bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantum Noise Secured Terahertz Communications
Authors: Deng Qiuzhuo , Zhang Lu , Zhang Hongqi , Yang Zuomin , Pang Xiaodan , Bobrovs Vjačeslavs , Popov Sergei , Wu Yixin , Yu Xiongbin , Ozolins Oskars , Yu Xianbin
Published: May 2023

The quantum noise based terahertz signal encryption scheme is proposed, a 16 Gbits-1 secure terahertz communication system at 300 GHz with the optical communication realms is demonstrated, taking a significant step toward high-security wireless communications.
Tuner-free lumped-element resonantly enhanced Mach-Zehnder modulator with ultra-wide operating wavelength range
Authors: Ackermann Manuel , Moscoso-Martir Alvaro , Merget Florian , Witzens Jeremy
Published: May 2023

We demonstrate a resonantly enhanced Mach-Zehnder modulator utilizing highly overcoupled ring resonators with staggered resonances to achieve a 7-nm 1-dB- penalty operating range. It can be operated lumped element without tuning any of the resonators.
Real-Time Demonstration of a Low-complexity PS Scheme for 130Gb/s WDM-OFDM-PON
Authors: Zhang Long , Wang Kaihui , Wang Chen , Ding Junjie , Chen Ming , Sang Bohan , Shi Junting , Zhu Bowen , Wang Feng , Zhao Li , Chen Yun , Dong Ze , Xin Xiangjun , Zhou Wen , Yu Jianjun
Published: May 2023

We experimentally demonstrated a low-complexity probabilistic shaping scheme in a real-time 16QAM-OFDM-based WDM-PON. The PS-OFDM signal with a net rate of 131.88- Gb/s transmission over 25-km SSMF can be achieved with the BER less than 3.8×10-3.
Noisy samples-robust Neural Network Equalizer for Coherent Optical Transceiver Nonlinearity Compensation
Authors: Cao Zicai , Yao Shuchang , Dai Longquan , Zhang Ziheng , Dai Jing , Luo Ming , Xiao Xi , Wang Yaqin , Yang Qi , Liu Deming , Deng Lei
Published: May 2023

We experimentally demonstrate a neural network equalizer with robustness for noisy samples on a silicon photonics coherent transceiver, and a complexity reduction is over 50% at the BER of 1.25e-2 compared with a general NNLE.
Learned Perturbation-Aided Advanced Digital Backpropagation with Nonlinear Compensation Fusion for Subcarrier-Multiplexing Systems
Authors: Tang Du , Wu Zhen , Liu Shuangyue , Luo Jiating , Luo Ji , Zheng Bofang , Qiao Yaojun
Published: May 2023

A learned perturbation-aided advanced digital backpropagation (LP-ADBP) with nonlinear compensation fusion is proposed for subcarrier-multiplexing systems. 1-Step and 5-Step LP-ADBP provide similar performance as 5-Step and 10-Step ADBP but save ∼73.3% and ∼44.5% complexity, respectively.
32-λ×400 Gb/s Single-carrier 120-GBaud QPSK Coherent Transmission over 3075-km G.652.D Fiber Link Using OE-MCM Prototype under Field-deployed Configuration
Authors: Zuo Mingqing , Yan Baoluo , Ge Dawei , Wang Dong , Wang Jiabin , Chen Xuechuan , Shi Hu , Jennevé Philippe , Zhang Shaoliang , Mestre Miquel A. , Qian Dayou , Liu Sheng , Li Yunbo , Han Liuyan , Zhang Dechao , Li Han , Duan Xiaodong
Published: May 2023

Enabled by OE-MCM prototype, record 32-λ×400 Gb/s single-carrier 120-Gbaud DP-QPSK transmission is achieved over 49-span 3075-km G.652.D fiber with a link configuration emulating the legacy large-loss field deployment for the first time.
Accurate Extraction of Brillouin Frequency Shift using Single Deep Neural Network in BOTDA Sensing System with Non-Local Effect
Authors: Qian Yuhao , Yang Guijiang , Zeng Keyan , Wang Liang , Tang Ming , Liu Deming
Published: May 2023

A single DNN model has been developed for accurate extraction of both Brillouin frequency shift without and with NLE. The scheme is practical and greatly improves the system tolerance to NLE without any hardware modification.
PAM8 WDM Transmission based on a Single Time Lens Source with Geometric Shaping
Authors: Xu X. , Girouard P. , Yankov M.P. , Galili M. , Oxenløwe L. K. , Guan P.
Published: May 2023

We demonstrate a PAM8 WDM-PON transmission using a single time lens source. Geometric shaping is used to minimize the impact of power-dependent noise. 28×1.5 Gb/s WDM signals are transmitted over 26 km with BER below 3.8×10
−
3.
Integrated source of telecom-band photon-pairs based on high index silica glass spiral waveguides
Authors: Cui Liang , Feng Hao , Zhu Xiaotian , Wang Changyue , Ou Z. Y. , Li Xiaoying , Little Brent E. , Chu Sai T.
Published: May 2023

We generate correlated photon-pairs via spontaneous four-wave mixing in high index silica glass spiral waveguides. Results show that spontaneous Raman scattering is the main noise origin, and propagation loss limits the optimum length of waveguides.
Spectral-to-spatial mapping for channel-definable information transmission in multimode fiber
Authors: She Ming Zhu , Wang Zhao , Zhang Wei Li
Published: May 2023

