bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Precise spectroscopic analysis of solar-type stars with moderate and fast rotation
Authors: Τσαντάκη Μαρία
Published: June 2024

Σε αυτή τη διατριβή, περιγράφω τις διαδικασίες εξαγωγής των θεμελιωδών αστρικών παραμέτρων για αστέρια ηλιακού τύπου. Σκοπός αυτής της διατριβής είναι η βελτιστοποίηση των υπαρχουσών μεθόδων αλλά και η δημιουργία νέων μεθοδολογιών για τον προσδιορισμό των αστρικών παραμέτρων που καλύπτουν μια πολύ διαφορετική ομάδα άστρων. Στα Κεφάλαια 2 και 3, περιγράφω την τυπική μέθοδο εξαγωγής αστρικών παραμέτρων για αργά περιστρεφόμενα αστέρια FGK που βασίζεται στη μέτρηση του ισοδύναμου πλάτους (EW) των γραμμών σιδήρου και με την επιβολή ισορροπίας ιονισμού και διέγερσης. Παρόλο που αυτή η μέθοδος έχει εφαρμοστεί με επιτυχία σε μεγάλο δείγμα άστρων, έχουν αναφερθεί σημαντικές αποκλίσεις για το καθεστώς χαμηλότερης θερμοκρασίας (Teff < 5000 K). Αυτά τα αστέρια έχουν γραμμικά συνωστισμένα φάσματα και η ακριβής μέτρηση του EW είναι δύσκολη. Αντιμετωπίσαμε αυτό το πρόβλημα επιλέγοντας προσεκτικά μια λίστα γραμμών, χρησιμοποιώντας ένα αστέρι τύπου Κ ως αναφορά. Οι νέες παράμετροι για τα ψυχρά αστέρια συμφωνούν τώρα με μεθόδους πιο ανεξάρτητες από το μοντέλο, δηλαδή τη μέθοδο υπέρυθρης ροής. Η νέα λίστα γραμμών χρησιμοποιείται επίσης για γιγάντια αστέρια και για ψυχρότερους ξενιστές πλανητών.Ένα κύριο μέρος αυτής της διατριβής ήταν η δημιουργία μιας διαδικασίας για την αντιμετώπιση των αστεριών με υψηλές περιστροφικές ταχύτητες. Οι παράμετροι για αυτά τα αστέρια δεν μπορούν να προκύψουν με την τυπική μέθοδο EW επειδή οι φασματικές γραμμές τους διευρύνονται και επομένως αναμειγνύονται έντονα. Στο κεφάλαιο 4, παρουσιάζω τις βασικές αρχές της τεχνικής της φασματικής σύνθεσης. Στο κεφάλαιο 5, παρουσιάζω μια βελτίωση της τεχνικής φασματικής σύνθεσης που έχει σχεδιαστεί για να αντιμετωπίζει καλύτερα τα γρήγορα περιστρεφόμενα αστέρια. Η σύγκριση των αστρικών μας παραμέτρων δείχνει καλή συμφωνία με τις τιμές της βιβλιογραφίας, τόσο για αργά όσο και για γρήγορα περιστρεφόμενα αστέρια. Επιπλέον, τα αποτελέσματά μας είναι στην ίδια κλίμακα με τις παραμέτρους που προέρχονται από τη μέθοδο EW, που παρουσιάστηκε σε προηγούμενη εργασία μας. Εφαρμόσαμε τη νέα μεθοδολογία σε διερχόμενους ξενιστές πλανητών, καθώς αυτά τα αστέρια έχουν μεγάλη διασπορά στις ταχύτητες περιστροφής τους σε σύγκριση με τους στόχους ακτινικής ταχύτητας. Με αυτή τη διατριβή, παρέχουμε τα εργαλεία για την εξαγωγή ακριβών αστρικών παραμέτρων. Αυτή η εργασία αναμένεται να έχει ισχυρό αντίκτυπο στη μελέτη των αστρικών πληθυσμών του Γαλαξία, στον χαρακτηρισμό των πλανητών και των ξενιστών τους και στην κατανόηση της αστρικής ατμόσφαιρας.
COPO - Managing sample metadata for biodiversity: considerations from the Darwin Tree of Life project
Authors: Shaw Felix , Minotto Alice , McTaggart Seanna , Providence Aaliyah , Harrison Peter , Paupério Joana , Rajan Jeena , Burgin Josephine , Cochrane Guy , Kilias Estelle , Lawniczak Mara K.N. , Davey Robert
Published: June 2024

