bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A note on semiscalar equivalence of polynomial matrices
Authors: Prokip Volodymyr M.
Published: March 2022

Polynomial matrices $A(\lambda)$ and $B(\lambda)$ of size $n\times n$ over a field $\mathbb {F}$ are semiscalar equivalent if there exist a nonsingular $n\times n$ matrix $P$ over $\mathbb F$ and an invertible $n\times n$ matrix $Q(\lambda)$ over $\mathbb F[\lambda]$ such that $A(\lambda)=PB(\lambda)Q(\lambda)$. The aim of this article is to present necessary and sufficient conditions for the semiscalar equivalence of nonsingular matrices $A(\lambda)$ and $ B(\lambda) $ over a field ${\mathbb F }$ of characteristic zero in terms of solutions of a homogenous system of linear equations.
Return to sport post-knee arthroplasty
Authors: Lester David , Barber Colby , Sowers Christopher B. , Cyrus John W. , Vap Alexander R. , Golladay Gregory J. , Patel Nirav K.
Published: March 2022

Aims

Return to sport following undergoing total (TKA) and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) has been researched with meta-analyses and systematic reviews of varying quality. The aim of this study is to create an umbrella review to consolidate the data into consensus guidelines for returning to sports following TKA and UKA.

Methods

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses written between 2010 and 2020 were systematically searched. Studies were independently screened by two reviewers and methodology quality was assessed. Variables for analysis included objective classification of which sports are safe to participate in postoperatively, time to return to sport, prognostic indicators of returning, and reasons patients do not.

Results

A total of 410 articles were found, including 58 duplicates. Seven articles meeting inclusion criteria reported that 34% to 100% of patients who underwent TKA or UKA were able to return to sports at 13 weeks and 12 weeks respectively, with UKA patients more likely to do so. Prior experience with the sport was the most significant prognostic indicator for return. These patients were likely to participate in low-impact sports, particularly walking, cycling, golf, and swimming. Moderate-impact sport participation, such as doubles tennis and skiing, may be considered on a case-by-case basis considering the patient’s prior experience. There is insufficient long-term data on the risks to return to high-impact sport, such as decreased implant survivorship.

Conclusion

There is a consensus that patients can return to low-impact sports following TKA or UKA. Return to moderate-impact sport was dependent on a case-by-case basis, with emphasis on the patient’s prior experience in the sport. Return to high-impact sports was not supported. Patients undergoing UKA return to sport one week sooner and with more success than TKA. Future studies are needed to assess long-term outcomes following return to high-impact sports to establish evidence-based recommendations. This review summarizes all available data for the most up-to-date and evidence-based guidelines for returning to sport following TKA and UKA to replace guidelines based on subjective physician survey data. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(3):245–251.
Convolution Operations on Coding Metasurface for RCS Reduction
Authors: Shang Tingting , Zhao Jianping , Xu Juan
Published: March 2022

In this paper, a polarization conversion unit is designed as the coding unit. The units are arranged in a regular cross-arrangement. Convolution operation is composed of the Dirac-delta function and the principle of scattering-pattern shift. The Dirac-delta is optimized by generalized Snell's law and addition theorem. According to the convolution operations, the cross-arrangement pattern is shifted to multiple directions to reduce the backscattering field. Compared with regularly arranged metasurface, this method can reduce the radar cross section (RCS) of single station by at least 10dB. Compared with the traditional intelligent optimization algorithm, this method provides a new route to reduce RCS by random distribution of elements.
Crosstalk Prediction of Handmade Cable Bundles for New Energy Vehicles
Authors: Guo Jinghua , Liu Yuanyuan
Published: March 2022

This paper presents an effective solution for the crosstalk prediction of hand made cable bundles. The outer- and inner- layer topology of the cross section are analyzed respectively, combined with the actual physical model of the cable bundles. The cascading method is used to deal with the relationship between the structure of cable bundles and the distributed per unit length (p.u.l.) parameter matrices. The random exchange of the wires in the cable bundles is equivalent to the row-column transformation of the p.u.l. parameter matrix, and the values of the p.u.l. parameter matrix after the transformation are modified by equal interval rotation degree. Then, the unconditionally stable finite difference time domain (FDTD) method is used to solve the crosstalk. The verification analysis shows that the change of the element value of the p.u.l. parameter matrix caused by the rotation of the cross section relative to the ground can not be ignored. The accuracy of the proposed method is evaluated through comparison to the probability method for a seven-core hand made cable bundles, especially in the high frequency.
Mainlobe Interference Suppression via Eigen-Projection Processing and Covariance Matrix Reconstruction in Array Antenna
Authors: Yang Bin , Li Wenxing , Li Si
Published: March 2022

