bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The hidden battles of laparoscopic surgical training
Authors: Said A , Abouelella Y
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Surgical training has always been physically and mentally challenging irrespective of age, sex and body habitus. Having to operate with instruments that are built for different physical characteristics puts additional strains and challenges on trainees. This survey was designed to assess the physical difficulties facing female trainees during their laparoscopic training and to determine whether there is an open culture to discuss those problems with their trainers in order to overcome them.

Methods

A survey was designed to explore common concerns and issues raised by predominantly female colleagues throughout their training. Female surgical registrars were invited to participate by sending the survey directly to them and by sharing it on social media groups (Facebook and Twitter) that are directed at female surgeons.

Results

Eighty-five female surgical surgeons at different levels of training and from different subspecialties participated in the survey. A large number of respondents reported facing difficulties during their training secondary to their height or handedness in relation to operating table height, port position and instrument choice (83%, 74% and 68% respectively). Furthermore, 53% attributed a delay in training progression to these problems. Almost half (48%) of the respondents had never discussed these issues with their trainers because they did not want to appear difficult or weak, or because they did not realise that the situation could improve with discussion.

Conclusions

It is important to establish an open culture. The next step is to learn how to address the issues highlighted in this paper without judgement and how to overcome these challenges.
Not my story to tell…
Authors:   Anonymous (multiple)
Published: September 2022

In the new Culture Matters column, Simon Fleming discusses the need to address instances of harassment in surgical environments and shares accounts from anonymous sources about their harrowing experiences.
A Geopolitical Study on the New Provincial Hospital during the Period of Governor-General Saito
Authors: LEE Bangweon
Published: September 2022

This study examines the characteristics of fifteen Jahye hospitals and provincial hospitals which were established or relocated during Governor-General Saito’s regime. The purpose of this study is to analyze these hospitals by connecting them to the directions of Japanese colonial policies, the political beliefs of the governor-general, and their necessity by the local people. The period of expansion of provincial hospitals was divided in to three different periods. The periods are divided as follows: the first appointment of Saito as the governor-general, the period when Jahye hospitals turned into provincial hospitals, and when Saito got reappointed as the governor-general. It analyzes the natural and human geographical environment of each region where Jahye and the provincial hospitals were organized. Based on this analysis, it investigates the geopolitical features of Jahye and provincial hospitals which were established on the Governor-General Saito era.
First, the areas that the Joseon Governor-General was interested in establishing Jahye and the provincial hospitals were military points useful for keeping Russia in check and managing the Manchurian region. In addition, those areas were rich in resources needed by Japan and transportation centers which were useful for the collection and distribution of goods. Second, the regions where provincial hospitals were built were rice-producing areas and leading export ports which were related to the rice production growth plan in the early 1920s. Also, the region’s own economic power was able to run the hospitals. Third, at the stage of deciding to install a new provincial hospital, there were conflicts due to concerns over the deterioration of the status of nearby areas and existing regions and the difficulty of operating provincial hospitals. Fourth, each provincial hospital was divided into independent provincial hospitals, provincial branch members, provincial branch offices, etc. according to the region’s size and population. Among them, some provincial branch members and provincial branch offices were promoted to independent hospitals due to the development and expansion of the region and the increase in the number of patients who used the hospitals. Also, it was revealed that in the process of expanding a city, some regional hospitals were turned into provincial hospitals.
In conclusion, the provincial hospitals which were newly built in during the Governor-General Saito era were established in military and economically useful areas for the Japanese colonial rule. Also, transportation facilities such as railroads were installed in the areas, and this lead to concentration of infrastructure and industrial facilities such as companies and factories, which in turn made possible the increase of population, especially the population of Japanese people.
Colonial Research on Public Hygiene and its Postcolonial Legacy: Focusing on Hygiene Laboratory in Colonial Korea
Authors: PARK Ji-young
Published: September 2022

Previous studies on the history of Korean public health have shown that the public hygiene system in Korea under Japan’s colonial rule relied heavily on the sanitary police, whose lack of expertise in hygiene reinforced the coercion and violence of the colonial public hygiene system. This view, however, has overlooked the existence and function of scientific knowledge, which underpinned the formulation and implementation of public hygiene policies. This paper explores the knowledge production in public hygiene by research institutes of Japan’s colonial government in Korea, drawing on the Hygiene Laboratory as a case. The Hygiene Laboratory chiefly played three roles: first, providing advice on the sanitary police’s crackdowns; second, quality inspection of food, beverage, and pharmaceuticals, and authorizing their production and distribution; third, investigating health resources such as conventional food ingredients, medicinal herbs, and drinking water to support the wartime public health policy of the colonial government in Korea. The third function in particular continued after the reorganization of the Hygiene Laboratory as the National Chemistry Laboratory in the postcolonial period. By tracing the Hygiene Laboratory’s research activities, this paper highlights the complicated cooperation between expertise, practices, and institutions in the field of sanitation control in colonial Korea.
Meeting in brackets: how mental health policy travels through meetings
Authors: Thunus Sophie
Published: September 2022

Background:

Meetings are essential events for the production of a policy. Yet they are largely taken for granted in policy studies: they are perceived as tools for achieving predefined tasks and used as a means of studying other topics, such as public participation.

