bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Price of Anarchy for Instantaneous Dynamic Equilibria
Authors: Graf Lukas , Harks Tobias
Published: January 2023

We consider flows over time within the deterministic queueing model of Vickrey and study the solution concept of instantaneous dynamic equilibrium (IDE), in which flow particles select at every decision point a currently shortest path. The length of such a path is measured by the physical travel time plus the time spent in queues. Although IDE has been studied since the eighties, the worst-case efficiency of the solution concept with respect to the travel time is not well understood. We study the price of anarchy for this model under the makespan and total travel time objective and show the first known upper bound for both measures of order [Formula: see text] for single-sink instances, where U denotes the total inflow volume and τ denotes the sum of edge travel times. We complement this upper bound with a family of quite complex instances proving a lower bound of order [Formula: see text].

Funding: The research of the authors was funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft [Grants HA 8041/1-1 and HA 8041/4-1].
Online Passenger Flow Control in Metro Lines
Authors: Liang Jinpeng , Lyu Guodong , Teo Chung-Piaw , Gao Ziyou
Published: January 2023

Crowds management during peak commuting hours is a key challenge facing metro systems worldwide, which results in serious safety concerns and unfair public transit service for commuters on different origin-destination (o-d) pairs. In “Online Passenger Flow Control in Metro Lines,” the authors investigate the impact of online decision making on the value of passenger flow control solution methodologies. The authors formulate the problem as a stochastic dynamic program with a fairness (fill rate) constraint and exploit Blackwell's approachability theorem and Fenchel duality to characterize the attainable service level of each o-d pair. They use these insights to develop online policies that can enable more passengers boarding a train (efficiency) as well as ensure equitable service level (fairness) provided to each o-d pair. Numerical experiments on a set of transit data from Beijing show that this approach performs well compared with existing benchmarks in the literature.
Weather-Based Fruit Fly Population Dynamics Prediction Model for the Mid-Hills of Eastern Himalayan Region of India
Authors: Chandra Anup , Bhagawati Kaushik , Kalita Homeswar , Angami Thejangulie
Published: January 2023

Across the globe, it is widely observed that current change in climate or weather pattern has marked effect on insect population dynamics and behavior, though with varied aspects and intensity. Understanding the correlations of insect population dynamics with weather parameters is the fundamental first step in formulating an effective integrated pest management programme. In the major citrus growing mid-hill regions of Arunachal Pradesh, fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis, is one of the chief reasons for heavy loss leading to pre-harvest fruit drop in citrus. The current study aims to determine how changes in weather parameters influence the population dynamics of fruit flies and to develop an optimized weather-based population prediction model for fruit flies infesting citrus in the mid-hills of Arunachal Pradesh. The population was monitored through standard methyl eugenol para-pheromone traps and a model was developed using stepwise multiple regression technique. The study revealed that the population was highest during the fruit development and ripening stage and it was found that the number of flies per trap and meteorological parameters (temperature and humidity) is positively correlated with appreciable statistical significance. The optimized regression model was developed with variables temperature and humidity, and was found to be 79 percent accurate in the study site. This model will serve as an important tool in pre-estimation of the fruit fly population in the citrus growing mid-hills of Arunachal Pradesh and for formulation of effective preventive management strategies.
Cooperative Position-based Formation-pursuit of Moving Targets by Multi-UAVs with Collision Avoidance
Authors: Nurjanah Siti , Agustinah Trihastuti , Fuad Muhammad
Published: January 2023

The paper focuses on the issue of capturing a moving target for multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The problem involves a group of UAVs to create a formation-pursuit in the encirclement of a moving target. Dynamic task allocation algorithm is used in 3D dynamic environments to efficiently allocate the target to several existing UAVs. Target information is disseminated to neighbor UAVs by the temporary leader of UAVs. For the formation-pursuit using a position-based strategy, destination points to create formation are made at the sphere coordinates around a moving target. Then the destination points are tracked using a fuzzy state feedback controller. Optimized artificial potential field (APF) algorithm is used to avoid collisions with targets, other UAVs, and static obstacles. Each UAV can choose the optimal trajectory to avoid obstacles and reset the formation after passing them. The simulation results show that multi-UAVs successfully surrounded and formed formation-pursuit of a moving target without colliding with the closest Euclidean distance between UAVs of 1.32957 m. UAVs with a target is 1.94359 m, and UAVs with static obstacles within a range of 1.60632 m.Keywords—formation-pursuit, multi-UAVs, obstacle avoidance, task allocation, tracking control.
Fall Detection, Wearable Sensors & Artificial Intelligence: A Short Review
Authors: Ishtiaq Arslan , Saeed Zubair , Khan Misha Urooj , Samer Aqsa , Shabbir Mamoona , Ahmad Waqar
Published: January 2023

