bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broadband performance limits of ultra-thin lenses using time-domain analysis
Authors: Teichman Jeremy
Published: September 2021

Thin lenses of sufficient diameter and focusing power cannot fully compensate for variation in free-space time of flight to maintain and focus an intact wavefront and instead combine successive wavefronts. The limited temporal coherence of broadband light reduces the effectiveness of such interference. Using effective medium theory and scalar diffraction we exploit time-domain analysis to show that the temporal coherence of illumination imposes hard limits on the performance of thin lenses as measured by the Strehl ratio. These limits apply equally to diffractive optical elements and metalenses.
Supermode-based second harmonic generation in a nonlinear interferometer
Authors: Barral David , D’Auria Virginia , Doutre Florent , Lunghi Tommaso , Tanzilli Sébastien , Petronela Rambu Alicia , Tascu Sorin , Ariel Levenson Juan , Belabas Nadia , Bencheikh Kamel
Published: September 2021

We demonstrate supermode-based second harmonic generation in an integrated nonlinear interferometer made of linear and nonlinear directional couplers. We use a fully-fibered pump shaper to demonstrate second harmonic generation pumped by the symmetric or anti-symmetric fundamental spatial modes. The selection of the pumping mode and thus of a specific SHG spectral profile is achieved through the selection of the fundamental wavelength and via a robust phase setting scheme. We use two methods: either post-selecting or actively setting the pumping mode. Such modal phase matching paves the way for classical and quantum applications of coupled nonlinear photonic circuits, where multimode excitation, encoding and detection are a route for multiplexing and scaling up light-processing.
Scalable distributed microwave photonic MIMO radar based on a bidirectional ring network
Authors: Sun Qiang , Dong Jingwen , Liu Chenyu , Yang Jiyao , Zhang Xiangpeng , Li Wangzhe
Published: September 2021

A scalable distributed microwave photonic multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) radar is proposed based on a bidirectional ring network. The network is constructed with a fiber ring on which a local node and several remote nodes are distributed. In the local node, radar signals are generated over different optical wavelengths based on external modulation. Employing wavelength-division multiplexing, the radar signals are sent to remote nodes through the fiber ring. In different remote nodes, radar signals modulated on corresponding wavelength are utilized for transmitting or photonic de-chirp processing. Benefiting from the bidirectional ring network, the proposed radar is suitable for large-scale distribution. Together with the pluggable remote nodes, the scalability of the radar is enhanced. A proof-of-concept experiment is demonstrated to verify the feasibility of the system. Measurements of two-dimensional position and velocity of targets are realized. The position error and velocity error are better than 8 cm and 0.20 m/s respectively.
Examining the utility of pinhole-type screens for lightfield display
Authors: Kopycki P. , Tolosa A. , Luque M. J. , Garcia-Domene M. C. , Diez-Ajenjo M. , Saavedra G. , Martinez-Corral M.
Published: September 2021

The use of microlens arrays for lightfield display has the drawback of providing images with strong chromatic aliasing. To overcome this problem, pinhole-type lightfield monitors are proposed. This paper is devoted to evaluating the capability for such lightfield monitors to offer the user a convincing 3D experience with images with enough brightness and continuous aspect. Thus, we have designed a psychophysical test specifically adapted for lightfield monitors, which allowed us to confirm the usability of pinhole-type monitors.
Exploiting zirconium nitride for an efficient heat-resistant absorber and emitter pair for solar thermophotovoltaic systems
Authors: Ijaz Sumbel , Rana Ahsan Sarwar , Ahmad Zubair , Rehman Bacha , Zubair Muhammad , Mehmood Muhammad Qasim
Published: September 2021

A perfect absorber in the visible-infrared regime maintaining its performance at elevated temperatures and under a harsh environment is needed for energy harvesting using solar-thermophotovoltaic (STPV) systems. A near-perfect metasurface absorber based on lossy refractory metal nitride, zirconium-nitride (ZrN), having a melting-point of 2,980°C, is presented. The numerically proposed design with metal-insulator-metal configuration exhibits an average of > 95% for 400-800 nm and 86% for 280-2200 nm. High absorption is attributed to magnetic resonance leading to free-space impedance matching. The subwavelength structure is polarization- and angle-insensitive and is highly tolerant to fabrication imperfections. An emitter is optimized for bandgap energy ranging from 0.7 eV-1.9 eV.
Unified mathematical framework for a class of fundamental freeform optical systems
Authors: Anthonissen Martijn J. H. , Romijn Lotte B. , ten Thije Boonkkamp Jan H. M. , IJzerman Wilbert L.
Published: September 2021

We present a unified mathematical framework for sixteen fundamental optical systems. The systems have a parallel or point source and a parallel, point, near-field or far-field target. These choices give eight configurations if we use reflectors only and take the minimum number of freeform surfaces required. Similarly, we get eight lens systems if we only use lens surfaces. The mathematical model for each system is based on Hamilton’s characteristic functions and conservation of luminous flux. Some configurations lead to standard or generalized Monge-Ampère equations. The remaining systems are described by so-called generated Jacobian equations.
Superluminal-subluminal orbital angular momentum femtosecond laser focus
Authors: Jeong Tae Moon , Bulanov Sergei V. , Hadjisolomou Prokopis , Esirkepov Timur Zh.
Published: September 2021