When the received data contains the desired signal, the performance of most mainlobe interference suppression methods is seriously degraded. To solve this problem, a novel mainlobe interference suppression method based on eigen-projection processing and covariance matrix reconstruction for array antenna is proposed in this paper. The method constructs the sidelobe interference plus noise covariance matrix (SINCM) and remove the mainlobe data of the covariance matrix. Then, it uses eigen-projection technology to remove the mainlobe interference in the received data and correct the SINCM to make the proposed method has better ability to suppress the mainlobe interference and sidelobe interference when the received data contains the desired signal. Simulation results demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed beamformer relative to other existing methods.
FDTD Simulations of Modulated Metasurfaces with Arbitrarily Shaped Meta-atoms by Surface Impedance Boundary Condition
Authors: Hu Yanmeng , Zhou Quanen , Fang Xinyu , Li Mengmeng
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we propose a reduced-complexity finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations of modulated metasurfaces with arbitrary unit cells.  The three dimensional (3D) physical structure of the metasurface is substituted by a spatially varying surface impedance boundary condition (IBC) in the simulation; as the mesh size is not dictated by sub-wavelength details, considerable advantage in space- and time-step is achieved. The local parameters of the IBC are obtained by numerical simulation of the individual unit cells of the physical structure, in a periodic environment approximation, in the frequency domain. As the FDTD requires an appropriate time domain impulse-response, the latter is obtained by broad-band frequency simulations, and vector fitting to an analytic realizable time response. The approach is tested on metasurface structures with complex unit cells and extending over 10 ××10 wavelengths, using a standard PC with 64GB RAM.
Pattern Analysis of Conformal Antenna Arrays via the Characteristic Modes of Isolated Elements
Authors: Zeng Yuanchen , Zhang Shuo , Lou Shunxi
Published: March 2022

A simple pattern analysis method is presented for conformal antenna arrays, considering mutual coupling effects based on the characteristic modes of isolated elements. There are many methods to analyze the performance of conformal antenna arrays, but they seldom provide a clear insight into the coupling mechanism. Thus, the overall characteristic modes of the conformal array are calculated from the characteristic modes of the isolated elements and coordinate transformation, which are different from the traditional modal analysis for the entire array. And the radiation field of the conformal array is given. The modal coupling matrix which depends on the structural parameters and relative pose of conformal elements is used to characterize the mutual coupling effect between elements and explain the coupling mechanism from the perspective of the characteristic currents. Finally, the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed method is verified by some numerical examples.
A Gain-enhanced Dual-band Microstrip Antenna using Metasurface as Superstrate Configuration
Authors: Tian HuQiang , Wang JunLin , Han Ding , Wang Xin
Published: March 2022

In this paper, antenna gain enhancement using a metasurface (MS) which is designed over the FR4 dielectric by introducing a periodic arrangement of unit cells on a microstrip patch antenna is presented. Combined with the theoretical proof, a method of loading low-frequency MS structure on microstrip antenna is proposed and the antenna gain is improved by using the superposition principle of electric field above the antenna. The proposed antenna is fabricated and measured. It achieves a 4.49 dBi gain enhancement and 8.27 dBi gain enhancement when the superstrate is added over the microstrip antenna at the design frequency of 2.4 GHz and 1.8 GHz, respectively. Since there are a large number of electromagnetic waves in this frequency band in the environment, it can be extended to the study of RF energy collection and other aspects.
Design Optimization of Ultra-Wideband Vivaldi Antenna using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Mahouti Peyman , Kızılay Ahmet , Tari Ozlem , Belen Aysu , Belen Mehmet A. , Çalışkan Alper
Published: March 2022

In this work, computationally efficient design optimization of frequency selective surface (FSS)-loaded ultra-wideband Vivaldi antenna via the use of data-driven surrogate model is studied. The proposed design methodology consists of a multi-layer FSS structure aimed for performance improvement of the Vivaldi design, which makes the design a multi-objective multi-dimensional optimization problem. For having a fast and accurate optimization process, a data-driven surrogate model alongside the metaheuristic optimizer honeybee mating optimization (HBMO) had been used. The optimally designed antenna had been prototyped and its performance characteristics had been measured. The obtained experimental results are compared with the simulated results of the proposed method. Results show that the obtained FSS-loaded structure has enhanced directivity compared with the design without FSS structure, without any performance losses in the return loss characteristics. The FSS-loaded Vivaldi antenna operates at 2–12 GHz band with a maximum gain of 10 dBi at 10 GHz which makes the design a good solution for RADAR applications.
Power Changes of Electromagnetic Waves Across the Temporal Boundary in Simple Polar-Molecule Reactions
Authors: Liu Xingpeng , Zhang Song , Huang Kama
Published: March 2022

Microwave-assisted chemical reactions have been widely used, but the inhomogeneous heating limits further applications. The aim of this paper is to investigate the power transfer behavior in the simple polar-molecule reactions whose polarization changes with the proceeding of the reactions. At the temporal boundary, based on the continuity of charge and flux and the equivalent transmission line approach of the simple polar-molecule reactions, we discover the power changes in the reactions. The numerical results are in agreement with the theory of the temporal boundary. When the time scale of the component concentration variation is smaller than the wave period, the polarization is not continuous at the temporal boundary. The impedance of the reactions across the temporal boundary changes, and the reflection occurs. Moreover, when the dielectric property of the reactions decreases, the power of the waves increases after the temporal boundary and the waves experience a net energy gain. The results may be helpful in disclosing the non-uniform electromagnetic energy distribution in chemical reactions.
Retinal layer segmentation in optical coherence tomography (OCT) using a 3D deep-convolutional regression network for patients with age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Mukherjee Souvick , De Silva Tharindu , Grisso Peyton , Wiley Henry , Tiarnan D. L. Keenan , Thavikulwat Alisa T , Chew Emily , Cukras Catherine
Published: March 2022

