bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A machine learning model based on preoperative multiparametric quantitative DWI can effectively predict the survival and recurrence risk of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Qu Chao , Zeng Piaoe , Li Changlei , Hu Weiyu , Yang Dongxia , Wang Hangyan , Yuan Huishu , Cao Jingyu , Xiu Dianrong
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To develop a machine learning (ML) model combining preoperative multiparametric diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and clinical features to better predict overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) following radical surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Materials and methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 234 PDAC patients who underwent radical resection at two centers. Among 101 ML models tested for predicting postoperative OS and RFS, the best-performing model was identified based on comprehensive evaluation metrics, including C-index, Brier scores, AUC curves, clinical decision curves, and calibration curves. This model’s risk stratification capability was further validated using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis.

Results

The random survival forest model achieved the highest C-index (0.828/0.723 for OS and 0.781/0.747 for RFS in training/validation cohorts). Incorporating nine key factors—D value, T-stage, ADC-value, postoperative 7th day CA19-9 level, AJCC stage, tumor differentiation, type of operation, tumor location, and age—optimized the model’s predictive accuracy. The model had integrated Brier score below 0.13 and C/D AUC values above 0.85 for both OS and RFS predictions. It also outperformed traditional models in predictive ability and clinical benefit, as shown by clinical decision curves. Calibration curves confirmed good predictive consistency. Using cut-off scores of 16.73/29.05 for OS/RFS, Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed significant prognostic differences between risk groups (p < 0.0001), highlighting the model’s robust risk prediction and stratification capabilities.

Conclusion

The random survival forest model, combining DWI and clinical features, accurately predicts survival and recurrence risk after radical resection of PDAC and effectively stratifies risk to guide clinical treatment.

Critical relevance statement

The construction of 101 ML models based on multiparametric quantitative DWI combined with clinical variables has enhanced the prediction performance for survival and recurrence risks in patients undergoing radical resection for PDAC.

Key Points

This study first develops DWI-based radiological–clinical ML models predicting PDAC prognosis.

Among 101 models, RFS is the best and outperforms other traditional models.

Multiparametric DWI is the key prognostic predictor, with model interpretations through SurvSHAP.

Graphical Abstract
Multi-stakeholder collaboration framework for post-harvest loss reduction: the case of tomato value chain in Iringa and Morogoro regional in Tanzania
Authors: Izdori Fides John , Mkwambisi David , Karuaihe Selma Tuemumunu , Papargyropoulou Effie
Published: February 2025

Globally, one-third of the food produced for human consumption globally is wasted, a figure projected to rise with increased food production. Collaborative efforts across food supply chains can mitigate post-harvest losses, playing a crucial role in enhancing food security. However, frameworks for multi-stakeholder collaborations remain underdeveloped, particularly in developing countries. We address this gap by focusing on the case study of tomato food supply chain in Tanzania. Using value chain analysis with farmers, traders, and transporters in the Iringa and Morogoro regions, findings reveal that 28% of post-harvest losses stem from climate and weather conditions, followed by limited market knowledge (12.5%) and inadequate storage facilities (11%). The results further show that only a small proportion of the tomato is transported to the market due to bad roads and there is limited number of processing industries, exacerbating the issue. Farmers have no knowledge as to how much they will produce or where they will sell in the next season. Building on these findings, the study revises Bhattacharya and Fayezi’s (Ind Mark Manag 93: 328–343, 2021) framework to propose a tailored multi-stakeholder collaboration framework for the Tanzania food supply chain context. This framework aims to empower smallholder farmers to reduce losses and increase incomes while fostering sustainable collaborations applicable to other value chains and regions.
Preparing to deliver a stepped wedge cluster-randomised trial to test the effectiveness of daily symptom tracking integrated into electronic health records for managing rheumatoid arthritis: a mixed-methods feasibility trial
Authors: Druce Katie L. , Masood Yumna , Chadwick Helen , Skyrme Sarah , Griffiths-Jones Deb , Bravo Santisteban Ramiro D. , Bower Peter , Firth Jill , Sharp Charlotte A. , Armitage Christopher J. , Dowding Dawn , McBeth John , Sanders Caroline , Dixon William G. , van der Veer Sabine N. ,   on behalf of the REMORA team
Published: February 2025

Background

We sought to assess the feasibility of a stepped-wedge cluster-randomised trial testing the effectiveness of a complex mHealth intervention called REMORA: a co-designed smartphone app enabling daily, weekly and monthly symptom tracking integrated into electronic health records for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods feasibility trial using a convergent approach with some explanatory sequential elements. Patients were eligible to take part if they were older than ≥18 years of age, had (suspected) RA or undifferentiated inflammatory arthritis, and consented to take part from two outpatient departments. We analysed quantitative app and electronic health record data descriptively. We analysed qualitative data from interviews and clinic observations thematically. We assessed four feasibility domains: recruitment and consent (target: 15 patients per site), intervention uptake (≥70% of recruited participants completed on-boarding, i.e., registered with the app and submitted at least one symptom report), intervention adherence (>50% daily symptom reports provided), and measuring disease activity as the primary outcome (scores available for ≥80% of people with a follow-up clinic visit). Due to time constraints, we only recruited patients to the intervention group, leaving us unable to test the logistics of randomising sites in accordance with the trial’s cluster stepped wedge design.

