bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visualization enhancement by PCA-based image fusion for skin burns assessment in polarization-sensitive OCT
Authors: Xu Jingjiang , Zhu Mingtao , Tang Peijun , Li Junyun , Gao Kai , Qiu Haixia , Zhao Shiyong , Lan Gongpu , Jia Haibo , Yu Bo
Published: June 2024

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is a functional imaging tool for measuring tissue birefringence characteristics. It has been proposed as a potentially non-invasive technique for evaluating skin burns. However, the PS-OCT modality usually suffers from high system complexity and relatively low tissue-specific contrast, which makes assessing the extent of burns in skin tissue difficult. In this study, we employ an all-fiber-based PS-OCT system with single-state input, which is simple and efficient for skin burn assessment. Multiple parameters, such as phase retardation (PR), degree of polarization uniformity (DOPU), and optical axis orientation, are obtained to extract birefringent features, which are sensitive to subtle changes in structural arrangement and tissue composition. Experiments on ex vivo porcine skins burned at different temperatures were conducted for skin burn investigation. The burned depths estimated by PR and DOPU increase linearly with the burn temperature to a certain extent, which is helpful in classifying skin burn degrees. We also propose an algorithm of image fusion based on principal component analysis (PCA) to enhance tissue contrast for the multi-parameter data of PS-OCT imaging. The results show that the enhanced images generated by the PCA-based image fusion method have higher tissue contrast, compared to the en-face polarization images by traditional mean value projection. The proposed approaches in this study make it possible to assess skin burn severity and distinguish between burned and normal tissues.
Rapid prototyping of a retinal multivascular network phantom for optical retinal vascular imaging equipment evaluation
Authors: Zhao Xiaowei , Liu Wenli , Hu Zhixiong , Duan Liangcheng , Zhang Xiao , Li Fei , Hong Baoyu
Published: June 2024

Retinal vascular health holds paramount importance for healthy vision. Many technologies have been developed to examine retinal vasculature non-destructively, including fundus cameras, optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), fluorescein angiography (FA), and so on. However, there is a lack of a proper phantom simulating the critical features of the real human retina to calibrate and evaluate the performance of these technologies. In this work, we present a rapid, high-resolution, and economical technology based on 3D printed mold-based soft lithography and spin coating for the fabrication of a multivascular network and multilayer structural retinal phantom with the appropriate optical properties. The feasibility of the retinal phantom as a test device was demonstrated with an OCTA system and a confocal retinal ophthalmoscope. Experiment results prove that the retinal phantom could provide an objective evaluation of the OCTA and confocal retinal ophthalmoscope. Furthermore, the microfluidic phantoms enabled by this fabrication technology may support the development and evaluation of other techniques.
Line-field dynamic optical coherence tomography platform for volumetric assessment of biological tissues
Authors: Chen Keyu , Swanson Stephanie , Bizheva Kostadinka
Published: June 2024

Dynamic optical coherence tomography (dOCT) utilizes time-dependent signal intensity fluctuations to enhance contrast in OCT images and indirectly probe physiological processes in cells. Majority of the dOCT studies published so far are based on acquisition of 2D images (B-scans or C-scans) by utilizing point-scanning Fourier domain (spectral or swept-source) OCT or full-field OCT respectively, primarily due to limitations in the image acquisition rate. Here we introduce a novel, high-speed spectral domain line-field dOCT (SD-LF-dOCT) system and image acquisition protocols designed for fast, volumetric dOCT imaging of biological tissues. The imaging probe is based on an exchangeable afocal lens pair that enables selection of combinations of transverse resolution (from 1.1 µm to 6.4 µm) and FOV (from 250 × 250 µm2 to 1.4 × 1.4 mm2), suitable for different biomedical applications. The system offers axial resolution of ∼ 1.9 µm in biological tissue, assuming an average refractive index of 1.38. Maximum sensitivity of 90.5 dB is achieved for 3.5 mW optical imaging power at the tissue surface and maximum camera acquisition rate of 2,000 fps. Volumetric dOCT images acquired with the SD-LF-dOCT system from plant tissue (cucumber), animal tissue (mouse liver) and human prostate carcinoma spheroids allow for volumetric visualization of the tissues’ cellular and sub-cellular structures and assessment of cellular motility.
Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for optical characterizations of orthotopic head and neck cancer models in vivo
Authors: Saha Pranto Soumik , Yan Jing , Zhu Caigang
Published: June 2024

We demonstrated an easy-to-build, portable diffuse reflectance spectroscopy device along with a Monte Carlo inverse model to quantify tissue absorption and scattering-based parameters of orthotopic head and neck cancer models in vivo. Both tissue-mimicking phantom studies and animal studies were conducted to verify the optical spectroscopy system and Monte Carlo inverse model for the accurate extraction of tissue optical properties. For the first time, we reported the tissue absorption and scattering coefficients of mouse normal tongue tissues and tongue tumor tissues. Our in vivo animal studies showed reduced total hemoglobin concentration, lower tissue vascular oxygen saturation, and increased tissue scattering in the orthotopic tongue tumors compared to the normal tongue tissues. Our data also showed that mice tongue tumors with different sizes may have significantly different tissue absorption and scattering-based parameters. Small tongue tumors (volume was ∼60 mm3) had increased absorption coefficients, decreased reduced-scattering coefficients, and increased total hemoglobin concentrations compared to tiny tongue tumors (volume was ∼18 mm3). These results demonstrated the potential of diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to noninvasively evaluate tumor biology using orthotopic tongue cancer models for future head and neck cancer research.
Machine-learning-assisted orbital angular momentum recognition using nanostructures
Authors: Sharma Chayanika , Badavath Purnesh Singh , Supraja P. , Rakesh Kumar R. , Kumar Vijay
Published: June 2024

