bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation on the determinant of upconversion luminescence efficiency and temperature measurement sensitivity based on AWO4 (Ba, Sr, Ca, and Mg): Er3+/Yb3+ microcrystals
Authors: Liu Hang , Zheng Xingke , Wang Pengcheng , Wang Haiyan , Zhang Yuhong
Published: August 2022

In this work, a comparative study of the upconversion (UC) luminescence properties of

E
r

3
+

−

Y
b

3
+

-co-doped

A
W
O

4

(

A

=

B
a

, Sr, and Ca) scheelite phosphors and

E
r

3
+

−

Y
b

3
+

-co-doped

M
g
W
O

4

wolframite phosphors is reported. Under 980 nm excitation, all the samples emit green and red emissions. The

E
r

3
+

−

Y
b

3
+

-doped

M
g
W
O

4

phosphor has a higher UC emission intensity. Furthermore, the optical temperature sensing properties in

E
r

3
+

−

Y
b

3
+

-co-doped

A
W
O

4

(

A

=

B
a

, Sr, Ca, and Mg) phosphor samples are investigated. The relative sensitivity (

S

r

) based on thermally coupled levels (TCLs) increases gradually with an increase in matrix phonon energy. The absolute sensitivity (

S

a

) values of the samples are accurately predicted by the chemical bonding parameter (

f

c

). The results of the correlation between the UC luminescence properties and the microscopic crystal structure, and the relationship of the temperature sensitivity and the host parameters, provide us with a guiding insight for the selection of a host material with ideal temperature measurement capability.
Origin of Zenneck-like waves excited by optical nanoantennas in non-plasmonic transition metals
Authors: Yi Juemin , de León-Pérez Fernando , Cuche Aurélien , Devaux Eloïse , Genet Cyriaque , Martín-Moreno Luis , Ebbesen Thomas W.
Published: August 2022

The scattering properties of metallic optical antennas are typically examined through the lens of their plasmonic resonances. However, non-plasmonic transition metals also sustain surface waves in the visible. We experimentally investigate in this work the far-field diffraction properties of apertured optical antennas milled on non-plasmonic W films and compare the results with plasmonic references in Ag and Au. The polarization-dependent diffraction patterns and the leakage signal emerging from apertured antennas in both kinds of metals are recorded and analyzed. This thorough comparison with surface plasmon waves reveals that surface waves are launched on W and that they have the common abilities to confine the visible light at metal-dielectric interfaces offering the possibility to tailor the far-field emission. The results have been analyzed through theoretical models accounting for the propagation of a long range surface mode launched by subwavelength apertures, that is scattered in free space by the antenna. This surface mode on W can be qualitatively described as an analogy in the visible of the Zenneck wave in the radio regime. The nature of the new surface waves have been elucidated from a careful analysis of the asymptotic expansion of the electromagnetic propagators, which provides a convenient representation for explaining the Zenneck-like character of the excited waves and opens new ways to fundamental studies of surface waves at the nanoscale beyond plasmonics.
Impact of finite bandwidth on PRBS-modulated optical spectra
Authors: Stepien Witold , Marciante John R.
Published: August 2022

Applying a pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS) to phase modulators is a recent development in the broadening of optical spectra of laser sources to defeat stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS). The theoretical underpinning of this method relies on alternating the phase of the optical signal between its native value and an out-of-phase value (i.e., imposing a binary phase shift of 0 or π in a pseudo random manner) to prevent coherent buildup of the SBS acoustic grating. In real physical systems, realizing such a binary shift is impossible due to the finite response times of the electronics and electro-optic components. The influence of these effects is investigated in this work, specifically the finite bandwidth of the electronic PRBS generator and the frequency-dependent response of the phase modulator, on the resultant temporal waveforms of the PRBS signal and its RF optical spectra. It is found that the optimal SBS suppression in real systems is achieved when the phase modulator is driven at a voltage beyond

V
π

, even though driving at

V
π

has been deemed as ideal. Moreover, both the SBS suppression and spectral broadening are always weaker than what is predicted by analytical results since any degradation of the sharp edges of the PRBS signal result in loss of high-frequency content in the RF spectrum of the PRBS signal. Lastly, it is noticed that the typical ways of measuring spectral width are not relevant when applied to the complex PRBS RF optical spectrum. An ‘equivalent spectral width’ is defined to accurately quantify the correlation between spectral width an SBS suppression.
Towards stimulated Raman scattering spectro-microscopy across the entire Raman active region using a multiple-plate continuum
Authors: Huang Guan-Jie , Lai Pei-Chen , Shen Ming-Wei , Su Jia-Xuan , Guo Jhan-Yu , Chao Kuo-Chuan , Lin Peng , Cheng Ji-Xin , Chu Li-An , Chiang Ann-Shyn , Chen Bo-Han , Lu Chih-Hsuan , Chu Shi-Wei , Yang Shang-Da
Published: August 2022

Stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) has attracted increasing attention in bio-imaging because of the ability toward background-free molecular-specific acquisitions without fluorescence labeling. Nevertheless, the corresponding sensitivity and specificity remain far behind those of fluorescence techniques. Here, we demonstrate SRS spectro-microscopy driven by a multiple-plate continuum (MPC), whose octave-spanning bandwidth (600-1300 nm) and high spectral energy density (∼1 nJ/cm-1) enable spectroscopic interrogation across the entire Raman active region (0-4000 cm-1), SRS imaging of a Drosophila brain, and electronic pre-resonance (EPR) detection of a fluorescent dye. We envision that utilizing MPC light source will substantially enhance the sensitivity and specificity of SRS by implementing EPR mode and spectral multiplexing via accessing three or more coherent wavelengths.
Microwave-enhanced laser-induced air plasma at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Ikeda Yuji , Soriano Joey Kim
Published: August 2022

This paper investigated how microwaves affect the temperature of laser-generated air plasma. The air breakdown threshold was experimentally characterized by focusing the 1064 nm YAG laser on varied condensing lens focal lengths. Increase in focal lengths increases the focused spot diameter of the laser and decreases the laser fluence. Large spot diameter required large amount of laser fluence for breakdown. However, the plasma generated with small spot sizes found to absorb higher laser energy in compared to the plasma generated with large spot size condition. In terms of energy density, the experimental threshold breakdown was generated between 2.6∼4.9 × 1011 W/cm2. The plasma formation was then observed under a high-speed camera. The area of intensity distribution increased with the input of microwaves owing to re-excitation and microwave absorption. This led to emission intensity measurements of the elusive stable electronically excited molecular nitrogen (N2 2nd positive system) and hydroxyl radical (OH). Without the input of microwave, these molecular and radical emissions were not observed. The OH and N2 2nd positive system emission intensities were then used to measure the rovibrational temperature using the synthetic spectrum method by SPECAIR. The rotational and vibrational temperatures were not found to be equal indicating non-equilibrium plasma. The nonequilibrium and nonthermal plasma was observed from after the initial laser air breakdown using the 2.6 × 1011 W/cm2, 1.0 kW microwave power, and 1.0 ms microwave pulse width. The microwaves were not found to affect the temporal changes in the rotational temperatures, demonstrating that the intensity enhancements and plasma sustainment were caused by re-excitation and not by microwave absorption.
Construction of multiple anti-resonant light guidance mechanisms in a hollow-core fiber structure for simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters
Authors: Liu Dejun , Huang Ziyi , Wu Qiang , Yan Long , Tian Ke , Shen Changyu , Farrell Gerald , Semenova Yuliya , Wang Pengfei
Published: August 2022

The construction of multiple light guidance mechanisms in a hollow-core fiber (HCF) structure is a popular way to realize the simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters. In this work, a partial coating method to excite multiple anti-resonant light guidance mechanisms (ARLGMs) in an HCF structure for the simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters is proposed. As an example, a double ARLGM based on a partially polyimide (PI)-coated HCF structure for the simultaneous measurement of relative humidity (RH) and temperature is demonstrated theoretically and experimentally. The dip (dip II) produced by the PI-coated HCF section shifts linearly with surrounding RH changes with a sensitivity of circa 58.6 ± 0.77 pm/%RH, while the dip (dip I) produced by the bare HCF section (with an air coating layer) is insensitive to RH changes. In addition, both types of dips have linear responses to temperature variations, with similar sensitivities of ∼ 17 pm/°C. Hence, the proposed sensor structure can be used as an RH sensor that is also capable of compensating for local temperature fluctuations. More importantly, the simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters (such as biomarkers) is possible using the proposed method provided the proper sensing materials are partially coated onto the HCF surface.
Phase noise elimination in frequency sweeping interferometry based on a common-path interferometer
Authors: Lin Cuofu , Zou Chen , Mou Tieliang , Zhu Yunlong , Dang Fanyang , Yu Zhangjun , Yuan Yonggui , Yang Jun , Wang Yuncai , Qin Yuwen
Published: August 2022

We propose a common-path interferometer (CPI) method to suppress the ambient and laser phase noise in frequency sweeping interferometry. The CPI realizes the multiplexing of the main and auxiliary interferometer to ensure the common-mode characteristic of the interference phase noise, which can be eliminated by signal mixing. In experiments, we obtain a dynamic range of up to 110 dB. Compared with the compensation method using a separated auxiliary interferometer, the CPI method improves the dynamic range by 10 dB and is immune to ambient noise. The proposed method enables high-precision distributed polarization measurements of optical fibers and devices.
Group delay manipulation in a passive microwave-photonic fiber optic Mach–Zehnder interferometer
Authors: Zhu Chen , Wang Jianguo , Huang Jie
Published: August 2022

Conventional slow and fast light (SFL) systems are based on active or nonlinear media or photonic band-gap systems. Radio-frequency (RF) interferometric systems were recently explored for sustaining fast and slow light, owing to their simple structures and passive operation. This Letter introduces a simple, effective, and efficient SFL system based on a linear and passive microwave-photonic (MWP) fiber optic Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI). By optically tuning the light transmission ratio of the two fiber beams of the MZI (i.e., the optical carrier), we demonstrate that both delay and advancement of a RF signal (i.e., the envelope signal) can be realized. The magnitude of the signal group delay can also be adjusted using the optical tuning method. Therefore, high-degree manipulation of signal group delay can be achieved using the proposed MWP fiber optic MZI system.
Point-by-point inscribed sapphire parallel fiber Bragg gratings in a fully multimode system for multiplexed high-temperature sensing
Authors: Shi Guannan , Shurtz Randy , Pickrell Gary , Wang Anbo , Zhu Yizheng
Published: August 2022

