bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Racial and socioeconomic inequity in the financial stress of medical school
Authors: McMichael Brennan , Lee IV Anderson , Fallon Brian , Matusko Niki , Sandhu Gurjit
Published: June 2022

Background: The authors analyzed the distribution of medical student debt and identified demographic features that placed students at high risk for increased debt and financial stress.

Methods: From April to May 2019, a cross-sectional, anonymous, web-based survey was administered to first-year (M1) to fourth-year (M4) medical students at the University of Michigan to assess financial literacy, debt burden, financial stress, and demographic factors. A total of 216 of 680 (32%) students completed the survey. Respondents voluntarily answered 15 multiple-choice questions on personal finance and 30 questions on their demographics, current financial situation, and debt burden. To quantify debt burden, students estimated anticipated education-related debt in one of four categories: no debt, $1–99,999; $100,000–$199,999; and $200,000 or more. A chi-square test was used to identify associations between categorical variables and logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for debt and worry.

Results: Fifty-four respondents (25%) reported $0 in education related debt, while 44 (16%) had $200,000 or more. Race (p=0.006), first-generation college student status (p=0.004), first-generation medical student status (p<0.001), household income (p<0.001), and parental education (p=0.008) were associated with higher levels of debt. Students who were underrepresented in medicine (URiM) had higher odds of higher debt compared to Arab and Asian students (p=0.02). URiM students (p=0.02), first-generation college students (p=0.009), and parental education (p=0.01) were associated with increased financial stress. Additionally, female students had higher odds of increased financial stress (OR=1.85, p=0.045) on logistic regression.

Conclusions: URiM and socioeconomically disadvantaged students feel the burden of the high cost of medical school disproportionately more, suggesting that our current systems are not adequately supporting these students. Reducing this burden may serve to further promote diversity in medicine.
Exploring possibilities of harmonising social justice with medical education through the use of CanMeds and AfriMeds when engaging in discipline integration
Authors: Cafun Wade
Published: June 2022

Medical curricula are largely content heavy and grossly overloaded but focus primarily on medical and biomedical sciences. It has been argued by authors such as Gukas and Filies that well-balanced professionals are seldom produced by such content heavy curricula. The incorporation of social justice principles in medical curricula is vital in promoting the production of well-balanced and competent healthcare professionals, as called for in the CanMeds/AfriMeds frameworks. However, the World Federation for Medical Education issued a consensus statement asserting that medical students in the USA and Canada receive little to no formal training and teachings as far as social justice is concerned. In this paper it is asserted that medical students in South Africa are no exception to such consensus.  It is further asserted in this paper that if one begins to examine principles of CanMeds/AfriMeds, entry points for the insertion of social justice principles becomes a possibility without having to further overload an overloaded curriculum. In essence, adopting and promoting roles of CanMeds/AfriMeds such as professional, collaborator and scholar enhance a non-hierarchical style and environment of teaching medical students. This new style and environment of learning are shown in this paper to enable an insertion of social justice principles in a medical curriculum in instances where such insertion may otherwise have been impossible.
Cotton Genotype Differences in Seed Coat Fragments Related to Seed Fragility and Fiber-Seed Attachment Force
Authors: Armijo Carlos B. , Bechere Efrem , Whitelock Derek P. , Funk Paul A.
Published: June 2022

Highlights

Relationships between seed coat fragments and other seed and fiber properties were examined among cotton genotypes.

Genotypes in the study had a broad range of properties that were significantly different among genotypes.

Seed coat fragment levels were significantly correlated with cottonseed fragility, fiber-seed attachment force, and ginning energy.

Longer, stronger cottons tended to have higher seed coat fragment levels.

Abstract. Seed coat fragments (SCF) are difficult to remove from ginned lint. Cotton genotypes vary in SCF levels, but details are lacking regarding the cause of SCF. This study examined ten genotypes with highly variable levels of SCF to find relationships between SCF and cottonseed rupture force, fiber-seed attachment force, and net gin stand energy. Results showed that the attachment force of the fiber to the seed increased significantly with SCF levels, and net gin stand energy consumption increased with SCF levels, suggesting fibers more strongly attached to seed were prone to SCF formation. Cottonseed rupture force was measured, but only one genotype with very low seed rupture force had increased SCF; otherwise, SCF increased with cottonseed rupture force. Unexpectedly, fiber length, strength, and micronaire were significantly correlated with SCF levels, indicating that the longer, stronger, cottons with lower micronaire in the premium range tended to have higher SCF levels. These results show that multiple, otherwise desirable factors may contribute to cotton containing high SCF levels. Keywords: Seed coat fragments, Cottonseed fragility, Cotton attachment force, Gin stand energy, Fiber quality.
Improved Cost Estimates for Agricultural Conservation Practices
Authors: Deutschman Mark Robert , Koep Sarah
Published: June 2022

Highlights

Developed Useful Life Total Cost (ULTC) functions for 23 types of agricultural conservation practices.

Derived each cost function from multiple ULTC estimates bracketing a range of design variations and sizes for each agricultural conservation practice.

Developed Annual ULTC based on practice life cycle duration.

Compared Prioritize, Target, Measure Application costs to ULTC.