The concept of spectral coding to control light is proposed for arbitrary spatial focusing through multimode fiber, where, utilizing the randomness of speckle pattern, transmission channel is established for encrypting information.
Experimental Demonstration of an AWGR-based Nanoseconds Optical Switching DCN
Authors: Guo Yuanzhi , Xue Xuwei , Guo Bingli , Dang Daohang , Zhao Yisong , Ding Rui , Zhao Jiapeng , Yang Changsheng , Huang Shanguo
Published: May 2023

An arrayed waveguide grating router based nanoseconds optical switching data center network is experimentally demonstrated and investigated. Experimental assessments validate the system achieves error-free communication with 465 ns server-to-server latency even at load of 0.9.
Highly Optimized O-band Si Ring Modulators for Low-Power Hybrid CMOS-SiPho Transceivers
Authors: Ban Yoojin , Kim Minkyu , De Heyn Peter , Guermandi Davide , Ferraro Filippo , Rajasekaran Natarajan , Verheyen Peter , Bex Pieter , He Junwen , Kobbi Hakim , De Coster Jeroen , Magdziak Rafal , Bode Dieter , Lardenois Sebastien , Pantano Nicolas , Velenis Dimitrios , Van Campenhout Joris
Published: May 2023

We present O-band Si ring modulators with up to 58pm/V electro-optic and 610pm/mW thermo-optic modulation efficiencies and >24GHz modulation bandwidth, enabling a hybrid CMOS-SiPho transceiver with error-free operation at 40Gbps NRZ with <4pJ/bit link energy.
Pilot-aided Pump Dithering Removal in Degenerate FWM-based Optical Phase Conjugation Systems with Higher-order QAM
Authors: Yang Jiaqian , Sillekens Eric , Sohanpal Ronit , Ferreira Filipe M. , Liu Zhixin , Bayvel Polina , Killey Robert I.
Published: May 2023

A pump dithering removal algorithm, based on pilot sequence-aided DSP, is proposed and experimentally validated in dual polarization 64 QAM optical phase conjugation system. A 4.2 dB SNR improvement was observed due to the SBS suppression.
Inline Optical Compensation of Group Delay Ripple for Long-haul Transmission Using Offloaded 2×2 MIMO Filter
Authors: Sato Masaki , Arikawa Manabu , Noguchi Hidemi , Matsui Junichiro , Abe Jun’ichi , Le Taillandier de Gabory Emmanuel
Published: May 2023

We demonstrated inline optical compensation of group delay ripple estimated with offloaded 2×2 MIMO filter for 84-GBaud PM-PCS-16QAM over 10,200 km SMF. We showed 38 % reduction of MIMO taps, compared to the conventional method.
New Mode-Group-Permutation Strategies for MDL Reduction in Long-Haul MDM Systems
Authors: Wang Huihui , Wang Xutao , He Yichen , Yang Zhiqun , Liu Yaping , Guo Qiang , Zhou Rui , Xiao Xinhua , Huang Zhanhua , Zhang Lin
Published: May 2023

We compare 9 types of mode-permutation strategies (MPSs) aiming at MDL reduction in MDM systems, based on in-house low-DMD 6-mode optical fibers and MPLCs. Two new CMGP strategies are proposed, showing reach extension by 3~3.5 times.
Silicon Photonic Hopfield-like Electro-optical Recurrent Network for Time-series Data Processing and Recognition
Authors: Cong Guangwei , Yamamoto Noritsugu , Kou Rai , Maegami Yuriko , Ohno Morifumi , Yamada Koji
Published: May 2023

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a Hopfield-like electro-optical recurrent network based on silicon photonic circuits for processing time-series data to extract feature vectors just by one-time sampling, which can offer robust and simple waveform recognition.
Interoperable 400ZR Deployment at Cloud Scale
Authors: Qin Chuan , Guan Binbin , Edwards Kyle , Kong Jian , Morgan Ryan , Yin Yawei , Pathak Avinash , Banda Mounika , J Sridharan , Chandrababu Govardan , Jain Jeetesh , Gaudette Jamie
Published: May 2023

We report 400ZR deployment data from the Microsoft private network, highlighting module interoperability, performance stability and availability, and parallel module firmware upgrade at cloud scale.
Alignment-Tolerant Fi-Wi-Fi Free-Space Optical Bridge
Authors: Honz Florian , Martí Aina Val , Walther Philip , Hübel Hannes , Schrenk Bernhard
Published: May 2023

We demonstrate a simplified out-door FSO link with modal split for down-/uplink and confirm its long-term stability without active beam tracking. We further prove the duality of modal and directional split through penalty-free full-duplex transmission.
When Digital Twins Meet Optical Networks Operations
Authors: Mello Darli A. A. , Mayer Kayol S. , Escallón-Portilla Andrés F. , Arantes Dalton S. , Pinto Rossano P. , Rothenberg Christian E.
Published: May 2023

We discuss the potential of deploying a network digital twin to support future data-driven optical networks implementing advanced telemetry. Use cases of intent-based connection allocation and soft-failure localization are addressed.
16-ch 1060-nm Single-mode Bottom-emitting Metal-aperture VCSEL Array for Co-packaged Optics
Authors: Dong Liang , Gu Xiaodong , Koyama Fumio
Published: May 2023

