bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Community-Based Mental Health Program on Self-Care Behavior of Mentally Ill Pastient
Authors: Yu SookJa , Lee Kwang Ja , Ae Jung Hee , Cha Jin Gyung
Published: September 2024

This study was carried out in order to know the level of self-care behavior of chronic mental patients who live in their community and take whether the programme is able to affect on the self-care behavior, after mental health nursing progrmme. The period of the study is from August in 1996 to August in 1997. The object of the study is 26 mental disorder patients who have been cared by Seung Buk Gu public health center participated in this study.The tool of this study was selected 46 questions which are adequate to mental disorder patients and was developed a self-care measurement and references by Sook—Ja Yoo(1991). The community mental health nursing rehabilitation programme has centered on the Seung Buk Gu public health center that a nurses for mental health rehabilitation and mental health nursing scholars forcused on mental disorder patients at their home. The programme required a client*s meeting 5 times a week and family counsellor once a week. The clienfs meeting involved daliy life training, social skill training, occupational therapy, working therapy, music therapy, art therapy, group therapy, recration and exercise. The family counsellor involved recognizing of family’s need, symptoms and medicine management for their patient's and support of families and patients. At the begining of the programme, the level of self-care behavior of the mental disorder patients had been taken. After 6 months, the level of self-care behavior had been taken. Also after the 6 month’s progrmme, the level of self-care behavior was taken again. The level of self-care behavior of the patients presented that fields of dressing, safety, individual hygiene and eating had no problem to the patients, however the patients have difficulty in the field of leisure life and social life. Therefore it is known that the level of self-care behavior in mental disorder patients is more less in the community than at home for leisure life and social life.After programme, the change of self-care behavior was shown differenty the mean value 2.48 at the first period and 2.75(t= -3.24, p=.003) at the second period. The second of self-care behavior was measured and the third of self-care behavior was measured at the 6 months after. The second and third measurement were not shown differently but was shown a few addition. The first and third measurement were shown differently(t= —4.11, p = .000). Finally, a comparison of the relationship of at the first, second and third self-care behavior de* gree(M=2.92) was shown differently(F=5.346, p = .007)，especially the third measurement was shown as expressed “I do frequently* on all scope except leisure life, household affairs life and social application scope.Conclusively, the community mental health nursing rehabilitation programme had effect on self-care behavior of the chronic mental disorder patients and further programme will be consider on liesure life.
Effect of Community Mental Health Rehabilitatin Program on the Quality of Life of Chronic Mental Illness Patients
Authors: Lee Jeong Seop , Lee Peong Sook , Yang Keung Sook , Kim Hyun Jin
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of the Community Mental Health Rehabilitation Program on the quality of life of chronic mental illness patients. The Community Mental Health Rehabilitation Program was consisted of home visiting and day case program such as social skill training, ADL, Occupational therapy, Music therapy, Art therapy group therapy, Recreational therapy, movement therapy and Family education.Quality of life Inventory was developed by refered by the No Yoo Za’s(1988) tool. 27 subjects were given community mental Health Rehabilitation program during the one year.Level of Quality of life was measured three times.Before the program started, after six months, and one year after program was given.Data were analyzed paired t-test and ANOVA.The results were as follow.1. In domain of quality of life, family relation and indoor relation, economic life conditions are very poor.2. Effects of Community Mental Health Rehabilitatin Program on the Qualtiy of life were as follow : and the score of QOL at before the program started and after one year are significantly different(t= — 4.26, p=.OOO), Result of this study showed that this program is effective on increasing QOL of chronic mental illness patient.
The Effects of Guided Imagery on Depression, Serum Cortisol Level and Imagery Ability of Psychiatric Patients
Authors: Cho Mi Rim , Yu SookJa
Published: September 2024

This study was designed to investigate the effects of guided imagery on depression, serum cortisol level and imagery ability of psychiatric patients.The subjects were assigned to the control(N=17) and experimental (N=17) groups. These two groups received both pre—test and post—test.There were no significant differences between these groups in terms of their age, frequency of admission, days of hospitalization, depression, serum cortisol level, imagery ability etc. The experimental group participated in the guided imagery for 19 minutes per at one given time, conducted twice a week during 4weeks period. The data were analyzed after using the unpaired t-test, paired t-test, t-test and 父 2 -test.The results were as follows :1. There was a significant difference in depression between the groups. The depression scores decreased significantly after the treatment in the experimental group.2. Serum cortisol level decreased significantly after the treatment in the experimental group.3. There was a significant difference in imagery ability between the two groups. The imagery ability scores increased significantly after the treatment in the experimental group.In conclusion, the guided imagery was effective in reducing the depression and serum cortisol level, in improving the imagery ability.So the researchers suggest that guided imagery be used as an independent nursing intervention in the clinical practice.
Case Management of Schizophrenic Patients
Authors: Kim Yoon Hee
Published: September 2024

