bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of face mask use during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia: Application of the health belief model, psychological distress and health motivation
Authors: Wulandari Devi , Purba Fredrick Dermawan , Alfikalia Alfikalia , Kertamuda Fatchiah Ekowati , Rahmania Tia , Sabrina Olivia Ayu , Hidayah Kurnia Nurul , Fatimah Syarifah
Published: December 2023

Background High infection rates of COVID-19 in Indonesia require attention, especially transmission and prevention behaviors. One way to lower infection rates is the use of face masks. However, people’s adherence to its usage when in public is still low. This necessitates the exploration of predictors of the use of masks to increase community compliance. This study further aims to investigate the predictors of face mask use by applying the Health Belief Model, anxiety, stress, depression, and health motivation. Methods A total of 255 respondents from Jakarta, Bandung, Tangerang, and Banten filled out an online questionnaire. Furthermore, hierarchical multiple regression was used to detect predictors associated with face mask use. Results The results showed that the high perceived benefits and health motivation were higher in individuals who used a face mask when in public, while those who have high perceived barriers likely do not use masks. The respondent’s level of psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and stress were not associated with face mask use. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of personal appraisal regarding COVID-19 and its prevention behaviors. Comfortable mask design, and emphasizing the benefits of using masks in the community improve compliance.
Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of hospital admissions for COVID-19: A retrospective cohort of patients in two hospitals in the south of Brazil
Authors: Jesus Edna Ribeiro de , Boell Julia Estela Willrich , Reckziegel Juliana Cristina Lessmann , Vaz Rafael Sittoni , Goulart Marco Aurélio , Peluso Flávia Marin , Nogueira Tiago da Cruz , Ávila Márcio Costa Silveira de , Malkiewiez Michelle Mariah , Schmidt Catiele Raquel , Weissenberg Vanessa Cruz Corrêa , Piccolin Millena Maria , Charão Junior Walmiro Martins , Lorenzini Elisiane
Published: December 2023

Background This database aims to present the sociodemographic and clinical profile of a cohort of 799 patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in two hospitals in southern Brazil. Methods Data were collected, retrospectively, from November 2020 to January 2021, from the medical records of all hospital admissions that occurred from 1 April 2020 to 31 December 2020. The analysis of these data can contribute to the definition of the clinical and sociodemographic profile of patients with COVID-19. Data description This dataset covers 799 patients hospitalized for COVID-19, characterized by the following sociodemographic variables: sex, age group, race, marital status and paid work. The sex variable was collected as sex assigned at birth from medical records data. Clinical variables included: admission to clinical ward, hospitalization in the Intensive Care Unit, COVID-19 diagnosis, number of times hospitalized due to COVID, hospitalization time in days and risk classification protocol. Other clinical variables include: pulmonary impairment; patients ventilation pattern; high-flow oxygen mask; pulmonary thromboembolism; cardiovascular disease; pulmonary sepsis; influenza exam results. Other health problems: diabetes, systemic arterial hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, obesity, tabaco smoking, asthma, chronic kidney disease, overweight, vascular accident, sedentary lifestyle, HIV/AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease. Conclusions The analysis of these data can contribute to the definition of the clinical and sociodemographic profile of patients with COVID-19. Thus, a great social impact is demonstrated when databases are published. Open data accelerates the research process, facilitates reuse and enriches datasets, in addition to optimizing the application of public resources, that is, enabling more use of the same investment.
Postural fall in systolic blood pressure is a useful warning sign in dengue fever
Authors: Mahabala Chakrapani , Boloor Archith , Upadhya Sushmita , Nimmagadda Satya Sudish , Lakshmikeshava Tejaswini , Anand Raghav
Published: December 2023

Background Capillary leak is the hallmark of development of severe dengue. A rise in haematocrit has been a major warning sign in WHO guidelines. Postural hypotension, which could reflect the intravascular volume reduction in capillary leak has been noted as warning sign in CDC and Pan American Health Organisation guidelines. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of postural hypotension as a marker of development of severe dengue. Methods 150 patients admitted with dengue fever were recruited in this prospective observational study. Diagnostic accuracy of conventional warning signs (abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, fluid accumulation, mucosal bleeding, lethargy, liver enlargement, increasing hematocrit with decreasing platelets) and postural hypotension was evaluated. Results 23 (15.3%) subjects developed severe dengue. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that ascites/pleural effusion and postural fall in systolic blood pressure of >10.33% had odds ratio of 5.024(95%CI:1.11 – 22.75) and 11.369 (95% CI:2.27 – 56.87), respectively. Other parameters did not reach statistical significance. Sensitivity and specificity of ascites/pleural effusion were 82.6% and 88.2% for development of severe dengue whereas postural fall in systolic blood pressure had sensitivity and specificity of 87% and 82.7%. Conclusions These findings present a strong case for including postural hypotension as a warning sign in patients with dengue fever, especially in resource limited settings.
A hybrid effectiveness-implementation study protocol to assess the effectiveness and chemoprevention efficacy of implementing seasonal malaria chemoprevention in five districts in Karamoja region, Uganda
Authors: Kajubi Richard , Ainsworth Jennifer , Baker Kevin , Richardson Sol , Bonnington Craig , Rassi Christian , Achan Jane , Magumba Godfrey , Rubahika Denis , Nabakooza Jane , Tibenderana James , Nuwa Anthony , Opigo Jimmy
Published: December 2023