We demonstrate 16-ch 1060-nm bottom-emitting metal-aperture VCSEL array for co-packaged optics transceivers. The transverse-control and bandwidth-enhancement is realized thanks to coupled cavity. A record bandwidth and fiber distance product of 250Gbps · km is obtained.
A 66-GHz Lumped-EML Submodule Using Resistance-Optimized LC Resonance with Low Temperature Dependence of 3-dB Bandwidth
Authors: Yun Seok-Jun , Han Young-Tak , Lee Dong-Hoon , Lee Dong-Hyo , Kim Seok-Tae , Shin Jang-Uk , Park Sang-Ho , Lee Seo-Young , Baek Yongsoon
Published: May 2023

We report on a lumped-EML submodule with 3-dB bandwidths of 68.2 GHz at 25℃ and ~66 GHz at 70℃ using a resistance-optimized LC resonance effect, showing low temperature dependence and making it suitable for 112-Gbaud operation.
Fabrication of Multicore Fibers for High Power Lasers, Sensing and Communications
Authors: Haarlammert Nicoletta , Nold Johannes , Kuhn Stefan , Hupel Christian , Hein Sigrun , Klenke Arno , Jauregui Cesar , Limpert Jens , Schreiber Thomas , Tünnermann Andreas
Published: May 2023

Many fiber applications require novel fiber concepts to overcome existing limitations. The advantages of multicore fibers as a promising fiber concept for fiber lasers, sensing and communications are discussed. Different fabrication technologies are presented.
Experimental Demonstration of Chaotic Secure Transmission with Mutual Injection of Semiconductor Lasers over 130-km Multi-Core Fiber
Authors: Shen Lei , Wang Zhongyang , Yang Min , Tang Ziyi , Zhang Lei , Yan Changkun , Yang Liubo , Wang Ruichun , Chu Jun , Wang Jian
Published: May 2023

We propose and demonstrate chaotic synchronization and communication based on the mutual injection of semiconductor lasers over long-distance multi-core fiber (MCF). It achieves chaotic secure transmission with successful encryption and decryption through 130-km seven-core fiber in the experiment.
Wideband Transmission in the 1-µm Band based on a Hollow-core Fiber and Wideband YDFA
Authors: Hong Yang , Huang Xin , Jung Yongmin , Mulvad Hans Christian H. , Sakr Hesham , Taengnoi Natsupa , Bottrill Kyle R. H. , Poletti Francesco , Petropoulos Periklis , Richardson David J.
Published: May 2023

We show the potential of combining a hollow-core NANF with a wideband YDFA for 1-µm transmission through a conceptual demonstration. Penalty-free transmission over a 2.24-km NANF at >100Gb/s is reported across a 16.3-THz bandwidth (1020-1080nm).
Spiking Neural Network Linear Equalization: Experimental Demonstration of 2km 100Gb/s IM/DD PAM4 Optical Transmission
Authors: Böcherer Georg , Strasser Florian , Arnold Elias , Lin Youxi , Schemmel Johannes , Calabrò Stefano , Kuschnerov Maxim
Published: May 2023

A linear feed-forward equalizer is implemented by a potentially low-power spiking neural network. For a 100Gb/s PAM-4 IM/DD optical 2km transmission, no performance penalty compared to a digital implementation is observed.
Single-ended Coherent Receivers: From DC-coupled to AC-coupled Photodetectors
Authors: Le Son Thai
Published: May 2023

We review the concept of single-ended coherent receivers and discuss how LO power and signal power can be accurately estimated when AC-coupled photodetectors are used instead of DC-coupled photodetectors.
Picosecond-Precision Clock Synchronized Radio Access Networks using Optical Clock Distribution and Clock Phase Caching
Authors: Clark Kari A. , Zhou Zichuan , Liu Zhixin
Published: May 2023

We show 0.98-ps precision clock synchronization for radio access networks, in a real- time field-trial demonstration on 37.6-km dark fiber, with optical clock frequency synchronization and clock phase caching operating using 25.6-Gb/s commercial transceivers.
Nonlinear-penalty-free Real-time 40×800Gb/s DP-64QAM-PCS Transmission with Launch Power of 28 dBm over a Conjoined-tube Hollow-core Fiber
Authors: Ge Dawei , Gao Shoufei , Zuo Mingqing , Gao Yuyang , Wang Yinging , Zhang Dechao , Ding Wei , Li Han , Duan Xiaodong , Chen Zhangyuan
Published: May 2023

Real-time 40×800Gb/s DP-64QAM-PCS transmissions over three different optical fibers (i.e., CTF, G.652.D, G.654.E) are tested under 28-dBm launch power for the first time. No nonlinear penalty is observed in the CTF link.
Photonic-wireless Communication and Sensing in the Terahertz Band
Authors: Yu Xianbin , Zhang Hongqi , Yang Zuomin , Lyu Zhidong , Yang Hang , He Yuqian , Liu Siqi , Li Nan , Ozolins Oskars , Pang Xiaodan , Zhang Lu , Zhang Xianmin
Published: May 2023

This paper reviews the potential of THz photonics in communication and sensing by presenting our experimental results in the 300-500 GHz. Benefiting from the large available bandwidth in both THz and photonics, THz communications with high speed and THz imaging with high resolution have been achieved.
Deployed QKD Networks in Europe
Authors: Hübel Hannes , Kutschera Florian , Pacher Christoph , Achleitner Martin , Strasser Werner , Vedovato Francesco , Rossi Edoardo , Picciariello Francesco , Vallone Giuseppe , Villoresi Paolo , Calderaro Luca , Martín Vicente , Brito Juan Pedro , Ortíz Laura , Lopez Diego , Pastor-Perales Antonio , Geitz Marc , Braun Ralf-Peter , Rydlichowski Piotr
Published: May 2023

