bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes with initiation of inpatient immunotherapy.
Authors: Marks Jennifer Aline , Gosa Barrett Laura , Kang Minhee , O'Brien Sharon , Liu Stephen V.
Published: September 2024

7

Background:
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed cancer care; however, studies establishing their benefit have been primarily conducted in robust patients (pts) with good performance status. Administration of ICI to hospitalized pts remains a subject of debate. While there is often a desire to reverse clinical course in patients who are acutely ill, previous studies show minimal benefit from anticancer therapy near the end of life with the potential for toxicity. While ICI are generally better tolerated than traditional cancer therapies, the median time to response ranges from 2-6 months and pts with a poor PS may not derive benefit. ICIs also bring significant financial burdens to pts and healthcare systems. The role of ICIs in the inpatient setting remains unclear.
Methods:
This study retrospectively examined pts who received PD-(L)1 inhibitors while IP between 2016 and 2023 at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Data were collected manually from institutional EMR. Descriptive statistics were used to depict the pt population and show their outcomes. The Kaplan-Meier method estimated survival probabilities from treatment initiation to follow-up or death, with 95% confidence intervals (α = 0.05). The Log rank non-parametric test compared survival distributions among ICIs.
Results:
Of the 38 pts who initiated ICI as an inpatient, 16 were male (42.1%) and 22 were female (57.9%). The median age was 60 years (31–88 years). Gastrointestinal malignancies were most common indication (31.6%), followed by thoracic/head and neck (21.1%) and hematologic (18.4%) cancers. Among the cohort, 26.3% received nivolumab, 68.4% received pembrolizumab, and 5.3% received a combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab. PD-L1 status was unknown for the majority (79.0%) of pts at time of ICI; 15.8 % were known to be PD-L1 high. Only 14 of 35 (40.0%) patients went on to receive any additional immunotherapy after discharge. The median days to death after discharge was 16 days (0-376 days), with a mean of 36.4 days. The median overall survival was 137 days from IP treatment initiation. The survival probability at 91 days was 65.5% (95% CI: 45.4-79.7) and 31.0% (95% CI: 15.6-47.9) at 182 days. No significant differences were observed between the survival distributions by ICI type (p=0.966) or primary malignancy (p=0.488).
Conclusions:
Our findings underscore the complexities of initiating inpatient ICI treatment and question its appropriateness. Delaying ICI to outpatient settings may enhance pt tolerance, optimize outcomes, and potentially mitigate unnecessary costs. This approach may allow thorough consideration of performance status outside the hospital, possibly improving treatment effectiveness while reducing futile acute care costs.
IMPACT-NSCLC: Innovative machine-learning protocols for accurate clinical biomarker testing in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Authors: Dastagir Muzammil , Shankar Shashi , Desai Aakash
Published: September 2024

84

Background:
Lung cancer is often detected in advanced stages and can benefit from biomarker testing to identify targeted therapeutics. The IMPACT-NSCLC study was designed to identify barriers to equitable biomarker testing for lung cancer patients and develop targeted interventions to help improve biomarker testing rates using a digital personal health record and AI-enabled analysis.
Methods:
IMPACT-NSCLC unites the O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center (UAB) and Novellia, a leading personal health record tool, in a two-part single-institution study of adult NSCLC patients. Novellia uses proprietary technology and AI-enabled services to help patients digitally collect retrospective health records from providers and track health records prospectively, offering researchers a novel method of collecting and evaluating longitudinal health data. Part 1 of the study involves a retrospective study of patients with advanced NSCLC, with advanced data modeling to identify barriers and predictive factors in biomarker testing. Part 2 focuses on developing, implementing, and evaluating targeted interventions based on Part 1’s findings with the goal of improving biomarker testing rates in both academic and community settings.
Results:
In Part 1, data were collected from 35 patients diagnosed with NSCLC from 2020-2024. Most were white (80.77%) and male (53.84%). Median age was 65 (range 51-79). Most received care at an academic (NCI-designated) cancer center (74.28%). Most were not on commercial insurance plans (85.71%), with the most common form being BCBS/Medicare B and Viva Medicare. Most patients had Stage IV NSCLC (82.85%). More patients received liquid NGS testing at diagnosis (91.42%) than tissue NGS testing at diagnosis (68.57%). Nearly all patients (82.85%) received combination therapy, such as pemetrexed, and pembrolizumab, following biomarker testing. Oncologists initiated treatment while biomarker testing results were pending or incomplete more often in non-academic settings (55.55% of cases) vs. academic settings (26.92%).
Conclusions:
The pilot analysis found that patients with NSCLC typically received biomarker testing at diagnosis, more often with liquid biopsy. However, oncologists, especially in non-academic settings, often started treatment before full biomarker testing was completed. Comprehensive biomarker testing was frequently not done at progression. Further analysis leveraging machine learning and advanced modeling of Part 1 data may reveal more predictive factors for these variations, guiding interventions in Part 2. Developing a scalable best-practice guide for comprehensive biomarker testing could improve health system efficiencies and outcomes for patients with NSCLC.
Association of area-level broadband and non-small cell lung cancer diagnosis and guideline-concordant care in the US.
Authors: Fan Qinjin , Xu Muwu , Katana Ogongo Margaret , Hu Xin , Nogueira Leticia M , Han Xuesong , Yabroff Robin
Published: September 2024

