bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of green tea extract antioxidant on dentin shear bond strength and resin-tag penetration depth after non-vital bleaching
Authors: Safinaz Darin , Widyandari Paramita , Meidyawati Ratna , Kusumasari Citra , Nyoman Putri Artiningsih Dewa Ayu
Published: September 2023

Background: 35% Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as an active material for internal bleaching produce free radicals that can affect the adhesive system. Application of 10% and 35% green tea (GT) extract as an antioxidant after 2 minutes are expected can remove free radical residues. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of 10% and 35% GT extract after 2 minutes of application on dentin shear bond strength and resin tags penetration depth after non-vital bleaching.

Methods: The crown part of 30 extracted healthy human premolars were cut horizontally 2 mm from the cementoenamel junction, then split in mesio-distal direction. The specimens were divided into five groups: normal dentin, post-bleaching dentin, delayed 2 weeks, 10% GT, and 35% GT group. Non-vital walking bleach with 35% H2O2 gel was done to all groups except control group. Soon after, 10% and 35% GT extract gel were applied on dentin for 2 minutes, then the specimens were rinsed off with distilled water for 2 minutes and dried. All specimens were etched and bonded with an etch-and-rinse adhesive system and filled with resin composite. The shear bond strength assessment was done using a Universal Testing Machine with a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/minute. Confocal laser scanning microscopy with a wavelength of 560 nm and a lens magnification of 40x was used to analyze the resin tag penetration. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA.

Results: There was a significant difference in resin tag penetration depth and shear bond strength between 10% and 35% GT group (p < 0.05). The 35% GT group resulted in a significantly longer resin tag penetration than the 10% GT group.

Conclusions: The application of 35% GT extract is more effective than 10% GT extract as an antioxidant for increasing the shear bond strength of composite resin after internal bleaching.
A mixed-methods evaluation of capacity strengthening within an international conservation agriculture research consortium
Authors: Duda Kirsten , D’Artibale Alessia , Moombe Miyanda , Lark R.Murray , Pulford Justin
Published: September 2023

Background: The Strengthening Capacity in Environmental Physics, Hydrogeology and Statistics for conservation agriculture research (CEPHaS) consortium sought to to strengthen research capacity among a network of African and UK researchers, and their respective institutions, to fill knowledge gaps on the impacts of conservation agriculture practices on the water cycle in cultivated soils.   We examined experiences of consortium membership and, drawing on this information, determined key recommendations for future programmes with similar objectives. 

Methods: A mixed methods study encompassing an online survey (N=40) and semi-structured interviews (N=19) completed between June 2021 and February 2022 with CEPHaS consortium members from Malawi, UK, Zambia and Zimbabwe.  Survey and interview data were analysed separately, using univariate statistics and framework synthesis respectively

Results: Survey and interview findings were generally aligned, with both revealing a wide range of reported capacity strengthening gains resulting from CEPHaS engagement at both an individual and institutional level. Participants consistently expressed their CEPHaS involvement in positive terms with praise for the applied ‘learn by doing’ approach underpinning many of the activities as well as the engaging and highly inclusive leadership.   There was evidence that the various trainings and resources provided through CEPHaS were valued, frequently utilised, and often transferred beyond the immediate CEPHaS membership for wider benefit. Resource provision and staff training were seen as foundational for long-term institutional benefits. Some challenges and suggested areas for improvement were reported by participants as were potential opportunities to facilitate greater impact.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the basic ‘template’ of the CEPHaS consortium provided a strong basis for research capacity strengthening in Conservation Agriculture, especially at the level of individual researchers, and that this template could be further enhanced in any future iteration of the same or similar programme.  Recommendations for replicating and enhancing CEPHaS programme strengths are presented.
Case Report: Breaking barriers - Pregnancy achieved by intracytoplasmic sperm injection of a zona-free oocyte
Authors: Shrivastava Jarul , More Akash , Shrivastava Virul , Anjankar Namrata
Published: September 2023

The zona pellucida is a protective layer surrounding the oocytes and early-stage embryos. It is said to be essential for the process of fertilisation and protecting the pre-implantation embryo. Absence of zona pellucida can pose great problems during in vitro fertilisation (IVF), like impaired fertilisation, polyspermy and hindered embryo development, thus leading to a low implantation rate and unsuccessful pregnancy outcome. This case report demonstrates the successful treatment of primary infertility in a 35-year-old female with significantly low anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels and limited ovarian reserve. Her husband (41 years) had oligoasthenozoospermia. The couple had been trying to conceive for two years before seeking medical assistance. Following an unsuccessful intrauterine insemination (IUI) attempt, the decision was made to pursue IVF with ovarian stimulation. Two oocytes were retrieved after ovum pickup, one of which was at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage and later degenerated, while the other was without the zona pellucida. In this case, the intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) of zona-free oocyte was chosen to prevent polyspermy, resulting in successful fertilization. The embryo progressed to the eight-cell stage and was transferred on day three. A positive beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) test confirmed pregnancy fourteen days later.

