bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-isolation Experiences of Nursing Students with COVID-19
Authors: Son Mira
Published: July 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the self-isolation experiences of nursing students with confirmed COVID-19 infections.Methods: This study used purposive sampling. The participants were 13 nursing students who self-isolated for COVID-19. Data were collected through video conference interviews and analyzed using grounded theory methods.Results: The 14 categories that emerged were analyzed by fitting them into a paradigmatic model. The central phenomenon was “emotional challenges of self-isolation”. The action/interaction strategies were “adhering to isolation protocols and working to recover”, “using the time as an opportunity to recharge and grow”, “making up for classroom deficits”, and “envisioning a future nurse”. The core category was “focusing on what I can do now to avoid falling behind”. This process was characterized by stages of embarrassment, instability, endurance, and resilience.Conclusion: Missed classes due to self-isolation may contribute to student anxiety and depression, and educators should continue to make efforts to protect learning rights.
Effect of Multidisciplinary Program for Relapse Prevention on Abstinence Self-efficacy, Impulsivity and Suicidal Ideation among Patients with Substance Use Disorder
Authors: An Soyun , Park Wanju
Published: July 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a multidisciplinary program for relapse prevention on abstinence self-efficacy, impulsivity and suicidal ideation among patients with substance use disorderMethods: A nonequivalent control group non-synchronized design was used. The participants were 42 substance addicted patients admitted to the addiction ward. The study variables of abstinence self-efficacy, impulsivity, and suicidal ideation were evaluated by the x2 test, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Shapiro-Wilk test, Mann-Whitney U test using the SPSS program.Results: The experimental group showed a significant difference in abstinence self-efficacy (U=54.50, p<.001), impulsivity (U=88.00, p<.001) and suicidal ideation (U=77.50, p<.001) compare to the control group.Conclusion: The multidisciplinary relapse prevention program was effective in improving abstinence self-efficacy, impulsivity, and suicidal ideation. It is essential to develop optimal nursing interventions for patients with substance use disorders to prevent relapse.
Socio-Economic Structure of Widowhood in India: Past and Present
Authors: Atwal Jyoti
Published: July 2023

This paper is a historiographical review of selected significant scholarship on widowhood in India. Most important conclusion is that the difference in widowhood experiences in India is premised upon the fact that the high-caste customs and cultural codes has created a disadvantageous gender equation for women. Nineteenth century legal-reformist debates around sati, widow remarriage and the age of consent were templates on which deep anxieties over the Hindu female body were expressed. Widow remarriage was a way of bringing this body back into the arena of reproduction and motherhood. While the actual practice of sati (widow self - immolation) was declared unlawful, the cultural codes upholding a widow’s imagined renunciatory powers were also being rewritten throughout the anti-colonial movement. A strong notion of a possible ‘living’ sati was created. The attributes of self-discipline and perfect control over one’s sexual desires and impulses became the highest preferable form of Hindu womanhood (irrespective of the caste and class of women). Besides nation building, the patriarchal perceptions of the ‘self-controlled’ body of a Hindu widow also facilitated the ease with which modernity could be fused with ideas of honour and self-abnegation amongst Hindu women. These ideas coexisted with the Indian reformist demand for enhanced property rights for women (widows in particular) and women’s growing role in the anti-colonial movement as well as in the post-1947 Indian society and economy.
Prehospital anaesthesia by a helicopter emergency medicine service: a review
Authors: O'Neill Ronan , Topping Andrew , Monaghan Darren , O'Rorke Glenn , Hay Philip , McLaughlin Russell , Mitchell Hannah , McFetridge Lisa , Wolfe Julia
Published: July 2023

Background:

The Northern Ireland (NI) Ambulance Service launched its helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) in 2017.

Aims:

This paper reviews the first 200 cases of prehospital emergency anaesthesia (PHEA).

Methods:

A retrospective review of the NI HEMS intubation database between 29 July 2017 and 28 February 2021 was conducted.

Findings:

PHEA was delivered as rapid sequence intubation (RSI). There was a 100% RSI success rate. The mean 999 call to RSI time was 65.9 minutes (median=61 minutes), with 14.6% of procedures carried out within the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence target of 45 minutes or less. The first pass oral intubation rate was 89.3%. There was a significant difference in the number of male compared to female patients (men=145; women=55; P≤0.0001).

Conclusion:

PHEA delivery by the HEMS since it was set up has been successful provided in a safe, robust manner. Reducing the 999 call to RSI time in line with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence target was identified as an area for development.
Bacterial Cellulose: An Ecological Alternative as A Biotextile
Authors: Mehrotra Rekha , Sharma Samiksha , Shree Nidhi , Kaur Kohinoor
Published: July 2023