Recommend using ULTC rather than Prioritize, Target, Measure Application Environmental Quality Incentives Program payment as a cost surrogate.

Abstract. The cost to achieve water quality goals is an essential piece of information necessary for assessing whether the expected societal benefits are worthy of investment.Within the United States, taxes generate the “public money” to pay to improve water quality. State and Federal Agencies distribute the public’s money to local governments and landowners as grants and cost-share to implement agricultural conservation practices (“practices”). Comparing the cost to improve water quality and the anticipated public benefit helps inform the investment decision.

The lack of a robust method for estimating the cost of practices and developing a Water Quality Strategy hampers the ability to compare cost and benefits. Within Minnesota and North Dakota, Water Quality Practitioners commonly use the Prioritize, Target, Measure Application (PTMApp) to develop strategies to improve water quality. PTMApp utilizes the Environmental Quality Incentives Program payment as a surrogate to estimate practice cost. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program payment is a percentage of the estimated cost to implement a typical practice scenario, excluding the labor to plan, design and permit the practice; inspect the practice during construction; operate and maintain the practice; finance costs; and in most cases forgone income.

We addressed the need for estimates of practice cost by developing Useful Life Total Costs (UTLCs) for 23 agricultural conservation practices. Useful Life Total Costs incurred throughout the practice life cycle begin with planning and end with reconstruction to maintain proper function. We developed multiple ULTCs (year 2020) for each practice by bracketing the range of design variations and sizes. Legacy PTMApp costs ranged from 1% to 55% of the UTLC, confirming underestimation of the actual practice costs.

Cost functions developed by selecting the best-fit line between the ULTCs and a predominant practice physical characteristic are useful for developing Water Quality Strategies. The cost functions, recently incorporated into PTMApp, considerably improve the ability to estimate the actual cost to achieve water quality goals and societal benefits. Keywords: Benefits, Implementation, Life cycle, Planning, PTMApp, Useful life, Water quality.
COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS MODELED AIR SPEED THROUGH IN-SHELL PEANUTS IN DRYING WAGONS COMPARED TO MEASURED AIR SPEED
Authors: McIntyre Joseph S. , Butts Christopher L. , Read Quentin D.
Published: June 2022

Abstract.

Highlights

Peanut drying wagon internal airflow simulation and visualization.

Comparison of computer fluid dynamic (CFD) solutions to measured air speed.

Modeling of airflow through masses of in-shell peanuts.

Information is lacking about airflow through masses of drying in-shell peanuts in drying wagons because of the difficulties encountered in making direct measurements. Information about airflow is needed to improve efficiency of drying peanuts to make peanut crops more profitable. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeled airflow through in-shell peanuts loaded in drying wagons was validated using actual airflow measurements. CFD models allow for the investigation of airflow within peanut loads and the air plenum of drying wagons. Airflow through a wagon load of in-shell peanuts treated as a solid mass with distributed resistance was modeled using airflow behavior following Darcy’s law. CFD model simulations were undertaken using measured air speed, wagon air plenum static air pressure, and fan performance curve data. CFD modeling was based on actual air speed measurements made at 40 locations on the top surface of wagon loads of in-shell peanuts. The 40 measurement locations represented the top center of 40 blocks which the peanut load was divided into to investigate air speed. To match actual measurements to CFD model results, CFD models were configured with the same 40 blocks as those of the actual measurements. In CFD models, the permeability of the peanuts in each of the 40 blocks could be varied in a trial-and-error fashion to increase or decrease the air speed at the top surface of the peanut load to match that of the actual air speed measured for each of the blocks. Model results reproduced the measured air speed to within the accuracy limits of the air speed measurements. The air speed and static air pressure distribution in the wagon air plenum was found not to be uniform even when all blocks had the same permeability. Model results revealed wagon air plenum air speed patterns and static air pressure distribution could explain the general air speed distribution of slower air speeds at the top surface of the peanut load near the wagon air inlet wall and the increasing air speed along the length of the wagon. Permeability variations within the peanut load were found to explain localized variations in air speed at the top surface of the peanut load. Keywords: Air speed, Airflow, Modeled results compared to measured, Computational fluid dynamics modeling, Drying wagon, In-shell Peanuts, Peanut bulk permeability, Peanut curing, Peanut drying .
Hopper Bottom Semi-Trailer Modified for In-Shell Peanut Drying: Design, Fabrication, and Performance Testing
Authors: McIntyre Joseph S. , Turner Aaron P. , Teddy Brennan E. , Fogle Benjamin B. , Butts Christopher L. , Kirk Kendall
Published: June 2022

Highlights

Computational fluid dynamics modeling of airflow through the peanut load improved the design process.

Peanuts dried using the modified hopper bottom semi-trailer passed inspection at 9.1% moisture content in preliminary tests.

Final moisture gradient in the modified hopper bottom semi-trailer consisted of even layers from front-to-back with moisture increasing with depth.

Current inspection probe sampling pattern biases inspection moisture measurements lower by not sampling the hopper bottom.

