bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planning and developing a web-based intervention for active surveillance in prostate cancer: an integrated self-care programme for managing psychological distress
Authors: Hughes Stephanie , Kassianos Angelos P. , Everitt Hazel A. , Stuart Beth , Band Rebecca
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To outline the planning, development and optimisation of a psycho-educational behavioural intervention for patients on active surveillance for prostate cancer. The intervention aimed to support men manage active surveillance-related psychological distress.

Methods

The person-based approach (PBA) was used as the overarching guiding methodological framework for intervention development. Evidence-based methods were incorporated to improve robustness. The process commenced with data gathering activities comprising the following four components:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis of depression and anxiety in prostate cancer

• A cross-sectional survey on depression and anxiety in active surveillance

• A review of existing interventions in the field

• A qualitative study with the target audience

The purpose of this paper is to bring these components together and describe how they facilitated the establishment of key guiding principles and a logic model, which underpinned the first draft of the intervention.

Results

The prototype intervention, named PROACTIVE, consists of six Internet-based sessions run concurrently with three group support sessions. The sessions cover the following topics: lifestyle (diet and exercise), relaxation and resilience techniques, talking to friends and family, thoughts and feelings, daily life (money and work) and information about prostate cancer and active surveillance. The resulting intervention has been trialled in a feasibility study, the results of which are published elsewhere.

Conclusions

The planning and development process is key to successful delivery of an appropriate, accessible and acceptable intervention. The PBA strengthened the intervention by drawing on target-user experiences to maximise acceptability and user engagement. This meticulous description in a clinical setting using this rigorous but flexible method is a useful demonstration for others developing similar interventions.

Trial registration and Ethical Approval

ISRCTN registered: ISRCTN38893965. NRES Committee South Central – Oxford A. REC reference: 11/SC/0355
Peer-mentor support for older vulnerable myocardial infarction patients referred to cardiac rehabilitation: single-arm feasibility study
Authors: Pedersen Maria , Bennich Birgitte , Boateng Takyiwa , Beck Anne Marie , Sibilitz Kirstine , Andersen Ingelise , Overgaard Dorthe
Published: August 2022

Background

The positive effects of cardiac rehabilitation are well established. However, it has an inherent challenge, namely the low attendance rate among older vulnerable patients, which illustrates the need for effective interventions. Peer mentoring is a low-cost intervention that has the potential to improve cardiac rehabilitation attendance and improve physical and psychological outcomes among older patients. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility and acceptability of a peer-mentor intervention among older vulnerable myocardial infarction patients referred to cardiac rehabilitation.

Methods

The study was conducted as a single-arm feasibility study and designed as a mixed methods intervention study. Patients admitted to a university hospital in Denmark between September 2020 and December 2020 received a 24-week peer-mentor intervention. The feasibility of the intervention was evaluated based on five criteria by Orsmond and Cohn: (a) recruitment capability, (b) data-collection procedures, (c) intervention acceptability, (d) available resources, and (e) participant responses to the intervention. Data were collected through self-administrated questionnaires, closed-ended telephone interviews, semi-structured interviews, and document sheets.

Results

Twenty patients were offered the peer-mentor intervention. The intervention proved feasible, with a low dropout rate and high acceptability. However, the original inclusion criteria only involved vulnerable women, and this proved not to be feasible, and were therefore revised to also include vulnerable male patients. Peer mentors (n = 17) were monitored during the intervention period, and the findings indicate that their mentoring role did not cause any harm. The peer-mentor intervention showed signs of effectiveness, as a high rate of cardiac rehabilitation attendance was achieved among patients. Quality of life also increased among patients. This was the case for emotional, physical, and global quality of life measures at 24-week follow-up.

Conclusion

The peer-mentor intervention is a feasible and acceptable intervention that holds the potential to increase both cardiac rehabilitation attendance and quality of life in older vulnerable patients. This finding paves the way for peer-mentor interventions to be tested in randomized controlled trials, with a view toward reducing inequality in cardiac rehabilitation attendance. However, some of the original study procedures were not feasible, and as such was revised.

Trial registration

The feasibility study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ClinicalTrials.gov identification number: NCT04507529), August 11, 2020.
Correction: Accuracy of guide wire placement for femoral neck stabilization using 3D printed drill guides
Authors: Roytman Gregory R. , Ramji Alim F. , Beitler Brian , Yoo Brad , Leslie Michael P. , Baumgaertner Michael , Tommasini Steven , Wiznia Daniel H.
Published: August 2022

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Family planning and parity among pediatric surgeons — it is time to confront a serious problem (a survey among Brazilian female pediatric surgeons)
Authors: de Jesus Lisieux Eyer , Rosina Amanda Guerra , de Oliveira Laryssa Nayana Souza Silva , Feldman Karen , Justiniano Renata Rangel , Resende Glaucia Campos , Dekermacher Samuel
Published: August 2022

Background

Obstetric problems and infertility affect female surgeons. Family perspectives influence specialty choice and attrition rates. We aim to study parity, fertility, and family planning among female pediatric surgeons. A questionnaire was filled out by licensed BFPS to evaluate pregnancy/motherhood among Brazilian female pediatric surgeons (BFPS). The professionals were divided into two groups that were compared (< 40 and ≥ 40 years of age).