The interplay between the frequency chirping of a broadband laser pulse and the longitudinal chromatic aberration of a focusing optic introduces the superluminal or subluminal behavior to a laser focus. In this paper, we present an analytic expression for an electric field describing a superluminal or subluminal femtosecond laser focus with orbital angular momentum. The analytic expression for a superluminal or subluminal laser focus is obtained through a diffraction integral, in which the focal length is replaced by a time-dependent focal length under the paraxial approximation, and the Fourier transformation. The speed and pulse duration of a laser focus are determined by the total group delay dispersion and a chromaticity parameter defined by the longitudinal chromatic aberration of a dispersive focusing optic. It is shown that it is possible to generate a several femtosecond superluminal orbital angular momentum laser focus in the focal region.
Investigation of the effective aperture: towards high-resolution Fresnel incoherent correlation holography
Authors: Ma Fengying , Li Yu , Wang Xi , Du Yanli , Gong Qiaoxia , Cheng Jingkai , Qin Li , Su Jianpo , Hu Yongsheng
Published: September 2021

Fresnel incoherent correlation holography (FINCH) shows great advantages of coherent-light-source-free, high lateral resolution, no scanning, and easy integration, and has exhibited great potential in recording three-dimensional information of objects. Despite the rapid advances in the resolution of the FINCH system, little attention has been paid to the influence of the effective aperture of the system. Here, the effective aperture of the point spread function (PSF) has been investigated both theoretically and experimentally. It is found that the effective aperture is mainly restricted by the aperture of the charge-coupled device (CCD), the pixel size of the CCD, and the actual aperture of the PSF at different recording distances. It is also found that the optimal spatial resolution exists only for a small range of recording distance, while this range would become smaller as the imaging wavelength gets longer, leading to the result that the optimal spatial resolution is solely determined by the actual aperture of the PSF. By further combining the FINCH system with a microscopy system and optimizing the recording distance, a spatial resolution as high as 0.78 μm at the wavelength of 633 nm has been obtained, enabling a much higher quality imaging of unstained living biological cells compared to the commercial optical microscope. The results of this work may provide some helpful insights into the design of high-resolution FINCH systems and pave the way for their application in biomedical imaging.
Linear and nonlinear optical properties of the piezoelectric crystal α-GeO2
Authors: Remark Théodore , Segonds Patricia , Peña Alexandra , Menaert Bertrand , Debray Jérôme , Jegouso David , Pujol Maria Cinta , Boulanger Benoît
Published: September 2021

We report the first measurements of phase-matching angles for second-harmonic generation, sum- and difference- frequency generations performed over the transparency range of the uniaxial α-GeO2 crystal. A simultaneous fit of these data provided dispersion equations. The optical damage threshold and the magnitude of the nonlinear coefficient d11 are also determined. We found |

d

11

G
e
O
2

(

0.67

μ
m

)

|

=
0.76

±
0.09

pm/V.
Ocurrence of rotavirus and picobirnavirus in wild and exotic avian from amazon forest
Authors: Duarte Júnior José Wandilson Barboza , Chagas Elaine Hellen Nunes , Serra Ana Carolina Silva , Souto Lizandra Caroline dos Santos , da Penha Júnior Edvaldo Tavares , Bandeira Renato da Silva , e Guimarães Ricardo José de Paula Souza , Oliveira Hanna Gabriela da Silva , Sousa Thaymis Kiara Santos , Lopes Cinthia Távora de Albuquerque , Domingues Sheyla Farhayldes Souza , Pinheiro Helder Henrique Costa , Malik Yashpal Singh , Salvarani Felipe Masiero , Mascarenhas Joana D’Arc Pereira
Published: September 2021

The present study reports the occurrence of rotavirus A (RVA), rotavirus D (RVD), rotavirus F (RVF), rotavirus G (RVG), and picobirnavirus (PBV) in fecal specimens of wild (n = 22), and exotic birds (n = 1) from different cities of Pará state. These animals were hospitalized at Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Pará, Brazil, in a period from January 2018 to June 2019. The animals exhibited different clinical signs, such as diarrhea, malnutrition, dehydration, and fractures. The results showed 39.1% (9/23) of positivity for RVA by RT-qPCR. Among these, one sample (1/9) for the NSP3 gene of T2 genotype was characterized. About 88.9% (8/9) for the VP7 gene belonging to G1, G3 equine like and G6 genotypes, and 55.5% (5/9) for the VP4 gene of P[2] genotype were obtained. In the current study, approximately 4.5% of the samples (1/23) revealed coinfection for the RVA, RVD and RVF groups. Furthermore, picobirnavirus (PBV) was detected in one of the 23 samples tested, and was classified in the Genogroup I. The findings represent the first report of RVA, RVD, RVF, RVG, and PBV genotypes in wild birds in Brazil, and due to wide distribution it can implies potential impacts of RVs, and PBVs on avian health, and other animals contributing to construction of new knowledge, and care perspectives.
Implementing trachoma control programmes in marginalised populations in Tanzania: A qualitative study exploring the experiences and perspectives of key stakeholders
Authors: Tsang Kaki , de Wildt Gilles , Mwingira Upendo , Mtuy Tara B.
Published: September 2021

Background

Despite aspects of the SAFE strategy for reducing trachoma in Tanzania have been somewhat successful, the disease still persists in marginalised communities even with repeated trachoma control interventions. This study aims to understand the facilitators and barriers associated with implementing trachoma control programmes in these communities, from the perspective of non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Methods

Participants were the representatives of NGOs who had knowledge and experience in the implementation of trachoma control programmes. Data was collected using in-depth, semi-structured interviews guided by a topic guide, which was updated after each interview using a constant comparative method. Interviews were audio-recorded and then transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was done inductively. Codes were generated from the transcripts and then clustered into themes.

