bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical analysis of passively mode-locked semiconductor ring lasers
Authors: Qin Bisheng , Zhang Ruiying , Qiu Bocang , Zhang Ben , Luo Chanchan
Published: June 2024

In this paper, the theoretical analysis of the passive mode-locked semiconductor ring lasers (PML-SRLs) is investigated based on a travelling wave model. It is found that both the optical confinement factor and the injection current make great contributions to the operation regime and the performance of PML-SRLs. All operation regimes of PML-SRLs are governed by the transient gain-loss balance. Such balance is closely associated with the relationship among the stimulated rate in the semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA), the carrier lifetime in the saturated absorber (SA), and the roundtrip time of the ring resonator. Furthermore, our investigation indicates that the mode-locked state of such PML-SRLs is independent of the passive waveguide, but the performance degrades with the increased waveguide loss or the shortened waveguide length, once the material bandwidth is wide enough. Another discovery is that it is possible to achieve the high energy pulse in the PML-SRL with shortening the passive length and narrowing the gain spectrum meanwhile. Overall, such investigations should benefit designing the required PML-SRLs and achieving the high performance.
Imaging through opaque scattering layers via transmission matrix assisted learning
Authors: Guo Enlai , Bai Kaixuan , Hu Jinfei , Zhu Shuo , Shi Yingjie , Bai Lianfa , Han Jing
Published: June 2024

Deep learning (DL) has a wide application in imaging through scattering media, however, most DL approaches lack related physical principle priors. Aiming at the limitation of DL methods that require high completeness of training set, a two-stage network is proposed to complete the transmission matrix (TM) measurement and image reconstruction. Thanks to the appropriate structure of the network, the amount of data required in the Measurement Stage is greatly reduced. The self-closed-loop constraint in the Imaging Stage also enables the imaging network to break from the dependence on the completeness of the training set, and achieve a reconstruction with an SSIM of 0.84 using only 10 pairs of training data. Besides, both the Imaging Stage and the Measurement Stage can be used as a stand-alone method in combination with conventional phase retrieval algorithms. This method can drive the development of TM-based imaging and provide an enlightening reference for the practical application in optical imaging scenes.
Integrating eye rotation and contrast sensitivity into image quality evaluation of virtual reality head-mounted displays
Authors: Zhao Chumin , Bhansali Khushi , Beams Ryan , Lago Miguel A. , Badano Aldo
Published: June 2024

Visual perception on virtual reality head-mounted displays (VR HMDs) involves human vision in the imaging pipeline. Image quality evaluation of VR HMDs may need to be expanded from optical bench testing by incorporating human visual perception. In this study, we implement a 5-degree-of-freedom (5DoF) experimental setup that simulates the human eye geometry and rotation mechanism. Optical modulation transfer function (MTF) measurements are performed using various camera rotation configurations namely pupil rotation, eye rotation, and eye rotation with angle kappa of the human visual system. The measured MTFs of the VR HMD are inserted into a human eye contrast sensitivity model to predict the perceptual contrast sensitivity function (CSF) on a VR HMD. At the same time, we develop a WebXR test platform to perform human observer experiments. Monocular CSFs of human subjects with different interpupillary distance (IPD) are extracted and compared with those calculated from optical MTF measurements. The result shows that image quality, measured as MTF and CSF, degrades at the periphery of display field of view, especially for subjects with an IPD different than that of the HMD. We observed that both the shift of visual point on the HMD eyepiece and the angle between the optical axes of the eye and eyepiece degrade image quality due to optical aberration. The computed CSFs from optical measurement correlates with those of the human observer experiment, with the optimal correlation achieved using the eye rotation with angle kappa setup. The finding demonstrates that more precise image quality assessment can be achieved by integrating eye rotation and human eye contrast sensitivity into optical bench testing.
Zero-shot denoising of microscopy images recorded at high-resolution limits
Authors: Salwig Sebastian , Drefs Jakob , Lücke Jörg
Published: June 2024

Conventional and electron microscopy visualize structures in the micrometer to nanometer range, and such visualizations contribute decisively to our understanding of biological processes. Due to different factors in recording processes, microscopy images are subject to noise. Especially at their respective resolution limits, a high degree of noise can negatively effect both image interpretation by experts and further automated processing. However, the deteriorating effects of strong noise can be alleviated to a large extend by image enhancement algorithms. Because of the inherent high noise, a requirement for such algorithms is their applicability directly to noisy images or, in the extreme case, to just a single noisy image withouta priorinoise level information (referred to as blind zero-shot setting). This work investigates blind zero-shot algorithms for microscopy image denoising. The strategies for denoising applied by the investigated approaches include: filtering methods, recent feed-forward neural networks which were amended to be trainable on noisy images, and recent probabilistic generative models. As datasets we consider transmission electron microscopy images including images of SARS-CoV-2 viruses and fluorescence microscopy images. A natural goal of denoising algorithms is to simultaneously reduce noise while preserving the original image features, e.g., the sharpness of structures. However, in practice, a tradeoff between both aspects often has to be found. Our performance evaluations, therefore, focus not only on noise removal but set noise removal in relation to a metric which is instructive about sharpness. For all considered approaches, we numerically investigate their performance, report their denoising/sharpness tradeoff on different images, and discuss future developments. We observe that, depending on the data, the different algorithms can provide significant advantages or disadvantages in terms of their noise removal vs. sharpness preservation capabilities, which may be very relevant for different virological applications, e.g., virological analysis or image segmentation.
Mapping the Evolutionary Space of SARS-CoV-2 Variants to Anticipate Emergence of Subvariants Resistant to COVID-19 Therapeutics
Authors: Rojas Chávez Roberth Anthony , Fili Mohammad , Han Changze , Rahman Syed A. , Bicar Isaiah G. L. , Gregory Sullivan , Helverson Annika , Hu Guiping , Darbro Benjamin W. , Das Jishnu , Brown Grant D. , Haim Hillel
Published: June 2024

