bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Software development process of Neotree - a data capture and decision support system to improve newborn healthcare in low-resource settings
Authors: Khan Nushrat , Crehan Caroline , Hull-Bailey Tim , Normand Charles , Larsson Leyla , Nkhoma Deliwe , Chiyaka Tarisai , Fitzgerald Felicity , Kesler Erin , Gannon Hannah , Kostkova Patty , Wilson Emma , Giaccone Matteo , Krige Danie , Baradza Morris , Silksmith Daniel , Neal Samuel , Chimhuya Simbarashe , Chiume Msandeni , Sassoon Yali , Heys Michelle
Published: December 2022

The global priority of improving neonatal survival could be tackled through the universal implementation of cost-effective maternal and newborn health interventions. Despite 90% of neonatal deaths occurring in low-resource settings, very few evidence-based digital health interventions exist to assist healthcare professionals in clinical decision-making in these settings. To bridge this gap, Neotree was co-developed through an iterative, user-centered design approach in collaboration with healthcare professionals in the UK, Bangladesh, Malawi, and Zimbabwe. It addresses a broad range of neonatal clinical diagnoses and healthcare indicators as opposed to being limited to specific conditions and follows national and international guidelines for newborn care. This digital health intervention includes a mobile application (app) which is designed to be used by healthcare professionals at the bedside. The app enables real-time data capture and provides education in newborn care and clinical decision support via integrated clinical management algorithms. Comprehensive routine patient data are prospectively collected regarding each newborn, as well as maternal data and blood test results, which are used to inform clinical decision making at the bedside. Data dashboards provide healthcare professionals and hospital management a near real-time overview of patient statistics that can be used for healthcare quality improvement purposes. To enable this workflow, the Neotree web editor allows fine-grained customization of the mobile app. The data pipeline manages data flow from the app to secure databases and then to the dashboard. Implemented in three hospitals in two countries so far, Neotree has captured routine data and supported the care of over 21,000 babies and has been used by over 450 healthcare professionals. All code and documentation are open source, allowing adoption and adaptation by clinicians, researchers, and developers.
Health Wearables, Gamification, and Healthful Activity
Authors: Hydari Muhammad Zia , Adjerid Idris , Striegel Aaron D.
Published: December 2022

Health wearables in combination with gamification enable interventions that have the potential to increase physical activity—a key determinant of health. However, the extant literature does not provide conclusive evidence on the benefits of gamification, and there are persistent concerns that competition-based gamification approaches will only benefit those who are highly active at the expense of those who are sedentary. We investigate the effect of Fitbit leaderboards on the number of steps taken by the user. Using a unique data set of Fitbit wearable users, some of whom participate in a leaderboard, we find that leaderboards lead to a 370 (3.5%) step increase in the users’ daily physical activity. However, we find that the benefits of leaderboards are highly heterogeneous. Surprisingly, we find that those who were highly active prior to adoption are hurt by leaderboards and walk 630 fewer steps daily after adoption (a 5% relative decrease). In contrast, those who were sedentary prior to adoption benefited substantially from leaderboards and walked an additional 1,300 steps daily after adoption (a 15% relative increase). We find that these effects emerge because sedentary individuals benefit even when leaderboards are small and when they do not rank first on them. In contrast, highly active individuals are harmed by smaller leaderboards and only see benefit when they rank highly on large leaderboards. We posit that this unexpected divergence in effects could be due to the underappreciated potential of noncompetition dynamics (e.g., changes in expectations for exercise) to benefit sedentary users, but harm more active ones.

This paper was accepted by Chris Forman, information systems.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health [Grant 5R01HL117757].

Supplemental Material: The data and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4581 .
Water Level Control and Monitoring Water Temperature in Open Evaporation Pot
Authors: Nasruloh Nasruloh , Baswara Ahmad Raditya Cahya
Published: December 2022

