bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dilation framing camera with the dual-pulse excitation technique
Authors: Cai Houzhi , Du Zhuoming , Luo Qiuyan , Ma Youlin , Liu Jinyuan , Xiang Lijuan
Published: October 2024

In an inertial confinement fusion (ICF) ultrafast diagnostic system that is based on electron beam time-dilation, an ultrafast electrical pulse is used to excite a microstrip photocathode (PC), which generates a varying PC voltage to obtain a photoelectron velocity that varies with emission time. The photoelectron beam achieves time-dilation through the drift process and is then detected by a time-resolved sensor, thereby increasing the temporal resolution of the diagnostic system. A pulse time-dilation diagnostic system is simulated, while the sensor is a gated microchannel plate (MCP) detector with a temporal resolution of 100 ps and an excitation pulse on a PC with a slope of 3 V/ps; the diagnostic system achieves a temporal resolution of 11.12 ps. However, the excitation pulse creates a voltage difference across the PC. A voltage difference of 900 V can be acquired for a PC length of 60 mm, which yields a nonuniform spatial resolution ranging from 30.4 µm to approximately 3000 µm. Furthermore, the voltage difference across the PC also limits the frame size to 2.2 mm along the pulse propagation direction according to the simulation results. To achieve a uniform spatial resolution and a larger frame size, a dual-pulse excitation technique on a PC is presented, which is the technique to symmetrically apply voltage pulses at both ends of the PC microstrip. The theoretical results show that this technique will improve the uniformity of the PC voltage spatial distribution. When the PC pulse slope is 3 V/ps and the dual-pulse excitation technique is employed, the diagnostic system has a temporal resolution of 5.91 ps and a uniform spatial resolution of 30.4 µm. Furthermore, the frame size along the pulse propagation direction is improved to the effective length of the microstrip PC.
Silicon double-disk optomechanical resonators from wafer-scale double-layered silicon-on-insulator
Authors: Navarathna Amy , Carey Benjamin J. , Bennett James S. , Khademi Soroush , Bowen Warwick P.
Published: October 2024

Whispering Gallery Mode (WGM) optomechanical resonators are a promising technology for the simultaneous control and measurement of optical and mechanical degrees of freedom at the nanoscale. They offer potential for use across a wide range of applications such as sensors and quantum transducers. Double-disk WGM resonators, which host strongly interacting mechanical and optical modes co-localized around their circumference, are particularly attractive due to their high optomechanical coupling. Large-scale integrated fabrication of silicon double-disk WGM resonators has not previously been demonstrated. In this work, we present a process for the fabrication of double-layer silicon-on-insulator wafers, which we then use to fabricate functional optomechanical double silicon disk resonators with on-chip optical coupling. The integrated devices present experimentally observed optical quality factors of the order of 105 and a single-photon optomechanical coupling of approximately 15 kHz.
Precision spectroscopy and frequency determination of the hyperfine components of the P(63) 4-4 transition of molecular iodine near 652 nm
Authors: Manzoor Shamaila , Chiarotti Mauro , Meek Samuel A. , Santambrogio Gabriele , Poli Nicola
Published: October 2024

We report the observation of the hyperfine spectrum of the weak P(63) 4-4 line of the B − X electronic transition of molecular iodine 127I2 near 652.4 nm, using frequency-modulated saturated absorption spectroscopy. Through the precise measurements of the absolute frequencies of hyperfine components, we estimate electric quadrupole and magnetic spin-rotation constants. Additionally, we determine the center of gravity of the P(63) transition of the 4-4 vibrational band, resulting in a 250-fold improvement in the precision of its position. We also note an interesting overlap of the hyperfine transitions of the P(63)4-4 line with the UV 1S0–3P1 narrow intercombination transition of cadmium atoms, which occurs near the second harmonic of the master laser radiation, corresponding to 326.2 nm. This study contributes to updating the iodine atlas, improving the precision of the empirical formulae, and providing an important frequency reference for precision spectroscopy of the narrow intercombination transition of atomic cadmium.
Foundry fabricated compact slow-light Mach-Zehnder modulator and photodetector for on-chip analog photonic computing
Authors: Begović Amir , Zhang Meng , Yin Dennis , Gangi Nicholas , Gu Jiaqi , Rena Huang Z.
Published: October 2024

This work presents a scaling pathway of on-chip analog photonic computing using foundry-fabricated silicon electro-optic (EO) slow-light Mach-Zehnder modulators (SL-MZMs) and compact Ge photodetectors (PDs) to construct a computing unit. Two SL-MZMs with phase shifter (PS) lengths of 500 μm and 150 μm are studied in this work. The bit resolution, nonlinearity, clock frequency, and power consumption of the photonic computing link, including an RF amplifier, on-chip SL-MZM, and a PD, are thoroughly investigated. The computing link using the SL-MZM with 500 μm has demonstrated a low normalized mean square error (NMSE) of 0.0305 at 8-bit resolution under 3.2 GHz clock frequency. Under the setting of 6-bit resolution at a clock frequency of 800 MHz, high computing accuracy was achieved with a measured NMSE of 0.0018 using the SL-MZM with 150 μm PS length. Using the Google Speed Commands dataset to run a voice keyword spotting task, we determine that 6-bit resolution operating at 3.2 GHz achieves the optimal power-accuracy trade-off. We show a 20× improvement in energy efficiency and a 3.35× improvement in area efficiency compared to NVIDIA V100 GPU [“Volta: Performance and programmability,” IEEE Micro 38(2), 42 (2018)10.1109/MM.2018.022071134 ]. These results show that our compact SL-MZMs and PDs promise to scale up photonic computing for practical machine-learning applications.
Improved angle measurement model for folded optical paths in multi-degree-of-freedom measurement systems
Authors: Fu Haijin , Wang Zheng , Xiong Xinkang , Chen Yisong , Wang Ziqiao , Yu Liang , Xing Xu , Yang Ruitao , Hu Pengcheng , Ding Xuemei
Published: October 2024

Multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) measurement systems are crucial in the domain of precision manufacturing, where miniaturization represents a significant developmental trend. Folded optical paths are commonly employed in the angle measurement modules of these systems as a means to reduce equipment size. However, these paths introduce angle coupling, which renders traditional angle measurement models inadequate. In this study, angle coupling in the folded optical path and its influence on the angle measurement are investigated in detail, based on which an improved measurement model free of angle coupling is proposed. The effectiveness of the model is verified by simulations and experiments, and the results show a high consistency, moreover, the experimental findings indicate that, by adopting the model, the measurement error of yaw and pitch is reduced by an order of magnitude.
Topological parametric gain and two-color edge states in equidistant lithium niobate waveguide arrays
Authors: Gorbach Andrey V.
Published: October 2024

We analyze parametric χ2 processes in equidistant finite-size arrays of thin-film lithium niobate waveguides, where the fundamental harmonic (FH) field supports topological edge states due to the specific interplay between inter- and intra-modal couplings of two families of guided modes, while the second-harmonic (SH) field only supports bulk modes. Regimes of topological parametric gain are identified, where the gain only occurs in the edge states of the FH field, regardless of the spatial distribution of the pump SH field. The topological gain of the FH component generally triggers localization of the SH field near an edge of the array in the optical parametric oscillation dynamics. In small-size arrays, parametric gain at both edges can be observed even when pumped at one side. This process can lead to an anomalous “tunneling” of the SH field to the opposite edge. We also analyze the existence and stability of two-color nonlinear edge states (solitons), in which both FH and SH fields are localized at an edge of the array. Depending on the phase-matching condition, such solitons either emerge from the linear FH edge state without a power threshold or exist above a certain power threshold dictated by the coupling strength in the SH field.
Robust and broadband tap couplers using misaligned waveguides based on thin-film lithium niobate
Authors: Wang Shen , Ruan Ziliang , Zhang Guowu , Liu Liu
Published: October 2024

Robust and high-performance power splitters with an ability to partition the input light power into different proportions are vital for various on-chip optical systems. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate several tap couplers with unbalanced power splitting ratios (PSRs) from 4%: 96% to 40%: 60% using misaligned waveguides on thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN). The device utilizes misaligned waveguide width differences to obtain a flat power splitting ratio over a broadband optical wavelength. The measured results indicate that all the proposed devices exhibit less than 2% PSR variation over a 120 nm optical bandwidth from 1500 nm to 1620 nm and over ±100 nm planar fabrication tolerance. The demonstrated tap couplers offer a promising application prospect in high-density photonic integrated circuits.
Measurement methods for triplet-triplet annihilation photon upconversion
Authors: Luan Qingxin , Hou Lili , Li Hongyu , Wang Taibin , Xu Tianhua , Ding Zhenyang , Jiang Junfeng , Liu Tiegen
Published: October 2024

Triplet-triplet annihilation photon upconversion (TTA-UC) has made significant progress in recent decades and has shown high potential in solar energy harvesting and photocatalysis. There is a high demand for detailed and standardized descriptions of measurement protocols for TTA-UC, particularly regarding instrumentation, controlling software, and standard measurement procedures. Here, we present the hardware, software, and comprehensive guidelines for conducting TTA-UC testing. Our system successfully measured two typical TTA-UC samples containing palladium (II) octaethylporphine (PdOEP) and platinum (II) octaethylporphyrin (PtOEP) as the sensitizers and 9,10-diphenylanthracene (DPA) as the annihilator. The obtained key parameters of TTA-UC demonstrate the reliability and accuracy of our design and methods.
Inference and design of antibody specificity: From experiments to models and back
Authors: Fernandez-de-Cossio-Diaz Jorge , Uguzzoni Guido , Ricard Kévin , Anselmi Francesca , Nizak Clément , Pagnani Andrea , Rivoire Olivier
Published: October 2024