Large-scale reference genome sequencing projects for all of biodiversity are underway and common standards have been in place for some years to enable the understanding and sharing of sequence data. However, the metadata that describes the collection, processing and management of samples, and link to the associated sequencing and genome data, are not yet adequately developed and standardised for these projects. At the time of writing, the Darwin Tree of Life (DToL) Project is over two years into its ten-year ambition to sequence all described eukaryotic species in Britain and Ireland. We have sought consensus from a wide range of scientists across taxonomic domains to determine the minimal set of metadata that we collectively deem as critically important to accompany each sequenced specimen. These metadata are made available throughout the subsequent laboratory processes, and once collected, need to be adequately managed to fulfil the requirements of good data management practice. Due to the size and scale of management required, software tools are needed. These tools need to implement rigorous development pathways and change management procedures to ensure that effective research data management of key project and sample metadata is maintained. Tracking of sample properties through the sequencing process is handled by Lab Information Management Systems (LIMS), so publication of the sequenced data is achieved via technical integration of LIMS and data management tools. Discussions with community members on how metadata standards need to be managed within large-scale programmes is a priority in the planning process. Here we report on the standards we developed with respect to a robust and reusable mechanism of metadata collection, in the hopes that other projects forthcoming or underway will adopt these practices for metadata.
Translating the behaviour change technique taxonomy version 1 into Spanish: Methodology and validation
Authors: Castro Oscar , Fajardo Gabriela , Johnston Marie , Laroze Denise , Leiva-Pinto Eduardo , Figueroa Oriana , Corker Elizabeth , Chacón-Candia Jeanette A. , Duarte Giuliano
Published: June 2024

Background Precise and unequivocal specification of intervention content is key to facilitating the accumulation and implementation of knowledge. The Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy v1 (BCTTv1) is the most widely used classification of behaviour change techniques (BCTs), providing a shared, standardized vocabulary to identify the active ingredients of behavioural interventions. However, the BCTTv1 is only available in English and this hampers its broad use and adoption. The aim of the present article is to report the process of translation of the BCTTv1 into Spanish. Methods A bilingual team led the translation of the BCTTv1, involving seven iterative steps: (i) establish a Committee, (ii) forward translation from English to Spanish, (iii) back translation from Spanish to English, (iv) comparison of original BCTTv1 and back translation, (v) opportunistic comparison against an independent BCTTv1 translation, (vi) empirical testing, and (vii) final Committee review. Results Changes as a result of the translation process included relabelling BCTs, amending definitions, and fixing conceptual and grammatical inconsistencies, yielding the final version. Very satisfactory inter-coder reliability in BCT identification was observed as part of the empirical testing (i.e., prevalence and bias-adjusted kappa scores > 0.8). Conclusions This work provides the Spanish-speaking population with a rigorous and validated BCTTv1 translation which can be used in both research and practice to provide a greater level of intervention detail for evidence synthesis, comparison, and replication of behaviour change interventions. The translation process described here may prove helpful to guide future translation efforts in behavioural science and beyond.
The influence of maternal health factors including multimorbidity on child oral health: A scoping review and evidence gap map protocol
Authors: Campbell Faith , McGregor Scott , Marryat Louise , Stewart Ryan , Clarkson Jan , Cassie Heather
Published: June 2024

Objective The objective of this scoping review is to map the extent and type of evidence in relation to the association between maternal health conditions, including multimorbidity and child oral health. Introduction Child oral health research has historically focussed on toothbrushing, diet and neglect of care, including not taking children to dental appointments. Newer theories are emerging that detail the many factors that can influence child oral health at child, family and community levels 1 . More recently, the association between maternal general health and child oral health has been explored, with preliminary evidence suggesting a link between shared environmental factors and direct maternal-to-child transfer of bacteria and diet/substance use during pregnancy causing childhood caries 2,3 . Inclusion criteria This review will include all published studies that describe the relationship between maternal health (including multimorbidity) and child oral health. There will be no limitation on the date of publication due to the limited number of studies available from the initial search of PubMed. The review will exclude case studies, abstracts, and grey literature. Literature must be in English language. Methods The following databases will be searched; CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Maternity and Infant Care, Medline via PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science. The search will include sources in English only and will be undertaken between April and July 2024. Studies to be included will be of any type of study design that describe a relationship between maternal health factors, including maternal oral health, and child oral health. Data extraction will be undertaken using tabulation of results by at least two independent reviewers. Narrative analysis of the evidence will be undertaken, and results will be presented in a narrative and tabular manner due to the heterogenous and limited evidence base found in the test search. This review has been registered prospectively on Open Science Framework, (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/ECSWJ). The review will also inform an Evidence Gap Map (EGM) to illustrate the current evidence base regarding maternal health factors that influence child oral health.
Media Pressure and Carbon Disclosure of Indonesian Greenest Firms
Authors: Fidiana Fidiana
Published: June 2024

Even with the advantages, carbon taxes are still one of the least effective instruments for climate policy. The purpose of this study is to examine the connection between non-mandatory carbon disclosures specifically in developing countries. This research sample is a green ranking company, and 108 data observations were carried out on 36 selected companies in the year between the Covid-19 out-break 2019-2021. Multiple linear regression testing is carried out to test the alleged hypothesis, by first testing the assumptions. The statistical results support the hypothesis that only legitimacy pressure (media exposure) increases corporate motivation to disclose carbon emissions. This study is novel because, while earlier research has mostly focused on the external factors that drive voluntary disclosure, our findings provide new perspectives and imply that media pressures offer a supplemental explanation for the variation in corporate carbon disclosure propensity that has been largely ignored in the body of existing literature. This suggests for the need to call for holistic mandatory disclosure requirements that encourage companies to participate in climate policy.
Differential Effect of Advertising Frequency on Sales Turnover and Ads to Sales Ratio
Authors: Collins C Ngwakwe
Published: June 2024