Aims and objectives:

I aim to study meetings themselves and to develop the concept of meeting in brackets, which helps understand how meetings produce the policy to which they relate. I focus on a Belgian mental health policy supporting a shift from hospital to community mental healthcare.

Methods:

Qualitative methods, including direct observation of 77 meetings and interviews, were combined over an eight-year period in order to comprehensively understand the relationship between meetings and policy production.

Findings:

The Belgian mental health policy gradually emerged from meetings that took place at international, national and local levels. As a result of references made by the participants to previous meetings or to the resulting documents, these meetings gradually formed a web, outside of which the Belgian mental health policy cannot be understood.

Discussion and conclusions:

The concept of meeting in brackets led to define meetings as communicative events framed by decisions about meeting structure, which I call bracketing decisions. These decisions facilitate a form of communication described as reflexive. Reflexive communication in turn leads to a collective creation: a unique vision of the policy under discussion. Such unique visions are gradually assembled as meetings succeed each other, thus forming a web of meetings which is inherent to policy production.
Enhanced bound states in the continuum in a DBR-assisted photonic
crystal slab
Authors: Sun Haocheng , Yuan Shuai , Feng Chen , Zhang Jing , Zeng Cheng , Xia Jinsong
Published: September 2022

Bound states in the continuum (BICs) are perfectly confined resonances within the radiation continuum. The novel characteristics of single BICs have been studied in great detail in various wave systems, including electromagnetic waves, acoustic waves, water waves, and elastic waves in solids. In practice, the performance of BICs is limited by the finite size of the structure, while the combination of multiple BICs can further improve the localization of resonances. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate the combination of Fabry–Perot and symmetry-protected BICs at near infrared wavelengths by employing a compound photonic crystal system composed of a photonic crystal slab and a distributed Bragg reflector, resulting in an enhanced high quality factor.
The route to a 200  MHz, all-PM femtosecond Yb-doped fiber laser with a high output coupling ratio
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Zhang Tong , Lv Zhiguo , Zhang Ting , Cheng Haihao , Hu Xiaohong , Pan Ran , Feng Ye , Wang Yishan
Published: September 2022

Based on the time-independent rate equations and nonlinear Schrödinger equation, we simulate a 200 MHz all-polarization-maintaining (PM) mode-locked Yb-doped fiber laser. The cavity round trip evolution toward stable mode locking is present. Additionally, the gain coefficients along the gain fiber as well as the pulses, chirp, and spectra at different locations in the cavity are examined. The effects of chirped fiber Bragg grating parameters on the pulse shape and spectrum profile are also investigated. According to the calculations, we experimentally realize a 200 MHz femtosecond fiber laser with 115 mW output power. The timing jitter and integrated relative intensity noise are measured as 158 fs (1 kHz to 10 MHz) and 0.0513% (1 Hz to 300 kHz), respectively. Eventually, an amplified average power of 610 mW and 79 fs compressed pulses with a peak power of approximately 28 kW are obtained. The exhibited all-PM femtosecond fiber laser system can be adopted as the foundation for an optical frequency comb.
Enhanced 2D finite element model and its application in laser cutting of carbon fiber reinforced plastic composites
Authors: Lu Yao , Gao PeiYing , Xu Jianan , Wang Yang , Yang LiJun
Published: September 2022

A tailored 2D finite element model (FEM) is proposed to describe the temperature distribution and stress distribution by the UV nanosecond pulsed laser cutting of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composites. This model coupled thermodynamic and thermal stress and considers the heat conduction, thermal stress, and heat flux effects during the UV laser cutting of CFRP composites. In this study, the main mechanism of UV laser cutting of CFRP is elucidated, such as pressure gradient, plasma, and vaporization effects. The temperature field and stress field in a single pulse period are successfully simulated based on these theoretical models. We believe that this research will supply a theoretical reference for the UV laser cutting of CFRP composites and pave the way for applications in the aerospace industry in the future.
Metalens Doublets for Self-sorting of Fluorescent Particles
Authors: Yin Shengqi , Green Nicolas G , Fang Xu
Published: September 2022

We establish design principles for, and numerically explore characteristics of, metalens doublets for sorting fluorescent particles in microchannels. The doublets focus fluorescent light back onto the source particles, which may lead to automatic cell sorting.
Achieving a wide color gamut based on polarization interference filters in a liquid crystal display
Authors: Niu Rui , Zhang Chi , Li Xiaoshuai , Ma Hongmei , Sun Yubao
Published: September 2022

