bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromatic aberration correction in bi-focal augmented reality display by the multi-layer Pancharatnam-Berry phase lens
Authors: Ma Yongziyan , Zhang Wei , Liu Yanjun , Tian Tian , Luo Dan
Published: May 2022

Chromatic aberration is a main obstacle for the commercial application of augmented reality displays. The current digital and optical compensation methods of reducing the chromatic aberration suffer from processing time, power consumption or complex design. Here, a simple strategy of chromatic aberration correction in bi-focal augmented reality near-eye display based on multi-layer Pancharatnam-Berry phase lens has been demonstrated and verified by experimental results. The multi-layer Pancharatnam-Berry phase lens, as a part of optical combiner, is fabricated by three liquid crystal polymer phase lenses with central wavelength in red, green, and blue, respectively. The multi-layer Pancharatnam-Berry phase lens can effectively reduce the chromatic aberration in both convex and concave mode of bi-focal augmented reality system, where the color breakup of virtual images captured in bi-focal augmented reality display is significantly alleviated. Comparing to the value of ΔK = 1.3 m-1 in single green Pancharatnam-Berry phase lens, the multi-layer Pancharatnam-Berry phase lens system significantly reduce the ΔK to 0.45 m-1 with reduction of 65.4%, which finally decreases the longitudinal chromatic aberration and improve the quality of images. The proposed broadband multi-layer Pancharatnam-Berry phase lens can benefit augmented reality displays and find widespread application in the near-eye displays.
Polarization fading suppression in distributed interferometric sensing by matched interference between polarization-switched pulses
Authors: Fu Xuelei , Deng Zhenyu , Wei Qin , Li Zhengying
Published: May 2022

A polarization fading suppression technique is proposed for distributed interferometric sensing systems, based on matched interference between polarization switched pulses. For each individual sensor, two sets of interferometric outputs are obtained, one corresponding to the interference between two pulses with initially parallel polarization, the other corresponding to that between two pulses with initially orthogonal polarizations. As such, at least one output presents visibility no less than

2

/

2

. By selecting the one with higher visibility for demodulation, the influence of polarization fading can be suppressed significantly, leading to distributed acoustic sensing with notably improved robustness and reliability.
50-W average power Ho:YAG SESAM-modelocked thin-disk oscillator at 2.1 µm
Authors: Tomilov Sergei , Wang Yicheng , Hoffmann Martin , Heidrich Jonas , Golling Matthias , Keller Ursula , Saraceno Clara J.
Published: May 2022

Ultrafast laser systems operating with high-average power in the wavelength range from 1.9 µm to 3 µm are of interest for a wide range of applications for example in spectroscopy, material processing and as drivers for secondary sources in the XUV spectral region. In this area, laser systems based on holmium-doped gain materials directly emitting at 2.1 µm have made significant progress over the past years, however so far only very few results were demonstrated in power-scalable high-power laser geometries. In particular, the thin-disk geometry is promising for directly modelocked oscillators with high average power levels that are comparable to amplifier systems at MHz repetition rate. In this paper, we demonstrate semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM) modelocked Ho:YAG thin-disk lasers (TDLs) emitting at 2.1-µm wavelength with record-holding performance levels. In our highest average power configuration, we reach 50 W of average power, with 1.13-ps pulses, 2.11 µJ of pulse energy and ∼1.9 MW of peak power. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the highest average power, as well as the highest output pulse energy so far demonstrated from a modelocked laser in the 2-µm wavelength region. This record performance level was enabled by the recent development of high-power GaSb-based SESAMs with low loss, adapted for high intracavity power and pulse energy. We also explore the limitations in terms of reaching shorter pulse durations at high power with this gain material in the disk geometry and using SESAM modelocking, and present first steps in this direction, with the demonstration of 30 W of output power, with 692-fs pulses in another laser configuration. In the near future, with the development of a next generation of SESAM samples for this wavelength region, we believe higher pulse energy approaching the 10-µJ regime, and sub-500-fs pulses should be straightforward to reach using SESAM modelocking.
Measuring misclassification of Covid-19 as garbage codes: Results of investigating 1,365 deaths and implications for vital statistics in Brazil
Authors: França Elisabeth B. , Ishitani Lenice H. , de Abreu Daisy Maria Xavier , Teixeira Renato Azeredo , Corrêa Paulo Roberto Lopes , de Jesus Eliene dos Santos , Marinho Maria Antonieta Delgado , Bahia Tauá Vieira , Bierrenbach Ana Luiza , Setel Philip , Marinho Fatima
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this article is to quantify the amount of misclassification of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) mortality occurring in hospitals and other health facilities in selected cities in Brazil, discuss potential factors contributing to this misclassification, and consider the implications for vital statistics. Hospital deaths assigned to causes classified as garbage code (GC) COVID-related cases (severe acute respiratory syndrome, pneumonia unspecified, sepsis, respiratory failure and ill-defined causes) were selected in three Brazilian state capitals. Data from medical charts and forensic reports were extracted from standard forms and analyzed by study physicians who re-assigned the underlying cause based on standardized criteria. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and the potential impact in vital statistics in the country was also evaluated. Among 1,365 investigated deaths due to GC-COVID-related causes, COVID-19 was detected in 17.3% in the age group 0–59 years and 25.5% deaths in 60 years and over. These GCs rose substantially in 2020 in the country and were responsible for 211,611 registered deaths. Applying observed proportions by age, location and specific GC-COVID-related cause to national data, there would be an increase of 37,163 cases in the total of COVID-19 deaths, higher in the elderly. In conclusion, important undercount of deaths from COVID-19 among GC-COVID-related causes was detected in three selected capitals of Brazil. After extrapolating the study results for national GC-COVID-related deaths we infer that the burden of COVID-19 disease in Brazil in official vital statistics was probably under estimated by at least 18% in the country in 2020.
Rumen sampling methods bias bacterial communities observed
Authors: Hagey Jill V. , Laabs Maia , Maga Elizabeth A. , DePeters Edward J.
Published: May 2022

