bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Loss to Follow-up of Elderly Patients After Hip Fracture Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Rui Min , Hui Yujian , Mao Jiannan , Ma Tao , Zheng Xin
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Non-attendance with scheduled postoperative follow-up visits remains a common issue in orthopaedic clinical research. The objective of this study was to identify the risk factors associated with loss to follow-up among elderly patients with hip-fracture postoperatively.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 1-year post-surgery was performed on patients aged over 60 years who underwent hip-fracture surgery from January 2017 to March 2019. Based on their completion of the appointed follow-up schedule, the patients were classified into 2 groups: the Loss to Follow-up (LTFU) Group and the Follow-up (FU) Group. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by Functional Recovery Score (FRS) questionnaires. Telephone interviews were conducted with patients lost to follow-up to determine the reasons for non-attendance. A comparative analysis of baseline characteristics between the 2 groups was implemented, with further exploration of statistical differences through logistic regression.

Results

A total of 992 patients met the inclusion criteria were included in this study, of which 189 patients, accounting for 19.1%, were lost to follow-up 1 year postoperatively. The mean age of the patients in the LTFU Group was 82.0 years, significantly higher than the 76.0 years observed in the FU Group ( P < 0.001). The FRS for the LTFU Group was marginally higher than that of the FU group (84.0 vs 81.0), with no significant difference ( P = 0.060). Logistic regression analysis identified several significant predictors of noncompliance, including advanced age at surgery, femoral neck fracture, hip arthroplasty, long distance from residence to hospital, and the reliance on urban-rural public transportation for reaching the hospital.

Conclusion

Postoperative follow-up loss was prevalent among elderly patients with hip fractures. Our study indicated a constellation of risk factors contributing to noncompliance, including advanced age, transportation difficulties, long travel distance, femoral neck fracture and hip arthroplasty surgery.
Are Fluent Anchors More Effective? Field Experiment on Anchoring, Anchor Fluency, and Willingness to Pay
Authors: Simkova Tereza , Durinik Michal , Prochazka Jakub
Published: August 2024

Processing fluency of stimuli has been shown to impact consumers’ decision-making. We investigate whether inhibiting the processing fluency of an anchor results in a more pronounced anchoring effect, as is proposed in the existing literature. We use a point-of-purchase field experiment to test the hypothesis that a disfluent anchor in a product name influences consumers’ willingness to pay for this product more than a fluent anchor. The results provide strong support against the fluency—willingness to pay relationship. Contrary to theoretical predictions, our study cautions marketing practitioners against the use of low-fluency anchors in product names.
Hemolacria due to possible idiopathic intracranial hypertension: A case report
Authors: Braca Simone , Russo Cinzia Valeria , Stornaiuolo Antonio , Miele Angelo , Cretella Gennaro , Giannini Caterina , De Simone Roberto
Published: August 2024

Background

Hemolacria, the excretion of blood-tinged tears, merges biological oddity with mysticism. This report discusses a unique case of hemolacria in a patient with possible idiopathic intracranial hypertension without papilledema (IIHWOP), resolving after acetazolamide treatment, exploring a potential pathogenic link.

Case Presentation

A 50-year-old male experienced daily hemolacria for three months along with occasional epistaxis and otorrhagia. He also suffered from chronic migraine, often accompanied with blurred vision and vertigo, and primary stabbing headache. Systemic and neurological assessments, along with computed tomography (CT) brain scans, ophthalmological and hematological tests revealed no underlying diseases. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) along with magnetic resonance venography, indicated left transverse sinus aplasia, bilateral ocular bulb flattening and enlargement of optic nerve sheaths, suggesting increased intracranial pressure. The patient began acetazolamide treatment. In the next three months, he experienced only four bleeding episodes and a dramatic reduction of monthly migraine days.

Discussion

Our report first associates hemolacria with possible IIHWOP, proposing a new pathogenic pathway. A derangement in the glymphatic system, implicated in idiopathic intracranial hypertension pathophysiology, could explain its ocular symptoms, including hemolacria. Our findings may contribute to understanding IIHWOP and the glympathic system's role in ocular physiology.
Left high and dry: The negative impacts of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) home elevation policies on coastal communities in lower Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana
Authors: McCall Grant S. , Greaves Russell D. , Horn Sherman W.
Published: August 2024

In recent years, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has sought to enforce home elevation policies more strictly across coastal Southeast Louisiana. These policies are meant to protect homes from flooding resulting from tropical storms. Such policies, however, are widely reviled by coastal community residents. This paper presents the results of ethnographic research conducted in Lower Plaquemines Parish investigating the reasons why coastal community residents hold such antipathy towards home elevation requirements. Above all, we find that there is enormous anxiety and deep resentment concerning the impacts of home elevation requirements. We show that such mandates are fundamentally at odds with vernacular architectural adaptations—especially the utilisation of trailers and other forms of modular housing—and they interfere with key features of residential mobility practices. Furthermore, many residents perceive FEMA home elevation policies as an element of a broader government conspiracy to depopulate the coast and drive out coastal community residents. We argue that the FEMA policies would be better informed and more effective based on a thorough ethnographic consideration of both the socioeconomic context of coastal communities and vernacular architectural strategies as they relate to issues of risk reduction and disaster recovery. Rather than forcing coastal communities into a one-size-fits-all risk reduction policy, we argue for a more flexible and locally informed approach building on existing cultural practices, social systems, and inherited knowledge.
Novel insights into vancomycin-loaded calcium sulfate and negative pressure wound therapy in preventing infections in open fractures
Authors: Jia Bei , Xue Rui , Li Jia , Guo Jichao , Liu Jianning
Published: August 2024