Bacterial cellulose has come forth as a novel nano-material with an extensive range of distinct properties, making it an excellent industrial alternative to conventional plant cellulose, as the world moves toward a sustainable and cleaner phase. Bacterial cellulose is a biomaterial that breaks down naturally in the environment and is produced by natural mechanism in bacterial cells. It has been considered as a substitute to traditional biomaterials in numerous sectors, namely, textile, pharmaceutical, food industry, biotechnology, for its features enabling to achieve sustainable development goals. The present focus is on looking at developing an inexpensive substrate for the synthesis of bacterial cellulose from industrial waste as its commercialization is restricted due to social, economic, and environmental considerations. Upcoming research in biotechnological area of biotextiles and biocomposites aims to integrate basic knowledge of textiles with biological sciences thereby facilitating production of goods which are commercially more viable and also less harmful to the environment. The review discusses the data regarding the use of bacterial cellulose and its production over the years, notably in the textile sector, with an emphasis on advancement of research to enable its extensive production and in various other areas like cosmetology, food industry, biomedical and paper industry. In addition, potential benefits of bacterial cellulose development addressing many of the global sustainable development goals along with suggestions for its scale-up have also been discussed.
Influence of Quinoa Enrichment on the Formulation, Qualitative Parameters and Consumer Acceptability of Low-Gluten Foods
Authors: S Kanimozhi , R Arivuchudar
Published: July 2023

ABSTRACT: Quinoa, is renowned as a grain of the 21st century in lieu of its capacity to withstand any climatic condition, its potential health benefits and exceptional nutritional value. Breakfast is the important meal of the day, which is skipped most often by most of the people. This study is framed with the objective of developing breakfast foods from the highly nutritious food grain like quinoa. As, Chapati and bars are easier to prepare and consume, the study aims at developing high-quality, convenient foods products by incorporating quinoa flour and quinoa flakes. The processed quinoa flour and flakes was substituted into the wheat flour and rice flakes in the proportion of 25, 50 & 75% to prepare chapati and bars of different variations namely variation1 (25Q:75W), variation2 (50Q:50W) and variation3 (75Q:25W). All the variations were analysed for physical characteristics, and organoleptic attributes like colour, appearance, mouth feel, texture, flavour, taste and overall acceptability was assessed by 30 panelist using a 9-point hedonic rating scale. The statistical analysis by Duncan’s test and ANOVA showed significant difference (p<0.05) in all the developed variations, when compared with control foods. The most accepted variation was subjected to nutrient analysis. The study report concludes that on comparing with control the presence of macronutrients such as protein and dietary fibre, micronutrients such as calcium, iron, phytochemicals like flavonoids (particularly quercetin, kaempferol and epigallocatechin) were found to be higher in variation 3 of the developed products (chapati and bars). Since quinoa is a gluten free food it can be given to celiac people, their high nutritious and dietary quality meets the demands of the food industry and consumers.
Synthesis, Characterization and Dye Adsorption Studies of Silver Nanoparticles by Biowaste of the Plant Caesalpinia Pulcherrima
Authors: Krishnamoorthy R. , Santhi M. , Asaithambi M.
Published: July 2023

For their unique physical, chemical and biological characteristics, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used in a variety of applications in the sectors of health and wellness as well as consumer and industrial products. We describe here the production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using activated carbon from locally accessible biowaste Caesalpinia pulcherrima pod is the goal of this work, which aims to characterise the activated carbons generated by oxidation of activated carbons of comparable porosity with Sulphuric acid, nitric acid, and phosphoric acid, respectively. Using Caesalpinia pulcherrima plant extract as a reducing agent, silver particles may be made. TEM was used to determine the particle size, distribution, shape, shape heterogeneity, and aggregation. Analysis of the silver nanoparticle's composition has been done using EDAX. According to the findings, activated carbon derived from Caesalpinia pulcherrima pod is ideal for the adsorption of textile dyes such as Eriofast Blue (EB) and Erionyl Orange (EO) and might be employed as a low-cost efficient adsorbent in the treatment of industrial wastewater.
Multiple roles of ALK3 in osteoarthritis
Authors: Ruan Xianchun , Gu Jinning , Chen Mingyang , Zhao Fulin , Aili Munire , Zhang Demao
Published: July 2023

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage degradation, synovial membrane inflammation, osteophyte formation, and subchondral bone sclerosis. Pathological changes in cartilage and subchondral bone are the main processes in OA. In recent decades, many studies have demonstrated that activin-like kinase 3 (ALK3), a bone morphogenetic protein receptor, is essential for cartilage formation, osteogenesis, and postnatal skeletal development. Although the role of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling in articular cartilage and bone has been extensively studied, many new discoveries have been made in recent years around ALK3 targets in articular cartilage, subchondral bone, and the interaction between the two, broadening the original knowledge of the relationship between ALK3 and OA. In this review, we focus on the roles of ALK3 in OA, including cartilage and subchondral bone and related cells. It may be helpful to seek more efficient drugs or treatments for OA based on ALK3 signalling in future.
Features for a Style for Push-communication Integrated Rich Web-based Applications
Authors: Dissanayake Nalaka R. , Kasthurirathna Dharshana , Jayalal Shantha
Published: July 2023

The development aspects of rich web-based applications have evolved; however, abstract concepts, like styles and patterns, are still lacking. If an abstract style for rich web-based applications is available, it can support the whole engineering process in many ways, like assisting in designing aspects and the system’s evolution. We have produced an abstract architectural style named RiWAArch style for standard rich web-based applications, and we are working on extending the same to realize integrating push-communication. Push-communication has become a contemporary requirement in developing features like real-time notifications in rich web-based applications. However, the features to be expected from a style to realize the integration of the push-communication are not yet recognized. This concept paper proposes a set of features to be expected from a style for push-communication-integrated rich web-based applications. Our ongoing research will later utilize these features to form requirements and design a comprehensive style by extending the RiWAArch style to realize the abstract features of integrating true push-communication into rich web-based applications.
Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Pineapple Fruit Bar Extract, treated with Sugar and Jaggery
Authors: S. Nivetha  , R. Hemalatha  , G. Chinnadurai
Published: July 2023

