bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural vertical transmission of dengue virus in Latin America and the Caribbean: highlighting its detection limitations and potential significance
Authors: Golding Mario A. J. , Noble Simmoy A. A. , Khouri Nadia K. , Layne-Yarde Rhaheem N. A. , Ali Inshan , Sandiford Simone L.
Published: November 2023

Dengue continues to be a major public health concern in Latin America and the Caribbean with many countries in the region having experienced drastic increases in the incidence of dengue over the past few years. Dengue virus is predominantly transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes aegypti mosquito via a process called horizontal transmission. However, the virus may also be transmitted from an infected female mosquito to her offspring by vertical transmission, which occurs via viral invasion of the ovary either at the time of fertilization or during oviposition. In this way, mosquitoes may become dengue virus infected before ever encountering a human host. While some researchers have reported this phenomenon and suggested it may serve as a reservoir for the dengue virus in nature, others have questioned its epidemiological significance because of the low frequency at which it has been observed. Several researchers have either altogether failed to detect it or observed its occurrence at low frequencies. However, some studies have attributed these failures to small sample sizes as well as poor sensitivities of screening methods employed. Therefore, an overview of the occurrence, significance and limitations of detection of vertical transmission of dengue virus in Aedes mosquitoes in nature within Latin America and the Caribbean will be the focus of this review.

Graphical Abstract
Epigenetic age acceleration in surviving versus deceased COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome following hospitalization
Authors: Bejaoui Yosra , Humaira Amanullah Fathima , Saad Mohamad , Taleb Sara , Bradic Martina , Megarbane Andre , Ait Hssain Ali , Abi Khalil Charbel , El Hajj Nady
Published: November 2023

Background

Aging has been reported as a major risk factor for severe symptoms and higher mortality rates in COVID-19 patients. Molecular hallmarks such as epigenetic alterations and telomere attenuation reflect the biological process of aging. Epigenetic clocks have been shown to be valuable tools for measuring biological age in various tissues and samples. As such, these epigenetic clocks can determine accelerated biological aging and time-to-mortality across various tissues. Previous reports have shown accelerated biological aging and telomere attrition acceleration following SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the effect of accelerated epigenetic aging on outcome (death/recovery) in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has not been well investigated.

Results

In this study, we measured DNA methylation age and telomere attrition in 87 severe COVID-19 cases with ARDS under mechanical ventilation. Furthermore, we compared dynamic changes in epigenetic aging across multiple time points until recovery or death. Epigenetic age was measured using the Horvath, Hannum, DNAm skin and blood, GrimAge, and PhenoAge clocks, whereas telomere length was calculated using the surrogate marker DNAmTL. Our analysis revealed significant accelerated epigenetic aging but no telomere attrition acceleration in severe COVID-19 cases. In addition, we observed epigenetic age deceleration at inclusion versus end of follow-up in recovered but not in deceased COVID-19 cases using certain clocks. When comparing dynamic changes in epigenetic age acceleration (EAA), we detected higher EAA using both the Horvath and PhenoAge clocks in deceased versus recovered patients. The DNAmTL measurements revealed telomere attrition acceleration in deceased COVID-19 patients between inclusion and end of follow-up and a significant change in dynamic telomere attrition acceleration when comparing patients who recovered versus those who died.

Conclusions

EAA and telomere attrition acceleration were associated with treatment outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with ARDS. A better understanding of the long-term effects of EAA in COVID-19 patients and how they might contribute to long COVID symptoms in recovered individuals is urgently needed.
High-resolution ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of ulnar nerve neuropathy in the distal Guyon tunnel
Authors: Picasso Riccardo , Zaottini Federico , Pistoia Federico , Macciò Marta , Rossi Gabriele , Cabona Corrado , Benedetti Luana , Martinoli Carlo
Published: November 2023

Objective

The aim of the present study is to describe the ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings in patients with neuropathies affecting the deep (DB) and superficial (SB) branches of the Ulnar nerve (UN) and to investigate the potential role of imaging modalities in the diagnostic workup of these conditions.

Materials and methods

We screened our institutional imaging database to identify patients with a diagnosis of UN mononeuropathy, and among them, we reviewed the cases where US disclosed pathological findings affecting the UN terminal divisions. In this latter subgroup, we retrieved available data on MRI and electrodiagnostic tests performed by the patients during the diagnostic workup. All the patients were evaluated with US machines equipped with 17–5-MHz, 18–4-MHz, 24–8-MHz, or 22–8-MHz probes. MRI exams were performed on a 3-T unit equipped with a 64-channel head RF coil.

Results

Among 166 patients with UN mononeuropathy, we retrieved 15 patients (9%) for which US detected pathological findings affecting the UN terminal divisions, consisting of 7 cases of DB neuropathy, 4 cases of SB neuropathy, and 4 cases of combined neuropathy involving both nerves. Seven (46.7%) patients were submitted to MRI to integrate US findings. Among patients with SB and DB neuropathies, imaging allowed the identification of 7 traumatic nerve injuries, 2 nerve tumors, and 6 entrapment neuropathies, including 4 cases of nerve compression by a ganglion cyst.

