bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The association of smokeless tobacco usage with the mental health status of late adolescents in rural areas of Wardha district: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Dhage Vaishnavi , Nagtode Dr. Nikhilesh
Published: April 2024

Introduction The unburned tobacco consumed orally is referred to as Smokeless tobacco. Smokeless tobacco consumption among rural adolescents is seen at a large scale. The early initiation of smokeless tobacco is associated with physical as well as psychological problems in human beings. Objectives This research aims to ascertain the frequency of smokeless tobacco utilization and investigate the association between the use of smokeless tobacco and mental health outcomes in late adolescents. Methods It is an analytical cross-sectional study that will be conducted in the rural field practice area of the Department of Community Medicine, JNMC, DMIHER (DU), Wardha district. The students aged 15 to 19 years from middle school, secondary, and higher secondary school will be the participants. The assessment of mental health status will be determined based on the score obtained from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The Chi-Square Test will be used to find the correlation between the variables. The data analysis will be presented via tables, graphs, and charts. Study implications This study will provide evidence for policy generation and strengthen the existing policies associated with smokeless tobacco usage among the adolescent population.
Atopic biomarker changes after exposure to Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide: a small experimental study in Wistar rats
Authors: Nelwan Sindy Cornelia , Nugraha Ricardo Adrian , Endaryanto Anang , Meizarini Asti , Tedjosasongko Udijanto , Pradopo Seno , Utomo Haryono , Nowwarote Nunthawan
Published: April 2024

Background IgE and IgG4 are implicated in atopic development and clinically utilized as major biomarkers. Atopic responses following certain pathogens, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), are currently an area of interest for further research. The aim of this study is to measure the level of IgE, IgG4, and IgG4/IgE ratio periodically after exposure of periodontal pathogen Pg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods We used 16 Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus) randomly subdivided into four groups: Group 1,  injected with placebo; Group 2, injected with 0.3 µg/mL of Pg LPS; Group 3, injected with 1 µg/mL of Pg LPS; and Group 4, injected with 3 µg/mL of Pg LPS. Sera from all groups were taken from retro-orbital plexus before and after exposure. Results Levels of IgE and IgG4 increased significantly following exposure of Pg LPS at day-4 and day-11. Greater increase of IgE rather than IgG4 contributed to rapid decline of IgG4/IgE ratio, detected in the peripheral blood at day-4 and day-11. Conclusion Modulation of atopic responses following exposure to Pg is reflected by a decrease in IgG4/IgE ratio that accompanies an increase of IgE. Therefore, Pg, a keystone pathogen during periodontal disease, may have a tendency to disrupt atopic biomarkers.
Psychological factors and diabetic foot ulceration: a scoping review of the bi-directional relationship between diabetic foot ulcer healing and mental health factors
Authors: Hanlon Michelle , McGuire Brian , C MacGilchrist , Dunne Rosie , Kirwan Ellen , Ní Neachtain Deirdre , Dhatariya Ketan , Blanchette Virginie , Durand Hannah , Dragomir Anda , C McIntosh
Published: April 2024

Introduction Diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) is a major complication of diabetes and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Psychological factors are believed to play a role in wound healing, but it remains uncertain if psychological interventions can help individuals with an active DFU, or a history of DFUs, to achieve complete or improved wound healing or prevent recurrence. Objective The objective of the proposed scoping review is to investigate the emotional consequences/burden of living with DFU and to examine how psychosocial factors may impact progression and management of ulcerations. Methods This review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) will guide the reporting of results. Discussion While factors such as stress, depression, social support, and adherence to treatment have been identified as variables that may negatively affect DFU healing, there is a need for a greater understanding of how psychological and behavioural variables such as these may influence ulcer incidence, healing and recurrence in people with diabetes. This review will comprise of a broad and systematically mapped synthesis of the identified data. Findings will be used to provide a better understanding of the bi-directional relationship between DFU and psychological variables and will provide direction for the development or adaptation of a tailored psychological intervention that will aim to optimise wellbeing and improve outcomes for individuals with DFU.
Introducing the Democratic Electoral Systems data, 1919-1945
Authors: Bormann Nils-Christian , Kaftan Lea
Published: April 2024

This data note introduces an update to the widely-used Democratic Electoral Systems (DES) data that encompasses the period from 1919 to 1945. The data include 243 legislative lower house and presidential elections in 34 interwar democracies. Information on these elections falls into four categories: first and foremost, DES contains variables that capture the institutional rules that define how elections are organized. Second, the data captures the consequences of electoral rules in the form of summary statistics of electoral outcomes. Third, we include democracy classifications for four major democracy datasets so that users can choose their preferred democracy definition when working with the data. Finally, the DES dataset contains multiple identification variables that allow linking the DES data to a wide variety of other datasets. This update to the DES data is fully compatible with prior releases for the post-war period 1–3 .
Human placental cells are resistant to SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication
Authors: Yoshida Nagisa , Thomas Jake R. , Appios Anna , Brember Matthew P. , Aye Irving L.M.H. , Edgar James R. , Firth Andrew E. , Chung Betty Y.W. , McGovern Naomi , Stewart Hazel
Published: April 2024