Exquisite binding specificity is essential for many protein functions but is difficult to engineer. Many biotechnological or biomedical applications require the discrimination of very similar ligands, which poses the challenge of designing protein sequences with highly specific binding profiles. Experimental methods for generating specific binders rely on in vitro selection, which is limited in terms of library size and control over specificity profiles. Additional control was recently demonstrated through high-throughput sequencing and downstream computational analysis. Here we follow such an approach to demonstrate the design of specific antibodies beyond those probed experimentally. We do so in a context where very similar epitopes need to be discriminated, and where these epitopes cannot be experimentally dissociated from other epitopes present in the selection. Our approach involves the identification of different binding modes, each associated with a particular ligand against which the antibodies are either selected or not. Using data from phage display experiments, we show that the model successfully disentangles these modes, even when they are associated with chemically very similar ligands. Additionally, we demonstrate and validate experimentally the computational design of antibodies with customized specificity profiles, either with specific high affinity for a particular target ligand, or with cross-specificity for multiple target ligands. Overall, our results showcase the potential of leveraging a biophysical model learned from selections against multiple ligands to design proteins with tailored specificity, with applications to protein engineering extending beyond the design of antibodies.
New admissions and asymptomatic TB cases seem to fuel TB epidemic in prisons, a cross sectional survey in Tanzania
Authors: Mangu Chacha David , Clowes Petra , van den Hombergh Jan , Mwakabenga Clement , Mwanyonga Simeon , Ambindwile Jane , Kayombo Faith , Minja Monica , Kalluvya Samuel , Gerwing-Adima Lisa , Kasang Christa , Mueller Andreas , Chilolo Edward , Angolwisye Juma , Nsajigwa Dickson , Kachima Adili , Kamala Deus , Mutayobya Beatrice , Ntinginya Nyanda Elias , Hoelscher Michael , Saathoff Elmar , Rachow Andrea
Published: October 2024

There is an increased risk for tuberculosis (TB) infection and disease progression in prison settings. TB prevalence in prisons in low- and middle-income countries have been measured to be up to 50 -times higher than in the general population. The aim of the study was to perform active TB screening and estimate the burden of TB in central prisons in Tanzania mainland. We performed TB active case finding in five central prisons, Keko, Segerea, Ukonga, Butimba and Ruanda prison in Tanzania, using the Xpert on early morning or spot sputum sample from inmates and new entries between April 2014 and July 2015. A questionnaire that asked about the symptoms and risk factors for TB was administered before a sputum sample was collected. Out of 13,868 incarcerated individuals tested, 13,763 had valid results. TB prevalence among tested was 1550 per 100,000 population (214/13,763); new admissions contributed to the majority (61.68%) of TB cases, but prevalence was higher among inmates (1.75%) compared to new admissions (1.45%). Ukonga, an urban prison which incarcerates long-term convicted inmates had the highest prevalence of 4.02%. Male gender (OR = 2.51, p<0.001), repeated incarcerations (OR = 2.85, p<0.001), history of TB treatment (OR = 1.78, p = 0.002), TB symptoms (OR = 2.78, p = 0.006) and HIV infection (OR = 2.86, p = 0.002) were associated with positive TB results. New admissions could be the driving force of the TB epidemic in the penitentiary system. However, prison environments remain a major risk factor for developing active TB disease.
Explanatory models of illicit drug use in adolescents: A qualitative study from India
Authors: Biswal Bijayalaxmi , Zhou Brian , Wen Karen , Gupta Devika , Bhatia Urvita , Nadkarni Abhijit
Published: October 2024

Illicit drug use is a growing concern in India, with a high treatment gap of 73%. Explanatory models can provide valuable insights into the patient’s conception of disease and inform help-seeking, treatment, and recovery. Of the studies that examine adolescent drug misuse in India, none have developed a socio-cultural explanatory model. The aim of our study was to develop an explanatory model to better understand the causal beliefs, social context, and self-perception of illicit drug misuse amongst adolescents in India. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 23 adolescents seeking treatment for drug use disorders and 25 healthcare providers recruited across three sites in India. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Most adolescent participants reported using multiple drugs, often in combination with cannabis. Frequent usage was reported i.e., daily at multiple times. Causes of initiation and continued use were peer influence, curiosity and pleasure, psychosocial stressors, family conditions, and systemic risk factors (e.g. socioeconomic instability). Drugs were acquired from various sources, including fellow users and pharmacies. Adolescent participants perceived negative impacts of drug use on physical and mental health, family relationships, and everyday functioning. Our findings on common reasons of drug use initiation, importance of peer relationships in continuation of use, impact of use on various aspects of life and the relationship of illicit drug use with socioeconomic status are consistent with previous research done in India on the subject. Understanding how adolescents and caregivers perceive drug use can help inform patient-clinician rapport, improve treatment compliance and understand intervention effectiveness. Such an explanatory model holds crucial implications for shaping interventions and clinical approaches to address adolescent drug use in India.
Tuberculosis-related deaths at a tertiary hospital in Zambia: Insights into the prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Siame Lukundo , Chembe Eemmanuel , Muchaili Lweendo , Hamooya Benson M. , Masenga Sepiso K.
Published: October 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) mortality remains a significant public health concern globally. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of tuberculosis-related deaths and associated factors among patients at Livingstone University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) Chest Clinic, Zambia. We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study among 694 individuals (507 adult and 187 children) diagnosed with drug susceptible TB disease between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022. Demographic and clinical information were collected from medical records using a data collection form. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with TB-related death. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. STATA version 15 was used for all data analysis. The prevalence of TB-related death among adults (above 19 years old) was 18.4% (n = 93) whereas that in children (below 19 years old) was 7.0% (n = 187). Living with HIV (AOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.00–3.08, p = 0.049) was positively associated with TB-related death among the adult patients while being on a family based direct observation therapy (DOT) plan was negatively associated with TB-related death both among adults and among children, (AOR 0.24, 95% CI 0.13–0.45, p <0.001) and (AOR 0.2, 95% CI 0.03–0.99, p = 0.039) respectively. This study found a high TB-related mortality rate, both among adults and children, exceeding the national target of 5% and it was significantly associated with HIV status and DOT plan. There is therefore a need to enhance strategies aimed at reducing TB-related deaths, especially among those living with HIV.
Diagnostic serology test comparison for Q fever and Rift Valley fever in humans and livestock from pastoral communities
Authors: Hungerbühler Valerie , Özcelik Ranya , Abakar Mahamat Fayiz , Zakaria Fatima Abdelrazak , Eiden Martin , Hartnack Sonja , Kimala Pidou , Kittl Sonja , Michel Janine , Suter-Riniker Franziska , Dürr Salome
Published: October 2024