This paper analysed the differential impact of repeated advertising on sales turnover and the attendant effect on accounting Ads to Sales ratio. The paper adopts a quantitative approach and collects marketing and promoting expenditure data (as proxy for Ads activity) from Amazon Company for twenty years (2003 – 2022). The data was analysed by using the t-test of mean difference statistics and a simple regression. The t-test analysis showed that the Ads to sales ratio had a significant increase between two periods of comparison (2003-2012 and 2013-2022); in the same vein, there was a significant increase in mean net sales value by up to nine hundred percent – an increase which dwarfs the hundred percent increases in the Ads to sales ratio over the period. Furthermore, a simple regression analysis shows that marketing expenditures (used as proxy for Ads activity) produced a highly significant positive effect on net sales at a P-value of less than P<0.00001. This finding shows that current literature suggestion that increased Ads may wane consumer brand patronage may not be applicable to all industries, rather, this paper’s result indicates that for companies such as Amazon, increased Ads, or marketing and promotion activities may produce high net sales in some companies such as Amazon. The paper contributes by developing a process framework for repeated advertisement, Ads to sales ratio and net sales. It recommends further application of the proposed framework in related companies by future researchers.
Financing of new SMEs in Latvia – opportunities and obstacles
Authors: Erika Pancenko  , Marika Sakele
Published: June 2024

The relevance of the study is related to the fact that the predominant factor for the development of economic activity for newly established enterprises is the possibility of business financing. However, despite the availability of alternative sources of financing for new small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), there are various obstacles to obtaining them.
The aim of the study is to analyse the opportunities for raising finance from various financial sources and the related obstacles for new SMEs in Latvia.
The study used quantitative and qualitative methods of analysis, a survey of SME entrepreneurs, structured interviews with experts, data processing methods and the method of analysis and synthesis.
This paper determines for what purpose and what financial sources entrepreneurs will use if necessary, as well as what obstacles exist to obtaining financing.
The results of this study may be beneficial for both financial organizations that finance companies and new SMEs in the financial decision-making process.
Price Interpretability of Prediction Markets: A Convergence Analysis
Authors: Gao Jianjun , Wang Zizhuo , Wu Weiping , Yu Dian
Published: June 2024

Prediction markets are renowned for their accuracy in forecasting. However, it is not fully clear how the predication market aggregates the traders’ beliefs. In “Price Interpretability of Prediction Markets: A Convergence Analysis,” Gao, Wang, Wu, and Yu introduce a novel multivariate utility (MU)-based mechanism that consolidates various existing automated market-making schemes. This mechanism establishes convergence results for markets consisting of risk-averse traders with diverse beliefs who interact repeatedly with the market maker. Furthermore, the study delivers analytical and numerical insights into the limiting price across different market models. Building on these results, the authors offer an efficient approximation scheme for the limiting price, shedding light on how traders’ beliefs shape market prices. These discoveries provide valuable guidance to market designers, enabling them to refine and optimize market-making mechanisms for more efficient opinion elicitation.
PARTIAL ACHILLES TENDON TEAR: A FIGURE OF OUR IMAGINATION?
Authors: Seyed-Safi P. , Naji O. , Faroug R. , Beer A. , Vijapur A. , Oduoza U. , Johal K. , Mordecai S. , Deol R. , Davda K. , Sivanadarajah N. , Ieong E. , Rudge B.
Published: June 2024

Aim

Our collaborative study aims to demonstrate that acute partial Achilles Tendon Tears (ATTs) are not separate diagnostic entities from full ATTs. and should be thought of as a continuum rather than binary partial or full.

Methods

We pooled anonymised data from four hospitals, identifying patients with acute partial ATTs on USS reports from 2019–2021. Patients were only included if they had an acute injury and no previous background Achilles tendinopathy.

Results

91 patients had acute partial ATTs reported on USS. 74/91 (81%) of patients had clinical findings in keeping with a full ATT (positive Simmonds test, palpable gap). 88/91 (97%) of patients were managed according to local full ATT protocols. 2 patients had MRIs – one showed no tear, the other showed a full rupture. 2 patients underwent surgical repair and both intra-operatively were found to have full ATTs.

Conclusion

Our regional data suggests that a significant proportion (81%) of USS diagnosed partial ATTs may in fact be misdiagnosed full ATTs. All injuries clinically suspicious for an ATT should be managed according to local Achilles Protocol. USS is useful to diagnose the presence or absence of a tear but is not good at differentiating partial vs full tear. There is significant tendon end fibrillation and overlap on USS of an acute full ATT, which can give the impression of a partial ATT. More research is needed into whether any threshold exists to support the current distinction of “partial” and “full” as relates to management and outcomes.
IS INTERNAL BRACE AUGMENTATION (IBA) BETTER THAN ISOLATED MODIFIED BROSTROM GOULD (MBG) REPAIR FOR CHRONIC LATERAL LIGAMENT INJURY? A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: Sethi M. , Limaye R. , Limaye N.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Acute ankle injuries are commonly seen in musculoskeletal practice. Surgical management is the gold standard for lateral ligament injury in those with failed conservative treatment for a minimum of six months. Several studies have shown good functional outcome and early rehabilitation after MBG repair with an internal brace augmentation which is a braided ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene ligament used to enhance the repair that acts as a secondary stabiliser. Hence the aim of the study was to compare the results with and without augmentation.