Background Infection during pregnancy with SARS-CoV-2 can have a serious impact on both maternal and foetal health. Clinical studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 transmission from the mother to the foetus typically does not occur. However, there is evidence that SARS-CoV-2 can infect the placenta in utero. Here we sought to quantify the permissiveness of placental cells to SARS-CoV-2 infection and to determine if they support viral release. Methods By using publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) data sets and confocal microscopy we compared ACE2 transcript and protein expression across human first trimester and term placental cells. ACE2 transcripts are found in a range of placental cell types across gestation, including trophoblast. However, ACE2 protein expression does not significantly change across placental cell types from first trimester to term. Results Using in vitro infection assays, we demonstrate that 0.5±0.15 % of term trophoblast cells can be infected with SARS-CoV-2 while primary placental fibroblasts and macrophages, and JEG-3, JAR and HUVEC cell lines are resistant to infection. Furthermore, primary trophoblast cells poorly support viral release while JEG-3 cells allow relatively high levels of viral release. Conclusions The low level of viral release by primary placental cells provides insight into how the virus is impaired from crossing the placenta to the foetus.
The emergence of common health conditions across the life course: evidence from the Born in Bradford family cohort
Authors: Santorelli Gillian , Lewer Dan , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Lee Siang Ing , Phillips Katherine , McEachan Rosemary R.C. , Wright John
Published: April 2024

Background Born in Bradford (BiB) is a family cohort study with linked routine health records. We calculated the rates of common health conditions and explored differences between White European and South Asian participants. Methods 21 health conditions were identified using diagnostic codes and prescription records extracted from electronic health records. Period prevalence of each condition was calculated for the two years before recruitment, and incidence rates per 1000 person years were calculated from recruitment to BiB to the end of 2021, or earlier if censored. Age-adjusted Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) between ethnic groups. Results The sample included 9,784 mothers, 52% of whom were of South Asian heritage and 48% were White European. The highest prevalence and incidence rates were observed for common mental health disorders and eczema. We found evidence that South Asian women had higher incidence of 14/21 conditions, including diabetes (HR 3.94 [95% CI 3.15, 4.94]), chronic liver disease (2.98 [2.29, 3.88]) and thyroid disorders (1.87 [1.50, 2.33]), and had lower incidence of cancer (0.51 [0.38, 0.68]), other and common mental health disorders (0.56 [0.45, 0.71] and 0.69 [0.64, 0.74] respectively), and other neuromuscular conditions (0.63 [0.49, 0.82]). Conclusions/discussion We report differences in several non-communicable health conditions between White European and South Asian women. The higher rates of some health conditions observed in South Asian participants may be explained by social, cultural, lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors and highlights the importance of understanding and addressing these factors to reduce health inequalities. It is already known that the risk of some diseases, e.g., diabetes, is associated with South Asian ethnicity and these results reinforce the need for culturally appropriate public health interventions to address modifiable risk factors at both an individual and systems level to reduce the burden of long-term health conditions.
The genome sequence of the chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs Linnaeus, 1758
Authors: van Grouw Hein ,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: April 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Fringilla coelebs (the chaffinch; Chordata; Aves; Passeriformes; Fringillidae). The genome sequence is 1,209.2 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 40 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.8 kilobases in length.
Derecho propio: elementos restaurativos para la aplicación del enfoque étnico en casos relacionados con el territorio como víctima del conflicto armado.
Authors: Ariza Santamaría Rosembert , Vargas Reyes Bryan
Published: April 2024

Además del reconocimiento del territorio como sujeto de derechos y del derecho colectivo al territorio, la jurisprudencial nacional y el sistema interamericano han examinado las incidencias del conflicto armado en la vida de las comunidades étnicas respecto del alcance de las afectaciones a sus espacios sagrados y culturales. Reconociendo este acumulado jurídico se requiere revisar los factores subyacentes que inciden en las dinámicas de conflicto en el territorio y los retos y oportunidades para construir, transformar y reparar territorios desde el derecho propio y el saber ancestral.
La imperante necesidad de humanizar el derecho internacional
Authors: Murillo Cruz David Andrés
Published: April 2024

La dependencia del derecho internacional a la voluntad de los Estados y, con esto, a los intereses individuales estatales, parece haber llegado a un punto de inflexión acelerado por la globalización y su proceso de fragmentación de fronteras. Desde esta inflexión se reflexiona sobre la existencia de nuevos sujetos de derecho que protagonizan el futuro y la supervivencia del orden jurídico internacional. La humanidad es uno de esos nuevos sujetos de derecho internacional que comienzan a transformar la realidad normativa del jus inter gentes, reivindicando desde la necesidad de humanización los intereses conjuntos de la comunidad humana global por encima de los intereses individuales de los Estados. A partir de este último postulado, la atención se centra en el rol que en estos momentos debería desempeñar la entidad estatal, cuando a todas luces sus capacidades de control, determinación y autoridad se muestran limitadas para solucionar los problemas que desbordando sus fronteras escapan de su potestas. Al respecto se plantea que el Estado debería seguir siendo la expresión política y jurídica de una realidad sociopolítica, pero en esta oportunidad ya no como el determinador de las soluciones, sino como un Estado-ejecutor de éstas, coadyuvando en la humanización del derecho internacional.
La insuficiencia del enfoque diferencial y la necesidad de la adopción del enfoque interseccional en la protección de derechos humanos: un análisis desde el caso Gonzáles Lluy y otros vs. Ecuador de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos
Authors: Villarraga Zschommler Luisa
Published: April 2024