In assisted reproductive techniques (ART), zona-free oocytes are a common occurrence, but fertilizing those oocytes is not common; they are usually considered to be of no use and rejected. In the present case, we realized that zona-free gametes are not only capable of getting fertilized and developing into good-quality embryos, but also give successful pregnancy outcomes.
Efficacy of modafinil compared to γ-hydroxybutyrate in the treatment of narcolepsy
Authors: Kennedy Aaron L. , Boileau Andrew J.
Published: September 2023

Hypothesis: γ-hydroxybutyrate is more efficacious than modafinil in the treatment of patients with narcolepsy.

Methods: A total of four research papers were reviewed and analyzed to assess the validity of the hypothesis. Studies compared the effects of each of the drugs on narcolepsy symptoms. Results of both subjective and objective tests were considered by these studies to complete the analysis. These tests were Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Maintenance of Sleep Test, measures of sleep attacks and inadvertent naps, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and polysomnography.

Results: Each of the reviewed studies showed significant evidence of improved narcolepsy symptoms (efficacy) with the use of both γ-hydroxybutyrate and modafinil. There was also a positive correlation between dosage and efficacy for γ-hydroxybutyrate. Some studies showed additive interaction between modafinil and γ-hydroxybutyrate when used in combination. Overall, it is suggested that the efficacy of γ-hydroxybutyrate is potentially superior to that of modafinil, but greatest improvements occur when these drugs are used in combination.

Conclusions: While both γ-hydroxybutyrate and modafinil both significantly improve the symptoms of narcolepsy, the difference between these drugs’ maximal magnitude of efficacy remains unclear. While most findings did support the hypothesis, additional research is required.
Parametrizing analog multi-compartment neurons with genetic algorithms
Authors: Stock Raphael , Kaiser Jakob , Müller Eric , Schemmel Johannes , Schmitt Sebastian
Published: September 2023

Background: Finding appropriate model parameters for multi-compartmental neuron models can be challenging. Parameters such as the leak and axial conductance are not always directly derivable from neuron observations but are crucial for replicating desired observations. The objective of this study is to replicate the attenuation behavior of an excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) traveling along a linear chain of compartments on the analog BrainScaleS-2 neuromorphic hardware platform.

Methods: In the present publication we use genetic algorithms to find suitable model parameters. They promise parameterization without domain knowledge of the neuromorphic substrate or underlying neuron model. To validate the results of the genetic algorithms, a comprehensive grid search was conducted. Trial-to-trial variations in the analog system are counteracted utilizing spike-triggered averaging.

Results and conclusions: The algorithm successfully replicated the desired EPSP attenuation behavior in both single and multi-objective searches illustrating the applicability of genetic algorithms to parameterize analog neuromorphic hardware.
Technique and technology of granulation of multicomponent polydisperse materials using combined processes of their preparation
Authors: Makarenkov Dmitriy , Nazarov Vyacheslav
Published: September 2023

The monograph examines the theoretical foundations and practice of granulating multicomponent polydisperse waste in various hardware design. Methods of structuring multicomponent polydisperse materials have been developed, the role of technological additives and mechanical activation processes has been revealed, which allows reducing energy consumption in granulation processes. Physical models of compaction of multicomponent polydisperse materials in granulating equipment with deformation foci of various shapes are proposed. The system analysis of chemical and technological processes of granulation of multicomponent polydisperse materials on roller presses, on rotary granulators and pelletizing granulators of the poppet type and high-speed apparatuses is carried out. Engineering methods for calculating the power parameters of multicomponent charges in various types of granulating equipment with the production of target products of various shapes are given.
It is designed for students, postgraduates and researchers of chemical-technological and polytechnic universities, as well as engineering and technical workers of various industries.
Analytical and synthetic processing of information: theoretical foundations, annotation, abstracting, taking notes and preparing digests and reviews
Authors: Lavrik Ol'ga
Published: September 2023

The textbook provides a comprehensive description of analytical and synthetic information processing (ASPI) as an academic discipline, the theoretical foundations of information folding and a number of types of ASPI: annotation, abstracting, taking notes and preparing digests and reviews.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For teachers and students of universities of culture studying in the course "Library and information activities". The manual can be used by students of colleges of culture studying in the same direction, as well as in the system of advanced training of library workers.
Technologies of phonopedic work in case of voice disorders
Authors: Shashkina Gul'nara , Zhuravleva Zhanna , Agaeva Viktoriya , Zolotareva Irina
Published: September 2023