We propose two polarization interference filters (PIF1 and PIF2) used in the backlight unit of a liquid crystal display (LCD) to achieve a wide color gamut. Both PIF1 and PIF2 consist of two polarizers and two 720° super twisted nematic liquid crystal polymer (LCP) layers, where two polarizers are crossed in PIF1, and two polarizers are parallel in PIF2. The PIFs can eliminate unwanted cyan and yellow parts in the output spectrum, which can improve the color gamut of LCD. In our calculation, when the PIF1 is employed in the LCD with normal color filter and QD-LED backlight, the color gamut increases from 107.3% NTSC to 124.6% NTSC, which is 13.7% NTSC larger than that of the LCD with high-performance color filter. When the PIF2 is employed in the LCD with normal color filter and QD-LED backlight, the color gamut of LCD with a normal color filter is improved by 6.8% NTSC larger than that of LCD with high-performance color film, and the transfer efficiency is close to that of the LCD with high-performance color film. We define the color gamut enhancement ratio (CGER) to compare the influence of PIFs and the high-performance color filter on the color gamut enhancement performance of LCD. Compared with the high-performance color filter, the two kinds of PIFs have a higher CGER. The PIFs have a great potential for achieving a wide color gamut.
Femtosecond laser-inscribed off-axis high-order mode long-period grating for independent sensing of curvature and temperature
Authors: Zhao Rong , Liu Hanyuan , Shu Xuewen
Published: September 2022

We propose and demonstrate a novel curvature and temperature sensor based on an off-axis small-period long-period fiber grating (SP-LPG) which is inscribed in a single mode fiber by a femtosecond laser in one step. The total length of the SP-LPG is only 2.1 mm. The period of the SP-LPG is 30 µm, which is smaller than that of conventional long period fiber gratings. Essentially, the SP-LPG is a high-order mode long period fiber grating. Due to the off-axis structure, the SP-LPG can be used for two-dimensional vector bending sensing. The curvature can be demodulated by the intensity variation of the dips in the transmission spectrum. When the incident light is polarized, the instantaneous curvature sensitivity of the SP-LPG can exceed 20 dB/m−1. Meanwhile, a series of Bragg resonant peaks can be observed in the reflection spectrum, which can be used to monitor the fluctuation of temperature. The transmission dip is insensitive to temperature and the reflection peak is insensitive to curvature, which allows the SP-LPG to measure curvature and temperature independently. The characteristics of high curvature sensitivity, two-dimensional bending direction identification, real-time temperature measurement, and compact structure make the device expected to be applied in the field of structural health monitoring and intelligent robotics.
Nonlinear optical properties and photoexcited carrier dynamics of MnPS3 nanosheets
Authors: Li Dongkai , Xu Yijun , Guo Jia , Zhang Feng , Zhang Yule , Liu Jie , Zhang Han
Published: September 2022

Here, we systematically report on the preparation of high-quality few-layered MnPS3 nanosheets (NSs) by chemical vapor transport (CVT) and mechanical stripping method, and its carrier dynamics and third-order nonlinear optical properties were studied. Using the classical technique of open aperture Z-scan, a typical phenomenon of saturable absorption (SA) was observed at 475 nm, which indicates that the material is expected to be used as a saturable absorber in ultrafast lasers. The typical phenomenon of reverse saturation absorption (RSA) is observed at 800 and 1550 nm, which shows its potential in the field of broadband optical limiting. Compared with graphene, BP, MXene, MoS2 and other typical two-dimensional materials, MnPS3 NSs has a higher modulation depth. Using the non-degenerate transient absorption spectroscopy technology at room temperature, a slower cooling process of thermal carrier of MnPS3 was observed. Moreover, the carrier lifetime can be tuned according to the wavelength. This work is of great significance to the improvement of MnPS3 based devices, and lays a foundation for the application of MnPS3 in short-wavelength photovoltaic cell, photoelectric detection and other fields.
Energy- and time-controlled switching of ultrashort pulses in nonlinear directional plasmonic couplers
Authors: Salgueiro José R. , Ferrando Albert
Published: September 2022

We propose an ultracompact nonlinear plasmonic directional coupler for switching of ultrashort optical pulses. We show that this device can be used to control the routing of ultrashort pulses using either the energy or the duration of each individual pulse as switching parameters. The coupler is composed of two cores of a nonlinear dielectric material embedded into metallic claddings. The intricate nonlinear spatiotemporal dynamics of the system is simulated by the finite-difference time-domain technique.
Functional architecture of pancreatic islets identifies a population of first responder cells that drive the first-phase calcium response
Authors: Kravets Vira , Dwulet JaeAnn M. , Schleicher Wolfgang E. , Hodson David J. , Davis Anna M. , Pyle Laura , Piscopio Robert A. , Sticco-Ivins Maura , Benninger Richard K. P.
Published: September 2022

Insulin-secreting β-cells are functionally heterogeneous. Whether there exist cells driving the first-phase calcium response in individual islets, has not been examined. We examine “first responder” cells, defined by the earliest [Ca2+] response during first-phase [Ca2+] elevation, distinct from previously identified “hub” and “leader” cells. We used islets isolated from Mip-CreER; Rosa-Stop-Lox-Stop-GCamP6s mice (β-GCamP6s) that show β-cell-specific GCamP6s expression following tamoxifen-induced CreER-mediated recombination. First responder cells showed characteristics of high membrane excitability and lower electrical coupling to their neighbors. The first-phase response time of β-cells in the islet was spatially organized, dependent on the cell’s distance to the first responder cell, and consistent over time up to approximately 24 h. When first responder cells were laser ablated, the first-phase [Ca2+] was slowed down, diminished, and discoordinated compared to random cell ablation. Cells that were next earliest to respond often took over the role of the first responder upon ablation. In summary, we discover and characterize a distinct first responder β-cell state, critical for the islet first-phase response to glucose.
Rdh54 stabilizes Rad51 at displacement loop intermediates to regulate genetic exchange between chromosomes
Authors: Keymakh Margaret , Dau Jennifer , Hu Jingyi , Ferlez Bryan , Lisby Michael , Crickard J. Brooks
Published: September 2022