Ante el preminente avance de las luchas por la reivindicación de los derechos de las poblaciones históricamente oprimidas, la lupa está puesta sobre las herramientas jurídicas que posibilitan la garantía y protección de los derechos de estos grupos de personas. En este contexto, tanto la academia como el mundo de operadores jurídicos se han enfrentado a la cuestión sobre la suficiencia y utilidad del enfoque diferencial para garantizar y representar correctamente a las personas. La Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos no fue ajena a esta discusión y desde hace unos años ha implementado otra categoría de análisis, el enfoque interseccional. Este texto pretende estudiar la discusión sobre la idoneidad de un enfoque sobre otro, además aborda un análisis somero sobre la sentencia en que la CoIDH trató el tema e insta a la Corte Constitucional de Colombia a que se ponga a la vanguardia en la discusión y adopte herramientas jurídicas que le permitan garantizar derechos con suficiencia.
Situación de los guardaparques colombianos a la luz del derecho internacional de los derechos humanos
Authors: Jiménez Rojas Paula Andrea
Published: April 2024

El presente análisis tiene por objeto evidenciar cómo los derechos huma- nos de muchos de los guardaparques colombianos han sido vulnerados con ocasión de los constantes ataques que sufren durante la protección y defensa de las Áreas Protegidas Nacionales. Dichas afectaciones permiten catalogar a estos funcionarios y contratistas como víctimas a la luz del derecho internacional de los derechos humanos, concretamente como víctimas del delito, víctimas de violaciones manifiestas a los derechos humanos y víctimas para el Sistema Interamericano de Derechos Humanos. Con ocasión de lo anterior se presenta brevemente un análisis en torno al derecho a la reparación que les asiste y se destaca la importante labor de los guardaparques colombianos para la protección del medio ambiente y el disfrute de los derechos humanos de la población, constituyéndose en defensores de derechos humanos.
Evaluation of the Frequency of Asthma Attack and Disease Severity in Children in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kurt Funda , Akça Halise , Akca Çağlar Ayla , Metbulut Azize Pınar , Büyük Yaytokgil Şule , Bayhan Gülsüm İclal , Dibek Mısırlıoğlu Emine
Published: April 2024

Objective: As with any lower respiratory tract infection, it is thought that coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection may trigger asthma attacks, and the infection may be more severe in patients with asthma. The objective of this study was to establish the incidence of COVID-19 in children with asthma and to assess the disease severity in this patient group.

Material and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed patients who were admitted to the pediatric emergency clinic at our hospital between March and December 2020 with asthma attacks. The patients underwent a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test to diagnose COVID-19.

Results: The study involved 155 patients, with 85 (54.8%) being male and the median age (IQR) was 122.0 (66.0- 163.0) months. The most common symptoms presented by these patients were cough (70.3%), fever (39.4%), and dyspnea (29.7%). Within the patients who required hospitalisation, 18 (81.8%) were diagnosed with moderate attack and 4 (18.2%) with severe attack (p< 0.001). Of the patients who were hospitalised, 10 (45.5%) were partially controlled and 8 (36.4%) were uncontrolled with respect to their medical condition (p<0.001). In the study, COVID-19 was detected in 22 (14.2%) out of 155 patients. According to the diagnosis of COVID-19, there was no difference in the severity of attacks or the requirement for ward hospitalization (p=0.633, p=0.288, respectively).

Conclusion: COVID-19 infection does not increase the severity of asthma attacks or the need for hospitalization in children. This information is particularly important in the context of pediatric emergency care for asthma patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Insurance Scheme: Inequality in Untreated Caries and Tooth Loss
Authors:   Bureau of Dental Health, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, Srinarupat Jarassri , Oshiro Akiko ,   Department of Oral Health Promotion, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan, Zaitsu Takashi ,   Department of Oral Health Promotion, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan, Prasertsom Piyada ,   Bureau of Dental Health, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, Niyomsilp Kornkamol ,   Bureau of Dental Health, Department of Health, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand, Kawaguchi Yoko ,   Department of Oral Health Promotion, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan, Aida Jun ,   Department of Oral Health Promotion, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Japan,   Division for Regional Community Development, Liaison Center for Innovative Dentistry, Graduate School of Dentistry, Tohoku University, Japan
Published: April 2024

