bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental programming by prenatal sounds: insights into possible mechanisms
Authors: Mariette Mylene M.
Published: March 2024

In recent years, the impact of prenatal sound on development, notably for programming individual phenotypes for postnatal conditions, has increasingly been revealed. However, the mechanisms through which sound affects physiology and development remain mostly unexplored. Here, I gather evidence from neurobiology, developmental biology, cellular biology and bioacoustics to identify the most plausible modes of action of sound on developing embryos. First, revealing often-unsuspected plasticity, I discuss how prenatal sound may shape auditory system development and determine individuals' later capacity to receive acoustic information. I also consider the impact of hormones, including thyroid hormones, glucocorticoids and androgen, on auditory plasticity. Second, I review what is known about sound transduction to other – non-auditory – brain regions, and its potential to input on classical developmental programming pathways. Namely, the auditory pathway has direct anatomical and functional connectivity to the hippocampus, amygdala and/or hypothalamus, in mammals, birds and anurans. Sound can thus trigger both immediate and delayed responses in these limbic regions, which are specific to the acoustic stimulus and its biological relevance. Third, beyond the brain, I briefly consider the possibility for sound to directly affect cellular functioning, based on evidence in earless organisms (e.g. plants) and cell cultures. Together, the multi-disciplinary evidence gathered here shows that the brain is wired to allow multiple physiological and developmental effects of sound. Overall, there are many unexplored, but possible, pathways for sound to impact even primitive or immature organisms. Throughout, I identify the most promising research avenues for unravelling the processes of acoustic developmental programming.
Towards Equal Access to Cytoreductive Surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy and Survival in Patients with Isolated Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: van der Ven Roos G. F. M. , van den Heuvel Teun B. M. , Rovers Koen P. B. , Nienhuijs Simon W. , Boerma Djamila , van Grevenstein Wilhelmina M. U. , Hemmer Patrick H. J. , Kok Niels F. M. , Madsen Eva V. E. , de Reuver Philip , Tuynman Jurriaan B. , van Erning Felice N. , de Hingh Ignace H. J. T.
Published: March 2024

Background

Before 2016, patients with isolated synchronous colorectal peritoneal metastases (PMCRC) diagnosed in expert centers had a higher odds of undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) and better overall survival (OS) than those diagnosed in referring centers. Nationwide efforts were initiated to increase awareness and improve referral networks.

Methods

This nationwide study aimed to evaluate whether the between-center differences in odds of undergoing CRS-HIPEC and OS have reduced since these national efforts were initiated. All patients with isolated synchronous PMCRC diagnosed between 2009 and 2021 were identified from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Associations between hospital of diagnosis and the odds of undergoing CRS-HIPEC, as well as OS, were assessed using multilevel multivariable regression analyses for two periods (2009–2015 and 2016–2021).

Results

In total, 3948 patients were included. The percentage of patients undergoing CRS-HIPEC increased from 17.2% in 2009–2015 (25.4% in expert centers, 16.5% in referring centers), to 23.4% in 2016–2021 (30.2% in expert centers, 22.6% in referring centers). In 2009–2015, compared with diagnosis in a referring center, diagnosis in a HIPEC center showed a higher odds of undergoing CRS-HIPEC (odds ratio [OR] 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–2.67) and better survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.80, 95% CI 0.66–0.96). In 2016–2021, there were no differences in the odds of undergoing CRS-HIPEC between patients diagnosed in HIPEC centers versus referring centers (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.76–2.13) and survival (HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.76–1.32).

Conclusion

Previously observed differences in odds of undergoing CRS-HIPEC were no longer present. Increased awareness and the harmonization of treatment for PMCRC may have contributed to equal access to care and a similar chance of survival at a national level.
New Russian Economic History
Authors: Zhuravskaya Ekaterina , Guriev Sergei , Markevich Andrei
Published: March 2024

This survey discusses recent developments in the growing literature on the economic history of Russia in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Using novel data and modern empirical methods, this research provides important lessons for development and political economy. We address four strands of this literature. First, we present long-term trends in economic development, illustrating that throughout history, Russia significantly underperformed advanced economies, and quantify the human cost of Joseph Stalin’s dictatorship. Second, we discuss studies of imperial Russia focusing on the causes of Russia’s relatively low level of economic development and the 1917 revolution. The third strand of the literature focuses on the Soviet period, explaining its slowdown over time and eventual collapse. The fourth strand documents the long-term economic, social, and political consequences of large-scale historical experiments that took place during both the imperial and Soviet periods. We conclude by discussing the lessons from this research and highlighting open questions. (JEL N10, N30, N40, N60, P20, P30, Z13)
The Political Effects of Immigration: Culture or Economics?
Authors: Alesina Alberto , Tabellini Marco
Published: March 2024

We review the growing literature on the political economy of immigration. First, we discuss the effects of immigration on a wide range of political and social outcomes. The existing evidence suggests that immigrants often, but not always, trigger backlash, increasing support for anti-immigrant parties and lowering preferences for redistribution and diversity among natives. Next, we unpack the channels behind the political effects of immigration, distinguishing between economic and noneconomic forces. In examining the mechanisms, we highlight important mediating factors, such as misperceptions, the media, and the conditions under which intergroup contact occurs. We also outline promising avenues for future research. (JEL D72, H23, J11, J15, K37, R23, Z13)
As Gods Among Men: A History of the Rich in the West
Authors: Cummins Neil
Published: March 2024