Findings

The context within marginalised communities often acted as a perceived barrier to successful implementation of control programmes. This included poor environmental cleanliness, lack of trust, poor disease knowledge and traditional lifestyles. Community values could either be a facilitator or a barrier, depending on the scenario. The anatomical location of the disease and the poor understanding of the disease progression also served as barriers. Considerations affecting decision-making among NGO’s include financial feasibility, community needs and whether the quality of the intervention could be improved. NGOs felt that the collaboration and the opportunity to learn from other organisations were beneficial aspects of having different actors. However, this also resulted in variability in the effectiveness of interventions between districts.

Conclusion

NGOs should focus on behaviour change and health education that is tailored to marginalised communities and seek innovative ways to implement trachoma intervention programmes whilst being minimally intrusive to the traditional way of life. Partners should also implement ways to ensure high quality programmes are being provided, by increasing staff accountability and compensating volunteers fairly.
Assessing quality of family planning counseling and its determinants in Kenya: Analysis of health facility exit interviews
Authors: Ontiri Susan , Kabue Mark , Biesma Regien , Stekelenburg Jelle , Gichangi Peter
Published: September 2021

Background

Available evidence suggests that provision of quality of care in family planning services is crucial to increasing uptake and continuation of use of contraception. Kenya achieved a modern contraceptive prevalence rate of 60% in 2018, surpassing its 2020 target of 58%. With the high prevalence, focus is geared towards improved quality of family planning services. The objective of this study is to examine the quality of family planning counseling and its associated factors in health facilities in Kenya.

Methods

We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2019 Kenya Performance Monitoring and Action, client exit data of women who had received family planning services. Quality of counseling was assessed using the Method Information Index Plus. We conducted a multivariable ordinal logistic regression analysis of data from 3,731 women to establish determinants of receiving quality family planning services.

Results

The Method Information Index Plus score for higher-quality counseling was 56.7%, lower-quality counseling 32.4%, and no counseling 10.9%. Women aged 15–24 years (aOR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.56–0.86, p = 0.001) had lower odds of receiving better counseling compared to women aged 35 years and above. Those with no education (aOR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.33–0.82, p = 0.005), primary (aOR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.44–0.71, p<0.001) and secondary (aOR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.65–0.98, p = 0.028) were less likely to receive better counseling compared to those with tertiary education. Women who received long acting and reversible contraception methods (aOR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.42–2.17, p<0.001), and those who were method switchers (aOR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.03–1.50, p = 0.027), had a higher likelihood of receiving better quality of counseling as compared to those on short-term methods and those who were continuers, respectively.

Conclusion

The quality of family planning counseling in Kenya is still sub-optimal considering that some women receive no form of counseling at service delivery point. There is need to review the existing FP guidelines and training packages to increase focus on the quality of counseling services offered by health providers. Social accountability strategies that empower women to demand quality services should be included in community-level family planning interventions.
Incidence of low birth weight in Mexico: A descriptive retrospective study from 2008–2017
Authors: Ancira-Moreno Mónica , Monterrubio-Flores Eric , Hernández-Cordero Sonia , Omaña-Guzmán Isabel , Soloaga Isidro , Torres Fabián , Reyes Moisés , Burrola-Mendez Yohali , Morales-López Ariana
Published: September 2021

According to the WHO, low birth weight (LBW) affects 15–20% of newborns worldwide. In Mexico, there are no national, state, nor municipal estimates that inform the country’s situation over time. The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence of LBW at the national, state, and municipal levels from 2008 to 2017, and to estimate the LBW incidence based on maternal sociodemographic characteristics, prenatal care and marginalization indexes at the national level using open national data. We used spatial data analysis to georeferenced LBW incidence at the three levels of geographical disaggregation studied. At the national level, the incidence of LBW increased progressively from 6.2% (2008) to 7.1% (2017), and the country’s capital represented the area with the highest incidence. Southeastern and central states reported the highest LBW regional incidence. At the municipal level, the number of municipalities with an incidence of LBW ≥8% increased in both male and female newborns. The incidence of LBW was higher as the marginalization indexes increases. The results from this study may assist in the identification of vulnerable groups and the development of public health programs and policies with an intersectoral approach that improves maternal and child nutrition.
Characterization of microRNA expression in B cells derived from Japanese black cattle naturally infected with bovine leukemia virus by deep sequencing
Authors: Ochiai Chihiro , Miyauchi Sonoko , Kudo Yuta , Naruke Yuta , Yoneyama Syuji , Tomita Keisuke , Dongze Leng , Chiba Yusuke , Hirata To-ichi , Ichijo Toshihiro , Nagai Kazuya , Kobayashi Sota , Yamada Shinji , Hikono Hirokazu , Murakami Kenji
Published: September 2021