Objectives: In Thailand, access to dental care services varies based on different insurance schemes. Our objective was to determine the association of untreated caries and tooth loss with insurance schemes among adult population in Thailand. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. Secondary data from oral examinations and a questionnaire administered during Thailand’s National Oral Health Survey 2017 were analyzed. Untreated caries and tooth loss were used as continuous dependent variables. Based on the insurance schemes, participants were categorized into four groups: Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), Civil Servant Medical Benefit Scheme (CSMBS), Social Security Scheme (SSS), and “others” (uninsured, do not use, do not know). Poisson regression with robust variance and sampling weights was used to calculate the ratio of means (RM), and 95% confidence interval (CI) was used for untreated caries and tooth loss, with adjustments for age, gender, and location. Results: A total of 4,534 participants were included. The mean age and number of untreated caries and tooth loss were 39.6±2.9 years, 0.9±1.7 teeth, and 2.2±3.1 teeth, respectively. In covariate-adjusted models, participants under the UCS showed a significantly higher chance of untreated caries compared to those under the CSMBS (RM=1.23, 95% CI=1.04–1.45). Regarding tooth loss, participants under the others category had a substantially higher chance of tooth loss compared with those with the CSMBS. (RM=1.37, 95% CI=1.02–1.85). Conclusions: Insurance schemes are predictors of untreated caries and tooth loss. Expansion of coverage of all insurance schemes to facilitate access to dental services is required.
Extending the glass formation of alkali tellurites
Authors:   Coe College, Wei Yi , Philips Aaron , Empen Nils , Thompson Brittany , Tarman Lisa , Frana Ethan , Meyer Lauren , Bragatto Caio , Feller Steve ,   Northeast Community College,   William Penn High School
Published: April 2024

The physical properties of low alkali content tellurite glasses of composition xM2O.(1−x)TeO2 (0≤x≤0·35) have been previously collected in this laboratory. The twin-roller rapid quenching technique (cooling rate>105°C/s), used within a nitrogen environment, successfully and significantly extended the glass-forming range in the lithium and sodium tellurite systems. The upper range for modification has been extended from x=0·35 to 0·80 and up to x=0·625 for the lithium and sodium systems, respectively. In the K, Rb and Cs tellurites, the glass forming ranges were not increased. Glass transition temperature (Tg), crystallisation temperature (Tx), density, molar volume, packing fraction, ionic conductivity and Raman spectra were obtained for these glasses. These results showed structural changes as a function of composition and carbonate retention in the glasses as the amount of alkali modifier increased above x=0·5.
Upper gastrointestinal training in the UK and Ireland: a Roux Group Study
Authors: Robinson DBT , Zakeri R , Brown LR , Laing RW , Choh C , Askari A , Abouelazayem M , Bradley A , Currie AC , Elmasry M , Evans RPT , Gall TMH , Jerome E , Raftery NB , Samuel M , Spiers HVM , Chan BKY ,   ; on behalf of the Roux Group
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Surgical training programmes in the United Kingdom and Ireland (UK&I) are in a state of flux. This study aims to report the contemporary opinions of trainee and consultant surgeons on the current upper gastrointestinal (UGI) training model in the UK&I.

Methods

A questionnaire was developed and distributed via national UGI societies. Questions pertained to demographics, current training evaluation, perceived requirements and availability.

Results

A total of 241 responses were received with representation from all UK&I postgraduate training regions. The biggest discrepancies between rotation demand and national availability related to advanced/therapeutic endoscopy and robotic surgery, with 91.7% of respondents stating they would welcome greater geographical flexibility in training. The median suggested academic targets were 3–5 publications (trainee vs consultant <3 vs 3–5, p<0.001); <3 presentations (<3 vs 3–5, p=0.002); and 3–5 audits/quality improvement projects (<3 vs 3–5, p<0.001). Current operative requirements were considered achievable (87.6%) but inadequate for day one consultant practice (74.7%). Reassuringly, 76.3% deemed there was role for on-the-job operative training following consultant appointment. Proficiency in diagnostic endoscopy was considered a minimum requirement for Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT) yet the majority regarded therapeutic endoscopy competency as non-essential. The median numbers of index UGI operations suggested were comparable with the current curriculum requirements. Post-CCT fellowships were not considered necessary; however, the majority (73.6%) recognised their advantage.

Conclusions

Current CCT requirements are largely consistent with the opinions of the UGI community. Areas for improvement include flexibility in geographical working and increasing national provisions for high-quality endoscopy training.
China's Theatre Of Diplomacy and the Israel–Hamas Conflict
Authors: Calabrese John
Published: April 2024

ABSTRACT: The unexpected attack by Hamas on Israel on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent conflict in Gaza posed a major test of China's commitment and capability in leveraging its newfound global standing to meaningfully impact the Israeli–Palestinian conflict. This article examines China's diplomatic strategy in addressing the Gaza conflict within the context of its rising global influence, deepening economic connections with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), and escalating great-power competition with the United States. The article begins with a brief discussion of China's expanding role as a peace-broker and its preference for conflict management over resolution. There follows an overview of China's stance on the Palestinian–Israeli conflict. The article then details Beijing's approach to the Gaza War, namely the adoption of a self-proclaimed 'principled neutrality' that, in practice, leaned noticeably towards the Palestinians and took a strongly critical stance against the West. The article highlights how the United Nations served as the central stage for China's diplomatic efforts, which were focused on de-escalation. The study shows that Beijing's approach to the war aimed to bolster China's sway among Global South nations but ultimately revealed its inherent limitations.
What is beyond 50G: future standards of optical access networks [Invited]
Authors: Luo Yuanqiu , Effenberger Frank
Published: April 2024