The textbook, written in accordance with the program of the course "Speech therapy (voice disorders, rhinolalia)", examines modern ideas about voice disorders, the historical aspect of the study of voice disorders; technologies of examination of voice function; modern technologies of comprehensive care for persons with voice disorders, as well as prevention of voice disorders of persons of voice-speech professions.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For university students studying in the field of "Special (defectological) education", as well as students of secondary educational institutions, speech therapists working in the education, health and social protection system, teachers, defectologists, educators.
Health insurance
Authors: Arhipov Aleksandr
Published: September 2023

The textbook systematically outlines the legal and methodological foundations, practical techniques of modern medical insurance in mandatory and voluntary forms in Russia and abroad.
The textbook contains a dictionary and a workshop with tasks, educational projects and tests.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation and professional standards "Insurance Specialist", "Social Work Specialist", "Risk Management Specialist".
It is intended for bachelor's, specialist's and master's students studying in the areas of training (specialties) "Economics", "Management", "Social Work". It can be used in other systems of education and retraining of personnel, as well as by novice specialists of territorial compulsory medical insurance funds and insurance medical organizations.
Species and breed biodiversity of cattle
Authors: Lebed'ko Egor
Published: September 2023

The monograph presents detailed scientific research on the origin, domestication and domestication of cattle, the history of the origin and formation of the cattle industry in the world. Materials on the biological diversity of species and breeds of cattle are presented. Attention is focused on the classification of species and subspecies of livestock, the main breeds. Attention is paid to the economic and biological features of different types of livestock. The methods and methods of breeding new breeds and their improvement are given. The directions of conducting breeding work with a variety of cattle breeds, techniques and methods of preserving species and breed biodiversity are described separately.
Designed for scientific and pedagogical workers, managers and zoo specialists of agricultural organizations of various forms of ownership, students of agricultural universities and colleges (technical schools) in the areas of training (specialties) "Animal science", "Veterinary medicine", "Technology of production and processing of agricultural
products".
Special didactics of digital education for students with disabilities
Authors: Strebeleva Elena , Zakrepina Alla , Mishina Galina , Butusova Tat'yana , Kinash Elena , Grinshkun Aleksandr , Solov'eva Tat'yana , Kamel'kova Alena , Martyshevskaya Dar'ya , Shilova Elena
Published: September 2023

The monograph is devoted to the didactics of digital education, reflecting the realities of the time and the views of researchers on the possibilities and prospects of modern education of children with disabilities. Understanding the importance and role of digital education tools in the learning process will make it possible to effectively implement differentiated and individual approaches to teaching children with disabilities, taking into account the peculiarities of their development and special educational needs.
For students, postgraduates and teachers of pedagogical universities and faculties, as well as a wide range of readers interested in teaching children with disabilities.
Electoral systems of foreign countries
Authors: Fedotova Yuliya
Published: September 2023

The textbook examines the concepts, content, principles of electoral law, the institution of elections and its types, concepts and types of electoral systems, stages of the electoral process and the procedure for financing elections; reveals the features of the electoral process and the applied electoral systems of individual foreign countries.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is intended for students, postgraduates, teachers of law schools and faculties, for training election organizers and other participants in the electoral process, as well as for a wide range of readers interested in constitutional and legal problems and problems of electoral law.
Forget-Me-Not: The Persistent Effect of Information Provision for Adopting Climate-Friendly Goods
Authors: Gao Yu , Tavoni Massimo
Published: September 2023

It is well documented that people have misperceptions about energy costs. However, there is mixed empirical evidence about the effectiveness of information provision and its persistence over time. Understanding the interplay between information regarding the private and social benefits of low-carbon technologies and identifying mechanisms through which information treatments affect people’s long-term behaviors can help reconcile the mixed findings in the literature. In this paper, we measured the long-term effects of information provision through online experiments involving more than 3,000 households in China. We provided people with information on low-carbon light bulbs’ monetary and climate benefits and observed their purchasing decisions over 10 months. We find that information on private or social benefits leads to a temporary effect on most households and a persistent one on the uninformed. This evidence suggests that information provision works through two different mechanisms: increasing saliency and filling the information gap.

This paper was accepted by Yan Chen, behavioral economics and decision analysis.

Funding: Y. Gao received financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 71903006]. M. Tavoni received financial support from the FP7 Ideas: European Research Council [Grant ERC-336155–COBHAM].

