bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Real-time data processing in colorimetry camera-based single-molecule localization microscopy via CPU-GPU-FPGA heterogeneous computation
Authors: Lin Jiaxun , Wang Kun , Huang Zhen-Li
Published: August 2024

Because conventional low-light cameras used in single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) do not have the ability to distinguish colors, it is often necessary to employ a dedicated optical system and/or a complicated image analysis procedure to realize multi-color SMLM. Recently, researchers explored the potential of a new kind of low-light camera called colorimetry camera as an alternative detector in multi-color SMLM, and achieved two-color SMLM under a simple optical system, with a comparable cross-talk to the best reported values. However, extracting images from all color channels is a necessary but lengthy process in colorimetry camera-based SMLM (called CC-STORM), because this process requires the sequential traversal of a massive number of pixels. By taking advantage of the parallelism and pipeline characteristics of FPGA, in this paper, we report an updated multi-color SMLM method called HCC-STORM, which integrated the data processing tasks in CC-STORM into a home-built CPU-GPU-FPGA heterogeneous computing platform. We show that, without scarifying the original performance of CC-STORM, the execution speed of HCC-STORM was increased by approximately three times. Actually, in HCC-STORM, the total data processing time for each raw image with 1024 × 1024 pixels was 26.9 ms. This improvement enabled real-time data processing for a field of view of 1024 × 1024 pixels and an exposure time of 30 ms (a typical exposure time in CC-STORM). Furthermore, to reduce the difficulty of deploying algorithms into the heterogeneous computing platform, we also report the necessary interfaces for four commonly used high-level programming languages, including C/C++, Python, Java, and Matlab. This study not only pushes forward the mature of CC-STORM, but also presents a powerful computing platform for tasks with heavy computation load.
Anisotropic qubit-photon interactions inducing multiple antibunching-to-bunching transitions of photons
Authors: Ye Tian , Wang Chen , Chen Qing-Hu
Published: August 2024

We investigate photon correlations in the open anisotropic quantum Rabi model via quantum dressed master equation. Multiple antibunching-to-bunching transitions are generally exhibited at deep-strong qubit-photon coupling, which becomes vanishing in the standard open quantum Rabi model. The observed two-photon statistics can be well described analytically within a few lowest eigenstates at low temperatures. It is revealed that the additional photon antibunching effect mainly originates from the selection rule of the correlation-measurement-induced eigenstate transitions. Furthermore, we also unravel the phenomena that higher-order correlation function lifts up dramatically once passing the crossing point of excited states, which is attributed to the on-off switch of dominant cooperative transition with level crossing. We hope these results may fertilize the analysis of the nonclassical photon statistics in anisotropic coupled qubit-photon systems.
Robust structured light with efficient redundant codes
Authors: Sun Zhanghao , Zuo Xinxin , Huo Dong , Zhang Yu , Qian Yiming , Wang Jian
Published: August 2024

Structured light (SL) systems acquire high-fidelity 3D geometry with active illumination projection. Conventional systems exhibit challenges when working in environments with strong ambient illumination. This paper studies a general-purposed solution to improve the robustness of SL by projecting a redundant number of patterns. Despite sacrificing the signal-noise-ratio at each frame, projected signals become more distinguishable from errors. Thus, the geometry can be recovered easily. We systematically analyze the redundant SL code design rules to achieve high accuracy with minimum redundancy. Based on the more reliable correspondence cost volume and the natural image prior, we integrate spatial context-aware disparity estimators into our system to further boost performance. We also demonstrate the application of such techniques in iterative error detection and refinement. We demonstrate significant performance improvements of efficient redundant code SL systems in both simulations and challenging real-world scenes.
Enhancing MINFLUX 3D imaging precision by vortex interference
Authors: Wang Wei , Huang Zengxin , Li Hangfeng , Kanchanawong Pakorn
Published: August 2024

A new acquisition framework for MINFLUX super-resolution microscopy is proposed, termed Vortex Interference MINFLUX (viMINFLUX). From our analysis, we showed that by utilizing vortex interference, the scan range and phase shift mutually modulate MINFLUX precision, resulting in a precision enhancement by a factor of two or more for the same scan range. We further showed that vortex interference can be extended to 3D imaging, whereby 3D viMINFLUX provides for nearly isotropic 3D precision, resulting in a two-fold improvement in lateral precision and a five-fold enhancement in axial precision compared to conventional 3D MINFLUX techniques.
Bound state in the continuum enabled ultralong silicon ridge waveguide grating antennas for integrated LiDAR applications
Authors: Ma Zhipeng , Fu Yao , Wan Yuanjian , Cao Han , Zhang Yu , Wang Jian
Published: August 2024

