bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Occlusion Cuff Pressures for Determining Brachial Artery Flow-Mediated Dilation in Healthy Thai Adults
Authors:   Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Nithitsuttibuta Kanpiraya , Kunritt Jaruta ,   Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Kiatwattanacharoen Suchart ,   Department of Radiologic Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Pratanaphon Sainatee ,   Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Published: August 2024

Variability in cuff occlusion pressure used during flow-mediated dilation (FMD) measurement may cause differences in FMD results and discomfort sensation. The objective of this study was to compare FMD data and sensations of pain and numbness using three levels of occlusion cuff pressures commonly used for FMD assessment in healthy adults. A within-subject design was conducted in 12 healthy adults aged 20-40 years. FMD was measured using brachial artery Doppler ultrasound at three different occlusion pressures: 25 and 50 mmHg above systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 200 mmHg. Pain and numbness were recorded using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale and the Visual Analog Scale, respectively, at baseline and every minute during the 5-minute occlusion and 3 minutes after cuff deflation. The results showed that %FMD and mean blood flow velocity after using cuff pressure at 25 mmHg above SBP (10.11 ± 2.58% and 11.52 ± 3.96 cm/s) were comparable to those of 50 mmHg above SBP (10.08 ± 2.70% and 12.54 ± 4.31 cm/s) and at 200 mmHg (10.15 ± 2.74% and 12.28 ± 4.30 cm/s) (all P >0.05). The pain intensity was significantly greater at 200 mmHg compared to 25 mmHg at the first, second, and fourth minutes during occlusion (all P <0.05). The numbness scale was not different among the three pressure conditions. In conclusion, the minimum occlusion pressure above SBP by 25 mmHg generated an insignificant FMD response compared to the other two cuff pressures, caused minor pain, and may be the favorable pressure for determining endothelium-dependent FMD in healthy Thai adults.
Chinese "Yellow Peril" in 21st Century Canada
Authors: Dere William Ging Wee
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Canada's 1885 Royal Commission on Chinese Immigration did not end well for the Chinese. It resulted in four Chinese Immigration Acts. The last one was the 1923 Chinese Exclusion Act. Before the CPR (1885) and before Confederation (1867), Western thought was shaped by the racist justification to plunder China through a colonial dominating psychology, known as the "Yellow Peril." Through Opium Wars, military occupations and unequal treaties, European supremacy over China felt complete. This White superiority grievously affected Chinese peasants who migrated to Canada to escape poverty. Today, China has risen from the "century of humiliation" to challenge the West for a place in the global economy and yet cannot escape Sinophobia. Anti-Asian/Chinese hate has provoked "Yellow Peril 2.0." In 2023, there are demands for a public inquiry on Chinese interference and influence, and a foreign agent registry. There is a direct connection between current events to those of a hundred years ago. Résumé: La commission royale canadienne de 1885 sur l'immigration chinoise ne s'est pas bien terminée pour les Chinois. Elle a abouti sur quatre lois sur l'immigration chinoise. La dernière en date est la loi d'exclusion des Chinois de 1923. Avant la création de la Commission royale (1885) et avant la Confédération (1867), la pensée occidentale était façonnée par la justification raciste du pillage de la Chine par une psychologie coloniale dominatrice, connue sous le nom de "péril jaune". Grâce aux guerres de l'opium, aux occupations militaires et aux traités inégaux, la suprématie européenne sur la Chine semblait accomplie. Cette supériorité blanche a eu de graves répercussions sur les paysans chinois qui ont émigré au Canada pour échapper à la pauvreté. Aujourd'hui, la Chine s'est relevée du "siècle de l'humiliation" et défie l'Occident pour se faire une place dans l'économie mondiale, mais elle n'échappe pas à la sinophobie. La haine anti-asiatique/chinoise a provoqué le "péril jaune 2.0". En 2023, on demande une enquête publique sur l'ingérence et l'influence de la Chine, ainsi qu'un registre des agents étrangers. Il existe un lien direct entre les événements actuels et ceux d'il y a cent ans.
Paranormal Counterintelligence: Early Black Disability Politics beyond the Human
Authors: Knadler Stephen
Published: August 2024

Abstract: This essay uses Pauline Hopkins's Of One Blood; or the Hidden Self (1903) to trace out Hopkins's anti-ableist neurodiverse reimagining of a post-Reconstruction evolutionary humanism. By invoking a folk tradition of the "paranormal," particularly stories of "second sight" in the African American folk tradition (e.g., "Married to a Boar Hog"), Hopkins creates an alternative language for thinking about human cognitive/psychological variations outside the ability/disability binary that structured debates over Black citizenship. "Paranormal Counterintelligences," thus, argues for needed critical attention to how Black writers turned to folklore to speculate about para-normal Black futures rather than insisting on a shared white humanity.
Valery Larbaud, Daniel O'Connor, and the Cosmopolitan Influence of Alice and Wilfrid Meynell's Literary Circle
Authors: Tudor Phillipa
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Although most early scholarship on the writings of Alice (1847–1922) and Wilfrid (1852–1948) Meynell focused on the conservative aspects of their work, more recent appreciations have explored Alice's significance as a suffragist poet voicing her lived experience as mother and wife. For many years the Meynells sustained a literary salon attracting an eclectic and cosmopolitan group of writers. This article uses previously unpublished material relating to two Francophone members of this circle, Valery Larbaud and Daniel O'Connor, to highlight how the Meynells' radical roots and reach helped promote a new generation of avant-garde writers and translators.
Dark-field surface defects detection method for multi-surface-shape large aperture optical components
Authors: Guo Shiwei , Wang Shiling , Wang Shaowen , Wu Lan , Liu Dong
Published: August 2024