Homologous recombination (HR) is a double-strand break DNA repair pathway that preserves chromosome structure. To repair damaged DNA, HR uses an intact donor DNA sequence located elsewhere in the genome. After the double-strand break is repaired, DNA sequence information can be transferred between donor and recipient DNA molecules through different mechanisms, including DNA crossovers that form between homologous chromosomes. Regulation of DNA sequence transfer is an important step in effectively completing HR and maintaining genome integrity. For example, mitotic exchange of information between homologous chromosomes can result in loss-of-heterozygosity (LOH), and in higher eukaryotes, the development of cancer. The DNA motor protein Rdh54 is a highly conserved DNA translocase that functions during HR. Several existing phenotypes in rdh54Δ strains suggest that Rdh54 may regulate effective exchange of DNA during HR. In our current study, we used a combination of biochemical and genetic techniques to dissect the role of Rdh54 on the exchange of genetic information during DNA repair. Our data indicate that RDH54 regulates DNA strand exchange by stabilizing Rad51 at an early HR intermediate called the displacement loop (D-loop). Rdh54 acts in opposition to Rad51 removal by the DNA motor protein Rad54. Furthermore, we find that expression of a catalytically inactivate allele of Rdh54, rdh54K318R, favors non-crossover outcomes. From these results, we propose a model for how Rdh54 may kinetically regulate strand exchange during homologous recombination.
Detection of sleep apnea from single-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) using an explainable convolutional neural network (CNN)
Authors: Barnes Lachlan D. , Lee Kevin , Kempa-Liehr Andreas W. , Hallum Luke E.
Published: September 2022

Sleep apnea (SA) is a common disorder involving the cessation of breathing during sleep. It can cause daytime hypersomnia, accidents, and, if allowed to progress, serious, chronic conditions. Continuous positive airway pressure is an effective SA treatment. However, long waitlists impede timely diagnosis; overnight sleep studies involve trained technicians scoring a polysomnograph, which comprises multiple physiological signals including multi-channel electroencephalography (EEG). Therefore, it is important to develop simplified and automated approaches to detect SA. In the present study, we have developed an explainable convolutional neural network (CNN) to detect SA events from single-channel EEG recordings which generalizes across subjects. The network architecture consisted of three convolutional layers. We tuned hyperparameters using the Hyperband algorithm, optimized parameters using Adam, and quantified network performance with subjectwise 10-fold cross-validation. Our CNN performed with an accuracy of 69.9%, and a Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.38. To explain the mechanisms of our trained network, we used critical-band masking (CBM): after training, we added bandlimited noise to test recordings; we parametrically varied the noise band center frequency and noise intensity, quantifying the deleterious effect on performance. We reconciled the effects of CBM with lesioning, wherein we zeroed the trained network’s 1st-layer filter kernels in turn, quantifying the deleterious effect on performance. These analyses indicated that the network learned frequency-band information consistent with known SA biomarkers, specifically, delta and beta band activity. Our results indicate single-channel EEG may have clinical potential for SA diagnosis.
Intraocular vascular analysis using optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with vascular paralytic strabismus
Authors: Lee Donghun
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To investigate changes in peripapillary and macular vessel density (VD) in vascular paralytic strabismus using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Methods

Medical records of patients who recovered from monocular vascular paralytic strabismus were retrospectively analyzed. Age, sex, presence of underlying diseases, strabismus type and severity, time to recovery, and visual acuity at diagnosis were evaluated. VD in the optic disc area and macular capillary plexus density were estimated using OCTA. The effect of paralytic strabismus on intraocular VD was investigated by comparing VD between the paralysis and contralateral eyes. To analyze hemodynamic changes, VD changes in the paralysis eye during the attack and recovery were compared.

Results

Thirty-one patients (mean age, 64.1±13.0 years; 21 males, 10 females) were included and mean recovery time was 3.0±1.6 months. The most common paralysis was sixth nerve palsy (54.8%). When comparing OCTA results between the paralysis and contralateral non-paralysis eyes, foveal VD in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) was significantly lower in the paralysis eye (P = 0.034); however, VD in the optic disc area was not different. In the paralysis eye, foveal VD in the SCP significantly increased after paralysis recovery (P = 0.04). During attack, the maximal deviation angle and severity of duction limitation were significantly related to foveal VD in SCP. The greater the deviation angle and the more severe the eye movement restriction, the lower the foveal VD in SCP.