The infections/diseases are caused by many antibiotic-resistant bacteria, virus, fungi and protozoan parasites. The discovery of the plant origin of antibiotic drugs has inevitably fostered the development of resistance in microorganisms. The variety of natural candidates of plant origin, many leaves and fruits have potent antibacterial activity. This study is aimed at determining the antibacterial activity of pineapple (Ananas comosus) fruit bar extracts used for the antibacterial activity was carried out by agar well-diffusion technique and the activity was measured by the zone of inhibition in diameter. The results of the study revealed that the various extracts of pineapple (P1, PS2 and PJ3) have potential activity against both gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli).
Contributions to the Knowledge of the Myrmecophilous Pselaphines (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Pselaphinae) from China. IX. a Redefinition of the Genus Anaclasiger, with a Description of a Second Species Associated with Prenolepis sphingthoraxa (Hymenoptera
Authors: Yin Zi-Wei
Published: July 2023

The genus Anaclasiger Raffray is redefined and its taxonomic placement briefly discussed, based on the discovery of a second species of the genus, A. zhudaiae sp. n., collected in association with the ant Prenolepis sphingthoraxa from South China. The new species is described and illustrated. An identification key to species of Anaclasiger is provided.
Impact of Aqueous Plant Extracts on Trigona spinipes
Authors: Oliveira Maria Emilene Correia de
Published: July 2023

The stingless bees are an important component of the insect biomass in many tropical areas, due to their collection of nectar and pollen. Trigona spinipes is a widely distributed species in South America, and described as a pollinator of many crops that can be used in a commercial pollinating system. The effects of plant extracts on insects are studied because of the demand for organic food and their selectivity to natural enemies. Plant insecticides are reported as a potential agent for the control of insect pests, however little is known about their impact on beneficial insects. This study investigated the survival of Trigona spinipes (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Meliponini) Fabricius, after exposure to the leaf extracts of Azadiracha indica (Meliaceae), Lippia sidoides (Verbenaceae), Sapindus saponaria (Sapindaceae), Anonna squamosa (Anonnaceae) Cymbopogon winterianum (Poaceae), Corimbia citriodora (Myrtaceae), Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) and Ricinus communis (Euphorbiaceae) and of seeds of Azadiracha indica, Ricinus communis Nordestina and AL Guarany varieties and Jatropha curcas. The extracts that had the greatest influence on the survival of the bees were A. indica at 3% and 7% of concentration, A. squamosa at a concentration of 10% with 68.89% survival and green leaf of R. communis at a concentration of 7%. The results show that although the extracts were effective in controlling pests, they may also affect the pollinator Trigona spinipes.
Aggressive Behavior and the Role of Antennal Sensillae in the Termite Reticulitermes chinensis (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Authors: Huang Qiuying
Published: July 2023

This study examined aggressive behavior between the colonies in the termite Reticulitermes chinensis from China. Strong aggression was observed among workers and soldiers. Intercolonial aggression was strong during the first 0.5 h and then reduced gradually in all the treatments. After cutting the five terminal antennal segments of workers and soldiers, there was still strong intercolonial aggression among workers and soldiers. However, after removal of the ten terminal antennal segments of workers and soldiers, almost no intercolonial aggression happened among workers and soldiers. SEM results of antennae indicated that antennal sensillae mainly occurred on the ten terminal segments including four types of trichode sensilla, both in workers and soldiers of this species. Few antennal sensilla occurred on the basal segments except for a few sensilla chaetica and basiconic capitate peg sensilla. The above findings suggest that antennal sensillae may play a role in nestmate recognition in R. chinensis.
Why do Ant Species Occur in the Matrix and Not in the Forests? Invasion from Other Habitats or Expansion from Forest Gaps (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Schoereder José H.
Published: July 2023

In a fragmented Brazilian landscape, 24 species of ant, which are considered to be open-area specialists, occur exclusively in the pasture areas around the forest remnant (matrix). In this paper, we propose possible theoretical explanations for the occurrence of these exclusively matrix species, and suggest that these species originally occurred in forest gaps. We also determine whether these species occur in another type of open vegetation, the cerrado (Brazilian savanna). Ants were collected from ten forest gaps within three forest remnants. Ant species sampled in forest gaps were compared to ant species collected from the cerrado. The aim here was to determine whether there were any similarities between the two sets of species, and also to collect information about the origin of matrix ant species. In the forest gaps, we sampled 44 species of ant. Of these, 11 species were also found to occur in matrix areasand eight species in the cerrado vegetation. Two scenarios could explain this result: (I) exotic ant species of open biomes migrate to, and establish in, the matrix; or (II) the species that currently occur exclusively in the matrix areas are originally from forest gaps and have increased their distribution following the fragmentation event. We discuss reasons to support these scenarios as wellas their implications for other ecological and conservation processes.
Identification of the Tandem Running Pheromone in Diacamma sp. from Japan (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
Authors: Tsujii Naoki Fujiwara , Tokunaga Kotone , Akino Toshiharu , Tsuji Kazuki , Yamaoka Ryohei
Published: July 2023