Results

Of 130 people screened, 52 consented. Of those, 32 (62%) completed on-boarding. On-boarded participants provided symptom data on 2384/3771 (63%) of possible days. Among the 48 people who had ≥1 follow-up appointment, at least one disease activity scored was obtained for 46 (96%) of them. Factors related to intervention uptake formed the biggest threat to trial feasibility, including lack of clarity of communication and guidance, access to technology, and personal challenges (e.g., being busy or unwell).

Conclusion

We found that delivering a trial to test the effectiveness of integrated symptom tracking in rheumatology outpatient settings was feasible. The future REMORA trial will contribute to the much-needed evidence base for the impact of integrated symptom tracking on care delivery and patient outcomes, including decision-making, patient experience, disease activity, and symptom burden.

Trial registration

This feasibility trial was registered at https://www.isrctn.com/ on 23-Jan-2023 (ISRCTN21226438).
Developing and standardizing a tool to assess the health education needs of diabetic patients at Jazan Armed Forces Hospital
Authors: Abdelwahid Hassan A. , Dahlan Hesham M. , Mojemamy Gassem M. , Al-Harbi Turki J. , Indarkiri Nouf Y. , Tourkmani Ayla M.
Published: February 2025

Background

Determining the health educational needs of people living with diabetes is essential in developing patient-centered, structured health education programs that aim to improve the outcome of diabetes care.

Objectives

To develop a tool for the identification of the health education needs of individuals living with diabetes in the Jazan Armed Forces Hospital (JAFH) and to standardize the questionnaire through the assessment of its reliability and validity.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was used in the present work, which included 303 participants living with diabetes. The researchers and an expert panel in family medicine and endocrinology created a comprehensive and mutually exhaustive questionnaire covering every potential area of health education needs. It included a 15-item section with questions on a 5-point Likert scale for determining the participants’ needs for health education. Cronbach’s alpha was used to determine the Likert scale’s reliability. Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the Likert scale’s construct validity.

Results

The total number of males was 123 (40.6%) and that of females was 180 (59.4%). Their mean ages were 55.9 ± 12.9, ranging from 18 to 94 years. The reliability of the 15-item Likert scale was 83%, and it increased to 90% when the redundant items (n = 5) were eliminated. The test had an 86% test–retest reliability when repeated. Also, the final 10-item Likert scale has significant face, content, and construct validity. Two components with eigenvalues over 1 (generic knowledge about diabetes, and diabetes and travel) could be extracted out of the 10-item Likert scale.

Conclusion

The final 10-item Likert scale offers a good degree of validity and reliability for determining the health education needs of individuals living with diabetes. The two Likert scale components (general information on diabetes, and diabetes and travel) and their contributing items were identified from the questionnaire, which is standardized and helpful in both practice and research, in order to ascertain patients' needs and develop structured health education programs. The component “General information about diabetes” exhibited significant associations with the following items: diabetes risk factors and prevention; common oral agents for treating hypoglycemia; HbA1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) and normal blood glucose levels; and acute problems related to diabetes, such as hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis. On the other hand, diabetes and fasting; chronic complications of diabetes; and the significance of the yearly eye screening were the Likert scale items that contributed more to Component 2 (diabetes and travel).
Anatomical observation of adult cadavers comparing with CT images about peri-pancreatic fascia and fascial space
Authors: Zhou Xiaobo , Huang Hefeng , Zhu Gaoyong , He Zhenhua
Published: February 2025

Objective

To compare the anatomical relationship between the peri-pancreatic fascia and fascia space on the abdominal CT images and those observed in adult embalmed cadaver specimens.

Materials and methods

A total of 556 patients clinically diagnosed with acute pancreatitis were recruited, and the imaging characteristics of peri-pancreatic structures on the abdominal CT scans were summarized. Ten embalmed adult cadaver specimens were selected for abdominal dissection to clarify the corresponding relationship between the peri-pancreatic fascia and fascia space on abdominal CT images and cadaver specimens.

Results

The anterior pancreatic fascia, posterior pancreatic fascia and anterior renal fascia could be observed simultaneously on the abdominal CT images of patients with acute pancreatitis and embalmed adult cadaver specimens. Bilateral anterior renal fascia was continuously connected. The pancreatic fascial space located in front of the pancreatic parenchyma was known as the anterior pancreatic space, and the pancreatic fascial space located behind the pancreatic parenchyma was considered as the posterior pancreatic space. The fusion fascial space existed between the posterior pancreatic fascia and the anterior renal fascia.