In large-scale high-power optical systems such as inertial confinement fusion systems, the design of various optical components is often larger and more complex. Therefore, determining how to ensure the quality evaluation of optical components faces new challenges. As a key evaluation step for component quality, surface defects detection needs to consider improving the detection capability for various complex surface shapes and large aperture components. Meanwhile, the accuracy level of detection does not decrease with an increase in detection aperture size. The defects that need to be detected are typically small in size and randomly distributed throughout the aperture. Comprehensive aperture-wide information is required to ensure the thorough detection of defects in the components. Therefore, it is required that the detection system maintains compatibility with multi-surface shapes while balancing detection efficiency and accuracy. Against this background, the surface defects detection technology with high compatibility is explored in this paper. The illumination system of the dark-field imaging system and a generalized scanning path search strategy is proposed. Under the condition of ensuring a detection sensitivity of 0.5 µm, surface defects detection for various types of optical components with apertures several hundred times larger than the detection field of view is achieved.
Development of the international standard for functional near-infrared spectroscopy as medical equipment [Invited]
Authors: Kawaguchi Hiroshi , Eda Hideo
Published: August 2024

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is widely used in academia and medicine, especially in human brain science. The international standard for the basic safety and essential performance of the fNIRS equipment as a medical device was established by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and published as IEC 80601-2-71. In this review, the authors, who are experienced project leaders in developing and revising the fNIRS standard, provide information on the development of the standard, including the process to date and expectations for the research community. The review will guide future experts in fNIRS standard revisions and relevant standard development.
Error-heralded high-dimensional quantum gate with robust fidelity
Authors: Du Fang-Fang , Ren Xue-Mei , Guo Jing
Published: August 2024

Quantum computing in high-dimensional spaces holds promise for a plethora of applications, i.e., handling more intricate information and executing wider quantum operations, in complex quantum information technologies (QITs). In the paper, we set up an error-heralded, resource-saving, circuit-simplified, and 4×4-dimensional controlled-not (CNOT) gate, where the polarized and spatial state of the flying photon (i.e., the control qudit) can effectively control the collective spin wave state of two atomic ensembles (i.e., the target qudit) in two double-sided cavities. Moreover, through meticulous analysis, the feasibility of the high-dimensional gate using existing technology boasts the exceptional performance including a near-unity fidelity and high efficiency exceeding 0.95, in principle, as the undesired performances originated from the little side leakage and the finite coupling strength, and the imperfect atom-ensemble-cavity interactions are heralded by single-photon detectors. Besides, auxiliary photons or atomic ensembles are unnecessary. Therefore, our protocol stands out for its simplicity, efficient resource utilization, and real-time error prediction, contributing significantly to the efficacy of QIT and charting a promising path towards the realization of high-dimensional quantum computing endowed with heightened capabilities.
Polarization-independent tetramer metastructure with multi-Fano resonances governed by quasi-bound states in the continuum
Authors: Pang Jielong , Fang Wenjing , Fan Xinye , Chen Qingtao , Guo Haoyu , Wang TingTing , Wei Xin , Bai Chenglin , Kumar Santosh
Published: August 2024

We propose what we believe to be a novel metastructure consisting of silicon nanoblock tetramer clusters and investigated theoretically and experimentally how to enhance surface sensing capabilities with polarization-independent properties through bound states in the continuum (BICs). By introducing square defects, three quasi-BIC modes are excited at the wavelengths of 1013.29 nm, 1109.57 nm, and 1310.73 nm with a modulation depth up to 100% and a Q-factor of 16618, while achieving a sensitivity of 256 nm/RIU and a figure of merit of 2519.7 RIU−1. Utilizing the finite-difference method in the time domain (FDTD), we have analyzed the electromagnetic near-field distributions, polarization properties, and robustness corresponding to resonance dips at different wavelengths. Our results reveal that the distinct electromagnetic near-field distributions excited by the quasi-BIC modes are characterized by the strong field confinement within the silica nanoblock tetramer clusters. The modes are primarily governed by magnetic quadrupole (MQ) resonance and toroidal dipole (TD) moment. Additionally, the polarization-independent properties of the metastructure are demonstrated to ensure that they can effectively respond to the incident light regardless of its polarization state, while the robustness is investigated to show the stability and reliability by shifting square defects. Moreover, the transmission spectra of the metastructure is experimentally verified by immersing the sample into CaCl2 solutions in different concentrations. This work plays a pivotal role in creating further novel and high-performance optical metastructures while demonstrating the potential applications of quasi-BIC modes in precision sensing in the future.
From high- to low-contrast: the role of asymmetries in dielectric gratings supporting bound states in the continuum
Authors: Vincenti M. A. , Carletti L. , de Ceglia D. , Rocco D. , Weigand H. , Saerens G. , Falcone V. , Grange R. , Barati Sedeh H. , Li W. , Litchinitser N. M. , Scalora M.
Published: August 2024