The tool in this study can control, measure the water level and water temperature in the open evaporation pan automatically. Water level measurements were carried out using the HC-SR04 sensor and water temperature measurements using the DS18B20 sensor. The method used is the Internet of Things (IoT) in order to send data from a NodeMCU type microcontroller as sensor processing and display data on water height, water temperature and control systems stored in databases and websites. The Internet of Things (IoT) can help transmit data remotely to monitor observations of open evaporation pans. The results of the sensor data can be seen through a 20x4 LCD and a website that displays sensor data and the status of the control system on the water pump and solenoid valve. The HC-SR04 sensor can work when the reading is directly into the water without an object. The results obtained are less accurate because the accuracy value on the HC-SR04 sensor is 3mm, while the measuring instrument from BMKG with an accuracy of 0.05mm requires a tool. From the results of the data in this research tool has an average error of 4mm. On the DS18B20 sensor, the resulting value gets an average difference of 0.8 degrees. The water level control system at specified hours with specified conditions works well. Water level data, water temperature can be displayed on the LCD and can be sent via the website once every 1 hour for 24 hours.Alat pada penelitian ini dapat mengontrol, mengukur ketinggian air dan suhu air pada panci penguapan terbuka secara otomatis. Pengukuran ketinggian air dilakukan menggunakan sensor HC-SR04 dan pengukuran suhu air menggunakan sensor DS18B20. Metode yang digunakan adalah Internet of Things (IoT) agar dapat mengirim data dari mikrokontroler dengan tipe NodeMCU sebagai pemrosesan sensor dan menampilkan data tinggi air, suhu air dan sistem kontrol yang disimpan di database maupun website. Internet of Things (IoT) dapat membantu mengirim data dengan jarak jauh agar dapat memantau pengamatan panci penguapan terbuka. Hasil dari data sensor dapat dilihat melalui LCD 20x4 dan website yang menampilkan data sensor dan status sistem kontrol pada water pump dan solenoid valve. Sensor HC-SR04 dapat bekerja ketika pembacaan langsung ke air tanpa objek. Hasil yang didapatkan kurang akurat karena nilai keakuratan pada sensor HC-SR04 yaitu 3mm sedangkan pada alat ukur dari BMKG dengan keakuratan alat dengan kebutuhan 0,05mm. Dari hasil data pada penelitian alat ini mempunyai rata-rata hasil error 4mm. Pada sensor DS18B20 nilai yang dihasilkan mendapatkan nilai rata-rata selisih 0,8 derajat. Sistem kontrol ketinggian air pada jam yang ditentukan dengan syarat yang ditentukan bekerja dengan baik. Data tinggi air, suhu air dapat ditampilkan di LCD dan dapat dikirim melalui website setiap 1 jam sekali selama 24 jam.Â
Nickel oxide morphology synthesized with a hydrothermal method for inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Chen Hsi-Chao , Zheng Ya-Jun , Liao Bo-Huei , Wong Sheng-De , Zheng Xin-Ya
Published: December 2022

In this paper, a hydrothermal method is used to synthesize a nickel oxide nanostructure (nano-NiO) for its application to inverted perovskite solar cells. These pore nanostructures were employed to increase both the contact and channel between the hole transport and perovskite layers of an ITO/nano-

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device. The purpose of this research is twofold. First, three different nano-NiO morphologies were synthesized at temperatures of 140°C, 160°C, and 180°C. Then, a Raman spectrometer was used to check the phonon vibration and magnon scattering characteristics after an annealing temperature of 500°C. Second, nano-NiO powders were dispersed in isopropanol for subsequent spin coating on the inverted solar cells. The nano-NiO morphologies were multi-layer flakes, microspheres, and particles at synthesis temperatures of 140°C, 160°C, and 180°C, respectively. When the microsphere nano-NiO was used as the hole transport layer, the perovskite layer had a larger coverage of 83.9%. The grain size of the perovskite layer was analyzed by x-ray diffraction, and strong crystal orientations of (110) and (220) peaks were found. Despite this, the power conversion efficiency could affect the promotion, which is 1.37 times higher than the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate element conversion efficiency of the planar structure.
Cutting sinusoidal gratings to enhance light trapping in thin-film silicon solar cells
Authors: Chen Ke , He Jinyang , Zheng Nianhong , Wu Sheng , Zheng Hongmei
Published: December 2022

A crystalline silicon thin-film solar cell with a three-layer sinusoidal grating
structure is studied. The structure has a double-layer antireflection
layer, and the three-layer grating is located in the double-layer
antireflection layer and the passivation layer, respectively. The
related parameters of the grating structure are optimized by scanning
using finite-difference time-domain. The optimization results show
that cutting the sinusoidal grating structure can significantly
improve the light absorption efficiency of the cell for near-infrared
light (750–1100 nm), and the enhancement effect is
mainly in the transverse electric (TE)-polarized light. This is
because the localized surface plasmon resonance and optical waveguide
mode under TE-polarized light can be fully excited after the
sinusoidal structure is cut. The short-circuit current density (

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) of the optimized three-layer
sinusoidal grating structure is

19.82

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, which is 112.43% higher than that of
the planar structure with the same parameters and 23.18% higher than
that of the uncut sinusoidal grating structure with the same
parameters.
Power set of mirror-based non-symmetric stigmatic optical systems
Authors: González-Acuña Rafael G.
Published: December 2022

The set of all possible stigmatic systems made by mirrors is presented. The derivation of the set is analytical, and it is based on the Fermat principle. The properties of the set are properties that all possible stigmatic systems made by mirrors share. The set is tested here with a practical example of optical design, and the results are as expected by theory. This example works with a large field of view rather than a single field, and the volume of the example is several times less than similar systems reported in the literature.
Out-of-band exclusive frequency-domain MIMO equalization with the reduced-overlap-and-save method for scalable mode multiplexed signal transmission
Authors: Shibahara Kohki , Kobayashi Takayuki , Miyamoto Yutaka
Published: December 2022

