bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Between Orientalism and Anti-Muslim Racism
Authors: Shehabuddin Elora
Published: March 2022

This article explores some of the ways in which, in the early years of the united Pakistan experiment, elite educated Muslim East Bengali women experienced and narrated their relationship to the new Pakistan nation as they navigated the international stage as citizens of a new sovereign Muslim-majority state. In the context of the nascent Cold War and the Pakistani state’s efforts to develop its own relationship with the United States, one that was distinct from that of India and yet motivated almost entirely by concerns about the greater military might of this large neighbor, Pakistani women from both wings were quickly pulled into the orbit of US- and Soviet-sponsored women’s organizations targeting women around the world. In this article, the author focuses on the relationship between Pakistani and US women in the 1950s that emerges from the memoirs, biographies, and writings of Bengali Pakistani women active in this period, as well as from the archives—housed in Smith College’s Sophia Smith Collection—of one of the first formal US women’s groups to establish contact with East Bengali women leaders: the New York-based Committee of Correspondence.
Becoming “Black” and Muslim in Today’s Russia
Authors: Rabinovich Tatiana
Published: March 2022

Global anti-Muslim racism takes new and specific forms in contemporary Russia by mobilizing the shifting meanings of “Blackness” to stigmatize vulnerable populations. Stemming from the tsarist and Soviet pasts, these meanings of “Blackness” (and “whiteness”) have been refracted by the dramatic socioeconomic and political shifts since the collapse of the Soviet Union. This article draws on the accounts of working-class devout Muslim women, with whom the author conducted ethnographic fieldwork in Saint Petersburg between 2015 and 2017, to elucidate their experiences of how anti-Muslim racism operates as a tool of exclusion, deployed along racial, religious, ethnic, class, and gender lines. The women’s daily responses to anti-Muslim racism suggest how solidarities might sustain communities targeted by racism, while laying the foundations for future intersectional anti-racist movements in the country.
Queering Islam and Muslim Americanness
Authors: Husain Taneem
Published: March 2022

In the United States’ current cultural and political climate, stereotypes of Muslims, such as the destructive terrorist and oppressed burqa-clad woman, are ever-present. For Muslim Americans, breaking outside of these stereotypes is fraught: merely contesting these stereotypes is insufficient for inclusion. Muslim Americans are often required to construct central aspects of their identities—particularly religion, gender, and sexuality—so they become acceptable to mainstream American sensibilities, thus becoming “good” Muslims. This essay theorizes an alternative to this good/bad binary by imagining a “queer” Muslimness through Usama Alshaibi’s 2011 film Profane. Profane centers on Muna, a Muslim Arab-American professional dominatrix who attempts to reconcile her perverse sexuality with her religious identity. In doing so, she unravels understandings of both her role as a dominatrix and her Muslim identity, questioning the boundaries of these categories. Using queer of color critique and feminist theorizing on BDSM, this essay examines how Muna demands recognition of her Islamic sexuality and perverse Islam, navigating tensions as she disidentifies with these categories. While her attempts at recognition inevitably fail, Muna continues to insist on Islamic sexuality/perverse Islam by consuming the jinn that haunts her throughout the film. This essay demonstrates how Muna’s refusal to succumb to tensions of essentialized identity—particularly through linking religion and perverse sexuality—works to refute the standard monolithic view of Muslim American identity. Ultimately, in emphasizing how nonnormative and perverse religious practice helps build queer perspectives on identity, this paper expands queer theory’s burgeoning analyses on Muslim identity.
Laparoscopic Left Hemihepatectomy for Intrahepatic Cholangiocellular Carcinoma: An Adequate Lymphadenectomy is Also Possible in Artery Variation
Authors: Anselmo Alessandro , Siragusa Leandro , Pisani Gennaro , Materazzo Marco , Pirozzi Brunella , Tisone Giuseppe
Published: March 2022

Background

Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is becoming essential in the treatment of malignant liver tumors but only a few reports exist about LLR for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC).

Methods

We present a video of a laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy with lymphadenectomy for IHCC.

Case presentation

A 67-year-old asymptomatic male underwent a routine abdominal ultrasound, revealing a 15 × 9 mm solid nodular iso-hyperechoic lesion, located in SIII, with SII/III biliary duct dilation. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed a 32 × 22 mm lesion in SII/III, with mild hyper-intensity on T2-weighted images and strong hypo-intensity on T1-weighted images. After administration of contrast medium, the lesion showed light peripheral enhancement on the portal and delayed phases, and hypo-intensity on the hepatospecific phase. No relevant comorbidities were reported (KPS 100). Laboratory tests showed normal liver function and normal CA19-9 levels. A laparoscopic left hemihepatectomy was indicated.

Results

Operative time was 330 min. Four intermittent Pringle maneuver cycles were applied and no blood transfusions were administered. Intraoperative ultrasound confirmed preoperative findings and additionally highlighted involvement of the SIV duct. A full replacing right hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery was identified and was preserved during hilar dissection. Postoperative course was uneventful and the patient was discharged on postoperative day 3. The pathology report indicated cholangiocellular carcinoma pT1bN0. Twelve lymph nodes were retrieved.