New sublineages of SARS-CoV-2 variants-of-concern (VOCs) continuously emerge with mutations in the spike glycoprotein. In most cases, the sublineage-defining mutations vary between the VOCs. It is unclear whether these differences reflect lineage-specific likelihoods for mutations at each spike position or the stochastic nature of their appearance. Here we show that SARS-CoV-2 lineages have distinct evolutionary spaces (a probabilistic definition of the sequence states that can be occupied by expanding virus subpopulations). This space can be accurately inferred from the patterns of amino acid variability at the whole-protein level. Robust networks of co-variable sites identify the highest-likelihood mutations in new VOC sublineages and predict remarkably well the emergence of subvariants with resistance mutations to COVID-19 therapeutics. Our studies reveal the contribution of low frequency variant patterns at heterologous sites across the protein to accurate prediction of the changes at each position of interest.
Detection of honey adulteration using machine learning
Authors: Ahmed Esmael
Published: June 2024

Honey adulteration is a growing concern due to its health benefits and high nutritional content. Traditional methods like Melissopalynology are ineffective in detecting adulterated honey. This research presents a comparative study of machine learning algorithms for detecting adulteration in honey. The study uses hyperspectral imaging, a promising tool for food quality assurance, to classify and predict adulteration in honey. The proposed model relies on hyper-spectrum images and improves the accuracy of existing models using hyperparameter tuning. The dataset used includes segmented and pre-processed hyperspectral images of adulterated honey samples. The study found that machine learning and hyperspectral imaging can accurately identify if honey has been adulterated, with over 98% classification accuracy. The results showed that between 5% and 10% of adulterated honey samples are misclassified, with C1 Clover honey being the most frequently misclassified. This study aims to develop an efficient and accurate honey counterfeit detection technology using machine learning technologies such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Support-vector machines (SVM), K Nearest Neighbors, Random Forests, and Decision trees. The proposed model relies on hyper-spectrum images and overcomes generalization to unknown honey types of problems. The dataset used includes segmented and pre-processed hyperspectral images of adulterated honey samples from seven different brands with 12 different botanical origin labels. Feature reduction techniques, such as feature ranking-based feature selection, and autoencoder techniques are employed to classify the botanical origins of honey. The model parameters are enhanced or tuned by the training process, and hyperparameters are adjusted by running the whole training data. The researchers used Python, and well-known algorithms like ANN, SVM, KNN, random forests, and decision trees. The results show that machine learning and hyperspectral imaging can accurately identify if honey has been adulterated, with over 98% classification accuracy.
The epidemiologic and economic burden of dengue in Singapore: A systematic review
Authors: Ting Rita , Dickens Borame L. , Hanley Riona , Cook Alex R. , Ismail Ellyana
Published: June 2024

Background

Despite its well-regarded vector control program, Singapore remains susceptible to dengue epidemics. To assist evaluation of dengue interventions, we aimed to synthesize current data on the epidemiologic and economic burden of dengue in Singapore.

Methodology

We used multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, international/national repositories, surveillance) to search for published and gray literature (2000–2022). We included observational and cost studies, and two interventional studies, reporting Singapore-specific data on our co-primary outcomes, dengue incidence and dengue-related costs. Quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and an adapted cost-of-illness evaluation checklist. We performed a narrative synthesis and grouped studies according to reported outcomes and available stratified analyses.

Findings

In total, 333 reports (330 epidemiological, 3 economic) were included. Most published epidemiological studies (89%) and all economic studies were of good quality. All gray literature reports were from the Ministry of Health or National Environment Agency. Based predominantly on surveillance data, Singapore experienced multiple outbreaks in 2000–2021, attaining peak incidence rate in 2020 (621.1 cases/100,000 person-years). Stratified analyses revealed the highest incidence rates in DENV-2 and DENV-3 serotypes and the 15–44 age group. Among dengue cases, the risk of hospitalization has been highest in the ≥45-year-old age groups while the risks of dengue hemorrhagic fever and death have generally been low (both <1%) for the last decade. Our search yielded limited data on deaths by age, severity, and infection type (primary, secondary, post-secondary). Seroprevalence (dengue immunoglobulin G) increases with age but has remained <50% in the general population. Comprising 21–63% indirect costs, dengue-related total costs were higher in 2010–2020 (SGD 148 million) versus the preceding decade (SGD 58–110 million).