Background

Open fractures are challenging due to susceptibility to Staphylococcus aureus infections. This study examines the impact of Vancomycin-Loaded Calcium Sulfate (VLCS) and negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) on macrophage behavior in enhancing healing and infection resistance. Both VLCS and NPWT were evaluated individually and in combination to determine their effects on macrophage polarization and infection resistance in open fractures.

Methods

Through single-cell RNA sequencing, genomic expressions in macrophages from open fracture patients treated with VLCS and NPWT were compared to a control group. The analysis focused on MBD2 gene changes related to macrophage polarization.

Results

Remarkable modifications in MBD2 expression in the treatment group indicate a shift towards M2 macrophage polarization. Additionally, the combined treatment group exhibited greater improvements in infection resistance and healing compared to the individual treatments. This shift suggests a healing-promoting atmosphere with improved infection resilience.

Conclusions

VLCS and NPWT demonstrate the ability to alter macrophage behavior toward M2 polarization, which is crucial for infection prevention in open fractures. The synergistic effect of their combined use shows even greater promise in enhancing outcomes in orthopedic trauma care.
Patient-perceived factors on treatment satisfaction in early onset scoliosis treated surgically with a minimum of ten years
Authors: Lau Kenney Ki Lee , Kwan Kenny Yat Hong , Cheung Jason Pui Yin , Wong Janus Siu Him , Shea Graham Ka Hon , Law Karlen Ka Pui , Cheung Kenneth Man Chee
Published: August 2024

Background

The prognosis of surgically treated subjects with early onset scoliosis (EOS) into adulthood has been lacking. We aimed to investigate the patients’ perspectives on satisfaction with surgical treatment.

Methodology

We included all surgical candidates with EOS who had undergone index spinal surgery for scoliosis correction between 2009 and 2013. The minimum duration of postoperative follow-up was 10 years at the time of survey completion. Three questionnaires were used in this study, comprising the revised Scoliosis Research Society questionnaire (SRS-22r), the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29), and the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF). Measures of treatment satisfaction were retrieved from SRS-22r.

Results

There were 29 participants who completed the survey, and thereby included in the study (i.e., a response rate of 43% and a dropout rate of 6%). Amongst them, 14, 11, and 4 individuals received posterior spinal fusion (PSF), magnetically controlled growing rods (MCGR), and traditional growing rods, respectively. The average duration after the index spinal surgery was 12.6 ± 2.2 years. Our findings revealed that self-image (across all treatment groups), sleep disruption (only in PSF), and social aspects (in both PSF and MCGR) were significantly worse when compared to the normative values. According to the multivariable linear regression model (R-square = 0.690, p < .001), an increase in SRS-22r mental health (p = .008) and PROMIS-29 social participation scores (p = .004) corresponded to 0.511 and 0.055 points increases in satisfaction. Every unit increase in PROMIS-29 fatigue (p = .043) and WHOQOL-BREF physical domain scores (p = .007) was in conjunction with 0.019 and 0.040 points decreases in satisfaction. SRS-22r self-image (p = .056) and WHOQOL-BREF environmental domain scores (p = .076) were included in the model but did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions

To improve the long term quality of life in surgical candidates with EOS, we demonstrated that mental health, social participation, fatigue, and physical health were significant factors associated with treatment satisfaction. Interestingly, demographic and radiographic parameters did not have a significant effect in our cohort.
A registry-based comparative analysis of antibiotic usage reporting for adult cattle on Danish dairy farms
Authors: Henningsen Maj Beldring , Kristensen Jeanette , Kirkeby Carsten Thure , Nielsen Søren Saxmose
Published: August 2024

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health concern, necessitating the monitoring of antimicrobial usage (AMU). However, there is a lack of consensus on the standardized collection and reporting of AMU data in the veterinary field. In Denmark, the Danish Cattle Database (DCDB) contains treatment information on animal level, which allows counting of number of treatments carried out, used daily doses (UDD). The Danish VetStat database (VetStat) contains information on veterinary medicinal prescriptions at farm level and uses fixed standard doses of each product to calculate number of daily treatments, animal daily doses (ADD). This study aimed to compare two different numerators, UDD and ADD, used to describe AMU on Danish cattle farms, and estimate their correlation.

Results

Routinely collected registry data from conventional dairy farms in Denmark for 2019 were used, including a total of 2,197 conventional dairy farms. The data from VetStat and the DCDB were aggregated and analysed, and treatment frequencies (TF) were calculated for both UDD and ADD, adjusting for farm size. Spearman correlation analysis and Bland–Altman plots were employed to assess the relationship and agreement between TF for ADD and UDD, respectively.