Falls are a major public health concern among the elderly and the number of gadgets designed to detect them has increased significantly in recent years. This document provides a detailed summary of research done on fall detection systems, with comparisons across different types of studies. Its purpose is to be a resource for doctors and engineers who are planning or conducting field research. Following the examination, datasets, limitations, and future imperatives in fall detection were discussed in detail. The quantity of research using context-aware approaches continues to rise, but there is a new trend toward integrating fall detection into smartphones, as well as the use of artificial intelligence in the detection algorithm. Concerns with real-world performance, usability, and reliability are also highlighted.
A Suggested Model for Customer Relationship Management with Customer Experience-Oriented Data Optimization in the Mobile Phone Industry
Authors:   Department of Management Information Systems, Necmettin Erbakan University, Meram / KONYA, Turkey, Karaboğa Kazım
Published: January 2023

This study develops a marketing information system algorithm for determining whether and to what degree customers of mobile phone businesses prefer their own brands after experiencing problems with their current product, or in customer service or repair services during or at the end of an average use period for their product. With a process map and system algorithm, a data analytics model required for creating a satisfied and loyal customer group is described based on analysis results obtained by tracking/analyzing customer experiences in different processes. The article‘s findings can help to optimize product, sales, and service development activities focused on business profitability by highlighting data-driven customer experience tracking systems for business. Keywords Customer experience, CRM, Current customer, System algorithm, Conceptual modeling.
Knowledge and practices regarding Hepatitis B and HIV-AIDS among Beauty salon workers and hairdressers in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors:   Community Medicine Department, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan, Methab Saman , Abbas Fizza ,   Community Medicine Department, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan, Zaidi Tafazzul Hyder ,   Community Medicine Department, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan, Zafar Mubashir ,   Family and Community Medicine Department, University of Hail, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Zaidi Nadira Hyder ,   Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan, Ahmed Mohammed Waqas Nisar ,   Community Medicine Department, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, Karachi, Pakistan
Published: January 2023

Hepatitis B (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are common viruses in Pakistan and a serious public health issue. Beauty salon and hairdresser workers are a high-risk group for transmission of these viruses. This study assesses the knowledge and practices regarding HBV and HIV of these workers in Karachi, Pakistan. The study is cross-sectional with a consecutive sampling technique used to select 211 workers. A structured and validated questionnaire was filled out by participants, with questions on personal characteristics and knowledge and practices. Data was compiled and analyzed using SPSS and logistic regressions were used to determine the association of risk factors with knowledge and practice levels. A majority were found to have inappropriate knowledge (71%) and unsafe practices (82%). After adjustment of the covariate in multivariate analysis, the variables of female gender, illiterate, and work experience of 1-10 years, were significantly associated with inappropriate knowledge and unsafe practices towards HBV and HIV. Given beauty salon and hairdresser workers have poor knowledge and unsafe practices, it is likely they lack understanding about virus infection. Health promotion campaigns should be provided to this vulnerable population to control transmission of these viruses. Keywords: Hepatitis, Hair, HIV, Nail, Salon, Workers.
The Role of Brand Experience in Formulating Brand Loyalty for Lingerie Buying Consumers of India
Authors:   Department of Fashion, Symbiosis Institute of Design, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Lavale, Mulshi, Pune, Maharashtra 412115, India, SINGH Neetu
Published: January 2023

In contrast to external apparel, experiential aspects of lingerie, have received scant attention despite it being a product of high involvement by consumers with significant symbolic importance for women. This article investigates how brand experience influences Indian consumers of lingerie in their purchasing decisions, and whether this experience results in increased brand loyalty. This study employs the usage of a non-probability, quota sampling technique and is based on a questionnaire administered to 1,392 Indian women aged 18-44 and educated to at least the 12th grade. It calculates consumers’ consolidated brand experience score, based on sensory, affective, intellectual and behavioral dimensions. Data has been analyzed using Chi square tests to establish that brand experience indeed leads to brand loyalty for women consumers. This research can help lingerie brand manufacturers, retailers and marketers improve their consumers’ brand experience to influences consumer purchase motivation and brand loyalty. Keywords: Brand experience, Fashion marketing, Brand loyalty, Experiential marketing, Consumer behavior.
Cultural Continuity and Fragments of Diaspora: A Comparative Study of Identity Construction by Second and Third Generations of Overseas Vietnamese in Northeast Thailand
Authors:   Faculty of Social Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, Anh Nguyen Thi Tu
Published: January 2023

This article is based on research on how members of the Vietnamese diaspora in northeast Thailand construct their hybrid identities. Although “diasporic identity” is mentioned often in diaspora studies, it is crucial when investigating it to consider relevant political, social, cultural and economic contexts. This article investigates, compares and analyzes the similarities and differences in place-making and ethnic identity construction by the Vietnamese diaspora’s second and third generations, over different periods of residence, in northeast Thailand. Participant observation, in-depth interviews and desk research methodologies were utilized in this research. The findings reveal that second and third generations of the Vietnamese diaspora underwent dissimilar processes when constructing their hybrid ethnicities (as Vietnamese Thai) due to differences in their migration experiences and levels of social embeddedness in their home and host countries, and because of changes in the geopolitical context in the last 70 years. The differences in identity construction between the two generations reflects their journey from migrant group to diaspora community, their cultural continuity and fragmentation, and their ongoing negotiations to culturally adapt within the host country, and at the same time, maintain attachments with their home country. Keywords: Vietnamese diaspora, Second generation, Third generation, Place-making, Hybrid identities.
Performance analysis of catch fisheries in Sabang Waters
Authors: Salmarika Salmarika , Shadiqin Imam , Irham Muhammad , Agustina Imelda , Rahayu Rosi , Aprilla Ratna Mutia , Rahmah Alvi
Published: January 2023