In the past two decades, optical access networks have been widely deployed by operators around the world. The global optical access network market reaches about 1 billion users with a revenue of over 10 billion US dollars. As strategic tools to facilitate mass production, the optical access network standards play a crucial role in driving the product deployment and market growth. This paper overviews the latest effort in international standards bodies on the next generation optical access networks. It discusses projects in this area within the International Telecommunication Union’s Telecommunication Standardization Section (ITU-T), the IEEE, and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). Promising technologies are investigated with the goal of providing rates beyond 50 Gbps. Challenges are highlighted to satisfy the requirements on balancing access rates, loss budgets, and cost. Candidate systems are analyzed in three categories: point-to-multipoint (PtMP), point-to-point (PtP), and new applications. These standardization endeavors will jointly guarantee optical access networks as the premiere solution of wireline broadband access.
Low-loss SiGe waveguides for mid-infrared photonics fabricated on 200 mm wafers
Authors: Turpaud Victor , Nguyen Thi-Hao-Nhi , Dely Hamza , Koompai Natnicha , Bricout Annabelle , Hartmann Jean-Michel , Bernier Nicolas , Krawczyk Julia , Lima Gabriel , Edmond Samson , Herth Etienne , Alonso-Ramos Carlos , Vivien Laurent , Marris-Morini Delphine
Published: April 2024

This article presents low-loss mid-infrared waveguides fabricated on a Ge-rich SiGe strain-relaxed buffer grown on an industrial-scale 200 mm wafer, with propagation losses below 0.5 dB/cm for 5-7 µm wavelengths and below 5 dB/cm up to 11 µm. Investigation reveals free-carrier absorption as the primary loss factor for 5-6.5 µm and silicon multiphonon absorption beyond 7 µm wavelength. This result establishes a foundation for a scalable, silicon-compatible mid-infrared platform, enabling the realisation of photonic integrated circuits for various applications in the mid-infrared spectral region, from hazard detection to spectroscopy and military imaging.
Hierarchical pore structure with a confined resonant mode for improving the solar energy utilizing efficiency of ultra-thin perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhang Xinping , Du Jiaxin , Wang Fuqiang , Xu Zenghui , Li Xiang , Liang Huaxu , Yi Hongliang
Published: April 2024

The perovskite solar cell (PSC) has the benefits of flexibility, inexpensiveness, and high efficiency, and has important prospective applications. However, serious optical losing and low solar energy-utilizing efficiency remain a challenge for the ultra-thin PSCs because of the interface reflection of traditional planar structure. In this study, a hierarchical pore structure with a confined resonant mode is introduced and optimized by electromagnetic theory to improve the solar energy absorbing and utilizing efficiency of ultra-thin PSCs. The large pores in the top layer that support a whispering gallery mode can focus and guide the incident light into the solar cell. The small pores in the bottom layer enable backward scattering of the unabsorbed light and can improve the effective absorption of active layer. The finite-difference time-domain method is employed to optimize the geometric parameters of hierarchical pore structure to improve the light absorption of PSCs. The proposed resonant hierarchical pore structure can greatly improve sunlight absorption of ultra-thin PSCs, and the effective light absorption and photocurrent of PSCs with a hierarchical pore structure is 20.7% higher than that of PSCs with traditional planar structure. This work can offer a beneficial guideline for improving solar energy utilizing efficiency of various thin-film solar cells.
Polarized spectral properties and 2.3 µm laser performance of the Tm:YVO4 crystal
Authors: Yu Xiaoxu , Eremeev Kirill , Pan Zhongben , Loiko Pavel , Chu Hongwei , Pan Han , Braud Alain , Camy Patrice , Li Dechun
Published: April 2024

The polarized spectral properties and ∼2.3 µm high-power continuous-wave laser operation of Tm3+-doped yttrium orthovanadate crystal (Tm:YVO4) are reported. For the 3H4 → 3H5 transition, the stimulated-emission cross-section σSE is 1.01 × 10−20 cm2 at 2276 nm corresponding to a large emission bandwidth of 52 nm (for π-polarization). Pumped by a 794 nm laser diode, the 1.5 at.% Tm:YVO4 laser delivered 5.52 W at 2.29 µm with a slope efficiency of 19.9%, a laser threshold of 8.70 W, and a linear laser polarization (π). The Tm laser operated on the cascade scheme (on the 3H4 → 3H5 and 3F4 → 3H6 transitions) which was mainly responsible for the observed high laser slope efficiency. We also report on the first passively Q-switched Tm:YVO4 laser at 2.3 µm by employing porous nano-grained cuprous selenide (PNG-Cu2Se) as a saturable absorber. The shortest pulse duration and the highest single pulse energy amounted to 706 ns and 3.65 µJ, respectively, corresponding to a pulse repetition rate of 62.8 kHz.
Spin injection enhancement in CW VECSEL at room temperature using push–pull optical pumping
Authors: Joly Alexandre , Baili Ghaya , George Jean-Marie , Sagnes Isabelle , Dolfi Daniel , Alouini Mehdi
Published: April 2024