Neil Cummins of London School of Economics reviews “As Gods Among Men: A History of the Rich in the West” by Guido Alfani. The Econlit abstract of this book begins: “Explores the role and significance of the Western rich and superrich in history, detailing important aspects of their behavior to pinpoint patterns representing elements of continuity or change.”
Συμβολή στον προσδιορισμό των κριτηρίων για την διενέργεια εκλεκτικών οπίσθιων ριζοτομών για την θεραπεία της σπαστικότητας στα παιδιά με εγκεφαλική παράλυση
Authors: Γεωργούλης Γεώργιος
Published: March 2024

ΣΚΟΠΟΣ: Η διερεύνηση – μέσω διεγχειρητικών καταγραφών νευροφυσιολογίας – της συγκριτικής κατανομής της ανακλαστικής διεγερσιμότητας των ριζομεταμερών Ο2 – Ι2 του νωτιαίου μυελού σε μια σειρά παιδιών με σπαστική εγκεφαλική παράλυση που υποβλήθηκαν σε εκλεκτική οπίσθια ριζοτομή. ΜΕΘΟΔΟΣ: Η σειρά περιελάμβανε διαδοχικά 46 παιδιά, που υποβλήθηκαν σε οπίσθια ριζοτομή, χρησιμοποιώντας τη μέθοδο της Διαπεταλίου Οπίσθιας Ριζοτομής δίκην κλειδαρότρυπας – Keyhole Interlaminar Dorsal rizotomy (KIDr). Η διαδικασία επέτρεψε την ανεξάρτητη πρόσβαση σε όλες τις ρίζες από την Ο2 έως την Ι2, διατηρώντας παράλληλα ακέραιη την αρχιτεκτονική των οπίσθιων δομών της οσφυϊκής μοίρας της σπονδυλικής στήλης. Οι οπίσθιες ρίζες διεγέρθηκαν εκλεκτικά για να δοκιμαστεί η ανακλαστική διεγερσιμότητα των επιπέδων των αντίστοιχων ριζομεταμερών. Οι παράμετροι διέγερσης ήταν πανομοιότυπες για όλες τις ρίζες, για βέλτιστη σύγκριση μεταξύ των επιπέδων των ριζών και με ένταση ακριβώς πάνω από το όριο. Οι μυϊκές αποκρίσεις των κύριων μυϊκών ομάδων σε κάθε κάτω άκρο παρατηρήθηκαν κλινικά και καταγράφηκαν ηλεκτρομυογραφικά. Οι βαθμοί διεγερσιμότητας ποσοτικοποιήθηκαν σύμφωνα με την κλίμακα του Fasano. ΑΠΟΤΕΛΕΣΜΑΤΑ: Η διαφορά μεταξύ των επιπέδων ρίζας ήταν πολύ σημαντική. Οι μέσες τιμές των βαθμών διεγερσιμότητας ήταν 1, 2, 3, 3, 3 και 3 για τα επίπεδα Ο2, Ο3, Ο4, Ο5, Ι1 και Ι2, αντίστοιχα, δηλαδή υψηλότερες τιμές σε χαμηλότερα μεταμερή. ΣΥΜΠΕΡΑΣΜΑ: Εκτός από τη γνώση σχετικά με τη σπαστικότητα σε παιδιά με εγκεφαλική παράλυση, η κατανόηση της μορφολογίας της τμηματικής διεγερσιμότητας μπορεί να είναι χρήσιμη για τον καθορισμό του χειρουργικού σχεδιασμού κατά τον προγραμματισμό της οπίσθιας ριζοτομής.
Διερεύνηση της χρήσης του κυκλοφορούντος μακρού μη κωδικοποιητικού RNA (LnCRNA) HOTTIP ως βιοδείκτη στον καρκίνο του μαστού
Authors: Ψαθάς Ιωάννης
Published: March 2024