We study the point-by-point inscription of sapphire parallel fiber Bragg gratings (sapphire pFBGs) in a fully multimode system. A parallel FBG is shown to be critical in enabling detectable and reliable high-order grating signals. The impacts of modal volume, spatial coherence, and grating location on reflectivity are examined. Three cascaded seventh-order pFBGs are fabricated in one sapphire fiber for wavelength multiplexed temperature sensing. Using a low-cost, fully multimode 850-nm interrogator, reliable measurement up to 1500°C is demonstrated.
Exceptional points with memory in a microcavity Brillouin laser
Authors: Chen Yao , Zhang Fangxing , Qin Tian , Zhao Guolin , Hou Jiankun , Chen Xianfeng , Ge Li , Wan Wenjie
Published: August 2022

Exceptional points (EPs), universally present in non-Hermitian systems, often reveal some critical behaviors such as topological encircling chirality and ultrahigh enhanced sensing near such singularities. However, most of the experimental realizations of EPs have been limited to the linear regime, where system nonlinearity has been omitted. Here, we experimentally observe two distinct EPs with opposite hermiticities and demonstrate a parity–time phase transition with exotic memory effects near the EPs in a nonlinear and non-Hermitian system based on a stimulated Brillouin laser in an optical microcavity. The self-phase modulation induced nonlinearity effectively alters the EP location, surprisingly, in an asymmetric manner, resulting in a bistable memory effect. Moreover, two EPs with opposite hermiticities in the same system are found to show quite distinct behaviors in such a memory effect. This scheme completes the studies of non-Hermitian physics in a more general scenario by including nonlinearity and paves the way toward optical memory for all-optical signal processing and quantum information.
Factors associated with quality of life (QOL) scores among methadone patients in Myanmar
Authors: Tun Sun , Balasingam Vicknasingam , Singh Darshan Singh
Published: August 2022

The Drug Dependency Treatment and Research Unit (DDTRU) in Myanmar established opioid substitution with methadone in 2006. Reducing HIV transmission could be affected by eliminating the unsafe needle sharing among injecting drug uses and treatment with opioid substitution. The quality of life (QOL) among the clients retained in the methadone program is important for their personal development and is an indication of the treatment efficacy. This study evaluated factors associated with the QOL of methadone patients to ensure efficient service delivery. It also identified how patients’ characteristics had differed QOL scores of respondents. This cross-sectional study was conducted in five cities with stratified random sampling. The study assessed the QOL of methadone patients in Myanmar. The study recruited 210 respondents to answer structured questionnaires for their quality of life: WHOQOL-BREF questionnaires and urine sample collection for methadone and illicit drug use. Survey responses on the QOL were transformed into 100-scale ratings, and higher QOL scores reflect better QOL. The average score of total QOL was 60.82%; precisely 60.09% in the physical domain, 63.11% in the psychological domain, 59.87% in the social relation domain, 60.41% in the environmental domain respectively. Respondents who reported illicit drug use had lower QOL scores. Statistically significant association of the QOL category of the methadone patients was identified with frequent methadone treatment episodes, the infection status of HIV, current treatment on antiretroviral therapy (ART), tuberculosis (TB) treatment history, sexually transmitted infections (STI) history in their lifetime, current work status as peer, Addiction Severity Index (ASI) for drug use, satisfaction with current marital status, satisfaction with current leisure status, history of psychological abuse within 30 days, heroin injection within 30 days, frequency of injection, and reported use of barbiturates (p<0.05). Addressing these factors will improve the treatment service intervention and the quality of life among methadone patients.
The performance of using dried blood spot specimens for HIV-1 viral load testing: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vojnov Lara , Carmona Sergio , Zeh Clement , Markby Jessica , Boeras Debrah , Prescott Marta R. , Mayne Anthony L. H. , Sawadogo Souleymane , Adje-Toure Christiane , Zhang Guoqing , Perez Gonzalez Mercedes , Stevens Wendy S. , Doherty Meg , Yang Chunfu , Alexander Heather , Peter Trevor F. , Nkengasong John ,   the DBS for VL Diagnostics Investigation Consortium
Published: August 2022

Background

Accurate routine HIV viral load testing is essential for assessing the efficacy of antiretroviral treatment (ART) regimens and the emergence of drug resistance. While the use of plasma specimens is the standard for viral load testing, its use is restricted by the limited ambient temperature stability of viral load biomarkers in whole blood and plasma during storage and transportation and the limited cold chain available between many health care facilities in resource-limited settings. Alternative specimen types and technologies, such as dried blood spots, may address these issues and increase access to viral load testing; however, their technical performance is unclear. To address this, we conducted a meta-analysis comparing viral load results from paired dried blood spot and plasma specimens analyzed with commonly used viral load testing technologies.

