bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Promising hepatoprotective agents from the natural sources: a study of scientific evidence
Authors: Pandey Bipindra , Baral Rishiram , Kaundinnyayana Atisammodavardhana , Panta Sushil
Published: March 2023

Background

Natural bioactive components derived from plant secondary metabolites have been pronounced as valuable alternatives for anticipating and subsiding hepatotoxic effects and its chronic complications based on experimental verification. The focus of this review is to elucidate the commonly used modern medicine for the treatment of liver disease and how major phytoconstituents have been tested for hepatoprotective activity, mechanism of action of some promising agents from natural sources, and clinical trial data for treating in patients with different liver diseases by the aid of natural phytoconstituents.

Main text

The review shows fifteen major isolated phytoconstituents, their biological sources, chemical structures, utilized plant parts, type of extracts used, hepatoprotective assay method, and their possible mechanism of action on the hepatoprotection. Nine promising hepatoprotective leads from natural sources with their chemistry and hepatoprotective mechanism are mentioned briefly. The review further includes the recent clinical trial studies of some hepatoprotective leads and their clinical outcome with different liver disease patients. Scientific studies revealed that antioxidant properties are the central mechanism for the phytoconstituents to subside different disease pathways by upsurging antioxidant defense system of cells, scavenging free radicals, down surging lipid peroxidation, improving anti-inflammatory potential, and further protecting the hepatic cell injury. In this review, we summarize recent development of natural product-based hepatoprotective leads and their curative potential for various sort of liver diseases. Furthermore, the usefulness of hit and lead molecules from natural sources for significant clinical benefit to discover new drug molecule and downsizing the problems of medication and chemical-induced hepatotoxic effects is extrapolated.

Conclusion

Further research are encouraged to elucidate the pharmacological principle of these natural-based chemical agents which will stimulate future pharmaceutical development of therapeutically beneficial hepatoprotective regimens.
The modification, translation, and validation of the Malaysian version of Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) questionnaire
Authors: Cheah Siew Chung , Hamizan Aneeza Khairiyah Wan , Zahedi Farah Dayana , Baki Marina Mat , Husain Salina
Published: March 2023

Background

Score for Allergic Rhinitis (SFAR) is a validated self-administered questionnaire to assess for allergic rhinitis (AR) in a population setting but was designed for a temperate climate.

Objective

This study aims to modify the SFAR for the tropical climate, translate the modified SFAR from English to Malay Language, and validate this Malaysian version of SFAR (MySFAR).

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study at an outpatient Otorhinolaryngology clinic in a tertiary center. There were 2 phases in the study: (1) the translation and validation of SFAR and (2) the testing of diagnostic accuracy. Two different groups of participants were recruited for the respective phase.

Results

In phase 1, the total MySFAR score showed good discriminant validity between AR and healthy controls (13.44 ± 1.58 v 1.00 ± 2.12, p < 0.01). The internal consistency and test–retest reliability of MySFAR was excellent with Cronbach’s alpha 0.92 (95% CI 0.90–0.94) and intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.97, p < 0.01. In phase 2, MySFAR gave an AUC of 0.98 (95% CI = 0.96–1.00, p < 0.01), and a cut-off score of > 9 (J = 0.92) was determined based on the highest Youden index. This cut-off was 97.8% sensitive and 93.9% specific to predicting allergic rhinitis from non-allergic rhinitis.

Conclusion

The present study showed good validity and reliability of MySFAR among the Malaysian population. The cut-off score of > 9 was able to predict allergic rhinitis. This would be a useful screening tool for allergic rhinitis population studies in tropical countries.
Radiotherapy and Limb-Sparing Surgery in the Management of Localized Soft Tissue Sarcomas: Tertiary Care Center Experience From Pakistan
Authors: Raza Syed M. , Riaz Adeel , Mansha Muhammad A. , Fasih Samir , Awan Umme Kalsoom , Siddiqui Kashif , Rafi Ilyas , Shoaib Ahmed , Abu Bakar Muhammad , Fareed Muhammad M.
Published: March 2023

PURPOSE

When combined with radiotherapy, limb salvage surgery is an alternative to amputation. This study sought to determine the limb-sparing treatment outcomes in patients diagnosed with soft tissue extremity sarcomas treated at our institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All adult patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma treated with the radical limb salvage strategy at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Canter, Lahore, Pakistan, between January 2017 and December 2019 were retrospectively assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 122 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 42 years (range 19-82), and 64 (52.5%) were males. The majority of patients, 65 (53.3%), were diagnosed with stage III and grade III disease according to American Joint Committee on Cancer TNM classification (Eighth edition). The most common surgical modality was wide local excision that was performed in 106 (86.9%) patients. Adjuvant radiation treatment was given in 111 (91%) patients, whereas 11 (9%) patients received neoadjuvant radiation treatment. The mean dose was 58 Gy (range: 46-66 Gy). Eighty-two (67.2%) of the patients were disease-free on post-treatment radiologic scans with disease recurrence observed in 40 (32.8%) patients. The median disease-free survival was 8 months (95% CI, 5.45 to 10.55). Local recurrence and distant metastases developed in 16 (13%) and 24 (20%) patients, respectively.

