bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kajian manfaat kawasan konservasi perairan bagi pengembangan ekowisata bahari: Studi kasus di kawasan konservasi perairan Nusa Penida, Bali
Authors: Bato Marjan , Yulianda Fredinan , Fahruddin Achmad
Published: February 2023

Abstract. Nusa Penida is one of the marine protected area in Bali Province. The location has a potency higher as tourist destination. Hence, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the potency and benafit of the this marine protected area as a marine ecotourism. The study was conducted in September 2012 to February 2013. The descriptive quantitative method was used in the study, the data collection was covered the percent cover of corals communities, corals mortality index, marine ecotourism sustainable index, carrying capacity of marine ecotourism. The results of this research showed that the percent cover of corals communities at Nusa Penida was categorized  from good to very good  ranged between 52.00% to 97.00% with corals mortality index ranged between 0.00 to 0.01 at a depth of 3 meters and between 0.00 to 0.025 at 10 meters depth. The marine protected area of Nusa Penida is suitable for  diving activity snorkeling,and beach ecotourism with carrying capacity for diving was 153 people/day, snorkling 212 people/day, and beach ecotourism 122 people/day. The marine protected area of Nusa Penida gave impact on increasing of human well being of society in Nusa Penida with increasing the revenue  10%-30%. and also gave profits the Klungkung Regency. Keywords : Benefit; Marine ecotourism; Nusa Penida; Protected Area. Abstrak. Nusa Penida adalah salah satu kawasan area konservasi laut di Bali yang berpotensi tinggi menjadi salah satu tujuan wisatawan. Oleh karena itu penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat sejauh mana manfaat kawasan ini sebagai kawasan wisata bahari. Penelitian dilaksanakan pada bulan September 2012 sampai Februari 2013. Metode yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kuantitatif dengan menggunakan analisis perhitungan persen tutupan komunitas karang, indeks mortalitas, indeks kesesuaian ekowisata bahari, daya dukung kawasan ekowisata bahari, evaluasi tingkat kesejahteraan masyarakat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa persen tutupan karang di Nusa Penida dikategorikan dari baik sampai sangat baik yaitu berkisar antara 52,00%-97,00% dengan indeks mortalitas berkisar antara 0,00 – 0,01 pada kedalaman 3 meter dan  0,00-0,025 pada kedalaman 10 meter. Oleh karena itu kawasan konservasi Nusa Penida sesuai untuk aktivitas wisata selam, snorkling, dan wisata pantai dengan daya dukung kawasan untuk selam 153 orang/hari, snorkling 212 orang/hari dan ekowisata pantai sebanyak 122 orang/hari. Dari penelitian ini dapat disimpulkan bahwa kawasan konservasi Nusa Penida memberi dampak terhadap peningkatan kesejahteraan masyarakat sebagai pekerja wisata dengan bertambahnya pendapatan sebesar 10%-30%  dan juga menambah pemasukan daerah Kabupaten Klungkung.Kata Kunci :  Ekowisatata Bahari; Kawasan Konservasi; Manfaat; Nusa Penida
Hubungan variabilitas mixed layer depth kriteria ∆T=0,5 oC dengan sebaran tuna di Samudera Hindia bagian timur
Authors: Teliandi Dessy , Suhara Djunaedi Otong , Primadona Purba Noir , Setiyo Pranowo Widodo
Published: February 2023

Abstract. The Indian Ocean has an important role in the variability of aquatic ecosystems including fisheries resource. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between Mixed Layer Depth (MLD) criterion ∆T = 0.5 oC and distribution of tuna in the Eastern Indian Ocean. The study area was situated in the Eastern Indian Ocean at the coordinate 100 – 120oE dan 5 – 20oS. The data MLD criterion ∆T = 0.5 oC as well as data distribution and tuna catches which processed in the seasonal period were used in this study. Visualization result showed that the variation of MLD based on the depth value was inversely related to MLD variation based on temperature. MLD variations indicated that the depth of the shallowest MLD on the West Monsoon and deepest on the East Monsoon, while the highest temperature of MLD was recorded in Transitional Monsoon 1 and the lowest in Transitional Monsoon 2. The most widespread distribution of tuna were in Eastern Monsoon and the narrowest in Transional Monsoon 1. MLD variation relations with tuna catches have seen fairly high correlation of Pearson correlation value of 0.891 for tuna catches with depth MLD correlation and -0.927 for tuna catches correlation with temperature MLD.Keywords : Mixed Layer Depth (MLD); ∆T = 0.5 oC; Temperature; Depth; TunaAbstrak. Samudera Hindia merupakan salah satu perairan yang memiliki peranan penting dalam variabilitas ekosistem perairan termasuk didalamnya sumberdaya perikanan. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui hubungan Mixed Layer Depth (MLD) kriteria ∆T = 0,5 oC dengan sebaran Tuna di Samudera Hindia bagian Timur. Wilayah kajian penelitian ini adalah perairan Samudera Hindia bagian Timur dengan koordinat 100 – 120oBT dan 5 – 20oLS. Data yang digunakan adalah data MLD kriteria ∆T = 0,5 oC berdasarkan suhu dan kedalamannya, serta data sebaran dan tangkapan Tuna yang diolah dalam periode musiman. Hasil visualisasi menunjukkan bahwa variasi MLD berdasarkan kedalaman memiliki nilai berbanding terbalik dengan variasi MLD berdasarkan suhu. Variasi MLD menunjukkan bahwa kedalaman MLD paling dangkal berada pada Musim Barat yakni berkisar antara 22 – 60 dbar dan paling dalam berada pada Musim Timur dengan nilai berkisar antara 60 – 100 dbar, sedangkan suhu MLD tertinggi berada pada Musim Peralihan 1 yakni 28,5 – 29,5 oC dan terendah pada Musim Peralihan 2 dengan nilai berkisar antara 23 – 29 oC. Sebaran Tuna paling luas berada pada Musim Timur dan paling sempit berada pada Musim Peralihan 1. Hubungan variasi MLD dengan hasil tangkapan Tuna memiliki korelasi cukup tinggi yang terlihat dari nilai korelasi Pearson sebesar +0,891 untuk korelasi tangkapan Tuna dengan kedalaman MLD dan -0,927 untuk korelasi hasil tangkapan Tuna dengan suhu MLD.Kata kunci : Mixed Layer Depth; ∆T = 0,5 oC; Suhu; Kedalaman; Tuna
Hubungan panjang berat dan faktor kondisi ikan gabus (Channa striata Bloch, 1793) yang dibesarkan di rawa lebak, Provinsi Sumatera Selatan
Authors: Muthmainnah Dina
Published: February 2023

