bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Review on Contamination of Soil and Water by Neonicotinoid Pesticides and Trends it’s in Soil and Water Samples with Chromatographic Analytical Techniques
Authors: R. Ramadevi R. Ramadevi , C. Ramachandraiah C. Ramachandraiah , Reddy G. V. Subba
Published: May 2022

Pesticides are synthetic chemicals that destroy pests and insects, improving vegetation and damaging the ruling class. Pesticides gain the vegetation; However, the protective use of pesticides goes against the traditional ethics of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), leading to environmental concerns. It has been observed that neonicotinoid pesticides and their metabolites can continue and accumulate in soils. They are freely soluble in water and compulsive, draining into waterways, and more are found in environmental samples, eventually affecting human well-being. Therefore, regional instability, the traditional principles, and anthropogenic versus natural origin of conceivably dangerous title pesticide in soils and water assessment are precariously main to evaluate human impact. This review article mainly focuses on extensive information about the sample preparation methods, discovery methods, and the developed systems to samples from various fields of soils and water to detect the neonicotinoids.
Molecular Docking Analysis for the Identification of Bioactive Compounds Against Urolithiasis (Hyperoxaluria)
Authors: R. Ramkumar R. Ramkumar , Periyasamy S.K.
Published: May 2022

Docking is a term used for computational plans that undertaking to observe the best associating between two particles: a receptor and a ligand. Atomic docking is perhaps the most a tremendous piece of the time included strategies in structure-based medicine game plan, by temperance of its ability to expect the keeping assortment of little molecule ligands to the genuine objective limiting site. Nuclear docking is the cycle that put particles for appropriate plans to connect with a receptor. Sub-nuclear docking is a brand name cycle which occurs inside the space of seconds in a cell. Depiction of the restricting behavior expects an essential part in sensible game-plan of meds correspondingly as to explain head biochemical cycles. Calcium oxalate monohydrate is the essential constituent of most of renal stones. Osteopontin, an aspartic corrosive rich urinary protein, and citrate, a lot more modest atom, are intense inhibitors of calcium oxalate monohydrate crystallization at levels present in typical pee. Present thoughts of the gig of site-express coordinated efforts in crystallization got from examinations of biomineralization are surveyed to give a setting to understanding guideline of COM improvement at a nuclear level. In this paper, the nuclear docking of Invitro calcium oxalate monohydrate tests with their cooperation are discussed and separated.
Green Synthesis of Zinc Sulfide Nanoparticles using Jatropha curcas Linn. for Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Baniaga Beverly Ann N. , Mendoza Danilet Vi M.
Published: May 2022

Green synthesis of materials such as nanoparticles pose several advantages including greener and lesser volume of waste generation making it a less hazardous and eco-friendly alternative. Nanoparticles have been used widely for treatment of wastewater. In the study, synthesis of zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanoparticles were conducted through green synthesis using Jatropha curcas Linn latex and its photocatalytic activity in degrading methylene blue was determined. Synthesized zinc sulfide nanoparticles were characterized based on its absorbance and average size determined through microscopic analysis. Absorbance analysis showed that there is dependency on the concentration of nanoparticles and latex formulations used. The average size of the synthesized nanoparticles is 80 nm. By monitoring changes in absorbance for 90 minutes, the photocatalytic degradation was determined. Photocatalytic degradation activity of 7.72% was recorded during the first 15 minutes which was the highest reading obtained. These findings suggest that nanoparticles synthesized thru green synthesis may be developed as an eco-friendly and non-hazardous materials for wastewater treatment.
Fruit Pulp Extracts of Ficus racemosa and Aegle marmelos: Ethnopharmacological Approach for curing the Diabetic Foot Ulcer
Authors: J. Dineshbabu J. Dineshbabu , Soundra Rani M. Helan , B. Swathi B. Swathi , P. Srinivasan P. Srinivasan , P. Rajiv P. Rajiv
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) are the most common complication represent a central cause of morbidity among Diabetes Mellitus (DM) mostly type – ІІ, also reported amputation of foot region the impact of this complication cause mortality until treated. Biofilms are the sole responsible for over 90% of all chronic wounds in case of DFU. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus sp, are prime pathogens causing biofilm, whereas higher prevalence occupied by Pseudomonas aeruginosa during chronic condition. Aim: The objective of the current investigation is to determine the value of methanolic fruit pulp extracts of Ficus racemosa and Aegle marmelos against isolated key biofilm former Pseudomonas aeruginosa and associated bacterial pathogens. Methodology: The phytochemical constituents for fruit pulp extracts of F. racemosa and A. marmelos were determined using FT-IR analysis. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (BIC) and antibacterial activity were performed to find out the efficiency of the extract. Results: F. racemosa was shows the better antibiofilm activity than A. marmelos. Remarkably, Sub- MIC level showed increasing inhibitory activity as concentration increases (0.5mg/mL). Microscopic analysis showed dose dependant reduction in the biofilm architecture as compared to control. Conclusion: The extracts of fruit pulp of F. racemosa and A. marmelos show the anti-biofilm activity and which might be used as a substitute medicine in DFU. But it remains for the further analysis to elucidate the active binding molecule against biofilm former P. aeruginosa.
Phytochemical Screening and Mass Spectral Analysis of Azadirachta indica. Linn. Gum
Authors: J. Mercija J. Mercija , T. Nevaditha N.
Published: May 2022