Methods

A single centre retrospective review conducted between November 2017 and October 2019 and this included 172 patients with symptomatic chronic lateral ligament instability with failed conservative management. The diagnosis was confirmed by MRI. All patients had an ankle arthroscopy followed by open ligament repair. Patients were grouped into isolated MBG and internal brace groups for analyses and all had dedicated rehabilitation.

Results

A total of 148 patients were available for final follow up with 87 patients in the MBG group and 61 patients in the IBA group. Mean Age was 38 years and mean follow up was 22 months. The internal brace group showed better Manchester Oxford foot and ankle score (19.7 vs 18.2) and more patients returning to preinjury activity levels (73 vs 55) as compared to isolated repair.

Conclusion

Internal brace augmentation with MBG repair facilitated early rehabilitation and return to pre injury activity level in majority of patients compared to isolated MBG repair.
A COMPARISON OF FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME SCORES FOR PRIMARY AND REVISION ANKLE ARTHROPLASTIES
Authors: Moriarity A. , Raglan M. , Dhar S.
Published: June 2024

Background

Patients who undergo either primary or revision total ankle replacement (TAR) expect improvements in pain, function and quality of life. The goal of this study was to measure the functional outcome improvements and the difference in patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing primary total ankle replacements compared to revision TAR.

Methods

A single-center prospective cohort study was undertaken between 2016 and 2022. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 6 months. Patients undertook the Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MoxFQ) and EQ-5D health quality questionnaires pre-operatively, at 6 months and yearly for life. The Mann Whitney test was undertaken for statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 165 primary and 71 revision ankle replacements were performed between 2016 and 2022. The mean age was 71 years for primary replacements and 69 years for revisions. The INFINITY was utilized in the majority of primary total ankle replacements. Revision replacements were either the INBONE II or INVISION and they were most often revising the MOBILITY implant. The main indication for revision was aseptic loosening (83%). Other causes included infection, malalignment and insert wear. The overall MoxFQ improved by a mean of 46.5 for primaries and 40.2 for revisions. The EQ-5D score also showed overall improvements with the mean difference in mobility increasing by 1.6.

Conclusion

Both primary and revision ankle replacements result in improved functional scores at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years. In this cohort with the implants used, both primary and revision ankle replacements demonstrate similar improvements in functional scores.
Transonic Flow Field Analysis of a Minimum Nozzle Length Rocket Engine
Authors: ABADA Omar , KBAB Hakim , HAIF Sidali
Published: June 2024

The aim of this paper is to develop a profile of axisymmetric minimum length nozzle giving a uniform and parallel flow at the exit section. The study is done at high temperature, lower than the dissociation threshold of the molecules. The design is made by the method of characteristics (MOC). The variation of the specific heats with the temperature is considered. The numerical results have been validated with CFD simulation Ansys-Fluent software. The second part of this study is to calculate and analyze the transonic flow field of this supersonic nozzle. The computation of the flow field characteristics at the throat is thus essential to the nozzle developed thrust value and therefore to the aircraft or rocket it propels. An investigation was conducted to analyze the effects of parameters on the position of the sonic line. These parameters include stagnation temperature T0, radius of the nozzle, types of gases, and exit Mach number ME.
Extending structural optimization capabilities of FEA softs according to machine learning principles
Authors: BOCIOAGA Mircea , MOISEI Cristian , NISTOR Octavian , BACRIA Ciprian , NITESCU Denise , BARAN Daniela
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this paper is to extend structural optimization capabilities of some FEA softs (NASTRAN/PATRAN, MARC-MENTAT) by coupling them with MATLAB codes in order to develop light weight design based on machine learning principles. We apply these ideas to some composite material with gyroid structure. The obtained results are interesting from both a theoretical and a practical point of view, shortening the design cycle for this type of materials.
Analyzes regarding aviation fuels parameters use on jet engines
Authors: PRISACARIU Vasile , ANDREI Irina , MIHAI Eduard
Published: June 2024

The properties of the fuels determine the quality of the combustion process and implicitly the performance of the turbojet engine. The optimal heterogeneous combustion process of an aviation fuel is ensured by a stoichiometric ratio (fuel/fuel), a combustion temperature and a maximum loading degree of the combustion chamber.
The article includes a numerical analysis instrumented with Gasturb software that highlights the influence of fuel quality and combustion process characteristics of a Rolls Royce Viper turbojet engine on its performance.
ALPHA THALASSEMIA IN A PILOT FLYING HELICOPTERS: FITNESS TO FLY A CONSIDERED DECISION: A CASE REPORT
Authors:   Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Bangalore, India, Renjhen Piush , Gaur Deepak ,   Institute of Aerospace Medicine, Bangalore, India
Published: June 2024