96

Background:
Access to broadband is a social determinant of health facilitating connections with healthcare services and other resources and alleviating burdens of travel distance, time, and cost. We used nationwide data to examine the association of zip code-level broadband usage and stage at diagnosis, as well as the receipt of quality care among individuals newly diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Methods:
Individuals ≥18 years newly diagnosed with first primary NSCLC between April - December of 2019-2021, were identified from the National Cancer Database (January - March were excluded to match the COVID-19 timeframe in 2020). Broadband usage percentage (the percentage of individuals per zip code with access to fixed broadband at speeds of 25 Mbps/3 Mbps in 2020) were combined with the cohort based on individual’s residential zip code. Multivariable logistic regression models examined associations between broadband usage quartiles and stage at diagnosis, as well as the receipt of guideline-concordant care based on National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines, including surgery and radiation, ≥10 lymph nodes sampling, chemotherapy, and neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NACR). Analyses were conducted overall and stratified by metropolitan status and year, adjusting for age group, sex, race and ethnicity, comorbidity, distance to facility, state, and zip code-level social deprivation index (SDI).
Results:
Cohort included 305,198 individuals newly diagnosed with NSCLC. Individuals living in areas with the highest broadband usage were more likely to be aged 65-74 years, female, non-Hispanic White, with Medicare coverage, living in metropolitan and low SDI areas. In adjusted models, individuals living in areas with the highest broadband usage were more likely to be diagnosed with stage I NSCLC (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.01-1.20) and to receive guideline-concordant NACR (AOR = 1.38, 95%CI = 1.09-1.73) compared with those living in areas with the lowest broadband usage in 2020. When stratified by metropolitan status, associations of broadband and diagnosis and receipt of NACR were only observed among individuals living in non-metropolitan areas with medium-low and medium-high broadband usage, respectively (AOR = 1.15, 95%CI = 1.01-1.32; AOR = 1.80, 95%CI = 1.25-2.58). No significant associations were identified for other care modalities or during 2019 and 2021.
Conclusions:
Increased access to broadband usage is associated with earlier stage NSCLC diagnosis and receiving guideline-concordant NACR in 2020. Our results suggest that increased broadband access, combined with the expansion of telehealth services during the COVID-19 pandemic, may have improved telehealth utilization throughout 2020, leading to enhanced quality of cancer care, particularly benefiting individuals residing in non-metropolitan areas.
Association Between Medicaid Coverage Continuity and Survival in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Pediatric and Adolescent Cancers
Authors: Hu Xin , Castellino Sharon M. , Kirchhoff Anne C. , Williamson Lewis Rebecca S. , DeGroote Nicholas P. , Cornwell Patricia , Mertens Ann C. , Lipscomb Joseph , Ji Xu
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE

Many patients with cancer do not gain Medicaid coverage until a cancer diagnosis, which can reduce access to early cancer detection and timely treatment, potentially driving inferior survival. Little is known about whether continuous Medicaid coverage prediagnosis through postdiagnosis (
v
gaining Medicaid at/after diagnosis) provides survival benefits for pediatric/adolescent oncology patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We identified patients newly diagnosed with cancer at age 21 years or younger in a large pediatric health system between 2007 and 2016. Electronic medical records (EMRs) were linked to Medicaid administrative data to differentiate insurance continuity patterns during the 6 months preceding through the 6 months after cancer diagnosis (assessment window): continuous Medicaid, newly gained Medicaid (at or after diagnosis), and other Medicaid enrollment patterns. For patients not linked to Medicaid data, we used EMR-reported insurance types at diagnosis. We followed patients from 6 months postdiagnosis up to 5 years, death, or December 2020, whichever came first. Multivariable regressions estimated all-cause and cancer-specific survival, controlling for sociodemographic and cancer-related factors.

RESULTS

Among 1,800 patients included in the analysis, 1,293 (71.8%) had some Medicaid enrollment during the assessment window; among them, 47.6% had continuous Medicaid and 36.3% had newly gained Medicaid. Patients not linked with Medicaid data had private (26.9%) or other/no insurance (1.2%) at diagnosis. Compared with patients with continuous Medicaid, those with newly gained Medicaid had higher risks of all-cause death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.41 [95% CI, 1.10 to 1.81];
P
= .008) and cancer-specific death (HR, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.12 to 1.90];
P
= .005).