Conclusion

Despite abundant passive surveillance data, more stratified and up-to-date data on the epidemiologic and economic burden of dengue are warranted in Singapore to continuously assess prevention and management strategies.
The feasibility of point shear wave elastography (pSWE) in the assessment of pancreas stiffness in diabetic patients and healthy volunteers
Authors: Almutairi Fahad Farhan
Published: June 2024

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the dysfunctional metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins caused by impaired insulin secretion and insulin resistance. This study investigated the feasibility of using point shear wave elastography (pSWE) of the pancreas by comparing the shear wave velocity (SWV) measurements of three anatomical areas in patients with T1DM and healthy volunteers. This study included 30 patients with T1DM (9 male, 21 female) and 23 healthy controls (11 men, 12 women). Two experienced certified operators performed the examinations and took the SWV measurements. The mean SWV of the entire pancreas parenchyma differed significantly between patients and controls (1.1 ± 0.29 and 0.74 ± 0.19 m/s, respectively; p ≤ 0.001). Moreover, the SWVs of the pancreatic segments were significantly different in patients and controls; the mean SWV values of the pancreas head, body, and tail (respectively) in patients vs. controls were 0.99 ± 0.36 vs. 0.76 ± 0.26 m/s (p  = 0.012), 1.1 ± 0.52 vs. 0.74 ± 0.23 (p ≤ 0.001), and 1.0 ± 0.34 vs. 0.73 ± 0.28 (p  ≤ 0.001). This study confirmed the feasibility of quantifying pancreas tissue stiffness with pSWE and revealed that patients with T1DM had higher pancreas tissue stiffness than controls. Further studies are required to determine the potential value of pSWE as a screening tool in patients with prediabetes.
Does higher education make women sicker? A study of the gender gap in sickness absence within educational groups
Authors: Magnusson Charlotta , Shahbazian Roujman , Kjellsson Sara
Published: June 2024

This study describes changes in the withdrawal of sickness benefits among men and women in Sweden over a period of three decades (1994–2018), based on administrative data. During this period there was a gender gap in the takeout of sickness benefits to women’s disadvantages in all age groups as well as educational groups. The gap was particularly large between men and women with secondary education in the ages 30 to 39. The general gender gap in sickness absence is larger today compared to 1994. The development, after 2010, was mainly driven by a larger increase in sick leave among women with secondary education, both in relation to men with secondary education and in relation to women with both lower and higher levels of education. For women with secondary education, sick leave does not seem to vary according to age. Thus, in this educational group, women of child-rearing age are not more prone to take sick leave than other age groups.
Effects of intraocular pressure change on intraocular lens power calculation in primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension
Authors: Chirapapaisan Chareenun , Eiamsamarng Akarawit , Chirapapaisan Niphon , Raksong Wara , Sakiyalak Darin , Koodkaew Sunisa , Subunnasenee Audcharawadee
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to assess the effect of intraocular pressure (IOP) changes on biometry and intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in patients diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT). This prospective non-randomized cohort study enrolled patients with diagnosed POAG and OHT, presenting with IOP levels exceeding 25 mmHg. Thai Clinical Trials Registry number was TCTR20180912007. Optical biometry, encompassing measurements such as corneal thickness (CCT), keratometry, anterior chamber depth (ACD), and axial length, was conducted before and after IOP reduction. The IOL power was also determined using the SRK/T formula. The main outcomes measured were alterations in biometry and IOL power. Correlations between IOP, biometric parameters, and IOL power were analyzed. In total, 28 eyes were included in the study, with a mean patient age of 65.71±10.2 years. After IOP reduction, all biometric parameters, except CCT and ACD, exhibited a decrease without reaching statistical significance (all p>0.05). Meanwhile, IOL power showed a slight increase of 0.214±0.42 diopters (P = 0.035). The correlation between IOP and biometric parameters was found to be weak. However, there was a moderate correlation between IOP and IOL power (r2 = 0.267). Notably, IOL power tended to increase by more than 0.5 diopters when IOP decreased by more than 10 mmHg (p < 0.001). In conclusion, changes in IOP among patients with POAG and OHT do not significantly impact biometry and IOL power calculations. Nonetheless, it may be prudent to consider a slight adjustment in IOL power when IOP is lowered by more than 10 mmHg.
Prescription patterns and effectiveness of medications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A retrospective study of real-world settings
Authors: Park Hye Jung , Lee Jae Uk , Jeon Soyoung , Lee Hye Sun , Kim Bo Yeon , Chae Yu Jin , Kim Gui Ok , Park Jung-Won , Lee Jae-Hyun
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to define real-world prescription patterns in Korea and compare the effectiveness of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) medications. We used national claims data provided by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in Korea and examined patients who were first diagnosed with COPD and started treatment between May 1, 2017, and April 30, 2018, with no change in drug regimen. Among 30,784 patients with COPD, long-acting β2 agonist (LABA) combined with long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) (32.7%), inhaled corticosteroid-LABA (ICS–LABA) (25.6%), LAMA (18.3%), ICS (5.8%), or LABA (4.6%) were prescribed as the first-choice inhalers. The use of LABA–LAMA (hazard ratio [HR], 0.248–0.584), LAMA (HR, 0.320–0.641), ICS–LABA (HR, 0.325–0.643), and xanthine (HR, 0.563–0.828) significantly reduced the total and severe exacerbation rates compared with no use of each medication. However, the use of ICS or LABA individually did not yield such effects. The continued use of LABA–LAMA, LAMA, and ICS–LABA showed a significant effect on exacerbation rate, whereas the long-term use of ICS, LABA, and xanthine did not. Moreover, some high doses of ICS–LABA did not show significant effects. This real-world study revealed that LAMA and/or LABA could be the first choice of therapy, as recommended by recent guidelines. However, ICS, xanthine, and high-dose ICS–LABA are still being prescribed frequently as first-line drugs in Korea.
Harnessing flow-induced vibrations for energy harvesting: Experimental and numerical insights using piezoelectric transducer
Authors: Islam Md , Ali Ussama , Mone Shital
Published: June 2024