The results showed a high correlation between TF for ADD and UDD for most prescription groups, i.e., groups used to categorise antibiotics based on target organs. An exception is found for the Udder prescription group, where a systematic underreporting of UDD compared to ADD was observed. This discrepancy may be due to combination treatments, and potential missing or grouped registrations in the DCDB.

Conclusions

Our UDD and ADD comparison yields valuable insights on farm-level AMU. We observe strong correlations between UDD and ADD, except for udder treatments, where some farms report only 1/3 UDD compared to ADD, indicating potential underreporting. Further investigations are needed to understand the factors contributing to these patterns and to ensure the accuracy and completeness of recorded information. Standardizing AMU data collection and reporting remains crucial to tackle the global challenge of AMR effectively.
C-peptide: an essential ally in microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity
Authors: Esze Regina , Barna Sándor , Fülöp Péter , Kempler Péter , Mikó Márton , Páll Dénes , Paragh György , Somodi Sándor , Emri Miklós , Képes Zita , Garai Ildikó , Káplár Miklós
Published: August 2024

Background

In order to investigate microvascular complications in metabolic diseases, we aimed to investigate cerebral and peripheral microcirculation in relation to peripheral neuropathy and laboratory biomarkers in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity.

Methods

Based on the degree of neuropathy (NP), study participants (40 T2DM and 30 obese individuals) were classified into no-NP, mild-NP and severe-NP subgroups. After the injection of Technetium-99 m hexamethylpropylene amine oxime, both T2DM and obese participants underwent single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography ([99mTc]Tc-HMPAO SPECT/CT) and SPECT-only examinations to assess lower limb and brain perfusion; respectively. Peripheral nerve function was evaluated with a neurometer and glycaemic markers were measured from plasma in both groups.

Results

Compared to the obese individuals, lower extremity perfusion was significantly reduced in the diabetic subjects (p < 0.005), while it showed a positive correlation with C-peptide levels and negative association with HbA1c values. A U-shape pattern of peripheral microcirculation was observed between the NP groups, indicating a surprisingly better perfusion in the severe-NP group than in the mild one, with the highest levels in obese patients. Since changes in the C-peptide levels exhibited a similar U-shaped trend across the NP subgroups, we suggest a positive correlation between C-peptide levels and the extent of peripheral perfusion. Although, C-peptide values and cerebral microcirculation correlated positively (rho = 0.27), brain perfusion did not show any differences neither between the diabetic and the obese patients, nor between the NP subgroups (at p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Establishing the link between neuropathy and peripheral microcirculation, C-peptide seems to be a promising biomarker for the prediction of microvascular alterations in metabolic diseases. Of note, the dominance of metabolic factors over microvascular damage in the development of obesity-related neuropathy should be emphasized as well.
Impact of food price inflation on stunting in under five aged children in Bangladesh
Authors: Sadikeen Sheikh Sifat , Haque Nazmul , Hossain Md Miraj , Uddin Md Jamal
Published: August 2024

Background

Currently, food price inflation is a widespread issue in Bangladesh as well as the rest of the world. Malnutrition is a common issue among children that can have long-lasting effects on their development and overall health. There have been lots of studies conducted to identify the factors responsible for child malnutrition, but inflation is rarely considered a factor in child malnutrition. We aimed to determine the relationship between food price inflation and stunting (Height-for-Age Z-score (HAZ)) in children under five years of age in Bangladesh.

Method

The study utilized food price data from the World Food Programme database and malnutrition (stunting) information from the 2014 and 2017-18 Bangladesh Demographic Health Surveys (BDHS). This includes the total study period from 2009 to 2018. Food prices were linked to the BDHS dataset using each child’s birth month. For each child, the average food prices from 9 months prior to 5 months post-birth, including their birth month, were recorded to calculate month-to-month inflation. This inflation was computed for rice (coarse), oil, wheat flour, and lentils by comparing the price sum of each item from one month to the previous month and dividing by the total price of the preceding month. A generalized linear regression model was used to assess the relationship between food price inflation and stunting, with stunting as the dependent variable. Other explanatory variables included wealth index, sex of the child, height, weight, mother’s education, respondent’s current pregnancy, and breastfeeding status.

Results

Our study has revealed that food price inflation has a significant negative effect on stunting, with a coefficient of -0.127 (p < 0.001). Furthermore, we have identified several other factors that have also significantly negative associations with stunting, including the wealth index (p < 0.001), mother’s education level (p < 0.001), mother’s pregnancy status (p < 0.001), breastfeeding (p < 0.001), child’s age (p < 0.001). child’s weight (p < 0.001) has significantly positive effect on stunting. However, we did not find any significant differences in stunting between boys and girls.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the findings of this study underscore the significant negative impact of food price inflation on child stunting, emphasizing the need to acknowledge this factor alongside others. These results highlight the critical role of addressing food price inflation as a key determinant of stunting, in conjunction with various other contributing factors, in efforts to combat childhood malnutrition.
Discrete Schrödinger equation on graphs: An effective model for branched quantum lattice
Authors: Akramov M. , Trunk C. , Yusupov J. , Matrasulov D.
Published: August 2024

