bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-kappa DBR grating filters on an InP generic photonic integration foundry platform
Authors: Kumar Rakesh Ranjan , Hänsel Andreas , Castera Pau , Volet Nicolas , Heck Martijn J. R.
Published: March 2024

We demonstrate narrow-bandwidth, low-kappa, distributed Bragg reflector
(DBR) grating filters on an indium phosphide (InP) generic foundry
platform. With the varying corrugation widths of the DBR grating, we
achieve flexibility in the design of the coupling coefficients from 10
to 50cm−1, which correspond to grating
bandwidths of 0.68 nm to 1.28 nm, respectively. These values are
experimentally observed and agree well with the theoretical analysis.
The DBR grating is based on periodic rectangular grooves in quaternary
material that is placed between the waveguide core and cladding
region. Such configurations of the DBR grating provide a low
propagation loss of ∼2dB/cm near the telecom band around
1550 nm.
Double-pulse-laser volumetric modification of fused silica: the effect of pulse delay on light propagation and energy deposition
Authors: Zukerstein M. , Zhukov V. P. , Derrien T. J.-Y. , Fedotova O. , Bulgakova N. M.
Published: March 2024

Volumetric modification of dielectrics by ultrashort laser pulses is a complex dynamic phenomenon involving material photoexcitation and associated nonlinear processes. To achieve control over modification, it is necessary to gain a deep insight into the dynamics of laser-excited processes that can be realized using double-laser-pulse experiments with different time separations supported by numerical simulations. In this paper, we apply this approach to investigate fused silica modification with femtosecond laser pulses that provides time-resolved information about the dynamic behavior of the laser-excited bandgap material. It is shown that the laser-generated free-electron plasma causes a shielding effect for the following pulse with a characteristic duration of ∼600 fs after the pulse action. Within this time interval, the second pulse produces a reduced modification as compared to a longer time separation between pulses. For double pulses with different energies, it was found that the volumetric modification is stronger when a lower-energy pulse couples with material first. This is explained by the combination of the effects of the re-excitation of self-trapped excitons, which are generated as a result of free electron recombination and associated light shielding. Experimental results are supported by numerical simulations of double laser pulse propagation in nonlinear media based on Maxwell’s equations. Our findings offer a route for better controlling the inscription of 3D photonic structures in bulk optical materials.
Deep learning-enhanced snapshot hyperspectral confocal microscopy imaging system
Authors: Liu Shuai , Zou Wenzhen , Sha Hao , Feng Xiaochen , Chen Bin , Zhang Jian , Han Sanyang , Li Xiu , Zhang Yongbing
Published: March 2024

Laser-scanning confocal hyperspectral microscopy is a powerful technique to identify the different sample constituents and their spatial distribution in three-dimensional (3D). However, it suffers from low imaging speed because of the mechanical scanning methods. To overcome this challenge, we propose a snapshot hyperspectral confocal microscopy imaging system (SHCMS). It combined coded illumination microscopy based on a digital micromirror device (DMD) with a snapshot hyperspectral confocal neural network (SHCNet) to realize single-shot confocal hyperspectral imaging. With SHCMS, high-contrast 160-bands confocal hyperspectral images of potato tuber autofluorescence can be collected by only single-shot, which is almost 5 times improvement in the number of spectral channels than previously reported methods. Moreover, our approach can efficiently record hyperspectral volumetric imaging due to the optical sectioning capability. This fast high-resolution hyperspectral imaging method may pave the way for real-time highly multiplexed biological imaging.
Generation for high-dimensional caustics and artificially tailored structured caustic beams
Authors: Sun Zhuo , Hu Juntao , Wang Yishu , Li Xinzhong , Qian Yixian
Published: March 2024

We theoretically propose and demonstrate topological parabolic umbilic beams (PUBs) with high-dimensional caustic by mapping catastrophe theory into optics. The PUBs are first experimentally observed via dimensionality reduction. Due to the high-dimensionality, such light beams exhibit rich caustic structures characterized by optical singularities where the high-intensity gradient appears. Further, we propose an improved caustic approach to artificially tailored structured beams which exhibit significant intensity gradient and phase gradient. The properties can trap and drive particles to move along the predesigned trajectory, respectively. The advantages for structured caustic beams likely enable new applications in flexible particle manipulation, light-sheet microscopy, and micromachining.
Tunable and mode-locked Tm,Ho:GdScO3 laser
Authors: Liu Jian , Zhang Ning , Song Qingsong , Ding Heng , Wang Yinyin , Chen Peng , Wang Zebin , Xue Yanyan , Xu Jie , Zhao Yongguang , Xu Xiaodong , Lebbou Kheiredding , Xu Jun
Published: March 2024

A novel, to the best of our knowledge, Tm,Ho:GdScO3 crystal grown using the Czochralski method was investigated for its polarized spectroscopic properties and laser performance in both tunable continuous-wave (CW) and mode-locked regimes. The crystal’s multisite structure (Gd3+/Sc3+ site) and Tm3+/Ho3+ dopants contributed to spectral broadening, enabling a tunable laser operation from 1914 to 2125 nm (with a broad range of 215 nm). Additionally, a pulse duration of 72 fs was achieved for E || b polarization. These results demonstrate the potential of the Tm,Ho:GdScO3 perovskite crystal as a promising gain material for ultrafast lasers operating around 2 µm.
Low-loss and compact photonic lantern based on a step-index double cladding fiber
Authors: Zhang Cong , Wang Yue , Zhang Senyu , Xiang Meng , Fu Songnian , Qin Yuwen
Published: March 2024

