bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of whitening toothpaste on surface roughness and microhardness of human teeth: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jamwal Navodita , Rao Ashwini , Shenoy Ramya , Pai Mithun , KS Aparna , BR Avinash
Published: February 2022

Background: Whitening toothpastes exert a whitening effect on teeth through higher surface cleaning effectiveness resulting from the abrasive properties of the paste or specific chemical components. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conceptualized to examine the relationship between whitening toothpastes and surface roughness as well as microhardness of human teeth and to clarify the evidence base available around this relationship by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies in this topic area, looking at in vitro randomized control trials.

Methods: Criteria for including studies in the review were done based on population, intervention, comparison, outcomes and study and studies were identified from electronic databases. Covidence® was used for data screening and data extraction. The CONSORT tool was used for checking relevant content and methodology used in each of the papers reviewed. Systematic review was done followed by meta-analysis, using Review Manager.

Results: A total of 125 articles were obtained on key word search. After duplicate removal and title screening, 17 articles were eligible for full text review. Finally, 7 studies were included for systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted on 4 studies. The forest plot for surface roughness showed that that the meta-analytic effect was statistically significant with surface roughness value being higher in the intervention group. The forest plot for microhardness showed that the meta-analytic effect was statistically significant with the microhardness value being lesser in the intervention group.

Conclusions: Although whitening toothpastes typically can lighten tooth color by about one or two shades, there is some evidence to show that these toothpastes also affect the mineral content of teeth by increasing surface roughness and reducing microhardness. More evidence and further research are needed to identify the type of whitening agent which will whiten the tooth effectively while maintaining the integrity of the tooth structure.
Polygenic Risk Score in African populations: progress and challenges
Authors: Adam Yagoub , Sadeeq Suraju , Kumuthini Judit , Ajayi Olabode , Wells Gordon , Solomon Rotimi , Ogunlana Olubanke , Adetiba Emmanuel , Iweala Emeka , Brors Benedikt , Adebiyi Ezekiel
Published: February 2022

Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) analysis is a method that predicts the genetic risk of an individual towards targeted traits. Even when there are no significant markers, it gives evidence of a genetic effect beyond the results of Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS). Moreover, it selects  single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that  contribute to the disease with low effect size  making it more precise at individual level risk prediction. PRS  analysis addresses the shortfall of GWAS by taking into account the SNPs/alleles with  low effect size but play an indispensable role to the observed phenotypic/trait variance.  PRS analysis has  applications that investigate the genetic basis of several traits, which includes rare diseases. However, the accuracy of PRS analysis depends on the genomic data of the underlying population. For instance, several studies  show   that obtaining higher prediction power of PRS analysis is challenging for non-Europeans. In this manuscript, we review the conventional PRS methods and their application to sub-Saharan African communities. We conclude that  lack of sufficient GWAS data and tools is  the limiting factor of applying PRS analysis to sub-Saharan populations.   We recommend developing Africa-specific PRS methods and tools for estimating and analyzing  African population data   for clinical  evaluation of PRSs of interest and predicting  rare diseases.
Setting up child health and mortality prevention surveillance in Ethiopia
Authors: Seale Anna C. , Assefa Nega , Madrid Lola , Wittmann Stefanie , Abdurahman Hanan , Teferi Nardos , Gedefa Letta , Mohamed Alexander , Debela Natnael , Tesfaye Tseyon , Samuel Tigistu , Dubale Mehret , Yigzaw Hiwot , Taye Eyoel , Bekele Workalemahu , Ackley Caroline , Keno Gutema Imana , Zegeye Yosef , Girma Zerihun , Degefa Ketema , Damisse Berhanu , Tadesse Adugna , Aliyi Mohammed , Feyissa Gurmu , Tilahun Yenenesh , Wakwaya Getahun , Sintayehu Bizunesh , Abayneh Getamesay , Alemu Addisu , Azore Emmanuel , Oundo Joe , Mariam Zelalem T , Marami Dadi , Berihun Mulu , Berhanu Mussie , Mekonnen Mahlet , Alemayehu Andualem , Sarkodie-Mensah Nana , Voller Shirine , Jibendi Boniface , Aseffa Abraham , Balcha Taye , F. Breiman Robert , Dowell Scott F , Worku Asnake , Kifle Tsigereda , Abate Ebba , Dessie Yadeta , Scott J. Anthony G.
Published: February 2022

Background: Mortality rates for children under five years of age, and stillbirth risks, remain high in parts of sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network aims to ascertain causes of child death in high child mortality settings (>50 deaths/1000 live-births). We aimed to develop a “greenfield” site for CHAMPS, based in Harar and Kersa, in Eastern Ethiopia. This very high mortality setting (>100 deaths/1000 live-births in Kersa) had limited previous surveillance capacity, weak infrastructure and political instability. Here we describe site development, from conception in 2015 to the end of the first year of recruitment.