Ο καρκίνος του μαστού αποτελεί τη συχνότερη μορφή κακοήθειας στις γυναίκες όλων των ηλικιών και την πέμπτη αιτία θανάτου παγκοσμίως. Το μεγάλο επιστημονικό στοίχημα εξακολουθεί να είναι η έγκαιρη πρόληψή του αλλά και η εξειδικευμένη θεραπεία του μέσω προγνωστικών δεικτών ακριβείας. Στην εποχή μας, πέρα από τις κλασικές κλινικοπαθολογικές και μοριακές παραμέτρους ταξινόμησης του καρκίνου του μαστού, η έρευνα έχει στραφεί στο ρόλο των μη κωδικών RNA στον μηχανισμό της καρκινογένεσης και ως εκ τούτου στην αναζήτηση νέων εξατομικευμένων θεραπειών. Στόχος: Στη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία το μη-κωδικό μόριο RNA HOTTIP έχει βρεθεί να εκφράζεται σε διάφορες μορφές καρκίνου όπως εκείνος του οισοφάγου, του στομάχου, του νεφρού, του παγκρέατος κ.α. λειτουργώντας συνήθως ως ογκογόνος παράγοντας. Σκοπός της παρούσας έρευνας είναι η μέτρηση του HOTTIP στον ορό περιφερικού αίματος ασθενών με διεγνωσμένο καρκίνο μαστού και η διερεύνηση της χρήσης του ως μελλοντικός προγνωστικός βιοδείκτης. Μεθοδολογία: Για την εκπόνηση της έρευνας έγινε λήψη περιφερικού αίματος 46 ασθενών προεγχειρητικά, τα δείγματα υποβλήθηκαν σε φυγοκέντρηση και διατηρήθηκαν στους -80°C. Έγινε ανάλυση των δειγμάτων με real-time PCR και ανίχνευση του lncRNA HOTTIP σε σύγκριση με τα επίπεδα του Gapdh και εξαγωγή των αποτελεσμάτων με μέθοδο DDCt. Πραγματοποιήθηκε στατιστική ανάλυση των αποτελεσμάτων που έδειξε ότι το HOTTIP σχετιζόταν με την εκδήλωση καρκίνου υψηλότερης κακοήθειας, μεγαλύτερου μεγέθους και αυξημένης λεμφαδενικής διασποράς. Αποτελέσματα: Τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας επιβεβαιώνουν ότι το HOTTIP είναι ένα μόριο RNA που σχετίζεται με αυξημένη επιθετικότητα του όγκου και δυνητικά θα μπορούσε να χρησιμοποιηθεί ως προγνωστικός βιοδείκτης. Περισσότερες μελέτες απαιτούνται για την εξαγωγή πιο ασφαλών συμπερασμάτων.
The transparency of quantitative empirical legal research published in highly ranked law journals (2018–2020): an observational study
Authors: Chin Jason , Zeiler Kathryn , Dilevski Natali , Holcombe Alex , Gatfield-Jeffries Rosemary , Bishop Ruby , Vazire Simine , Schiavone Sarah
Published: March 2024

Background Scientists are increasingly concerned with making their work easy to verify and build upon. Associated practices include sharing data, materials, and analytic scripts, and preregistering protocols. This shift towards increased transparency and rigor has been referred to as a “credibility revolution.” The credibility of empirical legal research has been questioned in the past due to its distinctive peer review system and because the legal background of its researchers means that many often are not trained in study design or statistics. Still, there has been no systematic study of transparency and credibility-related characteristics of published empirical legal research. Methods To fill this gap and provide an estimate of current practices that can be tracked as the field evolves, we assessed 300 empirical articles from highly ranked law journals including both faculty-edited journals and student-edited journals. Results We found high levels of article accessibility (86%, 95% CI = [82%, 90%]), especially among student-edited journals (100%). Few articles stated that a study’s data are available (19%, 95% CI = [15%, 23%]). Statements of preregistration (3%, 95% CI = [1%, 5%]) and availability of analytic scripts (6%, 95% CI = [4%, 9%]) were very uncommon. (i.e., they collected new data using the study’s reported methods, but found results inconsistent or not as strong as the original). Conclusion We suggest that empirical legal researchers and the journals that publish their work cultivate norms and practices to encourage research credibility. Our estimates may be revisited to track the field’s progress in the coming years.
Development of competencies in secondary education through the motivational style of autonomy support
Authors: Llorca-Cano Miguel , Moreno-Murcia Juan Antonio , Barrachina-Peris Julio , Huéscar Elisa
Published: March 2024

Background The aim of the study was to test the effect of a meta-disciplinary intervention based on the motivational style of autonomy support on the development of competencies in secondary school students. It was carried out by means of a quasi-experimental design and lasted for three months. Methods A total of 62 students between the ages of 12 and 16 (M = 13.61; SD = 1.16) participated, with 33 in the experimental group and 29 in the control group, along with 12 teachers (7 in the intervention group and 5 in the control group). The study measured teaching motivational style, satisfaction of basic psychological needs, motivation, and key competencies. Results The results demonstrate improvements in the autonomy-supportive motivational style, satisfaction of the basic psychological need for autonomy, autonomous motivation, and competencies in the experimental group, while the control group exhibited an increase in the chaos style. Conclusions These findings reveal the positive impact of the supportive motivational style on the development of key competencies establishing it as an active, valid, and reliable methodology to motivate secondary school students.
Gender Norms and Structural Barriers to Use of HIV Prevention in Unmarried and Married Young Women in Manicaland, Zimbabwe: An HIV Prevention Cascade Analysis
Authors: Gregson Simon , Moorhouse Louisa , Maswera Rufurwokuda , Dadirai Tawanda , Mandizvidza Phyllis , Skovdal Morten , Nyamukapa Constance
Published: March 2024