Introduction – Retinal layer segmentation in
optical coherence tomography (OCT) images is an important approach for
detecting and prognosing disease. Automating segmentation using robust
machine learning techniques lead to computationally efficient
solutions and significantly reduces the cost of labor-intensive
labeling, which is traditionally performed by trained graders at a
reading center, sometimes aided by semi-automated algorithms. Although
several algorithms have been proposed since the revival of deep
learning, eyes with severe pathological conditions continue to
challenge fully automated segmentation approaches. There remains an
opportunity to leverage the underlying spatial correlations between
the retinal surfaces in the segmentation approach. Methods
- Some of these proposed traditional methods can be expanded to
utilize the three-dimensional spatial context governing the retinal
image volumes by replacing the use of 2D filters with 3D filters.
Towards this purpose, we propose a spatial-context, continuity and
anatomical relationship preserving semantic segmentation algorithm,
which utilizes the 3D spatial context from the image volumes with the
use of 3D filters. We propose a 3D deep neural network capable of
learning the surface positions of the layers in the retinal volumes.
Results - We utilize a dataset of OCT images from
patients with Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) to assess
performance of our model and provide both qualitative (including
segmentation maps and thickness maps) and quantitative (including
error metric comparisons and volumetric comparisons) results, which
demonstrate that our proposed method performs favorably even for eyes
with pathological changes caused by severe retinal diseases. The Mean
Absolute Error (MAE) and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) for patients
with a wide range of AMD severity scores (0–11) were within
0.84±0.41 and 1.33±0.73 pixels, respectively, which are
significantly better than some of the other state-of-the-art
algorithms. Conclusion – The results demonstrate
the utility of extracting features from the entire OCT volume by
treating the volume as a correlated entity and show the benefit of
utilizing 3D autoencoder based regression networks for smoothing the
approximated retinal layers by inducing shape based regularization
constraints.
Multidimensional joint statistics of the Stokes parameters in a polarization speckle
Authors: Wang Wei
Published: March 2022

A model of multivariate Gaussian statistics has been applied to study
the higher-order statistics of the polarization speckle at two spatial
or temporal points. Based on the Gaussian assumption for the random
electric field, the joint probability density functions of the Stokes
parameters and the parameters characterizing the polarization ellipse
for the produced random polarization fields at two points are
obtained. Subsequently, the corresponding statistics of an isotropic
polarization speckle at two points have been investigated to obtain
the joint and conditional probability densities of these random
variables.
Design and fabrication of ridge waveguide-based nanobeam cavities for on-chip single-photon sources
Authors: Gür Uğur Meriç , Yang Yuhui , Schall Johannes , Schmidt Ronny , Kaganskiy Arsenty , Wang Yujing , Vannucci Luca , Mattes Michael , Arslanagić Samel , Reitzenstein Stephan , Gregersen Niels
Published: March 2022

We report on the design of nanohole/nanobeam cavities in ridge waveguides for on-chip, quantum-dot-based single-photon generation. Our design overcomes limitations of a low-refractive-index-contrast material platform in terms of emitter-mode coupling efficiency and yields an outcoupling efficiency of 0.73 to the output ridge waveguide. Importantly, this high coupling efficiency is combined with broadband operation of 9 nm full-width half-maximum. We provide an explicit design procedure for identifying the optimum geometrical parameters according to the developed design. Besides, we fabricate and optically characterize a proof-of-concept waveguide structure. The results of the microphotoluminescence measurements provide evidence for cavity-enhanced spontaneous emission from the quantum dot, thus supporting the potential of our design for on-chip single-photon sources applications.
Non-Hermitian laser arrays with tunable phase locking
Authors: Longhi Stefano
Published: March 2022

Inspired by the idea of non-Hermitian spectral engineering and non-Hermitian skin effect, a novel, to the best of our knowledge, design for stable emission of coupled laser arrays with tunable phase locking and strong supermode competition suppression is suggested. We consider a linear array of coupled resonators with asymmetric mode coupling displaying the non-Hermitian skin effect and show that, under suitable tailoring of complex frequencies of the two edge resonators, the laser array can stably emit in a single extended supermode with tunable phase locking and with strong suppression of all other skin supermodes. The proposed laser array design offers strong robustness against both structural imperfections of the system and dynamical instabilities typical of semiconductor laser arrays.
Third harmonic phase-shifted Bragg grating sensor
Authors: Yang Qiaochu , Hao Yueying , Long Xueting , Wu Yang , Yue Xu , Cai Jiexuan , Xu Zhiyuan , Ran Yang , Jin Long , Guan Bai-Ou
Published: March 2022

Improving sensitivity is critical for the higher-order harmonic fiber Bragg grating sensors. To this aim, in this work, we have successfully introduced the phase-shift into the third harmonic fiber Bragg grating for tailoring a double-dip spectrum with a high finesse notch. The dual dips showed reversed responses for the intensity regarding the change of the temperature or axial strain, enabling a highly sensitive measuring regime using the intensity contrast between the two dips. Deduced from the sinusoidal responding curves, the highest temperature and the axial strain sensitivity could reach 0.964 dB/°C, and 0.0257 dB/