Conclusions

Transient retinal ischemia of the paralysis eye was observed in a patient with paralytic strabismus, which corresponded to the degree of deviation angle and ocular motor restriction. Ischemic factors, which are the etiology of vascular paralytic strabismus, affect intraocular blood flow.
Spatiotemporal characteristics of lower back muscle fatigue during a ten minutes endurance test at 50% upper body weight in healthy inactive, endurance, and strength trained subjects
Authors: Anders Christoph , Schönau Tim
Published: September 2022

In modern developed societies, heavy physical demands are decreasing and getting replaced by longer periods of static, low-exertion activities such as sitting or standing. To counteract this lack of physical activity, more and more people are engaging in physical activity through exercise and training. Virtually opposite training modalities are endurance and strength. We asked if back muscle endurance capacity is influenced by training mode. 38 healthy male subjects (age range 19–31 years, mean age 22.6 years) were investigated: sedentary (Control, n = 12), endurance trained (ET, n = 13), and strength trained participants (ST, n = 13). They underwent a ten-minutes isometric extension task at 50% of their upper body weight. Surface EMG was measured in the low-back region utilizing quadratic 4*4 monopolar electrode montages per side. Relative amplitude and mean frequency changes were analysed with respect to electrode position and group during the endurance task. Eight ST subjects failed to complete the endurance task. Relative amplitude and frequency changes were largest in the ST group, followed by Control and ET groups (amplitude: F 6.389, p 0.004, frequency: F 11.741, p<0.001). Further, independent of group largest amplitude increase was observed for the most upper and laterally positioned electrodes. Mean frequency changes showed no systematic spatial distribution pattern. Although, in the light of an aging population, strength training has its merits our results question the functional suitability of frequent and isolated high-impact strength training for everyday endurance requirements like doing the dishes. Fatigue related amplitude elevations are systematically distributed in the back region, showing least fatigue signs for the most caudal and medial, i.e. the lumbar paravertebral region.
Opportunities: Source of synergy, or of conflict? Positioning of creative industry actors within a European Capital of Culture Project
Authors: Popa Nicolae , Dragan Alexandru , Marian-Potra Alexandra-Camelia , Matichescu Marius Lupsa
Published: September 2022

The aim of this article is to analyze the positioning and interactions of the principal actors in the creative industries, in particular their relations with the structures tasked with implementing the Timișoara European Capital of Culture 2021 project, and the press coverage of the developing project. We started from the hypothesis that such an event stimulates the creative industries, but also induces tensions, which can degenerate into blockages. Quantitative and qualitative methods (20 observation sheets; 19 interviews and 227 press articles) combine to portray the dynamics and effectiveness of the city’s creative spaces and the role actors play in local territorial co-production, the press analysis providing additional data. The article supplements previous literature on politico-territorial arenas by spotlighting spatio-temporal reconfigurations that spark synergies and tensions within an urban environment with a long-standing multicultural tradition. The results of our research highlight, on the one hand, the tensions and blockages in the public sector in the implementation of the project, marked by political rivalries at various levels, and on the other hand the critical attitude and difficulties in coagulating the energies of the local creative cultural sector. The press analysis reflects a complex and contradictory reality, with both positive aspects (cultural events, dynamics, public involvement, etc.) and negative ones (leadership, dissensions, underfunding). We demonstrate the response of creative industries facing a major cultural project with great potential for stimulating urban development but whose success may be threatened by weaknesses in leadership, in participating governance, and in local civic involvement.
CMRSegTools: An open-source software enabling reproducible research in segmentation of acute myocardial infarct in CMR images
Authors: Romero R. William A. , Viallon Magalie , Spaltenstein Joël , Petrusca Lorena , Bernard Olivier , Belle Loïc , Clarysse Patrick , Croisille Pierre
Published: September 2022

In the last decade, a large number of clinical trials have been deployed using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR) to evaluate cardioprotective strategies aiming at reducing the irreversible myocardial damage at the time of reperfusion. In these studies, segmentation and quantification of myocardial infarct lesion are often performed with a commercial software or an in-house closed-source code development thus creating a barrier for reproducible research. This paper introduces CMRSegTools: an open-source application software designed for the segmentation and quantification of myocardial infarct lesion enabling full access to state-of-the-art segmentation methods and parameters, easy integration of new algorithms and standardised results sharing. This post-processing tool has been implemented as a plug-in for the OsiriX/Horos DICOM viewer leveraging its database management functionalities and user interaction features to provide a bespoke tool for the analysis of cardiac MR images on large clinical cohorts. CMRSegTools includes, among others, user-assisted segmentation of the left-ventricle, semi- and automatic lesion segmentation methods, advanced statistical analysis and visualisation based on the American Heart Association 17-segment model. New segmentation methods can be integrated into the plug-in by developing components based on image processing and visualisation libraries such as ITK and VTK in C++ programming language. CMRSegTools allows the creation of training and testing data sets (labeled features such as lesion, microvascular obstruction and remote ROI) for supervised Machine Learning methods, and enables the comparative assessment of lesion segmentation methods via a single and integrated platform. The plug-in has been successfully used by several CMR imaging studies.
Correlation analysis of epicardial adipose tissue and ventricular myocardial strain in Chinese amateur marathoners using cardiac magnetic resonance
Authors: Wang Zirong , Song Tingting , Yu Da , Chen Xiaofei , Pu Cailing , Ding Jianping , Ling Xiaoli
Published: September 2022

Background

The volume of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is associated with an increased incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD); however, only a few studies have examined its effect on the myocardial function of endurance in athletes. The association between the EAT and the variation of myocardial function is still unclear in amateur marathoners. Consequently, by using some sedentary individuals as the control, this study aims to evaluate the correlation between the EAT volume and the myocardial strain in the left and right ventricles of Chinese amateur marathoners by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).