Conclusion

The peri-pancreatic fascia and fascial space can be observed on the abdominal CT mages of a minority of patients (4 percent) with acute pancreatitis, which correspond with anatomical relationship of embalmed adult cadaver specimens.
Unraveling the microbial contamination characteristics of pork farms and disinfection efficacy assessment via high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Liu Feng , Ma Jiele , Sui Lichang , Wang Wen , Xiao Yingping , Dong Qingli , Xiao Xingning
Published: February 2025

The contamination of pork during breeding can negatively impact both food quality and safety. Sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC), a chlorine-containing disinfectant, is widely used in animal environments. In this study, 16S rRNA sequencing was used to determine the bacterial communities in a pork farm. We also assessed the effectiveness of NaDCC disinfection by analyzing microbial diversity. The results revealed that the predominant genera in pork skin samples and environmental samples were Staphylococcus and Acinetobacter, respectively. Escherichia coli and Streptococcus equinus were present in all the samples, suggesting that NaDCC is not fully effective in preventing zoonotic pathogen contamination. The Chao1 and Shannon indices for sow skins increased after disinfection. No significant differences were observed in the microbiological composition of sow barn samples before and after disinfection (p > 0.1). Additionally, bacterial abundance in sow skin was strongly correlated with abundance on pen floors (r = 0.906, p < 0.05), indicating potential cross-contamination between these sample types. Conversely, the bacterial abundance in the floor samples was weakly correlated with that in the other samples, suggesting that NaDCC is effective as a decontaminant. This study provides valuable insights into microbial contamination on pork farms and underscores the importance of proper disinfection practices. This study also offers scientific recommendations for improving disinfection protocols.
SUBSURFACE WEAKNESS ZONE DETECTION VIA UNSUPERVISED MACHINE LEARNING
Authors: Alali Abdulmohsen , Altowairqi Yawed , Tsingas Constantine , Jadhar Ali
Published: February 2025

We present a novel method for imaging weakness zones in the subsurface using seismic data, which can improve the efficiency and safety of well drilling and hydraulic fracturing. Weakness zones are regions where naturally sub-seismic scale fractures or faults are present, potentially causing casing collapse, frac-hits, or other operational challenges. Our method generates a diffractivity attribute based on Independent Component Analysis (ICA) to enhance seismic signals associated with weakness zones from other features. We validate our method by comparing the attribute generated with Formation Micro-Imager (FMI) logs, which show sub-seismic scale features in the wellbore. We also compare the attribute with micro-seismicity data, which indicate a high density of events around the weakness zones. We find that our method can enhance imaging these zones and their spatial distribution on separate volumes. This approach can help optimize well delivery and simulation design. Assessing the impact of the weakness zones on production performance is beyond the scope of this work and requires further investigation.
X-Linked Hypophosphatemia Management in Children: An International Working Group Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Ali Dalal S , Carpenter Thomas O , Imel Erik A , Ward Leanne M , Appelman-Dijkstra Natasha M , Chaussain Catherine , de Beur Suzanne M Jan , Florenzano Pablo , Abu Alrob Hajar , Aldabagh Rana , Alexander R Todd , Alsarraf Farah , Beck-Nielsen Signe Sparre , Biosse-Duplan Martin , Crowley Rachel K , Dandurand Karel , Filler Guido , Friedlander Lisa , Fukumoto Seiji , Gagnon Claudia , Goodyer Paul , Grasemann Corinna , Grimbly Chelsey , Hussein Salma , Javaid Muhammad K , Khan Sarah , Khan Aneal , Lehman Anna , Lems Willem F , Lewiecki E Michael , McDonnell Ciara , Mirza Reza D , Morgante Emmett , Morrison Archibald , Portale Anthony A , Rao Christina , Rhee Yumie , Rush Eric T , Siggelkow Heide , Tetradis Sotirios , Tosi Laura , Guyatt Gordon , Brandi Maria Luisa , Khan Aliya A
Published: February 2025

Background

An International Working Group (IWG) developed new guidelines on the diagnosis, evaluation, management, and monitoring of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) in children. Over the past 5 years, important advances have occurred in our understanding of the presentation, complications and treatment of XLH.

Methods

A group of 50 international experts in XLH from Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia and South America, along with methodology experts and patient partners, held 18 teleconference meetings in 2023-2024. These meetings addressed key issues regarding diagnosing, evaluating, managing, and monitoring XLH in children. Two systematic reviews were conducted to examine the impact of burosumab compared to conventional therapy (phosphate salts and active vitamin D) or no therapy, and to assess the impact of conventional therapy versus no therapy on patient-important outcomes. The certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE methodology. Additionally, narrative reviews were completed on XLH diagnosis and the role of genetic testing, and an expert clinical practice survey informed the monitoring recommendations.

Outcomes

An approach to establishing the diagnosis of XLH is presented. GRADEd recommendations were developed on treatment strategies for XLH in children. Monitoring recommendations, GRADEd as weak with very low certainty, were based on clinical practice survey of the IWG experts. The guidelines also addressed dental complications and proposed potential strategies to mitigate them.