Case management is a medical of service with which the caregivers assess the needs of patients and their families, then prepare, mediate, monitor, evaluate, and support the service. The method is being most widely utilized in advanced welfare countries, since it enables effcient application of (un)official resources of community on the basis of prior assesment on the patient and service plan. It is also a cost-effective way of service provision for the diagnosis and management are done in a comprehensive fashion.The case dealt here is about a schizophrenic residential patient registered at the House of Love (an affiliated facility of Health Promotion Center in Sung bukku). His symptoms occurred during his adolescence and he has been under treatment for 14 years, He is now 29.His mother married when she was only 19 yeals old, without any preparation for a mother role, His father, a severe alcoholic since youth, was oggressive, rigid, and demanding. The patient is one of the two children victimized by parents who weren’t happily married.He has been under continuous treatment, but when the case management team met him, it seemed he couldn’t adapt to the real world, Schizophrenic symptoms have become chronic and his ego functions were so impaired he couldn’t manage his daily life and personal hygiene. He didn't have the communicative, relationship skills and was jobless.The team first assessed the major problems of the patient and his family and set up management plans.With a good of solving the problems and preventing a relapse, the team has done case management for 2 years through a comprehensive service : 68 times of home visits, 12 times of counselling on the phone, introduction to rehabilitation programs, and networking community resources.In the process, the patient has shown im provements. He functioned better in daily living situations and could better take care of himself. The family has also shown greater rapport for him and felt less strined than before. Never the less, he is not yet prepared to deal with the real world.The crucial part of case management is to help patients to achieve the goal of the treatment. To this end, case managers should be able to give unconditional love and devotion to the patient.
A Psychiatric Day Care in Japan
-focused on problems-
Authors: Choi Mi Kyoung
Published: September 2024

A study was held on the day care (DC) patients who attended from 1976 to 1990 at one psychiatric hospital in J apan. Some problems, raised during survey of DC patient's rehabilitation were summarized in this paper.In the total 172 DC users during 15 years, 116 subjects were surveyed excluding 40 in-patients and 16 dead person.As this hospital changed in DC services including abolition of duration limit from 1986, comparison between subjects started their DC attending in 1976-1985 and 1986—1990 was conducted in aspect of DC attending duration.The results are as follows :After 1986, DC attending period was extended and a portion of more than one year DC user was 70%, on the other hand 16% before 1986.More passive DC attending subjects showed more tendancy of extended DC period.After 1986, ages of streets at their first DC attending were highered, specially a portion of subjects in their age of more than forties was 49%, on the other hand 26% before 1986.In the case of first DC attending subjects after 1986, single persons were increased compared with subjects before 1986, and many subjects were unemployed, particularly most of single person had no jobs when survey was conducted.Many subjects answered that most helpful com municator was DC staffs.On the basis of upper results, day hospitalism was discussed in association with a tendency of high age and motivations attended of subjects at their first DC, the importance of roles of DC staffs and communty networks.
A Study of Relationship between Self-disclosure and Alienation in Nursing Students
Authors: Lee Mi Ryun
Published: September 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between self-disclosure and alienation m nursing students.This study was carried out with 292 nursing students at junior college located in Taegu and Kyungpook, Korea during the period from March 16 to 23, 1998.The instruments for this study were the self-disclosure questionnaire developed by Jourard(1958) and alienation scale by Jean(1986).The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, F—test, Pearson correlation coefficients and ANOVA.The results of this study were as follows :1. There was negative correlation between self-disclosure and alienation in nursing students(r = -0.219, p< 0.001).2. The mean of self-disclosure score was 0.99 and the mean of alienation score was 206.17.The rank order of self-disclosure related disclos ure categories was tastes/interests(M == 1.09), studies/activi t ies (M = 1.07), attitudes/opinions (M = 1.02), body/health (M = 0.99), personality/ mood (M=0.96), income/money(M=0.83).The rank order of self-disclosure related disclos ure targets was friends(M = 1.25), sibling(M~l.09)，mother(M = 1.00)，father(M=0.63).The rank order of alienation was normlessness (M = 36.54)，self-estrangement(M =35.94), pow erlessness (M =35.63), social isolation (M = 33.85).meaninglessness(M = 33.55), cultural estrangement(M = 31.57).3. The relationship between general characteristics and the each categories of disclosure showed a significant difference : grade and body/health (F=3.90 p = 0.021), economic status and attitudes/opinions(F = 5.201)= 0.006)，educational level of father and tastes/interests( F=2.84 p==().038), educational level of mother and attitudes/ opinions(F = 3.19 p = 0.043)，educational level of mother and tastes /interest s (F=5.57 p=0.004), occupation of parents and personality/mood (F == 2. p=0.039).4. The relationship between general characteristics and the subtype of alienation showed significant difference : grade and self-estrangement (F== 4.07 p=0.018), religion and social isolation(F=4.(X) p=0.008), religion and cultural estrangement (I ? = 2.95 p = 0.033), economic status and social isolation(F=4.10p=0.018).In conclusion, this study suggested that then; is need to implement self-disclosure training program for nursing students to decrease alienation.
The Impact of Climate Change on Rice Production in Punjab: An Auto Regression Distributed Lag Model
Authors: Hussain Yasser
Published: September 2024