The recognition of orbital angular momentum (OAM) in light beams holds significant importance in optical communication. The majority of current OAM recognition techniques are highly sensitive to stringent alignment issues. The speckle-based OAM recognition method reported in J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 39, 759 (2022)JOAOD61084-752910.1364/JOSAA.446352 is alignment-free in the transverse direction of light propagation and has been shown to operate successfully in the far-field region using macrostructures. This study introduces a proof-of-concept for speckle-learned OAM recognition with nanostructures, relaxing the strict alignment requirements in both the transverse and along the direction of light propagation. When the OAM beam interacts with random inhomogeneities at micron and/or nanoscale, it generates an OAM speckle field. Initially, a comprehensive examination of the dynamic evolution of OAM speckle fields, ranging from near field to far field, has been conducted using a ground glass diffuser, featuring random phase inhomogeneities at the micron scale. Subsequently, the investigation proceeds to randomly grown ZnO nanosheets on an aluminum substrate. To achieve rapid and precise OAM recognition, a tailored three-layer CNN is trained and tested on OAM speckle fields ranging from near field to far field to attain an accuracy surpassing 92%. This research expands the technique’s applicability, enabling recognition of OAM across near-field to far-field regimes, while leveraging micro- to nanostructures.
Multilayer-laminated optically transparent 300-GHz-band transmissive beamforming metasurface for wireless communication
Authors: Pander Adam , Kitayama Daisuke , Kagami Hibiki , Takahashi Hiroyuki
Published: June 2024

A 300-GHz-band transmission-type multilayer metasurface beamformer based on a Jerusalem cross geometry is presented. A metamaterial cell with a continuous 2π phase variation for the radius change was designed and used in the fabrication of a reference device and three types of beamforming devices. The beamforming metasurface devices achieved steering angles of θ = 18°, θ = 30°, and θ = 38°, which were in good agreement with simulated results. A broadband operation in a 40 GHz band, from 280 GHz to 320 GHz was evaluated, showing only minor frequency dependence of the beamforming angles. The design and fabrication methodology can be applied to various types of metasurface devices, such as circular and fan lenses, beamformers, polarization switches, and so on for millimeter-wave frequency bands that are considered to be used in future 6 G wireless network systems.
Efficient full-aperture mirror polishing method with variable orbital radius in computer-controlled optical surfacing
Authors: Zhou Jianjie , Li Bo , Li Xinnan
Published: June 2024

Optical systems in astronomy have extremely high requirements on the full-aperture surface precision and fabrication efficiency of aspherical mirrors. However, the current full-aperture optics fabrication method suffers from both fabrication and computation inefficiency. The former is caused by the isolated polishing strategy for the inner and edge regions of the mirror with different tools, while the latter is caused by the global computation strategy for the two regions. In this paper, a full-aperture mirror polishing method with the reversed strategy is proposed to solve this problem. Firstly, the dwell time of inner/edge regions are respectively calculated by the deconvolution method and the linear equations method based on the space-variant tool influence function. Therefore, both the computation cost and the edge polishing error can be reduced. Then, a fused tool path is developed to achieve variable orbital radius in the inner/edge region so the full aperture can be polished in one round. Simulations and experiments using a SiC aspherical mirror and large segmented mirrors demonstrate that the surface error can converge quickly in the full aperture. As a consequence, the full-aperture fabrication accuracy and efficiency can be greatly improved through the proposed method.
Target-in-the-loop coherent beam combining based on an all-fiber structure
Authors: Jin Kaikai , Lai Wenchang , Chang Hongxiang , Long Jinhu , Su Rongtao , Ma Yanxing , Zhou Pu
Published: June 2024

Coherent beam combining (CBC) is a promising technique to realize high-brightness laser output. As a key point to implement CBC, an appropriate phase control feedback structure should be established. With the advantages of a compact structure and no requirement for mirrors to sample, the all-fiber phase control feedback structure has been widely studied. However, the structure faces the challenge of π phase ambiguity. We propose to introduce the target-in-the-loop (TIL) technique into the all-fiber phase-locking structure. By adding measurement laser channels outside the main laser channels, the high-intensity phase noise in amplifiers and low-intensity phase shifts induced by atmospheric turbulences could be decoupled. The π phase ambiguity could be compensated together with the low-intensity phase shifts. In this paper, the principle of the all-fiber phase-locking structure is demonstrated and corresponding numerical simulations are carried out. A TIL CBC system with six laser channels is built to verify the technique. Additionally, the all-fiber structure is easy to scale to large arrays and compatible with high-power amplifiers, which can provide a significant reference for the system design of the TIL CBC system.
Reducing wavelength jitter in white-light seeded femtosecond optical parametric chirped-pulse amplifiers
Authors: Hülsenbusch Thomas , Winkelmann Lutz , Eichner Timo , Lang Tino , Palmer Guido , Maier Andreas R.
Published: June 2024

