bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A community feasibility study of a cooking behavior intervention in African-American adults at risk for cardiovascular disease: DC COOKS (DC Community Organizing for Optimal culinary Knowledge Study) with Heart
Authors: Farmer Nicole , Powell-Wiley Tiffany M. , Middleton Kimberly R. , Roberson Brenda , Flynn Sharon , Brooks Alyssa T. , Kazmi Narjis , Mitchell Valerie , Collins Billy , Hingst Rachel , Swan Lucy , Yang Shanna , Kakar Seema , Harlan Timothy , Wallen Gwenyth R.
Published: October 2020

Background

Cooking interventions have increased in popularity in recent years. Evaluation by meta-analyses and systematic reviews show consistent changes in dietary quality reports and cooking confidence, but not of cardiovascular (CVD) biomarkers. Interventions evaluating or reporting behavioral mechanisms as an explanatory factor for these outcomes has been sparse. Moreover, evaluations of cooking interventions among communities with health disparities or food access limitations have received little attention in the literature.

Methods

This study will occur over two phases. Phase 1 will assess acceptability among the target population of African-American adults living within an urban food desert. Phase 2 will consist of a 6-week cooking intervention delivered at a community kitchen setting. Pre and post intervention visits for clinical examinations and biomarker collection will be conducted, as well as dietary and cooking skill assessments. Primary outcomes include cooking behavior and feasibility measures. Secondary outcomes are related to dietary quality, psychosocial factors, CVD biomarkers, and food environment measures.

Discussion

This study seeks to demonstrate feasibility of a community-based cooking intervention and to provide necessary information to plan future interventions that identify cooking behavior as an outcome of participation in cooking interventions among African-American adults, especially in relation to dietary and biomarker outcomes.

Trial registration

This study was registered atClinicalTrials.gov(NCT04305431) on March 12, 2020.
Spinal anesthesia for muscle biopsy in an infant with a suspected neuromuscular disorder: a case report
Authors: Ishida Yoshiaki , Morita Masato , Sasaki Takahisa , Taniguchi Akiko
Published: October 2020

Background

Neuromuscular disorders (NMDs) occur in different forms and are generally diagnosed using muscle biopsy. Among the available anesthetic management options for infants with a suspected NMD are general anesthesia (GA) and regional anesthesia (RA), including spinal anesthesia (SA). Anesthesia selection is often challenging from the point of potential airway risks and anesthetic drug-related complications.

Case presentation

A 6-month-old male infant repeatedly underwent endotracheal intubation and extubation after birth because of respiratory muscle weakness and copious secretions. He was suspected of having NMD and was scheduled for muscle biopsy. His generalized hypotonia and decreased respiratory function presented a potentially difficult airway and complicated the selection of an appropriate anesthetic method. We selected SA and dexmedetomidine, which are safe for infants.

Conclusion

We report the successful and effective anesthetic management of SA and dexmedetomidine in an infant with a suspected NMD.
The validity of astrological predictions on marriage and divorce: a longitudinal analysis of Swedish register data
Authors: Helgertz Jonas , Scott Kirk
Published: October 2020

This paper examines astrology, a concept that is considered unscientific by broad segments of the population in the western world. Despite this, astrology remains for some an important source for advice regarding choices in a range of different matters, including career and relationships. The continuing popularity of astrology may at least partly be linked to an insufficient body of empirical research that has been able to test hypotheses formulated by astrological theory, both due to a lack of data beyond very small study populations as well as astrological predictions frequently being vague and thereby difficult to test. This article examines how differences in astrological favorability influence partner choice in marriage as well as the divorce risk among married couples using longitudinal individual-level data from Sweden over the period 1968-2001. The results fail to provide any consistent evidence to support the notion that astrologically more compatible couples are either overrepresented among observed marital unions or associated with a lower risk of divorce.
A mixed-methods evaluation of a group based trail walking program to reduce anxiety in cancer survivors
Authors: Lesser I. A. , Prystupa J. , Belanger L. , Thomson C. , Nienhuis C. P.
Published: October 2020

Background

Cancer survivorship results in an increased number of physical and psychosocial health issues. Engaging in physical activity in natural environments is often thought of as restorative. Despite the potential benefits of engaging in physical activity in natural environments there are no sustainable community-based programs for cancer survivors that employ this form of physical activity. This study aims to evaluate the impact of an 8-week trail-walking (TW) program on anxiety in a population of adult cancer survivors.

Methods

The TW program consisted of two trail walks per week for 8 weeks led by a hiking guide. Individuals were eligible to participate if they were 19 years or older, were a cancer survivor, were not on active immunotherapy, and had medical clearance from their physician for physical activity. While 12 participants signed up for the program, 9 participants (N = 9, 8 F, 1 M) completed the program. A mixed methodology included pre-and-post quantitative program surveys and post-program interviews. Questionnaires measured generalized anxiety, sleep disturbances, self-efficacy, self-esteem, psychological well-being and depression as well as pre-and-post hike state anxiety. Data was analysed using paired t-tests. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and an inductive thematic analysis was conducted to consolidate meaning and identify themes using NVivo 11 software.