Conclusion

High-resolution US and MRI are accurate modalities for the investigation of patients with SB/DB neuropathy, can provide critical information on the cause of nerve damage, and guide therapeutic decisions.

Critical relevance statement

High-resolution US and MRI are accurate modalities for the investigation of patients with superficial/deep branch of the ulnar nerve neuropathy. In the proper setting, US may be regarded as a first-line approach in patients with suspected neuropathies affecting these small branches.

Key points

• Neuropathies affecting the distal ulnar nerve often require multimodal investigations.

• US and MRI can provide detailed morphological information about the terminal branches of the ulnar nerve.

• US may be considered as a first-line approach in suspected distal ulnar nerve neuropathies.

Graphical Abstract
The FDA-approved anti-amyloid-β monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Wu Wenxue , Ji Yi , Wang Zilan , Wu Xiaoxiao , Li Jiaxuan , Gu Feng , Chen Zhouqing , Wang Zhong
Published: November 2023

Background

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a worldwide public health problem and is difficult to cure. Drugs aimed at slowing the progression of the disease have been developed, with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granting accelerated approval for aducanumab on June 21, 2021 and a new accelerated approval for lecanemab on January 22, 2023. We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of FDA-approved anti-amyloid-β (anti-Aβ) monoclonal antibodies (mabs) for the treatment of AD.

Method

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched to identify relevant studies published before May 2023. Efficacy outcomes included Aβ, neuroimaging, and biomarker outcomes. Safety outcomes included amyloid-related imaging abnormalities with edema or effusions (ARIA-E) and ARIA with cerebral microhemorrhages, cerebral macrohemorrhages, or superficial siderosis (ARIA-H). Review Manager 5.4 software was used to assess the data. The standard mean differences (SMDs) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were analyzed and calculated with a random effect model or a fixed effect model.

Result

Overall, 4471 patients from 6 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with 2190 patients in the treatment group and 2281 patients in the placebo group meeting the inclusion criteria. FDA-approved anti-Aβ mabs showed statistically significant improvements in clinical outcomes, including CDR-SB (P = 0.01), ADCS-ADL-MCI (P = 0.00003), ADCOMS (P < 0.00001), ADAS-Cog (P < 0.00001). Moreover, FDA-approved anti-Aβ mabs increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ1-42 (P = 0.002) and plasma Aβ42/40 ratios (P = 0.0008). They also decreased CSF P-Tau (P < 0.00001), CSF T-Tau (P < 0.00001), and plasma p-tau181 (P < 0.00001). FDA-approved anti-Aβ mabs perform neuroimaging changes in amyloid Positron Emission Tomography Standardized Uptake Value ratio (PET SUVr) (P < 0.00001). However, compared with placebo, FDA-approved anti-Aβ mabs had higher risk of ARIA-E (P < 0.00001) and ARIA-H (P < 0001).

Conclusion

FDA-approved anti-Aβ mabs have a role in slowing disease progression in patients with AD, at the cost of an increased probability of side effects.
Psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of the physical activity parenting practices questionnaire
Authors: Silva-Martins Marco , Canário Ana Catarina , Abreu-Lima Isabel , Krasniqi Lindon , Cruz Orlanda
Published: November 2023

Background

Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular physical activity, is often part of interventions targeting childhood overweight and obesity. However, to properly inform the objectives of the intervention, reliable psychometric measures are needed to better understand children’s and their families necessities and characteristics.

Objectives

To evaluate the psychometric properties of the Physical Activity Parenting Practices questionnaire in a community sample of Portuguese parents of children aged 5–10, assess measurement invariance across children’s weight status, and construct validity.

Methods

Five hundred three parents completed the Portuguese version of the Physical Activity Parenting Practices (PAPP) questionnaire, a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire, and the Lifestyle Behavior Checklist. A subsample (n = 125) completed the PAPP questionnaire 1 month later. Data analyses were performed using R’s lavaan (version 0.6–12) and psych (version 2.2.9) packages.

Results

Confirmatory factor analyses revealed good psychometric properties for the PAPP’s single-factor Encouragement scale and the three-factor Discouragement scale. Configural, metric, and scalar invariance were found across parents of children with different weight statuses for both scales’ factor structures. Internal reliability ranged from α = .64 to α = .89, and test-retest reliability ranged from r = .57 to r = .74.

Conclusions

The constructs evaluated by PAPP questionnaire revealed adequate validity. The Portuguese version of the PAPP questionnaire is a reliable measure to assess relevant physical activity parenting practices, capable of differentiating the practices of parents with children of different weight statuses, and useful for both research and intervention purposes.
Evidence of development of underutilised crops and their ecosystem services in Europe: a systematic mapping approach
Authors: Jenkins Todd , Landschoot Sofie , Dewitte Kevin , Haesaert Geert , Reade John , Randall Nicola
Published: November 2023

Background

Growing interest in agrobiodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices has stimulated debates on diversifying cropping systems, furthering the potential for the reintroduction of underutilised crops. These crops may support multiple ecosystem services and enhance food security and agricultural value chains. This study used a systematic mapping approach to collate and summarise the state of research literature addresses the research question: What is the evidence for ecosystem service provision and economic value of underutilised crops? We focused on oats, triticale, hull-less barley, narrow-leaved lupin, buckwheat and faba beans due to their limited use in Europe, their broad gene pool, ecological benefits, and nutritional value.