The rumen is a complex ecosystem that plays a critical role in our efforts to improve feed efficiency of cattle and reduce their environmental impacts. Sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene provides a powerful tool to survey the bacterial and some archaeal. Oral stomach tubing a cow to collect a rumen sample is a rapid, cost-effective alternative to rumen cannulation for acquiring rumen samples. In this study, we determined how sampling method (oral stomach tubing vs cannulated grab sample), as well as rumen fraction type (liquid vs solid), bias the bacterial and archaeal communities observed. Liquid samples were further divided into liquid strained through cheesecloth and unstrained. Fecal samples were also collected to determine how these differed from the rumen sample types. The abundance of major archaeal communities was not different at the family level in samples acquired via rumen cannula or stomach tube. In contrast to the stable archaeal communities across sample type, the bacterial order WCHB1-41 (phylum Kiritimatiellaeota) was enriched in both liquid strained and unstrained samples as well as the family Prevotellaceae as compared to grab samples. However, these liquid samples had significantly lower abundance of Lachnospiraceae compared with grab samples. Solid samples strained of rumen liquid most closely resembled the grab samples containing both rumen liquid and solid particles obtained directly from the rumen cannula; therefore, inclusion of particulate matter is important for an accurate representation of the rumen bacteria. Stomach tube samples were the most variable and were most representative of the liquid phase. In comparison with a grab sample, stomach tube samples had significantly lower abundance of Lachnospiraceae, Fibrobacter and Treponema. Fecal samples did not reflect the community composition of the rumen, as fecal samples had significantly higher relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae and significantly lower relative abundance of Lachnospiraceae compared with grab samples.
Body-Worn Sensors for Parkinson’s disease: A qualitative approach with patients and healthcare professionals
Authors: Virbel-Fleischman Clara , Rétory Yann , Hardy Sébastien , Huiban Camille , Corvol Jean-Christophe , Grabli David
Published: May 2022

Body-Worn Sensors (BWS) provide reliable objective and continuous assessment of Parkinson’s disease (PD) motor symptoms, but their implementation in clinical routine has not yet become widespread. Users’ perceptions of BWS have not been explored. This study intended to evaluate the usability, user experience (UX), patients’ perceptions of BWS, and health professionals’ (HP) opinions on BWS monitoring. A qualitative analysis was performed from semi-structured interviews conducted with 22 patients and 9 HP experts in PD. Patients completed two interviews before and after the BWS one-week experiment, and they answered two questionnaires assessing the usability and UX. Patients rated the three BWS usability with high scores (SUS median [range]: 87.5 [72.5–100]). The UX across all dimensions of their interaction with the BWS was positive. During interviews, all patients and HP expressed interest in BWS monitoring. Patients’ hopes and expectations increased the more they learned about BWS. They manifested enthusiasm to wear BWS, which they imagined could improve their PD symptoms. HP highlighted needs for logistical support in the implementation of BWS in their practice. Both patients and HP suggested possible uses of BWS monitoring in clinical practice, for treatment adjustments for example, or for research purposes. Patients and HP shared ideas about the use of BWS monitoring, although patients may be more likely to integrate BWS into their disease follow-up compared to HP in their practice. This study highlights gaps that need to be fulfilled to facilitate BWS adoption and promote their potential.
Impact of illicit opioid use on markers of monocyte activation and systemic inflammation in people living with HIV
Authors: Kholodnaia Anastasia , So-Armah Kaku , Cheng Debbie , Gnatienko Natalia , Patts Gregory , Samet Jeffrey H. , Freiberg Matthew , Lioznov Dmitry
Published: May 2022

Introduction

We hypothesize that illicit opioid use increases bacterial translocation from the gut, which intensifies systemic inflammation.

Objective

To investigate the association between opioid use and plasma soluble CD14 [sCD14], interleukin-6 [IL-6] and D-dimer in people living with HIV (PLWH).

Methods

We analyzed data from the Russia ARCH study–an observational cohort of 351 ART-naive PLWH in St. Petersburg, Russia. Plasma levels of sCD14 (primary outcome), IL-6 and D-dimer (secondary outcomes) were evaluated at baseline, 12, and 24 months. Participants were categorized into three groups based on illicit opioid use: current, prior, and never opioid use. Linear mixed effects models were used to evaluate associations.