Conclusion

These clinical practice guidelines provide an update of the current evidence on the diagnosis and management of XLH and provide a comprehensive guidance for multidisciplinary healthcare professionals involved in the care of children with XLH.
Using physiologically-based models to predict in vivo skeletal muscle energetics
Authors: Konno Ryan N. , Lichtwark Glen A. , Dick Taylor J. M.
Published: February 2025

Understanding how muscles use energy is essential for elucidating the role of skeletal muscle in animal locomotion. Yet, experimental measures of in vivo muscle energetics are challenging to obtain, so physiologically-based muscle models are often used to estimate energy use. These predictions of individual muscle energy expenditure are not often compared to indirect whole-body measures of energetic cost. Here, we examined and illustrated the capability of physiologically-based muscle models to predict in vivo measures of energy use, which rely on fundamental relationships between muscle mechanical state and energy consumption. To improve model predictions and ensure a physiological basis for model parameters, we refined our model to include data from isolated muscle experiments and account for inefficiencies in ATP recovery processes. Simulations were performed to capture three different experimental protocols, which involved varying contraction frequency, duty cycle, and muscle fascicle length. Our results demonstrated the ability of the model to capture the dependence of energetic cost on mechanical state across contractile conditions, but tended to under predict the magnitude of energetic cost. Our analysis revealed that the model was most sensitive to the force-velocity parameters and the data informing the energetic parameters when predicting in vivo energetic rates. This work highlights it is the mechanics of skeletal muscle contraction that govern muscle energy use, although the precise physiological parameters for human muscle likely require detailed investigation.
Incidence of Sports Injuries Across Menstrual Phases in Eumenorrheic and Abnormal Cycles in Japanese Female Athletes: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Suzuki-Yamanaka Miwako , Hashiba Satoko , Takahashi Ryosuke , Sakamaki-Sunaga Mikako , Iizawa Hiroki , Mamizuka Naotaka
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To examine the incidence of injuries among different menstrual phases in eumenorrheic cycles and abnormal menstrual cycles in female athletes.

Methods

This prospective cohort study recruited female athletes involved in collegiate, semi-professional, or professional team sports. Participating athletes self-reported their menstruation during the follow-up period. Menstrual cycles were classified as polymenorrhea, oligomenorrhea/amenorrhea, and eumenorrhea. Eumenorrheic cycles were further divided into estimated follicular phase (EFP), estimated ovulatory phase (EOP), and estimated luteal phase (ELP). Time-loss injuries and sports participation status were recorded by team medical staff. Incidence rates for each cycle and phase category were calculated per 1,000 athlete-days with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Incidence rate ratios (IRR) were utilized to compare risks among cycle and phase categories.

Results

Data from 316 female athletes were analyzed over a median follow-up period of 337 days. The incidence rates during eumenorrheic, oligomenorrheic/ amenorrheic, and polymenorrheic cycles were 3.10 (95% CI, 2.61-3.67), 2.11 (95% CI, 1.44-2.98), and 4.84 (95% CI, 2.77-7.86) per 1,000 athlete-days, respectively. Among eumenorrheic phases, the highest incidence rate was in the EOP at 5.14 (95% CI, 3.26-7.7), followed by the EFP at 3.19 (95% CI, 2.47-4.04) and the ELP at 2.52 (95% CI, 1.85-3.35). The incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for EOP compared to EFP and ELP were 1.61 (95% CI, 1.004-2.586) and 2.04 (95% CI, 1.238-3.357), respectively.

Conclusions

Injury risk is significantly higher during the EOP compared to the EFP and ELP in eumenorrheic cycles. Injury incidence was found to be lower during oligomenorrheic/amenorrheic cycles than during eumenorrheic cycles. Future studies should explore the factors contributing to the heightened injury risk during the EOP and the observed reduction in injury rates during oligomenorrheic/amenorrheic cycles.
Obtaining a PhD in Portugal. Determinants of Success and Subsequent Career Paths
Authors: Ramos Ana , Ferreira Daniel
Published: February 2025

Background Over the past three decades, Portugal has invested significantly in doctoral training. However, there is a lack of up-to-date information on the success of scholarship holders in obtaining the degree or on their subsequent career paths. Methods This study analysed four cohorts of scholarship holders funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology between 1995 and 2012. The professional situation at different points in time after the Ph.D. (5, 10, 15 and 20 years) was studied. Results The success rate for obtaining the degree was 88%, which is comparable to other European countries for doctorates completed with funding over a period of 3-4 years. The average time to obtain the degree was 5.06 years. The time to degree was influenced by the scientific field, the nationality of the scholarship holder, and the location of the institution awarding the degree (in Portugal or abroad). The gender or age range of the scholarship recipients did not influence the time required for graduation. The analysis of the career and sector of activity of these graduates at different points in time after obtaining the Ph.D. revealed that approximately 60% percent of the graduates were engaged in R&D activities at some point in their career paths, but this percentage diminished from the oldest to the most recent cohorts. In 2020, 63% of the graduates were engaged in R&D activities, and almost half were employed in higher education as teachers, researchers, or scholarship holders. Conclusions This study showed that there are still challenges to address concerning the integration of doctoral graduates into non-academic research positions. On the other hand, it has demonstrated an efficient use of public funds, with high success rates and a time to degree that is within the average of other European countries.
Case Report : Bilateral dentigerous cysts in association with developing third molars and premolars in a non-syndromic 13-year-old: a 2-year follow-up
Authors: Zakaria Osama , Alshehri Sami
Published: February 2025

