibrium measurements by engineering the driving strategies for the system. The engineered strategies enable the system to follow a desired evolution, thereby enhancing the estimation of equilibrium properties in finite-rate driving processes. In this perspective, we shed light on recent developments in this field. Different principles have been reviewed for engineering thermodynamic driving strategies, such as finding optimal control protocols to minimize dissipation and designing thermodynamic control protocols to shorten the lag between the system current state and its corresponding equilibrium state. Nonequilibrium measurement schemes matched with engineered thermodynamic control are also outlined as promising avenues for improving the efficiency and accuracy of nonequilibrium measurements, including several refined nonequilibrium work relations matched with designed thermodynamic control protocols.
Interplay of spermatogonial subpopulations during initial stages of spermatogenesis in adult primates
Authors: Capponi Chiara , Palazzoli Martina , Di Persio Sara , Fera Stefania , Spadetta Gustavo , Franco Giorgio , Wistuba Joachim , Schlatt Stefan , Neuhaus Nina , de Rooij Dirk , Vicini Elena
Published: May 2023

The spermatogonial compartment maintains spermatogenesis throughout the reproductive lifespan. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has revealed the presence of several spermatogonial clusters characterized by specific molecular signatures. However, it is unknown whether the presence of such clusters can be confirmed in terms of protein expression and whether protein expression in the subsets overlaps. To investigate this, we analyzed the expression profile of spermatogonial markers during the seminiferous epithelial cycle in cynomolgus monkeys and compared the results with human data. We found that in cynomolgus monkeys, as in humans, undifferentiated spermatogonia are largely quiescent, and the few engaged in the cell cycle were immunoreactive to GFRA1 antibodies. Moreover, we showed that PIWIL4+ spermatogonia, considered the most primitive undifferentiated spermatogonia in scRNA-seq studies, are quiescent in primates. We also described a novel subset of early differentiating spermatogonia, detectable from stage III to stage VII of the seminiferous epithelial cycle, that were transitioning from undifferentiated to differentiating spermatogonia, suggesting that the first generation of differentiating spermatogonia arises early during the epithelial cycle. Our study makes key advances in the current understanding of male germline premeiotic expansion in primates.
Gene editing innovations and their applications in cardiomyopathy research
Authors: Kyriakopoulou Eirini , Monnikhof Thomas , van Rooij Eva
Published: May 2023

Cardiomyopathies are among the major triggers of heart failure, but their clinical and genetic complexity have hampered our understanding of these disorders and delayed the development of effective treatments. Alongside the recent identification of multiple cardiomyopathy-associated genetic variants, advances in genome editing are providing new opportunities for cardiac disease modeling and therapeutic intervention, both in vitro and in vivo. Two recent innovations in this field, prime and base editors, have improved editing precision and efficiency, and are opening up new possibilities for gene editing of postmitotic tissues, such as the heart. Here, we review recent advances in prime and base editors, the methods to optimize their delivery and targeting efficiency, their strengths and limitations, and the challenges that remain to be addressed to improve the application of these tools to the heart and their translation to the clinic.
A participação cidadã como um dos princípios de Governo Aberto
Authors: Oliveira Daniel José Silva , Ckagnazaroff Ivan Beck
Published: May 2023

Nas últimas décadas, a participação se constituiu como um instrumento de aprofundamento democrático e de qualificação da gestão pública. Seguindo essa tendência, algumas iniciativas pioneiras de governo aberto incluíram a participação como um de seus princípios fundamentais. No entanto, o significado e as características da participação como um princípio de governo aberto têm sido discutidos apenas superficialmente pela literatura do campo. Por esse motivo, o objetivo deste ensaio teórico foi fazer uma discussão sobre as diferentes formas de se classificar a participação cidadã e esclarecer quais devem ser suas características enquanto princípio de governo aberto. Em síntese, o estudo demonstrou que a participação cidadã no contexto do governo aberto deve ir além das simples consultas, pois é preciso garantir o protagonismo e o envolvimento dos cidadãos nas decisões políticas. É necessário que haja uma participação real e ativa em que os cidadãos possam fazer parte e tomar parte nas decisões, contribuindo para o fortalecimento da cidadania, da democracia deliberativa e da legitimidade das decisões.
O uso dos instrumentos fiscais pelo Governo Federal no pós-LRF (2001–2022)
Authors: Sacramento Ana Rita Silva , Raupp Fabiano Maury
Published: May 2023