One-dimensional sub-wavelength gratings are versatile photonic platforms supporting diverse resonances, including symmetry-protected bound states in the continuum. However, practical access to these bound modes relies on their quasi-bound form, which necessitates the introduction of perturbations in either geometry or material properties. Despite having a large, finite quality factor, quasi-bound modes retain their characteristically strong field confinement. Gaining control over field localization and leakage of quasi-bound modes requires an investigation not limited to studying the degree of asymmetry and the incoming polarization. Here, we demonstrate that by carefully combining specific types of asymmetries and refractive index contrast between the grating and its surrounding environment, one can tailor field localization and Q-factor almost at will. Our findings reveal a strategic roadmap for optimizing quasi-bound mode implementation, dramatically improving their use in applications such as optical communication, sensing, and nonlinear optical processes.
Towards a better understanding of the surface smoothing effect in gas cluster ion beam processing with molecular dynamics simulation and experiment
Authors: Ji Peng , Tang Wa , Hu Haixiang , Leng Rongkuan , Qiao Guanbo , Zhang Xuejun
Published: August 2024

In recent years, the application of gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) technology has made great progress. Due to the similar essence of a monoatomic ion beam, the GCIB also shows flashes of brilliance in material processing. It has been reported that smoothness can be greatly improved after the rough surface is bombarded by the GCIB. This indicates that the GCIB processing has great potential in optical fabrication. Although the surface smoothing effect has been investigated, there is still a lack of dynamic micro-analysis for GCIB processing, which is limited for better understanding the mechanism of smoothing effect. In this paper, the surface smoothing effect in GCIB processing is explicitly investigated with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and experiment. The principle of GCIB processing is compared with the traditional monoatomic ion-beam based processing, and details of the MD simulation procedure are introduced. Based on this, the dynamic micro-analysis of GCIB processing is conducted under different processing conditions. The simulations reveal the phenomena of atomic removal and migration in GCIB processing, which plays an important role in explaining the mechanism of surface smoothing effect. The experiment was performed on the silicon substrate with the in-house GCIB processing machine. The results indicate that the initial rough surface with dense protrusions can be greatly smoothed, and the root mean square (RMS) value is reduced from 0.586 nm to 0.191 nm. Both simulation and experiment can provide a better understanding of smoothing effect mechanism in GCIB processing.
Accurate two-step random phase retrieval approach without pre-filtering based on hyper ellipse fitting
Authors: Li Ziwen , Du Hubing , Feng Leijie , Gu Feifei , Li Yanjie , Zhu Qian , Wei Pengfei , Zhang Gaopeng
Published: August 2024

In this work, we propose a hyper ellipse fitting-based high-precision random two-frame phase shifting algorithm to improve the accuracy of phase retrieval. This method includes a process of Gram-Schmidt orthonormalization, followed by a hyper ellipse fitting procedure. The Gram-Schmidt orthonormalization algorithm constructs a quadrature fringe pattern relative to the original fringe pattern. These two quadrature fringe patterns are then fed into the hyper ellipse fitting procedure, which reconstructs the phase map and refines the background light to produce the final accurate phase of interest. Due to the hyper ellipse fitting procedure, the demodulation results are significantly improved in many cases. This method allows us to design a two-shot phase reconstruction algorithm without the need for least squares iteration or pre-filtering, effectively mitigating residual background to the greatest extent. It combines the advantages of both the Gram-Schmidt orthonormalization method and the Lissajous ellipse fitting method, making our hyper ellipse fitting approach a simple, flexible, and accurate phase retrieval algorithm. Experiments show that by using the weighted least squares method and adjusting the weights, this method can prioritize data points with more significant information or higher reliability, ensuring more accurate estimation of the ellipse parameters.
Enhanced performance of all-PM Ho-doped fiber oscillator using NPE-SESAM hybrid mode-locking
Authors: Chen Xiting , Wen Bailing , Zhang Hong , Long Xingyuan , Zhang Enqi , Guo Chunyu , Yan Peiguang , Wang Jinzhang
Published: August 2024