CONCLUSION

Continuous Medicaid coverage throughout cancer diagnosis is associated with survival benefits for pediatric/adolescent patients. This finding has critical implications as millions of American individuals have been losing coverage since the unwinding of the Medicaid Continuous Enrollment Provision.
Using Oncology Treatment Pathway Data to Evaluate Serious Illness Communication, Care Utilization, and End-of-Life Care for Patients With Cancer
Authors: Cotner Cody E. , Tramontano Angela C. , Post Alex , Finn Brian , Awan Saima , Gwynne Nathaniel , Mwesigwa Sishemo , Lindvall Charlotta , Tulsky James A. , Jacobson Joseph O. , Jackman David M. , Wright Alexi A. , Manz Christopher R.
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE

Oncology treatment pathways provide decision support and encourage guideline adherence. Pathway data combined with electronic health record (EHR) data can identify patient populations with poor prognoses, low serious illness conversation (SIC) rates, and high acute care utilization that may benefit from targeted interventions.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis among adults with cancer treated at seven affiliated sites of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) who had navigations within 21 treatment pathways between July 29, 2019, and March 8, 2023. DFCI clinicians previously identified pathway nodes with an estimated survival less than 1 year, termed poor prognosis (PP) nodes. We combined pathway data with EHR data to calculate the median overall survival (OS) and proportion of patients with SICs, acute care utilization (hospitalizations and emergency department visits), and outpatient palliative care 6 months after treatment node navigation for all, PP, and nonpoor prognosis (nPP) nodes. SICs were identified using the EHR advanced care planning (ACP) tab.

RESULTS

There were 15,261 navigations for 10,203 patients (median age 66 years, 55% female, 85% White). The median OS was 13.8 months for all nodes, 7.8 months for PP nodes, and 21.0 months for nPP nodes. The ACP section of the EHR rate 6 months after navigation was 19.6% for PP nodes versus 11.0% for nPP nodes. There was substantial intragroup variability in OS and SIC rates among all nodes. SICs were recorded in the ACP tab for only 34.3% of decedents. Patients who navigated to PP nodes had higher levels of acute care utilization and palliative care encounters.

CONCLUSION

Treatment pathway data enabled identification of patient populations with poor prognoses, low SIC rates, and high acute care utilization.
Cadherin adhesion complexes direct cell aggregation in the epithelial transition of Wnt-induced nephron progenitor cells
Authors: Der Balint , Bugacov Helena , Briantseva Bohdana-Myroslava , McMahon Andrew P.
Published: September 2024

In the developing mammalian kidney, nephron formation is initiated by a subset of nephron progenitor cells (NPCs). Wnt input activates a β-catenin (Ctnnb1)-driven, transcriptional nephrogenic program and the mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) of NPCs. Using an in vitro mouse NPC culture model, we observed that activation of the Wnt pathway results in the aggregation of induced NPCs, which is an initiating step in the MET program. Genetic removal showed aggregation was dependent on β-catenin. Modulating extracellular Ca2+ levels showed cell-cell contacts were Ca2+ dependent, suggesting a role for cadherin (Cdh)-directed cell adhesion. Molecular analysis identified Cdh2, Cdh4 and Cdh11 in NPCs, and the β-catenin directed upregulation of Cdh3 and Cdh4 accompanying the MET of induced NPCs. Mutational analysis of β-catenin supported a role for a Lef/Tcf-β-catenin-mediated transcriptional response in the cell aggregation process. Genetic removal of all four cadherins, and independent removal of α-catenin or of β-catenin-α-catenin interactions, abolished aggregation, but not the inductive response to Wnt pathway activation. These findings, and data in an accompanying article highlight the role of β-catenin in linking transcriptional programs to the morphogenesis of NPCs in mammalian nephrogenesis.
Developmental emergence of first- and higher-order thalamic neuron molecular identities
Authors: Lo Giudice Quentin , Wagener Robin J. , Abe Philipp , Frangeul Laura , Jabaudon Denis
Published: September 2024

The thalamus is organized into nuclei that have distinct input and output connectivities with the cortex. Whereas first-order (FO) nuclei – also called core nuclei – relay input from sensory organs on the body surface and project to primary cortical sensory areas, higher-order (HO) nuclei – matrix nuclei – instead receive their driver input from the cortex and project to secondary and associative areas within cortico-thalamo-cortical loops. Input-dependent processes have been shown to play a crucial role in the emergence of FO thalamic neuron identity from a ground-state HO neuron identity, yet how this identity emerges during development remains unknown. Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing of the developing mouse embryonic thalamus, we show that, although they are born together, HO neurons start differentiating earlier than FO neurons. Within the FO visual thalamus, postnatal peripheral input is crucial for the maturation of excitatory, but not inhibitory, neurons. Our findings reveal different differentiation tempos and input sensitivities of HO and FO neurons, and highlight neuron type-specific molecular differentiation programs in the developing thalamus.
Molecular regulation of reversible cardiac remodeling: lessons from species with extreme physiological adaptations
Authors: Martin Thomas G. , Leinwand Leslie A.
Published: September 2024