White light generation (WLG) in bulk material can be used as a versatile broadband seed source for optical parametric chirped pulse amplification (OPCPA) stages. In this case, it is beneficial to optimize the performance of the WLG seeder in combination with the subsequent OPCPA stage. Here, we characterize how small variations in the drive pulse energy affect the white light seeder performance, in particular the wavelength stability of the amplified OPCPA spectrum. To isolate the influence of drive pulse energy on the OPCPA central wavelength, we introduce a phase-sensitive amplitude measurement and carefully optimize the drive pulse focus position (at the bulk) to minimize the sensitivity to the jitter of the drive pulse energy. With additional active stabilization of the delay between pump and seed pulses in the OPCPA, we achieve a central wavelength jitter of 2 × 10−4. With this performance, our source is an ideal front-end for applications in laser-plasma acceleration or free-electron laser seeding.
Two-wavelength holographic micro-endoscopy
Authors: Gröger Alexander , Kuschmierz Robert , Birk Alexander , Pedrini Giancarlo , Reichelt Stephan
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we present a method for micro-endoscopic topography measurement utilizing two-wavelength holography. Initially, we evaluate the inter-core dispersion and cross-talk of two commercially available imaging fiber bundles (CFBs) and introduce the concept of virtual surface roughness as a limiting factor of achievable measurement resolution. Subsequently, we describe a micro-endoscope setup incorporating 3D-printed micro-optics, resulting in a total diameter of less than 450 µm. We evaluate the measurement accuracy using a pyramid-shaped test object and demonstrate that a relative measurement error of 7.5% can be achieved with a simple phase unwrapping approach. Moreover, we demonstrate how leveraging a deep learning approach from existing literature, tailored for heavily noisy phase maps, effectively reduces the relative measurement error. The standard deviation of the measurement error is 4.2 times lower with the deep learning approach.
Dynamic updated key distribution encryption scheme with the wireless rate of 102 Gb/s based on a syncretic W band-PON transmission system
Authors: Guo Zhiruo , Liu Bo , Ren Jianxin , Zhong Qing , Mao Yaya , Song Xiuming , Wu Xiangyu , Chen Shuaidong , Tu Bing , Wang Feng , Wu Yongfeng
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a dynamic updated key distribution encryption scheme based on syncretic W band-passive optical network (PON) is proposed. The 102 Gb/s encrypted data rate using 64QAM is successfully transmitted over the 50 m wireless distance under 15% soft-decision forward error correction (SD-FEC) for a pre-FEC bit error rate (BER) threshold of 1.56 × 10−2. The scheme can realize an error-free public key transmission and public key updates up to 1014 times. In the encryption transmission system, there is a small deviation of the private key, and the received BER is more than 0.45. As far as we know, this is the first time to complete a dynamic key distribution based on a syncretic W band-PON system.
Thermally reliable compact electro-optic modulators with a low half-wave voltage
Authors: Afsary Noor , Alam Md Koushik , Rasel Md Omar Faruk , Ishigure Takaaki
Published: June 2024

Recent advancements in thin-film lithium niobate have led to the development of high-performance integrated electro-optic modulators, which are crucial for modern optical communication systems. These modulators offer tighter mode confinement, a smaller physical footprint, and reduced modulating voltages. This study presents a Mach-Zehnder modulator (MZM) on a silicon nitride-loaded lithium niobate platform using a few-mode waveguide structure. By harnessing the exceptional thermo-optic and electro-optic effects of LiNbO3, we design and simulate this modulator employing multilayer structures with the BeamPROP solver. The modulator has a length of 3.94 mm, a Vπ value of 0.96 V, and a transition temperature (Tg) of 80 °C at 1.55 µm. This proposed modulator exhibits a crosstalk of approximately -42 dB, an extinction ratio of approximately 24 dB, and a maximum transmission of -28 dB for the first-order phase shift. These findings demonstrate the significant potential of this modulator for deployment in high-speed optical communication systems, where maintaining thermal stability and optimizing energy efficiency are paramount.
Biomedical Optics: Illuminating paths to enhance health equity in the Philippines
Authors: Perez Phoebe Nicole , Calpito Karell Jo Angelique , Jimenez Sarah Jane
Published: June 2024

Advancements in biomedical optics have significant potential to improve healthcare in low-to-middle-income countries, where preventable and treatable diseases remain prevalent. However, the insufficient integration of relevant sciences hinders the development and application of optical techniques to medical research. Improving the biomedical optics research landscape requires comprehensive curriculum reforms, professional development initiatives, and the establishment of appropriate research infrastructure. Additionally, effective strategies for translating research into practical healthcare solutions include securing targeted funding grants, promoting interdisciplinary collaborations, and fostering international partnerships. These efforts can bridge the gap between advanced research and its real-world application, enhancing healthcare outcomes in resource-constrained settings.
A sex- and gender-based analysis of alcohol treatment intervention research involving youth: A methodological systematic review
Authors: Lowik A.J. , Mniszak Caroline , Pang Michelle , Ziafat Kimia , Karamouzian Mohammad , Knight Rod
Published: June 2024

Background

While there is widespread consensus that sex- and gender-related factors are important for how interventions are designed, implemented, and evaluated, it is not currently known how alcohol treatment research accounts for sex characteristics and/or gender identities and modalities. This methodological systematic review documents and assesses how sex characteristics, gender identities, and gender modalities are operationalized in alcohol treatment intervention research involving youth.

