bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness and user experience of nose and throat swabbing techniques for SARS-CoV-2 detection: results from the UK COVID-19 National Testing Programme
Authors: Futschik Matthias E. , Kulasegaran-Shylini Raghavendran , Blandford Edward , Harper Sean , Chapman David , Turek Elena , Agrawal Somya , Phillips Valerie , Fordham Hannah , Chan Lee , Kidd Mike , Dodgson Andrew , Klapper Paul E. , Sudhanva Malur , Vipond Richard , Hopkins Susan , Peto Tim , Tunkel Sarah , Fowler Tom
Published: January 2025

Background

The UK’s National Health Service Test and Trace (NHSTT) program aimed to provide the most effective and accessible SARS-CoV-2 testing approach possible. Early user feedback indicated that there were accessibility issues associated with throat swabbing. We report the results of service evaluations performed by NHSTT to assess the effectiveness and user acceptance of swabbing approaches, as well as qualitative findings of user experiences from research reports, surveys, and incident reports. Our intent is to present and summarize our findings about the application of alternative swabbing approaches during the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK.

Methods

From May 2020 to December 2021, NHSTT conducted a series of service evaluations assessing self-swabbing and assisted swabbing of the nose and throat, and nose only (anterior nares/mid-turbinate) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and lateral flow devices (LFDs), for diagnostic suitability within the COVID-19 National Testing Programme. Outcomes included observational user feedback on swabbing approaches and quantitative testing performance (concordance, sensitivity, and specificity). A post-hoc indirect comparison of swabbing approaches was also performed. Additionally, an analysis of existing cross-service research was conducted in April 2021 to determine user feedback regarding swabbing approaches.

Results

Observational data from cross-service research indicated a user preference for nose swabbing over throat swabbing. Significantly more users reported that nose swabbing was easier to perform than throat swabbing (50% vs. 12%) and there were significantly fewer reported incidents. In the service evaluations, while there was reduced sensitivity for nose-only swabbing for PCR (88%) compared with nose and throat swabbing, similar sensitivities were observed for nose-only and nose and throat swabbing for LFDs. The sensitivity of nose-only swabbing for LFDs was higher for individuals with higher viral concentrations.

Conclusions

User experience analyses supported a preference for nose-only swabbing. Nose-only swabbing for LFDs provided sufficient diagnostic accuracy, supporting its use as a viable option in the COVID-19 National Testing Programme. Less invasive swabbing approaches are important to maximize testing accessibility and alongside other behavioral interventions, increase user uptake.
Identification of βIIΣ1-Spectrin as a Binding Partner of the GH-regulated Human Obesity Scaffold Protein SH2B1
Authors: Lanning Nathan J , Mancour Liliya , Argetsinger Lawrence S , Archer Stephen , Carter-Su Christin
Published: January 2025

SH2B1β is a multifunctional scaffold protein that modulates cytoskeletal processes such as cellular motility and neurite outgrowth. To identify novel SH2B1β-interacting proteins involved in these processes, a yeast 2-hybrid assay was performed. The C-terminal 159 residues of the cytoskeleton structural protein, βIIΣ1-spectrin, interacted with the N-terminal 260 residues of SH2B1β, a region implicated in SH2B1β enhancement of cell motility and localization at the plasma membrane. The interaction between SH2B1β and βIIΣ1-spectrin (2205-2363) requires residues 1 through 150 in SH2B1β, with residues 105 through 120 playing a key role. While βIIΣ1-spectrin (2205-2363) was expressed throughout the cell, it colocalized with SH2B1β when coexpressed with SH2B1β mutants with varied intracellular localizations. The SH2B1β-βIIΣ1-spectrin (2205-2363) interaction impaired the ability of SH2B1β to enter the nucleus. A slightly larger βIIΣ1-spectrin fragment (2170-2363) with an intact pleckstrin homology domain localized primarily to the plasma membrane and cytoplasm, similar to SH2B1β. Similarly, full-length βIIΣ1-spectrin colocalized at the plasma membrane and cytoplasm with SH2B1β as well as the SH2B1β-regulated tyrosine kinase, JAK2. Phosphorylation of spectrins has been shown to regulate their localization and function. Coexpression of βIIΣ1-spectrin, JAK2, and SH2B1β resulted in SH2B1β-dependent tyrosyl phosphorylation of βIIΣ1-spectrin. Finally, stimulation with GH induced formation of an endogenous complex containing βII-spectrin, SH2B1, and JAK2 in 3T3-F442A cells and increased tyrosyl phosphorylation of βII-spectrin. Our results identify a novel interaction between SH2B1β, βIIΣ1-spectrin, and JAK2 resulting in JAK2- and SHB1-dependent tyrosyl phosphorylation of βII-spectrin. This raises the possibility that the many other ligand-activated tyrosine kinases that signal through SH2B1 form similar complexes with βIIΣ1-spectrin.
Comparative evaluation of social entrepreneurship as an emergent pattern of local development iin five Euro-Mediterannean countries and its impact in promoting employment and social inclusion for vulnerable social groups
Authors: Ουδενιώτης Νεκτάριος
Published: January 2025