Background Dentigerous cysts are benign, non-inflammatory odontogenic cysts that form over unerupted or partially erupted teeth. They are the second most common type of odontogenic cysts and can cause various complications if left untreated. Methods We report a rare case of bilateral dentigerous cysts in the mandible of a 13-year-old boy. Radiographic examination revealed two cysts on each mandibular side, associated with developing third molars and unerupted permanent second premolars. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of dentigerous cysts. Results The patient underwent surgical enucleation of all cysts and extraction of unerupted teeth under general anesthesia. The postoperative course was uneventful, with no recurrence observed over a 2-year follow-up period. Conclusions Dentigerous cysts are rare in children and even rarer in bilateral presentation. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent potential complications such as infection, tooth displacement, jaw fracture, or malignant transformation. This case illustrates the importance of radiographic examination and histopathological confirmation in the management of dentigerous cysts.
Abrir los ojos y ver otras formas de estar en el mundo: experiencias de estudiantes de Psicología de Colombia y España en un curso de aprendizaje colaborativo internacional y en línea
Authors: Vera-Márquez Ángela Victoria , Palacios Vicario Beatriz
Published: February 2025

El objetivo del presente capítulo es contribuir a la discusión sobre la internacionalización del currículo en contextos universitarios. Para lograr este propósito, tomamos como referencia la sistematización pedagógica de la implementación que hemos llevado a cabo durante dos años en nuestros cursos de metodología de la investigación cualitativa. A partir de los resultados, se plantean algunas reflexiones sobre las competencias interculturales y la internacionalización del currículo.
Active remote focus stabilization in oblique plane microscopy
Authors: Nguyen Trung Duc , Rahmani Amir , Ponjavic Aleks , Millett-Sikking Alfred , Fiolka Reto
Published: February 2025

Light-sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) has demonstrated great potential in the life sciences owing to its efficient volumetric imaging capabilities. For long-term imaging, the light-sheet typically needs to be stabilized to the detection focal plane for the best imaging results. Current light-sheet stabilization methods rely on fluorescence emission from the sample, which may interrupt scientific imaging and add to sample photobleaching. Here, we show that for oblique plane microscopes (OPM), a subset of LSFM where a single primary objective is used for illumination and detection, light-sheet stabilization can be achieved without expending sample fluorescence. Our method achieves ∼21 nm axial precision and maintains the light-sheet well within the depth of focus of the detection system for hour-long acquisition runs in a lab environment that would otherwise detune the system. We demonstrate subcellular imaging of the actin skeleton in melanoma cancer cells with a stabilized OPM.
Evaluation of picosecond laser electronic excitation tagging (PLEET) at ultraviolet wavelengths for high speed flows
Authors: Hongxun Xiao , Tat Loon Chng
Published: February 2025

Over the past few years, picosecond laser electronic excitation tagging (or PLEET) has emerged as a credible alternative to its femtosecond counterpart (FLEET) for high-speed measurements. The attractiveness of picosecond operation lies in its capacity to produce higher beam energies and at high repetition rates. Given its potentially superior conversion efficiency, the use of upconverted ultraviolet (UV) light is studied here as a conceivable path forward for improved performance in the picosecond regime. Through various metrics such as the peak signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), three different excitation wavelengths, namely, 266 nm, 355 nm, and 532 nm, harmonics of the fundamental 1064 nm light, are carefully examined. The results show that UV excitation indeed produces superior performance relative to the longer wavelengths of 532 nm (and 1064 nm), even after considering the effect of energy conversion efficiency. For a given amount of fundamental (1064 nm) laser energy, 355 nm excitation produces the strongest PLEET signals, while 266 nm excitation generates the longest tagged lines. Most of these findings appear to be qualitatively substantiable using Gaussian-beam-approximation-type arguments due to a predominantly linear dependence of the PLEET signal on the excitation laser intensity, the latter a feature that is consistent with previous work. These findings pave the way for the use of UV PLEET in high-speed flows, particularly the use of 355 nm light, which transmits well through most optical window materials.
Hand gesture recognition based on an optical fiber specklegram sensor
Authors: Wang Xinxin , Li Tianhuan , Zheng Yi , Xu Meidi , Hu Yuyu , Zhang Hang , Yan Jinhua
Published: February 2025

Gesture recognition offers considerable promise for enhancing the naturalness, intuitiveness, and efficiency of human-computer interaction. In this paper, a novel hand gesture recognition system based on a single-mode, multimode, multicore optical fiber sensing structure is presented. By leveraging deep learning to analyze fiber specklegrams and training a simplified six-layer ResNet network, accurate and efficient hand gesture recognition was realized with minimal hardware requirements and high stability. Its compact design further supports integration into wearable devices, highlighting its significance for practical applications.
Discrete spectrum nonlinear frequency division multiplexing system fused digital frequency offset loading with neural network-based receiver
Authors: Dong Tingting , Xu Hengying , Bi Yanfeng , Zhang Yining , Bai Chenglin , Yang Lishan , Gao Hongbing , Yao Donghu , Zhang Yu , Li Xusheng
Published: February 2025

The amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise in fiber links severely destroys the integrability of channel transmission equations in discrete spectrum nonlinear frequency division multiplexing (DS-NFDM) systems. Additionally, the processing noise caused by the limited accuracy of nonlinear Fourier transform (NFT) algorithm, approximation error of the NFDM model, and truncation error of waveform design aggravates the signal distortion of DS-NFDM in high-power transmission. To address the abovementioned issues, we innovatively propose a DS-NFDM system fused digital frequency offset (DFO) loading technique with a neural network (NN)-based receiver, which is abbreviated as a DFO-NN system. Firstly, based on the one-to-one mapping relationship between the information bit and the eigenvalue offset, it adopts the DFO loading technique on the transmitter to mitigate ASE noise. Subsequently, an optimized NN-based receiver is ingeniously utilized to learn the periodicity of DS-NFDM time-domain waveforms after DFO loading, which can not only replace the classical NFT algorithm and frequency offset estimation (FOE) process but also effectively suppress the processing noise. The effectiveness of the DFO-NN system has been verified by 1 GBaud and 2 GBaud DS-NFDM numerical and experimental systems. The results demonstrate that its maximum frequency offset (FO) tolerance spans from −5.8 GHz to +5.3 GHz. Moreover, compared with the traditional b-NFT and DFO-NFT systems, the optical signal-to-noise ratio (OSNR) penalties of the DFO-NN system are reduced by 6.0 dB and 2.0 dB, respectively. In addition, the maximum transmission distance of this system is extended 473 km longer than that of the DFO-NFT system. Importantly, the complexity of this NN demodulation scheme is O(M2), which is on the same order of magnitude as that of the NFT-based scheme.
Stray light measurement for space optical systems using the time-domain method
Authors: Ma Bolun , Chen Qinfang , Wang Hu , Xue Yaoke , Ma Zhanpeng , Liu Jiawen
Published: February 2025

The presence of stray light degrades the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of space optical payloads and, in severe cases, may lead to the loss of target data, ultimately resulting in mission failure. Stray light measurement aims to directly evaluate the impact of stray light on space optical systems and serves as a core method for determining and verifying the actual stray light suppression capability of the system. Traditional measurement methods struggle to distinguish target signals from background noise, limiting the accuracy of point source transmittance (PST) measurements. This paper proposes a time-domain stray light measurement method based on a pulsed light source and a time detector. By analyzing the characteristics of background noise and target light, filtering the temporal properties of optical signals, and achieving precise control, the method enables accurate identification of target stray light signals. Experimental results show that at an off-axis angle of 60°, the PST reached 9.32 × 10−10, while the background noise caused by air scattering was 3.10 × 10−10. This method provides a cost-effective and easily implementable solution for stray light measurement in space optical systems. It is suitable for low-threshold stray light measurement and evaluation in systems such as space gravitational wave detection and space optical telescopes.
Ultra compression-ratio distributed acoustic sensing system via combination of envelope extraction and compressed sensing
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Jiang Junfeng , Liu Kun , Zhang Mingjiang , Wang Shuang , Xu Tianhua , Zhang Xuezhi , Ding Zhenyang , Liu Tiegen
Published: February 2025

Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) is experiencing significant growth in applications such as seismological observation, urban cable monitoring, and thunder observation, due to its long sensing distance and high accuracy measurement in distributed sensing. The heterodyne coherent DAS system offers a high-fidelity, linear strain response, but its strain range is limited by the LFM pulse bandwidth. This requires a high-performance gigahertz DAQ, which increases data volume, system cost, and real-time processing challenges. In this work, we propose a data compression scheme for DAS based on envelope extraction hardware and compressed sensing techniques. After compression, the raw data volume is reduced from 9.31 GB/s to 238.42 MB/s for continuous sensing over a 6-km range (80 μs pulse), achieving a 40-fold reduction. The experiment results show that the compressed data can be effectively reconstructed, and realize strain localization and detection. The proposed compression method mitigates the challenges posed by large raw data volumes and makes the DAS system more applicable to long-duration measurement applications.
Laser wavelength extension beyond 1.1 μm in Nd:MgO:LiNbO3 crystal by utilizing the Stark splitting of multiple Nd3+-doping sites
Authors: Chen Xu , Qin Huaize , Wang Fulei , Wang Dongzhou , Liu Qilu , Cheng Yanling , Liang Fei , Sang Yuanhua , Yu Haohai , Liu Hong , Zhang Huaijin
Published: February 2025