Q fever (QF) and Rift Valley fever (RVF) are endemic zoonotic diseases in African countries, causing significant health and economic burdens. Accurate prevalence estimates, crucial for disease control, rely on robust diagnostic tests. While enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) are not the gold standard, they offer rapid, cost-effective, and practical alternatives. However, varying results from different tests and laboratories can complicate comparing epidemiological studies. This study aimed to assess the agreement of test results for QF and RVF in humans and livestock across different laboratory conditions and, for humans, different types of diagnostic tests. We measured inter-laboratory agreement using concordance, Cohen’s kappa, and prevalence and bias-adjusted kappa (PABAK) on 91 human and 102 livestock samples collected from rural regions in Chad. The serum aliquots were tested using ELISA in Chad, and indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) (for human QF and RVF) and ELISA (for livestock QF and RVF) in Switzerland and Germany. Additionally, we examined demographic factors influencing test agreement, including district, setting (village vs. camp), sex, age, and livestock species of the sampled individuals. The inter-laboratory agreement ranged from fair to moderate. For humans, QF concordance was 62.5%, Cohen’s kappa was 0.31, RVF concordance was 81.1%, and Cohen’s kappa was 0.52. For livestock, QF concordance was 92.3%, Cohen’s kappa was 0.59, RVF concordance was 94.0%, and Cohen’s kappa was 0.59. Multivariable analysis revealed that QF test agreement is significantly higher in younger humans and people living in villages compared to camps and tends to be higher in livestock from Danamadji compared to Yao, and in small ruminants compared to cattle. Additionally, RVF agreement was found to be higher in younger humans. Our findings emphasize the need to consider sample conditions, test performance, and influencing factors when conducting and interpreting epidemiological seroprevalence studies.
Risk factors of thromboembolic events in patients with scrub typhus
Authors: Ki Young Jae , Kim Sung Soo , Seo Jun-Won , Kim Da Young , Yun Na Ra , Kim Choon-Mee , Kim Dong-Min
Published: October 2024

Background

Thromboembolic events are a well-recognized cause of in-hospital deaths of patients with infectious diseases. However, thromboembolic events in patients with scrub typhus, caused by Orientia tsutsugamushi have rarely been reported. This study aimed to assess risk factors associated with thromboembolic events in patients with scrub typhus.

Methods

All 93 scrub typhus patients’ diagnoses were confirmed serologically or by positive nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The clinical and laboratory findings from 12 scrub typhus patients with thromboembolic events and 81 scrub typhus patients with nonthromboembolic events were retrospectively studied. To determine the factors implicated in thromboembolic events, we performed multivariate logistic regression analysis using the six independent factors identified by the univariate analysis.

Findings

The mean age of the patients in the thromboembolic group was 76.4 years (median, 76 years), and in nonthromboembolic group it was 64.6 years (median, 65 years) (P<0·001). Thromboembolic events were observed in 12 patients. These events included acute coronary syndrome (n = 5), acute limb ischemia (n = 4), ischemic stroke (n = 1), deep vein thrombosis combined with pulmonary thromboembolism (n = 1), and left common iliac artery aneurysm with a thrombus (n = 1). According to multivariate analysis, the following four factors were significantly associated with the thromboembolic events: 1) treatment with rifampin (OR = 57.63; P = 0.039; CI 1.230–2700.27)., 2) Taguchi genotype (OR = 41.5; P = 0.028; CI 1.5–1154.6), 3) atrial fibrillation (OR = 9.4; P = 0.034; CI 1.2–74.0), and 4) age (OR = 1.1; P = 0.046; CI 1.0–1.3).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that clinicians should be cautious when managing patients with scrub typhus to avoid the development of thromboembolic events, especially in patients with risk factors such as treatment with rifampin, Taguchi genotype, atrial fibrillation, and advanced age.
General public knowledge, attitudes, and practices about rabies and associated factors in Gomma district of Jimma zone, southwestern Ethiopia
Authors: Kebede Shimelis , Beyene Gashaw , Akalu Biruk , AbaJebel Elias , Kebede Isayas Asefa
Published: October 2024

Background

Rabies is a disease of warm-blooded animals that affects the central nervous system and is almost invariably fatal once clinical signs develop. It is one of the most neglected tropical diseases in several areas of the world, including Ethiopia. Additionally, the burden of the disease is estimated to be high in Ethiopia, and public awareness contributes to prevention.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from June–August 2023 in the Gomma district, Jimma zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia, to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of communities towards rabies and associated risk factors using a structured questionnaire survey. A multi-stage sampling technique was used for the selection of the sampling units and a total of 140 participants were interviewed. The questionnaire parts included socio-demographics information, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of the community’s respect for rabies management and control. The data was analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 20. Descriptive analyses were employed and multivariable logistic regression was used to calculate the association between independent and dependent variables (Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice scores).

