bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomic locations of ureterovascular fistulae: a review of 532 patients in the literature and a new series of 8 patients
Authors: Shamseldin Mohammed , Heers Hendrik , Steiner Thomas , Puls Ralf
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Ureterovascular fistula (UVF) is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition. Since its primary description by Moschkowitz in 1908, many case reports, studies and reviews have been written about this condition with the suggestive symptoms and risk factors repeatedly discussed. This study will be focusing on the different locations of 532 out of 605 fistulae published from 1908 up to 2022 besides eight new patients of our own.

Material and methods

A systematic review of the literature started using PubMed database searching for “ureteroarterial fistula”, “arteriovascular fistula” and “uretero vascular fistula” was performed yielding 122, 62 and 188 results respectively. Those studies and the cited literature in each study were examined to include studies, which did not appear in the primary search. A total of 605 patients in 315 publications were gathered. Only studies mentioning new patients, a clear indication of the location of the UVF, the presence/absence of urinary diversion (UD) as well as the type of UD if present were included. Ten duplicates as well as studies lacking information regarding the UVF and/or the UD (seven publications with 63 patients) were excluded, with 298 publications including 532 external patients remaining. Eight internal cases were included with a total of 540 cases.

Results

From the 540 included cases, 384 patients (71.1%) had no UD compared to 156 patients (28.9%) with UD. Due to the anatomical ureteral course, the common iliac artery (CIA) was the most common vascular component of UVF, irrespective of the presence or absence of UD. Any dispute to whether the crossing point is the common or the external iliac artery (EIA) was settled for the CIA. Further common vascular components besides CIA include the aorta, EIA, internal iliac artery (IIA) including its branches and vascular bypasses including the anastomosis sites. Other unusual arterial localizations were stated under the “others” category.

Conclusion

Identifying the location of the bleeding artery in UVF is critical and represents the most important step for successful management. We present the largest summary of described locations up to date including our own.

Graphical Abstract
Principles of clinical genetics for rheumatologists: clinical indications and interpretation of broad-based genetic testing
Authors: do Nascimento Renan Rodrigues Neves Ribeiro , Quaio Caio Robledo D’Angioli Costa , Chung Christine Hsiaoyun , de Moraes Vasconcelos Dewton , Sztajnbok Flavio Roberto , Rosa Neto Nilton Salles , Perazzio Sandro Félix
Published: August 2024

Advances in DNA sequencing technologies, especially next-generation sequencing (NGS), which is the basis for whole-exome sequencing (WES) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), have profoundly transformed immune-mediated rheumatic disease diagnosis. Recently, substantial cost reductions have facilitated access to these diagnostic tools, expanded the capacity of molecular diagnostics and enabled the pursuit of precision medicine in rheumatology. Understanding the fundamental principles of genetics and diversity in genetic variant classification is a crucial milestone in rheumatology. However, despite the growing availability of DNA sequencing platforms, a significant number of autoinflammatory diseases (AIDs), neuromuscular disorders, hereditary collagen diseases, and monogenic bone diseases remain unsolved, and variants of uncertain significance (VUS) pose a formidable challenge to addressing these unmet needs in the coming decades. This article aims to provide an overview of the clinical indications and interpretation of comprehensive genetic testing in the medical field, addressing the related complexities and implications.
Prognostic values of right ventricular echocardiography functional parameters for mortality prediction in precapillary pulmonary hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: de Liyis Bryan Gervais , Suastika Luh Oliva Saraswati , Sutedja Jane Carissa , Jagannatha Gusti Ngurah Prana , Kosasih Anastasya Maria , Alamsyah Alif Hakim
Published: August 2024

Background

Echocardiographic prognostic indicators of precapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) mortality has been inconclusive. This study aims to examine the prognostic values of right ventricular echocardiographic functional parameters in predicting precapillary PH mortality.

Methods

Systematic searches were conducted in the ScienceDirect, Medline, and Cochrane databases for longitudinal studies. Assessments included means and hazard ratios (HRs) for Tricuspid Annular Plane Systolic Excursion (TAPSE), Right Ventricular Systolic Pressure (RVSP), Right Ventricular Longitudinal Strain (RVLS), Right Ventricular Fractional Area Change (RVFAC), Right Ventricular Ejection Fraction (RVEF), and Right Ventricular Index of Myocardial Performance (RIMP).

Results

The meta-analysis included 24 cohort studies comprising 2171 participants. Mean values were as follows: TAPSE 17.62 mm, RVSP 77.50 mmHg, RVLS − 16.78%, RVFAC 29.81%, RVEF 37.56%, and RIMP 0.52. TAPSE (HR: 1.28; 95% CI 1.17–1.40; p < 0.001), RVLS (HR: 1.74; 95% CI 1.34–2.26; p < 0.001), RVFAC (HR: 1.40; 95% CI 1.13–1.75; p < 0.001), RVEF (HR: 1.08; 95% CI 1.02–1.15; p = 0.01), and RIMP (HR: 1.51; 95% CI 1.23–1.86; p < 0.001) emerged as significant prognosticators of precapillary PH mortality, with the exception of RVSP (HR: 1.04; 95% CI 0.99–1.09; p = 0.14). TAPSE summary receiver operating characteristics (sROC) analysis yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85 [95% CI 0.81–0.88] with a sensitivity of 0.81 [95% CI 0.63–0.91] and a specificity of 0.74 [95% CI 0.54–0.87]. RVLS sROC resulted in an AUC of 0.74 [95% CI 0.70–0.78] with a sensitivity of 0.74 [95% CI 0.57–0.86] and a specificity of 0.69 [95% CI 0.64–0.75].