O artigo objetivou caracterizar o uso dos instrumentos fiscais pelo governo federal transcorridos 22 anos da Lei de Responsabilidade Fiscal. Numa perspectiva rawlsiana, empreendeu-se uma pesquisa descritiva por meio de um estudo bibliográfico, documental e, predominantemente, qualitativo. Foram analisados dados fechados do período de 2001 a 2021, além da tendência de fechamento de 2022, para contemplar as funções alocativa, distributiva e estabilizadora da política fiscal brasileira. Para análise dos dados, utilizou-se a técnica da análise descritiva, em um processo interativo com a coleta de dados, de caráter eminentemente teórico-reflexivo. Concluiu-se que as exigências legais em relação aos gastos fiscais não podem ser consideradas aspectos dificultadores para o investimento no social pelos governos se os princípios expressos no “contrato” pactuado na Constituição Federal de 1988 forem seguidos. Foi possível perceber elementos que denotam a importância do princípio da redução das desigualdades da teoria de Rawls no contexto brasileiro.
“Ready for the Homeland” in Croatian media: Commemorations, victory, and foundation
Authors: Damčević Katarina
Published: May 2023

This article analyses the media discourse surrounding the WWII fascist salute Za dom spremni (ZDS) in the aftermath of two national commemorations that took place in Croatia in spring 2020: Jasenovac and Operation Flash (Bljesak). In spring 2020 Zoran Milanović, the newly elected President of Croatia, adamantly criticized the presence of the salute, associated with the collaborationist Ustaša regime, at the two commemorations, calling for its removal and ban. This led to heated reactions from war veterans and politicians who considered Milanović’s actions unacceptable and offensive towards the memory and legacy of the 1990s war, which triggered a wider debate regarding Croatia’s post-war national identity. The object of the analysis is the discourse surrounding the salute as it emerges in opinion pieces published in weekly and daily newspapers in April, May, and June 2020. With the salute becoming an increasingly prominent part of negotiating national identity and tailoring political agendas, investigating how it is justified, disapproved or otherwise challenged in the media is an aspect that deserves more attention. Relying on insights from discourse studies, the article sheds light on various statements that (de)legitimize the salute and consequently particular actors and actions associated with it. With the help of semiotics of culture wider signification tendencies and dominant discourse(s) upon which the national selfdescription has been built are identified. The article contributes to scholarship on hate speech and contested symbols in the post-Yugoslav space and their (mis)uses in societies struggling with traumatic legacies.
Exploring the nature and strength of the semiotic relation: A case study about liminal species in Tartu
Authors: Delahaye Pauline
Published: May 2023

The case study described in this paper is part of an emerging cultural context in both its scientific as well as societal aspects, where animals are seen more and more as social and ethical subjects and their presence in the vicinity of humans is seen less and less as a nuisance to be eradicated. It aims to understand the different aspects (material inconveniences, emotional relationships, symbolic value, biodiversity perception, etc.) that hold sway in the relationship between humans and other species in an environment still symbolically seen as separate from any natural process, containing very little biodiversity, and belonging exclusively to humans. This study aims to map out the shared urban ecosystem and show that many of the relationships, coexistence issues, and failures in urban management are connected to semiotic processes that can be transformed. One of the major results of this case study is the emergence of the concept of ‘resistance of the semiotic relation’: the fact that some semiotic relationships, especially symbolic ones, seem to resist any element or piece of evidence that could be proposed to contradict them. This concept postulates that not all semiotic relations have the same strength or the same resistance to exterior attempts to modify them, and that potential semiotic solutions proposed to improve semiotic relationships, for example in cohabitation situations, need to address this reality and the variety of resistance – or resilience – of different semiotic relations.
Obsessive - compulsive disorder - course during pregnancy, exacerbation factors - literature review
Authors: Czarnota Julia , Cichoń Katarzyna , Chyćko Małgorzata , Kromer Agata , Zapała Magdalena Alicja , Gawryś Agnieszka , Środoń Agnieszka , Łapaj Monika , Wilk Joanna , Cholewa Małgorzata Maria
Published: May 2023

Introduction and purpose of the work: 

The period of pregnancy and puerperium is the time of increased vulnerability for mother’s mental deterioration. While disorders such as perinatal depression have been detailed, an impact of pregnancy on the course of other mental disorders such as OCD is less investigated. The purpose of this work was to  draw attention to the factors that may influence exacerbation of obsessions and compulsions in pregnancy and during the postpartum period. The most common obsessions and compulsions of pregnant women and the influence of mother’s OCD on the newborn have also been described in this research.