The fulfilment of the adiabatic criterion is indispensable for the realization of a low-loss photonic lantern (PL), concurrently imposing a stringent restriction on the taper transition length of the PL. Here, by relaxing the adiabatic criterion, a low-loss and compact PL based on a step-index double cladding fiber (SI-DCF) is theoretically proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The use of SI-DCF can reduce the mode field diameter (MFD) expansion ratio during the tapering processing and greatly decrease the taper transition length required for adiabatic tapering. We initially evaluate the variation of both MFD and effective refractive index (RI) along the fiber tapering based on three types of fiber structures, including the modified standard single-mode fiber (SSMF), the graded-index fiber (GIF), and the proposed SI-DCF. In comparison with the commonly used fiber geometry, the SI-DCF can reduce the MFD expansion ratio from 77.73% to 38.81%, leading to more than half reduction of the tapering length for both 3-mode and 6-mode PLs. Then, two kinds of SI-DCF with different core diameters are fabricated to realize a 3-mode PL. The fabricated PL possesses a 1.5 cm tapering length and less than 0.2 dB insertion loss (IL). After splicing with the commercial few-mode fiber, the PL has an average IL of 0.6 dB and more than 13 dB LP11 mode purity over the C-band. Finally, a transfer matrix measurement indicates that the fabricated PLs have a mode coupling of less than −10 dB at 1550 nm.
Bidirectional Raman soliton-like combs with unidirectional pump in a spherical microresonator
Authors: Andrianov Alexey V. , Anashkina Elena A.
Published: March 2024

We experimentally demonstrate bidirectional Raman soliton-like combs in a whispering gallery mode microresonator with a unidirectional pump for the first time, to the best of our knowledge. We develop a relatively simple theoretical model and find an analytical solution for forward- and backward-propagating Raman sech2-shaped solitons in an anomalous dispersion region under unidirectional pumping in a normal dispersion region. Raman solitons exist, thanks to the balance between losses and Raman gain from a CW wave (which is equal in both directions) as well as between dispersion and Kerr nonlinearity.
Large and tunable optoelectronic chromatic dispersion in PIN-type photodiodes
Authors: Dutta Ayuushi , Liokumovitch Egor , Glaser Ziv , Sternklar Shmuel
Published: March 2024

It is known that PN-type photodiodes possess high optoelectronic chromatic dispersion (OED). Here we present a theoretical and experimental study of OED in PIN-type photodiodes. Applying the modulation phase-shift technique, a Ge PIN photodiode exhibits ∼0.5 deg/nm phase-shift sensitivity at 10 MHz modulation, corresponding to a dispersion of 1.4 ×109ps/(nm ×km), many orders of magnitude larger than high-dispersion optical materials such as chalcogenide glass. A striking feature of the PIN device is the ability to tune the amount and sign of the OED through the bias voltage. Electronic tuning between −0.8 deg/nm and +0.5 deg/nm is shown. The PIN photodiode is an on-chip device possessing significant tunable dispersion for applications in optical sensing and spectroscopy.
Technique for enhancing the accuracy of the Rayleigh–Sommerfeld convolutional diffraction through the utilization of independent spatial sampling: publisher’s note
Authors: Zhao Wanli , Lu Jing , Ma Jun , Yuan Caojin , Chang Chenliang , Zhu Rihong
Published: March 2024

This publisher’s note contains a correction to Opt. Lett. 49, 1385 (2024)10.1364/OL.509688.
High-efficiency high-numerical-aperture metalens designed by maximizing the efficiency limit
Authors: Li Shiyu , Lin Ho-Chun , Hsu Chia Wei
Published: March 2024

Theoretical bounds are commonly used to assess the limitations of photonic design. Here we introduce a more active way to use theoretical bounds, integrating them into part of the design process and identifying optimal system parameters that maximize the efficiency limit itself. As an example, we consider wide-field-of-view high-numerical-aperture metalenses, which can be used for high-resolution imaging in microscopy and endoscopy, but no existing design has achieved a high efficiency. By choosing aperture sizes to maximize an efficiency bound, setting the thickness according to a thickness bound, and then performing inverse design, we come up with high-numerical-aperture (NA=0.9) metalens designs with, to our knowledge, record-high 98% transmission efficiency and 92% Strehl ratio across all incident angles within a 60° field of view, reaching the maximized bound. This maximizing-efficiency-limit approach applies to any multi-channel system and can help a wide range of optical devices reach their highest possible performance.
The condition for dynamic stability in humans walking with feedback control
Authors: Reimann Hendrik , Bruijn Sjoerd M.
Published: March 2024