Some vertebrates evolved to have a remarkable capacity for anatomical and physiological plasticity in response to environmental challenges. One example of such plasticity can be found in the ambush-hunting snakes of the genus Python, which exhibit reversible cardiac growth with feeding. The predation strategy employed by pythons is associated with months-long fasts that are arrested by ingestion of large prey. Consequently, digestion compels a dramatic increase in metabolic rate and hypertrophy of multiple organs, including the heart. In this Review, we summarize the post-prandial cardiac adaptations in pythons at the whole-heart, cellular and molecular scales. We highlight circulating factors and cellular signaling pathways that are altered during digestion to affect cardiac form and function and propose possible mechanisms that may drive the post-digestion regression of cardiac mass. Adaptive physiological cardiac hypertrophy has also been observed in other vertebrates, including in fish acclimated to cold water, birds flying at high altitudes and exercising mammals. To reveal potential evolutionarily conserved features, we summarize the molecular signatures of reversible cardiac remodeling identified in these species and compare them with those of pythons. Finally, we offer a perspective on the potential of biomimetics targeting the natural biology of pythons as therapeutics for human heart disease.
A research data management (RDM) community for ELIXIR
Authors: D'Anna Flora , Jareborg Niclas , Jetten Mijke , Ahokas Minna , Alper Pinar , Andrews Robert , Bösl Korbinian , D’Altri Teresa , Faria Daniel , Fatima Nazeefa , Fuchs Siiri , Garrard Clare , Gu Wei , Heil Katharina F. , Kallberg Yvonne , Licciulli Flavio , Lübke Nils-Christian , Melo Ana M. P. , Mičetić Ivan , Oliveira Jorge , Oulas Anastasis , Palagi Patricia M. , Poterlowicz Krzysztof , Perez-Sitja Xenia , Ruch Patrick , Sansone Susanna-Assunta , Schnitzer Helena , van Gelder Celia , Vergoulis Thanasis , Wibberg Daniel , Wittig Ulrike , Leskošek Brane , Vondrasek Jiri , Andrabi Munazah
Published: September 2024

Research data management (RDM) is central to the implementation of the FAIR (Findable Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) and Open Science principles. Recognising the importance of RDM, ELIXIR Platforms and Nodes have invested in RDM and launched various projects and initiatives to ensure good data management practices for scientific excellence. These projects have resulted in a rich set of tools and resources highly valuable for FAIR data management. However, these resources remain scattered across projects and ELIXIR structures, making their dissemination and application challenging. Therefore, it becomes imminent to coordinate these efforts for sustainable and harmonised RDM practices with dedicated forums for RDM professionals to exchange knowledge and share resources. The proposed ELIXIR RDM Community will bring together RDM experts to develop ELIXIR’s vision and coordinate its activities, taking advantage of the available assets. It aims to coordinate RDM best practices and illustrate how to use the existing ELIXIR RDM services. The Community will be built around three integral pillars, namely, a network of RDM professionals, RDM knowledge management and RDM training expertise and resources. It will also engage with external stakeholders to leverage benefits and provide a forum to RDM professionals for regular knowledge exchange, capacity building and development of harmonised RDM practices, keeping in line with the overall scope of the RDM Community. In the short term, the Community aims to build upon the existing resources and ensure that the content of these remain up to date and fit for purpose. In the long run, the Community will aim to strengthen the skills and knowledge of its RDM professionals to support the emerging needs of the scientific community. The Community will also devise an effective strategy to engage with other ELIXIR structures and international stakeholders to influence and align with developments and solutions in the RDM field.
Comparison of the long-term outcomes of cast immobilization methods
in distal radius fractures: a systematic review of randomized controlled
trials
Authors: Deslivia Maria Florencia , Santosa Claudia , Savio Sherly Desnita , Kholinne Erica , Karna Made Bramantya , Asmara Anak Agung Gde Yuda
Published: September 2024

Objectives: Conservative treatment for distal radius fractures
typically involves closed reduction and immobilization with a plaster cast.
However, no consensus exists regarding the best method and duration for
immobilization. This study investigated the functional outcomes associated with
different plaster cast application techniques in the treatment of stable distal
radius fractures.
Methods: A systematic search was performed in accordance with PRISMA
guidelines for studies in the last 5 years. The inclusion criteria were
randomized controlled trials that investigated non-operative treatments for
distal radius fractures. We excluded studies with short-term follow-up (less
than 3 months), ongoing trials, those that did not directly address fractures,
and studies involving the use of sugar-tong splints or non-circular
immobilization. The outcomes evaluated included subjective measures
(Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score; Patient-Rated Wrist
Evaluation score; Mayo Wrist Score; and visual analog scale) and objective
outcomes (complication rate and radiological parameters).
Results: We included seven articles from 2017 to 2022. These studies
reported a total of 542 fractures, predominantly in women, with a mean age of
over 50 years. Both short and long arm casts demonstrated similar functional and
radiological outcomes. A longer immobilization period (>3 weeks) should
be considered to prevent re-displacement.
Conclusion: In stable fractures treated conservatively, the use of
both short and long arm casts resulted in comparable functional outcomes in
older patients. Immobilization for at least 3 weeks is recommended, as it
provided similar clinical and radiological outcomes compared to longer periods
of immobilization (level of evidence: 2A).
Factors Associated with Nurse Self-Leadership: A Cross-Sectional Study of Nurses Working at Public Health Centers and Primary Healthcare Posts
Authors: Kim Saeryun , Kim Younkyoung
Published: September 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the factors influencing self-leadership among public health nurses as they implement health promotion projects in public health centers and primary healthcare posts. Methods: The study sampled 120 public health nurses from 22 public health centers and their associated primary healthcare posts in J province. Data were collected from October 11 through October 25, 2022. Results: Employment at a primary healthcare post instead of a public health center (β=.23, p=.012), was significantly associated with self-leadership in model 1 (adjusted R2=.17, F=4.56, p<.001). Furthermore, communicative competence (β=.48, p<.001) and nursing professionalism (β=.26, p=.001) were significantly associated with self-leadership in model 2 (adjusted R2=.51, F=14.77, p<.001). Conclusion: Open and self-directed work environments, along with opportunities for education and training, are necessary to enhance communicative competence and nursing professionalism. These improvements may, in turn, strengthen self-leadership among nurses, facilitating the implementation of health promotion projects within public health institutions.
The moderated mediating effect of parental smartphone addiction in the relationship between smartphone addiction, sleep duration, and depression among adolescents
Authors: Jeong Eunha
Published: September 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to examine whether sleep duration mediated the relationship between adolescent smartphone addiction and depression. Moreover, we investigated whether the mediating effects of sleep duration were moderated by parental smartphone addiction. Methods: Wave 4(2021) data collected in 2021 from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Survey (KCYPS) 2018 was used. The data collected from 4,392 matched pairs of parents and their children was analyzed, using the SPSS PROCESS macro. Results: Sleep duration partially mediated the relationship between adolescent smartphone addiction and depression. Also, parental smartphone addiction moderated the indirect effect of this mediation model. Conclusion: This suggests that it is necessary to include content on the use of smartphones by adolescents as well as their parents when designing education and intervention programs to prevent depression in adolescents.
Knowledge of Healthcare Workers Towards NIPAH Virus: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Al Sulayyim Hadi , Alsaleem Manea , Sherjab Ali , Aldoghman Saleh , Alyami Husain , Al Yami Abdulaziz , Almeshal Mohammad , Altheban Mohammad , Alsinan Dahen , Altheban Obaid , Al-Mansour Fares
Published: September 2024