We propose an approach to quantize discrete networks (graphs with discrete edges). We introduce a new exact solution of the discrete Schrödinger equation that is used to write the solution for quantum graphs. The formulation of the problem and derivation of secular equation for arbitrary quantum graphs is presented. The application of the approach for the star graph is demonstrated by obtaining eigenfunctions and eigenvalues explicitely. The practical application of the model in conducting polymers and branched molecular chains is discussed.
Interspecific hybridisation provides a low-risk option for increasing genetic diversity of reef-building corals
Authors: Lamb Annika M. , Peplow Lesa M. , Dungan Ashley M. , Ferguson Sophie N. , Harrison Peter L. , Humphrey Craig A. , McCutchan Guy A. , Nitschke Matthew R. , van Oppen Madeleine J. H.
Published: August 2024

Interspecific hybridisation increases genetic diversity and has played a significant role in the evolution of corals in the genus Acropora. In vitro fertilisation can be used to increase the frequency of hybridisation among corals, potentially enhancing their ability to adapt to climate change. Here, we assessed the field performance of hybrids derived from the highly cross-fertile coral species Acropora sarmentosa and Acropora florida from the Great Barrier Reef. Following outplanting to an inshore reef environment, the 10-month survivorship of the hybrid offspring groups was intermediate between that of the purebred groups, although not all pairwise comparisons were statistically significant. The A. florida purebreds, which had the lowest survivorship, were significantly larger at 10 months post-deployment compared to the other three groups. The four offspring groups harboured the same intracellular photosymbiont communities (Symbiodiniaceae), indicating that observed performance differences were due to the coral host and not photosymbiont communities. The limited differences in the performance of the groups and the lack of outbreeding depression of the F1 hybrids in the field suggest that interspecific hybridisation may be a useful method to boost the genetic diversity, and as such increase the adaptive capacity, of coral stock for restoration of degraded and potentially genetically eroded populations.
Investing in the Next Generation: The Long-Run Impacts of a Liquidity Shock
Authors: Agte Patrick , Bernhardt Arielle , Field Erica , Pande Rohini , Rigol Natalia
Published: August 2024

Poor entrepreneurs must frequently choose between business investment and children’s education. To examine this trade-off, we exploit experimental variation in short-run microenterprise growth among a sample of Indian households and track schooling and business outcomes over eleven years. Treated households, who experience higher initial microenterprise growth, are on average one-third more likely to send children to college. However, educational investment and schooling gains are concentrated among literate-parent households, whose enterprises eventually stagnate. In contrast, illiterate-parent households experience long-run business gains but declines in children’s education. Our findings suggest that microenterprise growth has the potential to reduce relative intergenerational educational mobility. (JEL I21, I26, I32, J13, L25, L26, O12)
Polarization-resolved second and third harmonic generation in 2D materials
Authors: Μαραγκάκης Γεώργιος-Μιλτιάδης
Published: August 2024

Στην παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή, μελετάται η γέννηση δεύτερης και τρίτης αρμονικής (second and third harmonic generation - SHG, THG) που παράγεται από δισδιάστατα (2D) υλικά, όταν αλληλεπιδρούν με το πεδίο λέιζερ. Χρησιμοποιώντας σάρωση λέιζερ, καταγράφονται χωρικά διακριτές εντάσεις SHG ή THG, καθώς περιστρέφεται η γραμμική πόλωση τού πεδίου τού λέιζερ, εκτελώντας απεικόνιση μικροσκοπίας SHG ή THG με εξάρτηση από την πόλωση (polarization-resolved SHG or THG - P-SHG, P-THG). Έπειτα, τα πειραματικά δεδομένα περιγράφονται με εξισώσεις βασισμένες σε κατάλληλα μοντέλα μη γραμμικής οπτικής. Οι μέθοδοι που παρουσιάζονται είναι εξολοκλήρου οπτικές, καλύπτουν μεγάλη περιοχή, είναι ελάχιστα επεμβατικές και γρήγορες. Στην πρώτη εργασία (Κεφάλαιο 2), γίνεται P-SHG απεικόνιση σε ένα ατομικά λεπτό κρύσταλλο δισουλφιδίου τού βολφραμίου (WS2), ο οποίος ανήκει στα διχαλκογενή μέταλλα μετάπτωσης, και εξάγεται πληροφορία για την κατανομή τής κρυσταλλικής διεύθυνσης. Στη δεύτερη εργασία (Κεφάλαιο 3), παρουσιάζεται μία τεχνική μη γραμμικής οπτικής απεικόνισης, βασισμένη σε μικροσκοπία SHG και ένα μοντέλο συμβολής SHG, προκειμένου να χαρτογραφηθεί σε μία 2D ετεροδομή WS2/δισουλφιδίου του μολυβδαινίου (MoS2) η σχετική γωνία (twist angle). Στην τρίτη εργασία (Κεφάλαιο 4), μελετώνται οι P-SHG ιδιότητες πολύ λεπτών κρυστάλλων θειούχου κασσίτερου (tin(II) sulfide - SnS). Το SnS χαρακτηρίζεται από “εντός-του-επιπέδου” (in-plane) ανισοτροπική απόκριση, προσφέροντας έναν επιπλέον βαθμό ελευθερίας στην αξιοποίηση των ιδιοτήτων του. Υπολογίζονται οι κρυσταλλογραφικές διευθύνσεις, καθώς και τα σχετικά μεγέθη των στοιχείων τού τένσορα τής δεύτερης-τάξης μη γραμμικής οπτικής επιδεκτικότητας. Στην τέταρτη εργασία (Κεφάλαιο 5), δείχνεται ότι το σήμα THG που παράγεται από πολύ λεπτό SnS είναι in-plane ανισοτροπικό, σε σχέση με την προσπίπτουσα γραμμική πόλωση τού πεδίου τού λέιζερ. Υπολογίζονται τα σχετικά μεγέθη των στοιχείων τού τένσορα τής τρίτης-τάξης μη γραμμικής οπτικής επιδεκτικότητας.
Code and Data Repository for Let the Laser Beam Connect the Dots: Forecasting and Narrating Stock Market Volatility
Authors: Zhang Zhu (Drew) , Yuan Jie , Gupta Amulya
Published: August 2024