As a novel method for solid-state light detection and ranging (LiDAR), optical phased arrays (OPAs) cater to the growing market requirement for mass-produced chip-scale beam steering devices. Waveguide grating antennas (WGAs) with low loss, high efficiency and large emitting aperture are strongly desirable to achieve low beam divergence and high resolution for OPAs. In this paper, we report two kinds of silicon ridge-waveguide-based WGAs with ultra-sharp instantaneous field-of-view (IFOV) for LiDAR applications. The ridge-concave WGA (RCC-WGA) and ridge-convex WGA (RCV-WGA) are designed on account of both sides of ridge area have relatively weak mode field distribution. Lateral quasi-bound state in the continuum (L-BIC) is utilized to further suppress side scattering and improve the emission efficiency. The RCC-WGAs and RCV-WGAs are fabricated on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) platform with 220 nm device layer and foundry compatible etching depths. The measured losses are as low as 2.64 and 2.40 dB/mm at 1550 nm wavelength. The antenna length can up to 6 mm, with theoretical beam divergences of 0.0195° and 0.0175° at the wavelength of 1550 nm, while the experimental results are 0.0251° and 0.0237°, respectively. The proposed low-beam-divergence WGAs are promising in high resolution solid-state LiDAR applications.
Photonics-aided exceeding 200-Gb/s wireless data transmission over outdoor long-range 2 × 2 MIMO THz links at 300 GHz
Authors: Cai Yuancheng , Yang Xiaoguang , Zhu Min , Hua Bingchang , Xie Zhifeng , Tong Weidong , Xin Zhigang , Li Jiankang , Zhang Junhao , Ding Junjie , Lei Mingzheng , Zhang Jiao , Zou Yucong , Chen Xingyu , Huang Yongming , Yu Jianjun , You Xiaohu
Published: August 2024

Outdoor long-range terahertz (THz) communications often come at the expense of transmission rate. Moreover, the practicability of the single polarization optical/THz link, which is commonly used in the previous long-range THz demonstrations based on photonics, is extremely limited by the following two fatal defects. One is relying on active polarization control, and the other is not supporting the transparent bridging of optical polarization division multiplexed (PDM) signals for mature coherent optical communication networks. In this work, a large-capacity photonics-aided THz wireless communication system based on the outdoor long-range 2 × 2 multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) links has been successfully demonstrated. We first build the 200-m 2 × 2 MIMO THz wireless links at the 300 GHz band. The cascaded linear and nonlinear equalizers are proposed which can significantly improve the transmission performance of 100- and 200-Gb/s PDM quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) signals. Then an interesting 2 × 2 MIMO structure which can provide certain diversity reception gain under 200-m long-range wireless delivery using the same polarization scheme is also presented and further compared with the orthogonal polarization scheme. Since each THz receiver simultaneously receives data from both the two THz transmitters for this MIMO links, an improvement over 6 dB in receiving sensitivity and one order of magnitude in bit error ratio performance under low signal-to-noise ratio conditions can be achieved. Finally, based on the proposed cascaded equalizers and novel 2 × 2 MIMO structure, we successfully demonstrate a record-breaking 58-Gbaud (232-Gb/s) PDM-QPSK signal transmission over 200-m 2 × 2 MIMO THz wireless links. This is an important attempt for the photonics-aided THz wireless communication systems to achieve 2 × 2 MIMO transmission over a long wireless distance in the outdoors. Furthermore, attaining over 200 Gb/s at a wireless distance of 200 m also represents a key milestone for the long-range and large-capacity THz wireless communication systems.
Metasurface-enabled passive thermal control for stable terrestrial and spacecraft applications
Authors: Singh Leena , Azad Abul , Kort-Kamp W. , QIU ERBIN , Cardin Andrew , Chen Aiping , Luk Ting S. Willie , Dalvit Diego , schuller ivan , Schuller Jon
Published: August 2024

Realizing innovative composite materials with passive thermal management capabilities and minimal ecological footprints is a challenging but much sought-after goal that would have a transformative effect on renewable energy sciences. We demonstrate an environmentally friendly metasurface utilizing vanadium dioxide (VO2) that offers responsiveness to ambient temperature and potentially long-term stability. The metasurface enables passive thermal management by self-adjusting its absorptivity and emissivity response over a broad bandwidth ranging from visible to mid-infrared (IR) wavelengths. Above the VO2 phase transition the metasurface exhibits increased mid-IR emissivity and reduced visible/near-IR absorptivity, creating an efficient radiative emission channel in the first atmospheric transparency window with reduced absorption of solar radiation. In contrast, below VO2’s transition temperature, the metasurface increasingly absorbs sun light while minimizing mid-IR radiative heat losses. Moreover, a functional silicon layer eliminates the need for an additional capping layer commonly employed to protect VO2 from environmental degradation. The additional protective layer often impedes the use and performance of VO2 based devices in terrestrial as well as spacecraft applications. Therefore, the proposed durable and eco-friendly metasurface will be an excellent candidate for essential passive thermal regulation systems across residential and terrestrial applications.
Experimental demonstration of continuous-variable quantum key distribution with a silicon photonics integrated receiver
Authors: Piétri Yoann , Trigo Vidarte Luis , Schiavon Matteo , Vivien Laurent , Grangier Philippe , Rhouni Amine , Diamanti Eleni
Published: August 2024

Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a prominent application in the field of quantum cryptography, providing information-theoretic security for secret key exchange. The implementation of QKD systems on photonic integrated circuits (PICs) can reduce the size and cost of such systems and facilitate their deployment in practical infrastructures. To this end, continuous-variable (CV) QKD systems are particularly well-suited as they do not require single-photon detectors, whose integration is presently challenging. Here we present a CV-QKD receiver based on a silicon PIC capable of performing balanced detection. We characterize its performance in a laboratory QKD setup using a frequency multiplexed pilot scheme with specifically designed data processing allowing high modulation and secret key rates. The obtained excess noise values are compatible with asymptotic secret key rates of 2.4 Mbit/s and 220 kbit/s at an emulated distance of 10 km and 23 km, respectively. These results demonstrate the potential of this technology toward fully integrated devices suitable for high-speed, metropolitan-distance secure communication.
The rules of multiplayer cooperation in networks of communities
Authors: Pires Diogo L. , Broom Mark
Published: August 2024

Community organisation permeates both social and biological complex systems. To study its interplay with behaviour emergence, we model mobile structured populations with multiplayer interactions. We derive general analytical methods for evolutionary dynamics under high home fidelity when populations self-organise into networks of asymptotically isolated communities. In this limit, community organisation dominates over the network structure and emerging behaviour is independent of network topology. We obtain the rules of multiplayer cooperation in networks of communities for different types of social dilemmas. The success of cooperation is a result of the benefits shared among communal cooperators outperforming the benefits reaped by defectors in mixed communities. Under weak selection, cooperation can evolve and be stable for any size (Q) and number (M) of communities if the reward-to-cost ratio (V/K) of public goods is higher than a critical value. Community organisation is a solid mechanism for sustaining the evolution of cooperation under public goods dilemmas, particularly when populations are organised into a higher number of smaller communities. Contrary to public goods dilemmas relating to production, the multiplayer Hawk-Dove (HD) dilemma is a commons dilemma focusing on the fair consumption of preexisting resources. This game yields mixed results but tends to favour cooperation under larger communities, highlighting that the two types of social dilemmas might lead to solid differences in the behaviour adopted under community structure.
The whole community? Assessing FEMA’s inclusion of Tribal governments in hazard mitigation efforts
Authors: Mix Evan C. , Noltner Alyssa , Jenicek Ashton , Veith Charles , Bostrom Ann , Donatuto Jamie , Moore Ashley , Errett Nicole A.
Published: August 2024

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has long advocated for what it calls a “Whole Community approach” to disaster resilience and recovery. This philosophy holds that the priorities of all governmental, commercial, and interest groups should be considered, and their capabilities leveraged, in preparing for and responding to disasters. According to FEMA, federally recognized Tribal governments are part of the “Whole Community.” In this paper we use systematic content analysis techniques to examine policy documents derived from the Hazard Mitigation Assistance grant program to assess whether and how FEMA has taken the concrete policy steps necessary to include Tribal governments in the “Whole Community.” We find that while FEMA has expressed interest in a more equitable and accessible program that serves the needs of Tribal governments, it has taken few practical steps toward this goal.
Comparison of machine-learning and logistic regression models for prediction of 30-day unplanned readmission in electronic health records: A development and validation study
Authors: Iwagami Masao , Inokuchi Ryota , Kawakami Eiryo , Yamada Tomohide , Goto Atsushi , Kuno Toshiki , Hashimoto Yohei , Michihata Nobuaki , Goto Tadahiro , Shinozaki Tomohiro , Sun Yu , Taniguchi Yuta , Komiyama Jun , Uda Kazuaki , Abe Toshikazu , Tamiya Nanako
Published: August 2024

It is expected but unknown whether machine-learning models can outperform regression models, such as a logistic regression (LR) model, especially when the number and types of predictor variables increase in electronic health records (EHRs). We aimed to compare the predictive performance of gradient-boosted decision tree (GBDT), random forest (RF), deep neural network (DNN), and LR with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LR-LASSO) for unplanned readmission. We used EHRs of patients discharged alive from 38 hospitals in 2015–2017 for derivation and in 2018 for validation, including basic characteristics, diagnosis, surgery, procedure, and drug codes, and blood-test results. The outcome was 30-day unplanned readmission. We created six patterns of data tables having different numbers of binary variables (that ≥5% or ≥1% of patients or ≥10 patients had) with and without blood-test results. For each pattern of data tables, we used the derivation data to establish the machine-learning and LR models, and used the validation data to evaluate the performance of each model. The incidence of outcome was 6.8% (23,108/339,513 discharges) and 6.4% (7,507/118,074 discharges) in the derivation and validation datasets, respectively. For the first data table with the smallest number of variables (102 variables that ≥5% of patients had, without blood-test results), the c-statistic was highest for GBDT (0.740), followed by RF (0.734), LR-LASSO (0.720), and DNN (0.664). For the last data table with the largest number of variables (1543 variables that ≥10 patients had, including blood-test results), the c-statistic was highest for GBDT (0.764), followed by LR-LASSO (0.755), RF (0.751), and DNN (0.720), suggesting that the difference between GBDT and LR-LASSO was small and their 95% confidence intervals overlapped. In conclusion, GBDT generally outperformed LR-LASSO to predict unplanned readmission, but the difference of c-statistic became smaller as the number of variables was increased and blood-test results were used.
A scoping review of Deaf awareness programs in Health professional education
Authors: Terry Julia , Meara Rhian
Published: August 2024