Flow-induced vibrations (FIV) were considered as unwanted vibrations analogous to noise. However, in a recent trend, the energy of these vibrations can be harvested and converted to electrical power. In this study, the potential of FIV as a source of renewable energy is highlighted through experimental and numerical analyses. The experimental study was conducted on an elastically mounted circular cylinder using helical and leaf springs in the wind tunnel. The Reynolds number (Re) varied between 2300–16000. The motion of the cylinder was restricted in all directions except the transverse direction. The micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) was mounted on the leaf spring to harvest the mechanical energy. Numerical simulations were also performed with SST k–ω turbulence model to supplement the experiments and were found to be in good agreement with the experimental results. The flow separation and vortex shedding induce aerodynamic forces in the cylinder causing it to vibrate. 2S vortex shedding pattern was observed in all of the cases in this study. The maximum dimensionless amplitude of vibration (A/D) obtained was 0.084 and 0.068 experimentally and numerically, respectively. The results showed that the region of interest is the lock-in region where maximum amplitude of vibration is observed and, therefore, the maximum power output. The piezoelectric voltage and power output were recorded for different reduced velocities (Ur = 1–10) at different resistance values in the circuit. It was observed that as the amplitude of oscillation of the cylinder increases, the voltage and power output of the MEMS increases due to high strain in piezoelectric transducer. The maximum output voltage of 0.6V was observed at Ur = 4.95 for an open circuit, i.e., for a circuit with the resistance value of infinity. As the resistance value reduced, a drop in voltage output was observed. Maximum power of 10.5μW was recorded at Ur = 4.95 for a circuit resistance of 100Ω.
Divergent responses of human intestinal organoid monolayers using commercial in vitro cytotoxicity assays
Authors: Lewis Miranda A. , Patil Ketki , Ettayebi Khalil , Estes Mary K. , Atmar Robert L. , Ramani Sasirekha
Published: June 2024

In vitro models, such as primary cells and continuous cell lines routinely used for evaluating drug candidates, have limitations in their translational relevance to human diseases. Organotypic cultures are increasingly being used to assess therapeutics for various cancers and infectious diseases. Monitoring drug cytotoxicity in cell cultures is crucial in drug development, and several commercially available kits for cytotoxicity assessment offer distinct advantages and limitations. Given the complexity of organoid cultures, including donor-driven variability, we investigated drug-treated, tissue stem cell-derived human intestinal organoid responses with commonly used cell cytotoxicity assay kits. Using seven different compounds, we compared the cytotoxicity assay performance of two different leaky membrane-based and two metabolism-based assays. Significant variability was seen in reported viability outcomes across assays and organoid lines. High baseline activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in four human intestinal organoid lines required modification of the standard LDH assay protocol. Additionally, the LDH assay reported unique resilience to damage in a genetically-modified line contrasting results compared to other assays. This study highlights factors that can impact the measurement of cell cytotoxicity in intestinal organoid models, which are emerging as valuable new tools for research and pre-clinical drug testing and suggest the need for using multiple assay types to ensure reliable cytotoxicity assessment.
Unraveling radiation resistance strategies in two bacterial strains from the high background radiation area of Chavara-Neendakara: A comprehensive whole genome analysis
Authors: Pal Sowptika , Yuvaraj Ramani , Krishnan Hari , Venkatraman Balasubramanian , Abraham Jayanthi , Gopinathan Anilkumar
Published: June 2024