Abstract. The objective of the present study was to evaluate length-weight relationship and condition factor of snakehead (Channa striata) reared in different swamp pond in Sekayu and Mariana swamps of Banyuasin Regency, South Sumatra Province. The study was conducted from May to November 2013. The result shows that there were no significant difference in the slope (b) between length-weight relationship of fish reared in Sekayu  and Mariana swamp ponds, the fish was displayed a negative allometric growth pattern. Fish reared in Mariana swamp had condition factor 0.884 slightly higher than that in Sekayu swamp 0.839, it can be indicated that swamp environment in Mariana slightly better to support snakehead life. Keywords: Length-Weight Relationship; Ccondition factor; Channa striata; grow-out; Swamp Abstrak. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan panjang berat dan faktor kondisi ikan gabus (Channa striata) telah dipelihara di rawa lebak Sekayu Kabupaten Musi Banyuasin dan Mariana Kabupaten Banyuasin Provinsi Sumatera Selatan pada Mei hingga November 2013. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan hubungan panjang berat tidak menunjukkan perbedaan nyata antara rawa Sekayu dan Mariana dengan nilai b di bawah nilai 3 yang berarti  pertumbuhan ikan gabus tersebut allometrik negatif. Ikan gabus yang dipelihara di rawa lebak Mariana menghasilkan faktor kondisi 0,884 lebih tinggi daripada di rawa lebak Sekayu 0,839, yang menunjukkan bahwa kondisi lingkungan rawa lebak Mariana lebih mendukung untuk pertumbuhan ikan gabus.Kata kunci: Hubungan panjang berat; Kondisi factor; Channa striata; Pembesaran; Rawa lebak
Parting with ‘interests of women’: how feminist scholarship on substantive representation could replace ‘women’s interests’ with ‘gender equality interests’
Authors: Harder Mette Marie Staehr
Published: February 2023

The concept of ‘women’s interests’ has received a large amount of scholarly attention. In particular, the problematic assumption underpinning this concept – that women share interests – has been an object of much consideration. Yet, while scholarship on the substantive representation of women has today moved free of this assumption, three other assumptions have not been scrutinised to the same degree. These are: (1) that political interests are attached to social groups; (2) that women and men have different interests; and (3) that there are only two genders. This article argues that these three assumptions are problematic for feminist scholarship on substantive representation, which warrants replacing the attached ‘women’s interests’ with an alternative interest: the unattached ‘gender equality interests’. In addition, the article sets forth three distinct ways for future studies to operationalise the substantive representation of gender equality.
Single-frequency 45-mJ pulses from a MOPA system using an Er,Yb:glass planar waveguide amplifier and a large mode area Er-doped fiber amplifier
Authors: Nomura Junia , Hirosawa Kenichi , Yanagisawa Takayuki , Ohata Nobuo , Imamura Shunsuke , Sakaizawa Daisuke , Tomii Naoya
Published: February 2023

We demonstrate a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) system that emits single-frequency high-energy optical pulses at 1540 nm using an Er,Yb:glass planar waveguide amplifier and a large mode area Er-doped fiber amplifier. A double under-cladding and a 50-µm-thick core structure are employed for the planar waveguide amplifier to increase the output energy without degrading the beam quality. A pulse energy of 45.2 mJ with a peak power of 27 kW is generated at a pulse repetition rate of 150 Hz with a pulse duration of 1.7 µs. Moreover, the beam quality factor M2 of the output beam is 1.84 at the highest pulse energy thanks to its waveguide structure.
Characterization of the on-chip cavity coupled emission of 2D materials at room temperature
Authors: Granados-Baez Marissa , Mukherjee Arunabh , Qiu Liangyu , Chakraborty Chitraleema , Vamivakas A. Nick , Cardenas Jaime
Published: February 2023