Conclusions

TAPSE, RVLS, RVFAC, RVEF, and RIMP demonstrated promise as valuable prognostic indicators for precapillary PH mortality.
Ultra-low-defect homoepitaxial micro-LEDs with enhanced efficiency and monochromaticity for high-PPI AR/MR displays
Authors: Liu Yibo , Wang Guobin , Feng Feng , Zhanghu Mengyuan , Yuan Zhengnan , Li Zichun , Xu Ke , Kwok Hoi Sing , Liu Zhaojun
Published: August 2024

The issue of brightness in strong ambient light conditions is one of the critical obstacles restricting the application of augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR). Gallium nitride (GaN)-based micro-LEDs, renowned for their exceptional brightness and stability, are considered the foremost contenders for AR applications. Nevertheless, conventional heteroepitaxial growth micro-LED devices confront formidable challenges, including substantial wavelength shifts and efficiency droop. In this paper, we firstly demonstrated the high-quality homoepitaxial GaN-on-GaN micro-LEDs micro-display, and thoroughly analyzed the possible benefits for free-standing GaN substrate from the material-level characterization to device optoelectronic properties and micro-display application compared with sapphire substrate. The GaN-on-GaN structure exhibits a superior crystal quality with ultra-low threading dislocation densities (TDDs) of ~ 105 cm−2, which is three orders of magnitude lower than that of GaN-on-Sapphire. Through an in-depth size-dependent optoelectronic analysis of blue/green emission GaN-on-GaN/ Sapphire micro-LEDs from 100 × 100 shrink to 3 × 3 μm2, real that a lower forward voltage and series resistance, a consistent emission wavelength (1.21 nm for blue and 4.79 nm for green @ 500 A/cm2), coupled with a notable reduction in efficiency droop ratios (15.6% for blue and 28.5% for green @ 500 A/cm2) and expanded color gamut (103.57% over Rec. 2020) within GaN-on-GaN 10 μm micro-LEDs. Last but not least, the GaN-on-GaN micro-display with 3000 pixels per inch (PPI) showcased enhanced display uniformity and higher luminance in comparison to its GaN-on-Sapphire counterpart, demonstrating significant potentials for high-brightness AR/MR applications under strong ambient light.
Employee well-being human resource practices: a systematic literature review and directions for future research
Authors: Bhoir Monika , Sinha Vinita
Published: August 2024

The increasing recognition of mental health, especially since COVID-19, has invoked urgent attention towards HRM and well-being of employees. Despite strong momentum in human resource management (HRM)—employee well-being (EWB) research, EWB dedicated HRM bundles remain under-researched. Thus, this article aims to contribute to the literature by reviewing advances in employee well-being HR practices (EWBHRPs) that induce conceptualization and propose a consolidated framework. We conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) with PRISMA 2020 for the systematic selection of 16 conceptual and empirical, peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2010 and 2024. Based on the review of relevant literature, we find that HRM initiatives support EWB. Further, the study finds various viewpoints conceptualizing EWBHRPs and arrives at a constructive decision bundling essential employee well-being HRM practices, positioning it as a crucial tool instrumental for maintaining and enhancing EWB. This article outlines theoretical and practical implications for organizations to develop an HRM system that cares and offers key employee well-being practices that practicing managers and HRM professionals may adopt. The originality of this article is linked with the methodological outlook that uses the PRISMA 2020 approach, which cannot be found extensively in the sparsely investigated EWBHRPs spectrum. The study presents a framework with an exhaustive future agenda that offers a starting point for further discussion.
Audiological results of myringoplasty performed by trainee surgeons (ENT residents) under supervision—analytic study
Authors: Shasho Hamza Omar , Mohsen Samer
Published: August 2024

Background

Myringoplasty is one of the most common surgeries performed in otology centers, with many factors influencing the success rate, including the size and site of perforation, function of the Eustachian tube, revision surgery, and expertise of the surgeons. It is well established that the perforation closure rate is lower when performed by trainee surgeons than by senior otologists. Myringoplasty performed by trainees tends to pose more iatrogenic trauma to middle ear mucosa, less gentle manipulation of ossicles, and prolonged operation time compared with operations performed by experienced surgeons, all of which might produce more damage to middle ear structures and consequently negatively affect the closure rate of TM and audiological outcome. This study aimed to assess the audiological outcomes of successfully closed perforation myringoplasty performed by a trainee under supervision.