Background The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and amodiaquine (SPAQ) for children aged 3 to 59 months, living in areas where malaria transmission is highly seasonal. However, due to widespread prevalence of resistance markers, SMC has not been implemented at scale in East and Southern Africa. An initial study in Uganda showed that SMC with SPAQ was feasible, acceptable, and protective against malaria in eligible children in Karamoja region. Nonetheless, exploration of alternative regimens is warranted since parasite resistance threats persist. Objective The study aims to test the effectiveness of SMC with Dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine (DP) or SPAQ (DP-SMC & SPAQ-SMC), chemoprevention efficacy as well as the safety and tolerability of DP compared to that of SPAQ among 3-59 months old children in Karamoja region, an area of Uganda where malaria transmission is highly seasonal. Methods A Type II hybrid effectiveness-implementation study design consisting of four components: 1) a cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) using passive surveillance to establish confirmed malaria cases in children using both SPAQ and DP; 2a) a prospective cohort study to determine the chemoprevention efficacy of SPAQ and DP (if SPAQ or DP clears sub-patent infection and provides 28 days of protection from new infection) and whether drug concentrations and/or resistance influence the ability to clear and prevent infection; 2b) a sub study examining pharmacokinetics of DP in children between 3 to <6 months; 3) a resistance markers study in children 3–59 months in the research districts plus the standard intervention districts to measure changes in resistance marker prevalence over time and finally; 4) a process evaluation. Discussion This study evaluates the effects of SPAQ-SMC versus DP-SMC on clinical malaria in vulnerable children in the context of high parasite SP resistance, whilst informing on the best implementation strategies. Conclusion This study will inform malaria policy in high-burden countries, specifically on utility of SMC outside the sahel, and contribute to progress in malaria control.
Nobel Laureates in Economics in the 21st century: in 3 volumes.
Authors: Hudokormov Aleksandr , Ol'sevich Yuliy , Nelyubina Alena , Bannikova Viktoriya , Mescheryakov Anton , Fomina Viktoriya , Markina Veronika , Moskaleva Aleksandra , Litovchenko Aleksey , Plehanova Lidiya , Taipov Mihail
Published: December 2023

Volume 1 includes articles dedicated to the laureates of the Nobel Prize in Economics for 2000-2007: J. Heckman, D. McFadden, J. Akerlof, M. Spence, J. Stiglitz, D. Kahneman, W. Smith, F. Kidland, E. Prescott, R. Auman, T. Schelling, E. Phelps, L. Hurwitz, E. Maskin, R. Myerson. The biographies of scientists, their main ideas are considered, and their contribution to the development of economic theory is evaluated.
For students of economic universities and anyone interested in economic theory and the history of economic thought.
METODOLOGIAS DE PESQUISA EM EDUCAÇÃO: NARRATIVAS (AUTO)BIOGRÁFICAS COM SUPORTE DE VÍDEOS
Authors: Silva Adriana Barbosa da
Published: December 2023

O artigo tece reflexões sobre metodologias de pesquisas a partir do aporte teórico das narrativas (auto)biográficas com o suporte de vídeos, escrutinando um novo jeito de narrar histórias de vida, compatível com a linguagem do cinema/do audiovisual. O surgimento de uma nova ferramenta metodológica inventiva, foi idealizada para superar o distanciamento social que se impôs entre pesquisadores e depoentes, durante a pandemia do Covid-19. A pesquisa busca rememorar, por via remota, histórias de vida de jovens que participaram do projeto de uma escola popular de cinema. Puxando múltiplos fios envoltos na relação entre palavra dada e escuta, pôde-se chegar à compreensão cênica de tramas individuais e coletivas (singulares e plurais), de percursos e cotidianos evidenciados por meio de narrativas (auto)biográficas com o apoio de vídeos. A edição dos filmes foi construída e partilhada com cada um dos participantes, permitindo um encontro com as narrativas de si, proporcionando que os envolvidos no processo pudessem reflexionar suas experiências, para tecer novos diálogos e considerações sobre as suas histórias de vida. A construção do filme tornou-se um processo formativo, tocado pelas tessituras dos encontros individuais e coletivos. Novas conexões foram criadas a partir de um movimento alteritário entre narradores e ouvinte. A proposta inicial de gravação de filmes foi adaptada à atual conjuntura e às possibilidades disponíveis no momento, recriando a linguagem audiovisual como ferramenta metodológica para ampliar o campo de narrativas (auto)biográficas e do cinema.
A UERJ NO CONTEXTO PANDÊMICO DA COVID 19: DILEMAS E DESAFIOS
Authors: Taborda Marcia , Tavares Lincoln , Oliveira Rosana , Barbosa Alexsandra , Regis Caren
Published: December 2023