We demonstrate a 2.08 µm all-polarization-maintaining (PM) holmium-doped fiber oscillator using a hybrid mode-locking technique with nonlinear polarization evolution (NPE) and a semiconductor saturable absorber mirror (SESAM). This oscillator features a linear structure with dual output ports. It initiates stable single-pulse mode-locking at a fundamental repetition rate of 57.86 MHz, requiring only about 400 mW of pump power. However, removing SESAM requires increasing the pump power to about 2.2 W—about a 5.8-fold increase—to initiate mode-locking, which starts in a multi-pulse state. Additionally, the oscillator can operate in two distinct states by adjusting the phase bias, ensuring that the main output port delivers high-quality, soliton-like femtosecond pulses. The other port, known as the rejection port, emits lower-quality pulses with different spectral and temporal characteristics. However, in one state, the pulse quality at the rejection port is significantly enhanced, approaching the high quality of the main output port. Theoretical analysis indicates that the pulse quality at the rejection port strongly relies on the energy distribution between the two orthogonally polarized pulses in the PM fiber. Another advantage of the hybrid mode-locking configuration is that it allows a pump power tuning range to maintain single-pulse operation as high as 220 mW. It is ∼4 times higher than that of the NPE-only configuration which is about 60 mW. These results indicate that oscillators using hybrid mode-locking exhibit much greater flexibility and reliability than those using PM-NPE alone. The hybrid mode-locking technique shows potential in addressing the self-starting challenges inherent in PM-NPE lasers, thereby advancing their applicability in practical scenarios.
Simultaneous optical and RF linear frequency sweep generation using a Fourier domain mode-locked OEO with carrier-suppressed single sideband modulation
Authors: Hao Peng , Wan Zhenchuan , Bi Ruixue , Gong Haocong , Yao X. Steve
Published: August 2024

The linear frequency swept light source is a critical device for several sensing applications, including FMCW LiDAR, with which the maximum sensing distance is determined by the coherence length of the light source and the spatial resolution is limited by the frequency scan nonlinearity. Here, we report what we believe to be a novel approach to generate highly coherent optical linear frequency sweeps (LFS) with a Fourier domain mode-locked (FDML) opto-electronic oscillator (OEO) deploying carrier suppressed single sideband (CS-SSB) modulation enabled by a dual-parallel Mach-Zehnder modulator (DP-MZM), with the coherence length determined by the fixed frequency laser used in the OEO, without the need of an expensive high-speed arbitrary waveform generator (AWG). Concurrently, a radio frequency (RF) LFS synchronized with the optical LFS is also generated with the FDML OEO. We obtained a nearly ideal optical LFS around 1550 nm with a side-mode suppression ratio of 27.4 dB, by controlling the bias point and the RF power feeding back to the DP-MZM in the OEO loop. The resulting dual optical and RF LFS’ achieved a chirp rate of 27.27 MHz/µs and a frequency tuning range of 0.6 GHz, which can be extended to 142 MHz/µs and 2.0 GHz, respectively by reducing the size of the tunable ring filter circuit inside the OEO loop. By using pre-distortion method, the residual nonlinearity is reduced to 1.9881 × 10−5, and the root mean square (RMS) value of the frequency swept nonlinearity is less than 0.764 MHz. Our dual optical and RF LFS generation with a CS-SSB FDML-OEO has the advantages of long coherence length, high tuning speed, excellent frequency tuning linearity and repeatability, and potentially low cost, which can be used to make a dual optical and RF FMCW ranging system (LiDAR and RADAR) and are attractive for many applications, such as 3D sensing and autonomous driving, as well as optical frequency domain reflectometer (OFDR), and other applications requiring fast and reliable linear frequency sweeps in either optical and RF domains.
Sample tilting for speckle suppression through angular compounding
Authors: Rao Chintada Bhaskara , Keahey Pelham , Uribe-Patarroyo Néstor , Bouma Brett E. , Villiger Martin
Published: August 2024

Speckle degrades the quality of optical coherence tomography (OCT)
images and impedes their visual interpretation. Current hardware
methods for speckle suppression necessitate difficult hardware
modifications. As a result, algorithmic approaches for speckle
suppression generally lack validation or training with physically
meaningful ground truth. Here, we demonstrate angular compounding
through tilting of the sample with a motorized rotation stage.
Tomograms acquired at different tilt angles are related to each other
through a physics-informed affine map, which can be retrieved directly
from the measurement data. Using a mechanical sample tilting stage
obviates the need to alter the OCT hardware and enables effective
angular compounding with existing OCT instruments.
Space-time Fourier ptychography for in vivo quantitative phase imaging
Authors: Sun Ming , Wang Kunyi , Mishra Yogeshwar Nath , Qiu Simeng , Heidrich Wolfgang
Published: August 2024