Conclusions

According to recent literature reports and our experience, laparoscopic surgery for intrahepatic cholangiocellular carcinoma should be considered feasible and safe in selected patients. Hepatic artery variations allow for adequate lymphadenectomy. Oncological long-term results require multicenter randomized studies in order to be validated.
A public health intervention package for increasing tuberculosis notifications from private practitioners in Bandung, Indonesia (INSTEP2): A cluster-randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Hadisoemarto Panji Fortuna , Lestari Bony Wiem , Sharples Katrina , Afifah Nur , Chaidir Lidya , Huang Chuan-Chin , McAllister Susan , van Crevel Reinout , Murray Megan , Alisjahbana Bachti , Hill Philip C
Published: March 2022

Background. A significant proportion of tuberculosis (TB) patients globally make their initial visit for medical care to either an informal provider or a private practitioner, and many are not formally notified. Involvement of private practitioners (PPs) in a public–private mix for TB (TB-PPM) provides an opportunity for improving TB control. However, context-specific interventions beyond public–private agreements and mandatory notification are needed. In this study we will evaluate whether a tailored intervention package can increase TB notifications from PPs in Indonesia.

Methods. This is a cluster-randomized trial of a multi-component public health intervention. 36 community health centre (CHC) areas will be selected as study locations and randomly allocated to intervention and control arms (1:1). PPs in the intervention areas will be identified using a mapping exercise and recruited into the study if they are eligible and consent. They will receive a tailored intervention package including in-person education about TB management along with bimonthly electronic refreshers, context-specific selection of referral pathways, and access to a TB-reporting app developed in collaboration with the National TB programme. The primary hypothesis is that the intervention package will increase the TB notification rate. The primary outcome will be measured by collecting notification data from the CHCs in intervention and control arms at the end of a 1-year observation period and comparing with the 1-year pre-intervention. The primary analysis will be intention-to-treat at the cluster level, using a generalised mixed model with repeated measures of TB notifications for 1 year pre- and 1 year post-intervention.

Discussion. The results from this study will provide evidence on whether a tailored intervention package is effective in increasing the number of TB notifications, and whether the PPs refer presumptive TB cases correctly. The study results will guide policy in the development of TB-PPM in Indonesia and similar settings.
Method of studying infrasound waves from thunderstorms
Authors: Sorokin Aleksandr , Dobrynin Vasiliy
Published: March 2022

The paper provides an overview of studies of infrasound signals from thunderstorms over a period of more than 30 years. We deal with several types of infrasound signals from thunderstorms detected at the ISTP SB RAS infrasound station Badary in Buryatia. Special attention is paid to signals arising during the rarefaction phase. A mechanism for generating signals of this type by converting the energy of the electrostatic field into fluctuations in the pressure field was proposed by Dessler in 1973. We propose a method for identifying thunderstorm infrasound signals of various types: 1 — signals from an expanding thermal lightning channel; 2 — signals with an electrostatic generation mechanism. Using infrasound signals recorded earlier at the station in Buryatia as an example, we discuss the validity of the thunderstorm cloud model and assess some parameters of the thunderstorm source of infrasound.
Peculiarities of sporadic variations in density and anisotropy of galactic cosmic rays in solar cycle 24
Authors: Grigoryev Vladislav , Gerasimova Sardaana , Gololobov Peter , Starodubtsev Sergei , Zverev Anton
Published: March 2022

In this work, we have processed data from the global network of neutron monitors and muon telescopes by the global survey method to study variations in the density and anisotropy of galactic cosmic rays during Forbush decreases observed in solar cycle 24. The simultaneous use of two different type detectors made it possible to examine the temporal dynamics of the angular distribution of cosmic rays in two different energy intervals. Besides, we have used measurements of the Yakutsk cosmic ray spectrograph after A.I. Kuzmin to assess the energy spectrum index during large disturbances of the interplanetary medium in this cycle. Analysis of the results obtained confirms our early statements that solar activity cycle 24 features an increased level of turbulence in the interplanetary magnetic field.
Elektroniczny tytuł wykonawczy w postępowaniu egzekucyjnym w administracji
Authors: Ruczkowski Piotr
Published: March 2022