A proposta deste relato de experiência é compartilhar o vivido pela Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ) no contexto pandêmico da COVID-19 no período de março de 2020 a 2021. Pretende-se dialogar com os dilemas, desafios, encaminhamentos, táticas (CERTEAU, 2014) e ações da Pró-Reitoria de Graduação (PR-1) no que tange à graduação da UERJ, apontando, em especial, elementos/preocupações sobre a formação da comunidade universitária que nortearam institucionalmente as Unidades Acadêmicas. Orientações pedagógicas específicas para o desenvolvimento de atividades oferecidas de modo presencial direcionadas para uma experiência 100% online devido o recolhimento social decretado em 13 de março de 2020. Os aspectos teóricos-metodológicos-epistemológicos do artigo se ancoram nas pesquisas com os cotidianos (ALVES, 2008, 2015 CERTEAU, 2014) que considerando a complexidade (MORIN, 1996) das pesquisas no campo da educação buscam um diálogo ‘teóricoprático’ na construção do saber e do que se entende como produção do conhecimento, valorizando as experiências, suas narrativas e saberes. Como resultado foram criações e ações em 4 (quatro) grandes eixos para enfrentarmos o momento pandêmico vivido pela universidade: Dimensão infraestrutural, Dimensão diagnóstica institucional, Dimensão legal, Dimensão Formativa com criações dos espaços síncronos e assíncronos de atendimento aos docentes e estudantes e o investimento de formação em exercício dos usos dos ambientes virtuais.
Bereavement and the veterinary nurse
Authors: Morrin Hamish
Published: December 2023

Bereavement is an issue that all pet owners and animal care staff face. Veterinary nurses frequently face not only the bereavement of clients, but also their own as pet owners, or from taking part in euthanasia. As a result, veterinary nurses are at risk of further challenges such as disenfranchised or complicated grief. This article discusses what is known about the experience of bereavement, methods to support those experiencing bereavement, and how these may affect practicing veterinary nurses.
Effects of Selected Manure Sources on Runoff, Soil Loss, and Nutrient Transport
Authors: Watts Dexter , Horvath Tibor , Torbert Henry Allen , Adesemoye Anthony O.
Published: December 2023

Highlights

Surface water runoff was reduced following manure additions.

Sediment yield was reduced following manure additions.

Nutrient loss was increased following manure additions.

Abstract. Soil erosion models are becoming increasingly accurate and now can simulate a variety of surface covers which can lessen erosion by reducing detachment and movement of soil particles. Currently, there is limited data on the effects of animal manure on soil erosion. Most process-based models credit animal manure as crop residue cover. Thus, there is a need for bench studies under laboratory conditions, as well as field studies to determine the effects manure applications have on runoff and sediment loss. Rainfall simulation studies were conducted to evaluate the influence of different animal manures on runoff, sediment yield, and nutrient loss using undisturbed soil monoliths placed in perforated trays. The soil was collected from fields managed under long-term no-till and a conventional till for over 15 years. Poultry litter, solid dairy manure, liquid swine manure, liquid dairy manure applied to the experimental units were compared to a no manure treatment. Generally, sediment yield and runoff amounts were reduced following manure application regardless of source (averaged across all rainfall events and manure rates), with reductions generally occurring with increasing rates of manure. When evaluating each rainfall event separately, runoff increased with increasing rates of manure for the liquid dairy manure only in the initial rainfall simulation events due to surface sealing. However, the effects of surface sealing decreased from the first rainfall simulation event to the third event. Sediment yield tended to be higher in conventional till versus no-till (only evaluated with liquid dairy manure); however, the addition of manure tended to be more effective at reducing sediment loss with conventional till. Dissolved reactive P, NH4-N, and NO3-N levels in the runoff effluent increased for all of the manure sources with increasing rates of manure. These results suggest that manure applications can reduce soil loss, especially from the conventionally-tilled treatment. Keywords: Manure, Rainfall simulation, Runoff, Soil erosion.
The inclusive leader and his role in creating employee teams
Authors: Bańkowski Paweł
Published: December 2023

Cel pracy

Celem artykułu jest ocena wpływu lidera inkluzywnego na kreowanie zespołu pracowników oraz wykazanie korzyści ze stworzenia inkluzywnego środowiska pracy. Zespoły kierowane przez lidera inkluzywnego charakteryzują się specyficznymi cechami, które mogą w pozytywny sposób wpłynąć na jakość ich pracy i tym samym sposób funkcjonowania organizacji.

Materiał i metody

W artykule wykorzystano globalne badania dotyczące inkluzywności w organizacjach, pt.: „Building a True Culture of Inlusion”. Badania zostały opracowane przez agencję Kincentric. W procesie badawczym, autor wykorzystał metodę analizy literaturowej tematu i słów kluczowych oraz analizy badań wtórnych, a także opracował wnioski końcowe.

Wyniki

Wyniki badań pozwalają zidentyfikować korzyści związane z funkcjonowaniem lidera inkluzywnego w organizacji. Szereg rozpoznanych zalet z zastosowania inkluzji w przedsiębiorstwie pozwala stwierdzić, że zespoły funkcjonujące w inkluzywnym środowisku pracy są bardziej zaangażowane, zespolone i skuteczniejsze w swoich działaniach od innych zespołów.