Introduction: The disease/disability Alpha-Thalassemia is a rare genetic disorder wherein there is reduced production of haemoglobin. An individual suffering from this may sugffer from easy fatiguability, fluctuating anemias, leg ulcers, all depending upon the severity of the condition. It is an aerospace safety concern in case an aircrew member is diagnosed with Alpha Thalassemia. The pilot being discussed in this case study presented with complaints of easy fatigability and anemia. The paper discusses the aeromedical disposal dilemma in the first and only case of Alpha Thalassemia documented in military aviation across the globe. Case report: This is a case of an Indian Air Force pilot who has been flying helicopters in the forces and was diagnosed as a case of alpha-thalassemia. The pilot was extensively evaluated, including aeromedical stresses, and was declared fit for flying under waiver after due consideration. Discussion: A literature review of a case report on disposal of cases of alpha-thalassemia in military flying did not reveal any results. However, based on the observation on the ground, simulated aviation stressors, haemoglobin and haematocrit values and international best practices, the pilot was awarded a flying category under waiver. The pilot has been asymptomatic and is currently flying without compromising aerospace safety.
¿Los psicólogos tienen corazonadas?: Un análisis del estigma basado en el enfoque del etiquetado y en las nociones de imparcialidad formuladas por el realismo jurídico norteamericano en el proceso de toma de decisiones de los peritos judiciales brasileños
Authors: Moraes Cesarino Jéssica , Nojiri Sergio
Published: June 2024

Esta investigación bibliográfica tiene como objetivo analizar la existencia de la corazonada, o intuición, en la práctica psicológica del perito judicial brasileño. Utilizamos como marco teórico el realismo jurídico norteamericano y la teoría criminológica del etiquetamiento. Para ello, abordamos las diferentes formas en que un profesional de la psicología que trabaja en Brasil se relaciona con la imparcialidad y la neutralidad. A continuación, discutimos la teoría del realismo jurídico norteamericano y el labelling approach. Relacionamos estas referencias teóricas con el trabajo del psicólogo como sujeto procesal en calidad de perito judicial, sujeto al principio de imparcialidad, con especial atención al desempeño de la pericia en el examen criminológico en el contexto de la ejecución penal. Por último, consideramos la posibilidad de que los psicólogos tengan corazonadas y que la existencia de intuiciones en el proceso de toma de decisiones pueda (i) reflejar el alejamiento del perito judicial de la práctica imparcial idealizada por el legislador primario y (ii) aparecer como un estigma para el condenado analizado en el sistema de justicia penal.
Entradas irregulares en grupo y prohibición de devoluciones colectivas
Authors: García Vitoria Ignacio
Published: June 2024

El objetivo es analizar la Sentencia del Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos de 13 de febrero de 2020 ND y NT contra España. Se buscarán los elementos de continuidad y de cambio respecto de la jurisprudencia anterior del Tribunal Europeo sobre la prohibición de expulsiones colectivas (artículo 4 del Protocolo 4). El análisis de la Sentencia del Tribunal Europeo se enmarca, desde la perspectiva del ordenamiento español, con una breve referencia a la legislación interna y a la posterior Sentencia 172/2020, de 19 de noviembre, del Tribunal Constitucional español.
CAZAC-based adaptative modulation scheme for the MB-OFDM UWBoF system
Authors: Xiang Changqing , Zhou Jingyang , Tan Benxiang , Deng Shuanglong , Tian Dandan , Liu Siyuan , Zhang Kang , Li Jingming , Zhou Xuan
Published: June 2024

A scheme that combines 256/128/64 quadrantal amplitude modulation (QAM)
adaptive modulation with constant amplitude zero autocorrelation
sequence (CAZAC) precoding in a multi-band orthogonal frequency
division multiplexing (MB-OFDM) ultra-wideband over fiber (UWBoF)
system is proposed in this paper. CAZAC precoding enables a relatively
balanced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) within each band, and the use of
adaptive modulation optimizes the upper limit of transmission
performance in each subband. Simulation results show that CAZAC
precoding combined with 256/128/64QAM and conventional 64QAM reduces
the peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) by 1 dB and
0.5 dB, respectively. The proposed scheme achieves PAPR
performance comparable to conventional 64QAM. It confirms that CAZAC
precoding performs better in the reduction of PAPR and bit error rate
(BER) when combined with the 256/128/64QAM scheme.
On-demand polarization by a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser with two tilted sub-wavelength gratings
Authors: Torrelli Valerio , D’Alessandro Martino , Elsäßer Wolfgang , Debernardi Pierluigi
Published: June 2024

We show that each polarization state on the Poincaré sphere (PS) can be accessed on-demand (Poincaré sphere tailoring) by a semiconductor-based vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) with two tilted sub-wavelength gratings (SWGs). We develop a vectorial Barkhausen criterion that answers the question: what conditions must the cavity fulfill to support a given desired polarization state? Addressing this inquiry leads to a completely different strategy based on the entangled interplay between two tilted SWGs, resulting in an overall chiral cavity, whose features depend on the gratings and their mutual rotation. This leads to the emission of a well-controllable polarization state based on standard technologies used in polarization-stable VCSELs, which paves the way for inspiring several new potential applications.
Dual optical frequency transfer through wavelength-division and polarization multiplexing in an 184-meter fiber link
Authors: Blum R. , Denis S. , Karlen L. , Kundermann S. , Karlen S. , Lecomte S.
Published: June 2024