Results

Average attendance was 74% of the 16 hikes. There was no significant reduction in the primary outcome of generalized anxiety (p = .38). There was a significant reduction in perceived stress after 8-weeks (p = .03) and a significant reduction in state anxiety after TW (p < .001). None of the other secondary outcomes were statistically significant (p > .05). Four overarching themes, or benefits, emerged from qualitative data analysis: (a) benefits of program design (b) physical benefits, (c) psychological benefits, and (d) social benefits.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate the utility of a TW program for cancer survivors in order to promote physical, psychological and social health. Feasibility of a TW program would be contingent on access to natural areas for TW and an instructor-led program with other cancer survivors.
Cardiovascular risk knowledge in patients of South Asian origin living with rheumatoid arthritis: data from India and the UK
Authors: Kumar Kanta , Arya Suvrat , Nightingale Peter , Sheeran Tom , Aggarwal Amita
Published: October 2020

Background

South Asians have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) increases the risk of premature atherosclerosis. We investigated whether there was a substantial difference in the level of CVD risk knowledge among patients of South Asian origin with RA in India and in the UK.

Methods

In this cross-sectional survey, patients of South Asian origin with RA from India and the UK were recruited from secondary care settings. Data were collected via Heart Disease Fact Questionnaire-Rheumatoid Arthritis (HDFQ-RA), a validated self-completion questionnaire. The HDFQ-RA was translated into Hindi and piloted among patients from South Asian background before use. Additionally, clinical and demographic data was collected.

Results

Among 118 patients from each country, 84% were female and they had similar age, education level, employment status and co-morbidities. Patients from India had longer disease duration (5.5 years versus 4.1 years (p = 0.012) whereas those from the UK had higher disease activity score (4.0 + 0.8 versus 3.1 + 0.7, p < 0.01). Regarding modifiable risk factors for CVD only 51.2% from India and 51.3% in the UK were aware of them. However, awareness of the link between RA and increased risk of CVD was even more limited (32.8% in India and 34.4% in UK).

Conclusion

Patients of South Asians origin with RA from both countries had limited knowledge about CVD risk. There is a need to educate them about CVD risk during consultation, as this will result in better outcomes.
Optimal rearing medium for the population growth of the predatory mite, Amblyseius swirskii (Athias-Henriot) (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: San Phyu Phyu , Tuda Midori , Nakahira Kengo , Takagi Masami
Published: October 2020

Background

The successful rearing of predators or parasitoids is one of the most important elements in biological control programs. The dried fruit mite, Carpoglyphus lactis (L.), can be used as an alternative prey for the phytoseiid predatory mite, Amblyseius swirs0kii (Athias-Henriot).

Main body

This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of 3 different diets for C. lactis when rearing A. swirskii: brown sugar, baker’s yeast, and the mixture of brown sugar and baker’s yeast along with 3 initial predator:prey ratios (1:7, 1:12, and 1:20). After 30 days, both the baker’s yeast and the mixture of brown sugar + baker’s yeast diets resulted in the highest predator densities (40.5 times increase at an initial predator:prey ratio of 1:20, with the baker’s yeast diet), whereas the mixture diet produced the highest density of prey. The brown sugar resulted in the lowest number of predator and prey mites. This may be due to lower feeding and predation rates of the prey and the predator mites on the brown sugar medium since its relative moisture content and adhesiveness inhibits mite movement. The final predator:prey ratio was also highest on the baker’s yeast diet.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the population growth of A. swirskii was the highest when C. lactis was reared on baker’s yeast.
Schizophrenic patients’ cognitive functions in relation to their metabolic profile: a cross-sectional, comparative study on an Egyptian sample
Authors: Ali Dalia Hegazy , Elserafi Doha Mostafa , Soltan Marwa Abdel Rahman , Eissa Mohamed Fikry , Zein Hanan Ahmed , Elshahawi Heba Hamed
Published: October 2020

Background

Patients with schizophrenia suffer from diffuse cognitive impairment and high prevalence of cardiovascular metabolic risks, associated with poor clinical outcomes. We aimed in this study to test the presence of cognitive impairment in a sample of patients with schizophrenia, and evaluate its possible relations to patients’ metabolic profile. We recruited forty patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and their matched controls from the inpatient departments and outpatient services from January to December 2016. Schizophrenia diagnosis was confirmed by the ICD10 criteria checklist. Symptoms profile and severity were assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Cognitive profile was assessed through (1) Trail Making Test, Parts A and B and (2) Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised Visual Reproduction Test. Metabolic profile was assessed by measuring the body mass index, fasting blood glucose, and lipid profile. SPSS (V. 22.0, IBM Corp., USA, 2013) was used for data analysis.

Results

The patients group had a significantly higher means in the speed of processing, executive function, attention, and working memory scores on TMT-A (p = 0.0), TMT-B (p = 0.00), and WMS-R (p = 0.029) and significantly higher FBG levels (p = 0.00). Correlation studies showed that the increase in patients’ age, illness duration, treatments, number of hospitalizations, number of episodes and of ECT sessions received, symptoms severity, and deficits in cognitive function scores was associated with higher BMI and FBG.

Conclusions

Patients with schizophrenia have a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment and vascular risk factors than the general population. Close monitoring and early management of these risk factors can promote better cognitive abilities and overall functions.
Development and application of a spectrophotometric method in quality evaluation of benzimidazole anthelminthics in Nairobi city county
Authors: Murage Johnson K. , Amugune Beatrice K. , Njogu Peter , Ndwigah Stanley
Published: October 2020

Background

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of communicable diseases which are prevalent in the tropics affecting more than one billion people. Treatment and prevention of these infections is very costly to developing economies. Helminthiases are classified among NTDs. The communities afflicted are poor and have limited access to essential resources for their livelihood. Poor-quality drugs for NTDs may lead to death or prolonged treatment without achieving the desired results. The limited resources used in purchasing poor-quality drugs will therefore be wasted instead of being put to good use.