Wnioski

Otoczenie w dzisiejszej rzeczywistości jest bardzo zróżnicowane, głównie ze względu na usprawnioną migrację ludności. Wymusza to na organizacjach i ich liderach coraz to większą zdolność do zarządzania różnorodnością w celu tworzenia skutecznych zespołów pracowniczych. Rozwiązaniem tego problemu może być wdrożenie w przedsiębiorstwie lidera inkluzywnego. Inkluzywność to cecha określająca osobę, która odnajduje się w wielu grupach społecznych i potrafi jednoczyć przedstawicieli poszczególnych grup.
Real estate investments as a form of personal finance management in Poland
Authors: Zalewska Aleksandra Maja , Zienkiewicz Tadeusz
Published: December 2023

Cel pracy

Celem artykułu jest analiza wybranych czynników wpływających na inwestycje w nieruchomości w Polsce w kontekście zarządzania finansami osobistymi. W rozważaniach omówiono przyjęte zasady prowadzenia badań, w tym plan badań i metodologię badań.

Materiał i metody

Zaobserwowana różnorodność decyzji inwestycyjnych na rynku nieruchomości wymagała przeprowadzenia badania. Zmiennymi objaśniającymi były poziom wykształcenia, aktualny stan posiadania nieruchomości oraz poziom dochodów. Badania ilościowe przeprowadzono na grupie 1000 respondentów metodą wywiadu osobistego wspomaganego komputerowo oraz wywiadu internetowego wspomaganego komputerowo. W badaniu wykorzystano metodę Likerta. Do zbadania zależności pomiędzy przyjętymi zmiennymi objaśniającymi a gotowością do inwestowania w nieruchomości w Polsce wykorzystano test niezależności Pearsona.

Wyniki

Badanie wykazało związek pomiędzy zmiennymi objaśniającymi a zmienną objaśniającą. Oznacza to, że chętniej inwestują osoby z wyższym wykształceniem, osoby posiadające już nieruchomość oraz osoby o wyższych dochodach

Wnioski

Wyniki badania wskazują deweloperom grupy docelowe na polskim rynku nieruchomości i mogą być przez nich praktycznie wykorzystywane. Gotowość polskiego społeczeństwa do inwestowania w nieruchomości, wyjaśniana zastosowanymi czynnikami, pozwoli zrozumieć zachowania poszczególnych grup społecznych, zwłaszcza w okresie pokryzysowym.
The capital of women's managerial careers in small and medium-sized enterprises
Authors: Rzepka Agnieszka , Dzieńdziora Joanna , Smolarek Małgorzata Katarzyna , Kmiotek Krystyna
Published: December 2023

Cel pracy

Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie problematyki kapitału kariery menedżerskiej kobiet w małych i średnich przedsiębiorstwach.

Materiał i metody

Kapitał kariery menedżerskiej kobiet przedstawiony został w kontekście małych i średnich przedsiębiorstw. Sformułowano następujące pytania badawcze: 1. Jakie rodzaje kapitału kariery mają znaczenie dla rozwoju kariery menedżerskiej kobiet?, 2. Jakie czynniki wpływają na osiąganie sukcesów w pracy zawodowej kobiecej kadry menedżerskiej? 3. Jakie są kluczowe kompetencje kobiet pełniących funkcje menedżerskie? Badanie zostało zrealizowane metodą sondażu diagnostycznego, techniką ankiety w środowisku kobiet zatrudnionych na stanowiskach menedżerskich w polskich MŚP. Próba badawcza stanowiła N=742 respondentów. Artykuł oparty jest na studiach literaturowych, zarówno krajowych, jak i międzynarodowych. Systematyczny przegląd literatury służył doprecyzowaniu luki poznawczej. Następnie przeprowadzono badanie własne z wykorzystaniem metody sondażu diagnostycznego.

Wyniki

Sukces zawodowy dla badanych kobiet łączy się z podnoszeniem kwalifikacji, równowagą pomiędzy wszystkimi sferami życia, uznaniem w grupie zawodowej, samorealizacją i skutecznością w działaniu. Jest on trudniejszy do osiągnięcia w przypadku kobiet niż mężczyzn, co jest wynikiem braku równych szans rozwoju zawodowego i takich samych perspektyw awansu w przypadku kobiet i mężczyzn na stanowiskach menedżerskich.

Wnioski

W wyniku krytycznej analizy literatury krajowej i międzynarodowej oraz badań własnych sformułowano następujące wnioski: kobiety są świadome, że kapitał edukacyjny, który determinował dotychczasową karierę zawodową nie gwarantuje dalszego sukcesu ich kariery menedżerskiej i należy go ciągle gromadzić i odnawiać, podobnie jak pozostałe formy kapitału kariery.
Regularized cost function in wavefront shaping for advancing the contrast of structured light
Authors: Kumar Amit , Jain Himanshu , Paul Abhishek , Thakur Sarvesh , Biswas S. K.
Published: December 2023