This paper investigates the trends and impact of climate change on production of paddy in Punjab for the period 1990 to 2021. Employing ARDL analysis to assess both short and long-term perspectives, alongside diagnostic analysis, the research finds that positive relationship between rainfall and rice production. Specifically, a 1% rise in rainfall leads to a 0.88% increase in rice production. Similarly, a 1% increase in maximum temperature is associated with a 1.82% rise in rice production. Additionally, a 1% increase in minimum temperature resulted in a 4.67% boost in rice production. In conclusion, this research confirms that rainfall and temperature have a favourable effect on rice output. Furthermore, the paper highlights the importance of government support and effective policy implementation as key factors contributing to these observed outcomes.
THE YOUNG AND OLD LEARNING TOGETHER
Authors: Weinstein Nicole
Published: September 2024

Chester-based Nursery in Belong is one of a handful of UK early years settings pioneering an intergenerational approach to learning. Nicole Weinstein spoke to staff, children and older people
Spectroscopic Investigation of Pearl Samples from Online Platforms and E-Marketplaces
Authors:   Faculty of Gems, Burapha University, Chanthaburi Campus, Chanthaburi 22170, Thailand, Phlayrahan Aumaparn , Boonchu Sirintra ,   Faculty of Gems, Burapha University, Chanthaburi Campus, Chanthaburi 22170, Thailand
Published: September 2024

P urchasing pearls from online platforms and e-marketplaces has been around for years, where buyers could join in the thrill of the show of opening pearls from oysters or mollusks. In exchange for those materials that claim to be pearls, buyers must pay a high price per piece. In this study, the spectroscopic properties of twenty-seven samples purchased from online platforms and e-marketplaces were revealed. The FTIR spectra show the characteristic peaks of aragonite at 1483, 716, 712, and 699 cm-1, while exhibiting the vaterite peaks at 882 and 879 cm-1. Correspondingly, Raman spectra indicate the ν1 symmetrical and ν4 in-plane bending modes of the carbonate at 1083, 701, and 704 cm-1. Thus, it clarified that all the samples are pearls. The SrO/MnO ratio acquired by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDXRF) at an average of 0.44 suggested that the samples are freshwater pearls. Apart from the white pearl, the cause of the color of the sample is separated into two factors. The natural color, which is presented in cream and peach, is caused by polyene pigments. In contrast, vivid colors such as blue, violet, purple, and pink are shown as evidence of dyes. The UV-Vis reflectance spectra also present a different absorption between natural and dyed pearls.
Development of an ESP32 Microcontroller-based Colorimeter with an Android App for the Verification of Roasting Degree of Coffee Beans
Authors:   Department of Computer, Faculty of Science and Technology, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand, Comejina Prathan , Kanna Miki ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand, Somnam Sarawut ,   Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, Chiang Mai 50300, Thailand
Published: September 2024

A lo w-cost and portable colorimeter was developed using an ESP32 microcontroller and a TCS34725 color sensor to monitor the degree of coffee roast, crucial for maintaining flavor consistency and controlling product quality across different batches. The colorimeter detected color recognition resulting in RGB color intensity values, which could be displayed on the device’s TFT LCD touchscreen. Additionally, colorimetric data was transmitted in real-time via WiFi and stored in a MySQL database using an Android app created with the MIT App Inventor platform. The colorimeter was powered by a rechargeable lithium phosphate battery. The consistency of coffee roasting was ensured by self-identifying the standard RGB values of the roasted coffee beans at five degrees (light, light-medium, medium, medium-dark, and dark) with the app. The darker the color of the roasted coffee, the lower the RGB values were gained. The color detection was highly precise, with a relative standard deviation of less than 5%.
Path Through Specified Nodes and Links in a Network
Authors: Kumar OAM Santosh , Munapo Elias , Nyamugure Philimon , Tawanda Trust
Published: September 2024

A constrained shortest route problem in graph theory is about determination of a shortest path between two given nodes of the network that also visits a given set of specified nodes or a set of specified links before arriving to the destination. These earlier approaches did not consider specified elements containing both nodes and links of the given network. This paper finds a shortest path joining the origin node to the destination node, which is constrained to pass through a set of ‘K’ specified elements of the given network, where K1 number of elements represent nodes, 0<K1<K, and K2 number of elements represent links, where K1+K2=K. Alternatively, if the specified elements representing nodes are contained in the set Sn and the remaining elements representing links by the set Sl, and the set of specified elements denoted by the set Se, then Se={Sn ∪ Sl}. Such restricted path will also have real-life applications. Depending upon the configuration of the specified elements, these constrained paths may have loops. The approach discussed in this paper is a heuristic approach, which finds the required constrained path in a real time.
Research on Tropical Medicine and Germ Theory in Colonial Hong Kong: Focusing on Malaria and Plague Prevention
Authors: SIHN Kyu-hwan
Published: September 2024