The Japanese queenless ponerine ant Diacamma sp. from Japan employs tandem running during nest relocation, in which a leader ant guides nestmate followers one at a time. We replicated this process by presenting one entire abdominal part of a leader, except for the petiole to followers. When the abdominal part had been rinsed with n-hexane, however, it attracted significantlyfewer followers. This suggests that chemicals on the leader’s abdominal part evoke tandem running. Dissection of abdominal major exocrine glands revealed that the Dufour’s gland was the source of this chemical signal. The chemicals were eluted in the hydrocarbon fraction by silica-gel column chromatography, and the quantitatively major component was estimated as heptadecene (C17:1) through gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GCMS) analysis. The position of the double bond was estimated to be between the 8th and 9th carbons through analysis of the epoxidized compound. Only (Z)-isomers of 8-heptadecene evoked tandem running in the followers. We identified the tandem running pheromone of this ant species to be (Z)-8- heptadecene. (163)
Real-time, deep-learning aided lensless microscope
Authors: Wu Jimin , Boominathan Vivek , Veeraraghavan Ashok , Robinson Jacob T.
Published: July 2023

Traditional miniaturized fluorescence microscopes are critical tools for modern biology. Invariably, they struggle to simultaneously image with a high spatial resolution and a large field of view (FOV). Lensless microscopes offer a solution to this limitation. However, real-time visualization of samples is not possible with lensless imaging, as image reconstruction can take minutes to complete. This poses a challenge for usability, as real-time visualization is a crucial feature that assists users in identifying and locating the imaging target. The issue is particularly pronounced in lensless microscopes that operate at close imaging distances. Imaging at close distances requires shift-varying deconvolution to account for the variation of the point spread function (PSF) across the FOV. Here, we present a lensless microscope that achieves real-time image reconstruction by eliminating the use of an iterative reconstruction algorithm. The neural network-based reconstruction method we show here, achieves more than 10000 times increase in reconstruction speed compared to iterative reconstruction. The increased reconstruction speed allows us to visualize the results of our lensless microscope at more than 25 frames per second (fps), while achieving better than 7 µm resolution over a FOV of 10 mm2. This ability to reconstruct and visualize samples in real-time empowers a more user-friendly interaction with lensless microscopes. The users are able to use these microscopes much like they currently do with conventional microscopes.
Method to determine the centration of a lenticule of tissue extracted from a cornea
Authors: Haidari Hamed , Derhartunian Victor , Arba-Mosquera Samuel
Published: July 2023

A simple and novel method to analyse the centration of a lenticule of tissue extracted from a cornea has been developed, in which the centre of “mass” of the individual differences between post and preoperative maps of several corneal metrics represents the lenticule centration and its spatial distance to a reference point (aimed centration) determines the decentration. Different parameters have been evaluated to weight the centre of “mass”. The robustness of the methods has been evaluated using perturbation analysis (adding white-noise to the data) based on realistic uncertainties. A clipped analysis has been performed to prevent large, localised areas of lacking/missing data from affecting the centre of “mass”. The method has been tested on a pilot cohort of clinical data showing 30% and 63% of the treatments within 200 µm of decentration for corneal thickness and refractive equivalent power, respectively. Except for anterior elevation with a total standard deviation of 17 µm, all other metrics show excellent precision of ∼5 µm. The method provides a reliable and objective way to determine the centration of a lenticule of tissue extracted from a cornea and it can be applied to any topo- or tomographic derived metric.
Wavefront shaping for multi-user line-of-sight and non-line-of-sight visible light communication
Authors: Zhou Xiaomeng , Shi Jianyang , Chi Nan , Shen Chao , Li Ziwei
Published: July 2023

Visible light communication (VLC) has become a popular method for indoor communication, due to its high transmission speed and robustness against electromagnetic interference. Indoor VLC scenarios commonly consist of multiple users in line-of-sight (LOS) and non-line-of-sight (NLOS) paths. In NLOS, the light waves suffer from attenuation due to diffuse reflection from obstacles in the room, leading to significant attenuation in light intensity. This paper proposes a wavefront shaping method to enhance indoor VLC for multiple users, including both LOS and NLOS. By employing a spatial division scheme, we can simultaneously achieve a light intensity gain of 5.43 dB in NLOS through stepwise partitioning wavefront shaping and an opening angle range of 27° for two LOS users through computational holography. By employing bit-power-loading discrete multi-tone (DMT) modulation, we demonstrated VLC with transmission data rates of 3.082 Gbit/s and 3.052 Gbit/s for two LOS links and 2.235 Gbit/s for NLOS with 30.7% improvement compared with that without wavefront shaping, satisfying the 7% forward-error-correction (FEC) threshold.
Noise-aware infrared polarization image fusion based on salient prior with attention-guided filtering network
Authors: Li Kunyuan , Qi Meibin , Zhuang Shuo , Liu Yimin , Gao Jun
Published: July 2023