Methods: We formed a collaboration between Haramaya University and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and engaged community, national and international partners to support a new CHAMPS programme. We developed laboratory infrastructure and recruited and trained staff. We established project specific procedures to implement CHAMPS network protocols including; death notifications, clinical and demographic data collection, post-mortem minimally invasive tissue sampling, microbiology and pathology testing, and verbal autopsy. We convened an expert local panel to determine cause-of-death. In partnership with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute we developed strategies to improve child and maternal health.

Results: Despite considerable challenge, with financial support, personal commitment, and effective partnership, we successfully initiated CHAMPS. One year into recruitment (February 2020), we had received 1173 unique death notifications, investigated 59/99 MITS-eligible cases within the demographic surveillance site, and assigned an underlying and immediate cause of death to 53 children.

Conclusions: The most valuable data for global health policy are from high-mortality settings, but initiating CHAMPS has required considerable resource. To further leverage this investment, we need strong, sustained, local research leadership, and to broaden the scientific remit. To support this, we have set up a new collaboration, the “Hararghe Health Research Partnership”.
Protocol for ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) mutagenesis application in rice
Authors: Unan Rasim , Deligoz Ilyas , Al-Khatib Kassim , Mennan Husrev
Published: February 2022

Background: Non-transgenic chemical mutagen application, particularly ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), is an important tool to create mutations and gain a new genetic makeup for plants. It is useful to obtain a sufficient number of mutant plants instead of working with a severe mutation in a few plants. EMS dose and exposure period have been previously studied in several crops; however, EMS used to create point mutations in presoaked rice seeds has not been sufficiently studied and there is no standard protocol for such treatment. The aim of this study is to establish a standard protocol for EMS mutagenesis application in rice.

Methods: Two studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of four durations of rice seed presoaking (0, 6, 12, and 24 hours), four EMS concentration doses (0.0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%), and four EMS exposure periods (6, 12, 24, and 48 hours). Germination rate, plumula and radicle length, seedling survival, LD50 (Lethal Dose) determination, shoot length, root length and fresh seedling weight were evaluated.

Results: Results showed that a 12-hour presoaking duration, 0.5% EMS dose, and six hours of EMS exposure were the best practices for the optimum number of mutant plants.

Conclusions: In light of both this study and the literature, a standard application protocol was established. This application protocol, detailed in this article, contains the following guidelines: (1) Presoaking: 12 hours, (2) EMS application: 0.5% dose EMS and six hours, (3) Final washing: six hours, (4) Drying: 72 hours at 38°C. A user-friendly protocol has been presented for utilization by researchers.
Leveraging capabilities for the creation of a smart, healthy and personalized breakfast: a case study of collaborative innovation in the EU
Authors: Talens Clara , Rios Yolanda , Santa Cruz Elena
Published: February 2022

Background: Rapid population growth, increasing urbanization, and an expanding global middle class has profound impacts on food and nutrition. In the long run the smart appliance industry will reflect the social, technological, and demographic forces around food without losing the authenticity of food traditionally prepared in the kitchen. This paper investigates the capability of collaborative innovation to co-create a new consumer-driven breakfast concept.

Methods: Three smart cooking technology providers (3D food printing, digital sous-vide cooking and instant dough baking), one ingredient supplier, and a top-tier food research and innovation centre shared resources to carry out common tasks such as market research, product development, and consumer taste tests. Consumers were segmented into four types of households (single, young families, consolidated families, and senior). An online community (40 participants), nine focus groups, two interviews with eight experts, and one quantitative study with 2055 participants were carried out in Spain, UK, and Germany. The findings provided both theoretical and practical insights into the perception of the three smart cooking devices per type of household and per country. A combination of technologies was used to develop the new breakfast concept for the target group and country with the most positive perception.

Results: A customized, fresh, tasty, nutritious, and healthy 3D printed breakfast bar was developed for senior consumers in Spain. Sensory analysis and acceptability were tested with 80 senior consumers aged between 45 and 75 years and divided in two groups: 46-60 years (mature), and 61-75 (senior). Around 56% of consumers increased their acceptance of the new breakfast bar after being informed about the technological, nutritional, and convenient benefits of the new breakfast concept.

Conclusions: A strategic collaborative innovation method was implemented to show how sharing resources can encourage productive entrepreneurship, and help start-ups define and identify their target customer segments.
A conceptual framework for monitoring socially responsible research and innovation (RRI) aligned to the UNESCO-led Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers
Authors: Jensen Eric Allen
Published: February 2022

This paper sets out a high-level conceptual framework for monitoring the development of socially responsible research and innovation systems linked to the global policy instrument called ‘the Recommendation on Science and Scientific Researchers’ (RSSR). This global science policy initiative was ratified by 195 United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Member States in 2017, updating an earlier version of the instrument. This UNESCO-led initiative offers a globally inclusive and agreed structure for advancing socially responsible research and innovation (RRI). A key feature of the RSSR initiative is its permanent structure of quadrennial monitoring to assess implementation of its principles. Here, a conceptual framework is presented to clarify the specific dimensions of RRI embedded in the 10 key priority areas for this quadrennial monitoring process. The paper explicates these dimensions and the underpinning policy language from the 2017 recommendation with the aim of supporting UNESCO Member States and research stakeholders globally to design appropriate evaluation methods. This conceptual framework is intended to support development of globally aligned measurement of RRI policy and practice that allows research and policy stakeholders from each world region to learn from each other. Fostering mutual learning on a global scale will help to enable evidence-based practice in the context of RRI to improve outcomes and mitigate the limitations of well-meaning but ineffective policies and practices.
Modelling charge profiles of electric vehicles based on charges data
Authors: Andrenacci Natascia , Karagulian Federico , Genovese Antonino
Published: February 2022