μ

ε

, three-fold times the other intensity-based fiber sensors. This work may promote the higher-order harmonic gratings into applications for enriching wavelength utilization.
Longwave infrared polarization independent monolithic guided-mode resonance filters with double-sided orthogonal linear gratings
Authors: Gupta Neelam , Song Junyeob
Published: March 2022

We present novel polarization independent, high-quality monolithic spectral filters based on the guided-mode resonance (GMR) effect with orthogonal linear gratings on either side of the substrate operating in the longwave infrared (LWIR) spectral region. We employ high-spatial resolution e-beam lithography and reactive-ion etching (RIE) nanofabrication techniques to achieve large-area (10×10 mm2) notch filters with subwavelength features. We fabricated prototype filters and characterized their polarization independent spectral performance with both coherent and incoherent incident light using a tunable quantum cascade laser (QCL) system that spans the ∼8–12 µm spectral band as well as a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer with collimated incident beam.
Temperature-dependent optical constants of water in the thermal infrared derived from data archaeology
Authors: Nalli Nicholas R. , Jung James A. , Stegmann Patrick , Johnson Benjamin T. , Zhou Lihang
Published: March 2022

This paper describes a data archaeology and rescue of temperature-dependent thermal infrared (IR) optical constants for liquid water from previously published works. The data rescue is based upon digitization of a figure published by Pinkley et al. [J. Opt. Soc. Am. 67, 494 (1977)10.1364/JOSA.67.000494], which showed ratios of laboratory measured spectral reflectances taken at 4 different temperatures (1, 16, 39, and 50 °C) with those measured previously at 27°C. Using our digitization of these data, we perform Kramers-Kronig analyses to derive temperature-dependent optical constants for existing standard datasets taken at room temperatures for the entire thermal IR spectrum. These datasets are of interest for the accurate modeling of thermal IR surface emissivity and reflectance over the range of global surface temperatures.
Mathematical analysis of robustness of oscillations in models of the mammalian circadian clock
Authors: Yao Xiangyu , Heidebrecht Benjamin L. , Chen Jing , Tyson John J.
Published: March 2022

Circadian rhythms in a wide range of organisms are mediated by molecular mechanisms based on transcription-translation feedback. In this paper, we use bifurcation theory to explore mathematical models of genetic oscillators, based on Kim & Forger’s interpretation of the circadian clock in mammals. At the core of their models is a negative feedback loop whereby PER proteins (PER1 and PER2) bind to and inhibit their transcriptional activator, BMAL1. For oscillations to occur, the dissociation constant of the PER:BMAL1 complex,K^d, must be ≤ 0.04 nM, which is orders of magnitude smaller than a reasonable expectation of 1–10 nM for this protein complex. We relax this constraint by two modifications to Kim & Forger’s ‘single negative feedback’ (SNF) model: first, by introducing a multistep reaction chain for posttranscriptional modifications ofPermRNA and posttranslational phosphorylations of PER, and second, by replacing the first-order rate law for degradation of PER in the nucleus by a Michaelis-Menten rate law. These modifications increase the maximum allowableK^dto ~2 nM. In a third modification, we consider an alternative rate law for gene transcription to resolve an unrealistically large rate ofPer2transcription at very low concentrations of BMAL1. Additionally, we studied extensions of the SNF model to include a second negative feedback loop (involving REV-ERB) and a supplementary positive feedback loop (involving ROR). Contrary to Kim & Forger’s observations of these extended models, we find that, with our modifications, the supplementary positive feedback loop makes the oscillations more robust than observed in the models with one or two negative feedback loops. However, all three models are similarly robust when accounting for circadian rhythms (~24 h period) withK^d≥ 1 nM. Our results provide testable predictions for future experimental studies.
Metaproteomics as a tool for studying the protein landscape of human-gut bacterial species
Authors: Stamboulian Moses , Canderan Jamie , Ye Yuzhen
Published: March 2022

Host-microbiome interactions and the microbial community have broad impact in human health and diseases. Most microbiome based studies are performed at the genome level based on next-generation sequencing techniques, but metaproteomics is emerging as a powerful technique to study microbiome functional activity by characterizing the complex and dynamic composition of microbial proteins. We conducted a large-scale survey of human gut microbiome metaproteomic data to identify generalist species that are ubiquitously expressed across all samples and specialists that are highly expressed in a small subset of samples associated with a certain phenotype. We were able to utilize the metaproteomic mass spectrometry data to reveal the protein landscapes of these species, which enables the characterization of the expression levels of proteins of different functions and underlying regulatory mechanisms, such as operons. Finally, we were able to recover a large number of open reading frames (ORFs) with spectral support, which were missed by de novo protein-coding gene predictors. We showed that a majority of the rescued ORFs overlapped with de novo predicted protein-coding genes, but on opposite strands or in different frames. Together, these demonstrate applications of metaproteomics for the characterization of important gut bacterial species.
Avalanches during epithelial tissue growth; Uniform Growth and a drosophila eye disc model
Authors: Courcoubetis George , Xu Chi , Nuzhdin Sergey V. , Haas Stephan
Published: March 2022