Purpose: To evaluate the healthcare workers’ (HCWs) knowledge towards Nipah virus and identify the associated variables with good knowledge. Methods: A cross-sectional design was conducted in Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to evaluate the knowledge of HCWs towards Nipah virus. A validated questionnaire was employed to collect the data of HCWs. It consisted of two parts: Socio-demographic characteristics of the participants and questions related to the knowledge towards Nipah virus. Percentages and median (Q1, Q3) were used to present the data and were compared by Mann–Whitney and Kruskal Wallis. The associated variables with good knowledge were identified by logistic regression. Results: The study included 247 participants. The median (Q1, Q3) knowledge score was 45% (10%, 60%), reflecting poor knowledge. About 62% of the HCWs stated that the symptoms of Nipah virus infection could be acute respiratory distress, convulsions, and coma. Only 36.8% reported no available vaccine to prevent Nipah virus infection, and more than 50% identified the virus’s main reservoir (fruit bat) as the possibility of transmission from animal to human. Roughly 57% of them reported that the virus can be transmitted among people through droplets. Less than 40% stated the Nipah virus can cause AIDS. The significantly associated variable with good knowledge was only nationality. Conclusion: The present study showed a poor knowledge of HCWs. Good knowledge was associated with nationality. Therefore, the implementation of education and training programmes are highly recommended throughout conducting prospective and interventional studies.
Estimating the Value of Offsite Tracking Data to Advertisers: Evidence from Meta
Authors: Wernerfelt Nils , Tuchman Anna , Shapiro Bradley T. , Moakler Robert
Published: September 2024

We run a large-scale field experiment at Meta to estimate how valuable offsite tracking data are for digital ad effectiveness.
Confronting Denial in Mainstream Climate Change Policy Discourse
Authors: Skillington Tracey
Published: September 2024

Coming increasingly into critical focus today are the limitations of standard distributional, procedural, retributive and recognitional components of an international order of climate justice that do not take the wider geopolitical aspects of global climate change sufficiently into consideration. For instance, the enduring influence of imperial histories of natural resource plunder (Carbon Brief, 2021) and related structures of economic, social and political inequality on the changing dynamics of a warming world are not taken into account (Moore, 2017). Similarly, the failure of this justice system to connect institutionally embedded patterns of discrimination and valueinequality (NcNay, 2008) with current experiences of climate change disadvantage (Brugnach et al., 2014). This chapter explores the type of interpretive strategies used in international climate change policy discourse to deny the urgency of these issues and initiate corrective action. It will then consider how a new relational model of climate justice might be introduced to address such epistemic injustice and bring about greater equity in the distribution of climate related burdens and responsibilities.
A Qualitative Meta-Synthesis on Drug Addicts Recovery Based on a Transtheoretical Model
Authors: Kim Riah , Park Youngeun , Kim Jieun
Published: September 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to synthesize and integrate findings from qualitative studies on the recovery experiences of Korean drug addicts using the Transtheoretical Model.Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across nine databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, KMBASE, KISS, RISS, KNBASE, Science On, DBpia) to identify studies exploring the recovery experiences of drug addicts. The selected studies were synthesized through meta-synthesis, as proposed by Butler, Hall, and Copnell.Results: The overarching theme identified in the recovery process is "A journey of escaping the pit by weaving a new life with a gold rope," with five sub-themes: “Falling into a bottomless pit,” “Being broken because of a rotten rope,” “Struggling to get out of the pit,” “Weaving a gold rope by oneself,” and “Climbing the gold rope into a new life.” Recovery is portrayed as a transformative journey that extends beyond merely stopping drug use, emphasizing social connections and personal growth.Conclusion: This study provides valuable insights into the recovery experiences of Korean drug addicts, offering guidance for practical recovery strategies. The findings support the development of tailored intervention programs and policies for different stages of drug addiction recovery.
An insight into the ecology of Manasbal Lake of Kashmir valley: A Review
Authors: Yousuf Tabasum , Javaid Shaista , Nissar Sinan , Mir Zahoor Ahmad , Bakhtiyar Yahya
Published: September 2024