Results

Compared to never opioid use, sCD14 levels were significantly higher for participants with current opioid use (AMD = 197.8 ng/ml [11.4, 384.2], p = 0.04). IL-6 levels were also higher for participants with current vs. never opioid use (ARM = 2.10 [1.56, 2.83], p <0.001). D-dimer levels were higher for current (ARM = 1.95 [1.43, 2.64], p <0.001) and prior (ARM = 1.57 [1.17, 2.09], p = 0.004) compared to never opioid use.

Conclusions

Among PLWH, current opioid use compared to never use is associated with increased monocyte activation and systemic inflammation.
Systematic review of animal-based indicators to measure thermal, social, and immune-related stress in pigs
Authors: Guevara Raúl David , Pastor Jose J. , Manteca Xavier , Tedo Gemma , Llonch Pol
Published: May 2022

The intense nature of pig production has increased the animals’ exposure to stressful conditions, which may be detrimental to their welfare and productivity. Some of the most common sources of stress in pigs are extreme thermal conditions (thermal stress), density and mixing during housing (social stress), or exposure to pathogens and other microorganisms that may challenge their immune system (immune-related stress). The stress response can be monitored based on the animals’ coping mechanisms, as a result of specific environmental, social, and health conditions. These animal-based indicators may support decision making to maintain animal welfare and productivity. The present study aimed to systematically review animal-based indicators of social, thermal, and immune-related stresses in farmed pigs, and the methods used to monitor them. Peer-reviewed scientific literature related to pig production was collected using three online search engines: ScienceDirect, Scopus, and PubMed. The manuscripts selected were grouped based on the indicators measured during the study. According to our results, body temperature measured with a rectal thermometer was the most commonly utilized method for the evaluation of thermal stress in pigs (87.62%), as described in 144 studies. Of the 197 studies that evaluated social stress, aggressive behavior was the most frequently-used indicator (81.81%). Of the 535 publications examined regarding immune-related stress, cytokine concentration in blood samples was the most widely used indicator (80.1%). Information about the methods used to measure animal-based indicators is discussed in terms of validity, reliability, and feasibility. Additionally, the introduction and wide spreading of alternative, less invasive methods with which to measure animal-based indicators, such as cortisol in saliva, skin temperature and respiratory rate via infrared thermography, and various animal welfare threats via vocalization analysis are highlighted. The information reviewed was used to discuss the feasible and most reliable methods with which to monitor the impact of relevant stressors commonly presented by intense production systems on the welfare of farmed pigs.
Adolescent betting on esports using cash and skins: Links with gaming, monetary gambling, and problematic gambling
Authors: Hing Nerilee , Lole Lisa , Russell Alex M. T. , Rockloff Matthew , King Daniel L. , Browne Matthew , Newall Philip , Greer Nancy
Published: May 2022

Adolescents can easily access esports betting sites and place bets using cash or skins. This descriptive cross-sectional study examined the characteristics of adolescent esports bettors and relationships between their esports betting, video gaming activities, monetary gambling participation, and at-risk/problem gambling. Two survey samples of Australians aged 12–17 years were recruited through advertisements (n = 841) and online panel providers (n = 826). In both samples, gender and parents’ living situation did not differ by past-month esports cash and skin betting, but recent esports betting was associated with engaging in esports gaming activities such as playing and watching esports, and in monetary gambling activities. Past-month esports betting using cash and skins was significantly associated with at-risk/problem gambling. After controlling for recent monetary gambling, recent esports skin bettors were over 3 times more likely to meet criteria for at-risk/problem gambling. Esports betting using skins appears to pose risks for young people and is easily accessible through unlicensed operators.
Venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention and diagnosis in COVID-19: Practice patterns and outcomes at 33 hospitals
Authors: Parks Anna L. , Auerbach Andrew D. , Schnipper Jeffrey L. , Bertram Amanda , Jeon Sun Y. , Boyle Bridget , Fang Margaret C. , Gadrey Shrirang M. , Siddiqui Zishan K. , Brotman Daniel J. ,   the Hospital Medicine Reengineering Network (HOMERuN)
Published: May 2022

Background

Early reports of increased thrombosis risk with SARS-CoV-2 infection led to changes in venous thromboembolism (VTE) management. Real-world data on the prevalence, efficacy and harms of these changes informs best practices.

Objective

Define practice patterns and clinical outcomes related to VTE diagnosis, prevention, and management in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) using a multi-hospital US sample.

Methods

In this retrospective cross-sectional study of 1121 patients admitted to 33 hospitals, exposure was dose of anticoagulant prescribed for VTE prophylaxis (standard, intensified, therapeutic), and primary outcome was VTE (pulmonary embolism [PE] and deep vein thrombosis [DVT]); secondary outcomes were PE, DVT, arterial thromboembolism (ATE), and bleeding events. Multivariable logistic regression models accounting for clustering by site and adjusted for risk factors were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs). Inverse probability weighting was used to account for confounding by indication.

Results

1121 patients (mean age 60 ± 18, 47% female) admitted with COVID-19 between February 2, 2020 and December 31, 2020 to 33 US hospitals were included. Pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis was prescribed in 86%. Forty-seven patients (4.2%) had PE, 51 (4.6%) had DVT, and 23 (2.1%) had ATE. Forty-six patients (4.1%) had major bleeding and 46 (4.1%) had clinically relevant non-major bleeding. Compared to standard prophylaxis, adjusted odds of VTE were 0.67 (95% CI 0.21–2.1) with no prophylaxis, 1.0 (95% CI 0.06–17) with intensified, and 3.0 (95% CI 0.89–10) with therapeutic. Adjusted odds of bleeding with no prophylaxis were 5.6 (95% CI 3.0–11) and 5.3 (95% CI 3.0–10) with therapeutic (no events on intensified dosing).