Με αφορμή και την τελευταία οικονομική κρίση, η οποία έφερε στο προσκήνιο σε πανευρωπαϊκό επίπεδο την Kοινωνική Eπιχειρηματικότητα λόγω της ανάδειξης πλήθους εγχειρημάτων, αλλά και με γνώμονα μία κεντρική διάσταση αυτών των εγχειρημάτων η οποία είναι η κοινωνική ένταξη μέσω της απασχόλησης και της εκπαίδευσης ανθρώπων που ανήκουν σε ευάλωτες κοινωνικές ομάδες, η διατριβή επιχειρεί να εξετάσει το μέγεθος και των αντίκτυπο των εγχειρημάτων αυτών στις Ευρω-Μεσογειακές χώρες οι οποίες επηρεάστηκαν περισσότερο από την οικονομική κρίση (Ισπανία, Ιταλία, Ελλάδα, Πορτογαλία, Κύπρος) μέσα από το πρίσμα της θεσμικής θεώρησης (Θεωρία των Θεσμών), η οποία προβάλει ως βασική προϋπόθεση για τη δημιουργία και την ανάπτυξη κοινωνικό-οικονομικών εγχειρημάτων τη δημιουργία και ύπαρξη ενός επίσημου/κρατικού κανονιστικού και θεσμικού πλαισίου.
Supplementing qualitative analysis with geometry in disaster management
Authors: Ha Kyoo-Man
Published: January 2025

Very little research has been conducted to rigorously study the application of geometry for qualitative analysis in the field of disaster management. The present work aims to examine how to enhance qualitative analysis in the field by applying geometry. Descriptive qualitative analysis was used as the main methodology with the support of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist and flow chart to describe not only the nature of qualitative analysis but also how the method can be enhanced by geometric application. The principal finding was that the field supplements qualitative analysis with geometry to improve the quality of research, considering the scratch programming language, machine-oriented learning, geometric effects, and the issue of awareness. This study provides a comprehensive approach to the topic by specifically addressing pluralism and flexibility.
Optimizing outcomes in phacoemulsification: Addressing intraoperative and postoperative complications in a case series from Iraq
Authors: K. Mohammad Najah
Published: January 2025

Background Phacoemulsification is still considered the most performed surgery in the field of cataract extraction, boasting one of the highest successes of all surgical procedures. However, complications of posterior capsular rupture (PCR) and increased intra-ocular pressure (IOP) bear the potential for great risk, especially in patients with comorbidities such as diabetes or advanced age. Methods A retrospective analysis of 31 cases regarding patients undergoing phacoemulsification in a private ophthalmology clinic in Baghdad was done by noting intraoperative and postoperative complications. A systematic review is also carried out so that findings could be contextualized; studies have been sourced from both PubMed and Scopus databases. Our review covered studies that researched complications such as PCR, increased IOP, and corneal edema, chronicling developments in surgical techniques and patient management. Results The case series resulted in a postoperative best-corrected visual acuity of 6/6 in 35.5% of the patients in the right eye and 29% in the left eye. This series was associated with PCR and raised IOP; however, appropriate management ensured good improvement in vision for the majority of cases. The systematic review supports these findings, pointing out that contemporary surgical procedures and personalized attention can reduce complications substantially, even among high-risk patients. Conclusion Case series and systematic review bring forth the importance of meticulous surgical techniques combined with early recognition of risk factors and personalized postoperative management in attempting to minimize complications. These findings point to the implication of an ideal strategy in handling complications from phacoemulsification, but also have shown that continuing improvement in the surgical and postoperative protocols could further improve patient outcomes, especially those very highly at-risk.
Perspectives related to food sovereignty and climate change: Research agenda and related global factors
Authors: García-Marín María Eulalia , Martínez Rojas Ezequiel , Valencia-Arias Alejandro , García-Pineda Vanessa , Benjumea-Arias Martha , Agudelo-Ceballos Erica , Valencia Jackeline , Jiménez García Jesús Alberto , Vásquez Coronado Manuel Humberto
Published: January 2025

Abstract* The processes of industrialization and overconsumption of natural resources have resulted in significant environmental changes and degradation. Furthermore, the discrepancy between social and economic classes has resulted in the emergence of inequality among social groups. These issues have been further exacerbated by the advent of the global pandemic, with the greatest impact being observed in some nations, which has served to further widen the social and economic gaps. Consequently, world leaders are keen to take action to mitigate these impacts and disparities among different social groups, given that environmental degradation and climate change have a significant impact on human and planetary health. Furthermore, these factors impede the ability of individuals in disadvantaged social groups to exercise their right to food sovereignty. The objective of this article is to identify perspectives on food sovereignty in the context of climate change impacts through a bibliometric analysis. The analysis reveals that climate change research is an emerging field, with the United States playing a significant role in its development. The principal conclusion is that developed countries are primarily concerned with addressing the challenges posed by climate change to food sovereignty. Furthermore, a correlation was identified between regional CO₂ emissions and malnutrition rates, indicating a potential link between environmental degradation and food security.
FlowCron - Increasing access to HPC by wrapping Globus into a function-as-a-service
Authors: Bellos Dimitrios , Allsopp James , Ho Elaine M. L. , Auer Tibor , Yearwood Gavin , Morris Andrew J. , Basham Mark
Published: January 2025