This paper reports the results of gamma irradiation experiments and whole genome sequencing (WGS) performed on vegetative cells of two radiation resistant bacterial strains, Metabacillus halosaccharovorans (VITHBRA001) and Bacillus paralicheniformis (VITHBRA024) (D10 values 2.32 kGy and 1.42 kGy, respectively), inhabiting the top-ranking high background radiation area (HBRA) of Chavara-Neendakara placer deposit (Kerala, India). The present investigation has been carried out in the context that information on strategies of bacteria having mid-range resistance for gamma radiation is inadequate. WGS, annotation, COG and KEGG analyses and manual curation of genes helped us address the possible pathways involved in the major domains of radiation resistance, involving recombination repair, base excision repair, nucleotide excision repair and mismatch repair, and the antioxidant genes, which the candidate could activate to survive under ionizing radiation. Additionally, with the help of these data, we could compare the candidate strains with that of the extremely radiation resistant model bacterium Deinococccus radiodurans, so as to find the commonalities existing in their strategies of resistance on the one hand, and also the rationale behind the difference in D10, on the other. Genomic analysis of VITHBRA001 and VITHBRA024 has further helped us ascertain the difference in capability of radiation resistance between the two strains. Significantly, the genes such as uvsE (NER), frnE (protein protection), ppk1 and ppx (non-enzymatic metabolite production) and those for carotenoid biosynthesis, are endogenous to VITHBRA001, but absent in VITHBRA024, which could explain the former’s better radiation resistance. Further, this is the first-time study performed on any bacterial population inhabiting an HBRA. This study also brings forward the two species whose radiation resistance has not been reported thus far, and add to the knowledge on radiation resistant capabilities of the phylum Firmicutes which are abundantly observed in extreme environment.
Population attributable fractions of cancer mortality related to indoor air pollution, animal contact, and water source as environmental risk factors: Findings from the Golestan Cohort Study
Authors: Rezaei Negar , Sharafkhah Maryam , Farahmand Yalda , Sepanlou Sadaf G. , Dalvand Sahar , Poustchi Hossein , Sajadi Alireza , Masoudi Sahar , Roshandel Gholamreza , Khoshnia Masoud , Eslami Layli , Akhlaghi Mahboube , Delavari Alireza
Published: June 2024

Background

Environmental risk factors are significant contributors to cancer mortality, which are neglected.

Purpose

This study aimed to estimate the population attributable fraction of cancer mortality due to the environmental risk factors.

Methods

Golestan cohort study is a population-base cohort on 50045 participants between 40–75 with about 18 years of follow up. We detected 2,196 cancer mortality and applied a multiple Cox model to compute the hazard ratio of environmental risk factor on all cancer and cancer-specific mortality. The population attributable fraction was calculated, accordingly.

Results

Biomass fuels for cooking, as an indoor air pollution, increased the risk of colorectal, esophageal, gastric cancer, and all-cancer mortality by 84%, 66%, 37%, and 17% respectively. Using gas for cooking, particularly in rural areas, could save 6% [Population Attributable Fraction: 6.36(95%CI: 1.82, 10.70)] of esophageal cancer, 3% [Population Attributable Fraction: 3.43 (0, 7.33)] of gastric cancer, and 6% [Population Attributable Fraction: 6.25 (1.76, 13.63)] of colorectal cancer mortality. Using a healthy tap water source could save 5% [Population Attributable Fraction:5.50(0, 10.93)] of esophageal cancer mortality, particularly in rural areas. There was no significant association between indoor air pollution for heating purposes and animal contact with cancer mortality.

Conclusion

Considering the results of this study, eliminating solid fuel for most daily usage, among the population with specific cancer types, is required to successfully reduce cancer related mortality. Adopting appropriate strategies and interventions by policymakers such as educating the population, allocating resources for improving the healthy environment of the community, and cancer screening policies among susceptible populations could reduce cancer related mortalities.
Precision prevention in worksite health–A scoping review on research trends and gaps
Authors: Mess Filip , Blaschke Simon , Schick Teresa S. , Friedrich Julian
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To map the current state of precision prevention research in the workplace setting, specifically to study contexts and characteristics, and to analyze the precision prevention approach in the stages of risk assessment/data monitoring, data analytics, and the health promotion interventions implemented.

Methods

Six international databases were searched for studies published between January 2010 and May 2023, using the term “precision prevention” or its synonyms in the context of worksite health promotion.

Results

After screening 3,249 articles, 129 studies were reviewed. Around three-quarters of the studies addressed an intervention (95/129, 74%). Only 14% (18/129) of the articles primarily focused on risk assessment and data monitoring, and 12% of the articles (16/129) mainly included data analytics studies. Most of the studies focused on behavioral outcomes (61/160, 38%), followed by psychological (37/160, 23%) and physiological (31/160, 19%) outcomes of health (multiple answers were possible). In terms of study designs, randomized controlled trials were used in more than a third of all studies (39%), followed by cross-sectional studies (18%), while newer designs (e.g., just-in-time-adaptive-interventions) are currently rarely used. The main data analyses of all studies were regression analyses (44% with analyses of variance or linear mixed models), whereas machine learning methods (e.g., Algorithms, Markov Models) were conducted only in 8% of the articles.