Methods

A total of 30 amateur marathoners were included as the exercise group and 20 sedentary people as a control group. All participants received the cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) to measure the left and right ventricular end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume and volume index, stroke volume and index, cardiac output index, ejection fraction and myocardial mass, the EAT volume, global radial, circumferential, and longi-tudinal strains, and the strain rates of left and right ventricular myocardium.

Results

There was a significant difference in the EAT volume (EATV) index between the exercise group and the control group (26.82±11.76ml/m2 vs 37.82±17.15ml/m2, P = 0.01). Results from the multivariate linear regression analysis showed that BMI (standardized β = 0.458; P < 0.001) had an independent positive correlation with the EATV index. The EATV index was negatively correlated with the left ventricular global radial strain (GRS) (r = -0.505; P = 0.004) in the exercise group, while it is negatively correlated with right ventricular GRS (r = -0.492; P = 0.027) and positively correlated with global longitudinal strain (GLS) (r = 0.601; P = 0.005) in the control group. In the exercise group, the multivariate linear regression analysis showed that the EATV index (standardized β = -0.429; P = 0.021) was an independent determinant of the left ventricular GRS, and being a male (standardized β = 0.396; P = 0.029) was an independent determinant of the right ventricular GLS.

Conclusion

The EATV index is independently correlated with the left ventricular GRS in the amateur Chinese marathoners, also, the amateur marathon reduces the EATV index and increases the left ventricular myocardial mass, which consequently reduces the adverse effects on myocardial function.
Mortality burden due to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in Ghana; prevalence of risk factors and predictors of poor in-hospital survival
Authors: Nartey Yvonne A. , Antwi Samuel O. , Bockarie Ansumana S. , Hiebert Lindsey , Njuguna Henry , Ward John W. , Awuku Yaw A. , Plymoth Amelie , Roberts Lewis R.
Published: September 2022

Liver-related diseases, including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), are significant causes of mortality globally. Specific causes and predictors of liver-related mortality in low resource settings require assessment to help inform clinical decision making and develop strategies for improved survival. The objectives of this study were to determine the proportion of liver-related deaths associated with liver cirrhosis, HCC, and their known risk factors, and secondly to determine predictors of in-hospital mortality among cirrhosis and HCC patients in Ghana. We first performed a cross-sectional review of death register entries from 11 referral hospitals in Ghana to determine the proportion of liver-related deaths and the proportion of risk factors associated with these deaths. Secondly, we conducted a retrospective cohort review of 172 in-patient liver cirrhosis and HCC cases admitted to a tertiary referral centre and determined predictors of in-hospital mortality using binary logistic regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. In total, 8.8% of deaths in Ghanaian adults were due to liver-related causes. The proportion of liver-related deaths attributed to HBV infection was 48.8% (95% CI: 45.95–51.76), HCV infection was 7.0% (95% CI: 5.58–8.45), HBV-HCV co-infection 0.5% (95% CI: 0.1–0.9) and alcohol was 10.0% (95% CI: 8.30–11.67). Of 172 cases of HCC and liver cirrhosis, the in-patient mortality rate was 54.1%. Predictors of in-patient mortality in cirrhotic patients were increasing WBC (OR = 1.14 95% CI: 1.00–1.30) and the revised model for end-stage liver disease with sodium (MELD-Na) score (OR = 1.24 95% CI: 1.01–1.54). For HCC patients, female sex (OR = 3.74 95% CI: 1.09–12.81) and hepatic encephalopathy (grade 1) were associated with higher mortality (OR = 5.66 95% CI: 1.10–29.2). In conclusion, HBV is linked to a high proportion of HCC-related deaths in Ghana, with high in-hospital mortality rates that require targeted policies to improve survival.
Environmental risk factors associated with the presence of Mycobacterium ulcerans in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Blasdell Kim R. , McNamara Bridgette , O’Brien Daniel P. , Tachedjian Mary , Boyd Victoria , Dunn Michael , Mee Peter T. , Clayton Simone , Gaburro Julie , Smith Ina , Gibney Katherine B. , Tay Ee Laine , Hobbs Emma C. , Waidyatillake Nilakshi , Lynch Stacey E. , Stinear Timothy P. , Athan Eugene
Published: September 2022

In recent years reported cases of Buruli ulcer, caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans, have increased substantially in Victoria, Australia, with the epidemic also expanding geographically. To develop an understanding of how M. ulcerans circulates in the environment and transmits to humans we analyzed environmental samples collected from 115 properties of recent Buruli ulcer cases and from 115 postcode-matched control properties, for the presence of M. ulcerans. Environmental factors associated with increased odds of M. ulcerans presence at a property included certain native plant species and native vegetation in general, more alkaline soil, lower altitude, the presence of common ringtail possums (Pseudocheirus peregrinus) and overhead powerlines. However, only overhead powerlines and the absence of the native plant Melaleuca lanceolata were associated with Buruli ulcer case properties. Samples positive for M. ulcerans were more likely to be found at case properties and were associated with detections of M. ulcerans in ringtail possum feces, supporting the hypothesis that M. ulcerans is zoonotic, with ringtail possums the strongest reservoir host candidate. However, the disparity in environmental risk factors associated with M. ulcerans positive properties versus case properties indicates the involvement of human behavior or the influence of other environmental factors in disease acquisition that requires further study.
Lines that do not speak: Multispecies hospitality and bug-writing
Authors: Pyyhtinen Olli
Published: September 2022