We report the enhancement of spin injection efficiency in an external-cavity VCSEL based on a non-resonant pumping coupled with a polarized optical resonant illumination. This double pumping scheme allows both the injection of spin polarized electrons in the conduction band and the selection of the spin orientation for the electron/hole recombination laser process. Experimentally, a flip of the polarization state of the laser is achieved with an ellipticity of +31° (spin down) and −33° (spin up), so an increase of about 50% of the ellipticity is achieved in comparison to an optical non-resonant pumping alone.
In-fiber chirped Fabry–Perot cavity for temperature sensing
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Zhou Min , Lin Qingdian , Yu Jun , Guo Xiaoyang , Zhou Cangtao , Ruan Shuangchen
Published: April 2024

Measurement resolution and dynamic range of conventional optical fiber sensors are often mutually restricted. In this work, an in-fiber chirped Fabry–Perot cavity (interferometer) is proposed, for the first time to our knowledge, to resolve the conflict between the resolution and dynamic range. The chirped Fabry–Perot interferometer is constructed by two chirped fiber Bragg gratings inscribed in the opposite directions, resulting in a gradually varied (i.e., chirp) cavity length for different reflection wavelengths. As such, the interference spectrum exhibits high figure of merit (FOM) and large free spectrum range (FSR) at long and short wavelength regions, respectively, enabling high-resolution and large-dynamic-range measurement simultaneously. Temperature tests are then carried out to confirm the validity of the solution. The proposed sensing schema may be developed further and find vital applications in biomedicine fields such as endosomatic temperature monitoring of living bodies. The proposed concept of chirped Fabry–Perot interferometer can provide breakout ideas for other sensing scenarios where high-resolution and large-dynamic range are demanded and can be further generalized to other measurands or even free-space interference metrologies.
Moiré one-dimensional photonic crystal topology composed of holes with different sizes
Authors: Okayama Hideaki , Onawa Yosuke , Shimura Daisuke
Published: April 2024

The characteristics of Moiré one-dimensional photonic crystal (1DPhC) based on topological structure is described. The two 1DPhC lattices with different hole sizes and periods are overlapped to form a 1D Moiré lattice. The filter response of the device changes with the relative position and period difference of two lattices. The resonance mode is excited in two unique positions in the1D Moiré lattice. Higher Q value is attained by smaller period difference and optimized hole size ratio. The Q value can be almost an order higher than the conventional topological 1DPhC resonator. The device shows high sensitivity of 270 nm/RIU against clad refractive index change which may be beneficial to be used as an optical sensor. Sensor sensitivities of 450 to 660 nm/RIU are obtained by using slot waveguide structures.
Increasing quantum communication rates using hyperentangled photonic states
Authors: Nemirovsky-Levy Liat , Pereg Uzi , Segev Mordechai
Published: April 2024

Quantum communication is based on the generation of quantum states and exploitation of quantum resources for communication protocols. Currently, photons are considered as the optimal carriers of information, because they enable long-distance transition with resilience to decoherence and they are relatively easy to create and detect. Entanglement is a fundamental resource for quantum communication and information processing, and it is of particular importance for quantum repeaters. Hyperentanglement, a state where parties are entangled with two or more degrees of freedom (DoFs) simultaneously, provides an important additional resource because it increases data rates and enhances error resilience. However, in photonics, the channel capacity, i.e., the ultimate throughput, is fundamentally limited when dealing with linear elements. We propose a technique for achieving higher transmission rates for quantum communication by using hyperentangled states, based on multiplexing multiple DoFs on a single photon, transmitting the photon, and eventually demultiplexing the DoFs to different photons at the destination, using Bell state measurements. Following our scheme, one can generate two entangled qubit pairs by sending only a single photon. The proposed transmission scheme lays the groundwork for novel quantum communication protocols with higher transmission rates and refined control over scalable quantum technologies.
Burst-mode pulse generation in passively mode-locked all-fiber green/orange lasers at 543  nm and 602  nm
Authors: Ruan Qiujun , Zou Jinhai , Feng Chunna , Chen Tingting , Wang Hang , Dong Zhipeng , Luo Zhengqian
Published: April 2024