 

State of knowledge:

Factors such as mother’s age, duration of pregnancy, method of delivery may be predictors of aggravation of obsessions and compulsions. Gestational diabetes, thyroid hormones levels, personality disorders of the mother, stress, cultural beliefs also have an impact on mother’s OCD. Infant being infected or hurt are the most common obsession subjects while cleaning and checking the baby happen to be the most frequent compulsions.

 

Summary:

It is important to disseminate knowledge about the course of OCD during pregnancy and postpartum period and pay attention to the inflammatory factors for earlier diagnosis and treatment. More research about factors worsening OCD through pregnancy are needed to be conducted.
Taxonomía de la inteligencia artificial en el entorno cognitivo de los conflictos
Authors: Flores Vivar Jesús Miguel , Gómez-de-Ágreda Ángel , Gómez-López Jacinto
Published: May 2023

El artículo aborda el estado del arte y análisis del paradigma de inteligencia artificial (ia) aplicada a usos bélicos. Se reflexiona cómo los conflictos contemporáneos se libran en muy buena parte fuera de los campos de batalla, incluso en ámbitos no físicos, como el cibernético y el cognitivo. En estos dos entornos se da un uso no menos intenso de la ia con la misma finalidad de alterar la voluntad de los adversarios, valiéndose fundamentalmente de herramientas de influencia y desinformación. La metodología utilizada se basa en la revisión bibliográfica y análisis de documentos elaborados por expertos e informes de instituciones dedicadas al tratamiento de la ciberseguridad, defensa y acciones bélicas en los países desarrollados. Se propone una taxonomía de las aplicaciones bélicas y maliciosas de la ia que prescinde de las características tecnológicas de esta para centrarse en su aplicación operacional. El resultado no es un conjunto cerrado de opciones, sino que se ramifica en numerosas alternativas susceptibles de ser desarrolladas en otros trabajos. La conclusión principal que se alcanza es que los países deben tener en cuenta el potencial de la ia para desarrollar acciones tácticas y estratégicas, preparándose para escenarios no convencionales.
Related-factors of social support for students’ physical activity in a network perspective
Authors: Silva Naildo Santos , Mello Júlio Brugnara , Bandeira Paulo Felipe Ribeiro , Mota Jorge , Gaya Adroaldo Cezar Araújo , Gaya Anelise Reis
Published: May 2023

This study investigates the relationship between social support and moderate to vigorous physical activity, as well as the possible relationships between social support and socioeconomic status, gender and body mass index. Cross-sectional study with a non-randomized sample of 71 students (boys and girls) aged 7 to 12 and their parents or legal guardians. Social support and socioeconomic status were assessed using validated questionnaires. Height and body mass measurements were used for the body mass index equation. Moderate to vigorous physical activity was measured by accelerometers. The associations between all variables were tested by a network analysis. Moderate to vigorous physical activity is negatively correlated with socioeconomic status, body mass index and a question from the social support questionnaire: “How many times in the last week have you watched your child be physically active?”. We observed a positive correlation between moderate to vigorous physical activity with gender and a question from the social support questionnaire: “How many times in the last week did you provide transport for your child’s physical activity?”. Thus, moderate to vigorous physical activity has a negative correlation with socioeconomic status, body mass index and the variable “parents sometimes observe their child to be physically active”, and parents who provide transportation for the child to practice physical activity. In future, it is import to consider the network analysis in the intervention studies to promote adolescents’ physical activity.
A Nonconvex Regularization Scheme for the Stochastic Dual Dynamic Programming Algorithm
Authors: Bhattacharya Arnab , Kharoufeh Jeffrey P. , Zeng Bo
Published: May 2023