Method

Three academic databases were used to identify research articles investigating the impacts of using the six underutilised crops of interest on outcomes including breeding, agronomic traits, nutrition and health, and economic values. In addition, current and recently completed European projects were searched to identify ongoing relevant research. After screening for relevance, data was extracted from all included articles and projects and imported into a spreadsheet for cross-tabulation and to produce descriptive statistics.

Results

From an initial 34,522 articles identified by the searches, 1346 relevant primary research articles containing 2229 studies were included. A total of 38 relevant European projects were identified, with 112 research results or goals relating to the six underutilised crops. Faba bean was the most common crop in both European projects and published literature. No current projects had a focus on hull-less barley. Agronomic traits were the most common primary research topic across the crops (56.39%), with oats and faba bean being well researched. Hull-less barley was the least studied crop across all topics. Within sub-topics related to specific ecosystem services, desirable traits, disease, weed and pest control all ranked highly, whilst invertebrate diversity and nitrogen fixation ranked lowest.

Conclusion

Primary research varies between crops and topics, with hull-less barley receiving the least interest. Key knowledge gaps were identified in all crops across all topics relating to breeding tools, breeding for desirable traits, agronomic traits of buckwheat, narrow-leaved lupin and hull-less barley, inclusion of the crops in human nutrition and health, and the socioeconomics of these crops. Evidence presented in this map could inform further research areas with these crops and aid future policy making for the inclusion of these crops in rotations and practices that could benefit all stakeholders along the food systems value chain.
Patterns of Cancer Incidence, Mortality, and Prevalence Across Five Continents: Defining Priorities to Reduce Cancer Disparities in Different Geographic Regions of the World
Authors: Kamangar Farin , Dores Graça M. , Anderson William F.
Published: November 2023

Efforts to reduce global cancer disparities begin with an understanding of geographic patterns in cancer incidence, mortality, and prevalence. Using the GLOBOCAN (2002) and Cancer Incidence in Five Continents databases, we describe overall cancer incidence, mortality, and prevalence, age-adjusted temporal trends, and age-specific incidence patterns in selected geographic regions of the world. For the eight most common malignancies—cancers of lung, breast, colon and rectum, stomach, prostate, liver, cervix, and esophagus—the most important risk factors, cancer prevention and control measures are briefly reviewed.

In 2002, an estimated 11 million new cancer cases and 7 million cancer deaths were reported worldwide; nearly 25 million persons were living with cancer. Among the eight most common cancers, global disparities in cancer incidence, mortality, and prevalence are evident, likely due to complex interactions of nonmodifiable (ie, genetic susceptibility and aging) and modifiable risk factors (ie, tobacco, infectious agents, diet, and physical activity). Indeed, when risk factors among populations are intertwined with differences in individual behaviors, cultural beliefs and practices, socioeconomic conditions, and health care systems, global cancer disparities are inevitable. For the eight most common cancers, priorities for reducing cancer disparities are discussed.
Contrast Enhancement Ultrasound Improves Diagnostic Accuracy for Thyroid Nodules: A Prospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Li Jianming , Dou Jianping , Li Huarong , Xiao Fan , Yu Jie , Xie Mingxing , Zhou Ping , Liang Lei , Zhou Guiming , Che Ying , Liu Cun , Cong Zhibin , Liu Fangyi , Han Zhiyu , Liang Ping
Published: November 2023

Objective

To evaluate potential improvements in the diagnosis of thyroid nodules when conventional ultrasound (US) is combined with contrast-enhanced US (CEUS).

Methods

We recruited 515 participants with 323 malignant and 192 benign nodules, who underwent both US and CEUS examinations at 8 different medical centers in China between October 2020 and October 2021. We assessed the malignancy of thyroid nodules in US using the American College of Radiology (ACR) Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System (TIRADS). Diagnostic criteria for US and US + CEUS were developed by investigators based on evaluations of sonographic features. Using multivariate logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, we compared diagnostic performance between the 2 methods based on criteria identified by investigators and via statistical models.

Results

On the basis of diagnostic criteria identified by investigators, we measured statistically significant differences in area under the curve (AUC) values between ACR TIRADS (0.83) and CEUS TIRADS (0.87; P < .001). On the basis of diagnostic regression models, we found statistically significant differences in AUC values between US (0.76) and US + CEUS (0.84; P = .001). Models based on US + CEUS outperformed those based on US alone (Akaike information criterion of 347.7 and significant improvement in integrated discrimination). These results were confirmed by similar analyses applied to a validation cohort.