Conclusions

Therapeutic anticoagulation was associated with a 3-fold increased odds of VTE and 5-fold increased odds of bleeding. While higher bleeding rates with high-intensity prophylaxis were likely due to full-dose anticoagulation, we conclude that high thrombosis rates were due to clinical concern for thrombosis before formal diagnosis.
Genetic characterization of upper respiratory tract virome from nonvaccinated Egyptian cow-calf operations
Authors: Nagy Abdou , Abdallah Fatma , El Damaty Hend M. , Tariq Ahmed , Merwad Abdallah M. A. , Alhatlani Bader Y. , Elsohaby Ibrahim
Published: May 2022

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the costliest complex disease affecting the cattle industry worldwide, with significant economic losses. BRD pathogenesis involves several interactions between microorganisms, such as bacteria and viruses, and management factors. The present study aimed to characterize the nasal virome from 43 pooled nasal swab samples collected from Egyptian nonvaccinated cow-calf operations with acute BRD from January to February 2020 using metagenomic sequencing. Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1), first detection of bovine herpesvirus-5 (BHV-5), and first detection of bovine parvovirus-3 (BPV-3) were the most commonly identified in Egyptian cattle. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis of glycoprotein B revealed that the BHV-1 isolate is closely related to the Cooper reference strain (genotype 1.1), whereas the BHV-5 isolate is closely related to the reference virus GenBank NP_954920.1. In addition, the whole-genome sequence of BPV-3 showed 93.02% nucleotide identity with the reference virus GenBank AF406967.1. In this study, several DNA viruses, such as BHV-1 and first detection BHV-5, and BPV-3, were detected and may have an association with the BRD in Egyptian cattle. Therefore, further research, including investigating more samples from different locations to determine the prevalence of detected viruses and their contributions to BRD in cattle in Egypt, is needed.
Digital inclusive finance and asset allocation of Chinese residents: Evidence from the China Household Finance Survey
Authors: Li Kun , Mengmeng He , Huo Junjun
Published: May 2022

Combined with the expected utility theory, this paper constructs a theoretical analysis framework including the development level, financial literacy, and intelligence level of Inclusive Finance, puts forward the hypothesis of the development of digital Inclusive Finance on household asset allocation, and uses the data of China’s household finance survey to verify the theory proposed in this paper. The empirical results show that: (1) digital inclusive Finance can significantly improve the allocation proportion of household risk assets, promote the rational participation of households in the risk financial market, and improve the allocation efficiency of household resources. (2) Digital inclusive finance can significantly improve the income level of family financial investment and optimize family investment decision-making.
Appetite loss at discharge from acute decompensated heart failure: Observation from KCHF registry
Authors: Yamamoto Erika , Kato Takao , Yaku Hidenori , Morimoto Takeshi , Inuzuka Yasutaka , Tamaki Yodo , Ozasa Neiko , Yoshikawa Yusuke , Kitai Takeshi , Taniguchi Ryoji , Iguchi Moritake , Kato Masashi , Takahashi Mamoru , Jinnai Toshikazu , Ikeda Tomoyuki , Nagao Kazuya , Kawai Takafumi , Komasa Akihiro , Nishikawa Ryusuke , Kawase Yuichi , Morinaga Takashi , Kawato Mitsunori , Seko Yuta , Shiba Masayuki , Toyofuku Mamoru , Furukawa Yutaka , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Ando Kenji , Kadota Kazushige , Shizuta Satoshi , Ono Koh , Sato Yukihito , Kuwahara Koichiro , Kimura Takeshi
Published: May 2022

Objective

The complex link between nutritional status, protein and lipid synthesis, and immunity plays an important prognostic role in patients with heart failure. However, the association between appetite loss at discharge and long-term outcome remains unclear.

Methods

The Kyoto Congestive Heart Failure registry is a prospective cohort study that enrolled consecutive patients hospitalized for acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) in Japan. We assessed 3528 patients alive at discharge, and for whom appetite and follow-up data were available. We compared one-year clinical outcomes in patients with and without appetite loss at discharge.

Results

In the multivariable logistic regression analysis using 19 clinical and laboratory factors with P value < 0.1 by univariate analysis, BMI < 22 kg/m2 (odds ratio (OR): 1.57, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–2.24, P = 0.01), CRP >1.0mg/dL (OR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.04–2.14, P = 0.03), and presence of edema at discharge (OR: 4.30, 95%CI: 2.99–6.22, P<0.001) were associated with an increased risk of appetite loss at discharge, whereas ambulatory status (OR: 0.57, 95%CI: 0.39–0.83, P = 0.004) and the use of ACE-I/ARB (OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.50–0.98, P = 0.04) were related to a decreased risk in the presence of appetite loss. The cumulative 1-year incidence of all-cause death (primary outcome measure) was significantly higher in patients with appetite loss than in those without appetite loss (31.0% vs. 15.0%, P<0.001). The excess adjusted risk of appetite loss relative to no appetite loss remained significant for all-cause death (hazard ratio (HR): 1.63, 95%CI: 1.29–2.07, P<0.001).