We propose a new nonconvex regularization scheme to improve the performance of the stochastic dual dynamic programming (SDDP) algorithm for solving large-scale multistage stochastic programs. Specifically, we use a class of nonconvex regularization functions, namely folded concave penalty functions, to improve solution quality and the convergence rate of the SDDP procedure. We develop a strategy based on mixed-integer programming to guarantee global optimality of the nonconvex regularization problem. Moreover, we establish provable convergence guarantees for our customized SDDP algorithm. The benefits of our regularization scheme are demonstrated by solving large-scale instances of two multistage stochastic optimization problems.

History: Pascal Van Hentenryck, Area Editor for Computational Modeling: Methods & Analysis.

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2021.0255 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2021.0255 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
CEO Stock Ownership, Recall Timing, and Stock Market Penalties
Authors: Darby Jessica L. , Ketchen David J. , Ball George P. , Mukherjee Ujjal
Published: May 2023

Problem definition: Firms often delay the decision to recall faulty medical devices long after they become aware of a defect, thereby putting public safety at heightened risk. However, the factors contributing to these delays are not well-understood. To help address this gap, we examine whether and how CEO stock ownership influences the speed with which faulty medical devices are recalled and whether this influence varies with recall severity. We then examine whether the stock market penalizes firms differently based on recall decision-making speed and whether this penalty also varies with recall severity. Methodology/results: We collect data on 2,144 medical device recalls across 50 public medical device firms from 2002 to 2015. We use accelerated failure time models to test the effects of CEO stock ownership on the time-to-recall and event study methodology to examine how the time-to-recall influences stock market returns. Supplementary analyses shed further light on underlying mechanisms. Robustness checks demonstrate consistent results, including coarsened exact matching, reverse causality tests, Cox proportional hazard models, generalized linear regression models, and a mediation analysis. Firms whose CEOs possess greater ownership stakes recall medical devices more slowly, and this recall-slowing effect is accentuated for high-severity recalls. Delaying recalls magnifies the stock market penalty attributable to the recall, particularly for high-severity recalls. Managerial implications: Our study highlights an ownership characteristic of firms that are more likely to delay recalling faulty medical devices. Boards of directors can use insights from our study as they oversee product-quality decisions and determine the level and form of CEO compensation, and the FDA can use our findings to identify firms that might warrant extra scrutiny and better allocate its limited monitoring resources.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2021.0175 .
Experiences of Muslim women living with gynaecological cancer and family caregivers
Authors: Vardar Okan , Serçekuş Pınar
Published: May 2023

Background:

Cancer has a large impact on the life of the diagnosed person and also their caregivers, who are typically family members. The impact of cancer on a Muslim woman and her caregivers has not been well researched because of cultural and social constraits.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to explorel the experiences of Muslim women with gynaecological cancers and their family caregivers.

Methods:

A descriptive phenomenological approach was adopted. A convenience sample was used in the research.

Findings:

The study findings were grouped into four major themes: the initial reaction to a cancer diagnosis from women and their caregivers, difficulties the patient and caregiver experienced (physiological, psychological, social and sexual), coping with cancer and expectations that caregivers and patients have of the institution and the health personnel. It was determined that during this disease and treatment, both the patients and caregivers faced difficulties, which can be categorised as physiological, psychological, social and sexual. Muslim women with gynaecological cancer frequently used coping behaviours, such as worshiping and believing that illness and healing come from God during the illness process.

Conclusions:

Patients and their family caregivers lived through various difficulties. Healthcare professionals need to consider the expectations of patients with gynecological cancer, alongside those of their family caregivers. Nurses can help Muslim patients and their families cope with the problems they experience by being aware of the positive coping methods of Muslim cancer patients and their caregivers. Nurses should consider individuals' religious beliefs and cultural differences while giving care.
Measurement of Students' Chemistry Practicum Skills Using Many Facets Rash Model
Authors: Elvira Melly , Retnawati Heri , Rohaeti Eli , Sainuddin Syamsir
Published: May 2023