Deaf awareness aims to promote understanding about Deaf and hard of hearing people, with the goal of reducing barriers between Deaf and hearing populations; and is particularly pertinent for health professional students as they need to learn to communicate effectively with a range of population groups. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of literature examining Deaf awareness programs provided to health professional students during their initial training. We searched four medical and public health databases and registers using terms related to Deaf awareness. We used the PRISMA-ScR reporting standards checklist for scoping reviews. We identified 10,198 citations, with 15 studies included in the final review. Searches were performed during August to September 2022, and April 2023. Studies were included provided they examined Deaf awareness content or programs within health professional education. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers who screened all abstracts using Rayyan software, followed by discussion to achieve knowledge synthesis and agreement. In all, a total of 15 articles from six countries were identified across health professional student disciplines including pharmacy, nursing, audiology, inter-professional and medical programs. The review found sparse evidence of research into Deaf awareness programs delivered to health professional students, with delivery often solely to small groups of students, indicating why so few students can access information about how to communicate effectively with Deaf and hard of hearing patients during their initial training programs. This scoping reviewed showed evidence of promising benefits for health professional students undertaking Deaf awareness programs during their undergraduate education. The importance of communicating with Deaf and hard of hearing patients and attaining Deaf cultural competencies for health professional students should be investigated in future research.
Cortical spheroids show strain-dependent cell viability loss and neurite disruption following sustained compression injury
Authors: González-Cruz Rafael D. , Wan Yang , Burgess Amina , Calvao Dominick , Renken William , Vecchio Francesca , Franck Christian , Kesari Haneesh , Hoffman-Kim Diane
Published: August 2024

Sustained compressive injury (SCI) in the brain is observed in numerous injury and pathological scenarios, including tumors, ischemic stroke, and traumatic brain injury-related tissue swelling. Sustained compressive injury is characterized by tissue loading over time, and currently, there are few in vitro models suitable to study neural cell responses to strain-dependent sustained compressive injury. Here, we present an in vitro model of sustained compressive neural injury via centrifugation. Spheroids were made from neonatal rat cortical cells seeded at 4000 cells/spheroid and cultured for 14 days in vitro. A subset of spheroids was centrifuged at 104, 209, 313 or 419 rads/s for 2 minutes. Modeling the physical deformation of the spheroids via finite element analyses, we found that spheroids centrifuged at the aforementioned angular velocities experienced pressures of 10, 38, 84 and 149 kPa, respectively, and compressive (resp. tensile) strains of 10% (5%), 18% (9%), 27% (14%) and 35% (18%), respectively. Quantification of LIVE-DEAD assay and Hoechst 33342 nuclear staining showed that centrifuged spheroids subjected to pressures above 10 kPa exhibited significantly higher DNA damage than control spheroids at 2, 8, and 24 hours post-injury. Immunohistochemistry of β3-tubulin networks at 2, 8, and 24 hours post-centrifugation injury showed increasing degradation of microtubules over time with increasing strain. Our findings show that cellular injuries occur as a result of specific levels and timings of sustained tissue strains. This experimental SCI model provides a high throughput in vitro platform to examine cellular injury, to gain insights into brain injury that could be targeted with therapeutic strategies.
Rectus femoris electromyography signal clustering: Data-driven management of crouch gait in patients with cerebral palsy
Authors: Davoudi Mehrdad , Salami Firooz , Reisig Robert , Patikas Dimitrios A. , Wolf Sebastian I.
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to investigate how electromyography (EMG) cluster analysis of the rectus femoris (RF) could help to better interpret gait analysis in patients with cerebral palsy (CP). The retrospective gait data of CP patients were categorized into two groups: initial examination (E1, 881 patients) and subsequent examination (E2, 377 patients). Envelope-formatted EMG data of RF were collected. Using PCA and a combined PSO-K-means algorithm, main clusters were identified. Patients were further classified into crouch, jump, recurvatum, stiff and mild gait for detailed analysis. The clusters (labels) were characterized by a significant peak EMG activity during mid-swing (L1), prolonged EMG activity during stance (L2), and a peak EMG activity during loading response (L3). Notably, L2 contained 76% and 92% of all crouch patients at E1 and E2, respectively. Comparing patients with a crouch gait pattern in L2-E1 and L2-E2, two subgroups emerged: patients with persistent crouch (G1) and patients showing improvement at E2 (G2). The minimum activity of RF during 20–45% of the gait was significantly higher (p = 0.025) in G1 than in G2. A greater chance of improvement from crouch gait might be associated with lower RF activity during the stance phase. Using our findings, we could potentially establish an approach to improve clinical decision-making regarding treatment of patients with CP.
Resilience throughout COVID-19: Unmasking the realities of COVID-19 and vaccination facilitators, barriers, and attitudes among Black Canadians
Authors: Ezezika Obidimma , Adedugbe Toluwalope , Jonas Isaac , Mengistu Meron , Graham Tatyana , Girmay Bethelehem , Thullah Yanaminah , Thompson Chris
Published: August 2024