Despite significant investment in High-Performance Computing (HPC) clusters by funding councils, there are still many researchers whose workflows could not benefit from the computation speed that is provided by these clusters. Reducing barriers to entry for these researchers would accelerate their scientific throughput, since they will be able to respond to results in a timely fashion, improving either their protocols or correcting any problems that might have arisen. This improves the quality of science, and therefore the return on investment, in computationally-intensive areas such as Cryogenic Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM). This paper outlines a technique, FlowCron, for users to analyse their data on a HPC facility with minimal training, increasing accessibility. FlowCron transfers the responsibilities of installation and upkeep of data processing pipelines from users to HPC systems administrators, simplifies the set up of HPC pipelines, and makes pipelines as reliable as possible once set up. The work described here has software dependencies that are common to the majority of HPC clusters. We achieve this by linking Globus and cron to produce an open-source system that requires little administrative support but provides a very easy way of running an analysis on a HPC system. The user starts the analysis through the Globus website and, when started, the data will be encrypted, uploaded to the HPC, analysed, and returned to the originating machine, along with a record of the analysis.
Multidisciplinary management of a patient with acute oesophageal necrosis and severe neurological symptoms with full recovery
Authors: Terehova Katrīna , Zaļizko Poļina , Lazdovska Krista , Skumbiņš Raimonds , Puķītis Aldis
Published: January 2025

Background: Acute oesophageal necrosis is a rare and poorly understood disorder of the oesophagus. It poses significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges as it often presents with multiple comorbidities and a poor prognosis. Case report: We report a case of 42-year-old male with no significant medical history, who presented to our clinic due to neurological deficits and repeated vomiting for 2 weeks. He initially denied alcohol abuse. Upper endoscopy demonstrated circular black discoloration of the distal oesophagus. The patient was treated with proton pump inhibitors and received treatment for his comorbidities. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed to assess improvement. The patient’s symptoms gradually resolved. Conclusion: This case is one of the few to show an association between alcohol abuse and acute oesophageal necrosis and underscores the importance of timely diagnosis and multidisciplinary treatment in patient with fully recovered condition.
El tesoro de Guadalupe
Authors: Sánchez Almaguer Roberto Gabriel , Pelayo González Lili , Hernández Camacho Claudia J.
Published: January 2025

El lobo fino de Guadalupe, un pinnípedo casi extinto, ha resurgido de las sombras gracias a los esfuerzos de conservación. Su historia es un misterio de resiliencia y protección en las islas de México, donde su futuro aún pende de un hilo. ¿Podrá mantenerse en la lucha por la supervivencia?
El borrego cimarrón, alias "el cornudo"
Authors: Vargas Miranda Bárbara , Navarro Maldonado María del Carmen , Ambriz García Demetrio Alonso
Published: January 2025

En la naturaleza existe el término de “cornudo”, que incluye a aquellas especies que, en lucha con otro macho, el derrotado adquiere este término; también en humanos se denomina “cornudo” al hombre cuya mujer le es infiel, o cuando un padre mantiene al hijo de su mujer.
Mamíferos urbanos y las amenazas del cambio global
Authors: Hernández-Romero Pablo César , Cruz-Cruz Jimena , Prieto-Torres David A.
Published: January 2025

Los mamíferos de la Megalópolis mexicana son especies muy importantes para el funcionamiento de los ecosistemas naturales y urbanos. Lamentablemente, los efectos de la pérdida de hábitat y el cambio climático futuro pueden poner en riesgo la presencia de estas especies en la región.
José Sánchez Labrador e a experiência missionária jesuíta entre os indígenas Eyiguayegui: uma leitura de El Paraguay Católico (1770)
Authors: Lopes de Carvalho Francismar Alex
Published: January 2025

El Paraguay Católico é uma crônica que o jesuíta espanhol José Sánchez Labrador (1714 ou 1717 a 1798) terminou de escrever em 1770, em que relata sua experiência de mais de sete anos como missionário entre os indígenas Eyiguayegui (também conhecidos como Guaicuru ou Mbayá) no pueblo de Belén, província do Paraguai. Desde sua publicação em 1910, estudiosos têm buscado nesse texto elementos das culturas indígenas, mas ainda faltam estudos sobre o programa de evangelização defendido ali. Argumento que o autor preferiu um enfoque acomodativo de evangelização em decorrência da autonomia e do poderio militar de que desfrutavam os Eyiguayegui naquele momento, que impediam o uso de métodos mais coercitivos. A acomodação emerge na crônica como opção plausível aos jesuítas diante dos povos indígenas independentes, contatados em meados do Setecentos nas áreas fronteiriças das Américas.
Novel digital leakage notification system can promote better stoma management routines: a multicentre clinical trial
Authors: Brady Richard RW , Sheard Diane , Alty Mandie , Vestergaard Martin , Boisen Esben Bo , Ainsworth Rachel , Hansen Helle Doré , Ajslev Teresa Adeltoft
Published: January 2025

Background:

Most people with a stoma are anxious about stoma-related leakage.

Aims:

To investigate the impact of a novel digital leakage notification system on worry related to stoma leakage, and to evaluate the effect on overall stoma care management.

Method:

A 12-week interventional, single-arm, multicentre study was conducted in the UK to evaluate the novel digital leakage notification system, including a telemedicine-based support service (=test product), as part of routine stoma care in patients with a recent stoma formation (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05135754). Patients completed questionnaires at baseline and at other time points throughout the study period. Study nurses evaluated the test product on individual patient completion of the trial.