Azadirachta indica is a member of the Meliaceae family, is well-known for its therapeutic properties. Neem gum is a commercially available product that is used in a variety of industries. The crude Neem gum is collected in this study, with water as the purifying solvent and ethyl alcohol as the precipitating agent. Secondary metabolites have been screened in neem gum. FTIR spectroscopy is used to identify the functional biomolecules in the gum. According to mass spectral analysis, fatty acids make up 50% of neem gum. The antibacterial activity of gum against several bacterial pathogens was tested using the disc diffusion method. The gum is more active and reveals that it can be utilised to treat antibiotic-resistant illnesses as an alternative to antibiotics. These findings reveal that the gum in question may be used to create a novel medicinal medication.
Synthesis and Characterization of Fertilizer Grade Urea from Cattle Waste
Authors: A. Kumaresan A. Kumaresan , P. Rajesh P. Rajesh
Published: May 2022

Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium are the three major nutrients required for healthy plant growth. Cow urine contains significant amount of Nitrogen and Potassium. The recent research show that only 20% of nitrogenous material consumed by cattle is absorbed remaining 80% excreted in urine and dung. This study shows that the fertilizer grade urea synthesized from cow urine by standard procedure and characterized by FT-IR for functional group determination. The presence of urea in the sample was confirmed by Biuret test. This study gives a ample scope to the farmers to increases the soil fertility and better yield of agricultural products. The percentage of Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen and Hydrogen in synthesized urea was determined by the chemical analysis.
Improved Radio-Frequency Heating through Application of Wool Insulation during Phytosanitary Treatment of Wood Packaging Material of Low Moisture Content
Authors: Janowiak John J. , Szymona Karolina S. , Dubey Manoj K. , Mack Ron , Hoover Kelli
Published: May 2022

The International Standard of Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM-15) requires signatory countries of the International Plant Protection Convention to use approved treatment methods on wood packaging materials used in international trade to significantly reduce the risk of spreading alien species. One of the approved methods utilizes dielectric heating (DH) to raise the temperature in the wood to 60°C through the profile of the workload for 1 minute to eradicate pests. To improve the uniform distribution of heat within a wood workload using radio frequency, a form of DH, we tested the use of a wool blanket as a thermal insulation material for wood pallet components. Three species commonly used in the pallet industry—yellow poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera L.), northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.), and eastern white pine (Pinus strobus L.)—of low moisture content were used to generate matched sets of stringer samples. Internal wood temperatures were monitored continuously during treatment to comply with the ISPM-15 schedule. Applying a wool (keratin) insulation blanket increased the rate of heating, improved heating uniformity throughout the workload, and reduced moisture loss compared to uninsulated controls for some wood species, but not all. These findings were most significant for pallet materials with higher moisture content and more permeability (white pine and yellow poplar). By reducing treatment time, power consumption costs can be reduced using wool insulation when implementing the ISPM-15 DH treatment schedule.
Lista de espécies de gafanhotos (Orthoptera, Acridoidea) depositadas na Coleção Entomológica da Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco
Authors: Almeida Argus Vasconcelos de , Linares Cristina Rojas de Andrade
Published: May 2022

Os gafanhotos da UFRPE estão representados por 35 espécimes pertencentes a cinco famílias: Romaleidae, Acrididae, Pyrgomorphidae, Pauliniidae e Omexechidae. Em sua grande maioria, os exemplares da coleção foram coletados no Estado de Pernambuco em 12 localidades da Zona da Mata, Agreste e Sertão. Também existem exemplares oriundos de outros Estados, tais como Paraíba, Rio de Janeiro, Amazonas, Mato Grosso e Rio Grande do Sul.
Asilidae (Diptera) da Bahia, Brasil: sinopse das espécies e chave de identificação
Authors: Vieira Rodrigo , Almeida Ivan Castro, Deivine , Alvim Edgar , Bravo Freddy
Published: May 2022