The cost function in the iterative optimization algorithms is one of the sensitive
optimization controllers that plays a crucial role in feedback based
wavefront shaping for constructing well-resolved complex structured
light through scattering media. There has been a trade-off between
resolution and the contrast enhancement of the structured light in
wavefront shaping. We have developed an ℓ2-norm based quadratic cost function
(L2QN) and proposed a regularized cost function (RCF) for advancing
the contrast and maintaining the high resolution of structured light.
Both the simulations and experiments have been performed, and it has
been found that the proposed RCF significantly advances the contrast
and structural uniformity for focusing light through scattering media
as well as for diffused reflection mode. The potential applications of
the method demonstrated in this study can be extended into holographic
displays, structured light illumination microscopy, photo-lithography,
photothermal treatments, dosimetry, laser materials processing, and
energy control inside and outside an incubation system.
Optical 2-bit nanoscale multiplier using MIM waveguides
Authors: Nukhailawi Yousif Jawad Kadhim , Hussein Nashwan J.
Published: December 2023

The plasmonic 2-bit multiplier is designed at a 1310 nm operating wavelength and a 65% transmission threshold (Tthreshold). Using the finite element method (FEM) with the COMSOL version 15 software, we simulated the suggested 2-bit multiplier, based on the principle of the constructive and destructive interferences between the input light waves. The results were delivered in graphs containing the transmission level (T) versus an operating wavelength range between 800 and 2000 nm, magnetic field distribution, modulation depth (MD), contrast ratio (CR), and insertion loss (IL). The modulation depth was 99.91%, the CR was 14.75 dB, and the IL was −1.2dB.
Convolutional sparse coding for compressed sensing photoacoustic CT reconstruction with partially known support
Authors: Qin Zezheng , Ma Yiming , Ma Lingyu , Liu Guangxing , Sun Mingjian
Published: December 2023

In photoacoustic tomography (PAT), imaging speed is an essential metric
that is restricted by the pulse laser repetition rate and the number
of channels on the data acquisition card (DAQ). Reconstructing the
initial sound pressure distribution with fewer elements can
significantly reduce hardware costs and back-end acquisition pressure.
However, undersampling will result in artefacts in the photoacoustic
image, degrading its quality. Dictionary learning (DL) has been
utilised for various image reconstruction techniques, but they
disregard the uniformity of pixels in overlapping blocks. Therefore,
we propose a compressive sensing (CS) reconstruction algorithm for
circular array PAT based on gradient domain convolutional sparse
coding (CSCGR). A small number of non-zero signal positions in the
sparsely encoded feature map are used as partially known support (PKS)
in the reconstruction procedure. The CS-CSCGR-PKS-based reconstruction
algorithm can use fewer ultrasound transducers for signal acquisition
while maintaining image fidelity. We demonstrated the effectiveness of
this algorithm in sparse imaging through imaging experiments on the
mouse torso, brain, and human fingers. Reducing the number of array
elements while ensuring imaging quality effectively reduces equipment
hardware costs and improves imaging speed.
Diffraction of light from a long rectangular phase slit
Authors: Mahmoudi Ali
Published: December 2023

The phenomenon of light diffraction from an opaque screen containing a long rectangular slit has a closed-form solution in the Fraunhofer regime, which is covered in the undergraduate physics curriculum and experimentally verified. Here, we examine the more general situation of a semi-transparent plane that contains a long rectangular slit. Our analysis reveals that the diffraction patterns differ significantly between two specific cases: diffraction from an opaque screen containing a slit, and diffraction from a transparent plane featuring a slit (phase slit or a phase strip). The calculations demonstrate that the diffraction pattern resulting from the phase slit comprises two distinct sets of fringes with different spatial frequencies, and the width (size) of the phase slit (or strip) can be determined by examining the lower-frequency fringes. To verify these calculations, we fabricated appropriate phase slits and phase strips and analyzed their diffraction patterns. Our experimental findings showed excellent agreement with the theoretical predictions.
Monolithic optical PAM-4 transmitter with autonomous carrier tracking
Authors: Omirzakhov Kaisarbek , Pirmoradi Ali , Hao Han , Aflatouni Firooz
Published: December 2023

We present two single channel optical PAM-4 transmitters, one based on a novel 3-section PN-capacitive micro-ring modulator with on-chip low-power driver and a near-zero power capacitive wavelength locking system and another one based on a 2-section thermally tuned PN micro-ring modulator of the similar size with the same modulator driver. The maximum error-free data-rate of 16 Gb/s and 22 Gb/s at the energy efficiency of 200 fJ/b and 430 fJ/b for the former and the latter transmitters are measured, respectively, and the design trade-offs are discussed. The chips are fabricated in the GlobalFoundries 90 nm CMOS SOI process.
Reliable and easy-to-use SERS spectroscopy probe using a tapered opto-fluidic photonic crystal fiber
Authors: Benazza Amine , Beffara Flavien , Auguste Jean-Louis , Olivo Malini , Dinish U. S. , Humbert Georges
Published: December 2023

Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is one of the most sensitive biosensing techniques that offers label free detection for a variety of applications. Generally, SERS spectroscopy is performed on nano-functionalized planar substrates with plasmonic structures or colloidal nanoparticles. Recently, photonic crystal fibers (PCFs) have gained great interest for SERS based bio sensing applications due to the immense advantages such as improved sensitivity, flexibility and remote sensing capability that it offers compared to the planar substrates. However, the use of PCF based biosensors demand the alignment of it under a microscope, which can affect the reliability of SERS measurements and could be restrictive for practical end use applications. Herein, we aim to develop a tapered suspended core PCF fiber (Tapered-SuC-PCF) that represents an improvement in coupling efficiency and measurement reliability as well as it opens the way to the development of an easy-to-use bio-sensing probes with a plug and play option with conventional Raman spectrometers. We have fabricated several samples of the optimized tapered-SuC-PCF and demonstrated its superior SERS performance compared to standard SuC-PCF fibers with 2 µm core diameter. An excellent SERS measurement reliability is demonstrated using such a fiber in a plug and play type system demonstrating its versatility for practical end use applications.
Sensitivity improvement of a single-NV diamond magnetometer using a chiral waveguide
Authors: Takada Kosuke , Katsumi Ryota , Yatsui Takashi
Published: December 2023