Background: The correct design of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructures is of fundamental importance to maximize the benefits for users and infrastructure managers. In addition, the analysis and management of recharges can help evaluate integration with auxiliary systems, such as renewable energy resources and storage systems. EV charging data analysis can highlight informative behaviours and patterns for charging infrastructure planning and management.

Methods: We present the analysis of two datasets about the recorded energy and duration required to charge EVs in the cities of Barcelona (Spain) and Turku (Finland). In particular, we investigated hourly, daily and seasonal patterns in charge duration and energy delivered. Simulated scenarios for the power request at charging stations (CSs) were obtained using statistical parameters of the Barcelona dataset and non-parametric distributions of the arrivals. Monte Carlo simulations were used to test different scenarios of users’ influx at the CSs, and determine the optimal size of an integrated renewable energy system (RES).

Results: This study highlighted the difference between fast and slow charging users’ habits by analysing the occupancy at the charging stations. Aside from the charge duration, which was shorter for fast charges, distinct features emerged in the hourly distribution of the requests depending on whether slow or fast charges are considered. The distributions were different in the two analysed datasets. The investigation of CS power fluxes showed that results for the investment on a RES could substantially vary when considering synthetic input load profiles obtained with different approaches. The influence of incentives on the initial RES cost were investigated.

Conclusions: The novelty of this work lies in testing the impact of different approach to design synthetic profiles in the determination of the optimal size of a photovoltaic (PV) system installed at a charging infrastructure, using the economic criterion of the net present value (NPV).
Knowledge and skill needs and challenges of innovation ecosystems in the Central-Eastern and South-Eastern European space sector
Authors: Chisiridis Konstantinos , Malliopoulos Georgios , Giagtzoglou Kostas , Tsolakis Apostolos C.
Published: February 2022

Background: The European space sector is on the rise, introducing a rapidly growing market with a lot of expanding opportunities for innovative space products, applications and services, even in non-space sectors. In this article, we investigate the skill levels of innovation intermediaries that provide support to innovators (i.e., start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs) in the Central-Eastern (CE) and South-Eastern (SE) European space sector. Our objective is to identify: (i) the available competences and (ii) the missing skills (potential areas for improvement) of innovation intermediaries in the EU space sector.

Methods: Our methodological approach consists of (i) desk research complemented by 15 semi-structured interviews which introduced a baseline framework of innovation intermediaries’ desired knowledge and skill levels, as well as (ii) an online survey, addressing the case of innovation intermediaries and the innovators, respectively. We have synthesized the key inferences that stem from the online survey, building on the outcomes of a quantile analysis, the correlations among various skill areas, and a regression analysis that we have employed.

Results: By using statistical methods and regression analysis based on a sample of 104 survey responses, several interesting insights for the future of the European space innovation have been identified and are highlighted in the present manuscript.

Conclusion: We conclude that innovation intermediaries in the space sector have the adequate capacity to effectively train and support innovators at improving, primarily, their organisational skills and soft skills. Trainers are also competent at assessing the investment readiness levels of innovators, their pitching skills, and they can provide tailored business support services to innovators. In parallel, a key finding of this study is that space innovators need to receive better training to improve their business modelling skills, better support the management of business’ Intellectual Property, and understand key technologies of the space market.
Singing and music making: physiological responses across early to later stages of dementia
Authors: Walker Nina , Crutch Sebastian J. , West Julian , Jones Fergal W. , Brotherhood Emilie V. , Harding Emma , Camic Paul M.
Published: February 2022

Background: Music based interventions have been found to improve wellbeing for people with dementia. More recently there has been interest in physiological measures to provide additional information about how music and singing impact this population.

Methods: This multiple-case study design explored physiological responses (heart rate-HR, electrodermal activity-EDA, movement, and skin temperature-ST) of nine people with mild-to-moderate using simulation modelling analysis.            

Results: In study 1,  the singing group showed an increase in EDA (p < 0.01 for 8/9 participants) and HR (p < 0.01 for 5/9 participants) as the session began. HR (p < 0.0001 for 5/9 participants) and ST (p < 0.0001 for 6/9 participants) increased during faster tempos. EDA (p < 0.01 all), movement (p < 0.01 for 8/9 participants) and engagement were higher during singing compared to a baseline control. In study 2 EDA (p < 0.0001 for 14/18 data points [3 music conditions across 6 participants]) and ST (p < 0.001 for 10/18 data points) increased and in contrast to the responses during singing, HR decreased as the sessions began (p < 0.002 for 9/18 data points). EDA was higher during slower music (p < 0.0001 for 13/18 data points), however this was less consistent in more interactive sessions than the control. There were no consistent changes in HR and movement responses during different music genre.  