Results

Eighty-three < 40 and 91 ≥ 40-year-old BFPS were included, of which 2/3 were mothers. Most planned children after being hired as consultants. Almost a tenth (8.87%) reported marital conflicts secondary to the refusal to get pregnant. A fifth reported a high-risk pregnancy, and 12.73% had miscarriages. Half reported no adverse consequences of postponing pregnancy, but 6.9% stayed childless, 16.67% had fewer children than planned, and 10.92% needed infertility treatment. Professional problems related to pregnancy/motherhood were reported by 59.09%, and 86.36% of the women who were mothers had difficulties conciliating professional duties and motherhood.

Conclusion

BFPS parity was 1.38, lower than Brazilian women (mean 1.77 children/woman). Most BFPS start their families by late 30s or early 40s. Unfavorable consequences of postponing pregnancy affected a third of BFPS. Time off after pregnancy and protection during pregnancy remain problematic. A hostile environment and life-career conflicts may lead to the abandonment of the specialty.
Spontaneous regression of pseudotumor inflammatory parotitis: case presentation and literature review
Authors: Ouattassi Naouar , Alami Meryem , Hammas Nawal , El Alami Mohamed Nouredine El Amine
Published: August 2022

Background

Pseudotumor inflammatory sialadenitis (PIS) is a rare disease. The differential diagnosis relays mainly on histopathology. We believe this is the first case of spontaneous regression of pseudotumor parotitis.

Case presentation

A 58-year-old male patient with a history of diabetes and hypertension presented a huge mass of the parotid gland suggesting an advanced stage malignancy. CT scan disclosed a large parotid tumor that invaded the parapharyngeal space and invaded the internal carotid artery in the parapharyngeal space. Complete surgical removal was therefore impossible. A biopsy was planted for further management according to the tumor board’s recommendations. Within 5 weeks from the initial consultation, the tumor has completely and spontaneously resolved. The patient presented late to his biopsy appointment due to COVID free circulation restriction as he lived in another city. Furthermore, the workup ruled out autoimmune disease, viral-induced parotitis, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor, and immunoglobulin G4− related inflammatory pseudotumor. Parotid gland biopsy revealed nonspecific fibrosis tissue. The patient remains free of disease without further treatment for a year follow-up.

Conclusions

Inflammatory pseudotumor parotitis is a manifestation of many conditions, few have been identified such as inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumor and immunoglobulin G4-related inflammatory pseudotumor but many remain unknown. Meticulous clinical and imaging, biology, immuno-pathology work-up is crucial for differential diagnosis.
Listening effort in patients with sensorineural hearing loss with and without hearing aids
Authors: Hussein Asmaa Bakr , Lasheen Reham Mamdouh , Emara Afaf Ahmed , El Mahallawi Trandil
Published: August 2022

Background

Persons with hearing loss may have difficulty in speech understanding, so they need to shift more resources from other on-going cognitive tasks. This increase in cognitive resources has been referred to as an increase in “listening effort: (LE). Two research questions were addressed: (Q1) Does hearing loss increase LE? (Q2) Can hearing aid (HA) amplification improve LE?

Methods

This study included 55 subjects that were divided into two groups: control group (I), which consisted of 15 adults with normal peripheral hearing, and study group (II), which consisted of 40 patients with bilateral SNHL. They were subdivided into two subgroups: study subgroup (IIa), which consisted of 20 patients did not use (HAs). The study subgroup (IIb) consisted of 20 patients using unilateral or bilateral HAs. LE was measured by subjective (Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ), Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS)) and behavioral measures (dual-task paradigm test (simultaneous primary auditory task (QuickSIN test) and secondary visual task (reaction time and Stroop test)).

Results

Hearing loss patients showed higher fatigue scores and lower scores in SSQ than the normal hearing subjects. They also showed significantly longer reaction times (RTs) in dual conditions. No significant difference was found between patient with SNHL with and without HAs in all tests.

Conclusion

Patients with SNHL with and without HAs showed more LE than the normal hearing subjects (Q1). Hearing aid fitting does not reduce LE (Q2). HA users showed less listening effort in favorable listening situation (higher signal-to-noise ratio) than those who did not use HAs. Increased LE is a consequence of hearing loss which could not be measured by standard audiometric measures, so it should be considered when measuring disability in those with hearing loss.
Deep carbonate reservoir and gas prediction based on multicomponent seismic amplitude attributes — A case study
Authors: Wang Hongqiu , Zhou Lu , Chen Qiyan , Gao Jianhu , Chen Kang , Liu Bingyang , Guo Xin
Published: August 2022