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is the causative agent of enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), a malignant B cell lymphoma. However, the mechanisms of BLV-associated lymphomagenesis remain poorly understood. Here, after deep sequencing, we performed comparative analyses of B cell microRNAs (miRNAs) in cattle infected with BLV and those without BLV. In BLV-infected cattle, BLV-derived miRNAs (blv-miRNAs) accounted for 38% of all miRNAs in B cells. Four of these blv-miRNAs (blv-miR-B1-5p, blv-miR-B2-5p, blv-miR-B4-3p, and blv-miR-B5-5p) had highly significant positive correlations with BLV proviral load (PVL). The read counts of 90 host-derived miRNAs (bta-miRNAs) were significantly down-regulated in BLV-infected cattle compared to those in uninfected cattle. Only bta-miR-375 had a positive correlation with PVL in BLV-infected cattle and was highly expressed in the B cell lymphoma tissue of EBL cattle. There were a few bta-miRNAs that correlated with BLV tax/rex gene expression; however, BLV AS1 expression had a significant negative correlation with many of the down-regulated bta-miRNAs that are important for tumor development and/or tumor suppression. These results suggest that BLV promotes lymphomagenesis via AS1 and blv-miRNAs, rather than tax/rex, by down-regulating the expression of bta-miRNAs that have a tumor-suppressing function, and this downregulation is linked to increased PVL.
Metabolomics integrated with transcriptomics reveals the distribution of iridoid and crocin metabolic flux in Gardenia jasminoides Ellis
Authors: Pan Yuan , Zhao Xiao , Wang Yu , Tan Jun , Chen Da-xia
Published: September 2021

Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (G. jasminoides) fruits are used as a resource for obtaining natural colorants and in traditional Chinese herbal medicine. However, G. jasminoides presents a relatively long flowering period and different ripening periods, so there are significant differences in the accumulation of metabolites in fruits of different colors. In addition, the complete metabolic pathways of iridoidsand crocins, which are used as medicinal composition of G. jasminoides, are poorly understood at present. In this research, we comprehensively compared the transcriptome and metabolites profiles of the developmental stages and locations of iridoid and crocin biosynthesis. A large number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were detected in four groups of samples, and clear variation in the pattern of metabolite abundance and gene expression were observed among different fruit colors and parts. Geniposide and gardenoside mainly accumulated in the sarcocarp of green fruit (GFS) and the sarcocarp of red fruit (FS), respectively. Crocin mainly accumulated in the peel and sarcocarp of red fruits. In the iridoid pathway, we hypothesized that there was a transport mechanism from the sarcocarp to the peel of G. jasminoides because of the inconsistent expression of G8O, 10-HGO and IS associated with differences in fruit ripening. UGTs play an important role in the biosynthesis of the active components of G. jasminoides. Combined transcriptome and metabonomics analysis showed a negative correlation between the biosynthesis of geniposide and crocin. The redirection of the metabolic flux and the regulation of key enzymes may be the main reasons for the changes in the biosynthesis of iridoid and crocin in G. jasminoides fruit. Our study expended valuable information for functional genomic library and provided new insights for metabolic engineering of secondary metabolite in G. Jasminoides.
Evidence for a functional interaction of WNT10A and EBF1 in male-pattern baldness
Authors: Hochfeld Lara M. , Bertolini Marta , Broadley David , Botchkareva Natalia V. , Betz Regina C. , Schoch Susanne , Nöthen Markus M. , Heilmann-Heimbach Stefanie
Published: September 2021

More than 300 genetic risk loci have been identified for male pattern baldness (MPB) but little is known about the exact molecular mechanisms through which the associated variants exert their effects on MPB pathophysiology. Here, we aimed at further elucidating the regulatory architecture of the MPB risk locus on chromosome (chr.) 2q35, where we have previously reported a regulatory effect of the MPB lead variant on the expression of WNT10A. A HaploReg database research for regulatory annotations revealed that the association signal at 2q35 maps to a binding site for the transcription factor EBF1, whose gene is located at a second MPB risk locus on chr. 5q33.3. To investigate a potential interaction between EBF1 and WNT10A during MPB development, we performed in vitro luciferase reporter assays as well as expression analyses and immunofluorescence co-stainings in microdissected human hair follicles. Our experiments confirm that EBF1 activates the WNT10A promoter and that the WNT10A/EBF1 interaction is impacted by the allelic expression of the MPB risk allele at 2q35. Expression analyses across different hair cycle phases and immunhistochemical (co)stainings against WNT10A and EBF1 suggest a predominant relevance of EBF1/WNT10A interaction for hair shaft formation during anagen. Based on these findings we suggest a functional mechanism at the 2q35 risk locus for MPB, where an MPB-risk allele associated reduction in WNT10A promoter activation via EBF1 results in a decrease in WNT10A expression that eventually results in anagen shortening, that is frequently observed in MPB affected hair follicles. To our knowledge, this study is the first follow-up study on MPB that proves functional interaction between two MPB risk loci and sheds light on the underlying pathophysiological mechanism at these loci.
Social isolation but not deprivation involved in employment status after bariatric surgery
Authors: Cohen Régis , Benvenga Rosa , Fysekidis Marinos , Bendacha Yasmina , Catheline Jean Marc
Published: September 2021