Infrared polarization image fusion integrates intensity and polarization information, producing a fused image that enhances visibility and captures crucial details. However, in complex environments, polarization imaging is susceptible to noise interference. Existing fusion methods typically use the infrared intensity (S0) and degree of linear polarization (DoLP) images for fusion but fail to consider the noise interference, leading to reduced performance. To cope with this problem, we propose a fusion method based on polarization salient prior, which extends DoLP by angle of polarization (AoP) and introduces polarization distance (PD) to obtain salient target features. Moreover, according to the distribution difference between S0 and DoLP features, we construct a fusion network based on attention-guided filtering, utilizing cross-attention to generate filter kernels for fusion. The quantitative and qualitative experimental results validate the effectiveness of our approach. Compared with other fusion methods, our method can effectively suppress noise interference and preserve salient target features.
Design of high-efficiency and large-angle homo-metagratings for light source integration
Authors: Tsai Wei-Cheng , Hong Yu-Heng , Kuo Hao-Chung , Huang Yao-Wei
Published: July 2023

Meta-optics integrated with light sources has gained significant attention. However, most focused on the efficiency of metasurfaces themselves, rather than the efficiency of integration. To design highly efficient beam deflection, we develop a scheme of homo-metagrating, involving the same material for meta-atoms, substrate, and top layer of the laser, to achieve near-unity power from light-emitting to metasurfaces. We utilize three degrees of freedom: overall add-on phase, parameters of meta-atoms in a period, and lattice arrangement. The overall efficiency of homo-metagratings is higher than that of hetero-metagratings. We believe our approach is capable of being implemented in various ultracompact optic systems.
Production of high-density metastable argon atoms with periodic fast pulsed DC discharge
Authors: Lei Peng , Shen Yuanyi , Wang Xinbing , Zuo Duluo
Published: July 2023

Optically pumped metastable rare gas laser (OPRGL), as a potential high-energy laser has attracted much attention. During extensive research on OPRGL, the realization of volume discharge with high-metastable density has always been a priority and is essential to the efficient lasing of OPRGL. A large-volume plasma of He/Ar with high metastable density at atmospheric pressure can be generated by applying peaking capacitors near the electrodes. In this article, 0.8 cm3 of He/Ar plasma at a pressure of 900 mBar, with a peak value of metastable argon density higher than 1014 cm-3 was realized. The metastable density was measured by absorption spectroscopy based on the absorption bandwidths acquired at a pressure range of 400-900 mbar where a probe beam at a weak line with wavelength 772.38 nm was applied. Furthermore, the high metastable density was verified by the laterally-observed laser-induced fluorescence, as well as the laser oscillation of 100 mW under a longitudinal pumping with a short gain length of 8 mm.
Photoelectric characteristics of hydrogen-terminated polycrystalline diamond MESFETs
Authors: Liu Yuebo , Dong Xianshan , Liao Wenyuan , Yan Jiahui , Niu Hao , Dai Zongbei , Lai Canxiong , Yang Xiaofeng , Yang Shaohua , Lv Zesheng , Xu Mingsheng , Wang Hongyue
Published: July 2023

In the field of diamond MESFETs, this work is what we believe to be the first to investigate the optoelectronic properties of hydrogen-terminated polycrystalline diamond MESFETs under visible and near-UV light irradiation. It is shown that the diamond MESFETs are well suited for weak light detection in the near-ultraviolet region around the wavelength of 368 nm, with a responsivity of 6.14 × 106 A/W and an external quantum efficiency of 2.1 × 107 when the incident light power at 368.7 nm is only 0.75 µW/cm2. For incident light at 275.1 nm, the device's sensitivity and EQE increase as the incident light power increases; at an incident light power of 175.32 µW/cm2 and a VGS of -1 V, the device's sensitivity is 2.9 × 105 A/W and the EQE is 1.3 × 106. For incident light in the wavelength range of 660 nm to 404 nm with an optical power of 70 µW/cm2, the device achieves an average responsivity of 1.21 × 105 A/W. This indicates that hydrogen-terminated polycrystalline diamond MESFETs are suitable for visible and near-UV light detection, especially for weak near-UV light detection. However, the transient response test of the device shows a long relaxation time of about 0.2 s, so it is not yet suitable for high-speed UV communication or detection.
Direct nonlinear parameter estimation method for a phase generated carrier position sensor
Authors: Zhao Haoyu , Xu Zhimou , Ma Donglin
Published: July 2023

Phase generated carrier (PGC) is widely applied in interferometric phase estimation for distance, vibration and velocity measurements. However, traditional PGC methods suffer from nonlinear effects, causing limitations to demodulation of signal. Modified PGC methods, such as ellipse fitting algorithm (EFA), resolves these issues, but usually requires additional phase shift. With our proposed method in this paper, only one period of signal and one test point is required to attain accurate depth of phase modulation and phase. We use a photodiode to calibrate light intensity in data acquisition, and develop a Levenburg-Marquadt algorithm to estimate values of PGC parameters. An improved algorithm is also proposed to avoid local optimization based on prior information to ensure measurement stability. Less than 5 × 10−3 rad phase measurement uncertainty and over 55 dB Signal to Noise and Distortion Ratio (SINAD) is obtained in experiment.
Yeast NDI1 reconfigures neuronal metabolism and prevents the unfolded protein response in mitochondrial complex I deficiency
Authors: Granat Lucy , Knorr Debbra Y. , Ranson Daniel C. , Hamer Emma L. , Chakrabarty Ram Prosad , Mattedi Francesca , Fort-Aznar Laura , Hirth Frank , Sweeney Sean T. , Vagnoni Alessio , Chandel Navdeep S. , Bateman Joseph M.
Published: July 2023