Multicomponent seismic exploration provides more valuable information for the prediction of underground structures, lithology, fluids, and fractures. Most studies on lithology estimation and fluid description using PP- and PS-wave seismic data mainly focus on relatively shallow targets with high porosity. Focusing on deep carbonate (dolomite) reservoirs with low porosity (generally less than 5%), we first analyze the characteristics of the seismic response difference between PP and PS waves, and then we combine logging data and seismic forward modeling to implement the identification of fluids using the amplitude difference between PP and PS waves. Data sets are acquired over grain beach dolomite reservoirs in the Cambrian Longwangmiao Formation, the central Sichuan Basin, Western China. The reservoirs are filled with different types of fluids (e.g., gas, water, bitumen, etc.). Based on comparisons between seismic responses of PP and PS waves, we observe that, at the location of the gas-bearing layer, PP-wave amplitude exhibits strong peaks and PS-wave amplitude finds relatively weak peaks, which is different from that obtained for the water-saturated layer. However, at the location of bitumen-filled reservoirs, PP- and PS-wave amplitudes exhibit strong peaks, and the reflection amplitude of PP waves is stronger than that of PS waves. Therefore, the amplitude difference of PP and PS waves provides valuable information and feasibility for fluid identification. We verify that the maximum peak amplitude attribute of PS waves may better characterize the distribution of porous dolomite reservoirs than that of PP waves, and using the attribute of maximum peak amplitude difference between PP and PS waves, we may distinguish gas-bearing and water-saturated layers. Comparing with actual drilling results, we conclude that our PP/PS interpretation technique is feasible for fluid identification in deep carbonate reservoirs.
Structural characteristics of shallow faults in the Delaware Basin
Authors: Horne Elizabeth A. , Hennings Peter H. , Smye Katie M. , Staniewicz Scott , Chen Jingyi , Savvaidis Alexandros
Published: August 2022

The Delaware Basin of Texas and New Mexico is experiencing elevated levels of seismicity. There have been more than 130 earthquakes with local magnitudes of at least 3.0 recorded between 2017 and 2021, with earthquakes occurring in spatiotemporally isolated and diffuse clusters. Many of these events have been linked to oilfield operations such as hydraulic fracturing and wastewater disposal at multiple subsurface levels; however, the identification and characterization of earthquake-hosting faults have remained elusive. There are two distinct levels of faulting in the central region of the basin where most earthquakes have been measured. These fault systems include a contractional basement-rooted fault system and a shallow extensional fault system. Shallow faults trend parallel to and rotate along with, the azimuth of S HMAX, are vertically decoupled from the basement-rooted faults, accommodate dominantly dip-slip motion, and are the product of more recent processes including regional exhumation and anthropogenic influences. The shallow fault system is composed of northwest–southeast-striking, high angle, and parallel trending faults which delineate a series of elongate, narrow, and extensional graben. Although most apparent in 3D seismic reflection data, these narrow elongate graben features also are observed from interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR) surface deformation measurements and can be delineated using well-located earthquakes. In contrast to the basin-compartmentalizing basement-rooted fault system, shallow faults do not display any shear movement indicators, and they have small throw displacement given their mapped length, producing an anomalous mean throw-to-length ratio of 1:1000. These characteristics indicate that these features are more segmented than can be mapped with conventional subsurface data. Much of the recent seismicity in the south-central Delaware Basin is associated with these faults and InSAR surface deformation observations find that these faults also may be slipping aseismically.
Are Pivotal Clinical Trials for Drugs Approved for Leukemias and Multiple Myeloma Representative of the Population at Risk?
Authors: Casey Mycal , Odhiambo Lorriane , Aggarwal Nidhi , Shoukier Mahran , Garner Jamani , Islam K.M. , Cortes Jorge E.
Published: August 2022

PURPOSE

There are significant disparities in care and outcomes for patients with leukemias and multiple myeloma (MM). To evaluate the extent to which clinical trials (CTs) match the demographic and geographic diversity of populations affected by leukemias and MM.

METHODS

CTs leading to drug approval were identified from the US Food and Drug Administration databases. Demographic and geographic data were collected from ClinicalTrials.gov and primary manuscripts. Standard descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data in frequencies and proportions, including 95% CIs, by race, ethnicity, sex, and malignancy subtypes.

RESULTS

A total of 41 (67.2%) trials leading to drug approval reported data on race and 20 (48.8%) on ethnicity. These trials included 13,731 patients, of whom 11,209 (81.6%) were White. Among minorities, Asian-Pacific Islanders and Blacks had the highest representation in chronic myeloid leukemia, 147 (12.7%) and 61 (5.3%), and lowest in chronic lymphocytic leukemia, 55 (3%) and 20 (1.1%), respectively. Proportions for Blacks, Native Americans, and Hispanics were significantly low, reflecting under-representation in trials compared with the proportion in the general population. Females were also under-represented in acute myeloid leukemia (44.7% v 60.5%, P < .0001), and males in MM (55.3% v 60.2%, P < .0001) and chronic myeloid leukemia (55.2% v 62.9%, P < .0001). The geographic distribution of trials showed inadequate regional and state participation compared with mortality for all malignancies except MM.

CONCLUSION

There are significant demographic and geographic under-representation and imbalances in pivotal CTs leading to drug approvals for leukemias and MM compared with the population affected. These disparities need to be addressed to make results applicable to all relevant populations.
Mechanical Factors Contributing to Altered Knee Extension Moment during Gait after ACL Reconstruction: A Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: KRISHNAN CHANDRAMOULI , JOHNSON ALEXA K. , PALMIERI-SMITH RIANN M.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to comprehensively examine the extent to which knee flexion angle at initial contact, peak knee flexion angle, and vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) contribute to knee extension moments during gait in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods

Overground gait biomechanics were evaluated in 26 participants with ACL reconstruction at three time points (about 2, 4, and 6 months after the surgery). Knee flexion angle at initial contact, peak knee flexion angle, peak vGRF, and peak knee extension moment were calculated for each limb during the early stance phase of gait for all three time points. A change score from baseline (time point 2 − time point 1 and time point 3 − time point 1) along with limb symmetry values (ACL − non-ACL limb values) was also calculated for these variables. Multiple linear regressions utilizing classical and Bayesian interference methods were used to determine the contribution of knee flexion angle and vGRF to knee extension moment during gait.