We present computationally-efficient implementation techniques of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) frequency-domain equalization (FDE) that deals with a modal dispersion effect underlying in long-haul mode-division-multiplexed (MDM) signal transmission. Computational complexity reduction comes from twofold approaches: the first is out-of-band-exclusive (OBE) FDE for removing redundant computations in MIMO-FDE processing by taking a practical signal bandwidth occupation into account. A second appoarch, referred to as overlapping-reduced (OR) FDE, further reduces the complexity by modifying an overlapping ratio in the overlap-and-save FDE method to below 0.5. We show that OBE-FDE reduces complexity for processing with a larger number of spatial channels compared with the conventional FDE, and that the overlapping ratio is minimized up to 0.25 by the OR-FDE approach. Also shown is an experimental demonstration using the results of three-mode MDM transmission with different inter-mode coupling scenarios, verifying that the complexity is decreased by up to 37 % with negligible deterioration in signal performance by using the proposed method.
Modeling and characterization of high-power single frequency free-space Brillouin lasers
Authors: Jin Duo , Bai Zhenxu , Li Muye , Yang Xuezong , Wang Yulei , Mildren Richard P. , Lu Zhiwei
Published: December 2022

Free-space Brillouin lasers (BLs) are capable of generating high-power, narrow-linewidth laser outputs at specific wavelengths. Although there have been impressive experimental demonstrations of these lasers, there is an absence of a corresponding theory that describes the dynamic processes that occur within them. This paper presents a time-independent analytical model that describes the generation of the first-order Stokes field within free-space BLs. This model is based on the cavity resonance enhancement theory and coupled wave equations that govern the processes of stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS). This model is validated using an experimental diamond BL to numerically simulate the influence of the cavity design parameters on the SBS threshold, pump enhancement characteristics, and power of the generated Stokes field. Specifically, the model is used to determine the SBS cavity coupler reflectance to yield the maximum Stokes field output power and efficiency, which is also a function of the pump power and other cavity design parameters. This analysis shows that the appropriate choice of Brillouin cavity coupler reflectance maximizes the Stokes field output power for a given pump power. Furthermore, the onset of higher-order Stokes fields that are undesirable in the context of single-frequency laser operation were inhibited. This study aids in understanding the relationship between the cavity parameters and resultant laser characteristics for the design and optimization of laser systems.
Non-mechanical self-alignment system for free-space optical communications based on a cascaded liquid crystal optical antenna
Authors: Huang Yanwei , Wang Kangzhe , Zhuo Rusheng , He Xiaoxian , Wu Jieping , Wang Hao , Liang Zhiqing , Wang Xiangru
Published: December 2022

Free-space optical (FSO) communication has attracted extensive attention in recent years. To maintain a reliable FSO link, two main issues need to be addressed: beam drift and vibration. In this paper, we demonstrate a non-mechanical self-alignment system based on a cascaded liquid crystal optical antenna, in which a frequency decoupled hybrid integration Kalman filter (FDHI-KF) method is proposed to achieve predictive beam drift tracking and vibration mitigation. By leveraging the integrated control on our lab-made liquid crystal phase modulation devices, and implementing the adaptive algorithm on a heterogeneous field programmable gate array (FPGA), this system is capable of realizing precise self-alignment without any moving parts. Experiments are conducted to verify its performance in practical applications. We envision it to set a benchmark for future liquid crystal non-mechanical beam-steering systems in FSO communications.
Spectral splitting of the lasing emission of nitrogen ions pumped by 800-nm femtosecond laser pulses
Authors: Lu Qi , Zhang Xiang , López Santiago , Mei Haicheng , Xu Liang , Liang Qingqing , Houard Aurélien , Tikhonchuk Vladimir , Mysyrowicz André , Oliva Eduardo , Liu Yi
Published: December 2022

We report on a spectral splitting effect of the cavity-less lasing emission of nitrogen ions at 391.4 nm pumped by 800-nm femtosecond laser pulses. It was found that with the increase of the nitrogen gas pressure and pump pulse energy, both R and P branches experience spectral splitting. With an external injected seeding pulse, a similar split spectral line is observed for the amplified emission. In contrast, for the fluorescence radiation, no such spectral splitting phenomenon is observed with much more abundant R branch structures. Our theoretical model considers gas ionization by the pump pulse, the competition of excitation of all relevant electronic and vibrational states, and an amplification of the seeding pulse in the plasma with a population inversion. Our simulation reproduces this spectral splitting effect, which is attributed to the gain saturation resulting in the oscillation of the amplitude of the amplified signal.
End-to-end learned single lens design using improved Wiener deconvolution
Authors: Zhang Rongshuai , Tan Fanjiao , Hou Qingyu , Li Zongling , Sun Zaiwu , Yang Changjian , Gao Xiangyang
Published: December 2022