Stabilized dual optical frequency transfer is demonstrated through wavelength-division or polarization multiplexing in a 184-meter long polarization-maintaining fiber link. The latter is stabilized at a primary frequency in the telecom C-band using the established Doppler cancellation technique. Simultaneously, a secondary optical frequency is transferred in the same fiber. Out-of-loop characterization demonstrates an indirect Doppler cancellation for the secondary optical frequency. Compared to an unstabilized link, at 1000 seconds integration time we measure an 11.5 dB stability improvement for wavelength-division multiplexing and a 16 dB improvement for polarization multiplexing. Taking advantage of a stabilized link to distribute other wavelengths is useful for applications in frequency metrology. As an example, we are using a cavity-stabilized 1560 nm laser to stabilize the fiber link while a 1556.2 nm two-photon rubidium clock laser is being distributed.
Vaccine efficacy induced by virus-like particles containing Leishmania donovani surface glycoprotein GP63
Authors: Yoon Keon-Woong , Chu Ki Back , Eom Gi-Deok , Mao Jie , Quan Fu-Shi
Published: June 2024

Leishmania donovani surface glycoprotein 63 (GP63) is a major virulence factor involved in parasite escape and immune evasion. In this study, we generated virus-like particles (VLPs) expressing L. donovani GP63 using the baculovirus expression system. Mice were intramuscularly immunized with GP63-VLPs and challenged with L. donovani promastigotes. GP63-VLP immunization elicited higher levels of L. donovani antigen-specific serum antibodies and enhanced splenic B cell, germinal center B cell, CD4+, and CD8+ T cell responses compared to unimmunized controls. GP63-VLPs inhibited the influx of pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-6 in the livers, as well as thwarting the development of splenomegaly in immunized mice. Upon L. donovani challenge infection, a drastic reduction in splenic parasite burden was observed in VLP-immunized mice. These results indicate that GP63-VLPs immunization conferred protection against L. donovani challenge infection by inducing humoral and cellular immunity in mice.
Diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in nursing professionals: An accuracy study
Authors: Gomes Érica Velasco Dias , Vasconcelos Rebeca de Souza , Coelho Natália Maria Freitas , Almeida Lorena de Carvalho , Silva Dandara Almeida Reis da , Cerqueira Monique Magnavita Borba da Fonseca , Cerqueira Jeane Magnavita da Fonseca , Conceição Sarah dos Santos , Soares Johelle de Santana Passos , Magalhães Lucélia Batista Neves Cunha , Lua Iracema , Figueredo Ana Claúdia Morais Godoy , Brito Vitória Cézar Santos Gonçalves , Fernandes Sandra Lúcia , Viana Dayanne de Aguiar , Freitas Ruan Pablo Duarte , Requião Gabriella Moreira , Lima Luiz Alberto da Silva , Hayes Barbara Kraychete , Pinheiro Isabelle Matos , Monção Maurício Mitsuo , Souza Antônio Carlos dos Santos , Cruz Simone Seixas da , Gomes Antônio Marcos Tosoli , Pimentel Rodrigo Fernandes Weyll , Nardes Barbara Oliveira , Lopes Letícia Costa , Bastos Neiva Sueli Santana Gonçalves , D’Oliveira Argemiro , Mercês Magno Conceição das , Coelho Julita Maria Freitas
Published: June 2024

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) represents a group of cardiovascular risk factors. This article aims to evaluate the accuracy of the tools of MetS diagnosis in Nursing professionals from Primary Health Care (PHC) in Bahia, Brazil. A cross-sectional study with a random sample selected according to essential health information for the diagnostic of MetS. For MetS diagnostic, we used EGIR, NCEP-ATPIII, AACE, IDF, Barbosa et al. (2006), and IDF/AHA/NHLBI (defined as gold standard) definition. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratio were estimated for each diagnostic tool and compared with the gold standard. Kappa statistic was used to determine the agreement between the diagnostic methods. One thousand one hundred and eleven nursing professionals were included in this study. Sensitivity varied from 15% to 95.1%, and specificity varied between 99.5% and 100%. IDF and Barbosa et al. (2006) definitions were more sensitive (95.1% and 92.8%, respectively), and EGIR, NCEP, ATP III, and IDF showed 100% specificity. IDF and Barbosa et al. (2006) use suitable metabolic syndrome identification and confirmation criteria. The highest agreement was found in the definition of the IDF, Barbosa et al. (2006) and the NCEP ATP III. Defining metabolic syndrome with a higher diagnostic accuracy could contribute to the screening and the early identification of nursing professionals with cardiovascular disease risk factors, which provide opportunities for appropriate prevention and treatment.
Targeting of nanoparticles to the cerebral vasculature after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Omo-Lamai Serena , Nong Jia , Savalia Krupa , Kelley Brian J. , Wu Jichuan , Esteves-Reyes Sahily , Chase Liam S. , Muzykantov Vladimir R. , Marcos-Contreras Oscar A. , Dollé Jean-Pierre , Smith Douglas H. , Brenner Jacob S.
Published: June 2024