The walking human body is mechanically unstable. Loss of stability and falling is more likely in certain groups of people, such as older adults or people with neuromotor impairments, as well as in certain situations, such as when experiencing conflicting or distracting sensory inputs. Stability during walking is often characterized biomechanically, by measures based on body dynamics and the base of support. Neural control of upright stability, on the other hand, does not factor into commonly used stability measures. Here we analyze stability of human walking accounting for both biomechanics and neural control, using a modeling approach. We define a walking system as a combination of biomechanics, using the well known inverted pendulum model, and neural control, using a proportional-derivative controller for foot placement based on the state of the center of mass at midstance. We analyze this system formally and show that for any choice of system parameters there is always one periodic orbit. We then determine when this periodic orbit is stable, i.e. how the neural control gain values have to be chosen for stable walking. Following the formal analysis, we use this model to make predictions about neural control gains and compare these predictions with the literature and existing experimental data. The model predicts that control gains should increase with decreasing cadence. This finding appears in agreement with literature showing stronger effects of visual or vestibular manipulations at different walking speeds.
Subscaling of a cytosolic RNA binding protein governs cell size homeostasis in the multiple fission alga Chlamydomonas
Authors: Liu Dianyi , Lopez-Paz Cristina , Li Yubing , Zhuang Xiaohong , Umen James
Published: March 2024

Coordination of growth and division in eukaryotic cells is essential for populations of proliferating cells to maintain size homeostasis, but the underlying mechanisms that govern cell size have only been investigated in a few taxa. The green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (Chlamydomonas) proliferates using a multiple fission cell cycle that involves a long G1 phase followed by a rapid series of successive S and M phases (S/M) that produces 2n daughter cells. Two control points show cell-size dependence: the Commitment control point in mid-G1 phase requires the attainment of a minimum size to enable at least one mitotic division during S/M, and the S/M control point where mother cell size governs cell division number (n), ensuring that daughter distributions are uniform. tny1 mutants pass Commitment at a smaller size than wild type and undergo extra divisions during S/M phase to produce small daughters, indicating that TNY1 functions to inhibit size-dependent cell cycle progression. TNY1 encodes a cytosolic hnRNP A-related RNA binding protein and is produced once per cell cycle during S/M phase where it is apportioned to daughter cells, and then remains at constant absolute abundance as cells grow, a property known as subscaling. Altering the dosage of TNY1 in heterozygous diploids or through mis-expression increased Commitment cell size and daughter cell size, indicating that TNY1 is a limiting factor for both size control points. Epistasis placed TNY1 function upstream of the retinoblastoma tumor suppressor complex (RBC) and one of its regulators, Cyclin-Dependent Kinase G1 (CDKG1). Moreover, CDKG1 protein and mRNA were found to over-accumulate in tny1 cells suggesting that CDKG1 may be a direct target of repression by TNY1. Our data expand the potential roles of subscaling proteins outside the nucleus and imply a control mechanism that ties TNY1 accumulation to pre-division mother cell size.
Altered Fhod3 expression involved in progressive high-frequency hearing loss via dysregulation of actin polymerization stoichiometry in the cuticular plate
Authors: Boussaty Ely Cheikh , Ninoyu Yuzuru , Andrade Leonardo R. , Li Qingzhong , Takeya Ryu , Sumimoto Hideki , Ohyama Takahiro , Wahlin Karl J. , Manor Uri , Friedman Rick A.
Published: March 2024

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a common sensory impairment with complex underlying mechanisms. In our previous study, we performed a meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in mice and identified a novel locus on chromosome 18 associated with ARHL specifically linked to a 32 kHz tone burst stimulus. Consequently, we investigated the role of Formin Homology 2 Domain Containing 3 (Fhod3), a newly discovered candidate gene for ARHL based on the GWAS results. We observed Fhod3 expression in auditory hair cells (HCs) primarily localized at the cuticular plate (CP). To understand the functional implications of Fhod3 in the cochlea, we generated Fhod3 overexpression mice (Pax2-Cre+/-; Fhod3Tg/+) (TG) and HC-specific conditional knockout mice (Atoh1-Cre+/-; Fhod3fl/fl) (KO). Audiological assessments in TG mice demonstrated progressive high-frequency hearing loss, characterized by predominant loss of outer hair cells, and a decreased phalloidin intensities of CP. Ultrastructural analysis revealed loss of the shortest row of stereocilia in the basal turn of the cochlea, and alterations in the cuticular plate surrounding stereocilia rootlets. Importantly, the hearing and HC phenotype in TG mice phenocopied that of the KO mice. These findings suggest that balanced expression of Fhod3 is critical for proper CP and stereocilia structure and function. Further investigation of Fhod3 related hearing impairment mechanisms may lend new insight towards the myriad mechanisms underlying ARHL, which in turn could facilitate the development of therapeutic strategies for ARHL.
Predictors of neonatal mortality in Ethiopia: Cross sectional study using 2005, 2010 and 2016 Ethiopian demographic health survey datasets
Authors: Baruda Yirgalem Shibiru , Spigt Mark , Gabrio Andrea , Assebe Lelisa Fikadu
Published: March 2024