End-to-end single-lens imaging system design is a method to optimize both optical system and reconstruction algorithm. Most end-to-end single lens systems use convolutional neural networks (CNN) for image restoration, which fit the transformation relationship between the aberrated image and the ground truth image in the training set. Based on the principle of optical imaging, we realize non-blind image restoration through Wiener deconvolution. Wiener deconvolution is improved with the powerful fitting ability of depth learning so that the noise parameters and the blur kernel in Wiener deconvolution can be simultaneously optimized with the optical parameters in the lens. Extensive comparative tests have been conducted to demonstrate the single-lens imaging system obtained by our method has more stable imaging quality and a 40 times greater imaging speed than the method using CNN restoration algorithm.
High-power, high-efficiency single-frequency DBR fiber laser at 1064 nm based on Yb3+-doped silica fiber
Authors: Li Yanyan , Deng Xun , Fu Shijie , Sheng Quan , Shi Chaodu , Zhang Junxiang , Zhang Lu , Shi Wei , Yao Jianquan
Published: December 2022

A high-power, high-efficiency single-frequency fiber laser at 1064 nm was demonstrated based on a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) all-silica-fiber configuration. A single-frequency laser with an output power of 642 mW and slope efficiency of 66.4% with respect to absorbed pump power was achieved from a 1.2-cm-long commercially available Yb3+-doped silica fiber. To the best of our knowledge, this is the highest single-frequency laser power and efficiency obtained from the DBR all-silica fiber laser. The work presented here paves the way for the development of high-power, robust, and cost-effective single-frequency Yb3+-doped all-silica fiber lasers.
Few-cycle pulse generation by double-stage hybrid multi-pass multi-plate nonlinear pulse compression
Authors: Viotti Anne-Lise , Li Chen , Arisholm Gunnar , Winkelmann Lutz , Hartl Ingmar , Heyl Christoph M. , Seidel Marcus
Published: December 2022

Few-cycle pulses present an essential tool to track ultrafast dynamics in matter and drive strong field effects. To address photon-hungry applications, high average power lasers are used which, however, cannot directly provide sub-100-fs pulse durations. Post-compression of laser pulses by spectral broadening and dispersion compensation is the most efficient method to overcome this limitation. We present a notably compact setup which turns a 0.1-GW peak power, picosecond burst-mode laser into a 2.9-GW peak power, 8.2-fs source. The 120-fold pulse duration shortening is accomplished in a two-stage hybrid multi-pass, multi-plate compression setup. To our knowledge, neither shorter pulses nor higher peak powers have been reported to-date from bulk multi-pass cells alone, manifesting the power of the hybrid approach. It puts, for instance, compact, cost-efficient, and high repetition rate attosecond sources within reach.
Transition from triggered super-radiance to seed amplification in N2
+ lasing
Authors: Cao Jincheng , Fu Yao , Wang Siqi , Chen Junyan , Cong Xun , Li Helong , Xu Huailiang
Published: December 2022

Air lasing induced by laser filamentation opens a new route for research on atmospheric molecular physics and remote sensing. The generation of air lasing is composed of two processes, i.e., building up optical gain of air molecules in femtosecond time scale and emitting coherent radiation in picosecond time scale. Here, we focus on the emission mechanisms of N2+ air lasing and reveal, by examining the intensities and temporal profiles of N2+ lasing at 391 nm generated respectively in a time-varying polarization-modulated and a linearly polarized pump laser field under different nitrogen gas pressures, that the N2+ lasing can emit through either triggered super-radiance or seed amplification. We find that the two pressure-sensitive factors, i.e., the dipole dephasing time T2 and the population inversion density n, determine which of these two mechanisms dominates the N2+ lasing emission process, enabling manipulation of the transition from triggered super-radiance to seed amplification or vice versa. Our findings clarify the emission mechanism of N2+ lasing under different pressures and provide a deeper understanding of N2+ air lasing not only in the establishment of optical gain but also in the lasing emission process.
Enhanced 2-µm and upconversion luminescence properties regulated by network structure in Ho3+/Yb3+ co-doped germanate laser glasses
Authors: Tang Guowu , Yang Dongliang , Huang Wenhua , Song Xiangyang , Zhang Fangteng , Qian Qi , Zhao Weiren , Yang Zhongmin
Published: December 2022

Rare-earth (RE) ions doped laser glass has attracted the interest of many researchers because of its numerous potential applications in planar waveguides and fiber lasers. In this work, the 2-µm and upconversion luminescence properties of Ho3+ are simultaneously enhanced through the design of components used to regulate the network structure of the germanate glass. Furthermore, the thermal, structural, and spectroscopic properties of the Ho3+/Yb3+ co-doped germanate laser glass are systematically investigated. It is noted that the calculated gain coefficient of the Nb2O5 modified germanate laser glass can reach as high as 3.05 cm−1 at 2047 nm. These results suggest that the prepared germanate laser glass with superior performances is a promising candidate for 2-µm mid-infrared laser materials applications.
Low threshold Kerr solitons
Authors: Matsko Andrey B. , Maleki Lute
Published: December 2022

Pumping a nonlinear optical cavity with continuous wave coherent light can result in generation of a stable train of short optical pulses. Pumping the cavity with a non-degenerate resonant coherent dichromatic pump usually does not produce a stable mode-locked regime due to competition of the oscillations at the pump frequencies. We show that generation of stable optical pulses is feasible in a dichromatically pumped cavity characterized with group velocity dispersion optimized in a way that the group velocity value becomes identical for the generated pulses and the beat note of the pump harmonics. The power threshold of the process drops nearly four times in this case and the produced pulses become sub-harmonically locked to the dichromatic pump harmonics. The process is useful for generation of broadband optical frequency combs and optical time crystals.
Monolithic silica fiber laser operating at 585 nm
Authors: Lord Marie-Pier , Talbot Lauris , Bernier Martin , Vallée Réal
Published: December 2022