Results

Peak knee flexion angle and peak vGRF positively contributed to knee extension moment during gait in both the reconstructed (R
2 = 0.767, P < 0.001) and nonreconstructed limbs (R
2 = 0.815, P < 0.001). Similar results were observed for the symmetry values (R
2 = 0.673, P < 0.001) and change scores (R
2 = 0.731–0.883; all P < 0.001), except that the changes in knee flexion angle at initial contact also contributed to the model using the change scores in the nonreconstructed limb (time point 2 − time point 1: R
2 = 0.844, P < 0.001; time point 3 − time point 1: R
2 = 0.883, P < 0.001). Bayesian regression evaluating the likelihood of these prediction models showed that there was decisive evidence favoring the alternative model over the null model (all Bayes factors >1000). Standardized β coefficients indicated that changes in knee flexion angle had a greater impact (>2×) on knee extension moments than vGRF at both time points in both limbs (β
vGRF = 0.204–0.309; β
kneeflexion = 0.703–0.831).

Conclusions

The findings indicate that both knee flexion angle and peak vGRF positively contribute to altered knee extension moments during gait, but the contribution of knee flexion angle is much greater than vGRF. Therefore, treatment strategies targeting these variables may improve knee loading after ACL reconstruction.
Reliability and Comparison of Sonographic Methods for In Vivo Measurement of Human Biceps Femoris Long-Head Architecture
Authors: BRUSCO CLARISSA M. , PINTO RONEI S. , BLAZEVICH ANTHONY J.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Biceps femoris long-head fascicle length (L
f), fascicle angle (FA), and muscle thickness (MT) estimates obtained across 2 d from extended field-of-view (EFOV) sonographic images were compared with those measured from a collage of single ultrasound images (to visualize entire fascicles) as well as a range of geometric equations and extrapolation methods used on single images. Both test validity and intraday reliability were determined.

Methods

Twenty healthy adults (10 men and 10 women) were tested on two occasions (day 1 and day 2), 7 d apart at the same time of day for test–retest measurements. Ultrasound imaging was performed using EFOV and static image acquisition sequences; in the latter, four single images were acquired in-series along the muscle. From these images, L
f was assessed using seven methods: EFOV, collage, manual linear extrapolation, and four different trigonometric equations (termed equations A, B, C, and D), and FA and MT were measured in EFOV, collage, and single images.

Results

L
f, FA, and MT measured on days 1 and 2 were not different (P > 0.05) for any method, reliabilities were very high (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.91–0.98), and correlations were strong (≥0.84). Significant correlations (P < 0.05; r = 0.67–0.98) were found between EFOV and the other measurement techniques for L
f, FA, and MT. The collage method had the highest reliability for L
f, and highest rank order and correlation with EFOV.

Conclusions

Although the six different techniques used to estimate L
f provided values similar to EFOV, higher between-subject measurement variability was observed with trigonometric equations, and the collage method described herein provided the most accurate and reliable results and is therefore recommended for biceps femoris long-head architectural analysis when EFOV is not available.
Enhanced Bone Size, Microarchitecture, and Strength in Female Runners with a History of Playing Multidirectional Sports
Authors: WARDEN STUART J. , SVENTECKIS AUSTIN M. , SUROWIEC RACHEL K. , FUCHS ROBYN K.
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Female runners have high rates of bone stress injuries (BSIs), including stress reactions and fractures. The current study explored multidirectional sports (MDS) played when younger as a potential means of building stronger bones to reduce BSI risk in these athletes.

Methods

Female collegiate-level cross-country runners were recruited into groups: 1) RUN, history of training and/or competing in cross-country, recreational running/jogging, swimming, and/or cycling only, and 2) RUN + MDS, additional history of training and/or competing in soccer or basketball. High-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography was used to assess the distal tibia, common BSI sites (diaphysis of the tibia, fibula, and second metatarsal), and high-risk BSI sites (base of the second metatarsal, navicular, and proximal diaphysis of the fifth metatarsal). Scans of the radius were used as control sites.

Results

At the distal tibia, RUN + MDS (n = 18) had enhanced cortical area (+17.1%) and thickness (+15.8%), and greater trabecular bone volume fraction (+14.6%) and thickness (+8.3%) compared with RUN (n = 14; all P < 0.005). Failure load was 19.5% higher in RUN + MDS (P < 0.001). The fibula diaphysis in RUN + MDS had an 11.6% greater total area and a 11.1% greater failure load (all P ≤ 0.03). At the second metatarsal diaphysis, total area in RUN + MDS was 10.4% larger with greater cortical area and thickness and 18.6% greater failure load (all P < 0.05). RUN + MDS had greater trabecular thickness at the base of the second metatarsal and navicular and greater cortical area and thickness at the proximal diaphysis of the fifth metatarsal (all P ≤ 0.02). No differences were observed at the tibial diaphysis or radius.