Findings:

The intention-to-treat-population consisted of 92 patients. At baseline, 39% of patients worried to a high or very high degree about leakage, which fell to 14% at the final evaluation (P<0.001), at which point patients also reported significantly fewer baseplate changes due to leakage-related worry (P<0.001). The vast majority of nurses reported that the test product helped patients (82%) improve their stoma-care routines (P<0.0001).

Conclusion:

The use of a digital leakage notification system reduced leakage-related worry and improved stoma self-care.
ORGANIZAÇÕES, DESINFORMAÇÃO E RESILIÊNCIA INFORMACIONAL: uma reflexão crítica
Authors: Pacheco de Oliveira Maria Lívia , Delevati Colpo Caroline , Sá Brasileiro Fellipe
Published: January 2025

Esse estudo trata da desinformação nos contextos organizacionais, na perspectiva da resiliência informacional. Desenvolve-se uma reflexão crítica para analisar os elementos que interferem no processo comunicacional orientado ao enfrentamento da desinformação, principalmente em virtude da disseminação de notícias falsas nos diferentes espaços de sociabilidade, incluindo as organizações. Estudo de caráter exploratório e bibliográfico, reforça a importância de compreender que o redimensionamento do cenário informacional exige esforços coletivos, e que as organizações possuem um evidente compromisso social ao passo que suas existências estão diretamente atreladas aos fenômenos informacionais e suas consequências.
HETEROTOPIAS EM ÁREAS URBANAS RESIDUAIS COMO PRÁTICAS COMUNICACIONAIS CRIATIVAS
Authors: Falcão Duarte Mariana , Salgueiro Marques Ângela Cristina
Published: January 2025

Este artigo aproxima a noção de heterotopia à criação de relações heterogêneas com espaços urbanos simbólicos e de movimento, que são constantemente configurados e reconfigurados nos processos de comunicação e redesenho dos modos de habitar a cidade. Argumentamos que a experiência heterotópica põe em movimento uma rede de alianças e voltadas à transformação e à reexistência. Em áreas urbanas residuais a existência de heterotopias está ligada não à busca de um “paraíso” perdido, mas à criação de espaços seguros que colocam em risco as assimetrias de poder que permeiam a vida dos sujeitos e de sua rede de afetos. Analisamos, a partir de um estudo de caso, como a construção de um jardim pode alterar as possibilidades de agência de sujeitos em situação de vulnerabilidade, redefinindo os vínculos de interdependência, as práticas cotidianas e os imaginários historicamente situados. Tentamos pensar o jardim e também a jardinagem como a prática heterotópica de ressignificação do espaço urbano e de transformação de si mesmo e dos vínculos com os outros. O cuidado do jardineiro é também um gesto ético e político que organiza a partilha de responsabilidades através da abertura à toda alteridade.
Improving the structure design of the passing/driving beam baffle of a headlamp
Authors: Yeh Chia-Hung , Liao Chong-An , Wang Chih-Wei
Published: January 2025

In response to the increasing competition and rapid advancements in the automotive industry, manufacturers have designed more intricate structures to circumvent patent disputes. However, this approach has simultaneously resulted in extended development cycles, increased manufacturing costs, and prolonged production times. Consequently, reducing development cycles and cutting costs have become key objectives for leading automobile manufacturers. This study focuses on projector headlamp modules available on the market, aiming to address the complexity of the passing/driving beam baffle structure. Given the challenges posed by the intricate design, the study seeks to simplify the baffle structure while ensuring full compliance with ECE-R112 regulatory standards. Throughout the design process, careful attention must be paid to subsequent manufacturing challenges, particularly those involving complex curved surfaces and polygonal shapes, which contribute to processing difficulties, thereby extending development timelines and elevating costs. The research results indicate that the improved baffle structure is more streamlined and has successfully passed the verification of the ECE-R112 regulation. The passing beam’s light intensity below the cut-off line shows significant improvement compared to the original baffle, with increases at various test points as follows: 8.53% at 50V (the point of maximum intensity), 7.58% at 75R, 3.68% at 50R, and 6.06% in Zone IV. For driving beam testing, the overall light intensity at the regulatory verification points increased by approximately 14% to 17% compared to the pre-improvement performance.
Automatic and accurate phase aberration compensation for a digital holographic microscopy system based on one-dimensional weighted curve fitting
Authors: Wang Zheng , Jiao Mingjie , Liu Feng , Wang Biao , Jin Xueying
Published: January 2025

We propose an automatic and accurate phase aberration compensation method for a digital holographic microscopy system. The phase aberrations are extracted by the one-dimensional weighted curve fitting method where the pre-compensated phase is obtained by the phase segmentation method based on the median absolute deviation (MAD) criterion, and the weights of the object phase and the background phase are acquired such that the object phase can be eliminated. Our approach does not require manual selection of area with no sampling and prior optical system parameters. Numerical simulation verifies that the proposed method is more accurate than the general one-dimensional curve fitting method. Experimental measurements demonstrate the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed method in USAF1951 resolution plates and living cells including BCAF breast cancer cells and HCT116 colon cancer cells.
Efficient frequency conversion via a wide-spanning intermodal four-wave mixing Bragg scattering process
Authors: Bolotov Denis , Ulvenberg Thjalfe , Rottwitt Karsten , Rishøj Lars Søgaard
Published: January 2025