Background Gender norms against adolescent girls and young women (AGYW)’s having pre-marital sex and using condoms in marriage are included as barriers to motivation to use condoms in HIV prevention cascades. Representative survey data on gender norms are needed to test this assumption. Methods General-population survey participants in Manicaland, Zimbabwe (ages≥15, N=9803) were asked if they agreed/disagreed with statements on gender norms. AGYW at risk of HIV infection were asked whether community views discouraged condom use. Multivariable logistic regression was used to measure variations in community members’ views and associations between AGYW’s perceiving negative gender norms and condom HIV prevention cascades. Results 57% of men and 70% of women disagreed that ‘If I have a teenage daughter and she has sex before marriage, I would be ok with this’; and 41% of men and 57% of women disagreed that ‘If I have a teenage daughter, I would tell her about condoms’. 32% and 69% of sexually-active HIV-negative unmarried AGYW, respectively, said negative community views were important in decisions to use condoms and their friends were not using condoms. In each case, those who agreed had lower motivation to use condoms. Fewer of those with friends not using condoms reported using condoms themselves (39% vs. 68%; p<0.001). 21% of men and 32.5% of women found condom use in marriage acceptable. 74% and 93% of married AGYW at risk, respectively, said negative community views influenced their decisions to use condoms and their friends did not use condoms. Fewer married AGYW reporting friends not using condoms were motivated to use condoms but there was no difference in reported condom use (4.1% vs. 6.9%; p=0.48). Conclusions Negative gender norms can form a barrier to motivation to use condoms in unmarried and married AGYW at risk of HIV infection, and, for unmarried AGYW, to condom use.
Numerical model of pressure generated by elastic compression garments on a compressible human limb analogue
Authors: Richards Christopher J , Steele Julie R , Spinks Geoffrey M
Published: March 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to formulate a numerical approach (finite element modelling (FEM)) to calculate pressure values generated by compression garments on a compressible limb analogue, and to validate the numerical approach using experimental measurements. Existing models were also compared.

Method:

Experimentally measured pressure values and deformation caused by compression bands on a compressible human limb analogue were compared with values predicted using the Young–Laplace equation, a previously formulated analytical model and the FEM.

Results:

The FEM provided greater accuracy in predicting the pressure generated by compression bands compared to existing models. The FEM also predicted deformation of the limb analogue with good agreement relative to experimental values.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that modelling the non-uniform manner in which the way a limb analogue is compressed should be incorporated into future modelling of the pressures generated by compression garments on a compressible limb analogue.

Declaration of interest:

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Should bone biopsy be the standard for suspected osteomyelitis in patients with pressure ulcers?
Authors: Ferris Amy
Published: March 2024

Osteomyelitis is a recognised complication of category 4 pressure ulcers (PUs), and the prevalence of PUs is increasing. The diagnostic criteria for osteomyelitis in the context of PUs is a topic of much debate, and many believe that tissue diagnosis from a bone biopsy should be considered the gold standard. However, in this review we discuss the inconclusive evidence base for both microbiological and histological diagnoses, suggesting that bone biopsy has a limited role in patients' diagnosis and management. We also discuss how, for patients in whom surgical wound coverage is not appropriate, the benefit of antimicrobial therapy for osteomyelitis is unclear and, by extension, the role of biopsy in this context is questionable. As our patient population becomes frailer, it is more important than ever to understand the evidence base underlying investigations such as bone biopsy, to critically consider whether they are likely to change clinical management and whether their benefit outweighs their risks.

Declaration of interest:

The author has no conflicts of interest to declare.
Enabling Adas
Authors: Lyons Wayne
Published: March 2024

How data aggregation through processing and distribution can enhance ADAS.
La participación en el entorno local a través del aprendizaje-servicio en la adolescencia: ejercicio y construcción de ciudadanía
Authors: Bär Kwast Brenda , Escofet Roig Anna , Payá Sánchez Montserrat
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCCIÓN. El aprendizaje-servicio es una experiencia de formación en ciudadanía crítica y comprometida a partir del trabajo en red entre distintos agentes educativos y sociales. Posibilita vivir experiencias que producen aprendizajes significativos de participación, pertenencia a la comunidad y movilización por la defensa de los derechos ciudadanos. MÉTODO. Se presenta una investigación cualitativa dirigida a analizar los mecanismos que se despliegan en proyectos de aprendizaje-servicio desarrollados por adolescentes en su entorno local. Se siguió la metodología del codiseño mediante cinco grupos de discusión con adolescentes participantes en proyectos de aprendizaje-servicio, pertenecientes a cuatro centros de educación secundaria, y once entrevistas a los adultos referentes. RESULTADOS. Se detectaron los mecanismos que se generan cuando los adolescentes realizan proyectos de aprendizaje-servicio en el entorno local, que les hacen ganar en participación, adquisición de valores y formación ciudadana. También se exploraron las funciones que las tecnologías digitales desempeñan como herramientas de soporte al desarrollo de los proyectos. DISCUSIÓN. La participación y formación ciudadana es uno de los ejes de valores centrales de la metodología del aprendizaje-servicio, junto con los de toma de conciencia, altruismo, empatía y cooperación. Mediante las acciones de aprendizaje-servicio los adolescentes construyen su autonomía, proactividad y responsabilidad, creando vínculos con su comunidad y sentimientos de pertenencia e inclusión. En estos proyectos, las tecnologías digitales tienen un papel instrumental para la participación y la formación ciudadana desde sus posibilidades para la difusión, el trabajo en equipo y la generación de redes, debiendo superar el riesgo de un activismo pasivo. Los proyectos de aprendizaje-servicio son una oportunidad formativa de calidad que debería ofrecerse para contribuir a la formación de ciudadanos críticos, activos y comprometidos.
The morality trap of decolonising development: a reply to ‘From dematerialising race to distorting decoloniality: development-as-imperialism and Hindu supremacy’ by Kalpana Wilson
Authors: Patel Kamna
Published: March 2024