Celem opracowania jest ukazanie praktycznych aspektów wdrożenia i funkcjonowania e-administracji na przykładzie Urzędu Transportu Kolejowego (UTK). Tekst prezentuje badania własne autorki odnośnie do tego zagadnienia. Ponadto pokazany zostanie Punkt Kompleksowej Obsługi (One Stop Shop – OSS), stanowiący narzędzie informatyczne stworzone przez Agencję Kolejową Unii Europejskiej, przeznaczone do obsługi określonych rodzajów spraw. Rozwiązanie to funkcjonuje w obszarze postępowań dotyczących jednolitych certyfikatów bezpieczeństwa/zezwoleń dla pojazdów. Przybliżone zostaną również: System Obsługi Licencji Maszynistów (SOLM) oraz aplikacja RINF-PL, która służy do gromadzenia danych o infrastrukturze kolejowej od zarządców linii kolejowych. : W ramach opracowania udowadniana będzie teza, że na sprawne wdrożenie i funkcjonowanie e-administracji w jednostkach administracji publicznej większy wpływ mają systematyka działań i czas niż rozwiązania prawne. : Główną płaszczyzną prowadzonych rozważań będą przepisy prawa oraz monografie i artykuły naukowe. W opracowaniu zostały zastosowane metody: dogmatycznoprawna oraz analityczno-syntetyczna.
Robust Simulation with Likelihood-Ratio Constrained Input Uncertainty
Authors: Hu Zhaolin , Hong L. Jeff
Published: March 2022

To use simulation models to study the behaviors of stochastic systems, one needs to specify the distribution of the input random variables. However, specifying this distribution precisely is typically difficult and even impossible in practice. The issue is known as input uncertainty in the simulation literature, and it has been considered and studied extensively in recent years. In this paper, we model the uncertainty by an ambiguity set that is defined based on the likelihood ratio between the true (unknown) distribution and the nominal distribution (i.e., the best estimate), and develop a robust simulation (RS) approach that estimates the worst-case values of performance measures of the random simulation output when the true distribution varies in the ambiguity set. We show that the RS approach is computationally tractable, and the corresponding results reveal important information of the stochastic systems and help decision makers make better decisions.
Personalized Disease Screening Decisions Considering a Chronic Condition
Authors: Hajjar Ali , Alagoz Oguzhan
Published: March 2022

Clinical practice guidelines do not sufficiently address the needs of patients with chronic conditions as these guidelines focus on single disease management and ignore unique patient-specific conditions. As a result, a nonpersonalized approach to the management of the patients with chronic conditions leads to adverse events and increases the financial burden on the healthcare system as over 150 million Americans experience chronic conditions. To this end, we develop a stochastic modeling framework to personalize the disease screening decisions for patients with or at risk for developing a chronic condition and provide an exact solution algorithm. We consider the optimal management of the screening decisions for an index disease (e.g., breast cancer, colorectal cancer, human immunodeficiency virus, etc.) while accounting for the existence of a chronic condition (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, etc.). Our modeling framework is particularly useful for the cases where the chronic condition affects the risk of the index disease. In a case study using real breast cancer epidemiology data, we demonstrate how our modeling framework can be used to personalize breast cancer screening for women with type 2 diabetes. In addition to providing a personalized breast cancer screening schedule for women with diabetes, we find some important policy insights that were not previously recognized by the medical community. More specifically, we find that compared with women without diabetes, women with diabetes should be screened less aggressively, but screening should end at similar ages. We also find that adherence to the optimal screening policy is more crucial for women with diabetes compared with nondiabetic women. Our main insight on screening recommendations also has important resource implications as it leads to fewer screening mammograms. That is, compared with the current national breast cancer screening guidelines, the optimal breast cancer screening policy for women with diabetes could save the healthcare system approximately 2.6 million mammograms annually.

This paper was accepted by Stefan Scholtes, healthcare management.

Funding: This work was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health under the National Cancer Institute [Grants U01CA152958 and U01CA253911].

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4336 .
It Was 50 Years Ago Today: Recording Copyright Term and the Supply of Music
Authors: Watson Jeremy , MacGarvie Megan , McKeon John
Published: March 2022

This paper examines the effect of the expiry of recording copyright on the supply of music—in the form of rereleases, availability on streaming platforms, and concert performances—by artists popular in the United Kingdom in the 1960s. We find that recording copyright expiry has different effects on a song’s availability in different distribution channels. The lapsing of copyright leads to a large increase in the number of rereleases in physical formats, holding constant artist, age, and year fixed effects. However, when a song’s original recording copyright expires, it becomes less likely to be performed in concert. Moreover, copyright status is not associated with differences in availability on the digital streaming platform Spotify. These results show that copyright expiry has nuanced effects on availability and can lead to different and even opposite effects on availability of a product across different distribution channels. They also show that within the context of digital distribution, the impact of copyright on availability differs based on the business model of a platform.

This paper was accepted by Chris Forman, information systems.

Funding: J. McKeon thanks Boston University’s Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program for funding. M. MacGarvie and J. Watson thank the National Bureau of Economic Research (Digitization Small Grant) for funding.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4343 .
Generalized Bounds on the Conditional Expected Excess Return on Individual Stocks
Authors: Chabi-Yo Fousseni , Dim Chukwuma , Vilkov Grigory
Published: March 2022

We derive generalized bounds on conditional expected excess returns that can be computed from option prices. The generalized lower bound may serve as an expected excess return proxy for individual and basket-type assets, is conditionally tight, accounts for the entire risk-neutral distribution of returns, and outperforms existing variance-based models in out-of-sample predictions. Bounds calibrated to realized returns correspond to reasonable risk aversion and prudence. On average, expected stock returns given by the bounds decrease on even weeks of the Federal Open Market Committee cycle. Cross-sectional tests deliver a reasonable market risk premium.