Sabang waters is one of the centers of capture fisheries production at the tip of the Sumatera Island which has a large potential of fish resources. However, information related to the performance of capture fisheries including fish production, fishing gear, fishing fleet, number of fishermen and fishing areas is still limited. This study aims to analyse and describe information related to capture fisheries performances in the waters of Sabang. Performance data were analysed descriptive quantitatively and obtained by survey method. The results showed that the trend of capture fisheries production tends to increase by 15% annually and catches are dominated by large pelagic fish, namely tuna (Thunnus sp). The type of fishery business is dominated by fishermen who operate vessels measuring 0 - 5 GT (57.9%) with fishing areas between the coast to 2 nautical miles. Fishermen in Sabang Waters are categorized as small businesses. because use small boats and using handlines as fishing gear that aim to meet daily needs, not for business scale.Keywords:Fish productionFishing gearFishing fleetFishing groundCapture fisheries
Performance of intensive vannamei (Litopenaeus vannamei) culture at low salinity
Authors: Cahyanurani Annisa Bias , Edy Mochammad Heri
Published: January 2023

Intensive aquaculture systems that are not managed properly often cause problems that disrupt the balance of the environment so that shrimp are susceptible to disease. One of the aquaculture innovations that have been developed to minimize disease impact is shrimp farming with low salinity. This study aims to determine the performance of intensive Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp culture with low salinity. This study used quantitative descriptive analysis with a purposive sampling technique in three ponds for three maintenance cycles. The result of the study on three cycles of vannamei shrimp culture with low salinity overall found that productivity ranged from 2.35 to 3.69 kg/m2. ADG values in aquaculture ponds ranged from 0.26 – 0.36 g/day. The survival rate ranged from 61% to 98%, and the feed conversion ratio ranged from 1.01 to 1.62. The survival rate tends to increase, and FCR value tends to decrease in 3 cycles of cultivation. Water quality including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, phosphate, ammonia, and TOM indicate the optimal range based on water quality standards for intensive vannamei shrimp culture (SNI 01-7246-2006). At the same time, nitrite and alkalinity exceed the SNI standard but this nitrite and alkalinity level could still be tolerated by vannamei shrimp during the rearing period.  Overall, water quality during the rearing period can still support the growth of vannamei shrimp. The above result showed that vannamei shrimp culture at low salinity (6-8 mg L-1) has the potential to be developed.Keywords:Intensive culture Litopenaeus vannamei Low salinityProductivity
Modification of togok (tidal trap) for reducing bycatch by using BRD vent
Authors: Nofrizal Nofrizal , Mauliddin Muhamad , Jhonnerie Romie
Published: January 2023

One effort to reduce bycatch in togok is to modify the togok by creating a vent to reduce bycatch by BRD. The BRD installed on the togok was a rope BRD vent made of Polyethelene (PE) with a diameter of 2 mm. The rope BRD vent is attached to the top of the cod-end as an escape vent 25 x 50 cm. The escape vent and the stash cod-end are covered with a net with a mesh size of 5 mm. The cover net aims to collect data on fish catches that pass through the rope BRD vent. The percentage of fish that pass through the rope BRD vent can be calculated, and measure the size of the fish caught in the cod-end and covered as an indicator of the effectiveness of the rope BRD vent on togok. This experiment was carried out for 20 days of fishing operation and 40 hauls. The results showed that the catch of togok without rope BRD vent (conventional) and togok with modified rope BRD vent were different (p 0.05), where the catch of conventional togok was 468.34 kg, and the catch of modified togok was 305.235 kg. The fishing catches in the cod end and cover sections the most are bycatch with 51% and 54% of the percentage of the total catch, and the least in the cod end is the discarded catch, which is 21% of the percentage of the total catch and on the cover is the main catch (main catch) with 19% of the percentage of the total catch.The average size of the catch of togok species of fish is there are many immature sizes, and the average size of the catch of togok species of shrimp is there are in maturity size.Keywords:BycatchBycatch excluder device (BRD)DiscardMain catch
Application of fermented product feed to growth performance of fish: A review
Authors: Cahya Muhamad Dwi , Andriani Yuli , Haetami Kiki , Risdiana Risdiana
Published: January 2023