Methods and findings

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, PsycINFO, CINAHL, LGBT Life, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and grey literature from 2008 to 2023. We included articles that reported genders and/or sexes of participants 30 years of age and under and screened participants using AUDIT, AUDIT-C, or a structured interview using DSM-IV criteria. We limited the inclusion to studies that enrolled participants in alcohol treatment interventions and used a quantitative study design. We provide a narrative overview of the findings.

Of 8,019 studies screened for inclusion, 86 articles were included in the review. None of the studies defined, measured, and reported both sex and gender variables accurately. Only 2 studies reported including trans participants. Most of the studies used gender or sex measures as a covariate to control for the effects of sex or gender on the intervention but did not discuss the rationale for or implications of this procedure.

Conclusions

Our findings identify that the majority of alcohol treatment intervention research with youth conflate sex and gender factors, including terminologically, conceptually, and methodologically. Based on these findings, we recommend future research in this area define and account for a spectrum of gender modalities, identities, and/or sex characteristics throughout the research life cycle, including during study design, data collection, data analysis, and reporting. It is also imperative that sex and gender variables are used expansively to ensure that intersex and trans youth are meaningfully integrated.

Trial registration

Registration: PROSPERO, registration number: CRD42019119408
Prevalence and associated risk factors of scabies and impetigo: A cross-sectional study in Tutume district, Botswana
Authors: Rainer Leungo Audrey , Molefi Tuduetso Leka , Kololo Sidney Otladisa , Leeme Tshepo Botho , Selemogo Mpho , Molefi Mooketsi
Published: June 2024

Background

The epidemiology of scabies is poorly understood, particularly in regions with high disease burden. This lack of epidemiological data, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, hampers the control and preventative measures. This study is aimed at estimating the prevalence and associated risk factors of scabies and impetigo in the Nata and Sowa catchment areas of Tutume district.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Tutume District, targeting the settlements of Manxhotae, Malelejwe, Ndutshaa, and Tshwaane. Participants were randomly selected from households in the settlements. Data were collected using questionnaires, and participants were classified as having scabies typical lesions if they met criteria B and or C of International Alliance for the Control of Scabies (IACS) consensus criteria. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05, with a 95% confidence interval for precision.

Results

A total of 429 participants were enrolled across the four settlements. The overall prevalence of scabies was found to be 18.18% (95%CI 14.8–22.1). The highest prevalence of scabies was in Manxhotae at 27.1% (95%CI 21.2–34.0) and Ndutshaa at 23.4% (95%CI 13.4–37.3). Malelejwe and Tshwaane had lower prevalence of 10.4% (95%CI 6.2–16.8) and 3.4% (95%CI 0.8–12.7), respectively. Only five (5) cases of impetigo were identified. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that younger age of 0–4 years, 5–18 years and a household member with an itch were strongly associated with scabies, with adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of 7.9 (95%CI 2.4–25.6) p-value 0.001, 5.7(95%CI 2.7–11.7), p-value 0.001 and 14.3(95%CI 5.3–38.5) p-value 0.001 respectively.

Conclusion

The prevalence of scabies in the Nata catchment area was noted to be high. The risk factors included younger age, a household member with an itch, and less frequent bathing. Prospective studies are needed to explore household disease transmission dynamics and risk factors specific to the youth.
Instruments used to assess gender-affirming healthcare access: A scoping review
Authors: Kearns Seán , Hardie Philip , O’Shea Donal , Neff Karl
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The overall aim of this scoping review was to identify, explore and map the existing literature pertaining to healthcare access for transgender and non-binary individuals.

Design

The scoping review followed Arksey and O’Malley’s methodological framework, and the reporting adhered to the guidelines provided by the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews.

Methods

To gather relevant articles, a comprehensive search strategy was employed across four electronic databases, with the assistance of a university librarian. In addition, manual and internet searches were conducted for grey literature. From the initial search, a pool of 2,452 potentially relevant articles was retrieved, which was supplemented by an additional 23 articles from the supplemental search. After an independent review by two researchers, 93 articles were assessed, resulting in the inclusion of 41 articles in the review.

Results

The literature highlights the identification of barriers and enablers, spanning across 32 individual data sets that affect healthcare accessibility for transgender and non-binary individuals. Leveque’s five dimensions of healthcare access, namely approachability, acceptability, availability and accommodation, affordability, and appropriateness, were utilized to categorise these 42 factors. Some of the key themes that emerged in these dimensions include challenges in accessing information about services, concerns about acceptance from family and peers, past experiences of discrimination in healthcare settings, considerations related to cost and insurance, and the difficulty in finding appropriately trained competent providers.