Conclusions

Loss of appetite at discharge was associated with worse 1-year mortality in patients with ADHF. Appetite is a simple, reliable, and useful subjective marker for risk stratification of patients with ADHF.
Effects of Korean red ginseng on three-dimensional trabecular bone microarchitecture and strength in growing rats: Comparison with changes due to jump exercise
Authors: Ju Yong-In , Choi Hak-Jin , Sone Teruki
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The preventive effects of Korean red ginseng (KRG) on bone loss and microarchitectural deterioration have been extensively studied in animal models. However, few results have been reported for the effects of KRG on the trabecular microarchitecture as compared to changes resulting from physiological stimuli such as exercise load. We compared the effects of KRG and jump exercise on improvements in trabecular microarchitecture and strength of the distal femoral metaphysis in rats.

Methods and materials

Eleven-week-old male Wistar rats were divided into sedentary (CON), KRG-administered (KRG), and jump-exercised (JUM) groups. Rats were orally administered KRG extract (200 mg/kg body weight/day) once a day for 6 weeks. The jump exercise protocol comprised 10 jumps/day, 5 days/week at a jump height of 40 cm. We used microcomputed tomography to assess the microarchitecture, volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and fracture load as predicted by finite element analysis at the right distal femoral metaphysis. The left femur was used for the quantitative bone histomorphometry measurements.

Results

Although KRG produced significantly higher trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) than CON, BV/TV was even higher in JUM than in KRG, and differences in vBMD and fracture load were only significant between JUM and CON. In terms of trabecular microarchitecture, KRG increased trabecular number and connectivity, whereas the JUM group showed increased trabecular thickness. Bone resorption showed significant decrease by JUM and KRG group. In contrast, bone formation showed significant increase by JUM group.

Conclusions

These data show that KRG has weak but significant positive effects on bone mass and suggest that the effects on trabecular microarchitecture differ from those of jump exercise. The effects of combined KRG and jump exercise on trabecular bone mass and strength should be investigated.
Effect of scanning-aid agents on the scanning accuracy in specially designed metallic models: A laboratory study
Authors: Oh Hyun-Su , Lim Young-Jun , Kim Bongju , Kim Myung-Joo , Kwon Ho-Beom , Baek Yeon-Wha
Published: May 2022

The advent of intraoral scanning methods has caused a paradigm shift in dentistry. However, despite their many advantages, intraoral scanners cannot accurately recognize the metallic surfaces of prothesis. Therefore, this experiment was designed to verify the effect of scanning-aid agents on the scanning accuracy using metallic reference models. Three different types of metallic reference models (inlay, onlay, and bridge) were specially designed and produced using a milling machine to simulate intraoral dental restorations. Three experimental groups (application of ScanCure, IP Scan Spray, and VITA Powder Scan Spray) were set up and scanned images (each n = 5) were acquired using the I500® intraoral scanner. The reference datasets were established by a 3D design that reflected the deviations between the measured distances and previously planned distances on the reference models. All acquired experimental datasets were digitally superimposed and compared with the reference datasets. Intragroup comparisons (precision, n = 10) were also performed. The root mean square (RMS) values of trueness in the ScanCure and IP groups were significantly more accurate than those of the VITA group in the inlay and onlay reference models (p < 0.05). Notably, in the bridge reference model, the liquid-type ScanCure group showed the highest accuracy of trueness, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). However, the RMS values of precision were not significantly different among the groups. These findings suggest that liquid-type scanning agents can be effectively used to obtain more accurate scan images of intraoral metallic dental restorations.
Privacy-preserving parallel kNN classification algorithm using index-based filtering in cloud computing
Authors: Kim Yong-Ki , Kim Hyeong-Jin , Lee Hyunjo , Chang Jae-Woo
Published: May 2022

With the development of cloud computing, interest in database outsourcing has recently increased. In cloud computing, it is necessary to protect the sensitive information of data owners and authorized users. For this, data mining techniques over encrypted data have been studied to protect the original database, user queries and data access patterns. The typical data mining technique is kNN classification which is widely used for data analysis and artificial intelligence. However, existing works do not provide a sufficient level of efficiency for a large amount of encrypted data. To solve this problem, in this paper, we propose a privacy-preserving parallel kNN classification algorithm. To reduce the computation cost for encryption, we propose an improved secure protocol by using an encrypted random value pool. To reduce the query processing time, we not only design a parallel algorithm, but also adopt a garbled circuit. In addition, the security analysis of the proposed algorithm is performed to prove its data protection, query protection, and access pattern protection. Through our performance evaluation, the proposed algorithm shows about 2∼25 times better performance compared with existing algorithms.
Comparison of suture anchor penetration rate between navigation-assisted and traditional shoulder arthroscopic capsulolabral repair
Authors: Pan Hsiao-Kai , Liu Che-Wei , Pan Ru-Yu
Published: May 2022