The article, situated at the crossroads of hospitality studies, human–animal studies and writing studies, offers a more-than-human perspective on hospitality by exploring the book The Language of Bugs (2018) by Chinese book designer and artist Zhu Yingchun and its crafting process. In existing scholarship, hospitality has been mainly considered in anthropocentric terms. The article suggests that the multispecies relations that unfolded between the artist, his garden and bugs not only unsettle and disrupt this anthropocentric bias but also complicate the predominant dyadic understanding of hospitality: their hospitable entanglement needs to be analysed as a triadic configuration, where there are no fixed positions, but each member may in its turn be placed in the position of the host/guest/third. Ultimately, the paradox of the hospitality offered by the artist to the bugs is that he was only possible to welcome their visitation by endangering the life or well-being of his other guests, the plants. The article also highlights the non-phonemic, material and performative ‘asemic’ aspects of writing by considering writing in terms of traces and lines and argues that bug-writing has great theoretical potential for liberating the notion of writing from its anthropo-, phono- and logocentric subordination.
Bibliotecas universitárias brasileiras e os produtos e serviços ofertados durante a pandemia covid-19
Authors: Furtado Gabrielli da Rosa , Moraes Maria Helena Machado de
Published: September 2022

No ano de 2020, com a chegada da pandemia COVID 19, modificou-se o cotidiano da sociedade mundial. Os governos, em sua maioria, fecharam suas fronteiras e adotaram medidas de quarentena com o objetivo de conter a doença, no Brasil não foi diferente. Com a mudança brusca de cenário, se tornou necessário que os bibliotecários traçassem planos para gerenciar as bibliotecas universitárias, criando diretrizes para o melhor funcionamento do local e alterando a disponibilização de seus produtos e serviços. Nesse sentido, esse trabalho tem como objetivo conhecer a produção científica sobre os produtos e serviços das bibliotecas universitárias em tempos de pandemia COVID-19, discutindo e analisando os artigos recuperados na base de dados Google Acadêmico, através de uma revisão sistemática de literatura. Para realizar a pesquisa, foram utilizados os descritores relacionados diretamente com os objetivos da pesquisa “Bibliotecas universitárias and Pandemia and Serviços and Produtos”, além de aplicar os filtros de data (2020 e 2021) e idioma (português). Desta forma, foram 993 trabalhos recuperados e avaliados e, de acordo com uma análise minuciosa onde foram lidos os resumos, introdução e conclusão, desses trabalhos selecionou-se 19 (dezenove) artigos relevantes que preenchiam os critérios pré-estabelecidos. Destarte, observa-se que a tecnologia foi essencial para disseminar a informação, ajudando as bibliotecas a manter contato com seus usuários e atendendo suas necessidades.
Comunicação e divulgação cientifica
Authors: Aires Ingrid Ivanni Pinheiro , Silva Eddie Carlos Saraiva da
Published: September 2022

A modalidade preprint vem ganhando força dentro do meio científico, apesar de já ser utilizada pelas ciências exatas antes dos avanços tecnológicos. A pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar as produções da coleção SciELO Preprints, enfatizando as produções que abordem a temática da pandemia de Covid-19. A pesquisa é descritiva, de natureza básica e abordagem quali-quantitativa. Dentre os procedimentos utilizados, temos: a pesquisa bibliográfica para o referencial teórico e, o estudo bibliométrico para análise dos dados extraídos da coleção SciELO Preprints. Os resultados da pesquisa apontam que a coleção SciELO Preprints possui uma ampla produção na área de Ciências da Saúde, com mais de 60% de participação do total da coleção. Além disso, a produção de preprints relacionadas com a pandemia de Covid-19 representam mais de 50% do total de documentos da coleção.
Produção científica da Faced Ufrgs
Authors: Irizaga Karen , Ferreira Ana Gabriela Clipes , Cotta Evelin Stahlhoefer
Published: September 2022

O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar a produção científica da Faculdade de Educação (FACED) entre os anos de 2017 a 2021, verificando possíveis mudanças durante os dois últimos anos em decorrência da pandemia de COVID-19. Estudo bibliométrico de nível micro, quantitativo e descritivo, utilizou o catalogo SABi para a coleta dos dados, categorizando os tipos documentos de acordo com os utilizados na avaliação da CAPES. Conclui que o maior número de produções está em livros, enquanto as teses e dissertações mantém número estável. De um modo geral, há declínio dos números antes do período da pandemia. Sugere a continuidade da pesquisa.
Estágios remotos durante a pandemia do covid-19
Authors: Bernini Ismael Maynard , Loss Miriam Moema , Costa Josiane Gonçalves da , Rodrigues Mirtha Goalconda Vasques
Published: September 2022