Kalpana Wilson’s (2023) article highlights pivotal moves in discourses to decolonise development, focusing on how essentialist and racist readings of decoloniality circulate in development spaces and in Brahmanical Hindu supremacist discourse. Building upon Wilson’s insights, this reply delves into the body-politics of race where diversity in development is a decolonial and antiracist option that manifests in substituting ‘white saviours’ for brown ones, and where reassessments of capital and labour relations are conspicuously absented in reformulations of development. The concept of the ‘morality trap’ is central to this, capturing the dilemma faced by well-intentioned individuals working in development who are sensitive to charges of complicity and implication in development’s racism. By examining the intersections of race, power, and development practices, I aim to elucidate how essentialist interpretations of decoloniality perpetuate racial hierarchies, as evidenced in the emergence of ‘brown saviours’. Such analysis helps to identify not only the body-politics of racism in development but its particularities to the development industry.
Method for optical proximity correction based on a vector imaging model
Authors: Wu Ruixuan , Dong Lisong , Wei Yayi
Published: March 2024

Optical
proximity
correction (OPC) has become an
indispensable step in integrated circuit manufacturing. It requires a
huge amount of calculation to obtain a sufficiently accurate OPC model
and implement pattern correction. In this paper, the authors proposed
an edge-based OPC method built on a vector imaging model, where the
analytical correlation between the cost function and movement of each
edge segment is established by the chain rule. First, the mask pattern
is segmented and downsampled to get the mask image in order to reduce
the total data. Second, the aerial image, various parameters on each
evaluating point, and the final cost value are obtained in proper
sequence. In each part of the OPC process, the procedures of solution
and derivation are both recorded. After obtaining the cost value, the
chain rule is applied, by which the differential relation between the
cost value and movement of each segment is built. According to this
differential relation, the next movement of each segment is decided
under a quasi-Newton method. All results obtained by the proposed
method are compared with results from commercial software. The
comparison shows that the proposed OPC method has good OPC accuracy in
few iterations.
Realization of exciton-polariton optical chirality based on strong coupling between intrinsic chiral quasibound states in the continuum and monolayer WS2
Authors: Deng Xuyan , Liang Xiongyu , He Chengmao , Li Junqiang , Zhou Peng , Liang Kun , Yu Li
Published: March 2024

Hybrid quasiparticles produced by the strong interaction between nanostructures and excitons will exhibit optical chirality when one of the coupled components is chiral. Due to the tunability of hybrid states, the coupled system has potential applications in chiral devices and chiral sensing. However, reported chiral materials including chiral molecules and three-dimensional chiral structures in the coupled system limit the application due to the weak chiroptical responses and difficult fabrication, respectively. In this paper, we design chiral quasibound states in the continuum (q-BIC) metasurface by introducing planar symmetry-breaking and z-axis perturbation into an array structure whose unit cell is a C4 rotational symmetric disk. By tuning the polarization state of the eigenmode, a significant chiroptical response is obtained in our q-BIC metasurface. Furthermore, mode splitting is observed not only in the reflection spectrum but also in the circular dichroism (CD) spectrum in the chiral q-BIC and monolayer WS2 strong coupling system, which indicates the realization of the exciton-polariton optical chirality. More importantly, one order of magnitude difference in the reflection to left and right circularly polarized light is achieved resulting in significant CD signals. Our work provides a new strategy to realize the exciton polaritons with significant chiroptical responses, which exhibits promising applications in on-chip chiral devices.
Time-varying optical spin-orbit Hall effect in tightly focused femtosecond optical field
Authors: Zhu Mingchao , Fu Shenggui , Man Zhongsheng
Published: March 2024

The spin-orbit Hall effect (HE) is dominated by the law of conservation of angular momentum of a beam and is highly significant in light–matter interactions. The electromagnetic field, phase, topological structure, and spin-orbit HE of an azimuthally polarized vortex pulse beam in a tightly focused system are studied theoretically here. Calculations show that the focal field has ultrafast bright-dark alternating characteristics and a distorted phase distribution. Furthermore, the time evolution of the polarization singularity in the focused light field is explained using Stokes parameters. Importantly, the spin-orbit HE of the pulsed beam is shown to be time-varying in a tightly focused system. This time-varying spin-orbit HE is particularly sensitive to the pulse width and central wavelength. Our method has important applications in particle manipulation.
Unsupervised spectral reconstruction from RGB images under two lighting conditions
Authors: Cao Xuheng , Lian Yusheng , Liu Zilong , Li Jin , Wang Kaixuan
Published: March 2024

Unsupervised spectral reconstruction (SR) aims to recover the hyperspectral image (HSI) from corresponding RGB images without annotations. Existing SR methods achieve it from a single RGB image, hindered by the significant spectral distortion. Although several deep learning-based methods increase the SR accuracy by adding RGB images, their networks are always designed for other image recovery tasks, leaving huge room for improvement. To overcome this problem, we propose a novel, to our knowledge, approach that reconstructs the HSI from a pair of RGB images captured under two illuminations, significantly improving reconstruction accuracy. Specifically, an SR iterative model based on two illuminations is constructed at first. By unfolding the proximal gradient algorithm solving this SR model, an interpretable unsupervised deep network is proposed. All the modules in the proposed network have precise physical meanings, which enable our network to have superior performance and good generalization capability. Experimental results on two public datasets and our real-world images show the proposed method significantly improves both visually and quantitatively as compared with state-of-the-art methods.
Impact of turbulence profile, and inner and outer scales on accuracy in C n 2 prediction using deep neural network-based signal processing
Authors: Kulikov Victor A. , Vorontsov Artem M.
Published: March 2024