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4910 .
A Primal-Dual Smoothing Framework for Max-Structured Non-Convex Optimization
Authors: Zhao Renbo
Published: September 2023

We propose a primal-dual smoothing framework for finding a near-stationary point of a class of nonsmooth nonconvex optimization problems with max-structure. We analyze the primal and dual gradient complexities of the framework via two approaches, that is, the dual-then-primal and primal-the-dual smoothing approaches. Our framework improves the best-known oracle complexities of the existing method, even in the restricted problem setting. As an important part of our framework, we propose a first-order method for solving a class of (strongly) convex-concave saddle-point problems, which is based on a newly developed non-Hilbertian inexact accelerated proximal gradient algorithm for strongly convex composite minimization that enjoys duality-gap convergence guarantees. Some variants and extensions of our framework are also discussed.

Funding: R. Zhao’s research is partially supported by AFOSR [Grant FA9550-22-1-0356].
Person-centred critical care for a person with learning disability and COVID-19: case study of positive risk taking
Authors: Clarke Penny , Brannan Rachel , Taylor Scott , MacArthur Juliet
Published: September 2023

People with learning disabilities are known to experience a wide range of health inequalities and have a lower life expectancy than the general population. During the COVID-19 pandemic this extended to higher mortality rates following infection with the novel coronavirus. This case study presents an example of a positive outcome for Jade, a 21-year-old woman with learning disabilities and autism who required a long period in intensive care following COVID-19 infection. It demonstrates the impact of effective multidisciplinary collaboration involving the acute hospital learning disability liaison nurse and Jade's family, leading to a wide range of reasonable and achievable adjustments to her care.
Understanding advance care planning for children and young people: a survey of health professionals
Authors: Hughes Ben , Philips Matthew , Holme Vanessa
Published: September 2023

Background:

A range of polices, documentation, and practices are associated with advance care planning. However, there is a shortage of research to understand advance care planning from a professional viewpoint.

Aims:

To explore the views and experiences of health professionals of the advance care planning process with children and young people.

Methods:

An online questionnaire was used to collect data, which were analysed thematically.

Findings:

Key findings related to barriers and facilitators to initiating and documenting advance care planning: understanding the process and the condition of the patient; how advance care planning works in practice; and access to relevant, affordable training options.

Conclusion:

Additional training and standardised documentation can help support the initiation and use of advance care planning, reduce misperceptions, and generate greater confidence in participating in the process. A larger multidisciplinary team, with better communication, will support improved relationships between professionals which will filter down to the families.
Rivaroxaban for the treatment of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia with thrombosis in a patient undergoing artificial hip arthroplasty: A case report
Authors: Lv Fang-Fang , Li Mei-Ye , Qu Wei , Jiang Zhao-Shun
Published: September 2023

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five fundamental principles of Islam, and it is obligatory for healthy Muslim adults and adolescents. During the fasting month, Muslims usually have two meals a day, suhur (before dawn) and iftar (after dusk). However, diabetic patients may face difficulties when fasting, so it is important for medical staff to educate them on safe fasting practices. Prolonged strict fasting can increase the risk of hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis, but with proper knowledge, careful planning, and medication adjustment, diabetic Muslim patients can fast during Ramadan. For this review, a literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar until May 2023. Articles other than the English language were excluded. Current strategies for managing blood sugar levels during Ramadan include a combination of patient education on nutrition, regular monitoring of blood glucose, medications, and insulin therapy. Insulin therapy can be continued during fasting if properly titrated to the patients’ needs, and finger prick blood sugar levels should be assessed regularly. If certain symptoms such as hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, dehydration, or acute illness occur, or blood glucose levels become too high (> 300 mg/dL) or too low (> 70 mg/dL), the fast should be broken. New insulin formulations such as pegylated insulin and medications like tirzepatide, a dual agonist of gastric-inhibitory peptideand glucagonlike-peptide 1 receptors, have shown promise in managing blood sugar levels during Ramadan. Non-insulin-dependent medications like sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors, including the Food and Drug Administration-approved ertugliflozin, are also being used to provide additional cardiovascular benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Mepolizumab induced palmoplantar psoriasis: A case report
Authors: Artosi Fabio , Diluvio Laura , Vultaggio Martina , Campione Elena , Bianchi Luca
Published: September 2023