Conclusions

These findings support recommendations that athletes delay specialization in running and play MDS when younger to build a more robust skeleton and potentially prevent BSIs.
Similar Postexercise Hypotension After MICT, HIIT, and SIT Exercises in Middle-Age Adults
Authors: MCCARTHY SETH F. , FERGUSON EMILY J. , JAROSZ CLAUDIA , KENNO KENJI A. , HAZELL TOM J.
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Acute bouts of moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) transiently lower systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the hours after termed postexercise hypotension (PEH); however, the effects of sprint interval training (SIT) exercise have yet to be explored in middle-age adults. Although previous work has found no effect of exercise intensity on PEH, no study has compared submaximal, near maximal, and supramaximal intensities, specifically in middle-age adults where blood pressure (BP) management strategies may be of greater importance.

Purpose

This study examined the effects of MICT, HIIT, and SIT exercises on PEH in the immediate (≤2 h) and 24 h after exercise specifically in middle-age adults.

Methods

Fourteen participants (10 female; age, 46 ± 9 yr; SBP, 116 ± 11 mm Hg; DBP, 67 ± 6 mm Hg; one hypertensive, four prehypertensive, nine normotensive) had their BP measured before, immediately (15, 30, 60, 120 min), and over 24 h after four experimental sessions: 1) 30-min MICT exercise (65% maximal oxygen consumption), 2) 20-min HIIT exercise (10 × 1 min at 90% maximum heart rate with 1-min rest), 3) 16-min SIT exercise (8 × 15 s all-out sprints with 2-min rest), and 4) no-exercise control. Postexercise BP was compared with no-exercise control.

Results

PEH was similar for all exercise sessions for SBP (P = 0.388,

= 0.075) and DBP (P = 0.206,

= 0.108). Twenty-four-hour average SBP was similar for all sessions P = 0.453,

= 0.069), and DBP was similar over 24 h except after MICT exercise compared with HIIT exercise (P = 0.018, d = 1.04).

Conclusions

In middle-age adults, MICT, HIIT, and SIT exercises are effective at reducing SBP; however, the effects on DBP are smaller, and neither reductions are sustained over 24 h.
Marketing Investment and Intangible Brand Capital
Authors: Bronnenberg Bart J. , Dubé Jean-Pierre , Syverson Chad
Published: August 2022

US companies invested over $500 billion in 2021 in intangible brand capital, over 2% of GDP. During the past decade, US companies have also been growing their internal marketing capabilities, an often overlooked source of human capital. We discuss the private and social benefits of these intangible brand capital stocks. While the private returns to companies are fairly clear, the academic literature has been divided over the social benefits and costs of advertising and promotion, the two key investment vehicles. We also discuss the implications of brand capital for measured productivity.
Mehmed Emın Üsküdari’s Sharh al-Barahin al-khamsa on Infinity Analysis and Critical Edition
Authors: Beşikci M. Necmettin
Published: August 2022

This article examines the form and content of Sharh al-Barāhīn al-khamsa, written by Mehmed Emīn Üsküdārī (d. 1149/1736-37), an important figure of eighteenth-century Ottoman Turkish philosophical thought, on the problems of the finitude of extensions and the invalidity of the idea of infinite regress. The subject of infinity appeals to a broad range of disciplines, being the mainstay of many theological questions such as the demonstrations for the existence of a necessary existent as well as many other epistemological, ontological, and cosmological issues. This question has historically concerned Peripatetic falāsifa and mutakallimūn from different intellectual traditions and has become part of a cosmopolitan theological and philosophical tradition in which distinct treatises were compiled by scholars of the post-Rāzīan period (mutaʾakhkhirūn). One of the last representatives of the late Ottoman period, Mehmed Emīn Üsküdārī, authored such a treatise on this question. This treatise is important as a window on the infinity question in Ottoman intellectual thought. In addition to the ladder (al-burhān al-sullamī) and collimation (burhān al-musāmata) demonstrations for the discussions on the infinity of extensions, this treatise also uses the mapping (burhān al-tatbīq), correlation (burhān al-tadāyuf), and throne (al-burhān al-ʿarshī) demonstrations as well as two other demonstrations mentioned by the Persian Mīrzā Jān Shīrāzī (d. 995/1587) for the discussions of infinite regress. In this context, Üsküdārī made a short and concise presentation of the aforementioned demonstrations, supporting some of them with geometric diagrams. This article consists of i) an analysis and ii) critical edition as its two main features and examines Üsküdārī’s evaluations of each of the demonstrations, their historical background, and their differences and similarities in terms of novelty and continuity.
The Intellectual Interaction of a Hijazī Scholar with the Lands of Rum: Ibrahīm al-Kūranī’s Criticism of the Hanafi-Maturidi Tradition in His Treatise Jila’ al-Anzar
Authors: Çelik Şerife Nur
Published: August 2022