An increase in employment rate was observed among individuals who underwent bariatric surgery. This study assessed the relationship between employment rate and weight loss, deprivation, and Bariatric Analysis and Reporting Outcome System (BAROS) scores after bariatric surgery in a deprived area. This retrospective study evaluated the employment rate at a mean period of 2.3±0.1 years after bariatric surgery among 133 individuals. The Evaluation of Deprivation and Inequalities in Health Examination Centers (EPICES score), satisfaction scale, and BAROS (self-esteem, physical activity, social life, work conditions, and sexual activity) questionnaires were used. The mean age of the participants was 45 (range: 19–67) years. Approximately 88% were women. The initial mean body mass index (BMI) was 42.7 kg/m2, and about 88% of the participants underwent sleeve gastrectomy. The mean decrease in BMI was 12 ± 0.5 kg/m2. The mean EPICES score (N<30), BAROS, and satisfaction scale (range: 1–5) scores were 31.9±18, 1.3±1.1, and 4.27±1.19, respectively. After surgery, 19 participants obtained a job. However, three were unemployed. Based on a multivariate analysis, employed and unemployed participants (77 vs 52) before surgery had a lower initial BMI and better BAROS and satisfaction scale scores. After surgery, there was no difference between participants who obtained a new job and those still did not have a job in terms of questionnaire responses. Obtaining a new job was not associated with BMI, sex, or age differences. However, there was a positive correlation between social life score and weight loss. Bariatric surgery increased an individual’s chance of finding a job independently of deprivation status. Participants with a pre-operative job had a better perception of satisfaction and BAROS scores. Moreover, social isolation was correlated with unsuccessful weight loss.
Attitudes of Spanish hospital staff towards COVID-19 vaccination and vaccination rates
Authors: Mena Guillermo , Blanco Beatriz , Casas Irma , Huertas Antonia , Sánchez María-Araceli , Auñón Mario , Viñas Jordi , Esteve María
Published: September 2021

Background

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy seems to be universal across countries and subgroups, and so are its determinants. We studied the willingness and factors associated with the decision to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in healthcare workers (HCW) in a Spanish tertiary hospital. Furthermore, we compared the percentage of willingness to vaccinate against COVID with actual vaccination rates among HCW in our hospital.

Methods

From December 21, 2020 to January 4, 2021, before initiation of the COVID-19 HCW vaccination campaign at Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (HUGTiP), an anonymous self-administered questionnaire was administered to HCW. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression of the association of variables with the outcome “intention to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible” was conducted. Vaccination rates were extracted from the hospital information systems.

Results

Forty-four percent of HCW included in the study declared a willingness to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible. This was associated with male sex [1.66 (95%CI 1.13–2.43); p = 0.009], older age [1.02 (95%CI 1.00–1.03); p = 0.014], belonging to the occupational groups “physician” or “other” [5.76 (95%CI 3.44–9.63) and 2.15 (95%CI 1.25–3.70); p<0.001], respectively, and reporting influenza vaccination during the last three seasons or at least one of the last three seasons [3.84 (95%CI 2.56–5.75) and 2.49 (95%CI 1.71–3.63); p<0.001]. One in ten hospital workers reported they were unwilling to receive COVID-19 vaccination. Actual COVID-19 vaccination uptake among HCW was higher (80.4%) than the percentage of willingness to vaccinate estimated from the questionnaire. Physicians not only had the highest vaccination rate, but also the highest correlation between the reported intention to vaccinate and the final decision to receive COVID-19 vaccination.

Conclusions

COVID-19 vaccination uptake was higher than previously estimated according to the stated intentions of HCW. Doubts and fears must be addressed, particularly in persons less inclined to be vaccinated: females, younger people and those not vaccinated against influenza in recent seasons. The study of barriers and strategies aimed at promoting COVID-19 vaccination must be adapted in relation to occupational groups’ attitudes, understanding their idiosyncrasies with respect to this and other vaccines.
International organizations and climate change adaptation: A new dataset for the social scientific study of adaptation, 1990–2017
Authors: Kural Ece , Dellmuth Lisa Maria , Gustafsson Maria-Therese
Published: September 2021

This article introduces a new dataset on the climate change adaptation activities of international organizations (IOs). While climate change adaptation has been studied at the local level and in the context of major climate organizations, such as the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, we provide a first quantitative dataset on non-environmental IOs that can be linked to different social scientific datasets relevant for adaptation. Our new dataset contains information on the governance activities of 30 IOs from 1990 to 2017. Based on this dataset, we introduce different types of adaptation-related activities and develop a quantitative measure of IOs’ climate adaptation engagement. We map the adaptation engagement of the 30 IOs across organizations, across issue areas, and over time. This dataset can be used to compare adaptation activities across and within IOs, but also as an empirical foundation for the emerging research field of global adaptation governance, for which IO climate change adaptation activities are relevant.
Replicating the Disease framing problem during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic: A study of stress, worry, trust, and choice under risk
Authors: Rachev Nikolay R. , Han Hyemin , Lacko David , Gelpí Rebekah , Yamada Yuki , Lieberoth Andreas
Published: September 2021