Conclusions: Physiological measures provide valuable information about the experiences of people with dementia participating in musical activities, particularly for those with verbal communication difficulties. Future research should consider using physiological measures. video-analysis and observational measures to explore further how engagement in specific activities, wellbeing and physiology interact.
The impact of community-based integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health services for youth on population-level HIV viral load and sexually transmitted infections in Zimbabwe: protocol for the CHIEDZA cluster-randomised trial
Authors: Dziva Chikwari Chido , Dauya Ethel , Bandason Tsitsi , Tembo Mandikudza , Mavodza Constancia , Simms Victoria , Mackworth-Young Constance RS. , Apollo Tsitsi , Grundy Chris , Weiss Helen , Kranzer Katharina , Mavimba Tino , Indravudh Pitchaya , Doyle Aoife , Mugurungi Owen , Machiha Anna , Bernays Sarah , Busza Joanna , Madzima Bernard , Terris-Prestholt Fern , McCarthy Ona , Hayes Richard , Francis Suzanna , Ferrand Rashida A.
Published: February 2022

Background: Youth have poorer HIV-related outcomes when compared to other age-groups. We describe the protocol for a cluster randomised trial (CRT) to evaluate the effectiveness of community-based, integrated HIV and sexual and reproductive health services for youth on HIV outcomes.

Protocol: The CHIEDZA trial is being conducted in three provinces in Zimbabwe, each with eight geographically demarcated areas (clusters) (total 24 clusters) randomised 1:1 to standard of care (existing health services) or to the intervention. The intervention comprises community-based delivery of HIV services including testing, antiretroviral therapy, treatment monitoring and adherence support as well as family planning, syndromic management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), menstrual health management, condoms and HIV prevention and general health counselling. Youth aged 16-24 years living within intervention clusters are eligible to access CHIEDZA services. A CRT of STI testing (chlamydia, gonorrhoea and trichomoniasis) is nested in two provinces (16 of 24 clusters). The intervention is delivered over a 30-month period by a multidisciplinary team trained and configured to provide high-quality, youth friendly services.

Outcomes will be ascertained through a population-based survey of 18–24-year-olds. The primary outcome is HIV viral load <1000 copies/ml in those living with HIV and proportion who test positive for STIs (for the nested trial). A detailed process and cost evaluation of the trial will be conducted.

Ethics and Dissemination: The trial protocol was approved by the Medical Research Council of Zimbabwe, the Biomedical Research and Training Institute Institutional Review Board and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine Research Ethics Committee. Results will be submitted to open-access peer-reviewed journals, presented at academic meetings and shared with participating communities and with national and international policy-making bodies.

Trial Registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/: NCT03719521
Optogenetic neuromodulation with gamma oscillation as a new strategy for Alzheimer disease: a narrative review
Authors: Ko Haneol , Yoon Sang-Pil
Published: February 2022

The amyloid hypothesis has been considered a major explanation of the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. However, failure of phase III clinical trials with anti-amyloid-beta monoclonal antibodies reveals the need for other therapeutic approaches to treat Alzheimer disease. Compared to its relatively short history, optogenetics has developed considerably. The expression of microbial opsins in cells using genetic engineering allows specific control of cell signals or molecules. The application of optogenetics to Alzheimer disease research or clinical approaches is increasing. When applied with gamma entrainment, optogenetic neuromodulation can improve Alzheimer disease symptoms. Although safety problems exist with optogenetics such as the use of viral vectors, this technique has great potential for use in Alzheimer disease. In this paper, we review the historical applications of optogenetic neuromodulation with gamma entrainment to investigate the mechanisms involved in Alzheimer disease and potential therapeutic strategies.
FSBU 5/ «Spares»: Account of the Losses from Marriage in Production
Authors: Polenova S.
Published: February 2022

On the grounds of new rules, contributed FSBU 5/2019 «Spares», opinions of the researchers and existing practical persons in article is executed attempt to present the bases of the updated methods of the accounting the losses from marriage in production.
On Barrio, Lo Guercio, and Szmuc on Logics of Evidence and Truth
Authors: Rodrigues Abilio , Carnielli Walter
Published: February 2022

The aim of this text is to reply to criticisms of the logics of evidence and truth and the epistemic approach to paraconsistency advanced by Barrio [2018], and Lo Guercio and Szmuc [2018]. We also clarify the notion of evidence that underlies the intended interpretation of these logics and is a central point of Barrio’s and Lo Guercio & Szmuc’s criticisms.
Endometriosis cutánea primaria umbilical: a propósito de un caso
Authors: Lozada Martinez Ivan David , Nuñez Rojas Gian , Bolaño Romero Maria , Salcedo Hurtado Jose , Ospina Perez Christian
Published: February 2022