§adr al-Sharī‘a’s (d. 747/1346) four premises (al-muqaddimāt al-arba‘), which were formulated to refute Fakhr al-Din al-Rāzī’s (d. 606/1210) argument negating human volitional acts and to re-articulate the principles of the Hanafī-Māturīdī tradition on the subject in a theoretical language, and Mehmed Birgīvī’s (d. 981/1573) later explanations on these premises have shaped the discussions on free-will and human action in the lands of Rum. Ibrāhīm al-Kūrānī, an Akbarian-Ash‘arī scholar who operated in Hijāz during the 17th century and was influential in the lands of Hijāz, Damascus and North Africa, wrote numerous works on this subject. With his treatise Jilā’ al-AnÛār, al-Kūrānī also got involved in the version of the discussion that occurred in the lands of Rum and analyzed the views of §adr al-Sharī‘a and al-Birgiwī. Al-Kūrānī evaluated and challenged the dominant Hanafī-Māturīdī tradition in his time and addressed various issues such as the possibility of proving human moral responsibility through the notions of particular will (al- irāda al-juz’īyya) and performance (īqāʿ), whether the states (ahwāl) were subject to creation, and if the will needed a cause for making choices. Moreover, he focused on the establishment of a middle position between absolute freedom (tafwīd) and absolute determinism (jabr). This paper aims to contextualize al-Kūrānī’s views and criticisms within the related intellectual history by suggesting that, similar to the interactions he had with other intellectual circles, al-Kūrānī’s interactions with the lands of Rum through his criticism of the dominant Hanafī-Maturidī tradition of the time was connected to his purpose of opening up space for his own intellectual position and views that had the ambition to reconcile the different schools of thought.
The role of personality traits and engagement factors towards the use of paid stickers in personal communication messages
Authors: Sawmong Sudaporn
Published: August 2022

Background:The research investigated the personality traits and engagement factors that influence the use of paid stickers in personal communication. The study was driven by the increasing significance of stickers such as emoticons and emojis in online dialogues. The study was hinged on the Theory of the big five personality traits; neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness and conscientiousness. The study tested seven hypotheses to ascertain the effect of personality traits and engagement factors towards the utilization of paid stickers in personal communication.

Methods:The research applied the quantitative survey research design, where primary data was collected from respondents that had experience in using emojis and emoticons in their communications. The data was collected from respondents in Bangkok, Thailand using a structured questionnaire between May 14, 2022, and May 31, 2022.   

Results:The results from 391 respondents indicated that conscientiousness, extraversion, openness, and neuroticism influence perceived enjoyment, while perceived enjoyment and perceived ease of use have a significant and positive influence on the intention to use paid stickers. Two elements of engagement, interactive engagement, and personal engagement were used to assess the influence of engagement parameters on the behavioral intention to use paid stickers. The intention to employ paid stickers in personal messages was found to be strongly and favorably influenced by these two engagement characteristics.

Conclusions:The study recommends that the creators of stickers, emoticons, and emojis should consider user personality features, sticker engagement, sticker simplicity of use, and the personal delight of users in the creative and communication process. The study concludes that perceived enjoyment and perceived ease of use have a large and favorable impact on the use of paid stickers. The study's main limitation was that it focused on one area of social media. This must be taken into account when applying the findings.
New findings on ligand series used as SARS-CoV-2 virus inhibitors within the frameworks of molecular docking, molecular quantum similarity and chemical reactivity indices
Authors: Morales-Bayuelo Alejandro , Sánchez-Márquez Jesús
Published: August 2022

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV)-2 virus causes an infectious illness named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus from the Betacoronavirus genus. The SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) has an important role in the viral life cycle and its active site is a very accessible region, thus a potential therapeutic approach may be to target this region to study the inhibition of viral replication. Various preexisting drugs have been proposed for the treatment of COVID-19 and the use of existing antiviral agents may reduce the time and cost of new drug discoveries, but the efficacy of these drugs is limited. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate a number of ligands used as SARS-CoV-2 virus inhibitors to determine the suitability of them for potential COVID-19 treatment.

Methods: In this study, we selected a series of ligands used as SARS-CoV-2 virus inhibitors such as: abacavir, acyclovir, amprenavir, ascorbic acid vitamin C, azithromycin, baloxavir, boceprevir, cholecalciferol vitamin D, cidofovir, edoxudine, emtricitabine, hydroxychloroquine and remdesivir. These ligands were analyzed using molecular docking, molecular quantum similarity, and chemical reactivity indices defined within a conceptual density functional theory framework.

Results: The analysis of molecular quantum similarity indices on inhibitors showed a high number of differences from a structural point of view. However, they are quite similar in their electronic density, obtaining the highest values in the electronic similarity index. Global and local chemical reactivity indices were analyzed.

Conclusions: These studies allowed for the identification of the main stabilizing interactions using the crystal structure of SARS-CoV-2 RdRp. The molecular quantum similarity and chemical reactivity descriptors provide novel insights into these ligands that can be used in the design of new COVID-19 treatments.
Speech disorders in primary progressive aphasia (PPA)
Authors: Mielniczek Katarzyna , Lipiec Marta , Dołomisiewicz Diana , Jóźwik Katarzyna , Kowalska Aleksandra
Published: August 2022

Introduction : Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a group of neurodegenerative disorders whose main feature is speech and language dysfunction. There are three main forms of PPA - non-fluent variant - agrammatic (nfvPPA), semantic variant (svPPA) and logopenic variant (lvPPA). These include the canonical syndromes currently recognized by consensus diagnostic criteria.