Traumatic brain injury has faced numerous challenges in drug development, primarily due to the difficulty of effectively delivering drugs to the brain. However, there is a potential solution in targeted drug delivery methods involving antibody-drug conjugates or nanocarriers conjugated with targeting antibodies. Following a TBI, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) becomes permeable, which can last for years and allow the leakage of harmful plasma proteins. Consequently, an appealing approach for TBI treatment involves using drug delivery systems that utilize targeting antibodies and nanocarriers to help restore BBB integrity. In our investigation of this strategy, we examined the efficacy of free antibodies and nanocarriers targeting a specific endothelial surface marker called vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), which is known to be upregulated during inflammation. In a mouse model of TBI utilizing central fluid percussion injury, free VCAM-1 antibody did not demonstrate superior targeting when comparing sham vs. TBI brain. However, the administration of VCAM-1-targeted nanocarriers (liposomes) exhibited a 10-fold higher targeting specificity in TBI brain than in sham control. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy analysis confirmed that VCAM-1 liposomes were primarily taken up by brain endothelial cells post-TBI. Consequently, VCAM-1 liposomes represent a promising platform for the targeted delivery of therapeutics to the brain following traumatic brain injury.
Individual differences in working memory impact the trajectory of non-native speech category learning
Authors: Roark Casey L. , Paulon Giorgio , Rebaudo Giovanni , McHaney Jacie R. , Sarkar Abhra , Chandrasekaran Bharath
Published: June 2024

What is the role of working memory over the course of non-native speech category learning? Prior work has predominantly focused on how working memory might influence learning assessed at a single timepoint. Here, we substantially extend this prior work by examining the role of working memory on speech learning performance over time (i.e., over several months) and leverage a multifaceted approach that provides key insights into how working memory influences learning accuracy, maintenance of knowledge over time, generalization ability, and decision processes. We found that the role of working memory in non-native speech learning depends on the timepoint of learning and whether individuals learned the categories at all. Among learners, across all stages of learning, working memory was associated with higher accuracy as well as faster and slightly more cautious decision making. Further, while learners and non-learners did not have substantially different working memory performance, learners had faster evidence accumulation and more cautious decision thresholds throughout all sessions. Working memory may enhance learning by facilitating rapid category acquisition in initial stages and enabling faster and slightly more careful decision-making strategies that may reduce the overall effort needed to learn. Our results have important implications for developing interventions to improve learning in naturalistic language contexts.
Interhospital variation in the nonoperative management of acute cholecystitis
Authors: Ali Konmal , Chervu Nikhil L. , Sakowitz Sara , Bakhtiyar Syed Shahyan , Benharash Peyman , Mohseni Shahin , Keeley Jessica A.
Published: June 2024

Background

Cholecystectomy remains the standard management for acute cholecystitis. Given that rates of nonoperative management have increased, we hypothesize the existence of significant hospital-level variability in operative rates. Thus, we characterized patients who were managed nonoperatively at normal and lower operative hospitals (>90th percentile).

Methods

All adult admissions for acute cholecystitis were queried using the 2016–2019 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Centers were ranked by nonoperative rate using multi-level, mixed effects modeling. Hospitals in the top decile of nonoperative rate (>9.4%) were classified as Low Operative Hospitals (LOH; others:nLOH). Separate regression models were created to determine factors associated with nonoperative management at LOH and nLOH.

Results

Of an estimated 418,545 patients, 9.9% were managed at 880 LOH. Multilevel modeling demonstrated that 20.6% of the variability was due to hospital factors alone. After adjustment, older age (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 1.02/year, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.01–1.02) and public insurance (Medicare AOR 1.31, CI 1.21–1.43 and Medicaid AOR 1.43, CI 1.31–1.57; reference: Private Insurance) were associated with nonoperative management at LOH. These were similar at nLOH. At LOH, SNH status (AOR 1.17, CI 1.07–1.28) and small institution size (AOR 1.20, CI 1.09–1.34) were associated with increased odds of nonoperative management.

Conclusion

We noted a significant variability in the interhospital variation of the nonoperative management of acute cholecystitis. Nevertheless, comparable clinical and socioeconomic factors contribute to nonoperative management at both LOH and non-LOH. Directed strategies to address persistent non-clinical disparities are necessary to minimize deviation from standard protocol and ensure equitable care.
The physical profile of female cricketers: An investigation between playing standard and position
Authors: Brazier Thomas A. , Tallent Jamie , Patterson Stephen D. , Howe Louis P. , Callaghan Samuel J.
Published: June 2024

The primary aim of this study was to present the physical profile of female cricketers. Secondary, was to assess any differences between playing standard (professional vs. non-professional) and position (seam bowler vs. non-seam bowler). Fifty-four female cricketers (professional seam bowler [n = 16]; professional non-seam bowler [n = 17]; non-professional seam bowler [n = 10]; non-professional non-seam bowler [n = 11]) undertook a battery of physical and anthropometric assessments during the off-season period. Participant’s physical profile was assessed via the broad jump, countermovement jump, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), 20 m sprint, run-2 cricket specific speed test, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level-1 (Yo-Yo-IR1). The sum-of-eight skinfold measurement was also recorded for professional cricketers only. Differences between playing standard and position were assessed with a two-way ANOVA. Seam bowlers possessed a significantly (p < 0.04) greater stature and had a higher body mass than non-seam bowlers. Non-seam bowlers recorded significantly (p < 0.01) further broad jump, higher normalised peak vertical force during the IMTP, and ran greater distances during the Yo-Yo-IR1. Professional cricketers produced significantly further run distances for the Yo-Yo-IR1 and faster run-2 times for the dominant turning side than non-professional cricketers. This study provides valuable insights into the physical profile of female cricketers across playing standards and positions which practitioners can use to direct and enhance training outcomes.
The relationship between hamstring strength tests and sprint performance in female Gaelic footballers: A correlation and linear regression analysis
Authors: Whyte Enda , O’Connor Siobhán , Tobin Jones Hannah , McBride Cian , O’Flynn Aisling , Quinn Oisin , Behan Fearghal
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To investigate the relationships between handheld dynamometer (HHD), isokinetic and Nordic hamstrings exercise (NHE) measurements of knee flexor strength and their association with sprinting performance.