Conclusions

The review focused on the most commonly researched aspects of healthcare access and identified gaps in research and opportunities for future studies. The findings provide recommendations for policy and practice, which could guide the development of interventions aimed at addressing the barriers faced by transgender individuals seeking gender-affirming care.
First year of COVID-19 in Brazil: Factors associated with the spread of COVID-19 in small and large cities
Authors: Silva Alexandre Augusto de Paula da , Reis Rodrigo Siqueira , Iachecen Franciele , Duarte Fábio , Baena Cristina Pellegrino , Hino Adriano Akira Ferreira
Published: June 2024

Aim

To test the association between sociodemographic and social characteristics with COVID-19 cases and deaths in small and large Brazilian cities.

Methods

This ecological study included COVID-19 data available in State Health Secretaries (managed by brasil.io API) and three national databases (IBGE, DATASUS and Embrapa). Temporal spread of COVID-19 in Brazil during the first year considered as outcome: a) days until 1st case in each city since 1st in the country; b) days until 1,000 cases/100,000 inhabitants since 1st case in each city; c) days until 1st death until 50 deaths/100,000 inhabitants. Covariates included geographic region, city social and environmental characteristics, housing conditions, job characteristics, socioeconomic and inequalities characteristics, and health services and coverage. The analysis were stratified by city size into small (<100,000 inhabitants) and large cities (≥100,00 inhabitants). Multiple linear regressions were performed to test associations of all covariates to adjust to potential confounders.

Results

In small cities, the first cases were reported after 82.2 days and 1,000 cases/100,000 were reported after 117.8 days, whereas in large cities these milestones were reported after 32.1 and 127.7 days, respectively. For first death, small and large cities took 121.6 and 36.0 days, respectively. However, small cities were associated with more vulnerability factors to first case arrival in 1,000 cases/100,000 inhabitants, first death and 50 deaths/100,000 inhabitants. North and Northeast regions positively associated with faster COVID-19 incidence, whereas South and Southeast were least.

Conclusion

Social and built environment characteristics and inequalities were associated with COVID-19 cases spread and mortality incidence in Brazilian cities.
Automated echolocation classifiers vary in accuracy for northeastern U.S. bat species
Authors: Solick Donald I. , Hopp Bradley H. , Chenger John , Newman Christian M.
Published: June 2024

Acoustic surveys of bat echolocation calls are an important management tool for determining presence and probable absence of threatened and endangered bat species. In the northeastern United States, software programs such as Bat Call Identification (BCID), Kaleidoscope Pro (KPro), and Sonobat can automatically classify ultrasonic detector sound files, yet the programs’ accuracy in correctly classifying calls to species has not been independently assessed. We used 1,500 full-spectrum reference calls with known identities for nine northeastern United States bat species to test the accuracy of these programs using calculations of Positive Predictive Value (PPV), Negative Predictive Value (NPV), Sensitivity (SN), Specificity (SP), Overall Accuracy, and No Information Rate. We found that BCID performed less accurately than other programs, likely because it only operates on zero-crossing data and may be less accurate for recordings converted from full-spectrum to zero-crossing. NPV and SP values were high across all species categories for SonoBat and KPro, indicating these programs’ success at avoiding false positives. However, PPV and SN values were relatively low, particularly for individual Myotis species, indicating these programs are prone to false negatives. SonoBat and KPro performed better when distinguishing Myotis species from non-Myotis species. We expect less accuracy from these programs for acoustic recordings collected under normal working conditions, and caution that a bat acoustic expert should verify automatically classified files when making species-specific regulatory or conservation decisions.
Assessment of phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity of Sagittaria trifolia using phenotypic traits and SNP markers
Authors: Ji Qun , Li Feng , Huang Xinfang , Li Shuangmei , Wang Zhixin , Liu Zhengwei , Huang Laichun , Yang Yingnan , Zhu Honglian , Ke Weidong
Published: June 2024

The aquatic perennial herb Sagittaria trifolia L. commonly known as arrowhead, has been utilized in China both as a culinary vegetable and in traditional medicines. Characterizing the phylogenetic relationships and genetic diversity of arrowheads is crucial for improved management, conservation, and efficient utilization of the germplasm resources associated with this species. Herein, we presented the phenotypic traits and genome-wide DNA marker-based analyses of 111 arrowhead accessions, most of which were from China. Cluster analysis revealed that arrowhead could be categorized into two clusters based on 11 phenotypic traits, with Cluster 1 comprising two subclusters. All accessions were clustered into three sub-clusters based primarily on leaf shape and tuber weight. A set of 759,237 high-quality single-nucleotide polymorphisms was identified and used to assess the phylogenetic relationships. Population structure and phylogenetic tree analyses suggested that the accessions could be classified into two major groups, Group I was further subdivided into two subgroups, aligning with the clusters identified through morphological classification. By employing Sagittaria lichuanensis as an outgroup, the rooted tree revealed that the evolutionary relationships within the three groups followed a progression from Group I-1 to Group I-2 and finally to Group II. The landraces were clustered into one group along with the remaining wild accessions. The level of genetic diversity for Group I (π = 0.26) was slightly lower than that which was estimated for Group II (π = 0.29). The lowest pairwise differentiation levels (Fst, 0.008) were obtained from the comparison between groups I-2 and II, indicating that the two groups were the most closely related. This study provides novel insights into germplasm classification, evolutionary relationships, genomics and arrowhead breeding.
Accelerating electrostatic particle-in-cell simulation: A novel FPGA-based approach for efficient plasma investigations
Authors: Almomany Abedalmuhdi , Sutcu Muhammed , Ibrahim Babul Salam K. S. M. Kader
Published: June 2024