CONCLUSION

About two thirds of patients with extremity soft tissue sarcoma were successfully treated with limb salvage strategy, surgery, and radiation therapy. However, high rate of relapse warrants further novel strategies in this patient population.
Effect of Different Load Intensity Transition Schemes on Muscular Strength and Physical Performance in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: CARNEIRO MARCELO A. S. , KASSIANO WITALO , OLIVEIRA-JÚNIOR GERSIEL , SOUSA JAIRO F. R. , CYRINO EDILSON S. , ORSATTI FÁBIO L.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

In postmenopausal women, optimizing muscular strength and physical performance through proper resistance training (RT) is crucial in achieving optimal functional reserve later in life. This study aimed to compare if a higher-load-to-lower-load (HL-to-LL) scheme is more effective than a lower-load-to-higher-load (LL-to-HL) scheme on muscular strength and physical performance in postmenopausal women after 12 and 24 wk of RT.

Methods

Twenty-four postmenopausal women were randomized into two groups: LL-to-HL (n = 12, 27–31 repetitions maximum (RM) in the first 12 wk, and 8–12RM in the last 12 wk) or HL-to-LL (n = 12, 8–12RM during the first 12 wk, and 27–31RM in the last 12 wk). Muscular dynamic (1RM test) and isometric strength (MIVC) and functional tests (sit-to-stand power, 400-m walking, and 6-min walking) were analyzed at baseline, after 12 and 24 wk.

Results

Different load intensity transition schemes resulted in enhancements (P < 0.05) in dynamic (45° leg press: LL-to-HL = 21.98% vs HL-to-LL = 16.07%; leg extension: LL-to-HL = 23.25% vs HL-to-LL = 16.28%; leg curl: LL-to-HL = 23.89% vs HL-to-LL = 13.34%) and isometric strength (LL-to-HL = 14.63% vs HL-to-LL = 19.42%), sit-to-stand power (LL-to-HL = 7.32% vs HL-to-LL = 0%), and walking speed (400-m test: LL-to-HL = 3.30% vs HL-to-LL = 5.52%; 6-min test: LL-to-HL = 4.44% vs HL-to-LL = 5.55%) after 24 wk of RT, without differences between groups (P > 0.05). However, only the HL increased the dynamic strength in 45° leg press and leg extension and sit-to-stand power. Moreover, walking speed changes were more strongly correlated with the changes in MIVC (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results indicate that both load intensity transition schemes produce similar improvements in muscular strength and physical performance in postmenopausal women after 24 wk of RT. However, the HL was more effective in increasing 45° leg press and leg extension strength, as well as power (mainly when performed after the LL), whereas having little effect on leg curl strength, isometric strength, and walking speed. Our findings suggest that although an HL makes a muscle isotonically stronger, it may have limited impact on isometric strength and walking speed in postmenopausal women.
DETER-ing Deforestation in the Amazon: Environmental Monitoring and Law Enforcement
Authors: Assunção Juliano , Gandour Clarissa , Rocha Romero
Published: March 2023

We study Brazil's recent use of satellite technology to overcome law enforcement shortcomings resulting from weak institutional environments. DETER is a system that processes satellite imagery and issues near-real-time deforestation alerts to target environmental enforcement in the Amazon. We propose a novel instrumental variable approach for estimating enforcement's impact on deforestation. Clouds limiting DETER's capacity to detect clearings serve as a source of exogenous variation for the presence of environmental authorities. Findings indicate that monitoring and enforcement effectively curb deforestation. Results hold across several robustness checks. (JEL K32, K42, O13, Q23, Q28, Q54, Q58)
Infrastructure Costs
Authors: Brooks Leah , Liscow Zachary
Published: March 2023

Despite infrastructure's importance to the US economy, evidence on its cost trajectory over time is sparse. We document real spending per new mile over the history of the Interstate Highway System. We find that spending per mile increased more than threefold from the 1960s to the 1980s. This increase persists even conditional on pre-existing observable geographic cost determinants. We then provide suggestive evidence on why. Input prices explain little of the increase. Statistically, changes in income and housing prices explain about half of the increase. We find suggestive evidence that the rise of “citizen voice” in government decision-making increased spending per mile. (JEL D72, H54, N42, N72, R31, R42)
Emigration and Entrepreneurial Drain
Authors: Anelli Massimo , Basso Gaetano , Ippedico Giuseppe , Peri Giovanni
Published: March 2023

Emigration of young, highly educated individuals may deprive origin countries of entrepreneurs. We identify exogenous variation in emigration from Italy by interacting past diaspora networks and current economic pull factors in destination countries. We find that a 1 standard deviation increase in the emigration rate generates a 4.8 percent decline in firms' creation in the local labor market of origin. An accounting exercise decomposes the estimated effect into four components: subtraction of individuals with average entrepreneurial propensity, selection of young and college-educated among emigrants, negative spillovers on firm creation, and selection on unobservable characteristics positively associated with entrepreneurship. (JEL F22, J23, J82, L26, M13, R23)
Dental MRI—only a future vision or standard of care? A literature review on current indications and applications of MRI in dentistry
Authors: Flügge Tabea , Gross Christian , Ludwig Ute , Schmitz Johanna , Nahles Susanne , Heiland Max , Nelson Katja
Published: March 2023

MRI is increasingly used as a diagnostic tool for visualising the dentoalveolar complex. A comprehensive review of the current indications and applications of MRI in the dental specialities of orthodontics (I), endodontics (II), prosthodontics (III), periodontics (IV), and oral surgery (V), pediatric dentistry (VI), operative dentistry is still missing and is therefore provided by the present work.