Epithelial tissues constitute an exotic type of active matter with non-linear properties reminiscent of amorphous materials. In the context of a proliferating epithelium, modeled by the quasistatic vertex model, we identify novel discrete tissue scale rearrangements, i.e. cellular rearrangement avalanches, which are a form of collective cell movement. During the avalanches, the vast majority of cells retain their neighbors, and the resulting cellular trajectories are radial in the periphery, a vortex in the core. After the onset of these avalanches, the epithelial area grows discontinuously. The avalanches are found to be stochastic, and their strength is correlated with the density of cells in the tissue. Overall, avalanches redistribute accumulated local spatial pressure along the tissue. Furthermore, the distribution of avalanche magnitudes is found to obey a power law, with an exponent consistent with sheer induced avalanches in amorphous materials. To understand the role of avalanches in organ development, we simulate epithelial growth of the Drosophila eye disc during the third instar using a computational model, which includes both chemical and mechanistic signaling. During the third instar, the morphogenetic furrow (MF), a ~10 cell wide wave of apical area constriction propagates through the epithelium. These simulations are used to understand the details of the growth process, the effect of the MF on the growth dynamics on the tissue scale, and to make predictions for experimental observations. The avalanches are found to depend on the strength of the apical constriction of cells in the MF, with a stronger apical constriction leading to less frequent and more pronounced avalanches. The results herein highlight the dependence of simulated tissue growth dynamics on relaxation timescales, and serve as a guide for in vitro experiments.
Optimal competition strategy analysis of China Railway Express based on evolutionary game theory
Authors: Feng Fenling , Li Xiaojie , Liang Junkai , Liu Yang , Liu Chengguang
Published: March 2022

In the context of the Belt and Road Initiative, China Railway Express achieved rapid development. Determining how to achieve effective marking and determining how to adopt the optimal competitive strategy are the main challenges for CR Express operators. By choosing long-distance transportation as the research object, this research established a competitive model between CR Express and maritime transportation based on game theory. First, we determined the participants of this competition. By dividing common goods into the categories of high-value and high-time-sensitiveness, high-value and low-time-sensitiveness, low-value and high-time-sensitiveness, and low-value and low-time-sensitiveness, the model was used to simulate four situations and to obtain optimal strategies for operators. For CR Express, it was always effective to adopt a service optimizing strategy to improve the service level and earn market share. For maritime transportation, this strategy was effective only for high-value and low-time-sensitiveness goods as well as low value and low-time-sensitiveness goods. Therefore, transportation service suppliers should make competitive strategies based on different good types, and it is effective to use differentiation strategies to earn market share and improve competitiveness only for suitable types of goods.
An alternative to the black box: Strategy learning
Authors: Taub Simon , Pianykh Oleg S.
Published: March 2022

In virtually any practical field or application, discovering and implementing near-optimal decision strategies is essential for achieving desired outcomes. Workflow planning is one of the most common and important problems of this kind, as sub-optimal decision-making may create bottlenecks and delays that decrease efficiency and increase costs. Recently, machine learning has been used to attack this problem, but unfortunately, most proposed solutions are “black box” algorithms with underlying logic unclear to humans. This makes them hard to implement and impossible to trust, significantly limiting their practical use. In this work, we propose an alternative approach: using machine learning to generate optimal, comprehensible strategies which can be understood and used by humans directly. Through three common decision-making problems found in scheduling, we demonstrate the implementation and feasibility of this approach, as well as its great potential to attain near-optimal results.
Access to domestic violence advocacy by race, ethnicity and gender: The impact of a digital warm handoff from the emergency department
Authors: Brignone Laura , Gomez Anu Manchikanti
Published: March 2022

Background

Racial/ethnic minority survivors of domestic violence (DV) referred from emergency departments (EDs) face barriers connecting with advocacy services due to systemic inequities. This study assesses the impact of Domestic Violence Report and Referral (DVRR), a digital mandatory reporting compliance system with integrated direct-to-advocacy referrals sent with patient consent, on survivors’ likelihood of receiving advocacy by race/ethnicity and gender.

Methods

We assessed ED charts between 2014–2018 in an urban, Level 1 trauma center for DV-related positive screening, chief concern, or documentation in medical/social work notes. We matched these visits by name to local DV advocacy agency records. Using logistic regression, we assessed survivor odds of reaching advocacy by DVRR receipt, race/ethnicity and gender. We used predicted probabilities to identify between-group differences in advocacy services received.

Results

Of the 1366 visits, 740 received the DVRR intervention; 323 received advocacy services Without DVRR, compared to white, female survivors (n = 87), male survivors (n = 132) had 0.20 (95% CI: 0.07–0.56) times the odds of reaching advocacy compared to female survivors; Latinx survivors (n = 136) had 2.53 (95% CI: 1.58–4.07) times the odds of reaching advocacy compared to white survivors. With DVRR, the odds and predicted probabilities of reaching advocacy increased significantly for all survivors. White, female survivors (n = 74) who received DVRR experienced 2.60 (95% CI: 1.66–4.07) times the odds of connecting with advocacy. Compared to this reference group, Black survivors (n = 480) who received DVRR experienced 4.66 additional times the odds of reaching advocacy services (95% CI: 3.09–7.04) and male survivors (n = 84) experienced 8.96 additional times the odds (95% CI: 2.81–28.56). Overall, we predict 43% (95% CI: 38–53%) of Latinx survivors (n = 177), 36% (95% CI: 31–40%) of Black survivors (n = 480) and 23% (95% CI: 14–32%) of white survivors (n = 83); 37% (95% CI: 33–40%) of women (n = 656) and 29% (95% CI: 18–42%) of men (n = 84) received advocacy services with DVRR.