Ethiopia is among the countries that have highest neonatal mortality in the world. Despite efforts to reduce neonatal mortality, the country has faced challenges in achieving national and global targets. The study aims to determine the trends and predictors of change in neonatal mortality in Ethiopia for the past 15 years. The study used Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey Datasets (EDHS) from 2005, 2011, and 2016. All live births of reproductive-age women in Ethiopia were included in the study. Multivariate decomposition analysis for the nonlinear response variable (MVDCMP) based on the logit link function was employed to determine the relative contribution of each independent variable to the change in neonatal mortality over the last 15 years. The neonatal mortality rate has decreased by 11 per 1,000 live births, with an annual reduction rate of 2.8% during the survey period. The mortality rate increased in the pastoralist regions of the country from 31 per 1,000 live births to 36 per 1,000 live births, compared to the city and agrarian regions. Maternal ANC visits in 2005 and 2016 (AOR [95%CI] = 0.10 [0.01, 0.81]; 0.01 [0.02, 0.60]) were significantly associated with decreased neonatal mortality. In addition, the decomposition analysis revealed that increased birth interval of more than 24 months and early breastfeeding initiation contributed to the reduction of neonatal mortality by 26% and 10%, respectively, during the survey period. The study found that neonatal mortality is a public health problem in the country, particularly in pastoralist communities. Tailor made maternal and child healthcare interventions that promote early breastfeeding initiation, increased birth intervals and ANC utilization should be implemented to reduce neonatal mortality, particularly in pastoralist communities.
A qualitative analysis of self-management needs of adolescents and young adults living with perinatally acquired HIV in rural, southwestern Uganda
Authors: Ashaba Scholastic , Baguma Charles , Tushemereirwe Patricia , Nansera Denis , Maling Samuel , Tsai Alexander C. , Zanoni Brian C.
Published: March 2024

The number of adolescents living with HIV remains high in sub-Saharan Africa with poorer HIV treatment outcomes among adolescents and young adults compared to individuals in other age groups. For adolescents and young adults living with perinatally acquired HIV (AYLPHIV), the transition from pediatric to adult HIV care is a particularly high-risk period. We conducted a qualitative study to understand self-management needs of AYLPHIV in rural, southwestern Uganda as they prepare to transition to adult HIV care in order to inform relevant interventions that can enable AYLPHIV acquire the necessary skills to manage their illness as they age into adulthood. We conducted 60 in-depth interviews with AYLPHIV (n = 30), caregivers (n = 20) and health care providers (n = 10) from the HIV clinic at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital. We used an interview guide that focused on perceptions about transition to adult HIV care, challenges with transitioning, navigating HIV care, and self-management needs for AYLPHIV (from the perspectives of AYLPHIV, their caregivers, and health care providers). We used thematic analysis to identify themes related to AYLPHIV’s self-management skills. We identified several self-management needs that we grouped under two major themes; social support and empowerment for AYLPHIV to assume responsibility for their own health and to navigate adult HIV care independently. The sub-themes under social support were information support, instrumental support, and emotional support as the sub themes while sub-themes under empowerment included self-advocacy skills, interpersonal skills, self-care skills, and disclosure skills. Taken together, these findings indicate that AYLPHIV need to be supported and empowered to maximize their chances of successfully transitioning to adult HIV care. Support comes from peers and caregivers. AYLPHIV require knowledge about their HIV status and empowerment with different skills including: self-advocacy skills, interpersonal skills, self-care skills, and HIV status disclosure skills, in order to assume responsibilities related to independent HIV care.
Linkages between maternal experience of intimate partner violence and child nutrition outcomes: A rapid evidence assessment
Authors: Bhatt Carreno Silvia , Orjuela-Grimm Manuela , Vahedi Luissa , Roesch Elisabeth , Heckman Christine , Beckingham Andrew , Gayford Megan , Meyer Sarah R.
Published: March 2024

Background

A strong evidence base indicates that maternal caregivers’ experience of intimate partner violence [IPV] impacts children’s health, cognitive development, and risk-taking behaviors. Our objective was to review peer-reviewed literature describing the associations between a child’s indirect exposure to IPV and corresponding nutrition outcomes, with a particular focus on fragile settings in low and middle-income countries [LMICs].

Methods

We conducted a rapid evidence assessment to synthesize quantitative associations between maternal caregivers’ IPV experience and children’s nutrition/growth outcomes (birthweight, feeding, and growth indicators). We included peer-reviewed research, published in English or Spanish after the year 2000, conducted in fragile settings in LMICs.

Results

We identified 86 publications that fit inclusion criteria. Amongst all associations assessed, a maternal caregiver’s experience of combined forms of IPV (physical, sexual and emotional) or physical IPV only, were most consistently associated with lower birthweight, especially during pregnancy. Women of child-bearing age, including adolescents, exposed to at least one type of IPV showed a decreased likelihood of following recommended breastfeeding practices. Lifetime maternal experience of combined IPV was significantly associated with stunting among children under 5 years of age in the largest study included, though findings in smaller studies were inconsistent. Maternal experience of physical or combined IPV were inconsistently associated with underweight or wasting in the first five years. Maternal experience of sexual IPV during pregnancy appeared to predict worsened lipid profiles among children.