The current literature on dental MRI shows that it is used for cephalometry in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics, detection of dental pulp inflammation, characterisation of periapical and marginal periodontal pathologies of teeth, caries detection, and identification of the inferior alveolar nerve, impacted teeth and dentofacial anatomy for dental implant planning, respectively. Specific protocols regarding the miniature anatomy of the dentofacial complex, the presence of hard tissues, and foreign body restorations are used along with dedicated coils for the improved image quality of the facial skull.

Dental MRI poses a clinically useful radiation-free imaging tool for visualising the dentoalveolar complex across dental specialities when respecting the indications and limitations.
The sensitivity of TIRADS scoring on ultrasonography in the management of thyroid nodules
Authors: Anwar Khurshid , Yar Mohammad Adnan , Dr Saeed Khan
Published: March 2023

Objective: To determine the sensitivity of ACR-TIRADS scoring by comparing its results with those obtained on biopsy of respective specimens.

Method: This prospective study including N=205 patients with thyroid nodules was conducted in ENT Department of MTI Hayatabad Medical complex, Peshawar during the period from May 1, 2019 to April 30, 2022. Preoperative ultrasonography with assigning of TIRADS scores was performed in all patients. Appropriate thyroidectomies were performed in these patients and specimen biopsied. Pre-op TIRADS scores were compared with biopsy results. To determine the sensitivity of TIRADS, TR1 and TR2 were considered ‘benign’ and TR3, TR4, TR5 were considered ’malignant’ for comparison with biopsy results.

Results: The mean age of patients was 37.68 years with standard deviation of ±11.52. The M: F ratio was 1:3.5. Nineteen patients (9.27%) had solitary thyroid nodules & 186 (90.73%) had multinodular goiters. TIRADS scoring was benign for 171 (83.41%) and malignant for 34 (16.58%) nodules. The biopsy results revealed 180 (87.80%) nodules to benign and the rest as malignant. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy were calculated at 80%, 92.77% and 91.21% respectively. Chi square test and p-value determination showed that there was a strong positive concordance between TIRADS scores & biopsy results which is highly significant (p=.001).

Conclusion: The Ultrasonographic ACR-TIRADS scoring and risk stratification system is highly sensitive for detecting malignancy in thyroid nodules. It is, therefore, a reliable technique in the initial assessment of thyroid nodules and decisions can safely be based on its results. In cases of doubt, clinical judgment should be exercised before making final decision.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.7313

How to cite this: Anwar K, Mohammad AY, Khan S. The sensitivity of TIRADS scoring on ultrasonography in the management of thyroid nodules. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(3):870-874. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.3.7313

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Whole genome sequencing data of Candida krusei, the pathogen causing Candidaemia, from Department of Parasitology Culture Collection, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia
Authors: Fadilah Fadilah , Adawiyah Robiatul , Wahyuningsih Retno , Rozaliyani Anna , Fatril Ayu Eka , Paramita Rafika Indah , Erlina Linda , Istiadi Khaerunissa Anbar
Published: March 2023

Candida krusei is a Candida non-albicans species with a high prevalence, which causes candidaemia. Current treatment guidelines include fluconazole as a primary therapeutic option for the treatment of these infections; however, it is only a fungistatic against Candida spp., and both inherent and acquired resistance to fluconazole have been reported. C. krusei species is also reported as the only Candida sp. which has an intrinsic resistance factor to fluconazole. Therefore, in dealing with antifungal resistance, it is necessary to develop new antifungal agents that are efficient in the treatment of fungal infections, especially those caused by C. krusei. The purpose of this study was to investigate the genome of clinical C. krusei isolates and correlate the resistant phenotypes with mutations in resistance genes. A total of 16 samples of C. krusei from clinical samples from hospitals in Jakarta were used in the experiment. All colonies were extracted using the QIAamp DNA Mini Kit. The library was prepared using the Illumina DNA Prep Kit. The sequencing process was carried out on the Illumina MiSeq Platform using a 2x301 paired-end configuration. FASTQ raw files are available under the BioProject Accession Number PRJNA819536 and Sequence Read Archive Accession Numbers SRR18739949 and SRR18739964.
The Religious Life of Afghan Migrants Before and After Migration: Protecting Their Religious Identity or Social Cohesion
Authors: ZEYBEKOĞLU AKBAŞ Özge , AYGÜL Hasan Hüseyin , GÜRBÜZ Gamze , KURTULUŞ Sevda
Published: March 2023