. Material and method : An overview of language disorders in primary progressive aphasia is presented. The impact on the conversation process and the patient's quality of life assessment was evaluated. The work was based on scientific publications posted on the scientific platform PubMed.

Results : In order to diagnose PPA, criteria must be met, i.e., language difficulties are the main feature of the clinical picture, language difficulties are the main cause of disability in daily life, and that aphasia is the most significant disorder in the initial period of the disease.

Conclusions : PPA significantly affects both the production and comprehension of speech. It affects the idea, content, construction and delivery of the patient's speech. In addition, it causes significant difficulties in the repetition of speech, both full sentences and words alone.

Keywords : "speech disorders", "aphasia", "dysarthria", "primary progressive aphasia".
On Finite Adaptability in Two-Stage Distributionally Robust Optimization
Authors: Han Eojin , Bandi Chaithanya , Nohadani Omid
Published: August 2022

The paper by Han, Bandi, and Nohadani on “On Finite Adaptability in Two-Stage Distributionally Robust Optimization” studies finite adaptability with the goal to construct interpretable and easily implementable policies in the context of two-stage distributionally robust optimization problems. To achieve this, the set of uncertainty realizations needs to be partitioned. The authors show that an optimal partitioning can be accomplished via “translated orthants.” They then propose a nondecreasing orthant partitioning and binary approximation to obtain the corresponding “orthant-based policies” from a mixed-integer optimization problem of a moderate size. For these policies, they provide provable performance bounds, generalizing the existing bounds in the literature. For more general settings, they also propose optimization formulations to obtain posterior lower bounds that can serve to evaluate performance. Two numerical experiments support these findings. A joint inventory-routing problem highlights the practical applicability for large-sized instances with mixed-integer recourse. A case study from a pharmacy retailer demonstrates that the orthant-based policies are less sensitive to cost parameters than optimal solutions, enabling these policies to outperform comparable methods when the realized cost ratio deviates from its nominal value.
Hue-indexing-based absolute phase retrieval method using a discrete hue sequence
Authors: Ma Long , Tang Ling-Xuan , Qian Rui-Jie , Pei Xin , Sun Ben-Yuan
Published: August 2022

To achieve an effective phase unwrapping for hue-based fringe projection profilometry, this paper proposes a hue-indexing-based absolute phase retrieval method using a discrete hue sequence. First, the hue component is extracted as the wrapped phase for 3D reconstruction by projecting a programmed hue fringe pattern. Afterward, a hue-indexing sequence with a random combination of six unique hues from the hue map is designed for hue unwrapping. By assigning a hue index of the fringe geometric center, the defocusing effect in the hue unwrapping is corrected, where the fringe order of the wrapped hue is then uniquely identified. The simulations show that the root mean square (RMS) of the residual error is

2.2185

×

10

−
4

r
a
d

, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is further verified through experiments using a plaster statue and a compressor blade. The measurement comparison of the proposed method and the coordinate measuring machine is provided, where the RMS error of the measured deviation is

4.09

×

10

−
2

m
m

.
Compact plasmon modulator with a high extinction ratio
Authors: Hu Xuefang , Zhao Xiangyue , Lu Changgui , Bai Yongqiang , Gu Yinwei , Lu Mengjia , Zhu Zhongjie
Published: August 2022

To keep pace with the demands in optical communications, electro-optic
modulators should feature a high extinction ratio, offer a small
footprint, and allow for practical detection. Herein, we demonstrate a
compact plasmon modulator with a high extinction ratio where a compact
modulation region composed of indium tin oxide (ITO) is embedded to
the arms of the Mach–Zehnder (M–Z) interferometer. The modulator has a
footprint of

20

µ

m

×

12

µ

m

with a modulation region of

4

µ

m

×

0.5

µ

m

. The numerical results show that the
extinction ratio is 15.2 dB when the electron concentration of ITO is
changed

4

×

10

20

c
m

−
3

. This type of modulator paves the way
for future compact optoelectronic integration and has potential
application in the fields of optical communication, photodetection,
and sensing.
Atomic microwave electric field detection enhanced by a loading resonator
Authors: Hao Desheng , Li Zhonghao , Liu Shuai , Guo Hao , Wen Huanfei , Ma Zongmin , Tang Jun , Liu Jun
Published: August 2022

Accurate detection technology of the microwave electric field is an important foundation to explore new materials, devices, and electromagnetic effects. In this paper, the design of a microwave electric field detection enhanced by a resonant cavity was proposed and experimentally verified. The simulation results show that the enhancement factor is 3.45 at the position of 3 mm from the square SRR). By combining the experimental system, the actual enhancement factor is 3.31(6), and the corresponding electric field detection sensitivity is increased from 1.02 V/m to 0.30 V/m. The proposed scheme provides certain technical support for the weak microwave electric field detection and the development of the integrated atomic microwave detection unit.
Enhancing the editorial board of JOSA B: editorial
Authors: Busch Kurt
Published: August 2022

Editor-in-Chief Kurt Busch discusses changes to the editorial board and introduces the Journal’s newest topical editors.
Imaging of electromagnetic waves using a radio over fiber system including an Si photonics microring modulator array
Authors: Li Liucun , Arai Hiroyuki , Baba Toshihiko
Published: August 2022