Aquaculture activities cannot be separated from the availability of artificial feed, even 70% of the total production cost is spent on feed, so the availability of good feed, in terms of quality and quantity, is an effort to maintain the success of aquaculture activities. Feeds with high protein have relatively higher prices because some of their raw materials still rely on imports from other countries. The solution to this problem is to use alternative feed ingredients that have good nutritional content, are easy to obtain and do not compete with humans. Organic waste originating from food scraps and agricultural industry residues has considerable potential. However, it is necessary to have a fermentation process as an effort to improve the nutrition and quality of these materials. The purpose of this paper is to determine the extent of utilization of fermented organic waste as fish feed ingredients that can help improve fish growth performance.Keywords:Alternative feed ingredientsFermentationFish feedOrganic waste
The effect of aquous extract of johar leaves (Senna siamea) injection on survival rate and blood profile of snakehead fish (Channa striata)
Authors: Sutriana Amalia , Panjaitan Budianto , Siddik Tasya Luthfiah , Farida Farida , Hanafiah Muhammad , Asmilia Nuzul , Rosmaidar Rosmaidar , Rahmad Rahmad
Published: January 2023

Aqueous extract of johar leaf contains metabolite compounds such as flavonoids, sponins, tannins, phenols, anthraquinones, anthocyanins, and cardiac glycosides which can be used to substitute commercial antibiotics. The use of aqueous extract of johar leaf has been known to have antibacterial activity in vitro. This study aims to determine the effect of aqueous extract of johar leaves (Senna siamea) injection on survival and blood profile of snakehead fish (Channa striata) in vivo. This research was a laboratory study using a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments and 3 replications with a total sample of 75 snakehead fish. The fish in KA, KB, KC and KD groups were injected with aqueous extract of johar leaves with concentrations of 10%, 20%, 40%, and 60% respectively, while in KE group the fish was injected with distilled water (control). The parameters of this study were the survival rate and blood profile of snakehead fish. Blood hematology examination included calculation of erythrocyte count, hemoglobin level, and hematocrit percentage, leukocyte count, and thrombocyte count. The research data obtained were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and followed by Duncan's Multiple Distance test. Injection of aqueous extract of johar leaf did not affect the survival rate of snakehead fish. However, hemoglobin and platelet levels significant decrease in the group given 60% concentration of aqueous extract of johar leaf. It can be concluded that aqueous extract of johar leaf at a concentration of 10%, 20%, 40% is safe to use in snakehead fish.Keywords:Johar leaves extractSnakehead fishBlood profileSurvival rate
The addition of papaya seed flour (Carica papaya) to the growth of ‘Cantang’ hybrid grouper fish (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus >< Epinephelus lanceolatus)
Authors: Syakirin Muhammad Bahrus , Linayati Linayati , Mardiana Tri Yusufi , Yuniarty Sisca , Yahya Muhammad Zulkham
Published: January 2023

This research was carried out to examine the effects of papaya seed flour at different doses on the growth of hybrid groupers and to determine the most optimal dose of papaya seed flour on fish growth. A complete randomized design with 4 treatments and 3 replications was used, which treatments consisted of: treatment A Without papaya seed flour (Control), treatment B with 2.5 grams/kg of papaya seed flour, treatment C with 5 grams of papaya seed flour per kg feed, and treatment D of 7.5 grams papaya seed flour/kg feed. Treatment C was found the most optimal treatment, resulting in an absolute biomass value of 26.97 grams and feed conversion ratio of 1.19. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the absolute biomass development of the hybrid grouper obtained an F count of 41.3892 higher than F table of 5%, indicating significant effects on the fish growth. The water quality was set at an ideal level, with temperature ranging between 28-29 0C, pH between 7.0-7.5 and salinity between 30-33 ppt.Keywords:Hybrid groupersPapaya seed flourGrowth
Real-time transponder architecture for hitless transmission baud rate switching in association with an auto-negotiation protocol
Authors: Dutisseuil Eric , Dupas Arnaud , Gouin Alexandre , Boitier Fabien , Layec Patricia
Published: January 2023

We propose a novel digital signal processing architecture for a coherent receiver that allows instantaneous and hitless variable baud rate transmission for integer sub-division values. This solution allows the receiver to self-adapt a new baud rate without processing modification, re-initialization, or any knowledge of the transmission speed modification. As for implantation concern, this architecture requires negligible extra logic compared to the standard one. Its development and operation developed on a simulation basis are presented; then its dynamic behavior and performance are demonstrated in a real-time experiment attesting a zero-bit loss. We also show how an in-line auto-negotiation protocol between a transmitter and a receiver minimizing the mediation through the control plane can leverage this instantaneous baud rate variation.
Kerr effect on optical induced transparency and group delays in a photothermal cavity
Authors: Xu Yifan , Zhou Lina , Lv Jiang , Chen Hongyun
Published: January 2023

The thermal-induced nonlinear effect in a micro-cavity with small mode volume is extremely important for studying the optical cavity’s physical properties. In this work, we discuss the Kerr effect acting on the photothermally induced transparency (PTIT) and group delays in a photothermal cavity. We analyze the optical bistability with the thermal and Kerr nonlinear effects in the photothermal system, which directly impacts the dynamical stability and the threshold for bistability, eventually leading to an increase in the number of photons in the steady state. Meanwhile, the Kerr nonlinear effect greatly modifies the Fano-like PTIT in the system with photothermal effect, and the window is effectively compensated to symmetrical PTIT by Kerr-induced cavity frequency redshift. A group delay and advance are observed in the phase of the transmitted probe field, which enables light to be stored in the milliseconds range. The results demonstrate the possibility of enhancing or steering the performance of PTIT and group delay in nonlinear optical cavities, and it will find some applications in optical sensing and communications.
Generation of higher-order Laguerre–Gaussian modes from a diode-pumped Pr3+:LiYF4 laser with an intra-cavity spherical aberration
Authors: Rao A. Srinivasa , Morohashi Takuya , Kerridge-Johns William R. , Omatsu Takashige
Published: January 2023