In the risky-choice framing effect, different wording of the same options leads to predictably different choices. In a large-scale survey conducted from March to May 2020 and including 88,181 participants from 47 countries, we investigated how stress, concerns, and trust moderated the effect in the Disease problem, a prominent framing problem highly evocative of the COVID-19 pandemic. As predicted by the appraisal-tendency framework, risk aversion and the framing effect in our study were larger than under typical circumstances. Furthermore, perceived stress and concerns over coronavirus were positively associated with the framing effect. Contrary to predictions, however, they were not related to risk aversion. Trust in the government’s efforts to handle the coronavirus was associated with neither risk aversion nor the framing effect. The proportion of risky choices and the framing effect varied substantially across nations. Additional exploratory analyses showed that the framing effect was unrelated to reported compliance with safety measures, suggesting, along with similar findings during the pandemic and beyond, that the effectiveness of framing manipulations in public messages might be limited. Theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed, along with directions for further investigations.
Dabrafenib, idelalisib and nintedanib act as significant allosteric modulator for dengue NS3 protease
Authors: Uday R. V. Sriram , Misra Rajdip , Harika Annaram , Dolui Sandip , Saha Achintya , Pal Uttam , Ravichandiran V. , Maiti Nakul C.
Published: September 2021

Dengue virus (DENV) encodes a unique protease (NS3/NS2B) essential for its maturation and infectivity and, it has become a key target for anti-viral drug design to treat dengue and other flavivirus related infections. Present investigation established that some of the drug molecules currently used mainly in cancer treatment are susceptible to bind non-active site (allosteric site/ cavity) of the NS3 protease enzyme of dengue virus. Computational screening and molecular docking analysis found that dabrafenib, idelalisib and nintedanib can bind at the allosteric site of the enzyme. The binding of the molecules to the allosteric site found to be stabilized via pi-cation and hydrophobic interactions, hydrogen-bond formation and π-stacking interaction with the molecules. Several interacting residues of the enzyme were common in all the five serotypes. However, the interaction/stabilizing forces were not uniformly distributed; the π-stacking was dominated with DENV3 proteases, whereas, a charged/ionic interaction was the major force behind interaction with DENV2 type proteases. In the allosteric cavity of protease from DENV1, the residues Lys73, Lys74, Thr118, Glu120, Val123, Asn152 and Ala164 were involved in active interaction with the three molecules (dabrafenib, idelalisib and nintedanib). Molecular dynamics (MD) analysis further revealed that the molecules on binding to NS3 protease caused significant changes in structural fluctuation and gained enhanced stability. Most importantly, the binding of the molecules effectively perturbed the protein conformation. These changes in the protein conformation and dynamics could generate allosteric modulation and thus may attenuate/alter the NS3 protease functionality and mobility at the active site. Experimental studies may strengthen the notion whether the binding reduce/enhance the catalytic activity of the enzyme, however, it is beyond the scope of this study.
Diagnostic accuracy of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay for tuberculous pericarditis: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Guocan , Zhong Fangming , Shen Yanqin , Zheng Hong
Published: September 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of Xpert MTB/RIF for tuberculous pericarditis (TBP).

Methods

We searched relevant databases for Xpert MTB/RIF for TBP diagnosis until April 2021 and screened eligible studies for study inclusion. We evaluated the effectiveness of Xpert MTB/RIF when the composite reference standard (CRS) and mycobacterial culture were the gold standards, respectively. We performed meta-analyses using a bivariate random-effects model, and when the heterogeneity was obvious, the source of heterogeneity was further discussed.

Results

We included seven independent studies comparing Xpert MTB/RIF with the CRS and six studies comparing it with culture. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of Xpert MTB/RIF were 65% (95% confidence interval, 59–72%), 99% (97–100%), and 0.99 (0.97–0.99) as compared with the CRS, respectively, and 75% (53–88%), 99% (90–100%), and 0.94 (0.92–0.96) as compared with culture, respectively. There was no significant heterogeneity between studies when CRS was the gold standard, whereas heterogeneity was evident when culture was the gold standard.

Conclusions

The sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF for diagnosing TBP was moderate and the specificity was good; thus, Xpert MTB/RIF can be used in the initial diagnosis of TBP.
The Imperial Joint Line Congruency Measurement is a valuable tool in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Popat Ravi , Dhillon Kieran , Mahapatra Piyush , Khan Hasaan , Nathwani Dinesh
Published: September 2021

Background

Preservation of joint line height is an important factor in post-operative function after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA). This is the first study investigating the reliability of the novel Imperial Joint Line Congruency Measurement (IJLCM) technique for the assessment of joint line height using plain radiographs.

Methods

The reliability of two techniques used to measure joint line height on pre-operative and post-operative plain radiographs is presented. 120 patients that underwent TKA from 6 different international centres were included. Measurements were performed using each technique by two senior orthopaedic surgeons at two different timepoints (test-retest). Two undergraduate medical students performed joint line measurements using the most reproducible of the two techniques on 40 pre-operative and post-operative images to establish the reliability of the measurement technique.