Methods

The study design was an analytic cross-sectional study of 35 patients aged between 6 and 62 years diagnosed with safe TM perforation. All patients had two audiograms, one before surgery and the other 3 months after surgery. The exclusion criteria included any case with cholesteatoma, tumor, tympanosclerosis, or ossicular erosion/fixation because this study aimed to study the sole effect of closing TM perforation without any other confounding factor.

Results

The results indicate a mean hearing improvement of 12.25 dB of ABG and 10.6 dB of AC thresholds at the four frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz. The mean of the residual ABGs at the four frequencies is 14.2 dB. There were no correlations between the amount of air conduction threshold improvement and age, gender, side of the affected ear, area of perforation, or duration of disease (p > 0.05 for all tests).

Conclusion

Although the rate of perforation closure in myringoplasties performed by trainees is lower than that of experienced surgeons, the audiological outcomes of myringoplasties performed by trainees under supervision were acceptable; however, further research is recommended.
Meeting proceedings of the 43rd Indian Association for Cancer Research (IACR)
Authors: Malik Ajay J. , Malaviya Radhika
Published: August 2024

The 43rd Annual Conference of the Indian Association of Cancer Research (IACR) was held between 19th and 22nd January 2024 at the Indian Institute of Education and Research (IISER), Pune, India. Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally; efforts have been made to understand and treat this deadly disease for several decades. The 43rd IACR, organised by Mayurika Lahiri, Kundan Sengupta, Nagaraj Balasubramanian, Mridula Nambiar, Krishanpal Karmodiya, and Siddhesh Kamat, highlighted recent advances in cancer research, with implications in therapeutics at the forefront of the discussions. The meeting proved to be a promising platform for cancer researchers ranging from graduate and postdoctoral students to subject experts in varied aspects of cancer biology to showcase their research, ideate with their peers, and form collaborations.
Acute Effects of Wearing a Cooling Vest after High-Intensity Running and at Rest on Energy Intake and Appetite in Young Men
Authors: LI GE , WATANABE DAIKI , MIYACHI MOTOHIKO
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Body cooling during and after exercise stimulates energy intake (EI). Cooling vests can also reasonably decrease body temperature under various sport occasions. This study examined the acute effects of wearing a cooling vest on EI and appetite after exercise and rest.

Methods

Fifteen healthy young men underwent four trials randomly in a thermoneutral room (~24°C, ~40% humidity). In two exercise trials, participants performed a 60-min run at 75% of maximum oxygen uptake and wore a cooling vest (ExC) or thermoneutral vest (ExN) from 1030 to 1130 h. In two resting trials, participants rested for 60 min and wore a cooling vest (RC) or a thermoneutral vest (RN) from 1030 to 1130 h. From 1130 h, participants consumed a buffet meal until satiety. EI was calculated from the buffet meal. Skin and rectal temperatures were assessed between 0930 and 1130 h.

Results

EI was significantly higher in the ExC trial (1740 ± 642 kcal) than in the ExN trial (1584 ± 604 kcal) and higher in the RC trial (1879 ± 806 kcal) than in the RN trial (1726 ± 806 kcal). Hot food consumption was significantly higher in the ExC trial than in the ExN trial and higher in the RC trial than in the RN trial. Subjective hunger was significantly higher in the ExC trial than in the ExN trial. Lower rectal temperatures were associated with higher relative EI (β = −8.871, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Wearing a cooling vest increased EI after exercise or rest and increased subjective appetite only after exercise. Increased EI may result from a preference for hot foods altered by a cooling vest.
Designing speculative nonhuman-robot scenarios: An artistic approach
Authors: Iovine Ivan
Published: August 2024

In the rapidly evolving field of robotics, a new paradigm is emerging that goes beyond anthropocentric design and embraces the innate ingenuity of the natural world. This article seeks to unveil ecocentric and more-than-human approaches, along with innovative materials, in creating nonhuman robotic scenarios within an artistic framework. Building on the foundation laid by anthropomorphic concepts depicted in science fiction, this article seeks to show cutting-edge experiments and material applications that imagine potential more-than-human scenarios in a robotic context. By highlighting examples from robotics, soft robotics, plant neurobiology, and material research, the article aims to propose an alternative concept to anthropomorphism. It endeavors to offer an overview of cutting-edge scientific efforts, experimental designs, and material explorations, all of which converge toward the realisation of robotic scenarios inspired by the animal and natural kingdom.
The genome sequence of the pollack, Pollachius pollachius (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Adkins Patrick , Brittain Rachel , Scott-Somme Kesella ,   Marine Biological Association Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual Pollachius pollachius (the pollack; Chordata; Actinopteri; Gadiformes; Gadidae). The genome sequence spans 606.80 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 20 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.55 kilobases in length.
The genome sequence of the Hook-streak Grass-veneer moth, Crambus lathoniellus (Zincken, 1817)
Authors: Boyes Douglas ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Crambus lathoniellus (the Hook-streak Grass-veneer moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Crambidae). The genome sequence spans 893.80 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.49 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 24,061 protein-coding genes.
The genome sequence of the heleomyzid fly, Heteromyza rotundicornis (Zetterstedt, 1846)
Authors: Sivell Duncan , Sivell Olga , Mitchell Ryan ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Heteromyza rotundicornis (heleomyzid fly; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Heleomyzidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 333.40 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 6 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X and Y sex chromosomes. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.85 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 17,296 protein-coding genes.
The genome sequence of a ground beetle, Harpalus rufipes (DeGeer, 1774)
Authors: Barclay Maxwell V. L. , Turner Clive R. ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Harpalus rufipes (a ground beetle; Arthropoda; Insecta; Coleoptera; Carabidae). The genome sequence spans 890.50 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 19 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 17.37 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 13,884 protein-coding genes.
The genome sequence of a cuckoo wasp, Hedychridium roseum (Rossi, 1790)
Authors: Boyes Clare ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: August 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Hedychridium roseum (cuckoo wasp; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Chrysididae). The genome sequence has a total length of 174.70 megabases. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 19 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.84 kilobases in length.
On Crafting Effective Theoretical Contributions for Empirical Papers in Economics of Information Systems: Some Editorial Reflections
Authors: Gopal Anandasivam , Chen Pei-yu , Oh Wonseok , Xu Sean Xin , Sarker Suprateek
Published: August 2024