A single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) center in diamond is utilized to perform nanoscale magnetic measurements. However, the low contrast and poor collection efficiency of spin-dependent emitted photons limited the instrument sensitivity to approximately several nT/Hz. Here, we design a diamond magnetometer based on a chiral waveguide. We numerically demonstrate that the proposed device achieves a sensitivity of 170 pT/Hz owing to near-unity contrast and efficient photon collection. We also confirm that the device sensitivity is robust against position misalignment and dipole misorientation of an NV center. The proposed approach will enable the construction of a highly-sensitive magnetometer with high spatial resolution.
Polarization characteristics and transverse spin of Mie scattering
Authors: Cao Zhaolou , Zhai Chunjie
Published: December 2023

Complicated polarization states in the near field of Mie scattering have aroused wide interest due to their broad potential applications. In this work, we investigated polarization properties, including polarization dimension, degree of nonregularity, and transverse electric-field spin, of scattering of a partially polarized plane wave by a dielectric nanosphere based on the rigorous Mie scattering theory. It is shown that with the decrease of the correlation coefficient, the polarization dimension and degree of nonregularity generally increase. In the limit of unpolarized incident light, a nearly-perfect nonregular polarization state (PN = 0.928) appears in the near field and the spin is transverse to the radial direction everywhere. The rich structure contained by the partially polarized scattered light offers an approach to manipulating the interaction between light and nanoparticles, which may lead to novel designs of nanoantenna, optical trap and sensing.
Taxonomy of hybridly polarized Stokes vortex beams
Authors: Arora Gauri , Butola Ankit , Rajput Ruchi , Agarwal Rohit , Agarwal Krishna , Horsch Alexander , Prasad Dilip K , Senthilkumaran Paramasivam
Published: December 2023

Structured beams carrying topological defects, namely phase and Stokes singularities, have gained extensive interest in numerous areas of optics. The non-separable spin and orbital angular momentum states of hybridly polarized Stokes singular beams provide additional freedom for manipulating optical fields. However, the characterization of hybridly polarized Stokes vortex beams remains challenging owing to the degeneracy associated with the complex polarization structures of these beams. In addition, experimental noise factors such as relative phase, amplitude, and polarization difference together with beam fluctuations add to the perplexity in the identification process. Here, we present a generalized diffraction-based Stokes polarimetry approach assisted with deep learning for efficient identification of Stokes singular beams. A total of 15 classes of beams are considered based on the type of Stokes singularity and their associated mode indices. The resultant total and polarization component intensities of Stokes singular beams after diffraction through a triangular aperture are exploited by the deep neural network to recognize these beams. Our approach presents a classification accuracy of 98.67% for 15 types of Stokes singular beams that comprise several degenerate cases. The present study illustrates the potential of diffraction of the Stokes singular beam with polarization transformation, modeling of experimental noise factors, and a deep learning framework for characterizing hybridly polarized beams.
Dual-convolutional neural network-enhanced strain estimation method for optical coherence elastography
Authors: Bai Yulei , Zhang Zhanhua , He Zhaoshui , Xie Shengli , Dong Bo
Published: December 2023

Strain estimation is vital in phase-sensitive optical coherence
elastography (PhS-OCE). In this Letter, we introduce a novel, to the
best of our knowledge, method to improve strain estimation by using a
dual-convolutional neural network (Dual-CNN). This approach requires
two sets of PhS-OCE systems: a high-resolution system for high-quality
training data and a cost-effective standard-resolution system for
practical measurements. During training, high-resolution strain
results acquired from the former system and the pre-existing strain
estimation CNN serve as label data, while the narrowed light
source-acquired standard-resolution phase results act as input data.
By training a new network with this data, high-quality strain results
can be estimated from standard-resolution PhS-OCE phase results.
Comparison experiments show that the proposed Dual-CNN can preserve
the strain quality even when the light source bandwidth is reduced by
over 80%.
Low-noise mode-locking in a GHz repetition rate Tm3+-doped fiber laser
Authors: Liang Zhaoheng , Lin Wei , Wang Wenlong , Hu Xu , Pan Minjie , Fan Yiheng , Wei Chiyi , Wang Luyi , Tang Guowu , Wei Xiaoming , Yang Zhongmin
Published: December 2023