We report several use-case demonstrations for quantum key distribution in deployed fiber networks. The tests were carried out under real world conditions at the end-user premises using commercial QKD systems.
Time-to-space ghost imaging
Authors: Horoshko Dmitri B.
Published: May 2023

Temporal ghost imaging is based on the temporal correlations of two optical beams and aims at forming a temporal image of a temporal object with a resolution, fundamentally limited by the photodetector resolution time and reaching 55 ps in a recent experiment. For further improvement of the temporal resolution, it is suggested to form a spatial ghost image of a temporal object relying on strong temporal–spatial correlations of two optical beams. Such correlations are known to exist between two entangled beams generated in type-I parametric downconversion. It is shown that a sub-picosecond-scale temporal resolution is accessible with a realistic source of entangled photons.
Ultra-broadband holography in visible and infrared regions with full-polarization nondispersive response
Authors: Sun Peizhi , Liu Binghui , Liu Xuan , Zhang Songyu , Shen Dong , Zheng Zhigang
Published: May 2023

Holography is promising to fully record and reconstruct the fundamental properties of light, while the limitations of working bandwidth, allowed polarization states, and dispersive response impede further advances in the integration level and functionality. Here, we propose an ultra-broadband holography based on twisted nematic liquid crystals (TNLCs), which can efficiently work in both the visible and infrared regions with a working spectrum of over 1000 nm. The underlying physics is that the electric field vector of light through TNLCs can be parallelly manipulated in the broad spectral range, thus enabling to build the ultra-broadband TNLC hologram by dynamic photopatterning. Furthermore, by introducing a simple nematic liquid crystal (NLC) element, the cascaded device allows for an excellent nondispersive polarization-maintaining performance that can adapt to full-polarization incidence. We expect our proposed methodology of holography may inspire new avenues for usages in polarization imaging, augmented/virtual reality display, and optical encryption.
An approximate diffusion process for environmental stochasticity in infectious disease transmission modelling
Authors: Ghosh Sanmitra , Birrell Paul J. , De Angelis Daniela
Published: May 2023

Modelling the transmission dynamics of an infectious disease is a complex task. Not only it is difficult to accurately model the inherent non-stationarity and heterogeneity of transmission, but it is nearly impossible to describe, mechanistically, changes in extrinsic environmental factors including public behaviour and seasonal fluctuations. An elegant approach to capturing environmental stochasticity is to model the force of infection as a stochastic process. However, inference in this context requires solving a computationally expensive “missing data” problem, using data-augmentation techniques. We propose to model the time-varying transmission-potential as an approximate diffusion process using a path-wise series expansion of Brownian motion. This approximation replaces the “missing data” imputation step with the inference of the expansion coefficients: a simpler and computationally cheaper task. We illustrate the merit of this approach through three examples: modelling influenza using a canonical SIR model, capturing seasonality using a SIRS model, and the modelling of COVID-19 pandemic using a multi-type SEIR model.
Binding pocket dynamics along the recovery stroke of human β-cardiac myosin
Authors: Akter Fariha , Ochala Julien , Fornili Arianna
Published: May 2023

The druggability of small-molecule binding sites can be significantly affected by protein motions and conformational changes. Ligand binding, protein dynamics and protein function have been shown to be closely interconnected in myosins. The breakthrough discovery of omecamtiv mecarbil (OM) has led to an increased interest in small molecules that can target myosin and modulate its function for therapeutic purposes (myosin modulators). In this work, we use a combination of computational methods, including steered molecular dynamics, umbrella sampling and binding pocket tracking tools, to follow the evolution of the OM binding site during the recovery stroke transition of human β-cardiac myosin. We found that steering two internal coordinates of the motor domain can recapture the main features of the transition and in particular the rearrangements of the binding site, which shows significant changes in size, shape and composition. Possible intermediate conformations were also identified, in remarkable agreement with experimental findings. The differences in the binding site properties observed along the transition can be exploited for the future development of conformation-selective myosin modulators.
Determinants of Covid-19 vaccination: Evidence from the US pulse survey
Authors: Roy Amit
Published: May 2023

The Covid-19 disease is resurging across the United States and vaccine hesitancy remains a major obstacle to reaching the expected threshold for herd immunity. Using the nationally representative cross sectional Household Pulse Survey (HPS) Data published by the U.S. Census Bureau, this study identified demographic, socio-economic, and medical-psychological determinants of Covid-19 vaccination. Results revealed significant differences in Covid-19 vaccine uptake due to age, sex, sexual orientation, race or ethnicity, marital status, education, income, employment form, housing and living condition, physical illness, mental illness, Covid-19 illness, distrust of vaccines and beliefs about the efficacy of vaccines. Government policymakers need to be cognizant of these determinants of vaccine hesitancy when formulating policies to increase vaccine uptake and control the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings of this study suggest that segmented solutions to reach vulnerable groups like racial minorities and homeless people are needed to win the trust and optimize vaccine uptake.
Statistical modeling of trends in infant mortality after atmospheric nuclear weapons testing
Authors: Körblein Alfred
Published: May 2023