A deep neural network (DNN) model designed for the refractive index structure parameter
Cn2 prediction based on processing of pupil and focal plane laser beam intensity patterns was used for analysis of turbulence inner and outer scale impact on spatial features of intensity and wavefront phase. Wave-optics numerical simulations were used to generate large datasets of short-exposure intensity distributions in an optical receiver pupil and focal planes for a remotely (7 km) located Gaussian laser beacon under various turbulence distributions and turbulence inner and outer scales. These datasets were used for DNN model training, validation, and inference.
How PrEP delivery was integrated into public ART clinics in central Uganda: A qualitative analysis of implementation processes
Authors: Wyatt Monique A. , Pisarski Emily E. , Nalumansi Alisaati , Kasiita Vicent , Kamusiime Brenda , Nalukwago Grace K. , Thomas Dorothy , Muwonge Timothy R. , Mujugira Andrew , Heffron Renee , Ware Norma C. ,   for the Partners PrEP Program Study Team
Published: March 2024

Tailored delivery strategies are important for optimizing the benefit and overall reach of PrEP in sub-Saharan Africa. An integrated approach of delivering time-limited PrEP in combination with ART to serodifferent couples encourages PrEP use in the HIV-negative partner as a bridge to sustained ART use. Although PrEP has been delivered in ART clinics for many years, the processes involved in integrating PrEP into ART services are not well understood. The Partners PrEP Program was a stepped-wedge cluster randomized trial of integrated PrEP and ART delivery for HIV serodifferent couples in 12 public health facilities in central Uganda (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03586128). Using qualitative data, we identified and characterized key implementation processes that explain how PrEP delivery was integrated into existing ART services in the Partners PrEP Program. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposefully-selected sub-sample of 83 members of 42 participating serodifferent couples, and with 36 health care providers implementing integrated delivery. High quality training, technical supervision, and teamwork were identified as key processes supporting providers to implement PrEP delivery. Interest in the PrEP program was promoted through the numerous ways health care providers made integrated ART and PrEP meaningful for serodifferent couples, including tailored counseling messages, efforts to build confidence in integrated delivery, and strategies to create demand for PrEP. Couples in the qualitative sample responded positively to providers’ efforts to promote the integrated strategy. HIV-negative partners initiated PrEP to preserve their relationships, which inspired their partners living with HIV to recommit to ART adherence. Lack of disclosure among couples and poor retention on PrEP were identified as barriers to implementation of the PrEP program. A greater emphasis on understanding the meaning of PrEP for users and its contribution to implementation promises to strengthen future research on PrEP scale up in sub-Saharan Africa.
Study protocol for a systems evaluation of an infant mental health service: Integration of ‘Little Minds Matter’ into the early years system
Authors: Masefield Sarah , Ellwood Alison , Blower Sarah , Dickerson Josie , Moss Rachael H. , Ahern Sara M.
Published: March 2024

Infant Mental Health relates to how well a child develops socially and emotionally from birth to age three. There is a well-established link between parent-infant relationship quality, Infant Mental Health, and longer-term social and emotional development there is a lack of evidence-based interventions that support the parent-infant relationship and/or protect against poor Infant Mental Health. Little Minds Matter is a specialist Infant Mental Health service developed in Bradford (UK) to support parent-infant relationships by providing training and consultation for professionals and direct clinical work to families. The successful implementation of this intervention depends upon how well it becomes embedded within, or integrated into, the early years system. For the purposes of this study, the early years system includes health, social and education services that support child health and development from conception to primary school entry at age five. This study protocol aims to apply a systems approach to evaluate this service and provide a perspective on the process of embedding a complex service within a healthcare system. Multiple methods will be used to investigate embeddedness within the wider early years system. Routinely collected quantitative data about the service will be used to develop a system map showing interaction with related services. Qualitative data will be collected at two time points through interviews with individuals involved in the design and provision of the service, and professionals working within the early years system. Framework analysis will be used to analyse the data inductively and deductively within a systems approach. The findings from this study will provide evidence to inform the ongoing implementation of the service for providers and commissioning bodies. Exploring the application of a systems approach in this clinical context will have application more broadly for researchers evaluating complex interventions and services within a wider system.
Access authentication via blockchain in space information network
Authors: Arshad Muhammad , Jianwei Liu , Khalid Muhammad , Khalid Waqar , Cao Yue , Khan Fakhri Alam
Published: March 2024

