bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vertiport Planning for Urban Aerial Mobility: An Adaptive Discretization Approach
Authors: Kai Wang , Jacquillat Alexandre , Vaze Vikrant
Published: September 2022

Problem definition: Electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) vehicles enable urban aerial mobility (UAM). This paper optimizes the number, locations, and capacities of vertiports in UAM systems while capturing interdependencies between strategic vertiport deployment, tactical operations, and passenger demand. Academic/practical relevance: The model includes a “tractable part” (based on mixed-integer second-order conic optimization) and also a nonconvex demand function. Methodology: We develop an exact algorithm that approximates nonconvex functions with piecewise constant segments, iterating between a conservative model (which yields a feasible solution) and a relaxed model (which yields a solution guarantee). We propose an adaptive discretization scheme that converges to a global optimum—because of the relaxed model. Results: Our algorithm converges to a 1% optimality gap, dominating static discretization benchmarks in terms of solution quality, runtimes, and solution guarantee. Managerial implications: We find that the most attractive structure for UAM is one that uses a few high-capacity vertiports, consolidating operations primarily to serve long-distance trips. Moreover, UAM profitability is highly sensitive to network planning optimization and to customer expectations, perhaps even more so than to vehicle specifications. Therefore, the success of UAM operations requires not only mature eVTOL technologies but also tailored analytics-based capabilities to optimize strategic planning and market-based efforts to drive customer demand.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.1148 .
Enlarging the frequency dynamic range of DMZI sensors based on the switching control feedback system
Authors: Zhang Ziping , Liang Yun , Jin Simeng , Yang Zhisheng , Zhang Qian , Hong Xiaobin , Hu Kai , Sun Lu
Published: September 2022

The feedback loop in dual Mach–Zehnder interferometer (DMZI) sensors stabilizes the system operating at the quadratic point for the highest sensitivity but requires the minimum measurable vibration frequency out of the feedback bandwidth, resulting in a limited dynamic range. In this paper, we point out that the feedback operation is unnecessary while vibration is occurring and propose a strategy to adaptively enable/disable the feedback phase compensation depending on the vibration state, lowering the minimum measurable vibration frequency tenfold. Moreover, the state variable employed enables direct extraction of vibration-related data, with no need of complicated postprocessing algorithms.
Validation of the dual field-of-view polarization LIDAR technique for the retrieval of homogeneous water cloud microphysical properties: a study based on a polarimetric Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Ahmad Wiqas , Zhang Kai , Tong Yicheng , Xiao Da , Wu Lingyun , Liu Dong
Published: September 2022

This paper highlights the validation of the dual field-of-view (FOV) polarization LIDAR technique for the retrieval of a cloud droplet effective radius in conjunction with a cloud extinction coefficient of a homogeneous water cloud via a simulation approach. The simulation is based on a polarimetric Monte Carlo method incorporated with semianalytic features under multiple-scattering conditions. The simulation results show that the depolarization ratio measured at dual-FOVs is a function of the cloud droplet effective radius and cloud extinction coefficient. Using the method of standard deviation on extensive simulation results and then, by applying the polynomial regression, two polynomial relationships are obtained expressing the retrieval of the cloud droplet effective radius and cloud extinction coefficient from the layer integrated depolarization ratio at low optical depths close to the cloud bottom. Eventually, the results presented by Ref. [Atmos. Chem. Phys. 20, 15265 (2020)ACPTCE1680-732410.5194/acp-20-15265-2020] are validated. The water cloud microphysical properties, liquid water content, and cloud droplet number concentration are the functions of these two parameters and thus can be found numerically.
CO2 laser cleaning of cross-linked polymer coating on metal mesh
Authors: Shi Yating , Chen Wei , Wang Jun , Zhang Chi , Zhang Chengjun , Li Hongjun
Published: September 2022

The pollution caused by the chemical cleaning of polymer coatings when recycling printing screens can be alleviated through laser cleaning. The interaction mechanism between the laser beam and polymer coating is studied, a laser ablation threshold model of the cross-linked polymer is constructed, and principles of laser bonding and photoionization are discussed. When the laser energy density is

7.8

J

/

c
m

2

, the laser pulse width and action energy influence the characterization after ablation. When the deposition energy is

>

1.2

J

/

c
m

2

, the polymer material undergoes carbonization. When the deposition energy is

<

0.8

J

/

c
m

2

, significant gasification and erosion are caused by the thermal decomposition of the resin. The findings provide a theoretical basis for research and reference for experiments and industrial applications.
All-SBS fiber-based setup for optical frequency comb generation utilizing a pump recycling technique and comb line isolation by implementing Brillouin amplification
Authors: Paul Aritra , Krishnamurthy Pradeep Kumar
Published: September 2022