Abstract. Hopper bottom semi-trailers (HBST) modified to dry loads of in-shell peanuts would provide several advantages to peanut producers and peanut processing facility operators. Producers who have HBST for transporting grain would have an additional use for their HBST and would reduce harvest delays during peak harvest times when trailer availability is limited from peanut processors. Additionally, smaller processing facilities would gain the economic advantages of semi-trailers without the investment in hydraulic lifts to unload peanut drying van semi-trailers. Before this study, no HBST had been modified to add peanut drying functionality. The objectives of this study were to design, fabricate, and test the performance of drying modifications to a HBST. After review of the functional components needed to dry peanuts and existing structural constrains of the HBST, the components fabricated were an air inlet connection, an enclosed transition space, an air plenum vent, and air exhaust vents on the undersides of the hopper tubs. The number, size, and location of the air exhaust vents were determined using a computational fluid dynamic model. Three test loads of peanuts were dried in the modified HBST during the 2020 peanut harvest season. Measurements were taken at intervals throughout the peanut drying process to assess drying and to monitor air temperature and relative humidity. Results of a test load indicated that the moisture content decreased from 12.9% wet basis (w.b.) to 12.0% w.b. after 8.5 h of drying. Average moisture content was reduced to 11.1% w.b. following an additional 8.6 h without the dryer operating. The sample load official grade moisture content was 9.1% w.b after the rest period. The most important finding was that a moisture gradient persisted in the loads of peanuts after active drying and rest period. The peanuts located at the top of the load had a moisture content of 9% w.b. while those with the highest moisture content of 14% w.b. were at the bottom of the load. The official inspection sampling procedure did not detect the moisture content differences in the test loads. The finding of a persistent moisture gradient will require more investigation and modification of the HBST. Keywords: Computational Fluid Dynamics, CFD, Design, Drying, Hopper-bottom semi-trailer, Moisture distribution, Moisture gradient, Peanuts, Retrofit.
Predicting Single Kernel Moisture and Protein Content of Mushroom Popcorn Using NIR Spectroscopy: Tool for Determining their Effect on Popping Performance
Authors: Wu Xiaorong , Armstrong Paul R , Maghirang Elizabeth B.
Published: June 2022

Highlights

Prediction models for high accuracy measurement of single kernel (SK) moisture content (MC) and protein content (PC) were developed using near-infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy.

USDA-ARS tube SKNIR instrument sorted individual kernels based on single kernel protein content (SKPC) which enabled determining the effect of three PC levels within a popcorn variety on popping performance.

Variety, MC, and PC affected popping expansion, ball rate, and number of unpopped/half-popped kernels.

Within popcorn variety, increased PC significantly increased expansion and reduced number of unpopped kernels but did not affect ball rate of popped flakes.

The ability to sort single kernels for specific quality parameter, such as PC, is an important and useful tool for popcorn breeders and processors to meet consumer demand for specialized products.

Abstract. The increasing demand for specialized high-quality popcorn products necessitates that the popcorn industry continuously identify quality parameters that can be improved through plant breeding or manipulated or sorted for improved end-products. Relationships between protein content (PC) and popping performance (expansion, ball rate, and number of unpopped kernels) has been investigated but there has been no research on segregating individual kernels from within the same variety for specific PC ranges, which may eliminate possible interference from some underlying variety- or production-related effects. Prediction models for determination of single kernel moisture content (MC) and PC were developed for the USDA-ARS tube single kernel near infrared reflectance (SKNIR) instrument. Both parameters were predicted with high accuracies for independent validations. MC showed an R2 of 0.94 and SEP of 0.25% while PC had R2 of 0.92 and SEP of 0.35%. Popping tests showed that increased kernel PC significantly (p<0.05) increased expansion and lowered the number of unpopped kernels but had no effect on the ball rate of popped flakes. Thus, applications that require increased overall expansion and reduced number of unpopped kernels may be addressed by the removal of low protein popcorn kernels from a popcorn lot, which can be achieved using an automated SKNIR technique. The SKNIR technique also provides a means for plant breeders to work on targeted/specific PC or PC range based on the single kernel selection. Keywords: Ball rate, Expansion, Mushroom popcorn, NIR spectroscopy, Popcorn quality, Single kernel, Unpopped kernels.
Simultaneous Application of Vacuum and Infrared Drying to Whole Drying Process of Bitter Gourd Slices: Design, Drying Kinetics, Experiment, Characteristic, Energy Aspect
Authors: Liu Sixing , Li Shuang , Liu Tianhong , Chai Yan , Zhang Lingcong
Published: June 2022

Highlights

Bitter gourd slices were dried using vacuum infrared coupling drying method.

Increased drying rate and effective water diffusivity and greatly reduced energy consumption.

Provided a theoretical reference for the drying of high quality agricultural products.

Increased the added value of agricultural products.