Realizou-se um inventário para a família Asilidae (Diptera) na Bahia. Para tal objetivo, foram realizadas coletas em cinco regiões geográficas da Bahia que reúnem grande parte do território estadual: região Norte, região Oeste, Chapada Diamantina e Sudoeste da Bahia, recôncavo baiano e terras baixas do litoral. As coletas de Asilidae foram realizadas com rede entomológica, armadilhas malaise e luminosas. Os exemplares coletados estão depositados na coleção entomológica do Museu de Zoologia da Universidade Estadual de Feira de Santana (MZUEFS). Foram coletados 436 espécimes de Asilidae. Das onze subfamílias conhecidas, oito foram encontradas na Bahia: Apocleinae, Asilinae, Dasypogoninae, Laphriinae, Leptogastrinae, Ommatiinae, Stenopogoninae e Trygonomiminae. Identificaram-se 34 espécies e 29 morfoespécies pertencentes a 33 gêneros. Foram registrados 27 gêneros e 27 espécies pela primeira vez para a Bahia, sendo que Tipulogaster Cockerell, 1913 é registrado pela primeira vez no Brasil, além da espécie Dasyllis albicollis Bigot, 1878. Este trabalho é pioneiro no estudo de riqueza de Asilidae na Bahia. Uma chave de identificação para os gêneros de Asilidae do estado da Bahia é também apresentada.
Por que machos de abelhas Eulaema nigrita (Hymenoptera: Euglossini) coletam o mesófilo de folhas de Guarea guidonia (Meliaceae)?
Authors: Ramalho Mauro , Silva Marília D. , Rosa Jaqueline F. , Batista Mariana L. Silva
Published: May 2022

Machos de Euglossini particularizam-se pela coleta de substâncias aromáticas, provavelmente usadas na síntese de feromônios sexuais. Neste estudo relata-se, pela primeira vez, abelhas Eulaema nigrita (Euglossini) coletando mesófilo foliar de Guarea guidonia. As observações feitas na Costa Atlântica do Brasil, foram norteadas pelas seguintes questões: 1) Machos de Eulaema nigrita estavam extraindo compostos aromáticos das folhas de G. guidonia? 2) Que substâncias poderiam atraí-los? 3) Por que se concentravam em um único espécime, se existiam vários nas proximidades? Dados publicados confirmaram que as folhas de G. guidonia produzem sesquiterpenos, um dos químicos mais procurados nas flores por Euglossini. Durante o forrageio, os machos raspavam com as mandíbulas o mesófilo foliar deixando apenas as nervuras intactas. Agregavam-se num mesmo indivíduo e, freqüentemente, nas mesmas folhas, apesar da agressividade mútua. Esse padrão de forrageio sugere que os machos se beneficiam de defesas induzidas: secreção de toxinas (sesquiterpenos) estimulada pelos danos ao mesófilo.
Ação de insetos (Coleoptera e Isoptera) na destruição de igrejas de importância histórica de Recife e Olinda
Authors: Vital Maria T. , Neves Bárbara M. , Pinangé Diego S. B. , Cruz Geyner A. S. , Cruz Heidi L. A. , Oliveira João B. , Vasconcelos Simão D.
Published: May 2022

Entre os danos causados por insetos, destaca-se a destruição de monumentos históricos de grande valor artístico, cultural e econômico. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo investigar o papel dos insetos na destruição de igrejas de Recife e Olinda, tombadas pelo Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional. Através de visitas, questionários e pesquisa documental e bibliográfica, buscou-se identificar os principais causadores de danos e os métodos preventivos e de controle. Observou-se que os insetos, especialmente os cupins e coleobrocas, são os principais agentes causadores de danos, segundo 90% dos entrevistados. Observou-se também que os métodos de prevenção e controle de insetos mais utilizados baseiam-se no uso de venenos caseiros.
Percepciones e importancia de los insectos en el ámbito urbano de la Ciudad de México, México
Authors: Ornelas Ma. de Lourdes Navarijo
Published: May 2022

En diferentes épocas y lugares, todas las culturas han hecho uso de los recursos animales y vegetales para satisfacer diferentes necesidades materiales y espirituales. Este breve estudio explora las nociones y saberes colectivos que las personas de clase media en la Ciudad de México poseen sobre los insectos a través de establecer los motivos de agrado y desagrado y de su virtual importancia. Para este fin se aplicaron 140 encuestas (78 hombres y 62 mujeres) cuyo rango de edad quedó comprendido entre los 13 a los 72 años, cuyas actividades son diversas, pero domina la de estudiante. En ocho rubros se reunieron los argumentos sobre el concepto de insecto; el listado de organismos referidos como insectos suma 86, siendo diez los más populares. Se encontró que las nociones son generales y son incluidos organismos que no son insectos. La tendencia es resaltar aspectos desagradables y dañinos sobre estos organismos.
Investigation and suppression of pre-pulses on nanosecond time scale in the SULF-1PW laser
Authors: Bai Peile , Zhang Zongxin , Wang Xinliang , Wu Fenxiang , Hu Jiabing , Yang Xiaojun , Qian Jiayi , Gui Jiayan , Lu Xiaoming , Liu Yanqi , Xu Yi , Liang Xiaoyan , Leng Yuxin , Li Ruxin
Published: May 2022

It is of crucial significance to investigate and suppress pre-pulses on nanosecond time scale because the intense pre-plasma generated by them may have enough time to expand and, thus, cause fatal impact on laser-matter interactions. In this research, we analyze the potential origins of pre-pulses on nanosecond time scale in a typical Ti:sapphire chirped pulse amplification laser system. Based on the analysis, the initial status of these generated pre-pulses in the SULF-1PW laser is measured and investigated. Then different measures, including fine control on the time synchronization and the replacement for the Ti:sapphire, are adopted in the SULF-1PW laser to suppress these pre-pulses with respective origins, which can promote the energy ratio between the main pulse and these pre-pulses by 2–3 orders of magnitude. This research not only improves the temporal contrast of the SULF-1PW laser on nanosecond time scale but also provides beneficial guidance for the design and construction of similar laser facilities.
Performance enhancement of deep-ultraviolet LEDs by using quaternary AlInGaN polarization-engineered multiple-symmetrical-stair quantum barriers without electron blocking layer
Authors: Zhang Keming , Liao Fengbo , Lian Mengxiao , Li Jialin , Zhang Xichen , Yin Yi-An
Published: May 2022