Space Information Network (SIN) has significant benefits of providing communication anywhere at any time. This feature offers an innovative way for conventional wireless customers to access enhanced internet services by using SIN. However, SIN’s characteristics, such as naked links and maximum signal latency, make it difficult to design efficient security and routing protocols, etc. Similarly, existing SIN authentication techniques can’t satisfy all of the essentials for secure communication, such as privacy leaks or rising authentication latency. The article aims to develop a novel blockchain-based access authentication mechanism for SIN. The proposed scheme uses a blockchain application, which has offered anonymity to mobile users while considering the satellites’ limited processing capacity. The proposed scheme uses a blockchain application, which offers anonymity to mobile users while considering the satellites’ limited processing capacity. The SIN gains the likelihood of far greater computational capacity devices as technology evolves. Since authenticating in SIN, the technique comprises three entities: low Earth orbit, mobile user, and network control centre. The proposed mutual authentication mechanism avoids the requirement of a ground station, resulting in less latency and overhead during mobile user authentication. Finally, the new blockchain-based authentication approach is being evaluated with AVISPA, a formal security tool. The simulation and performance study results illustrate that the proposed technique delivers efficient security characteristics such as low authentication latency, minimal signal overhead and less computational cost with group authentication.
Cacao sustainability: The case of cacao swollen-shoot virus co-infection
Authors: Agusto Folashade B. , Leite Maria C. A. , Owusu-Ansah Frank , Domfeh Owusu , Hritonenko Natali , Chen-Charpentier Benito
Published: March 2024

The cacao swollen shoot virus disease (CSSVD) is among the most economically damaging diseases of cacao trees and accounts for almost 15–50% of harvest losses in Ghana. This virus is transmitted by several species of mealybugs (Pseudococcidae, Homoptera) when they feed on cacao plants. One of the mitigation strategies for CSSVD investigated at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) is the use of mild-strain cross-protection of cacao trees against the effects of severe strains. In this study, simple deterministic, delay, and stochastic ordinary differential equation-based models to describe the dynamic of the disease and spread of the virus are suggested. Model parameters are estimated using detailed empirical data from CRIG. The modeling outcomes demonstrate a remarkable resemblance between real and simulated dynamics. We have found that models with delay approximate the data better and this agrees with the knowledge that CSSVD epidemics develop slowly. Also, since there are large variations in the data, stochastic models lead to better results. We show that these models can be used to gain useful informative insights about the nature of disease spread.
Effectiveness of rural internships for veterinary students to combat veterinary workforce shortages in rural areas
Authors: Berrada Mehdi , Raboisson Didier , Lhermie Guillaume
Published: March 2024

Veterinarians are a pivotal force in addressing animal health and welfare surveillance, with a critical role in improving public health security and increasing the profits of livestock farmers. Yet, the veterinary profession is adversely affected by personnel shortages, particularly in rural areas. Since the health of people, animals and their shared environment are interconnected in a One Health perspective, a set of policies are required to ensure public health by attraction and retention of veterinarians in rural areas. In France, a tutored internship programme, financially subsiding students and mentors to execute a training period in remote rural areas, was promoted to better integrate and retain veterinary students ending their veterinary training. This paper aims to evaluate how veterinarians’ tutored internships influences students’ choices for rural practice, using three different statistical methods derived from causal inference theory. Using survey data for the period 2016–2020, we show that: (i) the average effect of the tutored internship on veterinarians’ work in food animal sector is not significant; and that (ii) the tutored internship leads veterinarians with a low share of work in the food animal sector to have a rural practise after they graduated between 13 and 20% greater than those who did not participate in the tutored internship.
A ‘hidden problem’: Nature, prevalence and factors associated with sexual dysfunction in persons living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda
Authors: Mutamba Brian Byamah , Rukundo Godfrey Zari , Sembajjwe Wilber , Nakasujja Noeline , Birabwa-Oketcho Harriet , Mpango Richard Stephen , Kinyanda Eugene
Published: March 2024

Background

We conducted a clinic-based cross-sectional survey among 710 people living with HIV/AIDS in stable ‘sexual’ relationships in central and southwestern Uganda. Although sexual function is rarely discussed due to the private nature of sexual life. Yet, sexual problems may predispose to negative health and social outcomes including marital conflict. Among individuals living with HIV/AIDS, sexual function and dysfunction have hardly been studied especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we aimed to determine the nature, prevalence and factors associated with sexual dysfunction (SD) among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Uganda.

Methods

We conducted a clinic based cross sectional survey among 710 PLWHA in stable ‘sexual’ relationships in central region and southwestern Uganda. We collected data on socio-demographic characteristics (age, highest educational attainment, religion, food security, employment, income level, marital status and socio-economic status); psychiatric problems (major depressive disorder, suicidality and HIV-related neurocognitive impairment); psychosocial factors (maladaptive coping styles, negative life events, social support, resilience, HIV stigma); and clinical factors (CD4 counts, body weight, height, HIV clinical stage, treatment adherence).

Results

Sexual dysfunction (SD) was more prevalent in women (38.7%) than men (17.6%) and majority (89.3% of men and 66.3% of women) did not seek help for the SD. Among men, being of a religion other than Christianity was significantly associated with SD (OR = 5.30, 95%CI 1.60–17.51, p = 0.006). Among women, older age (> 45 years) (OR = 2.96, 95%CI 1.82–4.79, p<0.01), being widowed (OR = 1.80, 95%CI 1.03–3.12, p = 0.051) or being separated from the spouse (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.09–2.59, p = 0.051) were significantly associated with SD.

Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with SD in both men (OR = 0.27, 95%CI 0.74–0.99) and women (OR = 1.61, 95%CI 1.04–2.48, p = 0.032). In women, high CD4 count (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1–2.01, p = 0.05) was associated with SD.