We describe an all-stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) fiber-based setup for the generation, amplification, and isolation of frequency components from an optical frequency comb (OFC). The cascaded SBS–OFC is obtained by utilizing pump and Stokes power recycling techniques. A total of>15comb lines within a 45 dB bandwidth, having an average power of 16 dBm, is observed in the 1550 nm wavelength region of operation. By implementing a polarizer–analyzer setup exploiting the weak birefringence in silica fibers, we amplified and isolated the first Stokes component of the generated comb. The isolated component at 1550.03 nm was amplified by≈55dB. In order to verify the isolation of a single comb line, the SBS–OFC is intensity modulated using sinusoidal signals of different frequencies, and the modulation is detected after the comb line isolation. We also observe that with the increase in Brillouin pump power during comb line isolation, the spontaneous Brillouin noise acts as a limitation to the selective amplification process.
Electrically active control of terahertz waves in a hybrid metasurface–grating structure with a liquid crystal
Authors: Yang Jun , Xu Lu , Zhang Guozhen , Li Ying , Hu Minggang , Li Jian , Lu Hongbo , Deng Guangsheng , Yin Zhiping
Published: September 2022

A reflective terahertz phase shifter for wide-range dynamic and continuous phase modulation is proposed. By injecting a tunable liquid crystal between the slotted metasurface and the grating microstructure, the phases of reflected waves can be modulated with different electrically driven methods. Numerical simulations show that the proposed terahertz phase shifter has a phase difference of more than 360° between unbiased and biased states. Furthermore, an array of

35

×

35

patch elements was designed and fabricated. The performance of the phase shifter provides more than 360° between 379.6 and 391.8 GHz, where the maximum phase shift reaches 422.4° at 385.9 GHz. Moreover, the fully electrically controlled phase modulation of more than 180° is achieved between 382.0 and 394.1 GHz, with a maximum phase modulation of 248.4° at 383.3 GHz. This work may provide a reflective terahertz phase modulator for beam steering.
Diamond microscraping for the fabrication of a trimmed radial Fresnel array on a roller mold
Authors: Meng Songtao , Yin Ziqiang , Liu Jinwen , Guo Yawen , Yao Jianhua , Xia Senbin
Published: September 2022

Roll-to-roll (R2R) imprinting is a high-throughput and low-cost continuous manufacturing technique for the mass production of high-quality functional optical polymer films. In fabricating optical films, roll molds with high precision and surface finishs are key tooling components in the R2R imprinting process. However, the trimmed radial Fresnel array results in discontinuity of the machining trajectory. Therefore, direct diamond turning of trimmed radial Fresnel array on a roller mold was considered infeasible. We use the diamond microscraping method to manufacture the trimmed radial Fresnel array on the roller mold. The trimmed radial Fresnel array is divided into trimmed and the complete Fresnel structure to be machined separately. The trimmed part adopts the rounded corners method to avoid a damage machined surface. Due to the large size and heavy weight of the roller mold, conventional offline measurement methods cannot be used, so we measure and evaluate its cross-sectional profile by an on-machine measurement method to verify the feasibility of the proposed method. We provide a solution for surface machining of discontinuous and complex microstructures on the roller mold.
Observation of four self-sweeping regimes in a single-mode bi-directional ytterbium-doped fiber ring laser
Authors: Zuo Zhenzhong , Huang Xianming , Chen Haowei , Lu Baole , Bai Jintao
Published: September 2022

In this work, for the first time, four self-sweeping regimes in a single-mode bi-directional ytterbium-doped fiber ring laser are observed by adjusting the polarization controller (PC): normal self-sweeping, reverse self-sweeping, mixed state, and wavelength stop state. In addition, regulating the PC can artificially selectively make the laser operate in normal self-sweeping or reverse self-sweeping within a certain pump power range, and their self-sweeping characteristics (e.g., sweeping rate, sweeping range, etc.) and intensity dynamics are investigated in detail, respectively. In conclusion, we can flexibly regulate the sweeping direction and sweeping characteristics of the bi-directional self-sweeping fiber ring laser in a simple approach by adjusting the PC, which is potentially valuable for its practical application.
Blister formation in dynamic release mirror structures using femtosecond laser pulses
Authors: Godfrey Alan T. K. , Kallepalli Deepak L. N. , Rashid Sabaa , Ratté Jesse , Zhang Chunmei , Corkum P. B.
Published: September 2022

Blister formation occurs when a laser pulse interacts with the underside of a polymer film on a glass substrate and is fundamental in Laser-Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT). We present a novel method of controlling blister formation using a thin metal film situated between two thin polymer films. This enables a wide range of laser pulse energies by limiting the laser penetration in the film, which allows us to exploit nonlinear interactions without transmitting high intensities that may destroy a transfer material. We study blisters using a helium ion microscope, which images their interiors, and find that laser energy deposition is primarily in the metal layer and the top polymer layer remains intact. Blister expansion is driven by laser-induced spallation of the gold film. Our work shows that this technique could be a viable platform for contaminant-free LIFT using nonlinear absorption beyond the diffraction limit.
Near-field radiative heat transfer in three-body Weyl semimetals: erratum
Authors: Yu Ziqi , Li Xiaopeng , Lee Taehwa , Iizuka Hideo
Published: September 2022

This erratum corrects a typographical error in Eq. (4) of our published paper [Opt. Express 30(18), 31584 (2022).10.1364/OE.465017]. This misprint does not influence the results and conclusions presented in the original Article.
Angle-selective chiral absorption induced by diffractive coupling in metasurfaces
Authors: Meng Jiaojun , Zhang Zhenqing , Liu Wenxing , Li Yunhui , Sun Yong , Lai Zhenquan , Yu Tianbao
Published: September 2022