In this paper, a structure design using quaternary AlInGaN as multiple-symmetrical-stair-shaped quantum barriers without an electron blocking layer is shown. The results show this design mitigates the droop effect to

∼

0.1

%

, and the internal quantum efficiency reaches about 93.4%. It is believed that the better performance results from balanced electron and hole concentration and distribution of the current among the quantum wells, along with reduced non-radiative recombination. This work may be useful in the application of using quaternary AlInGaN materials as quantum barrier layers with computational simulations to design structures with electron-barrier-free layers.
Reflectance evaluation of eye fundus structures with a visible and near-infrared multispectral camera
Authors: Burgos-Fernández Francisco J. , Alterini Tommaso , Díaz-Doutón Fernando , González Laura , Mateo Carlos , Mestre Clara , Pujol Jaume , Vilaseca Meritxell
Published: May 2022

We examined the spectral reflectance of fundus structures in the visible and near-infrared (400–1300 nm) range for contributing to the medical diagnosis of fundus diseases. Spectral images of healthy eye fundus and other ocular diseases were acquired using a novel multispectral fundus camera. Reflectance metrics were computed based on contrast to analyze the spectral features. Significant differences were observed among the structures in healthy and diseased eye fundus. Specifically, near-infrared analysis allows imaging of deeper layers, such as the choroid, which, to date, has not been retrieved using traditional color fundus cameras. Pathological structures, which were hardly observable in color fundus images owing to metamerism, were also revealed by the developed multispectral fundus camera.
Monte Carlo simulations in anomalous radiative transfer: tutorial
Authors: Binzoni Tiziano , Martelli Fabrizio
Published: May 2022

Anomalous radiative transfer (ART) theory represents a generalization of classical radiative transfer theory. The present tutorial aims to show how Monte Carlo (MC) codes describing the transport of photons in anomalous media can be implemented. We show that the heart of the method involves suitably describing, in a “non-classical” manner, photon steps starting from fixed light sources or from boundaries separating regions of the medium with different optical properties. To give a better sense of the importance of these particular photon step lengths, we also show numerically that the described approach is essential in preserving the invariance property for light propagation. An interesting byproduct of the MC method for ART is that it allows us to simplify the structure of “classical” MC codes, utilized, for example, in biomedical optics.
Automatic estimation of rice grain number based on a convolutional neural network
Authors: Deng Ruoling , Qi Long , Pan Weijie , Wang Zhiqi , Fu Dengbin , Yang Xiuli
Published: May 2022

The grain number on the rice panicle, which directly determines the rice yield, is a very important agronomic trait in rice breeding and yield-related research. However, manual counting of grain number per rice panicle is time-consuming, error-prone, and laborious. In this study, a novel prototype, dubbed the “GN-System,” was developed for the automatic calculation of grain number per rice panicle based on a deep convolutional neural network. First, a whole panicle grain detection (WPGD) model was established using the Cascade R-CNN method embedded with the feature pyramid network for grain recognition and location. Then, a GN-System integrated with the WPGD model was developed to automatically calculate grain number per rice panicle. The performance of the GN-System was evaluated through estimated stability and accuracy. One hundred twenty-four panicle samples were tested to evaluate the estimated stability of the GN-System. The results showed that the coefficient of determination (

R

2

) was 0.810, the mean absolute percentage error was 8.44%, and the root mean square error was 16.73. Also, another 12 panicle samples were tested to further evaluate the estimated accuracy of the GN-System. The results revealed that the mean accuracy of the GN-System reached 90.6%. The GN-System, which can quickly and accurately predict the grain number per rice panicle, can provide an effective, convenient, and low-cost tool for yield evaluation, crop breeding, and genetic research. It also has great potential in assisting phenotypic research.
Self-channeling of spatially modulated femtosecond laser beams in the post-filamentation region
Authors: Geints Yury , Minina Olga , Zemlyanov Alexander
Published: May 2022

The propagation of high-intensity femtosecond laser pulses in air under conditions of superposed spatial phase modulation is considered theoretically. The numerical simulations are carried out on the basis of the reduced form of a nonlinear Schrödinger equation for a time-averaged electric field envelope. Initial spatial modulations are applied to pulse wavefront profiling by a staggered (