Conclusion

Sexual dysfunction has considerable prevalence among PLWHA in Uganda. It is associated with socio-demographic, psychiatric and clinical illness factors. To further improve the quality of life of PLWHA, they should be screened for sexual dysfunction as part of routine assessment.
The weekly P25 of the age of the influenza-like illness shows a higher correlation with COVID-19 mortality than rapid tests and could predict the evolution of COVID-19 pandemics in sentinel surveillance, Piura, Perú, 2021
Authors: Ocaña Gutiérrez Víctor Raúl , González Ramírez Rodolfo Arturo , Ocaña Aguilar Víctor Alexander , Ocaña Aguilar Nadia Gabriela , Holguín Mauricci Carlos Enrique
Published: March 2024

Goal

To describe the dynamics of syndromic surveillance of ILI cases in seasonal and COVID-19 pandemic scenarios.

Methodology

A descriptive study of the epidemiological behavior of ILI in the seasonal and COVID-19 pandemic scenarios. Of a sample of 16,231 cases of ILI from 2013 to 2021, the features of cases from 68 weeks before and during the pandemic were selected and compared; weekly endemic channels were built; data fluctuations on the trend of ILI cases were analyzed; and estimated weekly correlations between weekly P25 age, cases confirmed by rapid tests, and mortality from COVID-19. To analyze clinical-epidemiological and mortality data, Student’s t test, Mann-Whitney U, Chi2, Spearman’s Ro, polynomial, and multinomial regression with a 95% confidence interval were used.

Results

During the COVID-19 pandemic, those most affected with ILI were: adults and the elderly; higher median age; autochthonous cases predominated; a lower proportion of other syndromes; delays in seeking care; and a higher rate of pneumonia attack than in the seasonal period (p< 0.01). Rapid tests (serological and antigenic) confirmed 52.7% as COVID-19. Two ILI pandemic waves were seasonally consistent with confirmed COVID-19 cases and district mortality with robust correlation (p<0.01) before and during the pandemic, especially the ILI weekly P25 age, which has a more robust correlation with mortality than ILI and rapid tests (p<0.01) whose endemic channels describe and could predict the evolution of the pandemic (p<0.01).

Conclusions

The pandemic changed the clinical and epidemiological behavior of ILI, and the weekly P25 of age is a more robust indicator to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic than a rapid test and could predict its evolution.
Planting the seeds for success: A qualitative study exploring primary healthcare providers’ perceptions about medical cannabis
Authors: Schuhmacher Sandi , Gaid Dina , Bishop Lisa D. , Fleming Laura , Donnan Jennifer
Published: March 2024

Background

In Canada, cannabis legalization altered the way that the public can access cannabis for medical purposes. However, Canadians still struggle with finding healthcare professionals (HCPs) who are involved in medical cannabis counselling and authorization. This raises questions about the barriers that are causing this breakdown in care. Our study explored the perceptions of primary care providers regarding cannabis in their practice.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted by Zoom with HCPs in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) to discuss their experiences with medical and non-medical cannabis in practice. Family physicians and nurse practitioners who were practicing in primary care in NL were included. The interview guide and coding template were developed using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). A thematic analysis across the TDF was then conducted.

Results

Twelve participants with diverse demographic backgrounds and experience levels were interviewed. Five main themes emerged including, knowledge acquisition, internal influences, patient influences, external HCP influences, and systemic influences. The TDF domain resulting in the greatest representation of codes was environmental context and resources.

Interpretation

The findings suggested that HCPs have significant knowledge gaps in authorizing medical cannabis, which limited their practice competence and confidence in this area. Referring patients to cannabis clinics, while enforcing harm-reduction strategies, was an interim option for patients to access cannabis for medical purposes. However, developing practice guidelines and educational resources were suggested as prominent facilitators to promote medical cannabis authorization within the healthcare system.
Social network tie functions of social support and social influence and adult smoking abstinence
Authors: Lakon Cynthia M. , Zheng Yu , Pechmann Cornelia
Published: March 2024

Adults’ social network ties serve multiple functions and play prominently in quitting smoking. We examined three types of adults’ egocentric social networks, including family, friends, and friends online to investigate how two network characteristics with major relevance to health behavior, network size and tie closeness, related to the emotional and confidant support and to pro- and anti-smoking social influence these ties may transmit. We also examine whether the social support and social influence constructs related to smoking abstinence. We utilized baseline and 7-day abstinence survey data from 123 adult current smokers attempting to quit prior to the start of a randomized controlled quit-smoking trial of a social support intervention for quitting smoking on Twitter. To examine study relationships, we estimated Negative Binomial Regression models and Logistic Regression models. For all networks, network size and tie closeness related positively to most of the social support and social influence constructs, with tie closeness related most strongly, especially for online friends. Family pro-smoking social influence related negatively to smoking abstinence, and there were marginally negative relationships for family emotional support and family confidant support. Online friend emotional support had a marginally positive relationship with smoking abstinence. Overall, our findings indicated the importance of the social support and social influence functions of each type of network tie, with larger networks and closer ties related to higher levels of social support and social influence. Moreover, family network pro-smoking social influence may compromise abstinence while emotional support from online friend network ties may reinforce it.