We demonstrate, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, the direct generation of higher-order Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) petal modes, formed of the coherent superposition of positive and negative LG modes with the topological charge of

±

ℓ

as an eigen mode, from a compact diode end-pumped

P
r

3
+

:

L
i
Y
F

4

(YLF) laser with an intra-cavity lens configuration. The on-axis displacement of the intra-cavity lens with spherical aberration allows the selective operation of the desired higher-order LG modes with

|

ℓ

|

≤

31

from the laser cavity at 640 nm and 607 nm. Such visible higher-order LG modes will offer new applications in optical manipulation, quantum/optical underwater telecommunication, and microfabrication.
Thin-film wafer-scale mid-IR Fabry Perot cavity gas sensor
Authors: Rao Pavithra , Keloth Akshay , Selvaraja Shankar Kumar
Published: January 2023

We demonstrate a miniaturized wafer-scale optical gas sensor that combines the gas cell, an optical filter, and integrated flow channels. We present the design, fabrication and characterization of an integrated cavity-enhanced sensor. Using the module, we demonstrate absorption sensing of ethylene down to 100 ppm level.
Enhanced absorption of infrared light for quantum wells in coupled pillar-cavity arrays
Authors: Xin-Yang Jiang , Wei-Wei Liu , Tian-Xin Li , Hui Xia , Wei-Jie Deng , Li Yu , Yu-Ying Li , Wei Lu
Published: January 2023

Periodic pillars of semiconductor in sub-wavelength size can serve multiple roles as diffracting, trapping and absorbing light for effective photoelectric conversion which has been intensively studied in the visible range. Here, we design and fabricate the micro-pillar arrays of AlGaAs/GaAs multi quantum wells(QWs) for high performance detection of long wavelength infrared light. Compared to its planar counterpart, the array offers 5.1 times intensified absorption at peak wavelength of 8.7 µm with 4 times shrinked electrical area. It’s illustrated by simulation that the normal incident light is guided in the pillars by HE11 resonant cavity mode to form strengthened Ez electrical field, which enables the inter-subband transition of n-type QWs. Moreover, the thick active region of dielectric cavity that contains 50 periods of QWs with fairly low doping concentration will be beneficial to the optical and electrical merits of the detectors. This study demonstrates an inclusive scheme to substantially raise the signal to ratio of infrared detection with all-semiconductor photonic structures.
Absolute wavelength scanning interferometry for measuring the thickness of optical elements
Authors: Psota Pavel , Kredba Jan , Stašík Marek , Nečásek Jakub , Matoušek Ondřej , Lédl Vít
Published: January 2023

A technique for measurement of the thickness of optical elements using absolute wavelength scanning interferometry is presented in this paper. To achieve high-grade optical components and systems, the thickness of both planar and non-planar optical components must be measured with an accuracy of a few micrometers. The proposed technique is based on the Fizeau interferometer and interconnects data from three different tunable laser diodes yielding a long effective wavelength range and thus low measurement uncertainty. The uncertainty of the central thickness measurement ranges from hundreds of nanometers to a few microns. The method allows to measure the thickness of both flat optical elements as well as lenses with curved surfaces. Moreover, the areal information provided by the interferometry and its high angle sensitivity help to quickly and precisely align the measured component and reduce misalignment errors. The results of thickness measurements have been validated and cross-tested with other techniques. In addition to the thickness, the technique provides some additional information (wedge, surface form error) in the case of flat samples and can be easily and quickly modified (mounting of a Fizeau transmission sphere) to measure other essential parameters of optical elements. Thus, this one approach can replace many single-purpose measuring devices while maintaining high accuracy.
Hybrid tunnel junction enabled independent junction control of cascaded InGaN blue/green micro-light-emitting diodes
Authors: Li Panpan , Li Hongjian , Yao Yifan , Qwah Kai Shek , Iza Mike , Speck James S. , Nakamura Shuji , DenBaars Steven P.
Published: January 2023

We demonstrate vertical integration of nitride-based blue/green micro-light-emitting diodes (µLEDs) stacks with independent junctions control using hybrid tunnel junction (TJ). The hybrid TJ was gown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (p + GaN) and molecular-beam epitaxy (n + GaN). Uniform blue, green and blue/green emission can be generated from different junction diodes. The peak external quantum efficiency (EQE) of the TJ blue µLEDs and green µLEDs with indium tin oxide contact is 30% and 12%, respectively. The carrier transportation between different junction diodes was discussed. This work suggests a promising approach for vertical µLEDs integration to enhance the output power of single LEDs chip and monolithic µLEDs with different emission colors with independent junction control.
Reconfigurable terahertz light harvesting with MoTe2 hybrid metasurface
Authors: Hu Xiaolu , Yang Quanlong , Ba Lingli , Yang Junliang
Published: January 2023