Conclusion

Maternal caregivers’ experience of IPV is significantly associated with low birthweight and suboptimal breastfeeding practices, whereas studies showed inconsistent associations with child growth indicators or blood nutrient levels. Future research should focus on outcomes in children aged 2 years and older, investigation of feeding practices beyond breastfeeding, and examination of risk during time periods physiologically relevant to the outcomes. Programmatic implications include incorporation of GBV considerations into nutrition policies and programming and integrating GBV prevention and response into mother and child health and nutrition interventions in LMIC contexts.
Bullying victimization among adolescents: Prevalence, associated factors and correlation with mental health outcomes
Authors: Ghardallou Mariem , Mtiraoui Ahlem , Ennamouchi Dorra , Amara Amel , Gara Amel , Dardouri Maha , Zedini Chekib , Mtiraoui Ali
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Knowledge of the risk factors of bullying victimization in adolescents is crucial for the implementation of preventive measures. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of bullying victimization and to identify its correlation with mental health outcomes among middle school students in Tunisia.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multi-stage cluster sampling technique to recruit a sample of 1111 students from 10 middle schools in El kef (Tunisia). The revised Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence and types of bullying victimization and the perceived efforts of others to counteract bullying. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used for screening emotional and behavioral problems. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine associated factors of bullying victimization. Additionally, we tested whether emotional and behavioral problems were present for bullying victims.

Results

The findings reported that 45.8% (95%CI = 45.5–46.0), of the total number of participants experienced school bullying victimization. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, revealed that repeating a grade (OR = 1.82, 95%CI = 1.31–2.54), having a working father (OR = 17.68; 95%CI = 2.29–136,15), and having a working mother (OR = 1.88, 95%CI = 1.39–2.53) were the factors significantly associated with bullying victimization. Nevertheless, a higher mother’s educational level (OR = 0.76, 95%CI = 0.67–0.88) was a protective factor against bullying victimization. The self-reported SDQ revealed that the total difficulties score was significantly higher among victims (17.46 ± 5.30 vs. 20.86 ± 5.06, p<0.01).

Conclusions

This study showed that the prevalence of bullying in middle schools was high and it significantly led to mental health problems. National policies for bullying prevention within schools are potentially needed. Improving students’ problem-solving and soft skills is also essential.
Call combination in African forest elephants Loxodonta cyclotis
Authors: Hedwig Daniela , Kohlberg Anna
Published: March 2024

Syntax, the combination of meaning-devoid phonemes into meaningful words, which in turn are combined in structurally and semantically complex sentences, is fundamental to the unlimited expressiveness of human languages. Studying the functions of call combinations in non-human species provides insights into the evolution of such syntactic capabilities. Here, we investigated the combination of high amplitude broadband calls with low frequency rumble vocalizations in a highly social species, the African forest elephantLoxodonta cyclotis. Rumbles play an integral role in coordinating social interactions by transmitting socially relevant information, including individual identity. By contrast, broadband calls, such as roars, are thought to function as signals of distress and urgency as they are typically produced in situations of high emotional intensity. Functional changes associated with the combination of these calls remain little understood. We found that call combinations were produced by all age-sex classes but were most prevalent in immature individuals. We found that rumbles used singularly occurred in all five investigated social contexts, whereas single broadband calls were restricted to two resource-related contexts. Call combinations also occurred in all five contexts, suggesting an increase in the functional use of broadband calls when combined with rumbles, analogous to the generativity brought about through syntax in human speech. Moreover, combining calls appeared to lead to functional shifts towards high-stake contexts. Call combinations were more likely in competition contexts compared to single rumbles, and more likely in separation contexts compared to single broadband calls. We suggest that call combination in forest elephants may aide to reduce message ambiguity in high-stake situation by simultaneously communicating distress and individual identity, which may be critical to secure access to resources, reduce the risk of injury and to reunite with or recruit the support of the family group.
Tuberculin skin test and Interferon-gamma release assay agreement, and associated factors with latent tuberculosis infection, in medical and nursing students in Bandung, Indonesia
Authors: Apriani Lika , McAllister Susan , Sharples Katrina , Aini Isni Nurul , Nurhasanah Hanifah , Ratnaningsih Dwi Febni , Indrati Agnes Rengga , Ruslami Rovina , Alisjahbana Bachti , van Crevel Reinout , Hill Philip C.
Published: March 2024

Background

No gold standard diagnostic test exists for latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). The intra-dermal tuberculin skin test (TST) has known limitations and Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) have been developed as an alternative. We aimed to assess agreement between IGRA and TST, and risk factors for test positivity, in Indonesian healthcare students.

Methods

Medical and nursing students starting their clinical training were screened using IGRA and TST. Agreement between the two tests was measured using Cohen’s Kappa coefficient. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with test positivity.

Results

Of 266 students, 43 (16.2%) were IGRA positive and 85 (31.9%) TST positive. Agreement between the two tests was 74.7% (kappa 0.33, 95% CI 0.21–0.45, P<0.0001). Students who had direct contact with family or friends with TB were less likely to be test positive using IGRA (AOR 0.18, 95% CI 0.05–0.64) and using TST (AOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.26–0.99).