At the end of the nineteenth century, Hong Kong was in the midst of a malaria and plague epidemic which caused a fierce dispute within the medical community over disease theories and quarantine practices. However, the Hong Kong colonial authorities and medical community did not immediately accept the theory of etiology based on germ theory. Although germ theory was becoming scientifically established through research on plague and malaria in the 1890s, the Hong Kong colonial authorities and medical community did not immediately accept it. Patrick Manson (1844-1922) began studying tropical medicine based on germ theory by studying elephantiasis and malaria in Amoi and Hong Kong during the 1880s. However, he was unable to strongly advocate for a quarantine policy based on germ theory because the exact transmission routes of these diseases were not yet fully understood. Although the scientific community began to shift towards germ theory after the discovery of causative bacteria for diseases like malaria and plague in the 1880s and 1890s, many medical and colonial health officials in Hong Kong still held on to the quarantine policy based on miasma theory. However, a series of infectious diseases and destructive miasma theory-based quarantine measures were pushing Hong Kong society into chaos, and the existing quarantine measures was no longer sustainable. In the twentieth century, colonial authorities and medical community in Hong Kong adopted tropical medicine and quarantine measures based on germ theory as their prominent position. Despite the establishment of tropical disease theory based on germ theory, racial perceptions of disease did not change significantly. Instead, the theory of tropical medicine reinforced orientalist views of disease.
Behind the Protein Battle Lines in the 1970s: Nutritional Turmoil in the Postwar World
Authors: LEE Dongkue
Published: September 2024

This study examines the development of international debates about the perception of nutrients, particularly protein, with a focus on the “Protein Debate” of the late 20th century. The nutritional obsession with protein has been ongoing since the early 19th century, when scientific nutrition was established, and has been at the center of debates surrounding food, agriculture, healthcare, and the environment, changing in shape and form over time. In addition to being a nutrient necessary for optimal physical and mental performance, protein has been a marker of poverty and discrimination at the international level and explains differences in individual living standards. Kwashiorkor, also known as protein calorie disorder, medicalized the problem of poverty in the Third World or underdeveloped countries. By the 1970s, the nutritional discussion of protein had undergone a radical transformation, with implications for the entire development discourse, including poverty and human rights. This study of the historical discourse on protein deficiency goes beyond the scientific focus on nutritional status, food, and dietary health to identify the social, economic, and cultural implications of nutrition.
La lingua è una questione di potere: linguaggio giuridico e lingua di genere
Authors: Cavagnoli Stefania
Published: September 2024

The contribution deals with the relationship between language, legal language and power. It is not possible to think about language outside of a cultural context; culture primes the language used in common and specialized spheres, handing down linguistic traditions and routines.
Especially when considering the Italian language such traditions and routines are androcentric. The point of reference, the linguistic ego is always thought of as masculine, while the feminine is considered a normative gap. In light of this, we consider a number of legislative documents, aimed at and designed to respect gender-appropriate usage, in the Italian context.
For the European sphere, however, an example is proposed from the contrastive study of European directives and their transposition for five different languages (Italian, English, German, French and Spanish).
Il genere grammaticale in tedesco, italiano e inglese: una microtipologia contrastiva
Authors: Gaeta Livio
Published: September 2024

The general tendencies regarding the gender of nouns are dealt with in the paper with the specific aim of building a contrastive microtypology of German, Italian and English. In particular, up to six different types and functions of gender will be distinguished and will be tested against the background of empirical data drawn from the three languages. Interesting phenomena of convergence and divergence at all levels of the respective linguistic systems pop out from the contrastive analysis, starting from the phonological level up to the pragmatic and cognitive dimension.
Efeito da glicemia sérica na razão neutrófilo-linfócito em homens
Authors: Blenda Maria dos Santos Erdes  , Monique Tonani Novaes  , Ricardo Gassmann Figueiredo  , Jean Carlos Zambrano Contreras  , Ricardo Brianezi Tiraboschi  , José de Bessa Junior
Published: September 2024