The terms theory and theoretical contributions evoke mixed reactions in the information systems discipline, especially among empirical researchers in the economics of information systems (Econ-IS) area. Although some see such contributions as the raison d’etre for academic scholars engaged in research, others feel that the discipline has developed a fetish for theory, with reviewers and editors often demanding an unreasonable level of theoretical contributions for empirical manuscripts to succeed in the review process. Moreover, there exists a great deal of diversity in the conception of what constitutes a reasonable theoretical contribution, especially within empirical work, across editors and reviewers, leading to frustration with the review process and disappointment with editorial decisions. Given the different types of theoretical contributions that may be suitable for a given manuscript and recognizing the changing nature of empirical work within Econ-IS, we attempt to shed some light on theoretical contributions within empirical Econ-IS research, paying attention to their nature, types, and impact. Specifically, we start by reflecting on the typical theory-related comments we have seen in review packets that we generalize to a set of critiques often related to empirical papers. Subsequently, we provide a working definition of a theoretical contribution and the components that make up such a contribution. We then propose a taxonomy of theoretical contributions typically observed in Information Systems Research (ISR). Based on this taxonomy of contributions, the typical critiques observed in empirical Econ-IS papers, and a set of published papers, we provide some broad guidelines for how authors may craft an effective theoretical contribution for submission to ISR. We also discuss a pathway for manuscripts that do not (seek to) offer significant theoretical contributions. Such manuscripts are welcome, but we believe that a very high bar of practical impact must be met for them to succeed in the review process. Based on the guidelines and suggestions made here, our hope is that authors and evaluators will participate in the review process with a shared understanding of the elusive notion of theoretical contributions.
Tumefactive multiple sclerosis: the lethal chameleon
Authors: Monteiro Ana Carolina , França de Santana Tomás , Chumbo Carolina , Negrão Catarina , Valido Teresa , Figueiredo Filipa , Matos Clara
Published: August 2024

Tumefactive multiple sclerosis (TMS) is a rare variant of multiple sclerosis that presents with a large demyelinating lesion in the central nervous system, accompanied by peripheral ring-like enhancement, perilesional oedema and mass effect. We report a case of a 59-year-old woman who was admitted to the hospital with a four-day history of somnolence, muscle weakness in her left extremities and ultimately, loss of consciousness. Over the following 48 hours, the patient’s condition worsened with progressive consciousness impairment. Although the results of the initial head computed tomography (CT) scan supported the diagnosis of a multifocal ischaemic stroke, toxoplasmosis was proposed as the most credible diagnostic hypothesis by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Due to the adverse clinical progression following the initiation of targeted therapy and inconclusive investigation, a brain biopsy was performed, which was indicative of active TMS in a subacute phase. The patient was started on plasmapheresis and natalizumab along with corticosteroids, with a very good response. In conclusion, we report a biopsy-proven TMS diagnosis in a patient that clinically mimicked an acute stroke and was radiographically confounded with intracranial toxoplasmosis. It highlights that TMS is an uncommon neurological demyelinating disease that is often misdiagnosed. It also emphasises the importance of establishing an accurate differential diagnosis to promptly initiate aggressive immunosuppressive treatment, which may result in a more favourable prognosis.
Registered nurses’ perceptions of nursing associates’ professional identity
Authors: Khan Aleeza , Gurbutt Russell
Published: August 2024