T
E
M

22

) phase plate, which is simulated numerically. The dynamics of laser pulse self-focusing, filamentation, and post-filamentation self-channeling after the phase plates with variable phase jumps is studied. We show that, with specific phase modulations, the pulse filamentation region in air can be markedly shifted further and elongated compared with a nonmodulated pulse. Moreover, during the post-filamentation propagation of spatially structured radiation, the highly localized light channels are formed, possessing enhanced intensity and reduced angular divergence, which enables post-filamentation pulse self-channeling on the distance multiple exceeding the Rayleigh range.
Robust categorical color constancy along daylight locus in red-green color deficiency
Authors: Ma Ruiqing , Gao Qiang , Qiang Yan , Shinomori Keizo
Published: May 2022

Categorical color constancy in normal trichromats has been found to be very robust in real scenes. In this study, we investigated categorical color constancy in red-green dichromats and anomalous trichromats. Eight dichromats (two protanopes and six deuteranopes), eight anomalous trichromats (four protanomalous and four deuteranomalous trichromats), and eight normal trichromats sorted 208 Munsell matte surfaces into Berlin and Kay’s basic color categories under D65 illuminant, F illuminant with correlated color temperature 4200 K, and TL84 illuminant with correlated color temperature 2700 K. Color constancy was quantified by a color constancy index. The results showed that the constancy index of dichromats (0.79) was considerable and significantly lower than that of normal trichromats (0.87) while that of anomalous trichromats (0.84) was not. The impairment of color constancy performance in dichromats was expected to be caused by their large intra-subject variabilities in color naming. The results indicate robust categorical color constancy along daylight locus in red-green dichromats and anomalous trichromats, which might be contributed by cone adaptation mechanism and be independent of color discrimination mechanism. It suggests that the color categorization by color vision deficient subjects can be reasonable without any assistants of artificial equipment in daily life under sunlight and common illuminations.
Giant electro-optic coefficient in a graphene oxide film
Authors: Jahanbakhshian M. M. , Kiani M. A. , Arshadi Pirlar M. , Karimzadeh R.
Published: May 2022

The electro-optic effect is an important mechanism for actively tuning the refractive index of materials. This effect has various important applications in communication, switching, modulation, and nonlinear optics. This research measured the quadratic electro-optic coefficient for a graphene oxide (GO) film with ellipsometry spectroscopy. The results show that this coefficient is about three orders of magnitude greater than that of other materials. The GO film with its giant electro-optic Kerr coefficient can improve devices based on this effect. For example, it can decrease power consumption and the complexity of these devices due to the need for a lower electric field. In addition, birefringence is obtained of about Δn = 0.08 at 730 nm, which can lead to promising improvements in commercial devices, such as the reduction of working voltage below 10 V.
Artifacts in optical projection tomography due to refractive-index mismatch: model and correction
Authors: Liu Yan , Dong Jonathan , Schmidt Cédric , Boquet-Pujadas Aleix , Extermann Jérôme , Unser Michael
Published: May 2022

Optical projection tomography (OPT) is a powerful tool for three-dimensional (3D) imaging of mesoscopic samples. While it is able to achieve resolution of a few tens of microns over a sample volume of several cubic centimeters, the reconstructed images often suffer from artifacts caused by inaccurate calibration. In this work, we focus on the refractive-index mismatch between the sample and the surrounding medium. We derive a 3D cone-beam forward model of OPT that approximates the effect of refractive-index mismatch. We then implement a fast and efficient reconstruction method to correct for the induced seagull-shaped artifacts on experimental images of fluorescent beads.
Fabrication of silicon-tipped fiber-optic temperature sensors using aerogel-assisted glass soldering with precise laser heating
Authors: Sheng Qiwen , Uddin Nezam , Zhou Bohan , Wang Xiaoli , Han Ming
Published: May 2022

We demonstrate the fabrication of fiber-optic Fabry–Perot interferometer (FPI) temperature sensors by bonding a small silicon diaphragm to the tip of an optical fiber using low melting point glass powders heated by a 980 nm laser on an aerogel substrate. The heating laser is delivered to the silicon FPI using an optical fiber, while the silicon temperature is being monitored using a 1550 nm white-light system, providing localized heating with precise temperature control. The use of an aerogel substrate greatly improves the heating efficiency by reducing the thermal loss of the bonding parts to the ambient environment. A desirable temperature for bonding can be achieved with relatively small heating laser power. The bonding process is carried out in an open space at room temperature for convenient optical alignment. The precise temperature control ensures minimum perturbation to the optical alignment and no induced thermal damage to the optical parts during the bonding process. For demonstration, we fabricated a low-finesse and high-finesse silicon FPI sensor and characterized their measurement resolution and temperature capability. The results show that the fabrication method has a good potential for high-precision fabrication of fiber-optic sensors.
Probing the mode-locking pattern in the parameter space of a Figure-9 laser
Authors: Li Jiahe , Jiang Weiqi , Meng Yafei , Wang Fengqiu
Published: May 2022