Abstract.To improve the processing rate and product quality of bitter gourd, a new type of vacuum infrared coupled drying method was proposed. The impact of drying temperature, vacuum, and thickness were investigated on the physicochemical features. The results showed that the moisture content was greatly affected by temperature change but less influenced by the change of vacuum degree. The thickness had little influence on the moisture content change when the slice thickness increased to a certain value about 6mm. The experiments revealed that the drying rate reached to the maximum when the slice thickness was 2 mm. The drying quality of bitter gourd slices could reach to the best smell, tissue state and color when the drying test was carried out at thickness 4 mm, vacuum 10 kPa, and temperature 55°C. Taking drying rate as evaluation index and temperature, thickness, and vacuum degree as influencing factors, a regression model of drying rate was established. Design-expert software was used to solve the optimal drying process conditions. The results showed that the drying rate was 26.47 g/(g.h) when temperature, thickness and vacuum degree were 56°C, 3 mm, and 11 kPa. Therefore, bitter gourd slices would be dried quickly and effectively by using the simultaneous technique of vacuum infrared drying method. Keywords: Bitter gourd slice, Drying quality, Moisture content, Vacuum infrared coupled drying.
Active learning aided four-mode fiber design with equalized zero dispersion for short-reach MDM optical communications
Authors: Chen Xinyi , Du Jiangbing , Ye Baining , Xu Ke , He Zuyuan
Published: June 2022

In this work, we demonstrate an active learning method for the optimized design of a few-mode fiber (FMF) with equalized zero dispersion between four modes, which can be used for short-reach mode-division-multiplexed (MDM) optical communication without multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) processing and chromatic dispersion compensation (CDC). To obtain the desired FMF, a multi-parameter design of a complex fiber structure is needed, which is usually very difficult, inaccurate, and time-consuming. The proposed active learning can utilize fewer data than the neural network to achieve improved prediction performance by selecting more valuable data. By balancing zero dispersion, equalized dispersion, and manufacturing feasibility, structure parameters of the four-ring step-index FMF supporting four modes are predicted by the active-learning-based inverse design. The standard deviation of four-mode dispersion of the designed fiber is 0.016. The total dataset is significantly reduced to 400 by using active learning and equalized zero dispersion is obtained. The equalized zero dispersion performance is characterized by using an optical parametric amplification (OPA) modal which is highly sensitive to dispersion. The broad OPA gains with high pump power and low amplification cross talk indicate that the designed FMF has low dispersion near to zero, low nonlinearity, and weak coupling for all four modes, which is highly suitable for high-speed MIMO-less and CDC-less MDM optical communications.
Proposal for collinear integrated acousto-optic tunable filters featuring ultrawide tuning ranges and multi-band operations
Authors: Pan Bingcheng , Cao Hongyuan , Li Huan , Dai Daoxin
Published: June 2022

Integrated optical tunable filters are key components for a wide spectrum of applications, including optical communications and interconnects, spectral analysis, and tunable light sources, among others. Compared with their thermo-optic counterparts, integrated acousto-optic (AO) tunable filters provide a unique approach to achieve superior performance, including ultrawide continuous tuning ranges of hundreds of nm, low power consumption of sub-mW and fast tuning speed of sub-µs. Based on suspended one-dimensional (1D) AO waveguides in the collinear configuration, we propose and theoretically investigate an innovative family of integrated AO tunable filters (AOTFs) on thin-film lithium niobate. The AO waveguides perform as tunable wavelength-selective narrow-band polarization rotators, where highly efficient conversion between co-propagating TE0 and TM0 modes is enabled by the torsional acoustic A1 mode, which can be selectively excited by a novel antisymmetric wavefront interdigital transducer. Furthermore, we systematically and quantitatively explore the possibilities of exciting modulated acoustic waves, which contain multiple frequency components, along the AO waveguide to achieve independently reconfigurable multi-band operations, with tunable time-variant spectral shapes. By incorporating a complete set of ultrawide-band polarization-handling components, we have proposed and theoretically investigated several representative monolithic AOTF configurations, featuring different arrangements of single or cascaded identical AO waveguides. One of the present AOTF designs exhibits a theoretical linewidth of ∼8 nm (∼4 nm), a sidelobe suppression ratio of ∼75 dB, and theoretically no excess loss at the center wavelength of 1550 nm (1310 nm), with an ultrawide tuning range of 1.25–1.65 µm (from O-band to L-band), a fast tuning speed of 0.14 µs, and a low power consumption of a few mW.
Evaluating the quantum Ziv–Zakai bound for phase estimation in noisy environments
Authors: Chang Shoukang , Ye Wei , Rao Xuan , Zhang Huan , Huang Liqing , Luo Mengmeng , Chen Yuetao , Gao Shaoyan , Hu Liyun
Published: June 2022

In the highly non-Gaussian regime, the quantum Ziv-Zakai bound (QZZB) provides a lower bound on the available precision, demonstrating the better performance compared with the quantum Cramér-Rao bound. However, evaluating the impact of a noisy environment on the QZZB without applying certain approximations proposed by Tsang [Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 230401 (2012)10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.230401] remains a difficult challenge. In this paper, we not only derive the asymptotically tight QZZB for phase estimation with the photon loss and the phase diffusion by invoking the variational method and the technique of integration within an ordered product of operators, but also show its estimation performance for several different Gaussian resources, such as a coherent state (CS), a single-mode squeezed vacuum state (SMSVS) and a two-mode squeezed vacuum state (TMSVS). In this asymptotically tight situation, our results indicate that compared with the SMSVS and the TMSVS, the QZZB for the CS always shows the better estimation performance under the photon-loss environment. More interestingly, for the phase-diffusion environment, the estimation performance of the QZZB for the TMSVS can be better than that for the CS throughout a wide range of phase-diffusion strength. Our findings will provide an useful guidance for investigating the noisy quantum parameter estimation.
Curvature effect-based modeling and experimentation of the material removal in polishing optical surfaces using a flexible ball-end tool
Authors: Shi Chenchun , Wang Chunjin , Cheung Chi Fai , Zhang Zili , Li Ze , Ho Lai Ting , Deng Weijie , Zhang Xuejun
Published: June 2022