Light sources or lasers based on two-dimensional (2D) materials have been recently demonstrated with different photonic cavities emitting into free space. However, on-chip lasing based on 2D materials remains challenging. We present the characterization of on-chip cavity coupled emission from 2D materials and observe laser-like emission properties. We report 30% linewidth narrowing and a ‘kink’ in the input vs. output power relation of a device consisting of a monolayer WSe2 monolithically integrated with a high-quality factor microring resonator operating at room temperature. Our device could ultimately enable fully integrated devices where all on-chip active functionalities are mediated by 2D materials.
Room-temperature electroluminescence and light detection from III-V unipolar microLEDs without p-type doping
Authors: Jacob Bejoys , Camarneiro Filipe , Borme Jérôme , Figueiredo José M. L. , Nieder Jana B. , Romeira Bruno
Published: February 2023

The twentieth-century semiconductor revolution began with “man-made crystals,” or p-n junction-based heterostructures. This was the most significant step in the creation of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), lasers, and photodetectors. Nonetheless, advances where resistive p-type doping is completely avoided could pave the way for a new class of n-type optoelectronic emitters and detectors to mitigate the increase of contact resistance and optical losses in submicrometer devices, e.g., nanoLEDs and nanolasers. Here, we show that nanometric layers of AlAs/GaAs/AlAs forming a double-barrier quantum well (DBQW) arranged in an n-type unipolar micropillar LED can provide electroluminescence (EL) (emission at 806 nm from the active DBQW), photoresponse (responsivity of 0.56 A/W at 830 nm), and negative differential conductance (NDC) in a single device. Under the same forward bias, we show that enough holes are created in the DBQW to allow for radiative recombination without the need of p-type semiconductor-doped layers, as well as pronounced photocurrent generation due to the built-in electric field across the DBQW that separates the photogenerated charge carriers. Time-resolved EL reveals decay lifetimes of 4.9 ns, whereas photoresponse fall times of 250 ns are measured in the light-detecting process. The seamless integration of these multi-functions (EL, photoresponse, and NDC) in a single microdevice paves the way for compact, on-chip light-emitting and receiving circuits needed for imaging, sensing, signal processing, data communication, and neuromorphic computing applications.
Modeling and predicting the overlap of B- and T-cell receptor repertoires in healthy and SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals
Authors: Ruiz Ortega María , Spisak Natanael , Mora Thierry , Walczak Aleksandra M.
Published: February 2023

Adaptive immunity’s success relies on the extraordinary diversity of protein receptors on B and T cell membranes. Despite this diversity, the existence of public receptors shared by many individuals gives hope for developing population-wide vaccines and therapeutics. Using probabilistic modeling, we show many of these public receptors are shared by chance in healthy individuals. This predictable overlap is driven not only by biases in the random generation process of receptors, as previously reported, but also by their common functional selection. However, the model underestimates sharing between repertoires of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, suggesting strong specific antigen-driven convergent selection. We exploit this discrepancy to identify COVID-associated receptors, which we validate against datasets of receptors with known viral specificity. We study their properties in terms of sequence features and network organization, and use them to design an accurate diagnostic tool for predicting SARS-CoV-2 status from repertoire data.
Preventing HIV and achieving pregnancy among HIV sero-different couples: Pilot study of a safer conception intervention in Zimbabwe
Authors: Brown Joelle M. , Gitome Serah , Mataveke Bismark , Chirenda Thandiwe , Matubu Allen , Chareka Gift , Chasakara Charles , Mgodi Nyaradzo , Murombedzi Caroline , Musara Petina , Makurumure Tinei , Hughes Carolyn Smith , Bukusi Elizabeth , Cohen Craig R. , Shiboski Stephen , Darbes Lynae , Kahn James G. , Rutherford George W. , Chirenje Z. Michael , Mhlanga Felix
Published: February 2023

Safer conception services are needed to minimize HIV transmission among HIV sero-different couples desiring pregnancy. Few studies have evaluated the choices couples make when offered multiple safer conception methods or real-world method acceptability and effectiveness. We piloted a comprehensive safer conception program (Clintrials.gov identifier: NCT03049176) for HIV sero-different couples planning pregnancy in Zimbabwe to measure feasibility, method uptake, acceptability, pregnancy outcome, and HIV transmission. This study was not designed to compare rates of HIV transmission by safer conception method choice but rather to understand choices couples make when seeking to minimize risk of HIV transmission and maximize likelihood of pregnancy. Couples in this prospective, non-randomized study were given a choice of one or more currently available safer conception methods: antiretroviral therapy (ART) with monthly viral load (VL) monitoring for the HIV-positive partner (ART/VL), pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for the HIV-negative partner, vaginal insemination (VI) for couples with an HIV-positive woman, and semen washing (SW) for couples with an HIV-positive man. Couples were followed monthly for up to 12 months of pregnancy attempts, quarterly during pregnancy, and 12 weeks post-partum. At each visit, data on method use, urine for pregnancy testing, and blood for HIV antibody testing, or viral load if HIV-positive, were obtained. Infants born to HIV-positive women were tested for HIV at 6 and 12 weeks. Between March 2017 and June 2019, 46 individuals from 23 HIV sero-different partnerships were enrolled and followed. At enrollment, all couples chose ART/VL, and all couples chose at least one additional method; 74% chose PrEP, 36% chose SW, and 25% chose VI. During pre-pregnancy follow-up visits, three couples discontinued SW, and one couple discontinued VI; all four of these couples opted for ART/VL plus PrEP. Satisfaction with safer conception methods was high among those who chose ART/VL and PrEP. Twelve couples achieved pregnancy. There were no cases of HIV transmission to partners, and no infants tested positive for HIV. This safer conception program is feasible and acceptable, allowing sero-different couples to safely achieve pregnancy. Sero-different couples in Zimbabwe seek a combination of HIV prevention methods, particularly ART/VL plus PrEP.