We demonstrate efficient Bragg-scattering four-wave mixing frequency conversion in a few-mode fiber with two pumps spectrally separated from the signal and idler by 600 nm. The wideband frequency conversion is made possible by propagating the frequency components in two different spatial modes, the pumps are excited in the LP11 mode, while the signal is excited in the LP01 mode, and the Bragg scattering (BS) idler is generated in the LP01 mode. For these processes, we experimentally characterize their conversion efficiency and bandwidth. The dependency of conversion efficiency on peak pump power and the separation between BS components are measured, demonstrating a peak conversion efficiency of up to 79%.
Optimization of low-temperature spectral emissivity measurement scheme based on background factor evaluation
Authors: Yuan Zeye , Li Longfei , Cui Minghuan , Wang Qingchang , Yu Kun , Liu Yufang
Published: January 2025

Accurate spectral emissivity is essential for assessing the radiation efficiency of the thermal emitter and confirming its intended function. However, precise emissivity measurements at low temperatures are challenging due to weak spontaneous radiation and interference from background radiation. This study presents a low-temperature spectral emissivity measurement scheme that combines the radiation modulation technology and the background factor optimization algorithm. The influence of potential background factors on the target radiation measurement is systematically evaluated by combining theoretical simulation and experimental validation. The reliability of the measurement scheme is demonstrated by measuring the spectral emissivity of silicon carbide within the temperature range of 213-273 K, achieving an expanded uncertainty of less than 0.01. Our scheme aims to provide a guideline for performing accurate spectral emissivity measurements at low temperatures.
Analysis of optical bottle generation by coherent beam combining
Authors: Jabczyński Jan K.
Published: January 2025

The study evaluates the feasibility of generating a closed optical trap (“optical bottle”) using coherent beam combining. A semi-analytical model based on paraxial wave optics and truncated Gaussian beam approximation was employed. Proposed configurations include (1) simple bifocal tilt, (2) bifocal tilt + polarization reversing, (3) bifocal tilt + fractional vortex optical charge number, and (4) bifocal tilts + polarization reversing in random shooting target geometries. The trap’s shell resembles inverted “wine glasses” stacked one over the other with hexagonal symmetry, producing alternating bright and dark regions.
Small-area marks realize nanoscale lithography alignment by a spatial and frequency domain fusion neural network
Authors: Long Yuliang , Tang Yan , Jiang Jinfeng , Gong Xinxiang , Yang Yanfang , Liu Wei , Zhao Lixin , Cheng Xiaolong
Published: January 2025

For traditional moiré-based lithography alignment technology, which is widely used in proximity lithography systems, complex alignment marks with larger areas are employed to achieve high-precision misalignment detection. However, every inch of space on the wafer is extremely precious in practice, leaving minimal space for alignment marks. Therefore, employing small-area alignment marks in lithography systems will be a very challenging task with considerable potential in the future. The primary challenge is that existing frequency-based analytical algorithms struggle to achieve misalignment values with high-precision from moiré fringe images generated by small-area marks. To address this challenge, a spatial and frequency information fusion neural network (SFFN) is proposed for processing the moiré fringe images. With SFFN, the area of the alignment mark can be reduced by 2/3, and the average error of SFFN is less than 1 nm on the test dataset.
Temporal multiplexing complex amplitude holography for 3D display with natural depth perception
Authors: Pi Dapu , Ye Yiqi , Cheng Ke , Gu Min , Fang Xinyuan
Published: January 2025

In this Letter, we develop a temporal multiplexing complex amplitude
holography for a three-dimensional (3D) display with natural depth
perception. A series of band-limited random phases is optimized
through the designed pseudo incoherent wave propagation model, which
can be used as the initialization condition for arbitrary target
images. The temporal multiplexing holograms (TMHs) are calculated
according to the optical field distribution in the image plane and
encoded through the complex amplitude converting method. Based on
temporal multiplexing, our method overcomes the drawbacks brought by
random phase and constant phase on 3D display performance and enables
3D reconstruction with high image quality as well as natural depth
cues. It is expected that our method offers an efficient route toward
the future high-performance holographic 3D display.
Holographic optical correlator-based single-pixel imaging with deep learning image reconstruction
Authors: Hoshizawa Taku , Honda Yasunobu , Kodama Shinjiro , Nakao Kosuke , Sato Chihiro , Watanabe Eriko
Published: January 2025

High-speed holographic optical-correlator-based single-pixel imaging (SPI) was developed with correlation calculations performed at 161,937 frames per second, corresponding to image reconstruction at 158 frames per second. Furthermore, a deep-learning-based image reconstruction method was introduced that ensures tolerance to time-fluctuating spatial noise, and a significant improvement in image quality over the conventional analytical method was experimentally demonstrated.
Cloud Enterprise Systems – State of the Art und Herausforderungen für Unternehmen
Authors: Schütte Reinhard , Kari Mohamed
Published: January 2025