The global fallout from atmospheric nuclear weapons testing in the 1950s and 1960s caused by far the greatest exposure of mankind to ionizing radiation. Surprisingly few epidemiological studies of the possible health effects of atmospheric testing have been conducted. Here, long-term trends in infant mortality rates in the United States (U.S.) and five major European countries (EU5) were examined: The United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain. Bell-shaped deviations from a uniformly decreasing secular trend were found beginning in 1950, with maxima around 1965 in the U.S. and 1970 in EU5. From the difference between observed and predicted infant mortality rates, in the period 1950–2000, the overall increase in infant mortality rates was estimated to be 20.6 (90% CI: 18.6 to 22.9) percent in the U.S. and 14.2 (90% CI: 11.7 to 18.3) percent in EU5 which translates to 568,624 (90% CI: 522,359 to 619,705) excess infant deaths in the U.S. and 559,370 (90% CI: 469,308 to 694,589) in the combined five European countries. The results should be interpreted with caution because they rely on the assumption of a uniformly decreasing secular trend if there had been no nuclear tests, but this cannot be verified. It is concluded that atmospheric nuclear weapons testing may be responsible for the deaths of several million babies in the Northern Hemisphere.
Towards implementation of context-specific integrated district mental healthcare plans: A situation analysis of mental health services in five districts in Ghana
Authors: Weobong Benedict , Ae-Ngibise Kenneth Ayuurebobi , Sakyi Lionel , Lund Crick
Published: May 2023

Background

Access to quality mental health services in Ghana remains poor, yet little is known about the extent of the access gaps and provision of mental health services at the district level in Ghana. We aimed to conduct an analysis of mental health infrastructure and service provision in five districts in Ghana.

Methods

A cross-sectional situation analysis was conducted using a standardised tool to collect secondary healthcare data, supplemented by interviews with key informants, across five purposively selected districts in Ghana. The Programme for Improving Mental Health Care (PRIME) situation analysis tool was adapted to the Ghanaian context and used for data collection.

Results

The districts are predominantly rural (>60%). There were severe challenges with the provision of mental healthcare: there were no mental healthcare plans, supervision of the few mental health professionals was weak and unstructured, access to regular supplies of psychotropic medications was a major challenge, and psychological treatments were extremely limited given the lack of trained clinical psychologists. There were no available data on treatment coverage, but we estimate this to be <1% for depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy across districts. Opportunities for mental health systems strengthening include: the commitment and willingness of leadership, the existence of the District Health Information Management System, a well-established network of community volunteers, and some collaboration with traditional and faith-based mental health service providers.

Conclusion

There is poor mental health infrastructure across the five selected districts of Ghana. There are opportunities for strengthening mental health systems through interventions at the district healthcare organisation, health facility, and community levels. A standardised situation analysis tool is useful for informing district-level mental healthcare planning in low-resource settings in Ghana and potentially other sub-Saharan African countries.
Multi-region electricity demand prediction with ensemble deep neural networks
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Shaf Ahmad , Ali Tariq , Zafar Mariam , Rahman Saifur , Mursal Salim Nasar Faraj , AlThobiani Faisal , A. Almas Majid , Attar H. M. , Abdussamiee Nagi
Published: May 2023

Electricity consumption prediction plays a vital role in intelligent energy management systems, and it is essential for electricity power supply companies to have accurate short and long-term energy predictions. In this study, a deep-ensembled neural network was used to anticipate hourly power utilization, providing a clear and effective approach for predicting power consumption. The dataset comprises of 13 files, each representing a different region, and ranges from 2004 to 2018, with two columns for the date, time, year and energy expenditure. The data was normalized using minmax scalar, and a deep ensembled (long short-term memory and recurrent neural network) model was used for energy consumption prediction. This proposed model effectively trains long-term dependencies in sequence order and has been assessed using several statistical metrics, including root mean squared error (RMSE), relative root mean squared error (rRMSE), mean absolute bias error (MABE), coefficient of determination (R2), mean bias error (MBE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE). Results show that the proposed model performs exceptionally well compared to existing models, indicating its effectiveness in accurately predicting energy consumption.
Factors associated with nonadherence to the American Academy of Pediatrics 2014 bronchiolitis guidelines: A retrospective study
Authors: Pittet Laure F. , Glangetas Alban , Barazzone-Argiroffo Constance , Gervaix Alain , Posfay-Barbe Klara M. , Galetto-Lacour Annick , Stollar Fabiola
Published: May 2023

The latest guideline from the American Academy of Pediatrics for the management of bronchiolitis has helped reduce unnecessary interventions and costs. However, data on patients still receiving interventions are missing. In patients with acute bronchiolitis whose management was assessed and compared with current achievable benchmarks of care, we aimed to identify factors associated with nonadherence to guideline recommendations. In this single-centre retrospective study the management of bronchiolitis pre-guideline (Period 1: 2010 to 2012) was compared with two periods post-guideline (Period 2: 2015 to 2016, early post-guideline; and Period 3: 2017 to 2018, late post-guideline) in otherwise healthy infants aged less than 1 year presenting at the Children’s University Hospitals of Geneva (Switzerland). Post-guideline, bronchodilators were more frequently administered to older (>6 months; OR 25.8, 95%CI 12.6–52.6), and atopic (OR 3.5, 95%CI 1.5–7.5) children with wheezing (OR 5.4, 95%CI 3.3–8.7). Oral corticosteroids were prescribed more frequently to older (>6 months; OR 5.2, 95%CI 1.4–18.7) infants with wheezing (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.3–17.8). Antibiotics and chest X-ray were more frequently prescribed to children admitted to the intensive care unit (antibiotics: OR 4.2, 95%CI 1.3–13.5; chest X-ray: OR 19.4, 95%CI 7.4–50.6). Latest prescription rates were all below the achievable benchmarks of care. In summary, following the latest American Academy of Pediatrics guideline, older, atopic children with wheezing and infants admitted to the intensive care unit were more likely to receive nonevidence-based interventions during an episode of bronchiolitis. These patient profiles are generally excluded from bronchiolitis trials, and therefore not specifically covered by the current guideline. Further research should focus on the benefit of bronchiolitis interventions in these particular populations.
Eight versus twelve weeks of sofosbuvir-velpatasvir in treatment-naïve non-cirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection: Study protocol for a multicentric, open labelled, randomized, non-inferiority trial (RESOLVE trial)
Authors: Awasthi Ashish , Katiyar Harshita , Rungta Sumit , Deep Amar , Kumar Vinod , Shalimar  , Kumar Ajay , Tiwari Prachi , Goel Amit
Published: May 2023