Near-perfect light harvesting of a metasurface-based absorber paves the way for achieving numerous potential applications in sensing, cloaking, and photovoltaics. Here, we present a reconfigurable perfect absorber based on a molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) hybrid metasurface at terahertz (THz) frequency. By investigating the optical response of metasurface-based absorbers, a reconfigurable switching of dual-frequency perfect absorption to a new single-frequency absorption takes place when light illuminates MoTe2. Moreover, the absorption mechanism of the hybrid metasurface is well demonstrated with the analytical coupled-dipole model and impedance analysis. The proposed reconfigurable THz meta-absorber provides a new, to the best of our knowledge, route for active radar stealth, frequency-selective detection, and next-generation wireless communication.
Remote SERS detection at a 10-m scale using silica fiber SERS probes coupled with a convolutional neural network
Authors: Huang Junpeng , Zhou Fei , Cai Chengbin , Chu Rang , Zhang Zhun , Liu Ye
Published: January 2023

A silica fiber surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) probe provides a practical way for remote SERS detection of analytes, but it faces the major bottleneck that the relatively large Raman background of silica fiber itself greatly limits the remote detection sensitivity and distance. In this article, we developed a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based deep learning algorithm to effectively remove the Raman background of silica fiber itself and thus significantly improved the remote detection capability of the silica fiber SERS probes. The CNN model was constructed based on a U-Net architecture and instead of concatenating, the residual connection was adopted to fully leverage the features of both the shallow and deep layers. After training, this CNN model presented an excellent background removal capacity and thus improved the detection sensitivity by an order of magnitude compared with the conventional reference spectrum method (RSM). By combining the CNN algorithm and the highly sensitive fiber SERS probes fabricated by the laser-induced evaporation self-assembly method, a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 10−8 M for Rh6G solution was achieved with a long detection distance of 10 m. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of remote SERS detection at a 10-m scale with fiber SERS probes. As the proposed remote detection system with silica fiber SERS probes was very simple and low cost, this work may find important applications in hazardous detection, contaminant monitoring, and other remote spectroscopic detection in biomedicine and environmental sciences.
HiSV: A control-free method for structural variation detection from Hi-C data
Authors: Li Junping , Gao Lin , Ye Yusen
Published: January 2023

Structural variations (SVs) play an essential role in the evolution of human genomes and are associated with cancer genetics and rare disease. High-throughput chromosome capture (Hi-C) technology probed all genome-wide crosslinked chromatin to study the spatial architecture of chromosomes. Hi-C read pairs can span megabases, making the technology useful for detecting large-scale SVs. So far, the identification of SVs from Hi-C data is still in the early stages with only a few methods available. Especially, no algorithm has been developed that can detect SVs without control samples. Therefore, we developed HiSV (Hi-C for Structural Variation), a control-free method for identifying large-scale SVs from a Hi-C sample. Inspired by the single image saliency detection model, HiSV constructed a saliency map of interaction frequencies and extracted saliency segments as large-scale SVs. By evaluating both simulated and real data, HiSV not only detected all variant types, but also achieved a higher level of accuracy and sensitivity than existing methods. Moreover, our results on cancer cell lines showed that HiSV effectively detected eight complex SV events and identified two novel SVs of key factors associated with cancer development. Finally, we found that integrating the result of HiSV helped the WGS method to identify a total number of 94 novel SVs in two cancer cell lines.
One dimensional approximations of neuronal dynamics reveal computational strategy
Authors: Brennan Connor , Aggarwal Adeeti , Pei Rui , Sussillo David , Proekt Alex
Published: January 2023

The relationship between neuronal activity and computations embodied by it remains an open question. We develop a novel methodology that condenses observed neuronal activity into a quantitatively accurate, simple, and interpretable model and validate it on diverse systems and scales from single neurons inC. elegansto fMRI in humans. The model treats neuronal activity as collections of interlocking 1-dimensional trajectories. Despite their simplicity, these models accurately predict future neuronal activity and future decisions made by human participants. Moreover, the structure formed by interconnected trajectories—a scaffold—is closely related to the computational strategy of the system. We use these scaffolds to compare the computational strategy of primates and artificial systems trained on the same task to identify specific conditions under which the artificial agent learns the same strategy as the primate. The computational strategy extracted using our methodology predicts specific errors on novel stimuli. These results show that our methodology is a powerful tool for studying the relationship between computation and neuronal activity across diverse systems.
A convenient correspondence between k-mer-based metagenomic distances and phylogenetically-informed β-diversity measures
Authors: Zhai Hongxuan , Fukuyama Julia
Published: January 2023