Black communities have suffered disproportionately higher numbers of COVID-19 cases and deaths in Canada. Recognizing the significance of supporting targeted strategies with vulnerable populations extends beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, as it addresses longstanding health disparities and promotes equitable access to healthcare. The present study investigated 1) experiences with COVID-19, 2) COVID-19’s impact, and 3) factors that have influenced COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and uptake among stakeholders and partners from the Federation of Black Canadians’ (FBC). We conducted semi-structured interviews with 130 individuals and four focus groups with FBC, including stakeholders and partners, between November 2021 and June 2022. The semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions were conducted virtually over Zoom and lasted about 45 minutes each. Conversations from interviews and focus groups were transcribed and coded professionally using team-based methods. Themes were developed using an inductive-deductive approach and defined through consensus. The deductive approach was based on Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) domains and constructs. First, regarding experiences with COVID-19, 36 codes were identified and mapped onto 13 themes. Prominent themes included 39 participants who experienced highly severe COVID-19 infections, 25 who experienced stigma, and 18 who reported long recovery times. Second, COVID-19 elicited lifestyle changes, with 23 themes emerging from 62 codes. As many as 97 participants expressed feelings of isolation, while 63 reported restricted mobility. Finally, participants discussed determinants that influenced their vaccination decisions, in which 46 barriers and four facilitators were identified and mapped onto nine overarching themes. Themes around the CFIR domains Individuals, Inner Setting, and Outer Setting were most prominent concerning vaccine adoption. As for barriers associated with the constructs limited available resources and low motivation, 55 (41%) and 46 (34%) of participants, respectively, mentioned them most frequently. Other frequently mentioned barriers to COVID-19 vaccines fell under the construct policies & laws, e.g., vaccine mandates as a condition of employment. Overall, these findings provide a comprehensive and contextually rich understanding of pandemic experiences and impact, along with determinants that have influenced participants’ vaccination decisions. Furthermore, the data revealed diverse experiences within Black communities, including severe infections, stigma, and vaccine-related challenges, highlighting the importance of targeted interventions, support, and consideration of social determinants of health in addressing these effects.
Does bike-sharing reduce traffic congestion? Evidence from three mega-cities in China
Authors: Xu Xiaoxia , Zuo Wenbin
Published: August 2024

This study employs a regression discontinuity design to systematically examine the governance effect of bike-sharing on urban traffic congestion, utilizing city-level data from Beijing, Shanghai, and Wuhan in China between 2016 and 2018. We discover that the introduction of bike-sharing services significantly mitigates traffic congestion in the short term. Our heterogeneity analysis reveals that the initial deployment of shared bicycles primarily alleviates urban congestion, while additional deployments have a limited impact. Further, mechanism test analysis demonstrates that bike-sharing leads to increased metro ridership in these cities, effectively explaining the reduction in road congestion. This study underscores the pivotal role of bike-sharing services in easing urban traffic congestion and provides vital policy insights for enhancing traffic management strategies in Chinese cities.
His unemployment, her response, and the moderating role of welfare policies in European countries. Results from a preregistered study
Authors: Matysiak Anna , Kurowska Anna , Pavelea Alina Maria
Published: August 2024

Recent changes in labour markets have increased employment instability. Under these conditions, in male breadwinner families women might increase their labour supply when their male partners become unemployed. Previous studies have extensively investigated the role played by household and individual characteristics in explaining such increases in the labour supply of women. However, studies which examine the moderating role of specific welfare policies are missing. Our study contributes to the literature by investigating the moderating effect of childcare and tax-benefit policies for the labour supply response of women following the unemployment of their partner. We focus on a sample of 24 EU member states and the UK, during the period 2009-2019, combining longitudinal microdata from EU-SILC with country-period specific policy indicators generated with the use of the tax-benefit simulation model EUROMOD, UKMOD and country-period specific indicators of childcare use. We find that women indeed respond to men’s unemployment by increasing their labour supply though the response is fairly weak. We also find the response is not restricted by having children at home or availability of public childcare and does not depend on the generosity of unemployment benefits. It is, however, negatively affected by marginal tax rates.
A shared decision-making intervention between health care professionals and individuals undergoing Pulmonary Rehabilitation: An iterative development process with qualitative methods
Authors: Barradell Amy C. , Bekker Hilary L. , Houchen-Wolloff Linzy , Marshall-Nichols Kim , Robertson Noelle , Singh Sally J.
Published: August 2024

Background

Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) services typically offer programmes to support individuals living with COPD make rehabilitation choices that best meet their needs, however, uptake remains low. Shared Decision-Making (SDM; e.g., Patient Decision Aids (PtDA)) interventions increase informed and values-based decision-making between individuals and healthcare professionals (HCPs). We aimed to develop an intervention to facilitate PR SDM which was acceptable to individuals living with COPD and PR HCPs.