We report, to the best of our knowledge, the first monolithic silica fiber laser operating in the visible. The laser cavity is based on a dysprosium-doped aluminosilicate fiber bounded by a pair of fiber Bragg gratings operating at 585 nm. The yellow laser signal reaches a record output power of 147 mW. Although the pump irradiation causes photodarkening, significant reduction of the photoinduced absorption losses is demonstrated via a photobleaching process with visible light.
Remote referencing strategy for high-resolution coded ptychographic imaging
Authors: Wang Tianbo , Song Pengming , Jiang Shaowei , Wang Ruihai , Yang Liming , Guo Chengfei , Zhang Zibang , Zheng Guoan
Published: December 2022

The applications of conventional ptychography are limited by its relatively low resolution and throughput in the visible light regime. The new development of coded ptychography (CP) has addressed these issues and achieved the highest numerical aperture for large-area optical imaging in a lensless configuration. A high-quality reconstruction of CP relies on precise tracking of the coded sensor’s positional shifts. The coded layer on the sensor, however, prevents the use of cross correlation analysis for motion tracking. Here we derive and analyze the motion tracking model of CP. A novel, to the best of our knowledge, remote referencing scheme and its subsequent refinement pipeline are developed for blind image acquisition. By using this approach, we can suppress the correlation peak caused by the coded surface and recover the positional shifts with deep sub-pixel accuracy. In contrast with common positional refinement methods, the reported approach can be disentangled from the iterative phase retrieval process and is computationally efficient. It allows blind image acquisition without motion feedback from the scanning process. It also provides a robust and reliable solution for implementing ptychography with high imaging throughput. We validate this approach by performing high-resolution whole slide imaging of bio-specimens.
Model-based prioritization for acquiring protection
Authors: Tashjian Sarah M. , Wise Toby , Mobbs Dean
Published: December 2022

Protection often involves the capacity to prospectively plan the actions needed to mitigate harm. The computational architecture of decisions involving protection remains unclear, as well as whether these decisions differ from other beneficial prospective actions such as reward acquisition. Here we compare protection acquisition to reward acquisition and punishment avoidance to examine overlapping and distinct features across the three action types. Protection acquisition is positively valenced similar to reward. For both protection and reward, the more the actor gains, the more benefit. However, reward and protection occur in different contexts, with protection existing in aversive contexts. Punishment avoidance also occurs in aversive contexts, but differs from protection because punishment is negatively valenced and motivates avoidance. Across three independent studies (Total N = 600) we applied computational modeling to examine model-based reinforcement learning for protection, reward, and punishment in humans. Decisions motivated by acquiring protection evoked a higher degree of model-based control than acquiring reward or avoiding punishment, with no significant differences in learning rate. The context-valence asymmetry characteristic of protection increased deployment of flexible decision strategies, suggesting model-based control depends on the context in which outcomes are encountered as well as the valence of the outcome.
Quality of life and well-being problems in secondary schoolgirls in Kenya: Prevalence, associated characteristics, and course predictors
Authors: Spinhoven Philip , Zulaika Garazi , Nyothach Elizabeth , van Eijk Anna Maria , Obor David , Fwaya Eunice , Mason Linda , Wang Duolao , Kwaro Daniel , Phillips-Howard Penelope A.
Published: December 2022

Background

Adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa often report low levels of quality of life (QoL) and well-being, but reliable data are limited. This study examines which sociodemographic, health, and behavioral risk factors and adverse adolescent experiences are associated with, and predictive of, QoL in Kenyan secondary schoolgirls.

Methods and findings

3,998 girls at baseline in a randomised controlled trial in Siaya County, western Kenya were median age 17.1 years. Subjectively perceived physical, emotional, social and school functioning was assessed using the Pediatric Quality of Life (QoL) Inventory-23. Laboratory-confirmed and survey data were utilized to assess sociodemographic, health and behavioral characteristics, and adverse adolescent experiences. We identified a group of girls with Low QoL (n = 1126; 28.2%), Average QoL (n = 1445; 36.1%); and High QoL (n = 1427; 35.7%). Significantly higher scores on all well-being indicators in the LQoL compared with HQoL group indicated good construct validity (Odds Ratio’s (ORs) varying from 3.31 (95% CI:2.41–4.54, p < .001) for feeling unhappy at home to 11.88 (95%CI:7.96–17.74, p< .001) for PHQ9 defined possible caseness (probable diagnosis) of depression. Adverse adolescent experiences were independently statistically significant in the LQoL compared to the HQoL group for threats of family being hurt (aOR = 1.35,1.08–1.68, p = .008), sexual harassment out of school (aOR = 2.17,1.79–2.64, p < .001), and for menstrual problems like unavailability of sanitary pads (aOR = 1.23,1.05–1.44, p = .008) and stopping activities due to menstruation (aOR = 1.77,1.41–2.24, p < .001). After 2-years follow-up of 906 girls in the LQoL group, 22.7% persisted with LQoL. Forced sex (aOR = 1.56,1.05–2.32, p = .028) and threats of family being hurt (aOR = 1.98,1.38–2.82, p < .001) were independent predictors of persistent LQoL problems.