Introducción: la endometriosis es una de las patologías ginecológicas más frecuentes, que se entiende como la implantación intrapélvica de tejido endometrial, sensible en, la gran mayoría de casos, al influjo hormonal. Extrauterinamente, se caracteriza por la presencia de glándulas y estroma endometrial en órganos o tejidos no ginecológicos. Sin embargo, la piel corresponde a uno de los sitios con menor frecuencia de implantación, ya sea de  norma primaria o secundaria. Se calcula la incidencia de endometriosis cutánea en la zona umbilical en menos del 1% de los casos. Presentación del caso: mujer de 36 años de edad, quien consulta con Cirugía General por un cuadro clínico de dos años de evolución, consistente en lesiones sobrelevantadas de la piel en la región umbilical, de color café oscuro, las cuales describe como dolorosas y sangrantes en el momento del ciclo menstrual. A pesar de haber sido resecadas en dos ocasiones, se encontró persistencia del cuadro. Discusión: la endometriosis cutánea primaria umbilical representa del 5% al 1.0% de todas las pacientes con endometriosis ectópica, y el ombligo es uno de los sitios menos comunes de implantación. Esta condición afecta alrededor del 5% al 15% de mujeres en edad fértil, y del 3% al 5% de mujeres en edad menopaúsica. La presentación clínica más común se basa en una masa palpable, sangrado umbilical y dolor regular o irregular abdominal. Al asociar la endometriosis extrapélvica con la presencia de endometriosis pélvica, solamente alrededor del 20% de las pacientes presentará esta última.
When Success Is Rare and Competitive: Learning from Others’ Success and My Failure at the Speed of Formula One
Authors: Lapré Michael A. , Cravey Candace
Published: February 2022

Organizations can learn from prior successes and failures to improve organizational performance. Few learning-curve studies have investigated this phenomenon at the individual level. A notable exception found that surgeons learn from their own success and others’ failure. Success in surgery is common and individually independent from other surgeries. We study learning from success and failure in a context where success is rare and competitive: Formula One (F1) racing. Only one driver will win a race, preventing the other competitors from winning. Even severe failures causing drivers to abandon the race are common. We investigate two types of abandonments: car failures and driver failures. Our data set covers F1 from the start of F1 in 1950 through 2017, yielding 21,487 driver-race observations. We find that win probability follows an inverted U-shaped function of racing experience. We also find that drivers learn from their own success, teammates’ success, as well as own car failures. However, drivers do not learn from their own driver failures. A teammate’s win increases the probability of winning the next race by 1.8%. An own car failure increases the probability of winning the next race by 1.9%. We use two characteristics of success, frequency and competitiveness, to define a spectrum of organizational settings. Placement of our F1 findings and the surgery findings on this spectrum reveals when managers can expect benefits from their own versus others’ success and failure.

This paper was accepted by Charles Corbett, operations management.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4324 .
Misdiagnosis Due to False-Positive Detection of Pneumococcal Urinary Antigen
Authors: Notomi Kaori , Harada Taku , Watari Takashi , Hiroshige Juichi , Shimizu Taro
Published: February 2022

Introduction: The detection of pneumococcal antigens in urine is an alternative to gram staining, and their culture is central to the diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia. We present a case of the false-positive detection of urinary Streptococcus species pneumococcal antigen with a BinaxNOW test. This resulted in delayed diagnosis of a liver abscess. Case description: A 70-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a 1-day history of chills and difficulty walking. She had a fever and her physical examination was normal. Non-contrast chest computed tomography (CT) revealed a slight ground-glass opacity in the left lower lobe. Laboratory tests revealed liver injury and elevated C-reactive protein levels. A urinary pneumococcal antigen test was positive, and she was diagnosed with acute bronchopneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. She was treated with ceftriaxone. However, abdominal contrast-enhanced CT performed the next day revealed portal vein thrombus and a left lobe liver abscess. Streptococcus constellatus was detected in a puncture specimen of the liver abscess. It was concluded that the positive urinary pneumococcal antigen test was a false-positive owing to Streptococcus infection. Discussion: False-positive results might be explained by the presence of C-polysaccharide antigens in the cell wall of S. pneumoniae. The positive urinary antigen test together with the finding of slight ground-glass opacity in the left lung on chest CT initially led to misdiagnosis. False positives may result in misdiagnosis and unnecessary antimicrobial therapy. Conclusion: The overuse of the pneumococcal urinary antigen tests can lead to false positives and misdiagnosis.
Characterization of the production system and breeding practices of sheep producers in Tahtay Maychew District, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Melak Awoke , HAILU ABEBE , ASSEFA ABRAHAM , ASEGED TESFALEM , SINKIE SEBLE , TSION SEMERE
Published: February 2022