k-mer-based distances are often used to describe the differences between communities in metagenome sequencing studies because of their computational convenience and history of effectiveness. Althoughk-mer-based distances do not use information about taxon abundances, we show that one class ofk-mer distances between metagenomes (the Euclidean distance betweenk-mer spectra, or EKS distances) are very closely related to a class of phylogenetically-informedβ-diversity measures that do explicitly use both the taxon abundances and information about the phylogenetic relationships among the taxa. Furthermore, we show that both of these distances can be interpreted as using certain features of the taxon abundances that are related to the phylogenetic tree. Our results allow practitioners to perform phylogenetically-informed analyses when they only havek-mer data available and provide a theoretical basis for usingk-mer spectra with relatively small values ofk(on the order of 4-5). They are also useful for analysts who wish to know more of the properties of any method based onk-mer spectra and provide insight into one class of phylogenetically-informedβ-diversity measures.
Synthetic data in health care: A narrative review
Authors: Gonzales Aldren , Guruswamy Guruprabha , Smith Scott R.
Published: January 2023

Data are central to research, public health, and in developing health information technology (IT) systems. Nevertheless, access to most data in health care is tightly controlled, which may limit innovation, development, and efficient implementation of new research, products, services, or systems. Using synthetic data is one of the many innovative ways that can allow organizations to share datasets with broader users. However, only a limited set of literature is available that explores its potentials and applications in health care. In this review paper, we examined existing literature to bridge the gap and highlight the utility of synthetic data in health care. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar to identify peer-reviewed articles, conference papers, reports, and thesis/dissertations articles related to the generation and use of synthetic datasets in health care. The review identified seven use cases of synthetic data in health care: a) simulation and prediction research, b) hypothesis, methods, and algorithm testing, c) epidemiology/public health research, d) health IT development, e) education and training, f) public release of datasets, and g) linking data. The review also identified readily and publicly accessible health care datasets, databases, and sandboxes containing synthetic data with varying degrees of utility for research, education, and software development. The review provided evidence that synthetic data are helpful in different aspects of health care and research. While the original real data remains the preferred choice, synthetic data hold possibilities in bridging data access gaps in research and evidence-based policymaking.
Point-Of-Care Ultra-Sound (POCUS) for suspected surgical abdominal conditions in rural India–a mixed-method health needs assessment
Authors: Thomas Owen , Aruparayil Noel , Gnanaraj Jesudian , Mathew George , Nagarajan Kavikumar , Shinkins Beth , Jayne David
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Evidence has shown a trend towards rising mortality from surgical abdominal conditions with increasing distance from hospitals in Eastern India. It has been claimed that imaging modalities such as portable ultrasound are ideal for use in rural areas of developing countries for diagnosis and management of a variety of acute abdominal conditions. This mixed-methods study aimed to explore the need for increased access to POCUS in rural, hard-to-reach populations within India, and to identify barriers that may exist to increasing this access.

Methods

This mixed-methods study utilized a health needs assessment framework. Quantitative data was extracted from medical records within two outreach camp organisations supporting hard-to-reach populations in Uttarakhand and Jharkhand to provide contextual background statistics. Qualitative data was collected using semi-structured interviews taken from employees of each outreach camp. A framework analysis was employed to analyse the qualitative data. Both datasets were analysed in parallel.

Results

Twelve semi-structured interviews were undertaken, and 3 months of medical records were reviewed. Themes that presented themselves from the data included the use of camps for case-finding of conditions amenable to routine surgery, a need for POCUS to help with this diagnostic process, a perceived high disease burden from renal calculi, and complex cultural and legislative barriers to POCUS specific to this setting.

Discussion

POCUS was considered a useful tool in expanding access to surgery for these settings and finding ways of overcoming cultural and legislative barriers to its use should be of high priority. POCUS should be highly portable, robust, easily repairable, and battery operated. For telemedicine to be fully utilised, signal quality will have to be proven to be reliable.
Tracking district-level performance in the context of achieving zero indigenous case status by 2027
Authors: Yadav Chander Prakash , Hussain Syed Shah Areeb , Gupta Sanjeev , Bharti Praveen K. , Rahi Manju , Sharma Amit
Published: January 2023

India has committed to zero indigenous malaria cases by 2027 and elimination by 2030. Of 28 states and 8 union territories of India, eleven states were targeted to reach the elimination phase by 2020. However, state-level epidemiology indicates that several states of India may not be on the optimum track, and few goals set in National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) for 2020 remain to be addressed. Therefore, tracking the current progress of malaria elimination in India at the district level, and identifying districts that are off track is important in understanding possible shortfalls to malaria elimination. Annual malaria case data from 2017–20 of 686 districts of India were obtained from the National Center for Vector-Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) and analysed to evaluate the performance of districts to achieve zero case status by 2027. A district’s performance was evaluated by calculating the annual percentage change in the total number of malaria cases for the years 2018, 2019 and 2020 considering the previous year as a base year. The mean, median and maximum of these annual changes were then used to project the number of malaria cases in 2027. Based on these, districts were classified into four groups: 1) districts that are expected to reach zero case status by 2027, 2) districts that would achieve zero case status between 2028 and 2030, 3) districts that would arrive at zero case status after 2030, and 4) districts where malaria cases are on the rise. Analysis suggest, a cohort of fifteen districts require urgent modification or improvement in their malaria control strategies by identifying foci of infection and customizing interventions. They may also require new interventional tools that are being developed recently so that malaria case reduction over the years may be increased.
Clinical markers of post-Chikungunya chronic inflammatory joint disease: A Brazilian cohort
Authors: Lázari Carolina dos Santos , Ramundo Mariana Severo , ten-Caten Felipe , Bressan Clarisse S. , de Filippis Ana Maria Bispo , Manuli Erika Regina , de Moraes Isabella , Pereira Geovana Maria , Côrtes Marina Farrel , Candido Darlan da Silva , Gerber Alexandra L. , Guimarães Ana Paula , Faria Nuno Rodrigues , Nakaya Helder I. , Vasconcelos Ana Tereza R. , Brasil Patrícia , Paranhos-Baccalà Gláucia , Sabino Ester Cerdeira
Published: January 2023