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the five fundamental principles of Islam, and it is obligatory for healthy Muslim adults and adolescents. During the fasting month, Muslims usually have two meals a day, suhur (before dawn) and iftar (after dusk). However, diabetic patients may face difficulties when fasting, so it is important for medical staff to educate them on safe fasting practices. Prolonged strict fasting can increase the risk of hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis, but with proper knowledge, careful planning, and medication adjustment, diabetic Muslim patients can fast during Ramadan. For this review, a literature search was conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar until May 2023. Articles other than the English language were excluded. Current strategies for managing blood sugar levels during Ramadan include a combination of patient education on nutrition, regular monitoring of blood glucose, medications, and insulin therapy. Insulin therapy can be continued during fasting if properly titrated to the patients’ needs, and finger prick blood sugar levels should be assessed regularly. If certain symptoms such as hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, dehydration, or acute illness occur, or blood glucose levels become too high (> 300 mg/dL) or too low (> 70 mg/dL), the fast should be broken. New insulin formulations such as pegylated insulin and medications like tirzepatide, a dual agonist of gastric-inhibitory peptideand glucagonlike-peptide 1 receptors, have shown promise in managing blood sugar levels during Ramadan. Non-insulin-dependent medications like sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 inhibitors, including the Food and Drug Administration-approved ertugliflozin, are also being used to provide additional cardiovascular benefits in patients with type 2 diabetes.
The Study on Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Taraxacum platycarpum H. Dahlstedt, Lonicera japonica Thunberg and Leonurus japonicus Houtt. Complex
Authors: Huh Sung Sin , Kim Young Il
Published: September 2023

Objectives: This study was designed to experiment with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Taraxacum platycarpum H. Dahlstedt, Lonicera japonica Thunberg, and Leonurus japonicus Houtt. complex (TLL) in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell.Methods: The antioxidant activity of TLL was measured by FRAP assay, DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity. Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of TLL were measured by using standard methods. The anti-inflammatory effects of TLL were measured by NO production, biomarker production (PGE2, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), mRNA expression level (iNOS, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and protein expression level (ERK, JNK, p38).Results: Total polyphenol and flavonoid contents in TLL were 58.03±1.02 ㎎ of Gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g and 16.58±0.60 mg of Quercetin equivalents (QE)/g respectively. In FRAP assay, DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activity, a concentration-dependent increase in TLL was observed. To explore antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of TLL, RAW 264.7 cells were treated with TLL and LPS for 24 hours. Cell viability of RAW 264.7 cells were measured by adding EZ-Cytox, It was remarkably increased at 50, 100, 200 ㎍/㎖ concentrations of TLL. NO, ROS, iNOS, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, ERK, JNK and p38 were remarkably decreased at 50, 100, 200 ㎍/㎖ concentrations of TLL compared to the control group. PGE2 and COX-2 were remarkably decreased at 100, 200 ㎍/㎖ concentrationsConclusion: These results suggest that TLL complex has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
A Case of Korean Herbal Medicine Treatment for Normal Tension Glaucoma using Go-Bang
Authors: Han Gioen , Kang Eunjeong , Lee Guenseob
Published: September 2023

Objectives: To provide a case report of effective use of Korean herbal medicine treatment to reduce the development and progression of normal-tension glaucoma(NTG).Methods: This case involved a 52-year-old patient who had a history of excimer laser surgery at the age of 25 and was using prescriptions such as Cosopts2 and Xalatan for eye drops. We treated this patient with Korean herbal medicine treatment for 2 years and assessed the progression of NTG based on the optical coherence tomography testresults that he recevied at the ophthalmology clinic every 6 months. Results: During the two years of treatment with Korean herbal medicine, it was observed that the progression of NTG was halted. However, after discontinuing the Korean herbal treatment, the progression resumed.Conclusion: Korean herbal medicine treatment was found to be effective in treating normal tension glaucoma, and a minimum treatment period of two years is necessary for an accurate evaluation of NTG.
A Case of Prurigo Nodularis with Skin Rash that Occurred after COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Lee Ju-Hyun , Kim Hwan-Young , Park Min-Cheol , Jo Eun-Heui
Published: September 2023

Objectives: This study is to report a case of prurigo nodularis with skin rash that occurred after COVID-19 vaccination improved by Korean medicine treatment.Methods: The patient visited our hospital complaining of prurigo nodularis and skin rashes which occurred in various parts of the body (Total score 17). The patient complained of sleep disturbance (NRS 9) due to nighttime pruritus (NRS 7). Based on the patient’s symptoms, herbal medicine Soshiho-tang and acupuncture on the left Triple Energizer Hangyeok was prescribed.Results: Most of the skin symptoms improved significantly leaving only scars, minor scratches and pigmentation (Total score 17 → 6). The patient's sleep condition improved (NRS 7 → 1) as the pruritus decreased from NRS 9 to 2.Conclusions: This study is significant in that the patient with prurigo nodularis accompanied by skin rash effectively improved by the Korean Medicine treatment.
Wording Mute Posthumanism in Alexis Wright's The Swan Book
Authors: Polak Iva
Published: September 2023