Here we report that a simple chiral metasurface with twisted metallic cut-wire arrays enables highly efficient and continuously tunable chiral absorption over a broad spectral range by scanning the incidence angle over a few degrees. The angle-selective chiral absorption results from the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) excited by diffractive effects of the metasurface. The diffraction-assisted chiral metasurface provides a straightforward strategy for achieving dynamically tunable chiral devices and offers intriguing possibilities for various applications in on-chip chiral detectors/emitters, chiral spectrometers, chiral lasers, and so on.
Scalable direct printing of visible-light metasurfaces composed of an industrial ZrO2-composite imprint material
Authors: Miyata Masashi , Kohno Akihiro , Komatsu Takeshi , Hashimoto Toshikazu
Published: September 2022

Optical metasurfaces offer a promising route to the replacement of traditional bulky optics with thinner and more functional ones, but their practical application has been challenging due to the lack of scalable and cost-effective manufacturing methods. One promising path to meeting this challenge could be single-step, direct printing of resin-based metasurfaces using well-established nanoimprint lithography (NIL). However, for its full-scale use, there are still practical issues such as fabrication accuracy as well as resin stability and mass-productivity. In this study, we address these issues by highly leveraging the recent advances in industrial nanoimprint resins. Here, a zirconium dioxide (ZrO2)-composite resin for industrial NIL is used for the direct printing of metasurfaces. We show that such a resin well meets the fundamental requirements for constructing dielectric metasurfaces, while affording practical advantages such as high formability, high resistance to long-term light exposure, and the feasibility of mass production. Our experimental demonstration validates that industrial resin is fully applicable for scalable metasurface manufacturing, which could be an important milestone toward the commercialization of metasurface optics.
Ultralow voltage, high-speed, and energy-efficient cryogenic electro-optic modulator
Authors: Pintus Paolo , Singh Anshuman , Xie Weiqiang , Ranzani Leonardo , Gustafsson Martin V. , Tran Minh A. , Xiang Chao , Peters Jonathan , Bowers John E. , Soltani Moe
Published: September 2022

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) at cryogenic temperatures enable a
wide range of applications in scalable classical and quantum systems
for computing and sensing. A promising application of cryogenic PICs
is to provide optical interconnects by upconverting signals from the
electrical to the optical domain, allowing a massive data transfer
from 4 K superconducting (SC) electronics to the room temperature
environment. Such a solution can overcome a major bottleneck in the
scalability of cryogenic systems that currently rely on bulky coaxial
cables that suffer from limited bandwidth, a large heat load, and poor
scalability. A key element to realize a cryogenic-to-room temperature
optical interconnect is a high-speed, electro-optic (EO) modulator
operating at 4 K with a modulation voltage at the mV scale, compatible
with SC electronics. Although several cryogenic EO modulators have
been demonstrated, their driving voltages are substantially large
(several hundred mV to a few V) compared to the mV scale voltage
provided by SC circuits. Here, we demonstrate a cryogenic modulator
with

∼

10

m
V

peak-to-peak driving voltage and Gb/s
data rate, with an ultralow electric energy consumption of

∼

10.4

a
J

/

b
i
t

and an optical energy consumption of

∼

213

f
J

/

b
i
t

. We achieve this record performance
by designing and fabricating a compact optical ring resonator
modulator in a heterogeneous InP-on-Si platform, where we optimize a
multi-quantum-well layer of InAIGaAs to achieve a strong EO effect at
4 K. Unlike other semiconductors such as silicon, our platform
benefits from the high-carrier mobility and minimal free-carrier
freezing of III-V compounds at low temperatures, with a moderate
doping level and a correspondingly low loss (intrinsic resonator

Q

∼

272

,

000

). These modulators can pave the path
for complex cryogenic photonic functionalities and massive data
transmission between cryogenic and room-temperature electronics.
Breaking the bandwidth limit of a high-quality-factor ring modulator based on thin-film lithium niobate
Authors: Xue Yu , Gan Ranfeng , Chen Kaixuan , Chen Gengxin , Ruan Ziliang , Zhang Junwei , Liu Jie , Dai Daoxin , Guo Changjian , Liu Liu
Published: September 2022

Growing global data traffic requires high-performance modulators with a compact size, a large bandwidth, a low optical loss, and a small power consumption. A careful trade-off among these parameters usually has to be made when designing such a device. Here, we propose and demonstrate an electro-optic ring modulator on the thin-film lithium niobate platform without compromising between any performances. The device exhibits a low on-chip loss of about 0.15 dB with a high intrinsic quality-factor (Q-factor) of

7.7

×

10

5

. Since a pure coupling modulation is employed, the photon lifetime is no longer a limiting factor for the modulation speed. A large electro-optic bandwidth is obtained without any roll-off up to 67 GHz. The device, with a footprint of

3.4

m
m

×

0.7

m
m

, also exhibits a low half-wave voltage of 1.75 V, corresponding to a half-wave voltage length product of

0.35

V

⋅

c
m

considering the 2-mm-long modulation section. Driverless data transmission up to 240 Gb/s is also demonstrated with a peak-to-peak driving voltage of 0.75 V.
Use of motorised transport and pathways to childbirth care in health facilities: Evidence from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Avoka Cephas Ke-on , Banke-Thomas Aduragbemi , Beňová Lenka , Radovich Emma , Campbell Oona M. R.
Published: September 2022