Most of the methods available for the analysis of benzimidazole anthelminthics utilize high-performance liquid chromatography. They are therefore time consuming, require sophisticated and expensive equipment, utilize rare and expensive reagents and solvents, and call for skilled personnel. A simple, rapid, and inexpensive ultraviolet spectrophotometric method of analysis would therefore come in handy especially in the analysis of many samples as occurs during post-authorization market surveillance for quality.

Results

The suitable solvent for the spectroscopic analysis was established as 0.1 M methanolic HCl. The wavelength of analysis was set at 294 nm. Upon validation, the method was found to have good linearity. The range over which linearity was established was way beyond the 80 to 120% of the working concentration specified by the ICH. The method exhibited good precision.

Out of 32 commercial samples analyzed, five (15.6%) did not comply with compendial specifications. Intra-brand batch variation was also observed. Out of three batches of product A002T analyzed, one did not comply with compendial specifications.

Conclusion

A major limitation in the analysis of benzimidazole anthelminthics is the lack of reliable, simple, rapid, and low-cost methods of analysis with high throughput. The developed method serves to fill this gap. It can be used in the analysis of raw materials and finished products. It can also be used in the establishment of the quality of products prior to registration. The method will prove very useful in post-market surveillance of quality of benzimidazole anthelminthics.
Does caffeine reduce methotrexate intolerance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled study
Authors: EL Nouby Fatma H. , Fathi Nihal Ahmed , Fehr Amal Abdelaziz , Assi Abdel-Azim , Lotfy Reem Mahmoud , Goma Samar H.
Published: October 2020

Background

Intolerance to MTX is the most common cause of non-compliance that leads to poor disease control. Treatment is usually discontinued due to intolerance which interferes with compliance of the patient to long-term treatment. Caffeine causes most of its biological effects via antagonizing all types of adenosine receptors (ARs). Our aim was to investigate the effect of caffeine intake on reducing symptoms of MTX intolerance in patients with RA.

Methods

Ninety patients were diagnosed as RA with MTX intolerance divided into 2 groups. Sixty patients were prescribed caffeine or dark chocolate. Control group included 30 patients who will continue MTX regimen without addition of any extra caffeine.

Results

Group A (caffeine group): There was no statistically significant difference between patients and controls at the start of the study. There was statistically significant decrease in methotrexate intolerance severity score (MISS) all over the study period (P = 0.001), and also MISS was statistically significantly lower in each follow-up time when compared with time 0 (P = 0.001).

Group B (control group): There was statistically significant increase in MISS all over the study period (P = 0.017); also, MISS was statistically significantly higher in follow-up time 2 and time 3 when compared with time 0 (P = 0.033). We found that after 3 months, 80% of group A patients showed complete relief, 6.7% showed partial relief, 10% showed minimal relief, and 3.3% got worse.

Conclusion

Adding caffeine to management regimen can reduce the symptoms of MTX intolerance in RA patients. Caffeine relieved the symptoms of MTX intolerance in 80% of RA patients after 3 months of adding caffeine to management regimen.
Consolidation of Cancer Registry and Administrative Claims Data on Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment in the US Military Health System
Authors: Eaglehouse Yvonne L. , Park Amie B. , Georg Matthew W. , Brown Derek W. , Lin Jie , Shao Stephanie , Bytnar Julie A. , Shriver Craig D. , Zhu Kangmin
Published: October 2020

PURPOSE

Linked cancer registry and medical claims data have increased the capacity for cancer research. However, few efforts have described methods to select information between data sources, which may affect data use. We developed a systematic process to evaluate and consolidate cancer diagnosis and treatment information between the linked Department of Defense Central Cancer Registry (CCR) and Military Health System Data Repository (MDR) administrative claims database, called Military Cancer Epidemiology Data System (MilCanEpi).

METHODS

MilCanEpi contains information on cancer diagnosis and treatment of patients receiving care from 1998 to 2014. We used an iterative process guided by knowledge of data features, current literature, and logical comparisons between the CCR and MDR data to evaluate and consolidate cancer diagnosis and treatment received (yes or no) and their dates. We applied the processes to breast cancer data as an example. Agreement between diagnosis and treatment dates in the two data sources was evaluated using Cohen’s κ with 95% CIs.

RESULTS

In MilCanEpi, we identified 15,965 patients with a breast cancer diagnosis and 15,145 patients who underwent breast cancer surgery; 97.9% and 84.1% of patients had records in both CCR and MDR for diagnosis and surgery, respectively. Exact agreement was 13.7% for diagnosis dates (Cohen’s κ = 0.14; 95% CI, 0.13 to 0.14) and 68.9% for surgery dates (Cohen’s κ = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.68 to 0.70) between the two data sources. After applying systematic processes, 98.1% of patients with a breast cancer diagnosis and 99.7% of patients with surgery had information selected for analytic data sets.

CONCLUSION

The developed processes resulted in high consolidation rates of breast cancer data in MilCanEpi and may serve as a data selection template for other tumor sites and linked data sources.
The Effects of Kisspeptin on Brain Response to Food Images and Psychometric Parameters of Appetite in Healthy Men
Authors: Yang Lisa , Demetriou Lysia , Wall Matthew B , Mills Edouard G , Wing Victoria C , Thurston Layla , Schaufelberger Caroline N , Owen Bryn M , Abbara Ali , Rabiner Eugenii A , Comninos Alexander N , Dhillo Waljit S
Published: October 2020

Context

The hormone kisspeptin has crucial and well-characterized roles in reproduction. Emerging data from animal models also suggest that kisspeptin has important metabolic effects including modulation of food intake. However, to date there have been no studies exploring the effects of kisspeptin on brain responses to food stimuli in humans.