We implement LASER in PyTorch. The implementation of LASER-BEAM is based on constrained_decoding. This is an example of how to set up the project locally and run LASER model.
Legionella pneumophila presenting as a rare cause of acute thrombocytopenia: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Berenji Ryan , Faisal Sarah , Hussain Syed Ather , Faisal Asma , Faisal Hafsa
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Legionella pneumophila can cause a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from a mild flu-like illness to fulminant multi-organ involvement, characterised by severe pneumonia, diarrhoea, encephalopathy, shock, hepatic dysfunction and renal failure. Very rarely, it can be associated with haematologic conditions such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). We report a rare case of L. pneumophila causing ITP and review previously published cases of thrombocytopenia associated with Legionellosis in the literature. Case description: A 53-year-old male presented with fevers, chills, a productive cough and severe haemoptysis. Blood work was remarkable for leukocytosis, severe thrombocytopenia and hyponatraemia. Computed tomography (CT) imaging showed left lower lobe lung consolidation, and a peripheral blood smear showed giant platelets consistent with ITP. Legionella urine antigen testing returned positive. He was treated with intravenous immunoglobin, steroid taper and a ten-day course of azithromycin, which led to normalisation of his platelet count and resolution of the pneumonia. Discussion: L. pneumophila can lead to complement-mediated destruction of platelets resulting in ITP. Antibodies against L. pneumophila can also cross-react with the enzyme ADAMTS13, inhibiting its function and resulting in TTP and HUS. Additionally, L. pneumophila can infect vascular endothelial cells causing their death and stimulating release of von Willebrand factor (vWF) multimers into the bloodstream, promoting thrombosis and platelet consumption. Conclusion: It is important for internists to consider L. pneumophila in the differential for any patient presenting with pneumonia and severe thrombocytopenia. Earlier detection and intervention can lead to prevention of critical bleeding and better outcomes.
Analysis of Submitting Payments at The End of The Year in the PDAM Budget Management System Using Random Forest Classifier
Authors: Winata Fahmi Agil , Atok R. Mohamad
Published: August 2024

Submission of payments to providers as part of budget absorption in the budget management system at PDAM Surabaya is an important stage in carrying out the company's activity program. The classic problem is the tendency for payment applications to pile up at the end of the year or in the fourth quarter, resulting in several findings that have not been completed or canceled. Automatically there is also the risk of an increase in cash flow, an increase in the workload in the finance department and a lack of quality spending or company investment as well as vendor difficulties. This study aims to model the random forest classifier and analyze the tendency of accumulation of payment requests in the fourth quarter. The research process starts with data collection and processing using the Machine Learning method, in this case the development of the Random Forest Classifier model, data testing, and analysis of test results. The performance evaluation of the model shows very good results with near-perfect scores (1.0) for all evaluation metrics used: accuracy, precision, recall, and F1- scores. The AUC (Area Under the Curve) value on the testing data is also very high, although slightly lower than that of the training data. Overall, the evaluation results show that a model that has been trained using training data can very well generalize and predict new data in data testing. This indicates that the model has good performance and can carry out classifications with high accuracy
Implementation of Design Thinking in Data Integration System Design PT X
Authors: Arsyad M. Aditya Putra , Lakoro Rahmatsyam , Nadlifatin Reny
Published: August 2024

In today's fast-paced and sophisticated era, companies that want to progress and develop will adapt information systems. The information system that is widely used by large companies is data integration. Data integration can provide many positive things to companies such as cost efficiency, time efficiency, security, accuracy, and so on. Data integration in the finance section, for example, can provide real-time data for operational costs that can be seen by other departments and even leaders. Integration can also make the approval process faster because it can be done online, so that the data integration system must be taken by companies that want to continue to progress and develop. PT X, which is engaged in the construction sector, has not yet implemented an integrated system. PT X still uses traditional methods internally such as still using hard files for submitting and recording operational needs, where several frauds have occurred. Design thinking is used to assist the development and manufacture of an information system according to the wishes of the user. In several previous studies, information system developers found an increase in user satisfaction compared to information system developers who did not use design thinking. PT X wants to develop an information system that can record operational costs for each project and factory owned in order to make it easier to check data and improve data accuracy, so as to reduce fraud that occurs in operational reports on projects. The expected result of this research is a data integration application design.
Small animal review
Authors: Gough Alex
Published: August 2024