Mutations in subunits of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase cause mitochondrial complex I deficiency, a group of severe neurological diseases that can result in death in infancy. The pathogenesis of complex I deficiency remain poorly understood, and as a result there are currently no available treatments. To better understand the underlying mechanisms, we modelled complex I deficiency inDrosophilausing knockdown of the mitochondrial complex I subunit ND-75 (NDUFS1) specifically in neurons. Neuronal complex I deficiency causes locomotor defects, seizures and reduced lifespan. At the cellular level, complex I deficiency does not affect ATP levels but leads to mitochondrial morphology defects, reduced endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria contacts and activation of the endoplasmic reticulum unfolded protein response (UPR) in neurons. Multi-omic analysis shows that complex I deficiency dramatically perturbs mitochondrial metabolism in the brain. We find that expression of the yeast non-proton translocating NADH dehydrogenase NDI1, which reinstates mitochondrial NADH oxidation but not ATP production, restores levels of several key metabolites in the brain in complex I deficiency. Remarkably, NDI1 expression also reinstates endoplasmic reticulum-mitochondria contacts, prevents UPR activation and rescues the behavioural and lifespan phenotypes caused by complex I deficiency. Together, these data show that metabolic disruption due to loss of neuronal NADH dehydrogenase activity cause UPR activation and drive pathogenesis in complex I deficiency.
Screening for Chagas disease from the electrocardiogram using a deep neural network
Authors: Jidling Carl , Gedon Daniel , Schön Thomas B. , Oliveira Claudia Di Lorenzo , Cardoso Clareci Silva , Ferreira Ariela Mota , Giatti Luana , Barreto Sandhi Maria , Sabino Ester C. , Ribeiro Antonio L. P. , Ribeiro Antônio H.
Published: July 2023

Background

Worldwide, it is estimated that over 6 million people are infected with Chagas disease (ChD). It is a neglected disease that can lead to severe heart conditions in its chronic phase. While early treatment can avoid complications, the early-stage detection rate is low. We explore the use of deep neural networks to detect ChD from electrocardiograms (ECGs) to aid in the early detection of the disease.

Methods

We employ a convolutional neural network model that uses 12-lead ECG data to compute the probability of a ChD diagnosis. Our model is developed using two datasets which jointly comprise over two million entries from Brazilian patients: The SaMi-Trop study focusing on ChD patients, enriched with data from the CODE study from the general population. The model’s performance is evaluated on two external datasets: the REDS-II, a study focused on ChD with 631 patients, and the ELSA-Brasil study, with 13,739 civil servant patients.

Findings

Evaluating our model, we obtain an AUC-ROC of 0.80 (CI 95% 0.79-0.82) for the validation set (samples from CODE and SaMi-Trop), and in external validation datasets: 0.68 (CI 95% 0.63-0.71) for REDS-II and 0.59 (CI 95% 0.56-0.63) for ELSA-Brasil. In the latter, we report a sensitivity of 0.52 (CI 95% 0.47-0.57) and 0.36 (CI 95% 0.30-0.42) and a specificity of 0.77 (CI 95% 0.72-0.81) and 0.76 (CI 95% 0.75-0.77), respectively. Additionally, when considering only patients with Chagas cardiomyopathy as positive, the model achieved an AUC-ROC of 0.82 (CI 95% 0.77-0.86) for REDS-II and 0.77 (CI 95% 0.68-0.85) for ELSA-Brasil.

Interpretation

The neural network detects chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC) from ECG—with weaker performance for early-stage cases. Future work should focus on curating large higher-quality datasets. The CODE dataset, our largest development dataset includes self-reported and therefore less reliable labels, limiting performance for non-CCC patients. Our findings can improve ChD detection and treatment, particularly in high-prevalence areas.
The impact of dual- versus single-dosing and fatty food co-administration on albendazole efficacy against hookworm among children in Mayuge district, Uganda: Results from a 2x2 factorial randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kim Eun Seok , Adriko Moses , Aidah Wamboko , Oseku Kabarangira Christine , Lokure David , Sabapathy Kalpana , Webb Emily L.
Published: July 2023

Background

Mass Drug Administration (MDA) is the main strategy for control of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections, with single-dose benzimidazole (albendazole or mebendazole) the principal MDA option. In Mayuge district, Uganda, an MDA programme has been in place for over fifteen years but hookworm infection remains common and there is concern that the effectiveness of single-dose albendazole as currently used for MDA may be sub-optimal. This study aims to assess the efficacy of dual- versus single-dose albendazole, with and without fatty food co-administration against hookworm, the dominant form of STHs in Mayuge district, Uganda.

Methodology

This was a 2x2 factorial randomised controlled trial to investigate two interventions simultaneously; 1) dual-dose versus single-dose albendazole, 2) taking albendazole with or without fatty food (200 grams of avocado eaten directly after medication). School children with hookworm infection were randomised in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to the four possible treatment groups. Three weeks after the treatment, stool samples were collected from trial participants to evaluate trial outcomes: cure rate and egg reduction rate (ERR).