Particle-in-cell (PIC) simulation serves as a widely employed method for investigating plasma, a prevalent state of matter in the universe. This simulation approach is instrumental in exploring characteristics such as particle acceleration by turbulence and fluid, as well as delving into the properties of plasma at both the kinetic scale and macroscopic processes. However, the simulation itself imposes a significant computational burden. This research proposes a novel implementation approach to address the computationally intensive phase of the electrostatic PIC simulation, specifically the Particle-to-Interpolation phase. This is achieved by utilizing a high-speed Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) computation platform. The suggested approach incorporates various optimization techniques and diminishes memory access latency by leveraging the flexibility and performance attributes of the Intel FPGA device. The results obtained from our study highlight the effectiveness of the proposed design, showcasing the capability to execute hundreds of functional operations in each clock cycle. This stands in contrast to the limited operations performed in a general-purpose single-core computation platform (CPU). The suggested hardware approach is also scalable and can be deployed on more advanced FPGAs with higher capabilities, resulting in a significant improvement in performance.
Associations between fasting glucose rate-of-change and the missense variant, rs373863828, in an adult Samoan cohort
Authors: Rivara Anna C. , Russell Emily M. , Carlson Jenna C. , Pomer Alysa , Naseri Take , Reupena Muagututia Seifuiva , Manna Samantha L. , Viali Satupaitea , Minster Ryan L. , Weeks Daniel E. , DeLany James P. , Kershaw Erin E. , McGarvey Stephen T. , Hawley Nicola L.
Published: June 2024

Background

The A allele of rs373863828 in CREB3 regulatory factor is associated with high Body Mass Index, but lower odds of type 2 diabetes. These associations have been replicated elsewhere, but to date all studies have been cross-sectional. Our aims were (1) to describe the development of type 2 diabetes and change in fasting glucose between 2010 and 2018 among a longitudinal cohort of adult Samoans without type 2 diabetes or who were not using diabetes medications at baseline, and (2) to examine associations between fasting glucose rate-of-change (mmol/L per year) and the A allele of rs373863828.

Methods

We describe and test differences in fasting glucose, the development of type 2 diabetes, body mass index, age, smoking status, physical activity, urbanicity of residence, and household asset scores between 2010 and 2018 among a cohort of n = 401 adult Samoans, selected to have a ~2:2:1 ratio of GG:AG: AA rs373863828 genotypes. Multivariate linear regression was used to test whether fasting glucose rate-of-change was associated with rs373863828 genotype, and other baseline variables.

Results

By 2018, fasting glucose and BMI significantly increased among all genotype groups, and a substantial portion of the sample developed type 2 diabetes mellitus. The A allele was associated with a lower fasting glucose rate-of-change (β = −0.05 mmol/L/year per allele, p = 0.058 among women; β = −0.004 mmol/L/year per allele, p = 0.863 among men), after accounting for baseline variables. Mean fasting glucose and mean BMI increased over an eight-year period and a substantial number of individuals developed type 2 diabetes by 2018. However, fasting glucose rate-of-change, and type 2 diabetes development was lower among females with AG and AA genotypes.

Conclusions

Further research is needed to understand the effect of the A allele on fasting glucose and type 2 diabetes development. Based on our observations that other risk factors increased over time, we advocate for the continued promotion for diabetes prevention and treatment programming, and the reduction of modifiable risk factors, in this setting.
Lung ultrasound is associated with distinct clinical phenotypes in COVID-19 ARDS: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Dayan Roy Rafael , Blau Maayan , Taylor Jonathan , Hasidim Ariel , Galante Ori , Almog Yaniv , Gat Tomer , Shavialiova Darya , Miller Jacob David , Khazanov Georgi , Abu Ghalion Fahmi , Sagy Iftach , Ben Shitrit Itamar , Fuchs Lior
Published: June 2024

Background

ARDS is a heterogeneous syndrome with distinct clinical phenotypes. Here we investigate whether the presence or absence of large pulmonary ultrasonographic consolidations can categorize COVID-19 ARDS patients requiring mechanical ventilation into distinct clinical phenotypes.

Methods

This is a retrospective study performed in a tertiary-level intensive care unit in Israel between April and September 2020. Data collected included lung ultrasound (LUS) findings, respiratory parameters, and treatment interventions. The primary outcome was a composite of three ARDS interventions: prone positioning, high PEEP, or a high dose of inhaled nitric oxide.

Results

A total of 128 LUS scans were conducted among 23 patients. The mean age was 65 and about two-thirds were males. 81 scans identified large consolidation and were classified as “C-type”, and 47 scans showed multiple B-lines with no or small consolidation and were classified as “B-type”. The presence of a “C-type” study had 2.5 times increased chance of receiving the composite primary outcome of advanced ARDS interventions despite similar SOFA scores, Pao2/FiO2 ratio, and markers of disease severity (OR = 2.49, %95CI 1.40–4.44).