Conclusions

Persistent QoL problems in Kenyan adolescent girls are associated with adverse physical, sexual and emotional experiences and problems with coping with their monthly menstruation. A multi-factorial integral approach to reduce the rate of adverse adolescent experiences is needed, including provision of menstrual hygiene products.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT03051789.
Conceptualizing multi-level determinants of infant and young child nutrition in the Republic of Marshall Islands–a socio-ecological perspective
Authors: Kodish Stephen R. , Matean Maryam , Grey Kelsey , Palaniappan Uma , Northrup-Lyons Martina , Yalvigi Akshata , Gwavuya Stanley , Mclean Judy , Erasmus Wendy
Published: December 2022

The East and Pacific region includes 14 Pacific Island Countries where, between 2000 and 2016, indicators of stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies have plateaued or worsened, while rates of overweight, obesity, and associated disease have risen. The Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) is no exception: maternal and child nutrition indicators have not improved in decades. A study of the contemporary factors shaping the RMI nutrition situation was needed for informing policy and tailoring interventions. This formative study had an iterative design utilizing qualitative methods. An exploratory Phase 1 included 59 semi-structured interviews with community members, 86 free lists with caregivers, 8 participatory workshops, and 20 meal observations (round 1). Findings were synthesized to inform a confirmatory Phase 2 where 13 focus groups, 81 pile sorts, 15 meal observations (round 2), and 2 seasonal food availability workshops were conducted. Textual data were analyzed thematically using NVivo while cultural domain analysis was conducted in Anthropac. RMI faces interrelated challenges that contribute to a lack of nutritious and local food availability, which is compounded by high food costs relative to household incomes. A decades-long cultural transition from local to processed diets has resulted in infant and young child diets now characterized by morning meals of doughnuts, bread, and ramen with tea, coffee, or Kool-Aid and afternoon meals that include rice with canned meats (e.g., store-bought chicken, hot dogs). Individual preferences for processed food imports have increased their supply. Low maternal risk perception toward nutrition-related illnesses may further explain sub-optimal diets. Improving the RMI food environment will require approaches that align with the multi-level determinants of sub-optimal diets found in this study. As the ten-year 2013 RMI Food Security Policy soon ends, study findings may be used to inform new policy development and investments for improving the nutrition situation.
Epidemiology and costs of dengue in Thailand: A systematic literature review
Authors: Thisyakorn Usa , Saokaew Surasak , Gallagher Elaine , Kastner Randee , Sruamsiri Rosarin , Oliver Louisa , Hanley Riona
Published: December 2022

Background

Dengue is the fastest-spreading vector-borne viral disease worldwide. In Thailand, dengue is endemic and is associated with a high socioeconomic burden. A systematic literature review was conducted to assess and describe the epidemiological and economic burden of dengue in Thailand.

Methods

Epidemiological and economic studies published in English and Thai between 2011–2019 and 2009–2019, respectively, were searched in MEDLINE, Embase, and Evidence-Based Medicines reviews databases. Reports published by the National Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and other grey literature sources were also reviewed. Identified studies were screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Extracted data were descriptively summarised and reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.

Results

A total of 155 publications were included in the review (39 journal articles and 116 grey literature). Overall, dengue incidence varied yearly, with the highest rates per 100,000 population in 2013 (dengue fever (DF) 136.6, dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF) 100.9, dengue shock syndrome (DSS) 3.58) and 2015 (DF 133.1, DHF 87.4, DSS 2.14). Peak incidence coincided with the monsoon season, and annual mortality was highest for DSS, particularly in the age group 15–24-year-olds. The highest dengue incidence rates were reported in children (10–14-year-olds) and young adults (15-24-year-olds), irrespective of dengue case definition. Economic and societal burdens are extensive, with the average cost per case ranging from USD 41 to USD 261, total cost per year estimated at USD 440.3 million, and an average of 7.6 workdays lost for DHF and 6.6 days for DF.

Conclusions

The epidemiological, economic, and societal burden of dengue in Thailand is high and underreported due to gaps in national surveillance data. The use of expansion factors (EFs) is recommended to understand the true incidence of dengue and cost-benefit of control measures. Furthermore, as dengue is often self-managed and underreported, lost school and workdays result in substantial underestimation of the true economic and societal burden of dengue. The implementation of integrated strategies, including vaccination, is critical to reduce the disease burden and may help alleviate health disparities and equity challenges posed by dengue.
Identification of the parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, in multiple tissues of epidemiological significance in the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana): Implications for environmental and vertical transmission routes
Authors: Torhorst Carson W. , White Zoe S. , Bhosale Chanakya R. , Beatty Norman L. , Wisely Samantha M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasitic protozoan, is endemic to the Americas and the causative agent of Chagas disease in humans. In South America, opossums facilitate transmission via infected anal gland secretions in addition to transmission via triatomine vectors. In North America, the Virginia opossum is a reservoir host for the parasite with transmission routes that are not clearly defined. The unique biology of this marsupial provides the opportunity to investigate vertical transmission in this wildlife species in situ. Our objectives were to investigate alternative routes of transmission that may facilitate spillover into other species and to determine if vertical transmission was evident.