Conclusion

Test positivity for LTBI was lower when measured by IGRA than by TST, with poor agreement between the two tests. Known close TB contact was unexpectedly negatively associated with positivity by either test. Longitudinal studies may be required to help determine the best test for LTBI in healthcare students in Indonesia.
Suppression of the alpha, delta, and omicron variants of SARS-Cov-2 in Taiwan
Authors: Tsou Hsiao-Hui , Lee Fang-Jing , Wu Shiow-Ing , Fan Byron , Wu Hsiao-Yu , Lin Yu-Hsuan , Hsu Ya-Ting , Cheng Chieh , Cheng Yu-Chieh , Jiang Wei-Ming , Chiou Hung-Yi , Chen Wei J. , Hsiung Chao A. , Chen Pau-Chung , Sytwu Huey-Kang
Published: March 2024

Background

Taiwan was a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outlier, with an extraordinarily long transmission-free record: 253 days without locally transmitted infections while the rest of the world battled wave after wave of infection. The appearance of the alpha variant in May 2021, closely followed by the delta variant, disrupted this transmission-free streak. However, despite low vaccination coverage (<1%), outbreaks were well-controlled.

Methods

This study analyzed the time to border closure and conducted one-sample t test to compare between Taiwan and Non-Taiwan countries prior to vaccine introduction. The study also collected case data to observe the dynamics of omicron transmission. Time-varying reproduction number,Rt, was calculated and was used to reflect infection impact at specified time points and model trends of future incidence.

Results

The study analyzed and compare the time to border closure in Taiwan and non-Taiwan countries. The mean times to any border closure from the first domestic case within each country were -21 and 5.98 days, respectively (P < .0001). The Taiwanese government invested in quick and effective contact tracing with a precise quarantine strategy in lieu of a strict lockdown. Residents followed recommendations based on self-discipline and unity. The self-discipline in action is evidenced in Google mobility reports. The central and local governments worked together to enact non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), including universal masking, social distancing, limited unnecessary gatherings, systematic contact tracing, and enhanced quarantine measures. The people cooperated actively with pandemic-prevention regulations, including vaccination and preventive NPIs.

Conclusions

This article describes four key factors underlying Taiwan’s success in controlling COVID-19 transmission: quick responses; effective control measures with new technologies and rolling knowledge updates; unity and cooperation among Taiwanese government agencies, private companies and organizations, and individual citizens; and Taiwanese self-discipline.
Enhanced echocardiographic assessment of intracardiac flow in congenital heart disease
Authors: Meyers Brett A. , Zhang Jiacheng , Nyce Jonathan , Loke Yue-Hin , Vlachos Pavlos P.
Published: March 2024

Background

4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (4D flow MRI) can assess and measure the complex flow patterns of the right ventricle (RV) in congenital heart diseases, but its limited availability makes the broad application of intracardiac flow assessment challenging. Color Doppler imaging velocity reconstruction from conventional echocardiography is an emerging alternative, but its validity against 4D flow MRI needs to be established.

Objective

To compare intracardiac flow parameters measured by color Doppler velocity reconstruction (DoVeR) against parameters measured from 4D flow MRI.

Methods

We analyzed 20 subjects, including 7 normal RVs and 13 abnormal RVs (10 with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot, and 3 with atrial-level shunts). Intracardiac flow parameters such as relative pressure difference, vortex strength, total kinetic energy, and viscous energy loss were quantified using DoVeR and 4D flow MRI. The agreement between the two methods was determined by comparing the spatial fields and quantifying the cross-correlation and normalized difference between time-series measurements.

Results

The hemodynamic parameters obtained from DoVeR and 4D flow MRI showed similar flow characteristics and spatial distributions. The time evolutions of the parameters were also in good agreement between the two methods. The median correlation coefficient between the time-series of any parameter was between 0.87 and 0.92, and the median L2-norm deviation was between 10% to 14%.

Conclusions

Our study shows that DoVeR is a reliable alternative to 4D flow MRI for quantifying intracardiac hemodynamic parameters in the RV.
Simulation-Driven Strategies for Improving Natural Ventilation in Educational Spaces: A Case Study of An Educational Building in Sari
Authors: Tabibi Sina
Published: March 2024

Any architectural space, especially the architecture of an educational complex, should provide comfort for human beings in the face of geographical and climatic characteristics. Climatic factors have always profoundly affected the formation of the physical environment of buildings. Energy demand has always been one of society’s most critical issues. Saving resources is one of the architectural design goals to achieve a suitable environment-friendly architecture. This architectural approach, which comes from the concepts of sustainable development, is one of the basic human needs in the current world due to its compatibility with the environment. The goal is to build constructions that can improve the climate, prevent the waste of energy consumption, and avoid the adverse effects of construction on the environment. In traditional Iranian architecture, there are numerous passive methods; natural ventilation is an essential part of Iranian conventional building design, which is being ignored today. Since humid and moderate climates have high relative humidity on most days of the year, one important goal is to move the stagnant moisture inside to establish a suitable thermal environment for occupants. The research method of the present study is descriptive-analytical, which has been experimented with according to library studies in addition to climate and meteorological data. Then, analysis of the data is provided by an energy simulator. It is concluded that the best orientation of the educational building is south, which can provide proper natural ventilation and solar heat gain. In other words, optimal interior air quality is achieved in this orientation.
Catalyst Screening and Optimization Condition of Green Solvent for BHD Production using Ni-based Catalysts
Authors: Ounsuk Patravee , Triampitak Sirapat , Leetrakul Jitsinee , Sudsakorn Kandis , Seubsai Anusorn , Prapainainar Chaiwat , Prapainainar Paweena
Published: March 2024