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Globally, nearly 71 million people have chronic HCV infection, and approximately 399,000 dies annually. In patients without cirrhosis, HCV infection is treated with 12 weeks of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir combination. Results from available small, single-centre observational studies suggest that the sofosbuvir/velpatasvir combination given for 8 weeks may be as effective as the standard 12 weeks of treatment. We propose to compare the treatment response of 12 weeks versus 8 weeks of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir in non-cirrhotic people with chronic HCV infection.

Methods

This multicentric, randomized, open-label, non-inferiority trial will include 880 (2 arms x 440) treatment naïve, viraemic (HCV RNA >10,000 IU/mL), non-cirrhotic adults (age >18 years) with chronic hepatitis C. People who are at high-risk for HCV reinfection such as haemophiliacs, people who inject drugs, those on maintenance hemodialysis or having HIV will be excluded. The presence or absence of cirrhosis will be determined with a combination of history, examination, ultrasound, liver stiffness measured with transient elastography, APRI, FIB-4, and esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Participants will be randomized to receive either 8- or 12-week sofosbuvir/velpatasvir treatment. A blood specimen will be collected before starting the treatment (to determine the HCV genotype), after 4 weeks of treatment (for early virological response), and at 12 weeks after treatment discontinuation for SVR12.

Discussion

The study will provide data on the efficacy of 8 weeks of treatment as compared to the standard of care (12 weeks) in non-cirrhotic patients with chronic HCV infection. Treatment for a shorter duration may improve treatment compliance, reduce the cost of treatment, and ease the treatment implementation from a public health perspective.

Trial registration

Registered with Clinical Trial Registry of India (http://ctri.nic.in) Registration No.CTRI/2022/03/041368[Registered on: 24/03/2022]—Trial Registered Prospectively.
Presence and activity of Fibrinogen like protein 2 in platelets
Authors: Cherny Izhack , Hasin Pinhas , Philosoph Lital Kalich , Shahal-Zimra Yael , Gurion Ronit , Rabizadeh Esther
Published: May 2023

Background

Fibrinogen-like protein 2 (FGL2) is a serine protease capable of converting prothrombin into thrombin (i.e., prothrombinase-like activity) while bypassing the classic coagulation cascade. It has been reported to be expressed by mononuclear blood cells and endothelial cells. There are multiple reports that FGL2 supports tumor development and metastasis. However, in the blood, the origin and functional significance of FGL2 has not been established.

Objective

To determine if FGL2, a malignancy related enzyme, is present in platelets.

Methods

Peripheral blood samples were collected in K2 EDTA tubes. Blood cells and platelets were separated and thoroughly washed to produce plasma-free samples. Procoagulant activity was measured in the cell lysates using a thrombin generation test or an adjusted prothrombin time (PT) test in plasma deficient of factor X. The findings were further supported by confocal microscopy, immunoprecipitation, flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and specific inhibition assays.

Results

FGL2 protein was readily detected in platelets. Also, despite being expressed by lymphocytes, FGL2 prothrombinase-like activity was solely detected in platelet samples, but not in white blood cell samples. Quiescent platelets were shown to contain the FGL2 protein in an active form. Upon activation, platelets secreted the active FGL2 into the milieu.

Conclusions

Active FGL2 is found in platelets. This suggests another role for the involvement of platelets in malignancies.
Association between cancer stigma and cervical cancer screening uptake among women of Dhulikhel and Banepa, Nepal
Authors: Paneru Bandana , Karmacharya Aerona , Bharati Alina , Makaju Soniya , Adhikari Bikram , Kafle Dikshya , Shakya Sunila , Spiegelman Donna , Seth Sangini , Stangl Anne , Shrestha Aamod Dhoj , Shrestha Archana
Published: May 2023

Background

Cervical cancer ranks as the most common cancer among Nepalese women with a high incidence and mortality. Despite evidence that effective screening programs reduce disease burden, screening services are under-utilized. Cancer stigma can be a major barrier to cervical cancer screening uptake among Nepalese women.

Objectives

This study assessed the association between cancer stigma and cervical cancer screening uptake among women residing in semi-urban areas of Kavrepalanchok district (Dhulikhel and Banepa), Nepal.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among 426 women aged 30–60 years using telephone interview method from 15th June to 15th October 2021. A validated Cancer Stigma Scale (CASS) was used to measure cancer stigma and categorized women as presence of cancer stigma if the mean total score was greater than three. We obtained information on cervical cancer screening uptake through self-reported responses. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were performed to assess the association between cancer stigma and cervical cancer screening uptake. We adjusted socio-demographic: age, ethnicity, occupation, religion and education, and reproductive health variables: parity, family planning user, age of menarche and age at first sexual intercourse during multivariable logistic regression.