Conclusion

Direct-to-advocacy ED referrals facilitated by eHealth technology improve access to advocacy care for all survivors in this sample; marginalized racial and ethnic groups most often victimized by DV appear to have the highest rates of connection to advocacy.
Resistance to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection among highly TB exposed South African gold miners
Authors: Chihota Violet N. , Ntshiqa Thobani , Maenetje Pholo , Mansukhani Raoul , Velen Kavindhran , Hawn Thomas R. , Wallis Robert , Grant Alison D. , Churchyard Gavin J. , Fielding Katherine
Published: March 2022

Background

Despite high exposure toMycobacterium tuberculosis, a small proportion of South African goldminers resist TB infection. We determined, among long-service gold miners i) the proportion who were TB uninfected and ii) epidemiological factors associated with being uninfected.

Methods

We enrolled HIV-negative gold miners aged 33–60 years with ≥15 years’ service and no history of TB or silicosis. Miners were defined as TB uninfected if i) QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus) negative or ii) in a stricter definition, QFT-Plus-negative and zero-response on TST and as resisters if they were of Black/African ethnicity and negative on both tests. Logistic regression was used to identify epidemiological factors associated with being TB uninfected.

Results

Of 307 participants with a QFT-Plus result, median age was 48 years (interquartile range [IQR] 44–53), median time working underground was 24 years (IQR 18–28), 303 (99%) were male and 91 (30%) were QFT-Plus-negative. The odds of being TB uninfected was 52% lower for unskilled workers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.27–0.85; p = 0.013). Among 281 participants of Black/African ethnicity, 71 (25%) were QFT-Plus negative. Miners with a BMI ≥30 were less likely to be TB uninfected (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.18–0.80). Using the stricter definition, 44.3% (136/307) of all miners were classified as either TB uninfected (35; 26%) or infected, (101; 74%) and the associations remained similar. Among Black/African miners; 123 were classified as either TB uninfected (23; 19%) or infected (100; 81%) using the stricter definition. No epidemiological factors for being TB uninfected were identified.

Conclusions

Despite high cumulative exposure, a small proportion of miners appear to be resistant to TB infection and are without distinguishing epidemiological characteristics.
Risk factors of sitting-induced tachycardia syndrome in children and adolescents
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Han Zhenhui , Wang Yaru , Yan Yongqiang , Pan Zhitao , Zhu Hanwen , Li Hongxia , Tao Chunyan , Liu Ping , Wang Yuli , Tang Chaoshu , Jin Hongfang , Du Junbao
Published: March 2022

Background

The study was designed to explore the risk factors for sitting-induced tachycardia syndrome (STS) in children and adolescents.

Methods and results

In this case-control study, 46 children with STS and 184 healthy children and adolescents were recruited. Demographic characteristics, lifestyle habits, allergy history, and family history were investigated using a questionnaire. The changes in heart rate and blood pressure from supine to sitting were monitored using a sitting test. The possible differences between STS patients and healthy children were analyzed using univariate analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the independent risk factors for STS. Univariate analysis showed that the daily sleeping time of the STS children were significantly shorter than that of the control group [(8.8 ± 1.2) hours/day vs. (9.3 ± 1.0) hours/day, P = 0.009], and the proportion of positive family history of syncope in the STS patients was higher than the controls (4/42 vs. 3/181, P = 0.044). Multivariate logistic regression studies showed that reduced daily sleeping time was an independent risk factor of STS in children (P = 0.006). Furthermore, when daily sleeping time was prolonged by 1 h, the risk of STS was decreased by 37.3%.

Conclusion

Reduced daily sleeping was an independent risk factor for STS in children and adolescents.
Investigating men’s motivations to engage in genetic screening for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations
Authors: Annoni Anna Maria , Longhini Claudia
Published: March 2022

BRCA1andBRCA2mutations are associated with an increased risk of developing numerous cancers, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, melanoma and prostate cancer. Men faceBRCA-related cancer risks as women do. However, there is considerably less research on the psychological determinants of men engaging inBRCA1/2-related cancer prevention compared to women. The present research aimed to study the determinants of men’s motivations to engage in genetic screening forBRCA1andBRCA2through the lens of the Health Action Process Approach. One hundred and twenty-five men (mean age = 58.53 y/o, SD = 10.37) completed an online survey. The intention to undergo genetic screening forBRCA1/2mutations in men was significantly and positively associated with self-efficacy and risk perception. Moreover, having offspring positively affected intention as well. The relationships between intention (and planning) and positive outcome expectancies, age, and family history of breast-related cancer were not statistically significant. Most information onBRCA1andBRCA2mutations is tailored to women due to the availability of effective surgical risk reduction procedures for women’s breast and ovarian cancer. Future research should focus on the best methods of communicating informed decision-making for men facing the risk of such mutations.
A qualitative study of knowledge, attitudes and perceptions towards malaria prevention among people living in rural upper river valleys of Nepal
Authors: Awasthi Kiran Raj , Jancey Jonine , Clements Archie C. A. , Leavy Justine E.
Published: March 2022

Background

Nepal has made significant progress in decreasing the number of malaria cases over the last two decades. Prevention and timely management of malaria are critical for the National Malaria Program in its quest for elimination. The study aimed to explore the knowledge, attitudes and behaviour towards malaria prevention and treatment among people living in rural villages of Khatyad Rural Municipality in Nepal.