Die Softwarehersteller propagieren für Enterprise Systems das Cloud Computing. So sollen sämtliche Komponenten von Enterprise Systems langfristig nur noch als Software as a Service genutzt werden. Aufgrund der Abhängigkeit vieler Anwendungsunternehmen von den wenigen Anbietern (Microsoft, SAP, Oracle, Infor, Sage, Salesforce etc.) stellt sich die Frage, welchen Entwicklungen die Applikationsarchitekturen und IT-Prozesse unterworfen sein werden. Ausgehend von einer Entfaltung dessen, was unter Enterprise Systems verstanden wird und welche Präsuppositionen den nachfolgenden Abschnitten unterliegen, wird der State of the Art heutiger Enterprise Systems kurz skizziert. Es wird eine Referenzarchitektur entworfen, in der die Services der drei großen Hyperscaler verortet werden. Zuletzt werden die strategischen, prozessualen und applikationsmäßigen sowie systemtechnischen Implikationen des Cloud Computing für die Anwendungsunternehmen aufgezeigt. Der Beitrag verdeutlicht, dass die technologischen Paradigmen und Systems-Engineering-Vorgehensweisen im Cloud Computing die zukünftige Einführung von Enterprise Systems und auch deren Betrieb nachhaltig verändern werden. Der Beitrag schließt mit einem Ausblick auf zukünftige Herausforderungen für die Forschung und die betriebliche Praxis.
Sustainability of an evidence-based intervention supporting transition to independent care for youth living with HIV in Kenya
Authors: Metje Alina , Shaw Sarah , Mugo Cyrus , Awuor Mercy , Dollah Annabell , Moraa Hellen , Kundu Christine , Wamalwa Dalton , John-Stewart Grace , Beima-Sofie Kristin , Njuguna Irene
Published: January 2025

Integrating and sustaining evidence-based interventions (EBIs) in routine care is crucial to improving HIV treatment outcomes among youth living with HIV (YLH). However, EBIs are often not sustained post clinical trial. An Adolescent Transition Package (ATP) delivered by health care workers (HCWs) and tested in Kenya in 2021 significantly improved YLH readiness to transition to independent care. Post-trial, participating clinics could continue using the ATP. We conducted 30 in-depth interviews with health care workers to evaluate determinants of continued ATP implementation one-year post-trial. Interviews used semi-structured guides, informed by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research version 2.0 (CFIR v2.0). Transcripts were analyzed thematically to identify key influences of ATP sustainment and fidelity post-trial. Effective training during and after the trial, and continued internal and external support for implementation, were crucial for sustained acceptability and feasibility. In contrast, staff shortages and high turnover, lack of integration into the existing electronic medical system, and maintaining staff motivation were barriers to ATP sustainment. Implementation fidelity was limited by workforce constraints and HCW beliefs about the importance of individualizing content and delivery to be responsive to individual client needs. ATP adaptability afforded optimization of delivery to overcome workforce constraints and meet client needs, increasing HCW perceptions of feasibility and motivating continued use. Alignment between observed impact and care provision goals further motivated ongoing ATP utilization. Strategies to ensure continued training and integration of tools into existing systems have the potential to further enhance ATP sustainability.
3D printing of different fibres towards HA/PCL scaffolding induces macrophage polarization and promotes osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs
Authors: Song Jiaxiang , Huang Shuai , Linghu Xitao , Wu Hengpeng , Wen Zhenyu , Li Xiang , Huang Qiping , Xu Weikang , Wa Qingde
Published: January 2025

With the rise of bone tissue engineering (BET), 3D-printed HA/PCL scaffolds for bone defect repair have been extensively studied. However, little research has been conducted on the differences in osteogenic induction and regulation of macrophage (MPs) polarisation properties of HA/PCL scaffolds with different fibre orientations. Here, we applied 3D printing technology to prepare three sets of HA/PCL scaffolds with different fibre orientations (0–90, 0-90-135, and 0-90-45) to study the differences in physicochemical properties and to investigate the response effects of MPs and bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on scaffolds with different fibre orientations. The results showed that multi-angle staggered fibres affected the overall porosity and compressive strength of the scaffolds. Compared with the other two groups, the 0-90-45 scaffold induced osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs more significantly, while promoting the polarisation of MPs towards the M2 phenotype to form an osteogenic-friendly immune microenvironment. Unexpectedly, the 0-90-45 scaffold significantly upregulated the expression of angiogenic genes (PDGF, VEGF). Therefore, we conclude that the multi-angle interlaced fibres better mimic the physiological structure of cancellous bone, and that the excellent biomimetic properties reflect the best in vitro osteogenic, immunomodulatory and angiogenic effects. In conclusion, this study is a step forward in the exploration of BET scaffolds and provides a very promising bone filling material.
July effect in hospitalized cirrhosis patients: A US nationwide study using difference-in-differences analysis
Authors: Celdir Melis Gokce , Wehby George , Prakash Shahana , Tanaka Tomohiro
Published: January 2025

Background

The July effect in US teaching hospitals has been studied with conflicting results. We aimed to evaluate the effect of physician turnover in July on the clinical outcomes of patients hospitalized with cirrhosis.

Methods

We utilized the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database (2016–2019) to identify patients hospitalized with cirrhosis and liver-related complications (variceal bleeding, hepatorenal syndrome, acute-on-chronic liver failure). We used difference-in-differences analysis to compare teaching and non-teaching hospital differences in mortality and length of stay (LOS) in May and July, and trends in outcomes in other months before and after July.