Optical surfaces with high quality have been widely applied in high-tech industries for their excellent performances. To precision manufacture those surfaces efficiently and effectively, various machining technologies involved become extremely crucial. As one of the promising ultra-precision machining technologies, inflated or solid elastic tool polishing has attracted more attention for its own superiority. However, there is still lack of understanding on material removal mechanisms especially with the consideration of curvature effect, and it is of great importance to determine the surface quality and form control in ultra-precision polishing process. In this paper, originating from the famous macro-scale Preston equation, the curvature effect-based material removal model in polishing using a flexible ball-end tool has been developed successfully on the basis of two key sub-models, one is the generic model of effective relative velocity and the other refers to the semi-experimental contact pressure model. A series of spot polishing experiments subsequently are conducted on concave surfaces with a curvature radius range from 75 mm to 225 mm. The experimentally measured section profiles of polishing spots do match well with the predicted data, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed material removal model. On the measured polishing spots, it is also observed that there have two nonuniform material removal phenomena, one is analyzed along the central axis and the other is discussed by two regions symmetrical about the central axis. Compared with the effective relative velocity, it is found that, the contact pressure is more sensitive to curvature effect by investigating the variation of maximum removal depth within a broader curvature radius range from 75 mm to 1000 mm. This study can provide a valuable foundation for polishing optical surfaces with deterministic removal.
Generation of 56.5 W femtosecond laser radiation by the combination of an Nd-doped picosecond amplifier and multi-pass-cell device
Authors: Song Jiajun , Shen Liya , Sun Jianyu , Wang Zhaohua , Wei Zhiyi , Peng Yujie , Leng Yuxin
Published: June 2022

We demonstrate the generation of high average power femtosecond laser radiation by combination of an Nd-doped picosecond amplifier and a multi-pass cell device. With this efficient and robust scheme, the pulse duration of a picosecond amplifier is compressed from 9.13 ps to 477 fs, corresponding to a compression factor of 19.1. The average power before and after pulse compression is 77 W and 56.5 W respectively, so the overall transmission reaches 73.4%. The presented scheme offers a viable route toward low-cost and simple configuration high power femtosecond lasers driven by Nd-doped picosecond amplifiers.
Optically induced static magnetic field in the ensemble of nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond
Authors: Kalhor Farid , Opondo Noah F. , Mahmud Shoaib , Bauer Leif , Yang Li-Ping , Bhave Sunil A. , Jacob Zubin
Published: June 2022

Generation of a local magnetic field at the nanoscale is desirable for many applications such as spin-qubit-based quantum memories. However, this is a challenge due to the slow decay of static magnetic fields. Here, we demonstrate a photonic spin density (PSD)-induced effective static magnetic field for an ensemble of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in bulk diamond. This locally induced magnetic field is a result of coherent interaction between the optical excitation and the NV centers. We demonstrate an optically induced spin rotation on the Bloch sphere exceeding 10 degrees which has potential applications in all-optical coherent control of spin qubits.
Three-terminal germanium-on-silicon avalanche photodiode with extended p-charge layer for dark current reduction
Authors: Liu Xiaobin , Li Xuetong , Li Yuxuan , Li Yingzhi , Zhi Zihao , Tao Min , Chen Baisong , Zhang Lanxuan , Guo Pengfei , Lo Guoqiang , Li Xueyan , Gao Fengli , Kang Bonan , Song Junfeng
Published: June 2022

Germanium-on-silicon (Ge-on-Si) avalanche photodiodes (APDs) are widely used in near-infrared detection, laser ranging, free space communication, quantum communication, and other fields. However, the existence of lattice defects at the Ge/Si interface causes a high dark current in the Ge-on-Si APD, degrading the device sensitivity and also increasing energy consumption in integrated circuits. In this work, we propose a novel surface illuminated Ge-on-Si APD architecture with three terminals. Besides two electrodes on Si substrates, a third electrode is designed for Ge to regulate the control current and bandwidth, achieving multiple outputs of a single device and reducing the dark current of the device. When the voltage on Ge is

−
27.5
  
V

, the proposed device achieves a dark current of 100 nA, responsivity of 9.97 A/W at

−
40
  
dBm

input laser power at 1550 nm, and optimal bandwidth of 142 MHz. The low dark current and improved responsivity can meet the requirements of autonomous driving and other applications demanding weak light detection.
Optical orbital angular momentum multiplexing communication via inversely-designed multiphase plane light conversion
Authors: Fang Juncheng , Li Jinpei , Kong Aru , Xie Youpeng , Lin Chuxuan , Xie Zhenwei , Lei Ting , Yuan Xiaocong
Published: June 2022