Conclusion

The accuracy of conventional US for differentiating between benign and malignant thyroid nodules can be improved by combining this approach with CEUS.
Inscriptional Repertoires and the Problem of Intra- versus Interlingual Translation in Traditional Korea
Authors: King Ross
Published: November 2023

This article brings together a series of examples demonstrating the wide range of inscriptional practices in premodern Korea and the ways in which they force us to reconsider modern and Eurocentric notions of translation. The premodern inscriptional spectrum in Chosŏn Korea was not a simple binary of cosmopolitan orthodox Literary Sinitic versus vernacular Korean in the form of ŏnhae exegeses but was a range of inscriptional styles that included idu and kugyŏl. The ways in which texts were inscribed, reinscribed, and transliterated between these different inscriptional styles, as well as the ways in which Chosŏn literati themselves understood the notion of yŏk (譯, “translation”) challenge modern-day notions of translation, on the one hand, but also invite an understanding of them as rather more intralingual than interlingual. They also force us to ask whether LS was conceived as a “foreign” language for literate Koreans in Chosŏn. The premodern Korean cases forces us to add script and inscriptional repertoire (including notions of orthography, notational system, munch'e 文體, etc.) to the list of the main factors that influence intralingual translation.
The molecular phylogeny of cirrate octopods (Cephalopoda: Octopoda: Cirrata) using COI and 16S sequences
Authors: Verhoeff Tristan Joseph
Published: November 2023

Contrasting accounts of taxonomic relationships between finned octopod (Octopoda: Cirrata) taxa complicate species identification and generate nomenclatural instability. A comprehensive analysis based on both 16S and COI mitochondrial gene phylogenies is presented, using all currently accepted genera and approximately 27 putative species (including type species for all genera excepting Grimpoteuthis). The goal of this is to stabilise the concepts of genera and families and identify areas needing further systematic research. Four well supported clades are consistent with families Cirroteuthidae, Cirroctopodidae, Grimpoteuthididae, and Opisthoteuthidae across both 16S and COI phylogenies. Family Stauroteuthidae resolves as a sister clade to Cirroteuthidae in some analyses of the COI gene. Combined molecular and morphological similarities suggest that the Cirrata comprises two superfamily level clades, for which Cirroteuthoidea (for Cirroteuthidae and Stauroteuthidae) and Opisthoteuthoidea (for Cirroctopodidae, Grimpoteuthididae, and Opisthoteuthidae) are proposed. The paraphyletic Cirrothauma (Cirroteuthidae) contains at least three species, while within the Grimpoteuthididae, Cryptoteuthis and Luteuthis form clades within a paraphyletic Grimpoteuthis clade, indicating a need for further taxonomic assessment. Intra-clade structure within Opisthoteuthis is better resolved with COI than 16S data. At least one potentially undescribed Opisthoteuthis occurs in the northwestern Pacific, and northeastern Pacific specimens are tentatively referred to O. bruuni, representing a significant range expansion. Lastly, using the dates of fossil stem-Octobrachians and fossil cirrates for approximate calibration, a timetree estimated from COI gene data suggests that these cirrate families and most cirrate genera arose within the Late Cretaceous, possibly as part of the Mesozoic marine revolution, between 124−62 million years ago.
Benefit of scar boost radiation following postmastectomy radiation in female breast cancer: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Premcharoen Sorawit , Lulitanond Siriwan , Supakalin Narudom , Thamronganantasakul Komsan , Supaadirek Chunsri , Krusun Srichai , Pesee Montien , Namuangchan Yotdanai
Published: November 2023

Background: The use of postmastectomy radiation (PMRT) as a standard of care for female breast cancer is well established, with scar boost radiation being a discretionary choice. However, the efficacy of scar boost radiation remains a subject of debate.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted from medical records of female patients diagnosed with breast cancer who have undergone PMRT from January 2012 to January 2015 at Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University. The primary endpoint was chest wall local control (LC), and the secondary endpoints were risk factors associated with chest wall local recurrence (LR), locoregional recurrence (LRR) and overall survival (OS).

Results: A total of 549 female patient records were included. The median follow-up time was 21 months. 31.51% of patients received scar boost radiation. The majority of the patients had ductal carcinoma (98.5%) and were histologically graded as grade 2 (44.6%) or 3 (39.0%). The estimated 10-yr chest wall local control rate was 82.14% (95% CI 68.12 - 99.04%) in scar boost group versus 93.18% (95% CI 89.58 - 96.92%) in no scar boost groups. No significant differences between the two groups were found in LR (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.35-2.19), LRR (HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.60-2.37), and OS (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.09-11.54). Subset analysis showed that lobular carcinoma was associated with LR and LRR (HR 11.32, 95% CI 3.24-39.54 and HR 5.65, 95% CI 1.71-18.61) while positive supraclavicular node was associated with LRR (HR 4.51, 95% CI 1.37-14.79). Scar boost radiation also resulted in a higher frequency of skin toxicity (grade 1-3), skin fibrosis (grade 1), and radiation pneumonitis (grade 1).