Manasbal Lake is the deepest freshwater lake in India and has suffered environmental degradation due to various human activities, such as agriculture, urban expansion, tourism, stone quarrying etc. The lake is in dire need of comprehensive restoration measures to restore its ecological balance, which is quite crucial for the region's economy and culture. Preserving this natural treasure safeguards biodiversity, supports local livelihoods and ensures that future generations can enjoy its unique beauty, making it a vital investment for the region's well-being and prosperity. The present study aims to consolidate data concerning the diverse biotic and abiotic elements of Manasbal Lake within the context of its management and preservation. It provides crucial insights into the hydrological and watershed features of Manasbal Lake, while also offering a comprehensive historical overview. Moreover, the document elaborates on the water quality indicators and key biotic components to delineate the ecological dynamics within the lake. Additionally, it outlines various environmental issues confronting the lake and proposes remedial actions to protect its ecosystem. Manasbal Lake is facing substantial ecological challenges due to human settlements, agricultural runoff, tourism, and stone quarrying. The influx of nutrients from household waste, sewage, and agricultural activities has led to significant eutrophication. Tourism has exacerbated this problem, with motorboat use and oil spills further polluting the lake. Stone quarrying has added excessive calcium, causing sedimentation and nutrient buildup, adversely affecting aquatic life and local vegetation. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive management strategies to regulate human activities, improve waste management, and restore the lake's ecological balance.This research could facilitate the endeavors of scholars interested in investigating the ecology of Manasbal Lake by offering a framework of the essential ecological facets linked to this water body.
Analysis of Pre-monsoon and Post-monsoon Seasonal Rainfall Trends by Mann-Kendall and Sen’s Slope Estimator Test in Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Kumar Aman , Attri Pawan Kumar
Published: September 2024

The purpose of the current study is to determine the trends and patterns of precipitation occurring in the periods before and after the monsoon season at 12 meteorological stations located in the twelve districts of the Himachal Pradesh region. The timeframe of the analysis is from 1991 to 2020. For this study, we used the Mann-Kendall test and estimator Sen's slope estimator test. Precipitation is an essential climatic factor that can act as a signal of climate change. In order to understand how climate change may affect water resource planning and management, it is crucial to understand rainfall pattern. The results indicate that there is a growing tendency in the pre-monsoon season at some sites, while some stations are seeing a declining trend. Keylong has the most significant falling trend, with a Sen slope of -4.154mm whereas Manali had the highest increasing trend at Sen's Slope (1.471mm). In contrast, the analysis of post-monsoon season data reveals an upward tendency in all studied regions, except for Dharamshala, where Sen's slope (-0.042mm) shows a slight downward trend whereas Manali had the highest increasing trend with the value of 1.771mm. According to the research, agricultural and horticultural sectors in Himachal Pradesh are at risk from heavy rainfall and landslides during the periods before and after the monsoon season, respectively, if the patterns continue to rise. Conversely, a decrease in these patterns might result in water scarcity. To tackle adverse climate changes, the general public must embrace adaptation measures based on long-term series data.
Multi-view high-dynamic-range 3D reconstruction and point cloud quality evaluation based on dual-frame difference images
Authors: Feng Yun , Wu Rongyu , Li Peiwu , Wu Wenlei , Lin Jiahao , Liu Xiaojun , Chen Liangzhou
Published: September 2024

A high dynamic range can easily lead to image saturation, making it a challenge for structured light 3D reconstruction. The article proposes a multi-view 3D topography measurement system, which consists of dual projectors, a single camera, and a high-precision rotary platform. The system utilizes single-frame images to achieve high-dynamic-range surface adaptive exposure. Subsequently, it proposes a method that combines two-frame differential images with multi-view imaging to identify highly reflective regions and complete point cloud holes. This approach addresses the issue of visual blind spots caused by shadows and local high reflectivity due to the occlusion of the measured object’s geometric features. Finally, the system employs deep learning to evaluate the quality of the high-dynamic-range point cloud data. Comparative experiments show that optimal exposure in single-frame images can achieve better imaging quality and shorten capture time. The dual-frame difference image algorithm can identify high-reflection areas and complete the point cloud data. The point cloud quality evaluation model based on IT-PCQA demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method for high-dynamic-range 3D reconstruction.
Quantum enhancement detection techniques for FMCW LiDAR
Authors: Huang Ming-Da , Hunza M. , Wang Yuan-Feng , Jiang Zhan-Feng , Qin Qi
Published: September 2024