Background

Chikungunya-fever (CHIKF) remains a public health major issue. It is clinically divided into three phases: acute, post-acute and chronic. Chronic cases correspond to 25–40% individuals and, though most of them are characterized by long-lasting arthralgia alone, many of them exhibit persistent or recurrent inflammatory signs that define post-Chikungunya chronic inflammatory joint disease (pCHIKV-CIJD). We aimed to identify early clinical markers of evolution to pCHIKV-CIJD during acute and post-acute phases.

Methodology/Principal findings

We studied a prospective cohort of CHIKF-confirmed volunteers with longitudinal clinical data collection from symptoms onset up to 90 days, including a 21-day visit (D21). Of 169 patients with CHIKF, 86 (50.9%) completed the follow-up, from whom 39 met clinical criteria for pCHIKV-CIJD (45.3%). The relative risk of chronification was higher in women compared to men (RR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.15–1.99; FDR = 0.03). None of the symptoms or signs presented at D0 behaved as an early predictor of pCHIKV-CIJD, while being symptomatic at D21 was a risk factor for chronification (RR = 1.31; 95% CI = 1.09–1.55; FDR = 0.03). Significance was also observed for joint pain (RR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.12–1.61; FDR = 0.02), reported edema (RR = 3.61; 95% CI = 1.44–9.06; FDR = 0.03), reported hand and/or feet small joints edema (RR = 4.22; 95% CI = 1.51–11.78; FDR = 0.02), and peri-articular edema observed during physical examination (RR = 2.89; 95% CI = 1.58–5.28; FDR = 0.002). Furthermore, patients with no findings in physical examination at D21 were at lower risk of chronic evolution (RR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.24–0.70, FDR = 0.01). Twenty-nine pCHIKV-CIJD patients had abnormal articular ultrasonography (90.6% of the examined). The most common findings were synovitis (65.5%) and joint effusion (58.6%).

Conclusion

This cohort has provided important insights into the prognostic evaluation of CHIKF. Symptomatic sub-acute disease is a relevant predictor of evolution to chronic arthritis with synovitis, drawing attention to joint pain, edema, multiple articular involvement including small hand and feet joints as risk factors for chronification beyond three months, especially in women. Future studies are needed to accomplish the identification of accurate and early biomarkers of poor clinical prognosis, which would allow better understanding of the disease’s evolution and improve patients’ management, modifying CHIKF burden on global public health.
Pilot study to evaluate hypercoagulation and inflammation using rotational thromboelastometry and calprotectin in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Stanford Sophia , Roy Ashok , Rea Catherine , Harris Ben , Ashton Antony , Mangles Sarah , Everington Tamara , Taher Rayan , Burns Daniel , Arbuthnot Emily , Cecil Tom
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Abnormal coagulation and inflammation are hallmarks of SARs-COV-19. Stratifying affected patients on admission to hospital may help identify those who at are risk of developing severe disease early on. Rotational Thromboelastometry (ROTEM) is a point of care test that can be used to measure abnormal coagulation and calprotectin is a measure of inflammation.

Aim

Assess if ROTEM can measure hypercoagulability on admission and identify those who will develop severe disease early on. Assess if calprotectin can measure inflammation and if there is a correlation with ROTEM and calprotectin.

Methods

COVID-19 patients were recruited on admission and ROTEM testing was undertaken daily for a period of 7 days. Additionally inflammatory marker calprotectin was also tested for the same period.

Results

33 patients were recruited to the study out of which 13 were admitted to ITU and 20 were treated on the ward. ROTEM detected a hypercoagulable state on admission but did not stratify between those admitted to a ward or escalated to ITU. Calprotectin levels were raised but there was no statistical difference (p = 0.73) between patients admitted to a ward or escalated to ITU. Significant correlations were observed between FIBA5 (r = 0.62; p<0.00), FIBCFT (r = -0.57; p<0.00), FIBMCF (r = 0.64; p<0.00) and INMCF (r = 0.57; p<0.00) and calprotectin.

Conclusion

COVID-19 patients were hypercoagulable on admission. The correlations between ROTEM and calprotectin underline the interactions between inflammation and coagulation.