Conclusions: There is no evidence supporting that scar boost radiation following PMRT in female breast cancer patients is superior in chest wall LC. Scar boost radiation is also statistically significantly associated with increased toxicity.
Cultural adaptation to Spanish and psychometric analysis of the Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) in Peruvian adult women
Authors: Cjuno Julio , Calderón-Pérez Eliana , Contreras Lucero , Campos Keyla , Ipanaqué-Neyra Juan , Bazan-Palomino Edgar , Alvarado-Carbonel Marco
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND: Partner violence is a public health problem. In Peru, women with spouses are vulnerable to suffering it. The Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) is a widely recommended instrument for the early identification of these cases. Therefore, our objective was to adapt and analyse the psychometric properties of the WAST scale in adult Peruvian women. METHODOLOGY: This was an instrumental study, with a sample of 628 women who were in a marital condition of cohabitation or married at the time of the study. The mean age was 35 years (M = 35.58; SD = 10.92) and on average they were living with their partner for 9 years (M = 9.93; SD = 8.41). This sample was selected by non-probabilistic snowball sampling. The Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used. The validity of the internal structure was verified with confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), convergent validity by correlation coefficients between the WAST, GAD-7 and PHQ-9, while reliability was verified using Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s Omega coefficient. RESULTS: Factorial analysis indicated that the one-dimensional model showed adequate goodness-of-fit indices (CFI = 0.998; TLI=0.991; RMSEA=0.103; SRMR=0.075), and reliability coefficients (α = 0.899 and ω = 0.916) were optimal. Additionally, the WAST showed strong external validity based on the relationship with the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores (Rho > 0.50). CONCLUSIONS: The Woman Abuse Screening Tool (WAST) scale demonstrated solid evidence of internal and external validity and optimal reliability in adult Peruvian women. Its use will benefit the early identification of victims of intimate partner violence in primary health care and further research.
Knowledge and skill needs and challenges of innovation ecosystems in the Central-Eastern and South-Eastern European space sector
Authors: Chisiridis Konstantinos , Malliopoulos Georgios , Giagtzoglou Kostas , Tsolakis Apostolos C.
Published: November 2023

Background The European space sector is on the rise, introducing a rapidly growing market with a lot of expanding opportunities for innovative space products, applications and services, even in non-space sectors. In this article, we investigate the skill levels of innovation intermediaries that provide support to innovators (i.e., start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs) in the Central-Eastern (CE) and South-Eastern (SE) European space sector. Our objective is to identify: (i) the available competences and (ii) the missing skills (potential areas for improvement) of innovation intermediaries in the EU space sector. Methods Our methodological approach consists of (i) desk research complemented by semi-structured interviews to introduce a baseline framework of innovation intermediaries’ desired knowledge and skill levels, as well as (ii) an online survey, addressing the case of innovation intermediaries and innovators, respectively. We first solidify the baseline framework with the expert feedback from the semi-structured interviews and then proceed to the analysis of the online survey responses, to capture and discuss the perceived needs of both innovation intermediaries and innovators. Results By analysing of 15 semi-structured interviews and 104 survey responses, several interesting insights for the future of European space innovation have been identified and are highlighted in the present manuscript. Conclusion We conclude that innovation intermediaries in the space sector have the adequate capacity to effectively train and support innovators in improving, primarily, their organisational skills and soft skills. Trainers are also competent at assessing the investment readiness levels of innovators, their pitching skills, and they can provide tailored business support services to innovators. In parallel, space innovators need to receive better training to improve their business modelling skills, better support the management of Intellectual Property, and understand key technologies and market characteristics of the space market.
VISproPT: A high-precision instrument for 3D shape analysis of parabolic trough panels
Authors: Montecchi Marco , Cara Giuseppe , Benedetti Arcangelo
Published: November 2023

Simulation models of social processes may require data that are not readily available, have low accuracy, are incomplete or biased. The paper presents a formal process for collating, assessing, selecting, and using secondary data as part of creating, validating, and documenting an agent-based simulation model of a complex social process, in this case, asylum migration to Europe. The process starts by creating an inventory of data sources, and the associated metadata, followed by assessing different aspects of data quality according to pre-defined criteria. As a result, based on the typology of available data, we are able to produce a thematic map of the area under study, and assess the uncertainty of key data sources, at least qualitatively. We illustrate the process by looking at the data on Syrian migration to Europe in 2011–21. In parallel, successive stages of the development of a simulation model allow for identifying key types of information which are needed as input into empirically grounded modelling analysis. Juxtaposing the available evidence and model requirements allows for identifying knowledge gaps that need filling, preferably by collecting additional primary data, or, failing that, by carrying out a sensitivity analysis for the assumptions made. By doing so, we offer a way of formalising the data collection process in the context of model-building endeavours, while allowing the modelling to be predominantly question-driven rather than purely data-driven. The paper concludes with recommendations with respect to data and evidence, both for modellers, as well as model users in practice-oriented applications.
Mortality among non-severely under nourished children with pneumonia globally: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nalwanga Damalie , Bakker Caitlin , Kiggwe Andrew , Negash Abel Abera , Ocan Moses , Briend Andre , Maitland Kathryn , Musiiime Victor , Karamagi Charles
Published: November 2023