We report on the experimental realization of, to the best of our knowledge, the first green and orange passively mode-locked all-fiber lasers. Stable mode-locking in the burst-pulse status is achieved at the wavelengths of 543.3 nm and 602.5 nm. The figure-9 cavity comprises the fiber end-facet mirror, gain fiber (Ho3+:ZBLAN fiber or Pr3+/Yb3+:ZBLAN fiber), and fiber loop mirror (FLM). The FLM with long 460 HP fiber is not only used as an output mirror, but also acts as a nonlinear optical loop mirror for initiating visible-wavelength mode-locking. The green/orange mode-locked fiber lasers with the fundamental repetition rates of 3.779/5.662 MHz produce long bursts containing ultrashort pulses with the 0.85/0.76 GHz intra-burst repetition rates, respectively. The ultrashort intra-burst pulses stem from the dissipative four-wave-mixing effect in the highly nonlinear FLM as well as the intracavity Fabry–Perot filtering. Long bursts of 22.2/11.6 ns with ultrashort pulses of 87/62 ps are obtained in our experiment. The visible-wavelength passively mode-locked lasers in an all-fiber configuration and burst-mode would represent an important step towards miniaturized ultrafast fiber lasers and may contribute to the applications in ablation-cooling micromachining, biomedicine imaging, and scientific research.
Non-invasive assessment of stroke volume and cardiovascular parameters based on peripheral pressure waveform
Authors: Wołos Kamil , Pstras Leszek , Debowska Malgorzata , Dabrowski Wojciech , Siwicka-Gieroba Dorota , Poleszczuk Jan
Published: April 2024

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally, making the development of non-invasive and simple-to-use tools that bring insights into the state of the cardiovascular system of utmost importance. We investigated the possibility of using peripheral pulse wave recordings to estimate stroke volume (SV) and subject-specific parameters describing the selected properties of the cardiovascular system. Peripheral pressure waveforms were recorded in the radial artery using applanation tonometry (SphygmoCor) in 35 hemodialysis (HD) patients and 14 healthy subjects. The pressure waveforms were then used to estimate subject-specific parameters of a mathematical model of pulse wave propagation coupled with the elastance-based model of the left ventricle. Bioimpedance cardiography measurements (PhysioFlow) were performed to validate the model-estimated SV. Mean absolute percentage error between the simulated and measured pressure waveforms was 4.0% and 2.8% for the HD and control group, respectively. We obtained a moderate correlation between the model-estimated and bioimpedance-based SV (r = 0.57, p<0.05, and r = 0.58, p<0.001, for the control group and HD patients, respectively). We also observed a correlation between the estimated end-systolic elastance of the left ventricle and the peripheral systolic pressure in both HD patients (r = 0.84, p<0.001) and the control group (r = 0.70, p<0.01). These preliminary results suggest that, after additional validation and possibly further refinement to increase accuracy, the proposed methodology could support non-invasive assessment of stroke volume and selected heart function parameters and vascular properties. Importantly, the proposed method could be potentially implemented in the existing devices measuring peripheral pressure waveforms.
Epidemiology and referral patterns of patients living with chronic kidney disease in Johannesburg, South Africa: A single centre experience
Authors: Urade Yusuf , Cassimjee Zaheera , Dayal Chandni , Chiba Sheetal , Ajayi Adekunle , Davies Malcolm
Published: April 2024

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant contributor to the global burden of non-communicable disease. Early intervention may facilitate slowing down of progression of CKD; recognition of at-risk patient groups may improve detection through screening. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 960 patients attending a specialist nephrology outpatient clinic during the period 1 January 2011–31 December 2021. A significant proportion (47.8%) of patients were referred with established CKD stage G4 or G5. Non-national immigration status, previous diagnosis with diabetes, and advancing age were associated with late referral; antecedent diagnosis with HIV reduced the odds of late referral. Black African patients comprised most of the sample cohort and were younger at referral and more frequently female than other ethnicities; non-nationals were younger at referral than South Africans. Hypertension-associated kidney disease was the leading ascribed aetiological factor for CKD (40.7% of cases), followed by diabetic kidney disease (DKD) (19%), glomerular disease (12.5%), and HIV-associated kidney disease (11.8%). Hypertension-related (25.9%) and diabetic (10.7%) kidney diseases were not uncommon in people living with HIV. Advancing age and male sex increased the likelihood of diagnosis with hypertensive nephropathy, DKD and obstructive uropathy; males were additionally at increased risk of HIV-associated kidney disease and nephrotoxin exposure, as were patients of Black African ethnicity. In summary, this data shows that hypertension, diabetes, and HIV remain important aetiological factors in CKD in the South African context. Despite the well-described risk of CKD in these disorders, referral to nephrology services occurs late. Interventions and policy actions targeting at-risk populations are required to improve referral practices.
Investigating the ‘Bolsonaro effect’ on the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic: An empirical analysis of observational data in Brazil
Authors: Razafindrakoto Mireille , Roubaud François , Castilho Marta Reis , Pero Valeria , Saboia João
Published: April 2024