This paper was accepted by Haoxiang Zhu, finance.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4367 .
Information Acquisition, Decision Making, and Implementation in Organizations
Authors: Itoh Hideshi , Morita Kimiyuki
Published: March 2022

We study the value of divergence in values and preferences in organizations by combining three stages of a decision process—ex ante information acquisition, interim project choice, and ex post project execution—into a tractable model. A key insight is that our unified model provides predictions different from models without the execution decision stage. We consider an organization that consists of a decision maker who selects a project and an implementer who acquires costly information before project choice and executes the selected project. They have intrinsic and possibly divergent preferences over projects. We show that, although the implementer’s dual role generates a disadvantage of designing conflicts in terms of the implementation motivation, it simultaneously boosts the implementer’s motivation for information acquisition to influence the decision maker’s project choice more under divergent preferences. Our results provide managerial insights that designing conflicts is beneficial only in environments where additional information is sufficiently precise and must be accompanied by a manager who is balanced and incorporating feedback.

This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy.

Funding: This work was financially supported by Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) KAKENHI [Grants 25245031 and 18H03640] toH. Itoh and the JSPS Fellows [Grant 26.5608] to K.Morita.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4373 .
A Hard Look at SPAC Projections
Authors: Blankespoor Elizabeth , Hendricks Bradley E. , Miller Gregory S. , Stockbridge Douglas R.
Published: March 2022

Firms’ use of special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) to go public has increased dramatically, leading to market and regulatory debate about their use of projections. Examining SPAC mergers from 2004 through 2021, we find that 80% of firms provide projections for four years ahead on average, with approximately one-quarter of recent projections extending more than five years. For the sample of SPAC mergers with observable postmerger revenue, we find that only 35% of firms meet or beat their projections. This proportion declines for forecasts that are longer horizon, and nonserial SPAC sponsors miss forecasts by greater percentages. When we compare SPAC projected revenue growth with benchmark samples of firms completing an initial public offering (IPO) and matched firms, the SPAC projections are approximately three times larger on average than benchmark firms’ actual revenue growth, with even greater differences for long-term projections. After the merger, firms reduce their use of projections, providing them at statistically similar rates as benchmark firms. Overall, the evidence supports concerns that the SPAC merger includes highly optimistic projections.

This paper was accepted by Suraj Srinivasan, accounting.
Survival and the Ergodicity of Corporate Profitability
Authors: Mundt Philipp , Alfarano Simone , Milaković Mishael
Published: March 2022

The cross-sectional variation in corporate profitability has occupied research across fields as diverse as strategic management, industrial organization, finance, and accounting. Prior work suggests that corporate idiosyncrasies are important determinants of profitability, but it disagrees on the quantitative importance of particular effects. This paper shows that corporate specificities become irrelevant in the long run because profitability is ergodic conditional on survival, leading to a uniform, time-invariant regularity in profitability that applies across firms. Conditional on survival, we cannot reject the hypothesis that corporations are on average equally profitable and also experience equally volatile fluctuations in their profitability, irrespective of their individual characteristics. Because the same is not true for shorter-lived firms, even for more than 20 years after entry, we can reconcile our findings with an extensive literature that studies profitability in heterogeneous samples of surviving and shorter-lived firms. Our findings provide a new benchmark for long-term performance in competitive environments and offer a novel perspective by highlighting a robust commonality instead of specificities.

This paper was accepted by Alfonso Gambardella, business strategy.
After-Sales Service Contracting: Condition Monitoring and Data Ownership
Authors: Li Cuihong , Tomlin Brian
Published: March 2022

Problem definition: Condition monitoring (CM) of durable assets, whereby sensors continuously monitor the health of an asset, is heralded as a key application of the Internet of Things. However, questions about ownership of the sensor data are seen as a key barrier to adoption. We model an after-sales supply chain in which the asset manufacturer provides maintenance and repair services to a customer that operates the asset. The asset condition deteriorates in a stochastic fashion and will eventually fail if not repaired. Methodology/results: We analyze a performance-based contracting problem considering manufacturer maintenance effort (the condition at which preventive maintenance is performed) and customer operating effort (which reduces the rate of condition deterioration). With information asymmetry on the customer’s effort cost, we analyze this contracting problem in a principal-agent model with double moral hazard. In the centralized setting, we establish that the benefit of CM increases and then decreases in the asset’s deterioration rate and that CM may increase or decrease the benefit of customer effort depending on the deterioration rate. In the decentralized setting, we prove that CM always benefits the manufacturer and the supply chain, but it may hurt the customer if the asset reliability is sufficiently high. Managerial implications: These results have important implications for the effect of sensor-data ownership. The manufacturer will adopt CM if it owns the data, but the customer may block CM adoption if it owns the data. We show that this CM adoption barrier can be overcome by the manufacturer offering to pay an appropriate data access fee. However, under this arrangement, the manufacturer may not benefit from a more-effective customer operating effort. We discuss the resulting implication on the manufacturer’s product design and the business model between selling and leasing.
Patient safety unplugged: going back to basics
Authors: Tingle John , Cattini Amanda
Published: March 2022