Trial Registration: Clintrials.gov, NCT03049176.
Adaptation and pre-test of a shortened Stepping Stones and Creating Futures intervention focused on HIV for young men in rural South Africa
Authors: Gibbs Andrew , Gumede Dumsani , Adeagbo Oluwafemi , Sikweyiya Yandisa , Chirwa Esnat , Mkhwanazi Smanga , Luthuli Manono , Xulu Zakhele , Herbst Carina , Zuma Thembelihle , Hlongwane Siphesihle , Okesola Nonhlanhla , Dreyer Jaco , Khaula Sivuyile , Washington Laura , Shahmanesh Maryam
Published: February 2023

Men’s engagement in HIV prevention and treatment is suboptimal, including in South Africa. We sought to address this through adapting an evidence-based intervention, Stepping Stones and Creating Futures (SSCF), to strengthen its HIV content and provide a more scalable (shorter) intervention in rural South Africa. We then conducted a mixed methods pre-test of the intervention among young men aged 18–35 years. To adapt SSCF, we reviewed the current evidence base and worked with male Peer Navigators to update the SSCF theory of change (ToC) and manual. The revised intervention was ~45 hours (9 sessions) as opposed to ~63 hours and included a greater focus on HIV prevention and treatment technologies. Overall, 64% (n = 60) of men approached agreed to participate in the intervention, uptake (attending one session) among those who agreed was n = 35(58%) and retention (attending 6 or more sessions) was n = 25(71%). Qualitative data emphasized the intervention was acceptable, with young men describing it as something they liked. The qualitative data also broadly supported the intervention ToC, including the normalization of HIV in men’s lives, and the importance of health for men in achieving their life goals. However, it also highlighted the need to focus more on HIV-related stigma and fear, and the importance of HIV self-testing kits in encouraging testing. We revised the ToC and manual in light of this data. The adapted SSCF is acceptable and supports the ToC. Next steps is an evaluation to look at effectiveness of the intervention.
Improving deep learning-based segmentation of diatoms in gigapixel-sized virtual slides by object-based tile positioning and object integrity constraint
Authors: Kloster Michael , Burfeid-Castellanos Andrea M. , Langenkämper Daniel , Nattkemper Tim W. , Beszteri Bánk
Published: February 2023

Diatoms represent one of the morphologically and taxonomically most diverse groups of microscopic eukaryotes. Light microscopy-based taxonomic identification and enumeration of frustules, the silica shells of these microalgae, is broadly used in aquatic ecology and biomonitoring. One key step in emerging digital variants of such investigations is segmentation, a task that has been addressed before, but usually in manually captured megapixel-sized images of individual diatom cells with a mostly clean background. In this paper, we applied deep learning-based segmentation methods to gigapixel-sized, high-resolution scans of diatom slides with a realistically cluttered background. This setup requires large slide scans to be subdivided into small images (tiles) to apply a segmentation model to them. This subdivision (tiling), when done using a sliding window approach, often leads to cropping relevant objects at the boundaries of individual tiles. We hypothesized that in the case of diatom analysis, reducing the amount of such cropped objects in the training data can improve segmentation performance by allowing for a better discrimination of relevant, intact frustules or valves from small diatom fragments, which are considered irrelevant when counting diatoms. We tested this hypothesis by comparing a standard sliding window / fixed-stride tiling approach with two new approaches we term object-based tile positioning with and without object integrity constraint. With all three tiling approaches, we trained Mask-R-CNN and U-Net models with different amounts of training data and compared their performance. Object-based tiling with object integrity constraint led to an improvement in pixel-based precision by 12–17 percentage points without substantially impairing recall when compared with standard sliding window tiling. We thus propose that training segmentation models with object-based tiling schemes can improve diatom segmentation from large gigapixel-sized images but could potentially also be relevant for other image domains.
Methodological transparency of preoperative clinical practice guidelines for elective surgery. Systematic review
Authors: Angel Gustavo , Trujillo Cristian , Mallama Mario , Alonso-Coello Pablo , Klimek Markus , Calvache Jose A.
Published: February 2023

Background

Clinical practice guidelines (CPG) are statements that provide recommendations regarding the approach to different diseases and aim to increase quality while decreasing the risk of complications in health care. Numerous guidelines in the field of perioperative care have been published in the previous decade but their methodological quality and transparency are relatively unknown.

Objective

To critically evaluate the transparency and methodological quality of published CPG in the preoperative assessment and management of adult patients undergoing elective surgery.

Design

Systematic review and methodological appraisal study.