Methods and findings

Standard databases, conferences, and gray literature were searched in 2013 and 2018. Nearly all studies identified (60) were conducted between 2007 and 2018. Data from 40 of the 60 studies were included in the meta-analysis, which accounted for a total of 10,871 paired dried blood spot:plasma data points. We used random effects models to determine the bias, accuracy, precision, and misclassification for each viral load technology and to account for between-study variation. Dried blood spot specimens produced consistently higher mean viral loads across all technologies when compared to plasma specimens. However, when used to identify treatment failure, each technology compared best to plasma at a threshold of 1,000 copies/ml, the present World Health Organization recommended treatment failure threshold. Some heterogeneity existed between technologies; however, 5 technologies had a sensitivity greater than 95%. Furthermore, 5 technologies had a specificity greater than 85% yet 2 technologies had a specificity less than 60% using a treatment failure threshold of 1,000 copies/ml. The study’s main limitation was the direct applicability of findings as nearly all studies to date used dried blood spot samples prepared in laboratories using precision pipetting that resulted in consistent input volumes.

Conclusions

This analysis provides evidence to support the implementation and scale-up of dried blood spot specimens for viral load testing using the same 1,000 copies/ml treatment failure threshold as used with plasma specimens. This may support improved access to viral load testing in resource-limited settings lacking the required infrastructure and cold chain storage for testing with plasma specimens.
Oral rabies vaccination of dogs—Experiences from a field trial in Namibia
Authors: Freuling Conrad Martin , Busch Frank , Vos Adriaan , Ortmann Steffen , Lohr Frederic , Hedimbi Nehemia , Peter Josephat , Nelson Herman Adimba , Shoombe Kenneth , Shilongo Albertina , Gorejena Brighton , Kaholongo Lukas , Khaiseb Siegfried , van der Westhuizen Jolandie , Dietze Klaas , Geurtse Goi , Müller Thomas
Published: August 2022

Dog-mediated rabies is responsible for tens of thousands of human deaths annually, and in resource-constrained settings, vaccinating dogs to control the disease at source remains challenging. Currently, rabies elimination efforts rely on mass dog vaccination by the parenteral route. To increase the herd immunity, free-roaming and stray dogs need to be specifically addressed in the vaccination campaigns, with oral rabies vaccination (ORV) of dogs being a possible solution. Using a third-generation vaccine and a standardized egg-flavoured bait, bait uptake and vaccination was assessed under field conditions in Namibia. During this trial, both veterinary staff as well as dog owners expressed their appreciation to this approach of vaccination. Of 1,115 dogs offered a bait, 90% (n = 1,006, 95%CI:91–94) consumed the bait and 72.9% (n = 813, 95%CI:70.2–75.4) of dogs were assessed as being vaccinated by direct observation, while for 11.7% (n = 130, 95%CI:9.9–17.7) the status was recorded as “unkown” and 15.4% (n = 172, 95%CI: 13.4–17.7) were considered as being not vaccinated. Smaller dogs and dogs offered a bait with multiple other dogs had significantly higher vaccination rates, while other factors, e.g. sex, confinement status and time had no influence. The favorable results of this first large-scale field trial further support the strategic integration of ORV into dog rabies control programmes. Given the acceptance of the egg-flavored bait under various settings worldwide, ORV of dogs could become a game-changer in countries, where control strategies using parenteral vaccination alone failed to reach sufficient vaccination coverage in the dog population.
Implications for food safety of the size and location of fragments of lead shotgun pellets embedded in hunted carcasses of small game animals intended for human consumption
Authors: Green Rhys , Taggart Mark , Pain Deborah , Smithson Keturah
Published: August 2022

Carcasses of common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) killed by hunters using shotguns are widely used or sold in the United Kingdom and elsewhere for human consumption. Almost all of the birds are shot using shotgun pellets composed principally of lead (Pb). Lead shotgun pellets often fragment on impact within the bodies of gamebirds, leaving small lead particles in the meat that are difficult for consumers to detect and remove and from which a greater proportion of lead is likely to be absorbed. Chronic exposure to even low levels of lead is associated with negative health effects in humans and especially in groups particularly vulnerable to the effects of lead, which include young children and pregnant women. Our study used a high-resolution computerised tomography X-ray scanner to locate, in three dimensions, metal fragments embedded within carcasses of eight pheasants sold for human consumption in the UK. Small radio-dense fragments (<2 mm diameter), assumed to be metallic lead, were present in all of the pheasant carcasses examined (mean number: 39 per carcass) and many were too small (<0.1 mm diameter) and too distant from the nearest large shotgun pellet for it to be practical for consumers to detect and remove them without discarding a large proportion of otherwise usable meat. Consumers of carcasses of pheasants killed using lead shotgun ammunition are likely to be exposed to elevated levels of dietary lead, even if careful food preparation is practiced to remove shotgun pellets and the most damaged tissue.
The Portiloop: A deep learning-based open science tool for closed-loop brain stimulation
Authors: Valenchon Nicolas , Bouteiller Yann , Jourde Hugo R. , L’Heureux Xavier , Sobral Milo , Coffey Emily B. J. , Beltrame Giovanni
Published: August 2022