Objective

This work aims to investigate the effects of kisspeptin administration on brain responses to visual food stimuli and psychometric parameters of appetite, in healthy men.

Design

A double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study was conducted.

Participants

Participants included 27 healthy, right-handed, eugonadal men (mean ± SEM: age 26.5 ± 1.1 years; body mass index 23.9 ± 0.4 kg/m2).

Intervention

Participants received an intravenous infusion of 1 nmol/kg/h of kisspeptin or rate-matched vehicle over 75 minutes.

Main Outcome Measures

Measurements included change in brain activity on functional magnetic resonance imaging in response to visual food stimuli and change in psychometric parameters of appetite, during kisspeptin administration compared to vehicle.

Results

Kisspeptin administration at a bioactive dose did not affect brain responses to visual food stimuli or psychometric parameters of appetite compared to vehicle.

Conclusions

This is the first study in humans investigating the effects of kisspeptin on brain regions regulating appetite and demonstrates that peripheral administration of kisspeptin does not alter brain responses to visual food stimuli or psychometric parameters of appetite in healthy men. These data provide key translational insights to further our understanding of the interaction between reproduction and metabolism.
Maternal glucocorticoid levels during incubation predict breeding success, but not reproductive investment, in a free-ranging bird
Authors: Fischer Devin , Marrotte Robby R. , Chin Eunice H. , Coulson Smolly , Burness Gary
Published: October 2020

The hormone corticosterone (CORT) has been hypothesized to be linked with fitness, but the directionality of the relationship is unclear. The ‘CORT-fitness hypothesis’ proposes that high levels of CORT arise from challenging environmental conditions, resulting in lower reproductive success (a negative relationship). In contrast, the CORT-adaptation hypothesis suggests that, during energetically demanding periods, CORT will mediate physiological or behavioral changes that result in increased reproductive investment and success (a positive relationship). During two breeding seasons, we experimentally manipulated circulating CORT levels in female tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) prior to egg laying, and measured subsequent reproductive effort, breeding success, and maternal survival. When females were recaptured during egg incubation and again during the nestling stage, the CORT levels were similar among individuals in each treatment group, and maternal treatment had no effect on indices of fitness. By considering variation among females, we found support for the CORT-adaptation hypothesis; there was a significant positive relationship between CORT levels during incubation and hatching and fledging success. During the nestling stage CORT levels were unrelated to any measure of investment or success. Within the environmental context of our study, relationships between maternal glucocorticoid levels and indices of fitness vary across reproductive stages.
The myodural bridge of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) alters CSF flow
Authors: Young Bruce A. , Adams James , Beary Jonathan M. , Mardal Kent-Andre , Schneider Robert , Kondrashova Tatyana
Published: October 2020

Disorders of the volume, pressure, or circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lead to disease states in both newborns and adults; despite this significance, there is uncertainty regarding the basic mechanics of the CSF. The suboccipital muscles connect to the dura surrounding the spinal cord, forming a complex termed the “myodural bridge;” this study tests the hypothesis that the myodural bridge functions to alter the CSF circulation. The suboccipital muscles of American alligators were surgically exposed and electrically stimulated simultaneous with direct recordings of CSF pressure and flow. Contraction of the suboccipital muscles significantly changed both CSF flow and pressure. By demonstrating another influence on CSF circulation and pulsatility, the present study increases our understanding of the mechanics underlying the movement of the CSF.
The diversity of Anopheles blood feeding patterns suggests different malaria protection strategies in different localities
Authors: Chakim Irfanul , Pumpaibool Tepanata
Published: October 2020

Background: Malaria is a significant health burden for many countries worldwide. Insecticide-treated bed nets and mosquito repellent are considered effective methods for preventing Anopheles bites. However, changes in the biological properties of the vector have led to a reduction in their effectiveness. The vector has been studied, but the behaviour has been poorly examined. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the importance of primary vector activity for selecting an appropriate malaria protection strategy.

Methods: Initially, active case detection (ACD) was carried out in western and eastern parts of Indonesia, Jambi and Sumba, to confirm their endemicity level. According to the 2016 national health report of Indonesia, Jambi has an annual parasite index (API) of 0.14 and Sumba has an API of 5.41.

A series of entomological observations were carried out to compare the biting activity of Anopheles vectors in two localities, with a total of 216 houses and 216 catchers (108 at each study site).

Results: The results indicated that endemicity at the sub-district level is higher than that at the provincial level. Only Anopheles balabacensi was found to be exophagic. Multiple comparisons found different biting times between the sites, suggesting that early evening (18.00-20.00) is most likely to be the time when mosquitoes transmit the Plasmodium parasite in Jambi, while during sleeping hours (21.00-01.00) is the peak biting time of Anopheles mosquitoes in Sumba.

Conclusions: The study demonstrates the importance of Anopheles species blood feeding patterns in selecting an appropriate malaria protection strategy.
Nutritional value of the Middle Eastern diet: analysis of total sugar, salt, and iron in Lebanese traditional dishes
Authors: Hoteit Maha , Zoghbi Edwina , Al Iskandarani Mohamad , Rady Alissar , Shankiti Iman , Matta Joseph , Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub
Published: October 2020

Background: The expanding burden of diet-related non-communicable diseases in the Eastern Mediterranean Countries requires urgent public health vigilance and actions. This study aimed at establishing a database analysis of total sugar, salt and iron content in Lebanese foods, focusing on traditional dishes.