Results

About 134 (95.7%) respondents had heard about rabies. Likewise, 75 (53.6%), 55 (39.3%), and 95 (67.9%) of the respondents had good knowledge, favorable attitudes, and good practices, respectively. Christians were more likely to have higher knowledge scores than Muslims (AOR = 6.876, CI = 1.750–27.016, p = 0.006). Respondents who knew someone’s exposure had a higher knowledge score than those who did not (AOR = 6.208, CI = 2.750–14.012, p = 0.000). Moreover, Muslims were found to have a more favorable attitudes than Christians (AOR = 5.518, CI = 1.199–25.391, p = 0.028). Those who knew someone’s exposure to rabies were found to have a more favorable attitudes than those who did not (AOR = 2.367, CI = 1.157–4.839, p = 0.018). Respondents who had favorable attitudes towards rabies were found to have more good practices than unfavorable attitudes (AOR = 3.267, CI = 1.391, 7.730, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

The study revealed a gap in knowledge among communities in the study area. Thus, rabies control activity and community awareness should be implemented with stakeholders.
A cross-regional examination of camelid herding practices in Peru from 900 BCE to 1450 CE: Insights from stable isotopes in camelid bone collagen and fiber
Authors: Noe Sarah J. , McCool Weston C. , Wilson Kurt M.
Published: October 2024

The economic, socio-political, and cultural significance of camelids in the Andean region is well-recognized, yet an understanding of their management evolution over pre-historical periods remains limited. This study aims to fill this gap by conducting the first cross-regional assessment of camelid pastoralism in Peru from 900 BCE to 1470 CE, using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions from the bone collagen and fibers of 577archaeological camelids across 21 sites. This research investigates the spatio-temporal shifts in camelid dietary habits, focusing on how the rise of intensive agriculture may have influenced change and led to the evolution of distinct roles for camelids in coastal versus non-coastal Andean economies. Our analysis indicates an increase in δ13C values over time on the coast, suggesting a shift towards maize-based camelid diets. Conversely, δ13C values decrease over time in highland environments, suggesting camelids consumed relatively more wild C3 forage and/or cultivated crops such as tubers. The study also reveals a significant positive relationship between latitude and δ15N values, suggesting increasing environmental aridity enriches δ15N in bone collagen. After controlling for this latitudinal effect, we observe a rise in δ15N values in both coastal and non-coastal camelids, suggesting that in later periods camelids may have been foddered in agricultural fields that were enriched with guano or dung fertilizer used to intensify production. Importantly, this research uncovers a distinct dietary divergence between coastal and inland camelids. The observed divergence in diets suggests contrasting socio-economic uses of camelids, where coastal camelids were predominantly involved in ceremonial and political activities, while those in non-coastal areas were crucial to the subsistence economy.
Does putting down your smartphone make you happier? the effects of restricting digital media on well-being
Authors: Walsh Lisa C. , Regan Annie , Okabe-Miyamoto Karynna , Lyubomirsky Sonja
Published: October 2024

Both scientists and laypeople have become increasingly concerned about smartphones, especially their associated digital media (e.g., email, news, gaming, and dating apps) and social media (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat). Recent correlational research links substantial declines in Gen Z well-being to digital and social media use, yet other work suggests the effects are small and unnoteworthy. To help further disentangle correlation from causation, we conducted a preregistered 8-day experimental deprivation study with Gen Z individuals (N = 338). Participants were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: (1) restrict digital media (i.e., smartphone) use, (2) restrict social media use, (3) restrict water use (active control), or (4) restrict nothing (measurement-only control). Relative to controls, participants restricting digital media reported a variety of benefits, including higher life satisfaction, mindfulness, autonomy, competence, and self-esteem, and reduced loneliness and stress. In contrast, those assigned to restrict social media reported relatively few benefits (increased mindfulness) and even some potential costs (increased negative emotion).
Unique exploration method of electronic component failure time and yield strengths of circular tubes under complete flexible model
Authors: Jabeen Riffat , Ahmad Mashhood , Zaka Azam , Nagy M. , Al-Mofleh Hazem
Published: October 2024

The aim of this study is to develop new exponential weighted moving average control charts based on a flexible model. These control charts created through least square and weighted least square estimators of the shape parameter of the new Kumaraswamy Pareto distribution. Exponential weighted moving average control charts based on least square and weighted least square estimators are compared for checking the performance of control charts. The results were not only explored through numerical values but also explored through half a dozen plots. The numerical results and plots exposed that the exponential weighted moving average control chart based on weighted least square estimator has better performance than the other proposed chart. Some key findings are discussed which are obtained from the comparative analysis of EWMA control charts. The simulation study of proposed charts is also reported in detail. The two data sets further demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed charts. The reported results, for real data sets, are not only displayed in normal plots but also displayed in three-dimension plots. We recommend that the proposed method can be adapted for different types of distributions, and also suggest some future research directions. The concluding remarks are reported at the end of this manuscript.
Identification of key lncRNAs associated with oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancer cells and isolated exosomes: From In-Silico prediction to In-Vitro validation
Authors: Sahebnasagh Roxana , Deli Hoda , Shadboorestan Amir , Vakili-Ghartavol Zeynab , Salehi Najmeh , Komeili-Movahhed Tahereh , Azizi Zahra , Ghahremani Mohammad Hossein
Published: October 2024