Results

We included 78,371 hospitalizations in teaching and 23,518 in non-teaching hospitals in May and July. Teaching hospital admissions had overall higher complication rates and mortality compared to non-teaching hospitals. We did not find a difference in mortality between teaching and non-teaching hospitals in all cirrhotic patients (adjusted odds ratio 1.01, 95%CI [0.88–1.16]) or in those with severe complications (0.87, [0.72–1.06]). There was greater LOS in July vs. May in teaching hospitals relative to non-teaching hospitals for all patients with cirrhosis (adjusted rate ratio 1.03, 95%CI [1.02–1.05]) and for those with severe complications (1.19, [1.17–1.21]). The months after July were associated with longer LOS in teaching hospitals, with the effect gradually diminishing over the subsequent months.

Conclusions

Our study suggests trainee turnover in July did not affect mortality, but lengthened hospital stays for patients with cirrhosis, highlighting the need for effective supervision of new trainees and strategies to mitigate operational disruptions for improved clinical management.
Coping strategies and changes in type D personality were associated with depressive tendency at 9 months after percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Yamaguchi Daisuke , Asano Yoshihiro , Kuwahara Koichiro , Izawa Atsushi
Published: January 2025

Type D personality, characterized by negative affectivity and social inhibition, has been associated with both the psychophysiology of coronary artery disease (CAD) and depressive disorders. However, few reports have described the impact of coping strategies in these patients. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of type D personality and the coping strategies adopted by patients with CAD and to explore the factors associated with depressive tendencies during follow-up. Among 84 patients with CAD (median age 66.5 years, nine women) who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), we examined pre-discharge characteristics for personality and coping strategies. We prospectively evaluated associations with the persistence or improvement of depressive tendencies at 9 months. Our findings revealed that persistence of depressive tendencies at 9 months was inversely associated with the adoption of the “planning” coping strategy (odds ratio [OR]: 0.80). We observed worsening depressive tendencies in patients with type D personality who transitioned from non-type D during follow-up. Conversely, improvement in depressive tendencies was associated with the adoption of “planning” (OR: 1.47), “evasive thinking” (OR: 1.47), and “positive interpretation” (OR: 1.43) coping strategies, and inversely associated with the adoption of the “abandonment or resignation” strategy (OR: 0.71). The persistence or improvement of depressive tendencies at 9 months post-PCI was associated with the adoption of specific coping strategies. Changes in type D personality during follow-up were associated with the status of depressive tendency. Personality-oriented treatment incorporating specific coping strategies may provide new strategies to prevent depression and improve care for patients with CAD.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 and a possible variant in shelter cats
Authors: Okwumabua Ogi , Bradley-Siemens Nancy , Cruz Catherine , Chittick Lauren , Thompson Melissa
Published: January 2025

SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of mild to severe acute respiratory disease that led to significant loss of human lives worldwide between 2019 and 2022. The virus has been detected in various animals including cats and dogs making it a major public health concern and a One Health issue. In this study, conjunctival and pharyngeal swabs (n = 350) and serum samples (n = 350) were collected between July and December 2020 from cats that were housed in an animal shelter and tested for the infection of SARS-CoV-2 using real time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) that targeted the N1 and N2 genes, and a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate virus neutralization Test (sVNT), respectively. 203 (58%) swab samples were negative (N1 and N2 not detected), 2 (0.6%) were positive (N1 and N2 detected) and 145 (41%) were inconclusive (only N1 detected). Analysis of the N2 region and multiple sequence alignment revealed base-pair deletions and substitutions in the N2 probe binding region of the feline samples RNA extracts in comparison with the positive control and human SARS-CoV-2 sequences in the GenBank database. Substituting the N2 probe with a probe derived from the cat sample amplicon sequences, 123 of 127 (96.9%) of the N2 negative samples returned positive. All but one of the 350 serum samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2 antibody. These observations indicated that although detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection was low in the samples tested, pet cats can harbor the virus and serve as potential source for virus spread that may lead to human infections. Additionally, cats may harbor a yet-to-be described virus that is somewhat related to SARS-CoV-2.
Equalization of basic public services enabled by digitization: A study of mechanism and heterogeneity
Authors: Huang Huayi , Zhang Zhibing
Published: January 2025