Abstract. Melak A, Hailu A, Assefa A, Aseged T, Sinkie S, Tsion S. 2021. Characterization of the production system and breeding practices of sheep producers in Tahtay Maychew District, Northern Ethiopia. Intl J Trop Drylands 5: 5-11. Sheep rearing plays an important role in the livelihoods of rural people in Ethiopia, yet limited information is available regarding the management system of the sheep. The study was conducted in Tahtay Maychew district of the central zone of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to understand the sheep production system, the breeding practices, selection criteria, and sheep production constraints to identify sheep farming practices about future production strategies in the study area. A total of 70 households from 2 kebeles (lower administrative structure) were selected purposively based on sheep population and production potential and accessibility. Data was collected through semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key informants. An index was calculated to provide an overall ranking of the purpose of keeping sheep, culling rams and ewe, according to the formula: Index = ? of [3 for rank 1 + 2 for rank 2 + 1 for rank 3]. It is concluded that both female and male sheep are maintained mainly for income generation followed by breeding. A variable that was given a higher priority in selecting breeding males and females was body size. Disease, feed shortage, lack of grazing, and predators are the major constraints of sheep production mentioned in the study area. Therefore, addressing these constraints is important to design a successful genetic improvement scheme in the area for sheep.
The landlords, the peasant, and the retention basin: Local political ecology of water management in the small island of Semau, Kupang, Indonesia
Authors: Kuswardono Pantoro Tri , MUDITA I WAYAN , PANDIE DAVID B.W.
Published: February 2022

Abstract. Kuswardono PT, Mudita IW, Pandie DBW. 2021. The landlords, the peasant, and the retention basin: Local political ecology of water management in the small island of Semau, Kupang, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 5: 12-19. Freshwater is the most fundamental issue in small islands because of very small catchment area and low water retention capacity. To ensure water availability for domestic and agriculture purposes, the Government of Indonesia (GoI) has built hundreds of retention basins in all islands in East Nusa Tenggara Province from 1985 until recent times. In the small island of Semau where the study is undertaken, the availability of more than 24 retention basins did not solve freshwater problem. Inequality of distribution and usage of water from retention basin has become latent issues for more than 20 years. Under water provision program of GoI, all small retention basin management has been handed over to local community to become common pool resources (CPR). However, retention basin as CPR is not happening as expected. Using the Social-Ecological System Framework (SESF), the study found that one of the Governance components of SESF, i.e. property rights, is the key problem in achieving CPR. Informants from 5 villages interviewed and involved in focused group discussions consistently mentioned the word landlord in stories of water conflict, sabotage, and exclusion of access to water. The word landlord implied a tenurial or property rights system. A landlord had the traditional rights as a land custodian of the retention basin and all resources on his lands. The findings suggested that further investigation of the tenurial system and its transformation is needed whenever a vital construction such as retention basins would occur. In the past, the landlord would wisely distribute land and water as social goods so each person living in his ancestral land would not suffer from hunger. The construction of new retention basins could transform the roles of a landlord from a land custodian into a land owner and transform common-pool resources into private goods.
Potential of edge machine learning for instrumentation
Authors: Therrien Audrey C. , Gouin-Ferland Berthié , Rahimifar Mohammad Mehdi
Published: February 2022

New developments in radiation and photonic detectors improve resolution, sensitivity, size, and rate, all of which contribute to a gigantic increase in the data production rate. Moving data analysis and compression adjacent or even embedded within the detector hardware will reduce the data volumes generated, thereby reducing material cost, power, and data management requirements. Several solutions are already being developed both on the hardware and on the software side to facilitate the use of machine learning as a real-time data analysis solution.
Single-view calibration of a catadioptric camera based on a theodolite
model
Authors: Wang Yuxuan , Lv Yaowen , Xu Xiping , Gong Xuanrui , Yu Ziwen , Geng Jiaxing
Published: February 2022

The catadioptric panoramic imaging system may provide 360° panoramic imaging by
employing the convex surface of a quadric surface with rotational
symmetry as the reflector, which effectively compensates for the
disadvantages of the narrow field of view in typical camera systems.
First, this paper proposes a theodolite-based catadioptric camera
image model based on the rotational symmetry of a catadioptric camera
mirror, which simplifies the 2D modeling problem to a 1D problem.
Simultaneously, the equivalence of the theodolite imaging model and
the standard spherical imaging model also is demonstrated in this
work. Second, this paper presents a method to calibrate the theodolite
model parameters using only a single view and explains the calculation
of model parameter initialization and iterative optimization steps in
detail. Then, this paper demonstrates how to calibrate the theodolite
model parameters using only a single view, as well as how to calculate
the model parameter initialization and iterative optimization steps.
Finally, simulation experiments and actual experiments have confirmed
the correctness and stability of the method. The experimental results
show that the average and standard deviation of the back-projection
error are, respectively, 0.1983125 pixels and 0.0006153 pixels, in
this model. We believe the theodolite model suggested in this paper
offers a viable approach to catadioptric camera image modeling.
Numerical iteration method to reduce the surface shape error of a bendable mirror in synchrotron radiation
Authors: Chen Minwei , Gao Lidan , Sheng Weifan , Wang Shaofeng , Yang Fugui
Published: February 2022