Due to the many available cavity configurations, a generalized approach for identifying the optimal operating state of a Figure-9 mode-locked laser has proved a challenge. In this Letter, we probe the output pulsation states of an exemplar Figure-9 laser by meticulously scanning its parameter space. Regions corresponding to mode-locked operations are identified periodically in the map of the output states. We correlate these regions to a set of band-like cavity transmission functions that fundamentally allow ultra-short pulse formation. Interestingly, a clear correlation between the mode-locking pattern and the cavity configuration is observed. For example, with the decrease of the fiber loop symmetry in the cavity, half of the solutions in the mode-locking pattern are found to transit to forbidden states. Numerical calculations based on the Jones matrix are used to explain the experimental observations. In addition, the dynamic change of the map of output states is illustrated by using a setup with an automatic algorithm. Our results provide a visually-rich yet simple way for evaluating and optimizing a Figure-9 laser.
De-aliased depth-range-extended optical coherence tomography based on dual under-sampling
Authors: Gong Zhaoyu , Shi Yaping , Wang Ruikang K.
Published: May 2022

We demonstrate a dual under-sampling (DUS) method to achieve de-aliased and depth-range-extended optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging. The spectral under-sampling can significantly reduce the data size but causes well-known aliasing artifacts. A change in the sampling frequency used to acquire the interference spectrum alters the aliasing period within the output window except for the true image; this feature is utilized to distinguish the true image from the aliasing artifacts. We demonstrate that with DUS, the data size is reduced to 37% at an extended depth range of 24 mm, over which the true depth can be precisely measured without ambiguity. This reduction in data size and precise measuring capability would be beneficial for reducing the acquisition time for OCT imaging in various biomedical and industrial applications.
Public opinion about climate policies: A review and call for more studies of what people want
Authors: Fairbrother Malcolm
Published: May 2022

Around the world, most people are aware of the problem of climate change, believe it is anthropogenic, and feel concerned about its potential consequences. What they think should be done about the problem, however, is less clear. Particularly due to widespread support among policy experts for putting a price on greenhouse gas emissions, more studies have investigated public attitudes towards carbon taxes than any other type of policy. Such studies have found substantial public opposition to carbon taxes, largely due to political distrust, though also some evidence that careful design and messaging can mitigate people’s skepticism. Surprisingly few studies have investigated attitudes towards other climate policies, and there is an urgent need for more research about what—given their beliefs about the nature and severity of the problem—people would like to see their governments doing. This is especially the case for residents of lower-income and/or non-Western nations.
Intellectual disability-associated disruption of O-GlcNAc cycling impairs habituation learning in Drosophila
Authors: Fenckova Michaela , Muha Villo , Mariappa Daniel , Catinozzi Marica , Czajewski Ignacy , Blok Laura E. R. , Ferenbach Andrew T. , Storkebaum Erik , Schenck Annette , van Aalten Daan M. F.
Published: May 2022

O-GlcNAcylation is a reversible co-/post-translational modification involved in a multitude of cellular processes. The addition and removal of the O-GlcNAc modification is controlled by two conserved enzymes, O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) and O-GlcNAc hydrolase (OGA). Mutations in OGT have recently been discovered to cause a novel Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation (OGT-CDG) that is characterized by intellectual disability. The mechanisms by which OGT-CDG mutations affect cognition remain unclear. We manipulated O-GlcNAc transferase and O-GlcNAc hydrolase activity in Drosophila and demonstrate an important role of O-GlcNAcylation in habituation learning and synaptic development at the larval neuromuscular junction. Introduction of patient-specific missense mutations into Drosophila O-GlcNAc transferase using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing leads to deficits in locomotor function and habituation learning. The habituation deficit can be corrected by blocking O-GlcNAc hydrolysis, indicating that OGT-CDG mutations affect cognition-relevant habituation via reduced protein O-GlcNAcylation. This study establishes a critical role for O-GlcNAc cycling and disrupted O-GlcNAc transferase activity in cognitive dysfunction, and suggests that blocking O-GlcNAc hydrolysis is a potential strategy to treat OGT-CDG.
Most common reasons for primary care visits in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Bigio Jacob , MacLean Emily , Vasquez Nathaly Aguilera , Huria Lavanya , Kohli Mikashmi , Gore Genevieve , Hannay Emma , Pai Madhukar , Adam Pierrick
Published: May 2022

With the Covid-19 pandemic and the introduction of the WHO’s Essential Diagnostics List (EDL), increasing global attention is focused on the crucial role of diagnostics in achieving universal health coverage. To create national EDLs and to aid health system planning, it is vital to understand the most common conditions with which people present at primary care health facilities. We undertook a systematic review of the most common reasons for primary care visits in low- and middle-income countries. Six databases were searched for articles published between January 2009 and December 2019, with the search updated on MEDLINE to January 2021. Data on the most common patient reasons for encounter (RFEs) and provider diagnoses were collected. 17 of 22,279 screened articles were included. Most studies used unvalidated diagnostic classification systems or presented provider diagnosis data grouped by organ system, rather than presenting specific diagnoses. No studies included data from low-income countries. Only four studies (from Brazil, India, Nigeria and South Africa) using the ICPC-2 classification system contained RFE and provider diagnosis data and could be pooled. The top five RFEs from the four studies were headache, fever, back or low back symptom, cough and pain general/multiple sites. The top five diagnoses were uncomplicated hypertension, upper respiratory tract infection, type 2 diabetes, malaria and health maintenance/prevention. No psychological symptoms were among the top 10 pooled RFEs. There was more variation in top diagnoses between studies than top RFEs, showing the importance of creating location-specific lists of essential diagnostics for primary care. Future studies should aim to sample primary care facilities from across their country of study and use ICPC-3 to report both patient RFEs and provider diagnoses.
Adolescent parenthood and HIV-infection in South Africa—Associations with child cognitive development
Authors: Steventon Roberts Kathryn J. , Sherr Lorraine , Haag Katharina , Smith Colette , Jochim Janina , Toska Elona , Marlow Marguerite , Cluver Lucie
Published: May 2022