Discussion

Although there is a growing number of precision prevention studies in the workplace, there are still research gaps in applying new data analysis methods (e.g., machine learning) and implementing innovative study designs. In the future, it is desirable to take a holistic approach to precision prevention in the workplace that encompasses all the stages of precision prevention (risk assessment/data monitoring, data analytics and interventions) and links them together as a cycle.
Application of bundled process control in the prevention of pressure injury in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Chen Mianmian , Wang Fenfen , Xie Xueying , Yang Xiaohong , Luo Yaling , Zhuang Chaoman , Xie Baoyuan
Published: June 2024

This study aimed to explore the application effects of cluster process control and routine nursing on the prevention of pressure injury (PI) in patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery and to provide a basis for reducing the occurrence of PI, thereby promoting the safety of the patients. This was a retrospective study. Patients with head and neck cancers who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Otolaryngology at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from July 2022 to June 2023 were selected as the research participants. Participants were classified into experimental and control groups using a convenience sampling method. In the experimental group, cluster process control was implemented, while routine nursing management was applied in the control group. The incidence of PI (p = 0.028) and healing time (p = 0.035) in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group. The process management ability of nurses in the experimental group was significantly improved, with the results for the Braden scale (p = 0.023), effective decompression (p = 0.002), floating heel (p = 0.002), nutrition monitoring (p = 0.005), and patient satisfaction in the experimental group being higher than those in the control group (p = 0.007). This study effectively demonstrated the effect of cluster process control in reducing the incidence of PI in patients undergoing head and neck cancer surgery, thereby determining that cluster process control is suitable for clinical application.
Identification of novel biomarkers to distinguish clear cell and non-clear cell renal cell carcinoma using bioinformatics and machine learning
Authors: Panwoon Chanita , Seubwai Wunchana , Thanee Malinee , Sangkhamanon Sakkarn
Published: June 2024

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC), accounting for 90% of all kidney cancer, is categorized into clear cell RCC (ccRCC) and non-clear cell RCC (non-ccRCC) for treatment based on the current NCCN Guidelines. Thus, the classification will be associated with therapeutic implications. This study aims to identify novel biomarkers to differentiate ccRCC from non-ccRCC using bioinformatics and machine learning. The gene expression profiles of ccRCC and non-ccRCC subtypes (including papillary RCC (pRCC) and chromophobe RCC (chRCC)), were obtained from TCGA. Differential expression genes (DEGs) were identified, and specific DEGs for ccRCC and non-ccRCC were explored using a Venn diagram. Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analysis were performed using DAVID. The top ten expressed genes in ccRCC were then selected for machine learning analysis. Feature selection was operated to identify a minimum highly effective gene set for constructing a predictive model. The expression of best-performing gene set was validated on tissue samples from RCC patients using immunohistochemistry techniques. Subsequently, machine learning models for diagnosing RCC were developed using H-scores. There were 910, 415, and 835 genes significantly specific for DEGs in ccRCC, pRCC, and chRCC, respectively. Specific DEGs in ccRCC enriched in PD-1 signaling, immune system, and cytokine signaling in the immune system, whereas TCA cycle and respiratory, signaling by insulin receptor, and metabolism were enriched in chRCC. Feature selection based on Decision Tree Classifier revealed that the model with two genes, including NDUFA4L2 and DAT, had an accuracy of 98.89%. Supervised classification models based on H-score of NDUFA4L2, and DAT revealed that Decision Tree models showed the best performance with 82% accuracy and 0.9 AUC. NDUFA4L2 expression was associated with lymphovascular invasion, pathologic stage and pT stage in ccRCC. Using integrated bioinformatics and machine learning analysis, NDUFA4L2 and DAT were identified as novel biomarkers to differential diagnosis ccRCC from non-ccRCC.
An open-source perceptual crossing device for investigating brain dynamics during human interaction
Authors: Estelle Stephen , Uhlig Kenzo , Zapata-Fonseca Leonardo , Lerique Sébastien , Morrissey Brian , Sato Rai , Froese Tom
Published: June 2024

The Perceptual Crossing Device (PCD) introduced in this report is an updated tool designed to facilitate the exploration of brain activity during human interaction with seamless real time integration with EEG equipment. It incorporates haptic and auditory feedback mechanisms, enabling interactions between two users within a virtual environment. Through a unique circular motion interface that enables intuitive virtual interactions, users can experience the presence of their counterpart via tactile or auditory cues. This paper highlights the key characteristics of the PCD, aiming to validate its efficacy in augmenting the understanding of human interactions. Furthermore, by offering an accessible and intuitive interface, the PCD stands to foster greater community engagement in the realm of embodied cognitive science and human interaction studies. Through this device, we anticipate a deeper comprehension of the complex neural dynamics underlying human interaction, thereby contributing a valuable resource to both the scientific community and the broader public.
Early environments and exploration in the preschool years
Authors: Bass Ilona , Bonawitz Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

A great deal of research has demonstrated how children’s exploration is driven by opportunities for learning. However, less work has investigated how individual differences across children and their environmental contexts relate to patterns in playful exploration. We performed a “mega-analysis” in which we pooled preschool-aged children’s play data from four past experiments in our lab (N = 278; M(age) = 56 months) and correlated play behaviors with age and socioeconomic status (median income, modal education in children’s home zip codes). We found that, with age, children performed more unique actions during play. Additionally, children from lower SES areas explored more variably; the link between this play and tendencies to focus on pedagogically demonstrated features traded off differently than it did for higher SES children. This work lays critical groundwork for understanding exploration across developmental contexts.
An index of longing
Authors: Higgins-Stirrup Brynn
Published: June 2024