John Tingle and Amanda Cattini discuss the issue of patient communication and argue that we should not forget about the basics of patient safety when developing policy and designing education and training
Ultrashort pulse train in rare earth doped bimodal optical fiber
Authors: Verma Manali , Singh Dheerendra , Panigrahi Prasanta K. , Khare Avinash
Published: March 2022

Here, we present and analyze the nature of a wide class of exact nonlinear wave solutions for a bimodal optical fiber doped with a three level lambda (

Λ

) type system and delineate the parameter regimes for their occurrence. Solutions that are non-resonant with the transition frequencies of the doped system are found to undergo stable propagation under numerical evolution for the small strength of atomic coherence. Higher values of coherence lead to two different behaviors of these solutions: a bound state of pulse trains for sn and cn type cnoidal waves, and amplification of pulse trains for dn type nonlinear excitations. The corresponding power spectra results in an enhanced frequency comb structure in the dominance of atomic coherence.
Digital-filter-aided crosstalk-mitigation for a high spatial resolution AWGR-based 2D IR beam-steered indoor optical wireless communication system
Authors: Chen Liuyan , Oh Chin Wan , Lee Jeffrey , Zhang Xuebing , Cao Zizheng , Koonen Ton
Published: March 2022

The growing demand for wireless connectivity is attracting interest in optical wireless communication (OWC) technique. In this paper, a filter-aided crosstalk mitigation scheme, employing digital Nyquist filters, is proposed to eliminate the trade-off between the spatial resolution and the channel capacity for the AWGR-based 2D infrared beam-steered indoor OWC system. By shaping the transmitted signal for narrow spectral occupancy, the inter-channel crosstalk resulting from the imperfect AWGR filtering can be avoided, which enables a denser AWGR grid. In addition, the spectral-efficient signal reduces the bandwidth requirement of the AWGR, which allows a low-complexity AWGR design. Thirdly, the proposed method is not sensitive to the wavelength misalignment between AWGRs and lasers, which relaxes the design of high wavelength stability lasers. Moreover, the proposed method is cost-efficient as we can make use of the mature DSP technique without additional optical components. The 20-Gbit/s data rate OWC capacity using PAM4 format has been experimentally demonstrated over a 6-GHz bandwidth-limited AWGR-based 1.1-m free-space link. The experimental results show the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed method. By combining our proposed method with the polarization orthogonality technique, a promising capacity per beam of 40 Gbit/s is potentially attainable.
Detecting nonlocality by second-harmonic generation from a graphene-wrapped nanoparticle
Authors: Wang Chenglin , Gao Dongliang , Gao Lei
Published: March 2022

With the rapid development of nanofabrication technology and nonlinear optics, the nonlinear detection by nanostructures is highly appreciated. In this paper, we study the second-harmonic generation by a spherical nonlocal plasmonic nanoparticle wrapped with graphene. We develop a simple method for calculating the electric field at second-harmonic frequency and analyze the influence of the nonlocal response of the metal on the second-harmonic. We find that this nanostructure can probe the material's properties by detecting the radiation intensity of the second-harmonic generation. In addition, the nonlocal response of the plasmonic core can promote the absorption efficiency of second-harmonic generation. Our study may offer a new way for studying the plasmonic quantum effects and nonlinear probing technology and improving the nonlinear conversion efficiency of photonic devices.
High-performance distributed feedback quantum dot lasers with laterally coupled dielectric gratings
Authors: Yang Zhuohui , Ding Zhengqing , Liu Lin , Zhong Hancheng , Cao Sheng , Zhang Xinzhong , Lin Shizhe , Huang Xiaoying , Deng Huadi , Yu Ying , Yu Siyuan
Published: March 2022

The combination of grating-based frequency-selective optical feedback mechanisms, such as distributed feedback (DFB) or distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) structures, with quantum dot (QD) gain materials is a main approach towards ultrahigh-performance semiconductor lasers for many key novel applications, as either stand-alone sources or on-chip sources in photonic integrated circuits. However, the fabrication of conventional buried Bragg grating structures on GaAs, GaAs/Si, GaSb, and other material platforms has been met with major material regrowth difficulties. We report a novel and universal approach of introducing laterally coupled dielectric Bragg gratings to semiconductor lasers that allows highly controllable, reliable, and strong coupling between the grating and the optical mode. We implement such a grating structure in a low-loss amorphous silicon material alongside GaAs lasers with InAs/GaAs QD gain layers. The resulting DFB laser arrays emit at pre-designed 0.8 THz local area network wavelength division multiplexing frequency intervals in the 1300 nm band with record performance parameters, including sidemode suppression ratios as high as 52.7 dB, continuous-wave output power of 26.6 mW (room temperature) and 6 mW (at 55°C), and ultralow relative intensity noise (RIN) of