Abstract: Alexis Wright's critically acclaimed third novel, The Swan Book (2013), has been analyzed profusely by scholars around the world. No matter how manifold these interpretative nets may be, they always refer to the character Oblivion Ethyl(ene), aka Oblivia. What is particularly telling in that regard is that Oblivia as the novel's protagonist and focalizer is a speechless child. As the article shows, Wright's so-called total novel constructs Oblivia and the virus in her brain as the novel's narrator(s), enabling her to fill her speechless world with words and meaning. Hence, as a mute narrator, Oblivia becomes one of the most unreliable but equally one of the most honest, life-affirming storytellers in contemporary fiction. The universe of her unspoken words reveals Oblivia's ability to communicate with the nonhuman and other-than-human, offering readers who are receptive a story about what it means to be posthuman in a world that defies posthumanism.
Fast ICCD-based temperature modulated fluorescence tomography
Authors: Nouizi Farouk , Kwong Tiffany C. , Turong Bryan , Nikkhah Deniz , Sampathkumaran Uma , Gulsen Gultekin
Published: September 2023

Fluorescence tomography (FT) has become a powerful preclinical imaging modality with a great potential for several clinical applications. Although it has superior sensitivity and utilizes low-cost instrumentation, the highly scattering nature of bio-tissue makes FT in thick samples challenging, resulting in poor resolution and low quantitative accuracy. To overcome the limitations of FT, we previously introduced a novel method, termed temperature modulated fluorescence tomography (TMFT), which is based on two key elements: (1) temperature-sensitive fluorescent agents (ThermoDots) and (2) high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). The fluorescence emission of ThermoDots increases up to hundredfold with only several degree temperature elevation. The exceptional and reversible response of these ThermoDots enables their modulation, which effectively allows their localization using the HIFU. Their localization is then used as functional a priori during the FT image reconstruction process to resolve their distribution with higher spatial resolution. The last version of the TMFT system was based on a cooled CCD camera utilizing a step-and-shoot mode, which necessitated long total imaging time only for a small selected region of interest (ROI). In this paper, we present the latest version of our TMFT technology, which uses a much faster continuous HIFU scanning mode based on an intensified CCD (ICCD) camera. This new, to the best of our knowledge, version can capture the whole field-of-view (FOV) of 50×30mm2 at once and reduces the total imaging time down to 30 min, while preserving the same high resolution (∼1.3mm) and superior quantitative accuracy (<7% error) as the previous versions. Therefore, this new method is an important step toward utilization of TMFT for preclinical imaging.
Topological transport in heterostructure of valley photonic crystals
Authors: Shao Hongxian , Wang Yueke , Yang Guofeng , Sang Tian
Published: September 2023

We propose a heterogeneous structure, which are composed of two valley photonic crystals (VPCs) with opposite valley Chern numbers and air channel. With the increasing width of the air channel, valley-locked waveguide modes are found in topological bandgap by analyzing energy bands. Finite element method (FEM) simulation results show that the fundamental and high order modes are valley-locked, propagating unidirectionally under the excitation of chiral source, and possess higher flux compared to the valley-locked topological edge state in the domain wall. Besides, the immunity to backscattering in bend and couplers, and the robustness to random disorders are discussed in detail. We also investigate the one-way multimode interference (MMI) effect based on valley-locked waveguide modes, and design topological beam splitters. Our study provides a novel idea for topological transport with high flux, and more freedom to design valley-locked waveguide devices, including bends, couplers and splitters.
TE/TM mode electro-optic conversion based on titanium diffusion lithium niobate waveguide with polarization-maintained fiber structure
Authors: Li Yang , Yang Zuoxin , Chen Huajiang , Liu Runhao , Peng Jiahao , Fu Fangheng , Yang Tiefeng , Guan Heyuan , Yang Xu , Di Hongwei , Lu Huihui
Published: September 2023

For the development of photonic integrated circuits and lithium niobate (LiNbO3, LN) optical waveguide technology, the implementations and applications of polarization devices based on LN is also becoming more widespread, where titanium (Ti)-diffused LN waveguides form the basis of many important electro-optic (EO) integrated optical devices. Moreover, utilizing polarization conversion has the potential to ehance both the effectiveness and capacity of optical transmission. Thus, we have presented an EO polarization-mode converter packaging with PANDA polarization-maintaining optical fibers (PMFs) in the broadband wavelength range (1440 nm-1620 nm) to obtain multiwavelength modulation, featuring the wavelength tunability. And the fabricated device is able to achieve transverse electric (TE) to transverse magnetic (TM) mode conversion efficiently with the applied voltage of ±11 V, which provides high conversion efficiency. Importantly, our device also features a high frequency response of about 600 MHz with insertion loss below 5 dB. The rapid development of LN-based polarization devices holds great promise for chip-integrated systems in the field of polarization telecommunication.
Short-term temperature fluctuations increase disease in a Daphnia-parasite infectious disease system
Authors: Krichel Leila , Kirk Devin , Pencer Clara , Hönig Madison , Wadhawan Kiran , Krkošek Martin
Published: September 2023