In Nigeria, 59% of pregnant women deliver at home, despite evidence about the benefits of childbirth in health facilities. While different modes of transport can be used to access childbirth care, motorised transport guarantees quicker transfer compared to non-motorised forms. Our study uses the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) to describe the pathways to childbirth care and the determinants of using motorised transport to reach this care. The most recent live birth of women 15–49 years within the five years preceding the NDHS were included. The main outcome of the study was the use of motorised transport to childbirth. Explanatory variables were women’s socio-demographic characteristics and pregnancy-related factors. Descriptive, crude, and adjusted logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the determinants of use of motorised transport. Overall, 31% of all women in Nigeria used motorised transport to get to their place of childbirth. Among women who delivered in health facilities, 77% used motorised transport; among women referred during childbirth from one facility to another, this was 98%. Among all women, adjusted odds of using motorised transport increased with increasing wealth quintile and educational level. Among women who gave birth in a health facility, there was no difference in the adjusted odds of motorised transport across wealth quintiles or educational status, but higher for women who were referred between health facilities (aOR = 8.87, 95% CI 1.90–41.40). Women who experienced at least one complication of labour/childbirth had higher odds of motorised transport use (aOR = 3.01, 95% CI 2.55–3.55, all women sample). Our study shows that women with higher education and wealth and women travelling to health facilities because of pregnancy complications were more likely to use motorised transport. Obstetric transport interventions targeting particularly vulnerable, less educated, and less privileged pregnant women should bridge the equity gap in accessing childbirth services.
Recurrence pattern predicts aneurysm rupture after coil embolization
Authors: Nambu Iku , Misaki Kouichi , Uno Takehiro , Yoshikawa Akifumi , Uchiyama Naoyuki , Mohri Masanao , Nakada Mitsutoshi
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Hemorrhage from a recurrent aneurysm is a major concern after coiling for intracranial aneurysms. We aimed to identify aneurysm recurrence patterns associated with hemorrhage.

Material and methods

We investigated radiological data of patients who underwent coiling for intracranial aneurysms in 2008–2016 and were followed-up for at least 6 months. Aneurysm recurrence patterns were classified as: type Ⅰ, enlargement of aneurysm neck; type Ⅱ, recurrent cavity within the coil mass; type Ⅲ, recurrent cavity along the aneurysm wall; and type Ⅳ, formation of a daughter sac. We evaluated the incidence of various recurrence patterns with or without hemorrhage.

Results

Of the 173 aneurysms included in the study (mean follow-up period, 32 months; range, 6–99 months), 22 (13%) recurred and required re-treatment. The recurrence patterns included type Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, and Ⅳ in 7 (4%), 4 (2%), 9 (5%), and 2 (1%) cases, respectively. Most of the type Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ recurrences occurred within 1 year, and type Ⅳ occurred at 7 years after coiling. Three aneurysms exhibited hemorrhage, one with type Ⅲ and two with type Ⅳ pattern. The two aneurysms with type Ⅳ recurrence initially occurred as type Ⅰ; however, the recurrent neck enlarged gradually, resulting in new sac formation.

Conclusions

We recommend prompt re-treatment for aneurysms recurring with type Ⅲ or Ⅳ patterns, as such patterns were associated with hemorrhage. Furthermore, we need a special care to type Ⅰ recurrence with enlargement of recurrent neck because this specific pattern may develop to type Ⅳ.
Inequality and support for government responses to COVID-19
Authors: Dang Hai-Anh H. , Malesky Edmund , Nguyen Cuong Viet
Published: September 2022

Despite a deep literature studying the impact of inequality on policy outcomes, there has been limited effort to bring these insights into the debates about comparative support for government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. We fill this gap by analyzing rich survey data at the beginning of the pandemic in April 2020 from six countries spanning different income levels and geographical locations—China, Italy, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. We find that poorer individuals are less supportive of government responses. Furthermore, poorer individuals residing in more economically unequal countries offer even less government support. We also find that both economic and non-economic factors could affect the poor’s decisions to support stringent government policies. These findings suggest that greater transfers to the poor may offer an option to help increase support for strict policies and may reduce the potential deepening of social inequalities caused by the pandemic.
HIV-1 Vpr suppresses expression of the thiazide-sensitive sodium chloride co-transporter in the distal convoluted tubule
Authors: Shrivastav Shashi , Lee Hewang , Okamoto Koji , Lu Huiyan , Yoshida Teruhiko , Latt Khun Zaw , Wakashin Hidefumi , Dalgleish James L. T. , Koritzinsky Erik H. , Xu Peng , Asico Laureano D. , Chung Joon-Yong , Hewitt Stephen , Gildea John J. , Felder Robin A. , Jose Pedro A. , Rosenberg Avi Z. , Knepper Mark A. , Kino Tomoshige , Kopp Jeffrey B.
Published: September 2022

HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) impairs functions of both glomeruli and tubules. Attention has been previously focused on the HIVAN glomerulopathy. Tubular injury has drawn increased attention because sodium wasting is common in hospitalized HIV/AIDS patients. We used viral protein R (Vpr)-transgenic mice to investigate the mechanisms whereby Vpr contributes to urinary sodium wasting. In phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase promoter-driven Vpr-transgenic mice, in situ hybridization showed that Vpr mRNA was expressed in all nephron segments, including the distal convoluted tubule. Vpr-transgenic mice, compared with wild-type littermates, markedly increased urinary sodium excretion, despite similar plasma renin activity and aldosterone levels. Kidneys from Vpr-transgenic mice also markedly reduced protein abundance of the Na+-Cl- cotransporter (NCC), while mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) protein expression level was unchanged. In African green monkey kidney cells, Vpr abrogated the aldosterone-mediated stimulation of MR transcriptional activity. Gene expression of Slc12a3 (NCC) in Vpr-transgenic mice was significantly lower compared with wild-type mice, assessed by both qRT-PCR and RNAScope in situ hybridization analysis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays identified multiple MR response elements (MRE), located from 5 kb upstream of the transcription start site and extending to the third exon of the SLC12A3 gene. Mutation of MRE and SP1 sites in the SLC12A3 promoter region abrogated the transcriptional responses to aldosterone and Vpr, indicating that functional MRE and SP1 are required for the SLC12A3 gene suppression in response to Vpr. Thus, Vpr attenuates MR transcriptional activity and inhibits Slc12a3 transcription in the distal convoluted tubule and contributes to salt wasting in Vpr-transgenic mice.
Inferring stimulation induced short-term synaptic plasticity dynamics using novel dual optimization algorithm
Authors: Ghadimi Alireza , Steiner Leon Amadeus , Popovic Milos R. , Milosevic Luka , Lankarany Milad
Published: September 2022

Experimental evidence in both human and animal studies demonstrated that deep brain stimulation (DBS) can induce short-term synaptic plasticity (STP) in the stimulated nucleus. Given that DBS-induced STP may be connected to the therapeutic effects of DBS, we sought to develop a computational predictive model that infers the dynamics of STP in response to DBS at different frequencies. Existing methods for estimating STP–either model-based or model-free approaches–require access to pre-synaptic spiking activity. However, in the context of DBS, extracellular stimulation (e.g. DBS) can be used to elicit presynaptic activations directly. We present a model-based approach that integrates multiple individual frequencies of DBS-like electrical stimulation as pre-synaptic spikes and infers parameters of the Tsodyks-Markram (TM) model from post-synaptic currents of the stimulated nucleus. By distinguishing between the steady-state and transient responses of the TM model, we develop a novel dual optimization algorithm that infers the model parameters in two steps. First, the TM model parameters are calculated by integrating multiple frequencies of stimulation to estimate the steady state response of post-synaptic current through a closed-form analytical solution. The results of this step are utilized as the initial values for the second step in which a non-derivative optimization algorithm is used to track the transient response of the post-synaptic potential across different individual frequencies of stimulation. Moreover, in order to confirm the applicability of the method, we applied our algorithm–as a proof of concept–to empirical data recorded from acute rodent brain slices of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) during DBS-like stimulation to infer dynamics of STP for inhibitory synaptic inputs.
An analysis of the very high level of maternal distress experienced by South Korean women with young children
Authors: Lee Ji Yun , Park Sae Eun , Kim Yu-Mi , Cho Hong-Jun , Khang Young-Ho
Published: September 2022

This study was conducted as a part of a larger study to identify the needs of a maternal and early childhood home visit program that the South Korean central government has begun to expand nationwide. This survey measured the distress of mothers with children aged 2 years or younger during the transition into motherhood using the Being a Mother scale (BaM-13) and compared the stress levels for each question with those of existing studies in other countries. The survey results revealed that the mean BaM-13 score of the 350 participants was 17.09 (SD = 6.81), with 87.7% showing very high levels of maternal distress, indicated by a score of 9 or above in BaM-13. The item from the BaM-13 with the highest response rate of 2 or 3 points (sum of the percentage of those who answered 2 and 3 points) was “I have missed the life I had before I became pregnant with this baby/toddler,” to which 80.8% of the respondents agreed. The percentage of South Korean mothers who answered 2 or 3 points was higher for every item on the BaM-13 than that of Australian mothers. A comparison of the total BaM-13 score and 3 factors (child experience, adult’s experience, and emotional closeness) of the BaM-13 according to the participants’ characteristics revealed that discrepancies in women’s sociodemographic factors (including smoking and alcohol consumption behaviors) were not significant, whereas differences in the total BaM-13 score and the 3 factors of the BaM-13 according to the mothers’ scores on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were noticeable. The high level of maternal distress observed in this study should be reflected in the nurse-led maternal and early childhood home visit program that the South Korean central government is expanding across the country.
Detection of cutaneous malignant melanoma using RNA sampled by tape strips: A study protocol
Authors: Heerfordt Ida M. , Andersen Jeppe D. , Philipsen Peter A. , Langhans Linnea , Tvedebrink Torben , Schmidt Grethe , Poulsen Thomas , Lerche Catharina M. , Morling Niels , Wulf Hans Christian
Published: September 2022

Background

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is curable if detected in its early stages. However, the clinical recognition of CMM is challenging. An American research group has shown promising results in detecting CMM based on RNA profiles sampled from suspicious lesions with tape strips. We aim to further develop this technique and validate if RNA profiles sampled with tape strips can detect CMM.