Introdução: Aumentos da glicemia podem levar a anormalidades metabólicas que contribuem para o desenvolvimento de um ambiente pró-inflamatório. A razão de neutrófilos-linfócitos (RNL) tem se mostrado um marcador inflamatório clínico viável para avaliar a inflamação sistêmica. Objetivos: Este estudo tem como objetivo investigar o papel diagnóstico e prognóstico da RNL em pacientes hiperglicêmicos. Métodos: Este é um estudo observacional e prospectivo que avalia a RNL como biomarcador de atividade inflamatória em pacientes ambulatoriais com ou sem hiperglicemia. Resultados: Foram avaliados 1.827 homens com 60 anos (52-69), dos quais, 665 eram hiperglicêmicos. Os valores encontrados para o marcador de inflamação NRL foram, no grupo hiperglicêmico, 1,84 (1,35-2,38) e, no grupo normoglicêmico, 1,75 (1,35-2,21) (p = 0,0036). Conclusão: Existem diferenças significativas na RNL em homens hiperglicêmicos e normoglicêmicos. Esses achados reforçam a possibilidade de utilização dessa razão como marcador de atividade inflamatória em pacientes com hiperglicemia.
Determinantes das hospitalizações por COVID-19 no Brasil
Authors: Pereira Corrêa Vanessa , Vanti da Rocha Bruna , Prestes Schmidt Tauana
Published: September 2024

Introdução: A pandemia de COVID-19 provocou diversos desafios globais sociais e de saúde. O objetivo desse estudo foi compreender as hospitalizações de SRAG por COVID-19 no Brasil a partir dos determinantes de saúde. Método: Para tanto, foi realizado um estudo transversal descritivo com dados secundários públicos oriundos do SIVEP-Gripe sobre internações e óbitos de SRAG por COVID-19. Resultados: No total, foram 707.836 hospitalizações de SRAG por COVID-19 no período estudado. A maioria era do sexo masculino (55,6%), cor da pele branca (48,3%) e com ensino médio (31,7%). Entretanto, os óbitos foram maiores nas populações vulneráveis. Embora não existam diferenças expressivas entre as regiões, é possível observar questões relacionadas a subnotificação e território. Conclusão: Através do presente estudo, foi possível identificar a influência dos determinantes de saúde no agravamento dos casos de COVID-19. Cabe destacar que os dados sociais estruturais precisam de maior atenção no momento da notificação, inclusive, tornando-os todos dados obrigatórios, visto que mesmo enquanto dado essencial existe baixo preenchimento. Por fim, aponta-se que as desigualdades regionais estão presentes e carecem de reconhecimento para definição das estratégias de saúde pública.
Percepção sobre a qualidade de vida de portadores de Doença renal Crônica em tratamento hemodialítico em uma cidade do Norte do Brasil
Authors: Borges dos Anjos Lima Jannaiane , Colares Pereira Leitão Luciana , Dias Lima Jedlicka Leticia
Published: September 2024

Introdução: A Doença Renal Crônica tem tomado uma expansão a nível mundial, sendo que essa patologia e seus tratamentos interferem significativamente na qualidade de vida de seus portadores. Uma avaliação de fatores biopsicossociais que agridem a qualidade de vida dessas pessoas se faz necessário para auxiliar que novas políticas públicas sejam implementadas. Objetivo: Analisar a percepção sobre a qualidade de vida de pacientes com Doença Renal Crônica, bem como discutir o impacto na qualidade de vida dos portadores da Doença Renal. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo de caso de caráter qualitativo, com 20 voluntários portadores de Doença Renal Crônica em tratamento hemodialítico em uma clínica da cidade de Marabá-Pá. A coleta de dados se deu por meio de aplicação do questionário KDQOL-SF adaptado com um roteiro de perguntas qualitativas. As análises foram feitas em software específico para o questionário KDQOL-SF. Resultados: Dentre os achados, observou-se que a maioria dos entrevistados sofre com as limitações para executar atividades remuneradas. Dentre as falas, pode-se observar que muitos têm um diagnóstico tardio da patologia e que esses sofrem com restrições dietéticas e hídricas. Conclusão: Este estudo destaca o impacto substancial da DRC na qualidade de vida dos pacientes, evidenciando as limitações nas atividades remuneradas, diagnóstico tardio e restrições dietéticas e hídricas como principais desafios enfrentado a DRC tem um impacto significativo na qualidade de vida desses indivíduos. A importância da detecção precoce da DRC para intervenções oportunas conduz à necessidade de cuidados multidisciplinares que abordem aspectos médicos, psicossociais e econômicos. Além disso, o estudo ressalta a necessidade de políticas públicas eficazes, como programas de conscientização e educação contínua, para oferecer suporte abrangente aos pacientes, com abordagem integrada, incluindo orientação sobre dieta e estratégias para enfrentar as limitações impostas pela doença, pode aliviar o fardo dos pacientes, melhorando assim sua qualidade de vida e proporcionando um futuro mais promissor.
Improving neural-network-based prediction models for misalignment in off-axis three-mirror anastigmat telescopes
Authors: Başlar İsmal , Dursun Mahr
Published: September 2024