Data sources

We searched for eligible CPG published in English or Spanish between January 1, 2010, and June 30, 2022, in Pubmed MEDLINE, TRIP Database, Embase, the Cochrane Library, as well as in representatives’ medical societies of Anaesthesiology and developers of CPG.

Eligibility criteria

CPG dedicated on preoperative fasting, cardiac assessment for non-cardiac surgery, and the use of routine preoperative tests were included. Methodological quality and transparency of CPG were assessed by 3 evaluators using the 6 domains of the AGREE-II tool.

Results

We included 20 CPG of which 14 were classified as recommended guidelines. The domain of "applicability" scored the lowest (44%), while the domains "scope and objective" and "editorial interdependence" received the highest median scores of 93% and 97% respectively. The remaining domains received scores ranging from 44% to 84%. The top mean scored CPG in preoperative fasting was ASA 2017 (93%); among cardiac evaluation, CPG for non-cardiac surgery were CCS 2017 (91%), ESC-ESA 2014 (90%), and AHA-ACC 2014 (89%); in preoperative testing ICSI 2020 (97%).

Conclusions

In the last ten years, most published CPG in the preoperative assessment or management of adult patients undergoing elective surgery focused on preoperative fasting, cardiac assessment for non-cardiac surgery, and use of routine preoperative tests, present moderate to high methodological quality and can be recommended for their use or adaptation. Applicability and stakeholder involvement domains must be improved in the development of future guidelines.
Evaluation of the Abbott Panbio™ COVID-19 antigen detection rapid diagnostic test among healthcare workers in elderly care
Authors: Eikelenboom-Boskamp Andrea , den Ouden Martijn , de Groot Theun , Stobernack Tim , Wertheim Heiman , Voss Andreas
Published: February 2023

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been especially dangerous for elderly people. To reduce the risk of transmission from healthcare workers to elderly people, it is of utmost importance to detect possible severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) positive healthcare workers as early as possible. We aimed to determine whether the Abbott Panbio™ COVID-19 antigen detection rapid diagnostic test (Ag-RDT) could be used as an alternative to reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The second aim was to compare the cycle threshold (Ct) in RT-qPCR with the results of the Ag-RDT.

Methods

A prospective diagnostic evaluation of the Abbott Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag-RDT among healthcare workers across three elderly care facilities as well as home-based elderly care workers who met clinical criteria for COVID-19 during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Per healthcare worker, the first nasopharyngeal swab was obtained to perform the Ag-RDT and the second swab for RT-qPCR. A Ct-value of < 40 was interpreted as positive, ≥ 40 as negative.

Results

A total of 683 healthcare workers with COVID-19 symptoms were sampled for detection of SARS-CoV-2 by both Ag-RDT and RT-qPCR. Sixty-three healthcare workers (9.2%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-qPCR. The overall sensitivity of Ag-RDT was 81.0% sensitivity (95%CI: 69.6–88.8%) and 100% specificity (95%CI: 99.4–100%). Using a cut-off Ct-value of 32, the sensitivity increased to 92.7% (95% CI: 82.7–97.1%). Negative Ag-RDT results were moderately associated with higher Ct-values (r = 0.62) compared to positive Ag-RDT results.

Conclusion

The Panbio™ COVID-19 Ag-RDT can be used to quickly detect positive SARS-CoV-2 healthcare workers. Negative Ag-RDT should be confirmed by RT-qPCR. In case of severe understaffing and with careful consideration, fully vaccinated healthcare workers with Ag-RDT negative results could work with a mask pending PCR results.
Early user experience and lessons learned using ultra-portable digital X-ray with computer-aided detection (DXR-CAD) products: A qualitative study from the perspective of healthcare providers
Authors: Qin Zhi Zhen , Barrett Rachael , del Mar Castro Maria , Zaidi Sarah , Codlin Andrew J. , Creswell Jacob , Denkinger Claudia M.
Published: February 2023

Background

Recent technological and radiological advances have renewed interest in using X-rays to screen and triage people with tuberculosis (TB). The miniaturization of digital X-ray (DXR), combined with automatic interpretation using computer-aided detection (CAD) software can extend the reach of DXR screening interventions for TB. This qualitative study assessed early implementers’ experiences and lessons learned when using ultra-portable (UP) DXR systems integrated with CAD software to screen and triage TB.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with project staff and healthcare workers at six pilot sites. Transcripts were coded and analyzed using a framework approach. The themes that emerged were subsequently organized and presented using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).

Results

There were 26 interviewees with varying roles: supervisory, clinicians, radiographers, and radiologists. Participants recognized the portability as the main advantage, but criticize that it involves several compromises on throughput, internet dependence, manoeuvrability, and stability, as well as suitability for patients with larger body sizes. Furthermore, compared to using hardware and software from the same supplier and without digital health information systems, complexity increases with interoperability between hardware and software, and between different electronic health information systems. Currently, there is a limited capacity to implement these technologies, especially due to the need for threshold selection, and lack of guidance on radiation protection suitable for UP DXR machines. Finally, the respondents stressed the importance of having protected means of sharing patient medical data, as well as comprehensive support and warranty plans.