Closed-loop brain stimulation refers to capturing neurophysiological measures such as electroencephalography (EEG), quickly identifying neural events of interest, and producing auditory, magnetic or electrical stimulation so as to interact with brain processes precisely. It is a promising new method for fundamental neuroscience and perhaps for clinical applications such as restoring degraded memory function; however, existing tools are expensive, cumbersome, and offer limited experimental flexibility. In this article, we propose the Portiloop, a deep learning-based, portable and low-cost closed-loop stimulation system able to target specific brain oscillations. We first document open-hardware implementations that can be constructed from commercially available components. We also provide a fast, lightweight neural network model and an exploration algorithm that automatically optimizes the model hyperparameters to the desired brain oscillation. Finally, we validate the technology on a challenging test case of real-time sleep spindle detection, with results comparable to off-line expert performance on the Massive Online Data Annotation spindle dataset (MODA; group consensus). Software and plans are available to the community as an open science initiative to encourage further development and advance closed-loop neuroscience research [https://github.com/Portiloop].
Composite carotid intima-media thickness as a risk predictor of coronary heart disease in a selected population in Sri Lanka
Authors: Abeysuriya Visula , Wijesinha Nirmala A. I. , Priyadharshan Prakash P. , Chandrasena Lal G. , Wickremasinghe Ananda Rajitha
Published: August 2022

Background

Segment-specific variations of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) have not been assessed in South Asian populations. The purpose of this study was to determine if segment-specific CIMTs or a composite-CIMT score is a better risk predictor of coronary heart disease in South Asian populations.

Methods

A comparative prospective study was conducted from November 2019 to October 2020 in a hospital in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Based on pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, cases (having a diagnosis of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), n = 338) and controls (non-CHD group, n = 356) were recruited. Ultrasound examination of the common carotid (CCA), the carotid bulb (CB) and the internal carotid segments (ICA) of the carotid vessels was conducted by a radiologist, and CIMTs were measured. A composite-CIMT score defined as the average value of all six segments of the left and right sides was derived.

Results

694 participants were enrolled (male n = 399, 57.5%). The mean (±SD) age of the study sample was 60.2 (±9.86) years. There were variations in segment-specific values between the left and right vessels. The mean composite-CIMT value of the CHD group was significantly higher than that of the non-CHD group. A composite-CIMT score of 0.758 had a sensitivity of 98.4% and a specificity of 64.6% in distinguishing CHD from non-CHD groups (Area under the curve (AUC): 0.926).

Conclusions

Carotid artery segment-specific CIMT variations were present in this population. The composite CIMT score is better than segment-specific CIMTs in predicting CHD and may be used to predict CHD in this population.
Depressive symptoms and socioeconomic status among the labor force: Evidence from China’s representative sample
Authors: Zhang Guoying , Cai Chang , Zou Wenxin , Jing Lu , Wu Shaolong
Published: August 2022

Objectives

The purpose of this paper is to describe the prevalence of depressive symptoms in the Chinese labor force; to explore the relationship between depressive symptoms and socioeconomic status among the Chinese labor force, including both the structural determinants and the intermediary determinants of health inequities; and to identify vulnerable populations who would benefit from intervention measures.

Methods

Data were from the China Labor-Force Dynamics Survey (CLDS) 2016. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to assess depressive symptoms. The World Health Organization’s theoretical framework of the social determinants of health was adopted to analyze the relationship between social determinants and depressive symptoms.

Results

Of the participants in the research from the Chinese labor force, 17.34% were identified as having depressive symptoms. Depression was significantly related to socioeconomic factors such as hukou status (p < 0.05 in the age < 45 model), education (p < 0.01 in all five models), employment (p < 0.05 in the male model), income (p < 0.05 in all five models), and self-assessed social class position (p < 0.01 in all five models). Intermediary factors were also related to depressive symptoms, such as gender (p < 0.001 in the overall model), age (p < 0.05 in the overall model), marriage (p < 0.05 in the female model), occupational exposure (p < 0.01 in the overall model), exercise (p < 0.05 in all five models), and health insurance (p < 0.05 in the overall model). The results showed that low socioeconomic status was associated with an increased risk of depression and there were some gradient changes in the distribution of depressive symptoms in socioeconomic status.

Conclusions

The findings showed that depression symptoms are significantly related to structural determinants and intermediary determinants in China’s labor force. There are some gradient changes in the distribution of depressive symptoms among people of different socioeconomic status. Low socioeconomic status is associated with increased risk of depression. Women, older people, and single and divorced people are the relative vulnerable groups in China’s labor force.
Study on coal dust diffusion law and new pneumatic spiral spray dedusting technology at transfer point of mine cross roadway
Authors: Jing Deji , Liu Hongwei , Zhang Tian , Ge Shaocheng , Ren Shuaishuai , Ma Mingxing
Published: August 2022