Feminist epistemology positions knowledge in relationship to, or as contingent on, its knower. From this framework, drawing can be situated as a relational and embodied form of knowing the phenomenal world. Drawing opens a space in which we can explore the margin between perception and representation as an epistemological problem. It asks: ‘How can we locate the relationship between knowers and what is known across time through the canon of drawing?’. Drawing is the enactment of this problem. It bridges the gap between the phenomenal and the constructed world of knowledge and, in doing so, visualizes the relationship between our senses and our sense of self. My research reflects on the visual history of ‘The Corinthian Maid’, a Roman origin story for the first act of drawing, and on its use in my own creative practice as a framework to explore the evolution of western ideas on gender, embodiment, knowledge and creativity. The Corinthian Maid functions as an access point through which to consider new understandings of the relationship between knowledge and the body, with drawing as our guide.
The potential of observational hand-drawing in contemporary education (a case-study in architecture using Seymour Simmons’s drawing typology)
Authors: Pelayo Raquel
Published: June 2024

This paper aims to demonstrate the value of traditional observation hand-drawing as a contemporary teaching approach to develop skills such as creativity, problem-solving, critical thinking, empathy and cooperation. It is well known that drawing activity possesses unique cognitive characteristics that contribute to critical thought and problem-solving and can positively impact the emotional self. However, it is difficult to demonstrate that traditional observational hand-drawing applies in all these ways. On the contrary, there is an associated mistrust of observational drawing in the past, due to difficulties, for many students, in learning such skills capable of generating emotional distress, which in part justifies this research article. Another purpose is to explain the benefits of observational hand-drawing in fields dominated by digital media, like architecture. Using the example of the faculty of architecture at the University of Oporto, Portugal, where drawing from observation is successfully taught as an indispensable basis for pursuing a degree in architecture, we analysed the four types of exercises in its foundational programme of drawing study to inquire about which mental skills it mobilizes in students, using Seymour Simmon's model of drawing typology to frame the discussion. At the same time, we will provide a test board for his theory and argue that hand-drawing exclusively from observation in a teaching scenario facilitates the approach to complex subjects and trains crucial cognitive skills.
Network and structural analysis of quail mucins with expression pattern of mucin 1 and mucin 4 in the intestines of the Iraqi common quail (Coturnix coturnix)
Authors: Almhanna Hazem , AL-Mahmodi Aqeel Mohsin Mahdi , Kadhim Abdulrazzaq B , Kumar Arun H. S.
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim: In avian and other species, mucins (MUCs) play a crucial role in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), and constitute a large group of O-glycosylated glycoproteins, are glycoconjugate proteins. MUCs present in two forms: (1) membrane-attached on cell surfaces to repel external threats and (2) detachable, gel-forming proteins in the soluble form. In quail GIT, the specific types of MUCs that are expressed remain largely unknown. We investigated the expression of MUC1 and MUC4 MUCs in the GIT of Iraqi common quails and conducted network and structural analyses of all known MUC types across quail breeds.

Materials and Methods: Histological and gene expression analyses of MUC1 and MUC4 were conducted using fresh small intestine and large intestine samples from 10 quails. Using the STRING Database, Chimera software, and PrankWeb-ligand binding site prediction tool, network and structural analyses of all reported types of quail MUCs were conducted.

Results: Most intestinal MUCs in quails were acidic, with few neutral MUCs detectable through Alcian blue and periodic acid-schiff stains. Acidic MUCs were more expressed in the duodenum, ileum, cecum, and colon, whereas neutral MUCs were more expressed in the jejunum. MUC1 and MUC4 messenger RNA expression was significantly higher in the jejunum and colon than in the duodenum and ileum. The analysis of the network revealed that MUC 1, 15, 16, and 24 formed homologous networks, while MUC 2, 4, 5, and 6 formed heterologous networks. Specific MUC combinations, including MUC5A-MUC6, MUC5A-MUC5B, and MUC5B-MUC6, show higher intermolecular hydrogen bond formation affinity. MUC15, MUC16, and MUC24 showed minimal interaction with other MUC types. Among the analyzed MUCs, MUC5B, and MUC6 had the highest probability for binding, while MUC2, MUC4, and MUC5A showed lower probabilities despite greater numbers of binding sites.

Conclusion: This study’s results offer significant insights into quails’ MUCs’ composition, expression, network interactions, and binding sites, advancing knowledge of MUC-related processes in gastrointestinal physiology and their potential connection to gastrointestinal diseases.

Keywords: gastrointestinal tract and network analysis, gene expression, mucin, quail.
Smart sensors in Thai dairy reproduction: A case study
Authors: Kaewbang Jirayus , Lohanawakul Jidapa , Ketnuam Napat , Prapakornmano Kachapas , Khamta Pongsanan , Raza Aqeel , Swangchan-Uthai Theerawat , Makararpong Davids , Inchaisri Chaidate
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim: Movement activity sensors are known for their potential to boost the reproductive performance of dairy cows. This study evaluated the effectiveness of these sensors on three Thai dairy farms (MK, NF, and CC), each using different sensor brands. We focused on reproductive performance at these farms and expanded our evaluation to include farmer satisfaction with sensor technology on five farms (MK, NF, CC, AP, and IP), allowing for a thorough analysis of both operational outcomes and user feedback.