Quantitative phase imaging of living biological specimens is challenging due to their continuous movement and complex behavior. Here, we introduce space-time Fourier ptychography (ST-FP), which combines a fast Fourier ptychography (FP) model based on compressive sensing with space-time motion priors for joint reconstruction of quantitative phase, intensity, and motion fields across consecutive frames. Using the same input data as compressive sensing FP, ST-FP increases the space-bandwidth-time product of the reconstructed complex image sequence while leveraging redundant temporal information to achieve robust reconstruction performance. The efficacy of this approach is demonstrated across various applications, particularly in observing living microorganisms undergoing rapid morphological changes and reconstructing amplitude and phase targets in motion. The improved phase retrieval capability of ST-FP enables digital refocusing, facilitating comprehensive three-dimensional analysis of microorganisms. This advancement paves the way for enhanced visualization of cellular processes, developmental biology studies, and investigations into life mechanics at the microscopic level.
The aperiodic exponent of neural activity varies with vigilance state in mice and men
Authors: Østergaard Freja Gam , Penninx Brenda W. J. H. , Das Neetha , Arango Celso , van der Wee Nic , Winter-van Rossum Inge , Luis Ayuso-Mateos Jose , R. Dawson Gerard , Marston Hugh , Kas Martien J. H.
Published: August 2024

Recently the 1/f signal of human electroencephalography has attracted attention, as it could potentially reveal a quantitative measure of neural excitation and inhibition in the brain, that may be relevant in a clinical setting. The purpose of this short article is to show that the 1/f signal depends on the vigilance state of the brain in both humans and mice. Therefore, proper labelling of the EEG signal is important as improper labelling may obscure disease-related changes in the 1/f signal. We demonstrate this by comparing EEG results from a longitudinal study in a genetic mouse model for synaptic dysfunction in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders to results from a large European cohort study with schizophrenia and mild Alzheimer’s disease patients. The comparison shows when the 1/f is corrected for vigilance state there is a difference between groups, and this effect disappears when vigilance state is not corrected for. In conclusion, more attention should be paid to the vigilance state during analysis of EEG signals regardless of the species.
Deciphering climate-induced displacement in Somalia: A remote sensing perspective
Authors: Momeni Rahman , Bircan Tuba , King Robert , Santos Eloy Zafra
Published: August 2024

Rapid climate changes bear significant consequences on various aspects of our lives, notably by deteriorating living conditions in certain areas to such extent that inhabitants have no choice but flee. Despite recognition of this issue, the dynamics of the relationship between the environmental factors and the human mobility have yet to be thoroughly investigated. This study aims to explore the application of advanced remote sensing analytics for developing detailed climate indicators at a micro (district) level, and to examine the relationship between climate factors and internally displaced persons. After detailing our data sources and the analytics employed for indicator development, we discuss various types of events and their repercussions. Our findings corroborate that slow-onset and rapid-onset climate events differently impact society, and the responses hinge on the urgency precipitated by the detrimental aftermath of the extreme weather event and, most crucially, on people’s capabilities. We also underscore the importance of data quality and availability for the socio-economic indicators to enhance future studies, given the intertwined associations between climate change, economic deprivation, and violent conflict.
The geography of COVID-19 vaccine completion by age in North Carolina, U.S.
Authors: Sandborn Hilary , Delamater Paul , Brewer Noel T. , Gilkey Melissa B. , Emch Michael
Published: August 2024

Background

Geographic variation in COVID-19 vaccination can create areas at higher risk of infection, complications, and death, exacerbating health inequalities. This ecological study examined geographic patterns of COVID-19 vaccine completion, using age and sociodemographic characteristics as possible explanatory mechanisms.

Methods and findings

Using 2020–2022 data from the North Carolina COVID-19 Vaccination Management System and U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, at the Zip code-level, we evaluated completion of the primary COVID-19 vaccine series across age groups. We examined geographic clustering of age-specific completion by Zip code and evaluated similarity of the age-specific geographic patterns. Using unadjusted and adjusted spatial autoregressive models, we examined associations between sociodemographic characteristics and age-specific vaccine completion. COVID-19 vaccine completion was moderately geographically clustered in younger groups, with lower clustering in older groups. Urban areas had clusters of higher vaccine completion. Younger and middle-aged groups were the most similar in completion geographically, while the oldest group was most dissimilar to other age groups. Higher income was associated with higher completion in adjusted models across all age groups, while a higher percent of Black residents was associated with higher completion for some groups.

Conclusions

COVID-19 vaccination completion is more variable among younger age groups in North Carolina, and it is higher in urban areas with higher income. Higher completion in areas with more Black residents may reflect the success of racial equity efforts in the state. The findings show a need to reach younger populations and lower income areas that were not prioritized during early vaccination distribution.
A comprehensive overview of barriers and strategies for AI implementation in healthcare: Mixed-method design
Authors: Nair Monika , Svedberg Petra , Larsson Ingrid , Nygren Jens M.
Published: August 2024