Proper placement of suture anchors is an important step in Bankart repair as improper placement can lead to failure. Concern surrounding suture anchor placement inspired the use navigation systems in shoulder arthroscopy. We aimed to demonstrate the technological advantage of using the O-arm (Medtronic Navigation, Denver, CO, USA) image guidance system to provide real-time images during portal and anchor placements in shoulder arthroscopy. Consecutive patients (from July to October 2014) who were admitted for arthroscopic capsulolabral repair surgeries were included. Ten patients were randomly enrolled in the navigation group and 10 in the traditional group. The glenoid was divided into four zones, and the penetration rates in each zone were compared between the two groups. In zone III, the most inferior region of the glenoid, the penetration rate was 40.9% in the traditional group and 15.7% in the navigation group (P = 0.077), demonstrating a trend toward improved accuracy of anchor placement with the aid of the navigation system; however, this was not statistically significant. Average surgical time in the navigation and traditional groups was 177.6±40.2 and 117.7±17.6 mins, respectively. American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Shoulder Scores showed no difference before and 6 months after surgery. This pilot study showed a trend toward decreased penetration rate in O-arm-navigated capsulolabral repair surgeries and decreased risks of implant misplacement; however, possibly due to the small sample size, the difference was not statistically significant. Further large-scale studies are needed to confirm the possible benefit of the navigation system. Even with the use of navigation systems, there were still some penetrations in zone III of the glenoid. This penetration may be attributed to the micro-motion of the acromioclavicular joint. Although the navigation group showed a significant increase in surgical time, with improvements in instrument design, O-arm-navigated arthroscopy will gain popularity in clinical practice.
Information sharing practices during the COVID-19 pandemic: A case study about face masks
Authors: Baker Hannah , Concannon Shauna , So Emily
Published: May 2022

This article contributes an empirical analysis of information sharing practices on Twitter relating to the use of face masks in the context of COVID-19. Behavioural changes, such as the use of face masks, are often influenced by people’s knowledge and perceptions, which in turn can be affected by the information available to them. Face masks were not recommended for use by the UK public at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to developments in scientific understanding, the guidance changed and by the end of 2020 they were mandatory on public transport and in shops. This research examines tweets in this longitudinal context and, therefore, provides novel insights into the dynamics of crisis communication in an ongoing crisis event with emerging scientific evidence. Specifically, analysis of the content of tweets, external resources most frequently shared, and users sharing information are considered. The conclusions contribute to developing understanding of the digital information ecology and provide practical insights for crisis communicators. Firstly, the analysis shows changes in the frequency of tweets about the topic correspond with key guidance and policy changes. These are, therefore, points in time official channels of information need to utilise the public’s information seeking and sharing practices. Secondly, due to changes in face mask guidance and policy, the current literature on digital information ecology is insufficient for capturing the dynamic nature of a long-term ongoing crisis event. Challenges can arise due to the prolonged circulation of out-of-date information, i.e. not strategic misinformation, nor “mis”-information at all, which can have serious ramifications for crisis communication practitioners. Thirdly, the role of traditional media and other journalism/broadcasting platforms in shaping conversations is evident, as is the potential for scientific organisations’ and individual people’s Twitter user accounts. This plurality of contributors needs to be acknowledged and understood to inform crisis communication strategies.
Comprehensive analytical and clinical evaluation of a RNA extraction-free saliva-based molecular assay for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Schoeber Joost P. H. , Schlaghecke Juliëtte M. , Meuwissen Britt M. J. , van Heertum Mara , van den Brule Adriaan J. C. , Loonen Anne J. M.
Published: May 2022

Standard SARS-CoV-2 testing protocols using nasopharyngeal/throat (NP/T) swabs are invasive and require trained medical staff for reliable sampling. In addition, it has been shown that PCR is more sensitive as compared to antigen-based tests. Here we describe the analytical and clinical evaluation of our in-house RNA extraction-free saliva-based molecular assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Analytical sensitivity of the test was equal to the sensitivity obtained in other Dutch diagnostic laboratories that process NP/T swabs. In this study, 955 individuals participated and provided NP/T swabs for routine molecular analysis (with RNA extraction) and saliva for comparison. Our RT-qPCR resulted in a sensitivity of 82,86% and a specificity of 98,94% compared to the gold standard. A false-negative ratio of 1,9% was found. The SARS-CoV-2 detection workflow described here enables easy, economical, and reliable saliva processing, useful for repeated testing of individuals.
Access to maternal health services during COVID-19 pandemic, re-examining the three delays among pregnant women in Ilubabor zone, southwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Abdisa Diriba Kumara , Jaleta Debela Dereje , Feyisa Jira Wakoya , Kitila Keno Melkamu , Berhanu Robera Demissie
Published: May 2022

Background

All women require access to high-quality care during pregnancy, labor, and after childbirth. The occurrence of delay at any stage is one of the major causes of maternal mortality. There is, however, a scarcity of data on women’s access to maternal health services during the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, the goal of this study was to assess the magnitude of delays in maternal health service utilization and its associated factors among pregnant women in the Ilubabor zone during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 402 pregnant women selected by systematic random sampling. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. Descriptive and summary statistics were used to describe the study population. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the outcome variables. Adjusted odds ratio with respective 95% CI was used to report significant covariates.