Methodology/Principal findings

Virginia opossums were sampled at 10 trapping locations over a 10-month period in a 5-county region of north central Florida. Peripheral blood, fecal swabs, and anal gland secretions were collected from each adult individual, and peripheral blood was collected from joey opossums. Total DNA was extracted from each collected sample type, and T. cruzi infected individuals and the infecting Discrete Typing Unit (DTU) were identified using real time PCR methods. Adult Virginia opossums (n = 112) were infected with T. cruzi (51.8%, 95% CI [42.6–60.8%]) throughout the sampled period and at each location. T. cruzi DNA was found in each of the three biological sample types. Vertical transmission of T. cruzi was inferred in one litter of mother-dependent (n = 20, 5.0%, 95% CI [0.9–23.6%]) joey opossums where 2 joeys from this same litter were rtPCR positive for T. cruzi.

Conclusions/Significance

We inferred vertical transmission from mother to neonate which may serve to amplify the prevalence of T. cruzi in adult Virginia opossums. T. cruzi DNA was detected in the anal gland secretions of Virginia opossums. Infected anal gland secretions suggest a possible environmental route of transmission for T. cruzi via the deposition of contaminated feces and spraint at wildlife latrines. Only DTU1 was identified in the sampled population which is consistent with human autochthonous cases in the United States.
Photoacoustic tomography versus cone-beam computed tomography versus micro-computed tomography: Accuracy of 3D reconstructions of human teeth
Authors: Schneider Sonja Jasmin Maria , Höhne Christian , Schneider Martin , Schmitter Marc
Published: December 2022

Objectives

In this in-vitro study, teeth were imaged using photoacoustic tomography (PAT), cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), and micro-computed tomography (μ-CT). The study had aim: to identify the best wavelength for PAT images to determine the accuracy of the three imaging methods, and to determine whether PAT images of teeth can achieve acceptable reconstruction quality.

Methods

Nineteen human mandibular single-rooted incisors were extracted from patients with trauma or periodontitis. To determine the best wavelength for acquiring photoacoustic images, all 19 teeth were scanned in vitro with PAT, using different laser wavelengths between 680 and 960 nm. The images were analyzed using image analysis software. To assess the accuracy of PAT and compare it with the accuracy of CBCT, each tooth was also scanned in vitro using CBCT and the reference standard technique of μ-CT. Subsequently, three different three-dimensional models, one for each imaging technique, were created for each tooth. Finally, the three different three-dimensional models acquired for the same tooth were matched and analyzed regarding volume and surface.

Results

The highest quality tooth images were achieved using the 680 nm wavelength, which showed the best contrast ratio. The full geometry of the dental root (μ-CT compared with PAT) could be visualized with relative standard deviations of 0.12 mm for the surface and −7.33 mm3 for the volume (n = 19). The full geometry of the dental root (μ-CT compared with CBCT) could be visualized with relative standard deviations of 0.06 mm for the surface and −14.56 mm3 for the volume (n = 19). The difference between the PAT–μ-CT group and CBCT–μ-CT group regarding the total average of the root surface area was not significant (p>0.06).

Conclusion

Images, which were acquired using PAT at 680nm showed the best contrast ration, enabling the identification of dentin, cementum and the dental pulp. No significant differences were found between the PAT–μ-CT group and CBCT–μ-CT group regarding the total average of the RSA and the total volume. Thus, three-dimensional reconstructions based on in-vitro PAT are already of acceptable reconstruction quality.
Whole transcriptome expression profiles in kidney samples from rats with hyperuricaemic nephropathy
Authors: Li Na , Amatjan Mukaram , He Pengke , Wu Meiwei , Yan Hengxiu , Shao Xiaoni
Published: December 2022

Hyperuricaemic nephropathy (HN) is a common clinical complication of hyperuricaemia (HUA) and poses a huge threat to human health. Hence, we aimed to prospectively investigate the dysregulated genes, pathways and networks involved in HN by performing whole transcriptome sequencing using RNA sequencing. Six kidney samples from HN group (n = 3) and a control group (n = 3) were obtained to conduct RNA sequencing. To disclose the relevant signalling pathways, we conducted the analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. A competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was established to reveal the interactions between lncRNAs, circRNAs, mRNAs and miRNAs and investigate the potential mechanisms of HN. Ultimately, 2250 mRNAs, 306 lncRNAs, 5 circRNAs, and 70 miRNAs were determined to be significantly differentially expressed in the HN group relative to the control group. We further authenticated 8 differentially expressed (DE)-ncRNAs by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and these findings were in accordance with the sequencing results. The analysis results evidently showed that these DE-ncRNAs were significantly enriched in pathways related to inflammatory reaction. In conclusion, HUA may generate abnormal gene expression changes and regulate signalling pathways in kidney samples. Potentially related genes and pathways involved in HN were identified.
Changes of bacterial and fungal communities and relationship between keystone taxon and physicochemical factors during dairy manure ectopic fermentation
Authors: Gong Ping , Gao Daoyu , Hu Xiuzhong , Tan Junjun , Wu Lijun , Liu Wu , Yang Yu , Jin Erguang
Published: December 2022