Methods

This prospective cohort study will include approximately 200 lesions clinically suspected of CMM requiring surgical removal. Tape stripping of the lesions will be performed just before surgical excision. Subsequently, RNA on the tape strips is analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction with TaqMan technology. The results are combined into a binary outcome where positive indicates CMM and negative indicates no CMM. The histopathological diagnosis of the lesions will be used as the gold standard. The main outcome is the results of the RNA test and the histopathological diagnosis, which, combined, provide the sensitivity and specificity of the test.

Discussion

The accuracy of the clinical examination in CMM diagnostics is limited. This clinical trial will explore the ability to use RNA analysis to improve the management of suspicious lesions by enhancing early diagnostic accuracy. Hopefully, it can reduce the number of benign lesions being surgically removed to rule out CMM and decrease patient morbidity.

Trial registration

The project was approved by The Committee on Health Research Ethics of the Capital Region of Denmark (H-15010559) and registered at the Danish Data Protection Agency (BFH-2015-065).
Sea lice (Lepeophtherius salmonis) detection and quantification around aquaculture installations using environmental DNA
Authors: Krolicka Adriana , Mæland Nilsen Mari , Klitgaard Hansen Brian , Wulf Jacobsen Magnus , Provan Fiona , Baussant Thierry
Published: September 2022

The naturally occurring ectoparasite salmon lice (Lepeophtherirus salmonis) poses a great challenge for the salmon farming industry, as well as for wild salmonids in the Northern hemisphere. To better control the infestation pressure and protect the production, there is a need to provide fish farmers with sensitive and efficient tools for rapid early detection and monitoring of the parasitic load. This can be achieved by targeting L. salmonis DNA in environmental samples. Here, we developed and tested a new L. salmonis specific DNA-based assay (qPCR assay) for detection and quantification from seawater samples using an analytical pipeline compatible with the Environmental Sample Processor (ESP) for autonomous water sample analysis of gene targets. Specificity of the L. salmonis qPCR assay was demonstrated through in-silico DNA analyses covering sequences of different L. salmonis isolates. Seawater was spiked with known numbers of nauplii and copepodite free-swimming (planktonic) stages of L. salmonis to investigate the relationship with the number of marker gene copies (MGC). Finally, field samples collected at different times of the year in the vicinity of a salmon production farm in Western Norway were analyzed for L. salmonis detection and quantification. The assay specificity was high and a high correlation between MGC and planktonic stages of L. salmonis was established in the laboratory conditions. In the field, L. salmonis DNA was consequently detected, but with MGC number below that expected for one copepodite or nauplii. We concluded that only L. salmonis tissue or eDNA residues were detected. This novel study opens for a fully automatized L. salmonis DNA quantification using ESP robotic to monitor the parasitic load, but challenges remain to exactly transfer information about eDNA quantities to decisions by the farmers and possible interventions.
Epidemiology and risk factors related to severity of clinical manifestations of COVID-19 in outpatients: A retrospective study in Haiti
Authors: Lucien Mentor Ali Ber , Pierre Katilla , Jean-Denis Gladzdin , Rigodon Jonas , Worrell Caitlin M. , Couture Alexia , Flynn Aspen , Calderon Mauricio Cerpa , Codina Luis Felipe , Vicari Andrea S. , Marseille Samson , Jean Baptiste Koama T. , Fouche Bernadette , Joseph Gerard , Journel Ito , Rendel Kenold , Grant-Greene Yoran , Jean-Charles Nadia P. , Lafontant Donald , Amouzou Senou , Pierre Wilnique , Clement Marie Greta Roy , Juin Stanley , Boncy Jacques , Dely Patrick
Published: September 2022

Background

Haiti’s first COVID-19 cases were confirmed on March 18, 2020, and subsequently spread throughout the country. The objective of this study was to describe clinical manifestations of COVID-19 in Haitian outpatients and to identify risk factors for severity of clinical manifestations.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of COVID-19 outpatients diagnosed from March 18-August 4, 2020, using demographic, epidemiological, and clinical data reported to the Ministry of Health (MoH). We used univariate and multivariate analysis, including multivariable logistic regression, to explore the risk factors and specific symptoms related to persons with symptomatic COVID-19 and the severity of symptomatic COVID-19 disease.

Results

Of 5,389 cases reported to MOH during the study period, 1,754 (32.5%) were asymptomatic. Amongst symptomatic persons 2,747 (75.6%) had mild COVID-19 and 888 (24.4%) had moderate-to-severe disease; the most common symptoms were fever (69.6%), cough (51.9%), and myalgia (45.8%). The odds of having moderate-to-severe disease were highest among persons with hypertension (aOR = 1.72, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] (1.34, 2.20), chronic pulmonary disease (aOR = 3.93, 95% CI (1.93, 8.17)) and tuberculosis (aOR = 3.44, 95% CI (1.35, 9.14)) compared to persons without those conditions. The odds of having moderate-to-severe disease increased with age but was also seen among children aged 0–4 years (OR: 1.73, 95% CI (0.93, 3.08)), when using 30–39 years old as the reference group. All of the older age groups, 50–64 years, 65–74 years, 75–84 years, and 85+ years, had significantly higher odds of having moderate-to-severe COVID-19 compared with ages 30–39 years. Diabetes was associated with elevated odds of moderate-to-severe disease in bivariate analysis (OR = 2.17, 95% CI (1.58,2.98) but, this association did not hold in multivariable analyses (aOR = 1.22,95%CI (0.86,1.72)).