The accuracy of assessing the capabilities of the process and product in chemical practice activities requires appropriate measurement procedures to be followed. It is crucial to identify the components that can introduce bias while measuring student abilities during the measurement process. This study aims to identify the components or criteria used by teachers to assess student performance in practicum activities and analyze the quality of the rubrics developed. The study was conducted with the participation of three raters, 27 high school students, and nine assessment criteria. A quantitative descriptive approach was employed using the many-facet Rasch model (MFRM) analysis for measurement. The results of the MFRM analysis show no significant measurement bias, with data measurement facets fitting the MFRM model. The reliability of all the facets meets the criteria, and the scale predictor functions appropriately. While all students can easily pass four out of nine items, five items can only be partially passed by students. The assessment criteria that require special attention include communication skills, tools and assembly, interpretation, cleanliness, and accuracy when performing practicums. These criteria provide feedback for teachers and students to ensure successful practicum activities. The Discussion section of this study delves into the findings and their implications.
The Training of Greek Primary Education Teachers in Learning Difficulties
Authors: Kyriakopoulos Dimitrios , Díaz-Pareja Elena Mª
Published: May 2023

Most Greek primary teachers, not having enough training in learning difficulties, cannot effectively help these students, nor easily include them in the school context. An exploratory methodological approach has been used and an ad hoc questionnaire with four dimensions and 44 items has been designed. In this work we focus on dimension IV: Teacher training. 205 Greek primary school teachers have participated. One of the main results has been that most of the participants consider training in learning difficulties to be important and believe that the lack of training greatly affects the inclusion of students with learning difficulties. Equally important is that the majority of participants consider that training affects their attitudes. It was also found that Greek teachers do not believe they have enough training in learning difficulties, due to lack of time, the cost of training as well as the absence of frequent training activities in this field.
Peer Tutoring Learning Strategies in Mathematics Subjects: Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Hidayat Riyan , Nasir Nurihan , Fadzli Sobiratul Asiah Mohamad , Rusli Nurul Syahirah , Kamaruzzaman Nur Najiha , Sheng Victor Yii Zi , Mohammad Nur Husna Hayati , Shukeri Afifah Shabirah
Published: May 2023

The peer tutoring approach is a student-cantered teaching method in which students learn in pairs with teacher supervision. The study discussed in this paper is a systematic literature review related to the effectiveness of peer tutoring approaches which has been published within the last 5 years. A complete text analysis was conducted using 20 research papers stating the impact of the peer mentoring approach for this writing. Among the things obtained from previous studies are the variety of ways to implement peer tutoring approach, the impact on 3 aspects in students which are mathematical achievement, social skills and cognitive skills and the teaching theories used. The findings of the study indicate that most past studies used quantitative research methods with the concept of age peer approach. Then, constructivism theory was the most frequently applied with a sample of high school students. In conclusion, this systematic literature review shows that the peer tutoring approach in mathematics education has many benefits in various aspects and needs to be extended to improve the quality of education.
Adaptive window space direction laser speckle contrast imaging to improve vascular visualization
Authors: Han Guang , Li De , Wang Jiwei , Guo Qianbei , Yuan Jixin , Chen Ruijuan , Wang Jinhai , Wang Huiquan , Zhang Jun
Published: May 2023

Vascular visualization is crucial in monitoring, diagnosing, and treating vascular diseases. Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) is widely used for imaging blood flow in shallow or exposed vessels. However, traditional contrast computation using a fixed-sized sliding window introduces noise. In this paper, we propose dividing the laser speckle contrast image into regions and using the variance criterion to extract pixels more suitable for the corresponding regions for calculation, and changing the shape and size of the analysis window at the vascular boundary regions. Our results show that this method has a higher noise reduction and better image quality in deeper vessel imaging, revealing more microvascular structure information.
Short-wavelength excitation two-photon intravital microscopy of endogenous fluorophores
Authors: Wu Ting , Liao Jiuling , Xiang Feng , Yu Jia , Gao Yufeng , Liu Lina , Ye Shiwei , Li Hui , Shi Kebin , Zheng Wei
Published: May 2023