Methods

This qualitative study collected information through virtual in-depth interviews (N = 25) with female and male participants aged between 15 and 72 years.

Results

More than half of the participants knew about the causes of malaria, were aware of the complications of untreated malaria and knew that anti-malarial medicines were provided for free at the public health facilities. Participants indicated that their first choice of health care were public health facilities, however limited supply of medications and diagnostics deviated patients to the private sector. While tertiary care costs were not financially viable, participants opted against traditional care for malaria. Factors such as cost of treatment, distance to the health facility and the decision making authority in households influenced health related decisions in the family. Although long-lasting insecticidal nets were distributed and indoor residual spraying was done periodically, several barriers were identified.

Conclusion

Increased awareness of malaria prevention and treatment among people living in malaria risk areas is important for the National Malaria Program in its quest for malaria elimination in Nepal.
Prevalence of low vitamin D levels in patients with Hidradenitis suppurativa in Jordan: A comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Seetan Khaled , Eldos Batool , Saraireh Muthanna , Omari Rami , Rubbai Yousef , Jayyusi Anas , Abu Jubran Maha
Published: March 2022

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the apocrine gland bearing skin, presenting various stages of flexural skin pain, erythema, painful nodules, abscesses, sinuses, and fistulas. We aimed to assess serum vitamin D levels in patients with (HS) in Jordan. a cross-sectional comparative study conducted among 110 patients with HS and 110 matched controls, who didn’t previously receive vitamin D therapy. Serum vitamin D was measured and classified into normal (>30 ng/ml), insufficient (20–30 ng/ml), and low (<20 ng/ml). The mean age of the cases was 43.1 ± 12.9 years and the mean disease duration was 19.4 months. The mean body mass index among patients with HS was 30 and about 34% of them were smokers. The mean Vitamin D level was 8.4 ng/ml and all HS patients were vitamin D deficient. Patients of HS were more likely to have vitamin D deficiency compared to healthy controls. Most of the study subjects and particularly all of the patients with HS have low vitamin D levels. Smoking and high BMI, were associated with HS. We suggest the implementation standard public dietary recommendations of Vitamin D supplementation, smoking cessation, and weight reduction behaviors with further assessment of disease course among HS patients.
Why does mode of conception affect early breastfeeding outcomes? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Weng Shiue-Shan , Chien Li-Yin , Huang Yi-Ting , Huang Yen-Tsung , Chang Min
Published: March 2022

Introduction

It is uncertain whether Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is associated with an increased risk of poor breastfeeding outcomes and what could be possible mechanisms. This study aimed to examine the effect of mode of conception on breastfeeding outcomes during the first two months postpartum and identify the potential mediating pathways for this relationship.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a sample of 3,565 women with live births. Participants were classified by mode of conception as follows: fertile women who conceived naturally (fertile women; n = 2,857), women with infertility who conceived naturally (sub-fertile women; n = 483), and women with infertility who conceived through ART (women with infertility; n = 310). The infant-feeding patterns were assessed with four-time points before two months postpartum. Binary and multinomial logistic regression and causal mediation analyses were performed.

Results

The rates of breastfeeding initiation and discontinuation across modes of conception were similar. However, infertile and sub-fertile women had 37% (95% CI 1.02, 1.83) and 56% (95% CI 1.06, 2.27) increased risks of introducing formula before the first week postpartum, respectively, and 35% (95% CI 1.01, 1.82) and 52% (95% CI 1.04, 2.24) higher risks of exclusive breastfeeding for less than one week, respectively, compared to fertile women. The relationships were mainly mediated through multiple gestation and admission to neonatal/pediatric intensive care units (NICU/PICU; proportions of mediation were over 50%). The effects of mode of conception on breastfeeding outcomes became not significant in cases of singleton birth.

Conclusions

Sub-fertile women and women with infertility intended to breastfeed but experienced higher perinatal risks in the early postpartum period. Multiple gestation and admission to NICU/PICU forced them to introduce formula earlier than preferred, thus leading to a shorter duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Single embryo transfer policy and breastfeeding support in NICU/PICU could help those women achieve positive early breastfeeding outcomes.
Is belly dancing in pregnancy safe and beneficial? The views of two expert panels
Authors: Nolan Mary L. , Godwin Rebecca
Published: March 2022

This article describes a study of the impact of belly dancing on women’s experience of pregnancy, labour and birth. In order to identify the core movements of belly dancing suitable for pregnant women, an expert panel of belly dance teachers was convened. Next, based on the teachers’ consensus, a video demonstrating the core movements was produced. Finally, a second expert panel was convened, comprising midwives and childbirth educators, who were asked to comment on the video from their professional standpoints. The panel considered that the movements demonstrated were safe and would help with pregnancy ailments such as back-ache, pelvic discomfort, constipation, sleeplessness and anxiety and that belly dancing would assist pregnant women’s mental health, positive self-image and confidence in their bodies to give birth. The relational aspect of belly dancing in terms of building a sisterhood of women making the transition to motherhood was also noted.
Covid-19: enfermedad y simbolismo social. Un estudio desde la ciencia lingüística
Authors: Ulloa Casaña Tania
Published: March 2022