<
−
165
  
dB
/
Hz

(2.5–20 GHz). The devices are also capable of isolator-free operating under very high external reflection levels of up to

−
12.3
  
dB

while maintaining high spectral purity and ultralow RIN qualities. These results validate the novel laterally coupled dielectric grating as a technologically superior and potentially cost-effective approach for fabricating DFB and DBR lasers free of their semiconductor material constraints, which are thus universally applicable across different material platforms and wavelength bands.
Graph Theory – A Survey on the Occasion of the Abel Prize for László Lovász
Authors: Carmesin Johannes
Published: March 2022

In this survey, we explain a few key ideas of the theory of graphs, and how these ideas have grown to form the foundation of entire research areas. Graph Theory is a fairly young mathematical discipline; here we explain some of its major challenges for the 21st century.

László Lovász was recently awarded the Abel Prize. He made important contributions to all the areas discussed in this survey, and we close by summarising his main achievements.
Whole-genome sequencing and gene sharing network analysis powered by machine learning identifies antibiotic resistance sharing between animals, humans and environment in livestock farming
Authors: Peng Zixin , Maciel-Guerra Alexandre , Baker Michelle , Zhang Xibin , Hu Yue , Wang Wei , Rong Jia , Zhang Jing , Xue Ning , Barrow Paul , Renney David , Stekel Dov , Williams Paul , Liu Longhai , Chen Junshi , Li Fengqin , Dottorini Tania
Published: March 2022

Anthropogenic environments such as those created by intensive farming of livestock, have been proposed to provide ideal selection pressure for the emergence of antimicrobial-resistantEscherichia colibacteria and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) and spread to humans. Here, we performed a longitudinal study in a large-scale commercial poultry farm in China, collectingE.coliisolates from both farm and slaughterhouse; targeting animals, carcasses, workers and their households and environment. By using whole-genome phylogenetic analysis and network analysis based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we found highly interrelated non-pathogenic and pathogenicE.colistrains with phylogenetic intermixing, and a high prevalence of shared multidrug resistance profiles amongst livestock, human and environment. Through an original data processing pipeline which combines omics, machine learning, gene sharing network and mobile genetic elements analysis, we investigated the resistance to 26 different antimicrobials and identified 361 genes associated to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotypes; 58 of these were known AMR-associated genes and 35 were associated to multidrug resistance. We uncovered an extensive network of genes, correlated to AMR phenotypes, shared among livestock, humans, farm and slaughterhouse environments. We also found several human, livestock and environmental isolates sharing closely related mobile genetic elements carrying ARGs across host species and environments. In a scenario where no consensus exists on how antibiotic use in the livestock may affect antibiotic resistance in the human population, our findings provide novel insights into the broader epidemiology of antimicrobial resistance in livestock farming. Moreover, our original data analysis method has the potential to uncover AMR transmission pathways when applied to the study of other pathogens active in other anthropogenic environments characterised by complex interconnections between host species.
Clinical manifestations of Rift Valley fever in humans: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Anywaine Zacchaeus , Lule Swaib Abubaker , Hansen Christian , Warimwe George , Elliott Alison
Published: March 2022

Background

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an emerging, neglected, mosquito-borne viral zoonosis associated with significant morbidity, mortality and expanding geographical scope. The clinical signs and symptoms in humans are non-specific and case definitions vary. We reviewed and analysed the clinical manifestations of RVF in humans.

Methods

In this systematic review and meta-analysis we searched on different dates, the Embase (from 1947 to 13thOctober 2019), Medline (1946 to 14thOctober 2019), Global Health (1910 to 15thOctober 2019), and Web of Science (1970 to 15thOctober 2019) databases. Studies published in English, reporting frequency of symptoms in humans, and laboratory confirmed RVF were included. Animal studies, studies among asymptomatic volunteers, and single case reports for which a proportion could not be estimated, were excluded. Quality assessment was done using a modified Hoy and Brooks et al tool, data was extracted, and pooled frequency estimates calculated using random effects meta-analysis.

Results

Of the 3765 articles retrieved, less than 1% (32 articles) were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Nine RVF clinical syndromes were reported including the general febrile, renal, gastrointestinal, hepatic, haemorrhagic, visual, neurological, cardio-pulmonary, and obstetric syndromes. The most common clinical manifestations included fever (81%; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 69–91; [26 studies, 1286 patients]), renal failure (41%; 23–59; [4, 327]), nausea (38%; 12–67; [6, 325]), jaundice (26%; 16–36; [15, 393]), haemorrhagic disease (26%; 17–36; [16, 277]), partial blindness (24%; 7–45; [11, 225]), encephalitis (21%; 11–33; [4, 327]), cough (4%; 0–17; [4, 11]), and miscarriage (54%) respectively. Death occurred in 21% (95% CI 14–29; [16 studies, 328 patients]) of cases, most of whom were hospitalised.