We demonstrate a GHz repetition rate mode-locked Tm3+-doped fiber laser with low noise. Based on a home-made Tm3+-doped barium gallo-germanate fiber with reduced dispersion, a broad optical spectrum of mode-locking is achieved, and its amplified spontaneous emission quantum-limited timing jitter is largely suppressed. Besides, we carefully investigate the influence of the intracavity pump strength on the noise performance of the mode-locked pulses and find that manipulating the intracavity pump power can be an effective method for optimizing the timing jitter and relative intensity noise (RIN). Particularly, RIN, which originated from the relaxation oscillation, can be effectively suppressed by 33 dB at offset frequencies of >1 MHz. The integrated timing jitter and RIN are only 7.9 fs (10 kHz–10 MHz) and 0.05% (10 Hz–10 MHz), respectively.
Tunable afterglow Ca1 − xSrxAl2O4:Eu2+, Nd3+ phosphors with dependence of an excitation wavelength
Authors: Li Lulu , Li Panpan , Wu Yixi , Li Jing , Zhang Xinlian , Xu Shiqing , Zhang Junjie
Published: December 2023

In the emerging field of high-capacity information encryption, multicolor, multitemporal, and multimodal luminescence inorganic materials are of great significance. However, conventional inorganic materials lack the flexibility to dynamically adjust the photon transition path, resulting in unicolor luminescence of the sample and reducing the reading and decoding levels. Herein, we elaborately designed the components for constructing dual-phase crystal fields for Eu2+ in phosphors based on a high temperature solid-state method. Specifically, SrAl2O4:Eu2+ crystal with a bright green afterglow and CaAl2O4:Eu2+ crystal with a blue afterglow were obtained in phosphors at the same time. As a result, a tunable afterglow behavior from blue to white was achieved due to the 4f65d1 → 4f7 transition of Eu2+ at different crystal field sites. Finally, the color tunable afterglow sample was used to explore the encryption and decryption processes of information, and the results showed that the prepared material has a good anti-counterfeiting performance, which is promising for the development of long persistent luminescent materials.
Two-step homogenization of spatiotemporal metasurfaces using an eigenmode-based approach
Authors: Garg Puneet , Lamprianidis Aristeidis G. , Rahman Sydur , Stefanou Nikolaos , Almpanis Evangelos , Papanikolaou Nikolaos , Verfürth Barbara , Rockstuhl Carsten
Published: December 2023

Metamaterials are a fascinating class of photonic materials since they allow us to control optical responses (largely) at will. Besides being an intellectual challenge, adding time variations into spatial metamaterials increases the degrees of freedom to tune their effective response, which motivates their exploration. However, to exploit such materials in the future design of functional devices, we may wish to treat them at the effective level to avoid considering all the mesoscopic details. To permit such effective treatment, we describe here an eigenmode-based approach to homogenize spatiotemporal metamaterials composed of a periodic arrangement of scatterers made from a time-varying material. Practically, we consider the periodic arrangement of spheres within one layer. In our two-step homogenization scheme, we first temporally homogenize that metasurface using the eigenmodes of the bulk time-varying material. Following this, we perform spatial homogenization by inverting the Fresnel coefficients of a slab made from a stationary material. These steps effectively describe the optical response of the spatiotemporal metasurface as a homogeneous slab. We validate our results by comparing the optical observables, i.e., reflectivity and transmissivity, of the metasurface with those of the homogenized slab, and we assess the limitations of the homogenization.
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis reveals rich pituitary–Immune interactions under systemic inflammation
Authors: Yan Ting , Wang Ruiyu , Yao Jingfei , Luo Minmin
Published: December 2023

The pituitary represents an essential hub in the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Pituitary hormone-producing cells (HPCs) release several hormones to regulate fundamental bodily functions under normal and stressful conditions. It is well established that the pituitary endocrine gland modulates the immune system by releasing adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in response to neuronal activation in the hypothalamus. However, it remains unclear how systemic inflammation regulates the transcriptomic profiles of pituitary HPCs. Here, we performed single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of the mouse pituitary and revealed that upon inflammation, all major pituitary HPCs respond robustly in a cell type-specific manner, with corticotropes displaying the strongest reaction. Systemic inflammation also led to the production and release of noncanonical bioactive molecules, including Nptx2 by corticotropes, to modulate immune homeostasis. Meanwhile, HPCs up-regulated the gene expression of chemokines that facilitated the communication between the HPCs and immune cells. Together, our study reveals extensive interactions between the pituitary and immune system, suggesting multifaceted roles of the pituitary in mediating the effects of inflammation on many aspects of body physiology.
Emergent spatial goals in an integrative model of the insect central complex
Authors: Goulard Roman , Heinze Stanley , Webb Barbara
Published: December 2023

The insect central complex appears to encode and process spatial information through vector manipulation. Here, we draw on recent insights into circuit structure to fuse previous models of sensory-guided navigation, path integration and vector memory. Specifically, we propose that the allocentric encoding of location provided by path integration creates a spatially stable anchor for converging sensory signals that is relevant in multiple behavioural contexts. The allocentric reference frame given by path integration transforms a goal direction into a goal location and we demonstrate through modelling that it can enhance approach of a sensory target in noisy, cluttered environments or with temporally sparse stimuli. We further show the same circuit can improve performance in the more complex navigational task of route following. The model suggests specific functional roles for circuit elements of the central complex that helps explain their high preservation across insect species.
4D nucleome equation predicts gene expression controlled by long-range enhancer-promoter interaction
Authors: Wang Zihao , Luo Songhao , Zhang Zhenquan , Zhou Tianshou , Zhang Jiajun
Published: December 2023