The nursing associate (NA) role was introduced in 2017 with a pilot programme of trainees, and in 2019 became regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). The role bridges the gap between the healthcare assistant (HCA) and registered nurse (RN), allowing RNs to focus on complex care. With over 9000 NAs on the NMC register and more in training, it is important to understand RN perceptions of the NA professional identity. The findings of a qualitative survey of RNs (n=23) identified the following themes: NMC standards and scope of practice; The ‘cheap nurse’; Skills development and progression; A supportive bridging role. Although valued, the role was perceived as a threat, ambiguous and inconsistently implemented. The implications are that the role ambiguity and lack of standardisation need addressing and a clear understanding of these must be articulated for the professions and public alike.
Innovations in nurse education: creating the multisensory learning approach of The WISE Room
Authors: Bruce Tor Alexander , Flynn Deborah , Simpson Dominic , Peat Alastair , Hill Barry
Published: August 2024

Background:

Nursing students often face anxiety and cognitive overload, leading to high attrition rates; meanwhile, traditional pastoral interventions have proved insufficient. A novel, digitally enhanced learning environment named The Wellbeing in Student Education (WISE) Room, was introduced as an alternative at a UK university.

Aims:

This study investigated the impact of The WISE Room, a 4m × 4m digital platform containing touch-interactive walls, co-created with students and academic staff, designed to promote insight through immersive experiences beyond traditional learning settings.

Methods:

A mixed-methods approach was adopted, collecting data from nursing students, healthcare staff and academic faculty. Data were collected at three stages, each corresponding with the iterative development of The WISE Room, including an evaluation of the intervention.

Results:

Feedback from 240 participants was positive. In Phase 2 of the study, 93% of the 79 students and 21 staff who visited the room and completed a survey were satisfied with the room's suitability in three key areas: emotional wellbeing, academic readiness, and placement preparedness.

Conclusion:

The WISE Room has proved effective in supporting nursing students’ wellbeing, and educational and placement preparation requirements. Its multisensory, digital and experiential nature is beneficial for students throughout their learner journey. Additional trials and content development will be required to enhance the learning and teaching experience further.
Rational solutions of the matrix equation $p(X) = A$
Authors: Groenewald Gilbert , Goosen Gerrit , Janse van Rensburg Dawie , Ran André , Thiersen Madelein
Published: August 2024

We extend Theorem 1 of R. Reams, A Galois approach to m-th roots of matrices with rational entries, LAA, 258:187-194, 1997. Let $p(\lambda)$ be any polynomial over $\mathbb{Q}$, and let $A\in M_n(\mathbb{Q})$ have irreducible characteristic polynomial $f(\lambda)$ with degree $n$. We provide necessary and sufficient conditions for the existence of a solution $X\in M_n(\mathbb{Q})$ of the polynomial matrix equation $p(X) = A.$ Specifically, we    find necessary and sufficient conditions for $f(p(\lambda))$ to have a factor of degree $n$ over $\mathbb{Q}.$
Assessing Relationship Between Goat and Sheep Farmers' Stress and Their Demographics: A Pilot Study
Authors: Windon Suzanna R. , Henzi Carolyn
Published: August 2024

Highlights

Limited leisure time, insufficient sleep, and family members’ health conditions were the top personal stressors.

Occupational stressors were too much to do in so little time, worrying about the farm's future and financial issues.

Governmental regulation, market prices, and unpredictable weather conditions were off-farm occupational stressors.

The work hours during the busy season and farm size were significant predictors of farmers’ stress.

The farmer’s age and years in the farm business were not significant predictors of the farmer’s stress.

Abstract. This pilot study aims to investigate goat and sheep farmers' stress amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors developed a questionnaire based on existing literature to measure farmers’ stress. The online questionnaire was sent to the 3000 goat and sheep farmers registered in the Penn State Extension Listserv. We used the technique described by Dillman et al. (2014) to collect online data. After cleaning the data, the response rate was 6.8% (n = 204). The mean and SD for farmer’s stress were 3.0±.63 out of 5, occupational stress 3.11±.65, and personal stress 2.80 ± .82, respectively. During the COVID-19 pandemic, work hours during the busy season and farm size exhibited a positive low association with farmers' stress (rs = .245 and rs = .238, respectively). They predicted 10% of the total variation in farmers' stress. We propose that extension professionals and public health practitioners learn lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic in case other public health concerns arise. We suggest that future educational programs addressing stress among farmers prioritize specific strategies to reduce occupational stress and cope with uncertainty during health-related outbreaks or other crises. An interesting avenue for further investigation can involve examining other issues related to farmers' financial planning, time management (especially during the busy season), and their relationships with family members. Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic, Farmers, Farmers’ demographics, Occupational stress, Off-farm stress, On-farm stress, Personal stress.
Thoracic Wall Blocks for Thoracic Surgery
Authors:   Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain Medicine and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India., Pangasa Neha , Chhabra Anjolie ,   Department of Anaesthesiology, Pain Medicine and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Published: August 2024