Multiplexing and demultiplexing of optical orbital angular momentum (OAM) are critical operations in mode-division multiplexing communications. Traditional Dammann gratings, spiral phase planes, and optical geometric transformations are regarded as convenient methods for OAM mode (de)multiplexing. However, crosstalk between the different modes and the difficulty of mode multiplexing greatly limit their application to mode-division multiplexing communications. Here, using a set of inversely-designed phase planes, we demonstrate an OAM (de)multiplexer based on multiphase plane light conversion that can enable perfect OAM multiplexing communication. The sorted patterns are Gaussian-like and can be coupled easily into single-mode fiber arrays. Inputs from the fiber array are turned into coaxial OAM modes after the phase planes. OAM mode crosstalk generated by the multiplexer is less than

−
20
  
dB

, with insertion loss of less than 2.6 dB. OAM modes are sorted by the demultiplexer with mode crosstalk below

−
10
  
dB

, and the sorting results are coupled to the fiber array. OAM modes carrying 10 Gbit/s on–off keying signals were transmitted in a 5 km few-mode fiber. The measured bit-error-rate curves have power penalties of less than 10 dB. The proposed configuration is highly efficient and convenient and will be beneficial for potential applications in quantum information, information processing, and optical communications.
Modeling cell biological features of meiotic chromosome pairing to study interlock resolution
Authors: Navarro Erik J. , Marshall Wallace F. , Fung Jennifer C.
Published: June 2022

During meiosis, homologous chromosomes become associated side by side in a process known as homologous chromosome pairing. Pairing requires long range chromosome motion through a nucleus that is full of other chromosomes. It remains unclear how the cell manages to align each pair of chromosomes quickly while mitigating and resolving interlocks. Here, we use a coarse-grained molecular dynamics model to investigate how specific features of meiosis, including motor-driven telomere motion, nuclear envelope interactions, and increased nuclear size, affect the rate of pairing and the mitigation/resolution of interlocks. By creating in silico versions of three yeast strains and comparing the results of our model to experimental data, we find that a more distributed placement of pairing sites along the chromosome is necessary to replicate experimental findings. Active motion of the telomeric ends speeds up pairing only if binding sites are spread along the chromosome length. Adding a meiotic bouquet significantly speeds up pairing but does not significantly change the number of interlocks. An increase in nuclear size slows down pairing while greatly reducing the number of interlocks. Interestingly, active forces increase the number of interlocks, which raises the question: How do these interlocks resolve? Our model gives us detailed movies of interlock resolution events which we then analyze to build a step-by-step recipe for interlock resolution. In our model, interlocks must first translocate to the ends, where they are held in a quasi-stable state by a large number of paired sites on one side. To completely resolve an interlock, the telomeres of the involved chromosomes must come in close proximity so that the cooperativity of pairing coupled with random motion causes the telomeres to unwind. Together our results indicate that computational modeling of homolog pairing provides insight into the specific cell biological changes that occur during meiosis.
Barriers to accessing follow up care in post-hospitalized trauma patients in Moshi, Tanzania: A mixed methods study
Authors: Joiner Anjni Patel , Tupetz Anna , Peter Timothy Antipas , Raymond Julius , Macha Victoria Gerald , Vissoci João Ricardo Nickenig , Staton Catherine
Published: June 2022

Disproportionately high injury rates in Sub-Saharan Africa combined with limited access to care in both the acute injury phase and for injury patients requiring continued care after hospital discharge remains a challenge. We aimed to characterize barriers to transportation and access to care in a cohort of post-hospitalized injury patients in Moshi, Tanzania. This was a mixed-methods study of a prospective cohort of trauma registry patients presenting to Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center between August 2018 and January 2020. We conducted standardized patient/family surveys and in-depth interviews at a 2-week follow up visit after hospital discharge, and focus groups with healthcare providers. Quantitative results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression using R statistical software. Qualitative results were analyzed using thematic analysis through an iterative process using NVivo software. A total of 1,365 patients were enrolled in the trauma registry, with 169 patients followed up at 2 weeks. Over half of patients at follow-up, 101 (59.8%), reported challenges in traveling. The majority of patients were male (80.3%). Difficulty in traveling since injury was associated with female gender (aOR 5.85 [95% CI 1.20–33.59]) and a need for non-family members escorts for travel (aOR 7.10 [95% CI 1.43–41.66]). Those who reported assault or fall as the mechanism of injury as compared to road traffic injury and had health insurance were less likely to report challenges in traveling (aOR 0.19 [95% CI 0.03–0.90]), 0.11 [95% CI 0.01–0.61], 0.14 [95% 0.02–0.80]). Transportation barriers that emerged from qualitative data included inability to use regular means of transportation, financial challenges, physical barriers, rigid compliance to physician orders, access to healthcare, and social support barriers. Our findings demonstrate several areas to address transportation barriers for post-injury patients in Tanzania. Educational interventions such as clarification of doctors’ orders of strict bedrest, provision of vouchers to support financial challenges and alternate means of transportation given physical barriers and reliance on social support may address some of these barriers.
Estimating the duration of antibody positivity and likely time of Leptospira infection using data from a cross-sectional serological study in Fiji
Authors: Rees Eleanor M. , Lau Colleen L. , Kama Mike , Reid Simon , Lowe Rachel , Kucharski Adam J.
Published: June 2022

Background

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease prevalent throughout the world, but with particularly high burden in Oceania (including the Pacific Island Countries and Territories). Leptospirosis is endemic in Fiji, with outbreaks often occurring following heavy rainfall and flooding. As a result of non-specific clinical manifestation and diagnostic challenges, cases are often misdiagnosed or under-ascertained. Furthermore, little is known about the duration of persistence of antibodies to leptospirosis, which has important clinical and epidemiological implications.