HIV, both directly and indirectly, impacts child development outcomes. The most severe impacts are for children infected with HIV, and those exposed but uninfected are also shown to have challenges–though less severe. However, little is known regarding the development of children born to adolescent mothers affected by HIV. This study aims to examine cognitive development for children born to adolescent mothers, comparing those children living with HIV, those HIV exposed and uninfected (HEU) and those HIV unexposed (HU). Analyses utilise cross-sectional data from 920 adolescent mother (10–19 years)-first born child dyads residing in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Participants completed detailed study questionnaires inclusive of validated and study specific measures relating to sociodemographic characteristics, HIV, and maternal and child health. Trained assessors administered standardised child development assessments (using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning) with all children. Chi-square tests and ANOVA tests were used to explore maternal and child characteristics according to child HIV status (HIV, HEU, HU) on cognitive development. Linear regression models were used to explore the cross-sectional associations between child HIV status and child cognitive development. 1.2% of children were living with HIV, 20.5% were classified as being HEU and, 78.3% were classified as HU. Overall, children living with HIV were found to perform lower across developmental domains compared to both HEU and HU groups (composite score of early learning: 73.0 vs 91.2 vs. 94.1, respectively: F = 6.45, p = 0.001). HEU children on average scored lower on all developmental domains compared to HU children, reaching significance on the gross motor domain (p<0.05). Exploratory analyses identified maternal education interruption as a potential risk factor for lower child cognitive development scores and, higher maternal age to be protective of child cognitive development scores. These exploratory findings address a critical evidence gap regarding the cognitive development of children born to adolescent mothers affected by HIV in South Africa. Analyses identify stepwise differences in the average scoring on child cognitive development domains according to child HIV status among children born to adolescent mothers affected by HIV; with children living with HIV performing worse overall. Young mothers and their children may benefit from adapted interventions aimed at bolstering child development outcomes. Targeted programming particularly among younger adolescent mothers and those experiencing education interruption may identify those families, particularly in need. Attention to maternal continuity of education and age of conception may be interventions to consider.
The relationship between perceived stress and support with blood pressure in urban Haiti: A cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Yan Lily D. , Dévieux Jessy G. , Pierre Jean Lookens , Dade Eliezer , Sufra Rodney , St Preux Stephano , Tymejczyk Olga , Nash Denis , Metz Miranda , Lee Myung Hee , Fitzgerald Dan W. , Deschamps Marie , Pape Jean W. , McNairy Margaret L. , Rouzier Vanessa
Published: May 2022

Haiti is a low-income country whose population lives under repeated and chronic stress from multiple natural disasters, civil unrest, and extreme poverty. Stress has been associated with cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors including hypertension, and the impact of stress on blood pressure may be moderated by support. The distribution of stress, support, and their association with blood pressure has not been well described in low-income countries. We measured stress and support using validated instruments on cross-sectional enrollment data of a population-based cohort of 2,817 adults living in Port-au-Prince, Haiti between March 2019 and April 2021. Stress was measured using the Perceived Stress Scale, while support was measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Continuous scores were categorized into three groups for stress (low (1–5), moderate (6–10), high (11–16), and five groups for support (low (7–21), low-moderate (22–35), moderate (36–49), moderate-high (50–64), high (65–77)). Linear regression models were used to quantify the associations between: 1) support and stress adjusting for age and sex, and 2) stress and blood pressure adjusting for age and sex. A moderation analysis was conducted to assess if support moderated the relationship between stress and blood pressure. The cohort included 59.7% females and the median age was 40 years (IQR 28–55). The majority had an income <1 US dollar per day. The median stress score was moderate (8 out of 16 points, IQR 6–10), and median support score was moderate to high (61 out of 77 points, IQR 49–71). Stress was higher with older ages (60+ years versus 18–29 years: +0.79 points, 95% CI 0.51 to 1.08) and in females (+0.85 points, 95% CI +0.65 to +1.06). Support was higher in males (+3.29 points, 95% CI 2.19 to 4.39). Support was inversely associated with stress, adjusting for age and sex (-0.04 points per one unit increase in support, 95% CI -0.04 to -0.03). Stress was not associated with systolic or diastolic blood pressure after adjustment for age and sex. Support did not moderate the association between stress and blood pressure. In this urban cohort of Haitian adults living with chronic civil instability and extreme poverty, perceived levels of stress and social support were moderate and high, respectively. Contrary to prior literature, we did not find an association between stress and blood pressure. While support was associated with lower stress, it did not moderate the relationship between stress and blood pressure. Participants reported high levels of support, which may be an underutilized resource in reducing stress, potentially impacting health behaviors and outcomes.
Using the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability for qualitative assessment of the "COMBAT" VAW intervention in Ghana
Authors: Hornuvo Ruby , Addo-Lartey Adolphina , Alangea Deda Ogum , Dako-Gyeke Phyllis
Published: May 2022