Thoracic epidural, paravertebral block and intercostal nerve block were the conventional methods of providing analgesia for thoracic surgery, about a decade ago. In the modern era with the advent of ultrasound guided regional anesthesia, the fascial plane blocks came as a boon to anesthesiologists. These blocks are safer, as the needle tip remains distant from the pleura and they are technically easier to perform. We have described in brief the various techniques for thoracic wall analgesia with special emphasis to fascial plane blocks, along with the current evidence for each block. Keywords: Thoracic wall blocks, Fascial plane blocks, Local anaesthetic
INTERFERE, short-time Fourier-transform-based compression of complex-valued holograms with bit depth and range-adaptive quantization
Authors: Kizhakkumkara Muhamad Raees , Birnbaum Tobias , Blinder David , Schelkens Peter
Published: August 2024

With digital holographic display and recording setups steadily improving and the advent of realistic super-high-resolution holograms (>100 megapixels), the efficient compression of digital holograms (DHs) becomes an urgent matter. Therefore, JPEG Pleno holography is undergoing a standardization effort to address this challenge. The accepted, current baseline coding solution for lossy compression of complex-valued DHs, entitled INTERFERE, is presented in this paper. Its features include a simple and modular overall architecture, high scalability, view-selective coding, low decoder complexity, and the highest rate-distortion performance among state-of-the-art solutions. We also introduce, to our knowledge, a novel meta-quantization strategy that can be used for signals exhibiting large variations in dynamic range in the domain being quantized. We were able to demonstrate on the versatile JPEG Pleno hologram database BD-rate reductions between 16% and 272% (average of 119%) over HEVC for achieving an SNR in the range 5–25 dB. With this first compression standard on DHs, we hope to provide an essential building block for their future commercialization in large-scale consumer markets.
Enhancing phase modulation and group delay in reflective Huygens metasurfaces via a Fabry-Perot cavity
Authors: Jiang Fan , Lu Yanxin , Xie Zhenlong , Chen Yihang
Published: August 2024

Huygens metasurfaces exhibit excellent optical properties such as 2π phase modulation and slow light effects. However, they face challenges including wide bandwidth and low group delay due to their high radiation losses. Here, we propose a reflective Huygens metasurface coupled with an F-P cavity. We demonstrate that F-P resonance modes can couple with magnetic-quasi-bound-state (M-QBIC) and electric-quasi-bound-state (E-QBIC) in the Huygens metasurface through constructive interference, significantly enhancing the quality factors of both QBICs. Through structural parameter optimization, our reflective Huygens metasurface achieves 4π phase modulation and a high group delay of up to 166 ps. Compared to the non-coupled Huygens metasurface with the same structural asymmetry, the group delay of the F-P coupled reflective Huygens metasurface is enhanced by up to 30 times. Our design reduces the fabrication precision requirements for Huygens metasurfaces, enabling similar group delays to be achieved in low-symmetry coupling structures as in highly symmetric non-coupling structures. Additionally, the performance of this metasurface shows robustness to changes in incident light polarization. This design highlights the potential for achieving high-quality factors, large phase modulation, and large group delay, offering new avenues for the design of highly sensitive tunable devices, efficient nonlinear optical devices, and narrowband slow light devices.
Tunable narrow band-rejection and band-pass filter based on long-period waveguide grating on a thin-film lithium niobate rib waveguide
Authors: Deng Jiayao , Yao Hao , Sun Yuzhe , Wu Jieyun , Chen Kaixin
Published: August 2024

We propose and demonstrate experimentally an electro-optic (EO) and thermo-optic (TO) tunable wavelength filter with band-rejection and band-pass dual-function. Our proposed filter is based on a long-period waveguide grating (LPWG) formed on a lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) rib waveguide with a channel-shaped polymer cladding waveguide. The LPWG formed on the surface of the LNOI core enables efficient mode coupling between the two fundamental modes of the LNOI waveguide and the polymer cladding waveguide and hence dual-function filtering. For the z-/x-polarized input light, our fabricated best filter shows an 18.1-dB/8.2-dB band-rejection contrast and a 15.7-dB/17.4-dB band-pass contrast at 1565.26/1594.24 nm wavelength, with a relatively narrow 3-dB bandwidth of 2.5/2.3 nm, respectively. In addition, the fabricated filter also shows an EO tuning efficiency of ∼32 pm/V and a TO tuning efficiency of 0.465 nm/°C, respectively. Our proposed filter could find applications in wavelength division multiplexing, temperature sensing, and other fields of optical communication and optical information processing.
SESAM-assisted Kerr-lens mode-locked Cr:ZnS laser
Authors: Kowalczyk Maciej , Davydenko Ivan , Sotor Jarosław
Published: August 2024

Mode-locking in Cr:ZnS/Se lasers typically rely on Kerr-lensing (KLM)
or a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM). The former
allows generation of shorter pulses, but, unlike the latter, does not
support self-starting mode-locking. Here, we combine the advantages of
these two techniques and demonstrate the SESAM-assisted KLM Cr:ZnS
laser. Our self-starting oscillator generates up to 1 W of average
power with 54 fs pulses at a central wavelength of 2360 nm. We
identify a general limitation for further pulse shortening in SESAM
mode-locked Cr:ZnS/Se lasers, which is related to the finite operation
bandwidth of the semiconductor absorbers. In our experiment, we fully
exploit the potential of commercially available GaSb SESAMs and fill
their entire reflection bands. Furthermore, we compare the performance
of a SESAM-assisted KLM laser with a pure KLM oscillator producing
broadband, yet not self-starting, 33 fs pulses with 780 mW power. We
also show that the choice of saturable absorbers has a negligible
impact on the laser intensity noise, which is exceptionally low with
sub-0.005% integrated noise.
Flexible bandwidth-efficient simplified coherent IFoF using twin-OSSB with a dually modulated EML
Authors: Masanas Miquel , Prat Josep
Published: August 2024