In order to solve the problem of coal dust pollution at the transfer point, a three-dimensional numerical model of wind flow-coal dust at the loading point of underground rubber run was established by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) discrete particle model and finite element method and k-ε turbulence model, and the coal dust diffusion pollution phenomenon caused by the coal flow transfer under the intersection of wind flow in the cross tunnel was studied. Based on the simulation results of wind flow velocity contour, pressure contour and isochronous flow vector distribution, the influence mechanism of wind flow and coal dust characteristics on the distribution of wind flow and coal dust diffusion in the roadway is analysed, and a dust control and reduction system and treatment scheme with new pneumatic screw spray technology as the core is proposed to suppress coal dust pollution at the reloading point. The results of the study show that the wind flow distribution is mainly influenced by the intersection of tape traction and cross-roadway wind flow, showing a complex multi-layer distribution along the roadway and in the normal direction; the diffusion of coal dust of different particle sizes is influenced by the roadway wind flow, and coal dust with particle sizes in the range of 10μm~20μm is more easily diffused, and the dust with particle sizes in the range of 20μm~45μm is mainly collected and suspended near the vortex wind flow at the cross-roadway. The coal dust in the range of 20 μm~45 μm is more likely to gather in the vortex; the treatment system effectively controls the coal dust inside the dust cover, and the spiral-shaped transported droplet particle group formed by the pneumatic spiral spray combines with it efficiently, which verifies the dust control and reduction effect of the pneumatic spiral spray system at the transfer point, and the dust removal efficiency reaches 89.35%~93.06%, which provides relevant theoretical support for the treatment of dust pollution at the coal transfer point in underground coal mines It provides the theoretical support and means to control dust pollution at underground coal transfer points.
Relationship between liver dysfunction, lipoprotein concentration and mortality during sepsis
Authors: Tanaka Sébastien , De Tymowski Christian , Stern Jules , Bouzid Donia , Zappella Nathalie , Snauwaert Aurélie , Robert Tiphaine , Lortat-jacob Brice , Tran-dinh Alexy , Augustin Pascal , Boutten Anne , Tashk Parvine , Peoc’h Katell , Meilhac Olivier , Montravers Philippe
Published: August 2022

Background

High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are synthesized by the liver and display endothelioprotective properties, including anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, antithrombotic and antioxidant effects. In both septic and chronic liver failure patients, a low HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) concentration is associated with overmortality. Whereas sepsis-associated liver dysfunction is poorly defined, the aim of this study was to characterize the relationship between liver dysfunction, lipoprotein concentrations and mortality in septic patients in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted in a university hospital ICU. All consecutive patients admitted for septic shock or sepsis were included. Total cholesterol, HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride levels were assessed at admission. Sepsis-associated liver dysfunction was defined as a serum bilirubin≥ 2N or aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase concentrations ≥ 2N. Short-term and one-year prognostic outcomes were prospectively assessed.

Results

A total of 219 septic patients were included, and 15% of them presented with sepsis-associated liver dysfunction at admission. Low concentrations of lipoproteins were associated with mortality at Day 28 in the overall population. Sepsis-associated liver dysfunction at admission was associated with overmortality. In this subgroup, patients had a lower HDL-C concentration than patients without hepatic dysfunction (HDL-C = 0.31 [0.25, 0.55] mmol/L vs. 0.48 [0.29, 0.73] mmol/L, p = 0.0079) but there was no relationship with the outcome. Interestingly, no correlation was observed between lipoprotein concentrations and liver dysfunction markers.

Conclusion

Sepsis-associated liver dysfunction at ICU admission is strongly associated with overmortality and is associated with a lower HDL-C concentration. However, in this subgroup of patients, HDL-C concentration had no relationship with mortality. Further exploratory studies are needed to better understand the interaction between lipoproteins and liver dysfunction during sepsis.
Learning and memory in the orange head cockroach (Eublaberus posticus)
Authors: Varnon Christopher A. , Barrera Erandy I. , Wilkes Isobel N.
Published: August 2022

This paper describes two experiments aimed at establishing the orange head cockroach (Eublaberus posticus) as a model organism for behavioral research. While many invertebrate models are available, cockroaches have several benefits over others that show impressive behavioral abilities. Most notably, cockroaches are long-lived generalists that can be maintained in controlled indoor laboratory conditions. While the most popular cockroaches in behavioral research, Periplaneta americana and Blattella germanica, have the potential to become domestic pests, our E. posticus is extremely unlikely to escape or infest a human environment, making it a very practical species. In our first experiment, we investigated the ability of E. posticus to associate novel odors with appetitive and aversive solutions. They quickly learned to approach odors associated with a dog food sucrose solution and learned to avoid odors associated with salt water. The second experiment repeated the methods of the first experiment, while also testing retained preferences for conditioned odors, from 15 to 1,215 minutes after the conditioning procedure ended. We found that preferences for odors associated with food were strongest 45 minutes after training, then decreased as a function of time. Our work is the first to show associative learning and memory in the orange head cockroach. Findings are discussed in comparison to other invertebrate models as well as to other cockroach research.
A genome-wide association study of total child psychiatric problems scores
Authors: Neumann Alexander , Nolte Ilja M. , Pappa Irene , Ahluwalia Tarunveer S. , Pettersson Erik , Rodriguez Alina , Whitehouse Andrew , van Beijsterveldt Catharina E. M. , Benyamin Beben , Hammerschlag Anke R. , Helmer Quinta , Karhunen Ville , Krapohl Eva , Lu Yi , van der Most Peter J. , Palviainen Teemu , St Pourcain Beate , Seppälä Ilkka , Suarez Anna , Vilor-Tejedor Natalia , Tiesler Carla M. T. , Wang Carol , Wills Amanda , Zhou Ang , Alemany Silvia , Bisgaard Hans , Bønnelykke Klaus , Davies Gareth E. , Hakulinen Christian , Henders Anjali K. , Hyppönen Elina , Stokholm Jakob , Bartels Meike , Hottenga Jouke-Jan , Heinrich Joachim , Hewitt John , Keltikangas-Järvinen Liisa , Korhonen Tellervo , Kaprio Jaakko , Lahti Jari , Lahti-Pulkkinen Marius , Lehtimäki Terho , Middeldorp Christel M. , Najman Jackob M. , Pennell Craig , Power Chris , Oldehinkel Albertine J. , Plomin Robert , Räikkönen Katri , Raitakari Olli T. , Rimfeld Kaili , Sass Lærke , Snieder Harold , Standl Marie , Sunyer Jordi , Williams Gail M. , Bakermans-Kranenburg Marian J. , Boomsma Dorret I. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Hartman Catharina A. , Tiemeier Henning
Published: August 2022