Interferometric LiDAR is a device that is used to achieve distance, velocity and phase estimation with high precision and resolution through the use of frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW). In this instance, we study quantum enhancement detection techniques for a Mach-Zender interferometer with a FMCW coherent state input. Various quantum detection methods–including NOON state detection, coincidence detection, and sum of parity detection–are applied to the FMCW coherent state and compared against the classical heterodyne detection technique. The findings reveal the potential to trade maximum detectable distance for resolution enhancement. Furthermore, classical Fisher information is utilized to validate and quantify the precision limits of each detection technique. In scenarios characterized by high losses, it is observed that the precision limits of coincidence detection, sum of parity detection, and classical detection techniques are comparable. Therefore, this study offers practical guidance for designing quantum-enhanced receivers for FMCW LiDAR systems.
Observation of terahertz nonlinear absorption activity in Al2O3
Authors: Zheng Zhuorui , Chen Xin , Fang Yifei , Li Hongyang , Wang Kang , Song Liwei , Tian Ye
Published: September 2024

We investigate the terahertz (THz) nonlinear absorption characteristics in a thin Al2O3 crystal using nonlinear THz spectroscopy. A THz saturable absorption performance with a high modulation depth (27.5%) and a relatively low saturable intensity (6.99 µJ/cm2) of Al2O3 is revealed, covering the THz spectrum from 0.1 to 8 THz. The inevitable presence of oxygen vacancies and impurities in Al2O3 single crystal results in the existence of free electrons within the conduction band. The transmission enhancement can be described by the change of the mobility of electrons due to intervalley scattering induced by THz pulses, based on first-principles calculations. Therefore, Al2O3 crystals have promising application potential in mode-locked devices for directly delivering broadband ultrashort THz pulses.
Fabrication of slanted gratings with high refractive index starting from master nanoimprint mold
Authors: Chen Si , Chen Hao , Gao Yi Fan , Chen Xiao Feng , Hao Zong Bin , Zhang Jian , Chen Zhou , Ge Hai Xiong
Published: September 2024

Recently, nanoimprinting has attracted a new round of attention in the industry due to the boom in demand for augmented reality/virtual reality (AR/VR), metalens and microlens, and even semiconductors. Slanted gratings have great application prospects in AR/VR displays because of their high efficiency in light coupling. UV-Nanoimprint lithography (UV-NIL) has been identified as one of the most feasible routes for mass manufacture of high refractive index (RI) slanted gratings. This paper presents a fabrication of high RI slanted gratings based on UV-NIL. A comprehensive study on the optical principles of slanted gratings is conducted, followed by simulation-based optimization of the grating parameters. The key element for applying nanoimprint to fabricate slanted gratings is the master mold, which is acquired by a tilted angle etching of metal gratings as an etching mask on silicon wafers with F-based plasma. The influence of experimental parameters, such as the etching power and etching mask thickness on the morphology of the slanted gratings on the master mold are investigated. The working mold was simply duplicated from the master mold by UV-NIL with a low surface energy working mold material. The high RI slanted gratings were achieved by imprinting a UV-curable resin with high RI. Finally, experimental verification was performed to assess the optical performance of the slanted gratings.
Giant magneto-optical Kerr effects governed by the quasi-bound states in the continuum
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqiang , Jiang Yunqing , Li Qiuyue , Xu Yong , Zhan Qiwen , Zhao Weishneg
Published: September 2024

The magneto-optical Kerr effect (MOKE), as one of the magneto-optical effects, exhibits polarization change upon reflection that can be used to explore the internal information of magnetic materials with broad applications in modern information technology. However, typically, MOKE is quite weak due to the lower magneto-optical interaction. To tremendously enhance the MOKE, quasi-bound states in the continuum in a one-dimensional Ce- doped Y3Fe5O12 (CeYIG) film photonic crystal slabs (PCS) are proposed to improve the magneto-optical interaction in this work. A giant enhancement in the rotation angle and ellipticity of the longitudinal MOKE, which is about 93.4 and 136.8 times stronger than a pure uniform CeYIG, can be realized. Almost circularly polarized reflected beams with different chiralities are obtained with the CeYIG film. By tuning the geometric parameters of the PCS and the applied external magnetic field, dynamic control of polarization states of the reflected beams with different wavelengths can be realized. This magneto-optical metasurface provides a convenient way for the implementation of magneto-optical devices such as information memory devices, sensors, polarizers, and chiral devices.
Dual-channel bistability modulation in a bilayer graphene-based optomechanical system
Authors: Jiang Yangyang , Wang Xinjun , Peng Yuxiang , Long Linwen , Zhao Wenhao , Li Jianbo
Published: September 2024