The performance of a telescope system heavily relies on the precise alignment of the mirrors. The off-axis three-mirror anastigmat (TMA) telescope presents unique challenges due to its complex optical design. Each optical element within the off-axis TMA telescope is inherently introduced with theoretical eccentricity and tilt. Furthermore, the incorporation of freeform surfaces and other optical elements with intricate surface features typically leads to low initial alignment accuracy of the optical path. With this low initial alignment accuracy and the noise of the measurements, the prediction of the misalignment of the telescope is getting harder. A fully connected neural network architecture is proposed as a misalignment calculation method for an off-axis TMA telescope system with a freeform surface. Random training data is created by using optical design software. The sensitivity of the mirrors to the wavefront error is quantified and incorporated into the loss function of the neural network to improve prediction accuracy. Adding the noisy measurement samples to the training data creates a noise-immune neural network model. Simulation results show that our model can successfully predict misalignment of the mirrors with noisy measurement values.
Ultraviolet vertical thin-film light-emitting diode
Authors: Xie Mingyuan , Gao Xiang , Jiang Yan , Tang Xianwu , Qin Feifei , Gao Xumin , Yuan Jialei , Shi Zheng , Wang Yongjin
Published: September 2024

Vertical thin-film light-emitting diode (VTF-LED) adopts a GaN thin-film structure that confines light via the top GaN-air and the bottom GaN-metal interfaces. Such interfaces provide significantly higher optical reflectivity to promote optical confinement. As the structures are cladding-less, VTF-LED can be processed from simpler epitaxial structures comprising a p-n junction and the multi-quantum wells, directly leading to facile fabrication and lower manufacturing costs. Here, we demonstrate a 310-nm-thick ultraviolet VTF-LED, where precise control of the etching technique ensures electrical and optical performance. The emission wavelength was 382.9 nm with a spectrum width of 12 nm. Compared to VTF-LEDs with a submicron structure, the subwavelength VTF-LEDs exhibit a decrease in the number of guided modes and achieve a 1.7 times enhancement in peak external quantum efficiency. Subwavelength VTF-LEDs have been confirmed as an effective method for improving the light extraction efficiency (LEE) of AlGaN-based LEDs.
Robotically steerable intraluminal imaging probe with side-viewing 3D photoacoustic computed tomography
Authors: Zhao Yongjian , Li Zonglin , Liu Li , Meng Max Q.-H
Published: September 2024

This Letter presents, for the first time to our knowledge, a continuum robotic-steered endoluminal volumetric photoacoustic tomography probe. With regard to the design of the probe, a coaxial optical and acoustic imaging system has been developed that employs a custom designed piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (PMUT). The dimensions of the system are constrained within a cylindrical housing with a diameter of 12 mm and a length of 30 mm. In regard to the robot design, the motion capabilities of the continuum robot have been successfully modeled and characterized. Based on the proposed system, the potential for early detection and screening of gastrointestinal cancers through phantoms has been validated. The experimental results demonstrate that the robotic-assisted photoacoustic system performs well in localizing unknown lesions and characterizing deep-seated abnormalities, exhibiting promising clinical applications.
Theoretical analysis for estimating laser integrated linewidth via frequency-noise power spectral density
Authors: Ma Jian-Yu , Zhan Xiao-Hai , Wang Shuang , Yin Zhen-Qiang , Chen Wei , Guo Guang-Can , Han Zheng-Fu
Published: September 2024

The measurement of a laser linewidth is significant in metrology, coherent optical communications, high-resolution sensing, and LIDAR. Firstly, in this study, we theoretically explain why estimating an integrated linewidth via a frequency-noise power spectral density (PSD) is valid. We find that the previous methods estimating the integrated linewidth via the frequency-noise PSD result from Gaussian approximation and obtain a more general consequence. Secondly, according to the theory, we propose the Voigt approximation method to improve the estimation performance. The simulation results show the Voigt approximation estimation error is lower than 5%. Finally, based on the Voigt approximation, the relationship between the interference visibility and laser linewidth is found, providing a possible convenient approach to measuring the linewidth.
Design of an RGB tunable narrowband metalens using BaTiO3 material with a high electro-optic coefficient
Authors: Lin Jinyu , Yang Rui , Xiao Xiangfeng , Zhang Shuanggen
Published: September 2024

The narrowband metalens has high-quality resolution owing to the elimination of stray light interference in optic imaging processes. However, the operating wavelength of most of the existing schemes is fixed, which restricts the functional diversity and application range. Here, we propose an RGB tunable narrowband metalens by integrating metalens and bandpass filter composed of multilayer thin film based on an F-P resonator to simultaneously achieve focusing and filtering functions using BaTiO3 material with high electro-optic coefficient. By applying external voltages on the BaTiO3 thin film (BTOTF), the refractive index can be actively modified to switch the passband of the filter, therefore realizing the tunability of operational wavelengths. The results indicate that the device exhibits the switchable wavelength ability between red, green, and blue; meanwhile, near-diffraction-limited focusing is demonstrated at wavelengths of 488.2 nm (blue), 561.6 nm (green), and 611.3 nm (red) with corresponding FWHM of 1.2 µm, 1.46 µm, and 1.5 µm, respectively. The proposed RGB tunable narrowband metalens may be beneficial to promote the development of the fields of optical imaging and sensors.
Diverse signatures of convergent evolution in cactus-associated yeasts
Authors: Gonçalves Carla , Harrison Marie-Claire , Steenwyk Jacob L. , Opulente Dana A. , LaBella Abigail L. , Wolters John F. , Zhou Xiaofan , Shen Xing-Xing , Groenewald Marizeth , Hittinger Chris Todd , Rokas Antonis
Published: September 2024