Conclusion

These findings from a resource-constrained country highlight the importance of surveillance systems to track emerging infections and their risk factors. In addition to co-morbidities described elsewhere, tuberculosis was a risk factor for moderate-to-severe COVID-19 disease.
Predictors for self-discontinuation of anti-osteoporosis medication: A hospital-based real-world study
Authors: Deng Ya-Lian , Hsu Chun-Sheng , Hsu Chiann-Yi , Chen Chih-Hui , Ou Shiang-Ferng , Liu Chin-Feng , Yang Shu-Hui , Shih Chun-Hsi , Chen Yi-Ming , Lee Hsu-Tung
Published: September 2022

Osteoporotic fractures have a tremendous impact on quality of life and may contribute to fatality, but half of patients may discontinue their anti-osteoporosis medication. The study aimed to investigate the factors associated with the persistence of anti-osteoporosis medication. Between June 2016 and June 2018, we recruited 1195 participants discontinuing prior anti-osteoporosis medication. Telephone interviews were conducted to discern the reasons for discontinuation. Comparisons among groups and risks of self-discontinuation were analyzed. Among 694 patients who have no records of continuing anti-osteoporosis medication, 374 (54%) self-discontinued, 64 (9.2%) discontinued due to physicians’ suggestion, and 256 (36.8%) with unintended discontinuation. Among patients with self-discontinuation, 173 (46.3%) forgot to visit outpatient clinics; 92 (24.5%) discontinued because of medication-related factors; 57 (15.2%) thought the severity of osteoporosis had improved and therefore discontinued; 30 (8%) stopped due to economic burden; 22 (5.9%) were lost to follow-up because of newly diagnosed diseases other than osteoporosis. Additionally, older age, male gender, calcium supplement, teriparatide therapy and hip fractures in teriparatide users were associated with adherence to anti-osteoporosis drugs. In conclusion, our results indicate that younger age, female gender, non-use of calcium supplements, and anti-resorptive medication were independent risk factors associated with drug discontinuation. Identifying high-risk patients and providing timely health education are crucial for adherence to anti-osteoporosis medication.
MERS-CoV ORF4b is a virulence factor involved in the inflammatory pathology induced in the lungs of mice
Authors: Bello-Perez Melissa , Hurtado-Tamayo Jesús , Requena-Platek Ricardo , Canton Javier , Sánchez-Cordón Pedro José , Fernandez-Delgado Raúl , Enjuanes Luis , Sola Isabel
Published: September 2022

No vaccines or specific antiviral drugs are authorized against Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) despite its high mortality rate and prevalence in dromedary camels. Since 2012, MERS-CoV has been causing sporadic zoonotic infections in humans, which poses a risk of genetic evolution to become a pandemic virus. MERS-CoV genome encodes five accessory proteins, 3, 4a, 4b, 5 and 8b for which limited information is available in the context of infection. This work describes 4b as a virulence factor in vivo, since the deletion mutant of a mouse-adapted MERS-CoV-Δ4b (MERS-CoV-MA-Δ4b) was completely attenuated in a humanized DPP4 knock-in mouse model, resulting in no mortality. Attenuation in the absence of 4b was associated with a significant reduction in lung pathology and chemokine expression levels at 4 and 6 days post-infection, suggesting that 4b contributed to the induction of lung inflammatory pathology. The accumulation of 4b in the nucleus in vivo was not relevant to virulence, since deletion of its nuclear localization signal led to 100% mortality. Interestingly, the presence of 4b protein was found to regulate autophagy in the lungs of mice, leading to upregulation of BECN1, ATG3 and LC3A mRNA. Further analysis in MRC-5 cell line showed that, in the context of infection, MERS-CoV-MA 4b inhibited autophagy, as confirmed by the increase of p62 and the decrease of ULK1 protein levels, either by direct or indirect mechanisms. Together, these results correlated autophagy activation in the absence of 4b with downregulation of a pathogenic inflammatory response, thus contributing to attenuation of MERS-CoV-MA-Δ4b.
Mapping (mis)alignment within a collaborative network using homophily metrics
Authors: Pugel Kimberly , Javernick-Will Amy , Nyaga Cliff , Mussa Muhammed Ebrahim , Dimtse Desta , Henry Lucia , Linden Karl
Published: September 2022