Design

Cross-sectional

Methods

The relationships between HHD (prone isometric, prone break and supine break knee flexor strength tests), isokinetic and NHE peak knee flexor strength measures were examined using Pearson product correlations on 38 female footballers. A linear regression analysis was also performed for each pair of dependent variables (10 and 30 metre sprint times) and independent predictor variables (average relative peak torque for HHD, isokinetic and NHE testing).

Results

There were good correlations between HHD tests (r = 0.81–0.90, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.65–0.82), moderate correlations between HHD and isokinetic peak torque, (r = 0.61–0.67, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.37–0.44) and poor association between the HHD peak torques and isokinetic work (r = 0.44–0.46, p = 0.005–0.007, R2 = 0.20–0.21) and average power (r = 0.39–0.45, n = 36, p = 0.006–0.019, R2 = 0.15–0.22). There was a poor association between NHE peak torque and isokinetic total work (r = 0.34, p = 0.04, R2 = 0.12). No associations between knee flexor strength and sprint times were observed (p = 0.12–0.79, r2 = 0.002–0.086).

Conclusions

Moderate to good correlations within HHD testing and poor to moderate correlations between HHD and isokinetic testing were observed. HHD knee flexor torque assessment may be useful to regularly chart the progress of hamstring rehabilitation for female footballers. Knee flexor strength assessments were not associated with sprint times in female footballers. Other aspects of knee flexor strength and sprint performance should be investigated to assist clinicians in making return to running and sprinting decisions in this population.
E2SVM: Electricity-Efficient SLA-aware Virtual Machine Consolidation approach in cloud data centers
Authors: Kumar Vaneet , Ali Aleem , Mittal Payal , Aqeel Ibrahim , Shuaib Mohammed , Alam Shadab , Aalsalem Mohammed Y.
Published: June 2024

Cloud data centers present a challenge to environmental sustainability because of their significant energy consumption. Additionally, performance degradation resulting from energy management solutions, such as virtual machine (VM) consolidation, impacts service level agreements (SLAs) between cloud service providers and users. Thus, to achieve a balance between efficient energy consumption and avoiding SLA violations, we propose a novel VM consolidation algorithm. Conventional algorithms result in unnecessary migrations when improperly selecting VMs. Therefore, our proposed E2SVM algorithm addresses this issue by selecting VMs with high load fluctuations and minimal resource usage from overloaded servers. These selected VMs are then placed on normally loaded servers, considering their stability index. Moreover, our approach prevents server underutilization by either applying all or no VM migrations. Simulation results demonstrate a 12.9% decrease in maximum energy consumption compared with the minimum migration time VM selection policy. In addition, a 47% reduction in SLA violations was observed when using the medium absolute deviation as the overload detection policy. Therefore, this approach holds promise for real-world data centers because it minimizes energy waste and maintains low SLA violations.
Syndesmotic fixation in Weber B ankle fractures: A systematic review
Authors: Lim Brandon , Shaalan Mohamed , O’hEireamhoin Sven , Lyons Frank
Published: June 2024

Weber Type B fractures often arise from external rotation with the foot supinated or pronated. Altered tibiofibular joint kinematics in Weber B fractures are responsible for syndesmotic damage seen in Weber B fractures. Weber B fractures are managed using open reduction and internal fixation if displaced. The syndesmosis is injured in up to 40% of cases resulting in an unstable injury with a syndesmotic diastasis. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current literature on syndesmotic fixation in Weber B fractures, assess the outcomes and complications of syndesmotic fixation and assess the necessity of syndesmotic fixation in Weber B fractures. A search was carried out on the EMBASE, PubMed and CINAHL databases and eight studies assessing the outcomes of syndesmotic fixations versus no syndesmotic fixation with 292 Weber B ankle fractures were included in this systematic review. Results showed significant heterogeneity so a narrative review was conducted. Results of these studies showed that functional, radiological, and quality-of-life outcomes and incidences of post-traumatic osteoarthritis in patients with syndesmotic screws were similar to those of patients not managed with syndesmotic screws. Only one favoured syndesmotic fixation in all cases of diastasis. As such, syndesmotic fixation with screws may not be necessary in the management of Weber B fractures. Screws are also associated with breakage, loosening, local irritation and infections. Suture button devices and antiglide fixation techniques appear to be valid alternatives to syndesmotic screws. It was found that there was no need for routine hardware removal unless the hardware was causing significant side effects for the patient.