The high production costs associated with bio-hydrogenated diesel (BHD) have posed a major challenge. Considering this, the present research focused on the production of green solvents at lower pressures as a potential solution. Specifically, the synthesis of various catalysts, namely Ni/γ-Al2O3, Ni/C, NiMo/γ-Al2O3, NiMo/SiO2TiO2, and NiMo/C, was conducted to facilitate the hydrodeoxygenation reaction of methyl laurate into cyclohexane, leading to conversion into dodecane. The resulting green solvent was analyzed using GC-FID and GC-TCD techniques. Among the five catalysts tested, NiMo/C demonstrated superior performance, achieving a conversion rate of 64.61%, selectivity of 62.46%, and yield of 44.98%. The gas analysis conducted using GC-TCD revealed the production of carbon monoxide, methane, and carbon dioxide, aligning with the dodecane pathway theory. Further analysis of the NiMo/C catalyst was conducted using SEM, BET, and XRD techniques, while the Design of Expert program was used to identify more favorable conditions for dodecane production. Through this optimization process, significant improvements were achieved, resulting in a conversion rate of 98.26%, selectivity of 66.82%, and yield of 65.66% at 320 °C and 28 bar, with a reaction time of 6 h.
Labbing for sustainability transformations: Learning about challenges and strategies for impact
Authors: Erisman Jetske C. , Feenstra Léon D. , Broerse Jacqueline E.W. , Grijseels Mike , Gudek Luka , de Hoop Evelien , Jones Tobia S. , Loeber Anne M. C. , Luger Jonathan , van der Meij Marjoleine G. , Prūse Baiba , Regeer Barbara J. , Saidi Trust , Schrammeijer Bep A. , Zeidan Hussein , Zuiderent-Jerak Teun , Kok Kristiaan P. W.
Published: March 2024

Creating impact in labs oriented at sustainability transformations is challenging. Combining the experiences of ten projects and sharing the insights in “Labbing”, gained through engaging in various activities within transformation-oriented Labs from the fields of agriculture,
food, and healthcare, the author team established a Community of Practice at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, to identify impact challenges inductively and recommend practical strategies for addressing these.While the issue of creating impact in real-world labs for experimenting with
sustainability transformation has been studied, little is known about how to assess and understand impact in practice. Deciding on “what counts as impact” is challenging as problem definitions and solutions are political and contested. In our research projects for sustainability
transformations in fields such as agriculture, food, and healthcare, we encountered typical questions of creating impact in real-world labs. We established a Community of Practice to explore the different challenges pertaining to these impact questions. We identified four overarching challenges
related to impact: 1. measuring the impact of Labs, 2. dealing with positionality and power dynamics, 3. fostering impact within and beyond projects, and 4. ensuring impact across different contexts. This paper offers practical strategies for responding to these challenges: 1. tailor-made
training for Labbing, 2. reflexively engaging with power dynamics, 3. forging rich, translocal learning and impact. Sharing learnings from our experience with Labbing may broaden the repertoire of fellow Lab practitioners in enhancing and strengthening their impact.
Speaking of success: Real-world experiments for sustainability transformations and causal inference
Authors: Korzhenevych Artem
Published: March 2024

Reports of successful sustainability-oriented real-world experiments can be categorized by the type of explanatory approaches employed, namely, the variance approach, which looks for correlations, and the process approach, which draws causal inferences in a narrative way. Their validity
could benefit from a more critical reflection on the data and methods used.This paper examines a sample of 20 sustainability-oriented real-world experiment reports from 2006 to 2020, with the aim of uncovering the logic and methods used to demonstrate their success, that means, to show
that they achieved their stated objectives. Following a distinction often made in the social sciences, I look for features of either the variance or the process approach to causal inference. I find that reports of transition experiments, socio-technical experiments, and community-based interventions
display characteristic features of the process approach. Reports of trials, pilots, and field experiments, on the other hand, mostly use the variance approach to demonstrate success. An important observation is the limited recognition of possible biases related to the methods used or the data.
I describe a number of possible biases that may be of importance in the context of sustainability-oriented real-world experiments. Important examples include measurement errors and biases in participant selection. Recognising the biases and correcting them where necessary can strengthen the
validity of the findings obtained and help other researchers in designing their experiments.
POTENSI PANAS LAUT SEBAGAI ENERGI BARU TERBARUKAN DI PERAIRAN KEPULAUAN NUSA TENGGARA TIMUR DENGAN METODE OCEAN THERMAL ENERGY CONVERSION (OTEC)
Authors: Fadllillah Ahmad Arif Zulfan , Sanjaya Kadek Valerina Kitana , Arkananta Muhammad Zaky , Darmawan Yahya
Published: March 2024