Principal findings

A total of 225 participants were enrolled, and 222 (98.7%) seen at 3 weeks. The cure rate in the dual-dose group was 96.4% (95% CI: 90.9–99%), higher than 83.9% (95% CI: 75.7–90.2%) in the single-dose group (OR: 5.07, 95% CI:1.61–15.96, p = 0.002). The ERR was 97.6% and 94.5% in the dual-dose group and single-dose drug group, respectively (ERR difference 3.1%, 95% CI: -3.89–16.39%, p = 0.553). The cure rates among participants taking albendazole with and without avocado were 90.1% and 89.1%, respectively, with no statistical difference between the two groups (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 0.51–3.03, p = 0.622). The ERR was 97.0% and 94.2% in the group receiving albendazole with and without avocado, respectively, and the difference in ERR between the two groups was 2.8% (95% CI -8.63–14.3%, p = 0.629).

Conclusions/Significance

In Ugandan school children, dual-dose albendazole improves the cure rate of hookworm compared to single-dose albendazole. However, there was no significant improvement in cure rate or egg reduction rate of hookworm with fatty-food co-administration. Dual-dose albendazole is a feasible alternative for improving drug effectiveness against hookworm infection and minimising drug resistance.

Trial registration

PACTR202202738940158.
Does joint impedance improve dynamic leg simulations with explicit and implicit solvers?
Authors: Bahdasariants Serhii , Barela Ana Maria Forti , Gritsenko Valeriya , Bacca Odair , Barela José Angelo , Yakovenko Sergiy
Published: July 2023

The nervous system predicts and executes complex motion of body segments actuated by the coordinated action of muscles. When a stroke or other traumatic injury disrupts neural processing, the impeded behavior has not only kinematic but also kinetic attributes that require interpretation. Biomechanical models could allow medical specialists to observe these dynamic variables and instantaneously diagnose mobility issues that may otherwise remain unnoticed. However, the real-time and subject-specific dynamic computations necessitate the optimization these simulations. In this study, we explored the effects of intrinsic viscoelasticity, choice of numerical integration method, and decrease in sampling frequency on the accuracy and stability of the simulation. The bipedal model with 17 rotational degrees of freedom (DOF)—describing hip, knee, ankle, and standing foot contact—was instrumented with viscoelastic elements with a resting length in the middle of the DOF range of motion. The accumulation of numerical errors was evaluated in dynamic simulations using swing-phase experimental kinematics. The relationship between viscoelasticity, sampling rates, and the integrator type was evaluated. The optimal selection of these three factors resulted in an accurate reconstruction of joint kinematics (err < 1%) and kinetics (err < 5%) with increased simulation time steps. Notably, joint viscoelasticity reduced the integration errors of explicit methods and had minimal to no additional benefit for implicit methods. Gained insights have the potential to improve diagnostic tools and accurize real-time feedback simulations used in the functional recovery of neuromuscular diseases and intuitive control of modern prosthetic solutions.
A történelemdidaktika trendjei a Nemzetközi Történelemdidaktikai Társaság (ISHD) kiadványainak tükrében
Authors: Fodor Richárd , Tóth Judit
Published: July 2023

A 21. századra a tudás hozzáférhetőségének korlátait felváltotta az ismeretek szelekciójának nehézsége. A felhalmozott hasznos és kevésbé releváns tudás óriási mennyiségben áll rendelkezésre - téglákból épült könyvtárak helyett immár különböző szerverek online tárhelyein. Így még fontosabbá vált a kérdés, hogy melyek azok a nyílt hozzáférésű szakmai platformok, amelyek megkerülhetetlenek a diszciplína tudományos életében.  A történelemdidaktika mint a múlt forrásait középpontba állító, a történelmi gondolkodás fejlesztését és magasabb rendű tanulói tevékenységek megvalósítását támogató tudományterület, elősegítheti a hatékony információszelekciós stratégiák kialakítását. Tanulmányunk célja a Nemzetközi Történelemdidaktikai Társaság kiadásában megjelenő International Journal of Research on History Didactics, History Education and History Culture című folyóirat elmúlt évtizedben (2011–2021) betöltött szakmai szerepének és trendjeinek meghatározása, a lap részletes feltérképezése, elemzése és ezen keresztül a történelemdidaktika szakmai műhelyeinek, szereplőinek, aktuális irányvonalainak, problémarendszerének felvázolása. A feltáró elemzések alapján a folyóirat fókuszában a tankönyvelemzés és a különböző tartalmi-tantervi szabályozók állnak. Az európai tudományos közösségen belül a német kutatók és történelemdidaktikai műhelyek végeznek kiemelkedő tevékenységet. A kutatás eredményei egyértelműen utalnak a történelemdidaktika fejlődésének összetett irányaira, amelyek feltehetően a közeljövő tudományos diskurzusára nemzetközi és hazai viszonylatban is hatást gyakorolnak majd, elősegítve ezzel a diszciplína megújulását.
Hubungan Penyakit Jantung Bawaan dengan Konfirmasi Serologi Anti Rubela pada Sangkaan Sindrom Rubela Kongenital
Authors: Arigayota Sulaiman , Dimiati Herlina , Herdata Heru Noviat , Darussalam Dora , Haris Syafruddin , Sovira Nora
Published: July 2023