Lymphoma is a commonly encountered neoplasm in veterinary medicine. Various therapeutic protocols have been described that provide good short-to medium-term remission, but long-term prognosis tends to be poor. Most treatments involve chemotherapy, but lymphoma is also responsive to radiotherapy. Unfortunately, because of the systemic nature of the disease, full body irradiation is required; this can lead to marked adverse effects. Please note that not all medications mentioned in this article are licensed for the species and/or indication discussed.
Management of feline osteoarthritis
Authors: Eyre Kelly
Published: August 2024

Osteoarthritis is a debilitating age-related disease seen commonly in cats from the age of 6 years. Identifying joint pain in cats can be difficult, therefore educating owners on the disease is important to ensure early detection. This article will explore how osteoarthritis can be diagnosed and managed through a multi-modal approach, alongside support from the whole team, to improve the quality of life in these feline patients.
Docile Bodies: The Regulation of Sexuality and Reproduction
Authors: Bobb Daniele
Published: August 2024

Abstract: This paper demonstrates the regulation of women's pregnant bodies through and by discourses of care. It illustrates how present practices reflect those of slavery where the dressing of the body, styling of the hair, and dancing, communicated gender difference that complicated sexual difference. The presentation explores the body as material, fleshy, changing, and regulated. It demonstrates that even when motherhood is seen as a social construct, there is a sexual attachment to certain practices of mothering (such as pregnancy and breastfeeding) that speaks to its materiality which intersect with the ideological aspect of motherhood. Michel Foucault argues that the social actor is a mere body, and power is exercised upon individuals as bodies are categorized, trained in procedures, and placed in hierarchies. The body therefore becomes docile through its ability to learn, and to internalize discourses that regulate thoughts and behaviors. Using the narratives of ten CARICOM mothers residing in Barbados, this paper unpacks the body politic of motherhood, noting specifically how motherhood operates as institution.
"It Takes a Man to Work in Hell": The Hairy Ape and The Self-Destructive Paradox of White Working-Class Masculinity
Authors: Cook Jesse
Published: August 2024

abstract: Adding to scholarship that addresses Eugene O'Neill's expressionist play, The Hairy Ape (1922), as an exposition of class inequality, labor exploitation, and masculine identity, I examine the critique inherent in Yank's articulation of white working-class masculinity. More than a mere victim of these systems, I argue that Yank also upholds and ennobles the drudgery of industrial capitalism as a means of reclaiming labor authority as a superior white worker. The play articulates how working-class pride in the hardships of work reinforces and valorizes systemic problems that perpetuate such dangerous and oppressive working conditions while simultaneously foreclosing opportunities for labor solidarity.
Efficient, gigapixel-scale, aberration-free whole slide scanner using angular ptychographic imaging with closed-form solution
Authors: Zhao Shi , Zhou Haowen , Lin Siyu (Steven) , Cao Ruizhi , Yang Changhuei
Published: August 2024

Whole slide imaging provides a wide field-of-view (FOV) across cross-sections of biopsy or surgery samples, significantly facilitating pathological analysis and clinical diagnosis. Such high-quality images that enable detailed visualization of cellular and tissue structures are essential for effective patient care and treatment planning. To obtain such high-quality images for pathology applications, there is a need for scanners with high spatial bandwidth products, free from aberrations, and without the requirement for z-scanning. Here we report a whole slide imaging system based on angular ptychographic imaging with a closed-form solution (WSI-APIC), which offers efficient, tens-of-gigapixels, large-FOV, aberration-free imaging. WSI-APIC utilizes oblique incoherent illumination for initial high-level segmentation, thereby bypassing unnecessary scanning of the background regions and enhancing image acquisition efficiency. A GPU-accelerated APIC algorithm analytically reconstructs phase images with effective digital aberration corrections and improved optical resolutions. Moreover, an auto-stitching technique based on scale-invariant feature transform ensures the seamless concatenation of whole slide phase images. In our experiment, WSI-APIC achieved an optical resolution of 772 nm using a 10×/0.25 NA objective lens and captures 80-gigapixel aberration-free phase images for a standard 76.2 mm × 25.4 mm microscopic slide.
Matrix-based Fourier analysis of matrix signals and systems for polarization optics
Authors: Wang Wei
Published: August 2024

Matrix functions are, of course, indispensable and of primary concern in polarization optics when the vector nature of light has been considered. This paper is devoted to investigating matrix-based Fourier analysis of two-dimensional matrix signals and systems. With the aid of the linearity and the superposition integral of matrix functions, the theory of linear invariant matrix systems has been constructed by virtue of six matrix-based integral transformations [i.e., matrix (direct) convolution, matrix (direct) correlation, and matrix element-wise convolution/correlation]. Properties of the matrix-based Fourier transforms have been introduced with some applications including the identity impulse matrix, matrix sampling theorem, width, bandwidth and their uncertainty relation for the matrix signal, and Haagerup’s inequality for matrix normalization. The coherence time and the effective spectral width of the stochastic electromagnetic wave have been discussed as an application example to demonstrate how to apply the proposed mathematical tools in analyzing polarization-dependent Fourier optics.
Enhanced luminescence efficiency in GaN-based blue laser diodes by H plasma technology
Authors: Wang Lu , Xu Kun , Yu Guohao , Ren Xiaoyu , Qin Xulei , Zhang Li , Chen Tiwei , Zhang Fan , Li Fangzhi , Zhou Jiaan , Xue Bangda , Zeng Zhongming , Liu Jianping , Zhang Baoshun
Published: August 2024