Brazil counts among the countries the hardest hit by the Covid-19 pandemic. A great deal has been said about the negative role played by President Bolsonaro’s denialism, but relatively few studies have attempted to measure precisely what impact it actually had on the pandemic. Our paper conducts econometric estimates based on observational data at municipal level to quantitatively assess the ‘Bolsonaro effect’ over time from March 2020 to December 2022. To our knowledge, this paper presents the most comprehensive investigation of Bolsonaro’s influence in the spread of the pandemic from two angles: considering Covid-19 mortality and two key transmission mitigation channels (social distancing and vaccination); and exploring the full pandemic cycle (2020–2022) and its dynamics over time. Controlling for a rich set of relevant variables, our results find a strong and persistent ‘Bolsonaro effect’ on the death rate: municipalities that were more pro-Bolsonaro recorded significantly more fatalities. Furthermore, evidence suggests that the president’s attitude and decisions negatively influenced the population’s behaviour. Firstly, pro-Bolsonaro municipalities presented a lower level of compliance with social distancing measures. Secondly, vaccination was relatively less widespread in places more in favour of the former president. Finally, our analysis points to longer-lasting and damaging repercussions. Regression results are consistent with the hypothesis that the ‘Bolsonaro effect’ impacted not only on Covid-19 vaccination, but has affected vaccination campaigns in general thereby jeopardizing the historical success of the National Immunization Program in Brazil.
Quantitative assessment of the financial hardship in the euro area countries
Authors: Ginevičius Romualdas , Visokavičienė Birutė Teodora , Bilan Yuriy , Lisiński Marek
Published: April 2024

The article examines financial hardship (FH) that appears as one of the essential socio-economic-financial categories reflecting a financial burden on society and therefore having a significant impact on the social and economic development of the country. The purpose of this article is to propose and approve a methodology for the complex quantitative assessment of financial difficulty, which allows comparing countries one another. The novelty of the conducted research is manifested by the formed financial hardship adequately exposing a system of indicators and suggesting the transformation of incomparable indicators into the comparable ones. The paper proposes a methodology for the integrated assessment of financial hardship based on multi-criteria methods, which contributes to solving the problems of the social sustainability and economic development of the countries employing different research methods. The proposed methodology provides a possibility of moving to a higher level of research comparing the countries as a whole, in line to the current status of FH. The actual benefits of the carried out research arise from the opportunity to envisage targeted measures for increasing social sustainability subject to the specific situation of the financial hardship of the countries thus removing the burdens of further economic development.
Evaluation of Peregrinus maidis transformer-2 as a target for CRISPR-based control
Authors: Wang Yu-Hui , Rivera Dina Espinoza , Klobasa William , Lorenzen Marcé D.
Published: April 2024

The corn planthopper, Peregrinus maidis, is an economically important pest of corn and sorghum. Here we report the initial steps towards developing a CRISPR-based control method, precision guided sterile insect technique (pgSIT), for this hemipteran pest. Specifically, we evaluated the potential of transformer-2 (tra-2) as a target for sterilizing insects. First, we identified tra-2 transcripts within our P. maidis transcriptome database and performed RNA interference (RNAi) to confirm functional conservation. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Pmtra-2 in nymphs transformed females into pseudomales with deformed ovipositors resembling male claspers. While males showed no overt difference in appearance, they were indeed sterile. Importantly, the results were similar to those observed in another planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens. We also used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to assess the impact of tra-2 knockout in injectees. CRISPR-mediated knockout of Pmtra-2 had lethal effects on embryos, and hence not many injectees reached adulthood. However, mosaic knockout of Pmtra-2 did impact female and male fertility, which supports the use of tra-2 as a target for pgSIT in this hemipteran species.
Gait speed and its associated factors among older black adults in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from the WHO study on Global AGEing in older adults (SAGE)
Authors: Tawiah Phyllis , Mensah Paulina Boadiwaa , Gyabaah Solomon , Adebanji Atinuke Olusola , Konadu Emmanuel , Amoah Isaac
Published: April 2024

Gait speed is an essential predictor of functional and cognitive decline in older adults. The study aimed to investigate the gait speed of older adults in Ghana and South Africa and to determine its associated factors, as the Sub-Saharan representatives in the World Health Organization’s Study on Global AGEing in Older Adults (SAGE). A secondary analysis of data from the SAGE study which consists of nationally representative data involving participants aged ≥50+ years with smaller samples of younger adults aged 18–49 years in Ghana and South Africa was conducted. SAGE study employed a multistage, stratified clustered sample design and involved the use of a standardised questionnaire to obtain participants’ (n = 5808) demographic, anthropometric and gait speed information. The standard 4 metre-gait speed was used. Median gait speed for the study group, which comprised African/Black participants aged ≥50+ years was 0.769(Q1 = 0.571, Q3 = 0.952)m/s for males and 0.667 (Q1 = 0.500,Q3 = 0.833)m/s for females. For every unit increase in age, the odds of being in a higher-ranked gait speed category was 0.96(95%CI 0·96, 0·97, p<0.001) times that of the previous age. Females had odds of 0.55 (95%CI 0.50, 0.61, p<0.001) of recording higher gait speed, as compared to males. Rural dwellers had odds of 1.43 (95%CI 1.29, 1.58, p < 0.001) of being in a higher-ranked category of gait speed compared to urban dwellers. Underweight (OR = 0.85, 95%C1 = 0.73–1.00, p<0.05) and obesity (OR = 0.53, 95%CI = 0.46–0.61, p<0.001) were associated with slower gait speed. Amongst functional indices, the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) score was the biggest determinant of gait speed. Having a “Severe/Extreme” WHODAS score had the strongest association with gait speed (OR = 0.18, 95%CI = 0.14–0.23, p<0.001). These gait speed results provide an essential reference for older adults’ care in Ghana and South Africa.