Methods: The collection of food samples was done using stratified sampling techniques. These samples were classified into five strata, taking into account variation by geographical area (Mount Lebanon, Bekaa, Beirut, Tripoli, and Saida). The number of samples per governorate was estimated to be 30 according to the variability in the dishes' composition. Food samples were chemically analyzed for total sugar, salt, and iron.

Results: Among all the governorates, all the tested traditional Lebanese dishes contained little total sugar. More than 60% of the samples tested were rich in sodium. The sodium content ranges were 120-720 mg/100 g in Mount Lebanon, 240-960 mg/100 g in Bekaa, 80-520 mg/100g in Beirut, 252-1952 mg/100g in Tripoli and 40-680 mg/100 g in Saida. The highest mean amount of sodium was observed in the dishes Fatayer Sabanikh and Malfouf Mehche (≥ 600 mg/100 g). Furthermore, more than 80% of the samples had poor amounts of iron in all governorates.

Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for multi-cultural education and awareness on food sources of salt and iron, and the health effects regarding high intake of salt and low intake of iron. This study is a stepping stone for further research exploring total sugar, salt and iron content of traditional dishes, as well as potential intake by individuals in the Lebanese population.
Estimating the power to detect a change caused by a vaccine from time series data
Authors: Weinberger Daniel M. , Warren Joshua L.
Published: October 2020

When evaluating the effects of vaccination programs, it is common to estimate changes in rates of disease before and after vaccine introduction. There are a number of related approaches that attempt to adjust for trends unrelated to the vaccine and to detect changes that coincide with introduction. However, characteristics of the data can influence the ability to estimate such a change. These include, but are not limited to, the number of years of available data prior to vaccine introduction, the expected strength of the effect of the intervention, the strength of underlying secular trends, and the amount of unexplained variability in the data. Sources of unexplained variability include model misspecification, epidemics due to unidentified pathogens, and changes in ascertainment or coding practice among others. In this study, we present a simple simulation framework for estimating the power to detect a decline and the precision of these estimates. We use real-world data from a pre-vaccine period to generate simulated time series where the vaccine effect is specified a priori. We present an interactive web-based tool to implement this approach. We also demonstrate the use of this approach using observed data on pneumonia hospitalization from the states in Brazil from a period prior to introduction of pneumococcal vaccines to generate the simulated time series. We relate the power of the hypothesis tests to the number of cases per year and the amount of unexplained variability in the data and demonstrate how fewer years of data influence the results.
Field survey of major infectious and reproductive diseases responsible for mortality and productivity losses of ruminants amongst Nigerian Fulani pastoralists
Authors: Bolajoko Muhammed B. , Van Gool Franciscus , Peters Andew R. , Suarez Martinez Jeimmy , Vance Ciara J. , Dungu Baptiste
Published: October 2020

Background:Animal disease constitutes a major hurdle to improved livelihoods in rural Nigeria through the challenges of loss of productivity, livestock morbidity and mortality including reproductive losses. In order to design and implement impactful interventions, baseline data on the causes of such losses are needed. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to carry out targeted field surveys, including interviews with ruminant farmers, veterinary professionals and other stakeholders in livestock farming to establish the main causes of disease and mortality including abortions in cattle and small ruminants (SR).

Methods:Northern Nigeria was selected because the majority of the nation’s ruminants belong to pastoralists who are primarily resident in this region. Seven states; Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Nasarawa, Niger, Sokoto and Zamfara states were surveyed. The responses were collated and a comprehensive descriptive analysis was carried out.

Results:Average cattle herd sizes ranged from 28 in Zamfara to 103 in Nasarawa; and from 27 in Kano to 128 in Sokoto for SR. In cattle, Trypanosomosis (with 4.27% mortality rate), foot and mouth disease (3.81%), nutritional insufficiency (1.93%) and contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP; 1.44%) were the top four diseases/health problems that resulted in the highest mortality due to diseases within each state surveyed. For SR, trypanosomosis (with 6.85% mortality rate), Peste des Petits Ruminants (4.99%), orf (3.06%), foot rot (2.97%) and foot and mouth disease (2.94%) were the most important diseases responsible for the highest number of mortalities and culling for disease.

Conclusions:The study revealed that there are significant losses via mortalities due to the occurrence of disease amongst the ruminant populations countrywide, as evidenced by the high overall mortality rates of both cattle (15.3%) and small ruminants (30.9%) from various diseases. Also, reproductive losses of 8.7% and 16.6% in cattle and SR, respectively, were recorded amongst the farmers involved.
High-speed optimization of all-optical modulation in quantum cascade laser
Authors: Peng Chen , Zhou Haijun , Sun Yuankun
Published: October 2020

The photoluminescence spectrum reflects the electron transition rate of the sub-bands of a QCL. It can be used to optimize high-speed all-optical modulation of QCLs for use in free-space optical communication and molecular-detection applications.
2D Single-shot Optical Coherence Tomography under Vibration Environment
Authors: Awane Toshiki , Shioda Tatsutoshi
Published: October 2020