To the best of our knowledge, this paper is the first to report the application of H plasma treatment technology to the treatment of laser diode ridge. Through the H plasma passivation on the ridge of the laser diode, a neutral complexes layer (i.e., Mg-H) is formed on the ridge, which effectively reduces ridge leakage current, thus reducing the threshold current of the laser diode and significantly improving the slope efficiency. The ridge were treated with H plasma using the Oxford Plasmalab System 100 ICP 180. The lasers' leakage current, optical power, emission wavelength, and other parameters were measured using a Cascade150 + B1505A probe station system, along with matched optical power meters and fiber optic spectrometers. Specifically, this study successfully fabricates a GaN-based blue laser diode characterized by a threshold current as low as 0.42 A and a slope efficiency as high as 1.96 W/A. Compared with the traditional silicon oxide-mediated ridge treated laser, the threshold current of the laser passivated by H plasma is reduced by 0.13 A, and the slope efficiency is increased by 0.56 W/A. This research not only enhances the performance of laser diodes but also has the potential to expand their application in multiple fields.
Tunable polarization-insensitive multifocal metalens based on an inverse design framework
Authors: Liu Yongqi , Chi Cheng , Cheng Dewen , Wang Yongtian
Published: August 2024

Multifocal metalenses are effective elements for longitudinal light field modulation and have important applications in long-focal depth imaging and three-dimensional display. However, the forward design method is subject to destructive interference generated by phase discontinuity, and cannot achieve high-efficiency, tunable multifocal metalenses. Therefore, we propose an efficient and tunable inverse design framework based on the adjoint method and gradient strategy, transforming light field modulation into mathematical optimization of nonlinear constraints. As proof, a trifocal metalens based on the inverse design framework is proposed with a focusing efficiency of 41%, and the focal length deviation is less than 1 µm. Then, trifocal metalenses operating in the visible range with focusing efficiencies of more than 30% are designed to demonstrate the multi-wavelength optimization capability of the framework. Besides, we verified the tunable ability of the inverse design framework and achieved trifocal metalenses with a relative light intensity tuning range of 0.3-1 and a focal length interval tuning range of 20-60 µm, respectively. The inverse design framework avoids complex physical reasoning and prior knowledge in the design process and promotes the development of multifunctional photonic devices.
Absorption line broadening in atomic beams produced in a molecular beam epitaxy environment
Authors: Rousseau Roman , Morville Jérôme , Botella Claude , Saint-Girons Guillaume
Published: August 2024

Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) is used to measure the 6s2 1S-5d6p 3D0 absorption line profile of a Ba atomic beam produced in a molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) reactor. Despite the noisy MBE environment, a signal-to-noise ratio up to 100 is obtained thanks to a thorough optimization of the measurement setup. A model that realistically describes this absorption profile is presented, taking into account the angular distribution of atomic concentration in the atomic beam as well as the reactor and setup geometry. Our results highlight the influence of the latter on the Doppler line broadening, and allows to estimate the angular distribution of concentration in the beam emitted by the effusion cell. The model can be adapted to estimate the absorption profile for any element in any reactor geometry, making it a useful tool to design MBE dedicated atomic absorption sensors such as optical flux monitoring sensors, or to characterize the beam emitted by any effusion cell.
High power lateral coupled InAs/GaAs quantum dot distributed feedback lasers grown on Si(001) substrates
Authors: Wang Shuai , Lv Zunren , Wang Shenglin , Chai Hongyu , Liu Wanlin , Jiang Kehan , Yang Xiaoguang , Yang Tao
Published: August 2024

High-quality single-frequency semiconductor lasers play a key role in silicon optical integrated systems. Combining high density 8-stacked quantum dot (QD) material and low–loss laterally coupled gratings, we here demonstrate a high output power, low noise, and insensitivity to light feedback 1.3 µm InAs/GaAs QD distributed feedback (DFB) laser grown on Si(001) substrates. For a QD DFB laser of a 3 × 1500 µm2 cavity, it exhibits a high single-mode output light power of up to 25 mW at 20 °C and 1.8 mW at 70 °C, respectively and maintains a stable single–mode operation in the entirely measured temperature range with a maximum side mode suppression ratio (SMSR) of 56.5 dB. Furthermore, the laser has an average relative intensity noise value low to –155.9 dB/Hz and a Lorentzian linewidth narrow to 243 kHz. In addition, the laser shows an insensitivity to optical feedback with a feedback level of –24.9 dB. Lastly, a 7-channel QD DFB laser array emitting at wavelengths from 1274.5 nm to 1290.0 nm are also exhibited with all SMSRs of higher than 45 dB. The results achieved here enable a practical single-frequency Si-based light source for the development of high-performance silicon photonic chips.
A taxon-restricted duplicate of Iroquois3 is required for patterning the spider waist
Authors: Setton Emily V. W. , Ballesteros Jesús A. , Blaszczyk Pola O. , Klementz Benjamin C. , Sharma Prashant P.
Published: August 2024