Lithium niobate crystal is an important multifunctional material and the miniaturization of the integrated on-chip LiNbO3 laser device has attracted the increased attention in optoelectronic systems. Especially in the field of quantum information, rare-earth doped LiNbO3 (e.g. Nd:LiNbO3) crystal become one of the optimal choice for the active devices and laser generation. However, at present, Nd:LiNbO3 crystal suffers from low conversion efficiency and the limited lasing wavelength due to the discrete Stark energy levels of Nd3+ ion. Herein, we proposed a multiple-site doping strategy to enrich the Stark splitting levels of Nd:LiNbO3 laser crystals. Benefitting from the strong inhomogeneous and homogeneous broadening effect, a broad fluorescence emission beyond 1.1 μm was realized in Nd:MgO:LiNbO3 crystal. Via a rational cavity design to suppress the lasing oscillation at 1.07-1.09 μm and amplify the weak fluorescence at long wavelength, we successfully achieved the efficient continuous-wave lasing at 1104 nm, 1108 nm, 1111 nm, and 1114 nm, respectively, corresponding to the electronic transitions (R1→Y4, Y5, Y6) at two different Nd3+ sites. The highest laser power at 1.1 μm was 1.41 W with a slope efficiency of 20.6%. Moreover, a tunable laser generation from 1103 to 1115 nm was also realized in Nd:MgO:LiNbO3 for the first time. To the best of our knowledge, this result represents the first Nd:MgO:LiNbO3 laser operating beyond 1.1 μm, indicating its great potential for optical applications in on-chip lithium niobate devices.
Variable rate high-security OCDM transmission scheme based on multi-order joint modulation
Authors: Lu Xian , Liu Bo , Ren Jianxin , Mao Yaya , Zhong Qing , Song Xiumin , Chen Shuaidong , Guo Zhiruo , Cai Junjie , Yu Wenbo , Wang Feng , Ullah Rahat
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a variable rate high-security OCDM transmission scheme based on multi-order joint modulation, aiming to address the limitations of traditional encryption techniques in terms of flexibility. Initially, a chaotic selection sequence A is used to dynamically allocate information bits to three modulation formats: 16-quadrature amplitude modulation (16QAM), 8-phase shift keying (8PSK), and quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK). Additionally, a pseudo-mapping masking factor B is employed to construct a joint encryption mechanism with a pseudo-16QAM mapping. The system also introduces a variable-rate transmission mechanism, which adjusts the bit allocation ratio dynamically to adapt to different communication requirements. The proposed scheme is experimentally validated in a 2 km weakly coupled seven-core fiber system. When the modulation ratio of 16QAM, 8PSK, and QPSK is (12:3:2), the maximum information transmission rate reaches 126 Gb/s, while at a ratio of (3:3:11), the minimum rate is still stable at 87.5 Gb/s. Hence, a variable rate modulation with a range from 87.5 Gb/s to 126 Gb/s can be theoretically realized. Furthermore, the system cannot decode the data when the correct key is not available at the illegal receiver, which ensures effective data security. In addition, the scheme provides a key space of up to 1067, significantly enhancing the resistance to attacks, flexibility and transmission efficiency of the system. This work presents an innovative solution for high-security optical communication systems in the future.
From Instagram to Campus: The Impact of Social Media Marketing on Students' Interest through Trust and Brand Recognition
Authors: Sriyanto Agus , Purwanto  , Muttaqin Zaenal
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates the influence of social media marketing activities (SMMA) on prospective students' intentions to choose higher education institutions, considering the mediating role of brand recognition and trust. The study was conducted using a quantitative method with the Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) approach on 400 respondents who were followers of higher education institutions' Instagram accounts. The results showed trust was the most significant mediator between SMMA and prospective students' intentions (β = 0.709, T = 21.629). At the same time, brand recognition played a role in strengthening trust but did not directly influence prospective students' intentions (β = -0.018, T = 0.462). These findings emphasize the importance of building trust through authentic, relevant, and engaging social media content to improve educational marketing effectiveness. The implications of this study suggest that higher education institutions should prioritize trust-based marketing strategies integrated with brand recognition through social media. This strategy includes alumni testimonials, videos of campus atmosphere, and direct interactions that create emotional connections with prospective students.
Intranucleolar Translocation of AgNORs in Early Granulocytic Precursors in Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia and K 562 Cells
Authors: Smetana Karel , Klamová H. , Pluskalová M. , Stöckbauer P. , Jirásková I. , Hrkal Z.
Published: February 2025

The present study was undertaken to provide missing information on the distribution of AgNORs in large nucleoli of human leukaemic early granulocytic precursors in vivo as well as in vitro. In vivo, the distribution of AgNORs was studied in early granulocytic precursors of patients suffering from chronic myeloid leukaemia who were both untreated and treated with imatinib mesylate. AgNORs were visualized by silver reaction under conditions which facilitated to see their distribution by light microscopy. In vitro, the distribution of AgNORs was studied in proliferating and ageing K 562 cells which originated from chronic myeloid leukaemia. In vitro, the ageing of K 562 cells produced intranucleolar translocation of AgNORs to the nucleolar periphery. Such translocation was also observed in some leukaemic early granulocytic precursors in vivo, e.g. in bone marrow myeloblasts and promyelocytes of leukaemic patients. As was expected, the intranucleolar translocation of AgNORs in early granulocytic precursors was more frequent in patients treated with the cytostatic therapy ñ imanitib mesylate. The abovementioned findings suggest that myeloblasts and promyelocytes with AgNORs translocated to the periphery of large nucleoli might be in the ageing state, similarly as blastic cells of leukaemic myeloid origin (K 562 cells) in ageing cultures. Thus, the translocation of AgNORs might be a useful marker of premature ageing in the future and might contribute to the evaluation of the single cell state under various experimental as well as clinical conditions. However, more clinically oriented studies are required in this direction.
Flux approximation limits of solutions to the Suliciu relaxation system with one independent parameter
Authors: Zhang Yanyan , Zhang Ruiru , Cai Wei
Published: February 2025

Aided by flux-approximation limits of solutions to the Suliciu relaxation system with one independent parameter, we identify the phenomena of concentration and cavitation. It turns out that, as flux perturbation decreases to a certain critical value, any Riemann solution containing two shocks and possibly one-contact-discontinuity of the perturbed Suliciu relaxation system converges to its own delta-shock solution. As the parameter goes to zero further, the limiting solution is just the delta-shock solution of the pressureless gas dynamics model; any Riemann solution containing two rarefaction waves and possibly one contact-discontinuity converges to a solution involving vacuum state of the pressureless gas dynamics model. In the end we show some numerical results to exhibit the formation process of delta shock wave and vacuum states as the flux perturbation decreases.
Evaluating the performance and robustness of PIR and QIR maintenance strategies using Monte Carlo method
Authors: Cheikh Khamiss , Boudi El Mostapha , Rabi Rabi , Mokhliss Hamza , Ennaji Hamadi
Published: February 2025