Methodology and principal findings

Using the results from a serosurvey conducted in Fiji in 2013, we fitted serocatalytic models to estimate the duration of antibody positivity and the force of infection (FOI, the rate at which susceptible individuals acquire infection or seroconversion), whilst accounting for seroreversion. Additionally, we estimated the most likely timing of infection.

Using the reverse catalytic model, we estimated the duration of antibody persistence to be 8.33 years (4.76–12.50; assuming constant FOI) and 7.25 years (3.36–11.36; assuming time-varying FOI), which is longer than previous estimates. Using population age-structured seroprevalence data alone, we were not able to distinguish between these two models. However, by bringing in additional longitudinal data on antibody kinetics we were able to estimate the most likely time of infection, lending support to the time-varying FOI model. We found that most individuals who were antibody-positive in the 2013 serosurvey were likely to have been infected within the previous two years, and this finding is consistent with surveillance data showing high numbers of cases reported in 2012 and 2013.

Conclusions

This is the first study to use serocatalytic models to estimate the FOI and seroreversion rate forLeptospirainfection. As well as providing an estimate for the duration of antibody positivity, we also present a novel method to estimate the most likely time of infection from seroprevalence data. These approaches can allow for richer, longitudinal information to be inferred from cross-sectional studies, and could be applied to other endemic diseases where antibody waning occurs.
People with intellectual and sensory disabilities can independently start and perform functional daily activities with the support of simple technology
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , Singh Nirbhay N. , O’Reilly Mark F. , Sigafoos Jeff , Alberti Gloria , Del Gaudio Valentina , Abbatantuono Chiara , Taurisano Paolo , Desideri Lorenzo
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The study assessed a smartphone-based technology system, which was designed to enable six participants with intellectual disability and sensory impairment to start and carry out functional activities through the use of reminders and verbal or pictorial instructions.

Methods

The technology system involved a Samsung Galaxy A22 with Android 11 operating system and four Philips Hue indoor motion sensors. Three to five activities were scheduled per day. At the time at which an activity was due, the system provided the participant with a reminder followed by the verbal or pictorial instruction for the initial part of the first response (e.g., “Go to the bathroom and take the dirty towels”). The instruction would be available (repeated) until the participant responded to it and, in so doing, activated a sensor. Sensor activation caused the presentation of the instruction for the second part of the same (first) response (e.g., “Put the towels in the laundry machine”). The same process occurred for each of the responses involved in the activity. The system was introduced according to nonconcurrent multiple baseline designs across participants.

Results

During baseline, the mean percentage of activities the participants started independently was below 7; the mean frequency of correct responses per activity was below 0.5 (out of a maximum possible of 8). During the intervention (i.e., with the support of the technology system), the mean percentage and mean frequency values increased to nearly 100 and 8, respectively.

Conclusions

The data suggest that the aforementioned technology system may enable people with intellectual disability and sensory impairment to start and carry out functional activities independent of staff.
Cohort profile: The Endometriosis pain QUality aftEr Surgical Treatment (EndoQUEST) Study
Authors: Shafrir Amy L. , Vitonis Allison F. , Wallace Britani , DiVasta Amy D. , Sadler Gallagher Jenny , Sasamoto Naoko , Laufer Marc R. , Terry Kathryn L. , Missmer Stacey A.
Published: June 2022

Endometriosis affects reproductive-aged females and varies considerably in terms of symptom presentation, morphologic features, and treatment response. Most studies investigating symptom recurrence after an endometriosis-related surgery have been conducted among adults. The Endometriosis pain QUality aftEr Surgical Treatment (EndoQUEST) Study was established to assess characteristics and biomarkers that are associated with pain remediation and improved quality of life after an endometriosis-related surgery among adolescents and young adults. This paper describes the EndoQUEST methodology, summarizes baseline descriptive factors, and compares characteristics by participant retention status. We enrolled 100 surgically-confirmed endometriosis participants aged 12–23 years who provided questionnaire data on reproductive and behavioral factors, pain characteristics and quality of life at three time points; before surgery, 6 weeks to 26 weeks after surgery, and 1 year after surgery. Among these 100 participants, 88 provided blood and/or saliva at all three time points, while 12 provided blood and/or saliva samples only before surgery and 6 to 26 weeks after surgery. There was little evidence of lost to follow-up at 1 year after surgery due to pain symptoms, as pain and quality of life characteristics were similar between participants who completed the questionnaire 1 year after surgery and those who did not. Analyses utilizing these longitudinal data will advance personalized treatment decision making for adolescents and young adults with endometriosis.
Seroprevalence of immunoglobulin G antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Cyprus
Authors: Papaneophytou Christos , Nicolaou Andria , Pieri Myrtani , Nicolaidou Vicky , Galatou Eleftheria , Sarigiannis Yiannis , Pantelidou Markella , Panayi Pavlos , Thoma Theklios , Stavraki Antonia , Argyrou Xenia , Kalogiannis Tasos , Yiannoukas Kyriacos , Petrou Christos C. , Felekkis Kyriacos
Published: June 2022