Digitalization has penetrated into every aspect of life. However, research on the mechanisms through which digitalization affects the equalization of basic public services, as well as the heterogeneity of its impact on different fields of these services, is still insufficient. Based on the panel data of 30 provincial-level administrative regions in China from 2013 to 2023, this paper studies the mechanism and heterogeneity of the impact of digital development on the equalization of basic public services. The research finds that the improvement of the digital development level can significantly promote the equalization process of basic public services, and this finding remains robust after a series of endogeneity and robustness tests. The discussions on regional heterogeneity and spatial complexity show that digitalization makes a greater contribution to the equalization of basic public services in the central and western regions and the northeast than in the east. However, achieving equalization of basic public services across regions through digitalization is challenging. The development of digitalization and the equalization of basic public services are limited by territorial cohesion in geographical space. Underdeveloped regions have poor access to digitalization for achieving equalization of basic public services. This leads to a ‘digital divide’ between developed and underdeveloped regions. It also results in a ‘low-lying area’ phenomenon in basic public services. Additionally, the promoting effect of digitalization on the equalization of different areas of basic public services varies significantly. The effect is strongest for basic living services. It is moderate for environmental protection services and education services. The effect on medical services is not significant.
Effect of rising fuel prices on small-scale fisheries livelihoods and marine sustainability in Ghana
Authors: Owusu Victor
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the effects of fuel price hikes on the livelihoods of small-scale coastal fisherfolk in Ghana. The study applied a mixed-methods approach consisting of a questionnaire survey of 320 fisherfolk and 20 interviews with stakeholders in the fisheries sector. Increase in expenses, reduced frequency of fishing, an upsurge in social vices, and declining small-scale fisheries opportunities were found to be the main effects of fuel price hikes on fisherfolk livelihoods. The results reveal that fisherfolk experienced financial, emotional and psychological shocks due to the high cost of fuel. Dependency on savings, borrowing, petty trading, migration and farming were found to the main coping strategies. However, the various livelihood coping strategies deployed by fisherfolk were not sufficient to ameliorate their economic hardship. The findings show that fuel price hikes can contribute to reduction in fishing pressure and overcapacity despite the current socioeconomic hardship experienced by fishing households. The study recommends interest-free loans to support fisherfolk who are already engaged in small businesses. The provision of supplementary livelihoods could also improve fisherfolk’s income and well-being.
Introduction
Authors: Sperling Joy
Published: January 2025

The seven articles and interview comprising this Special Issue explore the ways in which social readings of fashion and fabric can undermine or empower erstwhile marginalized narratives: four describe women’s roles in fashion history and four discuss material and/or national identity. The succeeding individual book reviews continue this conversation and, read critically, demonstrate how reviews add an additional layer of third-party contextualizing conversation. The juxtaposition of the two kinds of scholarly production as parallel and equal in this Special Issue is unusual but deliberate. It is an invitation to reconsider the ‘normative’ place of the review within the academy.
Viseu - do governo condal ao reinado de D. Afonso Henriques (1096-1185). A renovação de um perfil urbano
Authors: Saraiva Anísio Miguel de Sousa
Published: January 2025

Este artigo pretende analisar o papel exercido pela cidade de Viseu no quadro político, militar e religioso do governo condal de D. Henrique e de D. Teresa, abordando com particular acuidade as consequências da acção governativa dos condes na reorganização urbana de Viseu e das suas instituições, bem como no seu reposicionamento no quadro geo-estratégico e eclesiástico de Undecentos. Sede da corte condal e defesa avançada da linha das fortalezas durienses e das localidades do litoral, Viseu ganhou projecção e viu reconfirmada a sua importância no xadrez político e religioso do novo reino iniciado por D. Afonso Henriques, através da restauração do seu estatuto de sede episcopal e da reconfirmação do seu quadro normativo concelhio fortemente marcado pelos dois principais poderes actuantes na cidade: a Sé catedral e o concelho municipal.
La colectivización de la asistencia social en la provincia de León a través de los hospitales
Authors: Pérez Álvarez María José
Published: January 2025

A comarca de Bierzo foi território de passagem do Caminho de Santiago e à sua sombra foi-se desenhando durante a Idade Média uma importante rede assistencial. Muitos destes estabelecimentos tiveram uma vida efémera, outros, pelo contrário, estiveram activos durante toda a Idade Moderna, como foi o caso de San Juan de Cacabelos ou de Reina de Ponferrada. Contudo, enquanto este, após a sua refundação, se adaptou às novas circunstâncias, convertendo-se num centro médico-assistencial, o primeiro, ancorado num regime assistencial muito primário, foi definhando até praticamente desaparecer.
Os Castelos e o Conselho Real: Patrocínio Político em Portugal (1495-1521)
Authors: Ferreira Susannah Humble
Published: January 2025

No início do século XVI, um aumento de riqueza e de interesse em diplomacia resultou no crescimento da corte portuguesa, tanto em termos do número de pessoas como em termos espaciais (tamanho físico dos palácios). Este artigo tem como objectivo examinar os motivos por detrás da expansão do conselho real português durante o reinado de D. Manuel I (1495-1521) e postula que o rei terá empreendido essa expansão numa tentativa de criar laços verticais, ligando a corte com castelos situados na fronteira luso-castelhana. O conselho real operava como o núcleo político da nação e as posições no conselho conferiam prestígio, fazendo das nomeações para o concelho um importante veículo de patrocínio político. A motivação para expandir o tamanho do conselho do rei é contextualizada nas tensas relações entre Portugal e Aragão-Castela após a união das coroas em 1479.
Clero y cultura letrada en el León de la Edad Moderna. La biblioteca del cabildo catedralicio
Authors: Martín García Alfredo
Published: January 2025

Este estudo centra-se na análise da biblioteca do Cabido catedralício de León, enquanto interessante exemplo de uma biblioteca de Antigo Regime. Seguindo uma metodologia quantitativa, as suas características internas são analisadas sob diferentes ópticas - cronológica, temática, linguística, etc. - com o propósito de captar na devida dimensão a sua importância, enquanto plataforma de divulgação da cultura escrita.