Results

The IJLCM demonstrated an average absolute difference of 1.83mm (CI 1.56–2.10mm) and excellent inter and intra-rater reliability between senior orthopaedic surgeons (>0.92 (CI 0.88–0.94) when measuring joint line height on plain radiographs. Overall Crohnbach’s alpha over 0.92 confirmed internal consistency. Measurements performed using the control technique as previously described by Figgie et al. had an average absolute difference of 5.75mm (5.17–6.32mm). Comparison of measurements by senior orthopaedic surgeons and medical students using the IJLCM technique with ANOVA and student’s t-test demonstrated acceptable agreement and inter-rater reliability of >0.92 (0.87–0.95).

Conclusion

This study shows excellent accuracy, precision, and reliability of the novel IJLCM technique. Furthermore, excellent agreement between senior orthopaedic surgeons and medical students when using the IJLCM could be shown. The IJLCM technique is reliable for joint line assessment.
Effects of an equol-containing supplement on advanced glycation end products, visceral fat and climacteric symptoms in postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yoshikata Remi , Myint Khin Zay Yar , Ohta Hiroaki , Ishigaki Yoko
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Equol, an isoflavone derivative whose chemical structure is similar to estrogen, is considered a potentially effective agent for relieving climacteric symptoms, for the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases, and for aging care in postmenopausal women. We investigated the effect of an equol-containing supplement on metabolism and aging and climacteric symptoms with respect to internally produced equol in postmenopausal women.

Methods

A single-center, randomized controlled trial (registration number: UMIN000030975) on 57 postmenopausal Japanese women (mean age: 56±5.37 years) was conducted. Twenty-seven women received the equol supplement, while the remaining received control. Metabolic and aging-related biomarkers were compared before and after the 3-month intervention. Climacteric symptoms were assessed every month using a validated self-administered questionnaire in Japanese postmenopausal women.

Results

Three months post-intervention, the treatment group showed significant improvement in climacteric symptoms compared to the control group (81% vs. 53%, respectively, p = 0.045). We did not observe any beneficial effect on metabolic and aging-related biomarkers in the intervention group. However, in certain populations, significant improvement in skin autofluorescence, which is a measurement of AGE skin products, and visceral fat area was observed, especially among equol producers.

Conclusion

Women receiving equol supplementation showed improved climacteric symptoms. This study offered a new hypothesis that there may be a synergy between supplemented equol and endogenously produced equol to improve skin aging and visceral fat in certain populations.
Mapping conversations about land use: How modern farmers practice individuality
Authors: Brock Steen , Christensen Andreas Aagaard , Hansen Line Block , Graversgaard Morten , Vejre Henrik , Dalgaard Tommy , Piil Kristoffer , Andersen Peter Stubkjær
Published: September 2021

In this article, drawing on the discursive psychology of Rom Harré, we show how mapping the exchange of words among people might disclose a complex reality; not merely that which farmers explicitly talk ‘about’ but the reality implicitly at stake within the communication.
More specifically, we show how discourses involving modern farmers reveal an underlying placing in an abstract space, having sub-spaces defined by the life-orientation, sense of self and according self-positioning of modern people. In this way, we construct a road map of a set of ‘individualities’
characterizing the life of modern farmers: an individuality of citizenship, an individuality of geographies and an individuality of experience. Consequently, farmers face the problem that this multiplicity of individuality prevents them from communicating, as we will call it, univocally in
the public by contrast to the univocal voices of other established social groups. We will analyse the structure of that problem by viewing diverse relations between the authority and the authenticity of different partners in the conversation on land use.
INCREASING OF METAL RECOVERY IN LEACHING PROCESS OF SPENT CATALYST AT LOW TEMPERATURE: THE ADDITION OF HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND SODIUM CHLORIDE
Authors: Wanta Kevin Cleary , Natapraja Edward Yonathan , Susanti Ratna Frida , Gemilar Gelar Panji , Astuti Widi , Petrus Himawan Tri Bayu Murti
Published: September 2021

One of the factors that affect the leaching process of a mineral source is the mineral characteristics of the raw materials. Not all mineral phases can be leached directly and completely. Thus, some minerals require special treatment so that the leaching process can take place optimally. This study will focus on studying the effect of additive compounds addition, i.e. hydrogen peroxide and sodium chloride, in the leaching process of spent catalyst using a sulfuric acid solution. The leaching process was carried out at a concentration of 1 M sulfuric acid solution for 240 minutes at room temperature. The hydrogen peroxide concentration was varied at 0–9%v/v, while the sodium chloride concentration was varied at 0–0.8 mol/L. The experimental results showed that the two additive compounds were able to increase nickel recovery significantly. The highest nickel recovery of 95.08% was achieved when hydrogen peroxide was used at 9%v/v. The nickel recovery is 3.5 times higher than without the addition of hydrogen peroxide. Meanwhile, sodium chloride concentration of 0.8 mol/L was able to provide the highest nickel recovery of 50.38% or an increase of 1.9 times compared to without the addition of sodium chloride.
Episodic Detectable Viremia Does Not Affect Prognosis in Untreated Compensated Cirrhosis With Serum Hepatitis B Virus DNA <2,000 IU/mL
Authors: Lee Hye Won , Park Soo Young , Lee Yu Rim , Lee Hyein , Lee Jae Seung , Kim Seung Up , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Kim Beom Kyung
Published: September 2021

INTRODUCTION:

The necessity of antiviral therapy (AVT) for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected compensated cirrhosis with low-level viremia (LLV) is controversial. Herein, we evaluated its natural history.