O início da Pandemia do Covid-19 levou à Biblioteca da Faculdade de Biblioteconomia e Comunicação da Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (Fabico / UFRGS) a repensar a estrutura do estágio curricular obrigatório. As restrições sociais obrigatórias levaram à criação de opções alternativas aos estágios obrigatórios presenciais. Como algumas dessas opções, inclui-se atividades remotas, uma ideia nova, para a Biblioteca, que precisava ser desenvolvida e implementada rapidamente. As incógnitas de um mundo pós-Covid deixam em aberto várias possibilidades de serviços humanos para o futuro. Este relato de experiência apresenta o que a Biblioteca aprendeu sobre estágios remotos, incluindo pontos fortes, desafios e recomendações.
Dossiê temático Bibliotecas, informação e pandemia covid-19
Authors: Moraes Maria Helena Machado de , Ribeiro Nivaldo  Calixto , Silva Luan Soares , Miranda Angelica C. D.
Published: September 2022

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Efeito de um programa de exercícios em casa durante o distanciamento social devido ao COVID-19 na saúde mental: um estudo em jovens mulheres
Authors: Dos Santos Fernanda Caroline Ingleses , Domingues Crysttopher Scorcin , Stein Angelica Miki , Maciel Isabely Rúbila , Brasil Marcos Roberto , Paludo Ana Carolina
Published: September 2022

O distanciamento social adotado em 2020 como medida preventiva ao Coranavírus (COVID-19), resultou na diminuição dos níveis de atividade física e em respostas negativas na saúde mental da população, principalmente de jovens mulheres. O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar o efeito de um programa de exercícios em casa para na saúde mental de jovens mulheres. Estudo quase-experimental, com delineamento longitudinal, em que sete mulheres (31,7 ± 7,89 anos de idade), de uma equipe recreacional de voleibol preencheram o questionário Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SQR-20) para as respostas de saúde mental de maneira on-line, antes e após o programa. Estatística descritiva foi utilizada através dos valores obtidos pelo questionário. Os resultados demonstraram que o programa de exercício físico domiciliar não foi efetivo para atenuar os impactos negativos na saúde mental dessas mulheres. Assim concluímos que o confinamento pode se apresentar como negativo a saúde mental de jovens mulheres, e mesmo com o engajamento em um programa de exercícios, seus efeitos continuam ser prejudiciais. Sugere-se que o programa de exercícios em casa seja ajustado de maneira a ser mais efetivo no que tange a melhora da saúde mental, além do engajamento das mulheres em programas multidisciplinares que auxiliem na saúde mental.
A Systematic Review on Augmented Reality and Entrepreneurship
Authors: Nasar Muhammad Hamza
Published: September 2022

Augmented reality interactive technology has been studied widely over the last decade, with a growing number of organizations and users in conjunction. Augmented reality technology is based on computer-generated images on a user's view of the real world. Keeping in view, augmented reality in the context of entrepreneurship is still scarce that needs to be explored to know the necessities in the study. This study aims to contribute empirically and theoretically to present the broader landscape of augmented reality trends in entrepreneurship studies. It summarizes the contributions from each category of studies and discusses the most influential studies. A systematic literature review was conducted on augmented reality in entrepreneurial studies from 1970 to 2020. A total of 28 papers have been reviewed. Twelve papers were selected that were classified based on users' intention toward an innovative business model with the support of theoretical underpinning. It organizes research areas with a few augmented reality studies and future research opportunities in creative entrepreneurial activities. There is a growing trend of augmented reality toward new ventures as most users feel motivated to interact with virtual objectives in the real world. This study would be helpful for entrepreneurs and academicians to understand the practices of augmented reality in designing new business ventures.
A revision of Panicum sect. Dichotomiflora (Poaceae: Panicoideae: Paniceae)
Authors: Zuloaga Fernando O.
Published: September 2022

Panicum sect. Dichotomiflora comprises a complex of annual and perennial species, distributed all over the world. They are characterized by its glabrous, ellipsoid to ovoid or lanceolate spikelets, with the lower glume 1/6 to 1/4(-1/3) the length of the spikelet, nerveless to 3-nerved, and upper glume and lower lemma subequal, 7-11(-13)-nerved. A total of 20 species are recognized in the section: Panicum aquaticum, P. dichotomiflorum, P. gilvum, P. impeditum, P. lacustre, P. laevinode, P. luzonense, P. madipirense, P. mlahiense, P. obseptum, P. paludosum, P. perangustatum, P. pilgerianum, P. porphyrrhizos, P. schinzii, P. subalbidum, P. sublaeve, P. sumatrense, P. trichonode, and P. vaseyanum. Also, lectotypes are designated for Panicum hygrophilum, P. ingens, P. lacustre, P. longiramum, P. oryzetorum, P. madipirense, P. porphyrrhizos, P. praelongum, P. proliferum var. longijubatum, and P. telmatodes. A geographic analysis of the species is presented, together with illustrations, and a key for the species. Additional comments on morphology of sect. Dichotomiflora are also included.