Substantial genetic correlations have been reported across psychiatric disorders and numerous cross-disorder genetic variants have been detected. To identify the genetic variants underlying general psychopathology in childhood, we performed a genome-wide association study using a total psychiatric problem score. We analyzed 6,844,199 common SNPs in 38,418 school-aged children from 20 population-based cohorts participating in the EAGLE consortium. The SNP heritability of total psychiatric problems was 5.4% (SE = 0.01) and two loci reached genome-wide significance: rs10767094 and rs202005905. We also observed an association of SBF2, a gene associated with neuroticism in previous GWAS, with total psychiatric problems. The genetic effects underlying the total score were shared with common psychiatric disorders only (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, depression, insomnia) (rG > 0.49), but not with autism or the less common adult disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or eating disorders) (rG < 0.01). Importantly, the total psychiatric problem score also showed at least a moderate genetic correlation with intelligence, educational attainment, wellbeing, smoking, and body fat (rG > 0.29). The results suggest that many common genetic variants are associated with childhood psychiatric symptoms and related phenotypes in general instead of with specific symptoms. Further research is needed to establish causality and pleiotropic mechanisms between related traits.
The epidemiology of diphtheria in Haiti, December 2014–June 2021: A spatial modeling analysis
Authors: Ikejezie Juniorcaius , Langley Tessa , Lewis Sarah , Bisanzio Donal , Phalkey Revati
Published: August 2022

Background

Haiti has been experiencing a resurgence of diphtheria since December 2014. Little is known about the factors contributing to the spread and persistence of the disease in the country. Geographic information systems (GIS) and spatial analysis were used to characterize the epidemiology of diphtheria in Haiti between December 2014 and June 2021.

Methods

Data for the study were collected from official and open-source databases. Choropleth maps were developed to understand spatial trends of diphtheria incidence in Haiti at the commune level, the third administrative division of the country. Spatial autocorrelation was assessed using the global Moran’s I. Local indicators of spatial association (LISA) were employed to detect areas with spatial dependence. Ordinary least squares (OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) models were built to identify factors associated with diphtheria incidence. The performance and fit of the models were compared using the adjusted r-squared (R2) and the corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc).

Results

From December 2014 to June 2021, the average annual incidence of confirmed diphtheria was 0.39 cases per 100,000 (range of annual incidence = 0.04–0.74 per 100,000). During the study period, diphtheria incidence presented weak but significant spatial autocorrelation (I = 0.18, p<0.001). Although diphtheria cases occurred throughout Haiti, nine communes were classified as disease hotspots. In the regression analyses, diphtheria incidence was positively associated with health facility density (number of facilities per 100,000 population) and degree of urbanization (proportion of urban population). Incidence was negatively associated with female literacy. The GWR model considerably improved model performance and fit compared to the OLS model, as indicated by the higher adjusted R2 value (0.28 v 0.15) and lower AICc score (261.97 v 267.13).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that GIS and spatial analysis can support the investigation of epidemiological patterns. Furthermore, it shows that diphtheria incidence exhibited spatial variability in Haiti. The disease hotspots and potential risk factors identified in this analysis could provide a basis for future public health interventions aimed at preventing and controlling diphtheria transmission.
Investigating the experiences of low-carbohydrate diets for people living with Type 2 Diabetes: A thematic analysis
Authors: Newson Lisa , Parody Francesca Helen
Published: August 2022

Low-Carbohydrate Diets (LCDs) are becoming increasingly popular to manage Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there is a need to identify people with T2DM’s understanding of LCDs, their reasons for engaging in such a diet, how they sustain it and any challenges they face. This study aimed to assess the experience of adhering to a LCD within a sample of individuals with T2DM. Ten participants with T2DM were recruited using a self-selecting sampling method from an online diabetes community that promotes LCDs. Participants completed one-to-one digitally recorded semi-structured interviews, which were later transcribed verbatim and data subjected to Thematic Analysis. Five core themes and twelve subthemes were developed during the analysis: (1) Lack of professional guidance; (2) Fear of complications & long-term medication use; (3) Dietary control as motivation; (4) Positive health outcomes; and (5) Social support. The findings are discussed with reference to a psychological model of behaviour, COM-B. Participants reported gaining knowledge and skills to increase their Capability to engage in LCDs, Motivation to manage diabetes outcomes influenced adherence. However, challenges were reported with the Opportunity to engage in behaviour, mainly influenced by social support. Health professionals and significant others may benefit from resources to help build knowledge and understanding and assist with maintaining a LCD long-term.
A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study supports the causal effects of a high basal metabolic rate on colorectal cancer risk
Authors: Wu E. , Ni Juntao , Tao Lin , Xie Tian
Published: August 2022

Purpose

We conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to determine whether genetically predicted basal metabolic rate (BMR) was a causal risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC) or whether a genetically predicted CRC risk can influence the BMR level (i.e., reverse causation).