Methods

An iterative development process involving qualitative methods was adopted. Broad overarching frameworks included: complex intervention development framework, the multiple stakeholder decision making support model, and the Ottawa Decision Support Framework. Development included: assembling a steering group, outlining the scope for the PtDA, collating data to inform the PtDA design, prototype development, alpha testing with individuals with COPD (n = 4) and PR HCPs (n = 8), PtDA finalisation, and design and development of supporting components. This took nine months.

Results

The PtDA was revised six times before providing an acceptable, comprehensible, and usable format for all stakeholders. Supporting components (decision coaching training and a consultation prompt) were necessary to upskill PR HCPs in SDM and implement the intervention into the PR pathway.

Conclusions

We have developed a three-component SDM intervention (a PtDA, decision coaching training for PR healthcare professionals, and a consultation prompt) to support individuals living with COPD make informed and values-based decision about PR together with their PR healthcare professional. Clear implementation strategies are outlined which should support its integration into the PR pathway.
Prevalence and risk factors of depression, anxiety, and stress among the Bangladeshi construction workers: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Roy Nitai , Paul Kallol Deb , Tamanna Sumaiya Sultana , Paul Anup Kumar , Almerab Moneerah Mohammad , Mamun Mohammed A.
Published: August 2024

Background

Construction workers are a population that is at risk for mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and even suicide due to the high stress and physical demands of their work. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors for depression, anxiety, and stress among Bangladeshi construction workers.

Methods

From February 2022 to June 2022, community-based cross-sectional research was conducted among construction workers. Survey data was gathered using interviewer administered questionnaires with 502 participants from the construction sites. Data were collected based on the information related to socio-demographics, lifestyle, occupation, health hazards, and mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress). The results were interpreted using the chi-square test and logistic regression utilizing SPSS statistical software.

Results

The study revealed the prevalence rates of depression, anxiety, and stress among construction workers to be 17.9%, 30.3%, and 12%, respectively. Key findings indicate that construction workers who maintained a healthy sleep duration were 64% less likely to be depressed compared to those with poor sleep (AOR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.21–0.61, p<0.001). Workers who did not experience breathing issues upon starting construction work had a 45% lower likelihood of experiencing depression (AOR = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.32–0.97, p = 0.037) and an 82% lower likelihood of experiencing anxiety (AOR = 0.18; 95% CI: 0.11–0.30, p<0.001). Bricklayer construction workers were 72% less likely to experience stress (AOR = 0.28; 95% CI: 0.08–0.95, p = 0.041), and workers without breathing issues after starting construction work were 66% less likely to experience stress (AOR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.17–0.66, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

The study found that depression, anxiety, and stress are prevalent among construction workers in Bangladesh, with breathing issues as a significant risk factor. Thus, there is a need for effective measures to reduce these problems and provide a safe working environment for construction workers to ensure their productivity and the country’s overall growth.
Novel biomarkers in the saliva of healthy young males and females in a randomized crossover study on sedentary time: An exploratory analysis
Authors: Meens Miller Emmeline , O’Rourke Nicholas , Jeffrey Michael , Green-Johnson Julia , Dogra Shilpa
Published: August 2024

Several known biomarkers have been used to understand the physiological responses of humans to various short and long-term interventions such as exercise or dietary interventions. However, little exploratory work has been conducted to identify novel biomarkers in human saliva that could enable non-invasive physiological research to understand acute responses to interventions such as reducing sedentary time. The purpose of this study was to identify novel biomarkers in the saliva (cytokines, growth factors and vascular factors) that respond to prolonged (4 hours) and interrupted sitting (4 hours of sitting interrupted by 3 minutes of walking at 60% of maximal heart rate every 27 minutes) in young, healthy males and females. We also sought to determine whether responsive biomarkers would differ by sex. Participants (n = 24, 21.2 ± 2.2 years, 50% female) completed a prolonged sitting (PS) session and an interrupted sitting (IS) session in random order. Individual saliva samples were pooled into a male sample and a female sample to identify responsive biomarkers using a human cytokine antibody membrane array (42 targets). Several novel biomarkers were responsive in both sexes (e.g., IL-8, Angiogenin, VEGF, and EGF), in females only (e.g., TNF-α and IL-13), and in males only (e.g., IL-3, RANTES, and IL-12p40/p70). Importantly, several biomarkers appear to be responsive to the 4-hour prolonged and interrupted sitting sessions (e.g., TNF-α, IL-8, IL-3, RANTES, EGF, Angiogenin, and VEGF). This work highlights new directions for researchers aiming to investigate the effect of short-term or acute interventions on different physiological pathways using non-invasive methods. Our work clearly indicates that human saliva samples can provide a wealth of insight into physiological responses, and that a number of biomarkers can be used to understand changes induced by acute interventions such as interrupting prolonged sitting.
Integrating niche and occupancy models to infer the distribution of an endemic fossorial snake (Atractus lasallei)
Authors: Cruz-Arroyave Camilo Alejandro , Toro-Cardona Felipe A. , Parra Juan Luis
Published: August 2024