Implementation of artificial intelligence systems for healthcare is challenging. Understanding the barriers and implementation strategies can impact their adoption and allows for better anticipation and planning. This study’s objective was to create a detailed inventory of barriers to and strategies for AI implementation in healthcare to support advancements in methods and implementation processes in healthcare. A sequential explanatory mixed method design was used. Firstly, scoping reviews and systematic literature reviews were identified using PubMed. Selected studies included empirical cases of AI implementation and use in clinical practice. As the reviews were deemed insufficient to fulfil the aim of the study, data collection shifted to the primary studies included in those reviews. The primary studies were screened by title and abstract, and thereafter read in full text. Then, data on barriers to and strategies for AI implementation were extracted from the included articles, thematically coded by inductive analysis, and summarized. Subsequently, a direct qualitative content analysis of 69 interviews with healthcare leaders and healthcare professionals confirmed and added results from the literature review. Thirty-eight empirical cases from the six identified scoping and literature reviews met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Barriers to and strategies for AI implementation were grouped under three phases of implementation (planning, implementing, and sustaining the use) and were categorized into eleven concepts; Leadership, Buy-in, Change management, Engagement, Workflow, Finance and human resources, Legal, Training, Data, Evaluation and monitoring, Maintenance. Ethics emerged as a twelfth concept through qualitative analysis of the interviews. This study illustrates the inherent challenges and useful strategies in implementing AI in healthcare practice. Future research should explore various aspects of leadership, collaboration and contracts among key stakeholders, legal strategies surrounding clinicians’ liability, solutions to ethical dilemmas, infrastructure for efficient integration of AI in workflows, and define decision points in the implementation process.
High ferritin is associated with liver and bone marrow iron accumulation: Effects of 1-year deferoxamine treatment in hemodialysis-associated iron overload
Authors: Nunes Lucas L. A. , Dos Reis Luciene M. , Osorio Rosse , Guapyassú Hanna K. A. , Moysés Rosa M. A. , Leão Filho Hilton , Elias Rosilene M. , Rochitte Carlos E. , Jorgetti Vanda , Custodio Melani R.
Published: August 2024

Background

Iron (Fe) supplementation is a critical component of anemia therapy for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, serum Fe, ferritin, and transferrin saturation, used to guide Fe replacement, are far from optimal, as they can be influenced by malnutrition and inflammation. Currently, there is a trend of increasing Fe supplementation to target high ferritin levels, although the long-term risk has been overlooked.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled 28 patients with CKD on hemodialysis with high serum ferritin (> 1000 ng/ml) and tested the effects of 1-year deferoxamine treatment, accompanied by withdrawal of Fe administration, on laboratory parameters (Fe status, inflammatory and CKD-MBD markers), heart, liver, and iliac crest Fe deposition (quantitative magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]), and bone biopsy (histomorphometry and counting of the number of Fe positive cells in the bone marrow).

Results

MRI parameters showed that none of the patients had heart iron overload, but they all presented iron overload in the liver and bone marrow, which was confirmed by bone histology. After therapy, ferritin levels decreased, although neither hemoglobin levels nor erythropoietin dose was changed. A significant decrease in hepcidin and FGF-23 levels was observed. Fe accumulation was improved in the liver and bone marrow, reaching normal values only in the bone marrow. No significant changes in turnover, mineralization or volume were observed.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that treatment with deferoxamine was safe and could improve Fe accumulation, as measured by MRI and histomorphometry. Whether MRI is considered a standard tool for investigating bone marrow Fe accumulation requires further investigation.

Registry and the registration number of clinical trial: ReBEC (Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clinicos) under the identification RBR-3rnskcj available at: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/pesquisador.
Accurate classification of wheat freeze injury severity from the color information in digital canopy images
Authors: Zhang Jibo , Huan Haijun , Qiu Can , Chen Qi , Yi Chuanxiang , Zhang Pei
Published: August 2024

This paper explores whether it is feasible to use the RGB color information in images of wheat canopies that were exposed to low temperatures during the growth season to achieve fast, non-destructive, and accurate determination of the severity of any freeze injury it may have incurred. For the study presented in this paper, we compared the accuracy of a number of algorithmic classification models using either meteorological data reported by weather services or the color gradation skewness-distribution from high-definition digital canopy images acquired in situ as inputs against a reference obtained by manually assessing the severity of the freeze injury inflicted upon wheat populations at three experimental stations in Shandong, China. The algorithms we used to construct the models included in our study were based on either K-means clustering, systematic clustering, or naïve Bayesian classification. When analyzing the reliability of our models, we found that, at more than 85%, the accuracy of the Bayesian model, which used the color information as inputs and involved the use of prior data in the form of the reference data we had obtained through manual classification, was significantly higher than that of the models based on systematic or the K-means clustering, which did not involve the use of prior data. It was interesting to note that the determination accuracy of algorithms using meteorological factors as inputs was significantly lower than that of those using color information. We also noted that the determination accuracy of the Bayesian model had some potential for optimization, which prompted us to subject the inputs of the model to a factor analysis in order to identify the key independent leaf color distribution parameters characterizing wheat freeze injury severity. This optimization allowed us to improve the determination accuracy of the model to over 90%, even in environments comprising several different ecological zones, as was the case at one of our experimental sites. In conclusion, our naïve Bayesian classification algorithm, which uses six key color gradation skewness-distribution parameters as inputs and involves the use of prior data in the form of manual assessments, qualifies as a contender for the development of commercial-grade wheat freeze injury severity monitoring systems supporting post-freeze management measures aimed at ensuring food security.
Exploring context for implementation of inclusive education for children with developmental disabilities in mainstream primary schools in Ethiopia
Authors: Genovesi Elisa , Ahmed Ikram , Ayele Moges , Belay Winini , Burningham Olivia , Chen Amanda , Girma Fikirte , Tesfaye Lakew Liya , Hanlon Charlotte , Hoekstra Rosa Anna
Published: August 2024