Latar belakang. Sindrom rubela kongenital adalah kumpulan gejala akibat infeksi virus rubela selama kehamilan, ditandai trias klasik manifestasi klinis berupa sensory neural hearing loss, abnormalitas ocular, dan penyakit jantung bawaan. Pendekatan diagnosis ditegakkan melalui anamnesis, pemeriksaan fisik, dan pemeriksaan penunjang. Diagnosis pasti berdasarkan hasil serologi anti rubela. Tujuan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui hubungan antara penyakit jantung bawaan dengan konfirmasi serologi positif antibodi rubela pada sangkaan sindrom rubela kongenital.Metode. Penelitian ini menggunakan data sekunder Rekam Medis anak usia <12 bulan selama tiga tahun (2019-2021) di Rumah Sakit Umum dr. Zainoel Abidin Banda Aceh.Hasil. Dari 117 subjek yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi dan ekslusi, subjek perempuan 60 (51%), dengan 94 (80%) lahir cukup bulan dan rentang usia ibu saat hamil adalah 20-40 tahun. Terdapat 87 (75%) subjek dengan PJB, dengan15 (83%) subjek memiliki nilai serologi positif. Dari hasil analisis terdapat hubungan signifikan antara kejadian penyakit jantung bawaan dengan konfirmasi positif serologi anti rubela (p=0,018).Kesimpulan. Terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara manifestasi klinis sindrom rubela kongenital dan penyakit jantung bawaan dengan hasil pemeriksaan konfirmasi serologis positif antibodi rubela.
Kekerasan terhadap Remaja serta Faktor-Faktor yang Memengaruhi pada Masa Pandemi COVID-19
Authors: Pane Irene Audrey Davalynn , Sekartini Rini
Published: July 2023

Latar belakang. Pandemi COVID-19 telah membuat pemerintah mengeluarkan peraturan untuk tetap berada di rumah. Kegiatan Pembelajaran Jarak Jauh meningkatkan durasi aktivitas remaja di rumah dan menimbulkan faktor lain yang berkaitan dengan kejadian kekerasan. Setiap tahunnya, kekerasan terhadap remaja terus meningkat. Dengan dampak buruk yang diakibatkan oleh kekerasan, timbul kepentingan mendesak untuk melakukan penelitian mengenai kejadian kekerasan terhadap remaja dan faktor-faktor yang dapat memengaruhi.Tujuan. Penelitian ini bertujuan mendeskripsikan prevalensi kekerasan terhadap remaja di masa pandemi COVID-19 beserta faktor yang memengaruhi.Metode. Penelitian observasional menggunakan analisis deskriptif dan bivariat dengan metode desain studi potong-lintang dengan pengisian kuesioner secara daring. Dilaksanakan pada bulan oktober hingga November 2021, dengan metode total population sampling dengan kriteria inklusi setiap anak yang berusia 10-18 tahun, mampu memahami dan menguasai Bahasa Indonesia, dan berdomisili di Indonesia, dan memiliki ponsel/ gadget jenis apapun milik sendiri yang dapat dipakai untuk mengisi kuesioner. Kriteria eksklusi subjek adalah anak yang tidak memiliki gangguan kognitif serta gangguan komunikasi dan  tidak bersedia berpartisipasi dalam penelitian.Hasil. Didapatkan total subjek yang diteliti yakni 106 subjek. dengan sebaran terbanyak berdasarkan usia 14-17 tahun 61,3%, jenis kelamin perempuan 66%, posisi anak terakhir 34%, dan mengikuti pembelajaran jarak jauh sebanyak 96,2%. Remaja yang taat pada protokol kesehatan 21,7% dan tidak taat 78,3%. Jenis keluarga terbanyak ialah keluarga inti 83% dan orang tua remaja yang bekerja sebanyak 91,5%. Pendidikan orang tua tertinggi adalah sarjana, ayah (47,2%) dan ibu (36,8%). Sebanyak 67,9% remaja mengalami kekerasan dengan jenis kekerasan tertinggi ialah penelantaran (50,9%). Seluruh faktor pada penelitian secara statistik tidak berhubungan bermakna.Kesimpulan. Kekerasan terhadap remaja tidak berhubungan secara statistik dengan faktor anak (usia, jenis kelamin, posisi anak, pembelajaran jarak jauh) dan faktor lingkungan (jenis keluarga, pendidikan dan pekerjaan orang tua, serta tingkat ketaatan terhadap protokol kesehatan)
Hospitality management program evaluations: Bases for curriculum enhancement
Authors: Narvios Leahlou E. , Quiñones Hubert G. , Gabuya Florenda B.
Published: July 2023

Global standards in Hospitality Management in terms of academic learning and practical skills are very stiff competition in the industry. Interns' level of performance due to the individual KSA (Knowledge, Skill, and Attitude) evaluation CTU-Main HM collected. However, the internship performance of the Trainee depends individually in terms of KSA. A quantitative method structured questionnaire and distributed to evaluate how the individual factors of interns that would help determine the curriculum enhancement based on the results. Essential insights that advance understanding of the eﬃcient design and informed management of internship programs based on evaluations among students can be invaluable in measuring outcomes from the internship program and the entire professional instruction program for future Hospitality Management professionals. It provides perspectives on coursework, activities, and suggested curriculum changes. Integrating program and internship assessment is appropriate since internships are part of the program. It attempted to explore the academic performance and internship performance in terms of KSA and personality of hospitality management students by examining their capacity before the internship and their skills enhancement needed for the internship experience following its completion. It reveals that an interaction that inﬂuence the individual factors is essential in shaping student expectations of the internship. Individual and organizational factors regarded as inﬂuencers on interns' experience, training factors about the transition of environment that regulate interns' experience and characteristics serve as mediators to the internship experience.