Climate change has profound effects on infectious disease dynamics, yet the impacts of increased short-term temperature fluctuations on disease spread remain poorly understood. We empirically tested the theoretical prediction that short-term thermal fluctuations suppress endemic infection prevalence at the pathogen’s thermal optimum. This prediction follows from a mechanistic disease transmission model analyzed using stochastic simulations of the model parameterized with thermal performance curves (TPCs) from metabolic scaling theory and using nonlinear averaging, which predicts ecological outcomes consistent with Jensen’s inequality (i.e., reduced performance around concave-down portions of a thermal response curve). Experimental observations of replicated epidemics of the microparasite Ordospora colligata in Daphnia magna populations indicate that temperature variability had the opposite effect of our theoretical predictions and instead increase endemic infection prevalence. This positive effect of temperature variability is qualitatively consistent with a published hypothesis that parasites may acclimate more rapidly to fluctuating temperatures than their hosts; however, incorporating hypothetical effects of delayed host acclimation into the mechanistic transmission model did not fully account for the observed pattern. The experimental data indicate that shifts in the distribution of infection burden underlie the positive effect of temperature fluctuations on endemic prevalence. The increase in disease risk associated with climate fluctuations may therefore result from disease processes interacting across scales, particularly within-host dynamics, that are not captured by combining standard transmission models with metabolic scaling theory.
Health-related behavioral changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. A comparison between cohorts of French and Italian university students
Authors: Matteucci Ivana , Corsi Mario , Hurdiel Rémy , Pezé Thierry , Masson Philippe , Porrovecchio Alessandro
Published: September 2023

This cross-sectional observational study compares the health behaviors of university students in France and Italy, examining how their choices and lifestyles were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with the aim of contributing to the development of adequate public health and higher education institutions interventions. The French cohort was investigated between January and February 2022, while the Italian cohort was examined between March and April 2022. In both contexts, data were collected through web surveys using institutional directories of university degree programs. Data were collected using standardized tools, validated and recovered in full or partial form. The tool used consisted of three specific sections (general experience, eating habits, physical activity), to which a fourth, dedicated to describing the sociographic picture of the respondents, was added. It was found that the pandemic mainly affected the mental health and sense of well-being of young people in both countries. The pandemic altered dietary habits (41.8% of the French subjects and 38.3% of the Italians declared an increasing of their food intake), alcohol consumption (9.0% of the Italian respondents and 4.0% of the French respondents reported an increased alcohol consumption), propensity to smoke (among the French 85.3% subjects remained non-smokers versus 65.3% of the Italian subjects), sleep quality (25.7% of Italian students 16.6% of French students experienced a decline in the quality of their sleep), and physical activity levels (the percentage of physically active French subjects rose to 72.4%, whereas among Italian students, it dropped to 68,4%). The results emphasize the need for the implementation of relational and psychological interventions, even digital, to face the consequences of social isolation and negative changes in everyday behaviors due to the restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Experiences of people with dual sensory loss in various areas of life: A qualitative study
Authors: Veenman E. , Roelofs A. A. J. , Stolwijk M. L. , Bootsma A. M. , van Nispen R. M. A.
Published: September 2023

Individuals with dual sensory loss (DSL) appear to have limited ability to compensate for their visual impairment with residual hearing, or for their hearing impairment with residual vision, resulting in challenges in various areas of life. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the diverse experiences facing individuals with DSL as well as to determine how they experience sensory compensation. Semi-structured interviews were carried out in twenty adults with DSL (13 females and 7 males, mean age 47 years). The causes of DSL severity varied amongst participants. Sensory compensation and experiences in regards to access to information, mobility, communication and fatigue were discussed. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Framework analysis was used to summarize and interpret the data. In relation to access to information, our results show that, despite various challenges, the use of assistive technology such as voice command functions, enabled participants to operate effectively. Regarding mobility, most participants were capable of finding their way in familiar environments. However, if the setting was unfamiliar, assistance from others or reliance on navigation applications was necessary. Participants experienced little issues with having conversations in quiet settings, however, crowded settings were considered very difficult. The final results showed that most participants suffered from fatigue. Carefully considering which daily activities were feasible and having a daily routine helped to cope with fatigue. This study revealed the experiences of individuals with DSL in important areas of life. The results suggest that, even though many challenges are experienced, individuals with DSL are resourceful in finding compensation strategies. However, capturing participants’ sensory compensation experiences was challenging.
An analysis of the spread of electric field within the cochlea for different devices including custom-made electrodes for subtotal cochleoectomy
Authors: Wagner Luise , Plontke Stefan K. , Rahne Torsten
Published: September 2023