Results

A total of 402 pregnant women participated in this study. The median age of the respondents was 25 years (IQR = 8). On average, a woman stays 1.76 hours (SD = 1.2) to make a decision to seek care. The prevalence of first, second and third delay were 51%, 48%, and 33.3%, respectively. Being unmarried [AOR (95% CI)], [0.145 (0.046–0.452)], being unemployed [AOR (95% CI)], [4.824 (1.685–13.814)], age [AOR (95% CI)], [0.227 (0.089–0.0579)], fear of COVID-19 [AOR (95% CI)], [1.112 (1.036–1.193)], urban residence [AOR (95% CI)], [0.517 (0.295–0.909)], and lack of birth preparedness [AOR (95% CI)], [6.526 (1.954–21.789)] were significantly associated with first delay. Being unmarried [AOR (95% CI)], [5.984 (2.930–12.223)], being unemployed [AOR (95% CI)], [26.978 (3.477–209.308)], and age [AOR (95% CI)], [0.438 (0.226–0.848)] were significantly associated with second delay. Having lengthy admission [AOR (95% CI)], [7.5 (4.053–13.878)] and non-spontaneous vaginal delivery [AOR (95% CI)], [1.471 (1.018–1.999)] were significantly associated with third delay.

Conclusion

This study identified a significant proportion of mothers experiencing delays, although there were no data to suggest exacerbated delays in utilizing maternal health services due to fear of the COVID-19 pandemic. The proportion of maternal delay varies with different factors. Improving the decision-making capacity of women is, therefore, essential.
Robust Dynamic Indoor Visible Light Positioning Method Based on CMOS Image Sensor
Authors: Sun Senzhen , Li Guangyun , Gao Yangjun , Wang Li
Published: May 2022

A real-time imaging recognition and positioning method based on visible light communication flat light source is proposed. This method images the visible light communication flat light source through the rolling shutter effect of the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor imaging sensor
and obtains the rectangular area outline of the light source. The light and dark stripe information of image with the digital image processing method realizes light source matching recognition by defining the concept, the autocorrelation sequence, which can be used to obtain the identity of
the light source, and the rectangular vertex coordinate information of flat light source achieves high-precision vision positioning on the basis of inertial measurement unit attitude sensor-assisted imaging. Simultaneously, the corresponding positioning module is developed for positioning
testing. The test results indicate that the plane positioning error is less than 4.5 cm, and the positioning frequency is greater than 10 Hz, which provides a high-precision visual positioning solution for indoor positioning.
El efecto del tipo de acondicionamiento físico sobre la insulina y glucosa en las distintas fases del ejercicio
Authors: Umbarila Espinosa Luz Marina , Cedeño Serna Juan Camilo , Cortés Fernández Santiago , Botero Rosas Daniel Alfonso
Published: May 2022

Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento de la glucosa y la insulina durante las etapas del ejercicio en atletas acondicionados en ejercicio aeróbico y anaeróbico. Materiales y Métodos: En un estudio Cuasi-experimental de corte transversal se compararon la glucosa e insulina de 6 atletas anaeróbicos y 10 aeróbicos durante el reposo, ejercicio de moderada- alta intensidad y la recuperación. Se eligio un valor p de <0.05, distribución no-normal fue encontrada, y se utilizaron pruebas no paramétricas, y modelos de regresión linear. Resultados: El ejercicio moderado llevó a hipoinsulinemia, y el intenso a hiperinsulinemia e hiperglicemia. No encontramos diferencias entre los dos tipos de atletas. Conclusiones: El comportamiento del sistema nervioso autónomo afectaría el balance glucoenergético corporal durante el ejercicio aún más que la insulina, con variaciones dependiendo del tipo de entrenamiento, pero es necesario realizar estudios adicionales para evaluar esta relación.
Niveles de homocisteína y factores de riesgo asociados con preeclampsia en gestantes de Santa Marta y Barranquilla (Colombia)
Authors: Hernández Aguirre Enio , Peñuela Guerrero Nurys , Van Vleck Mary , Arrieta De Castro Francisca
Published: May 2022

Fundamentos y objetivos: La preeclampsia o hipertensión arterial gestacional es una complicación del embarazo y en su etiología intervienen factores genéticos, metabólicos y ambientales. Globalmente ocurre en el 3-10% de los embarazos y en Colombia produce muerte materna en el 5-7% de los embarazos. Entre las causas que favorecen su desarrollo se encuentra el estrés oxidativo generado por elevados niveles de homocisteína. El objetivo del presente estudio fue establecer la relación de los niveles de homocisteína y otros factores, entre gestantes con preeclampsia y sin preeclampsia en el tercer trimestre de la gestación. Método: En una población de 47 gestantes sin preeclampsia y 41 gestantes con preeclampsia se realizó una encuesta con consentimiento informado y la medición de homocisteína plasmática mediante inmunoensayo de fluorescencia polarizada en un analizador IMx-System. La edad gestacional se determinó mediante ecografía; la tensión arterial y peso materno de la historia clínica. El análisis estadístico abarcó la prueba de Kruskal-Wallis, tablas de contingencia 2x2, Chi cuadrado de Pearson y análisis multivariado, utilizando el paquete estadístico SPSS 17. Resultados: Se encontró diferencias significativas en los niveles de homocisteína entre casos y controles. Hubo correlación entre homocisteína con el índice de masa corporal y presión arterial. Se encontró que la hiper-homocisteinemia representa un riesgo para preeclampsia significativamente mayor en el grupo con antecedentes familiares, en comparación con el grupo sin antecedentes. Conclusiones: En la población estudiada, la hiper-homocisteinemia, el índice de masa corporal y los antecedentes familiares de preeclampsia representan factores de riesgo para esta patología.
Performance Evaluation of SWT and ICA Techniques for Automatic Separation between Oscillations and Epileptic Spikes by SWT and ICA Techniques
Authors: Ridha Jarray , Abir Hadriche , Nawel Jmail , Houssem Dadi , Chokri Ben Amar , Mourad Zaied
Published: May 2022