We demonstrated the performance of 2D single-shot tomography system for vibrating sample. The frequency dependence was investigated with the camera shutter speed of ~1 µs, which is faster than conventional OCT. © 2020 The Author(s)
Thickness tunable Kerr nonlinearity in BiOBr nanoflakes
Authors: Jia Linnan , Cui Dandan , Wu Jiayang , Feng Haifeng , Yang Tieshan , Yang Yunyi , Du Yi , Hao Weichang , Jia Baohua , Moss David J.
Published: October 2020

We report a high Kerr optical nonlinearity in BiOBr nanoflakes that varies with thickness via Z-Scan technique. We integrate BiOBr nanoflakes onto silicon nanowires and characterize the linear optical properties of the hybrid integrated devices. © 2020 The Author(s)
Third Harmonic Generation in Hexagonal Boron Nitride Flakes
Authors: Popkova Anna A. , Antropov Ilya I. , Bessonov Vladimir O. , Kim Sejeong , Fröch Johannes E. , Aharonovich Igor , Solntsev Alexander S. , Fedyanin Andrey A.
Published: October 2020

The third harmonic generation (THG) in hexagonal boron nitride flakes (hBN) is experimentally studied, the nonlinear third-order susceptibility is estimated. © 2020 The Author(s)
Complex optical response measurement of solid material to external fields by dual-comb spectroscopy
Authors: Adachi Takuto , Asahara Akifumi , Odagiri Yusuke , Shirakawa Masayuki , Ishibashi Chikako , Hatano Satoshi , Tokunaga Eiji , Minoshima Kaoru
Published: October 2020

We developed a technique for evaluation of the complex optical response of solid-state sample to the external field using dual-comb spectroscopy. All parameters needed for the calculation can be acquired with a single measurement.
Nano-photonic Supercontinuum Based Mid-Infrared Dual-Comb Spectroscopy
Authors: Guo Hairun , Weng Wenle , Liu Junqiu , Yang Fan , Hänsel Wolfgang , Brès Camille Sophie , Thèvenaz Luc , Holzwarth Ronald , Kippenberg Tobias J.
Published: October 2020

We demonstrate an approach to dual-comb spectroscopy, based on dispersion engineered and ultra-broadband supercontinuum generation in photonic integrated nonlinear waveguides, and driven by low-noise fiber-laser combs. Both technologies are state-of-the-art and contribute to high-performance mid-infrared spectroscopy.
Clamping of noise from a stimulated Brillouin scattering amplifier through optical injection locking
Authors: Kotecha Shyam , Zafiri Atiyeh , Merklein Moritz , Liu Yang , Choudhary Amol , Eggleton Benjamin , Corcoran Bill
Published: October 2020

Coherent measurements of an optical tone amplified by stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) show significant noise when the SBS gain is misaligned, which can be reduced (> 100x) by amplitude clamping through optical injection locking.
High-Performance Digital Signal Processor for Navigation Grade Resonant Fiber Optic Gyroscope
Authors: Tu Junyu , Liu Lu , Li Hanzhao , Ma Huilian
Published: October 2020

A high-performance digital signal processor using an FPGA circuit for a closed-loop resonant fiber-optic gyro is constructed. Experiments show that the equivalent lock-in accuracy is better than 0.01°/h at the integration time of 100s.
Pulsed laser assisted micro-scribing of PCB combined with LIBS based depth monitoring
Authors: Sooraj S. , Vasa N. J.
Published: October 2020

A nanosecond laser ablation combined with LIBS is demonstrated for a micro-scribing of copper film on dielectric material. NaCl solution was used as a laser-activated etchant in the final scan for minimizing the thermal damage.
Enhancement of UV laser induced etching of diamond under vacuum
Authors: Baldwin C. G. , Downes J. E. , Mildren R. P.
Published: October 2020

An investigation into UV two-photon etching of diamond surfaces in low pressure conditions is presented. A tenfold increase in etch rate was observed, attributed to the reduced role of water vapour in suppressing carbon ejection.
Recognition of Energetic Materials by Ultrasonic Spectrum upon Pulsed Laser Initiation
Authors: Rodin Aleksej M. , Sarlauskas Jonas , Tamuliene Jelena , Mackonis Paulius
Published: October 2020

We demonstrate the recognition of explosives by ultrasonic spectrum with a frequency of up to 45 kHz for possible applications in forensics and anti-terror. Energetic materials were initiated with Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and laser diode.
Supercontinuum laser illumination for NIR reflectance spectroscopy of minerals and speckle reduction
Authors: Boobhun Jeff T. , Otten Dale E. , Skinner William , Lancaster David G.
Published: October 2020

We propose a method to significantly reduce speckle originating from the intrinsic coherence of a supercontinuum laser used for reflectance spectroscopy. Rotating the samples and spectral averaging reveals the characteristic spectra of two minerals.
Broadband mid-infrared coherent light source from fiber-laser-pumped difference frequency generators based on cascaded crystals
Authors: Feng Xi , Shi Jinqiao , Liu Pei , Zhang Zhaowei
Published: October 2020

We experimentally obtained mid-infrared sources having instantaneous-bandwidth covering 2.8-3.9 μm from DFGs based on two cascaded PPLN crystals. Numerical simulations show that by cascading more crystals, light sources covering 2.5-5 μm could be obtained.
Volumetric two-photon microscopy with expanded field of view using dual Airy beam
Authors: Chan Ka Yan , He Hongsen , Ren Yu-Xuan , Lai Cora S. W. , Wong Kenneth K. Y.
Published: October 2020