The chelicerate body plan is distinguished from other arthropod groups by its division of segments into 2 tagmata: the anterior prosoma (“cephalothorax”) and the posterior opisthosoma (“abdomen”). Little is understood about the genetic mechanisms that establish the prosomal-opisthosomal (PO) boundary. To discover these mechanisms, we created high-quality genomic resources for the large-bodied spider Aphonopelma hentzi. We sequenced specific territories along the antero-posterior axis of developing embryos and applied differential gene expression analyses to identify putative regulators of regional identity. After bioinformatic screening for candidate genes that were consistently highly expressed in only 1 tagma (either the prosoma or the opisthosoma), we validated the function of highly ranked candidates in the tractable spider model Parasteatoda tepidariorum. Here, we show that an arthropod homolog of the Iroquois complex of homeobox genes is required for proper formation of the boundary between arachnid tagmata. The function of this homolog had not been previously characterized, because it was lost in the common ancestor of Pancrustacea, precluding its investigation in well-studied insect model organisms. Knockdown of the spider copy of this gene, which we designate as waist-less, in P. tepidariorum resulted in embryos with defects in the PO boundary, incurring discontinuous spider germ bands. We show that waist-less is required for proper specification of the segments that span the prosoma-opisthosoma boundary, which in adult spiders corresponds to the narrowed pedicel. Our results demonstrate the requirement of an ancient, taxon-restricted paralog for the establishment of the tagmatic boundary that defines Chelicerata.
Digital assessment of cognitive-affective biases related to mental health
Authors: Park Sang-Eon , Chung Jisu , Lee Jeonghyun , Kim Minwoo JB , Kim Jinhee , Jeon Hong Jin , Kim Hyungsook , Woo Choongwan , Kim Hackjin , Lee Sang Ah
Published: August 2024

With an increasing societal need for digital therapy solutions for poor mental health, we face a corresponding rise in demand for scientifically validated digital contents. In this study we aimed to lay a sound scientific foundation for the development of brain-based digital therapeutics to assess and monitor cognitive effects of social and emotional bias across diverse populations and age-ranges. First, we developed three computerized cognitive tasks using animated graphics: 1) an emotional flanker task designed to test attentional bias, 2) an emotional go-no-go task to measure bias in memory and executive function, and 3) an emotional social evaluation task to measure sensitivity to social judgments. Then, we confirmed the generalizability of our results in a wide range of samples (children (N = 50), young adults (N = 172), older adults (N = 39), online young adults (N=93), and depression patients (N = 41)) using touchscreen and online computer-based tasks, and devised a spontaneous thought generation task that was strongly associated with, and therefore could potentially serve as an alternative to, self-report scales. Using PCA, we extracted five components that represented different aspects of cognitive-affective function (emotional bias, emotional sensitivity, general accuracy, and general/social attention). Next, a gamified version of the above tasks was developed to test the feasibility of digital cognitive training over a 2-week period. A pilot training study utilizing this application showed decreases in emotional bias in the training group (that were not observed in the control group), which was correlated with a reduction in anxiety symptoms. Using a 2-channel wearable EEG system, we found that frontal alpha and gamma power were associated with both emotional bias and its reduction across the 2-week training period.
Histoplasma capsulatum urinary antigen detection in a kidney transplant recipient with acute paracoccidioidomycosis: Case study and literature review
Authors: Oliveira Bastos Matheus , Varon Andréa Gina , Theodoro Pedro Henrique Nascimento , Falcão Eduardo Mastrangelo Marinho , Zancopé-Oliveira Rosely Maria , do Valle Antonio Carlos Francesconi , Almeida-Paes Rodrigo , de Macedo Priscila Marques
Published: August 2024

Background

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) and histoplasmosis are endemic fungal diseases in South America. Both can lead to lung involvement with fungal dissemination progressing to systemic and severe clinical manifestations, especially in immunosuppressed hosts. As the population of immunosuppressed individuals has been rising, a higher occurrence of fungal infections is predicted in this setting. This poses challenges regarding the differential diagnosis due to overlapping clinical and laboratorial findings, hampering the management of cases.

Objectives

In this study, the authors discuss the occurrence of a false-positive Histoplasma urinary antigen detection in a kidney transplant recipient with acute PCM. Given the scarce information about this subject, a review on literature data is provided.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted to investigate previous studies that found cross-reactivity between Histoplasma urinary antigen assays in human patients with confirmed diagnosis of PCM. Additionally, an update of PCM in transplant recipients is provided.

Findings

The included studies reported 120 samples from patients with PCM tested for Histoplasma antigen, presenting an overall cross-reactivity of 51.67% and 17 cases of PCM in transplant recipients. CONCLUSIONS: The galactomannan urinary antigen developed to diagnose histoplasmosis can cross react with PCM, which may represent a concern in countries where both mycoses overlap.