Understanding species distribution and habitat preferences is crucial for effective conservation strategies. However, the lack of information about population responses to environmental change at different scales hinders effective conservation measures. In this study, we estimate the potential and realized distribution ofAtractus lasallei, a semi-fossorial snake endemic to the northwestern region of Colombia. We modelled the potential distribution ofA.lasalleibased on ecological niche theory (using maxent), and habitat use was characterized while accounting for imperfect detection using a single-season occupancy model. Our results suggest thatA.lasalleiselects areas characterized by slopes below 10°, with high average annual precipitation (>2500mm/year) and herbaceous and shrubby vegetation. Its potential distribution encompasses the northern Central Cordillera and two smaller centers along the Western Cordillera, but its habitat is heavily fragmented within this potential distribution. When the two models are combined, the species’ realized distribution sums up to 935 km2, highlighting its vulnerability. We recommend approaches that focus on variability at different spatio-temporal scales to better comprehend the variables that affect species’ ranges and identify threats to vulnerable species. Prompt actions are needed to protect herbaceous and shrub vegetation in this region, highly demanded for agriculture and cattle grazing.
Wild salmon migration routes influence sea lice infestations: An agent-based model predicting farm-related infestations on juvenile salmon
Authors: Jeong Jaewoon , McEwan Gregor
Published: August 2024

This study presents an Agent-Based Model (ABM) simulation to assess the impact of varying migration routes on sea lice (Caligus clemensi) infestation levels in juvenile wild sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in the Discovery Islands, British Columbia, Canada. This research highlights the importance of migratory routes in determining the extent of exposure to sea lice originating from nearby salmon farms. Three northward out-migration routes were modelled, each exposing the fish to different levels of infestation pressure based on proximity to salmon farms. The ABM incorporates spatially explicit migration patterns of juvenile sockeye salmon using a detailed raster map of the Discovery Islands. Key variables such as swimming speed, progression rate, and infestation levels were integrated into the model, offering a comprehensive analysis of migration and infestation dynamics. The study revealed that infestation rate is highly variable, depending on migration routes. Specifically, salmon traveling longer migration routes with lower infestation pressure may experience higher sea lice loads compared to those on shorter routes with higher infestation pressure. This underscores the role of low infestation pressures and the critical influence of swimming speed, which affects exposure time, and thus infestation rates. Additionally, the study conducted a sensitivity analysis to understand the influence of various parameters on infestation rates. This analysis highlighted the importance of swimming speed and progression rate, particularly in routes closer to the farms. The findings suggest that slower swimming speeds and meandering routes increase exposure to lice, thereby elevating infestation levels. The research contributes to understanding the dynamics of sea lice transmission and its relationship with salmon migration patterns. It underscores the necessity of considering migratory routes and farm proximity in managing and mitigating the impact of sea lice infestation on wild salmon populations. This study’s insights are crucial for developing strategies to balance aquaculture practices with the conservation of wild salmon.
The diadenosine tetraphosphate hydrolase ApaH contributes to Pseudomonas aeruginosa pathogenicity
Authors: Cervoni Matteo , Sposato Davide , Ferri Giulia , Bähre Heike , Leoni Livia , Rampioni Giordano , Visca Paolo , Recchiuti Antonio , Imperi Francesco
Published: August 2024

The opportunistic bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes a wide range of infections that are difficult to treat, largely because of the spread of antibiotic-resistant isolates. Antivirulence therapy, í.e. the use of drugs that inhibit the expression or activity of virulence factors, is currently considered an attractive strategy to reduce P. aeruginosa pathogenicity and complement antibiotic treatments. Because of the multifactorial nature of P. aeruginosa virulence and the broad arsenal of virulence factors this bacterium can produce, the regulatory networks that control the expression of multiple virulence traits have been extensively explored as potential targets for antivirulence drug development. The intracellular signaling molecule diadenosine tetraphosphate (Ap4A) has been reported to control stress resistance and virulence-related traits in some bacteria, but its role has not been investigated in P. aeruginosa so far. To fill this gap, we generated a mutant of the reference strain P. aeruginosa PAO1 that lacks the Ap4A-hydrolysing enzyme ApaH and, consequently, accumulates high intracellular levels of Ap4A. Phenotypic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that the lack of ApaH causes a drastic reduction in the expression of several virulence factors, including extracellular proteases, elastases, siderophores, and quorum sensing signal molecules. Accordingly, infection assays in plant and animal models demonstrated that ApaH-deficient cells are significantly impaired in infectivity and persistence in different hosts, including mice. Finally, deletion of apaH in P. aeruginosa clinical isolates demonstrated that the positive effect of ApaH on the production of virulence-related traits and on infectivity is conserved in P. aeruginosa. This study provides the first evidence that the Ap4A-hydrolysing enzyme ApaH is important for P. aeruginosa virulence, highlighting this protein as a novel potential target for antivirulence therapies against P. aeruginosa.
Avaliação e Currículo no evento da ANPED: fundamentos e práticas de Educação Ambiental
Authors: Uhmann Rosangela Inês Matos , Gabrielhi Rocha Letícia
Published: August 2024