The study aims to examine the religious lives of Afghan migrants before and after migration, their religious socialization in Türkiye, the problems they face in their religious lives, and to reveal how they evaluate religious life in Türkiye. For this purpose, the Evrenseki, Çolaklı, Yavrudoğan, Gündoğdu, and Taşağıl neighborhoods of Antalya were chosen as the area for research. The study group of sixteen men and five women was formed using the snowball sampling method on Afghan migrants living in these neighborhoods and working in agricultural activities, cold storage, greenhouse cultivation, etc. The data obtained through the in-depth interview technique was analyzed using content analysis. The MAXQDA program was used for the systematic coding of the data. As a result of the coding, the article examines the subject through four themes: the pre-migration religious life of Afghans, the post-migration religious life of Afghans, the religious socialization practices of Afghan migrants, and religious life in Türkiye as seen through the eyes of Afghan migrants. Also, it discusses whether Afghan migrants are developing behaviors to protect their religious personalities or foster social integration and cohesion. As a result, it concludes that Afghan migrants have strong religious identities but generally develop integration and cohesion behavior.
Development of logical and mathematical models for making managerial decisions in complex organizational systems for special purposes
Authors: Sumin Viktor , Mel'nikov A. , Antsiferova V. , Sazonova Svetlana
Published: March 2023

This article discusses the problem of making managerial decisions by employees when using complex organizational systems for special purposes. In order to make effective management decisions by employees in complex organizational systems for special purposes, it is necessary to develop the structure of this system, to adapt the mathematical models of the set of goals to real goals-processes, to the choice of alternative management decisions for intermediate goals of such systems. It is advisable to adhere to the following approach "a solution is a multi-layered iterative information process initiated by a problem situation, preceding the action." When developing cognitive mathematical models (CMM) for managerial decision-making (CMP), we will assume that the target settings (TA) are homogeneous and should be based on the basic principles of construction (COSSN) of a complex organizational structure for special purposes. The signs of the classification of managerial decisions and the stages of the process of making managerial decisions are given: analysis, forecasting, optimization and choice of alternatives. PUR when functioning in the SSSN is important for all employees who, constantly or periodically act as managers (curators, organizers, management entities). The network model of the CSSSN in the form of graph G is developed based on the requirements for the functioning of this system as a technology for the adoption of SD.
Application of semiconductor electronics products in extreme conditions
Authors: Kolesnikov Maksim , Kharchenko M. , Dorohov V. , Zolnikov Konstantin
Published: March 2023

A study of the thermal properties of materials used in semiconductor electronics has been carried out. The dependence of the thermal resistance of GaAs diodes on the temperature increase of the product body is determined. They are determined taking into account the design solutions of the housing design of the REA, which can protect components from extreme, difficult conditions, but they increase the weight and complexity of the system. Materials such as SiC, GaAs, GaN, diamond that can withstand extreme conditions may have advantages that go far beyond their electronic characteristics. An example of the application of GaAs-based diode modules of p-i-n diodes developed by JSC "VZPP-S" is given - a three-phase bridge rectifier made according to the Larionov scheme for an electric generator with a power of up to 2750 watts. A methodology for conducting reliability tests has been developed. Short-term tests for the reliability of diode modules at extreme housing temperatures were carried out. The results of the calculation of the thermal resistance of the junction-housing are presented. To simplify the calculation of the thermal resistance of the junction-housing of the developed module, we will make the following assumptions: the materials used in the design of the module diodes have isotropic thermal conductivity; heat exchange in the internal parts of the structure is carried out only by thermal conductivity; there are no contact resistances between the layers; the power dissipated by the terminals of the diode crystals is negligible compared with the power discharged through the lower base into the heat sink; the side surfaces of the thermal model are insulated; each layer of the same material is homogeneous and has a thermal conductivity coefficient determined by the average temperature of the layer; the influence of the thermal effect of neighboring crystals of the module is not taken into account. The algorithm of stationary thermal regime (method of equivalents) of Appendix N OST 11 0944-96 is chosen as the basis of calculation.
Computer simulation of the operation of transistors and semiconductor devices based on it
Authors: Poluektov Aleksandr , Makarenko F. , Medvedev Roman
Published: March 2023

The technology of modeling a field-effect transistor in the CAD system COMSOL Multiphysics is considered. The possibilities of CAD, its methods of graphical construction of the model and methods of modeling the behavior of the model are being studied. The object of study is the MOS transistor, its scope, operation and a mathematical model that can be used in designing its operation. The Shikhman-Hodges model, input and output parameters are determined, the degree of its adequacy to a real transistor is set, the main parameters are determined, with the help of which it is possible to conduct a study of a field-effect transistor, its current-voltage characteristic. A transistor model is built in the mode of operation in the mode of small-signal amplifiers, replacing it with a linear four-port model, it is described when this model can be applied when simulating the operation of the device.
General Equilibrium in a Heterogeneous-Agent Incomplete-Market Economy with Many Consumption Goods and a Risk-Free Bond
Authors: Light Bar
Published: March 2023