Monitoring the levels of IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 is important during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, to plan an adequate and evidence-based public health response. After this study we report that the plasma levels of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein were higher in individuals with evidence of prior infection who received at least one dose of either an mRNA-based vaccine (Comirnaty BNT162b2/Pfizer-BioNTech or Spikevax mRNA-1273/Moderna) or an adenoviral-based vaccine (Vaxzervia ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 /Oxford-Astra Zeneca) (n = 39) compared to i) unvaccinated individuals with evidence of prior infection with SARS-CoV-2 (n = 109) and ii) individuals without evidence of prior infection with SARS-CoV-2 who received one or two doses of one of the aforementioned vaccines (n = 342). Our analysis also revealed that regardless of the vaccine technology (mRNA-based and adenoviral vector-based) two doses achieved high anti- SARS-CoV-2 IgG responses. Our results indicate that vaccine-induced responses lead to higher levels of IgG antibodies compared to those produced following infection with the virus. Additionally, in agreement with previous studies, our results suggest that among individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, even a single dose of a vaccine is adequate to elicit high levels of antibody response.
The song remains the same: Media regulation a decade after the Finkelstein inquiry
Authors: Dawson Emma
Published: June 2022

This commentary draws on a keynote panel held (virtually) at the Journalism Education and Research Association of Australia’s (JEERA) annual conference, hosted by the University of Canberra between 30 November and 3 December 2021. The panel comprised four people who had been involved in the last major attempt to reform media regulation in Australia, in 2011–12: Ray Finkelstein, who was appointed by the federal Labor government to inquire into the media and media regulation; Matthew Ricketson, then professor of journalism at the University of Canberra, who was appointed to assist Finkelstein; political scientist Rodney Tiffen who acted as a consultant to the inquiry, and Emma Dawson, who was the media policy adviser in the office of the Communications minister, Stephen Conroy. The government, which had already set up the Convergence Review, took the recommendations of both inquiries and introduced a package of bills to parliament in early 2013 that was strongly opposed by both the Liberal Party and the media industry. Most of the bills were withdrawn. The commentary summarizes the discussion and asks whether media regulation has improved in the intervening decade and if not, why not.
‘I can say I was a journalist during a global pandemic’: Australian students’ experiences of a newsroom in lockdown
Authors: McCarthy Brigid , Bird Dylan , Sherwood Merryn , Zion Lawrie
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic presented university journalism educators with a dual challenge: transitioning subjects online and helping students navigate an industry that is experiencing disruption to work practices and job losses. The impact was particularly felt in practice-based subjects such as student newsrooms. While work-integrated learning programmes have become ubiquitous in journalism courses to produce job-ready graduates, the pandemic required educators to implement swift changes to accommodate online learning in them. The pandemic provides an opportunity to explore how students perceive the value of curriculum-related newsrooms during significant industry upheaval. Many studies have examined these practical journalism education programmes; however, the student perspective is often lacking. This case study, based on student questionnaire responses and educators’ observations, chronicles the experiences of working remotely in a curriculum-related newsroom during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdowns. It situates this within ‘pedagogical newsroom’ that blends pedagogical and journalistic principles to simulate practice within a flexible environment. Due to this flexibility, educators were able to adapt content for unanticipated online delivery to meet learning outcomes and even to create new learning opportunities. Student survey responses showed that despite the disruption, they believed the programme offered vital preparation for industry and generally remained optimistic about their career prospects.
Media Unmade: Australian Media’s Most Disruptive Decade, Tim Burrowes (2021)
Authors: Snowden Collette
Published: June 2022

Review of: Media Unmade: Australian Media’s Most Disruptive Decade, Tim Burrowes (2021)

Melbourne: Hardie Grant Books, 423 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-74379-730-3, p/bk, $34.99
Communicating COVID-19: Interdisciplinary Perspectives, Monique Lewis, Eliza Govender and Kate Holland (Eds) (2021)
Authors: Josephi Beate
Published: June 2022

Review of: Communicating COVID-19: Interdisciplinary Perspectives, Monique Lewis, Eliza Govender and Kate Holland (Eds) (2021)

Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, 395 pp.,

ISBN 978-3-03079-734-8, h/bk, €129.99

ISBN 978-3-03079-735-5, e-book, €106.99
The Power of Podcasting: Telling Stories through Sound, Siobhán McHugh (2022)
Authors: Cassidy Margaret
Published: June 2022

Review of: The Power of Podcasting: Telling Stories through Sound, Siobhán McHugh (2022)

Sydney: UNSW Press, 320 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-74223-702-2, p/bk, $34.99

ISBN 978-1-74223-831-9, e/bk, $19.99