Conclusion

Study findings suggest that UP DXR with CAD was overall well received to decentralize radiological assessment for TB, however, the improved portability involved programmatic compromises. The main barriers to uptake included insufficient capacity and lack of guidance on radiation protection suitable for UP DXR.
Associations between early childhood poverty and cognitive functioning throughout childhood and adolescence: A 14-year prospective longitudinal analysis of the Mauritius Child Health Project
Authors: Strauß Hannah , Venables Peter , Zentner Marcel
Published: February 2023

Associations between childhood poverty and cognitive outcomes have been examined from multiple perspectives. However, most evidence is based on cross-sectional data or longitudinal data covering only segments of the developmental process. Moreover, previous longitudinal research has mostly relied on data from Western nations, limiting insights of poverty dynamics in low- and middle-income countries. Here, we use data from the Mauritius Child Health Project, a large-scale prospective longitudinal study conducted in a then low-income country, to examine long-term associations between poverty in early childhood and cognitive performance across childhood and adolescence. Poverty-related factors were assessed at age 3 years and comprised indicators of psychosocial adversity and malnutrition. Cognitive functioning was assessed at ages 3 and 11 years by using standardized intelligence measures and at age 17 years by means of a computerized test battery. Using multiple hierarchical regression models, we found that chronic malnutrition and parental characteristics showed similar-sized, independent associations with initial cognitive functioning at age 3 as well as at age 11 years. For age 17 years, however, associations with early childhood risk factors vanished and instead, cognitive functioning was predicted by performance on prior cognitive assessments. Sex was also found to be a powerful predictor of cognitive trajectories, with boys improving and girls worsening over time, regardless of the level of their initial exposure to risk. The current findings indicate that, to prevent cognitive impairment, interventions tackling poverty and malnutrition should focus on the infancy period and be designed in a gender-sensitive way.
Evidence for Earlier Stone Age ‘coastal use’: The site of Dungo IV, Benguela Province, Angola
Authors: Mesfin Isis , Benjamim Maria-Helena , Lebatard Anne-Elisabeth , Saos Thibaud , Pleurdeau David , Matos Jorge , Lotter Matt
Published: February 2023

The relationship between Earlier Stone Age (ESA) hominins and the southern African coastal environment has been poorly investigated, despite the high concentration of open-air sites in marine and fluvial terraces of the coastal plain from c. 1Ma onward during the Mid-Pleistocene Transition. Southern Africa provides some of the earliest evidence of coastal subsistence strategies since the end of the Middle Pleistocene, during the Middle Stone Age (MSA). These coastal MSA sites showcase the role of coastal environments in the emergence and development of modern human behaviors. Given the high prevalence of coastal ESA sites throughout the region, we seek to question the relationship between hominins and coastal landscapes much earlier in time. In this regard, the +100 m raised beaches of the Benguela Province, Angola, are key areas as they are well-preserved and contain a dense record of prehistoric occupation from the beginning of the Middle Pleistocene, including sites like Dungo, Mormolo, Sombreiro, Macaca and Punta das Vacas. Accordingly, this paper provides a critical review of the coastal ESA record of southern Africa and a detailed presentation of the Dungo IV site, through a qualitative technological analysis coupled with a quantitative inter-site comparison with contemporary southern African coastal plain sites. Through our detailed technological analyses, we highlight the influence of coastal lithological resources on the technical behaviors of hominin groups, and we propose the existence of a “regional adaptive strategy” in a coastal landscape more than 600 000 years ago. Finally, we argue for the integration of coastal landscapes into hominins’ territories, suggesting that adaptation to coastal environments is actually a slower process which begins with “territorialization” well before the emergence and development ofHomo sapiens.
Roadmap to the study of gene and protein phylogeny and evolution—A practical guide
Authors: Jacques Florian , Bolivar Paulina , Pietras Kristian , Hammarlund Emma U.
Published: February 2023

Developments in sequencing technologies and the sequencing of an ever-increasing number of genomes have revolutionised studies of biodiversity and organismal evolution. This accumulation of data has been paralleled by the creation of numerous public biological databases through which the scientific community can mine the sequences and annotations of genomes, transcriptomes, and proteomes of multiple species. However, to find the appropriate databases and bioinformatic tools for respective inquiries and aims can be challenging. Here, we present a compilation of DNA and protein databases, as well as bioinformatic tools for phylogenetic reconstruction and a wide range of studies on molecular evolution. We provide a protocol for information extraction from biological databases and simple phylogenetic reconstruction using probabilistic and distance methods, facilitating the study of biodiversity and evolution at the molecular level for the broad scientific community.
Comparing the gut microbiome of obese, African American, older adults with and without mild cognitive impairment
Authors: McLeod Andrew , Penalver Bernabe Beatriz , Xia Yinglin , Sanchez-Flack Jennifer , Lamar Melissa , Schiffer Linda , Castellanos Karla , Fantuzzi Giamila , Maki Pauline , Fitzgibbon Marian , Tussing-Humphreys Lisa
Published: February 2023