General equilibrium models have been extensively studied in economics, with seminal works by Arrow, Debreu, McKenzie, Gale, and Nikaido providing a proof for the existence of general equilibrium in a pure exchange economy. However, while the recently popular dynamic incomplete-markets models have attracted attention, the existence results for these models have remained limited. In “General equilibrium in a heterogeneous-agent incomplete-market economy with many consumption goods and a risk-free bond,” Light extends some general equilibrium results to a dynamic incomplete-market economy with many consumption goods and a risk-free bond. Under mild conditions, using a well-known excess demand approach, the article establishes the existence of general equilibrium, showing that the methods used to prove existence in the static pure exchange economy can be used in the much more complicated dynamic incomplete-market setting. The article also establishes uniqueness and comparative statics results for the special case where the agents’ preferences can be represented by a constant elasticity of substitution utility function with an elasticity of substitution greater than or equal to one.
Early experiences of telehealth monitoring for patients with COPD and implementation of person-centred care plans
Authors: Eeles Jacqueline , Ellison Sarah , Jones Caroline , Huntington Claire
Published: March 2023

Aims: The authors share their early experiences of developing and implementing a telehealth service for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), through a collaborative approach. The article will explore the process of implementing telehealth service in a local care community team, identifying opportunities for improving care delivery and person-centred care. Discussion: The initial feedback and thoughts of both patients and healthcare professionals were obtained. Such feedback included patient’s health insights, which helped improve risk assessment and personalised parameter settings. Conclusions: To-date, there has been a lack of robust evidence for the clinical benefits of telehealth. However, the feedback from staff and patients using telehealth was positive in several areas. Person-centred care plans also helped provide greater insight into patient’s health goals, thereby streamlining care.
Infection prevention and control: a guide for community nurses
Authors: Ramadan Francesca
Published: March 2023

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of infection prevention and control (IPC), and accentuated the need for better health and safety measures to protect both healthcare professionals and their patients.

In this article, Francesca Ramadan provides an overview of IPC measures for community nurses, such as hand hygiene and personal protective equipment, along with the safe management of care equipment and the care environment.
Advance planning for co-caring couples
Authors: Lezard Ruth , Latham Hannah
Published: March 2023

This article explores joint advance planning for co-caring couples in the community, a group growing in number and need. A health crisis for one, exposes the vulnerability of the other. Lack of planning for this eventuality leaves health and social care struggling to provide an adequate safety net in a short timeframe. This inability to adequately support, can lead to harm to the couple.

The authors conducted a formal reflective investigation to discover themes that impacted on their ability to meet the needs of such a couple in their care. The themes were: the need for advanced care planning in co-caring situations; capacity assessed through different lenses; using safeguarding systems appropriately to support questions of capacity; challenges when care is not accepted; and compassion fatigue. These themes were then used to develop an action plan to improve ways of working to reduce risk in these situations.
Two new species of Sciapus Zeller, 1842 (Diptera: Dolichopodidae) from Iran
Authors: GRICHANOV IGOR YA. , GILASIAN EBRAHIM
Published: March 2023

Two new long-legged fly species, Sciapus basavandae sp. nov. and S. khuzestanicus sp. nov. from Sistan and Baluchestan and Khuzestan provinces of Iran are described and illustrated. The two new species appear to be very close to S. sylvaticus Becker, 1907, known from Algeria, differing from the latter in body size, mostly yellow antenna; wider face, abdomen partly yellow, bilobed surstylus, cercus with ventral projection. S. sylvaticus has black antenna, narrow face, entirely dark abdomen, simple and thick surstylus, cercus without ventral projection. A check list and key to 24 Sciapus species of Iran and neighbouring countries are compiled for the first time.
Determination of the Physical Integrity of Ethernet Cables by Obtaining their Transmission Line Parameters from Measured Impedance Profiles
Authors: Ogundapo Olusegun , Duffy Alistair P.
Published: March 2023

A method of determining the physical integrity of Ethernet cables by obtaining their transmission line parameters (resistance, inductance, capacitance, and conductance) from their measured impedance profiles are presented. The transmission line parameters were extracted across the cable lengths rather than frequencies used in most research. The method can be used to examine the physical integrity of Ethernet cables before their deployment. The study of the physical integrity of Ethernet cables is very important because, in typical installations, cables can be manipulated in the form of repeated coiling and uncoiling. The installation handling stress can adversely affect the signal integrity especially if they are substandard Ethernet cables. In this paper, four Ethernet cables were subjected to three coiling and uncoiling tests to represent installation handling stress. The impedance profiles of the four cables across their lengths were measured for the three handling stress test conducted. The computation of the transmission line parameters of the Ethernet cables using measured impedance profiles was implemented with the aid of Matrix Laboratory (MATLAB). The outcome of the research showed that the method presented will be very useful to cable installers and contractors in making objective decisions in the choice of cables for deployment.
Modeling the Performance Impact of Cubic Macro Cells Used in Additively Manufactured Luneburg Lenses
Authors: LaRocca Brian F. , Mirotznik Mark S.
Published: March 2023

Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is used to determine the sensitivity of feed placement on a Luneburg lens (LL) having large scale cubic discretization of its permittivity distribution. This is of practical importance for lenses fabricated using additive manufacturing, allowing accurate prediction of performance, and potentially reducing overall print time. It is shown that the far-field relative side lobe level (RSLL) is most sensitive to this form of discretization, and the impact to multi-feed and single-feed applications is considered. It is shown that for single-feed applications, large cubic macro cells are beneficial and provide a RSLL above that achieved with the continuous and non-uniform shelled counterparts.
Multifunctional terahertz metamaterial based on vanadium dioxide and silicon
Authors: Wang Junlin , Wang Zelong , Wang Xin , Shi Kaixuan , Lu Yuhang , Sun Zhanshuo
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a multifunctional metamaterial device operating in the terahertz (THz) band. The metamaterial device can switch functions by using the phase transition properties of vanadium dioxide (VO2) and the photoconductive effect of silicon. An intermediate metal layer divides the device into the I side and II side. When VO2 is in the insulating state, the I side can achieve polarization conversion from linear polarization waves to linear polarization waves at 0.408–0.970 THz. When VO2 is in the metal-like state, the I side can perform polarization conversion from linear polarization waves to circular polarization waves at 0.469–1.127 THz. When silicon is not excited in the absence of light, the II side can perform polarization conversion from linear polarization waves to linear polarization waves at 0.799–1.336 THz. As the light intensity increases, the II side can realize stable broadband absorption at 0.697–1.483 THz when silicon is in the conductive state. The device can be applied to wireless communications, electromagnetic stealth, THz modulation, THz sensing, and THz imaging. Moreover, it provides a fresh idea for the design of multifunctional metamaterial devices.
Optical attenuation coefficient of skin under low compression
Authors: de Souza Bachour Raquel Pantojo , Dominguez Christian Tolentino , Cardoso George C.
Published: March 2023

In various biomedical optics therapies, knowledge of how light is absorbed or scattered by tissues is crucial. Currently, it is suspected that a low compression applied to the skin surface may improve light delivery into tissue. However, the minimum pressure needed to be applied to significantly increase the light penetration into the skin has not been determined. In this study, we used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure the optical attenuation coefficient of the human forearm dermis in a low compression regime (<8kPa). Our results show low pressures such as 4 kPa to 8 kPa are sufficient to significantly increase light penetration by decreasing the attenuation coefficient by at least 1.0mm−1.
Design and research of a dual-parameter photonic crystal fiber sensor
Authors: Feng Yue , Zhang Wenbo , Xu Tao , Huang Longhao , Liu Chi , Shen Tao
Published: March 2023

We propose a dual-parameter photonic crystal fiber (PCF) sensor based on a surface plasmon resonance (SPR). It is used to detect a change in the refractive index (RI) and the temperature of the liquid. The contact area between the PCF and the liquid to be tested increases by polishing the PCF up and down. The large air holes that are on the upper and lower sides of the fiber core are plated with gold and silver film, respectively, to detect the RI of the external liquid. Moreover, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is introduced into the large upper air hole to detect the temperature of the external liquid. Based on the finite element method, the diameter of the large air hole, the diameter of the ordinary air hole, the period, and the thickness of the metal layer are analyzed and discussed to find the most suitable parameter values to improve the sensor’s performance. The simulation results show that when the RI detection is in the range of 1.34–1.46, and the temperature detection is in the range of 20°C–30°C, the maximum RI sensitivity is 8400 nm/RIU and the maximum temperature sensitivity is 4.5 nm/°C. The proposed design is simple in structure and principle and solves the problem of multiparameter cross-sensitivity.
Efficient acquisition of Mueller matrix via spatially modulated polarimetry at low light field
Authors: Ning Tianlei , Ma Xiang , Li Yuanhe , Li Yanqiu , Liu Ke
Published: March 2023

Mueller polarimetry performed in low light field with high speed and accuracy is important for the diagnosis of living biological tissues. However, efficient acquisition of the Mueller matrix at low light field is challenging owing to the interference of background-noise. In this study, a spatially modulated Mueller polarimeter (SMMP) induced by a zero-order vortex quarter wave retarder is first presented to acquire the Mueller matrix rapidly using only four camera shots rather than 16 shots, as in the state of the art technique. In addition, a momentum gradient ascent algorithm is proposed to accelerate the reconstruction of the Mueller matrix. Subsequently, a novel adaptive hard thresholding filter combined with the spatial distribution characteristics of photons at different low light levels, in addition to a low-pass fast-Fourier-transform filter, is utilized to remove redundant background noise from raw-low intensity distributions. The experimental results illustrate that the proposed method is more robust to noise perturbation, and its precision is almost an order of magnitude higher than that of the classical dual-rotating retarder Mueller polarimetry at low light field.
Accurate 3D reconstruction of single-frame speckle-encoded textureless surfaces based on densely connected stereo matching network
Authors: Wang Ruike , Zhou Pei , Zhu Jiangping
Published: March 2023