X-ray mirrors with high focusing performance are extensively used in the synchrotron radiation field. Especially for vertical reflecting bendable mirrors, many elements such as gravity, extended parts used for the bending mechanism, etc., usually affect the surface shape precision. There are no effective methods to remove all these errors at this point. However, an iteration method can be adopted to solve this problem. In this paper, a novel, to the best of our knowledge, iteration method on decreasing the error between the practice surface shape and the desired one is proposed. Not only can the precision of the surface shape be realized by this method, but also computational efficiency. Errors induced by gravity can be compensated for by an analytical method, while errors caused by the extended parts should be eliminated by a numerical method. Therefore, two main kinds of errors—gravity and parts of clamping—can be removed by iteration. Some examples are presented to illustrate the advantages of this method by comparison with the regular one.
Feasibility analysis of an SMS-/MSM-/SMSMS-based optical fiber sensor structure
Authors: Liu Xuecheng , Li Muyang , Singh Ragini , Wang Yiran , Xie Yiyan , Su Xiancui , Gao Feilong , Li Guoru , Kumar Dharmendra , Zhang Bingyuan , Kumar Santosh
Published: February 2022

The paper discusses the application of single-mode fiber (SMF) and multimode fiber (MMF) to the fabrication of a sensor structure based on the hetero-core optical fiber structure. The proposed structures are SMF-MMF-SMF (SMS), MMF-SMF-MMF (MSM), and SMF-MMF-SMF-MMF-SMF (SMSMS). The transmitted intensity of the probe is used to estimate the strength of the evanescent field. The results indicate that the SMSMS structure generates more evanescent waves that penetrate deeper into the sensing probe, increasing its sensitivity. As a result, the SMSMS structure has enormous development potential in the field of sensing.
Performance analysis of an SMF-/MMF-based single/double/quadruple
tapered optical fiber structure
Authors: Zhang Wen , Wang Zhi , Singh Ragini , Wang Yiran , Xie Yiyan , Su Xiancui , Gao Feilong , Li Guoru , Swarnakar Sandip , Min Rui , Zhang Bingyuan , Kumar Santosh
Published: February 2022

This paper primarily discusses the structural performance analysis of a
single/double/quadruple tapered optical fiber (TOF) structure based on
single-mode fiber (SMF) and multi-mode fiber (MMF). Furthermore, the
TOF’s performance, including its diameter distribution, transmitted
intensity, and reproducibility, is also evaluated. According to the
experimental results, it can be concluded that the quadruple TOF
structure based on SMF has a higher density of evanescent waves (EWs)
on the surface of the tapered area, which is essential for the
fabrication of high-sensitivity optical fiber sensors. The structure
proposed in this article is feasible, and it can be used for optical
fiber sensing while offering significant practical and promising
applications as well.
Cancer detection from stained biopsies using high-speed spectral imaging
Authors: Brozgol Eugene , Kumar Pramod , Necula Daniela , Bronshtein-Berger Irena , Lindner Moshe , Medalion Shlomi , Twito Lee , Shapira Yotam , Gondra Helena , Barshack Iris , Garini Yuval
Published: February 2022

The escalating demand for diagnosing pathological biopsies requires the procedures to be expedited and automated. The existing imaging systems for measuring biopsies only measure color, and even though a lot of effort is invested in deep learning analysis, there are still serious challenges regarding the performance and validity of the data for the intended medical setting. We developed a system that rapidly acquires spectral images from biopsies, followed by spectral classification algorithms. The spectral information is remarkably more informative than the color information, and leads to very high accuracy in identifying cancer cells, as tested on tens of cancer cases. This was improved even more by using artificial intelligence algorithms that required a rather small training set, indicating the high level of information that exists in the spectral images. The most important spectral differences are observed in the nucleus and they are related to aneuploidy in tumor cells. Rapid spectral imaging measurement therefore can bridge the gap in the machine-aided diagnostics of whole biopsies, thus improving patient care, and expediting the treatment procedure.
Reconstruction of optical coefficients in turbid media using time-resolved reflectance and calibration-free instrument response functions
Authors: Helton Michael , Mycek Mary-Ann , Vishwanath Karthik
Published: February 2022

Measurements of time-resolved reflectance from a homogenous turbid medium can be employed to retrieve the absolute values of its optical transport coefficients. However, the uncertainty in the temporal shift of the experimentally determined instrument response function (IRF) with respect to the real system response can lead to errors in optical property reconstructions. Instrument noise and measurement of the IRF in a reflectance geometry can exacerbate these errors. Here, we examine three reconstruction approaches that avoid requiring direct measurements of photon launch times. They work by (a) fitting relative shapes of the reflectance profile with a pre-determined constraint on the scattering coefficient, (b) calibrating launch-time differences via a reference sample, and (c) freely fitting for the launch-time difference within the inverse problem. Analysis methods that can place a tight bound on the scattering coefficient can produce errors within 5-15% for both absorption and scattering at source-detector separations of 10 and 15 mm. Including the time-shift in the fitting procedure also recovered optical coefficients to under 20% but showed large crosstalk between extracted scattering and absorption coefficients. We find that the uncertainty in the temporal shift greatly impacts the reconstructed reduced scattering coefficient compared to absorption.
Large-aperture single-mode 795 nm VCSEL for chip-scale nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope with an output power of 4.1 mW at 80 °C
Authors: Zhou Yinli , Jia Yuchen , Zhang Xing , Zhang Jianwei , Liu Zhanchao , Ning Yongqiang , Wang Lijun
Published: February 2022