Collaborative approaches can overcome fragmentation by fostering consensus and connecting stakeholders who prioritize similar activities. This makes them a promising approach for complex, systemic problems such as lack of reliable, safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in low-income countries. Despite the touted ability of collaborative approaches to align priorities, there remains no comprehensive way to measure and map alignment within a network of actors. Methodological limitations have led to inconsistent guidance on if, and how much, alignment is needed around a common vision (e.g., universal, reliable access to WASH) and/or around an agreed set of activities (e.g. passing a bill to promote water scheme maintenance models). In this work, we first define alignment as the extent to which actors work with others who share priorities. We then develop and test a method that uses social network analysis and qualitative interview data to quantify and visualize alignment within a network. By investigating how alignment of two strong, well-functioning WASH collaborative approaches evolved over three years, we showed that while alignment on a common vision may be a defining aspect of collaborative approaches, some alignment around specific activities is also required. Collaborative approaches that had sub-groups of members that all prioritized the same activities and worked together were able to make significant progress on those activities, such as drafting and passing a county-wide water bill or constructing a controversial fecal sludge disposal site. Despite strong sub-group formation, networks still had an overall tendency for actors to work with actors with different prioritized activities. While this reinforces some existing knowledge about collaborative work, it also clarifies inconsistencies in theory on collaborative approaches, calls into question key aspects of network literature, and expands methodological capabilities.
Craft is ubiquitous
Authors: Groth Camilla , Townsend Katherine , Westerlund Tina , Almevik Gunnar
Published: September 2022

This Special Issue presents a selection of contributions that seek to extend the idea of what craft practice and research can be. They stem from the conference presentations in the 1st Biennial International Conference for the Craft Sciences (BICCS), held online during 4–6 May 2021. This conference was initiated by the Craft Laboratory in Mariestad city, which is affiliated with the Department of Conservation, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. What counts as craft, and what does not, has been discussed with the general consensus that craft often evades definitions and instead thrives as an adhesive between other domains. In this editorial we claim that craft practice is ubiquitous, since acts of ‘crafting’ are infiltrated in most aspects of society, from the industrial workplace to the home. In addition to being a professional domain, craftmanship is also an attitude and a way of life. Craft making further facilitates shared reflective platforms which can carry and sustain cultural associations, or even social resistance, over time. We hope to invite readers to extend the notions of what crafts can be, by discussing issues related to such various topics as plant propagation, crystal growing, neuroscientific activity tracking, multimodal presentations of craft research and hybrid forms of digital and handmade craft processes. We also present an overview of educational contexts of crafts and discuss the role of the craft practitioner in heritage studies such as traditional boat building or industrial lace making.
Orientations on studying crafts in higher education
Authors: Kokko Sirpa
Published: September 2022

Crafts in higher education (HE) are scattered and typically lack departments of their own, instead being integrated in art, design, technology, education or culture-oriented departments. The purpose of this research is to shed light on the orientations of crafts in HE programmes that have crafts as their foci. Based on document analysis of the curricula of one American and four European (Finland, Sweden, Estonia and United Kingdom) craft study programmes and fieldwork observations, the following five orientations were identified: educational crafts, traditional crafts, critical crafts, cultural heritage of crafts and design-based crafts. Both similarities and differences were found. The targets, prospective career paths and pedagogical methods of these study programmes were adapted to the broader targets of the various departments. Craft teaching followed the basic principles of studio pedagogy. The sought-after skill acquisition level varied from expressive purposes to ability to make quality products. There were also differences in whether a programme focused on a specific craft field or covered a broad spectrum. The requirements of academization were adapted in all study programmes. However, the role of writing differed from free and short reflective writing in the art department to a strict academic writing style in the education department. Professional goals varied from becoming a teacher or an artist to self-employment in a small-scale craft enterprise or achieving commercial success in industrial production. Concerns about losing craft traditions and dedication to maintaining them were shared across programmes. Despite being situated on the outskirts of academia, the status of crafts as an HE discipline adds value and visibility to the crafts and strengthens their identities.
Benefits of Google technologies for organizations: Perspectives from adaptive structuration theory
Authors: Madsen Heather , Matusitz Jonathan
Published: September 2022

This article applies adaptive structuration theory (AST) to Google technologies. AST describes the ways in which information technologies change organizations. The theory seeks to identify diverse sources of structuration between technologies, social structures and human interactions in organizations. Google technologies refers to a variety of Google internet-based applications, such as Google Calendar, Gmail, Google Docs and Google Sites. The objective of this article, then, is to understand the ways in which Google has changed organizations and attitudes among virtual teams. For example, a major finding is that, based on four dimensions (i.e., leadership, efficiency, conflict management and atmosphere), Google technologies allows for a more consensus-based rational decision-making process and equal participation by all members rather than domination by a few.
Exploring the influence of information and communication systems for adequate housing project delivery in Nigeria
Authors: N. Mbazor David , O. Aigbavboa Clinton , D. Thwala Wellington
Published: September 2022

Globally, information and communication systems (ICS) are presently impacting every aspect of human activities, given its silent roles in business, learning, entertainment, construction, etc. The technologies have been widely accepted by housing construction industry stakeholders as an impetus for the delivery of adequate housing both in rural and urban neighbourhoods. Though there abound shreds of evidence that ICS play significant roles in the development of all sectors, it remains unidentified how the housing sector in Nigeria is exploiting ICS in its housing delivery processes. This study investigates the roles ICS play in the delivery of adequate housing. It also examines the influence of ICS on adequate housing delivery. The study employs a quantitative research approach using Delphi and survey questionnaire approaches to address the research objectives. A Delphi study was used to determine the influence of the identified elements on the overall adequacy of housing delivery, and the retrieved data were analysed using frequency tables and weighted mean scores. The study reveals that housing construction workers (HCWs) in the study area lack adequate knowledge of the systems; hence, the study recommends that adequate training on ICS usage should be given to HCWs for greater efficiency.