Many distantly related organisms have convergently evolved traits and lifestyles that enable them to live in similar ecological environments. However, the extent of phenotypic convergence evolving through the same or distinct genetic trajectories remains an open question. Here, we leverage a comprehensive dataset of genomic and phenotypic data from 1,049 yeast species in the subphylum Saccharomycotina (Kingdom Fungi, Phylum Ascomycota) to explore signatures of convergent evolution in cactophilic yeasts, ecological specialists associated with cacti. We inferred that the ecological association of yeasts with cacti arose independently approximately 17 times. Using a machine learning–based approach, we further found that cactophily can be predicted with 76% accuracy from both functional genomic and phenotypic data. The most informative feature for predicting cactophily was thermotolerance, which we found to be likely associated with altered evolutionary rates of genes impacting the cell envelope in several cactophilic lineages. We also identified horizontal gene transfer and duplication events of plant cell wall–degrading enzymes in distantly related cactophilic clades, suggesting that putatively adaptive traits evolved independently through disparate molecular mechanisms. Notably, we found that multiple cactophilic species and their close relatives have been reported as emerging human opportunistic pathogens, suggesting that the cactophilic lifestyle—and perhaps more generally lifestyles favoring thermotolerance—might preadapt yeasts to cause human disease. This work underscores the potential of a multifaceted approach involving high-throughput genomic and phenotypic data to shed light onto ecological adaptation and highlights how convergent evolution to wild environments could facilitate the transition to human pathogenicity.
Data-driven nexus between malaria incidence and World Bank indicators in the Mekong River during 2000–2022
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Hoang Ngoc
Published: September 2024

The increase in hydro dams in the Mekong River amidst the prevalence of multidrug-resistant malaria in Cambodia has raised concerns about global public health. Political conflicts during Covid-19 pandemic led cross-border movements of malaria cases from Myanmar and caused health care burden in Thailand. While previous publications used climatic indicators for predicting mosquito-borne diseases, this research used globally recognizable World Bank indicators to find the most impactful indicators related with malaria and shed light on the predictability of mosquito-borne diseases. The World Bank datasets of the World Development Indicators and Climate Change Knowledge Portal contain 1494 time series indicators. They were stepwise screened by Pearson and Distance correlation. The sets of five and four contain respectively 19 and 149 indicators highly correlated with malaria incidence which were found similarly among five and four GMS countries. Living areas, ages, career, income, technology accessibility, infrastructural facilities, unclean fuel use, tobacco smoking, and health care deficiency have affected malaria incidence. Tonle Sap Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, could contribute to the larval habitat. Seven groups of indicator topics containing 92 indicators with not-null datapoints were analyzed by regression models, including Multiple Linear, Ridge, Lasso, and Elastic Net models to choose 7 crucial features for malaria prediction via Long Short Time Memory network. The indicator of people using at least basic sanitation services and people practicing open defecation were health factors had most impacts on regression models. Malaria incidence could be predicted by one indicator to reach the optimal mean absolute error which was lower than 10 malaria cases (per 1,000 population at risk) in the Long Short Time Memory model. However, public health crises caused by political problems should be analyzed by political indexes for more precise predictions.
Volatile organic compound detection of Buruli ulcer disease: Headspace analysis of Mycobacterium ulcerans and used gauzes of Buruli-compatible ulcers
Authors: Chudy Stan F. J. , Phanzu Delphin M. , Kolk Arend H. J. , Sopoh Ghislain E. , Barogui Yves T. , Tzfadia Oren , Eddyani Miriam , Fissette Krista , de Jong Bouke C. , Brinkman Paul
Published: September 2024

Diagnosing Buruli ulcer (BU) is complicated by limited access to the sensitive IS2404 qPCR. Experienced clinicians report a distinct odour of Buruli ulcers. We explored the potential of headspace analysis by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from Mycobacterium ulcerans both in vitro and clinically.