Transverse optical confinement in oxide-confined vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) crucially depends on thickness of oxide layer and its position relative to a standing wave. Modifying the structure reduces the overlap between the oxide layer and the standing wave as well as effective refractive index difference between core and cladding of the VCSEL that subsequently decreases of the number of transverse modes and increases the mode extension beyond oxide aperture. A 795 nm VCSEL is designed and fabricated with this concept. The proposed device achieves high single-mode operation of 4.1 mW at 80 °C, SMSR of 41.68 dB, and OPSR of 27.4 dB. VCSEL is applied in a nuclear magnetic resonance gyroscope (NMRG) system as pump source due to its excellent device performance and satisfactory test results are obtained.
Total variation and spatial iteration-based 3D structured illumination microscopy
Authors: Cai Mingxuan , Zhu Hongfei , Sun Yile , Yin Lu , Xu Fanghui , Wu Hanmeng , Hao Xiang , Zhou Renjie , Kuang Cuifang , Liu Xu
Published: February 2022

Three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy (3D-SIM) plays an essential role in biological volumetric imaging with the capabilities of improving lateral and axial resolution. However, the traditional linear 3D algorithm is sensitive to noise and generates artifacts, while the low temporal resolution hinders live-cell imaging. In this paper, we propose a novel 3D-SIM algorithm based on total variation (TV) and fast iterative shrinkage threshold algorithm (FISTA), termed TV-FISTA-SIM. Compared to conventional algorithms, TV-FISTA-SIM achieves higher reconstruction fidelity with the least artifacts, even when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is as low as 5 dB, and a faster reconstruction rate. Through simulation, we have verified that TV-FISTA-SIM can effectively reduce the amount of required data with less deterioration. Moreover, we demonstrate TV-FISTA-SIM for high-quality multi-color 3D super-resolution imaging, which can be potentially applied to live-cell imaging applications.
Optical transparent metasurface for dual-band Wi-Fi shielding
Authors: Guo Qingxin , Peng Qingyue , Qu Meijun , Su Jianxun , Li Zengrui
Published: February 2022

An optical transparent metasurface for dual-band Wi-Fi shielding is presented in this paper. The unit cell of the proposed metasurface is composed of a hexagonal ring and a three-petal oval flower which resonate at 2.4 and 5.5 GHz, respectively. The corresponding equivalent circuit is modelled to better understand the physical phenomena of electromagnetic shielding. Based on transmission line theory and curve fitting technique, a convenient and efficient method for extracting permittivity of substrate is presented. Simulation results show that the proposed metasurface is insensitive to the polarization of incoming wave under normal incidence and offers excellent angular stability. For verifying the design, two prototypes are fabricated using different manufacturing technologies, flexible printed circuit and ink-jet printing of silver nano-particles. The measured results are in good agreement with the simulated ones. The proposed metasurface has potential applications of electromagnetic wave suppression and information security in indoor environments.
Increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer among testicular cancer survivors
Authors: Zhang Hong , Yang Hongmei , Bandyopadhyay Sanjukta , Milano Michael T. , Fung Chunkit , Messing Edward M. , Chen Yuhchyau
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Testicular cancer survivors (TCS) have an increased risk of additional cancers, including prostate cancer. Our understanding of the natural history of prostate cancer in testicular cancer survivors is very limited due to its rare incidence.

Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Registry from 1978 to 2011, we identified 282 TCS with subsequent prostate cancer and examined the tumor grade and clinical outcomes in contrast to men with primary prostate cancer in the general population.

Results

TCS with a subsequent prostate cancer diagnosis were more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age than men with primary prostate cancer (65.2% vs. 37.6% for age ≤65, 34.8% vs. 62.4% for age >65, p<0.001) and were more likely to have grade III/IV tumors (46.2% vs. 37.0%, p<0.002). Longer latency between testicular and prostate cancer diagnoses was associated with a higher risk of grade III/IV (p<0.001) cancer. Despite the increased risk for high-grade tumors, 10-year prostate cancer-specific survival and overall survival were not significantly different between TCS and men with primary prostate cancer. Based on the available information in SEER, we found that prior history of radiotherapy for testicular cancer had no impact on tumor grade or survival outcomes.

Conclusions

Prostate cancer in TCS was more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age and with higher grades. Risks of grade III/IV disease increased with longer latency between testicular and prostate cancer diagnoses. Radiotherapy for testicular cancer did not appear to have a significant impact on the outcome of subsequent prostate cancer.