A Educação Ambiental (EA) se faz presente em todas as discussões sociais, sendo extremamente importante dentro do cenário educacional, principalmente nos dias atuais. Nesse contexto, o objetivo desta pesquisa é centrado em investigar sobre a avaliação no processo de inserção da EA no currículo presente nos trabalhos da Associação Nacional de Pós-graduação e Pesquisa em Educação (ANPED) no Grupo de Trabalho (GT) 22, respectivo a EA nos anos de 2007 a 2021, os quais foram selecionados por meio dos descritores: currículo e avaliação. A pesquisa é de caráter qualitativo no qual foi feito um mapeamento dos fundamentos e práticas de EA nos trabalhos analisados, na qual foram encontradas práticas de EA como entrevistas, rodas de conversa, oficinas do futuro e projetos envolvendo toda a comunidade e que pretendem ser continuados. Nesse sentido, reforçamos a importância da sistematização da EA nos currículos para integrar a prática da EA de forma transversal.
Physiological and Psychological Factors Contribute to Real-Time Esophageal Symptom Reporting in Patients With Refractory Reflux
Authors: Guadagnoli Livia , Abber Sophie , Geeraerts Annelies , Geysen Hannelore , Pauwels Ans , Tack Jan , Van Oudenhove Lukas , Vanuytsel Tim
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Real-time symptom reporting during ambulatory reflux monitoring plays a key role in the evaluation of esophageal symptoms, although the underlying processes are poorly understood. We aim to identify the psychological and physiological factors associated with real-time reflux symptom reporting and symptom–reflux association parameters.

METHODS:

Adult patients with refractory reflux symptoms completed psychosocial questionnaires and standard 24-hour pH-impedance monitoring. A hurdle-Poisson model evaluated the association between psychological and physiological (proton pump inhibitor [PPI] use, total number of reflux episodes) variables on real-time symptom frequency, assessed through a button press within 2 minutes of experiencing a symptom. Logistic regression assessed the variables associated with symptom association probability (SAP) and symptom index classification (positive/negative). Complementary machine learning analyses with 8-fold cross-validation further identified variables associated with symptom frequency and sought to optimize SAP classification performance.

RESULTS:

Both psychological (pain-related anxiety, depressive symptoms, trait anxiety) and physiological (total number of reflux episodes, off PPI during testing) variables were associated with symptom frequency. The total number of reflux episodes and being studied off PPI were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of being classified as SAP or symptom index positive. The best-performing model in the machine learning analysis demonstrated a poor job of correctly classifying patients as SAP positive/negative (misclassification rate = 41.4%).

DISCUSSION:

Real-time reflux symptom reporting is a multifactorial process, with both psychological and physiological processes contributing to different aspects of the reflux disease experience. Findings build on questionnaire-based research to underscore the importance of including psychological processes in our understanding of esophageal symptom reporting.
Spine and Sacroiliac Joint Involvement in Newly Diagnosed Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Clinical and MRI Findings From a Population-Based Cohort
Authors: Vladimirova Nora , Møller Jakob , Attauabi Mohamed , Madsen Gorm , Seidelin Jakob , Terslev Lene , Gosvig Kasper Kjærulf , Siebner Hartwig Roman , Hansen Sanja Bay , Fana Viktoria , Wiell Charlotte , Bendtsen Flemming , Burisch Johan , Østergaard Mikkel
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION:

In patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), co-occurring spondyloarthritis (SpA) leads to poorer outcomes and impaired quality of life, highlighting the importance of early detection and effective treatment. This is the first study to assess the prevalence and distribution of axial symptoms and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-detected involvement of the spine and sacroiliac joints (SIJs) in early IBD.

METHODS:

Newly diagnosed patients with IBD from a prospective, population-based cohort were consecutively recruited. Rheumatological interview, clinical, ultrasound, and MRI assessment for SIJ and spine inflammatory and structural lesions were made using validated scoring methods and consensus definitions of axial SpA (axSpA).

RESULTS:

Of 110 patients (ulcerative colitis: 70, Crohn's disease: 40, mean age of 42 years, and 40% male), 48 (44.9%) reported back and/or buttock pain, and 10 (9.1%) had inflammatory back pain. Seventeen (16.7%) patients had MRI findings indicative of axSpA; only 10 of these patients had axial symptoms. Inflammatory MRI lesions were present in SIJs and the spine of 27 (26.5%) and 30 (30.3%) patients, respectively. The Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society classification criteria for axSpA were met in 11 (10%) cases. MRI findings typical of axSpA were associated with peripheral joint and entheseal inflammation detected by ultrasound (P = 0.04). No differences in clinical or imaging findings were found between patients with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.

DISCUSSION:

One-in-6 newly diagnosed patients with IBD had MRI findings indicative of axSpA. As 40% of these patients were asymptomatic, this suggests that axSpA is underdiagnosed in early IBD. Multidisciplinary collaboration is essential to ensure early detection of axial inflammation and to enable optimal therapy preventing future structural damage and disability.