Materials and Methods: A total of 298 lactation records and interviewing five experienced farm owners with over a year of sensor usage were our research methods. To measure the effect on the first service timing and post-parturition pregnancy rates, Cox regression models were utilized for sensor usage.

Results: Biosensors’ implementation enhanced data precision while quickening the first service within 100 days and pregnancy within 200 days. The MK and NF farms showed significant progress. Within 100 and 200 days post-implementation, the overall improvement was 30%–34% in the first service rate and 39%–67% in the conception rate across all assessed farms. Farmers acknowledged improved reproductive performance from the sensors, overcoming language barriers.

Conclusion: The study highlighted the advantages of using movement activity sensors in enhancing both cattle reproductive success and farmers’ satisfaction on Thai dairy farms. These sensors led to more accurate management decisions, increasing overall farm productivity.

Keywords: dairy cattle, movement activity sensors, reproductive performance.
PARENTS' ASSESSMENTS OF THE ORGANIZATION AND QUALITY OF RECREATION OF CHILDREN OF VULNERABLE CATEGORIES
Authors: Tanatova Dina K. , Semochkina Natalia N. , Leontieva Taisiya V.
Published: June 2024

Creating conditions for recreation and health improvement for children in Russia is a priority area of social policy. Special attention is paid to creating conditions for recreation for certain categories of children in difficult life situations and providing them with preferential vouchers. The article analyses the assessments of parents of children of privileged categories who have spent their holidays in children's recreation and health improvement institutions over the past two years. The results of a nationwide survey conducted by the Russian State Social University in 2023 were used for the analysis. Parents who indicated that their family belonged to the preferential category took part in the survey (N = 973). Based on the survey data, the authors distinguish groups of problems related to awareness of the opportunities to receive preferential vouchers, preparation for recreation, its organization, and the quality of services. The identified problems indicate the need to develop national projects for recreation and health improvement for children in privileged categories and take additional measures to improve the quality of recreation and implement state guarantees for this category of children. On the basis of parents' opinions, the authors have compiled a modal portrait of families of privileged categories that are most dissatisfied with their children's recreation. The results obtained can be used to improve measures related to the implementation of state policy in the field of children's recreation.
VACCINATION OF CHILDREN AGAINST COVID-19 DURING THE PANDEMIC WAS CONSIDERED NECESSARY BY 38% OF PARENTS, BUT ONLY 13% WOULD AGREE TO IT
Authors: Stol Anna V.
Published: June 2024

During the COVID-19 pandemic, protest sentiments have intensified in society towards vaccination of children, especially against COVID-19, which is confirmed by studies in different countries of the world. The purpose of the work is to assess public opinion in relation to vaccinating children using the example of the Republic of Bashkortostan based on the results of a sociological survey conducted in February 2022 and their comparative analysis with similar studies in other regions of Russia and countries of the world. It was revealed that in Russia and Bashkortostan, in particular, confidence in children's vaccines against COVID-19 is less than in a number of other countries, which influenced the lower rate of vaccination of children against COVID-19 during the pandemic after the approval of these vaccines based on the results of clinical trials. 38% of parents surveyed in Bashkortostan in 2022 considered vaccination of children against COVID-19 necessary, but only 13% would agree to it, 68% would refuse it for their children. The severity of parents' reactions revealed during the survey contributed to the relaxation of vaccination requirements for adolescents aged 12-17 years in the region.
SOCIO-POLITICAL ACTIVITY OF JOHN PAUL II AND THE COLLAPSE OF THE SYSTEM OF SOCIALISM IN EUROPE
Authors: Krasov Alexander V.
Published: June 2024

В настоящей статье показаны роль и влияние общественно-политической деятельности Папы Римского Иоанна Павла II на социально-политические процессы в Польше, повлекшие за собой падение социалистической системы в Европе. В статье даны ответы на вопросы: Как Иоанн Павел II, основываясь на личных политических убеждениях, использовал влияние религиозного фактора главы Римско-католической церкви на социально-политические процессы в Польше? Какова была его роль в смене конституционного строя в Польской Народной Республике? Как смена общественно-политического строя в Польше повлияла на развал социалистического лагеря в Европе? Существовала ли взаимосвязь общественно-политической деятельности Иоанна Павла II с процессами «перестройки» в Советском Союзе? Ответы на поставленные вопросы помогают осознать истоки общественно-политических перемен в восточноевропейских государствах, в первую очередь, в Польше, и СССР в конце 1970-х – начало 1990-х годов.
Tucídides en Bagdad: el imperio ateniense y la guerra de Irak
Authors: Olivera Diego Alexander
Published: June 2024

El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar la recepción de la obra de Tucídides a principios del siglo XXI en el contexto de la intervención militar estadounidense en Irak y la discusión sobre el carácter imperial de Estados Unidos. Se observa un empleo de la historia de la Atenas clásica y de su imperio, en pos de incidir en los debates políticos, en donde se le asigna al pasado las funciones de “legitimación” y “advertencia”. Se concluye que el imperio ateniense configuró un modelo alternativo de imperio, enunciado como hegemonía, para aquellos académicos y analistas reacios a comparar a los Estados Unidos con el modelo romano.