Background Pneumonia remains the commonest cause of ill health and mortality among children worldwide. Severe undernutrition increases the mortality risk among children with pneumonia. While children with pneumonia are at increased risk of developing malnutrition, the impact of pneumonia on mortality and nutritional status of non-severely undernourished children is not well described. The impact of nutritional supplementation on mortality and nutritional status in this population is not well understood. This review will collate available evidence on the all-cause mortality, nutritional (anthropometric) outcomes following pneumonia, as well as the impact of nutritional supplementation on mortality and anthropometry among non-severely malnourished children with pneumonia. Methods The review will be done using a priori criteria developed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline. Data will be obtained from data bases, grey literature, and bibliographies. An experienced librarian will conduct article search in PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Google scholar, and Scopus. Retrieved articles will be entered in Endnote ver 9.0, duplicates removed, and transferred to Epi-reviewer for screening and data abstraction. Risk of bias in the included articles will be assessed using standard criteria. Heterogeneity will be assessed using I2-statistic and sub-group analysis will be done. Data will be analysed using both narrative and quantitative synthesis. Quantitative synthesis will be done using DeSimonian and Laird Random-effects model in STATA ver 15.0. Conclusions The results will provide baseline information about the mortality and nutritional (anthropometric) outcomes of pneumonia among non-severely malnourished children as well as the potential effect of nutritional supplementation on these outcomes. This will provide a basis to explore the potential for nutritional supplementation improving clinical outcomes like mortality and occurrence of severe acute malnutrition among children with severe pneumonia worldwide. Registration The review has been registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021257272; 15 July 2021).
Counter-Hegemonic Resistance and Framing of the Anti–KORUS FTA Protests in South Korea
Authors: Hong Shin Ae
Published: November 2023

Abstract: This study analyzes the framing of protests against the Korea–United States Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA), arguably one of the most significant and contentious contemporary movement events that occurred in South Korea. The anti-KORUS FTA protests have drawn the largest public, committed to challenging the hegemonic rhetoric of the Korean government's neoliberal policy initiatives, by asserting the trade deal as posing various social and economic ills to human life. Drawing on the combined framework of Gramscian analysis and the framing perspective, this study highlights the ways in which the anti-KORUS FTA protest activism exercises power by disseminating alternative discourse against the existing political condition. By examining a broad range of data, the study identifies three specific counter-hegemonic framings of collective action used by local civil society organizations to delegitimize the official discourse—'neoliberalism as the problem,' 'public accountability,' and 'national independence.'
Experimental validation and mathematical simulation for laser protection performance of light field imaging
Authors: Li Yangliang , Ye Qing , Wu Yunlong , Zhang Hao , Luo Haoqi , Sun Ke , Sun Xiaoquan
Published: November 2023

Photoelectric imaging systems typically employ a focal plane detector structure, rendering them vulnerable to laser damage. Laser damage can severely impair or even completely deprive the information acquisition capability of photoelectric imaging systems. A laser damage protection method based on a microlens array light field imaging system is proposed to prevent photoelectric imaging systems from laser damage. The technique utilizes the light field modulation effect of the microlens array to homogenize the spot energy, thereby reducing the maximum single-pixel receiving power at the image sensor. The method’s effectiveness has been verified through numerical simulations and experimental validation. First, the laser transmission theoretical model of light field imaging is proposed. Then an experimental setup is established, and measurements are conducted to capture the spot profiles and intensity distributions on the imaging plane across various defocus distances. Finally, the impact of the propagation distance on the maximum single-pixel receiving power and suppression ratio of the light field imaging system is experimentally measured. The simulation and experimental results indicate that, with the proposed method, the energy suppression ratio can easily reach two orders of magnitude, significantly reducing the probability of laser damage in photoelectric imaging systems.
High-fidelity source mask optimization for suppressing line-end shortening
Authors: Zhang Zhiwei , Yuan Miao , Li Zhaoxuan , Huang Weichen , Yang He , Li Zhen , Li Yanqiu
Published: November 2023

Source mask optimization (SMO) is a widely used computational lithography technique for compensating lithographic distortion. However, line-end shortening is still a key factor that cannot be easily corrected and affects the image fidelity of lithography at advanced nodes. This paper proposes a source mask optimization method that suppresses line-end shortening and improves lithography fidelity. An adaptive hybrid weight method is employed to increase the weights of the line end during the optimization, which adaptively updates the weights in each iteration according to the edge placement error (EPE). A cost function containing a penalty term based on the normalized image log slope (NILS) is established to ensure the fidelity of the overall feature when paying more attention to the line-end region. The scope of this penalty term is regulated by widening and extending the split contour to further reduce the line-end shortening. Simulation results show that the proposed method can effectively suppress the line-end shortening and improve the lithography fidelity compared with the traditional SMO method.
Enhancing axial localization with wavefront control
Authors: Peterek M. , Paúr M. , Vítek M. , Koutný D. , Stoklasa B. , Motka L. , Hradil Z. , Rehacek J. , Sánchez-Soto L. L.
Published: November 2023