Discussion

This study delineates the complex symptomatology of human RVF disease into syndromes. This approach is likely to improve case definitions and detection rates, impact outbreak control, increase public awareness about RVF, and subsequently inform ‘one-health’ policies. This study provides a pooled estimate of the proportion of RVF clinical manifestations alongside a narrative description of clinical syndromes. However, most studies reviewed were case series with small sample sizes and enrolled mostly in-patients and out-patients, and captured symptoms either sparsely or using broad category terms.
The contrasting effects of body image and self-esteem in the makeup usage
Authors: Mafra Anthonieta Looman , Silva Caio S. A. , Varella Marco A. C. , Valentova Jaroslava V.
Published: March 2022

Women wearing makeup are perceived by others as more attractive, competent, dominant, and more socially prestigious. Individuals differ in how much and how frequently they use makeup. Some studies show that women with lower self-esteem use more makeup, probably to hide imperfections. However, women with higher self-esteem can also use makeup to attract attention. This study verified whether social and general self-esteem and body image are associated with makeup usage in Brazilian women. We collected data from 1,483 women (Mage = 31.08; SD = 11.15) about body image (appearance orientation and appearance evaluation), social self-esteem, general self-esteem, and makeup usage (frequency of makeup usage, time spent applying makeup per day, and money spent on makeup per month). Appearance orientation positively predicted frequency of makeup usage, time spent applying makeup, and money spent on makeup, whereas appearance evaluation inversely predicted money spent on makeup per month. Social self-esteem and general self-esteem also positively predicted money spent on makeup, but in different directions. The results suggest that the significance given to appearance and social interactions are importantly associated with makeup usage in women.
Prevalence and predictors of anemia among adults on highly active antiretroviral therapy in Northeast Ethiopia: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fentie Wendie Teklehaimanot , Mengistu Getnet
Published: March 2022

Background

Although antiretroviral therapy has significantly altered the natural history of human immunodeficiency virus infection and improved the quality of life of patients, there are conflicting reports regarding its impact on hematological outcomes. Thus, this study aimed at investigating the prevalence and predictors of anemia among adults on antiretroviral therapy in Northeast Ethiopia.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cohort study was carried out among adults who began antiretroviral treatment between September 2005 and January 2019 at two governmental hospitals in Dessie town. Data were collected from patients’ medical records using a pretested data extraction instrument. Anemia was the primary outcome variable of the study. It was defined based on WHO criteria after adjustment for altitude and smoking status of measured values. Data were entered and validated using EpiData Version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS Version 20.0 for analysis. Descriptive analysis was done for prevalence and binary logistic regression was carried out to assess whether covariates were associated with experiencing anemia. Statistical significance has been considered at p-value <0.05.

Results

Medical records of 392 patients (mean age: 35.58 ± 9.46 years) were reviewed. Of the total 392 patients, 218 (55.6%) were females, 261 (66.6%) were categorized under WHO clinical stage III/IV and 134 (34.2%) had a baseline CD4 cell count of <100 cells/mm3. The mean baseline CD4 cell count was 179 cells/mm3(range: 2 to 853 cells) and 230 (58.7%) of the participants were on zidovudine-based regimen. Anemia was diagnosed among 162 (41.3%) patients. After adjustment for other confounding factors, risk of anemia was significantly associated with low baseline CD4 cell count (AOR 1.80, 95% CI 1.05–3.06) and tenofovir based regimen (AOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.31–3.21). On the other hand, being educated was found to be protective (AOR 0.40, 95% CI 0.21–0.78).

Conclusion

In this research, the prevalence of anemia was relatively high. Low baseline CD4 cell count and tenofovir based regimen were independent predictors of anemia; while being educated was protective. Treatment programs should focus on early diagnosis and treatment of HIV as well as routine screening and proper treatment of anemia.
Functional analysis of polymorphisms at the S1/S2 site of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein
Authors: Arora Prerna , Sidarovich Anzhalika , Graichen Luise , Hörnich Bojan , Hahn Alexander , Hoffmann Markus , Pöhlmann Stefan
Published: March 2022

Several SARS-CoV-2 variants emerged that harbor mutations in the surface unit of the viral spike (S) protein that enhance infectivity and transmissibility. Here, we analyzed whether ten naturally-occurring mutations found within the extended loop harboring the S1/S2 cleavage site of the S protein, a determinant of SARS-CoV-2 cell tropism and pathogenicity, impact S protein processing and function. None of the mutations increased but several decreased S protein cleavage at the S1/S2 site, including S686G and P681H, the latter of which is found in variants of concern B.1.1.7 (Alpha variant) and B.1.1.529 (Omicron variant). None of the mutations reduced ACE2 binding and cell-cell fusion although several modulated the efficiency of host cell entry. The effects of mutation S686G on viral entry were cell-type dependent and could be linked to the availability of cathepsin L for S protein activation. These results show that polymorphisms at the S1/S2 site can modulate S protein processing and host cell entry.
Pathologist workload, work distribution and significant absences or departures at a regional hospital laboratory
Authors: Bonert Michael , Zafar Uzma , Maung Raymond , El-Shinnawy Ihab , Naqvi Asghar , Finley Christian , Cutz Jean-Claude , Major Pierre , Kapoor Anil
Published: March 2022

Objective

Assess the work environment of salaried pathologists via (1) the national workload system (L4E), (2) work distribution among/in three hospital groups, and (3) the frequency of significant absences or departures (SADs).