Results

Twenty-three percent of women had cancer stigma and 27 percent reported that they had ever been screened for cervical cancer. The odds of being screened was 0.23 times lower among women who had stigma compared to those who had no stigma (95% CI: 0.11–0.49) after adjusting for confounders: age, ethnicity, occupation, religion, education, parity, contraceptive use, age of menarche and age at first sexual intercourse.

Conclusion

Women residing in semi-urban areas of Nepal and had cancer stigma were less likely to have been screened for cervical cancer. De-stigmatizing interventions may alleviate cancer stigma and contribute to higher uptake of cervical cancer screening.
Coping with the mental health impact of COVID–19: A study protocol for a multinational longitudinal study on coping and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Backhaus Insa , Sisenop Felix , Begotaraj Edvaldo , Jevtic Marija , Marchini Simone , Morganti Alessandro , Pirlog Mihail Cristian , Vinko Matej , Kusturica Milica P. , Lindert Jutta ,   the COPERS consortium
Published: May 2023

Background

Mental health is challenged due to serious life events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and can differ by the level of resilience. National studies on mental health and resilience of individuals and communities during the pandemic provide heterogeneous results and more data on mental health outcomes and resilience trajectories are needed to better understand the impact of the pandemic on mental health in Europe.

Methods

COPERS (Coping with COVID-19 with Resilience Study) is an observational multinational longitudinal study conducted in eight European countries (Albania, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia). Recruitment of participants is based on convenience sampling and data are gathered through an online questionnaire. gathering data on depression, anxiety, stress-related symptoms suicidal ideation and resilience. Resilience is measured with the Brief Resilience Scale and with the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. Depression is measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire, Anxiety with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and stress-related symptoms with the Impact of Event Scale Revised- Suicidal ideation is assessed using item 9 of the PHQ-9. We also consider potential determinants and moderating factors for mental health conditions, including sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, gender), social environmental factors (e.g., loneliness, social capital) and coping strategies (e.g., Self-efficacy Belief).

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to multi-nationally and longitudinally determine mental health outcomes and resilience trajectories in Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of this study will help to determine mental health conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic across Europe. The findings may benefit pandemic preparedness planning and future evidence-based mental health policies.
Phage therapy and the public: Increasing awareness essential to widespread use
Authors: McCammon Sophie , Makarovs Kirils , Banducci Susan , Gold Vicki
Published: May 2023

Today, the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis is shaping a world where previously treatable infections can kill. This has revitalised the development of antibiotic alternatives, such as phage therapy. The therapeutic use of phages, viruses that infect and kill bacteria, was first explored over a century ago. However, most of the Western world abandoned phage therapy in favour of antibiotics. While the technical feasibility of phage therapy has been increasingly investigated in recent years, there has been minimal effort to understand and tackle the social challenges that may hinder its development and implementation. In this study, we assess the UK public’s awareness, acceptance, preferences and opinions regarding phage therapy using a survey, fielded on the Prolific online research platform. The survey contained two embedded experiments: a conjoint and framing experiment (N = 787). We demonstrate that acceptance of phage therapy among the lay public is already moderate, with a mean likelihood of acceptance of 4.71 on a scale of 1 (not at all likely to accept phage therapy) to 7 (very likely to accept phage therapy). However, priming participants to think about novel medicines and antibiotic resistance significantly increases their likelihood of using phage therapy. Moreover, the conjoint experiment reveals that success and side effect rate, treatment duration, and where the medicine has been approved for use has a statistically significant effect on participants’ treatment preferences. Investigations altering the framing of phage therapy, to highlight positive and negative aspects, reveal a higher acceptance of the treatment when described without using perceived harsh words, such as “kill” and “virus”. Combined, this information provides an initial insight into how phage therapy could be developed and introduced in the UK to maximise acceptance rate.
Processing covert dependency: An eye-tracking study of scope interpretations of embedded Wh-questions in Mandarin
Authors: Kong Deran , Hsu Yu-Yin
Published: May 2023

Non-local dependency in Mandarin wh-questions has been extensively researched in theoretical linguistics, but it remains an under-studied topic in the field of language processing. Unlike languages that require wh-movement to form wh-questions, Mandarin is a wh-in-situ language, and hence is generally assumed to require a covert dependency between a wh-phrase and its scope-bearing position. Mandarin therefore provides an ideal linguistic environment in which to study not only cognitive-processing mechanisms, but also how different types of non-local dependency, especially covert dependency, can be handled by readers. This paper investigates the processing of such covert non-local dependency in multiple embedded clauses, that is, multiple complementizer phrases (CPs). In wh-in-situ sentences with multiple CPs, the wh-phrases’ scope varies according to the types of verbs and their embedded clauses. Based on the subcategorization of clausal verbs, we designed four experimental conditions: double-embedded low scope, double-embedded high scope, double-embedded ambiguous scope, and long distance in pivotal construction. According to memory-based and distance-based language processing theories, the low-scope condition should be easier to process than the high-scope one, because the former has a shorter linear distance than the latter when forming dependencies; and pivotal construction should be easier to process than high-scope embedded clauses, because the former has a shorter structural distance. In cases where both low- and high-scope interpretations are possible, we aim to determine whether readers exhaust every potential interpretation during comprehension, or adopt a ‘good-enough’ approach to obtaining an interpretation via an easier and less costly process. To this end, we will adopt the eye-tracking technique that allows us to obtain fine-grained reading-time data, which can be used to compare processing across conditions. The results will contribute to understanding human readers’ mechanisms for processing covert dependency and resolving scope ambiguity in wh-in-situ languages.
A latent class analysis of the socio-demographic factors and associations with mental and behavioral disorders among Australian children and adolescents
Authors: Afroz Nahida , Kabir Enamul , Alam Khorshed
Published: May 2023