Recent experimental evidence strongly supports that three-dimensional (3D) long-range enhancer-promoter (E-P) interactions have important influences on gene-expression dynamics, but it is unclear how the interaction information is translated into gene expression over time (4D). To address this question, we developed a general theoretical framework (named as a 4D nucleome equation), which integrates E-P interactions on chromatin and biochemical reactions of gene transcription. With this equation, we first present the distribution of mRNA counts as a function of the E-P genomic distance and then reveal a power-law scaling of the expression level in this distance. Interestingly, we find that long-range E-P interactions can induce bimodal and trimodal mRNA distributions. The 4D nucleome equation also allows for model selection and parameter inference. When this equation is applied to the mouse embryonic stem cell smRNA-FISH data and the E-P genomic-distance data, the predicted E-P contact probability and mRNA distribution are in good agreement with experimental results. Further statistical inference indicates that the E-P interactions prefer to modulate the mRNA level by controlling promoter activation and transcription initiation rates. Our model and results provide quantitative insights into both spatiotemporal gene-expression determinants (i.e., long-range E-P interactions) and cellular fates during development.
Evaluation of video-assisted HPV education in government-supported clinics in Western Kenya
Authors: Dion Haley , Choi Hanul , Huang Michelle , Sathyan Laya , Herfel Emily , Makhulo Breandan , Ambaka Jeniffer , Ibrahim Saduma , Huchko Megan
Published: December 2023

Despite prevalent preventative methods of human papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer remains the foremost cause of cancer-related death among women of reproductive age in Western Kenya. HPV self-sampling is a preventative measure that can improve accessibility and availability to cervical cancer screening. Correct education about HPV is crucial to combating stigma and increasing HPV screening uptake. In this study, we evaluated the workflow impact of a video-assisted HPV education to promote self-sampling in clinical settings in Kisumu, Kenya. We conducted a descriptive workflow study nested in a two-part cluster-randomized control trial in six government-supported health clinics in Kisumu County. We observed the workflow of HPV screening video-assisted and standard health educations. and evaluated community and clinic health assistant facilitation (CCHA), duration, and feasibility of the intervention. Thirty HPV screening-eligible women who participated in the video intervention were recruited for three focus group discussions (FGDs). The FGDs aimed to better understand women’s experience with the video screening, their impressions on the content, and feedback about intervention logistics. Across 33 observations, 16.5 women per day watched the educational video at intervention clinics, and 14 women per day heard standard Ministry of Health cervical cancer prevention education talks at control clinics. Sixty-three percent of women participated in HPV self-sampling in the intervention sites, compared to forty-six percent who screened after standard health talks at control sites. The workflow observations identified variable video projection and viewing space, access to power supply, and CCHA availability and ability to utilize the projector as major factors impacting education workflow. Women in FGDs appreciated the video modality, length of video, and education location. HPV video education is a suitable intervention, with further research recommended to determine the viability of sustainably implementing the intervention in a clinic environment. This research is fully funded by the Duke University Global Health Institute.
A Kano model-based demand analysis and perceived barriers of pulmonary rehabilitation interventions for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in China
Authors: Yao Xinmeng , Li Jinmei , He Jialu , Zhang Qinzhun , Yu Yi , He Yinan , Wu Jinghua , Tang Weihong , Ye Chengyin
Published: December 2023

Background

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has been recognized to be an effective therapy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, in China, the application of PR interventions is still less promoted. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to understand COPD patients’ intention to receive PR, capture the potential personal, social and environmental barriers preventing their willingness of receiving PR, and eventually identify demanding PR services with the highest priority from patients’ point of view.

Methods

In total 237 COPD patients were recruited from 8 health care facilities in Zhejiang, China. A self-designed questionnaire was applied to investigate patients’ intention to participate in PR and potentially associated factors, including personal dimension such as personal awareness, demographic factors, COPD status and health-related literacy/behaviors, as well as social policies and perceived environmental barriers. The demand questionnaire of PR interventions based on the Kano model was further adopted.

Results

Among the 237 COPD patients, 75.1% of COPD patients were willing to participate in PR interventions, while only 62.9% of the investigated patients had heard of PR interventions. Over 90% of patients believed that the cost of PR services and the ratio of medical insurance reimbursement were potential obstacles hindering them from accepting PR services. The multiple linear regression analysis indicated that the PR skills of medical staff, knowledge promotion and public education levels of PR in the community, patients’ transportation concerns and degree of support from family and friends were significantly associated with willingness of participation in PR interventions. By using the Kano model, the top 9 most-requisite PR services (i.e., one-dimensional qualities) were identified from patients’ point of view, which are mainly diet guidance, education interventions, psychological interventions and lower limb exercise interventions. Subgroup analysis also revealed that patients’ demographics, such as breathlessness level, age, education and income levels, could influence their choice of priorities for PR services, especially services related to exercise interventions, respiratory muscle training, oxygen therapy and expectoration.

Conclusions

This study suggested that PR-related knowledge education among patients and their family, as well as providing basic package of PR services with the most-requisite PR items to COPD patients, were considerable approaches to promote PR attendance in the future.