We demonstrate volumetric two-photon microscopy using mirrored Airy beams that can reconstruct objects within the axial length of Airy beam. Objects which are slightly out of the field of view can also be successfully reconstructed.
Laser frequency stabilization using a 2-m-long iodine cell
Authors: Ikeda Kohei , Sakagami Haruki , Kato Rei , Goji Yuma , Yoshii Kazumichi , Hong Feng-Lei
Published: October 2020

We demonstrate laser frequency stabilization using a 2-m-long iodine cell and a Nd:YAG laser. Together with laser linewidth narrowing using a fiber interferometer, we should obtain better frequency stability than that of a hydrogen maser.
Novel Contrast Enhancing Technique For Gait Analysis Images
Authors: Arute Vrushali , Azeemuddin Syed , Khandelwal Arpit
Published: October 2020

Resolution of POF based pressure sensor was improved by suppressing voltage fluctuation in LED-fiber-Photodiode setup using time windowing technique. This reduced the standard deviation by 98%, thereby showing significant improvement in gait analysis images.
Performance and Computational Complexity Evaluation for Neural Network-Based Short-Reach Optical Links
Authors: Xu Zhaopeng , Sun Chuanbowen , Manton Jonathan H. , Shieh William
Published: October 2020

The performance and computational complexity of neural network-based equalizers are experimentally evaluated for a 50-Gb/s 25-km PAM4 optical link. Equalizers with tanh activation function and 1 output help achieve better performance with moderate computational complexity.
Efficient Intermodal Third-Harmonic Generation in Adiabatic Silica Nanofiber
Authors: Ha Chang Kyun , Nam Kee Hwan , Kang Myeong Soo
Published: October 2020

We successfully fabricate silica nanofibers that permit adiabatic transmission of the higher-order spatial modes by tapering wet-etched optical fibers. Phase-matched intermodal third-harmonic generation in a 760-nm-thick nanofiber is demonstrated with an efficiency higher than 1.05*10-4.
>2 KW Cladding Mode Stripping Device for High Power Fiber Lasers
Authors: Liu Yu , Huang Shan , Tang Xuan , Wu Wenjie , Feng Xi , Li Min , Shen Benjian , Tao Rumao , Wang Jianjun , Jing Feng
Published: October 2020

An approach to fabricate cladding mode stripping device with ultra high power handling capability is presented, which can strip the cladding power gradually and avoid local overheating. Removed pump power up to 2.16 kW was experimentally demonstrated for the first time, delivering an attenuation of 21.7 dB with highest temperature being 55 °C at a room temperature of 20°C.
Nonlinear Transition-Metal-Dichalcogenide Metasurfaces
Authors: Nauman Mudassar , Yan Jingshi , Rahmani Mohsen , de Ceglia Domenico , De Angelis Costantino , Ma Wendi , Kamali Khosro Zangeneh , Miroshnichenko Andrey E. , Lu Yuerui , Neshev Dragomir N.
Published: October 2020

We demonstrate enhanced second-harmonic generation from a single-crystal transition-metal-dichalcogenide metasurface of high refractive index. By manipulating the Mie-resonances at the second-harmonic wavelength, we show the control of intensity and radiation of the second-harmonic signal.
Optical see-through Maxwellian-view display with axial focal spot steering using focus-tunable lens
Authors: Choi Myeong-Ho , Park Jae-Hyeung
Published: October 2020

We propose a Maxwellian-view display that can steer the focal spot axially with a focus-tunable lens. The proposed method addresses the image cropping problem occurs when the eye deviates from the original focal spot distance.
Q-switched and Mode-locked 3.5 μm Fiber Laser
Authors: Bawden Nathaniel , Henderson-Sapir Ori , Majewski Matthew R. , Woodward Robert I. , Jackson Stuart D. , Ottaway David J.
Published: October 2020

We report on a tunable mid-infrared erbium fiber laser mode-locked via frequency shifted-feedback provided by an acousto-optic tunable filter. Q-switched pulses were produced when the driving frequency of the acousto-optic tunable filter was square-wave modulated.
Thermo-optic tuning of spectral broadening in a nonlinear Ultra-Silicon-Rich Nitride grating
Authors: Cao Y. M. , Sahin E. , Choi J. W. , Xing P. , Chen G. F. R. , Ng D. K. T. , Eggleton B. J. , Tan D. T. H.
Published: October 2020

Temperature tuning of spectral broadening induced by a nonlinear grating is experimentally demonstrated. The bandwidth is observed to decrease as temperature increases, corresponding to a red-shift in the high dispersion region of the Bragg grating.
Helical Bragg grating and rocking optical fibre filters
Authors: Canning J. , Wang Y. , Lancry M. , Luo Y. , Peng G-D
Published: October 2020

Combined rocking filters and polarisation balanced fibre Bragg gratings are demonstrated in a 3D printed optical fibre.
A Bidirectional 256-Gb/s PAM4 VCSEL-Based Fiber-FSO Converged System
Authors: Chen Yi-Hao , Feng Chao-Yu , Huang Yu-Ting , Nainggolan Agustina , Chou Cing-Ru , Li Chung-Yi , Lu Hai-Han
Published: October 2020

For the first time, a bidirectional 256-Gb/s PAM4 VCSEL-based Fiber-FSO converged system over 25-km SMF transport with 500-m free-space transmission is demonstrated. It develops a framework for providing high downstream/upstream transmission capacity with good performance.
Stacked focal plane light field imaging system based on multi-focus microlens array
Authors: Lee Joong Hoon , Kim Min Seok , Lee Gil Ju , Jang Hyuk Jae , Kang Min Hyung , Kim Hyun Myung , Song Young Min
Published: October 2020