One of the critical challenges in managing colorectal cancer (CRC) is the development of oxaliplatin (OXP) resistance. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have a crucial role in CRC progression and chemotherapy resistance, with exosomal lncRNAs emerging as potential biomarkers. This study aimed to predict key lncRNAs involved in OXP-resistance using in-silico methods and validate them using RT-qPCR methods in CRC cells and their isolated exosomes. Two public datasets, GSE42387 and GSE119481, were downloaded from the GEO database to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) associated with OXP-resistance in the HCT116 cell line. The analysis of GSE42387 revealed 210 DEGs, and GSE119481 identified 73 DEmiRNAs. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of the DEGs identified 133 interconnected genes, from which the top ten genes with the highest degree scores were selected. By intersecting predicted miRNAs targeting these genes with the DEmiRNAs, 38 common miRNAs were found. Subsequently, 224 lncRNAs targeting these common miRNAs were predicted. LncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network were constructed and the top five lncRNAs with the highest degree scores were identified. Analysis using the Kaplan-Meier plotter database revealed that the key lncRNAs NEAT1, OIP5-AS1, and MALAT1 are significantly associated with the overall survival of CRC patients. To validate these lncRNAs, OXP-resistant HCT116 sub-cell line (HCT116/OXR) was developed by exposing parental HCT116 cells to gradually increasing concentrations of OXP. Exosomes derived from both HCT116 and HCT116/OXR cells were isolated and characterized utilizing dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Western blotting. RT-qPCR confirmed elevated levels of NEAT1, OIP5-AS1, and MALAT1 in HCT116/OXR cells and their exosomes compared to parental HCT116 cells and their exosomes. This study concludes that NEAT1, OIP5-AS1, and MALAT1 are associated with the OXP-resistance in CRC. The high levels of these lncRNAs in exosomes of resistant cells suggest their involvement in intercellular communication and resistance propagation. This positioning makes them promising biomarkers for OXP-resistance in CRC.
Spatial variations and predictors of overweight/obesity among under-five children in Ethiopia: A geographically weighted regression analysis of the 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Walle Agmasie Damtew , Kebede Shimels Derso , Adem Jibril Bashir , Enyew Ermias Bekele , Guadie Habtamu Alganeh , Bekana Teshome , Ngusie Habtamu Setegn , Wubante Sisay Maru , Kassie Sisay Yitayih , Demsash Addisalem Workie , Atinafu Wabi Temesgen , Ferede Tigist Andargie
Published: October 2024

Background

Overweight/ obesity among under-five children is an emerging public health issue of the twenty-first century. Due to the quick nutritional and epidemiological change, non-communicable diseases, premature death, disability, and reproductive disorders have grown in low-income countries. Besides, little attention has been given. Therefore, we aimed to explore spatial variations and predictors of overweight/obesity among under-five children in Ethiopia using a geospatial technique.

Methods

A total weighted sample of 3,609 under-five children was included in the study. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a nationally representative sample of the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey data set. ArcGIS version 10.8 was used to explore the spatial variation of obesity. SaTScan version 9.6 software was used to analyze the spatial cluster detection of overweight/obesity. Ordinary least square and geographically weighted regression analysis were employed to assess the association between an outcome variable and explanatory variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was used to declare it statistically significant.

Results

The spatial distribution of overweight/obesity among under-five children in Ethiopia was clustered (Global Moran’s I = 0.27, p-value<0.001). The significant hot spot areas or higher rates of childhood obesity, were found in Southern Amhara, Northwest Somalia, Border of Harari, central Addis Ababa, Eastern SNNPR, and Northwestern Oromia region. In spatial SaT Scan analysis, 79 significant clusters of overweight/obesity were detected. The primary clusters were located in SNNPR, Oromia, and Addis Ababa (RR = 1.48, LLR = 31.40, P-value < 0.001). In the geographically weighted regression analysis, urban residence, cesarean section, rich households, and female children were statistically significant predictors.

Conclusions

Overweight or obesity among under-five children show spatial variations across Ethiopian regions. GWR analysis identifies cesarean section, wealth index, urban residence, and child sex as significant predictors. The Ministry of Health and Ethiopian Public Health Institute should target regions with these contributing predictors, promoting localized physical education, health education campaigns, and ongoing community monitoring to encourage active lifestyles and reduce sedentary behaviors among children.
Artificial imagination: Industry attitudes on the impact of AI on the visual effects process
Authors: Narayan A. D. , Caillard Duncan , Matthews Justin , Nairn Angelique
Published: October 2024

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the visual effects (VFX) industry has significant implications for creativity, workflow efficiency and ethical considerations. AI offers benefits in automating labour-intensive tasks and enhancing creative processes, yet it raises concerns about intellectual property, job displacement and the overall impact on artistic integrity. Through semi-structured interviews with nine experienced VFX artists, the study captures current attitudes towards AI and its potential to reshape the industry. The findings reveal a complex interplay of optimism for technological advancements and apprehension about the ethical and practical challenges posed by AI. This pilot study provides a foundational understanding of VFX artists’ perceptions of AI, highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue and careful integration of these emerging technologies.
Computer-assisted qualitative visual analysis: Automating thematic analysis of images
Authors: Guinibert Matthew
Published: October 2024