A bandwidth-efficient coherent analog IFoF approach is proposed, employing a twin optical sideband (twin-OSSB) modulation of intermediate frequency-over-fiber (IFoF) signals in a dually modulated electroabsorption modulated laser (EML), demonstrating stable modulations without complex bias drifts and polarization control. The receiver (Rx) utilizes heterodyne detection with phase noise canceling (PNC) techniques for channel recovery. Successful demonstrations include an 8 Gbps aggregated twin-OSSB of two QPSK channels, with measurements covering optical back-to-back (btb) and 25 km of a standard single-mode fiber (SSMF), revealing sensitivities of −30 dBm and −25 dBm for QPSK-twin-OSSB and 16-QAM single user, respectively.
Low-gain generalized PT symmetry for electromagnetic impurity-immunity via non-Hermitian doped zero-index materials
Authors: Liu Cuiping , Yan Dongyang , Sun Baoyin , Xu Yadong , Cao Fang , Gao Lei , Luo Jie
Published: August 2024

Parity-time-symmetric (PT-symmetric) metasurfaces exhibit a plethora of fascinating exceptional-point-induced phenomena, including unidirectional negative refraction and electromagnetic impurity-immunity. However, practical realization of these effects is often impeded by the high demand for gain metasurfaces (gain tangent ∼102). Here, we propose a solution to this challenge by constructing a low-gain generalized PT-symmetric system. This is achieved by transforming the high-gain metasurface into a bulky slab and then realizing it utilizing zero-index materials doped with low-gain dopants. Within this generalized PT-symmetric system, the required gain tangent of the dopants is only ∼10−1 for the emergence of a coalesced exceptional point, where the remarkable property of electromagnetic impurity-immunity effect—perfect wave transmission regardless of impurities—appears. Furthermore, we observe a further decrease in demand for gain materials in an asymmetric environment. To validate this approach, a microwave implementation is demonstrated in full-wave simulations. This work provides a feasible strategy for substantially reducing requirements on gain materials in PT-symmetric systems, thereby enabling advanced electromagnetic wave control.
Nutzung von Low- und No-Code-Anwendungen zur Automatisierung von Geschäftsprozessen in regulierten Energiemärkten
Authors: Skolik Alexander , Löhr Bernd , zur Heiden Philipp , Bartelheimer Christian
Published: August 2024

Die zunehmende Relevanz von Low- und No-Code-Anwendungen in Wissenschaft und Praxis ist darauf zurückzuführen, dass sie Unternehmen die Automatisierung von Prozessen und Aktivitäten trotz begrenzter IT-Kenntnisse ermöglichen. Dies ist von besonderer Bedeutung, da zahlreiche Unternehmen mit Herausforderungen wie dem Fachkräftemangel sowie einer alternden Belegschaft konfrontiert sind. Low- und No-Code-Anwendungen weisen ein beachtliches Potenzial auf, Automatisierungen erfolgreich trotz limitierter Ressourcen umzusetzen. Im Rahmen einer Fallstudie in einem Unternehmen der Energiebranche wurde untersucht, welche Herausforderungen die Implementierung von Low- und No-Code-Anwendungen mit sich bringt und wie diesen begegnet werden kann. Aus den Erkenntnissen wurden vier Erfolgsfaktoren abgeleitet, die für andere Unternehmen als Grundlage dienen können, um die Entwicklung von Low- und No-Code-Automatisierungen erfolgreich umzusetzen. (1) Ein Minimum Viable Product stärkt das Verständnis von LCNC-Plattformen. (2) Die Modularisierung von Entwicklungsaufgaben können zu einer ressourceneffizienteren Entwicklung führen. (3) Nebenprodukte der Entwicklung können fortlaufend Automatisierungsprojekte fördern. (4) Vorzeitige Releases in Livesystemen liefern wertvolle Verbesserungsvorschläge.
Influence of surprise on reinforcement learning in younger and older adults
Authors: Koch Christoph , Zika Ondrej , Bruckner Rasmus , Schuck Nicolas W.
Published: August 2024