In the literature, maintenance plan efficacy is often assessed based on the long-term predicted maintenance cost rate, indicating a performance-centric approach. However, this criteria does not account for the fluctuation in maintenance costs over renewal cycles, and typical solutions may not be adequate from a risk management standpoint, a robustness viewpoint. This study tries to rethink standard solutions considering both performance and robustness, and thus, offer more suitable maintenance options.Specifically, using the long-term expected maintenance cost rate as the performance metric and the variance of maintenance cost per renewal cycle as the robustness metric, the study examines two representatives of time-based and condition-based maintenance approaches: a block replacement strategy and a periodic inspection and replacement strategy. Mathematical cost models are created based on the homogeneous Gamma degradation process and probability theory.Comparative study of both maintenance techniques demonstrates that the higher-performing approach carries a larger amount of risk. Consequently, a full examination of both performance and resilience is required in selecting a more dependent maintenance option. These maintenance solutions, together with the employment of the Monte Carlo Method, are contrasted against each other using a unique criteria that analyzes the degree of performance and robustness of each adaptation in maintenance decision-making.
The crystal structure of bis{chlorido-[μ2-(1-oxidopyridin-2-yl)(pyridin-2-yl)amido-κ
3
O,N, N′]copper(II)}, C20H16Cl2Cu2N6O2
Authors: Liu Yinqiu
Published: February 2025

C20H16Cl2Cu2N6O2, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 22.705(4) Å, b = 7.6810(13) Å, c = 14.287(3) Å, β = 119.813(5)∘, V = 2161.9(7) Å3, Z = 8, R

gt
(F) = 0.0203, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0551, T = 293 K.
Anreizkompatibilität eines Grundeinkommens
Authors: Prinz Aloys L.
Published: February 2025

Die Diskussion um eine bedingungsloses Grundeinkommen hat wieder an Fahrt gewonnen. Neben theoretischen Analysen der Arbeitsanreizeffekte stehen neuerdings Simulationen und Experimente als Methoden zur Erweiterung der Kenntnisse über die Wirkungen eines bedingungslosen Grundeinkommens zur Verfügung. In diesem Beitrag wird die Analyse der Anreizeffekte über diejenigen auf das Arbeitsangebot hinaus auf die Zeitallokation ausgedehnt. Insbesondere wird auf die Bedeutung der Befähigung (Capabilities) der Personen und Haushalte hinsichtlich der Zeitverwendung hingewiesen, die für eine effektive und effiziente Zeitallokation erforderlich ist. Darüber hinaus werden die Ergebnisse einer aktuellen Simulationsstudie und des finnischen Grundeinkommensexperimentes hinsichtlich der Anreizeffekte von Grundeinkommensvarianten diskutiert.
Study of poly (acrylamide/sodium alpha-olefin sulfonate/tea saponin)-polyhedrol oligomerie silsesquioxan (POSS) nanomaterial (FAP)
Authors: Wu Wenwei , Huang Wenhuan , Sun Zhiguo , Tian Yuqin , Zhu Yangwen , Shi Quan , Tao Zhen , Deng Qingchun , Cui Haoye , Chen Bingang , Wang Yaoguo , Yu Bo
Published: February 2025

Emerging carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies have driven the development of advanced nanocomposite materials. In this study, a novel polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-based nanomaterial, referred to as FAP, was synthesized using acrylamide, sodium α-olefin sulfonate, and tea saponin as monomers. The structure of the material was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and silicon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (29Si NMR), revealing a well-defined cage-like cubic architecture. TEM images clearly displayed the cage-like structure of the POSS material in FAP, while energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the presence of silicon (Si) element. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the incorporation of POSS materials improved the thermal resistance of FAP. The nanomaterials significantly improved the foaming performance and foam stability. The foam generated by FAP reached a height of 480 mL, with a half-life of 10 h under conditions of 120 °C and a salinity of 100,000 mg L−1, showing excellent properties. Furthermore, the foam was regenerable in the presence of 20 % kerosene and maintained good foaming performance. Microscopic mechanism analysis indicated that the POSS nanomaterials compressed the electrical double layer of the polymer, reduced the particle size, increased the liquid film thickness, and markedly improved the foam stability. Under the influence of activators, the gel viscosity of FAP exceeded 100 mPa s, which significantly improved the underground sealing efficiency of CO2. The novel nanocomposite material exhibited integrated capabilities for CO2 foaming, foam stabilization, and storage. The optimal concentration of the FAP foaming agent was 0.75 %, resulting in a 32.75 % increase in recovery efficiency, a resistance factor of 18.9, and a CO2 storage rate of 12.59 %. The development of this nanocomposite material provides technological support for effectively mitigation of CO2 channeling during CO2 flooding and promotes the wider application of CO2 flooding technology.