Enhancing the ability to resolve axial details is crucial in three-dimensional optical imaging. We provide experimental evidence showcasing the ultimate precision achievable in axial localization using vortex beams. For Laguerre-Gauss (LG) beams, this remarkable limit can be attained with just a single intensity scan. This proof-of-principle demonstrates that microscopy techniques based on LG vortex beams can potentially benefit from the introduced quantum-inspired superresolution protocol.
Signal-enhanced multi-core fiber-based WaveFlex biosensor for ultra-sensitive xanthine detection
Authors: Fu Qianqian , Xie Yiyan , Gao Feilong , Zhu Wenxu , Lang Xianzheng , Singh Ragini , Zhang Bingyuan , Kumar Santosh
Published: November 2023

In this work, we introduce a novel multimode fiber (MMF) – seven core fiber (SCF) – MMF (MCM) optical fiber biosensor, also known as the WaveFlex biosensor (plasma wave assisted fiber biosensor), based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) for qualitative detection of xanthine. Xanthine is a purine base widely distributed in human blood and tissues, and commonly used as an indicator for various disease detections. The MCM sensor incorporates a tapered optical fiber structure, fabricated using the combiner manufacturing system (CMS), and is designed with SCF and MMF. By effectively harnessing LSPR, the sensor boosts the attachment points of biomolecules on the probe surface through immobilized tungsten disulfide (WS2)-thin layers, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and carbon nitride quantum dots (C3N-QDs). The functionalization of xanthine oxidase (XO) on the sensing probe further enhances the sensor's specificity. The proposed WaveFlex biosensor exhibits a remarkable sensitivity of 3.2 nm/mM and a low detection limit of 96.75 µM within the linear detection range of 100 - 900 µM. Moreover, the sensor probe demonstrates excellent reusability, reproducibility, stability, and selectivity. With its sensitivity, biocompatibility, and immense potential for detecting human serum and fish products, this WaveFlex biosensor presents a promising platform for future applications.
Integration of large-extinction-ratio resonators with grating couplers and waveguides on GaN-on-sapphire at O-band
Authors: Cai Yuefei , Wu Kaiyi , Ma Zhipeng , Zhao Shiao , Zhang Yu
Published: November 2023

Photonic integrated circuits (PICs) based on gallium nitride (GaN) platforms have been widely explored for various applications at C-band (1530 nm∼1565 nm) and visible light wavelength range. However, for O-band (1260 nm∼1360 nm) commonly used in short reach/cost sensitive markets, GaN-based PICs still have not been fully investigated. In this article, a microring resonator with an intrinsic Q-factor of ∼2.67 × 104 and an extinction ratio (ER) of 35.1 dB at 1319.9 nm and 1332.1 nm, is monolithically integrated with a transverse electric-polarized focusing grating coupler and a ridge waveguide on a GaN-on-sapphire platform. This shows a great potential to further exploit the optical properties of GaN materials and integrate GaN-based PICs with the mature GaN active electronic and optoelectronic devices to form a greater platform of optoelectronic-electronic integrated circuits (OEICs) for data-center and telecom applications.
All-silicon polarization-independent broadband achromatic metalens designed for the mid-wave and long-wave infrared
Authors: Yue Song , Liu Yuxin , Wang Ran , Hou Yu , Shi Haiyan , Feng Yanming , Wen Zhidong , Zhang Zichen
Published: November 2023

Metasurfaces demonstrate excellent capabilities in manipulating the phase, amplitude and polarization of light. Metalens, as a typical kind of metasurface devices, shows great prospect in simplifying imaging systems. However, like diffractive optical elements, intrinsic dispersion of metasurfaces is high. Thus, significant chromatic aberration is present in common metalenses, deteriorating imaging quality under broadband illumination condition and limiting their applications. To tackle this problem, broadband achromatic metalenses have been proposed and demonstrated in the visible and near-infrared wavelength regions so far. However, broadband achromatic metalens working in the mid-wave and long-wave infrared is still rare. In this paper, thanks to the ingenious design of meta-units that provide the required local phase and phase dispersion, several all-silicon broadband achromatic metalenses working in the mid-wave infrared (3-5 µm) or long-wave infrared (8-14 µm) wavelengths are proposed. Numerical simulation results demonstrate that the designed broadband achromatic metalenses can provide a near-constant focal length with small deviations and an average focusing efficiency of about 70% over the whole operation bandwidths. In addition, these metalenses hold near diffraction-limited focusing capability and polarization-independent focusing features. The achromatic metalenses proposed here are beneficial for improving imaging quality under broadband illumination and increasing detection efficiency of mid-wave and long-wave infrared detection systems.
Design of double-lattice GaN-PCSEL based on triangular and circular holes
Authors: Liu Qifa , Meng Minjia , Ma Shang , Feng Meixin
Published: November 2023