Violence against women (VAW) is a global health problem, which leads to negative sexual, reproductive, mental and physical health outcomes, as well as death in extreme cases. Globally, over 35% of women are reported to have experienced some form of violence, while in Ghana, 37% of women have ever experienced physical violence. Considering that the sustainability of community-based VAW interventions is largely dependent on ownership, this study used the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) to assess the COMBAT (Community Based Action Teams) intervention (for example, ethicality, self-efficacy, and intervention coherence) which was implemented to prevent violence against women in Ghana. This qualitative research study was conducted at baseline and end-line of the intervention, which used COMBAT as a vehicle to change social norms on gender and violence in the Central region, Ghana. Participants comprised of adult (women and men) who reside in the Agona District. We analyzed the transcripts from eight (8) Focus Group Discussions conducted within one of the two intervention recipient sites (4 female community FGDs and 4 male community FGDs). Data was analyzed thematically using the Nvivo software version 12. Through the application of the TFA, the findings show that community members perceive VAW as inappropriate at the individual and community levels (ethicality), have good knowledge of the COMBAT intervention and how it works (intervention coherence). Also, the study shows that participants have a positive attitude towards the intervention and its components (positive affective attitude), and could take up components of the intervention, by reporting and seeking for VAW support (positive self-efficacy). There was a perceived reduction in VAW practices in the various communities, as well as a reduction in the abuse of women, thereby improving their well-being (intervention effectiveness). The COMBAT strategy was accepted by the community members hence could be sustained as a culturally appropriate intervention for preventing VAW.
Relationship between skin snip and Ov16 ELISA: Two diagnostic tools for onchocerciasis in a focus in Cameroon after two decades of ivermectin-based preventive chemotherapy
Authors: Djune-Yemeli Linda , Domché André , Nana-Djeunga Hugues C. , Donfo-Azafack Cyrille , Lenou-Nanga Cedric G. , Masumbe-Netongo Palmer , Kamgno Joseph
Published: May 2022

Background

Onchocerciasis elimination currently relies on repeated ivermectin-based preventive chemotherapy. Current World Health Organization’s guidelines strongly recommend, though with low evidence of certainty, the use of Ov16 serology testing in children younger than 10 years old to assess whether mass drugs administration can be safely stopped. Therefore, more evidences are needed to support the use of this marker as sero-evaluation tool. This study aimed at determining the relationship between microfilaridermia and anti-Ov16 IgG4, and their variation according to age, gender and ivermectin intake history.

Methodology

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in an area where ivermectin-based MDA has been implemented since more than 20 years. A questionnaire was used to record ivermectin intake history for the last 5 years. All volunteers aged ≥2 years were tested for microfilaridermia. IgG4 antibodies against Ov16 antigen were determined using the Standard Diagnostic Ov16 IgG4 ELISA kits and the recombinant anti-Ov16 AbD19432 antibodies. Prevalences, microfilaridermia counts and IgG4 concentrations were compared with regards to age, gender and history of ivermectin intake.

Principal findings

The prevalence of skin microfilariae was 23.4% (95% CI: 23.4–30.8), whereas Ov16 seroprevalence was 53.2% (95% CI: 47.9–58.4). A moderate positive percentage agreement (50.4%) and a high negative percentage agreement (69.2%) was found between skin snip and Ov16 serology in the whole population, while in children aged <10 years, the agreements were higher (positive percentage agreement: 62.6%; negative percentage agreement: 83.5%). In addition, no associations were found between ivermectin intake, Mf counts and estimated IgG4 concentration of participants. Anti-Ov16 IgG4 were higher in individuals harboring microfilariae than their negative counterparts (p<0.0001), though a negative correlation was found between skin microfilarial counts and anti-Ov16 IgG4 levels (r = -0.2400; p = 0.03). No variation in microfilarial counts according to age and gender was observed. Though positively correlated with age (r = 0.4020; p<0.0001), IgG4 was significantly different between the different age classes (p<0.0001).

Conclusion/Significance

Our results revealed moderate positive and negative agreements between parasitological and immunological parameters of onchocerciasis infection after several rounds MDA. Anti-Ov16 IgG4 levels increased with age but decreased with microfilarial counts, suggesting a variation of anti-Ov16 IgG4 as a result of constant exposure and accumulation of infection. This brings evidence sustaining the use of Ov16 serology in children as evaluation tool. However, additional investigations are needed to further reshape the appropriate age range among children aged <10 years old.