Conclusion

The presence of a “C-type” profile with LUS consolidation potentially represents a distinct COVID-19 ARDS subphenotype that is more likely to require aggressive ARDS interventions. Further studies are required to validate this phenotype in a larger cohort and determine causality, diagnostic, and treatment responses.
Cinema of dissimulation: Deleuzian powers of the false and Benjaminian Erfahrung in Iranian modern cinema
Authors: Darvishzadeh Navid
Published: June 2024

Iranian culture has a long history of dissimulation and falsehood, and their incorporation into Iranian modern cinema performs the function that Benjamin has identified for a certain modality of experience, namely Erfahrung. This article argues that in Iranian modern cinema epitomized by Jafar Panahi’s cinema of dissimulation, the filmmaker becomes the forger who benefits from the Deleuzian power of the false to produce a modern cinema of time-image that corresponds with traditional dissimulation practices and other modes of indirect communication that are prevalent in Iranian society.
Trayectoria de la UNESCO sobre la educación para la ciudadanía mundial: retos y avances
Authors: Pulido-Montes Cristina , Lorente Rodríguez Miriam
Published: June 2024

La Educación para la Ciudadanía Mundial (ECM) ha evolucionado como un enfoque holístico para desarrollar una comunidad global comprometida con el desarrollo sostenible. Esta investigación evalúa su aplicación en dos fases: una histórica, explorando su evolución desde los inicios de la Unesco hasta hoy, y otra centrada en los resultados actuales de informes de la Unesco sobre la ECM en su aplicación en leyes, planes de estudio, evaluación y formación. Se concluye que, pese a su reciente consolidación en los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible, la ECM está en una etapa inicial en la acción política. Aunque la mayoría de los países muestran compromiso, se necesitan mayores esfuerzos en todas las áreas evaluadas para una integración más sólida y efectiva.
Educación para la sostenibilidad: los ODS a través de la gamificación en educación infantil
Authors: Cebrián Cifuentes Sara , Cano Moya Ignacio , Cazorla Granado Lourdes , Guerrero Valverde Empar
Published: June 2024

En los últimos años la sociedad ha cambiado de una forma vertiginosa: las costumbres, los estilos de vida y los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje han evolucionado a gran velocidad, abocando a la población a enfrentarse continuamente a lo desconocido. Es aquí donde surge la necesidad de incorporar las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación en la educación de los futuros ciudadanos, haciéndoles partícipes de su propio proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje a través de las llamadas metodologías activas. Sin embargo, no hay que olvidar la necesidad de desarrollar situaciones de aprendizaje que persigan el desarrollo sostenible en edades tempranas, como en Educación Infantil cuando el contacto del alumnado con el entorno es esencial y beneficioso. Para ello, se realiza una investigación cualitativa basada en la revisión bibliográfica sobre el concepto de gamificación y educación sostenible para, finalmente, exponer una serie de experiencias gamificadas que trabajan los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible y sus resultados. Tras todo ello, se llega a la conclusión de que la gamificación es una metodología que puede contribuir a desarrollar los ODS desde los primeros años debido a que promueve una sociedad consciente, responsable y comprometida en cuanto a la sostenibilidad.
El rol de las familias en los programas de promoción de la vida independiente de jóvenes con discapacidad: un estudio cualitativo
Authors: Quiroz Saavedra Rodrigo , Varas Garcés Paulina , Riesco Ximena
Published: June 2024

Para las personas con discapacidad intelectual y sus familias, la transición a la vida independiente es un gran desafío. El presente artículo busca caracterizar el rol de las familias en los programas de promoción de vida independiente de jóvenes con discapacidad. Este estudio corresponde a la segunda etapa de una investigación evaluativa con diseño mixto y retrospectivo de carácter fenomenológico que usó el método inductivo de análisis temático para analizar la información recogida por entrevistas individuales y grupos focales en que participaron usuarios, familiares y profesionales de apoyo. Los resultados destacan la motivación de la familia como pilar fundamental para perseverar en el proceso; el camino de aceptación de la discapacidad del hijo/a que deja atrás la mirada infantilizadora para promover su autonomía, y la resignificación del rol de las cuidadoras y creación de una red de apoyo. A partir de estos resultados se reflexiona sobre la relevancia del empoderamiento de los jóvenes con discapacidad, las condiciones necesarias para extender los cambios promovidos por la intervención a otros entornos significativos y la sobrecarga vivida permanentemente por las madres-cuidadoras.
Az IT szakember-képzés és a piaci kompetencia-elvárások közötti diszharmónia feloldásának lehetőségei
Authors: Nagyné Halász Zsuzsanna
Published: June 2024