Background

Previous studies have shown a relationship between socio-demographic variables and the mental health of children and adolescents. However, no research has been found on a model-based cluster analysis of socio-demographic characteristics with mental health. This study aimed to identify the cluster of the items representing the socio-demographic characteristics of Australian children and adolescents aged 11–17 years by using latent class analysis (LCA) and examining the associations with their mental health.

Methods

Children and adolescents aged 11–17 years (n = 3152) were considered from the 2013–2014 Young Minds Matter: The Second Australian Child and Adolescent Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing. LCA was performed based on relevant socio-demographic factors from three levels. Due to the high prevalence of mental and behavioral disorders, the generalized linear model with log-link binomial family (log-binomial regression model) was used to examine the associations between identified classes, and the mental and behavioral disorders of children and adolescents.

Results

This study identified five classes based on various model selection criteria. Classes 1 and 4 presented the vulnerable class carrying the characteristics of “lowest socio-economic status and non-intact family structure” and “good socio-economic status and non-intact family structure” respectively. By contrast, class 5 indicated the most privileged class carrying the characteristics of “highest socio-economic status and intact family structure”. Results from the log-binomial regression model (unadjusted and adjusted models) showed that children and adolescents belonging to classes 1 and 4 were about 1.60 and 1.35 times more prevalent to be suffering from mental and behavioral disorders compared to their class 5 counterparts (95% CI of PR [prevalence ratio]: 1.41–1.82 for class 1; 95% CI of PR [prevalence ratio]: 1.16–1.57 for class 4). Although children and adolescents from class 4 belong to a socio-economically advantaged group and shared the lowest class membership (only 12.7%), the class had a greater prevalence (44.1%) of mental and behavioral disorders than did class 2 (“worst education and occupational attainment and intact family structure”) (35.2%) and class 3 (“average socio-economic status and intact family structure”) (32.9%).

Conclusions

Among the five latent classes, children and adolescents from classes 1 and 4 have a higher risk of developing mental and behavioral disorders. The findings suggest that health promotion and prevention as well as combating poverty are needed to improve mental health in particular among children and adolescents living in non-intact families and in families with a low socio-economic status.
High post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) uptake among household contacts of pertussis patients enrolled in a PEP effectiveness evaluation – United States, 2015–2017
Authors: McNamara Lucy A. , Rubis Amy B. , Pawloski Lucia , Briere Elizabeth , Misegades Lara , Brusseau Aurora A. , Peña Sandra , Edge Karen , Wester Rachel , Burzlaff Kari , Cruz Victor , Tondella Lucia , Skoff Tami H. ,   for the Pertussis Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Study Team
Published: May 2023

Background

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for pertussis is recommended for household contacts of pertussis cases in the United States within 21 days of exposure, but data on PEP effectiveness for prevention of secondary cases in the setting of widespread pertussis vaccination are limited. We implemented a multi-state evaluation of azithromycin PEP use and effectiveness among household contacts.

Methods

Culture- or PCR-confirmed pertussis cases were identified through surveillance. Household contacts were interviewed within 7 days of case report and again 14–21 days later. Interviewers collected information on exposure, demographics, vaccine history, prior pertussis diagnosis, underlying conditions, PEP receipt, pertussis symptoms, and pertussis testing. A subset of household contacts provided nasopharyngeal and blood specimens during interviews.

Results

Of 299 household contacts who completed both interviews, 12 (4%) reported not receiving PEP. There was no evidence of higher prevalence of cough or pertussis symptoms among contacts who did not receive PEP. Of 168 household contacts who provided at least one nasopharyngeal specimen, four (2.4%) were culture or PCR positive forB.pertussis; three of these received PEP prior to their positive test result. Of 156 contacts with serologic results, 14 (9%) had blood specimens that were positive for IgG anti-pertussis toxin (PT) antibodies; all had received PEP.

Conclusions

Very high PEP uptake was observed among household contacts of pertussis patients. Although the number of contacts who did not receive PEP was small, there was no difference in prevalence of pertussis symptoms or positive laboratory results among these contacts compared with those who did receive PEP.
Drawing movement before architecture: Theatricality of the objectively vague
Authors: Wingham Ivana
Published: May 2023

As both an architect and a drawing practitioner, I work at the intersection of the real and the construction of reality, where the theatricality of the acts between the unthought, the unsaid, and the unseen or unfathomed move towards learning the how to of embodiment. We can never be certain, but only objectively vague, as to how the drawing process happens in space and time, and, in my case, how it will enact and embody movement before architecture. Drawing from examples of modernist, experimental art practices, which embodied movement into drawing by employing indeterminate strategies – for example, László Moholy-Nagy and Marcel Duchamp – I introduce movement as an instrument of preparation, arrangement, transformation and simulation. Starting from what is made, drawn or borrowed transforms carefully prepared scenes into an unexpected reality in which the author makes all possible preparations but cannot fully control the outcome.