Those with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), a precursor to dementia, have a gut microbiome distinct from healthy individuals, but this has only been shown in healthy individuals, not in those exhibiting several risk factors for dementia. Using amplicon 16S rRNA gene sequencing in a case-control study of 60 older (ages 55–76), obese, predominately female, African American adults, those with MCI (cases) had different gut microbiota profiles than controls. While microbial community diversity was similar between cases and controls, the abundances of specific microbial taxa weren’t, such asParabacteroides distasonis(lower in cases) andDialister invisus(higher in cases). These differences disappeared after adjusting for markers of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation. Cognitive scores were positively correlated with levels ofAkkermansia muciniphila, a bacterium associated with reduced inflammation. Our study shows that gut microbial composition may be associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and MCI in those at high risk for dementia.
A computational offloading optimization scheme based on deep reinforcement learning in perceptual network
Authors: Xing Yongli , Ye Tao , Ullah Sami , Waqas Muhammad , Alasmary Hisham , Liu Zihui
Published: February 2023

Currently, the deep integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing has improved the computing capability of the IoT perception layer. Existing offloading techniques for edge computing suffer from the single problem of solidifying offloading policies. Based on this, combined with the characteristics of deep reinforcement learning, this paper investigates a computation offloading optimization scheme for the perception layer. The algorithm can adaptively adjust the computational task offloading policy of IoT terminals according to the network changes in the perception layer. Experiments show that the algorithm effectively improves the operational efficiency of the IoT perceptual layer and reduces the average task delay compared with other offloading algorithms.
Repair of complex ovine segmental mandibulectomy utilizing customized tissue engineered bony flaps
Authors: Watson Emma , Pearce Hannah A. , Hogan Katie J. , van Dijk Natasja W. M. , Smoak Mollie M. , Barrios Sergio , Smith Brandon T. , Tatara Alexander M. , Woernley Timothy C. , Shum Jonathan , Pearl Craig B. , Melville James C. , Ho Tang , Hanna Issa A. , Demian Nagi , van den Beucken Jeroen J. J. P. , Jansen John A. , Wong Mark E. , Mikos Antonios G.
Published: February 2023

Craniofacial defects require a treatment approach that provides both robust tissues to withstand the forces of mastication and high geometric fidelity that allows restoration of facial architecture. When the surrounding soft tissue is compromised either through lack of quantity (insufficient soft tissue to enclose a graft) or quality (insufficient vascularity or inducible cells), a vascularized construct is needed for reconstruction. Tissue engineering using customized 3D printed bioreactors enables the generation of mechanically robust, vascularized bony tissues of the desired geometry. While this approach has been shown to be effective when utilized for reconstruction of non-load bearing ovine angular defects and partial segmental defects, the two-stage approach to mandibular reconstruction requires testing in a large, load-bearing defect. In this study, 5 sheep underwent bioreactor implantation and the creation of a load-bearing mandibular defect. Two bioreactor geometries were tested: a larger complex bioreactor with a central groove, and a smaller rectangular bioreactor that were filled with a mix of xenograft and autograft (initial bone volume/total volume BV/TV of 31.8 ± 1.6%). At transfer, the tissues generated within large and small bioreactors were composed of a mix of lamellar and woven bone and had BV/TV of 55.3 ± 2.6% and 59.2 ± 6.3%, respectively. After transfer of the large bioreactors to the mandibular defect, the bioreactor tissues continued to remodel, reaching a final BV/TV of 64.5 ± 6.2%. Despite recalcitrant infections, viable osteoblasts were seen within the transferred tissues to the mandibular site at the end of the study, suggesting that a vascularized customized bony flap is a potentially effective reconstructive strategy when combined with an optimal stabilization strategy and local antibiotic delivery prior to development of a deep-seated infection.
A 3-DoF robotic platform for the rehabilitation and assessment of reaction time and balance skills of MS patients
Authors: ERSOY Tugce , HOCAOGLU Elif
Published: February 2023

The central nervous system (CNS) exploits anticipatory (APAs) and compensatory (CPAs) postural adjustments to maintain the balance. The postural adjustments comprising stability of the center of mass (CoM) and the pressure distribution of the body influence each other if there is a lack of performance in either of them. Any predictable or sudden perturbation may pave the way for the divergence of CoM from equilibrium and inhomogeneous pressure distribution of the body. Such a situation is often observed in the daily lives of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients due to their poor APAs and CPAs and induces their falls. The way of minimizing the risk of falls in neurological patients is by utilizing perturbation-based rehabilitation, as it is efficient in the recovery of the balance disorder. In light of the findings, we present the design, implementation, and experimental evaluation of a novel 3 DoF parallel manipulator to treat the balance disorder of MS. The robotic platform allows angular motion of the ankle based on its anthropomorphic freedom. Moreover, the end-effector endowed with upper and lower platforms is designed to evaluate both the pressure distribution of each foot and the CoM of the body, respectively. Data gathered from the platforms are utilized to both evaluate the performance of the patients and used in high-level control of the robotic platform to regulate the difficulty level of tasks. In this study, kinematic and dynamic analyses of the robot are derived and validated in the simulation environment. Low-level control of the first prototype is also successfully implemented through the PID controller. The capacity of each platform is evaluated with a set of experiments considering the assessment of pressure distribution and CoM of the foot-like objects on the end-effector. The experimental results indicate that such a system well-address the need for balance skill training and assessment through the APAs and CPAs.
A preliminary study into internet related addictions among adults with dyslexia
Authors: Kumar Suresh , Jackson Sophie , Petronzi Dominic
Published: February 2023