The advent of advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies has opened new avenues for qualitative research, particularly in visual data analysis. This pilot study introduced computer-assisted qualitative visual analysis (CQVA), leveraging GPT-4 Turbo and Google Cloud Vision to automate the thematic analysis of visual datasets. Traditional methods, relying on manual coding, are time-consuming and labour-intensive. CQVA addresses these challenges by providing an efficient, scalable and cost-effective alternative. This study had two objectives: developing the CQVA method and applying it to analyse the top 1000 advertisements from the ‘adPorn’ subreddit, offering insights into Reddit users’ advertising preferences. A clear preference was identified for ads utilizing visual metaphors, as these were the most common. Additionally, the importance of engaging visual communication was underscored, with themes employing visually striking and easily comprehensible imagery being favoured by Reddit users. Despite its promise, CQVA required human intervention to guide AI outputs and validate clusters and themes. However, the findings demonstrated CQVA’s potential to revolutionize qualitative visual analysis by significantly reducing time and cost, while maintaining the richness of insights typically achieved through manual methods, thus enabling more efficient and comprehensive analysis of large visual datasets, highlighting the method’s scalability and practicality for future research.
La detección de necesidades formativas para la gestión de conflictos de pareja entre personas con discapacidad intelectual
Authors: Posada-Corrales Juan-Antonio , Rodríguez-Martín Alejandro , Iglesias-García María-Teresa
Published: October 2024

En esta investigación se analizaron las relaciones de pareja entre personas adultas con discapacidad intelectual, con el objetivo de detectar necesidades formativas para la gestión de sus conflictos, utilizando una metodología mixta, en la que se combina un estudio descriptivo de encuesta de 40 ítems y la realización de entrevistas. El cuestionario parte del modelo heurístico de calidad de vida de Schalock y Verdugo (2002/2003), estructurado en 8 dimensiones, que se completaron con una entrevista. La muestra incluyó 52 personas con discapacidad intelectual de diferentes centros de apoyo a la integración y asociaciones del Principado de Asturias, en edades comprendidas entre los 20 y 54 años, y que mantenían una relación de pareja heterosexual al inicio del estudio. Los análisis realizados fueron los estadísticos de tendencia central y de dispersión para cada variable, y los estadísticos de contraste entre las respuestas en función del sexo, tipo de vivienda y convivencia, usando la t de Student para muestras independientes. Los datos cuantitativos se complementaron con fragmentos de las entrevistas para comentar los resultados del cuestionario. Los resultados permitieron concluir que las personas con discapacidad intelectual presentan serias dificultades para crear un vínculo sólido con su pareja y gestionar los conflictos cotidianos.
Sobre el contexto. Apuntes para un marco conceptual
Authors: Tamarit Cuadrado Javier
Published: October 2024

Este artículo explora el concepto de contexto, combinando las aproximaciones actuales a este concepto en el campo de las discapacidades del desarrollo, junto con propuestas previas, revisadas y actualizadas. Se avanza una propuesta conceptual integral que incluye un marco de contexto como constructo dinámico complejo, que emerge de la interacción de personas que actúan en diversas actividades, generadas en los entornos, ejerciendo roles diversos; y un marco de valor, vinculado necesariamente al marco de contexto. Los marcos de contexto y de valor servirían para avanzar en propuestas de intervención orientadas al logro de bienestar humano integral y de buena comunidad.
A szervezeti boldogságot befolyásoló indikátorok – a "GNH of Business" logika alapján
Authors: Bencsik Andrea , Jármai Erzsébet , Tóth Zsuzsanna
Published: October 2024

Az elmúlt néhány év pandémiás helyzetének is köszönhető, hogy a wellbeing (szervezeti jóllét) jelentősége felértékelődött a gyakorlatban. A tanulmány célja annak bemutatása, hogy a holisztikus megközelítést alkalmazó „GNH of Business” módszertana alkalmazható hazai feltételek között, és segítségével kimutathatók azok az indikátorok, melyek a legnagyobb mértékben befolyásolják a munkatársi elégedettség, wellbeing érzését, összességében a szervezeti boldogságot. A kvantitatív kutatásban 773 magyarországi szervezet vett részt. A „GNH of Business” módszertanán túl statisztikai elemzéseket végeztek a szerzők (klaszteranalízis, logisztikus regresszió, diszkriminanciaanalízis). Az eredmények azt mutatják, hogy a vizsgált szervezetekben a munkavállalók boldogságszintje az átlag alatt van, elsősorban az „életminőség” és a „pszichológiai jóllét” területek miatt. A bizalmon alapuló szervezeti kultúra és a munka – magánélet egyensúlya, amely hosszú távú biztonságot, folyamatos fejlődést és a nyugdíjba vonulásra való felkészülést biztosítja, a fenntartható szervezeti működés és a munkavállalók jóllétének záloga.
A kultúra hatásának vizsgálata a tudásmegosztásra Magyarország és Svédország esetében
Authors: Vágner Vivien , Bencsik Andrea
Published: October 2024