Surprise is a key component of many learning experiences, and yet its precise computational role, and how it changes with age, remain debated. One major challenge is that surprise often occurs jointly with other variables, such as uncertainty and outcome probability. To assess how humans learn from surprising events, and whether aging affects this process, we studied choices while participants learned from bandits with either Gaussian or bi-modal outcome distributions, which decoupled outcome probability, uncertainty, and surprise. A total of 102 participants (51 older, aged 50–73; 51 younger, 19–30 years) chose between three bandits, one of which had a bimodal outcome distribution. Behavioral analyses showed that both age-groups learned the average of the bimodal bandit less well. A trial-by-trial analysis indicated that participants performed choice reversals immediately following large absolute prediction errors, consistent with heightened sensitivity to surprise. This effect was stronger in older adults. Computational models indicated that learning rates in younger as well as older adults were influenced by surprise, rather than uncertainty, but also suggested large interindividual variability in the process underlying learning in our task. Our work bridges between behavioral economics research that has focused on how outcomes with low probability affect choice in older adults, and reinforcement learning work that has investigated age differences in the effects of uncertainty and suggests that older adults overly adapt to surprising events, even when accounting for probability and uncertainty effects.
HIV viral suppression in the era of dolutegravir use: Findings from a national survey in Tanzania
Authors: Kamori Doreen , Barabona Godfrey , Maokola Werner , Rugemalila Joan , Mahiti Macdonald , Mizinduko Mucho , Sabasaba Amon , Ruhago George , Mlunde Linda , Masoud Salim S. , Amani Davis , Mboya Erick , Mugusi Sabina , Rwebembera Anath , Mgomella George , Asiimwe Sarah , Mutayoba Beatrice , Njau Prosper , Ueno Takamasa , Pembe Andrea , Sunguya Bruno
Published: August 2024

Background

Tanzania has made significant progress in improving access to HIV care and treatment. However, virologic suppression among people living with HIV (PLHIV) has not been fully realized. In March 2019, Tanzania introduced a World Health Organization (WHO)—recommended dolutegravir-based regimen as the default first-line regimen. Eighteen months later we investigated the HIV viral suppression rates and the factors associated with lack of viral suppression among PLHIV (children and adults) in Tanzania.

Methodology

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September to December 2020 among PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Tanzania. Whole blood samples, demographic data and clinical information were obtained from eligible adults (≥15 years) and children (< 15 years) attending thirty-six HIV care and treatment centres located in 22 regions of Tanzania mainland. A whole blood sample from each participant was processed into plasma and HIV viral load was estimated using real-time PCR. HIV viral suppression was defined at a cut-off of < 50 copies/mL as recommended by WHO. Analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics to establish the national representative prevalence of viral suppression, and logistic regression analyses to determine independent factors associated with non-suppression.

Results

A total of 2,039 PLHIV on ART were recruited; of these, adults and children were 57.5% (n = 1173) and 42.5% (n = 866), respectively. Among the adult population, the mean age and standard deviation (SD) was 42.1 ± 12.4 years, with 64.7% being female. Among children, the mean age and SD were 9.6 ± 3 years, and 53.2% were female. Overall viral suppression at < 50 copies/mL (undetectable) was achieved in 87.8% of adults and 74.4% of children. Adults and children on dolutegravir-based regimen recorded viral suppression rates of 89.7% and 85.1% respectively. Factors independently associated with lack of viral suppression status in the adult population were age and ART adherence while in the children population, the factors were sex, ART adherence, and current ART regimen (p<0.05).

Conclusion

Dolutegravir-based regimens are promising to help attain epidemic control in Tanzania. More efforts especially on ART adherence are needed to attain optimal treatment outcomes for children and adults PLHIV in Tanzania.
Taphonomic signatures of early scavenging by black and turkey vultures
Authors: Wahl Marian L. , Burcham Grant N. , Herbert Amanda M. , Humberg Lee A. , Zollner Patrick A. , Jones Landon R. , Quinby Brandon M. , Kluever Bryan M.
Published: August 2024

Scavenging is critical for nutrient cycling and maintenance of healthy ecosystems. While there is substantial research into the identification of taphonomic signatures from facultative mammalian scavengers, early stage scavenging signatures by vultures remain unknown. Further, some vulture species are opportunistic predators, highlighting the need to define signatures observed in the course of normal scavenging behavior. We placed stillborn neonatal calves in an unoccupied pasture and used motion-trigger camera traps to quantify scavenging effort, then conducted necropsies to evaluate the effect of black vulture (Coragyps atratus) and turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) scavenging effort on carcass consumption. We measured the order of consumption of different tissue types to delineate which anatomic structures vultures consume first. Scavenging trials with higher numbers of vultures feeding on the carcass for longer were associated with decreased remaining tongue and abdominal viscera, and a larger umbilical wound. Greater maximum flock sizes were associated with decreased remaining tongue and abdominal viscera, a larger umbilical wound, and greater biomass consumption. Black vultures targeted the perineum and tongue earlier, while turkey vultures targeted the eyes, perineum, and tongue. These results are consistent with the idea that vultures prefer tissues that are easy to access and contain high nutrient content. These patterns form a distinctive taphonomic signature that can be used to identify early scavenging by black and turkey vultures. Our results demonstrate that criteria commonly used to identify livestock depredation by black vultures only document vulture presence and not predation. This distinction implies that new and more definitive criteria need to be developed and put into practice for more accurate decision criteria in livestock depredation compensation programs.