This study was conducted in two phases: a discovery and validation phase. During the discovery phase, VOCs that enable identification of M. ulcerans cultures were determined. During the validation phase, these VOCs were evaluated in clinical samples for which we used gauzes from patients with skin ulcerations in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Seven M. ulcerans headspace samples were compared with four from sterile growth medium and laboratory environmental air. The univariate analysis resulted in the selection of 24 retained VOC fragments and a perfect differentiation between cultures and controls. Sixteen of 24 fragments were identified, resulting in eleven unique compounds, mainly alkanes. Methylcyclohexane was the best performing compound. Based on these 24 fragments, headspace samples originating from gauzes of 50 open skin lesions (12 qPCR positive and 38 negative) were analysed and an AUC of 0.740 (95%-CI 0.583–0.897) was obtained. As this is an experimental study, future research has to confirm whether the identified compounds can serve as novel biomarkers.
Unveiling viral pathogens in acute respiratory disease: Insights from viral metagenomics in patients from the State of Alagoas, Brazil
Authors: de Campos Gabriel Montenegro , Santos Hazerral de Oliveira , Lima Alex Ranieri Jerônimo , Leite Anderson Brandão , Ribeiro Gabriela , Todão Bernardino Jardelina de Souza , do Nascimento Jean Phellipe Marques , Souza Juliana Vanessa Cavalcante , de Lima Loyze Paola Oliveira , Lima Marlon Breno Zampieri , de Araújo Mykaella Andrade , Giovanetti Marta , Kallas Esper Georges , Sampaio Sandra Coccuzzo , Elias Maria Carolina , Slavov Svetoslav Nanev
Published: September 2024

Background

Respiratory illness affects individuals across all age demographics on a global scale, often precipitated by viral infections. The symptomatic manifestations of these diseases bear clinical resemblance, complicating the accurate determination of their etiological origins. Furthermore, the diagnostic panels for respiratory pathogens used within local medical practices, may not encompass the full spectrum of viral agents responsible for such ailments. Consequently, a significant number of clinically important viral pathogens may remain undetected.

Methods and findings

In the light of this, we conducted a metagenomic examination of 66 nasopharyngeal swab specimens, obtained from patients presenting with acute respiratory conditions yet tested negative by the standard diagnostic panels available locally. These specimens were obtained from the Public Health Laboratory, Maceio, State of Alagoas. Our findings indicate a predominant diagnostic escape of rhinoviruses and notably enterovirus D68. Moreover, our study identified a substantial quantity of sequence reads attributed to human respirovirus 3 (human parainfluenza 3) along with various herpresviruses including human herpesvirus-1, Epstein-Barr virus (Human herpesvirus-4), Human herpesviruses 6 and 7 and human parvovirus B19 (B19V). Notably, the metagenomic analysis uncovered a widespread presence of the emerging human vientovirus FB in most of sample pools, though its clinical importance remains to be elucidated.

Conclusions

The obtained results in this study underscore the invaluable role of viral metagenomics in the identification of underrecognized viruses bearing clinical relevance. Furthermore, it offers insights into the dissemination of these pathogens within the studied area, thereby informing public health strategies aimed at enhancing diagnostic accuracy and improving patient care.
Numerical solution of multi-dimensional time-fractional diffusion problems using an integral approach
Authors: Nadeem Muhammad , Jabeen Shamoona , Alotaibi Fawziah M. , Alsayaad Yahya
Published: September 2024

This paper presents a significant scheme to drive the numerical solution of multi-dimensional diffusion problems where the fractional derivatives are taken in Caputo sense. The Mohand homotopy integral transform scheme (MHITS) is the composition of Mohand integral transform (MIT) and the homotopy perturbation scheme (HPS) which can be used to investigate the numerical solution in the form of convergence series. This approach does not require any presumptions, limitations on elements, or any other hypothesis. The primary objective of this strategy is to perform its direct implementation to the recurrence relation. This method produces results in the form of a convergent series, which accurately predicts the exact results. Graphical results and plot error distribution show an excellent agreement between MHITS results and the exact solution.
Flagged observation analyses as a tool for scoping and communication in integrated ecosystem assessments
Authors: Solvang Hiroko Kato , Arneberg Per
Published: September 2024

Working groups for integrated ecosystem assessments are often challenged with understanding and assessing recent change in ecosystems. As a basis for this, the groups typically have at their disposal many time series and will often need to prioritize which ones to follow up for closer analyses and assessment. In this article we provide a procedure termed Flagged Observation analysis that can be applied to all the available time series to help identifying time series that should be prioritized. The statistical procedure first applies a structural time series model including a stochastic trend model to the data to estimate the long-term trend. The model adopts a state space representation, and the trend component is estimated by a Kalman filter algorithm. The algorithm obtains one- or more-years-ahead prediction values using all past information from the data. Thus, depending on the number of years the investigator wants to consider as “the most recent”, the expected trend for these years is estimated through the statistical procedure by using only information from the years prior to them. Forecast bands are estimated around the predicted trends for the recent years, and in the final step, an assessment is made on the extent to which observations from the most recent years fall outside these forecast bands. Those that do, may be identified as flagged observations. A procedure is also presented for assessing whether the combined information from all the most recent observations form a pattern that deviates from the predicted trend and thus represents an unexpected tendency that may be flagged. In addition to form the basis for identifying time series that should be prioritized in an integrated ecosystem assessment, flagged observations can provide the basis for communicating with managers and stakeholders about recent ecosystem change. Applications of the framework are illustrated with two worked examples.