Speckle projection profilometry (SPP) determines the global correspondence between stereo images by speckle pattern(s) projection in three-dimensional (3D) vision. However, it is extremely challenging for traditional algorithms to achieve a satisfactory 3D reconstruction accuracy generally via single-frame speckle pattern, which heavily constraints the application in dynamic 3D imaging. Recently some deep learning (DL) based methods have made process in this issue but there exist deficiencies in feature extraction, leading to a limited improvement in accuracy. In this paper, we propose a stereo matching network called Densely Connected Stereo Matching (DCSM) Network that requires only single-frame speckle pattern as input, adopts densely connected feature extraction and incorporates attention weight volume construction. The densely connected multi-scale feature extraction module we constructed in DCSM Network has a positive effect on the combination of global and local information and inhibition of information loss. We also establish a real measurement system and its digital twin through Blender to obtain rich speckle data under SPP framework. Meanwhile, we introduce Fringe Projection Profilometry (FPP) to obtain phase information to assist in generating high-precision disparity as Ground Truth (GT). Experiments with different types of models and models with various perspectives are implemented to prove the effectiveness and generalization of the proposed network compared with classic and the latest DL-based algorithms. Finally, the 0.5-Pixel-Error of our method in the disparity maps is as low as 4.81%, and the accuracy is verified to be improved by up to 33.4%. As for the cloud point, our method has a reduction of 18%∼30% compared with other network-based methods.
Miniaturized solar-blind ultraviolet imaging system enabled by a diffractive/refractive hybrid
Authors: Yang Gensen , Jin JinJin , Pu Mingbo , Lin He , Ha Yingli , Luo Xiangang
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we demonstrated a miniaturized diffractive/refractive hybrid system based on a diffractive optical element and three refractive lenses to achieve solar-blind ultraviolet imaging within a range of 240–280 nm. We experimentally demonstrate the optical system has both outstanding resolution and excellent imaging capability. The experiments demonstrate that the system could distinguish the smallest line pair with a width of 16.7 µm. The modulation transfer function (MTF) at the target maximum frequency (77 lines pair/mm) is great than 0.76. The strategy provides significant guidance for the mass production of solar-blind ultraviolet imaging systems towards miniaturization and lightweight.
Impact of process variations on splitter-tree-based integrated optical phased arrays
Authors: Zhang Zhengxing , Notaros Milica , Gao Zhengqi , Chakraborty Uttara , Notaros Jelena , Boning Duane S.
Published: March 2023

We consider the impact of intra-wafer systematic spatial variation, pattern density mismatch, and line edge roughness on splitter-tree-based integrated optical phased arrays. These variations can substantially affect the emitted beam profile in the array dimension. We study the effect on different architecture parameters, and the analysis is shown to be consistent with experimental results.
Impact of the uniaxial strain on terahertz modulation characteristics in flexible epitaxial VO2 film across the phase transition
Authors: Chang Xue , Li Jiang , Mu Jian , Ma Chun-Hao , Huang Wanxia , Zhu Hong-Fu , Liu Qiao , Du Liang-Hui , Zhong Sen-Cheng , Zhai Zhao-Hui , Das Sujit , Huang Yen-Lin , Zhu Gang-Bei , Zhu Li-Guo , Shi Qiwu
Published: March 2023

Exploring flexible electronics is on the verge of innovative breakthroughs in terahertz (THz) communication technology. Vanadium dioxide (VO2) with insulator-metal transition (IMT) has excellent application potential in various THz smart devices, but the associated THz modulation properties in the flexible state have rarely been reported. Herein, we deposited an epitaxial VO2 film on a flexible mica substrate via pulsed-laser deposition and investigated its THz modulation properties under different uniaxial strains across the phase transition. It was observed that the THz modulation depth increases under compressive strain and decreases under tensile strain. Moreover, the phase-transition threshold depends on the uniaxial strain. Particularly, the rate of the phase transition temperature depends on the uniaxial strain and reaches approximately 6 °C/% in the temperature-induced phase transition. The optical trigger threshold in laser-induced phase transition decreased by 38.9% under compressive strain but increased by 36.7% under tensile strain, compared to the initial state without uniaxial strain. These findings demonstrate the uniaxial strain-induced low-power triggered THz modulation and provide new insights for applying phase transition oxide films in THz flexible electronics.
Ultrahigh-resolution full-color micro-LED array with enhanced efficiency based on a color conversion technique
Authors: Gaurav Ashish , Tsai Chih-Yuan , Wang Guan-Wen , Tsai Han-Yu , Ye Zhi Ting , Lin Ching-Fuh
Published: March 2023