We propose an electromagnetic wave imaging system using Si photonics microring modulators (MRMs) as radio over fiber components. In this system, radio frequency signals detected at microwave probes are applied to the connected MRMs; an MRM is tuned to the laser wavelength using the thermo-optic effect to read-out through the optical transmission. By repeating this process for all MRMs and mapping the read-out signals in two dimensions, the distribution of electromagnetic waves can be visualized. Such system operation was demonstrated at 3.5 GHz in a 37.5 × 37.5 mm2 probing area, for which we confirmed the agreement with theoretical simulations.
Frequency conversion in time-varying graphene microribbon arrays
Authors: Salehi Mohammadreza , Rahmatian Pegah , Memarian Mohammad , Mehrany Khashayar
Published: August 2022

We investigate the possibility of frequency conversion in time-varying metasurfaces, composed of graphene microribbon arrays (GMRAs) with time-periodic modulation of their conductivity. We present a quasi-static model for the interaction of light with a temporally modulated metasurface, as well as an accurate analytical treatment of the problem of time-varying GMRAs. Results coming from numerical simulations are also available. We provide corrections to a previous related proposal for frequency conversion and refute the possibility of attaining frequency shifts not equal to an integral multiple of modulation frequency. Contrary to the preceding results, our findings show that efficient frequency conversion demands more requisites than single-layer GMRAs can supply and that its requirements can be addressed successfully by a multi-layer design.
Silicon photonic devices for scalable quantum information applications
Authors: Feng Lantian , Zhang Ming , Wang Jianwei , Zhou Xiaoqi , Qiang Xiaogang , Guo Guangcan , Ren Xifeng
Published: August 2022

With high integration density and excellent optical properties, silicon photonics is becoming a promising platform for complete integration and large-scale optical quantum information processing. Scalable quantum information applications need photon generation and detection to be integrated on the same chip, and we have seen that various devices on the silicon photonic chip have been developed for this goal. This paper reviews the relevant research results and state-of-the-art technologies on the silicon photonic chip for scalable quantum applications. Despite the shortcomings, the properties of some components have already met the requirements for further expansion. Furthermore, we point out the challenges ahead and future research directions for on-chip scalable quantum information applications.
Compact nano-void spectrometer based on a stable engineered scattering system
Authors: Sun Qi , Falak Przemyslaw , Vettenburg Tom , Lee Timothy , Phillips David B. , Brambilla Gilberto , Beresna Martynas
Published: August 2022

Random scattering of light in disordered media can be used for highly sensitive speckle-based wavemeters and spectrometers. However, the multiple scattering events that fold long optical paths within a compact space also make such devices exceedingly sensitive to vibrations and small disturbances to the disordered media. Here, we show how scattering can be engineered so that it can be used for a compact computational spectrometer that is largely insensitive to environmental factors. We designed and fabricated a three-dimensional pseudo-random nano-void pattern with 62% scattering efficiency. The controlled amount of multiple scattering ensured a sufficiently long optical path for the target resolution of 100 pm, with optimal long-term stability. The 200-μm-thick scattering silica substrate was integrated in a compact assembly with a low-cost camera sensor. The target resolution was achieved for full spectrum measurements while single wavelengths could be determined with 50 pm resolution. Such tailored scattering systems can improve the trade-off among cost, size, stability, and spectral resolution in computational spectrometers.
Preparation of Graphite-UiO-66(Zr)/Ti electrode for efficient electrochemical oxidation of tetracycline in water
Authors: Jiang Bicun , Liu Fuqiang , Pan Yang , Tan Yan , Shuang Chendong , Li Aimin
Published: August 2022

Tetracycline (TC) is widely-used antibiotic pollutant with high toxicity, refractory, persistence and bacteriostasis, and its removal from water needs to be enhanced. In this work, a novel Graphite-UiO-66(Zr)/Ti electrode was successfully prepared and evaluated for electrochemical oxidation degradation of TC. The electrochemical performance tests indicate the Graphite-UiO-66(Zr)/Ti electrode had higher electrochemical oxidation activity, which achieved higher TC removal efficiency (98.1% ± 1.5%) than Ti plate (65.2% ± 3.5%), Graphite-MIL-53(Al)/Ti electrode (79.5% ± 2.9%) and Graphite-MIL-100(Fe)/Ti electrode (89.0% ± 2.6%). The influence of operating condition was also systematically studied, and the optimized condition was pH 5.0, 20 mA/cm2 current density and 0.1 M electrolyte (Na2SO4). Through the liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS), the TC degradation pathway by Graphite-UiO-66(Zr)/Ti electrode oxidation was proposed. Under the •OH free radical oxidative decomposition effect, the double bond, phenolic group and amine group of TC were attacked. TC was transformed into intermediate product ① (m/z = 447), then was further degraded to intermediates ② (m/z = 401) and ③ (m/z = 417). The latter was fragmented into small fractions ④ (m/z = 194), ⑤but-2-enedioic acid (m/z = 116) and ⑥oxalic acid (m/z = 90, the proposed intermediate). In addition, TC removal remained at 89.6% ± 2.7% in the sixth cycle of operation, which confirmed the efficient reusability and stability for antibiotics removal from water.