The noninvasive two-photon excitation autofluorescence imaging of cellular and subcellular structure and dynamics in live tissue could provide critical in vivo information for biomedical studies. However, the two-photon microscopy of short-wavelength endogenous fluorophores, such as tryptophan and hemoglobin, is extremely limited due to the lack of suitable imaging techniques. In this study, we developed a short-wavelength excitation time- and spectrum-resolved two-photon microscopy system. A 520-nm femtosecond fiber laser was used as the excitation source, and a time-correlated single-photon counting module connected with a spectrograph was used to provide time- and spectrum-resolved detection capability. The system was specially designed for measuring ultraviolet and violet-blue fluorescence signals and thus was very suitable for imaging short-wavelength endogenous fluorophores. Using the system, we systematically compared the fluorescence spectra and fluorescence lifetimes of short-wavelength endogenous fluorophores, including the fluorescent molecules tyrosine, tryptophan, serotonin (5-HT), niacin (vitamin B3), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), and NADH and the protein group (keratin, elastin, and hemoglobin). Then, high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) label-free imaging of different biological tissues, including rat esophageal tissue, rat oral cheek tissue, and mouse ear skin, was performed in vivo or ex vivo. Finally, we conducted time-lapse imaging of leukocyte migration in the lipopolysaccharide injection immunization model and a mechanical trauma immunization model. The results indicate that the system can specifically characterize short-wavelength endogenous fluorophores and provide noninvasive label-free 3D visualization of fine structures and dynamics in biological systems. The microscopy system developed here can empower more flexible imaging of endogenous fluorophores and provide a novel method for the 3D monitoring of biological events in their native environment.
Propagation dynamics of (3+1)-dimensional self-accelerating sinh-Gaussian and cosh-Gaussian wave packets in a harmonic potential
Authors: Peng Xi , Xu Gaofei , Ouyang Jingyun , Deng Dongmei , Zhao Daomu
Published: May 2023

In a harmonic potential, the propagation properties of self-accelerating sinh-Gaussian and cosh-Gaussian wave packets are investigated. Analytical results from a (3+1)-dimensional evolution equation are derived. Changing the distribution factor allows these wave packets to present different forms, including dipoles, elliptic vortex, hollow rings, horizontal figure eight, and elliptic Gaussian. These spatiotemporal wave packets rotate periodically, and the period depends on the potential depth. Their shapes are strongly determined by the distribution factor and the cross-phase factor while propagating. Further, the wave packets with negative chirp parameters can reverse their self-accelerating direction. We also investigate these wave packets’ energy flow and angular moment density to explore their dynamic rotating features. The spatiotemporal self-accelerating sinh-Gaussian and cosh-Gaussian wave packets have distinctive characteristics, which may provide a novel platform for the realization of joint control of the optical field in the spatiotemporal domain.
Strong antibunching effect under the combination of conventional and unconventional photon blockade
Authors: Zhu Hongyan , Li Xiaomiao , Li Zigeng , Wang Fan , Zhong Xiaolan
Published: May 2023

Photon blockade (PB), an effective method of generating antibunching effect, is a critical way to construct a single photon source. The PB effect can be divided into conventional PB effect (CPB) and unconventional PB effect (UPB). Most studies focus on designing systems to successfully enhance CPB or UPB effect individually. However, CPB extremely depends on the nonlinearity strength of the Kerr materials to achieve strong antibunching effect while UPB relies on quantum interference beset with the high probability of the vacuum state. Here, we propose a method to utilize the relevance and complementarity of CPB and UPB to realize these two types simultaneously. We employ a hybrid Kerr nonlinearity two-cavity system. Because of the mutual assistance of two cavities, CPB and UPB can coexist in the system under certain states. In this way, for the same Kerr material, we reduce the value of the second-order correlation function due to CPB by three orders of magnitude without losing the mean photon number due to the presence of UPB, so the advantages of both PB effects are fully reflected in our system, which is a huge performance boost for single photons.
Non-sliced optical arbitrary waveform measurement (OAWM) using soliton microcombs
Authors: Drayss Daniel , Fang Dengyang , Füllner Christoph , Lihachev Grigory , Henauer Thomas , Chen Yung , Peng Huanfa , Marin-Palomo Pablo , Zwick Thomas , Freude Wolfgang , Kippenberg Tobias J. , Randel Sebastian , Koos Christian
Published: May 2023