Micro-light emitting diodes (μLEDs) with remarkable advantages are becoming mainstream in next-generation display technologies such as augmented reality/virtual reality displays. However, further development of μLEDs still faces significant challenges, including mass transfer yield. Here, we report color conversion layer (CCL)-based, full-color, highly efficient μLED arrays as a solution to address this challenging issue. Further amalgamating CCL with color purity enhancement film enables us to realize 7  μm×7  μm subpixel fluorescent arrays with a color gamut of 95.34% in DCI-P3, resulting in an overall 1588 PPI (pixel per inch). Our results provide a promising technique for fabricating higher PPI-based next-generation display technology.
Cross-cultural adaptation and content validation of the Infant Feeding Intentions Scale for Thai pregnant women
Authors: Phonyiam Ratchanok , Kamkhoad Donruedee , Palmquist Aunchalee E. L.
Published: March 2023

This study aimed to validate a translated and culturally adapted version of the Infant Feeding Intentions (IFI) Scale for use in Thailand. Prenatal breastfeeding intention is a strong indicator of breastfeeding initiation. The stronger the intention to breastfeed among pregnant women, the more likely breastfeeding will be initiated after childbirth and continue for an extended period. There are currently no IFI scales that have been validated for use in Thailand. The translation of the IFI scale from English to Thai was conducted through a six-stage approach that included initial translation, synthesis of translations, back-translation, expert committee review for content validity, reliability testing, and submission of the translated IFI to notify the scale developers. Both Item and Scale Content Validity Indices equaled 1, scored by five experts, who also validated the content for cross-cultural adaptation. The final Thai IFI (T-IFI) scale demonstrated high content validity. A total of 30 Thai pregnant women participated in the reliability testing. The Cronbach’s alpha of the 5-item T-IFI scale was 0.857, which indicated satisfactory internal consistency. The T-IFI scale demonstrated high content validity and was culturally appropriate for use in a Thai-speaking population. It has potential to strengthen assessments of prenatal infant feeding intention among pregnant women in Thailand.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on late postpartum women living with HIV in Kenya
Authors: Humphrey John M. , Alera Marsha , Enane Leslie A. , Kipchumba Bett , Goodrich Suzanne , Scanlon Michael , Songok Julia , Musick Beverly , Diero Lameck , Yiannoutsos Constantin , Wools-Kaloustian Kara
Published: March 2023

Although an estimated 1.4 million women living with HIV (WHIV) are pregnant each year globally, data describing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on postpartum women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are limited. To address this gap, we conducted phone surveys among 170 WHIV ≥18 years and 18–24 months postpartum enrolled in HIV care at the Academic Model Providing Access to Healthcare in western Kenya, and assessed the effects of the pandemic across health, social and economic domains. We found that 47% of WHIV experienced income loss and 71% experienced food insecurity during the pandemic. The majority (96%) of women reported having adequate access to antiretroviral treatment and only 3% reported difficulties refilling medications, suggesting that the program’s strategies to maintain HIV service delivery during the early phase of the pandemic were effective. However, 21% of WHIV screened positive for depression and 8% for anxiety disorder, indicating the need for interventions to address the mental health needs of this population. Given the scale and duration of the pandemic, HIV programs in LMICs should work with governments and non-governmental organizations to provide targeted support to WHIV at highest risk of food and income insecurity and their associated adverse health outcomes.
Neonatal blood lead concentration predicts medium term lead-related outcomes in children ≤5 years old with congenital lead poisoning: A retrospective cohort study in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Thurtle Natalie , Kirby Katharine A. , Greig Jane , Bil Karla , Dargan Paul I. , Ntadom Godwin N. , Buckley Nicholas A.
Published: March 2023

Mother-to-child-transmission of lead via the placenta is known to result in congenital lead toxicity. Between 2010 and 2021, Médecins Sans Frontières and other stakeholders responded to a severe lead poisoning outbreak related to artisanal gold mining in Northern Nigeria. Extensive environmental remediation occurred following outbreak identification; source control efforts are ongoing within the community. We aimed to describe the prevalence of congenital lead poisoning in this cohort and analyse the association between neonatal blood lead concentration (BLC) and medium-term lead-related outcomes during the study period. Children enrolled in the lead poisoning programme between July 2010 and 25 January 2018 who had a screening BLC at ≤4 weeks of age were included. For time-to-event analysis, medium-term outcomes were classified as lead-related (death from lead encephalopathy, and/or met chelation threshold) and non-lead-related (non-lead-related death, on programme no chelation, exit from programme without chelation). Cox regression analysis and ROC analysis were performed. 1468 children were included. All-cause mortality 2.3%; geometric mean neonatal BLC 13.7 μg/dL; ‘lead-related death or treatment’ 19.3%. For every doubling in neonatal BLC, there was an almost 8-fold increase in adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for the composite lead-related outcome (p<0.001). A neonatal BLC ≥ 15.0 μg/dL had 95% sensitivity for identifying children who went on to have the composite outcome (with specificity 67%; positive likelihood ratio 2.86). Congenital lead poisoning predicts ongoing exposure in this population, even after environmental remediation. This suggests a complex, early, multidisciplinary approach to source control and exposure management is required when elevated neonatal BLC is observed in lead poisoning clusters in low-and-middle-income contexts.