A large gap in provision of services for children with developmental disabilities (DD) has been identified in Ethiopia, especially in the education system. Including children with disabilities in mainstream schools is encouraged by policies, but progress in this direction has been limited. This study aimed to explore stakeholders’ perspectives on contextual factors relevant for inclusive education for children with DD in mainstream schools in Ethiopia, with a focus on Adis Ababa. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 39 local stakeholders, comprising caregivers of children with DD, school teachers and principals/managers, non-governmental organisation representatives, government officials, clinicians and academics/consultants. We used template analysis to code the data and map them onto domains of the Context and Setting dimensions of the Context and Implementation of Complex Interventions framework. Stakeholders discussed frameworks in the Legal and Ethical context endorsing the right of all children to education. However, they reported multiple reasons why children with DD in Ethiopia have limited access to education, either in special or mainstream schools. First, individual features, such as gender and support needs, discussed in the Epidemiological context, may affect the likelihood of a child with DD to be accepted in school. Transportation challenges are a key barrier in the Geographical context. Socio-economic and Socio-cultural contexts present barriers at the levels of the nation, school and family, mostly related to limited services and material and financial resources and limited awareness of DD. Stakeholders believe the currently limited but growing commitment in the Political context can support progress towards the removal of these barriers. Our findings can form the basis for development of an implementation plan that addresses such barriers and capitalises on existing facilitators.
Knowledge about research and facilitation of co-creation with children. Protocol for the article “scoping review of research about co-creation with children”
Authors: Samland Bjarnhild , Larsen Tone , Pedersen Lillian
Published: August 2024

Children and young people’s participation, as stipulated in the Convention on the Rights of the Child, applies to both matters that directly and indirectly affect children. Participation is in some countries recognized as a fundamental right and children’s engagement seen as a valuable resource. Assisted by conceptual understanding of co-creation, children may be enabled to engage and participate in a variety of contexts. Knowledge about research on, and facilitation of, co-creation involving children is the theme of the scoping review presented by this protocol. The protocol outlines a scoping review which is to use a systematic approach to synthesize knowledge of research about co-creation with children. By systematically scoping the existing research about co-creation with children, the review will survey the available literature (evidence), identify key concepts, and uncover gaps in knowledge. The overall objective of this scoping review is to gain knowledge of research conducted about all types of co-creation with children, and to identify the gaps that future research should address. This scoping review acknowledges the existence of multiple definitions of co-creation, which vary depending on different contexts. The review will also recognize several other associated concepts, such as co-production, co-design, co-research, and co- innovation, since they are used interchangeably with or align with the understanding of co-creation being reviewed. The methodological framework outlined by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) for scoping review will be used as a guide for this review. The PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and Explanation will be used during the process. The databases, ERIC (Education Resources Information Centre), Teacher Reference Center, Idunn, Oria, Libris, Kungliga biblioteket, ScienceDirect, ProQuest, Scopus, Academic search elite, Web of Science, Google scholar, will be searched for information on academic books and articles, in May 2024. Also grey literature will be searched for relevant academic references. There are no limitations in date of publication. Language will be limited to English, Norwegian, Swedish, and Danish. Following the selection of studies, data will be extracted and analysed. Ethical approval is not required, because only secondary data is collected. Dissemination will include peer-reviewed publications and presentations at conferences regarding public innovation, education, and children`s participations contexts.
Fostering inclusive science media: Insights from examining the relationship between women’s identities and their anticipated engagement with Deep Look YouTube science videos
Authors: Steinke Jocelyn , Gilbert Christine , Opat Kelsi , Landrum Asheley R.
Published: August 2024

As science media content creators strive for inclusivity in communication design and promotion, they must consider the influence of audiences’ identities on their engagement with science media. A gender gap in viewership or "missing audience" has been identified for women viewers for educational science content on digital media; one such example of this is Deep Look, a science video series from KQED public media and PBS Digital Studios distributed on YouTube. This study used a mixed method design (1) to examine women’s preferences for Deep Look YouTube video promotions (i.e., episode titles and thumbnail images—the images that act as a preview for the video) to best inform future design of promotional content for these videos to attract more women viewers, and (2) to explore how women’s preferences for science content are linked to their social identities, science identity, and science curiosity. Findings indicated that women’s preferences for promotions for Deep Look YouTube science and nature videos followed expected trends with most women preferring images perceived as visually attractive and colorful more than images perceived as disgusting or gross. However, these preferences were conditional on science curiosity and science identity. Findings indicated that to boost women’s engagement with YouTube science and nature videos, content creators may find it useful to consider how science curious various women audiences are, how strongly women viewers identify with being a science person, and how their most salient social identities motivate engagement.
Effects of storage conditions on the microbiota of fecal samples collected from dairy cattle
Authors: Jaramillo-Jaramillo Ana S. , McClure J. T. , Stryhn Henrik , Tahlan Kapil , Sanchez Javier
Published: August 2024