METHODS:

From 3 tertiary hospitals, we enrolled untreated patients with compensated cirrhosis with persistent serum HBV-DNA levels <2,000 IU/mL; LLV was defined as having at least 1 detectable serum HBV-DNA (20–2,000 IU/mL) episode, whereas maintained virological response (MVR) was defined as having persistently undetectable serum HBV-DNA (<20 IU/mL). When serum HBV-DNA was ≥2,000 IU/mL during follow-up, AVT was administered according to guidelines. Study end points were development of cirrhotic complication event (CCE) or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

RESULTS:

Among 567 patients analyzed, cumulative HCC risk at 3, 5, and 7 years was comparable between LLV (n = 391) vs MVR (n = 176) groups (5.7%, 10.7%, and 17.3% vs 7.2%, 15.5%, and 19.4%, respectively [P = 0.390]). CCE risk was also comparable between 2 groups (7.5%, 12.8%, and 13.7% vs 7.8%, 12.3%, and 14.6%, respectively [P = 0.880]). By multivariate analysis, LLV (vs MVR) was not associated with HCC or CCE risks, with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.422 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.694–2.913; P = 0.336) and 1.816 (95% CI: 0.843–3.911; P = 0.128), respectively. Inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis yielded comparable outcomes between 2 groups, regarding HCC and CCE risks with hazard ratios of 0.903 (95% CI: 0.528–1.546; P = 0.711) and 1.192 (95% CI: 0.675–2.105; P = 0.545), respectively.

DISCUSSION:

Episodic LLV among untreated patients with compensated cirrhosis does not increase the risk of disease progression compared with MVR status. Thus, the benefits of AVT for episodic LLV should be re-evaluated.
Analysis of Conti Ransomware Attack on Computer Network with Live Forensic Method
Authors: Umar Rusydi , Riadi Imam , Kusuma Ridho Surya
Published: September 2021

Ransomware viruses have become a dangerous threat increasing rapidly in recent years. One of the variants is Conti ransomware that can spread infection and encrypt data simultaneously. Attacks become a severe threat and damage the system, namely by encrypting data on the victim's computer, spreading it to other computers on the same computer network, and demanding a ransom. The working principle of this Ransomware acts by utilizing Registry Query, which covers all forms of behavior in accessing, deleting, creating, manipulating data, and communicating with C2 (Command and Control) servers. This study analyzes the Conti virus attack through a network forensic process based on network behavior logs. The research process consists of three stages, the first stage is simulating attacks on the host computer, the second stage is carrying network forensics by using live forensics methods, and the third stage is analysing malware by using statistical and dynamic analysis. The results of this study provide forensic data and virus behavior when running on RAM and computer networks so that the data obtained makes it possible to identify ransomware traffic on the network and deal with zero-day, especially ransomware threats. It is possible to do so because the analysis is an initial step in generating virus signatures based on network indicators.
The Pandemic Imaginerie: Infectious Bodies and Military-Police Theater in Australia
Authors: Wynn L. L.
Published: September 2021

When pathogens and their movement between people cannot be seen, we imagine them. That imagined menagerie—imaginerie—of infection then becomes associated with marginal others whose bodies and actions become popularly conflated with disease and its transmission. This essay explores how methods of imagining and managing the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia echoed historical scripts for policing borders and containing the bodies of outsiders deemed threats to the national body.
The End of Intimacy
Authors: Strong Thomas
Published: September 2021

Though comparisons between HIV and SARS-CoV-2 are of limited use, many people experience the epidemics simultaneously. For those of us living with HIV, every comment on COVID-19 becomes a fretful allegory of HIV, and the ethical lessons that COVID-19 teaches will inevitably be brought to bear on how we understand the meaning of the HIV epidemic, especially as it pertains to sexuality. This essay describes some of the ways gay men in Dublin, Ireland, reasoned about the ethics of sex during lockdown.
Conformity and Aptitude As Predictors Of Science Related Career Choice Among Secondary School Students In Rivers State, Nigeria.
Authors: Ekeke Macdonald Ibubeleye , Onukwufor Jonathan N.
Published: September 2021

The present study investigated conformity and aptitude as predictors of science related career choice among secondary school students in Rivers state. Correlation research design was used in the investigation. A sample of 675 SS2 students were drawn from a population of 13,204 SSII students across the 268 public secondary schools in the three senatorial zones in the state. Multiple stages of sampling procedures were used to draw this sample size. Three instruments namely “Adolescents Conformity Scale”, “Science Aptitude Test Question” as well as the Science Career ChoiceInventory were used for the study. Experts vetting was used in validating the instruments while the reliability was determined using Cronbach Alpha method with reliability indices of 0.71 for Adolescents Conformity Scale, 0.84 for Science Aptitude Test Question and 0.82 for Science Career Choice Inventory were obtained. Simple linear regression was used to analyze the data generated from the research instruments. Result of the study showed that conformity relates about 0.7% with science career choice and it (p=0.025<0.05) significantly predict science related career choice among secondary school students in Rivers State. Also aptitude relates about 1.1% with science career choice and(p=0.007<0.05) significantly predict science related career choice among secondary school students in Rivers State. It was concluded that conformity and aptitude are strong predictors of career choice in general and not just limited to science related ones.