We have theoretically designed a double-lattice photonic crystal surface-emitting laser (PCSEL) based on triangular and circular holes. In the design, porous-GaN which has the properties of lower refractive index and high quality stress-free homo-epitaxy with GaN, was first proposed to be the cladding layer for GaN-PCSEL. The finite difference-time domain (FDTD), the plane wave expansion (PWE), and the rigorous coupled-wave analysis (RCWA) method were employed in the investigation. Our simulations achieved a radiation constant of up to 50 cm-1 and a slope efficiency of more than 1 W/A while maintaining a low threshold gain. We conducted a systematic study on the effects of the filling factor, etching depth, and holes shift, on the performance of the PCSEL. The findings indicate that increasing the filling factor improves the radiation constant and slope efficiency. Asymmetric hole patterns and varying etching depths have a similar effect. The introduction of asymmetric patterns and a double lattice in the photonic crystal breaks the symmetry of electric fields in the plane, while different etching depths of the two holes break the symmetry in the vertical direction. Additionally, altering the shift of the double lattice modifies the optical feedback in the resonators, resulting in variations of cavity loss and confinement factor.
Floating depth and viewing angle enhanced integral imaging display system based on a transmissive mirror device
Authors: Zhang Han-Le , Liu Yi-Jian , Wen Xue-Rui , Li Wei-Ze , Xing Yan
Published: November 2023

We propose a floating depth and viewing angle-enhanced integral imaging (InIm) display system based on a transmissive mirror device (TMD). The system consists of a 2D display, a micro-lens array (MLA), and a TMD. The light emitted by the proposed InIm display system is reconstructed into a floating 3D image by the TMD, and the floating 3D image has a greater floating depth than the conventional InIm display without sacrificing resolution. The issue of mutual restriction between the floating depth and resolution of the 3D image is solved. The positions of the MLA and the 2D display are reversed through the TMD imaging, which results in an improved viewing range and an improved viewing angle of the floating 3D images. The system expands the floating depth and viewing angle simultaneously without sacrificing resolution. The experimental results prove the feasibility of the proposed system.
Fast reconstruction of hyperspectral images from coded acquisitions using a separability assumption: erratum
Authors: Hemsley Elizabeth , Ardi Ibrahim , Rouvier Tony , Lacroix Simon , Carfantan Hervé , Monmayrant Antoine
Published: November 2023

We present an erratum to our publication [Opt. Express 30(5), 8174 (2022)10.1364/OE.448893] correcting a numerical value without affecting the results and conclusions of the original publication.
Optical switching beyond a million cycles of low-loss phase change material Sb2Se3
Authors: Lawson Daniel , Blundell Sophie , Ebert Martin , Muskens Otto L. , Zeimpekis Ioannis
Published: November 2023

The development of the next generation of optical phase change technologies for integrated photonic and free-space platforms relies on the availability of materials that can be switched repeatedly over large volumes and with low optical losses. In recent years, the antimony-based chalcogenide phase-change material Sb2Se3 has been identified as particularly promising for a number of applications owing to good optical transparency in the near-infrared part of the spectrum and a high refractive index close to silicon. The crystallization temperature of Sb2Se3 of around 460 K allows switching to be achieved at moderate energies using optical or electrical control signals while providing sufficient data retention time for non-volatile storage. Here, we investigate the parameter space for optical switching of films of Sb2Se3 for a range of film thicknesses relevant to optical applications. By identifying optimal switching conditions, we demonstrate endurance of up to 107 cycles at reversible switching rates of 20 kHz. Our work demonstrates that the combination of intrinsic film parameters with pumping conditions is particularly critical for achieving high endurance in optical phase change applications.
Nonlocal phase modulation of multimode, continuous-variable twin beams
Authors: Zhou Zhifan , de Araujo Luís E. E. , DiMario Matt , Anderson B. E. , Zhao Jie , Jones Kevin M. , Lett Paul D.
Published: November 2023

We investigate experimentally the nonlocal phase modulation of multiple-frequency-mode, continuous-variable entangled twin beams. We use a pair of electro-optical phase modulators to modulate the entangled probe and conjugate light beams produced by four-wave mixing in hot rubidium vapor. A single phase modulator in either one of the twin beams reduces the two-mode squeezing signal. The overall quantum entanglement is preserved, however, as the modulator nonlocally distributes the beam correlations among frequency modes of the multimode fields. The two-mode squeezing can be recovered by reversing the mixing with an additional out-of-phase electro-optical phase modulator (EOM) in the other beam.
Visible-frequency nonvolatile reconfigurable Janus metasurfaces for dual-wavelength-switched and spin-asymmetric holograms
Authors: Yuan Huan , Zhong Zheqiang , Zhang Bin
Published: November 2023

Janus metasurface holography with asymmetric transmission characteristics provides new degrees of freedom for multiplexing technologies. However, earlier metasurfaces with asymmetrical transmission faced limitations in terms of tunability and multifunctionality. In this study, we propose a metasurface color holographic encryption scheme with dynamic switching and asymmetric transmission at visible frequencies using a low-loss nonvolatile optical phase-change material, Sb2S3. Using a modified holographic optimization strategy, we achieved high-fidelity asymmetric holographic imaging of a nanostructured metasurface. By controlling the incident direction and wavelength of visible light, as well as the level of crystallization of Sb2S3, this reconfigurable metasurface enables the precise manipulation of tunable color holographic image displays. In particular, in the semi-crystalline state of Sb2S3, the encoded information can be securely encrypted using a two-channel color-holographic image, whereas only a preset camouflaged image is displayed in the crystalline or amorphous state of Sb2S3. The proposed multiencrypted Janus metasurface provides a potential approach for dynamic holographic displays with ultrahigh capacity, holographic encryption, and information storage.