Objective

Cochlear implants (CIs) can restore hearing not only in patients with profound hearing loss and deafness, but also in patients following tumour removal of intra-cochlear schwannomas. In such cases, design and placement differ from conventional electrode insertion, in which the cochlea remains filled with fluid. Despite these technical and surgical differences, previous studies have tended to show positive results in speech perception in tumour patients. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the ability to predict speech recognition outcomes using individual electric field spreads and to investigate worldwide unique tumour cases.

Study design

In a retrospective analysis in a university tertiary center electric field spreads were compared between two groups of electrode designs implanted between 2009 and 2020 i.e., between lateral wall electrodes and custom-made perimodiolar electrode carriers from the same company. The voltage gradients were analysed and grouped with speech recognition results.

Results

Differences in electrical field spreads were found between lateral wall electrodes and the custom-made perimodiolar electrodes, whereas a significant influence of electric fields on scores in speech recognition cannot be demonstrated.

Conclusion

Prediction of speech recognition outcome based on electric field propagation results seems not feasible. Significant differences in field spread between electrode arrays can be clearly demonstrated. This observation and its relevance to hearing treatment and speech recognition should therefore be further investigated in upcoming studies.
Short-term wind speed forecasting based on a hybrid model of ICEEMDAN, MFE, LSTM and informer
Authors: Xinxin Wang , Xiaopan Shen , Xueyi Ai , Shijia Li
Published: September 2023

Wind energy, as a kind of environmentally friendly renewable energy, has attracted a lot of attention in recent decades. However, the security and stability of the power system is potentially affected by large-scale wind power grid due to the randomness and intermittence of wind speed. Therefore, accurate wind speed prediction is conductive to power system operation. A hybrid wind speed prediction model based on Improved Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (ICEEMDAN), Multiscale Fuzzy Entropy (MFE), Long short-term memory (LSTM) and INFORMER is proposed in this paper. Firstly, the wind speed data are decomposed into multiple intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) by ICEEMDAN. Then, the MFE values of each mode are calculated, and the modes with similar MFE values are aggregated to obtain new subsequences. Finally, each subsequence is predicted by informer and LSTM, each sequence selects the one with better performance than the two predictors, and the prediction results of each subsequence are superimposed to obtain the final prediction results. The proposed hybrid model is also compared with other seven related models based on four evaluation metrics under different prediction periods to verify its validity and applicability. The experimental results indicate that the proposed hybrid model based on ICEEMDAN, MFE, LSTM and INFORMER exhibits higher accuracy and greater applicability.
Do pregnant African women exercise? A meta-analysis
Authors: Geda Yohannes Fikadu , Mohammed Seid Jemal , Berhe Tamirat Melis , Chibsa Samuel Ejeta , Sahle Tadesse , Lamiso Yirgalem Yosef , Mossa Kenzudin Assfa , Gesese Molalegn Mesele
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Antenatal exercise can reduce gestational weight gain, backache; pregnancy induced medical disorders, caesarean section rates, and improves pregnancy outcomes. American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recommends prenatal exercise, which is associated with minimal risk and has been shown to be beneficial for pregnancy outcomes, although some exercise routines may need to be modified. Consequently, this meta-analysis is intended to verify the pooled practice of antenatal exercise in Africa using available primary articles.

Methods

Genuine search of the research articles was done via PubMed, Scopes, Cochrane library, the Web of Science; free Google databases search engines, Google Scholar, and Science Direct databases. Published and unpublished articles were searched and screened for inclusion in the final analysis and Studies without sound methodologies, and review and meta-analysis were not included in this analysis. The Newcastle–Ottawa scale was used to assess the risk of bias. If heterogeneity exceeded 40%, the random effect method was used; otherwise, the fixed-effect method was used. Meta-analysis was conducted using STATA version 14.0 software. Publication bias was checked by funnel plot and Egger test.

Results

This review analyzed data from 2880 women on antenatal care contact from different primary studies. The overall pooled effect estimate of antenatal exercise in Africa was 34.50(32.63–36.37). In the subgroup analysis for pooled antenatal exercise practice by country, it was 34.24 (31.41–37.08) in Ethiopia and 37.64(34.63–40.65) in Nigeria.

Conclusion

The overall pooled effect estimate of antenatal exercise in Africa was low compared to other continent. As it was recommended by ACOG antenatal exercise to every patient in the absence of contraindications, it should be encouraged by professionals providing antenatal care service.