Microbiota analyses are key to understanding the bacterial communities within dairy cattle, but the impact of different storage conditions on these analyses remains unclear. This study sought to examine the effects of freezing at -80°C immediately after collection, refrigeration at 4°C for three days and seven days and absolute ethanol preservation on the microbiota diversity of pooled fecal samples from dairy cattle. Examining 16S rRNA gene sequences, alpha (Shannon, Pielou evenness, observed features and Faith PD indices) and beta (Bray-Curtis, βw and Weighted UniFrac) diversity were assessed. The effects of storage conditions on these metrics were evaluated using linear mixed models and PERMANOVA, incorporating the farm as a random effect. Our findings reveal that 7d and E significantly altered the Shannon index, suggesting a change in community composition. Changes in Pielou evenness for 3d and 7d storage when compared to 0d were found, indicating a shift in species evenness. Ethanol preservation impacted both observed features and Faith PD indices. Storage conditions significantly influenced Bray-Curtis, βw, and Weighted UniFrac metrics, indicating changes in community structure. PERMANOVA analysis showed that these storage conditions significantly contributed to microbiota differences compared to immediate freezing. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that while refrigeration for three days had minimal impact, seven days of refrigeration and ethanol preservation significantly altered microbiota analyses. These findings highlight the importance of sample storage considerations in microbiota research.
Deletion of the Candida albicans TLO gene family results in alterations in membrane sterol composition and fluconazole tolerance
Authors: O’Connor-Moneley James , Fletcher Jessica , Bean Cody , Parker Josie , Kelly Steven L. , Moran Gary P. , Sullivan Derek J.
Published: August 2024

Development of resistance and tolerance to antifungal drugs in Candida albicans can compromise treatment of infections caused by this pathogenic yeast species. The uniquely expanded C. albicans TLO gene family is comprised of 14 paralogous genes which encode Med2, a subunit of the multiprotein Mediator complex which is involved in the global control of transcription. This study investigates the acquisition of fluconazole tolerance in a mutant in which the entire TLO gene family has been deleted. This phenotype was reversed to varying degrees upon reintroduction of representative members of the alpha- and beta-TLO clades (i.e. TLO1 and TLO2), but not by TLO11, a gamma-clade representative. Comparative RNA sequencing analysis revealed changes in the expression of genes involved in a range of cellular functions, including ergosterol biosynthesis, mitochondrial function, and redox homeostasis. This was supported by the results of mass spectrometry analysis, which revealed alterations in sterol composition of the mutant cell membrane. Our data suggest that members of the C. albicans TLO gene family are involved in the control of ergosterol biosynthesis and mitochondrial function and may play a role in the responses of C. albicans to azole antifungal agents.
Teoria da aprendizagem desenvolvimental (TAD): diálogo com José Carlos Libâneo
Authors: Libâneo José Carlos , Longarezi Andréa Maturano , Puentes Roberto Valdés
Published: August 2024

A entrevista estabelece e aborda, a partir de um conjunto de dezesseis perguntas, os principais momentos no desenvolvimento acadêmico, pessoal, profissional, intelectual e político de um dos educadores, pedagogos e didatas mais relevantes da segunda metade do século XX e primeiras duas décadas do século XXI. José Carlos Libâneo (1945-) é responsável por uma obra vasta e sólida que é de domínio nacional e internacional, sobretudo seu livro Didática (1990), considerado na lista dos mais citados na área educacional. Intelectual politicamente engajado com a formação dos filhos das camadas mais pobres em favor de uma escola pública de qualidade, com a aprendizagem de conteúdos científicos vinculados às condições históricas e sociais concretas de vida dos alunos, Libâneo é um exemplo para as novas gerações.
Uma possibilidade teórica e metodológica para pesquisas sobre ensino: organização por meio da categoria lógico e histórico
Authors: Gosmatti Anderson , Panossian Maria Lucia
Published: August 2024

Com referência em uma pesquisa acadêmica sobre metodologias ativas no ensino da Matemática na Educação Básica brasileira, é apresentada uma discussão sobre a categoria lógico e histórico e sua relação com a unidade de análise da pesquisa, a Atividade Pedagógica com fundamentos na Teoria da Atividade. São explicitados e explicados os movimentos de aproximação ao objeto de pesquisa e de aprofundamento teórico, metodológico e analítico, e as suas ações metodológicas. Destacam-se a definição de orientadores de análise, como relações essenciais da Atividade Pedagógica, e sua atuação como organizadores lógicos da pesquisa. O modo de desenvolvimento do estudo empreendido, produzido no processo da pesquisa, é tomado como um de seus resultados e proposto como uma contribuição à discussão de possibilidades para a pesquisa que pretende ser orientada pela categoria lógico e histórico, especificamente, na área do Ensino.