We propose a flexible scheme for studying linear absorption response and optical bistability (OB) in a bilayer graphene-based optomechanical system. The results show that as the coupling between the G-mode phonon and excitons is turned on, the linear absorption spectrum will evolve from a single-peaked structure to a two-peaked one, and the spacing between two splitting peaks is equal to twice as large as the phonon–exciton coupling strength. Especially, we plot bistability phase diagrams within the system’s parameter subspaces, demonstrating that the bistable switch can be controlled via no, single, or dual-channel by changing the intensity of the pump light in a weak phonon–exciton coupling regime. This holds promise for developing precision-measuring nanodevices and multi-channel optical bistable switches.
Pure-quartic solitons with PT-symmetric nonlinearity
Authors: Sardelis Savvas , Roy Shuva , Roy Mrinmoy , Musslimani Ziad , Blanco-Redondo Andrea
Published: September 2024

We propose a new, to the best of our knowledge, class of soliton based on the interaction of parity-time (PT) symmetric nonlinearity and quartic dispersion or diffraction. This novel kind of soliton is related to the recently discovered pure-quartic solitons (PQS), which arise from the balance of the Kerr nonlinearity and quartic dispersion, through a complex coordinate shift. We find that the PT-symmetric pure-quartic soliton presents important differences with respect to its Hermitian (Kerr) counterpart, including a nontrivial phase structure, a skewed spectral intensity, and a higher power for the same propagation constant. Further analysis reveals these solitons are linearly stable.
High beam quality and high peak power 1.6 µm deuterium Raman laser
Authors: Song Suya , Sun Jinglu , Qian Feiyu , Cai Xianglong , Xu Ming , Liu Zhensong , Zhao Wanli , Guo Jingwei
Published: September 2024

In this work, a 1.67 µm laser was generated in the pressurized deuterium pumped by a pulsed 1064 nm laser via the stimulated vibration + rotation Raman scattering (SV-RRS). By the optimization of the deuterium pressure, focal length, and polarization of the pump laser, a 66.2 mJ Raman laser was achieved with the configuration of 1.7 MPa deuterium pressure, 2245 mm focal length, and 220 mJ circularly polarized pump laser. Correspondingly, the photon conversion efficiency was 47.8%, the energy conversion efficiency was 30.5%, the pulse width was 5.4 ns, and the maximum peak power was 12.3 MW. In addition, SV-RRS was found to improve beam quality significantly: from Mx2 = 2.67 and My2 = 3.07 for the pump laser to Mx2 = 1.42 and My2 = 1.53 for the 1.67 µm Raman laser.
Managing spatio-temporal heterogeneity of susceptibles by embedding it into an homogeneous model: A mechanistic and deep learning study
Authors: Tang Biao , Ma Kexin , Liu Yan , Wang Xia , Tang Sanyi , Xiao Yanni , Cheke Robert A.
Published: September 2024

Accurate prediction of epidemics is pivotal for making well-informed decisions for the control of infectious diseases, but addressing heterogeneity in the system poses a challenge. In this study, we propose a novel modelling framework integrating the spatio-temporal heterogeneity of susceptible individuals into homogeneous models, by introducing a continuous recruitment process for the susceptibles. A neural network approximates the recruitment rate to develop a Universal Differential Equations (UDE) model. Simultaneously, we pre-set a specific form for the recruitment rate and develop a mechanistic model. Data from a COVID Omicron variant outbreak in Shanghai are used to train the UDE model using deep learning methods and to calibrate the mechanistic model using MCMC methods. Subsequently, we project the attack rate and peak of new infections for the first Omicron wave in China after the adjustment of the dynamic zero-COVID policy. Our projections indicate an attack rate and a peak of new infections of 80.06% and 3.17% of the population, respectively, compared with the homogeneous model’s projections of 99.97% and 32.78%, thus providing an 18.6% improvement in the prediction accuracy based on the actual data. Our simulations demonstrate that heterogeneity in the susceptibles decreases herd immunity for ~37.36% of the population and prolongs the outbreak period from ~30 days to ~70 days, also aligning with the real case. We consider that this study lays the groundwork for the development of a new class of models and new insights for modelling heterogeneity.
Prompt-guided and multimodal landscape scenicness assessments with vision-language models
Authors: Levering Alex , Marcos Diego , Jacobs Nathan , Tuia Devis
Published: September 2024

Recent advances in deep learning and Vision-Language Models (VLM) have enabled efficient transfer to downstream tasks even when limited labelled training data is available, as well as for text to be directly compared to image content. These properties of VLMs enable new opportunities for the annotation and analysis of images. We test the potential of VLMs for landscape scenicness prediction, i.e., the aesthetic quality of a landscape, using zero- and few-shot methods. We experiment with few-shot learning by fine-tuning a single linear layer on a pre-trained VLM representation. We find that a model fitted to just a few hundred samples performs favourably compared to a model trained on hundreds of thousands of examples in a fully supervised way. We also explore the zero-shot prediction potential of contrastive prompting using positive and negative landscape aesthetic concepts. Our results show that this method outperforms a linear probe with few-shot learning when using a small number of samples to tune the prompt configuration. We introduce Landscape Prompt Ensembling (LPE), which is an annotation method for acquiring landscape scenicness ratings through rated text descriptions without needing an image dataset during annotation. We demonstrate that LPE can provide landscape scenicness assessments that are concordant with a dataset of image ratings. The success of zero- and few-shot methods combined with their ability to use text-based annotations highlights the potential for VLMs to provide efficient landscape scenicness assessments with greater flexibility.