Background

Due to interactions with variety of environmental and physicochemical factors, the composition and diversity of bacteria and fungi in manure ectopic fermentation are constantly changing. The purpose of this study was to investigated bacterial and fungal changes in dairy manure ectopic fermentation, as well as the relationships between keystone species and physicochemical characteristics.

Methods

Ectopic fermentation was carried out for 93 days using mattress materials, which was combined with rice husk and rice chaff (6:4, v/v), and dairy waste mixed with manure and sewage. Physicochemical characteristics (moisture content, pH, NH4+-N (NN), total organic carbon (TO), total nitrogen (TN) and the C/N ratio) of ectopic fermentation samples were measured, as well as enzymatic activity (cellulose, urease, dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase). Furthermore, the bacterial and fungal communities were studied using 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA gene sequencing, as well as network properties and keystone species were analyzed.

Results

During the ectopic fermentation, the main pathogenic bacteria reduced while fecal coliform increased. The C/N ratio gradually decreased, whereas cellulase and dehydrogenase remained at lower levels beyond day 65, indicating fermentation maturity and stability. During fermentation, the dominant phyla were Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria of bacteria, and Ascomycota of fungi, while bacterial and fungal community diversity changed dramatically and inversely. The association between physicochemical characteristics and community keystone taxon was examined, and C/N ratio was negative associated to keystone genus.

Conclusion

These data indicated that microbial composition and diversity interacted with fermentation environment and parameters, while regulation of keystone species management of physicochemical factors might lead to improved maturation rate and quality during dairy manure ectopic fermentation. These findings provide a reference to enhance the quality and efficiency of waste management on dairy farm.
The regulation of a pigmentation gene in the formation of complex color patterns in Drosophila abdomens
Authors: Raja Komal K. B. , Shittu Mujeeb O. , Nouhan Peter M. E. , Steenwinkel Tessa E. , Bachman Evan A. , Kokate Prajakta P. , McQueeney Alexander , Mundell Elizabeth A. , Armentrout Alexandri A. , Nugent Amber , Werner Thomas
Published: December 2022

Changes in the control of developmental gene expression patterns have been implicated in the evolution of animal morphology. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying complex morphological traits remain largely unknown. Here we investigated the molecular mechanisms that induce the pigmentation gene yellow in a complex color pattern on the abdomen of Drosophila guttifera. We show that at least five developmental genes may collectively activate one cis-regulatory module of yellow in distinct spot rows and a dark shade to assemble the complete abdominal pigment pattern of Drosophila guttifera. One of these genes, wingless, may play a conserved role in the early phase of spot pattern development in several species of the quinaria group. Our findings shed light on the evolution of complex animal color patterns through modular changes of gene expression patterns.
Identification of novel genes involved in the biofilm formation process of Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC)
Authors: Young Meaghan M. , de Oliveira Aline L. , Nolan Lisa K. , Barbieri Nicolle L. , Logue Catherine M.
Published: December 2022

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is the etiological agent of avian colibacillosis, a leading cause of economic loss to the poultry industry worldwide. APEC causes disease using a diverse repertoire of virulence factors and has the ability to form biofilms, which contributes to the survival and persistence of APEC in harsh environments. The objective of this study was to identify genes most widespread and important in APEC that contribute to APEC biofilm formation. Using the characterized APEC O18 as the template strain, a total of 15,660 mutants were randomly generated using signature tagged mutagenesis and evaluated for decreased biofilm formation ability using the crystal violet assay. Biofilm deficient mutants were sequenced, and a total of 547 putative biofilm formation genes were identified. Thirty of these genes were analyzed by PCR for prevalence among 109 APEC isolates and 104 avian fecal E. coli (AFEC) isolates, resulting in nine genes with significantly greater prevalence in APEC than AFEC. The expression of these genes was evaluated in the wild-type APEC O18 strain using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) in both the exponential growth phase and the mature biofilm phase. To investigate the role of these genes in biofilm formation, isogenic mutants were constructed and evaluated for their biofilm production and planktonic growth abilities. Four of the mutants (rfaY, rfaI, and two uncharacterized genes) displayed significantly decreased biofilm formation, and of those four, one (rfaI) displayed significantly decreased growth compared to the wild type. Overall, this study identified novel genes that may be important in APEC and its biofilm formation. The data generated from this study will benefit further investigation into the mechanisms of APEC biofilm formation.