Methods

We employed 1,040 genetic variants as proxies for BMR to obtain effect estimates on CRC risk. Another 58 CRC-associated variants were used to estimate effects on BMR levels. Stratified analysis by tumor site was used to examine the causal associations between BMR and colon/rectal cancer risk.

Results

The inverse variance weighted (IVW) method indicated a significant causal effect of genetically determined BMR on CRC risk (ORSD= 1.27, 95% CI = 1.07–1.51). No significant reverse causal association was identified between genetically increased CRC risk and BMR levels [IVW (β= 0, 95% CI = -0.01 to 0)]. The results of MR-Egger and the weighted median method were consistent with the IVW method. Stratified analysis by CRC sites identified significant causal associations between BMR and colon cancer [IVW (ORSD= 1.45, 95% CI = 1.16-1-80)], and null evidence of a causal association between BMR and rectal cancer risk was found (p> 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings add to the current literature by validating a positive relationship between high BMR levels and CRC risk instead of reverse causality. The genetically predicted BMR level was causally associated with colon cancer risk but not rectal cancer risk.
“I feel like I’m in a revolving door, and COVID has made it spin a lot faster”: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on youth experiencing homelessness in Toronto, Canada
Authors: Noble Amanda , Owens Benjamin , Thulien Naomi , Suleiman Amanda
Published: August 2022

Purpose

Research has shown that youth experiencing homelessness (YEH) face barriers to social inclusion and are at risk for poor mental health. With the COVID-19 pandemic threatening the health, wellbeing, and economic circumstances of people around the world, this study aims to assess the impacts of the pandemic on YEH in Toronto, Ontario, as well as to identify recommendations for future waves of COVID-19.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with YEH (ages 16–24, n = 45) and staff who work in one of four downtown emergency shelters for youth (n = 31) in Toronto, Ontario.

Results

YEH experienced both structural changes and psychosocial impacts resulting from the pandemic. Structural changes included a reduction in services, barriers to employment and housing, and changes to routines. Psychosocial outcomes included isolation, worsened mental health, and increased substance use. Impacts were magnified and distinct for subpopulations of youth, including for youth that identified as Black, 2SLGBTQ+, or those new to Canada.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic increased distress among YEH while also limiting access to services. There is therefore a need to balance health and safety with continued access to in-person services, and to shift the response to youth homelessness to focus on prevention, housing, and equitable supports for subpopulations of youth.
‘Emphatically not cricket’: British eyewitness testimonies of revolutionary Catalonia, 1936
Authors: Pole Adrian
Published: August 2022

In spite of significant interest in British responses to the Spanish Civil War (1936–39), the raft of eyewitness accounts which hitherto anonymous Britons relayed to the regional press during the opening months of the conflict are yet to receive systematic attention. By using Britons who were present in Catalonia between July and September 1936 as a case study, this article seeks to reconstruct the multifaceted process by which numerous eyewitness testimonies came into existence, as well as their subsequent relationship to broader debates about the Civil War in Britain. It argues that the lived encounters which were sustained between both tourists and long-term residents with the revolutionary events which took place in Catalonia following the military rising in July were fundamentally circumscribed by their status as foreigners, as well as their tendency to rationalize their experiences with the aid of pre-existing, culturally rooted stereotypes and assumptions. British reactions generated ‘on the ground’ in Spain were subsequently converted into supposedly authoritative first-hand testimonies in close cooperation with local journalists eager for sensational ‘human interest’ content, before going on to form an early input into the widespread attitude that the Spanish Civil War amounted to little more than incomprehensible anarchy.
Populism and social media in the Iberian Peninsula: The use of Twitter by VOX (Spain) and Chega (Portugal) in election campaigning
Authors: Ramos Antón Rubén , Baptista Carla
Published: August 2022

This article inquiries about the use of Twitter by the two radical right-wing populist Iberian parties, the Spanish VOX and the Portuguese Chega, during election campaigning. Using quantitative and qualitative methodologies, it analyses the tweets posted on their official accounts during the campaign running up to the last general elections held in Spain and Portugal. The results indicate diverging uses of Twitter and differences in their thematic political agendas. VOX chiefly exploits people’s feelings of national unity in the face of Spain’s peripheral nationalism and stirs up fear of illegal immigration. Chega cultivates a sense of insecurity to legitimize its punitive legalistic proposals, such as applying the life sentence and the chemical castration of paedophiles. VOX more frequently employs colloquial and aggressive language. These differences reflect the asymmetric positions of power occupied by the two parties but do not jeopardize the development of an Iberian-inspired radical-right populism.