We present an improvement of depth-of-field in light field imaging system using multi-focal micro-lens array. By adjusting etch rate at same wafer, we implement a multi-focus micro-lens array and demonstrate light field imaging system.
Low-loss Multimoded Antiresonant Hollow Core Fiber
Authors: Goel Charu , Yoo Seongwoo
Published: October 2020

We report the first design for low-loss, multimoded antiresonant hollow-core fiber for applications requiring multiple modes. The designed fiber guides 6 - 9 spatially distinct core modes having confinement loss <0.001 - 0.01dB/m respectively.
Towards distributed particle sensing using a few-mode exposed-core optical fibre with a spatially referenced evanescent field
Authors: Peng Lu , Nguyen Linh Viet , Riesen Nicolas , Li Jiawen , Otten Dale , Lancaster David G. , McLaughlin Robert A. , Ebendorff-Heidepriem Heike , Warren-Smith Stephen C.
Published: October 2020

We propose a two-dimensional distributed sensing scheme using few-mode exposed-core fibre and optical frequency domain reflectometry. This scheme aims to measure the size and position of particles using the evanescent field of different guided modes. © 2020 The Author(s)
Enhanced SVM Detection for Probabilistically-shaped 16QAM with Markov Chain Monte Carlo
Authors: Feng YuZhong , Hu ShaoHua , Zhang Jing , Lei PingPing , Tang Bi , Qiu Kun
Published: October 2020

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a MCMC-aided SVM for PS-16QAM systems. This method mitigates the inequality in probabilities of PS-16QAM and part fiber nonlinearity, which enable it has a performance gain compared with MAP decision.
Optical encryption scheme based on spectrum aliasing using a pair of filter banks
Authors: Zhao Jia , Tang Xianfeng , Ding Min , Zhang Xiaoguang , Xi Lixia
Published: October 2020

We propose a new encryption method based on spectrum aliasing which is artificially introduced by violating the Nyquist sampling theorem using an analysis filter bank. BER of the decrypted OOK signal falls below FEC limit of 3.8e-3 at OSNR of 14dB after 80 km transmission using a matching filter bank for the authorized user, while for the eavesdroppers BER keeps 0.5.
Polarization-Insensitive Mode Filtering With L-Shaped Graphene Structure Embedded in Polymer Waveguide
Authors: Huang Quandong , Chiang Kin Seng
Published: October 2020

We propose a polarization-insensitive mode filter based on an L-shaped graphene structure embedded in a few-mode polymer waveguide. Our experimental device achieves effective ultra-broadband stripping of the fundamental mode, while keeping the higher-order modes.
All-polarization-maintaining dual-comb fiber laser system comprised of two free-running mode-locked fiber lasers with a mechanical sharing scheme
Authors: Kusumi Yugo , Nakajima Yoshiaki , Hata Yuya , Minoshima Kaoru
Published: October 2020

We developed a dual-comb fiber laser system comprised of two free-running all-polarization-maintaining mode-locked fiber lasers. We obtained a 50-Hz relative linewidth owing to passive common-mode noise cancellation, and could demonstrate gas absorption spectroscopy with DCS.
High efficiency wavelength conversion via four-wave mixing in amorphous silicon carbide ring resonators
Authors: Xing Peng , Ma Danhao , Kimerling Lionel C. , Agarwal Anuradha M. , Tan Dawn T. H.
Published: October 2020

High efficiency wavelength conversion via four wave mixing in amorphous silicon carbide ring resonator with a quality factor of 70,000 is demonstrated. Maximum -21 dB conversion efficiency is achieved using 15 mW pump power. © 2020 The Author(s)
Identifying Mechanical Vibration Modes of a Cantilever Using Spectrally Multiplexed Bragg Gratings and Machine Learning
Authors: Jantzen Senta L. , Yu Jiarui , Smith Peter G. R. , Holmes Christopher
Published: October 2020

In this paper, we demonstrated the use of the k-Nearest Neighbor, a machine learning algorithm, to identify mechanical vibration modes of a cantilever beam in a frequency range between 40-300 Hz at an accelerations of 1.1 ± 0.1 g. We attached fiber Bragg gratings to the cantilever structure and analyzed the spectral response during vibration. We observe small increases in spectral bandwidth of three Bragg gratings to perform a 3-dimensional classification environment and evaluated the accuracy of the algorithm with independent testing data.
KAGRA, the underground and cryogenic laser interferometer for gravitational wave detection
Authors: Kokeyama Keiko , collaboration KAGRA
Published: October 2020

The gravitational-wave detector, KAGRA, is unique for its underground site and cryogenic design. The first observation started from 25th February 2020 with a limited sensitivity of 400 kpc for binary neutron star inspirals for two weeks. From 10th to 24th March 2020, the observation is in a brake for further detector commissioning to attain 1 Mpc sensitivity to join LIGO-VIRGO observation network. This paper reviews the commissioning efforts including the lock acquisition procedure of the KAGRA interferometer.
Multiple-Plate Compression used in Transient Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: Tamming Ronnie R. , Lin Chao-Yang , Chen Kai , Lu Chih-Hsuan , Hodgkiss Justin M. , Yang Shang-Da
Published: October 2020

We demonstrate the potential of the multiple-plate compression in transient absorption spectroscopy. The bright light source is used for both 3.3 fs pump and 490 nm to 980 nm broadband probe. Keyword components – Transient Absorption Spectroscopy; Supercontinuum Generation © 2020 The Authors