In recent decades, studies have investigated associations between learning disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and the various types of internet addictions, ranging from general internet addiction (GIA) to specific internet addictions such as social media addiction (SMA) and internet gaming disorder (IGD). However, to date, no study has investigated such internet addictions among persons with dyslexia. The present study aimed to investigate whether differences exist between adults with dyslexia and controls in terms of GIA, SMA and IGD. A total of 141 adults with dyslexia and 150 controls (all UK based) were recruited. Controlling for age, gender, marital status, employment, and income levels, it was found that adults with dyslexia had higher levels of GIA and IGD compared to controls. However, these participants did not show any significant difference in terms of SMA. The results indicate that internet addictions may have a larger ambit for learning disorders beyond just ASD and ADHD and could be a hidden problem for these individuals.
A protocol for the evaluation of a wearable device for monitoring of symptoms, and cueing for the management of drooling, in people with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Dismore Lorelle , Montague Kyle , Carvalho Luis , Guerreiro Tiago , Jackson Dan , Guan Yu , Walker Richard
Published: February 2023

Drooling is a common symptom of Parkinson’s Disease (PD) experienced in up to 70% of people with PD (PwP). Drooling can be a major problem in PwP leading to adverse physical and psychosocial issues. Current medical treatments decrease the production of saliva, whereas the problem is due to decreased swallowing frequency, not over production of saliva. Such treatments are problematic as saliva is essential for good oral health. Therefore, non-invasive treatments options such as behavioural cueing methods are recommended. A wrist-worn device delivering haptic cueing has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment method to increase swallowing frequency and a socially acceptable solution for PwP. However, the device had limited functionality and was tested on a small sample size over a short period of usage. Further work is required to understand the real-world behaviours and usage of the intervention to understand the longer-term effects with a larger sample size. This research will deploy CueBand, a discrete and comfortable wrist-worn device designed to work with a smartphone application to support the real-world evaluation of haptic cueing for the management of drooling. We will recruit 3,000 PwP to wear the device day and night for the intervention period to gain a greater understanding of the effectiveness and acceptability of the technology within real-world use. Additionally, 300 PwP who self-identity as having an issue with drooling will be recruited into an intervention study to evaluate the effectiveness of the wrist-worn CueBand to deliver haptic cueing (3-weeks) compared with smartphone cueing methods (3-weeks). PwP will use our smartphone application to self-assess their drooling frequency, severity, and duration using visual analogue scales and through the completion of daily diaries. Semi-structured interviews to gain feedback about utility of CueBand will be conducted following participants completion of the intervention.
The effects of antibiotics and illness on gut microbial composition in the fawn-footed mosaic-tailed rat (Melomys cervinipes)
Authors: Rymer Tasmin L. , Pillay Neville
Published: February 2023

The gut microbiota are critical for maintaining the health and physiological function of individuals. However, illness and treatment with antibiotics can disrupt bacterial community composition, the consequences of which are largely unknown in wild animals. In this study, we described and quantified the changes in bacterial community composition in response to illness and treatment with antibiotics in a native Australian rodent, the fawn-footed mosaic-tailed rat (Melomys cervinipes). We collected faecal samples during an undiagnosed illness outbreak in a captive colony of animals, and again at least one year later, and quantified the microbiome at each time point using 16s ribosomal rRNA gene sequencing. Gut bacterial composition was quantified at different taxonomic levels, up to family. Gut bacterial composition changed between time periods, indicating that illness, treatment with antibiotics, or a combination affects bacterial communities. While some bacterial groups increased in abundance, others decreased, suggesting differential effects and possible co-adapted and synergistic interactions. Our findings provide a greater understanding of the dynamic nature of the gut microbiome of a native Australian rodent species and provides insights into the management and ethical well-being of animals kept under captive conditions.
Tempest in a teacup: An analysis of p-Hacking in organizational research
Authors: Gupta Alisha , Bosco Frank
Published: February 2023

We extend questionable research practices (QRPs) research by conducting a robust, large-scale analysis of p-hacking in organizational research. We leverage a manually curated database of more than 1,000,000 correlation coefficients and sample sizes, with which we calculate exact p-values. We test for the prevalence and magnitude of p-hacking across the complete database as well as various subsets of the database according to common bivariate relation types in the organizational literature (e.g., attitudes-behaviors). Results from two analytical approaches (i.e., z-curve, critical bin comparisons) were consistent in both direction and significance in nine of 18 datasets. Critical bin comparisons indicated p-hacking in 12 of 18 subsets, three of which reached statistical significance. Z-curve analyses indicated p-hacking in 11 of 18 subsets, two of which reached statistical significance. Generally, results indicated that p-hacking is detectable but small in magnitude. We also tested for three predictors of p-hacking: Publication year, journal prestige, and authorship team size. Across two analytic approaches, we observed a relatively consistent positive relation between p-hacking and journal prestige, and no relationship between p-hacking and authorship team size. Results were mixed regarding the temporal trends (i.e., evidence for p-hacking over time). In sum, the present study of p-hacking in organizational research indicates that the prevalence of p-hacking is smaller and less concerning than earlier research has suggested.