Methods

Automated analysis of pathology reports from a regional laboratory (accessioned 2011–2019) using validated computer code.

Results

The study set contained 574,099 pathology reports, reported by 63 pathologists. The average yearly L4E workload units/full-time equivalent for three hospital groups were 8,101.6, 6,906.5 and 4,215.8. The average Gini coefficient for full-time pathologists in the three hospital groups were respectively 0.05, 0.16 and 0.23. The average yearly SADs rates were respectively 13%, 16% and 9%. The group with the highest SADs rate had the intermediate Gini coefficient and intermediate workload.

Conclusions

High individual workload and work maldistribution appear to be associated with SADs. Individual workload maximums and greater transparency may be essential for limiting staff turnover, maintaining high morale, and efficient laboratory function with a high quality of care.
Identifying and reporting position-specific countermovement jump outcome and phase characteristics within rugby league
Authors: McMahon John J. , Lake Jason P. , Comfort Paul
Published: March 2022

The countermovement jump (CMJ) has been suggested to be an important test of neuromuscular performance for rugby league (RL) players. Identifying force platform-derived CMJ variables that may be more applicable to RL positions (e.g., forwards and backs) has yet to be fully explored in the scientific literature. The aim of this study was to identify RL position-specific CMJ force-time variables. Specifically, we aimed to compare select force-time variables from the countermovement (i.e., the combination of unweighting and braking) and propulsion phases of the CMJ between the global forwards and backs positional groups. We also aimed to compare typical (i.e., jump height) and alternative (i.e., take-off momentum) outcome CMJ variables between positional groups. Finally, we sought to visually present each individual player’s CMJ performance alongside the average data to facilitate the interpretation and reporting of the CMJ performances of RL athletes. Twenty-seven forwards and twenty-seven backs who competed in the senior men’s English RL Championship, performed three CMJs on a force platform at the beginning of the pre-season training period. There were no significant differences in any countermovement or propulsion phase variable between positions with just small effect sizes noted (P ≥0.09, d ≤0.46). Jump height (and so take-off velocity) was significantly greater for backs with moderate effects displayed (P = 0.03, d = 0.60). Take-off momentum (take-off velocity × body mass) was largely and significantly greater for forwards (P<0.01, d = 1.01). There was considerable overlap of individual player’s body mass and CMJ outcome variables across positions, despite significant differences in the mean values attained by each positional group. The results suggest that it may be beneficial for RL practitioners to identify player-specific, or at least position-specific, variables. As a minimum, it may be worthwhile selecting CMJ force-time variables based on what is considered important to individual player’s or small clusters of similar players’ projected successes during RL competition.
Prediction of malignant transformation in oral epithelial dysplasia using infrared absorbance spectra
Authors: Ellis Barnaby G. , Whitley Conor A. , Triantafyllou Asterios , Gunning Philip J. , Smith Caroline I. , Barrett Steve D. , Gardner Peter , Shaw Richard J. , Weightman Peter , Risk Janet M.
Published: March 2022

Oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) is a histopathologically-defined, potentially premalignant condition of the oral cavity. The rate of transformation to frank carcinoma is relatively low (12% within 2 years) and prediction based on histopathological grade is unreliable, leading to both over- and under-treatment. Alternative approaches include infrared (IR) spectroscopy, which is able to classify cancerous and non-cancerous tissue in a number of cancers, including oral. The aim of this study was to explore the capability of FTIR (Fourier-transform IR) microscopy and machine learning as a means of predicting malignant transformation of OED. Supervised, retrospective analysis of longitudinally-collected OED biopsy samples from 17 patients with high risk OED lesions: 10 lesions transformed and 7 did not over a follow-up period of more than 3 years. FTIR spectra were collected from routine, unstained histopathological sections and machine learning used to predict malignant transformation, irrespective of OED classification. PCA-LDA (principal component analysis followed by linear discriminant analysis) provided evidence that the subsequent transforming status of these 17 lesions could be predicted from FTIR data with a sensitivity of 79 ± 5% and a specificity of 76 ± 5%. Six key wavenumbers were identified as most important in this classification. Although this pilot study used a small cohort, the strict inclusion criteria and classification based on known outcome, rather than OED grade, make this a novel study in the field of FTIR in oral cancer and support the clinical potential of this technology in the surveillance of OED.