Napjainkban a digitalizáció, az Információtechnológia (IT) fejlődése és az Ipar 4.0 nagy kihívás elé állítja a vállalkozásokat. Az egyre élesebb piaci verseny miatt elengedhetetlen az informatikai beruházások megvalósítása, az információs rendszerek fejlesztése. Az IT szakemberek iránti kereslet fokozódik. A közép- és felsőoktatási informatikus-képzés sem mennyiségben, sem minőségben nem képes az igényeknek megfelelő kimenetet kibocsátani. Kutatásom során a felsőoktatásban megszerezhető kompetencia-készlet és a piaci igények közötti eltérésre fókuszálva kerestem megoldási lehetőségeket. Szakirodalmi elemzés után kérdőíves adatgyűjtést végeztem magyarországi társas vállalkozások körében, majd interjúkat bonyolítottam le egyetemi szakfelelősökkel. Elemzésem során kimutattam, hogy hiányzik egy egységes IT szakmai profilrendszer, melyhez kompetencia-készletet kidolgozva a felsőoktatás és a vállalkozások számára is segítséget nyújtana a diszharmónia feloldásához. Jelen tanulmányban egy lehetséges megoldás is bemutatásra kerül.
A Influência da Liderança para Práticas de Sustentabilidade nas Organizações
Authors: Silva João Gustavo Rodrigues da , Andrade Jailza do Nascimento Tomaz
Published: June 2024

Este estudo investigou em como a liderança influencia as práticas sustentáveis em uma empresa alimentícia, analisando estratégias para integrar a sustentabilidade à cultura organizacional. A pesquisa transcorreu como um estudo de caso com abordagem qualitativa e documental, realizada em uma empresa do setor alimentício na cidade de Imperatriz–MA, no primeiro trimestre de 2024, utilizando dados de pesquisa de campo.Os resultados ressaltaram a importância da liderança na execução de práticas sustentáveis, considerando que líderes visionários e comprometidos desempenham um papel fundamental ao inspirar, engajar e orientar os colaboradores, estabelecendo uma cultura organizacional que valoriza a sustentabilidade. O tripé da sustentabilidade, abordando aspectos econômicos, ambientais e sociais, foi utilizado como ferramenta para medir o desempenho organizacional. Assim, a empresa, ao adotar estratégias como reciclagem de resíduos, doações para instituições filantrópicas e diversificação de produtos, reflete diretamente a influência da liderança, embora haja espaço para melhoria contínua, garantindo que, ao mudar a liderança, tais ações permaneçam.
Os Principais Desafios e Conquistas para a Inclusão de Pessoas com Deficiência no Mercado de Trabalho
Authors: Barros Sarah Jardim Rodrigues , Silva Rogerio Sales
Published: June 2024

O mercado de trabalho pode se apresentar de forma instável em muitos momentos, pois interage diretamente com diversos fatores externos. O mesmo mercado tem as suas peculiaridades diretamente ligadas as pessoas com deficiência. Sabendo disso, a pesquisa em questão teve como objetivo geral refletir sobre os principais desafios e conquistas para a inclusão de pessoas com deficiência no mercado de trabalho.  A metodologia empregada para execução desta pesquisa deu-se através da abordagem qualitativa, sendo a sua finalidade explicativa e por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica. Por fim, concluiu-se que, qualquer indivíduo, especialmente aqueles que não possuem suas regularidades normais, têm a capacidade de mostrar o que faz de melhor, assim contribuindo para a melhoria no seu ramo de trabalho.
Gestão Escolar, Inovação e Qualidade de Ensino: Reflexão Sobre a Prática da Autoavaliação na Escola Salesiana
Authors: Rodrigues Judá Ben-Hur Silva
Published: June 2024

Este estudo tem o objetivo de fazer reflexões sobre a prática da autoavaliação na Escola Salesiana, como inovação, em vista da qualidade no ensino. Através de pesquisa bibliográfica, com a revisão das ideias de vários teóricos renomados, conclui-se que, tradicionalmente, os processos avaliativos são entendidos, quase exclusivamente, como itinerários para verificação, seleção e classificação dos estudantes. No entanto, reflexões sobre autoavaliação, discorrem, sobre tais itinerários, como processos integrados que objetivam o desenvolvimento da aprendizagem, não sendo estáticos, mas processuais, cíclicos e contínuos. Nesse cenário, vale a pena pensar em como melhorar esses itinerários no objetivo do desenvolvimento da autonomia e da aprendizagem significativa do aluno, sobretudo quando se trata de uma aliada à gestão escolar, que objetiva o êxito da aprendizagem como prestação de serviço à sociedade.
Concepções acerca de educação ambiental de professores de uma escola com práticas inovadoras
Authors: Ferreira de Moraes Juliano , Nogueira Christiano
Published: June 2024

O presente artigo apresenta uma pesquisa que objetivou-se compreender as relações entre ser humano-natureza e a educação ambiental em uma escola de educação básica. A pesquisa ocorreu através de entrevistas a partir de um questionário e foi analisado através da Análise de Conteúdo. As unidades de análise que destacadamente emergiram foram: Educação ambiental não dialoga com as demandas sociais; Consumo consciente e a gestão das águas e; Relação ser humano - natureza. Como resultados foram verificados: uma forte ligação dos conceitos e concepções conservadoras de educação ambiental; abordagens de uma educação ambiental fragmentada e ligada a resolução de problemas locais como mera formalidade e; compreensões do consumo consciente, aspectos da água como mercadoria, bem como aspectos críticos em relação ao consumo. Nas relações ser humano-natureza verificou-se contradições com um entendimento do ser humano como separado da natureza e também alguns aspectos críticos nestas relações.