Energi terbarukan merupakan solusi terbaik untuk memenuhi kebutuhan energi listrik demi keberlangsungan hidup manusia. Mengingat peningkatan yang terus menerus dalam kebutuhan energi listrik dan energi fosil juga semakin menipis, diperlukan inovasi baru dalam menghasilkan energi terbarukan yang ramah lingkungan. Salah satu metode yang digunakan adalah Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC), yang menggunakan perbedaan temperatur antara laut dalam dan permukaan dengan selisih minimal 20 °C untuk menghasilkan energi listrik melalui mesin kalor. Kepulauan Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT) merupakan salah satu provinsi di Indonesia yang memiliki kekurangan pasokan listrik. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi potensi pemanfaatan OTEC di perairan Kepulauan NTT. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah data suhu air laut dalam dan permukaan di perairan sekitar Kepulauan Nusa Tenggara Timur, yang diperoleh dari World Ocean Atlas 2013. Data tersebut kemudian diolah menggunakan perangkat lunak analisis data dan Ocean Data View (ODV). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perairan kepulauan Nusa Tenggara Timur memiliki potensi yang tinggi dengan tingkat efisiensi carnot > 7 % dengan potensi listrik yang dapat dihasilkan dari OTEC di wilayah kepulauan NTT adalah sekitar 2.527,4 GWh per tahun.
Rheological behavior of particle-filled polymer suspensions and its influence on surface structure of the coated electrodes
Authors: Ming Hao , Guan Yinyan , Geng Cong , Gao Yingjun , Meng Jing , Liang Jiyan
Published: March 2024

Capacitive deionization electrode prepared by coating was commonly investigated, with polymer solution as binder and active particles as adsorbent. In the coating process, microstructure constituted by the two components was damaged by shear, then rebuilt when shear was removed. The microstructure strongly influenced the surface structure of the coated electrodes, further to performance and cycle life. The discussion of the interaction between the components in the coating process facilitates the identification of structural mechanisms. Rheology bridged the flow regimes in macroscale and interaction in microscale, through which the interaction between the polymer and particles can be investigated in a macroscopic phenomenon. In this study, hydrophilic polymer, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) were used as binders to prepare the suspension for coating. The influence of polymer molecular structure to interaction and microstructure was investigated by rheology. Results showed that the flexibility of polymer determined the adsorption morphology, leading to different flocculation structures. For rigid PVA, a 3d-crosslinked network was formed, giving a tough coating. While for flexible PEO, encapsulation structure was formed, leading to a brittle coating. A model based on bridging flocculation was evaluated to describe the formation and destruction of the flocculation structure. And a rheological method for binder selection and coating operation was proposed.
Gold-catalyzed synthesis of small-sized carbo- and heterocyclic compounds: A review
Authors: Kadiyala Kasi Ganesh , Goutham Kommuru , Yamini Vanipenta , Katari Naresh Kumar
Published: March 2024

Research on gold catalysis has flourished over the last 20 years, and gold catalysts are now acknowledged as the “best choice” for a range of organic transformations. Gold complexes have emerged as promising candidates for this use in recent years because of their high reactivity, which enables them to induce a broad range of transformations under mild conditions. Extensive demonstrations have showcased the extraordinary efficiency of synthesizing complex organic compounds from the basic starting components. In addition to its traditional applications in catalysis, gold catalysis has expanded to include the total synthesis of natural compounds, which is a complex and demanding undertaking. The class of molecules known as carbo- and heterocycles, which is arguably the most important, has a significant impact on the synthesis of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals among the numerous additional products made possible by the novel procedures pioneered. The main topic of this review is how to use Au salts in homogeneous catalysis to create cyclization processes for small heterocyclic and carbocyclic systems. This study gives an overview of most of the books and articles written after 2013 that discuss making three- and four-membered carbo- and heterocyclic rings with gold as a catalyst. We have made every effort to include all outstanding reports on this subject; nonetheless, we apologize for any omissions.
Effects of grammatical gender on gender inferences: Evidence from French hybrid nouns
Authors: Storme Benjamin , Delaloye Saillen Laura
Published: March 2024

A growing body of research shows that readers and listeners are biased by the grammatical gender of a noun when making inferences about the gender of its referent. This result is central in debates about gender-fair language but has mostly been established using masculine generics. This paper presents two preregistered studies on French that aim to replicate this result but using a lesser-studied type of noun: generic hybrid nouns. These nouns can refer to both male and female individuals but are either masculine or feminine, depending on the noun (e.g. un talent ‘a talent’ and une vedette ‘a star’). The availability of both genders for hybrid nouns allows for a more comprehensive test of the effect of grammatical gender than permitted by masculine generics. Overall, the paper replicates the role of grammatical biases in gender inferences, with masculine hybrid nouns being judged as more likely to refer to male individuals as compared to feminine hybrid nouns. However the results did not reveal a symmetric bias for feminine nouns, which were interpreted as gender-neutral. But this latter result should be interpreted with caution as it could be due to uncontrolled effects of gender stereotypes coming from the specific stimuli used in the study.