Comb-based optical arbitrary waveform measurement (OAWM) techniques can overcome the bandwidth limitations of conventional coherent detection schemes, thereby enabling ultra-broadband signal acquisition in a wide range of scientific and industrial applications. For efficient and robust implementation of such OAWM systems, miniaturization into chip-scale form factors is key. In this paper, we propose and demonstrate an OAWM scheme that exploits chip-scale Kerr soliton combs as compact and highly scalable multi-wavelength local oscillators (LO) and that does not require optical slicing filters, thus lending itself to efficient implementation on state-of-the-art high-index-contrast integration platforms such as silicon photonics. The scheme allows for measuring truly arbitrary waveforms with high accuracy based on a dedicated system model that is calibrated by means of a femtosecond laser with a known pulse shape. We demonstrate the viability of our approach in a proof-of-concept experiment by capturing optical waveforms with multiple 16QAM and 64QAM wavelength-division multiplexed (WDM) data signals, reaching overall line rates of up to 1.92 Tbit/s within an optical acquisition bandwidth of 610 GHz. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest bandwidth that has so far been demonstrated in an OAWM experiment. Our work opens a path towards efficient implementation of OAWM systems, offering THz acquisition bandwidths in highly compact and robust assemblies that can rely on chip-scale frequency-comb generators and simple filter-less detector circuits.
Soliton generation in CaF2 crystalline whispering gallery mode resonators with negative thermal-optical effects
Authors: qu mingfei , li chenhong , liu Kangqi , zhu weihang , wei Yuan , wang pengfei , kang songbai
Published: May 2023

Calcium fluoride (CaF2) crystalline whispering gallery mode resonators (WGMRs) exhibit ultrahigh intrinsic quality factors and a low power anomalous dispersion in the communication and mid-infrared bands, making them attractive platforms for microresonator-based comb generation. However, their unique negative thermo-optic effects pose challenges when achieving thermal equilibrium. To our knowledge, our experiments serve as the first demonstration of soliton microcombs in Q > 109 CaF2 WGMRs. We observed soliton mode-locking and bidirectional switching of soliton numbers caused by the negative thermo-optic effects. Additionally, various soliton formation dynamics are shown, including breathing and vibrational solitons, which can be attributed to thermo-photomechanical oscillations. Thus, our results enrich the soliton generation platform and provide a reference for generating solitons from WGMRs that comprise other materials with negative thermo-optic effects. In the future, the ultrahigh quality factor of CaF2 crystal cavities may enable the generation of sub-milliwatt-level broad-spectrum soliton combs.
Efficacy of Intellect’s self-guided anxiety and worry mobile health programme: A randomized controlled trial with an active control and a 2-week follow-up
Authors: Kosasih Feodora Roxanne , Yee Vanessa Tan Sing , Toh Sean Han Yang , Sündermann Oliver
Published: May 2023

Digital self-guided mobile health [mHealth] applications are cost-effective, accessible, and well-suited to improve mental health at scale. This randomized controlled trial [RCT] evaluated the efficacy of a recently developed mHealth programme based on cognitive-behavioral therapy [CBT] principles in improving worry and anxiety. We also examined psychological mindedness [PM] as a mediator by which app engagement is thought to improve outcomes. The Intervention group completed a 2-week “Anxiety and Worry” programme with daily CBT-informed activities, while the active waitlist-control completed a matched 2-week mHealth programme on procrastination. Participants filled out the Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD-7], Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9], and Psychological Mindedness Scale [PMS] at baseline, post-intervention, and 2-week follow-up. App engagement was measured at post-intervention only. Contrary to prediction, the Intervention group did not perform better than the Active Control group; both groups showed significant improvements on anxiety and depressive symptoms from baseline to follow-up. From post-intervention to follow-up, only the Intervention group showed further improvements for anxiety symptoms. Higher engagement with the mHealth app predicted lower anxiety and depressive symptoms at follow-up, and this relationship was fully mediated by psychological mindedness. This study provides evidence that [a] engaging in a CBT mHealth programme can reduce anxiety and worry, and [b] Psychological mindedness is a potential pathway by which engaging with a mHealth app improves anxiety and depressive symptoms. While overall effect sizes were small, at the population level, these can make significant contributions to public mental health.