La crisis global provocada por el nuevo coronavirus ha tenido reflejo en los ámbitos de la vida social, política y económica de casi todos los países del orbe. La lengua, medio de comunicación más importante de los seres humanos, no escapa a esta realidad. En virtud de que las palabras no se encuentran aisladas ni en el acto comunicativo ni en la lengua misma, y que su empleo se encuentra condicionado por el contexto histórico y social en que se producen, resulta pertinente estudiar justamente este espacio lingüístico en el que se relacionan conjuntos de palabras que corresponden a este tema o ámbito de la realidad. Por lo anterior, el presente trabajo tiene como objetivo estudiar la red conceptual registrada en el campo asociativo de la palabra COVID-19. Para la realización de la investigación se seleccionaron 30 informantes (personas sanas y que no habían padecido la enfermedad) distribuidos equitativamente (15 hombres y 15 mujeres) de la ciudad de Santiago de Cuba; que pertenecieran a grupos de edades diferentes y que tuvieran un grado de instrucción distinto para lograr una muestra lo más heterogénea posible. A partir de la palabra inductora, en este caso el acrónimo que nombra la enfermedad (COVID-19), los hablantes escribieron diez palabras que asociaron espontáneamente con este término. Los resultados mostraron que estas asociaciones se agrupan en seis esferas conceptuales (realidad o concepto, estados emocionales, secuelas o consecuencias, prevención sanitaria, valores y actitudes, entre otras asociaciones) las cuales incluyen un repertorio de unidades léxicas que giran en torno a núcleos o nodos establecidos a partir de relaciones significativas entre las palabras. El estudio realizado permitió comprobar que las asociaciones reunidas en el campo estudiado representan relaciones semánticas muy diversas que incluyen, desde lo puramente lingüístico, hasta otros aspectos de orden cultural, social o económico.
STRUKTUR ANATOMI DAN DIFERENSIASI BATANG Myrmecodia pendens Merr. & L.M. Perry
Authors: Endewip Lydia Natalia , Susanti Siti , Maryani
Published: March 2022

Myrmecodia pendens Merr. & L.M.Perry (Rubiaceae) merupakan salah satu tumbuhan sarang semut yang mempunyai morfologi batang yang unik seperti umbi. Morfologi umbi berkaitan erat dengan struktur anatomi batang yang berdiferensiasi dengan pola rongganya. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perkembangan sel-sel batang M. pendens selama proses diferensiasi dan mengamati struktur anatomi umbi beserta pola rongganya. Slide anatomi sel umbi dari lima fase perkembangan awal diferensiasi batang M. pendens dibuat dengan metode parafin. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya diferensiasi yang terjadi pada parenkim korteks dekat berkas pembuluh dan sel-sel parenkim berubah menjadi sel-sel felogen. Aktivitas sel-sel felogen menyebabkan sel-sel penyusun batang M. pendens lisis lalu membentuk rongga, sel-selnya berdiferensiasi, dan terjadi pembesaran organ menjadi umbi. Pola rongga M. pendens dengan habitat di dataran tinggi yaitu rongga terbentuk dari bagian basal umbi dengan satu lubang pembukaan, kemudian meluas hingga ke arah pucuk dan bercabang membentuk ruang rongga. Sel-sel penyusun batang M. pendens dari luar ke dalam yaitu felem, felogen, feloderm, sel permukaan dalam rongga berupa felem pada rongga pertama, dan sel-sel kutil pada percabangan ruang rongga. Penelitian ini dapat dilanjutkan terkait pola anatomi pembentukan rongga kedua dan seterusnya serta pengaruh interaksi semut terhadap diferensiasi batang M. pendens.
KARAKTERISASI STOMATA DAN AKAR PLANLET HASIL IRADIASI SINAR GAMMA PADA PROTOKORM Grammatophyllum scriptum (L.) Blume
Authors: Handini Elizabeth , Aprilianti Popi , Widiarsih Sasanti
Published: March 2022

Grammatophyllum scriptum (L.) Blume atau dikenal sebagai anggrek macan merupakan salah satu anggrek koleksi Kebun Raya Bogor. Jenis ini memiliki perbungaan raksasa dengan ±27 kuntum bunga. Studi ini bertujuan untuk melakukan karakterisasi stomata dan akar dari planlet G. scriptum hasil iradiasi sinar gamma. Dosis iradiasi yang digunakan adalah 0, 15, dan 30 Gray (Gy). Hasil pengamatan menunjukkan iradiasi dengan dosis 15 dan 30 Gy memberikan pengaruh yang signifikan pada kerapatan dan lebar minimum bukaan stomata, namun tidak berpengaruh secara signifikan pada jaringan akar. Planlet dengan dosis 30 Gy memiliki jaringan velamen lebih tipis, stomata dengan kerapatan lebih rendah, celah stomata lebih sempit, dan jumlah stomata rusak lebih banyak, bila dibandingkan dengan planlet dosis iradiasi 15 Gy. Perubahan yang terjadi pada stomata dan akar pada dosis yang berbeda sebagai efek dari iradiasi akan memunculkan cara yang berbeda untuk dapat beradaptasi terhadap lingkungan.