A szerzők kutatásának témája a kultúra hatásának vizsgálata a tudásmegosztásra Magyarország és Svédország esetében. A kulturális különbségek feltárása segíthet annak megértésében, hogy mely tényezők befolyásolják a tudásmegosztást különböző környezetekben és hogyan lehet ezeket a különbségeket felhasználni a hatékonyabb működés érdekében. A szerzők célja az, hogy megvizsgálják a kultúra hatását a tudásmegosztásra különböző aspektusból a két nemzet összevetése alapján. Bizonyítani kívánják, hogy a szervezeteknek a kulturális tényezők figyelembevételével kell a tudásmegosztást megszervezniük. Kutatási módszerük a Delphi-módszer, amelyet két fordulóban valósítottak meg. Az első körben nyílt kérdéseket tettek fel, a második körben pedig egy kérdőívet küldtek ki. Az első kör eredményeit az ATLAS.ti és a Voyant Tools szövegelemző szoftverrel, a második kör eredményeit az IBM SPSS program segítségével elemezték. A kutatási eredmények alapján elmondható, hogy a magyar és a svéd válaszadók eltérően vélekednek a tudásmegosztásról.
Thermal ablation for Bethesda III and IV thyroid nodules: current diagnosis and management
Authors: Chan Wen-Hui , Chiang Pi-Ling , Lin An-Ni , Chang Yen-Hsiang , Lin Wei-Che
Published: October 2024

The diagnosis and management of Bethesda III and IV thyroid nodules remain clinical dilemmas. Current guidelines from academic societies suggest active surveillance or diagnostic lobectomy. However, the extent of surgery is often inappropriate, and a considerable percentage of patients experience under- or over-treatment. Thermal ablation has gained popularity as a safe and effective alternative treatment option for benign thyroid nodules. This review explores the feasibility of thermal ablation for Bethesda III or IV thyroid nodules, aiming to preserve the thyroid organ and avoid unnecessary surgery. It emphasizes individualized management, the need to consider factors including malignancy risk, clinical characteristics, and sonographic features, and the importance of supplemental tests such as repeat fine needle aspiration cytology, core needle biopsy, molecular testing, and radioisotope imaging.
HEALING AND REGENERATIVE EFFECT OF PRF ON COMPLICATIONS OF RHINOPLASTY
Authors: Côrte Filipa , Masi Elen , Masi Nassif Flávia , Masi Roberta
Published: October 2024

﻿Introduction: With the increasing number of rhinoplasties performed, an increase in complications related to the procedure is also expected. Although skin and/or mucosal necrosis are rare complications, they are feared due to its strong negative aesthetic and psychological impact on patients. Therefore, the search for solutions has been incessant, and the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and/or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) have shown themselves to be a promising answer. Objective: This article presents three clinical cases of mucosal/cutaneous necrosis after rhinoplasty, in which PRF membrane...
APPLICATIONS OF THE USE OF PLATELET-RICH FIBRIN (PRF) IN RHINOPLASTY IN PATIENTS WITH THIN SKIN
Authors: Koerner Heloisa , Mocellin Marcos
Published: October 2024

﻿Introduction: Rhinoplasty demands intense knowledge about the reconstruction of the osteocartilaginous structure. Depending on the thickness of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, the results after rhinoplasty may be more evident, with retractions and demarcations of the underlying structures, leading to an unaesthetic result. Objective: The present study aims to describe the platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) technique and the application options for the material in rhinoplasty, according to evidence from scientific studies. Methods: Two clinical cases are reported, showing the great improvement in...
What do trees reveal about the sliding of the lateral moraine of the Belvedere Glacier (western Italian Alps)?
Authors: Bollati Irene Maria , Azzoni Roberto Sergio , Tagliaferri Anna , Tronti Gianluca , Pelfini Manuela , Vilímek Vít , Brodský Lukáš
Published: October 2024

The debris-covered Belvedere Glacier is an iconic place for investigating glacier dynamics and geomorphological processes typical of high mountain environments. Moreover, being located in an area highly suited to tourism, glacial and geomorphological hazards can evolve into risk scenarios. Particular attention has been paid during this research to the surge-type event that occurred at the beginning of the 21st century, and to the recent sliding of a lateral moraine nearby the chairlift station. Tree sampling was performed (19 trees on the lateral moraine; 10 undisturbed trees), and the results were compared with morphometric measurements on orthophotos of different years. Besides sampling trunks, the six available exposed roots (13 samples) from a tree located along the sliding niche were sampled to identify the exposure time. Morphometric measurements of the touristic trail dislocation indicate a sliding rate of 1.87 m/y – 1.98 m/y (2018–2023), while the regression rate of the sliding niche is 1.70 m/y (2021–2023). The age of trees along the trench is variable (14–49 years), as is the signal of compression wood, enhancing differentially the passage of the surge wave and the subsequent glacier downwasting. The beginning of root exposure occurred between 2017 and 2019, before the effective evidence of large fractures in the ground. Moreover, the roots show traumatic resin ducts in the period between 2020 and 2022, confirming the tree disturbance. In conclusion, the investigated events are recorded differentially in the sampled trees, especially in roots, anticipating the actual commencement of ground failure. A multidisciplinary approach, including remote sensing, field survey, and dendrogeomorphological analysis is essential to define the dynamics of complex systems.