In this work, we studied two approaches for separating the signal mixtures observed by FO electrodes, which are filtered techniques, independent component analysis (ICA) and transformed into wavelets. Precisely, we will study two methods to solve the problem of overlap between the spikes and the oscillation. To do this, we must first study the technique of analysis in independent components and implement it for the separation between these two biomarkers of epilepsy. Next, we will evaluate the performance of the ICA method and the Stationary Wavelet Transform (SWT) filtering method.
Chronic glucocorticoid exposure causes brown adipose tissue whitening, alters whole‐body glucose metabolism and increases tissue uncoupling protein‐1
Authors: Bel Jocelyn S. , Tai T. C. , Khaper Neelam , Lees Simon J.
Published: May 2022

Adipose tissue (AT) has been found to exist in two predominant forms, white and brown. White adipose tissue (WAT) is the body's conventional storage organ, and brown adipose tissue (BAT) is responsible for non‐shivering thermogenesis which allows mammals to produce heat and regulate body temperature. Studies examining BAT and its role in whole‐body metabolism have found that active BAT utilizes glucose and circulating fatty acids and is associated with improved metabolic outcomes. While the beiging of WAT is a growing area of interest, the possibility of the BAT depot to “whiten” and store more triglycerides also has metabolic and health implications. Currently, there are limited studies that examine the effects of chronic stress and its ability to induce a white‐like phenotype in the BAT depot. This research examined how chronic exposure to the murine stress hormone, corticosterone, for 4 weeks can affect the whitening process of BAT in C57BL/6 male mice. Separate treatments with mirabegron, a known β3‐adrenergic receptor agonist, were used to directly compare the effects of corticosterone with a beiging phenotype. Corticosterone‐treated mice had significantly higher body weight (p ≤ 0.05) and BAT mass (p ≤ 0.05), increased adipocyte area (p ≤ 0.05), were insulin resistant (p ≤ 0.05), and significantly elevated expressions of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP‐1) in BAT (p ≤ 0.05) while mitochondrial content remained unchanged. This whitened phenotype has not been previously associated with increased uncoupling proteins under chronic stress and may represent a compensatory mechanism being initiated under these conditions. These findings have implications for the study of BAT in response to chronic glucocorticoid exposure potentially leading to BAT dysfunction and negative impacts on whole‐body glucose metabolism.
Management status and policy direction of submerged marine debris for improvement of port environment in Korea
Authors: Song Jong-Seok , Lee Yong-Woo , Han Young-Sik , Park Young-Kwon
Published: May 2022

As the issue of marine waste is emerging around the world, it is urgent to come up with measures to manage marine waste. This study examined the status of the collection project of submerged marine debris (SMD) undertaken to improve the environment of major ports by the central and local governments of Korea. Approximately, 7,174 and 2,817 tons of SMD have been collected at major trade ports and coastal ports, respectively, over the last 7 years (2014–2020). The projects to collect SMD have achieved effectiveness, reducing marine accidents in the port. For example, entanglement accidents caused by floating debris also decreased by 11% in 2018 compared to the previous year. The results of the sediment environment investigation before and after the collection of SMD also showed that the species of benthos and their population density increased, and the concentration of acid volatile sulfides (AVSs) decreased. To reduce marine accidents in ports and improve the benthic environment, it will be necessary to provide policy support, such as investigating the distribution status of SMD regularly, improving the effectiveness of the collection method, identifying the way to recycle collected debris, maintaining the public–private cooperative system, and establishing a specialized agency for the systematic management of marine debris.
Individual differences in simultaneous perceptual compensation for coarticulatory and lexical cues
Authors: Lai Wei , Wade Lacey , Tamminga Meredith
Published: May 2022

Idiosyncratic perceptual compensation behaviors are considered to have a bearing on the perceptual foundation of sound change. We investigate how compensation processes driven by lexical and coarticulatory contexts simultaneously affect listeners’ perception of a single segment and the individual differences in the compensation patterns. Sibilants on an /s-ʃ/ continuum were embedded into four lexical frames that differed in whether the lexical context favored /s/ or /ʃ/ perceptually and whether the vocalic context favored /s/ or not. Forty-two participants took a lexical decision task to decide whether each stimulus was a word or not. They also completed the autism-spectrum quotient questionnaire. The aggregate results of the lexical decision task show coexistence of lexically induced and coarticulatorily induced perceptual shifts in parallel. A negative correlation was found between the two kinds of perceptual shifts for individual listeners in lexical decisions, lending support to a potential trade-off between compensation magnitudes on different levels of cue integration.